She definitely hated that smirking of his. He was making it look like she’s got a ridiculous name. Oh, it was absolutely not quite nice to see him again. And of all times, it had to be this afternoon. When she was in a rush. That’s the time he had decided to annoy her. Grrrr !! She needed to keep her mouth shut or else she would yell at his face. And that was very hard to do.

Now he was absolutely mocking her. That exaggerated response and irritating grin proved that fact and she was not enjoying it. Very not. She was utterly annoyed ! ANNOYED !!

“Oh, I guess accidents just love me,” she said, nodding sarcastically. And he was an accident she was encountering this time.

Oh, he’s offering me candies ? Yeah ? Well, too bad because she wasn’t the type who liked sweets. But if he had some Sugar Quills she wouldn’t mind. Yet she was sure that he was just pretending to be nice to her, “Thanks but no thanks,” she said as she looked at him testily, forcing a smile. “And where I am going clearly doesn’t concern you,” she added. She looked at the sky and found out that it was already sunset and if she does not get a move on she would surely miss that thing. So she started walking again, still dragging her right leg.

"Modest?" he giggled. "I am amateur-ish... This is something I do just for fun" he's not pretty confident on his sketches. He even thought that it would be a complete nightmare if people saw his drawings. They weren't that good, well, at least to him it's not that good. The journal is always kept in the safest place he can keep.

Jonathan being a Gryffindor? "I don't know about that." he replied. Who knows really? Probably half of the reason why he is in Slytherin is that his whole family tree is filled of Slytherins. But Jonathan wasn't really sure if he had the inner Gryffindor in him. He can't even tell Kurumi. "That would be nice though" Jonathan nodded.

Jonathan's eyes widened when Kurumi explained that she has never received a present. Not even from that guy he used to date? That's impossible. "Well then, I'm very happy I'm the first one to give" he smiled. He should have bought her gloves too but then his mother would definitely ask. And when Victoria asks, it's never ending. Sometimes it could get embarrassing as well. And the kiss on the cheek even made his smile grew wider. He just felt so happy, it seems like it's spring. He touched his cheeks to where Kurumi's lips had touched. Should he tell her?

Knitting was a complicated thing to do and as he saw Kurumi's present, Jonathan looked really amaze "This is really cute" he said as he took the bear. And it's his favorite color too, green. "Actually, this is also the first time I have ever received a gift" from a girl. So Jonathan just felt happy. It didn't even mattered what kind of present it would be. "Thank you" he added.

Oh yeah, OWLs. Jonathan had completely forgotten about those bloody exams. His father did give him books to study on but he never did. He didn't even bother opening them over the break. He slept most of the time and went with his uncles. Jonathan noticed the clover sign as she mentioned about goodluck charms. Jonathan didn't have teddy bears before. "You're my---" goodluck charm. Was he really going to continue with that? Jonathan paused at that moment when he realized that he was about to say that. "--uhmmm. Hope this bear lets me pass." he continued.

Erin looked at her not knowing how to act. "I know you," said Erin raising up her chin a little then added, "I'm Erin. First year Ravenclaw," she introduced herself.

Clearly, that Presley Black, was on for a snowball fight today! Suddenly, her sad face turned bright, glowed on the spot. She answered Erin's snow throw by a snow as well and it came from her back. Her hands were bigger than Erin's thus she could throw more handfuls of snow.

Erin looked at her confused how could she changed her emotions so fast. Well, if Erin's sad, there was no way anyone could make her happy. That was only valid for her sister, Cristina. Then suddenly, Erin remembered her snowball fight with Cristina. That was truly one of her most cherished moments.

Mordred’s smile widened as he felt the annoyance get in to Beezus’ nerves. It was working, and she was trying her best not to show it. Well, not for Mordred. He can easily read someone’s expression even if that person’s pretending.

“Oh yes, definitely. Accidents love you so much.” He said nodding in an exaggerated way. “Maybe you should consider etching the words ‘Take me to the Healer’ at the back of your hand.” He added.

Mordred took back the bag and got himself a sugar quill. Mordred shrugged and uttered, “Sure, more for me then.” He said as he continued chewing. Oh, so she’s not going to tell where she’s headed? Mordred stepped aside and he gestured for her to move along. “You know, I’m kind of bored right now and have nothing else to do. Maybe if I watch you walk with a bum leg, it will be enough to shoo away my boredom.” He said as he grinned.

“So please, walk.” He said as he climbed the railing and sat on it comfortably. “Go on.” He taunted. “Let’s see how far your left leg can go.”

Kurumi giggled and decided that it was probably best to just drop the whole drawing conversation since Jonathan seemed to be a little uncomfortable with showing off his drawings. Maybe someday he would feel more confident about it and she could see.

Her smile grew a bit more. "I think, that we all have a little bit of each house in us," she said with a small nod. She knew people who would say that she had more Ravenclaw than Gryffindor in her. "I often wonder just how the Sorting Hat knows how where to put us, and I don't mean the enchantments placed on it." It seem like out of all the enchanted objects in the wizarding world, the Sorting Hat was the one that had some of the deepest forms of magic on it.

"Me too," she blushed looking down at the ground. His arm was still around her, right? She felt so comfortable that she hardly noticed. Was that a good thing or a bad thing? She was going to go with a good thing. "I'm glad you like it," she smiled sheepishly before her eyes widened. Wait, Jonathan had never received a gift from a girl before? Kurumi suddenly felt giddy and her hand went to her mouth to try and muffle the giggle that was trying to escape.

She leaned in a bit closer when Jonathan spoke, but he cut himself off. "I"m you're...what?" She was hanging on his words, and cocked her head to the side when he quickly changed subjects.

True, each person does have a little bit of every house within them. Although, a couple of traits to stand out among the rest. "The sorting hat probably sees more of us than we do" maybe that explains why he is a Slytherin, despite the fact of his family tree. The same goes for Kurumi. Jonathan pictured her more of a Ravenclaw but she's doing better as a Gryffindor. She's definitely one of those more-than-meets-the-eye kind of girls. Which could be kind of scary... heehee. 'So do you agree with the sorting hat?" putting her under gryffindor. But she's already in her fourth year, probably by now, she already knows why she's a Gryffindor.

Jonathan removed his hands to get a better look of the teddy bear. So this is how a knitted stuff looks like. Jonathan looked at the bear closely. The details were actually very neat and it doesn't look like it was knitted by a first-timer. Jonathan looked at Kurumi "How can i not like it? You're the first girl to give me a gift" Jonathan just felt smiling for awhile. He doesn't know why but he can't wipe that smirk on his face. He really appreciate the gift.

GULP.

Oh, she heard that? Why must he have said that out loud and why wasn't he thinking of what he's saying in the first place. Jonathan looked at Kurumi. His mind searching for some not-so-lame answers. Yes, he is cramming. "Nothing" he mumbled and shook his head. Kurumi doesn't need to know right? "i mean..." he paused. "...this is really..." another pause. "uhmm, really. Nothing." awkwaaaard... Hopeless, he looked at the ground. He felt like kicking himself for some reason.

One, two, three, four. Breathe in, breathe out. Calm Beezus. Don't let him get you, she said in her head. She was about to lose it. And that event was definitely not in her to-do list. She'll have to make a run for it if she doesn't want to witness a clash of titans this time around.

She forced a smile as she listened to him talking about her being friendly with accidents. Take me to the Healer. Oh, she would really ask him that if he was not Mordred for the pain in her leg was now starting to worsen. But then again, as he is Mordred then there's no chance she would ever ask him that. She would rather take the pain than have him take her to the Hospital Wing. Yeah, maybe accidents do love her. But she loved them back nonetheless.

She sighed deeply and chose not to respond to his remark. But then-

A Sugar Quill ?!!!

He had a one. Beezus stared at treat on his hand for a second and quickly averted her eyes back on the pathways. He's doing his best to annoy me. And that Sugar Quill looks so yummy, she thought, brows arching. "Er-," Give me some of that ! Please !

But he talked. Why did you even have to talk? So he was bored and she'd be his clown to alleviate that boredom. She stopped on her tracks and faced him as he climbed back to the railing, "And who told you I would give you that entertainment?" She rolled her eyes, and crossed her arms, "I won't give you the chance to make me a laughing stock so I'll stay," she muttered silently that only she could hear. She was not going to give him the liberty to laugh at her as she'd walk. The Pathways were a long way for her today because of her stupid leg.

Oh, well. She'd just have to risk the time. She would still have enough to climb the Astronomy Tower once she gets rid of the snake in front of her.

Mordred was definitely enjoying every bit of this event. The mere fact that Beezus can actually endure his taunts was enough entertainment for him. So she decided to stay, then? “All right, it seems you have all afternoon to banter with me.” he said as he looked up at the darkening sky. Even if the boy did not like the winter season, he has all the reason to be happy because his birthday falls under that time of the year.

“Hmm.” he wondered out loud. “Yes. You blue birds actually live on one of the towers, right?” he said with a mischievous grin. “And you’re all the way down here...” he said as he eyed Beezus, shifted his gaze to the long pathway and finally setting his eye on the Astronomy Tower. Mordred gave out a hearty laugh and wiped his eyes dramatically— “Oh..dear. Tsk, tsk, tsk.” The boy shook his head and continued to eat his blue sugar quill. “You know you could always get a broom from the broomshed.” A wicked smile was on his face. “Fly all the way up to your dormitory...smash a few windows. Could save you time.” He said as he pointed at the tower with his sugar quill.

Noticing that Beezus was actually looking at the candy he was eating, he can’t be mistaken that she’s dying to have one. “Oh please.” He rolled his eyes, and tossed her a deluxe sugar quill. “Fresh from Hogsmeade. I got the deluxe ones...”wait, why was he telling this to her? Oh, right. “Deluxe sugar quills last longer. I reckon you’ll be needing it since you have a looong way to go.” He smirked and continued to eat. “So tell me, how you plan on getting yourself up there?” he continued pulling an exaggerated concerned look. “Walk with your hands, perhaps?” he added noticing that her right leg is a bit swollen. Or maybe it’s just his imagination at work...

He really seems to be having fun with this one. Really now ? The sky was getting darker as she was spending more time with him. Why would she not just walk away ? It's definitely because of her pride. For she knew he would laugh at her if she continued her trip to the Astronomy Tower. Yep, that was it. He noticed Mordred's face lit up as he looked at the sky. She was curious as to why he was almost beaming, yes. But she didn't have the guts to ask him.

"Yeah," she answered shortly. Ravenclaw students dwell on the Seventh Floor and that was very close to the Astronomy Tower which made her mission this night very easy if she had not only went to Professor Bentley's office. And to make matters worse, she had to meet Mordred on the midst of the Pathways. She smiled unbelievably at him as he suggested that she fly to the Tower, "You know Mordred, that's actually a nice suggestion and I won't deny the fact that I'm a superb flyer," Of course, Beezus is a proud Quidditch player on their House Team, "..yet my brain doesn't work like yours." Then she smoothed her hair, "I've got more sense than that," Beezus added.

She caught the Sugar Quill he tossed at her. Maybe he was not that bad after all. But he was still annoying nevertheless, "Thanks," she said, shrugging as he told her it was Deluxe. And then ? That was still Sugar Quill.

"Definitely not," she told him as he asked if she would walk to the Astronomy Tower with her hands. "I'm planning to get there by walking normally," She licked her Sugar Quill, "And that means by foot in case you don't know," She was going to walk that long way to get up there.To the Entrance Hall, the First Floor, the Second Floor, the Third Floor.... Her right leg can still take it. Besides, a Pygmy Puff's bite isn't that fatal right ?

"I think that it sees parts of us that we are not even aware of," she giggled. Kurumi had been almost positive that she was going to be sorted into Ravenclaw. So she was pleasantly surprised and shocked that she had been in Gryffindor. "I think I understand why I am in Gryffindor now, a lot of it comes from my curiosity. Even the Headmaster told me that I was a true Gryffindor." She blushed a bit. She had earned some house points from that too. "Bravery comes in many forms, so I guess I am just the nontraditional form of it."

Kurumi's cheeks turned an even deeper shade of pink, if that was even possible, and this time she lost control and allowed her hair to do whatever it wished to - which was turn a shade of rosy pink. It was a different shade from what it turned around Treyen and even Adam, but it was still a pink nonetheless. "Somehow...that surprises me," she giggled.

Kurumi sensed a sudden change in Jonathan and his...aura? Was that the right word? She wasn't sure, but he certainly had a shift in his something. It seemed like he wanted to say something, but it was either to difficult for him to say, or it was something that was too embarrassing. Unless...

Merlin...he was going to tell her that he didn't think of her as anything more than a little sister and that he appreciated the sisterly gesture. Right?

Swallowing, Kurumi swung her arms loosely and and smiled up at him as brightly as she could muster despite her nerves. "I am glad I could be the first person to give you something," she finally said after a few moments, changing the subject slightly. "And...I hope...I hope that, um...it helps you understand a little more about how I feel..."

Alright. Ball back in your court Jonathan.

The Sorting hat knows it all perhaps. It can choose a house for each student and somehow in the end you'll know why or suddenly realize it sorted you in that house. Jonathan does have tendencies to be non-slytherin. But he is very much a proud Slytherin. He grew up with a whole bunch of them, how could he not like the Slytherin house. "You are brave." and Jonathan believes in that. Kurumi's just shy so maybe that's why people may think she's not as brave.

Surprises her? "Yeah. I really like this" he smiled while looking at the bear. He usually gives the present so this really brightened his day. Did she expect girls gave him tons a gifts? Well, if you include her mother and aunts then yes, he has been given gifts before. Not like this though, Kurumi even hand knitted it which means it has more sentimental value in it. Yeah, from now on this teddy bear is sealed and no one must touch it except him.

His eyes looked at Kurumi, somehow in the middle it grew silent but not for too long though. Jonathan hasn't been this awkward in such a long time. He thinks he can't even stand up correctly now. He's been treating her differently over the past months and maybe she doesn't notice it because he holds it back for some reasons. Maybe all she thinks about him is like a brother? Maybe she likes someone else? Maybe she just misses her older brothers? See! There's a lot of 'maybes'.

Then finally, she spoke again. It helps you understand a little more about how I feel??? What does that mean? Was he missing something? Did he hear it correctly? Jonathan moved closer to her, his face was quite confused but was still smiling. "I... uhmmm..." he held the bear tightly. "Kurumi..." he paused for a second. Trying to gather up all his courage "...how do you feel about me exactly?" he looked down.

Gulp.

Should he cover his ears?

Kurumi smiled and resisted the urge to shake her head. She knew a large handful of people who would be upset at her if she said that she wasn't - although she had a hard time believing that she wasn't. Patroclus came to mind instantly, especially his parting words. He had been one of the most Gryffindor-like people she had known, and she sure hoped that he was doing well wherever he was now. "I...try to be," she nodded.

Kurumi smiled when he once again said that he liked it. Jonathan had no idea how many times she had poked herself with a needle while doing some of the final sewing. He didn't really need to. It would only make things more difficult.

And then, he asked a question that she had been dreading for the entirety of their conversation. She couldn't let this be a repeat of last time, he coming out and saying how she felt only to have it essentially thrown back in her face. If he had to ask...then he didn't know...which meant that he wasn't feeling the same, right?

"How...how do you think I do?" she asked turning it around on him.

Blink. Blink.

So what happens now? Does he tell her how he feels or should he just let this one slide? What if he doesn't get a chance like this anymore? So why risk this one. Jonathan was still holding the teddy bear. Holding it tight that if it were alive, it would have screamed in pain already. He did have his first chance to tell Kurumi. Last year at the gazebo, he was so close to telling her and yet he refused. Jonathan felt scared at that second.

Now, this would be his second chance. He looked at Kurumi, she was already wearing the scarf he gave her. His heart was beating faster and was a little bit sweating, considering it's winter. "I have been meaning to tell you this for quite sometimes already" he started. His eyes were on the ground, he couldn't bear looking at her and confess.

"I don't know how when it started but I--" he looked at her this time. Right now, he will kick himself if he ever change the subject. No more hiding. He has to tell her. He breathe in... "I like you Kurumi... a lot" he gave out a smile. There. He said it, after all this time. Of course, the boy was blushing and was acting like a complete dork right now but it was worth it. He finally said those 3 words.

Now for the hard part. Jonathan is quite ready for any answer that will come out from her mouth. He's just hoping it won't haunt him.

Kurumi felt as though she were on pins and needles. No, as if she were a small child standing in front of the oven with their eye on a tray of cookies inside waiting for them to bake. Or was it more like watching a pot of water boil on the stove? Why was she making so many cooking references? Not that that really mattered. All that really mattered was however Jonathan responded. He would either make it easier to sort out her feelings, or more difficult.

Her breath caught when she saw him open his mouth to speak. For quite some time? She felt the knot in her stomach tighten even more. That was...a good thing right? Good news usually came after such announcements. Well, minus that time her goldfish had passed away. One of her brothers had said that it enjoyed swimming belly up and she had believed him for a few days. Her father had been the one to break the news.

She was clearly trying to distract herself just in case what Jonathan had to say was going to hurt. She even winced temporarily, until it sunk in just what he had said.

"Y-Y-You like me?" she squeaked in disbelief. She stood there dumbfounded for what seemed like an eternity to her, but was probably only a few seconds at most. Her heart was racing, galloping now, and she had the urge to just throw her arms out and hug him...but the other part of her was resisting. Her feelings were returned, but now she had to figure Ali out.

Still, Ali aside, she knew that one thing was true and expressing that was now...or never.

"I...I like you too..."

Jonathan paused.

His can't even speak after hearing what she had just said. She likes him too? Jonathan looked at her for awhile. The grip on the teddy bear somehow loosen up after she confessed. His heart was beating faster this time but his head was already calmed. He still can't believe what he just heard. Not that he's complaining. HECK NO. He thought he was prepared for this... he thought wrong.

Then for awhile he realized he hasn't replied, he shook his head and his thoughts drifted "Y-y-yyou..." he can't even say it himself. He's just surprised, he's speechless. Like always, Jonathan brushed his bangs onto the side. It took awhile to sink in what she had just said and then he blushed. He tapped his cheeks lightly, and couldn't help but smile. Actually he was more prepared that Kurumi would say otherwise, maybe that's why she had him speechless.

Yes, a smile of relief. Then just like that, he hugged her again. "I'm sorry" he whispered "I'm still shocked" he laughed softly. He looked at her and her purple eyes. Now why does her mother hate those. It's really pretty-- it suits her.

And well, Jonathan can't stop smiling. He feels like jumping even.

Presley stopped her snow-ball throwing at once. Her small hands were absolutely freezing, but that wasn't what had stopped her. It was the way the girl didn't lob anything back. The fact that she knew Presley, and Pres had just admitted to not knowing her. How embarassing. "It's nice to meet you Erin." Presley smiled kindly, rubbing her hands together to keep them warm.

It probably wasn't a good time for a snowball fight. Having never been in one herself, Presley didn't know these things. She had stupidly assumed that one snowball meant fight. Except maybe it didn't? Presley didn't even know anymore. She just felt so stupid. Presley didn't know what to do or say. And that was an entirely new concept for Presley Black. She always knew what to say, how to fix a situation. This time, she had no idea. She was treading in unfamiliar territory. "Did you have nice holidays?" She asked, smoothly covering her brief blunder.

Off to see Mr. Stryker, right? Because he'd missed the chocolate covered almonds too much...and Chad as well...but...wasn't he a bit away from THE hut?

Treyen was walking on the opposite direction to it, truth be told, and he didn't even notice what he was doing until he saw a glimpse of the Quidditch right ahead of him.

Then he froze in place. A small smile made an appearance on his face and it kind of surprised him. He wasn't missing the sport, really, but the memories of Miranda and Melanie flooded his mind and he wondered for a second how many things would be completely different if he'd quit the team back when he told Miranda he was doing that.

It seemed like decades ago, and only four years had passed.

Lexi had her nose buried in a book as she picked her way slowly through the path. Yeah, she READS. Often. Thank you VERY much. Anyway, the point being, she did NOT see Mister Awesome standing there in La La Land... She was On a direct collision course for her little buddy. Hope one of them snapped out of it soon. Heh.

If Treyen was the kind of person that whistles, then he would've been doing just that, but no, he was just eyeing the Pitch...almost as if he missed it. He probably missed Ellie a whole lot more than the game in question.

Hey! He didn't need to go to Chad's. Mainly because he was way off course, but he wanted to find Ellie now, which is why he didn't think twice before turning around completely and perhaps check if she was somewhere in the Castle...

...or not.

There was one minor detail. Someone had been walking close-by. And the turn he made was made too quickly and too harsh...on that someone else...that almost made him trip. Instead, they collided, and one book was on the ground. Ouch much?

At least he didn't fall to the ground. Like the book. Poor book.

"Lexi!" or rather...Lady Awesome.

FLAIL!!!!

Lexi's head smacked into the side of Treyen's as they collided and her book, her PRECIOUS book went SAILING through the air. Daaaang. Rubbing her head she pouted at him a bit and then cracked a slight smile. "Hey Mister Awesome. How you been? Sorry I crashed into you like that..."

Still rubbing her head she reached down to retrieve her book.

YES. OUCH MUCH.

His head wasn't going to appreciate this tomorrow for sure.

Treyen was about to apologize for being so careless and not even noticing who was around or anything at all...when...'Mister Awesome'. That made him smile. He could never be as awesome as the Original Sir Awesome. Why? Because there wasn't any other 'Treyen' to come up with such an awesome nickname, right? Right.

Either way, "No, no, there's no need to apologize...I was...not paying attention...and...," yeah, he didn't know what to say, that was obvious. "Hi." He smiled nicely this time, and nodded once. "I'm doing great, actually. You, Lady Awesome?" he asked. Proper greetings were nice. Sometimes. And it would've been nicer if his manners had acted on time and he'd been the one to pick up the book...

...oh, no, wait, that's what he did next. "Here," he said, handing the book over AND making sure their heads didn't smack against each other again. No good can come of that.

Lexi smiled as he GUSHED well almost about how great he was doing. Good to know. Hehe. "I'm -- uh-- you know... alright and stuff. Been good. Just staying to myself mostly. Want a drama free last term," she said with a happy grin. She wanted to tell Treyen her NEWS. He was one of her besties after all... at least in HER opinion he was. Heh.

Taking the book she quickly tucked it into her bag lest someone saw exactly what that title was. Hehehe. Oh shoot she couldn't RESIST. Quickly she leaned in and whispered in his ear the REASON she was so stoked about... LIFE.

What?

Treyen couldn't believe what he was hearing. She was alright? Just alright? His Lady Awesome was JUST alright? Something was up. Something big. Of grand proportions.

He still smiled. "That's good. Too much drama is...too much sometimes." He was trying to go unnoticed and failing to do so. Slytherins seemed to find those that wanted to be quiet more often than none.

The smile faded as soon as she mentioned her last term.

This was her last. And Salander's. And Cassie's. And Destiny's. And Mia's. And Evelyn's...hey! This was Evelyn's last term...that was pretty awesome, actually, considering he's been scared of her since he met the girl.

"What was the book about?" the boy never got a chance to read the title.

Then...she leaned closer...and...

O_o

...wait...

Blink.

"WHAT?!" he was still slightly frozen. The news were bigger than expected, actually. "Why?" Yeah, he wasn't reacting, perhaps the bump to his head was a little too much. Like drama.

Lexi quickly closed her bag and waved her hand dismissively at the question of the book. It was stufff... Heh.

Then he reacted... in not a way she had hoped to be perfectly honest. HMPH. Sighing loudly she just nodded her head and turned around. "Because I want to. Great Merlin... I am SICK of my FRIENDS being this way. Look... I have some work to do. See you around, Treyen," she said sharply.

Ugh.

No one was happy for her it seemed. Starting to walk away she still shook her head, unable to comprehend why no one shared her joy.

Well, that wasn't fair, now he was more curious about what the book was about...until...

...Lexi happened. And Treyen frowned.

He considered letting her go but that's only because he wasn't reacting. He'd congratulated Iris, and even Trixie, but he was closer to Lexi. Much closer, indeed. And...you know what? "No, wait, stop it. You don't get to walk away from me." It's not like he asked to hear the news in the first place. And they weren't bad news either...they were AMAZING news, and he was positive that those news made Lexi the happiest she's ever been.

Then why wasn't he saying anything else? He was quickly by her side, "Really. I...are you sure it's what you want?" Her and Salander had had too many breakups to keep track of...but they did belong together, didn't they.

Out of the blue, he smiled. Something had clicked in his mind. "You won't be Lady Awesome anymore. You'll belong to someone else." Sal will be her family, right? That was a nice and...sliiiightly reassuring thought. "Well, not belong...but you get the idea." Hopefully.