Harlan had wandered around the castle a bit once the feast had ended and had found another place she must have missed the year before.. Or maybe it was true that everything seemed to change around this place, someone had told her that once before.
She shrugged, it didn't really matter how this place had gotten here, it was beautiful. A small smile made it's way to her face as she watched the butterflies.

The girl made her way over to a bench, where she sat down and took her packet of skittles out. She threw a skittle up in the air and managed to catch it.
After sitting in silence for a few minutes Harlan noticed a bird sitting on a branch nearby. She rummaged through her bag and got some bread out.

She hadn't eaten it on the train, cause... sweets. But maybe this bird really liked turkey sandwiches, who knew? Harlan tore a piece of bread off and chucked it over to the bird.

'Hello birdy.'

FLOWEEEERSSSS!!

Sophie's most favourite thing about plants and whatnot. She didn't care that much about Herbology - which impressively enough, didn't bother her mother at all - but FLOWERS were another story. She LOVED them OH SO MUCH!

What not many people knew was that flowers had also been what started her magic. And she could actually still do that wandless magic and that was AWESOME! though she didn't do it that often now because she knew it could be bad for the plants. Shrug.

The Hufflepuff walked around the beautiful place for a bit, smiling at the other badger that was there. She didn't know her, but the girl got a cheerful wave from Sophie.

Cheerful, yep! Because even though all those strange and annoying things were happening, this place was way too beautiful to let Sophie in a bad mood.

Beam!

Leaving the castle, Christopher sulked down the grounds of his new home and looked around. He couldn't believe this was where he was going to have to live and go to class from now on. Now that the feast was over, he had figured getting to know his boundaries would be good, although he never planned on leaving the dungeons. He had let Ryan go back up to the Gryffindor Common Room with Abby and he had never found Minnie in the great hall.

Now that he was nearing what seemed to be some kid of garden full of bugs, he looked at his surroundings and saw...."SUPER WOMAN!" He ran over to Harlan and quickly wrapped his arms around her tight. Chris couldn't have been happier to see a familiar face, especially since she was one of his best friends. "Hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii" He refused to let go of her...unless she pushed him off, but why would she do that? In the back of his mind though, he couldn't stop thinking about the flying bugs surrounding them...

Ethan's afternoon schedule was clear so he decided to take a walk down towards the greenhouse. He had a few things to work on, restarting some of last term's research along with some new ideas, and he soon got distracted by a newish looking area of the grounds. The sixth year veered towards what appeared to be a garden.

A few fluttering butterflies met his arrival and his green eyes fell on a few of the many varieties of plants growing there. This was really fascinating.. and peaceful. Ethan stopped in front of a flutterby bush, smiling as it shook in his presence and admiring its delicate flowers. Noticing a bench nearby, he walked over and took a seat. Stretching out his legs in front of him. The sixth year took in the sight around him, making mental notes on how to incorporate something similar at his grandfather's garden. Even after the little bit of work he did there over the summer, it needed a lot in the way of landscaping.

Minerva had just finished up with her meeting with Professor James and decided to take a longer way back tot he castle. It was way to nice not to take the walk, plus she hadn't seen what was new yet. She had heard the tree house was back which was so exciting and the duck pond. Coming to a new area Minerva stopped and looked around. A butterfly garden.. well that looked great.

As she began to walk around she noticed something much more interesting and cuter then the butterflies. Smiling she walked closer to him, "Hey you.. What are you doing out here?" Putting her bag on the ground she leaned down and gave him a hug.

Ethan leaned back, eyes following the trail of butterflies. Yes, a cluster of flutterby bushes would be the perfect addition to that garden.. he knew exactly where to put them. His eyes soon fell on another movement, one that made a smile grow on his lips.

He watched her as she approached, wrapping his arms around her as she leaned down to hug him. "Hi," he began, slightly surprised to see her, but really happy at the same time. "Just taking a walk and I noticed this garden.. I don't remember seeing it last term." He wasn't that distracted last year, was he? "Professor Bentley must have been working hard this summer." At least he assumed it was her handiwork.

Turning his eyes back to Minerva, he gave her a crooked little grin. "So this is a nice surprise.. what brings you out here?" Ethan gave the spot next to him on the bench a pat to invite her to sit down.

Minerva smiled as she sat down next to him. "Well things change by term here. Did you notice a few things from last term are gone?" She hadn't looked much, but didn't see the golf course yet, nor the hot springs. Not that she minded the hot springs being gone. Shivering at the thought of them she turned her attention back to Ethan, "I'm glad to see the duck pond and tree house back. I loved the tree house my first and second year."

She looked around, yeah it did look like Bentley might of helped, but she thought the groundskeepers did most of the work, so that knew one she met near the train probably did most of the work.

Looking into his green eyes Minerva felt herself melt a bit, "Well I was actually talking quidditch with Professor James. She was helping me figure out which I want to do, and she said to tryout and if I make it great, if not I have announcing. I like that advice, so I'm trying out this term." She was happy with this as well. She couldn't wait for the first tryout. "What are you doing out here? Not waiting on anyone are you?" Curious, but also just wondering, Minerva didn't waste time asking.

Taryn was not sitting on the bench, she was sitting on the ground, mostly hidden by flowers and shrubbery. She wasn't purposely hiding, at least, not intentionally, but she found that it was a much better view of the prettiness before her. She twirled a small blade of grass between her fingers and watched two butterflies loop and twirl and chase each other.

This was definitely her most favorite place in the world. How was that Groundskeeper man *SO* perfect? HOW?

Harlan smiled as she threw more breadcrumbs at the bird, slowly leading it closer. 'C'mon birdy.'
She was aaaaalmost close enough to touch the bird when out of nowhere some sort of monster attacked her. Harlan flailed her arms about for a second, until she heard a familiar voice.
'Wha're youdoin?' Harlan asked her friend Chrissy, his arm covered her mouth. 'You scawed birry away.' She pointed over to the now empty spot. Tut tut tut Chrissy.

After sitting like that for a few more seconds Harlan squirmed out of Chrissy's arms and gave her friend a proper hug. 'I'm still mad for you not being a Hufflepuff, just so you know.' She poked him before sitting down again and returned her eyes to the butterflies.
'Aren't they cute?!'

Despite the weather already growing chillier, Medea wanted to take advantage of the leftover warmth still in the air. A walk around the grounds was just the ticket for this, and not surprisingly found herself by the whomping willow tree again. Yet, it wasn't long before she also found herself following two butterflies dancing around each other in flight, towards a colorful garden that she'd not seen before. Perhaps it was new? Certainly a place like this would have been remembered.

It was actually a nice, quiet and peaceful area one could...meditate. No loud ducks quacking up a storm. Medea sat on the bench, relaxing until her eyes closed, just listening to the birds and other critters going about their daily business. Definitely better than the ducks.

Ethan sat back on the bench as Minerva claimed the spot next to him and he thought about her words. He hadn't really noticed if anything had been missing, but now that he thought about it... "The golf course.." he began thoughtfully. "Is that still here?" Would be a shame if it had gone as they hadn't had their game yet. "Oh, there's a treehouse?" The boy's interest was suddenly piqued at the mention. "I'll have to check that out."

He felt her eyes on him and he turned to look into them as she spoke. Right.. Professor James was the new Quidditch official - he had yet to meet her. He nodded as Minerva spoke, smiling at her words. "Sounds like a good compromise.. I'm sure you will make the team though." No doubt really after she was asked to be in last term's Championship Game. "Maybe we'll get to play against each other." If he made the team, that is. Though the thought of bludgers still made him incredibly nervous...

Ethan was brought out of his thoughts by her next words. "No.. was just headed down to the greenhouse when I spotted the garden. Thought I'd stop by and check it out. Getting some good ideas for my grandfather's garden." He grinned a little at the thought.. always planning something botanical..

As the weather got chillier by each day and with autumn on their doorstep Leo took every opportunity to take long walks on the grounds to soak in the last of the warmth the sun and the season had to offer. After a day mostly spent in construction noise and among books and helping the occasional student out with finding books or some other dilemma the dark haired mop-haired librarian felt the need to clear his head with a walk.

Walking along with no clear aim Leo soon came into a garden where butterflies where dancing in the air just ahead of him. Feeling his troubles ease off as he lifted his hand up towards the nearest butterfly he watched it flutter off.

Continuing his walk in the peaceful and serene atmosphere that the garden created he soon came up to a bench where Medea was sitting with her eyes closed. She looked even prettier if possible when she was relaxed Leo thought to himself. Clearing his throat to not scare her he said "Afternoon Medea. It’s very peaceful out here don’t you think?"

She was content with sitting there, breathing in the crisp air and listening to the critters. If given enough time, falling asleep here was starting to sound like a welcoming idea. Though her thoughts were cut short when the first sound of someone clearing their throat reached her ears. Taking a short breath in a sudden, Medea opened her eyes to see Leo standing there.

"Perhaps a little too much." she chuckled lightly, wanting to stand up but, well, it was too comfortable here. Her limbs felt heavy from sleep almost creeping up. Patting the seat next to her, a warm smile appeared upon her face. "Do you haff time to sit?"

Butterflies filled the air around him as he just stood and soaked in the peacefulness and quiet that surrounded him. Leo heard Medea's intake of breath and saw her open her eyes to look up at him. Laughing warmly he asked curiously "Did you nod off?" He wouldn’t tease her if she had. The bench looked inviting for a nap if one needed to catch up on some sleep.

"I do actually have time to sit...." Leo murmured softly as he sat down on the bench next to Medea. A scent of cinnamon and was it clove emanated from Medea's hair and came at him. Two not unpleasant smells in the early evening air. "Did you have a nice break?" he asked quietly.

Chris looked over to where Harlan was pointing and saw absolutely nothing there. He hadn't seen anything there when he had first arrived either, but he hadn't been paying much attention once he realized who was on the bench. He just shrugged his shoulders and then looked at his friend in amazement. She couldn't be serious?!

Before he could think up an answer though, he began laughing hysterically. Whyyy did everyone feel the need to poke him so much? Covering his stomach, he sat down next to Harlan and calmed himself down before finally talking. "But it isn't my fault, Harlan." Chris frowned and watched the butterflies fly around them. "Uh...yeah...cute or something." He shook his head and looked up at her. "Why are you so mad?" It wasn't like he could have just asked to be sorted into Hufflepuff.

Minerva shrugged, "I don't know I haven't seen it. Maybe we can take a walk and look around." She smiled when he seemed interested in the tree house, "Yes the tree house was always a fun place. We had a few gatherings there that were pretty fun." She thought about the fun they had and it made her think of her friend Justin, she wondered where he was. Shaking the thought out of her head, Minerva smiled and took Ethan's hand. She wanted to be all cuddly and lovey, but she spotted to professors and decided holding his hand was probably about all she should do.

"There seems to be many going out for the team, so we will see. We have all the players from last term except Pao, so I don't see myself getting one of their positions, but that's alright. I like announcing." She wondered why Pao didn't come back. He was so good at the game and he was fun, maybe she would ask Hadley what happened to him. "Yes, I guess we would have to play against each other, but I dont' know if it would go well. I might use my bat to protect you as much as my team from bludgers. People might think I am helping claws." She wasn't sure how that was going to work, but they would cross that bridge when they got there.

Looking around Minerva smiled, "Look at the butterflies, they are just so pretty. I love butterfly gardens. I think butterflies are the most calming things to watch." She smiled towards Ethan, "Well I think a butterfly garden would look great at your grandfathers. How has he been doing?" Minerva knew he wasn't feeling well over the summer and hoped he was doing a little better.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Colley

Taryn was not sitting on the bench, she was sitting on the ground, mostly hidden by flowers and shrubbery. She wasn't purposely hiding, at least, not intentionally, but she found that it was a much better view of the prettiness before her. She twirled a small blade of grass between her fingers and watched two butterflies loop and twirl and chase each other.

This was definitely her most favorite place in the world. How was that Groundskeeper man *SO* perfect? HOW?

This was the most unmanly place in the world. Milton could feel his manliness dwindling with every step. If it wasn't Taryn, he wouldn't come near this place. But it WAS Taryn, and she was... well, she was Taryn. And this seemed like a very Taryn place for her to hide.

He had been wandering around for a few minutes, looking on all the benches, careful not to squash any butterflies. Merlin, they were everywhere...

Oh, look. A Taryn. Milton stopped when he saw a huddled up bundle of Slytherin practically hiding in the bushes. "I thought I might find you here," he said quietly, stuffing his hands into his pockets. "I didn't really expect to find you like... this, but..." He shrugged a little and watched her carefully. He was still worried about her.

She'd gotten so busy watching the butterflies that Taryn didn't even notice the Ravenclaw's presence until he spoke. She glanced up at him and smiled a little, just a little. "I only had to wait 5 years before the Groundskeeper finally got this bright idea." Heh. Despite current events, she was rather happy about this place. It was like her HAPPY PLACE.

"You probably hate it here though." So... he probably didn't want to sit with her?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Colley

She'd gotten so busy watching the butterflies that Taryn didn't even notice the Ravenclaw's presence until he spoke. She glanced up at him and smiled a little, just a little. "I only had to wait 5 years before the Groundskeeper finally got this bright idea." Heh. Despite current events, she was rather happy about this place. It was like her HAPPY PLACE.

"You probably hate it here though." So... he probably didn't want to sit with her?

Milton returned the small smile. She seemed to be okay so far... "I admit, it's not my favorite place on the grounds." Milton carefully examined the ground before taking a seat on the grass next to Taryn, still worried he might sit on a butterfly. "But it's not totally horrible." Milton smiled over at Taryn and gave her a light nudge in the arm with her elbow.

Maybe next time they could hang out in a tree or something less... fragile.

When Milton sat down, Taryn pulled her knees to her chest, propped her arms on her knees and her chin on her arms, then she grinned a little bit more. "I love it." In case that wasn't totally obvious already. Besides, she liked having a place that was... quiet and nice.

"Are you glad to be back?" She asked after a moment of pause and glancing around.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Colley

When Milton sat down, Taryn pulled her knees to her chest, propped her arms on her knees and her chin on her arms, then she grinned a little bit more. "I love it." In case that wasn't totally obvious already. Besides, she liked having a place that was... quiet and nice.

"Are you glad to be back?" She asked after a moment of pause and glancing around.

"Good," he replied, also pulling his knees up close to his chest. He apparently wasn't very flexible though, because they didn't really make it all the way.

Milton shrugged a little bit and looked around at the shrubbery and butterflies. "Yeah, I guess. It's nice to have something to do... Some sort routine going, y'know." It kept his mind off of unwanted things, and that's what he wanted. "I'm excited to get back into quidditch." Sign ups ended soon and then tryouts would be starting and he was ready for that. He would be busier. Busier meant less time to think. And that was what he wanted. "What about you?

Taryn just listened and nodded. Listen. Nod. Listen. It was something she'd picked up from Aspen, who was an expert at the listen and nod. "Maybe you'll actually get to play a match this year." HEH. Had she just made a funny? "I think the structure is what we both need, though I do miss Miami. The sun and the beach." Yeah.

She reached down and pulled up some more grass, meeting his question about her with a shrug, "It'll get better, I guess." She hoped so, anyway. "With classes and exams to think about..." Pause. Pull grass. Watch butterfly. "So yeah, good I guess. I haven't really... slept much though." Cause. Nightmares. Yeah.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Colley

Taryn just listened and nodded. Listen. Nod. Listen. It was something she'd picked up from Aspen, who was an expert at the listen and nod. "Maybe you'll actually get to play a match this year." HEH. Had she just made a funny? "I think the structure is what we both need, though I do miss Miami. The sun and the beach." Yeah.

She reached down and pulled up some more grass, meeting his question about her with a shrug, "It'll get better, I guess." She hoped so, anyway. "With classes and exams to think about..." Pause. Pull grass. Watch butterfly. "So yeah, good I guess. I haven't really... slept much though." Cause. Nightmares. Yeah.

Milton chuckled... Like a real laugh, chuckle thing, because Taryn made a joke. That was a pleasant surprise. "Yeah, maybe," he said, almost grinning because of the joke and the circumstances.

Watching Taryn pull out grass, Milton did the same and then dropped it on her hand. Just because. Mindless entertainment. "I guess," he repeated quietly. Hopefully... Milton stared at the ground and listened to Taryn. He hadn't really been sleeping much either. "Have you tried a sleeping potion?" The nurse probably had something like that.

His question had the pink returning to her cheeks, matching that of what happened during the beginning of the term feast. Well? Who didn't blush when caught dozing on a bench? Her smile didn't disappear though, but she did look guilty. "I've discovered it's difficult not to here." At least during the warmer days, that is.

Oh, how nice. Some company was always welcome, especially in times like this, and . Medea nodded. "Yes, it vos nice. Spent most of it vith Callie. A lot of fun times." As he could imagine. Or maybe not? Either or, it was nice summer. "Did you have a nice break? Didn't spend all your time vith the library, did you?"

Hmm?