"He does," Ana confirmed with a smile. She didn't want to say anything else to Lux though because she didn't want to give the plot away. "Do you do Divination? If you do I can bring the books with me to class and give them to you there," which would be easier than trying to catch the other girl at another time while she had the books on her. "Good. I suppose you could let Tessa," whoever that was, "in on the secret if she's there when we play the prank," Ana allowed. There was no harm in telling someone else when it was about to be accomplished.

Ana smiled gently at Lux, glad that her words had the intended effect of making her relax. "I've met her once and she seemed nice enough. Besides, I'm sure you showing a passion about muggle technology would mean she'd be nice as well," Ana assured. She couldn't see a professor being horrible to a little kid that was simply enquiring about watching some films. Because they were muggle in nature she was doubly sure that the Professor Hadley would be kind to Lux.

Lux was happy now. "I love Bilbo. Hobbits are so cute." And they were tiny like her, and they loved to eat, like her... Why wasn't she a Hobbit? Listening to Ana talk, she nodded at the question. "Yes, I go to that class, and when I'm done with them, I can give them back to you there as well." Seeing as it was a book series, it might take her a while, but she was sure she would have them back to Ana before the end of Term in June. Maybe she could get a lot of reading done during her Christmas break! "Tessa is a prankster herself, so I think she would totally be in on it and not tell anyone." There was no way that Tessa would ever tell Bay about Ana's plan when she would want to laugh about Bay's reaction too.

"I really hope she is nice since she is my Head of House." Speaking of that... Lux supposed she ought to go and see Hadley in her office and say hello to her because of that, like she had introduced herself to the Headmistress earlier in the term. "I think I am going to ask her!"

Hobbits were cute? She'd never heard that description before, but they were tiny so Ana supposed that being tiny kind of implied cuteness. Maybe.

"Sounds like a plan then. I'll make sure to bring them with me and if I don't see you before the lesson starts I'll give them to you at the end," because then she couldn't get in trouble for talking or anything before class began. Which would be an unfortunate way to start her relationship with Professor Elwood, especially as she was applying for SNAC membership. "Maybe she can be involved in any future pranks," if this Tessa person was a prankster she might have to somehow make her acquaintance. With at least one mutual friend, probably two, it shouldn't be that hard to do.

"Well if she's your head of house I'm sure that means she'll be doubly nice," and probably doubly pleased that Lux was taking such an interest in Muggle things. Even if the series was fantasy and had a myriad of magical elements woven into it. But still, Muggle. "There's certainly no harm in doing so," Ana agreed.

Had he disturbed the guy's peaceful visit to the grounds and, maybe, small nap? ... Probably. The Hufflepuff would have felt bad about this but... Terry was back at Hogwarts! In time for his, Alec's, final year, too. There was a lot to be happy and excited about and, to him, it meant that tackling the guy was necessary.

Best greeting he had had today? Alec GRINNED. So the boy didn't think it was weird to practically be tackled? Good. He should expect this kind of greeting from now on. ... Or something a bit more... normal. One of the two. "I'm really glad, mate," he said, clapping the boy's back and letting go. And... what was this? A fist pump? The seventh year clenched his fist into a ball and fist pumped the boy before saying, "Hey! It's really great to see you again." Really. Don't go away again, okay, Radley?

And he was going to join the sixth year, yeah? Awesome. Now that he hug wasn't taking place, Alec sat down next to Terry, leaning back a little just like the boy was doing. "So what brings you..." A quick pause where Alec looked up at the tree and then over at the wooden box. "... here?"

Heh. Alec sure did know how to make an appearance and how to make a greeting. Even if Terry had almost ended up face down in the grass. He chuckled at Alec's reaction, glad to see that someone was definitely happy to see him. Well great, it was always nice to know that your friends appreciated your presence. They'd be pretty rubbish friends if they didn't anyway.

Everyone was acting as if he had completely disappeared out of Hogwarts. It was true that Terry had spent most of last term tucked up in the Common Room studying for his OWL's and therefore the only people who had seen him were his dorm mates and some of it he had spent poorly but he was still here. Though this whole massive greeting thing was pretty awesome. "Thanks. You too" he grinned. "How's all this going for you?" he asked indicating to his badge. Why were the majority of his friends in leadership roles? Bleh.

"Oh I don't know. I kinda like the tree" he laughed. It was peaceful compared to a lot of the school and its grounds. "Fancied a walk and ended up here." He wasn't here to read, that was a fact. "Glad of the company though, I was literally about to fall asleep then and I'm a deep sleeper." It would've taken a lot to get the Slytherin back awake again.

The chuckle only made Alec grin some more, somewhat sheepishly. It hasn't been a weird greeting, right? If so, he should see the many ways in which Alec ended up meeting some people: one of which included sitting out on the floor because he was trying to find any small excuse not to go to the library to study.

Was he grinning too much? Was it creepy? Did it look like he had slept with a coat hanger stuck in his mouth?

... That sounded painful.

"Thanks!" Alec was glad that Terry was happy about seeing him again. "So... where have you been hiding? Last year, I mean." And did he have fun? Or... had he just been too busy? Alec hoped it was the former one. The indication towards his badge made the eighteen year old look down at it. Heh. Badge. Shiny, yellow badge. "It's great! It just... comes with a lot of extra work and responsibility which makes things more nerve-wracking," Shrug. "And I guess people expect you to be... brilliant. Or the best role model out there. But I think I'm liking it." Really and truly. "How's sixth year for you?"

He liked the tree? The seventh year looked up at the branches swaying above them in the wind. "It's not a bad place to sit. Awesome choice!" Nods of approval for you, Terry. "I guess... you're lucky that you didn't fall asleep and end up waking up to a moustache drawn on your face." Not that Alec would have done that. Only played with the boy's hair. No big deal.

"It's a deal!" Lux exclaimed with excitement. Suddenly, she was reminded that she would need to return The Hobbit to Addi since it was her book. Perhaps she would see the older Slytherin in Divination as well, and be able to return it then. Everything was working out perfectly. "And yes, I think she would totally be down for it, so I will ask her later!" Making a mental note of it, she figured she would see her best friend at some point today.

Ana's words made her feel much better about speaking to Hadley. "I hope she is nice like the Headmistress. She is really nice. And has lovely hair..."

There was no denying that Alec was in a very good mood. The boy hadn't stopped grinning since Terry had been bombarded by him. Still, it was a good sign. People should be happy, it showed they were enjoying their time at school. Hogwarts definitely had the right combination of work and play.

Hiding? It wasn't particularly hiding, more like compulsory studying in the Common Room. "In my dorm mostly, occasionally I ventured out into the kitchens if I was in the mood." Which was quite frequently, he had to admit. "Exam studying is tough" he sighed. It paid off, he thought. It was good that Alec was enjoying the extra responsibility. It showed that he definitely was well suited to being Head Boy. "That's good. Not too much hard work then?" he chuckled. Everyone needed time to socialise in between their lessons after all. "It's no different than any other year really" he laughed. Except fifth, that had been dreadful.

"It's less exposed than out by the lake." And seeing as it was nearing winter, it could get pretty cold when the wind started blowing its icy chill. He'd rather be sheltered underneath the tree.

"Well now I know if I ever fall asleep and wake up with a moustache drawn on me, exactly who has done it." Yep. Terry was onto him. He raised his brow and chuckled at the thought.

"Sounds like a plan," Ana agreed. "You should let me know when you've filled her in so we can all get together to plan," maybe they could meet in the Kitchen so that they could eat while talking about food. Because talking about food made Ana hungry. And there was the embarrassing grumble of her stomach that she was waiting on.

"I think it might be time for elevensies," Ana murmured, wishing she'd brought food out with her. Although, in her defence she hadn't thought she'd get hungry so soon, especially when she'd already ate a chocolate frog while speaking to Lux.

Who noticed a teachers hair? That was slightly strange, but with the way the Huffie said it, it was also kind of adorable. This kid was gonna rot her teeth she was sure. She'd have to charge her for any fillings she ended up needing to get.

Placing her hand to her forehead in a salute, Lux beamed at Ana. "Yes, I so will!" They would have a lot of fun planning and disguising cucumber sandwiches, though she had to make sure that she did not end up eating food that was meant for Bay. Hearing the girl's stomach grumble, Lux pulled out another Chocolate Frog and offered it to her. "What's an elevensies?" she asked curiously.

Tag's nodding intensified some more when she listed, a very short list, but very helpful list at that, of what she liked to bake. Granted Tag liked most types of food and delicious treats, so anything would be A-Okay for him. " I like every single one of those things you listed. If I wanted one would I have to pay you some sort of service so I can get myself a tasting?" Manners, that was all. "Smart planning" Tag said to Adelaide as he pointed to his own head. He probably wouldn't have thought of that if it were him.

Hmmm. What brought him here? Mostly a particular someone. But he hadn't been forced to come here or anything. "Just scoping out the tree to be honest. Wanna get a good idea of the branches and everything." Did the rest need to be explained or was 'getting a good idea of the branches' a good enough explanation for her to know what Tag was referring to. " I suppose you wanted some peace to write down your recipes?" Tag could understand that.

“You’re not aware? You’re.not.aware ?” Eyes eyes eyes. “How can you not be aware? Why this tree has practically my name on it, and the slope by its roots the perfect size from which I can sit comfortably.” Huff huff scoff scoff. Yeah nobody tell him she has never set eyes on this tree before either.

“I can see that....” was he also calling her blind? She went scoffing around, circling the tree and the boy back and forth it was dizzying. It was true, there was enough room around the tree that would’ve kept her nicely hidden. But she wanted that spot where the boy sat. THAT SPOT. But she wants to read her book, she’s been itching to do so already, so dejectedly she plopped down right next to the boy, as close as she can to her spot. Who care about invading personal space?

Now for her book. Peeeeeek.

Jeremy just raised his eyebrows slightly as the girl continued on about how he could not be aware that this was HER spot. Practically has her name on it?? Oh please! Jeremy just kept his face neutral, waiting until she was finished. He wasn't going to comment on any of that - clearly this girl was a diva, that or she was just used to people giving her what she wanted. He was contemplating getting up and leaving just in order to avoid future confrontation, since Jeremy really did hate confrontation, when the girl began circling the tree to look for a spot.

Wait? Was she actually going to let him keep his spot? Had he just stood his ground with not just anyone, but a girl??? Jeremy had to admit he was pretty proud of himself. But of course when she did sit down, she sat down as close to him as humanly possible without physically touching him. So...he hadn't completely won the battle, but oh well. He turned slightly to look at the girl who was peeking rather excitedly into her bag.

"You must have something pretty exciting in that bag," Jeremy offered, fixing his focus back on the lake, and the people around it. "I'm Jeremy by the way." Well...since they were sitting this close it seemed like they should at least exchange names, right?

A smile tugged at the corner of Adelaide's mouth as she caught Tag's reaction. It grew wider at his question, especially the way he'd worded it. "I would never make anyone give me anything for them. Just an honest opinion." That was her way of saying all he would have to do is ask when she had some. "Thanks."

She nodded. "Tree climbing or something else?" Because honestly she had no idea what Tag was talking about...but Addi didn't want that to show. She waved off his statement. "Nah. I like company. I had enough alone time the first fourteen years of my life." More than enough.

YEAH, Alec was happy! Terry was out and about again, and definitely not hiding. Not... that he had been last year, as the boy went on to explain. "That... doesn't sound like it was fun," And what could have been the reason for that? "Was it... because of the OWLs?" Was that why the boy had been cooped up in his dorm? Enthusiastic nodding took place at Terry's next comment. "It sucks. And it's really... really boring." But necessary.

It was good? Alec was glad about that. As for the hard work... he shrugged. "Sometimes it feels like a lot but other times... not that much," Did Terry understand? He hoped so. "It's going to get worse with the studying but... I'm just... going with the flow." Terry... probably didn't need to know all of this. And speaking of the Slytheirn... "I'm glad! I think... it's the nice little break between fifth and seventh year."

Less exposed than out by the lake? The Hufflepuff turned his attention away from the sixth year and looked around at the lake nearby. "Yeah... yeah, it is. I guess it's great if you want to be secluded somewhere and just sit in the quiet," ... Pause. "I didn't disturb you, did I?"

Terry's next comment made Alec burst out laughing. "You'll have to find me first, mate," He was joking, yeah. Why concentrate on drawing a moustache when you can concentrate on the hair? Exactly.

Fun was the last word Terry would use to describe the awfulness of the previous year. It had been the most boring aspect of his life and he was definitely going to make up for it this term. Socialising was a must and, as much as he wouldn’t admit it to his professors, his school work was going to take a slight step back. Not too big though, he did have NEWT’s next year after all and he wasn’t going to let himself slack. “It really wasn’t” he sighed in agreement. He nodded as Alec asked whether it was due to OWL’s, wrinkling his nose at the thought of the exam hall and all the questions dotted around the paper. He was free for a year but it was only going to get harder.

“I guess it depends on when you’re needed and how misbehaving the students are being.” The younger ones obviously, the older students either knew not to misbehave, or knew how to get out of getting into trouble if they did. Terry, with a high proportion of his friends being prefects, was the former option. “I’m sure that the sixth years can step up so you don’t have to do so much” he commented. They didn’t have exams after all and it would be tough to throw Alec in the deep end. “Yeah, it gives you time to relax before they throw you into the deep end” he chuckled a little.

The Slytherin followed Alec’s eyes to glance out across the lake. It was a pretty view and he certainly would sit out there when the warmer months came along but right now the tree was extremely comfortable and a lot less windy. He shook his head when Alec asked if he’d been disturbed. “No of course not. I was hoping someone would come and join me. I would have got bored by myself.” Or fall asleep.

Terry smirked at Alec’s comment, knowing fully well that he’d be able to find him. “You’ve got duties to fulfil, you wouldn’t be able to hide” he laughed. He was sure if he hung about in a corridor late at night, he’d spot him a mile off. Not that Terry would be able to stay up late, not going by how tired he was right now.

Excellent. Tag didn't have to give her anything in return to try one of her delicious sweets. This was a win win situation for the both of them. All she needed was honesty. "I can do that for you. My dad's a chef, so sometimes I have picky comments about the food he makes or how it tastes and things like that. But, I'm sure your baking is more than good." He said excitedly.

"Tree climbing, yep." He was still pretty terrible at it. But at least he was practicing. "Well, then, you've got yourself company!" Tag said excitedly, another smile on his face. The second part of her comment, though, sounded like a personal problem, situation, so Tag wouldn't pry into that because it was none of his business.

Melek looked at her then nodded, "Thanks." She grinned then started to read the book again. A few minutes later, she closed it and smiled at the girl, "That is a great book..." Mel glanced at the girl and saw closed eyes, "Oh... sorry..." Melek got up and replaced the book in the box before sitting back down to wait for the girl to talk again. She digged through her bag, still waiting. Melek checked the girl out to see if she would make a good friend or if she would be annoying... or like Annaleecia-both!

Botros walked all the way from the castle to this lake. Alone. Literally alone, no crup, no colleague, no nothing. Well he had his neat, old dragon cane with him, so if you want to count that. He was very fond of his canes. He even named them. The names got mixed in the end and his grandchildren pointed out that it was creepy when you name a thing and give it intimate meaning. Well, youth these days knew nothing. Eventually there were nametag stickers attached to the canes. This one, for example, was named Feron Fire-dragon. Mhmm.

Oooh, people left books here? Botros approached the tree excitedly.

So rumour had it, there were books in the grounds. This was something she simply had to investigate, and of course if she found anything she fancied, she was prepared to leave a book there herself. Merlin knew she had plenty.

Inhaling the fresh fresh air Seren paused, turning to look back, waiting for Caltex to stop peeingmarking his territory. "Hop to it," she cooed before dragging him forward.

"Aaahh, Abraham!" she greeted brightly as she neared the tree and her colleague, "you're investigating too?" she asked, sparing a glance at the box. Go figure, this was a rather brilliant idea.

Botros had a hand on the tree's big bark and tried to lean forward closer to the box when the sound of professor Bentley reached his ears. "Professor! Fancy seeing you here." Investigating? He didn't get it right away, he placed his dragon cane on the ground and thought about what to investigate here. No treasure, no scavenger hunts, no-- oh! "The box, yes. I didn't bring my own book for this particular reason." He smiled widely at her. "Some students left their own books here!" Excitedly said!

Then he struggled to kneel on the ground and get comfy under the tree. Gruntgruntgrunt.

Marigold smiled at Melek as she finished the book. She could remember finishing that book for the first time as well, and she had nearly cried. "So, you liked it then?" she said, opening her eyes once the girl returned. She smiled again.

Caltex sniffed the air curiously, but soon distracted himself with a clump of leaves on the ground, pawing at it... and soon... rolling on it. Seren was used to him mucking up his fur... he'd get a clean later.
"Well it's a lovely day for a walk," she mused, swinging her arms lightly, tucking her book under her arm and taking a few more paces toward her colleague and the box. "So I've heard... I'm actually rather interested to see what they've left behind. Thought I might add to the collection too."

And oh Merlin... was Botros okay? Seren watched a little apprehensively as the man lowered himself to the ground.
"You alright there?" she asked uncertainly. Though she supposed once he was down he'd be fine. Perhaps she too should kneel or take a seat, no point in browsing books standing up.

His hand was against the bark, and other one on the ground and his face had gone a darker shade of red but eventually he found himself sitting on the ground by the tree just like he used to when he was a lad - it took longer to do it, but the outcome was safe. "I'm alright, thank you." Wait what was that ball of cotton nearby? What. AW! Botros grinned at the little creature and wiggled his fingers at him/her. "What an endearing little-- what is it?" Like, what kind. "Feo would've loved to play with him." Botros added, with a touched tone.

"It is a great day for a walk, or look through the books the students leave in here. I've been working on some runic transcripts all morning in my office, my legs felt too crampy behind that desk." Which was a first in a long time, he usually liked sitting for hours behind his desk. "Are you a book lover too, professor?" He smiled up at the blonde young woman, spreading the two books onto his lap and getting ready to check them out.

Dropping to the ground near Botros, facing in his direction, Seren crossed her legs and waved her hands summoning Caltex. Though he took his sweet time sauntering over, still intent on sniffing -- among other things. She exchanged a look with Botros before admiring her big pup once more, "He's a Pomeranian," she mused, "he thinks he's king. I don't know how I've managed to spoil him." The aged mans tone didn't go unnoticed, and it almost saddened her, almost. "I'm sorry, Feo?" she asked.

"Oh good, I thought it was only me," she noted, "I've never been one for sitting around too long." So she was grateful to have the greenhouses and garden to keep her occupied. Granted, she still had a considerable desk load, but it was manageable with regular breaks and tea. Tea was good. As for the books, she pursed her lips in thought. "I was as a student, but I find that I've grown restless since then, don't have much time for books to be honest." It as a shame, something she was considering rectifying, hence her being here. "Yourself? Are you a book enthusiast?"