Slate was oddly hypersensitive to sounds in the hallway. ... especially near creepy statues. Especially since he knew for a fact that he could move and talk and generally be exactly like things from a horror movie.

... so, he carefully skirted around a creepy talking bust, completely avoided the suit of armor, and then went to go check out the games.

He looked through trying to figure out if any of the games had instruction manuals. Despite having friends that grew up with these things, he didn't know a whole lot of games.

Probably for good reason considering most of the games attacked each other or the players. Or both. Probably. It wouldn't surprise him.

Gaston was on the way back to his office after a walk around the school. The quick break had given him some inspiration for the music he said he'd write for Paul, and he already had his little black book out, scribbling away. A muttering voice talking in - was that Latin? - jerked him out of his thoughts. He put the black book back into his jacket pocket and looked around. Well this wasn't where he meant to go! He must've been so distracted that he took a wrong turn. Serves him right for trying to write songs and walk at the same time...

Then he saw he wasn't alone. "Hello, Mr. Ryker," he said, smiling at the Slytherin. His eyes fell to the game. "Fancy a game?" He was sure the boy wouldn't want to play with an old codger like him, but it seemed rude not to offer. Besides, what was the harm in extending his break just a little longer?

Camilla had chosen to walk the corridors this afternoon on the way up to the owlry. There was a letter inside the pocket of her robes she planned to send out to her parents. It was habit for her even as a grown women to write them weekly letting them know how she was and most importantly to check up on how they were.

Making her way through the corridors and casually peeking into some of the rooms, yes she was actually checking on those inside. Never could be to careful around here anymore. These students could get into things faster than a toddler could. What was that? A quiet voice caught her attention and Cami glanced around, brown eyes finally settling on the medieval wizard. "Oh, well hello there." she greeted with a warm smile and nod of her head. If he understood her she didn't know for sure but it was the small room near him that caught her eye next.

Stepping inside the room there was games and cards everywhere. This was interesting. Surely it was fine to take a peek around and check out all that was in here, maybe catch a wandering student and see if they would fancy playing a game with her.

Soon he was joined by someone else. A professor someone, to be specific. At least that would mean he'd more than likely be safe from possessed statues.

Probably maybe.

"Hey, Professor." he greeted. He glanced between him and the game. "Don't actually know too much about magic games." he said. Minus wizarding chess. Which... just seemed terrible.

That was an answer, right?

Divination class came to a close and Ace had agreed to come talk with her. The staircase was too public a place for such a discussion so she led him to one of the quietest (but also coolest and chillest) places that wouldn't feel awkward. She passed the stone bust that was busily mumbling in Latin as she passed it she beckoned, in her mind, for the bust to give her the strength to carry through with this conversation. Everyone had been asking her questions. Questions about her friendship with the particular Prefect and it was beginning to drive her... well... a little crazy. So Vi was doing something that she was extremely terrified of. Seriously. She felt her hands shake a little because of it. And her knees felt a little weak too. Never mind the fact that her heart was already racing.

Scratch the description of racing heart... Vi's heart was just pounding so much that she felt like it was going to fall out of her chest. "Hey! You've probably already seen this place but I think its really cool," she grinned as she led the way into the Arcade Area. An area filled with games and more! How exciting.

But the games could wait... There was a more important topic at hand.

Something was... bothering Vi. Not quite to the level that its noticeable or distracting, but there was something. So he was all too happy that their schedules cleared up for a bit and got some time for themselves.

"Not as well as I would like really, havent gotten this section of the castle on Patrol duties." he replied as he walked by the mumbling figure. One of these days he's gonna talk to that statue and ask exactly what is it its been saying.... or maybe just translate it. Ah see another reason to sign up with the Latin club.

He slid into a seat next to a half-finished game of Snitch Snatcher, glancing distractedly at it, wondering for a moment if its worth continuing or just reset the whole thing for a new game....

Olivia Holden wasn't sure if she could do this. She was panicking internally. Breathe. Breathe, she coached herself. It was just a question. But no, she couldn't. Her heart continued to pound. She did not know how she maintained a somewhat calm demeanor on the outside. She wasn't sure how long she should keep it up so she needed to find a way to talk about how she was feeling. Though the whole concept and conversation in her mind had come relatively easy to her when she had rehearsed it and looked at the outcomes of it all but now with Ace with her, she felt her knees become weaker.

Vi watched as Ace slid into a seat... Deep breath, Vi. "So... I don't know how to put this..." she said at first standing before taking a seat opposite of Ace. She wasn't sure if she could... Oh Merlin... "I... " She paused, biting her lip. She was going to beat around the bush. Start off with a few people (Noelle, Etta, Mel, Vivian, even Skylar now, and more) had been asking about what her friendship with Ace was. Were they dating...? Were they something else? What were they? Sure they had gone on dates and were going on dates and all... And they had kissed... and not just once. Had the kiss meant something? Obviously it had but still... Maybe she was reading too much into it? Her cheeks were touched a light blush at the thought of the kiss. Her first kiss. It was clear that she cared about him and he cared about her... but... But was he seeing other people? Not so much that the seeing other people that bothered her but was... Had he kissed others like he had kissed her? She dismissed the thought, being distracted by it all. She wasn't even dating him... why should she worry about all of that? Ha, silly her. No, not silly. She wanted to be with him. But maybe the whole idea was just.... Ugh. The thoughts kept on returning and weren't being dismissed. What did all of this mean?

"Ace..... " She paused. "What are we?" There she had said it. That hadn't been so hard, right?

'So I dont know how to put this....'

Uh oh.

He did something wrong didnt he? How does he know he did something wrong? Because everybody who spoke to him starting with that statement always followed it with what/where/when/how he screwed up. And Vi blushing like that. He knew for a fact that blood rushing to the face isnt always a good thing. His dad and his mom both turn a pretty nice shade of red when he does something wrong. And yes it sometimes starts with the above statement.

Cue internal panicking. Vi's heartrate isnt the only one thats racing right now. In fact his brain is racing too, backwards, trying to recall what is it he's been doing that's led to this moment....

'What are we?'

Blink. Ok that was a question. A question that doesnt seem to fit any of the what/where/when/how's of his screwing up. Or maybe its a lead up to something, force his brain to think? His dueling tutor always pulls that on him for some reason....

"We are....... Gryffindors?" Right answer? Does he get a cookie?

Gaston inwardly groaned. That talking bust was really starting to annoy him! He was about to draw his wand and put a silencing spell on the thing when Mr. Ryker returned his greeting. He smiled, trying to block out the bust muttering in his ear.

His expression changed slightly at what the boy said next. That wasn't exactly the reply he thought he'd get, but he could relate on some level. There had been a time when he didn't understand magic games either. "Oh? Well, if there's a game you'd like to try, maybe I could explain the rules to you."

Oh SWEET Merlin, Ace wasn’t following, huh? It was probably because she hadn't been direct enough? She probably hadn’t been direct enough because it took her FOREVER to let him know that she liiiiiiiiiked him very so. Vi had two options at the moment. Go along with his answer or press on. She chuckled at his answer, feeling herself feel less nervous all of a sudden because Ace was just being her Ace. “Yes, very well done, Master Salander,” she smiled doing her best job trying to impersonate a Professor, trying to make this light-hearted as much as possible. It wasn’t what the answer that she had been expecting or looking for but perhaps she hadn’t been so clear about it. Still it had been an answer. A kind of comical answer if you asked her.

“Buuuut what else are we….?” she began again. And don’t you dare say alive, Tenacius Astor Salander, she thought with a smile gracing her lips. She was fairly certain that he felt the same way about her but then again…. Perhaps she was wrong and reading waaaay too much into it? Maybe he was seeing someone else? Another Prefect? Hah. Her heart dropped. But that kiss… She still thought of that. It was more than friends…. It wasn’t a la bise, a kiss on both cheeks, which was a form of greeting that she had experienced at Beaxubatons. It had been something entirely different.

She bit her lip and then continued. “You.. Me… Whatever is happening between us…. ” she began and then added, “Apart from both of us having a mutual dislike for gravity...” She took a strand of already tucked curly hair from behind her ear and then retucked it in. Oh yes. She was nervous. Like really nervous now. Why did everything always get harder when she just wanted to….?!?! UGH.

"What I mean to say is… I don’t know why its so hard to say…” She was scared that this would go horribly wrong for some reason.. She really cared for him and that scared her even more. Vi hd never felt like this about anyone before… Vi sucked it up and delivered the punch line. “Are we just friends or… are we something more?” Good friends don’t kiss like that, right? She didn’t think so because she certainly hadn’t kissed any of her other close friends. Tory… Jace…. None of them. Only the Gryffindor in front of her. A blush creeped onto her cheeks as another comment slipped her lips, “That kiss had certainly felt like something more but I don't want to assume…” Oh good Merlin. She was going to start rambling any minute. She stopped herself from doing so by taking a deep breath.

Okay. Ball back in Salander’s court.

Slate noted the Professor's expression and hoped it wasn't in relation to the Slytherin's existence. That would be a little disheartening. Hopefully it just had to do with the fact that these games were tucked away in an eerie part of the castle.

It was honestly a wonder that this area was found at all.

He looked around at all the games. "Are there any that don't behead each other?" he asked. He then made a face. "Or shoot slime at you." Because he'd heard about that one.

Awww theres that gorgeous smile that sends his heart racing-- the good kind, not the nervous almost-wreck like it was earlier. And really for the next few seconds he thought that that was what her question was all about.....

....And then she repeated it again, clarified herself, over-explained it some might say, but to Tenacius Astor Salander it was only then that everything Olivia Alice Holden was trying to patiently and heroically say finally dawned on him. Oh gosh he really missed it by a wide side of the barn didnt he?

A quiet sigh of relief escaped his lips, and comically went about to smacking himself on the head "Sorry I-- oh man I thought you were gonna rant on me for something I did." because lets face it, Gryffindoring has its occupational hazards. But suddenly he dragged his seat from his side of the table towards hers, and now they sat next to each other. Taking her hand into his, he spoke quietly "Well..... we've been dating for a while now right? I mean its not exclusive, I think we.... kinda agreed on that right?" he paused as flitting memories of good times with Vi played through his head, which were practically everything. "I liked kissing you too. Like thats the best part really...." he grinned as he peered into her face. Gosh he felt like giving her another smooch right now.

Ahem, focus boy. "Well... what do you think? I mean do you want us to take the next step and go steady? Like exclusive steady?" That question hung in the air for a moment, as it was a question for her as much as for himself. Was he willing to consciously turn other people down and be faithful to ONE? Was she? Its a lot to think about.

"Sorry... I guess my nerves must have gotten the best of me," she chuckled. She was SO relieved that he had gotten it because she did not know what else to do or say in that case. Kiss him? No, that would have been a further distraction from the point. Vi nodded as she listened to him speak. “That’s right.” They had been dating for a while and it wasn’t exclusive which was something that they had agreed on when they first started going on dates. As she glanced at him, she lost herself in those ocean coloured eyes. She was brought back to the real world when Ace mentioned the kiss or kisses. Vi found herself giving his hand a squeeze at that comment to confirm that she had enjoyed the kiss as much as he. Meanwhile, her cheeks turned quite pink now at the mention of the fact that he liked kissing her. In this moment, she now understood what Etta had meant about someone being able to make you blush even though both parties knew of each other’s feelings.

Then he was asking her what her opinion of it all was. Did they take the next step forward? Exclusively going steady? “I… That’s a big step,” she smiled, thinking it all through. It was a big step-- a scary step. Like every decision, there were pros and cons. Vi wished she had her good luck coin on her that she used to carry around with her when she needed to make decisions. It had been a faithful servant in helping her work through issues. But nevertheless sometimes she didn’t need the coin to make such decisions, like this one. As soon as Ace had asked her that question, she had known her answer. Her heart had spoken. Though she needed to also think with her mind on such a decision too. She quickly drew up a pro/con list in her mind. Pros: more puns, more fun with my best guy friend, getting to kiss him , I can be myself around him, and it’s Ace… Need I say more? Then she went through the Cons which she found little to... actual none except not being able to see other people which was something that she wouldn’t be upset with. Then the thought of what happened if they did go steady and broke up..? Would they still be able to remain friends? That was a risk worth considering.

With everything weighed in her mind, she offered him a small smile. “I do want us to take the next step. I think I'm ready and I do want this.. us.." Her mind agreed with her heart. But what did HE think of it all? "But what do you think of this?" If he needed more time or if he didn't feel the same way..... That was okay too. She'd be okay with it.

She agreed. Like yes. Like affirmative. Like HOUSTON WE HAVE LIFTOFF!

He squeezed her hand, so happy to hear her say those words, his own euphoria surprising even himself. He wanted to SQUEEE. He may have too, like lowkey squeeing with that squeezing. He wanted this too, he realized that now, subconsciousness now emerging with such clarity like the first rays of the sun at dawn. His response-- well if that wasnt clear by now-- with a deep breath he said "Yeah. Lets go for it!"

There he said it. Wow. It was like Indiana Jones taking a leap of faith and realizing he landed on an invisible bridge. It wasnt so scary after all.

His hands still folded within hers, he looked at her and smiled. A nice quiet moment together, this first time that they are a couple.

From what she could tell, her response had made him so happy. He had taken her hand and squeezed it. The way he smiled at her. The happiness that smile emitted and the way he squeezed her hand which made her smile even more. Based on his reaction, Vi knew his answer but still she was going to still be filled with doubt until he uttered the words. And then he spoke. He said it.

Yeah. Let's go for it!

Woah. The Gryffindor exhaled all of a sudden. She hadn't even known that she had been holding her breath. Olivia's smile grew even bigger and her heart swelled with happiness. She didn't know it was possible for it to grow more but it did. Vi felt giggly. Merlin. "Okay," she smiled as her hands as she met his inviting sea coloured eyes with her own blue ones. Officially together exclusively as a couple. Merlin. This all felt surreal... like a dream. She felt like she needed to pinch herself just to make sure that this moment in time wasn't some dream that she was going to be waking up in a few minutes.

Her eyes lingered for a moment until she remembered that there was an unfinished game of Snitch Snatcher. A teasing smile graced her lips. "Care to play a game?" she asked and then winked at him. "Just cause you're my boyfriend doesn't mean I'm going to go too easy on you..." Boyfriend. Woah. Now that had just slipped out. It felt strange to say that but... it was also nice too.

Maddie had a break in classes, and since there was nothing else for her to do, she decided to explore more of the castle. She hadn't been here too long, but she'd already explored at least one or two areas of each floor of the castle. This place was HUGE, though. No matter how many times she went out exploring, she always managed to find places she'd never been. Today, she was just a few floors up from the common room and on the second floor. one of her professors had just ducked into a little room off to the side, and of course that got the best of Maddie's curiosity. "HEYYYY, PROFESSOR!" she said, smiling as she followed the woman to the door.

"HOLY CUPCAKES!" she said, as her eyes caught sight of what was inside. "What is this place?" She had finally lowered her voice upon realizing that she was probably just a little too loud. She couldn't help it, though. When exciting things happened, she had no idea how soft or how loud her voice really was. She didn't know any Latin, so she just have the bust a wave of acknowledgment. "Can we go inside, Professor? Can weeee? CAN WEEEE?" Surely this wasn't the professor's 'NO STUDENTS ALLOWED' hang-out place.

Boyfriend. Oh man that got a biggest, silliest beaming from this Curly Top. Who would've thought that such a simple word-- not even normally applied to him-- could make one have such the warm fuzzies eh?

"Game on girlfriend!" he smirked, comically rolling up his sleeves as if to prove his point that he wont be toppled down so easily either although he might totally let her win this game, so that he can win in other.... games shhh.

Girlfriend, huh? Now that felt weird to hear someone call her that but she liked it. Liked it a lot. It made her knees and legs feel wobbly like jello. Girlfriend. Wow. She felt like she had just eaten a bunch of chocolate frogs and sugar wands and now was on a sugar rush. Pure bliss. This was dhajjdhwbxkxjabrod. Words couldn't describe this moment aptly.

Though Olivia didn't know how to play this game yet she was determined to learn and WIN. One could say that she was just a little competitive. Only sometimes. Picking up the rules, she began looking at them and found herself totally lost. "Have you ever played this game before? Cause I haven't and have no clue how to play this," she laughed.

Oh so she didnt know how to play this game? Ohohoho temmmmmmpting to have a real good time now. "Sure! I mean its a Quidditch-based game... he said as he tried to look real earnest at teaching her but just couldnt seem to hide that jokey smirk off his face. He reset the toy pitch to start a new game when the clocktower started to sound off.....

That signals their next class starting soon. Alas for whom the bell tolls, for indeed it tolls for thee Gryffies.

"Dang.... ok, I owe you a game then." he winked at his GIRLFRIEND as he stood, collected his things and offered his hand.

If Gaston knew what the Slytherin was thinking right now, he would've felt terrible! The change in his expression hadn't had anything to do with the boy; he was just a little surprised by the reply he got... and annoyed by that bust's constant yammering. His eyes followed the boy's as he looked at the games.

The next question he was asked, paired with the face Mr. Ryker made, made him chuckle a little. He had a point there! Some wizarding games were unnecessarily barbaric! He thought for a minute... obviously no wizards chess or gobstones, and exploding snap was definitely out! Then he thought of something. "Well, there's Snitch Snatchers," he said. "That game doesn't attack itself or the players; it's basically a board game version of quidditch. Want to try that one out?"

Slate looked between the game stack and the Professor. He seemed to be thinking hard. Did Slate just have a difficult question? Oh wait. Now there was talking. "Yeah. We can give that a try." he said with a nod.

Luckily, he did know a little about quidditch. He had some friends that took him to different games over the summer.

"How exactly does that work in a board game?" Did he need 6 friends to play?

Only as she had slipped into the room and was taking things in the games and items around her did she hear someone call out 'Professor'. Stopping mid-step and looking over her shoulder, Cami gave the young Badger a warm smile. "Hello, Maddie. How are you this afternoon?" she had come to start using the students first names outside the classroom. It had been an adjustment having only used their last names but she had found that it helped bring everyone onto the same level. Being comfortable with a student helped the students to be comfortable with her as well.

The young girls exclamation of surprise made her laugh softly to herself. "It's an arcade area," she replied smiling. One could have guessed that on their own but the girl had asked so she had answered. "Sure we can. How about we play a game? You can pick anyone you like."

Camilla moved fully into the room letting Maddie slip past her to check things out.

Maddie returned the professor's smile. "It still amazes me how you professors know everybody's names! I've been here almost a whole half of a school year, and I don't think I'm ever going to memorize everybody's names!" she said with a laugh. Oh, she'd also forgotten to answer the question that she was asked in the first place. "I'm doing pretty good! I'm exploring the castle. There must be four zillion, six billion, nine million, two thousand, four hundred and TWO rooms in this place!" She didn't think she'd ever see them all, even when she was halfway through her very last year here.

The professor wanted to play a game with her? "That's awesome! At my old school, we weren't allowed to hang out with the professors," she said. It was so cool that the professors wanted to hang out with the students here at Hogwarts! "What's Wizard Skittles?" she asked. "I want to play that one!" She just liked the sound of it, so that was the one she wanted to play first. "Do you know how to play this one?"

Camilla couldn't hide her laugh just then. "Well I must say it's not always easy. There are a few names that are always a bit tougher to remember than others. What really helps is when students usually sit in the same seats during lessons, you get to know the name and face much quicker." At least it helped her that way. "I certainly hope not!," she exclaimed smiling at Maddie. "I might very well end up lost myself and require the help of someone to come find me." She was teasing of course. If this place had that many rooms surely they would all be doomed!

"Is that so? Well here we like getting to know our students. It makes for a more happy and relaxed environment. It would be very sad if we didn't know our students well... especially since we all spend so much time together here in the castle." This was another reason Cami was doing her best to spend more time outside of her office whenever possible. She really did enjoy interacting with the students.

Wizard Skittles? Now that was a game she hadn't heard of in quite some time. "I actually do. It's been many years since I've played this game but let's see if I can remember the rules correctly, shall we?" She pulled out a chair at the small table nodding at the other seat for Maddie to join her. "If I recall correctly you need to knock down as many skittles as you can."