Josette couldn't help but admire the beautiful instrument before them. From the looks of it, it was brand new. Her blue eyes twinkled as her fingers slowly ran over the keys. A smile immediately was seen on her lips & she looked up to Ethan very eager to test out this brand new instrument. But her smiled faded once she had seen the look on Ethan's face. He looked very...upset suddenly & she hadn't a clue as to why. It was making her feel very concerned actually.

Hesitating to reach out towards him, she softly spoke his name a bit cautiously, "...E-Ethan?"

But just as she was about to say something more, it seemed as if he had snapped out of it as if nothing had happened. She bit her lower lip a little nervously as there was a brief moment of silence between the two. Josette looked at him once more as he asked her who was going to play first. She watched as he removed his layers of jacket, only to toss them onto the sofa nearby them. The second year soon followed suit & removed her scarf, followed by her own coat. She took a moment to place her coat & scarf on the sofa with his.

Turning to face him & the piano again she shrugged a little bit before offering, "I-I-I don't mind going first.." She smiled a little bit as her blue eyes glanced towards the piano. Taking a second, she soon began making her way passed Ethan & taking a seat at the piano. Before doing anything, she took a moment to tie her hair back into a ponytail just to keep it out of her face, seeing as to it usually was a bit of a problem for when she played at home.

She nervously lifted her hands above the keys & placing her foot on the foot pedal below her. Josette adjusted herself a little bit on the bench before giving Ethan a quick glance, which was a followed by a pretty nervous grin. She then focused back on the piano once more before taking a deep breath. It was obviously going to be pretty difficult without any sheet music in front of her, but she would try her very best not to mess up..especially in front of Ethan. That would be pretty embarrassing, not only to herself, but to her father & the composer of this piece as well. "..S-Sorry if I-I mess up.."

Without another word, her fingers began to work their magic on the piano's keyboards as the first piece of music that popped into her head began pouring out into her playing. It was written by a French composer, by the name of Camille Saint-Saëns. And the title of the piece was 'Danse Macabre'. It was certainly a rather difficult piece, but from the moment her father had made her begin to practice learning this piece, it was almost as if she felt a connection to this scary yet amazing piece. From all of it's haunting chords straight down to it's beautiful overlapping intricate notes, she would find herself practicing these chords & notes for a majority of her day.

Not to mention it was a rather lengthy piece, & perhaps she probably could have picked a shorter one so Ethan wouldn't be standing there so long, but it was the first song that popped into her brain as she touched the keys. And before she knew it, the entire piece had been played, of course with her slips in the same places that she always messed up, but she'd critique herself later when she had the chance to possibly play it again. At the very end of the song, she took in a few deep breaths feeling very exhausted from all of that playing & she looked over at Ethan, feeling her cheeks beginning to redden already. "I-I um..I-I messed up a f-few times..B-But um...T-That's t-the most recent piece..I've learned..."

....Now it was his turn...right?

The place…was his home. Where he actually grew up with his mother and fake dad. His insides churned a little bit knowing that his mother will never be showing up round the corner anytime soon. He was sure that if she was still alive, she’d bring food over, and listen to him and Josie play. Heck, she’d be thrilled to see Ethan making a lot of friends, and having them over the summer.

But that will never happen.

As if Uncle Aldrich and Mordred would want any visitors in their manor, no? He himself’s a boarder there as soon as his fake dad left him after his mother death. Ethan didn’t want to add more worries to his uncle and cousin. Him staying, Merlin knows until when, is enough for the boy to feel little.

Ethan stepped back a little as Josie made her way towards their piano. The piano where his mother taught him the first keys. Like a true Mordaunt, although the boy is oblivious to this, he observed every movement of his companion. It was…rude, he knew, but he just kept staring at Josie the moment she tied up her hair and placed her fingers on the keys. Ethan simply smiled at her when she apologised beforehand if she messes up. “Don’t worry about it.” The Slytherin just wanted to see her happy while she played. That’s all that matters now, you see? The room brought painful memories to the boy, but that can be replaced with happy thoughts, now that Josie’s at the piano playing.

And then she started. Ethan breathed in slowly and out. The first few notes could only mean the complexities behind the whole piece…and…he’s right. The Slytherin simply watched Josie’s fingers fly across the keys, then would glance at her occasionally. She looked really pretty while playing. Did she know? And as soon as she finished the piece, Ethan nodded and clapped for her. “You did well, actually. That looks like a challenging piece to start with.” Really, she deserved his applause because there is no way that he’ll be able to play such piece.

And…why is she blushing? He didn’t…offend her right?

An awkward silence followed, and Ethan took it as his cue to stand up and sit beside Josie. “No need to move.” He said as he smiled at her and placed his hands over the keys. “I’m no expert ivory tickler as well. And this is the only piece I know.” He said as he bit his lower lip. “It’s a two-minute piece, and my mother composed this for me. It’s some sort of…exercise actually.” Ethan nodded and relaxed his fingers over the right keys. “Here we go.” With a grin, the Slytherin started to play.

The first few notes reminded him of his mother, but then it was slowly being replaced with a new memory, which was his present. Deep down, he knew that this piece will now remind him of Josie.

She really wished she could have understood what had just happened with him a few moments ago, but she knew that that would be rude of her. Especially since her father would have said the same thing. Perhaps it could have been something personal, & unless he was the one telling her what was bothering him himself, she was not going to impose on his business.

It was very nerve-racking to actually be playing in front of another person, aside from her father. What if he didn't like it? What if he thought that her playing was terrible & he might just laugh at her once she was finished playing? Too many fears were spiraling through her head, but they were almost drowned out once her fingers had been dancing across the keys & much to her surprise, Ethan did the exact opposite of what she had thought he might do. He was...clapping. The Ravenclaw hadn't anticipated that at all, it actually caught her off guard & it only made her blush a bit more. But she couldn't help but feel relieved, yet she was still feeling the urge to critique herself. "I-It's a very tiring piece..I-I still feel like I was missing what the composer had intended in the middle of h-his work..B-But it's actually b-become one of my favorites.."

Still nonetheless, she was happy that he didn't laugh at her or tell her she was awful.

That brief moment of silence had come between them again & Josie was feeling very awkward. Maybe he was waiting for her to get up from the bench? That must have been it. Josie quickly removed her hands from the keys & the food pedal and was preparing to get up until he had suddenly sat down beside her on the bench. And not only this, he was seeming to be alright with the idea of them sharing the bench. She only tensed up briefly, but had taken a moment to calm herself down as she watched him place his hands over the key getting ready to play for her. She couldn't help but stifle a small smile as he'd used the words 'ivory tickler.' What a clever play on words. Her attention was on him as he told her that his mother had composed this piece for him & that it was a sort of exercise. She nodded in response & then slowly turned her attention towards his fingers as they pressed down onto the keys playing the opening to a chord that sent chills down the second year's spine.

As she listened to this beautiful piece, she couldn't help but feel all warm inside. If that made any sense at all. There weren't any words really that could've helped her to describe how this music was making her feel, but it was just...very warming, to her heart. It sounded just like a piece a loving mother might compose. Her eyes entranced by the way his fingers were continuing to dance across the keys & it was as he continued to play that she could feel this little tear in her heart. How wonderful & special it must have felt to have your own mother compose a piece of such beautiful music for her child to play. How wonderful it must have been to have a mother who cared for you so much. Even though she wasn't with Ethan anymore, he at least had this glorious art to keep the memory of her alive to him. It was all so very beautiful that she -

...wait.

Why were he eyes beginning to well up with tears?

Was she crying?! Oh, DRATS! Josette quickly began to wipe at her eyes trying to prevent Ethan from seeing anything. Gosh, this was so embarrassing, now he was going to think her strange for doing such a thing. But no matter how much she kept wiping at her eyes, the tears kept on wanting to make themselves known to the world & better yet..Ethan. Maybe, he wouldn't notice? Maybe he would be too focused on his playing, that he might not see that her eyes were watering.

If only his mother was there, Cassandra would know exactly what to tell Josie. Maybe she’d even give her tips on how to improve her playing? Ethan had this in his mind and he longed for her mother even more. She was such a good woman…and the best mother one could hope for, and he just hates his life right now because he’s missing out. Most of the students in school got their parents, while he…well, he’s alone. But no, he will not show it to Josie.

“Uh…how about, listening to the record of the piece? That might help you improve.” Ethan’s mom used to do that all the time, and he’d often ask why. “I guess it’ll make you memorize the piece better, and…get the feel of it. My mother used to say to close my eyes to get the music’s details.” Well, that’s what he’s been doing every time he wants to make a cover of a song on his guitar. It helped him lots, yup!

***

Ethan continued to play with a grin on his face. He’d already mastered this piece because, well, basically it is an exercise for his fingers, but the melody was really nice and it did bring good memories of the mornings he spent with his mother. He’d usually play this as soon as he’s out of bed, and waited for his mother to finish cooking breakfast. It was also Cassandra’s ‘alarm’ to let her know that her son’s already up and ready to eat the first meal of the day. As soon as he was done playing the last notes, he smiled, breathed in and out slowly…satisfied with his playing. He turned to his left and looked at Josie to tell her—

Wait…was she…crying? What? WHY?

The smile faded from his face and was replaced with worry. “What happened, Jo?” Ethan shifted on his seat and faced her. Why was she wiping her eyes? And…tears! Why were there tears? Ethan wanted to console her…but he’s got no idea how to do it…why? She’s a girl! He’s used to comforting his buddies, but…Josie’s a girl…and…GAAAH. He can't stand seeing her like that! Whatever happened to her smile??? “Are you okay? Did I say something that offended you?” Pause. “Was my playing that horrible?” Yes, maybe that’s the reason. “Merlin, I am so…sorry.” And how many times does he have to say sorry to her that day hmm?

Now what?

Josette listened carefully as he began to tell her how she might improve on this piece. Listening to the record of the piece, now that was a very clever thought. Why hadn't she thought of doing something like that. She nodded smiling a little bit, "T-That might help..a lot.." Then he had told her how his mother suggested closing his eyes to get the music's details. Yet another technique she had never tried before. She couldn't help with her curiosity as she asked, "D-Does that really work?"

Perhaps, she just might have to try these two techniques when she was practicing this piece again. Maybe even with Ethan there? Who knows.

...

She could see it in his face as he was playing that music was definitely looking to be a thing of interest for him. It actually felt rather nice to see that she had met someone else who had a love for music. Even though she really didn't have any interest when she had started, only because her father had made her start taking piano lessons. And even though they were rather difficult in the beginning, she'd soon grown to find it easier to learn the music & it was when she was playing the music correctly when she really discovered a new interest of hers. Was it like that for Ethan? Did his mother make him start playing piano, or did he want to learn all along? Regardless of whatever it may have been, he was very talented. Not only that, his mother was very talented to have written such a beautiful piece.

DRATS!

He did see her crying! Drats, Josette! Couldn't you have at least cried some other time? Perhaps from a letter from father? Or from that scary Professor in Transfiguration? Or something else? But from this? This was such a beautiful piece of work, written by his own mother. Why ruin such a moment as this with her own tears? She continued to wipe at her eyes before replying in a shaky voice, "I-I'm sorry.." Josie hadn't noticed that he had turned to face her until she looked up to see his face not too far from hers. She blushed more as she tried to think of the words to speak. But somehow how she'd managed to answer his next question, "N-No, no, no. You-You didn't...at all.." Then he'd questioned if his playing was that horrible to which she quickly shook her head. "N-No, No...It-It wasn't horrible..E-Ethan-", she blinked. "I-It..It was..beautiful.." She wiped at her eyes once more before giving him a small, but very sincere looking smile.

Ethan smiled. “Yep, it does work.” He said as he tilted his head. “Sometimes, when I listen to music using my headphones, I close my eyes and I get to hear the music better.” His mother told him something about shutting one of the senses to amplify the other. “Mum told me that you don’t have to use your eyes to experience music, so I guess closing the eyes would make our ears focus more.” Did…that even make sense? “You can always try it out yourself.” Ethan nodded and smiled at Josie. Merlin, the things he’d do just to get his mother back, and teach her the techniques she knew about playing the piano.

Ethan’s family from both sides are pretty much inclined to music. His mother’s family loved music, while on his father’s side, it’s more of a traditional thing. His father, uncles and cousins were forced to learn music, because it’s the way of the elite. That tradition was passed down from one generation to the next. It’s not so bad after all. Music’s proven to be a good distraction from their everyday activities. As for Ethan, he pretty much has interest in music, but not the piano in particular. He’s more of a guitar guy, really.

…

Ethan just stared. Stared at the beautiful, crying Josette. The boy was somehow confused, because tears are associated with sadness, yes? And this made the boy go paranoid in his head. Did he trigger something inside of her that made her cry? Was it the music? Ethan once again was speechless because he couldn’t understand what was going on. And it made him more confused because…she said he didn’t offend her…and that his playing was okay. “Are you sure, you’re okay?” So, why is she crying and smiling? Ethan bit his lip and wished Mordred was there to help him. He however suddenly remembered his cousin’s random piece of advice about being a gentleman all the time. How in the world will he do that with a crying Josette?

Ethan blinked, and got his handkerchief from his pocket and offered it to his companion and smiled. “I like it when you smile…” the Slytherin paused and wondered where in Merlin’s pants those words came from. “…I mean, it’s better if you smile.” Okay, can someone just stop this boy from saying stuff like that? Because it was time for his ears to turn red in embarrassment. “Right. Maybe we should go play a happy song together!” Yes, yes, that’s a better idea. Ethan got Josie’s hand and gave her his handkerchief. “Wait here.” He stood up and went towards one of the shelves inside the room and rummaged through its drawers. It was, their home after all so he knows where the other sheet music were kept.

Now…aha! Ethan grinned as he got the music sheet and placed it on the piano. It was a fast song, and it’s structured for two players. “Why don’t we give this a try?”

Yet another helpful tip, using headphones. It's just that there was one problem to that suggestion, she didn't own any headphones. "I-I don't own..headphones...B-But perhaps, I c-could definitely try closing my eyes though..to experience the music.." She couldn't help but paused to ask him slowly, "W-Was your mother always so p-passionate about music?" What was that word she was trying to think of-OH-inspiring! His mother was very inspiring from the sounds of it. Maybe his mother was the one who inspired Ethan to want to play the piano. It made sense to her.

...Unless there was a completely different reason for it.

....

Not only was she feeling embarrassed about crying in front of him, now he was STARING again. Could this get any more terrible than she was already enduring. Honestly, she was feeling very tempted to just get up & run out of here without looking back, away from Ethan who was probably thinking she was being nothing more than a whimpering baby. And to be honest, he was probably thinking that so who could blame him.

Wait, what? He was asking if she was okay? With a slightly puzzled look, not expecting that question out of everything, she quickly nodded her head. Josette knew what had been bothering her was just the very idea of not having a mother to write to her or compose music for her either, just made her feel a little bit unloved. But, her all father says is that she was just a selfish woman who cared for nothing but herself & her lover. All of the reasons that should just make the second year resent her were there, but for some other reason, she couldn't find it in her heart to accept the idea that her mother didn't love her. Perhaps, her mother was just busy with other things? Like working? Or maybe she was some kind of a painter perhaps? Or even one of those traveling mother's who did their work in so many different places, that just didn't have the time in her busy schedule to write to her own daughter?

She jumped a little bit when she had seen him suddenly pull out a handkerchief from his pocket and offer it to her. "T-Thank yo-" was all she had gotten out before she heard what Ethan had said. He liked it when she smiled? That was definitely something she wasn't anticipating, but wasn't that a normal thing for people to like it when they smile? Doesn't that let people know that they're happy when they're smiling? But maybe it wasn't all that normal because Ethan was suddenly changing what he was saying & was now suggesting that they play a song together. That was definitely going to be a new experience for her, she'd never played with anyone else before, let alone at the same time.

Josette watched as he got up and went over towards one of the shelves to pull out some sheet music for them. She looked at the sheet music after her had placed it on the piano and then over at him. Josette nodded, "A-Alright.." The second year took a moment to wipe her eyes to get herself together before placing her hands over the keys, but didn't begin playing. Which was why she looked at him as she waited for him so that they could begin.

Jasmine arrived at the Room of Requirement with Cris. She was so excited for their first Valentine's Day together. They had come to open their gifts privately and Jasmine held her tiny box tightly in her hand. She couldn't imagine what was inside and was anxious to open it.

First things first though. Jasmine took Cris' hand as they entered the room. Then she wrapped her arms around him in a big hug. "Happy Valentine's Day my love.", she said with a happy smile on her face.

Cris entered the Room of Requirement holding Jasmine's hand in his. The moment, the door closed behind them, Cris wrapped his arms around his girlfriend, and held her tight.

"Happy Valentine's Day to you too, my love. I've been wanting to say that the whole time while we were in class but I knew I couldn't," he whispered in her ear before pulling back to look down at her. "And I've been wanting to do this too," he told her as he leaned down as gently kissed her on the lips.

Reluctantly, ending their kiss, he looked down at the gift he was holding in his hand. This was her Valentine's Day gift to him. "Would you like to open yours first?" he smiled at her eagerly waiting to see her reaction when she saw what he had gifted her.

Finally inside the room, Jasmine didn't have to pretend anymore. Now she didn't have to worry what the impressionable children would think. It was Valentine's Day after all. As Cris kissed her, Jasmine felt the love and happiness and she kissed him back. "Me too", she said and oh how she meant it.

Now though, it was time to open presents and Jasmine agreed to open hers first. Carefully unwrapping the tiny package, she slowly opened the box. When Jasmine saw what was inside , she gasped. It was a beautiful necklace with a sliver ballerina dancing. It even had pink stones in her tutu. Looking up at Cris, her smile said it all. "Oh Cris, it's beautiful. I love it. It's perfect. How did you?.....I........thank you." Jasmine loved her gift. How could Cris possibly find the absolutely perfect thing for her? She kissed him again. "Can you put it on me?, Jasmine asked before turning around and lifting her hair. When Jasmine wore her necklace, she would always think of Cris and their first Valentine's Day.

It was Cris' turn now and Jasmine worried that Cris couldn't possibly love his gift as much as she loved hers. "Go ahead, it's your turn to open your present.", she said. Then she stood back and waited hopefully.

For the most obvious of reasons ever, Lex had left Felix back in the dorm before taking on this venture. Walking a crup probably wasn't the easiest thing in the world--though how hard could it be if Dax did it?--and she didn't fancy him and Felix getting into anything while they tried helping the good ole Professor with his aging bones. She'd learned from experience how horrible old bones could be so yes, Lex was a whole lot more understanding.

"D'you think this will be good enough?" She asked. Whether it was directed at the crup or Dima was still to be determined but they were standing by what looked like a very wide track, It wasn't the lake like Botros wanted but it would do just as well.

"I say we start in that direction." Up ahead there was a fountain but it was on the other side and would do the crup more good later on in the walk when he was tired, not closer to the start, so this direction worked. Dima was still hanging on tight to the leash, right?

Did Lex know everything she was saying was going throw one of the first year's ears and out the other? Because secured onto the leash he was holding was world's MOST ADORABLE CRUP EVER and he wanted to snuggle it and was it legal to marry magical animals?

Clearly, Dima asked the important questions.

"Huh?" What had she said? He'd been too busy GAZING FONDLY at Feo. Um... something about how they made an ADORABLE couple, right?

"Thanks! You too!" Now... where were they going?

Tea leaves and tea leaves GALORE were stored in the carrying contraption that was Schuyler's shirt held out away from her tummy. The greenhouses had now been officially raided. All for academic purposes, of course. Naturally. Only for tea leaves, yep..

Anyway, there weren't THAT many tea leaves, were there..? Okay, fine. Maybe there were. But they would shrink when they dried, so there was that. That was her reasoning. THEIR reasoning.

Schuyler slowed to a stop before the entrance and looked over to her companion. "Password, pleeease." Said in an English accent, for no particular reason. He did know it, right?

"I'll say it again. I could have just summoned a bowl or something to carry those tea leaves. Your shirt would be saved for tea leave influences." Nigel won't admit that the lazy carrying method was a favorite of his. The easiness of it was awesome. Still it could put some stains on your clothes and if you care about those. It could be awful.

And yes, there were a lot of leaves. Probably too many. But as the saying goes. Go Big or Go Home.

Wait, was that an english accent from her. It was hilarious. Nigel snorted hearing her question. "What password. Just think about the most awesome room for what we are doing" Nigel said in an awful Russian accent.

The room had to awesome to hold them two. So after thinking of this awesome room. Nigel led the way in say. "After you, Madam" The room was pretty awesome.

Mackenzie stood and watched in awe as the kitchen appeared in front of her, she wished she would have thought of this sooner it's so much closer to the common room. She sat the basket of goods onto the counter and began taking them out. Zander hadn't arrived yet but hopefully she could at least have everything ready when he got there.

Teaching someone her chocolate chip brownies was scary, no one else had that recipe but her family. The blonde began chewing on her lip as she thought about what her mother would have said if she knew that she was going to give it to someone else sigh Mackenzie hadn't even thought about that, she missed her mother so much and with summer approaching she knew she should be spending it in Paris like always but she didn't think that she would ever go back to the city. breathe Mackenzie breathe she mentally calmed herself and waited on Zander.

Man was he glad they decided to go to the room of requirement instead. He may have said it was because the regular kitchen just would have been too crowded now that everyone was making daily hot chocolate trips, but really it was because of the stairs. Those dreadful stairs. If there was one thing Zander hated about this castle, it was the lack of elevators. Because man. Those stairs. They really required some strength, y'know? That strength that Zander hadn't quite built up yet. But he was only fourteen!! there would be time! New summer project??

Anyways. He had let Mackenzie take the lead as he followed behind with the rest of the ingredients in hand. They were kind of heavy actually... But it wasn't all too bad. He may have dropped the bag of chocolate chips along the way .... But it was sealed and nothing happened to it, so it was okay right? Maybe that's why he fell so far behind. Whoops! The Gryffindor picked up his pace now as he walked up and down the corridor four times before seeing the door appear. Thank goodness. That would have been really awkward otherwise.

He walked inside with a smile on his face, though it was still masked with how extremely nervous he was because cooking/baking/kitchens just weren't his thing... He was out of his element okay!? AND to top it all off he was out of his element WITH A GIRL! It would have been different if it were Simon teaching him because then he'd be allowed to make a fool of himself, but he couldn't possibly embarrass himself around a pretty girl! Ahem. Anyways. He took a deep breath as he walked in and saw Mackenzie by the counter. "Hi, uh- sorry for the wait," he said as he put down the ingredients he carried over.

The 'huh' was the first indication the boy hadn't listened to a word she'd been saying and a quick glance over at him proved that in truth he was too busy ogling the crup to hear even the tail end of what she'd just said. Alexa blinked at his gratitude, not exactly sure what she was being thanked for or what was being turned back to her. Seriously, what was he on about? Dima was being hard to understand even for a Ravenclaw.

"Focus." She told him, clearly not impressed he'd zoned out while they were making super important plans to get the dog some exercise.

She started off in the direction she'd been suggesting, nodding for him to do the same. "This way and be sure you're holding him tight enough." Merlin help them if he escaped. Do you know how fast the little bugger was?? She'd seen him in action a few times, catching might require spell work and she didn't believe in wand handling domestic creatures.

"We can start slow then get him into a jog. It'll be good work for his cardio."

"But that would defeat the purpose, Nigel," she informed him matter-of-factly. "If you summoned a bowl, then I wouldn't get to see those washboard abs of yours." Schuyler kept a straight face until she glanced his way and cracked a grin. That really was part of the reasoning, though. Washboard abs. Nigel had nice ones. Common knowledge at this school.

Also, transport tea leaves with shirts was just more fun. And Schuyler was all for fun things.

Her English accent was good, no? She DID hang around English people pretty often these days. Since like, saaaay, fifth year. But what accent was Nigel doing..? Or attempting to do, rather. She laughed and lifted her eyebrows. "..... Indian?" Maybe?

Oh. Right, though. She was supposed to follow that Russian advice. So she closed her eyes and concentrated on a nice, bright sun-shiney day. Perhaps on where you could see clearly now that the rain had gone. And when she opened her eyes, the prefect was being all gentlemanly and ushering her in first. "Thank you."

Haha, like he had washboard abs. He was just skinny. But hey, who was he to disagree. "We should give the people what they want and this is easier than summoning." Plus it was fun and was one less thing to carry. Even with magic that got annoying.

Her English accent was good. Just Nigel was not going to admit it out loud. Nope. Way better than his Russian one or Indian one. Who know. Maybe it was Indian. "Trying for Russian. Apparently accents aren't my thing"

See, it was easy. They were inside the room after some chivalry from Nigel and look at this room. "So...you know what we are suppose to be doing with the tea leaves. Just leave them out on a blanket?"

Or was it something they had to do with magic.

Feo clearly loved Dima back, judging by all that licking and jumping he was doing, and the kid was ecstatic. It was pretty easy to tell, what with the way his face was lit up and how much he was giggling and grinning, but how could he NOT? It was a CRUP. A gorgeous crup, might he add.

"I am focused!" On the creature. SO CUTE.

But how was he supposed to run with Feo when he was BEHIND him? "Can you hold his leash?" 'Cause Dima was no lagger, thanks. He extended his hand to give away the the trail of fabric attaching them to the pet... but Lex wasn't fast enough, because suddenly there was no leash anymore.

Blink. "Feo?" Where did he.....?

How did he get over THERE? "Catch him!" Quickly! Merlin help them.

The blonde smiled as he apologized "No problem, sorry if I was walking too fast, baking makes me excited so I tend to zone out.. feel free to stop me any time I start rambling or doing with out explaining..." She spoke quickly only catching herself at the very end.. " umm sort of like that" she nervously chuckled and busied herself with putting up her hair into a low ponytail.

"So how much experience with cooking anything do you have?" that was the first order of business, finding out how much he did know. Second would be to see if he wanted to make separate batches and make them together. she had plenty of ingredients and didn't the Room of Requirement give you what you want if you didn't have it? Reaching into her bag she pulled out an apron and quickly fastened it around it. "I have an extra if you'd like...it's black" she offered with another shy smile.

Was it just her or was Feo extra happy today? Like....bouncing all over the place, licking and scratching at her and Dima and just about anything within reach of his leash? When was the last time he got out for a walk? If she didn't know any better she'd think he was running on a whole lot of pent up energy. This would maybe require two laps, or whatever...he did say two hour walk. If they got bored in here they could let him run around the castle.

"Hmm?" By the time Lex looked back at Dima and his extended hand, Feo had darted off. Just look at his cute little tail wagging while he bounded off--HANG ON.

She looked from the crup to Dima then back to the crup again as it went further and further away. "Uh.........." What were the odds it'd come back? "After him!" Going from chasing kneazles to crups. Hate to say it, but she was use to this life by now.

Lex bolted down the track yelling for the crup to come back. Merlin knew this might not work. Felix was the only creature that every came when she called--and that was only some times. "Put those short legs to work Dima!"

The Gryffindor shook his head. No, it wasn't that she was walking too fast. He was just a clumsy soul. Couldn't risk walking any faster or else he may have dropped some eggs too! And those were kind of irreparable. So yeah. "No.. No you weren't walking that fast! I was uh, I was just walking slowly!" He even shook his head violently to further his point because it was really his fault. Then as she began to explain some more he started to laugh a bit. She really must enjoy this baking stuff then, huh? Simon loved baking too. What was it with all his mates? "No, no it's nice that you love it."

Uhum. Right. How much experience... "Well... One time I made a pizza in Muggle studies?" Had he mentioned that to her earlier because that was a complete fail... "But uh... I tossed it too high and it ended up on the ceiling...." Oops. ".... And then on my head..." Double oops? "So basically... I'm a mess," he was blushing some at this point because woah that had been embarrassing. Especially at the time too because Professor Hadley was planning on eating those pizzas O___O. The Gryffindor watched as Mackenzie pulled out an apron. Man she really did like this cooking stuff... "Oh, yes please," he reached out to take the apron and gave her a smile in return. He quickly put on the apron and man. There's the blushing again. Was it just him or did this apron make him look super girly? It most definitely was a girl apron. Great. Now he looked like a girl and he was blushing too.

He struggled trying to get the apron to tie at the back and gaaah could his fingers just stop doing the thing for one second please. Letting out a small breath of annoyance, he turned to her still with a slight pink hue. "Can you help me tie it?" He hated having to ask for the assistance, but it wasn't wooooorking. This apron was totally defective or something. Just, his arms didn't reach far enough okay?

The blonde really wanted to ask about the pizza incident but by the shade of Zander's face she thought better of it, obviously he was embarrassed by the situation so she didn't want to make it worse. "that's fine.. I remember when I first started cooking, it was dreadful... I think it took my third batch of cookies for them to even be edible" She grinned "But I think the only way you'll really learn it is if you do it too so I brought extra supplies"

She busied herself with placing the ingredients in the correct order on the counter for when they would use them while Zander put on the spare apron that she had brought. She watched without him knowing from the corner of her eye as he had some trouble with the tie and when he looked up and started talking she jerked her eyes back to the front hoping he hadn't caught her watching.

Mack smiled and turned to face him "Sure! Just turn around" She quickly tied the apron strings and turned back to the counter "There. I think we are all set.. You ready for this?"

Okay, when Dima had talked about playing with Feo, he'd meant running ALONGSIDE of him, not after him. As Lex so eloquently phrased it, the first year put his short legs to work and bolted after the Prefect, going as fast as he could. But tiny people could only go so quickly.

"His leash is trailing after him!" The crup by himself was too speedy for them to catch, but his leash? It was a possibility. "Try grabbing the end of it, NOT HIM!" Because Merlin knew he would dart through their arms like a tiny missile or something. And no way he would stay away for long.

Or actually... hm. Was something Romanos taught them going to come in handy?

"Can you do that seize-and-pull spell on the end of the leash?" Would that work or...?