She laughed when Apollo said that they don't plan, they just do. "Are we trying to live up to a stereotype?" Maya wasn't one to use her house to explain her actions as she more often than not thought she truly belonged in Ravenclaw. "So if you're a Gryffindor and you're bold and impuslive, does that mean I, a Slytherin, am evil?"

She watched as he looked around the grounds. Was he looking for something? "Just the same. I figured it was good to take a walk before tackling assignments," Maya admitted, just before she laid back onto the ground. "Winter around here is quite beautiful too though. Especially when it snows... makes you just want to stay inside and watch it, but..." she let out a little laugh. "We have time before that happens."

SPOILER!!: Ashleyyy! <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by astrocat

Ash wanted to feel better this term. And outdoors made her feel better. Therefore, Ash went outdoors. That made logical sense.

Wearing a cute dress(it was functional! It was flattering! It was comfy! It twirled! POCKETS!)- wearing a cute dress and with a book(!!!) under her arm, she walked to the lake. It was a nice day. Nice like her mood. It was... it felt... nice!

She paused next to a girl who looked sort of her age. Ash wanted to ask what the girl was doing, but she didn't want to disturb her either. She just sort of mimicked her to see if she could figure it out herself.

Ohhh. This was warm. This was relaxing. This was... actually peaceful. WAS THIS WHAT HAPPY PEOPLE FELT LIKE? She wanted that. She flopped down on the ground and stretched out with her eyes open, which felt even nicer to her. Ahhhh.

For all the world knew, Aria McLeod may have fallen asleep in this position and no one knew. Key word: may. Because she hadn’t actually fallen asleep but these rays felt so drated good. It was a pity she would ruin her lovely complexion if she stayed out here much longer. With an inward sigh, Aria righted her head and opened her eyes slowly. Opening these pretties too quickly would only send a sharp pain through them which would be caused by the light.

Once done, Aria looked around. She was at peace with the world and the world with her. The only issue was that she missed her fathers. The fourth year made a mental note to send them a letter as soon as she got back to the Castle. Her attention paused on a younger Ravenclaw. Fox.

Hang on. Was Fox copying her? Colour Aria amused. Also, this was too good a moment to pass up without causing some mischief. Picking up a fallen beech tree leaf, Aria snuck quietly over to Fox, hoping the soft crunching of sand beneath her feet wasn't a giveaway. The fourth year stood beside Fox then cautiously held the tip of the leaf over her nose. Slowly she lowered it until it was close enough to tickle Fox’s nose.

Apollo blinked at her response, unsure if he should answer that or not. Because it kind of felt like a trap. If he suggested she was evil, she might hex him. But if he said she wasn't evil, she might still hex him if she wanted to be considered more evil? Maybe he could play it off as a joke? He turned his attention momentarily to picking grass. "I'm ... I don't think I'm very bold." He admitted, figuring it best to not directly answer her question. "But suppose that's why they're called stereotypes." Truth be told, he actually was almost a slytherin, which is something he'd forgotten about until now.

He laid back beside her in the grass, glancing over at her and groaned. "Ugh. Don't remind me of the assignments building up already. You'd think they were saving them up for three months just to unload them all at once on us." He nodded at her. "I mean snowball fights are fun too. Please tell me you've gotten to play some in the snow too cause otherwise I'm going to have to hunt you down at the first snowfall, Miss Nam." And with his quidditch training, he was fairly strong.

Maya wondered what was going on in Apollo's head. It seemed as though he was deep in thought which made her a bit nervous. Perhaps he did think she was evil? In which case, she was quite hurt. But when he said he didn't think he was bold, Maya just raised a brow, declining to commentate on it. She did note that he had not actually answered her question. "Well... if you could be in any other house, which house would you choose?" she asked, curious to hear his answer.

When he laid down on the grass next to her, Maya could feel her face heating up from something other than the sun. Merlin! This was just like a scene from one of the romance books she had been reading. Two people just laying in the grass, cloud watching and enjoying each other's company... except they were just friends. Maya sneaked a glance over at him before looking back up and closing her eyes, reminding herself they were just friends.

"The assignments really aren't that bad," she chuckled. "I think you're exaggerating." Though Maya just wasn't one of those students who left her assignments and reading pile up. She didn't enjoy rushing to finish anything. At the mention of snowball fights, she smiled. Yes, she was a fan of them. Especially when it came to a small snowball war with her siblings and occasionally her parents. "Oh, Mr. Adara-Stark, you better watch out then," she laughed, looking over, a twinkle in her eye. "Because you are going down when the time comes."

Yes for now, he would keep that 'Please' tucked nicely away into the most comfortable part of his mind.Then he will nurture it, water it every day, and give it plenty of sunlight until it becomes a massive Please Tree. He put his wand away once he saw how glad she was to have dry legs. "You're welcome." He said coldly. Not hearing a thank you from her end. Seems like Christianna had only some manners figured out.

"Trust me, it's an impressive sight." Don't Trust Him! Moose has never seen a Moose in his Life!! Why is he nicknamed after this animal again?! What a poser! "Save the date, Christy. You versus Me. Swimming competition. First warm day of the year." he pointed his finger toward her, then back to him. Accept his challenge you Gryffindor. He knows you won't pass it up.

Why was she staring at him like that? What was she studying about him? He sent her one his good ol' fashioned glares. Narrowing his eyes at her. Then he tossed her an even rarer Moose smile. "No, not when you don't need it. I'm not gonna impose on you that much." She was strong, and independent, but she was still air-headed. Not saying that to her face. He held a certain respect for her that he didn't have for even some of the Professors here.

Ugh, this really was something she knew she'd regret and he would never let her live it down now for however long he chose to hold onto that. She was already making a mental note to NEVER allow this to happen again, she really couldn't live with herself. Once he'd dried her legs off for her she was in the process of opening her mouth to thank him but here comes PETTY Moose Stover, not even giving her a chance! Replying in a similar cold tone as he'd just displayed, "And you expect someone to say thank you after that and you don't even give them the chance to say it, Moose?" Who was really the one who seemed to be lacking in manners here, because it surely wasn't her.

Narrowing her eyes as she was suspicious of his claims, "....You've never seen a Moose swim..." She really did not believe him, weren't those animals very VERY aggressive? Where would he have been able to see a moose swimming from any distance that wouldn't put him in danger? It didn't make any sense. "OH! I have the date saved, don't you worry about that! I'll be here! Better start preparing what it'll feel like when you lose!" Clearly in her true Gryffindor form, there was no denying that.

Despite the pink-haired teen studying him after his unsuspected statements before, she was not phased to see his notorious glare that clearly had no effect on her. But it was the smile that did catch her off guard, because those were truly the most rare. Christianna bit the inside of her cheek trying to fight a smile in response to his last statement. "I don't believe that, but how courteous of you." Her smile eventually showing a little as she added a comment to tease him playfully, "It's almost surprising, because seems like you can't help but impose yourself with me.."

Unfortunately it was more the case of fear of answering wrongly. But did it matter what he thought? He contemplated her question but only for the briefest of seconds. "Which would I choose? Hufflepuff, like my grandparents. But did you know, the sorting hat almost put me in Slytherin?" Apollo looked over curiously at her, "What about you?"

Good thing Apollo didn't read romance novels. Or thoughts. Because he'd probably flush from embarrassment. Instead he tried to focus on what Margaret had told him over the summer. Try not to overthink it.

He rolled over on his side and propped his head up under his hand so he could better give her a look when she stated about the assignments. "Maybe a little, but any homework is too much homework, in my opinion," Apollo grinned sheepishly. "Oof. Is that a threat, Miss Nam? Do we need to set some ground rules for this alleged snowball fight before it happens?" Like, was he allowed his broom?

She let out a little hmmm when he said Hufflepuff. "We were almost in the same house?" Maya said, a bit amused. "I can't picture you in the dark dungeon we call a common room... but Hufflepuff? I can imagine that." Nothing did suit him like Gryffindor though. When he asked her, she pretended to think about it. "I'd choose Ravenclaw so I could be with my siblings... because the stairs all the way up to their common room is just awful," she said, laughing.

Maya mimicked his move and rolled over on her side as well. "It's still the beginning of the term, Apollo. And if you need help with them, I'm always happy to assist." Plus there was no better way to review the material from class and ensuring it stuck. If they didn't have assignments, she was fairly certain majority of the students would have the professor's lectures go in one ear and out the other.

"Rules?" Maya smirked. "There are no rules when it comes to a snowball fight!" It was most definitely a free for all. "Are you afraid?" she teased.

Stewie wrinkled his nose. "Opposite day is meant to be fun, not heartbreaking." He then nodded slowly. "You know what would be fun? Giggling potion." Plus, it was harmless. If anything it would cheer EVERYONE up. Giggling potion for everyone!!

He chewed his lip and watched her. He weirdly liked how she was destroying innocent plant life. It seemed to... calm her. It was like how clouds calmed him, except his calm usually involved lots of weather related thoughts.

"Oh..." They were about that age, huh? "Are... are you going to talk to her?" He wasn't sure what 'drama' meant but it didn't seem good.

He smiled at that. "Almost. But probably a good thing not. You'd probably tire of me if you had to see me all the time." Apollo grinned over at her. "Ah yes, the stairs can be quite intimidating. Daily physical exercise without even trying." He laughed. Poor Hufflepuffs and Slytherins, having to work harder to get their daily exercise in.

"Exactly. Still the beginning of the term, which is why we shouldn't have to have so many assignments just yet." He frowned. "I mean, they're not difficult just yet, so much as the fact that there's a lot." Also she was probably correct in that assumption and she was looking right at one of those examples.

Apollo smirked. "No rules? I like your thinking. Why would i be afraid of a snowball fight? Did you forget that I play quidditch? And I also grew a whole bunch over the summer too!" Although height didn't matter much when one was lying down.

Maya wanted to say that she wouldn't tire of seeing him all the time but figured it was best not to. "Oh definitely. Your face is at its best when I only see if in moderation," she lied, mentally wincing at how awful it sounded and hoping that he wouldn't get offended. At the mention of the stairs, she groaned loudly. "Merlin, they're absolutely exhausting! You don't know how awful it is," she sighed. "Probably not as bad as your Quidditch practices but still."

It didn't feel as though they had all too many assignments. Though she was accustomed to staying busy. "Don't let them pile up," she said, offering a slight smile. "If you think it's a lot now, it's only going to get worst by next month." Which was also why she was reading ahead to make sure she didn't fall behind on assignments.

"Your added height only makes you a larger target," she teased. "You don't know what kind of tricks I may have up my sleeve!" Besides, Maya had prank wars with her siblings over the holidays and general adventures. She did believe she had an edge when it came to this kind of sport. It would be, perhaps, the only sport she'd be interested in participating in.

Ash wasn’t asleep either. She was comfy though... she was relaxed. Or she was until there was a... a SOMEONE or a SOMETHING. Rapidly opening her eyes, she found herself almost face to face with a younger student. One who clearly had no common sense. She stared at the girl unblinkingly. “Hi Aria. What are you doing?” Could she stop? Why did people think it was so fun to mess with her? She didn’t think it was very fun.

Sitting up slowly, she held her hand out for the leaf. It was kind of pretty. Brandon would like it. She’d sketch it for him. Assuming Aria would give it to her, of course. Ash didn’t see why she wouldn’t. Other than if she wanted to sketch it herself. Hm. They could share.

SPOILER!!: "Ashley baby, you make me feel so alive!"

Quote:

Originally Posted by astrocat

Ash wasn’t asleep either. She was comfy though... she was relaxed. Or she was until there was a... a SOMEONE or a SOMETHING. Rapidly opening her eyes, she found herself almost face to face with a younger student. One who clearly had no common sense. She stared at the girl unblinkingly. “Hi Aria. What are you doing?” Could she stop? Why did people think it was so fun to mess with her? She didn’t think it was very fun.

Sitting up slowly, she held her hand out for the leaf. It was kind of pretty. Brandon would like it. She’d sketch it for him. Assuming Aria would give it to her, of course. Ash didn’t see why she wouldn’t. Other than if she wanted to sketch it herself. Hm. They could share.

Oh, Aria had plenty of sense. It was just that sometimes she could go out of the box with her thinking and actions. Her smile grew wider when Fox opened her eyes, even though she was very much disappointed in the other girl’s reaction. Aria expected Fox to be jumping and wilding and screaming about bugs crawling on her or something. “Why, tickling your nose, of course! I’m impressed that you weren’t startled out of your wits, actually.”

The Ravenclaw wanted the leaf? Aria placed it in the girl’s palm. “What are you going to do with it? Tickle someone else?” That would make perfect sense. “Did you have a good sleep just now? You looked mighty peaceful.''

Why anyone would want to see someone jumping and screaming was beyond Ash. (there were exceptions, she'd love to see a few people scared out of their minds.) Besides, Ash wasn't afraid of bugs. She was afraid of other stuff. And she didn't scream anymore. She mostly just punched things. Or curled up in a ball and prepared to die or something. So. She raised an eyebrow. "Would you prefer me to be startled out of my wits?" She could demonstrate. She wouldn't though.

Ash was pleased that the leaf was hers. Now Aria couldn't bother her, and she could sketch as much as she wanted. "No, I'm going to draw it. Or maybe I'll draw the whole tree and look at this when I draw the leaves." She looked up, confused. "Why would I want to poke someone else with a leaf?" It was rude, and you never knew when someone was going to snap and start yelling at you. "Not really. I don't sleep without potions, and it's not smart to sleep outside anyway. I was more like... relaxing or something." Thanks for interrupting that, Ash thought politely. It was polite 'cause it was in her head.

SPOILER!!: Ashleeey! <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by astrocat

Why anyone would want to see someone jumping and screaming was beyond Ash. (there were exceptions, she'd love to see a few people scared out of their minds.) Besides, Ash wasn't afraid of bugs. She was afraid of other stuff. And she didn't scream anymore. She mostly just punched things. Or curled up in a ball and prepared to die or something. So. She raised an eyebrow. "Would you prefer me to be startled out of my wits?" She could demonstrate. She wouldn't though.

Ash was pleased that the leaf was hers. Now Aria couldn't bother her, and she could sketch as much as she wanted. "No, I'm going to draw it. Or maybe I'll draw the whole tree and look at this when I draw the leaves." She looked up, confused. "Why would I want to poke someone else with a leaf?" It was rude, and you never knew when someone was going to snap and start yelling at you. "Not really. I don't sleep without potions, and it's not smart to sleep outside anyway. I was more like... relaxing or something." Thanks for interrupting that, Ash thought politely. It was polite 'cause it was in her head.

“But of course!” And if Aria’s response wasn’t enthusiastic enough, her eyes widened for extra emphasis. “Do you know how entertaining that would be for me? If Muggle technology worked out here and if I had my phone with me, I would definitely record you just for the fun of it.” For the memories as well, because Aria was sure that Fox would find that funny some years from now.

“I see. Yes, sometimes touch and an up close and personal interaction with your object of interest can be a huge help.” Aria laughed. “The question, my dear, is why would you NOT want to. It is fun, it is a good way to start up a conversation… or a fight. Take your pick.” Ms. McLeod was silent for a moment, sizing Fox up. “How and why do you have sleeping issues? Is it a chronic disorder, as Muggles say?” She was curious and wanted to know more because sleep issues were something that never struck her.

"I don't think it would be entertaining," Ash said softly. Softly but coldly. It was rude to scare people for laughs, in Ash's opinion at least. Even more so to record it. "I think it would be cruel- I don't want to start a-"

What? Um, what??? "It's none of your business." Who did Aria think she was, asking people she barely knew such questions? Ash scowled and her hands made tight fists(la la la, stay calm Ashley). Why had Aria decided to talk to her anyway? Why couldn't she just leave Ash ALONE? Ash looked rather upset, and her posture was tense. She tucked her hands into the pockets of her dress(there, that was better... calmer). It may have been a genuine question... but something about the phrasing or the timing had clearly struck a nerve.

She probably should have said that, since Apollo could be daft as a brick. Or well, maybe not, cause then more paranoia and feelings that he wasn't ready to face yet. But also, that comment was one that made him frown back. She was joking, right?? He playfully reached over to punch her arm. "Wow, Nam. Cut me open, why don't you?" He shook his head when she mentioned about how awful the stairs were; "Did you forget that the Gryffindor Common Room is in a tower much like the ravenclaw one?" So uh, yes, Apollo did know of the awfulness of the stairs. Especially when they decided to move right when he was ALMOST there and he had to wait to navigate to the correct floor. "Quidditch practices are a piece of cake compared to moving staircases."

He sighed. "Suppose you're right, mom," he rolled his eyes playfully at her. Also, lest them forget that they were a year away from owl year and he'd heard enough from his family to know how excruciating they were.

Apollo's eyes widened because sadly she might have had the advantage in that regards. No matter how good his arm was, he couldn't hide as well being taller. No one ever talked about the DOWNSIDES of being tall. "That's very true. And Slytherins are known for being cunning, if we want to go back on the stereotypes. Evil isn't one of the traits." So no, he didn't think her to be evil.

SPOILER!!: The Fox! <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by astrocat

"I don't think it would be entertaining," Ash said softly. Softly but coldly. It was rude to scare people for laughs, in Ash's opinion at least. Even more so to record it. "I think it would be cruel- I don't want to start a-"

What? Um, what??? "It's none of your business." Who did Aria think she was, asking people she barely knew such questions? Ash scowled and her hands made tight fists(la la la, stay calm Ashley). Why had Aria decided to talk to her anyway? Why couldn't she just leave Ash ALONE? Ash looked rather upset, and her posture was tense. She tucked her hands into the pockets of her dress(there, that was better... calmer). It may have been a genuine question... but something about the phrasing or the timing had clearly struck a nerve.

Aria immediately knew she had touched a nerve when Fox’s icy tones washed over her. Perhaps the warm weather was the only thing preventing the younger girl from shivering. She shrugged. “To each our own,’’ she remarked, voicing her earlier thought out loud. But now, Fox wouldn’t be bothered. As much as Aria would have loved to get a rise out of the Ravenclaw, she wasn’t THAT cruel.

Truly, the fourth year was in no way trying to be rude; she was genuinely curious. The scowl and the fists were observed with a bit of salt. Okay then. Rather than saying anything further, Aria backed into a patch of shade from the sun’s rays, planted her behind on the sand and folded her feet so that she sat cross legged. She’d just enjoy the view and not get anyone else worked up.

"To each their own." Ash was angry and upset, and she was not too good at hiding it. But she was... she had some self control now, so Aria was safe from angry outbursts. Feeling kind of guilty for ruining the other girl's fun(but not much), she flopped on the ground and stared at the sky. The sky was nice. It was calm. Maybe she'd be less offended after she cooled off. Which required like, deep breaths and stuff. Deep breaths... Ahhhh. She relaxed a bit as she watched the clouds move across the sky. Maybe Aria wasn't trying to anger her. Or something. Whatever.

SPOILER!!: Ash <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by astrocat

"To each their own." Ash was angry and upset, and she was not too good at hiding it. But she was... she had some self control now, so Aria was safe from angry outbursts. Feeling kind of guilty for ruining the other girl's fun(but not much), she flopped on the ground and stared at the sky. The sky was nice. It was calm. Maybe she'd be less offended after she cooled off. Which required like, deep breaths and stuff. Deep breaths... Ahhhh. She relaxed a bit as she watched the clouds move across the sky. Maybe Aria wasn't trying to anger her. Or something. Whatever.

Part of enjoying the view came with seeing each and every move of Fox. Aria watched with interest, wondering if Fox would get over her annoyance or turn around and hex her. Aria DID feel bad for causing the annoyance but maybe she could smooth things over? And were those deeps breaths helping? Aria hoped so!

Interestingly enough, Ms. McLeod wanted nothing more in that minute to flop down on the sand. She may be into fashion and cute outfits but one thing was certain: she was not afraid to get dirty if she wanted. The sand could easily be taken care of from her clothing later on. After a moment’s hesitation, Aria inched forward to flop down close to Fox. The only difference was Aria’s feet pointed in one direction, Fox’s in another though the girls’ heads were fairly close.

“That one looks like a giant bunny,” Aria remarked, and lifted a hand to point at a cloud directly above them.

She had said the wrong thing. Her heart felt a little twinge of sadness and she tried her best to keep a smile on her face when she saw him frown. She felt guilty. Almost like when she just went a little too far with her joking with her brothers. Maya averted her gaze from him. At the light punch to the arm, her head quickly snapped back with her brown eyes wide open. "Hey!" It hadn't hurt and it was warranted but still! It was just unexpected. I really like seeing your face." Maya muttered the last part quietly, both hoping he did and didn't hear her.

"Well have you ever though about using your broom to just... fly down?" Sure, it was more than likely against the rules but it seemed like something that would work in a pinch. It would probably be easier to do that than to wait for the stairs to move so you could get to the right wing and the right floor. Maya was fairly certain there was a pattern to it - she hadn't sat down and observed it long enough just yet.

At mom, Maya gasped. And she then gave him a playful little slug to the arm. "Did you just call me mom?" she giggled. Was it just because she was responsible?!

She watched as he realized how it wasn't always a good thing to be taller. It was certainly amusing to see his eyes widen. When he mentioned that Evil wasn't a trait of Slytherin, she couldn't help but grin. It went back to their original conversation and was quite relieving to hear. "You'll see exactly how cunning one can be at first snowfall," she said seriously, though she was sure the glint in her eye gave away just how excited she was for the snowball fight.

Who knew? Maybe she'd have reinforcements and not tell him. heh.

Oops. Maybe he shouldn't have punched her, even if it was super light. It was one of those reflexes things that Aria and Isabella always seemed okay with, but with Maya, well ... he felt guilty. Also, did she just say what he think he heard?? Because there was some background noises of creatures and the lake nearby, plus her voice had quieted down so he hadn't exactly been sure what she'd said. Maybe he should just ignore it, yet curiosity got the best of him. "Er... what was that you said?" Apollo blurted out before he could change his mind.

"Brooms aren't supposed to be stored in the dorms, but need to be kept in the storage shed." Kind of a dumb rule, but it was what it was and the cons of broom ownership. Apollo sighed, because well if he could fly to his classes he was pretty certain he'd always arrive early to classes instead of right on time.

"Well, you were acting like a mom," he grinned, rubbing his arm when she slugged him back. "Ow. Guess we're one to one now." He stuck his tongue out.

Good to hear that she was going to take this snowball fight seriously. "Looking forward to it. Also, brooms will be allowed, yes? Since it's the grounds?" Because he could do a lot of damage if he didn't have to run through the snow.

Maya thought for a moment that perhaps she had gotten away with saying what she had said. Which was a good thing because the last thing that she wanted to do was to explain what she had said. Content with just looking at the sky, she let out a little breath before hearing what he had blurted out.

Darn it.

"What?" she asked, turning over, brown eyes wide and hoping that her face wasn't getting red. Though it clearly didn't help to hope because her face was quickly warming, starting at the tip of her ears and she couldn't figure out how to stop it. "What did I say? I don't think I said anything," she rambled, trying to get out of repeating herself. "Maybe you're hearing things? Or maybe it was a conversation from some other students passing by? I didn't- no I definitely didn't say that... I..." She was quickly making a fool of herself, wasn't she? So she covered her face with her hands. "What did you think I said?" Perhaps that was a better place to start, yeah?

Stored in the storage shed? Well... she supposed that made sense. Though wouldn't just anyone be able to take someone else's broom in that case? Maya was curious and wanted to check out the storage shed to see if there were any charms or spells that were in place to prevent that from happening.

"I was not acting like a mom. I was just being concerned," Maya replied, smile on her face at his reaction. "But I guess I'll just stop."

Hmm... That was a good question. She supposed it would give him an advantage, wouldn't it? But that was only if they remained outside... if she hid in the cloisters... he wouldn't be able to get her from in there, right? "Yes. Brooms allowed."

Ash wasn't going to hex anyone. She was still upset and hurt, but she didn't want the Headmaster or anyone to be disappointed in her. She didn't wanna be disappointed in herself. She didn't wanna be a worse person than she already was.

Ash didn't even tell Aria to go away, though she wished to be left alone.
She was silent for a moment, then added a half hearted "yeah, and that one looks like an eagle." It was the kind of eagle that ate rabbits for breakfast, but Ash politely didn't mention that. She just stared at the sky instead. "Why do you think the Ravenclaw eagle is an eagle and not a raven?"

SPOILER!!: <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by astrocat

Ash wasn't going to hex anyone. She was still upset and hurt, but she didn't want the Headmaster or anyone to be disappointed in her. She didn't wanna be disappointed in herself. She didn't wanna be a worse person than she already was.

Ash didn't even tell Aria to go away, though she wished to be left alone.
She was silent for a moment, then added a half hearted "yeah, and that one looks like an eagle." It was the kind of eagle that ate rabbits for breakfast, but Ash politely didn't mention that. She just stared at the sky instead. "Why do you think the Ravenclaw eagle is an eagle and not a raven?"

Hmmmm.

Silence.

Aria was ready for that. She suspected that Fox might not want to speak to her. Did Aria mind? Not in the least. She was quite happy to lie on the sand and watch the clouds drift lazily by. The sort of mirrored her mood right then: laziness.

But then…

Words! Words from Fox! What a surprise!

Aria ignored the reluctance in Fox’s voice. “Hmm. It kinda does. Though I see it having a wonky looking kind of beak.” Did the Ravenclaw see that too? “Umm…” Ms. McLeod watched as another cloud drift by directly over her. “Because Madam Rowena had a thing for eagles? Or maybe she thought that eagles are sharper than ravens? Aren’t eagles like these brilliant predators?”