After placing all the necessary notification and protective charms back at the Hospital Wing, River trudged the vast expanse of the grounds and found himself at the Wooden Bridge with a dog parade behind. Roscoe and Bumi, his rescue Newfoundlands calmly jogged behind their pack leader with their tongues out enjoying the fresh air and new environment. Brazil had been too humid for the two, so the drastic change of climate was welcomed with open arms...erm, paws.

River immediately stopped at the entrance of the bridge, and the two fur giant babies automatically sat on the ground waiting for his command. The Healer procured a bright red ball and showed it to his companions. With tails wagging, they knew what to do with it. “Ready? Fetch!” With a flick of the wand, the red ball flew towards the other end of the bridge and the two huge dogs immediately ran after it. Before they even got the chance to snatch it, the ball had been summoned back by River, forcing his two dogs to make a U-turn, and back to him.

River had the ball hovering a few meters away from him however. He didn’t want to be trampled on by his own rescue dogs.

After exploring parts of the castle, Olivia made her way to the courtyard and then closer to the bridge. This part of the school was unusually quiet which made her feel a little uncomfortable. Was anyone out here? She took a step closer to the bridge and heard someone say, "Fetch!" She followed the voice to find two dogs playing.

Her eyes lingered a bit more and then she turned pink. Just her luck. It was the new and very attractive Healer playing fetch with his two dogs. Erm. She took a deep breath in and focused on the dogs. Those were big dogs. Newfoundlands perhaps? They were certainly bigger than her Mr. Bennet, their old and faithful Australian shepherd. "Hello!" she ginned. "Your dogs are gorgeous! What are there names?" she asked, approaching the Healer with a grin. They reminded her of Mr. Bennet in his younger days when he would play soccer with her and her brother in the garden. That was many years ago.

River dropped the ball to the ground, tucked away his wand back in his arm holster and watched his two dogs figure out what to do next. Usually, dogs would clamour for the ball but the two just...stared at it. Bumi however, began to nudge the toy towards River's feet. "Ah. Another round, I suppose?" Roscoe barked once, as if saying yes. Well, their tails wagging said so. The Healer picked the ball up, ready to make it fly across again, when a young lady made her presence known.

River turned around, gave the Gryffindor a smile and returned her greeting. "Hello Miss...?" It was just the second day of the school year, which means that River hasn't completely memorized the student roster. There were hundreds of them...meaning he couldn't remember this young lady's name. Roscoe and Bumi barked twice, and River immediately had his finger on them and gave the commanding "Tsch!" No barking when he's talking to someone, boys. "I suppose that's them saying thank you for the compliment." River grinned and went on to introduce his dogs. "This is Roscoe," he said patting the jetblack furry dog, "And this one is Bumi." he continued and gave the chocolate brown mutt a good old pat on the head. "Both of them are rescue dogs. Newfoundlands to be exact." he said turning the ball in his hand. "Why don't you let them smell the back of your hand? If they poke it with their nose then you'd know you can pat them." he said stepping aside to let the Gryffindor do her introductions.

Oh! How silly of her. She had forgotten to say her name. Olivia turned pink once more (more so in embarrassment this time) as she had forgotten to introduce herself. Silly, silly, silly. "Holden. Olivia Holden," she said with a nod. She almost felt like she would need to extend her hand out towards him, knowing how clumsy she was. "[b]I'm transferring here from Beauxbatons.[b]" Just a little context so he would know that she was new as well. She glanced down at the barking dogs and smiled. Barking dogs would have scared her when she was younger but having Mr. Bennett and Chewy at home had taught her not to be afraid of barking dogs.

She listened to the Healer as he introduced his two dogs. Bumi and Roscoe. Bumi. Was the dog named after the famous character from the children series Avatar the Last Airbender? She was tempted to ask but bit her lip instead. Perhaps that question would be a bit too out there. She could hear her brother's voice cautioning her to not go all out at first as she had been told that she could be a bit "too" much in person before. Olivia ignored her brother's advice. "Bumi and Roscoe? Great names. Did you rescue them yourself?" For he was certainly dashing enough to do such a thing....

Err... Earth to Olivia? You there?

She blinked. Right. Focus on the dogs. Right.

Bumi and Roscoe. The brunette brought the back of her hand out a distance towards the dog at a pace that wouldn't startle the dogs. She made sure not to outstretch her hand as well. "G'day Roscoe and Bumi. How do you do? I'm Olivia," she smiled.

River hid a grin as he caught Olivia's face go red. He wondered if it was something he said, however, his thoughts immediately went to his nephew Jace. That kid was the master of blushing. Any and all compliments from his peers were met with the reddening of the face. "Miss Olivia Holden, it is a pleasure to meet you." he said giving her a nod of his head. It was definitely a treat meeting her outside of the confines of the hospital wing. It simply means that she's healthy and in tip-top shape to be out and about. "Ah, Beauxbaton. How was your stay there?" River was genuinely curious about her reason for transferring. Was her stay there not so great?

"Yes, Roscoe and Bumi. I had help from my nephew naming them." he said, giving the grounds a good sweep wondering where his nephew might be at the moment. The question pulled him back to the conversation, and River smiled genuinely at Olivia then to his dogs. "Yes, I did." he said giving them a good chest rub. "The shelter can't handle them any longer so I took them home and trained them. They've been my companion in active rescue missions back in Brazil." River then watched Olivia interact with his dogs...and was pleased to see them nudge their snouts against her hand, tails wagging. Roscoe, the ever sociable one gave Olivia's hand a good slobbering. Oops? "Do you have any pets at home? You seem to be a natural with dogs."

Hearing an adult call her Miss was certainly interesting. It made her feel more graceful than what she actually was. But seeming more graceful or ladylike was never a problem right? Nope, never. She enjoyed it almost as much as when Simon referred to her as 'Supreme League Winner' of their family card game nights. Heh. "It's nice to meet you too, Healer Reed," said Olivia, returning his nod with a nod of her own. It was only polite, of course. She turned to glance at the dogs when Healer Reed had asked her another question. Ah, yes, the question about Beauxbatons. "I enjoyed my time at Beauxbatons and I was sad to leave but I wanted more of a balance between academics and extracurriculars." Balance was good. It was something she needed. "Plus I've always wanted to come to Hogwarts. I didn't know that magic existed until my brother went to Hogwarts. He was a Slytherin. He would come back with all of these unbelievable stories. Several years, I tried to convince me to hide me in his suitcase. It didn't work." She laughed, remembering that conversation. "Did you go to Hogwarts for your schooling? If you don't mind me asking."

She completely ignored her inner Simon's sage advice. "Just a random thought....Did you name Bumi after the Earth King from Avatar the Last Airbender?" she asked curiously, wondering if his nephew had drawn inspiration from that. Then she wondered if Healer Reed had SEEN that show. Oh Merlin... If he had, then he would be the COOLEST. Erm. If not, he was still cool too because he was an adult that was actually conversing with her. She listened to Healer Reed as he mentioned that he had gotten them from a shelter and that they had helped him on his oh-so-brave rescue quests. Wow. She felt the dog's cold, wet noses touch her hand gently."Rescue missions?" she repeated, wondering what he meant by that. "What do you mean by that? Is it kind of like the Red Cross..?"

SLUUUUUUUURP.

Ew.

Olivia glanced down at her hand and saw some dog slobber on them. She laughed. "You're a slobberdog just like Mr. Bennet," she teased gently petting Roscoe at first. As per the Healer's question, she nodded. "I am. We have two dogs. Well a dog and a Crup. Mr. Bennet is our family dog. He's very old and about eleven now. And Chewy's our Crup. I bought him over the summer but he's staying with my older brother at the moment." She had always loved animals, especially dogs. They could understand so much. At times, she felt as if they understood her emotions and her most private thoughts. Or perhaps that was her simply interpreting their actions into being understanding.

A seeker of balance! Well, well, well. She and Jace would get along really well...in principle at least. His nephew had always sought balance, but he had trouble actually doing it. He was in deep absolutes, that Ravenclaw. If it wasn't hard-core studying, it was hard-core Kendo training. It seemed that there was no in-between for that child. "It's good to see you explore your options, Miss Holden. You are not afraid to venture into new things such as Hogwarts." he said tucking his hands behind, rolling the red ball in his hand. "You will soon find out that your brother isn't kidding with his unbelievable stories. I came to realize that when I first stepped into Hogwarts, and realized that my brother wasn't pulling my leg." he said, nodding. "I was in Ravenclaw until my 5th year. I transferred out to Castelobruxo as an exchange student, and eventually found my calling as a Healer there." he continued, as he momentarily gazed at the grounds where a few students streamed out from the halls and plopped carelessly on the grass, perhaps trying to get as much sun as possible before the winter season.

River let out a chuckle as he looked at Olivia amused. "You know that classic show?" he said nodding his head and looked at his dogs who were now asking for belly rubs. "It was Jace's idea, actually. He thought the King was a clever and cunning one." the Healer momentarily looked at Bumi and grinned. "I'd say, Bumi is a clever dog." Roscoe? Not so much, but he's a dependable one. "You can put it that way, since me and my dogs have volunteered for the Brazilian Ministry during the summer months. We would venture out to rescue lost witches and wizards out in the mountains or help Aurors one way or another." he continued tossing the ball up and down the air. "We'd often visit the beaches there as well. Roscoe and Bumi are great swimmers and they've dragged muggles back to shore whenever they sense imminent danger." Could Olivia tell that he's super proud of his fur babies?

River sat on the ground, stretching his long legs on the grass and chuckled along as he watched Olivia with Roscoe and Bumi. The Healer watched Bumi poke his snout against Olivia's shin, and ankles. "I guess that's the case. Bumi can smell them from your clothing." At least his fur baby wasn't nipping at her ankles. "What breed is Mr. Bennet?" River was curious.

Glancing up at the Healer, she stayed silent, listening to him talk about the unbelievable stories that his older brother had shared with him too. It was nice to hear that someone had a similar experience to her. When he informed her that he was a Ravenclaw, something clicked and it all made sense. She could see him in that house. Calm, collected, brilliant. It seemed like a perfect match. She smiled. "I can't wait to experience those unbelievable events." She had always been the first to try something new. Castlebruxo? Olivia tilted her head a little as she continued patting Roscoe. "Did you ever think that you'd end up back at Hogwarts?" She wondered if that had been his game plan all along though sometimes improvisation was needed.

"That's fantastic!" Olivia beamed and had to hold herself back from chuckling a little at his question. Oh please. Did she know that show? Ha! Please, she almost knew every line to some episodes. AND she LOVED it. She had always loved the storyline and the detail put into every character. "It's a great show. I used to watch it on Sunday mornings back at home when I was the first one up," she said. Sometimes her brothers would join her. Most of the time, it would be her and Mr. Bennett as Simon was off at Hogwarts. Her jaw dropped and she gaped when he spoke about how he took his dogs to find lost witches and wizards in the mountains. That was so cool. "That's amazing! Awesome job, Roscoe and Bumi. You guys are fantastic," she said scratching between Roscoe's ears. Yes, you are fantastic. And then she realized that she hadn't even given Healer Reed any credit. Whoops! She turned to glance at him and smiled. "You're also fantastic too! Training your dogs to do such incredible things" She was fairly certain at this point that Healer Reed was a superhero with all he did.

Watching Bumi sniff her ankles made her chuckle. "Yes, I do have dogs at home. Well a dog and a Crup," she said to Bumi as if answering an unspoken question. Ah. Healer Reed had asked an actual question now. Right. "Mr. Bennet is a very affectionate Australian Shepard. He's a medium size dog that likes to slobber all over your new pair of jeans. He can be a menace at times but he's a nice one. He's also much smaller than Bumi and Roscoe ... though he doesn't believe he's that small." She chuckled. More scratches for both of them.

One thing is certain with this young lady: She is a Gryffindor. When he was eleven years old, he got fazed by some of Ryden’s stories. It didn’t help too that him and his brother have a nine year gap in between, giving Ryden full reign in scaring him to death. The fear slowly died down when River sneaked into his brother’s room during the summer months to read his used Hogwarts books. The more he knew about the school’s history, the way subjects were taught in Hogwarts, he grew more confident way before he received his acceptance letter. Ryden was quick to assume that his plan backfired...immensely. “This school will teach you a lot of things, Miss Holden. That you can trust. More so, your life experiences in here will make you tougher and smarter.” River started, as he hugged his knees towards his chest. “But as one of your guardians here in school, please take extra caution. There’s nothing wrong with exploring, but do not act on impulse alone.” The Healer paused, and considered his next words carefully. Although Olivia is a Gryffindor, he didn’t want to scare the young lady. “I’d hate to see you in a hospital bed completely incapacitated.” Although he’s a skilled Healer, he hates seeing young people get hurt.

“Hmm.” River looked away and towards the trees across the field as he considered Olivia’s question. “Honestly, no. I have always pictured myself working for the Ministry doing full-scale rescue missions. But then again, maybe that’s not my fate.” He said shrugging. “It’s not so bad returning to Hogwarts, in all honesty. I’ve missed this place...and I know I am privileged to be able to return and give something to back to my second home.” He said, giving Olivia a grin. “How about you though? Have you figured out what career path you will take after Hogwarts?” It might be too early to ask Miss Holden this question, but then again, he was curious. Merlin knows what kids these days want to become in the future.

The Healer simply watched the young lady interact with his dogs, and nodded her way in appreciation. “Thank you, Miss Holden.” He said as he reached out for Bumi and fixed his harness. “Might as well give all the credit to these two. They are easy to train to be honest, making me question why their original owners wanted them gone.” Muggles...and mankind in general. Merlin. What is wrong with their society these days? “An Australian Shepherd? Those are good for rescue missions too, did you know?” he asked as Bumi scuttled towards him and decided to sprawl on his lap. “And it looks like you’ve got an alpha male back at home. Small dog, big personality...” Whereas for Bumi and Roscoe...well, they’re just a pair of oversized babies on a regular day to be honest.

Olivia nodded, realizing that he had told her to be a little more cautious around the castle as he did not wish for her to get hurt. Aw! How sweet. Her A concerned hero."I will be cautious, sir," she said with a smile. She will also make sure to never explore alone (as often as she could). "Don't worry!" She hoped maybe telling him not to worry would be a good idea. Then again when she told her brother that, it only made him start worrying more. His last sentence repeated in her mind. I’d hate to see you in a hospital bed completely incapacitated. So Hogwarts did have dangers within the castle. She'd have to make a note to research this at a different time. "Any places I should avoid that aren't already off limits?" Cause now she definitely wasn't going to explore those with THAT advice.

Olivia focused on Roscoe in front of her momentarily, smiling at him and joking with the Newfoundland. Then she decided to also sit on the ground too as her feet were sore from exploring the grounds already. When Healer Reed spoke again, she stopped joking with Rosoce and listened. Full rescue missions? That was AWESOME. However, when he spoke of fate, she smiled a little. "Maybe it's not but maybe you have another journey ahead of you?" It was possible that Healer Reed could end up pursuing his dream in the near future. If she was hiring for the Ministry, she would have hired him already. However, she was just merely a student. Not a professional. Healer Reed's question made her stop in her tracks. Career path? Wasn't that a bit early? "I know I definitely don't want to teach. I know I don't have the patience for it," she chuckled. She wasn't her middle brother. "As a child, I always loved helping people and animals alike. I'm fascinated with memory. So I'm not sure just yet. Though I know I do not want to be a professional Quidditch player. I'm clumsy enough on ground. Imagine me trying to fly around." She shook her head at the thought. She'd look completely and utterly ridiculous. "I like my feet on the ground."

At his mention of the two dog's owners not wanting them, Olivia frowned. It seemed sad to hear and think about how someone could possibly not want one of these wonderful bundles of fluff. "Maybe they were moving away? Or they couldn't afford to keep the dogs?" she offered. Or maybe they didn't remember. The last thought made her shudder and fold her arms momentarily. Mother. She glanced down at Roscoe and then back at Healer Reed. Australian Shepherds were good rescue dogs too? "Fantastic! Maybe Mr. Bennet and I can go on our own adventures though he is getting a little old these days." She wouldn't want to push him too much. Mr. Bennet sometimes thought he was much younger than the age he was! Silly pup. "Yes, small dog yet big personality. Fits him very well. The only people he really listens to are Dad and Si. He thinks I'm younger and sillier than him." Both were somewhat true.

Should he completely trust the words of a 14 year old? Maybe not, but then again it was his job to keep students informed beforehand that their actions have consequences, and that they must choose wisely every single time. They may be children still, yes, but they were born with magic in their blood and that in itself is a whole new story. Child or not, they were susceptible to higher risks and dangers than their muggle counterparts. Olivia’s affirmation was met with a nod and a grin, and a silent wish that she will keep her words. “The last time I was here, the Forbidden Forest was off-limits...and it still is. I am sure you know the reason for it.” She need not be a Ravenclaw to know, really. “Besides that, be extra careful about the Whomping Willow. Always keep a safe distance from that thing, though it shouldn’t stop you from appreciating it.” He didn’t want to put a bad reputation on the sentient plant...or he’d face the wrath of the Herbology professor. There was no way he’d wear a poncho as punishment. Just...no.

“Maybe.” River shrugged and smiled at the young lady. “I wasn’t named River for nothing, you see. My mother felt that I was adaptable to any situation...just like water.” If Olivia was quick enough, she’d pick up the ATLA reference in between, which reminded him that Jace particularly loved these moments with him. Where is that boy anyway? River listened to the young lady and tilted his head to the side, “You’ll do well as a Healer...or a Creatures’ Veterinarian. I took the latter as a minor back in University...” he said trailing off as he took moment to watch the others on the ground play amongst themselves. “Merlin, you sound like Jace.” River let out a chuckle as shook his head in disbelief. “You should learn how to, though. And...take it as a means to improve your balance. There’s always a reason for you to learn it, don’t you think?” He really should get paid extra for this counselling thing.

The Healer let out a sigh, and shook his head once more as he glanced at his babies. “The shelter said they were abandoned.” He said giving Bumi a nice pat on its tummy, “I knew I had to take them with me. It felt right that moment.” He added as he flipped Bumi’s left ear flap and took a quick peek at it. “You should still be in command, Miss Holden. Always think big whenever you’re with Mr. Bennet.” But then again, they were talking about an old dog. “You should also take the time to have his check-up with the vet more often.” Because sadly, sooner or later...her dog will have to go too.

He was such a Ravenclaw. Talking about being safe and cautious.... Being safe and cautious was very important. She was certain that her brother would agree with the Healer. Or maybe her brother had somehow orchestrated an effort with the staff to make sure that someone told her to be safe. That WOULD be like her brother but.... That was very unlikely. She was just certain that Healer Reed was just keeping an eye out for her. She was a Gryffindor after all. "Did you have a bad experience with the Whomping Willow?" she asked, tilting her head to the side slightly. The question was just because she was curious.

Olivia's eyes widened when she heard the reference he had made and a smug smile played upon her lips. She knew exactly what he was doing. Healer Reed, this young witch had your number.....Not in that way. "Mhm, it's very appropriate that you are a Healer," she grinned, considering that the waterbenders in ATLA could heal people. And Katara was the best Healer in the Southern Water Tribe. Sometimes she still couldn't believe that Katara and Aang ended up together... That would.. That would be like marrying her own brother. Yuck. Shudder. At his words, she felt a little more inspired and comfortable with the career ideas that she had shared. Olivia smiled softly, "How do I become a Healer? Are all the classes offered at university?" That would mean more schooling and more homework, yes? Challenge Accepted. Merlin's Beard. She was beginning to sound like her brother. Anyway.... She chuckled at his comment. His reasoning made sense and she ought to agree with it but for some reason she didn't want too. Though she knew he was right. "Okay but if I break my bone..." She was totally blaming it on him. For some reason, the Healer was beginning to sound like a very dear character to her from the Star Wars Saga and Olivia, being the huge nerd that she is, couldn't resist sharing a small smile. "Do or do not, there is no try.

Knew that it felt right? She glanced at the Healer for a moment confused until it all seemed to click. Ohh...... She understood. She thought. Maybe? Yeah. "I see," she said, still looking at the Healer whilst petting Roscoe's belly now. At the mention of Mr. Bennet and his check ups, she looked down, frowning. Yeah, he was getting much older. "Yeah, it'll be tough to say another goodbye." First her mother and now Mr. Bennet. She stopped petting Roscoe for a moment as she was completely and utterly lost in her own world. Huh? She felt a cold nose on her hand. Had she been staring at Roscoe? "It'll soon be his time. I'd hate to see him in pain.' Or anyone for that matter except maybe Marcus.

The thing about this bridge was that it seemed to bear witness to the seasons more than the rest of Hogwarts castle. It was out there in the middle of the elements, open to the best and worst of the weather... really more part of the world than a structure apart. So when Katy stood there on the bridge and took in the fall leaves, it was like she was part of the world too. Not a structure apart.

It was kind of beautiful, and she wondered if it was this beautiful at Durmstrang. Maybe so... but it was also impossibly cold and people lost toes there all the time. Winter was bad here, but it was obdurate there.

Outside was the best place to be and that was exactly where Henry was. Sure, it was beginning to get a bit colder outside, but that didn't bother him at all. There was too much fun to be had and usually what he found to do proved to be a good way for him to expend the extra energy he seemed to carry around.

Henry had already taken his morning run, so he was merely following his kneazle onto the grounds, hoping to run into someone he knew. They had just neared the lake when the feline seemed to spot a small movement, a mouse perhaps, and took off running across the bridge.

"Okay, then.." An amused Henry chuckled as he watched and made his way onto the bridge himself. He didn't run after him, figuring he'd let Chewbacca have whatever kneazle!fun he wanted and he'd come back to find him when he was done. That was what he usually did anyway. But he soon spotted someone he knew and he leaned against the railing of the bridge as he looked at her.

"Hey, Katy," he grinned. "What are you up to out here?"

“The thing about having an older brother is that they tend to embellish some of their Hogwarts stories.” River started as he appreciated the soft breeze that swept through them, “The Whomping Willow stories Ryden had didn’t escape the embellishment, so by the time I was in Hogwarts...I made sure to stay away from it like a plague.” And River looked like the absolute idiot in Ravenclaw. “So, no...I didn’t have any personal encounters with it but I had friends who were not so fortunate with it.” And they were Slytherins, mind you.

If River could be very blunt with this child, he would disagree. He would rather be out in the mountains searching for possible healing herbs and plants, and just enjoy nature. He felt he was more of an Earth person than a Water one. But then again...who was he to dictate such things? As far as he could remember, he was merely interested in fixing things...who actually would have thought that he’d be successful in fixing people’s injuries? “Most of the Wizarding Universities offer it, so you shouldn’t be worried about these classes. If anything, those are highly advanced lectures than the ones taught here in Hogwarts...but you will get by as long as your heart’s into it.” Because having the will to heal people mattered, or else, she will just get bored and be tired of it all. “And if you break your bone, I will be there to fix it so don’t be afraid to try.” He said grinning in assurance. That’s exactly why schools have Healers. They were there to be the student’s support person should something go wrong.

The Healer held in his breath as he watched Olivia frown. Death was inevitable, that he was sure of, and it was his fervent hope that people would accept is part of life’s cycle. Even wizarding folks go through it. “What matters is the now, Miss Holden.” He said gently placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. “As long as you give Mr. Bennet the love and care he deserves, he will not be in that kind of pain.” He added giving her shoulder a reassuring pat.

The wind whipped Katy's hair up and in her face at JUST the worst possible moment, right as she was turning to see who was speaking to her. No, she knew. She knew, and she was composing the cleverest thing to say, and the most composed face with maybe a little smirky smile, and she was trying very hard not to blush.

And then she got a mouthful of hair and she couldn't help but blush. Katy shoved those traitorous blond tresses and tucked them into her collar before turning back to look over the railing again. Uuuuuuggggggghhhhh. "Hey, Henry. Just... leaves. They're awfully pretty, aren't they?"

It was awfully windy today, wasn't it? Seemed fairly typical for the time of year though and Henry didn't mind it too much, even if the wind made it known that cooler weather was coming. Honestly, it just put him in the mood for hot chocolate.

Henry might have had the briefest of fleeting thoughts that the wind might be bothersome for people with long hair as Katy tucked hers out of the way, but he didn't notice any other unease from her. Instead, he turned to face the same direction she was and leaned his arms against the railing as he looked out. "Yeah...I like this time of the year. Of course, summer is my favorite, but autumn is the best for running." And for outside sports too. He prefered to play Quidditch in autumn, if anyone would ask him. "It's cooler than summer so you don't get too hot exerting all that energy, plus the scenery is great to look at. Perfect for clearing your mind and working out thoughts."

She scooted closer until her elbow was just touching his on the railing. Sure, there were about 18 layers of clothing in between, but it felt really close. The red rose in her cheeks again, and Katy decided to create a poem to take care of that. Immediately.

"It's moody and atmospheric, you know? Like, I feel autumn but I just exist in the other seasons. I know that sounds like bad poetry and I'm considering throwing myself off this bridge for saying it out loud, but there we are." Katy leaned forward to peer down into the ravine below. "I bet it's hard to be here after all that Quidditch this summer."

Henry thought nothing of the closeness between them, not that he had noticed her scooting closer. But he was rather comfortable around Katy and always liked hanging out with her. Turning to give her a glance, he noticed the redness in her cheeks. "Are you cold?" It was kind of nippy out here. But his mind was still on the hot chocolate he was now certain to be getting later.

Moody and atmospheric. Henry looked out over the lake again and to the colorful leaves on the trees just past as he thought over her words. He was about to say something about some people just relating to certain times of the year but he turned to give her an amused look. ".....what? No, you can't do that. Because then I'd have to jump in after you and it's not like I have my swimming trunks on and I'm sure the water's really cold... Better to just stay on the bridge." He grinned, giving her a firm nod.

His smile fading just a bit, he looked back out at the scenery. "Yeah.. it kind of is. It make me feel a little..." Henry searched for a word. Disconnected? No.. he felt connected enough with friends, and he wouldn't go as far to say lost, but more that something was missing. "I don't know... I wish there was Quidditch here." Pickup games were fun, but not quite the same.

"No... yes." She rubbed at her cheeks. "A bit, yes. Don't worry about it." It was better if he just forgot about it, okay? Just... let it go, Henry the Pretty.

Katy turned her back to the view and pressed her elbows and rump against the boards of the railing. The better to look at him properly, and the better to stop taking the wind full in the face. "You probably should let me drown. I don't want to be responsible for injuring a future Quidditch star, and Merlin knows a Puff like you won't stop until I'm safe." Not that she was jumping, but self-preservation was obviously not an instinct for him.

She hated that her words made him sad, and Katy put her hand on his arm without worrying over whether or not it was right to do so. "Sorry. You're more than just your broom, but it's still important to you. I didn't mean to bring it up. You were brilliant, by the way, when I came to see you play this summer. These girls in the stands were so jealous when I told them I knew you."

Olivia chuckled at Healer Reed’s statement of older brother embellishing their stories. “Sometimes muggle brothers do that too,” she said with a small smile. Her eldest brother Marcus loved to embellish stories about what he was doing to make himself seem more important. She sighed. She didn’t know what had happened between her, Marcus, and Simon. She smiled a little at his words. The stories that Ryden told must have bene terrifying. “That’s understandable. I have yet to see the Whomping Willow.” At the mention of the friends that did not have a favorable encounter, she frowned slightly and turned to glance at River. “Were they… okay?” The couldn’t have been hurt too badly, right? It was just a tree. A big tree.

Highly advanced courses? She smirked. “I am always up for the challenge.” She nodded, feeling rather confident in her ability. “Though it will take much patience and work.” However, she knew it required a lot of work and determination. Dedication too. “I know it will certainly take a lot of work but I do want to help people.” She had always enjoyed helping others as well as mediating conflict, especially between her two older brothers. Olivia raised both eyebrows at his question. “Healer Reed, are you encouraging to break my bones?” she asked with a teasing grin and chuckle. She knew he wasn’t but it had sounded like that for a moment and she loved to have a good laugh.

What matters is now, Miss Holden. Wise words. Live in the now.

“I suppose so.” She sighed, taking a deep breath. She continued to look down even when she felt his hand on her shoulder. His hand was warm and comforting. He gave her a nice pat, making her feel more alright. She nodded, glancing at Healer Reed. “True. He should not. He’s been a good companion and has been with me through a lot.” He had been there with her whenever her father and eldest brother argued or whenever her two brothers fought. He had been there when her mother had forgotten who she was and when her mother had passed away. The way Healer Reed spoke sounded as if he had some experience with this matter. However, it would be inappropriate if she straight up asked him. “You speak as if you have lost someone. Have you lost a pet before?” she asked.

Henry nodded a bit as he watched her. He wasn't too worried about it, just curious. "It is kind of chilly out here. You can borrow my scarf if you want." He didn't mind offering.

He leaned slightly to the side as Katy turned so he could look at her as they talked. "Nope. Not gonna happen," he said with a slight smirk. "What kind of Puff would I be if I let you jump to your own demise? I've got a reputation to uphold, future Quidditch star or not." No drowning on his watch.

Katy was sweet and he gave her a wide smile. "No, it's alright. Really." He wasn't really sad, just wished that things were different. And he didn't mind talking about it at all. He couldn't help but to grin as she continued though. "Oh, were they really? I bet.." Henry chuckled at the thought. "Thanks though. I'm glad you came. I think there's nothing I love more than being right in the middle of an intense game." And he really appreciated when his friends came to support him.

“It’s best to have a friend with you, if you’re planning to see it soon.” He said as he nodded towards the general direction of the Whomping Willow. “It would be wise too to know its history. It wasn’t placed there for nothing.” As a former Ravenclaw, again, River did not miss checking its information in the library. It was a bit weird to him that its origin wasn’t recorded in detail making its existence a bit suspicious. When he finally learned why, through the school’s archives, it all made sense and it made him appreciate Hogwarts more. “A broken leg, cuts...and scarred for life I believe.” Because that’s exactly the result of being in perpetual bliss. Kids still read up their textbooks nowadays, yes?

“Perhaps, an endless supply of determination and hard work, Miss Holden. Once you become a Healer, you never stop learning. And I suppose that goes for any other profession.” So really, his wasn’t an isolated case. River let out a chuckle, and shook his head. “I am encouraging you to face your fears, and learn.” Because what kind of witch would she be if she didn’t know how to fly a broomstick?

On the subject of loss, River simply grinned and relaxed. He’d seen both humans and creatures die on the table, given his experience as a Healer so it wasn’t much of a big deal. However, he thought he would never be ready if the time for his father to go has come. Although he’s well and healthy at the moment, his old age played a great role. Hopefully, his siblings would take the hint. “I have. Most were patients who became too weak. Creatures, likewise. I had a crup when I was your age...and when she died I nearly lost my head.” He said grinning at the memory. “She was a very good companion, and an understanding one.” Too bad he wasn’t there when she had to cross the rainbow bridge.

Borrowing the scarf would be too much. Like... she was already being extremely uncool, and she didn't feel at all like herself, and she felt like that last acknowledgement of weakness, even if it was just weakness against the gelid air coming up over the lake.

"You're the Puffiest Puff, Henry. The Puffiest. It's endearing, in case it wasn't obvious. And yes, and you seem not at all surprised that the girls in the stands are jealous monsters. I'd say you're almost proud of it." She leaned forward on the railing to look out over the ravine below. The leaves were all gold and russet and orange. "Can I ask you something? That kiss... on the train? Did it mean anything?"