Originally Posted by The1HBIC (Post 11647871)

Whoa!

When did the boy go and get taller than her? What happened to that short little kid who let her use his broom when the train broke down? He grew up, that's what happened. Not only did he grow up, but now he was a graduate heading off into the great big adult world. But back to the reason she she was standing there with him now.

She put her hand in her pocket then pulled it back out. "I believe I have something of yours." Holding her hand out she opened it up so he could see what was in it.

He did want it back right?

Originally Posted by Tegz (Post 11647872)

Blink.

.... a big smile broke over West's face. Full beam smile even. He sure DID want it back, and it meant so much that she had kept her word, and that she knew what it meant to him, because it was a whole huge thing. His back straightened and his shoulders lifted, but West didn't say too much, he was a bit overwhelmed really, so it was easiest to just be quiet and put all the meaning and genuine thanks and pleasure and pride into two simple words.

"Thank you."

For everything, really.

Originally Posted by The1HBIC (Post 11647875)

He really didn't need to say anything. The look on his face was enough to tell her how he felt right now. She knew what this meant to him. They had talked about it at the beginning of the term.

"You're quite welcome West. And I wish you the best of luck in your future career." Even if she still wasn't a fan of quidditch.

Originally Posted by Tegz (Post 11647877)

He took it back and pocketed it, leaving his hand in his pocket, fist closed around it. The feel of it was a comfort honestly. Amazing how such a small piece of metal could mean so much after so long.

West grinned, he knew how Tillstorm felt about Quidditch, even if in a way Quidditch was the reason they had got to know each other, since if he hadn't played back then, he wouldn't have had a broom for her to borrow. "I won't send you game tickets, I promise, but I might send you concert tickets when The Dead Kneazles hit the big time." Dreaming big over here, obviously. Slytherin ambition shining through.

Originally Posted by The1HBIC (Post 11647878)

Smart kid he was saying he wouldn't send her game tickets that she would never use. "Right. Don't waste your game tickets on me. Send them to someone who will actually use them." Wait, she didn't mean for that to sound mean or anything. "But Waylon and I would love to come to a concert once you guys hit the big time." Yep, she would drag Waylon along with her even if he didn't want to go.

"Now go finish your meal and enjoy the company of your friends. Before you know it, it will be time to leave." For the very last time.

Originally Posted by Tegz (Post 11647879)

Noted, and that was about what he'd thought anyways. Still beaming, West nodded. Concert tickets it was, then.

"Yes ma'am." Good plan. He definitely wanted to make the most of the food. He grinned at her again and then slipped back into his seat, holding himself just that little bit taller.

Originally Posted by Emms (Post 11647816)

And the Headmistress began speaking so Simon listened very attentively. Too bad that she hadn't awarded any last minute points cause the boy was certain that would have gone to the Snakes. When she announced that the Gryffindors won, he too clapped along in support of Zander, Emmy, his new friend Bay, and other friendly Lions that he'd met along the way. They were a good group that would keep the Snakes on their toes because next year the cup was going to belong to Slytherin. Then finally Healer Tillstorm came over to give a mini-speech. Simon slumped his shoulders a little so that she wouldn't notice him too much because of the whole hug incident (which he still was mightily embarrassed about). But then she even said his name so Simon had to look up from his seat and straighten his shoulders, looking alert. He gave a wave to the rest of the table and then Ethan grabbed his attention.

Simon grinned when Ethan congratulated him. "Hey thanks you too. Congratulations are certainly in order, said Simon as he reached for a goblet and raised it into the air to toast his mate. He took a sip as he was quite thirsty and then Ethan uttered the dratted words.

Now…about your girlfriend over there...

He almost spat out his pumpkin juice and ended up coughing up a storm when Ethan had assumed that Agatha was his GIRLFRIEND. He shook his head several times and then reached for a goblet filled with water. "No. No. No. No." He tried to catch his breath, continuing to cough underneath his arm. "NEVER EVER EVER." he said all rather quickly before he began to regret it. He liked Agatha but if she wasn't going to be nice to his friends than perhaps he oughtn't have a crush on her after all. CB was nicer. "I'm not really going after her Holmes. I've got my sights set on a lovely Ravenclaw." He nodded at the notion of eating food. Wow, Ethan's manners were all amazing. Simon gave him a nod and a grin. "Yes, we shall."

He took a bite and then Kace had come over. He reached for his napkin, dabbed his mouth, took a sip, and then gave his Hufflepuff mate a nod and a grin. "[b]Hey Kace! Yeah, I am. Weeell it'll be winter for me but I'm hoping to get back over to the UK for some summer heat. "What are your plans, mate?"

Then Jonas was speaking to him again. He sort of liked the older Snake and hoped that he could get to know him more. Phew. At least Jonas hadn't told him that question was lame cause he had already had that happened to him once coming to the school. He grinned, relieved that the older boy had answered the question. Care of Magical Creatures and History of Magic? Nice. Well, the COMC part. Simon liked that. History of Magic was fun too- well maybe he enjoyed it thanks to the Professor- that was probably it anyway. "Nice. OOh I believe I know who you're talking about.. Uh.. Was his name Professor Binns or something? I heard that he used to drone on about history," said Simon. Droning on about history sounded boring for the boy much enjoyed Professor Glendower's style of teaching. It was much better acting it all out. "I like CoMC. That's one of my favourites. I also like Astronomy and Ancient Runes." And Charms and Potions too. Only class that he didn't like was Arithmancy.

Originally Posted by Mordred (Post 11647825)

The Slytherin smiled, raised his own goblet and drank its content. They have all the right to be happy albeit the ruckus that happened earlier. They didn’t win the House Cup, but at least they weren’t last…and that Gryffindor’s win wasn’t an easy one. Now those Lions better watch out next term because the Snakes have nowhere else to go, but UP.

Setting his goblet down, Ethan started to eat his meal, but then slowly chewed on his food as he looked at Simon looking worried. Was…he choking? The blond boy let go of his cutlery and had his hand gently slamming the back of Simon. He’s not going to die, yeah? No? Good. Ethan let out a chuckle as Simon said the words ‘No’ and ‘Ever’. The blond Slytherin knew deep down that Simon won’t settle for the Witch, given that she’s got signs of being a psychopath. Ethan’s chuckle and smile slowly faded from his face when Simon mentioned a girl from Ravenclaw. “We’re not after the same girl, yes?” Just…just to make sure.

Another Hufflepuff came over to their table and got Simon’s attention. Ethan got his hands off of Simon’s back and nodded at the Badger. Seeing that Simon’s busy with another person, Ethan resumed eating his food…



His attention however shifted to Jonas. Fear of being alone, that’s what’s bothering him now, yes? It’s a good thing that he’s in Slytherin. From what he has observed all throughout the term, the Snakes tend to look out for each other…friends or not. “Then…start making friends. There’s nothing wrong talking to another person, really.” Or…was Jonas the shy type? He should really hang out with him and Simon if that’s the case. Simon was the shy guy a few months back. They were both new to the school, as they were transfers, and didn’t know anyone. If…the older boy was really shy, he should start interacting with the Badgers. They seem to be the friendliest lot after all. "Aren't you going to eat? The pork roast is really delicious." he said as he gestured his knife to the food in front of the older Snake.

Originally Posted by 2111jen (Post 11647904)

"Right, right professor Binns." He nodded. "I think I see the ghost ocationally around the school. He likes to hang out in the library," Jonas nodded and took a bite of his food which was surprisingly still warm.
He closed his eyes and tried to ignore all the caos.

Jonas opened his eyes again and looked to Eathan.
"Yeah, you could say that. Or fear of turnning into a bad person," he muttered the last part.
He looked at his pale skin and an image of his dark hair came into his mind. Or maybr it was just a coincidence.

Originally Posted by The1HBIC (Post 11647882)

Once West was sitting back at the table, Healer Tillstorm left the area. She didn't go back to that staff table though. She had no intentions in sitting up there with all those clowns. Instead she stood not too far away from the snake table so she could keep an eye on everything that was going on. Merlin help Agatha those snakes if any of them got out of line again.

Originally Posted by Mordred (Post 11648000)

Standing up, he made his way towards Healer Tillstorm...

Ethan gave the woman a wave and a grin. “Hello, Healer Tillstorm!” After the episode with Agatha, the boy was definitely in a better mood now that his stomach’s full. “Uh…I just want to thank you for the acknowledgment a while ago…” he was still a bit surprised that they were ‘honoured’ for a job well done. That was one of the tiny details that Mordred forgot to mention. “No one has acknowledged you yet, yeah? So…I’m doing one.” Pause. “Thanks for keeping an eye on us!” And no, he’s not sucking up to her. He’s just showing his manners to her peers. Didn’t his deceased mother told him to be thankful to those who did great favours for him? Tillstorm did her job, and she made his first term in Hogwarts, under the Slytherin house a good one. So thanks for that, Cece!

Originally Posted by The1HBIC (Post 11648008)

And here was one of her favorite students. Not that she really picked favorites or anything, but this one, he was just kind of special.

"Hello Ethan," she greeted the boy with a smile on her face, something that was rarely seen on the woman. "You're quite welcome. You deserve much more than just an acknowledgement from me, but I'm afraid that's all I have to offer you." The boy had worked his bum off this term and he did it while staying out of trouble. "I'm very proud of how successful you've been this year." Hmm, maybe next term she could think of a way to acknowledge her students more than just her little speech.

What? He wanted to acknowledge her for doing her job? It was a rare occasion when anyone acknowledged her for anything positive around this school. And when she did get thanked, it was usually by students, and most certainly not by her boss. "You're very welcome," again. "You know I'm here for you little snakes whenever you need me." And even if they didn't need her she was there for them.

It was students like this one that made her job enjoyable. Could she just reach out and hug him now?

Originally Posted by Mordred (Post 11648014)

Ethan tilted his head, grinning at their Head of House. He deserved more than just an acknowledgement? The boy wondered what could possibly top Cece’s praise and such, seeing that the woman’s a tough cookie. Apparently not everyone gets on her good side. Boy, was he glad he ended up in Slytherin. The boy beamed, feeling elated that someone was actually proud of his achievement. His father may never know, but at least someone who cared in school appreciated his hard work.

“I know we can count on you, Healer Tillstorm.” Ethan nodded enthusiastically, admiring the woman even more. See? NOT evil. Or maybe she is, if some fool decided to cross her. Like Hirase over there. Merlin. Him and Agatha can go sail a ship and never come back.

Now…she did mention about him deserving more than an acknowledgement, right? “Can I hug you?” Or…can he get a hug from her? Hugs were comforting, and this kid’s a sucker for that. Besides, it’ll be months before he sees her again.

Originally Posted by The1HBIC (Post 11648017)

O___O

He WANTED to hug her... in front of everyone in the Great Hall? It was one thing when she hugged him in the common room, but for him to really want to hug her in public. Well that actually made her feel... emotional. "Of course you can hug me. That is if you don't mind all these people seeing you do it." Then again, maybe she should be careful with the hugs. She wouldn't want just anyone thinking they could get a hug from her.

Nah, he was one of her snakes. They were allowed hugs. Well most of them that is. She probably wouldn't hug Agatha any time soon, if ever.

Originally Posted by Mordred (Post 11648023)

Ethan shrugged. “No I don’t.” What? Why can the Lions hug Bentley? Why can’t HE hug Cece? He’d be staying in Hogwarts for the next couple of years, and she’d be their guardian until they graduate, so in effect, there’s nothing wrong showing one’s appreciation to someone who’d definitely spend their time taking care of them little troublemakers, until they get out of school.

Merlin knows how hard that is, so hugs were in order.

Besides, hugging Tillstorm was like a priviledge, so ENVY HIM, Hogwarts. Ethan wore a grin, and hugged his Head of House. He won’t mind if she doesn’t hug back, heck, he doesn’t care ONE BIT if this ended up in that bloody gossip paper. Releasing the woman, the blond boy stepped back, not regretting anything. “I hope you have a great summer, Healer. I’ll see you next term, yeah?” She’s…she’s not leaving anytime soon like Bentley, no?

Originally Posted by The1HBIC (Post 11648029)

Alright then. A hug it was.

To show she was fond of the boy, the healer wrapped her arms around him and hugged him back. That's right folks. Your evil healer was showing affection to a student. Believe it!

When Ethan stepped away from her she smiled at him, again. "I'm pretty sure my summer is going to be an awesome one. Do you have anything special planned for the summer?" She knew her plans were special. "Oh yes, I plan on being back here next term. I can't leave the well being of Slytherin house to just anyone now can I?" Of course she wasn't so sure the Headmistress would see it like that. That woman really did seem to have a real hatred for Cece.

Originally Posted by Mordred (Post 11648032)

Oh that’s good to hear, although, of course Ethan won’t dig in to what exactly her plans were. He didn’t want to come off as nosy. “Oh you do? That’s nice.” Nod nod. Everyone must be excited to get out of this castle and break away from their winter clothes, yeah? His plans though? “I plan on soaking up as much sun as possible. Skateboarding too! If I get the chance to go to the beach, I’ll try and learn how to surf.” Exciting stuff for the boy really! Merlin, just the thought of it made him bounce on the balls of his feet!

Ethan smiled when Cece told him that she’ll be back next term. All is well then! “Yup! And…we've got a reputation to uphold.” And for that reputation to endure, they’ll be needing HER for the job. Make sure that the Snakes are well behaved, eyes always on the goal.

But yeah, Agatha’s a different story. Ethan briefly turned his head and eyed the WITCH.

Heh. Good luck with that.

Originally Posted by The1HBIC (Post 11648037)

Yes, yes she did have something amazing planned for the summer. She just wasn't going to talk about it right now. Nope, some things are best kept a secret until the time was right to reveal said secret.

"Skateboarding? You will be careful right? I'm not going to be there to patch you up if you get hurt." Oh, surfing. "Good luck with surfing. I tried learning to surf a few years ago. Didn't do so great." In fact she sat on the surfboard more than she stood on it. She did enjoy watching Waylon surf though.

"I'm sure we'll have no problem upholding our reputation." That is as long as there weren't too many of those public hugs going on. Don't want anyone thinking she had gone soft. "I'm also counting on us showing those lions just who's boss next term." She was very confident her snakes would bring home that house cup next term. The lions could have the Gobstones cup if they wanted to win something. Cece didn't care about that one.

Originally Posted by Mordred (Post 11648056)

Of course, the Healer’s already checking up on him before he even got the chance to TOUCH his skateboard. Ethan nodded, and grinned at the woman to reassure her that he will be a-okay. “I will, Healer. Don’t worry.” The grin on his face didn’t fade seeing that he can tell how much SHE cares for him. People around this school ought to check her good side, yeah? Tillstorm’s awesome.

And extra points because she went surfing! Tried at least. “I can’t wait really! It’ll be sooo cool to ride the waves!” Heh, and girls liked that, yeah? Merlin, if only he could get Josie to watch him…it’ll be super cool! “...but, what happened? How come it didn’t go well for you?” Did she fell off the board, got hurt and decided to just sit on the surfboard forever?

Ethan eyed the Lion’s table…and Hirase. “Oh, we will.” He said a small smirk on his face. Ethan already reminded himself to keep his cool whenever that kid decides to make another drama in Culloden’s class. Now that he’s aware of their House’s goal, it would be close to impossible to stop the Snakes from reaching the top.