Belle was happy he was hugging back. At least he was comfortable with her. Belle snapped her fingers when the snowball did not affect him like it did to her. Belle was glad he did not make a comment about her few seconds of starring. His eyes were quite interesting. She never saw an eye color like that before. He has also had fiery red hair she never saw either. Well it is time to see new things. "I will truly say i am having a lot of fun getting to know you Mr.Damon." Belle said truthfully.



Belle giggled when she let it almost slip that they were cute together. Belle shrugged and took it as a compliment. Belle beamed when they were going to make this snowmen really big. Belle agreed and smirked at Damon, "Yes we do need a strong man to push it around once since it is too big for us to handle. I mean we are delicate flowers after all."
Belle laughed when Minnie threw more snow at Damon. Belle was getting prepared for round two. "Minnie i do not think you should have done that." she cautioned her looking at Damon's reaction.

This was deja vu all over again. The snow falling down from the sky, the cold and maybe even the day....the only thing that was different was that this time he wasn't at the duck pond but at the courtyard.

After his accidental kiss with Indy and having talked about each other's feelings, Daichi had again for a second time mustered all of his courage to ask her out. This time, he hoped that she wasn't going to reject him because if she did she would crush his world for a second time.

Why he would ask her out even though she had rejected him a year ago? Simple, he loved her. He knew this for sure after their kiss a month ago. He got butterflies in his stomach whenever he saw the Ravenclaw and he couldn't get his eyes off of her whenever they had class together.

Yup, this Snake was in loooove!

He shivered as the cold wind blew and the strings on the duck hat on his head were swaying in the wind. His hands were in his robe pocket, his fingers kept touching the bracelet he had gotten last year to give her before she said no.

Now he had to wait and hope she came...

It was so cold outside. "Brrr." Indy shivered a little pulling her coat closer around her body. Couldn't Daichi have wanted to meet inside? It would've been much easier. But it was Daichi and she couldn't say no to him. Not when she liked him, and especially after what had happened last year. She didn't want to lose friendship that they had now, not after what had happened. That was why she was heading out towards the courtyard now. At least it was kind of close to the school. She pulled her scarf tighter, not wanting to get a cold. That would be pretty bad. She walked out onto the courtyard, and smiled. She hadn't seen Daichi in a month, so this was going to be fun.

Ooh. There he was. She waved, before making her way over to her friend. She felt bad about not seeing him that much, but she'd been busy with classes, and known he probably have been too. He had his OWLS this year afterall. "Hi Daichi." She smiled, when she finally got to him.

Hearing her voice saying hi to him made the butterflies in his stomach fly around even though he did not see her yet. The Slytherin turned around and felt his cheeks began to blaze when he saw her walking towards her. She was dressed in just plain clothes but to Daichi she was stunning. Mweh maybe that was because of what he had planned later. "hey Indy" he smiled and waved his hand as well.

Now what?

"Uhm..." he begin and he suddenly felt very nervous again. But he shouldn't be nervous, he had done this before and Joao had told him once just to go for it. Still that was difficult and he didn't want to mess this up. "Uhm..so..uh...how are you?" oh man this was awkward. As much as he liked Joao, he wasn't going to take his advice again and just blurt out that he liked this Ravenclaw. This time, he was going for step by step.

He was cute. Indy smiled, shoving her hands into her pockets. Even with her gloves on her hands were feeling a little cold. Hopefully they wouldn't be out here too long because she didn't want her hands to freeze off. She kind of needed them for day to day activities. He looked a little nervous, which Indy thought made him even cuter really. The thoughts made her blush a little really. Was she supposed to think he was cute? It woudln't make things awkward right? Things were already kind of awkward between them, and she really hoped that things wouldn't get more awkward. The liked her friendship with Daichi and didn't want to lose him.

How was she? She shrugged, still smiling at him. "I'm good." She was. She was really good. She'd had a good christmas holiday, and now was back at school. At hogwarts shich she loved. "What about you?" She asked with a little smile.

Damon laughed and went up to Min before she could throw the ball and gently grabbed her arm, "Sure you want to do that?" He smiled at his friend before he was hit with snow anyways, "Oh, Min... You'll have the Mercada wrath upon you if you keep this kind of thing up." And Mr. Strong Man? Come on! Damon may be strong but he didn't have super strength or anything like that, that would be idiotic... though he already was scary fast and good at defense, so maybe he was stronger then he really thought.
"Oh, no Belle, I'm done for now... but poor Min'll get her little taste of my revenge soon enough," He chuckled and let go of Minerva's arm, "Besides, I'm fine with taking a break and making a snowman with the two of you.

"I'm okay i guess" he shrugged his shoulders "studying is driving me insane though" he laughed cheerfully. He was happy to be outside for a moment despite the cold weather. The reading was really getting to his head so a little break wouldn't hurt.

But, he wasn't hear to talk about studying. And maybe he should take up Joao's advice and just say it. "I...i actually didn't call you here to ask only that.."

This was it, the moment of truth. The Slytherin took his hand out of his pocket and pulled out the pink bracelet with a pink teddy bear on it. "I..i wanted to give you this" he said rather shyly as he took another deep breath and seemed to hold it for a second when he stretched his arm out. He had had this bracelet in his pocket for a whole year.

Because even though she had refused him at the duck pond last year , he couldn't throw the thing away even though he wanted it sometimes. "I-it's not much...but..but i thought that , uhm.. you know" His cheeks began to blush again and it wasn't from the cold weather.

"Because, you have Pink Ted and...i thought you'd like this bracelet because it has a pink teddy bear on it and... " Daichi looked up at the sky and laughed to himself. "Merlin's beard, i'm sorry...it's a stupid gift i should have known..it's weird right?" Whyyyy could he not speak correctly?! and why was it that each time he saw Indy, things were awkward?

the second-year had been thinking of how to use this truth serum for so long. Well, since the lesson anyway. She didn't want to waste it. She wanted to use it wisely for ypu do not brew a truth serum everyday. And so it had to be used wisely. But what was she going to ask and who?!

Then she decided that she was going to have the vial ready in her bag in case she encounters anyone she knew. As for the question she had a couple of questions in mind and was going to pick one of them depending on whom she meets. And so she sat on a bench at the courtyard watching people come and go. She couldn't just ask anyone anything. She needed a friend. Because whatever question she was going to ask was about what people's thought of her. She was now in the process of making herself a better person. Less annoying, more helpful. And a couple of other good thingies. Cassia was actually afraid of the answer. Because she had her own doubts about her personality and attitude. But this was a chance to get a real truthful answer about anything. And she was going to take advantage of it to develop her own manners.

Kat was just strolling around the Courtyard. She's never been here before, so free time helped her explore the other parts of Hogwarts. She's not always in the adventurous feel. Right now is the perfect time to actually do something productive. Exploring!

As she walked, she came across a familiar younger student. She recognized it as Cassia Somerlad. The second year she met at the Great Hall for the grand sleepover of the houses... kidding. Kat approached the girl. "Hey Cassia," Kat greeted and smiled. "What's up?"

Belle beamed and was happy that Damon wanted to make a snowman. She was glad that he did not think it was a childish idea. Belle was having so much fun. The holiday cheer was making it even better. "How many snowmen have you guys made before?" Belle addressed Damon and Minnie.

Cassia was fiddling with her bags' straps absent-mindedly and swinging her short legs back and forth when she heard someone speak. she looked to see who it was and smiled seeing Kat," Hi Kat? All is good, you?" Cassia said cheerfully. She had been spending so much time lately with Kat since they were sleeping at the great hall. And despite that Cassia never got bored of chatting with Kat. They had gotten good friends. Maybe being locked out of the common rooms wasn't that bad after all. it had its bright side.

And then it struck Cassia. Why doesn't she ask Kat to take the potion? How come it never came across her mind. She really lacked creativity and the sense of good ideas. Meh. The girl was practically about twenty four hours in Cassia's face during classes and sleeping time and all.

She looked down at her bag and retrieved the vial that contained the potion. "Um...Kat...why don't you sit down" Cassia started fiddling with cap and scooting over to make room for Kat on the bench. Why was she nervous about this. It was just a question and answer. She gathered her strength and looked at Kat." Do you mind if you drink the truth serum?" *Blink*..*blink*.That's how people ask right? There wasn't really a particular way. You just ask the person to gulp the liquid down, no?

So... today was a nice day for a walk in the courtyard, yeah? Jake really didn't have a destination in mind. He was wandering. Like he usually did when he was on the grounds alone. He was humming quietly to himself periodically... whenever there wasn't someone close enough to hear.

Soon, though, he got bored with walking. So he sat down on a bench, stretching his legs out in front of himself and looking up at the sky. It wasn't too chilly out, so he was comfortable in his jumper. He could just... sit for a second. Before he got bored again and resumed his wandering.

With a small shiver, Milton made his way outside. He had been in a rather good mood lately, which was kind of odd considering he and Taryn had just broken up. But it wasn't a bad breakup (which Milton didn't realize was possible until then), so it was all okay.

His shoes crunched on the remains of the icy snow on the courtyard as he slowly meandered. A figure on a bench caught Milton's attention and his eyes narrowed slightly...

"Jacob Keller," he said, walking up from behind the bench. "Just the man I was looking for." Eh. That was a lie. But now that he was there, Milton had a few things to say, a few questions to ask, things like that.

Jake had been completely zoning out, when he heard his full name being called from behind. He turned, already glaring at the person who didn't call him by his nickname. When he saw who it was, though, his glare disappeared. And a smirk replaced it.

"Milton Shacklebolt," he replied, sitting up straighter as he watched the Ravenclaw come closer. His smirk was gone already, but he was still feeling oddly... good. "What can I help you with?" There might have been a hint of sarcasm in his voice.

Returning the small smirk, Milton invited himself to share the bench and he sat down on the opposite side as Jacob. He looked out over the courtyard and what part of the grounds that was visible from there. He felt content, in a way. Odd.

"Oh, you can't help me, Keller. At least... if you could, you wouldn't." Was that cryptic enough? "But really, can't two guys just... chat?" No, that's not really what he had in mind either. But why cut to the chase when they had so much time, eh? Milton wanted to draw things out. Take his time. So he would.

...If he could, he wouldn't? Jake's mind flashed automatically to Anya. In any other circumstance, he would think he was just being dramatic. But this was Milton he was dealing with, and Jake wouldn't put anything past the guy. And really... Anya was the only thing that the two of them had in common. So Jake had a right to be suspicious.

"Sure, Shacklebolt." They could chat. They had never had an actual civilized conversation... or any type of conversation for that matter... so it might be interesting to really get to know Milton's nastiness on a somewhat personal level.

... "Nice weather we're having."

Damon smiled, "I grew up in the woods, It's all I did to pass the time with my mother before she passed away." He nodded, pushing the ball along the ground, "I'm not really sure how many I've made but there's been a lot of them."

Wonderful. Milton leaned back against the bench and lifted his leg to let his ankle rest on his opposite knee. "Yes, it's quite nice. Sunny, but still cold." His tone was pleasant and light, but Milton didn't ever make eye contact with Jacob.

"Did you enjoy the quidditch match?" The one Milton was unable to attend due to a certain Gryffindor. The Gryffindor that Jacob just happened to be dating. How ironic. Yes, that was the reason Milton was talking to him and he was pretty sure Jake knew that. Unless he was an idiot, which Milton wouldn't put past him.

"Mhm. Pretty acceptable." Jake stared straight ahead, trying to relax himself more. His conflicting urges to leave, stay, and hit Milton were confusing, and Jake wasn't sure how he should act. So, for now, he'd just... go with the flow. That seemed like the best option.

Quidditch. He could talk Quidditch, at least. "It was good. Both teams played really well." Whether or not Jake credited the Ravenclaw captain, though, he wouldn't say. "I'm looking forward to our next match. Should be good, too." Yup. It was really a shame it wasn't against Ravenclaw.

But, still. Jake was pretty sure Milton hadn't come over just to chat about sports. But... he didn't want to bring up something that Milton wasn't thinking about.... even though he probably was. So. He'd wait. And if waiting didn't work after a while... he'd leave.

Was everything fine? Maybe or maybe not... "Just normal," Kat replied with a nod. "Nothing so special seemed to have happened. Unless you consider being locked out of the common room special." No it's not special, it was really strange for the common room to suddenly lock out students and even Professors. But Kat felt comfortable being with Cassia. She's grown to like the girl, who wasn't like the other annoying ones. It was kind of a good thing that Cassia likes her as well.

Potions homework, Kat couldn't forget. She sent her serum to Gary Rush, who didn't seem to be so happy. But Kat should be thankful that Gary was there to help. Even though he didn't do this assignments. "I'd be glad to help you out," Kat smiled. Slytherins help Slytherins and that's really cool. They're more like family in a way.

Cassia nodded with a smile,"Well, it's not so special but out of the ordinary." This lock out think. Maybe they'll grow used to it and forget about the common rooms.She doubted that especially with their stuff locked inside. Hmm..Maybe the staff will figure it out fast. At least find out what caused it. Rooms don't just get locked out on their on. Unless something really big and creepy was going on. Though the second-year tried to not think of it that way. Maybe it was a joke and someone who thought it was hilarious did it. Cassia might forgive that person if he admitted of it soon.

Anyway, back to the main subject. Kat was ok with it! "Thanks!"Cassia grinned at her friend and retrieved the vial that contained the potion from her bag. She held it up for Kat to reach for it," Here you go." She told her. Now when kat drinks it Cassia will ask the question right away! Did have a particular time to fade off? Cassia didn't know. But she wouldn't waste any time once Kat drank it. Which by the reminded Cassia that she didn't know anything about the potion's taste. She never drank it. Did Kat know anything about this.

Kat smiled at Cassia. She was glad to help people out, just as long as they asked nicely about it. But Kat's the total opposite. She doesn't like to ask nicely, she can get straight to the point sometimes but that's who she is. Once Cassia took out the vial, Kat happily accepted it. Then she took out the cork from it and looked at the liquid inside first, "Here it goes..." The first time she'd drink a Truth Serum. Kat poured the contents inside her mouth and gulped. The taste.. what was this taste? Kat couldn't even decipher the taste. Sweet then sour then... how complicated. Then she started to grow a bit tired... the sedatives are working. Kat will soon be unaware of what's happening.

Then the potion took effect on her completely.

Cassia watched Kat taking and the vial and drinking the potion closely. Her eyes followed Kat's hand and even she stared at her throat when sshe swallowed it. For some reason the second-year was waiting for something extraordinary to happen. But so far nothing happened. Except that Kat seemed to be relaxing. Cassia leaned closer her eyes on her friend like a hawk. Professor Lafay mentioned that it contained sedatives.One of the ingredients caused that. Cassia wasn't in the mood to remember the name of it now.

Once Kat seemed completely under the influence of the potion, she knew she had to ask the question right NOW. Cassia looked around her nervously...why was she looking around?She didn't know. Gah.. she gets nervous without any good reason. Just ask the question already! a voice snapped at her. Cassia guessed that it was the tiny piece of rationality left in her.

She took a deep breath and looked at Kat. "Ok. Kat I want to ask you..." She said clearly and slowly. "Do you think I'm always a talkative nosy annoying girl?" She asked hearing her heart beating against her ribs. She knew people always called her that. And she knew she tends to talk a lot. But she never knew whether it was one-hundred percent true or it was just to annoy her. She was trying to change that thing about herself. She didn't want to be annoying. And she needed to know the truth.

Kat's mind... was blank. Like there was nothing inside her brain AT ALL. She couldn't have any Quidditch feels. Her tongue felt dry, she needed to drink something. But she controlled it. Her mind wasn't the ONLY one blank, so was her feelings. Her expression was a straight face. Though the effect wouldn't last long, the effect of it was as strong as any other Truth Serum.

There. A question. Kat opened her mouth to reply but she closed it. Then she opened it again to answer, "Actually, I do not think you are annoying or nosy or talkative," Kat answered. Why was she so truthful? Bad truth serum! "Even if you want to know some other things you're not supposed to know, I totally understand it. You remind me a lot of myself before, curious and wanting to know things. I don't blame you." There goes the truth. Thus serum was powerful, indeed.

Cassia looked at Kat's blank face and was so nervous to hear the answer. Truth wasn't always a pleasant thing. What if Kat thought Cassia was even worse than what she asked. The second-year swallowed hard and was thinking of fleeing before hearing the answer. She wasn't that brave. She knew she'd feel bad if one of her friends was annoyed or irritated by her attitudes. And she liked Kat a lot she didn't want to make the girl to feel like that towards her. But let's not judge before hearing. She still hadn't heard the answer.

The second-year urged herself to not freak out before knowing anything. Besides she was asking because she wanted to know what people thought of her.Then Kat started speaking...Time to face the music.

Every doubt Cassia had had evaporated once she heard Kat's answer. The older girl understood why Cassia asked a lot. And didn't judge her nor did she snap at her even once for her curiosity. The Slytherin girl's smile grew very big when Kat finished speaking. This was pure true. And Cassia wasn't annoying in Kat's opinion! Yay!

"Thank you very much Kat!" she said excitedly. She didn't know why was she thanking her. Maybe for being nice to Cassia and not rude. And for respecting the way Cassia was.Also for drinking the potion which didn't seem to be so delicious. By the way ,when will it wear off?