Thornton waved a quick greeting. "Hi Sophie," he said with a nod as the girl walked by. Eden, too, got a smile. "Thank you," he responded, even as he was just a teeeeeny bit uncomfortable being at a party in his pajamas.

But a s'more... that was a good idea. Wandering over, he stopped, tapped on the shoulder.

Thornton tilted his head, confused. His shirt? Brow furrowed, Thornton tried to figure out what she could be referring to. He had a vague recollection of someone's shirt being wave around by Peeves the previous year, but it had not been his... But to contradict a professor publicly would not be proper manners. "I will... do that, Professor." He paused. "Enjoy your evening."

With that, Thornton opted to head over to where some new students (Kate and Janelle) were talking. "Hi," he said, extending his hand. "I'm Thornton. I just wanted to come over and welcome you to Ravenclaw." It was weird making a first introduction in slippers and a robe, but it was what it was.

Page flip, READ, page flip, READ, page flip...READ...

Really, the repetition of it was doing wonders for his head.

At some point, Gabe had acquired parchment and quill...and was taking notes to share with Jeremiah....whenever they could spare a moment to visit the Potions' lab. Or the newly acquainted Dima, whenever he was ready to attempt a potion or two. Gabriel didn't mind helping him...if he was serious about it.

A flash of red caught the corner of his eye and he seen Clara....He still needed to speak with her about a few things...but figured she was still upset with him. Girls. He couldn't win with them. Ever.....but maybe them being in a crowded space would save from her possibly screeching at his face.

Glancing around the room, Gabe closed the potions book and joined her on the floor. Only because that's where Clara was...and how odd and OBVIOUS would it have looked if he'd been standing over her? "May i speak with you?"

While she planned to have an uneventful and quiet evening, she accepted that speaking to the professors was something she'd have to do. If not out of necessity, but out of politeness. They weren't exactly evil, after all. She turned to Professor Kitridge first, as he'd spoken to her. Was she better? That depended on the definition of 'better'. In the short term? Sure. "Oh, yes, sir. I am," she assured him. "Thank you." Clara tried to remain cool and confident, but the reality was ... that her eyes kept wandering every few seconds, trying to make sure that nobody was looking at her.

Her attention, however, was caught by Professor Tanner who spoke to her next.

"Oh." That genuinely came as a surprise to her. Though, she supposed she had fainted and some people may take that more seriously that others. For her, it wasn't too uncommon for that - or similar things - to occur in stressful situations. Nonetheless, she appreciated the thought. "Thank you, Professor. I'll keep that in mind." Maybe she would 'retire early'. Parties weren't really her thing.

Currently, she was content with the knowledge that she could leave early if needs be ..... that, and she also had Eden if she needed her. Clara cherished her, and was grateful that she was staying close yet not forcing her into conversation. Eden was the best friend she could ever hope for. Her sister, essentially, and not Rorie's. With a little chuckle, she blew a kiss back.

Unfortunately, as soon as her spirits were lifted, someone had to come and drag them back down.

And it was Gabriel. Of course.

She looked up as Gabe sat down, eyeing him warily. Clara was definitely still angry at him - for many things, some that she didn't even understand herself. Now, to add to the list, he'd taken her wand. She had just been trying to help. Without her assistance, it was possible that Gabriel would've been part of an even bigger physical assault. She had no doubt that that was part of, if not all, he wanted to speak to her about now. "Sure," she allowed, raising her eyebrow as if to ask here, or elsewhere?

.

.

It was impressive how Clara could accuse him with just a look. She was still angry, then. Rethinking this decision, Gabriel blanched, colored slightly, and then, moved away some.

"I just....wanted to....ask how you were." So, here was fine. See, Gabe couldn't be alone with her.....and that was best for everyone involved...

"You hit the ground hard." Mumbling. He did that, instead.

This was not what she'd been expecting.

At all.

A look of surprise crossed her face and her expression softened, but ... she quickly tried to cover that up, replacing with a sceptical look and a slight furrowing of her eyebrows. Clara wasn't entirely convinced that that was all he'd wanted to speak to her about, but she wasn't about to push him on it. This was a much better topic, even if it was one of some embarrassment.

However, she did know that Gabe understood, and that knowledge made her feel somewhat better. That didn't stop her pulling anxiously at a loose thread from her pajama bottoms as she didn't have sleeves tug over her hands. "Uh ... I'm alright." Pause. "I ... don't really remember it, if I'm honest. It all happened fast. That guy..." she trailed off, grasping for something else to say, but nothing came to mind. She just looked around helplessly at anywhere but him.

.

.

Well, good. That was....."Good."

Messing with his fingers, Gabe fell silent; his mind moving very quickly through a plethora of things. After a few moments of floundering, they settled on something very uncomfortable and specific...and he colored visibly. Well, more than he already had....anyway.

The urge to headdesk was strong.

ALSO looking anywhere but in her direction, especially now, he shrugged. Or tried to. Forced casualness = fail. "It's being....handled....You shouldn't feel...stressed, or anything."

Yay! She was excited to see him too, and hugs happened. Bouncy hugs, because was like his BIG SISTER away from home, and he was excited to see her. Some how he'd got stuck down the wrong end of the table at the feast, with all the BORING peeps.

He HAD gotten taller. A good couple of inches taller, in fact. Though he still looked ridiculously young, given that his August birthday meant that some of the firsties were nearly as old as him. Ah well, he'd been learning how to use his baby face to his advantage. "We could just eat them if you don't want to roast them, they're still good," Archie said as she seemed to hesitate on the s'mores front. "But roasting them makes them all oozy and messy and caramelly," and they were all GOOD THINGS.

Oh! And there were new peoples with Eden that he hadn't noticed in his excitement. "I'm Archie Ogden," he said with a grin. "Second year." For clarification purposes, because he was NO LONGER the little one. Not judging for them now being the youngest, though. "Welcome to the best house at Hogwarts. Who might you be?"
"Hey Thornton," Archie said to his year mate as he joined them. "Hope you had a good summer?" He really should get to know him better this year, given they shared a dorm and all.

Schmoop loveses the Ravenclawses and a Ravenclaw party is perfect place for Schmoops. Popping into the room near the snacks, Schmoop added more trays of cookies. Never enough cookies! Not for Schmoopses studentses!

"Extra cookies for the little masters and mistresses back at Hogwartses!"

Eden studied the young, blonde girl curiously as she grabbed a graham cracker from the table and began nibbling on it. Yummy. Food. Not like she should be hungry right now, though. "Ah--first year--" she smiled at Kate. She could remember her first year--at Durmstrang, though. Quite...a different atmosphere. There were no welcoming house parties there. "Well--welcome to Ravenclaw--and Hogwarts--and hope your year goes to plan!" she said brightly, nodding. "How do you like it so far? And the train?" Maybe she was talking too much? But Eden just got...excited.

Easily.

Slugging an arm around Archie, she shook her head. "No--roasting them is the only way to go, Arch." Didn't he KNOW? "Because if the marshmallow is HOT then the chocolate will be aaaalllll melty and we can then make proper messes--" she teased, winking at him as she gobbled up the graham cracker and grabbed a marshmallow. ONly. "Where's the fire--" she whispered at him. Yeah. Eden was really intelligent.

Out of the corner of her eye, she could totally see Gabe and Clara...and Gabe...she was watching him. Very very very CLOSELY. Just because he had handled the situation down there all right-didn't mean she trusted him. And definitely not with Clara. She shot her friend a look and glared at Gabe for a second more before turning back to her own business.

Clara was her business, of course, but Eden was not....one to run in, FINGER-GUNS A-BLAZING.

Hmmm. He seemed very confused. Certainly he would have remembered that? And then it hit her: it had been Mister Scabior, hadn't it? And here was poor Mister Baines, trying to save face for her. She decided to let it go and let him just think she was a complete nutter. "You too, Thornton."

"You're welcome, my dear. And do go see Healer Murdoch if you're not feeling back to normal tomorrow." It was important to be in tip top condition for the start of lessons in the morning. The professors were sure to put their dry brains through the ringer.

Oh good, an elf had come to check in on things. Excellent. They had a top notch crew in the kitchens.

"I'm glad to hear it. I was worried about you Clara." Leo said. He watched as Clara went over to talk to Gabriel about something. He knew there was something going on there even if he wasn't sure what. It involved young love and feelings though he imagined.

As one of the house elves popped into the room with a try of cookies Leo beamed gratefully. "Thank you, that's very generous of you. I might stop by the kitchens and lend an oven later in the week. I've promised one of the lady professors to bake a muffin for her." Leo filled in the house elf in. When Schmoop was here he figured he could forewarn the elves of his visit.

Leaning in to whisper as more and more eagles filed in Leo said "I'll give my speech now." This was meant as Tiaras queue to fetch/prepare the last, she needed for the activity she was taking the lead on.

****

Beckoning the claws to take a seat on top of the sleeping bag in a half circle in front of him Leo cleared his throat before he addressed them all. "Welcome newly sorted eagles and returning years to a new magical year at Hogwarts. For those of you who don't know me I'm Leobald Kitridge, Ravenclawäs Head of House and school librarian." He paused here to allow Tiara to interject with her own introduction.

After Tiara had quieted down, Leo continued letting his eyes trail over the faces as his tone got a little more serious. "Play nice in the Common Room, don’t get into any idiotic fights or cast spells on your peers it will earn you all a visit to the detention dungeon."

"If you get into a fight with someone then use your voice and smarts to resolve the situation not your wands or fists. Eagles are known for their wits and intelligence not their sharp fists!" Gesturing to Gabriel and Coral –Bay he drawled on. "If you get yourself into a situation you can’t resolve then seek help from Gabriel Banner and Coral-Bay Aldrich first, they are your house prefects this year. If you can't find them and no other senior student can be of assistance, or if the situation has spun out of control too much then fetch the nearest staff member."

"And lastly if you ever need an adult to talk to for whatever reason it may be my office in the library is always open day or night." Turning to Tiara he said beaming. "Tiara, do you want to tell us about the little party activity and get us started?"

Ooc: Welcome to a new magical year eagles, the pj party is officially started! Feel free to have your charries help themselves to the food and drink. Tiara (hpluvr037) will soon post to explain/start the party activity.

Good, Leobald was starting things off now. She took his cue to introduce herself. "And I am Professor Tanner, for those of you who do not know. I teach Arithmancy." Short and sweet, but that was all that was necessary for now.

Tiara simply listened intently as Leobald talked. It was a serious start to a party, but given the earlier circumstances, it was needed. However, now it was time to lighten up the mood! "Go ahead and help yourself to s'mores, cookies, and whatever other junk food we have over there at any time the mood strikes, but right now I'm going to introduce the night's activity!"

"We'll be playing the traditional slumber party favorite: truth or dare!" Ah, the memories from her numerous sleepovers as a girl growing up. "The rules are simple: either you answer a question truthfully or you perform the dare, your choice! I'm going to start."



Truth: Would you rather be forced to wear an invisibility cloak the rest of your life without taking it off or have all the bones in your appendages permanently magically removed?
Dare: Eat a vomit-flavored Bertie Bott's bean (conveniently supplied from the box in Professor Tanner's pocket).

What Tia really wanted to do after following her housemates up to the common room was head straight to her new bunk and get a good night's sleep for tomorrow's classes, but upon entering the common room it seemed that was not going to happen. So the fourth year hung back away from everyone for a bit as her hazel eyes searched around for perhaps an escape.

It wasn't until her head of house spoke, conveniently the librarian that she realized she was going have to stick around and socialize for a bit.

She didn't really want junk food or s'mores, but the activity seemed interesting enough. Listening to her Aunt's successor the Arithmancy Professor, she waited a moment to see if anyone was going to step up to the challenge. Truth or Dare. She didn't want any of those things for truth, because if her bones were removed she wouldn't be able to walk or write or read. And an invisibility cloak would be as if pretending she didn't exist .... forever.

"I'll take the dare," Tia said timidly, as she stepped over to Professor Tanner to wait for her vomit bean. Surely it couldn't be that terrible if she just swallowed it super quickly, right? She held her hand out to wait for her bean and then turned to face her housemates. Here goes nothing ...


And then a truth or dare for someone else ...


Truth: Would you rather be forced into a world of silence where speaking was forbidden/banned OR a world where everyone talks and interrupts constantly and you can't comprehend because everyone is talking at the same time?
Dare: Shove a mouthful of gooey marshmallows and chocolate into your mouth and then spew it out over the robes of one of the professors after giving them a hug

A smile made it's way to the prefect's lips upon hearing that both professors were well even after the earlier events of the feast. But as much as she had wanted to continue to chat with them and get on their very best sides her head was otherwise occupied by thoughts of this new girl Sophie was hanging around.


.......

New.... dormmate?

Oh............

Not allowing one inkling of the uncertainty appear on her face, Coral continued her warm smile for the new girl. "Pleasure, Evie." She nudged Soph lightly with her elbow. "We'll teach you all the ropes, i could make you a map if you'd like... I'd be really happy to show you around; show you all of the really cool spots to hangout, of course." If they'd already done that with Paris, doing that with Evie only a year later wouldn't be too hard.

"I'm sure we will." she turned her attention back on Evie. "I don't want to pester you with too many questions just yet, but did you transfer in or something?" And yes. She had a loooot of questions. But for now she just sorta grabbed Soph's hand and went over questions that wouldn't be too intrusive in her head.

And of course, Soph would have to fill her in on whatever it was she had already found out. "So... What'd you guys think of the feast? Was that crazy or what?" Was she still a bit shaken? hahaha. No. Yes.


She quieted down as the professor spoke up and turned herself, as well as Soph, to face him. Whole attention focused on the man, she swallowed thickly as her name was spoken but smiled reassuringly and nodded, her cheeks growing uncomfortably hot.

Involuntarily, her hand squeezed Soph's a little tighter, other arm reaching across her tummy to cling to Soph's arm.

Her gaze wandered to Gabe a few moments later, a little smile sent his way. They could do this. He was going to be good at this even if he didn't really believe it himself and she was going to do her best to show him that.


Passing on all of the snacks not only due to nerves but the dairy aspect of the s'mores, Coral anticipated the activity. She squeezed Soph's hand again after releasing it of her tight grip only moments before.

Exciting, wasn't it?

....... Oh.

She'd never played this before. Curiously, she moved forward a bit, "Let's start a circle." She whispered in Soph's general direction while watching the first round take place. Who was that girl, anyway? Another new face? There were a whole lot of those... Which meant more faces and names for her to memorize.

"I'll take the next one?" she shyly interjected. "Preferably truth." Just starting off easy....

HMMM. "The first option: easy." And to elaborate a little... "the constant noise of people talking over eachother would easily give me major headaches. Besides, writing or sign language or something wouldn't be half bad as an only form of communication."

Now let's see.... "Truth or dare?" she asked the room.

truth: Why do you think the hat sorted you here?
dare: hop on one foot, tap your nose and rub your tummy all at the same time.

Kate didn't know this woman's position in Ravenclaw house, but whatever it was, Kate was glad this woman had it. Kate really hadn't talked with Mr. Kittridge much, but this professor was awesome! "I don't know," Kate said with a shrug. "Maybe the Slytherins." Because in her own mind, all she could picture them doing now was yelling and fighting. Cupcakes just didn't seem to fit in the picture. "Nice to meet you, Professor Tanner," she said. Ohh, Arithmancy?! It had to be the one subject Kate didn't think she would like much. Oh, well. Time would tell. "I'm Kate Addison," she answered.



Then one of the boys came up and extended his hand. Thornton, he'd said. Kate extended her hand, too. "I'm Kate," she said. The boys at Hogwarts were really nice. She'd kind of thought boys might be annoying, but Zeke and Thornton had both been pretty cool. "Thanks for the welcome. What year are you in?" Because Kate would probably guess first or second.



...and another really nice boy! Merlin, Kate's assumption about boys just wasn't correct, was it? Then again, it hadn't been her who'd been on the receiving end of that Slytherin's boy's yelling at the feast. "I'm Kate Addison," she said in response. "Best house? I agree with you on that one. Ravenclaw's the one I was hoping for."



Ohh, they were going to have cookies, too!? Cool! "Thank you," Kate said to the little elf. She hadn't met any of the Hogwarts elves yet.



Kate noted the girl beginning her s'more preparation and decided to go ahead and make a s'more for herself. First, though, she'd answer the girl's questions. "Thanks," she said, responding to the welcome to Ravenclaw. "This is my mom's old house. It's the one I was hoping for." Thinking about her first evening at the castle, she said, "I'm still a little nervous, being new and all. It's been exciting for far! I'm starting to feel a little more comfortable knowing what house I'm in and where I belong."

Then Mr. Kittridge started talking, and Kate turned her attention to him.

-----

Ohh, a truth or dare game?! Sounded awesome to her! Kate liked taking the dares. They were way more fun to watch and do!



Kate watched the first round take place and listened to the first girl take a dare and the second one do the truth. Then the question was offered again, and Kate decided she wanted a turn. "I'll take this one?" she offered. "Dare." Bring it on! Ohh? Hop on one foot, tap her nose, and rub her tummy? All at once? Well, at least this one wasn't too embarrassing! Kate moved a few steps over so as not to fall on anybody if she just couldn't keep her balance. She began hopping on one foot, which was easy, then she kicked it up a notch by tapping her nose, too. Okay, so far, so good. Now to put the third one in the mix. Kate tried to rub her tummy, but she kept just moving her hands up and down in sync with the hopping. She finally laughed a little and said, "It's harder than I thought it would be!"

"Truth or dare?" she now asked.

-----

Truth: What is one thing you've always wanted to do but are incredibly scared to try?
Dare: Ask Schmoop for a slow dance around the room!

When Corrigan had first come through the door and seen all the everything spread out before her, her first impulse was to dive in and get started. But then she noticed that other students were rushing up stairs to get changed into their pajamas, and she supposed she'd better do so as well. The only problem was...

Her pajamas were old and ugly. Ugly old pajamas, when everyone else had lovely new ones. She'd had to spend a few minutes quietly pouting on her bed about the complete ugliness of her sleep apparel--because the last thing she wanted to do was spread her mood to anyone else--before reluctantly changing into said pajamas and joining the others back downstairs.

On seeing all the lovely new pajamas again, she forced the pout off her face and plastered an excited expression onto it instead. She decided to distract herself with s'mores. Lots of them. Nom nom nom.

Schmoop clasped his hands together excitedly. "Anything for the Ravenclawses. Schmoop is glad to serve."

Hmmmmmmmm. Nodding, Schmoop listened. "If Mister Professor sir would like to bake muffinses, the house elves will make space." Muffins for one of the mistresses! "If help is needed, Schmoop is a helper!"

Tiara laughed. "I doubt even the Slytherins could all withstand the temptations of a good cupcake." After all, they were only human. "And it's an honor to meet you as well, Miss Addison. I hope you find Ravenclaw House to be a worthy home at Hogwarts. Now go, enjoy the party!"

Alright, a new student was first up. Brave and bold, she liked that. "Here you go!" Good luck, those things were disgusting.

Moooooooore people were showing up! "Hi Janelle," Soph cheerfully greeted the girl whose robes she had dried at the feast, then EDEN was there, too, and the fifth year returned the wave.

Even if the girl didn't have winks for her. Sad.

Text Cut: Kitridge #1

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nordic Witch

Sophie Brown entered next in her PJ's greeting him with a sweet smile. "Good evening Sophie," Leo said as he gave the room a once over. "I'm glad you like it. We've worked hard to make it festive for the night." And sleep over.

How chipper of him. Without much thinking about her reply, Sophie casually crossed her arms to cover the front of her robes and answered back, "Well, y'did a nice job with it! Hard work pays off, in your case, doesn't it?"

Sophie coughed abruptly into the crook of her elbow.

"Loooooks like it'll be a strong term. Lots of new transfers to our house, yeah? Met a fifth year one and a fourth year one already." Eh hem. Casual subject change. "Reckon we'll be a strong contender for the cup, don'tcha think?"

Of course he did.

Text Cut: Tanner

Quote:

Originally Posted by hpluvr037

"Ah, Miss Brown! Welcome back, welcome back." The girl looked well enough, so hopefully she'd had a good holiday. "Thank you, but we must give the house elves the credit, as they did most of the work." All Leobald and herself had done was conjure some sleeping bags and a few other small things.

House elves, yes. Of course. Sophie smiled and agreed, "Can't forget about them. My best to them, then," she gestured around the room at large, addressing the house elves that were not there. She was sure they appreciated the sentiment all the same.

Text Cut: Kitridge, Tanner, CB

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nordic Witch

Leaning in to whisper as more and more eagles filed in Leo said "I'll give my speech now." This was meant as Tiaras queue to fetch/prepare the last, she needed for the activity she was taking the lead on.

****

Beckoning the claws to take a seat on top of the sleeping bag in a half circle in front of him Leo cleared his throat before he addressed them all. "Welcome newly sorted eagles and returning years to a new magical year at Hogwarts. For those of you who don't know me I'm Leobald Kitridge, Ravenclawäs Head of House and school librarian." He paused here to allow Tiara to interject with her own introduction.

After Tiara had quieted down, Leo continued letting his eyes trail over the faces as his tone got a little more serious. "Play nice in the Common Room, don’t get into any idiotic fights or cast spells on your peers it will earn you all a visit to the detention dungeon."

"If you get into a fight with someone then use your voice and smarts to resolve the situation not your wands or fists. Eagles are known for their wits and intelligence not their sharp fists!" Gesturing to Gabriel and Coral –Bay he drawled on. "If you get yourself into a situation you can’t resolve then seek help from Gabriel Banner and Coral-Bay Aldrich first, they are your house prefects this year. If you can't find them and no other senior student can be of assistance, or if the situation has spun out of control too much then fetch the nearest staff member."

"And lastly if you ever need an adult to talk to for whatever reason it may be my office in the library is always open day or night." Turning to Tiara he said beaming. "Tiara, do you want to tell us about the little party activity and get us started?"

Ooc: Welcome to a new magical year eagles, the pj party is officially started! Feel free to have your charries help themselves to the food and drink. Tiara (hpluvr037) will soon post to explain/start the party activity.

Quote:

Originally Posted by hpluvr037

Good, Leobald was starting things off now. She took his cue to introduce herself. "And I am Professor Tanner, for those of you who do not know. I teach Arithmancy." Short and sweet, but that was all that was necessary for now.

Tiara simply listened intently as Leobald talked. It was a serious start to a party, but given the earlier circumstances, it was needed. However, now it was time to lighten up the mood! "Go ahead and help yourself to s'mores, cookies, and whatever other junk food we have over there at any time the mood strikes, but right now I'm going to introduce the night's activity!"

"We'll be playing the traditional slumber party favorite: truth or dare!" Ah, the memories from her numerous sleepovers as a girl growing up. "The rules are simple: either you answer a question truthfully or you perform the dare, your choice! I'm going to start."

Truth: Would you rather be forced to wear an invisibility cloak the rest of your life without taking it off or have all the bones in your appendages permanently magically removed?
Dare: Eat a vomit-flavored Bertie Bott's bean (conveniently supplied from the box in Professor Tanner's pocket).

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wood'sLittleFlower

.......

New.... dormmate?

Oh............

Not allowing one inkling of the uncertainty appear on her face, Coral continued her warm smile for the new girl. "Pleasure, Evie." She nudged Soph lightly with her elbow. "We'll teach you all the ropes, i could make you a map if you'd like... I'd be really happy to show you around; show you all of the really cool spots to hangout, of course." If they'd already done that with Paris, doing that with Evie only a year later wouldn't be too hard.

"I'm sure we will." she turned her attention back on Evie. "I don't want to pester you with too many questions just yet, but did you transfer in or something?" And yes. She had a loooot of questions. But for now she just sorta grabbed Soph's hand and went over questions that wouldn't be too intrusive in her head.

And of course, Soph would have to fill her in on whatever it was she had already found out. "So... What'd you guys think of the feast? Was that crazy or what?" Was she still a bit shaken? hahaha. No. Yes.


She quieted down as the professor spoke up and turned herself, as well as Soph, to face him. Whole attention focused on the man, she swallowed thickly as her name was spoken but smiled reassuringly and nodded, her cheeks growing uncomfortably hot.

Involuntarily, her hand squeezed Soph's a little tighter, other arm reaching across her tummy to cling to Soph's arm.

Her gaze wandered to Gabe a few moments later, a little smile sent his way. They could do this. He was going to be good at this even if he didn't really believe it himself and she was going to do her best to show him that.

Yes, yes, Kitridge's welcome was very nice, and Soph gave a loud, "WOOP WOOP," when the house's head introduced CB as one of the prefects and proceeded to wrap her arms around her best friend and give her a BIG hug with every intention of embarrassing her. Hehehehe.

Truth or dare, eh? Would've been more fun if the professors hadn't been there - the first dare that came to mind, she wanted CB to take, but she was certain she would've been reprimanded by the professors for it. SO. Heh. As she joined the circle, as per CB's idea, she stayed silent and hummed a little to herself, entertained by everyone and their accepting of truths or dares, and then when a new little first year, Kate, posed an offer, Soph's hand SHOT into the air.

"I'm in. DARE. Absolutely." And the dare was PERFECT. Hahahaaha. With the confident air of royalty, Sophie Brown removed herself from the circle and skipped right on over to Schmoop the house elf.

"Hello, sir. I know you're very busy, but would you like to dance? Dance with me? Please? Yes? It would be very helpful." She extended her hand to the little elf and, grinning massively, gave him an encouraging nod. C'MON, LITTLE BUDDY. IT WAS OKAY.

Oh. She needed to throw one back at the group - eh hem - "TRUTH OR DARE?"

Truth: Who is the prettiest or most handsome person in the room?
Dare: Eat six of Schmoop's cookies one minute!

Truths or Dareses? The studentses were playing a game and Schmoop heard his name! Dances? Dances with Schmoop?

The student was skipping over and Schmoop stood still. He was supposed to go back to the kitchen after bringing the snackses, but not if the studentses needed.

"Dance, mistress? Schmoop does not know how to dance but will try if it makes the mistress happy." Raising a hand, Schmoop let the girl lead the dance.

Precious, he was. "I can teach you," Sophie chimed cheerfully, taking both of the house elf's little hands in hers gently and crouching slightly to tower over him less, but she still had a few feet on him, so it didn't help close the gap significantly at all.

Uh... music? MUSIC? They had no music. What was that... uh... charm she had read about... Merlin. Soph squinted in thought, felt for her wand, had an A-HA! moment of realization that the charm's incantation was Creo Musica, but then... she couldn't think of a single song. Not one appropriate for slow-dancing with a house elf.

Sigh. She could just hum or something.

"Ready? We'll go just like this..." Gently, Soph led in the slow dance, careful not to step on Schmoop's little feet as she guided them around an open part of the room. "Look at you, Schmoop, you're a natural! A great dancer." Was he happy? Miserable? At all enjoying himself? "You have my permission to enjoy yourself. Or leave if you're miserable." In case he needed that or something.

Tobes was gonna be so jealous.

Janelle nodded as Eden mentioned how well she would sleep after s'mores. Although she wasn't sure she could sleep when she was on a sugar high. Oh well, a little loss of sleep would be worth it. She watched Eden head off to roast marshmallows. "I'll be right behind you", Janelle said.



Ooh, a friendly firstie. This was good. Janelle responded to her future dormmate. "Thanks. Congratulations to you too. I'm liking Hogwarts so far, but I've had a lot more excitement today than I imagined." Janelle wondered what her second day at her new school would be like. Surely it couldn't be as drama filled as the first one.

"I'm really looking forward to classes and exploring castle and grounds. What about you? Are you enjoying yourself so far?"



Then a Ravenclaw boy came over and introduced himself to the girls. Grasping the hand that reached out to her, Janelle shook it. "Hi Thornton, I'm Janelle. It's very nice to meet you and thanks for the welcome." Was everyone in Ravenclaw as nice as the people she'd met so far? She was on a roll and loving it.

"So Thornton", Janelle asked. "What year is this for you?" He looked rather young himself. "Any tips on how to get along in Ravenclaw?" Janelle figured she might as well go to the old pros for this one.



And another boy to meet. How was Janelle ever going to remember everyone's name? She'd find a way somehow."Hi Archie Ogden. I'm Janelle Guidry. And thank you. I'm very glad to be in Ravenclaw.. Second year, huh?. That means he was in her shoes just last year. So Archie, do you have any advice for a firstie?" Janelle could use all the help she could get.



Janelle walked over to Sophie, her savior. "Sophie, I just wanted to thank you for helping me out before. I really appreciated it. I felt sooooo much better once I was dry." One hundred percent better than she had felt before the drying spell. Looking at the older girl, Janelle suddenly couldn't think if anything to say.........which was not like her at all. "Ummm.......well, I just wanted to say thanks."

Abby looked about the common room so many faces that she didnt know but she hoped that she would get to them all before the end of term that is what she hoped anyway

Schmoop was dancing! Dancing! Schmoop stumbled over his feet and tried hard hard hard not to step on the mistresses toeses.

"Schmoop is not miserable mistress. Schmoop just needs to make sure there are cookies for all the studentses and that the kitchenses are clean. Schmoop can dance only a little bits more."

HEHEHEHEHE. Wasn't he ADORABLE? Soph glanced over her shoulder at her fellow Ravenclaws to give them a look as if to say, ISN'T HE PRECIOUS? Best dare ever, really. She made a mental note to thank little Kate for it later.

And so they were dancing together a bit awkwardly, but it was extremely endearing and Schmoop even looked like he was enjoying himself, too! She kept hold of his hands and made sure he didn't fall as he tripped over his own feet as they went, and she giggled as he spoke. "That's okay, Schmoop. You can go ahead and go." She released his hands and gave him a little curtsy as she told him cordially, "Thank you for this dance, fine sir. And for the cookies."

BACK TO CB SHE WENT.