The Notebook, the most amazing book ever in Nessie's opinion.

Hooked onto her book, Renesmee barely even moved. It must have been around her fifth time reading the muggle book, but she loved it more and more each time. It was such an inspiring story, even if in the end it was a little sad. She didn't mind the sad now though, because parts of it she related to.

As she finished through yet another chapter, the red head lifted her head up for a short moment to process all that she had read. It was then she noticed a certain someone, that usually gave her butterflies in her stomach, approaching. This time was no different, even with all that had been happening, the knot in her stomach was there. Her cheeks also blushed like they did, whenever she saw Logan. She gave him a small smile, before putting in her bookmark and shutting her book.

"Hey." she bit her lip and continued to smile. This was distraction and good distraction.

Gulp.

Logan's nervousness increased tenfold as she looked at him. He could honestly swear that he actually forgot his name for a moment. Opening his mouth to speak to her, he found his throat dry and had to clear it, starting to blush in the process. "H...hi, Ness."

Noticing that she had put her book aside, he figured that she wanted him to stay and talk to her. Shame really, as part of him had hoped that she could tell him to come back later. That was how nervous he was right now.

Trying not to tremble but possibly failing, he sat himself down beside her. UGH. Why was he so bad at this? would she laugh at him to his face and reject him? Honestly he didn't think so, but while in this state, paranoia was starting to take over.

Odd. In fact very odd, of Logan to speak like that.

The lip bite from before turned into a a bit of a confused face. Nessie could almost at once tell something wasn't right. Logan never stuttered like that, not when he greeted her at least. It sounded like he was panicked, or scared, something along those emotions and she was honestly worried about him.

To ask him or not?

Her lips formed their usual thinking pout as she watched him take a seat besides her. He really didn't look to alright, he even looked a bit uncomfortable, which didn't make Ness too happy. She wasn't in any state of mind to deal with too many awkward feelings.

Still she cared about him. "You seem a little um...scared, or worried about something. You alright?" She tried to meet his eyes to try and maybe get an answer from there. Nope nothing, just nervous eyes.

Flames of red hair like fire attracted him. All he could focus on was her beautiful hair. Would she let him run his hand through it? Or would she call him a creeper and tell him to leave her alone. What if she had pepper spray on her?

Hearing her speak to him, he couldn't make out what she was saying, but his attention turned to her lips. Her perfect lips that he wanted to kiss right now. He stared at them, mesmerized.

Erm....and now?

With her confused face looking even more confused, Ness watched Logan waiting for an answer, but he said nothing. Not a word, not even a sound. All he had been doing was staring in her direction and not in a normal way...he was staring at her like she was some painting he was admiring. As strange as it was, it made Nessie blush brighter and it made the knot in her stomach grow a million times larger. She took a small strand of her hair and began twirling it nervously.

Worried was an understatement as to what she felt, when Logan still said nothing. "Logan?" she waved her hands about, trying to get his attention.

Had she done or said something wrong?

Shaking his head to clear it a little, Logan tried to gain some composure even though he was still trembling a little. He needed to gain his cool or she would definitely going to say no to him.

"I was... wondering if... you wanted to do something and maybe I could want to do that too... andwecoulddoittogether. Like... Ifyouwouldgoonadatewithme."

Smooth, Logan. Really smooth.

O_________O

Good, good he was talking now..talking fast that was, but Nessie still had heard it all. WHAT? Like was she hearing him right? Maybe he had been saying something entirely different. She was shocked beyond, the beyond. She stared at him with her mouth wide open in a gasp for a few moments as she processed this.

Date? With Logan? Yes or no?

Well of course she wanted to say yes...but then she was confused all over again. Was this the right thing to do? Especially just after what had happened. It was really soon, maybe even a little too soon. She did like him though, and not just a little she liked him quite a lot.

How to answer this? How to answer this though? Before Ness could think much more she just let her instinct take over. "Ye..yeah..I'd..I'd loveto." Her cheeks turned bright red. Maybe this would actually work. It was worth giving it a try, wasn't it? The red head bit her lip lightly and awkwardly, letting instinct take over again, reached out her hand towards Logan's.

Blush! Blush! Blush!

She wasn't answering right away. She wasn't answering!!

THAT MEANT THAT SHE WAS REJECTING HIM.

If she really wanted to go out with him, she would have said it right away. She would have, because she would be happy that he had asked her and she would have been totally looking forward to it. Hoped for it. Instead she was staring at him with her mouth open, like he was crazy. Of course he was crazy though. Crazy enough to think that she would actually date him when she could have someone so much better like a Quidditch player.

Maybe he could avoid her for the rest of his time at Hogwarts. Better yet, maybe he could pack up his things and go home. Despite the fact that it meant he would really miss, her it really was the best option he had.

"Look, Ness, I--" Before he could go on and tell her that he understood that she didn't want him, she agreed.

O_________O

"You really... you want to go out with me?" To say that he was in shock was an understatement. Without even thinking, he gently grabbed the hand she was holding out towards his and squeezed it.

Look, Ness? What was he going to say? Had he maybe realized what he had said earlier and had wanted to change it? Cause that would be really embarrassing for the both of them. He didn't seem to correct himself though, instead asked her if she was sure.

Lip bite. Maybe this was a mistake? No but it wasn't, how could it be? She liked him didn't she? Yes she did and that meant she couldn't make a mistake by trying. Infact it was the opposite,the real mistake here would have been not to try.

"Yeah, I..I really do." Her cheeks redness from before remained. "I really like you and Ithinkmorethanafriend." She couldn't help but speak a little fast, her stomach wasn't really doing much good with her speech. She had butterflies, that just grew and grew more and more.They were almost so bad now, that she could barely think of anything else other than Logan.

OMG! His hands! They were so soft and gentle and just perfectly the way Nessie liked boy's hands to be. She squeezed his hand back, and then not so sure what she was doing anymore, leaned her face a little closer towards him, still biting her lip.

If only she had a bit more courage, she would have leaned even closer and kissed him. Kissable he was, no very kissable that was.

“Just...relax Mordaunt. You’ll be fine.” Mordred made his way towards one of the seats near the stained glass window of Merlin since most of the fifth year students are huddled beneath Rowena Ravenclaw’s glass. “Hello, Emrys.” He murmured under his breath and took a seat at the cushioned window sill. It was the first day of Spring and everything looked gorgeous outside Hogwarts. He was tempted to go out near the lake and read but instead, he chose the Library so he could focus more on his OWLs. It doesn’t help too that it was the weekend for Hogsmeade, and most of his friends if not all are visiting the village. Staring at the Reference Book for Potions he got, he sighed softly and opened it.

He opened the book and started to read the first few pages. “I wonder how she is now.” Mordred thought as he sat back on the stone jamb and ran his fingers through his hair. “It has been ages since she last wrote...” He placed his legs up across the opposite stone jamb and got more comfortable with his position. “Wit-Sharpening Potion...now I need this.” He read the rest of the ingredients and read the instructions repeating them all over in his head. Somehow, his thoughts would go back to Chloe. Sighing loudly this time, he straightened up and placed the book down on his lap as he crossed his arms and stared out of the window. “Tsk. So much for studying.”

Actually, he wasn't a typical bookworm person. But didn't know he was in a good mood to visit the library. Since he would be seventh year and then graduated soon, he need some reference about the future careers. Seriously, he didn't have any ideas about that. Really, Gerald? REALLY? HOW COULD YOU DIDN'T KNOW WHAT WILL YOU DO IN THE FUTURE?

*rolled eyes to him*

The blonde guy decided to look for some reference at the library. He admitted that his OWL results wasn't too bad, but not good too. Just in average. Well, at least he got O in Potions and Transfiguration. That's enough. Gary was kinda unsatisfied because he just got A in Charms and Defense Against the Dark Arts. So, that's why he was here. Taking some books about the career references and read it. Now, he need to find a cozy place to read.

I think this place is good.

He decided to sit near the stained glass windows. Taking a glasses from his pocket, Gary wore it and started to read. Then his blue eyes spotted someone familiar. Was that Mordred? He moved next to him, seemed like he was so serious about something there. "Studying for OWLs?" he asked. Since he's a fifth year student and there's only one thing that they felt scared for now. The OWLs exams.

"For crying out loud Chloe...why don't you talk to me?" Mordred thought bitterly in his head, who was obviously frustrated of himself...and their relationship. He knew that Chloe was miles away from him, but it wasn't enough reason to not talk. Their relationship, albeit new was already at the verge of falling apart. "Stupid parents. Really." Mordred blames Chloe's parents about their dilemma and he has gone really upset with them. He may come from a clan of Slytherins, but that doesn't mean he was evil. He was meant to be great in the future even if his ways are unorthodox. David was an exception, though. David never questioned him...for he was a former Slytherin. He knew exactly what it's like to be singled out, and that he has supported Mordred all these years. David watched his sister and Mordred grow together and he didn't see anything wrong with their relationship.

His thoughts were broken as soon as he heard a familiar voice. "Gary." Mordred gave him a weak smile. "Oh, this?" he showed him the Potions Reference Book he borrowed. "Yeah, OWLs." he nodded and eyed him. "You? What brings you here? It's a sin you are here since the weather's glorious today." If only he could just skip his OWLs and frolick under the sun...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mordred

"For crying out loud Chloe...why don't you talk to me?" Mordred thought bitterly in his head, who was obviously frustrated of himself...and their relationship. He knew that Chloe was miles away from him, but it wasn't enough reason to not talk. Their relationship, albeit new was already at the verge of falling apart. "Stupid parents. Really." Mordred blames Chloe's parents about their dilemma and he has gone really upset with them. He may come from a clan of Slytherins, but that doesn't mean he was evil. He was meant to be great in the future even if his ways are unorthodox. David was an exception, though. David never questioned him...for he was a former Slytherin. He knew exactly what it's like to be singled out, and that he has supported Mordred all these years. David watched his sister and Mordred grow together and he didn't see anything wrong with their relationship.

His thoughts were broken as soon as he heard a familiar voice. "Gary." Mordred gave him a weak smile. "Oh, this?" he showed him the Potions Reference Book he borrowed. "Yeah, OWLs." he nodded and eyed him. "You? What brings you here? It's a sin you are here since the weather's glorious today." If only he could just skip his OWLs and frolick under the sun...

Okay, which one to start?

Librarian Kitridge had given him so many books to read! Okay, he might be a bit late to think about the future. But at least, he had thought about that before graduated, right? Why did he become such a less-ambitious snakes? How could he didn't think about that before? Well, he used to have an ambition becoming a Quidditch player, but not anymore since his shoulder injury. Even he was on the team roster of Slytherin, Gary never played because he was just a reservee. And Dylan had already choose the best ones for being the chasers. He started to read one of the book and read it seriously.

Dragonologist? No. Quidditch? In your dream, Rush! Magical Law Enforcement? Gah, so many choices!

His blue eyes turned to Mordred. Of course now he need to pay attention to his study. OWLs are coming soon and he didn't want to fail, right? Well, who wants to fail now? Definetely NOT Slytherins. He caught the title of the book that Mordred was read seriously. Potions? "Well, good luck." said him then he turned back on his reading.

You? What brings you here? It's a sin you are here since the weather's glorious today.

Well, He thought Mordred was quite right. Why did he choose to be here with books while it was so sunny outside. He could take some Spring photographs if he wanted. But he chose to be here. Because.. He wanted to. Weird. Taking off his glasses, he closed the book and turned back again to Mordred. "Looking for career references." said him as he showed the title of the book.

Career? Mordred was sure that he wanted to become an Auror after Hogwarts...but his sudden love for Dragons came to life, thanks to Professor Williamson. He suddenly had the urge to become an accomplished Dragonologist because he wants to find out if humans can interact with Dragons through a certain language. "So...what profession do you have in mind?" Mordred asked the older student as he placed his feet down on the floor and leaned on the stained glass. His back was instantly warmed by the sun that was illuminating their corner.

"Oh and Gary...I hope you don't mind if I ask help from you?" he asked tilting his said slightly. "I mean, a few OWL tips will certainly help me get through this." he continued as he waved the book at him. Certainly, there was a shortcut to their dilemma, and no it isn't through cheating. Gary may have a way or system in terms of revising for the dreaded exam.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mordred

Career? Mordred was sure that he wanted to become an Auror after Hogwarts...but his sudden love for Dragons came to life, thanks to Professor Williamson. He suddenly had the urge to become an accomplished Dragonologist because he wants to find out if humans can interact with Dragons through a certain language. "So...what profession do you have in mind?" Mordred asked the older student as he placed his feet down on the floor and leaned on the stained glass. His back was instantly warmed by the sun that was illuminating their corner.

"Oh and Gary...I hope you don't mind if I ask help from you?" he asked tilting his said slightly. "I mean, a few OWL tips will certainly help me get through this." he continued as he waved the book at him. Certainly, there was a shortcut to their dilemma, and no it isn't through cheating. Gary may have a way or system in terms of revising for the dreaded exam.

So...what profession do you have in mind?

That's actually a question that stuck on his mind and now he was here to find the answer. Gary really needed a profession that suited himself. What do he enjoy most and doesn't required a very good OWLs and NEWTs. Actually if he was determined, he could study hard more for NEWTs at least. His OWLs wasn't too bad too. 7 OWLs, 3 of them were Outstanding for Merlin's sake. "Nah, haven't found the one which suits my passion and doesn't required good grades." answered him honestly. Hopefully his last statement didn't freak him out. Don't worry, Mordred boy. OWLs would not be hard at least if you were determined.

"I hope you don't mind if I ask help from you? I mean, a few OWL tips will certainly help me get through this."

Blink...

Did he just ask suggestions from Gary? Tadah, actually you found a wrong person Mordred! Hehehe. But seriously, the blonde guy didn't know what should he say. "Well," he tapped his shoulder. "Just focusing on the lesson that you think it'll be important for your future career." said him a bit wisely. Well, that's true. At least Mordred had thought what would he do in the future right? Because he seemed ambitious, not like Gary who didn't care much about that. And know, he was confused what would he do for his future career. Then he flipped the page of his book and paid attention to it seriously.

Journalism seems interesting.

She'd finished looking over nearly the entire library for Mr. Kitridge without any success in locating the missing books (which were probably not missing but only misplaced), and Vivi was officially OVER looking. She was done with it. She had homework to do, NEWTs to study for... and a certain Ravenclaw boy to avoid for a bit. She was getting to the point where she simply did not trust herself not to say or do something idiotic.

She retreated to the window seat beneath Rowena herself, hoping the woman would impart a little knowledge and level-headedness. Because that was a real word, and she could use it. Leaning back against the cushion and balancing her feet up on her satchel, Vivi stretched out with a half dozen texts and tried to decide what to study first.

"It was The Botanical Encyclopedia of the Magical and the Mundane..." he murmured as he turned the corner from the other side of the shelves, answering Vivi's question at the bookshelves earlier. After having combed the expansive study hall high and low for those missing books he's pretty convinced that the issue was now one of the many problems piled on the Librarians plate, so he decided to take a breather and join Vivi by the windows. Sitting himself at the other side of the ledge he added ".... its pretty similar to Goshawk's Guide to Herbology, its just thicker and far older...." he's babbling he knows. He's still figuratively shuffling about what he's read and what he's discovered about Vivi's..... gifts.

He pauses for a moment, his gaze catching the solemn figure of their house founder, beautifully illuminated as sunlight filters through the glass. Slowly he shifts his attention back to the Ravenclaw blonde, his features now a peculiar mix of awkward and pensive. Sure it may have taken him a while, but he's finally pieced together the oh so subtle messages she's been sending all term.

Vivi actually jumped at the sound of his voice, and she pressed a hand to her chest in a little admission of being startled. Her gaze was steady, though, as Vickers joined her on the other end of her window seat. "That sounds incredibly dry. I hope you... found something interesting in there to make it worthwhile."

Strange that just a little while ago, she'd been eager to know if he'd figured out the messages she was sending, and now... That solemn look on his face was put there by her. If she really cared about him at all, how could she stand being responsible for upsetting him in any way? It had been a fun game, these messages in blossom-form, but only because she'd been sure that he would only figure it out if he wanted to know, and if he wasn't to know... it would just be something silly she'd done once upon a time. Vivi had never considered that he wouldn't want to know and would still figure it out, hadn't ever thought about the possibility of causing anyone other than herself pain.

Her eyes dropped to her hands, and Vivi picked up a quill to keep them busy. "I..." She wanted to apologize or to confess everything or to... say something to make him smile, but she couldn't find any words at the moment. "I think you're my best friend at Hogwarts. Isn't that funny?"

Ok now he didnt want to send Vivi into cardiac arrest, as he has seen his uncle do that same motion so that always kinda scared him. He mouthed a Sorry and an awkward grin anyway. Yeah no more catching people unawares yeah? Its strangely funny how a guy of his size can walk around hardly being noticed....

"It actually had some... pretty quirky factoids..." he replied as he gazed into Vivi's face from across the way. Yes that is how he found out, as such factoids arent always covered in standard textbooks. "Like every book I seem to come across they all have that peculiarity which distinguishes them, gives them value." So as strange and sometimes inconsistent he found that book, he appreciated-- even thanked-- the truth it revealed.

.... And somewhere at the the recesses of his memory, he could almost hear a phantom voice stating how similar books were with people...

Another awkward pause from him, those piercing blues watching her pale hand take the quill and fidget with it. Then suddenly those words leave her lips and drifts to his ears, catching his own breath in his throat.....

... she considered him as her bestfriend?

Vickers will be the first one to tell you he doesnt have much friends. But of the ones he would really 'do or die' for, he can count in one hand....

Elijah. That was a given. Other than he was a dude Elijah was everything Vickers wished he was, like a brother other sibs can only gawk at and wish to emulate.

The other would be Louisa. The affinity that he shared with her transcended their differences he thought would keep them firmly as 'fellow Claws' and nothing more. It was difficult to explain but he felt it, it was real. They were in sync. Like some kind of cosmic wheel. That is why she too was his bestfriend-- and his girlfriend.

So what happens when he can feel the same affinity in the blonde sitting across from him?

His lips made to speak, but no sound came out. So instead his lips curved into an appreciative smile, but deep down it felt like it was coming up short of how he felt about Vivi.

And that was when his smile faded... Felt about Vivi?

Nearly two years ago he was smitten with this feisty blond that nearly knocked the daylights out of him in Diagon Alley. But like any fleeting crush he thought it would fade. Just as a certain crush for a certain Gryffindor brunette had faded. Tentatively his gaze rises to her face... looking deeply into her eyes....

... and thats when it dawned on him. He just got himself into a whole heap of trouble.

He suddenly pushed off the window's ledge and stood-- looking at Vivi, looking at the bookshelves, momentarily completely confused and panic-stricken. Suddenly words started firing off his lips as if he had no control "When you mean bestfriend, you mean its like... like....wh-what do you mean bestfriend??" Maybe someone to go shopping with? He hates shopping thats absurd. Someone to do hair braids? His hair was short, cant braid that....

.... does she mean bestfriend the way he regarded Louisa as his bestfriend?

He was playing out information like words were ten Galleons a piece, and Vivi couldn't seem to string together exactly what he was trying to say. Was he saying... that he understood what she'd been saying? That he REALLY REALLY liked plant factoids? Why was this so difficult?

Why couldn't they just say exactly what they meant and deal with the fall out? Oh right... because the fall out would hurt more than anything. Ever.

He didn't seem immensely pleased to be considered her best friend. He didn't seem pleased in general by this conversation, and Vivi felt... all sorts of anxiety. Not that he wouldn't feel what she felt, but that he would be mad or hurt or... Merlin, she was bungling everything! When he bounded to his feet, Vivi scrambled to her knees.

Her mother's insistence that one did not sit when conversing with someone who was standing, that it was rude to recline... Merlin WHY was she hearing her mother's voice NOW? As if being rude and reclining was the most important thing at the moment.

"I mean... I mean that..." Just exactly what she'd said. He was her best friend. Why did that need defining? "I like who I am with you, and I like that you see me as a better person than I see myself. I like how we take care of each other without needing to check first. I want to punch people in the face when they upset you, and I want to punch myself in the face right now because the person upsetting you is me." She sat back on her haunches and tried to meet his eyes, but it was hard when he was looking so unhappy.

"I don't expect you to regard me the same way, but I..." She shook her head to clear out the thick feeling in her throat and eyes. There was no room for tears in this. "I mean more than just a friend. You're more than my best friend." She hated herself for being too chicken to just say the words.

Best friend... seriously how many other definitions of it were there? Its usually the word that would put a big smile on anyone's face, and it did on him, but his Ravenclaw brain had to do that two steps ahead thing...

.....Being best friends wasnt an issue. It was the pull of being more than best friends that gets tricky.

Calm down.... calm down.... CALM DOWN!

He forced himself to breathe slower, as if that would help keep his heart from bursting out of his chest. He listened to her speak, he would nod-- and gawked at one point, when she said something about hitting herself-- "Friends-- good friends-- do that all the time Vivi..." he murmured back. Was he over simplifying? He was like that by default with the few people who were his friends. But there was something he was trying to avoid saying, out of... fear? denial? loyalty?... but it was like that snowball gathering momentum down a mountain, it wouldnt be long before it grows into an avalanche....

I don't expect you to regard me the same way....

His piercing blues shifted.... a gleam like the crest of that avalanche starting to show. But that was the crux of the matter Genevieve Branxton. That part of his affections for her that started two years ago... the one that hasnt faded.... wanted to regard her the same way.

"More than just best friends..... " he murmurs as her words echo in his head...

Crisis.

Barely talking as he was, this has gotten him to just stand there, staring at her, dumb and silent, afraid that one wrong move, one wrong breath, would cause the proverbial house to collapse.

When the silence became unbearable even for him he opened his lips and tried to talk. Again intelligible speech is failing him. He makes to reach out to touch her but in the last second pulls his hand back. The last time he's made any kind of bodily contact being this level of emotion it rolled decisively towards one direction. "Vivi...." he blurted finally ".... I.... " want to be more than your best friend too. But like his jaw froze and those words just wouldnt come out. His eyes wont be silenced though. It says it all.

Then suddenly the rest of his lips started to move "... I dont want to hurt Louisa...."

Friends do not do that all the time. Friends were all different, some for being silly with and some for strange late night deep conversations and some that were great at both, but Vivi didn't have any other friends that made her feel the way Vickers did. Not about herself and not about THEM. Not about him.

She waited patiently for him to parcel out more words, her head cocked and her chin entirely non-trembly. Whatever it was he said now, well... that was it. That was the answer. The end, actually, because she knew what he had to say. Hopefully that they could still be friends, because it broke her heart enough for him to love someone else, but for her not even to have his friendship seemed like something one didn't survive. Hopefully he wasn't too upset with her...

It took an unusually long time for her to understand his words. For her to accept the message being translated from those icy blue eyes to her dark blue ones. She was supposedly so clever, and yet she was at a complete loss for words. He... what?

Louisa.

Maybe the two Ravenclaw seventh years had only a very cautious friendship, but Vivi's stomach churned at the idea of causing the girl pain. Almost as much as it ached over the fact that, once again, she was the reason Vick was unhappy, albeit not purposefully. There were probably 100 perfect things to say right now, ways to capture the moment and his heart and keep him. But none of them were things that Genevieve Branxton knew how to say, and she didn't think she deserved to keep someone who belonged to someone else.

"Then don't hurt her," Vivi leaned forward from the bench and touched Vickers' hand, clasped it between both of hers. She was selfish enough to take this one moment for herself, especially since it wouldn't last. "Just say to me... we can still be friends. I'm like your sister. You appreciate my honesty, but don't..." She let go of his hand and sat back on her haunches again. "Just don't say you can't be my friend anymore."

Vivi was a brave girl. He knew that from way back. But the way she spoke, that courage to articulate the words and feelings thats gotten him stuck and stoic was something he would constantly be amazed by. Perhaps he may never know how truly difficult it was for her to have to open herself up like this, but the endeavor wasnt totally lost on him. He has done something like it once before, although now he has started to wonder why he cant seem to call upon it now...

....we can still be friends.....

There was another shift in his eyes, one that bespoke a different kind of confusion, unaware that there was another point to consider, that it should even be considered. To him, to sacrifice a friendship didnt make any sense unless things go sour between them....

And she was holding his hand, which felt both like soaring exuberantly up in the sky and sinking scarily into a bottomless pit. Like twin hurricanes crisis that was pulling him in different directions raged even stronger now.

But then she let his hand go, just as he caught her last words. It was like he was plunged into a vacuum, no sound, no air, internal pressures bursting out and turning him into shreds....

Suddenly he steps forward and pulls Vivi up to him, wrapping her in a tight hug. Eyes pressed tightly, that avalanche just wanted to smother her and keep her, preserved in secret, with nobody ever having a chance of finding her and taking her away. "I will always be your friend Vivi. Always." he murmurs against her hair. And there was a part of him that wanted to add more and he struggled to contain it. So many cares.... so many things that are at odds....

.... And now he finds himself kissing her hair and with one last squeeze he lets her go, scampering away like some kind of night creature hiding from the light, ducking behind bookshelves and seeking out that dark corner under a forgotten desk at the far side of the library....

She was crying before he even let her go, and when Vickers released her, Vivi slumped back against the cushion in a boneless, sad-faced mess. She almost never cried, not when she got that concussion in Charms, not when she was injured in Quidditch, not ever, and here she was being such a girl about everything. Using her jumper as a handkerchief, Vivi dried her face.

That... that hug and the words... they'd felt sort of final. Like maybe she could close a door on that part of her heart for a while now that they'd been said. She hoped she could, because nothing else has worked so far. She'd been kissing poor Milton in an attempt to close that door, although he was a willing participant.

She hated that Vickers had run off as if he was the one who'd screwed up, though. That hurt more than anything, and much as Vivi would love to sit and throw herself a little pity party, she couldn't let him be alone right now. She scrubbed at her face as she slid off the bench, hoping to remove any trace of tears, and then Vivi attempted to follow in Vickers' footsteps.

She sort of felt like the reverse of a ghost, as if she'd left her feelings and the hurt back at the window and she was just an empty body walking around the library. What was a reverse ghost called? An inferi, she supposed.

It was lucky Vickers didn't fit very well under a desk, because it made him easier to find. She waited a long moment, wondering what she could say to make things better. Nothing, really, so she'd just be Vivi and hope that worked. She crouched a foot or so away, because crawling under the desk with him seemed like a surefire way to make things worse. "I'm just going to stay here and stare at you in an extremely creepy way until you come back out, so you might as well give in to me already. I can be creepy longer than you can be a mole or whatever animal you're wishing you were right now."

Of course.

Passion is key. Mordred knew what he wanted after Hogwarts…but now that he’s exposed to different disciplines in school, his interest suddenly forked. Could it mean that his heart wasn’t really into becoming an Auror like his father? Frowning a bit, the younger Slytherin shifted and crossed his arms at Gary. “So…what exactly is your passion?” For sure, Gary was into something. “…aside from Apples.” Mordred added quickly trying hard not to chuckle.

Young Mordaunt nodded as he scratched the side of his head. Well, that advice was very logical and he grinned at his fellow Slytherin. Focusing on the subjects that will help him become an Auror or a Dragonologist would surely help him set his stress on a lower level. At least he doesn’t have to study all the subjects taught in Hogwarts. There’s just no way for him to go the extra mile. “So…I reckon I’m on the right track.” Mordred got the Potions book and showed it again to Gary. “Although, I must study for CoMC too…” Just in case he fails. At least he still gets to practice his second choice of career.