"Pleasure to meet you, Keeley." Eli said automatically. His pureblood parents had raised him with proper manners. He packed his text back in his duffel and shoved it under the chair for later so his hands could be free for their kitchen trip. After all, can't cripple my cupcake carrying capacity. he thought, smiling at the clever alliteration.

"Your friend can come too, if she likes." He looked at the girl she had been talking cupcakes with. Eli was excited; he had never been in the kitchens before! After a term spent mostly in the library studying and feeling all alone, he was looking forward to an adventure, no matter how small.

As he moved to lead the way toward the kitchens, his eye caught two first-years having an intense conversation and-- Whuuut?! Did she just say kiss?

"You'd best not be kissing in the common room! If Professor Vindictus catches you it'll be a zillion points from Ravenclaw!" he told them sternly. Sure, he was a just a lowly first year, but he was intent on seeing Ravenclaw take the cup. Plus, he was going to be Prefect and Head Boy one day. He might as well start acting like it. Father always said you identify your next intended station in life, then act accordingly.