Oh... he was rather good at looking ahead and anticipating her, wasn't he? Vivi stopped moving when she saw Gideon begin to cast, but rather than throw up a shield, she attempted to dodge the spell. Only some luck... it hit her off hand and froze her fingers together and her thumb in place, but at least her wand hand was still free and clear...

For now.

"Sorry, Gert. Have to take my advantage where I can," she saluted him with her wand and started moving again, dodging back the way she came and drawing the low U shape as she went. "Petrificus Digitirus!"

Should they regroup and add in the other spell?

"Quite alright. No real harm done." Just a mite inconvienent but it wasn't as if they were dueling seriously. It would never go too far between them, Gideon was sure of that. There was a touch of amusement in his expression as Genevieve tried to dodge the magic sent her way. "Nice try there, Branxton," he mused seeing the results of his spell casting and her attempt simply to escape rather than shield. Not exactly his intended target but it still had been successful in the actual casting and proper effects.

"Torparticus!" he cast, switching to the second spell they had learned. Sure he had not had as much practice on it but it was the pronunciation not the wand movement that was harder, so easier while circling in some respects.Not to mention he had gotten the word down during class. Now he just needed to wait and see what happened as he aimed the jab a little lower than her wand hand.

Take that!

She really wanted to stop and unstick her hand, especially if Vivi was expected to continue trying to cast against her friend Gideon (the duel shark!). So far, he'd aimed the same spell at her hand, over and over, with some success, and so Vivi completely let her guard down.

She tried to dodge, but the surprise at the use of a new spell and the fact he aimed it at her elbow, threw her, and Vivi was caught defenseless as the spell hit her. Her non-wand hand was frozen and her wandarm was starting to slowly slide toward the floor.

NOT TODAY, MISTER! With the last of her strength, Vivi jabbed her wand at Gideon and shouted, "Torparticus!" before her wand fell from her fingers and her arm went slack.

She glared at Gideon, the Vivi was of asking him to come fix her, please.

It wasn't hard to see that he had been successful with his spellcasting, the effects happening soon enough upon her arm. However not before Vivi had managed to get the same spell aimed his way in retaliation. It was probably lucky for them both that Gideon managed to escape with a quick move made less daring since it was on solid ground rather than in the air so he could take control of the situation.

It was oh so CLOSE though.

And he was relieved when he didn't feel anything freeze up in response. Seeing the glare from the Ravenclaw, Gideon pushed past it with a sigh, moving back beside her feeling bad at the image his friend presented. With a pair of motions with his wand, he cancelled the jinx and curse all at once as he squatted down beside her. "Ye okay? I probably should have warned ye I was switching to the other spell." He only hoped he hadn't hurt her in the process.

"Fine. I'm fine. I got all tangled up in myself there." Vivi straightened up and flexed her fingers in her trademark little wiggle. Yup. All her fingers were unlocked, AAAAND her elbow was working again. Good thing, too, or she'd be very disgruntled.

"I want to practice this one, actually... can we take it slower this time? I didn't like how it felt in class and only went through it once fully." She continued to flex her fingers until they were fully functioning, and then Vivi picked up her wand. Wow, the effects of this one were really lasting.

"Torparticus!" she cast on Gideon's non-wand hand, hoping he's forgive her for it.

Gideon nodded as Vivi showed she was okay, the prefect then turning his wand on himself to unfreeze his three fingers of his wand hand. Probably best for them both to return to normal before they moved on to anything else otherwise it was only going to become more difficult.

"Aye, fine by me," he agreed to them going slower, figuring it was a good idea anyway seeing as it was supposed to be more difficult and need more effort and practice. They didn't need to rush anyway. He should have seen the spell coming his way. Well he did and didn't move either purposely to be fair or just not fast enough given their closer proximity. Oh how it felt as his non-wand hand went limp. "Aye...that spell definantly reminds me how it felt getting used to a wing instead of an arm." Wrinkling his nose, Gideon had to focus to ignore the feeling in his limb so he could make it right.

"Finite..." he eventually cast using the verbal form to make sure it was done correctly this time. The Gryffindor then turned around and returned it. "Torparticus!"

Maybe it was rude, or just turn about for him having hit her already, but Vivi HATED how it felt to have that spell cast on her, and she turned her body to let it brush past and miss her hand and arm completely. Sorry, buddy... but it was awful feeling and she wanted to avoid it.

"Sorry," Vivi held out her hand again in offer before deciding better of it. "Lemme see if it works on other parts of you, please. And then I'll let you hit me again." She flexed her hand and grasped her wand, pointing it at his arm. She knew how this felt, and it was unpleasant. ""Torparticus!

His next spell missed as the Ravenclaw moved successfully this time to avoid it. Genevieve took aim at him again and Gideon braced for what was to come, debating whether or not to go with it or defend even without it being cast already. If it wasn't for homework, Gideon might have resisted more, even with Vivi's inclusion of please within her request. "Guess turn about is fair play," he mused making a face as his elbow and arm went haywire. Torparticus was definantly the curse out of the two rather than a jinx since it felt much worse in the long run.

"Mind helping fix it?" His shaky focus on fixing his hand had been bad enough, it was probably best if a second party handled it. After all she owed him.

"Yes, I'm sorry... you're a good sport," Vivi patted his wonky arm with just her fingertips before she put her wand to it and ended the spell. It was extremely nice of him to be willing to be cast upon, especially when he'd proved he could dodge her better than nearly anyone she'd ever dueled.

"How'd you dodge that spell earlier? You're really fast." She scooted back and held out her hands again for his casting.

Gideon bit back a winch as Vivi touched his arm before returning it back to normal. "Well I'm not a Gryffindor for nothing. The gallantry is a given...at least to those that deserve it." And even some who might not if he wasn't fully aware of circumstances and truths or made to by his role as prefect of the house.

"Good reflexs I guess.." he mused with a shrug, the movement helping to right his righted arm. "Thanks...Doesn't hurt to have been dodging spells for longer than I can rem--" Gideon broke off as he realized he was venturing into territory Vivi knew nothing about. In fact besides his sister Selina was the only one at Hogwarts that knew anything. He coughed and raised his wand as the Ravenclaw presented her hands again to him.

"One last time for good measure..." he mused gathering himself. "Torparticus!" the Gryffindor cast with a jab towards Vivi's hands, letting her pick what was effected if anything.

Oh, Gryffindors. Yes, Vivi was well aware of the traits to which Gideon referred, although she didn't find them to be as impressive as Gryffindors tended to find themselves. Jumping with both feet into things without looking... then again, that sounded a lot like a certain impulsive Ravenclaw.

She gave him an odd look at his half-completed sentence, but considering all things... he was allowed to have his secrets. They all had one or two they hung on to. "Go ahead, then. Maybe I'll let you give me some lessons in dueling before we graduate. I need all the skill I can get."

Vivi settled back on her heels to wait on the spell, and it wasn't long in coming. Her fingers turned to jelly again, and the feeling was prickly and unpleasant. She couldn't help but groan and rub her hands together. "I hate this spell."

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassirin

Oh, Gryffindors. Yes, Vivi was well aware of the traits to which Gideon referred, although she didn't find them to be as impressive as Gryffindors tended to find themselves. Jumping with both feet into things without looking... then again, that sounded a lot like a certain impulsive Ravenclaw.

She gave him an odd look at his half-completed sentence, but considering all things... he was allowed to have his secrets. They all had one or two they hung on to. "Go ahead, then. Maybe I'll let you give me some lessons in dueling before we graduate. I need all the skill I can get."

Vivi settled back on her heels to wait on the spell, and it wasn't long in coming. Her fingers turned to jelly again, and the feeling was prickly and unpleasant. She couldn't help but groan and rub her hands together. "I hate this spell."

He met her gaze as she looked at him funny because of his un-ended sentence, the prefect bracing himself for questions that thankfully never came. Now there was an idea...the two of them dueling sometime, something he hadn't done anywhere but the occasional DADA class when needed since his dueling with now-head girl Louisa in the dueling club his fifth year. Had that really be that long ago?

"Maybe we can..." he said only half-agreeing to the proposal. For who knew what sort of time either of them would have from now until the end of the year.

Vivi gave the go-ahead and the spell was cast by him once more, catching both the Ravenclaw's hands in the process. Now who was being a good sport? "Well hopefully ye will never have to deal with it after this. One can only hope." He surely wouldn't want to have it done or even aimed at him anymore, forget the fact that it was relatively harmless as offensive spells went. Without being asked, Gideon gave his wand one last flick in her direction, ending the curses effects.

Alice was a spy today.

She was flexible, you know. She was small for her age, bendy, and agile, which meant that she could perform AWESOME roley-poleys. And cartwheels. And handstands. And she had every right to do so. Because, you know, they were cool. So the little Gryffindor did her MOVES all over the castle, until she reached the armour gallery.

Perfect place for spying, yeah?

She had been intermixed with the armour for a while now. Not because they had 'historical importance' or whatever. Nope, Alice liked them because they served as awesome hiding spots, if you knew how to hide behind them and stay very silent. Which was great, because she was very good at eavesdropping on people who passed by and talked super loudly.

AND SO SHE WAITED.

... Not that West was TALKING LOUDLY mind you. Nope. Actually he was just being nosy and looking around. And wondering about armour and how easy it would be to smuggle a couple suits of them to his dorm. One for himself and one each for Theo and Terry. Cos Theo was a given of course, but West wouldn't want Terry to feel left out. So yeah. He was considering this.

FOR REASONS. Whichhewouldcomeupwithlater

He kicked one just to see how it sounded, and the metal let out a resounding ringing sound and vibrated like a bell.

OOH. Perfect! Here came an unsuspecting boy.. but he didn't have company? How was Alice going to eavesdrop on a conversation that didn't exist? Hmm. She would have to wait until someone else walked by, someone who was easier to spy on. Maybe she should have brought Melanie or Penelope with her? Someone to talk to while she waited. Anya would have brought gummy bears.

Mhmm.. gummy bears..

But Alice was pulled out of her dramatic thoughts of sweets as someone KICKED her suit of armour. Kicked?! Really? THERE WAS A PERSON HERE. The little girl jumped out of her hiding spot as the shiny metal in front of her fell and crashed into the ground. HMPH. Well. So much for spying today. She stared at the person blankly. "C'MON DUUUUUDE. That was my BEST spy spot on the whole floor." The rest of the suits were.. like.. not cool enough to hide her.

Le sigh.

WAhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh??????????????? West's eyes went wide and he dropped into a credible Kung Fu sort of stance in his surprise. He had NOT KNOWN there was anyone BEHIND the armour.

He staaaared at that Alice girl where she was on the ground.

"A spy spot?" Whahhh? It was armour. How was it a spy spot? "What are you spying on?" West offered his hand to help her up.

Her feet were wings that carried her to Merlin only knew where. All that was in her mind was to flee and flee fast. Though after three flights of stairs her coordination wasn't too good and her feet ended up tangling with one another. Figured. After the first major emotional meltdown of her life she would go tripping over her own feet.

Nell ended up sprawling across the floor after sliding a few feet. Breathing was difficult though who could blame her poor lungs?! Choking on another sob the distraught Ravenclaw managed to crawl behind one of the numerous suits of armor completely oblivious as to where she was. Curling up into a ball whilst leaning against the wall Nell finally stopped running. The price of that was heavy though as her sadness caught up with her and a fresh wave of tears and sobs shook her body.

Burying her head in her knees Nell gave in to the tears for the first time in her life.

Had he not ran the grounds every morning, Ed might have lost Nell, but he kept up with her, but kept a little distance in case she was running off her frustration. When she fell, he bolted forward, but she crawled away before he could help her up. He followed her to behind the suit of armour and wrapped an arm around her as she sobbed. "Come here, I got you." he murmured softly to her, pulling her closer and letting her cry it out. He wasn't going to apologise for what he'd done, he was completely justified in doing that in his own mind, but he could sort of understand Nell's... um... emotional breakdown? Meep.

No sooner had she curled up then her man appeared as if by magic. She had always marveled at his ability to find her so easily. Without protest she curled into him and cried herself out. Even in the midst of her sadness and hurt toward him she still felt completely safe in his arms.

After what seemed like ages her tears ceased and the sobs turn to little hiccups. What was is about crying that made your whole body sore? As a result she stayed where she was utterly spent and miserable. "Why do you stay with me?" She whispered. "I'm apparently jealous of a third year who continually tests my temper. I know I shouldn't feel this way and you haven't ever given me a reason to but..." Well she couldn't help it.

Sighing heavily she realized the true root of her hurt and gave it a voice. "And just once I wish you would think of me before anyone else. Just once I want you to protect me, put me above everyone else." Wow. Laughing dryly she finally straightened up. "I'm incredibly selfish to boot."

Both of his arms wrapped around her as she moved closer and cried. Just holding her and only moving to stroke her hair soothingly. Patiently, he sat there until she was all cried out and just looked down at her fondly as she hiccuped. Her question had him frowning though. He didn't get a chance respond though because she carried on talking.

He tilted his head at her voicing this feeling and just looked at her for a moment as he figured out what to say. When he finally spoke, his words were carefully chosen. "Nell, if I had thought for even a second that you couldn't protect yourself, I'd have been right by your side. The thing is, Sutton's new to magic and this plant has been eating animals and it took a professor!" He paused to sigh. "You mean so much to me and if I ever lost you, I'd be inconsolable." He gazed into her beautiful eyes. "Penelope Rose Lockwood, I'm with you and will be for the rest of forever because I love you." There, he'd finally admitted it and hoped she understood.

There was a pause, presumably as what she had said sank in. Possible response went swirling around her mind and all Nell could do was sit and wait for Ed. He finally spoke and her eyes went straight to his. Add feeling a bit wrenched to the list of emotions. Sutton was like a little sister to him so he would naturally want to protect her. And his faith in her own abilities made her want to groan.

Her eyes held his own though and his last bit of speech had her speechless. You would have thought she would be all teared out but tears filled her eyes again. She tried to speak but had a lump in her throat so she cleared it and tried again. "You love me?"

It was obvious what he'd said had made an impact. Her response wasn't what he'd expected though. "I do. I love you." He confirmed, feeling a small bud of hope blossoming in his heart. He wanted them to be together for forever and the fact that she hadn't run away declaring him crazy was a good thing. She'd already said she loved him, so he was a little apprehensive that she'd think he was just saying it because she had, but he wasn't. It'd been a while since she'd told him and he was saying it now because he finally realised.

Nell couldn't look away from his face. She didn't know what she had been looking for but all she found was the sincere truth. Anyone else would have questioned whether he was just saying it to say it but she knew him better. Edmund wouldn't have said those words if he wasn't completely ready to say them.

She smiled a bit and wiped the few tears left in her eyes. "I love you too." Something shifted within her at that moment that she couldn't explain. Nor was she in any state to look at it too closely. Nell looked down at her hands. "Can you forgive me? For being such a girl?"

He couldn't help but beam at her as she said those words again. His gaze followed hers to her hands and his hand moved slightly to touch hers. "There's nothing to forgive." He kissed her cheek gently and rested his head against hers. "You're my girl and I wouldn't have you any other way."

Nell couldn't help but giggle as he kissed her and snuggled her. His comment had her heart swelling with joy. She threaded her fingers through his and cuddled closer. Sighing she looked up at him. "Next year is going to suck without you." She had been trying not to think about it but now it was impossible.