Audrey felt something in her brain. Some kind of message? She wasn't sure what she was picking up, but she knew it had come from her right. She turned and looked to she a girl about her age sitting with a look of disappointment on her face. Audrey smiled and waved, but remembered that she, Audrey, was a loner with only books & plants for friends.

Victoria looked round again and saw another fourth year girl, she smiled at her as she looked over the top of her magazine.

Each word he'd said has been carved into her mind. And she found herself concentrating real hard as he talked; classrooms' concentration! She lifted her head off her knees a bit and smiled understanding that sitting alone at night watching the ocean was a nice thing to do. But, a big fat but, why there was no one to sit around with?

"Didn't you.." She started to say, without thinking, but caught herself and swallowed the comment. To fix it, she repeated, "Don't you have close friends in Florida? A girlfriend maybe?" there! She asked the question lingering for a few weeks in her mind. HMPH!

When started talking about his parents' reaction, she was about to nod and smile.. until he said the 'odd' word. Her eyebrows shot upward, "You're not odd!" she shouted in disbelief, "You just act like yourself and don't do cliched stuff!" Okay, she didn't quite understand what she meant by 'cliched stuff' but, but.. but it was true! "People say different when they can't understand other. I think you're very unique!" She announced, her cheeks going slightly red from the big smile on her face. She was not letting anyone call him odd.. or different, it was a very understatement for Dallin. Unique, cool, and fantastic were fine, though.

Finally.

The OWLs were over. She was done. She didn't have to worry about anything else for the rest of the term. All she wanted now was sleep, and lots of it.

But unfortunately, no matter how exhausted Vashti was just from these past two weeks of exams, she still had thousands of stairs to climb just to get to her common room, and by the time she had reached it, she felt like she had no energy left at all. Not even five years of climbing them could prepare her for how tired she felt after the pressure of taking all those OWLs. Thank Merlin she didn't have to take her NEWTs for another two years; she needed the break.

Vashti quickly found an empty sofa in the common room and collapsed onto it with a sigh, not feeling up to climbing the stairs to the dormitory. This sofa was just as comfy as her bed anyway...

Dallin actually snorted when she asked about a girlfriend back in Florida. "Yeah, that is never going to happen." Not that he wouldn't want it to happen... but the only girls in Florida he talked to were from out of state when he went to the more popular beaches. None of his neighbors were around his age, and the last time he spoke to any girls his age he'd been nine years old. "I don't have many friends there." His tone was light, as if that fact didn't matter to him in the slightest. "My friends when I was a kid were muggles, and the got offended when I went of to boarding school and left them. Which leaves me batting zero for the girlfriend department."

Which didn't bother him. If he didn't know any girls in his area why should he be bothered that he didn't have a girlfriend? Besides, it wasn't like he'd never had one before. He'd had one, and it just didn't go well --

His eyes widened at the train of thought and he quickly stopped it in its tracks. If he let himself think of that, he'd get... well, it'd just be best to get his mind on something else.

And that was what he did. He sat up straight and leaned back at Louisa's sudden outburst, surprised. He smiled, though, as she kept talking. It was good to know that she felt that way... maybe it was only his parents dad that felt like that. Of course, Dal didn't know what Louisa meant by 'cliched,' but that didn't matter. She was being very enthusiastic about the fact that he wasn't odd, he was 'unique.' Which was pretty much just another way of saying odd, from the way Dal looked at it.

"Thanks," he said, smirking a bit. "I don't really care, anyway. I am the way I am and I will be, no matter what people think about me." He shrugged. He quite liked the way he was, if he was honest.

Audrey smiled at this new older girl. She couldn't believe she was smiling back, but she saw she was busy reading and didn't want to disturb her, so she just went back to her huge book. She hoped the older girl would say something, because Audrey felt her tongue stuck to the roof of her mouth

Beth jumped when she heard a voice. She peered over the top of her book and saw a first year she recognised to see. "Oh, er, hi." She said awkwardly, putting the book down lower so it only hid her mouth. "Hi, Luna, I'm er, I'm Beth, er, Lourie..." She mumbled, not too sure what to say, her tongue sort of running loose. After a moment, she said, "Are you Irish? I'm probably wrong, I was just wondering? I am." She added quickly, just in case she was starting to freak the girl out.

Beth then noticed a girl in her year look up. Jeez, maybe she was telepathic! Nah, probably not... She felt her face turn a light pink when the girl smiled and waved so she gave a quick, short, small smile, and looked down again, but looked up hopefully only to see the girl was looking away.
She turned back to Luna, but her eyes flickered down to her watch, as she watched the minutes of her fifteenth birthday tick by.

Never gonna happen? She kept her smile on and tried hard not to jump on him in a tight hug! Louisa didn't know why she cared so much about the people he hung out with in Florida, but somehow she felt that during the summer he might forget how close they were in Hogwarts, how much fun they had together assuming he did have as much fun as her and going back home his old friends would start showing up and make her lose her adventures buddy. With his answer, all those assumptions were out the window, "Well, you have your Hogwartian friends. You don't need Floridans," making both words up for the necessity of the announcement.

She nodded approvingly, "You're right." The girl thought that Dal's fantastic trait was the fact that he was himself at all times; relaxed, funny, and everything good in a boy! Yep, that was her fair judgment on him.

"So..umm.." She started slowly, rocking her body back and forth while lifting her knees to her chest, ".. you don't have a girlfriend at home nor at Hogwarts?" She tried so hard to say it casually, just like a get-to-know-you way, "..I mean you're almost seventeen and you're really c.."ute, "..funny. Why not?" Hmm? Maybe he had some personal criteria? She should know that about him. Close friend and all.

"Very true," Dallin replied with a real, happy smile. He was perfectly happy with his Hogwartian friends, as Louisa called them. Even though he couldn't see them during summer he could still be around them for most of the year. So he could be fine for those two months away from Hogwarts.

He couldn't help but laugh at Louisa's approval. It was sort of funny how personally she had seemed to take the fact that people - mostly his had - had called him odd. It was like she was more offended by it than he was. That meant that she was a good friend though, so Dal didn't comment on that. He wouldn't want to make her feel embarrassed or anything.

Actually, though, it was his time to feel embarrassed when he couldn't answer her question right away. Why was she even asking if he had a girlfriend? Did it even matter to her, or was she just making conversation and getting to know him? Either way, he felt bad about not answering quickly. But this was one of those questions that made him think. Of course, the answer was no, he didn't have a girlfriend. Anywhere. His problem was trying to decide if he should give her a reason.

In the end, he decided that he'd keep it short and sweet. No need to really think about it, or he'd get emotional. And that would be hard to cover up. So he forced a laugh and said, "No girlfriend, here or otherwise." As to why that was... "I dunno, you'll have to ask the girls that won't date me." He made a sarcastic face at her to show that how should he know why he didn't have a girlfriend? "I'm certainly attractive enough. Maybe they're scared off by my good looks."

Oh, good old Dallin. Hiding insecurities and emotion behind sarcasm and an ego.

Rachel skipped into the Common room, and fished out her favourite muggle book from her bag, she also took out the photograph of her mum, although she had got over the shock of her mum dying, she still found it hard to believe that she was really gone. She only had one picture of her, as they never took photos in her house, but she had this one, when she was little, they through out all of the photos, but Rachel had saved this one. It was of her and her mum, her mum looked just like her, with long red hair and startling grey eyes, but this photo was special, because on her T-shirt was one of those egyptian life symbols- an ankh. Her dead mum wearing the symbol for life, it couldnt be sadder, but she was smiling at the camera like nothing could ever go wrong in the world. She wiped a tear from her cheek and began to read, the book was the first one her mum had ever got for her.

''Lovely name'' Luna replied and she smiled the girl seemed startled she wondered if it was somthing she said so she decided to just be quiet for a few minutes...............

Then she decided to reply because it was quite rude ''Yes I am, How did you know i've sort of picked up an English accent I came to England when I was three'' she never met anybody else irish in the school especially the same house that was cool she asumed everyone else thought she was English

Victoria decided to go and introduce herself so she walked over with the wedding magazine still in her hand.

Louisa giggled at his sarcastic answer, "I second the good looks one," She grinned and it was true. She found him rather more attractive than other seventeen years old... who looked so big and scary sometimes to her. Oh and nope, she wasn't about to ask girls why they never dated him! She couldn't comprehend such a possibility even!! Something in her stomach lurched at the mere idea. Blurgh.

"So, you're going to make Apparation test this summer?" his birthday was in October, right? it only made sense to her that way. "In the U.S?" He hadn't answered her if they had a special Ministry of Magic over there too. Assuming that the answer was yes, she smiled coyly at him, "Would you make me apparate on your side once you do it?" Not in Hogwarts of course.. sometime. Maybe while they shop in Diagon Alley for next semester?

Speaking of which, "Do you come to Diagon Alley for shopping for books or do you have everything over there?" She asked, slightly concerned that he might not come to England before next September.

Dallin grinned at Louisa's giggle, and her reply. "Thanks." He hoped that she realized that he had been mostly joking about that. She probably did, because there really was no way for him to know why he was still single. Also it was sort of unfair to blame it on just the girls. There was one big issue that had nothing to do with them; Dal didn't even know if he wanted a girlfriend. He kind of liked the feeling of being able to flirt with whoever he wanted to.

Anyway. He smiled when Louisa changed the subject and leaned sideways against the back of the couch. "Well, I don't actually turn seventeen until October... I think I'll wait for the summer after next to take the test." He needed practice before he took it. He chuckled, though, at what she said next and raised his eyebrows at her. "You want to Side-Along with me? You sure?" Personally he hated the feeling of Apparating and wouldn't do it just to do it. "But yeah, I guess if you want to, once I get my license we can Apparate somewhere." If she still remembered this conversation by the time that happened.

Aaaand more talking about himself. O_o "I've come to Diagon Alley since I've come to Hogwarts." The first year he'd done so because he had wanted to try to get to know a few people that went to Hogwarts before he actually got to school. Last year it had just been to see his friends. "I'm actually thinking about staying at the Leaky Cauldron for a few weeks." It would be easier that way. Then he could just fly to London and stay there until he could get on the Hogwarts Express.

She almost waved the info about his birthday off, she already knew when he was born and all. How couldn't she?! It was so natural between friends. Although Kita's birthday had slipped her mind a lot before. *scoff* it was weird how human brain works. "I am absolutely one hundred percent sure!" She nodded once vigorously, "And I'm going to hold your word for it for the whole next year!" In case he had his doubts about that.

HE WAS STAYING AT THE LEAKY CAULDRON?! Louisa couldn't believe her luck. She gasped in excitement and put a hand on one of his knees to demonstrate her total devotion to the oncoming idea. Or it was how she saw it, anyway. "I stay at the Leaky Cauldron for a couple of weeks before the Express, too! We can meet there and then!" A few seconds later, and after calming down a bit, she became aware of her hand and its whereabouts and quickly removed it in a casual move.

"Oh I don't doubt that," Dallin said, grinning at Louisa. After the way she had nagged reminded him about studying and stuff this year he definitely believed that she would remind him about Apparating. "I guess I better get to practicing more," he said with a laugh, "if I'm going to have you coming along with me at some point." He would hate for something to happen, and have it be his fault.

His eyes widened instantly and he looked down at her hand on his knee. Wow. Excitement, huh? His surprise faded to amusement quickly, though. Louisa was just... enthusiastic. About a whole lot of things. "That sounds great," Dal said cheerfully, running a hand through his hair absentmindedly. "You'll have to tell me when you're going. When we talk." *Smile.*

Beth felt a little relaxed now she and Luna had something in common. "Nice." She said, "yeah, I can see how that would happen... I was moved to England when I was nine." She explained. "With my Aunt, but she's dead now-" She stopped, realising she'd said too much. She cleared her throat awkwardly. "Er, anyway, I live here now. You're in first year, right? I'm in fourth year, but I'm fifteen. Today, as it happens."


Beth looked up and saw the older girl, and gave a small smile but looked down, not too sure what to say.

"Hello, I am Victoria Trigwell soon to be Weasley Potter, are you enjoying your fourth year?" Victoria told the younger girl.

"Uh, hi Victoria. Er, Trigwell. Weasley Potter." Said Beth awkwardly. "Um, congratulations." She said, glancing at the magazine. "I'm Beth Lourie, yeah, I am, though I don't really know what to do. It's my birthday, and my cousin sent a message saying I had to do something, so..., er, that's it..."

"Maybe I could help you!" Victoria told Beth and then said "I got a telepathic message about a birthday!"

She laughed, "Good. I want my friends to know how persistent I can be when I want something," other words for stubborn which Louisa was very convinced was a false accusation from.. everyone. She was just so steady in her attitudes and that wasn't stubborness.

...she found herself glaring at him for a full long second when he did that hair move, fascinated by how that move suited him. Blinking several times, she nodded, "That'd be cool."

Feeling tired, walking around the lake all afternoon while reading made her legs sore, she tilted her head and rested it on the couch, "How about we play a little game while we're up late and can't just stroll out of the common room?" And before she started yawning like a little girl. "Truth or dare maybe?" She suggested, her tone was so quiet and her enthusiasm fading away. Slightly- because she was with DAL!

Dal chuckled, shaking his head. "I definitely know," he assured her. "You've done it before, haven't you? Apparated?" He just had to make sure. Because if she hadn't she wouldn't know what an uncomfortable feeling it was, and maybe she wouldn't be so excited about it if she did know.

He looked away for a moment, yawning, and when he returned his gaze to her she was glaring at him. He leaned back slightly, confused, but she stopped so he didn't ask what that was all about. Some weird girl thing, probably. Right. He looked at her curiously for a few seconds before moving on.

Whoa. Laughing again, he leaned forward to his original position. "What kind of things did you have in mind?" His tone was sort of suspicious. Because that game could have some not-so-good consequences, depending on what she asked him about. He wouldn't want to let his mind go and end up thinking about things and people he'd been pushing out of his mind for weeks.

"Maybe, um, maybe a different game would be better." Just sayin'.

...hmm...

Eh?

Vashti blinked, suddenly finding herself staring up at the ceiling and not... Wait, had she dozed off? Merlin...

She probably ought to get up and go to her dorm then. She really didn't want to sleep out here in the common room, no matter how comfy the sofa was. Her bed was a much better place to sleep than down here. Plus she needed to put on her pajamas if she wanted to go to sleep; her uniform just wasn't all that comfortable to sleep in really.

With a soft groan, the fifth year pushed herself up onto her feet and started heading for the door that led to the dorms.

"No. I've never apparated. Marina wouldn't let me. She said I was too young to experience the feeling and blah blah blah.." Louisa rolled her eyes, looking at Dallin in an askew angel since her head was still tilted, "I know the real reason though. Mom freaked out when she knew about it. Marina just goes by the way her boss tells her to," emphasizing on the 'boss' word to show her disapproval.

His question made her smile wider and if she had any left energy, she'd jump and start reciting the things she wanted to do with him in their last late night, "I don't know. Anything's fun with you," Yeah and no energy left for blushing, embarrassment or thinking either.

Oh. He didn't want truth or dare. Well then.. WHY? She squinted her eyes at him and shot a teasing smile, "Someone has a lot of secrets," And let's just say that his luck was big that she accepted the 'no' with this only teasing smile. "Okay then. We can... continue to talk or.." straightening herself up she looked around- nobody was there... except for:

"VASHTI! Over here!" Don't ask about the reborn energy, Louisa waved frantically at the older girl going up to the dorms. And nope, she was not going to let her near her bed while Ryden's stolen trophy was still hidden under the bed clumsily. Vashti might start a lecture O_O

Turning her head to Dallin, she said, "This is my friend Vashti. You know her?" Was she one of those girls that didn't want to date you? her mind conjured the words but her tongue refused to utter them. Luckily.

Oh and Louisa didn't scoot away from Dallin for her friend to sit down, she scooted slightly closer. Just to make sure her position was saved and all.

Dallin nodded in understanding. That was probably why she was so eager to get him to Apparate with her, then. "It's uncomfortable," he told her with a shrug. "It's sorta like... like you're being squished through this little tube." It seemed like a good explanation to him.

He half-smiled at what she said. "I think you put too much faith in my ability to be fun. I'm boring, most of the time." Like right now, for instance. Dal couldn't believe that Louias actually wanted to stay up just to sit on the couch and talk to him. It seemed boring. Of course he wasn't bored... and he hoped he wasn't boring her to death either.

Secrets. Dallin sort of shook his head. "Well, no. Thoughts mostly, and-" he shut up quickly, his eyes widening as he hurriedly looked away from Louisa. "Secrets." He amended. Maybe she wouldn't ask if he said that he had secrets. That was probably better.

Oh thank Merlin. He almost sighed in relief when Louisa called for someone to join them. He shook his head again when Louisa asked if he knew the girl, and then smiled at the girl. Please come join us. He straightened out his arm on the back of the couch as Louisa scooted closer to him and sat up a bit straighter, though he was still sitting sideways.