Bri grinned at Ana. " Nice to meet you as well, Ana. That sounds like a good deal, I need to do it as well." Bri smiled. " You can go first." Bri offered, remembering what happen with Fern. She straightened up and prepared herself for what was about to happen. The young Hufflepuff looked over at the older girl before saying " I am ready when you are."

She was letting her go first? Well Ana certainly wasn't going to argue with that! Better to get it out of the way and all that. Besides, she was really excited to test her potion. For once, sheer dumb luck she was sure, she'd managed to do every step correctly. Normally she got distracted. But not this time.

Pulling her vial of potion from her bag Ana smiled reassuringly at Bri before unstopping the vial and taking a gulp.

OH GOD AND ALL THE HOLY SAINTS IT BURNED!!!

Ana struggled not to show any pain in front of the younger girl, trying to tell herself that there was no pain to be had. That she'd got worse from violent animals and plants before but SHE HADN'T! It felt like she was on fire from the inside.

Steam was coming out her nostrils and ears and Ana was struggling not to burp, fall over in pain, or expel gas like others had in class and she succeeded. What she couldn't stop were the tears that escaped from her eyes.

But this was homework, she had to do it. She was meant to breathe fire on this little kid and ask her how it felt and she was going to do it. Having made up her mind about it, and thinking it might burn less if she let it out, Ana took a breath in through her nose and got ready.

Straightening up Ana was unable to give Bri any warning and simply started to blow. She put all the force she had in her body into the action and was amazed and delighted when actual flames came out her mouth and blew towards Bri's face. This was amazing. Totally worth all the pain of taking the potion.

When she could blow no more flames Ana took several deep breaths through her mouth before giving the young girl a delighted smile. "So how did it feel?" Ana asked excitedly, grabbing out some parchment and a pen so she could write down Bri's description, still on a slight high from being able to breathe like a DRAGON! She totally had to write to Sasha, Katya, Liza and Vaska about this. They would totally share her excitement!

Tessa ran down toward the Lake, glancing behind her to see Lux and Bay- Lux still on Bay's back- to make sure they were okay.

"Come on slow pokes!" she teased, slowing down her jog so that they could catch up. "I am older than you after all." Actually, her run and jog had been slower than normal. Part of her exercise plan included running and that run had just felt slow. She had probably just been limiting herself so she wouldn't get too far ahead.

"How are you holding up, Bay?" she asked the younger boy with a grin.

A part of her, a very large part wanted to find out exactly who this Hel-person was and set them on fire. Fire breathing potion would be great – if it set people on fire and wasn’t a healing thing. Hel probably didn’t know just the hell that was coming his or her way…that is whenever she figured out who the writer was.

Those words…they hurt, it wasn’t true. She hadn’t done that…sure she had broken up with him for almost no reason but he knew the reason…well now he did. But no one else did.

The paper crinkled in her hand as she glanced down at the plethora of Aparecium posters she had stolen from around the school. “Incendio” she muttered as she watched the pile of paper burst into flames. Running a hand through her much darker hair (as her mood wasn't oh so plucky or happy in general). Right now all she wanted to do was avoid the world - avoid everyone...maybe even avoid her boyfriend if she should call him that. If she hadn't talked to him about getting back together then...then, maybe he wouldn't be in the damn gossip rag.

Bay was starting to get out of breath. "ughhhh Slow down Tessa" he barely got out and he highly doubted that she heard him.. Hearing her yell at them, man it wasn't easy carrying another person on your back while trying to run.. Just one foot in front of the other Bay. you can do it. Tessa finally slowed down and Bay had to stop "Man I should just shrink you and put you in my pocket or something" Bay said while laughing and bumping Lux back into piggy back position.

Tessa laughed, trying not to show how tired she was feeling. She made a note to add more cardio... or less? She'd have to think about that.

"Easy there Bay," she said, putting a hand on his shoulder to make sure he was steady. "Would you like me to take her? Give you a break," she teased, although the offer was still sincere. She looked up at Lux with a grin. "How are you doing up there, Cucumber?" she asked with a smile.

Sit? Toby stopped to think for only a split second. Usually he preferred to stand, because it felt like he was DOING something, and that energy was being expended more than if he sat. But he had paused in the middle of a run, which kind of warranted taking a seat, right? He'd take a break and recharge a bit and eventually be back up and charging about.

So he sat. "Thanks!" Tobias grinned, being polite out of pure habit.

"Oh, for sure," the Hufflepuff nodded in understanding and agreement. His common room was, after all, underground. Which was cosy but felt kind of closed in at times. "I like to get outside whenever I can. Figured it was a good idea to make the most of it out here before the days start getting all short and stuff." Starting lessons while it was still getting light out and ending them when night had already started falling was total ick, and made trying to find time for flying very difficult.

Training? How did he- OH! "Yeah!" Toby grinned and looked down at his running gear. "I'm trying to stay in the best shape I can. For Quidditch and stuff." There was a bit more to it than 'for Quidditch' but the boy left it at that.

"Ahh, yeah, I thought that must have been how I recognised you," the third year nodded as it clicked into place in his head. "I was trying to work out where I'd seen you, and Alec was the first person I thought of. But yeah, I know him. Teammates for a couple of years." Toby paused as something else clicked. "Now that I think of it, you play Quidditch too, right?" Yes. Yes, he was sure of it.

Honestly, Lux had no idea why Bay was having such a hard time keeping up with Tessa when she was not even that heavy. She was skinny, and only 5' tall. "I'm already small, Bay." She laughed and hooked her arms around him a little tighter as he lifted her up more. Making sure that she didn't hurt him of course. Smiling at Tessa, she laughed more. "I think I am doing better than Bay here." Poor Bay, he could have a break if he really wanted one.

Glad that he was now just standing and not running, he took deep breaths to steady himself. "Thanks Tessa.. man your fast" while looking at her. Bumping Lux some more he felt a bit better. "No I think I can handle it, its just can't we just walk from here? running is worse then walking" he pleaded. He didn't want to run for at least a month now.

"I know your small Cucumber, just not that light to be running with…" he told her while making horsey noises "nnnnaaaayyyyy" he bent over and bent backwards like a horse only to hear Lux laugh. "so where are we going." he looked around "or are we here" please let us be here..he's being strong holding Lux but as soon as he puts her down he will ask Tessa to help his shoulders out a bit.

Tessa laughed as Lux replied back to Bay, shaking her head. These two were so funny, she couldn't believe how quickly they had all become friends. She grinned at Lux and patted her gently on the back- so as not to knock the pair over. "Apparently," she said with a soft laugh. "Just let me know if you want to change rides," she said with a wink. After all, it wasn't fair that Bay had all the fun!

Tessa chuckled. "Well, I do train almost every day," she told him with a warm smile. "And I don't even think that was as fast as I can go- I was a bit slower than normal for some reason," she said with a small frown. "Anyway, yes, let's just walk! That way we can enjoy the beautiful surroundings!" she said, holding up her hands and spinning around.

She giggled and came over just as Bay impersonated a horse. "Easy there, whoa boy," she called, laughing. "You've got a rider- now isn't the time to rear!" she scolded, still fighting a smile. "I don't know, where do we want to go?" she asked, looking around.

Lux could not stop laughing. She was having way too much fun with her best friends. It was especially great when Bay started imitating a horse, and she gripped him a little tighter. "Gallop away with me, horsey!" Though she knew that he could not go fast anymore because he was tired. She was only playing with him! And wait a minute... "Are you saying I'm heavy, Bay?" Because that was not nice at all, and she thought she was light!

Looking towards Tessa, she became thoughtful. "I'm good with whatever you guys want to do." And Bay was her ride...

Oh Bay didnt know that Tessa ran. "oh thats soo cool, im not a very good runner". Having more fun acting like a horse Bay decided that rearing wasnt a good idea andhe might hurt himself. "yeah i think your right" but he kept making the noises and he started to walk like a horse.



Bay started to gallop in a circle with Lux laughing away. " no not saying your heavy.... Ermm just that for a long period of time my back will start to hurt" he told her hoping that it didnt hurt her feelings. Maybe she should give him a piggy back ride, he laughed the tought away.

Hey look, the boy was talking to her! And he was older, like way older. Possibly a seventh year? Maybe he knew Nate. And he had a vial and a journal too! Perfect.

Surprisingly, she was okay with that. Hogwarts was a strange place sometimes. In fact, Caelen was willing to bet a few sickles that it was the only place where offering to breathe on someone was acceptable. And part of an assignment for that matter.

Right! The assignment! She smiled, squeezing the vial in her palm again. The glass left a small imprint on her palm, but it was already fading. No worries.

"Um sure! Can I go first?" Caelen was still feeling iffy about having fire breathed on her. And if something went wrong, he would be the one feeling it. Okay, so that was a little rude. But true. She wasnt feeling like getting hurt today.

Excellent. He was taking a seat near Tag. Good. The kid looked like he needed a rest.

An a really smart student, kid at that. Also getting fresh air and getting himself out of the castle. It could be a hassle, getting out of there and everything, but even Tag, who created a lot of ruckus sometimes, just needed air and some peace. That was bound to happy to everyone who lived at Hogwarts during the school year. " Wonderful thinking. Once the cold comes in its not as fun or enjoyable to get the fresh air, you know. Enjoy it while it lasts. Especially here at Hogwarts, the scenery is always nice. Though, I don't mind having snowball fights when the winter does come." Nope. He didn't mind that at all.

Aha! See, Tag had been correct. Even caught the kid slightly off guard, but not completely. And when he explained his reasoning, Tag nodded. Keeping in shape was always good, but keeping the shape even before the season of training started was even better. "Smart. Which position do you usually place for Quidditch?" Just out of curiosity.

Apparently, being tracked to Alec had its ups. Not that there weren't any downs of being tracked or associated with Alec. "We're usually always doing something together. Practically joined at the hips sometimes." Not literally, but one got the idea. Tag then added in a teasing manner, " I'll have to thank Alec for having people recognize my face" with a small smile at the end. "He's an excellent seeker, he is." Added the blonde in a slightly distant voice. And yes, quidditch was Tag's thing. Not as competitive as Alec or some other kids here at Hogwarts he just tried out to pass the time at the castle. "I do. Only two terms so far. Mostly play chaser. But I'm a terrible beater, when I need to be one."

Tessa stepped back with a laugh as Lux and Bay galloped around like a rider on horseback. They could anyway put a smile on her face, no matter what was going on. Tessa made a face at Lux with a wink, then looked to Bay. "Well, I have to stay fit and conditioned," she told Bay with a shrug. "And one of the best ways to do that is by running.

She smiled, watching carefully as the two younger students still played horse and rider. They were just the silliest bunch- and she loved it. "Would the horsey like a carrot or apple break?" she called with a laugh.

Riding on Bay's back was so much fun, even if he was rather tired and had stopped running. "Good, because it's mean to say a girl is heavy." She tried to give him a hug now, which ended up making her slip down his back some. Hmmm, maybe that hadn't been the best idea when he was galloping with her in circles... "Do you want to stop now?" Because she did not want to be the cause of his back pain if he had it later.

Laughing at Tessa's question, she decided that she was hungry too even though she wasn't the horsey. "I would love a cucumber sandwich if we are getting food." The House Elves made really good ones.

Laura looked at her twin and sighed, why was it as soon as they had come to Hogwarts and got put into separate houses did they start to grow apart, okay so it wasn't as bad as they used to be but still she wanted to be 9 again when they did everything together. "That's what I was like at first."

Laura hugged her twin. "I thought about writing a few times but like I said, what was I supposed to say, staying out of the country and racing horses?" Laura thought her dad would love it he was a big horse racing fan but her mother probably would have been worried. "Anyway if you had wanted me, your owl could have found me." Laura beamed, surely her sister knew that Owl were clever. "Anyway I'll do that as soon as I get to the castle." Laura already had her letter ready for them.

She was smiling! That was a great sign, yeah? Alec was going to take it as such. He grinned back at her as a way of saying thanks. Because they were going to partner up for this now.

... Wait... he was forgetting something, right? ... Introductions? "I'm Alec, by the way," he said, nodding at her, "And... thanks!" For saying that she would partner up with him, even if she hadn't physically said the words. But the smile... and she had offering. He was taking this as a yes.

Could she go first? "Yeah! Yeah, sure. Ladies first." Gentleman Summers. "Erm... try not to swallow it, yeah? I heard that it's... not a great feeling." You know, in case she didn't know this already. Giving her one more fleeting smile, Alec moved to set his journal and vial down on the base of the nearest tree. Couldn't have that being set to fire, yeah?

Turning around, he looked back at the girl and held out his arms. "Ready when you are."

Well that was a new thing he learned about Tessa " thats cool.. Im not a very good runner." he confessed to her while walking with Lux on his back. Bay did a little rear and started eating the air "nnnnaaaaayyyyyy" he said while hoping Tessa knew that he did want the food.



Bay laughed off Lux's comment and told her "i would never dream of it" bouncing her around and she slipped off. " how about we give it a little break for now?" ... Bsy gave her a look.. And shook his head. "NO cucumber sandwiches for me" he told both of them.

"Bay isn't trying to be mean," she said with a soft laugh as she watched the two of them play around. She would imagine that Bay was starting to get tired- they had run around quite a bit in the castle. She had even stopped by the kitchen and picked up a few snacks. Naturally, cucumber sandwiches for Lux, and a few snacks for her and Bay. "Well, it's a good thing I grabbed them for you," she said, holding out a wrapped package. "However, if you want them, you will have to dismount your steed," she teased.

"Don't worry Bay, I have other things too," she said with a soft laugh. She opened the bag and held it open for him to take whatever he wanted out of it.

Tobias nodded to indicate that he would, in fact, enjoy the scenery now. "It's real pretty when it snows here, too," he added. "Like a cake." That's how Ella had put it the first time they'd properly spoken in Toby's first year, and the only way he'd ever be able to describe it now. Thanks Ella.

Ignoring his sudden craving for cake, Tobias focused on the next topic of conversation. Quidditch. That was an easy one to focus on after all.

"I don't think I have a usual position," he explained, enthusiasm really picking up now. "I've played three games as Chaser and three games as Keeper. Don't really have a preference, but I'd like to give Beater a try one day too, maybe." One day. Maybe. Although Tobias didn't really have the upper body strength to it. He wondered vaguely if the groundskeeper was ever a Beater, but the dude was so huge and packed with muscle it was hard to picture him flying through the air on a broom at all. "Professor Tyner says I've got a while before I need to pick a position to focus on." So for now, it was all about the fun, YUP.

Tobias grinned at Tag and the way he spoke about Alec. It was obvious that they had a strong friendship, strengthened even more, probably, by the fact that they'd attended Hogwarts together for so long and everything. It made Toby think of Forrest, and he felt a pang in his chest. Forrest. He missed him.

Sooooo back to Quidditch.

"What's your favourite position then? Chaser?" Tobias only wondered because usually people preferred the positions that they felt they were good at. Usually. "Beater looks kinda difficult; I can see why I've never been played as one. I'd probably be awful." He raised an arm and made like he was showing off his non-existent bicep. "Beaters are always so strong."

Still.

Looked fun. As long as nobody got hurt.

After reading the latest Aparecium article, Kaiden had found himself leaving the Common Room, and heading outside. He had the article clenched in his fist, and Henry tucked under his arm. He was confused, he was hurt, and he was angry. He wanted to punch people.

Up ahead, he saw a sudden burst of flames, and an unfamiliar person standing over them. Or... not so unfamiliar. Her hair was.... wrong, but even from the back, Her height, her shape, her clothes. It was her. "Er, Miks?" Yeah we don't want to be set on fire.

Mmmmm. Like a cake. That made Tag get a little hungry, and perhaps daydreamy, thinking about cake. "Snow and cake. Both good things. Both very good things..." He said, his voice trailing off.

As Tag listened to Tobias talk about Quidditch he nodded his head every now and then. Tobias really seemed into the sport and all. "Sounds like you're really getting yourself out there on the pitch. Trying out the positions until you find one you enjoy and feel comfortable with." Tag, on the other hand usually, always stuck to chaser. Unless there was special circumstances. But now he felt like he had to play beater a bit more, ever since Alice gave him that bat and pillow for his birthday, he couldn't let it all go to waste. "You should. Beater can be good. Especially if you need to relieve stress or something. During a game and all, you don't really hurt someone." It all depended on how you looked at playing that position. He needed to pick a specific position. Hm, that surprised Tag. "If you need to think about a specific position does that mean you're looking into doing quidditch after Hogwarts?" Was that why?

There came more nodding from Tag when Tobias simply assumed chaser. "That's the one I usually try out and play for. I did play beater, I think once or twice last term, but besides that its all been chaser for me. I like that position." And Tobias was already bringing himself down in terms of being a beater. Tag nudged the fellow a bit, "Don't say that. You'll never know till you try, of course." No need to put himself down. And then Tag laughed when Tobias showed off his 'biceps' to Tag. "Quidditch will make you strong, with some training." Tobias will have muscles soon enough.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yourenodaisy

After reading the latest Aparecium article, Kaiden had found himself leaving the Common Room, and heading outside. He had the article clenched in his fist, and Henry tucked under his arm. He was confused, he was hurt, and he was angry. He wanted to punch people.

Up ahead, he saw a sudden burst of flames, and an unfamiliar person standing over them. Or... not so unfamiliar. Her hair was.... wrong, but even from the back, Her height, her shape, her clothes. It was her. "Er, Miks?" Yeah we don't want to be set on fire.

She wasn’t really paying attention to anyone or anything. The only thing she was paying any attention to was the burning pile of papers in front of her. When she heard the footsteps she froze in place it could very well be a Professor here to tell her to stop setting things on fire.

“Great, just great” she muttered, as she hadn’t been paying attention to the gate. And then the words, her nickname was questioned over to her. She was still facing away from him.

When her heart realized whom it was it immediately wanted her to run over and hug him. To wrap her arms around him – but she couldn’t do that. She didn’t know what he thought of her. For all she knew he could think she was dating him because of his title.

He knew better right? He had to know better…if he didn’t know better then that would have been bad. If he didn’t know better she’d question it. All of it, why he even said he liked her…why they had gotten back together all of it.

“Kaid,” she gulped, “en…hey” she still wasn’t facing him. “Of course you’d be the one to recognize me” she muttered under her breath.

Melek smiled at the girl, "Maybe we can both get one sometime!" She laughed and beamed. "Oh, she is a seventh year Ravenclaw named Lana." Mel beamed and looked around, making sure that Lana wasnt there to hear her. Melek shrugged, "Work, I guess..." She shrugged, not sure what to say. Mel glanced down at her feet and she shuffled them a little bit.