Hey look, PARTNER OFFER! Toby grinned as the familiar looking seventh year strolled up. He glanced at the badge on her chest and realised at once that, of course, this was the Head Girl. Whether he'd known that previously or not was a mystery to him. In fact, it was difficult to remember if they'd actually met properly before, but Toby was pretty sure he knew of her by association.

"Sure! Sounds cool to me," he beamed at her before gesturing after the professors. "We should go follow Fuller and Thompson. I'm Toby, by the way." In case she didn't know.

Adelaide was excited about working with the horses. But partners. She just needed one of those. She watched as everyone started to pair off, some taking the younger ones with them. Hmph.

"Anyone need a partner?!" Adelaide shouted over the crowd. Brownie bribery would follow if no one answered.

Partners?

Ascanius was a little less then enthused, but when he saw that Nigel was free he figured it wouldn't be so bad, yeah? They would work together, complain about how lame this class was shaping up to be and all would be well. Maybe he'd even get to--

Jeez! Whoever that girl was, y'know, the younger one, she had stepped in on his bandmate who he was going to pair up with. Now he was stuck. And no doubt he'd end up with someone who'd be far to excited for his taste.

Until he saw Addi screaming for a partner. The yelling he could do without, but she was a second best choice next to Nigel. Everyone else here was being far too annoying for his liking today. Maybe that was a seventh year thing. Everything was irritating.

"Hey beautiful," he winked, "You still need that partner?"

Adelaide smiled at Ascanius. Good. No brownie bribery had to happen. She kept the boys fed well enough. She hoped. And partnering with someone she knew. That was better than the awkward introductions and such.

"Hey Scan." She hadn't spent much time with him this term. No quidditch and all that. "Yep. I'm all yours if you want." She figured he probably did since he was over here and not with West or Nigel already.

So she now officially had a partner! Woot! Cassia smiled at the younger boy and nodded, sounded cool to her a well. And it turned out she remembered his name correctly. She remembered being officially introduced to him at some point a couple years ago by Mo or someone. "And I'm Cassia," In case he didn't know. If her name would just be engraved on the badge it would be very helpful, pity they never thought of doing that. Would Bunz be open to discussion? Who knew.

"Yup, let's go," She said enthusiastically clapping her hands together because WINGED HORSES, DUH!

Ewww. Why did he get stuck with a first year as partner? He prefered to be partners with someone older because they would know what to do...And now he had to be the "responsible one" he hated being responsible!

"you don't like Berie Bott Beans? Gosh you're strange..." He nodded his head when Bree introduced herself and she was probably waiting for him to respond by telli g his name. Well, she hadn't asked his name so he was going to ignore it. "What do you think we're gonna do?" he asked

Benny was really hoping that he could trust the other boy's answer. He really wanted his best friend back and he wasn't sure he could handle another incident like the babbling beverage. One time was enough. He decided to take a leap of faith, accepting the offer.

"Yeah...it is." Something they had been missing all term and part of the whole feeling of abandonment they both had been feeling. "Guess we should head over..." the Gryffindor mused, the professors already moving to the other side of the lake and the horses. Benny making a move to follow now that the partner issue was handled.

Her sister was happy, and that meant that she was happy simply because she wouldn't have to endure anymore accusations. AJ shrugged her shoulders. "Why does school make us learn anything that they do?" Who knew? Some of the stuff she had been taught before seemed like a waste of everyone's time.

"All I know is that I am riding one of them." That WAS going to happen one way or the other.

Oooh, a fiesty one. Marisol just earned herself points in Beverly's book. Yep. She was keeping an eye on this one. Another ally perhaps.

Raising an eyebrow at Cutty, she smirked a bit, more amused. He was in for a ride with two feisty Slytherin girls. Especially since they were around Winged Horses and Bev absolutely adored them, so she called dibs on everything first.

She shrugged at Marisol, with a small grin to show that no one was challenging her. "I was only teasing Cutty. No need to prove anything." All the teasing to Cutty. Heh.

Hazel was excited for this activity. It sounded fun, and she couldn't wait. Now all she needed was a partner. "Hey, anyone need a partner?" she shouted into the crowd. Maybe someone would respond. Otherwise, she was sure she and the horse would become best friends. She looked around hopefully. She didn't see anyone she recognized, but she was more than open to meeting new people. She smiled at the passing students. They all seemed to be in pairs. But she was sure she'd find a partner.

Partners? Horses? AWESOME! Kyroh looked around, he still needed a partner! Though most people he knew were already partnered up. Spotting a familiar Hufflepuff Kyroh began tugging on her arm

While Jasmine and Cris were waiting for the next part of the lesson, a younger girl came and asked to join their group of two. Reaching to shake the girl's outstretched hand, Jasmine said, "Hi Nora, I'm Jasmine". "It's very nice to meet you. Of course you can join us." She smiled at Norah who Jasmine guessed was a first year. She was a cutie for sure and Jasmine was impressed by how she came right up to the older students and asked for what she wanted.

Then something she hadn't expected, a compliment from little Norah. "Why thank you, that's so sweet of you to say." A little charmer she was. Jasmine liked this little girl already.

Marigold had just begun to look around randomly for a partner when she felt a slight pulling of her arm. That was weird. But when she looked down, the cause turned out to be that adorable boy from potions homework - Kyroh, was it? She grinned at him, the cutie face. "Partners?" she asked, even though it was pretty clear that's what he wanted. Why else would he pull on her? To spite her? Nah, because he wasn't a third year Slytherin. Those were the ones to look out for.

Norah beamed at the older students' gracious welcomes. Though it was true she had to bend her neck back to actually see their entire faces, she was excited they didn't make her feel too inferior. Being young and painfully short wasn't always too easy, but she had more than enough energy to make up for it. Well, that as her excuse for all the energy anyway. "Thanks for letting me join," she said gratefully in reply, giving Jasmine's hand a firm shake. She crossed her arms to stop herself from shivering and looked expectantly at Cris and Jasmine, allowing herself a few excited bounces. They knew what to do, right? Because she couldn't even SEE the horses let alone charm them.

Still it was freezing and he was just back to room temperature. It might not have been the best idea to stay at the back considering how tall he was and him being quiet. It only invited people in. Maybe should talk to Ascanius about that or it was , what was the opposite of benefit, of being a prefect.

Probably that.

It would explain why a first year had come up to him. "Hi Penelope, I'm Nigel and sure" He was too nice for his own good and an idiot.

Definitely one of those.

Oh the warm air. "Just a cool charm" It would be too much effort to explain it.

She had a partner now. That was good. The activity would be starting soon. "Thanks for being my partner for the activity. We should follow the professors. What do you think we'll do?"

So there was a charm for the warm air. A charm like that would be useful, especially with the cold weather. Penelope would have to learn that sometime. Maybe she could find an older student to teach it to her. "Cool. I'll have to learn that charm sometime."

Thoughts were happening that weren't meant to be shared. Especially with how cold it was. Soon enough it was time for the students to actually begin the activity as Javy lead with Piers to where the Winged Horses waited patiently by the empty carriages.. "Alright, is everyone partnered up?" Waiting until they stood at attention with their own partner, "Good.. If you still don't have a partner, that's fine, just dive into another one's carriage when you're given the chance. They can hold three maximum."

"As Professor Fuller explained, the charm isn't particularily difficult to achieve.." Drawing his wand out, "First make sure to pat the horse, to let them know you're here, rub a little so they know that you're not one to fear." Using his other hand, Javy began patting it a few times before rubbing the Threstal's side. Though to most people it looked like he was petting the air. "Then using the charm, Fixate. You draw over the side of the winged horse's face-" Taking his wand to hover it right over the side of the Threstal's face, "straight from under the ears to the corners of its mouth." Doing just that and.. a bridle was placed. A floating one to those who couldn't see the Threstal. "Not difficult at all.." Next thing they saw was Javy, the creature teacher get into the carriage attached to the Thestral.

"Now, one of you will be the designated driver of the carriage, controlling the reins to steer them.." Remaining blank-faced, "There will be obstacles out there so to protect yourself the other one will be in charge of blasting away the the piles of snow. Don't even think about trying to fly these Winged Horses, they've been trained not to in this situation." Now smiling a little, "First two teams that make it to the end will earn extra points." Taking hold on the reins, waiting until Professor Fuller got on, he tugged on the reins. "Annnnnnd, go!" And they were off. "See you at the finish line."

---
ooc: + Use Fixate charm to place the bridle on the horses.
- Three choices of winged horses: Granian, Abraxan, or Aethonan -
+ Choose a cuddle buddy to ride with (a third party is okay if no takers)
+ Decide on who will take control of reigns and who will be the protector
+ There are obstacles incoming, protector(s) needs to clear way while the other drives
+ Need at least one post of deciding jobs/placing the bridle on the horse, and then five labeled posts minimum to complete the race.

You have until Friday, June 6th @ 11pm EST to finish the race.

So Marisol didn't have to prove anything. Well, that actually disappointed her a bit. But it seemed to please Beverly, who smirked. Maybe she'd thought that first years were supposed to be cute and timid. It was possible that some were, but not Mari Cruz.

"Cool." She too did the eyebrow motion. Was it some kind of British thing? "About the horse?"

"I heard nothing," Mo gave Lex a flat look, 'cause really... he heard nothing. Terms of endearment among professors weren't his business, and he didn't want to start or participate in rumors. Weren't they super hurtful already? Lex knew first hand, right? He'd just close his ears and play dumb and hope it didn't happen again.

But Merlin, gents, be a little circumspect.

They were set loose on the horses, and Mo caught up Lex's arm and draaaaaaaagged her toward one of the large Abraxans. Big, fast, fierce. They were going to win. "So I figure you'll drive, and I'll do the protecting." And 'cause he was in a hurry, Mo stepped immediately up to the horse and gave it a pat and nuzzle. Almost lost his nose, but hey... now they were friends. "I'll put on the bridle." 'Cause he was besties with the horse.

Cris stood there listening to Professor Thompson's instructions as the man told them what they needed to do. A race huh? Most definitely interesting. A race with obstacles, even more interesting.

"Okay we have a choice of three of these. The Granian, the Abraxan and the Aethonan. The Granian is fast but the Abraxan is powerful and strong. I suggest we pick the Abraxan because it's going to have to pull the carriage we'll be riding in. Who wants to be the driver and who wants to be the protector?" Cris posed the question to both his partners, as he moved towards the Abraxan, slowly approaching it.

Reaching out he made clicking noises as he began patting the Abraxan on his head before slowly rubbing his hand down it's nose, then patting its chest.

"While you both decide, I'll put on the bridle," Cris suggested.

He hadn't heard anything? The Gryffindor was about to relay the events to the Ravenclaw when she realized....he hadn't heard anything. Right. Got it and she gave a small but firm nod. Just making sure she wasn't the only one but now that she knew she wasn't she was just as happy ignoring. As much as she avoided the gossip paper, it found its way to her and one of them.....had them on it. Not her business at all just as her life was none of that paper's business.

Before she could make up her mind about horses, she felt herself being draaaaagggged and honestly she didn't remember giving Mo the right permission to do this but this was easily forgiven when they came to a stop by an Abraxan. Mo made good choices, this was evident--until he said that.

Her hands flew to her hips in a defiant gesture, her chin raising stubbornly . "Now hold on. Why do I have to drive. Why can't I blast the obstacles. Reckon I've got better aim than you Branxton." Was he even listening to her?? etting all buddy buddy with the horse when she was TRYING to tell him she'd be doing no such thing.

Perhaps it was spite that made her do it, but after hearing Mo say he was going to bridle she horse she drew her wand. "Fixate." Mirroring the movements Thompson had shown them just a moment ago to get the birdle firmly on the horse. THERE. Because she did what she WANTED, just like she'd be blasting. Lex hopped into the carriage and looked over at Mo. "Come on, we've got a race to win and we can't with you playing Horse Whisperer." Take the reigns so they could leave.

So they were gonna do a race! AWESOME! But with this kind of weather? He knew he’d have his face frozen in no time. Not to worry though! Lily’s awesome with her hot air charm, so he’s going to be fine afterwards, yes? Yes. Ethan bounced a little as he listened to the next instruction of Professor Thompson, while the gears in his brain started to work. “If this is going to be a race, we have to go for the gray ones, yeah? They’re the fastest in the bunch.” He said as he leaned closer to Lily. Was she thinking the same thing? Hopefully, because she’s smarter and older than him. Mhm.

“Come on!” Ethan gestured Lily to follow him and claimed a Granian for themselves. “Hello there, Gray!” Not Grayson Whitlock, okay? He just decided to name the horse Gray because of its color. Nothing personal, Master of the Cloud. And of course, a pat and all that was in order, yeah? “I’m sorry about my hand. They’re cold and all. Bloody weather you got here.” He said as he extended a hand and patted the horse. Good horsie! Ethan approves! The Slytherin beamed and rubbed the horse further now with two hands. “I hope you’re not that cold, Gray. We have a race to win!” Ethan looked up at Lily and gave her a questioning look. “Can I steer Gray, Lily? I think you’re better with blasting stuff out of the way.” Again. Teamwork! He’s a snowboarder all right, and steering is as easy as pie…although not with a winged horse. Heh. “You have to wear the bridle now, buddy.” Because patting and rubbing was done, no? Clearing his throat and his mind, he pointed his wand just below Gray’s ear and traced a line up until the corner of its mouth. “Fixate!” And just like what Professor Thompson had done, the bridle was placed perfectly on Gray’s head.

“We're ready!” he said turning to his partner. Merlin, this boy is on fiiiiiyaaaaaaahhhh!

Zander looked at Simon, hoping the boy was paying attention because WOAH that was a lot to remember. This was going to be pretty difficult. Especially because Zander got lost after the whole carriage riding thing. Okay. So this was going to more than just pretty difficult. "Which horse do you want?" he said gesturing to all of them. So they either had to take the Granian, Abraxan, or Aethonan, but Zander didn't really know the difference between any of them. Yeah, better leave the choosing bit up to Simon.

And uh, as for the whole carriage riding thing... "Would it be okay if I did the driving?" he asked. "I' wouldn't mind protecting and all... But we'll get hit by something or another if that job's up to me..." He isn't very good with all this spell work yet... Oops.

It figured that Lex was trying to take over things. Mo didn't even begrudge her that, since she was Lex and she wouldn't be Lex at all if she rolled over and let him be in charge. He'd obviously been partnering with ickles a bit too often, since he'd rather forgotten what it was like to work with a peer. That was always dangerous... as was realizing that Lex was a peer.

Merlin, when did that happen?

He grumbled at her all the way up to the carriage, where he climbed up beside her and grabbed up the reins with a great deal of sour face making. Not that he really minded. Merlin knew that directing a horse was a lot more interesting than blasting piles of snow to a guy like Mo. "Tally ho," he slapped the reins lightly against the Abraxan's neck, and the carriage rocked slowly into motion as the horse took a few steps forward.

So Cris had the bridle placement under control. Now they had to assign the other duties. Considering her choices, Jasmine said, "I can drive". She hoped that she sounded more confident than she felt like in Herbology because she was a little worried about killing them all. "Now what kind of attitude isthat?", Jasmine thought to herself. She could do this, yeah. She would do this. She didn't have a choice.

Looking at Cris and Norah, Jasmine asked, "Are you guys OK with me driving?". "Now who wants to do the protecting?" Jasmine looked hopefully at Cris. He was definitely the most knowledgeable about spells, but would Norah be comfortable with just riding along? This was really going to be a challenging task.