"Yeah, there was much more feeding the ducks going than anything," she said with a laugh. Or so she imagined, anyway. She hadn't really come out here much last year. But she thought there wouldn't be very people, or girls, at least, that would want to splash around in a duck pond.

"I'm a seventh year. And nope, not sad about it at all. That seemed to be the standard question asked to seventh years this year at any rate. So, heading that one off at the pass.

Sutton cocked her head a bit to the side at her response. "Why would you be sad?" she asked with a confused tone. "I'm only a third year, and I want to be done with school..." she said quietly, staring out across the hot spring. She had tried to meet new friends here, but a part of her was still lonely. She wondered if maybe this girl felt the same way when she felt the same when she came to Hogwarts. It suddenly struck her as odd that she didn't know the girl's name. Rather than just asking because that seemed kind of rude, she thought maybe it would be best to introduce herself. "I'm Sutton, by the way. Sutton Piatek."

Minerva went outside for a little walk and some sun after class when she came across something different. Looking at the place she wasn't sure what it was at first. Walking closer to the water she felt the heat, "Hot springs?" she questioned to really no one. Where did the cute little ducks go she wondered. Then she remembered how her and Laura dressed them up last term and smiled. That was fun, she hadn't seen nor heard of any trouble made by Laura since she was back. Did Laura not come back to school this term? Honestly someone would have been talking about something she had done already, but nothing other then she might be dating Oakey.

Minerva found a nice spot and sat down next to the springs. She opened her bag and pulled out some parchment to write to her grandparents. She knew they would freak the first them they saw the black owl she liked to use from the school, but in time they would get use to it. Especially if they were going to be her guardians for now on. She needed to have them in her world as much as she needed to stay grounded in theirs.

Laura decided it was time to have a look around the school grounds, she wanted to see what she had missed when she was misbehaving all the time, now she had started to grow up she decided that she was going to see what was new since the new groundskeeper had come.

Laura was walking around when she saw the hot spring, she took out a book and started to read up on hot springs, there was some interesting facts on them but for now she was happy when she saw someone but she wasn't going to shout instead she walked upto Minerva book in hand and smiled. "Hello Minerva, How are you today?" Laura smiled sitting down next to her.

Minerva was writing her letter and enjoying the hot springs. It was nice to just be alone after all the drama that had went down with her friends in the few days she was back. She wasn't paying attention to the other student around her when she felt someone come close to her. She still didn't really look up figuring it was just someone passing by.

Then this person addressed her in a way to calm manner for the familiar voice that it was. Minerva looked up and had to do a double take. Was that Laura with a BOOK?? No.. no way, she was just pulling Minerva's leg, right.... Then she looked again when Laura sat down. "Okay Laura what gives? You come over here calm and with a book. Are you sick... OH MY GOD, really are you sick? Should we go to the Healer?" Minerva started getting worried over her friend. Something had to be wrong with her, "Did someone put a spell on you? Did you fall and hit your head?"

Laura looked at Minerva, why was it just reading a book was causing people to think she was ill, she wasn't ill, she just liked reading. "How are you today Minerva?" Laura smiled, speaking in a normal tone, she wasn't going to shout or anything, she was going to behave and not shout, that could get someone into trouble.

Laura turned over the book and started to read the next page when Laura heard Min ask her a question, well it was rude not too answer a question when someone spoke to you. "Nothing gives." Laura smiled. "And I am not sick and don't need to see Healer Tillstorm." Laura was going to speak normally. "And nope too both those last two statements." Laura then went back to reading her book, she was getting to an interesting part.

Minerva just looked at Laura. What was going on?? Minerva was starting to get really worried about her friend then she thought of something. "This has nothing to do with the rumor I heard about you when I got back?" She thought about it for a second, but decided to ask. "Are you acting more grown up because you are dating Oakey?" Maybe that's why she was acting so different, "love" had that effect on people she assumed. She still wasn't buying that nothing was wrong. Minerva was leaning on a spell was put on her. Would a professor put a spell on her to be good without students knowing? No, that would never happen she threw that thought out right away.

Looking at Laura she still couldn't believe she was reading a book. "What are you reading that's so interesting?" of course Min would have to ask about the book. She loved books and was always reading, so if there was one she hadn't read why not...

Laura looked at the Minerva and smiled "I don't know who told you those rumours but I can guarentee they are false." Laura smiled, she wasn't dating Oakey anymore and she wasn't going to let Min know that she had ever been dating him. "Who is this Oakey fellow you are talking about anyway?" Laura was going to act like Oakey didn't excist.

Laura smiled at Minerva. "It's a good book." Laura smiled. "It tell you all about different things, like Hot springs and things like that." Laura was really enjoying it. "It tell you how an Hot Spring are formed and other interesting facts." Laura smiled at her friend. "Anyway I hope you don't think I'm rude, but I want to get to the end of this page then we can talk." Laura burried her head into the book and started to read the rest of the Page before putting the bookmark into the book and putting the book away nice and neatly.

Minerva looked at her really weird, "Ummm Oakey that is in our house, fifth year boy, last name..Gunter??" Okay if she didn't know who Oakey was there was really something wrong with her. She did hit her head or had a spell on her. Everyone knew Oakey... Hmm, but maybe she was wrong, maybe they weren't dating, rumors were such a pain.

Then Minerva got caught off guard when she wanted to finish her page. That was odd, and wasn't Laura the one that sat down next to her. "Oh no problem, I need to finish my letter anyway." she smiled and turned back to her letter. When she saw Laura put her book away Min looked up again, "So what else has been going on before I got back?" Was everyone acting crazy or just Laura?

Laura looked at Min. "Eh no idea who he is." Laura sighed. "I don't know any Gunters at all." Laura said, she had moved on and forgotten him already, it was his fault for not telling her about Felicity. "I don't know everyone in Hufflepuff you know, and this guy is a couple of years older than me." Laura smiled at Minerva.

"Oh that is cool, I have to write a letter soon." Laura smiled. "I'll do it when I get back into the common room." Laura looked thoughtfully. "And then maybe I'll play a game of scrabble or chess, I haven't decided which." Laura looked up into the sky before looking back at Minerva. "Anyway what have you been doing since I last saw you, staying out of trouble?" Laura hoped her friend was.

Penelope nodded. "They kept talking about her hair whenever they said who they were taking the plant to." And surely if you talked about someone's hair every time you mentioned them, it meant you liked it a lot. Otherwise, why talk about? Oh, and now he had a chocolate frog. And was willing to share? "Sure!" She wasn't going to turn down a chocolate frog offer.

Well, he seemed to have it all figured out. He couldn't KNOW that that was what would happen though. Unless he could somehow predict the future. But Penelope didn't really have a problem with it, so she didn't try to contradict him. "I bet being Quidditch Captain would be really cool." She wasn't sure if she could be one though. And really, she would be perfectly fine if Selina was captain forever.

Loppy was...a little strange-sounding, but she didn't see anything wrong with it or the others. Two of them were things some people already called her anyway. "I'm cool with any of those," she replied with a shrug. So it was up to him to choose which one he wanted to call her.

Minerva looked at her funny. Everyone knew and liked Oakey, how could she not know who he was. Minerva then shrugged she wasn't taking it any further and she got her answer about whether or not the two were dating. Minerva wasn't sure why she wanted to know this information, but it was good to know at least. "Well you will have to meet him one of these days, he's a great and funny guy."

She then looked at Laura like she was crazy, chess?? Laura?? Okay something was really wrong with her and then the next question really shook her, "Me... trouble?? When have you ever seen me in trouble Laura? Are you sure your feeling alright?" She looked at the hot springs and then back a Laura, maybe if Laura got into the hot springs it would take whatever was wrong with her out of her. "Umm Laura want to go for a swim in the hot springs?"

Laura smiled at Minerva. "I'm not so sure." Laura said truthfully. "He's two years older than me." Laura didn't like the age gap there. "I think I'll pass on the meeting him." Laura didn't trust Min's judgement and she didn't want too meet any older students. "Plus if he's in his fifth year that means OWLS and they are very important you know, you need to get as many as you can." Laura was really happy at the minute.

Laura looked at Min's "Your always getting into trouble." Laura was sure about that. "You should meet a couple of new students they are always getting into trouble as well." Laura looked at her watch. "I can't go for a swim in there, I have to go and get some studying done soon, I need to read up on the History of Hogwarts." Laura said truthfully. "You do know the history of this castle is awesome right."

Minerva looked at Laura and shrugged, "Well I guess that's okay you are a third year so if you don't know him it's no big deal." Minerva then thought about owls, yes Oakey would need to study hard for those and wouldn't have time to do much else would he. She started thinking about her own OWLS she would have to take in a matter of a year. Oh goodness, that was something she didn't want to think about already.

Minerva then felt herself turn a very bright red, "I do not get in trouble. I had no points taken last term AND I'm usually one of the top earners thank you very much." She didn't mean to put that out there, but no one not even her good friend Laura was going to say she got into trouble. "Yes I got five points this term, but I had just gotten back to school and hurried as fast as I could to get to class on time." she pouted not happy about those points still. "Yes I know all about the castle I have read that book twice now. I have read many of the books in the library since first year." She couldn't believe she was being provoked to getting upset by Laura.

Laura looked at Minerva. "Come and have a nice cup of tea and play a game of Chess with me." Laura would love to play a game of chess with Minerva. "It will take your mind of the point loss." Laura wondered why Minerva was so upset. "I didn't say you haven't read it." Laura wondered what was wrong with Minerva why was she acting strange. "It's just I was saying that this book is interesting." Nope Laura wouldn't let Minerva wind her up, she was going to stay calm and collect at all times. "So fancy a cup of tea and a game of chess then?"

Minerva looked at Laura, seriously what was wrong with this girl. Minerva was only gone a summer, was everyone going nuts in this school. What the heck was going on. "I don't know how to play chess, but I guess I could learn..." she wasn't sure how to even answer this.

Minerva looked at her like she had feet growing out of her head. "I know you didn't, but I am just saying I know it is interesting I have read it. I think I have a better idea then chess and some tea." Minerva got up and pulled her younger friend to her feet. Putting her hands on her shoulders and getting really close to her face, "Laura, I don't know what is going on with you, but something is wrong. I am not sure what else to do, but I hope this will help snap you out of it." with that Minerva moved to the side and pushed Laura into the springs. "SNAP OUT OF IT LAURA, I WANT MY OLD FRIEND BACK.. I DON'T KNOW WHO THIS PERSON IS..." Minerva said in a very loud voice.

Addy appreciated honesty. She was NOTHING IF NOT HONEST. Heh. People tended to take her the wrong way, but she did not care. And really, she didn't know what this was that they had nor did she know what would happen from here on out, but she was willing to try it our. For Nathan, she was definitely willing.

"I know you were. As was I. And we can figure it all out together. I am sure of that. Also, perhaps I should take to vacating my chair in the common room and come out here to read more often." SMIRK. She smiled wider as he pushed the hair from her face and the hand squeeze was nice, too. HEHEHE. She felt like a giddy girl for once in her life... it was new and pretty awesome.

"YOu just wanna sit here for a while or maybe go walk around?" She personally didn;t care what they did as long as she was able to spend time with him.

Laura suddenly felt herself being pushed by her friend Minerva, she wasn't happy about it. "I am your old friend." Laura smiled at her friend, as she got up, she was staying calm. "If you don't mind me Minerva, I have to go and dry up and get some studying done before the next lesson." Laura really did have to get some studying done. "I'll speak to you later." Laura then smiled as she skipped off back towards the castle.

Minerva watched Laura get back out of the springs and then do something that really threw her. She just left talking about studying?? What happened to Laura, this was very odd. Hopefully someone in this school could tell her what is going on with her. She turned back to the hot springs and was speechless. What just happened, Laura was calling Minerva a trouble maker, asking her about books like Minerva didn't read them. Minerva looked back to where Laura went, did she just really talk to Laura, the Laura that lost a ton of points her first term, and then has so much fun last term. Talking about studying, chess? It was just way to weird. Minerva sat down by her bag again and just looked at the spring she was super confused.

Was he always concerned towards other people like this? Well..he did have a sister, so maybe, yes. Not to mention that she was Indy's bestie. So it was, perfectly normal, to hear him say that her wellness was what mattered. Beezus merely nodded at the Prefect, giving him a small smile.


No broken ribs. Okay, at least that seemed to settle her nerves. Yet she didn't believe that there was completely nothing. "You're sure? Wounds or something?" Her dark brown eyes were filled with worry for her bestie's brother. Surely, Spike won't lie to her, no? She hated liars. Besides, there was no need for him to deny if he had any injury. She would be more than willing to bring him to the Healer.

When he groaned as she moved, the brunette eyed him briefly and then slowly, holding unto his shoulders for a bit of support, she knelt on the ground and turned to face him again. Thankfully, any remnants of the hammering on her head a while ago had gone. Beezus wasn't grinning now, instead, she had a somewhat serious look on her face. "The Hot Spring can wait. We can reschedule to go back some other time." And yes, she won't be running next time. She eyed him some more, before muttering silently. "You're hurt. I can tell."

"I'm fine," Spike said at her question. Why didn't she believe him? "I'm good, really." His back was a only few scratches, and really nothing to worry about. Which was why he didn't mention them - she'd only want to drag him to the healer or something. Girls did that with injuries - make a mountain out of a molehill. He'd had far worse playing Quidditch, and the scrapes had grazed over he'd barely notice them.

As she took hold of his shoulders, Spike gave a peaceful smile. She was going to give him a massage? How lovely! Except she didn't stay there, and instead knelt on the ground beside him. Spike pouted, looking out sadly from underneath his damp, limp curls. Even worse, she now wasn't smiling at him and her eyes were filled with worry rather than enjoyment. Spike's heart sank. Her falling wasn't a good thing to happen, but her being so close had been nice.

"B-b-but!" Spike protested. What had he done wrong? "I didn't want to scare you off...I like spending time with you." Because why else would she want to leave the hot spring? He thought, apart from the little blip, they were having a good time. She'd bee smiling at him only moments before. His face fell uncertainly, eyes wide. He glanced away from her momentarily, towards the steam rising from the spring.

He'd done it again, somehow, hadn't he?

"You can tell what?" Spike asked, only catching the last bit of the mutter as he returned his gaze to her, and mainly through reading her lips. "That I'm a rubbish friend? Yeah, I know..."

Oh, who was he kidding? Her? He was totally not fine. "You're not." This time, she was sounding like a stern mother eagle who doesn't want any of her little ones to get hurt. She didn't have any plans or intentions on being a Healer but she could tell that he was injured....where and how severe it was, she didn't know.

Beezus sighed.

She knew, she knew. "Spike, don't get me wrong. I also like spending time with you." Like for real. He understood her even though she was weird and unusual. And she trusted him. Why else did she even agree to stroll outdoors with him if not?

Huh? What was he talking about? With a quizzical look, Beezus reached for the Prefect's arm, "I didn't say that." Then she pulled him up, slowly, carefully so he could sit on the ground. "I said I know you're hurt somewhere." He wasn't anywhere near a rubbish friend. "Come on, show it." She said, in a low but authoritative tone.

Spike bit his lip. "Not what?" Spike asked, her tone taking him aback. It was suspiciously like his Mum sounded when she knew he was hiding something - usually something pertaining to Indy. "Really, I'm okay..." It didn't sound as convinced this time though. Why was she so concerned, anyway? Surely she knew he could look after himself?

Oh dear. She sighed. That couldn't be a good sign. "So where did your beautiful smile go then?" he asked quietly, raising an eyebrow. "I like seeing you smile. It makes me happy." More than perhaps they both realised.

"You didn't?" Huh. Well that was nice to know. As long as she didn't agree with it, of course. Now what was she trying to do by pulling him up? He was actually quite comfy propped up on his elbows, though he let her do it anyway. Involuntarily, Spike winced as the skin on his back stretched. "It's only a scratch..." he explained, "really, nothing to worry about."

Spike's tee caught on his ribs and he hastened to pull it down before she'd have chance to notice the bright pink sores on his skin. Yet her tone told him she meant business, and he hung his head. He couldn't fight with her. And wouldn't. "On my back," he admitted quietly, looking down at his legs.

"I know you're not alright." Siiiiigh. She'd been repeating it for a while now. Has he hit his head, because he can't seem to understand what she was saying. Yeah, so much for putting on an act Prefect Hutchinson, Castell can tell you're not just convincing enough. "You're not okay." And that was a firm statement.

The what? Her beautiful smile? And..he what? Seeing her smile makes him happy? For a moment, Beezus frowned. What was wrong with people this term? They've been giving her compliments that she couldn't possibly agree wholeheartedly with. IT WAS JUST...ODD. Beezus shook her head, "You...I don't know...w-why are you saying those kind of things?" It was odd. He was odd. She felt odd.

But oh, so much for the odd things.. When he said it was only a scratch, she raised an eyebrow, making sure he could see how she questioned his words. "I can worry for you whenever I like." Nod. He was her friend, a Ravenclaw Prefect and her bestie's brother nonetheless!

By now, the brunette had stood up, crossing her arms somewhat as she waited for him to reveal the truth. On his back. Right! Almost instantly, she was behind him, and with utmost care, she pulled his shirt up. Scrapes...and small wounds. Not too bloody but was still injury. With a rather deep sigh, she grasped his arm again, urging him to stand.

"Come on, let's get you to the Healer."

If he said he was okay, why didn't she just believe it? How many times had he said now? It was almost as if she didn't want him to be okay, and wanted to end their time at the spring together to go to the Healer. "Soon, I won't be, if you keep reiterating that I'm not," he said with a puff of his cheeks. He'd had plenty of bumps, breaks and bruises before. He'd live.

Why was she shaking her head? Did she not agree? More people should smile - it'd make the world a far happier place. And as for why he said it? "Because they're true. I mean, at least for me," he swallowed slowly. Was he saying something bad? His stomach fluttered and his hand rubbed it subconciously, still not knowing how to make any sense of it. "I like to see you happy. We're good friends, right? And it hurts to see you worried or sad." In a way he couldn't explain. In some ways, it was how he felt when Indy was upset - and that would kinda make sense given Beezus was his sister's bestie and how they were often together in the Common Room and such. Yet in other ways it wasn't. He didn't see her like a second younger sister - there was something else he couldn't put his finger on.

He bit his lip. She was worrying about his scratched back? For real? He didn't know what to say. Indy probably would have just laughed at him for trying to save the day. Beezus genuinely seemed to care. Even if it really was nothing. He'd gotten worse from falling out of a tree over the summer...

Gosh, she looked strict right now. He might have given in at telling what the problem was and where, but now he defiantly stayed sat down. "No," he said with a shake of his curls, "I'm not going to the Healer." Nu-uh. He was going to enjoy the rest of his day and not worry about it. "I'll put some paste on it later." How he'd reach, he wasn't sure, but he wasn't going to sit in the Healer's waiting room to get a tube of something he already owned.

"The only reason I'll move is to continue our stroll." And with that, he folded his arms across his chest.