It wouldn’t normally have been her first choice as to where to go, now that the school term had officially started and everything, but Brooklyn appreciated the quiet. Nobody else seemed to want to come here either, so she chose to stop instead of continuing out to wherever the bridge would take her. Probably the grounds somewhere, but she didn’t particularly care. Professor Quigley wasn’t there to lead them down into the ravine for class, and she’d seen most of it already. She doubted it had changed that much due to last term and the acromantulas. The grounds could wait, and she wasn’t exactly planning on going on a hike anytime soon either.

Stopping around halfway down the bridge, she leaned against the railing carefully, just looking out at the horizon. Only glancing over as Tywin had jumped up on the railing next to her, perching there like only a cat could. She could have probably tried it herself, but she wasn’t stupid. She’d just stay where she was, looking out at the view, hoping nobody came to bother her.

Friends. Yoongi needed more friends. He’d gotten a few , he guessed, last year while fighting the acromantulas and trying to keep the others safe. But apart from a select few he knew he could go to and talk about nothing, he had no one new. And the Gryffindor had made a decision at home that as a sixth year Hogwarts student going to his second year…did that make sense? .. he would befriend MORE people!

So , after a good night rest , Yoongi got up feeling refreshed and ready to face the world. (after spending at least an hour in the bathroom cause he needed to look and smell good) Where he would go to would be his feet’s problem though because he did not mind where he went to first while exploring the Grounds. His feet took him to the wooden bridge. Now that he thought about it, he’d never spend time here. Only past it when he went to take short cuts to classes. The Gryffindor whistled a tune, feeling cheerful as he walked over the bridge. Halfway , he noticed he was not the only one here and saw a girl , a bit younger she seemed than him, looking at the distance, a cat beside her on the railing. “Hi” he greeted, standing a few steps away from her and looked around at the horizon as well “Nice day, isn’t it?” just…awkward small talk…

No no no. The Slytherin Common Room wasn’t the best place to study early in the morning. The couches were too comfy, he was literally falling asleep. Rubbing his eyes, Ethan got up from where he was sat, and made his way towards somewhere very random.

Somewhere he couldn’t sit...comfortably, at least. Thinking that his feet got a mind of its own, Ethan found himself on the wooden bridge with his old Herbology notes tucked under his arm.

Well, one, he was alone so it was good. Two, he needed to stand to do his revision which was a plus. He could sit on the floor of the bridge, but he was sure it won’t be as comfortable as the grass. Letting out a huuuge yawn, he dragged himself further inside the covered bridge, leaned on one of the posts and began to read.

Abby made her way to the wooden bridge and smiled glad that she was back at Hogwarts buit she was a bit sad die to the fact that Lux was not returning to school this year but she understood Lux's reasons

When he wasn't teaching his first lessons, he was....scoping out the school, the campus, walking around...keeping his aging limbs in SHAPE. Paul found himself wandering around the outskirts of the school...and found this bridge.

MERLIN was it always here?

DID IT ALWAYS look this CREEPY? Paul shivered and wasn't sure if he wanted to...step on this bridge at all...but...he had to be brave O___O

The bridge even CREAKED when he took his first step on...oh goodness! Paul blinked a lot, held onto the side, and just...walked along the bridge. Once he got a good ways onto the bridge, though, he felt more comfortable and let go of the railing. He could do this..be a brave soul and BRAVE this scary bridge. He passed a student and...couldn't help catching....part of his notes...

"ARE YOU READING HERBOLOGY NOTES?!?!?!?!"

Yes, yes. The Wooden Bridge proved to be a nice place to do revisions. There was the soft breeze, there was light, and what was best? SILENCE. Ethan could hear his heartbeat, and it has this...nice thumping pattern that made him concentrate on his notes.

Snargaluffs. He learned how to extract the pods from Professor Archie, and it was a good class. He even made a new friend! Ethan continued to read, oblivious to the creaking sound the wooden bridge made, and the click-clacking sound of one’s shoes.

A dead looking lump of wood...thorny vines...provoked...pulsating pods...

And then somebody SCREAMED. Ethan almost jumped out of his skin, probably letting out a high-pitched, “AAAACK!” and letting ALL of his notes fly out of...the bridge.

O_______________O

“MY NOTES! MY HERBOLOGY NOTES!!!” Ethan didn’t bother to greet the man, because...apparently his NOTES were MORE important than the new professor. The Slytherin’s mouth was ajar, looking all the way down the ravine...shocked...and slowly panicking.

He was DOOMED.

He’s GOING TO FAIL HERBOLOGY.

For an older fellow, Paul was sharp with magic? As SOON as he saw the kid HURL his notes in the air in fear(oops, Paul immediately felt guilty), he waved his wand --

"Accio Herbology NOTES!" he cried, leaning over the bridge and pointing at the...falling...falling....notes. Paul feared for a minute that the spell was useless at this point, that the boy's notes had gotten too wet already, but just the TIP of the stack touched the damp below....before all tumbling upward, right into Paul's outstretched arms.

Paul took a deep breath, and turned, guiltily, towards the boy. "....I am sorry." Oh dear. What if this student hated him forever? "But...here. I think I saved most of them..." The stack was...chaotic. And the papers weren't all lined up the same way...and probably not in the correct order >.<

Starting off term well.......not.

No, he’s not going to cry. Ethan watched as his notes flew with the wind longingly...dispersing in all direction. The Slytherin just stood there...his mind going blank, because HERBOLOGY NOTES. The most precious notes in his inventory because he’s slaved over those for YEARS.

Does that MAN even know how much sleepless nights he spent on the, now flying, parchments?!?

Ethan couldn’t hear anything else except for the fluttering sound his notes made as it slowly descended the ravine.

“My Herbology...” the blond teen watched, and was, surprisingly, able to mutter a few words. But wait, hold on. His notes...it flew back to him..well, not him actually, but to someone who managed to solve the problem in a split second. Ethan watched, still panicking, and eyed the man who was now holding a stack of...dirty, half-torn parchments. “Notes.”

The Slytherin simply gaped at the stack...then back to the man.

OH HELL NO IT HAD TO BE THE HERBOLOGY PROFESSOR!?!?!

Ethan probably paled at the man and found himself trying to say something. “Er...I...” the seventh year did a pregnant pause, then sighed, obviously relieved that his notes were saved. Feeling the blood rush up to his face, Ethan darted towards the man, and grabbed his notes from him.

It was a MESS. Ethan felt like CRYING again because...he’ll be needing another unnecessary burning of the midnight oil JUST to arrange his notes of SIX FREAKING YEARS. The Slytherin finally managed to look at the man in the eye, and nodded. “I...thanks, professor.” He knew who he was. Since he’s extra fidgety when it comes to Herbology, he made it a point to remember and imprint the man’s name and face in his memory so he COULD be at his best whenever he has got to deal with him. He didn’t want to the man to hate him for being extra stupid in Herbology you know. “That...was a close call.” He said and offered him a small grin and busied himself to arrange his notes. He just can't be mad at old people really. He's got a soft spot for them.

Nonetheless, it was still an awkwaaaaaaaaaard situation. MEEP!

Cue extreme guilt now....

Paul did his best to...straighten the papers and...you know...dust them off...Merlin, he felt terrible. He was probably leaving an AWFUL impression on this student...>.<

"Well...it was my fault...if I had let your notes go crashing into the abyss I never would have forgiven myself!" Paul was a deeply emotional guy. Merlin. He handed over the notes and was glad to see the boy didn't look TOO angry. "I'm sorry, really--I just excited to see that it was HERBOLOGY you were looking at. Do you have a special interest in the subject..or...just reviewing for fun? It's a bit early in the term to be studying, eh?" Like...first few days of school? Paul was always studious back at school---but NOTES on the first day?! BAH!

In the Mordaunt household, Ethan learned a few things about hierarchy and respect. In short, he knows his place within the family...and in the society he lives in. He was taught by Mordred to be assertive with his opinion, and at the same time know how to respect his elders.

Ethan’s eyes widened as his professor tried his best to dust off and mend his notes. It was like his grandfather cleaning up after his mess...and that didn’t sit well with him. “Professor! Sir...look...really, it’s okay. You saved my notes, and that’s more than enough.” He said as he tried to stop the man, and gave him a nervous grin. “Honest.” See, he didn’t leave a bad impression on Ethan, but the Slytherin learned to be on guard next time. He simply cannot fault someone for being excitable, yeah? He himself is a ball of energy, so he totally understands the situation.

Merlin...surely this new professor is a Hufflepuff. He could totally sense some ex-Puffer vibe in him. But nonetheless, Ethan was still grateful. “Well, all that matters now is that I got them back, sir...and thanks to you.” See, everything’s fine. Only...well, yeah, he’d need to arrange EVERYTHING again so he could REVISE immediately.

And then...of course, there will be questions as to WHY he’s out on the bridge STUDYING. Well, he was neither interested in Herbology nor studying the subject for fun. “I’m preparing for my NEWTs, sir. It’s...well, one of my weakest subjects...” another pregnant pause, “...and the only way to get another O for it is to prepare for the exam this early.” He said, his face flushing in embarrassment. Merlin, Professor Myers would think he’s such a nerd, but honestly, he was doing it for honour.

Ethan bit his lip as he flipped through his messed up notes again. The situation was so awkward that he forgot something...

INTRODUCTIONS!

“Well now, it's so rude of me not to introduce myself,” plus the fact that he SCREAMED like a madman earlier, “I’m Ethan Mordaunt, seventh year Slytherin. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Professor Myers...despite what happened earlier.” Ehehehe...oops? Ethan stretched out his hand for a handshake.

Apparently her wish for peace and quiet wasn’t going to be granted, but then Brooklyn wasn’t stupid. It was practically impossible to not have someone stumble over her wherever she went, try to talk to her. At least whoever it was had been polite. They hadn’t been way too obvious, aside from the whistling she’d heard practically minutes before he’d actually set foot on the bridge. The air was clear enough, anyhow. It was nice. Nice weather, and no spiders as far as she could tell. She had her wand ready and waiting if any decided to show up, no matter how tiny they were. She hadn’t made any indication she’d actually noticed him though. She knew he was there, but it wasn’t her job to strike up a conversation. She’d been the first one there after all.

“Hi,” she finally said, a few moments after he’d broken the relative silence. The whistling had stopped anyhow. She’d even glanced over to see who it was, not recognizing the voice. Obviously it wasn’t a fellow Slytherin, even before she’d noticed the Gryffindor uniform. Gryffindors weren’t half as annoying as some of the other houses, or at least certain people in those houses. “Of course it is.” She didn’t do idle conversation. There wasn’t any point to that. She’d gone back to looking out at the view again, anyway. Topic was closed as far as she cared, but he was welcome to try to come up with something else.

Paul nodded a bit and stopped his dusting off....well....if the boy said it was fine, it was fine, right? "You are so forgiving...I appreciate it." He smiled and was touched, to his soul.

The man looked out, leaning on the bridge a little as he did so. It was a crisp morning, and the fog...the fog was a swirling mess of grays and whites against the backdrop of the scenery. He appreciate the nature of it, and he appreciated the beauty. How lovely. He felt at peace, and as he looked back over at Ethan, he felt much better about the boy's notes. He wasn't mad, and Paul...was feeling more relaxed.

"One of your weaker subjects? Ahhh. Some people just...struggle in the subject." He could understand why...he wasn't someone who thought his favorite passion in the world was susceptible to everyone. "But you can always come to me for extra help...." he sighed...and then smiled. "A secret? Want to know a secret? I want you to get an O on your NEWT, too." He nodded. "So....feel free to drop by the Greenhouses whenever you want to chat...or practice your hand with the plants...or whatEVER..."

Merlin.

He already cared so much ;__;

"Ah...well, it's a pleasure to meet you, too, Mr. Mordant. I can't wait to see you in class." He smiled. "I have a lot of...great things planned for this term. And hopefully for...next term and....future terms in general." He would have hated to do all this work in the Greenhouses...and only stay for a term O_o What a waste!

........She was the silent type wasn't she? The 'if you don't ask questions i will not talk' type. And it did not help that Yoongi was an awkward talker as well so when the young girl had gone back to looking at the horizon , he did the same thing as well. He was looking straight forward, not wanting to look down because he knew there was a drop. And he did not like heights. Like, at all. But if he did not lean forward and just looked straight ahead it wasn't so bad.

What was bad was that he wanted to say something but he did not know what. Obviously, this girl was not in to small talk and to be honest he wasn't either unless she wanted to talk about him? yes? no? probably not... he was pretty interesting. "Is uh, that your cat?" he asked as he spotted the animal and had the urge to grab it and pull it away from the railing and to safety.

The fought this urge however and instead held out his hand. "Yoongi Hyland" he smiled, flashing teeth. "Gryffindor" he looked down at his uniform and chortled. "obviously" Hopefully she got that this was her cue to introduce herself because some people just did not get that...

Getting a little more used to her new home for the next several months, Paulina had decided that it was a good idea to do a little exploring of the grounds before the weather got a little too cold for it.

Autumn was her favourite time of year, and she was really looking forward to the leaves changing and the crisp scent in the atmosphere. Those things spelled autumn for her. Only a few weeks to go. She was already wearing a light jacket.

After passing the courtyard she reached what looked to be a derelict bridge. Was it even safe? There were a few people walking across, but still... Maybe she wasn't all that afraid of heights, but she still didn't want to start off her Hogwarts career by falling through a bridge. Gingerly Paulina put out one foot and was pleased to see the wood plank stay in place - she was ignoring the creaking sound it made.

One foot in front of the other, she carried on. About halfway across, she saw a girl who seemed to be deep in thought about something. Paulina sent her a small smile. Even though she was starting to meet new people, she was still shy. That was just the way she had always been.

Abby saw an older hufflepuff student give her a small smile, Abby knew that this girl must have been new because she hadnt seen her about before and said "Hey how are you settling into Hogwarts" Abby knew it was only polite to ask that to a new student

It wasn’t like she couldn’t talk if she wanted to. Brooklyn just didn’t see a reason to talk when there wasn’t anything to talk about. The weather hardly counted as a real topic of conversation, and nothing else had been brought up. The Gryffindor had merely gone to look out at the view just like she’d been doing after her brief answer, and she could tell he wasn’t half as comfortable about being there as she was. It wasn’t as if the railing was going to give way. She was tempted to try to shake it just to see what response that got, though she didn’t. She just kept in the same position she had been.

She’d lifted her hand to stroke Tywin’s back as he’d continued to sit on the railing near her, nearly at the same time she heard the awkward question from the opposite side of the Bengal. She’d sent a rather incredulous look at the boy in response to the stupidity of the question, though. Why else would Tywin be here? She didn’t think there were feral cats at Hogwarts, and he hardly looked feral. He looked regal, as he should. “He is.”

The look only turned more incredulous as the boy had suddenly thrust his hand toward her. Did he really expect her to shake it? She’d been tempted to go back to ignoring him, but she resigned herself to the fact it probably wouldn’t have worked. “Obviously,” she replied dryly, taking his hand only for a moment before withdrawing it and turning away again. “Brooklyn Andrews.” She didn’t feel the need to say more. He should be able to figure out what House she was in after all.

Maybe if his notes got lost forever, then he won’t be able to forgive the professor so easily. But thankfully, that didn’t happen. All that mattered to him was the present moment. “I believe in positive energy professor...good karma?” Yes, life has been good to him, despite the early demise of his mother years ago. He knew he got so much to be thankful for. “Forgiveness is rare nowadays, don’t you think?” Like...how those acromantulas planned their revenge last term?

Ethan tucked away his messed up notes under his arm, and followed the professor. As a teacher of Herbology, the Slytherin assumed that the man beside him was a lover of living things. Plants...animals...humans, the whole universe even maybe? He stood there as he quietly gazed at the site before him. He will surely miss this place once his NEWTs are over.

Reality nudged his brain, as he blinked and looked at the professor. See why he’s thankful? From the moment he took up Herbology with Professor Bentley, to Professor Walton, to Professor Millard, to the former Headmistress Truebridge, and now with Professor Myers, he was not deprived of help. They all knew he struggled with the subject, and they were always so welcoming and understanding with his plight. The next statement though, made him beam like an eleven year old again. “I would love that, professor. Well, I don’t want to just...barge in your greenhouses but...when can I start?” Obviously, he won’t pass up the chance. He will need all the help he could get.

After a bit of chit-chat with the man, Ethan didn’t feel nervous about his upcoming Herbology lessons. The Slytherin was able to gauge the man, and thought that he’d be an incredible instructor. “Don’t you worry about the succeeding terms, professor. I’m sure it will be as fun as this term...” Too bad he won’t be there to witness it.

Paul nodded. "I am aware of Karma...and all that...and I am a big believer in it, too. What goes around...must always come back around, you know." He said knowingly. "And yes..you're right. Forgiveness IS rare..and it's a truly sad thing. Maybe if we all show each other a little more forgiveness every now and then, it would spread...I always tell my partner, I do--" he was rambling on, now, but he didn't seem to notice--"There is so much in this life to be grateful for, to love and cherish--I would hate to spend any minute of it consumed with hatred or anger--it would only blacken my being." And Paul didn't want that, at all.

"Oh but m'boy! That's what the Greenhouses are THERE for! I want you all to barge in whenever it suits your fancy! You can stop by tomorrow, if you want, when you're done with classes. I can show you around...it can be a relaxing thing, though. Nothing high pressure. You'll have enough of that later on in the term, I swear it! But don't let it get to you--" Paul seemed to want to give out a LOT of advice today....he touched Ethan's shoulder. "Don't let it get to you! Stress is such a negative addition to the mind and the body--to conquer your NEWTs, you must remain relaaaaaaxed."

Relaxed. Like Paul.

"I hope so too! I do. And I hope that even people who don't much like plants or Herbology will enjoy my class--somewhat. Even if not EVERY class if their cup of tea."

Expecting a smile in return, Paulina was pleasantly surprised when the other girl asked her how she was settling in at Hogwarts.

Not that she expected people to be rude or anything, she just had figured that most people would have assumed she wasn't new given the fact that she was in her Seventh Year. "Hey, I like it so far. Thanks for asking. I'm still getting used to the castle." The geography seemed pretty confusing until you got used to it. So many secret passages and the stairs loved to move a lot.

She supposed she would get used to it before leaving at the end of term.

Abby smiled and said "That is good, I am Abby by the way" Abby held her hand out for the girl to shake best to introduce herself and show the girl that she was friendly

This girl proved to be a challenge to socialise with. On one hand, he liked that. The mysterious type of person. It made one wonder what was going on inside their heads. On the other hands, it was horrible because now he couldn’t talk about himself. And the silence was back when he went back to looking at the horizon. Or the place even higher than the horizon for him…

He looked back at her after asking if the cat was hers and the look he got made him look somewhere else again. Unluckily that was the ground and he saw the drop from in between the bars that held up the railing. He closed his eyes and counted before opening them. “Sorry, just trying to find a topic of conversation…” he mumbled , pretending that his little freak out in his mind hadn’t happened. Heights man. Ewww.

And then that look was back again as he held up his hand and this time he raised an eyebrow perfectly. “I don’t have germs or anything” he laughed as the girl shook his hand lightly. It wasn’t even a shake , she just took it for a second and then let go. He turned around now, leaning his back against the railing and folded his arms. “Nice to meet you Brooklyn” he wasn’t sure if that was the truth or not. He sighed. “Do you want to be left alone or don’t you mind my company?” They could talk about what new hair color he could try next!

"Exactly. And I think we're more susceptible to it because we have magic inside us." he said tilting his head WONDERING how in Hades' Hell did he become so Philosophical nowadays. Maybe he's reading too much face reading books, that his brain was sloooowly becoming one like that of a revered monk. Anyhow, he was happy that Professor Myers share the same sentiment. Now he knew he's a good man...albeit the small hiccup moments ago. Not that it was his fault or something.

Ethan looked beside him, thoroughly amused by the enthusiasm Paul has got. Maybe...maybe Herbology really isn't so bad...and maybe he just needs more patience and confidence to overcome the subject. But...will it really get so bad by the end of the term? The seventh year flinched at the thought and averted his gaze from the professor and back to the scene before them. Ethan nodded when he felt the hand on his shoulder. It was very reassuring. "I promise to try my very best, sir." Ethan grinned as a way of saying thank you. "I hope you don't mind me asking...what was it like when you took your NEWTs? I'm sure you aced Herbology...but...how did you get over your weaker subjects?" Well, the Slytherin was sure that the man beside him has a weakness, yeah? And probably he wasn't any different to him now, correct?

"I think it's best to stay positive, professor. I mean...you can't please everyone, but there's no harm in trying." Like in Divination? He had reservations about the subject before, but since he realized he could use it to his advantage, he began to appreciate it more as each term passed. It did help too that they've got a very positive professor who helms it.

Paul thought that was such an interesting theory..."Maybe, maybe. Hmm." Magic. It was a blessed thing, wasn't it? Didn't mean muggles did have good things, though--NOPE--Paul was no mean wizard who disliked muggles or anything. He loved all people, pretty much.

Now..he had to wrack his brains. "That..was a very long time ago...but...my poorest subject was Astronomy...I didn't do so hot on the OWL and didn't continue in NEWTs...I think that if you've passed the OWL and were able to continue taking the course into the NEWT levels, you are ready for your NEWTs....does this make sense? Headmistress Truebridge wouldn't have let just anyone be able to take her NEWT level classes..." he supposed that made sense to him?

Paul nodded as he patted the boy's shoulders. "It's probably not best to try, actually....because you might run yourself RAGGED with trying to ply yourself into all directions--you just--you should DO your best--and someone, somewhere, will be pleased!" That was his theory, anyways.

Ethan had nothing more to say. He was sure he’s in the same boat as Professor Myers when it comes to doing good deeds. He’s a testament to that, so really, no need to prove it with words. For now, he’s just grateful that he’s got a very kind professor for one of his weaker subjects. At least a good bit of bad pressure was lifted from his shoulders.

Wait, hold up! Did he just say he was bad in Astronomy?! “I AM TOO! I mean...I always get confused with the planets and stars...although, don’t get me wrong professor, I am still at awe with the subject.” He said as he tapped his fingers against the rail. “Do you think...” he said as he trailed off, and offered a pregnant pause, “I should’ve dropped my Astronomy class? I was...kind of surprised that I got an Outstanding when it’s my other weaker subject in school.” He did slave on his Astronomy OWL, and even got Caleb to help him out. He was so surprised with the outcome, half believing that Flamsteed might be a miracle worker. “I mean...I was able to ace it, and Herbology, but...I don’t think I’m entirely ready for the NEWT level.” He continued. “I totally get what you mean professor, but...I’ve been entirely dependent on the theories of the subjects, and not really the reason behind such theories. I’m pretty sure I haven’t understood how things work entirely in those subjects. I only memorized things off of books, and never bothered to go deeper than that.” Maybe that’s how he got high grades? It was possible, yes?

Ethan remained quiet at the next topic of conversation. Maybe, he was doing all of these efforts for nothing? The seventh year had to convince himself that he should stop pleasing and proving things to his family. All of them were exceptional, but he doesn’t see himself as one, maybe that’s why he’s trying his very best to excel academically? The Slytherin nodded along, and grinned at the professor. Yes, maybe he should direct all of his efforts so he could reap the fruits of his labour for himself, and not for those whom he thinks he should please. “I will keep that in mind, professor.” He said finally breathing in some fresh air. “So...how do you find Hogwarts so far? Is now very different than when you were still in school?” A pause. “You did...graduate from here, right?” Oops? Maybe he should’ve asked that question first...