Now that Terry had asked her out and to be his Valentine Ana desperately needed to find a present for him. He said chocolate would be good enough, and she'd probably buy him some of that, but she needed something else as well. She just wasn't sure what. They hadn't been together, or known each other long enough for her to get him something too personal. Although she would try to get him something a little personal. Which was why she was wandering around Hogsmeade and looking into shop windows.

So far she hadn't seen anything that wow'd her enough to head into a shop to buy him a gift, although she had bought some things for her siblings and she'd be going into Honeydukes at some point to buy sweets. But that was easy enough to do and so Ana had decided to leave that until last. Besides, she wanted to explore the town a bit anyway. It wasn't as impressive as some of the places that she'd been but it was nice enough. Charming, she supposed is what one would call it. She was also just enjoying being outside. Study had kept her in the castle but now that she was out and about she didn't want to go back to soon. While here she could maybe forget about all her study woes. It was while she was distracted that a gust of wind blew and her beanie flew from her head. Darn it!

Ana chased after her beanie finally grabbing it and leaning over to catch her breath. She hated the wind. Although she couldn't help but smile slightly as she realised she was now standing near the girl, who although she wasn't too sure on at first, had given her advice about her Christmas present crisis. "Lily," she said, giving the other girl a bright smile as she jammed her beanie back on her head.

Still softly humming, although the tune had changed somewhere along the line, Lily had found herself near the stationery shop and stopped. Maybe she could get some inks for her aunt, but then, she didn’t know if those would be useful. It really was difficult, especially since she didn’t want her aunt to think that she only thought of her as an artist. Even if she wasn’t technically her aunt, she was still family. She knew better than to get a stupid present, unless it was meant to be amusing. She hadn’t even had this much trouble coming up with an idea for Austin’s Christmas present, and that was what frustrated her even more. It was all silly, but she couldn’t escape it. Maybe she’d just send a card. That would be easier, and maybe the shop would have a nice one. At least, it would probably have something she could use to make one, although she was far from an artist. Sending an actual artist a badly made card seemed even sillier, but it was all she could think of. Either that or just a letter. She was okay at writing letters, anyway. Nobody had complained yet.

Before she could decide if she was going to go in the shop, though, she caught a beanie flying past out of the corner of her eye. She’d thought about trying to catch it, but by the time she’d decided it had been already caught and she saw a familiar head of red hair leaned over almost right next to her. Not as familiar as her mother’s and sister’s, but still familiar enough. “Ana?,” she asked, knowing it was her even as she had stood back up and seen her. “Hi,” she continued, returning the smile. At least maybe that meant the weird look during the dance lesson was forgotten. “Maybe a hat wasn’t the best idea?,” she added, referring to the fact the Slytherin’s had already flown off once. Although seconds after she’d said it she’d gotten a mouthful of hair as another gust of wind had traveled down the street and she’d laughed. “Or maybe it is.” Either that or she should have pulled her hair back, but it was too late now.

It was hard enough to walk with this stupid knee of hers, and even worse now that the bag from Zonko's was unbalancing her. Gwen did a sort of hop-walk down the street trying her best to keep all weight off of her injured knee.


Sure, she had gone to the healer about it, and she had fixed it up. But that hadn't lasted very long because it still hurt. A lot.

She was in the middle of a hobble-step when she spotted Ian, also appearing to have trouble walking. She raised her free hand to wave to him, resulting in a lot of stumbling on her part.

Okay, no more messing up this delicate balance thing. "Hey, Ian," she said loudly, mostly because she had trouble hearing her own voice. "How's it going?" The American was determined to not let this stupid old-people crap get in the way of her life.

" well im glad you spotted me. i wasnt really planning on running into anyone today but im glad it was you out of anyone." she was, Ari liked the girl, more then she'd probably ever admit. She was easy to talk to and though the two didnt get along at first Ari quickly grew to like the girl.

"not at all." charming that is, it wasnt. "i have a dog though, well Oakey does.. which is weird cause i hate dogs enough as it is." dogs we're like children needed constant care an attention and Ari didnt like the nagginess of it all, it was tiring and this was why she was and will never be a child liking person, nope. " its taken some getting use to but i have a nice routine going, i think." she hoped it kept up anyway, she wasnt one to like change much either.

WAIT! wait, wait.. hold the phone......"Prefect!?" HOW DID SHE NOT KNOW THIS!? WHAT WAS THIS LIFE!!

Ariana stopped walking abruptly and turned to look at the blonde. "How did i NOT know this!?" How HOW HOW HOOOWW!? she was confused and upset she was kept out of this circle, she really needed to owl people more, she really did.

"we are getting ice cream, on me, celebrating, let's go!" she said as she began walking again but this time towards ice cream. " getting... old!?" Ari knew first hand getting old was odd enough seeing as how she had just turned nineteen a few months back but old old with the grey and the wrinkles, she shuddered at the thought. " Why old? what is going on?" then again it was hogwarts, she shouldnt question it.

Ian was enjoying the feeling of the sun on his body. He really hadn't done much since his hearing had started going, but he needed to be out. He missed hanging out with his new friends, but all they did now was compare pain and shouting. Most of them, like him had gotten a little less able to hear. It was with some measure of surprise he thought he heard his name. He turned to look, slowly, and noticed Gwen down the road. He shuffled in her direction and smiled weakly.

In response to her question, which he didn't quite hear, he answered Well, the sun is nice and I thought I could use the exercise. I was hoping it would take some of the stiffness from my legs. How are you?

Gwen had literally no idea what Ian had said. She saw his lips moving, and heard garbled sounds, but it sounded like her ears were full of water. No clue what he was saying. "Sorry," she said. "What was that?"

With the question came the realization that she didn't actually care how he was doing. It was pretty obvious that his hip was worse. "I hope they get this thing sorted out. I'm really sick and tired of being an elderly eleven year old." The words were nearly shouted, but Gwen didn't notice. It was barely loud enough for her to hear.

Oh, look at those butterfly lashes.How could she repay him? Wellllllllll, he could sure think of a few ways. And then she was up on her toes and he felt a pair of lips on his cheek. The sides of his mouth upturned in a grin, and when she was back in front of him, he nodded. Yes, that would do. "For now." He smirked.

Aha, so he'd been spot on with his guess. See? He knew her so well. And then Tori was showcasing her new outfit and Paulie's eyes were stuck like glue. Did he like? Was that a rhetorical question? Regardless, he answered. "'Course I like it. Suits a princess real well, I think." Mhmmm. And he even checked her her outfit out for a little longer just for good measure, you know.

What was HE up to? "Nothin' really. Was thinkin' about stoppin' into Zonko's." A shrug rolled off his shoulders. But now he was quite content staying just right here in the street with one particular redhead. "Read some of your stuff in the Daily Prophet, ya know." Look at her, big shot writer and all.

Getting to Hogsmeade had been no trouble. A guy like Nikolai Moriarty always got what he wanted. It was his sapphire eyes. Or the cool-messy hair. Or his brilliant smile. No, no. Actually, it was all of that. He'd been blessed by high deities from above, you see.

He thought of this as he walked down the somewhat familiar street of Hogsmeade. In his entire life, he's only been here once. Except, his guide was nowhere to be seen. Where was she? And these people, they made it harder to pinpoint her.

Nikolai decided to lean against a building, like last time, arms crossed on his chest, and wait for Miss Vinnie. She better not have stood him up. It might wound his ego.

That was soon. Like three months soon and now Selina was having a panic attack. She needed a good puppy to sniff to calm down all of the crazy that was starting to pile up in her head. Or she needed someone to punch and smack or be physically abrasive to in a loving manner.

But before she could act on any of these anxieties, Kurumi had except it had totally been just Selina dropped ANOTHER huge bomb. A huge belly bomb. She was preggo. Right?

Selina Arden Skylar did NOT let people put their hands over her mouth. Especially people of the Kurumi Hollingberry nature. The redhead was ALLOWED to freak out. She had earned that. Her best friend was pregnant and they had set a date for the wedding, no doubt so that Kurumi wasn't fat in her wedding dress, and she had a lot of THINGS running around in her head. Merlin, Kurumi was being downright cruel- Selina liked to talk and talk and talk and talk. And they needed to TALK about this...like NOW.

So she did what any normal, rational person would do- she licked her best friend's hand. Nice and sticky like.

"Do NOT cover my mouth again," she punctuated with a little glare. "And NO I CAN NOT." Screaming was happening. "You don't just drop the date of your wedding and the fact that YOU ARE PREGNANT, KURUMI HOLLINGBERRY. What would your father think?" Answer: not good things. "Does he even know? Does Vivi know? Merlin, you are in SO much trouble, missy." Like so much butt whooping trouble.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cedric

Oh, look at those butterfly lashes.How could she repay him? Wellllllllll, he could sure think of a few ways. And then she was up on her toes and he felt a pair of lips on his cheek. The sides of his mouth upturned in a grin, and when she was back in front of him, he nodded. Yes, that would do. "For now." He smirked.

Aha, so he'd been spot on with his guess. See? He knew her so well. And then Tori was showcasing her new outfit and Paulie's eyes were stuck like glue. Did he like? Was that a rhetorical question? Regardless, he answered. "'Course I like it. Suits a princess real well, I think." Mhmmm. And he even checked her her outfit out for a little longer just for good measure, you know.

What was HE up to? "Nothin' really. Was thinkin' about stoppin' into Zonko's." A shrug rolled off his shoulders. But now he was quite content staying just right here in the street with one particular redhead. "Read some of your stuff in the Daily Prophet, ya know." Look at her, big shot writer and all.

For now, Tori repeated in her head, definitely liking the sound of that. "Well thank ya," she fiddled with the edges of her skirt and tried to refrain from spinning again. This was just the perfect spinning skirt, ya know? That was obviously why she had bought it, besides it having an amazing color.

She noticed him lookin'. Uh huh.

"I'll walk with you!" she offered brightly. Zonko's, though, what did he need from Zonko's? Tori didn't mind a little extra walking though. "You diiiiiiiiiid?" Tori was blinking up at him again with those big butterfly lashes. "What did you think?!" DID HE SEE THE FASHION ARTICLE? DID HE DID HE DID HE? She kept a cool exterior like it was nothing. "I mean, pft, yeah. I'm a writer." Totes cool about it too.

Ian nodded as she spoke. He wondered a little if he should begin learning how to read lips, because he could barely make out her words. He decided to smile and nod appreciatively. Then he spoke again. "Well, it seems like you're moving a bit better. I hope that you are feeling better." He wondered what she had done. Of course, it probably wouldn't matter. It seemed he was destined to be an old 12 year old boy who would shuffle until he passed on.

His mind drifted as he wondered what was in the beyond. What happened after one passed? It was interesting to think about. Of course, it wasn't the thought pattern of most 12 year old boys, but he sure was pleased to have the opportunity to rest a moment. He began to look around for a place to sit down. Want to have a seat? he asked her. He wondered why he kept speaking in a whisper.

Recoiling a little and holding her hand as though she had tried taking a cookie sheet out of the oven without any oven mitts, Kurumi stood very still. Selina was in wild animal mode and it was one of those situations were playing dead seemed very appealing. Although she wasn't sure she would receive any sort of sympathy at the moment if she were to fake pass out in the middle of the street now. Probably earn something more like a slap across the face and Selina yelling at her about not being allowed to faint at a time like this.

So. Standing very still and making awkward and nervous glances at the people passing by that were definitely staring.

For the first time in forever a long time, Kurumi's hair actually began to change colors without her willing it so. Her long black hair began to turn a burnt orange and then eventually to a pale orange colors. Needless to say, she was more embarrassed than she was terrified. Even if wild animal mode Selina could be terrifying. At least she didn't have Mortimer with her today.

"Selina, will you CALM the WHISKERS down," she hissed with slightly flaily arms. "I'm NOT pregnant nor am I planning on being so in the near future." So...breathe please and stop the flaring nostrils? "I mean, we've talked about it and we both want babies...but...can we stop talking about this? Just go throw snowballs at each other while drinking warm pumpkin juice?"

At least she would be drinking pumpkin juice. Selina was going to order off the "big kids" menu.

Cute. Tori was so cute toying with her skirt and batting those lashes and being all Princessy. Paulie grinned over at her and shook his head.

Yes, pleeeaaase. He wanted Tori to be his walking buddy. He offered his arm very gentlemanly and probably a little exaggeratedly. But that was because he WAS in the presence of royalty and all. "I diiiiid," he echoed with a smile. He laughed and his eyes maaaay have rolled in their sockets a bit when she put on her 'cool writer' act. "I think it was real good. You're real good. It's just crazy that you're like.. a Daily Prophet writer." That was intense. That was a BIG newspaper and she was writing for it and TONS of people read that. She was basically famous. Well, in writing.

"Did ya know I switched career paths myself recently?" Mhmmm. As if he were talking about the weather.

Kace decided to go explore the high streets of hogsmeade. He would daze sometimes and his feet would lead him to unexpected places. It was quite cool sometimes. But it could back fire. But today he was supposed to meet Mitchell here. He hadn't seen him since the whomping willow and he felt he was a cool dude. Plus he needed to ask him about Marigold. He wanted to know if they were couple for reasons. But he won't be so blunt about it.

He found a nice chair to sit in and decided to just relax and take in the scenery of the high streets.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cedric

Cute. Tori was so cute toying with her skirt and batting those lashes and being all Princessy. Paulie grinned over at her and shook his head.

Yes, pleeeaaase. He wanted Tori to be his walking buddy. He offered his arm very gentlemanly and probably a little exaggeratedly. But that was because he WAS in the presence of royalty and all. "I diiiiid," he echoed with a smile. He laughed and his eyes maaaay have rolled in their sockets a bit when she put on her 'cool writer' act. "I think it was real good. You're real good. It's just crazy that you're like.. a Daily Prophet writer." That was intense. That was a BIG newspaper and she was writing for it and TONS of people read that. She was basically famous. Well, in writing.

"Did ya know I switched career paths myself recently?" Mhmmm. As if he were talking about the weather.

Whaaaaat was he grinning about? Tori didn't know but she found the corners of her mouth turning up anyway.

She giggled a little and accepted his arm, hitching her skirt up a dainty little bit with her other hand. "Well well, Lemonade Knight. I am ever so pleased to have you as an escort." She ambled along with him and tried not to get TOO full of herself when he said he liked the article... and he thought she was a good writer! YAY!!! She was like DP official now!!!!!!! And Paulie seemed impressed!!!!! "Crazy cool, right?"

Oh wow, he was on to another path. Tori had several thoughts about THAT, but didn't say anything. Yet. "Well what are you up to?" She kept her tone very carefully casual.

David knew it was true, but he didn't really expect the girl to confirm his thoughts. He raised an eyebrow and smirked a little. Never mind that she'd said never mind, he was going to roll with this, at least a little. "Oh yeah? Well thanks, glad you think so."

But anyway, Hogwarts. That was what he should be focusing on. Heh. "Yeah? Do you like it so far?" Most people seemed to even with the crazy stuff that went on, at least from what he'd heard.

Feeling like a bear? No. Gwen shook her head. "No, I don't like bears very much." Who did? Especially shaved bears. They looked like freaking creepy demon animals. It dawned on her that Ian had had this old thing before her. Maybe he knew more about it.

Did anyone in this school know sign language? Since they were all old and deaf, maybe they should all learn. That way at least Gwen could communicate with them.

She nodded in response to Ian's question. Yes, she certainly did want to have a seat. She was supposed to be keeping pressure off of her knee, healer's orders. Gwen walked over to the nearest bench and plopped down on it, grateful to not be standing anymore. It had been a bad idea to walk to Hogsmeade, and she was sure the walk back would be even worse.

"Ian, what do you know about the old-people thing," she asked bluntly. Even if he wouldn't tell her before, now that she had it, maybe he would be more likely to share information? Especially since this time she wasn't accusing him of playing a joke on the school.

Mitchell walked around before finally spotting Kace. "Oh. Hey. There you are. You'd think I'd know how to not get lost on one street."

But nope. He had managed it.

Which was weird considering he used to wander around New York for fun. Maybe all the magic disoriented him. Yes. He'd use that excuse.

Selina was so not ready to be an aunt or anything even close to a mature adult yet. And babies meant that she would have to BE ONE OF THOSE PROPER ADULTS. Even though they weren't her babies, but still, it would be basically the same thing because Selina would be the one teaching her kids how to fly. And what else was there with parenting? The redhead didn't know. That seemed about all her Dad ever did and she turned out just fine. Right? Right.

SO Rumi being pregnant was very irresponsible for Selina and where she wanted her life right now. Ahem. Except she meant Kurumi's life and where she wanted...okay, she was stressed. This was a lot to think about. AND THEY WERE DOING A SHOTGUN WEDDING TOO. Merlin, would Kurumi be pregnant enough at that point when she was married that she'd be fat? Probably. Awkward wedding photos.

Ramble, ramble. "I mean, I had noticed you were getting a little wide in the middle, but I didn't think anything of i-"

OH. Oh, she wasn't preggo.

...

Awk.

"Your hair looks LOVELY today. Have I mentioned that?"

Kace perked up when he heard a familiar voice. He turned around and noticed it was Mitchell. Oh right the dude from New York. He smirked when he said the comment. "Yeah especially you being from New York and all...?" he teased him a little bit.

"So how have you been doing dude?" he asked his friend.

Mitchell laughed. "Exactly." he said with a nod. He'd get the hang out it though. By the end of the summer he was fine navigating Diagon Alley. Although, he did much prefer muggle London. There were more fun things to look at.

"Oh. You know. Just the usual. School. Pretending to do homework. Figuring out what I'm supposed to do with a cactus." The last one was courtesy of Goldilocks. "You? We haven't really had a chance to talk recently."

Paulie gave a laugh. Her escort, yes. That's what he was. He straightened up his posture as she held her skirt. Quite the pair putting on quite the show. Were these Hogsmeaders seeing this? They were like fake celebrities. Except Tori kind of was a real one now. KIND of. "Well, well, Princess, I am ever so pleased to be your escort." He grinned again. Crazy COOL, yes. Crazy cool that she was a writer. Not crazy as in.. well, bad crazy. "Yep. In fact, I'll probably have to ask for your autograph at some point today." Maybe she had a pink pen to sign it in too, yes.

"I aaaaaam.." dragging out the word for no reason, "workin' for Wizarding Wireless Network." Radio station. That. "Kinda at the bottom of the totem pole, at the moment." But you couldn't really start at the TOP, right? Started from the bottom now we're HERE.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cedric

Paulie gave a laugh. Her escort, yes. That's what he was. He straightened up his posture as she held her skirt. Quite the pair putting on quite the show. Were these Hogsmeaders seeing this? They were like fake celebrities. Except Tori kind of was a real one now. KIND of. "Well, well, Princess, I am ever so pleased to be your escort." He grinned again. Crazy COOL, yes. Crazy cool that she was a writer. Not crazy as in.. well, bad crazy. "Yep. In fact, I'll probably have to ask for your autograph at some point today." Maybe she had a pink pen to sign it in too, yes.

"I aaaaaam.." dragging out the word for no reason, "workin' for Wizarding Wireless Network." Radio station. That. "Kinda at the bottom of the totem pole, at the moment." But you couldn't really start at the TOP, right? Started from the bottom now we're HERE.

Was that funny? Tori sort of shot him a grin and continued to hold her head high as they walked along. Why not? She lived her life as though she were a celebrity all the time. Heck, she lived her life as though she were royalty. Paulie ought to know that and hopefully not be embarrassed of her...

Oh good, he was pleased to be her escort. "Well, if you do a good job of escorting me, I might just have to keep you around," she side-eyed him to see what he thought of that. Ooooooh her autograph! "I will happily give that to you!" She beamed at him. "Just tell me where you want me to sign." And her hazel eyes raked him over oneeeee more timeeeee just for effect. Hehe.

She let out a small, happy gasp when he said he was working for the Wireless and gave his arm a gentle little squeeze. "Oh congrats, Paulie, CONGRATS! That's WONDERFUL news! So perfect for you! Are you deejaying? Hosting a talk show??" Well probably not, if he said he was at the bottom. "How exciting! We're both journalists, in a way!"

Kace chuckled and then had to question it. "A cactus? Huh...never heard that before. Why do you have a cactus?" he asked him curiously. Oh it was his turn? He smiled and replied, "Oh you know, the usual. Going to classes...trying to do the homework and flying around the practice pitch in my spare time. But i see you and Marigold hanging out a lot. You two a thing?" he asked him with a smirk.

Vinnie was a bit late but she didnt want to rush down to Hogsmeade. How uncool would that look. So she just strolled down the street twirling a strand of her curly hair around her finger and chewing on a chewing gum. He better be there already water for her. Looking hot as per. Ahem.

To be honest the brunette was rather excited to see Mister Idiot again. It had been a long time. Stupid schools being stupid. Just as she was coming down the road her eyes landed on a dark haired boy leaning against a wall. Mister Idiot. Smiiirkk.

Vinnie approached him sneakily and leaned next to him on the wall."Waiting for somone?"