Her first week of classes had been a disaster. Meredith had discovered that her classes had become significantly more challenging as a fourth year compared to her previous years. She suspected it was because they had to study for the O.W.L exams the very next year.

So when she saw the sleep-out message on the noticeboard in the Gryffindor Common Room that morning, she was ecstatic to have something to look forward to before the weekend began.

Meredith walked to the fire pit area while wearing a jacket over her pink pajamas "Am i too early, Professor?" she questioned, motioning towards the unlit fire.

If the teachers had suggested an outdoor sleeping adventure at her Muggle Primary, Aurora would’ve thought they’d gone crazy! The idea of a camp out with the Care of Magical Creatures professor and all her fellow students in the grounds of Hogwarts however seemed a little more exciting. Aurora was a girly-girl but that didn’t mean she didn’t appreciate the great outdoors too. The family were more likely to spend a holiday in the sun in Greece than they were to go camping so the eleven-year-old hadn’t had much experience. Still she was excited and eager as she bounced her way down from the Ravenclaw tower.

Clearly a little too eager.

Apart from one other student and the professor, she was the only one there. That was a little awkward, she was now going to be characterised as the eager nerdy first year.

Oh well!

The blonde grinned sweetly at her fellow student and the professor. “Hi! I’m glad I wasn’t first” she giggled. She wasn’t as eager as the first girl. She looked around wondering what she was supposed to do next. Was there a seating plan? Do they need to help set up? Was the food for now or later?

SO MANY QUESTIONS!

Aurora was wearing an extra special pair of pink fluffy PJ’s covered in pastel coloured and sparkly unicorns. They were obviously a fictional muggle depiction of Unicorns rather than realistic. You could imagine the excitement when the first year found out that Unicorns were REAL. She carried in her arms a purple stuffed penguin with a pink sparkly beak and feet. It had been a present from her mothers a few birthdays ago and had been the first thing she had packed in her suitcase before leaving for Hogwarts. Her long locks had been plaited into double Dutch braids that afternoon and she had kept them in to sleep in. Aurora insisted that she wasn’t actually named after the Disney Princess but her love of pink, animals and her natural blonde hair made her resemble the Princess. She didn’t want to be the first person to sit down so she stood near the older student hoping that someone else would take the lead.

Hope was still in a bit of a daze after her first week of classes. Although she'd always studied hard at home, she felt inadequately prepared for the rigors of Hogwarts, and especially Ravenclaw. But she couldn't turn down the opportunity to participate in an outdoor activity like this, so here she was, in an old-fashioned flannel nightgown and warm knitted boots, holding a rather shabby homemade stuffed opossum under one arm.

She saw Professor Paton and a few other students when she got there, including fellow first year Ravenclaw Aurora (whom she already felt outclassed by in school--oh why had the Hat placed her with all these brilliant children?!?) Well, at least she wasn't too early--not the first, at least. "Good evening," she said quietly as she came closer and looked around.

So the CoMC camp out had been a BIG surprise to Ve, but pleasantly so. Honestly, she would always say hats off to any Professor's brave enough to commit to having to watch the students in settings like this for a WHOLE evening. It was a bold choice. Very Gryffindor. Fitting for the new Head of House.

Skipping her way down, a clean (no stains!!) Kenmore Kestrals jumper and a pair of sweats her PJs for the night, Ve beamed and gave a finger waggle towards Professor Paton before making her way directly towards the table laden with stuffed creatures, quickly selecting one of the reptilian family and draping it around her neck before making her way to the fire pit that was looking.... Not so fiery. "Hi Professor Paton, hi Meredith!" The others were newer and she didn't know names yet so, she just gave friendly smiles and waves in their direction. She would have pointed out the fire was more helpful when there were FLAMES involved but.... She wouldn't insult Professor Paton by assuming she didn't know that. She'd just look at it.

Maybe if she blinked enough at it, it could spontaneously combust.

Sleeping outside was definitely a creature-like thing to do and one her parents would NEVER allow at home, which obviously meant Everleigh was thrilled to experience it. Living that freedom life now that she was at Hogwarts, baby. It was a dream come true. She did bring her own pillow, though. She wasn’t insane.

The first year approached the small group that had already gathered with curiosity, noting she was one of the early arrivals. All the better to get the top pick of the sleeping bags, right? Maybe something pastel to go with her fuzzy pink pajamas. She did love a matching moment. Adjusting her pillow from one arm to the other, she sidled up beside the others. ”Hi there. Can we just grab any sleeping bag we want?” The brunette looked around at the others expectantly. She would probably also sneak one of the darling stuffed animals, even though she was a mature eleven year old these days. Practically a woman. A woman who hadn’t yet learned to sleep without a stuffy. She’d been too embarrassed to bring her bear, Mr. Slippers, so knowing she might still be able to cuddle something on the down low was reassuring. She’d just be sneaky about it. Nothing to see here.

So, sleeping bags???

Nora had heard there would be a sleepover, and at first she was sort of hesitant. Sleepovers? Cool! Sleepovers outside of a magical school in a magical creatures area? Hmm... However, in the end, she had decided that she'd go. Magical school wasn't going to get any easier for her if she kept giving in to the misery. She might as well try to have fun.

She paused and let her eyes travel around the area. Apparently, she could either sleep in a tent or outside under the stars. She'd make that decision later. There were treats, loads and loads of treats. That would definitely be on her list sooner rather than later. What specifically got her attention was the table of treats for creatures. In other words, magical creatures. Nora hadn't had much experience with those yet, and quite frankly, her mind just kept thinking along the lines of dragons. Yikes!

Seeing as she was already in her pajamas, she didn't need the dressing rooms. So there was only one thing left to do---socialize. That was something that really didn't bother Nora so to say, but seeing as she didn't really know that many people here, socializing was still sort of awkward. So she just stalled in the midst of everybody and gave a "Hey" to whoever was standing around and could hear her.

Jude was very supportive when it came to his professors and their activities but he was definitely doubly {or triply} supportive when it came to cousin Hady. It was why he had taken the trek out to the pastures in a higher spirit than normal. He was already dressed suitably in pajamas - bright green with musical notes patterned on them {a gift from his mother and father last Christmas}.

He took a moment to survey all the things Hady had set up. Judging by it all, the students were definitely in for a treat. Perhaps he and Keigh could find their cousins and have one giant extended family camp out. It had been a while since they’d had one of those. “Hi,” he answered a first year {Nora} as he passed by her. Jude even gave her a friendly smile. “Hey, Professor!” See? He was still careful not to call the woman ‘Cousin Hady’ - a mistake SO many of his cousins had made, and probably still continued to!

Sleepovers? The great outdoors? Pyjamas? Count Yukie Selina Rasting in.

Already in her own pyjamas, Yukie made her way to the pastures where Professor Paton and everyone else was. Though she liked her bed in the Hufflepuff basements a lot, this was an opportunity she would always be willing to take. She even had her night-time hair band on, with the little kitty ears.

And those stuffed creatures! So adorable. Yukie made a mental note to get one of those later.

"Good evening, Professor!" The littlest Rasting greeted the Creatures professor once she arrived. Passing by Jude, Yukie gave him a gentle poke on the arm and a grin as acknowledgment. Then, she stood beside a Gryffindor she knew to be her classmate. Meredith was her name, if Yukie recalled correctly. "Hey!" The Hufflepuff gave her a smile.

A sleeeeeeeeeeepover?????? Arden was ecstatic at the idea of spending a night under the stars!? Would any of the animals be present? Arden certainly hoped so! She had brought her OWN sleeping bag, tucked safely under her arm, and was delighted to see that Professor Paton had provided some already. Well, that was okay to Arden because that would mean more cushion if anyone wanted an extra sleeping bag! Hers was a deep plum with bright gold and silver stars; it reminded Arden of her older brother, and she found that she really missed his presence when he wasn’t around. Soon he’d be leaving Hogwarts, though, but she didn’t want to think about that yet. Speaking of Starr, where was the Hufflepuff? Arden looked around briefly, waving at Professor Paton as she did so.

One of her year mates, Meredith, was here already, and so Arden gave her a smile and a wave as well as some of the younger ones she was friendly with - Vera, Nora - but she came to a stop next to little Ackerly. She had promised her aunt Layla that she’d keep an eye on her this term. She had Ariadne, sure, but the more eyes the better! She nudged Aurora affectionately. “Hey,” she whispered and smiled. Her curly hair she had inherited from her dad was plaited into pigtails.

Lisa had been afraid that she was going to be the eldest student here. She got flashbacks to that one party her second year when a certain Gryffindor boy (PABU) insinuated that she was an elder even THOUGH she was one year older, wearing a bright pink wig, and sparkly white glasses. The nerve of that man-child! Even though he had grown older, she still thought of him at the same age.

Wearing a pikachu onesie, she joined the group for the COMC Sleep Out. “Hi Professor Paton.” She smiled wider and then paused as she scanned the group for familiar faces. Oh hey! Jude was here! And more! “Hello,” she greeted the group before making her way over to him. “I never got the purposes of sleepovers… Why is it called a sleepover if no one actually sleeps?” she joked.

Very rarely does Yumeki show genuine excitement on his face for Kendo, which what he enjoys most of all. Kendo was a way of life for him. The opportunity though to have an excuse to sleep outside during the night at a school that demanded you sleep indoors in your bed before curfew? There was a slight smile on his face as he trekked down to the Magical Creatures Pasture. He didn't have any kind of special pajamas or anything. He wore what he felt was most comfortable. Dark Grey matching jumper and sweatpants. The sweater had a hole in one of the elbows and the cuffs around it's sleeves looked ragged and torn. He also wore his good pair of sneakers. As he stood with the other students making note that so far a majority of them looked like 1st years. Or at least that's what his tired baggy eyes perceived for him anyways. He looked around again seeing Yukie-chan and gave her a smile and wave before locking onto Lisa Nam. He shuffled his legs over her way and stood next to her. "Hey you, Pikachu." He said as he scratched his chin and let out a massive yawn. He stuffed his hands into his pants pockets and tilted his head to the side looking onward toward the Professor who looked like she was still putting the place together for them. He inspected the tents, the sleeping bags and pillows and that some of the other students had even brought their own pillows with them. What would be best for Yumeki though? When was it that they could sleep?

Nighttime sleepover…check.

With creatures…double and triple check.

When Raj had seen the notice, it had sure gotten his attention and was definitely all for it. Reminded him of some of the outings they had done together as a family out on the lands of the reserve when he was growing up. So when the time came, the seventh year made his way down to the creatures pastures dressed in comfy pants and a t shirt since it was still warm out ready to enjoy the night, whatever may or may not be planned.

“Good evening, Professor,” he greeted his Aunt Hads with a smile. “Great idea.” The Ravenclaw taking in the gathering. He’d be sure to take a sleeping bag at some point, even if to just have a soft place to relax once the fire was lit.

---------------------------------------------------

Now a nighttime activity out of the grounds…that would be fun. And if one looked carefully in the darkening sky, they would see the movements of a great horned owl flying around the area where the COMC professor and students were gathering for a little bit before alighting to perch on a branch of one of the nearest trees. After all, one might be looking for nocturnal creatures in your surroundings.

hoo-h'HOO-hoo-hoo the creature let out seemingly watching the humans with its wide eyes.

It wasn’t long before the area started to fill with more students. Aurora was pleased to see there were several students of her own age she could socialise with before having to resort to forcing her way into an older students conversation. Not that she was scared to do that. Aurora could hold a conversation with a rock. She gave a little wave to both Hope and Everleigh who she shared a dorm room with, appreciative of the comfort of familiarity with tonight’s sleeping arrangements. “Doesn’t this look fun?” she beamed at Hope although it hadn’t gone unnoticed that her fellow Claw perhaps wasn’t so into the whole camp out thing as Aurora was.

Everything seemed fun at this school so far although her Mum Bambi had been hesitant to send her girls to Hogwarts considering the crazy events that had occurred in the past. Not that Aurora knew ]much about any of that.

The appearance of a familiar face got Aurora even more excited for the evenings proceedings. Her Ma didn’t have many friends in school which meant that the ones she did have she was close to and became like an Aunt to Aurora. Arden was the daughter of her surrogate Aunt Eden and there was no denying that the petite blonde looked up to the older student enormously. She grinned at the fourth year and leaned into her side, partly because she didn’t know many others and wanted that familiar bit of comfort and partly because the sun was starting to set which meant the Scottish chill was coming in from the lake and Arden looked nice and warm. “Isn’t this exciting?! Can I sit with you?!” She didn’t own a sleeping bag so she’d have to take one from the collection. She hadn’t decided whether a tent was necessary either although she would probably take the influence of Arden anyway. “We have matching hair!” she giggled pointing at both their braids although Arden’s gorgeous curly locks gave a lot more texture than Aurora’s silky waves. The eleven-year-old was a teeeeeensy bit jealous of how pretty and natural her friends hair was.

A sleep out lesson in the very first week of term. Suffice it to say, Regulus had not been thrilled by the news, and the prospect of sleeping surrounded by all these people. On the other hand, the dormitory now seemed the lesser of two evils, at least for the moment.

He'd been careful not to react. This was nothing. This was easy. This was practically expected. Nothing could or should or would surprise him. One thing he couldn't bring himself to do, however, was to turn up in, or bring, pyjamas. He arrived dressed in sweatpants and a hooded sweatshirt, black-and-blue stripes, loaned to him by none other than his half-brother, who already towered over him (though Regulus seemed to be one of the taller students in his year) and whose hoodie came halfway down to Regulus' knees. Apparently the stripes - all stripes - had a protective quality, but Regulus was fairly sure that was Just One of Those Things his brother said sometimes.

As he arrived at the pastures, Regulus took stock of his surroundings, his gaze lingering on the stuffed animals when they first caught his eye, though he consciously reminded himself to keep his expression neutral. Before he did anything, he went right to the stack of sleeping paraphernalia and tugged out the best sleeping bag, pillow, and blankets that he could find for himself while he still had the chance, and scoped out the tents, but held off on deciding if he would sleep inside of one.

Only then did Regulus join the group properly, lingering near a cluster of first years, and replying to Everleigh Evans' - no relation, apparently - question by adjusting his fairly won goods under one arm and saying, "That's what I did." He watched the interaction between Aurora Ackerly and the one older girl for a moment, before seeming to snap out of his distraction and turning at last to the professor, his gaze catching just for one moment on an owl in a branch up above on the way.

"Hello, professor. Is all of this stuff clean?" He was thinking specifically of not wanting to catch lice from someone else's pillow, but now he wondered if fleas would also be an issue, this being Care of Magical Creatures. Either way, it was better to check and be sure.

After spending an afternoon emptying the contents of a Quintaped's worth (meaning five) of polishing oils and at least double that number of rags, the suits of armor leading to the boys bathroom were considerably more pristine and reflective and not a single one in the spot that they ought to be. While she and Mercer may not have accomplished his list item of 'polish the suits of armor to make a rainbow', Mitsuki did believe that they had made a considerable contribution to the flow of air in these particular corridors (she even removed her little dish of salt from the central most window pane) and Hogwarts and all its inhabitants could sleep better.

The ones that slept in the castle this evening at least. There was little she could do to fix the ominous flow of brisk air outside and she only had so much salt in the pockets of her onesie and she had been rather busy that afternoon without time to properly refill.

The theme was entirely coincidental.

Under the educated assumption that her companion, Mercer, would be hungry considering all the manual labor and disappointment...the fourth year lead them over to the food and drinks. Her eyes wandered a bit, namely to Yumeki-sempai and withheld a certain lurch, though she dare not interrupt anyone or disturb this comfortable space. "There is hot chocolate," she noted with an additional indication of one of her slender fingers. "And poorly done taxidermy."

Was she being serious or attempting a joke as her eyes fell upon the stuffed animals? Hard to tell with her rather deadpan delivery and modestly disengaged stare.

Maisey had never been this excited for a lesson before. Okay she's been excited for every lesson that she’s had everyday since she’s been here. But this one was different. A sleepover lesson, that was something that she would have never gotten in a muggle school. Overnight trips maybe. A big maybe.

After dinner the first year headed back to her dorm to get into the pajamas, her pink koala bear onesie. With matching slippers. She packed her favorite pillow, blanket, along with her book and other items for the lesson. She headed down to the grounds and the pastures where the lesson was being held. ”Good Professor Paton!” she had to make it a point to make sure she said the professor's name too so she could learn them and remember them.

Scanning the area out for people she knew or where to go from here. The changing rooms and the bathrooms she didn’t need yet. Nor did she need to raid the snack table at the moment. None of her dormmates were here yet. However she did move over to the small group of first years that seem to have gathered to the side. (Regulus, Nora, Everyleigh, Aurora and Hope)”A sleepover lesson? I’ve never had one of these before.” maybe they had before, in wizardry primary school it was a tradition or something. She didn’t know all she knew was it was pretty cool. She noticed the stack of sleeping bags and other things. She might need the sleeping bag she could use it to lay on. Of course she found a pink one with light pink moon and star shapes on it.

Mercer had already snagged a fistful of marshmallows and a cup of cocoa as they passed each table, and he was now considering the giant pile of stuffed animals. Taxidermy, huh? He snorted as he stuffed ten giant marshmallows into his mouth to free up a hand for stuffed critters. Those went into the waistband of his Branxton-tartan pajama pants.

"Ook, 'is 'ukie," he pointed out Mitsuki's sister helpfully, as if she needed help finding her own kin in the near dark. He needed help finding his sometimes, especially since his glasses had gone missing again and his eyes were tired from all that armor polishing. "Oo-ee 'I-o?" Where was Milo, by the by?

Oh, was he being rude? Mercer offered the cocoa to Mitsuki, since his marshmallows were well and truly disgusting by now.

Uh, no. No. Absolutely not.

Nancy was NOT sleeping on the GROUND under the stars, thank you very much. That was a HARD pass. As far as she was concerned, humans had evolved past the point of needing to be outdoors. They couldn't have had a sleepover in the Great Hall or something like normal people? Already dressed in her blue plaid pajamas, she marched moodily down to the gathering, heading STRAIGHT for the group of first years she saw gathering near the edge of this little campfire set up they'd put up.

OH THANK MERLIN. They had TENTS. Which still lacked mattresses and basic amenities she was sure, but it was a step up from the cold hard ground.

"They couldn't have set this up inside?" she grumbled to no one in particular as she grabbed a dark green sleeping bag and dragged it over to them, sitting down cross legged on top of the nylon surface and looking around with a sigh. "Oh, hi, I'm Nancy!" she added to the first years present that she didn't already know (Everyleigh, Aurora, Maisey and Hope). The only reason she was down here, truthfully, was to try and socialize a bit.

Ooh...there was nothing more fun to end a long week of schooling then a nice sleepover, but a magical one was even better! Plus underneath the stars? There was nothing more better and fun to her. Of course she been camping, but this was going to be even better! The excited first year was excited as ever and couldn't wait to see how it goes. Skipping down towards the grounds in her unicorn pajamas she waved happily at Professor Paton. "Hello Professor, lovely night it is tonight hope you and Amie are both well?


Biting her lip she looked around, shd didn't see anyone she knew but that didn't mean she couldn't make more friends along the way. Although she waa a bit shy and scared of making the first move, she headed towards the crowd of first years. "Are there leasons and rules on a sleepover?" She needed to know this, she never heard this before, curious she tilted her head in curiosity. What lessons and rules were there that she didn't know? She didn't know maybe she could find out.

It is one of Lev's first classes at this school so he doesn't really know how to react to this... Not that he was too thrilled about it but he decided that doing this might be something he will enjoy. Perhaps.

He arrived to class in what he'd normally sleep in- which was just a simple t-shirt and his gray sweatpants. Lev also decided to wear socks for this because he's not entirely sure what they'll be doing for the rest of the class. And he can sense it won't be just sleeping. His eyes wander around and the first thing his eyes focused on were the creature treats- clearly something everyone will be looking forward to in the next few minutes or so. Should he be worried? The first year doesn't seem to look like it but he's low-key looking forward to it.

"Hello, Professor" he greeted, smiling shyly and hoping it wasn't that noticeable. He eyed a couple of first years he met in the train and decided to join in that area... or near them. He wasn't much of a talker anyway.

Apollo wasn't sure about this sleepover thing? On one hand, he used to do sleepovers all the time with Bella, but that seemed like an eternity now. Would he be the only seventh year? But also it was his last year and he was determined to make the most of it. Which meant saying yes, even if he wanted to be in his comfortable four poster back in the Gryffindor Boys Dorm, where it seemed Freddie and Atlas were ? Yea he'd seen them at the feast and wasn't sure how he felt about that either. Except if they didn't show, then perhaps a night away would be just what he needed.

Upon arrival, he did notice Raj and Jude there, so that was good. Along with some younger Gryffindors like Arden and Vera and Meredith. Seeing Lisa was good too, but also a worrisome reminder that he hadn't seen Maya yet this year.

But as expected it was mostly younger kids? That meant he would probably be expected to make sure no funny shenanigans were to be had. Hey professor Paton" he greeted out of obligation, as he took in an owl? Huh... He hadn't remembered any owls in the barn previously? Perhaps one of these students has brought their own to the sleepover for comfort? Yet it didn't seem to be hanging around anyone in particular?

Clad in a black pyjamas with a green snake on the t-shirt that looked ready to hiss Bella made her way out to the CoMC sleep out in the pastures. She felt iffy about sleeping out under stars, but it was her last year so the dark haired and seventh year was going to do all the things to make it as memorable as she could. Taking in who was there Bella noted with some relief that she wasn't going to be the only senior student there as Jude, Raj, Yumeki, Lisa and Apollo came into view among the many eager younglings.

Bella quickly made her way across the pastures picking up a purple sleeping bag, and a stuffed nocturnal creature as she went. "Good evening Professor Paton," She greeted with a smile over to their professor as she passed the woman on her way to her bestie. Eventually she stopped with a smile next to Apollo with a wide warm beam across her features. "Hey bestie, can we do this sleepout thingy together?" Dropping the sleeping bag and stuffed creature on top Bella asked "Want me to grab you a sleeping bag too Apollo?"

Meredith said hello to a few students, including a new first-year (Aurora) who arrived shortly after her and was holding a purple stuffed penguin, which she thought was absolutely adorable! Another first year (Hope) dressed in a flannel nightgown and holding an old stuffed animal that appeared to be handmade, as well as Nora and Everleigh. She didn't know the names of any of these girls, and while she was sure they were nice, she didn't make an effort to talk to them beyond a brief greeting.

It was becoming difficult to keep up with greetings as her fellow classmates arrived, but Vera did receive a "Hello!" as well as a friendly smile from her after she had greeted Arden. She also may have chuckled after overhearing Mitsuki's taxidermy joke. But it was Yukie to whom she turned. The Gryffindor looked at the hairband she was wearing and reached for it before realizing it would be impolite. "I really like your hairband. It's a cat, isn't it? Where did you get it?" She was beginning to regret leaving her camera in the dorm. She could have taken a lot of pictures. Not of the others, she didn't enjoy taking pictures of people but of the night sky and the dark forest in the distance or the soon-to-be-lit fire.

Maybe if she dashed to the tower. But that thought was enough to put her off. She didn't want to climb all the way up those stairs again. Hogwarts really needed to put in an elevator!

Brandon liked sleepovers. And he liked animals. But this was a lot a lot of people and he only knew a few of them. And he didn't want to sleep in an unknown sleeping bag (he didn't pick one out, not yet). At least he'd brought his own pillow- and he grabbed one of the creature stuffed animals from the table. It was cute. He grabbed food as well, then walked up besides Regulus. "Do you want to sit by the fire?" he asked, the obvious meaning that he wanted to sit by the fire and he wanted to hang out with Regulus, one of the people he recognized, if he wasn't too busy. And he had snacks. They could share, maybe.

Brandon's pajamas were a simple blue. He liked them, but felt rather plain compared to the people with fun patterned pajamas.