Mariel nodded at Nathaniel. "Yes, I suppose I am really into my studies. Although some of the classes I'm taking are a bit difficult. Are you taking Arithmancy? I don't remember seeing you in class... Anyway, I'm having a tough time of that one. I just finished my homework, but it hasn't been graded yet so I'm not sure how well I've done. I guess it's a bit ambitious of me to be taking so many classes and hope to play Quidditch..." she trailed off looking a bit thoughtful.

She tilted her head as she looked up at him. "Oh, your sister was in Ravenclaw?" she asked brightly. There was that strange House pride feeling again. "And the rest of your family too? Or were they Gryffies like you? Most of my family was in Slytherin, except my mum, so it was a bit of a surprise for Daddy when I got sorted into Ravenclaw." To say the least.

"Well, I hope you make your House team next year. Seekers are the best fliers, so good luck."

Mariel turned with surprise as Livvy nudged her and looked at her not completely understanding what she meant. Gone a lot lately? Mariel shrugged before saying, "I suppose. I've had a lot of homework lately, so I've mostly been taking care of that in the library or outside when it's a nice day. That and going to lessons, so I haven't been around the common room much."

Mariel narrowed her eyes at Nathaniel as it was her turn to look at someone like they were completely mental. Where did that comment come from? She certainly hoped Livvy hadn't thought that. For Merlin's sake, she was only twelve. She had only just gotten past the boys are icky stage and was now firmly planted in the boys are silly and weird stage. And, yeah, Mariel thought this one was a little strange like most boys she had met, a little more so now, but she still found him fun to talk to, especially when Quidditch was involved. Besides she was talking to this boy for all of five minutes, surely no one in this store thought she liked him like that. "Relax, Nathaniel, I'm sure she wasn't impling anything like that." She turned back to Livvy just in time to hear her agree.

Glancing back at Nathaniel she looked at him curiously as she took a moment to take in his appearance. "Umm... what's going on with your hair?"