Hermione smiled. "Well, I think I know a way to make this easier..." she said, grinning. She held up her wand. "Accio broom!" she called. She waited a few seconds and suddenly there was a ripping sound as the broom tore through the canvas of the tower. She winced. "Guess I should have planned that better," she said with a sheepish smile. "Here, we can ride this up!" she said, holding it out to him. As she heard what he had to say next, she began to laugh. "I'm sorry..." she said, between giggles. "But it is funny," she said, still laughing.

He looked at the broom. "Yeah. This suit means I cant open my legs that wide." He chuckled and looked at her as she spoke again giggling. "What. I cant drag you with me. And I wont go in a bush." He chuckled himself.

"You can sit it sideways," she suggested. "I can't sit regular with this dress on anyway," she told him. We can sit facing opposite directions and save you from this shot legged costume," she said, trying to hide a smile. "I know," she said, once she had control over her giggles. "But that's what's so funny about it... trying to picture a kangaroo going to the loo," she said, starting to giggle again.

"I'm not sure dear, I never understood muggle traditions either." Gabe grinned at her blush and gently ran his fingers over her cheeks. "Well as long as the ride is enjoyable what's running into a tree going to do, break a few bones? Madame Pomfrey can easily mend them." He winked and leaned down kissing her lightly gently tipping the hat out of his way. "So m'lady....the bow and arrow you said?" He leaned the broom against the side of the tower and opened the door for her. "What is the significance of that?"

"hmmmmm Sagitarrius has a bow an arrow doesn't it?" Gabe asked thoughtfully as they walked towards the telescope. "I was never all that great at Astronomy. I think I may have fallen asleep in class, with it being dark and all." He chuckled as they reached the telescope and stepped to the side. "After you my dear."

He chuckled at her suggestion. "If I fall off Ill tak you with me." He said smiling for once on this adventure. "A kangaroo going to the toilet is in no means funny okay?" He stiffled a giggle at the picture. It was pretty funny.

"On the contrary... It is quite funny," she said, grinning. "See, you're already laughing at it!" she said, smiling at him. "Don't worry, I will make sure that we don't fall off," she said, quickly casting a silent spell. "That will help... its a no slip, so we will stay on, even if the broom is vertical," she said, grinning. "Come on, we have a kangaroo to save," she said, getting on the broom.

"Yes," Adrianna said, smiling at Gabe. She went over to the telescope but didn't look in just yet. She needed to find the constellation in the sky first before she aimed the telescope at it. "I don't blame you... wait, was that you that was snoring during class?" she asked, looking over at him. In the light, is may have looked like she was mad, but there was a smile trembling on her lips.

Gabe crossed one arm in front of his chest and looked insulted. "me snore? no of course not. I don't snore." He chuckled and stepped towards her looking up at the sky then back down at her. This is nothing compared to what I have planned." He said smiling mischievously knowing he was just teasing her again. "So what constellation are we looking for? I'm not exactly sure what they look like. I just know Sagitarrius was a ummm hunter or sonething...a centaur maybe, I'm pretty sure he had a bow and arrow. You are the expert though."

Gabe chuckled. "Oh what do they know..." Stupid Hufflepuffs exagerating his snoring. He shook his head standing firm "I've given you too many hints already." Smiling he leaned down kissing her cheek. "Sorry princess, I've told you as much as I can." Watching as she found the constellation then went to look in the telescope, he moved to stand behind her sliding his hands around her waist, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. He leaned forward and whispered in her ear. "Find it yet?"

"Alright I will admit I mutter in my sleep sometimes....but I do not snore." Gabe said as a matter-of-factly and chuckled. "Well at least I know that I'm being distracting." He muttered against her neck, letting his lips softly brush against her skin, but then he stood back up and moved beside her resting his hand gently on her back, his fingers tracing lightly against her shoulder blades. "Is this too distracting also?"

Gabe blushed and removed his hand. "How did you find out about that? Are you stalking me now?" He chuckled leaning forward kissing her cheek again. "Go ahead dear. I'll distract you later when we don't have to worry about disconnecting ourselves. Please continue." He stood to the side and smiled to himself. "And I persist because I know that it's working."

"No! Who needs to stalk when there's gossip," she pointed out, grinning. "I was just really entertained by it... and I'm pretty sure it was before you and I even met," she said, turning back to the telescope. "Oh, I like the sound of that distraction," she said, grinning at him. She glanced over and stuck her tongue out at him because of his last comment. She then turned back to the telescope. Within seconds, she had found the constellation. Instantly, a bright light filled the telescope, and Adrianna stepped away. Like a spotlight, the telescope projected a circle onto the air before them, and contained a clue:
You are almost done
For this is the last one...
It moves, but is flat
All muggles would be agast
go back to the first clue
and do not brush it away
for it contained a clue
to help you finish dancing the night away

Ooc: Bad rhyming job... but I hate poems...

ooc: lol i like your poems

Gabe squeezed her hand as she backed away from the telescope and watched. After reading the clue he was completely confused. "Alright...that was...a little....not very clear. OK so break it down. Go back to teh first clue. That's obviously the library...more importantly the armor. It moves but is flat, and it would scare muggles, but it contains a clue....don't brush it away...so it's small?" He looked completely confused and looked to Adrianna. "What do you think love? Any ideas?"

"Something flat that moves that muggles don't have...yea because that's not vague at all..." Gabe said frustratingly and absentmindedly ran his fingers through her hair. "alright so the first clue was along the lines of somewhere without knight in training, but it sounded the same. Then there was something about being bound." He continued to run his fingers through her hair as it seemed to keep him from becoming completely frustrated. Of course the last clue would be the hardest. "don't brush it away....dust? That's it....it is a flat dust bunny. I'm a genius." A small smile appeared on his face and he looked down at her and shrugged. "That's all I've got."

ooc: haha...this one is hard

"Sweetie..." Adrianna closed her eyes as Gabe ran his fingers through her hair. "Muggles fight dust bunnies the same as we do... so probably not," she said, relaxing as Gabe continued to work his fingers through her hair. "I'm not going to be able to do much thinking if you keep this up," she warned him, smiling slightly. "Why don't we just start on the first part, and work our way along?" she suggested, her voice low as she relaxed further.

Ooc: Try writing it!! Haha!

"Hmm? Keep what up?" Gabe said genuinely confused, then realized that his fingers were still in her hair. "Oh, oh sorry. I honestly didn't even notice. It was kind of calming me down too." He smiled sheepishly a faint blush appearing on his face. That seemed to happen a lot more than usual now that Adrianna was around. "Sounds alright to me. So we are headed to...the library?"

"Princess you are a genius!" Gabe said happily putt his hands on her waist and picking her up and spinning her around. "Great ok so pictures.....then what did it say? Go back to the first clue, don't brush it away, because it contained a clue...." He looked at her thoughtfully. "Hmmm what does that mean? something that was in the first clue? or or a picture of something related to the first clue? or....where we were given the first clue? I'm lost hun."

Gabe blushed slightly and nodded. Her hands were considerably colder than his face was. "ok.....alright I'm done thinking. It' all you." He smiled and kissed her softly. "The damsel in distress can steal the show....Oh oh wait ok so you just said that something in teh first clue will tell us what picture. Well the first clue dealt with a knight....or a page, but still a knight. The first painting that comes to mind with a knight is Sir Cadogen.' He rolled his eyes and grimaced. "I really hope I'm wrong. He isn't very cooperative."

Adrianna winced, as Gabe confirmed what she had already been thinking. "Well, that would be the perfect person to include in a confusing chase, now wouldn't it?" she asked grinning at Gabe. She kissed his cheek. "Very good sweetie... now let's hunt down a knight," she said, giving his hand a gentle squeeze.

Ooc: Yay! You did it!

ooc: YAY!! lol it just randomly came to me haha i was as confused as Gabe

Gabe smiled. He liked getting the clues right, the reward afterwards was always nice. "I try. So now we have to attempt to find him. He could be anywhere you know that right? He is always roaming through the paintings trying to pick a fight with someone. You can talk to him. You are a beautiful lady. He won't argue with you."

Ooc: Yeah... I was like, I have to include enough clues so that it isn't too hard... but it has to be at least slightly confusing... but I think that one was my best!

Adrianna laughed. "Yes... well I think that finding him is part of the fun," she told him, grinning. "We get a last run throughout the castle before we begin to settle down for the night!" she pointed out. "I shall do the talking then, and you can be my silent protector," she told him, touching her nose with his. "Where do you think we should start?" she asked him.

ooc: yes i agree!

"yes, I would like my fun to start as quickly as possible." Gabe said smirking and chuckled as she asked him where to start. "Well....I know where I'd like to start. But it's neither helpful to our quest nor is it in any way related to our quest..." He looked down at her and ran a gentle hand through her hair. It really amazed him how beautiful she looked. Not that she wasn't already beautiful, but if the moonlight hit her just right, she positively glowed. "You really are beautiful A-...princess....I wish you could see yourself the way I see you."

Gabe closed his eyes leaning his head into her hand and smiled as she kissed him. "Yes I would definitely love to start there. I'm very excited. I can hardly stand it. And I know what's going to happen. I can't wait to see your reaction." He smiled and gave her another quick peck on the lips. "Alright dear. I'll follow you this time. Grand Staircase it is."

"I was thinking the same thing about you." HE said grinning and followed her through. "And you are going to ruin my surprise if you don't keep your pretty little mouth shut. Although I must admit marshmallows were not part of the plan. But they can be." Laughing he kissed her cheek. "Consider marshmallows present at our little surprise."

"I'm sorry." Gabe said softly and leaned in kissing her. "I don't understand this new language of yours...care to translate?" He let his lips lightly brush against hers then kissed her again actually being rather bold and taking a small little nip at her lower lip.

"heh" Gabe laughed sheepishly and shrugged. "Sorry...I umm I don't think I meant to do that on purpose. Maybe I did...Sorry..." A blush took over his face that she was sure to be able to see now that they were back in the castle. Clearing his throat, he looked away from her. "Sorry..." He said once again hoping he hadn't made her mad.

Adrianna looked down, her face red as well. SHe had thought that Gabe was going to do something further... but it was his turn to be the adult after all. She sighed and looked up at him out of the corner of her eye. Seeing his blush, she couldn't help but smile. "You're too cute," she told him. "I was saying that If I can't talk... I can't solve any more clues," she told him, laughing.

ooc: I actually had that planned out, but I forgot what I said... but the last part matches!

"oh...well I really didn't mean to do that. It just sort of happened. I didn't hurt you did I? I mean sometimes you know I don't know my own strength and...." He stopped realizing he was rambling, a sure sign of his embarrassment and continued to stare at the floor. "sorry...."

Gabe felt a lot better as she spoke and smiled nuzzling gently against her nose. "You're right. I surprised myself. But yes we have a lot to accomplish. So let's forget my act of....whatever it was and umm yea find that painting." His face was still flushed. That was pretty embarrassing. He really hadn't meant to do it. Stupid subliminal hormones.

Gabe looked a little worried, a nervous smile appearing on his face. "Are you remembering it in a good light or a bad one...because If it's good I suppose I'll be alright with that. I really didn't mean it though Princess. Honest I didn't." He willingly followed her brisk pace without a complaint, mostly because he was too flustered to care.

Adrianna laughed, slowing slightly so that now she was walking beside Gabe. "Will you relax?" she asked him, grinning. "Honestly, you're like a first year about to get sorted," she told him, rather liking the analogy. And then her grin widened. "A good light," she assured him, not looking at him as she said that, in a slightly sheepish way. She had dates before, but nothing had been this... harmonious and passionate. She liked how she and Gabe seemed to respond to each other without thinking, as if it were natural. She would have to do some more research on soul mates...

Ooc: I'm off... I have another early wake-up... see you!

ooc: bye dearie!

Sighing, Gabe looked over at her and smiled. "As you wish princess. ALthough being compared to a first year is pretty harsh." He shrugged and squeezed her hand gently before leaning over and kissing the top of her head. "A good light huh? well, either way it won't happen agian. I'm not even sure what made me do it the first time." She was so understanding. Most girls probably would have taken what he had done the completely wrong way, even though he hadn't meant to do it at all. Everything about her, Gabe absolutely adored, and he regretted not ever noticing it sooner. But the past was the past, and they had their whole future to look forward to, most importantly, the surprise tonight. Hopefully she would love it, although even if she didn't, she would most likely tell him she did anyway so she wouldn't hurt his feelings. NOnetheless he held out high hopes.

"Well, I needed some extreme example to bring you out of that mood," she told him grinning. "Come on... we have a painting to find," she said, pulling gently on his hand. She watched him, wondering what thought process he was going through in order to have such a pensive expression. She allowed him the moment of quiet, figuring he wanted to figure stuff out for himself. Soon, they had reached the bottom of the staircase and Adrianna opened the door that lead into the corridor beyond. The strange thing was, the corridor was dark... more than the usual darkness. "Darling... do they usually extinguish all the lamps?" she asked, stopping.

Ooc: It is Halloween after all.... at least in the story...

"Right...let's go find the irate, ready to fight, arrogant stuck up......wonderful charming Sir Cadogen." Gabe chuckled following her into the corridor and stopped with her sensing a little nervousness in voice. Th corridor was pretty dark. He gave her hand a squeeze and pulled her closer to him protectively. "Don't worry. We must be going the right way, it's creepier. Dumbledore probably did it on purpose. Reaching back, he pulled out his wand. "Lumos" He said softly and although it didn't emit a lot of light, it was enough. "Feel better?"

Gabe stopped walking for a moment and looked down into her eyes and after maneuvering his wand into the other hand which was still connected to hers, he brought his hand up to her cheek caressing it with his thumb and kissed her forehead. "I'm right here. You know I won't let anything hurt you. Don't be scared..." He said soothingly and gently nuzzled his nose against hers. "It's time I really played the knight in shining armor, instead of just sweeping the fair maiden off her feet. Don't worry love." He wanted to walk with his arm around her waist holding her close to him just to let her know he was there, but of course, the connected hands wouldn't allow that. Taking his wand back in his other hand, he played gently with her fingers and smiled. "You trust me? I vowed the moment I saw you that I would never let anything hurt you or make you unhappy. When I saw you princess, before the ball, at the lake I promised myself that. Of course I did so at the ball too. But Im sure that there is nothing in here that can hurt us. I just want you to feel safe."

ooc: ok i'm back and i'm gonna do as good as i can to catch up

Hermione got on the broom sideways with Aston "are you ready?" she asked him hoping this would work.

Aston smiled at her and realised Gabe and Adri had already gone. "They went..." He mumbled as he looked at Hermione.

Gabe grinned. "Well the disconnection will happen soon, hopefully." He nodded and kissed her cheek again. "That's right love. Always." Just then a skeleton jumped out and Adrianna screamed. He just chuckled and pulled her close to his chest with his free hand softly rubbing her back. "shh don't worry. It's gone." He kissed teh top of her head and smiled. "Would you rather walk behind me and let me go first? Our connecte hands would allow that I think without it being uncomfortable."

Gabe smiled and squeezed her hand. "Alright princess." He heard her question and he bit his lip for just a moment before looking back at her and nodding. "yes....and until recently, and by recently i mean the past few days, I never was scared of anything." He brought his free hand up caressing her cheek and smiled. "I'm afraid of something happening to the most important person in my life. I'm afraid of you getting hurt. I'm afraid of something happening between us. And quite frankly, I'm afraid that if something does happen that it will be my fault, because there's nothing you could do to ever ever upset me."

Ooc: Awww....

She grinned up at him, when he began. "You brave prince you," she said, and then listened as he continued. If she had been with Ro, she was sure that the two of them would have broken down into awws and squeals of little girl delight at how adorable Gabe was. However, Adrianna could hear that this was from his heart and only her stomach clenched as she continued to realize how perfect he was. "Love... you could never do anything..." she said, shaking her head. "Well, except for maybe tickling me again," she teased, knowing that he would always tickle her, and she wouldn't mind- too much.

"That's why I was a little worried about the whole uhh....situation earlier. I mean i hadn't meant to do it, but after it happened, I was afraid you'd think I was...I dunno trying to do something, or get something...." He blushed and glanced down at the floor. "I didn't want you to think I am like that...because i'm not. I don't want to be that guy. I don't want to be the jerk. And I don't want to lead you to think I am..."

Suddenly Hermione saw yet another unicorn patronus saying that Adrianna and Gabe had gone to Sir Cadogen's portrait for the next clue" she said grinning at him.

Gabe was about to continue his thought when he was interrupted by Adrianna's lips. He kissed her back automatically bringing his hand up to her hair. Then, she broke apart and looked into her eyes as she spoke. When she was done, his smile grew wider. "I don't want to be that guy for you. I want to be the guy. The good guy. Romeo to your Juliet, Mr. Darcy to your Elizabeth, Wesley to your Buttercup...the guy."

Gabe felt like he was in heaven. The girl of his dreams was standing right in front of him, she was gorgeous and she just told him that he was her guy. He laughed and nodded. "Wesley it is then and I refuse to let this end tragically." He grinned and looked back into her eyes. "Can I keep you?" His words were soft and gentle and he was of course stealing the phrase from a movie no less, but he had always wanted to be able to use it, and until now never had the chance.

ooc: it's from Casper the movie btw aka the friendly ghost

Ooc: I've seen it!! Its cute...

"Wonderful, then you and I are of an accord," she said, smiling up at him. They seemed to keep trading movie quotes. Her heart fluttered as he gently quoted another movie, but she didn't care that it was a quote. "Forever and always," she told him softly, smiling. "My heart belongs to you," she told him, her voice barely above a whisper.

Aston smiled. "So, off the broom now?" He asked half hoping.

"I'll keep it safe...and forever and always sound perfect to me." Gabe smiled warmly and leaned down to her face. "I love you princess." Then before she could answer, he closed the gap and kissed her tenderly and gently, his hand resting on the side of her face.

Hermione laughed apologetically at Aston "well, we could either go on the broom or walk all the way to Sir Cadogen's portrait" she said she would be happy when this scavenger hunt was over.

Gabe smiled into their kiss and held it for a few more moments before they finally broke apart. "I thought it was my job to come up with the cheesy yet romantic sayings?" He winked and kissed her cheek looking at her innocently. "But I agree love. I don't even think infinity would stand a chance against it." Squeezing her hand, he began to walk again down the new lit corridor. "Let's finish this then have a real 'moment' later. Sound good?"

Aston smiled. "Walking sounds better. Flying might be ahrd with our hands still together." He smiled at her without realising he was blushing.

Gabe kissed the top of her head and nodded. "I wonder what else Dumbledore has up his sleeve." He said softly as they walked further down the corridor. "At least nothing scary can jump out at you, since the hall is lit. Although then that means that you don't need my protection anymore." He said the last part a bit dejectedly then chuckled.

Gabe rolled his eyes."Yes finding him,no wait, trying to talk to him will be an event in itself." He smiled glancing around the hall looking for a sign of the portrait. "He better be around here somewhere. Not that I don't enjoy holding your hand, but I'd like to be in control of when I hold it." His eyes looked down at her and he couldn't get out of his head how absolutely perfect she was. She was the one, and he would never think any different.

"No offense taken my dear." Gabe sad stil grinning. They walked further down the corridor and he was beginning to get frustrated again. "We are never going to find him. This is ridiculous. With as adventurous as that guy is, he's probably off in the jungle painting trying to pick a fight with a tiger or something."

Hermione smiled back at Aston noticing he was blushing "lets go then" she said beginning to walk down the stairs.

"I don't want to be attached. I want to be able to hold you without killing our arms. I want to be able to hold your face. To be able to carry you...." Gabe smiled and lifted her hand to his mouth kissing it lightly. "But I will try to brave out the rest of this quest like a man." Giving her hand a squeeze, he opened the door leading out into a hallway which connected the hall they were in to the staircase. "I just wish we could get this over with. I want to show you your surprise."

Gabe leaned into her hand and smiled. "As you wish, princess." As they made their way to the staircase, he looked around and sighed. "I have no idea, let's just pick one that looks promising."

Astin smiled again. He shuffled the shorts legs up a bit and stepped slowly down some stairs following Hermione.

going down the steps felt like it took for ever, but eventually they got to the bottom "now we need to head to the direction of the north tower" Hermione said beginning to walk to the castle.

Gabe willingly followed her towards teh portrait and let her do all the talking. He stood a bit behind her and leaned forward whispering in her ear. "They better know something. Otherwise I may be forced to redecorate their portrait....permanently." He idly threatened and chuckled kissing her neck softly before standing back up.

The two men in the portrait looked up from their game and down at the young students.
"Yes? Can we help you?" one asked.
"We are in the middle of a game... make it quick," the other demanded.

Adrianna laughed. "Forgive me for interrupting," she said, shooting an entertained grin to Gabe. "We were wondering if you had seen or know where Sir Cadagon might be," she said, looking up at the two men. She almost laughed at what Gabe said, but covered her mouth just in time. However, it was the hand that was connected. Before putting it down, she quickly kissed his and then stepped so she was right in front of him.

"Ah... so they've figured out the clue..." the kinder man mused.
"Nope, haven't seen him," the other said while studying the board.
"Don't mind him, he's lost the last couple rounds and is quite upset," said the first. The second humphed and continued looking at the board. "However, I do believe I saw Sir Cadagon meandering through the African portrait down there," said the portrait. "I would show you... but I am in the middle of a game, and..." he looked over at the other player. "I am willing to bet that he will try and cheat," he said softly.

Adrianna looked over and, sure enough, the other man was trying to advance his piece up a spot in the most subtle manner possible. She laughed and nodded. "Thank you for your help!" she said, turning into Gabe to smother her laughter.

Gabe stood silently behind her, amused by his making her laugh. While she was talking to the portrait he rested his free hand at her waist. He groaned and leaned his head against her back as the man said he was in the African painting. "What did I tell you...off picking a fight with tigers...." He mumbled and stood back up again and sighed. "Thanks for your help." He said giving the portrait a tired smile and laughed as Adrianna laughed into his chest. "Come on giggle box let's go find the African jungle."

"this is true....but same idea....so he's fighting giraffes or something...." Gabe laughed and shrugged following her to the painting. "we are just going to keep getting led in circles...." Sighing he moved his arm in front of her, so that their hands were clasped in front of her, and he stood behind her holding her close to him. Looking over her shoulder, he looked into the portrait as well. "He's probably going to wait until we are both up close to that portrait trying to find him, then he will pop out of nowhere and scare you, and just slightly startle me." He chuckled and kissed her cheek.

Gabe tightened his arms around her and closed his eyes resting his chin on her shoulder. "Umm well let's see, there was that one house-elf....." He joked and smiled then shrugged. "I honestly can't think of anything love." He gently moved his thumb back and forth over her side as he held her. He breathed in deeply, taking in the flowery fruity scent of her hair. Sighing happily, he kissed along her cheek to the corner of her mouth, since that was as far as he could reach. "Now what do we do princess?"

Gabe smiled. "oh...well let's just say that the poor girl had a fixation with the boys dormitory." Chuckling, he immediately stopped when she chastized him. "I'm sorry...I didn't mean to that time...honest." He continued kissing her again noticing its effect and grinned. "Oh no you don't. You are the talker...I'm just here for support." He said softly mumbling into her neck. Glancing over at the portrait, he saw and beautiful woman sitting beside a window. "Besides....you might get jealous..."

Gabe chuckled and held her close to him. "You are jsut so obvious that I figure out your weaknesses. And I really didn't mean it, it was an accident, if I had tickled you on purpose you would know." He glanced back at the portrait then at her and blushed a bit. "Well if I told you that I didn't think she was beautiful, I would be lying. However, she doesn't come close to being as gorgeous as you. I'd never replace you with a picture."

Ooc: Happy holidays!!

"Oh, am I?" she asked, a slight grin playing on her lips. "Well, you have just turned the page of a long chapter... and many of those weaknesses are heavily guarded," she told him. She watched him closely as he responded. "Wait, you're blushing... I don't know if I like this," she said, taking a step away from him and crossing her arms. It was hard keeping her smile from showing, but she knew that if Gabe were looking close enough, he would see her lips trembling. Then again, he may take that as a sign that she was close to tears.

Gabe looked at Adranna as she took a step away from him. He did of course notice her lips trmbling, however he interpreted it as a sign of her almost ready to cry as opposed to laughing. His expression immediately saddened. "oh, oh princess, I'm sorry..." He stepped towards her feeling horrible. stupid, stupid, why did you have to say that? "I...oh sweetheart you know I wouldn't love anyone more than you, and certainly not one that is just paint on a canvas."

Gabe just stared at her tilting his head then looked down at the floor shaking his head. Again....he thought he upset her, and she was just pretending. "Right....no I should have....I should have known that you weren't serious." He gave her a small smile and continued walking past that particular portrait. He was so worried about causing her any sort of pain, any sign, even a small one that she was in pain killed him, but again, it had been a false alarm.