Amelia rubbed firmly at her eyes, hoping to disguise any redness that might have been there in case she ran into someone she didn't know. She didn't want anyone else to know that she'd been crying, although that would probably be inevitable.

Hoping that Ed was right when he told her that this was the direction that Isaac had been heading in she wrapped her arms around herself, trying to ward off the wind. Her clothes may be warm but without her coat she was getting cold as she trudged through the snow. She could only imagine how Isaac felt, knowing that he really couldn't stand the winter.

Just as she was about to turn around and choose another place to look she spotted Isaac leaning against a tree. He looked so dejected, and Merlin help her but part of her was glad to see it. Glad to see that her heart wasn't the only one damaged because of what he'd done. But the sensible part of her, the part that reminded her that it had been a mistake and that she really didn't want to end her relationship over one kiss, hurt to see him thus.

Taking a steadying breath she closed her eyes briefly before changing her course towards him. "I would have said yes Isaac. I would still say yes," she murmured, shivering as a sudden gust of wind went right through her. Hopefully he would understand what she was talking about here and they could go inside or something. It would be warmer in there.

Ella giggled, not able to stop herself. She seriously LOVED that nickname. It was just SO her. She watched with a smile as the older puff then ran towards her, bouncing eagerly. She knew what was coming!

HUGS! Beam. Ella squeezed Violet tightly, smiling ear to ear. "VIOLETT!" And she stepped back, bouncing on her heels. "I'm really good! I've been having a lot of fun and working hard and...eating lots of ice cream!" GRIN. "How are you? I haven't seen you in a while!" Which was unfortunate, really. Violet was super awesome and always energetic, just like Ella!

He had absolutely no idea whatsoever what he should do or think or say or ANYTHING really. He felt totally lost. The cold was starting to seep in, and he shivered a little at the cold. He was too miserable to really notice though, and that said something considering he hated the cold.

He was hoping Ed had comforted Amelia, he wasn't sure if he should be hoping for him to have shown Amelia that really it wasn't supposed to have happened or not. Ed had punched him, so seriously? Most likely he hadn't really said much.

He heard snow crunching under feet on the pathway and hoped that whoever it was wouldn't notice him, and then ask why he was leaning against the tree without a jacket on. His attention turned when he heard the voice though, and quickly found Amelia nearby.

His nose was already starting to run due to the few tears that had fallen and the lump in his throat, so it didn't help the cold now seeping in. He moved to lift his hand towards her again but dropped it after a half attempt remembering her reaction the last time he'd done that back in the courtyard.

How could she say that if she thought he didn't love her anymore? He didn't want to ask that though, because it wouldn't help matters at all! Swallowing he finally spoke "Ye would?" he croaked out. Before biting his lip and swallowing again "Why? I've basically ruined me chances at even proving te ye thet I don' want anyone else."

Sighing he shook his head and looked down "I've never wanted te be with anyone befer ye." Looking back up he licked his lips trying to keep them from chapping "I still don' want anyone but ye. I never wanted this te ever happen." he said softly. Wishing and hoping she believed him.

"I still...want te give ye thet ring." he said softly stepping away from the tree towards her "But I don' want ye thinking I don' love ye, thet I don' want te be with ye. Because yer me world."

"Because, even though right now I feel like a thousand knives are stabbing me in my heart and part of me wants nothing more than to walk away when things are hard..." which had been a habit before Isaac, maybe her Arithmancy chart thingie really was telling the truth. Licking her lips and wrapping her arms around herself, attempting to suppress a shiver she smiled nervously, and sadly at Isaac.

"While part of me wants that it's not the biggest part. Even right now, even before when I was screaming at you in the Courtyard, the majority of me was screaming that I needed you, that you could make this alright...So I don't trust you at the moment, trust has to be earned, you had it once, and it broke with my heart," she whispered the last part, dropping her head as a few more tears slipped down her face. This was harder than she thought it would be.

"But, but the fact that I wanted you to hold me lets me know that fixing this wont be impossible. I love you, and I do know that you love me, but you know I have issues, and sometimes I'd get scared that they'd push you away. And I'm too possessive and I can be so insecure, and this term I'd been so angry and distant that when you told me. I thought, well I thought that maybe you'd reached your breaking point with me and that I'd pushed too hard. Hard enough that it didn't matter that you loved me, you just couldn't deal with me anymore. It wouldn't be the first time it's happened," Amelia told him, her tone that of a small and confused child, one who'd had their negatives pointed out one too many times, enough for them to know that they were true and not just perceived.

"So, so I didn't doubt that you love me, just as I love you, I just thought that you couldn't deal anymore and that you maybe wanted a simpler relationship," she said, shrugging in a rather hopeless and dejected manner.

Biting her lip Amelia moved closer to Isaac, enough that she was in reaching distance. Part of her was shouting that she shouldn't be that close to him, but she knew she had too. If there was any chance of this working then he had to be willing to touch her, and she had to be willing to let him, and to be affectionate in return. "Would you stay away from Sutton for me? At least for now. You might not want anything with her but Ed confirmed that she knew about me, and that she kissed you anyway. If I wasn't sure that fixing us was more important I'd probably be out hexing her into a thousand tiny pieces right now," she said the last piece through gritted teeth and her eyes flashed briefly with a deep seated hatred, before going back to normal.

"Th-then, y-you should as-sk me a-at Ch-ris-ss-tmas li-ike you pl-pla-planned," Amelia got out through chattering teeth as the icy tentacles of the wind seemed to go right through her body and into her soul. It really was too cold out here without a coat and she was starting to regret her earlier charitable heart. She really should have told Ed that she didn't want the coat back earlier.

Listening as she spoke he concentrated on every word she said. He was glad she'd not walked away. He knew that she would have had she had the chance and didn't want this relationship that she had with him. If it had been that first year. She'd never had stayed, let alone came to find him.

Nodding silently his heart melted when she said that the majority of her was screaming she needed him. When she said that she knew he could make this right but just didn't trust him. That he needed to regain her trust, his heart just sunk. It had taken those three years to gain that. For both of them, and this stupid kiss had taken that all from them. "I will gain thet back." he said softly. "'Tis not gone til there's no hope fer us. And there is hope fer us."

She said that she wanted him to hold her back in the courtyard. It was killing him even more now that he'd left her. He'd walked away. He shouldn't have walked away. He just couldn't bring himself to show his tears infront of them. His pride had held him back. "Ye wouldn' push me away." he said quietly. "Never. I've been stupid, more times then I can count. And this one takes the cake. I think the stupidest thin' I've done yet." Shaking his head "Ye've done nothin' wrong. Yer the one who keeps me sane from takin' and goin' off when I'm mad. If ye hadn' been here the last te years, I don' know what I would haf done. With me mum and dad moving and leavin' me te deal..." breaking off he shook his head.

As she stepped closer, he finally stepped right up to her and wrapped his arms around her, not caring if she was ready for it or not. If she wasn't she could hit him, or anything she wanted. "I'm not goin' anywhere near her if I can help it." he said softly. He couldn't see Sutton wanting to be near him either. "And thet's a promise." he whispered into her hair resting his nose against her head, his eyes stinging once again.

At her words, his thoughts drifted to the ring in his pocket. He'd kept it there from the moment he'd gotten it. Refusing to put it anywhere else. "What if I'm asking right now?" he asked as she spoke with chattering teeth. Taking a deep breath he stepped back away from her and before even a second thought, he went down to one knee, gazing up at her.

Amelia stiffened slightly as Isaac held her, unsure for just a moment if it was where she really wanted to be. She almost panicked and pushed him away before remembering that she wasn't doing that. With that thought in mind she forced herself to relax into his arms, burying her head into his chest and sniffling slightly as he spoke.

She hadn't realized that she'd been the one keeping him sane. She'd thought he'd had a pretty good grip on things by himself. Hell, that first year she hadn't even been able to admit that she loved him. Not to either of them, even though he was the only one who made her feel safe, even though he could so easily talk her down from one of her panic attacks, even on the first day that they met. And hey, that probably should have been an indication that he could deal with her. After all he'd gotten into the relationship knowing that she had problems from her past that she hadn't fully dealt with yet.

"Thank-you," she whispered, pulling back and giving him a bright smile. Amelia suppressed the guilt she was feeling about making Isaac promise her something like that. She knew that it smacked of her not really trusting him around the other girl, who by all accounts was friends with Ed as well. She was sure it would cause difficulties and she was almost tempted to tell him that she didn't mind if he saw Sutton, that the fact he'd been so willing to promise that he wouldn't was enough to reassure her. But she didn't. Because no matter the fact that Amelia could be nice when she wanted to be, could be selfless when she wanted to be, she was by nature a selfish person. So she said not a word, and instead just let herself hope that Isaac wouldn't come to resent what he'd promised her.

Amelia gasped in shock as Isaac got down on one knee. She knew that he'd be proposing soon of course. Hell, he'd all but proposed in the Courtyard in a roundabout, really sucky proposal way. And since she'd told him that she'd say yes she'd kind of already accepted his proposal as well. But like any girl who wanted to marry their boyfriend seeing him down on one knee made it all so much more real.

But she hesitated to give her answer. Because she didn't want to be impulsive. She didn't want her to accept and then for them to just push all their problems under a rug. Because if they did that a marriage wouldn't work out. But, they could have a long engagement...

Taking a deep breath she let it out slowly before nodding her head slightly. "Yes, yes I'll marry you," she said quietly, eyes soft as she looked down at him.

Closing his eyes as she stiffened he swallowed down the lump once again. Just twenty-four ago, she was in his arms easily without worrying about her pulling away. And now? Now she was stiffening at his touch. Even as she relaxed he could tell it wasn't natural, that she was having to force herself to relax again. Though it felt nice for her to finally bury her head in his chest, and he just held her like that, the lump still in his throat.

They'd come an incredibly long way in the two and a half years they'd known each other. From the first day that he'd found her in Flourish and Blotts, and throughout the first year, it had taken a lot to get her to trust him. And in just a few short minutes, he'd completely blown it without even meaning to. From Sutton's kiss and then admitting it to her, to now having her stiffen at his touch and knowing he needed to regain his trust, Isaac knew that it was going to be a long time before she would trust him again.

Seeing her smile, it relaxed him a little, as she pulled back. He had no plans on seeing Sutton any time soon. That first meeting after all that happened was going to be a complete disaster and they'd probably both be making a run for it. She was still like a sister to him, but it had changed too with that kiss. It was weird, like having a kid sister kiss you like they were in love. It just wasn't right. He knew one thing was for sure, and that he would not be breaking that promise.

"I know this isn't the way I planned this." he said softly shivering slightly now that his knees were in the snow. "And I definitely didn't plan on throwing the words at you earlier. But I do love ye and want ye te be me wife." The seconds felt like a life time as she hesitated before answering. If she said no, he knew he'd be spending the remainder of the year showing her how much she meant to him, until she was ready to say yes. They had a lot they needed to work out, but so did many others in a relationship, and knew they could do this.

As she nodded her head slightly and said yes, his eyes softened even more as a smile blossomed on his face fully with no trace of worry on it. They needed to talk yes, but right then her answer was all that mattered! Slipping his hand into his pocket, he took her hand in his and slipped the ring onto her finger, before rising and picking her up and twirling her around.

Cold or not, whether she stiffened at his touch again or not, he wasn't put out all he cared about was she was his fiance!

Amelia tried her best to look reassuring as Isaac spoke about his feelings for her. This was definitely more the way she'd pictured a proposal would go, except there would have been less apologizing if this was her dream proposal. Mainly because Isaac wouldn't have had anything to feel guilty about and everything would have been happy instead of tinged with hurt.

But when he picked her up to spin her around she couldn't help but let out a startled laugh, wrapping her arms around his neck automatically. Because she was happy to be his fiance, there was never a question about that. She wasn't completely happy but she was sure that they could talk later, maybe inside where they could get warm.

"I love you," she whispered, kissing his cheek gently on impulse. She was going to be a good wife, she decided, as she looked at her engagement ring. It was pretty, not something she would have chosen to wear by herself, but in a way she thought it suited her. The ring looked good on her finger and Isaac had picked it out, probably after much thought, and she would wear it proudly.

Harlan skipped around outside, enjoying the cold air. Hufflepuff common room could be super hot. She hummed to herself as she sat down somewhere along the pathways and gazed around, even though she never thought it'd be possible, Harlan had actually missed Hogwarts during her short stay at home..

Maybe her nan had even sat here, where Harlan was sat now.. The girl sighed, she missed her nan. A lot. But nan would've been super happy to know that Hogwarts was still awesome, and that Harlan liked it.

Harlan nodded to herself as she magicked a leave to float around her head.

Elise attempted to twirl out of the Great Hall after her breakfast, and ended up falling. There would never be a day that she didn't trip over her own feet. Well, she settled for just plain walking outside, then. It was deliciously cold, but not overly so. It was fun, really.

Inhaling the cold air, Elise smiled. It was refreshing. Especially after being stuck at the study tables for so long. She just kept walking, not quite noticing the girl on the floor until it was too late.

And by too late, she meant that she had tripped and fallen. Her book bag flying off her shoulder and books spilling onto the floor. Whoops? "I'm sooooo sorry," she blushed, picking herself off the other girl. "Are you hurt or anything?"

Because she certainly didn't need another Theo.

Just as Harlan tried to let her leave make a twirl, something she was getting particularly good at if she might say so herself, something caught on her stretched legs and landed on the path in front of her.
The leave fell to the floor as Harlan looked up and found a girl lying on the path, half on her. Unusual. Harlan raised an eyebrow before noticing the mess of books around the girl.

She managed a giggle and helped gather the books, best not to leave them out in the dirty. Books were meant to stay pretty. Most of the books anyway.

Harlan smiled at the blushing girl and shook her head, 'I'm fine, really. Are you..?' Harlan got up off the ground and stuck her wand in one of her pockets before wiping the dirt off her jeans, fancy girls weren't covered in dirt. 'I'm Harlan, Harlan Isaacs. Sorry about... ' Yup, Harlan Isaacs, the girl that people fell over.

Elise rubbed her elbow a little before she decided that it was probably wise to get up and off the girl. Squishing her wouldn't be good. No. Flipping her ponytail back over her shoulder, Elise made a quick dash towards her books.

The first thing she picked up was her sketchbook. Flipping through it, she smiled in relief. It was okay. That was good. Oh, the girl was fine. That was good. She wouldn't have to send anyone to the Hospital Wing.

"Hi, Harlan," she grinned. "I'm Elise. Elise Fairfield. But you can call me Ellie, if you want." Beaming, she bobbed a little curtsey. Just for fun. "No, I'm sorry. I should have paid attention to where I was going." And she should to that every day.

"And I love ye Miss Pendragon." he whispered back. The smile staying on his face after setting her down gently back on the ground. He'd found the ring as a set of two snakes that when combined intertwine daintily around the finger. And when he'd seen it he thought it was perfect! Sighing contentedly he looked down at her ring on her finger as well.

"I think we need te get inside befer one of us gets sick from bein' out here without a jacket." Yeah he didn't want her getting sick! He was curious as to where her jacket had gone though, because he was almost positive she had one on when she'd appeared when he was talking to Ed.

"Where shall we go? Kitchens, or common room?" he asked. Either one would help them warm up. There was a fire in both, though the kitchens were better because there they could get hot cocoa!

Her heart clenched as Isaac said he loved her. It was painful and happy at the same time. She only hoped that soon he wouldn't be saying Ms Pendragon. Amelia Serenity Muir, she liked the sound of it, although maybe she'd hyphenate her name when the time came to worry about such things.

"Yes, well I wouldn't be at risk of getting sick if people didn't decide to run off into the cold without proper attire," Amelia replied, frowning slightly at the thought. Her coat better be being put to good use or Amelia would not be happy. Not at all.

"Umm...the kitchens, I want a hot chocolate," Amelia replied to Isaac's question, tilting her head slightly to the side and pouting while she thought about it. Her answer given she pressed herself into Isaac's side and determinedly took his hand in hers before beginning the walk to the castle and warmth.

Ronnie walked along the pathways, her hands in her pockets. She shivered a little. It was pretty cold outside today!

She sighed, leaning against a tree, watching as people walked along. She wondered if any of her friends were around here today. She felt kinda lonely and wanted someone to talk to. Well, she always did. Ronnie could not stand not having someone to hang out with and talk to. But she was pretty sure not many people would be here today. They were probably inside where it was all nice and warm.

Taylor sat down near the pathways. She was in a bad mood because of a certain hufflepuff who shalln't be named... Damon. There was no make-up on her face except for some eyeliner that was a bit smeared but not much. There were streaks of purple in her blond hair. Her hair was straighten but wasnt to her jawline but pass her shoulders. Her nails were painted purple and black. Tay sat up against the stone wall and had her knees up. A sketchpad was on her knees and she was sketching with charcoal. Her hand was a little smeared with charcoal and her cheek had some too but she didnt seem to notice. Her guitar wasnt by its usual place on her person but in the Ravenclaw girls dorm. She refused to play music, sing, or even write music. Writing poetry was out of the question as well. It was just drawing and painting now because that was the only thing she didnt get upset at, at the moment. Taylor just wanted to be alone right now. Tay didnt want to talk which was highly unusual and she especially didnt want to talk to guys right now... guys were idiots and jerks and she wanted nothing to do with them at the moment.

Maxwell was wandering the school grounds...he was so happy...had so much energy that he couldn't or wouldn't be contained! He had the most interesting night last night...He got in a huge fight with Elliot that resulted in her telling him how she truly felt about him and nothing could get him down at this point he was more than positive today...

He stumbled upon Taylor looking rather....well like Damon, she was clearly upset considering she jumped to such theatrics when she was. He sat down next to her, unsure if she would even take his company, but he didn't care, it was a cold January day and she looked like she could use it. "Hey sis....everything okay?" He asked sounding serious though his smile was unfaltering.

Tay didnt look up when someone sat down by her. Before the person could speak, she said, "Buzz off. I aint in th--" Then the person spoke and and she looked up, "Oh hey, Max..." Taylor sighed at his smile and when back to her drawing, "Yeah, everything is perfect like usual." She was, of course, being sarcastic and all. "Why are you so happy?" She was a little annoyed at his happiness and that was only because of her foul mood. Tay was actually glad that he was having a good day. Taylor finished the sketching and glanced at it. She didnt shade it in because white always stood for innocence. Tay sighed and played with the idea of tearing it up but decided not to at the last moment. Taylor was a little afraid of telling her brother what she decided to do, not sure how he would react. She finaly worked up the courage and said, "Bro... I have been thinking... and... well... I... kinda... want to transfer... back to Beauxbaton..." Tay glanced up at him for a moment then quickly lowered her eyes, not really knowing whether to prepare for him to jump for joy or be mad or what.

Maxwell couldn't help but chuckle a little at being told to buzz off... "Hey, Tay.." He said and stopped smiling once she seemed so sarcastic. "What's wrong, Do you need to talk?" He asked her, prepared for her anger, she was in a mood. He looked at the picture and wondered what was going on there but decided against asking. If she wanted to tell him she would. Then she started speaking and he didn't like what he heard. He looked at her trying to meet her eyes. "You're serious? You're just leaving? Just like that?" he asked clearly hurt and a little mad. "When are we going to see each other Christmas? Summer?....I-You....you can't leave.." He said not wanting her to go, she was one of his closest friends.

"Damon is what wrong." She growled, "He is an idiot and a jerkface." Tears were in her eyes. Tay nodded, "Yes, I am serious and leaving just like that." Taylor shook her head, "No, not even then. I am gonna move in with my dad's family." She looked at him, "Why can't I leave? I am free to do whatever I please. No one would miss me even. They would just party and laugh, happy that I am finally gone or they wont even notice that I am gone. There is absolutely no reason for me to stay so why stay? It only cause me hurt and make me feel like a stupid, unimportant brat who gets into everyone's way." At that she let out a small whimper and a few tears as she looked away from her brother who was one of her closest friends. Taylor let her hair fall and curtain her face, blocking out everyone walking in the pathways as well as Max who is sitting by her. Taylor was miserable and it clearly shone on her demeanor.

Maxwell sighed. "So now you're both going to different schools?...if he's not gonna be here next year why leave?" He asked not understanding how that would really accomplish anything. "I thought you hated Beauxbatons and your dad's family?.." He was confused this made no sense, NO SENSE! "Why should you stay? Who would miss you? Well, I would for starters...Mom and Dad would both be hurt....Alice would grow up without her big sister...and who would i hang out with? Alice and Lucas are Toddlers and i'm still pretty sure Henry hates me...You're not just my sister Tay you're my best friend...and friends don't abandon each other....but i can't stop you from leaving.." He said now that she'd tarnished his good mood...

Tay sighed, "Because I hate Hogwarts." Tears fell down her cheeks, "I do hate Beauxbatons and my dad's family but it is better than being here or seeing him." Taylor glanced at Max. "Mom will be busy with Lucas and Alice so she wont even notice. I ain't Dad's real daughter so it wont hurt him. You will be the only one who probably would notice and be sad but that would pass, Maxwell." She sighed, "You will get over it before the day is done." Tears kept falling down her cheeks as she showed how insecure she was nowadays. Tay used to be overflowing with confidence now she doesnt think much of herself. Taylor was used to being chased by boys and now they just seem to try to hurt her. She was depressed and dont even know what to do, who to turn to, or even who to trust. "Max, I hate it here... I just want to start over." Tay finally shifted to where she had her head on his chest and her arms around him. Her drawing fell off her lap and into the dirt but she didnt care. Taylor was slowing turning numb to any feelings.

Maxwell wanted to be angry with her for what she was saying. "Tay...you're wrong...Mom always notices...she loves you a lot and you might not be Dad real daughter but he loves you like you are and he'd be so upset if you left and you know it." He said trying to get her to at least see the truth. "I will miss you and i won't get over it today...I'm not sure i will.." He said hugging her as she wrapped her arms around him. "I get it...but please you have three more years here, just give next year one more chance...for me?"

Tay sighed, "Fine... I will go one more year, just for you... but not a year more, okay?" Taylor looked up at him. "I hate this school with a passion. It is full of bad memories." Taylor whimpered a little as she laid her head back down on his chest. "I cant believe he is blaming me..." Tears were falling still at a steady place. "He cant even wait 2 weeks while I waited 2 months... I mean I am over him but it still hurts to think how I am not worthy of a wait nor a person's time." Tay clung to her brother, "He keeps basically telling me that it is my fault and i didnt *have* to wait. He didnt tell me to wait and how i shouldnt even be mad at him because he didnt wait." At that, Taylor couldnt speak because of all the crying she was doing at the moment. She seemed to be a little kid but she felt hated, useless, stupid and unimportant as well as unworthy. Tay hated how she felt but she didnt know how to change her outlook on life at the moment. Taylor was still clinging to Max like he was the only thing keeping her alive at the moment.

Maxwell sighed. "Thank you....You just need to make new memories and who knows it'll probably be better without him here...right?" he asked wiping her tears, he still felt weird when people cried, well not when everyone cried there was one person, but that's not a story for now. "Tay....forget him, you know who's not worth this time? Him! He's leaving anyway, he's running away from his problems...don't do that, you're stronger than that. You're brave and strong and you've got me right here to help you when you're not feeling brave or strong....Right now try not to focus on boys, okay? Just have friends, remember? We talked about this...it's a good plan."