Through the spacious foyer is a wide hallway that has multiple sets of stairs, which like the house itself, is probably constructed with the aid of magic. The stairways lead in all sorts of crooked angles and one or two seem like they might be quite upside down. From here a maze of halls coils all through the manor and twists out of sight. Many of the rooms contain ancestral portraits, some of them depicting only one person but there are several that have couples or even couples and their adult children - all of them now gone from this world.

When the guests are finally summoned to the dinner it is within a medieval banquet hall that's been decked out for the occasion. It is the manor's own version of a great hall and stands in testament to the merry grandeur as well as bloody battles that took place once upon a time within these walls and upon the land. Long low tables are elegantly arranged but the patterns of china and crystal vary from table to table. In the far back there is a raised dais draped in green, black, and silver with the Rathe crest proudly featured. Behind the dais, and taking up the majority of the wall, is an ancient tapestry with rich detail depicting the bloody hunt of a dragon in front of what might be the Rathe manor.

To the left side of the dais is another set of doors, which are left open. Any who go in there will find a smaller feasting hall, probably the family's private dining quarters when they aren't standing on full ceremony. Within that room is a massive fireplace and tapestries cover every inch of wall space, some quite old and depicting the Roman invasion, others dealing with the capture of fanciful creatures. There is one entire wall that is notably bare and it looks as if one of the pieces were recently moved.

Satinka Rathe no longer lives in the Rathe manor, but her time here has made her immensely comfortable with the estate. This seems to give the woman an even stronger air of confidence as she approaches the front door to make her way inside. The young woman seems not to notice the decoration at all as she steps inside with her chum Nate Hunter following close behind. "My wee brother, engaged!" she comments with a slight smirk and a wave of her hand, seemingly ignorant of the irony of her calling her three-minutes-younger brother 'wee'.

In all of this excitement Astra is busy overseeing several small details before scurrying off to where the guests are actually going to be allowed to apparate onto the grounds. The one room, large enough to hold a comfortable gathering, is heavily guarded both by magic but also by hired hands to assist with any who might try to infiltrate. Gerald is in the background and taking a pointed interest in keeping things safe. For tonight he's allowed his daughter to take the lead and so she steps up to fill the role to the best of her ability. Her usual dour demeanor has faded and she puts on the face expected by society. Gone are her withdrawn tendencies but neither as she plays the welcoming host. Time passes as she circulates, making sure those who arrive are greeted duly before they are ushered further into the house to make themselves at home and find their respective rooms.

Smile is broadened as Satinka leads the way into the Manor. "Nice place you got here," Nate Hunter admires. "It's decorated. . . pretty-like." Flushing slightly as if to man-up his last comment he adds clearing his throat, "Very structurally sound. And. . . um. . . intact." He nods slightly at the notion of her brother getting married, "Just promise me you won't follow his lead and become all desperately domestic and get married yourself, alright Ms Rathe?"

Hope Rathe could not be more excited. In fact, she has been looking forward to today for weeks now. She tugs eagerly on Angelina Rathe's hand as she steps forward and takes in all the festive decorations. "So beautiful!" she comments, glancing up to Martin and then to Austin, stifling a snicker at the little boy's suit and tie, which look very out of place on him. Hope herself, if she were asked, looks gorgeous. Mummy took her shopping and they picked out the most lovely dress. Presently, Hope twirls on her toes and smiles. Her hair is curled for the occasion, and done up in pigtails. As if things weren't great enough already, Tess and Harper aren't here. They are being tended to by a nanny. Only Hope and Austin are mature enough to come to such a distinguished event. With that thought, Hope grins and looks once more to Austin. "How do you feel in that tuxedo, Austin?" Hope says with a grin.

Dressed in a fitting light blue floral gown, Vilivia Marqueen's hair is done up today in a tasteful bun rather than her normal pigtails. She wears a pair of white gloves to contrast with the blue. Around her neck is a silver necklace dangling from which is a silver butterfly. Her shoes are a somewhat darker blue than the dress and her bag matches the shoes. Vilivia enters alongside her parents her little face aglow from getting to wear such a formal dress and a tiny smidgeon of makeup and the prospect of seeing Seker for the first time. The little girl finally dawns her eyes upon him only to blush red and hide for a moment behind her mother. Melinda pushes her daughter out in front with a smile of encouragement and Vilivia curtsies to Seker gingerly.

"My tuxedo is awesome. Spies wear tuxedos. Dad told me so. I bet he wears one everyday at work--when he gets to work he changes into his tuxedo, it's like a uniform," Austin nods matter-of-factly. "Besides, I have to wear a uniform because I'm working for the Ministry. They've asked me to take on a very secret job and question /everyone/ at the party. An Auror's work is /never/ over." He nods sagely after describing his game for the night as he eyes the crowd for people to question. "/You/ can be my reporter sidekick. You get to ask people reporter questions, but the real questions are /mine/." He beams.

Olivia Geroff looks flustered to say the least as she arrives with her husband and the two oldest of her children. "Are you sure I look quite alright, Evan?" she asks her husband fussily, then almost instantly distracts herself with her two boys. "Stop tugging at your sleeves, Jason," she tells him gently and straightens the boy's cuffs, then his little bow tie. Once she seems satisfied with the appearance of her eldest children, she stands up and takes Evan's arm, looking about expectantly as they make their way into the main hall. Olivia takes a sharp breath as she takes in the grandeur of the decor and the added decorations. "This is... incredible," she tells her husband quietly, holding onto Christopher's hand a bit more tightly without meaning to.

Sylvie Winters-Geroff has been careful to dress in a most presentable and appropriate manner tonight, and from the gowns and dress robes on the rest of her family, has been careful to ensure none of them disgrace the family by looks. They've got enough going against them as it is. Upon entering, those too young to apparate on their own let go of older arms, and all the younger set bow or curtsy as appropriate - though the two very youngest have been left elsewhere. The adults, uncluding Matthew, Constance, Sylvie, and Ulaen, give more reserved greetings as equals as they are approached, then, with Sylvie taking her husband's arm, they head into the hall. Elsewhere, Evan responds to his wife's question with "You look lovely, Olivia," as he leads her in.

Satinka scoffs at Nate's suggestion. "Certainly not any time /soon/," she tells him with a grin, reaching over to take his arm and direct him further in. "The place could use a bit of updating. It is so /dreadfully/ old-fashioned, but mother and grandfather wouldn't let me touch it, I'm sure, even if I asked." She smirks a bit and, upon spotting her mother, she waves. "Hello mother! Grandfather!" Satinka approaches her mother and leans in to kiss the woman on the cheek. "You know Nate Hunter, of course," she tells them.

"Be on your best behaviour," Martin reprimands before any mischief has even transpired. He knows full well that there will likely be some mischief. Smoothing his own robes and adjusting his tie, he glances around the room. "Good turn out."

Standing alone in the grand room, Seker Rathe is noticeably nervous. He keeps looking around and checking his watch -- that is, until one family in particular arrives, and fairly offers their daughter to him, a small child in blue. Seker's heart races, not in love, but in foreboding. This was the girl he'd one day marry. His first impression is actually one of surprise. For some reason, he'd pictured her with blond hair. But, he decides now, things like that don't matter. After all, he probably isn't everything she expected, either. Seker has to bend over a little bit to offer his hand to the girl. "Vilivia Marqueen, I presume?" he asks politely, and kisses the gloved hand once it reaches his. "Seker Rathe," he states, rather obviously. "It's... it's a pleasure to meet you."

"Well we both know you'd do an excellent job. You do have excellent taste," Nate muses more to himself than Satinka. A nod is given to Astra and Gerald in greeting. "Thank-you for having me, Professor Rathe, Mister Rathe." He nods at each in turn. "Your house is splendid. I was just commenting to Satinka on the architecture."

Parents and wife both at hand, Samuel enters proudly, ignoring the guards to the best of his ability as he turns to walk into the main room with his wife and his parents likewise head in, moving their seperate ways. "Do you see the girl," he murmurs a quiet question to his wife Maple, looking about not at the decorations but the people present.

"Reporter sidekick?" Hope asks, wrinkling her nose momentarily. "Fine. I'll do it on one condition, and that's that you have to call me Winnie. Like my middle name, kind of like mum's last name before she was married. Winnie. Deal? If not, then I'll tell everyone here that you don't really work for the Ministry. Because you don't," Hope states curtly, "because you're five." With that, and a nod, Hope surveys the crowd of tall people. "Who should we interview first? And what are your... real... questions, anyways?"

Standing stiff and awkward, Quintus Helit doesn't seem to know what to do or say at this event; for the moment he seems to be moving extremely stiffly, walking through the area with a bit of a scowl at his lips and eyes constantly moving, inspecting all the little details - even though they have been checked a thousand times over by now, by much more qualified people than him, it feels like an important something to do.

Reaching for Seker's hand Vilivia blushes even deeper when her small gloved hand is kissed. "It's a pleasure for sure." She says in a small voice. Her normal talkative nature leaving her for the moment as she so mutely answers the young man. But a moment later she lets out a big breath and speaks up. "Oh you are just as handsome as I imagined you would be! This is going to be just perfect! I'll be married to you and I'll have your babies and it will be blissful! Just wait and see Seker!" And there is the Vilivia we all love and know talking a mile a minute.

As the other Geroffs arrive, Olivia looks slightly relieved. People she knows! She reluctantly lets go of her oldest child's hand and smooths her dress before she and Evan make their way over to the family. "Hello everyone," she tells them with a slightly forced smile. "Don't you all look just /lovely/," she tells them more happily, leaning in toward Evan a bit and reaching out to squeeze Constance's hand. She gives a smile to Alden Wexler, who has arrived along with Constance, though he does not look incredibly comfortable in his dress robes. "This should be an interesting party," she comments.

"Yes, I will call you Winni. Are you sure you don't want to be Win-a-fred?" Austin chuckles immaturely at his own joke. "Okay, fine Winnie. Well, we need to get to the bottom of this whole betrothal business. Like. . . who is this broad--that's spy talk for girl--that's supposed to marry Uncle Seker. And /why/ is he marrying her?" Glancing around the room, he points to Satinka. "Auntie Tinka should know something." Austin slides towards Satinka as inconspicuously as a five year old pretending to be a spy can. . . which isn't very inconspciuous.

Satinka doesn't linger long with her mother and grandfather, instead choosing to circulate. Once she is well away from them, she finally replies to Nate. "You know that and I know that, but how would I ever convince the stodgy old folks of that?" She sighs somewhat dramtically, then relinquishes Nate's arm. It is at this moment spots her brother. "Yoo hoo, Seker!" she calls and fairly skips over to the young man. "Hello, you!" she tells him cheerfully, leaning in to plant a kiss on his cheek as she had done with her mother. "And this must be the lucky miss Vilivia. Aren't you /precious/!" Satinka coos and leans down a bit. "I'm going to be your sister-in-law someday!"

He can't help but blush himself as Vilivia begins to gush about Seker's looks and their future together. He'd been a little unprepared for how informed she'd be about this whole thing. Had someone taken her aside and mentioned that she'd have his babies? And why were they always called /his/ babies? They'd be hers just as much! Seker's mind swims inside, but his cool exterior is more or less undisturbed. "It's a fine pleasure to meet you too, Vilivia. I'm... well I'm glad you're excited about... it. Us." He smiles. "I think we'll have a bright future, too."

"There's my wayward daughter! I thought you'd never arrive." Teasing gently Astra returns Satinka's kiss before stepping back and eyeing Nate with that quick critical gaze. "So you're the young gentleman who stole Abe's place tonight." There's a nod of approval before she adds, "You are more than allowed to just call me Astra. We are no longer in school." The woman turns away to greet each family in turn in case she's missed anyone, but she doesn't linger over long as the other family to the engagement arrives. "Ah the young couple have already met." Beaming at her son and the little girl she exchanges some pleasantries before looking around for Quintus.

"Thanks . . . Astra," the name feels awkward on his lips. Following Satinka, Nate gives Astra and Gerald a slight wave before heading towards the groom. He eyes the bride-to-be and just arches a single eyebrow, saying nothing. Not now, anyways. "Congrats, Seker, Vilivia. Quite the party. So--uh--how old are you little lady?"

Eyes narrowing, Hope utters, "Never, /ever/ call me Win-a-fred." That said, she nods about Austin's investigation. "Auntie Tinka should know about some things, yeah..." she agrees. "Well, you're the hot-shot auror, aren't you? Why don't you take the lead?" Hope asks, her shy nature manifesting itself at the prospect of talking to adults that aren't her parents.

"Brandon, keep an eye out for Miss Marqueen to greet her; she is in your house, yes? And remember," she lowers her voice significantly, "she /is/ 'Miss Marqueen' while here." Sylvie likely does need to be quite so worried over her children, but she won't take any chances at this feast. As Evan and Olivia approach, she smiles warmly at the couple. "Glad to see you've made it." Vanessa is already eagerly looking around for her same-age newphews, and after greeting his brother and sister-in-law, James excuses himself from the family's side to see if anyone he knows from Slytherin - or others his year - have shown up.

"Oh you must be Satinka!" Vilivia looks excited. "I've never had a sister before that'll be really great. We can share stories and do each others hair and nails. At least I think thats what sisters do." Vilivia can't seem to contain herself and her parents mingle with the other adults in the crowd, they seem to have cornered Charles Harper to talk to him for a bit. To Nate Vilivia smiles and answers "I'm eleven going on twelve." And turns her attention back to Seker "Oh it will be I just know it! If you don't believe me ask my Mummy. She can see the future and Im just sure we'll have a happy marriage!"

Sidling up beside Satinka, Austin looks up at his aunt expectantly. "Auntie Tinka! I have questions! You must answer them because. . . I'm . . . a spy." Probably not a good idea to tell everyone you're a spy, Austin. "First. . . who is the bride-to-be in this shindig? Second. . . um. . ." he lifts a finger to his lips ". . . uh . . . I forgot." Putting his finger to his lips he considers again, "Oh yes! Why is Uncle Seker marrying her?"

Eventually, Quintus moves to his own fiancee's side and places a hand, gently, on her shoulder, still looking around the party. In a soft undertone, he remarks, "There's a lot of people here, and not all that many that I know personally... or would care to." He nods his head slightly in acknowledgement to someone or another, his brow creasing slightly as he tries his best to recall why he knows that person or why they are looking at him.

Groaning, Seker goes through the motions of pushing Satinka and her sisterly kiss away, but what results is a very half-hearted effort. In truth, Seker is very happy to see his sister out and about /without/ "Abe". "S'tinka," Seker complains briefly as Satinka fusses over Vilivia. "She isn't a Pekinese dog," he mutters, but stops when Vilivia seems so receptive to the attention. Glancing back to Satinka, he remarks, "You... look good. I haven't seen much of you lately... how are you?"

As Vanessa makes an appearance, Olivia's sons seem to show more interest in the party and less interest in fussing over their dress robes. "If you're careful of your robes, you can play with Vanessa," she tells them, watching as Jason wrenches himself away from Evan to quickly join his 'aunt', and Christopher, the calmer one, merely walks over. They eye the girl for a moment before both of them smile and then Olivia's attention returns to the adults. "I wasn't sure about coming. I almost didn't fit into these robes," Olivia laments a bit, blushing dark red at admitting her own insecurity. She is over this in a moment, however. "Everyone looks simply lovely. I don't think I've ever seen the children so cleaned up all at once." The woman laughs a little bit as she says this, exchanging a look with one of the older in-laws.

Samuel Floens moves about the room, greeting people here and there as he comes to them. Soon enough Maple pulls at his arm, just gently, and nods toward the group congregating around Seker and Vilivia. "That must be her." They stand and watch for a moment, until opportunity presents itself to get a good look at her, then move on to keep circulating.

Giggling at Austin's interrogation, Hope adds, "I heard she's a first year at Hogwarts! But Uncle Seker is /old/! How come they're marrying each other?" Hope has no idea that the aforementioned first year student is standing right beside her now, and Hope pulls on her own pigtails as she waits for their answers, amused at how her hair feels.

Satinka merely manages to stare at Vilivia for a moment in a bit of shock. "Well, once you're married to my brother we can see about doing /all/ of that, if you want," she acquiesces, though she gives a very pointed look to Nate as a way of distracting herself from the uproarious laughter that those who know her quite well can likely see bubbling up. It is fortunate for both Satinka and Vilivia that Martin's children have chosen this moment to interrup. "Oh, a /spy/ are you?" She leans down and reaches out to tweak Hope's nose as she grins at Austin. "Well, why don't you tell me about it in a few minutes." Turning her attention back to Seker for a moment. "Why /thank you/, darling brother," the young woman states, patting her hair vainly. "I'm doing quite well. Busy as usual! If I'm not in the robes shop every other day, I can't seem to get them to do /anything/ the way that I want." She sighs dramatically. "How is your shop doing?" she asks him cordially, before looking with wide eyes to the youngest Rathes. "That's just how things are done, little girl," she tells Hope, clearing her throat a bit. "Say hello to Miss Marqueen, Austin and Hope-y. She's going to be your aunt someday!"

Looking down at hope Vilivia smiles wide. "Im a first year yeah. Seker and I are going to wait till Im grown up before we're married though. Otherwise it'd just be bad." Vilivia giggles at this and looks around the party seeing so many people and noticing the attention she's recieving she blushes once again. She greets a few more people as they come to meet her shaking hands and curtsying when appropriate.

People are beginning to trickle out of the guarded room, but enough people still mingle that it isn't an issue. A few children from other families run right out shrieking at the top of their lungs as they decide to go play and explore rather than stay close to their parents. Astra just fixes the smile onto her face and passes greetings to those who might say anything as they pass by. Turning her head toward Quintus, she dips her voice quietly enough to be heard by him but keeping her tone low enough that it would be difficult to overhear. "You know I'm not a social creature either Quintus, but it's our duty to see to them and their needs." Reaching up to touch his hand she smiles reassuringly. "I don't know most of them either, but to not invite certain families would be snubbing we can't afford to do. We'll get through this tonight and tomorrow and leave the rest of the affair in father's hands. Besides," she grins a little more, "shouldn't your own family be arriving?"

"A first year?" Austin wrinkles his nose. "Isn't that illegal? That seems like something I should make an arrest for." Pursing his lips together he then asks, "We have questions for you!" He wrinkles his nose as he's introduced to the bride, "I have questions!" His declaration is loud, but not overly demanding. "Bride, why are you marrying my uncle? Uncle, why are you marrying bride?"

Sylvie Winters-Geroff cannot help but give her youngest present a quick look and quiet reminder, "Manners," before she moves off to play with Christopher and Jason. Brandon also chooses this moment to take his leave, moving to join Seker and Vilivia, though he waits a step or two away for a proper chance to say hello. "Take a good look; you know what'll happen when we get home!" Evan answers Olivia, as Sylvie shakes her head a bit. "Give them /some/ credit. Olivia, we ought to have a portrait done, before they grow out of these outfits. I'd like to have something with the whole family together."

"Oh... no, I don't THINK they are," Quintus comments, creasing his brow and turning to look at Astra again. "Not right now, anyway... maybe they'll be coming along later." His tone is quite evasive, and he clears his throat and continues on with, "Oh - you," he steps towards someone else, speaking much louder now. "It's very good to see you again, it's been much too long."

"Oh, that would be just /wonderful/," Olivia agrees, watching as the three children run off. "Perhaps you could do one, Constance?" the woman asks her sister-in-law pleasantly. Though Constance doesn't look entirely /pleased/ at the prospect, she smiles never-the-less. "Perhaps I could work on it. It would be difficult, though - it's hard enough to convince adults to sit or stand still for long enough." She chuckles a bit. "Perhaps if you got one of those muggle photographs of them, I could give it a try." She snickers a bit. "But it could be done." She pauses. "I would even do it for free," she feels the need to add, as if she would consider anything else for her family members.

Relieved at having an actual quiet night away from work, Martin is just enjoying the evening. "Enjoying yourself, Ang? It's a good party. There are certainly a lot of people here." He bites his bottom lip. He's been distracted lately and he knows it. Everything going on has only compounded his exhausted appearance.

"Shop's going well--" Seker starts, but looks down to Austin and Hope (who appears none to pleased at being referred to as Hope-y) as the boy yells for attention. "Inside voice, Austin," Seker says gently as he crouches down to be more at the children's level. "This is my bride, her name's Vilivia," he says slowly so he's sure they've understood. "We thought our families should be good friends, so if I marry her, it'll be like our families are connected. Do you see? And then, if we have children," he says as if it's an option not to, "they'll be related to both families. Kind of neat, huh?"

As the five year old Auror questions her Vilivia just giggles. "Because he's handsome and because our familys would be good for each other. Why else would I marry him?" She asks the younger boy in return. Her eyes now settle on Brandon remembering him from the Ravenclaw gathering. "Hello Brandon!" She says loudley enough for him to hear her over the crowd of people.

"I don't want to have children," Austin thinks aloud. "They'd probably all scream like Death Harpy." He shudders. "Guess what, Uncle Seker?! She got to stay with the nanny so we get quiets tonight!" Of course, Austin isn't entirely quiet anyways. "Why is she so much little than you, Uncle Seker? Are you getting married tomorrow?" He frowns a bit and then adds, "I heard some people talking and heard that we're supposed to 'keep bloodlines pure'. What does that mean?"

Eyebrows are arched at the children who've approached. Nate sighs as Satinka introduces the children to Vilivia. "Nothing like observing someone else's chldren. Just glad I don't have any." That he knows about, anyways. He chuckles a bit as he glances down at the kids. "Not our usual crowd, but still entertaining," he muses.

Feeling a little overwhelmed by all the people, even if they are mostly her family, Hope decides it'd be a good idea to set eyes on her parents just to make sure they're still here. She finally catches sight of them, not too far away. Angelina Rathe is nodding, with a smile. "Not often you get so many families in one room... physically!" the woman notes, unaware that her children are interrogating the bride and groom-to-be. Hope, at her brother's chattering, turns back to the conversation and adds, "Yeah, we heard grandpa Gerald mention that. If you married someone else would your blood go rotten?" she asks, horrified at the idea.

Satinka leans back from the younger set to give a look to Nate. "Certainly /not/ our set," she comments and shakes her head. "These kids have a lot to learn if they're going to survive in /this/ family." She sighs. "I've got to teach at least little Hopey there some manners and tact or she will /never/ succeed in society!" Satinka crosses her arms across her front. "Well, it will be an entertaining evening for certain, if all this keeps up." She chuckles and watches as Austin peppers them with more questions. "That means that wizards should only marry wizards, Austin," she tells him. "So someday, you'll grow up and you'll marry a girl who comes from only wizard parents, not muggles." She smiles pleasantly to the boy.

Fondly kissing Quintus's hand Astra doesn't try to stretch up to reach him since he's now busy greeting someone else. "Thank you for putting up with this." She practically whispers it before whirling around and scanning the room. Many of those who have arrived are already here and she notes the youngest of the Rathe. "My /grandchildren/ are here!" Bursting with the joy she learned at her "greybeard's" knee, Astra mimics the Frenchman very well even if she isn't as tall or rotund as the bearded gentleman who is, more likely than not, somewhere making himself friendly with those he knows and those he does not. Swooping over to where Austin and Hope she falls right onto her knees before grabbing each one in opposite arms. "How are the littlest troublemakers?!" Acting quickly she doesn't kiss them but gives each of them a wet sloppy lick on the cheek before releasing them with a fit of laughter. "Do you think they make a fine couple?"

As he hears Vilivia's greeting, Brandon steps up to Vilivia and the rest of the group, nodding his head in greeting. "Hello, Miss Marqueen, and congratulations. Who else do I have the pleasure of meeting?" Across the room, Sylvie glances at Delaney, the only child still with her, and who doesn't seem ready to run off just yet. But she doesn't try to force, just looks back up at Olivia and Constance in particular. "I was hoping you would be in it; though, we could get a photograph," her voice is somewhat more quiet at the word, "that would solve a couple problems." Ulaen, by her side, just seems tolerant of the idea, while Matthew seems amused.

Nodding gently at his sister's answer about bloodlines, Seker suddenly thinks of Saphia, his muggleborn friend who helped him out so much in school. No use looking for her in this crowd even if she was held in some esteem by his mother. Apart from the Minister and her family, Seker could only see old wizarding blood here.

"Miss Marqueen?" Vilivia mouth silently curious as to why Brandon calls her this. But then she remembers the formalness of the event and blushes a little at her own ignorance. "It's a pleasure Mister Geroff to see you at such an eloquent little get together." Her eyes fall on Astra as she comes near. "Hello Professor Rathe. I mean um... future mother in law...." She giggles and smiles as Satinka explains why they must keep their blood pure.

And then Astra walks up to the children and licks them on the cheek. "Ewwww! Grandma Astra, that's yucky!" Austin cringes, but recovers quickly. "Oh! We're great! I'm a Ministry spy and Hope is my sidekick reporter for the Daily Prophet. And right now we're questioning Uncle Seker." And then changing his expression, he turns to Seker without missing a beat, adding to Hope's comment about the bloodlines and Gerald, "Yeah, except he used another word. . ." Austin looks up at the ceiling trying to remember. "Oh yeah! He said that mudbloods would make that blood dirty. Or something. Sounds like they would make it dirty, anyways." Of course, Austin uses this word callously. He doesn't know what it means.

"Oh, BLAH! Grandma Astra!!" exclaims Hope, wiping her cheek off with the back of her wrist. "That isn't grown-up behaviour!" The girl is grinning ear to ear even as she chides, and nods finally at the question. "They're a good couple." She listens to Austin's reply, and nods. This is what she's heard, too.

"Well, who would paint it, if I were in it? The photograph might work out that way, though I'm not sure that I could capture my /own/ essence as successfully as I could everyone else." Constance seems to only consider this for a few moments. "We can perhaps work out the details later." She smiles. "Tonight is a night for celebration for the, er, happy couple. We ought to give our regards," she comments. Olivia shrugs a bit at this, looking over toward where the group has gathered. "I suppose we should," she agrees.

With a smile at Vilivia, Brandon answers, "It's a pleasure to be here." He carefully ignores what the youngest Rathe's are saying - he was warned ahead of time - though he does bow to Astra as she comes up to the group. "Headmistress." He is not paying attention to his mother at the moment, though at Constance's comment, Sylvie does look over to see Brandon always there. "We can discuss it at home," Sylvie agrees, turning to make her way over as to the happy couple as well.

Looking /shocked/ at Hope's reaction Astra looks around "Oh that wasn't grownup? Oh dear me! Oh what. . ." the hell did Austin just say? Staring wide-eyed at the little boy the woman scrabbles back to her feet and looks around to make sure certain people didn't hear a certain term that just dropped out of the boy's mouth. She's not angry so much as truly shocked now and the earlier feigning is real now. Shaking her head seriously she grabs Austin, turns him to face her, and crouches so that she's making direct eye-contact. "Do not use that term ever again. It is not something one uses in public or in polite society. I don't care what Gerald says you are not to mimic him in /this/. Do you understand?" Glancing at Brandon she winces in his direction, but it's the only indication that she is aware of what is going on around her.

Winceing for poor Austin as he's gently reprimanded it was the same lesson Vilivia herself only learned not to long ago. She doesn't say anything but continues to greet folks as they introduce themselves to her. "Seker what do you think we should name our first child?" Vilivia asks this suddenly from nowhere as if it were just the most natural thing to bring up the first time meeting your future husband.

Entirely unsure what he's done wrong Austin nods a bit at Astra equally shocked. Pouting a bit at getting reprimanded even if it's not a harsh reprimand, Austin sulks, "I didn't mean to. I just want to know stuff. I won't say it again. I promise." He pouts some more, exposing two green sad-puppy-dog-eyes as he does so.

With a taken aback glance to Vilivia, Seker merely replies, "Oh! Um..." before looking around and shrugging a little. "I... hadn't thought much about that, Vilivia," Seker admits. "I think we should wait until we're... married... to discuss things like that, alright?" He cant help but smile. It was easy to forget she was only eleven. Seker half expected her to act like an adult, but as it were, she's rather charming.

"Oh I suppose you're right. That will give me plenty of time to think of a better name than Sue-anne." Vilivia giggles and looks into the crowd again spotting her parents moving around amongst the people. She decides to stay put in her little comfort zone built of the small group of people for now.

Ruffling the boy's hair Astra is all smiles again as she stands up and takes Austin with her. Flipping him upside down she manhandles him as she dangles him by his legs. "I've caught an Auror! Sylvie! I found a wild Auror running around my house and now I don't know what to do with him! Help! I think he might be rabid!"Astra calls out to the Minister with a beaming smile as she notices the other woman's approach. "He was caught trying to abduct Vilivia and give her a kiss and he was setting questions upon Seker! Don't you /train/ your Aurors anymore?" Clearly having far too much fun at the boy's expense she even goes so far as try to walk with him still being dangled.

Finally getting up the courage to make her way over to the Rathes, who seem to have all clumped together, Olivia looks to Evan as if to say 'let's go,' and turns to walk over to greet the guests of honor. She smiles to Brandon as she gets over to the group. As Asra turns the young boy upside down, Olivia seems slightly taken aback. This is a different side to her former headmistress than she is used to seeing, and she blushes a bit. "Er, hullo, Professor," she greets Astra and giggles a little, despite herself.

As Astra begins to manhandle the child, Quintus looks up and watches the two for a moment; his lip curls slightly with just a hint of a smile, and while he doesn't say anything or draw any nearer, he's clearly drawn in by the sight of her playing with the boy. A moment later, though, he looks up and away, his attention apparently having been drawn by someone talking, and he wanders across to go and speak with them.

A slight smile in response to Astra's look is the only acknowledgement Brandon Geroff gives that he's noticed anything amiss. His next words are to Vilivia again, a simple and quiet, "Excuse me," as he takes his leave to allow her to greet those coming up behind him. That done, he moves off to find others his age, just in time for his mother to walk up to the group in his place, along with others in the family. Sylvie for her part laughs quietly as she approaches Astra. "I try, but there's just no help for some." Nearby, Evan grins at Olivia's expression. "Sounds like he ought to go on trial; /abducting/ the bride to be?"

Giggling as Astra picks him up, Austin beams. "I'm really strong!!" he giggles some more. "Minister, I'm a good guy!" He grins. "I'm really well trained too! I can use all kinds of spells. Like. . . grow-a-long-nose-a-cus!" He grins. He knows no magic. He's heard his parents say spells but it's all nonsense to him.

Nodding cheerfully to Astra, Hope's smile fades as she witnesses her Grandma's stern reproach to that word Austin said. But, over as quickly as it happened, her little brother is suspended suddenly by his legs and being kidded around with. Hope shrieks with laughter as she points at the up-side down boy. "Austin got caught! Austin got caught!" she sings, still laughing.

Samuel Floens and his wife have not disappear, nay, nor have his parents. His parents have by now found another couple to converse with, and Samuel and Maple are still circling, mainly enjoying each other's company. They find themselves eventually approaching a group - near where Quintus is approaching from the other side - and pause to greet those they know, and make introductions to those they don't.

His son's giggles and daughters singing catches Martin's attention. He chuckles lightly at both of his children. He pads over to Hope and bends down to scoop up his daughter. In short order she'd be too big to be picked up. "He's not caught. . . just. . . being taken for questioning. Good Aurors never get caught." He winks.

"Putting an Auror on trial? Only if I get to be wizengamot and executioner." "I hereby find Austin Rathe guilty of being five years old, being a rabid Auror, and being a bag of giggles." Pretending like she's going to drop the boy on his head Astra just winds up resting him gently against the floor before setting him down. That doesn't mean he's free because she kneels right by him, "Your sentence is to be. . ." "tickled!" And as she shouts that out she proceeds to tickle the boy's side and stomach. When about ten seconds have passed she stands up, fusses with her robes and grins at everyone. "Sorry for that. The Aurors and Hit-Wizards always need to be put in their place, but I think I can handle anything they try." "I hope everyone is well?"

"Grow-a-long-nose-a-cus?" Sylvie Geroff repeats after Austin, amused. "That's not one of my spells. Who's been teaching you, sir, and what do you plan to /do/ with that spell?" Though, of course, with what follows, it may be hard for him to answer. It is Evan who is first to answer Astra, as his mother is busy speaking to the child. "We've been quite well, thank you," he says, with a glance at Olivia in case she'd like to add anything. "And yourself, Professor Rathe? Aside from taking down unruly aurors?"

"Oh, very," Olivia adds, slightly dumbly, watching as Astra plays with her grandchild. It is at this that Olivia feels the sudden urge to look about for her sons, and detatching from Evan momentarily, she puts up a hand and wanders away. It's a moment or two before she returns with Jason on one side and Christopher on the other, with Vanessa following behind. "Say hello, boys," she tells the boys, who mumble greetings in response, looking at the other little girl nearby and the boy who seems to have been caught.

Speals of laughter are emitted from Austin's mouth as Astra tickles him. "Hahaha!" Curling into a little ball the boy's laughter just gets louder. With a grin he chuckles at Astra, "I know my place! I protect the streets of Diagon Alley. Just like Dad." He stands to his feet and says this rather proudly.

Smirking, Hope adds, "Except dad does it just a little better than you, Austin, 'cause you're five." She nods at this, and looks mutely at the other children, shyness overtaking her and stepping back a few feet. She looks to Austin automatically, almost for protection, and seeing how naturally laid-back he is, stops moving away.

As six year old Vanessa approaches with her nephews and Olivia, she moves to stand beside Sylvie, who gives her a slight push. The girls looks startled for a moment, then curtsies quickly, grinning at Astra and the two new children. Delaney, on Sylvie's other side, has already done the same - though at ten, much less outgoing about it.

"I'm well enough. I can't believe we have so many people here. It's good to have company and to hear children filling the halls with laughter." Astra smiles faintly before looking down at her grandson, "Oh very good. See you remember it or the tickle-monster-of-doom will unleash its wrath upon you. I asked Quintus to cage one and now I hold it in special reserve on the grounds." Speaking very sincerely without cracking a grin she keeps the deadpan expression before addressing the adults again. "It is very good to see all of you." Looking around for Quintus, she waves in his direction but isn't sure that she's gotten his attention. "My own fiance seems to be roaming around or else I'd introduce you."

Eventually, Quintus catches Astra's eye and moves back to her side; he looks a little lost at where the conversation is going, but he smiles politely to Sylvie and nods his head slightly to her, extending a hand to her. "Pleasure to meet you," he murmurs, clearing his throat softly, before glancing at Astra; he doesn't say anything to her but his expression indicates that he's been feeling a little lost in interacting with these people.

"Yeah, Dad's bigger is all. One day I will be just as good as Dad. Or better." Austin squeezes his eyes shut determined to be better than Martin. "I love Mum too though. You can be like Mum. I'll be like Dad."

Perking a brow at her little brother, Hope only shrugs and nods slightly. "If you say so. Mum's great." She seems to sort of lose herself in thought about this, the girl is suddenly angry, as Hope realizes that Austin hasn't been holding up his end of the bargain for some time. "Wait a minute! You've been calling me Hope all this time! You said you'd call me Winnie!" the girl exclaims, furrowing her brow. "If you want me as your side-kick reporter, you have to call me Winnie. You /said/ you would, Austin Martin! You said!"

Sylvie Winters-Geroff extends her hand as well, nodding to Quintus. "Pleasure's all mine. Let me introduce some of my family..." she runs through names of those that are currently standing with her, pausing as she reaches Vanessa, at which point, for both Astra and the girl's benefit, she speaks this child's full name, "...and Vanessa Astra Geroff." She reaches to place a hand on the girl's shoulder, but Vanessa laughs and shrugs away, looking curiously at Hope. "Is your name Winnie? What are you reporting?"

Shaking her head almost sadly, Hope glances to Austin before replying, "Well, my name /is/ Hope... but my middle name is Winnifred. And my mum, before she got married to my dad, her last name was Whynn and I think that sounds lovely. I wanted my /brother/ to call me Winnie, my reporter name, while we tried to figure out why Uncle Seker, he's so old, why he was marrying... V'liva." She nods.

"Sylvie this is Quintus Helit, Quintus our Minister - Sylvie Winters-Geroff. She's an old and dear friend of mine. I'm glad you two can finally meet in person." Astra's about to speak more but the children catch her attention again and she watches them quietly before turning back to the adults. She raises her eyebrows at Vanessa's middle name before quirking a smile. "I'd make more introductions but Quintus and everyone else should know each other if in passing if nothing else." Smiling she takes the man's arm and glances up at him with as reassuring a look as she can muster.

Having been standing back watching the hijinks with the children, Satinka finally steps forward and takes a look at Quintus. "I see you still haven't taken my advice, old man," is her greeting to her future step-father. "Oh, fancy that, mother. She's named for /you/," the young woman comments with a chuckle and grins down at the girl and the other children. "My, there /are/ a lot of children at this party." She looks over to Nate, who is still standing nearby. "Must be company for the bride-to-be," she tells him relatively quietly, though Satinka has no apparent shame at her own amusement about the whole thing.

Vanessa nods quite seriously to Hope. "You've got a special name for being a reporter? That's neat. I should get a job and then I can have another name." Pausing, she looks up to her sister. "Delaney, what do you think, I could be a plant keeper." She doesn't wait for an answer however, and looks back at Hope. "So did you find out?"

At Satinka's words, Quintus looks down at what he's wearing; he has dispensed with the potato sack for now and is wearing a white silk shirt with trousers, and his nicest cloak. At first he looks to be about to justify his choice in clothing, but then he just makes a disparaging scoffing sound and looks to Sylvie, adding, "That's a... fine name for a child."

Hope simply nods, explaining, "It's got something to do with blood. And children and families. Actually, come to think of it, we didn't really find out. Austin?" she asks, looking for her brother only to find that he's run off somewhere. She feels exposed suddenly, and wraps her arms around her waist. "I think I should find my mum now. It was nice to meet you," she says, remembering her manners shortly before running off to locate the rest of her family.

"Family, my dear, means children and children are the safeguard of our future." Astra gently reminds her daughter of her own views on such things but the smile is fond. Pressing a hand to her lips she turns away to hide a fit of laughter at Satinka's words to Quintus, but she's doing a poor job as her shoulders shake to reveal the laughs that she can't quite swallow. Wiping at her eyes she turns back and straightens her posture. "Hope is also a fine name for a child. One of Erica's children had that name and I was always fond of the name." But as Hope now wanders off she gives a small sigh.

Sylvie Winters-Geroff nods again, glancing at the children as they talk. "I like to have each of my kids named after someone," she clarifies, lest it seem too strange. "Hope is a beautiful name." As Hope runs off, Vanessa falls back to stand beside Delaney, the two beginning a quiet debate over whether they should go have a look around. For the moment, Delaney seems to be winning, staying right where she is.

"Pish tosh," Satinka responds with a wave of her hand. "Looks like all fun and games to me," the young woman responds with a smirk to her mother. "I wonder. Why don't we use sensible names like... like... Agrippina and... Euripides," Satinka asks, putting on her straightest of straight faces as she looks to those around her for an answer. "I think that would certainly add more flavor to these safeguards, don't you think?"

"I like plants," Christopher agrees, looking at Vanessa with a bit of a smile. "Can I be a plant keeper, too?" Olivia smiles at her son and gives him a nudge toward his aunts, doing the same for her other son to follow. Olivia, of course, recognizes Satinka, but not having known the girl personally at all and not at all understanding the other young woman. "We've done the same until Melia," Olivia chimes in. "I just liked the names. Though, I suppose Elaine and Ellen are close enough to be related." She looks to Evan for confirmation, then glances around at the other children.

Vanessa watches Christopher and Jason come over. "I /suppose/," the girl says dramatically, then grins. "But I get the ones that eat people." Beside her, Delaney is attempting to pay more attention to the adult conversation than that of the other children, though it becomes more difficult as others cluster around. However she is still able to hear Evan say, for Olivia's benefit, "They are quite close. Both versions of Helen, if I recall."

"You're absolutely right! From now I shall refer to you as Dhumavati!" Astra grins wickedly at Satinka before smiling again, "And Quintus shall be known as Ganesha! Sylvie can be," rubbing her chin she finally settles on "Providentia". "Those names are much more interesting than our regular boring ones!" Looking around to get a good fix on who is where and what is going on she finally comments, "I have to admit to liking fanciful names. Satinka is a name from the natives of America and Seker is Egyptian. I rather broke with tradition, but if I had a second son he would have had father's name. There are just some things that I find I can't bring myself to meddle with."

Raising just a slight eyebrow at Astra, Quintus is quiet for a moment - and then, a shake of his head and the simple word, "No." is all he offers by way of response. He clears his throat, then adds, "If we have another child, she won't be named something like Aphrodite or... whatever. It'll be a good, proper name."

"Moth/er/, I already /have/ an interesting name," the young woman decides to point out before Astra gets to the point of doing so herself. "Anyway, you understand my meaning. Names should have more spice!" Satinka looks to Quintus with a pointed expression. "What's insensible about Aphrodite? It's a fine name!"

"Providentia?" Sylvie repeats, raising her eyebrows at Astra. "Very well. And what shall we call you.. do you care for Athenasia?" .. "We've mostly gone for the 'normal' names. The most unusual, I think, are Melinda's; Emilia and Justinian." And even those she's heard used before.

"Seker and Satinka *are* fine proper names - /Quintus/." "I was thinking something to match Seker like Ereshkigal perhaps." Astra's views of good strong names are perhaps touched by fancy that she doesn't often reveal in public, but tonight is not a night for her usual face. "Don't mind him Satinka, he's just grumpy that his parents weren't more interesting. They may as well named him Fiver." "If I /do/ have another son it won't have Gerald's name since it won't be a Rathe so you hardly need to worry about that, but I was thinking Saraswati for a girl would be sweet or Mohit for a boy." At the mention of Justinian she twitches involuntarily "Sanctimonia".

"It's Latin," Quintus replies gruffly, narrowing his brows at Astra with a bit of a frown. After a moment, he adds, "Yes, but at least it's a - well, anyway. Something normal would be nice. Like... Mary." He folds his arms, glancing back to Sylvie and Satinka, forcing a faint smile at the two.

"Mary?" Grimacing openly the woman wrinkles her nose, "That would go so well. Satinka, Seker, Astra, Quintus and /Mary/. Oh yes, my that works wonderfully." Grudgingly she adds, "Though it would work fine with the rest - Peter, Gerald, and Cedric all had fairly normal names I suppose but they're strong good names. Interesting and not /bland/. A name should have character. What kind of character does Mary have? It sounds like a simpering thing that I'd want to lock in a closet." "Mary simply won't do. Sylvie works. We could certainly use Erica and Sylvie or Edana. All strong fine womanly names that don't make me think of someone who snivels." While part of it is meant to be flattery it really is said with conviction. "Or we could go for /Welsh/ names." "But this all besides the point since we're speaking about theoretical children."

Sylvie Winters-Geroff smiles at Astra, taking a moment to search her memory for particularly Welsh names. "Ceridwen, Isolde, Rhianon.. Nothing wrong with Welsh names. Evan, for that matter, is Welsh," though certainly not female! She turns to look at Ulaen briefly. "I rather like Rhianon."

"Have you found anything to make the stomach growl more?" James Geroff calls from down the table, leaning over some poor second year boy's head to grab a piece of fruit. The second year gives him an annoyed look, but James does not move from where he's standing behind the line of seats. His hair is still a bit mussy and he's got the look of one who only recently made himself wake up. Now and then, his eyes scan both the Ravenclaw table and those entering the room, searching for Brandon. Every now and then one has to bother one's brother in the morning.

"You want beast belly candies." Tommy says this with a grin to the younger boy. "You eat one and it makes your stomach growl for about an hour. They taste pretty good but they are awfully annoying after a while." Tommy begins eating the biscuit and looks the Ravenclaw boy over. "Why are you leaning over that other boy? Is he a friend of yours?" Tommy doesn't really seem to care but it looks as though he's got some interest in Brandon since the boy spoke out to him.

James pats the second year on the head, ignoring another glare to move further down the table, rather than shouting across. "Nah," the sixth year murmurs around a mouthful, "Barely know 'im. I was just thinking it might be interesting eating a few of those before class. Professors couldn't really get you in trouble for being /hungry/, could they?" James takes another bite, then turns to survey the hallway once more; it is at this point that Brandon enters, looking rather more put-together this morning this morning than his brother is. James waves a hand filled with apple wildy. "'Ey, Brandon!"

"I don't suppose they could...." Tommy stops to think of how funny it'd be to interupt class with a beast belly candy. "But if they knew you ate the candy then they might too." Tommy looks from James on to Brandon when he waves to the boy. "Is that your brother? I've never had any brothrs or sisters. What's that like?" Tommy smiles looking to James.

"They'd never need to know, would then?" James grins. "Yeah, he's mine- Brandon, come meet my friend! - I've got loads of 'em. Awful fun to mess with. You should find yourself one, try it sometime. You can always borrow mine." Brandon, at his brother's second shout, rolls his eyes from across the room and changes direction to head for the Slytherin table.

"I don't suppose they would. But they might catch on if every student were using them." Tommy smiles a little more as Brandon comes over. "Isn't he cute!" The seventh year's voice gets a little high on the word cute and he giggles softly. "Hello Brandon." He says with a smile getting the boys name from James. He slides over to make room for the younger boy at the table.

Brandon Geroff walks up with a vaguely wary look on his face, scanning the table until Tommy greets him. That, then, must be this 'friend'. "Good morning," he says, first to Tommy and then to James - the greeting to the latter followed by, "You'll get a stomach ache if you don't sit down to eat." James doesn't answer the comment, just pushes his brother toward the cleared space at the table. "Sit down with us! My friend needs a volunteer." To Tommy he adds, "Undoubtably. Then again, if I could convince /every/ student in a class to eat them..." James chuckles at the idea. "We just have to hide the evidence."

"Now that'd be amusing!" Tommy laughs at the idea of a whole room full of growling stomachs. "Volunteer? Oh no that's okay. I don't mind sitting and chatting while I eat though." Tommy stuffs his biscuit in his face chomping away at it before washing it down with some pumpkin juice. After finishing the biscuit he begins pileing eggs onto his plate as well. "It's always lovely to have breakfast with new friends. Tell me Brandon. What year are you in?"

"I'm not volunteering for anything until I've had my toast," Brandon answers his brother, but at Tommy's response, Brandon does take the offered seat. "I'm a third year, in Ravenclaw. And you are? I'm afraid I didn't catch your name." Across from him, James finally takes a seat as one is vacated and both his companions are now sitting down. "Don't say I didn't offer. I bet I could get you in on it - should I order extra candies? It'd be hilarious if every sixth and seventh year class started that way - I'm sure I can hide the blame."

"My name is Tommy Darian and Im a seventh year." He informs Brandon with a small smile. "Toast is good. Here have some jam." He passes the jam to the younger boy offering it. He looks to James. "Well that'd be funny. Why not try it then. I don't think I'll do it though. Class pranks are so juvenile." Tommy begins quickly eating his eggs stopping now an then to drink more pumpkin juice.

Brandon Geroff selects a piece of toast for himself, and takes the offered jam. "Thank you." Following through on his earlier refusal, he falls silence, concentrating on spreading jam on his toast and selecting a few other items to consume with it. Across the table, James shakes his head at Tommy. "Again, don't say I didn't.. I'll have to speak to the sixth years. I bet they'll go along." If the pronouncement of pranks as juvenile has bothered him, he doesn't show it, though he too finally settles down to eat, finally working on the rest of his apple and finding a bit of ham to go with it. And, from his looks up and down the table, intent on spending the rest of breakfast plotting his new amusement.

Humming to herself, Eloise Peabody makes her entrance into the Great Hall jovially, nearly skipping. She surveys the room thoughtfully, attempting to recognize at least one or two faces in the crowd. As it turns out, she does in fact recognize someone- Brynne, from the sorting feast- but is thrown off upon realizing she's sitting at the Slytherin table, of all places. As she was instructed by her uninformed first-year counterparts /not/ to socialize with Slytherin, she tentatively sits at the Gryffindor table, close enough to listen in on the older students.

A grin forming on his face, Derrow Gahnarath breaks into a low chuckle, after a moment he's laughing, and soon he's laughing so hard that he's started banging his fist against the doorframe, tears streaming down his face. Derrow Gahnarath, laughing? Is it possible? He begins to hold his ribs, fearing an organ might shift within his merriment. After a few minutes, he manages to regain his composure, though his face is still quite red. He starts slowly, speaking quietly, "Emma, you're a hypocrite. You've become exactly what you call me. /My/ opinions of myself are too high? Shall I repeat /your/ little tirade from last night? Good Lord. Yes, when I see Brynne make the House Team, then I really will cry, cry for her House for having such a little talent pool. Good day ladies, keep working on those quips, I love dissecting them." With that, he turns and walks out of the hall.

Saints preserve us, will Yvonne Chamberlain never have a break? Of course not. She's the nurse. Nurses always have the worst job at the very beginning of the school year. Students falling down the stairs, then falling down more stairs. Problems with their wands and trying to be the hero, quaffing potions from potions class. Oy. The young woman strides into the hall however, with a light spring in her step, though her eyes look rather tired and battered.
Moving up to the Faculty table, she does not stop at all to speak with any of the students, but heads straight to sit down, and merely observe.

Its seems like everyone else is fighting with Derrow, and Lisbeth Vandersen isn't one to be left out. "Oh.. what is the big deal with Quidditch? Astra Rathe send =me= an invitation and I can't even fly. They probably just needed another name to fill the list. Besides, is =just= a stupid game." She then tries to get the conversation back to adventures. "You said there was more to it Brynne? Shall we go to, um, somewhere secret.." She glances back at Derrow to see if being left out of secret places might bother the boy " and you can tell us the rest?" Of course the boy runs out, "Typical" She grumbles, then turns back toward her group.

He is a snot," remarks Keelan Wheyre, now that he's gone. Later she might call him something long and nasty to his face, or perhaps she'll just continue to be polite and therefore give him nothing in which to sink his little hooks. "A scavenger for attention, my Auntie Mandy calls that type. It's too bad your team has to put up with him, Emma." She pauses to take a bite of whatever it is she's snagged for herself-a pastry, it seems. Wiping the crumbs from her mouth, Sltyherin-girl raises an eyebrow at Lisbeth, "Did she really? I'd be very excited to be asked to be on the team. However, I'll be trying out." She gives a shrug, then, and continues with breakfast.

If she were still a first year, she might cry. If she were still a first year, she might throw a nasty little tantrum. But no more shall that type of behavior rule the life of Brynne Lysaer, for she is a Second year student. (someone knock her off her pedestal, PLEASE) She turns back towards Lisbeth, Emmaline and Keelan as Derrow takes his parting shot and leaves, muttering under her breath. "What a coward. He can't even stay to hear out my word." She shrugs, and smiles again, pulling out her parchment for Keelan. "This is a letter from Professor Sanctimonia. Or Agent Sanctimonia now. We should go somewhere else so I can tell you all about it. It's just... /too/ noisy in here, and I don't want to have to raise my voice." She nods, lying straight through her teeth, and looking around the room. Eloise, the first year who Brynne Lysaer saw at the feast is given a rather friendly smile and an enthusiastic wave with her letter hand.

He's a coward, he did the same thing last night. He doesn't even have the courage of his...of his...beliefs...to stand and defend them." Yes, that was exactly what Professor Fallon would say about the likes of Derrow. Glancing up at Brynne Emmaline Braedenton shakes off the Threatening-Boy's presence. The lout. Forcing a smile she nods to Brynne. "We can go to Godwinknoll. No one usually bothers us there."

A dark mist hangs over the area as Slazzurus Khalleria bows his head in respect of those in the room, and turns to sit in a chair. No smile crosses his face. Every movement of his is tense and erratic. His is no good mood, and he frowns slightly at the merriness happening around him for he is the only morose person in the room, or so he thinks. However, he cannot blame others for their good fortune. Shrugging at this, he pulls up his hood, and fingers his vest again. Nonetheless, his heartbreaking expression is not seen for the shrouding hood he owns covers all of his face. Drawing a book from his pocket, he puts his hand on the cover and lets it lie on the table, with a sad, miserable, yet enchanting look vibrating from him. No words can define his mood as of now. Yet he is still righteous and honorable, for the good have their bad times, as well as the wicked who may also have their good times.

Slazzurus Khalleria takes a seat at the Ravenclaw Table.
Slazzurus Khalleria says, "Hello"
Slazzurus Khalleria stands up from the Ravenclaw Table.
Slazzurus Khalleria takes a seat at the Staff Table.
Slazzurus Khalleria says, "Hello, Nurse."
Slazzurus Khalleria says, "How are you doing, Mz. Chamberlain?"
Slazzurus Khalleria nods his head, and starts to leave the table.
Slazzurus Khalleria stands up from the Staff Table.
Slazzurus Khalleria walks out through `(N)orth'.
Slazzurus Khalleria comes in from Narrow Corridor.
Slazzurus Khalleria whispers something to Brynne Lysaer
Slazzurus Khalleria whispers something to Brynne Lysaer

A forced smile appears on Slazzurus Khalleria's face. The school is much too big for him to memorize such passages.

Lisbeth Vandersen shifts, then stands from where she is seated at the Slytherin table with her friends. Pausing once to scowl at Slazzurus' antics she grumbles a, "This isn't a barn. Show some manners!" Then puts on a smile and turns back to her group. "The 'knoll then? And Brynnie can tell us all about the rest of that note."

Slazzurus Khalleria frowns, and bows toward the Lisbeth. "Sorry, just got up from my dorm. Late sleeper." He sighes slowly, and eyes south with a vigilant stare.

Oh the impropriety to approach a /Second/ year student without proper introduction. You could be severely reprimanded for doing that in the real world as well, but hey, it's modern, it's 1913. Brynne Lysaer just blinks as Slazzurus approaches her, and turns to him with a rather blank expression. "I'm sorry, I was just going to leave with my friends. Perhaps you should ask one of your house prefects to show you the way around." She shrugs, then turns back to her friends. "Let's go to the 'knoll."

Keelan Wheyre finishes off her breakfast and stands with a nod, "I don't care for sticking around here past breakfast anyway, so let's go to the 'knoll." She nearly forgets her duty as part of the Welcoming Committee, and 'accidently' forgot her pin this morning.. but the Slytherin girl manages to give a weak smile and nod of acknowledgment of their prescense to the younger students. Catch her later and she might /talk/ to them, and what a privilage
that will be. Or not.

Slazzurus Khalleria nods, and wanders around the Great hall with a bored expression his face. A slight scowl appears on his face, and he flicks back his cloaks. Examining the ceiling and the walls, he raises an eyebrow. "Strange material to make a school out of." He blinks, and suddenly notices Emmaline, who he'd met in the commons room before. "Hi, Emmaline. Care to show me around the Brick Prison?" The boy grins slightly at his own name for Hogwarts.

Slazzurus Khalleria eyes the walls closer... "Make that Stone Prison."

Slazzurus Khalleria whispers something to Emmaline Braedenton

Lisbeth Vandersen hmpfs once at Slazzarus, then starts to head for the dorms. So far she is free from Secondyear-itis, but she isn't exactly showing it at the moment. Sure, she wants to be nice to first years. But does she really have to be nice to such ill bred first years as ones hat sit down at the =Staff= table? Why, its a shock that Nurse woman didn't take some points off of Ravenclaw for such disrespect. "Look, Boy." She makes the word 'boy' into an insult. "We are busy doing important things. Emmaline has better things to do then lead you around the school. You know when I was a first year, we all wandered around and explored on our own. Have you tried that." Ok, maybe Secondyear-itis is catching after all.

To the 'knoll." She liked how that sounded. Rising to her feet she glances at Slazzarus and shakes her head, "We haven't been introduced, have we?" It was so impolite to call someone by name when you haven't met them. But he was a Firstie so Emma just smiles and shakes her head, "I'm sorry. I have plans with my friends. I'm going with them just now. Maybe later." Emmaline Braedenton gives another fleeting smile and stands with her friends.

Bernard Nightingale saunters into the room, hands thrust deep into his pockets, a rather giddy smile firmly plastered across his features. Suger high? Undoubtedly, for the lad was seen to devour half-a-dozen custard tarts at breakfast. But then, when hasn't he been seen smiling?

Slazzurus Khalleria shrugs, and eyes north. Stopping to take a look at his watch, he shrugs yet again, a dark mood hanging over him. Sighing heavily, he wonders when the older termers would stop calling him 'an ickle little firstie'.

Or maybe they won't head to Godwinknoll yet. Now that Slazzurus has decided to stay and ask Emmaline instead. Didn't Brynne Lysaer specify a /prefect/? Maybe she didn't. She nods at Lisbeth, Keelan and Emmaline, still clutching the parchment in her hands from Agent Sanctimonia. Important stuff it holds, and other secret things that other people /cannot/ see, other than her friends. "Let's go. Let's hurry..." she whispers quietly to the three girls, standing up from the Slytherin table and frowning at Slazzurus. "Of the nerve. To /sit/ at the staff table? It's just unheard of."

Perhaps stunned by the fact that Brynne was indeed sitting at the Slytherin table- how could it not be her, she waved- Eloise Peabody doesn't make much of a move to acknowledge her back, only smiling oddly after a much longer than polite while. It seems her fellow first years truly have poisoned her toward Slytherin, for the moment.

Slazzurus Khalleria comes in from Narrow Corridor.

Bernard Nightingale pauses, seemingly shocked, as the ravenclaw trots through the room too many times for comfort. "Crikey" he marvels, offering a low whistle. "What d'you suppose is the matter with 'im? Running to and fro like some sort of pop-eyed penguin?"

Slazzurus Khalleria bows his head slightly in respect, knowing the little regard the older terms give him. Striding to his table in a slow fashion, and sighs. He stops just as he reaches the table. "I'm not a bird, that's one, and I'm not pop-eyed, that's two. If I am such, then I am a spell-casting 'pop-eyed penguin'." Slazzurus imitates Bernard's voice perfectly, and grins as he reads from his book.

Slazzurus Khalleria opens The Dark Arts to Section one.
Slazzurus Khalleria sets The Dark Arts aside.
Slazzurus Khalleria takes a seat at the Ravenclaw Table.
Slazzurus Khalleria stands up from the Ravenclaw Table.

Bernard Nightingale stares at Slazzurus, just long enough to make his amused disapproval known. "Aren't most penguins spell-casting? My sister told me that they water-proof themselves so their skin doesn't get icky and wrinkled. I know /mine/ does if I'm in a tub for more than arf an hour."

Slazzurus Khalleria says, "I'm going to check out that dungeon cell, Bernard. Want to come? I'm trying to find an ickle little secret passageway."

Slazzurus Khalleria gives a very quick wave, and in a flash, he is gone, racing north at such a speed that could beat ANY pop-eyed penguin.

Slazzurus Khalleria walks out through `(N)orth'.

Lisbeth Vandersen snorts and doesn't think Slazz's imitiation was that perfect. As her friends seem to be lingering a moment under the distraction that is the Ravenclaw boy (she is starting to get dizzy herself from all of his comings and goings) she turns to look at Bernard and offers the boy a smile, then heads out of the hall with her friends.

Brynne Lysaer smiles again at Eloise, even greeting the girl. "Hi Eloise, bye Eloise," before waving again and leaving the room, her eyes trying to focus on anything /but/ the moving First Year Ravenclaw. She follows Lisbeth and Emmaline out of the room, heading for the 'knoll.

Bernard Nightingale offers an elaborate shudder that would make anyone proud. "No thanks" he calls after the retreating ravenclaw. "Secret passageways are bound to be dirty and all covered with spider-webs and stuff."

Slazzurus Khalleria comes in from Narrow Corridor.

With a sleepy looking kitten clutched tightly in her arms, engulfed in the folds of her robe sleeves, a wide-eyed Faith Menhier slips quietly into the room. "Though I'd never fin' it again," she murmurs to herself, voice carrying little farther than her own ears. She pauses to look around, assuring herself that this is indeed the Great Hall, before wandering toward the Hufflepuff table.

Slazzurus Khalleria frowns and says, "Any fellow first years want to come and explore with me? I'm a bit bored." He eyes all the cracks in the floor and walls curiously, deciding if he should pry them open and check for trapdoors. His curiousity, however, doesn't seem to be as strong as his will not to get in trouble.

Slazzurus Khalleria says, "Anyone at all?"

Bernard Nightingale gazes wistfully at the slytherin table. "Why must you go poking about in these nasty...things? I heard there are going to be fruit tortes for tea, and it would not be too improper to raid the kitchens. And I haven't had my elevenses yet."

Yvonne Chamberlain stands up from the staff table, and rubs her eyes wearily after taking her spectacles off. She was not immune to the activities of the hall, and she is about as dizzy as the next person, watching Slazzurus walk in and out of the room. She heads for the service table to retrieve herself some coffee, or some strong tea, covering a yawn with her slender hand.

Slazzurus Khalleria shrugs and frowns yet again. Wonder why he has such strong muscles? He starts to race off to the west again, wondering if any one should follow him would say 'Aye'. "I'm off to the Owlery, anyone want me to drop off their owl there?"

Eloise Peabody watches Slazzurus intently. My that boy is odd- perhaps he's one of those infernal Slytherins the other girls were going on about so incessantly. The other boy though- he's all right indeed. She stands, not wanting to be the only one reclined. To Bernard, she exclaims, "Your skin does that?! You must be a great wizard. I bet you'll have your own card in no time." This aficianado of Chocolate Frogs can relate anything back to them, it seems- without allowing any of their calories to show on her body. Perhaps /that/ is a little magical ability she can call her own.

Slazzurus Khalleria sighs and shrugs, his feet barely touching the floor as he flies out the west entrance.
Slazzurus Khalleria walks out through `(W)est'.

Bernard Nightingale stares at Slazzurus for a few more moments, then turns his attention to Eloise. "Doesn't your skin wrinkle in the bath-tub? Mine does, horribly. Uncle used to say that I would end up like one of his dried prunes." A shudder of revulsion. "I don't much like prunes, they always make me feel a tad funny. I far prefer peaches, apples, and plums."

Enter Claire McCullough, who, as always, is loaded down with books, and foreboding-looking ones at that. Balancing somehow at the top of this incredible pile is a scroll, pre-measured at five feet. She stumbles (somehow) to her table, over her own large feet and with her lack of vision, sets the books down...oh...so...carefully without them tipping over, and then sets her bookbag next to them. She sees Eloise, who she recognizes from her house, and waves at her. Then she sees Yvonne, and smiles widly, going to the Nurse's side. "Hallo Yv...I mean, Nurse Chamberlain," she says with a small giggle at her slip-up.

Slazzurus Khalleria comes in from Entrance Hall; Northern Section.
Slazzurus Khalleria says, "I have a decent knowledge now of the first and second floors."
Slazzurus Khalleria says, "And of course, the third floor, the Owlery is there."
Slazzurus Khalleria suddenly stops, and slows down. "I'm sorry, did I interrupt anything?" The boy quickly stammers a dozen apologies at the same thing, and decides to sit still for a while.
Slazzurus Khalleria takes a seat at the Ravenclaw Table.
Slazzurus Khalleria stands up from the Ravenclaw Table.

Eloise Peabody nods slowly. "Oh, yes, I thought you said something else. I wrinkle in water too." She grins almost apologetically and shrugs. "What's your name, by the way? I'm Eloise Peabody. Gryffindor. Everyone has been saying it's the best house. I think they're right, I mean, I really like it." She winces, realizing she hadn't seen Bernard in her commons or at her house table. "But the other houses must be good too. I mean, this is Hogwarts, after all." It seems she forgot somewhere along the line that she inquired of his name, as she kept talking- though were it to be volunteered, she'd be happy to hear it.

As the Hufflepuff firstie stops by her table, not yet choosing to sit, she lowers her hands to let the kitten tumble onto the seat. "Now don't you go too far," she tells it, while the creature, of course, pays no attention and scampers off across the room. As for Faith Menhier, she turns to watch the other students. Slazzurus is offered a curious look, yet she says nothing yet - just attempts to listen.

Slazzurus Khalleria smiles and tilts his head slightly toward his pet owl, who seems awkward sitting on his falconry glove. "Slazzurus Swordspell Maximus Khalleria... that's my full name. Call me Slazz."

Bernard Nightingale offers his right hand...a slender, delicate, porcelain appendage, whose grip of steel often surprises those who are unacquainted with it. "Bernard Nightingale, Slytherin" he replies cheerily. "Anyhow, how about we go scrumping? And then sliding down banisters, after which we can break for our luncheon, then visit the owls. Followed by...chocolate cake, perhaps? And then we can visit the lake and go for a swim, and by then it will be tea-time."

Slazzurus Khalleria eyes Bernard. "A swim in the lake? I'll come. I still wish I had my sword. Took some fencing lessons when I moved from the States to the London." Slazz nods slowly. "Heard there some beasts who probably want your flesh for dinner. Watch out. Like I said, can I come? Otherwise, I'd try to find someone who'd teach me how to fly. Quite dangerous, and I might need Mz. Chamberlain's assistance." He eyes the nurse gratefully, wondering what he'd probably break /trying/ to play Quidditch... A nose? An arm? A leg?

Parading about in her paper cat's eyes mask, raven locks tucked up under a beret, the Gryffindor quadruplet waltzes into the Great Hall in spirits a great deal better than this morning, and the day previous. She is still, of course, immensely distraught over the separation from her sisters...but Kitty's promises on revenge upon the hat have cheered Verdine Verlegt up immensely. "Good afternoon," she greets airily, skipping over to the
Ravenclaw table. She's Aurea. Really. Yep.

Morag Minter wanders the length of the table, trailing her fingers along the wood. Pausing near the group, she stops and smiles, giving Bernard a curious glance. The words 'chocolate cake' resonate in her brain like echos in a cavern "Some of those banisters are awfully.... curvey" she offers to anyone and possible no one.

Shaking Bernard's hand carefully, Eloise Peabody makes a concerted effort to not be affected by his house affiliation. They're all people, after all, right? Continuing with their conversation, Eloise Peabody responds, though her talk has become a bit more forced. "Er, very nice to meet you, Bernard. All of that sounds like fun." And against her better judgment, "I'd love to go do all of that."

Slazzurus Khalleria grins. "Like I said, anyone have the time for giving me some flying lessons?" He still wonders if he could borrow a broom somewhere. Pulling his raven black hair back, he shrugs, and starts to leave.

Bernard Nightingale appears notably taken aback, and lowers his voice. "They do say that all sorts of demons come from America" he confides, to anyone who might be listening. Nevertheless, he brightens quickly, and beams a smile at the entire room. "Are there any fruit-orchards? Scrumpings no good without them, you know. I s'ppose we could start on the banisters..."

Flying lessons?" Verdine Verlegt pipes up eagerly, dropping the mask from her face for a moment before remembering the reservations of her Ravenclaw sister. "I mean, uhm, flying lessons. How very droll." Raising the bit of paper to her face again, the girl slumps into her seat, peering after Slazzurus wistfully. Pretending to be Aurea is going to be harder than she
thought. Must speak to Carmine about this.

Morag Minter nods at Bernard "It doesn't matter which to do first" and she extends her hand "Morag" and continuing in one breath " I saw choke cherry trees - can you scrump choke cherries" she doesn't know.

Faith Menhier clasps her hands before her, almost fidgeting a bit as they twist into a comfortable position. The Hufflie begins to lean back onto the edge of the table, then stops, instead taking a small and curious step forward and turning her eyes on Bernard and Eloise. "I've no idea, truly," she admits in response to the question, 'drawn in' by the smile. "Would you mind overly if I joined you two? What're we talking about?"

Cecelia Remington hurries in, trailing books and other debris as she lopes over to her house table. "Gah." is the breathless greeting to the other occupants, the child having apparently little or no self consciousness. "-So- many stairs! I swear it takes me a week to get down to dinner." she complains good naturedly, a red ribboned ringlet thrown over her shoulder carelessly.

Eloise Peabody shrugs genially, almost forgetting the boy's a Slytherin. Offering a grin to Morag, she remarks, "Maybe, if there are the choke cherries, there's something else somewhere else too?" She ignores Bernard's demon comment, not knowing how to respond- and writing off the behaviour as a peculiarity to Slytherins that must be ignored. As the other students gather round, she makes sure to greet them all in turn with a smile. "We were planning on having a bit of fun. Er...scrumping? And sliding down banisters."

Bernard Nightingale sighs, the brilliance of his smile fading somewhat. "I don't suppose that fruit is in season" he confesses, conceivably crestfallen. "But...." Every misfortune has a silver lining. "That means we can slide down the banisters right away! I've even got a few wooden boxes we can use. My guardian thought them more practical than carpet-bags."

Morag Minter nods at Eloise encouragingly and then gives Bernard a worried smile "There should be something, somewhere" she agrees "It'll be fun" she adds - ready for fun now after the mad rush and panic of the last fortnight "What do you use the boxes for though - do they balance?"

Abigail Golden walks in smileing. She overhears somethin about sliding down banisters and her smile grows bigger. She walks over to the crowd and mid way there she points at her arm with her wand and there pops a huge blanket. As she reaches the crowd she smiles and says. "Hello there. NOt getting into trouble I hope..."

Eloise Peabody brightens, having not been entirely clear on scrumping- but perfectly well versed in the art of banister sliding. "Really? I didn't bring anything like that here...my mother insisted that I should only have what the letter said. Oh, and a few little things, I guess, but no boxes or anything. And she went to Hogwarts, so I figured she knew." The Gryffindor shrugs, having gone on about that more for conversation's sake than a real worry or care.

Cecelia Remington folds her arms, the table apparently empty of interesting people. Slipping off it, eyes shift over the room accordingly before landing on a bunch of sociable-looking first years. She saunters up to the gaggle: Morag, Eloise, Bernard et al. "I'm Cecy Remington." is announced with boundless enthusiasm. "Can I join you lot? I'm one of the new ones.. I assume you all are too?"

Bernard Nightingale sniffs elaborately. "The boxes are for sitting in" he replies, before turning to Abigail, his expression one of utter innocence. "Trouble? Certainly not. Trouble is to be avoided at all cost." A sage nod, before he darts towards the exit. "I'll get the boxes."

Abigail Golden 's smiles fades. "Darn I was hopeing I could join you on those slippery railings. It's been quite some time sence I have used this." She holds up the blanket and her head hangs. Abi's pretty good at acting sad.

Sounds like fun," Faith Menhier admits, smiling slightly at the group. She's spent so much time wandering around lost that she's not had time for good old fun. "I've only got bags with me, and nothing good for.." For whatever that is for, which Morag has so nicely asked for her. Stepping the rest of the way toward the other first years, she lifts her hand to Cecelia, and sets about introducing herself as well. It might be a good idea, after all. "Faith. Faith Menhier. I'm a Hufflepuff."

Morag Minter is unsure how one uses boxes or blankets for sliding down banisters, but she doesn't comment, although a worried look starts to grow and she begins to gnaw on her bottom lip "I slid down banisters at home. We had a wonderful one - very fast" she nods at Faith and Abigail, tossing her own name into the mix "Morag Millicent Minter. I'm from Cardiff."

Nice to meet you." Cecelia Remington beams at Faith, before catching snippets of the conversation in hand. "Bannister sliding? That sounds fun." she adds hopefully, inviting herself in with customary confidence. She joins the crowd of first years properly, adding to faith: "I'm in Gryffindor." with only a touch of house pride. "Cardiff? I'm from.. well, everywhere, really. I was born in Surrey, though. But I haven't been back since I was born. My Papa's a soldier, you see."

Aritt Codune walks in after a long day in his common room waiting for people to talk to, looks around and sees his friend Emma Warren from the Leaky Cauldron, "Hey Emma, you having fun here too?"

Emma Warren looks at the boy, waving. "Hello Aritt!" she smiles. "I am having a great time. I need to go to the Gyffindor towe, to find my sister. Would you like to come?"

Aritt Codune nods his head and says, "Lets go then."

Faith Menhier gives Cecelia a nod, raising a hand to flip back the hair that slides over her shoulder. "You can come, if you like. He's got some boxes, I think, and we're all going up to the top floor." She stops with a slight, worried frown, looking after the departed Slytherin. "I'd better hurry and follow him though, or I'll /never/ find my way up. 'Less you're able to lead me, of course." "If you're coming."

Sliiiide-flop. Carmine Verlegt descends the stairs on her heels, bumping from one plinth to the next, her skirts flumping with her each time. The girl wears a small white paper mask that looks rather like a cat's eyes, and a burgundy beret that obscures her hair. She glances around surrepticiously, before wandering over to the Hufflepuff table with a whistle.

Morag Minter grins at Faith and nods at Cecelia as she turns to follow Bernard "My papa is a professor at the University. It was nice to meet you". She waves "Well see you".

Still retaining her wistful little air, Verdine Verlegt, acting as Aurea Verlegt, watches (through her own mask, of course) the small crowd about Bernard disperse, presumably off to commence the bits of mischief she overheard. So preoccupied with the misfortunes of being a Ravenclaw, that she doesn't pick upon her sister's presence for a full thirty seconds. Then, of course, she perks up and practically flies from the Ravenclaw table over to the Hufflepuff table. "Ki...Zaza!"

Zaza who? Oh! Kitty turns, and winks at her sister from beyond the mask - before she fears for her safety and ducks behind the table to avoid being crushed to Verdine's chest. "Of course, Reed...how did you like the sorting?" Carmine Verlegt's chipper tones are impossible to obscure...so she may have trouble there. However, her eye colour is similar to that of her Hufflepuff sister, so she plays it off. "How are you getting along with all the
smarty-pants-puff-n'-stuffs?"

Cecelia Remington shakes a ribboned head as the students trail off, in two minds whether to follow or stay where she is. "Are you going to go?" she asks Faith as Morag disappears, dark eyes taking in the remaining students. "How are they going to use boxes to slide down bannisters anyway? Wouldn't that just slow them up?" she muses, her tone becoming lighter as she thinks out loud.

Oh, it was positively...uhm...well, it was all right, I suppose..." Desperate for her sister's ability to string together words, and uncertain of the 'new' quads' position on that horrible, horrible sorting, Verdine Verlegt stumbles over her answer. "And they're not smarty pants! We all read books together, and stuff." Well, she's getting better.

Looking toward the door as Morag also departs, and watching her means of getting upstairs disappear, Faith Menhier shrugs before turning back to Cecelia. "I mean to.. It ought to be fun, really. And I don't know what the boxes are for, but he did mention them, so I assume he knows." She reaches out the, meaning to tug gently on her companion's sleeve. "You /should/ come.. Maybe by the time we get up there, we can figure it out."

Carmine Verlegt tries not to giggle...but it comes out. "Well...we just...um...putter around, mainly." She leans close to 'Aurea,' to whisper, "My house is so BORING." True both for Slytherin, and Hufflepuff, as far as she can see. "Have you met your house head yet?"

Alright then." Cecelia Remington wrinkles her nose before making her way out of the hall, loping in front of faith. Her destination, apparently, is the seventh floor staircase.

,-[ Hogwarts - Seventh Floor ]------------------------------------------------.

Bernard Nightingale has amassed a rather large pile of wooden boxes, and is already comfortably seated in one, scone in hand. It would appear that he has come prepared, for there is a rather large, platter-ful of the pastries on the ground beside him. "Have a scone? I've got blueberry and raspberry, but that's it I fear."

Cecelia Remington appears, a tad out of breath once again. You run all the way downstairs: spend ten minutes in the hall, and then lope up them all again. She leans against the wall as Faith appears, not far behind her. "So." she addresses Bernard and his boxes. "What are all these for? Are we going to slide down the -stairs- or the -bannisters?" inquires Cecy, clearly perplexed. "Else won't the boxes fall of the banisters and we'll all slide to our doom?"

Bernard Nightingale merely offers an enigmatic shrug. "I was thinking we might to both, just to see which one is more amusing. Besides, sliding down bannisters is supposed to wear out one's pants, and I don't have many pairs."

Faith Menhier peeks in behind Cecelia, blinking at Bernard and his set-up. "Are there many more floors to this place?" She, perhaps, is also slightly short on breath. Running around and climbing stairs are definitely not the same. The girl snags one of the pastries in a hand, taking a nibble of the edge. "Where'd you get these from? And are you really going to use boxes on the banister, or just the stairs themself? I don't suppose we could manage to go /all/ the way down at once.."

What about those moving staircase?" Cecelia Remington peers down the set they've just come up, as if hoping it will suddenly turn on it's head or join to some other corridor. It doesn't, and she looks disappointed, but continues regardless: "I've heard about them. And I saw one, a prefect pointed it out. They'd be wizard fun to climb down, don't you think?"

Bernard Nightingale leans forward, causing his box to tip ever so slightly. "Crikey...why don't we slide down one of 'em? I noticed a levitation charm in our textbooks, but I've never gotten to cast it. D'you suppose it might help with the sliding?"

Morag Minter is huffing and puffing as she climbs up "Gosh it's easy to get lost in here don't ya think" and in the same breath "I just past a bunch of seconders - do you think they are plotting something and why is everyone so cranky. I would have thought that everyone would be happy to be back at school - I can't wait to start classes, can you?". She pauses just long enough to look around "They warned us against being on the moving staircases, but if they move without you knowing it, how can you tell?"

I don't know." Cecelia Remington replies wonderingly to Morag, peering down the stairs once again before turning back to Bernard. "I think we should." she agrees solidely, picking up a box and expecting it for sturdiness. "This one looks good enough. Cast a charm on it." she commands, a dimple appearing in one cheek. "I mean.. I don't know how to do any magic yet, myself."

What if you fell off the end?" Faith Menhier inquires a bit dubiously. Any doubt is pushed aside by Bernard's suggestion, however, spells being something to catch her attention. "Do you think you could manage? I've not had chance to try any charms, to tell the truth." "I don't know how you could tell. I suppose you just hope it doesn't." Another bite of her pastry
finishes off the sentence, gaze drifting to the stairs.

Morag Minter boggles a little at the thought of casting a charm or anything actually "Can we" she asks almost breathlessly.

Bernard Nightingale fumbles around in his pockets for his wand, temporarily holding his pastry in his mouth. "I dunno 'ow oo ast a arm" he mutters, finally locating the object. "But, it certainly can't hurt to try, right? They wouldn't try to teach us /dangerous/ things. Not yet."

Cecelia Remington holds her own wand out, though with less poised elegance and more 'grapple for dear life in case it escapes' in the stance of her fingers. "What's the charm then, boy wonder?" she asks Bernard cheerfully, labelling him as the bright spark of the group as the aims the willow instrument at the nearest box. "Where did you get all the food from?" she asks the crowd, looking hopefully for picniv hidden amongst the debris.

I pinched it from the kitchens" is Bernard Nightingale's cheerful reply. "As for the charm...umm. I think it is Wingidsium Levora...or something like that. Maybe if you mumble the phrase it'll work. That always worked on my old school teachers."

Faith Menhier points out helpfully, "They /haven't/ tried to teach it, yet." Oh well. Her free hand is employed in grabbing one of the boxes and drawing it closer to her, then dropping it at her feet as she pulls out her own wand. Worth a try, at least. "Wingsi-what levora?"

Morag Minter blinks at Faith and Bernard respectively and then bend her head and fumbles for her own wand "It's Levora isn't it?". Wishing she'd brought a textbook she gently holds her wand, frowning at it slightly. Lifting her head she asks suddenly "What electives are you going to take". Again, this is asked generally and not specifically.

Wingsiumardra Loveisae." is the very mumbled attempt of Cecelia Remington's, the words running in to each other and the spell, needless to say, having very little effect. "Wingadsium Levora." she repeats, the inflexions different this time but no more successful. "Oh, one of you people try." she complains good naturedly, stepping out of the way of the boxes.

Bernard Nightingale scratches his head ever so slightly, then points his wand at the box. "Wingidsium Levora...Win/gid/sium Levora. /Win/gidsium levor/a/." A pause, as he examines the tip of his wand. "Oh, you /stupid/ git!" he cries, waving his wand about wildly. A poof of smoke, a loud bang...and we are left with one very-astonished, soot-begrimed Bernard Nightingale.

Jumping back, Morag squeals as the puff of smoke eminates from Bernard. Coughing and waving her hand in front of her face she shakes her head, giggling "Are you alright Bernard!"

Faith Menhier swallows the last bit of her pasty, then switches the hand her wand is in. "Wingigidium.. no.. Wingidsium. Wingidsium Leviosa?" she murmurs, mostly to herself, after listening to the other attempts to cast it. There, she's got it. Maybe. She jumps at the bang, then peers at Bernard with an almost amused expression - if she wasn't worried, she'd not be able to hold back a giggle of her own. "Are.. Are you all right? You're awful dirty. But if you're not hurt, I'll try, maybe."

Waving away the last puff of smoke, Morag Minter shakes her head and glances between Faith and Bernard "Maybe we should just try it the old fashioned way and slide" breaking a neck, leg, or both likely "Or we could just sit in the box and slide down the stairs." she glances down the winding staircase "that might be fun" she adds, somewhat dubiously.

Bernard Nightingale coughs dejectedly...but he, too, is unable to restrain a giddy giggle. "Actually, it was kind of fun" he replies, cheerily. "Not certain how it happened...If it weren't for the soot I'd do it again."

Cecelia Remington cackles witchily at the soot encrusted bernard. "Wow. At least something happened." she comforts, nodding towards Faith. "Yours sounded right. Do it again." she commands, finding a seat on an upturned box while she waits for something to happen. Actually helping would be far too much like hard work.

Fun? Might as well give it a go, then. "Wingidisium Leviora!" Faith Menhier demands, accompanied by a rather wild wave of her wand at her own box. It doesn't seem to do much. Her second, even more insistant attempt, follows; "Wingideriusm Levoria!" As nothing still happens, she sighs. "Am I doing something /wrong/?"

Oh, I shall." Almost slipping off the railing as she speaks, Cecelia maintains a brittle smile as she replies. She lets go, the newly polish bannister taking to being slid down rather well, it must be said. Gaining speed, it is only towards the bottom that she loses her balance, a petticoat catching a nail loose in the wood, Not only does it eject Cecelia Remington from the railing, it also rips the cherished lace of the petticoat, leaving it hanging rather forlornly from the stairwell. For the child's part, she is bruised and dazed but not too injured. "I'm okay!" she calls up cheerfully to her companions, lest they be anxious.

Bernard Nightingale smiles sheepishly, and turns to Faith. "Would you like to go next, or should I?" he inquires softly.

Dropping her box, the Hufflepuff instead moves toward the banister, following the earlier lead of the Gryffindor. "Oh, let me. Unless you mind, of course. It does look fun.. We had no good banisters at home. Not long like this." Faith Menhier grabs on to pull herself to a perch, stopping there to look at Bernard. Must be absolutely sure he doesn't mind waiting.

Bernard Nightingale nods, offering a grin as he approaches the railing. "Good luck" he murmurs. "Very well then. Away with you."

Faith Menhier clambers up onto the railing, not managing the best of grips before she starts to slide down. And she has not the luck to stop herself and hang on better, either, which provides for a rather wild ride down.. at least, as wild as sliding down a banister is capable of getting. She makes it a good deal of the way before coming to a landing, ending seated on one of the stairs, one arm still above her holding on. "Not the best of tries, I think.." She calls up, letting to scoot away from the rail.

Bernard Nightingale impishly tosses a leg over the banister, then slips away with a wild shriek. Nevertheless, to his credit, he offers Faith a tip of an imaginary cap as he sails by...and out of sight.

The Rathe townhouse is fair in size and although it is their city dwelling it still has enough land to keep an active child busy out-of-doors for a little while. Left unattended by her own parents Astra has been occupying herself by tree climbing and so has seen the whole business with Abbot, Charles, and her parents. Once the adults are safely out of earshot and eyesight the girl comes clambering down a few branches, grabs a handful of leaves and twigs and giggling drops them where she hopes will land smack on top of Charles. "Hi CHUCK!" The girl shouts this welcome and then proceeds to climb out onto the branch. "Whatchya doing here?"

Nice day that it is, Dwight has managed to escape for a bit of a walk - and a sketch. As he walks down the road he carries with him a couple rolls of parchment, a bottle of ink in his pocket and the end of a quill peeking out. Nothing else, for the stout child prefers to avoid the extra work of lugging things around whenever possible. Presumably parents must be somewhere nearby, but the child is walking alone, and slowly, looking at each of the townhouses critically as he moves.

The twigs and branches collecting in his hair are of course a surprise and Charles looks up into the tree while brushing them from his scalp. "Hey! What are you doing up there Astra?" "My father came to visit your father so I'm out here visiting you." He rolls his eyes as he thought it was rather obvious why he was there. "And don't call me Chuck. Charles is a highly distinguished name. Chuck is what you call riff raff and we don't invite them round for tea." Without wasting another breath Charles begins clambering up the tree as well, though admittedly in a clumsy sort of way. Grunting as he finally makes his way up to Astra's branch Charles is somewhat out of breath already. "My this is high up....." He grins taking notice of the boy walking alone down the street. "Watch this..." He whispers fiendishly to Astra. He takes some sort of gooey green blob from his pocket and tosses it out of the tree at the other boy before quickly scurrying away inside of the foliage.

Already performing gymnastics of a sort Astra has maneuvered herself so that she's hanging from her knees. Fearless of possible injury is it is part because she knows the trees on the property very well but also because she's confident in her childishness. She doesn't immediately see what Charles is about because she's busy hanging upside down in the most uncivil of fashions, but the lone boy has caught her attention too. It isn't until the green blob goes flying in Dwight's direction that she shrieks a laugh and grabbing for another branch takes the time to pull herself right side up. "Chuck! You're going to get us into trouble! I can't *believe* I'm stuck babysitting such a /brat/." She is always so well behaved, like for instance, now as she calls out. "Someone has flying boogies!"

Dwight Floens stops short as he is hit with a.. well, a green, gooey, blob-y, disgusting sort of whatever-it-is. His eyes dart upward in the direction the blob-y what'sit must have come from, and he stares up at the tree, trying to see through the branches. "I demand that you stop this -instant-." Having issued his command to whomever happens to be up there, his attention turns his now dirty sleeve. He raises a hand as though to brush off the mess, but hesitates, not wishing to touch it. Finally he pulls a handkerchief from a pocket and carefully removes the goo, frowning the entire time.

"Careful! That stuff will eat through your shoes!" Yells Charles in a high voice trying to sound like Astra but failing. He giggles and peers out from the branches, his balance on the branch somewhat wavering. He looks to Astra and laughs at her flying boogie comment. He whispers to her "It's just molding clay. I made some" He watches the older boy from the safety of the tree feeling quite invincible due to it's hiding him.

"Don't you go mimicking me Chucky!" Astra pretty much bellows that out as much as a little girl /can/ bellow so it's actually more of a shriek but she's trying very hard to impersonate her father and his infamous temper. Even so another laugh escapes from her at Dwight's words and his fussy ways. "We have a right little proper gentleman in our midst!" "We'd best be careful or he might want to *duel* us." "Be careful knave! You know not the twin terrors that you address!" Hopping just a little on the branch to give away their location, the girl eyes Charles sidelong and then gives another wicked little jolt. "Don't fall Chuck! You wouldn't want to break that skull of yours and have all your smarts leak out onto the ground!" "Then your dad will cry because you'll be the class dummy!"

Dwight Floens finishes taking care of the problem on his sleeve, shakes the handkerchief out, then carefully folds it and returns it to his pocket. Only then does he resume his scrutiny of the tree top, glaring up at those who address him - or attempting to, if only he could see them. "Knave?" The poor child is competely astounded by the word. "You mustn't call me that. -My- family is one of the most important in all the world, and also -we're- pureblood, and also my father will kill you." He finishes this little speech, and almost as an afterthought, adds, "And you two aren't scary at all."

In a mocking tone, much worse than the mock Astra tone Charles replies "My Daddy is the bestest wizard in all the world and you better watch out because he's got a big wand and he'll kill you with it! Also I am so scared that Im going to stand in the street and argue with the trees in someone's front yard." He giggles some before continuing. "I think I might just go get my Daddy to kill this mean old tree but not before I wet my pants and run home crying!" Charles holds the branch tighter rolling his eyes at Astra's comment.

"Knave knave knave who lives in a cave and isn't at all brave and certainly can't shave." Astra is having fun with words and happily plays with their sounds as she calls out to taunt Dwight some more. "The knave he rants and raves but all we do is wave." "He doesn't bathe and kind of smells like a grave!" Another fit of delighted giggles finds the girl scrambling around to hang by her knees again. "Hello mister-flying-boogies! I, the fearless mastermind am not afraid of /you/ or your father. /My/ father is bigger n' braver n' meaner n' scarier than both yours *and* Chuckles's dads put /together/. Plus he's got top secret stuff at the Ministry *and* he can kill everyone!" "Plus, I'm also a pureblood and so is my henchman Chuckie. I could use another henchman and since you're pureblood I *guess* I could let you be one." "But I don't know. You're kind of fussy. It /was/ just boogies."

Too astonished by this turn of events to fully comprehend what is going on, Dwight has a rather delayed reaction to the teasing. First, he just stands and stares some more. "If you're scared of the tree then you shouldn't be in it." Is the idea that /he's/ being teased that hard to wrap his head around? "At least I know how to be/have/. I don't think /I've/ acted like that since I was /seven/." His voice softens just a bit, to a more considering rather than just angry tone, for the next comment; for with all of his many years, he has to come up with a proper answer. "I won't be your henchman. That's like a servant, and I'm going to own servants one day. But I could be your..." he trails off, his nine years' experience failing him. "We could have tea when we're older."

"Im not her henchmen. She's my henchmen." Comes Charles' protest. He takes a chance on dangling from his knees as Astra does. "You can be my Henchman. Don't let Astra fool you her dad isn't that tough. My father is the one who is a real man. He's an auror and everything." Charles adds a moment later "I'm going to be an Auror too some day. And all Astra is going to is marry someone and have their babies because that's what women do!" He giggles looking sidelong to his friend. He doesn't seem to notice at first that his glasses are slideing off his face due to gravity. Though eventually he does and pushes them back up on the bridge of his nose.

Scowling at the other boy Astra does the mature thing and sticks her tongue right out at Dwight. "I wouldn't want to take tea with a stinky boy who thinks he's so smart. You're too fussy and I bet you can't even climb a tree." But it's what Charles says that gets her off-guard "Why you stupid little boy!" Shrieking again the girl scrabbles up and gives the branch a nastier jolt as she hangs on as tightly as possible. "I hope you break your skull you little brat!" "I am not going to be a baby machine for /anyone/ not /ever/!" "My mother isn't and she works in the Ministry too! Top secret stuff but different than father's." For all her claims the girl really doesn't /know/ what either of her parents /do/ for work at the Ministry. She's still as mad as ever though and to make her point she bounces again on the branch so hard that she very nearly topples herself headlong onto the ground. Even so, she's not deterred. "Chuck Harper is the stupidest boy to ever live!" Grabbing her
own fall with both hands she has to take a moment before scrabbling down to the next branch. To those who might be watching it's clear she knows exactly what she's doing and doesn't seem the least bit worried that the boy might fall out of the tree and hurt himself.

"I won't be anyone's henchman," Dwight answers proudly, "not hers or yours. And I don't wish any either; I have house elves for that sort of thing, so /neither/ of you may be mine." So there. Stepping closer, he tilts his head farther up, really perfering to have an unobscured view of who he is talking to. "I wouldn't /want/ to climb a tree; it's dirty, and I bet you've got bugs all over you. You're no better than dirty bug infested mudbloods with, with, with spots on you!" He takes another step closer as he continues to speak, voice rising, until Astra begins her shrieking. As long as someone is keeping the silence away, he can quiet down - and he's already given the worst insult he could think of.

"Hey quit it Astra!" Calls Charles franticy trying to scramble up the branch again. But each times she gives it a jolt his grip is broken. "Stop! You're going to make me fall!" And then as if fate were listening his knees let go and the boy drops to the ground like a sack of potatos. An ugly thud is heard followed by the boy's wailing as he lies on the front lawn beneath the tree. He reaches for his face to find that his glasses have fallen off and as he crawls slowly to his knees to find them there is an ominous crunch in the grass beneath his knees. "Oh no...." He says through his tears. "My glasses..." He turns pale and lifts his leg showing that the glasses are crushed. "My father is going to kill me Astra!" he shrieks.

"You deserved it you little brat! How /dare/ you insinuate anything!" For her age Astra has a great grasp of vocabulary, but that isn't terribly surprising given the era and the quality of education. Jumping to the next branch down, the girl is surveying the damage with absolutely no remorse for the boy who went and got hurt. Looking to the door of her house and then over to Dwight she narrows her eyes. "And I amn't a mudblood either you filthy little wretch." Dropping to the next branch she's still high enough up that a tumble will hurt and certainly filthy her clothing, but she isn't so terribly high up that it's absolutely dangerous. Glancing to the door and back to Dwight she makes a huffing sound before letting *go* of the branches that support her and tumbling down near to, but not on top of Charles. The fall may have been planned, but her injuries are not staged. What she did she did on purpose. Her own screams are loud, shrill and piercing and she screams as she grabs
one leg. "You're a big meanie head Charles and I'm going to /tell/ on you!"

"I'm not the one who's /filthy/," Dwight replies, but that's about all that he has time for. He stays for a moment to watch the ensuing scene, but is smart enough at nine to show a better side of himself around adults than those his own age, and he isn't going to wait to see what these two say about him when the commotion draws out a parent or two. "Told you," he remarks into the middle of the screaming, then turns, not bothering to run with his bulk but walking back down the way he came at, for him, a fairly decent speed.

Its about this time between the two children yelling in pain that a parent does show up. Abbot Harper though not as impressivley built as Astra's father, still quite imposing. "Whats going on out here Charles?" He says impatiently looking to his son. "Why are you wallowing on the ground....." Then he sees the shattered glasses and Astra. "Dad Astra pushed me out of the tree! And I fell and my glasses broke." He is quick to tell the truth, a lot of fear playing in his voice. "I asked her to stop but she wouldn't!"

Hiding her face if not her own yelling, Astra took to the time to weigh what was going on. Her own parents are again absent, which really isn't unusual and she's quite used to it by now, but Abbot is another story. With her parents still in the house she decides to put on the full waterworks. This would never /ever/ work on her parents but she's hoping that maybe someone other than Arnauld will fall for the act. Shaking, crying, and now yelling Astra doesn't get up or move much other than to rock back and forth to support her injured limb. Her own tumble may not have been as bad, but she's still small for her size. "Did not! I did not you little liar! You were the one being mean to /me/." Wiping at her eyes the heels of her palms the girl snivels. "Charles Harper is a big old meanie head!" "I don't like you anymore!" Scuffling among the two isn't unknown and the girl has vowed enmity upon Charles ten times in one day and the very next minute forgetting this and putting it beh
ind her, but that doesn't stop her now from declaring: "You're my nemesis Charles Harper!" Because that doesn't sound at all ridiculous to her eight year old ears.

"Charles Danforth Harper!" Yells Abbot seeing the crying mess that Astra is. "How many times have I told you that you are to treat girls with respect and dignity!" Abbot walks past his own crying son and moves to pick Astra up off the ground. "There there dear. Let me get you inside. Then Im taking Charles home. I think you've both had quite enough for the day." Abbot glares at his son before walking with Astra in his arms toward the Rathe town house leaving his son sitting and crying in the dirt until he returns.

Pulling on a warm fur coat over his black robes Louis Harper looks to be quite ready to end his day. His hair is tied back away from his face, usually a sign that he's been working quite hard. In his left hand there is a parchment with his reports for the day. As he makes his way over to the report box waiting behind several others. Noticing Sylvie, Louis greets her "Hello Minister. Long day isn't it?" "Then I suppose every day that sees Dark Wizards on the loose by the droves is a long day isn't it?" The auror gives a small sigh as he has his turn to slip his report into the box. "Got some leads on some today. Not sure if they are going to lead me the right way though."

Sylvie Winters-Geroff looks over those coming in and out of the hall as she emerges; everyone has plenty of reason to be careful these days. Nothing immediately attracts her interest, though as Louis speaks to her, she turns to offer a slight nod. "Good afternoon, Mr. Harper. Heading home?" The question is merely a polite one, no hint of criticism in her voice. She shuts the door behind her, and steps over toward him. "Leads? Excellent. We can/not/ let them remain loose." Sigh. "Of course, I know you are all working your hardest, and we'll have a few here off-hours too."

"I'll be heading home yes." Louis pulls his coat up a bit tighter and buttons it closed. "Yes I have a lead on where two may be hiding. I'll have to get some help tracking them of course but hopefully my efforts will prove fruitful." Louis looks to Sylvie and nods. "Well we've all been working very hard yourself included Minister." "I think everyone is pretty worried about what will happen the longer the escapees are allowed to run amuck."

"You /do/ have appropriate protections around your home by now?" Sylvie inquires, a topic that is of particular concern to her with her position and the number of children she has, both home and not. "I'm afraid too many in the Ministry are ignoring precautions still. If we can't protect ourselves, those outside the Ministry are going to lose confidence in our ability to protect them as well." She shifts the stack of parchments in her arms, then changes her mind, murmuring something quietly so that they end up floating just beside her while she talks. "I'll be able to read more about that in your report tonight, then?"

"Of course. I'm well aware of the danger posed to me as a member of the Ministry and an Auror." Louis moves away from the box to let others by as he speaks with the minister. "Yes it's in my report. I feel a little uneasy about putting off the investigation till tomorrow but I do need some sleep." Louis stifles a yawn. "We've all been working so hard but it doesn't seem to be enough." "I just hope we can recapture them all without having too many casualties." "We are already distrusted enough and lowstaffed enough as it is."

Sylvie Winters-Geroff nods, taking a few steps to stay with Louis and out of the way of the others in the area. As she moves the floating parchments bob beside her, and she counts them silently once they are settled again before speaking. "Are you teamed up with anyone staying later who can follow through? You'll only be a danger if you are too tired on the job; I wouldn't expect you personally to be on your case every second." Perhaps she's stepping on toes a little, surely Louis knows how to do his job, but her manner shows no appology for doing so either. It's all those little details that can end up causing so much trouble otherwise. "I'd prefer no casualties," she adds, with a hint of a frown. "Every report of one is too much. Do you," she glances quickly at those nearby, and chooses her phrasing carefully, "happen to have names in your reports?"

"Yes. Jenkins is parntered up with me on this case." Louis watches the bobbing papers for a moment before turning his attention back to Sylvie. "He'll be working on it tonight and we'll work on tracking in the morning." Louis doesn't seem to be bothered by the question, after all everyone is under a lot of stress not just the aurors. "I have names. I have more than a few actually but I won't go into detail here. They are all named in the report. I spent about an hour getting it ready alone."

An hour? Sylvie is silent for a moment, nodding at the mention that there /are/ names, otherwise just thinking. Finally she speaks up again. "Is it taking that long for everyone? I don't need a formal report; a copy of notes would be fine, as long as it shows a full day's worth of work. And any important information of course. Would that make it easier to handle?" Without really waiting for an answer, Sylvie continues, "I'll have to convey that to the rest of the staff. There are.. other things to be doing." And this is why it can be so important to check in with the regular workers now and then. "You do understand the necessity of the reports?" She glances around the hall again as she says this last, perhaps giving a clue as to why she doesn't get more specific, though if so she's no more obvious about it.

"Well it took me an hour today because there was a lot to report on." Louis admits this quickly. "Normally it doesn't take nearly so long for me. But as I said I have some leads and I wanted to make those as detailed as possible." Louis gives another nod to the Minister. "Yes I do understand the necessity of these reports." "We don't know who to trust even amongst ourselves. That much is pretty clear." Louis looks around as well as if to see if anyone were listening in on the conversation. "So the reports are of the utmost importance."

Sylvie Winters-Geroff finally smiles slightly. "Good. I'm glad to hear that. And I definitely look forward to reading the report tonight, if there is that much in it. Perhaps we will finally start coming across more breaks." .. "Anyway not included that I should be aware of right now? Particular needs within your department?" Sylvie asks, after a moments pause to decide she has no other specific questions.

"Right now?" Louis asks and then thinks a moment before sighing. "All I can think of that we really need are more wands and more hands holding them." "Well hands we can trust anyway." Louis looks at the Minister. "Other than that all we need is time that we don't have." Louis shakes his head. "I don't think there is much to do for either at this point. Hopefully these leads will give us more leads though. That is if the escapees have been working together."

"We'll see how many of them stay together once free. While it would be easier to catch them at one time, certain partnerships could also be a lot more dangerous." As she speaks, Sylvie gathers the parchments from the air back into her arms, stopping to count them one more time before speaking again. "If you come across a need I can supply, do let me know. I can't give you time or people, but I won't have you working without basic supplies covered." She looks Louis over once, then offers another thin smile. "Thank you for sparing a moment here. If that's all, I will let you be on your way; you must be anxious for some rest." And truth be told, she's anxious to finish her own errands.. and come back to read the list of names.

"Right." Louis nods and looks towards the other Aurors filing away their reports eager to get home. "It was a pleasure speaking to you. I only wish it were on lighter terms and topics Minister." With that Louis turns to make his way out for home. "Take care Minister. We need you more than ever." Louis says this before turning to shake hands with another auror saying his goodbyes before going home.

It's getting just marginally colder outside - but this is cold enough for Courtney Moffet to have donned a jolly yellow woolen cap over his bald head, pulled down over his ears tightly as he wanders outside the castle. He looks displeased, his mouth twisted in annoyance, and walking with big steps, his arms swinging wildly out from his body - maybe he's aware of how silly he looks in his cap and is trying to compensate, or maybe something else has him upset. When he approaches Vilivia, he stops, planting his hands on his hips and announcing, "You're a silly girl sometimes."

Silly girl?" Vilivia  looks up at the boy crossly at first. That is until she sees his hat. She cannot help but laugh. "What did you do to your head Courtney? What kind of hat is that for a wizard to wear?" Vilivia giggles and moves over on the grass so the boy can seat himself. Mister Toad just gives another bemused croak as he stares off lazily at the lake.

Yeah. Silly girl," Courtney repeats - and his scowl only gets all the more angry at her laughing at his hat. He rips it off his head and tosses it at Vilivia, his brow creased with annoyance. "It's a perfectly good hat, Livvy." He pronounces her nickname with unnecessary venom and emphasis, pausing for a moment to take a breath before adding, "I still haven't forgived you for introducing me as your brave orphan friend."

Forgiven. You still haven't forgiven me." Vilivia smiles at the chance to correct her friend's grammar. She takes the hat and looks it over giggling. "Well is it at least a warm hat? I imagion your head would get cold since you're balder than Mister Toad." Vilivia tosses the hat back to the boy. Mister Toad croaks again as if to say 'Is not'. "I'm sorry you haven't forgiven me. But she wanted an introduction and it's an important detail that you're an orphan. I told her so she would know not to make a big deal out of it and hurt your feelings."

You don't make sense!" Courtney fires back, catching the hat and shoving it back onto his head, over his ears. "It is a very warm hat, and besides, it's not all that important and if she didn't know then she wouldn't be able to make a big deal, and telling people IS making a big deal out of it." He pauses for a moment, before creasing his brow again and, folding his arms across his chest, adding, "Besides, you didn't have to tell her about the letter."

Oh well I mentioned the letter because it's just so heartbreakingly sad." Vilivia frowns a little remembering Courtney's momento of his mother. "I thought that if she saw it maybe you would get some better treatment here than you get at the orphanage. Because I like you and I was looking out for you. Thats all." [b]V[K]ilivi[b]a[x] seems genuinely saddened that she offended her friend so that day and looks down at her pet, stroking a hand over his head lovingly

Flopping down onto the ground next to Vilivia, Courtney looks up at her with a faint scowl. "I don't think they're allowed to play favourites on the basis of how sad someone's life was before they came here, so I don't think, somehow, that my letter will have any effect." He nods firmly to emphasize this, and turns his gaze to various spots around the castle grounds

"Oh well... I was just trying was all." Vilivia says this sheepishly as her cheeks redden. "I didn't think you would get so upset. After all I still think you are really brave even if you don't think so." Vilivia pets Mister Toad a bit more before looking at Courtney. "Your hat doesn't look THAT bad. I've just never seen one like it before. Usually wizard boys wear little pointed hats. That's all."

Reaching out with one arm to poke Vilivia in the side, Courtney nevertheless doesn't look at her, his gaze still drifting around the visible grounds, and then the sky. "My hat is great," he replies a bit absently, before adding, "I don't introduce YOU as my rich, snooty friend. And if I did, I wouldn't expect people to be nicer to me than you because you're richer and better than me."

"But I'm not snooty! If I were I wouldn't speak to poor people would I?" Vilivia sighs and flinches from the poke. "I'm not even rich. My Mummy and Daddy are. I don't have any money of my own yet. And my family is weird because we have so many ghosts in our house and everyone thinks it's weird." The girl looks out at the lake again curiously. "And anyway you should give me a break. I've never known an orphan before. How am I supposed to know how to act around you?"

Striding over the lawn and toward the castle the small form of a woman isn't much to distinguish it at first, but eventually it's no doubt that the person in question is actually Astra. Having left off the formal regalia that she wears during meals and pretty much during the entire school day she's instead dressed in her general archaic attire. Spotting the children she offers them a nod as she passes by and pulls down the collar of her coat so as to actually give them a fleeting smile. "It's good to see you Miss Marqueen," taking the time to greet the girl she adds, "And your intriguing friend . . . Mister Moffet." Apparently that particular introduction got quite firmly stuck in her memory.

"Oh..." Suddenly, Courtney is quite distracted by the approach of Astra; he jumps to his feet quite abruptly and bows deeply and rather formally to her, before extending an almost pompous hand for her to shake. He mentally notes the acknowledgment of him as the 'intriguing friend', and a brief scowl makes its way around his face, before he replies, "Yes, Courtney Moffet. Er. Hufflepuff."

"See Courtney you're intriguing!" Her voice is happy and high pitched as she too stands setting Mister Toad in her hands as she curtsies. "Hello Professor Rathe." Vilivia smiles widely and looks the Headmistress over. "I've been meaning to ask you Professor. Does it hurt you terribly that your husband is dead? I mean the father of your children passing away must be horrible. Did he come back as a ghost? Sometimes that happens a lot."

"Yes," the s extends to an almost hiss as Astra takes the offered hand and shakes Courtney's hand with a firm grasp. "I remember you well Mister Moffet and not just because of your friendship with Miss Marqueen. You boldly introduced yourself last time as I remember." "I was expecting that you would introduce yourself a first time much less a second, but now your name will not escape me in the future." There's a lingering smile on her lips but it flutters away the moment Vilivia's questions is off the girl's lips. Staring openly now she blinks once and then twice at the girl before drawing herself up to her full height which granted isn't much. "I suppose it would if your suggestion were in any way based in fact, but as I have never been married why no - it doesn't." While she speaks crisply her attitude isn't so much anger as surprised. "Miss Marqueen, where on /earth/ did you get the idea I was /married/? Surely you know I was /born/ a Rathe?"

Oh well I.... I assumed that Seker's father was married to you. I hadn't thought abot your being born a Rathe I mean I knew you were but a I thought you may have kept your name." Vilivia bites her lip. "So you never married before. So does that mean.... OH no wonder!" "Professor Helit must be Seker's father right? You must be finally getting married right?"

"You weren't married?" The words pop out of Courtney's mouth before he can even stop himself, and there's a flush rising in his cheeks before he's even finished speaking. He stammers a little as he backtracks, continuing with, "I mean - I, I don't mean to pry, but that's... unusual, isn't it!" He clears his throat, adding, "I was taught it was always polite to introduce myself!"

Looking more amused than annoyed at this point Astra has to actually bring a hand to her mouth to keep from outright laughing. "While I do laud your idea of keeping my name and indeed that is what I plan on doing no matter who I take as husband, I'm afraid to disappoint you." Clearing her throat, she presses her fingers across the top of her teeth to stop the laughter and then she pulls her hand away. "No, Professor Helit is most certainly /not/ the father of my children." "Vilivia dear," actually speaking to the girl using her first name, you know of the Whits, yes?" They are one of the families that the Rathe generally marry, "I took Blair Whit to be my paramour back when I was seventeen. /He/ is the father of my children." "Professor Helit came to teach much later and well after my own graduation." Then addressing Courtney she shrugs "Marriage is generally the course of action one follows to have children, but it isn't the only way.

"Oh wow. I didn't know people could do that!" Vilivia opens her mouth a little wide. "I thought you had to be married to have children! Do you think Seker will want to marry me Professor Rathe? He could just father children without getting married right?" The girl looks somewhat worried by this hugging her pet to her chest.

With a pitying glance to Vilivia, Courtney informs her in a stage whisper, "Adults lie about how to have babies all the time." He looks up at Astra, then, his eyes widening - and, apparently, some detail falling into place. "Oh!" He gasps, clasping his hands together as he looks up at the Headmistress, adding in a rather arrogant tone, "I know all about THAT! Like when there's a girl who wants to wait until she's married but the man says this one time won't hurt - and then she has a baby." It's not clear if he even knows what the girl is "waiting" for, but he speaks like he thinks he's an expert on this. He nods, before adding, "You must have a very supportive family to not mind that you had a baby out of wedlock."

Pressing the heel of her palm against her forehead Astra heaves a small sigh and as Courtney speaks her hands slides over her face as she mutters to herself. "If Seker agrees to the contract he will marry you, but yes, I suppose he /could/ father without marrying. However, taking that step is trickier for men than women. After all, I kept my children. How would he do the same since he isn't the one to give birth? The woman in question would have to agree to that and most women wouldn't. Don't worry so much Vilivia. You have a long time before you need to think about those kinds of things." Rubbing her forehead again she rolls her shoulders and eyes Courtney, "First not all adults lie about babies and *sex*." Yes, she said the 's' word and it doesn't end it 'hit'. "Second, my family wanted children more than they wanted a marriage." "As for your example, I suppose it is *something* like that, but I knew what I was doing and neither of us were waiting. I was betrothed, but I br
oke that contract when I turned of age because I didn't *want* a marriage."

Vilivia's eyes go wide. Did the Headmistress just say SEX?? She looks just a little more than scandalized. "Professor Rathe! I didn't think a lady was supposed to talk about .... well talk about that so frankly." "My Daddy says that it isn't very lady like for me." Vilivia calms down a little after a few deep breaths. "Maybe it's because I'm still a young woman that Daddy says that though." "I mean I'm not all grown up an thirteen years old yet." Yes apparetnly to Vilivia thirteen is all grown up. She looks to Courtney. "Boys mature slower than girls though...." "So we shouldn't be talking about such mature subject matter in front of you know who."

"Tone told me all about that word," Courtney replies dismissively, folding his arms across his chest. For all that he puts on this facade, though, he seems genuinely a little scandalised by what Astra has said. Eventually, though, he comments, mainly to himself, "I'm not sure if that's the way it's /supposed/ to be done..." He looks quite doubtful, looking up at Astra with a mix of emotions; she is the Headmistress so she must be right to say what she pleases, but he's always been taught something to the contrary. "I expect your family is /different/..."

Furrowing her brow Astra just stares at the children as if what Vilivia has said is more freakish than her own use of the sex word. "Sex is sex and it's natural and normal. You breathe, you bleed, you feel pain, you feel joy, you urinate, you defecate, and when you're a little older you'll be more interested in sex. It's just a word." A word that many adults, even wizarding adults, might shy away from using around children but apparently the Headmistress is not one of these. Shrugging at Courtney, "My family doesn't have issues with sex or sex outside of marriage or children outside of marriage." "Unlike muggles and some wizards, my family worships no real religion. There isn't any such need for a religious contract and only a political or social one if it is agreeable to all parties. Since my contract wasn't agreeable and I didn't sign the contract, but my father did, I saw to breaking it." There's a beat of silence as she looks away, "But that action came at a cost and I e
a
rned some enemies."

"Well I know it's sex...." Vilivia looks to Courtney and rolls her eyes a little. "Yeah but Tone is your age isn't he? He doesn't know anything either." Vilivia rolls her eyes again. "Boys are so dumb. Not like grownup men." "Like Seker." Vilivia sighs and gets a faraway look in her eyes, Mister toad seems to croak in agreement. "Professor Rathe you should tell my parents that. They think it's no okay to talk about such things in front of children.... or company... or anyone really."

It's possible, from the look on Courtney's face, that Astra is the first person he has ever met who is explicitly non-religious. His eyes widen a little, but he shakes his head and turns to look at Vilivia, apparently feeling that something like this is best not commented up. As for Vilivia, he scathingly informs her, "Tone is older than me, thank you very much, don't you know anything?" He crosses his arms across his chest before he adds, "You have to be older than us to do it anyway, maybe they don't want you getting ideas."

"You have to be older because your bits aren't mature enough yet and it wouldn't be fun. Really, don't people teach their kids /anything/?" Astra muddles over this because the whole idea of not knowing is as bizarre to her as it would be to most people to /know/ of it before a certain age. Shaking her head and muttering again the woman turns away and begins to walk off before speaking over her shoulder, "If you have more questions in the future just ask. I see no reason to lie - it's a filthy habit."

Watching as the Headmistress moves to walk away Vilivia looks to Courtney. "I think you must have offended her." She whispers before making a tching noise with her teeth. "Bye bye Professor Rathe! If I have any questions about sex I'll come an ask you!" Vilivia giggles softly and takes a seat back on the grass setting her toad in her lap again.

"Pretty sure you're not meant to," Courtney replies with a hint of doubt in his voice as he looks up and after Astra. "I mean, you get in trouble off your family... unless you're like Professor Rathe... and people throw things at you in the street. Oh, and God sometimes gets angry, but he knows that you don't really mean it and you can't help it really, so he gets over it if you remember to say your prayers and thank him and say sorry." He shrugs his shoulders, looking after Astra with a bit of a frown.

"I don't think God cares as much as people do." Vilivia doesn't actually look very sure of who this God person is herself. "I mean what business is it of his if people want to have a baby and not be married?" Vilivia looks up at Courtney and blinks a few times. "You should apologize to her by letter. I think you really offended her." Vilivia looks back out at the lake and smiles. "I wonder if the mer-people get married before they have babies."

"I s'pose it's not, really. That's why he forgives you so easily when you say sorry. People don't forgive you if you say sorry, they just keep throwing stuff at you." Courtney glances over towards the lake, frowning a little more. "Why would they? They aren't human. Maybe they have their own rituals and things, stuff that they have to do to have babies. I mean, dogs don't get married, they just have a tonne of puppies. Maybe if you're a merperson you have to... prove yourself or something. With a Grand Task."

"Oh like a quest to prove true love?" Vilivia's face lights up at this romantic idea that Courtney is partially responsible for. "Maybe you boys aren't so immature after all." Vilivia looks out at the lake and sighs herself. "I wish I could go under the lake and meet the merpeople. I bet they can tell you all kinds of stories. Really romantic ones.

Courtney rolls his eyes at Vilivia's excitement, and he peers down towards the lake with a furrowed brow. "What if they just thought you were going to attack them and they stabbed you? That wouldn't be very romantic. A merman could give your body to his beloved and say you were coming to attack her. Then they could have babies." He shrugs his shoulders again and looks towards the castle. "I'm going back inside. I'll see you later I guess." With that, he begins his meander back inside.

+---[ Hogwarts - Marble Staircase ]------------------------------------------+

Philip Tsang struggles about, gasping for air and laughing simultaneously.

Philip Tsang struggles about, gasping for air and laughing simultaneously.

Philip Tsang struggles about, gasping for air and laughing simultaneously.

Philip Tsang rolls about, laughing hysterically.

Philip Tsang squirms about, giggling and sobbing for breath.

Philip Tsang rolls about, laughing hysterically.

Daryn D'Arcy arches a careful eyebrow. "Thank you for your prompt response, Prefect." A finger is outstretched towards the...ticklish Gryffindor. "Look what the bird dragged in for us."

-----------insert same coded spells effects as above----------------

Sylvie Winters comes quickly into the room. Eyes go to Daryn, then just as quickly to the Gryffindor. "Most interesting."

Philip Tsang squirms about, giggling and sobbing for breath.

Philip Tsang struggles about, gasping for air and laughing simultaneously.

Philip Tsang rolls about, laughing hysterically.

Philip Tsang squirms about, giggling and sobbing for breath.

-------------insert even more coded spell... a couple left in here for effect--------------------

Philip Tsang struggles about, gasping for air and laughing simultaneously.

Philip Tsang struggles about, gasping for air and laughing simultaneously.

Daryn D'Arcy clasps his hands behind his back, eyeing the Gryffindor dolefully. "What do you recommend that we do? I suppose we could tell the headmaster about this...incident."

Philip Tsang struggles about, gasping for air and laughing simultaneously.

Philip Tsang rolls about, laughing hysterically.

--------------- honestly, this poor kid...more laughing!------------------

Philip Tsang struggles about, gasping for air and laughing simultaneously.

Philip Tsang rolls about, laughing hysterically.

Philip Tsang rolls about, laughing hysterically.

Philip Tsang rolls about, laughing hysterically.

Philip Tsang struggles about, gasping for air and laughing simultaneously.

Sylvie Winters nods slightly. "I do think he would do something about it." She falls silent for a second, regarding the laughing boy. Then, "Do we know it was a Gryffindor who cast the spell, or merely that this one was affected by it?"

Philip Tsang struggles about, gasping for air and laughing simultaneously.

Philip Tsang rolls about, laughing hysterically.

-------------and we're not going to recommend helping him---------------------

Philip Tsang squirms about, giggling and sobbing for breath.

Philip Tsang struggles about, gasping for air and laughing simultaneously.

Daryn D'Arcy shrugs a little. "Does it matter? No Slytherin would have cast it, of that I am utterly certain." Eyes flicker to the boy in a little amusement. "And even if he blames it on someone else, would the Headmaster necessarily believe him?"

Philip Tsang struggles about, gasping for air and laughing simultaneously.

Philip Tsang rolls about, laughing hysterically.

--------------------cut out an entire page worth of rolling and laughing-----------------------

Philip Tsang struggles about, gasping for air and laughing simultaneously.

Sylvie Winters smiles a tiny bit. "Not nessisarily, and as he seems to be.. all alone here... I doubt he could lay blame on anyone else effectively."

Philip Tsang struggles about, gasping for air and laughing simultaneously.

Philip Tsang struggles about, gasping for air and laughing simultaneously.

--------- and yet still more -------------------------

Philip Tsang struggles about, gasping for air and laughing simultaneously.

Daryn D'Arcy smiles again, a little more than Sylvie. "You are quite correct in that...I doubt he can blame anyone without an extensive search into his previous behavior...which I have heard is not as...spotless as it ought to be."

Philip Tsang squirms about, giggling and sobbing for breath.

------------------- really, it's amazing this kid hasn't fainted... cut another page worth-----------

Philip Tsang rolls about, laughing hysterically.

Sylvie Winters watches the Gryffindor a bit more, and nods. "Oh, I know his record isn't spotless. Any search into previous behavior would.. not help him at all, if he tried to prove innocence."

Philip Tsang rolls about, laughing hysterically.

------------- aaaaaaaaaaaaaaand... more laughing, about 2 pages this time ---------------------

Daryn D'Arcy bites his lip a little. "In view of my possible imminent departure, perhaps you ought to send a notice to the headmaster...This is an...interesting development."

Philip Tsang struggles about, gasping for air and laughing simultaneously.

--------------- we're all really quite lucky he's still alive ---------------------

Philip Tsang squirms about, giggling and sobbing for breath.

Sylvie Winters sighs and nods slightly. She quickly starts to look for her supplies, not wanting to look at Daryn, she hasn't said anything about his.. departure.. yet. Pulling out the ever-ready quill and parchment, she starts to write a quick message.

Philip Tsang struggles about, gasping for air and laughing simultaneously.

Philip Tsang struggles about, gasping for air and laughing simultaneously.

------------ one more page... I finally @gagged him --------------

Marjorie Prestilda comes in from the exit called `(Up)stairs', looking pretty cheery.

Marjorie Prestilda sighs lightly, going down the stairs. "Hogwarts."

+---[ Divination Classroom ]-------------------------------------------------+

Anastasia Love says, "so i am going to give some infomation about how to foresee what the new year will bring in the first half of class. after that we will review how to use the cups."

Sylvie Winters nods. "Alright, ma'am. Is there anything that still needs be done to set up?"

Anastasia Love says, "I am thinking that we could demonstrate first, and then help them to do it themselves? Would you prefer for me to drink and you to analize, or would you perfer for me to analize."

Sylvie Winters says, "Whichever.. if it doesn't matter, I'd prefer that you analyze. I can still help them afterwards."

Anastasia Love inquires, "that would be great sylvie. Maybe you could warm up the water for the tea?"

Tanna Finley comes in, rather jumpy today. She waves to everyone and collapses into a seat.

Nell Addorine enters, and takes a seat with Nanami, muttering something about wands and cauldrons.

Nanami Leysee grins at Nell.

Nanami Leysee whispers something to Nell Addorine

Sylvie Winters nods, and getting a pot, starts to heat up some water.

Nell Addorine whispers something to Nanami Leysee

Nanami Leysee whispers something to Nell Addorine

Nell Addorine nods at Nan, and looks into her book until class begins.

Sabrina Hopkins looks for a seat, then sits down near the front.

Sylvie Winters checks the water, finding it about hot enough.

Nanami Leysee looks around and hmms. Nice mixture of houses today..

Nell Addorine almost plays with her earrings, before remembering that they'll change her clothes if she does.

Nanami Leysee whispers something to Nell Addorine

Nell Addorine says, "I will not" a bit too loudly, before whispering.

Anastasia Love looks up at Nell questionably

Nell Addorine whispers something to Nanami Leysee

Nell Addorine smiles softly at the Divination teacher, and makes a motion as if to say 'enchanted jewelry - gotta love it'.

Nanami Leysee sighs and shakes her head

Tanna Finley looks around eagerly.

Thorin Oakenshield runs into the room

Thorin Oakenshield says, "Ah sorry I am late Professor"

Anastasia Love says, "now that we are all here please take your seats"

Thorin Oakenshield sits down at the nearest desk

Nell Addorine remains sitting, trying to keep her hands away from her face.

Tanna Finley stays sitting where she is, eager to start

Anastasia Love says, "before I begin, I would like to introduce Sylvie, who will be assisting me this year."

Anastasia Love says, "Hello Isabelle, so nice of you to join us"

Isabelle Matria rushs in and runs to the teacher with a note.

Isabelle Matria says, "I am so sorry I am late.."

Sylvie Winters nods to the class as she is introduced, then glances to Isabelle.

Anastasia Love takes the note and drops it on her desk without reading it.

Nell Addorine watches Isabelle curiously, though she does give a friendly smile to Sylvie.

Tanna Finley grins and waves to the Slytherin girl.

Anastasia Love smiles as she says No explanations or excuses required, just don't let it happen again.

Isabelle Matria sits down next to Sabbie. and nods.

Anastasia Love inquires, "roll call. Nell Addorine?"

Nell Addorine raises her hand. "Here."

Anastasia Love inquires, "Thorin Oakenshield?"

Thorin Oakenshield holds his hand up in the air "Present"

Anastasia Love inquires, "Kevin Fairdo?"

Anastasia Love makes a note

Anastasia Love inquires, "Lorien Carter?"

Anastasia Love notes her absence also

Anastasia Love inquires, "Nanami Leysee?"

Nanami Leysee says, "Here."

Anastasia Love inquires, "Amy Redfort?"

Anastasia Love notes the absence with a frown

Anastasia Love inquires, "Sabrina Hopkins?"

Sabrina Hopkins raises her hand and says, "Here." before putting it back down again.

Anastasia Love inquires, "Tanna Finley?"

Tanna Finley waves her hand, "I'm here!"

Anastasia Love inquires, "Isabelle Matria?"

Isabelle Matria raises her hand and nods politly, "Present." withdraws her hand to her lap once again.

Anastasia Love inquires, "Well, have i missed anyone?"

Anastasia Love says, "very well then."

Anastasia Love says, "First of all, I'd like to wish you all a very Happy New Year"

Anastasia Love says, "Did you all have a nic"

Anastasia Love inquires, "a nice christmas?"

Thorin Oakenshield nods.

Sabrina Hopkins nods.

Isabelle Matria smiles and nods.

Nanami Leysee bites her lip

Nell Addorine takes out a gaudy green quill, and smiles at the teacher's greetings. "Yes...but now the year's changed, all my Arithmancy calculations are completely screwed up..." She stops herself, and blushes. "Sorry."

Tanna Finley nods, grinning

Isabelle Matria looks at Nanami..

Anastasia Love says, "very well then. "

Isabelle Matria takes out a piece of parchment, and a slightly reddish blue quail.

Anastasia Love says, "Considering that it is the new year, I would like to do something a little differently today. "

Sabrina Hopkins takes out a piece of parchment, quill, and a some blue ink.

Anastasia Love says, "We are going to use a form of Numerology aka Arithmancy to foretell what the next year will bring to us"

Nanami Leysee hmms.

Thorin Oakenshield takes out some of his notes

Isabelle Matria looks at the teacher. 'New rings in her head' as she takes out bright blue ink from her bag and sets it on the desk..

Nell Addorine rummages around for her old Divination and Arithmancy parchments, unrolling them from wooden dowels.

Tanna Finley takes out a parchment and quill for notes, managing to spill a bit of red ink on herself in her rush, but she ignores it.

Isabelle Matria looks intrested, and raises her hand..

Nanami Leysee gets out a parchment

Anastasia Love says, "Those of you who have taken Arithmancy with Mr. Askani, know that it is not Math like many new students believe, but one of the many forms of Divination. And you may put your notes away Ms. Addorine, I am pretty sure you have not learned this technique yet."

Anastasia Love inquires, "yes Isabelle?"

Nell Addorine has only the introductory notes, to remind herself not to reduce 11 or 22, and to scribble her math upon. Her Slytherin earrings glint in her ears as she arranges her things.

Tanna Finley listens, never having taken arithmancy. She's not one for hard numbers.

Anastasia Love inquires, "Isabelle? Didn't you have a question?"

Isabelle Matria asks quietly, "Professor, Love.. Why would we like to look into next year when it is so exciting when you are supprised what happens.." takes a deep breath and lets it out in her speech, "Like if someone is going to do something and they don't want anyone to know.. And the person they are doing it to is in this room, why do we want to see that?"

Nanami Leysee frowns at isabelle

Anastasia Love says, "well this will not tell us every specicfic thing that will happen, or secrets. But just a general overall of what the new year may bring... Sort of like a horoscope for the entire year"

Isabelle Matria nods.

Anastasia Love says, "This can also be known as the personal year. It is helpful in evaluating the trend of the coming calendar year. For a clue as to what lies ahead."

Thorin Oakenshield looks around the room just noticing that he seems to be the only male whoever attends the class....

Anastasia Love says, "first of all... reduce the year in question to a single digit. For example, in 1999 the number would be 1. (1 + 9 + 9 + 9 = 28; 2 + 8 = 10; 1 + 0 =1) "

Anastasia Love inquires, "can someone tell me what this years number would be?"

Nell Addorine raises her hand.

Anastasia Love inquires, "Yes Nell?"

Nell Addorine answers softly, "Six?"

Anastasia Love says, "very good"

Tanna Finley counts on her fingers, working out the math, and looks up at Nell's answer.

Anastasia Love says, "you all might want to write that down and make sure you understand how to calculate it."

Nell Addorine smiles softly, and nods. She remembers classes with Mr. Askani...before he turned traitor.

Anastasia Love says, "Next, reduce your day and month of birth each to a single digit, and then add these two numbers plus the number representing the year in question. (for today that will be the new year)"

Isabelle Matria sighs slightly remembering how she got extra credit in Askani's class, before he quit, ugh..

Sabrina Hopkins takes her quill and dips it into her ink, then writes some things down...

Anastasia Love says, "The sume of these 3, reduced to a single digit, is your personal year number. The only exception is if your month and day total comes to 11 or 22 (the master numbers), in this instance, you reduce the number to 2 and 4 respectively"

Isabelle Matria takes her quail dips it and writes down something..

Nell Addorine raises her hand, quizzically.

Anastasia Love says, "I'll give you a few minutes to caculate your personal year, and then we can see the likely trend of events for the coming year."

Anastasia Love inquires, "Yes Nell?"

Nell Addorine intones lightly, "We learned in Arithmancy that you never reduce the Master Numbers. I have an 11 for my Life Path Constant."

Anastasia Love nods.

Nanami Leysee hmms.. 1 + 1 is 2, +6 is 8, + 6 is 14... 1+4 is 5..

Nell Addorine finds out that she has an 11 for Personal Year, too. Must be her red hair.

Anastasia Love says, "but remember that if it is an 11, you would reduce it to a 2"

Tanna Finley scribbles on her parchment, finally coming up with the numver six.

Anastasia Love says, "Nell, that is correct. In other forms of Arithmancy you would never reduce an 11 or 22, however in personal year you will."

Nell Addorine frowns. She reduces her Master Number, though it greatly pains her to do so. A two.

Nanami Leysee hmms. She ends up with 5. Not too bad..

Sylvie Winters watches everyone write, or think, pulling her own number into her head as she waits.

Anastasia Love says, "My birthday is December 26th. So december 1 + 2 =3; 26th 2 + 6 = 8. 3 + 8 = 11, 1 + 1 = 2. 2 + 6= 8"

Anastasia Love says, "has everyone calculate your personal year yet? If not raise your hand and I will come around and help you."

Isabelle Matria raises her hand..

Anastasia Love walks over to Isabelle

Anastasia Love asks When is your birthday again?

Isabelle Matria says, "March 30th... "

Nell Addorine sends a withering gaze to Nanami, as the blue haze of the Arithmancy room almost draws her into sleep.

Anastasia Love says, "if anyone else has a question feel free to raise your hand and sylvie can help you."

Sabrina Hopkins raises her hand

Isabelle Matria says, "I think mine might be Six.. "

Anastasia Love whispers something to Isabelle Matria

Sylvie Winters walks over to Sabrina.

Nanami Leysee blinks at Nell

Sabrina Hopkins says to Sylvie, "So if my birthday was April 28th, Would mine be 5?

Isabelle Matria whispers something to Anastasia Love

Anastasia Love stands up and says Once you have your birthday number, don't forget to add that to the number for the coming year, which is 6 and then you can reduce again.

Anastasia Love whispers something to Isabelle Matria

Sylvie Winters says, "Five is month and day added together, now you need to add the six for the year."

Anastasia Love whispers something to Isabelle Matria

Sabrina Hopkins nods.

Sabrina Hopkins inquires, "So then that's 11?"

Anastasia Love looks around to see if anyone else needs help.

Isabelle Matria inquires, "So mine is nine..?"

Isabelle Matria is confused..

Nell Addorine appears to be finished, only waiting to have meaning given to the number.

Sylvie Winters nods. "So far, so good.. now, reduce the eleven."

Sabrina Hopkins inquires, "So then it would be a two?"

Sylvie Winters gives Sabrina a small smile. "Yes, you've got it."

Isabelle Matria whispers something to Anastasia Love

Sylvie Winters turns to look at the other students.

Anastasia Love whispers something to Isabelle Matria

Isabelle Matria smiles and thinks she has it.

Isabelle Matria whispers something to Anastasia Love

Nanami Leysee waits to find out what hers means

Anastasia Love inquires, "Is everyone ready?"

Anastasia Love whispers something to Isabelle Matria

Isabelle Matria has her number so nods.

Tanna Finley glances around, and start scribbling again, rechecking her number. She nods.

Nell Addorine nods at Anastasia, twirling her quill in her hands.

Nanami Leysee nods.

Anastasia Love inquires, "Does anyone have a 1?"

Isabelle Matria writes her number down as she dips her quail.

Sabrina Hopkins shakes her head slightly...

Anastasia Love inquires, "Ok, how about a 2?"

Sabrina Hopkins takes her quill again and writes down her number.

Nell Addorine raises her hand. "I have, ma'am."

Sabrina Hopkins raises her hand

Anastasia Love says, "ok. A personal year 2 forsees Development, Cooperation and waiting."

Nell Addorine sighs. Waiting, it's always waiting with her.

Anastasia Love says, "A personal year 2 is a wait and see time; a year when you will find yourself in the background and very much in a stage of development. This is not a time to force the issue and try to move forward. It is a time for cooperation and building relationships that will benefit you in the future; a year for accumulating and collecting. Aggressiveness will cause problems now. You must be prepared for delays, detours, stoppages and you must be patient. This is a time of small contribution, of helping, and details must be taken care of when they come up. You may give time and effort to further another's work. This year may be a test to your self-control and emotional sensitivities. This is a time to improve your abilities to work with others in a productive way and this can be difficult for you if you have chiefly worked alone in the past. Keep calm, cool, and pleasant. You may experience a degree of nervous tension during this period; the two year brings a tende
ncy to emotional extremes including depression. "

Anastasia Love inquires, "Is anyone a year 3?"

Isabelle Matria raises her hand slightly smiling, "I have it professor Love." she is very calm and happy.

Anastasia Love says, "The keywords for year 3 are social expansion and creative successes."

Isabelle Matria sighs and nods.

Anastasia Love says, "this is a social, happy year, and tends to exude bright and cheerful vibrations. a year to check up on old friends, and make new ones. romance and love affairs may bloom. You are inclined to live life to the fullest, even if you may have to pay consequences later on. Likely to be more socialable, and take less responsibility. Inclined to scatter energies and take on too much at once. You can take time off to enjoy yourself, but resist the temptation to completly give in to having good time, keep your goals in mind."

Anastasia Love inquires, "Is anyone a year 4?"

Isabelle Matria smiles and nods wow she likes hers.

Anastasia Love inquires, "anyone a year 5?"

Nanami Leysee says, "I am."

Anastasia Love says, "key words are feeling loose and free."

Anastasia Love says, "a year of major change in life, horizons expanded, growth less impeded. will make many friends as social actiities are expanded. much excitement, adventure and freedom. Feeling loose and free, moving away from old routines in a constructive way. If you became bogged down during the past year, now is the time to seek new directions. problem is tendency to scatter energies in all directions, ability for detail work is limitied and will make you fill confined. In all, a free-wheeling year that is liable to bring major changes into life, including career, family situation and/or residence"

Anastasia Love inquires, "year 6 anyone?"

Tanna Finley raises her hand, "I am!"

Anastasia Love says, "Year 6 includes love, family, home and responsibility"

Nanami Leysee blinks and rechecks her addition

Nell Addorine blinks at Nanami's predictions, and looks at her own paper.

Anastasia Love says, "it tends to bring on increased responsibilities and deepining concern for family, loved ones, and close friends. called on to make adjustments in life, or sacrifices for family/close friends. not a year for major accomplishments, but time to handle adjustments to plans may be nessisary or required, and to finish projects started earlier. endeavors will seem to move slowly. expect to have a good year as for family domestic and romantic matters concerned. emotional interchange w/ those close to you should be at best during year. important to be willing to accept a slower pace, and enjoy peace and harmony the year will bring. "

Anastasia Love inquires, "anyone a year7?"

Anastasia Love says, "I am a year 8, is any0one else/"

Anastasia Love inquires, "well how about a year 9?"

Sylvie Winters smiles at the teacher, and nods; she is, too. She glances at the students.

Anastasia Love says, "year 8 symbolizes attainment and capital gains"

Tanna Finley listens to her predeiction, then jumps up as an owl flies at her. "Ma'am.. I gotta go! Sorry, I'll get the homework form someone."

Anastasia Love says, "your power year, can make important strieds in life. comes after slow introspective year (7) may start feeling stirs of ambitions. big decisions, major acheivements, find self involeved and occupied. opportunities for advancemtn and recognistion for past and current work. things going for you if you take advantage and act. take time ti exude self confidence and authority, because others will tend to be receptive to your leadership and self control. power and status potential is at peak of 9 year cycle."

Anastasia Love inquires, "anyone a year 9?"

Anastasia Love says, "now remember that these predictions are just for the next year not an overall view of your character."

Isabelle Matria nods.

Nanami Leysee nods, hers making next to no sense..

Anastasia Love says, "we can talk about it after class if you like."

Anastasia Love says, "The next thing I would like to practice tasseography a little more."

Anastasia Love says, "those of you who weren't at my last class will want to pay special attention, and I trust that you will have gotten the notes from someone. (aka logs)"

Anastasia Love says, "Last week I spoke about Tasseography, what it is, and how it is used. Today we will practice doing a reading."

Isabelle Matria nods.

Anastasia Love says, "Sylvie will bring you each a cup of tea."

Nell Addorine grins at Nan. "But it says changing residences, and you're coming to live with me," she whispers. She then pays attention to the teacher, waiting for her teacup.

Sylvie Winters moves to get the cups.

-----------insert spam of handing out and filling coded cup objects----------

Anastasia Love says, "please take the cup into your left hand, rotate it 3 revolutions in a counter-clockwise direction and drink the tea"

Nell Addorine does as told.

Sabrina Hopkins does at she was told.

Isabelle Matria does what she was told.

Nell Addorine frowns. "A cross...and...a pipe," she mumbles, consorting with Nan.

Anastasia Love says, "very well Nell. But today I would like you to hand your cup to another person to read"

Isabelle Matria looks at Sabbie's.

Sabrina Hopkins looks at Isabelle's

Isabelle Matria frowns..

Nanami Leysee switches with Nell

Nell Addorine trades cups with Nanami, giving a sigh.

Nanami Leysee hmms.

Isabelle Matria mutters, "Monkey.. No.. Cat, yes it is a cat.."

Anastasia Love inquires, "who thinks they know what they see?"

Isabelle Matria peers at the cup more closely..

Nanami Leysee says, "Violent cup of tea.."

Isabelle Matria raises her hand..

Nanami Leysee raises her hand

Anastasia Love says, "Yes Isabelle? "

Nell Addorine blinks, as she sees two faces. "Wait...that one's a mask."

Isabelle Matria says slightly quiet, "A cat, I am sure. Yes a cat, professor Love."

Anastasia Love says, "oops we're out of time."

Sabrina Hopkins says softly, "I see a.... a... A woman... And a Spider..... wait no... yes a Spider..... And a flying horse....."

Isabelle Matria says, "An, and a Spider.."

Isabelle Matria says, "I-I see a spider as well I am sure."

Isabelle Matria says, "A cat, and a-a-a spider.."

Nanami Leysee looks disappointed, but relieved too.

Nell Addorine looks similiarly thankful. She shoves her parchments back into her book.

Isabelle Matria peers at the cup.

Sabrina Hopkins says, "Wait no, It wasn't a flying horse... a Falcon.."

Anastasia Love says, "for homework, please right a paragraph about how you calculated your personal year, and what you learned. Also, read the section on types of divination in unfogging the future"

Anastasia Love says, "your homework is due by thursday"

Nell Addorine nods softly.

Anastasia Love says, "I want it in the homework drop box in my office. have a great day and I will seeyou all next monday"

Nell Addorine leaves, creeping down the stairs.

Anastasia Love says, "have a great evening everyone."

Sabrina Hopkins stands up slowly.

Isabelle Matria stands up slowly...

Sylvie Winters watches everyone go, staying to clean up.

Anastasia Love says, "sorry didn't find much for you to do"

Anastasia Love says, "felt bad i asked magg "your class is in 3 minutes" (before started the cups) and she answered "eight" and i thought she meant 8 minutes lol"

Sylvie Winters nods, finishing cleaning up the cups. "It's alright.. She should be willing to excuse the students, if they were in another class."

Sylvie Winters says, "I should be going, ma'am. If you have anything else for me to do, just call... I'll come, of course."

Anastasia Love says, "thank you sylvie"

+---[ Potions Classroom (Dungeon) ]------------------------------------------+

Caerid Wilder sits down, eyes gleaming.

Nell Addorine sits before the teacher's podium, in the Hufflepuff section.

Sylvie Winters enters and takes her seat near the back.

Caerid Wilder walks out of the room, presumably towards Slytherin Common Room.

Caerid Wilder comes in, looking bored.

Caerid Wilder returns to his seat.

At Hogwarts, a bell is heard that signals a class change.

Nell Addorine grips her book's sides. The best hour of the day, the worst hour of the day...

Tanna Finley runs to her seat, in the back of the front, and slides to a stop, sittig down.

At Hogwarts, a bell rings, signalling the start of Potions.

Nell Addorine sits at the front, right before the lecture podium. She's glancing over the Utterance Solution, one more time.

David Porter looks about, with a stiff glare. He moves towards the front of the room.

Nell Addorine lifts her eyes, and focuses on the teacher. She flashes him a timid smile, closing her book.

David Porter takes the time to lock the supply closet and moves to his podium. "Well..."

David Porter glares about, "Wake up, people..."

Nell Addorine pays attention, though she seems to be trying to shuffle her seat away from the cupboard.

Sylvie Winters looks around quickly, wondering who all is sleeping. Not smart, in this class... she turns back to the front, waiting.

David Porter clears his throat, "Next week are your exams..."

Tanna Finley looks up with a start.. she had, somehow, in the few minutes she was here, got lost in her book. She slams it closed, glancing worriedly to the front.

Nell Addorine doesn't blanche, this year. She nods softly, eyes riveted upon the professor.

Sylvie Winters nods slightly, hardly worried.

Caerid Wilder looks up, nodding.

David Porter smiles, grimly, almost in an evil-like manner. "Exams are my favorite time of the year. I can fail you or pass you, depending on how you do."

Tanna Finley looks almost scared, having had trouble with a lot of the potions.

Nell Addorine doesn't seem to have any doubts about passing -- but she wants to do well.

David Porter notes. "So, for today, you are going to review each other...if you study, you will pass. If you don't, you will be seeing me in Course A next year..."

Caerid Wilder smirks.

Nell Addorine smiles shyly, just to herself.

David Porter looks about, setting his papers down and glaring about. "I know that this is the end of the school year, but we're not finished yet. We still have quite a way to go. In other classes, you may be winding down. Not in Potions... You press to the very end. So wake up, and get busy. Miss Addorine, start please."

Nell Addorine sits up stiffly, and inquires, "What should I do, sir? Ask a question?"

David Porter glares, "No, just sit there and look nice," he says sarcastically.

Nell Addorine withers. She racks her brain, and asks, "How many times do you use Asphodel Root in the Draught of Living Death?" It's the first thing that pops into her head.

David Porter looks towards Nell, "Miss Addorine, cover stuff that we've DONE this year, please."

Caerid Wilder sniggers.

Rose Starbringer raises her hand

Nell Addorine colours significantly. "Sorry, sir. Was reading my book, sir." She thinks again, and asks, "What are the ingredients in a Nova Potion?"

Sylvie Winters sits back and listens, waiting for a question or her turn to ask one. She seems... pretty relaxed, actually.

Shadya Amara walks quietly to her seat and sits down.

Tanna Finley considers picking up her book, but wonders how much trouble she'd get in for it.

David Porter looks about, "Haven't any of you studied?"

Nell Addorine glances at Shadya, and grimaces. It's best not to come to Potions at all, if you're late.

Shadya Amara wonders what the question was.

David Porter glares and tosses his papers onto his desk, "Of all the nerve." He glares, harshly, "First, I have a class that seems to be sleeping. Either that, or they haven't studied at all and expect to pass...and then people come in late. I never."

Nell Addorine shivers. She glances up at David, almost apologetically...it's her worst fear, to fail in pleasing him. She turns a lovely shade of pale, and bites her lip.

Shadya Amara says, "Sorry professor, I am not feeling well and fell asleep. Woke up saw the time and ran all the way here."

David Porter shoots his glance at Shadya, "That sounds like a personal problem. Sick or not, you will learn not to give me excuses... that will be a...DETENTION." Oh, he's in a MOOD today.

Nell Addorine releases a breath. At least he's not taking any more points from Hufflepuff...though granted, Hiro deserved it.

Shadya Amara nods, and takes out her parchment and a pen.

David Porter looks towards Sylvie, "If Miss Addorine is blank today, and the class can't answer her question, why don't you come up with one for us?"

Nell Addorine almost frowns. Almost. She's nervous; and she came up with a question, as bid! She remains silent, however, waiting to answer.

Sylvie Winters nods slightly. Come up with one? Saying the first thing to come to mind, she asks, "Where does pokeweed grow?" And hopes that is a valid question..

Nell Addorine lifts her hand.

David Porter nods to Sylvie, "Very good." He looks to Nell, "Yes?"

Kendal Sunfire appoligizes and hands a note to the teacher.

Shadya Amara raises her hand

Nell Addorine answers slowly, "Pokeweed grows in caverns and caves. It likes the dark and the dank."

David Porter puts his head in his hands, "Of all the...."

Nell Addorine blinks, and lowers her hand. She could have sworn she got it right...

David Porter looks to Shadya, "I'm almost afraid to ask, but...what's your answer?"

Shadya Amara says, "Umm.. doesn't it grown near water? "

Shadya Amara inquires, "On the bank or a hill?"

David Porter looks to Sylvie, "Why don't you answer the question for them?"

Rose Starbringer raises her hand

David Porter looks to Rose, "Yes?"

Amnestra Linter slips into the seat next to Nell.

Rose Starbringer says, "It commonly grows on cleared land, open woods, barnyards, around fenceposts..."

(OOC: disconnect/reconnect: class went on without me catching missed poses.)

Nell Addorine blinks at Amnestra. She's seated in the Hufflepuff section.

Caerid Wilder smirks at the late Ravenclaw.

David Porter shakes his head. "MAJOR lecture time..." He moves back to his podium.

Amnestra Linter asks quietly,"Where are the Ravenclaws?"

Rose Starbringer raises her hand

Tanna Finley winces, and quickly raises her hand... maybe she can guess.

Nell Addorine takes out a quill, almost automatically. She jerks it towards the back.

David Porter glaers, "But your hands down and get back in your assigned seats."

Amnestra Linter stands up and moves to the empty Ravenclaw section.

Kendal Sunfire slipd into a seat next to tanna.

Tanna Finley lowers her hand halfway, but still wants to guess... anything is beter then a lecture.

Rose Starbringer mutters slightly, lowering her hand

David Porter glares, harshly, "I'm VERY disappointed in everyone of you...except for the Slytherins, because I /know/ they study. I remind them all the time."

Amnestra Linter looks down at the ground and bites her lip.

Rose Starbringer mutters ''Of course''

Nell Addorine frowns, right at the teacher. He took them into a cave to gather pokeweed, for which excursion she got a 99. She'd be happy to know where the BOOK says it grows. As venomous as her thoughts are, she remains silent.

David Porter explains, "Nell gave a correct answer, but we were looking for in the cave in the Forbidden Forest on the Hogwarts Grounds." He shoots his evil, dangerous glare about. "And you all don't see to care...no one seems to have studies." He looks about, "Once again, I'm VERY disappointed."

Tanna Finley lowers her hand the rest of the way, trying not to be noticed.

Nell Addorine 's brows seem to relax. So she was only off by a bit!

David Porter looks to Rose, "And what was that you were mumbling?"

Rose Starbringer says, "Err, just that I read a book...it said that's where they grew"

Rose Starbringer blushes.

David Porter notes, "You mumbled right after I told you that Slytherins studied...BEFORE I gave the answer." He shoots his glare, "What did you say?"

Rose Starbringer says, "Oh oh THAT. Oh I was a ..agreeing with you,sir"

Rose Starbringer says, "That they...su-study"

Nell Addorine puts her forehead in hand. Why her?

David Porter looks at Rose, evilishly. "Not another word."

Rose Starbringer nods.

Sylvie Winters sighs quietly; this class doesn't seem to be going well, and she can almost feel sorry for David. She sits, quietly, not doing anything to cause more disturbance.. unless she is needed.

Amnestra Linter pulls out her quill and a piece of paper.

David Porter notes, "If another person comes in late, I'm going to scream..."

Kevin Fairdo comes in, looking calm.

Nell Addorine plays her quill around her hands, and looks up at David, waiting for another question; another chance to prove herself.

Sylvie Winters shakes her head slightly. But then, as long as the person is not a Slytherin, why shoudl she care.. it won't hurt her own houses points.

Kevin Fairdo takes a seat

Amnestra Linter chews thoughtfully on her lower lip...

David Porter begins to speak when Kevin enters, "Okay, so if ANOTHER person enters late, I WILL go berzerk."

Amnestra Linter winces.

Kendal Sunfire flinches.

David Porter paces, "I'm SO diappointed...coming in late... I can't stand late people."

David Porter's eyes seem to go large.

Rakarth Warhammer runs in looking very sorry.

Nell Addorine hides behind her cauldron.

Rakarth Warhammer says, "Sorry sir."

Rakarth Warhammer takes a seat next to Amnestra.

Amnestra Linter looks at Rakarth...

Tanna Finley looks at the Ravenclaw, feeling sorry for him. Glancing at the proffesor, she ducks down lower in her seat, and says ever so softly to thise around her, "He's going to blow.."

David Porter suddenly has a HUGE look of evil across his face, "Since you aren't going to give your time to me when you're supposed to, I can honestly say that I don't care. You will have to study on your own, and if you don't, you will fail. That's all there is to it."

Rose Starbringer sighs

Nell Addorine's mouth drops open. She wasn't the one to come in late! She looks arrows at Rakarth and others, from around the edge of her open book.

David Porter notes, "You will ALL serve a detention now...except for Sylvie."

Rakarth Warhammer nods.

Nell Addorine's mouth stays open. She was trying! She was paying attention!

Kevin Fairdo mouth drops

Sylvie Winters nods, ever so slightly. She doesn't mind this outcome.

David Porter looks almost pleased with himself, "And I promise you, that after you get finished, you will pray that you never get on my bad side again."

Nell Addorine doesn't dare argue...but she slowly grows to match her hair.

Tanna Finley frowns, and slides even lower down in her chair. Scared, she is.. david has never been nice to her.

Shadya Amara silently thinks back to the last class, wondering if studying pokeweed was part of last weeks homework assignment.

Rose Starbringer opens her mouth, thinks better of it and quickly closes it

David Porter claps, loudly, "SIT UP!"

Rakarth Warhammer sits straight up even though he already was.

Nell Addorine is sitting. She looks at David with all the stupidity of a dead carp. Why is this happening to HER?

David Porter looks about, "My definition of sitting up is to have your back against the chair and your back straight."

Kevin Fairdo jerks in his chair

Tanna Finley jumps up so quickly into a sitting position that she bangs her knees on the top loudly. Wincing, she tries to settle down.

Caerid Wilder sits up.

Nell Addorine straightens herself, although it was painful to begin with.

Shadya Amara was allready sitting up, but she sits even straighter and leans forward slightly to show that she is paying attention

David Porter starts to pace, as if plotting, "Now, let's see what those who behave badly receive..."

Nell Addorine watches David with large, dead eyes -- the same expression that decorated her when Hiro decided to be a rebel. She'll accept it, for now.

David Porter's expression lightens, "Ah, yes...cleaning jail cells in Azkaban." He furrows his eyebrows, "The Headmistress would kill me." He looks towards the rusty, dirty cauldrons that are scattered in a corner. There's no way they will ever be clean, "We can clean those...with an acidic wash solution...and use no gloves and no magic...."

Kevin Fairdo exclaims, "NOOOO!!!!"

Nell Addorine gasps, her brows popping. Not washing. Not that. Not with her here.

David Porter snaps at Kevin, "OUTBURST! Three points from Gryffindor!"

Caerid Wilder blinks.

Rose Starbringer sighs, almost with relief

Rakarth Warhammer just stares in belief that he even said that.

Kevin Fairdo drops his jaw even lower

Sylvie Winters hides her smile, as she hears what the other have to do, and gives David a questioning look. She seems to be asking whether she is even supposed to hang around; he said she wasn't included.

Nell Addorine seems more than a little agitated at the prospect of some washing. She's washed countless pots at home, scrubbed the floor with sand...but not here. Not when she is...what she is.

David Porter looks about the dingy, sticky, gross dungeon, "I want this room shining." That's impossible, especially without magic, "GET TO WORK!"

Tanna Finley frowns, and glares at David.. although she can hardly believe she is so bold. She stands up slowly, wondering what to clean with.

Rakarth Warhammer finds one that is pretty small, but has alot of dirt and such on it.

Shadya Amara walks over the cupboard and gets some cleaning solution, then walks to the nearest cauldron and starts scrubbing carefully

David Porter waves his wand and buckest with highly acidic washing solutions (meaning they will go into cuts and absolutely make them seem like they're on fire), wash rags, and sponges appear.

Rakarth Warhammer starts scrubbing intently.

The cauldrons in the corner are so filthy, it looks like the crusted Potions on them would love to eat flesh.

Kevin Fairdo glances over at the disgusting cauldrons in the corner

Nell Addorine slides down from her seat, her wan form dwarfed by the red-faced teacher. She grabs a bucket, and takes it over to a few grimy tables, content to wash those instead. She can duck over there.

Caerid Wilder gets up, and walks over to a cauldron, starting to scrub.

Rakarth Warhammer stops scrubbing and scratches his forhead but then goes RIGHT back to work.

Shadya Amara wrings out her dirty rag and puts some fresh solution on it. Then she walks back over and continues to scrub

Rose Starbringer grabs a rag and starts scrubbing a particulaily dirty spot, humming a tune

Kevin Fairdo picks up a brown sort of colored cauldron and turns it upside down as a red blob drops to the floor

Sylvie Winters watches; as long as she hasn't been told to /leave/, this could be entertaining.

Shadya Amara smiles at rose since she likes that song, and continues to scrub furiously

Nell Addorine seems to have practice, living in a home with six Muggle siblings. One table is down, and gleaming before a cauldron is finished. She goes to the next.

Tanna Finley starts to clean, although not at all happy about it.

The red blob, from Kevin's cauldron, begins to burn through the floor.

Rose Starbringer whispers something to Shadya Amara

Kevin Fairdo says, "not again..."

Rose Starbringer moves to another spot on the wall

Rakarth Warhammer stops and puts some more solution on it. He is kind of used to this because he always had to do stuff like this back home.

The walls are coated with a green, mucus-like material.

Shadya Amara uses her fingernail to get off a burnt spot.

Kevin Fairdo Steps on the blob and walks away, whistling, acting as if nothing ever hapenned

Rakarth Warhammer begins scrubbing again but then falls into the cauldron but silently and gets straight up like nothing happened.

A cauldron is cleaned by Caerid, and he moves to the next. This must be the way his father punishes him, the way he does it so quickly.

Shadya Amara looks up at keven, walks over and quietly cleans up the blob that was on the floor

Nell Addorine's arm makes wide arcs over the table as she polishes, her forearms red from the solution. She finishes the second table, and moves on to the next, and the next, going through each house section.

Kevin Fairdo peeks into the closet. When he looks inside he slams the door and walks away.

Tanna Finley heads over to where Kevin is, to help with the one he is working on.

Shadya Amara grabs another cauldron and scrubs away.

Kevin Fairdo pretends he is working

Rakarth Warhammer pages, "for what?"

Caerid Wilder finishes the cauldron he is working on, and sets to work on the walls.

Shadya Amara coughs several times, because the fumes in here are starting to get strong.

Rose Starbringer slowly stops, and glances over at Professor Porter like she wants to say something

Nell Addorine brushes her sweaty bangs back with an upper arm, after a while, and sighs. Moving over to the Slytherin section, she smiles thinly at Sylvie. "If you could lift your arms, please?"

Shadya Amara walks over and opens a window, then goes back to continue working on the cauldron

Rakarth Warhammer turns around because he thought he felt something and sees Kevin and just glares between him and Professor Porter.

Sylvie Winters leans back, removing her arms from the top of her desk. She has never seen people work so hard, not even back at home.

Kevin Fairdo uses a broom from the closet and starts sweeping the thick layer of dust which he walks upon.

Rose Starbringer whispers something to Nell Addorine

Nell Addorine scrubs quickly down Sylvie's table, the solution drying after her cleaning strokes. Little Nell would make a perfect maid; meek, eager to please, and efficient. She smiles at Sylvie, and moves to the next Slytherin table.

Tanna Finley starts scrubbing a wall, but doesn't do a very good job of it.. obviously she has never cleaned much.

Rose Starbringer begins to help Tanna on her wall

Nell Addorine shrugs at Rose, as she dunks her rag again. She doesn't dare talk more than is neccesary, and her eyes are apologetic.

Kevin Fairdo looks closely at the floor; he thought he saw something that looked like a spider but it wasn't anything.

Sylvie Winters is a bit surprised, being smiled at.. and she returns it, if only just barely, and continues to watch.

Shadya Amara finishes up that cauldron and puts it away on the shelf

Nell Addorine sighs, out of tables. She wanders over to the cupboard, and begins to shine its sides and lock. The thing rumbles when she touches it, as if it wants to crush her.

David Porter looks about, "STAND STRAIGHT! INSPECTION TIME!" His voice echoes.

Shadya Amara puts downt he cauldron she had started on, and stands up immediatly

Kevin Fairdo jerks up and makes his body as stiff as a board as if he were in the army.

Rakarth Warhammer stops immediatly and stands straight up and looks around the room then looks at Professor Porter.

Nell Addorine pulls her rag away, and stands by the cupboard. It's leaning towards her, perhaps by a fraction of a degree.

David Porter looks about the room, looking at everything.

Rose Starbringer stands by 'her' wall, ringing out the rag into a bucket

Nell Addorine cleaned all the metal tables, and the cupboard. The surfaces are gleaming and fresh. Nell has obviously had a lot of practice at home, with six siblings younger than she.

Shadya Amara looks over at the 3 cauldrons she has cleaned, proud at how they shine, but looks sadly down at her filthy fingernails filled with the black stuff she scraped off.

Above the supply closet, there is a shelf. Something rolls off the shelf and bonks Nell in the head. It's is a tool used to stir cauldrons, but is old and therefore light.

Tanna Finley stands strait up, near the wall.. which stil isn't very clean. Neither is the cauldron she was working on before. She doesn't at all know how to do this..

Kevin Fairdo crinkles up his nose.

Rakarth Warhammer looks at nell and the tool lying on the floor.

Shadya Amara runs over to nell and asks "Are you ok?!?!?"

Kevin Fairdo inquires, "what on earth is that smell?"

Nell Addorine gasps, as something crunches down on her curls. She picks the item up, and rubs it nervously with the rag, stepping away from the cupboard a few more feet.

Caerid Wilder cleaned three cauldrons, and scrubbed at the walls.

Shadya Amara sees that she is ok, so she goes back to standing straight

David Porter looks about, "Did I ask anyone to move or say anything?"

Shadya Amara looks down.

Nell Addorine doesn't reply. It seems prudent not to. She immediately stops rubbing the tool that hit her, and folds her hands.

Kevin Fairdo thinks for a secon

Tanna Finley tries to stand perfectly still, not moving at all.. of course, that makes her wobbly.

Rakarth Warhammer feels sorry for the hufflepuff.

David Porter looks to Kevin and Shadya, "That will be one percentage point from your final grade." He glares, "I hope your final is a 70, and I take one point so that it is a 69... A 69 is of course...the highest FAILING grade you can make."

Shadya Amara looks down at her feet

Kevin Fairdo says, "ow!" as his jaw hits the ground

David Porter has to be in his worst mood of the whole year. "Mister Fairdo...am I going to have to have your mouth closed for twenty four hours in order for you to learn how to keep silent?"

Kevin Fairdo opens his mouth, about to speak, thinks, then closes it back up.

Tanna Finley tries to take a step closer to Kevin without being noticed. Her house, and her friend... why does this have to happen?

David Porter hmms at Tanna's wall, "Not very clean," he looks at Shadya, "Sad...," he glances at Nell's stuff, "You missed a spot." Things could be 99.9% perfect and he would like find the .1% wrong.

Nell Addorine gaze intently on the floor. Little does she know that the lock on the cupboard is actually lifting, and straining towards her. It relaxes, after a little while. She looks up at David, and nods. She'll get it before leaving.

David Porter looks about, "Back to your seats...I will try to end on a moderately positive note."

Shadya Amara walks quietly and quickly back to her seat, and sits down

Nell Addorine takes her seat, putting her bucket at her feet.

Rose Starbringer quickly takes a seat; the one nearest her

Kevin Fairdo sits down

David Porter waves his wand and the cleaning supplies disappear. The room looks a little cleaner...that is, if a dungeon can look any better that dingy.

Caerid Wilder sits down at the now clean Slytherin table.

Tanna Finley hurries quickly back to her seat, trying not to be noticed.

David Porter moves to his podium and lightens his tone a bit, "Next Thursday we will have exams. They will be one-on-one. I suggest you study. A study guide is on the assignment board. If you fill that out correctly, you will receive that extra credit as indicated on the board."

Nell Addorine looks to the board, and nods.

Shadya Amara writes the hw assignment down on her parchment

David Porter notes, evilishly, "I suggest you tell your friends who could not be here about what happened this evening. MAKE SURE it doesn't happen again, or I will have you gathering spleens from LIVE rats."

Nell Addorine pales.

At that moment a rat runs behind the last row of tables and out the door into the dungeon.

Tanna Finley speaks up, although quietly, "...wouldn't that hurt the rats?" Its obvious what is first on her mind, however much David scares her.

David Porter looks to Sylvie, "Did someone just speak out in class?"

Sylvie Winters sits up strait again, now that cleaning session.. and watching.. is over. She copies down the work, glancing up at David to nod to the question.

Tanna Finley shrinks again... realizing that she was heard, and that is not a good thing.. not unless the rats are more inportant then her.

David Porter looks towards Tanna, "How does TWENTY points sounds?"

Rakarth Warhammer drops his jaw but puts it back up before ANYONE can see.

David Porter looks about, "I'll give you another chance. How genorous of me." He looks towards the rest of the class, "If you cross my path and I catch you do something wrong, I will come down on you so hard you will think that you're an ant that's being stepped on."

Tanna Finley gulps, and doesn't even say sorry, she is so determined to keep quiet. This is not what she is supposed to do, she is supposed to help..

Nell Addorine shivers, and nods. She looks loyally at her teacher; rapturously, determined not to vex him. Though it seems she always does....

Rose Starbringer raises her hand slowly

David Porter looks, "Any questions?"

David Porter looks to Rose, "Yes?"

Nell Addorine looks down at her notes, waiting with baited breath to be dismissed. This has not been a good day for her.

Tanna Finley suddenly realizes that, if she hadn't done anything, she should have written down the work... she definitely wants the extra points... so she quickly copies it down now.

David Porter smiles lightly, "DISMISSED."

Caerid Wilder stands.

Charlie Hooper comes in, looking calm.

Charlie Hooper says, "may i join you guys"

David Porter looks to Charlie, "We've dismissed."

Charlie Hooper says, "rats"

Rose Starbringer inquires, "Professor? On question four is it ingredient or ingredients?"

Charlie Hooper says, "so close"

David Porter shrugs, "I don't know...do whatever you think. It's extra credit.

Rose Starbringer says, "Okay, just that the sentance seems to say both at the same time"

David Porter glares, "No, NOT so close...you're late by a hour. Don't be late next week or I may have to take points from your grade."

Tanna Finley stands up, after finishing her notes, and almost runs out.

Nell Addorine rises, tucking her books and papers together. As she passes the spot she missed, she reaches out with her finger, and buffs it off.

Charlie Hooper inquires, "Prof. Porter is there any homework i could do to make up for being late?"

David Porter looks to Charlie, "Talk to Nell Addorine."

Sylvie Winters packs up her books, stands up, and moves toward the door. On her way out she gives David a slight nod.

David Porter nods to Sylvie, "Thanks for your help."

Charlie Hooper says, "bye"

Charlie Hooper walks out through the exit named (O)ut

Rose Starbringer says, "Professor Porter? I'm sorry I keep bothering you but..."

David Porter looks to Rose, "What is it?

Sylvie Winters nods, "Of course, Professor." Then walks the rest of the way to the door.

Rose Starbringer inquires, "But where whould I find out what ingredients grow on How-hogwarts besides Pokeweed?"

David Porter looks to Rose, "Maybe that's not what the question is. Or maybe you could ask the Librarian for information."

+---[ Potions Classroom (Dungeon) ]------------------------------------------+

Nell Addorine groans, and hides her head in her cauldron.

Ivan Pierce takes a seat

Ivan Pierce leanes back on his chair to get comfortable

Tom Rellington starts polishing his cauldron

Ulaen Geroff nods.

Sylvie Winters enters and takes her seat near the front.

At Hogwarts, a bell rings, signalling that it's time for a class change. Classes will begin in 5 minutes.

Kestrel Hamilton walks into the area, apparently from Dungeon

Tanna Finley sits down next to Tom.

Ivan Pierce inches over to jim

Hiro Protagonist whispers something to Ivan Pierce

Ivan Pierce says, "ello jim"

Hiro Protagonist grins.

Ivan Pierce gets ready to smack hiro :P

Hiro Protagonist laughs.

Nell Addorine takes out her scrolls, ready to take notes...of course, they're grossly unorganized. Whatever works.

Jim Livingstone says, "Hi Ivan."

Kestrel Hamilton traipses in and over to her assigned seat, nodding to the room's other occupants. "Hello."

Nell Addorine lifts her head, and nods to Kestrel.

Sylvie Winters nods to Kestrel

Tom Rellington takes out his perfectly organized notes, and shuffles to the potions session.

Hiro Protagonist shutters and mutters something about neat freaks

Kielar Hamilton walks into the area, apparently from Dungeon

David Porter quietly moves out of the supply closet and takes a seat behind his desk, working on paper work until class begins.

Kielar Hamilton runs in "sorry I'm late."

Tom Rellington smiles at Kielar Hamilton.

Kestrel Hamilton waves to Kielar and gestures to his seat beside her. "Your not yet late.."

Jim Livingstone keeps all of his stuff in his cauldron for now, intending to take it out when clas starts.

Hiro Protagonist smiles at Nell, revealing his full set of fangs, err, teeth

Kielar Hamilton says, "oh no I forgot my book"

Kielar Hamilton runs out

Ivan Pierce laughs.

The bell rings, signalling the beginning of class.

Nell Addorine ignores he who should be named 'Antagonist', reviewing her notes.

David Porter stands and moves to his podium.

Hiro Protagonist quites the class down

Kestrel Hamilton looks worriedly after Kielar for a moment, then turns her attention to David.

Tom Rellington pays full attention to the professor

Nell Addorine looks up, quill at the ready.

Tom Rellington dips his quill in his ink bottle, ready to write

Tanna Finley looks over at Hiro, then up to David.

Kielar Hamilton runs in breathing heavily and sits down

David Porter gives a gaze... "Well, let's see. We're back for Lesson Fo..." He looks up as someone enters. "Mister Hamilton, you're late...by two minutes."

Kielar Hamilton says, "sorry sir"

David Porter clears his throat, "Why are you late?"

Kielar Hamilton looks at the ground "i forgot my book and had to go back and get it."

David Porter glares coldly, "Well, Mister Hamilton, in case you were not informed, we will not be using our books today. You're late for no reason. If you receive another tardy, it will be points from your grade. You're expected to be in this class on time. Understood?"

Kielar Hamilton nods "yes, sir I understand."

David Porter looks about, "I need to speak with..." His cold glare looks about, and though he were chosing his prey.

Kestrel Hamilton tries to sink into her seat while still sitting upright, which is quite hard.

Ivan Pierce smiles David Porter.

Nell Addorine slumps down, trying to hide behind her cauldron.

David Porter levels his gaze, "Mister Livingstone and Miss Winters....outside the classroom."

Jim Livingstone stands up, nods, and heads to the outside, trying not to look nervous.

Tanna Finley shrinks back from David's gaze, then sighs when she isn't chosen.

Sylvie Winters nods, stands up, and heads out.

+---[ Dungeon ]--------------------------------------------------------------+

David Porter explains, "We're taking a field trip today...into the Forest. Sylvie, you will be in charge of Slytherin and Gryffindor students. Jim, you will be responsible for Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff." He notes, "For our next lesson, we will need to have an ingredient called Pokeweed, which is quite rare, but grows in the forest, especially in a cave area. You are responsible for their safety, but I have cleared a way and I do not think there will be any problems. Questions?"

Jim Livingstone says, "No sir . . ."

Jim Livingstone mentally groans as he notes that hufflepuff has the problems students . . .if Hiro gets lost, he'll be in so much trouble . . .

Sylvie Winters nods slightly. "No questions, professor."

David Porter notes. "When we go back in the class, stand on either sides of the door. I will get your groups together."

Jim Livingstone says, "Yes sir."

Sylvie Winters nods again, once.

David Porter adds quickly, "Any problems, let me know."

Jim Livingstone says, "Will do."

+---[ Potions Classroom (Dungeon) ]------------------------------------------+

Ivan Pierce nods to David Porter.

David Porter moves back into the Potions Classroom, looking as though he were some sort of general. He takes his spot behind the podium.

Ivan Pierce nods to Sylvie Winters.

Ivan Pierce nods to Jim Livingstone.

Jim Livingstone stands on the right side of the door.

Sylvie Winters enters and stands to one side of the door, looking at the students.

Nell Addorine looks to Jim, before focusing her attention back on Professor Porter.

Ivan Pierce cocks his head

Ivan Pierce what in tarnations is goin on

David Porter begins to explain, "We're taking a field trip."

Tanna Finley looks over at Jim and Sylvie.

Nell Addorine oohs, her eyes lighting up.

Ivan Pierce grins.

Kestrel Hamilton smothers half a dozen questions and listens.

Ivan Pierce prays for the forbidden forestt

Tom Rellington smiles

Hiro Protagonist prays with ivan

Kielar Hamilton smiles (barely)

David Porter notes, "Put your cauldrons away. You'll want to wrap up...we're going outside. Mister Andris will meet us at the entrance to the Forbidden Forest."

Ivan Pierce silently cheers

Tom Rellington puts his cauldron away.

Kielar Hamilton puts his cauldron down.

Nell Addorine slides her things back into her cauldron.

Tanna Finley smiles, although she isn't going to shout out her usual commetns with david as the teacher. Then she hears the forbidden forest, and her eyes get wide.

Jim Livingstone runs over quickly to his seat, puts his cauldron under the desk, pulls on his cloak, and runs back to the side of the door.

Ivan Pierce puts his cauldron down with everything in it but his wand

Kestrel Hamilton sets her cauldron and books onto her desk.

David Porter shoots his cold, dark glance about the room (could outside be any colder than in here?!), "Slytherin and Gryffindor House Members....Miss Winters will be your leader. You will follow her instructions."

Hiro Protagonist whispers something to Nell Addorine

Ivan Pierce exclaims, "yes!"

Nell Addorine silently cheers. That means she gets Jim.

Kielar Hamilton nods

Hiro Protagonist giggles.

David Porter notes, "Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff will be led by Mister Livingstone."

Tanna Finley smiles at Sylvie, excited to get going.

Tom Rellington looks at Sylvie

Jim Livingstone looks at nell and Ivan and grins.

Kestrel Hamilton looks happily toward Sylvie, and looks ready to jump out of her seat with excitement.

Ivan Pierce walks over to jim

Ivan Pierce pats Jim Livingstone.

Tom Rellington smiles at Sylvie Winters.

Kracker flaps into sight, hooting a warning as it dives at David Porter, dropping a letter. Immediately, the bird flaps away again.

Jim Livingstone glares at Ivan.

Nell Addorine pulls on her black cloak, and waits for the signal to line up, almost falling off her seat.

Ivan Pierce whispers something to Jim Livingstone

David Porter hmmms, "Mister Andris is ready," he reads the note. "Keep close."

David Porter walks out through the exit named (O)ut

Ivan Pierce glares at Jim Livingstone.

Sylvie Winters looks over the Slytherins quickly and turns her attention to the Gryffindors, who she doesn't know quite as well. She nods to them.

You can hear David Porter shouting "Are you coming or aren't you? We can always do written work." from somewhere nearby.

Jim Livingstone whispers something to Ivan Pierce

Jim Livingstone exclaims, "Coming!"

Kielar Hamilton nods to the girl who sat on the floor.

Nell Addorine darts over to Jim, and stands at attention.

Ivan Pierce hunches his sboulders nack

Tom Rellington waits for Sylvie

Sylvie Winters motins to her group, "Come on, lets go."

Kielar Hamilton waits for Sylvie.

+---[ The Entrance ]---------------------------------------------------------+

Ivan Pierce says, "brrr"

David Porter clears his throat, "If you have problems following me, gentlemen..."

Nell Addorine keeps her hands in her cloak.

Jim Livingstone does a quick headcount to make sure everyone's there.

Ivan Pierce shivers.

+---[ Path ]-----------------------------------------------------------------+

It is snowing lightly, and the sky is overcast. The air is quite chilly.

Jim Livingstone nods and wraps up closer.

Tom Rellington shivers under his robes.

Vincent Andris shivers

Jim Livingstone waves excitedly to vincent, whom he just noticed.

Vincent Andris says, "Good i was getting cold"

Ivan Pierce taps his wand twice and makes it give off some warmth

Nell Addorine keeps close to Jim, almost running to keep up.

Kestrel Hamilton shivers slightly and moves over to Sylvie.

David Porter nods to Vincent, "This is all of us." He turns and is a bit louder, "Everyone, Mister Andris has something to say. Listen carefully."

Kestrel Hamilton listens.

Tom Rellington moves over beside his leader, Sylvie

Ivan Pierce sits down.

Kielar Hamilton nods.

Jim Livingstone shushes the ravenclaws and hufflepuffs behind him.

Tom Rellington listens.

Ivan Pierce stands up shocked by the freeezing snow

Vincent Andris says, "Oh kids listen up."

Nell Addorine puts her hood up to keep off the snow.

Tanna Finley moves over to Sylvie and walks right next to her, saying quietly, "Do you think we will get attacked in the forest?" Then when she hears David, she gets quiet.

Ivan Pierce hopes we get attacked, wants to have some fun

Vincent Andris says, "You /need/ to stay with teachers and you head students"

Jim Livingstone glares at some of the more troublesome students in his group, trying to underline what Vincent said.

Vincent Andris says, "If you get lost in the forest you will end up dead before we can find you, and if we do find you before you are dead you will probably die because of the coldness"

Ivan Pierce grins.

Nell Addorine 's gray eyes go wide, and she shuffles closer to her group leader.

Ivan Pierce smiles.

Ivan Pierce thinks maybe this will be fun!.

Vincent Andris says, "There are many mosters in the forest you probably won't see anythogh"

Jim Livingstone nods and rearranges his cloak, trying to keep himself warm.

Ivan Pierce frowns.

Tanna Finley frowns and moves closer to her group, "I don't want to die..."

Kielar Hamilton swallows and get's ready to glue his eyes to his group leader.

Jim Livingstone smiles at his feet, after hearing Tanna's comment.

Vincent Andris says, "Wipe that smile off your face Ivan, cause you don't stand a chance even if you are a fourth year"

Kestrel Hamilton raises an eyebrow at Ivan's smile, and waits patiently for the rest of the speech.

Ivan Pierce shrugs.

David Porter moves towards the front.

Ivan Pierce has learned a trick or two.....

Sylvie Winters glances around at her group quickly.

David Porter whispers something to Vincent Andris

Jim Livingstone kicks ivan in the shins, trying to keep it subtle, though.

Vincent Andris says, "You need to say with the group and follow /all/ directions from your teachers and head students."

Ivan Pierce winks Jim Livingstone.

Vincent Andris whispers something to David Porter

Nell Addorine scowls at Ivan, and tries to warm her hands in her rather threadbare cloak. Her family was never rich.

Jim Livingstone fingers his head boy badge absentmindedly, unconsciously trying to draw attention to his authority, although not really trying to be pompous.

Ivan Pierce wonders why everyone is mad, he just wants to have fun

Ivan Pierce shrus helplessly at jim

David Porter speaks up, "What we're looking for is Pokeweed, an ingredient we will be using next week. It's rare, but flourishes in this forest, for some reason. It's long and green, and looks rich and meaty, like it was a fat celery stick. They grow best near the caves. If you find the caves, you will be able to gather enough." He notes, "I do this trip every year and every year, there's one person who doesn't listen and gets hurt. I hope it's not that way this year."

Vincent Andris says, "everyone cast Lumos"

Ivan Pierce sticks his lower lip out and pouts

Ivan Pierce ponders Jim Livingstone.

Tanna Finley says quietly, "I don't want to get hurt."

Ivan Pierce mutters lose points....

(OOC: insert page full of coded 'lumos' spell here.)

Ivan Pierce pats Kestrel Hamilton.

David Porter adds in one last thing, "If you do get lost or are in trouble, shout for someone."

Kestrel Hamilton glares at her wand.

Jim Livingstone checks that all the people in his group hhave cast it.

Ivan Pierce throws his wand down and turns it itno a broom

Ivan Pierce takes the wand/broom

Vincent Andris inquires, "everyone cast the spell?"

David Porter looks to Vincent, to wait for his direction.

Sylvie Winters glances around, making sure everyone has their wand lit up.

Kestrel Hamilton looks relieved as her wand /finally/ does something.

Vincent Andris says, "ok David you stay in the back"

Nell Addorine smiles at Kestrel. The little Hufflepuff's wand fails all the time.

Vincent Andris says, "get any students who stray off"

Vincent Andris says, "Sylvie stay in the middle and Jim follow me"

Jim Livingstone nods.

Kestrel Hamilton smiles back at Nell gratefully and then turns her her attention back to instructions.

Ivan Pierce whispers something to David Porter

David Porter glares at Ivan, "I think not."

Vincent Andris says, "ok let's go"

Ivan Pierce frowns.

Jim Livingstone checks on all the people behind him, once again doing a headcount.

Ivan Pierce says, "alright"

Sylvie Winters moves to the middle of the group, motioning for her students to keep with her.

+---[ Forest Entrance ]------------------------------------------------------+

Ivan Pierce says, "make it a lot easier"

Ivan Pierce treds through the snow with effort

+---[ Forest ]---------------------------------------------------------------+

Ivan Pierce kneels down and brushes some snow out of the way

Nell Addorine keeps her hands around her wand, for the warmth that's in it.

Ivan Pierce hopes to find some pokeweed

Vincent Andris says, "No pokeweed here"

Ivan Pierce says, "oh ok"

Jim Livingstone looks anxiously backwards, obviously very concerned about not losing people.

Vincent Andris says, "Pretty much ony in the caves"

Ivan Pierce nods.

Ivan Pierce says, "found some before out here"

Kestrel Hamilton looks around with interest.

Jim Livingstone runs to the head, ashamed he got behidn his group while water proofind his boots.

+---[ Forbidden Forest ]-----------------------------------------------------+

Ivan Pierce inquires, "can we s;lit up?"

Ivan Pierce grins.

Jim Livingstone says, "No, ivan, we can't split up."

Vincent Andris says, "No, Ivan, No"

Nell Addorine unabashedly gropes around, until she finds what she thinks is Jim's cloak.

Ivan Pierce whispers something to Jim Livingstone

Jim Livingstone grabs onto nell's arm.

+---[ Forest ]---------------------------------------------------------------+

Ivan Pierce tossses his broom/wand head first down and watches it shrink back into his wand

Ivan Pierce picks the wand up

Jim Livingstone rubs his hands together trying to keep warm.

Kestrel Hamilton shivers violently.

Jim Livingstone rolls up the bottoms of his robes, which are getting a little wet from the dusting of snow on the ground.

Vincent Andris says, "this may sound harsh, but listen up"

Nell Addorine can't see very well...mostly because she's huddled her arms about her wand. She looks up to Vincent.

Vincent Andris says, "Don't go yet"

Sylvie Winters pulls her robes tighter around her.

Ivan Pierce s resists the temptation of maknig a snowball.....

Emmington flaps into sight, hooting a warning as it dives at David Porter, dropping a letter. Immediately, the bird flaps away again.

Kestrel Hamilton listens with rapt attention.

Vincent Andris says, "o east till you can't go east anymore"

Vincent Andris exclaims, "But!"

Vincent Andris says, "If you stray off the path your house will lose 10 points"

Kielar Hamilton snuggles up in his magic enhanced cloack listening intently.

Vincent Andris says, "David stay in the back to make shure they stay on the path"

David Porter looks to Vincent, "And..

Vincent Andris says, "go slowly"

Kestrel Hamilton shudders at the idea of lost points.

Jim Livingstone double checks on all the ravenclaws in his group, anxiously.

Ivan Pierce walks low and stealthy

Kielar Hamilton shudders at the idea of getting lost.

Vincent Andris says, "if anyone finishes after david their house just lost 10 points"

David Porter ahems, "If Mister Andris has to take points, you will also have to deal with ME. And some of you KNOW that my detentions are NOT fun."

Tanna Finley grabs onto the sleeves of Sylvie's robes. /She/ isn't going to stray from the path.

Nell Addorine casts a stern glance towards Ivan.

Jim Livingstone thwaps Ivan Pierce.

David Porter whispers something to Vincent Andris

Kestrel Hamilton winces.

Ivan Pierce exclaims, "what?!"

Vincent Andris whispers something to David Porter

Ivan Pierce says, "NO respect, No respect..."

David Porter loosk to Jim and Ivan, "If there's a problem, settle it elsewhere. NOT in here."

Jim Livingstone says, "We know you too well, Ivan."

Vincent Andris exclaims, "ok everyone go east till you can't go anymore, NO FURTHER!"

Ivan Pierce says, "shux"

Jim Livingstone says, "Sorry Professor Porter."

Ivan Pierce says, "sorry sir"

Just at that moment, there is a large fluttering of leaves and snow.

Vincent Andris says, "david give then a head start"

Kestrel Hamilton waits for Sylvie.

Ivan Pierce says, "ooooo eerie..."

+---[ More Forest ]----------------------------------------------------------+

Jim Livingstone waits.

Vincent Andris says, "ok let's go in"

Jim Livingstone nods.

+---[ Cave ]-----------------------------------------------------------------+

Ivan Pierce shines his light at the walls

Ivan Pierce says, "woah"

Jim Livingstone checks all his trustees.

Vincent Andris says, "here it is"

Jim Livingstone notices the pokeweed deposits and moves closer to examine them.

Kielar Hamilton points at the pokeweed.

Ivan Pierce ponders.

Tom Rellington stares at the pokeweed with fascination

Kestrel Hamilton examines the pokeweed.

Nell Addorine shines her light upon the deposits, and smiles.

Kielar Hamilton says, "that's pokeweed right?""

Vincent Andris nods.

Jim Livingstone nods.

Ivan Pierce nods.

Ivan Pierce eyes all the meaty pieces..

Ivan Pierce murmurs, 'dificus poteri', waving his wand at the same time.

Sylvie Winters looks closely at the pokeweed deposits.

Jim Livingstone exclaims, "Ivan!"

Ivan Pierce inquires, "what?"

Nell Addorine hisses, "Don't you dare do something frivolous!"

David Porter looks to Ivan, "Ivan Pierce, WHAT are you doing?"

Ivan Pierce says, "he didnt say we couldnt use magic for protection..."

Jim Livingstone tries to calm himself down, knowing his own reputation for being over-uptight.

Jim Livingstone says, "You don't need protection here, Ivan."

Ivan Pierce says, "putting a defense spell up..."

David Porter cleares his throat, "Read the rules. Two points from Hufflepuff."

Ivan Pierce blinks.

Jim Livingstone says, "We're in a group of 30 loud teenagers. . .nothigns going to approach us . . ."

Nell Addorine fairly growls, and turns on Ivan swiftly. She looks like Death -- if Death had red curls and freckles.

Tom Rellington inquires, "Sir, Can't pokeweed be used in a Shrieking Potion?"

David Porter nods. "Pokeweed is in the Shrieking Solution and the Utterance Potion."

Kestrel Hamilton looks up at Ivan, then back down at the pokeweed with a gulp.

Ivan Pierce grumbles.

Jim Livingstone says, "Yeah, the juice is . .these things look so dry, though . . . They're not fun to juice."

Nell Addorine lifts her hand...well, her wand, since it's so dark. "Professor Porter?"

David Porter looks towards Nell, "Yess, Miss Addorine?"

Kielar Hamilton looks closely at one stalk of pokeweed doing particularly bad mumbling quietly "poor pokeweed."

Ivan Pierce stuffs his wand into the snow to keep constant light on the pklants

Nell Addorine lowers her wand again. "How do we pick them? We didn't bring any baskets..."

This pokeweed is in bad shape. What a disappointment.

Jim Livingstone walks around the edges of the group, trying to look nonchalant as he herds the stragglers into the group.

David Porter blinks. "You carry them. You do have arms, don't you?" He glares harshly.

Ivan Pierce says, "its brown..."

Vincent Andris says, "to leave go out the cave (LE) then go west four times and north once"

Zander Smith walks into the area, apparently from More Forest

Ivan Pierce says, "and its not very meaty"

Kestrel Hamilton looks over to her twin with a flicker of muted amusement, which is promply stuffed down as she turns back to David.

Tom Rellington says, "Sir, that pokeweed doesn't look to good."

Vincent Andris inquires, "Zander what are you doign here?"

Zander Smith inquires, "Why is everybody here?"

Kielar Hamilton pushes some of the snow away from the pokeweed plant and stand over it to protect it. It needs more time to grow.

David Porter blinks, "Where's Ivan going?!"

Zander Smith says, "I would like to know why everyone is here."

Ivan Pierce thgout he meant for us to go that way

Vincent Andris says, "let's go Zander"

Jim Livingstone looks a little smug as he follows ivan in.

Zander Smith nods.

David Porter glares harshly at Zander, "They're on assignment for me, thank you very much."

Zander Smith walks out through the exit named (Le)ave

Zander Smith says, "Good luck"

Zander Smith walks out through the exit named (N)arrow (C)revice

Ivan Pierce silently says 'idiots'

David Porter explains, "Start picking the pokeweed...we only have about ten minutes." He claps loudly, "Get to work!"

Kestrel Hamilton looks around, confused, then turns to Sylvie and waits patiently to follow her example what ever it might me.

Jim Livingstone combs his hair out of his eyes to give ivan another warning glare before heading over to the pokeweed.

Jim Livingstone shouts; "Ivan!"

Tom Rellington bends down and looks at the pokeweed for a good section to start picking

Nell Addorine hops. She then bends down, and shines her wand over the plants, trying to choose the best ones.

Tom Rellington decides on a section and picks it carefully

David Porter glares and looks about, trying to determine the safety of the students, "Someone's missing." He counts.

Jim Livingstone says, "It's Ivan Pierce, Professor porter."

Jim Livingstone turns bright red, feeling responsible.

Sylvie Winters bends down to the pokeweed plants, then looks around as she hears David, knowing its not one of her students.

Kielar Hamilton picks pokeweed while gaurding the small one he saw earlier fro being picked growling at anyone who tries to take it.

Towards the far end of the cave, there are large deposits of Pokeweed that are flourishing.

Kestrel Hamilton approaches a stalk and catiously reaches toward it, wincing slightly at the pain, then pulling it up determinedly.

Nell Addorine winces, and sighs, trying not to cry over the pokeweed as she searches for the tender shoots. Why is she in the house with the idiot boys? She's smart, she tries hard....

Tom Rellington suddenly notices some of the larger deposits and compares it with his current pokeweed

Tom Rellington says, "Out of my way, only the PERFECT ingredients for this student"

Jim Livingstone tries to hide his red face under his hood, while pulling up some pokeweed.

Tom Rellington moves over to the end of the cave

Tom Rellington picks the biggest, best deposit of pokeweed

Kielar Hamilton looks at the big large juicy pokeweeds just a few steps away but can't leave the one he's gaurding all by itself with all these people.

Sylvie Winters watchs Tom for a moment, then begins to carefully pick the plant.

Nell Addorine starts pulling up the strong stalks from the bad patches -- that way, the weaker shoots will have more room to grow. A few tears strike the sides of the plants, bouncing off the prickles.

Kestrel Hamilton gulps slightly over at Ivan.

Kielar Hamilton continues picking the pokeweeds in his immiadiete area

Jim Livingstone pulls up pokeweed carefully, making sure to grab at the bottom to get the most stalks, carefully ignoring Ian.

Tanna Finley sits down on the ground next to Sylvie, and quickly reaches for a plant.

Nell Addorine 's hands soon grow sore, from the temperature and the harsh sides of the pokeweed. Slowly, her lap fills.

Tom Rellington whispers something to Tanna Finley

Jim Livingstone does one last headcount before moving over to some of his Ravenclaw buddies to pick pokeweed by them.

Tanna Finley whispers something to Tom Rellington

Ivan Pierce doesnt like being surrounded by idiots

Kestrel Hamilton pulls up another plant, this time not poking herself on it, fortunately. She takes another, and another in this fashion until she has an armful, but leaves one hand free for her wand.

Tom Rellington moves over to Sylvie so she doesn't think he's lost

Tom Rellington cuts off part of his plant and hands it to Tanna

Ivan Pierce decided to make a horrid joke

Jim Livingstone looks at Tom and Tanna, grinning and speculating.

Ivan Pierce grabs some pokeweed and pulls hard

Ivan Pierce was just POKEd bye some POKEweed!

Tanna Finley smiles at Tom, then starts to pick some more. But her hands are getting sore from the reckless way she grabs them.

Jim Livingstone keeps half an eye on Ivan while meticulously pulling some fat pokeweed stalks.

Nell Addorine scoots on her knees from patch to patch, gently moving the weak shoots aside to get at the stronger ones. She lifts her hands occasionally, burning them further with the salt of her tears.

Sylvie Winters looks down at the two Gryffindors next to her while continuing to pick slowly. "Be careful, and your hands won't get so red."

Tom Rellington smiles at Tanna Finley.

David Porter watches over the students.

Kestrel Hamilton looks down at her pile with satisfaction, and moves over to Sylvie, where she waits patiently.

Ivan Pierce inquires, "can we just take the whole plant back and pull the individual ones back there so it isnt so cold?"

Tom Rellington just notices his hands are red

Jim Livingstone notes nell with a bit of concern. "Nell, just pick the little ones . .they're easier to pull and just as good . . .your hands look really bad."

The wind can be heard whistling loudly outside.

Ivan Pierce Grabs three at once and uses his shoulders to pull

Nell Addorine eventually lifts her cloak and robes, making a bowl for what she's plucked, and moves over to some tender shoots near Jim. She smiles, and shakes her head. "I'm okay...it's like the raspberry vines in mom's garden. Besides, the little ones need time to grow..."

Kielar Hamilton reaches /way/ out to reach a pokeweed plant far away from the one he is gaurding and almost falls...

Jim Livingstone continues to pull, one at a time, carefully by the roots.

Jim Livingstone says, "If your sure . . .your hands due look really bad. Just don't overextend yourself."

Sylvie Winters looks around to see Kestrel and asks, "Do you have as much as you can carry?"

Nell Addorine takes a few of the larger, healthier ones, pulling them out roots and all.

Ivan Pierce mutters thats why the defence spell would have been practitcal!!!.

Ivan Pierce mutters so it wuoldnt hurus.

Jim Livingstone chuckles under his breath and decides to let Ivan's relative stupidity drop.

Ivan Pierce picks about 7 pokeweed without realising it in his anger

Ivan Pierce isnt stupid

David Porter moves towards the entrance of the cave. He makes his wand light red for a few moments to get everyone's attention.

Ivan Pierce is too smart :P

Tanna Finley drops her pile on the ground so she isn't stuck holing it, and reaches farther out for a plant, being more careful now.

Kestrel Hamilton looks over to Nell slightly worriedly, and wonders if she was crying, but no, she seems alright now..She frowns and turns back to Sylvie. "I have as many I can manage without dropping my wand?" Instantly concerned, "Is that alright? I can put my wand in my pocket if you think I should.."

Nell Addorine looks over her shoulder, releasing a stubborn plant with a bit of relief.

Kielar Hamilton quickly straightens up holding a large pokeweed by it's roots and ads it to his very slowly growing pile (it's hard for it to grow fast when you're gaurding another plant).

Sylvie Winters says, "That's fine, Kestrel. Just wait, then."

Tom Rellington looks toward David

Sylvie Winters turns to look at David, motioning for the rest to do the same.

David Porter ahems, "One at a time...I will give you a grade on how many you picked." (OOC: Pose good as you come up, and let me know how much you have.)

David Porter calls, "Mister Hamilton."

Ivan Pierce grumbles and mutter angriy.

Kestrel Hamilton nods with relief and turns over to watch David obediently.

Tom Rellington bends down and picks up some more good pokeweed stalks

Jim Livingstone pulls out a few last ones, silently.

David Porter glares, "Come forward..."

Sylvie Winters reaches forward and picks a few more quickly, to make up for the time she spent watching others.

Kielar Hamilton snarlssss at a student who tries to take the pokeweed he was gaurding as he goes up "I have........about 23 pokeweeds and some sortof red beet thing I found near the wall".

David Porter looks over, "85." He hmms, "Move towards the entrance but do not leave."

David Porter calls, "Miss Hamilton."

Kielar Hamilton moves toward the enterance.

Ivan Pierce takes his wand and pushses it together by each end tand makes it a ball of glowing light

Kielar Hamilton frowns a C.

Ivan Pierce blink

Ivan Pierce oohs at his pile that he dint even know he had

Jim Livingstone continues silently picking with his left hand while doing a quick head count with his right.

Ivan Pierce says, "being anry has its up sides...."

Kielar Hamilton looks content with his B.

Ivan Pierce pulls franticaly

Kestrel Hamilton walks over to David quicky as she can without tripping. "I have 20--No, 21" she corrects herself quickly.

David Porter nods light, "Move to the front." He calls, "93."

David Porter calls, "Jim Livingstone and Tom Rellington."

Sylvie Winters picks her last one, looking contentedly at her armful.

Ivan Pierce realises david is gettin closer and pulls faster

Tom Rellington gets up and walks over to David, showing him his pokeweed

Kestrel Hamilton moves to the front with obvious relief and takes her place beside Kielar.

Tom Rellington exclaims, "I have 24 of the best pokeweed I could find sir!"

Ivan Pierce pulls as hard as he can, making his arms sore

Jim Livingstone groans under his breath and quickly gathers up his pile, pulling himself together and m oving towards the front, looking calm but feeling not.

Kielar Hamilton practically screams at one of the students still picking as he tries to pick the pokeweed he had been gaurding "don't pick that one."

Tanna Finley grabs recklessly again, managing to get a few more and scrape her arms up at the same time.

Kielar Hamilton looks sheepish "sorry sir"

Jim Livingstone says, "I've got 19 . . . sorry, sir, I was distracted. I should have picked more."

David Porter looks over Tom Rellington's pile, not impressed. "84." He looks at Jim, "98."

Ivan Pierce grins at Jim Livingstone.

David Porter calls, "Nell Addorine, Sylvie Winters."

Nell Addorine rises, her cloak thrown back over her shoulders from all the moving. Carrying her pokeweed in the lap of her robe to save her raw hands, she approaches Professor Porter. In her bundle are about four good, strong, juicy stalks, interspersed with nineteen or so of the more tender ones, which range in size from a few inches to half a foot.

Jim Livingstone 's eyes widen in surprise but he accepts it and moves towards the door, walking backwards to check on the students he was in charge of as he goes.

Ivan Pierce gathers some ice and begins to gather pokeweed onto the the small ray of ice

Tom Rellington exclaims, "Umm sir, My pokeweed are better than Jim's, I think you are favoring him!"

Kestrel Hamilton jumps half a foot, then looks reproachfully over to Kielar, mouthing. "Don't startle me like that." But, worried of lost points, doesn't speak aloud.

Sylvie Winters stands up with her armful, carefully counting as she walks toward David.

Ivan Pierce says, "Hes the teacher..."

Tom Rellington moves over to the doorway in a bad mood

Ivan Pierce says, "and Jim was a leader...."

David Porter nods to Nell, "99." He looks towards Sylvie, waiting for her to finish counting.

Jim Livingstone looks at the ceiling and tries not to feel angry at Tom . .after all, he DID have less . . .

Ivan Pierce continues counting as he loads them up

Kestrel Hamilton looks sympathetically over Tom.

Nell Addorine smiles happily, and carts her bundle over towards Jim's line.

Ivan Pierce grabes another one

Sylvie Winters feels grateful for her last hurried pickings as she says, "Twenty-one, Professor."

David Porter nods lightly. "95." He calls, "Ivan Pierce and Tanna Finley."

Ivan Pierce rubs his sore arms

Ivan Pierce says, "27...."

Tom Rellington is so mad he is thinking of casting a spell on David

Ivan Pierce thinks that if he casts a spell on teh teaCHER u qill be frozen solid

David Porter hmmms at Ivan. "Well...I see..." He blinks at Ivan, waiting for something else.

Ivan Pierce ponders

David Porter waves Ivan off, "84."

Ivan Pierce rips out another real fast

Ivan Pierce inquires, "28?"

David Porter patiently waits for Miss Finley.

Ivan Pierce pulls some of the pricklys that poked him

Tanna Finley grabs one more quickly, almost drawing blood from her hands because they are scraped raw. She gathers up the pile she has dropped on the ground, and stands up quickly, as a few slip out of her grasp. "I have, um.. a lot, Mr. Professor. Like, 28 at least!"

Ivan Pierce looks at some of the ones tana picked and thinks that they are a bit brown

David Porter looks over Tanna's, "Well, then...95." He notes, "And Tom Rellington's grade is now an 85."

Tom Rellington whispers something to Tanna Finley

David Porter looks about, "Follow me...stay close...don't wander." He looks, "Miss Winters, take the end."

Tanna Finley reaches down to try and pick up the ones she dropped, dropping even more as she does so.

+---[ Potions Classroom (Dungeon) ]------------------------------------------+

Nell Addorine tries not to slosh snow all over the place, and takes her seat again.

Kielar Hamilton sits down in his seat hoping they'll get to try a potion before class ends.

Kestrel Hamilton retakes her seat and makes sure her cauldron and book are still there.

Tom Rellington sits down in is seat and looks up trying to find Tanna

Sylvie Winters looks around one last time, making sure all of her charges made it back, and takes her seat.

Ivan Pierce says, "OH, Mr.POrter"

As you move into the class you find groblets filled with steaming hot chocolate.

Ivan Pierce says, "you told me to remind you to give me extra credit when i made the extra curing potion"

Tanna Finley walks over to Tom and sits down. "I can't believe we went in there!"

Nell Addorine 's hairbow is a bit grimy from the dank cave, and her face a bit mussy, and her hands in horrid shape...but she beams anyway. Hot cocoa!

David Porter points to a collection bin, "Put your collections in there and then enjoy your refreshments."

Kestrel Hamilton tries to remember the shrieking potion nervously and doesn't even see the hot chocolate.

Ivan Pierce tilts the block of ice

Tom Rellington stashes his apparently inadequate pokeweed in the bin

Ivan Pierce lets the pokeweed slide off

Tom Rellington grabs a cup of hot chocolate

Sylvie Winters places her armload of pokeweed in the collection bin.

Kielar Hamilton puts his pokeweeds in the bin and takes some hot chocalte.

Kestrel Hamilton looks up, startled, then stands and puts her 21 stalks into the bin.

Nell Addorine moves to the bin, and starts to gingerly move her pokeweed into it, plant by plant. Once done, she shakes off her robes, and goes to warm her hands on her goblet.

Kielar Hamilton sips that hot chocolate. mmmmmmmmm OUCH.

Ivan Pierce says, "WHat should i do with this"

Kielar Hamilton burnt his tongue.

At Hogwarts, a bell is heard, signifying the end of class.

David Porter speaks up, "Wait!"

Tom Rellington starts sipping the hot chocolate slowly and talks with the rest of the Gryffindor

Tanna Finley heads over to the bin, dropping a few pokeweed on the way and even more when she tries to put them in. There is, in fact, a small trail of pokeweed leading all the way back to the forest.

Kestrel Hamilton rubs her hands together so they start to warm up, and takes a goblet of hot choclate.

Tom Rellington 's excitedly about the Forbidden Forest

Nell Addorine looks to the professor, over the edge of her cup.

David Porter makes a note, "Those of you who would like some extra credit may write a paper and hand it in to me."

Kestrel Hamilton blinks at the bell, and raises her hand. "Professor?"

Kielar Hamilton finishes his hot coco put the groblet back gathers his stuff and waits.

David Porter notes. "You may go to The Great Hall and enjoy your refreshments, there are chocolate candies there."

Tom Rellington raises his hand

Sylvie Winters watches Tanna, then walks over to grab some of the ones she dropped and toss them into the bin. She isn't going to worry about the trail, having picked up the few of those that she could.

Kielar Hamilton nods and wishes he had done his homework earlier,

David Porter looks about, "Go on...enjoy yourselves."

Nell Addorine hikes her cauldron up under her arm, takes her cocoa gingerly in the other hand, and exits. Her first stop, after refreshments -- infirmary.

you hear whispers of students outside of the hall that Sylvie and Jim are wanted NOW! at the third floor staircase

Tom Rellington inquires, "When will the paper be due sir?"

Kestrel Hamilton keeps her hand up patiently.

David Porter says, "Before next class."

David Porter inquires, "Yes, Miss Hamilton?"

Tom Rellington exclaims, "Ok sir!"

Sylvie Winters gets her hot chocolate and heads out.

Tom Rellington grabs his nicely polished cauldron

Kestrel Hamilton says, "I don't mean to be rude, but I was wondering what happened to making the Shrieking Potion today? Will we be doing it next class?""

Tanna Finley smiles at Sylvie, glad for the help.

,-[ Hogwarts - Library ]------------------------------------------------------.

Bad day." Nancy Derwent-Sinclair returns emphatically. "We're losing, and I've got all this work to do and it's my N.E.W.T year and my trial for the Rochester Rifles is next week and the school is full of -small children-." the prefect makes a face, her words running together in their urgency. It is clear that the Quidditch Captain thinks of little but sport. And small children.

Hestia Davies shakes her head, "I've seen you play." Hestia herself was Quidditch-mad, a Beater on her house team, "I should think you'll do fine at your tryouts. Rochester would be foolish to let you go." But as for N.E.W.Ts...Hestia was still thinking about her own O.W.L.s. "Not many of the Littles have come into here." She flashes a beaming grin, "Melissa and I are giving them a treasure hunt." Looking up as the Slytherin arrives, "'Lis! There you are! I haven't fed Nosfer all day. He's hungry!"

A head peeks through the door into the room, taking a moment to look around before the rest of Melissa Talison comes into appearance. The Slytherin shoots a grin at Hestia, with a smaller but no less cheerful nod of greeting to the Hufflepuff with her. "Hungry? Oh, he'll do a /lovely/ job, then!" With a short laugh, she brings herself closer to the others present, careful as always not to trip on the edge of her robe as she moves.

Nancy Derwent-Sinclair smiles wryly, her tea coloured locks shaking at the movement. "Well, I wouldn't if I was them. And if Sennet wasn't cracking the homework whip at me." She stabs uneasily at the desk, shoulders rolling back. "My parents say they won't keep me while I'm looking for a professional Quidditch contract unless I get decent NEWTS." she explains. "They think it's too risky, gambling everything on a sport like that--" she breaks off at the news of a treasure hunt. "Really? In the castle? Do you think any of them might fall down the pit room and get stuck until the trip is over?"

Ahhhh." Hestia Davies's own mother was Quidditch-mad herself, so she couldn't imagine any such ultimatum coming from her. But then, Hesti wasn't the player Nancy was, nor that Andrea had been. Of course, Hesti was still only a third-year. "Well...I'd offer to help you study for the NEWTs, but, I'm just preparing for my OWLs." She moves, clearing a seat for Melissa. In front of the Gryffindor are maps of the castle, and plans and plots for the treasure hunt. At The Hufflepuff's last question she shares a mischievous grin with 'Lis. "We certainly /hope/ so."

Melissa Talison plops down in the offered seat, legs curling under the chair as she leans forward to study what Hestia has laid out. "We don't have OWLs for another year yet. Do we?" Worried look switches quickly back to a smile. "I haven't wanted to think about those.. Or NEWTs. But I'm sure you'll do fine," she adds quickly, to Nancy. Not that she's ever really talked to the older girl before. "I /know/ your good enough at quidditch, anyway.. I wouldn't miss a game if I could help it." Ever rambling, she easily switches topics to her and Hestia's plotting. "/Some/ of them should get stuck, I'm sure. Or lost somewhere else, at any rate.. it'll be just splendid."

Nancy Derwent-Sinclair's stabs her quill onto paper, breaking the nib with no little delight. "Oh dear. No nib. Can't really do my essay now." she considers, the prefect's usually stringent goody-two-shoes appearance shattered by exam and quidditch stress. And the small children. "How will it work then, this treasure hunt? Are you going to have enchanted clues and things?" she inquires, interested despite herself.

Take a look at this map 'Lis...is that where the Tub 'O Bladderwrack is going?" Shaking her head at the Slythie's question, Hestia Davies admits, "No. End of next year. But, I thought I'd get started early." Because Kieran was likely to do /very/ well. And Hesti liked to keep up with the boy. Turning to Nancy she grins, and doesn't offer a spare nib (because really, she would ask if she wanted, wouldn't she?) "We're using plants. Nipping Narsium, Vanishing Vines. A living Topiary....it's that one that should lead the littles to the Pit."

Hand is raised to shove back hair, keeping it out of her eyes as the Slytherin girl tilts her head toward the indicated area. "There?" Finger is shoved at the map. "That's where it should be, so they'll see it when they come down the stairs." Melissa Talison slides back on her seat again, just a bit, looking back up at her companions. "Owls, too. But mostly plants. They're not all so interesting," or as dangerous as she would like, one can suppose, "But we've got some good ones."

,-[ Hogwarts - Roof Balcony ]-------------------------------------------------.

Hestia Davies grins as she leads the little ones up onto the roof. "Everyone, please stay away from the edges, we'd probably loose points if we let one of you fall off. And Gryffindor is only in the lead by 3 points!" Hestia flounces over and stands by Melissa. "Welcome to the great Herbology Treasure Hunt! The prize will be something very unusual, and very tasty. Oh. And candy too. I've already introduced myself. This is my partner, Melissa Talison. She's a Slytherin. I'm a Gryffindor."

Shiara O'Shay makes her way up onto the roof, hanging neary Clover and Carmen as she looks about, nearly tempted to peek over the edge, but she heeds the warning, and doesn't.

Carmen Elle blinks a bit as she trails in behind Hestia and nearby Shiara. Glancing at the edges - what fun that''d be to just jump off of. A wave is offered to the two girls and muttering, "Claira..is in Ravenclaw..Naiya is too..they're related to me..y'know.." Once again announcing softly to Clover and Shiara.

Melissa Talison turns from looking out over the roof as the group arrives, offering a smile to Hestia and to the younger ones following her as well. As she is introduced, one hand is lifted in a wave to the group. "Hello, and as she said, welcome! Oh. You can call me just 'Lissa, if you like." Curious eyes dart over the young ones.

It looks like a chimney forest up here..." Turning, the little girl grins at Carmen and Shiara. "I've never been this high before ever in my life." Then, lowering her voice, she glances at the older girls. "I wonder what the tasty prize will be, if it isn't the candy?" Clover Davies nods toward Hestia, "She's related to me. I think."

Yeah. Uncle Mai and his cousin look alike but are as different as I am from my younger brother." Donovan Boru says looking at Lissa,"Hello 'Lissa. Slytherin. Hrm." Mental note. Slytherin.

Carmen Elle shoots a glare at Donovan as she mutters something quietly to the two girls she is standing with, "He is so nosy an' annoying." Ugh! Fists balling up some before avoiding any attention drawn towards her by habitally smoothing out her dress..

All right. This treasure hunt will lead you to some room in this castle where we have hidden the prize. First prize goes to the first child down. The rest....who make it...will get a consolation prize. If you get lost in the castle though..." Hestia Davies just shrugs. "Three rules. 1) Always use a staircase you come to, 2) Never go backward, and 3)If you come into a room with just one other door. Use it. Any questions so far?"

Shiara O'Shay shakes her head slightly before turning towards the other girls. "So, we're not supposed to backtrack then?" She enquires softly of, well, no one in particular. "That makes very little sense."

Clover Davies glances at Donovan and shrugs to Carmen's whispers. She had been mad at him before, but Mr. McCullough had helped her understand a little better. "I think he knows her. That Hestia girl." That cousin of hers. "Will we get lost and....be lost?" Would Mr. McCullough come looking for her, if she did? Would her daddy?

Carmen Elle shrugs yet again, "Oh well." Silencing herself as she listens to the questions. "Alright." Shrugging yet again, "Simple..rules.." That fact she could get lost doesn't really bother her..yet..

Right. Don't backtrack. You have to go forward to go back." Oh, Hestia Davies was sure that made so much more sense. Grinning over at Melissa, then down at their charges, "You begin on the landing below. My owl is waiting there. If you find a way to feed him...he'll give you the first clue."

Melissa Talison grins back at Hestia, having finished her scan of the visiting students, and determining she knows none of them yet. "Have fun!" she says, her own little instructions to add to the more helpful ones that Hestia gives. "And good luck."

Carmen Elle smiles some, before she pivets on her heel, facing the direction towards the landing down below. Tilting her head at Clover and Shiara, "Coming?" Obviously she doesn't care to be doing this alone at the moment.

Smiling faintly at Melissa, and less so at the other girl, Clover Davies gives a quick nod. "I'm coming..."

(OOC) Hestia Davies: They just fed the owl! Now they have to scramble for the card to get the next clue.

(OOC) Hestia Davies: They're being followed around by the Headmaster of the boy's school. Who has made an enemy of all of them. Especially after forcing the girls into a debate with a boy on who was better. Witches or Wizards. LOL

(OOC) Hestia Davies: Now he's trying to get the girls to tell him who their alts are. He finally left. He was slowing the RP down terribly.

(OOC) Hestia Davies: I got them moving, they're in the pit room now, finally. I'll try to keep them moving about.

(OOC) Hestia Davies: They're cute! It's too bad you can't see them RPing. Spike had to drag them to the pit room practically. (I want to keep Spike!)

King Arthur> ,-[ Hogwarts - The Circle ]------------------------------------.

King Arthur> Dusting herself off...as best she could, her white apron was soiled and /ruined/ now, Clover Davies looks around with a sigh. "Where are we now?" Looking around the room she shakes her head, "Eight doors. And...there's another owl. Does Hestia have two?"

King Arthur> King Arthur is sitting peacefully on the floor, head tucked down, perhaps resting. At the group drops in he raises his head, staring at them with large owl eyes. After a moment, wings start into motion, and he rises into the air above them.

King Arthur> Shiara O'Shay falls through and lands on her but, yet again. "Oy, I'm going to need an ice pack after this," she states as she stands and rubs at her rear. "Okay, another owl, what to do now? What does this one want?"

King Arthur> Carmen Elle falls from the trap door unsuspectingly and then landing yet again. Cringing some, before standing up. Deep breaths are taken to keep her from screaming in pain. The first thing she notices is the owl which flys upwards. "Oh."

King Arthur> Dusting himself off again,"Is ea. Shall we see if we can figure it out?" Donovan Boru says examining the owl while rubbing the arm he landed on."We're all taking beatings from this that's for sure."

King Arthur> Clover Davies sighing, Clover eyes the new owl. "Well then little owl? I'm afraid those owls up in the attic got all the bread. What do you want?" Could owls, even magic ones, understand speech? Clover had no idea. "I hope it won't send us down anymore trap doors!"

King Arthur> King Arthur takes off in a small, slow circle above the place where he had been resting, taking the time to wake up his wings. That done, he seems to peer down at the students for a moment, then silently swoops toward the south door, stopping to hover where he is when he reaches it.

King Arthur> "Shall we then? Looks like the next course of action is to head south." Donovan Boru says smiling slightly at the rest of them,"/Hopefully/ it won't involved any more falls but we'll see. Maybe we're getting close to the end." Hope. Pray. Ok. Breathe. TIme is wasting.

King Arthur> Shiara O'Shay chuckles and watches the owl. "I suppose that's where you want us to go?" She enquires. "I really hope there won't be anymore trap doors to fall through, my rear hurts enough as it is," at this a chuckle is offered and she moves onward.

King Arthur> Clover Davies sighs. "Very well then Owl." Glancing dubiously at the south door, she nods to the other children. South it was. But if she fell somewhere one more time, she wasn't going to be very happy. "Let's go. Come on Carmen..."

King Arthur> Carmen Elle nods some while watching the owl hover over towards the Southern exit, "I know what that means." She speaks quietly, after being dragged along by the dog-plant-thing earlier. Trudging on aftter the trio. "I hope it's the end soon.." Sighing some as she points to her dress, the poofy-slip completely torn off now.

(OOC) Melissa Talison: And they're off! All you again until the.. something floor. Until they pass the twisty passage. :P

(OOC) Hestia Davies: Akc! We didn't need the Singing Senna in that room after all. It has only one exit, the children would have gone west anyway.

Vanishing Vine> ,-[ Hogwarts - Southwest Circling Corridor ]----------------.

Vanishing Vine> Shiara O'Shay makes her way in, somewhere amidst the group. "Okay, now we're here, where to from this point?"

Vanishing Vine> Clover Davies gestures to the Vine. "Another plant. That seems to be the kind of clues we get." Shrugging, "Hestia and Melissa must like them."

Vanishing Vine> Vanishing Vine is lying on the floor, for all the world like someone had taken a vine and just dropped it. Except for the fact that it is crawling, slowly, northeast. It vanishes as it nears the door, not able to be seen for a moment.

Vanishing Vine> Stepping into the room the plant is noticed fairly early on,"What's this? Well it is an Herbology Treasure Hunt." Donovan Boru says laughing slightly and looking at the Vanishing vine more carefully,"What do you think this one is?"

Vanishing Vine> Clover Davies giggles and points to the north east. "I think it crawls. I guess it wants us to use that door? Did it just disappear?" Disappearing plants? And she thought Mrs. Porter's was an exciting place!

Vanishing Vine> Shiara O'Shay watches the vine. "Where did it go?" She enquires slightly as she peers where she last saw it, in an northeastern direction.

Dungeon Dandelion> ,-[ Hogwarts - Entrance Hall; Northern Section ]---------.

Dungeon Dandelion> "Well...there's another of my cousin's plants." My cousin now. How easy it sounded to say that. "I've seen that in a book. Donovan...Clover Davies looks at the only boy in the group, "You read a lot...do you know what it is?"

Dungeon Dandelion> Dungeon Dandelion is not a mobile plant; he's in a pot. Poor thing. He - it - is not doing much except sitting near the wall by the eastern exit, 'enjoying' the amount of light available in the hallway.

Dungeon Dandelion> Shiara O'Shay looks at the plant. "Yeah, certianly seems like she has a things for plants and what not, but this is a herbolagy thing, or at least themed in the manner. At any rate, doesn't look like it can move very far," she states stepping a bit closer to the plant.

Dungeon Dandelion> "Dungeon Dandelion... Ummm..." Donovan Boru says raking his hair while he examines it trying to remember something more than the name,"I thought they prefered darkness but I could be wrong... It might be able to move provided it isn't in a pot... See how the leaves are so pale, usually you don't find that in sunny plants."

Dungeon Dandelion> "Right. Dungeon Dandelion. I knew I'd heard of it. The poor thing. It doesn't look happy here at all. It should be in the dungeons...." She stops, and looks at her compatriots. "Maybe...that's where we're meant to be?" Clover Davies looks back at the plant, "Does anyone know where the Dungeons are?"

Dungeon Dandelion> Shiara O'Shay shakes her head softly. "I dunno, but perhaps we're supposed to go in the direction of the plant," she offers with a shrug.

Dungeon Dandelion> "Well I think the entrance is by the Southern Section of the room.... But they usually place them near the exit they want us to use so why don't we head to the east?" Donovan Boru says biting his lips between sentences.

Dungeon Dandelion> Clover Davies shrugs, "As good an answer as any I guess." East then, it was. "Ready?" Clover was American. They most definitely did not have dungeons in America.

Tub O'Bladderwrack> ,-[ Hogwarts - Dungeon Center ]-------------------------.

Tub O'Bladderwrack> Clover Davies peers into the tub and wrinkles her nose. "That....looks as bad as the Mushy Peas they make us eat for dinner sometimes. I...what do you suppose we do with this?"

Tub O'Bladderwrack> Shiara O'Shay peers and shudders. "It does, doesn't it? And honestly, I have no idea what it may be," yet another shudder is offered as she looks about the dungeon center.

Tub O'Bladderwrack> "A little like dulamon." Donovan Boru says slipping into Irish for a moment,"It seems to move most when something approaches." He comments as it begins squirming even more as he approaches,"What to do with it though..."

Tub O'Bladderwrack> Tub O'Bladderwrack rests in the middle of the dungeon. A tub of sorts, filled with slimey looking greens. And these /do/ move, as if the contents of the tub needed to be any more disgusting. There may be an occasional glimpse of.. something.. inside, other than just the walls of the tub and the plants, if one is looking quite closely.

Tub O'Bladderwrack> Clover Davies moves closer to the tub. "I...." Was that something..."Do you two see something glinting in that tub?" Grimacing, but determined to win this hunt now that she had spoiled her dress, Clover splashes her hand into the center of the tub.

Tub O'Bladderwrack> The contents of the Tub O'Bladderwrack wriggle, sqirm, and twist around the hand that makes its way into it, but at the same time yield before it, giving way to the note resting at the bottom of the slimey soup.

Tub O'Bladderwrack> Clover Davies snatches the note off the bottom of the tub. Hmmm...must be spelled to keep it dry. Very clever. "We go east." Because that's what it said. East, and South. Hestia and Melissa must have taken pity on them by now.

,-[ Hogwarts - Dungeon Cell ]-------------------------------------------------.

You made it!" Hestia Davies is standing in the center of the dungeon's cell with Melissa, confetti at the ready. Tossing the little bits of red, gold, green, and silver paper over the trio's heads, the older girl grins. "Congratulations. Melissa, do you have the brains?"

Brains?" Donovan Boru asks brushing a little bit of the paper from his hair and looking at Hestia as if she were a little off her rocker.

Melissa Talison pulls a container from her pocket just as the students come in, adding her out exclamation on "Congratulations!" as she withdraws it. Resting the container, which is filled with a whitish substance, on the palms of both hands, she holds it out ceremoniously.

What..." Looking up dubiously at the white stuff, Clover Davies backs away from Melissa's hands. "What on earth is that. What..." Was that their prize?

Ummm... yeah... what /exactly/ is that stuff." Donovan Boru asks a little wary of the substance. He's not sure whether to take it or run away from it.

It's brains," Melissa Talison repeats Hestia's words, shooting a grin at her Gryffindor companion. "Go on, try some. You really couldn't ask for a tastier prize."

Brains? You want us to eat Brains?" Taking another step back Clover Davies bumps into the door of the cell. "Donovan can eat brains if he wants. But I'm not." Then, blinking, she asks, "Whose brains?"

You expect him to do /WHAT/? Donovan Boru looks at the pair nervously following Clover's lead of backing to the back of the room,"What /kind/ of brain? Are you nuts?! Normal people don't eat the brains of things. Well unless you're in India and then you eat Monkey Brains but... That's different." He doesn't sound fond of the idea/.

Hestia Davies shrugs, "Suit yourselves then. But to get the real prize, you have to eat these Lizercundium brains." Grinning, Hestia moves to stand beside Melissa. "Trust us. Have we steered you wrong at all? You'll /like/ them."

Lizard brains! WE," and she includes Donovan in this, "Are not eating lizard brains. That's....well that's very unladylike." Clover Davies grins over at the boy, "And it's not gentlemanly either."

Lizercundium... That's a plant isn't it?" Donovan Boru says blinking slightly and smiling at Clover."If you tell us what Lizercundium is, I will try a bit and that way Clover will know if they are poisonous." Hehe Gentlemanly, no? Boy dies, girl knows it is poisonous.

Melissa Talison pushes her hands, and therefore the container of brains, farther forward. Almost an insistence that the two try some. "You really /will/ like them, promise. It /is/ a plant; I've never tried /lizard/ brains.. could always feed some to Jamie, see what he thinks.." Somehow, she remembers the actual topic at hand. "Yes. Plant brains, just plants. And not poisonous, neither."

You just performed a double negative...." Donovan Boru says a tad bit warily, "Does that mean that they are indeed poisonous or was it simply a slip of the tongue that caused you to negate your negative statement." Ok. The boy is too much a fan of brains. He does reach forward for the brains. Oh dear. he might as well get it over with.

Right Dono. Plant brains. You /know/ how I like plants." Well, he would if Maidhc had ever mentioned her. How could one mention Hestia Davies and /not/ bring up plants or Quidditch. "Go on, try them. 'Lis and I love them. And we eat them all the time."

A double negative? Clover Davies peers at Donovan and grins. Her grin widens in surprise as he takes a chance at the Brains. He was going to eat them! There better be a /big/ prize for eating brains! Would Clover Davies have to? Well, Donovan would tell her if they were terrible...

Melissa Talison just blinks at Donovan. "What?" Oh well; at least he's trying them. 'Lissa nods after Hestia's comment, a definite agreement to what the other said.

Shiara O'Shay peers at the lizercundium brains. "Umm, are these, edible?"

Very cautiously Donovan Boru takes a bit of the 'brains' and pops it into his mouth very quickly before smiling slightly,"Hey these are actually tolerable. The substance tastes vaguely familiar..." He pauses for a moment as if searching his brain for more info,"I can't remember why the name feels familiar..."

As she watches Clover take a tentative bite of the sticky white goo, Hestia Davies grins. "They're used to make candy. Scrumdidyumptious and the like. And that really /is/ the brain of the plant. It's semi-sentient." As the younger girl grins, apparently liking the substance, Hestia Davies's face brightens. "Excellent. Now you," she nods at Shiara.

Shiara O'Shay shrugs slightly and takes a bit, if Clover can do it, she can do. "So, they make candy out of this stuff or something?"

It's what makes the candy sweet," Melissa Talison replies, pleased with the general reaction. "I think that's what it does, anyway, wasn't it Hestia?"

Hestia Davies nods. "Yes. Magic candy anyway. Some of it." She grins at her year-mate, "So, should we give them the real prize now? We didn't think three of you would make it together. So we're sorry but you have to share the prize."

I don't think any of us could have done it by ourselves." Donovan Boru says smiling at Shiara and Clover,"We all had talents." yeah like Encyclopedia boy, fearless girl, and Shiara. Sapphire eyes sparkle slightly,"Give me only a small amount. I don't eat it but I'll send it to someone who does and they can only have small amounts."

Melissa Talison chuckles quietly. "I suppose they deserve it, don't you? How'd it go with all.. everything, anyway?" Second part of course being directed to the younger, yet-to-be Hogwarts students. With another blink for Donovan, as well. "You don't eat it? But.. How?"

Shiara O'Shay grins slightly. "This is good stuff," she notes with a grin. "And he's right, none of us could have done this without everyone elses help, I'm sure we'd have all ended up lost otherwise." A nod is offered to afferm her statement. "It was quite fun as well, exploring the school, I expect we all know our way around here just a little bit better than we did when we started out."

Oh! And maybe we won't get as lost when we come to school here..." But then Clover Davies wouldn't be coming to school here for more than a year.

I guess they do. Give them the prize Melissa." Hestia Davies reaches out and takes a snip of the brains for herself.

Melissa Talison shifts the container of brains to one hand, finding and then offering a bag of candies with the other. "Here you are. Enjoy!" And as soon as they take the bag, she's going after a bit of brains for herself as well.

Emerging from the class few moments later, Carrie Whittier is her own usual self, trailing behind the rest of the students as she goes about her way. Red hair long and in plaits, she's a tall, gangly girl; the sort of girl who stands out amongst her peers. She hunches herself a little as she walks, trying to fit the average profile. Her robe is already looking wrinkled early into the year, and her gaze never leaves the floor, which is one of the reasons she rams straight into the slow-poke reading a book. "Oof!" She tumbles forward, and turns about, her eyes going wide. "Sorry," she mutters. "You dropped your book."

"Hey!" Joseph jumps to his feet in annoyance as someone trips right over him; not even bothering to right his book, he plants his hands on his hips and looks at her. "When you walk, you have to look /down/ as well as /ahead/, or else you're going to trip! Do you tread in pooh all the time as well?" Only after this chastisement does he hold out an arm to her and asks, his tone still rather annoyed, "Are YOU alright?" He bends down to pick up his book, cheeks flushed red.

"I was looking down!" Carrie snaps back, angry. "You watch where... you're sitting! We have a library!" Looking about, she brushes down her robe. "I'm fine. I'm really fine." Glaring at Joseph, she steps back a few times and hits the other wall of the hallway. "And I didn't hurt you, right?"

"Can't have been looking down too careful!" Joseph retorts, crossing his arms across his chest and hugging his book closely. "Or you would have seen that you were about to /trip over a person/."

"Hallways aren't for reading!" Carrie sniffs back, holding her wand up against her chest and hunching over it. "Use the library like NORMAL people." Looking back and forth, she watches for teachers.

As Joseph notices that Carrie has her wand, he presses his lips together closely and grips his book all the more tightly. "Hallways also aren't for... tripping over people!" He retorts, but a little lamely; he doesn't have much to add, and he's just watching her wand carefully. "There's no /rule/ against reading in hallways... but there's a rule against using that wand, so you watch out." He starts craning his own neck looking for a teacher - but he can't see any yet! Rats!

"I'm not going to use it!" Carrie snaps back. "I'm right worthless with it anyway." Her tone drops to a mutter, and she slides down to the ground as she does so, peering over the hallway at Joseph. "You're the Wexler boy, right?"

"One of them," Joseph replies, a little warily, eying Carrie awkwardly. He relaxes just a little, but still seems to be watching her quite carefully. He sits back down as well, confirming, "Yeah... Joseph Wexler. What did you hear about me?" There's a bit of a demanding hint in his voice, but he tries to keep it in check.

"I know you're from that huge pure blood family." Carrie shrugs. "I don't hear a lot. I don't have many friends." A pause. "I'm sorry I tripped over you. I wasn't looking forward. I looked down, though. I always look down. I'm Carrie." She responds, not looking at Joseph while she says it.

"We're not that huge a family," Joseph replies matter-of-factly, turning his gaze up towards the ceiling (so she can't see his faint smile). "That's just a facade that we put on to coverup the huge crime syndicate that we run out of our family home." He glances back down to her, though, eyes narrowing slightly. "Still reckon if you opened your eyes you would have seen me. I was sitting /right there on the floor/."

"My eyes were open enough to know you're not a bunch of criminals," Carrie mouths, barely speaking. "That isn't the kind of 'family' you are. Sides, your aunt's the nurse, I know." Pausing, she looks about and slides a chocolate frog pack out of her pocket and then skids it across the polished floor to Joseph. "Sorry again."

At this, Joseph's brow creases a little. "How do you know I'm related to - ohhh," it dawns on him a moment later. "Oh. She's not my aunt." He furrows his brow, and adds, "Dad explained it to me when I started. She's my... uh..." He frowns, unable to think of it. "She's something. And anyway, how do you /know/ we're not a crime syndicate? Are you an expert on crime syndicates?"

"I know enough to know that you're no criminal. You're just some ... some hallway reader. Ravenclaws. Always some nose in a book." Carrie sniffs, and points. "I said sorry with it! Quidditch set. Current year. You like Quidditch?"

"Oh!" Joseph's family is quite distracting, but the chocolate frog just as much so. He tears the wrapper off it in delight, but only licks at the frog slowly, not even bothering to check who it is on the card; why would he care about that? He looks up at Carrie, adding, "I'll forgive you, but only - only if you take back what you said about my /always/ having my nose in a book. You don't know that."

"Alright." Carrie agrees immediately. "I don't know it." Pausing, she mumbles, "You probably think I'm some dufferpuff, anyway."

"'Course I do," Joseph replies, licking at the chocolate frog again, and turning his gaze up towards the ceiling - again, trying to make his expression less than obvious. "Everyone in Hufflepuff is a complete idiot and I wouldn't even deign to talk to you 'cept you tripped over me because you're such a ridiculous Hufflepuff. I heard that the Dark Lord Versita turned evil solely 'cause she was in Hufflepuff and was so sick of being surrounded by twerps."

Carrie Whittier sniffs back. "Shut up." Looking away, she finds a particular spot on the wall apparently fascinating and stares at it for thirty-odd seconds before announcing, "I should get back to the dorms. I need to do my homework for the night."

"Have fun, clumsy Carrie," Joseph chirps in response, rising to his feet again and pulling out the chocolate frog card only now, handing it back to her. "You can keep this, I don't want it anyway." He turns and wanders off away from her, presumably off on his way to find his own common room, licking at his chocolate frog as he walks.

Loping into the hallway it would seem that at least one person is here on purpose and the fifth year boy is self-assured and smiles easily to a few of the students who are wandering out in confusion. Osric is a small youth topping out at maybe five foot seven at the tallest and he's wiry thin. Lively green eyes, much like his father's, take in his surroundings. His own clothing is rather humble in nature; his robes far too short and ill used as are the hose he wears beneath. Ratty leather shoes don his feet, but they are solid enough that they aren't falling apart. He's making his way directly to the tapestry, but when he realizes that the student there isn't moving or making to leave, he merely watches for a few seconds before he makes up his mind to act. "Hello there." Confidently addressing the younger student he smiles easily as he looks her over before tucking one hand under his chin. "That's not a very appealing tapestry, is it?"

Sylvie Winters turns her head at the sound of Osric's voice, and looks him over quickly before replying. "No, not very. Those're not nice looking.. things, even without them dancing." Her first words quickly give away an accent from the poorer side of muggle England. Now that she's speaking to Osric, she turns partially to face him, head turned also to make up for the distance the rest of her did not cover. She drops her arms, so having done so, has no clue what to do with the wand in her right hand, and fidgets with it while she stands.

"Trolls." Making a face Osric shakes his head as he continues, "They're not friendly and rather brutish." Running his right hand through his hair Osric meets Sylvie's gaze and then looks again to the tapestry before deciding to pay more attention to the girl. His own accent is studied English, he speaks with the clear enunciation of the upper levels of society but for all of that he cannot fully rid himself of the traces of Welsh that haunt his speech pattern. Deciding to finally introduce himself he offers his left hand, "Osric Rathe. I'm a Hufflepuff and you can tuck your wand away if you want. No one here is going to hurt you. At least, they /shouldn't/."

"Sylvie Winters," the girl answers, taking his left hand with hers for a moment before withdrawing. "I'm Slytherin." Not yet in the habit of keeping her wand in her robes, Sylvie fiddles with it a moment longer at his suggestion, then takes a step backwards, motioning with her head to the bag and books - one charms, the other history - she's left sitting. "Let me just put it away."

"Huh. Slytherin." It's a statement of something but his tone doesn't have an edge against the girl personally. "Sorry. It's very nice to make your acquaintance." Osric winces as he internally reprimands himself and then notices the bags. "You take your bags everywhere?" He has no books or bags present but then he sighs and presses the palm of one hand against his forehead. "Sorry, I'm not the world's best example as far as being a perfect student goes." Grinning openly he waits for Sylvie to put her wand away, but now he's paying closer attention more specifically to what books she has nearby. "First year? How are you liking it here?"

Sylvie Winters takes one more step backwards, then actually turns and quickly walks the remaining few steps to the bag. After slipping her wand inside she returns, standing a bit more comfortably now that she's not wondering what to do with a piece of wood. "Sorry?" she inquires, though she's quick to add, with a smile, "Nice to make yours, also. And no, not everywhere... I was studying, some, earlier. It's very nice here, but.." "there's so much to learn."

Brushing aside his first comment without even so much as a gesture Osric's smile lingers even as he looks again at the tapestry before sighing softly. Paying mind to Sylvie again he nods. "You like it here then? It gets a little better later in the year when less people get confused and wander in and out." "There are better places to study but they're not something you'll just find." Another glance is tossed at the tapestry and he runs his hand through his hair again almost nervously. "How are you finding Slytherin?"

Sylvie Winters also glances once more to the tapestry at her side. "In here?" She starts to bite at her lip, then stops, setting her mouth firmly closed while she decides how to answer. "I like to watch the people. In the paintings, I mean." That seems safe enough, and turning her gaze back to Osric, she looks up at the older student. "This castle's so huge, I guess it'll take a while to find everything, won't it? How long have you been here?" .. "Slytherin?" That again takes some consideration. "It's my house."

The smile lingers and then fades away as he looks at his own tatty shoes before shrugging. "This is my fifth year, but it's not so bad really. Free education, a roof over my head and food in my stomach isn't such a bad deal. If we do well we'll get good careers and /that/ is appealing." The smile easily flits back to Osric's face and it quickly turns to a grin. "You'll find friends in Slytherin I'm sure. It's not a bad sort of House, but I just wasn't ambitious enough to get in." Nodding at the tapestry, he uses that in partial indication for an answer and then adds, "Yes, in here." "You've just got to pay attention."

"You don't like it? I haven't given /any/ thought to what career I'd take." With Osric's nod to the tapestry, Sylvie turns to stare at it again, gaze moving slowly over each area as though she might find some secret clue. She continues this activity carefully even while continuing to talk. "That's what the hat," pause, to glance quickly at Osric with a slight smile of wonder before resuming her search, "/said/. That I'm ambitious. I met someone before I came, and she went into Hufflepuff."

"I knew about the hat and what Slytherin was before I got here so I had *some* advantage." Osric wanders closer to Sylvie but is clearly interested in the tapestry. Touching it reveals nothing but he does touch it and boldly before turning away. "There's no magic to finding it, but maybe I'll share it with you later. I can't right now or I might catch hell with some of my friends for showing it to a first year." Rolling his eyes the youth shrugs, "it's not a hard secret to find out and you'll probably find it out on your own." "Hufflepuff is a fine house, but there are prejudices against it just like there is for every House. Don't you believe it for a minute that Hufflepuffs are lazy and stupid or that Slytherin have to be nasty people." "Stereotypes make a boring world, don't you agree?" The cheeky smile returns to reflect in his eyes.

Sylvie Winters stares for a few seconds at the spot Osric touched, then, seeing nothing unusual - beyond the normal unusual - gives up the search. "There's nothing wrong with Slytherin," she protests, looking at him again, then turning her back to the tapestry to glance over the other items in the hall. As she does so, a strand of hair falls in her face, and she raises a hand to tuck it back behind her ear. "And Anastasia wasn't lazy or stupid. I do agree," a bit of quiet ferocity comes into her voice, "stereotypes are horrible."

The smile spreads wider, touching the edges of his eyes as Osric looks to Sylvie. "There is absolutely nothing wrong with Slytherin and don't let anyone try to tell you otherwise." "I have a few friends in your House. People are people and some are good and some aren't. Some are nice and some aren't. It doesn't depend on House no matter /what/ some poorly informed people might think." Nodding sharply the boy look at the tapestry again, "When you get nervous and it's quiet here just come and pace. You'll be sure to find what you're looking for." He's noted the quiet ferocity but he made no mention of it until now, creeping down he soon finds himself cross-legged on the floor. "Someone say something about you or Slytherin? You let me know and I'll get my mates. We'll set them straight."

Sylvie Winters nods twice, committing the words to memory, however puzzled she may look at the suggestion. What she actually answers, however, is his final comment. "No- no one's said anything about me," she pauses, and her eyes flick down toward her very used robes, though otherwise she's still, "or Slytherin." But his kinds words get the better of her, and giving the lie to what she's just stated, she nearly whispers, "What's a muggle?" Even once he's sitting, particularly after asking a question like that, Sylvie remains firmly on her feet for whatever upper-hand that positioning may give her.

Watching silently the fifth year keeps a close eye on the girl but he says nothing until she's done. Stretching his arms behind him he places his palms firmly on the floor and leans back before responding. "Muggles are people but they don't have magic. They don't even know about magic unless someone in their family winds up having magic, but that's nothing to be ashamed of." Osric's smile hovers but it doesn't entirely fade even if his face takes on a more serious expression. "And there's no reason in being ashamed of being less wealthy than others." Waggling his worn leather boot-like shoes he grins, "Money comes and goes, but the way we view and treat others is much more important."

"I've heard," Sylvie begins, voice becoming more steady and confident again, "that muggles shouldn't be in Slytherin." As she finishes she looks straight at Osric. "But I'm going to be a better student than any of them. And a better witch." The word is still an odd way to refer to herself, and she falters a little when she comes to it. Finally she does consent to sit, lowering herself to the floor carefully, wrapping her legs under her and smoothing her clothes once she gets there. "Did you know about magic before you came?"

"Salazar was an ass when it came to blood purity, but his House doesn't discriminate - or at least the hat doesn't and /that's/ what's important." Raising an eyebrow Osric smirks before it creeps into a full smile, "You *are* a witch regardless of birth and probably better than more than half of them just because of your attitude. Your family are muggles if they lack magic and weren't aware of our society." Laughing delightedly the boy leans forward, his green eyes glint with absolute amusement. "Oh yes. My family is an old and wealthy pureblood family." For his laughter his body language doesn't suggest he' having a joke at the girl's expense but is taking delight in something else. "Rathe are very distinguished don't you know and blahblahblah." "Wouldn't know it looking at me these days I guess."

The smile Sylvie returns for Osric's laughter comes much more easily now, even if it is a puzzled smile. Her lips part to ask the question hanging in her mind, but she can't find a way to phrase it nicely, and closes her mouth again after what seems to her an uncomfortable pause. "Can anyone learn magic? Could my siblings? They're.. muggles. And I'm not." It's half question, half statement; and then the best means for her earlier question hits her. "You're not proud to be from a noble family?"

The laughter doesn't die immediately but it does drift off naturally and the boy's smile dips away a little at Sylvie's question. Shaking his head, Osric leans backward again using his arms to brace himself as before. "I'm afraid that if they don't have the ability you can't teach them. You know there are people born to wizards and witches who can't do magic. They're called squibs and they can't learn magic either." Making a face at the question the Hufflepuff boy breaks eye contact and looks away, "I used to be, but I didn't realize what an ass I was as a first year. I cried for weeks when I became Hufflepuff and then I got over it because it was beyond my control. All I could do was change myself, but I can't change my family."

Sylvie Winters shifts positions, attempting to find a more comfortable spot against the stone floor. "They weren't happy?" This question, again, is quiet, and quickly followed with, "It's okay, Father wasn't happy with me being a witch, either. But I wanted to come. Mother and my siblings didn't mind so much." Having finally found something comfortable, mainly by sitting on the lower portion of her robe, Sylvie stops moving and folds her hands in her lap. "How come people do or don't have it? Do squibs," she says the unfamiliar word slowly, trying it out, "go to regular schools, like I came here?"

The laugh is a little harder but mostly Osric seems to be unbothered by the first question. "I don't know if mother was unhappy but father outright disowned me. Hench my impoverished state but I think I'm happier now than I was trying to be everything he wanted. I *did* try, but it wasn't good enough." Shrugging his shoulders the boy picks at the next bit of Sylvie's questions, "I don't know why some people don't have it and others do. It seems mostly random except among wizards. Squibs are very rare, but I know that with my family my Uncle was a squib due to a curse. I'm the firstborn male in ten generations to be born a wizard. Peter wasn't so lucky and I feel badly for him." "Some of them are lucky enough to go to muggle schools, but I know some families when they find out their children are squibs they disown them and make them as servants. Others raise squibs to be trophy spouses because all kids born from squibs turn out to be wizards. Mostly, they just live on the frin
ges of magical society or do what my Uncle did and go live with muggles." Smiling a little he sits back up, "Don't worry about your father. If he hasn't thrown you out he's a better man than mine and he'll come around eventually."

"Oh, he did," Sylvie says, rather matter-of-fact-ly, then repeats her earlier statement. "I wanted to come. I wouldn't /have/ to try, to be everything Father wanted of /me/." Her cheeks turn a light shade of red, and Sylvie hurriedly moves on to a different topic, the coverup half smile and words coming just a tad too fast. "So when squibs marry muggles, their children have magic. But if you can curse away magic, couldn't you give it to someone too? And can you undo a curse?"

"I don't know. Maybe? I know the curse was *really* powerful and it didn't affect everyone in the family just the firstborn males. Maybe it only was to go for so long before it ended? I can't really ask my father now else I would." Osric muddles over the questions "I know curses can be undone, at least some of them, but I'd suppose that the more powerful the curse is the harder it would be to undo." "And it's not like a person can curse another person with magic to lose /their/ magic. I'm not even sure if the "family curse" is real or just a myth." "But no, you can't give magic to anyone - not the way you mean. You could give a muggle or a squib charms and potions, but they can't gain magic on their own." Starting to stand up he shakes down the robe that doesn't cover as far as it should, "I really ought to go soon, but I'm glad I met you. If you want to talk again, I'm sure you can find me around here." Then, adding with another smile, "Remember if anyone here gives you diff
iculty over /anything/ you come get me and my mates and we'll help you out."

Sylvie Winters puts her hands on the floor, pushing down to aid her rise to a standing position along with her new companion. "Thank you for answering so many questions," she tells him once she's up, smiling back. "And.. for that offer. I'm glad I met you, too." She pauses, so as not to turn too quickly; but a bit of that smile remains when she finally does turn around, taking her own leave back to the corner to retrieve her belongings and the bag they go in, and find another, quieter place to think over what she's learned.

ADMIN NOTE: This log does not officially occur in the game's timeline. It was meant to be a fun scene in which all parties make fun of themselves. Nothing in this log is to be taken seriously, and none of it is canon as far as the game is concerned.

Basically, none of this ever happened.

,---------------------------------------------------.

Jessa Luna hovers into the rose garden humming to herself, her wand pointed at her feet. Her hair is straight and unstyled and falls to her mid-back. She is wearing a Slytherin school uniform and a robe that is undone and displays the hint of her feminine curves.

John Winters is in the rose garden trying to escape all the evil magic. He is sitting with a history book because history is not evil. He wears black robes and does not have his wand, but is safe because his cousin is a teacher.

Sitting up in the tree, Astra Rathe has somehow managed to get up there. The hood of her cloak is actually not pulled back for once and she watches the other students from her high perch. A backpack hangs off another branch nearby and she seems pretty comfortable where she's at. She isn't wearing the mandated school uniform, or if she is it can't be seen because her black inky robe is not the kind that opens in the front and it is very long.

Eva Wexler walks into the rose garden with a gaggle of boys behind her. "Go /away/," she tells them with a slightly dramatic sigh. The young girl is wearing a Ravenclaw uniform which follows her curvy body, and her skirt is too short because of a gorwth spurt that she had recently. "I don't like any of you, go away," she tells them again before going to sit down and crossing her legs then opening a book she was carrying.

Jessa Luna stares at Eva with a slightly annoyed expression, partly because of the boys but also because Eva is a Ravenclaw -- and if there's one thing that Jessa has never liked here at Hogwarts, it's Ravenclaws. She makes a point of turning her nose up at Eva and, with a bare glance to John, distracts herself by trying to climb the tree along with Astra. Because she is quite good at magic even though she cannot read, she does this by waving her wand and making her Wingardium Leviosa spell work even better, and she floats up into the branches of the tree, wrapping her legs around one branch and greeting Astra with a supercilious, "Good morning."

Why are you floating?" Eva asks Jessa, looking at her with a haughty expression. Eva doesn't like Slytherins. They're evil. "Hi, there," she tells John.

John Winters glares at Jessa as she is using magic to get around, which he would never do. He sighs dramatically and keeps glaring at her as she is up in the tree. John doesn't mind Eva, because she has not done anything but read. "What book is that?"

Eva says, "It's a muggle book - Pride & Prejudice. Have you read it?"

John says, "I haven't but my sisters like it. I have read the Bible and I read about nature and cultures and history."

Staring openly at the other Slytherin Astra back up just a little on the branch because she doesn't want to fall off and be thought of as clumsy. Pulling up the hood of her cloak the girl shrugs up her shoulders in a defensive position and stares in awe at the Jessa. Hi. She waits a little longer before adding, in an affected and raspy whisper You're really good at that. You must have practiced a long time. Looking down at the ground to see what's going on down there she watches the other students with the same guarded body language as if afraid of the entire world.

Eva says, "You should come down form the tree, you could fall."

Of course I haven't read it!" Jessa replies defensively, though she does not fall out of the tree. She just glares at Eva a little more and with a very supercilious smile she informs the stupid Ravenclaw girl, "I like doing it," because she just knows that the Ravenclaw isn't capable of doing something like that. Just to show off, she stands on the branch with one foot, keeping herself perfectly balanced with magic as she comments to Astra, "I haven't practiced very much, no."

John Winters is not afraid of anyone. He is going to convert the entire student body when they realize how wrong they are, including his cousin, even though she doesn't agree with him. "Your soul will get hurt. You should climb down and skip classes tomorrow with me. I am going to learn to swim in the lake."

You should read it," Eva says to Jessa with a nod then looks at John again with a shrug. "I like it. I've never read the bible. I don't think I care to. I heard it's just tragic stories. I like romance stories. History is fun sometimes but it gets boring."

Eva says, "I like swimming! Can I come too?"

John says, "Yes! But you should read it because it is not just stories. We could have a picnic at the lake with swimming."

I don't want to read it!" Jessa replies scathingly and superciliously, flipping her hair over her shoulder and smirking in a self-satisfied way at the idiot Ravenclaw girl. "I have better things to do in my time than read books."

Eva says, "Like climbing stupid old trees?"

I won't fall! I climb trees all the time at home and I climb on everything. Father says I'd be a squirrel if I were an animal." Astra responds quietly even if the remark wasn't meant for her. Looking at the boy curiously Astra decides to pull back the hood of her cloak, maybe these other students aren't so scary after all. "I can swim a little, but fishing is better." "Did you ever see the big old squid?"

Jessa Luna flips her hair again, but smiles with just a hint of chagrin, nodding her head at Eva in a very condescending way. "I know it hurts you that you can't do things like this, but that's just because you're freak girl." To John, in a stage whisper, she adds, "Eva is a freak girl because she has a clone."

Eva says, "She's not a clone she's my twin sister!"

Eva says, "You're just jealous."

John Winters looks up at Astra even thought she is in the tree and evil. "It is a lake, we can go fishing too. You should come to the picnic. What is the squid?" John is not scared of a squid but maybe it would be cool to see it.

Eva Wexler moves over to where John is. "I like picnics and swimming. We live near the shore so I'm very good at swimming. I even brought my bathing suit to school this year!"

Jessa says, "The only reason to bring a bathing suit is so you can show off your body which is a bit SINFUL," %n opines in a supercilious way, raising an eyebrow at Eva and pursing her lips disapprovingly. "I suspect that we know already who the first pregnant girl is going to be, don't we?" She looks to the others for approval, then folds her arms and glares at Eva. "Unless her /clone/ does it first.""

John Winters smiles at Eva and is happy that she will be friends with him. "You live near the shore? Where do you live? I don't have a swimsuit but I have some pants and I cut the legs off them because they were getting too short." He looks up at Jessa and glares at her again because she spoke to him. "She is not a freak, you are a freak. You are using magic in a tree."

Eva says, "Your just jealous because you dont have a nice body like mine, you meanie slytherin. I have a nice body and I like to show it."

Eva says, "That will work for swimming clothes. We live in Bournemouth. Well, close to it. I have five brothers and my twin sister who live there with me."

I have a nice body and I like to show it is just another way of saying that you thrive on male attention," Jessa opines in response, though she does pull aside her robe and pose a little for Eva. "I have a nice body too, but I do not show it off to BOYS."

Eva says, "Why?"

John says, "I have a lot of brothers and sisters but I forget how many. They are all farmers."

Jessa says, "If you don't know, I'm not going to tell you."

Astra Rathe looks down at John and scrambles over to another branch but not to get away from Jessa, she's just enjoying climbing around. "It's a big lake. With a squid and merpeople and everything! But Scotland isn't Wales and I miss home." Looking to Jessa she sighs, "You're so good at charms."

John says, "Jessa she is not showing off, she wants to come swimming. Everyone wears a swimsuit to swimming. Astra, are you coming tomorrow?"

Astra says, "I can't swim very well and I don't have anything I can swim in. I can make a fishing rod and then maybe if we catch anything we can have fish, but we'll have to put it back if we catch merpeople or something like that. I don't think they'd make good eating."

Eva says, "I don't think so either."

Eva says, "Jessa you should just mind your own business. I like looking the way I do and boys like me better than you so you're missing out."

I know," Jessa tells Astra, looking her over and affecting a small smile. It is a very affectionate smile, perhaps even romantic, and she purses her lips a little as she looks at the other girl, a hint of longing in her sea-green eyes. This is the first time she has ever been in love. All thoughts of swimsuits and slutty pregnant Ravenclaw girls are completely gone from her mind and all she can think of is the fact that Slytherin girls are cute automatically even if they aren't all that cute or you're not interested in girls

Astra Rathe pondres over what Jessa said and bites her lip before piping up, "Do you show it off to girls then? Arnauld says some boys like boys and some girls like girls and some girls kiss boys and girls and some boys kiss boys and girls. It all seems kind of confusing and I don't know why anyone would want to, but I know they do. I've seen it."

John Winters agrees with Astra because he would not want to eat a merperson, they might poison him because they are magic. "I would like to go fising too. We will have fun, but I hope we don't catch a squid. I want to see the squid from a boat."

Eva Wexler is not pregnant!

John says, "Eww that's gross. Why would you want to do that Jessa?"

Eva says, "I like kissing boys."

Jessa says, "I want to kiss Astra."

Jessa Luna blushes FURIOUSLY because she did not mean to say that out loud.

John says, "That is so gross I would never kiss a boy, only girls."

Jessa Luna covers up her faux pas by saying, "That is why you will get pregnant, Eva. John will get you pregnant."

Astra Rathe shrugs and just continuing to talk because she doesn't know better. "Arnauld says it's normal so I guess it is. He likes everyone and he kisses lots of people." Looking at Jessa when she says that the girl goes ashen and shakes her head. "I'm sorry Jessa. I don't want to kiss anyone yet. I don't even have curves or stuff." "Besides," here she rolls her eyes, "if Thomas D'arcy found out he'd yell at me for /days and days/ because he thinks I belong to him or something stupid even though he's muggleborn."

Astra Rathe knows better than to say mudblood now.

John Winters glares at Jessa again and doesn't want her to come to the lake with them. "I don't think we should invite Slytherins Eva. Except Astra so she can go fishing."

Eva says, "OK, that sounds good. Jessa can't come because she wants to kiss girls instead of boys."

Astra says, "There are good Slytherin! Ruth Cohen is good and she dates a Gryffindor."

John says, "Astra I said you could come!"

Eva says, "It's okay, astra, you can come"

Astra Rathe looks between Eva and John. "But Arnauld *says* it's okay to kiss anyone you want. He has all sorts of books with naked people in them and stuff. He says we shouldn't be ashamed of our bodies, but I don't get most of it."

John Winters just doesn't want Jessa there because she is weird.

Eva says, "That sounds like he's trying to get you to do wierd things."

Astra says, "Jessa should be able to come even if she does want to kiss girls. That's like saying Thomas couldn't come because his parents are muggles."

John says, "Also she's evil and uses magic."

Jessa Luna starts to cry a little bit because she is heartbroken and left out, so she stomps her foot and points her wand at John and yells out a spell that makes his body go all stiff.

Astra says, "Arnauld wouldn't do anything to me. He's sweet and he takes care of me better than my own parents!"

Eva says, "I bet he wants to,though."

Eva says, "We all use magic, John. duh."

Astra says, "Nuh uh. He likes girls with curvy bits."

John Winters is all stiff and starts sobbing because Jessa used a spell on him and now he wont go to heaven and he will die.

Astra says, "And I don't have any and I'm not very pretty like you and Jess anyway."

Jessa says, "My name is Jessa not Jess."

Astra says, "I'm sorry, I meant to type Jessa."

Astra says, "That was meant to be OOC. >

Faith Menhier walks toward the quidditch pitch, a small and light smile gracing her face as the wind tosses her hair back around her head. Her broom, a model from a few years before but in good condition nonetheless, is tucked under one arm, while in the other she carries the container of quidditch balls and equipment. This she bends to set down as she reaches the pitch, then straightens, wide hazel eyes looking at the scene around her.

Brandon McHolland twitches slightly, hearing footsteps approaching. He sits upright, looking around the area. Seeing Faith, he stands up, nodding as he does. He bends down slightly, picking up a battered old broom off the ground. The Hogwarts crest is set upon the brooms handle, showing that it belongs to the school, not himself. As he stands upright again, he dusts himself off with his right hand, holding the broom in his right.

Arriving soon after Faith, Benji Roquelaire practically skips to the tryout session, walking briskly so as not to be late. He slows down and almost slyly approaches the captain, brown eyes glistening with excitement. "Um, excuse me, you're Ms. Menhier, right?" He asks her; after all, how embarrassing would it be to try out for the wrong person? Shifting a little in his place, he clutches his broom with a mixture of nervous energy and anticipation, briefly glancing over the field before returning his attention to her.

Dean Jones stumbles in to the Quidditch field. His MoonTrimmer clutched hard in his right hand. He got the broom from his Melissa, His mom, for his birthday. He looks around to see Faith Menhier, a 6th year perfect, Benji Roquelaire, a third year, and Brandon McHolland, another third year. He turns to the two and says, "Are you two here for try outs too?"

Brandon McHolland raising a brow silently, he looks to Dean. He nods softly, turning his attention back the Fatih. He doesn't speak, he just stands there, holding his broom, looking at Faith. He sighs softly, nervous beyond belief. He played Quidditch back home with friends, but never here at the school, or for anything larger then simple playtime fun.

Faith Menhier offers Benji a quick nod. "That I am." Her gaze sweeps around to take in the other couple Hufflepuffs present. It's not quite the one-on-one she'd planned, but there are few enough. "Right then," she begins, clapping her hands together once though the motion is hindered by the broom she still holds. "Let's see how you fly first. Up up up.. And remind me what positions you'd prefer." As long as they're here, might as well get down to business.

'You two'? Benji Roquelaire blinks before noticing Brandon, smiling briefly at him. In all his excitement about tryouts, he hadn't even noticed his fellow third year. "Yes, I'm going to try for the Chaser position." He replies softly to both Dean and Faith. Walking onto the pitch he mounts his broom as ordered, ascending into the air at an even pace before stopping to hover, looking towards the captain for further instructions with a small grin; after all, not much could compare with the feeling of flight.

Brandon McHolland nods slightly, walking backwards a few steps. He mounts his broom silently, lifting into the air. Rising a few feet, he stops, staying in spot at a hover. He looks down slightly to Faith, nodding slightly. " I'm going for Beater. " He says softly, though with his deep voice, it sounds much louder. He flexs his arms, massive for age, to accentuate the reason for Beater.

Dean Jones then turns to Faith and says, "Why hello! I don't believe we have met. You may not know me, but I sure have heard very nice things about you from other Hufflepuffs. Wow! All of this talking and I havn't told you my name. My name is Dean, Dean Jones. I am trying out for the CHaser Position." He then walks backwards a bit. Dean mounts his MoonTrimmer and flys toward the sky with much speed.

Faith Menhier tilts her head upwards to look at the students above her, then seems to almost have a sort of revelation as she shakes her head and looks down for a moment, mounting her own broom. As she rises up closer to their level, she grins at them, an especially amused glance going toward Dean. "Wow. Um.." Her voice is even softer than normal as she peers at Dean, then decides she doesn't need to ramble off a real answer after all. "Right. Well, I'm Faith, but I guess you've all figured that out." There's another pause, then she waves a hand toward one set of goal posts. "Why don't you just fly down and loop around those and back, to warm up, and we'll get the balls out. You can race!" As if that's really a wonderful proposition, racing.

Brandon McHolland chuckling softly, he shakes his head. Letting go of the broom, clutching it between his beefy legs, he raising his hands, waving them slightly. " I'm alright. " He states calmly, clutching the broom handle again. " I was flying around before you got here. I watched the Ravenclaw practice a bit, but I got bored so I came here and flew around. " He finishes, nodding to show his completeion.

Well, it wouldn't help matters if she didn't know his name. "I'm Benji Roquelaire, by the way. Nice to meet you." He follows Dean's example and introduces himself, while tying back his hair with a piece of string he'd brought. A few locks still in his face he starts towards the goal posts at a quick pace, laughing under his breathe in appreciation as Brandon goes 'no handed' for a moment.

Dean Jones flies all the way to the other side of the field. He lands near a door with a thud, and mumbles, "I need to work on the landing...". Dean shakes it off and walks to a chest near the door where he landed. He opens the chest and opens a compartment and gets out a quaffle. He mounts his broom again and Flys back into the air. He throws the quaffle straight to Benji with Much speed and force.

Brandon McHolland hovers in the air, looking around cluelessly. He watches as the Quaffle, thrown by Dean, streaks towards Benji. He silently wonders what he will do, as he hasnt been provided with materials yet.

Benji Roquelaire raises his hands and catches the quaffle on instinct, almost toppling off his broom his surprise. He stops and steadies himself, holding the ball under one arm. "Um, what should I do with it now?" The Hufflepuff asks with an unsure tone, to both Faith and Dean; they seemed like that ones what knew what they were doing.

Faith Menhier hovers over the field, one hand gripping her broom, the other raised in indecision as she blinks at the quaffle. This wasn't how it was supposed to go. "I didn't tell you to.." she begins, her accusing look at Dean quickly melting as she decides on a new course of action. This won't be a problem after all. "Toss it around!" she calls to Benji, sending her broom in a dive downward. "Hold on, I'll get you a bat and let one bludger out.." The last part is obviously directed to Brandon, as she stops by the open chest and pulls said object out, glancing back up at him.

Dean Jones flies upwards so he is right infront of the goal. He yells over to Benji, "Hey Benji! How about a little Chaser practice? You try to get that Ball, through this Hoop? Understand?"

Brandon McHolland looking down at the captain, he nods lightly. Extending one of his massive hands done, he makes ready to receive the bat. Chuckling to himself, he glances briefly at the 4th year, Dean. He nods to himself, thinking about what he is going to do.

Alright." Picking up speed Benji Roquelaire flies towards Dean, holding on tightly to his broom with one hand while the other stands ready to throw the ball. As he approaches the goal he sends it hurling to the left hoop, making a sharp curve to avoid going through the goal himself.

Faith Menhier tosses the bat up toward Brandon, waiting a moment to release his ball. "Ready, now.." At that, the bludger flies up into the air without a need even to be tossed, when she lets it go. "You know what to do with it! Don't let anyone get hurt." The captain flies back up again, swerving to the side to be out of the way. "Let me run this thing, hey, Dean?" she calls, her tone again mildly accusing, but not extremely upset. "I want to see you two both pass and shoot.. we'll worry about the keeper later."

Brandon McHolland catches the bat with his right hand, turning right after, towards his fellow Huffle's. He streaks forth through the air, towards Dean. He sees the bludger about parallel with himself, aimed towards Dean. Leaning forward on his broom, he picks up some speed.

Dean Jones hears Faith talking, which distracts him. He then sees the quaffle go in but it is too late to get it. He turns back around, goes around the hoop, then grabs the quaffle. He soars toward Faith. Dean then stops about 10 feet away from Faith, He nods then turns around and chucks the Quaffle towards Benji.

Benji Roquelaire turns his head from the goal to watch Brandon approach, distracted momentarily by the potential Beater. Eee, that bludger didn't look to soft at all.. Hopeful he won't have to meet it personally. He returns his gaze to Dean just in time to see the quaffle go in, a happy smile on his face. Catching the ball again he loops around the goal and heads toward the center of the field, throwing it back at Dean in the process.

Brandon McHolland seeing the bludger change direction towards Benji, he nudges the broom slightly to one side, streaking towards Benji. Flying in front of him quickly, he swings the bat with his right arm, sending it whizzing off in the opposite direction, back at Faith.

Faith Menhier moves alongside the field as the action does, hanging back for now. She needs a moment just to watch and see how they do. And to decide what she's doing next. She's paying close enough attention that the bludger coming at her isn't much of a surprise and she lets her altitude drop quickly and scoots forward, watching to see if the bludger changes course. She should have grabbed the other bat for herself.

Brandon McHolland chuckles softly, looking at Faith. He looks around, seeing the bludger, still off in the distance, heading back towards them though. " Sorry about that, missy. " He yells loudly to Faith. After his statement he bursts into a fit of laughter, swinging his bat in the air.

Dean Jones zooms forward to catch the Quaffle. He snatches it easily with he left arm. He flies back toward Faith and asks her, "Is that it for tryouts? Or do you need see more?"

Oh my, that was close. He hadn't even seen the bludger heading his way until the other third year had thwacked it off-course. Whispering a quick 'thanks' to Brandon, Benji Roquelaire lazily flies around, waiting to hear Faith's answer about tryouts. Done already? Pout.

Brandon McHolland nods softly, floating to the ground softly. He lands with a dull thud, the broom floating out from between his legs and hovering in the air. He grabs it up in his left hand, slinging it over his shoulder, holding the bat in his right hand.

Benji Roquelaire lands a few feet away from Brandon, though not as softly. He fumbles a bit in his landing and staggers a little, despite how carefully he tried to touch down. Holding his broom at his side, he looks eagerly towards the captain, wondering what her decision will be.

Faith Menhier just stares at Dean for a second, her look that of a young deer without its mother around to lead it home. The kid keeps throwing her off-guard.. she didn't ask for this, not at all. "Uh, well, yeah.. That's enough, I suppose. You.. you look good." Raising her voice a bit, she calls to the other two, "That's it, then.. I'll let you know when I've decided the roster!" A belated grin is given to Brandon, before she takes off to grab the bludger, that being the only ball that needs to be literally captured at the moment.

Brandon McHolland nods softly, mounting his broom again. He lifts into the air, following Faith's suite, taking off after the bludger. He drops his bat to the ground, making sure not to hit anyone with it as it falls.

Dean Jones stares at Faith for a minute then lands slowly so that he wouldn't crash too hard like he did earlier. He then gets off of his broom and yells over to Faith, "Goodbye!". He then turns and starts walking out of the stadium. He then yells, "Best of luck!". Dean then continues walking out of the stadium.

Brandon McHolland chases the bludger around the field for a few seconds, before he lifts higher into the air. He soars up and over the bludger, flying at top speed. Pulling ahead of the bludger, he looks down at it. Smiling softly, as it tries to swerve up and smack him, he flies higher into the air. The bludger however, gives up on its attempts and sinks back lower to the ground, only a couple yards off the ground. He lowers in the air, again in front of the bludger, about a foot away from it on either side. He chuckles to himself, as he slides off his broom, falling on top of the bludger. Slamming into the jet black ball, they both plummet to the ground, followed by the riderless broom. He falls into the ground, smacking into it loudly. A loud crack is heard, followed by a scream of pain, followed by a dull thud of the broom falling on its previous rider.

Seeing Brandon head after the bludger, Faith Menhier backs off, simply watching the action. She hangs back as it tries to attack him, merely watches as he instead attacks it, then her mouth drops open slightly as the whole pile of people, balls, and brooms fall to the ground. "Oh!" Her soft cry tinged with worry at the unfriendly sounding noises coming from Brandon's.. pile.. she goes into motion, darting toward him on her broom and dropping off before it's fully stopped, to hover on her feet over him. "Can you.. Are you.."

Brandon McHolland twitches slightly, looking up. Blood runs down his face, dribbling over his mouth. His nose is broken. His pupils are dialating, indicating a concussion. He groans softly, pushing himself up. He clutches the bludger under his arm, clutching his ribs with his right. " I'm alright. Think I broke my nose and a rib or two, though. " He says softly, his voice strained with pain.

Faith Menhier stretches her hands out, reaching for the bludger. "Give me the ball," she demands, biting her lip as she looks at Brandon's face. "You sit there. I'm going to put it away, and then we're going to the medical wing, and then.. then.. They'll fix you." Isn't that a comforting thought. "Try not to bleed too much, you'll get dizzy.."

Brandon McHolland laughs softly, standing straight. " I'm ok, really, I am. All I need now is rest, and a kiss from you. " He says softly, laughing hard now. " I'm sorry, that was out of line. " He slaps his knee, and turns, mounting his broom. He lifts into the air, though not much, beginning to float off.

That's not proper!" This shrill, surprised cry is followed by one of Faith Menhier's best what-in-the-world-is-going-on expressions, as she watches him start to fly away. "You /have/ to go to the medical wing. If you die, you won't be able to play!" It's logical, at least. On foot, she runs back to the chest, shoving the equipment hurriedly into place, but keeping an eye on Brandon as well.

Brandon McHolland stops the broom in the air, turning on it. " Wait a tick. Did you say play? Have I been accepted onto the team? " He asks excitedly, his Irish accent flooding into his speech, making him sound much different than normal.

Faith Menhier shuts the lid on the chest, scooping it up, then grabbing her broom as well as she turns fully back to Brandon. "I..I didn't say that," she murmurs, just loud enough to be heard. There's another problem; how is she ever going to tell anyone they're not on? "But if you're too hurt to play, then you won't have a chance, will you?" She starts to walk toward him, head tilted up slightly, and apparently isn't content without trying to reassure him as well. "You are pretty good, I mean, I just haven't seen everyone else yet, and.."

Brandon McHolland swings the broom around, reaching a hand down to her. " Wanna come up here and sit? or retrieve your broom and fly with me while we debate on whether I should seek medical care or not? " He chuckles softly, looking down to her. His face is lit up by a small, the blood having stopped flowing. He reaches into his robes with his other hand, again holding the broom between his legs. Bringing out a handkerchief, he wipes his mouth and the rest of his face, removing the blood. Placing the cloth back into his robes, he looks back down to the captain.

Faith Menhier starts to reach for Brandon's hand, then stops, her indecision almost as painful as his real injuries look to be. Will he be upset if she doesn't take his offer? But she has her own broom right here.. "It'll be easier if I fly myself," she notes, awkwardly shifting the chest around and finally balancing it half on her broom as she climbs up, then rises to Brandon's height. "I will fly with you, though.. Right through the school and up to the medical wing, if that's what you want me to do." Her free-er hand moves for a second to pull at her robe, her new prefect badge wiggling with the movement. She has Power now, and if she's not sure how to use it, well.. she certainly wants to be listened to.

Brandon McHolland shrugs slightly, retracting his hand. " Suit yourself. " He says softly, winking at the Prefect. " If you want me to, if you really want me to. I will go to the Medical wing. " He says softly, looking at her. A few strands his blonde hair hang over his face, shadowing his blue eyes.

Faith Menhier tilts her head, hazel eyes shifting to a more blueish shade as she peers at her fellow Hufflepuff. He's acting strange. You'd think at sixteen she'd not be so naive, but then again, this /is/ Faith. "Well.. I do want you to. You'll worry me otherwise," she tells Brandon, her gaze at him constant if only out of confusion.

Brandon McHolland blinks slightly, nodding his head. He turns his broom, looking to Benji. " Coming? " He says softly, now looking back at Faith. He nods once again, hovering forward, up towards the castle. He sighs softly, once out of range to be heard.

Faith Menhier glances back at Benji as well, then up ahead of her toward where Brandon is now heading toward the castle. She hesitates for a moment, then sends her broom after him, following the injured third year toward the school.

Brandon McHolland shrugs softly, flying a bit faster towards the castle. He yawns softly, clutching his ribs with one hand, holding onto the broom with the other. He calls back to Faith. " So, whats going on with you? You like being a Prefect? " He asks excitedly.

Faith Menhier speeds up a bit, until she is flying more with Brandon than behind him. "It's sort of neat," she admits, with a slight smile. "I wasn't expecting it, and it's a lot of work, though.." Pause. "Are you hoping to be one?"

Brandon McHolland shrugs softly, looking back to Faith. " I don't know. I'd like to be one. I am a decent student, but I do like to bend the rules a bit. " He says softly.

Faith Menhier seems to consider this for a moment, then nods once. "Well, I think that I do, too.. but I've never been in any real trouble. And no one can be perfect, can they?" It's hard to tell whether she expects an answer, really.. could be one of those rhetorical questions.

Brandon McHolland shrugs a bit, turning his attention to the castle, whose doors stand wide open, as if waiting for the pair.

,-{ Hogwarts - Hospital Wing }------------------------------------------------.

Brandon McHolland floats into the room on his broom, followed by Faith. He twitches once or twice as he hovers near a bed. He lets out a groan and topples off his broom onto the bed.

Faith Menhier slides off her broom and places it against the wall, hugging the chest she still carries to her until she is done with the broom and can set it down as well. Then she steps over to the bed Brandon has taken, giving him a worried glance before turning back into the room to fetch a nurse.

Brandon McHolland grunts softly from his place on his bed. He removes his hand from his ribs, looking at the glossy red blood on his fingers, chuckling softly, he slowly slides off into an unconscious state.

Brandon McHolland twitches slightly, sitting up quickly. He groans, holding his head for a brief instant. " Ouch. " He says softly, now clutching his bleeding ribs.

Jasmine Chaney wonders what is wrong with Brandon but nevertheless tries to help him out by offering him chocolate.

Faith Menhier glances back into the nurses' office, then at Brandon, anxiously looking him over as she heads back to his bedside. "Lie back down.." she begs, grabbing an extra pillow from an unused bed and offering it to the boy.

Brandon McHolland waves his hand at both of the girls. " No thanks. " He says softly, ending with a smile. " I don't need anything, really. I'm alright. " He rests a foot on the floor, pushing himself to his feet. He wobbles for a second, then stands straight. " See! I am alright. "

Faith Menhier reaches out as if to push Brandon back onto the bed, then stops; she doesn't want to hurt him any further. "You said you'd come if I wanted! You'll only have to stay for a few hours, I bet, or maybe overnight.. and you'll get out of classes.." She frowns at the pillow that's still in her hands, then tosses it past Brandon and onto the bed he was just lying on.

Brandon McHolland grins softly, looking down at her. He nods softly, laying back down. He sets his head on the new pillow, reaching out his own hands. He takes her hands in his, smiling softly. " Thanks, for everything. I had fun at the tryouts! Though all this pain and such. "

I'd glad you enjoyed it," Faith Menhier says uncertainly, giving his hands a faint squeeze before pulling away. "Promise you won't go until the nurse's got you all fixed up? I can't stay all night, but I'll come visit if you're still here in the morning, if you want me to.."

Brandon McHolland nods softly, winking at her. " I'll stay here, I promise. " He says softly, chuckling a bit afterwards. He looks about the room, before setting his arms to his side, shifting on the bed.

Faith Menhier nods at Brandon, giving him one of her frequent smiles, obviously pleased with this response. She turns and walks to the door, looking back around the doorway to inquire, "Can I bring you anything, maybe a book or a game or.. anything? I wouldn't want you to get bored.."

Brandon McHolland nods softly, looking at her. " You could give me a kiss. " He says softly, bursting out in laughing almost instantly after he spoke. He stops abruptly, clutching his ribs, his face contorted in pain.

Faith Menhier opens her mouth, then closes it again, not about to repeat her indignant exclamation from earlier. They're all going crazy, every one of them. Without another word, the sixth year ducks out the door, only to pop back in a moment later. She can't leave without saying goodbye, after all.. she's too nice for that. "I'll see you in the morning, then," the girl murmurs. "Unless the nurse let's you go before that. And I'll let you know, about the team."

Brandon McHolland laughs again, waving slightly. " Alrighty. I'll see you tomorrow. Have a nice sleep or whatever you do after this. " He nods, before dropping his arm again, closing his eyes.

Faith Menhier returns the wave, and slips out of the room, this time for good. Sleep indeed.. she's going to have nightmares.

Eva Wexler has finally escaped from her friend and her older brother who have been trying to pull her into a game of exploding snap. The girl has managed to fob off their excuses, and although she is later than planned, she skips merrily up to the fifth floor, where she has planned to meet with her newest boyfriend: Lowell. Peeking around the corner and looking both ways in the corridor, she quickly tickles the underside of the doorknob (the secret to getting this one to open, which she discovered quite on accident one day) and sneaks in, closing the door fast behind her. "Hi, Lowell," she says sweetly, grinning widely at the boy. She looks to where he is and approaches him slowly, almost deliberately. "That's very sweet," she tells him with a giggle.

"You're late," Lowell replies plaintively, lowering the chalk; the picture of the rose isn't quite done yet, so perhaps it's a good thing that Eva ended up running a little bit behind schedule. "Did your other secret boyfriend keep you?" A smile curls about his lips, though, and it's quite plain that he's just joking; he looks her over with a slightly raised eyebrow, and he reaches out for her with one hand.

"Don't be mean," Eva pouts coyly and crosses her arms across her front, only managing to keep up her front for a moment before she skips over to him happily and takes his hand. "It really is a very pretty drawing," she repeats with a giggle, coming to stand closer to him and tilting her face up toward him. "I had a hard time getting my friend and my brother to let me go. They wanted me to play exploding snap with them, but I said I needed to go practice my charms with another friend..." She trails off with a grin, remaining silent as she lets the full double-meaning of her statement sink in.

"Oh?" Lowell asks, smirking a little and drawing her in still closer by gently tugging on her hand, positioning it neatly on his hip as he asks, "What kind of charms do you need practice with? I'm sure I can offer some assistance in practicing your... romantic ones," he shakes his head at the end of that sentence, adding, "I can't pull off stuff like that, the thought sounded sexier in my head." He chuckles, at this, and leans forward to kiss her, just gently.

Eva responds with a giggle and leans up to kiss him back. "It was alright," she tells him and wraps her arm around his back. After a moment, Eva seems not to know quite what to say or do next - beginning is always awkward. "You're so tall..." she tells him quietly, looking up at him. She stands up on her tiptoes and leans up to kiss him again, perhaps lingering a little longer this time.

In response to her complaint about his height, Lowell casts his glance around the room, eventually landing his eyes on the teacher's desk. With a soft murmur of, "Give me just one second," at her next kiss, he extracts himself from her and motions for her to hop up onto the desk, one eyebrow raised encouragingly, and with just a hint of a suggestive smile at his lips. "Now I'm not so tall, am I?"

Eva giggles again and shakes her head as she sits up on the desk and reaches her arms out toward him. "No, not quite so tall. I wonder if I'll grow any taller. I feel so /short/. And /fat/." She sighs dramatically and shakes her head then waves her hand. This is followed by reaching up to touch his cheek with a slight air of awkwardness. "Alone at last," she sighs happily. "So, about that charms practice."

"You're not short or fat," Lowell tells her seriously, frowning slightly at her. His frown fades to a rather more satisfied smile, though, as his hands move to her hips, just gently resting there for a moment as he observes, "I think you look great. And who else's opinion matters except mine, hm?" He doesn't give her a chance to answer that, though, as he moves in to kiss her again, the same sort of lingering kiss that Eva herself attempted before Lowell decided to move it over to a desk instead.

"Thanks," Eva whispers just in time for her lips to come back into contact with his for an extended moment. "Isn't there anywhere more comfortable to sit in here?" she asks, looking about before she spots a plush armchair pushed back into the far corner of the room. "There," she suggests, sliding down from the desk and pushing him back so she can stand, then basically dragging him across the room toward the chair. "More comfortable, don't you think?" she suggests, gesturing for him to sit.

"Oh, but haven't you always wanted to make out on a teacher's desk?" Lowell asks, an almost mischievous note in his voice. "It's a little... naughtier than an armchair." For all that, though, he is willingly led across the room and, as they reach the armchair, he nestles himself down into it, taking her arm and pulling her down into his lap. "Although, the chair has some added benefits," he adds, after a moment.

"Armchairs are comfier, though. Better than a stodgy desk, anyway." She beams at him mischeivously and settles in comfortably on his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck comfortably. (For her, anyway.) She settles in to kiss him again, leaning against him comfortably. This lasts for several uninterrupted minutes, until the door opens unexpectedly. At first, the girl doesn't even notice, but then "EVA!" is shouted into the room and she is so startled that she nearly falls off of Lowell's lap. "FREDDIE!" she shouts back. "What are you doing in here? Go away!" she calls to her older brother.

Lowell has been getting pretty comfortable himself, to the point where Eva may have noticed just how much he's enjoying the closeness and physical intimacy. This all fades - as it were - when Freddie bursts in, though, and the fact that Lowell just about jumped out of his skin at the sudden shouting does not help Eva's balancing act, and he has to tighten his grip on her to stop her from indelicately falling to the floor. As he rights himself, and his girlfriend, he relaxes his grip on her again, his cheeks flushing red. In a rather deep, unnatural voice, he offers, "Freddie. How you doing?"

"So, about that charms practice," Freddie asks his sister, crossing his arms, ignoring the fact that he has his own female companion trailing behind him in the doorway. "It's none of /your/ business," Eva tells him, crossing her own arms. "I was here first. /We/ were here first. Go away." "Marchand, what are you doing here with my sister?" he asks the other boy in a slightly threatening voice. "I swear to you, Freddie, if you don't get out right now, I'll tell mum!" Freddie scoffs. "Tell her what? That you were necking with a lowlife sixth year?"

Keeping out of it for the moment, Lowell just cranes his neck to see whoever it is lingering behind Freddie in the doorway. Maybe if he doesn't say anything else, Freddie will mistake him for a part of the armchair - no, apparently not. As his name gets dragged into it, the blush on his cheeks rises still further, and he gently tries to coax Eva out of his lap as he retorts, "Exactly what you were planning to do with her," he gestures with one hand, readjusting his glasses with the other. "Some other guy's sister, I'll have you know."

"No, I'm staying /right here/," Eva tells Lowell with a strange level of confidence in her voice, at least for her lately. She has been playing the coy, subdued girl with her latest boy, and with the approach of her brother, a little more of her full personality comes back. She leans in and gives Lowell a solid kiss on the lips. "There. We were here /first/. I thought you and she were going to play /exploding snap/," Eva counters to her brother with a pointed look. "Nobody asked you, Marchand," Freddie counters, though not without blushing first. Apparently he is not as brazen as his sister about his 'flings'.

Astonished into submission by the kiss, Lowell doesn't really respond to it (her /brother's/ in the room, man), but also doesn't do much else, either. Eventually, he offers a slightly annoyed, "I think you did when you bust in on us, /Wexler/." He looks very much like he wants to stand up and have this out with Freddie a little more directly, or at least not offend him further by continuing to feel up his sister right in front of him, but Eva's weight on his lap isn't really helping that.

"You come over here and say that to my face," Freddie shouts to the other boy, stomping his foot. The boy is tall, but incredibly thin with little bulk to him, so his calls to the other boy would be laughable by most. Eva, however, does not think this is funny. Climbing out of Lowell's lap and the chair unceremoniously, she stomps over to her brother, pointing her finger into his face. "You have some nerve, Frederick Herbert Wexler," she tells the boy loudly. "We were here /first/, and it's none of /your/ business, who I'm with and how I spend my time!" Freddie wrinkles his nose at Eva as she uses his full name, then steps around her, walking toward Lowell. "Come on, be a man. Say it to my face."

Also being tall and lanky, Lowell isn't what you would normally call a fighter either - but as Eva finally clambers out of his lap, he stands up and pulls his wand out, though he keeps it pointed towards the ground and not actually /at/ Freddie. He walks over towards Freddie, standing about four or five paces behind Eva, and tells him in as firm a voice as e can manage, "You brought me into when you bust in on us! Wexler!" Yeah, that sure is saying it to his face.

Freddie draws his own wand and instead of safely pointing it at the ground as Lowell is doing, he points it at the other boy. "You keep your hands off of my little sister." "LITTLE SISTER?" Eva shouts. "Eighteen months! Eighteen months is all! You're not even that much older than me!" Eva stamps her foot much in the same way that her brother had. "You leave Lowell alone! We were here FIRST!" the girl is starting to shriek loudly at the boys, angrily rather than out of fear.

As Freddie draws his wand, Lowell raises his own very sharply, though the tip wavers a little, as his hand is shaking a bit. With now just a hint of a stammer, he explains, "She came onto me, Freddie, you have to understand that." He glances sidelong at Eva, and bites at his lower lip a little; a lot of the romance has gone out of the scene now, and his expression indicates that he's a little put off from pursuing romance with her for some time, even if Freddie does go away. To Freddie, he adds, "I wouldn't actively pursue your sister, you know that."

As Lowell makes this protestation, Eva gapes openly at him. "Well aren't you /something/!" she tells him angrily, walking over and pushing him herself. "You are a liar and I never want to see you again!" she tells the boy, then turns to Freddie, drawing out her own wand and pointing it at her older brother. "You /ruined/ my afternoon. You are horrible. I'm writing to mum about this, see what she has to say about /that/!" Eva's cheeks are red as she stands with her wand pointed directly at her older brother Freddie keeps his wand pointed at Lowell and looks incredibly puzzled now, as if he isn't quite sure what to make of this new development. "What were you doing in that chair with her, then? And what about /that/?" he points to the blackboard.

Harried, busy, tired, and above all not planning on spending what little free time she has chasing after more students, Sylvie Winters-Geroff yet finds herself drawn into the doorway of the empty classroom. The yelling might've had something to do with it. Never one to immediately walk in and start yelling, Sylvie takes one further step into the room, then stands there, a slight frown on her face and eyebrows raised. Her last step was just slightly louder against the floor before she stops moving.

"Isn't that proof that I wasn't just messing around?" Lowell asks Freddie sharply, changing tack suddenly, gesturing to the board with his non-wand hand. "This is clearly more than me just feeling her up in a chair, I don't draw roses on the board for just anyone." As Eva shouts at him and pushes him, he has to make a grab for his wand to avoid dropping it, and he shouts back, "Fine! Fine! If you're never going to see me again, I guess it doesn't matter what your brother thinks!" Then, to Freddie, "You hear that? Your sister's a little -" he cuts himself off, though, as Sylvie walks in.

"I don't know what it means?" Freddie protests, shrugging, and lowering his wand slightly. Eva gasps loudly, even though Lowell doesn't finish his statement. "What? What am I?" she asks him, turning to point her wand at him instead of at Freddie. After a moment, both she and Freddie seem to realize that there is a reason for his silence before turning to see the distraction. As she spots Sylvie, she gasps again, dropping her wand hand to her side and putting the other over her mouth in pure shock.

"You might as well put those wands away," Sylvie notes rather mildly to the students, once she has their attention. "No one is going to be casting anything today. I should hope that at least /Slytherins/ should know better than this." As she speaks, she walks further into the room, until she is standing with the students. "Now.. would anyone care to explain what's going on in here?"

"Eva and I were studying," Lowell blurts out, glancing from Eva, to Freddie, to Freddie's girlfriend, and then back to Sylvie, slipping his wand back into his pocket. "Studying... charms. And then he burst in," he points an angry, accusatory finger at Freddie, "and started yelling! And then she started yelling!" He looks wildly from person to person, trying to make himself look as innocent as possible.

"He brought me here under false pretenses!" Eva butts in pointedly. "He said we were going to study charms and then he started to take advantage and then my brother came in here and started THREATENING him meanly!" Eva's sacrificing her own brother for her reputation in this case, but he's having none of it. "They were /kissing/!" Freddie says in pure horror, leaving out any mention of why he's even come to this empty classroom, while his companion, Veronica, merely stands dumbly, inching a way slowly from the group of them as if the distance will dissociate her from the situation. "I was protecting my sister's /honor/!" Freddie insists, then looks puzzled. "I think."

"False pretences!" These words burst out from Lowell's mouth before he even stops to think about them. He looks utterly horrified by this allegation, and he looks to Sylvie for confirmation. "I don't think it counts as false pretences when a GIRL says to come and meet you in an empty classroom so you can have a private chat and you just happen to kiss her!" He glares back at Eva and adds, spitefully, "I heard you were snogging Adrian Turner in here last week, even though you'd already agreed to be MY girlfriend! Is that true?"

Sylvie Winters-Geroff is quiet for a moment as she listens to the various explanations, taking a moment to brush a bit of imaginary dirt of the side of her robe, and looking no more concerned than when she walked in when she finally responds. "I'm sure, if you need extra Charms help, I can ask your professor to set you up with some extra work." Her first remark is directed specifically to Lowell and Eva, though at her next, she glances at the other two as well. "A couple seventh years might even be spared to watch over your sessions - of course, you may join them - and it would certainly save all of you from having to fight over which.. extra-curricular activities.. to enjoy in your free time."

"Oh..." Eva replies, sighing a bit and trying not to make a face as the teacher offers down her 'suggestion' for the group of them. "We didn't mean anything, professor, promise! It was just... a misunderstanding. Right?" She looks to the others and nods as if telling them to go along with it. The last thing the girl wants is /more/ homework, particularly in a class that she's already fairly good in. "I'm - I'm sure we don't need any extra work, really!"

Lowell calms down somewhat when Sylvie offers her suggestion, and he shakes his head firmly. "No - no, you see, actually, I was just helping Eva out, I definitely don't need any extra help..." And although he shoots Eva an absolutely venomous look, his tone is as even as he can manage as he confirms, "Just a misunderstanding." In a bit more of an undertone, he adds, "/I/ understood that we'd be alone. Wexler clearly didn't."

Sylvie Winters-Geroff nods once to Eva, her gaze resting firmly on Lowell now. "I'm not so sure about that. I hope I /never/ catch another of my students in this situation... or attempting to lie to me." That said, her attention turns back to the group at large, eyes settling for a few seconds on each of them individually. "If you are sure you don't want to take me up on that offer..." "Very well. I suggest you go find somewhere else to spend your time."

Eva doesn't have to be told twice as Sylvie suggests that the students take their leave. She offers an icy glare to Lowell, then another to Freddie before looking to the professor. "Er, thank you, professor!" She says slightly dumbly before running past the woman out the door. She doesn't even wait to see what the others do. Freddie is soon behind her, nodding to the teacher before he leaves slowly, giving a significant look to his friend, who then follows him out.

"Yes, professor," Lowell replies quickly, lowering his gaze and scurrying - oh yes, scurrying - out of the classroom. Once he's out of sight of the teacher, he risks another look up at Eva, and he fixes a rather nasty look on her again, making a bit of a face at her as she hurries away. He makes his own way briskly down towards the dungeon, however, not another word falling from his lips until he's safe in his own common room.

-[ Hogwarts - Great Hall ]---------------------------------------------------.

Bertrum Wooster rushes in with a gaggle of other Gryff's and leaps to a chair, the sound of the dinner bell only just recently passed.

Food appears on the Hogwarts House Table and the Staff Table, having been delicately prepared.

Jason Simmons chants.

Jason Simmons a large grin crosses Jason Simmons face.

Melissa Talison slides into the room, carefully holding the edge of her robe an inch or so off the ground. The hat she usually wears has been removed, and her hair might almost seem to ripple as she moves toward Slytherin's table and climbs into a seat, eyes already scanning the dinner selections.

Creaking as doors so often tend to do, the doors of the magnificent Great Hall seem to have not been oiled in quite some time. Poise and grace in her step, Violet Nyholm is seen into the Great Hall; her petite stomach awaiting food, although just a small amount. Waving hair, adding to the lass' elegance, the young professor brushes away stray strands away from her brows as she makes her way toward the Staff Table.

Jana O'Conner clasps her hands together and rests them on the edge of the table as she sees the food. Head bowed, the girl closes her eyes, and quietly says grace to herself. Just like how her parents taught her how to. When she finishes she looks up and a waits for others to start first, feeling impolite if she started before others.

Hog, pig, and food-a-holic may are surely not the first three things you'd think when you see Violet Nyholm. Of course, people do get a certain monstrosity of a craving here and there, and sadly, this was one of her times. Nonetheless, unaware of how much she had piled onto her plate (five sausages, three slices of toast, a side of pealed tomatoes, and two pouched eggs).

Mandy Brocklehurst slips into the room, certainly not looking like most Hufflepuffs, which are usually full of cheer and good humour. Mandy is certainly not either of these today, as her glum expression might indicate. The reason behind the foul mood isn't obvious, though her gloom may possibly be caused by the books she holds underneath her arm - though a hard worker, Mandy never really did like homework. Stalking over towards her house table, Mandy plops herself clumsily onto a bench and scowls around the room.

One of Bertie's companions point out Professor Nyholm as he's just starting into a large potion of yorkshire pudding. Bertrum Wooster raises his eyebrows and smiles happily. "That's the charms teacher? What's she like? I can't wait for charms classes to start."

All the events in the room are ignored in favour of the book that rests before Kieran MacNessa. His emerald eyes follow the words very carefully.

From afar, a slight buzzing sound seems to be heard; very quiet, almost like the hum of a bee just within the hearing distance.

Hearing something, Jason Simmons raises his head from where he is at the Ravenclaw table.

Mandy Brocklehurst is rather in too foul of a mood to pay attention to any buzzing noise, and she dismisses it as just another sound of the Hogwarts castle.

Jason Simmons continues looking around the room.

Melissa Talison pulls one of the many dishes closer to her and begins to scoop a portion of the meat onto her plate, pausing to grin at one of the students across the table from her. Once she has that helping, the dish is shoved toward the other student and Melissa reaches for one a bit further away. It's at that point that the sound reaches her consciousness, but she dismisses it quickly as she starts to form a small pile of vegetables on her plate.

Isaiah Chum creeps through the Great Hall's entrance several minutes late. He gives a few greetings to people, if they catch his eye, but otherwise, he heads straight for the line where he gets himself a sparse (but nutritious meal) and, oddly enough, and extra little dish of fruit salad. His food on platter, in hand, he heads over to the Slytherin table where he seats himself quietly with an apologetic look on his face and begins to eat his supper.

The buzzing noise does seem to awaken Kieran MacNessa from his revelrie looking around as if trying to track down the noise.

Seeming as though something were growing closer to the Great Hall, the buzzing increases lightly. But it's a small buzzing; whatever it is seems to be small.

Jana O'Conner frowns at the noise and curiously glances about the room. Seeing Kieran she gives him a puzzled look and shrugs, showing that she had no clue as to the noise. Wondering whether or not to ignore it she looks at the other students to see if this is new to them as well.

The buzzing noise had already begun when Isaiah Chum entered the Great Hall and although it caught his attention immediately , it didn't register as something strange. As it grows in intensity, a quizzical look falls upon his face and he looks around to the other Slytherins. "Do any of you hear that?" he asks, afraid perhaps that the answer will be a unanimous 'no'.

Jason Simmons stands up from the RAvenclaw table and mutters something which sounds like 'pixies."

Jason Simmons looks at Isaiah. "You hear it too?" he asks.

Bertrum Wooster leans over to nab a golden gravy boat and pull it closer before lifting it to drizzle over his yorkshire pudding, roast beef, potatoes, and other items of food which he quickly grabbed upon sitting to dinner. The buzzing in the distance causes him to twitch up, his head jerking about like a bird. Finally he leans over nearer Kieran, "I say, bees? I wouldn't think they'd let /bees/ in here. Nasty blighters. Got stung once on my bottom."

Mandy Brocklehurst scowls as she looks around the hallway, now deciding perhaps it's worth listening to this strange buzzing noise. Didn't something like this happen before at school? A buzzing sound? Talk about deja vu.. Mandy listens carefully, but doesn't stand from her seat. Looking over at Isaiah, she gives a slight nod of her head.

Jason Simmons's brows knit worriedly. "Maybe it's pixies." he says sounding like this is a definite possiblity.

Growing louder exponentially, something bursts through the door leading to the Great Hall from the north... What looks like rather large fire flies (several inches tall) come loudly into the Great Hall. The 'large fire flies' appear to be fairies.

Melissa Talison pushes her second dish away and closes her hand around an eating utensil, ready to dig in. She's stopped with the food halfway to her mouth though, and raises her eyes to smile at Isaiah. "Suppose I do. Didn't realize this place was infested with bugs, now, did you? Wonder where that reporter went, I'm sure she'd do a story about the living conditions.." Her words come to a quick halt, of course, at the entrance of the fairies.

Val Goldrian sees, sadly, a potato falling away from his fork to the ground. He was gesturing speaking to Erick. He looks at the potato rolling under the Slytherin table. "Oh no" he murmurs.

Rowdy and glad to be free, the fairies, and there are probably a dozen of them, go wild at the sight of all the people and the food. Splitting up, they start to dive at the table. A couple of fairies fall into the mashed potatoes, while others swim in the goblets. Still, a few more begin to swarm around the Hufflepuff table, buzzing aruond the heads of those seated there.

Spotting the fairies, Kieran MacNessa's eyes go wide and and he nearly jumps out of his seat,"Umm... We may need to hide.. Some Faeries are /mean/..." His light treble voice quivers just slightly as he speaks his thick brogue lilting and fast.

Jason Simmons stares at the fairies for a moment. "I don't think those are pixies. At least they don't look like the ones in Defense against the dark arts class...."

Jason Simmons looks at Kieran. "Pixies are mean...and Hinkypunks sometimes...but I don't think they'll hurt us."

Poor Jason, little does he know that some unsuspecting student was playing around in the Defense Against the Dark Arts class and let the fairies free...

Val Goldrian , who was half turned towards the Slytherin table, falls to the ground surprised. He rolls following the same path of his little potato. "WHAT'S THAT?" he exclaims aloud.

Jason Simmons looks at Val. "Shhh..." he says putting a finger to his lips and lowering his voice, "You'll frighten them away!"

Bertrum Wooster slips down from his chair and kneels on the ground, his eyes at table level, watching the fairies fly about and cause mischief with the dinner. "W-What should we do?" he calls out looking between Kieran and Jason.

One of the intruders dives towards the first years at at the Hufflepuff table, pulling at ears. Most are not bothering the wizards, but are they're into a party mood.

Jana O'Conner is a bit startled and quickly moves away as if bitten by something. Her books are forgotten and her face pales even more (If that is even possible) She frightened but tries to hide it by moving in a calmer way. Turning to Jason she asks "Is there some way to be ride of them? I'd like to eat if I could..." Her voice wavers a little, but it still keeps her calm tone.

Isaiah Chum peers around at the pixies enjoying themselves in the food. He's startled by the fairies,b ut even more startling (to him at least), is the sudden struggle that ensues inthe hood of his cloak as his bat, excited by the commotion, tries to get out into the open to fly around. He gasps and claps a hand down on the little critter so she can't get away. "Oh, no Ruby! Those pixies could be dangerous. You can't play with them. No! Bad bat!"

Melissa Talison scoots toward the edge of her seat, eyes widening a bit as she watches the little beings move around. "Hey, lookit /that/," she murmurs to those near her, pointing at one as it dives. Quickly, she grabs a random filled goblet and holds it up. "Here, little.. thing. You can come swim in this if you like! C'mon, c'mere.." Just like calling a pet.

Well, the intruders are either fairies or pixies, whichever are more eeeevil. ;)

Val Goldrian doesn't stop watching the fairies over his house table. Without looking at Jason he murmurs to him: "What?.. I could scare then? THEY are scaring me.. What are they? What are they doin gwith my food?"

Obviously fascinated by the presence of magical creatures in a non-learning enviroment, Jason Simmons goes over and peers into the gravy boat where the fairies are swimming.

Val Goldrian is still seated on the ground near the Slytherin table. Now he doesn't seem to be scared, but curious and surprised. From his position he watches what older students are trying to do with those creatures.

Three fairies jump out of the gravy near Jason, lift it with all of their might and start to fly off with it. Unfortunately, they drop it. The gravy douses Jason and the dish lands on the ground, shattering.

Jason Simmons looks slightly shocked. "Oh dear...." he mutters in a dazed sounding voice as if he wasn't expecting something quite that dramatic to happen.

Melissa Talison eventually stands up and takes a step back from the table, goblet still held high. She spins at the sound of the breaking dish, and gives the whole scene an amused look before gesturing toward a group of faries with the glass. "If you don't want to swim in it, you can break it?" she calls hopefully, having so far failed to attract one. Of course, she wasn't making it quite so obvious before, either.

April Katzowski comes in from Entrance Hall; Northern Section, her auburn curls bouncing behind her back.

Jana O'Conner is more frightened than curious and looks around for some safe place to be. She's heard many terible stories about pixies and fair folk that she'd rather not be in the same room with them. So long as they don't get mad...it should be safe? Maybe not.

Isaiah Chum gulps. "Golly," he murmers. "They're sure causing a lot of trouble. Maybe we'd better fetch a teacher or something so they can put a stop to this." He yelps and draws his hand to his mouth and sucks upon a little cut on his finger where Ruby just bit him. Triumphantly, the bat escapes from the confinement of Isaiah's hood and takes wing, gleefully flying among the pixies, several of whom seem delighted by this new playmate.

Similar to what just happened, desperately trying to lift the mashed potatoes, they drop them... Mashed potatoes go all over the Hufflepuff table. Meanwhile, at the Ravenclaw table, the two who accidently dropped the gravy go back to the table to find more, but knock over goblets...

Bertrum Wooster slowly retakes his seat and chuckles nervously, holding his hands over his meal to protect it. "Seems those things must be Gryffindor house" he jokes. "We're gettin' off pretty well here."

Seeming unconcerned about the fact that he is drenched from head to foot in gravy, Jason Simmons goes and collects the pieces of the broken gravy boat. He leaves the room with them, headed dtward the kitchen.

Melissa Talison lowers her goblet to peer at it, then jams it back onto the table, splashing out a bit of the liquid inside. She turns toward Isaiah at the yelp and moves toward him, trying to grab the boy by the sleeve. "Let's catch one, maybe they'd let us keep it. Be better then a trained daisy!"

April Katzowski meanders slowly into the Great Hall, pausing by the doorway to peer inside. Her eyes widen at the sight of the fairies. Not in fear, but more in fascination; she's never seen a fairy before. She stays in the doorway for a few moments, however, just watching the chaos in the hall. An amused smile lights her face as she observes.

Val Goldrian observes a fairy passing near him. He slowly stands up, trying not to be noticed too much. Then he looks hopefully at the Ravenclaw boy who went out and back: "Is someone coming?" he asks.

What seems to be a food fight amongst ... fairies -- yes, fairies -- is wrecking the Great Hall. Laughing fairies are now throwing food about playfully, disregarding the humans below them who are now getting pelted with sausages and pie.

Jason Simmons comes back into great hall and looks around at the fairies.

Jason Simmons says, "Oh my..."

Jason Simmons looks completely at a loss for words. He thought only piexies were evil....

Val Goldrian is suddenly lightened by an idea. " My old ghost Lippo always says: give them what they are looking for. Are they looking for food? So let's see..". He runs to Hufflepuffs table and catches a couple of goblets. Then he looks for a near fairy and throws a goblet aiming to it.

These fairies aren't evil, they're just having fun. Too much fun. Wheeing, they continue to throw food at each other. Well, unfortunately, basket of strawberries pelts Val Goldrian.

Jana O'Conner ducks as food is thrown her way. She whimpers a little as she longingly looks at her books. Praying that they don't get messed by food or drink she stands fixed in her spot. She's taken a few steps forward, but seeing that it was no use, and that she was unable to get to her books without getting food on her, she stops and looks around the room for help.

Jason Simmons goes and takes some sweet honeyrolls from a platter at one of the four tables and holds it up to the firies in offering.

Isaiah Chum claps a hand over his mouth at ZMelissa's suggestion. "Oh, we can't do that!" he says. "These fairies belong somewhere, I'm sure, and we'd get in so much trouble if we tried to hide on from the teachers...and they don't look at all tame. I think we'd be best off just leaving them to do what they want and going to find a teacher who can take care of this." Pause, Inhale. "And what are we going to do about Ruby? I'm sure they're going to play too rough with her and she's going to get hurt and then I don't know what I'd do...She's so little and fragile..Oooooh!"

Val Goldrian exclaims: "OhO!" being hit by a basket. Then he sadly looks at the remains of his wonderful meal and got angry. "Go out! Go out!" he yells, throwing all the potatoes he can take towards the fairies.

The fairies seem to like strawberries, and get a great kick out of throwing them at one another like baseballs. Strawberries begin hitting the students in random places.

April Katzowski finally allows herself to move from the doorway, strolling into the room to take a seat at the edge of the Gryffindor table. She stares up at the fairies in interest, not seeming to care as a bit of gooey pie crust lands in her hair. Or perhaps she doesn't notice. "Where'd those /come/ from?" she asks, not directing her query to any one in particular.

Melissa Talison shakes her head, shrugging. "It'd be fine. We'd get permission, and everything..." She leaves Isaiah, though, to head toward the middle of the room. Arching her neck to look up at the fairies, she quietly slips her cloak off her shoulders and grips one corner of it loosely. Focusing on one above her, a grin on her face, she tosses the other end of the cloak up into the air, attempting to loop it around the little creature.

Val Goldrian isn't so good in aiming. One potato is flying directly towards Marie Drache's face and another one is falling on Isaiah Chum.

A potato that Val Goldrian throws hits one of the fairies directly... It falls to the floor, out cold. Perhaps dead.

Isaiah Chum is too busy trying to find Ruby amidst the myriad flying creatures to notice the potato coming at him. The spud beans him right in the forehead, and, surprised as all get out, Isaiah falls backwards off of his stool and lands with a thunk on the ground, groaning. "Those fairies sure pack a wallop," he manages. "That thing was like an artillery shell."

Bertrum Wooster lets out a cry of surprise and general all around astonishment as strawberries start to fly this way and that. Reaching for a plate on the table yet to be used, he holds it up as a shield, strawberries occasionally bonking off of it. One strawberry flips off towards a bowl of soup near a few other Gryffindors and splashes the beef broth up and possibly onto them. A particularly boisterous little girl calls out with a laugh, pointing at the soup, "I think I had a Bertie Bott's bean that tasted like strawberry-beef broth on-" and she's promptly bopped on the forehead with another strawberry.

Still obviously concerned to for the safety of the creatures, Jason Simmons rushes over like a daft idiot.

Val Goldrian takes quickly a goblet from his house table and run towards the fallen fairy, to trap it under the goblet.

Marie Drache lets out a slight scream as she comes in and hides behind the door as the potato hits it. She looks around in amazement "Nothing happened to me like this last year. Good thing it's happening now!" she says grinning and stepping into the room, watching the faries.

The fallen fairie recovers quickly, however, and swarms up to Val angrily, chomping at his nose. Hurt, she scurries out of the Great Hall. One down, eleven to go.

Melissa Talison watches her cloak float back down, the end not in her hand landing on the food-covered floor. Not stopped for long, she steps back toward the Slytherin table and climbs up onto the seat, cloak dragged after her. Again she tosses the loose end up, when one of the fairies comes near.

Jason Simmons says, "Oh my..."

Just as the chaos ensues Kieran MacNessa decides it is probably better to be under the table and away from the flying food and wacked out faeries. Ok. Hiding is a good thing. His emerald eyes are wide as can be seeming to take up his small face. However, when he sees what Val is doing he's coming out from under the table and running at the other first year,"Stop! We should get the teacher for magical creatures!"

Two fairies grab the end of Melissa's cloak and pull sternly, glaring at her. Attempting to fly out, it's like they're walking on ice. Shrieking, they summon more of their friends over to help pull on the cloak which is threatening them. They'll teach her.

Val Goldrian trying to hit the fairy who swarmed upon him hit himself with the goblet. Some blood flows from his nose. He let the goblet fall to the ground and puts his hands quickly on his nose, looking angrily at the fairy that leaves the Great Hall. Then, when something flies near his right ear, he turns looking for another target.

April Katzowski continues to watch the fairies with interest, even as food is flying all about her. A few more pieces of pie land on her shoulders, arms, and hair, but she simply brushes them aside. She turns towards Kieran at his exclaimation. "Who /is/ the care for magical creatures teacher?" She's not in the class, and hasn't even a clue who teaches it. "It probably /would/ be good to get them here, if anyone knows who it is."

Still brandishing a plate as a makeshift shield, Bertrum Wooster tries to scramble towards the staff table, too busy with fending off flying food and fairies to see if anyone's there or not. "Kieran! I'll check for one...t-try and...oh, I don't know. D-Do something?"

Isaiah Chum rolls over and, being on the ground already, does as Kieran has done and scampers underneath the Slytherin table, seeking shelter from the bombardment of strawberries and potatoes. He rubs his forhead, where a potato-shaped bruise is forming, but for the moment ignores it otherwise. He peers out cautiously to see what the rest of the fairies are doing.

Melissa Talison hurriedly raises her second hand to the cloak, gripping the cloth as tightly as possible. "Stop that! I only wanted to catch you.." As more come, she twists her head to look at the students closest to her. "Help me! I've almost got 'im."

Jason Simmons suddenly seems to trealize that these faires are obviously not friendly. He drops his platter and runs for the stairs to avoid being pelted. "I'm going to go find a teacher!" he yells frantically.

Jason Simmons dashes up the stairs in a mad frienzy. I wonder what made him realize that they weren't friendly.

Yes, she does almost have them... But, the fairies constant pulling causes the cloak to rip in half--the fairies go flying out and land on a table, dazed.

Jana O'Conner bites her lip as she gathers herself up. She wraps her courage around her like some cloak that might help her not get hurt and starts to stride over to her table, dodging food left and right. Reaching her books, she quickly picks them up and was about to move out of the way once more, but a bit of mashed potatoes gets flung at her and hits her, smearing her dress. "Mon Dieu!" She yells as she wipes the food off and starts to run over to a safe place with her books.

Flying back up, the fairies, who conveniently landed near strawberries, look angrily towards the students who are attempting to capture them. They begin to fling strawberries at them... Having little regard for the difference between student and faculty. They merely feel threatened, now.

Melissa Talison, after pulling so hard, doesn't fare much better then the faries when the cloak rips. From her perch on the seat, she ends up sprawled on the Slytherin table, half of the cloak still in her hand. "Oh no, Mother's not going to be happy.. Hey, where'd they go?" She sits up, on top of the table, and looks around the room.. only to be hit with a strawberry.

Alex Wylde wanders in from the hall and blinks in astonishment at the rather odd sight, remaining still near the door. "What on earth...?"

Val Goldrian has still an unrevealed skill against this flying annoying things. He takes a fork, ignoring his bleeding nose, and some potatoes. Then put one of them on the top of the fork. He pushes the top of the fork near his face. "Fight my catapult!" he yells and let the fork free to throw the potato with a surprising speed.

April Katzowski moves her eyes temporarily from the fairies to look about the Hall, noticing the immense mess that the creatures have made. Her smile turns into a half-smirk as she realizes the reality of the situation. "This mess will take /forever/ to clean." She notes, her eyes continuing to move about. Eyes falling on Melissa, she half winces as her cloak is torn in half. /That/ idea won't work. Eyes moving to Val, she frowns a bit deeper. She stands from the table, moving towards him, but is stopped short as a strawberry hits her in the back of the head. "Yeowch!" She yelps, her hands moving to the spot, now splattered with strawberry juice. She crouches to the floor, hiding beside the Gryffindor table, using perhaps as a sort of barricade, though it protects her very little. "Stop trying to /hurt/ them," she moans, "You're only making them upset at us."

When the professor comes in, Bertrum Wooster makes a shout of relief and dashes towards her, plate held behind him, spattered with food. He's not all that clean himself as mashed potatoes and various drink drips down his robe. "Professor Leysee!" he calls out, hoping to get her attention, not that the fairies wouldn't.

Erick Hartwall tries to settle everyone down, "Guys stop! This looks more fun then anything but what if David Porter or someone important comes?

Erick Hartwall defends himself with a plate and heads for the door.

Melissa Talison half stands, half slides back to the floor, placing her arms in front of her face to protect herself from any incoming berries. The ripped cloth still hangs from one hand as she heads toward the faries once more, peeking out between her forearms to see where she is going.

Isaiah Chum watches as Melissa falls back onto the table under which he is hiding and he reaches up to indicate he's down there, quite safe. "Get down here!" he says. "It seems a terrible mess up there and it'd just be easier to sit tight down here until those fairies get bored or the teachers fix this.

As I 'ave said, zis teacher, I am not feeling 'er qualified..." Florymond LeFay prattles on to her little cloud of Ravenclaw girls, indulging in fantastic gesticulations as she does so. She shuts up immediately, however, as she catches sight of the great hall beyond the stairwell. "C'est quoi, ca?" The little girl barely has time to duck a renegade pudding.

"Cuir Uait!" Kieran MacNessa cries out rather loudly at everyone currently in the room, emerald eyes sweeping the room angrily,"Don't try to catch them! All you are doing is making them angry?" He's cut short by a bit of strawberry hitting him in the mouth.

Val Goldrian doesn't look at Erick but answers to him: "Erick, come here, they will not stop messing up!" then stops for a while the fighting just to see that noone else is protecting the tables. He doesn't have the time to think about this, however, since a strawberry basket hit him on the neck, knoking him to the ground.

Quickly having run out of strawberries, the fairies seem to have claimed the end of the Ravenclaw table for themselves, and are ready to defend should any more students try to catch them. Irritated, they use a spoon to flick a portion of a casserole towards the head of the Ravenclaw table.

Melissa Talison mostly ignores Isaiah as she heads off, except for a stubborn, "I want one!" which may be directed at either him or Kieran. Either way, when she nears the fairies she climbs up onto one of the vacated seats at the Ravenclaw table, ignoring any protests, and reaches toward the fiesty beings. She only half turns toward them, not wishing any more food in her face, but her hands remain extended at arms length to try and reach them.

Naiya Blackheart steps in glancing about rather annoyed..or..yes. The second year pushing her way through the crowds of first years while trying to feed an owl. Not the best combination. Her eyes darting towards Florymond, gahd..yes, that rather annoying child..that..oh fine. Lips pursed a bit to continue pushing her way through before settling down at the Ravenclaw table, nearly dropping her bag on the fairies, eeps! She chuckled a bit before settling down with her COMC book.

Florymond LeFay's head shoots up once more, her eyes wide. The girls behind her disband with much shrieking, though Flo remains, thwarted by her unbuckled school bonds and the books that it summarily released. As if engaging in chemical warfare, Miss LeFay attempts to roll beneath the onslaught of the fairies, rescuing her things as she goes.

Becoming frightened at Melissa's approach, they are able to tilt a pot of tea so that it pours on her hand. Mind you, this tea was boiling when it was brought out. Thankfully, it's had a short time to go from boiling to scalding. Another fairie launches a French desert towards Florymond.

Jana O'Conner whimpers a bit, this was just too much for her. Clutching her books as if they were her life (though that is partialy true ^-^;) she hides under a table. Let braver folk fight the fay. She eyes the door out of the great hall longingly and wonders if it's possible to excape that way without getting food on her, or worse, getting hurt.

Val Goldrian raises his head to look over the Ravenclaws table, apparently looking for a new tactics. He moves slowly towards the professors table, looing for something useful in trapping fairies.

Isaiah Chum sighs as Melissa ignores his advice, but doesn't say anything more about her stubbornness. . o O (She's adventurous. I'll keep her in mind, should I need someone to help me in my mischief.) "Oh!" he commiserates as the tea is poured on Melissa's hand. "Maybe now you'll listen to me!" he calls. "I'm sure they're capable of much worse than that!"

April Katzowski glances up as she notices a sudden cease in the strawberries that had been raining upon the Great Hall. Hands gripping the chair which she hides behind, she glances about the ceiling, unable to find any sign of the fairies. She stands up, slowly, whipping strawberry juice from her arms, still looking around. "Are they gone?" She asks slowly, then locates the group of creatures on the Ravenclaw table. "Oh," she adds, watching the fairies. Holding her elbows in either hand, she begins to chew on her lip. "Oh, what are we going to do? What are we going to do?"

Melissa Talison shrieks as the liquid hits her hands, and hastily pulls both back. However she tries, she can't seem to fit both in her mouth, though she does make a rather good attempt as she tries to nurse her poor fingers. "I just wanted a new pet," she murmurs, sniffling a bit. "My hands /hurt/."

Oh non, you don't," Florymond LeFay mutters, compressing herself into a tight ball and rolling away as the blancmange nears her, splattering against the floor. She ends up with a few dollops of whipped cream in her hair, and rather dizzy, but it's a glorious manuever to behold, and she knows as much. Grinning, Flo pulls back her book binding, dragging everything along with her. She then rushes towards the Ravenclaw table, wondering if this is some sort of game.

Emerald eyes flash angrily at Melissa,"Cuir Uait! Leave them be!" Kieran MacNessa says hotly,"Faeries are not pets!" There is no kindness in the young boy's eyes. He wipes a bit of strawberry mush from his cheeks and drops it down on the ground.

Naiya Blackheart glances at the younger ones whimpering about wanting a pet. Oh pity! Her books now sprawd all about the Ravenclaw table..trying the avoid the fairies about the table. A curious brow is raised, hmm.. as she leafed through her COMC textbook and coming across the several pages about fairies. /At least/ they weren't pixies. Glaring at the first years, "/Who/ brought them in?" Demandingly she stood up, eyes narrowing towards Kieran and then towards Florymond seeming those two were incharge of this so-called-brillant-activity.

The fairie that left earlier, having been hurt and having to leave, flies back in and rushes towards the other fairies. Communicating with each other, in what sounds like jibberish, they excited buzz up and flies towards the exit. The larger fairies fly behind to protect them, and hurt grapes at the students from the exit doors to give the other time to get away. After about three or four minutes of peltering the hall with grapes, they, too, fly off, hurridly to catch up with their friends...

Mitchell Freeman wanders toward the hall... the common room was getting a bit stuffy, and besides, there was no one there to pester. He halts just outside, however, surveying the carnage within. Raising his voice, he shouts, "What exactly is going on here?" Typical prefect mannerisms; step in and take charge.

Melissa Talison pulls her hands down from her mouth long enough to shout at Kieran, "I'll do as I like. 'E's a pet if I want him to be.. you're upset /you/ didn't think of it." Hands go back toward her mouth, clutched there as if it will somehow make them feel better. Still standing on a seat at the Ravie table,she watches her quarry leave, head tilted.

Alex Wylde, having no desire to be pelted, nor, particularly, to try to capture one of the little beasts, ducks quickly to the side as the faeries begin their approach.

Florymond LeFay pants as she rests her books at the Ravenclaw table, catching the brunt of Naiya's pejorative. "I just came down, ask Angela and Zelma...I 'ave not been 'ere...what 'appened?" She seems generally ignorant of the events, especially as the little creatures now buzz away, leaving the hall in ruins.

Val Goldrian looks at the fairy leaving, surprised. He was taking up a book under the Ravenclaw table and he was ready to throw it. Suddenly he remembers his own condition: a bleeding nose and his robe covered with strawberries. He stands there, confused.

Naiya Blackheart glances at Florymond..no..staring her down, "Oiye, so it is? Weren't ye' the one just rolling 'bout, eh?" A brow is arched, "You must've known something, eh?" Snorting some to flicker an index finger at Florymond..trying to direct her to begin picking up the grapes. "Start cleaning up. Now." Sneering a bit she wasn't in the mood, today. Naiya's attention then turning towards Melissa, "Don't act like a brat, one would /never/ be able to tame a fairie. Stubborn."

In ruins, indeed. The hall is littered with broken pieces of glass about the tables and floor surrounding them. Mashed potatoes, casseroles, and creamy deserts have ended up splattered everywhere--on people, on the floors, on the walls... Mangled strawberries and grapes lie everywhere, having been the primary defense that the little creatures used to keep the students away. And of course, spilled goblets are making a sticky mess all over the tables and no the floor.

The fairies gone, Isaiah Chum leaps out from beneath the slytherin table and begins to look around frantically. "Where's Ruby?" he wails. "She's not flying around so she must be on the ground somewhere. Everybody watch where you step! Ohhh! I just knew that she'd get hurt, trying to play with those evil fairies."

Jana O'Conner is cowering under a table, shaking and curled up in a fetal position. She just wants her grandmother. She'd know what to do...maybe...Still shaking the pale girl looks up cautiously, blue eyes still showing the hint of terror. Hoping that they are gone she looks about, trying to gather her wits together...it was just a foodfight after all, no need to be so scared...or so she tries to convince herself.

I tell you," the French girl reiterates, "I 'ave just come down! I was rolling to get away from ze...zat fairy zing tried to throw a desert at my 'ead, I did not want to be 'it! I will not clean up. It is not my fault, so...so keep your tongue to yourself, you 'orrid girl." Florymond LeFay curls her arms before her chest, and turns her nose to the ceiling, mouth held in a thin, obdurate line.

Moving into the Great Hall, apparantly in a relatively good mood this evening, David Porter's calm and welcoming experssion fades--immediately--when he sees the sight of the Great Hall. As though a wave washed over him, a promiment frown, and an expression of confusion goes upon his face. Naturally, with all the standing students, it seems to him that ickle students have begun a food fight. "What the devil happenened in--" he begins to say, as he trips on a despoit of strawberries, ending up landing on his back side with a thud.

Melissa Talison, of all thing she could possibly do, turns away from watching the door to stick her tongue out at Naiya. "Don't you, then. Dolt." She holds her hands out in front of her, to anyone who might care. "Someone find the nurse, they're all burned up and they might fall off if she doesn't fix 'em." If she notices the Headmaster come in, it's not until after her pained plea.

Alex Wylde just continues to stare from his position by the door, subconsciously shaking his head... what a mess. It slowly occurs to him that perhaps the scene of the disaster is not the best place to be... oops, too late. He cringes as the headmaster walks in.

Naiya Blackheart chuckles a bit at Florymond, "Oiye../please/. If that is /so/, dear child. Would you be so /kind/ and begin cleaning up." Eyes narrowing at the first year..yes..another brat, just like Thomas had suggested. "Me? Horrid? Nuh! You /must/ be mistaken." Eyes rolling a bit in which she added a ting of sarcasim into her tone. Only to glance at David..and then back to Florymond, "Be a good child and clean." Lashes fluttering before glancing at Melissa..and she moved off..flipping her wavy hair at the first year Slytherin. Oh yes words really hurt her.

April Katzowski turns quickly at the voice of the Headmaster, her face immediately brightening. Someone to get rid of these fairies! Her smile quickly turns to a frown, however, as he falls to his back. She begins wringing her hands nervously. "Oh goodness, oh goodness," she mutters softly to herself.

Isaiah Chum finally spots Ruby, happily dragging herself on the ground, too fat to fly. She was knocked down early by a flying strawberry and realized that she'd be a fool not to take advantage of all of the fruit lying around so the little bat spent the entire fight glutting herself on any fruit that came her way. He rushes over and waggles his finger at her. "You naught, naughty..." The sight of the rotund bat is entirely too much for Isaiah, who simply can't scold her in her present state. Instead he bursts into a fit of giggles, scoops up Ruby, and drops her back into the hood of his robe.

Val Goldrian raises his eyes towards David Porter. He is still with a book in his right hand while his left hand is trying to stop the blood flowing from his nose. His eyes looks suddenly terrified. What if Mr.Porter thinks that he was the one who messed all up? He blushes violently.

Jana O'Conner cautiously starts to crawl out from under her table. She manages to stammer "Fair...fairies s-sir....they were in here..." Jana apperantly still hasn't recovered fully from the excitement.

Florymond LeFay is about to say something to Naiya once more - and in fact, has her mouth poised to do so - when David falls. Her attention immediately grabbed, the girl hurries over towards him, tucking her hands behind her back as she comes to stand beside him. She is, after all, probably the closest to him in the hall - she can suddenly /love/ Professor Addorine if it will keep her out of trouble, and besides, she /is/ innocent for once. "Oh, 'Eadmaster, Porter, are you all right?"

David Porter places his hands, carefully, on the floor where he shan't get them in any bits of pumpkin pie, or break his neck while slipping on strawberry juice. Carefully, he stands up, brushing his hands off as he looks back, a distinct glare in his eyes. Smiling, dolefully, towards Florymond, he nods quietly. "Yes, yes, I think so." Turning slightly, he speaks to no one in particular, "What was I saying? Ah, yes. What the /devil/ happened here?" He shoots a glance towards Naiya and Melissa, having heard their exhange; however, he doesn't make anything of it for now. The hall is a much bigger concern.

Melissa Talison opens her mouth, about to attempt again for attention and help, when she sees the Headmaster fall. Trying to keep from having a fit of giggles, she nearly succeeds, though a few tears find their way to her face instead. Jumping down from her perch, she calls, "Sir, my /hands/. They're probably all black and dead by now," she doesn't bother looking, hands curled up again, "And they need to be fixed. And it wasn't our fault; there were a lot of little.. flying things."

April Katzowski stands by the Gryffindor table, staring wide-eyed at the Headmaster, now silent. She continues to wring her hands in front of her, squished strawberries splattered on her arms, and pie filling dripping from her brown curls. Her eyes move about the room momentarily; what a mess! She returns her gaze to David Porter.

Jana O'Conner finally stand up away from the table, books in hand. Seeing a teacher has seemed to have calmed her down quiet a bit and though her knees are still quaking, her face returns to it's normal marble mask like apperance, her emotions carefully tucked safely down inside so as to not appear on the surface. Nodding to Melissa she says "Yes, Fairies sir."

Isaiah Chum turns around to depart the hall with all possible haste and sees the Headmaster near the hall's exit. He hurries forward. "Oh, Headmaster Porter, somebody must hurry! The little beasts that did this - pixies or fairies or some other such creature - broke into the hall and caused such a commotion. They left not five minutes ago! If they're not caught soon, some other part of the school will be destroyed."

Victoria Bennet comes in from Entrance Hall; Northern Section, ice melted away, her clear navy blue eyes sparkle brightly from underneath their blanket of thick lashes. Her lips are twitched upwards in a smile, making her features emensely more beautiful. Her hair is up in a half ponytail, clasped in place with a barret made of wood, which has been carved into a beautiful serpent, about to strike it's prey.

Florymond LeFay points straight at Jana, as she corroborates the story. "Oui! Fairies! All colours! And zey threw food at us..." Of course, Flo only has a few specks of whipped cream in her hair, but she holds the brown locks out at length to prove that they were besmirched with sugary goo. "Zey were running mad!"

Val Goldrian tries to explain: "We have been attacked! A bunch of flying things tried to steal our food and to hurt us with furnitures and we fighted and.." he looks at the floor sadly, not feeling so believeble. He keeps his hand on his nose, so his voice is very mute.

Naiya Blackheart nearly cracks as she twiddles her digits into a wave as Melissa runs off whimpering. "Innocent..right..o'curse." Naiya murmured softly before turning a bit as David falls. Seeing the little mischief makers toddles towards David, she wouldn't bother. In which she turned her attention back to her books where she had original been seated. Moving past a few other second years..exchanging several familiar glances; settling back down. Finger tips taking ahold of each page of her Care for Magical Creatures book leafing back through the pages where it was once on fairies and then back to the Jarvey.

David Porter nods quietly as all these students attempt to explain what happened. "Where did the fairies come from, then?" he asks, pursing his lips. Glancing towards Naiya, hearing the tone in her voice, he clears his throat. "You believe it was not an innocent accident, Miss Blackheart? Praytell."

Surprised gasps come from a small group of children, including a rather disoriented-looking Victoria Bennet; of course, the softest, yet most disgusted gasp comes from the young girl upon her entrance. "What on earth happened here?" The girl asks no one in particular, her voice quiet, and disgusted as she looks upon the food splattering with a critical eye.

Melissa Talison heads over toward the Headmaster, stopping halfway there to frown at him. She doesn't much care for being ignored. Hands go back up to her mouth and after noting helpfully, "They left," she begins to suck at her hands. Lissa halfway turns to see Naiya, or rather, figure out who it was that was asked and /then/ look at her.

Mmhm. Yes sir." A brow is arched as Naiya Blackheart glanced towards the first years. "Innocent..o'course not." With hardly any expression across her face, not having any feelings..hardly. "/I/ had just come in..o'course trying to finish up several things..though I only made it to my house's table." Motioning a digit towards the Ravenclaw table, "But o'course there are several..no..more than enough fairies swarming about. The next m'nute I note is that that girl.." Pointing to Florymond, "..Florymond..was rolling around on the floor with whipped cream giggling." And then a digit is motioned towards Melissa, "And /her/..whining like a brat that she wanted a fairie for a pet." A wry smirk forms glancing towards both the girls and then towards the others, "O'course I noticed that..those two boys.." Motioning towards Kieran and Alex, "Were trying to defend themselves." Pausing to glance about..and then o'course Mitchell walked in."

Florymond LeFay glares at Naiya fitfully, reaching up slowly to secure a hand on the pocket of David's robe, if she can. Time to turn on the charm. "Non, non, 'eadmaster...believe me. I was not /giggling/...I was trying not to get my clothes mussy, so as to trouble ze 'ouse elves!" Remembering her time spent as part of the seedy Paris underground, she adds, "Besides, Naiya 'as not presented reasonable doubt, as we all say ze same zing, while she 'as decided zat I was /giggling/." Her voice is nearly a purr, as she attempts to dissuade David from even regarding Naiya as human, much less accepting her version of events.

"I do not condone persons who mark themselves as a tell-all," David Porter says, glaring slightly towards Naiya, "However, if this was caused because you all would not leave the fairies alone," he says, trailing off... "Were people trying to hurt them?"

Alex Wylde blinks many times in rapid succession as he is pointed at. His mouth works for a moment, but it seems he's not quite capable of making a sound just yet. The rest of him remains stiff as a statue, with that deer-in-headlights look.

Jana O'Conner decides to speak up at this "Yes, I was here when before it started. They came in just a few minutes after the food was layed out. They started throwing food at us and such. No furniture though. Kieran, the Gryffindor boy was trying to stop those..yes some were offending them, and Kieran was trying to stop them sir..." She trails off, she certianly didn't want to be called a tell all and tries to be very clear with all the details.

Naiya Blackheart a brow is raised towards Florymond, "Oh child, sh'ud up!" Hardly even remembering David was around, "Oiye..I was giving /my/ part. For you hadn't ask anyone else what had happened." A brow is arched as though to laugh, "O'course defending themselves." Motioning off as Jana began to talk..yes..that was it.

Melissa Talison says indignantly, "I was /not/ whining. I only wanted one, that's all.. And I would have asked permission first!" The last sentence is directed at the Headmaster, not Naiya, and the whole thing is rather mumbled because of the hands the word must go through. "Din't want to hurt anything."

April Katzowski steps closer to the Headmaster, deciding to take part in the discussion and not stand in the background like a worried child. "A few people were trying to hurt them... Catch them, too. That's when they started throwing strawberries at us..." She speaks in a somewhat upset tone, whiping more strawberry juice from her sleeves.

Hearing his name mentioned Kieran MacNessa jumps and looks around as if trying to find some rock to crawl under. Ok. He's not exactly the herotype anymore.

Victoria Bennet's attentive ears catch tiny bits of the conversation, although her attention is mostly aimed at Headmaster, and the few students crowding around him. "Faeries?" The girl perks, her lips moving unintentionally in question, and her voice slipping out from her grasp. "What, and how did they get into Hogwarts in the first place?" The girl asks, a bit louder then she intended to, attempting to get a few answers to all of her questions.

Nodding quietly, David Porter eyes the Great Hall with a sigh. "Clean up this mess," he says. "And have the kitchens end some house elves up here to help." Sighing heavily, he moves over to a table and pours himself some tea, about to take a drink when he notices a brownie floating in the tea, having been in the cup before hand. The man merely sighs.

Florymond LeFay nearly snarls at Naiya, but she'll take orders from a higher-up. The girl looks down at the floor, and bends thus, her skirts and petticoats going up in a poof behind her. Picking up an entire strawberry leaf, she glances around for somewhere to deposit it.

Melissa Talison takes a glance around, scowling at the mess. "I can't clean 'less my hands are fixed," she decides. "And my cloak." Not that she needs her cloak to clean, but might as well add mention of that. Biting her lip, she walks the rest of the way up to the headmaster and inquires, "If I can get one sometime, /can/ I have a pet farie, Sir? I'd take good care of it and all. Please, Sir?"

"Headmaster? There were people throwing things at the Faeries but the Faeries tried to start things when they came in ser." Kieran MacNessa says softly as possible as if not /really/ wanting to speak up but feeling the need anyway. He points a finger at Melissa and says,"She was trying to drape her cloak to catch them."

April Katzowski turns once again to look over the state of the Great Hall. What a huge disaster; she wouldn't even know where to start cleaning. Her eyes move to the other students. When they start moving to clean up, she'll follow.

Jana O'Conner sighs inwardly, she doesn't wish to clean up this mess...it was just soo big. However, she quickly get to work, placing her books in a safe clean place on a seat. The two tables in the worst state seemed to be the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff tables. Seeing that there weren't any Hufflepuffs around, she decided to clean their table first and she picks up the soiled dishes.

"Okay, first of all. Go to the infirmary. Second of all, you'll have to buy a new cloak. And thirdly, you most certainly may /NOT/ have pet fairie," David Porter says, almost glaring at Melisa. Then, he turns to Kieran. "I understand."

Victoria Bennet's eyes travel over to Melissa, disgusted. "A faerie?" The girl breathes out, almost hissing. "A /pet/ faerie, that would sneak away from you and run around Hogwarts causing ruckus?" The girl almost snarls. That would be horrible, unthinkable; messes all over the place, a faerie giggling madly... The thoughts running through her head are less than happy.

"Is there a... mop?" April Katzowski wonders aloud, twirling a strand of hair with a finger. Her eyes glance towards the smashed peices of food about the floor as she asks this.

Melissa Talison shrinks back a bit, nodding quickly. "Yes, Sir. Won't think of it again, Sir. I'll just settle for a daisy, or a dragon, or one of them water creatures.." Her voice trails off as, still mumbling, she hastily makes her way to the exit. Somehow she manages not to trip on her robe, and she's just intent on being off. At the doorway, though, she turns back and asks softly, "Someone tell me where the 'firmary is?"

"/I/ certainly won't show you." Kieran MacNessa says glaring at Melissa before looking at the Headmaster,"Ser, Were any of the faeries hurt? I saw one of them go down after being hit by a potato. Is my behaviour going to get me in trouble ser?" The very last bit is said with the greatest amount of apprehension.

Jana O'Conner looks up from collecting plate, her ice blue eyes turning towards the injured girl "Sorry, I don't know." Comes her soft calm respons. After collecting as many plates as she could carry, she hurries off to the Kitchen, for surely that's where they get washed. And while there she'll ask a few house elves to help.

David Porter peers at Melissa. "You must take Care of Magical Creatures. Having a dragon for a pet is /illegal/," he says, scowling. "Now, start cleaning," he says, furrowing his brows while house elves trot in.

April Katzowski, her query unnoticed, turns to the nearest table to her, Gryffindor, and begins collecting dirty plates and utensils. She brushes crumbs and other food items off the edge of the table onto a plate with a hand, then stacks them neatly to take to the kitchen.

Melissa Talison, from the doorway, gives Kieran a rather sweet smile. "How kind of you!" she exclaims, giving Jana.. who seemed a bit more polite.. simply an understanding nod. Almost on top of her other words, she calls to the Headmaster, "Not a dragon, then. What if I got one of them funny looking animals, with the long necks? I've seen 'em in pictures, and I'm sure they can't be too big.." Well, she doesn't know where she's going, might as well make conversation until someone comes who can show her.

"You," David Porter says, glancing at Kieran. "Take her to the infirmary. And be quick about it." He shakes his head, looking at the wreck-of-a-hall he is standing in.

Jana O'Conner watches the elves come in and walks into the kitchen with the plates thinking that she should've advised Kieran about forgiving for brief moments of time if not all together when she heard the headmaster order him to take Melissa. Comming out of the kitchen she goes back to the Hufflepuff table to take out more plates.

Melissa Talison tilts her head at the adult, and has to stop herself from giggling again. "I'd make sure to bring you one, too, Sir.. Only two big-necked things anywhere in England, they would be." Her eyes dart back to Kieran, as still smiling, she looks at him expectantly.

April Katzowski follows Jana into and out of the kitchen with the plates from Gryffindor, then proceeds to collect the remaining dishes from the table and bring these to the kitchen as well. Noticing that the Slytherin table has no one tidying it, she moves to this table, collecting plates and brushing crumbs from the surface.

David Porter looks towards Melissa and frowns slightly, just tsking. "Get to the infirmary." And with that, the headmaster sighs. "I'll be in my office." He strides off, eager to get out of this disaster.

Being ordered to show the Slytherin to the infirmary is not high on Kieran MacNessa's list of enjoyable things,"B-b-but... Oh very well ser. " His thick brogue colouring his rather /unhappy/ treble voice.

Melissa Talison holds her hands together in front of her, one curled inside the other. The pieces of her cloak are forgotten, likely lying around somewhere in the Great Hall. The girl keeps her eyes on Kieran, asking quietly.. and politely, now.., "Shall we go? I do wish to get these taken care of, and I'd be so horribly lost trying to find my own way.. never been there, no need to.."

And you think I have?" Kieran MacNessa says rather icily and begins leading the way. Well ok so he's not being the /perfect/ gentleman but he dislikes Slytherins and this one was trying to catch Faeries.

Melissa Talison shugs helplessly. "I don't know. Well, 'least we won't be lost alone. Imagine, what if someone got so turned around and lost that they got stuck, and had to wait to be found? Could take /days/." As she talks, she turns, following at Kieran's heels.

Jana O'Conner shakes her head as she listens to Melissa and Kieran. "Just don't get into any more trouble?" Come the plea form her. She looks at the two and then goes back to her cleaning.

April Katzowski carries another plate into the kitchen, then returns once again to the Great Hall. Passing by the Hufflepuff table, she pauses, turning to Jana. "Need any help over here?" She asks her, looking at the partially-tidied table."Those fairies sure made /quite/ a mess."

,-[ Hogwarts - Entrance Hall; Northern Section ]------------------------------.

Fuming just a little Kieran MacNessa is /definitely/ not happy about being forced to lead Melissa to the Medical Center.

Melissa Talison, though completely aware her fellow student isn't happy with the situation, continues to chatter pleasantly as she follows. "'Course, it could take longer if you were somewhere they didn't know to look. Or what if you ended up out of the building completely?"

Under his breath Kieran MacNessa says something probably not very nice in his native tongue before he says,"Will you stop? I am taking you into the infirmary, that's it!"

,-[ Hogwarts - Southwest Circling Corridor ]----------------------------------.

Melissa Talison scowls at Kieran's back. "I know, I was just saying, what if it happened to someone? I mean, wouldn't that be bad? You could starve to death."

No you wouldn't. Obviously you don't read." Kieran MacNessa says icily,"Now please be quiet."

Melissa Talison protests quietly, "I do so read. And you could, if you were left long enough." After that she falls silent, planning to remain that way unless given something to respond to. After all, there's hardly any use in talking to /this/ kid.

Spinning on his heels, Kieran MacNessa says icily,"If I weren't long enough? I read everyday. If not for the faeries I could have maybe finished my book on the Nipping Narsium Rose. " His emerald eyes shine as cold as his stones,"Now if there is nothing more I want to get you to the Infirmary so I can get back to helping my friends clean up that mess you incensed those faeries!"

Melissa Talison replies in a cool tone, "I /meant/ that one could starve to death if left long enough. But take it however you like.. /I/ certainly don't care how you interpret anything." She motions forward with her hands. "Let's get there, then, unless you don't know the way."

Spinnings on his heals and muttering darkly under his breath, Kieran MacNessa is slipping back to Irish and saying judging from the tone rather nasty things.

,-[ Hogwarts - Medical Center ]-----------------------------------------------.

Here you are. I lead you here. Now you're on your own." Kieran MacNessa says rather irritably and begins heading out the door.

Melissa Talison looks around as she enters, and comments to herself, "How lovely." As she steps farther in, she calls after Kieran, "I do thank you for your help. Tell them all to send gifts, perhaps I'll be here a while." With that, she wanders off to find the nurse.

,-[ Hogwarts - Potions Classroom (Dungeon) ]----------------------------------.

It is something of a stressed out Poppy Puddleton that is seated at the front of the class. Indeed, one of the potions desks has apparently been shrunk, as have the pile of satchels that lie in one corner of the room. "Morning, all." she greets wearily, clearing away a few spillages before the class proper begins.

Carrying cauldron and supplies into the room, Maidhc Boru looks a bit upset currently as he deposits his materials at a seat and takes his seat and sighs,"Dia dhuit Ollamh Puddleton." His normally cheerful voice drips with depression now.

Heaving a new cauldron behind her, Hestia Davies bounces into the Potions classroom. "Morning Professor!" Then she stops...a shrunken desk? Even Hesti had never managed to damage school property with her Potions...though she had grown a foot on her own head once. "Rough class earlier Professor? Need any help cleaning it up?"

Showing up, not last for once but certainly not first, either, Daniel Johnson swings into the classroom, his stride certain and a smile on his face. Talk about a complete turn around from his previous years of skulking and fear of failure. No, he cannot compete with Kieran in areas of intellect, but then he is not here for that. "Good Morning Professor." Dan calls cheerily as he takes a seat at a table, putting his cauldron down along with the rest of his items. The summer has seen him go through a great deal of change, especially since he was pulled out just before Spring Break last year due to illness.

Aha. Yes. I suppose I shouldn't have tried fresh firsties on shrinking potions." Poppy Puddleton looks slightly disappointed that her 'make potions fun' experiment went so awry. "Ah well. Not to worry. You people won't give me any trouble, eh?" she bravely asserts to Hestia, twitching a smile at Daniel as he enters. "You've returned to us I see, Mr Johnson. Feeling better, I hope?"

Melissa Talison sticks her head into the classroom, and after a moment, the rest of her follows through the doorway. Her arms are wrapped around a cauldron, robes drag not quite far enough on the ground to trip her up this year, and her bag hangs from her shoulder. Scurrying to a seat, cauldron and bag are both set down, the first with more care than the latter as she takes the opportunity to look around.

Daniel!" Spinning around, the young Gryffindor quickly crosses the room and reaches out to clap the boy on the back. "Oh, I'm /so/ glad to see you back Daniel!" She slides into a seat near the boy, grinning from ear to ear now. Hestia Davies turns to the teacher, "Oh no Professor, I assure you, my days of blowing up Cauldrons are quite over. I haven't done that in months." A bright wave to the Slytherin girl as she comes in, "Hi 'Lis!"

Looking as calm as indifferent as ever, Kieran MacNessa enters into the classroom looking a bit perturbed at Maidhc but other than that he takes a seat, "I do not make problems Ollamh Puddelton." He's such a dull guy today isn't he.

Dashing a hand through his hair, Dan summons one of his carelessly easy smiles for the Professor; an odd Slytherin indeed for he fair thrives on social interactions. "Quite better thank you ma'am. It's good to be back." Good to be back? Daniel Johnson's lost the sickly look too, although he's still thin, it's wiry now rather than frail. Hestia receives a wide and warm grin, "Hey, you can't get rid of me so very easily. I'm as annoying as the wind." "Not likely to go away again either. Home life's fairly good for once." Checking over his notes, books and other belongings he opens his text briefly to skim it, before the start of class and closes it again. Classes are something he's not only keeping on top of, but also understanding and actually enjoying.

A large wave, along with a grin, is the Slytherin girl's response to Hestia. "'Lo!" Daniel is given a similar grin, in turn, as Melissa Talison uses the hand that had been raised to wave to now fool with her hair instead. "Daniel!"

Happy people? Maidhc Boru looks at the Professor and just shrugs a little, as if uncomfortable in his skin rather than a stretching exercise. Turquoise eyes flicker about and then the second year Gryffindor sighs softly. If he noticed the dirty look he got from his cousin, he makes no visible sign to it."Do I ever cause trouble in class Ollamh?" Note the in class. He makes no mention of all the trouble he has caused with the ganglets.

And what shall we brew today, hmmm?" The Potions Mistress muses, her plump form making it's way over to the large sink in the corner as she washes away the last remnants of shrinking potion from one leftover cauldron. "I thought we might try something a little bit controversial this term. We won't be making it today, but we will be searching for the ingredients! And doubtless some of you will find it useful." She waves a blood red cordial at the little class. "Love potions!" Poppy Puddleton announces dramatically.

A sort of frown touching his face, John Winters steps into the room with a bulky bag dangling from his arm. While he has, for once, shown up without being escorted, the boy is not happy to be here. Potions is not the worst class, though, and the boy makes his way to a seat toward the back, sitting down silently just as the day's work is announced.

Melissa!" "Kieran!" Gods, now he knows why he begged his newest of guardians to return to school. Friends. They're warming to be around, much better than those adults that prowl about the castle that Daniel Johnson's father inhabits. The cry given to each is full of delight, eyes growing wider as he sees each of them. "Come! Sit over here!" He waves to each of them and gestures to the table he sits at with Hestia. "It's been simply *forever*." "Kieran, can you believe it? I can read now! Not just sort of read." He actually admits to his earlier troubles with ease now. As the teacher speaks up he falls quiet and listens, a wicked grin trickling over his lips. Ooh. Love potions! This is going to be fun.

Hestia Davies's smile fades a little as she watches Kieran come into the room. He just didn't seem to smile as much anymore. Surely it wasn't just Mikey being in the room that had him so down seeming? She peers at Kieran long enough to flash him a warm smile, then turns her attention back to the Professor. Quickly checking that she has a quill and scroll handy she settles them on her desk as the Professor speaks. For a moment she doesn't hear the Professor's proclimation. Then her head snaps up and she stares, did she just say Love Potions?

Melissa Talison glances once at the teacher, then grabs both cauldron and bag, 'sneaking' over toward Daniel and Hestia, where she sits down once more. Smile is given to those two before she turns to offer an innocent one to the teacher. While blinking; love potions? This has to be good.

Hearing the words love potion, Maidhc Boru wrinkles his nose slightly. What on /earth/ does he need with a love potion? Girls have cooties. Except Meiaki but she doesn't really count as a girl. His eyes flicker about catching sight of Kieran and his 'friend' Hestia. Oh bother both of them.

Those of you who read might know the most important ingredient of a love potion, and why it is so difficult to find?" Poppy Puddleton looks hopeful that one or two students might have opened their textbooks over the summer. She returns to the centre of the room. "We will be gathering this ingredient today, and then next week we will make up the potions, as I mentioned."

Aren't there several varieties of Love Potions?" Kieran MacNessa asks as the Professor speaks again, flashing a smile to both Daniel and Hestia. Lately he's not had that much cause to smile. Not to mention his cousin being in the same class, does nothing to improve his mood any.

Not knowing Maidhc, Daniel Johnson doesn't think much of the boy one way or another although the glances shot around are noted silently. He'll have to ask later. Love potions. That sounds familiar, but there's been so much to stuff into his brain over the months, keeping the various things straight is difficult at best. Instead of raising his hand, Dan just lets the others speak up, taking up his quill and ready to take notes.

John Winters's frown deepens, but only the tiniest bit, as the child stares ahead and somewhat downward in thought. Why would he -ever- want to make a love potion.. pure evil, that's what it is. But his cousin says he has to, and now that he's stuck here.. well. -Maybe- it can't hurt to know how, and if they'll only be getting the ingredients today.. Yes, he'll listen. Head is tilted upward again, to watch the Professor.

Hestia Davies sighs. Kieran's smile just seemed...a bit off. Hearing the Professor mention reading, Hestia grins. All summer, it was all she had to do that was the least bit interesting, stuck inside that House of Candy Floss. Love Potions? She didn't remember reading about love potions...and why would she? But the books on herbology mentioned one or two ingredients. She raises her hand slowly, not quite sure of the answer.

Correct, Mr MacNessa. This ingredient is one they all have in common." Eyes twinkling, Poppy Puddleton's brown eyes dance over the assembled students. "Anyone? Ah.. Miss Davies. Enlighten us." The potions teacher beams, face wrinkling.

Taking a deep breath Hestia Davies rises to her feet. "Well...I admit I haven't read much about...Love Potions." Blushing a bit as she mentions the object of today's class, "I have read a lot of Herbology books over the summer and is the answer Mistletoe? Because Mistletoe can be very difficult to harvest, if you want to use it for more than a doorway decoration. It has to be done precicely, and only some of the leaves are actually useful...and you must get the berries with the stem, then separate them later..."

No sooner is mistletoe mentioned than Kieran MacNessa's hand is in the air. Ok. So he's always got /some/ kind of question to ask in a class. His eyes flicker to Hestia and he does try and smile properly. He just isn't used to smiling a whole lot.

Melissa Talison remains silent for the moment, saving her voice for her own questions instead of guessing answers that she doesn't know. Hands are kept down in front of her, and Lissa peers over her cauldron to the front of the room, intent on memorizing today's lesson. Not that she has a use for love potions herself, right now, but feeding them to random people could become rather amusing. If she finds a lack of other entertainment, that is.

Good try, but wrong. The answer are the eggs of the Ashwinder. The Ashwinder is a snake which makes it's home in magical fires. When the fire is burned to ashes.. it escapes and leaves it's eggs in a dark and secluded place. The eggs must be stored and frozen within a week if they are to be any use to us as ingredients, or they will almost certainly burn down the house they are laid in. Now it just so happens that an Ashwinder has been spotted slithering up to the Att--" Poppy Puddleton breaks off. "What is it, Mr Macnessa?"

Not Mistletoe? Bother and all. Of course Hestia Davies always thinks plant ingredients are the most important of any potion, doesn't she? Ashwinder Eggs then. Still...it's a snake...and Hestia Davies rather likes snakes. And crawling about dark places could be a spot of fun as well. A lot more fun than just taking notes in class, so all in all, the girl is stillg grinning as she takes her seat.

Usually so docile in class, Daniel Johnson scribbles down what he hears. It's odd; at least as he thinks about it how some things just cow him. He's had great and grand, terrifying and yet extraordinary adventures but when Hestia and Kieran both raise their hands, even if he should want to, he does not. The Ashwinder, a snake, has been seen crawling just where exactly, the attic? He's ready, Dan just about jumps from his seat, his fingers twitching over the parchment. It's always been hard to remain still and passively listening, exploring and hands on learning; this is how the boy learns best.

Not Mistletoe? Bother and all. Of course Hestia Davies always thinks plant ingredients are the most important of any potion, doesn't she? Ashwinder Eggs then. Still...it's a snake...and Hestia Davies rather likes snakes. And crawling about dark places could be a spot of fun as well. A lot more fun than just taking notes in class, so all in all, the girl is stillg grinning as she takes her seat. (repose)

Isn't mistletoe used in some of the more virulent poisons?" Kieran MacNessa asks softly, his eyes flickering slightly. See what happens when people introduce concepts in class around him? He does try keep them down this time.

Melissa Talison perks up slightly. As if she was not already cheerful enough. Snakes? Attic? Let's go! The child is ready to jump from her seat at a word, though for now she remains not-so-firmly planted in it, (im)patiently listening.

Sometimes." Poppy Puddleton's reply is clipped. "Now, each of you should find in front of you a small freezing potion. If you find the eggs; you'll want to drop them in there just as soon as you like, alright?" Standing, she motions for everyone to leave there books and follow. "We'll be going to the attic, and I expect everyone to get down on their knees and hunt! It could be anywhere."

John Winters sighs, soft enough to be only to himself. Egg hunting, for -snake- eggs no less. He reaches for the freezing potion and clasps it tightly in one hand, rising from his seat.

With a warm smile to Kieran, for following up on her plant-related answer, Hestia Davies jumps up from her seat. Taking the freezing potion she pops it into a pocket, her smile widening to a grin. Hands and knees? Not a problem for this girl. Dreadfully fun, this would be. She hopes they found the snake and all, and silently wonders if an Ashwinder would make a good pet?

This does seem to cause a bit of a smile to form on Maidhc Boru's lips, which until this moment had naught but a frown. This type of thing could be quite a bit of fun. Finger curl around the freezing potion and is held almost delicately, a wicked smile forming on his lips as he glances at Kieran. Oh. The possibilities.

Getting dirty? Well Kieran MacNessa is not exactly opposed to the idea. While he's not as fond of such things as say Hestia or Maidhc, he will not complain. Plus it means something to keep himself busy. Taking the freezing potion and slipping it into his pocket,"I guess it is time to get to work."

Bounding out of her seat, Melissa Talison grabs for the potion, almost knocking it aside instead of grasping it. Somehow it comes up in her hand, though, and the girl /does/ pay a bit more attention to what she is doing as she holds it, to prevent any other would-be mishaps.

Slipping around her desk Hestia Davies moves to Kieran's side, touching him gently on the arm. "Come on Kier. You, and me and Lissa can search together for eggs," another warm smile shadows searching eyes. "Who knows...we might get lucky and find the snake too. Imagine, a snake that can make a Magical Fire. Quite useful, that." As long as it didn't eat Nipping Narsiums. Hestia Davies won't risk Nosfer, now that the rose had grown so big and healthy.

Brushing past Kieran with a look of annoyance, Maidhc Boru's eyes are more sad than anything as he walks rather calmly out of the room. His robes rustling slightly as the small second year heads out of the room with a sigh. None of his friends are currently about. Oh well. He'll just have to hunt by himself.

Sighing slightly at Maidhc, Kieran MacNessa gives Hestia a weak smile as his cousin leaves."He's a bit upset." He says softly and probably for the same reason Kieran MacNessa is too.

I see that. I didn't mean to exclude him." Truly, she had just meant to cheer Kieran, and Maidhc hadn't really registered. Looking back at Melissa with a slight frown, green eyes puzzled, she turns back to Kieran. "Come on...it's a long walk up to the Attics. You can tell us what's bothering you as we walk." Hestia Davies sighs quietly, "I know something is Kier."

Samething as is bothering Maidhc. It is a little complicated. It is connected to his nephew though." Kieran MacNessa says sighing softly,"Let's get a move on it or we'll never make it before she wants the eggs found." Good excuse to try and avoid talking about it, no?

Melissa Talison shrugs at Hestia as she looks back, having little idea what is going on. Just waiting for Hestia, and Kieran too, it seems. The girl steps up to join the two Gryffindors, patting her pocket with the potion inside.

It wasn't just bothering Maidhc either, from the looks of things. Funny, how both boys, as much as they disliked each other, had the same reaction to trouble. While Hestia Davies's reaction to her own problems was to become even more cheerful than usual. "All right then," she whispers, but she's not going to let this drop. "Come on 'Liss. Let's get the eggs then. I wonder what would happen if someone accidently dropped a Love Potion into the stew?"

Melissa Talison peers at her companions, brightening again at Hestia's question. "There's only one way to find out, of course.." Eyes light up as well, at the idea of the commotion that could cause. Of course she has to add, "Do you think we'll find the snake, as well?"

Let's get a move on it. Whatever you do, don't mention that idea around Maidhc. He might actually get the ganglets to /do/ it!" Kieran MacNessa says groaning slightly and laughing for real."Time is a wasting!" With that the short Third year strides from the room. He's a bit overly serious so often, a character flaw one might say."I do hope not. I'd like not to be turned to cinders."

Hestia Davies grins at Melissa. Right. If /anyone/ did it, she didn't want it to be the Ganglets. Hesti wanted that accomplishment for herself and her own friends. As long, of course, as she didn't get caught. "All right Kier...all right. Let's get down to buisness." Following him out the door she whispers to Melissa, "I /do/ hope. It's magical fire, isn't it? Who says it would burn us to cinders?"

Melissa Talison starts for the door, following the Gryffindors out. "Yes.. Bet it wouldn't, and I'd like to see it," she whispers back to Hestia, smiling. "Think one can be tamed?"

,-[ Hogwarts - The Attic: Small Landing ]-------------------------------------.

Well...if you were a snake, where would you most likey sprout that Magical Fire?" Someplace cramped and dark most likely. Hestia Davies points toward the south, "Maybe that way? Of course up here...every place likely has dark and dank places." And she hoped they wouldn't have to go searching about in the cockroach den...because even Hesti hated that room!

,-[ Hogwarts - Transfiguration Classroom ]------------------------------------.

Culpepper Vert says, "I am not sure. I got here early because I was told it was a hard class room to find and have been reading ever since. "

A bell rings, signaling the start of Transfiguration I.

Aramis Dominic enters at a hasty scuffle, trying to look inconspicuous.

Billy MacGregor walks in with his book and othe supplies. He gives a friendly nod and smile to the teacher and the ohter early arrivals as he takes a seat near the front and opens his book to catch up on last minute things.

Grahm Syezac says, "Well, it obviously is, judging by the number of people here."

Culpepper Vert nods. "I fear so. Still the text makes this sound like one of the most intersting classes, so long as we are really careful. I wonder hjow hard it will be compared to Potions."

Lucia diCrowley hurries in, with her toad squished in one hand, and a satchel of books bumping against her shoulder as she runs.

Aramis Dominic makes his way across to sit by Culpepper, beckoning Lucia to join him.

Rowena Greenlaw apologizes ferverently to Prof. Winters, and takes a seat.

Grahm Syezac says, "I hope it isn't as tough as it sounds." Looking at the fellw Ravenclaw, he breathes a sign of relief. "At least I won't be the only one." He then takes out a scroll of parchment and a quill, and gets ready for class.

Sylvie Winters sits in the front of the room, watching the students come in. She gives a slight nod toward the whole group in general, and stands up quietly. "Let's all take a seat, shall we, and we'll get started."

Lucia diCrowley takes a moment to get her breath back and waves to the other Hufflepuff people she recognises. She finds a desk by the others, and plonks her toad on it, saying "Sit. Stay."

Rowena Greenlaw slips into a seat next to Grahm.

Jordan Osserman plops out book, and takes a random slimy looking seat

Billy MacGregor closes his book and pulls out a quill and parchment scroll.

Jordan Osserman pets his owl sporril, hushing it from disturbing the class

Culpepper Vert wipes his nose and gets out a clean quill, settling down to listen intently.

Aramis Dominic readies himself to take notes, quill in hand, battered parchment in front of him.

Rowena Greenlaw takes out a quill and paper for notes.

Grahm Syezac fishes out his book from the jumble of various items on his desk and opens it, ready to begin his notetaking.

Sylvie Winters waits a moment, then continues. "Make sure you have something to write with. This class is only notes, unless we get through the information quickly." She pauses, as if she might glance at a sheet of parchment she's picked up, but doesn't look at it. "We will be going over casting factors."

Jordan Osserman sloppily writes down and underlines "Casting Factors"

Sylvie Winters looks over the class. "Tell me, someone... Without looking in the book.. What do you think might cause something to be harder to transfigure?"

Grahm Syezac bites his lip and raises his hand.

Rowena Greenlaw raises her hand tentitively.

Aramis Dominic raises his hand quickly.

Culpepper Vert raises his hand, his eyes staring up at the ceiling away from his text which was siotting opened on his desk as he closes it.

Billy MacGregor ponders then raises his hand.

Sylvie Winters motions with her free hand toward Rowena. "Go ahead."

Lucia diCrowley chews on her lip and raises her hand slowly.

Rowena Greenlaw murmurs "Perhaps if it were larger, or living?"

Sylvie Winters smiles a bit. "Right, and right. Anyone else think of something different? There are a couple more."

Jordan Osserman raises his hand, half confident about his answer

Grahm Syezac raises his hand a little higher, hrpmphing at the fact that his was up first anyway.

Aramis Dominic waves his hand hopefully.

Billy MacGregor raises his hand again half confidently.

Tadd Clayton stumbles in, somewhat out of breath and praying he didn't miss much...

Culpepper Vert keeps his hand up, looking entirely tenative. He wipes his nose with hsi other hand.

Sylvie Winters turns toward Grahm, giving him a nod. "Say it."

Grahm Syezac says, "Could it be if something looks entirely different than what you want to, er, change it to?"

Tadd Clayton is pretty sure he knows what the question is, so he raises his hand when he sits.

Jordan Osserman patiently waits with his hand hoisted in the air to be called on

Sylvie Winters glances toward Tadd for a second, watching him as she responds to Grahm. "Yes, partly. Someone else?" She turns back to face the whole class.

Brenna Grey rushes in, hair a mess, robes twisted askew as she hurries, wild-eyed. Framed in the doorway for a moment, acute embarrassment on her face, she screeches to a halt and eyes the crowd with a rapidly reddening face. "Um," the girl comments, "Er, I'm, uh, sorry I'm late.. I couldn't find the classroom.." She hurries to a seat somewhere in the middle of the classroom, red as a beet and attempting to keep her eyes on the desk.

Aramis Dominic waves his hand in a way that tries to be restrained and fails dismally.

Billy MacGregor raises his hand again, half confident.

Lucia diCrowley waves absently, distracted by Brenna's late entry.

Tadd Clayton can't apparently wait to be called upon, "How about lack of concentration?"

Jordan Osserman is shocked that Tadd had the confidence to answer without being called on, and doesn't dare do same

Sylvie Winters nods to Brenna. "That's fine. I don't punish lateness for the first part of the year.." In case anyone gets ideas, she adds, "That's assuming there is a good excuse. Now.. Lack of concentration /will/ keep you from being able to transfigure something, but I'm looking for outside forces, not what /you/ are doing, and please raise you hand next time." She motions to Aramis, "You look excited.. go ahead and give your answer."

Aramis Dominic says, "Er, ma'am, resistance to change in the subject being changed, usually related to, um, intelligence or self-image or both of the above. So it's easy to change something that doesn't have a mind to object but hard to change someone like a human who can want not to."

Brenna Grey smiles gratefully at Sylvie. "Thank ye, Miss," she says, then concentrates on getting her parchment unrolled and settled in place. Meanwhile, she attempts to catch up on the pace of the lesson, pallid eyes focusing on the Professor's face momentarily.

Tadd Clayton takes notes... 'easy to change something that doesn't have a mind to object. Remember to test this theory on Todd.'

Culpepper Vert [:nods his head and wips his nose again, his hand slipping down some. Not quite willing to give up his status as an early hand up but not sure there is much left to say. STill its not down yet, so there must be something.

Sylvie Winters grins a tiny bit. "Very good. You've basically covered the resistance factor, with that answer. There's one factor left that no one has touched on, so I'll give you a hint.. It's the target factor, and there are two parts to it. Can anyone name one, or both, of those parts?"

Jordan Osserman is read to explode now, hand becoming numb in the air

Culpepper Vert wips his nose again and drops his hand lest Jordan blow up completely and obscure his notes.

Aramis Dominic grins, scribbling down the comment, but frowns as he thinks.

Lucia diCrowley leaves her hand in the air, but looks a bit more unsure.

Grahm Syezac scribbles down notes hurriedly, copying everything down.

Sylvie Winters motions toward Lucia. "Go ahead. And Jordan, you next if you have something different."

Lucia diCrowley says hopefully, "You have to know what the thing you want to turn it into looks like, miss?"

Jordan Osserman exstatic he can finnaly answer, and that he has a different answer, speaks loudly "Could it be if what it trying to be transfigured has a spell on it, or has already been tranfigured?"

Jordan Osserman looks up at the teacher, and crosses his fingers hoping to be right as he scribbles the notes he forgot to earlier

Sylvie Winters responds to Lucia first, "That's true, but not what I'm looking for. Jordan, that.. sometimes effects it. But also not what I want." She pauses, to look over the class again. "The target factor has two components, which are as follows. The sight element, and the movement element."

Tadd Clayton looks confused by those terms, but dilligently copies them down anyway.

Lucia diCrowley scribbles notes as quickly as she can.

Aramis Dominic mutters to Tadd, "If it's running away it's harder."

Jordan Osserman stares blankly at the teacher

Billy MacGregor nods and copies down, "Sight and movement."

Rowena Greenlaw writes all of this down, making a mental note as well

Jordan Osserman overhears aramis and quotes aramis in his notes

Tadd Clayton ohs softly and makes the note, "Remember to get element of suprise on Todd."

It seems that Jordan Osserman is looking at Tadd Clayton.

Sylvie Winters continues, "The sight element involves how well you can see the object. Anything that is obscured, shadowy, or otherwise hidden from sight are harder to target and therefore harder to transfigure. The movement element deals with the movement of the object; if something is moving, it will be harder to target."

Aramis Dominic scribbles industriously, spattering ink.

Grahm Syezac writes: "site element - how well you see object, easier seen makes it easier to transfigure, movement - if something is moving, harder to target."

Sylvie Winters waits for a minute to give the class a chance to write, then launches into an explanation of a different factor. "Next, we have the size factor. This one is relatively simple.. something with more mass will have more resistance to being transfigured."

Grahm Syezac writes that comment down, rolling up the scroll a bit for a fresh section of parchment.

Culpepper Vert finishes writing down what he has been told and looks at the list. Then nods and wipes his nose.

Sylvie Winters pauses for another few moments, then smiles toward Aramis. "The third factor has already been nicely explained, but I'll restate it. It is the resistance factor. Everything, living and non-living, has some amount of resistance to being transfigured. There are various explanations for this, which we will not get into today. Put simply, objects tend to.. rebel.. at the thought of being transfigured, animals have more resistance than non-living objects, and humans have more resistance than animals. Are there any questions?"

Aramis Dominic grins as he writes it down.

Grahm Syezac raises his hand, having a question he wants answered.

Tadd Clayton also raises his hand, with some hesitation.

Jordan Osserman raises his hand, using his book to support his question

Sylvie Winters nods toward Grahm. "You, first. What's the question?"

Grahm Syezac puts his hand down and pipes up. "How can a nonliving object have resistance? It has no mind to resist with."

Alanna Tisel says, " I'm sorry I'm late proffesser I was in the Libary"

Sylvie Winters nods. "There are.. Alanna, thank you for joining us now, but class is nearly over. To answer the question, there are many different theories, ranging from the idea that everything, living or non, has a soul, to some rather detailed equations meant to calculate it. I'm afraid it would take more time then we have left to explain all of that today."

Grahm Syezac nods, and writes that down.

Alanna Tisel eyes begin tearing and sits down in one of the chairs

Sylvie Winters asks to the rest of the room, "Who else had questions?"

Tadd Clayton continues to raise his hand trepidatiously.

Jordan Osserman says in a normal tone to the teacher "I had a question"

Sylvie Winters motions to Tadd first, "Go ahead." She nods to Jordan, to show she heard him.

Tadd Clayton says, "Is it possible to, say, turn something unintelligent into something intelligent? Like turn a button into a person or even just a squirel? I know it'd be hard and all, but could it be done?"

Alanna Tisel trys to keep her self from crying but is unsucssfull and buries her face in her hands crying silently

Grahm Syezac glances at Alanna, but, not being able to do anything, turns back to his notes.

Aramis Dominic shifts unwillingly in his seat. He pulls a rumpled handkerchief out of a pocket of his robe, and passes it down the row of pupils toward Alanna.

Jordan Osserman whispers to Alanna "Don't worry, you didn't miss too much"

Rowena Greenlaw looks pityingly at Alanna, but keeps her mouth shut.

Alanna Tisel continues to cry she didn't try to be late as the professer made it seem

Sylvie Winters nods. "I can't imagine turning a button into a person, simply because of the size difference, but it could be done if you were able to get enough strength behind the spell. Certainly non-living things can be turned into living things, although as you said, it would be very hard." She glances at Alanna, and presses her lips together silently. At least class is almost over, she'll talk to her after. "Jordan, what was your question?"

Jordan Osserman scans his book once more "As I just read, it is theriozied to become immortal from constant transfiguration. If someone desires to be transfigured for immortality or other reasons, is resitance still existant to the being?"

Tadd Clayton hrms inwardly, his question being technically answered, but perhaps not to his satisfaction. He scribbles in his notes, "What is the personality of a button transformed into a person? Would it be easier to transform a statue, it being the same size and shape? Try to find 'safe' way to experiment on this principle..."

Jordan Osserman whispers to Tadd "Saw your notes, answer is in the first 3 pages of the book"

Tadd Clayton ohs queitly again, "Thanks!"

Sylvie Winters raises an eyebrow. "In the first place, immortality is illegal. But, if someone did try for that effect, resistance would very much be a factor. In fact, it would built up over the years to make continued transfigurations almost impossible."

Jordan Osserman scribbles into notes Resitance builds up without the will of the "resistee"

Sylvie Winters nods slightly. "Anyone else?"

Aramis Dominic shakes his head, and starts to stack his books.

Alanna Tisel takes the handkerechief being offered to her and wipes her eyes and sits up, her eyes and nose a bright pink

Grahm Syezac wonders where Alanna got the kerchief...

Alanna Tisel begins to pass the hankie back to Aramis

Culpepper Vert wipes his nose with his handkerchief again and finishes his notes. he shakes his head.

Tadd Clayton finishes his notes and sits quietly.

Aramis Dominic takes the hanky, with a smile for Alanna. "Cheer up," he whispers. "It'll be okay."

Sylvie Winters nods one last time, seeing no other hands. She pulls out her wand, aiming it towards what at first seemed an innocent book sitting on her desk.. and it changes into a plate of cookies. "That's what we'll be doing next time, with much smaller objects, of course. If you get the urge to.. try.. it before then, keep in mind that you should never transfigure anyone else's belongings without permission, and likely no one can tranfigure much more than a button yet." She motions toward the plate. "Take one, if you wish, and you are all dismissed."

Culpepper Vert tries to smile encouragingly at Alanna. The effect is a little spoit by having to wipe his nose again.

Tadd Clayton smiles, hops up, and grabs a cookie. He then thinks about it, "This won't change back after I eat it, will it?"

Alanna Tisel gets up and walks out refusing to take the cookie offered to her

Culpepper Vert looks at the cookies, then slowly starts to grin. "Nah Tadd. Thats why she did it. TRo prove it to us."

Aramis Dominic grins. He scoops up a cookie, grabs his books, and heads for the door. "This I need to learn how to do..."

Jordan Osserman starved, takes a cookie, stares at it a little scared, the eats it and returns to the hufflepuff room

Tadd Clayton ooohs and hands a cookie to Culpepper, "Smashing! Thanks for the cookies, professor!"

Sylvie Winters smiles. "That's right. Although, it was originally a cookie to begin with, anyway. You're welcome."

Culpepper Vert gets up and head for the cookies. "It would be great it we could absorb the contents of a book by eating it."

Tadd Clayton thinks for a moment, "Edible books. I'll have to talk to the potions professor about that..."

Alanna Tisel mutters under her breath " Thanks for nothing Proffeser"

Sylvie Winters puts her wand back into her pocket, and moves quietly toward Alanna, whispering, "Could you stay for a minute or two?" Louder, in response to Culpepper, she says, "You can try it, but I wouldn't count on remembering much."

Culpepper Vert pauses and ponders Sylvie's answer, then looks at his notes. "Then it does matter if something isn't what it started as?"

Culpepper Vert heads for the door pausing only to see if he gets an answer.

Alanna Tisel walks out through `(W)est'.

Tadd Clayton happily munches his cookie and heads out, realizing that Alanna and Sylvie may want a moment in private.

Rowena Greenlaw takes a cookie, and smiles her thanks at the professor.

Sylvie Winters shakes her head. "Even if it had not started as a cookie, it would not change back unless someone cast at it to turn it back into it's original form."

Late one afternoon - clearly after classes at Hogwarts have finished for the day, but before normal dinnertime - Quintus makes his way down to the muggle area where Darius has, apparently, set up camp. Surely, it would be easy enough for him to make his way here without attracting muggle attention, but just to be safe, rather than his usual robes, he's decked out in black trousers and a knee-length dark-coloured coat, which he wraps around his body as protection from the chill wind. As he reaches Darius's door, he pauses (checking the number, wouldn't want to startle some stranger) before ringing the bell once, sharply.

A short moment passes before the door opens a crack, and the familiar face of Darius Dwight, a little thinner than it once was, emerges. "Professor Helit," He announces, opening the door wider with a smile. "It's been far too long. Please, come in, come in. I'll make you a tea. What on earth brings you out this way?" Looking to Quintus, Darius pauses in the living room to flick his wand once and wait for Quintus's response. At the flick of the wand, what looks like a normal muggle house suddenly sparks into life, as what look like sheets of paper roll off furniture, desks and bookshelves to reveal old letters, paintings, an African war-shield broken into two halves and many more old knick-knacks from his days of travel.

Peering through the door with a raised eyebrow, Quintus watches as the house sets itself, revealing all sorts of knick-knacks. "Who were you expecting that you had it all covered?" He asks drily, though he does step inside moments afterwards, pulling the door closed behind him carefully and removing his coat, revealing a neatly tailored silk shirt - certainly not his usual style, not by any means. "I wanted to have a chat with you about something," he comments in turn, still looking around the living area. "You are right, it has been some time since we've spoken."

Darius Dwight waves his hand dismissively at Quintus's question. "Townsfolk drop by. I have this illusion ready at all times. I see more muggles than wizards these days, to tell you the truth." His eyebrows raise in a curious manner at Quintus's dress, and at his mention of a chat. "Indeed. Wait a while, I'll go get the tea. You take yours as coffee, if I recall? Black, no sugar?" Darius looks at Quintus and smirks, and waits for an answer before leaving.

"Tea is fine," Quintus calls back, folding his coat neatly and then laying it over the back of a chair a little uncomfortably, adding, "And no, don't you try to pull an Astra on me. Milk and sugar - plenty of sugar." As Darius makes his way into the kitchen, he continues to stand awkwardly in the living area, his gaze drifting from artifact to artifact, but not lingering on any one thing for very long.

Darius carefully waits until Quintus has explained what he wants, before heading into the kitchen. He notes as he walks in that "you can sit down if you like" but is otherwise silent until he returns with two cups of tea, one black, the other white with plenty of sugar. Darius jokes as he hands one over, "How is the old lady, anyway? You're not married yet. Taking your time, aren't you?" Sitting into a comfy lounge chair, Darius gestures to a chair directly opposite him for Quintus.

Taking both the indicated seat and the cup of tea, Quintus warms his hands for a moment in silence, considering the question laid against him. After a moment he comments, "Things have come up - most recently, there was the breakout, but there's been other things... it's still going to happen." He sips at his tea, smirking a little bit himself, before adding, "She also wants to do everything right - first we met with her father, and soon we're meeting with my mother..."

"Unusually formal of her." Darius grins, looking at a small pair of beaded wooden cups on a shelf to his right before returning his gaze to Quintus. "But perhaps that's her pure bred nature coming out. The Rathes are a proud family, what's left of them anyway. Me? I never really understand it. I'm a mutt like you." Grinning, he sips at his tea and declares, "Come on, out with it. What are you here for?"

Shrugging his shoulders, Quintus remains silent a moment longer, sipping at his tea rather than saying anything. Eventually, he observes, "Even though she bucks a lot of trends, there are a few points where... doing things the right way is important to her." He lowers his cup, considering Darius for a moment, before he continues, "...anyway, it's about the wedding that I wanted to talk to you. I know we haven't spoken in some time, but you and Astra always seemed... remarkably close."

With a grin, Darius waves his hand in that quick dismissive gesture of his. "Quintus, Quintus. I've not seen her in years. If you're jealous now, you'll never make it work!" Despite the joking admonishment, his tone suggests he's waiting for the real question.

A further moment of silence follows, this one rather more chilly than the last, before Quintus gruffly explains, "That wasn't where that sentence was going." With a sip of his tea, he adds, "In fact, I had not considered that possibility... until you brought it up just now." The expression he sets on Darius is, briefly, one that wonders if he really ought to ask the next question, but still he carries on with, "Actually, I was wondering if that... closeness would mean you would do us the honour of participating in the ceremony."

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry. Quintus," Darius leans closer, more serious now, looking Quintus dead in the face. "I'd never interfere with your plans. I'm a better friend to both of you than that, I'd like to hope." With a pause, he leans back a bit, still surveying Quintus's gaze as he speaks. "And I'd be happy to, although if you want me to perform, I don't think I'd do very well. Formal pieces are not really my strength, I know, I've been practising composition..." He points to a stack of sheet-music on the coffee table. Tea stains mark most of it.

"I'm not asking you to compose for it," Quintus corrects, shaking his head slightly and sipping at his tea, before adding, "In fact, I was hoping that you would be the best man -- if you'd rather not, that's fine as well." He downs the last of his tea in one mouthful, shaking his head a little and, clearly, looking for a place to put the cup aside, now that he is done.

Leaning backward, Darius doesn't speak for a small moment. Looking to the side, he juts out his chin a moment and then returns to looking at Quintus, with a wide smile. "I'd be honoured." He observes, and stands up to walk over to Quintus and shake his hand. "Congratulations, professor. I don't think anyone can make an honest woman out of Astra, but you've done as good a job of it as anyone could manage, I think."

"I don't like that phrase," Quintus replies, standing up and accepting the handshake with a faint smirk. "An honest woman... I think if she's having children at eighteen, you don't get to come along and make an honest woman of her when she's forty... or, at this rate, perhaps forty-one, or forty-two." His faint smirk breaks into a broader smile as he adds, "And save your congratulations until we find out if she survives meeting my mother."

"I doubt she'd like it either. Make sure you give me some more warning for when it finally happens, and I'll be there. You can send owls out here; they're common enough that no-one will notice it flying close to my house." Darius smiles.

"I won't trespass on your time any longer," Quintus replies simply, though he maintains his smile, now; it's plain that, for all that he's not seen this man in years, he has very little to say to him beyond the business already conducted. "I'll be in touch, I'll let you know what our plans are." He reaches for his coat, unfolding it with a shake, and shrugging it back on.