Selina blushed at the awkward compliment. She was never one to handle compliments well and yet every now and again people would pay her one. She wished she could have been more gracious with compliments, but because she was usually the complimentor and not the complimentee she was unsure of how to respond. So she resigned herself to the best reply she could give.

"Uh, thanks. I mean I wish I were better since I've been flying since I was thre, but, um, thank you. Yeah..." It was the best she could do. Contrary to popular belief Selina exuded confidence in others... not herself.

When he made the comment about Shakespeare the little lioness laughed, "Of course, he's brilliant. Everyone knows that."

He brought up her book and a small smiled graced her lips, "I'm glad you liked it. I know it's old and everything, but my family's had it for generations. I thought I'd pass it on to someone who would appreciate it more." Of course she would not mention that it was one of Shakespeare's personal copies that he had given one of her ancestors, that would give him a heart attack.

Christopher laughed at her modesty. She seemed to feel so awkward whenever people complimented her. He smiled back and said, "You're great, really. And you're quite welcome! So tell me, you say you've been flying since you were three, do they make little tiny broom stick for babies and young children?" He was curious as to how it would be like to grow up in the Wizarding World; the Muggle world was nowhere as exciting and fun, though he supposed it could be at times, but he probably resented it so much because it was all he knew, and he grew sick of it.

"The most brilliant of them all! As brilliant as Merlin!!!" Selina had in fact explained Merlin's greatness to him in the common room not far back, and he was indeed an excellent wizard. As wonderful a wizard as William Shakespeare was an author.

"Are you kidding me? I think it's wonderful! It's like a piece of history right in my own hands! The faded parchment, the folded up corners, even the ink in which it was written opposed to Muggle's text of it is just amazing! It's like he wrote it out of this book himself!" He smiled so happily just thinking of his book. It was a truly amazing gift.

Selina giggled at his question about baby brooms. She supposed that growing up in the Muggle world had skewed his ability to comprehend some of Wizarding Culture. It was a double edged sword of course. Selina herself did not understand that much about Muggle culture and her own grandfather was a Muggle. "No of course not! It's a horrible idea, putting babies on broom sticks. So my Dad had a special one made for me and my size. Now that I'm older of course I get an adult broom, but most kids did not even get the chance to play prior to their first year at Hogwarts."

Then he spoke about Shakespeare and sat back in his chair heavily. "You okay?"

"Interesting! Well I mean, they could have a car seat attached to it or something! Like when they ride in cars or have high chairs." He knew wizards didn't have cars, but he wasn't so sure about high seats. But she'd probably understand what he meant. "Your dad could've gotten you any broom you wanted, couldn't he?" Now Christopher thought about it, being obessesed with Quidditch while having a famous Quidditch playing father couldn't be much more of a plus.

"Yes, I'm fine! I just really like Shakespeare!" Whenever the subject came up, it was like he was having the beat conversation of his life. It kid of freaked people out, but Christopher was just a die hard lit. geek.

After getting clear on how just exactly her new rememberall worked with the help of some peers and Madam Donovan and Mr Stryker she headed over to the quieter sections of the library. Sophie had also accquired a new book to read which at least on the back seemed promising. Outside the rain was pouring down like it usually did this time of year in Scotland.

The lioness was glad that she didn't have any classes on the grounds this particular Saturday since getting wet and muddy didn't feel like a fun prospect. Sophie disliked rain it made her moody and a little homesick. Heading further into the library she spotted Ivory her fellow prefect sitting against a cushion near the stained glass window's.

In a quiet tone Sophie called out "Hi, Ivy! Mind if i join you?"

Selina looked away for a minute. How was she suppossed to tell Chris that three year olds were not allowed to fly without a parent? That it was against Wizarding Law unless it was a toy broom. Well, she could just skip over that small detail and hope that he never found out, "No, we don't have... what did you say? A car sheet? Is that some kind of blanket?"

When he got all flustered about Shakespeare Selina laughed and said, "No I think it's great thath you love something passionately. Everyone needs something they are passionate about. For me it's Quidditch, for you it's Shakespeare. What's the harm in that?"

Moving her eyes away from the trailing raindrops on the window pane, Ivory turned to the sound of a familiar voice. Smile widening in greeting, she set her book down. "Hey Sophie!" Shaking her head slightly, she patted the seat beside her. "Of course I don't mind, I'd love the company."

Leaning back into the seat, she brought up her knees and turned to smile at her fellow prefect. "So how's everything?" It had been a while since they'd talked and Ivory felt like Sophie was someone she'd like to get to know.

"Well, not exactly big or even real brooms, but like little toy ones. They have that for little but with a mini car. It's not really a car, you see. In the Muggle world you must be atleast sixteen years of age to drive a car. Well, maybe it's a little different than that, the law is constantly changing," he said with a chuckle.

Christopher laughed a little too hard when she suggested that a car seat was a car sheet - a blanket while riding in the automobile. "No, no! It's a seat for babies and young children when they ride in the car. Then it can be strapped into the seat belt so the don't fly out of their seats during sudden turns." He hoped she understood that. Though she probably didn't.

"There's no harm it all!" He chimed in, sounding like a character reading a line in a cheesy little kids' movie. "If you didn't have anything to geek out over, what would you do!?" Christopher certainly didn't know.

"Exactly!" Selina exclaimed sitting up in her chair, "I mean the things that we love help define us. If you're not passionate about something what is the point in living? Mediocrity is the thief of time. The more time you spend waisting your life being mediocre and denying yourself of passion the less time you have to explore who you really are as a person. Like you may become a classic's major when you get older and then teach Muggle Studies. I'll become a World famous Quidditch player and make a ton of money...

"All because of our passions don't you see? We know what we want from our lives and that doesn't make us dorky that makes us brilliant!"

Christopher was so relieved that finally somebody finally understood things around here! He intently listened to each word she said, taking it in hungrily. She really had a talent for speaking. Maybe he'd tell her that sometime, preferably when she got used to being complimented.

Where Selina's inspirational speech was wonderful, his was simple and sweet, but just as effective. "Well said! I mean, i completely agree! We wouldn't be who we are without our passions and desires, our likes and our dislikes. We'd just sort of be.... well, there." And Christopher wasn't going to be 'just there,' and he was more sure than anything that Selina had a mutual opinion in the matter.

"Exactly! And I don't want to be just here. I want to make a difference. Life my life the way I want to and experience the things that I have always dreamed about." Selina said throwing her hands in the air with excitement. She felt like she had just had a very Elyie moment, but she didn't mind. She sometimes believed that Elyie was the most true to herself out of any person she had ever met. She admired the courage it took to truly be herself.

Calming down Selina said, "Sorry... I, uh, just get really passionate when I speak.."

Lexi gave a slight shrug and looked at Alice. "Beats me... I reckon those of us that have been robbed of the chance will have to intern or apprentice or sommat..." she guessed at it. Not really sure what the future would hold, to be honest.

Shaking her head Lexi held up a hand to silence the girl and said, "You can do anything you set your mind to and focus on, Alice. It's just a matter of discipline. See the thing is that some of we older students have been taught much more than you younger lot... before everything went topsy turvy. And the thing is, if you study the textbooks and instructions well enough there is no real reason why you couldn't teach yourself. It is a matter of trial and error. Practice on a dummy... practice on something that you can't hurt. It's not as hard as you think it is. It's just new and scary."

Anasta Liora Riddle feeled happy relax, acheaving one of the cushioned window seats. She by the way review the floor and nearby shelves, that have been changing subtly in color as the sunlight shines through the stained glass panels.

Alice nodded her head as she listened to Lexi speak, looking back at the window as she did so. "I guess it's just a shame that we have to," Alice said with a little shrug. "Is Salander just as frustrated about the whole thing as you are?" Alice asked.

Alice let out a little sigh, shifting her eyes down before looking back up at Lexi again. "Would you be willing to show me some of the stuff you learned?" Alice asked, remembering the nifty little spell that created butterflies that Lexi had taught her her first year at Hogwarts.

Sitting down next to Ivy on the windowsill depositing her remember all and book beside her Sophie said "I’m good I guess." she waited a moment and then continued in a low tone "Finlay asked me out on a Hogsmeade date. I accepted. Do you think that was the right thing do?" The head boy was a known flirt and had had several girlfriends in his time at Hogwarts. Sophie on the other hand had only been in one relationship that hadn’t lasted a full year so her experience was limited. She wasn’t exactly keen on being the talk of the rumor mill but Sophie wanted to get to know Finlay better. Looking into Ivy’s eyes the lioness asked "So what’s new with you? Keeping up with classes? Hung out with any cute guys?"

Lexi couldn't help but chuckle a little bit... did Salander find it frustrating? "I dun think he does, no. He tends to be easier to go with the flow of things than me. Which is something I truly admire about him. He adapts where I dig my heels in and throw a fit when things change," she said with a faint smile on her lips still.

Blinking a few times she was taken aback a bit... "S-s-sure. Wow. I dun think anyone has ever asked me to teach them anything... well aside from Sal asking me to teach him the Patronus Charm."

She began to think of the simple shields and defensive magic she could teach Alice... it was all pretty exciting really.

Christopher nodded knowingly. He knew exactly what she meant, and the look he gave her showed that clearly. She reminded him so much of Elyon sometimes. It was simply adorable and funny at the same time! The way she just let go and was herself made him chuckle. It was deffinitely like Elyon to throw your hands up into the air when you get ec.

"No! Don't be sorry! You're a very good speaker. I rather like your speeches." He smiled and sat back a little. "I mean, it's just like you said! You shoul be yourself, be proud of it."

Ahhhh! I'm sorry for being so ridiculously slow! xP
 

Peyton was very much enjoying her book. Okay so maybe most people wouldn't say 'Oh yeah that girl loves reading', but she was about as in to it as she could get. Hmmm... some of these plants were dangerous like body-squeezing, facing pulling dangerous. She shifted herself into a more comfortable position and pulled the book up a little higher as she did so. Then she looked up as she started to hear some kid talking.

Wait, he was talking to her, wasn't he? The more she thought about it, the more she came to realize that her book was reflecting light directly into his eyes. Deciding to give him a sarcastic reply she said, "Oh I'm sorry. Here, is this better." She pulled the book up at tad and more of the light beam reflected off it into his eye. Giving him a smirk, she took the book he was reading from his hands (while he was blinded) and looked at the cover letting out a chuckle.

Selina blushed a little at his comment. She had to stop setting herself up for a possible compliment. They made her wildly uncomfortable. Not that she didn't like the fact that people thought well of her. She just wanted them to not vocalize it. That was her own issue though that she would have to overcome.

"Thanks.... um yeah."

Alice couldn't help but chuckle along with Lexi. "It is kind of hard to imagine Salander getting upset about anything really...I wish I was that relaxed all of the time!"

Alice's smile widened even more when Lexi agreed to teach her some spells. "The Patronus Charm...that's the one used to ward off Dementors, right?"

Lexi shook her head and smiled. "Oh no, he can get extremely upset over certain things. Usually when it involves me... or someone being rude to me. He's awfully cute when he is being protective," she said with an exaggerated eye roll.

"Yes, but that is not the only use of the Patronus Charm. It can be used as a means of magical communication as well. It's pretty handy, but it was awfully difficult to learn to cast a corporeal, or fully body, Patronus," she said matter of factly.

Alice gave Lexi a warm smile. "I'm so glad things are working out for you and Salander. I can't think of two people that deserve it more!" Salander and Lexi were practically like siblings to Alice, and honestly Alice didn't think she would have blended into Hogwarts and school life as well as she had if it hadn't been for the two of them.

"For communication?" Alice asked curiously. "Do they carry messages with them or something?"

Tilting her head to the side Lexi appeared to be thinking about it all for a moment then a smile broke out on her face. "Yes, we do indeed deserve it," she said with a little snort of laughter.

Shaking her head slightly she tucked a lock of hair behind her ear and said, "You can cast a Patronus and have it speak with your voice. That bit is the most difficult to achieve, but it can be done."

"It certainly sounds like it would be rather difficult," Alice said, trying to imagine a creature composed of wispy air speaking in your voice. "What kinds of defensive spells do you find the most helpful to know?" Alice was clumsy, and there was no denying it, so Alice figured the more spells she could learn to possibly prevent things from breaking the better off she would be.

"In my opinion the more shielding spells you know, the better. They aren't going to save your butt for long, but they are very important. Blow back jinx... there is an entire arsenal of spells that I think are most useful... I will compile a list of sorts," she said with a nod of her head.