Four eyes? She laughed because even though she was pretty sure that Adi was kidding about making fun of her. "I'm just sizing you up." That wasn't a crime was it? Hmmm... that really wasn't a hard question for her. "Definitely messy." So, why was she here fixing it? Now THAT was a question that the first year didn't have an answer to. What was fun about having neat hair? Her thoughts went to her sister and how she spent HOURS on getting everything perfect. What a waste of time. AJ would wear her hair down sometimes, but the was no way she was going to straighten it or curl it or do any of that other stuff that her sister liked to do. It was just hair.

Did she hit a nerve? "I could never replace you." She stole a glance at Ian. What must he be thinking with the words that were going back and forth between her and Adi? She didn't want him thinking that he wasn't a good enough friend because he was. This wasn't a competition, she enjoyed both of their company.

She did know him well, much better than she knew the other people that she spent the same amount of time with. Maaaybe she did spend a tad bit more time with Adi. "No way... you can't go making your own house now." What was happening? It was her fake house. "I've never had that." Kidneys? "Kidney anything doesn't sound that appetizing." She would stick with her chicken and taters.

"Good evening Miss Carrington!" he greeted the moderately uncomfortable looking Hufflepuff. "I am quite fantastic, thank you for asking. But I must admit I would have assumed you would want to spend tonight with your own house and those about to graduate."

Surely she would be seeing the likes of the triumphant Gryffindors she was currently converse with again soon. It was the final evening for house comradery! Each of their respective houses would never be like this again. Ought to be relishing in it.

In fact, there were quite a few Hufflepuffs here. Did they not enjoy the company of those in their own house? How very un-Hufflepuff-like!
The ghosted looked the sixth year up and down once before responding. "Just make sure you do not repeat the events of your first year with this BANG of yours," he winked while returning her mischievous smile. Gryffindors ought to be having fun. "Would be more of a BANG if these colours stuck around as well."

Sir Nicholas gave another look towards the Slytherin house table. "Knight's honour, Miss Cambridge." Pity he could do so now. Although he did fear what sort of consequences such actions could have on the Grey Lady.

"About time, if I dare say so myself. It looks regal sitting there pinned to your robes."

Had Gryffindors learned NOTHING this year about chivalry? The ghost gawked as the Slytherin Head of House approached the table and made her inquiry...only to be completely ignored as students carried on with their own conversations.

"Ah, the Lady Tillstorm," he greeted her, laying on the manners nice and thick and offering the woman a deep bow. "Congratulations on your house's Gobstones win. Not as prestigious as the House Cup, but well earned nonetheless."

The Baron wasn't here and thus he needed to get his gloating out somehow. Subtle as it was.

"I believe Mr. Bay is in the company of Miss Carrington last I saw."

And he was still chivalrous. He had answered the lady's question.

Would he really make fun of AJ? Maybe a bit. Making jokes was his thing after all. And knowing AJ, she wouldn't take them seriously. The beauty of having someone to joke around with. You never had to worry about getting into trouble. "Oh good. For a moment I thought you might need something a little stronger than specs. Like bifocals." LOL. "Well stop fixing it then. You know it's all messed up just for you.'' Boy, if she knew the truth there. "Or is it just an excuse to touch my awesome hair?''

"I know you won't. Because you can't.'' Adi was one of a kind. And because he knew AJ's love for competition, he loved using that to his advantage. "Ian can help, of course.'' Adi grinned at his friend. Just don't take away Adi's position as Personal/Chief helper to AJ Valentine.

"Scared you won't have a lot of persons in your house?'' he asked, swallowing some more. "You should try it, you chicken and taco lover.''

Okay, so apparently no one at this end of the table was going to even acknowledge that the healer was standing there looking for one of their housemates. Is this what winning the house cup did to these lions? Made them think they were too good to answer her simple little question? Cece was proud to say her snakes wouldn't be like that. No, they would at least acknowledge the person asking the question, even if they didn't know the answer. Manners Gryffindor's, it's called MANNERS! Maybe Bunz should just bring Kevin down to this table and sit here with him. Maybe she could teach the rest of his house some manners.

Or, maybe they could take lessons from their house ghost. "Hello Sir Nick." See lions, HE knows how to be polite. "Thank you. And congratulations to you too on your house winning the House Cup. It was a tight race right up to the end." So tight in fact Cece almost wondered if there had been some padding of points just so the lions could get Bentley a win before she left for good. But it was okay. Her house would blow them all out of the water next term. That's right lions, we're coming for you.

Oh, the ghost had seen Victor. "Why thank you again Sir Nicholas," she said as she looked down the table. "Maybe you can teach these students here how to be as polite as you are. Seems they lost their manners when they won that cup." Or maybe they just never had any to begin with.

"You will be old enough soon...do you have any ideas where you wanna intern? Or better yet what is your favorite store to shop in?" he asked curiously. Better now to think before he had to make the big decision the night before. Aahh the field trip. He smiled and nodded. "Yeahhh I am going. I am kind of excited for it.." To tell the truth even thought Zander might complain.



Kace smiled and didn't mean to not notice her. He went over to her and gave her a bear hug from behind. "Hey Cinna..." he grinned and hugged her tight. She seemed like she could use a hug. "Ooohh why is that?" he asked playfully when she mentioned she will see him a lot this summer. "I mean I know Lux has plans and all.." he winked at his cucumber friend. Then he noticed she left and gave her a quizzical look. He wondered where she was going.



Kace chuckled and loved her comeback. "Well you know I have this panda girlfriend over here that I need to see.." he motioned towards her. "She gets pretty upset if she doesn't get her dose of boyfriend time and candy.." he said explaining Emmy well. "But I hear this guy named Bay has the hots for you.." he smirked at her.



He nodded when he said he had a point. "I mean we dudes gotta stick together. Our hair styles will be famous one dayy.." he winked. I mean Tag's hair was always spiked up. He wondered how he did it. Aahh now the summer plans. Yes onto those. "Well I am gonna try and see if I can intern at Diagon Alley.." he began. "Then I am gonna take the school trip to Greece which I am excited for. So my summer will be busy.." he shrugged. Not too much free time. WOAH he was going to Venice! UGGHH jealous! "Man mate when your in Italy I mean you gotta take lots of pics and I better get a postcard!" He meant it. "Try to the spaghetti and meatballs for me too.." he joked but was kind of serious. He also heard about Greece! "Mate are you going on the trip to Greece from the school?" he asked.

Then he saw his favorite prefect ever. He hardly seen Louis in a while. He walked over to him and tapped him on the shoulder. "Heyy mate how have you been? How come I haven't seen you in a while!?" Seriously he better have a good answer.

Expecting at any moment for Nearly Headless Nick to swoop in on her, Lux was surprised when not only did the ghost not do that, but he was being NICE to her. What was going on here? Weren't ghosts supposed to be scary?

Starting to feel a little more comfortable, she gave him a smile. "I'm glad you're well and I'm so happy your House won." She was biased towards the Lions and didn't care who knew. "I feel like I belong at this table more than the Hufflepuff one." Was that weird? Maybe he had heard of other students who felt the same way as her.

Hearing Healer Tillstorm arrive and ask for Bay, Lux was about to reply when Sir Nick beat her to it. Smiling at the woman, she gave a friendly wave so that she could find them both. "Hello, Healer Tillstorm. I hope you are well. Thank you so much again for saving Bay." There were not enough words to express the gratitude she felt towards the Healer for saving her boyfriend's life.

LOL!

Kace was so funny. Giggling, Lux shook her head. "Oooh, Emmy does love her candy. I think she's pretty fond of you as well." Joking because she knew that her bestie loved her boyfriend. Really how could she not when Kace was amazing. Lux loved him too though of course in a completely different way.

"This guy named Bay you say? Not sure if I know him." Wink.

Zander nodded vigorously, of course if his parents let him-- O________O First best Gryffindor mate ever say W H A T?? Zander just stared. Mouth agape. And just stared for a solid minute. Oh no! Of course his parents were probably worried sick. "Yeah, I-I... I...." But no! He couldn't leave. Great. This was one more thing to worry about. The Beautiful Bentley thing. The Kevin thing. And now Bay. "You... You don't think they'll let you come back for your last year?"

Zander shrugged a little because despite what Culloden had said about him being among the top students, the Gryffindor knew little to nothing about any of these potion things. "I'm sorry it took so long to get to you," he fiddled with his fingers a little as he was still beyond nervous for the rest of the night. "Okay, don't worry I will." He'd do anything for Bay really. This guy was like his god. Well... His god in first mate ever sixth year Gryffindor form. Okay, so not god. But Zander really did want to help Bay in anyway possible, especially after what the boy had gone through this term.



The Gryffindor raised his brows in complete shock. Dark magic? O____O Uh... Was Adi team Romanos too? Because maybe there wasn't just one Cold One/ Chort army leader THERE WERE SEVERAL!! And they had infiltrated the student population toooo?!! But Adi was so good, he was so so good. "Uh... Really?" He had to play it cool. Couldn't let Adi know that it was the Gryffindors mission to take down all the evil attacking Hogwarts with the cold spell. Totally cool. Also this was yet another thing to worry about and at this rate he'd probably have a heart attack or something.

Right. Diagon Alley, in all this chaos, the Gryffindor had totally forgotten about the yearly trip! "Oh... Oh yeah, I hope so," maybe he could buy his cat there? He'd have to check. Did they even sell animals or what? Either way he really did look forward to the Diagon Alley trips every year. They were magical."Really, a toad?" this Gryffindor didn't really care all too much for toads to be honest... "What kind? I... I don't really know..." he laughed at the lion suggestion, "If only the headmaster would let me," But now he was sweaty AND blushing. Sweating 'cause other stuff of course, but blushing because he didn't know a thing about cats. "Actually... I don't know a single thing about cats..." This was bad. How was he supposed to own one??



Three girls??? Hold on... Zander only knew AJ and the other Gryffindor one. The one who looked like... AJ. That one. Was there really a third? "I thought it was only you and Angel?" Granted, he didn't really know this Angel person either, but he had heard the name before. In class. When the Professors were always really confused or whatever. It was weird. "... Yeah, it's not a big deal, I don't think, I never really write to my parents either," Mostly because he forgot, but also because... Meh. He did miss them... sort of? They probably wouldn't figure out how the Hogwarts mail system worked anyways so it was a lost cause.

Putting the fork back on the table, the boy nodded. "Yeah... Anytime, just uh, you know where to find me," In the Gryffindor Common Room. Because that's really where he spent most of his time. Unless the cold was completely gone because in that case to the lake it is!! But ahem. Right. "Yeah, I think we've just started the winning streak," he agreed- almost a little halfheartedly, though he really did mean it. He just didn't really have the energy to think about the house cup at the moment. All of this nervousness was getting tiring and he couldn't put all his attention towards anything besides the REAL task at hand here. There was one thing that had to happen at this feast. And it HAD. TO. HAPPEN. Hopefully. "Yeah... I guess.. Maybe..." Or he'd feel worse. He didn't feel like eating at all actually. But, he couldn't risk going on an empty stomach. WHAT IF HIS BREATH STUNK? Then Beautiful Bentley would never want to speak to him ever again!!!



The Gryffindor took a napkin from on the table and wiped his forehead off a little bit. Was Simon noticing? Because this was getting bad. He could FEEL his insides doing the shifty things. The flutteries. They were getting stronger. The boy smiled nervously at Simon before reaching out to take hold of the goblet. Was his hand shaking??? He quickly brought it to his lips-in case- and drank the whole thing in one go. "Thanks, mate... I don't know why I'm so.. You know..." Actually he did know why, but still.

"Practice?" Practice as in role play? He could do that! Yeah it was BRILLIANT! Simon totally should have been a Ravenclaw. He had brilliant ideas! Wait but... He could definitely speak to Simon Bentley, but Bentley Bentley... Beautiful Bentley-Bentley, that was a whole different story. But it was worth a try, right? Plus that way he'd be able to practice just exactly what he was going to say! As for what he was going to give her "... Well.. It's a magical flower bouquet. It's going to talk and the flowers are picked out special for her," He even consulted flower meaning charts and everything. This was serious. It was the real deal.

Okay. Back to the practicing. "So... Simon... I mean... Professor Bentley... I mean... How does this work exactly?" Was he just supposed to start or did Simon/Bentley want to say something first or Simon HELP.



Moving his eyes away from the staff table, the Gryffindor looked directly at the older girl now. Spying on Romanos was fun and all, but it was just SO exhausting. Really. He was really starting to consider hiring a firstie to do some of this dirty work for him because trying to keep tabs on a Professor ALL THE TIME was so tedious. Maybe he could get Kyroh in on it too? Anyways right. Back the matter at hand. Which was figuring out whether or not she was really the real evil mastermind behind this horrible chort winter!!

So... No?

Actually seeing it? Well he was now facing it and squinting and examining all seeing like. "I think so..." Blink. Blink. Blink. At this point he was craning his neck, scrunching his nose, and doing the squinting thing people did when they looked reeeeaaaalllyyy reeeeeaaaaalllyyyy hard. Yup. He was definitely seeing something. "What's missing and not what's clearly noticeable..." he repeated as if considering it. Man. This girl was REALLY wise! Maybe SHE should be the headmistress!! "The Groundskeeper? Wait a minute!" That was it. THAT WAS BRILLIANT!! It was the groundskeeper all along! And to think- Zander made a fire pit for that guy!! The nerve. "Are you saying what I think you're saying?" He asked looking back at her with a single brow raised. "That this whole time it was the missing Groundkeeper's fault and HE'S really the cold one/chort leader!!" He was whispering again. Because this was top secret stuff. Highly classified information.

Protect us? The Gryffindor cocked his head to the side as he listened to the explanation. Well... That did kind of make sense. Though he did still have his doubts, that was for sure. But still, this girl was making a highly convincing argument and not just 'cause she's old and stuff. "I....I....I... Oh. Well, I guess that kind of makes sense? That she was trying to do research like the rest of us?" Plus that would make her look really bad. If she didn't know anything about the chorts because it was her subject.


The Gryffindor just shrugged at Lex. Man. This girl reeeeaaaalllyyy didn't like Kevin. Couldn't really blame her though, he wasn't that friendly really. Just... Just when you get to know him it was something different. He and Kevin were friends now and he would stick by the boy no matter what! Even if he was jealous that Kevin got a front row seat next to Bentley. Hmph. Not fair. "Why do you hate him so much?" It was a genuine question. An innocent one.

Start to mean it? Well.. Not anytime soon. Or at least, not until the speech was over. Then, and only then, would he finally be able to relax. It was basic science. The science of being a Zander.



Sir Nicholas knew who he was?! The Gryffindor was a little surprised at this because he hadn't really made himself too vocal. But, then again... It probably didn't mean anything special anyways. He was the house ghost. He knew all the Gryffindors. "Oh.. Well.. I-uh... You can never really be too sure," he tried the chuckle thing too, but it didn't sound as confident. A mystery? Was it about the chort thing because apparently his theories were all wrong. So he'd be no help there.

Unless this really was Romanos and Flamsteed. In that case, he still had his theories. Mhm. But right anyways. Mr. Hirase?.. Kevin? At this, he stole another glance over at the staff table. Poor guy had to sit right near the Head Mistress. Hopefully he was doing alright, though, he wouldn't get to pull their planned prank anymore. Which, by the way, WAS A TOTAL RELIEF. "Well... I don't know exactly why..." But it most likely had to do with what happened in History of Magic.

"I think it's because he uh... He sort of uh... Got in trouble... With a Professor and the Headmistress was sort of uh well, called over... And he had to go to detention," Which was really nothing new for the kid. He was sent to detention with the Potion's professor before, so Kevin was probably used to it. But this time, this time it was with THE Headmistress. The tall scary one. "Between you and me... I'm guessing that something bad happened there, so they're trying to make sure he stays good for the feast," Another look back at Kevin. At least he'd be able to gloat about the Gryffindor victory to all the other head's of houses? And he was near Bentley. --WAIT A MINUTE, how come Kevin was sitting next to HIS BELOVED!? Man. If hexing a professor was all it took to get the pleasure of sitting next to the gorgeous most beautiful Professor Perfection ever, then... Was it too late to take out his wand and try too? "He's a nice guy though, he didn't mean it, Sir. Was just trying to have fun."

All this time he had been worried about his friend when, man. He should've been jealous. Getting to sit near Bentley. Hmph. Speaking of which THE FLUTTERIES WERE STILL HERE!!



He shrugged. A long shrug at that. "I...I guess so... One more year right?" But he wanted to go on the field trip! Could he do an internship AND the field trip!? Was that even possible? Uh. "...I... I don't really know... I guess I like shop with the quills because that's pretty cool," Or the wandshop. Maybe the owl post, but was that even a shop? What. He really needed to amp up his wizard lingo. "Which one are you interning at?" He wanted something fun. That would be the best. So he was going to go. The Gryffindor let out a sigh. "It's not fair, I really want to go, but I'm not allowed to." Yes. He was totally still upset about this. It was JUST OKAY IT WASN'T.


.........

SPEECH. SPEECH. SPEECH. SPEECH.

Though he was nervous, this WHOLE night it was the one thing he was dying to hear. The speech. The boring, sometimes lengthy, always draggy-ony speech. He just wanted to hear it so that he could RUN over to the staff table and get this big thing over with. Only then would he truly be happy! Except, he couldn't go on an empty stomach! His breath was probably stinky and he couldn't' have that. But he wasn't really hungry either... So instead, the boy compromised.

Pumpkin juice.

Reaching over the table he grabbed the nearest pitcher and poured himself some, making eye contact with Lux along the way.

”Cinna” he was so glad to see another one of his best friends. ”im so happy to be out and to see everyone” truth be told he’s been out for about a week now but he didn’t want to get bombarded with questions so he had stayed in his dorm room… bad of him, he knows but he just wanted some time for his self and process everything.

Listening to the girls talk he chuckeld to himself, man how he missed all of this.. but wait where was Cinna going.. he just starred off at her all confused.



”Oh sorry Sir Nicholas, I will not forget it” and he wouldn’t because he was their house ghost, it would be disrespectful for him to forget it. ”Its going to be so sad to see her leave and were proud to have won her the house cup for her this term” well Bay couldn’t participate in a lot of stuff during the end of the year but before he could finish he thought the ghost was yelling at Cinna.. what was going on…….



”yeah you and me both cucumber.” he really liked the sound of hanging out and chilling at a beach with all his friends, he’ll have to see how his parents handle everything when he arrives at the train station in London. ”I hope they will let you come as well.. “ he hoped they wouldn’t be really strict or anything.. ”once I get home and I can owl you I will… because the whole summer with my parents will just be torture.” he chuckled at this one.

”im not sure” truth be told he wasn’t sure that his parents would allow him to come back.. or anyone to visit.. its just crazy that two years in a row he had come so close to death.



”mostly for torture…” he laughed with the older boy. ”well then I feel honored and I’ll make sure I’ll call you sneaky more often” he winked. ”yeah as soon as I know there will be tons of owls coming from my house” he wondered if his parents would let him to use the three owls they had at the house for letters to everyone.

He was really excited now for the possibility of having friends over.



”Nice to meet you to dude” he laughed. ”yeah hopefully it wont be to the death…” he was really starting to like this snake kid.. ”maybe if you play your cards right and if im allowed to have people over… you can come too?” nothing wrong with making new friends right…



Ohhhhhh Healer Tilstorm was looking for him, he had heard the ghost say his name as he looked up to see her coming his way. ”Healer Tilstorm….I’m so glad to see you” and it was the truth because he wanted to say goodbye to her before they left for the end of year. ”How are you tonight?” he asked her as he drank some more pumpkin juice.



”yeah…. Im not to sure at all… like its been two years in a row.. like I almost died mate” he was really getting tired right now… but he wanted to make sure he stayed up for the whole feast… because of all the awesome food.. and the food was now here so he could stock pile his plate and shove it all in his face.

”oh don’t worry about it.. I was most likely sleeping and stuff” he patted his robe pocket because that’s where the vial was..

Spotting her friend Zander, Lux gave him a smile and friendly wave. "Hey there! How are you?" Had he heard about Bentley leaving yet? Poor guy; he would not take that well at all.

And was it her or did he seem flustered?

Of course Bay would be up for a party. Parties were awesome. "It wouldn't be the same without you. But I might have it at Willa's. Would that stop you from wanting to come?" She really didn't want to make him feel awkward if he was able to go. Maybe Willa would be okay if her boyfriend was around. What was his name? Jaxson? "Awww, well if nothing else we can talk in letters." It was better than nothing, right?

"Okay," she said sadly as she looked down at her plate. She never thought that maybe he wouldn't return again or she wouldn't be able to see him this summer. She had thought she'd get another year in school with him before he left. Now she was sad.

Text Cut: Zander XD

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArianaBlack

Moving his eyes away from the staff table, the Gryffindor looked directly at the older girl now. Spying on Romanos was fun and all, but it was just SO exhausting. Really. He was really starting to consider hiring a firstie to do some of this dirty work for him because trying to keep tabs on a Professor ALL THE TIME was so tedious. Maybe he could get Kyroh in on it too? Anyways right. Back the matter at hand. Which was figuring out whether or not she was really the real evil mastermind behind this horrible chort winter!!

So... No?

Actually seeing it? Well he was now facing it and squinting and examining all seeing like. "I think so..." Blink. Blink. Blink. At this point he was craning his neck, scrunching his nose, and doing the squinting thing people did when they looked reeeeaaaalllyyy reeeeeaaaaalllyyyy hard. Yup. He was definitely seeing something. "What's missing and not what's clearly noticeable..." he repeated as if considering it. Man. This girl was REALLY wise! Maybe SHE should be the headmistress!! "The Groundskeeper? Wait a minute!" That was it. THAT WAS BRILLIANT!! It was the groundskeeper all along! And to think- Zander made a fire pit for that guy!! The nerve. "Are you saying what I think you're saying?" He asked looking back at her with a single brow raised. "That this whole time it was the missing Groundkeeper's fault and HE'S really the cold one/chort leader!!" He was whispering again. Because this was top secret stuff. Highly classified information.

Protect us? The Gryffindor cocked his head to the side as he listened to the explanation. Well... That did kind of make sense. Though he did still have his doubts, that was for sure. But still, this girl was making a highly convincing argument and not just 'cause she's old and stuff. "I....I....I... Oh. Well, I guess that kind of makes sense? That she was trying to do research like the rest of us?" Plus that would make her look really bad. If she didn't know anything about the chorts because it was her subject.

Lotus was very patient when she wanted to, and luckily for Zander, today was that day. So, she watched and waited as he busied himself by looking at the staff table. Really looking. He hadn't looked before, because he was blinded by the idea of Medea being involved in this terrible weather. Sorry, Zander. OH! NOW HE SAW! Exactly! She nodded, quite enthusiastically, at the boy, "Yes." Wait, what was he saying? Ooooooh, whispering, nice. Since this was top secret information, then she whispered as well, her eyes on him, "Yes, it's his fault," she replied, no second thoughts were given. It was definitely his fault, because... HEY, who was the one supposed to be keeping the grounds SAFE for THEM??? Yes, that's right! The Groundskeeper.

The bees were probably to blame, too. Those could've attracted the chorts for all Lottie knew.

In reality, this entire thing made sense. Particularly the fact that the man was missing. Did he die or left with the weather? Wouldn't be the first time a Groundskeeper goes through this, you know? Seems legit.

Always. This sixth year always makes rather convincing arguments. But it's okay to question things, Gryffindor boy. "It makes sense, trust me." Nod, nod. He'll have less problems if she trusts Lotus, definitely. Do not trust professors, though, it was Airey Flamsteed the one who'd given her that spiked ice cream a couple of terms ago. The one she trusted most. But no worries, Zander, you'll be safe and sound if you trust Lotus.

WAIT. BENTLEY WAS LEAVING? Simon's blue eyes widened. "WAIT. SHE'S LEAVING!?" he asked as the smile literally dropped off of his face, crashing onto the ground into a million tiny pieces. :'( He lowered his voice for Zander was nearby and he knew that Lux knew about Zander's feelings for Bentley too. "Did... Does Zander know this?" Man poor Zander. Simon WOULD have to keep an eye on his mate.

He smiled happily at the mention of the party. He was quite the social butterfly, huh? It was a stark contrast to the old him at his previous school where he had been the studious, quiet boy. Hehe. Now he could do both. "Beach house in Florida? I've never been to the States. What's it like?" he asked with wide eyes at the mention of traveling over there. The States were supposed to be pretty cool, right? The smile faltered on his lips when he heard that Lux's sister didn't like her boyfriend. "Eh, siblings." He nodded, shrugging. His older brother was a bit of a pill. At her next suggestion, Simon grinned. WOW. This girl was seriously sweet. Like candy sugary sweet. "Thanks, that's... really nice of you. I'd greatly appreciate it. I'll send some a little bit of the chilliness so that you're not overwhelmed by the heat in the summer." Yeah, good trade.


Zander needed to calm down. Keep calm and carry on, man. He had this. Simon frowned as he watched Zander's hand shake when he picked up the goblet. Was Zander going to start spilling that over BOTH of their robes? Oh dear Merlin, he hoped not. Not good. Not good at all. "I know," he added rather lamely. "Breathe. Just breathe."

"Magical bouquet?" he said, blinking his two blue eyes. Now as that a good idea, mate? he thought. That was something that he had WANTED to ask but he didn't know how to phrase it so he bit his tongue. "That sounds nice." He nodded and grinned but then had to focus on their present situation. Right role-playing. Acting like Bentley would JUST be like acting like Watson or the Minister of Magic in various classes. He could totally do this. He took a deep breath, balled his fists, and wondered what Bentley would do. Act like Bentley. Be Bentley. He'd have to raise his voice, yes?

Clearing his throat, he was ready to speak in a high voice when Zander asked him how this was going to work. "Zander. You pretend that I'm her and you come up to me and ask. It's simple," he said as he took on a very feminine stance, pretending to do a hair flip (WHICH HE HAD LEARNED FROM AGATHA BY THE WAY)- except it looked really awkward- cause, you know, short hair and all. But anyway acting. "Oh Zander, it's so good to see you. It was great teaching you this year," he said in a higher voice, trying to mimic Bentley the best to his ability.


Simon laughed with a grin. Yes, he hoped that it wouldn't be to the death either. "Yeah, that wouldn't be good. I like life too much." He grinned from ear to ear at the mention of Bay playing his cars right about having people over. "That'd be fun. If you ever want to come to Australia, you're more than welcome to hang out. We can go to some beaches and have fun," he added. Zander could come too. And Kace. And Ethan. As well as Grayson and Adi. Aaaand Caleb too. Wow. Big group. They could have this whole group adventure manly men night or something.

There they were. She really should have known Lux would be at this table instead of her own. "Hello Lux. You really don't need to keep thanking me for taking care of Victor. It is my job after all." Healer Tillstorm still did not like the idea of Lux and Victor dating given the huge age gap between the two, but apparently her words of advice fell on deaf ears with those two. But that wasn't why she was looking for Victor, this time.

"Hello Victor. I wanted to check on you one last time before you left for the summer. How are you feeling? How's your shoulder doing?" And don't lie to her either boy. She will know.

And look at that. Simon was over here being social with the enemy lions. "Simon. Nice to see you over here making new friends." If the boy was going to choose a lion to be friends with, ar least he was choosing Victor, one of the good ones.

Simon then saw his Head of House approach Victor and Lux. Uh oh, he wasn't making friends with the Lions (which he totally was), he was just being a spy trying to infiltrate the ranks and study the lions to learn how to take them down, right? Yes. That was it. He was just observing as usual. He was about to salute his Head of House when he realized that would have been a wee bit stranger so he just grinned at her instead. "Hello Healer Tillstorm. Yes, I am," he said. "How are you? Can you believe the term's over?"

There was absolutely nothing wrong with her eyes thank you very much. He was the one was staring at her like she had something on her face, so maybe it was his eyes that had something wrong with them."My eyes are just fine." If she did need something to improve her vision she hoped that her mum would let her have contacts. Glasses just seemed like a pain to have to deal with. AJ laughed at the thought of him keeping his hair messy because he knew that she liked it that way. "Fine, I won't touch it ever again." That was a lie. "I don't need an excuse." If AJ wanted to touch Adi's hair, she was going to touch it. Both of them knew that to be true.

"I could to." Everybody was super helpful. Of course she didn't want to ever replace Adi. He was the one that made her see results. She gave Ian a thumb's up because he was always welcomed to work with her any time he'd like.

Scared? "No way." She knew that she could get plenty of people to join if she wanted them to. "Bet I could get more people than you." Try it? "Maybe next time. This is good stuff here." Normally she was adventurous, but the whole kidney thing was turning her off. "Are you guys about ready to head out?"

______________________________________________


Oh, so he didn't know about Abby? That really wasn't that surprising because Abby kept to herself, and she wasn't a lion. "Yeah, there's 3 of us. My other sister is Abby and she is in Ravenclaw." Good luck ever meeting her. "She doesn't have the same face as us." Just a little fun fact there Zander. AJ felt a little bit better. "I haven't wrote to them once. Not even when I didn't have an excuse." Next year she would be all over that though. Maybe.

"Cool. I'll let you get all settled and stuff first, and then I'll come hunt you down." Maybe hunt was a little bit strong of a word, but AJ was determined to get help from Zander because obviously he was doing something right. That's the spirit, well kind of anyways. "You bet we just started a winning streak." It was only going to get better from here. "Hang in there man." Whatever it was that had him so down was bound to pass. "I'll see you later, okay?" And with those words AJ walked dow the table to say hello to others.

Cece smiled at Simon when he asked how she was doing. "I'm okay Simon." Now that she was away from that staff table and her boss the woman who did nothing to hide the fact that she didn't like the healer. "To be honest, I'm glad the term is over. I really want to get away from this cold weather." And get home to the man she loves. "How about you? I'm sure you're ready to get home and see your mum family right?"

Oh. Right. It... It made sense. His parents not letting him come back and all... But Zander had never really considered it to be a real possibility. But he couldn't go through his fourth year without Bay there!! With a sunken face he looked back up to his older FIRST MATE EVER, "I... Yeah I understand..." His voice kind of died right then and there. It was just hallow and extremely sad. "I... It... Hogwarts would never be the same without you, you know?..." He knew that it was still just a possibility, but if Bay didn't come back what would he do what would he do!?



Breathe. Right. Breathe. The Gryffindor nodded his head a couple of times, before taking the advice. Right. Breathe. Inhale... Exhale... Inhale... Exhale... "Thanks Simon... I'm just- just so nervous you know?" Could he take the liquid luck now or was he supposed to wait?

Why did Simon sound so weird about the bouquet? It was a brilliant idea! Especially because the flowers all meant something super significant and great. He was just glad that Simon was so supportive. It would have been really awkward otherwise, because he had made up his mind. He had to go through with it. He had to live his life epically like Flailsteed said!

O___________O

.... Simon as a girl was really, really creepy. Blink. Blink. Blink. For a good minute after Simon had begun Zander just stared. Shocked. "I......" This was way too weird. "Hi Professor," and just like that a warm smile creeped unto his face. Professor Perfection. She was everything and more. The way her hair was so silky, her deep complex eyes, the way she hugged--oh man, her hugs. "Hi Professor," he repeated lamely. Except this time there was a complete difference in his mannerism. He was clearly entranced this time. "I...I...I for you," Was that even a sentence? The third year held out his goblet pretending it was the bouquet.

Just then. Just as suddenly as he had been caught in the act, he fell right back out of it. He wasn't actually talking to the love of his life. He was talking to Simon. "Mate, I'm... I'm hopeless." *Head desk*


Ravenclaw? The third year raised an eyebrow and tried to look over to the claw table. Nope. He definitely did not see another AJ/Aubrey there... O___O Oh. So they weren't identical triplets? Oh. Well, that made sense. Eh. Besides she was a first year too and a Ravenclaw so there was really no reason as to why they would cross paths in general. Other than classes.

The Gryffindor just nodded to the winning streak bit because he really was happy for his house. He wanted them to win SO badly, just it wasn't easy thinking about it with everything else going on in his head. And then all the sudden, AJ was gone. He hadn't even said goodbye or anything. Whoops.


How was he?! Well... That was kind of hard to answer. He was nervous about the Bentley thing, upset about the possibility that Bay wouldn't come back, worried about poor kevin, just... He was a mess! "I'm... Okay," at this he scooped up some mashed potatoes unto his plate and just mushed them around with his fork. "....What... what about you?" Could anyone tell that he was trying his ABSOLUTE hardest not to sound nervous. Because he really was.

”a party isn’t a party with out me..” he winked and laughed… and oh wait did she say that it would be at Willas…. Errrrrrrr.. ”are you inviting me or is she?” he needed to know because if Lux was inviting him then he wasn’t invited by Willa.. but if Willa invited him (which he highly doubted) then he would go for sure, that if he was allowed.. ughhh always wondering now if he would be allowed to go.

”oh yeah. My parents wouldn’t take the power of sending letters away from me, so I guess that’s one good thing to look forward too” he said while sighing.. he wishes he could just get in contact with his parents you know just to see what was going on in their heads, right now he just didn’t know.



”Nice… I’ve never been to Australia.. sounds like it would be fun..” everyone really wanted to go to the beaches this summer.. because so far this was second or third request for his presence at a beach party, smirk everyone just wanted the hot guy there and Bay was more than willing to fill that spot.
”yeah beaches always are a good idea, im like a fish… I love water” he laughed.



Hearing the tone that the healer was taking with Lux, kind of wanted to make him laugh because everyone was normally so nice to her. His smile got bigger as she was asking how he was doing more one last time.. D’AWWWWW how nice was she being.. he wondered if she was like that for everyone? Oh well… ”Im doing a lot better… and even more better now that the foods here” he pointed to the pile of food on his plate. ”I tend to be eating a bit more than normal but I can deal with that.. “ oh his shoulder, he gave it a small roll and thankfully didn’t receive any aches. ”my shoulder is getting better and better by the day. And my leg.. that is pretty much healed…”

he was going to ask her about that but maybe not here.. nope.. didn’t seem like it would be the best place to have the discussion of why one wound was taking longer to heal from the other, was it because one was a bite and one was a scratch? Guess only the creature knew right now. But anyways.. back to the converstation and stop starring into nothingness Bay. ”thank you so much for checking in on me.. im sure with the awesome healing you’ve preformed this year and the recommendation im sure my parents will be sending in for you that you’d get a raise of some sort and maybe an award.” no harm in giving praises when it was need and he knew as soon as he told his mother how awesome Healer Tillstorm was she would send a letter to Hogwarts right away.



”Don’t worry man, I’ll be putting up a fight that’s for sure if they want to keep me at home” he laughed as he saw the sad face of his friend. ”I know I don’t know what this place is going to do with out me..” he threw his hands up in the air like he was the king of this place but he knew he was only joking. ”you wanna pass that gravy mate?” he asked because he was totally eyeballing it and it was right by the kids arm.. he really wanted to smother his mashed potatoes all over in gravy.. YUMMMMMMMMM GRAVY!!!!!!!!!

Nod. Yes, Bentley was leaving. Seemed that the news hadn't spread too far judging by Simon's surprise. Glancing over at Zander, Lux bit her lip. "I don't think he knows, but he might." Should she ask him? Honestly, she wasn't sure.

"Honestly I've only been to Florida but it's really nice." There were beaches and it was hot. What more could a person want? The sibling comment made her laugh. It was true that hers could drive her nuts, but she still loved them. "I would love some chilliness. And sharing is wonderful." Lux would love to share the hot and cold weather with Simon.

Smiling at the Healer, Lux nodded. Well she couldn't help thanking the woman for saving Bay but she could try to stop. "So congratulations for coming in second place. It was a really tight race." For a time Slytherin had been in the lead. Tillstorm must be very proud of her House.

Okaaaaaay. Zander didn't seem to be fine, but whatever with an eyebrow raised she wondered what was up. Unles.... "Zander, I'm really sorry. I'm here for you, you know..." Reaching out, she put her hand on his and squeezed it gently. "I'm going to miss Professor Bentley too. Poor boy. It was so sad.

"I'm really excited to go home."

Lux tried to laugh, but it was hard because she was sad now. She couldn't help thinking that he probably wouldn't be back next term. "I'm inviting you, but Willa would be cool with it as long as her boyfriend is there." But she wouldn't make him come if he didn't want to.

"You're not coming back next term, are you?" Sniffle. Gosh, she was going to cry and she didn't want to.