George looked up at her and smiled shyly "I guess so, but it doesn't matter, does it?" he pulled a map out of his pocket and examined it "So, how do we get to the great hall?" George asked out loud, as he squinted at the hand drawn map.

Shana shrugged.Yeah,No.Im not soo good with Maps.Via ? she shrugged.She was quite ashamed she didnt know her way round yet but she hadn't spent much time in the great hall.She smiled and ruffled his hair.

After having a mini celebration with Emiliano, Karma decided to head out of the Common Room and to do... something. Not sure quite yet, but she would do something.

A thought of going down to the kitchens crossed her mind, but then remembered that they had been flooded. Oh, those poor elves. She wanted to go down to Professor Morgan's hut later to see if they needed any help.

The seventh year decided to go on ahead and walk around anyway, seeing as she could do whatever. Okay not really, but it was her birthday dangit. She would do whatever she wanted as long as she didn't get in trouble. There, that made it sound better.

She ran her hand along the wall, fingertips barely touching as she walked down the corridor, not paying a whole lot of attention as her blonde hair flowed behind her.

The past few days had been spent almost entirely in the now combined common room. Wes never spent that much time around other people. Never. Not by choice at least. He liked his solitude, and he liked the dark lonely dungeons of Hogwarts. Of course that did sound a bit morbid, but there was something comforting about the need to curl up in a blanket or light a fire.

After yet another long day Wes finally decided to go wander somewhere else. He needed to get out of the Gryffindor common room. The air was thinner up there. He couldn't breathe. Couldn't think straight. He was still in his uniform when he passed through the painting of the fat lady. His eyes were downcast, watching his feet as he started along the seventh floor corridor. It was late, and Wes couldn't bring himself to go downstairs when he knew he'd just have to come back up.

It was a few yards away from the staircase that led to the Ravenclaw common room that he saw her. The first thing he noticed was that head of blonde hair. It was a richer color than he'd seen before. There was something about the way it floated behind her that told him who it was. A big part of him was screaming to turn the other way. A big part of him wanted to get out of there simply so he could see what would happen. He knew what would happen if he stayed ... but he couldn't turn away.

The words passed his lips before he could even think to hold himself back.

"Karma." That was who it must be. The single word passed his lips as a statement. An acknowledgment. There was little doubt in his mind that that was who it was.

The ears on the seventh year's head perked up as she heard someone walking behind her. Naturally, there were a lot of people going to be walking around here. But these steps were different for some reason.

Karma's eyes darted to the left and right, to see if there was a shadow or any hint as to who her pursuer was. Drat, nothing. So that would mean she just would have to turn around.

The whisper of her name startled her. It wasn't Emiliano, it wasn't Torin, it wasn't Cam - so what other boy knew it was her? Her blue eyes widened slightly as she turned around to see --

A complete stranger. What? Slytherin, MEGA hottie, but still. Unknown.

"Did you say my name?" Karma asked. Hairflip. Pose. "Or am I hearing things?"

hair flip. pose. -- xD priceless
 

When she turned around he was pretty sure that his face darkened at least three shades. Of course he couldn't be completely sure. His entire body seemed to go numb in that moment. In that moment he turned into nothing but a gooey blob of stupid. Nothing he would have said or done would have been good enough. If he were to open his mouth would real words even come out?

"No. You heard right. I just had to make sure that it was you. My friend mentioned you earlier. Evolette McKenna?" He explained. It was more logical to say that it was Evee than to say that it was Piper. Logic was all he could maintain. Part of his brain was telling him that there was a silly grin on his face, but at least he had control of the words that passed his lips ... sort of.

His eyes scanned her once more, unable to help himself. The way she stood seemed to be perfectly natural, and perfectly calculated. Everything from that one cocked hip to the way she'd flipped her hair over her shoulder was perfect. On anyone else it would have looked practiced. Forced even. No girl had that kind of grace. But Wes already knew that Karma wasn't just some other girl. He had to force himself to take another breath.

Piper was walking out of the common room when she spotted Wes.. and.. duh duh duhhhh Karma.. Oh no she didn't.. She wasn't going to ruin this plan now.

Piper walked calmly up to Wes and put a hand on his shoulder. " Hey there, I've been looking all over for you." She said smiling widely as she noticed Karma standing there. " Hi Karma, Happy Birthday!" She said smiling as she poked Wes softly in his side..

Karma smirked as she raised an eyebrow to the expression on his face. Oh, that was priceless. No other way to put it really, as he seemed to be lost in himself. Or, lost looking at her really. How flattering, as if he could help it. She watched his body sort of - well, loosen up slightly. No other way to describe it.

"Yep, it's me," she said, still smirking. He mentioned Evee. SQUEE! "Ooooh Evee! She's my best friend! New best friend, and pretty much my only female best friend. But anyway." Blah blah blah. She decided to lean against the wall and look at him, up and down. Hmm. "May I ask your name?"

She batted her eyelashes slightly, just to see what else he would do. What would he do if she got a little closer?

Might as well test it out. Wait, he wasn't breathing. Oh, there he goes. Her trance was hypnotic apparently. Maybe she was having one of her Veela fluctuations again - where she looked and acted like one more than normal. Today was one of those days.

Karma blinked a few times at the random appearance of Piper. Where did SHEEEE come from? Oh yeah, duh. The Common Room was right there. Just as Karma was about to get her flirt on.

Hmm. She was acting weird.

"Hello Piper," she said, putting on her cool act and smiling. "And thank you very much. I read your letter, and was debating on when to find you actually. Good thing I ran into you now."

-butts in-
 

Karma heard clicking heels coming down the hallway. Prada? No way. That was Gucci. Oh yes. Which only meant one thing.

"Evee!" Karma squealed, and threw a smirk Piper's way. Aha. Her partner in crime was here now. "Why yes you did hear your name. The boy, Wes, had mentioned hearing of me from you. How sweet."

Oooh. A bird told her it was Karma's birthday? Hmm. Oh well, who cares. It was, and the brat Ravenclaw was 18! Eeep!

"Oh, yes, it's my birthday todayyy. But, I also heard it was someone else's." Hehe. Drat! Where was the gift for Evee?! "Shoot! I left your present in my dorm room. How about later we meet up and chat about our birthdays so I can give it to you?"

Wait a minute. Silly Karma. She rolled her eyes and flicked her wand out of her sleeve to magic the gift to her. Duhhh.

"Juuuust kidding." Karma smiled. "I'm sure you two don't mind, right?" she asked, nodding towards Wes and Piper. Gah, Piper. She wasn't sure if she was going to be sincere about the apology now, not with this little plan that she could see forming in her head.

“Yeah. I can relate. She’s pretty much my only friend. I’ve known her since my first year.” He explained. Evolette was the only person he really claimed as a friend. He’d known her for years. She was one of few people at Hogwarts that didn’t make him crazy. Evee actually understood his humor and the fact that he really was kind of a jerk all the time. She didn’t judge him for his unkind confessions. Ev was one of the few people he could count on.

“Wes. Well, my name is Wesley Devereaux. But everyone I know calls me Wes … except teachers … but that really doesn’t count now does it?” He babbled. A voice in the back of his mind was screaming at him to shut up. But it wasn’t easy. There was a big part of him that just wanted to keep on babbling and filling the silence. Until that point she hadn’t even been trying to catch his attention. She just had it. As soon as she started batting her eyelashes at him the sound of footsteps fell on his ears. Wes turned towards the sound to see a small dark haired figure. Piper. He blinked a few times, struggling to get his self control back.

Piper stepped up beside him, and placed her hand on his shoulder. Wes blinked up, not looking away from her, and took her hand into his. He squeezed it tightly, using it as a lifeline to his sanity. He needed to not do this. Not until he at least got Emiliano worked up. Karma was going to ruin it all if he didn’t learn some self control. Wes pressed a quick kiss to the back of Piper’s hand then pulled her in for a hug. He had to tip his head down to reach her ear, as she barely reached his shoulder.

“I’m sorry I tried to leave.” He whispered in a voice intended only for her ears. Wes turned her in his arms so her back was pressed to his chest. He held her between him and Karma … as if that would keep him from acting like a complete moron. As the two girls spoke he leaned down and buried his nose in her hair. He needed to get something in his head other than the sweet scent that was Karma. That was when he heard the heels. Evolette, a voice said before he’d even looked up to see her.

“Hey Evs.” He greeted her, the words were muttered into the top of Piper’s head.

Mary, Izzie and Colley :P
 

Piper smiled up at Wes as he took her hand in his. He was right, he was going to have some problems, well she was here to help. She held his hand tightly, and smiled up at him, slightly shocked that he had kissed her hand and then hugged her, but she hid it quickly,so the other two girls didn't notice.

"It's okay, I'm here now.. just concentrate on me." She whispered softly back. as she felt him pull her against his chest.

Just then she heard heels.. Ohhh dear MERLIN!!! Piper thought as Evolette McKenna walked up..Dear Merlin i'm not worthy to be in her presence.. someone get me out of here!!! Herhead was screaming at her, but all the crossed her face was a smile. " Happy Birthday to you as well." Whoops.. her voice was more of a squeak than an actual voice..

Somebody savvvveee me!!! She thought as she clung tightly to Wes.

Karma continued to smirk as Wes spoke. More power to her, anyway.

"Evee is wonderful," she said, and watched his eye drift to Piper.

WHAT did they just do? They were getting snuggly. Wait a minute. Piper and Emiliano, not Piper and Wesley.

Her eyes narrowed and her jaw moved as she debated on what to say. Piper would NOT hurt Emiliano. No way, whatsoever. Karma knew something had to be up - because if Piper was acting this way, this wasn't right. And Wes? He was acting like an idiot. It happened though around her.

But this? This was not going to happen.

Karma's facial expression changed as the look of terror struck across Piper's face when Evee came over to them. It was refreshing to see that kind of fear back in someone's expression. Now this, yes, this was going to be fun.

Karma accepted the birthday hug and was excited to see a box in front of her, and how gently Evee held onto it. Hmm. What could it be?

She pulled on the ribbon and opened the lid to see..

"A kitten!" she squeed. "Just like Muffin! Oooh Evee, this is wonderful!"

She embraced Evee once more, still holding tight to the box, and then taking the small kitten out. Oooh, it was a girl too. And so soft, and snuggly. She vanished the box to her room, and then held onto her new kitten with both hands.

"Your name is Precious," she said, smiling. She set the kitten on her shoulder, and Precious sat happily on her new owner's shoulder, all snuggly. Now it was time for Evee to have her gift. Karma pulled the small box from her pocket, and waited for Evee to see her present. "I knowww you're going to love it."

She turned to see her examine Piper. Yep, this was the girl. Now, what to do?

Just concentrate on me, it was easier said than done really. In any other situation Wes would have found it easy to focus on the little female. She was good looking. She was fun to talk to. There was nothing to hate about her really. He might even go for a girl like her … if Karma Atkins weren’t standing right in front of him. He could inhale the sweet scent of Piper’s shampoo but that couldn’t erase the knowledge that a stunning blonde was a few short feet away. His arms tightened fractionally. In response to that … or perhaps the presence of Evolotte, Piper tightened her hold on his arms.

Wes looked over at Evolette rather than Karma. He knew he could trust himself on that front. He met her gaze with a warning glare. She was in on the charade along with him and Piper. He knew that she was close to Karma … but his hardly hurt her friend. Anyway she’d known him longer! She wasn’t allowed to ruin his fun! This was about Emiliano, and Ev agreed that the boy needed some sense knocked into him.

For a fraction of a second his eyes passed over Karma. Wesley tensed and looked away. He wasn’t sure what she was thinking. He wasn’t sure he wanted to know what she was thinking … anyway, it wasn’t like he didn’t have an argument ready. He was cocky enough to pull it off … most of the time. “What? Did you expect her to just sit around forever, waiting for a guy that isn’t good enough for her?” He thought. It was clear that Karma was disgusted in some way by his attention to Piper. It was like they had both turned purple or something. Like she knew it was all an act. It was just an awkward situation!

Sucking in another deep breath, Wes turned back to the small female in his arms. He leaned down once more to her ear. “Relax a little. She doesn’t bite.” Wes coached her, then gently squeezed the arm just under his fingertips.

Piper nodded. Of course she didn't know her, I mean she was Evolette Mckenna and Piper was well, little invisible Piper Snow. It would take the worlds colliding to even bring her to the notice of someone like Evolette. "I'm Piper.." She managed to get out, her voice nowhere near normal.. "Your welcome." She said softly, her hands still tight on Wes's. She felt like an ugly duckling around these people. Really, what was she doing here anyway?
Oh no.. no no no.. She jsut watched as Evolette looked at Karma..
It was over.. she just knew it. She wondered how beautiful people tortured you.. maybe it was slow and painful, or quick...

Piper felt like she was going to pass out..

Oh no.. Now Karma was in it as well.. Piper's head began to spin..Please.. please don't kill me Her mind begged. Maybe they just stunned you with their brilliance, and left you alone?? Piper could handle that.. Maybe..

She was doomed... doomed..

Piper shook her head as Wes spoke. " They will kill me, I know it.. Oh now with hexes, but with words.. We have.. to get out of here.." She said softly, now fully panicking. " Please Wes.. please.." She begged softly..... He didn't understand, no one understood... The peril of being this close to those to beautiful girls... Piper was in serious trouble.

Evolette held her breath as Karma opened the box, and then there was a squeal of delight. YAY! She liked it. "Isn't she the cutest?" she asked, giggling.

Gasping, she reached for the box that Karma was giving to her. Wow. They'd been BFFs for only two days and they had both remembered the other's birthday? Brilliant.

Opening the present, Evolette squeaked as she saw the contents. "Eeeep." she pulled both of the necklaces out, the diamonds glittering in the sunlight. "These are beautiful." she said, hugging Karma again, careful to mind the little kitten. "Thank you!" she then reached over and looped one of the necklaces around the girl's throat. There. Now they were official BFFS!

Catching the look, she threw one back to Karma, warning her to just keep her cool. They needed to talk about this alone.

Evolette pouted at Wes. Did he honestly think she was going to let all the potential drama end here? He should know her better than that! Honestly. She wasn't going to do a thing about this.

Yet.

Upon watching her, Evolette could tell that Piper looked as if she were going to be sick. "Are you quite all right?" she asked, of course knowing the reason why the girl was acting like that.

"Because, you look as if you are about to be ill." she added, arching an eyebrow. Her eyes traveled to Wes, and then back to Piper, blinking innocently. "No reason to be scared of me. I'm rather nice." HAH. "And I don't bite." Her eyes flicked back to Wes, "Often."

Celebration, celebrations...

Emiliano left the common room, ready to go for Piper and spend some time with her. Maybe just ask her officially to be his girlfriend. Adding, he had forgotten to give a luck charm that went along with the bracelet that he gave to Karma, something he carried in one of his pockets as another surprise.

Wait...whoa...wait!! He stopped, listening to some voices around the corridor. They were Piper...Karma...and Evolette?? and a voice he didn't know of, but surely it was from a boy. He took a peek to check, EEp...yes, they were!! But the guy was holding, Piper's hand? You know, one of his fists was ready to hit, but that might mean him in detention, losing points for his house and making a complete fool of himself in front of everyone, which wasn't an option at all. So, he held that punch, approached the little crowd and waved his hand at Piper and whoever the boy holding her hand was.

"Good day...everyone..." His voice was sort of sore. Maybe the anger voice finally coming out of him. Emiliano smiled at both Karma and Evolette. "How are you, ladies?" One question at a time. He just tried not to look at that snuggling show, of holding hands.

Had Wes actually been able to hear what Piper was thinking his response would have been simple. Too simple. She was worrying about nothing. She saw Karma as a threat. At least where Wes was concerned that wasn’t really a problem. Yeah, she was incredibly good looking. No, he couldn’t say no to her. It was impossible to resist Karma. But he’d never consciously hook up with her. Never. If he were ever to get involved with Karma, Wes never would have felt good enough. He would have been her lackey, her lap dog. Wes could never have been her friend or her boyfriend. His mind couldn’t have wrapped around the idea. Maybe that did make it sound like Piper wasn’t as good an option … which wasn’t true. Wes knew that he still wasn’t good enough for her … but at least she wasn’t walking around hypnotizing him all the time!! She actually fit with him … quite perfectly actually. His head settled atop her hair as she stood in his arms, quivering with anxiety.

A moment later she turned to look up at him. Her violet eyes were wide with fear. Wes furrowed his brows as she pled with him to let them leave. Was she really so scared of Evolette and Karma. He might not know Karma … but he knew Evee. It was impossible to look at her as a bully. She was Evee. His Evee. They had been close for years and years. She wouldn’t hurt anyone, least of all anyone involved with him. She knew better, anyway she wanted to see what happened as much as he did! Evee wasn’t a threat. Piper was worrying about nothing. And Karma? Surly someone that beautiful couldn’t be a real threat! While looking at Ev his glare vanished. He knew her better than that. He was just thrown off by the way that Piper was shaking with fear. It was hard not to feel like there was an actual threat.

“See? She said so herself. No biting … yet.” He grinned at Evee. OK, so she wasn’t the nicest girl in the world. They wouldn’t be friends if she was. However, she was being nice then … sort of. She knew that Piper was scared of her, and she still refused to let the intimidating façade die. She could be nice. She could be someone’s best friend. She wasn’t going to try and scare Piper, but she wasn’t going out of her way to be nice either. It was all he could ask for, and he knew it. “Please don’t worry Piper, I’ve known her forever. Evee isn’t as scary as she pretends to be.” He insisted, then glanced up at Evolette. OK, she was as scary as she pretended to be … but they didn’t have to talk about that. Lying was good in situations like this.

When another figure joined them Wes looked up. The male standing there looked first at him and Piper, with one fist balled up. Wes moved his arms so only one remained around Piper’s quivering form. He didn’t quite dare step completely away from her. He wasn’t sure she had the strength to stand on her own for much longer. In his movement, however, Wes freed one arm. He kept it relaxed at his side, and a friendly smile on his face.

“Hey, mate! You must be Emiliano. I’ve heard a lot about you.” He commented. He wasn’t there to fight. Right? They were all friends!

Weeeee!!! Ahh this is going to be fun!! Colley, Izzie, Mary and Adry <333
 

Piper Snow had lost all color, she was standing there, shaking like a leaf completely and totally ashen. All color was gone from her skin, and she currently resembled a ghost, with bright violet eyes. For her eyes stood out in an amazing way against the paleness. She was terrified, no.. she was way past that. She was halfway between bed wetting and a near death experience.

Evolette, Karma and Wes were all blurry figures in her vision. They were sort of moving up and down, and she could barely breathe. She could barely tell that Evolette was talking to her, perhaps not a good thing, but she couldn't help it. She hadn't eaten in three days, really this was not a good way to start the day.

And then.. she heard a voice. Ahh the spanish accent reached her ears and she turned a white face to look at Em. She was gaining some color now. A pale green was appearing above her lip. She could barely make out Wes's hold on her, though she was glad for it. She was very close to passing out.

No, she was going to pass out.Goodness Piper! Get a hold of yourself, you are a Gryffindor! You are supposed to be brave!! What would Godric Gryffindor say if he were here with you now.. Piper's thoughts were melding into blackness as she struggled to remain conscious.

Godric Gryffindor never met Evolette McKenna That was Piper's last conscious thought before she passed out.

Epic long post FTW!
 

Karma watched Wes as she barely glanced at her again. It was a good thing that he wasn't fully looking at her, otherwise the poor boy might have very well passed out. He must be extra sensitive to Veelas, because most boys didn't ever act as bad as he did. She was only a quarter Veela, anyway. Not enough to make them want to pass out like he did.

She thought for a moment about what he would do in the prescence of her mom, or even gradma. She bit her lip to keep from laughing.

Karma wasn't disgusted persay, just very confused as to what was going on. If Piper loved Emiliano soo much, why would she be with this Wes character? It didn't make sense. And it was turning out to be very awkward. Karma would have to exchange words with Emiliano later.

Karma's smirk grew even more as the feeling of fear was seeping from Piper. Good thing she could read and feel emotions from people around her. Wes was nervous, Piper was petrified, Evee was cool, and Karma - she already knew what she felt. Derrr.

Maybe she should tap into Piper's mind. No, that would be rude. Karma crossed her arms as her new kitten resituated herself on Karma's shoulder, nuzzling against her hair.

She was tempted to do a hair flip to make Piper look at her again, but she had already posed. Dang it.

Karma watched with delight as Evee opened up her gift, and hugged her. Precious was very well behaved and balanced well on Karma's shoulder, and smelled Evee as she embraced her owner.

"Told youuu that you would like it!" she said, grinning. "And you're welcome, no need to thank me. What are best friends for?" She winked as Evee put the necklace around her, and then watched Evee and Wes.

He sent her some sort of look, and she didn't catch what it was exactly until Karma was sent one her way. Ooooh. No worries. She raised an eyebrow at Evee, as if to say 'Duh'.

She had already lost her cool once around Piper, there was no need to do it again. Besides, now Karma didn't have to apologize to Piper and mean it. She was hurting Emiliano when he found out, and that was reason enough.

Speaking of Emiliano...

No. Freaking. Way. No. Karma would not allow Emiliano to be angry OR hurt. His feelings flooded over her, and she did everything she could to keep her face expressionless. It was a terrible feeling, even mixed. He was mad, hurt, confused - and why shouldn't he? His future girlfriend was with another guy.

"Emiliano," she said softly (and actually calling him by his first name), in an attempt to calm him down. She reached to touch his shoulder, and a pull could be felt from her touch. "Ask questions first. Because none of us know what is going on, right now. I think you and Piper need to talk this out."

Her eyes darted back to Wes and Piper, not really focusing on Wes, but Piper this time. This was a look that signaled someone was in trouble. Big, big trouble.

Wes was playing it cool, which disgusted Karma even more. Really? How could you be like that around another guy's love interest? That deserved a punch to the forehead to knock him down. Guys were so stupid.

This time, Karma shot Wes the warning look, almost as if there was fire behind her eyes. Making Karma mad? Not good at all.

And now he was trying to make nice with Emiliano. This was not going to go down well at all, in any way. There would be no detention needed, no actions that would lead to it, except for some harsh words that may be passed.

Not from Karma though.

Piper's look suddenly turned - sick. Really? Why was she going to get sick? Oh yeah, Evolette was here. With Karma. A double team up on Piper. And now Piper got caught by her love with another guy.

Karma reasoned it would be enough to make someone sick. Every right to be sick. But, this was her own fault.

Karma blinked, and the next thing she knew, Piper fell limp in Wes' arms. She didn't think, except for to run over to Piper to make sure she didn't hit the ground too hard. Gracefully, she put the kitten in her pocket and ran (or floated veeeeery fast) to the unconscious Gryffindor.

"Piper," she said, sternly. "Piper! Damn it."

Precious stuck her head out of Karma's robe pocket as she pulled her wand out.

"Rennervate," she muttered, pointing her wand at Piper's chest.

Clark wandered outside the common room wondering about random things. Like where was everyone? Why did Dani always look at him oddly? Why was Jake still in detention?

As he pondered these things, a small litlle thing called hope fluttered into his heart. He'd get the answer to all of these questions, eventually.

Hopefully.

Wander, wander. Maybe he'd see Dani or one of his other friends.

Dani was headed to the Common Room for some peace and quiet. What she got was Clark. Soooooo the opposite. "Heya Clark." She said walking over to him. "Whatchu up to?" He was sooooooo cute. Dang. She needed to stop thinking about that. Her face turned slightly pink.

Clark smiled. Why was Dani blushing? "Nothin' much. Why are you blushing?" he asked her. She was sweet-so young. If only she would dye her hair a respectable color, like green...

Oh darn. He was allergic to green. "DON'T DYE YOUR HAIR GREEN!" he exclaimed. "PLEASE I BEG OF YOU." And there was really only one word for it-Clark was pleading. Aww. How... odd crazy psycho wicked-cute Clark-like.