Pssssshhh, Slytherin arrogancy. No wonder he wasn't one. Forrest wanted to roll his eyes, but it was too risky. He had to treat her like royalty until they played football, so he refrained from doing it. Well, it seemed like he would treat her like royalty all the time, since he would always want to play football, and to practise it, he nodded affirmatively at her comment. Of course she was the best, lalala.

He ate greedily. They were friends for a reason. They didn't need politeness, did they? Naaaah... it was for fake people. And for that very same reason, he found the liberty to talk while he still had some of that big bite.

"Beh-tie Bo's," he answered and swallowed ceremoniously. "But these cakes are no worse." And cue another big bite.

He was the winner of that pie-eating contest at the fair for a reason.

So, she might have been just the tiniest bit rusty in the come back department. But, of course, just like everything else that had happened to her so far that day, it wasn't her fault. When was the last time she had even seen Michael? When was the last time she needed to come up with a really good come back!? The last time she saw Michael, that's when, and she had no idea when that even was. Rhodes once again rolled her eyes at him before moving over just a little bit as he.. threw a few Ice Mice in her direction. Sure, she'd take them, which is what she did. But she wasn't going to eat them. At least.. not in front of him she wasn't. So into her pocket they went. And there was no thank yous either.

"Just because you haven't seen me since the beginning of term, doesn't mean I wasn't around for the rest of it." And since it was quite obvious that she hadn't been eaten by the Giant Squid, like she would get anywhere near the thing for that to happen anyway, she simply ignored that comment altogether. Pfft.

At least they were having an almost normal conversation. Normal being that they were talking about things she was interested in. Even if it was just a little bit. And almost normal being the fact that Michael was eating Pepper Imps and the compartment was not really filling up with smoke that was coming out of his ears. And nose. It was gross. Rhodes covered her mouth with her hands before sliding down even further on the bench, so she didn't accidentally inhale the fumes of Stinky Toussaint. She may have even coughed a little. But she wasn't leaving the compartment. "That sounds fun, I guess." Cough, cough, coughcoughcough. "I went to Greece!" Her hands come off of her mouth and she sat up in her seat, no longer worried about the Stinky Toussaint fumes she was inhaling by doing so. This was important. She needed to be close.

"And while I was there, I heard this joke! Do you wanna hear it!?" He did. She knew he did!

Minerva looked at him for a few moments, really was he honestly just a mopey person or what. “Your opinion is your opinion. Doesn’t matter if I like it or not, you are allowed to have it.” She didn’t like it though that was for sure. She shrugged ” Whatever don’t talk to her then. I think it would be better for both of you.” Min had been trying to be nice but the more she talked to this one the more she found he didn’t seem to care if she was or not and truthfully she was not in the mood for nice. “You need to think of yourself as well. If it hurts you to have her treat you that way then stop talking to her. She’ll get over it. I know Taylor and she is a strong girl. She can make it if you stop speaking to her.” and at the moment Min was hoping he would if he was this grumbly around her.
“Oh I get it don’t worry.. I live with my muggle grandparents that were forced custody on me. They didn’t have the money “ He wasn’t the only one with money problems so time to get off that pity party and deal with it. Wow what was her issue at the moment she was never this mean. Min sighed she knew what was wrong and she had to snap out of it.

Now it was time for her to look at him again like snakes were crawling out his head, “Honestly it will take two seconds for like each injury. You won’t have to use any of that anymore. I lived in the muggle world. I know how horrible it is to heal that long.” Broken wrist in dance, yep she knew. She would take this way of healing any day. “Whatever floats your boat, but you do know that is a dumb saying, right? You shouldn’t have pain at all. People that workout where that saying is usually used, if they are in pain that means they are doing something wrong.” Common sense there really. She found herself shrugging at him again, “Alright than, but I would think it would make for a super long year being just alone. “






Minerva felt herself blushing horribly. Alec didn’t know she was prefect. How had she missed telling her basically brother that. “I.. well thanks Alec. I hope I can be good at it. I’m really nervous I might screw up, but E has all the faith in me.. so hopefully I don’t let him down.” or anyone else down for that matter. She got up and gave him a big sister hug. “I really have missed you, ya know.” She smiled when she sat back down. They had been super close for so long, it was hard when she didn’t see the ones she was close to.

Of course he knew about her summer. She had never lied to him before so she had told him why she was going there. He usually knew everything about her life. That’s why he was her little brother anyway. Fidgeting a bit with the St. Mungos talk she gave a small smile, “Yeah it really did help. Many of the issues I was having, such as the hugging are gone now. I still have the support of the healers there if I need anything, plus I got to talk to them about becoming a healer so that was kind of fun.” She liked that she got to really see and talk to them while she stayed. The owl toy with this Min grinned, “I loved the owl toy. I snuggled him the entire time I was there. He’s one of my favorites and he came along to school this term as well. Him, my bear, and my penguin from Ethan.” She had went from never bringing stuffed animals to school to bringing three. Was she going back in maturity.. At the moment she wasn’t sure.

She smiled when he talked about Ella.. It was good they were in the same class. She couldn’t handle seeing them as sad as she was feeling. No one should have to feel this way. She gave him a puzzled look, “Who was the double date with? Someone I know?” maybe another of their friends were dating now. It wouldn’t’ be a super shock she guessed. This term was she looking forward to this term. She shrugged, “I guess. Probably more so when it gets started.” Right now she just wanted to turn the traIn around and go back to her comfort zone. “I hope I make quidditch again.” She was feeling a bit nervous about that.

Blue eyes snapped up to look at Alec.. Did he just say four month and then two. She felt a panic start inside of her. No.. Hogsmeade was monthly wasn’t it. What if she had been mistaken.. What if it was longer. She wouldn’t see him for two months.. possibly four. She bit her lip, but it wasn’t going to stop the tears from falling. She had pushed them away all day doing prefect things, but the thought of not seeing him for longer than she had already prepared herself was just not processing well. “I.. I thought it would be only a month before Hogsmeade.” She looked down as more tears fell.

He raised a brow, he had a feeling he and Min really weren’t going to be getting along. Which did kinda suck considering he’d heard from most that she was supposed to be a nice girl. Admittedly he knew he wasn’t exactly be the greatest company at the moment but she was just… ugh. "Well, at least someone’s not judging me for it." Then again, Minnie was friends with Taylor, he had to remember that, she was of course going to think Taylor was sweet and not a little brat, not that Taylor was a brat normally she just was today, she was just a little rude today. "I try to think of what others might want me to do, and if Taylor wants to be friends I don’t see how I have any right to deny her that." Think of himself? He wasn’t selfish like that, and he really had nothing, the least he could do was make sure the girl he cared about got what she wanted little as he wanted to be around her at the moment.

"At least someone helps with the money." He said plainly, "I basically have whatever I make and nothing else." So he was always less on money, he didn’t even have a freaking home to live in. He lived in a hollowed out tree with a blanket and pillow and a river to wash his few clothes in. He tried not to talk about that though, he didn’t want people’s pity he hated it when people like to think that he’s suffering just because he had so little.

“I don’t like people healing me.” He glared getting annoyed with this, “I prefer the muggle way, so just let me do that.” Brodie shook his head and growled. It annoyed him that so many people were sitting him trying to tell him he should’ve just used magic, he could do it the way he chose, and he preferred to just deal with the pain. “To me, I made a stupid mistake and it got me hurt, therefore I should just have to deal with the pain.” So please just leave me be… Alright… He was pretty sure that was all that needed to be said on that matter. He shrugged to what she said, “Then I suppose I’ll find people on my own.” Nope, he already had someone offering to help him find friends. He didn’t need this girl to help him too.

Minnie was blushing and all Alec could do was grin. He could fill in the role of the annoying, embarrassing brother very easily and this was very close to being one of those moments. But he didn't care. "Anytime Minnie!" And she was talking about screwing up? Really? "Minnie, you'll be great at this! I mean you're caring and you look out for the younger badgers and... yeah!" And then he nodded seriously, as if he had just made a very important and well-thought out point. ... Oh? "I've missed you too!" he said, grinning and hugging the girl back, even giving her a small squeeze.

"I'm really glad it helped!" There was no need to mention that he was worried and had pestered his Dad about human health -- which was useless, by the way, since the man was good at treating animals, not humans. "That's great! Did they give you any tips or advice or anything on becoming a Healer?" And he especially liked the fact that she could hug again. "Awesome! I... that's quite a collection of stuffed toys you've got there," An owl, a bear and a penguin... and to think he only had a puppy!toy. One that Ells had given to him.

Okay, they were going to talk about the double date? Uh oh. ... But then again... maybe Minnie would be able to tell him what he'd done wrong? Because he was sure that something had happened in the middle and then... yeah. Things fell apart. "Erm... do you remember the old Lady Prefect of Hufflepuff? Evelyn? Her and her boyfriend Edric," Pause. "The talk turned to engagement and marriage." And... he gave her a tilted head, sheepish look. Did she know how bad that was? ... "Awesome! And more when you get... into the swing of the year?" Did that sound cheesy? "I think you can! You scored last year, remember?" He was still proud about that!

... Uh oh. He'd said something wrong, hadn't he? Alec could just tell that this was the case because she tended to do that lip biting thing that Ells did. And if the two blondes were anything alike... "I... Minnie..." He got up and bent down by her legs. No no no! Wobbly!chin. Was she crying? "I just thought... erm... maybe you're right! Maybe it is monthly! I... I mean... your brother's not that smart. And... and..." Think think THINK! "You'll get to see him... soon! Really soon!"

She knew she was being mean and it was out of her emotions, but he wasn’t being very tolerable either. Was that supposed to be a cut down. “I’m not judging you.. I just am trying to help you.” It was obvious he didn’t want help though. He seemed to be happy just being moody and alone, so why was she in here at all. She was starting to think about leaving. She had patrol to be doing. “Well I have learned sometimes you have to think of yourself. If she is hurting you, then you have every right to deny her of a friendship.” She understood being around people that only thought of themselves, but if he was that miserable there was no reason to be friends with her still, but if he was this moody around Taylor and it was obvious he only wanted to be friends with her then Min could see why Taylor was being like that. Clingy much…. Creepy radar was throwing red flags out on this one.

She eyed him, of course it was his sob story again. Honestly if he was expecting sympathy today was not the day he was getting it. “They help as much as they can, yes, but they are both retired and living on the very little they have already. So helping me does not make me happy. I appreciate everything they do, but it’s still hard.” She just blinked at him a bit. [b] “You had to have a family helping you before now. They are obligated by law to take care of you until you were at least of age. So before last term he had to have help, right? If he left before that than that was his own issue she guessed.
A small glare went towards Brodie was this guy unbelievable or what. “Why are you even here? You hate everyone around you that is obvious.. You don’t want to use magic to be healed, if you hate magic why come to a school to learn it. Taylor obvious is better off without you around, so why did you come back?” She knew that was mean, but whatever this jerk was annoying her and she was just done with him. “If you don’t mind I have patrols to do and students that want to be here to help.” She got out and stormed out of the compartment. As soon as she saw Taylor she was going to tell her friend to stay the hell away from him for good.




Minerva just smiled, “I’ll try to be good. I promise.” She hoped she could be good at being prefect. She was going to try really hard. “I do like helping, but it’s easy with such great little badgers.” Even though Alec was certainly not little anymore Min still looked at him as that cute ickle first year. Smiling at the boy she sighed, “I’ve missed brother time.. We need to set up sibling times during the term, k?” She knew he would be busy with school, quidditch, and Ella, but he would have to make time for her. She would make sure of that.

She smiled a little bigger at him, “Yeah I’m glad it helped too. I have a few calming potions if my anxiety gets bad, but other than that it seems to be all better.” She was really glad that she had made that decision last term and lucky to have such an understanding boyfriend and group of friends to support her in that decision. “They did, they helped tell me about different programs and some of the specific healer positions. I really think I want to either work with children or in hospitals with new mom’s.” She had thought that for awhile this summer, but she would wait until Uni to really decide. She couldn’t help but giggle a bit with her collection. “I know it is, but they are all very special to me. I love the two guys who got me them. They are pretty awesome for thinking of me.” She loved them in to very different ways, but she did love Alec like her own brother.

Minerva listened. She guess she remembered that prefect, but not very well. Her eyes widened when she heard the topic. “Why on earth would it go there? Were they talking about themselves, because obviously they were not talking about you two. You are sixth years and you both have uni to go to first.” The last part wasn’t really a comment it was more of a sister order. Alec was going to go to uni before marriage and stuff. She felt the same about Ella. They were way to young to even have someone bring marriage up to them. It had to be about the other two. When talk moved back to school she just shrugged, [b] “I think that score was luck, but I was thinking of maybe trying out for chaser this year, but I don’t know. I love being a beater and I have my bat.

Min didn’t mean to cry. She really didn’t, but the thought of not seeing him for that long just broke her heart even more. “It’s alright Alec, you didn’t do anything.” No he was just talking, he didn’t know she was going to be a baby about things. “You are smart Alec, don’t say you aren’t. I just hope it’s sooner rather than later. I miss him so much already, it’s just hard is all.” She sniffled a bit before falling into his shoulder needing another hug. “I’m sorry I don’t mean to be like this.. “ She tried to stop crying before picking her head back off his shoulder.

Adelaide should have expected that question. The next thing on her mind was it okay for her to share her family's status in the muggle world with Sarah? Sure she seemed nice enough, but who knows. She really didn't have a choice. "Yeah. My parents have - uh - quite a bit of money and managed to find a teacher that would come to the house so I could continue muggle school." Which she had no say in whatsoever.

Her stomach began to growl with every mention of a new food. Gosh did she love food. It was obvious Sarah shared Adelaide's enthusiasm for food. "I know exactly what you mean. Food is good just in general." And that was all they should talk about that because otherwise Adelaide's stomach was not going to shut up.

She nodded. "I've only read books and seen pictures. I've never gotten to ride a broom, let alone play quidditch." Addi felt like she was missing out on a major part of being a witch with that one. "Is flying really hard because I was wanting to try it?"

"That's what my parents said." But she never believed it. Some things that were said were just too nasty to forget.

Adelaide sat next to Sarah and scooted closer so that she could see the pictures. She was looking forward to see moving pictures, but seeing any at all was a good thing. She listened intently as Sarah went through her family, frowning ever so slightly as she went on. They all looked so happy and her family was huge. Addi always wanted a family like that. "Wow. So you're the only girl then? That had to be interesting."

Hazel walked through the hallway-ish-thing. Huh, she really didn't know what it was called. That was strange, but oh, well! It was now a hallway-ish-thing! She stepped into a compartment that appeared to be empty. Either someone was in it that was invisible... or it was empty. She took her chances at it being empty and sat down. Maybe she'd meet somebody new or see Adi or Dylan again. That would be nice. She smiled to herself.

Of course Fay didn't mind. Perhaps if there were more people in the compartment, she could keep a better eye on her kitten... Fay shook her head. Had they met before? She did look a tad familiar.... Oh yes! "I remember you! You helped me at the book store at Diagon Ally!" And she was very greatful for that! It would have been terribly embarrassing to have to ask the shopkeeper for help....

There had been no doubt in his mind that Rhodes would take the Ice Mice he had thrown her way, he had also known that she wasn't about to thank him for them either. His gaze followed the sweets into her pocket and a tiny smirk appeared on his lips as he turned to look out the window. If she wanted to starve herself because she didn't want him to see her eating the treats that he had given her then that was her problem.

Yeah right. She had been hiding away because she had no friends. "Whatever." It wasn't like he cared where she had been all this time. Okay, maybe he did a little, but he would never tell her that.

The smoke from his ears and nose was starting to clear and he stopped trying to make smoke rings when she spoke again and he glanced at her to see if she was being a smart aleck with again. "Yeah it was fun." His cousins were younger than he was so they did everything he told them and Zahra had a really good imagination so he hadn't been bored at all. He did sit up straighter when she said that she went to Greece. "Did you go visit your namesake?" He had to been Greece a couple of times and he'd really enjoyed it. "What did you do there?"

When she moved closer, Michael gave her wary look. This couldn't be good, but he replied anyway. "Shoot."

Adi was heading along the corridor towards the back of the train. He was hoping for some quiet. His foot still throbbed from when that kid dropped his suitcase. He was hoping for an empty compartment but all seemed to have students. Adi sighed. He was resigned to the fact he might have to butt in on someone's conversation and ask to sit with them. At least that was until he came across a compartment solely occupied by a familiar someone. The first year slid open the compartment door. "Hazel!'' Yay! He found a friend. "Hey! How's you?''

So, this girl came from a family with money. Sarah wondered what it was like to have money that you don't have to limit your purchases to your needs and you can get your 'wants'. hopefully Adelaide gave nice presents. "that is a unique schooling arrangment. I went to Muggle primary school, so I guess I am adaptable because of that. What is muggle highschool like? Was it co-ed? Before I came to Hogwarts I had never been in a class with boys before, so it was quite a change"

"Oh.. so you are book smart! I was like that too before here is some areas. I did see quidditch before as my brothers were always playing it at home" Sarah said, thinking back to her pre-Hogwarts days. "is it hard? I don't know. They usually give flying classes for those that want to learn. That is how I finally learnt. I had never been on a broom before Hogwarts. I think it is easier then riding a bike, mainly because you don't have to worry about balancing. You just mount the broom and kick your feet off the ground. Most first timers try to fly low at first, sort of like at the ice skating ring when beginners try to keep as close to the wall as possible. It probably can be daunting if you are scared of heights. That is as far as flying is concerned, yet Quidditch is more difficult. It took two years of practice before I made the team. I think Seeker is the hardest position... maybe because I have never played it. Goal keeper I would find stressful, and you need strength in your arms to play beater. I once played a match when the bat was too heavy for me. I like chaser best, maybe that is because that is the main position I play"

Sarah loved her family, and at least by making Addi her cousin, Addi would not be jealous. "yup, I am the princess of the family! I always wanted a sister, but at least I get seven sister in laws in the end.. Now I only have two. I also have female cousins. Lack of female playmates was one of the reasons my parents sent me to muggle school. Also, having brothers is an educational experience, it also toughened me up, I can handle insects, bugs and spiders as my brothers taught me well. They would never have a sister that was a sissy Also, brothers are so protective... it is really cool to see them in action." Sarah lovingly looked at the picture again. "I love having a large family, I want to have one of my own someday... do you?" Alexa came from a small family and she didn't, so Sarah wanted to see if it was statistics or personal preference that determined this

Charlie smiled at the girl, curling her legs up underneath her on the seat and running her fingers lightly through Lightnings fur. "Ah, yeah - thought so," she nodded, remembering now how the girl had fallen over and blushing slightly. "Did you find everything you needed?" You know, that day? Because Charlie totally had spares of everything.

"I'm Charlie, by the way. I'm going into my fourth year." You know, polite introductions. 'Cause she realised that she didn't know the little girls name: however, she couldn't be too old, she didn't look it.

She'll try and she was promising. "Trying is good!" Nodnod. And look at the girl complimenting her 'little badgers'. "How about we settle it as you and the little badgers are both great?" GRIN. And little badgers... even if he was going to be of age. Little badgers just sounded better, yeah? "Yeah, we do! Just come and find me in the common room, yeah? I'm always free," Usually. Unless he was doing homework or studying but... he'd rather be hanging out with Minnie instead.

Calming potions... "Erm... and you'll have them with you all the time, right?" Just in case he was around her when she needed to take some of the calming potion. In that case, it would be okay to go through a lady's bag, right? "That's awesome! I think I can really see you working with little sick kids and... and making them feel better again," he said, nodding. It sounded very... Minnie. And see, Minnie was just making him grin with her comments. The kind of grin that made it seem like his cheeks were going to end up hurting from grinning too much. "I love you too, older sis," Still grinning. "And... I hope they help this term!" What with her not being able to see Ethan, he kind of felt that the toys might help.

Questions... so... many... questions! Alec's grey-blue eye widened and he hastily shook his head. "They... were talking about us. But we're not... I mean..." BLINK. "And... would you be mad if... ifIsaidthatIwasn'tthinkingaboutgoingtoUniafterHogw arts?" Please don't be mad, Minnie... please? Girl was kind of scary when she got mad. "Maybe... maybe you can try out for both?" Was that even allowed? "And if you make it onto the team, well... Ells will know what position you should play, yeah? She's good at that." Captaining and all. Proud boyfriend moment.

He didn't do anything? "I... but... I made you cry!" That wasn't something that he, as the girl's pseudo-brother, was meant to be doing. Not at all. He smiled a tiny bit and shrugged at her next comment, focusing instead on what she went on to say next. "I hope so too..." he whispered, wrapping an arm around her and giving her a side-hug, "Just you watch, that time will go by really quickly! And then... and then you'll get to see him again. And don't apologise, yeah?"

Adelaide nodded. "It was the only thing my parents could think of to keep me somewhat normal. Besides, I threatened to turn them into frogs if they didn't let someone teach me magic." Not like her threat held any power. She was eleven years old and had no idea how to control her magic. "It was all right. I couldn't stand half of the people I went to school with. And yeah, some are coed. I went to a private girls school though."

Addi nodded. "I got good enough marks in muggle school and Mr. Samson, my magic teacher that is, said I excelled pretty quickly at everything. Said I might be more advanced than most witches my age." She never knew if that was true or not. She never had anyone to compare herself to in that aspect. She listened to the Quidditch talk and it really didn't sound that bad. "Maybe I'll take one of the flying lessons and just try." It didn't hurt to try right?

The more Sarah talked about her family, the more jealous Adelaide got. She never had any of that. Just two very inattentive parents that did what was best for them without thoughts for anyone else. She shook the sad thoughts from her mind and smiled. "Yes. Mainly because I just want to experience it."