Taylor smiled as she skipped down the pathways. She spotted Ameliah then her drawing. "That is amazing! I got to see him at Hogsmeade the other day!" She beamed at her... whatever she was.

Ameliah's head snapped up from the ground. "Who, Logan?" she said, probably sounding a bit too excited. "I met with him at the Broomsticks!!!!!" BEAM. The thought still made Am grin.

Tay nodded, "Yeah, i saw him at the tea shop... actually we hang out... he thought I liked him." She bursted out laughing at the memories and smiled in delight.

Ameliah giggled. "He thought I liked him too, and I thought he liked me." She glanced at the picture she had drawn and giggled again.

Tay laughed and smiled, "That is hilarious!" She danced arond her. She was bursting in happiness for the first time in a while.

Ameliah laughed. "But it's also true!!! ohyeahandmeandLoganaredatingnow!!!!!!!" she announced happily, waiting for the bomb to drop.

She blinked then squealed, jumping for joy. A smile beamed across her face, "That is amazing!!!!!!!!!!" Tay danced around her again.

Ameliah grinned, trying to regain her usually confident nature, but burst into a fit of giggles. "IKNOWRIGHT? I haven't been this happy in AGES!!!!"

Tay beamed, "I havent been this happy in ages either." She squealed and pulled Ameliah up, making her dance.

Ameliah gave a quick whooshing sound as she was pulled up from her VERY comfortable seat and was suddenly spinning with Taylor. "WEEEEEEEEEEEEEE," she suddenly burst.

Tay laughed and smiled, "We MUST go on a double date soon!!!!!" She squealed and bounced on her feet then spun Ameliah around, laughing.

WOAHWOAHWOAHWOAHWOAHWOAHWOAHBACKTHETRUCKUP.

Ameliah dug her heels in the ground and gave Tay her classic squint. "And who would you be going with?" What WAS IT with these people and dating without consent of Am???? Don't they KNOW that she needs to constantly check on any boy/girlfriends to make sure they aren't hiding anything?

Ugh. Her praise made him feel bad because he certainly thought all the same things about her. "No. I still think you were the best." It seemed that they were both too stubborn for their own good. "You're the closest thing I've ever seen to a gobstones genius."

Or something.

Oh. Had he offended her by not remembering her? Max observed with a guilty expression as she seemed to nervously run a hand through her hair. So she had played Seeker? "Oh - that's probably why. Until this term, the only Seeker I ever really noticed was Ellie Stone. She's... my best friend, y'know? And I had a huge crush on her for awhile, so... erm... don't take it too personally... that I don't exactly remember." But apparently he SHOULD have remembered. Why had it been her last... forever? Did something awful happen?

The answer was probably yes, so Max didn't ask further on the matter.

"And that's okay - you're allowed to go after things for your own personal benefit. You don't always have to look out for everyone else - sometimes, you've just got to take care of yourself," he nodded. "It is enough. You're pulling your weight well enough - you can't carry the weight of everyone on your shoulders." He gave her a soft, sad smile; he understood her need to do everything she could to be the best and make sure her house was the best, but there were more important things. Things... he wasn't going to point out at the risk of offending her.

...She called the quaffle a waffle?

Max struggled to keep a straight face at that one but smiled as he replied, "Don't worry about Selina, or... any of that stuff. You don't need to be the best at everything. You have your strengths - your countless strengths. I think you should hang onto those and not sweat the small stuff."

Right?

Kurumi couldn't help but laugh a little, cheeks flushing just a little more, before she responded. "I think, Max, we are going to both just have to reach an agreement that we both think the other was more brilliant than ourselves...or else we are going to be going around in circles all day." But then he had to go and call her a genius and make her feel a little more flustered than she had been. "I'mnotagenius," she mumbled, tugging on her hair a little. "It is just really similar to a game I used to play with my brothers growing up, marbles."

Kurumi paused and bit her lip for a moment. She didn't know if Max was familiar with nonmagical things...and she wasn't always the best at explaining things. Example? Every time she tried to explain something to Selina.

And then she really bit own on her lower lip. Like...REALLY bit down on it when he mentioned...her. Yeah, Kurumi knew who she was and her memories with the former Ravenclaw captain were not good. Not a single encounter with her had been. She was judgmental and always glaring at Kurumi. Always. "Oh..." Was all Kurumi could say in reply at first. "She hates me." Kurumi had said that last bit without thinking and hadn't even realized she had said it until her lips had finished forming the 'me' and then her eyes widened and sort of just staaaaaaaaaaaared at Max for a few moments. "I'm sorry..."

She wasn't really sure what all she was apologizing for...but it just felt like the right thing to say.

What Max said next brought a much wider smile to the Gryffindor's face. He was right, she knew he was right. Selina often told her the same thing and that she did plenty already. Gobstones, yearbook editor and photographer and occasional writer, Quidditch announcer, prefect since fourth year, resident cookie girl, top of her class, top of the school...Selina had no problem rambling off everything to the point where Kurumi wanted to just hide under the covers in the dorms. She usually DID, by the way. "Thanks, Max," she said after a few more thoughtful moments. "I guess, for me at least, after everything that Hogwarts has given me that nothing I do really really returns the favor. I never felt like I belonged until I came here."

Talking with Max was surprisingly easy, probably because their personalities seemed to be so similar - which was suddenly really confusing to her since he had just said Ellie was his best friend. HOW did that work?

"In case you didn't notice...I'm a bit of a perfectionist," she laughed, playfully sticking her tongue out in the process. And he really needed to stop complimenting her because her hair was going to turn colors soon and make her feel even more awkward.

Fiiiiiinally Matilda had finished her molt, and was safe enough to touch again and take out of her tank. For the first time in a few days, Spike looked relaxed and cheery. He was sure he found molting time as stressful, if not moreso, than his tarantula. He hated how fragile Matilda was after she shed her exoskeleton. The week or so where even the slightest touch could kill her. Even though he should be a molting veteran by now, he still found the thought of losing his best friend a little scary.

Okay, VERY scary.

But all was well, and Matilda was perched atop his head in his curls as per usual. Curls which were moving, not from the gentle breeze outside, but from Matilda's excitement of being back outside with her daddy again.

Hands thrust in his jeans pockets, Spike whistled a happy tune as he wandered down the pathway to nowhere in particular - just enjoying the day.

Text Cut: Spiiiiiiiike!

Quote:

Originally Posted by hermygirl

Fiiiiiinally Matilda had finished her molt, and was safe enough to touch again and take out of her tank. For the first time in a few days, Spike looked relaxed and cheery. He was sure he found molting time as stressful, if not moreso, than his tarantula. He hated how fragile Matilda was after she shed her exoskeleton. The week or so where even the slightest touch could kill her. Even though he should be a molting veteran by now, he still found the thought of losing his best friend a little scary.

Okay, VERY scary.

But all was well, and Matilda was perched atop his head in his curls as per usual. Curls which were moving, not from the gentle breeze outside, but from Matilda's excitement of being back outside with her daddy again.

Hands thrust in his jeans pockets, Spike whistled a happy tune as he wandered down the pathway to nowhere in particular - just enjoying the day.

It was SUCH a nice day outside! Why waste it inside with classes when you could be out and about for spring! SPRING!

She's better off not mentioning the fact that she was skipping one class for this, you know, it's not exactly 'responsible', but TAKE A LOOK AT THE WEATHER! Like, who cared?

Truth be told, we have no idea where this excitement is coming from, but her Pygmy Puff was a huge part of that. Of course, Mags was asleep inside her bag, but Lottie wasn't leaving her alone in the Castle.

Hair. That's the first thing she noticed. AND SHE INSTANTLY BEAMED! "SPIIIIIKE!" she half squealed, half yelled, at the boy, and RAN towards him. Way to lose one's coolness, Lotus. "I mean...," she bit her lip, "...Hi!" heh, her tone was calmer, her eyes just as wide from excitement. "It's Spring!" As if he knew what spring brought along. She was the only one still thinking about the cherry tree. The winter had left the tree in such a depressing state that she was looking forward for spring to revive it.

Spike stopped mid-whistle, his lips still pursed, as he turned to find out who was calling his name for all in the grounds to hear. He lips curls upwards into a grin as he saw the little Hufflepuff first year running towards him, and he stood awkwardly as he wondered whether she was gonna to jump at him to catch, or to put his arms out for a hug, to form some kind of stopping device, or just simply to duck out of the way. So he stood there, a bit like a deer in wandlight, arms floundering, until she stopped abruptly just in front of him.

Er, phew?

"Wow, someone's excited," Spike commented, with a grin. Matilda, confused by the excitable loud noise, rustled around in his curls some more. He glanced upwards under his curls, and shook his head lightly at his tarantula. "Hi Lottie," he said, making note of her suddenly calmer tone, though her wide eyes still gave her away. "Lovely day, isn't it?" he added mock non-chalently, though there was giveaway a twinkle in his eye that he was only playing.

"Quite so," he said, as she pointed out it was spring. "A time of new beginnings." In more ways than one. "And a particularly good time to enjoy the wildlife..."

Text Cut: Spike! Spike!

Quote:

Originally Posted by hermygirl

Spike stopped mid-whistle, his lips still pursed, as he turned to find out who was calling his name for all in the grounds to hear. He lips curls upwards into a grin as he saw the little Hufflepuff first year running towards him, and he stood awkwardly as he wondered whether she was gonna to jump at him to catch, or to put his arms out for a hug, to form some kind of stopping device, or just simply to duck out of the way. So he stood there, a bit like a deer in wandlight, arms floundering, until she stopped abruptly just in front of him.

Er, phew?

"Wow, someone's excited," Spike commented, with a grin. Matilda, confused by the excitable loud noise, rustled around in his curls some more. He glanced upwards under his curls, and shook his head lightly at his tarantula. "Hi Lottie," he said, making note of her suddenly calmer tone, though her wide eyes still gave her away. "Lovely day, isn't it?" he added mock non-chalently, though there was giveaway a twinkle in his eye that he was only playing.

"Quite so," he said, as she pointed out it was spring. "A time of new beginnings." In more ways than one. "And a particularly good time to enjoy the wildlife..."

Lottie, quite positively, BEAMED at Spike's comment. There was no possible explanation that could end up in her not being...excited. But it was SUCH a nice day out! Did we mention that? A small shrug came to her shoulders as she tried to regain what little composure she could.

The blue eyes were always going to give her away. At least today.

And, well, everyday.

Lovely day? Are you for real? We thought you were a genius, Spike! A genius! So, he was definitely messing with her. She let out a girly giggle and smiled. As if she wasn't already smiling. "Lovely." So as long as he doesn't mention she ought to be in class and ruin this for her. But he wouldn't, yes? Spike was cool.

IT IS SPRING! "Yes, of course," yet a small frown met her joyous expression, "And trees...," she added, as she silently sighed. Now he was getting a blue gaze, and what could be defined as a small pout too. Did he not remember?

That's when she noticed something..., "Your hair's moving. Why's your hair moving?" she asked, whispering the last bit.

Spike couldn't hold that nonchalant look after glancing at those big blue eyes and hearing her giggle. A grin had soon spread across his lips, and he chuckled with her. Nothing like an excitable firstie to make a good day just a little bit more fun. It didn't even cross his mind that Lottie should have been in class right now...

He saw that flicker of a frown. Yes he did. And that pout. That hurt, Lottie. Though, Spike could play along a little, he supposed. "It's a wonderful time to see the new bulbs burst into flower, and the blossom on the trees." he said with a wink, stressing the 'blossom'. Was she worrying he'd forgotten their first meeting? Silly girl. Spike couldn't just forget when the carefree young firstie had come and distracted him from the depths of his foul mood and her quest to find a cherry tree! It'd been quite the adventure, and there was nothing that the Prefect liked more than an adventure! "Especially the beautiful cherry blossom..."

Huh? He followed her gaze upwards towards his hair, and shrugged. "It happens from time to time." Hmm, now should he divulge what was making it move? He wasn't sure how Lottie might react. She was super cool and all, and inquisitive, but...she was a girl. And girls didn't tend to react well to the mention of tarantulas. Just look at Kurumi.

"I wouldn't worry about it too much..." he said, after a moment's thought. "She's just a little excitable today."

Text Cut: ^_^

Quote:

Originally Posted by hermygirl

Spike couldn't hold that nonchalant look after glancing at those big blue eyes and hearing her giggle. A grin had soon spread across his lips, and he chuckled with her. Nothing like an excitable firstie to make a good day just a little bit more fun. It didn't even cross his mind that Lottie should have been in class right now...

He saw that flicker of a frown. Yes he did. And that pout. That hurt, Lottie. Though, Spike could play along a little, he supposed. "It's a wonderful time to see the new bulbs burst into flower, and the blossom on the trees." he said with a wink, stressing the 'blossom'. Was she worrying he'd forgotten their first meeting? Silly girl. Spike couldn't just forget when the carefree young firstie had come and distracted him from the depths of his foul mood and her quest to find a cherry tree! It'd been quite the adventure, and there was nothing that the Prefect liked more than an adventure! "Especially the beautiful cherry blossom..."

Huh? He followed her gaze upwards towards his hair, and shrugged. "It happens from time to time." Hmm, now should he divulge what was making it move? He wasn't sure how Lottie might react. She was super cool and all, and inquisitive, but...she was a girl. And girls didn't tend to react well to the mention of tarantulas. Just look at Kurumi.

"I wouldn't worry about it too much..." he said, after a moment's thought. "She's just a little excitable today."

There was a grin on his face, and...for whatever reason, that made Lottie feel good. She only cared about a handful of people, Spike should consider himself extra lucky to be counted amongst them.

How mean, Spike! The small frown turned into a mini-glare. He was already using all the right words! Slowly, very slowly, his cool status was dissipating. Lottie knew he remembered, it was rather odd to meet someone who wanted to find a cherry tree and whose name was all plants-related. So, he had to remember, he was just being mean pretending he didn't. Then he said the right words. Lottie didn't beam, nor did she seem extremely excited over this, instead...she smirked. "I knew you couldn't forget." The smirked was turning into a smile by the time her whispering stopped. "That was rather mean of you." Then he got reprimanded, but the smile was still in place, so it wasn't as strong as it was meant to be.

What? She squinted, the direction...his hair.

What did that mean? It happened from time to time? An eyebrow was raised at the mention of 'she'. "What do you mean by 'she'?" He didn't call his hair 'she', did he? Because...hello? Weirdo? And he was a genius, so, this was not the case, right?

Was that...a hint of a glare? Spike raised an arched eyebrow. Did she really believe he'd forgotten?

Silly girl.

"Of course not," he said lightly with a light shake of his curls, grinning at her smirk. "How could I forget an adv-"

Hokay, she was serious. Well, serious enough to tell him off for being mean. Even if there was a smile at the same time... It was cute. "Fine, it was mean," he admitted, giving a her a crooked grin before biting his lip sheepishly. "I couldn't forget an adventure like that...not with someone as lovely as yourself." He paused a moment, long enough to look over in the direction of the orchard and back again. "You want to go on another one?"

...

Well, he walked into that one. He should've known she'd ask questions and wouldn't be satisfied until she got answers. "'She' would be Matilda," he answered, his brow furrowing slightly as he rubbed the nape of his neck. Maybe he wouldn't reveal quite what she was just yet. "She's one of my pets. Hasn't been in the fresh air for a couple of weeks, hence the excitable."

Pause.

"What are you like with creepy crawlies? Y'know...insects and the like?"

Text Cut: Matilda. >_<

Quote:

Originally Posted by hermygirl

Was that...a hint of a glare? Spike raised an arched eyebrow. Did she really believe he'd forgotten?

Silly girl.

"Of course not," he said lightly with a light shake of his curls, grinning at her smirk. "How could I forget an adv-"

Hokay, she was serious. Well, serious enough to tell him off for being mean. Even if there was a smile at the same time... It was cute. "Fine, it was mean," he admitted, giving a her a crooked grin before biting his lip sheepishly. "I couldn't forget an adventure like that...not with someone as lovely as yourself." He paused a moment, long enough to look over in the direction of the orchard and back again. "You want to go on another one?"

...

Well, he walked into that one. He should've known she'd ask questions and wouldn't be satisfied until she got answers. "'She' would be Matilda," he answered, his brow furrowing slightly as he rubbed the nape of his neck. Maybe he wouldn't reveal quite what she was just yet. "She's one of my pets. Hasn't been in the fresh air for a couple of weeks, hence the excitable."

Pause.

"What are you like with creepy crawlies? Y'know...insects and the like?"

How embarrassing! This was even worst that having to see Harvey's face when he spoke of his girlfriend over and over again. UGH. Of course, Lottie had asked about Ella, so it was obvious his answer would be about her.

But seriously, the way Lottie kept on smiling was ridiculously embarrassing. She needs to stop. And she did. Once Spike mentioned the word 'lovely'. Mellow. Elliot wouldn't approve of 'lovely'. 'Lovely' was such a Hufflepuff WORD! Now she felt like CRYING. But this whole process her brain was going through? Yeah, it didn't show. She was incredible grateful that the greatest boy at Hogwarts kept on talking. OH? She raised an eyebrow, showing interest, clearly. "What do you have in mind?" Could they, like, go check on the tree? Or go climb on one of the tallest, because she kind of needed a bit of help to get on those.

OH. Matilda. And who's Matilda? Her expression turned to one of confusion. Which soon turned into another smile. "Pets? How many do you have?" Her focus on Matilda became...blurry.

"Creepy crawlies? They get on trees, no?" kinda like her. "I don't know? Why?" Blue eyes were demanding a straight answer NOW.

Spike pushed his glasses back up his nose gently, for some reason wondering if he'd ruined Lottie's day. Afterall, her excitement levels seemed to have leveled off somewhat. At least he hadn't scared her off just yet though...

What did he have in mind? Many things. Spike was a curious fellow, afterall. "Have you seen it in blossom yet?" he asked, though from her earlier reaction he guessed she probably hadn't. "It should be out fully by now." And, given that she'd waiting for so long to see it in the flesh, he hoped it would live up to expectations. "Or we could go pick some flowers...or explore the orchard more..." It'd been a while since he'd been in the orchard, so a walk would be pleasant. Tree climbing would be fun too, though he wasn't sure if Lottie was into that. One could never tell with girls.

As she mentioned his pets, Spike had a proud smile on his face. "Four," he replied. "Matilda, Killy and Kranky, and Sophie. Five if you count Rosie." Who just happened to be a carnivorous plant of Spike's own invention. She acted like a pet though, and still needed a lot of training to ensure that she wouldn't treat people's fingers as food. "Rosie being a sort-of fanged rose." He explained vaguely.

His lips curled in amusement at her description of creepy crawlies. "That they do. But not just on trees..." Spike should know, he'd collected enough of them. And, of course, she wanted to know why...at least she didn't look disgusted at the sheer mention of them. Lottie's blue eyes demanded attention, and it was probably best to give her what she wanted. "Matilda is..." he started. "Well, she's not your average kind of pet." He bit his lip, trying to judge what she might be thinking - whether she'd be running back to the castle screaming at the sound of his next words.

"She's a tarantula."

Text Cut: *beams*

Quote:

Originally Posted by hermygirl

Spike pushed his glasses back up his nose gently, for some reason wondering if he'd ruined Lottie's day. Afterall, her excitement levels seemed to have leveled off somewhat. At least he hadn't scared her off just yet though...

What did he have in mind? Many things. Spike was a curious fellow, afterall. "Have you seen it in blossom yet?" he asked, though from her earlier reaction he guessed she probably hadn't. "It should be out fully by now." And, given that she'd waiting for so long to see it in the flesh, he hoped it would live up to expectations. "Or we could go pick some flowers...or explore the orchard more..." It'd been a while since he'd been in the orchard, so a walk would be pleasant. Tree climbing would be fun too, though he wasn't sure if Lottie was into that. One could never tell with girls.

As she mentioned his pets, Spike had a proud smile on his face. "Four," he replied. "Matilda, Killy and Kranky, and Sophie. Five if you count Rosie." Who just happened to be a carnivorous plant of Spike's own invention. She acted like a pet though, and still needed a lot of training to ensure that she wouldn't treat people's fingers as food. "Rosie being a sort-of fanged rose." He explained vaguely.

His lips curled in amusement at her description of creepy crawlies. "That they do. But not just on trees..." Spike should know, he'd collected enough of them. And, of course, she wanted to know why...at least she didn't look disgusted at the sheer mention of them. Lottie's blue eyes demanded attention, and it was probably best to give her what she wanted. "Matilda is..." he started. "Well, she's not your average kind of pet." He bit his lip, trying to judge what she might be thinking - whether she'd be running back to the castle screaming at the sound of his next words.

"She's a tarantula."

She liked Spike. Period.

Lottie bit her lip as she shook her head. She hadn't stopped by the orchard yet. Not since January. It depressed too much and she hadn't been feeling like venturing about there on her own, what if it was still all eerie-looking and all. She supposed it wasn't, but still. "You think?" that the tree was finally ready to become the prettiest sight around? She knew the Whomping Willow was more than ready, it was kind of hard to miss.

Then she giggled again. Spike needed to stop.

Seriously, though, picking up flowers? "Well, actually...there's one tree I haven't been able to climb...," her eyes lit up, Spike was tall. Taller than her, anyway. He'd do.

OH MERLIN! Hehe. "And what are they?" she asked, unable to guess. If Rosie was a fanged-geranium, then what were the others. Lottie was mainly looking forward to find out what 'Sophie' was, a small smirk was in place, because she thought of the Hufflepuff girl who answered to 'Soapy' from time to time.

Also, true. Not just on trees.

The first year listened intently. And nodded once or twice just to let him know she was following. Her eyes never left him, which is why she got the feeling that he was expecting her to become suddenly terrified of what he was about to say. Perhaps it prepared her for the final reply.

"Oh!" she gasped, "And you keep her in your hair...?" blue eyes went to the top of his head, where she could see...nothing, why? "I've never seen one up close...," she was playing with her fingers, she kinda wanted to see her, Matilda, but didn't know if she'll be allowed. And for some reason she didn't ask right away, she just kept balancing back and forth as if expecting Spike to figure this out on his own.

Aww. She was cute as she bite her lip and shook her head. It was sad she hadn't visited of her own accord. But then, it would mean she could get the full impact of its prettiness today, right?

"I do," Spike confirmed with a nod. He hadn't been to the orchard in a while, having been more preoccupied with Matilda's molt, Rosie and the lack of common room situation, but he'd spent enough time in the woods in his lifetime to know it should be out in blossom now. Not that he usually cared for the blossom, of course, being male and such, but he still noticed it in all its glory. Plus, he'd noted the Whomping Willow was out in bud, and if that was ready for spring, the cherry should be. "We'll definitely be able to find it easier this time," he said with a smile, remembering their trip previously. No need for counting the rows of trees, and studying the branches closely today.

He raised an eyebrow at her giggles. She didn't want to pick flowers? Phew. Spike wasn't one for picking flowers either. He liked to grow them himself. Spike also didn't exactly have anyone to give flowers to... Well, he'd given Beezus some previously as a friend, but that had been a while ago, and Dylan probably wouldn't appreciate the gesture nowadays. A certain way to get a black eye...and such a disappointing way to get it. He'd come to realise, she wasn't worth the bother. He was better than her and that je-

Lottie's words broke through his thoughts, and his face lit up. She wanted to go tree climbing? "That sounds like an absolutely awesome idea." GRIN. Of course he'd help her climb it. Spike was GOOD at climbing trees. "We'll conquer it together," he said with a nod. Then, because he could (and because Indy loved it...and Lottie seemed like perfect adopted sister material) he tilted his head to the side, and said with a wide smile, "You want a piggy-back ride there?"

Yup, she definitely was one cute, excitable, inquisitive firstie. Clearly he didn't project the scary Prefect image too well. Hehe. "Well, Killy and Kranky are my frogs...and Sophie is my stick insect." And why was she smirking at the name Sophie? Perfectly good name, it was.

...

And as for what Matilda was, Spike looked visuably relieved. Lottie was still upright and had avoided fainting. So far, so good.

"It's her favourite place," he explained. "Has been since I first got her..." And that was nearly nine years ago now. He felt the Hufflepuff's gaze on his curls, as if trying to spot the tarantula nestled in his curls. She wouldn't spot the spider easily. Matilda was an expert in disguising herself up there. "Would you like to?" Spike asked gently, trying to figure out what exactly Lottie's body language was - nerves, excitement, fear?

No, not that last one. She was too composed.

Which was why Spike raised a hand up to his curls, and waited for a leg to stretch out on to it. He might even let Lottie hold his best friend, if she asked nicely.