The Front Gate

[Ama]

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l189/Polkadotted_MONSTER/Snitchseeker/gate.jpg

As you approach the front gates, two statues of winged boars greet you with sinister toothy grins. The massive iron gates grants you a sense of security yet there is a hint of intimidation mixed among the feelings. The gates are almost always locked except during the first day of term to accept student arrivals and Hogsmeade weekends.

[RiddleMeThis]

Alex walked the path to the front gates, although they were closed, he just wanted to sit next to the gate. The winged boars greeted him with a sinister troothy grin, Alex bowed in reply. Beauxbatons had taught him well, and made their mark which was left, deep. Alex placed down his broom, he wasnt going to use it, instead he placed himself ontop of a rock and kept staring outside the gates, this was home now.
Home.


After a while he gave up, picked up his broom gently. He bowed the boars a goodbye, by bowing once again, and walked inside, he was quite alone with hardly any friends, not wanting to disturb anyone he goes to talk to Professer Shackleton.

[Disneymaniac]

Marco had spent a while searching. He had found the perfect spot. There was noone around, not even Ocean. He slowly sat down against the wall by the gate. He drew out a wad of parchment and a quill. He also drew out his wand, he would need that later. Running a hand through his hair, he put the quill to the first piece of parchment. Slowly he scribbled lines and names on it. He looked up to see if anyone was around, he was still alone.

He continued to create the masterpiece, that was his tactics. He also needed to plan for his try outs. He smiled to himself and continued.

[hermygirl]

Hermy had spotted a certain someone whilst wandering round the grounds, and had run back up to the dormitory especially to get something. All those stairs were not funny, and she hoped that her hot red face had cooled slightly.

The thing she had returned for was under one arm due to its rather large size, slightly impractical to display at Hogwarts, it had to be admitted. But it was the only canvas Hermy could get that was larger than her normal sketchbook, and she had wanted her work to look more than just a sketch. It was more than sketch - her heart and soul were entwined in the colours and layers of paint, hours spent on perfecting the detail with the finest brush she had. It had taken hours of work, but she had relished working on it - she hoped he would find it as special as she had felt painting it.

Hermy watched Marco write thoughfully, and guessed it must be something Quidditch related. She doubted that pile of parchment was for homework so early in the term - especially since there were no books nearby. Not wanting to disturb his thoughts, she sat down quietly beside him, carefully laying the wrapped canvas on the ground.

She slid an arm round his waist, and put her head on his shoulder, hugging him gently. She could like this for as long as it took for him to finish - she just loved being there with him.

[Disneymaniac]

Marco continued to scrawl, his head burried in his parchment. He was concentrating so hard that he had forgotten to check for anybody near by. Suddenly something was clinging to his side, and was resting on his shoulder. He thought it might an animal or something. But then he turned his head and saw it was Hermy. He smiled and put down his quill and parchment, neatly shuffling the pages together.

"What are you doing here? So far away from the castle?"

[hermygirl]

Hermy grinned as Marco put down his work. "I was originally looking for something to paint, and then I saw you, so I ran up to the dormitories to get something, before coming back here hoping that you hadn't moved." She half gestured towards the canvas. "Hence the slightly flushed cheeks," she added, laughing.

She stretched her legs out in front of her, showing a turquoise and silver pair of Converse peeping out from under her jeans. "And what have you been furiously scribbling about?" Despite changing the subject away from what she had brought with her, Hermy's eyes twinkled excitedly, and she smiled broadly. "Not homework, I'm guessing?"

[Disneymaniac]

Marco looked over her, and spotted a giant canvas by her side. She had never drawn that big. He was confused, at why she had brought it out here, to him. "What is it?"

He laughed, "Me doing homework? You obviously don't know me that well at all. I only do homework when I am forced by Cassandra, or if it is for Vindictus. Nah this is Quidditch stuff, preparing for the season."

[hermygirl]

Hermy giggled. "It's a surprise..." she said nodding knowingly. She wanted to tease him just an eeny weeny bit before she revealed her work. Hermy knew he would be intrigued by it, particularly by its sheer size. Her blue eyes watched him carefully, wondering what he was thinking.

"Exactly...why I said not homework!" She laughed, and shook back her curls from her face. She raised her eyebrows. "Tactics? Or are you plotting a way of injurying the other captains?" She winked cheekily, having fun, and squeezed him tight to show she didn't mean it.

[Disneymaniac]

Marco looked back over at the canvas, "Ok then, if you won't tell me. I will leave it alone." Hopefully she would crack.

"Nah I already know how to injure them. I got told by some Professors," Marco laughed.

[hermygirl]

Hermy smiled, it seemed Marco was playing the 'I'm interested but pretending I don't care' card - not quite what she was hoping, but she could still tease him a little bit. "Oh, I will tell you...sometime. It's for someone special, just a little summer project of mine." A giggle rippled through, despite her trying to hold it in. "Not very important though." Her eyes told exactly the opposite, it was very important and exciting. She just had to wait a little longer.

"Told by some Professors?" She looked at Marco, amazed. Suring he was joking, wasn't he? "Are you pulling my leg?"

[Disneymaniac]

"Well I hope that someone special gets it soon, I heard there was meant to be rain today," Marco smiled. He could play that game too.

"Yeah, it's true," he grinned, "Nope I am not pulling your leg. I am following the example of my elders, they are, after all, the ones in the know."

[hermygirl]

Hermy looked up at the sky, faking indifference. "Rain? And you chose to sit outside?" She smiled, Marco was toying with her - she wasn't sure how long could she hold out. She really wanted to see his reaction, but equally want to see if he would just ask her for it. "Surely the library would have been a slightly safer bet?"

Hermy frowned. "Your elders?" She wondered which of the staff had told him that - possibly Vindictus? Marco did idolise him afterall. "And who might that include exactly? I'm sure that doesn't quite fit into the rules somewhere - not as far as I've read anyway."

[Disneymaniac]

"But the library doesn't have the same breeze as the outdoors does," Marco smiled. She had to crack soon.

"Have you read all 700 rules? Because I am sure I can find a way around them. It can't be too hard," he grinned, "My elders are anyone older than me. So it could be anyone."

[hermygirl]

Hermy nodded. "That is very true. I do like a breeze in my hair, though it knots my curls up like hell, and then it rather resembles a frizzy furball." She laughed, before smirking slightly. Who would break first? She had a feeling it was likely to be her. Oh well, she could try. "Thank goodness for the hair potion I found in Diagon Alley." She didn't expect Marco to understand the need to tame her frizz, but she said it none the less.

"I think I've got to about number 150, though don't test me on any of them! There are rather a lot, and some are rather confusing too." Her bedtime reading had turned out to be rather much harder work to understand than she had hoped, but there again the book she was using looked rather old and tatty, with unusual language.

"That it could! Though I can narrow it down to those with a quidditch background I reckon." She looked at him thoughtfully, as if trying to read Marco's mind through his eyes.

[Disneymaniac]

"I don't really mind what your hair looks like. I like you the way you are, frizzy or not. But frizzy, you have that out of bed look," Marco smiled. He would not crack yet. "I use muggle hair gel. Gives me the wind blown look off the pitch."

"Don't worry I won't test you. That would require too much of you, for you aren't destined to play like I am," he smiled.

"I never said that it was a quidditch elder. Just an elder," he grinned.

[hermygirl]

Hermy laughed. "I'll remember that then when I get out of bed late for a class." She smiled at his use of muggle hair gel. "And very good it looks too." She reached up to his neck, and ran her hand along his hairline there. "I hope I capt-" she stopped abruptly, not wanting to reveal her project just yet.

"Just because I'm a late starter...!" She stuck out her tongue playfully. "And I glad you won't test me, I had enough of that last term with my OWLs!"

Hermy eyed him carefully. "That is true, but I still reckon they play or have an interest in quidditch to suggest that." She smiled. "But you better not try it on any of the Ravenclaw players, or you'll have me to face!" She tried to give him a straight harsh look, but only suceeded in looking very silly indeed.

[Disneymaniac]

"I didn't use any this morning," Marco laughed, You hope you what?" He had heard her start something, yet not complete it. Was she beginning to crack.

"A late starter. At your age I was already quidditch captain, and on the way to creating a masterpiece, hopefully. And I am going to win this season, it should be fun."

"Oh I won't. I was thinking of taking out Jack Langley, Huffie Captain. Since Tag seems to be a waste of time at the moment. He has turned into such a drip over the holidays," Marco sighed. He wanted to play him properly. But obviously wasn't going to be able to.

[hermygirl]

"Ah, but it suits you anyway." She smiled and stroked his hair gently. It was nice for it not to be all stuck together. Hermy leant on his shoulder, and softly caught her cheek on his, bringing a warmth to her face.

Hermy coughed slightly. She tried to come up with something else to say, anything. She would not give in, not quite yet. "I, erm...hoped that I captured that wind blown look correctly when I was sketching at the bottom of my Runes notes the other day. Yes, Runes notes." She nodded, having the distinct feeling that he wouldn't believe her. Maybe that could be to her advantage.

"Oh well, I'll stick to looking into my painting as a career in that case." She shrugged. "Maybe I'll be good enough to make it on to the team as a reserve for my last year though." She smiled at his confidence. She knew it was necessary for a captain like him, and wished she could be like that, just sometimes.

"Thats alright then, you can benefit both our teams." She giggled. Did she really just say that? It was a bit rebellious for Hermy. "Tag? I haven't yet seen him. You know what is wrong with him...I mean, we need our captain to be focused!"

[Disneymaniac]

Marco smiled, and closed his eyes. He loved the sensation he got when she stroked his hair. It was almost relaxing.

"Ah Runes notes. I wouldn't know about them. I don't do Ancient Runes," he smiled, "I do do Herbology though."

"Benefit both our teams? If I knew better I would think you were being anti-Hufflepuff," he laughed, "I have no idea what is wrong with him. I would really like to know as well."

[hermygirl]

Hermy saw Marco close his eyes, and smiled. She brushed her fingers through his hair, and then rubbed her hand down his back, finally wrapping her arm round his waist. Maybe soon would be the time to show him...

"I'm taking Runes, though it isn't one of my favourites. I much prefer Herbology and Charms. I like the experimental aspect of Erikson's lessons." She thought of her hybrid, and remembered that she had not gone to check it yet - or name it for that matter. It was a year later and she still couldn't think of something.

"Anti Hufflepuff? I'd never be anti any house, but I would like the Ravens to win this year. Its about time we did well in something!" She laughed, knowing full well Marco would properly say something about Slytherin winning the House and Quidditch cups.

[Disneymaniac]

"The Ravens win this year? The only chance of that is if the moon falls out of the sky," Marco laughed.

"I am taking Potions, Divination, Charms, Herbology, DADA, COMC and Transfiguration," he smiled, "6 NEWTs for me."

[hermygirl]

Hermy groaned. "Whatever! We shall see..." She laughed, and hugged him.

"Same as me, pretty much. I dropped Muggle Studies and Astronomy at the end of last year, and I'll probably see how the others go. Its a pretty tight schedule, but since I haven't the foggiest idea what to do as a career, I wanted to keep my options open." She smiled, the sheer number of subjects now sounded overwhelming. But she could always drop something if she needed to.

Hermy reached over to the parcel and placed it on her lap. She looked at the paper, covered in a simple stripey green design. She wondered whether he'd show any excitement yet.

[Disneymaniac]

Marco wrapped his arms around Hermy, snuggling up to her.

"I couldn't wait to drop Astronomy. Since Forrester joined really. I hated the subject," he sighed.

He watched her pick up the green parcel. He really wanted to know what was inside it. But he wasn't going to show it. Calm and casual. "Nice paper."

[TheGirlWhoLived_818]

Derek walked over to Marco"Hey,I'm Derek"

[Disneymaniac]

Marco looked up from the ground where he was sitting, with his girlfriend. He saw some boy standing above him. What was he doing there? "Erm...hi Derek. I am Marco."

[TheGirlWhoLived_818]

"I was wondering if I could talk to you sometime....later",Derek said.

[hermygirl]

Marco wrapped his arms around Hermy, snuggling up to her.

"I couldn't wait to drop Astronomy. Since Forrester joined really. I hated the subject," he sighed.

He watched her pick up the green parcel. He really wanted to know what was inside it. But he wasn't going to show it. Calm and casual. "Nice paper."

Hermy felt warm and comfy as Marco snuggled up to her, and she kissed him lightly on the cheek.

Hermy understood totally. "I guess I feel the same, and trying to take awake in the lab lessons was getting increasingly difficult - I could never find the correct star, planet and or other occurance!" She laughed.

Herm moved the parcel closer to Marco, and ran a hand across the paper, feeling her brushstrokes on both the wrapping and the canvas underneath. "Thanks, I'm guessing you realised I designed it myself."

She nodded to the boy that approached them, hoping it would not distract Marco from their time together too much.

[Disneymaniac]

"I was wondering if I could talk to you sometime....later",Derek said.

"Yeah sure. Where do you want to meet me?" Marco asked. He didn't even know this guy, so how did he know him?

Hermy felt warm and comfy as Marco snuggled up to her, and she kissed him lightly on the cheek.

Hermy understood totally. "I guess I feel the same, and trying to take awake in the lab lessons was getting increasingly difficult - I could never find the correct star, planet and or other occurance!" She laughed.

Herm moved the parcel closer to Marco, and ran a hand across the paper, feeling her brushstrokes on both the wrapping and the canvas underneath. "Thanks, I'm guessing you realised I designed it myself."

She nodded to the boy that approached them, hoping it would not distract Marco from their time together too much.

Marco kissed her back on the cheek.

"It is so boring. I don't even care why we need to know about the stars. They are just pretty to look at with a love," he smiled and rested a head on her shoulder.

"I did. I love your art work," he smiled, looking down at the parcel. "I have your last piece framed in my case."

[TheGirlWhoLived_818]

"Seventh Floor corridor LATER", then with out another word Derek bid them adue and left.

[hermygirl]

Marco's kiss brought a tinge of colour to Hermy's cheeks. Her made her feel so special.

"They are, bit early at the moment though!" Hermy giggled, and felt Marco's head rest on her shoulder. She took her hand up and stroked his hair, smiling near blissfully.

Hermy grinned. "Thankies." She followed his gaze to the parcel, her eyes twinkling. "And would you like a new piece?" she asked, carefully trying to hide the excitement from her voice.

[Disneymaniac]

"Yeah I know. Shame that though," Marco smiled, closing his eyes as she stroked his head.

"I would always love to have a new piece of art work form you. I love them so much," he smiled, his eyes still closed, nodding.

[hermygirl]

Marco looked so relaxed, and she now knew that this was the correct time to reveal her end of summer project. She slid the piece off her lap carefully, not wanting to disturb Marco, and put one of the sides into his hands.

"Would you like this one then?" she asked, grinning. She couldn't wait for him to open it, and she started shaking with excitement.

[Disneymaniac]

"You made this for me?" Marco said, opening his eyes, and lifted his head off his shoulder.

He smiled, and slowly opened it not wanting to rip the paper. It was quite big and took alot of time, making sure the paper stayed perfect.

He stared at the now revealed picture, "It is amazing. I love it."

[hermygirl]

Hermy nodded, and leaned in close to watch him open it, her heart pounding in her chest. All her excitement had suddenly become nervousness as she awaited his verdict, and her stomach knotted itself tightly. This was not helped by how long Marco spent carefully unwrapping the parcel, though she was proud that he didn't want to wreck any of her work.

Hermy smiled as she saw the painted Marco and her smile up at them. She had literally just finished it last night, her nails still caked in paint. It was a feel good picture, and she loved every single detail in it. Some areas have been reworked several times purely to achieve the best possible result. Even the stitches on their robes had been delicately added with the finest brush she could find.

"You do?" She hugged him tight. "It was painted with all the love I could possibly give, with every colour and stroke." She was close to tears from being so happy.

[Disneymaniac]

"I truly do. It is beautiful," Marco grinned, "I am going to hang it above my bed."

He caressed the paint work. It was amazing.

[hermygirl]

"Will the others in your dorm mind it being so big?" Hermy asked, her logical side outweighing the emotional side. Maybe it was just because she was otherwise speechless, plus she didn't want to appear teary to Marco when she was so happy. Obviously she had known Marco would like the picture, but to actually gave it to him and get a reaction - she never could have imagined.

Hermy watched him lightly touch her work. She had used acrylic, one of her preferred mediums. Thick enough for texture, but also quick drying and good for layering. Here and there she had used some magical ink from Diagon Alley too, purely for highlights, adding an extra touch here and there. She had to admit she was very proud of how realistic it looked.

[Disneymaniac]

"No I don't think it will. I will put it above my bed. In a frame," Marco smiled. He rested his head back on her shoulder. He loved her very much. Especially for this.

[hermygirl]

Hermy grinned. If he was happy to put it up above his bed, then that meant even more to her. "Wow!" It was all she could get out. Followed by, "I'm thrilled you like it," even though by her expression that was blatently obvious.

As he resting his head back down, Hermy dropped her head on his. She put an arm round his shoulders and hugged him. She had no idea what to say, so just sat there enjoying the time with him. Shame it was too early for stars, it would have made the moment so much more romantic.

[Disneymaniac]

Marco just closed his eyes. He loved his head on her shoulders. It was perfect. If only they had those stars. It would make it even more perfect. Just the two of them sitting against the wall. Nothing could ruin his day.

[hermygirl]

Hermy sighed happily and took her hand up to stroke Marco's hair. She looked down at the picture and hoped that they would spend plenty of special times together. It was good that she had seen him earlier, she wouldn't change this moment now for the world.

[Disneymaniac]

Marco sighed happily. He hoped it would get dark soon. He was glad he had found this place of seclusion. Nobody came this far out from the castle.

[hermygirl]

Continuing to run her fingers through his hair, Hermy looked to the sky. It had started to fall dark and she was worried by the rain Marco had mentioned. The sky was clear, however, and it was just the light fading away earlier now it was drawing closer to winter. She shivered slightly, and cuddled into Marco.

The first of the stars began to become visible. The day was ending beautifully. She squeezed Marco's hand and beamed.

[Disneymaniac]

Marco felt his hand being squeezed, and opened his eyes. It was getting dark. How long had he been out here? He could see the stars appearing. Now it was perfect.

"You do know I was joking about the rain. Just to try and get you to crack," he smiled, yawning slightly.

[hermygirl]

"Get me to crack?" Hermy smiled, so Marco had been more intrigued than he was letting on. She giggled. "I don't think it quite worked, though I was worrying about the weather!"

She watched him yawn, and shivered again. She hadn't planned on sitting outside for quite so long, and was only wearing a thin t-shirt and an overlaying blouse. Part of her was saying to head back to the castle into the warmth, whereas another wanted to stay there and not break that wonderful moment.

[DalekDeatheater]

Monica walked out to the front gate, she took her ponytails down and let the wind blow through her thick black hair. It was nice to have some quiet time, but she missed Ray.

[kami12]

Ray moved across many of his friend and managed to get to the front gate. Monica was waiting him like promised.
"Hey honey!" Ray said as he kissed. "How are you?" Ray asked.

[DalekDeatheater]

Monica smiled as Ray approached and kissed her. "I'm as well as can be expected, considering that Jason has turned all of Gryffindor house against me." She said softly, holding his hand. "But let's talk about something happier than my cousin please." She asked. "I've missed you, what have you been up to the last couple of days?"

[kami12]

"Well nothing actually beside classes I haven't been doing anything... I was thinking of doing something but I couldn't find one... Oh!! I got contacted by my far cousin his in the Ministry of Magic... He wants me to spend christmas at his house... Do you want me to talk to this Jason?" he asked Monica

[DalekDeatheater]

Monica smiled. "You mean the one that's dating My Aunt Erin?" She asked, leaning against him. "That's cool." She smiled softly. "No it's ok. Excelsior's been talking to him and I'm going to write Uncle Ron about him. I think maybe they can help."

[kami12]

"Okey as you wish so what do you want to do?" Ray asked Monica knowing she has really good ideas.

[DalekDeatheater]

"Can we just go somewhere where we can have some time alone?" She asked. "I have missed you and I want you all to myself for a while." She wrapped her arms around his waist and laid her head on his chest.

[kami12]

"Well of course... How about you choose a place? Or do you want me to magically create the perfect place for us?" Ray asked Monica knowing she would be surprised by his question.

[DalekDeatheater]

Monica raised an eyebrow. She was curious. "ok, create us a place, but not too much magic, I don't want you going blonde on me." She smiled softly.

[kami12]

"Okey!" Ray said as he drew his wand flicking it. A sparkles rose from the tip of his wand as the texture behind them changed. They were now standing on a sandy beach, in front of them, the blue sea rose and hit the shore.
"So what do you think?" Ray asked.

[DalekDeatheater]

"Oh it's perfect!" She sighed. "I love you."

[kami12]

Ray moved closer to Monica and hugged her. "Well I love you too" Ray said as he kissed Monica again.

[DalekDeatheater]

"It's nice to be able to get away. Can this be our special place?" shea sked him.

[kami12]

"Well of course but the spell doesn't last long... I mean we are still in hogwarts but our senses are tricked to believe that we aren't it's great actually.

[DalekDeatheater]

"I know, but what I mean can this be the place we go to in our dreams to be together?" She asked, hoping her meaning was clearer.

[kami12]

"Yeah I told you we can... Every time you want us to escape to this place or any place you dream of just tell me and I will cast this spell and I will move us there" Ray said holding Monica between his arms.

[DalekDeatheater]

"Could you teach me how to do it someday?" Monica asked.

[kami12]

"Yeah of course do you want me to teach you now?" Ray asked.

[DalekDeatheater]

"Not right now, next time though." She smiled. Then looking up into the sunlight she asked. "Ray am I annoying at times?"

[Disneymaniac]

"Get me to crack?" Hermy smiled, so Marco had been more intrigued than he was letting on. She giggled. "I don't think it quite worked, though I was worrying about the weather!"

She watched him yawn, and shivered again. She hadn't planned on sitting outside for quite so long, and was only wearing a thin t-shirt and an overlaying blouse. Part of her was saying to head back to the castle into the warmth, whereas another wanted to stay there and not break that wonderful moment.

Marco smiled, "I think it is clear sky tonight."

He wrapped his arms around her closely, to protect her from the cold.

[kami12]

"No... Why are you asking such a questions?" Ray asked surprised by Monica's question.

[DalekDeatheater]

"Just something I overheard through my legillimency, it was directed toward me." She sighed.

[kami12]

"By whom? I mean is it somebody that you care about or is it some student in here... People usually tend to do this a lot... When they see excpetional people... They do it to break them down... So who ever told you this musn't be a friend of yours... Or else why whould he say it?" Ray smiling at Monica and kissing her on her forehead.

[DalekDeatheater]

"Actually they thought it, not said it. And it was from someone close to me." She said softly, "which is why I asked."

[kami12]

"Well you aren't and you shouldn't believe it... I love the most amazing not annoying person on earth... And my instincts are usually correct" Ray said to Monica.

[DalekDeatheater]

Monica blushed and smiled. "Funny, I was just thinking the same thing about you." She sighed. "It's just with everything the way it has been lately, I've been a little depressed is all."

[hermygirl]

Hermy smiled as Marco wrapped his arms around her, his embrace sending a soothing warmth through her body.

She looked up at the sky. "It is clear, I reckon it'll be a chilly morning tomorrow," she replied smiling. If Hermy had had her sketching things, a picture would have been appearing during this moment, to immortalise it and capture that feeling. She'd have to try and relive it in the Common Room later instead.

"I love you," Hermy whispered into Marco's ear.

[kami12]

"Is there anything I can do to you?" Ray asked.

[DalekDeatheater]

"Just love me, no matter what they say." Monica whispered.

[Disneymaniac]

"As it always is," Marco laughed, "Always chilly in Scotland."

He blushed, "I love you too."

[kami12]

"I will always love you and it doesn't matter what anyone say... I love you Monica" Ray shouted.

[TheGirlWhoLived_818]

Jake walked out to the gate and stood by it watch the others enjoy their time.

[DalekDeatheater]

Monica didn't trust herself to be able to speak without crying, so she just held on tight to him.

[Echein]

Sebastian had a great tendency to lost. And he had displayed that amazing talent yet again, by finding himself by the front gate...

He stumbled about on the uneven path and reached one hand out to take hold of the stiff iron gate. As his hands closed around the cold metal, he realised how alone he was feeling. The emptyness inside was almost unbearable and he felt as if he would break at any moment.

He turned slightly, his hands still grasped onto the gate and caught sight of a girl and a boy. It just made him feel worse. So he sat down and held his head in his hands. The gate was against his back, and the cold metal hurt his back but he stayed there, eyes closed.

[hermygirl]

"As it always is," Marco laughed, "Always chilly in Scotland."

He blushed, "I love you too."

Hermy nodded. "Yes, especially at this time of year. But at least there is a decent amount of snow in Scotland, rather than the pityful layer we usually get at home." She smiled, Hermy loved waking up to see a freshly laid thick blanket of snow.

At his words, a rush of blood came to Hermy's cheeks. It still was as surprising but lovely to hear him say that as it was the first time. And she loved the fact he could say those three special words to her, she guessed some guys wouldn't. Her blue eyes shone, and she lightly rubbed his tummy.

[Disneymaniac]

Hermy nodded. "Yes, especially at this time of year. But at least there is a decent amount of snow in Scotland, rather than the pityful layer we usually get at home." She smiled, Hermy loved waking up to see a freshly laid thick blanket of snow.

At his words, a rush of blood came to Hermy's cheeks. It still was as surprising but lovely to hear him say that as it was the first time. And she loved the fact he could say those three special words to her, she guessed some guys wouldn't. Her blue eyes shone, and she lightly rubbed his tummy.

"I love the snow. My favourite part of being in Scotland. I hate that we don't get any at home," he smiled.

Marco leant over to Hermy and kissed her on the cheek. She was adorable when she blushed.

[Echein]

Sebastian eased himself up, tearing a small whole in his robe as he did so.
He put a hand to his forehead and looked about for something that he reconised but he saw nothing.
He then made his mind up, and headed to the left of the gate.

[hermygirl]

"I love the snow. My favourite part of being in Scotland. I hate that we don't get any at home," he smiled.

Marco leant over to Hermy and kissed her on the cheek. She was adorable when she blushed.

Hermy grinned. "The snow here really is the best. Especially when it lays across the grounds completely untouched...a beautiful view out of the dorm window in the morning." She smiled. "Though playing in it is fun too."

Hermy thought her cheeks couldn't get any redder, but they did when Marco kissed her. She really needed to find a way of controlling the blood rush to her face, it wasn't as if it was the first time he'd kissed her. She smiled, and ran her fingers through his hair.

[Disneymaniac]

Hermy grinned. "The snow here really is the best. Especially when it lays across the grounds completely untouched...a beautiful view out of the dorm window in the morning." She smiled. "Though playing in it is fun too."

Hermy thought her cheeks couldn't get any redder, but they did when Marco kissed her. She really needed to find a way of controlling the blood rush to her face, it wasn't as if it was the first time he'd kissed her. She smiled, and ran her fingers through his hair.

"I love it untouched," Marco smiled, "So crisp and perfect. Like you."

He took hold of her hand and looked into her eyes, "I wish we could stay here forever."

[hermygirl]

Just as Hermy's fsce started to regain its normal colour, bam! Marco sent another compliment her way. She didn't think she was perfect - she overthought things and lacked in confidence in every situation except lessons and her artwork. But he made her feel so special, she felt almost like she was glowing inside.

She felt Marco take her hand, and smiled. "Me too, its wonderful being here with you."

[Disneymaniac]

Marco squeezed her hand, "I wish we could stop time. Just for us."

"Here and now," he smiled, "Just us alone."

[hermygirl]

Marco squeezed her hand, "I wish we could stop time. Just for us."

"Here and now," he smiled, "Just us alone."

"If only we could, but unfortunately we can't." She smiled. "One of things I love about painting - I can capture such moments to remember them for the rest of time." She squeezed his hand back.

"Just us alone." She nodded as she reiterated his words. "It's...amazing...perfect in fact."

[Disneymaniac]

"If only we could, but unfortunately we can't." She smiled. "One of things I love about painting - I can capture such moments to remember them for the rest of time." She squeezed his hand back.

"Just us alone." She nodded as she reiterated his words. "It's...amazing...perfect in fact."

"Oooo we could get a time turner and do it again and again and again," Marco smiled.

"It is perfect."

[hermygirl]

Hermy smiled. "We could, if they weren't so difficult to get hold of. And they have so many rules attached as well."

"We'll have to enjoy it for as long as possible now. Though I'm sure we will shared many a moment as good as this."

[Amira With a C]

Camira stood at the front gate, looking out. It was so peaceful here as not many people were out in this area. She had decided to get up a bit earlier than usual and take a stroll. It wasn't too bad out, weather wise so she'd left her robes behind so she could truly enjoy the breeze.

[Slytherin Fox]

Excelsior walked by the front gate, feeling the gentle breeze blowing. What a beautiful day it was and wait, was that Camira he saw standing there? She was just the person he was looking for, and he was quite eager to unfold his surprise to her. She was looking even more beautiful than usual today, like she belonged out here in the breeze. "How's it going, pretty lady?", he said, walking over to where she stood.

[Amira With a C]

Camira turned at the sound of a voice she instantly recognized. "Ex!" She turned and gave him a hug, after laughing at him. Pretty lady? He sounded like a western. Not that she secretly watched old, cheesy, westerns or anything. "It's going great. Much better now that you're here", she said playfully. It was true. She had been hoping to see him today.

[Slytherin Fox]

"It's a beautiful day today, isn't it?", Excelsior said cheerfully. "Valentine's Day, the most romantic day of the year. Today you are going to see a whole different side of me, one you may not see very often, but I'm here to play up to the occasion and make this a day of delight for you." Excelsior was excited about all the things he had planned for Camira, and wondered if he should start now or hold back until later on. He didn't want to start until she was ready. This romantic side was all new for him, one he didn't know even existed until recently.

[Amira With a C]

Camira raised an eyebrow. "Really. Well, Mr. Black, now I'm intrigued." She reached out to hold his hand. "When do I get to see this whole other side. I hope you're not going to make me wait long", she said with a smirk. She had a couple of surprises for him also, but he didn't need to know that. At least not yet.

[Slytherin Fox]

"Well, since it's Valentine's Day I guess we can start right now," Excelsior said coyly, then started with a little presentation.

"Throughout the course of history the number seven has been believed to be a lucky number. It is quite often chosen by people even today as their favorite number, and good luck is usually associated with it. For this reason, I plan to make the number seven your focus today as I present you with seven special gifts. But be warned, I won't be giving them to you all at once!", Excelsior said teasingly. "This is my first gift to you, and is only the start. It's a pink camilla, of course, the flower that makes me think of you."

With that, Excelsior held out the bright pink flower -
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa104/lpedreira/tsss.jpg

[Amira With a C]

Camira listened as Excelsior spoke. At first she thought he was going to give her a history lesson, but then it turned out that he was apparently going to lavish her with gifts. She smiled excitedly. When Excelsior held out a bright pink flower for her, she had to use all of her self control to not squeal like a 5 year old during Christmas. She took the flower and hugged him tightly. "It's beautiful", she said softly. "I'm definitely going to like this day", she said with a grin.

[Slytherin Fox]

"It's going to be a fun day for both of us," Excelsior promised. "And just wait, things are only just getting started! I don't have anything else right now, but you never know when something else is going to turn up."

[Amira With a C]

Camira smiled. It appeared she was going to have to be on the lookout. "Well, I get to spend all day with you so that's an ongoing present and one of the best I could ever get", she said, before realizing what exactly she'd said and blushing. She pretended to look around in hopes of hiding her blush from Excelsior. "So, is there anything you want to do or do you just want to stand here and admire my beauty", she asked playfully. "Because really, I'm quite fine with that." She felt like nothing could go wrong today. Like today was meant to be a day of perfection. She hoped for it, at least.

[Hermione_loves_Ron]

Grey clouds lined the sky as Issy made her way down the path, winding her way through the school grounds. Billowing lightly around her was her cloak as the light breeze pushed against her. She hadn't yet buttoned it; it was cool but not so enough that she needed to button. Breezes, she did not like, and the way her hair was whipping around was only infuriating further (it had styled nicely that morning!).

Reaching the gates, she paused, and turned to face outside the grounds. Wrapping her hands on the cold iron bars, she stuck her face up between them and stood, peering outside. Hogwarts was so much more than she'd imagined; the castle was massive and intense, the Common Room cozy and friendly, the students abundant. Everything was intricate and ornate and intimidating. Part of her missed home and the comforting friendliness it offered: Mattio and Fredreich, Mummy and Daddy, all the pets, Gaia's stable, the large, lush grounds that she and the boys played upon.

Honestly, she felt a little lonely here. Sure, she'd befriended people and waved to them in the halls and at night sat with Juniper in the Common Room, but really, she missed sneaking out to the hired help wing and staying up all night, talking to Fredreich. Shhe missed Gaia and the animals and taking care of them. In fact, she even kind of missed Mummy lecturing her. It all felt just a little more lonely here.

[Slytherin Fox]

Camira smiled. It appeared she was going to have to be on the lookout. "Well, I get to spend all day with you so that's an ongoing present and one of the best I could ever get", she said, before realizing what exactly she'd said and blushing. She pretended to look around in hopes of hiding her blush from Excelsior. "So, is there anything you want to do or do you just want to stand here and admire my beauty", she asked playfully. "Because really, I'm quite fine with that." She felt like nothing could go wrong today. Like today was meant to be a day of perfection. She hoped for it, at least.

Excelsior smiled. "I would have no problem at all doing that, Camira, it sounds like a great way to spend the day. You might get a little bored in the meantime, though, and what if we got hungry? How about if we had a few treats while we wait?" Excelsior realized that even though it was a bit early, it was time for him to unveil gift #2. Dessert is always good to have around," he said. "Especially if you have a sweet tooth." He then produced an incredible array of small sweets of all varieties and flavors.

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa104/lpedreira/sweet.jpg

[Amira With a C]

Excelsior smiled. "I would have no problem at all doing that, Camira, it sounds like a great way to spend the day. You might get a little bored in the meantime, though, and what if we got hungry? How about if we had a few treats while we wait?" Excelsior realized that even though it was a bit early, it was time for him to unveil gift #2. Dessert is always good to have around," he said. "Especially if you have a sweet tooth." He then produced an incredible array of small sweets of all varieties and flavors.

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa104/lpedreira/sweet.jpg

Camira nearly passed out when she saw all the treats he'd brought for them. "Goodness." She didn't even know what else to say. She just stared in awe at the treats. Finally, she had the sense to pick one up. She picked the one with the ridiculous amounts of whipped cream and licked it. It was delicious. Camira had decided it would probably be easier to sit and so she took a seat on the ground with her back leaning against the gate, pulling Excelsior down with her. She was careful, of course, as she didn't want him to drop the treats...or get hurt.
"I don't know what to say. You're amazing." She took a big bite of her treat, not caring that whipped cream was getting all over her face and even her hair.

[Slytherin Fox]

Excelsior laughed. "Well, like I said, I wanted it to be a really fun day, and what could be more fun than spending it with you and enjoying all these treats and things?" He was really enjoying himself with Camira, when he was with her he had not a care in the world. "Today is your special day. Tomorrow may not be," with that he smirked teasingly, not meaning any of that because Camira was always special to him, "but today you are going to be treated and pampered."

[Amira With a C]

Camira had never smiled so much in her life. Her jaw muscles were actually starting to hurt from all the smiling. She didn't plan on stopping anytime soon though. She laughed as he teased her because she knew that he didn't mean it. She took her revenge, nonetheless. She took some of her whipped cream and started painting a mustache on Excelsior. She leaned back when she was finished and admired her work. "Magnifico", she said with a giggle.

[Slytherin Fox]

"Now I bet that looks really nice!", Excelsior said, playfully drawing an even larger mustache on Camira's lip with a bit of the whipped cream. He took a moment to admire his handiwork before removing the whipped cream with his finger and eating it. "I just had to do that," he said. He wanted to give Camira another gift, but the time was not yet right. He knew it would be here soon, meanwhile this was fun!

[Amira With a C]

Camira giggled psychotically as Excelsior drew an even bigger mustache on her, and especially when he wiped it off and ate it. Oh goodness. It was starting again. The psychotic hyperness. She briefly wondered if she should seek professional help. She took his face in both of her hands and leaned in super close to him until their lips were almost touching and then...with one swipe of her tongue she'd removed her art work. She was sad to see it go, but it sure tasted good. She leaned back and returned to her psychotic giggling.

[Slytherin Fox]

Excelsior started laughing along with Camira, he couldn't remember a time in his life when he had ever felt so free. It seemed like he was always in a good mood when he was around her. He knew it was something some people couldn't relate to, but that was their problem, they seemed to have their own special magic when they were together.

Excelsior decided it might be time for another gift, one not dealing with food, and so presented his third offering. "I have another gift for you right now, this is something that will look good on you no matter what outfit you're wearing because there's three different ones!" Excelsior produced a small, green velvet box inside which were three exquisite, heart shaped gems of different colors. There was a diamond, an emerald and a pink ruby.
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa104/lpedreira/aq3-1.gif

[Amira With a C]

Camira had yet to stop laughing, but when she heard she was getting yet another present, she managed to calm down enough to see what it was. She was quite surprised when he pulled out what looked like a jewelry box. She opened it up and couldn't keep from gasping. There were three beautiful hearts in her three favorite colors. This time she truly was speechless. She could feel her eyes water with joyful tears. She managed to crawl over to Excelsior and hug him for the third time today, before settling in his lap. She looked him in the eyes. "You truly are the most wonderful person I've ever met. You know that, right", she whispered to him.

She really wanted to give him his surprises, but since that would involve changing locations, she decided to hold off a bit longer. And he still wasn't going to give him any hints. She wanted him to be completely surprised.

[Slytherin Fox]

"I knew that one was going to be perfect for you, Camira," Excelsior said softly. "I know you are going to look beautiful in each one of those pieces."

It felt so natural, so right being out here enjoying the day with Camira. He wanted to work in the next gift right away, then he was going to wait a while before giving her the next three. "Well, since you have the jewels, it's only fitting you should have the dress that will go along with one of them, anyway. I really look forward to seeing you in it sometime soon, hopefully there will be a suitable occasion where I can escort you," Excelsior said.

With that, he produced a much larger box, inside which was a lovely pale green gown that he knew would be most stunning on Camira. If his guess was right, it should be exactly her size.

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa104/lpedreira/tsw.jpg

[Amira With a C]

Camira just couldn't believe it. She would surely die of shock by the time he was through. He'd just given her a huge box. She opened it carefully and pulled out one of the most beautiful green gowns she'd ever seen. It matched perfectly with the green jewel she'd just gotten. She couldn't contain herself anymore. She had to give him at least one of his surprises. "I actually have something for you too", she said shyly, feeling nervous all of a sudden. There was no way it would compare to what he'd done for her. She put the gown gently back into the box and closed it. "That is, if you don't mind taking a trip to the room of requirement with me."

[Slytherin Fox]

"That sounds intriguing," Excelsior said. "Of course, we can go there right now." He was excited, what could there possibly be in the Room of Requirement that Camira wanted to give him? He couldn't wait to find out, this day was getting better and better!

[Amira With a C]

Camira smiled softly at him as she got up. She made sure she had all of her presents, shrinking down the box to fit into her bag. "Ready?", she asked. She assumed he was or he would tell her otherwise and she started off to the room of requirement.

[noodles]

Emily was back at school, with all the people she loved. The place she wanted to be more than anywhere else in the world. Or so she thought. But something was missing. What it was, Emily did not know.

She looked up at the sky, droplets of rain falling onto her small, pale face and into her eyes. Her hair sopping and her robes soaked through. Shivering, she continued along the pathway and found herself nearing the front gate. She could feel her eyes start to burn, her bottom lip quivered, but the tears just wouldn’t come. A release – that’s all she wanted. All she needed.

Emily’s feeling of hopelessness had been coming on slowly since the first day back at Hogwarts, but it was only until recently that she recognised it for what it was. Maybe it was because everything was so shinny and new last year. Things had become all too familiar, if that was even possible at Hogwarts. And her friends? Where were Ellie or Katelyn? Her best friends were never around. And Ems never saw Xana to talk to these days. Most probably because of the situation with Josh. And she couldn’t talk to him. He wouldn't understand. Emily chose to ignore this thought, but her hand had, once again, founds it’s way subconsciously to the necklace Xana had given to her.

Emily had begun the year determined to work harder than last, and be involved in as much as possible. But motivation had left her completely. Emily, the swot, couldn’t even be bothered to go to class anymore. Without work to focus on, Emily was nothing.

She found a large rock where she could sit. The rain was lighter now. That kind of rain which soaks you to the bone without you even knowing it. Her hair was going to suffer for this, but Ems didn’t particularly care. She sat down and put her head in her hands, wanting to cry, but still the tears would not come. Was this what it felt like to be depressed? Was this what her father felt when he was going through one of his lows? At least when her mother had died, she felt emotion as she grieved for her. Not this nothingness, which in some ways, was worse.

She looked back towards the castle and furrowed her brow. She didn’t want to go back. Not yet. She couldn’t face the pleasantries and small talk of the students within the four walls of place. Emily stared at the school gate for some time, contemplating leaving and never coming back. A stupid idea indeed. She stood up and continued walking the school grounds, with no real destination in mind.

[Raquelin.]

Ellie was walked with her arms crossed with the rain falling on her.
She looked up while the rain felt on her face, she loved rain. It washed everything bad away.
She passed her hands by her hair, she knew that it would be horrible curly and impossible to comb. But she didn't care in that moment, she was enjoying the rain.

Since she didn't see no one around, she started dancing in the rain, feeling her clothe wheat and starting to stick to her body.
She was walking, or dancing, when she spotted someone closer to the front gate. Immediately she stopped that kind of dance and pulled her wheat, not-curly-hair back.
As she walked calmly to that person she noticed that it wasn't a stranger.
Not a stranger at all.

"Emily!" she called with a grin still a few stepped from the girl. She hadn't the change to talk with her properly. They where missing each other since they arrived to the school. "Emily!" she called again with a small laugh" When I look for you I can never find you and now I wasn't looking and I find you."
She said remembering that one day the girl had said that Ellie was hard to find.
Ellie crossed her arms with the sleeves from her robes wheat and looking more looses because of the rain.
She looked more carefully at the girl, she looked sad.
"Emily, are you okay?" she asked with a smile while she approached to the large rock where the girl was seat.

[noodles]

Emily noticed a figure in the distance. She squinted to see if she could see who it was but couldn’t tell for the heavy rain. She continued walking, but stopped as she heard a familiar voice. She turned to see Ellie coming her way. She attempted to smile at the girl the result was really quite pathetic. “Ellie. It’s a big school. I can’t believe how little we see of each other.” She gave the girl a hug. “It’s good to see you.” She said genuinely, despite the lack of smile.

As Ellie asked if Ems was ok, she tried to smile again, although her eyes were still full of sadness, How could she explain how she was feeling to Ellie when she didn’t really understand it herself. “I’m fine.” She lied and smiled weakly. “And how are you Ellie Bluebell?” She said with a little more vivacity in her voice. "Enjoying school so far?"

[Raquelin.]

When Emily hugged Ellie, Ellie smiled to her, she had missed her friend.
Ellie hugged the girl back. "Yesh! We have to see each other mire times! I missed you Miss Popular!" she said with a laugh.
But her warm laugh stopped and Emily answered.
Ellie looked to Emily's eyes, she wasn't fine, but she decided to move on and answer to Emily's question.
"I'm fine." she said with a shrug while she sit on a rock "I've meet some people.." she pulled her hair back and looked up "I'm enjoying the rain."


"Emily.." Ellie started turning her eyes to the girl "I know you Emily. Something is wrong isn't it?" she asked with a warm small smile.

[noodles]

“And I’ve missed you… hamster.” The corners of Emily’s mouth twitched upwards slightly. She really had missed Ellie.

“You’re always meeting people, Miss Popular. Tell me about them.” Emily said, pleased for a distraction from her wandering mind. Emily’s hair was now completely saturated and her robes soaked right through, but she didn’t mind. The rain was quite refreshing.

Emily looked at Ellie as she asked if something was wrong. “I’m just a little blue I guess.” She shrugged and then smiled weakly at Ellie. This time, however, it was a genuine smile.

[Raquelin.]

Ellie grinned when Emily called her Hamster. "I'm not just an Hamster!" she said rolling her eyes "I'm The Incredible Hamster Girl!" she said with a grin then added in lower voice "Enjoy it.. because I don't think that I'll say this ever again."

Ellie bit her lower lip.
She knew that what Emily was saying that truth, but she didn't want to be a Popular conceited girl. "Well... they are all nice. Less a older guy that shout at me." she said with s shrug "I shout back then he asked sorry. Well.. I think I just caught him on a bad day.. a very bad day."
She looked at Emily and said "At History of Magic, the professor turned him into a Cupid!"
Thank merlin I kept my mouth shut.

Ellie smiled back, she didn't know what was wrong but they have become friends and she hated to see Emily like that.
"Blue?" she asked pointing at the girls face "You don't seem to be blue! You seem to be orange!" she said joking while she felt her clothe even more wheat and her hair now completely saturated.

"My hair will be very funny to see tomorrow" she said while she rolled her eyes and passed her hand on her hair that was full of water.

[noodles]

Emily chuckled slightly. “Oh , I am sorry Incredible Hamster Girl… ...Or I could call you IHG for short.”

“It wasn’t James again, was it?” Emily asked when someone had shouted at her. Then when Ellie said that Professor Lainey had turned the guy into a cupid, she chuckled again and nodded. “I know who you mean. The hufflepuff lad. That was pretty funny… a little cruel, but funny.”

Emily was feeling a little better for Ellie optimistic company. She was like a ray of sunshine on this dull, rainy day. “Orange!?” Emily laughed. “...Your hair? Look at mine.?” She said lifting up a strand of her own dripping wet hair. "At least yours has a natural curl to it. There must be a drying spell of some sort.”




ooc: Rach! :glomp: Sorry that took ages. Had to deal with something..

[Raquelin.]

Ellie raised an eyebrow IHG? Maybe that wouldn't be so bad like that, people wouldn't listen to the Hamster Girl part.
"IHG sounds nice. Still, I think that Incredible Hamster Girl will always be the best."she said.
Wait a minute! Did she actually had said that!?

Ellie felt the rain falling on her hair while she took a lock of it and started to curly it. "No, It wasn't James." she said "He talked to me..he was weird.. and guess what? I felt in the middle of the floor of the dungeons." she said with a sigh keeping her eyes on the lock of her brown wheat hair. "And actually the guy that shout at me was that Hufflepuff guy."
Ellie told Emily remembering when she tripped on the boy by accident.

Ellie laughed while she looked at Emilys hair. "My curly hair after rain it seems like a beast that can't be controlled!" she told her while she moved her hands on her hair. "You'll just see."
She bit her lower lip while she started to think drying spell ... hum.. she must look for one.
"I'm impressed that Miss Library doesn't know one." she said teasing Emily while she poked her tongue out for Emily.

ooc: Don't worry Katie :glomp:

[noodles]

Emily laughed. “Are YOU feeling alright? You actually prefer to be called Incredible Hamster? Emily put her hand to the girls forehead. “Nope. No fever.” She teased.

“Is James still, you know, as odd as he was last year?” Emily loved getting all the gossip from Ellie. She had felt segregated from it recently. Spending time with the older students was nice, but it was lovely to talk to someone her own age. She raised an eyebrow at her friend “Why did he shout at you? I hope you shouted back.” This was likely, Ellie seemed to have a bit of a temper on her.

“I can’t wait to see your hair tomorrow if that’s the case.” She smiled as Ellie called her Miss Library. “Oh, I’m sure I can find something in one of my books.”

Emily glanced around to check that the two were completely alone. No-one else would be stupid enough to come out here in THIS rain. “You know, I was out at the Whomping Willow with Dan, Kate and Josh the other day, and we were attacked.” She spoke in a hushed voice. “This kid, Ringo, an ex-pupil of the school, he bit Dan’s hand and threatened Kate. He cut some of her hair off.. the poor girl.” As Emily spoke her eyes got wider and wider. “It was really scary, Ellie.”

[Raquelin.]

Ellie rolled her eyes "You forget the Girl part. Incredible Hamster Girl." Maybe she was like that because of the rain.
Yes. It should be because of the rain, it was overflowing her brain.

Ellie shrugged at Emilys question. "You know Ravenclaws.." she simply said "They are all a little odd."
She bit her lower lip and looked up "Lets just day that after Valentines Day my good luck is bag. I'm always tripping, or falling, walking into people." she said with a sigh. "I walked into him."

She turned her eyes to the girl and poked her tongue out "You'll have a good laugh. And sure you'll, I can help you trying to find something on your books." Of course I can't. "But if I take the search more difficult.." she shrugged "Its just me."
If she really wanted to find something, she could do it.
But searching on books?
That would take long..

Ellie stood up into her feet when Emily said the word "attacked".
"You WHAT?" she said before Emily could finishing.But seeing that the girl wasn't going to stop saying what she was saying, Ellie kept her mouth close, or tried to, and listened to the girl.
She couldn't believe in what she was hearing. "Who is that kid?" she asked. "He cut Kates hair?! And what did you... Oh that is why Dan went to the hospital."
She started walking to a tree than walked back to the rock where she had been seat before. "That is just .. crazy. But, are you Okay Emily?And how about Kate and Josh? I saw Dan, he seemed to be a little.. worried."
And he had a good reason to be worried about.

[noodles]

Ellie rolled her eyes "You forget the Girl part. Incredible Hamster Girl." Maybe she was like that because of the rain.
Yes. It should be because of the rain, it was overflowing her brain.
“Incredible Hamster GIIIIIIRL!” Emily repeated. “Sorry... I’m really not with it at the moment, Ellie”

She bit her lower lip and looked up "Lets just day that after Valentines Day my good luck is bag. I'm always tripping, or falling, walking into people." she said with a sigh. "I walked into him."
Emily giggled smiled, “You have the worst luck of anyone I know.”

She turned her eyes to the girl and poked her tongue out "You'll have a good laugh. And sure you'll, I can help you trying to find something on your books." Of course I can't. "But if I take the search more difficult.." she shrugged "Its just me."
If she really wanted to find something, she could do it.
But searching on books?
That would take long..
“You actually want to help me!? In the library? Oh shock horror!” Emily mocked.

Ellie stood up into her feet when Emily said the word "attacked".
"You WHAT?" she said before Emily could finishing.But seeing that the girl wasn't going to stop saying what she was saying, Ellie kept her mouth close, or tried to, and listened to the girl.
She couldn't believe in what she was hearing. "Who is that kid?" she asked. "He cut Kates hair?! And what did you... Oh that is why Dan went to the hospital."
“Do you know Sera. Seraphina Mercury? Well her brother used to be a pupil here at the school. He’s quite insane – a half elf" Emily wrinkled her nose. "A half elf with a chip on his shoulder at that. ...Well aparently he escaped from a mental institute.. and murdered a load of staff at St Mungo’s while he was at it. He’s here. At school. Hiding somewhere. Emily gulped and glanced around, the boy could be anywhere for all she knew. Perhaps coming all the way out here alone had been a daft idea. But Ems didn’t care at the time. She had needed to escape school for a while. "He has some kind of grudge against Kate… and Dan for that matter.”

She started walking to a tree than walked back to the rock where she had been seat before. "That is just .. crazy. But, are you Okay Emily?And how about Kate and Josh? I saw Dan, he seemed to be a little.. worried."
And he had a good reason to be worried about.
“Yeah, that’s why Dan was in the hospital wing.” Emily nodded. “Kate seems fine. Better than ever actually.” Emily smiled. “And me and Josh are fine too. It wasn’t us he was looking for.. we just so happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

[Dawlish]

He had been aimlessly wandering for a while now when he found himself at the gates. He looked through them, wondering how long they had been there, He turned to the school and wondered how much it would have seen if it had eyes from its position amidst the grounds.

[Raquelin.]

“Incredible Hamster GIIIIIIRL!” Emily repeated. “Sorry... I’m really not with it at the moment, Ellie”

Ellie smiled at Emily. She hated to see her like that. "There is no problem Em."


Emily giggled smiled, “You have the worst luck of anyone I know.”

Ellie laughed dryly. "Why am I not felling happy to hear that?" she said "But I think you are right.I need my luck back!"


“You actually want to help me!? In the library? Oh shock horror!” Emily mocked.

Ellie poked her tongue out "Ohh... I can't be that bad in library.." she she could.
And maybe worst.


“Do you know Sera. Seraphina Mercury? Well her brother used to be a pupil here at the school. He’s quite insane – a half elf" Emily wrinkled her nose. "A half elf with a chip on his shoulder at that. ...Well aparently he escaped from a mental institute.. and murdered a load of staff at St Mungo’s while he was at it. He’s here. At school. Hiding somewhere. Emily gulped and glanced around, the boy could be anywhere for all she knew. Perhaps coming all the way out here alone had been a daft idea. But Ems didn’t care at the time. She had needed to escape school for a while. "He has some kind of grudge against Kate… and Dan for that matter.”

Ellie blinked, she couldn't believe in what she was hearing.
How could that happen!?
"Yes I've seen her around sometimes." she said "He is in the school?" she said looking at the castle "Are you talking seriously !?"
A kid that escaped from a mental institute and murdered a load of staff at St Mungo's in the school.
It wasn't that bad..
It was HORRIBLE.
"What are you going to do? When I say "you" I mean Dan and Kate."



“Yeah, that’s why Dan was in the hospital wing.” Emily nodded. “Kate seems fine. Better than ever actually.” Emily smiled. “And me and Josh are fine too. It wasn’t us he was looking for.. we just so happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.”


Now ,inside Ellies head ,everything was making scene.
"And.. and if that happens again? If you or someone else is caught in the wrong place at the wrong time with Dan or Kate? And if that kid caught them alone?!" she asked.
"Josh seems to be a little.. ham.. how do I say this.. " sad? Nahh.. it wasn't that the word. "Weird?"

[noodles]

Ellie blinked, she couldn't believe in what she was hearing.
How could that happen!?
"Yes I've seen her around sometimes." she said "He is in the school?" she said looking at the castle "Are you talking seriously !?"
A kid that escaped from a mental institute and murdered a load of staff at St Mungo's in the school.
It wasn't that bad..
It was HORRIBLE.
Emily listed to Ellie as she seemed to become more and more panicked. When Ems answered she kept her own voice calm. She didn't want to cause Ellie any more uneccessary worry. “Yes. I'm being deadly serious. ...Dan knows Sera pretty well, but he hardly ever sees her. He sent her an owl to tell her about Ringo. She seems to have a lot of influence over him. I think that’s why he has it in for Kate. Those two just don’t get along.”

"What are you going to do? When I say "you" I mean Dan and Kate."
"They’ll just have to be extra cautious when out in the castle grounds. We thought about going to see the headmistress, but Dan wanted to talk to Sera first. Kate doesn’t seem worried in the slightest, but Dan’s very worried."

Now ,inside Ellies head ,everything was making scene.
"And.. and if that happens again? If you or someone else is caught in the wrong place at the wrong time with Dan or Kate? And if that kid caught them alone?!" she asked.Emily merely shrugged and said "I really don't know Ellie." And gave the girl a weak smile.

Emily had gone over and over these questions so many times in her head, but never came up with an answer to any of them. And there was the added worry that Ems had been mean to Sera that day on Diagon Alley, whilst Ringo was listening the whole time. Emily had pushed this thought to the back of her mind. She would just have to deal with it, if anything happened.

"Josh seems to be a little.. ham.. how do I say this.. " sad? Nahh.. it wasn't that the word. "Weird?"
Emily sighed sadly. “You're right. Josh is not himself at the moment, and it has nothing to do with the Ringo thing.” Emily said with sorrow in her voice. “He has some stuff going on.” But it wasn’t Emily’s place to tell Ellie what that 'stuff' was.

[Raquelin.]

Ellie didn’t know what to say anymore. Thought she was feeling worried, she gave the girl a small smile and said.
“I think they must be cautious… Kate doesn’t seem worried!? Well, she is a very calm person but.. everyone has their limits.”
She looked at Emily while she spoke, that was something that she wasn’t expecting to hear.
Emily, Kate, Josh and Daniel attacked.
That.Was.Crazy.

“Emily, if you need anything, if you need to talk with someone.. and if something happens, you know you can talk to me.. and you can tell me. Because if you don’t ..I kill you.” She said with a smile half-joking.
She wasn’t going to kill her, of course. But she wanted to know if something happens.
“You can talk with me with no problems Emily.” She said smiling

Emily sighed sadly. “You're right. Josh is not himself at the moment, and it has nothing to do with the Ringo thing.” Emily said with sorrow in her voice. “He has some stuff going on.” But it wasn’t Emily’s place to tell Ellie what that 'stuff' was.

Ellie didn't know Josh very well, she didn't like him even if she had no apparent motive.
Maybe that was stupid.
Or maybe not.
She nodded while she looked up biting her lip "Its almost always bad when someone says "...some stuff going on.""

[noodles]

Ellie didn’t know what to say anymore. Thought she was feeling worried, she gave the girl a small smile and said.
“I think they must be cautious… Kate doesn’t seem worried!? Well, she is a very calm person but.. everyone has their limits.”
She looked at Emily while she spoke, that was something that she wasn’t expecting to hear.
Emily, Kate, Josh and Daniel attacked.
That.Was.Crazy.
“I know. I sometimes think that’s just her way of dealing with things. To act like nothing happened.” Emily shrugged. "And that's fine.. as long as she's ok." Maybe Ems was wrong. Maybe Kate wasn’t worried in the slightest. “Don’t stress about it, Ellie. Everything will be fine, I’m sure.” Emily said trying to convince herself as much as Ellie.

“Emily, if you need anything, if you need to talk with someone.. and if something happens, you know you can talk to me.. and you can tell me. Because if you don’t ..I kill you.” She said with a smile half-joking.
She wasn’t going to kill her, of course. But she wanted to know if something happens.
“You can talk with me with no problems Emily.” She said smiling

“Thanks” Emily smiled warmly at her friend. “You would be the first person I’d tell. You’re a great friend to me, Ellie.” Emily couldn’t wish for a better friend than Ellie. She put up with Emily’s moods, her strops and even her teasing which she often took too far. Not many would do the same.

Ellie didn't know Josh very well, she didn't like him even if she had no apparent motive.
Maybe that was stupid.
Or maybe not.
She nodded while she looked up biting her lip "Its almost always bad when someone says "...some stuff going on.""
“Well, yes, it is bad. He’s having a hard time with a few people whom he thought were his friends.” Emily told her friend. She wasn’t going to go in to detail. None of the people involved would thank her for it.

[Rockywizardia]

Sera crouched by the gate, her nose deep in a book about quidditch as usual. She hadn't seen Ringo for some time now but she figured Lestrange was being more generous to him and letting him stay at his place.

[Raquelin.]

“I know. I sometimes think that’s just her way of dealing with things. To act like nothing happened.” Emily shrugged. "And that's fine.. as long as she's ok." Maybe Ems was wrong. Maybe Kate wasn’t worried in the slightest. “Don’t stress about it, Ellie. Everything will be fine, I’m sure.” Emily said trying to convince herself as much as Ellie.


“Thanks” Emily smiled warmly at her friend. “You would be the first person I’d tell. You’re a great friend to me, Ellie.” Emily couldn’t wish for a better friend than Ellie. She put up with Emily’s moods, her strops and even her teasing which she often took too far. Not many would do the same.


“Well, yes, it is bad. He’s having a hard time with a few people whom he thought were his friends.” Emily told her friend. She wasn’t going to go in to detail. None of the people involved would thank her for it.

Ellie nodded, she understand Kate until a certain point. “I’m not stressed Emily. I’m just worried.” She said honestly with a smile."Which is normal because I'm your friend and I care about you."

Ellie grinned, she was happy to know that Emily counted with her. “Thank you Emily, I think you just made me win the day.” She said with a small laugh” You are an amazing friend too. I’m glad I had the change to don’t like you.. because I learn that you were a great, clever person” she said nodding.

Ellie raised an eyebrow when she heard Emily talking about Josh. “I feel bad for him.” She said while she bit her lip, she had never imagine that she would say that about Josh. “I mean.. you know what I mean.”
Maybe she didn’t….but Ellie didn’t blamed her.

[Paint.the.Limelight]

Phoebe returned from Hogsmeade after a very fun weekend. She slipped through the front gates onto the grounds before the caretaker could lock them. It would be terrible to be locked out of your own school! she thought. Phoebe sat down with her back against the stone wall on either side of the gate and tossed her golden brown hair over her shoulder. The sunlight fell on it and splintered into a thousand golden rainbows lit up in her hair. Ignoring this (once again hating the fact that her hair was so blindingly shiny) she took a sketch book and some top-quality colored pencils out of her denim messenger bag, and started to draw.

[Keysquah]

Phoebe returned from Hogsmeade after a very fun weekend. She slipped through the front gates onto the grounds before the caretaker could lock them. It would be terrible to be locked out of your own school! she thought. Phoebe sat down with her back against the stone wall on either side of the gate and tossed her golden brown hair over her shoulder. The sunlight fell on it and splintered into a thousand golden rainbows lit up in her hair. Ignoring this (once again hating the fact that her hair was so blindingly shiny) she took a sketch book and some top-quality colored pencils out of her denim messenger bag, and started to draw.


Somehow, Phoebe and herself got split up after she had told her truth about her mom. Laylee felt bad, because, without really saying anything, she had been lying to her, making her think that she had a full family.
Laylee could finally see the front gates and smiled, because for some reason she had decided to walk; but since she bought all that candy at Honeydukes, it made it quite hard for her to walk all the way there. She had ended up making her big bag a goodies a miniature bag with her wand. She had taught herself the spell only a few days before.
Laylee spotted Phoebe sitting against the wall and smiled slightly. A little bit of color creeped into her cheeks again from earlier.
"Hey!" She said. "I lost you." Laylee glanced at her drawing and smiled. "Your very talented!"

[Jason Potter Weasley]

Jason goes by the gate hoping to meet anyone down there.

[Paint.the.Limelight]

Somehow, Phoebe and herself got split up after she had told her truth about her mom. Laylee felt bad, because, without really saying anything, she had been lying to her, making her think that she had a full family.
Laylee could finally see the front gates and smiled, because for some reason she had decided to walk; but since she bought all that candy at Honeydukes, it made it quite hard for her to walk all the way there. She had ended up making her big bag a goodies a miniature bag with her wand. She had taught herself the spell only a few days before.
Laylee spotted Phoebe sitting against the wall and smiled slightly. A little bit of color creeped into her cheeks again from earlier.
"Hey!" She said. "I lost you." Laylee glanced at her drawing and smiled. "Your very talented!"

Phoebe looked up as Laylee joined her. "Hey--there you are! I thought you went back up to the castle without me!" She moved Eternal, who was in the midst of chasing a butterfly, so that Laylee could sit down. Eternal continued chasing the butterfly with renewed energy. Phoebe rolled her eyes. "Oh Eternal, you silly kitten!" she said. "Thanks. You want to see the rest of my drawings?" she asked.

[Jason Potter Weasley]

" Nice drawings " Jason says to the girl drawing pictures.

[Keysquah]

Phoebe looked up as Laylee joined her. "Hey--there you are! I thought you went back up to the castle without me!" She moved Eternal, who was in the midst of chasing a butterfly, so that Laylee could sit down. Eternal continued chasing the butterfly with renewed energy. Phoebe rolled her eyes. "Oh Eternal, you silly kitten!" she said. "Thanks. You want to see the rest of my drawings?" she asked.

Laylee laughed at her kitten and sat down next to Phoebe.
"Yeah, I would like that!" Laylee said smiling. She loved that there were other people here who enjoyed drawing what they saw. It was always Laylee's dream to be an artist and a teacher; for she would have to be both because she could not choose between them!

Laylee looked up at the boy infront of them. She had never really met him, but she knew of him.
"Yes, she's very talented!" She said smiling at her friends picture.

[Jason Potter Weasley]

" My name is Jason girls and your names?" Jason asks the lovely young girls.

[Cosmic]

Kate seemed to be wondering aimlessly,she liked going for walks,she needed to clear her head of the hectic life Hogwarts had created for her.She sighed deeply and taking in the sights that she saw walking aroud.She quite liked all the places you could go at Hogwarts,there seemed to something new everytime you turned a corner,which for Kate,it was quite exciting..

[Paint.the.Limelight]

" Nice drawings " Jason says to the girl drawing pictures.

Phoebe looked around at the boy who had commented on her drawing. "Oh! Thank you. I've been drawing since I was about three." The last comment was for both the boy and Laylee.Laylee laughed at her kitten and sat down next to Phoebe.
"Yeah, I would like that!" Laylee said smiling. She loved that there were other people here who enjoyed drawing what they saw. It was always Laylee's dream to be an artist and a teacher; for she would have to be both because she could not choose between them!

Laylee looked up at the boy infront of them. She had never really met him, but she knew of him.
"Yes, she's very talented!" She said smiling at her friends picture.

"Here you are!" said Phoebe cheerfully, handing her the whole book. "The earliest ones are from when I was in fourth year. The latest...well, today!" she said. "There are kind of a lot." she added as Laylee opened the book." My name is Jason girls and your names?" Jason asks the lovely young girls.

"I'm Phoebe Isabella Elmwood. I'm a seventh year Ravenclaw." said Phoebe. She looked at Laylee, waiting for her to introduce herself.

[Keysquah]

" My name is Jason girls and your names?" Jason asks the lovely young girls.

"My name is Laylee Lynn Russell! 3rd year Ravenclaw!" Laylee said smiling brightly at Jason.

Phoebe looked around at the boy who had commented on her drawing. "Oh! Thank you. I've been drawing since I was about three." The last comment was for both the boy and Laylee.

"Here you are!" said Phoebe cheerfully, handing her the whole book. "The earliest ones are from when I was in fourth year. The latest...well, today!" she said. "There are kind of a lot." she added as Laylee opened the book.

"I'm Phoebe Isabella Elmwood. I'm a seventh year Ravenclaw." said Phoebe. She looked at Laylee, waiting for her to introduce herself.

Laylee's eyes widened as she flipped through Phoebe's pictures. They were so advanced and beautiful.
Her book was about the same size as hers, and Laylee would let her see it, but... there were drawing in there of her mom and brother. Drawing of her nightmares and dreams were in that book. Not to metion Chandan...

[Paint.the.Limelight]

"My name is Laylee Lynn Russell! 3rd year Ravenclaw!" Laylee said smiling brightly at Jason.



Laylee's eyes widened as she flipped through Phoebe's pictures. They were so advanced and beautiful.
Her book was about the same size as hers, and Laylee would let her see it, but... there were drawing in there of her mom and brother. Drawing of her nightmares and dreams were in that book. Not to mention Chandan...

Phoebe watched Laylee's face as she looked at the sketchbook, looked at the drawings of her mother, her sister, pictures of fairies and elves and banshees, and centaurs, sphinxes, leprechauns. Also, pictures of places she'd been, pretty flowers and views she'd seen. And a self-portrait. phoebe raised her eyebrows. "Well do you like them?" she asked quietly.

[Jason Potter Weasley]

" Girls nice to meet you" Jason says. I am third year Gryffindor. " You are both very pretty. Jason tells them.

[Paint.the.Limelight]

" Girls nice to meet you" Jason says. I am third year Gryffindor. " You are both very pretty. Jason tells them.

Phoebe smiled at him. "It's nice to meet you too." she said. "Well thank you, Jason." she said to his comment on her being pretty. "Eternal come back here!" she added as her kitten scampered off. "Excuse me," she said to her two companions. She jumped up and ran towards Eternal, who was chasing the butterfly farther and farther away. She gently picked her kitten up and brought her back over to Laylee and Jason. "Sorry about that," she apologized. She held Eternal tightly in her lap so she couldn't run of again.

[Jason Potter Weasley]

" You welcome Phoebe" Jason says. " You must do a lot of homework or you would have a boyfreind" Jason teases her knowing full way that both of these girls have boyfreinds.

[Keysquah]

Phoebe watched Laylee's face as she looked at the sketchbook, looked at the drawings of her mother, her sister, pictures of fairies and elves and banshees, and centaurs, sphinxes, leprechauns. Also, pictures of places she'd been, pretty flowers and views she'd seen. And a self-portrait. phoebe raised her eyebrows. "Well do you like them?" she asked quietly.

"I love them! You soo good at it." Laylee said smiling at them. She slowly shut the book and gave it back to her. Laylee shuffled in her bag until she found a loose drawing of hers. She tilted it so Phoebe could see it. It was one of Laylee's favorites! The picture was drawn by her in her first year at Hogwarts. She sketched the Lake for the first time. Laylee had a special amount of attetion to it. If you looked closely you would see every tree, every detail of that tree, even the leaves were exact.
Laylee was lucky to have caught the giant squid that day, coming up for feeding. So you could see if tentacles waving in the sunlight.
Laylee smiled weakly at it. It the best drawing she had ever done. She had never paid as much detail to anything unless she was doing a portrait...
"It took me from morning till night!" Laylee said. "I would have stayed longer and kept drawing but I would have gotten in trouble." Laylee said laughing.

" Girls nice to meet you" Jason says. I am third year Gryffindor. " You are both very pretty. Jason tells them.

"Thank you Jason, thats very sweet." Laylee said. She couldnt help it; she blushed slightly.

[Jason Potter Weasley]

Who is your boyfriend Laylee?"Jason tells her. " Do I know him? Jason asks her.

[Keysquah]

"Oh, I dont have a boyfriend." Laylee said truthfully. "I just have friend!" Laylee said oddly and then she laughed at herself.

[Jason Potter Weasley]

"Well, i do not know why you do not, too much homework"?Jason teases her.

[Paint.the.Limelight]

" You welcome Phoebe" Jason says. " You must do a lot of homework or you would have a boyfreind" Jason teases her knowing full way that both of these girls have boyfreinds.

Phoebe laughed. "Well you're right about one thing: I do always do my homework on time no matter how much I've got. But you're wrong about the other thing: I don't really have a boyfriend." she said. "I've got a friend who's a boy, but not a boyfriend." She laughed again, knowing it was ridiculous for a 18-year-old girl to have no boyfriend."I love them! You soo good at it." Laylee said smiling at them. She slowly shut the book and gave it back to her. Laylee shuffled in her bag until she found a loose drawing of hers. She tilted it so Phoebe could see it. It was one of Laylee's favorites! The picture was drawn by her in her first year at Hogwarts. She sketched the Lake for the first time. Laylee had a special amount of attetion to it. If you looked closely you would see every tree, every detail of that tree, even the leaves were exact.
Laylee was lucky to have caught the giant squid that day, coming up for feeding. So you could see if tentacles waving in the sunlight.
Laylee smiled weakly at it. It the best drawing she had ever done. She had never paid as much detail to anything unless she was doing a portrait...
"It took me from morning till night!" Laylee said. "I would have stayed longer and kept drawing but I would have gotten in trouble." Laylee said laughing.



"Thank you Jason, thats very sweet." Laylee said. She couldnt help it; she blushed slightly.

Phoebe smiled again. "Thank you again. I don't let a lot of people see my work." She took her sketchbook back and stowed it in her bag. She took Layle's drawing and examined it. "Laylee, this is amazing. Look at all the detail...I can see every leaf! And i love how you did the ripples on the water...and I love the tentacle." She said. "How long have you been drawing?"

[Jason Potter Weasley]

Well Laylee, would you like to take a walk later? Jason asks her.

[Keysquah]

"Well, i do not know why you do not, too much homework"?Jason teases her.

"No." Laylee laughed. "I get my school done quickly. It is mostly because Im not really looking for one." Laylee said smiling. She never really did go scouting for boys to be attracted to. The only boys that were apart of her life were Tony (her very first boyfriend... mistake.), Will (one of her best friends), and Chandan (the boy that she was currently very confused about).
"What about you? Who is your girlfriend?" Laylee asked, switching the focus on him.



Phoebe laughed. "Well you're right about one thing: I do always do my homework on time no matter how much I've got. But you're wrong about the other thing: I don't really have a boyfriend." she said. "I've got a friend who's a boy, but not a boyfriend." She laughed again, knowing it was ridiculous for a 18-year-old girl to have no boyfriend.

Phoebe smiled again. "Thank you again. I don't let a lot of people see my work." She took her sketchbook back and stowed it in her bag. She took Layle's drawing and examined it. "Laylee, this is amazing. Look at all the detail...I can see every leaf! And i love how you did the ripples on the water...and I love the tentacle." She said. "How long have you been drawing?"

"Thank you! It was the very first drawing I did at Hogwarts!" She said happily. For Laylee, the only true thing that made her proud of herself was her drawings. She was usually modest about her other abilities, but she was truely happy with this talent.
"Well, I drew a picture of my family all together shortly after my brother was born. I was 9. Is wasnt really that great, but the faces resembled my family." Laylee laughed. "But when my mom saw it, she said that I was going to be a great artist! Ive been making myself better ever since, and now its one of the only things that relieves my stress!" Laylee said smiling at the happy story.

Well Laylee, would you like to take a walk later? Jason asks her.

Laylee was shocked by his question. She didnt know what to say. "Ummmm..." She looked at Phoebe nervously blushing like crazy. "Uhhhh... sure." Laylee nodded. Why not. It would be rude to decline and what would hurt. She could get to know him more. They could be friends. By her experience with Tony, Laylee knew that going any further ment embarrassment and sadness.

[Jason Potter Weasley]

" I understand Laylee" Jason tells her. " ithought I had a girlfreind and then she decided to dump me today at the alke by flirting with another boy and even though I asked her to talk she never talked to me" Jason tells her. " All Iever hear from grls is I like and want to be your freind, never girlfriend" Jason rambles on to this new girl." I am sorry to tell you about my problems" Jason apologizes.

[Keysquah]

"Its okay! I dont mind. Sometimes I get lost rambleing. I probably drive my friends nuts!" Laylee said laughing at herself.
"But, you know, nothing is wrong with being a girls friend. Usually being friends with a girl for a while is the best. Because they get to know him and begin liking him!" Laylee said, hoping it would lift his spirits. But it was true. That had happened many times to girls she knew and also herself...

[Jason Potter Weasley]

" I hear you Laylee but it is very hard for me"Jason tells her. My freind and cousin Excesior gets all the girls"Jason tells her.

[Keysquah]

"Well, it just takes time. You'll find her someday." Laylee said encouragingly.
"Just dont worry about it and you'll be fine." She said looking up at him from where she sat.
Laylee pushed a certain, annoying, curl out of her face and put it behind her ear.

[Jason Potter Weasley]

Bye, see you around laylee.Jason calls out to her.

[Keysquah]

Laylee wasnt really sure why he was leaving, but she waved goodbye anyway. "It was nice talking to you Jason!" She yelled after him.

[Jason Potter Weasley]

Jason walks back to the gate knwing there is no one out there for him< he has been truned down so much he feels like a muggle steering wheel. If I wasn't born half nuggle and half blue blood. Jason just stares into space.

[Keysquah]

Laylee wondered where he was headed... Hogsmeade was closed...
Was he leaving? Laylee felt bad. But what could she say to make him stay. She didnt even know him... Laylee looked at Phoebe with a sad expression on her face. "I dont think he wanted me to say that..." She said frowning slightly.

[Jason Potter Weasley]

Jason potter Weasley pacing around looking for those two traitors- they know who they are- one makes me hate girls and the other makes me hate Hogwarts.

[Paint.the.Limelight]

OOC: Aaahhhhhh! I missed so much! I don't feel like quoting everything but know that I am talking to Laylee (Keysquah) and Jason (Jason Potter Weasley.)

bic: Phoebe nodded to Laylee. "Yes, my mother used to say the same thing. But then she and Daddy died, and Grandmother takes no interest whatsoever in my drawings." she said. Phoebe could tell that Laylee really enjoyed drawing. "You are very good. Your mother was right." Phoebe felt a pang, both of the loss of her mother, and for Laylee and the loss of her mother.

Phoebe shrugged at Laylee. It's your invitation, not mine, she mouthed.

She frowned. "I'm sorry to hear that, Jason," she told him. "I actually had a boyfriend for all of two weeks, and then he graduated and I haven't seen him since." She shrugged.

"Drives me nuts," Phoebe joked. "No, I'm just kidding, laylee. You think you ramble? You've never heard me. I can go on for hours if no one stops me." she laughed at herself.

As Phoebe watched, Laylee and Jason had a discusion about girlfriends. Then Jason got up and left. Where on earth could he be going?

"I don't think he wanted me to say that," Laylee told her. Phoebe leaned back against the wall. "I am now officially confused," she admitted. "You know, I think he's just having a hard time right now. He'll probably get over it." She said to Laylee. She sighed.

[Keysquah]

OOC: Aaahhhhhh! I missed so much! I don't feel like quoting everything but know that I am talking to Laylee (Keysquah) and[/color] Jason (Jason Potter Weasley.)

bic: Phoebe nodded to Laylee. "Yes, my mother used to say the same thing. But then she and Daddy died, and Grandmother takes no interest whatsoever in my drawings." she said. Phoebe could tell that Laylee really enjoyed drawing. "You are very good. Your mother was right." Phoebe felt a pang, both of the loss of her mother, and for Laylee and the loss of her mother.

"Thank you." Laylee said blushing slightly at the comment. Laylee felt like herself and Phoebe had a lot of theings in common. They had a lot of the same intrests and experiences in their lifes. Laylee felt horrible for Phoebe, that she had lost both her parents... Laylee couldnt imagine life without her father... How unreal it would be for her. Plus, who would she go to. She didnt have any other relatives... And Phoebe had to live with a grandmother that, by what she had heard, didnt seem to really care about her intrests.

Phoebe shrugged at Laylee. It's your invitation, not mine, she mouthed.

Laylee shrugged nervously and turned her attention back to Jason.

She frowned. "I'm sorry to hear that, Jason," she told him. "I actually had a boyfriend for all of two weeks, and then he graduated and I haven't seen him since." She shrugged.

Laylee smiled sadly. "My first and only boyfriend was last year and all he wanted to do was kiss me..." Laylee said shaking her head. "Which, thats not bad, but I just wasnt ready for all of that..." Laylee said, sad at the thought that her first kiss was wasted on a boy who didnt even ask to take it...

"Drives me nuts," Phoebe joked. "No, I'm just kidding, laylee. You think you ramble? You've never heard me. I can go on for hours if no one stops me." she laughed at herself.

"Hahaha! Ive witnessed the beginnings of your rambles!" Laylee said laughing. "No Im just kidding! Thats what makes us special... We ramble!" Laylee said laughing again.

As Phoebe watched, Laylee and Jason had a discusion about girlfriends. Then Jason got up and left. Where on earth could he be going?

"I don't think he wanted me to say that," Laylee told her. Phoebe leaned back against the wall. "I am now officially confused," she admitted. "You know, I think he's just having a hard time right now. He'll probably get over it." She said to Laylee. She sighed.

"Yeah, I guess so. I feel bad for him. He must have been through a lot. But you know, he's only in his third year, there are still a ton of women that he hasn't met yet!" Laylee said.

ooc-sorry that this is weird and that none of the color it there! It was too complicated lol!

[Paint.the.Limelight]

"Thank you." Laylee said blushing slightly at the comment. Laylee felt like herself and Phoebe had a lot of theings in common. They had a lot of the same intrests and experiences in their lifes. Laylee felt horrible for Phoebe, that she had lost both her parents... Laylee couldnt imagine life without her father... How unreal it would be for her. Plus, who would she go to. She didnt have any other relatives... And Phoebe had to live with a grandmother that, by what she had heard, didnt seem to really care about her intrests.

Phoebe watched Laylee anxiously. She seemed to be lost in thought. suddenly she got a flash of what Laylee was thinking, and cried out in surprise. She found that laylee was thinking about...her! "Sorry Laylee, I didn't mean to scream. There's something I haven't told you. I can read minds. I just get these random little unexpected flashes of what people are thinking." She wiggled her fingers in front of her face. "I can't control it. So these flashes startle me." She did not add that she had seen Laylee's thoughts in case she got mad.


Laylee smiled sadly. "My first and only boyfriend was last year and all he wanted to do was kiss me..." Laylee said shaking her head. "Which, thats not bad, but I just wasnt ready for all of that..." Laylee said, sad at the thought that her first kiss was wasted on a boy who didnt even ask to take it...

"Oh. I'm sorry to hear that. Truly i am. My boyfriend seemed like he really liked me but was too shy to kiss me. So he never did." She put her chin on her knees.

"Hahaha! Ive witnessed the beginnings of your rambles!" Laylee said laughing. "No Im just kidding! Thats what makes us special... We ramble!" Laylee said laughing again.

Phoebe laughed. "Yep. If you didn't stop me I would've gone on and on and on and on forever, probably! I never used to say much." She laughed at herself and at Laylee too, for having this special rambling superpower.

"Yeah, I guess so. I feel bad for him. He must have been through a lot. But you know, he's only in his third year, there are still a ton of women that he hasn't met yet!" Laylee said.

ooc-sorry that this is weird and that none of the color it there! It was too complicated lol!

Phoebe raised her eyebrows. "I feel kind of bad for all those women, I have to say!" she said laughing.
ooc: It's okay, it's my fault.

[Keysquah]

Phoebe watched Laylee anxiously. She seemed to be lost in thought. suddenly she got a flash of what Laylee was thinking, and cried out in surprise. She found that laylee was thinking about...her! "Sorry Laylee, I didn't mean to scream. There's something I haven't told you. I can read minds. I just get these random little unexpected flashes of what people are thinking." She wiggled her fingers in front of her face. "I can't control it. So these flashes startle me." She did not add that she had seen Laylee's thoughts in case she got mad.


"Really! How long have you had this skill?" Laylee asked, interested. She thought instantly of Chandan. He had something like this, only... different.
"What did you see?" Laylee asked happily. But then Laylee remembered that she was thinking about her and her family situation. Laylee looked down embarassed.


"Oh. I'm sorry to hear that. Truly i am. My boyfriend seemed like he really liked me but was too shy to kiss me. So he never did." She put her chin on her knees.


"So you guys never stayed connected after he left?" Laylee asked, feeling bad for her. He sounded sweet.


Phoebe laughed. "Yep. If you didn't stop me I would've gone on and on and on and on forever, probably! I never used to say much." She laughed at herself and at Laylee too, for having this special rambling superpower.


Laylee laughed with her for a while and then controlled herself. "Well if I get sick of you, then Ill stopp you!" Laylee said in a joking voice.


Phoebe raised her eyebrows. "I feel kind of bad for all those women, I have to say!" she said laughing.
ooc: It's okay, it's my fault.

Laylee couldnt help it; she burst out laughing. "Yes, poor dears..." Laylee said seriously.

[Jason Potter Weasley]

" Hi laylee" Jason says,

[Keysquah]

" Hi laylee" Jason says,

"Hello again!" Laylee said, looking up at Jason, who had returned. "So, whats going on?" She asked, wondering why he had seemed like he was ready to leave.

[Jason Potter Weasley]

" Nothing muchm just thinking hoping thinks will eventally turn out right for me" Jason laments to her.

[Keysquah]

"I'm sure they will." Laylee said encouragingly.
"You know, I bet there is a girl in this school who is crazy about you, and you dont even know it." Laylee said, thinking about that one boy that found out 6 different girls liked him and he was completely clueless.

[Jason Potter Weasley]

Laylee it is just my cousin Excelsior gets all these girls and he doesn't need to try that hard because of his looks. " Jason tells her, " i just came back from the lake and this one girl who liked me is mad at me but we never ever talked and she was the one who made me yell " I HATE GIRLS!" all over the place. I am ok now. " I treated her wrong but because i scolded her I was mad at her for not talking"Jason tells her. " so when yo ussaid just friends it was a another heartache you never knew about me and i am sorry" Jason rables on, too.

[Keysquah]

Laylee was a bit confused by the explaination, because she didnt know about any of this. She gave a quick worried glance to Phoebe. Then a memory came back... Excelsior... did she know him? Laylee wasnt sure so she shook it off to think about later.
"Okay, so, your mad at her because she wasnt talking to you, but you still like her?" Laylee asked a little confused. "And youd never spoken to her before?" Laylee asked again. She was trying to understand.

[Jason Potter Weasley]

" no laylee, let me explain better, we became girlfreind and boyfreind but she was ignoring me and flirting with another boy. She wanted to go with him somwhre called the Room of Requirement and my so called girlfriend Roxy wanted to go with him" jason tells her. " i just asked to talk to her about what is wrong." i am still trying to win her back but she will not even talk to me or take the flowers I gave her with my wand." Jason says.

[Paint.the.Limelight]

"Really! How long have you had this skill?" Laylee asked, interested. She thought instantly of Chandan. He had something like this, only... different.
"What did you see?" Laylee asked happily. But then Laylee remembered that she was thinking about her and her family situation. Laylee looked down embarassed.

"Oh I expect I've had it ever since i was born, but I didn't know I had it until I was about...oh, seven, eight? I'm not sure exactly." she said thoughtfully. "Oh, um...well...I saw what you were thinking, actually. You felt sorry for me because of what has happened to my family." It felt extremely weird telling someone else what they were thinking abut. She'd never done it before. It was a bit unsettling.

"So you guys never stayed connected after he left?" Laylee asked, feeling bad for her. He sounded sweet.

"No. I never knew where he lived or anything and back then I didn't have Aphrodite yet. He might have moved to Iceland or something and I would never know. He said he would write but he never did, and I doubt he's going to because it was three years ago," Phoebe told her glumly.

Laylee laughed with her for a while and then controlled herself. "Well if I get sick of you, then Ill stop you!" Laylee said in a joking voice.

Phoebe laughed. "Thanks a lot." she said, pretending to be annoyed. She spoiled it, though, by laughing too.

Laylee couldnt help it; she burst out laughing. "Yes, poor dears..." Laylee said seriously.

Phoebe smiled and had to try really hard to keep from crying, she was laughing so hard. With effort, she controlled herself. "oh...that was good," she said, her red face slowly changing back to its normal color.

[Jason Potter Weasley]

"Sorry about talking to you about my troubles Laylee- probably boring you -so I will just leave. Jason tels her and walks away again.

[Keysquah]

" no laylee, let me explain better, we became girlfreind and boyfreind but she was ignoring me and flirting with another boy. She wanted to go with him somwhre called the Room of Requirement and my so called girlfriend Roxy wanted to go with him" jason tells her. " i just asked to talk to her about what is wrong." i am still trying to win her back but she will not even talk to me or take the flowers I gave her with my wand." Jason says.

"Okay so, she was supposedly going to the Room of Requirement with another guy and you are the one trying to win her back?" Laylee asked, still confused. "I mean, if she is liking another guy, dont you think thats evidence that she isnt a good match for you?" Laylee wasnt very good at holding back her oppinions and she knew it...

"Oh I expect I've had it ever since i was born, but I didn't know I had it until I was about...oh, seven, eight? I'm not sure exactly." she said thoughtfully. "Oh, um...well...I saw what you were thinking, actually. You felt sorry for me because of what has happened to my family." It felt extremely weird telling someone else what they were thinking abut. She'd never done it before. It was a bit unsettling.



"No. I never knew where he lived or anything and back then I didn't have Aphrodite yet. He might have moved to Iceland or something and I would never know. He said he would write but he never did, and I doubt he's going to because it was three years ago," Phoebe told her glumly.



Phoebe laughed. "Thanks a lot." she said, pretending to be annoyed. She spoiled it, though, by laughing too.



Phoebe smiled and had to try really hard to keep from crying, she was laughing so hard. With effort, she controlled herself. "oh...that was good," she said, her red face slowly changing back to its normal color.

ooc-Im going to make this all one post now.

"Oh... You did see that. Im sorry." For some reason Laylee felt bad for thinking. How horrible would it be if she found out something that Laylee wouldnt want people to know... And its not even Phoebes fault, she cant control it. Laylee shook it off, knowing that something like that wouldnt happen.
Laylee changed the subject to her ex-boyfriend.
"Well, maybe someday he will realize that he cant live without you and your rableing superpower!" Laylee said, laughing histerically.

"Sorry about talking to you about my troubles Laylee- probably boring you -so I will just leave. Jason tels her and walks away again.

"Jason, you dont have to leave. I dont mind your troubles. People say that Im good to talk to about troubles." Laylee said smiling with fake vainity. She laughed at herself and patted the grass beside her, inviting him to sit and vent.

[Jason Potter Weasley]

Jason runs back to the frontgate. " Laylee, you were right on, I like your opinions" Jason calls out to her.Phoebe your drawings are really cool" Jason told her not wanting to ignore her." Roxy and are I done over a misunderatanding but you were right about the other boy and I just did not see it- she thought I was jealous- I do not get jealous.- Jason says.Jjason thinking of another girl who likes him and just can't seem to co,e to terms with it cause she is afraid to give Jason another heartache.

[Keysquah]

"Well, Im happy for you, for coming to a decision." Laylee said. Though she didnt believe him about the jeaslousy part. Everyone gets jealous, even herself. It doesnt have to be anything big, but it happens.
"Okay, so there is another girl who likes you?" Laylee asked thinking that the boy sure did move fast. "Well then, you have to do something. Make your heart ready. If she thinks that she is going to break you heart then say to her: "This relationship is worth it." Meaning that you would gibe her your heart and give her the option to take it or reject it. If she isnt going to take the chance with your heart, then she isnt worth taking it or breaking it." Laylee said matter-of-factly. She hoped he understood what she was saying. Her explanation came out pretty confusing...

[Jason Potter Weasley]

" I undersstand Laylee and I am putting out my heart out for her" jason says. " i do not work fast, I have been gradually trying for her and she is slowly coming around but I never thought she would like me so i went for the other girl" Jason tells both girls.

[Paint.the.Limelight]

"Okay so, she was supposedly going to the Room of Requirement with another guy and you are the one trying to win her back?" Laylee asked, still confused. "I mean, if she is liking another guy, dont you think thats evidence that she isnt a good match for you?" Laylee wasnt very good at holding back her oppinions and she knew it...



ooc-Im going to make this all one post now.

"Oh... You did see that. Im sorry." For some reason Laylee felt bad for thinking. How horrible would it be if she found out something that Laylee wouldnt want people to know... And its not even Phoebes fault, she cant control it. Laylee shook it off, knowing that something like that wouldnt happen.
Laylee changed the subject to her ex-boyfriend.
"Well, maybe someday he will realize that he cant live without you and your rableing superpower!" Laylee said, laughing histerically.



"Jason, you dont have to leave. I dont mind your troubles. People say that Im good to talk to about troubles." Laylee said smiling with fake vainity. She laughed at herself and patted the grass beside her, inviting him to sit and vent.

ooc: one post. me too, it's easier lol

Phoebe nodded. "Well Jason I don't really want to be ruse, but if she was flirting with someone else and going with them places, maybe she isn't right for you and you should move on. I know you don't want to hear it--no one does---but it is true." she said, trying to be reasonable. Then she laughed. "Oh Laylee, don't feel bad. I don't care what you think about me. That's why you have thoughts--you can curse at people all you want in your head and they won't know. I am trying to learn to control it, but it's like a wild horse; it doesn't want to be reined in." She shrugged. "I don't think I'll see him again, Laylee. But it's okay, I've moved on," she said sincerely. "And he thought my so-called 'superpower' was the one thing about me he couldn't stand. I saw into his mind twice by accident, and he was furious. He didn't believe that i couldn't control it..." She shook her head. Then she laughed again as Jason attempted to put her back into the conversation. "Oh, it's fine dearie, I don't need to be a part of this. But thank you for saying my drawings are really cool!" she said.

[Keysquah]

" I undersstand Laylee and I am putting out my heart out for her" jason says. " i do not work fast, I have been gradually trying for her and she is slowly coming around but I never thought she would like me so i went for the other girl" Jason tells both girls.

Laylee nodded understanding, though she felt the whole situation could have been avoided but she kept her mouth closed... for once.
"Well I happy for you. I hope thing work out with the two of you!" Laylee said truthfully.

ooc: one post. me too, it's easier lol

Phoebe nodded. "Well Jason I don't really want to be ruse, but if she was flirting with someone else and going with them places, maybe she isn't right for you and you should move on. I know you don't want to hear it--no one does---but it is true." she said, trying to be reasonable. Then she laughed. "Oh Laylee, don't feel bad. I don't care what you think about me. That's why you have thoughts--you can curse at people all you want in your head and they won't know. I am trying to learn to control it, but it's like a wild horse; it doesn't want to be reined in." She shrugged. "I don't think I'll see him again, Laylee. But it's okay, I've moved on," she said sincerely. "And he thought my so-called 'superpower' was the one thing about me he couldn't stand. I saw into his mind twice by accident, and he was furious. He didn't believe that i couldn't control it..." She shook her head. Then she laughed again as Jason attempted to put her back into the conversation. "Oh, it's fine dearie, I don't need to be a part of this. But thank you for saying my drawings are really cool!" she said.

Laylee laughed, feeling her worries lift from her. "Okay, well Im lad you feel that way because I was just thinking about how much I dont like you." Laylee said, staring her down. She held the lie as long as possible and then burst out with loud and obnoxious laughing; the kind hse gets when she just cant control herself. "Im just kidding! I hope you know that! Your my very good friend!" Laylee said after she controlled herself.

Laylee felt bad that the boy had been so strongly accused to her ability. She frowned slightly, feeling horrible for her.

[Paint.the.Limelight]

Laylee laughed, feeling her worries lift from her. "Okay, well Im lad you feel that way because I was just thinking about how much I dont like you." Laylee said, staring her down. She held the lie as long as possible and then burst out with loud and obnoxious laughing; the kind hse gets when she just cant control herself. "Im just kidding! I hope you know that! Your my very good friend!" Laylee said after she controlled herself.

Laylee felt bad that the boy had been so strongly accused to her ability. She frowned slightly, feeling horrible for her.

Phoebe raised her eyebrows, her eyes blinking rapidly. She looked into Laylee's eyes and saw humor there, and relaxed. "Oh, thanks," she said sarcastically. She knew that Laylee was only kidding of course, and when Laylee said so, she smiled. "Good one! I almost fell for it! Luckily though, I'm not very gullible!" she said laughing. "I could read your expression on your face clear as day. It comes with being able to read kinds. I can also read faces!" she said brightly. She meant it as a joke; it didn't come out sounding like one, however.

[Keysquah]

Phoebe raised her eyebrows, her eyes blinking rapidly. She looked into Laylee's eyes and saw humor there, and relaxed. "Oh, thanks," she said sarcastically. She knew that Laylee was only kidding of course, and when Laylee said so, she smiled. "Good one! I almost fell for it! Luckily though, I'm not very gullible!" she said laughing. "I could read your expression on your face clear as day. It comes with being able to read kinds. I can also read faces!" she said brightly. She meant it as a joke; it didn't come out sounding like one, however.

Laylee laughed with her, happy that she understood the joke.
"Im gullible too!" Laylee said truthfully. "I believe a lot of stuff that I shouldnt!" She said smiling.
"Oh yeah, Im so sure! I was doing pretty well at fooling you until I lost it and laughed!" Laylee said giggleing.

[Jason Potter Weasley]

" Laylee and Phoebe" I put my heart out for the girl and hopefully I will get lucky" Jason tells them.

[Keysquah]

Laylee nodded, happy for him. "I hope she makes the right decision!" She said smiling at him.

[Paint.the.Limelight]

Laylee laughed with her, happy that she understood the joke.
"Im gullible too!" Laylee said truthfully. "I believe a lot of stuff that I shouldnt!" She said smiling.
"Oh yeah, Im so sure! I was doing pretty well at fooling you until I lost it and laughed!" Laylee said giggleing.

"I said I wasn't gullible," Phoebe reminded her kindly. "The trick with seeing if people are kidding or not is to look at their eyes. No matter how blank you keep your face, people can always read your emotions in your eyes. right now, I can see you're trying not to laugh." said Phoebe. Then she rolled her eyes. "Oh Laylee, you're so silly!" she said, shaking her head in mock disappointment.

[Keysquah]

Laylee laughed as Phoebe read her face with perfect accuracy.
"Well, your right. Faces arent that hard to read." Laylee said truthfully. Suddenly Laylee stood up and offered her hand to Phoebe.
"Do you want to move along the grounds? I dont think I can sit here any longer." Laylee said laughing. She looked at Phoebe with hope that they she to join her.

ooc-Im not sure if Jason is still with them, but if he is then he can join them!

[Paint.the.Limelight]

Phoebe was slightly taken by surprise, but she took Laylee's hand and Laylee helped her up. "Yes, sure. Where do you want to go first?" she asked.

[Keysquah]

"Lets go to the Whom..." Laylee was about to say the Whomping Willow, but had flashes of memories from last term and quickly changed her mind.
"I mean the Veggitable Patch! I havent been there yet this term!" Laylee said excitedly.

[Paint.the.Limelight]

"The vegetable patch? I haven't been there since last year! Let's go." said Phoebe, and she ran across the big lawns, past the magnificent, intimidating castle, and into the vegetable patch.

ooc: I'm there now! lol

[Keysquah]

Laylee was surprised because the very next moment, Phoebe was gone. Laylee smiled and ran after her happily...

ooc-okiedoke

[Hermione_loves_Ron]

The wind was growing and become more and more harsh. It was cold and this was how Issy knew she would be safe outside. There would no students milling around with the prospect of snow in the forcast. She wouldn't be in the library, running into Samson. This was not a corridor where Gavin would bump into her. Even if it meant freezing and cold red cheeks and numb fingers, Issy had her isolation out here in the frigid cold, the swirling dark clouds above her.

Bundled up in her thick cloak (she'd sent home for it and two owls returned with it), she hunched up with her back to the wind, a little black book in her lap. Furiously, she was scratching her quill across the pages. Writing was carthtic, and this time she wasn't journaling, which she found herself doing a lot of lately.

Ugh. She coudln't gauge her mood. At that moment, she felt kind of lonely, and she wasn't sure why. Samson hating her and Gavin being his friend and Juni with the books and Callie with the weird fakeness and Aiden never around where she was.

There were probably others she could talk to, but at this moment, she just felt lonely and kind of hollow.

Her quill continued to scratch the paper as she combatted the cold.

[Harmonizer]

Eh. The Castle was starting to get too warm for his taste anyway.

Samson stepped out into the cold, squiniting his eyes as a strong wind blew past him. This wasn't exactly his kind of weather, but it somehow worked. It was good enough. Plus, there weren't a lot of people out, and that meant he wouldn't have to worry about bumping into anyone in case he wasn't looking where he was going again. He didn't even mind Gavin not being here. There wasn't much to talk about anyway, to be honest. And there weren't a lot of students out to pick on.

He decided to go exploring today. Because the grounds were practically isolated, except for the occasional, cloakless student trying to run frantically away from the cold, the favorite spots for exploration were most probably free for him to occupy.

Come to think of it, he wanted to start at the very entrance of Hogwarts, or at least, where he was allowed to start. He walked over to the Front Gates, encountering a lot of other sites to explore along the way. There was a large cave, the Care of Magical Creatures classroom, the Groundskeeper's hut, a shortcut towards the Forbidden Forest, and a lot of other things he hadn't entirely paid attention to before.

As soon as he got there, he was already tired. Besides, the cold wind he was going against was adding to the effort of walking around. Hmph. Too bad there weren't any benches around. He then just decided to stop by a tree and lean on it, not bothering to get his bum cold from sitting on the ground.

...Not like that other student was doing. Why was she sitting on the ground in the middle of an almost-snow storm anyway?

[Hermione_loves_Ron]

Issy was not in the mood for people. She was feeling angsty and lonely (wouldn't a lonely person wish to be near other people?) and needed to be in her own world. The shadow of someone coming by fell over her and she didn't bother glancing up. It was freezing outside and every little ray of sunlight made her feel a little warmer. A shadow was not helping.

However, the body soon moved to the nearby tree and she heard the person sit down. Hmph. This was invading her little world. She was supposed to be isolated and alone. Isolation was making the words flow and now, with this person, the air felt suddenly thick and the mood shifted down. Argh. Now the words didn't want to come out.

Tugging on her knit hat, the little flaps on the side with the dangling fuzzy balls, she pulled it down towards her eyes.

Heaving a heavy sigh that sounded too big to come from her tiny body, she half turned toward the tree.

"Excuse me," she began in a weary voice that sounded very much unlike her own, except for a faint squeaky tone. "I don't mean to sound rude or anything, but I was sitting here and I'd really like to be alone, if you don't mind. I'm trying to write something and I just... can't with someone else around."

She couldn't even see the figure at the tree and turned back to her book, anyway.

[Harmonizer]

Above the gentle howling of the wind, Samson heard someone speak. It was the student sitting alone. Since there wasn't anyone around, he decided her words were directed to him. She had a voice he didn't recognize much, and he was just too lazy to go on around and face her for them to have a proper conversation. Eh, he was perfectly fine sitting by the tree and watching her from behind. How amusing.

He put his hands behind his head and shrugged to himself. "I never asked you to acknowledge me," he told her. "You may continue with your little scribbling or whatever you're doing there. I won't bother you, since I'm just here to rest my feet. You won't even know I'm here," he reassured the girl. She seemed to be busy with something. Whatever it was, he was sure it was none of his business and he didn't want it to be.

'Can't a guy find any peace and quiet around here,', he thought to himself as he closed his eyes.

[Hermione_loves_Ron]

...choke choke.

Samson Carswell.

NO! THIS WAS NOT FAIR! She was outside on the cold ground, freezing her bum and fingers and nose and ears so that she wouldn't run into him and what happens? He takes a rest near her. NO NO NO!

It seemed he didn't recognize her, though. Which was good and right in her mind. Now was not the best mood or time for her to be dealing with stupid Samson Carswell and she merely snorted in response.

"I also didn't ask for you to interrupt the atosphere. There was no rudeness when I spoke," she said, a familiar edge now in her voice as she tucked her small body against herself. "I certainly will know you're here, because now I'm all alert to it and the mood is over and I can't write and you've ruined it."

She very nearly called his name out.

He was going to be the one to realize it was her.

Hmph.

Stupid Samson Carswell.

Couldn't a girl just be in peace by herself?

[Harmonizer]

Samson kept his cool. He let out a rather loud, contendted sigh, just to mock the girl a bit. He adjusted his scarf around his neck, tucked the sides of his leather trenchcoat closer together, and put his hands back behind his head. No. He wouldn't budge. Not an inch.

"I wasn't interrupting your atmosphere. Besides, I wouldn't be doing that if I knew it was yours. I don't see your name written anywhere on it," he said nonchalantly. Maybe he was just imagining it, and that her annoying little voice was still stuck in his head, but he thought for a while that the girl sounded like Issy. Eh. He dismissed the thought. What would that girl be doing out here all alone in the cold anyway? she should be warm in the Common Room with her skunklettes and chattering away with Juni or whoever.

"Geez, you don't have to be so touchy about it," he exclaimed, opening one eye and raising an eyebrow. He was rather offended. He didn't mean to invade her personal space. He didn't even see she was there until he had finally settled down. And they had a fair distance between them anyway. She didn't need to worry about him invading any more of her space or her atmosphere or whatever she wanted to call it. "If it makes you feel any better, I'll be leaving as soon as I get my legs rested. I've been walking around for quite a while." Not.

"Then stop being alert and start concentrating on your work again. Any good writer knows that he can't let a little distraction keep him from creating a masterpiece." He wasn't even sure she was a writer. He just needed something to say. Or something to shut her up so he could get his rest and be on his way soon.

[Hermione_loves_Ron]

"Real writers, like Robert Frost eh?"

That was about the time she lost it.

Stupid, arrogant, full of himself Samson Carswell.

Her words snapped and she knew better than to say them out loud but that stupid boy was driving her nuts now! Why was it so impossible for her to avoid him? Did he really have to be everywhere? Cue the flailing.

She glanced up with full intent of glowering at him. Her brows were knitted together just beneath her hat, eyes dark and glower-y and narrowed and her mouth set in a firm line, fists balled together (and she only knew this cos she'd looked to see - she couldn't feel her fists, really). Upon eyes falling over Samson, though, the glower disappeared and wham! she felt all her breath catch. Under what fairness did he get to look so amazing? There he was in his black trenchcoat with his scarf and hat and he looked so amazing and it was so unfair that someone so mean and sucky got to look so gorgeous and make her stop breathing like that.

Merlin's Pants. MERLIN'S FREAKIN' PANTS! Breathe, breathe, breathe. Keep your fists balled. Narrow your eyes again. No! Look away from his face. Wait - no! He'll notice. Just... just... GLARE! Raawwwrrr. That's it. GLARE RAWR!

Stupid Samson.

"Funny seeing you here, eh?" she spat sarcastically.

It wouldn't be so bad if he didn't hate her.

[Harmonizer]

"What?"

Sam's eyes snapped open at the mention of Robert Frost. Now, where did she get that? As far as he remembered, the only girl she'd ever told about Robert Frost was...

Issy.

He looked up at her as she stood over him. Hmph. For the first time she was up higher than he was. Of course, it was only temporary. It could easily be altered, but he was unfortunately feeling too lazy to stand up and tower over her. Besides, she wasn't worth his time right now. He looked at her blankly, from her knit hat to her too-big-for-her coat and her balled little fists. Ooh, she seemed angry.

Judging also by the (momentary) glower on her face and her narrowed eyes, yes she was angry. At him. Hmph!

He folded his arms over his chest and crossed his legs coolly. "I don't see anyone laughing," he replied, just as sarcastically.

He wouldn't blow up on her just yet.

[Hermione_loves_Ron]

Issy let out a little infuriated noise.

"You're the one who hates to be around me so much. Why do you have to choose to be here of all places? You could be inside in that library or the corridors or even the blasted owlry. I'm here so I don't have to run into you and what happens? YOU run into ME."

She stamped her foot a little, then, with a gust of air, shivered and huddled down in her coat.

She felt like crying.

Stupid Samson was everywhere she wanted to be, and it wasn't like Visa. He was everywhere she wanted to be and it only served to upset her and anger her and make he want to throw things at his stupid, gorgeous face. Ugh! Boys like Samson were stupid and existed only to drive her insane, she was certain.

"There's all of the stupid ruddy school that you could be inside, instead of being with me. So. Can't you just find somewhere else to be?"

Arms still crossed over her chest, she was now visibly shivering, teeth chattering. But she refused to leave. She'd gotten here first and didn't want to deal with peole inside. And if she got sick, she'd have herself to blame. It couldn't be so bad, anyway, right?

Hmph.

She just wanted him to go away. It'd been around a week since their fight and she was not yet happy with him. Jerkmuffin.

[Lexia_Black]

L'Wren Evans approached the gates with slight apprehension. She wasn't a nervous person, on the contrary, she had too much confidence for her own good, but something about the wrought iron made her shiver in anticipation, or perhaps it was the full-blown winter pressing in on her. She thought longingly of her furs, and things that would be waiting snugly in the dormitory. She clutched her arms, the thin white fabric of her private-preparatory school shirt made her feel naked, and the thin green tie served like a scarf just enough to do absolutely nothing. At least I'm in boots, she thought, looking down at her grey suede boots that thankfully came up above her knees, not quite meeting the short skirt she was cursing. Boots that are going to be ruined. She surveyed the trek again, as the gates opened by themselves to permit her to enter. She turned to see her cloaked escorts retreating to Hogsmeade. Evans began her walk, spotting two figures, trying again in vain to cover herself and cursing her garb.

[Harmonizer]

Issy let out a little infuriated noise.

"You're the one who hates to be around me so much. Why do you have to choose to be here of all places? You could be inside in that library or the corridors or even the blasted owlry. I'm here so I don't have to run into you and what happens? YOU run into ME."

She stamped her foot a little, then, with a gust of air, shivered and huddled down in her coat.

She felt like crying.

Stupid Samson was everywhere she wanted to be, and it wasn't like Visa. He was everywhere she wanted to be and it only served to upset her and anger her and make he want to throw things at his stupid, gorgeous face. Ugh! Boys like Samson were stupid and existed only to drive her insane, she was certain.

"There's all of the stupid ruddy school that you could be inside, instead of being with me. So. Can't you just find somewhere else to be?"

Arms still crossed over her chest, she was now visibly shivering, teeth chattering. But she refused to leave. She'd gotten here first and didn't want to deal with peole inside. And if she got sick, she'd have herself to blame. It couldn't be so bad, anyway, right?

Hmph.

She just wanted him to go away. It'd been around a week since their fight and she was not yet happy with him. Jerkmuffin.

Samson tried not to look surprised by her reaction. So, at least it was clear that they couldn't stand the sight of each other, more so being around each other.

He narrowed his eyes at her, but stayed as indifferent as he could manage. "I didn't know you were going to be here, Issy. The whole Castle was downright stuffy, and I hate being inside. Not today. Not with the snow about to fall," he explained, shrugging innocently. It was true. He didn't come out here for her anyway! He also tried not to look taken aback by her words. She was trying to avoid him? Hmph! And he thought he was the only one trying to avoid her. Well, at least they got it straight that they wanted to avoid each other. It would make it a lot easier for him. "I didn't know I was going to run into you! I'm not a stalker, y'know." Unlike some people, he wanted so badly to add.

Ugh! Then, he just had to look at her in the eye. He shouldn't have! Her eyes looked like they were brimmed with tears. He didn't know if he caused the tears, or it was just because of the wind, but one thing was for sure: he could NOT stand the sight of females crying. Though he wouldn't openly admit it to anyone but himself, crying ladies were his weakness. Please, please don't cry, Issy, he found himself thinking, pleading.

Finally giving up, he stood up (he finally towered over her again, just as it should have been) and stared at her for a while. He looked her closely in the eye, then sighed. "I guess I do have somewhere else to be," he said quietly, looking over his shoulder towards the Castle. "Yeah, that's right! I have to be eslewhere," he lied, his face lighting up.

He turned around to go, but then paused (no, he wasn't going to apologize), and looked at her again. He shrugged off his trenchcoat and handed it to her. "Here, you... you look pretty cold," he started, peeling it off him one sleeve after the other. He then took a gloved hand of hers and placed the coat in it. "Your lips are... blue," he added awkwardly, pointing around his own lips.

"Sorry about having to run into you," he said before turning around to leave. He wouldn't say that he was glad to have gotten out of there. He didn't even care for his trenchcoat anymore. There was plenty more where that came from.

[Hermione_loves_Ron]

It was silly, because Issy had said the words first, but hearing Samson shoot the same words back at her only made everything hurt much worse than the harsh wind on her nose and cheeks and the way her frozen ears burned with cold. There she stood, teeth chattering as she shivered, listening to Samson toss back the same words she'd attacked him with, and she found her eyes lining with tears. Arms wrapped around her middle, she wasn't sure if it was for warmth or if she was holding herself.

But it wasn't fair for her to be upset about it, right? Because she'd said the words fist. She had no right to feel offended. The very same words had spilled from her mouth with a different arrangement of letters, but it all meant the same.

I do not like you.

Coming from her, though, she knew it wasn't true. It was just easier to start the fight than to let him do it. And she still hadn't gotten over the first fight they'd had but this was making matters no worse and she couldn't help it. The odd part was that if felt like her heart was breaking. Not in some corny, romantic way, but like she was losing all hope she'd had of Samson and she getting along, like they'd started. Like when he fell into her lap. Or the puddles in Diagon Alley. That night he defended her at the table. And right before their fight in the library.

Her chin quivered but it could easily have been shivering.

Samson Carswell really didn't like her and it was now confirmed and there was no hope and she was a silly, stupid girl for hoping and for wishing and those stupid stars had let her down like they'd let down Gavin.

More than anything, she just wished Samson wouldn't hate her.

More than she wished her father would write her back.

More than she wished she could see Nettie again.

More than she wished to succeed.

She just wished Samson wouldn't hate her.

And then, he took her by surprise, when he'd stood, pulling off his trenchcoat and taking her small hand, forcing his coat into her hand. And before she'd realized, he was turning away and walking and she had his trenchcoat clenched in her tiny hand.

Nobody, not even the rain, has tinier hands.

Glancing down at her little book and quill on the ground, she bit her lip, trying to hold it in best she could. She dropped to the ground, clutching the coat, not pulling it on, but holding it as a blanket against herself and then she let her tears spill. Hopefully Samson was out of range and hopefully the wind drowned out the little sob that escaped.

His coat smelled like peppermint and somehow that only made her sob harder and curl up into a little ball, clutching his stupid coat and cry.

[Harmonizer]

ooc: I'm not going to admit how much I felt for Issy. =[ lol.

Sam shivered as he walked back towards the Castle, but he didn't care. He wrapped his arms around himself, hunching his back against the wind as it blew. He occasinally cupped his arms over his mouth and blew on them, but all this effort to keep warm was okay to do.

However, he started walking slower and slower, until he came to a halt. He tried to move, but his feet wouldn't let him. He glared at his feet. What? Move? Move! He grumbled, then folded his arms over his chest, looking up at the sky for any sign of snow or rain fall. Nothing. Just gray skies and cold, harsh winds. He huffed. Why did he stop again?

He then shivered again, but suddenly it wasn't because of the cold. He had just heard a somewhat quiet sob, which wasn't so quiet after all. Hmph! Why in heave's name was she crying?! Why did she have to make such a big deal of things? Why did she confuse him? Why did she look so fragile to him, and why did the sight and the sound of her crying felt like it was going to bring him to his knees and beg her not to sob like that? Whyyy? The questions just kept swimming in his head, completely unanswered. He huffed angrily, loudly, and wrapped his scarf tighter around his neck. Eh. Maybe he was just hearing things. The cold could do that to you, especially if you didn't have a coat on.

Grumbling more and more with every step, Samson continued towards the Castle, wanting to get warm more than anything.

[Lexia_Black]

L'Wren saw a boy walking ahead of her, presumably one of the two she had spotted. With a little difficulty and a through lot of snow, she caught up, walking a little the to right of him. She didn't take the time to appraise him, it was far too cold, but stuck out a freezing hand. "I'm Evans." She used a friendly tone, (well, as friendly of a tone as one could muster in nearly negative degrees) and was aware that this was one of the few times she met someone good looking and stuck to friendly hand-shaking. She needed friends far more than...she couldn't think of a good word for her other type of acquaintance. L'Wren was nearly as tall as him with her boots, but still looked up a little. It was most relieving to be standing next to a boy with no intention of using or being used.

[ErinElizabeth]

On his way out of the warm, comfortable castle, Aiden Everett passed by a boy. The boy looked a bit older than him, and quite a bit taller. Usually, the Gryffindor would stop and talk to this stranger; Aiden was actually slightly notorious for his knack of chatting up random strangers. But it was cold, and this boy's hair wasn't particularly curly. Aiden passed up his opportunity to make a friend and continued walking.

The small boy's fingers were clenched around a pink leash. A small, prairie dog was attached to the leash's other end. Minkus wasn't trotting like his usual, peppy self. Instead, he was shivering as his small feet pattered along, despite the fact that he was wearing a lovely orange sweater that Amy had knitted him for his birthday.

"Come on, MinkyPinky," Aiden said, his voice sounding more high-pitched than usual in the bitter cold. "Get this over with so we can go back in," he instructed.

Of course, the duo had a reason for leaving the nice, comfortable Gryffindor Common Room and venturing into the terrible cold. Minkus had to... relieve himself. Aiden hadn't gotten around to buying a litter box, and the prairie dog hadn't been trained to go in a toilet. So there they were.

For some reason, the young boy felt strange watching his little pet do what needed done. As MinkyPinky pottied, Aiden looked the other way and whistled a little tune.

And that's when he saw her, a tiny girl, curled up on the ground? What she in pain? Taking a nap? Crying? It wasn't in Aiden's nature to just let her be. He had to check on the stiff, little figure. With a light tug on the leash, Aiden began to walk briskly towards the girl.

"... Are you okay?" he asked when he was a few feet away. Then, as the little boy got closer, he realized that the girl was, in fact, crying. He did not, however, realize that the curled-up girl was Isabella Cortella, his friend.

[Prongs999]

James ran past the gate. It was a little snowy out, but James didn't feel anything. That's because he was being chased to the death to be in kinship with the animals. He reached up, grabbed the gate, and pulled himself up. Once the animals had gone past, or so he thought, he jumped down. The animals were there. But not looking at him. So he ran back into the forest.

[Hermione_loves_Ron]

On his way out of the warm, comfortable castle, Aiden Everett passed by a boy. The boy looked a bit older than him, and quite a bit taller. Usually, the Gryffindor would stop and talk to this stranger; Aiden was actually slightly notorious for his knack of chatting up random strangers. But it was cold, and this boy's hair wasn't particularly curly. Aiden passed up his opportunity to make a friend and continued walking.

The small boy's fingers were clenched around a pink leash. A small, prairie dog was attached to the leash's other end. Minkus wasn't trotting like his usual, peppy self. Instead, he was shivering as his small feet pattered along, despite the fact that he was wearing a lovely orange sweater that Amy had knitted him for his birthday.

"Come on, MinkyPinky," Aiden said, his voice sounding more high-pitched than usual in the bitter cold. "Get this over with so we can go back in," he instructed.

Of course, the duo had a reason for leaving the nice, comfortable Gryffindor Common Room and venturing into the terrible cold. Minkus had to... relieve himself. Aiden hadn't gotten around to buying a litter box, and the prairie dog hadn't been trained to go in a toilet. So there they were.

For some reason, the young boy felt strange watching his little pet do what needed done. As MinkyPinky pottied, Aiden looked the other way and whistled a little tune.

And that's when he saw her, a tiny girl, curled up on the ground? What she in pain? Taking a nap? Crying? It wasn't in Aiden's nature to just let her be. He had to check on the stiff, little figure. With a light tug on the leash, Aiden began to walk briskly towards the girl.

"... Are you okay?" he asked when he was a few feet away. Then, as the little boy got closer, he realized that the girl was, in fact, crying. He did not, however, realize that the curled-up girl was Isabella Cortella, his friend.

At this moment, Issy felt like she was in a little cave. A dark, desolate, freezing cave, where she was curled up in a tiny ball, surrounded by nothing-ness and cold and the scent of peppermint. Even the wind made little noise in her mind - it was almost as if she didn't hear the whirring noise it made.

Peppermint was a strong scent and she couldn't make it go away, even burrowing her face deep against her body as she sobbed. And it hurt, the sobs, as they racked through her body and she shook. Stupid, stupid Samson. She felt sick and lonely and silly, but mostly stupid. As if she could ever make Samson stop hating her. No matter how friendly she was to him, how many times she bat her lashes, or how sweet she was, he would always continue to hate her.

And how that hurt.

From the very beginning it had been her goal, to make him smile and laugh and goof around and a few time she had succeeded, but over all, it seemed, her plan was destined to fail. She was a silly, stupid little girl and Samson was a pompous jerkmuffin.

And then, distant, groggily, she heard a voice.

Blearily, she raised her head a little, trying to pinpoint the voice. She knew that voice, but it sounded so far away, as if she were under water. Shaking and choking, trying to stop the tears, she peaked up over the coat and saw, fist, a pink lead and a tiny prairie dog.

Aiden.

With a gasp, she burrowed back beneath the coat. "Go 'way," she whimpered, in a voice that was not her usual strong, confident voice, but one weak and child-like.

[ErinElizabeth]

At this moment, Issy felt like she was in a little cave. A dark, desolate, freezing cave, where she was curled up in a tiny ball, surrounded by nothing-ness and cold and the scent of peppermint. Even the wind made little noise in her mind - it was almost as if she didn't hear the whirring noise it made.

Peppermint was a strong scent and she couldn't make it go away, even burrowing her face deep against her body as she sobbed. And it hurt, the sobs, as they racked through her body and she shook. Stupid, stupid Samson. She felt sick and lonely and silly, but mostly stupid. As if she could ever make Samson stop hating her. No matter how friendly she was to him, how many times she bat her lashes, or how sweet she was, he would always continue to hate her.

And how that hurt.

From the very beginning it had been her goal, to make him smile and laugh and goof around and a few time she had succeeded, but over all, it seemed, her plan was destined to fail. She was a silly, stupid little girl and Samson was a pompous jerkmuffin.

And then, distant, groggily, she heard a voice.

Blearily, she raised her head a little, trying to pinpoint the voice. She knew that voice, but it sounded so far away, as if she were under water. Shaking and choking, trying to stop the tears, she peaked up over the coat and saw, fist, a pink lead and a tiny prairie dog.

Aiden.

With a gasp, she burrowed back beneath the coat. "Go 'way," she whimpered, in a voice that was not her usual strong, confident voice, but one weak and child-like.

One of Aiden's least favorite sounds was that of someone crying. The girl sounded wounded and weak and in need of a friend. Aiden was prepared to befriend this girl and make her feel better. He had to stop her painful sobs! Minkus was obviously with him, for he began to sniff around her cold head before she raised it.

Issy!

Aiden didn't have to befriend her, he already knew her... But she'd told him to go away. It wasn't that Aiden had never heard this command. With such a large family, the boy was used to being pushed aside or told to 'go away'. And his overly-enthusiastic personality didn't help one bit.

After a moment of contemplating, Aiden decided to ingore his Ravenclaw friend's request. Or... pretend he didn't hear her; that was more polite. As Minkus scooted closer and licked Issy's face affectionately, his master plopped down onto his stomach. The boy perched his chin onto his numb fingers. He was trying to ignore the fact that the hard, cold ground was probably giving him a mild case of hypothermia as he asked, "Issy, what's wrong?"

[Hermione_loves_Ron]

"What's wrong?" Issy wasn't even sure how to begin to answer this question and she wasn't sure how to phrase it. Besides, what was wrong in the first place? So a dumb boy hated her and she failed to make him be friendly with her. Was it really worth all the tears.

Holding herself, she knew that yes. Yes, it really was worth all the tears.

Whimpering, Issy glanced her eyes up at Minkus as the Prairie Dog began to lick her face and a feeble, tiny flicker of a smile turned her lips up breifly before she found them tugging back down with her tears.

"Nothing's wrong," she whispered quietly. "I'm... just... practicing. Mayeb I'll be an actress when I grow up."

But her words betrayed her and her voice cracked as she spoke and a stray sob broke up her words.

She probably sounded pathetic, she realized.

She didn't want Aiden to see her this pathetic, but it was a little too late for that. If only he would believe her pathetic story about wanting to be an actress, but it was plain and clear that her tears were not drama but real. They hurt. Samson hurt. Stupid boy. And yet, she knew, really, it was stupid Issy. Because she was the one who started this all.

Hugging his coat closer to her, she tried not to sniff the strong peppermint scent.

[ErinElizabeth]

"What's wrong?" Issy wasn't even sure how to begin to answer this question and she wasn't sure how to phrase it. Besides, what was wrong in the first place? So a dumb boy hated her and she failed to make him be friendly with her. Was it really worth all the tears.

Holding herself, she knew that yes. Yes, it really was worth all the tears.

Whimpering, Issy glanced her eyes up at Minkus as the Prairie Dog began to lick her face and a feeble, tiny flicker of a smile turned her lips up breifly before she found them tugging back down with her tears.

"Nothing's wrong," she whispered quietly. "I'm... just... practicing. Mayeb I'll be an actress when I grow up."

But her words betrayed her and her voice cracked as she spoke and a stray sob broke up her words.

She probably sounded pathetic, she realized.

She didn't want Aiden to see her this pathetic, but it was a little too late for that. If only he would believe her pathetic story about wanting to be an actress, but it was plain and clear that her tears were not drama but real. They hurt. Samson hurt. Stupid boy. And yet, she knew, really, it was stupid Issy. Because she was the one who started this all.

Hugging his coat closer to her, she tried not to sniff the strong peppermint scent.

Aiden small fingers curled into fists beneath his chin. Why hadn't he brought his gloves along? They were lying on his bed, right next to Minkus' sweater. But when the Gryffindor slipped his little pet's shirt on, he didn't imagine that he'd be staying outside for such a long time. Aiden planned on a short abeyance from their playing in the common room, not a comforting session that could, in all honestly, end up taking hours.

Aiden knew that girl's were MUCH more emotional than boys. They tended to take longer to cheer up.

"Oh," the first year boy said, surprised that nothing was really wrong. "You're really..." Aiden trailed off; he was preoccupied with his thoughts, so he failed to finish his sentence.

Aiden Everett was one of the world's most gullible creatures. He would believe almost anything. But he wasn't dumb. An actress? Why would she be practicing outside when it's freezing cold? None of it made sense, which made the Gryffindor sense that he was being lied to. Of course, Aiden was sure Issy had a good reason for this; as a kid who always saw the best in people, he refused to think that his friend would lie if it wasn't necessary.

"Uh... Issy. Could you tell me what's really wrong?" Aiden asked with his young, squealy voice. "You can trust me," he added. It was strange, this last sentence. It sounded oddly serious coming off of this boy's lips.

[Hermione_loves_Ron]

This was not Isabella. Crying and having break downs and sobbing in public (albeit an isolated public) was not what she did. Issy was assured, collected, and calm. Messy crying fits were not her thing and here she sat, bawling underneath the peppermint scented coat of a stupid boy who shouldn't have mattered. But unfortunately, he did, and she realized he mattered far more than he should have.

Aiden's last uttered sentance made Issy look back up at him and she smiled weakly. Silly Aiden. Did he think Issy didn't trust him? Oh, if only that was the reason. It would be a much easier excuse for why she didn't want to talk.

"Oh, Aiden. That's not it," she mumbled. "I... I really hate crying and especially over something so... stupid. Some people are just dumb, you know that? And... I'm silly enough to care what a stupid someone thinks and we kind of had a fight and I'm just stupid and silly. Don't worry."

But saying this out loud only made her start to cry harder. Fortunately her sobs had died down but the tears blurred faster and she had to wipe them away with her icy, numb hands.

This was so utterly embarassing and here was Aiden to witness her break down and crying and now he would realize how really silly and stupid and foolish she was and he probably thought she was stupid from the start. Juni probably did, too. She knew Samson and saw how Issy was with him and the way they acted and it made her stomach hurt. How had she been dumb enought to let a jerk like that matter?

Absentmindedly, she pet Minkus, stroking his soft fur, wishing suddenly she was home.

If she hadn't come to Hogwarts, she would never have even met that stupid jerkmuffin.

[ErinElizabeth]

This was not Isabella. Crying and having break downs and sobbing in public (albeit an isolated public) was not what she did. Issy was assured, collected, and calm. Messy crying fits were not her thing and here she sat, bawling underneath the peppermint scented coat of a stupid boy who shouldn't have mattered. But unfortunately, he did, and she realized he mattered far more than he should have.

Aiden's last uttered sentance made Issy look back up at him and she smiled weakly. Silly Aiden. Did he think Issy didn't trust him? Oh, if only that was the reason. It would be a much easier excuse for why she didn't want to talk.

"Oh, Aiden. That's not it," she mumbled. "I... I really hate crying and especially over something so... stupid. Some people are just dumb, you know that? And... I'm silly enough to care what a stupid someone thinks and we kind of had a fight and I'm just stupid and silly. Don't worry."

But saying this out loud only made her start to cry harder. Fortunately her sobs had died down but the tears blurred faster and she had to wipe them away with her icy, numb hands.

This was so utterly embarassing and here was Aiden to witness her break down and crying and now he would realize how really silly and stupid and foolish she was and he probably thought she was stupid from the start. Juni probably did, too. She knew Samson and saw how Issy was with him and the way they acted and it made her stomach hurt. How had she been dumb enought to let a jerk like that matter?

Absentmindedly, she pet Minkus, stroking his soft fur, wishing suddenly she was home.

If she hadn't come to Hogwarts, she would never have even met that stupid jerkmuffin.

Aiden was rather surprised at Issy. This wasn't the confident Ravenclaw first year that he'd met in London. She was... a mess. And Aiden didn't realize this, but something inside him liked this about her.

Not that she was a mess, of course. He hated seeing his friends sad or in trouble.

But he liked seeing that Isabella Cortella was an actual person. Before this incident, she'd seemed somewhat... intimidating? That wasn't really the right way to explain it. Because she didn't intimidate Aiden. Aiden felt to comfortable around everyone to ever feel intimidation. But knowing that she actually HAD weaknesses made her seem much more like a person to Aiden Everett. Much more like a friend.

The eleven-year old boy and his prairie dog acted as something as a team when trying to cheer someone up. Aiden could do the talking part. He could giggle and smile and make jokes and all that. But he wasn't the most physically comforting person. The boy wasn't even that great of a hugger.

And that's where Minkus came in. As Aiden talked, MinkyPinky licked Issy's face and happily allowed her to pet his soft fur.

"Oh," the boy said, though through the snot and tears, he wasn't real sure what his friend had said. He'd gotten "some people are just dumb" and "we kind of had a fight". Asking her to repeat it was definately out of the question. She was crying a lot still, despite her effors to wipe away the oncoming tears.

"Do you like Minkus' sweater?" Aiden asked randomly. He'd heard somewhere that sometimes, when people felt bad or sad and didn't want to talk, it helped them to answer questions. It didn't occur to Aiden that the questions should probably be relative to the situation at hand rather than random things pulled out of his unstable mind.

[Hermione_loves_Ron]

Breathe, Issy instructed herself. She just had to breathe. Concentrating on breathing, she continued to pet the prairie dog, letting him lick her face while she attempted to slow her sobs and breathe.

And wipe her nose.

Ugh, it was all runny and she probably looked a mess with her splotchy face and her hat falling off her head and messy hair and all the tears and her red eyes. What a mess. Pushing the coat off her, to the side, Issy pulled her legs to her chest, pulling her own cloak around them.

Wiping her eyes, Issy looked back up when Aiden inquired her opinon of the prairie dog's sweater. She blinked a couple times to clear her vision and then realized that, indeed, Minkus did have a sweater on. A big, orange knitted sweater had adorned the small body of the prarie dog and she was uncertain as to whether or not feel sorry for the poor rodent.

Smiling, though, she nodded.

"It's cute," she replied, still quietly.

While crying, she didn't tend to talk a lot. Or very loudly.

"Makes him look bigger. And it... matches... his fur...?"

[ErinElizabeth]

Aiden didn't realize that Issy possesed an extra coat until she pushed it off her lap. The young boy himself was wearing a nice, heavy cloak, but it wasn't extremely helpful in keeping him warm in weather as cold as what they were experiencing.

As nonchalantly as he possibly could, Aiden pulled his hands away from his face and slipped them underneath the spare coat. A black trench coat, he noticed it was. The boy's elbows, planted firmly into the cold ground, were still keeping his top half upright.

Aiden giggled, however softly. Somehow, Minkus had realized that the conversation turned to him. For a quick moment, he pulled away from Issy and ran around in a small circle. It was as if the prairie dog was flaunting his new outfit. Once he was through being a momentary show-off, the rodent loyally returned to his spot next to Issy.

"My sister Amy knitted it for him for his birthday," Aiden explained. He'd realized that Isabella wasn't seeming overly chatty. Tears were probably a bit of an inhibition. The first year boy thought she might like it if she wasn't forced to talk and could instead listen quietly a bit.

...

Oh yeah. That meant Aiden had to do the talking. "Did you know that I had more siblings?" He asked, smiling slightly still. "You met Adelia this summer. But there's also Amy, Abbie, and Addison," Aiden explained.

[Harmonizer]

L'Wren saw a boy walking ahead of her, presumably one of the two she had spotted. With a little difficulty and a through lot of snow, she caught up, walking a little the to right of him. She didn't take the time to appraise him, it was far too cold, but stuck out a freezing hand. "I'm Evans." She used a friendly tone, (well, as friendly of a tone as one could muster in nearly negative degrees) and was aware that this was one of the few times she met someone good looking and stuck to friendly hand-shaking. She needed friends far more than...she couldn't think of a good word for her other type of acquaintance. L'Wren was nearly as tall as him with her boots, but still looked up a little. It was most relieving to be standing next to a boy with no intention of using or being used.

Samson wanted - no, needed - to get out of the cold. He couldn't feel his fingers anymore, for Merlin's sake! The snow was carefully falling now, and if he didn't know better, the harsh winds indicated a snow storm.

He was making excellent progress, with the Castle coming into view. However, he hadn't expected someone to stop him. What? This girl actually had the nerve to introduce herself to him in the middle of this burning-cold weather? How daft could one get? Either she was really stupid for doing that, or she was really, really desperate. Or the cold was getting to her more than it was to anyone else.

"What?" he called to her above the wooshing of the wind. He squinted his eyes as he looked at her from head to foot. She was almost as bare as he was. No cloak, no coat. He rubbed his hands up and down his arms, then managed a smirk despite the feeling of his face freezing solid. "You're introducing yourself to me in the middle of this weather? Are you mad?" he asked with emphasis, and a bit of snark, despite the girl's friendly tone. He really wanted to go inside already, or his blood would freeze over (and, Merlin, Issy's sobs seemed to be echoing in the wind. That creeped him out).

He looked from behind him, glanced at the girl, then towards the Castle. "You might wanna reintroduce yourself once we get inside. I'm dying out here," he complained, eyeing her.

Then without another word, he made a run towards the Castle, leaving her out there. Hmph! What a weird girl she was, trying to befriend him out here.

[Lexia_Black]

Evans followed, less put off than might be an average, boring person. "He's not particularly polite, but at least not boring," she muttered, flattening her skirt again. Boring, in L'Wren's opinion, was as right down there with revolting and nauseating. She grinned in spite of the cold and her ridiculously tall boots as she strutted as fast as they would permit up to the castle.

If he didn't get too wrapped up in himself, she might give him a run for his money.

[Dawlish]

He had been wandering around the grounds for a while when he found himself at the front gates to the school. He wondered how long he had actually been walking for and decided to sit down and rest for a while.

[demonchild32191]

Belle sighed and wrapped her cloak tighter around herself. How could she forget? HOW?! She sniffled and rubbed at her eyes with her fists, leaning back against the wall. She slid down into a sitting position and wrapped her arms around her knees, laying her head down on her knees.

[Edward Penguin]

Belle sighed and wrapped her cloak tighter around herself. How could she forget? HOW?! She sniffled and rubbed at her eyes with her fists, leaning back against the wall. She slid down into a sitting position and wrapped her arms around her knees, laying her head down on her knees.

Finn came around the corner at the front gate and saw Belle sitting there holding herself. She didn't look particularly happy. He could understand with what she had dealt with, but he didn't like to see his friends sad.

He went over, sat down next to her and waited for her to speak.

[demonchild32191]

Finn came around the corner at the front gate and saw Belle sitting there holding herself. She didn't look particularly happy. He could understand with what she had dealt with, but he didn't like to see his friends sad.

He went over, sat down next to her and waited for her to speak.

She looked up at the person who sat down next to her and tried to smile at him. "Finn. I forgot. Today's her birthday..and I forgot." She looked away and bit her lip. "My mum sent me a loooong letter today. It made me cry and it reminded me that today was Sarah's birthday. How could I forget about that?" She rubbed her eyes again.

[Edward Penguin]

She looked up at the person who sat down next to her and tried to smile at him. "Finn. I forgot. Today's her birthday..and I forgot." She looked away and bit her lip. "My mum sent me a loooong letter today. It made me cry and it reminded me that today was Sarah's birthday. How could I forget about that?" She rubbed her eyes again.

He draped his arm over her back. "Belle. I don't know." He wasn't sure what to say. He felt like anything he said would come out sounding wrong, and she didn't need that.

[demonchild32191]

He draped his arm over her back. "Belle. I don't know." He wasn't sure what to say. He felt like anything he said would come out sounding wrong, and she didn't need that.

"I'm sorry, Finn. I don't mean to dump this all on you. I tried to keep my feelings under control, but..but sometimes..they just..explode." She ran her hand through her hair and looked away from him. "If you wanna go back up to the castle and leave me here, I'll understand."

[Edward Penguin]

"I'm sorry, Finn. I don't mean to dump this all on you. I tried to keep my feelings under control, but..but sometimes..they just..explode." She ran her hand through her hair and looked away from him. "If you wanna go back up to the castle and leave me here, I'll understand."

"yeah right. Friends don't abandon each other because one has a problem. Friends stick around to help the other out. I know it's tough and you feel like you've forgotten her, but you haven't. If you had, you wouldn't care so much."

[demonchild32191]

"yeah right. Friends don't abandon each other because one has a problem. Friends stick around to help the other out. I know it's tough and you feel like you've forgotten her, but you haven't. If you had, you wouldn't care so much."

She leaned against him and took a deep breath. "Uhhm. How was your day?" She asked, trying to change the subject to a happier one. She shivered slightly and smiled. "How're things going with Sana? Are you two together yet?"

[Edward Penguin]

She leaned against him and took a deep breath. "Uhhm. How was your day?" She asked, trying to change the subject to a happier one. She shivered slightly and smiled. "How're things going with Sana? Are you two together yet?"

He smiled as she leaned into him. "Well, not too bad. Just wandering aimlessly, which is how I discovered you."

Shocked that the question was asked, he stuttered. "S-s-sana? Well. Things are ok, I guess. I'm not with anybody though."

[demonchild32191]

He smiled as she leaned into him. "Well, not too bad. Just wandering aimlessly, which is how I discovered you."

Shocked that the question was asked, he stuttered. "S-s-sana? Well. Things are ok, I guess. I'm not with anybody though."

"Sounds like fun. I hope I didn't interrupt your walk." She layed her head on his shoulder and shivered again. "I was just kidding, but you know that you like her. Don't you?"

[Edward Penguin]

"Sounds like fun. I hope I didn't interrupt your walk." She layed her head on his shoulder and shivered again. "I was just kidding, but you know that you like her. Don't you?"

He smiled. "Nope. No interuption. A blessed respite from the stroll. It's good to sit down and even better to sit with a friend."

He blushed. "Well, yeah. I like her, but this is the first year that I've really spent much time with girls, and I would be afraid of hurting someone."

[demonchild32191]

He smiled. "Nope. No interuption. A blessed respite from the stroll. It's good to sit down and even better to sit with a friend."

He blushed. "Well, yeah. I like her, but this is the first year that I've really spent much time with girls, and I would be afraid of hurting someone."

"Good. If I interrupted, I'd feel bad. It is good to sit down with a friend." She giggled and rubbed her hands together, trying to warm them up.

"How would you hurt someone?" She asked, looking up at him.

[Edward Penguin]

"Good. If I interrupted, I'd feel bad. It is good to sit down with a friend." She giggled and rubbed her hands together, trying to warm them up.

"How would you hurt someone?" She asked, looking up at him.

He smiled and then took out his wand as she looked like she was trying to warm her hands. He touched a bit of paper he had wadded up and with a quick word, he started a small fire that he set on the ground.

"Umm... " He thought for a moment. "Well. I don't know actually. I am new to all this stuff with hanging out and being around girls and I would be so afraid of being, well, being a bad person to them."

[demonchild32191]

He smiled and then took out his wand as she looked like she was trying to warm her hands. He touched a bit of paper he had wadded up and with a quick word, he started a small fire that he set on the ground.

"Umm... " He thought for a moment. "Well. I don't know actually. I am new to all this stuff with hanging out and being around girls and I would be so afraid of being, well, being a bad person to them."

She jumped slightly as the fire was started. "Ooooh." She squealed, putting her hands down to the small fire. "Thanks." She smiled and giggled.

"Just act like you would normally. I doubt that you'd hurt anyone easily. You're wayy too sweet." She nodded and grinned. "And to the part about being a bad person to them, it's not really in you, as far as I can tell."

[Edward Penguin]

She jumped slightly as the fire was started. "Ooooh." She squealed, putting her hands down to the small fire. "Thanks." She smiled and giggled.

"Just act like you would normally. I doubt that you'd hurt anyone easily. You're wayy too sweet." She nodded and grinned. "And to the part about being a bad person to them, it's not really in you, as far as I can tell."

He blushed. "Well. Perhaps you are right. I'm just afraid of becoming what my parents are. Worried only of appearances and not with substance." He frowned as he thought of them. He loved it here so much more.

[demonchild32191]

He blushed. "Well. Perhaps you are right. I'm just afraid of becoming what my parents are. Worried only of appearances and not with substance." He frowned as he thought of them. He loved it here so much more.

"You're not like them. If that's seriously how they treat people and how they treat you, then you're not like them." She looked up at him and tried to get him to smile. "Seriously, you don't need to go home to that." She nodded. "Maybe if your parents would allow you, you can spend the summer at my house. It'd be better than being unhappy."

[Edward Penguin]

"You're not like them. If that's seriously how they treat people and how they treat you, then you're not like them." She looked up at him and tried to get him to smile. "Seriously, you don't need to go home to that." She nodded. "Maybe if your parents would allow you, you can spend the summer at my house. It'd be better than being unhappy."

He smiled, a little. "Well, that's how they treat me. And I appreciate your offer. That will be the second one I have to consider. Maybe I could split time. Sana asked me earlier. I've not asked my parents, as I don't think they would say yes, as they don't really like to see me happy. I've got to find a way that makes it seem like it will be work, or it will make them look better." He looked at his yellow shoes and studied the intricate artwork.

[demonchild32191]

He smiled, a little. "Well, that's how they treat me. And I appreciate your offer. That will be the second one I have to consider. Maybe I could split time. Sana asked me earlier. I've not asked my parents, as I don't think they would say yes, as they don't really like to see me happy. I've got to find a way that makes it seem like it will be work, or it will make them look better." He looked at his yellow shoes and studied the intricate artwork.

She put her hand under his chin and lifted it up, making him look her in the eyes. "Well, if you told them that they wouldn't have to worry about wasting their food or anything on you, then maybe that would make them agree. I know that sounds horrible, but to me, your parents sound horrible." She shuddered and sighed. "I can't believe that they treat you like that. I mean, come on. You're their own flesh and blood." She took a deep breath and stopped rambling. "Sorry."

[Edward Penguin]

She put her hand under his chin and lifted it up, making him look her in the eyes. "Well, if you told them that they wouldn't have to worry about wasting their food or anything on you, then maybe that would make them agree. I know that sounds horrible, but to me, your parents sound horrible." She shuddered and sighed. "I can't believe that they treat you like that. I mean, come on. You're their own flesh and blood." She took a deep breath and stopped rambling. "Sorry."

He gave her half a grin as he listened to her. Finn nodded. "Yeah. It's what I know though. It's not like they put me down, they just kind of ignore me. Except in public. Then they are watching me like a hawk, telling me not to embarass them."

[demonchild32191]

He gave her half a grin as he listened to her. Finn nodded. "Yeah. It's what I know though. It's not like they put me down, they just kind of ignore me. Except in public. Then they are watching me like a hawk, telling me not to embarass them."

"Ehhh. Screw them." She said, hopping up. She paced in front of him and huffed. "I still can't believe that they do that to you. Ughhh. That's just...so.." She looked at him and sighed. "....cruel." She leaned back against a tree and stared at the spot on the wall just above his head.

[Edward Penguin]

"Ehhh. Screw them." She said, hopping up. She paced in front of him and huffed. "I still can't believe that they do that to you. Ughhh. That's just...so.." She looked at him and sighed. "....cruel." She leaned back against a tree and stared at the spot on the wall just above his head.

He shrugged. "Yep. But let's not talk about them. It's not a good subject. I'm supposed to be making you feel better, not worse." He picked up a pebble and tossed it at her feet, giggling.

[demonchild32191]

He shrugged. "Yep. But let's not talk about them. It's not a good subject. I'm supposed to be making you feel better, not worse." He picked up a pebble and tossed it at her feet, giggling.

She sighed and rubbed her eyes. "Ehh. It's getting my mind off Sarah's birthday." She shrugged and rubbed her arms, trying to make the goosebumps go away. "So, what're you going to do to make me feel better?" She moved her foot before the pebble hit it. "Heyyy. That's not cool."

[Edward Penguin]

He smiled....and shrugged.

He picked up another pebble and used his wand to levitate it, making it do silly patterns through the air.

"What do you think would help you get your mind off of me...it?" He blushed. "Sorry, sometimes my mouth works faster than my brain."

[demonchild32191]

He smiled....and shrugged.

He picked up another pebble and used his wand to levitate it, making it do silly patterns through the air.

"What do you think would help you get your mind off of me...it?" He blushed. "Sorry, sometimes my mouth works faster than my brain."

She crossed her arms over her chest and smirked. "Off of you? Why would I be thinking of you?" She giggled and shook her head. "I'm just kidding and I dunno. What do you think will take my mind off of it." She took out her wand and made the pebble fly away from him. "Whatcha gonna do now?"

[Edward Penguin]

She crossed her arms over her chest and smirked. "Off of you? Why would I be thinking of you?" She giggled and shook her head. "I'm just kidding and I dunno. What do you think will take my mind off of it." She took out her wand and made the pebble fly away from him. "Whatcha gonna do now?"

He shrugged, blushing. "I don't know. It just popped out."

"Gah!" he exclaimed as his pebble flew away. He picked up another and swirled it around in a circle, trying to make it harder for her to toss away.

[demonchild32191]

He shrugged, blushing. "I don't know. It just popped out."

"Gah!" he exclaimed as his pebble flew away. He picked up another and swirled it around in a circle, trying to make it harder for her to toss away.

"Really? It just..popped out?" She snickered and rolled her eyes. "How're your classes?"

She flicked her wand again and watched as the pebble whizzed away and hit a tree. "Not gonna worrrrk." She said in a sing song voice.

[Biochemkris]

Mr. Branxton walks to the gate followed by his shadow, Miss Trelawney. "I do not know why you insist on following me, Miss," Doyle called over his shoulder to the girl.

[Edward Penguin]

"Really? It just..popped out?" She snickered and rolled her eyes. "How're your classes?"

She flicked her wand again and watched as the pebble whizzed away and hit a tree. "Not gonna worrrrk." She said in a sing song voice.

HE smiled mischeiviously and asked. "DO you believe I am not being totally honest with you? That perhaps I am misleading you?"

He cursed under his breath as the next pebble launched in a different direction. He tried a smaller one, trying to make it swirl her head.

[Droo]

Mr. Branxton walks to the gate followed by his shadow, Miss Trelawney. "I do not know why you insist on following me, Miss," Doyle called over his shoulder to the girl.

"Professor Lainey said I needed to stay with you..." She was trying to catch her breath... "Plus, didn't you want to take me to the Department of Magical Catastrophes?"

She could not let him be alone... the Minister would make fun of him. And Branxton is not one that would be made fun of... "Please sir... I'm underage and can't apparate..." Please no brooms!!!

[Biochemkris]

He ignored the other students around. "I do not require a babysitter, Miss. I know how to get to the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes. However, if you insist on tagging along, you may touch my sleeve and I will apparate you to the Ministry once we pass the gate." Merlin, he didn't want to waste time arguing with the girl and if she were in on the plot to sabotage him then he could drop her off on level one.

[Edward Penguin]

Finn was suddenly distracted by a man wandering through the front gate, immediately followed by the Slythie Prefect trailing after him while he fussed at her.

[demonchild32191]

HE smiled mischeiviously and asked. "DO you believe I am not being totally honest with you? That perhaps I am misleading you?"

He cursed under his breath as the next pebble launched in a different direction. He tried a smaller one, trying to make it swirl her head.

"Yes, I do. I think that you're misleading me." She tilted her face up, letting the sunshine wash over her. She closed her eyes and sighed. "But the question is, why are you trying to mislead me?"

She opened her eyes and wrinkled her nose, trying to swat at the small stone that was flying around her head. "Eeeeek."

[Droo]

He ignored the other students around. "I do not require a babysitter, Miss. I know how to get to the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes. However, if you insist on tagging along, you may touch my sleeve and I will apparate you to the Ministry once we pass the gate." Merlin, he didn't want to waste time arguing with the girl and if she were in on the plot to sabotage him then he could drop her off on level one.

Touch your Sleeve!? To apparate? This was too scary... She grabbed his arm with both her hands and slid them around him holding onto his arm as tightly as she possibly could. She breathed in, bracing herself. He smelled like... like clean laundry.

[Edward Penguin]

"Yes, I do. I think that you're misleading me." She tilted her face up, letting the sunshine wash over her. She closed her eyes and sighed. "But the question is, why are you trying to mislead me?"

She opened her eyes and wrinkled her nose, trying to swat at the small stone that was flying around her head. "Eeeeek."

"What do you mean? I've not tried to mislead you. At least not that I'm aware of." The conversation was not going well at all.

As she swatted at the stone, it was no longer fun or silly. He let it drop. "Sorry." He looked at his feet, feeling as if he had only annoyed her, not made her smile.

[demonchild32191]

"What do you mean? I've not tried to mislead you. At least not that I'm aware of." The conversation was not going well at all.

As she swatted at the stone, it was no longer fun or silly. He let it drop. "Sorry." He looked at his feet, feeling as if he had only annoyed her, not made her smile.

"Goodness. I was just kidding. You need to lighten up, Finn. I'm sorry if I made it seem like you were really trying to mislead me." She kneeled on the ground in front of him and sighed.

"It's all good. It was a cute trick. I can't even make a stone do that." She wrinkled her nose again and giggled.

[Biochemkris]

"Clinging to me is unnecessary," Doyle (aka Professor Branxton) said. Not to mention entirely inappropriate but, he stepped past the wards and disapparated with them both.


ooc: this scene will continue in the Atrium at the Ministry of Magic.

[Edward Penguin]

"Goodness. I was just kidding. You need to lighten up, Finn. I'm sorry if I made it seem like you were really trying to mislead me." She kneeled on the ground in front of him and sighed.

"It's all good. It was a cute trick. I can't even make a stone do that." She wrinkled her nose again and giggled.

"I'm sorry. I'm not used to kidding like that. I am too sensitive." He sat down next to her.

He brightened a little. "I learned while sitting in herbology when I'm bored, I try to move the dirt around and make shapes. It's silly really."