Anya was doing her best not to be nervous. But truthfully, she was pretty sure her face was pale and she might have been clutching her boyfriend's hand so hard that her knuckles had turned white.

She looked around. She wasn't quite sure if she was supposed to wait by the gargoyles or if the escorts were coming down to pick her up.

And honestly, she was completely fine with putting it off as long as possible. Especially in an area that was so pink. Pink was good. And cheerful.

And pink was not a courtroom. So it was extra appealing to her.

Jake... was silent. He had Anya's hand in his and he was pretty sure that she was the only thing keeping him from running into the deepest corner of the castle and staying there until this trial thing was over with. He did feel bad, though. His hand was clammy. And that was gross.

He looked around the room, his frown deepening. The brightness in the room made him feel sick to his stomach. At least Anya didn't look like she minded. She probably liked it. That's what was important. Jake could deal with his issues if Anya was okay.

He eyed a chair, but his legs wouldn't move. So he stayed standing. And holding Anya's hand. And he would stay that way until she left.

Anya stared at the chairs debating whether or not to take a seat. So far, the not was winning. She didn't want to sit. It required energy she was pretty sure she didn't have at the moment.

She knew she should have slept longer.

She opened her mouth to make a joke about something but her voice caught in her throat. That word thing? Not happening. Which. Wasn't good. She was going somewhere where she specifically needed to talk.

The nerves once again came flooding back. Did they have time to run over everything again? What if she forgot something big?

... what if she forgot her name?

"Anya Phillips." she muttered under her breath. Okay. Good. That was still there.

She had saw Anya go that way so she would too... But she didn't go immediately, that was too early. She didn't want to rush things... But she had to get there some time.Nerida entered the seating area seeing Anya she gave a small smile. She was nervous, though that was apparent. It looked like she was too. She also gave a wave towards Anya's boyfriend. This had happened ages ago it seemed and now the "end" was near...

"Nerida." Anya greeted shakily. It seems her attempt at being calm failed horribly. "You... youready?" For this? It had always seemed so far off, that now that it was here it was like a cumulative 3 years of nerves were weighing her down.

She dropped Jake's hand and buried herself in his side. Hugs. Hugs were what she needed. Not just hand holds.

Nate took a deep breath, and walked over to the Headmistress's seating area. Finally, justice would be server of what happened 3 terms ago. Nate would finally be able to tell what happened to him that year. Amarantha de Talone would get punched by the fist of justice for what she did to some of his friends, and himself. Using the orb as a decoy. Nate was ready for it. He was ready to see this evil woman locked up behind bars in Azkaban. An even better thing Nate would also be willing to see happen to her is she be sentenced to death immediately.

Nate figured that if she does get sent to Azkaban it would probably be for life. There she wouldn't be able to steal the life of youth. As nervous as Nate was, he couldn't sit down. He just kept pacing back and forth. Question flew through Nate's head. What if she doesn't get sentenced? What if she some how used her magic to kill them there? Nate wasn't able to sleep at all for the past day or two. Now, he might be able to sleep in peace. For once Nate would see justice served to this evil person who he will refuse to name.

Nerida gave an attempt at a smile but all she got was a shaky half attempt. "Anya..." she said half-shakily. At least she could actually let some words out earlier she couldn't remember how to say her name..."no." she answered quietly before asking her the same, "And...and you?"
this time a bit louder.

She had tried to forget about the whole incident for three years and now...They were all back. Everything was back... Not like she had forgotten anything... Seeing Nate walk in she greeted him "Nate." more shakily then she had done for Anya's greeting. She needed to calm down...But she didn't want to sit... Giving a glance towards Nate..And she did not want to pace, it would only increase her nervousness. This had happened in her third year and now...Now she was in her seventh year..

The way Anya nuzzled into him made Jake grimace slightly. He put his arm around her and held her close, keeping quiet. He didn't have anything say. He rubbed a hand on her back, glancing around the room as people talked. He felt sort of awkward, being the only one here that wasn't... directly affected by the time stealing. But he hid it, because Anya wanted him there and he wanted to be there, too.

Tipping his head down, he whispered so only Anya could hear him. "This is almost over. You'll be okay." He tipped her chin up with a finger to look in her eyes. "I love you. And I'll be right here when you get back."

Supportive boyfriend was supportive. Anya was grateful. She had no idea how she would have made it down from the Gryffindor Tower without him. She probably would have... fallen down the stairs or something.

But. There he was, keeping her stable and telling her everything was going to be alright. And if her voice was working, she'd tell him that she loved him too. But, that wasn't happening. He'd just have to settle for the slightest of nods and a small hand squeeze. And a look. Which... she really hoped conveyed that she loved him... not that she really wanted chocolate milk and a fluffy pillow.

She looked over when another person joined them. "Nate." she said softly greeting the Hufflepuff. He was pacing. ... so... she guessed he was as nervous as she and Nerida.

She looked down when Nerida addressed her. She shook her head. "Meeither." she said. Not at all. Even though she'd been running it over in her head for months everything that happened. "I'm kinda... worried... forgethow... talk." she forced out. Like now. She was having problems with the whole brain mouth word thing.

Whoa. More pink. Kennedy should be used to it since his sister was going through the "pink phase", but...his eyes. As the gargoyles closed behind him and Emily, he regarded the kids with neutral eyes. He really wanted to break out the tough and be all intimidating - he never got to do that - but...they looked nervous. Kennedy sympathized with them on a level. He'd be nervous too, but he'd be ready to put this all behind him and have justice served. Preferably on a cold platter for de Talone.

"Morning all," he said, announcing their presence. "This is Emily, Head Auror, and I'm Kennedy, YATI." He wasn't going to mention de Talone or anything of that since the kids seemed pretty shaken up. "We're here to escort three of you to the Ministry of Magic. Anya Phillips, Nerida Eventide, and Nate Jones." And that was their go to get up and follow them.

She nodded agreeing with Anya, "I'm worried too...I couldn't remember myname, earlier!" She hated to admit that.. "What if we freeeze...up...when speaking?" she forced her question out.

Nerida looked over as someone new entered the room, she was expecting someone like her godmother Sky Doherty whenever she was on the job. She was intimidating and she had that look on her face that made you think you were guilty of something.

She wished she was here she always knew how to calm her nerves. Just like her mother... But neither of them were here with them.

She let out a shaky"Morning," just to be polite, she added this time not as shaky. "My godmother and her husband spoke of you two before," good maybe her nerves were finally going a bit away.

Nodding to Nerida and Anya, the other two students that are still at Hogwarts who have been affected by the She-Devil, Nate noticed the other two that walked in. Thankfully the Auror's arrived at last. The faster this get's over with the faster Nate will be able to at least try to forget about the whole incident. This was one of those incidents that you could NEVER forget. It would just stay in the back of your mind to haunt you for the rest of your life. That day really traumatized Nate. One good thing out of it was it made his resolve to stop those who do wrong more.

Looking at the two Aurors Nate said "Good morning. I just have one question. How will we be arriving there?" If it was Floo Powder Nate was done. Nate could never use Floo Powder correctly. He'd constantly end up in the wrong place, or he'd sometimes even get injured from a bad landing. That was one thing he'd never try again.

Merlin... Hogwarts really had taken a turn for the worse, if the interior decorating was anything to go by. Yikes. It was a good thing they didn’t need to stay for long, in and out, bam bam! Ala Kazaaaam! ... because pink was infectious. It deteriorated peoples minds, immune systems, and the will to live. See, she was already less willing to live in these circumstances. Pink! Gouge her eyes out with her wand please!

“Rest assured, this is a precautionary measure, you have nothing to fear,” she chimed in. They would be rescued from the pink in no time. Merlin, why’d Tate have to leave? He was cool and chilled, opposite of cringe worthy and tightly strung fashionista in there.

Oh lookit, kiddy had heard of them? Interesting... did she want to know how and why? ... Meh, and the boy had questions? “Floo... it’s the most direct and safest way into the Ministry.”

Anya was glad Nerida felt the same way. Maybe it'll be easier knowing someone else was feeling the same things too? Nate, however, looked like he wasn't as torn up about this as the girls were. He was still capable of speech.

At least it was a familiar face that came to pick her up. She gave a small half hearted wave to Kennedy. Did he recognize her? ... not that it mattered. ... but it was still nice to have at least someone that looked familiar around. Talking about things it took her years to tell her boyfriend and things she hadn't even told strangers wasn't really something that appealed to her. At all. And just an ounce of familiarity was extremely comforting to her.

... andthiswasitthen?

She looked down. She needed to move. She needed to somehow manage to step around Jake.

But... instead of doing that, she tilted her head up and kissed him. Because she was allowed to do that. She was about to go spill her life story to strangers. She totally deserved boyfriend kisses before she left. They might make her feel better.

Everyone was accounted for. Great. Kennedy sent Anya a small - hopefully comforting - grin and nod. He did recognize her. Merlin. Kids grow so fast.

"And don't worry, we got here through Floo and it's safe," Kennedy added. Maybe it'll make them feel safer knowing it's already been in use and him and Emily were still all in one piece. He turned toward the Gargoyles. Yep. He was definitely going to have to say the password. Glancing down at his watch he said, "Lets get this show on the road, shall we." And end this for once and for all.

"Prada Nada." As the gargoyles showed passage, Kennedy waited for the students to go on ahead. "We'll be going through the Headmistess's Floo. After you..."

Jake kind of just... stood. There was a ministry official in the room now, telling Anya and the others that it was time to go. Jake's arm tightened around his girlfriend without his brain consciously telling it to. He didn't want her to go. He wanted her to stay at Hogwarts with him where he could take care of her and make sure he was there for her when she was scared.

...Or they could kiss. That was okay too. Jake returned Anya's kiss, but he was the one to pull away first. He had to be the strong one now. Show Anya it was going to be okay. So he looked down at her and patted her hip in what he hoped was a reassuring, comforting way. "I'll be waiting," he told her quietly before dropping his hands from her and taking a step back.

Okay, Mr. Ministry Worker. Take good care of Anya. Or he'd have an upset prefect to deal with.

Gooooooood. YATI bonus points for saying the stupid password, the day would only get better. Away from PINK. A guilty conviction. Now THAT, would be a good good day.

Emily was tempted to poke fun at the girly with whom she figured was her boyfriend, but remembering she was a witness, perhaps another time. Give the girl her comfort.
“Let’s go!” Emily added with mild enthusiasm. Idle standing, staring and gawping irked her, and she didn’t want to give them the opportunity to cry. The girls looked fragile. Keep busy busy! Move!
Leading the way through to the redheads lair, Emily wondered how Simon and Vivi were getting on. A part of her hoped that their senses had been assaulted by foul colours.

And then, much too soon, the kiss ended.

Anya closed her eyes and took a deep breath. He'll be waiting. Right. Which meant... she should be going. Especially since Kennedy said a password and she could hear the way to the Headmistress's Office opening again.

She turned, carefully to avoid eye contact with her boyfriend, and then practically ran up the stairs. If she hesitated, she was pretty sure she'd talk herself into not going.

Alright. Comeonnowpeople. Placestobe. Places to leave.

Nate's breath shortly grew quieter. For this would be the first time Nate would have seen Amarantha in three years. Hopefully it would be his last. There last confrontation was in the alley behind her shop. Right as he was about to cast Stupify she apparated away. Thankfully she got caught though. Nate didn't want this to happen again. It would be very bad if it did. He didn't want his little brother to have an encounter with her when he would come to Hogwarts.

With a deep breath Nate entered the passage way that had been opened by one of the Auror's. While he was walking down under his breath he said "Of course we're going by Floo Powder."

Nerida took a deep breath, it was now or never.

She would be going...Kennedy had said the weird password and she could hear the way to the Headmistress's Office opening..

She followed Anya out, itwastime!!

Trial to attend, person to be pronounced guilty!

Lex TOTALLY saaaaw that. Did the Headmistress? DID SHE??? The cat made KISSY FACES AT HER!! Well...that's what it looked like anyway...so yeah, it made kissy faces at her and they would be bestest friends and Felix would behave himself like the good kneazle he knew to pretend to be in the presence of company...sometimes.

The fourth year was so eager to get this all started that she led the way to the seating area herself. She knew where it was and didn't think for even a second that the Headmistress would suddenly turn and sneak away. Nooo, that would be all kinds of mean then Lex would have to let herself in for another visit whiiiiich would lead to another visit after that...in the dungeons...as FUN as that sounded she would have to decline.

HOLY SWEET MOTHER OF KNEAZLE!!! What happened in HERE???

The pink hurt her eyes in this amount. What EVEN???? Lex stopped as she entered and blinked at everything. "..........Are you sure we couldn't sit out by the gargoyles?" No pink there, not that she saw anyway.

How much trouble would she get in for making half this stuff blue...?

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaniDiNardo

Lex TOTALLY saaaaw that. Did the Headmistress? DID SHE??? The cat made KISSY FACES AT HER!! Well...that's what it looked like anyway...so yeah, it made kissy faces at her and they would be bestest friends and Felix would behave himself like the good kneazle he knew to pretend to be in the presence of company...sometimes.

The fourth year was so eager to get this all started that she led the way to the seating area herself. She knew where it was and didn't think for even a second that the Headmistress would suddenly turn and sneak away. Nooo, that would be all kinds of mean then Lex would have to let herself in for another visit whiiiiich would lead to another visit after that...in the dungeons...as FUN as that sounded she would have to decline.

HOLY SWEET MOTHER OF KNEAZLE!!! What happened in HERE???

The pink hurt her eyes in this amount. What EVEN???? Lex stopped as she entered and blinked at everything. "..........Are you sure we couldn't sit out by the gargoyles?" No pink there, not that she saw anyway.

How much trouble would she get in for making half this stuff blue...?

Annie tightened her grip on her troublesome cat. Why must he always be nice to the worst of her students? WHY? WHY? She shook her head but.............. reluctantly............... followed Alexa over. Sigh sigh SIGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.

"Oh no," the redhead chirped as she settled in on a PINK couch. "I think we'll be MUCH more comfortable riiiiiiight heeeeere." And she patted the bright PINK cushion beside her for Alexa to take a seat. What, the girl couldn't stand a little PINK?

So. Much. Pink. MER-LIN!

How was the Headmistress sitting there like the world was in perfect order?? Like a great crime against her retinas hadn't just been committed? Like she wasn't sitting on a PINK couch??? Even FELIX was protesting...or maybe that was just to the cat right across from them. He never did well with competition. Focus kneazle, this was seriou--

Come again?

Blink. The Headmistress...patted the cushion right next to her...NOT the one across from her and NOT the way across the room but RIGHT THERE BESIDE HER. Lex would not let this opportunity pass. With a bit of haste she plopped down so close to the woman that their shoulders were touching snuggle time with the Headmistress anyone? Lex placed the basket on the table before them and immediately began emptying the contents while Felix curled up in her lap, a sign he was about to ignore the world.

Let's see, chocolate muffins, chocolate frog, chocolate chip cookies, double chocolate chip cookies, chocolate fudge, chocolate cubes, chocolate candy bars, chocolate ice-cream with the cooling charm on them. YUM.

She may have wiggled a bit in the seat, juuuuust getting comfy while still slightly leaning on to the Headmistress. Sniff. "You smell lovely by the way."

Yes, right next to her. If any of her cushions were going to be soiled by the likes of Alexa Cambridge, it had best be the ones on THIS particular sofa. It was the oldest of them, after all. Bunz firmly believed in that old saying, too: 'Keep your friends close but your enemies closer.' So why NOT seat the girl directly beside her?

Well she was creepily sniffing the redhead's hair, for one. That would be reason number one NOT to seat her nearby. MERLIN. The redhead deliberately plopped her own fluffy cat between her legs and Cambridge's, as a sort of live barrier to give herself some breathing room. Not that it did any good, naturally. Cambridge just HAD to rub shoulders with her and then comment on her scent.

".....thank you," the Headmistress remarked stiffly, her eyes firmly fixed on the contents of that picnic basket. Goodness gracious, did Alexa Cambridge like chocolate?! Fortunately for her... Anastasia Truebridge ALSO liked chocolate. LOVED chocolate, actually, if she were being honest with herself which she never was.

Ignoring Gingy's tail flicking her arm warningly (he REALLY didn't like that other cat being so close. Hmm hm.), the redheaded Headmistress stretched an arm out toward a chocolate frog. She hesitated with her hand just above the box.

"May I?"