Just the person she was looking for! "Ohhh Minervaaaa.. she said trailing her name along quite tauntingly. Ariana needed to talk to her.. Why was she so mean at the game today.. She hadnt done anything to her.. And neither had Richard.. But what she said was just uncalled for and not nice.. not Min at all.

Walking up to the girl with a little hop in her step. she sat down next to her still upset with her after what she said and she WOULD be demanding an explanation.. but her friend looked upset.. "hey.." she said more calmly "Are you alright?"

Minerva looked up when she heard her name, but she knew the voice and she knew the way it was being said that she was in trouble. "Ariana.. I'm sorry, I just didn't know what got into me and when I saw you with him after you were so upset by his flirting.. I just got mad towards him for hurting you." She knew Ariana hadn't asked, but she felt the need to just get it explained.

She then shrugged, "Nothing.. Just feeling stupid after saying in front of the entire school that I think Ethan is cute." yuup the whole school and the ones that weren't there would hear about it way to soon for her liking. She was the announcer that just called out her crush in front of everyone. Even her other crush, boy she was smooth.

*blink*

well, yeah that was what she wanted to head.. but that was blunt really. "yes he flirted but we talked about it and set boundaries and now were better then ever." And she really really liked this one and wasnt going to let her friends ruin it for her. "So you dont have to explain, i just wish you talked to be about it before calling him names like that in front of the whole school." shrug. thats all she asked for really

Ohhhhh, So that's what was bothering her "ohh Ethannn.' she nudged her friend. wait.. who the Frick was Ethan.. she didnt know an ethan... "wait.. Who the heck is ethan.. you never told me about an ethan." Who's the one keeping secrets now hmmmmmm?

Minerva sighed, "Well it's not like I see you anymore. I feel like your closed in down in your common room most likely with him." she nudged Ariana and gave her a smirk. "I.. well I really haven't felt the best with any of my friends lately. Everyone has moved on, found new relationships, I can't stand the sight of Elliot let alone the way Max is treating me when he's around her." she sighed still hurt by the other day. "So I feel like I am without friends anymore." Yes she was calling all her friends out on her hurt feelings at the moment, but she couldn't stop her words.

Minerva then felt her blush come back, could this ever just stop for a second. "Ethan is a fifth year Ravenclaw, I got to know him when we were partners in Care of Magical Creatures. He is super nice, well cute as well, but every time I'm around him Elliot tense to show up and you know how that ends. I have just been embarrassed a few times around him and now well you saw what I did today. I'm just dumb..." she looked down mad at herself.

"I'm actually probably up in the air on the pitch." ugh it seemed like all she DID was play quidditch. "we pratice three times a day adn when im not practicing im either inclass, eating or sleeping." that was her life.. wake up.. Quidditch.. classes Lunch.. quidditch.. 3 more classes.. quidditch..dinner.. one more class & bed.. everyyy day. she loved the sport more then anything... But come on Captain a day off would be nice!

"ohhh THAT guy!" she said remembering who he was.. she remembered them working together.. hehe the class her fire crab tried to KILL her in.. stoopid thing! "punch her in the face!" ok not really but it was sure to bring a smile to hr face righttt?

Minerva sighed, "Yeah Qudditch can do that to you. I miss being on the team, but I really liked Announcing today. It was super fun." she smiled, it was more fun then she could have thought. "I couldn't believe how things just started coming to me to say. It was great, a rush really." she then blushed, "Well until the end when well.. yeah.. I said Ethan was cute into the microphone." oh don't forget the Oakey comments at the beginning there.. Minerva thought.

Minerva blushed, "Yes that guy" she nudge Ariana.. "I wish I could" she bluntly said, "I did hit Maxwel the other day. He called me out on my crush right in front of Ethan and it took everything in me not to jinx both him and Elliot right there, the brats. They were so mean.." she felt the same hurt come back from the other day. "If Ethan didn't think I was completely mental then, he does now." she shook her head.

'you were really good!" minus SOME of your choice words minerva, but otherwise good yes "And well, forget them..." ugh them as a pair were ruthless it was crazy! "well, you should find him and talk to him i could go with you and look out for that dynamic duo." yeah she had no problem hexing either of them

Minerva smiled a bit, "You really think so? Thanks Ariana, that means a lot." It really did mean something coming from Ariana, because she knew her friend would never lie to her. She shrugged, "I would be nice to forget them, but every time I turn around I feel like I'm running into Elliot and if I'm with Ethan I feel like she won't go, like she has a plan for him or something." She couldn't put her finger on it, but it just felt weird to her. Minerva smiled and gave a small laugh, "I know your still best friends with Maxwell, so I don't want you doing anything that could hurt that friendship, but thanks for the offer. I think I should just give Ethan some space, it's been a crazy week and me being embarrassed by Maxwell calling me out on liking Ethan in front of Ethan, then this. I think he could use time away from me."

"As much as i'm friends with him i'm more friends with you lately it seems." Which was true, max was just weird lately.. And it seemed like there was nothing that could help his lost soul *shrug* she looked back at her friend "well Does ethan like you do you know?" cause if he did this match making should be easy peasy right? and if he dosent like her back well.. looked like ariana had some work to do for her dear friend. and she owed it too her i mean she DID set her up with justin last year.. and he was great.. a jerk now.. but great back then

Minerva shrugged, "Well I don't think your the only one to say that either.I think others have noticed his issue as well." Minerva knew they weren't the only two that had noticed the difference in Maxwell, but what was there to do, if he wanted to be a brat like his girlfriend then that was up to him.

She then thought for a moment and shrugged, "Honestly, I don't have a clue if he likes me likes me.. Or if he just likes me as a friend. I'm so much better at match making my friends then I am my self." She thought about Oakey who she had a crush on as well. He didn't seem to notice her much, but yet she had a crush on him. Then there was Ethan. He was so nice, and cute, but was he just nice to her because they were friends, or could there be something more. "Oh, I don't know.. Maybe the relationship stuff is just not for me.." Boys frustrated her and she was tired of being confused all the time, and embarrassed in front of them.

Dropping onto one of the benches, Isaac didn't even notice that it was freezing cold outside and he was out in just a jumper. He was still stunned and had no clue what to think on what had happened. He was kicking himself for kissing Sutton back, Amelia was going to be more then just mad at him. Ed had already punched him. He'd deserved that though.

Didn't mean he didn't want to punch his best friend now though! Gazing down at his hands he just sat there on the snow covered bench.

It was obvious she was determined to be okay, so Ed didn't argue. He gave her a reassuring look as she took his hand and headed in the same direction as Isaac had gone. When they finally caught up with him, Ed cleared his throat, let go of Sutton's hand and sat next to Isaac on the cold, snowy bench. He wasn't going to apologise, but he was still here, no?

"Isa." Maybe using his nickname would help? "We have to warn you, Sutton's going to tell Amelia before she finds out from someone else." Yes, she'd kissed him, but he'd kissed her back. Ed wondered if Sutton was going to mention the second part though.

Sutton was feeling confident about this, okay about this... until Edmund let go of her hand and walked over to Isaac. Sutton scurried after him and stood behind him so that Edmund was still between her and Isaac. Her teeth chattered in the cold. They should have grabbed coats first. She folded her arms across her chest trying to contain her body heat as much as possible.

No... she wasn't going to say anything, but the word vomit was coming... and there was nothing she could do to stop. "I'm going to tell her it was my fault. That... that I..." she couldn't bring herself to say the word "...you." And nothing else. Not that Isaac had apparently kissed her back, whatever that meant.

And then she shivered again, her eyes going to the ground as they filled with tears yet again

He flinched as he heard Ed's voice and looked up as he sat down beside him. "I need te tell her first." he said quietly. "She can' find out from anyone, but me." If she did, there was no hope he was sure. Not that there was probably hope anyway. He'd kissed Sutton. Darn it Isaac, she's just a kid! He was kicking himself for it! He'd kissed her knowing full well she was just a kid. Almost 4 years younger then himself!

Looking up as Sutton spoke he shook his head "'Twasn' yer fault. I know better, a kiss is a kiss, but returning the kiss...thet's not righ' not when..." Swallowing he looked down again at the snow at their feet "Not when I haf Amelia."

He nodded at Isaac's almost instant response. He knew what he wanted. And he knew what had to be done. Understanding that this was probably going to end their relationship, Ed just didn't have the heart to let him do it alone. "Look, I know I punched you, but we're still friends, aren't we?" He looked at Isaac. "I wanna come with you if you'll let me." Even if it was just to be there afterwards or to step in if Amelia lost it.

Ed listened to her stumbling over her words without turning away from Isaac. He could hear she was cold, but he was more concerned about his best friend right now. Not knowing what to say, Ed looked down at his hands and then glanced up at Sutton. It was an awkward situation for sure.

And then Sutton was alone again. She had tried to do what she thought was right, but now Isaac said HE wanted to be the one to tell Amelia. Well that was just dumb. Why did he deserve to take the heat of her wrath? Sutton would have done it! She SHOULD be the one doing it. Amelia could have hexed her into a thousand painful little pieces, and Sutton would have stood there and let her... because it would have been better than standing out here in the freezing cold without a coat, crying, heartbroken, and not sure who was on her side.

As Isaac spoke to her, saying it wasn't her fault, she just shook her head and watched as tears fell to the snow and melted away an indentation. Slowly, the need to get away crept up in her, it was like she couldn't stay still, she couldn't stand. She just wanted to run until she couldn't run anymore. With one last tearful look at the two boys, she turned and ran as the sobs came back over her.

If she got a good enough head start, Ed wouldn't be able to catch her. She didn't know if Isaac was faster than Ed or not, but she figured it didn't matter because it wasn't like Isaac would come running after now anyway... not now that she had ruined his life.

He didn't know what to say he was just totally numb. Maybe it was the cold who knew. He always had hated it. Staring as Sutton took off running, Isaac just bit his lip knowing one of them should go after her. He closed his eyes briefly. Knowing it couldn't be him, because it'd only make things worse, he glanced Ed's way.

"I don' know Ed." he said quietly. "Friends don' do thet...mad or not they jus' don'." he took a deep breath, and lifted his head staring at the sky. "Yeah, we are." he said nodding. They were rocky, but he wouldn't ditch his best friend because of some stupid punch. "I jus'...I don' know." he said again, shaking his head.

"i want ye te be, but...I think it'll be worse." Yep, for Amelia to think he couldn't even tell her alone and be upfront? "I think I gotta do this meself." Yep, dead man sitting there. "If I don' make it back, let me mum know I was jus' stupid." he said rising to his feet half jokingly with a grim expression. "I'll come find ye after I talk with her. Go find Sutton." he said glancing the way she'd run, before turning to find Amelia.

Amelia frowned as a girl began running out of the Courtyard, nearly knocking her over in her haste. It was only the fact that she could see the girl was crying that she hadn't grabbed her, or yelled at her. That and she was in a good mood. It was nearly Christmas and it was snowing. That, and Isaac's present had arrived. It wasn't anything extravagant, but she'd designed it herself and she was rather proud of the results.

After having actually spoken to him at the Hot Springs she was in a much better headspace in relation to them as a couple. She'd even been managing to tamp down her possessive nature. All in all, she figured life was good.

Turning back around to continue to her destination, she wanted to help decorate the hall, she couldn't help the bright smile that immediately lit her face, the almost collision with the younger girl completely forgotten, as she spotted Ed and Isaac.

Seeing that they hadn't noticed her yet, Amelia snuck over to them in time to hear the tail end of their conversation, and to see how sad Isaac looked.

"Isaac, is everything okay?" Amelia asked, quietly, hoping not to startle either boy. "Hi, Ed," she added belatedly as she remembered that it would only be polite, even when her concern over the look on Isaac's face, and the fact that she could see a bruise forming already, had her heart clenching in sympathy and worry.

He was about to leave when he realized Amelia was like right there behind him. A almost inaudible gasp came out and his eyes widened. Almost terrified to know how much she'd just heard. When she spoke his heart jumped half glad that she hadn't heard anything. The other half wishing she'd caught at least part. His eyes drifting to Ed who was still on the bench at least for the moment, he closed his eyes briefly before turning back to Amelia.

"Amelia..." he said softly. "I..." Swallowing hard he looked her fully in the face. "We need te talk." Merlin how the heck did you say what happened? He felt like a complete prat, he'd already sent one girl away in tears, and now knew fully well Amelia would probably yell...maybe slap him, and run away in tears as well he was sure.

Taking a deep breath, he gently led her a little distance away. "Amelia I need te tell ye...Sutton...kissed me." Closing his eyes he bit his lip as he let the breath out finally "And I kissed her back."

Amelia's heart dropped into her stomach when Isaac said that they needed to talk. She knew almost immediately that the conversation wouldn't be a good one. After all no good conversation starts with those words. Her thoughts were confirmed when he led her away from Ed.

Her heart constricted painfully in her chest as Isaac spoke, her mind trying to take in what he was saying, but unable to at the same time. Her immediate reaction was to shake her head in denial and to stumble backwards away from her boyfriend.

"That's not funny Isaac," she exclaimed, voice tinged with hurt. He must be lying to her, trying to hurt her for some reason. Maybe he hadn't forgiven her for giving him the cold shoulder earlier? Besides, she didn't even know anyone called Sutton, and surely it couldn't be a girls name.

Yet, there was something in his expression...Something that made her doubt her own thoughts. But surely her Isaac would never kiss another girl. He loved her afterall, and when you loved someone you didn't go around kissing someone else. Amelia looked back over at Ed, hoping he'd tell her that this was all just a joke.

Hearing the hurt in her voice, he let her back away without stopping her except to move as to catch her if she fell when she stumbled. The cold no longer bothering him because he was too numb to notice now his eyes showed the pain of what had happened. "I'm sorry, Amelia." he said ever so quietly, "I'm so sorry."

"If I could change it, I'd never haf allowed the kiss te happen." What would he have done? Thrown Sutton off? Run out the door when she came too close? Well anything but kiss her! Sticking his hands down deep into his pockets he dropped his head shaking his head "I don'...don' know what te say." he said quietly.

He just couldn't even look at her now. He'd failed, the one thing he'd done that could hurt her the most he had done. And admitted, against Ed and Sutton's advice he'd still told her. He couldn't help it, he wasn't going to lie to her!

"No," she whispered, her expression showing how betrayed she felt. She wouldn't put it past him to be cruel, even when he was normally so nice and caring, but she knew he wouldn't continue with something that hurt her once he saw just how much it did. Not unless it was true. But if it was true why would he tell her? Was this why he'd been so nice at the Hot Springs? Had he kissed the other girl then? Was he only telling her now because he was guilted into it?

Or was he hoping that if he told her she'd break up with him? Was he hoping to be free to be with that other girl? And that's when the name suddenly registered with her. Ed and Isaac had been talking about Ed needing to go after Sutton, so presumably Sutton was the girl that had nearly run into her before. Amelia suddenly wished that she had of yelled at the girl. Even if she was crying, Amelia could hazard a slight guess as to what it was about. Too bad she didn't remember what the girl looked like. She would have been only too happy to have her at the mercy of her wand.

"Why Isaac? Just tell me why. And why did you have to admit to it, why couldn't you just not tell me?" she was almost screaming by the end as she continued to take small steps away from him, her voice cracking slightly with pain, and tears that she was refusing to allow to fall.

"I thought we were okay," she finished brokenly, wrapping her arms around herself as if to ward off the cold and hurt, part of her wishing that Isaac was holding her, but the other part screaming that she didn't want him to touch her ever again. She'd trusted him, she loved him, believing that he wouldn't crush her heart. Believing that he was different from other guys she'd dated. But she should have known. She should have known that he couldn't really love her, she was scarred, both physically and mentally. It was too much to expect anyone to love, to want to commit too, she thought self-deprecatingly. She shouldn't have been so naive, so stupid.

And she definitely shouldn't want to beg him to pick up the pieces and put her back together because it was just too hard to do so herself. She shouldn't want to cling to him like a desperate man clings to a life preserver in harsh seas when he's been thrown overboard. Because Isaac was the one who'd thrown her overboard. Yet, her very being was screaming that he'd make it better, that he'd make the pain go away, because up until now he had. Up until now he'd kept her afloat, he'd kept her sane when all she wanted to do was scream.

But it hurt too much to scream right now, she was having enough trouble with breathing.

Looking up at Sutton as she turned to run, Ed groaned softly. But Isaac had answered him, so he looked back at him. "Isaac, if we're gonna go there, friends don't kiss the kid that's come to be like a sister to their best friend, k? Okay." But thankfully, Isaac said they still were. "I'm sorry for punching you." Didn't mean he didn't feel justified in doing it though. A frown crossed his face as he was told 'no'. "Will do." He smiled a 'hope you make it through this alive' smile just for Isaac. Yeah, he didn't want his best friend dead.

He glanced in the direction Sutton had gone and made to get up and follow her, only to sit back down again with wide eyes as Amelia turned up. "Hi, Amelia." Poker face. This was Isaac's show. Biting his lip, he watched them walk a little way away. Please don't die, Isaac.

He twitched as she stumbled back and Isaac made to catch her, but seemed to think better of actually touching her. He shook his head apologetically at Amelia as she seemed to be looking for some kind of indication this was a bad prank. Seeing her despair, Ed just had to get up and move closer. Just in case either of them needed him. Gosh, this was AWKWARD. What was he meant to do?!

"Amelia, I never meant te kiss her. I didn' want thet. When it finally hit me all I could do was try te get away. I never wanted this." God, he'd NEVER wanted this! He wanted to go to her, to wrap his arms around her and hold her tight, beg her for forgiveness. Looking at her he closed his eyes fighting tears that he'd not expected to appear that were there stinging now. "I couldn't lie te ye. I couldn' look at ye and act like nothin' happened, because it did. And ye haf a righ' te know."

"Amelia I love ye." he said softly, "We are okay...were." he managed to get out. "If she hadn' kissed me I'd never EVER haf kissed her. She's been like a sister te me, nothin' more. Merlin, she's fourteen!" The last words were practically a sputter.

Swallowing he gazed up at the sky fighting for control he shook his head. Dropping his head back down to look over at her he pinched his lips together in a thin line, before finally stepping closer taking a shuddering breath "Tell me, this isn' over." he asked his voice wavering his hand going towards her hesitantly.

"You said you kissed her back. Ergo, you did mean to kiss her. God Isaac, you want to blame a fourteen year old that I've never met for what happened? Even if she did kiss you first, does she even know about me?" Amelia asked, hoping that the answer was no. "Whatever, she's fourteen and not the one who promised me anything. Not the one that I have to look at everyday, or the person who I'm meant to trust. When did this even happen?" Because the answer to that would make a difference to her. She didn't know why, but it mattered.

"I don't care that it would have been hard for you, you should have just put up with it! Lying would have been better," her heart wouldn't have been shattered if she never knew. She could have gone on and been alright. Her life would have been fine. She never needed to know about it.

"No. No Isaac, people who love their girlfriends don't do this to them. I'd never do something like this to you. And I don't know what we are... But... But we aren't okay. I don't think we'll ever be okay. Because I don't trust you, I can't trust you," she told him, tears finally starting to fall as she realized that her relationship might as well be over if she couldn't believe him. She looked over at Ed, eyes pleading for something, she didn't know what. Maybe for him to tell her that she could trust that it was just a mistake, that Isaac wouldn't do it again? But then, if she needed him to confirm that...

She just didn't know what to do.