She was supposed to keep going down...right? Hayden had lost track of how many staircases she had gone down and, come to think of it, which floor she had started on in the first place. It wasn't her fault the school was so big. And even though it probably was her own fault that she was hopelessly lost, she wasn't owning up to that either. There was probably a flaw in the system somewhere before her. Maybe it was the founders' faults for making the school so big. Or maybe it was the headmistress' fault for not handing out maps to the tiny first years to help navigate through the huge school. Yep, definitely not her fault.

Somewhere (hopefully close to her common room) Hayden stumbled across a wall lined with portraits. They looked nice? (Hopefully) Maybe one of them could help point her in the right direction? (Hopefully)

"Um...excuse me." Her voice came out tentative, but she cleared her throat and tried again because only the few portraits closest to her would have been able to hear, and her results would be more accurate if she had a larger sample. "Will anyone tell me where I am? And, um, how to get to my common room." Hopefully someone had heard her. If not a portrait, at least an older student walking by who would be willing to help her out of her current predicament. (Hopefully)

Leah turned around a corner and stopped dead. Apparently she had walked the wrong way, because she was supposed to be heading down towards her common room. She wandered around with her eyes half-closed nowadays anyway, it was no surprise she landed up in the completely wrong place.

The second year was about to stroll out when she heard a voice. She turned and saw a younger girl, probably a first year, talking to her... no the portraits. She would have thought that peculiar if there were no talking boring portraits all around them. Leah thought that not many of them would be able to tell the girl how to get to the common room, and approached her.

"Hello there, you a Hufflepuff?" she asked, spotting the yellow and black uniform. "My name is Leah, second year, and I was on my way back to the common room, would you like me to escort you?" she smiled at the girl.

Hayden stood patiently, staring up at the portraits, but none of them seemed to be talking. Maybe they were physically incapable. Or maybe they were just mean. Either way, it didn't look-well actually sound-like any of them were going to be giving her directions anywhere anytime soon. Luckily for her she heard a voice coming from behind her. And this voice did not belong to a portrait. It belonged to another young Hufflepuff.

"Hi," Hayden said with a smile. She hadn't really talked to anyone before, so she was excited to meet a new person. "My name is Hayden, and I'm a first year." Meaning she'd only been there for one day and therefore she should be excused for getting lost and this girl should recognize that. No teasing allowed. "Oh yes that would be wonderful," Hayden answered gratefully. "I still don't really know how to get anywhere, but I thought I was going in the right direction. Am I close, at least?" Hopefully she wasn't somewhere completely wrong, like the seventh floor or something. That would be embarrassing.

Phew, Leah was glad that the girl did not freak out and start yelling and wailing and stuff. She had a knack for creeping up on people's back and scare them, even the old guys. And even more, Leah earned a smile! "Ooh a firstie~ A late welcome to Hogwarts and Hufflepuff, Hayden!" She tried to make sure that her welcomes were delivered to all the new Badgers, but obviously had missed out this young lady.

"Close? You're only steps away from our destination!" Leah said, her eyes wide. "Well, okay, not steps, but I believe we are..." she looked around, though there was not much to see except the portraits, "on the first floor. The common room is somewhere below us." Considering that the second year had landed up in the library on her way back to her dormitory after a full week of school, Hayden was really good. "Would you like to get out of here now, or would you like to talk some more to the portraits?"

"Thanks," Hayden said cheerfully to the welcome. She liked feeling welcomed and involved with other people. She was hopeful that the whole house thing at Hogwarts would be good because she would belong with a group of people. Hufflepuff was especially good house, she thought. Their main trait was loyalty. On that subject, Hayden decided she should run an experiment on whether or not people had the traits connected with their houses. Was there an actual algorithm involved in the sorting of people? Also, did the people fit into the houses or were people shaped according to which housethey were in? Oh wait she was getting distracted. Hayden turned her attention back on Leah.

"Oh yay" It was good to know that she wasn't completely off. Still...two floors away. Oh the school was so big, how was she supposed to keep herself from getting lost? She supposed she'd just get used to where everything was as she got older. From where she was now, it seemed impossible. Hayden pondered Leah's question. She glanced up at the portraits. "The don't seem like you want to talk anyway, so we can go now."

Suddenly Hayden had an idea. To keep herself from getting lost, she could make a map of all of Hogwarts. But Hogwarts was so big, how could she manage to fit it all on one map? And would she really be able to draw well enough to make it? "Hey," she said to Leah. "Do you know where I could find some paper this big." When she said 'this' she stretched her arms out as wide as she could go to demonstrate how big she wanted the paper to be. But then she realized it would be easier to make a seperate map of each floor, and therefore each paper should be smaller...but still bigger than normal paper. So she retracted each arm about half of the way toward her body. But then she stretched them out again because she wasn't sure how big the paper should be. Hayden dropped her arms back to her side and shrugged. She could determine the size of the paper after she saw what size was available.

Hayden seemed to be very thoughtful after she replied to Leah's welcome, and it caused the second year to think whether she regretted entering Hufflepuff in the first place. Well, that was impossible. No one would, or could hate this house. Eh, off topic.

Leah nodded encouragingly, she wanted Hayden to be enthusiastic. "Yeah, maybe they are asleep and don't want us to interrupt." She hated people waking her up, even for her own benefit. And she started to lead the way. The second year felt that she had to say something, just so that the walk back to the common room would not be awkward. Ah, Hayden had something to say!

Ooh, she needed a HUGE paper. Being a big girl, Leah probably needed a wise and reasonable answer, but... "No I'm sorry. I guess you could buy loads of parchments and stick them together with a charm..." she did not even know what the spell was! It was a suggestion, though. "Do you mind if I ask what it is for?" Leah could go ask for help if needed.

"Oh, I hadn't thought of that." Hayden glanced up at the portraits again to try and determine if Leah was right. She sure hoped she hadn't bothered them if they were asleep or doing something important. She would feel bad.

Hayden considered Leah's answer to her paper problem. "That sounds like a good idea," she said thoughtfully. "But I don't know many charms. Do you know one that could do that?" Leah was a whole year older than her, so she was probably much smarter and knew a lot more spells than Hayden did. "I want to make a map," Hayden explained. "A giant map, or maybe several small maps. Of Hogwarts. You know, so I don't get lost." Or for other people too, the map didn't have to be just for her. It might benefit other first years, or even older kids, as well.

Leah took another glance at the portraits. They really seemed uninterested in the two little girls. Shrugging, the second year turned around and faced Hayden.

She was really grateful that Hayden appreciated her idea, though it was a very weak one, as she herself did not know the charm. Therefore, Leah was startled when the first year asked the question, though she knew that it was going to come. "Um, I think I do know, but I'm not sure." she answered untruthfully. "Let's stick onto the safe side and do some research before casting the spell." she smiled slightly and nodded as Hayden explained about her intentions. By saying 'Let's', Leah expressed her willingness to help the younger girl, if she wanted.

"Aaaah, a maaap." she said. "That is really cool, Hayden." Leah nodded vigorously to show her support. "But first, we need to explore and know about the school! Do you want to go for an adventure?" she asked, jumping up and down in excitement. Unfortunately, she had forgotten about some parts of the school during the summer break.

Nigel was just wandering the castle like he usually does once or twice a term. It was something to do and remember where things were. It still counted as exercise and was better than lounging in the common room for the thousandth time. And it was really hard to remember where things are when you don't care.

Ah, The Portraits.

They can talk your ear off. But what better place to think about stuff you don't really want to. The common room always had something distracting....fun going on. Sounded like a good idea to Nigel right about now. So he sat down on the floor listened to the Portraits talk and looking in a mirror he brought to check for grey hair.

He was just a little bit paranoid about last term.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Meizzner

Nigel was just wandering the castle like he usually does once or twice a term. It was something to do and remember where things were. It still counted as exercise and was better than lounging in the common room for the thousandth time. And it was really hard to remember where things are when you don't care.

Ah, The Portraits.

They can talk your ear off. But what better place to think about stuff you don't really want to. The common room always had something distracting....fun going on. Sounded like a good idea to Nigel right about now. So he sat down on the floor listened to the Portraits talk and looking in a mirror he brought to check for grey hair.

He was just a little bit paranoid about last term.

Most of the portraits needed to just shut up. Honestly. Most of what they say is useless gossip, only a decent amount is true but still useless, and none of it interested her anyway.

Not only was the nonsensical chatter slightly annoying, but LOOK who was simply resting in the middle of it all. Is this the place where Nigel gets all the 'supposedly awesome' jokes and puns Airey falls for? Anyone could do better, really.

And with a mirror.

Merlin, no way. Between all the Dead Kneazles, this would only be acceptable coming from Ascanius.

Lotus rolled her eyes and thought about going the other way, but..., "Nice to see that badge is put to good use." CLEARLY, his Prefect duties involved lounging with the portraits at Hogwarts while looking at himself in a mirror. Makes perfect sense if Theodore Kinsley is Head Boy.

And Vinteren had made her promise to respect authority? LOL, what authority?

You know, Nigel thought he did see a tiny gray strand in his hair or he was seeing things. Entirely possible. And since he had the mirror out in his hands anyway. Why not tidy up a little bit. It was only him and the portraits. You can't trust what they say on anything other than puns and long and sometimes boring stories.

At least he thought he was alone with the portraits.......

Nope

Was Lottie Lotus really talking to him. This was new and really really unexpected. He did not know what to say for a couple seconds. ."Interesting....I do agree. Look at that shine. It only gets that way after a nice polish. Might have to see what the Portraits think on this though. Just to be sure" He moved the mirror down to his badge to inspect it further. He hated discussions on who deserves the badge more and stuff like that. It was pointless.Not like he would be keeping much longer. Since this was his last term and all. Then someone younger can have it. The only benefit of it is the Prefect's Bathroom.

Text Cut: Weeeeelllllllll...... XD

Quote:

Originally Posted by Meizzner

You know, Nigel thought he did see a tiny gray strand in his hair or he was seeing things. Entirely possible. And since he had the mirror out in his hands anyway. Why not tidy up a little bit. It was only him and the portraits. You can't trust what they say on anything other than puns and long and sometimes boring stories.

At least he thought he was alone with the portraits.......

Nope

Was Lottie Lotus really talking to him. This was new and really really unexpected. He did not know what to say for a couple seconds. ."Interesting....I do agree. Look at that shine. It only gets that way after a nice polish. Might have to see what the Portraits think on this though. Just to be sure" He moved the mirror down to his badge to inspect it further. He hated discussions on who deserves the badge more and stuff like that. It was pointless.Not like he would be keeping much longer. Since this was his last term and all. Then someone younger can have it. The only benefit of it is the Prefect's Bathroom.

That was kind of enough. Lotus waved off at a portrait, they could very much move to another and talk freely there. So far it was merely speaking nonsense. Much like the person sitting on the floor. The Prefect sitting on the floor, to be more precise.

Took him a while to answer her, by the way. She did not mean to interrupt his nirvana state or whatever. Her eyebrows immediately went up.

Nigel was agreeing. Did he understand what she meant? If he had he wouldn't be agreeing now, would he? No. So, like, excuse me? Maybe that's why he always spoke in puns. Because she was entirely lost. "What are you talking about?" Was it really necessary to look at the badge through the mirror instead of looking down to it?? Like, the badge was right there. Maaaybe, just maaaybe, these little things bothered her a bit more because it was Nigel.

OMG. If this is the Head Boy's doing, then she was fearing for the next one. Who were the candidates anyway? Aidan? They'll be eating a lot of bacon, then. She'd much rather see Louis with that badge, a Bolton with power is always a good thing, right?

Also, ask the portraits? Erm, no, what was there to ask?

Of course he knew what she was talking about. It was pretty clear by the way and tone of which she said it. Did she really thing him that stupid. Though he did not want to know the answer to that question. He would have shrugged if the effort was worth it. Anyway, what better way to confuse her than speak totally in sarcasm.

It was fun and Nigel was a tiny bit bored at the minute.

Nigel put the mirror away in his bag and stood up. He heard the obvious next question. See it worked, Nigel smiled. "Sarcasm and the possibility of you getting a badge next term" Nigel only brought that up because it amuses him for no reason and the fact that most badge people are leaving.

Text Cut: omg XD

Quote:

Originally Posted by Meizzner

Of course he knew what she was talking about. It was pretty clear by the way and tone of which she said it. Did she really thing him that stupid. Though he did not want to know the answer to that question. He would have shrugged if the effort was worth it. Anyway, what better way to confuse her than speak totally in sarcasm.

It was fun and Nigel was a tiny bit bored at the minute.

Nigel put the mirror away in his bag and stood up. He heard the obvious next question. See it worked, Nigel smiled. "Sarcasm and the possibility of you getting a badge next term" Nigel only brought that up because it amuses him for no reason and the fact that most badge people are leaving.

Right, of course.

These are the moments where high heels are needed. Now she was forced to look up, she'd much rather look down, or like, not so much UP there. She'd willingly do this with West, that's all. Whatever, she could just ignore Nigel's face, it wasn't that nice to look at, anyway. Also, too much effort for something she couldn't be bothered with. Or was that someone instead of something?

Makes no difference.

That smile was missed because she wasn't exactly looking at his face... until he spoke. Her eyes narrowed slightly as if she was carefully trying to find a hidden meaning in his words and then she suddenly burst out laughing. Genuinely laughing. Neeeeever gonna happen, sorry. "I didn't know you were actually capable of telling a good joke." The smile on her face was a remnant of laughter, okay? Not because she was approving of him or his words.

There were some advantages and disadvantages to being tall. This was an advantage, in the fact that it made most people look up at you. It made being a Prefect easier. Imagine if he was short. Merlin. Anyway, there was no way in the world Lotus would look up to him other than literally. That was fact.

Well it was a joke. Though Nigel did not expect that reaction. Maybe a snarky remark. But not this

She was laughing...it was a pretty scary laugh also. Hot but scary. And was that an actual compliment? Nigel took it as one, even if it wasn't. First one ever. Keep your expectations low and you will be amused.

"I have my moments. Usually at my own expense"

Usually his moments are falling down on a skateboard and getting laughed at or having to dress in a Gorilla Suit. Lotus could ask her boyfriend and get a story on the first one. It was a different form of comedy.

Text Cut: hot but scary?? XD

Quote:

Originally Posted by Meizzner

There were some advantages and disadvantages to being tall. This was an advantage, in the fact that it made most people look up at you. It made being a Prefect easier. Imagine if he was short. Merlin. Anyway, there was no way in the world Lotus would look up to him other than literally. That was fact.

Well it was a joke. Though Nigel did not expect that reaction. Maybe a snarky remark. But not this

She was laughing...it was a pretty scary laugh also. Hot but scary. And was that an actual compliment? Nigel took it as one, even if it wasn't. First one ever. Keep your expectations low and you will be amused.

"I have my moments. Usually at my own expense"

Usually his moments are falling down on a skateboard and getting laughed at or having to dress in a Gorilla Suit. Lotus could ask her boyfriend and get a story on the first one. It was a different form of comedy.

No, Nigel, it wasn't exactly a compliment. It could never be a compliment. But she had laughed. Wholeheartedly. You can have that, but no compliments.

The thought of badges was making her smile, but mainly because she wanted to laugh again. Imagine Aidan, again. Yes, precisely. And then, the smile took an entire different meaning. New badges. That was right! Because Nigel was leaving. Finally! There'd be only Lex in Astronomy and we all know Lotus' was Airey's favorite. All she needed was Nigel and his jokes or puns or whatever gone. Looks like her wish was coming true at the end of this year. Unless something happens over the holidays, shhhh.

"Well, I've only seen one." Moment, that is. Right now. That was all. There was nothing left to discuss so she was about to leave when...

...she thought of something.

Her eyes focused on him with a mixture of curiosity and boredom. But mostly curiosity. Then she tilted her head to one side, "Do you have any plans after Hogwarts? Or are you just keeping to the band?" He shouldn't. Keep to the band. She's thought about this before.

He would take it.

And see that smile. It was like she was imagining next year without him here. Why, Nigel did not know. This is like the first time they have ever had a conversation. Usually it is just hitting bludgers at each other once a term. The only place they ever 'meet' is in Astro. At least from what Nigel can remember.

Yeah, just one and he did think he would get another before he left this school. Or ever. So like he said. He would take it. Now what was that look for. He was not done anything, but stand up......

That was a random question. "Yeah. Curse Breaking. But if the band goes big. Then that. Though West has the quidditch thing. So who knows."

One big complicated mess it was for him. But simple for Vesper and Ascanius.

Text Cut: He's not, really

Quote:

Originally Posted by Meizzner

He would take it.

And see that smile. It was like she was imagining next year without him here. Why, Nigel did not know. This is like the first time they have ever had a conversation. Usually it is just hitting bludgers at each other once a term. The only place they ever 'meet' is in Astro. At least from what Nigel can remember.

Yeah, just one and he did think he would get another before he left this school. Or ever. So like he said. He would take it. Now what was that look for. He was not done anything, but stand up......

That was a random question. "Yeah. Curse Breaking. But if the band goes big. Then that. Though West has the quidditch thing. So who knows."

One big complicated mess it was for him. But simple for Vesper and Ascanius.

Quidditch wasn't around this time, so maybe that's why his sole presence was a bit more annoying than usual? That and the fact that he probably ran out of luck today because he got caught with that silly mirror. Sorry, Ascanius, not all mirrors are silly.

Very random question indeed, only not so much, it was never random if it involved The Dead Kneazles, correct? Correct. Though considering this was the first conversation she has ever had with Nigel... then perhaps it was slightly random. How exactly was Nigel in the band? You know, she was still trying to figure that out (but not all the time, she has far more important things to do, like planning escapes from Azkaban and the like).

Hey, wait, what was that?

Needless to say, she paid no attention after 'Curse Breaking'.

Lotus Acacia Wisteria blinked once and then just stared at Nigel in disbelief. Was this sarcasm, too? Oh, wow. "But you have to be smart to be a Curse Breaker." Her tone was so certain. Does he even attend Ancient Runes lessons? She's never seen him there.

Truth be told, she probably only acknowledged him in Astro. So, he might be taking Ancient Runes, too... might, we cannot be sure of it.

It was a good stress reliever hitting bludgers at people on a Quidditch Pitch. That was socially acceptable and nothing usually comes of it. Though getting hit with one was another story. They hurt and sometimes require a hospital wing visit.

Any question directed to Nigel about The Dead Kneazles was random. He was never the one to talk about it. Leaves that to West and Vesper. He just plays the bass and has fun at practice.

Nothing more to it.

See, now there was the question he was expecting. If she tries to ignore him at every opportunity and only sees him not really caring in Astro. Really, it was Astro. Fun but still. How do you know if someone is smart or clever? Just a question. And what was with that look. It is not like he just decided yesterday, he wanted to be one. "Yes, You do have to be smart and clever". Claw here remember. And not afraid to die for the obvious reasons would help. "Well it is either that or the band"

Text Cut: Not really XD

Quote:

Originally Posted by Meizzner

It was a good stress reliever hitting bludgers at people on a Quidditch Pitch. That was socially acceptable and nothing usually comes of it. Though getting hit with one was another story. They hurt and sometimes require a hospital wing visit.

Any question directed to Nigel about The Dead Kneazles was random. He was never the one to talk about it. Leaves that to West and Vesper. He just plays the bass and has fun at practice.

Nothing more to it.

See, now there was the question he was expecting. If she tries to ignore him at every opportunity and only sees him not really caring in Astro. Really, it was Astro. Fun but still. How do you know if someone is smart or clever? Just a question. And what was with that look. It is not like he just decided yesterday, he wanted to be one. "Yes, You do have to be smart and clever". Claw here remember. And not afraid to die for the obvious reasons would help. "Well it is either that or the band"

You know, she truly wasn't sorry for hitting bludgers at the Ravenclaw team, which means she was definitely not sorry for hitting Nigel. With bludgers, of course. She was not pro violence, at all.

Either way, she felt insulted with that answer for some reason. The clever part of it was too much. And so she just narrowed her eyes at him a little, and YET AGAIN pretended to be deep in thought. As a matter of fact, she wasn't pretending she was thinking, but the thoughts won't be shared, nope. "Of course." That was all Lotus said. Wait, no, that wasn't all. "Good for you, I guess." Don't really care, though.

OH WELL.

This has been quite an eventful chat. And by eventful we mean eventful, as in... lol, smart and clever, what? Nigel couldn't possibly have both. She may start using 'clever' in a sarcastic way. "Nice seeing you, Nigel...," not even, "...you can go back to your mirror now." Yes, because she was leaving, and he obviously had nothing else to do.

"Zeeeeeus? Zeus? ZEUS COOPER!" Where WAS that kneazle of hers? Maddie was trying not to panic as the little guy was an independent feline with a spirit that couldn't be tamed. The Beyonce of the male kneazle sort, okay? But seeing as it was freezing and he'd never spent a night outside of the dorm, the small brunette was sort of desperate to find him.

She sent another paper ball rolling along the floor and watched for any signs of movement as she pulled her cloak tighter around her. What would she do if he couldn't be found before curfew? WELL if it was Head Girl Cassia, Maddie was confident she'd understand cause she was COOL. She didn't get that Head Boy Person so she couldn't tell with HIM. And as for her own prefects, well they seemed disinterested as long as the younger claws weren't getting them in trouble which was good for her. And any of the others, well she'd deal when the time came.

"Excuse me, portrait person." This was a LAST resort, okay? Maddie wasn't exactly keen on talking to portraits but desperate times... "You haven't seen a handsome yet ferocious little kneazle running by here, have you?"

"Yes ma'am. Yes ma'am. But-yes-no ma'am." Kyroh bobbed his head along as the elderly lady in the portrait continued to scold him. Normally he would have felt completely and utterly terrible for getting in trouble but Kyroh didn't really think he DID anything wrong. Plus getting in trouble from a portrait was different than getting in trouble from a real person right?

-And that's the least of your worries isn't it? Going out looking like that without a care in the world, next thing you know you'll be wearing holes in your jeans and all that nonsense and you don't want that do you? The woman's eyes narrowed.

"No ma'am actually not really I don't mind but no-"

EXACTLY! You don't and-

"No ma'am I don't but I don't own a comb ." The boy argued quietly.

DON'T OWN A COMB? How could you not? Well how could you! That explains that birds nest on your head. In my day boys would never leave the house without coming their hair- Annnnd she was back to square one. The portrait continued to talk and Kyroh continued to nod until he heard a familiar voice nearby.

"Excuse me ma'am, but I actually have someone more interesting to talk to." With that he ran off, leaving the blabbering lady as she continued to rant.
Kyroh ran turning the corner and collided right into his fellow first year claw. "HI BODDIE!"

Caterina rounded the corner, carrying a tray of freshly baked cupcakes, a new recipe which she thought had gone over quite well, and followed by her own cat Sharky who had seemed to have made a friend along the way. The seventh year took in the sight of the two younger students colliding and made a face, but it seemed as if neither of them happened to be harmed by the incident, so there was no trouble. "Excuse me." She stopped near them, smiling, "But do either of you happen to know who this kneazle belongs to? He seems to be rather lost." Though Sharky didn't seem to mind having a little friend and Cat didn't mind taking care of the poor thing until she could find its owner.

She glanced first at the boy then the girl, hoping that one of them might recognize the poor little dear and wondering if they too could smell the fabulous scent of cake coming from under the covered tray in her hands.

"No? Nobody? I thought you lot were chatty?" Maddie was disappointed and really, no WONDER no one talked to the portraits! They weren't exactly the helpful sort. She would just have to take her search els--OOMPH!

"Freckles!" HI. He was all up in her face, did he know? The brunette leaned forward and knocked her forehead gently against his in greeting and then put her hands on his shoulders because SHE HAD NEWS.

"Zeus is MISSING, Kyroh. I can't find him anywhere and the portraits are being WILDLY unhelpful." She sent a disappointed look in their general direction and then her eyes locked on to her friend's once more. "You don't think something bad happened, DO you? Because I know he ACTS tough but he's never been on his own this long and--"

And someone was coming! The first year heard the sound of feet and not just one pair which made her eyebrows raise. She sent a hopeful look to Kyroh and turned on the spot, not even hearing what the older girl SAID because CUPCAKES but more importantly ZEUS! WHO CARED about words cause ZEUS!

"ZEUUUUUS!"

HE WAS THERE! HE WAS SAFE! HE HAD...A FRIEND? BLINK! ZEUS DIDN'T MAKE FRIENDS! ...WHAT had that kneazle DONE to her ZEUS?

Bending down, the tiny claw sent another paper ball rolling towards the two felines and then big brown eyes focused on the older girl properly now. AHEM. She was calm now. Cool and collected, even. YES.

"Where did you FIND him?"