Ah, hmmm. Why was it that Dima was SO SO eager to speak to him all of a sudden? He should be excitedly sharing his summer plans with his friends and realizing that it would feel like AGES before they saw each other again. "Hey, mate. What's up? Did you get a cannoli? Cat makes the best everything." Cat got a squeeze for it.

LITTLE BUDDY. Mo waved cheerfully at her, wondering why she hadn't come down the table with Dima. "Come hug me right NOW, Coop." The rules were the rules.

"It's a long way down when you have a monkey on your back," Mo nuzzled against Cat with a satisfied air, perfectly happy to just cuddle up next to her while he waited to eat. He'd already managed to eat a cannoli, and he was trying to limit his sweets with a Quidditch tryout coming up next week.

He didn't want to carry the cannoli around the pitch if he could help it. "Hi. I'm glad you're friends with Dora, 'cause we're going to be spending loads of time with her and Alice. I have plans to haunt them for local thrills." He liked bothering those two in particular, and he happened to know where they lived. Or would live.

"I'm okay. Are... you?"

"I always speak the truth," Mo scoffed at Sophie, reaching around Cat to tug her hair. Always always. She looked happy, though, and Mo wasn't going to push his luck. They could all be just happy for as long as possible. Or if not happy... content? Fine? They could all be fine.

"I thought I was the best. How can Cat be he best?"

Oh. Ouch. That was so painful. Kyroh was so cute with his sweet little face and his cute little ideas and his words totally punched her right in the gut and it really hurt. "The best presents are one that we don't expect, right?" It was possible that Cat might have had a few tears stinging in her eyes because of this little boy. Merlin. "You really want me to stay?" She grinned big, "You're not tired of having me around yet?" He was such a cutie. He was.

Since everyone else was sitting around talking to everyone else and not paying them any attention, Cat placed a quick kiss on Kyroh's head, just in time for no one else to see. "Here." She offered him the box, "You're going home to see your mama now, but I thought maybe you could use some Cat made cookies. The ones that we made together."

"You're welcome, little bird." Cat kissed Soph's head an pinched her cheek. "He's been studying too hard, let's take it easy on him yeah?" She whispered into Sophie's ear, obviously teasing.

"You carried her all the way down from the tower?" Cat grinned and nudged Soph, "Now we're both helping Mo stay in shape for Quidditch things!" High five! Quite happy, she placed a kiss on Mo's cheek and beamed. "She already invited me over to visit them so that works out well." Cat pulled her arm away from Sophie for just a moment so that she could hug Mo. Everyone else had been getting hugs tonight, so boyfriend needed a super extra awesome love hug. "I'm okay. I'll be sad later." She was guessing it would probably hit her on the train. Maybe.

She hooked her arm back around Soph after hugging on Mo. "The best, best, best." Hehe. That was her.

Marigold let out a breath that she didn't know she had been holding in once it became apparent that she was successfully receiving at least three out of four autographs. "Um, I don't really mind. Anything you want." And she didn't even stutter! Go McAlistor. She looked at the parchment, then her gaze flickered to his hair. Grr. She wanted perfect hair like his.



There was the last one. The girl one. Vesper. Marigold made her way towards her, her recent courage dying down. She looked intimidating. And she had spray paint. Maybe she would spray Marigold in the face when she asked. Oh no. Once Marigold was at the proper distance, she tried to catch Vesper's attention. "Er, hi. D'you think you could... erm... sign this for me?" She held out yet another piece of parchment. She held it above shoulder level, just in case Vesper would try and paint her. She was prepared.

Mika grinned when Nigel admitted most of his summer would be spent relaxing. That sounded great, relaxing was the best really. “Oh good for you having a backup plan, but I do hope for your sake that your big dream of being a musician pans out” she nodded. ”I personally can’t wait to start my courses in Magical Law” and of course she noticed both Mo and Sophie.

Still her attention was snagged again by the young redhead next to her. ”Beach party? Where and when is it?” She asked happily. ”would it be alright if I brought Kaiden with me?” she asked quietly and immediately broke into a smile whens he heard what Lux had to say next. ”That is awesome! We’ll have to go and draw something together on the train!” she grinned and then sent Dora a quick smile.

”Yeah of course it will be, and honestly your summer plans sound amazingly fun as well,” she nodded and then turned her attention to Kyroh.

”Oh wow I’m sure you have zillions of them” she grinned, ”sadly she’s a bit too young right now…about seven I think? But no doubt she’ll have quadrupled her collection by the time she is accepted” she chuckled and ran her hand through her hair. ”but…my cousin Serena’s friend Puck is actually coming here next year – I don’t know what she collects though…” broken hearts was the largest collection she knew Puck collected. ”but honestly I’m sure she’d trade with you even by Owl…” she grinned again.

Oh look, roommate person. Maddie smiled a little and waved. She'd been a bit skeptical about the whole sharing a space with other girls her age THING but all in all, it hadn't been THAT bad. Merlin knew it could've gone worse and really, Penelope had turned out to have her back which had surprised the small brunette. It also made her think her fellow first year wasn't half bad. "Hey Penelope, ready to get out of this prison?" They'd been trapped for a LONG time, did she KNOW?



Maddie WAS smart. She also wasn't bothered SO much by Grayson's smirking. It was more the air of arrogance he had about him. Like HE was the bees knees, whatever THAT meant. He had yet to show HER what was so great and so SHE wasn't a fan, not YET. Also, the pun went RIGHT over the first year's head but she DID think this was a solid choice for the male prefect. "Way to go, Nigel. Play to your strengths." And his hair was DEFINITELY a strength.



"Not jealous. They don't like that I'm friends with boys. Or they wouldn't like it, rather. S'not like I've been able to write them." NOT that she was planning on telling them ANYTHING they didn't NEED to know. "So no, please don't invite them. PLEASE. You CAN meet them, though. If you wanted to." Though Merlin knew why ANYONE would want to subject themselves to THAT bunch.

Dot was a girl. LIKE her. Well at least Kyroh KNEW she was a girl. Congratulations to him. And for some reason, the thought of meeting another girl their age who was ALREADY friends with Dima and Kyroh made the first year furrow her brow. "What's she LIKE?"



"That's really nice." The small brunette was going to put Cat with Ethan in the "Nice Slytherin" category, the other ones being "Vain Slytherin," "Slytherin with Potentional," and "Slytherin to Avoid". She wanted to have her bases covered, y'know? But hugs? WHAT was with people at this school and hugs? I yi yi.

The first year waged an internal war for all of TWO seconds, deciding the promise of a present FAR outweighed the momentary uneasiness that accompanied a hug. And so Maddie sidled up to the older girl and gave her a proper squish, just like Dima and Kyroh usually did to HER. She even SMILED 'cause you don't just toss someone out into the world without one of THOSE too.

"How long do Cat hugs last, usually?" JUST asking.


...More hugs. Feasts were going to be hug fests then, yeah? At least she KNEW now so that she'd be prepared for it in the future. Still, she wasn't a FAN. Even IF it was an excuse to go see MO.

The twelve year old carefully got up and wandered over to the older boy, hesitating before wrapping her arms around him awkwardly. "Does everyone at this school except me love hugs, Mo?" Seriously, she was starting to wonder.

NORMALLY he would have let go already, but he didn't feel like letting go of Cat. She gave good hugs and plus snuggles. His brows came together and he pouted just a bit as he tried to look up at Cat. "Why would I be tired of having you around?" It wasn't like he saw her ALL the time. PLUS she was his friend. He couldn't get tired of his friends."I think you should stay for six more years." That sounded EXCELLENT to him. "Marcus Branxton can stay for six more years too I guess." Just cause he was her boyfriend and all, and Kyroh liked Mo.

But Cat was going to STAY right?

It was decided?

It was known?

He simply squeezed harder at Cat's kiss and finally decided to drop his arms when she held the box out. GRIN. "But I don't need them now, 'cause we can bake cookies next year!" Not that he wouldn't take them though. Cat's cookies weren't as good as his moms but they were still DELICIOUS.



"A Zillion isn't a real number." Silly seventh years. How could Kyroh be sure that they would be SAFE out there in the real world if they didn't even know numbers? It was concerning!!!

Seven? Her sister was only seven? That was little. "I owl her and tell her which ones are RARE." And which ones should NOT be traded unless she could get a billion galleons. (See seventh year, billion was a real number)

"Pucks' a funny name though. MAYBE that's her name 'cause she collects those ball things from that one Muggle game." The name was failing him at the moment but he was sure it was played on ice.



"Oh." Kyroh murmured, reaching up and scratching his head. That idea sounded WEIRD to him. Why wouldn't Maddie's brothers like the fact that she was friends with boys? "What's so wrong with boys? Do you want me to pretend to be a girl?"

How EXACTLY did one pretend to be a girl, Kyroh had no clue but Maddie's brothers weren't going to break the three of them up, JUST when Maddie had gotten used to using the word FRIEND.

What was Dot like? "Ummmmm." His eyes flickered to Dima before landing back on his other friend, not failing to notice the look she was currently giving. "I only met her once. But she knows about social conventions and she likes stickers I think and she knows how to appreciate a GOOD birthday waffle." So THAT was basically all you had to look for in a friend, right?

No. No. She can’t be sad. Ethan hates it when she’s sad…did she know? Of course not. But…he’s here to make her feel better, yeah? The blond boy nodded and gave her a small grin. Yeah, graduating older kids. The thought of not coming back to Hogwarts as a student must be a bittersweet moment. Ethan imagined himself to be as tall as Mo over there, and looking ready to face the real world. He wondered if he’ll be prepared ever for the moment. Just the thought of leaving Hogwarts with Simon…and eventually, Josie as she’s a year younger than him made him feel uncomfortable.

Ethan looked at Josie and smiled at her, clearing his head with such thoughts. “You’ll still get to see them, yeah? It’s not like…goodbye forever.” The Slytherin shrugged and watched her reaction. Cassia will be leaving too, and although he and the Head Girl aren’t close, he also felt a bit sad because he won’t be able to see her around the castle anymore. Cassia was very helpful and he will miss that. She’s a good role model, really.

Was he okay though? Ethan grinned and rubbed the back of his head. “Hapgood’s HOGGING the limelight from the rest of the Slytherins and decided to hit me with her plate.” He said as he turned and eyed the witch with dagger looks. “…best to keep away from her if I were you.” He normally wouldn’t tell the others that, especially if said person is a fellow from one’s House. But what she did was beyond misbehaving. She IS violent. “Apart from her trying to break school property by banging it on my head, I’m doing great.” He said as he nodded remembering the acknowledgement Tillstorm gave him. “By the way I have something for you…” he trailed off as he fished something out of his pocket.

Oh and look! Kyroh! Ethan remembered something when he saw the boy. He made a mental note to look for him in the train. A nod and a smile was given to the first year.

It made Lux happy that Mika seemed thrilled about the beach party - but then who wouldn't be. "Well, I have to admit that I don't have all the details worked out yet." Hehe. Silly her. "But I can owl you as soon as I know and of course Kaiden can come." As if she would pass up the opportunity to meet her new friend's boyfriend. Besides, he had been her House Prefect and that had to count for a lot since Hufflepuff was awesome. Just not as awesome as Gryffindor.

The prospect of having fun with Mika on the train caused Lux to bounce in her seat excitedly. She and Elodie could always be counted on to enjoy colouring books with her. Speaking of Elodie, Lux needed to say goodbye to her on the train. It was sad to see all these awesome Seventh Years go and she would miss all of her friends that were Graduating. "This is going to be so awesome."

Josie listened to him as he spoke & shrugged a little bit before nodding to agree with him. "I-I hope so...Perhaps they might come back n-next term...if Quidditch were to return...I-I hope.." She couldn't help but wonder what it would be like for her five terms from now when she would be the one graduating & moving out into this BIG world. Actually the very thought was making the young girl become a bit stressed out & almost wanting to cry again, so she quickly shook that weary thought from her mind. Taking a deep breath she was soon calming herself down.

Turning her attention back Ethan to find out if he was okay, she was soon to find out that apparently some girl name Agatha from Slytherin house had HIT him in the head with her plate? "W-What? D-Do you need me to take y-you to the hospital wing?" Without thinking she had suddenly reached up to examine the back of his head & was trying to get a better look. But about two second had gone by before she realized what she was doing & cleared her throat slowly backing off by not touching his head anymore & sat up straight again. "S-Sorry about that.." Just the thought of someone using a plate to hit someone in the head made Josie feel very troubled & a bit bothered by this, but she couldn't quite put her finger to it as she sat there. But nonetheless Ethan said he was apparently doing great aside from this mean attack, which she figured was still good right?

Her interest had perked up with intrigue & a slight bit of a cautious feeling as he told her he had something for her. The only word she could muster up as she felt her heart begin to start rapidly dancing in her chest was, "O-Oh?"

Ooooh! Of course, Josie plays Quidditch! Ethan would love to see her in action…and he just might cheer for her, even if her team’s playing against his House. Maybe. “My cousin went to visit Hogwarts during one of the matches…said it was a great feeling to see Hogwarts after leaving it for good.” Maybe, he and Josie WILL get the chance to do so when they’re older? Hopefully. Mordred had a grand time watching the match with his girlfriend. Ethan noticed the deep breaths that Josie was making…and the boy’s brows furrowed in concern. “Are you alright? Is something wrong?” Because…she can tell him things that bothers her, yeah?

Then it was her turn to worry. Merlin. They worry too much for each other, no? “No, I don’t need to go to the hospital wing…I’m not--” Whoa wait. Is she…touching the back of his head? Was she checking it out? WAS SHE TOUCHING HIS HAIR??! Ethan fought back the urge to squeal in happiness and bit his lips real hard. GOSH, JOSETTE. The blond boy was enjoying the moment, even THANKING Agatha for hitting him, because if not, this moment won’t be happening…but the moment stopped. What? NO! Don’t! Ah. Oh well. Ethan wondered why she’s apologizing though. “It still hurts…a bit…” A lie of course, just so he could get Josie’s attention, but wait! His gift!

“Never mind my head,” he started as he got out three parchments folded together. “Here. I wrote down the piece I played for you earlier this term.” He said as he handed the parchment to her. “If you remember, my mom composed it for me…as a practice piece, and now…I’m giving it to you as your practice piece.” Ethan beamed at the girl, feeling elated that he was able to share something that meant a lot to him.

Josie found herself feeling a little bit better as Ethan began to tell her about his cousin & how likes to visit during the matches. But he said it was a great feeling after leaving it for good. But the question was, was it really that great of a feeling though? She didn't know, but something inside of her felt like it would be a very difficult thing for her not to be here all time, especially when she graduates. BUT THAT YEARS AWAY, so no need to be getting upset by that at all either! Not even going to give it another thought nope. Just as she'd thought she was alright, Ethan had asked if she was alright. She quickly nodded, "I-I am, it's just definitely scary to think about..not being here...I-I like this place...a lot..." It was definitely true.

"A-Are you sure? T-The plates here don't look very gentle..especially if it was against y-your head.." After touching his head she picked up one of the plates & gave a light tap on it once or twice coming to the conclusion that it felt like a blunt object that would definitely hurt somebody, so was Ethan really hurt & he was trying to pretend he was fine? AHA SHE WAS RIGHT! He'd told her it still hurt a bit! So just as she was about to gently turn his head to look for any kind of injuries, he'd suddenly changed the subject & told her to never mind his head. Doing as he'd said she'd brought her hands back down to her lap as she looked at him reach for something.

It was three parchments folded together. What were those? Was there some kind of a message on them or something? Was it a piece of homework he hadn't gotten to hand in to a Professor? Speaking of which, wasn't it a little late to try & do that now-OH wait, it was music. Not just any music, it was that beautiful arrangement he had played for her when they'd ventured into the Room of Requirement. The song that his mother had written for him specifically. And now he was giving to her? She'd given a very shocked & puzzled looked as she took the three pieces of parchment in her hands. Josie couldn't find the words for a few moments, but then she cleared her throat as she made eye contact with him. "I-I don't know about this..T-This is a beautiful piece..B-But it was written for you E-Ethan..A-Are you s-sure?" From what he'd told her about his mother & this piece of beautiful music, it seemed that this was something that would be very important to him, something that perhaps he might only want to own.