"PFFFT. I'm not crazy." That was the sort of thing that crazy people would say. "You don't see me throwing myself at some guy." AJ knew when she wasn't wanted, and she would NEVER force herself on someone. "Yup, we wouldn't have fit into another house." Slytherin and Ravenclaw were definitely out. The only other house that she may have been okay in would be Hufflepuff, but even then she would never totally fit in. "I was apart of that. I may have went too far with the whole Benny Boo thing." AJ laughed just thinking about it. Poor Benny was mortified. "He would never have been able to keep up with me anyways." He was a cool friend, but he was so not her type. She needed energy and somebody that she could laugh with. AJ would get bored with the shyness really quickly. Oh, but she was stuck with Adi? "You're one lucky dude then." AJ was a really fun girl.

"Now that would be a sight to see." Never in a million years did she think that it would happen, but it was still funny to imagine. It seemed like Adi liked her plan. "It's a deal." Angel could get rowdy, and sometimes you needed an extra hand when it came to dealing with her. "I'll save you." If he ever needed saving. "Angel's mood can be contagious." Some of it was bound to be rubbed off on her lion friend.

"Maybe I will." She would have to talk to him about it on the train ride home because he was obviously preoccupied with keeping the vomit down over there. She still wondered what was wrong with him. "I can do it though, just you wait and see." She was coming back full force next term. She only hoped that she wasn't going to have to eat her words later. "Finders keepers, losers weepers." That was really mature of her. That cup was going nowhere.

"I'll never forget it." Who went around forgetting awesome things that people said about you? Not this chick. She beamed up at him. "Yup, well you totally are." Food. "Don't worry, I'll save plenty enough for you. Besides she was pretty sure that the plates would just keep refilling themselves. Then Adi brought up the taco incident, and AJ laughed for a full minute. "What? It was a really good taco." She could sure go for a taco right about now too.


_______________________________________

Heck yeah, it was going to be good to go home. "Hogwarts is totally awesome, and I am kind of bummed that I have to leave, but I am excited to see my non magical friends and family." Maybe she could see why he wanted to stay so bad because AJ was going to miss her second home. "The snow really bummed me out, so I am ready to get outside of these walls." Wasn't everybody? "The summer's not so long, and then we will all be back." See? No reason to be sad.

He didn't look like was cheering up at all to her, and was it just her or was he acting like he never got a fist bump before? Awkward. "And your like number one in the whole school. You are super awesome and you should be cheering and stuff." At the very least. AJ was like nine overall and she was doing a jig. "Just don't blow chunks." At the very least.

Alright so at first the plan was to just go through with it. Go through and not tell anyone go through. But Simon was different. Simon was one of his best mates, 'sides Kevin of course... Speaking of which, was the guy still locked up in detention because Zander was really starting to worry about him. Not to mention their planned prank. But mostly him. Anyways, back to Simon. "Yeah I--"

O____O

Romanos? No. No. Surprisingly, this time it had nothing to do with her. It had to do with a Professor, but not the evil one. No, the beautiful angelic, good smelling, pretty haired, admirable-- Ahem. The Beautiful Bentley one. "No, no Simon... This-this is not about her this time," he shook his head a bit and then moved his gaze towards the blonde Professor. Not just the blonde Professor, THE blonde Professor. The blonde Professor in which his heart longed and ached for. The one that gave him the flutteries. The one that had his body all shakey and his head all sweaty. That one. The Beautiful Bentley one.



The Gryffindor smiled a little and nodded his head. He had to play it cool from now on. Totally cool. He didn't need anymore questions. Not yet. Nonmagical friends and family? This got an eyebrow raise from the restless boy. "... I guess I'm excited to see my nonmagical family too..." Other than his brothers. They were just boooo. "Except... Just my parents really.. I'll be happy to see them." And then she went on to talk about the awful snow and this totally got a small sigh from the Gryffindor. "I wonder if they're weather was this bad too." Was everywhere as cold as Hogwarts was?

Number one in the whole-- CLUNK!!! And that was what a metal fork sounded like when it was dropped onto the floor. Heh. Oops. The Gryffindor blushed a bit as he picked it up and set it down faaaar away from himself. Ahum. Right. Not going to twirl that around anymore... Maybe the spoon this time? Back to the point. "I'm number one in the whole school?" This was news to him. What did that even mean? What did number one even FEEL like? Because if it felt like this, then could he please be number two? Or like one and a half? And blowing chunks? He totally felt like he was going to... But luckily he didn't have anything in his stomach yet so there wouldn't really be any chunks to.. Okay. Too much. "I-uh-don't worry I won't." He even let out a small chuckle. Because seeee he was totally cool. Totally cool and totally not thinking about going up to Professor Bentley later. Pft. You know. Totally. Not blowing chunks cool.




It was funny actually, how talk of Romanos was enough to help him forget about what had been ensnaring his mind earlier. Actually, it was the perfect distraction really. He needed his undivided attention to think through this theory properly, so if his mind had been anywhere else things would have been extremely difficult. So yes. This was good and he wasn't that nervous anymore. Except for about Romanos and her possible plans to attack before everyone left. Now that would really bring a bang to the feast... Forget about the prank Kevin was going to drag him into, that was nothing compared to Romanos things.

"Nice to meet you, Lotus," he whispered back. They had to lay low-- Incase Romanos was on the loose again! At which he popped his head up to take another peek at the staff table, constant vigilance! Anyways. Back to the Lotus girl. She was at the meeting, she probably knew things. And she was old, that meant wise and stuff, right?

Wait a minute... Why was Lotus smiling? Didn't she know that THE EVIL was sitting right there only mere meters from where they were!? This was no time to smile! It was time to get ready for WAR or death. But mostly war. Ahem. "You... Don't?" Was she sure though? Because... Romanos was sitting at that table. And she was THE one wasn't she? He also just noticed that he had completely abandoned the whisper voice and... Alright even constant vigilance makes mistakes every now and then, okay? "Romanos of course!" which also meant that it was time to steal another suspicious glance at the weird non-'W' pronouncing evil Cold One leader OF DOOM. "...Wasn't she the... You know.. 'The Chort' one?" Their leader.

Making his usual entry via the middle of the Gryffindor table, Sir Nicholas puffed his chest out proudly as he hovered with his feet at about eye level to all students present. It was going to be an absolutely splendid evening, he could tell.

"Well done, Gryffindors, well done!" he cheered as he made lavish gestures to the crimson and gold banners and tapestries decorating the Great Hall. "I dare say that these colours suit the Great Hall best."

Angel smiled at Benny. "Well maybe I can teach you how to sing one day?" Angel thought that it would be cool if Benny would let her teach him. "It's awesome and next term I'm aiming high, I want to be the number one in Gryffindor." Angel had been beaten by her sister just this term, so she came 4th in the Gryffindor list but still having both her and AJ on there was cool it was a shame Abby wasn't on the Ravenclaw one because then all three would have been on the top student list.

Angel looked at Benny and smiled. "You was amazing that day." Angel looked at her friend. "Don't you think it is cool that the snow has finished." Angel really thought that it was very cool. "So what you doing this summer?" Angel had just realised she hadn't asked him yet.

"No, I don't see you doing that. Doesn't mean you don't want to.'' Hehe. What would AJ say to that? It was another one of those million times where he was joking again. "Well, you and Angel could have started a new House. You know, one for the crazy people...'' He flashed her a grin. "Maybe. But you have to admit, that was funny. Where did that name come from? Benny Boo.'' Adi laughed. Oh, he was lucky? "Honestly, I don't know if I'd be classified as lucky or unlucky. Being stuck with you is no easy thing.'' He feigned a confused expression.

"Maybe you should join in. Then get all the Lions in too.'' Gryffindor takeover! "Good moods are good.'' Angel would be one of those persons you'd want to have around if you were ever feeling down.

AJ seemed not to notice the internal struggle going on with him. Or if she did, she didn't say anything. Which was good because Adi was all confused about what was going on in his head. Was it possible...like Angel had so frequently told him, he liked AJ? As in more than a friend? He pulled himself out of his thoughts. "I know you can. Just saying that with me around, you might not stand much of a chance.'' Wink. "Hufflepuffs are good finders, you know.''

Adi snorted. "I hope so. I'm half afraid you'll gobble down everything on the table before we even get a chance to get our hands on anything.'' He laughed at the thought. "It was. We should have more lessons with food next term.''
......................................

Zander dude, we know you're not being entirely truthful. Adi wanted to push for more information but as he did in the Kitchen, he kept quiet. Maybe Zander didn't trust him. Which would be understandable as they didn't know each other that well. "It'll work. The Professors will see to that.'' Because they did have awesome and cool Professors here who cared for the students.

The Lion obviously did not want to talk about whatever was bothering him. Summer talk it was then. "No plans as yet. Except maybe I'll visit some of my friends from here.'' He had already been invited by Lux and Kace. "What about you? Got anything in particular planned?''

Wait a minute. Simon followed Zander's gaze to the Herbology Professor. Bentley? This was about Bentley? Simon only thought of the worst possible situation. WHAT WAS ZANDER GOING TO DO? Was he going to admit that he HAD feelings for a woman that was significantly older than him? Oh Merlin's pants. He had to do something before his friend went up there and got all red and embarrassed. It was his duty as a friend.... Or was it? Simon didn't know what to do in this situation. Support his friend or tell his friend that he was being ridiculous.

Well at least this wasn't about Romanos because that situation was absurd. No, Riddikulus was what THAT situation was. At least his friend had gained some more sense about how Romanos wouldn't possibly have been out to eat all of them for dinner. Because Flamsteed was there. And Flamsteed was awesome and would protect them. Plus Romanos was just a really nice Professor or so Simon thought. She enjoyed his comments in Defense Against the Dark Arts class the last time so he was cool with her.

But back to the "Zander" situation.

*Ahem*

He raised his right eyebrow. "Oh so this is about the nice Professor. Bentley. Whatcha going to do, mate?" he asked curiously as he lowered his voice so no one could hear except for he and Zander.

AJ peered into his eyes. "How did you know?" She was trying her best to look serious. "I have such a hard time keeping my hands to myself." Then she snorted and the joke was off. "What kind of girl do you take me for?" She bumped his shoulder with hers. The whole her and Angel having their own house would be cool. "We'd need more people," she said totally unfazed by the crazy comment. Benny Boo. Another laugh escaped from her lips. "I dunno. I panicked." He was lucky whether or not he wanted to admit it. "You know you're lucky, I'm a total catch." As soon as she said that, she wondered if she went to far. She was joking of course, but the whole thing from the lake kept coming to her mind, and she didn't want Adi thinking that she still liked him because she didn't... she was pretty sure that she didn't.

"Maybe I should. We seem to be really good at the whole takeover thing." In case he didn't notice. AJ nodded her agreement to the whole good mood thing. Good moods were the best. There was her confident Adi. "It just means that you will keep me on my toes, not that I can't beat you." Because she could. She had done it before.

AJ wasn't entirely ladylike, but she was able to show some sort of restraint. "Haha... SO funny." She did feel like gobbling everything down. It felt like they had been here for ages. What exactly was the headmistress waiting on, and why couldn't they have like an appetizer or something before hand? "I hope we do too. Desserts would be awesome." She liked the whole pizza and taco making adventures, but nothing came close to sweets.


----------------------------------------------------------

Now she was getting somewhere with Zander. There were good things about going home. "I'm sure your parents miss you loads. I'm wondering how mine did with all of us girls leaving them at one time." Back when they went to muggle school her parents were able to see them every day after school, and now they had been gone for a whole year. They were either depressed about it or partying. Only time would tell which one it was.

"It gets cold at my house, and we get snow and stuff, but never has it been this bad." Like that was magical type snow. Crazy stuff. He didn't know he was number one? "Yeah dude, you're like the best ever. Can you teach me some stuff because I wanna rule the school next year." They could take turns right? It seemed fair to AJ. "I would have made you something, but I'm not crafty, you see. She patted him on the shoulder. "So that will have to do." The shoulder pat was his gift. You're welcome.

He agreed to no chunks. "Pinky promise?" She held out her pinky to him. Normally she wouldn't mind him blowing chunks, but they were about to eat and she didn't wanna be grossed out.

Ian sat there for a while after answering AJ's question about the summer break watching his two friends. Strange thing though, he felt kind of weird because he wasn't sure he should be listening, but not wanting to tear himself away. He looked at AJ and wished he was as good a speaker as his buddy Adi. His stomach felt weird (must be hunger pangs) and he kind of sorta in a strange way wished he was the one saying those things to AJ. He'd never really thought about it. He kind of wished he'd sat on the other side of AJ instead of next to Adi. Now there was Adi in between him and AJ and he felt like he was a little left out.

He heard them talking to someone else and looked and saw Xander nearby and they appeared to be trying to cheer him up or something. He smiled and tried to be encouraging as well.

"Look at you. Trying to be all serious.'' Adi inched his face closer to AJ, looking into her eyes. "I can see laughter in those eyes though. So it must mean...you're joking!'' Grinning, he pulled back (though secretly wishing he could look in those eyes forever). "And you know I was too.'' He bumped her back with his shoulder. "Oh no problem. Ian and I can be the honourary members.'' He looked at Ian who was sitting beside him and grinned. "Won't we Ian? Plus Angel can get Benny to join. So there. You've got four members in total.''

"Benny must be getting annoyed with all the nicknames, don't you think?'' Hardly anyone ever called him Benjamin. Ah well. The Dragon would have to get used to it. Catch? That reminded Adi of the fishes they'd caught at the Lake. "You mean like one of those fishes we caught? I don't remember reeling you in from somewhere.'' Hehe. Adi glanced back at Ian. "Why so quiet, dude?'' Of course, he was oblivious to his friend watching him and AJ joke at each other and what was going on in his head. What would happen if Adi did know? O_O

"That I would. And I know very well you can beat me. But you'll have to spend endless sleepless night to do it, stop goofing around, skip your lunch some days...'' Adi broke off laughing. Of course he never did any of that. He just wanted to scare AJ a bit. If it were possible.

"Something made of chocolate.'' Adi looked towards the Staff table. Was that...Kevin? "Hey, what's Kevin doing there?'' He nodded at the table. At least the Head was there. Speech time soon?

Ian shook his head no. He didn't want to be an honorary Gryffie. Mercy no! I am a proud Huffie and I take no pride in not being more helpful in assisting the house in retaining the cup. I feel like I was rubbish all year. Maybe next year, I'll catch on better. You'd think I would have been all studied up having been trapped in the castle for the whole year.

He shrugged at Adi's question. He thought quickly trying to develop a plausible answer. I will miss you guys. He averted his eyes so as not to linger his gaze on AJ too long. He figured he would miss her more, though he'd known Adi two years longer.

He could tell that she wasn't being serious even before she had snorted. "Aw man." It looked like it was going to be really hard to be able to pull things over on Adi. "You know me too well." He really did. Look at him, he was already getting members for her crazy house. She was just about to ask Ian what the thought about it when he said that he wouldn't join. "Too bad. You'd be missing out. My house would be the most fun." Even better than Gryffindor because it was HERS.

"I think he is annoyed in general." Maybe they should go easy on him? Nah, where was the fun in that? "He has allll summer to get over it." Her had better use him time wisely because she was sure that Angel's love for him would only grow stronger. A thought just hit her. She was going to be the whole to have to deal with a Bennyless Angel all summer. Ugh. Ah, the fishies. "Nope, cause I'm cooler than the fishies." Duh. Then when Adi addressed Ian, AJ turned her attention to her other friend. "Yeah, is everything ok?" First Zander, and now Ian. What was up with these boys?

Sleep was something that she could go without, but the whole no having food thing was going to be a problem. AJ was just about to protest when she realized that he was pulling her leg. "I'll do it all just to show that I can be the best." Besides you could always snack while you ate so that wasn't a biggie. AJ looked over to the staff table. Oh good, the headmistress was there. "I dunno. I haven't seen him since his detention." Maybe he was in big trouble mister!

Aww, Ian was going to miss them? "I'm going to miss you too, lots." He was a lot of fun, and he like Adi, helped her out a lot in the lessons. He was a really good friend and she would miss not being able to see him over the summer.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nearly Headless Nick

Making his usual entry via the middle of the Gryffindor table, Sir Nicholas puffed his chest out proudly as he hovered with his feet at about eye level to all students present. It was going to be an absolutely splendid evening, he could tell.

"Well done, Gryffindors, well done!" he cheered as he made lavish gestures to the crimson and gold banners and tapestries decorating the Great Hall. "I dare say that these colours suit the Great Hall best."

Ah, there was someone who certainly enjoyed Gryffindor's success, one Gryffindor House ghost. "Thanks Sir Nicholas," he said with a smile. The third year nodding in agreement at the comment about the colors of red and gold. It felt like an expansion of the decor of the common room upstairs, the places that felt most comfortable.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harry174

Angel smiled at Benny. "Well maybe I can teach you how to sing one day?" Angel thought that it would be cool if Benny would let her teach him. "It's awesome and next term I'm aiming high, I want to be the number one in Gryffindor." Angel had been beaten by her sister just this term, so she came 4th in the Gryffindor list but still having both her and AJ on there was cool it was a shame Abby wasn't on the Ravenclaw one because then all three would have been on the top student list.

Angel looked at Benny and smiled. "You was amazing that day." Angel looked at her friend. "Don't you think it is cool that the snow has finished." Angel really thought that it was very cool. "So what you doing this summer?" Angel had just realised she hadn't asked him yet.

She wanted to teach him to sing. "Um...I don't know about that." Benny didn't think anyone wanted to hear him sing. even if she managed to teach him to do it better. Or at the very least teach him the songs in question. His voice was fine when he spoke but anything else seemed weird. As for Angel's comment on doing well in her accomplishments, he was a bit more willing to be positive. "I can see that happening..." the third year mused truthfully. Already she was doing well for someone essentially thrown into the magical world.

"Most definitely." Winter and snow were not his fav and Benny was pretty sure even Adi who loved both was thankful for the final weather change. "Just hanging out...like the usual." There really wasn't much else he would do between his home, Diagon Alley and anything where else he wound up over the summer. "How about you?" Surely with her and her sisters there had to be more fun in the works.

Ian waved off AJ's questions. he didn't want to get into all that. This was a celebration, even if it wasn't for his house. If it was the Valentine House, that would be different. Except would it really? You're a gryffie and Angel's a Gryffie and so wouldn't it lead to the idea that it would have the same traits as Gryffie's? I'm a perfect Huffie and I'm not sure how I'd fit in a Gryffie house. I don't think I have any particular traits of bravery or any such as Gryffies have.

He smiled when she said she'd miss him. Oh..and his stomach did a backflip with a full twist It's nice to know I've got... He paused for a minute trying to find the best words Friends like you. It makes being here all the better.

COUGH PSHHHHTTT COUGH.

She was totally not late (as always) like everyone else was totally just early. MHHHMM. Heh. Tough for them that they had to wait so long. See she was clever with her time because now she'd barely have to wait for the food to be served and really, what more did she want at the feast? Well...goodbyes maybe..but she'd see Donny over the summer, hopefully Lucas too and probably a lot more others. Even so there was still the TRAIN. Like THAT was where you said goodbyes, wasn't it? This..this was just for the Seventh Years to eat really amazing food for the last time in their lives.

GOSH. POOR THEM.

At least Abbi wasn't stuck in their situation, not for as long as they'd be anyways. Next term come and OH boy she'd be ready to enjoy this food all over again.

Also..she totally wasn't going to admit she was going to miss some of the seventh years like Jozsua and Elodie. COUGH COUGH.

Could you tell those meh shmeh deep feelings weren't really her vibe to express?

It was always better to shout and scream, yes. It was.

For a moment, Lex just kinda stared at him. He sounded....genuinely surprized that the lions had won the cup...amidst all the lion decorations that covered the Great Hall. She highly doubted the other houses would have been fine with Gryffindoring the whole thing when they were the rightful victors. Merlin, how long had he been out? At least he caught on in the end. It'd be a shame to leave as a champion without even knowing it.



Oh Jasmine would want the details of the trip? Well that wouldn't be hard at all. "I'll be waiting to give them to you! Should be plenty epic and best of all there won't be any snow." Even if by some miracle it did snow in California, there was NO WAY it would happen during the summer. Nope.

Lex grinned at the best wishes extended for the summer. "I'm sure we will. And you too, enjoy your summer, might be the last you're happy til the end of next term." Because something bad always happened at Hogwarts in case the girl couldn't tell by now.



See that right there? The excitement about this whole thing? This was what she expected they would all be like when lions won. Loud and happy about everything. If only the rest of the table could understand this. It made her miss Mikey. He was always one for the roaring celebrations. She could still remember his entrance to the table his first year. Merlin that kid and now this one. "Reckon we'll be able to get up to more stuff next year. Last year and all I'm gonna have to make it count." Couldn't leave without showing Aubrey a few things now could she? It just wouldn't be right.

Lex laughed at her enthusiasm for the castle. "I'd think anyone who's seen nothing but castle walls since January would be eager to be rid of this place." Lex was. If she never saw these gray walls again it would be too soon but alas, she'd be back next year and with more castle walls. 'Least there would be no lock in with some luck. "But I'm glad you enjoyed it...despite seeing nothing but it."



Welcomed indeed, though in truth, she didn't mind the yellow...not really when you considered other things. "Honestly I'd have rathered yellow, if the only other option was green but we did it! It's so.......I wouldn't say weird but...yeah. Never seen the Hall in Gryffindor colours before. It's good I get to see it even once before we leave for good." Now even if they didn't win next term it wouldn't be so bad. She could no longer say they'd never taken home the house cup and for that--plus no snow outside--Lex was the happiest person in the room. No matter what floated your boat, we guarantee, Lex was floating higher.

It was an even greater victory once you tied in the fact that closer to the end of term Lex rallied people to log in the extra points. It was great they got the points but even better that they actually listened to her. No force needed, just loud shouts and hyper pep talks. Funny that.

"I don't know about you but I'm usually dying for summer by September 2." You know, train ride was fun and all and yay feast with a lot of food but then classes....and homework....and idiots.....unless epic things began immediately, Hogwarts did little to hold Alexa's interest outside of time spent with friends, but she was losing most of them now, wasn't she? Just her, Lottie and Aidan remained. That.................was actually REALLY depressing so she would happily focus on talk of summer.

"Overseas as adults." Birthday being tomorrow and all. By the time they hit the states they'd be free to do whatever! "Nothing but sand, sun, adventure and astronomy fit in somewhere there." How could this NOT be perfect?



Kinda weird having Schuyler already leaving. She could still remember that feast she spotted her, a new face amongst the lions, mostly because they weren't known for having new faces. Those went to other houses. "Excited for the big plunge?" She asked, noting her simply having a glance around. Probably thinking about how much more epic her life would be once she was away from the castle.

One more year before she could think like that. Some people had all the luck and others had very little. The graduating class housed 80% of her friends. Lex was still lucky for Lottie and Aidan reasons but not having the rest of them...was that even possible?



Something was definitely off with the younger lion. Lex squinted, scrutinzing him for a second. It was written all over his face and his smiles were doing little to assure her otherwise. Even the wincing seemed a bit off to her. It wasn't what champions did; not that she knew of anyway.

Oh but he was worried about Kevin? "With any luck they've left him to rot in the dungeons." She wasn't practised at speaking ill of house mates but Kevin had earned it. There wasn't a time when he wasn't rude to her and the Prefect didn't have the time nor the compassion for people like him. "But no, you can stop worrying." She pointed toward the staff table. "See? He's alive. Probably being kept up there to ensure he behaves and I rather like him better up there." Sorry to say, or not so sorry.

Her brows rose at the weak smile offered once more. "Keep that up and I'll slip an elixir for euphoria into your drink when it gets here." Joking, only joking except not really. GRIN.

She had been wondering when the ghost would show up. First victory in forever, it was only fitting that he be present to witness it and take part in the celebrations in what way he could. "Glad you could join us Sir Nicholas! I'll have to agree with you, the Great Hall was made for these colours." FAR better than for the green and silver. Horrid combination that was.

"You haven't happened to get some gloating in with the Bloody Baron, have you?" She noticed he wasn't at the feast. Must be off hiding his ghostly tears. He and one Sophie Newell could do that together. From where she sat, Lex could see her sulking too.

"That I do. Only because you're so much like me. It's like I'm in your head but I never left mine.'' Did AJ get what he was trying to say? It was the only explanation as to why he figured out so fast. And she figured him out as well for the same reason. Adi grinned at Ian. "You'd better join, Ian. You and I can try to shove some Hufflepuff traits on them.''

Adi laughed a bit. He hadn't thought of Benny being annoyed in general. Was he? Hmmm. But he nodded now. "That and miss Angel.'' And maybe finally deciding he actually liked the girl in more than a friendly way. "You are. Only because you've got brains. No other reason.'' He stuck out his tongue.

"You're gonna go crazy. Plus you'll look like a zombie. No one would want to be your friend anymore because they'll think you want to eat their brains.'' Adi couldn't stop grinning at the thought of that. "Just so you know, I don't want a zombie as one of my best friends.''

Adi continued to watch Kevin. Despite the second year being rude and mischievous, the Hufflepuff liked him. He did fun stuff. Yep. What was that Ian was saying? "We'll both miss you too, bud. Maybe we could hang out sometime during the summer? I've still got to try some sweets.'' He eyed AJ. Okay, so the whole sweet thing wasn't the reason really why he said that. He just wanted to see AJ. It would be a looooong time before the new term and the boy would probably go mad if he didn't see her before.

"It would definitely be called the Valentine house since I am the founder and all." It only made sense. "Maybe so, but it would just be full of cool kids." AJ was a lion through and through, but that didn't mean that it was the ONLY thing that the house would be about. There were cool kids in other houses too.

"I'm really glad you are my friend too, Ian." She flashed him a smile. "We will have to hang out more next term." Since they really didn't get many chances to this past term.



Was Lex saying what AJ thought she was saying? Her eyes twinkled at the thought of getting to hang out with the older and cooler prefect. AJ was excited to be included and didn't even care what it was that they got into. "We gotta do something epic for your last year." The lion was already formulating a plan in her head. Lex had helped her out a lot this year, and she was going to make sure that her final year was one for the books.

"I'm ready to go home and soak in the sun for about a month, but I am diggin Hogwarts, and can't wait to come back." She did wanna see her family and friends, but Hogwarts was so cool. "It's not cold like this every year, right?" Because she would go crazy. "I managed to ride a unicorn and jump in the lake before we got locked in, so it wasn't so bad." Next year though she wanted to explore more. "Thanks." What a cool prefect the lions had.



The firstie nodded at what Adi was saying. She totally got it. "We're like brain twins." That was why they always got along so well. It would be hard to fool Adi, but that wouldn't stop her from trying. It would be a never ending battle/prank war between the two of them. She smiled as Adi still tried to get Ian to join. He knew that he wanted to. Who didn't want to be apart of the cool kids?

"I just think that he is tired of hearing about him and Angel." AJ could understand where he was coming from because Angel was constantly ragging her about Adi. The only difference was that AJ would just tell Angel to shut up, and Benny wasn't that kind of person. It took a lot to embarrass AJ. "I wonder if he really would miss her. The lion laughed when Adi stuck out his tongue. That was typical Adi behavior. "Whatever. It's so much more than that." She was way cooler than a fish whether he wanted to admit it or not.

"Zombie or not people would never wanna stop being my friend." Yup. She was just that cool. "I wouldn't get that bad because I wanna have more fun next year." More adventures. Lex already pretty much promised her that they would get into ever cooler things next year, and she couldn't wait. Did he just call her his best friend? It was one of the first times that he had said it out loud. It was always sort of implied. "I'm one of your best friends?" She fist bumped him. It was sort of her signature move. "You already know that you are one of mine."

AJ once again turned her eyes on Ian. "Oh yeah, we have to meet up this summer, both of you. We can go to the sweet shop. There are so many things that I still haven't tried yet." They could even get their school supplies together. "What do you say?" They would all have to go to Diagon Alley anyways, why not go together?

Were these people that she was friends with not used to getting hugs? Emmylou knew she would have to change that and give Simon and Zander way more hugs next term and hang out with them all the time because they were awesome. Emmylou pulled away from the hug and smiled brightly at her friend. "Just okay? I'm doing really good. I need the heat and summer and to doing summery stuff. What are you doing for the summer? You should visit my grandparents house. We can go swimming and horseback riding." She sounded like a rambling idiot but she didn't care be

Boyfriend. Boyfriend. Boyfriend.

Emmylou bounced around a little. She was just so happy to see her Hufflepuff boyfriend at the Gryffindor table. That made Kace a rebel in Emmylou's ocean blue eyes. What a weirdo she is. Emmylou kissed him back and blushed as she pulled away and then felt him give her a hug from behind. "You have plans for us? I can't wait to hear what they are." The third year beamed at him.

Emmylou looked at Luxness who seemed to pop up out of nowhere. Where had she come from? Well the Hufflpuff table but she just liked poofed here. No but really she came out of nowhere. The third year blinked when Lux heard what she had said to Bay. Emmylou frowned. "I don't feel like a good friend right now."

Brain twins! Adi had not thought of it that way. But yes, they were brain twins. "You looked for the person with the most awesome personality and then copied it, huh?'' Adi watched AJ. It was if he couldn't stop. Was she always that pretty? No. Not pretty. Beautiful. Extremely beautiful. Adi sighed inwardly. He finally knew for sure what was happening to him. The boy was attracted to the first year. Just like Angel always said. Was that girl psychic?

"Maybe. I try not to trouble him about her but do you know how hard that is? Sometimes I think the words just fly out of my mouth.'' But really, Adi was never one to hold back what he wanted to say. "I think he would. He's going to miss her hounding him so much.'' Adi watched the two. "If they ever become a couple, I don't think Angel would ever let him out of her sight.'' But then again, she rarely did at all even though they weren't together. "If you say so...fishy.''

"Well, you just might be right with that.'' What would life be without AJ? Who would he joke around with? Benny might be his bestie but he didn't joke much. Benny was a serious Dragon. *fistbump* "Didn't you know that?'' the Puffer asked in surprise. He thought he had told her. Anywaaay, now she knew.

"Really? I thought you might have tried everything. With that appetite of yours and all.'' She got a light, playful punch on the shoulder. "I'm up for that.''

Oh, Adi. He always had a quick come back. "What really happened was that once you met me you realized how awesome that I am, and you quickly changed everything about you to be more like me..." Was he still with her? Because she was so not done with her explanation just yet. "and then you tried to play it off like you had been like that since the beginning because you didn't want to have to admit that you changed your whole personality just to be cool like me." There you go, mystery solved. AJ thought nothing of his staring because they were having a conversation, and you normally looked at the person you were speaking to.

AJ laughed. "I do know how hard it is. I do the same thing to Angel." It was so much fun. Really though, Angel had brought it on herself because she started in on her with Adi and that blew up in her face. Maybe Angel forgot the kind of person that AJ was. "I hope that they do us both a favor and just get together already." It would save themselves loads of torture. The lion smiled because Adi was on to something there. "Dude, she's going to be super clingy." Like a stage 5 clinger. It was going to be nauseating.

"Of course I'm right," she teased. "I bring so much happiness to people." She was like a ball of energy. How could you be in a bad mood around her? Drama free was the way to be. "I guess I did know that." Maybe he had told her once when they were hanging out. She couldn't remember. "You're one of my besties too, but I guess you know that." If he didn't, then he did now.

"Not everything, but I think one more trip to the shop should do me." She would buy everything that she could get her hands on. She eyes wandered over to the staff table once more. Was Kevin going to have to stay up there the entire time? That was weird.

"Aahh I am not one to show emotion.." he shrugged and joked a little bit. But as he was giving him a noogie, he chuckled and then he heard Tag explaining about his hair. "I mean you got a point there dude.." he said even checking his own hair. What was Tag pulling like a Nigel? He remembered that prefect being obsessed about his hair. "Mate you got any plans for the summer?"





It seemed the kid was distracted easily. But Kace was like that too. He had a short attention span. Some people were not meant to last long in conversations. It was understandable. He heard his question when he was dazing. He snapped back and answered, "Oh erm I applied to a couple stores like Quality Quidditch Supplies and Ollivanders. I hope to hear back soon.." he kept his fingers crossed. "Are you thinking of interning?" he asked.



Kace smiled and hugged her even tighter and kissed her cheek. "Yeahh of course I have plans. I was thinking we could go on double dates with Mairgold amd Mitchell and Bay and Lux in Diagon Alley sometime. I even applied to be an intern in Diagon Alley so I hope you can come visit me if I get a call back.." he told her. He didn't think he told her the news yet. He wanted to keep it a secret but he decided to tell everyone incase he got into a shop. "Also we can probably go to Lux's beach party she is planning as well.." He wondered if she told her yet.

As Kace was giving Emmy some space to talk to her friends, he noticed Cinna. He walked over to her and waved to her. "Heyy Cinna....am I gonna be seeing you this summer!?" he asked his fellow lion friend.

Text Cut: HEHE Zander!

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArianaBlack

It was funny actually, how talk of Romanos was enough to help him forget about what had been ensnaring his mind earlier. Actually, it was the perfect distraction really. He needed his undivided attention to think through this theory properly, so if his mind had been anywhere else things would have been extremely difficult. So yes. This was good and he wasn't that nervous anymore. Except for about Romanos and her possible plans to attack before everyone left. Now that would really bring a bang to the feast... Forget about the prank Kevin was going to drag him into, that was nothing compared to Romanos things.

"Nice to meet you, Lotus," he whispered back. They had to lay low-- Incase Romanos was on the loose again! At which he popped his head up to take another peek at the staff table, constant vigilance! Anyways. Back to the Lotus girl. She was at the meeting, she probably knew things. And she was old, that meant wise and stuff, right?

Wait a minute... Why was Lotus smiling? Didn't she know that THE EVIL was sitting right there only mere meters from where they were!? This was no time to smile! It was time to get ready for WAR or death. But mostly war. Ahem. "You... Don't?" Was she sure though? Because... Romanos was sitting at that table. And she was THE one wasn't she? He also just noticed that he had completely abandoned the whisper voice and... Alright even constant vigilance makes mistakes every now and then, okay? "Romanos of course!" which also meant that it was time to steal another suspicious glance at the weird non-'W' pronouncing evil Cold One leader OF DOOM. "...Wasn't she the... You know.. 'The Chort' one?" Their leader.

Oh! He whispered back! How cute was that! Lotus beamed momentarily and followed his eyes. Always following his eyes from now on. His entire demeanor said far more than his words did. Yes, she had come to a conclusion. The boy did NOT have a crush on Medea. He seemed more wary and scared of the woman than anything else. He should be terrified of Bellaire, actually. Talk about a scary woman.

Seriously.

Don't worry, Zander, we won't tell anyone. Though Lotus doubted he'd been keeping his suspicions to himself. He seemed pretty certain of everything and would definitely accuse... yes, Romanos. The moment she heard her name she shook her head. "No, whoever did this isn't sitting at that table." And she was sure of that. Not on purpose, of course. Like Botros the past term. Lottie never understood what happened but he knew the man to be involved. "Definitely not her. She knows about the chorts, though, it's part of the subject she teaches..." for a moment, a very tiny moment, she thought about turning this around and make Zander even more suspicious of Medea by telling that what he thought was indeed the truth, but no, he was too lovely for that. Maybe the Toussaint kid. "...it's literally her job to know. Not to bring them over." If this was caused by chorts, that is.

What was the explanation for all the snow? She probably missed this, and didn't care much as long as they got to leave.

Text Cut: Lex!

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaniDiNardo

Welcomed indeed, though in truth, she didn't mind the yellow...not really when you considered other things. "Honestly I'd have rathered yellow, if the only other option was green but we did it! It's so.......I wouldn't say weird but...yeah. Never seen the Hall in Gryffindor colours before. It's good I get to see it even once before we leave for good." Now even if they didn't win next term it wouldn't be so bad. She could no longer say they'd never taken home the house cup and for that--plus no snow outside--Lex was the happiest person in the room. No matter what floated your boat, we guarantee, Lex was floating higher.

It was an even greater victory once you tied in the fact that closer to the end of term Lex rallied people to log in the extra points. It was great they got the points but even better that they actually listened to her. No force needed, just loud shouts and hyper pep talks. Funny that.

"I don't know about you but I'm usually dying for summer by September 2." You know, train ride was fun and all and yay feast with a lot of food but then classes....and homework....and idiots.....unless epic things began immediately, Hogwarts did little to hold Alexa's interest outside of time spent with friends, but she was losing most of them now, wasn't she? Just her, Lottie and Aidan remained. That.................was actually REALLY depressing so she would happily focus on talk of summer.

"Overseas as adults." Birthday being tomorrow and all. By the time they hit the states they'd be free to do whatever! "Nothing but sand, sun, adventure and astronomy fit in somewhere there." How could this NOT be perfect?

No, no more yellow. They have enough cups as it is. Probably. She honestly paid no attention to this. Barely remembered the Quidditch cups. That Top Beater medal was way more important. "I wouldn't have minded green. But I'm glad it's red, then." Especially if this was the first time Lex was seeing the Great Hall donned in red and gold. She wondered if it was Tag's as well. If so, then this couldn't be a better goodbye.

Wait, what? "The day after we get here?" Seriously? Quite frankly, this didn't surprise Lottie, she was the one who actually looked forward to certain classes, not Lex. Astronomy, mostly. And you can add Ancient Runes as well because of Botros. She would've looked forward to History of Magic if the man from last term had stayed. "I look forward to my birthday and spring." She missed the latter this time around.

Even next year she'd probably be looking forward to Hogsmeade weekends and the winter holidays, and then summer. Plus, Astronomy lessons.

BEAMING! "I cannot wait!" It was a good thing they were doing this trip first.

The ghost hovered a bit closer to the third year and beamed down at him. "Valiant effort again this term, Mr. Atreyu. I must admit I am hoping to see you on the leader board next term! Must keep these splendid colours in the Great Hall." Was the young man up to the task? Sir Nicholas had faith.
Sir Nicholas raised an eyebrow and coughed as the tiny Gryffindor took her seat. "The early fwooper catches the worm while the late fwooper starves, Miss Campbell," he pointed out to her. "Unless said fwooper was too busy celebrating victory elsewhere and thus arrived late because of said celebration."

Did the little dear still run around with her fairy wings? It wasn't proper of the ghost to go looking in the girls' dormitories for such information.
"I wouldn't miss it for the Headless Hunt, Miss Cambridge!" he gloated as he floated near the prefect. "Let us hope you can still whip these lions into shape next year as well. I would hate to see any other colours grace the Great Hall your seventh year."

Sir Nicholas ventured a mischievous glance towards the Slytherin table. "I have not. But it would be a right pity if I did not get a good gloat in before the term's end. He is probably busy keeping Peeves in check I suspect...or at least offering that as an excuse for his absence."

The ghost's gaze looked downward briefly before yet another beaming smile appeared on his face. "I see you have decided to wear your badge again About time, if I dare say."

At the sight of the ghost, Zander visibly tensed up. For a split second, he swore it was Peeves. Was that darn ghost back to take revenge for the pillows? But once he took a good look, he realized it was just Sir Nicholas. He let out a small breathe- that he didn't notice he was holding in- and smiled politely. "I think so too," he nodded in agreement. It was great seeing the place like this. And seeing Beautiful Bentley looking so proud of them. It made everything worth it. Every single last bit. Even attending Arithmancy.

Come to think of it... He hadn't really ever held up a conversation with the house ghost before. Most of the time, he tried to avoid the ghosts. One bad run in with Peeves had ruined it for them all. Except for, this one. He was nicer. "I'm uh, I'm Zander by the way... Sir... by the way sir," Sir Nicholas.



The Gryffindor was most especially thankful that Adi didn't press for details. He had let the subject drop in the Kitchens too, it was really nice of him. Actually come to think of it, it was very Hufflepuff of him. Man, the guy really did belong in his house. If only others could say the same about him. Sigh. But he was totally Gryffindor- he was, seriously!! Ahem. Anyways. "Yeah... I-I hope so," he looked around trying to emphasize his act. Was it working? Was he being convincing enough? "I think I can see some of the icicles melting from here! I wonder how they fixed it?" Because Romanos was still here so... What had they done to her to make her stop it?

The third year let a genuine smile cross his face when Adi went along with the topic change. This guy was cool. It had been officially decided as of right now. Yes, Adi you are cool. "I... I don't actually know... Hm. I'm probably going to be back in muggle London for most of it with my family?" he thought about it for a bit. He was still shifting uncomfortably in his seat, but was doing his absolute best to take his mind off of those scary things and focus on the summer things. "I-I'm thinking of buying a cat," he stated all of the sudden. As if he had just decided in that very moment. Maybe Adi could help him with the decision?



The Gryffindor was starting to feel all sweaty again. Was the red showing? Was he pink again? Could someone bring over some napkins because he was feeling like a blotting break right about now. Maybe this wasn't the right decision. Talking to Simon about it, but he couldn't keep his plans from Simon.

Taking a HUGE breathe, the Gryffindor just nodded to answer Simon's question. Gulp. "I... I want to give her something," not a huge deal. Just flowers that would profess his utmost desire and innermost feelings for her. Nothing too dramatic. Just that normal stuff. "But... But what if I freeze up there?" Last time he had gone to give the woman something, he practically held her hug for an ETERNITY and then some.

But the worst part was when he RAN OUT on her because he didn't know what else to do. He was a fool. A fool who didn't know how to handle the ups and downs of love. Simon what does he dooooooooo? Help.



The Gryffindor shrugged a little. Sure his parents probably did miss him, they always did. But he didn't miss them all too much. Not this year. Or at least, not his mom. And certainly not his brothers. It was weird actually. Shouldn't he have been relieved to go home? Now that it was warm though... He wouldn't mind staying at Hogwarts for longer. It was different now that things were finally thawing out. "Well.. I reckon it's different for yours. Since it was your first term 'n all.." Speaking of which, she did have a sister. But he hadn't really had the chance to talk to that girl very much. "Have you had a chance to write home?" Since the weather was thawing out finally...

Reaching towards the fork that he had set down, the Gryffindor held it between his fingers and started twirling again. This time he wouldn't drop it. He had some grace. Merlin. Anyways, back to the first year. "Yeah... This was really bad," he totally agreed on that one. Nervous-wreck and all. He definitely knew that this snow was real, real crazy bad. It had it's own category of disaster. Somehow they managed to get rid of it before the feast. It was a miracle. It was magic. It was Hogwarts.

… The best ever? The Gryffindor raised an eyebrow, but strangely this news actually helped him relax a bit. Really he was? He couldn’t help but straighten up his posture. Was that sparkle in his eye noticeable? Because it was definitely there. ”Wow… I uh… Yeah, sure!” Exactly what she wanted him to teach her, he had no clue. But he could do it. He could try. He was going to be a big old fourth year ’n all. So that meant he could be a teacher. Totally Professor material he was. Maybe. But made him something? Was it that special? He winced a little at the pat, but tried to hide the awkwardness with a small, small grin. See he could do this. ”Thanks, anything to help Gryffindor,” Come to think of it, the reason why he worked so hard in the end was all for Beautiful Bentley. He had to make her proud. That was the ultimate goal. Ahem. Anyways.

The Gryffindor eyed her pinky and raised his own to hers. This was the one thing he was pro at. Pinky promises. ”Pinky promise,” he agreed. No chunks. At least, not yet. Maybe when he was actually standing in front of the staff table. But not now. Not here at least.



The Gryffindor shrugged lower into his seat while under Lex’s intimidating squinting. She was basically interrogating him without the questioning. At least it felt like that. She was definitely doing something. What? He couldn’t tell. But it was making him even more nervous. Did she know what he was thinking about? Could her prefect powers SENSE it?

Left him to rot in the dungeons? At that Zander opened his eyes wide in HORROR! Sure the kid could be rough around the edges, but somehow the two had a sort of unspoken friendship. Ever since that day down in the dungeons when they learned a little bit too much about each other. Or was it that time in the dorms, while fighting off peeves? Either way, they were friends somehow. And he would honor that. Even if the guy was trying to blackmail him into pulling the prank of the century. ”Listen, Lex… I know- I know he comes off rude… But-but he means well, I promise. He’s just… Just doesn’t know how to show it,” The lion had to have some good in him. Zander was sure. Even if Kevin couldn’t see it himself. There was something more than just sassy retorts and evil stares. He had helped the third year at his most vulnerable. He was a good friend.

But then. Then, he was confused. What did she mean by he could stop— Uh oh. Following the girl’s finger over towards the staff table, the boy stopped midthought in shock. SHOCK. O____O Kevin? The Gryffindor wasn’t sure whether to be relieved or even MORE worried. On one hand, the close supervision from the Headmistress meant that Zander wouldn’t have to go through with the Slytherin bomb!prank… But it also meant that Kevin was in big trouble. Which meant a lot of things.

He also noticed that Kevin was staring right at them. Trying to make eye contact with the younger Gryffindor, the boy sent him a look of utter confusion…. So now that the weather was all nice and peachy again, could the owls make some local deliveries? Because Zander needed to know things. But right, back to Lex. Elixir for Euphori-huh? ….. No thank you. Slowly scooting the chair a little further away from this prefect thank you very much. Faking the absolute widest smile he could muster, ”No need, see I’m already feeling better, see?” Not really.


The Gryffindor nodded slowly. Yes, just okay. Just okay for now. Just okay because he was feeling extra nervous today. But once the speech was over and he could do what he was here for, he’d be okay. So just okay, but just for now. But Emmy on the other hand, she sounded really cheerful. He couldn’t blame her really, who wouldn’t be cheerful-well, besides him- it was actually WARM or … ish. WarmISH. BUT STILL. It was much better than anything before. And man. Emmy was REALLY excited. ”I yeah.. I-yeah I agree, the heat is going to be really nice” And at that he remembered that she was used to the warm weather, so this must’ve been traumatic for her. ”Are you going back to Alabobwa?” he asked curiously. That’s where she was from right? Alabobwa? ”I actually don’t really have many plans for the summer,” Not like he was invited to the field trip. Hmph. It wasn’t fair!! They only missed it BY ONE YEAR how come they couldn’t just sneak on? He was invited to go to her grandparents house? Zander’s eyes brightened a little, ”Really? You-you’d want me to come?”



Zander realized that he had managed to catch the fourth year off guard. He couldn’t help to chuckle at that hehe. Wait a minute, he was a fourth year? That meant that he WAS allowed on the field trip right? He’d have to ask. Anyways, the internship. Focus boy. Focus. And stop thinking about Bentley again gosh, Merlin!! ”That’re really cool Kace…” If only he could intern somewhere. ”I-I wish I could, but… But I think I’m not old enough yet…” Being a third year sucked. He couldn’t do anything fun! Not interships not field trips! What else was there to do!?! ”… Are you going on the field trip?” Of course he had to ask. It was his favorite thing to complain about. Not being aloud to go.


The third year watched Romanos with a single brow raised. Was she… Reading at the dinner table? See. That is highly suspicious behavior. Didn’t anyone else realize how suspicious that was?! She was probably doing more research on how to fix the dramatic change in weather. How her plan had FAILED. Didn’t she know that she was under watch now? That people were going to be careful about her now that they knew. Or didn’t know. Actually talking to this older girl, kinda confused him. So was she not suspicious or was she?

Weird.

Anyways. Back to business. Not at the table? And she was SURE? Absolutely and positively sure? He leaned in towards her just a bit and looked her in the eyes, ”You really think they’re all… safe?” Because she was old. So she had to be right. See Simon was trying to convince him that it wasn’t Romanos all this time, but how would Simon know? He was just as clueless as Zander. But old people, they knew what they were talking about. It was a fact. So she was absolutely sure that it was Romanos?

Interesting.

She did know a lot about the chorts. A bit TOO much if you asked this Gryffindor. Though he nodded his head, he still gave her a skeptical look. ”So do you think she was trying to protect us then?” Because she had to be doing something with the chort knowledge right? Could Lotus explain that?

Angel looked at Benny and smiled. "I'm enjoying this weather as well now, though I was wondering if the snow didn't stop how we would get to the Hogwarts Express, I thought it would be funny if we skied there." Angel giggled.

Angel smiled. "That sounds cool." Angel really hoped he had a great time hanging out. "I have no idea what we are doing to be honest, though I might see if we can hang out, like invite you and Adi over, I'm so going to try and get Adi and AJ to admit their love for each other."

Angel looked around the room and saw Nearly Headless Nick. "Hey Sir Nick, we did it." Angel beamed. "We won the house cup." Angel had been to the trophy room and saw that Hufflepuff had won it for ages so it was about time someone else had a chance of winning and it was Gryffindor's turn, she was liking the decorations of the great hall.

"Hey AJ!! Adi!!" Angel suddenly realised her sister was blabbing on about something with Adi. "What you both talking about?" Angel didn't know why but the look her sister was giving Adi, she had a feeling it was about her and Benny.