It was only a few weeks in and yet she was already feeling twinges of hopelessness in regards to the exams at the end of the term. So much so, each day this week had been a struggling on if she was really going to apply herself starting now... or if it was better to just aim to be a trophy wife or something some day and accept her fate that she was going to fail EVERYTHING. If she did the latter, she could have a lot more fun of a year.

And yet....

With a loud sigh, Vera adjusting herself once more so that her head was hanging towards the ground and her legs were over the back of the couch she was perched on. The book in her hand was simply a planner, for the moment, and she dramatically plopped it over her face as she sighed a second time. She probably should have found her tutors and started penciling in their times into her planner.

It was Leo’s sixth year, meaning he was a whole year away from finishing school completely. He was excited. Loosely excited per say. His boss did not approve the sixteen year old’s negotiation to drop out of school early to solely pursue his music career. Now Mr. Chay required a report card on Leo’s grades in order to keep him signed to the record label. Leo took this as a challenge and he was not going to disappoint Mr. Chay!

Leo made himself a schedule to organize his time between his education and music and occasional free time. Life couldn’t be all books and music, he wanted to have fun along the way too. After his venture to the kitchen’s and making himself a tasty snack, he returned back to the common room. A rather dramatic sigh from a familiar face earned a chuckle from him.

”School is stressing you out already? It just started.” Leo teased his friend with a playful grin on his face.

To be fair school was stressful regardless of where they were in the year. Leo was a quick learner and didn't worry too much.

Hearing foot steps approaching, accompanied by the familiar voice - Vera lifted the book she was holding from her face and lifted her chin towards her neck in order to look at him. "Leooooooo. As someone who nearly DIED from my poor potion making skills, I would think you would understand best why I'm stressed." She clearly was not over her dramatics, because all that had really happened was the then fifth year had fainted a little. AND she'd caught his head when he did so... no harm, no foul.

Except for the fact that she still was pretty sure they needed to have a conversation about the safety of taking potions made by just ANYONE. But she'd spare him for the time being.

"Where you been off too? Are you adventuring without me already??" The audacity really. Swinging her legs up and over her head she tumbled off the couch, landing into a seated position on the floor with a lot more grace than the 15 year old had actually expected. "How'd your OWLs go last term, by the way? I'm sure an O in potions but.. how else did you fare?"

”Veeeeeera!” Leo playfully cheered and laughed. ”It could have been worse, I could’ve turned into a toad.” He laughed. Leo wasn’t one to shy away from a challenge or be reckless and wasn’t that how potions worked? Trial and error. Though maybe next time he’ll sit down or wear a helmet, just to be safe.

Chuckling at Vera’s fantastic gymnastics, the lion took a seat on the couch and loosened his tie, folding his sleeves to his elbows. Lazy down time mode! ”I may or may not have adventured without you. Apologies!” Leo chuckled. ”I’ve been in the library.” If not, then the usual shenanigans in the RoR.

Ah, the OWLs. He didn’t do too bad, though there were certainly areas that needed improvement. No one’s perfect. Unless you’re Mr. Steve Chay. Leo tossed his head back a bit and laughed because Vera was correct on the potions score. ”I wouldn’t trust myself to fly.” Air coordination was not his forte and his score proved it. ”Everywhere else I did fairly well!” He grinned.

”What have you been up to besides couch gymnastics and missing me?” Leo teased.

She eyed him skeptically for a moment, trying to determine how being a TOAD was worse than death before realizing he probably meant what actually happened instead of her dramatics. Because that made a whole lot more sense. "I think a toad would have suited you. You could have been my partner in Frog Choir then!" She grinned at him, poking her tongue out in jest. And while she was normally on the train of recklessness (maybe even the conductor at times), there was also a sense of self protection in that she didn't want to live with the GUILT of something serious having happened because of something she crafted.

She mocked offense for a moment from her new spot on the ground, legs criss crossed underneath her. Except when he mentioned the library, she couldn't even feign it anymore. "I'll forgive you for that one. You can have aaaaall the adventures in the library you won't without my wonderful presence." Although she would of course bother him for the room of requirement. Especially since that's usually where he did his potions making, if memory served, and she could certainly use assistance from an O student in that department.

"Flying is so FUN though! How did you ace the boring subjects and score badly in the fun one!?" She was flabberghasted, even though truthfully her own flying skills were nothing to boast about. She liked to fly - precision just wasn't her strong suit. Probably why despite her love of the game, she'd always leaned Gobstones over Quidditch. "But also, congratulations. I take it then your contract remains in tact? Did you get to do any performances over the summer or anything?"

She laughed a bit at the couch gymnastics, still mildly impressed with herself before giving an eyeroll at the statement of missing him. "Gryffindor boys, I swear." She commented, before considering her summer and all the activities she'd been up to. It had been... a lot. She kept pretty busy, for sure. "I got a job over the summer, so there was that. And I'm still on a Junior Gobstones team too so like.. matches and practices were a thing. And then it was really just spending time with people when I could." Avoiding home, y'know. The normal teenager stuff.

Somehow being a ghost felt like a better fate than living as a frog in Leo’s opinion. ”I’d outsing those other frogs, no questions asked!” Leo joked, confident he would though. ”But then you’d have to find someone to kiss me and bring me back to human form.” He teased, smirking. The frog Prince always shifts back to normal when his fair maiden smooches him. Or so, that’s how the tales go.

Chuckling, Leo grinned. ”Well now you’ll have to join me in a study session.” He poked his tongue out just as she had done so earlier. In truth he would be more than willing to assist his friend in tutoring her with class assignments. Maybe even OWLs since he’d already completed his. On the note of the room of requirement, Leo had been working on a new recipe for truth serum he had gathered from one of his uncle’s who was a potioneer. ”But if that’s too much fun for you,” Leo teased, grinning, ”I’ve been working on a new serum and I just happen to think of my dear friend Vera to supervise while I try it.” Again, trial and error.

Leo clutched at his heart, pretending to be wounded. ”I’m not very well coordinated, Vera!” He laughed, leaving out his fear of heights. ”Thank you.” Leo beamed with gratitude. ”It does. I did tick off my Mr. Chay earlier this summer when I proposed dropping out to pursue music full time.” He chuckled. ”Needless to say I’m on tighter reins these final two terms.” Leo had to prove to Mr. Chay he was worth keeping signed on. ”I played in an Australian summer festival for rising stars!” The joy radiating from his smile could light the common room on fire. It was a massive achievement!

”We are elite, thank you.” Leo smirked before giving Vera his undivided attention. ”Wow, that's brilliant, Vera!” Leo raised his hand for a high-five. He was genuinely proud of her. ”What kind of job did you get?” Now he was curious when she’d have a gobstones match so he can go support her!

Vera thought he was truly doing the frog's a disservice with that thought. Though... she supposed being a ghost could be fun too but like... eternity to roam somewhere just sounded like way too long in her book. Imagine how BORED someone would get after a few millennia? "I believe it considering Chaybound has yet to produce something not amazing. But also... I still have yet to hear you sing. Tell me when your next performance is!" And that way she could go and be the ever supportive friend that she was. And maybe embarrassing friend too, but wasn't that also synonymous with supportive? "Please, you say that like it's hard. You're a good looking bloke who sings, and I happen to have a dorm room full of some of the most gorgeous people." There was clearly something in whatever the gene was that also made a Gryffindor. "Although if you need the 'true loves' kiss to make it work, I can't make promises there."

Although... apparently her matchmaking skills were impressive. She actually had evidence, for the time being, of that one.

"You'll have to levitate me there, kicking and screaming." Which honestly sounded pretty easy. But loud and annoying and probably more attention seeking than the surprisingly shy sixth year might have wanted. She was betting on that at least. Although, she was absolutely going to utilize his potions knowledge later in the term. Which she would appreciate more than she could express on his willingness to help her. It was probably where she was going to struggle the most... and considering her saint of a brother was already making lesson plans and filling in the gaps everywhere else, it'd be nice to give him at least ONE subject he didn't need to carry her through. An eyebrow rose at his comment and she couldn't even begin to hide her curiosity. "Oh? Another potential chocolate filling?" She might not have actually remembered to put out the chocolates last Valentines, but there was still a February coming up.

Wait, did he just say he tried to LEAVE? It was Vera's turn to look wounded, though thankfully because of Mr. Chay she didn't have to be actually upset one of her friends was gone. "Why would you want to LEAVE me, Perez-Jeon!?" A little dramatic, because considering he had a career already lined up - she could very easily understand the draw of not staying at school. She just happened to really like it here at Hogwarts, and be absolutely not ready to figure out what was on the other side for her. "I'm sure he just wants you to enjoy the experiences of being a kid. Like... obviously you aren't actually a kid anymore, but kind of getting there into that range where society is going to start viewing you as an adult without having to deal with all of the responsibilities." She looked forward to that, honestly. The joys of being an early in the term birthday - she'd be 17 most of her sixth year and could get tattoos and piercings and whatever else she wouldn't need parental consent for anymore. Another playful eyeroll, though she didn't try to argue considering Ravenclaws and Gryffindors seemed to be where she had made the most male friends. Clearly she didn't dislike them THAT much. "The girls are better." Cue a hair toss over her shoulder. Grinning at his praise, she raised her hand to give him a high five. "Thank you! But also, it's nothing compared to how awesome your summer sounds! Congratulations on the performance!!" As for her job? "I work for Cranville Quincy's Junk shop. I'm a trash forager, which doesn't sound glorious but... honestly I really liked it." Minus the smells, but that's what her nose clip was for.

Leo beamed! Vera’s comment had him feeling rather proud of himself. Having family and friends support him gave the lion the fuel to keep doing his best. As confident and self-assured as he was, there were moments where he’d doubt himself and question if he’s on the right path. If he’s enough. But these thoughts and feelings were kept hidden behind closed doors, there things he felt better keeping private and only expressing them in music. Chuckling, Leo grinned. ”I sing a mean rendition of twinkle, twinkle little star.” He teased. Though, he would be glad to give her a performance any day, heck there were days where he’d sit outside and play his guitar to unwind. ”My next performance is at a Christmas Jingle Ball festival in London. I can get you in, VIP style.” He beamed! It was going to be a major gig, because his whole family will be there AND he would be K.O.E’s opening act! Leo couldn’t hide his excitement, it’s also very nerve wracking!

Leo laughed as his cheeks flushed and shook his head, ”I’m indeed out of luck. But I wholeheartedly agree with the beauty in this house.” Gryffindor was E L I T E. Period. Leo bashfully looked away and chuckled. Yes he’s seen attractive gals here but being so focused in his studies and career, there left little to no time for relationships. Or perhaps that was his excuse for not opening his heart and mind to the possibility of a significant other. There were layers to Leonardo that he’d rather not uncover.

Another laugh, Leo grinned almost accepting the challenge. ”There’s nothing a pair of ear plugs can’t solve.” The lion could easily toss her over his shoulder and haul her to the library, screaming and all. Though he was quite immune to the dramatics, having young nieces and nephews. ”I was thinking of making honeycomb lollies. My uncle is a candymaker and he taught me how to make them over the summer.” The naughty boy grinned. ”We--well I, could make them and then we could hand them out for Halloween?” Naughty boy indeed.

Leo dramatically gasped, ”shame on me!” He teased, laughing. He nodded in agreement, Mr. Chay knew the industry very well and knew his boss had his best interests at heart. ”I know. But I feel like life is moving too slow and I just want to get where I want to be.” Perhaps that was somewhat his childlike mindset in wanting to grow up fast. Being the youngest of his adult siblings, he wanted to be treated like an adult and not necessarily like the baby of the family.

Chuckling at the comment he nodded and winked. Another beamy smile! ”Thank you, Vera!” Leo nodded, ”A job is a job, at least it’s paying you and giving you some independence.” Or at least that’s what his dad would have said. Which he must admit, was sort of true.

She really ought to have been studying, but Sable Ileana figured there was still time before exams. Not to mention she rather figured she was invited to crash whatever study sessions Vasco was planning, big Ravenclaw brain of the group and all. The career meeting of last term was still fresh in her mind, though, and Professor Carton’s insistence that she needed to pass her classes to make any ideas she had of a proper career possible. Piracy was still an option, in her mind, but it had been relegated to Plan B. Or C, or some other backup plan.

Instead, she’d been up in the dorm on a mirror call with her cousin, again asking him when she ought to expect a baby cousin/niece. Not that Sterling was being entirely accommodating on that matter, unless he was just keeping secrets. Slytherins did that, in her opinion, although she hadn’t asked the resident Slytherin of her acquaintance whether or not that was a truth or just another myth. If Enzo actually would deign to answer her on the topic in the first place, if and when she did ask.

Either way, baby investigation still underway (because her cousins were being much too tight-lipped on the subject than she’d like), the blonde had emerged from the room and slid down the banister to the sound of Bestie talking in the common room. Only to rather parkour herself over the back of the couch and narrowly avoid kicking anyone in the process. “We’re talking about independence?”, she inquired, draping her legs over the arm of the couch.

Okay, she’d just caught the tail end of the discussion. Oh, and hi Leo.

If there was one thing Vera Brinley Thanatos was good at doing, was praising the people she cared about. SHE thought they were all the coolest, and even if she could tease some in a more disparaging sounding way (mainly Vasco and Logan, though the latter not of late), it was only because she didn't believe an iota of the words she spoke. And should any of them need a morale boost, she was happy to sing their praises. Even literally if that's what would make them feel better. "I mean, I feel like you have to prove that now though or the words are just meaningless." She replied, a teasing grin on her face. Would she happily buy her own ticket to support her friend? 110%, but if Leo wanted to just give her tickets who was she to say no??? "Done. I'll put it on my calendar and be there! Do you have merch already or do I get to make original, embarrassing one of the kind Leo stan stuff?" Who was she kidding, she was doing that anyways.

She was clearly not the type to consider the wiseness of waiting on dating or anything like that. She'd thought about the idea of dating a fair bit in third year, thought it'd be cool if someone was actually interested in her like that. And then last term she'd been more focused on dating someone specific. And this term… well, to be determined. The flush caught her attention and she grinned, reaching out with a foot and nudging his calf. "And does that smile mean someone caught your attention??? Because if it's this house, I can wingwoman for you." she could for other houses too, but Gryffindor is far easier.

Challenge accepted. "My vocal chords are almost offended by your lack of faith in us." she smirked at him, a small giggle escaping. Even if he couldn't hear her, a shrieking lioness was sure to catch some attention somewhere. "Honeycomb lollies?? Are those made out of honey or… shaped like a honeycombs?" She liked sweets, but as a chocolatier's daughter the bittersweet treat had her in a chokehold. With a smirk, she nodded enthusiastically. "Oh that is genius. A trick and a treat. What potion we infusing into them for Halloween?"

At the commentary of her job, and his as well and where he wanted to be as well, she opened her mouth to reply before she was distracted by the arrival of her favorite female blonde. "Siaaaaa! We were talking about our jobs. Trash forager was not overly excited but I had fun. And I have a nice new cloak for it." She grinned mischievously, before moving to rest against the couch in front of her best friend. "What are you up to?"

My, oh my.

What drastic changes have occurred in this Room over the most of the term, From a spotless and neat Common Room when you would have first arrived in September to a dust filled, untidy, sneeze-inducing place where it surely would be uncomfortable to spend even a second.

The spiral staircases are beyond filthy so you must ensure your feet are properly covered or risk having blackened soles. The plush armchairs, sofas, and beanbags wore a woebegone look. There is no merrily cackling fire in the fireplace, which leaves the room in a deep chill. The occupants of the portraits are irritated due to their frames not being cleaned regularly.

Whatever have those House Elves have or not have been up to?

Typically, as healthy and clean of a lifestyle Ean strived to live, his priority of cleanliness didn't always match. His cleaning schedule came from motivation and time rather than be consistent. At least with the Hospital Wing there's a strong enough motivation for him to always keep it tidy and allergy free for the patients. But here, well, the reliance of the elves proved to reveal the downfall as his check up on the dorms stopped him thanks to the current state.

Well, no more.

Feirgrund may have looked a bit silly with his choice of a face mask and cap over his hair. He didn't want any dust particles near his hair or nostrils. While his wand was in one of his gloved hands, it would take more than a wand to handle all of this. Hence the cordless hoover he dragged in, sure, it was old fashioned, but it would save some time using it in one hand in addition to the wand in the other. Now... where to start? Perhaps the entrance. So with a flip of the switch, the hoover started up with a whirl, Ean began vacuuming the rug whilst simultaneously using the wand to clean the nearby desk.

She had a study session planned with a friend in the library, but of course Vera had forgotten her books earlier when she’d had to make a mad dash down to the laundry room to clean some of her clothes for the day. Apparently laundry was also something that seemed to be put at the bottom of the list with… whatever was going on with the house elves lately. Were they on strike perhaps? Vera tried to be considerate when she asked them for help on things… and she’d made them cookies the last few years for Christmas, but between ALL the students always getting in their way and everything. Well… she might have refused to do work anymore for them as well.

But what she hadn’t expected was for the undone chores to get so far gone that as she ran into the portrait hole she’d see her Head of House there.

… Vacuuming?

She blinked at the sight, glancing around to see if anyone else was around helping him as well. Considering the level of dirt and the man power of only one Professor… well, she could be a little late, right? Stuffing her clothes a little further into her bag, she dusted off one of the cushions on the couch and set her bag there before hopping over to Feirgrund. “What task would you like me to do, sir?” Well… and since maybe he’d know too. “Did we do something to upset the elves too? Are they quitting? They aren’t going to just like… leave the castle are they?” And if they did, what then?? The students wouldn’t all be expected to do chores on top of course work… would they?

The cleaning was definitely a whole project from the state of things. Feirgrund considered working it in separate days spread out, but at least getting the most used areas. It was unfortunate the elves were behaving so differently now. Admist his thoughts and the sound of the vaccuum, he didn't hear a student but he could sense a new presence walking up to him. After finishing up the desk, Ean turned off the vaccuum to see, "Ah, Miss Thanatos," That was kind of her to volunteer help, "Hmm, if you don't mind dust, the desk by the window there could use some dusting off," If she did have dust allergies, "Otherwise, you could clean off one of the portraits there," They didn't look pleased in the state.

Vera's questions did reach his ears, as he considered them each. Feirgrund moved onto the stairs to remove the dirt while continuing the conversation. He wouldn't lie but there was no reason to panic, "We're looking into what's going on with the elves," As far as he was concerned, "As far as we know, no student has influenced their decision to stop cleaning. So in the meantime, we'll have to continue taking care of our own messes," At least for the time being.

Both of the suggestions Feirgrund offered for assistance were solid choices, though she personally thought both still included dust (which thankfully she did NOT have an aversion to. Poor lads and lasses who were sneezing all over the halls and their commons). She wasn’t sure which one she should focus on, until she realized that the portraits were LOUDER so perhaps they should get the priority. They definitely did not look pleased with the new state of things. “I’ll take care of the portraits. They’re looking a little bit like they’re going to burn holes into our faces with those stares.” And no, she didn’t just mean her and her Professor we. She’d noticed them a bit in her attempts at studying.

Grabbing a dust rag she saw about, she moved over towards the portraits and gently begin to swipe at the edges of the gold frames. “Oh… I mean, I guess it’s good it isn’t our fault. But it does still seem pretty weird that they just… stopped. I thought they liked cleaning.” Or maybe not so much the act of cleaning, but they certainly liked being useful. How many times was it Beezley had offered sweets upon sweets to her? Vera hadn’t even asked for anything about like… 90% of the time! “I guess the castle is REALLY big though. Maybe they’re making on of those union things and want to negotiate more resources? Do they get paid?”