Cosgrach chuckled. "I suppose so." She had an extra package of two little girls too, but he wasn't going to worry about those just yet.

"I like her, yeah. We'll see about the 'really' part." He wasn't sure, but things were great. He would take that. "And... I'm not an owls man, Sophie, really." He made a face. "I'll probably sneak out of school whenever I can to meet her somewhere. We haven't discussed it in detail yet."

...and that sounded as if he was some hormonal teenager meeting his girlfriend secretly.

Oh well.

Oh ho HOOOO. Sneaking out of the school to go see his girlfriend?! Sophie laughed heartily at him, slapping the railing once with her hand to let him know even further how funny she thought that was. SO FUNNY, CULLODEN. "You are... something else. Sneakin' around, meetin' up with girls..." She shook her head in mock disappointment. "Are you sure you're a professor here and not still a teenaged student?" HEHEHE.

Her laughter was dying down, and she gave him a smirky sort of grin. "Why don't you just go to Hogsmeade on a weekend when the students aren't there? Then you'll still be kinda close to the school, if something awful happens here and we need you, but it's far enough away that you can still feel like it's just you and her, hm?"

"I will do that." Surely between the two of them they would be able to find the squid. "Can you go swimming in the lake?" It would be too cold for her right now to go, but that was something that she would love to do. Still thinking about the girl, she merely shrugged her shoulders. She wasn't going to make fun of her. "Who knows." AJ too was over talking about a girl that she didn't even know.

Ah! Candice wanted to know more about the accidental flooding, and she couldn't really blame her. Maybe now was a good time to tell her that her name was Aubrey and not Angel? Why not? "Well, first I guess I should tell you that I'm not Angel. My name is Aubrey, but I like to go by AJ." Yup, she shared a face with one of her sisters. "As far as the accidental flooding goes, I was walking down the fifth floor corridor while twisting my wand and saying different words not even thinking about it. Before you know it my wand is shooting water and it won't stop. Guess who shows up to see all of this?" Yup, Peeves... of course. That was her first run in with him, and she actually kind of liked the transparent dude.

Deciding to ignore the muggle-ish comment, AJ went right on to the potions subject. "Cool. I wish I could have tried that too." The whole arm wrestling thing was cooler in her opinion though. "I don't know about Astronomy as a whole, but that lesson was fun." So far every lesson she had was fun though.

YeahyeahYEAH, he got her point, okay? He frowned and looked at her somewhat grumpily while she laughed with all her might, and then grunted.

"I worded that wrong, okay? We will meet at Hogsmeade or in London. Of course Annie knows whenever I'm outta school. I'm not like the stupid teenagers who doesn't think. I'm actually pretty responsible."

Hmpf.

HEHEHEHEEHE. Sophie was trying to give him a break, but she kept giggling at him, especially when he grunted. It was funny when he got all pouty and grumpy like that AND it was a rare sight around her, so she was caught between being alarmed and milking it for all it was worth.

"Uh huh." She was blatantly teasing him now, and gave him a gentle nudge with her elbow, the laughter subsiding when she saw how serious he looked. "Look at you, Mr. Grumpy. So sensitive all of a sudden." Had she crossed a line? Struck a bad chord with him? She wasn't sure, but just in case, she shrugged a little and focused her gaze on the castle in the distance. "'Course you're not stupid, y'know, and you're responsible." She wanted to add that she had been teasing, but certainly he knew - would that make him less grumpy? "You're not The Great One for nothin'."

Well? Would she stop giggling soon? He eyed her for a moment, and looked at the castle as well. Then he grinned. She knew how to talk to him, didn't she? It wasn't like he was really angry anyway. He just wasn't used to Victoria yet.

"So what you gonna do with liquid luck?" Had she decided yet?

Ugh. He had to ask, didn't he? Sophie was smiling when he did, but she felt entirely unprepared to answer. The only thing she knew was that she wanted to share it with Tobes. But... otherwise...

"I'm not sure. I... I mean, I feel pretty lucky as it is. In general, I mean - I'm a pretty fortunate kid. Feel like I've got everything I need right now and all." She rested her elbows against the railing and clasped her hands in front of her, looking at them as she spoke. "I like knowing I have it, in case of an emergency or something, y'know? But I don't want to... go be reckless with it and take a gulp and go just have fun for a few hours. Tempting, but..." Soph shook her head, then, looking distressed. "I know the value of it. I wouldn't waste it on something silly. I think... I'll just hold onto it." She looked up at him for approval - did he think that was a good idea?

A flash of curiosity crossed her face, then, and she was smiling once more, "Have you taken it before?" What would HE do with it?

He was a Slytherin? Wow had she been wrong...Vinnie really wasnt the best at guessing houses. How had she never seen him before? This was strange. „Really? What a coincidence“,she said and smiled,“always nice to meet a fellow Slytherin.“ Especially if you had no clue the person next to you was in your house. She had a lot of catching up to do it seemed.

The girl grinned as he started laughing, that was always a good sign. „Well its hard not go boasting if you are a majestic treehouse isnt it?“, she chuckled and leaned back onto the sofa. This was perfect. This sofa was very comfy....Oh? He was a transfer too? Now that was interesting.“ You went to beauxbatons?“, the brunette asked,“ how was that? Heard some stuff about it.“ Mostly that it was very calm there and that people loved harmony there. Grayson seemed more like the cheeky kind of person that would fit into Durmstrang...or was he french? He didnt sound french.

Didnt she get bored staying in the library all that time on her own? Hmmm...“I had a hard time finding my place here“, Vinnie shrugged,“ like finding my group of friends.“ It was quite funny how her view on Hogwarts had changed over summer. Now Hogwarts felt like a great place to be.“ So i rather spend time with my books, it seemed more worthwhile.“ Wow, that sounded really harsh. Oh well it was true. „Where's your fave place?“ For some reason the fifth year expected an extraordinary answer.

He had never been on a hot air balloon?! WHAT?! Thats like he was missing out on life.“ You should go on one veryyy soon“, the girl nodded her head,“ i mean you HAVE to go on one very soon. Its amazing.“ You could see the earth underneath very clearly and it was all so small, you couldnt even make out the people walking the ground. Oh. my. God. He liked rollercoasters. YES! „I will never understand that“, she shook her head,“ like i get if someone is scared but its so unnecessary.“ The brunette knew of people being cured of rollercoaster fear by going on one. How did you not like that adrenaline rush though?!

„I have no idea why she forbid it, i was 5 she didnt exactly explain herself...“ Her mum had never been good at explaining herself, she just made rules. Which was one of the reasons why Vinnie had moved in with her dad after the divorce. „Do you have a treehouse?“, she eyed him waiting for his response.

...

"You are... Merlin, I don't know. I learn from you as much as you learn from me." He smiled at her a little. "You're great. You deserve it more than anyone on Earth." He meant it. She deserved it, because she didn't think she needed it, see? She wasn't greedy, and therefore, she was already lucky.

As for him... "I did, yeah." He even had to. It was his emergency. His face fell a little, but he tried to hide it.

He was getting all sentimental on her, which made her throat tight with emotion at the thought of him really being proud of her and learning from her, so Sophie casually diffused the feeling of wanting to cry at his words by putting a hand under her chin and adding, "Yeah, it helps that I'm so charming and sweet and am so good at getting people to love me," with a big, cheesy grin on her face.

Joking around was always the best defense mechanism, wasn't it?

Sophie did notice his face falling, though, and while she didn't like to push him or make him open up about things that obviously plagued him... she was curious about this one. "Yeah?" she replied gently, carefully examining his saddened features before looking back out over the grounds, hesitant in pressing on, "Mind if I ask what happened?" Testing how lucky she really was and all.

Cosgrach laughed at her then. "Who's the big head now, hmmm?" HMM? Hehehe. She was the most intelligent person he'd ever seen, though, and she deserved that much arrogance.

He avoided her gaze and looked at the grounds in thought. No, he didn't mind it, he was just... he sighed. "That's another day's story." He eyed her and forced a grin to show it was okay.

"So anyway, that was the big news. I'm not alone anymore." Way to change the topic.

"Oh, definitely still you," Sophie retorted without a second thought, grinning big up at Culloden. Especially since he was older and literally had a bigger head than her. Totally a justifiable accusation.

She stole a glance at him out of the corner of her eye, waiting for him to respond to her question, and when he sighed, she couldn't help but frown a little at him. "Okay," she agreed, though, because he was smiling now and at least he didn't turn her down completely. She'd hold him to that. "It was good big news, even. You deserve to not be alone." Sophie was nodding as she spoke, the smile going all the way up to her eyes. So, so relieved for him. "I'm glad you've found each other, and I really hope it works out."

For a moment, she wanted to warn him to take things slowly and not end up with his third divorce in a few years by marrying some woman who could end up to be crazy if they rushed into things - but it wasn't her place to comment on things like that. She could trust his judgment.

"Thanks for sharing with me." She loved that he trusted her enough with that kind of news, and she gave him a brief hug from the side to let him know it really did mean a lot to her. It was nice to have an adult to talk to at school as a sort of dual friend and parent, and not just as a professor.

Cosgrach raised one speculative eyebrow at her, but lost his composure soon and grinned. "Sure it's me. I'm, what, at least 28 years older than you, but you're catching up fast. Maybe someone more modest should be my favourite student." He teased softly and watched her reaction.

"Thank you, Sophie." He was also thanking, because she didn't insist to hear the story now. She was a good kid, wasn't she? Wishing him happiness after making sure Bart wouldn't be his son... hehe.

He side-hugged her back. "I thank you back as well," he said, because sharing included at least two people.

"Shall we return to the castle, then?"

"Pffff, at least twenty-eight? More like at least fifty." HEHEHEHEHE. Sophie scooted away from him as she said it, instinctively anticipating the poke she'd usually get for teasing one of her friends.

She wasn't entirely sure why he was thanking her, but she smiled up at him all the same, then hurried in front of him to beat him to the ladder, then started climbing down. "Sounds good to me. I should go find Tobes anyway. I got to see him over the summer, but I still miss 'im a lot. Maybe we'll come terrorize you later, if you'll be in your office?" Though it sounded teasing, she was actually asking permission. Would he mind?

.......see, he didn't always prefer the muggle way. Since she was busy moving away, his wand was conveniently in his hand and he shot a one-second tickling spell her way. Old, did she say? HA! Bet even she couldn't be faster.

...well, okay, he was maybe a bit old, because he didn't even try to reach the ladder before her. Not because he didn't have a sense of humour, but because he knew she'd beat him in that. He put his wand away while she was on it, and started climbing down only when she was safely on the ground.

...miss him, she said? Got to see him over the summer, she said? He laughed briefly, smirked dirtily and eyed her with a sparkle in his eyes.

"Oh, sure, sure, how can I miss the chance?" EHEHEHEH.

HEHE!

"Go now, I shouldn't keep you away from, ah, Tobes."

GRIIIIIIIIIN.

The smugness on her face from her teasing was immediately wiped off as a tickling sensation came over her and she giggled, squirming on the spot, but just as soon as it started, it was over, and she looked up to glaaaaaaaaare at Culloden and his wand. "Evil," Sophie hissed, trying to sound horribly mad, but it was hard to really be mad at him. Another weakness.

Even worse was his smug expression at the mentioning of Tobes. SIGH. "You're ridiculous. Don't you even." She didn't know what she was warning him not to do, but his smirky, mischievous demeanor had her certain he needed to be warned not to do something. "Such a nerd," she huffed, gently bumping into him when he was off the ladder, and walked with him back to the castle, bugging him about not embarrassing her in front of Tobes the whole way.

IC Date: December 10
 

There was snow around and it was chilly, something the boy from Australia was still getting accustomed to after all these years. Today was different though and the boy didn't mind the snow, not really. He had pizza in one hand nice and fresh from the house elves and a small box in his pocket as he made his way to the tree house. He'd be going home in a few days for the holidays as he always did and he wanted to be sure he gave this to her, cause he might not get to later so it was important. He made sure to owl Ana very specific instructions on it and he even sent it back to her twice cause it was wrong but no it was perfect and he was just sure she'd love it. She better anyway, or else there'd be problems.

He rocked on his feet with the warm pizza plate in hand while he waited. He was glad the elf thought to cover it with plastic wrap or else it'd be all cold and wet from snow now and that would not be a good pizza. He was sure she got his owl, he was just 10000 % sure of it, now where was she?

As a Slytherin, one wouldn't expect seeing an owl flying down the hall of the dorms, in a dungeon. The idea was bizarre, even more so when you had to think of how it got through the portal. As it was, someone had let it inside for it to deliver a message to Beverly Wayne.

And so, here she was; making her way down the snowy grounds bundled up in a coat, mittens and boots. Her long, dark chestnut hair flowed down like an extra coat, her bangs pinned up to the side in a tiny braid. Why she had put so much thought in her appearance, she didn't know. Or maybe she did, and didn't want to admit she CARED how she looked. She even had a tiny bit of lip gloss on. A little part of her felt guilty, though. She was supposed to brood and sulk this month, and maybe even still mourn. But...she couldn't help the tiny bat wings fluttering in her stomach.

Tugging on her coat sleeves, she trudged through the snowy path toward the tree house, only pausing briefly when she spotted Jeremiah. Automatic smiling happened. Seeing as he was facing the other way, Beverly quietly made her way to him, tapping his shoulder when she reached him.

"Hi."

It was chilllllyyyy and he was debating going inside and waiting for her cause she was just taking way way to long. He let out a sigh and he turned to look back at the tree house and couldn't help but smile cause this was just going to be the best night, he just knew it.

Feeling a tap on his shoulder he jumped a bit before he heard the voice of a girl, not just any girl, the girl. Turning around with the cheesiest grin on his face he held the pizza plate out towards her. "I brought pizza." her favorite he knew that. "Pepperoni too." she liked pepperoni the most.

She also looked amazing, not that that was anything different but still, "you look beautiful." she diiid and it even made him blush a bit as he leaned forward and dropped a kiss on her cheek, hi." "it's a bit chilly." he wasn't a huge fan of the cold. "let's go inside." in the tree house!

The little bat wings in her stomach went crazy when Jeremiah turned around. Beverly had to bite the inside of her cheek to keep from grinning like an idiot. Tearing her gaze from him it landed on the pizza. WAIT. There was PIZZA. Why was there pizza? His note hadn't said anything else besides him wanting to meet with her. Again, WHY was there PIZZA? It was a nice surprise, though.

She grinned. "My favorite. Are we having a picnic?"

His next words left her blushing and twiddling with her mittens. He said beautiful. Oh my Merlin. What was she supposed to say back? You look handsome, Jeremiah, but he always did and that was a generic response and she didn't want to BE generic. Suddenly her mind went blank when he leaned and kissed her cheek. Beverly let out a soft chuckle, mainly to disguise how nervous he made her, and nodded.

Yes, going inside was a good idea. She didn't like the cold. Glancing up, she pursed her lips together in thought. How were they going to get the pizza up there? 'Cause the pizza HAD to go up too. No pizza left behind.

Coincidence was right. "A good coincidence," Wink. Because it was. Slytherin Pride and all that. Which, speaking of, meant that he would be seeing the girl around a lot more, if both of them kept to the common room. "Same. Have you met many people in our house?" Our house, now that they had established that they were from the same house.

A majestic treehouse. Grayson looked around the treehouse before letting out another chuckle. Majestic. "Man, the treehouse is going to feel special now," he said, looking back at Vinnie, "Majestic's quite the compliment." Jeez, were they really talking about a treehouse?! It was better than talking about Beauxbatons, at least, buuuuuut the fourth year would plough on with that. "Uh huh. It was......." He scrunches up his face. "......... eh. I mean, some parts were okay and the place where the school is is much warmer than up here. But it was a little posh, you know? Didn't like it." There were reasons, of course, but he wasn't about to tell Vinnie those. "What'd you hear about it?" Because then he could tell her if it was true or not. Just saying.

Er. This was a talk about friendship. Oh jeez. Maybe he wasn't the right person she should be saying this to. What did he know about friendship? Hardly anything. "You never know unless you talk to people. And the right kind of people," Wink. "Do you have your own group of friends now?" Other than her books, which, he still found the idea to be boring, but he wasn't going to say that to her. "Guess that's fair." Shrug. His favourite place? "Dunno? I like places with a good view." For people watching but views could be appreciated. "I also like epic places and, no offence, the library bores the living daylights out of me."

Grayson's eyebrows shot up. Why? Because he had to go on a hot air balloon. HAD to. "Where do I even sign up for something like that?" Here's hoping she'd suggest the right place for him. Because if he was going to try something this amazing, he wanted the best place, mkay? Since she understood and seemed to think along similar lines to him. Or, similar to the lines he said out loud. "Neither can I," he said, shaking his head, "It's dead worth it, though. Can you believe that some people puke on those things?" It was DUMB. Should they go on a rollercoaster right after eating? NO. Jeez.

The Slytherin had thought that she had been banned from having a treehouse recently but if that wasn't the case, he was going to keep his mouth shut about thinking the wrong thing. It was a matter of pride, mkay? "Why don't you ask her now?" It was something he'd do. Ask so that she couldn't evade questions and beat around the bush. "We had one back at our house in France. It was great until my brother fell out of it once."

Did the Pizza throw her off that much? He blinked down at it and chuckled at her a bit before flashing her his smile. "mmm, yea.. you can say that." cept it was just pizza and stuff, other stuff, secret stuff. She had to wait for all that stuff. "It'll be fun." at least in his mind it was all fun. he hoped she thought the same way he really did. "you know i figured i should do something nice for you and all." seeing as how Christmas was coming and all. "i might not get to see you over christmas so this will have to do."

Did she notice the date? He wasn't going to mention it, just wait while he smirked at her. smirk smirk. His free hand instinctively went down into his pocket as his fingers grazed over the lilac colored box he was excited, super excited even. "well go on then." getting up there was going to be a science in its self and he didn't want her down at the bottom, or under him on the ladder, in case he fall down and on his butt with the pizza, that'd be horrible

So this was a picnic? Beverly decided to just roll with it. Jeremiah always seemed to have a surprise up his sleeve, so she wasn't going to even try and decipher it. What mattered was: there was a Jeremiah and a pizza. Heh. At the mention of Christmas she wrinkled her nose. She didn't like Christmas and she wanted nothing to do with it. Instead of focusing on that, she focused on right now.

"It sucks. You'll write to me, yeah?" Because she's gotten used to his company. He was like that first little sun ray of the day, it made her smile. It was still a few weeks until then, so she wouldn't think about it just yet...Huh. Something tickled in the back of her mind, almost as if she'd forgotten someone's birthday, which was an odd thing to think about at the moment. She couldn't shrug it off.

Wait. That smirk. Beverly squinted at him, a grin gracing her lips. "What are you smirking at, Walker?" She poked his side as she walked past toward the ladder. Oh Merlin. Just thinking about heights made her hands damp. But she could do this, it wasn't THAT high. Yeah. Go Wayne!

Climbing up as quick as she could, which was pretty fast when Beverly Wayne was anxious, she pulled herself up when she reached the top. Gripping to the balcony landing, she took in a deep breath before saying, "I can levitate the pizza up here." Safe passage, yes.

Hell write her.. Pffffffft hell yea he would every day if she wanted. "Of course i will."
it was almost a crime to think he wouldn't. "every day if you want me to." he'd probably run out of things to say by the fifth day but you know he'd try and all. The date still didn't strike her but that was okay and all cause he'd tell her later.

"just caussse." he wiggled as she poked him going past him. He was smirking for a reason but they were secret reasons so she didn't need to know just yet. He watched as she went up mainly to make sure she wouldn't fall cause he knew how she was with heights and all and he wanted her to be safe and all.

"Yea? you can take it." her doing magic was attractive, she knew he thought that to. Holding the pizza up he waited for her to take it as he stood of the first part of the ladder. He could be patient, he could.. even if it was hard.

A smile made it to her face. He'd write to her every day. Beverly bit her lip and shook her head at how silly - yet tempting - that idea sounded. But hey, she wouldn't mind it. "I like the sound of that," she said, glancing down from the balcony.

Okaaay. Beverly focused her gazed on Jeremiah. Her focus point, yes. If she didn't then her mind would wander and attempt to guess how high off the ground she was and that wouldn't be pretty. He probably couldn't see, but she was squinting her eyes at him. 'Just 'cause' wasn't enough an answer. He knew she could wipe that smirk right off his face. She KNEW he knew. Unfortunately, he was still at the bottom.

Time for levitate-pizza-to-safety mission. Taking her wand out, she cast, "Wingardium Leviosa," and was pleased to see the pizza float up from Jeremiah's hands. "Okay, your turn."

He was coming, Climbing up the ladder now that the pizza was safe and all. climb, climb climb. It didn't seem like it was this high last time he was here. it really didn't. reaching the top he wiped his hands on his jeans before turning to face Beverly. "Oh, Hi! nice meeting you up here.." heh he was funny "and you brought pizza! my favorite!"he stared at her in amazement for a brief couple of seconds before he lost it and started laughing at himself.

"Sorry, Hi. Thanks for getting the pizza." he motioned to it with his left hand as his right felt his pocket to make sure the box didn't fall out. good, still there. All systems are a go, Captain!

"Let's go in and sit." cos snow duh. Walking over to the door he held it opened and waited for her while a sheepish grin played on his face. remember the date, put it together Beverly, come on. She was a genius he knew that. Surely she would put the two together and give him some sort of sign.

"this isn't some ordinary picnic you know." there a clue.. the only one she'd get he said walking over to a random table and waiting for her, hoping he'd see the light bulb go off on her way over.

She could play, too. Beverly loves games. "Hello, welcome to my humble home." Poker face... For like five seconds because the next thing she knew she was laughing. Something rare which usually happened in front of this boy. Tilting her head to the side, she watched him, her eyes flitting from his pocket to his face. "Did you lose something?" She hadn't seen anything fall.

Tearing her eyes from him, Beverly walked inside, the pizza still hovering in front of her as she went. This wasn't an ordinary picnic? Her eyebrows creased as that nagging thought from before came back to haunt her. She had it, she did. Lets see...her cousin's birthday was on the twelfth, that was in two days--

Today was the tenth.

A slow smile crept on her face and her gaze immediately fell on Jeremiah. He knew it and he hadn't told her. Sneaky Gryffindor. "It's the tenth."

HAHAHA! She played along, that was great! the fifth year laughed some as she did cos that was great, good looking out, Beverly."I like what you've done with the place." still going along with it because it was funny he grinned at her, " no no, i didn't lose anything." Thank Merlin.

He was waiting, leaning on the table with that smirk on his face waiting, he knew that hint would be enough for her. He could see the gears working in her brain as she thought out what he just said. Come on, you can get it, Wayne!

"Ahh-ha" we have a winner. he grinned as he took the pizza, still warm, and set it on the table. "It is the tenth."good job. "And you know what that is, yea?" she better know.. she looked like she knew but did she?

"Why thank you. I remodeled it myself," she said, playing along, grinning proudly as if she had really done something on the place. Letting out another laugh she shook her head. Enough of the playing and more of the "This is a picnic but not really" thing.

Taking a few steps toward the table Jeremiah was leaning against, Beverly kept her gaze on him. Of course she knew what that meant. How could she forget? Sure it'd taken her sometime to put it together, but she KNEW what it meant.

Suddenly feeling bashful, she glanced around to make sure there was no one around, then she hurried on over to Jeremiah, rose on her tip toes and whispered into his ear.

Yeah, she knew. And, oh My Merlin, why did she feel as nervous as she had been then?!

Remodeled it herself! she was funny, even with magic he knew she wouldn't put that much effort into a place that wasn't for just herself. This place was shared with hundreds of more kids an he just wouldn't it was a funny thought though. Running his hand through his hair he smiled at her whispering. "yes yes you're right." very right, smart girlfriend was smart.

It was one of the many things he liked about her. "the tenth." he grinned like an idiot at her, "also December, which means Christmas is soon." he knew she really didn't like the Christmas time for reasons but he wanted her to be a little bit happy. "So this is going to be our christmas too, ok?" Which is where his pocket!box came in handy with the charm bracelet he was a bit excited for. "Since we most likely wont see each other over break since it's only a few weeks." they'd be fine and all, it wasn't like he had to be with her twenty four seven or anything, no.

Swimming in the lake? "I think you do that." Why not? Surely if they can't do that the Headmistress would told them that during her speech, no?

Not Angel? Hah! She should have known that they both were so different in personality why couldn't she found out about this sooner? "And why didn't you tell me about that little information earlier, huh?" Poke. Poke. Poke. Was she thought its funny to play with her? Hmph. "But nice to meet you, AJ." At least she's getting along fine with one of the Valentines triplet. Twisting her wand and then water coming out from her wand? Didn't she know that its dangerous to play with your wand or any wands for that matter? Oh. Wait, she's a Muggleborn so her parents or her older sibling never told her that when she's growing up not like her Dad and Willy. "And then what happened? Did you manage to control your wand? And what Peeves did?" Knowing Peeves he probably took an advantage from that accidental flooding. "You didn't cost us any points didn't you?" Please say no. Please.

"Its fun. Maybe you could try and ask Professor Culloden about it." If AJ really wanted to try that thing. She didn't come to the first Astronomy lesson because she's feeling under the weather so she didn't know about it. "Hmm. I bet its." Maybe she should come to the next lesson?

"Cool. I'll have to do that when it warms up a bit." Swimming was so much fun and she had never swam in a lake with a giant squid so that would be interesting. She wondered if she could ride it like a dolphin. Maybe it would just depend on the squid's mood or something. She would give it a go while there.

AJ shrugged her shoulders. "I dunno. Just wanted to have fun." She liked pranks and do the ol' switcheroo on people. It was more fun when they tried to pull it off on people who knew them well already. Now that was a challenge. "It's nice to meet you too." The girl seemed cool, and definitely like somebody she could hang out with. "Well, it finally stopped flooding and then my sister Angel showed up followed closely by Peeves." It was an accident really. "Peeves came and started screaming for a professor, pulling robes over heads, emptying waste buckets and started yelling about me having an accident." Only she thought he was meaning a bathroom accident. "It was really funny though. I blamed it on Peeves, said that he was trying to frame me." The professor that came to the rescue seemed nice enough. "I think she bought it and so far I haven't lost any points." Of course that could change. She just found out what the whole point thing was and she didn't want to be the reason that the Gryffindors lost any.

"You know you kind of remind me of my sister Angel a little bit." She was kind of on her like a mother would be. Oh, the professor why didn't she think of that? "I'll have to do that." It sounded like fin, and AJ liked having fun.

Laughing as he leaned against Lux he sighed… he just really wished he didn't have to go to classes so that he could spend all his time with her, but he knew that wasn't going to happen because he needed to finish his education and so did she.

"ahahah I don't think I'll ever become a giant" silly Lux ahahah "if I do though I'll shrink myself for you" laughing some more now he thought of himself as a small figurine marching around and Lux putting him in her pocket, he had to wipe a tear away from his eyes because the thought of it was making him cry with laughter.

"yeah I could go for a nap but if we walk around that would totally help" He got up and held out his hand for her to take.

Oh gosh, she was having way too much fun with Bay. Lux wished they could do this all the time, but knew that it wasn't possible because they were at school. Shaking her head in amusement, she laughed at his laughter. "You are so silly."

LOL, he would shrink himself for her. "Then I'd have to carry you in my pocket with Toffy. No thanks." That would definitely be funny at first, but she would much rather have him life sized. Nod. "I think we should stick to the ladder idea at least for now." Yep, it was a much better idea.

Awww, he really did seem sleepy. Taking his hand, she sighed. "If you really want to sleep, it's okay." They could always walk after. Unless he really wanted to walk now. It waas totally up to him!

Connor reached the Tree house with Addi. "That busy, Huh? So you started going here when you were a fifth year?" He asked her and climbed into the treehouse, he liked this place, it was calm and cool all at the same time. He liked to come here and read sometimes, though he was trying to make friends that didn't live inside of books.

"Ohh..so you were homeschooled? Oh! My Dad was a muggle.." But he didn't wanna say much more than that about his Dad. "So...what made you wanna come here instead? Did you not like Homeschool?" Questions, questions and more questions..

Addi nodded. "Yeah. Some of it was my choice but oh well." The past was the past. Nothing would be as crazy as her first year here. OWLs. Yuck. She looked up at the tree house. It was a pretty nice looking place. She wondered what awesomeness magic had brought inside.

"Yep. Parents idea. Not mine." Adelaide saw the look on his face. She knew that look. That was the 'I don't wanna talk about it' look. She got that quite often recently. But now was her turn to elaborate. "My dad's kind of a big deal in the world of politics in the muggle world. Wanted to use me as a show pony. I always wanted to come here since I was eleven and got my letter. Dad had other ideas. And mum just let him do whatever he wanted." The bitterness in her voice was very apparent. "I actually - uh - got fed up with everything this summer and I did something he didn't like and he kicked me out and cut me off." Might as well get everything out there right now. Her smile had kinda faded at this point.

Connor nodded. He got that, you couldn't always help being busy. Such was life and growing up.. But for now he was hanging out in a tree house, it was NOT time for growing up.

"Ohh...okay.." He said and frowned a little, hearing the story...that was awful...he was even more grateful for having the father he did..his dad was a muggle too but he never held Connor back in such a way, he felt just awful! "Well..that's stupid..you don't deserve that..at all..you don't need him..I'm your friend now and if you ever nee anything just ask cause you know...that's what friends do and junk.." he smiled a little, He was a Gryffindor now...weren't they supposed to be loyal? "But what about you? That was about your parents...tell me about yourself?" He asked and sat in a little corner of the treehouse.

Adelaide couldn't help but crack a smile at Connor's optimism. That's how she used to be before all of this. Especially when it came to her friend's problems. Yep. Him and her were going to get along just fine.

"Thanks Connor." Addi definitely felt slightly better. "I will keep that in mind." She took this opportunity to climb up in a window. She perched carefully, her balance improved immensely from quidditch practices. Especially the one where they stood on their brooms. She looked over at Connor. "Whaddya wanna know?"

Beverly was on a limbo of sulking at the mention of Christmas and celebrating it or feeling extremely excited that Jeremiah had just labeled it 'Their Christmas.' It was tough, but the slow grin that stretched her lips decided that she was going with option two. For now. She didn't want to be a downer. Not on the tenth. And not when he clearly knew her dislike for the holiday but was trying to make it better. It was one of the nicest things someones ever done for her.

"It'll be our Christmas," she nodded, then eyed him a bit. "Does this mean we're celebrating? Today?" Is that why he wanted to meet her here? The reason there was pizza and he had dressed up specially nice? She noticed. Boyfriends should tell girlfriends these kinds of stuff. "Y'know, you should have told me so I could have," she glanced down at her choice of outfit, "worn something nicer."

He was hoping that he wasn't over doing anything or the fact that he mentioned the word Christmas was going to earn him a punch in the face or something. She would totally punch him, he'd take it like a man of course but he still couldn't shake the feeling of her being bothered by him bringing it up. "i thought the tenth would be the perfect day to do this, i hope you don't mind." she didn't did she?

"we are celebrating." weather she wanted to her not, he was determined to make her smile lots today. Smiling at her he shook his head, "no no, what are you talking about you look beautiful." she always did though, it was just how Beverly was, Beautiful even when she wasn't trying. "pizza?" he took the clear cover wrap off the pie and the smell of hot fresh pizza quickly filled the room. his favorite.

Connor saw her smile and was glad he could do that, everyone deserved to be happy...everyone.. There was no reason why people shouldn't be happy.. So he was determined to help his friends and not to be something that ever made things harder for them.

"Yeah, anytime.." He watched her go up there but he was content to stay on the ground.. his balance was not as great as hers so yeah.. "I don't know..whatever friends should know...things you like...or don't like..whatever you feel like talking about, really.."

Ugh. There he goes again being all sweet and...Beverly was a sucker for that. She wouldn't admit it out loud, but she totally was. It melted that 'frigid' heart of hers her cousin had once accused her of possessing.

"I don't mind, Jeremiah." Beverly found she didn't mind lots of things when it came to him for obvious reasons. She grinned just to show him she was okay. "The tenth is perfect and...really, really sweet." He was deserving of that compliment, and he was probably the only person in all of Hogwarts who would ever hear her saying that word in that context.

She was blushing. BAH!

It was a good thing he turned toward the pizza while Beverly worked on controlling her face. Taking off her mittens she tucked them into her back pant pocket and walked over to him. "Do you even have to ask?" She smirked.

Really, Jeremiah, when has she EVER turned down pizza?

"good, i was really hoping you didnt." rocking on his feet he pushed some hair out of his face before a hand went back into the pocket of his coat, for reasons. She said sweet, someone call the daily prophet Beverly Wayne just said something was sweet in public, this was a big deal! "i was going to do this the day before break but, i thought the tenth would be nicer cause you know... the tenth." it was a very special day for them.. the tenth he liked it.

"no, i know you love pizza." with lots of pepperoni on it too, he remembered. "I also have something for you." he had a smirk dancing on his lips again. "after pizza though." cause she needed to enjoy it, unless she protested otherwise, he might give in. In fact he most definitely will. His fingers ran over the box again. He knew she'd just love it.

She really didn't mind. If she did, then he'd be the first to know, and something told her he knew that already. Beverly totally caught his hand moving. It wasn't the first time it went to his pocket. Hmm.

"The tenth," she repeated with a raise of her eyebrows in a knowing look. "I like this, though. It's better now than later." Because she knew herself, and she didn't trust her moods/emotions as Christmas grew nearer, and she didn't want Jeremiah to be in the line of fire.

She daintily picked a pepperoni and chewed it as if it was the best thing since dragons. "Even with extra pepperoni," she grinned. Wait. Jeremiah Walker said what? "Like...a present? You can't just say that and not give it to me." How was that fair? Beverly eyed the pizza. She could devour that in five minutes. She could. She'd try. The whole thing.

His fingers were still running over the box as she took a pepperoni off the pizza and ate it, cute. "it's your favorite, i had to bring you your favorite." though at the mention of it being a present he just nodded at her and placed the small lilac box in front of her, a smirk on his lips. "you have to eat at least a slice of pizza first."

Yes, he was torturing the girl with it. He as also very serious about it, "then you can open it." though knowing Beverly she wasn't going to listen and she'd just tear into it. It was a test of sorts. "Can you be patient with it right in front of you?" he was soo amused he ws.

Someone who brings her pizza will get on her good side. A boyfriend that brings her pizza with extra pepperoni just the way she loves it earns a million points. And since Jeremiah knew this little game, he also knew how to cash them in. Before she could mention any of this though, Jeremiah placed a small box in front of her. In her favorite color: lilac.

She glanced up at him, surprised and curious all together. No, she couldn't be patient. Her curiosity suddenly spiked up and she WANTED to know what was in that little box. Beverly also concluded that Jeremiah was just as excited - if not more - for her to open it and see what was in there. She was sure of it since he kept checking his pocket repeatedly. Beverly weighed her curiosity and his excitement in a balance.

The Slytherin bit her bottom lip. "I can do that." She totally couldn't, but unbeknownst to her of this test, Beverly decided to play another little game. Taking a seat, she took a slice of pizza and peeled off a pepperoni, eating it sloooowly.

What was stronger: excitement or curiosity? Curiosity or excitement?

you tempted me!
 

He stared at her for a long while, his hands fidgeting at his sides as she sad down and slowly, as if taunting him, ate a pepperoni. "Okay, Just Open It!" he couldn't take the waiting any longer!

Ehehe!
 

That didn't last long. At all. Beverly was just about to reach for a second pepperoni when Jeremiah caved in.

Excitement. Apparently that was stronger than curiosity in this case.

"Okay, sure," she said coolly, as if she wasn't excited herself. Setting the pizza down (maybe a bit too quickly), the witch slid the box toward her. She glanced back up at Jeremiah, holding his gaze for a moment, building up the suspense. Which also affected her because the next thing she knew, she was pulling to box top off as if her life depended on it. Heh. Curiosity.

She wasn't prepared for what was inside the box, though. Honestly, she had NO idea what to find when she opened it. Maybe a tiny edible pizza, but...THIS? Wide-eyed, she looked back up at Jeremiah, and blinked at him... Then blinked some more...and some more.

Then she was face!attacking him, just like that one day up at the Owlery last term.

Of course she was going to move slow as molasses of course she was. really, the gryffindor expected nothing less from her really. Leaning on the table some he looked up as she did and held her eye contact for a few brief moments before she tore the top off the small box.

He wasn't sure what she expected to find in the box he gave her but the expression on her face a few moments later proved that she was surprised. "do you like it?" it was critical for him to know cause if he failed he was never going to try again, he was giving up. "I though since you li------

O_____________O

He was being face!attacked. She liked it, just as he hoped she would. Letting his arms slowly wrap around her middle he didn't deny her face!attacks but welcomed them by returning his own, yup he could play that one too.

Dylan made his way to the tree house, his kitten Ginger in his arms. It wasn't that bad of a day out, so he had decided to go walk about the grounds. He had almost forgotten about the tree house until he spotted it from a distance on his walk. He had then eagerly made his way over. Carefully placing Ginger in his bag, he made it more secure on his shoulder and began climbing up the tree house. Ginger poked her head out of the bag to peek at the few students playing on the ground below.

Once they reached the top, he sat on the edge of the balcony and let Ginger out. She curled up onto his lap, her chin resting on his knees as she watched everyone below. Dylan smiled, stroking her ears.

"Yes, you should definitely do that when its warm enough to swim. Who knows maybe you're lucky enough and meet Henry." She told her fellow Gryffindor.

But its not really fun for her. "How do we know which one is which." Since they both looked the same to her. Maybe they should started to wear a name tag so people could tell them apart. Hey that's a good idea. AJ was pretty cool and they got along fine. Most important thing was she didn't call her young grasshopper liked Angel. Candice couldn't help but laugh at AJ story. That's definitely sounds like Peeves. "Too bad I missed that." Where was she again when this thing happened? "Yeah? That's good." The she-didn't-lose-any-points thing.

She reminded her of Angel? STAREEEEEEEEE..!!!! "Why?" She's pretty sure that her and Angel had different character. WAAAAAAAAAY different.

Pulling away from his face, Beverly smiled. The type of smile that seemed to come natural, yet it was the most stubborn to show. Squirming from his hold on her she returned to table, picked up the box and swirled back toward Jeremiah.

"Of course, I like it," she said, having heard him before she so awesomely interrupted. How can she not like this? It wasn't extravagant and covered in stones that weighed a ton. No. It was just her type of thing. "There's even a dragon!" Beverly almost but cooed. She was excited, okay. Her initial, pizza AND a dragon, just PERFECT.

She held up her wrist. "Want to do the honor?" As a boyfriend should. :3

He was beaming with pride just beaming with it at her expression. of course she liked he knew she would. He knew her. "I knew you would!" he watched her as she went back to get the box, he couldn't help but peer down into it himself cause he was awesome, he was. "mhm! that was the only type of Dragon Ana could find so i hope it's okay." silly muggles and their non belief of dragons.

Looking down at her as she put her arm up he nodded, "yeah, of course!" Twisting the one end of the bracelet so it opened he put it around her wrist before struggling to close it back up. It took him a minute or two and at one point he swore his tongue was sticking out of the side of his mouth as he concentrated. Turns out the bangle was big enough to just slip on her hand with little to no struggle. Oh well.

Vinnie eyed that wink and chuckled. Was he flirting or was that just what he liked to do? Wink? Like she always wiggledher eyebrows at Jun. „Very good“. Hmmmm...the girl tried to think of all the Slytherins she had met. „I've met quite a few“, she nodded,“mostly boys though. What about you?“ Charlotte was the only girl in her house she knew properly. Cassia was more like a brief aqcaintance. Somehow the brunette got on a lot better wth boys at Hogwarts. Funny enough, Grayson was another one.

The Slytherin smiled as her fellow housemate let out a chuckle. Seemed like he was amused. „I know how to treat my faves.“ Wink. That could be interpreted quite wrong but she didnt care. It was all up to his imagination. He realy didnt seem to have enjoyed his old school...which was sad but probably made it easier for him to transfer. Vinnie had loved Durmstrang so it had been a different situation. „Ohh all rich kids, all stuck up?“, the girl snorted,“ i wouldnt have liked that.“ Nothing was worse than someone thinking they were more worth than you because of their bank balance. It was kinda hilarious really. „Just what i said harmonic, boring, quiet.“ Not a lot of people were speaking of Beauxbatons...apparently nothing was going on in France.

And then he winked again, winking really seemed to be his thing. It was a good kinda thing, better than poking or something even weirder. „It alllwaaayyys depends on the kind of people“, the fifth year agreed,“ the right kinda people can make everything better.“ Her first year here, Vinnie had only talked to the wrong kind of people. Except West and Jozsua. The wrong kinda people got you nowhere and made you doubt yourself. Which you shouldnt. Ever. „Oh yeah i have my own group of friends now“, she beamed,“ and some who arent in that group.“ Like some people werent friends with each other but were her friends? Yeah made sense. Why limit your friendships anyway.“You?“ He was easy to talk too, he should have his group as well.

Places with a good view...that was a rather good answer. „Like the treehouse?“, she grinned. She wouldnt mind sharing her fave place, it did have a good view. For several reasons. It was funny how he thought it would offend her that he didnt like the library. Not a lot of people liked spending their free time at the library.“ Dont worry about it“, the girl chuckled,“ i just like books. That doesnt mean everyone else has to agree with me.“

The brunette chuckled at the sudden excitement of going on a hot air balloon. It was amazing indeed, everything was so light when you were up there. „You just go to an agency and book an appointment. I know one in muggle London.“ The one she had gone with...maybe they could go together. Seeing his face when they took off would be hilarious and adorable at the same time. The fifth year really had no idea how people could hate rollercoasters though...it was impossible. „Some people are just too weird for words“, she snorted,“ they are all missing out and fools. Rollercoasters are great. If they dont think so they are doing something wrong.“ Only opinion that was right. Definitely.

Why didnt she ask her now? Hmm..that was a good question.“ I live with my dad now“, the brunette shrugged,“ maybe i'll ask her next summer.“ Her mother would get her anything now to make up for the time they had missed out on and for the way she had treated her only daughter. „Oh wow so your brother ruined it for you?“ Boo you brother.

Ana helped him? Damn. He put a lot of thought into this. Beverly couldn't help but just stare at him in admiration. She's been under this notion that people only do things, not for free, but for favors in exchange. But she's never felt that with Jeremiah. He did things for her without expecting things in return. Beverly was still not used to that. Her natural instinct told her to give something back. She had to remind herself that it wasn't like that with him. It was going to take some practice.

Beverly watched him as he fumbled with the bracelet, and chewed on the inside of her cheek when his tongue poked out in concentration. That was...adorable. How can a Gryffindor be this gentle? Weren't they hotheaded and rash? It didn't matter. Her boyfriend was the best.

Wiggling her wrist as he slipped the bangle on, Beverly kissed his cheek. "Thank you, boyfriend."

Maddie had already been IN the tree house for REASONS. TOP SECRET reasons having to do with Ravenclaw First Years and Tree Houses and REASONS. She was a bit antsy, though. You could only check a location out for SO LONG until boredom set in so NOW she needed something to do or someone to talk to. Someone like...

THAT boy with LONG hair.

What was WITH the boys at Hogwarts having long hair, anyway? Questions, she had them.

"What's its name?" The cat, that is. Maddie took a seat RIGHT beside the older boy and tilted her head, eyeing it curiously. It didn't look NEARLY as ferocious as her Zeus, THAT was for sure.

There were cheek kisses involved and the game was suddenly so serious as he wrapped his arms around her in a hug. "You're welcome, girlfriend." He was so relieved that she liked it but he was also hungry. With his arms still around her he moved his left just slightly and picked up the piece of pizza she was tearing pepperoni's off of and lifted it up and over her to his mouth, where he took a bite. "ilikepizza." he muttered the words through an almost mouthful which he would of never ever normally done but he was way to comfortable around Beverly to even care about manners.

"you picked a good slice." after he was finished chewing and all he spoke up while motioning to the pizza which had missing pepperoni marks on it, yup, he stole your pizza. He ain't even mad about it either.

Suddenly she was captured in a hug, which caused a tiny surprised giggle to escape her. Was he still excited? Because it suited him really well. Then Jeremiah was moving about and--her PIZZA. Was he going to feed her? She has hands, y'know. Still, she awaited it expectantly and--

He...He was eating HER pizza! O__O

Beverly blinked at him, quickly regaining her cool. That's how he wanted it, eh? She could play too. Nudging him with her arm, she grabbed his wrist, pulling the hand holding the pizza down, and smirked at him. "I did, didn't I?" Then she took a BIG bite from HER pizza slice.

Hi, Boyfriend.

"His name is Henry? Cool." She thought that the squid could of had a way better name, but Henry would do. Swimming in the lake was definitely on her to do list. Now it just needed to warm up, but she knew that it would be a long time before that happened.

"I'm the cool one." Kidding, she was totally kidding. "We have totally different personalities." Of course one would only know that if they knew the girls personally. "Sharing the same face has many advantages." You never knew when it would come in handy. "Yeah, it was funny. Hopefully you get to meet Peeves soon." Of course she hoped that a waste can didn't end up upturned on her new friend's head, but that was a price that you may have to pay when dealing with Peeves.

"Angel is very mothering and you seem to be like that too." Angel was always trying to tell her what to do and this girl wasn't that bad, but the whole wand thing and wondering what happened when AJ caused that accident just screamed Angel.

PizzaPizzaPizza. Pizza was a good choice, yes it was. smirking to Beverly as she stared at him in somewhat astonishment at his pizza eating he raised her an eyebrow. "what's the matter, girlfriend?" hm? He blinked back at her as she reached for his hand. Now was no time for hand-holding girlfriend, he was pizza!eating.

Instead though she forced his pizza!hand in her direction as she took a bite of her.. :whaa: how rude. "Beverly." that was cute, it was so freakin cute he didn't know what to do, so he poked her in the stomach. "pizza!thief.

A smirk was present as she chewed happily on the stolen pizza-bite. Now that she thought about it, it tasted even better. "What?" she asked all innocent-like. What'd she do? Nothiiing. Just eating her ever-so favorite food.

He was poking her!

Beverly squirmed out of the way. That poke was dangerously close to the Tickle Zone. She could play at that too! Jeremiah got TWO pokes on his side. "Me, a thief? Just taking what's rightfully mine." She picked the LAST pepperoni on that pizza slice and ATE it.

She ate it HAPPILY as she watched him. Whatchu gonna do, Boyfriend?

Dylan jumped slightly when someone took a seat next to him and spoke. He had been spacing out, pretty much in a daze, thinking. "Sorry, didn't see you there!" he said, chuckling. "Oh her? This is Ginger! You can hold her if you'd like." he answered the girl's question, smiling. He looked at the girl, studying her. He didn't believe he had ever seen her around before, perhaps she was a first year? Hmm. He suddenly realized he hadn't introduced himself yet. "I'm Dylan, by the way," he quickly added.

Quite a few? "Looks like you're a lot more outgoing this year, then." Considering the fact that she had been shut off in the library for the majority of her previous year. Which still made no sense to the boy, FYI. How did she not go mad?! "I've met a few as well." Head Boy, Head Girl, Cutty, Agatha, the girl who liked to use him as a bodyguard............... "I'd say more girls than boys but not by that much." Shrug.

Grayson really was amused. This was a weird conversation, by the way. "Your favourites are lucky, then." Wink. Uh huh. Weird conversation. He didn't understand why there was a lot of winking going on either but it seemed like the right thing to do. Rich, stuck up kids? "Eh," he said, tilting his head to the side and shrugging, "Some act more stuck up when they're around foreigners, I guess. Like to show off and whatnot." But so did others. "Was Durmstrang like that?" It was one of the schools he was going to be sent to as well but if it was similar to Beauxbatons in that sense, he wouldn't have liked it either. Might have wasted a year there. "Harmonic, boring, quiet........" he repeated, nodding slowly, "Not half false. Nothing big happens there."

Vinnie was smart, he was taking note of that. Or she was wise, in a sense. "'Xactly." Agreeing was happening on his part as well. "You need to find the right mix. The fun kind of people too." This had to include the people who would do your homework for you and the ones who always seemed to know the ins and the outs of the school. "See what happens when you don't lock yourself away in the library?" he joked, "But that's good to hear. Good for you." Did he have his own group of friends? Er. Jeez. The honest answer was no but he didn't want her to pity him or whatever. Man this was hard. "Not really but I'm getting there." What? It wasn't entirely a lie.

"Like the treehouse," he agreed, "Don't worry, I won't take your favourite spot away from you." Smirk. It was weird that the fourteen year old was getting along with someone who liked books. He didn't like them and usually didn't get along with people who were like that. Books were BORING. "Huh. I'm glad you didn't bite my head off for that." He wouldn't let her, of course, but whatever.

Booking something for yourself sounded like an adult thing to do and he didn't like it. Regardless, he nodded at her before saying in his silkiest voice, "Saaaaaay, Vinnie? Do you think you could get me their number?" He also put on his most chaaaaaaaarming smile, just in case she needed convincing on the matter. It could benefit her too. Maybe. "Jeez, they are! Amusement parks are expensive, man. You need to get every sickle's worth or not bother going in the first place." This was the only opinion that was right. Uh huh.

Oh. OH. She lived with her dad.

Jeez, he was an idiot. "Didn't know. Sorry." Merlin, he really was turning soft. "Good plan! If she needs convincing, I've heard that I am veeeeery charming." The charming smile was back, by the way. "Guess you could say that. Siblings are the worst, man. Always ruining things."

"'Cause I'm really good at ninja-ing around." Her stealth skills were matched only by her super strength NOT that she was going to give away all her secrets to the long-haired stranger.

"Ginger." Interesting. Maddie held out her hands for the animal but kept her gaze resting on the boy, trying to guess his age. Maybe a third or fourth year from the size of him.

"Dylan." Nod. "I'm Maddie Cooper, first year." He'd do well to remember her name since she was going to be something special. "So tell me, do you come here often?" And NO, that wasn't a pickup line. She really needed this information for reasons. SECRET reasons.

Dylan laughed. The girl was adorable. "It appears so, you've definitely got some serious ninja skills there." he told her. She really did. In fact, he wished he had some ninja skills like her, but he was just extremely clumsy, sadly. Perhaps sometime this girl could teach him her ways.

"It's nice to meet you, Maddie." he said with another smile. Dylan tended to do that a lot, smiling. He just couldn't help it. But he was pretty sure people didn't mind. He then looked at her for a minute when she asked him if he came to the treehouse often. "I do, actually. How about you?" he asked, swinging his legs as he sat on the edge of the balcony with Maddie. She seemed real interesting to talk to, he was already starting to like her. She was pretty talkative and outgoing to, for being new here and all. He remembered being very, very shy during his first month at Hogwarts.

Maddie sat up a bit straighter and smiled proudly. COURSE she had serious skills. Coopers were PROS at lots of things, UH-HUH! "I should teach classes or SOMETHING. Think I could get paid for that?" Seemed like a worth-while business venture if people were willing to shell out the BIG bucks to get her services.

"You too, I think." Honest, she was. She hadn't yet made her mind up about him so she COULDN'T say for SURE it was super nice to meet him just yet. She also didn't know how she felt about Ginger but she was petting the feline gently as she watched her owner.

"OH." That was interesting. "Is it normally crowded?" Because she wanted to know THAT too. As for HER, "This is my very first time, actually. I really like it up here." Good view and all!

Adelaide made herself more comfortable on her little perch. She couldn't believe how comfortable this spot actually was. She leaned up against the edge, looking over at Connor.

"Well...I bake a lot. Everyone here seems to be addicted to my brownies." Addi was seriously worried about the withdrawal these people would go through after she was gone. "I read quite a bit. I worry a lot about everything. Used to over study for things." She paused and looked at him. "Shall I go on?"

"Uh uh. Cool name, right?" She always thought the Giant Squid name was pretty cool. Granted its not a very manly named but she thought its very fitting name for the Squid.

She‘s the cool one? "Riiiiiight." She wondered what‘s the third Valentines looked like? Was she looked the same as Angel and AJ too? She hasn't had a chance to meet her. Different personalities? "Yeah, I noticed." Its hard not to. "So how's your other sister look like? The third Valentines?" If she's not mistaken she's a Ravenclaw or she might be wrong. "Hopefully." Nods. "Do you think anyone ever pranked Peeves?"

Mothering? Her? Snorts. "I never heard mothering and me in the same sentence." AJ was the first one who thought she had that traits. Even her brother never said she had mothering nature.

"It could be more squidy, but I guess it works." She would have names him Bartimus or something cool like that, but she wasn't the squid namer so she would just have to deal.

Oh, she didn't believe that she was the cool one? Well, time would show the girl that AJ was clearly the cooler one. The first year didn't need to prove anything. "She is similar to us, but not identical." Abby was unfortunate in that way. "She's super nice and always has her nose in a book." All she needed to add was weird and she would be explaining Ravenclaw to a tee. "She doesn't get out much." Heck, Aubrey hadn't even seen her sister much and she was her flesh and blood.

Maybe the girl was taking the mothering word in the wrong context? "I mean you seem like you like to tell people what to do." Straight to the point? Yup, that was how AJ rolled. She wasn't being mean or anything, just making an observation. "I dunno about other people pranking Peeves, but I would love to." Maybe this girl would like to join in on the fun with her?

Connor looked up at her and nodded. "I'll have to try them then. Since they're addictive." He told her and then shrugged. "Sure, i mean i like to read too..My father was a muggle. My mom is a witch but she works in a muggle bank in London. Honestly i spend a lot more time in the muggle world, but i do love magic." He thought it only fair he tell her things too.

"We moved here because my Mom wanted to be closer to her family. See, my Dad died about a year ago..He was sick..and well..we didn't see the point in being out there anymore. I just wanted Mom to be happy. But i'm really starting to like it here." She told him about her issues up front so he wanted to keep things equal, tell her the truth. Hmmhmm. He wasn't sure if he'd told anyone else the whole story yet.

"You surely could get paid, with skills like that. I know I'd go to your classes!" Dylan told her with a nod. Then he could have better reflexes, for his friends and even Ginger were always sneaking up on him because they knew how easily scared he got...

The third year chuckled. She thought it was good to meet him? Hmm. She was amusing, Maddie was. He glanced down at Ginger who was purring at Maddie's petting and rubbing her cheek against her hand affectionately. "She seems to really like you," Dylan pointed out with a smile. Ginger made friends pretty quick.

Normally crowded? Dylan looked around. It was quite crowded today. He shrugged. "Yeah," he finally said. "It is a bit crowded somewhat most of the time." he said. At least, from the times he's come here it's been crowded.

Maddie stroked her chin as she contemplated this idea. It DID seem like something she'd be SUPER successful at and if she ALREADY had one client, she'd be able to get more in NO TIME. "I'll consider it." YUP, she would. Make a pros and cons list and EVERYTHING! That's how serious SHE was.

"She's cool." SO far, anyway. Maddie quite liked felines so she was more than okay having Ginger cuddling up to her. PEOPLE, on the other hand. WELL... "I've got a kneazle so I'm REALLY good with pets and stuff."

SIGH. That was really disheartening, did he KNOW? Maddie made disappointed faces and then shrugged. "Guess I'll have to find somewhere else, then." OR they'd have to come here at weird times when there weren't so many people around for THINGS and STUFF. That could work TOO.

Squidy? She thought Henry was Squidy enough but everyone had different opinion.

No identical? "That's shame. If she's identical with you and Angel you could sneak into the Ravenclaw common room." That would be so COOL! Eek. Always had her nose in a book? That's sound boring. Reading was never her things. She never understand how people liked to read for hours. Ohh. That's explain why she never saw the third Valentines.

"Bossy you mean?" Brows. And no, she didn't had any objection with she being bossy. She could do bossy. "We should totally do that." Because two heads better than one, right?

"I know right! Abby always has to mess up everything." She was kidding, totally kidding. Kind of. It really was a bummer that she wouldn't be able to sneak into the Ravenclaw common room. Finally there was somebody who understood the seriousness of being a triplet, but not all of you sharing the same face.

"I wasn't really going for bossy." She never felt like Angel was bossy really. Maybe that was a better way to put it though. "But if the shoe fits." AJ knocked into the girls shoulder to let her know that she was only teasing.

Oh, she was down? "We should. The professor taught me a cool spell that blows hot air that she said I could use on him." Not only did she tell her it was okay to do so, she also made sure she knew how to do it. "She was awesome. I can't remember her name, but she said that she teaches History of Magic." History sounded boring to her even if magic was in the title. However, with this professor the lesson may very well make it enjoyable. Only time would tell.

Addi grinned. "I'll save you some the next time I bake." Which she would hold up. She was all for spreading the love with her brownies. Especially since she might start selling them to fund herself after graduation. She grinned. "Yeah. Muggle politics were most of my life with my parents. Magic is fantastic."

Adelaide frowned. That was awful. "I'm sorry to hear that. Are you doing okay?" Death had to be a major thing to deal with. She gave a faint smile as he said he was starting to like it here. "That's good. Scotland's pretty nice. Might stay here instead of going back to London." Mainly because it might be cheaper than in the city. Plus Derry said she could stay with her.

Dylan grinned when Maddie said she'd consider it. "Perfect, let me know when you make up your mind about it." he told her with a smile. Maybe she wouldn't mind him paying in chocolate frogs or something? He was a bit low on real money and such...

The third year nodded. "Yeah, she is pretty cool, huh?" he said chuckling and patting Ginger on the head. He looked up from the kitten when Maddie said she had a kneazle. He smiled. Awww. Kneazles were adorable, he had always wanted one...but his mum said he could only have one pet. Oh well, Ginger was perfect for him. "What's your kneazles name?" he asked curiously. Perhaps she could show him it some time?

"You like to be in more less crowded places, huh?" he asked chuckling when Maddie got disappointed at the fact that the tree house was pretty packed most of the time. Eh. He didn't quite care, he liked being around people. But, now that he took a good look around, there was a lot of people here today... "Perhaps if you came here early in the morning? Or you could go somewhere else...the lake isn't normally this packed during this time of year." he told her with a small nod.

Connor stretched out his legs, hmm comfier! There wasn't any wind in the tree house either so he felt much warmer in here. He was already FREEZING. "Good! I look forward to it." Muggle politics, he wasn't sure how it was in the UK but he knew in the states it was just a headache. He stayed away from it.

He shook his head. "He was suffering..and now he's not..i miss him, but..wishing he had stayed would be selfish." He said softly, almost to himself. But he wanted to get to know her and for her to know him, that's what you did with friends. "Yeah? London seems all right, i really haven't seen much of it to be honest, moving was a long process. Took most of the summer."

you know what you're doing! poking her once more as she chewed on the pizza bite he smiled a bit. "you know what." she did, she sooooo did and he'd get her back when she least expected it. She was cute though the way she smirked as she chewed happily on the yumminess that was pizza.

"yours? ptttf." he shook his head and took a giant bite out of the slice. "this is mine." not yours anymore, girlfriend. "you should get your own. stealing boyfriends pizza isn't nice you know." he thought he was just so so so cleaver, wasn't he? didn't you think so?

Poor Girl. "I have a question. How does it feels being born as triplet?" She was really curious though. "Do you guys fight a lot?" Because she never fought with her brother. Willy always let her win and have everything. He's the best brother EVER!

Wasn't really going for bossy? "So what's you really going for?" Hmm? Tell her, AJ! But the shoe did fit. She just chuckled when AJ knocked her shoulder.

"Really? That's very ice of her teaching you stuffs." Now she wanted to know about this particular spell too. "Have you managed to master that spell?" Because they needed that spell for their BIG plan. And since between the two of them, AJ was the only one who know about the spell so Candice to make sure that her fellow Gryffindor already mastered it. "Did she tell you how to find Peeves?" That's another important thing they need to know.

Addi glanced out the window she was perched it. There was a really nice view from up here. She was going to have to visit this place more often. Good place to read a book. She looked back at Connor.

Adelaide frowned. "I'm really sorry Connor. And yeah, it might seem selfish, but isn't that kind of the grieving process? You are allowed to grieve ya know." Holding emotions in was bad. It meant you broke down crying on your friend in the middle of the night. That was never fun. "I can see that. If you ever wanted me to show you around, I pretty much know the city like the back of my hand."

Connor nodded. "I know..i spent my time grieving. I'm not saying i'm over it. I just know he wouldn't want me to let it rule my life, you know?" He missed his father, every day. He pulled out the pocket watch he often had on his person and opened it, the picture of his family on the inside.

He nodded. "I'd love that..you know, if you have time after you graduate. I don't really have any friends in London yet." He had family there but he barely knew them. So..

Adelaide gave him a slight smile. "I gotcha. I'm here if it ever hits you again and you need to talk about it." Because that's what friends do and they were definitely friends at this point. They both new about the others lows.

She smiled wider. "Of course I'll have time. Not really too much going on otherwise." Unless she did quidditch or uni. Then that might be a different story.

Connor nodded. "Thanks, I'll let you know." Honestly he hadn't thought about who he would talk to if he felt like that while here at Hogwarts and no one really knew about it. Elodie was the only other person he'd even thought about talking about his Dad with, but Adelaide seemed just as good!

"Oh, okay! We'll have to hang out this summer then. You can show me around since i don't know where anything is there. It'll be good to get a tour from someone who knows where they're going." He said and stood up, stepping over to the window she was sitting in and looking out of it, at the grounds.

Adelaide smiled as Connor joined her over by the window. "I'd love to. Show you some of my favorite places." There were little places she'd miss about London. Especially when it was so easy to hop on the tube and get to downtown. Sigh.

"This is a pretty view." Addi said as she looked out the window again. This would be a really pretty spot to sit once it started snowing. She made a note of that.

CB lifted her eyebrows at the boy. He was very curious and cute and she wasn't sure yet if she minded his company. She preferred exploring on her own, or maybe with Hallie, who she hadn't seen much of lately, but she wasn't so sure about this boy yet. Either way, she watched him explore and climb further, taking the time to explore with her eyes mainly, and taking a spot on the wall to lean against.

It smelt nice in here.

"I could see that, I s'ppose." Climbing wasn't her thing. Maaaaybe it was okay that he noticed that. And it was kind of cute that he was expressing concern. "It's fine. Already over it." Grin. "Would you have saved me if I had?" Chivalrous hufflepuff maybe? She hoped so. Chivalrous boys were veeeery cool and she hadn't experienced a whole lot of those. Not that she'd experienced a whole lot of boys around her own age in general.

Hmmm. "Not really, no. My tutor had a hammock. But that's nothing like a treehouse." It was comfy. And took some effort climbing into but not nearly as much as a tree house would have, obviously.

"Being a triplet is cool." It had it's downside, but there was definitely more pros than cons. "We do fight, but for the most part we get along." The only thing that really got under her skin was when Angel smothered mothered her, but she had been laying off that lately so as was well. "We have each other's back... so it's cool if I mess with my sisters, but obody else had better try it." That was a major pro. All could go wrong in her life and she knew that she would have two people that had her back at all times.

"I was going to say something along the lines of you seem like the do gooder type, and you would tell people off for doing wrong." So really in short she could be called bossy AJ decided.

"Yeah, it was really nice of her. I think I have it down okay. I mean I know how to do it so all I really need to do it practice it." The main part was already tackled. "She just wanted me to be able to defend myself so she didn't exactly give me a map to him." That's where their detective work would come in at.

Beverly side stepped, dodging the poke. He was going to have to be faster than that if he wanted to poke her. Maybe the smirk didn't help her case of playing innocent, but it was fun all the same.

He was DEVOURING her pizza slice!

Beverly let out and overly exaggerated gasp. "I'll have you know that was my pizza, Walker." If he wanted it that way, it was okay. Cool. No problem. He could have her slice. "Fine," she said, a mischievous glint in her eyes. Swirling on her heal away from him and toward the table, Beverly pulled the pizza plate toward her. "You can have that slice. I'll have this." The ENTIRE pizza.

She shot him a smile. Happy Beverly!

"Where should I look for you to let you know?" Cause she wasn't going to GO SEARCHING, nope. She'd need a few key places where he usually went and THEN she could go see him, no problem.

Maddie moved her hand to Ginger's back and traced patterns in her fur, watching the way the older boy interacted with his kitten. He seemed to love her very much which was nice. People always looked at things they loved a BIT differently, she'd noticed. Something in the eyes, maybe. YEAH. "My kneazle's name is Zeus. He's tiny but ferocious." BEAM. Was he scared yet?

"I like my privacy, yeah." MOSTLY. She was beginning to see that people here weren't SO bad but still, quiet places were best. "I'll have to consult my allies." About the time for things and stuff taking place and such. The lake, though. THERE was an idea which made her think of something ELSE.

"Say, have you ever met the Giant Squid?!"

That was a good question. He sat for a minute, thinking. "Well," he finally said. "I'm normally walking around outside when I'm not in classes. You'll find me anywhere, I'm quite easy to spot. I like to hang around the lake, courtyard, and tree house the most." he said. It was true,he was pretty easy to spot. Maybe it was the hair? Who knew...

"Zeus, huh? That's an awesome name." he said with a smile. That was actually an extremely adorable name for a kneazle. Now Dylan wanted to see him even more! He then tilted his head to the side slightly when she mentioned Zeus being a bit ferocious. "Yeah? Why's that?" he asked curiously. A ferocious kneazle named Zeus. Heheh.

Dylan nodded. "Oh, I understand." he said. Then, she mentioned the squid, making his heart skip a beat. Biting his lip, he quickly racked his brain for something to say. Yes, he had seen the squid but never got close... he was very VERY VERY frightened of the thing. It was his biggest fear. But he'd never dare telling anyone. He wanted to keep his tough guy image and stuff, y'know. "I've seen him. Never got the chance to quite meet him. He always goes away when I see him, I guess." he simply said with a shrug, trying to act cool. When really he was shaking on the inside at the thought of the thing...

Kace chuckled when she said if he would save her. "Of course, I would be your knight in shining armor." he joked with her a little bit and he bowed down. When he asked her the tree house question, he nodded and replied, "Well hammocks are cool and relaxing." He agreed on that aspect. "I love playing on them and swinging back and forth." he grinned. "I remember one time i swung too hard and I fell flat on my face. I guess I learned my lesson then huh?" It did hurt a little bit. Even his cousins were laughing at him. But if it happened to them, he would laugh too.

Connor nodded. "That sounds great.." He said and looked back at her as she spoke about the view. "You can see a good bit of the grounds. It's a calm little spot."

He leaned against the wall a little and sighed. "I like it here. It's an interesting school." Breathing in the air Connor could feel how cold it as in his lungs, it was a crisp feeling, not bad, just different. He was actually hoping for a little snow even though he didn't care for the cold.

For the sweetest Pea of the bunch ;)
 

She always wondered what's it feels liked to have a sister, well in AJ' case sisters. "That's cool." That's sounds awesome though. They've each others back? Wasn't that brothers and sisters do? "Yeah. I like to mess with my brother." She had Messer as her surname so she need to life up to that right? And she agreed with the part about nobody messed up with their siblings.

"Do gooder type?" Snorts. Tell people off for doing wrong? Yeah, sometime she did that but not all the time.

"Good then." If they're going to do that plan of theirs one of them need to do the spell and the other handle the diversion thingy. Maybe they could asked around about it. How hard it could be, right? Speaking of searching for something, she need to find herself foods because she's a bit hungry. Maybe she could go the kitchen and say Hello to the House Elves. "Well, its nice talking to you, AJ. But I'm hungry and I need foods ASAP." Yes, her stomach already started to ramble.

She was so lost in her thoughts of the book she was practically attached to, that she hadn't even noticed anyone else come up onto the balcony where she had been sitting. What was it she was reading? Oh, just some particular tips on Quidditch about being a beater & the responsibility of making sure not to kill anyone with a bludger. It was very informative, yet scary, but quite thrilling, yet had that slight undertone of making her feel a bit uncomfortable.

But it was when she'd lifted her head to adjust herself & turn the page to move onto the next chapter, she took notice of someone else up there with her. Josette felt herself tense up immediately as she practically froze where she was. She didn't know what to do, should she leave? Did he want the balcony to himself? She could go, if he'd wanted her to. Josette bit her lower lip before she cleared her throat to give him some recognition that he wasn't alone.

Was she really a lot more outgoing this year...not really.“ I dont i changed my behaviour“, Vinnie shook her head,“ i just think people changed theirs. I met my best friend and then i met his other friends and so on.“ It really had started with meeting Louis. All of it, this whole social thing. „Its quite funny how you've met more girls and i've met more boys.“ Shouldnt it be the other way around really?

The brunette leaned her head back and grinned. This was a very amusing conversation and she was enoying it. „You think?“ Well they were lucky for being her favourites obviously but the Slytherin wanted to know her new friends opinion.Was he her friend?! That had to figured out. „I think its ridiculous to act differently around strangers“, the girl snorted,“like what if they stop being strangers and then you are the idiot who lied.“ Being yourself was the best, really. Not the easiest but, the right thing wasnt always the easiest thing to do. „Durmstrang was strict and rough“, she nodded,“ not really about rich kids, more about who was popular and tough.“ The combat kids were the coolest one, pretty much similar to how the quidditch kids were the coolest here. Sports always seemed to come with a certain popularity. Even though the fifth year thought musicians should be a lot more popular. Nothing big? At all?“That must have been reaaallly boring“ Beauxbatons definitely didnt sound like her kind of school.

The right mix sounded....right. You needed all kinds of friends. Happy friends, sad friends, party friends, deep friends, funny friends. All of them. „You need one of each kind“, she chuckled,“ to make a balanced group.“ In her head Vinnie tried to put her friends in order....this was hilarious. Most of them were the fun kind of people, combined with the deep ones. Yeah. „No more hiding this beautiful face away“, she joked“ it was a funny coincidence though, it was a day like any other.“ Just the person she had met was different. And thats how it began. It was good that Grayson started to have his own group of friends, like it was hard to find your place at the beginning. At least that was what the brunette thought.“Thats good“, she grinned,“you'll get there without even realising.“

„You know we can share the treehouse“, the girl winked. It wasnt meant to be the flirty kinda wink, it just happened. They could drink butterbeer up here and gossip about stupid people. Did Grayson gossip?! „I'd rather have someone say the truth than pretend to like something to be liked“, she shrugged. That was the worst.

Vinnie just laughed as he pulled out his charming smile for her. Did he really think this was getting him to make her his puppy? The Slytherin had seen far too many charming smiles for that.“ Sayyyyyy Grayysooonn“, she flashed her sweetest smile,“ dont you think you're a big boy and can get it by yourself?“ Smiiirk. It made her grin how they shared the same opinion about rollercoasters and amusement parks. Maybe they should go together some time.“Verryyyy true, i dont understand some people.Maybe you just cant understand mediocre brains like that.“

„Dont worry about it“, she shook her head,“ i dont mind.“ Vinnie had long lost all emotions for her mother. She didnt play any role in her life until holidays came, when she was forced to spent time with her. And the smile was back, it did look good on him to be honest but she wouldnt tell him. Not in a million years.“You and charming?“, she chuckled,“ i guess i'll have to see that.“
Listening to Grayson talk about siblings the brunette was glad she didnt have any. „That sounds awful, could you not hide him away somewhere?“ That was a cruel though....oops.

Zander was still in the midst of looking beyond the balcony's little fencing when he heard a noise come from behind him. It TOTALLY threw the boy off guard. Poor Zander was completely thrown off his game and his balance was definitely thrown off a notch or two as well. Luckily, he caught himself with the wooden railing and THANKFULLY, he regained balance right before accidentally falling off the balcony. Because that would have been bad... Really bad....

Ahem. Where was he? Ah yes, the noise. Zander turned around, almost apprehensively. Oh. It was just a girl? How had he gone all the way up here without noticing that he wasn't alone. Well this is embarrassing. "Oh... Sorry, I-er, I didn't see you there," he said being genuinely apologetic. Hopefully she wasn't angry that he came up here stomping around, while she was trying to... read? Ah, interesting. That must explain the Ravenclaw uniform. "I could, uh, leave. You look, erm, really invested in that book," the boy stumbled all over his words, but did manage a lopsided sort of smile. He pointed to the exit and inched towards it.

Oh goodness, there was lot of stumbling coming from this boy. It sort of made the second year think of herself. Especially when it came to tripping over their own feet, because Josie was pretty sure that was something that pretty much happened to her practically every other moment of her day. So she totally sympathized with the boy. Although he had nearly given her a heart attack when he'd almost over fallen over the balcony. It had actually scared her so much to death that she had unintentionally reached out grabbing onto his sleeve hoping to prevent him from falling to his...death..

But when she had seen him catch himself, she felt very awkward & had immediately let go of him, clearing her throat. She had immediately tensed up the moment the boy had turned around to face her. It seemed like he had finally realized he wasn't up here alone. Wait-was he apologizing to her? That certainly caught the twelve year old off guard, but he hadn't done anything to her, so she really wasn't sure if he should've been the one apologizing. And not only that now he was the one offering to leave. "Oh-no-I-um...", she paused & cleared her throat again, "I-I mean you d-don't have to.." He hadn't intended to scare her, nor she to him.

"I give my sisters a hard time too." But nobody else had better try and do it. "I wonder what it's like to have a brother though." She thought that would be pretty cool. If anything she would most likely have more in common with him.

So she agreed? Excellent. Yup, that was Candice and Angel. Although Candice may just go on a ghost hunting trip with her so she may be able to redeem herself there.

Candice was down! Cool. She was already looking better in her eyes. "We can practice in the dorms." Yup, there would be plenty of time there. "Only we should keep it a secret." She didn't need any scolding or Angel trying to hold her back. The topic changed to food, and it was then that she realized that she was hungry too. "Ditto. I'm glad I ran into you." AJ wasn't ready to leave just yet though. "See ya later." Wasting no time, the first year stretched out and got comfy. Maybe a nice nap would do her some good.

Adelaide gave him a warm smile before looking out the window once more. "Mhm. It'll be really nice once spring hits. Maybe even get some animals up here." Because little animals were always fun. As long as nothing was going to bite her and eat her.

Addi nodded. "It is a very interesting school. These past two years I've been here have been different. Apparently a lot of strange things like to happen here." At least that's what she'd heard.

Maddie considered this information for a moment or two before nodding her head. "Okay, I'll keep that in mind." And if he WAS willing to take lessons from her, she might as well be willing to seek him out.

"'Course it is." DUH, that's why she NAMED him that. "Well, because it's his nature." He was BORN to be WILD. Plus he wanted to be the KING of all things and if anything got in his way, he was NOT a happy kneazle. Shrug.

He'd SEEN the squid. Maddie's eyes widened and she turned to face him, disrupting Ginger's comfort in the process but she simply laid a hand lightly on the kitten's head and kept her focus on her owner. "Was he HUGE? Did he try and EAT anyone? Did he SAY anything to the people by the lake?" Details, kid. She wanted details!