Now where was it?

As Skylar walked along the grounds on her break between classes to clear her head, she was in desperate search of the familiar structure which just so happened to be where she had her first kiss. Sure he wasn't out here with her, but just maybe she would find him inside the igloo. Surely Baldvinsson wouldn't have taken the igloo down; if there was one thing she knew from the flying professor slash groundskeeper it was that he reveled in colder climates. So for him to take down something that reminded him of his home territory seemed counterproductive.

Only she was SURE it wasn't this far out from the courtyard.

Or was it? Maybe she should turn around?

Ah, back at Hogwarts! Xavvie took a moment to stop and look around and take a deep breath. As she did every term since her first, she wanted to take a walk around the grounds and see what had been changed and what had been left the same. It was calming to know that not everything changed over the summer, especially as the years passed and she started to notice changes with everyone else around her.

Besides her walk, she was also heading in the direction of checking on her pet, Grover. Grover the Hedgehog who was living with the COMC professor while they were at school.

Who knew school was going to take up so much of her time? She'd barely had a chance to get round to see all the professors yet, only managing to tick a couple off her list. And now she was on number three. The flying guy. Who was also apparently in charge of keeping the massive grounds all nice and lovely. She had to admit, he did a pretty good job. And because he had a funky feathered hat, he was getting an extra cookie. Once she'd found his hut.

So far so not good. Traipsing around the castle hadn't given her a glimpse of it, so she'd decided to head out along the paths, rather than do the sensible thing and ask someone. It was actually much more fun getting slightly lost. As she had done already a couple of times. Never had she been in a place quite this big.

But the castle was now in the distance, and Dahlia was skipping along, clutching the box of cookies her mother had made, and glancing left and right, hoping to see the hut she was looking for. But then she came to a stop and squinted ahead of her, spotting someone she thought she recognised. Edging closer, she beamed when the face and place she'd seen them before, came back to her.

"Hey! You're fountain girl, from Diagon Alley. I'm sorry, I don't remember your name." Dahlia bit her lip and shrugged slightly. She had been a little too busy trying not to get hit with water that day, and had got caught in conversation with Patrick too. "Are you lost as well? I'm looking for the groundskeeper man, but I can't find him."

It was such a lovely day that Rosalyn felt that it would be a waste to stay inside when there were much better things that she could do. That was why soon after her lesson had ended she made her way out and towards the pathways. Since it was still summer, there was no real need for her to wear a heavy jacket, but fall would be soon approaching.

For a time she made her way along aimlessly, but after a little while she decided to sit down. Making her way over towards one of the benches, she plopped down and pulled a book out from her bag. Time to get some reading done!

Yes, she'd definitely gone too far out on the grounds, Skylar was almost positive about it. Biting her lip, she squinted off into the distance hoping to catch a glimpse of igloo sparkle in the September sunlight. Nothing though.

Turning to head back the other direction, she was caught off guard by a small first year girl who called out to her? She glanced around just to make sure, but saw no one else around and not to mention the girl had addressed her as fountain girl and she smiled at the familiarity. Dahlia, yes, she remembered. She'd been hoping that the girl would have been sorted as a Slytherin, but well, Hufflepuff seemed to suit her from the brief interactions she had with her in the Alley... "Hey, nice to see you again. Dahlia, yes? It's Skylar," she nodded, figuring she'd state her name her again, since she forgot. "Um, well," Awkward question, because how would it look if she was lost as a fifth year? She wasn't lost, per say... just looking for something that was here last year. "Not quite lost. Last year, there was this igloo and I was just looking to see if it was still here. I think the Groundskeeper's hut is close to the igloo actually, which i thought was out this way... but I think we went too far on the pathway."

Needing some inspiration, Noelle was heading around the grounds. She was working on an assignment but was having writer's block... okay maybe it was just that she really just didn't feel like doing any homework right now... so she was out on the grounds.

She was running though. Probably not the best idea because she was in her school uniform and to be going to class in about an hour. But hey, she needed to get some exercise in and waste time at the same time.

She slowed around the bend of the pathway and pulled her hair up into a bun. Then she rolled her sleeves up of her shirt. It wouldn't look good in class.. but she didn't really care. She was enjoying the day.

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhittyBitty

It was such a lovely day that Rosalyn felt that it would be a waste to stay inside when there were much better things that she could do. That was why soon after her lesson had ended she made her way out and towards the pathways. Since it was still summer, there was no real need for her to wear a heavy jacket, but fall would be soon approaching.

For a time she made her way along aimlessly, but after a little while she decided to sit down. Making her way over towards one of the benches, she plopped down and pulled a book out from her bag. Time to get some reading done!

As much as she liked being back at school, Cassie still loved spending time in the great outdoors. Thankfully though the fall was almost upon them, it was still decent weather and she could enjoy exploring the grounds. The sixth year made a meandering path down the pathways, making the occasional random turn to let her trail go any which way as the breezes played with her long hair. And it was how she found herself near a bench with the professor sitting down upon it and not registering it at first. But then she did, and didn’t feel right simply ignoring the woman.

“Hello Professor Ne---Marchand,” she greeted, correcting the surname halfway. The case of two Marchands was going to take some getting used to. Though Cass was happy for the two overall. "Nice day, isn't it?"

"Skylar! That was it. Hi." Dahlia fingered the ribbon on the box of cookies, trying to decide if she could spare one for the nice girl who had helped her a few weeks before. Yes, she could. The box was full, she was sure Mr Groundskeeper wouldn't mind. Fiddling to take one out, she held it towards Skylar and smiled again. "Cookie? I'm giving them to all the professors, but you were nice to me in Diagon Alley, so...."

Wait, what? Did she say an igloo? As in a house made of ice that was usually found in climes much colder than this was? Okay, this place was continuing to get so much cooler and weirder with every passing second. "I haven't seen one either. Maybe it melted?"

Miranda was just on her way back up to the castle from having been sitting under her tree down by the lake. She had been reading a new book she had picked up from the library just that morning.

She was fiddling with the strap of her school bag when she heard fast falling feet headed her way... So she looked up and saw Noelle and gave the older sister of her boyfriend a smile.

" Hey there... Having a good run?", She asked... Not expecting an answer really... From what she remembered Noelle was pretty athletic so it didn't surprise her that she was running around in her uniform..

Gaston had been in his office grading assignments,
but he kept getting distracted looking out the window at the sunny day outside. It was far too nice a day to stay cooped up inside, so he decided a walk around the school grounds was in order. He wandered leisurely along the pathway, his black and white cat Phantom walking a few inches in front of him. Every so often, she'd stop, look back at him, and go "meow", and it made him laugh every time.

Suddenly a fly buzzed past, and Phantom shot after it, pawing at the air as she got close. Gaston shook his head, laughing. Didn't she know she was never going to catch it? He sat on a nearby bench, intently watching as his cat chased after the fly. Phantom could be such a ham sometimes!

The grounds had always been Harriet's favourite part of Hogwarts. There were just so many different places, and they were all lovely to be painted. It was why she liked coming out here so much. She had her sketchpad with her, but she didn't intend to draw. Only if she saw something that she thought was interesting. She needed to invest her time now. It was her OWL year and if she let herself get distracted by her art work then she might fail and that would not be good.

She looked up, from her walking, as she heard some meowing and she smiled at what she saw. She looked over at the Professor and smiled. "Your cat is cute Sir"

Skylar grinned when the girl seemed to remember her and took notice of the box in her hand. Wait, what? People gave cookies and gifts to all the professors? The fifth year frowned because while she maybe heard of that in the recesses of her mind, it honestly never crossed her mind to actually do that herself. But then again, she was particular about knowing where food came from and didn't really trust the professor's food it was only last term that she first did with Professor Newton, so to give back would seem hypocritical. "Hmm, no, I'm good, thanks." Turning down a cookie, really? She was eleven (or twelve) and super naive from the fountain in Diagon Alley to magic in general; there was nothing wrong with the cookies.

Wait, melted? No, no, see, naive. "It didn't melt. At least I hope not. It had magic to sustain it... but maybe the board of governors made the groundskeeper take it down?" Actually, that might have been likely.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Holmesian Feline

As much as she liked being back at school, Cassie still loved spending time in the great outdoors. Thankfully though the fall was almost upon them, it was still decent weather and she could enjoy exploring the grounds. The sixth year made a meandering path down the pathways, making the occasional random turn to let her trail go any which way as the breezes played with her long hair. And it was how she found herself near a bench with the professor sitting down upon it and not registering it at first. But then she did, and didn’t feel right simply ignoring the woman.

“Hello Professor Ne---Marchand,” she greeted, correcting the surname halfway. The case of two Marchands was going to take some getting used to. Though Cass was happy for the two overall. "Nice day, isn't it?"

Opening her book, she heard someone calling her name. She smiled. "Hello, Miss McNally! It really is very nice out today." In fact she had a thought that it would probably be a good idea for her to take Coco out for a walk a bit later. Just so long as she didn't get too close to the whomping willow everything would be okay, but she really didn't trust that tree around her calico. Still, the tree had historical significance even though it's necessity had died out ages ago.

"Would you like to join me?" Or did she want to continue on her way. Really she didn't want to hold her up if there was somewhere that she needed to be; friends that she was planning to meet up with or something.

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhittyBitty

Opening her book, she heard someone calling her name. She smiled. "Hello, Miss McNally! It really is very nice out today." In fact she had a thought that it would probably be a good idea for her to take Coco out for a walk a bit later. Just so long as she didn't get too close to the whomping willow everything would be okay, but she really didn't trust that tree around her calico. Still, the tree had historical significance even though it's necessity had died out ages ago.

"Would you like to join me?" Or did she want to continue on her way. Really she didn't want to hold her up if there was somewhere that she needed to be; friends that she was planning to meet up with or something.

Cassie returned the smile sent her way as Professor Marchand returned her greeting. The beautiful weather an agreement between them as the Ravenclaw closed her approach to stand before her companion. Had the woman always had that book? Been trying to read? Ooops. Too late now to back up and not interrupt the History of Magic professor. At least she didn’t seem bothered and didn’t strike Cass as being too upset over a matter like such.

Did she want to join her? She had thought on it originally but it was as good a place as any to pause in her wandering, which could have been the draw for the professor as well. “Sure,” Cass answered, “I mean if you don’t mind.” The Ravenclaw, of all people, wasn’t going to rudely interrupt if the woman really wanted to just be alone to enjoy her book.

Why was she looking at the cookie like that? They were oatmeal and raisin ones, but Skylar was giving them a suspicious look, like she thought maybe there was poison in them. Or maybe she just didn't like being offered food. But because of the look Dahlia wasn't surprised when she turned it down. "Okay." She shrugged and smiled and placed it back into the box. One more for Mr Groundskeeper man.

Who apparently had a magical igloo. Of course he did. "Oh. Well, yeah, that makes sense. I don't think I've seen much yet that ISN'T magical." She giggled and looked across to where Skylar had seemed to think it was. "Why would they do that? Did they not like it?"

Quote:

Originally Posted by Holmesian Feline

Cassie returned the smile sent her way as Professor Marchand returned her greeting. The beautiful weather an agreement between them as the Ravenclaw closed her approach to stand before her companion. Had the woman always had that book? Been trying to read? Ooops. Too late now to back up and not interrupt the History of Magic professor. At least she didn’t seem bothered and didn’t strike Cass as being too upset over a matter like such.

Did she want to join her? She had thought on it originally but it was as good a place as any to pause in her wandering, which could have been the draw for the professor as well. “Sure,” Cass answered, “I mean if you don’t mind.” The Ravenclaw, of all people, wasn’t going to rudely interrupt if the woman really wanted to just be alone to enjoy her book.

Oh, good.

Rosalyn closed her book and placed it back in her bag. There were other opportunities for her to get some reading in and talking to students always came first on her priority list. "Wonderful! Did you have a good summer? Are you enjoying term so far?" Despite the fact that she had seen Cassandra in classes, this was the first time that they were really getting the chance to converse properly. Still, term wasn't too far underway and now they did have the opportunity for discussion.

Gaston was so distracted watching Phantom chase the fly that he didn't notice anyone else around until a voice jerked him out of his thoughts. He smiled when he saw who it was. "Hello, Miss Paton," he said. He was going to ask her how her day was going, but then she mentioned his cat and he instantly brightened. "Thank you. Would you like to pet her?"

His eyes flicked toward the black and white cat. "Phantom... come say hi." The Persian looked back. revealing the white half of her face, then blinked and went back to swatting at the fly. He turned his attention back to Miss Paton. "Sorry, she forgets her manners sometimes."

Oops? Did she make Dahlia feel bad about not taking the cookie? She SEEMED okay with it and simply shrugged about it, but how was she really feeling? Because Skylar felt bad by making her feel bad, even if it was just about a cookie. And why did it seem to be only first years (and second years) who could do that? It was like their cute and adorable innocence had struck a vibe with Skylar. Or maybe she was thinking of her younger siblings. Smile, Skylar, smile. To which she did.

And then the topic shifted back to the magical igloo. "You don't have much experience with magic, do you?" Sky smiled, amused. If she was Flynn, she'd probably take advantage on the situation, but fortunately for the young Hufflepuff, she was not Flynn. "There's places in the muggle studies area of the castle that aren't magical though, if you were looking." You know, because muggle studies. "I don't know. Adults are fussy about entertainment, I guess." Probably why so many older students had gone off to find their own entertainment; not that she would share that nugget of information.

Walking along the pathways quietly a moment, she gazed off. "Oh, I see it! The igloo! Not too far from the Groundskeeper's hut...." the fifth year pointed.

The day was a great one for a tiny run. The weather was coolish but not too cold. It was sunny but not hot. No rain. It was a good day in other words. Noelle glided down the path, breathing in the crisp air.

She only slowed when she saw a familiar person up the path. It hadn't been too long ago that she'd had a little tea party with her brother's girlfriend. What was it with her and her siblings girlfriends?

Heading over to her, she slowed and gave her a wave. "Hey there. Yeah. Its pretty outside today." Noelle said looking up and enjoying the sun. She wasn't athletic she just trained because of her goals. If she didn't have those goals, she definitely would NOT be training. Eating pizza and lounging on the couch sounded so good to her right now.

Randa smiled with a nod... " It's beautiful out.."
She got along well enough with Noelle.. The weren't what you'd call close by any means, but perhaps they had a mutual respect for one another..After all,
it WAS Damon's family that had been more supportive last term when everything had happened.

" How're your classes going so far?... Mine are brilliant.. I really am so glad I came back ..", she said as she rummaged through her bag and pulled out a small box of chocolate badgers that she had made. " Care for a sweet?"..Randa offered.

Noelle had wanted to continue to run, but it seemed that she would be taking a detour and a break. Slowing to a stop, she smoothed out her clothes and run her hand through her hair to make sure any fly aways weren't happening. "They are going well. NEWTs this term. Plus I'll be transforming this term too. Hopefully." How funny would it be if she was able to transform and then went home and transformed infront of Tim? He'd probably freak... maybe.

Taking a seat beside Miranda, she made sure she wasn't sitting in an ant hole or nothing. "Oh no thank you. I can't. I have to be really strict with my diet and exercise. I slacked off this summer and now I have to mind it." Noelle said before smiling at her. "How are you?"

Emma was walking barefoot down the pathways not really watching where she was headed. She was a lot like her mum, and hated wearing anything on her feet if she could help it. It wasn't cold enough out that she absolutely needed anything on her feet so she wasn't bothered. Now if there were snow? Then she might have something on them. Might. All depended how far her destination was.

Her hands were in her pockets as she wandered down the path her eyes on the ground.

Kimi was out wandering taking his walk slowly just so he didnt end up unwell again when he came across a fellow puff walking barefoot and said to the girl "Why are you walking barefoot and you need to try and pay attention to where you are walking" Kimi knew that the pathways was a popular place for students and professors alike to take a walk and exercise and other things

Hattie loved animals. She had a kneazle and a dog herself. But she had left them both at home. She didn't want to be distracted by too many things this year. She had to do well in her exams. She wanted to at least graduate from Hogwarts, even if she didn't want to use the magical exams she would take. Graduating was pretty important. "Ooh yes..." She smiled with a beam. She loved petting animals, so would never say no really.

"Oh..." She laughed a little at the cat. That was pretty typical, but Hattie found it funny. She needed funny. She'd been having a bit of a bad year so far. "Well. Cats do as cats do"