The Three Broomsticks
 

The Three Broomsticks
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Centered among the shops of Hogsmeade is a well enough known pub in the small village, called The Three Broomsticks. Not unlike the Hog's Head down the street in the strictest idea of pubs, drinks and the like, however it is the atmosphere that helps make the latter choice the one hailed by the mass majority. The outside of the building is a good preview of what the inside may look like with the same steep roof as the surrounding buildings, yet taller, with a sign on it's facade featuring, you guessed it, the legendary three boomsticks, all fixed around a lantern to light the patrons' way.

Once you enter the pub, smells and the warmth of the large stone fireplace great you as you place hats and coats by the door. Directly infront of you there are tables and booths lining the majority of the small hall with oil lamps placed on each one. On winter days it is usually hard to find a place beside the large fire grate but if you're early enough, only Merlin can say what will happen. To your left the bar and most likely the bartender Harold "Hops" Lagerty, await you and your order--a few stools await you to take a load off and shoot the breeze with others.

The bartender is pretty sociable to those who don't annoy him. He's seen his lot of warlocks, goblins, and Hogwarts kids to know which ones were trouble and which of those made loyal customers, so be sure not to be put on the first part of the list.

A few rules from the Shop Owner: No brawling, no shouting (angrily), no alcohol to minors, and don't go up the stairs, I live up there.

OCC Rules: No RPing for the shopkeeper and all other School RPG Rules apply.

Text Cut: Pub Layout and Menu

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Quote:

MENU Beverages: one free refill * Butterbeer - 5 sickles * Firewhiskey (must be of age) – 10 sickles * Pumpkin Juice - 3 knuts * Hot Cocoa – 5 knuts Entrees * Shepherd’s Pie – 2 galleons * Fish and Chips - 2 galleons, 3 sickles * Chicken Noodle Soup – 1 galleon, 3 knuts * Turkey Sandwich (cold or grilled) - 1 galleon With cheese - 1 galleon, 2 sickles * Cheese Sandwich (cold or grilled) - 1 galleon * Ham Sandwich (cold or grilled) - 1 galleon With cheese - 1 galleon, 2 sickles * Tomato Soup - 16 sickles * Macaroni and Cheese – 1 galleon, 3 sickles Sides * Mixed vegetables – 5 sickles * Salad - 16 sickles * Glazed carrots – 8 sickles * Mashed potatoes with assorted condiments (serves 2-4) – 2 galleons * Garlic bread Slice -- 4 sickles Loaf (serves 4-6) 1 galleon * Sliced Seasonal Fruit One Serving – 7 sickles Group Serving (serves 3-5) 2 galleons Desserts * Strawberry Shortcake – 9 sickles per slice * Cookies (2) Chocolate Chip - 9 sickles Raisin – 6 sickles Sugar – 8 sickles * Brownies One Brownie – 9 sickles Two Brownies – 1 galleon * Assorted Fruit (with chocolate for dipping) (serves two) – 1 galleon

Ellalalala.
 

Cold.

Ella was cold as she ducked into The Three Broomsticks in search of warmth and a hot beverage. Her joints were killing her too and she had some strange sense that it was going to rain which was slightly unnerving. What was she, an Augurey now? Meep. At least she didn't look particularly bad today. The hair dye she was using had hidden most of the grey hair and the wrinkle cream had all but vanished her imperfections for the moment. These were the only reasons she was smiling as she looked around in search of a seat.

...

Oh! That girl, the blonde one. Ella knew her. Her name was something with a D, yeah? Um...Daria? Or Doreen? Or um...Debra? Hm. In any case, the Head Girl decided to say hello.

"Hey, um, D!"

Solid greeting. Yes.

What was she going to order!? Delilah stared at the menu for a couple of seconds more before she decided to go with the hot cocoa. See, cold weather and a hot drink go perfectly together. Yes? She was just about to place her order when she noticed someone familiar walk in. The Head Girl!

OHEY. She was just about to wave her over when.. Wait. What? D? The smile on her face turned into a frown. Not that she didn't like that super short nickname and that was kind of reserved only for Lou but.. alright. She liked Ella so it was fine.

"Want to join me?" ... Unless she was planning on meeting someone else.

The frowning wasn't missed thanks to Ella's new glasses so she raised her eyebrows slightly and debated leaving the badger be. Had she offended her in some way? Y'know, besides forgetting what her name was? But then the girl seemed to change her mind and the Head Girl nodded. "Sure, I'd like that."

Sitting happened. Slowly and with a bit of pain but yeah, eventually Ella took a seat. She then glanced around before her attention turned back to her housemate. "Enjoying your day?"

Charrie!Cassia
 

Wooh!

Hogsmeade opening meant Jun could go to the Three Broomsticks and get some butterbeer and maybe read a part of the book his aunt had given him. Too bad it was in Hanja and he hadn't really practiced it much lately. And he was forgetting it too because of getting old and whatnot. So he brought a notebook and quill to translate it. Though, it was only for some parts since he had already read it in English. Whoops. Should've told his aunt that but oh well. Entering, Jun sat on an empty bar stool and ordered a butterbeer. Too bad Midget wasn't here. He would've tricked her into drinking pumpkin juice. Ha, that would've been amazing. Still, he needed to get out of the castle more often.

Taking out the Korean version of Mockingjay, a notebook and quill, Jun began to scribble down some parts of it. Ugh, was he really forgetting all this already? Why couldn't it have been the Norwegian version instead???

Blue!
 

Was this still considered a date, even though they were just going to get food together? The answer was probably yes, though West would know that answer for sure. Nigel walked into the Three Broomsticks and was immediately thankful it was nice of warn in this place.

Not sure where to put his coat he just kept it with him and made his way over to a empty chair.

Maybe he should order a butterbeer?

Lottie
 

Ana was excited to be out of the castle and in Hogsmeade instead. She'd started revision for her OWLs already and the worry had been driving her insane, so getting out could only be a good thing. She was also happy to be spending more time with Terry since he'd agreed to go with her. Which was a blessing really since she didn't know where anything was. When he directed her to the Three Broomsticks she didn't think twice about it. It seemed like other students were going there, and it was sure to be nice and cozy inside.

Ana tugged gently on Terry's arm to get him to walk a bit faster as they escaped the chill outside and entered the Pub. It looked...quaint? It was nice though, and warm, which was really all that mattered. Ana's eyes scanned the room looking for a table before landing on one in the corner. She made her way over to it, pulling Terry along with her. It was a good table, not too far away from the fire but also offered a little bit of privacy from prying eyes. Not that they necessarily needed privacy but it was always good. Letting go of Terry's arm she unbuttoned and removed her coat, hanging it across the back of her chair before taking a seat. Her bag she placed on a spare chair so it wouldn't get dirty.

Once she was arranged comfortably Ana turned to Terry and gave him a small smile. "Thanks for agreeing to come here with me, and for getting me to leave the castle," because while Ana might have asked him to go to Hogsmeade with her a few weeks ago this morning she had been difficult to persuade due to having fallen behind in her revision schedule. She knew though that if she'd have stayed in the castle she would have regretted not coming though so she was grateful that Terry had been able to drag her away from her books.

Was Ana really enthusiastic about getting to the Three Broomsticks or was she just really cold? He could feel her tugging on his arm and pulling him faster towards the pub. He luckily didn't feel the cold that much and his jacket and T-shirt was proof of that, no need for hundreds of layers. He smiled as she entered the pub and then chose a table which offered them some degree of privacy.

Despite the fact that she had asked him to go with her a couple of weeks previous, Terry had been the one that persuaded her to get away from all her revision and accompany him to what he thought was the best establishment in Hogsmeade. He would've suggested Puddifoots but it was so full of frills and pink, he just didn't think it would be up either of their streets. And maybe a little too suggestive? He sat down opposite her, taking off his jacket and slinging it over the back of his chair like she had down.

"You're working too hard" he commented, looking at her. "I did that last year and I completely regret it." Being a social hermit was not fun. He missed getting out with his friends and he honestly didn't think the revision paid off that much. "I didn't want to see you abandoning me" he chuckled, although there was some sense of seriousness in his comment. "Or any of your friends for that matter." They had a close friendship and he didn't want her compromising that. True, revision was necessary and it was good that she was getting it done so early but he had no exams and when his friends were all out at Quidditch practice, it could get pretty boring.

"Do you want something to eat?" he asked, eyes wandering over to the menu, mentally instructing his stomach not to grumble. "Whatever you want, I'll pay" he looked back at her with a smile. He was definitely getting the fish and chips.

"I know, I mean I've only seen Bay and Tessa recently because I ran into them in the halls, and the last time I saw Lux was ages ago when we had a picnic before Christmas," Ana recalled sadly, making a mental note to ask Lux if she wanted to do something together. Lux had invited her on the picnic last time so Ana should be the one to suggest doing something with Lux this time. "It's just my older siblings did so well on their OWLs. The worst either of them got was an E. My mum tries not to show it, but she'd be really disappointed if I did any worse than that as well. So I have to revise as much as I can, especially for subjects I'm not naturally all that good that," Ana explained, as if to justify her own study habits. Her mum was nice, all just do your best and it'll be enough, but she still remembered the disapproving looks she'd get from her when end of year exam scores were less than brilliant.

"I wouldn't abandon you though, I like you far too much to do that," she reassured him, being completely serious, as she could tell that he'd been serious before. She might get a little distracted sometimes but Ana always welcomed Terry's company. It was certainly preferable to studying, although she might take him up on that offer of revision help soon. He might still be able to accuse her of studying too hard, but at least he wouldn't think she was abandoning him, or some such. "Which reminds me, you should meet my other friends sometime. I think you'd like them and I'm sure they'd like you," from what she could tell they'd fit well together. Plus if she hung out with them all at once it would make things easier, although she would still like to see them all one on one too.

"Are you sure? You don't have to pay for me," Ana asked as she perused the menu herself. Although that didn't do her much good since she didn't know what any of the food tasted like. "What's good here?" she finally asked, giving up on looking at the menu and looking back up at Terry. She didn't know what she wanted and he'd been here before so she might as well get his opinion. Besides, she trusted that he had good taste.

These names were so unfamiliar to the Slytherin but there were hundreds of students at the school and it wasn't like he would know every single one anyway, especially if they were in a different year or house to him. "Well make sure you don't abandon them either" he smiled. "Believe me, OWL's are extremely important but they're not worth losing friendships over." Not that he thought she would but it was a possibility. And studying wasn't fun, you always needed a short break every once in a while. He couldn't help but frown a little when she spoke of her family and her mums potential disappointment. "You shouldn't feel like you have to live up to them" he protested. "You're your own person, you might be 300 times better at something than they are but not so good in others. It all balances out." Like Terry's talent lay with certain subjects and he had to drop others because he really wasn't very good at them.

His lips curled up into a satisfied smile at her statement as he watched her. "As much as it pains me to admit, I like you quite a lot too" he teased. He nodded as she spoke of meeting her other friends, perfectly happy to socialise and get to know more people. "Why not? It helps to make connections across the school" he grinned. That was one thing he didn't mind doing, meeting people no matter their age or house. Yes, he was probably closest to those in his own house but that didn't mean he had no friends in others.

Why would she even question that? "Of course I'm sure" he nodded, knowing fully well that he had intended to pay for her since the day she had asked him to accompany her. "I'm not going to let you spend your money on trivial things like eating out." She might need it for other purposes. "It depends what you like" he answered her question with a small shrug. "I love the fish and chips but I've heard the sandwiches are pretty good too." Urgh, he was so hungry.

He thought that she might lose friendships over her OWLs? Ana really hoped not, especially not Lux or Terry's friendship. Because she liked the two of them most out of everyone she'd met. "Well, I'm pretty sure Bay will understand since he's in my year so has been studying like mad too. And Lux, well she's only a second year so she might not understand as much but I'm pretty sure she'll stay my friend. And Tessa I've known for years, since Beauxbatons actually, so she'll definitely not abandon me. What about you? You wont leave me just because I've gone study crazy will you?" she asked, leaning closer towards him and tilting her head slightly, tone mock serious. She was pretty sure he liked her enough for that to not happen.

"I do know that," Ana sighed, leaning back in her chair slightly. "But I also have to do well to set a good example for my younger siblings. They've never really had Sasha or Liza to look up to as they were never around for them like they were me. See Vaska and Katya have always lived with my mum and step-dad but Sasha, Liza and I lived with my dad full time, but I spent more time with my mum than they did after the divorce. And when my dad passed they were already seventeen so at University, while I moved in with my mum. I will try not to go overboard with my studying though," Ana promised. If she did it was likely to just wear her out and end up with her doing badly on her OWLs because she was run down and unable to perform to her true potential.

"Hey!" Ana exclaimed, leaning forward and smacking him lightly on the arm. "I take offence to that. I'm clearly the most fabulous person you know. You should be proud to be my knight," she said jokingly, a small smile playing on her lips. She knew he was joking, but that didn't mean that she couldn't play along. "Good. I'll set something up then when we get back to the castle. Maybe we could have a picnic together or something," Ana suggested, remembering how much Lux said she enjoyed those. Ana enjoyed them too so she thought if she set up another meeting, this time between everyone, she could do another one. It would be nice.

He was sweet to be paying for her. He definitely didn't have to, Ana was more than capable of paying for herself, but if that's what he wanted to do then she wouldn't protest. She'd just have to get him something in return at some point. Whether that be later today or on another trip was yet to be decided. "Umm, I think I'll just have what you are," Ana finally decided. She liked fish and chips, so if he was getting that then it would be a good choice. But she wasn't really big on sandwiches unless they were of the Cucumber variety.

sarah :)
 

Javy was feeling a little parched, despite the wintery season as he was taking his time walking the streets of Hogsmeade. Hog's Head was much too far of a walk for him to make today, so instead he stepped into The Three Broomsticks.

The blue eyes behind his spectacles briefly scanned the sparse seating arrangement as quite a few of his students he recognised by face were around. Much too preoccupied. Javy then chose one of the empty bar stools to plomp his rump on. Now these were actually comfortable.

Whilst sitting he began lightly rubbing the scuffy chin of his debating on what drink to order.

Delilah was still a little confused about Ella's new nickname for her but she'd ask the Head Girl about it later. Weird, though. "Great." She watched as Ella sat down, still very curious about the nickname. She wasn't sure why she felt so annoyed about it though.. Maybe because Lou was the only one who called her 'D' and she...didn't want to be reminded of him at the moment. ANYWAY.

"Yeah, I am. Except for the weather." Delilah wasn't sure if she wanted to leave this warm pub anytime soon. "How about you? How are you doing?" You know, after Ella nearly collapsed in the dance class the other day. She looked better though.

^^
 

She was pretty much excited for the weekend. It sort of got boring around the castle. Or she didn't have time to do fun things either because of classes and homework or because of her needing to keep an eye out for any naughty snakes. She needed to make sure the incident at the party back when the year first started, wouldn't happen again.

So with Hogsmeade available Cassia was looking forwards to going there and having some fun.

The snake aimlessly walked down the main street then when she passed by the Three broomsticks she came to a halt and slipped in. Why not have a drink. As she entered she loosened the scarf around her neck and walked further in towards one of the stools. Lots of fellow hogwartians were around. Or maybe not lots but a good number of them.

Settling on a stool she put her bag on the counter then eyed the small space and wondered if it was better if she kept on her lap. She wouldn't won't to spill anyone's drinks or stuffs. To her right she noticed someone who looked younger than her and a bit familiar? Someone from hogwarts whom she must have seen around? Or she could be totally wrong.

Curiosity got the better of her and she found herself peering at what he was scribbling. Nah, not nosy at all. She got rid of that trait ages ago. apparently not. "Are you studying?" That might have sounded more surprised than she intended.

The weather, Ella understood about that. "It's too cold. I can't wait for spring, honestly. Even my bones feel cold right now." And that was an extremely unpleasant feeling in case she was wondering. Just...yeah, not a fan of the cold at the moment. Speaking of, some hot chocolate sounded really good right now. She'd have to grab some of that a.s.a.p.

Something in the way her housemate asked how she was doing annoyed Ella. Like there was something clearly wrong with her and D knew about. She resisted the urge to frown as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and shrugged. "M'fine. Just a bit tired lately, is all. I'm sure it's nothing."

"I know." Delilah agreed with a smile. "I can't wait for summer, though. I'll probably be lazying around on the beach everyday." Sounds like heaven, right? Sun, sand and the ocean. It was going to be a pretty awesome summer. She literally couldn't wait to be back in Florida. Also, the menu... The girl handed it to Ella. "Do you want to order something?"

... She narrowed her eyes slightly at the other girl. Was Ella okay? Did she do something to offend her? No.. not that she knew of. Huh. Well. It was probably not the best time to find out. "I know what you mean. I've been so tired lately.. " Tired ALL the time. Tired and cold. At least, her hair wasn't greying much. So far, at least. That was something to be thankful for, yeah?

Deezerz :)
 

Silver had something very important to tell her brother. She along with her bestie Beverly Wayne, have agreed to slowly break the news to at least one family member. That family member being Silver's older brother--her only brother. She had OWLed him a few days earlier and he gradually agreed to meet his sister here.

Walking in she quickly scanned the room, looking for her brother.

Bingo!

"He's right there!" Silver squealed pointing at his direction.

......

Onyx was thrilled to see his little sister! He hasn't seen her since she departed the train station a while back. But he was a bit nervous when she OWLed him to strictly NOT tell their parents about whatever it was she had to say.

Patiently waiting he had already been working on a drink, just to kill time.

After a few minutes he heard a squeal and turned to see who made that noise. Perking his head up he saw the worlds biggest hair bun and automatically knew who it was. She wasn't lonely though. Silver brought a friend. Waving his hand in the air he smiled and stood up.

Yes - it did count as a date, even if it was an unofficial one. Well, enough for Blue to check her hair in the window. And probably freak out some couple who were sitting right in front of her wondering why in Merlin's good name was she staring so intently at them. Once the sixth year was satisfied with her rather windswept appearance, she entered the bustling restaurant, rubbing her un-gloved hands together despite the sudden burst of heat that hit her.

It didn't take long to ind him and after a moment of taking her time to have a look around and BEAM at anyone she knew she headed in his direction.

"Hello hi hola." Because she was all exotic and stuff.

This wasn't how she had imagined her first time at Hogsmeade. She'd had a certain image, but now it was ruined. RUINED BY GREY HAIR AND WRINKLES. At least, hopefully and maybe they were going to get some advice on it.

Following Silver into the Three Broomsticks, Beverly felt a wave of shame. She should be telling her brother about his, but...she couldn't. Kennedy would go ballistic and take her out of Hogwarts. Or he'd tell Dad and have the same result. As it turns out, the school wasn't as perfect as she'd thought it was. Maybe they've been right. Maybe she shouldn't have come here in the first place.

But she knew what she'd be getting herself into. Hogwarts' history wasn't so pure after all. Shrugging those thoughts away, she continued to followed Silver toward a tall guy. Must be there brother. See the resemblance?

"Hi," she greeted, shy but a bit business-like. Channeling the grandmother.

Poise.

Thinking about grey was a very dangerous subject because all it did was get you depressed. Nigel was still stubborn enough not to put any magic in his hair or use any potions. Nope, not going to happen. But enough about that. It was warm and she was finally here. Not that he was waiting long or anything. And three different ways of saying hello. Three is a magic number or was that seven. Anyway still awesome.

"You look great and I am going to make you try pickle cereal eventually. It is better than you think"

Yes, he knew that was basically a lost cause. But it will be fun to at least try.

Silver jolted straight towards he brother, wrapping her saggy arms around his fit waist. "Onyyyyyyyx!" She slightly whimpered.

"Onyx, Beverly. Beverly, Onyx." She quickly introduced her best friend with her brother. Let's cut to the chase now. Having Onyx pull out to chairs for the young girls, Silver took a seat.

Beverly help.
......

Onyx was slightly taken back. What the heck? Was this a joke? He couldn't stop staring at his sister's wrinkly face. Eh. "Hey Silvy." He hugged her back.

"Pleasure to meet you, Beverly." Onyx stretched his hand out for her to shake. This girls looked like she had class.

Seeing his sister take a seat, he did so as well. The blue-eyed young man, just didn't know exactly how to ask what the deal with them was?

"So?" He nodded at Silver and Beverly.

Of course it wouldn’t be possible she would lose any of her friendships. “To be honest, if anyone did get annoyed and didn’t understand why you weren’t around with them, I wouldn’t consider them particularly good friends.” He wouldn’t have been impressed if any of his friends whined about it. In fact, it was quite nice to see that some of them had missed him when he had locked himself away to study, meant that they actually cared. He chuckled at her question, a small smirk coming to his face. “Oh I don’t know, depends” he teased her. “I promise I won’t leave you.” In fact, he’d gladly do the opposite. He said he’d help her with her revision and he was going to keep to that promise.

Okay.. She had a fairly complicated family tree. So many siblings and names he didn’t recognise. The Slytherin nodded along although he was getting a little lost in the conversation. “Just don’t put too much pressure on yourself, okay?” he told her, his tone serious. “I don’t want to see you having a nervous breakdown and I’m fairly certain that it wouldn’t be a great impression on your siblings if you did.” She should just do the best that she could. That was all that should be asked of her. And this was why he was thankful that he only had one sibling and she was his twin anyway so they didn’t look up to one another.

“Ow” the seventeen year old chuckled as she lightly smacked his arm, more in retaliation and as an automatic response rather than that it hurt, which of course it did not. He couldn’t help but to smirk at her statement. “Oh I don’t know, I know some pretty great people” he winked. “You’re definitely in the top 20.” She knew he was joking though didn’t she? More like the top 3. “That sounds like fun” he agreed with her, thinking of something he could bring along to it. “You can help me bake something in the kitchens, I’ll teach you to cook like I said I would.” After their conversation in which she told him she couldn’t cook, he was sure that it would be quite amusing to have a session in the kitchens, even if it did involve making a huge mess.

He nodded when she agreed to have what he was having and he ordered the food plus two butterbeers, his personal favourite beverage at the Three Broomsticks. “I promise its surprisingly good.” The pub didn’t look like much, not from the outside anyway, and the interior was cosy and homely but it didn’t look like it would produce particularly great food. But it did and Terry always liked to come here when it was Hogsmeade weekend.

He let it go quiet for a minute when he coughed to break the silence and as a preparation for what he was about to say. “I umm..” he started, glancing briefly down at the table and then back up at her. “I have something to ask you..” he started.

The beach. "Sounds really nice." Ella wished she could be laying out in the sun all summer. She would most likely be looking for a flat and trying to sort things out for uni so the Head Girl wasn't as eager as the younger badger for that. "I'm not sure I'm ready for graduation just yet so I don't mind waiting a bit longer for Summer." Just saying. Taking the menu, the eighteen year old glanced at it curiously, thinking the prices were WAY too much but keeping her comments to herself. "Something hot to drink, I think. What about you?"

So Ella wasn't the only one feeling tired? She eyed the other blonde thoughtfully, head tilted to the side. "And have you been achy too? I mean, my muscles are hurting all the time now. It's weird because I've played Quidditch for years and it's never been this bad."

For Marigold :3
 

Kace decided he wanted to meet Marigold here. He loved the three broomsticks. They had great food and great butterbeer. Plus if he went to Madame Puddifoots, she might think he was moving too fast. So this was a safe bet for a date right? Well it didn't have to be a date...if she was uncomfortable with it.

He made his way into the restaurant and found a seat just for two. He sat down and looked at his menu deciding on what he was going to have.

Scribble. Scribble.

Jun had managed to block out the chitter chatter of the bar. It seemed more people had been walking in but it didn't matter. He was too concentrated on translating and practicing his hanja to pay any mind to anyone. Unless someone talked to him, like a girl that just startled him. Jun jumped a bit and looked at her. Another prefect. But this one was the Slytherin one. Oh good. Lex said he should meet another to be nominated for the 'Best Prefect' prize.

Studying? Who comes to Hogsmeade and study?

"No, not really. Just practicing my Korean a bit," Which was going some what badly since he couldn't remember some of it. "But no, no studying today," More like ever. Jun still wondered how he managed to pass his classes sometimes. Lazy Ravenclaw. "I'm Jun, by the way. Fifth year 'claw,"

"I wouldn't really know about that. Besides Tessa I didn't really make any new friends the past few years. It made it easier to leave if you didn't have to say goodbye to anyone," she informed him, tone even and logical. It was strange to have friends again and to have people that were actually happy to see her around and would want to organise times to get together. Her mum had been so surprised when she wrote to her about friends, and when she had Christmas presents to send people, and got them in return. "Good," Ana said simply smirking back at him. The thought hadn't really crossed her mind. Although she had pretended the one time that she was really upset with him when he teased that he might not actually like her, she'd never believed that was the case.

Of course what he didn't know was that her siblings had already gotten a less than spectacular impression of her when she first moved in. She hadn't been the most pleasant of company. She'd been especially awful to her step-father, and looking back on it she was surprised that he never once yelled back at her, or suggested to her mum that she should live somewhere else. Although Ana figured that was more because he knew that she actually had adored him nearly as much as she adored her father since she was a tot. Either way she appreciated it now, and she had managed to turn it around again. She'd already promised that she wouldn't work too hard so Ana didn't see the point in making the promise again. Instead she just let the conversation lapse into silence for a bit.

"It didn't even hurt, you big baby," Ana said teasingly. She'd never hit him hard enough for it to hurt. "Oh good. I suppose you can be in my top 20 as well," she returned, not missing a beat. He definitely rated higher than that but she probably didn't need to tell him that. Not right not anyway. "I'd like that," she'd like that a lot. Not necessarily the whole baking lesson part, although she supposed that could be a bit of fun, more that it meant she'd get to spend more time with Terry, doing something that he enjoyed. Besides, depending on what they made she was hoping she'd get to lick the bowl. Childish maybe, but delicious. Although her cooking skills weren't as bad as she made out. She couldn't bake to save her life but she could make soup from scratch. If one could live off of soup alone then Ana would be a perfect cook. Anything else though usually ended in disaster.

Ana nodded in acknowledgement of his words after he placed the order. She'd never actually doubted that the food here would be good. She didn't think Terry would take her somewhere where food poisoning might become an issue. Besides, even if the food turned out to be only average tasting she'd come here to spend time with the boy across from her, not to be wowed by an amazing meal.

"What is it?" Ana asked in her most soothing, and encouraging voice. She really did want to know what Terry wanted to ask, but she also wanted him to be comfortable when he did so. She was hoping to avoid a repeat of the Common Room situation though.

Welp.

Wasn't this a touching scene? Little sister hugging big brother. It was so NOT fair. She wanted hers. At the introduction, though, she nodded firmly at Onyx. As firmly as her neck would allow that it. Stiff nod. Whatever. Then she shook his hand.

Sitting down, the third managed not to wince, but discomfort was pretty obvious on her face. "So...we are old." Could he not SEE that? "Do you know of a stopper to aging?" she asked, oh so formally.

That's how the adults in her life spoke when it came to business. She'd seen in during gatherings, and this her first time trying it. Sort of cool. Heh.

Oh. Wait, she didn't make any friends before? Terry couldn't help but frown a little, surprised by her admission. It was a kind of sad thought, not being able to socialise with anyone whether in school or during the holidays. He couldn't imagine being friendless, he had spent a short amount of time homeschooled and that was extremely boring. He was so grateful he'd been allowed to go to school. "Weren't you at all lonely?" he asked, his head tilted slightly at an angle. It didn't matter now anyway, she had a group of friends she could rely on. "You'd better not leave all of us" he warned her. "Now you've got a group, that's enough of an excuse to stay." Besides, she was getting older now. Surely she could start making decisions of where she lived and whom she was educated by herself.

"I was joking" he protested, nudging her foot under the table. Top 20, sounded like a good position to be in. That was if she had more than 20 friends, otherwise it wouldn't be much of an achievement. He smirked back at her. He was glad when she agreed to a kitchen baking session, making a mental note to decide on a date. That was if he didn't have to do this Slytherin bake off that West had thought about organising. "Great. You tell me what you want me to bake and we'll attempt it together" he smiled, provided it wasn't this elaborate cake design that would take them days to complete.

And then came her question and that encouraging smile. He looked at her before briefly glancing away around the room and then back to his fellow Slytherin. "Well you know Valentines Day is coming up?" he asked. The sixth year wasn't usually that keen on the annual celebration. He thought it was cheesy and unnecessary but maybe this year would be a little different. "I was wandering whether you.." How could he word it? "I was wandering if you would like to be mine?" In other words he was asking her out but 'do you want to go out with me' sounded too corny in his head and asking her to be his valentine seemed much more appropriate.

"A little I suppose, although I mean I wasn't completely alone" she admitted with a shrug, she'd had a boyfriend, albeit a long distance one. She'd been lonely at first but you got used to it eventually. Besides, it was her choice, which made things slightly easier. People had tried to befriend her, she'd just pushed them away. "I won't leave. My cousin is living in London now and he agreed to let me stay with him for the rest of my schooling. My mum agreed to it, although at the moment she's got no plans to leave England." Ana had been ecstatic when she'd found out that even if her parents moved she'd be allowed to stay. She was pretty sure that her mum agreed because she hadn't seen her this happy in a while.

"So was I," she told him, nudging him back. She was glad that he didn't seem to have taken what she said too seriously but was more interested in the fact that he was going to let her choose what they baked together. She'd never actually had someone let her choose before, just been told what they were going to make. "I'll think about it and let you know." Ana didn't really know what would be good off the top of her head so she'd have to have a proper sit down to think it over. She could always go with cookies if all else failed.

Ana nodded in response to his question. Of course she knew Valentines was coming up. She generally kept track of it. She'd had a reason to celebrate it the last few years. She wasn't too sure if she would be celebrating it this year though. Ana smiled even more encouragingly when Terry hesitated slightly. She figured she could see where this was going now. Maybe West had been right. "I'd love to be yours, if you'd be mine," she responded as soon as he'd stopped talking. She liked him. She liked him a lot and she didn't know if this would work out but she wanted to try. If Ana was right he wasn't just asking her to be his Valentine, although that would certainly be a part of it.

"I'm--I'm--" Silver began whimpering. "I'm like the Grim reaper!!" Tears ran down her face. "Look at me!" Silver was fussing pretty loudly. "I'm horrible!" She released her gray hair from the bun she had tied it in.

....

O_O

Well thank Merlin! At least he didn't have to ask what the deal was.

"I see?" Onyx replied to Beverly. Hmm. She was like the mini version of Morticia, from the muggle show The Addams Family. "Unfortunately I don't. I've never seen this happen before." He added. Which was true.

No Silver. Don't cry.

"It's okay. It's gonna be okay." Onyx patted his sister's back. She was being quite loud. "I uh--I'll take you to the Simply Stylish Salon? Eh?" Maybe that will get the girls out of the funk they're in?

Yeah? Or yeah?

.....

Oh Onyx you smart man, you.

Wiping her eyes Silver grinned at Beverly.

"Well if you put it that way." Silver enthusiastically nodded at her friend. "What do you say, Bevy?" She asked her.

"Fine. We'll take your offer, Onyx!" Silver nodded.

He was glad that she hadn't been alone but still, it seemed like it would be pretty lonely if she only had a couple of friends to rely on. What about partners in lessons or those evenings in the common rooms? Though he supposed she probably enjoyed reading seeing as she did so often when he found her on the sofas. "No chance of that here" he smiled. The smile got wider when she admitted that she would be staying until the end of her education. "That's brilliant" he grinned. "I mean I probably could've convinced my mum to let you stay with us for the summer but Tilly would undoubtedly get on your nerves." His twin got on everyone's nerves, thank goodness she was at Beauxbatons and not here or else he probably would have left himself by now.

He nodded when she nudged him back, choosing to nudge her once more, just to tease her. "Just make sure its not something complicated that will take us days to make." He might have had the patience at home but right here he'd rather only spend a couple of hours in the kitchen, they could get extremely crowded at times especially when the house elves were preparing dinner. Plus it wasn't certain they'd have all the ingredients for elaborate bakes.

Her response to his question was exactly what he wanted to hear and the Slytherin reflected her grin. "Well I wouldn't have asked you if the answer to that question was no" he chuckled before leaning across the table to plant a kiss on her cheek. "Is that a good enough answer?" he asked focusing his eyes on her. "We don't have to stop on February the fourteenth either. I mean, if you'd like to continue it, I'd be more than willing.." Well he definitely wanted to. Please say yes.

Definitely no chance of it. No matter how many times Ana was tempted to go back to being somewhat of a loner the friends she made insisted on pulling her out. She'd even tried to be mean to Lux at first, but the snappish retort she'd been going to make had died on her lips when she'd seen the little girl. Ana was glad though that she still had it in her to be sociable. She'd be a lot less happy this year if she didn't. "I think so too," she said, smiling almost as large as Terry, although that was more due to the fact that she was happy he seemed so excited by the prospect. "Even if you could have I probably couldn't have convinced my mother. It's tradition to go back to Russia for at least a few weeks during the Summer so she wouldn't let me get out of it," not that Ana would really try that hard to do so. She liked being back in Russia and spending time with her family, but the thought was appreciated.

"It'll be something simple," she promised, nudging him back. After all they were only going to have a picnic with friends. She didn't need to go all out on a dessert. The main point would be to see everyone. Although obviously they would still need delicious food she was thinking it wouldn't be the focus of the day.

He kissed her. On the cheek. But still. He hadn't done that before. Ana's cheeks flushed slightly at the action, but she didn't bother to hide the fact behind her hair this time. She was actually quite happy that he'd done so. Biting her lip slightly, Ana nodded her head. The kiss was definitely answer enough. Especially since it wasn't something that she'd expected Terry to do.

"I'd like that a lot," Ana replied, giving him a shy smile. Continuing this after Valentines Day was something she was more than willing to give a shot.

OOC: Outfit is on polyvore ;)
 

So Marigold was wearing overalls. Yeah, bit strange. More than a bit strange, considering. But she thought she looked good in them, and so she was wearing them to meet Kace for FOOD. She was grinning as she went to slide into the seat across from him.

"Hello!" she greeted him cheerily. She was good with food, friend, and overalls.

...that sounded like a band name. ;)

Grim Reaper?!

Beverly almost shot out of her seat and away from Silver. She was NOT that. Why would she say such thing when they were...they were...OLD. But seeing her friend like this only added to her annoyance to the entire situation.

If only this - whatever was happening to them - had a face, Beverly would more than glad to THUMP it. Hiiiissss!

Awkwardly patting her friend's back, Beverly turned her attention to Onyx. Of course, he wouldn't know. He wasn't a Healer. There was no need to get snappy with him, though, she didn't know him enough to.

Oh. The Salon? Beverly was about to add that any treatment might wear off in time like the wrinkle potion-cream they made in potions class, but Silver seemed so happy about it that she didn't have the heart to break it to her.

Maybe later. When everything wears off. Sigh.

"Sure. It won't hurt to try," she said, getting up. They were going now, right?

"Yeah. I mean, I'm mainly just looking forward to the hot weather." 'Cause Delilah was so done with winter already. And the rain, yeah. As much as she liked it here, the weather was something she just didn't like. Oh.. Ella's graduating this term. Delilah eyed her curiously, "It must be exciting though. I mean, you're going to be starting a new phase of your life." She'd miss Ella, though. The girl was super nice. And the pancake boy, too. Alec, that is. He was definitely one of the most amazing people she knew. "Uh.. A hot chocolate for both of us, then?"

"Yes!" Delilah said, looking rather annoyed. Because she shouldn't be dealing with all this right now. She was only fifteen, for merlin's sake! "Especially my legs.. They just keep hurting.."

Yeah, she probably should have cleared her throat or something as to not startle the boy. Though she thought her sliding into the seat was enough. Or maybe he was pretty caught up in whatever he was doing. At least he didn't fall. Phew.

And he was studying, the world made sense again and she wasn't left to wonder how could such people and herself exist at the same life. "That sounds more fun than studying," Practicing Korean part. "Nice to meet you, Jun, I'm Cassia. Sixth year, Snake." she introduced herself back smiling at him. Nice and social ones got smiles from the blond snakette. Others get glares. Like Olly. Ehh... why did she have to remember that one, now.

"So you speak Korean? That's pretty cool." She told him. Knowing more than one language was something she found cool and had not needed effort to accomplish she'd have totally decided to learn another language. But, heh, she wasn't cut out to spending her life 'learning'. Nope, not her.

Jun grinned. "Anything is better than studying, actually. Even laying down and actually doing nothing was better," This was the truth. Mostly because it's what Jun did. Or he would just throw his textbooks around and not want to pick them up. That's where magic came in handy. Another thing better than studying: hexing people. And it was good exercise too since they would start running away. Especially if they ran towards the moving staircase. But luckily this claw was used to those by now. Oh, she's an older prefect. Jun had only met one his age. And she was probably going broke in Honeydukes. He'll have to meet up with her later. "Nice to meet you, Cassia,"

Nod. "Mhm, and Norwegian. But it's a bit difficult at times since I don't speak it all the time. Only when visiting family, so y'know, gotta get some practice in beforehand," Because his mum promised they would go back this summer again. And they better because Bergen was gross during summer and it rained too much. "Do you speak another language besides English?" Most people did. At least, as far as Jun knew.

"Very well then, let's get going ladies." Onyx smiled and stood up follow after the girls.

"I still think you should tell mom and dad." He told Silver. The Barry siblings always covered for each other, but Onyx felt like their parents should be notified about this aging incident.

Anyway, to the salon it is. Let's go.

....

Yaaaaay! They we're going to the salon!

Wait? Did her brother just suggest to tell their parent about this--this disaster?! Uhm no, brother.

"Are you kidding me?!" Silver shook her head. "They won't let me stay at Hogwarts. Especially if mom starts going all whacky." It was true, Mr. & Mrs. Barry were pretty lenient with their children. But that didn't mean they let them get away with everything.

Silver stood up as well, it was time to get out of this funk. At least for a bit.

"My brother is so awesome, Huh?" She whispered to Beverly, lightly nudging her on the shoulder.

And just saying that, Jun the Claw got himself promoted to the cool people's mental list. "Truer words had never been spoken," she told him dramatically slapping her hand on the counter's surface. Did anyone get startled and fall off their chairs? Hopefully not.

He did speak another language! If speaking a second language was cool, then speaking a third one was super cool! She refrained from gasping in awe, though. "That's pretty impressive," she told him. "You know you could totally charm girls with that," She chuckled. She was just casually handing out advice those days.

"How did you know I speak English?" She asked with a blank expression on her face that lasted for a good five seconds before a grin pulled at her lips. Yeah, he probably thought she was a weird person with a bad sense of humor. Oops. "I actually don't," The single words she knew from French and Spanish didn't count and it'd be stupid to count them anyway. "It seems interesting to learn a language but I never got a reason to, I guess. And probably got discouraged knowing it needed effort." She admitted. "It does require effort, right?" Could she have been given the wrong impression all those sixteen years of her life?!

"Same. It'll be nice to be able to go outside without feeling like an icicle." And even though she had been inside for a bit now, she still felt quite chilly. Surely she'd warm up eventually, right? Gosh this was annoying. As for the future and her being excited, Ella nodded distractedly. "Yeah, it's exciting but...weird too. I can't imagine not being at Hogwarts. It's home now. Just as much as my house in London." And she'd miss it lots. The people too. It was going to be hard when it came time to say goodbye. Talk of Hot chocolate made her feel better, though. "Yeah, sounds perfect." Anything to take her mind off of graduating and old age.

"My knees do. My back too. It's so strange." And it made Ella worry for lots of reasons but the biggest being Quidditch. "I'm just afraid that if I take a bludger hit, I won't be able to keep playing, y'know?" Quidditch, it was a priority. "I just wish...I wish someone would do something about it." Surely the adults had noticed the condition of the students by now.

Kace smiled and greeted her. "Hey you." and he gave her a hug. He liked the idea of hugging. It always made the person feel good right? "Nice outfit you got there." he said motioning toward her overalls. He wore the casual stuff today but maybe he would look fancy without his hat. Ah well.

"So how is everything going?" he asked her.

"And such words coming from a Ravenclaw," Which people needed to stop assuming that every single one of them were the same. They totally weren't. Once he reached his third year, Jun gave up on trying to get top grades and such. Now he just made he passed with a high enough grade. No more effort required.

Chuckling, Jun shrugged. "It's worked a couple of times, but haven't used it much since," Because he somehow didn't go after Hogwarts girls. But maybe he'll start. Someday. Besides, girls only ever wanted to hear him talk Korean if he was back home. Sometimes he called them dumb and it would get a kick out of it.

Jun laughed. "Just a wild guess," Obviously. "So do you speak another language too? Or is English not your first language?" Because that would explain it. Kind of. Like Norwegian was his first language and then learned English then Korean. Which Jun so much prefered since he was born in Seoul and prefers it to Norway any given day. He would actually prefer Korea to anywhere else actually. Jun nodded. "Learning anything requires effort. A lot of it. And a new language gets you confused and frustrated and only recommend if fully needed," That was a definite given.

The door to the pub swung open as more people entered in. It was quite a popular place with the students, mainly because of the food and the atmosphere. It was nicer than the Hogs Head and not quite so cheesy as Puddifoots was. Much more up his street. He was glad that they ahd chosen a table hidden at the back, away from prying eyes and loud voices, especially considering the hearing of some of these kids. “Not even a couple of weeks?” he asked her, maybe a little hopeful. It would be fun and it would mean he could get away from Tilly for a little while, have some other form of company. “I wouldn’t stop you going back to Russia for a couple of weeks” he chuckled. “As long as you don’t stay there for good.” No. That didn’t sound like a good idea to him.

“I’m thinking brownies and shortbread..” he suggested with a smile. He could make both of them pretty well and they could add some form of flavouring into the shortbread if it was too boring. “Make sure everyone else brings something though, don’t want us to be slaving away in the kitchen and them not doing anything at all” he joked. Of course he didn’t mind, he usually did it when he was really bored anyway, much to the delight he was sure of his dorm mates.

The blush that came to Ana’s cheeks was extremely cute and the corner of the sixth years lips curled up into a smile as he looked at her. She didn’t even make an effort to hide it and he took that as a good sign that she had appreciated the kiss. Then he spotted her lip catch between his lips and he couldn’t help but to chuckle. “Was that okay?” he asked her, making sure he wasn’t taking things too far, though he seemed to remember her doing it to him before he had asked her out.

“Even though we both look 4 times our age?” he chuckled. This ageing thing was getting ridiculous. He was fed up of looking older. He didn’t seem to look as bad as others had but still. “Okay, we’ll give this a go” he spoke. He was hoping it would last, he really liked her after all.

Ana got distracted for a moment, looking at the door as more people walked in. Seemed this place was popular. Although, considering the only other place she'd seen was a Madame Puddifoots she could see why. She liked pink and frills and stuff but that place had seemed to go overboard with it. And that was just from peeking inside when another couple had gone in. "I could probably do a couple of weeks, although that would more likely be towards the end of the Summer. If I'm lucky I could be back in England for a month before school," Ana replied. Her mum was much more likely to agree the closer it was to school starting back again. Because that way she'd have seen most of her family members and spent a decent amount of time with people.

Brownies and shortbread. That sounded delicious. If she couldn't think of anything else she wanted she'd definitely go with that. Hopefully both of those things were easy to make though. Because if it was too difficult she might stuff up and she didn't want to serve her friends bad food. "I'm sure they will. Well Lux will at least," they were likely to have delicious cucumber sandwiches, among other things.

"Yeah, that was fine," Ana murmured as the heat began to leave her cheeks. It was slightly embarrassing that such a simple action had made her blush when she'd kissed Terry on the cheek several times before. Although that might be slightly different since at least the first time she really hadn't thought about what she was doing before she did it. She was lucky that he hadn't seemed to mind.

"Speak for yourself, I clearly only look three times my age," Ana declared jokingly. She still wasn't happy about looking old but she couldn't much help that. It was just lucky that she hadn't put Terry off with her rapid ageing. She was happy to note that even looking older he was handsome. "But yes, even with whatever's going on with our ageing, I still want to be your girlfriend," Ana added, tone a lot more serious than it was just moments ago. She wasn't one to take relationships lightly and she didn't want Terry to think that she was. Although she did smile back at him when he laughed. She was taking it to be a happy one, maybe a bit relieved as well. It had taken guts to ask her out when he couldn't have known for certain she'd say yes.

"Glad I got your approval." He said with a laugh as he gave her a nudge back. He knew what she meant though, it was all so confusing as to what they were supposed to be doing. At the same time it very exciting. "Zahra Kettleburn we can do whatever we want." Michael didn't know if there were rules to dating, if there were then he was going to break them. "I plan on taking you to the candy shop before the day is out. I reckon I can beat my record of fitting twenty chocoballs into my mouth at once."

He was laughing as she pulled him inside the pub. "Just the one drink huh? You sure are a cheap date Zahra." He tugged on her hand and pulled her back, because where were they going to sit? "You wanna share some food too?"

"Indeed," she agreed with him again nodding her head. This cool had a fine brain in his head. She contemplated telling him she approved of what his head contained but figured it was enough weirdness for a first run in. First impressions were important, she always remembered that a bit after she does or says some thing weird, though.

Well, good to know that her advice had been tested and had actually worked. The snake was glad to know that her judgment in this life was a correct one. She, however, refrained from asking questions about it seeing that that was a personal topic.

Ooh, he laughed and didn't stare at her weirdly meaning he got the poor joke of hers. "English is my first language and nope, I speak no other," she answered his question. Then as he answered her question to him, he sounded like a true Ravenclaw. Which wasn't a bad thing, she had lots of friends who were smarty eagles. Though certain words like, confused..frustrated made her push the idea to the back of her head. "I feel so encouraged to learn a new language now," she deadpanned. Though even after knowing that, she still thought that perhaps one day she'd actually decide to let herself go through the learning process.

"Do you want to drink something, by the way?" because she was getting thirsty, not surprising with all the talking she was doing.

Ready to order ^.^
 

That was too bad Cassia didn't speak another language. Being bilingual was fun when wanting to annoy people. Or just didn't want them go be nosy about your conversation. Which is what he did to Midget during the break. That was a good day. He grinned. "But learning one usually comes in handy when annoying people and whatnot" And it was fun too. Jun sometimes got in trouble for talking Korean around his Norwegian side of the family. But they eventually got use to it. And they better have. "Sometimes the effort is worth it, if you really want to learn," True that.

"Uh, yeah. Would you like a butterbeer?" Or maybe something else? People usually got butterbeers here anyway.

Of course she wanted to do those things. He wasn't particularly keen on dancing on the table, he was totally up for the food fight and eating as much cotton candy as possible. "If that's what you want to do. We'll most likely get banned from the pub." Just something to think about. Sometimes he hated when his reasonable side came out, it took the fun out of things. "Well you would know." About how big his mouth was. Hehehehehehe.

Right. One butterbeer with two straws. Got it. Michael flashed her a grin while she went off to the table and he turned towards the bar. And since it was there first date, he not only ordered the butterbeer with two straws, he also got them some macaroni and cheese with TWO forks.

When the order was done, Michael carried them over to the table that Zahra was sitting at. "Your order Madame." He placed the food and drink on the table before giving a little bow.

"Thanks." She beamed at the compliment, resisting the urge to flip her hair or something like that. Blue slid into an empty chair, shrugging off her cardigan. "You look really nice too."

Pickle cereal. Was he really still going on about that? Even the mere idea was gross. "Yeaaaaaah, not happening sorry. It's superbly gross, Nigel. I can one hundred percent guarantee you it's a quaffle blocker too. I won't be kissing you if you go near that stuff today."

Pickle cereal was bad enough. Pickle breath? She was not subjecting herself to that, no way. A dementor had a better chance of snogging her.

There was only one thing that could possibly have put a damper on ever eating pickle cereal again and she just said. Nigel could not help but laugh at that and the term quaffle blocker. Such a great term. Like the word shenanigans.

"Oh come on now, It is not that bad." Oh Boy. He hit a nerve there or something "Even if i brush my teeth after eating it.......Okay, Okay. Just Kidding"

Guess this is the end of that for Nigel. Kissing was leaps and bounds more important than pickle cereal. "Do you want a butterbeer?"

Delilah nodded in a agreement. She rubbed her hands together before burying her face in them for a moment.. That felt good. She didn't understand, though. How was she still cold!? This crazy weather. "I guess I understand. You've been in Hogwarts since the first year?" That's so cool, though. She kind of wished she'd joined Hogwarts sooner. Not that she didn't like her schooling back in Florida but.. she loved her new school too. It was great.

The silly disease. "Yeah..." Delilah frowned. "I mean, almost everyone is suffering from the old age symptoms.. and I don't understand why nothing is being done about it."

Okay.. Two hot chocolates. The girl got up before walking over to the counter and ordering two hot chocolates.

.. Soon, she walked back to her table carrying two mugs of the steaming hot drink. "Here you go." Delilah placed one in front of Ella before she sat down, setting down her mug on the table too.

"I like the annoying idea," She grinned that thinking that she, too, would be really annoyed if someone spoke in a language she didn't understand. But when she was the one doing it, it certainly would be lots of fun. She nodded at his words in agreement. Ravenclaw effort always made sense.

Did she want a butterbeer? She paused thinking of the options she had. "I think I'll go with Hot Cocoa." She decided. "It's a bit chilly for me," She was one to feel extremely cold all winter and spring. Especially her hands which she shoved into her jacket's pockets. She was glad she didn't catch whatever the other aging students caught, though. Since elderly people got cold even more as she knew. Speaking of, was Jun one of those people? She could tell as he sat maybe if she saw him walking or something. And it'd sound a bit rude to ask him... she wouldn't even know what to ask, anyway.

"It's the best way to make people leave you alone. It's funnier when you yell at them but you're actually saying something silly like 'the sky is blue'," Midget had witnessed it when she threw her empty cup of ice cream dying Christmas break. He had apologized, but in reality Jun had just said 'Sour gummy worms are gross!' It was all fun of course. Except to adults who don't really find anything funny. Uptight people they were. Sheesh.

He nodded. Jun preferred cold drinks. In the summer or in winter. Except if he was really cold then he'd get coffee which his parents never understood. He joked to them about being manly, so he'd drink coffee. With a lot of sugar. Tea, ehh, that was whenver he'd be eating something. Coffee was like a meal to him. "Not a big fan of hot drinks. Depends how I'm feeling that day," And that was it. Everything depended on his mood. Like hitting his cousin with a pan over the break. That was him in a bad mood. Maybe a bit devious too but still, it was bad.

They are SO romantic. LOL. Mac N Cheese and butterbeer.
 

LOL. Every teenagers dream date
 

He slapped her hand with his before sitting down opposite her with a grin on his face. See, he knew what he was doing. This dating thing was a piece of cake.

Seeing the mac and cheese covered fingers held out for him, Michael didn't even hesitate to open his mouth and take it from her. It wasn't the first time they had shared food in this fashion.

"Genius, right? I should have been a Ravenclaw."

SNORT.

He picked up the bottle of butterbeer and popped the top off before dropping two straws in the top. "I told the barkeep to give us those bendy straws." That way they could place the bottle between them. He gestured for Zahra to take a sip.

Ladies first.

“It’s an offer, if you want to get back to England for a bit” he added casually. “Don’t think you have to but its there if you want it.” You know, some people liked to stay with their family fir ages. Others liked to get away. Terry got along well with his mum but his sister could be a little too much sometimes. He was thankful his twin went to another school. “Would you live with your cousin for that month then?” he asked with his new found knowledge that her cousin was a permanent resident here now.

He smiled, glad that someone else would join in with the work so he wouldn’t have to do it all by himself. He didn’t know Ana’s friends after all. And then was her almost embarrassed mumble as her cheeks returned to their normal colour. The Slytherin couldn’t help but to smile at her actions. ”Good.” Because it would’ve been slightly awkward otherwise.

A smirk fell on the sixth years face at her comment. ”I haven’t got it as bad as some people have but I really think my eyesight was going.” Luckily he had contacted his mum who sent some contacts for temporary relief. He hoped that it wouldn’t be a permanent thing, his eyesight had always been perfect after all. ”I still think you look pretty anyway.” She did and you could still tell who everyone was, despite this crazy ageing business. Was anyone actually sorting this out? A professional perhaps? Surely it was obvious what was going on now, heck even some of the professors had the same problem.

"Yeah, since first year. I guess that's why I'm so attached." At this point, she spent more time at school than at home and so it really shouldn't be a surprise that she'd consider the place home, the people family. "It'll be a new adventure though, Uni. I just need to start wrapping my head around it." And around being away from certain people for longer periods of time but she'd sort it out...eventually.

Ella didn't understand either and she frowned slightly, just thinking about how out of hand everything had gotten. "Someone must be doing something by now. Maybe...we just won't hear about it until they've come up with some kind of solution." Maybe. It was hard to stay positive when you had trouble walking down the hallway each day but she was just going to channel Toby right now. Yeah.

It was nice of her to go and get the hot chocolate. The eighteen year old didn't protest as she'd finally gotten comfortable in her seat but she did fish around in her purse for some money. When she found the proper amount, she set it on the table and slid it slowly towards where her companion was sitting.

"Thanks for going to get it. Money's on the table." And Ella wrapped her hands around the mug, soaking up the warmth.

He knew she would find that funny. But he laughed as well because he knew that never in a million years would he be a Ravenclaw."We're totally Gryffindors, but we can be smart too." And he didn't think Ravenclaws were that smart anyway.

Mikey scooped some mac and cheese onto his fingers and then shoved it into his mouth. He was about to go in for a second dip but paused midway there. "I'm glad you waited on me too. It wouldn't have been the same without you." They were meant to do EVERYTHING together.

Seeing that Zahra was sipping on the straw, Michael leaned over and began slurping down some butterbeer as well. It was sooooo good. It was...

....

What?

She had told her parents? Mikey began spluttering on the butterbeer and some of it even came out of his nose. "And what did they say? What did your dad say?" That was the important question here because the man was the Minister for Magic.

Funny how that never seemed to mean anything to him. Until now.

For Dee
 

Louis laughed lightly as Lux left him behind and almost nearly ran into the small pub. She was so adorable when she got excited. As the Hufflepuff went off to find a table, Louis headed in the direction of the bar. There, he ordered two warm butterbeers, a few chocolate chip cookies and some brownies. Once the bartender handed him his order, the boy made his way to the table where Lady Lux awaited.

“One butterbeer, three chocolate chip cookies, and two brownies for m’lady,” he announced as he placed the things on the table before taking a seat across from the girl. “What would you like to eat?” he asked. Y’know, besides the sugary snacks he got to accompany the butterbeer.

Lux's eyes widened as Louis came back not only with the butterbeers, but also some cookies and brownies. Goodness, he was an amazing Squire, and she was pleased to have him in her service. "Oh, I am so happy now." Sweets, butterbeer, and a meal. Yummy.

Looking at the menu, she tried to decide what she wanted before finally reaching a decision. "Macaroni and cheese!" She loved it, and hadn't had it in a while. Too bad cucumber sandwiches didn't seem to be on the menu, because she would have ordered some of those as well.

Louis beamed as Lady Lux expressed her approval. He was actually doing a decent job as a squire! Sniffle. It made him so happy.

It was then that the Lady of the House of Hufflepuff decided she wanted macaroni and cheese. "Good choice, m'lady," the boy approved with a nod of his head, taking a look at his own menu. He decided on some fish and chips for himself, but first he would finish his cookies and brownies. Yum. Once he was all out (which was like a minute later; he was a growing boy, food disappeared rather quickly for him), he disappeared for another moment to make his and Lux's order at the bar.

In less than a minute, the loyal squire had returned carrying two plates - one with macaroni and cheese, which he placed on Lux's side of the table, and the other with his fish and chips.

"I think I'm liking Hogwarts more and more each day," said Lou with a grin as he began to dig into his plate. "Do these Hogsmeade trips happen often?" 'Cause he totally was looking forward to the next one already.

Beam.

Lux was pleased that her Squire approved of her choice of food, since macaroni and cheese was delicious. While Louis disappeared to take their orders, she contented herself with eating one of the cookies, deciding to save the rest for later on when she was back at school.

Yummy food was here.

With wide eyes, she watched him return with their food. "Thank you, Louis." He was so kind, taking her out to eat like this and ordering everything. She wondered if this is what a date was like. Picking up her spoon, she started to eat, waiting until she had swallowed her first mouthful to answer his question. "I'm not sure since I am new here, but I hope they happen at least once a year." Why hadn't she asked Willa about this? Her sister had gone to Hogwarts, so she would know.

Louis was happy to see the young girl seemed pleased with her food and treatment, shaking his head as she thanked him for the food. "No need to thank me, these are just squire duties," he replied with a grin, taking another bite from his food. He hadn't realized how hungry he really was until he started eating.

He listened as Lux explained that she was new too, so she didn't know about the Hogsmeade trips either. Oh, right. "I always forget you're new too," he said with a smile, shaking his head slightly. He wasn't sure why he always felt like Lux had been at Hogwarts longer than him. "Perhaps Bay would know. He's not new too, is he?" Now that he thought about it, he hadn't ever talked with his best mate about how long he'd been at Hogwarts. He'd always just sort of assumed Bay had been there for years. For all he knew, maybe he was new too!

Smiling, Lux took another bite of her food. It was yummy. "Is this what people do on dates?" It wasn't a question meant to make him feel awkward or anything, she was merely curious and remembering what Ana had told her about it recently. This girl was getting more and more curious about things the closer she got to becoming a teenager.

"Bay's new too. He was home schooled like me." It was a little surprising that Louis had not known that, since she assumed that Bay was closer to him now than he was to her. "You know... he was the first person I met coming to school. He bumped into me on the train." Then she had met Tessa and Christmas, and they had all sat down together in one of the compartments. It had been lovely.

At Lux’s question about dating, Louis found himself dropping the chip he was just about to eat. UM. Yeah, even though she hadn’t meant to make him feel awkward, he totally DID feel awkward. After all the kissing incidents, the last thing he wanted was for Lady Lux to think he was like hitting on her or something. He was just trying to be nice. “Uh…” He blinked and furrowed his brows, expression looking puzzled. “Well… to be honest, I don’t know. I’ve never been on a date,” he replied honestly, giving Lux a sheepish smile. He assumed a date must’ve been something like this, though. But a lot more awkward, since people on dates were usually a lot more shy around each other whereas he and Lux were perfectly comfortable.

At the girl’s explanation about Bay being homeschooled, Louis’s eyebrows raised in surprise. He hadn’t known that! Or that Lux was homeschooled too! “Wow. You really do learn something new every day…” he muttered, surprised, as he took a sip from his butterbeer. When Lux shared that Bay had been the first person she’d bumped into at the train, he smiled. “It was meant to be…” he paused, smiling fading abruptly. “Your uh, your friendship, I mean. What a lovely coincidence, to bump into each other…” AHEM. Right.

Oh, goodness. That was not the reaction she had been hoping for. "Oh, I don't think you want to date me or anything, Louis. It's fine." She suffered no delusions that he had a crush on her, and had no desire to be on a date with him. "I was just curious, and wondered if you knew since you are older..." So wait... he hadn't been on a date before? Somehow she had assumed he knew from experience, which was why she had asked the question in the first place. "Besides, you, Sander, and Bay have made what you think of me dating clear." Or whatever it was that had happened at the lake.

Seriously Louis had no idea that Bay was home schooled? That was... shocking. "I suppose so? That's an interesting way to put it. But yeah, he is one of my best friends now and I think he will be for a long time." Louis really could be rather odd sometimes.

Langen walked into the Three Broomsticks, keeping her head low. She wasn't sure what in the world she was doing, but the brunette wanted to stay hidden. She was working for the ministy now and didn't want to be seen in any kind of pubs. Actually, she just wanted some food.

She loved Pub food. It was probably way unhealthy... and that was the way Langen liked it. She ran like a mile every day, so it wasn't like she was keeping all of the food in her stomach. She worked it off. By the pure miracle of metabolism and running, she managed.

Anyway, Langen cracked her back once before sitting down in an empty booth and pulling down her striped marine style sweater so her stomach wouldn't show. Again, she wanted to uphold any ministry standards, even ones she set herself. After her top was adjusted properly, she picked up the menu card and bit her lip, thinking of what she wanted to order.

The food was actually healthier than a few Muggle pubs she set foot in and that made Lagen happy. Even though any extra pounds she gained wouldn't show that bad with her long torso, she still was a little health concious. She worked in the Games and Sports department for Merlin's sake!

But still, right now she wanted to stuff her face with something unhealthy. Probably a brownie. Because nom nom

Louis tried his best not to make it obvious how relieved he felt at hearing Lux’s words. Yeah, honestly, after all the misunderstandings in the past few weeks, he REALLY didn’t want things getting all mixed up yet again. He liked his life simple and predictable, thank you very much. At her following words about him, Sander and Bay making it clear what they thought about her dating, the boy’s smile faltered. Aww. “Right, well…” Yeah, he wasn’t sure what to say to that. He DID feel a little guilty for the way they had all acted since Lux’s new curiosity about kissing, but… it was for her well-being. Or at least they thought so.

“I’m sure he will be,” Lou agreed with a nod. “I think we’ll be good friends for a good while, too… at least I hope so,” he added with a small smile. Lux and Bay were some of the first friends he’d made at Hogwarts, and he’d grown a lot closer to them than he had ever expected. These were two friendships he hoped never to lose.

Thankfully he believed her and seemed to be a little less awkward. "And you know I don't have any feelings for you either." Despite having kissed him, the only way she saw him was like an older brother. Things would not be changing either, that much she was positive about. "It's funny now you boys disapprove, yet on the most part the girls I talk to are okay with it." Even if they did not exactly want her to grow up, they still gave her advice and let her know that it was okay to be curious at 12.

"I'm sure you will be too. You are best friends and all." Small smile. She hoped that she would stay close to her friends for a long time, even after she was done school. "When I become a professional Quidditch player, I am going to invite all my friends to see me play."

Louis put on a face of mock disappointment and pouted. "Awww, so you were only using me for kissing practice? And here I thought we had something special," he said playfully before laughing stupidly at his own joke. That was the great thing about his friendship with Lux, even with the awkward kissing they were still comfortable enough with each other to joke about it, to not let it become a taboo subject.

"Well... girls probably understand better than we do," said Louis thoughtfully when Lux explained how the other girls were more accepting of her new behaviour. At least he was mature enough to admit that much.

Now Lux was going on about becoming a professional Quidditch player and inviting her friends to see her play. At this, Lou raised his eyebrows. He hadn't known Lux was so passionate about the sport. "I hope you'll be giving us VIP tickets and let us take your picture too," he added with a playful grin. "Don't forget us simpletons when you're rich and famous!"

Michael merely gave her a LOOK at that, he hadn't cried since he was three years old. But then he chuckled a little because he remembered going to see her off on her first day at Hogwarts and being extremely jealous that she was going and he wasn't. Only she didn't go. She stayed and waited so that they could go together. It made him realise how much Zahra did for him. "I'm going to buy you something special today. Anything you want."

Oh Merlin!

OH MERLIN!!

She had told her father that they had been kissing!? If the man didn't hex him then no doubt he would give him a lecture about dating his daughter. And now he was going to have to write to his parents because if they found out from someone other than him they were going to be annoyed. "Zahra." He groaned softly. "I've got money to pay for stuff." Which her father knew. "Your dad is going to be okay with this, right?"

SNORT.

Lux almost choked on her macaroni.

Coughing, she waited to recover before replying. "Sorry, Louis. I hope that doesn't break your heart." He was so silly, and she loved how she could have a great time with him like she had with Bay. They were all going to be such great friends for a long time.

Hmmm. She had never thought about it that way. "I never really thought it was different for boys than it was for girls. Though Ana said that a lot of the time it's the boy that asks the girl out. But that the girl can do it too." So she supposed that if she found a boy that she liked and he didn't ask her out, she could do it instead and it would all be okay. Unless, of course, the boy rejected her. Then she would be terribly sad.

"Aww, I will never forget you guys when I am world famous. I promise." Laughing because it was not the fame that appealed to her. She wanted to play Quidditch because she loved the sport, not to become a celebrity, and she was sure that Louis would understand that since she did not have a huge ego nor did she want to be the centre of attention.

Louis laughed when Lux snorted, but his amused expression quickly transformed into one of worry when she began coughing. “You alright, Lux?” he asked, before she suddenly seemed to recover. He sighed in relief and smiled as she playfully apologized. “Don’t worry, as long as I’ve got my pet rock to keep me company, I’ll make it through any heartbreak,” he replied jokingly.

At her following words, he nodded his head. “Well, your friend Ana is right,” he said, taking another sip of his butterbeer. “Girls and lads… we don’t always see eye to eye… but you can’t go wrong when two people have a connection…” he wasn’t sure what he was talking about anymore, and wondered vaguely if he’d ever find anyone he would have that sort of connection with. Eh. It didn’t really bother him anyway. He was still just fifteen, trying to adjust to a new school.

“You better promise,” Louis replied with a smile as Lady Lux assured him she wouldn’t forget them when she was famous. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you fly,” he pointed out with furrowed brows. Now that he knew how passionate Lux was about Quidditch, he kind of wanted to see her play.

Giggling, Lux thought about the pet rock he had offered her to kiss. She was glad she had given it back to him, because he seemed very fond of it. "Well, at least you won't be crying over me. That would make me really sad." She was glad that Louis did not have feelings for her, because if he had, it would break his heart that she only saw him as a friend and older brother.

She carefully thought over what he said as she ate more of her macaroni and cheese. "I think that is true, but that as much as it is good to find someone eventually, I will not become boy crazy." As curious as she was, she knew that she was still young, and the best thing to do would be to wait and see what happened.

Smiling, she held her hand to hear heart. "Cross my heart." She was not going to break that promise or forget any of her friends. And of course he had to bring up the flying thing... "Well, you see... I kind of am battling this fear of heights." By fear, she obviously meant crippling phobia.

"I might take you up on it," Ana informed him, giving a bright smile. While she loved going back home she certainly didn't want to not see Terry for the whole Summer. Besides, her family would likely be going somewhere horrible at the end of the Summer anyway. Ana would be willing to skip it. Especially if it involved another swamp. "Probably. He lives in Knightsbridge so it'll make it easier to get into Diagon. Although I'm not sure if he'll want me there for a month," no matter how well they got along she couldn't be sure she wouldn't drive him insane if they lived together for that long.

Ana was glad when her blush had completely faded, she hated when she couldn't blame it on exertion. Her pale skin didn't help much either. It returned however when her stomach made an audible grumbling sound. She'd been trying to ignore the fact that she was hungry, but she could really do with her lunch now please?

"Ugh. The ones that have trouble hearing are sending me deaf," Ana complained, wincing at the thought of them. They yelled so loud sometimes in class. Honestly, if you can't hear sit at the front. Or clean your ears. Some of them had earwax galore in them. "My eyes are still a bit strange, I just don't think glasses suit me and I've never been good with having things near my eyes," except mascara and eyeliner, because those things were a necessary evil and she'd gotten used to them. Gotten quite good at applying them too. That being said she wouldn't allow anyone else to wield them near her face.

He still thought she looked pretty? Ana lit up slightly at that revelation. Even looking old she was pretty. Obviously she was ageing as well as her Babushka had. Good genes were winning out over whatever this stupid thing that was causing people to age was. "And you're still very handsome," she returned honestly. Perhaps the most handsome boy in school, although she didn't know every boy and she might be slightly biased with her thinking.

“Yep. No crying from my part,” Louis reassured her with an amused smile. “Though I think Rocky is a little upset she won’t be my valentine this year,” he joked before returning his attention to his food. It didn’t take him very long to finish off everything on the plate.

“Good.” The boy nodded his head when Lux assured him she wouldn’t go boy-crazy. He just hoped there wouldn’t be another misunderstanding where she would start to think that boy-craziness was actually a good idea. Or that he was dating Bay again. Yeah, that was probably the most ridiculous of their mix-ups so far.

Lou smiled when Lady Lux made her promise, but it faltered as she confessed she was battling a fear of heights. Oh? At this unexpected news, the boy raised his eyebrows in surprise. He had sort of just assumed flying was something she did often, since she was so into Quidditch. “Since when?” he asked curiously.

A very bundled Fern made her way from the bar to the tables, carefully carrying a steaming mug of hot chocolate in her mittened hands. She was in a sour mood for a variety of reasons. First, she hated the cold. Second, Ella was looking more and more wrinkled everyday. And third, Forrest still owed her a meal, even if he was dead to her.

Grumbling to herself, she looked for an empty spot. All she wanted to do was shed a few layers, sip her drink, and read the Bunbury's DP article, "2083 Fashion: What's Hot and What's Not."

What she did not want to see was KACE LECIUM EMBRACING MARIGOLD MCALISTOR!

NO NO NO NO NO!

THAT VALENTINE'S DANCE THE PREFECTS HAD BEEN HINTING AT WAS COMING UP, AND EVERYONE KNEW THAT KACE WAS SUPPOSED TO GO WITH FERN'S BFF BRYNNY!

Fern stomped over to where the couple sat, just as they pulled apart, and demanded, "How serious is your relationship?" Fern didn't need to ask if they were dating. It was obvious that they were dating.

Delilah listened as Ella talked about her future.. Future. Delilah had no idea what she wanted to do once she graduated. Yeah, she had a bit of time but still.. the girl was just completely clueless. Maybe study more or work.. It was something she needed to think about though. But, Ella was right. It'll be an adventure. An exciting one at that. "What are you planning on studying? And, where?" She finally asked, curiously.

As for the whole old-disease situation.. yeah, maybe. Someone was probably working on a solution but could they come up with one as soon as possible? At least, her hair wasn't greying. That was something to be thankful for, yeah? "Well.. I just hope this.. whatever it is.. just stops." Yes. Hopefully.

She set her mug down after taking a small sip of her steaming hot drink when she raised an eyebrow. Uh.. Delilah shook her head and slid it back towards Ella. "No. This is my treat."

Kace was still talking to Marigold and then when he was looking around admiring the view, he noticed someone was coming up towards them. She seemed familiar and he smiled to be polite. Wait...this girl...she was the one who spread that rumor that he was dating Brynny which he wasn't in fact.

Then she asked a very blunt question and asked how serious their relationship was. Erm? What? He furrowed his brows and gave her a quizzical look. "Ermm...what are you talking about?" he asked her. He even looked at Marigold for some help on this.

"Good, no crying over me! I'd be sad if anyone did that." It had made her feel bad enough when Bay had cried at the lake, and that hadn't even been over her! So she couldn't imagine how bad she would have felt if she had broken Louis' heart. Awww, poor Rocky. "It's okay, she can be too because I am only your friend Valentine." Amused, she gave Louis a wink.

Yep, it was very good. "I know you guys are just looking out for me because you see me as your little sister. And I do appreciate it." Just because she got frustrated with them at times did not mean she didn't appreciate that they cared for her and looked out for her. She knew they only did it because they loved her.

Errr... "Since when have I been afraid of heights? Or since when have I been getting lessons?" The question was a little confusing to her.

The Three Broomsticks he said....

Seren wasn't particularly thrilled with his choice, she'd have preferred some nice tea and scones at Puddifoots, but for whatever reason, she found herself indulging her husbands whim, meeting him in the pub instead. The one that was popular with the students, of all places.

After ordering a hot cocoa -- the closest thing she would get to tea in this establishment, Seren seated herself at one of the tables near the entrance. Where was her hotty hubby huh? And more to the point, where was her handsome little oak prince? She was itching to wrap her arms around her little fella.

She hadn't had to wait long for her hot cocoa to be served, and she sipped at it while sparing the occasional glance to the door. As it finally swung open, she had to do a double take. As strange as it was, over the past couple of months she'd somehow grown accustomed to seeing aged people, so seeing her still quite youthful and exceptionally handsome husband stirred something in her. Were those hormones raging? Who knew.

But... where was her son? She wanted to see him. Now.

Her grin, though not what it once was, still lit up her face, accentuating the crows feet in the corners of her eyes. Beautiful though, she was not, still she appreciated the sentiment and was at least assured that they would grow old and happy together.... only... preferably at the same time. Minor details. The healers were around, something would come of it eventually. "You don't mind the grey?" she asked, curious, "or the wrinkles?" As decrepit as she looked, it was beginning to grow on her. Just, if only she wasn't so tired all the time. "I think I need to get my thyroids checked," she mused to herself, her mind already elsewhere. Poor attention span these days.

Her eyes fell on the collection of albums, she could only imagine her mother standing there wiggling her fingers at her, stern looks and all. They knew the demands of her work before all this.

"Of course," she nodded, patience enough to wait till he returned before asking questions.

His silence was telling, the man had his moments, but for the most part he was never very good with words. Trying her hardest not to look like a dying puppydog that was kicked in the face, Seren sipped from her cocoa, glad for its warmth. She simply nodded as he went to place his order. She knew this wouldn't be easy, but his initial compliment had given her some hope.

The fruit and chocolate barely caught her attention, the blue daisies though... they were darling. "Thank you... they're... lovely." She accepted them and gave them an appreciative sniff before placing them on the table beside her drink.

His facial expression and tone did little to put her at ease. He left law enforcement a while ago, did he still have to keep on with the questioning thing? Tilting her head to one side then the next, Seren considered his question carefully before responding. The last thing she wanted to do was let things blow out of proportion, but she could only speak the truth. "I've been better," she agreed, nodding. That much was clear. "I can't do half of what I used to, and I tire too easy now... but we have Healers up at the school, I'm sure whatever this is, they'll have it sorted out in no time." Hopefully.

But enough of his questions, she had one of her own. "Where's Derfael?"

Anybody
 

No... they weren't flesh eaters, but it was the thought that count. The idea of him bringing her throat-latching carnations instead got her grinning, it would have been a sight to see. "For now," she agreed before raising her cocoa to her lips again. The creamy, sweet warmness was appreciated as was her husbands company.

The shift in conversation was not expected and not the least bit welcome. It wasn't something she could help, and while she understood his frustrations, and knew that he cared... what was she supposed to do? "Annie doesn't know any more than I do.. so if you want an audience with her then you may as well have one with me." She was the Deputy, and as much of a challenge as this had been for Annie, it was also a challenge for her. Who knew a few stress induced grey hairs would turn into this? Hmmm? Only, this was something more than that. Much more than that.
The slamming of the mug was also not appreciated, conflict and ... conflict were not things she handled particularly well. "I'm.... sorry?" was her response.

The drumming of the fingers, she noticed that too. His impatience and displeasure was showing. The smile she wore earlier had already faded, and with his answer to her question, diminished completely. Her weeee oak prince was sick?! Without her?! And nobody thought to tell her this?! ... of course, had she been a more present and attentive mother, that wouldn't have been necessary. If she hadn't been stressed enough already, then this certainly didn't make things any better. The stress of juggling work and family life compounded by the guilt, it would consume her.

Her eyes fell back to the not-so-modest pile of albums. Had she really missed that much?

Wibble.

"Oh."

For a brief moment she was off with the faeries, her mind back at the greenhouses with her other babies... and that in itself was enough to bring her back to reality. She had a baby, or... a little man, he was growing up and she wasn't there to see it.

Too right it wasn't her fault. In fact, it was hard to point the finger of blame at anyone. Save for maybe Botros. But he was a dear, surely he couldn't be behind the whole ageing thing. Though... what if he was taking a leaf out of that time-thief de Talone's book?

No.. no.

Seren shook her head to clarify her thoughts, in time to see Aron swab her mug. Merlin. "Must you?" she asked, though really, it was pointless. Of course he was going to swab her. She was old and dying, if that wasn't reason enough for him to go gathering samples then what was? At the end of the day, if it made him feel better running her DNA through his lab things at work, then so be it.

She wasn't crying. Not yet. But the tears were there, just waiting to be released. "I'm not.." she said in a small voice, knowing full well that more talking would indeed open the flood gates. A cold. With Aron and her mother, he was in safe hands. "But that's just the thing... I want him to eat bananas for me."

Giving Aron's hand a gentle squeeze as he took hers, Seren tried her best to avert her gaze, but found she was unsuccessful. There was only so long she could glance out the window or stare at the pile of photo albums before she was drawn back to his ageless face -- in comparison to hers at least.

She nod her head, knowing full well that he wasn't going to let it go. So long as she didn't have to go peeing in cups then she could handle the intrusions. His lab though, hadn't sounded promising last she heard. "How are things going with the Ministry?" she asked, concerned about his working conditions as much as she was for her own. Who knew what rabid creatures, germs or elements he was exposing himself to. Abandoned places were abandoned for a reason.

With her free hand, she nudged her mug back and forth on the table, prodding the handle with her index finger. She knew this day would come, when this topic would be up for discussion... and as much as she had wanted to avoid it, it was also something she wanted to get off her chest. "I know... I know..." she pacified, understanding that despite his responsibilities she was far less present. "I've been thinking of retirement," she confessed, though she wasn't sold on the matter. "I love what I do, and I'm not ready to give it up just yet, but ... for you, for Derf, it's something I'm willing to consider."

*doesn't quote this time*
 

And what had she done to deserve that look?......

She was relieved to hear him continue, despite the pause, and it seemed as though he had a fair bit to get off his chest. Seren could appreciate how difficult his situation with work, and it only made her feel worse knowing that she was adding to his stress. "I'm sure things will start coming together, it must be quite an adjustment ..."

Adjustments. There were a lot of those. Seren sipped from her cocoa before reaching out for a strawberry and dipping only the tip of it in the chocolate. She didn't much have a sweet tooth anymore, the fruit being the exception. Those were natural sugars.

Seren had been certain that Aron would react more strongly, but accepted his gentler approach and support for the idea. "Mmm, maybe," she replied, briefly contemplating the idea of tutoring or doing something else. She couldn't see it happening, not immediately at least. She just wanted to make up for lost time with her son. If that was even possible. A house though, that did sound nice. "We could start looking in the holidays?" provided her health was better. She couldn't much imagine hobbling around the country in search of their perfect home as she was. The risk of a slipped disc or broken hip seemed too great for that.

Food for thought. Seren nod her agreement.