Little boy say what now?

Tal blinked at Phe her blue eyes searching that of her best friends. Was this true? She couldn't be to sure because little kids did say some strange things sometimes. Why was Wes trying to cover the kids mouth though?

"I don't know about being your sister but I'll certainly be your friend," she smiled warmly reaching out to take him from Wesley. She gently smoother the little boys hair cradling him close to her. This kid was adorable. They wouldn't mind if she kept him would they?

Tallyn looked around Phe to Andrina studying her silently for a moment, asking without words 'what she knew about this'. Her gaze then went on to Wes. "Wes? Is there something you want to say?"

"Okay," Sam responded with a shrug. Really she needed time to process it, but that time wasn't now. "'e's taller than me...which I kinda anticipated. and we chatted, and...now I'm wiff you."

With a bit more planning, she wouldn't have scheduled both her first meeting with her brother AND her first date on the same day. But things were what they were. She was here now, and she planned on having an awesome afternoon with Ast.

Kill it? Oh dear. Maybe she should have owl-ordered some cut flowers...she'd just thought this would be a bit more fun and long lasting, and more obtainable. "I fink they're pretty hardy," Sam said, a concerned look still on her face. "But you'll need to keep it watered every couple days." And Sam wasn't a flower expert. Not really. She enjoyed Herbology, and wasn't bad at it, but she suspected that was because she'd picked some stuff up whilst visiting Dora's Uncle rather than anything else. "I dunno when it'll flower. Not for at least a couple of weeks." She nodded at the window part, that seemed like a good idea. Maybe then a dorm-mate might help her remember to look after it? She didn't really want to be responsible for planticide; she didn't think Myers would be too impressed.

With Puddifoots now well and truly vetoed, Sam relaxed a little. Although she wasn't sure that the china there was fancy. Just not very...her. Them? "We can eat at the Three Broomsticks," Sam started, though drifted off at the mention of paying. Honestly, it hadn't even crossed her mind to think about who should pay. Whilst not exactly dates, she and Dora always split the bill if Mr. Umbridge hadn't offered to pay in advance when they went out. "I can it get though, if you'd like. Or we could split." She didn't expect Astrea to pay on her own, and the whole 'dream come true thing' made Sam's stomach knot up.

It seemed there was a lot of expectation on her today. She'd thought a date would be more like them going out as friends, but say, a bit more exclusive. Not worrying about who was paying, or when snogs might be appropriate in public. She reeeeeally should have actually asked someone for advice.

"This...is really a big thing for you, isn't it?"

"How old is he?" Astrea asked curiously. "How much taller? He's a lot taller than me, then." Though Astrea's healer said she might hit her growth spurt SOOOOON since she wasn't done growing yet. "Is he nice?" she asked softly.

"Watered every two days. GOT IT." She had to remember. She could NOT kill the flower. She would NOT KILL THE FLOWER. "The time will be worth it, I'm sure," she said. She stuck one of her fingers into the just the top layer of dirt and smiled. "It's still moist. Where'd you get it from?" she asked gently.

SPLIT.

THEY COULD SPLIT.

Astrea didn't know if that was good or bad. She just gave Sam a confused look and then shrugged. "I don't mind splitting...is that bad, though?" she asked timidly. "Will that make it less of a date?" Because she didn't want THAT. Her blue eyes probably showed some of her reservations...slight reservations, but when Sam asked THAT she had....them even MORE. "Is it not to you?" she asked softly. "This is my first ever date. You meant it as a date, right? And not as a friend-date?" Because then...well, Astrea would be heartbroken. But Sam had gotten her a flower and had stayed all dressed up for her! It just has to be a real-live date! The one where you snog the other person after dinner. THAT KIND OF DATE.

Of course Astrea was curious; she would have been if their places had been switched. "'e'd be a fifth year if 'e went teh school," she replied. "And I dunno, few inches? 'ard teh tell against meself." But yes, a chunk taller than the Gryffindor. As for nice? She gave another small shrug. "I think so, yeah. 'e was brought up real diff'rent to me though, so..." She didn't know whether she was really qualified to judge.

Sam adjusted the bag on her shoulder, and looked hopefully at the plant. Was watering it all that much effort? "I look forward to getting updates on its progress." She smiled gently. "The greenhouse. Potted it up myself. And yeah, the charm should protect it whilst we're out and about." She'd at least thought of that one, even if she hadn't realised Astrea's apparent lack of green thumb.

"Why would splitting be bad?" She just thought it was normal; she'd wanted to pay her way as soon as she could and never expected others to pay for her. Sometimes they offered, and she let them, but it was nice to pay for herself. Maybe it was because once upon a time she could only afford to eat by others paying, albeit not willingly. She'd pickpocketed a wallet of coins to live on more times than she could ever count. "Surely...a date is what we make it?" Sam responded hesitantly, regretting her previous question. She was sure she could almost feel Astrea's excitement waning, and that knot in her stomach tightened.

She was a Ravenclaw, and she hadn't done her research.

"Well yes, it is...but, I dunno...I thought it'd be like when we go to Diagon Alley in the summer, just a bit more...special." She'd dressed up, and brought a present, and just wasn't expecting awkwardness about the etiquette of who should pay, that's all. "It is a date. A proper one. I guess I'm just not as well versed as you, s'all." And for that, she could kick herself.

Had she ruined it? She hoped she hadn't ruined it.

She chewed her lip, and quietly moved the arm that was currently entwined with the Gryffindor's to take her hand instead. She squeezed Astrea's hand gently, and hopefully reassuringly. "I'm sorry for not being the best informed."

"SO a year above you?" she asked earnestly, tilting her head slightly. "Does he not go to school at all? Is he a wizard?" she asked. Astrea had no qualms about either things; she was merely curious. "How different? How so?" she fired the questions at Sam. Granted, most people were brought up differently than Sam. And for that reason alone, Astrea admired Sam Tyler so much.

Astrea was going through and wondering just WHICH flower it could be, but the possibilities were so endless that she might as well just give up! It HAD come fromS the Greenhouse, though, and while Astrea thought getting info out of Professor Myers would probably be VERRRRYYY easy, she decided she would wait for the surprise to blossom on its own. It would be more fun that way!

"I don't think it's bad!" Astrea cried quickly. "I just don't know anything..." she sighed. "I don't want you to think I'm an expert because I am not and I just don't want to do anything wrong..." she bit her lip and looked over at Sam. She supposed the Ravenclaw had a point, though. A date WAS what you made it. And if you made it fun REGARDLESS OF WHO PAID...it was a fun date. So she would TRY and not worry about all the semantics and whatnot. "It is special already! You got me a flower!" She smiled once more and held up the pot. "A baby flower, though. We should name it. Her or him? I don't care. Don't plants have all the organs? So a unisex name?" Who knew? Not Astrea.

PFFFT. "I am NOT well versed...I had to ask my mom what all to do...Grandpap was no help.." she chuckled a little. "Mom sent me a very pretty dress but it was MUCH too short...and...we live in Scotland. And it's November AND I'm thirteen and short dresses are not classy for a thirteen-year-old." She said all of that extremely fast and only took a breath once Sam took her hand.

Wes tried not to freak our as he handed Phe over to Tallyn, the little boy was happily snuggling with her and looked like he didn't have a care in the world..

And yet he had pretty much spilled his biggest secret..

Wes tried to avoid Tal's gaze for a moment but it was pretty much useless, part of him wanted to bolt.. Maybe if he ran fast and hard enough he could escape from all of this..

But no.. sadly that wouldn't work.

"I.. umm.. well. " He looked at her. "Can we talk about this later?" He said softly. As he looked down at Phe and then over at his mother. He had a lot to explain. And he didn't want to do it in front of them.

Oh, dear Merlin!

This little one here was just cuddling into her like he knew her forever and honestly her heart melted looking down at him. A softness entered her eyes and she gently brushed back from dark locks from his beautiful eyes. Phe was all types of adorable. "You're just to cute..." she whispered tapping his nose gently smiling. Blue eyes shone brightly as she looked over at Audrina. "You wouldn't mind if I kept this little guy for awhile, would you?" Her voice held a hint of playful teasing.

The playfulness was gone in an instant...the very second she looked back at Wesley. His uncomfortableness confused her and she couldn't help but tilt her head at him. Whatever was going on here was clearly important...but he didn't want to talk to her about it now. "Sure. You and me, tonight in the common room...we can talk then?" Like they've been doing lately. Downtime in front of the fireplace just chilling out and talking.

"So what would you boys like to do besides stand out here in the cold and freeze?" Yep. Topic change. Today was going to be a good day.

Phe was eating up all this attention, he happily snuggled into Tallyn and lay his head on her shoulder.. He grinned at her as she brushed his hair out of his face and grinned.. "So pretty.." He whispered softly as he hugged her..

Andrina was slightly amused at how Phe was reacting to Tallyn and she nodded at her as she spoke a soft laugh in her voice. "Oh not at all! Any time you want to baby sit.. Thomas and I will take it. " It had been a bit of an adjustment having a little one in the house again, but it was still so fun..

Even if Andi had been hoping for a girl.

She put her hand on Wes's shoulder and gave him an encouraging smile. He could do this!

Wes nodded as Tallyn spoke... "Sounds perfect.. and I thought we might go to the Candy store? Would you like that Phe? " He asked his little brother.

Okay, that was it. She was keeping this kid. The way he snuggled into her and rested his head on her shoulder was by far the cutest thing. His little baby mumbling was sweet too. Tal smiled down at him cradling him gently to her. "Adorable..."

Yay! Tallyn grinned brightly. "I'd absolutely love to babysit this handsome little guy," she agreed giving Phe a tiny squeeze. Being a twin had meant she was never lonely but it had never given her the joys of having someone smaller like this around.

Great! After they returned to school she'd have some dinner and then head to the common room. Tal gave him her usual smile and a nod. "The sounds like a good idea." What little kid didn't like candy? She'd even carry him there if he liked, unless Wes wanted to. As much as she already took a liking to Phe she didn't want to take him from Wes at all.

Katy shrugged. "I'm always content. I'm not remotely difficult." Or she was. Whatever. It wasn't difficult, because she just knew what she wanted and people were always welcome to say no. They never did.

"Food and moderate sweets post walk. And I want you to fine me a funny present. It doesn't have to be expensive... or worth anything at all. But I require a gift."

Oliver didn't find Katy to be difficult. What was difficult about someone who always said what they thought and wanted? Nothing really. He wished more people were like that sometimes. "A funny present? That shouldn't be too hard." Though He wasn't sure what Zonkos even sold. Would he want to give her something prank related?

But she said it didn't have to be worth anything. Flowers would be perfect if it wasn't winter. Hmm. He'd have to think on that. But he would be getting her a present.

Wes has to shake his head at his little brother right now. The boy was being ridiculous and cuddly.. he had never seen him be this still for more than a few minutes and now here he was happily cuddled in for the long haul it seemed.

"Yeah I thought so! I thought it would be pretty fun for him. What do you think buddy? " Wes asked as he rubbed Phes head gently.

Phe smiled as he kept his head snuggled into Tallyn's shoulder, his little arms in their puffy jacket were wrapped around her neck as she and his brother talked.. He was currently interested in the cool color of her jacket when he heard something!

"Candyyy!! We go get some? Candyyy! " The little boy was bouncing excitedly now!

"Yeah that's about what I thought.. is that okay mom?"

"Perfectly fine, I'm going to head to the robes store for a bit and I'll be back for him soon all right?" She asked with a grin. "Have fun! "

Tal was totally completely utterly smitten with this little guy. He was by far one of her favorite little ones...which really wasn't hard seeing as how she didn't know many toddlers or babies but still. She was very much content with holding him like he was her own little sibling.

"I'm fine with that." It would get them out of the cold and be a nice treat for Phe. Plus she could get some candy for herself annnnnd maybe even for Tor too.

And then that happened. Phe went from being all quiet and cuddly to something resembling a bouncy ball in her arms. Tal laughed changing her grip on him so that she would drop him. "Yes, yes, we'll go get some candy." There was just one thing...

"Wes, you know what all he's able to have and not have...right?" Cause he was little and little kids you had to be careful with. Her eyes traveled from Wes to his mother and she nodded once. "That's perfect. We won't be to long." Still holding onto Phe she gave him a gentle bounce in her arms. "Tell you mommy you'll see her soon?"

"Shall we get on our way and out of the cold?" She was ready to get moving again. Standing here only proved just how chilly it really was outside.

Esme was in a really good mood as she walked along the street of Hogsmeade. Not only was it a nice day for being the middle of winter, but it was also her birthday. Not just any birthday at that, but her 17th birthday; as of today she was of age and could perform magic outside of Hogwarts. Juno would be in the same boat tomorrow.

With a big smile on her face, she used her wand to make bubbles form, twirling around and around while enjoying them. This was fuuuuuun.

SPOILER!!: Esme! <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhittyBitty

Esme was in a really good mood as she walked along the street of Hogsmeade. Not only was it a nice day for being the middle of winter, but it was also her birthday. Not just any birthday at that, but her 17th birthday; as of today she was of age and could perform magic outside of Hogwarts. Juno would be in the same boat tomorrow.

With a big smile on her face, she used her wand to make bubbles form, twirling around and around while enjoying them. This was fuuuuuun.

Olly admittedly was rather eager to see Esme. It had been such a long while since he had. Well, if you counted two months to be a while, then it was understandable why he was so eager. He had made plans with her, since they now kept in contact with each other while he was off at WADA, to meet today which happened to be her birthday.

It was cold out but he wasn't that bothered. Olly knew they would be able to get a butterbeer at the Three Broomstick sometime soon. He had just gotten to the Street but he spotted her almost immediately. The guy made hid was towards his crush. "Hi, Esme. Happy birthday,'' he said softly.

Azura was looking forward to this Hogsmeade trip and as she walked along the street she smiled a bit as a wave of nostalgia swept over her..

This was where it had happened.

A smile was still playing over her lips as she moved towards a brick well and gently ran her small fingers over the masonry there. She smiled as she saw a few pieces chipped off of it and she gently picked one up and placed it in her pocket..

That was going to be for a later present..

She leaned on the bricks with a slightly goofy smile on her face as she scanned the crowd for a certain someone..

Quote:

Originally Posted by FearlessLeader19

Olly admittedly was rather eager to see Esme. It had been such a long while since he had. Well, if you counted two months to be a while, then it was understandable why he was so eager. He had made plans with her, since they now kept in contact with each other while he was off at WADA, to meet today which happened to be her birthday.

It was cold out but he wasn't that bothered. Olly knew they would be able to get a butterbeer at the Three Broomstick sometime soon. He had just gotten to the Street but he spotted her almost immediately. The guy made hid was towards his crush. "Hi, Esme. Happy birthday,'' he said softly.

Hearing her name, Esme knew immediately who it was! Olly! Now she was grinning for an entirely different reason as she stopped spinning and looked right at him. "Hey! Thank you. I was hoping that you would get here soon." Now they could spend some time together. He could also meet Juno properly. This was important since she had been talking about him a lot since they had met up at Christmas.

Yep, she was definitely crushing on him. How could she not when he was so amazing?

The last time the young Baltazar had wandered down this very road to Hogsmeade he'd been wearing a firm scowl. His hands had been curled tightly at his sides. Eyes stormy, swirling emeralds. He had been ready. Back in his dorm, Cornelius Orion Baltazar had prepared himself to tell Azura off.

He was going to give her a piece of her mind. Oh yes, he was. He remembers how the words had bubbled in his throat, how they were ready to burst.

Then he saw her.

Sitting by her lonesome self inside the Three Broomsticks. His heart had given this great leap, and for a moment, the boy had to stop and breathe. His breath hadn't been the only thing Azura has stolen.

The memory rushed through his mind as he strode down that same path. This time, his arms swung lazily at his sides, his eyes gleamed a cheery green; and upon his lips danced lazy smile. Merlin, it was a great day to be him!

Coming to a quiet stop, Cornelius observed Azura, her hand reaching out to touch the brick wall he had punched in the throes of a broken heart. Looking back at it now it felt cool. The pain then, that hadn't been cool.

Glancing down at his knuckles, a bit of a scar on them, he flexed his fingers and grinned. Stop grinning so much, Baltazar, he berated himself. People were going to start to think that was his permanent face.

"What d'you think about me trying my right hook on it? Maybe it'll make an even bigger dent," he teased, coming to a stop just a few steps in front of her.

Don't go googly-eyes, Cornelius...not yet.

Wait a minute, at least.

Azura heard a familiar voice and a grin similar to the one he wore was now mirrored on her lips. Her purple eyes that seemed almost lit from within looked up to meet the bright green eyes that haunted her dreams at night.

"Mmmm, that may be, but it might make a bigger dent in your fist and I don't want to have to drag you to Healer and try to explain that you were fighting walls. "

A soft laugh bubbled in her throat as she pushed off the wall and moved closer to him, her heart intermittently thudding and pausing at his proximity..

"Hey Corn Pop.." She said as she nudged him gently.. "What brings you around here on this lovely day? Anyone I know? " She asked as her fingers brushed gently over his knuckles..

He didn't go googly-eyed, but his eyes were officially unable to tear off her. This was a problem. A delightful one for the boy.

"Which is why I volunteered my right hand," he smirked, wiggling the fingers of his less dominant hand. "Orrrr..." he said, taking a step towards Azura, meeting her half way. "You can play healer again." His eyes dance with a secret.

Cornelius laughed. Not exactly because of the nickname, but because Azura made him feel both nervous and light as a feather. It was an odd balance, it tested his equilibrium. At the feel of her fingers, he moved the one's on his left hand slowly against hers. Barely there touches that sent goosebumps up his arm, all the way down his spine.

What brought him here? Well...

"My thudding heart tugged me out here. See, all day it's been saying: Find AzzyBear, you know you want to find her. Apparently my heart doesn't lie." A grin stretched his lips, his free hand finding it's way to her waist. "Want to know what it's saying now?"

Azura's purple orbs were also unable to tear from the curly headed boy and the smile was not leaving her face as he spoke, in fact it grew a bit wider.

A small smirk appeared on her lips as he spoke about her playing Healer again, her mind flashing to when she had repaired his hand after he had punched the brick the first time. And after their kiss.. It had been their second kiss actually, but the first one with actual feelings and Az had full on lost her Heart that day.

"I wouldn't mind playing Healer, but I'm not so sure how good I am at setting broken bones. " She pointed out with a grin as they moved closer together.. and she felt his hand gently brush her own. She felt her skin almost instantly goosebump at his gentle touch and her heart was thudding in her ears..

Just don't pass out Az.. just don't pass out.. She thought as she looked up at him a bit hazily.

She grinned as he spoke and a soft blush appeared on her cheeks at his words. "You know, I think I kinda like this heart of yours. " She said softly a grin on her face.. "What is it saying now? "

Ohh she slightly dizzy he was so close!

So it was Hogsmeade time again, and Killian Ryder was glad to get a break from all the classes and the homework. Not to mention all the weird things happening in the castle. He still wanted to get a look inside that portal, but his mother had sent him a howler forbidding it.

The fifth year Gryffindor looked around. Man, it was weird being here without having to listen to his sisters blather on about clothes and other girly things he didn't get! His eyes darted toward the shops, but he wasn't sure which one he wanted to visit first. Oh well, no big deal. He could just hang out here and people-watch.

Zelena always looked forward to the Hogsmeade weekends. She loved to buy items to amuse herself or gifts for her parents and sister. She wasn't too sure of where to begin so she thought it would be best if she made her decision from the High Street.

As Zelena headed towards the street, she spotted a dark-haired Gryffindor boy who seemed a fraction younger than her. "Okay, let's see if this guy's friendly."

She slowly walked to where the Gryffindor was and smiled. "Hello there. My name's Zelena."

Didn't she just have the most darling smile? Cornelius thought so. And if she didn't stop it he'd go googly-eyed.

Her smile turned into a smirk and the boy's knees almost buckled from the rush of...feelings (?)-- whatever it was she was making him feel. See, this was all kinds of firsts for Cornelius O. First real crush...first real liking a girl more than that. To the point of actually thinking beyond the boundaries of friendship. Everything between Azura and him had finally build up and BAZZAAAM. It was like he was on cloud nine and couldn't get down. Not that he wanted to.

"Practice makes perfect," he said, winking at her. And totally teasing. He needed his hands for Quidditch and drumming, but he was sure Azura would one day reach the point to where she'd be able to set every imperfect bone perfectly. She was talented like her mother--maybe more so. That and she was well on her way of repairing his wayward heart.

Slowly, eyes still on hers, his fingers slipped between hers and he held her hand, and gave it a gentle squeeze. He could do that now. He could do these things without his conscience nagging at him. Without worrying if she'd mind or if he'd embarrass her.

That look on her face, it had the boy grinning. He dropped a kiss on the tip of her nose. "You're cute."

The grin only grew. "Y'know, I think this heart of mine likes you, too." Haha. Goof. Cornelius paused, pursed his lips and hummed as if he was thinking of the answer to his own question, and took another step towards her so their shoes touched. "Thaaaat...I...should bear hug the prettiest girl in the laaaand!" And with that he let go of her hand, wrapped his arms around her waist and SWOOOPED her up and spun them around.

HOGSMEADE WEEKEND!!!

So Noelle had literally been marking down the days until this weekend. Not only were her and Noah going on a date outside the castle, but Noelle was seeing one of her favorite people.

Hady

She missed her older sister. Not blood related but in Noelle's eyes, there was no difference. Their families had become connected over their friendship so they all got along splendidly. She'd even not corrected people when they thought she was her true sister. Oh well.

But Noelle was going to be able to see her today. And her siblings. Despite the cold, she was perched up on high street, waiting to see them. They hadn't really gotten specifics on where they were supposed to meet. So Noelle was hanging out and not pacing the snowy street