Hufflepuff Sleeping Area
 

Since the Common Room has been locked (the Great Lockout of '78) and all students forced out, the Hufflepuffs have had to make other arrangements for sleeping, eating, studying, dining, etc. Conveniently, the long dining tables of the Great Hall have also disappeared, perhaps under the same strange circumstances that led to the lockout....

As it is, the entirety of Hufflepuff House will be sleeping in thick, warm, purple bags with silver stars embroidered on them, right in the spot where their fancy table used to be. The bags are a Hogwarts' specialty, used only in certain circumstances, and although they are no match for a real mattress, they'll have to do for now.

Anyone? :3
 

Bliss walked into the Great Hall, where she knew she'd be sleeping tonight and stopped dead. The tables were all gone and all she could see were lots and lots of purple sleeping bags, which would obviously be the substitute mattresses. She looked around the Hall slowly and took in everyone's face. She could see that some members of the other houses were here. But there were no Hufflepuffs yet. LONESOME TIME.

She grabbed a sleeping bag and wandered over to the far end of the Great Hall and plonked herself down. She sat on the sleeping bag and brought her knees up to her chest.

This was going to be a looooong night.

Trying not to act all mopey about the whole situation, Ness eyed the great hall. Thank goodness Puffles had the instinct of not being in the common room when this had all happened. The little ball of fluff had run off before like he always did, which usually annoyed Ness. Today she was more than pleased that he did so, and when she spotted him on her way to the hall, she squished him tight keeping him in her hands.

Whatever was going on with the common rooms, Renesmee was FAR from pleased. She could deal with many things, but not having a bed to sleep in was not something that made her beam about. She struggled enough already with her sleep and now to think that she had to sleep in a sleeping bag all night. This was going to be great. :/

Walking over to only one other Hufflepuff in sight, Ness plunked Puffles carefully on a sleeping bag. "Sleep, baba." she whispered to her little pygmy puff quietly and only then noticed how purple the sleeping bags were. Hopefully they'd be as comfortable as, as pretty they were.

Before plunking herself down, Ness noticed that it was Bliss she saw earlier. "You all alright?" she asked. This must have been a hundred times scarier for the younger students.

Having closed her eyes for a second, Bliss thought about all the possible reasons that this could have happened, but her mind came up blank. If this was a prank, by Peeves or someone, it was totally NOT funny. At all. Nobody could get any fresh clothes, or their books and some pets were even stuck in the Common Rooms.

It was horrible. Luckily for Bliss, her owl, Twitch was in the owlry. Though Bliss was worried about Hope, the owl that she'd bought Terry for Christmas, she hadn't talked to him yet, so wasn't sure where she was. Bliss just hoped she was safe.

Bliss opened her eyes as she heard someone come up beside her. It was her Quiddich Captain. "Hey Nessie," she said with a small smile. "Yes. I'm alright, are you?" She asked, her voice sweet and concerned. Bliss always put others feeling before her own. She wouldn't be okay until she knew that Nessie and everyone else was.

This event better be over soon, she thought. Otherwise there would be trouble.

Minerva made her way to the great hall. She couldn't believe they were all sleeping here. What is he saw her in her Pj's and slippers. This was just so embarrassing, but no matter. She was so tired from everything that had went on and still a bit sad that all her planning was wasted. She saw to puffs already there and smiled at them. She wasn't feeling up to socializing at the moment and glanced around the other sleeping areas for the other houses. Finding her new bed sleeping bag and sat down on it. Well this was just interesting, what was going on. Why all this crazy stuff and where was Hadley, she hadn't seen her at all through this. That seemed just as weird as being thrown out of their common room.

anyone?
 

Laura walked into the great hall and smiled this was going to be like a great big sleepover but she wasn't happy about the situation with the common rooms. "I don't know who decided to play a joke on everyone but this has gone too far." Laura sighed even she wouldn't have played this trick on everyone it was so totally mean. "How are you all?"

Bliss had been sat in the same position for a long time now, and as she turned round to greet Laura, she groaned. Her joins hated her. Who needed silly muscles? PSH. Oh, everyone. Right. Bliss sighed and looked up at her cousin. "Hey, Laura," she said cheerfully and grinned. "I'm okaaay, a liiiitle tired. YOU?" She asked and beamed at Laura.

This would either be a great night or a rubbish night and only time would tell.

Laura looked at her cuz and smiled. "Hey Bliss." Laura really could wait for this, she went over and sat by her cousin. "Well if your tired why don't you sleep young lady." Laura decided to put on best motherly face. "Saying that why aren't you asleep young lady." Laura giggled as she tried to keep a straight face. "I'm great, just hoping they would find out who caused the common room to stop letting people in."

The link works this time :D
 

Why didn't she go to sleep? One. Because she wasn't too hyperactive to sleep. Two. Someone might murder her face off. It was a possibility and she was NOT prepared to risk it. Nu-huh. "Um. Don't want to sleep, I guess," Bliss said and shrugged, not telling that the real reason is that she feared dying. Which was totally understandable. Obviously.

Bliss couldn't help but giggle at Laura's attempted stern motherly face. FAIL. And why wasn't she asleep? It didn't feel right to sleep yet, that's why. Hmmm. Mysteries, Bliss loved them. But not this one. "I wanna know that too," Bliss whined before shutting her eyes.

Laura looked at Bliss and smiled, she had a feeling her cuz was lying to her but she wasn't going to push her cuz to tell her. "Bliss if you want to sleep, I'll stay awake." Laura wasn't that sleepy anyway, she would stay awake until a Professor told her off. "I know you want to sleep cuz, I can see it in your eyes." Laura was being truthful there.

Laura couldn't help but giggle when Bliss giggled at her, she was still trying to pull off the stern motherly face but it wasn't working as she hoped it would. "Young Lady it's bed for you." Laura said whilst still using the face and then she suddenly went into a laughing fit. "OH..oh...oh I can't do it, I seriously can't do it." Laura sighed, it was no use. "We'll find out soon I'm sure."

Ella wasn't really a fan of the whole not having a bed to sleep in thing. She did however see the bright side of all the Hufflepuffs being stuck sleeping in the great hall. They'd wanted to have a big sleepover gathering and now they kind of were, yeah? Even if it wasn't exactly what they'd planned... Besides, Ella had gummy worms on her so she couldn't be too upset.

Sitting up in her purple sleeping bag, the third year opened up the package and sat quietly eating them. She was still wondering what was going on with the whole common room lockout debacle but she figured they'd hear news as soon as anything new happened...and until then they had nothing to do but wait.

Curious. It looked as if Laura could tell that Bliss was keeping the whole truth for her. It wasn't that Bliss didn't want her cousin to know at all, it was just a bit embarrassing. "I'm alr-," Bliss started, but paused and considered this. "Okay, thank you, Laura," she said and smiled gratefully at Laura. She looked curiously at her, it showed in her eyes?

Really? Hmmm.

Bliss smiled as Laura giggled. Laura really wasn't doing well at pulling over a stern-mum face. "Okay, Mum," she said teasingly and started laughing. She laughed so much that she collapsed on the floor. Standing up, she grabbed her sleeping bag and hopped into it. Nice and snug. It wasn't the most comfortable of sleeping arrangements, but it would do.

Bliss curled into a little ball of the floor. "Night, Laura," she whispered quietly, before shutting her eyes.

Zzzzzz.

Ella was just about to pop another gummy worm into her mouth when she noticed Hadley was heading towards them, well more marching. Sheesh that woman was a good marcher! She had the sudden urge to salute her but decided against it. "I'm sure they're fine, Professor." Ella said reassuringly, holding out her bag of gummy worms to Hadley. They helped, they really did. "I'm sure Sir Lewis is off tending to his Lad-I mean Kurumi. Checking on her and such..." Nod. Seemed totally legit. As for Pao, Ella wasn't too sure. She hadn't seen the little guy around yet...but that didn't mean anything was wrong with him. "Did you want me to go look for Pao, Professor?" Cause Ella was always up for a rescue mission and she was sure she could get someone to accompany her. Mhm!

Hadley.. and everyone..
 

Minerva had fallen asleep only just a bit when she heard a voice talking. Opening her eyes she saw Professor Hadley and sat up in her sleeping bag. "Hello Professor" she yawned a bit, it had been a long evening filled with disappointment and confusion. "We are alright Professor, just a bit confused and lost.." She looked around, "Hey Ella, how's your sleeping bag?" Then looking at Belle, "How are you doing Belle?" She wanted to make sure her friend was alright after Ariana was mean to her at the entrance. She still wanted to grumble about. "Professor, do you have any clue what caused the lock outs? It was so weird. We were doing our Badger gathering and then we were out on our behinds locked out." She looked at Professor Hadley hoping to finally get some answers.

Bliss, Hadley and anyone else! ^_^
 

Good, at least one little youngster was alright. Nessie did tend to worry about the younger Hogwarts students, more than the older ones. This was because she remembered what it was liek being in their position, some of the older *cough* Slytherin *cough* students were scary and getting around wasn't as easy, as it was to someone who had been here a few extra years or so.

Before Nessie answered to Bliss, she made sure her sleeping bag was neat and clean. She gently pushed Puffles more to one side of the bag and then sat herself down on the other. She was now all not so set and comfy for tonight.

"I'm glad you're alright." She gave her a small smile and watched as other started to join them. "I'm good, good." Just not so keen about the sleeping bags, she wanted to add but knew better than to do so. "Covered around my favorite colour, what could be better?" That may have sounded more sarcastic than it was supposed to. Purple did in general make Ness feel a little better, but tonight even that wasn't helping too much with optimism.

As Bliss fell asleep, Ness noticed that Professor Hadley had joined them too, Paying her full attention to their spoken topic, she wanted to find details as to what really happened. There must have been some explanation no? Of course Hadley was right though, saftey came first and with that Nessie decided to offer her help. "Professor, I hope that you, yourself are alright. Would you like me to check around the school that nobody else is missing?" What she hadn't noticed was that Ella had already asked something similar. The more hands to help the better, no?

Belle woke up a little bit and her eyes were watery with tiredness. She was almost passed out when Hadley came in. She was wondering where the Rasting and Logan were. Belle had no clue but she reassured Hadley they were fine. "Professor Hadley i am sure they are all fine. They know what the situation is and probably are handling it as we speak." Belle looked around and was sure everyone was all right. They just looked all sleepy.



Belle looked at Minnie and gave her a friendly smile. "Hi Minnie, i am doing fine..just exhausted." she let a huge yawn and started to curl up in her warm sleeping bag. "I just hope they find out who locked the common room up. I just wish i was in a more comfortable bed that is all. I just want answers to who did this."

Everyone here!
 

Still sopping wet from...well getting thrown into the sink, Oakey dragged himself over to the Great Hall and looked over each of the sleeping area's. One for each house it seemed. As he neared the group of Housemates he gave a smile to all except for Laura. No way should it ever be known that he had to get help from her to be removed from the sink. "Hello Professor, I'm not late for a speech or anything am I?" Oakey nodded to the Head of House as he claimed a sleeping bag next to Ella. He sat there for only a moment until he jumped up again! "I still need to dry off!" He said, plus he still smelled liked mashed potatoes.

Minerva smiled at Belle, "Well at least we have somewhere to sleep, why don't you try to close your eyes and sleep a bit. It's been a crazy long day." She glanced towards the other sleeping areas wondering if they would get into trouble if they walked over to the other houses. She wasn't wanting to move anytime soon, but it was just a thought.

Looking at Oakey a smirk crossed her face, clearly still mad at him, "Oakey why are you wet? Where did you go after we were thrown from the common room?" She really had no clue why he would be so wet and wondered if he felt the need for a shower in the kitchen or something.

Turning when she heard Nessie she smiled a bit, "Nessie I could help if you needed it as well. I fell asleep for a bit and now I'm pretty much awake. So whatever needs done I could be some extra hands."

As Ella spoke up first; Fina nodded slowly. They probably were fine. Lewis at least was because he was a seventh year, so if anything she could chalk his absence up to his being responsible. But Logan .... Pao ... he was just a mere child ... and worst, he was family. Well technically even non-family were family, but Pao was blood-family. And he was not here.

"Yes," she said quietly, "But ..." Before she could add on some stipulations, others spoke.

What caused the lockouts? How could she possible know THAT when she only just found out they were locked out about ten minutes ago? "If I knew why you were locked out, then I doubt the sleeping quarters would've have been needed to be arranged in the Great Hall, eh?" Fina admitted.

Her alright? OF course she was alright? Why wouldn't she be? Her office was mostly unscathed, as was her classroom, even with the bit of flooding experienced earlier that year. "I'm fine..." she nodded. And then Nessie offered to go look for those who were missing and lost around the school. Well it would probably be better if Ella went with Ness, considering Ness had a badge.

Ah good, her Prefect seemed more awake now, though slightly weary, which she supposed was understandable.... "Lewis is fine maybe, but Logan ... Pao ... he's young. He's small."

Before she could continue or assign duties or anything, she turned around to find herself face-to-face with a soaking, dripping wet Oakey. Only Oakey could find himself soaked in water when the flooding had receded. "No, not late, I just arrived myself a few moments ago, but .... why in the name of Wenlock are you so wet?"

And then Minnie offered to help search for missing, straggling students as well. "I'm not sure I really think three of you wandering around the school will be such a good idea. Ness and Ella? You two can go and look for those missing or lost..." Since then asked about it first. "Minerva, since you're awake, you can keep help keep an eye on the sleeping quarters. Comfort and make sure your peers don't wander off." Along with Belle, of course, but as Belle was Prefect, that was sort of obvious for her, she hoped.

Minerva frowned a bit, "Yeah dumb question, sorry professor. It was just all so odd.." She hated not knowing, even if it was Peeves or something , she could at least know it was him, but not knowing at all was driving her crazy. She then listened to Hadley talk about about the different ones not around. She knew she had seen Lewis at the party, but she couldn't remember, "Wait, Professor I know they both were at the party before we were kicked out and I want to say Pao went looking for you after we were kicked out." She didn't know if that would help at all, but at least they had a starting point of where the two were last seen.

Then looking around at the others, "Of course professor, you know I'll help anyway I can." She got up out of her sleeping bag, readjusted her slippers and started doing a walk around their sleeping area to make sure all were calm and didn't need anything.

and Nessie is here
 

Ella was waiting from a reply from a very worried looking Hadley when Oakey strolled over and sat down next to her. She turned to greet him and her green eyes grew wide when she noticed he was soaking wet...HUH? "Oakey I..." Sniff.Sniff. "What's that smell...and why are you wet?" Strange...even for Oakey.


Yes? So Hadley did want her to go search for Pao? Ella nodded, waiting to her what the but was though it never came as lots of other people were suddenly talking to their Head of House. Not surprising really, as no one really knew what was going on. The third year just listened quietly, waiting to figure out where she was needed.

SNORT. Ella had to do everything in her power not to laugh at Hadley's reaction to Oakey's appearance. She just shook her head, a small smile on her face.

Oh, assignments..right. "Yes Professor?" Ella answered when her name was called. "I...okay. We can do that." And the third year looked from Hadley to Ness, biting her lip. "Where should we start?" She asked more quietly to the red head, wondering where they should go first.

Stepping off of the sleeping bag Oakey did not want to soak up as well. He turned his attention to both Minerva and Professor Hadley. "Well." Oakey started, not sure how to explain it. "When we were all expelled from the room I ended up dropping into one the Kitchen sinks." Right that explained where he went, but what about why he was wet. "I guess I'm wet because I had some trouble getting out of it." It's kind of hard to get a good grip to pull yourself out of one of the large sinks in the kitchen. Especially when the only thing he could grip on was the faucet knobs.

Ella just had to bring up the smell. "That would be Mashed potatoes." He glared toward Laura as she was the one to throw them right at his face. He really, really wanted to get Laura in trouble right there and then for that but held the information back. They were missing three other Puff's apparently, and didn't need two of them bickering at each other.
"Is there something I can be of help with Ma'am?"

Befelda just entered the Great Hall as she was starving to death. She just took some toasted bread and pumpkin juice from the table and quickly ate them. Ahh...burp!, that was embarrassing. Oops!

She felt then sleepy after eating. But she's been thinking of practicing the Petrificus Digitirus and Torparticus spell, not sure if she wants to practice them with someone. They really weren't that awful when casted.

While walking towards the sleeping area, she saw this group of students talking, one was somewhat 'soaked' she's not sure. She had an idea of approaching the girl. Maybe she could ask her to practice with her on the spells.

She walked towards the 'soaked' student. "Uhm...Hi! Why are you soaking wet? It's not even raining outside. Uhm...", she stopped talking. She thought she was too rude to say that to the girl. "Sorry for that. Anyways, I have this homework in DADA where in I have to practice the Petrificus Digitirus and Torparticus spells. I was wondering if I could practice with you? Please?", she said to the girl straight to the point. Then she almost forgot to introduce herself."Oh, that was so uncivil of me. I'm Befelda Solster, First year.", she quipped. She could feel her face turning hot red.

Ella. XD
 

Good, Hadley was alright, not that she really had much reason not to be. The red head nodded at her Professor as her name was mentioned, which was followed with instructions. Look for the missing two. Alright then, simple enough.

Before Ness could say anything, Ella questioned her first with exactly what she would have said. Where to start? Pout. Where would a student be besides for here now? Lost..okay that was just stating the obvious now. Wasn't going to help much at all.

"How about...um..." Nothing..nope not a single place popped in her head."Umm..the bathrooms?" There we go. Maybe somebody could have possibly been stuck there? Except...they wouldn't exactly be allowed in the boys bathrooms. Gosh that wouldn't work too well, if Pao was after all stuck there. "Or maybe one of the corridors towards there?"

With having at least an idea of where to go, Nessie checked on Puffles one last time. He was asleep by now and she felt safe to leave him on his own. So they could leave now then?

mention of Oakey :)
 

Mashed Potatoes? Ella raised an eyebrow at her housemate, wondering why on earth he smelled like mashed potatoes? Unless...the house elves had been feeding him while he was stuck in the sink. That was kinda nice, actually but still...he wouldn't have been that smelly if he just ate the things. STRANGE. Shrug. "That's um....that's interesting."



Ella watched the older girl as she seemed to contemplate where they should start their search, biting her own lip as she waited. She was a bit nervous, mostly because odd things seemed to be going on and she didn't want to encounter anything scary on their search. They'd be fine, though. Ella had her wand and she was sure Hadley wouldn't let them go on a search if they weren't going to be safe.

The bathrooms? Hey! Yeah...that seemed like a logical place to check. She did consider the fact that they wouldn't be able to get into the boys room though they could always call out to anyone who might be trapped inside. "I...yeah, the corridors where the bathrooms are located. Yeah, we should start with those." Cause people always had to use the bathrooms, yeah? Common room lockout or not.

And pulling out her wand just in case, the small blonde was ready to go when Nessie was.

Awar sat down cross-legged on her sleeping bag. Were they really going to sleep in the Great Hall? She looked around at her fellow Badgers. She didn't mind sleeping in a crowded hall. It made her feel safer.

Minerva listened to Oakey, he was thrown clear in the kitchen. Wow that was a far ways to go when everyone else just it the entrance. She then thought of something. "Oakey, there is a drying spell I had memorized from a book I was reading. Let me try to dry you off." She pulled out her wand and did the wand movement "Exaresco" Making sure she had gotten all of his clothes, she smiled, "Is that better?" Putting her madness of him behind her, she would always help a fellow badger, even if they called her mean and didn't stick up for her when she needed it.

As Minerva walked around the Badger sleeping area as Professor Hadley had mentioned for her to do she noticed Awar sitting on a sleeping bag looking a little concerned, "Hey Awar, sorry we didn't get to watch all our movie. Hopefully once we are back in the common room we can finish watching it. How are you feeling, you okay? You weren't hurt at all when we were thrown?" She just wanted to make sure the younger student was doing alright and wasn't to upset over the switch that had happened.

Bliss and Hadley
 

Laura was still on guard duty for her cousin Bliss, she had promised Bliss she would stay awake whilst she slept and so that was what she was going to do, she then saw Professor Hadley that was good, she whispered over to Professor Hadley. "Professor I can't go to sleep I promised my cousin I'd make sure nothing got her whilst she slept, so if you need me for anything I'm all here." Laura smiled and with that she turned to make sure her cousin was safe, she smiled when she saw her cousin seemed to have fallen asleep.

Awar looked up to see Minnie standing over her. She smiled, "Hi Minnie. It's okay! I was really looking forward to it, though." She shook her head, "Don't worry. I'm fine! Just a bit confused is all!"

Befelda then noticed the girl who just entered the sleeping area. She stared at her and she recognized her in the Muggle studies. It's Awar. She quickly approached her.

"Awar! Hey. Are you about to sleep now? Can you do me a favor? Can I practice a spell with you, the Petrificus Digitirus spell? Please, just minutes, before we go to sleep." Befelda asked.

Minerva smiled at Awar, "Well I promise once we get back into our common rooms, because we will get back in. The professor will figure this out, we will watch Shrek just like we had planned." She glanced around wondering where some of her housemates could be and then focused back on Awar. "I think we might all be a bit confused, but we are safe here in the Great Hall. The professors would never let anything go on here." She gave her a smile knowing Hadley was there and would watch over them.

Minerva then saw another girl approach and ask about homework.. hmmm this made Minerva smile. Someone with the same academic ambitions as she had. Would Min have been more worried about homework then what was going on with the locked common rooms her first year.. Maybe, it really could have been a possibility. "Hello, I'm not sure we have met. I'm Minerva, but most people call me Minnie. If you need someone to practice on and Awar is wanting to rest, you can practice on me. I don't mind." She looked around the sleeping area everyone seemed to be either sleeping or just sitting and talking, "I do have to help keep an eye on everyone for Professor Hadley, but as long as I'm watching, I don't see why you could use my non wand hand for your spell."

Hi Minnie!
 

As she waited for Awar's answer, a girl approached her and introduced herself and offered a hand for the DADA homework. Hmm...I could use some help.

"Hi...Minnie! No, we haven't met. I'm Befelda, but you can call me Bef I prefer that. " she said. She was glad she made friends again. And the girl offered her non-wand hand.

"That's so nice of you. I really need to practice it cause I have just practiced the spells by myself back in the DADA class. Well, can we do the practice here? Are we allowed? I hope so.", she said.

She then took out her wand and made the inverted 'U' motion and practiced the spell, "Petrificus Digitirus.....Petrificus Digitirus......Petrificus Digitirus..", she practiced over and over again before she did it to Minnie.

"Ok. I just practiced first. Are we ok? May we start?"

For you all. And Jessers when she gets back. <33
 

Isabelle had been bringing up the rear, making sure that all the kids got in front of her so she could keep an eye on them as they ascended the stairs and headed towards the Great Hall. She was pleased that all the sleeping bags had been set up already, and they didn't have to wait for that to happen. It meant they could all get comfortable as soon as they got there. Which they did.

Walking among the kids, Issy smiled at them in a reassuring way. She had no idea what had caused the lock-out, or how they were going to fix it. But she knew that to avoid a panic she'd need to remain calm on the outside. First sign of fear in a staff member would surely set the kids off. "Are you all comfy? Found a place for yourself? Need anything?" she called out to the Badgers who were all neatly lined up like a little row of soldiers.

Then Fina came in and Issy breathed a sigh of relief. The Head of House had got the message about it then, either from her or someone else. Probably the Headmistress. "Professor Hadley," Isabelle smiled, walking over to the woman and greeting her. "This isn't ideal, is it?" Understatement. Of. The. Millennium.

Awar nodded at Minnie, convinced that they were indeed safe. Heck, they probably have better protection than in the Muggle world. Of that, she's sure.

She turned her head to Befelda's voice, but saw that Minnie had already attended to her. "I'll practice with you after Minnie if you still want to."

Awar still offered her help to Befelda and was glad. "Really? Great! That would be fun. We could practice the Torparticus spell after Minnie and I practiced Petrificus Digitirus. This will be fun!", she said excitedly. She was grateful of her new friends.

Professor Mangus as well..
 

Minerva smiled at the girl, "Sure I think it will be fine as long as we aren't to loud or doing anything to anyone else." She looked around and saw Professor Mangus coming into the great all. "I think everyone has settled in. There are a few badgers missing, but Professor Hadley had sent Nessie, and Ella to look for them. I'm helping walk around and make sure everyone is calm and no one tries to leave the hall."

Turning back to the younger students and stuck out her hand. "Whenever your ready go ahead and make the u and say the words. My hand should start feeling asleep if done correctly." She smiled reassuring knowing she is a younger student she might not get it on her first try and that was okay, she had to start there as well.

Petrificus Digitirus - Post 1
 

She waited for Minnie to finish her talk with Professor Mangus. And then she took out and offered her hand for her."Ok. I hope I had enough practice then.",she said. Then she gave the first try. Befelda pointed her wand towards Minnie's hand, waved an upside down 'U' movement and casted, "Petrificus Digitirus!", casted loud enough not to wake up the others.

She didn't see if the Minnie's fingers stiffened as her eyes were closed as she casted the spell. She tried to touch Minnie's hand, "Uh....well? Did it work? Do you feel anything?", she asked Minnie. She really hope it didn't hurt her.

Minerva waited for Bef to cast the spell. She watched her do the U and then say the words. Minerva didn't feel anything happen like she did when Belle did, but it didn't mean she couldn't have some fun with this. She made the best hurt face possible. "Umm.. I..I don't think it's suppose to hurt like this. ouch.." She shook her hand a bit not wanting to upset the girl she smiled a bit, "Just kidding.. I don't think it worked though, could I make a suggestion."

She pulled out her wand, "I think you need to make your U a little more like this." Minerva did the upside down U a little quicker and a little more pronounced. "I think if you do it more like that you will be good to go. You'll get it though, I think your doing great." She smiled at the Bef encouraging. "Go ahead and try again."

As Awar waited for Befelda and Minnie to finish, she laid back on her sleeping bag and stared up at the enchanted ceiling. It's such a good feeling to be at Hogwarts even in times like these.

Petrificus Digitirus - Post 2
 

When Minnie shook her hand, Befelda knew it from the start that her spell didn't work right. Maybe because her eyes were closed and not too focused on the target. When the girl demonstrated how the upside down U was done, Befelda looked closely on it and studied the motion. "Hmm...ok. I think I'm getting it."

She again fixed herself, her wand at the ready, and did make an upside down 'U' motion, this time she gave a quicker movement and clearly said, "Petrificus...Digitirus!", her eyes became wide as she witnessed Minnie's hand stiffen. I think I did it.

Minerva smiled when Bef said she thought she had it, that was great. It seemed the girl could pick up things quickly. Their house could always welcome quick learning wizards, so that was great that she seemed confident. "Well try again whenever your ready." She said and stuck her hand out again. She looked around the hall just to check on the other puffs, not wanting to stop doing the job she was asked to do, but she was doing it helping a younger student.

Holding out her hand she heard Bef do the spell and she felt her hand moving without her will, hmm she grinned a bit, that felt weird. "I think it worked, great job. Do you know how to stop it, or should I do that?" She wasn't sure if the girl knew the counter or not, but she would let her do it if she did.

Befelda quickly said, "Oh, yes I know. Sorry, got too excited.", she quipped. She then pointed her wand to Minnie's stiffened hand and casted "Finite.", and suddenly she saw Minnie's fingers were loosen and came back to normal.

"Thanks so much for your help. I really appreciate it. I just hope, your fingers are still ok? And well, it seems you're very busy checking out for the rest of the students. Don't worry, I won't bother you any longer. Besides, Awar wants to practice the spell with me too. I'll go approach her. Thanks again, Minnie and so nice meeting you. See you around.", she quickly said to Minnie as she no longer wants to bother her work any longer.


As she said goodbye to Minnie, she approached Awar at once who was not too far from her she was. She saw her laid back on her sleeping bag staring at the enchanted ceiling. Befelda looked up and stared at it as well. "Beautiful, isn't it? It's really a wonder how magic works. I really love magic.", she said to Awar while staring at the ceiling, felling soo overwhelmed by the looks of it.

"I'm done practicing with Minnie. She's a bit too busy checking the students out so I better leave and no longer bother her with her work. Besides, I did it, the Petrificus Digitirus spell with her fingers. It was brilliant, but scary though!", she said excitedly.

Awar smiled and sat up to face Befelda. "Sometimes I feel sorry for Muggles because they don't get to witness wonderful stuff like this."

She crossed her legs, "My mum just stares at my brother and I with wide eyes whenever we do magic. It's so funny! It never gets old!"

"Sounds like fun! You can practice the Toparticus spell on me now." She smiled and held out her hand

Torparticus - Post 1
 

"Yeah. Magic never fails to amaze them. But you know a lot of muggles these days are eager and keen to learn magic. I know a few, some of my neighbors do.", she said as she noticed Awar sat up.

"Well, ok. Let's practice.", she sat up and took out her wand. "This is actually my first time to practice the Torparticus spell. So this will be a bit hard.", she warned Awar. With her wand at the ready, she tried to make a jabbing movement towards Awar's hand and casted "Torparticus.". She stared directly into her hand but she's not sure if the spell took effect.

"Uh...how was it? Did it work?", she asked Awar.

She watched as Befelda performed the spell on her hand. She suddenly felt her hand go into a numb-like stage. "Uh....I think so." She flopped her hand back and forth. "I sure can't feel it."

Befelda was surprised. She didn't expect it to work on the first cast. "Really? Are you sure? Well, that's great! Not bad for a first timer. But... maybe it was just a sheer luck.", she said. She somehow wasn't really convinced after all.

She again pointed her wand over Awar's cursed fingers and cast "Finite."
and her hand suddenly came back to normal. Befelda feels like doing it one more time.

"Uhm...can we give it a go one more time? I just needed to be sure I could cast it perfectly. Please?" she asked Awar.

He's been here all along? XD And feel free to snag him?
 

She's waiting for Awar's answer if they could go over with the spell just one more time. Then suddenly, a boy walked up the area, laid down and asked everybody to play some games. Wait, games? I love games! But, what kind of games does this boy have on hand? she asked herself. She called the boy immediately, "Hey! I love games! Well, I hope not like the ancient runes or arithmancy kind of games. What kind of games do you have in mind?", she asked, then stared back to Awar's hand.

"Awar, do you like games? Let's play with him after we're done practicing the spell. Let's give it a go one more time please?", she asked Awar.

Awar smirked a little when she regained the feeling in her hand. "That was really good, Befelda! Of course you can try again! It sort of tickles." She laughed.

Befelda noticed that Awar sort of liked the tingling sensation on her hand. "Great! Ok, I'll give it one more shot.". Again, she pointed her wand towards Awar's hand and moved a jabbing motion, "Torparticus.", and then she saw her hand like it was being cursed. "I think it worked again, didn't it?", she asked Awar smilingly. She knew it was not sheer luck when she first tried it.

Awar laughed and waved her motionless hand in Befelda's face. "Yes, it did!"
She held up her hand with her active one. "High five!"

Let's play games with Alec :)
 

Befelda started laughing and was shocked when Awar waved her motionless hand on her face. "Haha! You're crazy! But yeah, it did work! High five!", she said and raised her wand-less hand to air and answered Awar's high-five hand. She was so happy and excited as she's practiced both spells and worked well.

"Hey, thanks for your help. I really had fun. Oh, by the way, that guy over there...", she pointed on the boy few meters away from them, "...he's like to play some game. Wanna join? I love games. Well, not sure though what kind of games does he have in mind. We could ask him.", she asked Awar. Since she still consider herself young enough to play certain games, she think there's nothing wrong to still play.

Befelda pointed over to a boy she recognized as someone she met earlier. "Oh, yeah! I'd love to play a game!" She smiled at his clothes. "Oh, I really really like his onesie! I wish I had one."

Hey Alec, where are you? :)
 

Befelda sat up straight excitedly, "Great! Let's talk to him.", she said to Awar.

Befelda was sighting the boy. She's been waiting for the boy to approach them to play...

Sorry about the lateness guys! <3
 

Alec, who was leaning back and daydreaming about Quidditch and other things, didn't really register the fact that two girls were getting excited about the prospect of playing a game. First off, he didn't really expect anyone to take him up on this offer. Secondly, his mind was on other things so... yeah. He was in a place that wasn't confusing or anything. One where he was just flying and his luscious hair was flying back and someone... a girl... was beaming.

He didn't know who this girl was though.

But the fourteen year old snapped out of his daydream when he heard the word 'games' and 'onesie' and 'him'. That... all lead to him, right? Yeah. And how else did he know? The two first year girls were kind of looking at him. A natural grin spread across the young boy's face as he tried to put a name to these two faces. Except... he was pretty sure that he hadn't met these two at all. One of the girls, however, had landed somewhere near him when everyone got kicked out of their common rooms. And she had said that she was okay. So yeah. He sort of knew one of them. And he might or might not have seen the two around before.

Yeah... he really needed to talk to more people.

With this in mind, Alec stood up and walked over as casually as one would if they were in a onesie and a weird hat. "Hey!" he said, helping himself by sitting down near the girls, "Erm... I... I'm Alec! Alec Summers. Erm... Third Year Hufflepuff... and Seeker! That too." Except... they might not need to know that. But at least this made the girls know him slightly better, yeah? Now he wouldn't just be the guy who slept in a footie onesie. AWESOME.

Awar felt like they had awakened the boy from something. A daydream it seemed. She couldn't help but giggle a little at the sight of the boy so confident in his onesie and hat.

"I'm Awarlesta Black. Pleasure to meet you, Alec." She shook his hand. "By the way, nice onesie, Seeker. It looks utterly comfortable."

Befelda was glad that finally, the boy stood up and walked up to them. She didn't realize that the boy was sort of cute. Befelda has been tied up with her studies since she entered Hogwarts but then, she just realized that she hadn't got a crush yet. Well, maybe, she has now. He's cute. And he looks...charming., she thought to herself.

The boy had finally reached them and introduced himself. Really, a SEEKER? Blimey, no wonder he's that charming. Befelda fixed herself, combed her hair with her fingers and cleared her throat. She offered her hand to Alec shyly, "H-hi! Uhmm...Ah....I'm Bef-felda Solster, first year. Soo nice to meet you. So you are a Seeker! Wow, you know, I love Quidditch and one of my dreams was to become one someday.", she said to Alec in a soft, dreamy voice while staring at him, her hand still holding Alec's hand. She suddenly realized she's been a little awkward so she stopped staring and turned her head somewhere, then let go of Alec's hand.

"Uhmm...sorry. So...you're a Seeker. That's really cool. Ah...the game. You said you want to play games."Oh..you're eyes...I could stare the whole day just staring at that eyes... Befelda was like day dreaming, as if she has taken a love potion.

Then she spoke again and introduced Awar. "Oh, this is Awarlesta Black, she's also a first year.", she said to Alec.

Befelda couldn't help but stare at Alec's face. She always love Quidditch, especially to become a Seeker one day just like her Dad. But somehow, her attention was diverted to the boy itself and not the Quidditch thing.

So it seemed as if introducing himself to the girls was a good idea. No one could say that he didn't know firsties, right? And, well, it was always good to know people who were younger than you. Always. They were awesome too! Just like the older people like Treyen and Keefer.

... He missed those two.

But back to the two girls. They... didn't seem nervous yeah? That was pretty great! He didn't want them to be nervous around him. He wasn't exactly... well... he wasn't scary. And the first girl started introducing herself, making Alec snap out of his thoughts and grin at the girl. Awarlesta? Yeah? "Awesome!" he said, shaking her hand, "Nice to meet you Awarlesta. Erm... can I call you... Awar?" Because, well, nicknames! Who didn't like those? And the girl continued talking and... called him Seeker. Yeah... he probably shouldn't have mentioned his Quidditch position. What if he wasn't Seeker next year? O_O It did, however, make him swell with pride on the inside. "Thanks! I... do you have a onesie?" Onesies were AWESOME.

Oh right! The next girl! She was going to introduce herself, yeah? Alec watched as she combed her hair and couldn't help but wonder whether it was a nervous habit of hers. Like he ruffled his hair when he was nervous. Alec, grinning, shook the girl's hand back. "Befelda! Hey! Nice to meet you too!" Now... how could he give her a nice little nickname from her name? "Can I call you... Felda? Or... or... Bef? Or Beffy?" This was hard. ...Seeking was that impressive? He... had no idea. Really. "Yeah? That's awesome!" GRIN. "Erm... so... did you try out for the house Quidditch team?" He tried to think back to the tryouts to see if he had seen the young girl's face there before but... he couldn't really remember. Weird. And the girl's voice? Alec just smiled. This was probably normal girl behaviour, yeah?

His eyes shifted ever so slightly from the usual grey-blue to a brighter blue at the mention of the word 'games'. But... there was a slight problem... "Erm..." Alec started, taking off his hat to ruffle his hair, "Thing is... I didn't really think of any games. So... what do you two girls want to play?" Maybe it was a good thing he hadn't really thought of anything. Being the guy, he really should let them decide what they wanted to do, yeah? So all was okay, right? Good.

Oh! Befelda introduced her friend as well! That... kind of led to a question slipping out of Alec's mouth before he could stop himself. "So are you two best friends then?" ... Yeah... what if they weren't? That would mean a number of things happening afterwards including weird looks, giggles and let's not forget: awkwardness.

Minerva had finished helping Bef with her spell and continued to walk around. She looked over towards the claw sleeping area and smiled seeing Ethan with his friends. She wanted to wave, but he wasn't looking over so she figured she would maybe make eye contact later. She listened as a group was talking about a game and she smiled, happy that the puffs could take the time and make lemon aide out of the lemon that happened to their common room.

She yawned a bit and looked around. Everyone was either in a sleeping bag or sitting on top. She thought maybe if she sat down on her sleeping bag it wouldn't hurt she could still watch what was going on but rest a bit as well. She was feeling pretty tired from the long day. Finding her sleeping bag she cuddled up into it and kept her eyes watching around the puff sleeping area.

"Yeah, you can call me Awar. I understand my name is a bit...strange. I don't know what my father was thinking." She smirked a little of at the memory of her father.

Best friends? "Well, we just met in class today. But..." She nudged Befelda playfully. "She could be my best friend." She had noticed Befelda's strange behavior toward Alec and could tell what was running through her head. She's had that feeling before, not often, but she has.

Alec then asked her for a nick name that he could call her. Befelda answered, with a melting stare, "Oh,you can call me anything you want to. It's fine with me.", she said with a big smile on her face still staring at Alec. Wait, what? Anything? You hated it when people call you Fely or Felds. You always prefer to be called Bef. Oh, no. Who cares?! As long as Alec's the one calling her. It doesn't matter., she murmured to herself. "We're not really best friends, we just got acquainted today, and I asked for her help for my DADA homework.", she exclaimed.

Then she came back to her senses when the boy told about games. "Oh, well...I thought you have some with you. I really don't have any at the moment. I just love playing games. Though I have this game in mind but I'm not sure if you're going to like it. Besides, it's not a quiet game, I mean this game could have a tendency for us to shout or something.", she said to the two.

At this very moment, Befelda doesn't like to play games anymore. What she wants was to talk to Alec and ask everything about him. She was really mesmerized with the boy's physical being. She couldn't help herself.

"Uh...but you know, we could play games some other time outside the school grounds 'cause you know, we might wake some students.", she quickly uttered. She was really getting agitated right now. Her heart was beating fast. Then she asked Alec, "Let's talk about you, about Quidditch. Since when did you become a Seeker? Is it hard to be one?", she asked. [B]"I once tried out for our Quidditch team before but... I failed. Seems like I still don't have what it takes to be on the team, and to be a Seeker."[B] Befelda's smiling face suddenly lessened as she remembered her try outs in Quidditch. She really wanted to be part of the team as a Seeker. Her Dad would have been proud if she made it, being the youngest Seeker in the history of Quidditch, next to the famous Auror Harry Potter. But still, she didn't make it.

"But, that's ok. I know there's a right time for me to become one. Besides, our house definitely have an awesome Seeker..."Not to mention soo cute and charming"...and you deserve it." she said welcoming back the big smile on her face staring at Alec.

Alec smiled at Awar. This meant a new nickname for a new friend. Awesome! "Awar it is then!" GRIN. ... Strange? "I'd say... it's unique. I mean... there aren't any other Awar's in the school, right?" So no one else could get her mixed up with... well... anyone else. As for him... Summers was just a weird surname and even if he did like summer, he still thought his surname was just a bit weird.

As for Befelda... he can call her anything he wanted to call her? That was awesome! Except... he wasn't exactly great with nicknames so... now he was stuck. "I'll call you... Befy? Or Bef? How's that?" He grinned as the girl stared at him. She was... probably thinking, right? Or just... well... wanted to look at him as he talked? Yeah. That sounded about right.

Oh so... they weren't best friends? Alec just blinked at this. From what he had seen of their interactions so far, it seemed like the two girls had been friends forever! "That's really awesome, you know," he said, grinning at the two girls. And who knows, this could mean that the two could become really close friends soon. It didn't really take long to be friends with someone, did it? Not at all!

... What was he doing?! The two girls... they were first years! Surely there were questions he should be asking them right? "Erm... so how are you two finding Hogwarts so far?" Good question? He'd like to think so! "And... and favourite classes? Not so great classes?" Yeah, he was just going to stop there for now. That was enough... for the time being.

Ah! Yeah, he really should have thought about games instead of thinking about... Quidditch. And his hair. And other things he wasn't going to mention to anybody ever. Right, Summers, time to be slightly funny now. "I have sweets... if that helps..." And with that, the young boy brought out a packet of sweets from his pocket, a cheesy grin spread across his face. ... Yeah, that was just lame. Oh the girl had a game in mind? One where they had to... shout? Alec liked games and he knew a lot of them but... he didn't really know which game Befy was talking about. "Yeah? What game is that?"

Oh? So... they could just sit and talk? That was good with Alec too! Especially since he didn't really know the two girls very well so... it was a good time to get to know one another, yeah? And... the questions started rolling. Alec just smiled at the girl's interest in the topic. "Erm... I... in my first year, actually. I've never played Quidditch before that but... well... yeah," Keefer obviously thought that he was the right person for the job and so did Nessie, it seemed. Was it hard? "It's... I mean... I'd say all the Quidditch positions are hard. A bit? What positions do you two play?" You know... if they did play Quidditch. How awkward would it be if they didn't?

... Very awkward.

And then Befy continued talking and... Alec felt a slight pang in his heart. Yeah... this made him feel slightly bad now. "Erm... don't give up, yeah?" he said, trying to sound as comforting as possible, "I mean... you could get in next year! That would be awesome!" GRIN.

The fourteen year old smiled some more as the girl continued to speak... and then complimented him. Yeah... he was going to have to get used to this, actually. "I... well thanks! Erm... that... means a lot to me, yeah." CUE REALLY BIG SMILE.

Unique? She shrugged and nodded. "I guess so, haha!" She already liked Alec. She could tell he was going to be a joy to be around with. She smiled big at her new friends.

"I absolutely love it here! It's brilliant! I started off really homesick at the beginning, but I've got a new family here now." She didn't hesitate. She's been constantly asked this question by all the other older kids she's met. "So far, my favorite class is Muggle Studies. It's loads of fun! And my worst at this moment is History of Magic. Not doing so well in that class." She looked down feeling a bit ashamed.

Awar shook her head vigorously, blushing, a bit embarassed. Her?? Playing Quidditch?? No, no, no, no. "I don't play Quidditch. I love to watch it, but I'm not so good at sports."

Alec, Minnie, Awarlesta, and Befelda!
 

Awar noticed a new voice chime in. It was the prefect she just had met in the common room. She jumped up and hugged her. No idea why she just did. "Hey Belle!"

With Befelda still smiling, Alec asked her if he can call her Befy or Bef. She answered in no time, "Yeah, right. You can call me Bef...or Befy. Any of it will do.", she said jovially. Then added, "Awar and I just met. But who knows? We could be best of friends. I'm not really choosy. I just like making friends.", she exclaimed.

After a while, Alec asked them about Hogwarts and their favorite classes. Befelda's been soo wanting to answer these questions. We know that Befelda's really a bookworm and wants to study all the time. Well, not at this time at least. Befelda, still smiling sweetly at Alec, quickly gave the boy an answer. "Oh, I love Hogwarts. It's been my dream to be here since I was 5. My Dad's been here before. He was in Gryffindor though, my Mom was a Slytherin, and she was a Seeker too. Well, maybe that's the reason why I wanted to become a Seeker as well." Yes, it's been her dream. But it's not the right time.

Befelda got back to reality and continued her speech, "Well, let's see...I have a little too many favorite classes. First on my list is Potions. I LOVE brewing Potions. It just...oh I don't know, I feel like I could brew anything I wanted to. Then second is Defense Against the Dark Arts class. Learning these spells are really making me more determined. Then next on my list is of course, Quidditch! I always wanted to be a Seeker and my Mom Dad used to teach me back in our home in Surrey. They've even bought me a Firebolt! That was the coolest gift I had.", she said excitedly, her eyes were glittering. "Then the last on my list is the Muggle Studies. Well, I have muggle neighbors and they seem to be nice so I took the class to learn more about them and don't regret taking them. Muggles are brilliant!", she added.

"Least subjects? Ah...I'm not really sure if I hated them but I don't like Ancient Runes, Divination, Arithmancy and Herbology, well especially Arithmancy. I never liked numbers. I'm not good in history as well. And I'm not good when it comes to plants. It just....it blows my mind.", she said.

She thought she had said long enough about the subjects. She couldn't help herself not to babble sometimes. Then suddenly Alec took out a packet of sweets and offered them since he really has no games for them to play. Befelda love sweets especially the Bertie Bott's Every Flavored Beans. But it doesn't really matter what the name is, she just love eating them. She hastily grabbed some from the packet. "Great! I love sweets. That was so sweet of you, Alec." she made a deep stare straight to Alec's charming eyes. Her eyes were glittering like crystals.

When Alec told about his Quidditch story, Befelda was really amazed. He's been a Seeker all his time at Hogwarts! That was really impressive!, she murmured to herself. "Blimey, that was way impressive. Now I know why I didn't take the part this year." she quipped. But Alec bid her an encouragement not to give up. Of course she wouldn't, it's her dream. Then she again said, "Of course! maybe I could beat you someday, perhaps on the next school year.", she said jokingly, she's really determined to become a Seeker in their house one day, even if the boy said that everything were difficult. She would do her best to become one.

We live =)
 

Conjuring a chair up, Fina settled into reading Volume 86 of Numerology and You, as she watched the students getting settled. Flipping another page, she frowned as she overhead the familiar voices of Seren and Annie from not too far away in the Hall and craned around to have a better look (and hopefully better hear).

Pres scooted over to the Hufflepuff sleeping area even though she wasn't sure if she was allowed. "Hey, cousin," she said softly plopping her bum down next to Awarlesta. "How's it going?" She couldn't really talk to Elliot until everyone else had fallen asleep. It might be awkward if someone heard their conversation about the problems each of them had in their seemingly perfect lives.

So she was going to chat with Awar until lights out. "Heard your brother landed that job at the Ministry." she beamed. She'd known he would, but she was proud of him just the same.

Awar pulled herself out of the group when she noticed her cousin come over. "Hey, Presley!" She smiled, "It's going good. I made loads of new friends today. What did you do today?"

"Oh I know! I'm so happy for him! I expect Mum to be too, but I haven't heard from her." Awar scooted closer to Presley and lowered her voice. "Manolo also told me he met a lady friend." She stifled a giggle.

Presley shrugged. "Oh, you know. Danced, studied, met some first year who quizzed me, talked politics, still don't have a boyfriend," She listed off everything that was going through her mind. This was a great time of day to get any kind of information out of Presley because she was too tired to care what she was telling people. So she blandly announced to her little cousin that she still was a loser who nobody wanted to date. This just kept getting better and better.

"I'm glad for him as well." she really was. Even if he was only doing it because they were short of money. It would be good for him to be able to get out of the house and have routine again. "Ooh!" This was getting good. Presley hadn't yet heard anything about a hot date for her cousin. "Does she work with him, or did he meet her somewhere else?" Because where he knew this girl from was vital to whether or not their grandparents approved the potential relationship.

Awar laughed as her cousin listed her day activites. "You know, I wonder why you don't have a boyfriend. You're so pretty and smart! I don't get why boys are so blind." She shook her head, sighing.

"He said he met her at the orientation, so I suspect she works there." Awar tapped her chin, trying to recall the details.

Presley sighed. "You're a sweet kid, Awarlesta." Code for: you're too nice and you give me more credit than I deserve. I'm not that attractive, and intelligence doesn't win you a boyfriend.

Hmm. Ministry worker. What department? Was she from a good family? Was she well-mannered? So many questions she'd have to ask Manolo in her next letter. "That's nice. I wonder what grandfather will think of her." Presley said aloud. Awar would understand the billions of speculations contained in that small statement. "What about you?" she nidged the eleven year old playfully. "Any cute boys caught your eye yet?" Though she was almost twelve. Presley would have to get her a gift next Hogsmeade weekend.

Alec smiled, kind of glad that Awar wasn't nervous around him. Sure, he wasn't anything like Treyen or Keefer but he remembered what it was like to meet them and just be awed by their presence. And that had caused him to become nervous. So... yeah. It was good that these two weren't nervous.

The enthusiasm was something that made him smile a bit more. He remembered being that enthusiastic about everything as a firstie as well. And if anyone mentioned ice cream... well... GRIN. "That's really awesome!" Not... that she was homesick though. But everything else. "And... yeah. Hogwarts does feel like your second home after a while..." And Hufflepuff? What an awesome house for making another family. Alec nodded along at the favourites and least favourites. Yeah. "Oh Muggle Studies! Lots of superheroes this term!" GRIN GRIN GRIN. Although... he didn't know whether Awar liked superheroes or not. But superheroes were awesome! And History of Magic? "Well... between you and me... I'm not great at that subject either," he said, hoping this would... help her feel better? Who knows. "Erm... and... it's good to be not good at a subject, yeah?" You know... since he was the third year so really, he should be saying something wise. Yeah.

So Awar didn't play? That was cool too. Yeah! At least she watched it and still liked it, yeah? And Alec was kind of glad. Those Bludgers were scary sometimes! O_O "Yeah? Do you support a professional team?" GRIN.



The sound of a coughing made Alec turn away from the two first year girls and turn his head towards the source of the sound. ... BELLE! Alec grinned widely at the female Prefect. Except... wait... how long had she been sitting there? And how was it that she didn't notice? Yeah... he was slightly confused now.

But Belle! "Hey Belle!" GRIN. "Erm... we're just... sitting here talking. And I'm great!" Really, he actually was. He wasn't just saying that this time. "How are you?" Oh right! Alec scooted over slightly so that Belle could join them and they could form a... square? Yeah. A square amongst these sleeping bags in the Hufflepuff corner.



Alec raised his eyebrows, slightly impressed with how quickly Befy was answering his questions. And she was still smiling! That was awesome! "Awesome! Thanks!" Oh right! They could probably... give him a nickname too? Even if he had quite a few already? "Erm... I don't know what you can make out of Alec but... any nickname will do?" Yeah... they might not have understood that. Shrug. "You know... it seems like you two have been best friends for years!" Like him and Rilez. Except... in their case, the two had been best friends for years. Nearly twelve years in fact.

Woah! Five? Alec was impressed... again. "Yeah? That's awesome!" ... Was he saying that a lot? "It's good to have you in Hufflepuff then!" Both her and Awar. Yeah. They seemed like nice, sensible girls. ... Oh. That explained a lot, actually. "You know, I bet she'd still be proud. Both... of your parents would be," he said, nodding and smiling. That was his plan this year. To make his Dad proud. So he did understand where Befy was coming from.

When Befy said that she had a little too many favourite classes, Alec honestly thought she would have, well, two or three. That counted as a lot to him. But four, if you included Quidditch, wasn't really that far off. "Yeah? Erm... do Lafay scare you?" The woman really was scary, actually. Potions was just scary sometimes... because of her. "Defence is awesome! Yeah!" GRIN. Except... yoga was something he couldn't do. "Wait, do you... have a Quidditch pitch back at your house?" How awesome would that be? And she lived in Surrey, yeah? Exactly like him! GRIN. Muggles... yeah, they were brilliant. Like his Dad. "That's an awesome list! And a lot of subjects you like!" GRIN.

As for her least favourites... Alec's eyes immediately searched the nearby area for any sight of a certain Professor but... she was far away for the time being. Good. "At least Hadley's awesome eh?" That's partly what made him want to go to Arithmancy. Except it did hurt his head sometimes. "Yeah... Herbology's a bit... weird." At least they could agree on that, yeah?

Alec chuckled a little as the girl grabbed a couple of the sweets. Yeah... sweets really were a good compromise for the 'no games' thing. Because really, it was easier giving someone sweets than to think of a good enough game they could play. Unless they had a massive pillow fight with everyone in the Great Hall. But... there weren't cushions around so... yeah. He shook his head and smiled. "Awesome!" And her eyes were glittering? Maybe she was just... really happy? "I... yeah? Thanks! You're sweet too!" Nodnod.

Impressive? Really? He didn't really expect it to be impressive at all. Not really. Not when everyone knew you for being part of the Quidditch Team. Except... he wasn't really complaining about that last bit so... YEAH! "Erm... well... thanks!" GRIN. "Erm... yeah? So... I'll have competition for the spot then?" That would be very interesting, actually.

Awar also wondered the same as Presley every time something involved her family. She nodded, "Or what will grandmother say?" She felt more intimidated by her grandmother, feeling that she was the more judgmental one.

Awar's cheeks grew bright red. :whaa: "Presley!" Boys??? She's had crushes on boys, but boys have never had a crush on her. Or so she thinks. She hid her face, "No..."
Awar felt relieved that she wasn't the only one sucking at HoM. It felt like that sometimes. She leaned in and whispered, "Don't worry. You're secret's safe with me."

Hmm, a professional team... "My brother is a big fan of Puddlemere United, so sometimes I side with them, but I feel like I'm more of a Holyhead Harpies fan."

Whoops! Oakey is still here if anyone wants to RP
 

Looking down now at his clothes that had dried thanks to Minerva. He looked back and gave the Hufflepuff girl a smile. "Thanks Minerva, don't suppose you know anything about getting rid of potato smells do you?" That was a long shot, and mostly just a joke. He'd deal with that later. In the mean time He'll just...just...just...do nothing. Everything he had to do was in the common room. His homework, his comics, his comics that he hid in his homework.

So he just sat back down and rolled over onto the sleeping bag. starring up at the Great Hall's ceiling.

Presley's eyes widened and she nodded. Grandfather had the final say in everything, as head of household, but grandmother pretty much had him under her thumb, and she wasn't nearly as kind-hearted. Their grandfather was a stern man, but when it came down to it, he'd never missed a dance performance, or failed to bring flowers and congratulate her. He was the grandfather that sat with you and helped you work through your Arithmancy problems, while never telling you what the answer was. Grandmother showed up to dance performances simply to criticize the miniscule stumble, or poor form during a step.

She laughed a little dismissively. "Oh Grandmother will hate her no matter what. She always does." Even if the girl was the absolute perfect girl every dreamed of for Manolo, grandmother would find something unforgiveable wrong with the poor girl.

Presley loved teasing her cousin. So when her cheeks turned red Presley needled a little further. "So you DO like someone!" she laughed gaily. "Who is it? Anyone I know?" She jokingly scanned the crowd of heads as if searching for the boy Awar was blushing over.

Alec and Awar
 

Befelda nodded and smiled when Alec bid those words, "Yes, if I did make it in the Quidditch team, they would be more than proud of me. But...I think it could be difficult knowing who I am about to beat." she said jokingly.

She grinned when Alec told her about her favorite subjects. "Sorry, I really love those classes and they seemed 'few' to me. Haha! Well, Professor Lafay is ok for me. Yeah, she's a little bit scary sometimes but I guess her being terror was just a part of her job, to make her students listen and follow her. She's quite cool actually.", she added.

She almost forgot to congratulate Alec for winning the Quidditch match with Gryffindor. She never get to see the match as she's been pre-occupied with all the homeworks. She just heard the news from a Second year Puff back in the Great Hall. She produced a big smile on her face, "Oh I almost forgot. Congratulations for winning the Quidditch match. Fantastic job. Sorry though, I didn't get to see you, these homeworks are really giving me headaches, all the time. But, great job. We should celebrate, right?", she said to Alec.

She turned to Awar and gave her a hugesmile, "Hey, we should celebrate our victory for the Quidditch match.", she said to Awar excitedly.

Belle felt Awar hug her. Belle smiled and said "Hello Awar!" and hugging her back tightly. "What have you been up to this semester?"



Belle smiled at Alec. He was such a sweet boy. She was glad that they were friends. When Alec asked how she was, Belle shrugged and said "Can't complain. I am having a fun year so far. You guys excited for the holidays coming up soon?" she asked all her friends. Belle snapped her fingers and said, "Almost forgot.." and she bear hugged Alec. "I think i owed you one of those."

Sorry Belle, just noticed your post. :)
 

Befelda, still staring at Alec, just noticed that a familiar Puff student was approaching them from nearby. Then she then recognized the girl she met at the Common Room on her first day in Hogwarts, it was Belle, their Prefect. She produced a friendly smile, "Hi Belle! It's so good to see you again. I'm spectacular. Well, been busy doing all these homework but I'm getting by. How are you? What are you sketching this time?", she asked Belle as she remembered their first meeting sketching.

Awar laughed slightly imagining the girl under the fire of their grandmother. "Merlin, help her."

She hid her face even further, "I don't like anybody!" She tried to cover her eyes as she looked around.
Awar smiled, "Yeah! We should! Like what?"
"Hmm...just making more friends and enjoying classes! You?" She asked the friendly prefect.

Alec smiled, glad that the two had something in common now. It meant that they would understand each other, right? Like... if one person was angry about something that happened in History of Magic, the other would understand? Yeah! CUE MAJOR GRIN FACE. "Thanks!" he whispered back, "And yours is safe with me?" GRIN.

Oh Puddlemere United! "Yeah? Erm... my best friend's brother plays for Puddlemere United! They're an awesome team!" Except... Carter did scare him sometimes. Just a bit. And... Holyhead Harpies? The all girls team right? "That's awesome! They're great too!" GRIN!



Alec smiled. This was exactly like him, actually. He remembered when he had told his Dad about the matches he had won and the smile on his Dad's face... well... it wasn't one he was going to easily forget. "They could be proud of... some other things this year? Like... like the fact that you survived Hogwarts? That's pretty impressive," he said, a big grin spread across his face. Of course, Hogwarts was meant to be dangerous, yeah? "Well... are you up for the challenge?" he asked jokingly.

Alec shook his head, waving off the apology. "No no, it's good to like so many classes!" Pity he didn't. Most classes were very 'meh' to him. ... Professor Lafay... was okay to this girl?! Alec blinked. "Erm... she doesn't... she doesn't scare you?" ... Wow. That was... well... he didn't know how to explain it actually. "That's really impressive, you know." He nodded, feeling slightly bad that he himself found most teachers just a little bit scary at times.

Except... maybe... apart from Hadley. At this, Alec turned his head and gave the woman a comforting smile before looking back at Befy...

... who seemed to be congratulating him? Alec blinked for a couple of seconds, wondering what he had done that needed to be congratulated. But then the girl mentioned Quidditch and everything came rushing back. The fourteen year old grinned, happy that people were happy about the win. "Thanks!" he said, feeling the excitement and nervousness bubble up inside of him, "That's really okay!" The only person he actually expected to see during his games were his best friend who... hadn't been to either one of his games. Yeah... he didn't know how he felt about that. "Erm... well... are you okay? You know, after those headaches?"

... Celebrate? In the middle of the Great Hall? The fourteen year old reached up and ruffled his hair, kind of flattered that Befy wanted to celebrate this. "Erm... how about... if we win the Championships?" GRIN. He really wanted to win that!



Alec grinned widely at Belle, glad that she was around for all this. Because... all this lockout nonsense... it made no sense. And Belle might not know the actual answer as to why this was going on but... she would have a smart answer, right? Probably. Or she'd just be able to make sure that they were all okay. Belle was good at doing that!

"Yeah? That's awesome!" GRIN! ... Holidays? "Yeah! Yeah, the holidays will be awesome!" He just knew it! And he'd be able to have LOTS of ice cream! "Are you excited for them?" He wasn't... showing that he was too excited, right? Of course not!

And the hug? Alec liked those! Yeah! And that was why when she hugged him, Alec bear hugged the older girl back. "Hugs are awesome!" GRIN GRIN GRIN.

Presley laughed lightly. Merlin help her was right. And if he was serious about her, he would bring her to the start of summer gala, and wouldn't it be hilarious to witness..

The older girl pulled Awar's hands away from her face. "Of course you do." she said matter-of-factly. "And if you tell me who it is, I'll tell you who I like." something mostly done by first and second years, but Presley had no problem admitting who she was crushing on, and it could potentially convince Awar to tell her who she fancied.

She then smiled, "Well, we could do a Pumpkin Juice toast! Haha!", Befelda said jokingly.



Befelda shrugged and grinned when Alec almost didn't believe her not being scared of Professor Lafay. "Really, she's not that scary like what you think. Well, for me at least. Professor Lafay's pretty fine.", she said.

When Alec said about the Championships, she said, "Well, maybe we could toast a Pumpkin juice. Haha! Kidding. Well, yeah, perhaps on the Championships. When would that be anyway? I will be attending and seeing that for sure! I wanted to see you play and our house win! ", she exclaimed still on a huge smile.

Belle was glad Befelda remembered her and she left a lasting impression. Belle nodded and was glad she was doing their homework and getting by in their classes. That is what being a hufflepuff is all about.
Belle replied, "It is good to see you too! I have missed seeing your familiar face. I am doing fine! The lockout has left my baffled, i have no idea who could have done this." she really wanted to know and get to the bottom of this.
When Befelda asked what she was sketching this time, Belle realized she left it in the common room. It was locked up and safe and sound. "Actually my sketchbook is back in the dormitory all locked up and i can not get to it since of the incident. I wish i had it though. I was thinking of sketching this landscape of stars and moons in the great hall." she said as she laid her head back and admired the beauty.



Belle was glad Awar was doing great. Belle patted her on her shoulder and said, "I am glad you are making friends and i am doing fine. I am studying for my NEWTS and all that. I am taking each day as it is. You are lucky you do not have to worry about it yet."



Belle could tell Alec was excited for the holidays. She could see him bouncing on the balls of his feet. Belle giggled. She needed a good laugh today and she got it. "I am very excited for the holidays! Do you know what you are getting for christmas? Or will Santa deliver your gifts secretly?" she whispered. "I bet his elves are working on your gifts now."

Belle was glad he loved hugs! Belle especially loved bear hugs. She felt like he was her little brother. She even lifted him up in the air and hugged him. Alec always made her feel better. She loved him like a brother.

Oopsie!
 

Befelda's face went sad when Belle told about her sketching stuff were left in the common room. "Aww...that's ok. But I wish you had your sketching stuff with you. I wanted to see the magical stars and moon on your sketching pad. Are you not framing all your sketch work? They would really look more fabulous when framed.", she said to Belle smilingly.

Then Befelda thought of Christmas, she asked Belle. "Hey, it's nearly Christmas. What are your plans?", she asked the Prefect.

OOC: Sorry for the ignorance but why are we sleeping here in the Great Hall? What really happened in the Common rooms?

Awar's jaw dropped, "Don't tell my brother or he won't leave your best friend alone until he gets an autograph from his brother!" She giggled at the thought of Manolo completely fan-girling.



Hmm...girls at her muggle grade school when she was younger used to do this to her and when she would tell them, thinking they were her friends, and then they would laugh at her and then go tell the boy! She hesitated. Presley was family though. "I don't know his name. He's just really cute." Her cheeks grew hotter.



"Mmm, pumpkin juice!" She smiled, "How about we just make a toast to Hogwarts for being so brilliantly wonderful?"



Awar grimaced a little at the thought of life changing tests. Yep, she was totally happy she had a long way to go, "Good luck with that, Belle. I'm sure you'll do wonderful!"

Presley giggled like a child. Awarlesta was just such a darling child. Too sweet and innocent for her own good...Presley leaned really close to her younger cousin, and cupped her hands around her own mouth. True to her promise, she was about to tell Awar who she liked. "I'm madly in love with Milton Shaklebolt," she whispered. Then she back up a little. "But if you tell a soul, I will destroy your life." Her tone was joking, but they both knew there was a real and threat hidden under it. Not that Pres expected Awar to tell anyone, but just so she knew.

Befelda nodded, "Right! Definitely. Let's make a toast for Hogwarts!"

Awar's mouth dropped and she giggled, "Ooohh!" She drew a x over her heart to confirm her secrecy.

Awar held up an imaginiary cup high, "TO HOGWARTS!!!"

Befelda raised her right hand towards Awar's, as if she was also holding up an imaginary cup, "To Hogwarts!", she yelled, then she get the imaginary cup towards her face, as if she was really drinking. "Haha!" she laughed.

Befelda was a little odd at that moment. She didn't even wonder if Awar felt bizarre that time. Befelda erased everything that happened and get back to reality. She then asked Awar, "Ok, sorry about that. I feel like a crazy person. Haha! Anyways, it's almost Christmas. What are your plans? What kind of present do you want to have?", she asked Awar excitedly. Befelda loves presents. Well, everybody does but seems that Christmas is a very different and special occasion for her. One of her favorite and memorable presents she had received was a broom from her Dad. Her Dad has taught her some tips on how to fly in a broom and catch something in a fast speed. All of the memories came back to her.

Ohmygosh I'm so sorry! <3
 

This was... impressive. Really. He remembered when he was a first year and scared of almost everyone who was older than him. But maybe... maybe Befy was just braver than him. Yeah! Maybe she really should be on the team, then. "Yeah? That's great then!" Really it was. "Soooo... who would you say your favourite Professor is?" You know, if she had one.

Toast a pumpkin juice? Alec chuckled at this. Yeah... maybe they could? When was it? "Erm... not too sure..." He... really should know that, right? "I'm guessing... erm... June? After the exams?" Because the last time he had played in the Championships, he remembered it being really sunny and... his exams had finished so... yeah. "You will? That's awesome!" GRIN because that meant more support! Which, he actually needed. "Erm... I... well... we'll try our best?" Ruffle ruffle ruffle...



Alec grinned as Belle giggled. It was nice when someone laughed, yeah, but it was even better to know that he was the reason behind it. That's why Alec felt even happier about all of this. And they were talking about Christmas, yeah? "Yeah? That's awesome! Erm... do you have any plans for the holidays?" GRIN. "I... no... no, I don't mind what I get. Do you know what you want?" GRIN GRIN GRIN. "I hope so! And... they're probably working on yours too!" They had to be! Nodnod.

Alec GRINNED SUPER WIDELY as Belle lifted him up in the air. This had to be one of the most awesomest hugs ever! Really! And it was coming from Belle who, over this past year, had grown to become an older sister sister to him. And that was AWESOME!



Alec chuckled at Awar's words. Yeah... Carter had to have been bombarded by fans asking for his autograph now that he was a hot shot Quidditch player. And... he didn't really know Awar's brother but he could imagine him asking Awar to ask Alec to ask Rilez whether she could get an autograph for Awar's brother.

... That was a little bit confusing.

"Is he... a really big fan then?" he asked, grinning widely. That was kind of awesome, actually. And it made him wonder if anyone was secretly a fan of him. ... Probably not. Nah!

It's alright, Alec :)
 

She smiled and turned up to the ceiling, thinking who is her favorite Professor. She really have no idea who's her favorite as she thinks they are all awesome, but she thought Professor Lafay was really cool, perhaps because she loves Potions. "Well, let me see...it's not really a favorite Professor but I really like Professor Lafay's teaching technique. And she's really cool even though she was kind of...odd sometimes. But you know, all of us have odd moments sometimes. And besides, I love Potions!", she squirmed. She really loves Potions....and the Professor as well, no doubt. "Well, I also like Professor Romanos. She always make sure her students have some treats and goodies to eat.", she added and smiled sweetly. What do you expect from an 11-year old firstie, of course she likes treats.

"Well, so far those were my...if you may say favorite Professors.", she said. Alec then changed the topic back the Quidditch. It seems he doesn't know when will the championships be held on. "Oh, you're not sure. But it doesn't matter. I will be there, rain or shine! I can't wait to watch! I hope the exams are over." she answered. "But of course, you will try your best. Oh, by the way, it's nearly Christmas. What are your plans? Do you like presents? Do you still receive presents?", she asked Alec.

Sorry guys it is late ><"! Busy with work :/
 

"Awww Awarlesta you are so sweet." she smiled and hugged her tightly :glomp:. "Just live your young life while you can, what are your plans for the holidays Awar? Doing anything interesting?"




Belle blushed and was glad that Befelda thought her sketchbook work was amazing. "Aww it is not that good. I just do it in my free time. My mom said if i did not go to hogwarts, i would have gone to art school. I had a back up plan."
When Befelda asked what she was doing for the Holidays, Belle thought of it and said, "Well i am going back to Kansas soon and going on a cruise. In the muggle world terms, i am going out on a huge boat and visiting new countries. I am so excited." Belle said with a wide smile.




Belle did not know what she wanted for the holidays yet. "But Alec like i told Beffy, i am going on a cruise with my grandparents and family. I am so excited. I will open my presents on the cruise. So i am excited to visit another country. I think my mom will surprise me with gifts. She always does." Belle was glad that Alec thought of her as an older sister. I am sure their bond will last when she leaves Hogwarts and goes out into the real world.

"It's okay to be crazy sometimes!" She smiled. What did she want for Christmas? Daddy. She blinked and turned back to Befelda. "Umm...I don't know. Maybe a new diary! I'm close to filling mine up. You?"


"OH. HUGE FAN! He went years begging our parents to take him to their Quidditch match. We could never go, though." Awar said feeling a bit of sympathy for her brother who worked so hard and was rarely rewarded in her opinion.




Awar smiled feeling special and hugged her back tightly. "Holiday plans? Hmm...I guess the usual. My grandparents always throw this Christmas party that I always have to go to."

Jess and... Sarah??? WE NEED YOUS. <3
 

HW post but feel free to grab heer and VM me if you do, please! =) - Torparticus #2