Hady wasn't aware of how terrible she looked just then. Maggie sitting down in the freezing cold snow, on the ground beside her should've been the largest hint there was. Only it wasn't. Whether she just didn't care of was completely oblivious to this was still unsure.

A hand on her arm had the brunette lowering her gaze to look at it in confusion. It wasn't that bad. She wasn't that bad. Just give her a few minutes. All she needed was a few minutes to bounce back and things would be okay again. Hady turned her eyes back towards her friends when the blonde spoke to her. "I-..." How do you tell someone you just had your heart crushed to pieces...again? It's not something people wanted to hear even if they were friends and not something she really wanted to talk about either. "Frankie...," she finally muttered softly as if that explained everything and there was nothing more to say.

Professor Draper wasn’t a talker was he?

Just something that she noticed while they sat there on the bench and there was nothing wrong with that but she did prefer company who talked back just as enthusiastically as she was. Perhaps it was the fact that he was old. Was that maturity? Being quiet and collected? Ugh she was not ready for that and luckily she wasn’t going to be an adult for years.

His face was expressive though, so it was easy for her to see if he was interested and most of the times he looked like he wanted to be somewhere else. Which Bec didn’t like because helloooo she was talking here! However, when she mentioned the Headmaster she couldn’t help but grin at his sudden interest. Even if her information was pretty much useless…

She was still looking at the non-direction of the Whomping Willow as the tree was somewhere else on the grounds than where she was looking at when the Professor suddenly put on his Professor voice. “If it is soooo dangerous, then why is it there in the first place?” immediately after she asked that she realized how dumb that sounded because the injuries she had had by only walking through the castle was normal now. Falling through a hidden stair, bumping against walls who pretended to be doors, not to mention the classes… But still, she was curious about why THAT tree was there when it was ‘not a joke’

“Gryffindor?” Bec repeated as she looked at him and punched his arm playfully. “That’s so awesome! Were you popular? I bet you were ,you got that look!” She would also bet her Gummy Worms that he was the risk taking Gryffindor who learned from his mistakes.

“Someone fell asleep in class and they had to jog in place?” she blinked , wondering how anyone can fall asleep in a class that wasn’t history of magic before she laughed out loud. “That’s priceless!” she said, clapping her hands because she too found it funny. “Why even come to class if you’re tired right? I mean, just pretend to be sick and stay in bed” she cleared her throat. “Not…not that I’d ever do that” ahem…

And boo, he didn’t do favorites? What a liar. “You don’t have a favorite animal? Why am I not believing that?” she said but didn’t push it further. “You really don’t want one, Professor?” she asked again as she held the bag of gummy worms in front of his face.

Nodding head head, Marsha understood. A quick look to her watch told her it was almost time for her to make her way to the Creature’s Barn to spend time with the creatures there for as long as possible before she had to go and get ready for classes. Though, at least she actually had Care of Magical Creatures today too… That would be great. Maybe they would get to work with animals today, rather than doing theory or … a creature you couldn’t hold. Though, she often thought lack of human contact was the reason some animals could be so testy. Everyone and everything loved hugs.

”Sure.” Marsha nodded with a smile. ”Is five thirty too early? I’ll meet you outside the main entrance?” That would give her time to run around the pathways first so make sure she wasn’t slacking or running less than she needed too for her training… her coaches wouldn’t accept excuses. She kept running as she waited for an answer, sneaking another quick look at her watch told her she had enough time for one more, faster lap before she moved on.

Okay, the whole sitting on the ground thing had been a VERY nice gesture but that didn't make the snow any less cold. While Maggie did have heating charms in place it seemed like she'd missed some small spots. Almost as if you forgot to use sun screen on some parts of your skin and then end up getting a tiny line of sunburn on your back or something. That's what it felt like a little right now.

Which was why she casually - without moving too much - pulled out her wand and cast a heating charm on the GROUND she was sitting on.

Ah yes. That was a lot better. No need to worry about getting sick now.

Anyway, where were they...?

Maggie waited patiently for Hady to finish her sentence. To explain just who or what had upset her like this. Only when the other girl did say something, it didn't really explain a whole lot. Or, well, it kind of DID but not why she was upset right now. Nonetheless, Maggie looked around for a moment again almost expecting Frankie to be nearby. Which he obviously wasn't. She would've noticed him before. So..."what happened?" Let's try this again?

Really Maggie?

REALLY?!

Didn't she get it. What more was there to say about the problem. Nothing. There wasn't anything that she could say that would explain exactly what happened and why this time was even worse. More importantly nothing could be done about it. She had brought it all upon herself by not turning around and walking away the very moment she realized who he was.

Hadleigh let out a slow breath dropping her gaze down onto the ground in front of her feet. At first she said nothing, trying to come up with some words in her head that made sense. Words that would explain everything but not make her seem as pathetic as she felt right then. "I went out for an early run...I figured it would help clear my head and because it's early and cold not many others would be out..." Mistake one. "It was going just as planned until I reached this point and someone was standing over there..." She lifted a hand waving it in the direction of the tree that Frankie had been leaning again. This was mistake two...not having turned and went the other way. "We uh kinda spoke to each other... and then... and then he left..." The last part was said in the tiniest of whispers while running a slightly shaky hand through her tangled windblown hair. That was mistake three. Talking to him. Could Maggie see all that had just gone horribly wrong in her life?!

Yes, really. Like, they'd broken up a while ago. The question was...why was Hady upset now.

It WAS a legitimate question, gosh.

So Maggie was STILL waiting for Hady to clarify. Patiently though. The other girl could take her time. Although despite the fact that they had heating charms in place, the whole sitting on the ground thing really wasn't particularly to Maggie's liking. But hey, friends, you know. She was being a good friend and like listening and putting other people's needs before her own. Dima would be so proud. So...Frankie. What did the Gryffindor do this time?

Nodding along to the other girl's words, Maggie too looked over to the trees Hady indicated. Naturally, there was nothing TO see but that's just what you did right? To show that you were paying attention and everything. Only despite the fact that she really truly WAS paying attention, she STILL didn't quite know what had upset Hady like this. Just speaking to Frankie in general? Was that it? She could totally see how that would be upsetting in itself.

"He's the worst. You're better off without him." There, supportive. That was all Maggie could think of without asking any more questions for now. She was genuinely sympathetic, though. She even leaned over to give Hady a hug. "You don't need him." Like, there were better guys out there. Yes.

"Couldn't sleep," she said simply, in response to his question. "Thought I might go stretch by the lake." She gestured to her athletic wear. But since she'd run into him, she was far more keen on getting her question answered.

She looked at him expectantly, wearing as innocent an expression as she could muster. Her lips twitched as she tried to keep them from betraying the amusement she had at his confusion. An example. Hmm. Nicky tilted her head as if considering his request. In truth, she was trying to decide which to lead with.

"Well, I suppose there are a number of reasons someone might volunteer," she began, hands still clasped behind her back. "There's research, for one. Learning how to protect against it by experiencing, first hand, what it feels like. But also how to recognize when someone else is under it. Both would be noble uses..." She'd begun with the reasons she thought would speak to his area. After all, if you couldn't observe the curse in action, how could you recognize it if it was used against someone you knew?

She dropped her hand and reached up to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. "But then there might also be a therapeutic use, with overcoming fears and phobias... consensual use of the imperius curse could help someone expose themselves to a situation they are afraid of." Sit in a room of spiders. Or climb to a high height. Or get themselves to the healer for a terrifying medical procedure.

She cleared her throat. "And then I suppose there's just satisfying to curiosity of what it feels like to completely surrender control. How much you'd have to trust someone, hoping that they don't decide they prefer you as a house elf."

Professor Draper was a talker when there was something he felt needed to be said. But there was absolutely no point in babbling on and over elaborating. No need to waste words on useless matters. When there was something that needed to be said, he’d say it. Otherwise, he much preferred observing as of late.

Though it was a lot less about being quiet than it was about noticing. The world was easier to take in when quiet. Easier to read people. And that’s what he enjoyed doing: reading people. And so far, this one was pretty easy. Especially because she put everything on her mind out in the open. Regrettably.

”Ever heard of Remus Lupin?” Or had they not made it that far in History of Magic? James didn’t doubt it for even a second. Most of the other Professors were pretty useless. Though he hadn’t decided with Professor History yet. That man was alright. For now. He’d get the benefit of the doubt. James was being generous.

There it was. Of course he was Gryffindor! Was there really any other choice? No, it had best been Gryffindor. Otherwise he would’ve just disobeyed the hat and been Gryffindor anyhow…. Though truthfully, that was probably why he was Gryffindor to begin with. And of course was popular (still was, excuse you), but he gave her a funny little look. ”That look?” he repeated, very amused and curious as to what else she’d let on about it.

And yes, the falling asleep story did actually happen. Why would he make that up. He nodded. Hopefully that would make her cautious about falling asleep in class. ”Best not to fall asleep in my class,” he warned. ”If you’re going to take a nap, do it in Astronomy… But that’s off the record,” knowing her mouth though, she’d go share that with Airhead anyways. Good things James didn’t really care. Served the man right anyways. Besides, James never did get proper revenge for the door incident. What she said next was highly amusing. ”Correct,” he nodded. ”Unless it’s my class,” and with that he gave her a hard stare. But why would anyone want to skip creatures? It was the best class after all.

”Because Gryffindors are notoriously stubborn,” he answered truthfully. He’d know. He still was one, after all. He shook his head at the candy offering, ”Poison, remember? Was her attention span really that short? First years man… Never failed to surprise him.

If Hady was taking notice to just how cold the ground was or how cold she herself was in general she showed absolutely no signs of it. Chances were she had been out here so long that the cold she had been feeling was now a simple numbness inside of her. It was the least of her worries and once she got up and went inside where it was warmer then she might realize it but not now.

Her eyes slowly shifted back to the blonde's. As friends Maggie understood all she was silently saying, yes? Like she didn't have to go into detail about what all had been said and why it bothered her so much? Nah, her fellow Slytherin was smart and this wasn't needed. She was sure of it.

What she wasn't sure of was what the girl was saying. Why did everyone keep saying that? Did people always say that when there was a breakup, was it supposed to make the person feel better? Cause it didn't. If anything it made her think even more about it. Doing better and hearing about there being better guys for her wasn't entirely what she wanted to hear. Sighing quietly Hady somewhat returned the hug that was given her only words now being a mumbled, "Yeah, maybe...." Not that she believed it. Or more importantly, wanted to believe it.

SPOILER!!: Sha! <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stormdancer

Nodding head head, Marsha understood. A quick look to her watch told her it was almost time for her to make her way to the Creature’s Barn to spend time with the creatures there for as long as possible before she had to go and get ready for classes. Though, at least she actually had Care of Magical Creatures today too… That would be great. Maybe they would get to work with animals today, rather than doing theory or … a creature you couldn’t hold. Though, she often thought lack of human contact was the reason some animals could be so testy. Everyone and everything loved hugs.

”Sure.” Marsha nodded with a smile. ”Is five thirty too early? I’ll meet you outside the main entrance?” That would give her time to run around the pathways first so make sure she wasn’t slacking or running less than she needed too for her training… her coaches wouldn’t accept excuses. She kept running as she waited for an answer, sneaking another quick look at her watch told her she had enough time for one more, faster lap before she moved on.

Kay had not one bit of problem with these suggestions. "The time and meeting places are perfect, Ms Hanover. I shall see you then.'' She beamed before saying goodbye and taking off of the Castle. What a productive morning this turned out to be. Now she had gotten a running partner and this made the woman very pleased.

Up the steps of the Castle she ran but then slowed to a walk. It wouldn't nice to set an example of running in there for any student who may be milling about this early morning. Kay pulled off her bandana as she made her way to her office. A shower and then she would begin prepping for her lesson.

Path have rocks. . . maybe it have Mason stone?

. . .

Rock, rock, rock, rock! All just rock!

. . . many rock!

Mason have to climb deeper, Mason have find stone! Rock are wrong! That are not stone, that are rock!

. . .

Glowy be disappoint in Mason if Mason bring wrong rock, Mason need right rock. . . but where right rock?

Stone! No rock! Mason need stone!

Rock are not stone!

Too many plant at rocks! Mason need rip out plants to get her rocks! Rocks not even right, but Mason must look! The one way Mason find is by look! She need look harder! *rip! rip! rip!* Take out ALL plant till Mason see stone!

*rip! rip! rip!*

"Stone, stone, stone, stone. . . "

Need to finddddddd!

Azura must find Eggs.. Azura find flowerrrr! Needs it.. Azura need it.

Song needs Flower.. Song needs Egg.. Azura needs to find it! Where!

Azura looks.. But Azura can't see.. Ughhh.. Wrong Flower!

Plant.. Go away Plant.. Need more Flowersss Pretty Pretty Flowerss! Song told Azura.. Azura gets Flowers.. Must not disappoint pretty songgggg..

Hady had it half right. They were friends, yes. But that didn't mean that Maggie knew just what had gone down between her friend and Frankie. Like, she knew about the breakup and WHY they'd broken up and stuff but that didn't really explain...had they talked about their issues again? What even was there to discuss still? Like, it didn't really matter anymore right?

Unless...unless it wasn't completely over?

Maggie might have to ask Zeke to talk to Frankie. Or...okay, maybe she should talk to the Prefect herself. As much as she loved her boyfriend she wasn't sure he would be any good at this. Maybe Dante could help? Did he know Frankie? Like, Dante was being pretty good at this whole Hugo/Brooklyn thing after all. Apart from the apparent stalking. But then again, maybe Brooklyn had exaggerated a little there. Hopefully. She would have to talk to him too.

But she was digressing.

While Hady didn't sound too convincing in her answer, Maggie wasn't going to argue with her. Instead she gave the other girl another tight hug before pulling back and looking at her. "Maybe we should head back inside?" Or at least get OFF the ground. Like, they must have been looking pretty pathetic right now. "You don't want anyone to see you like this right?" Maggie certainly wouldn't.

Since Maggie wasn't asking her anymore questions as what had just happened, not that she was able to really talk about it anyhow, she fell silent. There wasn't any point in making it worse then it already was. No one would fully understand what had happened unless she went into full detail and all they would get out of that would be her crying once again. So yeah, no, no she'd rather not talk anymore about any of it.

Sitting here didn't bother her in the least but clearly it was affecting the blonde at her side. "Okay..." Hady whispered with the tiniest of nods. However they must've looked to anyone else the girl didn't care but she knew that Maggie did. Everyone was entitled to breaking down sometimes and this was hers. Slowly she got to her feet casting a look at her friend. Where exactly would they be going?

Okay, GOOD!

Maggie quickly followed in getting up, brushing down her skirt - especially the back. Okay. Now they could do whatever Hady wanted. Which probably sounded a lot easier than it really was. Leaning over, she took the other girl's hand and gave it a quick squeeze before taking her arm.

"Okay." Maggie echoed, looking around for a moment. "Now we need to cheer you up somehow." Yes, that was a great plan. "Do you want food?" Apparently that helped other people. The whole eating your feelings thing was...you know, a thing right? "Oooor we can start making a revenge plan to get back at Frankie." For whatever he'd just done to upset Hady again.

She was okay with either of those options.

On her feet and ready. Well sorta. At least she was on her feet. Never mind she looked a frightful mess and wasn't at all thinking clearly but at least she was up off the freezing cold wet ground. It was a step in the right direction if nothing else.

Her hand being taken and squeezed before her arm was taken was noticed and it earned the blonde a hint of a smile. Good thing her arm was being held onto as she might need the encouragement to move from where she was stood anyhow. Hadleigh did register what was being said to her and the mention of food reminded the girl that she hadn't eaten a thing in several hours. That wasn't what caught her full attention however, no, it was the mention of another blondes name. Just the name in itself was enough to make her flinch and look away from Maggie. Let's not mention him. Anything that involved him right now wasn't at all good even if it was a revenge plan which she didn't want.

"Food," she answered quietly. It was the best option in her opinion.

There was a small smile and...then there was that.

Oops. Not good.

Maggie mentally scolded herself for not being more considerate and a saying Frankie's name. Okay. She had to distract Hady somehow from the whole thing. And apparently food was the way to go. "Let's go then." She gently tugged the other girl along as she started walking.

Hopefully they wouldn't run into Frankie on the way downstairs.

It wasn't at all Maggie's fault that just the name of a certain blonde Gryffindor prefect got to her in that way. In a sense it was all her own doing. If only she could talk with him and not end up saying hurtful things. It was to late for any of that now though. What she needed was a distraction and Maggie was offering her one. Thank gosh for really good friends right now.

Hadleigh nodded slowly allowing herself to be tugged along. "What time is it even?" she asked quietly shifting her eyes from the ground to the sky and then onto Maggie. It surely wasn't early morning anymore. Just how long HAD she been sat out here on the ground? Sigh.

Good, at least she didn't have to, like, drag her along or anything. Hady was walking by herself and stuff. Phew. Nonetheless, Maggie kept glancing around all casual like to make sure they wouldn't encounter anyone that might trigger Hady again. Right now, that might have even included Zeke or something after all. Who knew.

It seemed like they were safe though. For now.

"Like 10 in the morning?" Ish? Maggie didn't have a watch on her or anything but she was guessing. At least she'd left the dorm at like 9:00 so what with the greenhouses and all the talking and sitting right now...10 made sense. "Do you have somewhere to be?" Talking was good right? Gave Hady less time to think about things.

Why was Maggie looking around like that? Was someone around. Hady couldn't stop herself from glancing around as well. "Looking for someone?" Perhaps she was meant to meet with Zeke and he would join them. That was okay. He was bestie status so he was always welcome.

Ten. No way was it that late already. It couldn't be. Hady turned her head to look at Maggie. "Seriously?," She asked quietly wrinkling her nose in confusion. Had she really sat out there that long. Great. Just wonderful. If she wasn't sick in the morning it would be nothing short of a miracle. "Me? No. I don't think so..." And if she did have to be somewhere well then oops. She wouldn't be making it. A distraction was good. Maggie showing up was good. Food was good. Anything else...probably not.

Was she looking for someone?

"Nope." Not at all no. Nope. Just making sure she saw possible people that Hady DIDN'T want to see first, you know. To avoid more drama. Maggie didn't say that out loud though. Instead she gave Hady's arm a little squeeze and offered her a quick grin to distract her. Nothing to worry about.

Errr...yes? Maybe she should've lied. Now she couldn't really take it back though. "Around 10 I think, yes." You know, give or take a few minutes. "Awesome!" The fact that she had nowhere to be. "Me either! We can do something then." After the food you know.

Something that would take her mind off things.

Hady didn't quite believe Maggie just then but that was okay. Whether or not the blonde was indeed looking or not looking for someone wasn't entirely important just then. All Hady cared about was not running into a certain someone and given any luck at all she wouldn't have to worry about that. The small grin sent her way got a tiny one in return.

Strange. Either time had moved incredibly quickly or she really had been so out of it back there that she hadn't noticed the passing of time. At least it hadn't been a morning where she had lessons to attend or anything. Maggie seemed rather excited that neither of them had anywhere to be so they could 'do something?' Weren't they already in the process of doing something? Going to eat, that is.

"Uh, sure? After we get some food?" Food was still happening, yes?

Shinies = collected.

The small herd of nifflers had gathered in a small circle, placing their SHIIIIIIIINIES in the middle, almost like a nest.

They seemed happy. Satisfied. Content.

One did a roll into the shiny mass, squealing with delight. Then another. And soon, the nifflers were taking their turns with it.

Do not disturb, please.

Azura was slowly walking along the pathways.. Trying to figure out what had happened to her. She had just woken up.. Or something? Her head felt all fuzzy when she tried to remember things.. And the date!

She had missed three weeks maybe?

What had happened? What had she done in those three weeks? The last thing she remembered was heading towards the forest..

Forests were no good! They killed her mom and now made her lose three weeks.. Or so.. Ish..

She sighed softly.. Not even paying attention to where she was going, she was too lost in thought to notice..

Or care.

Esme needed to get outside and away from the castle.

SOMETHING had happened to her and she had no idea what. Her head felt fuzzy and she had no idea what that was about. She had just... woken up.

Maybe there was a problem with her. Maybe she was losing her mind. Probably not, but she was feeling a little paranoid right now and needed time to think about everything. Later on she would see her sister and friends. She needed them, but this was what was most important at the moment. If she could just remember what had happened things would be so much easier for her.