As Daichi waited for Oakey to write down his sentence, the Slytherin stood next to him and peeked over his shoulder. When he was done he grabbed the notebook and read it.

A curious look became visible on his face as he looked back up at the other. Professor Flamsteed had silenced him? for two days? "Why would he do that?" he asked. He had met the Professor and he liked him! They even had a bet going on as to who would win the Quidditch match...

Daichi eyed Oakey up and down, wondering what had happened that he can't speak for two whole days. "But..that's HORRIBLE! So you can't speak for two days?! i would go CRAZY cause i like talking..my dad once threatened to silence me as well because apparently i go on and on ...especially when i talk about ducks..they are cute right? oh right...your problem!"

In a flash, the Slytherin had his phoenix feather wand in his hand. "Shall i try and lift the spell?"

Finally! They were on even ground! Oakey looked at Daichi as he explained how much of a relationship he had with the Astronomy Professor. He could understand it because Oakey had that same thing with Mr.Murdoch a few years back. Taking the notebook back he wrote down on it again.
He gave it back to Daichi and gave him a nod and smile. He had already attemped a simple counter spell, but it didn't work. Maybe Daichi had another idea.

Daichi frowned again when his notebook was taken back again but waited patiently as Oakey began to write something down. When he was done, the Slytherin read the short warning and send him a puzzled look.

"What does the Healer have to do with you being silenced by Professor Flamsteed?" But he was going to keep the warning in mind though. He had never met the Healer before , well no that was not true he never visited the hospital wing these past few years....

Nod and smile. Daichi took that as a sign that he could try. It would be much easier for both of them when Oakey could talk normally again and would explain everything. He pointed his wand at the Hufflepuff Prefect and gulped, slightly nervous. What if he blew it up? WHAT IF HE BLEW UP LITERALLY?!

Focus, Daichi, focus! "FINITE!" he shouted. He looked at Oakey, hoping he had not done something that worsened the situation. "Can..can you talk now?"

She was NOT going to the hospital wing, and nor was she crying! Nope, she was not crying, her eyes were watery from the chill of the night air. Yep, that was it and she was sticking to it! Sitting down on a bench with her legs crossed in front of her, sitting up completely straight because that was the one position that did NOT hurt when she breathed and didn't wince whenever she moved. Her head was bowed, with her hair falling around her face while she sat there sniffling.

Dan shuffled through the grounds, staring at his feet. He'd sort of heard about the end of the match and winced at the injuries that had been sustained and now he was wondering if he'd ever be able to play Quidditch. Could he get hurt that much and be okay afterwards? Looking up, he saw Zoe on a bench and she looked like she was crying. He felt like he should probably say something to her, since everyone else was ignoring her. He approached her warily and tried to work out whether she was okay or not. Had she been playing in the match or was she just really upset that they'd lost? Or was it not the match at all? "Zoe?" he asked quietly, scared that she'd be mean to him for no reason. "Are you okay?"

Hearing someone say her name she pressed her fists to her eyes stopping the tears and sniffling "Yeah...I'm *sniffle* I'm okay." Looking up with red eyes she saw Dan and tried to hide her eyes again. "Just umm the wind, is stinging that's all." Yeah, she wouldn't admit that the tears were there though it was completely obvious. "I umm, how are you?" she asked. Okay yeah unlike her but hey yeah someone to talk to and she wasn't sitting there crying about how her side hurt and her stomach was hurting. So just yeah quiet and stay that way and act like nothing was wrong! Shifting on the bench she winced again staying put and freezing in that position.

Okay, yeah, she was crying. What was he meant to do? He shrugged off his jacket, though he was so weedy that it would probably be too small for Zoe, and put it over her shoulders to help protect her from the wind a little. No one could say he wasn't nice, even to people who weren't nice to him. "Me?" he asked quietly, surprise showing in his voice and face. "I'm... umm... I'm fine?" Was he? Not right now, no. Right now he was surprised as anything! Sitting next to her on the bench, Dan looked out over the grounds. "Are you sad about the Quidditch match?" he asked, not looking at Zoe. If he didn't look directly at her, she couldn't get mad, right?

When he put his jacket over her shoulders, her eyes widened slightly in surprise but was thankful. Though he was probably cold now, that he'd done that had been sweet. "I...I failed to protect Dylan and Hufflepuff won the game." she said softly almost inaudible. "I went after the chaser instead and Dylan missed catching the snitch."

Sniffling again, "And my side really really hurts but I don't want to go see Aunt Cece." she whispered.

Pretending that he wasn't cold, Dan just listened to Zoe. So she HAD played. "I don't think you can blame yourself for that." His head was bowed. "You tried really hard and did what you thought you had to do, right?" he asked, finally looking at her. "Did you get hurt in the match?" he asked quietly, his eyes travelling over her to check for any major injuries. She was sitting pretty stiffly, so maybe he should encourage her to go and see her Aunt Cece, the lady he'd heard so much about.

Where was that girl? How was it she had gotten away from the pitch before Cece could make it down to her? She knew the girl had to be hurt. She had seen those bludger hits she took.

Running from the pitch up to the castle Cece stopped in the courtyard when she noticed two kids sitting out in the cold.

ZOE!

Hurrying over to the child she knelt down in fornt off her. "Zoe, are you alright?" she asked in a calm, quiet tone. She then looked over at the boy sitting there with her... without a coat. "Where's your coat child?" She didn't notice that it was around Zoe's shoulders at the time.

Oakey closed his eyes a Daichi tried to get ride of the spell? He opened his eyes and felt his his throat with his hand. He open his mouth to try and say something. Maybe It Worked would be a nice way to start talking again.

But nothing. He shook his head in disappointment to the Slytherin Prefect. He should try again! Maybe the full spell this time

"I did." she said softly "I just wish I hadn't gone in the wrong direction. If I hadn't he might have actually caught the snitch if he had me there guarding him." Looking over as he looked at her, and nodded pulling a face "I got hit by the bludger twice." Swallowing she bit back a whimper that wanted to escape because she didn't want to cry in front of him. Or anyone really.

It was at that moment she realized that someone else was hurrying towards them.

Looking up as her auntie knelt in front of her she dropped her head, and shook it, "My side hurts and my stomach from the bludgers." she whispered softly. That didn't make her look weak right? Beaters were supposed to be tough! What if Dylan thought she was a wimp! She didn't want to look weak! "But not too much!" she said quickly, she didn't want her to say she couldn't play! "He ummm let me use his jacket." she said quickly so Dan wouldn't get in trouble.

Cece knew it. Her little cousin had been hurt by those bludgers.

Placing her hands on either side of the girl's face she wiped the tears away. "It's okay sweetie, I'll take care of you." Yeah, she knew the girl probably didn't want to be around her but she didn't care. She was family and she wasn't about to see her in pain.

Well that was nice of the boy, giving his coat to Zoe so she could stay warm. "Thank you for looking out for her," she said as she pulled out her wand and waved it over the two children casting a warming charm over the both of them. "That should warm you up for now." Once she was satisfied that Zoe was alright then they could move inside where it was warmer.

"Zoe dear, can you show me where it hurts?" Knowing that would make it easier to start the healing process.

"But you tried really hard, so don't worry about it." He shrugged, hoping she would understand his reasoning. When she said she was hit by a bludger, Dan winced. Ouch, that HAD to hurt! He was about to suggest going to the hospital wing when a female big person came over to them and knelt in front of Zoe to check that she was okay. He winced at her tone of voice when she asked where his coat was, but thankfully Zoe spoke up for him.

He nodded in agreement with her coming to his rescue which was a freaking miracle because usually she made him cry. He nodded at the healer's thanks, not sure he could actually get any words out to respond to the woman. The warmth that came from her wand was well received and greatly appreciated, but he still couldn't figure out what to say to her, so he just listened to the conversation between them.

She really hadn't expected this at all with her auntie/cousin Cece. Just blinking at her when she wiped away her tears, she hadn't thought Cece would be as kind as this! AND to a Hufflepuff as well! Giving a small smile at the warmth that went over her, that definitely felt better then the chilly air! Dan was quiet, which was pretty typical for him. Probably wondering how he could escape most likely at the moment!

"My left side and my stomach." she said quietly trying to stay still and not move, because that just brought on more pain. She started to point to it with her right hand without moving any other point of her but whimpered again when she did even that movement and stopped.

*Running/walking to the courtyard Jacen went looking for little Zoe. For the most part Jacen had avoided his little cousin because... well she was little and a snake. Jacen had made some friends in his house and all of them disliked Slytherin house. He was already picked on for having Cece as his cousin. Normally these things did not bother him but seeing Zoe get hurt at the game had lit a fire back in him. When a house mate of his made fun of Zoe when she got hurt by the bludger twice Jacen got in a fight. He had been so good about not fighting but that seemed to have ended today.
Finally getting to the courtyard he saw both of his cousins and ran over to them.*
"My lovely family. How are you Zoe?"

Cece wanted to give Zoe a hug and tell her everything would be alright when the child whimpered in pain but she didn't want to hurt her more than she was already so she opted against the hug. "Don't worry Zoe, I'll get you fixed up good as new," she said as she got up and sat next to the girl on the bench.

Just as she was about to point her wand at the girl's side someone else showed up.

Lovely family?

Looking up she seen Jacen standing there. "Jacen. You sure you want others to hear you calling us your family?" She understood him keeping his distance from her, but from Zoe too? She was just a little kid who never did anything wrong to the boy. Then again, Zoe kept her distance from Cece too. For all she knew Jacen and Zoe could be the best of friends.

Breathing a small sigh of relief she nodded giving her a brave smile. Anything to help the pain and make it go away. Why was it she was always avoiding auntie Cece? Oh right because she was going to tell mum. Merlin that was not going to get a good owl from mum. Mum was going to yell at her maybe even send a howler about all the reasons she had said NOT to join the quidditch team!

Looking up as Jacen appeared and spoke, she gave him a brave smile. "A little hurt." she said pulling a face, "Bludgers..." Yep that was the only word she had to say.

"I saw... you still did very well."
*When a house mate had made a joke about Zoe needing to use her club instead of her stomach Jacen busted his nose. He hid his hand behind his back knowing there might be blood on it. It would more than please Cece to give him detention or take house points. Jacen got on his knees in front of her. He would have taken a seat on the bench but it was beyond full up. That was when he noticed the boy next to his little cousin.*
"I'm Jacen... And you might be?"

Having sat there quietly while all of this was going on, Dan had glanced toward the castle and wondered why Zoe had come out here instead of going to her bed and hiding. He would've done that if it had been him, but then again, he was so much of a wimp, he probably wouldn't have even got up off the floor after being hit by bludgers. Zoe was tough, he had to give her that. She'd proved it enough times.

He was perfectly okay with being ignored and looked down at his feet which were swinging a little because he was still a little kid who was too short to reach the floor! He'd reach it one day! Mhmm! Dan looked up when the older boy spoke to him and glanced at Zoe. He had no idea why he felt a little more comfortable around her at the moment, maybe it was because she'd been nice to him? Though maybe that meant he should run... "Daniel." he replied quietly, speaking for the first time since the healer had gotten there.

While Zoe was distracted by Jacen, Cece pointed her wand at the girl's side and stomach and did a simple healing spell. Most likely she had bruised her ribs but there was the possibility that she might have fractured one also.

Wrapping her arm around the girl she gave a gentle squeeze. "Your side might be a little tender for a day or two, but most of the pain should be gone shortly. You should rest tomorrow." Yes, that meant no classes for the girl. She didn't need to be up running around until she was fully healed.

What was this? Jacen telling Zoe she did a good job. Maybe the two were closer to each other than she thought. "Yes, she did a great job out there." Considering this was her first time playing for the house team, and she was only a first year.

"Is there a reason you seem to be hiding your hand behind your back Jacen?" Yes, she noticed and if he said he had been fighting again. Well let's just say he better have a darn good reason for it.

*Jacen gave the boy a nod of thanks. The kid may be small but he looked like a kind friend to Zoe. That was probably what she needed. Then a mental groan sounded off in his mind. Cece always had her eyes open. He should have known better than to hide his hand. Didn't mean he wouldn't try lying though.*
"Huh? Oh this? Cut my hand during a herbology lesson."
*Truth be told it was a sort of truth. The boy Jacen hit sat next to him in that class and he sure gave his classmate a lesson.*

Right now, Bliss had a lot on her mind and was getting headaches as a result of it and a walk seemed like a suitable cure for this. Or at least a distraction. Grabbing her woolly jumper and her guitar, she headed out of the Hufflepuff Common Room and out of the castle, practically running down the steps as fast as she could. Not inside obviously, but outside. She would get told off inside ... and possibly break her neck, because she was just that skilled.

Even though she was trying her hardest not to think about stuff, it still continued to pop into her brain. Her dad. He'd be gone in less than a year, possibly half of that. That was terrible and Bliss didn't know how she would cope with it, or even begin to cope with it. She imaged that she would just be a wreck.

Y'know, forever.

Bliss stopped walking once she got to the courtyard and looked up at the sky, smiling. She could see SO much up there and she didn't just mean the stars and planets and so on. When she stared at it she could see .. everything. It was endless. It was beautiful.

Here.

Lotus Wisteria came to the same place where she'd made that super pretty umbrella with Lex, because...well, her creativity seemed to work amazingly well in the Courtyard.

And she needs creativity for Ancient Runes.

Basically, the girl was supposed to be reading the textbook, trying to choose, but she couldn't bear herself to read. Instead, she was looking out at the grounds. So beautiful, even in cold weather. Yet depressing. She wanted spring already. And the cherry blossom! Lottie was missing it. And Spike.

Two friends were already mentioned, and yet she wasn't exactly choosing them for this assignment. Alice counted as a friend too, but she didn't make the cut. Her fear of pygmy puffs had something to do, probably. Maybe not.

Plus, she could get them awesome things they liked, not Ancient Runes sculptures, right? Though, Alice liked Ancient Runes, yeah? But still.

The second year girl sighed and without realizing it kicked a stone on the ground.

A stone. P. Sherman, 42 Wallaby Way, Sydney. Stone!

She'd been reading about a rune that sort of reminded of him. Because he was definitely a complication from DAY ONE. An annoyance. And now Lex told her they were supposed to go eat ice cream together, and she didn't want to go, but she was still going because...because Lex was a friend.

And Lottie sort of cared about her.

The girl was smiling now, she'd find the person, who wasn't exactly a friend, but Lex was, and she was doing this for Lex. It made complete sense, Professor Botros.

OOC: No mention of chosen rune yet.

Peyton sat down on one of the benches away from the crowded area. She figured if the pond hadn't been a proper place to concentrate then maybe here at the courtyard it was. There was space and she was still outside, just how she liked it. Setting her bag beside her, she crossed her legs and placed the lace in front of her.

Why couldn't it turn into a pretty umbrella?

She really, really wanted to do good in Transfiguration, but Transfiguration wasn't cooperating with her. Why did it have to be one of her bad subjects? Why couldn't she be like her sister? T____T

Life was not fair.

Peyton pouted at the shoelace as if that would help her predicament. It was just sprawled there on the bench, almost taunting her. With a sigh, Peyton withdrew her wand. It was going to be an umbrella whether it liked it or not. Good thing she had chosen a populated place, too. That way if something went wrong there was people to help her. She expected them to help her. ^__^

Repeating the wand movement just above the shoelace, she said, "Protegamur Aqua!" Her eyes widened as the shoelace twitched, expanded and then twitched again. A smile of excitement formed on her lips when...

It died. The lace deflated almost as if it was a balloon and stayed limp where it was. "Ugh!" Peyton groaned. Why was it not working? Stuffing her stuff back into her bag, she fled the courtyard in an unsavory mood.