This was an area Vera had yet to explore, usually having just climbed to the Astronomy tower whenever she was looking for a view of the grounds. Mainly because she'd heard what a challenge it was to get here. But after that mirror call with her father, one in which she should have been nothing but ecstatic about, all of her feelings were kind of twisty and.. a lot. And she was hoping to sort more through what they were before it was time to find her twin without their adorable little sister's added presence. Scoot was nothing but happy and Ve very much wanted to preserve that.

And what helped better with thoughts than physical exertion? Nothing.

Taking off at a run, the girl made her way up up up towards the Battlements, keeping a steady pace and even breathing as she did so. When she finally reached the top and out into the open air, she allowed a small smile before skipping out a little bit further into what was left of sunshine for this September day. Turning her head this way and that to admire the area, she started a bit when she noticed she wasn't the only person up there.

But it was also a familiar face, so that was okay. Moving over towards where Aryan sat, she leaned against a barrel next to him and looked out - just enjoying the silence for a brief moment before she broke it. "Where's Bryony?" It was certainly unusual to see the smol brunette without his blond companion.

SPOILER!!: Vera! <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chelliephone

This was an area Vera had yet to explore, usually having just climbed to the Astronomy tower whenever she was looking for a view of the grounds. Mainly because she'd heard what a challenge it was to get here. But after that mirror call with her father, one in which she should have been nothing but ecstatic about, all of her feelings were kind of twisty and.. a lot. And she was hoping to sort more through what they were before it was time to find her twin without their adorable little sister's added presence. Scoot was nothing but happy and Ve very much wanted to preserve that.

And what helped better with thoughts than physical exertion? Nothing.

Taking off at a run, the girl made her way up up up towards the Battlements, keeping a steady pace and even breathing as she did so. When she finally reached the top and out into the open air, she allowed a small smile before skipping out a little bit further into what was left of sunshine for this September day. Turning her head this way and that to admire the area, she started a bit when she noticed she wasn't the only person up there.

But it was also a familiar face, so that was okay. Moving over towards where Aryan sat, she leaned against a barrel next to him and looked out - just enjoying the silence for a brief moment before she broke it. "Where's Bryony?" It was certainly unusual to see the smol brunette without his blond companion.

Huff, puff. Huff, puff.

In an attempt to regulate his breathing, Aryan was inflating and deflating his cheeks with each huff and puff. Already he was thinking about never, ever coming back up here again because of the trek, though the view certainly was worth it. Approaching footsteps broke into his little moment of focus.

He said nothing as Vera approached and then took a seat. Ary simply watched her, {while he pretended as though he hadn't nearly just died while getting up to the Battlements} trying to get a read on her mood. Maybe she just wanted some peace and quiet. Maybe she just wanted the calming breeze to soothe her soul. Or maybe -

Nevermind.

She wanted to talk.

Well, hi to you too, Vera.

Ary shrugged his thin shoulders. “Exploring somewhere, I guess.” As much as the two spent time together, Ary sometimes took off on his own. “What brings you up here?”

Toad still missing, Solomon had already started to draft his letter home to tell his father. While the family owl was much more important to him, Solly still expected a bad reaction, and was considering a perfect lie to tell to avoid something like a howler being sent his way. This afternoon was a day off from looking for the silly little beast, and Solomon found himself exploring areas he really hadn’t bothered with before. He was quite lazy when it came to castle roaming. Much more of an outdoor guy.

It took him forever to reach the top of the battlements, and he almost turned back around on himself a billion times, but once he had reached the top he felt the view was worth it. The edge kind of giving him a sickly feeling, though he did wonder about practising his Arresto Momentum. .

He stepped a little closer to the edge… ehhhhh… maybe he’d try it with a stone rather than himself. For now, he sat upon a barrel to soothe his sickly stomach.

Excuse her skepticism that Bryony Paton was willingly off exploring without Aryan Atreyu-Rehman. Her look probably showed as much as she side way glanced at him, an eye row raised. She supposed it would be very Bry too though if she was off with one of her siblings or even her Mum. And knowing how delightful the blonde was, Vera was certain she'd made oodles of other friends too. Though she was just as certain Aryan would remain her favorite.

Letting the absence go, she continued to look out over the battlements - speaking again after his question. "Exploring of my own. I heard this was a trek so I hadn't done it yet but… worth it. The physical ness of it felt really good too. Did you enjoy the climb? And how's settling in here going?"

SPOILER!!: Vera! <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chelliephone

Excuse her skepticism that Bryony Paton was willingly off exploring without Aryan Atreyu-Rehman. Her look probably showed as much as she side way glanced at him, an eye row raised. She supposed it would be very Bry too though if she was off with one of her siblings or even her Mum. And knowing how delightful the blonde was, Vera was certain she'd made oodles of other friends too. Though she was just as certain Aryan would remain her favorite.

Letting the absence go, she continued to look out over the battlements - speaking again after his question. "Exploring of my own. I heard this was a trek so I hadn't done it yet but… worth it. The physical ness of it felt really good too. Did you enjoy the climb? And how's settling in here going?"

Whatever, Vera.

It was up to you if you wanted to believe him. Ary caught her sideways look and fixed her with an angelic smile. There was something about this Gryffindor that brought out his sassy side; it must be her wittiness. Vera would also be right about him always remaining Bry’s favourite though. Ary wasn’t being conceited about it. Let’s just say that he knew how much Bry loved and adored him, probably since she first laid eyes on him when he was just a few days old.

Vera was still exploring? How long had she been attending Hogwarts again? Five years, if she had started as a first year? His expression was a surprised one but he didn’t voice his thoughts. “No. It was… difficult.” Ary brushed at some lingering sweat at his brows. “Not good at these athletic things. Climbing all those stairs was terrible.” Going down would be easier though. “It’s pretty out here. And the wind’s nice.” The second question got a shrug. “Okay-ish.” That was one way to describe it, when he was already dying to be at home again.

“You seem out of sorts.” By that he meant not sassy and crazy. It was also his way of asking if she wanted to talk about it.

With an old, Muggle song called Ruby stuck in his head, this Reub-y was dribbling his football down the corridors. If you asked him why he'd ended up on the sixth floor, he would have been unable to tell you - but the fact was that he was here, and so was his football, and he was practicing some footwork.

Practicing some footwork and not really paying attention to where he was headed, hence why he'd ended up at the bottom of the stairs to the battlements. Here, he'd paused for a moment, head tilted as he looked at the steps and wondered. Wondering never lasted too long for Reuben, though, and as soon as the idea to see if he could do keepy-ups with the ball whilst climbing the steps had occurred to him, he was on the third stair. It was difficult, and a few times he'd dropped the ball and had to chase after it back down again, uttering some choice words that he'd learned from stalking Tommy. But eventually he managed to reach the top.

Ball under his arms, he bent over to catch his breath for a moment before straightening. That was when he saw Solomon. Solomon who he didn't know that well, but figured he should. Especially since he was so close with Anna. And he'd been Peter Pan. Reuben snickered as he remembered the tights, before heading towards the other boy. "'Ello," he grinned, before looking over the edge at the view. "Pretty high up here."

While the angelic look was something she was somewhat more inclined to believe in than Bryony's, she still was somewhat skeptical. Only because she HAD seen the boy's slightly sassy side - which trust her, she was all for. It was a side of her personality that she quite liked - seeming to make people feel like they could be comfortable matching her own energy.

She noticed the look on his face and just gave a simple shrug of her shoulders. "It's a big school!" And she maaaybe was going over it with a fine toothed comb to make sure that she didn't miss a single thing. Plus, with having favorites, it did mean there were some spots she went back to again and again for comfort instead of looking somewhere new. Which was why this ended up her first excursion to the battlements - though it might become a new favorite as well. She chuckled a bit at his honesty. "Fair enough. It's good you tried the experience anyways. And now you know this location might just not be your jam." Or maybe the window and the view were enough he would want to make the excursion other times as well. "I really like the view up here. Hogwarts has some nice overlooking spots but... this might be my new favorite." The Wooden bridge was previously. "So what's making settling only okay-ish? Do you need help with anything?" She might not be the most reliable of individuals given her problem solving skills were... lacking, but she certainly made up for it in enthusiasm and desire to help.

His question however threw her for a bit of a loop, surprised at his observantness. Was she acting THAT much more subdued than usual? "It's probably all of the studying getting to me. I've fried my brain into a quieter personality!" She faked dramatics, though maybe there was a crumb of truth to that statement as well.

SPOILER!!: Vera! <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chelliephone

While the angelic look was something she was somewhat more inclined to believe in than Bryony's, she still was somewhat skeptical. Only because she HAD seen the boy's slightly sassy side - which trust her, she was all for. It was a side of her personality that she quite liked - seeming to make people feel like they could be comfortable matching her own energy.

She noticed the look on his face and just gave a simple shrug of her shoulders. "It's a big school!" And she maaaybe was going over it with a fine toothed comb to make sure that she didn't miss a single thing. Plus, with having favorites, it did mean there were some spots she went back to again and again for comfort instead of looking somewhere new. Which was why this ended up her first excursion to the battlements - though it might become a new favorite as well. She chuckled a bit at his honesty. "Fair enough. It's good you tried the experience anyways. And now you know this location might just not be your jam." Or maybe the window and the view were enough he would want to make the excursion other times as well. "I really like the view up here. Hogwarts has some nice overlooking spots but... this might be my new favorite." The Wooden bridge was previously. "So what's making settling only okay-ish? Do you need help with anything?" She might not be the most reliable of individuals given her problem solving skills were... lacking, but she certainly made up for it in enthusiasm and desire to help.

His question however threw her for a bit of a loop, surprised at his observantness. Was she acting THAT much more subdued than usual? "It's probably all of the studying getting to me. I've fried my brain into a quieter personality!" She faked dramatics, though maybe there was a crumb of truth to that statement as well.

It was settled then.

It was Vera who brought out his sass.

Yes, while Hogwarts was a huge school, Ary would like to think that by the time he touched fifth year, he’d have gotten through all the exploration. Maybe Vera was just slow. Maybe she didn’t have exploration buddies {which was just plain sad}. Or maybe exploring wasn’t high on her priority list as she thought it was.

“It’s not. If I want to come here again, someone will have to piggyback me.” Ary tapped his chin thoughtfully. “Or levitate me but that person’ll have to be really good with spellwork.” This little boy was not looking to be injured, thank you very much! “Do you usually change favourite spots when you discover one that you like?” he continued with interest. Did it mean she did the same when it came to humans or creatures? Did Vera enjoy replacing things, hmmm? Ary looked away, trying to decide if he should burden her with his issues.

Then again…

If she was going to avoid his unasked question, then fine. He wasn’t about to enlighten Vera with his woes. Ary fixed the older girl with a look that said quite clearly that he did not believe a word that just came out of her mouth. “Uh huh.”

She'd probably admit to the fact that Aryan was certainly someone who could be far more focused than herself, so by his fifth year it was quite possible he would have already explored every corner. She had definitely been a little bit distracted, particularly in recent years. It'd be fun to see though too how distracted HE and the other young ones would get. Maybe she should get held back a year or so to actually see how everything played out?

"Levitation sounds like it'd be easier. AND also really good spell practice. It's a win, win. You get a free ride and they get to get better at spell casting." At least on Wingardium Leviosa that was. She considered Aryan's question, before giving a small nod. "I guess sort of? I mean, my secondary favorites seem to rotate. But the boathouse is still number one." All of her favorite memories with her core friend group had been made there. And it still remained one of the most comforting places to go lay in a boat and think. And had he asked if she changed her favorite people, that at least would have taken no thought when she responded with a no. She'd made a lot more friends, sure, but the core remained the same as it had from her very first year.

This first year was really far too intuitive for his own good. Returning his look, she couldn't help the soft laugh that escaped her as she gently bumped his shoulder against his. "Fine, you got me. I was just thinking about how change is hard to adjust to. Good, bad, all of it. Your turn?"

SPOILER!!: Vera! <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chelliephone

She'd probably admit to the fact that Aryan was certainly someone who could be far more focused than herself, so by his fifth year it was quite possible he would have already explored every corner. She had definitely been a little bit distracted, particularly in recent years. It'd be fun to see though too how distracted HE and the other young ones would get. Maybe she should get held back a year or so to actually see how everything played out?

"Levitation sounds like it'd be easier. AND also really good spell practice. It's a win, win. You get a free ride and they get to get better at spell casting." At least on Wingardium Leviosa that was. She considered Aryan's question, before giving a small nod. "I guess sort of? I mean, my secondary favorites seem to rotate. But the boathouse is still number one." All of her favorite memories with her core friend group had been made there. And it still remained one of the most comforting places to go lay in a boat and think. And had he asked if she changed her favorite people, that at least would have taken no thought when she responded with a no. She'd made a lot more friends, sure, but the core remained the same as it had from her very first year.

This first year was really far too intuitive for his own good. Returning his look, she couldn't help the soft laugh that escaped her as she gently bumped his shoulder against his. "Fine, you got me. I was just thinking about how change is hard to adjust to. Good, bad, all of it. Your turn?"

If you asked Ary, Vera’s reason for wanting to stay back an extra year at Hogwarts was somewhat silly. She could just ask him or Bry how their adventures were going and either of them would be delighted to fill her in. One thing he was certain of: his exploration of the Castle would definitely be completed by the time he reached his OWL year.

“Right?” This little firstie was not at all surprised but at the same time impressed that Vera thought exactly the way he was thinking. “I like your brain,’’ came his additional words, which were meant as a compliment to the way in which it shrewdly worked. Ah, rotating secondary favourites; the important thing was the primary remained constant. “The boathouse is a good place.” His favourite so far was the Wooden Bridge, which coincidentally had been Dad Adi’s. Not changing favourite people was important {as long as they hadn’t hurt you beyond heartbreak}; Ary couldn’t ever see himself replacing any of his favourite people.

That he was, Vera. That he was. It probably came with the territory of him not being much on talking as much as he was when it came to him observing. Still, Ary smiled brightly and bumped back Vera. “Is this change that’s happening a good one for you?” It was only fair that he share too, right? “Same as you. Tryna adjust. To being here.” And failing miserably, he might add!

True, she could just ask one of the younger students to give her updates. And considering how often she’d make sure she still kept in touch with Ves, that’s probably exactly what she would do. But getting updates from far away wasn’t the same as BEING here. And as someone who liked her routines and her people (and who clearly abhorred change) she already had pre-anxiety about the fact she would one day be graduating.

The compliment from Aryan was unexpected, to the point where she gave a small laugh in surprise, but appreciated none the less. “That is not something I am use to hearing. Thank you.” She giggled again. People did grow up and change, so favorites changing too was sometimes bound to happen - but for her because the boat house held so many fun memories of playing pirates, or laying in a boat reading or just… existing there, she didn’t see that one growing old anytime soon. In fact, she was already certain that’s a spot she would miss a lot once she no longer had any access to it. “It is. Do you have a spot you like to go to the best already? Outside of the battlements, of course.” She winked, showing she was just jesting. Though she was sincere about her curiosity in where he DID like to go.

At Aryan’s question, she paused before opening her mouth to answer - trying to determine if it was good for her. She supposed truthfully, it didn’t really affect her directly. She didn’t have anything against Papa’s new partner - he was kind which had been the initial test that he’d passed with flying colors, and she wasn’t home enough to really get to know him get to know him at this stage. So it certainly wasn’t a BAD thing for her - it’s not like there was any fighting or anything between them. “It’s good for the people I love so.. Yes, I guess it is a good change for me. It’s just… different.” Her first year of Hogwarts had been nothing but excitement for her - but she could appreciate the fact that it wasn’t always that way for everyone. “Were you nervous about starting here at Hogwarts? Or just missing home now?”

SPOILER!!: Vera! <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chelliephone

True, she could just ask one of the younger students to give her updates. And considering how often she’d make sure she still kept in touch with Ves, that’s probably exactly what she would do. But getting updates from far away wasn’t the same as BEING here. And as someone who liked her routines and her people (and who clearly abhorred change) she already had pre-anxiety about the fact she would one day be graduating.

The compliment from Aryan was unexpected, to the point where she gave a small laugh in surprise, but appreciated none the less. “That is not something I am use to hearing. Thank you.” She giggled again. People did grow up and change, so favorites changing too was sometimes bound to happen - but for her because the boat house held so many fun memories of playing pirates, or laying in a boat reading or just… existing there, she didn’t see that one growing old anytime soon. In fact, she was already certain that’s a spot she would miss a lot once she no longer had any access to it. “It is. Do you have a spot you like to go to the best already? Outside of the battlements, of course.” She winked, showing she was just jesting. Though she was sincere about her curiosity in where he DID like to go.

At Aryan’s question, she paused before opening her mouth to answer - trying to determine if it was good for her. She supposed truthfully, it didn’t really affect her directly. She didn’t have anything against Papa’s new partner - he was kind which had been the initial test that he’d passed with flying colors, and she wasn’t home enough to really get to know him get to know him at this stage. So it certainly wasn’t a BAD thing for her - it’s not like there was any fighting or anything between them. “It’s good for the people I love so.. Yes, I guess it is a good change for me. It’s just… different.” Her first year of Hogwarts had been nothing but excitement for her - but she could appreciate the fact that it wasn’t always that way for everyone. “Were you nervous about starting here at Hogwarts? Or just missing home now?”

There was always the option of returning to Hogwarts as a professor, if the opportunity arose. Who says professors couldn’t explore? Then again, the idea of Vera being a professor was a farfetched one. Not that it couldn’t be done, of course, but it was just that Ary couldn’t see this version of Vera being one. Maybe if she matured a bit, or perhaps toned her smart mouth down.

Ary smiled rather serenely {now that his breathing was back to normal and that stitch was going, he felt relaxed} as Vera laughed. “Well, you think differently, I guess. Different is good.” In his opinion, anyway. Why follow the crowd when you can stand out? And better yet? Attract all other weirdos who were just like you. It was soon his turn to laugh as Vera joked about the Battlements being one of his favourite places. “The Barns & Pastures. The Greenhouses are growing on me. No pun intended.” Ary’s like for the Greenhouses stemmed {again, no pun intended} from his constant visits there with Drake.

The Slytherin could understand Vera’s woes more than he was letting on. Why Bry had moved to Hogsmeade with the rest of the Patons’, it had taken a long time for him to get used to her not being around as frequently. The change had been good for Aunty Hady though. “Seems like something is always changing, isn’t it? Sometimes you just need to talk about it to feel better, even if you can’t get used to all the changes right now.” Which, he supposed, was sort of what he was doing now about his own struggles. “Just missing home. Never been away from it for this long.” Ary shrugged. “I reckon we just deal with changes one day at a time. I try not to think about how miserable I’ll be tomorrow. Focus on today’s misery, ya know?”

While Professor’s could explore, and she’d say that perhaps the current faculty proved as much, the chance of Vera ever returning as one was highly improbable. Even if her personality did drastically change as she grew up (more grown up than she was now. 16 was not THAT grown, in most cases anyways), the fact was that wanting to teach was not something she even had a fraction of interest in. A classroom full of potential hers??? Hard pass.

Her smile remained as another chuckle escaped at Aryan’s second compliment, giving a small shrug of her shoulders. “Most people don’t seem to think so. Not that that bothers me either.” She would have agreed it was better to find the other different thinkers. Like Sable and Maria and the people she did rather get on famously with. Though she supposed by them all being different that made them same thinkers too but.. Whatever. Pun might not have been intended, but it got a laugh regardless. “Animals are really cool so the barns and pastures makes sense. Greenhouses are… well, if you have any interest in Herbology I bet they’re the best!” Was it obvious she did not? “Have you spent a lot of time in the reptile room? That’s another one of my favorite spots.” Mainly because that’s where her sweet Sass was and Vesper’s noodle friend as well.

Something WAS always changing. Which meant there was always something to adjust too. And as someone who hated the adjustment period, it was exhausting for her. “Always. And I can definitely see more that talking about it helps but… sometimes too the difficulty with a change is kind of selfish. And talking about it seems selfish because then you’re just taking your negativity and putting it on someone else too.” Not that she thought Aryan should ever not talk to people about his troubles, but when it came to her own… selfish was a very apt word for how she felt. “That certainly makes sense. Do you get to hear from your dads a lot at least? Does that help?”

SPOILER!!: Vera! <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chelliephone

While Professor’s could explore, and she’d say that perhaps the current faculty proved as much, the chance of Vera ever returning as one was highly improbable. Even if her personality did drastically change as she grew up (more grown up than she was now. 16 was not THAT grown, in most cases anyways), the fact was that wanting to teach was not something she even had a fraction of interest in. A classroom full of potential hers??? Hard pass.

Her smile remained as another chuckle escaped at Aryan’s second compliment, giving a small shrug of her shoulders. “Most people don’t seem to think so. Not that that bothers me either.” She would have agreed it was better to find the other different thinkers. Like Sable and Maria and the people she did rather get on famously with. Though she supposed by them all being different that made them same thinkers too but.. Whatever. Pun might not have been intended, but it got a laugh regardless. “Animals are really cool so the barns and pastures makes sense. Greenhouses are… well, if you have any interest in Herbology I bet they’re the best!” Was it obvious she did not? “Have you spent a lot of time in the reptile room? That’s another one of my favorite spots.” Mainly because that’s where her sweet Sass was and Vesper’s noodle friend as well.

Something WAS always changing. Which meant there was always something to adjust too. And as someone who hated the adjustment period, it was exhausting for her. “Always. And I can definitely see more that talking about it helps but… sometimes too the difficulty with a change is kind of selfish. And talking about it seems selfish because then you’re just taking your negativity and putting it on someone else too.” Not that she thought Aryan should ever not talk to people about his troubles, but when it came to her own… selfish was a very apt word for how she felt. “That certainly makes sense. Do you get to hear from your dads a lot at least? Does that help?”

A potential class full of Veras? Ary would have found this to be a hilarious happening but would have also understood why Vera would not have wanted to teach a bunch of kids who were so like her in personality.

Vera has said precisely what Ary had wanted to remind her of: who cared what others thought? If he had bothered with them, he would have been sad most of the time thinking people didn’t like him, or those - like Sloane - thinking he was probably boring. “Be you. Be happy,’’ he offered the words that he sometimes reminded himself of. “Creatures are the coolest,’’ the Slytherin continued, a vigorous accompanying the words. “Plants are growing on me. They’re soothing to tend to.” Almost as soothing as taking care of creatures! “Haven’t really gotten around to it. Is it true there’s a Komodo Dragon there though?”

Ary listened to Vera vent and did not judge. He simply eyed her thoughtfully. “That’s what you think you’re going to do if you say what you feel? What about the people who love you? Don’t you think they’d like it better if you’re honest with them? Don’t sell them short; they’ll understand more than you expect.” He knew this because his parents were always among the adults whom he could talk to about difficult things. “They mirror call me almost every day. They show me the family dragon and griff Reserve so it helps a lot seeing the creatures.” With time, hopefully both he and Vera will adjust remarkably well to the changes they were faced with.

He was a very wise 11 year old wasn’t he? Or.. maybe 12 now, considering she didn’t know what the young snake’s birthday was. “That’s excellent advice. Both things are important!” You could be happy and not be you, but you could also be not you and not be happy. Authenticity was far easier to achieve euphoria. Or even if you were authentic and not happy… you weren’t the problem. “I like that with plants you have to be active and put in a lot of physical labor for them.” At his question, she tried to cycle through the different creatures in there before eventually giving a shrug. “Not that I’ve noticed. But to be frank, I usually go in there to mainly spend time with my boa or my sister’s corn snake.” She loved all the reptiles, but Sass and Sherbet were her favorites.

She considered his response, before giving a small shrug. “It’s not that I don’t think they’d understand me. I just think that my inability to just… easily accept change could hurt them. I know they’d give me time to adjust to things before more changes come but.. Isn’t that selfish? On my part? If moving forward makes them happy, my feelings shouldn’t have to be something that could delay that. I know they care about me, but I also care about them.” And her silence was just how she tried to care. It wasn’t that she didn’t think if she sat down and laid out everything she was feeling to Papa he wouldn’t have taken it into consideration. But she didn’t think he should have had to. He was a person too, not just a father. “That’s awesome at least you’re able to be kept involved via the calls! But I can understand how that still wouldn’t be the SAME.” Change was difficult, but she was sure both of them would be fine in the long run. And it was okay to not be right now.

SPOILER!!: Vera! <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chelliephone

He was a very wise 11 year old wasn’t he? Or.. maybe 12 now, considering she didn’t know what the young snake’s birthday was. “That’s excellent advice. Both things are important!” You could be happy and not be you, but you could also be not you and not be happy. Authenticity was far easier to achieve euphoria. Or even if you were authentic and not happy… you weren’t the problem. “I like that with plants you have to be active and put in a lot of physical labor for them.” At his question, she tried to cycle through the different creatures in there before eventually giving a shrug. “Not that I’ve noticed. But to be frank, I usually go in there to mainly spend time with my boa or my sister’s corn snake.” She loved all the reptiles, but Sass and Sherbet were her favorites.

She considered his response, before giving a small shrug. “It’s not that I don’t think they’d understand me. I just think that my inability to just… easily accept change could hurt them. I know they’d give me time to adjust to things before more changes come but.. Isn’t that selfish? On my part? If moving forward makes them happy, my feelings shouldn’t have to be something that could delay that. I know they care about me, but I also care about them.” And her silence was just how she tried to care. It wasn’t that she didn’t think if she sat down and laid out everything she was feeling to Papa he wouldn’t have taken it into consideration. But she didn’t think he should have had to. He was a person too, not just a father. “That’s awesome at least you’re able to be kept involved via the calls! But I can understand how that still wouldn’t be the SAME.” Change was difficult, but she was sure both of them would be fine in the long run. And it was okay to not be right now.

He was eleven years old currently. Was he wise? Maybe, but it all came from just observing human nature and from learning about who he was and who he wanted to be as he grew older. “Both are. I think you should do you most of the times. As long as you’re doing good stuff, not bad stuff that’ll cause great harm, you know?” Like… Vera should be her as long as she didn’t go to the dark side by becoming a Dark Witch. “Being around plants is a good way to relax for that exact reason. You get to distract yourself by caring for them.’’ Ary tapped his chin thoughtfully. “We can say that goes for taking care of creatures too.” They both were therapeutic activities. “Why am I not surprised you have a snake?” he asked rhetorically with a laugh. “I think a snake suits you. I just can’t find the words to describe why. Does your entire family have snakes as pets then?”

As Vera explained her predicament, the clearer Ary saw it. “No.” It was his true opinion. “You’re not selfish. You;ve been accustomed to things being one way for so long. Having something suddenly changing the way things were is enough to mess with your feelings.” It was enough to drive anyone crazy. The Slytherin couldn’t help but wonder who Vera was referring to and what the situation was but he didn’t push for answers. He knew that people liked their privacy, anyway. “If it’s delayed, they only want you to be happy with the changes and to adjust to them as smoothly as possible, I reckon. I do think it’s something you and these people will need to talk about though. Not talking about stuff just makes people fill your silences with their own opinion of what you may be feeling and those opinions can be so wrong.” Listen, Ary didn’t know where this burst of philosophical words were coming from but he had been trying very hard to put himself in Vera’s shoes to understand what was bothering her. “It’s definitely not the same but it’s better than nothing, right?” Ary reached out to pat Vera’s nearest arm twice. “You and I will be okay.”

Maybe that's why she thought the young snake was wiser than herself. She hadn't been much of an observer when she was younger. Well, she wasn't much of an observer now either but perhaps if she knew that was a good component for intelligence she maybe would have tried to take it up. Maybe. She considered his words, before giving a small mischievous smile. "How bad are we rating bad though?" She DID like to throw the occasional prank still, though nothing that would cause physical harm. Being a Dark Witch was nothing to worry about for her - she didn't have the stomach for that. "They are definitely both good. I think for me, plants is better for having thinking time though. And creatures for like... a non-expectant socializing hour." She could hang out with creatures, talk to them, gives pets and pats if they liked that. But she didn't HAVE to keep a conversation going. And creatures didn't expect anything from her, except perhaps a treat here or there. While Aryan might not have known (or maybe he did), being told a snake suited her was perhaps one of the highest compliments. Ve had been obsessed with the reptiles as long as she could remember, and when she'd been finally granted permission to get Sass it had been a dream come true. "I don't need a why. I'm just glad to hear it." She replied, a bright beam. "Not all of us. My Papa actually has a crow, and Vasco has a cat." Which was endlessly amusing to her, though she could never pinpoint why. Giving another thought, she also added, "My Papa's boyfriend has a gerbil, I think, too." Which could be a dangerous mix with their snakes but Ve was very good at making sure Sass was in her enclosure at home. OR safely twined around her arm.

She was surprised by how sure he sounded in his no, and she quietly listened to his further explanation, really THINKING about the words he was saying as he did so. She could see where he was coming from in regards to her having difficulty with adjusting as to being something natural - and she did agree with that. But there was also the fact that delaying changes could just... mean that she never really was forced to come to terms with them. And THAT wasn't an option either. Perhaps it was her stubbornness speaking, but as far as she could see, it was just easier to jump head first into what was coming and she'd flounder her way through things until she found new footing. But because she appreciated how much Aryan was putting consideration into her predicament, and into his words as he talked about it, she couldn't bring herself to dismiss it without giving some more thought. "Maybe you have a point. I probably should just talk to the other people involved." What if she spoke to just Raju? Maybe that would be better. He wouldn't have the same attachment to solely her feelings like Papa might have. But she also didn't know if she was brave enough to do that right now. "Either way. I think you're right - we will both be okay. We just have to give ourselves some grace." She grinned at the young snake.

And it was only then too she could feel a loud rumbling growing in her stomach - a sign that the physical exertion of her earlier running and climbing all the way up here was catching up with her. "I think we might be okay faster if we get some food." She half joked, an attempt to lighten the mood as she grinned at him again. "Want to join me in going back down to the Great Hall?"

SPOILER!!: Vera! <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chelliephone

Maybe that's why she thought the young snake was wiser than herself. She hadn't been much of an observer when she was younger. Well, she wasn't much of an observer now either but perhaps if she knew that was a good component for intelligence she maybe would have tried to take it up. Maybe. She considered his words, before giving a small mischievous smile. "How bad are we rating bad though?" She DID like to throw the occasional prank still, though nothing that would cause physical harm. Being a Dark Witch was nothing to worry about for her - she didn't have the stomach for that. "They are definitely both good. I think for me, plants is better for having thinking time though. And creatures for like... a non-expectant socializing hour." She could hang out with creatures, talk to them, gives pets and pats if they liked that. But she didn't HAVE to keep a conversation going. And creatures didn't expect anything from her, except perhaps a treat here or there. While Aryan might not have known (or maybe he did), being told a snake suited her was perhaps one of the highest compliments. Ve had been obsessed with the reptiles as long as she could remember, and when she'd been finally granted permission to get Sass it had been a dream come true. "I don't need a why. I'm just glad to hear it." She replied, a bright beam. "Not all of us. My Papa actually has a crow, and Vasco has a cat." Which was endlessly amusing to her, though she could never pinpoint why. Giving another thought, she also added, "My Papa's boyfriend has a gerbil, I think, too." Which could be a dangerous mix with their snakes but Ve was very good at making sure Sass was in her enclosure at home. OR safely twined around her arm.

She was surprised by how sure he sounded in his no, and she quietly listened to his further explanation, really THINKING about the words he was saying as he did so. She could see where he was coming from in regards to her having difficulty with adjusting as to being something natural - and she did agree with that. But there was also the fact that delaying changes could just... mean that she never really was forced to come to terms with them. And THAT wasn't an option either. Perhaps it was her stubbornness speaking, but as far as she could see, it was just easier to jump head first into what was coming and she'd flounder her way through things until she found new footing. But because she appreciated how much Aryan was putting consideration into her predicament, and into his words as he talked about it, she couldn't bring herself to dismiss it without giving some more thought. "Maybe you have a point. I probably should just talk to the other people involved." What if she spoke to just Raju? Maybe that would be better. He wouldn't have the same attachment to solely her feelings like Papa might have. But she also didn't know if she was brave enough to do that right now. "Either way. I think you're right - we will both be okay. We just have to give ourselves some grace." She grinned at the young snake.

And it was only then too she could feel a loud rumbling growing in her stomach - a sign that the physical exertion of her earlier running and climbing all the way up here was catching up with her. "I think we might be okay faster if we get some food." She half joked, an attempt to lighten the mood as she grinned at him again. "Want to join me in going back down to the Great Hall?"

“From one outta ten,’’ Ary replied promptly, wagging a finger at Vera to emphasise what he meant. “Especially if you do it on purpose.” Pranks were okay to an extent; he would know as there were a few pranksters in his family. “Exactly! You understand what I mean.” This was even more reason for him to warm up to Vera. Both plants and creatures had their advantages when it came to spending time in the company of one or the other. With regard to Vera having a snake as a pet, it was not something he had known until a minute ago. He wasn’t familiar with any of the reptiles other than the snakes the Paton family kept. Truthfully, he just couldn’t wrap his head around the idea of having a pet snake, even if he belonged to the House which mascot was one. “That’s an interesting mix of creatures.” One thing Ary enjoyed was learning about others and their pets. “Whatever creatures bring us comfort, right?”

Of course Ary was sure about his response. Most times, selfishness was mistaken for one having a difficult time adjusting which was clearly what Vera was going through. Others labelled someone as selfish when they couldn’t understand that the person was just struggling with something. “You should but only when you’re ready cos talking is…” He made a face which reflected his feelings: talking was annoying and hard work. It was why he preferred to stay quiet most of the time. But yes, he and Vera would be okay. It was a phase. Phases passed. Better days were always ahead.

The Slytherin did a sudden double take at Vera. Or rather, at her stomach. “That sounded like my daddy’s,’’ he said with a laugh. “You’ve got a man’s stomach, Vera.” Kidding, of course. “Yes, please.” Ary jumped to his feet and taking a few steps from the view. “I want to grab something to drink.” Thankfully, the trek downwards would be much easier.

She laughed at his response, giving a small nod of her head in reply. "So 1-5 is permissible right?" She replied good naturedly, knowing he couldn't have been a stranger to those. She WAS house mates with Nadia after all. She was personally of the mind that she was similar to a fungus - just couldn't help but grow on you eventually. There had been plenty of people who were lukewarm about her to begin with (who could blame them?) but she'd go so far as to say now they all at least tolerated her being around, if they hadn't even begun to like it a bit. She was well aware her preferred pet was not everyone's cup of tea - but that was okay. While she personally didn't think reptiles were a type that people could help but love, she could respect not everyone had warmed up to them. "We're an interesting mix of personalities as well." She replied, a fond smile on her face, before another nod of agreement. "Definitely. Do you have any personal pets?" Of course Aryan was surrounded by creatures at the reserve, but she wondered if there was one that was just his.

At his face, Vera didn't bother to stop the laugh. "Yes, talking is exactly that." About anything serious, that was for her. She could talk about nothing until she was blue in the face. But REAL things? Hard pass.

The laughter stopped at the comment as she scrunched up her nose, not entirely certain how she felt about that particular comment. But considering he was teasing she decided to just take it as such and gave a small shrug. "Even a girl's stomach rumbles if she's hungry! And also just did a lot of physical labor." She glanced back at the stairs, before doing a quick stretch of her arms up towards the sky to loosen herself up - and admire the view one last time - before it was time for descent. "Down we go then!" She replied, turning on her heels and heading back towards the stairwell. Maybe another day she'd trek back up.