Flavor? Kurumi giggled before she could stop herself, but eventually did so by placing one hand over her mouth. "S-Sorry, just saying flavor instead of scent made me picture you pouring it over ice cream or into a coffee," she explained. "Only if it wouldn't be too much trouble for you. I've been thinking about changing shampoos for a little now, but it's hard to find a scent that I...........I like."

Agreed with was the better term really.

Kaiden....Kaiden.... Kurumi searched her memory for someone of that name, but she was sort of drawing a blank. Somewhat understandable given that the current seventh years at Hogwarts had been second years during her last term and the first years from that time were now sixth years and...MERLIN. Time was going by so quickly! Soon she...she wouldn't know a single student walking through those corridors. At least no one that she had gone to school with. Wow. "I don't think I know him," she thought out loud. Perhaps Lewis did though. She would have to ask.

Oh right! Table! Shaking herself from her thought, she smiled at Elodie and pulled her wallet out of her bag. "Alright, I'll see you in a bit then," she nodded before heading towards the counter to order one hot cocoa, a pumpkin juice, and two slices of strawberry shortcake. Not the best combination of flavors, but it would have to do.

Balancing the tray with both her hands, she made her way around the various people coming and going until she found Elodie and, as gingerly as she could, set the tray down on the table. "Hope you like strawberry shortcake," she said as she passed the small plate towards her followed by the hot cocoa.

Penelope pulled out a couple more tissues just in case he needed more and placed them on the table. This sorta helped with the not worrying too, having things that helped him and seeing him actually accept them. It made her feel a little better.

"A little. One of the staircases changed places so I had to find an alternate route." And thankfully after about seven years at this place she knew most alternative ways to get to where she wanted to go.

"So what's up?" He seemed awfully excited about something, and she was pretty sure it wasn't just because he liked hanging out with her. Though the conceited part of her thought that was at least part of it. Heh.

He reached out his hand lazily to grab the tissues she offered making sure to brush his hand against hers a little. Contact. He liked it when it was between them even if it was the most subtle of touches.

As she recounted her journey here, he tapped a simple rhythm into the table more out of habit then necessity. "But you're here now." The tapping continued. An almost anxious gesture, definitely an energy filled one.

Right. Now onto the fun stuff. He sat up a little in his seat and looked 'round the Three Broomsticks. They were still working it out, but it was official now. West had told him. "Babe, we officially have a gig come the holidays. Which explains why West wants me to spend some time at his. Practice and whatnot, yeah?" He'd been oddly adamant about Ascanius being there over break, but now it all made sense. And he was so pumped about their next concert. Get to play some of their own stuff.

Her smile widened when his hand brushed against hers, which she decided to keep there, resting on the table. In case he wanted to hold her hand too. She liked holding his.

And that got a nod. "Yep." She was here. And she noticed the tapping. But her eyes quickly moved back to his face as he continued, sitting up and leaning forward a little as he did. And her face lit up with another grin.

Penelope knew Ascanius would be staying with West for the holidays partly for a reason he probably wasn't aware of. But then there was this too now - and this was a good reason. A really good one, one to get excited about and look forward to. "That's awesome, babe! When is it? Where is it?" Lots of questions and excitement here.

He noticed her hand all lonely on the table and tried to bite back a smirk. Message received, Pen. Ascanius reached forward and interlocked their hands before lifting her knuckles up to his lips and brushing them there. Better? He thought so, yeah?

Her excitement was contagious. The great thing about having a girlfriend like Penelope was that she was actually the most supporter partner ever. Y'know, like with everything he did. Even some of the less well thought out things she always backed, if he explained it to her and all.

Which had been the cause of their latest argument. All resolved now.

The seventh year shook his head, "I don't know the details of all of it yet, yeah? I know West is still working it out, but......our music, Pen. We can play our music." Sure, they might play a cover or two. But this concert could be about The Dead Kneazles and not anything else. Which was the cause for his bubbling excitement. Among other reasons.

She grinned a bit when he quickly got the message. It was a pretty obvious one after all. His lips also got a gentle poke after they brushed against her knuckles and then her hand relaxed into his. This was definitely much better, especially with the excitement. If there hadn't been a table between them Penelope would have hugged or kissed him - or both - but hand-holding would be good for now. Hand-holding and grinning.

Her questions weren't answered, but that was okay since he didn't know those details yet. Those would come later then, and she knew he'd let her know. 'Cause she'd want to be there to see them and support them and all that. She squeezed his hand. "That's so exciting!" Their own music. Seriously cool. She'd heard one of the songs he'd written, and she'd liked it. A lot. "I can't wait to see you all play again. 'Specially your own stuff." Covers were good and all, but playing your own stuff was probably much better because it was special and your own. At least, that was what she figured, though she wasn't exactly a musician.

"When will you know the rest of the details?" Before or during the holidays? Not that it mattered 'cause she'd make sure she was there no matter what. Apparating was great for that.

Char had the most unusual questions. Nobody's asked if they could tell anyone before. But then again, he wasn't their quote unquote boy-toy. They couldn't say anything, but Charizard could. Because he was now her boyfriend and should start acting like one.

Declan nodded, tilting his head to the side, "Sure. Go ahead and tell all your little friends about how great I am and how amazing of a superhero I am." He was pretty amazing to begin with. Smirk to self. Did he have any friends to tell? Kace. LOL. That was pretty much it for now. Family members? Shane and Mari? Rorie wouldn't believe it if they were the last words out of his mouth.

Oh goodie he was going to try. That made the blonde very happy and he got snaps. She enjoyed when people would try her different types of food. She knew most liked meat, but sometimes it wasn't bad to do vegetarian.

Watching as he got up and started to gather his things. "I hope everything is alright. There has been a disturbance with many of them lately it seems, but nothing like this." No nothing like the creatures coming to hogsmeade. She glanced up again, "Don't you apologize at all. This is your job, but maybe tea in my office soon?" Yes that would be lovely.

Once he was gone and she did notice he paid her bill. She'd repay him later, Cassie turned back to her sandwich.

Char raised her eyebrows at Declan when the words "little friends" and superhero left his mouth. She could have busted his bubble and made a smart remark but she figured, given the circumstances of the moment, she should just boost his ego instead. It wasn't like everything he had said was exaggeration, she definitely did think he was amazing. She just didn't have a reason to call him a superhero quite yet.

"Oh yes, I'll probably start off with the amazingness." She was smiling big at him by now, just really happy with the events of the date in general. "Go into depth about your looks, irresistible smirks and all." She said this last part knowing very well he'd simply smirk at her again but she'd just accept it today.

"Anything else you'd like me to tell them about?"

"Whenever West let's us know. We typically let him handle all the logistics." Not 'cause they were lazy and didn't want to be involved just because, well, that was a heck of a lot more work then Ascanius wanted to put forth. The seventh year was more about the music then about the planning. Kind of why he enjoyed the drums so much, yeah? Meant he got to sit in the back and do his thing with the rest of his bandmates, but he didn't have the weight of the front man. WHICH was why West did most of the work.

Long story short. West would tell him.

Rubbing his thumb over her knuckles once, he released her hand to get rid of the tissues. Nosebleed seemed to be contained for now. Though a trip to the toilets in a bit may be in order. For reasons.

He grabbed her hand again, "Did you hear I got lit on fire in Ancient Runes?" 'Cause he did.

Declan kinda just leaned back in his seat and let his now girlfriend serenade him about all his glory. Girlfriend. Giiiiiiirrrrllfrieeeennndd. Didn't think he'd use the term again for a looooong time.

Guess he could shower Charizard with ego boosting compliments too since she was able to win his cold little heart, but then, he'd succumb to her power and he wasn't ready for her to have that fun yet. Declan rested his chin on his palm, turning to face her. "I like it so far, but you should also add how I saved you from a burning building and read to stray puppies in my free time." Innocent smirk. He really does love puppies though. Who doesn't?

Ha. Yeah. Saved her from a burning building was definitely an overstatement. No no Boyfriend, that wouldn't work for her. Charlotte turned her whole body to him and shook her head (still grinning) and said, "Dec, babe," something she just wanted to try using to see how it felt in her mouth, "I can't lie to my friends about you! I think cute and nice will be sufficient." Honestly, they'd probably be squealing too much to hear the rest (Lux if anything, not Vinnie).

"Maybe one day when you actually save my life, I can tell them that." For now, she might call him her superhero just for funsies. He'd enjoy it and she just liked the way it sounded and how cool it made her feel.

Babe. That word always took him back to the Austin Powers movies or the one flick he saw once about the pig that could talk. No, it wasn't Charlotte's Web. It was literally called Babe. But, if she compared him to a rather lovable and cute piggy or a groovy ladies man, then alright.

"Wait..." Declan leaned in, lowering his voice, "It wasn't you that I rescued?" LOL. You know, he totally would, but there weren't many burning buildings around here. And Hey! She hadn't seen him working his hero magic in Peru. He went up against trollsand zombies Hmmph, hmmph, hmmph. Whatever. He's his OWN superhero. Babe.

“I know you do, beautiful.” Mordred smiled as he watched his girlfriend go giggly, excited, and all that. This is what he’s missing for the past few months because of university and him being a volunteer at the reserve. He really could use some downtime real soon with Sophie. He’s quite sure that it will inspire him to finish the things he started back in Russia, yeah? “I…love you.” He replied as he kissed her lovely nose. And yes, he means it.

The day just keeps getting better, hm? Mordred nodded and grinned as he picked up his mug and drank his drink. “I am very proud of him. Who would have thought he’d end up as a Snake?” he said as he discreetly wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “…and above all, doing well in school? He wasn’t like this back in Durmstrang.” Which was odd because Mordred seemed to excel in that school more than in Hogwarts. The former Slytherin chuckled and shook his head. “Ethan is different, I’m telling you. He’s got a very positive outlook in life which…I must say I lack.” Truth. Maybe, that’s what makes his cousin a Snake? The boy just won’t stop until he gets what he wants…or he will stop momentarily and think of another way to get around it. Snakey indeed.

Mordred had to bite his lip to prevent himself from chuckling further. Sophie’s just too precious! “Okay, afternoon. I’ll pick you up. I…want to bring you somewhere.” Nope, not in Russia this time. The former Slytherin looked into Sophie’s eyes as she said that she’ll keep him too. A slight grin was on his face, but his eyes was definitely saying something. He will not say it out loud, but he did feel that in a few years’ time, he will have this conversation again with her soon…popping the big question. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, he will make it official soon.

Mordred sighed happily as the conversation shifted to dragons. “I believe that they do.” He said and nodded. His first encounter with the frost dragon was an eventful one. He could swear the creature was talking to him, and that it can see through his soul. Even his history. No wonder dragons are revered across the wizarding community. They can be the most powerful ally, and the worst enemy.

Hugging continued, and Mordred hugged his girlfriend back affectionately. He knew that saying good bye to her in a moment’s time will be difficult. Merlin. He hates goodbyes. “Runes can channel your energies to objects making it magical.” Charms and Runes. Interesting combination. “Do…we have to start from the very beginning?” Like…Ancient Runes 101 or…?

Okay, so maybe she just wasn't a babe kind of girl. What she actually wanted to call him was something really cheesy like honeybun but only because she knew he wouldn't like it. Being his giiiiirlfriiieeend wasn't going to stop her from bugging him. If anything, it just meant she'd do it more often. Plus, as Dec had said, he was blunt so she knew if she ever bothered him too much, he'd tell her.

Dec couldn't really be serious right now..obviously he hadn't saved her from anything except the single life and that had just happened so it didn't really count. "Are you confusing me with one of your Cali girls??" She really doubted it but maybe he was and that was cool, totally. Not like she was the jealous type. They joked around about his other girls all the tiiiime. Char didn't actually know if he had all of these other girls but she kind of really hoped he didn't...

Char. Charizard. Char-parone. Char-cheesy. Charlotte's web. Not-Charlotte-Char. Candy girl. Captain Candy Char. So many great nicknames ready to go and she'd punch him in the kisser if he ever dared to use one. Didn't mean he wouldn't take a risk and use them anyway. Muahahaha. He's gotten away with Candy Girl, so far. Next challenge, Charizard. Gotta Catch 'Em All! Heh, heh. Pokemon.

Something Charizard seemed to always ask and poke at where "his Cali girls". What Cali girls?? Just whoever he came across with in the street? Does that mean he's going to have Scottish girls now? There's no Cali girls. All gone. All forgotten. If anything, the only one lingering is Samantha, but even then she'll be gone soon. He's got someone else to focus on now. Someone in the present. Declan bopped her nose, "Maybe I was just dreaming." Because being a superhero was his lifetime dream of course.

Dreaming? She didn't ever think he'd be dreaming of her so far. "Oooooh so you're dreaming of me, huh??" This interested her so much! Like, even if he wasn't dreaming of her, she found it interesting that he'd waaaay he was. Kind of cute really. She almost wanted to flip her hair in that girly girl kind of way because Dec as her boyfriend gave her some sort of ego boost.

"I just don't know if our relationship has gotten far enough for you to be dreaming of me!"

Was it him or did it seem like his egoistical ways were rubbing off on the people who spent most of the time with? That was bad wasn't it? People would tell him that it was bad. He didn't want people telling Char she was self absorbed if that was his fault and all, y'know? She wasn't. She cared. Way more than he could ever. Declan only hoped he wouldn't be a bad influence on her.

However, she is a Slytherin. Char's tough enough to handle any stuff that people throw at her. She'll be okay and that's why Declan is happy that she's his now. "Oh, now you're telling me I can't dream?" He snorted, "I can't control what I dream!"

Benny kind of expected the reaction he got from Adi. At least the surprise because he had never revealed anything to the happening before, not even when they managed to ride in a carriage together for once. But the speechlessness of the Hufflepuff was not expected...entirely.

"There...there was an accident. And I...happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time." That was all he was willing to say. The details had been fleshed out and dragged out of him too many times when asking for his statement as a witness. It had been the most he had ever said before and since.

As for that brownie and butterbeer, it was looking far more appealing now as a way to chase away the blues that had developed through his bomb dropping. He simply nodded as Adi mentioned getting himself two, not even fully registering what was being said.

Charlotte sat and quickly contemplated whether or not it would be worth it to tell Dec that there actually were some people in the world who could control their dreams. Kind of like that Inception thing! It's a real thing! Instead, she decided to just let him have it. Not like she actually knew how to back up her fact and she definitely didn't know anyone who had ever done it before...she'd just read things about it.....articles and such...........whenever she decided reading was worth doing.

"Never said thaaaat, just sayiing...you're obviously infatuated with me...cuppycake." HEHEHE. Cuppycake. If that wasn't the best name to call him, she wasn't sure what was! And if she looked at Declan long enough, tilted her head a bit maybe, he could actually kind of look like a cuppycake...a really good looking one...that she just wanted to snog...no big deal.

She was really curious though and still extremely interested in this conversation though. Eventually, giving in, Char gave her sweetest smile and asked, "Do you really dream about me though?" She just wanted to knoooooow.

Dylan nodded in agreement when Kace mentioned Quidditch. "I gotcha dude, I'm seriously so upset about that. I was going to try out this year and I was so excited...but if it's for our safety or whatever, then it is what it is..." he said with a shrug. He still was strongly disappointed though, along with the rest of the school without a doubt. Quidditch was one of the best parts of going to Hogwarts. It was just so weird without it.

Anniversary gift? Awwww how cute! "Really? What do you wanna get her?" he asked. Because if Kace was clueless on what to get, Dylan would totally help!

SEE?! See the ego growing??! He didn't know whether to be proud or concerned. Cuppycake? CUPPYCAKE?? What in the world was a cuppycake? A super cupped out cupcake? Ummmmmm....okay. "Whoa, there tiger. I don't think we're far enough in our relationship to call me 'infatuated'." See, what he did there? Using her words, he was!

Awww, look at that smile. He should probably get used to the fact that her question asking is never ending. Dec pondered in silence for a bit, recalling all the dreams he's had of Char in the past month or more. Nodding, he finally spoke, "I've had a few. Mostly where you shower me in candy and cookies."

Also sorta a vague answer, but it was okay. She'd find out whenever he found out. At least it was just something good to look forward to. The more good things to look forward to during and after the holidays, the better.

A good thing right now though - his nosebleed had stopped, at least. Thank Merlin.

Penelope squeezed his hand when it took hers again and then - blink. Blink. Lit on fire??? "You did?" she asked, eyes widening a little. "How'd that happen??" Her first instinct was to ask if he was okay, but it was pretty obvious that he was - considering he was right there and looked fine - so the next important question was how. Seriously, how? What was Botros teaching about Ancient Runes of all things to require fire? Or maybe he wasn't and some kid randomly decided to use Incendio or something? She had no idea.

"Oh I was gonna go and try out again this year since I needed a break on my second and third year to prove to my mom that I can do well in my studies and once she gave me the say so, it happened. But I guess it is for our safety.." he shrugged not going into it too much. He reflected back on his first year and it hurt his heart.

Anyways onto a new topic. Yes the anniversary gift. "Oh...well it is a surprise. Can I trust you that you won't tell Emmy?.." he asked her looking around one time to see if stragglers or people will overhear. He felt he could trust him, so he leaned in closer. "I got her a penguin bracelet to always remember me.." he smiled. He thought it was a good idea.

There was really and basically no reaction. How boring Declan! Char had really been expecting something but since he completely ignored her cute nickname for him, she decided that would be the name she permanently used for him...until she got tired of it, which could be very soon. Plus, he purposely called her Char...but pronounced it liked Charizard so she could do as she pleases! "I see what you did there...and I don't appreciate it." Nope. She stuck her tongue out at it him for a good two seconds and then retreated it.

Candy and cookies?? Surely Dec understood the reasoning for Charlotte burst of laughter after she heard what he said. Why would she shower him in candy and cookies?? Candy, all the time, but she didn't even eat cookies that often! Biting her lip, she took in deep breaths to calm down the laughing, because really, cookies? Then she took his hand and nodded. "If that's what you want me to do one day, I can. Since it's one of your literal dreams and all. You'll just have to eat all of the cookies." She wasn't joking either. She had plenty of candy now and could restock and then go out and buy loads of cookies and then 'shower' him with them. It could totally be a thing.