As far as meeting places in the castle, especially for a homework meeting, there were about a million that came to mind before this particular patch of hallway. But Mo had done calculations in regards to the halfway point between the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff common rooms and based on step count and staircases, he figured this was pretty close.

And when one was convincing a stubborn Hufflepuff to meet them, logic was the best defense. So Mo waited. Not patiently, but he waited with most of his body tucked under the tapestry as he explored the wall underneath.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassirin

As far as meeting places in the castle, especially for a homework meeting, there were about a million that came to mind before this particular patch of hallway. But Mo had done calculations in regards to the halfway point between the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff common rooms and based on step count and staircases, he figured this was pretty close.

And when one was convincing a stubborn Hufflepuff to meet them, logic was the best defense. So Mo waited. Not patiently, but he waited with most of his body tucked under the tapestry as he explored the wall underneath.

He had a point. And she'd accepted as soon as he explained. Not to mention the Hospital Wing was downstairs, in case things turn badly. Sometimes the logic of a Ravenclaw made perfect sense. That 'sometimes' equals one percent, by the way. Good for Marcus Branxton. And Caterina, too. The Slytherin girl was the sole reason she was choosing to drink a potion of Branxton's doing.

This was incredibly odd, but worth the shot. Also, Lex was starting to hang out with him a lot, and you know what they say about enemies.

And there he was. Curious Marcus Branxton, leave the wall alone. Her hand pushed the tapestry against the wall, and then she spoke. "Okay, let's get this over with." He was trying her potion, and she was trying his. Fair enough. He had nothing to worry about, also, because she knew how to follow instructions. She was the one who should be worried.

The vial was offered to him with a smile. That ought to be terrifying enough. A smile from Lottie.

Lottie was trying to smother him. Mo KNEW the Hufflepuff didn't like him all that much, especially notable considering that he only had a very short list of people who actively disliked him - Lottie and Bellaire were usually the only ones on it. And now she was trying to murder him.

Mo reached out and swatted Lottie's hand away before removing himself from behind the tapestry. She got a cranky!Mo face, which was unusual (feel special, Wisteria), and then he snatched the phial out of her other hand. Murderer.

"If I die from this, I'm coming back to haunt you. I will never let you try on new clothes without insulting how you look and I will constantly pop out of cupboards shouting boo. So. Now you know." He shoved his bag at her, letting her be responsible for finding his potion inside, and then he took a mouthful of Lottie's potion.

Text Cut: OMG

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassirin

Lottie was trying to smother him. Mo KNEW the Hufflepuff didn't like him all that much, especially notable considering that he only had a very short list of people who actively disliked him - Lottie and Bellaire were usually the only ones on it. And now she was trying to murder him.

Mo reached out and swatted Lottie's hand away before removing himself from behind the tapestry. She got a cranky!Mo face, which was unusual (feel special, Wisteria), and then he snatched the phial out of her other hand. Murderer.

"If I die from this, I'm coming back to haunt you. I will never let you try on new clothes without insulting how you look and I will constantly pop out of cupboards shouting boo. So. Now you know." He shoved his bag at her, letting her be responsible for finding his potion inside, and then he took a mouthful of Lottie's potion.

Curiosity killed the cat, Branxton. She probably should've done this with Vesper. Lottie genuinely likes the girl. OI! THE SWATTING! How dare you, Marcus Branxton?! Granted, it was obvious she had it coming, and his face sort of made her smirk a little bit. Relatively amusing, this was. She's never, NEVER, seen that face before (yes, she felt special). Awww, was he annoyed? Poor Marcus Branxton. We don't care.

FYI, you're only a murderer if you manage to kill someone. And so far she's only murdered hearts, not people. So, WIN!

Oh, for crying out loud! THE ANNOYANCE THAT IS A RAVENCLAW! How obnoxiously dramatic. "Yes, now I know what to expect. You should've let it be a surprise." HONESTLY. Who tells their afterlife plans to the one that is supposedly taking their life?? Sigh. Branxton would make a very annoying ghost, by the way. Also, ouch. What was he carrying in this bag? She took this as a sign that she should look for his potion herself. THANKFULLY, there was only one vial in it, so, good! She took that vial, and... well, that explains it. Did he always carry a camera around? Should she mention she'll be on the way to the Yearbook office to develop pictures? NO. No mentions of that.

The moment the vial met her lips, she knew she was gonna regret it, but she went ahead and let the liquid stay in her mouth, not AAAALL of it, though, just a little half of it. The burning sensation was there. But Marcus Branxton was in front of her so she tried HER BEST to remain as cool, calm and COLLECTED as possible. AS POSSIBLE! Technically, she did this in class, but was his potion stronger somehow?? She hated that, and so refused to believe her own thoughts. Her tongue felt on fire, though, her mouth even, and she fought the urge to spit out the potion if not for the fact that the Ravenclaw Captain was there. Also, she was strong, she could totally do this. With one hand over her mouth, she offered Marcus his bag back, the vial still in her fingers.

But LOL! She must be looking incredibly ridiculous with steam coming out of her nose. Incredibly ridiculous, or incredibly terrifying, since she was also glaring at the Captain. GLARING. So much for collected.

She looked uncomfortable, which should NOT make Mo as pleased with himself as it did. Deep down, he was starting to wonder if he was really a nice person at all or if he'd just been lying to himself for 16 years. Nice people didn't like watching smoke curl out of people's ears, even if that people was Wisteria. Who likely deserved to be set on fire from time to time just to keep her humble.

He stuck his tongue out at her. Flaming tongue, because he was breathing lightly over it. Hmm... Lottie's potion felt different than his. Not significantly different, but enough that he almost swallowed some in surprise. Instead, he made a show of breathing out, letting the flames dribble from his lips until they collected in a healthy stream that rushed toward Lottie.

This girl is on fire. This girl called Lottie.

"Doesn't tickle so much in your mouth, does it? Maybe because it's so concentrated?" He breathed again, this time on his hand. "And it seems to tickle more from someone else... like how you can't tickle yourself, you know?" Could they be civilized?

Text Cut: I love Mo

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassirin

She looked uncomfortable, which should NOT make Mo as pleased with himself as it did. Deep down, he was starting to wonder if he was really a nice person at all or if he'd just been lying to himself for 16 years. Nice people didn't like watching smoke curl out of people's ears, even if that people was Wisteria. Who likely deserved to be set on fire from time to time just to keep her humble.

He stuck his tongue out at her. Flaming tongue, because he was breathing lightly over it. Hmm... Lottie's potion felt different than his. Not significantly different, but enough that he almost swallowed some in surprise. Instead, he made a show of breathing out, letting the flames dribble from his lips until they collected in a healthy stream that rushed toward Lottie.

This girl is on fire. This girl called Lottie.

"Doesn't tickle so much in your mouth, does it? Maybe because it's so concentrated?" He breathed again, this time on his hand. "And it seems to tickle more from someone else... like how you can't tickle yourself, you know?" Could they be civilized?

We're glad you're enjoying this, Marcus Branxton.

Girl on fire, you got that right! He was soooo enjoying this, wasn't he?? Was he even trying to make her laugh? Because Lottie had to press her lips together in order not to do so. Also, DO NOT BREATHE FIRE ON HER, BRANXTON! That's just completely inappropriate! Mainly because it did tickle her some and that could lead to giggles and that was just plain embarrassing. Also, she didn't giggle. Just sayiiiiing.

Why, of course, it was part of homework, so she did the same. Only she failed to see his face between ALL the FLAMES that came out as she breathed on him. She was currently smiling, for reasons.

The mood swings needed to stop, though, because one moment he was cranky and accusing her of murdering him... and now... it was quite the opposite. Ravenclaws. Seriously.

As she breathed more, on herself too, the burning sensation in her mouth was slowly passing, though, all that still remained was warmth all around. "Not really. I mean, the flames mostly felt warm on me, but I was also burning up from the potion...," a slight narrowing of the eyes happened, but then she smiled, "...it did tickle a bit, at first, but it was mostly warm. Like the kind of warmth that radiates from a fireplace, you know?" And this was kind of awkward to discuss with him.

Yes, they could be civilized.

No matter WHAT Lottie said, it was obvious to Mo that the flames tickled. She. Had. Giggled. It wasn't something they could EVER EVER talk about, but truth was truth. Lotus Wisteria had a cute giggle. It was an annoying bit of information to have, because Mo couldn't do a single thing about it.

"Like being out in the sun," Mo agreed. Sort of made him feel like a cat on a windowsill. It was definitely a nice sensation, aside from when the potion was in his mouth. And Merlin help him if he ever swallowed some of it.

Mo coughed one last puff of flame before grinning at Lottie. Lottie-the-Murderer. "I guess this has been properly educational, hasn't it? I set you on fire, you set me on fire. We're almost friends now." It was probably as close as they'd get, to be honest, but that was the hard part, wasn't it? Mo actually kind of liked Lottie, mostly 'cause she was so hard to get along with. He wouldn't know what to do with her if she was actually his friend and he had to figure her out all the time.

Text Cut: Merlin, no.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassirin

No matter WHAT Lottie said, it was obvious to Mo that the flames tickled. She. Had. Giggled. It wasn't something they could EVER EVER talk about, but truth was truth. Lotus Wisteria had a cute giggle. It was an annoying bit of information to have, because Mo couldn't do a single thing about it.

"Like being out in the sun," Mo agreed. Sort of made him feel like a cat on a windowsill. It was definitely a nice sensation, aside from when the potion was in his mouth. And Merlin help him if he ever swallowed some of it.

Mo coughed one last puff of flame before grinning at Lottie. Lottie-the-Murderer. "I guess this has been properly educational, hasn't it? I set you on fire, you set me on fire. We're almost friends now." It was probably as close as they'd get, to be honest, but that was the hard part, wasn't it? Mo actually kind of liked Lottie, mostly 'cause she was so hard to get along with. He wouldn't know what to do with her if she was actually his friend and he had to figure her out all the time.

She did NOT! Lies, Marcus Branxton, because she didn't giggle, she never has and never will. Actually, no, she has, but she refuses to believe such a sound ever happened. It's not like he could be so certain of it, though, and if he told she'd immediately deny it. She did this quite often, denying giggles.

A strand of her hair fell on her face and she simply blew on it to get it to out of the way, therefore spending the last bit of her fire-breathing abilities. It was rather comical, the image.

This is what the warmth talk brought. The sun. Oh, Merlin, Branxton, you didn't. The sun. No matter how hard she tried (she didn't), her cheeks reddened after his words and she may have looked down for a second while revealing a genuine smile. A smile that didn't last long because she cleared her throat and regained composure of herself. "Yes, something like that." Agreed, then.

Oh. Wow. Now he was grinning! Lotus Acacia Wisteria has a whole new level of respect for Caterina Moretti, because, seriously, Branxton. BOTH eyebrows were raised at that setting on fire comment. Wording. "It was strictly educational. And we're not almost friends." Or friends either. Forget about the whole 'keep your enemies closer', it was a lot of work. Easier to keep Lex away from him. "Have a nice day, Marcus Branxton. Don't get eaten by tapestries." Smirk.

Sadly, she would never admit that this was actually kind of fun. But it truly was.

Tessa reached the agreed upon meeting place and slid down to the ground with a sigh. She wasn't sure how Lux was going to take this discussion, and she had brought cucumber sandwiches to help soothe things over. She sat with her back to the stone, stretching her legs out as she looked up and down the hall.

Now, all she was missing was the young Hufflepuff.

Lux was very curious as she wandered over to where the tapestry on the fourth floor was. Clearly whatever Tessa wanted to discuss with her was important and top secret. Spotting her friend already there and sitting down, she waved before joining her on the ground.

Were those... cucumber sandwiches?

"Trying to stay on my good side, Tessa?" That was a joke, but also not at the same time.

Tessa immediately smiled as she saw the young Hufflepuff. She patted a spot on the floor next to her and smiled as Lux joined her.

"I don't know what would give you that idea," she said with a grin. She glanced over at her bag where Chocolate Frogs lay in wait- in case things got really bad.

"Lux, I have something to tell, you," she said, getting right to the point. There was no sense in dancing around it, and Tessa wanted Lux to hear the news from her.

Okaaay then.

Lux looked at Tessa strangely. She had a feeling that bad news was coming, and Tessa being Tessa had prepared for it the best that she could. It would not surprise her if there was a stash of Chocolate Frogs in the older girl's bag just in case things got really bad. Lux did not usually flip out about things, and Tessa knew that, so... why was she being so prepared for the worst?

"Are you leaving the school early, Tessa? Is that what it is?" The young Puff started to panic. She didn't want her friend to leave her.

"No! No... it's not that," she said with a sad smile to the girl. That brought something else to mind- she hadn't heard from her father in awhile. That could be good news... she would have to write to him. She hoped he wasn't planning on relocating- again. She didn't know if she could bear leaving this school. Not with so many friends here...

Speaking of friends.

"No, this is much happier news," Tessa told the girl. "You just may not like to hear it," she added with a laugh. "Cucumber... Lux," she corrected, turning to the girl. "Sander and I, we're..." Oh goodness, how to say this?

Completely panicking now, Lux did not get calm again until Tessa had assured her that she would not be leaving at the end of Term. Feeling so happy about it, she wrapped her friend in a huge hug. "I don't want you, or Bay, or Sander to leave me." They were all her friends, and she loved them.

And speaking of Sander... "Are you two kissing buddies now?"

Tessa smiled as Lux hugged her, and quickly returned the gesture. She gave Lux a good squeeze before relaxing her arms, leaving it up to the younger girl when she wanted to leave the hug.

"I don't want anyone to leave either," she replied softly, her voice distant. Unfortunately, Sander would be leaving at the end of the year- but that wasn't something she wanted to think about now.

At Lux's question, she laughed. "Well, yes..." she replied, still giggling. "But I think we're a little more than just that," she added thoughtfully. Yes, she was quite sure that she could call Sander her boyfriend- and she doubted that she would even have that awkward discussion with him. She had a boyfriend- she flushed at that thought. It was strange and wonderful all at the same time.

The hug made her feel a lot better, so she smiled at Tessa.

She did not want anyone to leave either, but knew that this was not the time to talk about it especially since she knew that Tessa was going to miss Sander like she would. Probably even more.

More than kissing buddies? Lux was not totally sure how to respond, it was a shock to her that they had moved that fast. She did not understand dating well, so she had not considered that they would get together so soon after her individual discussions with them. "So he is your boyfriend?" Wow, just wow...

Tessa was happy to see Lux smile. Now for the news... but Lux seemed to guess it? She held her breath, waiting for some negative reaction, but one never came. She slowly began to relax, hoping that the Chocolate frogs could be for celebration instead of bribery.

"I... I think so," she said with a shrug. "We're just so close, I don't know what it is," she said, feeling her face warm. "Sorry Lux, I can't explain it any better than that." She watched the younger girl. "So... are you okay with this?" she asked tentatively.

Slowly Lux was digesting what Tessa was telling her, though she was still surprised that they were already dating so soon after looking at each other funny. "So what exactly do people who are dating do?" She knew there was kissing, which was gross, but she did not really understand the concept of it. Suddenly, she was reminded of her discussion with Lucas at the tree house.

"Well, I'm fairly new to it as well," she told the younger girl. "There wasn't a lot of time, or interest at any of my other schools..." Not to mention she was completely focused on Quidditch. There had been a crush on one of her American team members- but that was long forgotten.

"Basically," she began. "It's like being friends- best friends. You do a lot of things together- walk, talk, laugh, tease. But when you're in a relationship, you're closer than friends. You know they're someone that is always going to be there. As for what we do," she laughed. "We eat food, throw food at one another, and just have fun," she explained. "Does that answer your question?"

Lux bit her lip as she listened to Tessa explain things to her. She was still as confused as ever. "If it's the same as being best friends, why bother dating? Why not just stay as you already were?" Okay, she felt a little dumb now, because she seemed to be one of the few people here who clearly did not get the concept of it. But it seemed pretty pointless to her to bother doing it when you basically did the same things with the person as you did when you were best friends.

Tessa smiled, knowing that the younger girl was still confused. "I'll explain it as best I can," she told Lux. "But it may be that understanding may come as you get older," she explained. "Which is fine," she added with a wink.

"The difference between best friends and being in a relationship with someone is that you're trying to see if you want them to be family to you. Would you want all of your friends to be family? Living with them all day, every day? That's probably the biggest difference," she said with a chuckle.

The wink made Lux go mellow, and the comment about not wanting friends to be family made her go even more so. "Why wouldn't I want my friends to be family? You wouldn't want me to be like family to you?" That made her sad, because Tessa and all her other friends were like family to her.

"Hmm, good point," Tessa said thoughtfully. "Of course I want you to be family," she said, reaching over to hug the girl. "It's just... different with someone that you want to be in a relationship with," she explained. "I guess I don't know how to explain it," she said with a laugh. "Sorry Lux- perhaps you'll find out for yourself some day."

"So," she said, reaching into her bag. "Are these chocolate frogs for celebration?" she asked, grinning as she jiggled the bag.

Lux was still confused, but she was trying to understand what Tessa was saying. "You mean like family as in you get married and have babies?" Hugging the girl back, she wondered if that would ever happen to her and Sander. Would they still have time for her if they made that kind of family?

Silly Tessa asking her a thing like that. "What do you think?" She laughed.