While Cutty and Grayson examined their vials, Cosgrach studied the room. There was West with a b - Simon!, and Theo entered the common room that moment, and Ethan came down from the dormitories to... him. The man smiled at the boy, returned West's wave/salute and brought out the jar from his pocket.

"Sure, it's warming me well. Thank you. That was very thoughtful." He put it back in his pocket. It was warming him up from there and there wasn't anywhere to put it now anyway.

"I brought you a thank-you gifts," he said in answer to Ethan and some of their questioning eyes, "West and Theo, you have a vial too. I brewed them for you guys, for you were always respectful and blah blah," he waved his hand impatiently, they knew all those good adjectives, "and paid close attention to my classes. Thanks." Ethan had a Calming Draught, in case he got too sad or angry at his fate. He had a letter attached to his vial explaining that, though, because Cosgrach was sure the boy wouldn't want them to know he might need Calming Draught sometime.

He waited for West and Theo to come grab theirs too, before he explained what their potions were, and why.

Ethan watched as Cosgrach got something out of his pocket…and he was grinning like an idiot by now, seeing that the professor found it very useful, and it did make his mood better because he’s smiling. Or maybe because he’s back in his old dorm? Ethan was pretty sure that the visit brought fun memories to the man, making him forget about the cold for a while. “Oh yeah, it works!” Thoughtful? The Slytherin felt it wasn’t enough, to be honest, but Ethan felt elated because for once he felt he was being valued. “You’re welcome, ‘fessor. Anytime.” And yes, it was a promise.

Oh so they were getting gifts from the potions master for a job well done? Professor Culloden took the time to brew all of those, just to say thanks. That was just awesome. “Sweeeeeeet!” Ethan got his phial, and examined it. “This is not a Singing Suspension, yeah?” the fair-haired boy asked as he held up the bottle. “…if it isn’t, maybe you could teach me how to brew one. Show that rubbish paper that I can sing well, until I make my point.” What was he talking about? Oh. Yes. That paper called Aparecium smacking his face while running late for class. Have Cosgrach read that? Merlin. As the boy turned the phial, he realized that there was a note, tightly attached to its body. He took it off, and quietly read it. Ethan sheepishly smiled, scratched the back of his head and shot the man a glance. “Thanks for this, sir. Really.” He said almost in a whisper. “This’ll come in handy…evenifyour’renotaround.” He added as he nodded and studied the bottle again.

Can he hug him now? No? Okay.

Being called to by his first name by Culloden was enough to make Grayson sit up a little and puff out his chest in pride. Was he a favourite? He liked to think so. And he was with a cool group of favourites, too. Cutty and Ethan. 'Sup and all. And there was some older kid way over there he hardly knew but was called West. Okay. Hey.

And a reluctant!nod for Theodore Kinsley.

So back to Culloden, who had made potions to mark their hard work. Wasn't it nice to have your hard work appreciated? Of course! Though, it may have a little to do with how much the boy liked Potions so he was always willing to take put his hardest efforts into the lessons. Didn't want to seem like a dumbo either. Nuh uh.

"Thanks for doing this, Professor." Smiles for you. See? MANNERS. Of course he had some. And because he was interested, Grayson didn't hesitate in picking up the vial for him and eyeing it carefully. It was.......... blue. A calming blue. One that, oddly, reminded him of the walls of the Potions classroom. He popped it open and took a quick sniff. Oh jeez, this smelt FLOWERY. Like the detergent his mum liked to use sometimes.

Anddddd now he was secretly homesick. Not for the flowery detergent, but his parents. Obviously.

ANYWAYS. This potion. He needed to write a thing or two down so, grabbing a spare piece of parchment and a quill that was laying around, Grayson started jotting down a thing or two.

"Okay, because of the scent, I don't think it's Amortentia," Because LOL like his favourite scent would include FLOWERS. "It's not Felix Felicis becaaaause of the colour. And not any of the ones you taught us." At this point, the fourth year was probably mumbling more to himself than anything. "You knooooow. It smells like......." Grayson took another sniff. "Like the Calming Draught. Flowery. But the colour doesn't match up."

Soooooo......... blue eyes on the Potions Master. "Any hints, sir? What kind of ingredients were used in the potion?" Just a couple.

He nodded in agreement. Yes, it was the next best thing. Being able to continue school and have a future career secured away, it seemed as if West had everything already planned. "Seems like you have everything worked out," said Simon who was unsure if he would have everything worked out too. He didn't know. His blue eyes widened as he listened to West explain where Wigtown was located. Simon didn't know where everything that he was speaking about was located as he wasn't the best with Scottish geography; however, he just nodded. He'd look it up later at the library.

His eyes widened when he learned that Theo, the Head Boy, was a muggleborn too. "Awesome. It's good to have a best mate!," he said, thinking about the endless things West could probably get away with having a best mate who was head boy. Who knew? Perhaps Ethan, Zander, Cutty would be Head Boy one day? If so, Simon would be in good company. "I haven't met Theo but I've seen him around a lot." Nod. Nod.

Simon scrunched his nose a little. Flirting? Agatha was trying to flirt with him by flipping her hair all the time? Simon had never guessed that. "I didn't think of that. I thought she was just trying to seem really cool." Or she was simply trying to attack him with her lovely locks of brown hair. Yeah. It wasn't flirting. Simon was fairly certain of it. But it could have been, right? Interesting. Simon paused, listening to West's advice. That was good advice indeed. "Let them think that you've outplayed them. How do you do that?"

Of course he was?

The third year was a bit baffled by this all. Was he supposed to know West? "Uh.. Good." That made things less awkward. So why did the boy feel awkward? He didn't know. However, he felt compelled to add, "I don't really know many of the upperclassmen save for Cassia and Vinnie."

Quote:

Originally Posted by StarShine

In the morning, Cosgrach had visited the Gryffindors. In the evening, he was in his old house. He felt like what he was doing was in vain, that they were going to die freezing anyway, but he still entered his home and for the first time in a long time, didn't hate living in the dungeons. He felt warm and hopeful again... until his eyes fell on the window and the sight of a lake that looked colder than the Arctic.

...yeah.

Shrugging to himself, he tried to look brave and as if everything was alright, that there were fresh flowers instead of snow outside a if should be in the summer. He looked away and studied the rest of the room. It was more or less the same as his childhood. That was better while he was overwhelmed with nostalgia and walked to a coffee table. He set down the bag he was carrying and got out vials with different potions and name tags: West Odessa, Ethan Mordaunt, Cutty Mordaunt, Grayson Whitlock, Theo Kinsley and Caleb Newell.

Sitting at an armchair nearby, he started observing the students as he remembered his old times.

Caleb was boreddd. He was sick of being COLD and sick of being cooped up inside like a prisoner. Would it ever get warm again? He was growing very doubtful. He wasn't naturally pessimistic but one could only take the cold so long before you just gave up on humanity...

As he walked down from the dorms, trying to find SOMETHING to do, he spotted Culloden sitting there. Huh. That was odd, the professors didn't usually come to visit. He wasn't looking his best but he hoped the man didn't mind - his hair was all ruffled from sleep and whatnot since he'd just gotten up from a nap. Then his eyes fell upon the potions nearby, and he noticed that one of them had his name on it.

Okkkkk...

"What is this, Professor?" he asked. Obviously he had brought it - was it something to warm them up? OOOOH he hoped so!

Huh.

Theo blinked himself out of his dazed stare when he heard his name. Culloden had brewed him a potion? That was... random... unexpected... but sorta, kinda, really nice. The Head Boy pulled himself up from his seat and joined everyone else around the professor. "Aw, thanks, sir..." Theodore scratched the back of his head and waited for it to be handed over as opposed to just taking it and running off.

Better be a COOL potion.

Cosgrach smiled at Ethan. What a sweet boy he was - deserving all the good in the world. Cosgrach didn't quite understand what paper Ethan was talking about, but he nodded at the boy nevertheless.

"Sure, we can brew that one together." For him to sing it to his girlfriendddd? HeheHEHEhe. Cossy understood the need. He had been a hot blooded teenager too, once. He'd help the boy if it got him the girl.

He was reading the note now, though, so Cosgrach looked at the others out of respect. "Well, I hope you'll never need it," he said - need in the meaning of that issue. "But I figured you want to keep that on you." Just in case something... someone... showed up. Yeah.

And Grayson was done examining the potion, it seemed, because he started talking all cleverly, making Cosgrach proud (he was completely ignoring the fact that Grayson was a transfer or whatever and his potions sense was formed by someone else). The man listened to the boy - nodding at each interval and feeling prouder with every word. Grayson was something else. He was definitely better than how Cosgrach had been when he was in fourth year.

"Five points to Slytherin for being simply perfect," he said, elated. "Your analysis is perfect, and I'd have liked to discuss it all day long with you, but your friends're waiting, and it's a rare potion: Felix Felicis-not. It's the opposite of Felix. It's nearly impossible to trace once put in a drink. It's not as strong as Felix, but it's still perfect for enemies." And causing bad luck to enemies was a very normal thing for a Slytherin. Although he didn't fancy Grayson having enemies now, the boy would benefit handsomely from this potion in the future, because he was ambitious. Cosgrach loved ambitious.

Theo wasn't going to take his? Cosgrach handed it to him while he explained: "Yours will make you eloquent and very amiable for a day. You'll thrive on social situations." Cosgrach chose not to explain further, and... Caleb's arrival saved him from looking as if he was hiding something. This was great! So everyone had grabbed his vial, right? Perfect turnout! Cosgrach eagerly turned to the boy to explain.

"It's my gift for you guys to thank you for your sweet personality and effort in my classes," he said and grinned. He was the coolest professor, right? "Your potion will make you self confident handsomely." Not that Caleb was inconfident, but... yeah. Cosgrach chose not to explain that one.

"You're welcome, guys, and thanks for your conduct in the term back." They already rocked, and the fact that they were Slytherins was the icing on the cake.

Cece had purposely saved the Slytherin common room as last for placing the notice about the OWL and NEWT exams. Why? Because her stop before this one was the puffer common room which happens to be right next to the kitchen, where she stopped to get fresh hot chocolate and cookies for her students.

Once she had the notice placed on the board she brought in the warm beverage and cookies and placed them on a table in the center of the room. She then looked around the room. "Alright all you popsicles, come get some hot chocolate and fresh cookies." And no, she didn't make any of it.

It was then that she noticed Professor Culloden was there. "Professor, care for any hot chocolate?" Of course he would have to get it himself though. She wasn't going to wait on him. She didn't care how good her mood was. And right now it was a pretty darn good mood.

The presence of his Head of House reminded Cutty of just why he'd come down to the common room. The steam coming off of ...was that hot chocolate, still very visible despite the warmth. Had it not been for the water, it might have maintained a fairly normal temperature, but they were at the whim of that enormous dark body. Wand in hand, he moved over to the glass separating their room from the lake and moved it into a figure eight as Culloden and Whitty spoke to one another. "Caelum Saepio!" And in a peculiar manner he leaned against the glass and watched for the steam. The tiny hint of vapour that indicated a job well done.

It would be rude not to take any hot chocolate or cookies, but these were hardly currency to Cutty Mordaunt. He was one of those children to whom currency was currency. And the years of buying and selling sweets made them less appealing to him as an occupational hazard of sorts. But he took one of each. She'd gone through the trouble to bring them and the cookie was warm, so possibly make them. "Shoukran, Healer Tillstorm. Thanks very mooch!" So formal.

Did Healer Tillstorm know how to cook? He guessed she must've been good at it if she was good potions and whatever Professor Hadley said, baking was a lot like potions with only a few marked differences. There again, he found cooking tedious and he was good at potions. He let his thoughts whirl and formulate and would eventually ask her about her career choice.

"Healer Tillstorm? What otheh subjects at skewl were yew good at that made it possible f'yer to becoom a healer?" He asked curiously in his Northern accent, already considering that the hot cocoa and cookies were not ordinary, but rather the opposite though he had yet to take a bite. He could listen and explore his potion at the same time.






He rejoined Whitty, the Head boy and Professor Culloden and sat upon the very spot on which he'd carved the dead kneazle on the underside of the table at the beginning of term. He didn't even look nervous, though perhaps he wasn't thinking of it. So they were meant to guess what the potion was, were they? Alright.

Cutty uncorked his and watched for vapours. Nothing. He then brought the bottle up to his nose and took a smell. Something attractive. Almost downright spellbinding hit his olfactive sense and he furrowed his brows over his large eyes considering where, if anywhere, he'd smelled that before.

He turned his cookie over and with a steady hand released a droplet onto the flat underside of the snack. A vibrant and friendly shade of red spilled out, candy-like or poppy, perhaps even coral. It'd been a while since he'd studied his potion colours, but maybe, just maybe it was related to, "Concoction of Conviviality?"

And the Head of House had entered with chocolate and cookies. AND CULLODEN WAS THERE TOO? The boy had been so lost in his thoughts and conversation with West that he hadn't realised that they had both entered. The boy straightened up and gave Professor Culloden a nod as he spoke to other students.

Simon's tired eyes rested on Healer Tillstorm as she held up the plate of cookies and hot chocolate. Those cookies smelt absolutely delicious. They reminded him of the delicious treats that his mother used to make him as a child. He felt a slight pang in his chest. Home. That was where he wanted to be. He wanted to make sure that his mother was alright and that she could actually remember that he wasn't seven.

You're still seven to her.

Tears welled up in his blue eyes. His heart pounded. Simon needed to relax. He took a deep breath. Several deep breaths. Tears continued to well up. He stared into the fireplace, willing himself to be strong. No crying. He was a big boy. Boys oughtn't cry. He was strong. He had to keep strong but he felt like breaking a part into a million little pieces of glass.

Simon sighed and blinked his eyes a couple of times, turning his gaze back to the scene in the Common Room. Ahh.. much...

WAIT. WHAT?

He blinked again, he couldn't believe his eyes. Everyone was gone and he was back in his kitchen in Melbourne. His mum was at the sink washing dishes. "Simon! Cookies and hot chocolate. Got to stay strong before that big exam!" she exclaimed as she called over her youngest boy.

Simon didn't move. He blinked. That couldn't possibly be real. Rubbed his eyes. Still his mother. How was that? Was he home? He got to his feet after assuming that he must have been at home. Wearing a big grin on his face, he made his way over to her. "Mum! Thanks for the cookies and hot chocolate. It's been rough," said Simon as he gave his Head of House a big hug.

Uhhhh.... Errr.. Hi. Healer Tilstorm. Fancy... seeing... hugging... you.. here.

The boy silently melted into a puddle on the ground and was swept away with a broomstick...

Did Cutty ever mention how much he appreciated Simon Holden? Sure, he was subject to utter and complete mistrust after the incident at the Entrance Hall, but then he did things like this. Randomly hugged their tough as Head of House and calling her mum. Then sliding down her body as though she were but a glisseo'd pole. Simon was such an emotional boy and Cutty was smirking at the scene.

The idea of brewing something with the potions master made the blond boy very happy. What? He’d be learning from the best, AND he’ll be in good company. How can you say no to that, yeah? “I look forward to that, sir.” Ethan nodded with a grin as he continued to examine the phial. The boy however looked up from the bottle to the man when he mentioned that he was hoping he will never need it. Fat chance, professor. The students are bound to go home soon, and he will face his real, but distant father. He will be needing it, yes, but he will try to not depend on the potion. The bottle and its content was a gift from a person he trusts in school, and he will not put it to waste, just because.

Then their Head of House came. Oh, good distraction! Ethan got up from his seat, and placed the phial inside his pocket as he got himself a mug of hot chocolate and cookies. “Thanks for bringing this to us, Healer.” He smiled at the woman, wondering if she knew him at all. “How have you been, ma’am?” he asked as he took a bite of his cookie.

Then Simon happened.

Was…he okay? And here he thought he was the hugger. Ethan choked on his cookie, turned around and slammed his fist against his chest. “I’m okay!” he said just in case someone was concerned in the room. MERLIN. Turns out he’s not the only one who hugged someone from the staff. Well, his case with Botros was that he was sleep-walking, but Simon? He was definitely not in La-la Land when he hugged the Healer.

Oh..... okay? Him too? West got up and headed over, slightly off guard by the 'blah blah'. "Why wouldn't we be respectful? You're a good professor and all that, sir. I reckon I've learned a ton in your classes and I can't say that for most of 'em anymore." Also, former Slytherin and all that. West respected that completely.

"Thank you, sir." Whaaaat was it though? West waited for the explanation... and shot a little look at Theo as he got one too.

Heh. Eloquent and Amiable. That was funny. And obviously he didn't need a self-confidence potion like Caleb.... soooo what did Culloden have for him then?



"Yeah... you could say I've got the ambition of our house." Slytherin ambition, knowing what he wanted and going for it and all that. West nodded at Simon, noting the reactions the younger boy was giving with the wide eyes and all. He just grinned about Theo though. Yep. Best mate in the world, he was, and nobody could tell West otherwise.

Grin.

"Other way around. Let them think they have outplayed you. It just means... you have to make them think like a thing was their idea when it was really yours. Its kind of fun actually. Practice on Gryffindor and Hufflepuff girls first, they're easier. Then try the Snakes and Eagles." Preferably the less violent ones unless you were tough enough to handle it though, mhmm.

"Cassia and Vinnie are friends of mine." Yeah you could say that. Yes. "Me and Cassia have been mates since first year even." And him and Vinnie.... welll..... that was a little more complex. Yeah.




Hot chocolate and cookies? HELLZ YEAH! West smelled it before he saw it and his nose twitched eagerly. Always hungry, he was. A grin appeared on his face and he immediately bounded over to plunder the deliciousness.

"Thanks, Ma'am." West said cheerfully, giving his head of house a big ol' smile. Yes he was in a muchhhh improved move compared to the last few times they'd spoken. He munched on a cookie happily and then ....

.... Simon happened.

West's first thought was that the boy was LUCKY that it was Tillstorm and not Lafay. But then he found it hard to imagine Lafay bringing them cookies and all that sort of thing. His second thought was that it'd be a real shame for the kid to get murdered when they'd just started to get along so swimmingly.

And man... he didn't ever like seeing a snake embarrassed, so West did the only thing he could think of doing, he leaned forward and gave Tillstorm a huuuuug too, and said really loudly, "Yeah! Thanks for the cookies and hot chocolate, Mum!"

Did she get that he was just trying to help the kid out? Yeah? He hoped so but if not it was worth the fall, just to make sure that Simon didn't feel quite so bad.

Simon gave West a quick thumbs up. Ambition was good. To have such a vision for the future, one needed to have the drive to complete it. That’s what made Slytherins awesome. And West was cool.

He nodded his head as he listened to West when the guy explained how to get around all those tricky, tricky girls. Practice on Gryffindor and Hufflepuffs? Hmm.. That could work but he didn’t want to give CB nor Agatha the wrong impression. That’d be tough. Simon would have to play hard to get and revise his tactics. “Right. I’ll try it. So everyone in Gryffindor except the crazy Zahra girl,” he nodded, making a mental note to stay away from crazy unless he wanted to get burned by fire. And he didn’t like too much fire.

West knew THEM too? Of course, he’d know them you silly person! he told himself and gave West another grin. The seventh year had been there for ALL his years. “Nice. Yeah, Cassia’s got a good sense of humour. It must have been fun to be in the same year as her throughout all your years of schooling,” he said with a nod. He could imagine the innocent mischief that he could have gotten up to (and still could get up to) with the Head Girl. Heh. Pranking people and getting away with it? Perhaps. It’d be like taking candy from a Hufflepuff which was easy. Cue smirk.

…

After taking a couple of steps back, he looked for the nearest exit that he could hurl himself into. What if the Healer got really mad at him for what he did? He nervously bit his lip and waited for her reaction. Would this be the last breath that he ever took? His heart continued to pound and he waited anxiously.

Ethan spoke up, but his comment made Simon only worry more. His mate was just okay? Had something happened? He would have asked more but he was too scared of what may happen next. Simon glanced around the room and saw Cutty smirking. He shot his fellow dormmate a glare to say, ‘shut up’ and then continued being a scared little Snake.

There went his awesome reputation flushed down the toilet along with his confidence and pride. Yeah, Simon had just committed social suicide. BIG TIME. Would Airey Flamsteed even let him play with the Spock and Kirk action figures? Now the man would never [insert Darth Vader ‘Nooooo!’ here] let him re-enact a serious Star Trek scene. He’d have to drop out of Hogwarts, move to Antarctica, and become a resident Cold One because there was absolutely no way to make it out in one piece. The boy just stood there and contemplated his options. He could stay (and await punishment and the wrath of the Head) or he could run. Hmmm… Running away from the scene sounded like a wondrous option at the moment. Oh yes, indeed! The boy eyed his surroundings. The exit was on the opposite side of the room but if he jumped over the couch and Professor Cosgrach, he’d be able to make it. He was mentally preparing himself for the prospect of earning a detention from doing such a thing when West happened.

Wait. What-? What was West doing? Why was he…?

Ohhhh……

He was coming to save his behind from losing all of his awesome reputation. That was really nice of the older Snake. That was probably the nicest thing that anyone had done for him at the school. Simon blinked in awe of the seventh year that came to the rescue. West was his hero! Seriously. Snakes keep together. He lowered his voice so that only the seventh year could hear. “Thanks, West. I appreciate it and owe you one. I don’t know what… happened,” he explained rather awkwardly before flashing the boy a kind smile.

Yep. West was his new role model. Uh huh. West Odessa was awesome but everyone knew that already!

Well... being described as a sweet personality was definitely something new for Theo. The effort part he completely agreed with, though. He did particularly enjoy potion brewing. As for the potion, Theo tried to hide it but he was cerainly intrigued by it. "Thanks, Professor." He took the vial and gave it a look over. Thrive in social situations. Perfect.

"And... thanks for teaching us good." A pretty lame attempt at a compliment but it was the best he could do.



Head of House alert! Theo, again, straightened up his posture, perhaps a little too obviously this time. He was Head Boy... had to keep up appearances and stuff.

Woah, cookies and hot chocolate?! This was turning into a great occasion to unintentionally show up to the common room.

Theo reached for a cookie quickly as Tillstorm was being given a bunch of hugs, which was kinda weird, but he managed to get away quick enough before feeling obliged to hug her as well. Not gonna happen. "Cheers, miss." He said quietly, but smiling warmly at everyone. This whole thing was giving him a fuzzy feeling inside because this was one of his last Hogwarts moments and it was EMOTIONAL.

Don't cry now.

Just back away from the people.

Tillstorm stood there next to the table waiting to see who was going to be the first one brave enough to come try the cookies and hot chocolate she brought in. Lucky for them it was the house elves who made the treats, not her. And here comes the first of the group.

"Hello Cutty. You're very welcome. Just be careful with your drink. It's very hot." Hence the name HOT chocolate. Oh, and now he had questions for her. "Let's just say I was good at all the subjects I took in school." Yes, it was true, she had been the nerdy bookworm who excelled in all her classes. "But I have to say, my all time favorite class was potions, followed by charms and herbology." And then the boy was gone, off to pour a potion on his cookie. Yeah, that one was a strange kid for sure.

Not as strange as the next one that came over to her. "Umm, are you alright there Simon?" No really. Why was he calling her mum and hugging her like that? "Do you need to sit down for a minute?" You know, to get ahold of yourself and figure out just who it is he had been hugging.

And then Ethan was there taking a cookie and eating it. "Hello Ethan, you're very welcome. I just thought you guys could use a little something to warm you up down here in the dungeons." After all, they were below the lake, which was now frozen. Oh and he wanted to know how she was. "I've been okay. Just trying to keep warm like evreyone else." Along with trying to figure out just what it was that attacked the students and professors out in the forest.

O___O

The boy was CHOKING!

Cece quickly reached out to him as her healer insticts kicked in. "Are you sure you're okay? Do you need a drink of water?" Because hot chocolate wasn't going to cut it at a time like this.

And then West happened. Really? Another one hugging her and calling her mum? And this one wasn't even a little kid. He was practically a man about ready to graduate. "Umm, you're welcome West." She hen put an arm around his shoulder as well as Simon's and gave them both a little hug back. She looked around at the others. No one else was planning on hugging her were they?

Trying to compose herself and get untangled from the students, Cece smiled at Theo when he took a cookie. The head boy sure was being quiet today.

Blasted cookie.

At least he got it out by coughing, but the boy continued to slam his chest with his fist and forced himself to breathe. Awwww man. This is his first time to meet the Healer, and the scene had to be that. What is it with him and professors? Why does he always make a fool himself every time he meets them? First was Culloden, then Botros…and now his Head of House. Mentally slapping himself for being a klutz and an embarrassment, he faced the Healer as he blinked away the tears caused by the coughing. “I’ll be okay.” He said and grinned reassuringly at the Healer. His throat’s tougher than the Hot Choco and cookie combined. Mhmm.

Hmm. She’s really nice as opposed to what the others had been saying. Maybe she’s just strict because she wants the best for their House, yeah? And maybe her ways are exactly what the Snakes need to come out as the best House in Hogwarts.

Keeping warm is equal to survival. Ethan had been doing a lot of Hot Air Charm, and Insulation Charm to keep himself and his friends defrosted. “Oh! I have something for you, Healer. Wait here!” he placed his mug on the coffee table and dashed towards their dorm room to retrieve a… “Tadah! You can keep this one ma’am.” He said as he got back to the Common Room in less than 30 seconds. “I haven’t figured out how to change its color though. I’d like it green to match our House colour.” He said as he handed the jar of Bluebell Flame to Healer Tillstorm. That should help her keep warm, yeah?

Was he alright? Good question.

He looked at Healer Tillstorm and gave her a crooked smile. "Uhh... I... Sitting down would be good," he said as he took the nearest seat to where he'd been. "I don't know.. I don't know what overcame me back then," he said and then rubbed his eyes. He had dark circles under his eyes that had been because he had stayed up late in his dormitory trying to find information about why it was so cold outside. "I don't know something triggered in me and made me start to see things. I guess... I really must miss home," he said, looking down at the ground as he was still embarrassed. Also, he felt his heart drop. He had finally admitted out loud that he did miss home. Simon hadn't gotten homesick during the year because he had been so distracted by friends and studying. However, now with the impending thought of being stuck in an eternal winter on his mind, he finally felt really upset. He tried to mask it.

Instead of giving them detention or worse, their Head of House hugged them both back. He gave West an appreciative grin. Aw, she was such a nice lady. He liked his Head of House even more.

Cosgrach was rightfully proud when West and Theo complimented him. They were among the eldest and best students and he valued their opinions. He didn't smile, but it was visible he was happy with those.

"Thanks, West and Theo," he said as humbly as he could, "I tried my best." He paused, then remembered West's potion was still a mystery to him. "Yours is a combination of an evergy potion and one to help you make better music, when you are on the stage." He'd... still do stage shows, right? Like last year? Nigel was happy with his potion, though, so Cosgrach hoped West would, too.

"Two points for examining it thoroughly before answering, Cutty," he turned to the youngest boy, then, "but no. It's Camaraderie potion - will make people think you are their best friend." Heh. The best potion for Cutty, he knew!

And Cece entered. He smiled at the woman. "No, thank you, dear Healer. I'd better -" ...Simon... maybe he was the one who needed a memory potion. Huh. He'd snicker later not to humiliate the boy, as he liked him. Now, he had to leave the snakes be.

"See you later, then," he said and left the common room.

She came from the dorms a blanket wrapped around her as she entered the common room again, trying to keep from shivering too much with her extra warm jumper and even blanket now. She saw a group already in the common room now and a professor and aunt Cece handing out...hot chocolate and cookies? Was she feeling alright? She wondered lifting an eyebrow.

She settled in one of the chairs just watching the others, not too worried at the moment about hot chocolate and cookies. Maybe she'd get some in a bit, she was too busy trying to warm herself in the blanket curled up in the chair.

Oh good. Ethan could talk. That meant he wasn't choking anymore so Cece could relax and not have to worry about any students dying today. And just like that he was gone after saying he had something for her. "Uh, okay. I'll just stay here." She didn't even want to try and imagine what it was he had for her, or what it was he was going to want in return.. Students usually never gave her anything without wanting something in return from her.

And then there was Culloden... Wait! WHAT? Dear Healer? Since when did that man call her dear anything? Eh, whatever. He was leaving so she just gave him a forced smile.

And before she could even sit with Simon to try and comfort him, Ethan was back with...

Well look at that. He was giving her fire in a jar. And not just any fire either. a flame to help keep her warm. She took the jar from him and held it between both hands. "Thank you Ethan. I think this is the most thoughtful gift any student has ever given me." In fact, it might be the only gift a student has given her. Now holding the jar in one hand, she wrapped her other arm around the boy and gave him a hug. Yes, it is true. The not so evil healer was willingly hugging a student. Of course that hug didn't last long. She did have other students around her. Like Simon who seemed like he really needed to talk.

Setting the jar on the table she pulled up a seat next to Simon and sat down with him. "I know this term has been rough on everyone Simon. Not being able to communicate with the ones you love is really hard." Trust her, she knew what she was talking about. She had a loved one she desperatley wanted to see and talk to herself. "If you want, you can stop by my office later and we can talk." Where there wasn't a bunch of listening ears around.

She then looked over towards the fireplace. Yeah, I see you hiding over there Zoe. I'll be getting to you in a minute.

See? She’s not evil. Those students were feeding him with the wrong information. Healer Tillstorm IS the best Head of House ever. Ethan liked the fact that she is motherly to all of her Snakes, and the boy reckons that it was an important trait because it'll make them comfortable and feel at home while they are far away from home. The blond third year beamed at Healer Tillstorm as he tucked his hands behind him. Why, really? That’s pretty odd. Students ought to give her gifts because she’s kind. Of course Ethan did not question this, but instead, gave her a cheery “You’re welcome!” in response.

Oh and hey! He got a hug!

Not evil. Check.

Ethan then saw Professor Cosgrach got up from his seat, while Healer Cece sat with Simon. As the man passed by him, Ethan gave him a wave and a grin. “See you around, professor! Visit us again here soon, yeah?” It’ll be great really. And Merlin knows HOW lonely that man was…

His eyes then drifted back to his best bud Simon and Healer Cece. Of course he can’t hear their conversation, but Ethan knew that something was up with Simon. What did the random hug mean? He knew that Simon isn’t the type of person to let his shields down just like that. Clearly, something was amiss with his Watson. Ethan subtly gave Simon a hand signal telling him that he’ll be waiting by the Common Room’s Entrance. And with that, he made his way over the stone door and waited.

Next to be charmed would obviously be the Slytherin common room. She spent most of her time here relaxing, though, nowadays it was more like freezing even if she sat near the fire. Maybe it was just her, but dungeons were already cool to begin with, add the extra cold, it didn't make it a very nice place to nap.

Wayne appreciated naps.

Drawing her wand out from its holster she strode over to her favorite chair and waved her wand over it in an infinity shape. She did that a few times before casting. Concentration. Intent. Those were important and she wanted to make sure she got it right.

Finally, when she felt she was ready, she cast, still drawing the infinity shape with her wand. "Caelum Saepio!" The Slytherin was rewarded with a swirl of fog, a symbol of the charm succeeding.

With a mental pat on her back, the Slytherin proceeded to her next destination.

Sitting down on the couch, the boy looked towards his feet as Cosgrach Culloden and Ethan made their way out. He caught Ethan's eyes and noticed the hand signal that he had given him. He gave his mate a nod and then the Healer sat down next to him. She was actually comforting him? Wow, so the Slytherin Head of Houses were nice and sweet but that was probably because he was a Slytherin.

Simon nodded at the nice Healer, his head of House. He bit his lip and listened. It had been a tough term with not having communication so that they were unable to speak to their beloved ones. "I would really appreciate that, Healer Tillstorm," he said, giving her a small smile. Speaking about this would be hard but better for him in the end.