Once the parchment was secured to Pandora's leg, Mariel watched as the owl promptly took flight out the large open window. She stared after her for a moment, watching her grow smaller and smaller, then spun around, somewhat startled, as she heard a voice behind her - one that she was certain was addressing her.

"Oh... hello," the fifteen year old said with a hint of surprise, soon mirroring the older boy's smile. Leaning back slightly against the stone wall, she tilted her head to look at him closer. He looked vaguely familiar, a Gryffindor she was sure, though she wasn't certain of his name. "It's going... okay, I suppose," Mariel answered. Though she had been in a good mood lately, these weekly letters made her somewhat anxious. "And you? You look a bit cold..." Though the sun was shining brightly today and she was quite thankful for the departure of snow, some of the Spring days were still a bit too chilly for her taste.