Would you look at that, the girl did go to school. She didn't sound American...no...so not Salem and obviously not considering the difference in continents. Lex paused to think. Not French either. Going to Beauxbaton, you'd be bound to develop an accent eventually...Durmstrang...? Being careful not to squint at the girl, she tried finding anything that would distinguish her as such but really there was no fool proof way of being completely sure. Probably wasn't that important, especially if she never saw her again. Just another bit of additional information her brain tended to discard.

Lex raised an eyebrow at the girl. Was she listening to herself? "Umm...that...that's actually kinda creepy. Who told you to talk to a Gryffindor?" Strangers in a shop, sure! Strangers in a shop that didn't go to your school but were instructed by someone that was equally a stranger, to talk to members of your housemates...granted she was still inclined to say sure but something told her that was a NO.

"And I didn't actually catch your name. What is it?" Because somehow information was being passed her and she'd like to keep it as even as possible. Especially given she still didn't know where the girl was from.

Creepy? Now that Karina thought about it, it could be interpreted as creepy; the lack of information given was making it seem so. "I'm sorry. I... need someone to talk to and someone I know suggested Gryffindor." Also not really a lie. Karina forced herself to give a little bit more information, it would seem suspicious if she didn't, and she wanted the members of Hogwarts to trust her; at least to an extent. They were in a competition when it came down to it, a competition that Karina would win.

The Scandinavian girl was brought back to the present when she was asked a question by the Gryffindor sitting across from her; she believed that it was about her name. "I didn't say." this was her standard response to strangers when they asked her name, this or something along these lines, but this time Karina had to force herself to be more inviting. "...but it is Karina." she forced herself to add. No more information was forthcoming from the redhead. She had already pushed herself out of her comfort zone; speaking with strangers was obviously not her forte. They were more often than not dangerous.

Ella didn't mind the eye rolling, y'know. She was used to Edric's reactions when she got all excitable. She was a teenage girl so you'd think he'd be used to it by now. Besides, she'd only been telling Edric and Eve they were perfect for each other for ages and NOW they were going to move in together. Someone was feeling smug, okay. Only a little but still. GRIN.

And then Orge was being a pyro inside the pub and Ella's eyes widened. "Edric! You can't do that!" What if he set the table on fire or something? What if he set her hair on fire? O.o MEEP. STAWP OGRE. Luckily, he did stop when the thing burned up completely but still. Not cool.

She was frowning at him now too. Full on frowning because he was acting like a jerk. "You could at least pretend to like him." For her. "And he's great. Thanks for asking." Only not really.

So that was it? She needed to talk to someone and someone suggested Gryffindor? If it was information she needed she would have had better luck finding a Ravenclaw to help her out. Whoever that person was, they weren't very helpful. Unless the girl needed some Gryffindors for another reason? Maybe. She'd have to discuss this with Lottie later. Suspicious people who went looking for Gryffindors were only asking for trouble--the good kind though...depending on who you asked. "Did the person mention any other houses? Is it like...you're transferring and needed to gather as much information as you could?" If so then she was definitely looking for a 'Claw. She'd fit right in.

Alexa glanced through the window they were sitting by. Lots of people just walking about like it was any other day and here she found this strange girl...Karina. Unfortunately, she wasn't a creature. This meant no taking her back to her dorm to add to the decor. Lex liked collecting odd things and so far, this girl fit the bill. "Did the person you were talking to mention anything else you should know? More Hogwarts stuff?"

She was fishing for information. Not much, but enough to convince herself that this girl wasn't a complete creeper. Not that she would have minded, so long as the girl creeped with enough common sense and didn't go getting herself--or the Gryffindors for that matter--into any trouble. Merlin knew her house was capable of finding more than enough for themselves already.

Edric smiled sweetly at Ella’s lack of amusement over his going around burning unpleasant letters, but he turned serious once more as the girl expressed her annoyance with his lack of good efforts.

“I do like him,” Edric assured her. “I mean, I’m not thrilled about him, but he’s alright.” But this wasn’t something worth worrying about, since Eddy would most likely never actually ‘be thrilled’ about any boys that Ella might ever meet.

Edric leaned back into his seat and watched Ella for a moment. She was frowning at him now and he couldn’t help feeling a little guilty. It seemed he wasn’t that good at making his fairy godchild happy anymore. It had been a lot easier when all he had to do was share his gummy bears with her. “Alright, what will make you feel better?” he finally asked. “I… I’ll be friendlier toward Alec, if that’s what you want” – which should be an easy task, seeing as he never saw the bloke anyway – “Would that get me off your black list, at least for a while?”

This person was asking far too many questions for Karina's taste, but the only way she could think of getting them to stop was to answer them. "Well I have friends who are also... transferring." she started off, using Alexa's idea about her transferring. It wasn't a complete lie. "They are in different houses, so they are talking to people of those houses." Karina hoped she was being as clear as possible without actually telling her anything she could use against her; the other girl hadn't made a hostile move yet, but there still was a chance. She could see that she was freaking the other girl out, so she visibly relaxed, even letting a small smile grace her delicate face. "I was hoping to make friends with Gryffindors." There, she had said it. This was the real reason why she had been told to meet people of the famed Gryffindor house; she hoped that she would be able to.

Not much luck so far. Mischa strode towards the Hog's Head sucking on another acid pop. Standing at the entrance of the pub, he breathed in deeply. Here he was again, about to put himself in another social situation which he dis liked so much. But it needed to be done.

Mischa pushed the door open and scanned the Pub. More students than any of the places he had been before. Good. And here was Karina engaged in conversation with a young girl. He wondered if she was a member of Gryffindor house.

The Durmstrang student causally walked in the direction of the two. "Karina,'' he said with a nod, acknowledging his school mate. Choosing one of the empty wooden tables, Mischa sat, keeping an eagle eye on the Hogwartians.

Creepily not sweetly. His smile was creepy. Ella did not smile back. Nope.

He's alright. Ella wasn't sure she was satisfied with this answer. Mostly because she knew how brilliant Alec was and it amazed her that anyone could think he was anything other than that. "He's not going anywhere." Just so Edric knew. He was going to have to play nice if he wanted to keep an Ella cause Ella planned on keeping Alec for as long as he was willing to be with her. She loved him lots, y'know?

UGH. BOYS. "I want you to want to do it. I don't want you to do it just so that I won't be frowning at you all the time." It wasn't that complicated, SHEESH. And now it was her turn to let the silence settle over them as she sipped on her butterbeer and contemplated whether or not she was happy with the ogre right now. Hmmm...

After what was a very uncomfortably silent couple of minutes, the seventeen year old placed her mug down and glanced up at Edric. "You're my ogre and he's my boyfriend...I want you to get along."

Lex thought this all through for a moment...but didn't give it much thought. A transfer was a transfer and anyone coming to Gryffindor was more than welcome. They were a friendly bunch sometimes, sorta, kinda...it depended really so the girl and her...er...friends...would fit in or at the very least not stick out horrible and get their foreign butts shunned. "That's easily enough done!" She said, allowing herself to grin at the girl. "I can help you get acquainted with everyone, could be your friend too if you wanted." Conditional friends though...for now anyway. Lex enjoyed making friends but drew the line at just who she shared her candy with. Not that the girl was asking but you know, for future reference.

"You'll like the Common Room, it's usually warm and has the comfiest couches ever." Just assuming here, considering she didn't know what the other common rooms were like. Eh, details details. "How many more of you are coming to Gryffindor?" It'd be nice to make preparations and work out the sleeping arrangement. Still plenty of beds available...and if not...she wasn't volunteering to take the couch down in the Coom Room, let's just get that straight.



From the corner of her eyes she noted someone coming toward their table. Taking a proper glance she realized it was someone else she didn't know. He knew Karina, that was obvious. He could have been the company Lex thought the girl had been waiting on earlier only now she was sure Karina hadn't in fact been waiting on anyone and he was just table crashing like she had, or well, table nearby crashing. Yeah. It was totally a thing.

"Hi!" She didn't bother waiting on him to greet her because that didn't look like it would happen any time soon. She'd already established that he knew Karina, so why sit so far?

Lex gestured for him to come to their table, fixing him with a curious gaze. "Are you one of her friends transferring to Gryffindor with her?"

"Never said he was," Edric replied when Ella reminded him that her beloved Alec was here to stay.

At the girl's following words, he raised an eyebrow and grinned. "Who said I was doing it for you? Don't flatter yourself, Ells. I'm doing this for myself," said Edric. "I'm doing it because I don't want to get pranked anymore, not because my rebellious little sister is threatening me with her expressive eyebrows." Part of this statement was true. He really didn't want to receive another owl like the one she'd sent him that morning. Ever. Again.

The following silence was probably more uncomfortable for Ella than it was for Edric; it was no secret the boy preferred silence over talking. Also, he wasn't the one having boyfriend-and-older-ogre-brother problems.

"I don't think getting along with people is part of an ogre's job description," said the boy as Ella asked him to just get along with her boyfriend. He smiled to reveal he was just teasing. "Anyway, I already told you - I'll make an effort from now on. Promise." He raised his right hand as he made his promise. "C'mon. I appreciate your concern for my opinion, but you're still just a kid in school, Ells. Have fun. Don't worry so much. I know I may not act like it, but I do trust you. I just…" he looked away for a moment, searching for words. "I wouldn't want anything bad to happen to you. I can't be in the castle anymore, so there isn't much I can do to help you anymore. So I worry… not because I think you're not trustworthy, but because if something happens… well, if something happened to you, it would be completely out of my hands."

And Merlin knows that Eddy would never be able to deal with having a heartbroken little sister that was going through a break-up or something. So, for his sake, the girl better make good decisions, stop panicking, and be happy.

There were foreign things........

...... in his shop.....

Samuel eyed them from behind the bar as he ran a clean(ish) rag through the last few of his just washed(ish) glasses and mugs. Foreign people weren't a rarity, but there seemed to be a flock of them in Hogsmeade today. And Sam was suspicious. Or curious. Or both.

Even though Karina was focused on the conversation with the Hogwartian, her sharp dark blue eyes did not fail to notice Mischa come into the pub. She responded with her standard greeting to the older boy. "Mischa." she said shortly before quickly turning back to Alexa.


So the Common Room was warm; that could go two ways. On the upside, she would be comfortable, but with comfort came weakness, and Karina did not like the idea of exposing herself so much. She would have to watch out and try to find a middle sweet spot between relaxation and danger.
"It's nice of you to be my friend." was really all she said on the matter; what she was really thinking though was that this girl was very confident in her safety. Perhaps Alexa had more friends from the Gryffindor house who would protect her from her own openness.

"Why does it matter?" Karina asked, referring to the question about the amount of people coming to stay in Gryffindor. Did this girl really need to know how many people would be joining her house? No, Karina decided, she didn't; although the Durmstrang girl couldn't see clearly how it would affect her negatively if she told Alexa, she was sure there was a change of some consequences, and thus she remained silent on the matter.


Karina winced slightly when Alexa mentioned "transfer". She didn't wand Mischa getting the wrong idea about her, or get him thinking that her personality had suddenly changed. "Ahh. Staying, or rooming would be a better word there." she said aloud, hoping the Hogwartian would just think it was a misunderstanding and that she would not withdraw her friendly venture because she thought Karina was lying. Karina wasn't lying, she had told a version of the truth, and even though she did not believe friendliness got her anywhere, she was relying on Alexa to support the fledgeling friendship.

Expressive eyebrows, eh? Ella squinted at him and wiggled them playfully, just as a test. "Y'mean these expressive eyebrows?" Heh. As for the pranking, the blonde bit her lip. "I won't do it again. It's too stressful." As good as she was at imitating an ogre, she was all conflicted inside about it still. He really didn't have to worry.

"And yet you're able to get along with me most times." Ella smiled back a tiny bit too because yeah, she figured he'd been joking around. Her smile grew when he promised and she nodded her head, expecting that he'd keep it. She trusted him too.

What was this? Ogre was exposing his ooey-gooey soft side? Ella rested her chin on her palm and listened intently, a smile playing on her lips. She knew how tough it was for him to talk about this sort of stuff but maybe he'd changed since Eve had been in his life? N'aww, was the Ogre growing up? The thought made her smile even bigger but she refrained from humming Here Comes the Bride. "You like me lots, huh?" GRIN. He totally did. "But seriously, I'll try not to worry so much." And she held up her right hand as proof.

"Y'know, you're not such a terrible brother after all."

Edric had to look away to keep himself from laughing as Ella began to wiggle her eyebrows at him. He couldn't let her find out that she was funny or she would totally use her eyebrows against him at every given opportunity.

"Good," he said with a nod when Ella promised not to prank him again. As much as he enjoyed her admiration for his Scroogey ways, he had to admit it was no fun being the victim of these pranks and troll moves. He would've taken this as a lesson never to be a Scrooge again, but NAHHH. He was too good at it by now. Though he was going to keep his earlier promise of not jumping to conclusions ahead of time.

And then, after Eddy made the huge mistake of exposing his kinder big-brother side, Ella was being just like him by using his moment of vulnerability to poke fun at him. Edric rolled his eyes when she accused him of liking her a lot. "Not as much as you like to think." Psh! The only person Eddy liked was himself. And Evs. But mostly himself. Let that be clear.

And because Edric wasn't ashamed enough of his moment of kindness still, Ella was now torturing him with the reminder that he wasn't a terrible brother.

"Alright, alright, let's not get ahead of ourselves," said the boy, waving the compliment off. "I'm not some big teddy bear just because I can be nice sometimes. I'm still the scary older brother." And he was so tempted to be sixteen again and 'accidentally' spill his water over his friend like he had that one time in the Great Hall, just to remind himself that he could be evil again, but decided best not to. He'd worked too hard to make it back on Ella's good side. He'd have to leave his bullying for another day.

He totally thought she was funny. Ella smiled and shook her head when he turned away, amused. Point for the mini!ogre? Yup.

And he was definitely lying to her face right now. She knew because it was easy to see how much he cared by how freaked out he got over the letter. See? She was SO good at reading people. "Do too. Deep down you might even love me." Grin. That was probably the scariest word ever to Edric but he was sort of her family now, yeah? She definitely loved him.

Aw, and he was super uncomfortable so Ella stopped all the smiling and teasing and nodded seriously. "You're the scariest. There's not a meaner guy I know." Nodnod. Did that help him feel better? She casually glanced at his glass as if she'd read his mind and willed him not to spill it on her.

Don't do it, Edric.

Lex gave an easy grin. "It's no problem, I like making friends." Seriously. It was half the fun in life. "I find things become easier the more friends you have to help you, don't you?" No sense being somewhere new with no friends. That did you no good, kinda made it boring too...but then she said she had friends with her. They could probably just stick to each other the whole time but what'd be the fun in that? They'd miss out on a lot...if they even cared in the first place.

Why does it matter? "Why doesn't it?" Lex asked, giving the girl a curious look. Since the conversation started she'd tried deflecting just about all of Lex's questions, like she wasn't in the least bit interested in sharing anything at all concerning herself. "The Common Room's only so big, we have to consider spacing and stuff. Have to be sure you can all fit. That's all." She didn't wanna walk down the stairs one day and find a random someone in her favourite couch and nowhere else to sit. That'd annoy her...unless they were friends, then she'd probably just squeeze in.

Oh? Eyes on Karina. Not transferring, like she said earlier...but visiting? Lex's brows crinkled as she gave that some thought. Visiting but definitely staying at the castle--in their Common Room no less. "Are you coming to watch the Competition thing my school's housing? We're gonna be competing against Durmstrang and Beauxbaton." They'd know about it right? Why else would they visit?

Coincidence? No way.

Mischa didn't bother saying anything else to Karina. Their relationship was...special, one could say. But he was impressed. Karina was making progress. The girl most likely was a Gryffindor otherwise she would not have bothered speaking with her. At least Mischa didn't bother speaking with speaking with students from Houses except Ravenclaw. But this clearly was going to change.

Karina's new friend was beckoning to their table. What did she think? He'd gladly go over? No thank you, little girl. Mischa remained glued to his seat. Fishing for information, that was what she was doing. Well he wasn't going to give any before it was due. He fixed a blank stare on her. "That's for me to know and you to find out,'' he said in a flat tone.

And the Shopkeeper was watching them. Mischa had not missed that. He recognised the look of suspicion on the man's face. Mischa was enjoying himself. The looks of curiosity and suspicion they had been receiving... well they'll all find out soon enough.

Karina did not quite agree with the more friends equals easier time view, that was far too many people to trust, too many chances to slip up; the better method was to have a few very close friends who would always support you. She didn't say anything on the matter, however because her opinion was not needed and would only likely make this bubbly Hogwartian annoyed. In other words, she was being friendly.

She completely ignored the Common Room comment; she had not expected Alexa so answer what Karina thought was an obvious shut down. She ignored it, that is, until she heard Mischa's comment about what house he would be staying in. Just to get on his nerves, and because she didn't think the information would harm her, if anything the information would get Alexa off her case, she answered for him. "I'll give you a hint, he," she said pointing at the Durmstrang boy. "He, is not in Gryffindor."

She was beginning to think that being friendly, as she was attempting to do now, was a lot more work than she ever wanted to do, but she did it for the sake of her school and the Tournament.

Speaking of which, this girl mentioned it, asking if Karina had come to watch. She gave a wry smile that could mean anything except to those who knew the redhead well. "Yes, I will be watching," she said, and maybe a bit more, she thought; but she didn't need to say anything about that, there was no need at all to give away all her ace cards. As Cha had pointed out, it was for her to know and the Hogwartians to find out.

He wouldn't be coming over to have a seat. That was fine too, he could sit where he was and have a conversation with them...or not considering the only thing he'd been asked was shot down with an answer straight out of a politician's handbook. Lex thought to question it but then Karina spoke up. Not a Gryffindor? "Clearly." She mumbled, more to herself than her company. You never saw Gryffindors acting like that. Of course these students didn't attend the school but it didn't mean she couldn't make comparisons. He'd do best to try his luck with the snakes...or the 'claws 'cause they liked speaking in riddles.

And it seemed she'd be watching. "Cool! Depending on where we watch from I'll be able to show you where you can get the best view. He..." She glanced only briefly over at the boy before looking to the red head again. "Can find someone who's not a Gryffindor and have them do the same for him."

Blank stares got you nowhere dude, NO WHERE. One did not simply decide to be rude when Alexa was trying to be friendly. She was taking a big risk here. Stupidity was contagious, she didn't know whether he was infected or not but just consider the chance she was taking just trying to talk to him, to them. Though, Karina seemed fine. No worries there.

"I wonder what the competition's gonna be like." Her voice perked up a bit, willing to ignore the seemingly unfriendly nature of the dude. "Heard they could get dangerous." Which she was counting on. If they were gonna force her into this academic thing, it at least had to have something reckless and life threatening.

Also. "Have you met any non-Gryffindors as yet?" Juuust curious Mr. Secrets.

This place vas called the Hog's Head, yes? Vilhelm looked pointedly at the hog's head resting on ze vall. This village vas not one for ambience, vas it. He made his vay to the other Durmstrang students. Oh look, a Hogwartz student. Vunderful. He didnt say anything to announce his presence, he simply raised his eyebrows in greeting. He turned to look at the Hogwartz student. Vhat to say, yes?

"Vhat house... is that right... are you at in Hogvartz?" Maybe she will be a Gryffindor, that is alvays possible.... That is vhere he is staying yes?

Good merlin! Another one!!!

Lex blinked over at the new comer. Just how many of them were there?? It took her an extra second to process what he was actually saying. Hogwarts student? Yes. Yes that was her and she had a house which is what he was asking about. Yes. Processing was happening now. Carry on. "I'm a Gryffindor and you're one of them." She said casually, getting the hang of this thing by now. He even kinda sounded like them only his accent was thicker.

She could be observant when it called for such. "Are you going to decline sitting with us like he did, or will you pull up a stool?" She asked, gesturing to all the room at the table. Might as well be friendly. From what she gathered, she'd be seeing some of them a lot. "And are you staying with the Gryffindors too?"

The Three Broomsticks was always packed with Hogwarts students on the Hogsmeade weekends, and now it had the visiting Durmstrang and Beaxbatons students there as well, all of which were an immediate turn off for the young fifth year. She wanted to meet up with her closest friends somewhere that wasn't so loud and that still had seating and food.

Hogs Head fit the bill.

Dora pushed the door open, eyes immediately surveying the place before she walked over and picked out a window seat. Propping her elbows up in the table, she fiddled with her ear cuffs while waiting for Taryn and Alice to show their faces.

This girl (Alexa) was a rather chatty one. Plus the friendliness. Mischa did not care. He wasn't here to be friendly. However, he chose to answer her next question truthfully. "I haff.'' But he did not divulge which House he was particularly interested in.

His eyes roved to the door as someone else stepped in. "Vilhelm.'' That should get his attention. Mischa indicated the seat next to him, signalling his school mate to join him. Look at that. Vilhelm was already being interoggated by the Hogwarts girl.

Taryn had been questioning her entire life and all her choices as she walked along through Hogsmeade. Somehow, she always, always ended up here when it was cold. She just wasn't used to it anymore, it was chilling her to the bone and she did not like it one bit. She was ever so thankful to finally reach the Hog's Head and the warm inside. Could she just... stay here until spring? They'd miss her in Miami, but.. at least she wouldn't have to go back out in that abominable cold.

Dora was relatively easy to pick out and Taryn directed herself over to that table. "Alright now, give me a hug and warm me up a little, this weather is bad for my complexion."

Also, hello, little sister. Give us a HUG.

"And Alice. Give her a hug, too, because she's colder than Taryn." Grin.

No, really, she was. This sixth year didn't do the cold well at all, and paired with the fact that she was in a skirt without long stockings underneath, Alice was pretty much a human ice cube. And while she didn't care about her complexion as much as the now-American did, her situation was still deserving of hugs. Hugs, Dora, HUGS.

And Taryn, she got hugs, too. Alice came up behind her and squished her. Hug.

"Dora, come on already. We're doing hugs." Hi Taryn's back. Huuuugggg.