Originally Posted by Bazinga

Minerva made a sarcastic laugh, "Well if you can believe it Maxwell was a nice guy at one point, but ever since he has been with Elliot he has become a jerk." she shook her head. She couldn't believe how much he had changed and why he hated her so much anymore. Minerva then shrugged without looking up, "Well.. I don't know how you define bad, but my first year my parents and little brother had died in a plane crash going back to the states. Since then I have been living with my wizard cousins, but right before term ended my cousin decided she couldn't handle being 28 taking care of a 14 year old, so I went to live with my muggle grandparents in the States. I left kind of without warning, because I didn't even know I was leaving. I came back to school late after convincing my grandparents I had to come back, by the time I came back Maxwell had dated my best friend and was actually flirting with Elliot when I found him." she glared down the corridor towards him. "I've moved on, so I don't know why they think it's necessary to always pull mean things on me when they are around." She shook her head not believing she had just spilled all that and then blushed hoping he wouldn't mind her telling him so much.

Minerva couldn't help but give a chuckle when he asked about Elliot and Laura, "Oh no they do not like each other, I'm assuming Elliot was invited because of Laura's mom and Elliot's mom being friends." She then shrugged, "I think me being there to annoy was just an added bonus for her." Minerva looked down, she knew she didn't help anything by her attitude towards either of them, but how were you nice to people who hated you. "Sorry for throwing you in the middle of this all the time. I feel like every time you are around Elliot shows up.." Then she thought of Laura, "I will find her later and hopefully fix her birthday before the day is over."

Then she looked up, should she say anything about what was said or just leave it. He probably would just walk away from her if she admitted what Maxwell had said. Looking back at the ground she felt super nervous. Fidgeting with her fingers she looked up at Ethan, "Ethan.. I'm sorry for what happened back there. I..I'm never mean to people..Yes I can have a little temper when pushed, but I'm usually not mean to anyone." she felt the blush coming back, "and well.. what Maxwell said that started this..sorry about that." she wimped out in saying the truth..

Originally Posted by emjay

Ethan's eyes widened slightly as Minerva told of her family tragedy and living arrangements. He looked down, away.. not knowing what to say. That was really bad.. he wasn't expecting that. "I'm really sorry," he mumbled. But he was sure she didn't want him feeling sorry for her so he looked up and offered her a sad smile, continuing to listen. "What?" he asked incredulously as she explained what happened with Maxwell. "That's cold.. that's just.. wrong." He shook his head in disbelief. Just when this girl was the most vulnerable.. her boyfriend goes looking for someone else. And not just anyone else.. but her best friend. Ethan didn't get what Elliot saw in this guy.. but he wouldn't put it past him to treat her that way one day too. He'd have to keep his eye on him. But this wasn't about them... Ethan didn't hold much regard for this so-called 'best friend' either. What kind of friend does that to someone as soon as their back is turned? "Well, I can see why you'd be angry.." he started. Because he was getting angry just hearing about.. it hadn't even happened to him. But that didn't explain why he was trying to push her buttons.. just move on, mate.

Ethan furrowed his brow slightly as she continued about Laura and Elliot's relationship. That made sense.. sorta. But she didn't have to be there just because their mums were friends.. but it didn't matter that much to him so he shrugged it off as she continued. He nodded solemnly. He did feel like he was stuck in the middle a lot. "Yes.. well, you are both my friends.. and I do feel like I'm caught in the middle sometimes. The tension's a bit rough." He got quiet suddenly, feeling like he said too much. He didn't want Minerva to feel bad that he was feeling like he was.. but he didn't want to have to choose between his friends. Then he smiled at her suggestion. "That's a good idea." He still felt bad about the birthday girl's ruined party. Maybe he'd make it a point to buy her a present next Hogsmeade weekend.

Ethan listened as Minerva apologized and tried to explain her actions. He shook his head lightly and said, "It's okay..." He put his hand on the side of her arm and his eyes met hers. "I know you're not a mean person. I mean.. I know I haven't known you for long, but I can tell you're a good person." He dropped his hand. "No need to apologize." Really? It wasn't her fault that her ex-boyfriend tried to drag him into his game-playing.

Originally Posted by Bazinga

Minerva saw his look about her family. Why do you have such a big mouth Min, making people awkward and sad. To her it was old news per say, but she forgot how people would react when she said it. "Ethan, it's really okay. I've had great friends to help me through. Maxwell was one of them to be honest." yes she knew she wouldn't have made it through without him at one point. "I'm better off with my grandparents as well. I was very close to them growing up, so it's nice to be with them again. It's just all the muggle world after being here that takes some time to get use to again." Minerva gave a smile to show she was really okay with it. She then gave a sigh, "Yeah, I finally think I'm really past what he did. I know I'm not trying to give him reasons, but no one knew if I was coming back or not, and no owls were sent. It took me all summer just to tell my grandparents I was what I am, so sending an owl to anyone would have been well.. awkward." she giggled a bit thinking of how that would have played out.

Minerva then frowned, she didn't want anyone uncomfortable, "I'm sorry Ethan, that's not fair to you. I..I could try harder to get along with her and stuff when your around at least if it could help a bit." Yes she was willing to do that for him. For Maxwell no, she wouldn't even try, because she was so angry at both of them, but for Ethan she would try. "Just do me a favor, I know your friends with her and I know she is nice to you, but just be careful around her. I'm not saying she will turn on you, but I have seen her be pretty nasty to some people." Minerva hoped she wasn't being to hard, she just wanted to protect her friends when needed.

Minerva felt her face turn pink as she felt his hand touch her arm. A small smile came across her face. She wished she could hide this part of her, but she couldn't hide her blushing. "Well I'm glad you don't think I'm mean." Minerva smiled. Then the hand was gone, what were you expecting Min, him to say he liked you.. fat chance on that, she thought to herself. But, she did like Ethan, and if was just to be a friend then she would take it. "Hey I guess I should go find Laura. Ethan, thank you so much for helping. You really did make me feel better." Yes at least she knew he wasn't scared off by the brats that followed her.

Originally Posted by nogoodforyou

Ooooh, she had singing and ballet lessons? That was pretty awesome! Nora only learned how to play the piano, but that was something, wasn't it? As for the rest... she sang and danced where no one could see or hear her. For their own good, that is. Hehe. "I actually like the yoga in the Defence Against the Dark Arts class," she giggled. "Well, except for the boat position." Now THAT was an awful and rather painful one.

"A walk sounds good," Nora grinned. "I could use some fresh air." And so would Elijah, who was still behaving like a good lizard and remained in his favourite pocket of her robes. Should she reveal the little creature? Would Cora freak out? Maybe she should wait until they were out... "Why don't you lead the way?"

Originally Posted by The Narrator

Myrtle's moaning had some bite to it at last. Greyish, thickish, brackish water came pouring out of her bathroom and seeping down the hallway. It picked up speed as it gained distance from the bathroom doorway, almost as though it were driven by a magical force toward an unseen destination.

The water filled every nook and cranny of the second floor corridor.

Originally Posted by ashfig

Originally Posted by nogoodforyou

The girls were about to leave, when... water - no, greyish, awful water - poured all around the corridor. What in the name of Merlin's long, grey beard was happening?! Nora knew that Myrtle... cried... hence the nickname, but a ghost couldn't do... THAT...

... right?

"EEEEEK!" Water. Everywhere.

She couldn't agree more when Cora suggested heading out. "You mean FLYING away? I can't even swim!" Well, that was a stupid thing to say, since there wasn't that much water... yet, but Nora was horrified. When Cora grabbed her hand, she sped as fast as she could through the water, having no idea where to go. Far away from that, she knew as much.

Originally Posted by Harry174

Laura had been sent to get Professor Hadley and Professor Hadley she was going to get.

*KNOCK* *KNOCK* *KNOCK* *KNOCK* *KNOCK* *KNOCK*

"PROFESSOR HADLEY YOU IN THERE?" Laura was really worried about what had just happened and she knew that Professor Hadley should know, she was really wishing that the Professor would answer the door, she was in a rush.

Originally Posted by Becky

Having ran at first to catch up with Laura, Ed realised she had a bad foot and wouldn't be getting anywhere too quickly and started to walk instead. Though she had climbed the stairs pretty fast. When he finally caught up with the young Puff, he leant against the wall next to the door. "Is your foot okay?" Silly question, since she'd climbed three flights of stairs.

Originally Posted by MeredithRodneyMckay

Isabelle had been eager for some food, so from her perch up on the sixth floor she'd made her way down to the second, on route to the Great Hall, when she heard shouting coming from a little way down. Knowing Fina's office was in that particular direction she was slightly concerned by the tone of voice. Frowning, she stuck her hands in her pockets and wandered down to see what the matter was. After all, if Fina had been there she'd have let them in by now, surely?

Upon approach she saw two Hufflepuffs, one of which seemed to be in quite a state of panic. "Mister Clay, Miss Hyde. I hope you have a good explanation as to why I can hear your voice from the other end of the corridor? I'm sure Professor Hadley would not appreciate being shouted for like that," she said, raising an eyebrow. "Well?"

Originally Posted by Becky

Wait, WHAT? She couldn't hear HIM. He was being all calm and polite. His eyes focused on the awesome professor for a moment before he replied politely. "I wasn't actually part of this, I just came across the aftermath of it, but apparently all of the Hufflepuff students have been ejected from the common room and we can't get back in." He offered a smile, hoping she'd realised why Laura had been freaking out. And maybe he wouldn't mention that Laura had kicked the barrels, just in case.

Originally Posted by MeredithRodneyMckay

It was Edmund that spoke first, and confused Isabelle no end. Her eyebrows, once raised, now creased in a deep furrow the more she listened to what he said. But that was, well, preposterous. Ejected? Can't get back in? Mouth hanging open slightly, Issy went to speak then stopped herself. She didn't want to accuse him of lying, because quite clearly Laura was upset about something, but what he'd said sounded so - ridiculous.

"The only people legitimately allowed to eject you from the common room, Mister Clay, are Professor Hadley and the Headmistress. But they would only do so with a very valid reason. So if anyone else did, then take me to them and I shall have stern words." She would as well. Only those two were allowed to order the Badgers from their den, being the ones in charge. Unless of course there was an emergency and someone else sent them out. But he hadn't said that...

"And what's this about not being able to get back in? Are you sure you're all tapping the barrel properly?" And was there any vinegar? She been a victim of that a few times when she was a student. It was quite easy to forget which one it was.

Originally Posted by MeredithRodneyMckay

It was Edmund that spoke first, and confused Isabelle no end. Her eyebrows, once raised, now creased in a deep furrow the more she listened to what he said. But that was, well, preposterous. Ejected? Can't get back in? Mouth hanging open slightly, Issy went to speak then stopped herself. She didn't want to accuse him of lying, because quite clearly Laura was upset about something, but what he'd said sounded so - ridiculous.

"The only people legitimately allowed to eject you from the common room, Mister Clay, are Professor Hadley and the Headmistress. But they would only do so with a very valid reason. So if anyone else did, then take me to them and I shall have stern words." She would as well. Only those two were allowed to order the Badgers from their den, being the ones in charge. Unless of course there was an emergency and someone else sent them out. But he hadn't said that...

"And what's this about not being able to get back in? Are you sure you're all tapping the barrel properly?" And was there any vinegar? She been a victim of that a few times when she was a student. It was quite easy to forget which one it was.

Originally Posted by Becky

She didn't look like she believed him. At all. There was that word. Legitimate. "I'm not quite sure it was legitimate." He replied quietly, staring at her to show how sincere he was. "Three of us tried in quick succession and we couldn't get in, plus we're not doused in vinegar." He pointed out the obvious. It was just... broken. "Honestly Professor, I stumbled upon Hufflepuffs sprawled all over the floor who were just as confused as I am." He shrugged. "Maybe you should come and investigate to see for yourself?" If she didn't believe it, she could come and see for herself, she was obviously a Puff since she knew about tapping the barrels.

Originally Posted by Harry174

Laura looked at the Professor and blushed. "Sorry Professor." Laura hadn't realised she had been shouting so loud. "It's just as Ed said, we've been kicked out of the common room and now we can't get back in." Laura sighed. "Though I have tried." Laura's foot still hurt from her kicking the barrel. "You can come and look for yourself like Ed said." Laura was sure the Professor didn't believe her.

Originally Posted by hpluvr037

Huffing and puffing, Pao ran down the hallway towards his aunt's office. This. Was. Serious.

"Auntie Fina!" he said, while knocking, as a way of asking to come in. Sure, he wouldn't do that for any other professor. But this.. This was Aunt Faith. And this was them being locked out of their common room. His toad was in there! Not good.

Originally Posted by Nordic Witch

Leobald headed down the staircases from the library still clutching the broken reel in a tight grasp as he scanned the floors for sights of either the headmistress or the caretaker. The librarian was utterly confused why had he of all the people in the castle been robbed? Fishing pole's were last time he looked not rare or worth stealing.

Shaking his dark coloured head Leo descended onto the second floor where he spotted Professor Magnus in conversation with two badgers. Normally he would have just proceeded past but hearing some words like 'locked out' and 'common room' he steered his steps towards the small group. Catching Professor Magnus eye Leo greeted her. "Good day Professor Magnus, is something amiss? Who is locked out?" And from where?

Turning to the badgers he said in turn. "Good day Edmund and Laura!"

Originally Posted by MeredithRodneyMckay

Ahh, Leo. She wasn't expecting to bump into him, but... wait, what was that in his hand? Issy was just about to ask when he got there first and greeted them, asking her a question. "Good day, L-- Mister Kitridge," formal, kids about. Yes. "Apparently so. Laura and Edmund here were just telling me that the Hufflepuff's have been ejected from their common room." Her voice still a hint of disbelieving about it, although not so much as before. "And that they can't seem to get back in. I was just going down to see what I could do," she smiled. Hopefully it would be something, as it was getting late and having so many kids out and about at this time wasn't ideal.

She looked over at the two Huffies and smiled as they too greeted the librarian. "Edmund said the students had been sprawled all over the floor, wasn't it?" she asked, tilting her head at him. Very strange.

Originally Posted by Harry174

Laura looked at the Librarian, she was wondering where he had come from. "Good Day Mr. Kitridge." Laura smiled as she stood letting Ed talk to the Professor, she smiled as the Professor finally believed them, at first she had a funny feeling that Professor hadn't believed her. "Yeah Professor, we all got thrown out by an invisable force, or so it felt like it." Laura suddenly had an idea. "Should I go see if the other houses can't get into their common room?" Laura smiled at the Professor.

Originally Posted by Nordic Witch

"Ejected...." Leobald echoed in disbelief. Very strange. Why had the Hufflepuff's been evicted from their own common room and by some kind of strong invisible force as Laura described it? Shaking his head Leo spoke to Professor Magnus. "Very strange. I think you should go investigate right away if just to make sure that the common room is actually locked and not just stuck."

"Have you informed Professor Hadley?" He wondered gesturing in the direction of Josephina's office. It was the logical step since she was the Hufflepuff Head of House and they were practically on her doorstep anyway.

Looking over briefly at Edmund he asked "No hufflepuff's were injured in the eviction from the common room i hope?" If that was the unfortunate case then Leo would send a patronus to Cecelia immediatley.

Letting his gaze drift over to Laura he replied. "Good thought dear. I shall go and check if the lions have met the same strange fate of eviction." Fingering on the reel absently he wondered if his stolen fishing pole would ever be found.