After much frantic searching, asking of questions, and wrong turns; Xerxes had finally found the Charms Classroom. He stopped in the corridor right outside the classroom and stood bent over double, catching his breath. He had run all the way here from the Fifth floor, after having been given the exactly location of the Charms Classroom by a sympathetic helper and fellow student.

Once he had collected himself and his heart rate dropped below 150 bpm, Xerxes straightened up and took in his surroundings. He had been so worried he was going to be late, but now it appeared that he was actually early. For no one was yet inside the Charms Classroom. He congratulated himself on his own brilliance and leaned up against the corridor's stone wall to wait comfortably for the rest of his peers to arrive.

While he waited, Xerxes looked in his school bag to make sure he had his new Charms textbooks. "'The Standard Book of Spells, Grade One'.......got it. And 'Jinxes for the Jinxed'......have that one too. It's all here. These books, plus my wand, and I have everything I need for a successful first Charms lesson. Woo Hoo!" Xerxes said to himself. "You go, girl."

Xerxes then continued to lean up against the wall of the corridor and look around. He was proud of himself for being the first one to make it to class. He had certainly stressed himself out enough to justify this pride. What was it his parents had told him? "Early is on-time.....and on-time is late." Good advice for a new student attending Hogwarts. These were words to live by when being late to class could earn you a detention or get house points taken away from Hufflepuff. He was determined that neither of these things happen.

Paul had an exhausting day. Studying, exercise, classes, running back and forth took a lot out of him. He thought about it and decided, why bother traveling all the way back to the common room to take nap? When he can do it right here and now. So he dropped his bag took a spot by the wall and leaned his head over the bag to rest.

It was nap time for the fourteen-year old now.

For the most part of Paul’s busy day, Idris had been at his boyfriend’s side. Whereas the Hufflepuff was understandably tired, the Gryffindor was bouncing off the walls. Not literally, of course, but quite close to it. At the sound of the bag dropping to the floor, Id turned to look questioningly at the other guy. His part-kneazle, Nesquik, whom he held in his arms meowed, asking the question Id was about to ask. “What Nes asked,’’ he piped up happily and brightly. “Are we having a rest here?” Because he wasn’t about to question Paul’s unusual choice in terms of place to do so.

“Here, Paully. Have a Nes. You’ll nap better.” The fourth year deposited his furbaby close to Paul then plopped himself on the corridor next to the two. Nes pawed Paul on the nose but seemed to feel sorry about his second hooman's plight. Id himself sat cross legged, staring down the corridor which housed Dad E’s and Dad D’s offices. Maybe he’d get to see one or both of them soon?

Aurora had felt bored and cooped up, and her cat had felt the same way. So she decided to take a walk around the castle with him, making sure that he stayed with her the entire time. The last thing she wanted was for her cat to go missing. The castle was huge.

As they made their way along the third floor corridor, she spotted Idris and Paul sitting against the wall. Didn’t seem like the most comfortable spot to sit, but she was happy to join them. Hopefully Paul would be okay with that.

Or… never mind, he was fast asleep.

She’d just talk to Id then. And Oreo could play with Nesquik.

”Hey, Id,” she said quietly as she joined the boys on the floor, watching as Oreo made his way to lie near Nes.

When you happened to be as giddy with happiness and kindness like the Fat Friar was, everyday was a beautiful day. Which was exactly why today was no different. The Hufflepuff ghost hummed the Hogwarts anthem as he drifted lazily along the third floor corridor. He was on his way to the Clock Tower Entrance for no particular reason. This was his intention until he came across a strange scene. Really though, can anything be considered strange after one has lived hundreds of years and was witness to many a scene?

“Hello, hello!” The Friar wafted up to the three students and their feline friends. A closer look told him that one of Hufflepuffs was asleep. Or was he only just drifting off. “An odd place to sleep, I should think,’’ he continued mildly. “I say! I do miss sleeping.” At the mention of this, his expression shifted into one of great forlornness.

Idris heard the approaching footsteps but he didn’t tear his gaze away from the direction of the two offices, as though silently willing the respective professors to emerge. But when neither did, he turned his attention to his Hufflepuff friend. “Hi, Rory! Hi, Oreo!” His greeting was enthusiastic in that Idris manner but his tone remained soft. He glanced at Paul to check that he hadn’t been disturbed. “I still cannot get over the fact that we have familiars names after such delicious food items!” Or snack items, was it? He watched as Nes, from his position beside Paul, eye Oreo as Oreo moved close. As far as Id knew, the two felines hadn’t interacted much. “Think they would be friends?”

It certainly seemed that he was not the only enthusiastic one around here! “Hi, Mr. Friar Sir!” Id himself hadn’t spoken a lot to the Hufflepuff ghost but the Friar was always so very friendly, it warmed the Gryffindor’s heart. “Paully’s just really tired so he really didn’t think before he crashed here.” That was absolutely fine with Id; he was all too happy to support his boyfriend in whatever situation {within reason}.

That expression… Id’s heart went out to the ghost, more from the expression on his face than the words. “Maybe… maybe you can try lying there, er, hovering horizontally? It might help you reminisce?’’ Because if the Friar tried to lay on the ground, chances are he would go right through it.

Vivienne observed the soft interaction between Idris, Rory, and their familiars with quiet fondness. The cautious approach towards Nesquik earned a faint smile, showcasing the charming nature of creatures meeting each other. She suggested hosting tea parties for them, despite the scandalous backstory involving a gnome society. The interaction was charming.

A gentle nod was offered to the Fat Friar, softening his wistful tone. She suggested horizontal floating as a trend, tempered with warmth. Vivienne, turning slightly to keep Paul in view, complimented her for allowing him to rest like this.

The corridor felt hushed, as if the castle held its breath for this gentle pocket of stillness. She liked it here, absently smoothing a fold in her skirt, feeling like the sort of day where small comforts matter.

Marion floated along the corridor, by pure coincidence the one where one of her Hufflepuffs was camping out. She graciously passed one studmuffin’s office then another, her head inclined in the direction of each. Either would be a sight for sore eyes, as Marion was agitated with the happenings that had taken place in the Badger Indoor Garden. It had been a minor thing, what happened to Mr. Harden but it had dredged up a lot of unpleasant memories for her.

She fought agitation as she moved on until she came across the most peculiar gathering. “HellooOOOOoooo, darlings!” Marion’s transparent eyes roved from each student to ghost before coming to rest on young Paul. “Now, I do know that human looooooove their naps but is Mr. Rocker really having a delightful trip to the sweet realms of dreamland on this floor?” The Head of House was both confused and concerned.

With a playful gleam, Vivienne came up to the group and said they had seeen a restless corridor, a frenzied Head of House, and Oreo trying to mimic a Renaissance painting.

She suggested that Burbage be invited to an impromptu parlour seance. She intended to turn the gathering into a parlor seance and embrace chaos, with tea being optional and ghost rumors being optional.

Paul's napping form was given a velvet cushion by Vivienne, who also clarified that everyone contributes to the narrative. Aurora will interpret dreams, Oreo and Nesquik will be ambient lounge lizards, and Idris will be the emotional narrator.

She suggested that the professor stay for agitation relief and make a joke about her son becoming a star in a corridor legend. Speaking in a conspiratorial tone, Vivienne mentions the Trophy Room ghost's faith in creation of glitter.

It was so nice seeing Oreo with Nesquik. Honestly they should have already been having play dates at this point. But it was better late than never. And thinking about dates, Aurora needed to talk to Idris about having another movie date, because they had had so much fun watching Finding Nemo together. She wanted to watch more movies with her friend. His comment got a laugh from her. "We love our snacks. I'd say too much, but you can never love snacks too much." At least that was her opinion, and she was sure that he would agree with her. Rory's attention turned back to the cats and she watched as Oreo eyed Nes back then gave a gentle and playful bat with his paw towards him. "I sure hope so." Oreo definitely wanted to play at least.

Her attention was drawn away by her House ghost joining them. The friar got a big smile from her. "Hello Sir." Oh right. She hadn't really given much thought to the fact that ghosts couldn't sleep. They also couldn't eat. How sad. Aurora opened her mouth to say something to him, but Idris beat her to it. She nodded along to what her friend said. Maybe that would do something even if it still wasn't sleep.

And now there was a younger student joining in. Wow, this corridor was turning out to be quite the meeting place! "Hello, Vivienne." She offered the younger girl a smile. Though she hadn't spoken to her before, she had seen her in classes and around the school. She was about to comment on the tea party, when someone else joined in.

"Hello, Professor," she greeted her Head of House warmly. "How are you?" She seemed to be rather lost in thought. It was clear that something was on her mind, and hopefully it was nothing bad. Rory glanced towards Paul as Professor Burbage commented on his sleeping. "Yep. I guess he was too tired to make it back to the dorms." Which she could understand. She herself had a hard time functioning when she was tired. And she had also fallen asleep in the most random places more than once.

Thinking about it further, she turned her attention back to Idris. "Would he like a blanket?" Because if so, she did have one in her bag that she kept in case it was needed. And Paul could definitely use it. Vivienne gave him a velvet cushion, which was very nice.

While Nes and Oreo had their playdates, Id and Rory could watch all the movies they wanted! A lot of fun was in store for both pairs. “I agree. So Nes and Oreo having snack names suit our personalities.” It was his lucky day when Paul had named that little pink part-kneazle! Speaking of the two futbabies, they seemed to be off to a great start! Nes swatted at Oreo but it wasn’t a mean sort, not from Id’s point of view at least.

This was turning out to be quite the gathering!

While Idris was overjoyed about this, he was quite worried about everyone waking Paully. He glanced at the Hufflepuff, his gaze full of fondness before turning back to everyone there - the ghosts, Rory and the Ravenclaw he did not know. “Apologies if this is too much to ask for, everyone. But can we keep our voices lowered?” At this point, Nes gave a soft meow which Id took to mean he agreed. “Professor Burbage, I’d like to think that Paully found the softest bit of the corridor to curl up on,” he joked quietly.

“I think a blankie would be lovely, Rory. Thank you.” All the more to make his Paully as comfy as possible!

“Horizontally! Simply brilliant, Master Grunt!” It wasn’t often the Friar found himself in such a manner but it would help with his very, very distant memory of naps. The House Ghost did just as was suggested. There was a moment of silence from him as he adjusted so that he was rather close to Master Rocker. Maybe close enough that the Hufflepuff would feel the chill one felt when walking through a ghost accidental or otherwise. The Friar stared up at the ceiling with the hope that a wave of sleepiness would claim him.

“Oh hello, Marion.’’ An arm went up in greeting. “There’s nothing to see here but two Hufflepuffs taking a nap. Or, on second thought. One is napping while the other is attempting to. Of course, Miss Bay is welcome to have one now as well? And you, Marion?”

Ms. Bay, always the pleasant one she was. “I am quite well on this marvellllllous day. It warms my heart that you asked but my deaaaar, tell me. Are you overcome with the urge to nap here as well?” Marion was concerned, worried even that this may turn into a situation she might not be able to handle.

It was with these distracted thoughts that she held a translucent finger close to her lips before lowering it. “No need to apologise, Mr. Grunt,’’ Marion dramatically stage whispered. “We all can be quiet though I really would prefer Mr. Rocker to make haste to his dorm.” Marion’s comment was due to two reasons. Firstly, there was genuine concern about Paul’s young bones aching from his time on the floor. Secondly, it was not right for any student to nap in the middle of any corridor.

The Friar was not helping matters at all. Slightly disgruntled, Marion wafted over to him. Her stage whispering continued. “Friar, do be a deeeeeear and lead by example. It’s not right to encourage anyone to nap here.”

It was a good thing Paul wasn't a light sleeper, because all of this noise WASN'T helpful to the average person in need of a good nap. But Paul wasn't that heavy of a sleeper either, he could feel some shifting and words did reach his ear, but he was very exhausted, not letting that stir him out of his position, and his eyes remained closed.

Nap time was fun time for him as he went into dreamland.

What was he dreaming? Something about cows, butterflies, and some voice

Horizontally.... brilliant, Master Grunt!

His nose wrinkled before he drifted back to sleepy sleep.

”Absolutely!” Aurora told Idris. She grinned. It really did suit them. While she mostly ate really healthy, she did love indulging herself from time to time. And there was nothing wrong with that. ”Speaking of snacks, we need to watch more movies.” And they could enjoy popcorn and other treats while they did that. She knew that he would be totally up for it. As she chatted with him, she watched as Oreo and Nesquik played with each other. It made her happy to see her cat make a new friend.

When he asked everyone to be quiet, Aurora hoped that she wasn’t being too loud. Really she was trying her best to speak quietly for Paul’s sake. And fortunately he was still asleep, even though her Head of House clearly wasn’t too happy about him sleeping in the corridor. But at least she was doing well, that was good. It did seem that something had been on her mind, but clearly it wasn’t bad if she was her usual cheery self. It made her smile.

There was talk of her sleeping as well, and Aurora wondered if she looked tired. Really she was wide awake. ”Oh. I might sleep later if I get tired. But I’ll make sure to go to my dorms first.” She smiled at Burbage and the Friar.

With that, she started to look through her bag. ”No problem!” she told her friend as she searched. It didn’t take her too long to pull out her blanket. It was nice and fluffy and was sure to make Paul even more comfortable. She passed it over to Idris so that he could place it over his boyfriend.

Were they all being too loud? The Friar really hadn’t noticed anyone else being loud but dear Marion. Heartiest of apologies, Marion, but it was a fact. The ghost opened his transparent mouth to whisper something to Idris and Rory when the Hufflepuff HoH decided to attack him. Not in the physical manner but to this soft hearted monk, it felt as if she had.

The Friar did not altogether disregard her insufficiently disguised annoyance. “But Marion.” He threw a look at the sleeping form of Mr. Rocker then lowered his voice. “This really seems to be the ideal spot. I’ve just been reminiscing about one particular nap I had in my sixth year on one Saturday. I intended to shut my eyes for twenty minutes but did so for four hours! FOUR HOURS! I wish to recreate that moment.” Oh no. The Friar hadn’t meant to shout. He watched apprehensively as Mr. Rocker stirred, hoping heartily that he didn't awake. Thankfully, luck was in the Friar's favour.

With mild embarrassment, he snuggled closely to the sleeping Hufflepuff. There, there, Mr. Rocker. No one will wake you now.

Another day, another lesson planned. Ean's schedule was a little stacked with taking over Muggle Studies, but he was managing just fine with his colleagues assistance. Now he just had to pay a visit to Khanna over a club meeting schedule conflict. He heard voices outside the corridor, which wasn't unusual, students and Professors passing by and all.

Once Ean stepped out, there was clearly a sight to behold. The Fat Friar was attempting to nap near a student. Master Paul Rocker and... there was Idris Grunt and Aurora Bay, along with the lovely Marion who seemed troubled.

He paused for a moment to just watch the scene, ".... Does anyone care to share what's going on here?" And why was a student and ghost trying to nap here of all places? "Was there a scheduled meeting that I missed the memo on?" The Gryffindor Head wasn't upset if there were any indication in his tone, just very curious and puzzled.

There was certainly nothing wrong with treating one’s self, a lot or a little. “I’d love that!” Idris told Rory quietly but despite this tone, it was quite clear how into the idea he was by the way his face lit up. “You just let me know when you’re ready and we can make it happen!” His brain was already working in overdrive in an attempt to brainstorm movies the two could possibly watch on their date.

Id smiled at the Friar’s compliment though he was cringing inwardly at the gusto at which it was said. He snuck a concerned glance at Paul just in time to see his boyfriend wrinkling his nose. Yup, Paul had heard that which meant his sleep was being somewhat disturbed. Id sighed softly before turning back to the gathering. Really, did the rest of them - with the exception of Rory and Oreo - have to be here?

He sat there observing the interaction between Professor Burbage and The Friar. Even Nes was watching them with such scrutiny that the kneazle-cat seemed to have forgotten about snuggling Paul and playfully swatting at Oreo. At least the two ghosts were whispering. Either way, he thought that it wouldn’t be long before Paul would be awoken and ushered off to the Hufflepuff Common Room.

And who better than to oversee exactly that than Dad E? Sorry, Professor Burbage, but it didn’t seem you were making any progress with this. As usual, the Gryffindor was overcome by the strong urge to fling himself at the man in a tight hug. Being at Hogwarts, that sort of thing was limited. “Hi, Professor!” Id beamed brightly. “Nope, you didn’t! Paully just took a spontaneous nap. Rory and Aurora along with Nes and Oreo were keeping him company. Then the Friar arrived and decided that he wanted to relive what it was like to nap. Professor Burbage isn’t too happy about that, or Paully napping here so she’s trying to convince the Friar to lead by example and not go through with his idea.”

That was just about it in a nutshell.

Marion peered down at her dear little Hufflepuff as he stirred. She partially felt guilty for hoping that he would awake which would possibly lead to this situation resolving itself. The other part of her thought how peaceful he looked and wanted him to remain napping. She knew being a student wasn’t the easiest. It must have been what had drained his energy, all those lessons and homework. Alas the first scenario was not the case. Marion reasoned that Mr. Rocker was far too comfortable with the blanket Ms. Bay had covered him with. Despite her plight, Marion could not help but feel proud of the other Hufflepuff student for displaying such compassion. “I appreciate that, Ms. Bay. Your own bed would be a much better option for a restful sleep, my deeeear!” Her eyes twinkled.

When she turned back to her fellow ghost, Marion did her best to keep the agitation from her translucent body language. The Friar who was usually reasonable clearly was stubborn about his decision. She had her work cut out for her. Was there a chance that the other students gathered there could help her convince him otherwise? Or not.

Who better to help her out of this plight than one incredible studmuffin? As Mr. Grunt brought her colleague up to speed, Marion took the brief time to allow herself to feel the relief seeping through her. Doubts about her capabilities as a Head of House began to once again creep into her mind. “Precisely as Mr. Grunt said. Thank you, my dear.” Marion graced the Gryffindor with a smile.

“Professooooooor Feirgrund.” Marion batted her lashes once, twice in his directions. “Any suggestion and assistance you render would be greatly appreciated. Particularly in the way of the Friar.” She threw the Friar a dirty look.