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Busted
Author: Johanna Steele
Date: 01-02-13 01:51
Johanna had decided to avoid the crowded Hogsmeade this weekend. Instead she decided to stay at the almost empty Slytherin common room and do some homework. The professors were not joking when they said how hard this year was going to be. They would give their fifth year students loads of homework and some even declared they were being very benevolent in not sending even more.
Professor Snape liked to lecture them in his class about how unprepared they were not only for their exams but also for life in general. He would say he was ashamed of such incompetent group but Johanna was glad his dark eyes would always be at the Gryffindor students and not at her or any of her Slytherin colleagues.
Another reason Johanna decided to stay behind at the castle was because she thought Kate and Mark would appreciate some time alone. Baltus and Felicia were always together, but she still didn't want to follow them around Hogsmeade. She was pretty sure Madam Pudifoot's tables only had space for two people at a time and not three. As for Gus…well he was probably with Polly.
Johanna looked at her Astronomy star chart, and wondered why she kept swapping a certain star for another, when their names were not even similar. She made a side note about that in a parchment, so in the future she wouldn't make the same mistake.
"Can't you do anything else beside studying?"
She looked up, only to find Gus in front of her. She thought about replying back to him with some mean commentary about his lack of study but instead she just said she thought he was at Hogsmeade.
"No. Polly wanted to buy me a gift for my birthday tomorrow and she didn't want me to see it. So she made me promise I wouldn't be leaving the common room today," he chuckled.
"That's nice of her, to remember your birthday." Johanna couldn't be more surprised about Polly's kind gesture.
"What about you? Do you have my gift? Or will you be like Felicia and improvise? Like last year when she asked to share your gift with her and so she added her name into the card you wrote," he laughed. He didn't seem upset with Felicia's gesture, just simply amused. Everyone knew that sometimes Felicia's head was in the clouds. Currently it was in Baltus and his lips.
"Yes, I have a gift for you. It's already wrapped up and everything."
Johanna knew she was not going to be able to study anything with Gus chatting cheerfully next to her. He seemed like a little boy excited with his upcoming birthday. He was convinced his parents would give him the broomstick he wanted so much. He then tried to convince Johanna to tell him what she was going to offer him for his birthday but she refused to give him any clues at all.
Instead she suggested them to leave the dungeons and go outside for a walk. At first Gus didn't want to do so because he had promised Polly otherwise. It still surprised Johanna how he could be so thoughtful towards his girlfriend and do everything she wanted, when he generally had the tendency not to care about everyone but himself.
"She's in Hogsmeade, so it's not like she is going to see you."
Gus finally gave in and the two of them went to the grounds. It was a bit chilly outside but as they walked they started to warm up. Since that conversation with Roger Gesner at the Great Hall that Johanna decided to let go of Gus and his relationship with Polly. Her mind was focused in her studies and now as they walked side by side, she did not once think on the possibility of them doing so as boyfriend and girlfriend. His friendship was enough, at the moment.
"If I knew I would be stuck here I would sign up for the Quidditch workshop," Gus said, looking with a mist of envy to the sight of a large group of students holding their brooms at the Quidditch pitch, listening to Coach Krum. "Not that I would need it…" he added.
They kept on moving, not following a particular direction when they reached the lake. Nearby, leaned to a tree Polly Potts was making out with a boy that used the Ravenclaw colors in his scarf but who Johanna didn't recognize. Gus stopped abruptly, in shock. This time there were no mistakes: Polly was corresponding to the boy's kisses. She was much as guilty as he was.
The shock in Gus' face turned into rage. For a moment Johanna thought he was going to turn his back to Polly and the boy and return to the common room, but instead he moved towards the happy couple, who was so focused in kissing each other that they weren't aware of the fact that they were being observed.
"Gus…"Johanna called, trying to pull him by his robes. But he ignored her and she had no other choice but to follow him.
Finally Polly noticed her boyfriend's presence but her face showed nothing but boredom. Gus had obviously ruined her day. Johanna wondered if Polly was stupid: if she was going to date any boy on her boyfriend's back she wouldn't do it on the grounds where he could have access too. Unlike Polly, the Ravenclaw boy looked guilty and scared. Gus was taller than him and at the moment he looked like a raged hippogriff ready to attack at any second. Johanna was glad it didn't yet occurred to Gus to take the wand out if his pocket.
"Listen Van Tassel, she told me you two have broken up and I…"
"Leave us," Gus barked and the boy started to run away from there.
"You're a coward William!" Polly said. A true Gryffindor, she was not afraid to deal with Gus. In fact when her face turned to him, she seemed somewhat amused.
Johanna felt sorry for Gus because he seemed to be having a hard time articulating any words. The fury was gone and now he was just hurt. She wanted to step up and defend him but she knew he would have to solve this on his own.
"You…and William…You started it, didn't you? I mean…how long does this happen? Are those rumors true?"
"Some of them, yes. I can't believe it took you so long to realize that, Gus. I wanted to break up with you, Merlin knows how I tried. But it was hard because you were always so nice to me. So I just let things keep going. But I guess it's over now, right? Now I don't need to spend money on your birthday gift. I wasn't sure what to offer you, anyway... We had a good time together, Gus. But we need to move on now, don't you agree?"
And without waiting for a reply she started walking away.
"Wait, Polly!" He called, going after her. "I can forgive you…I can give you a second chance…" he was trembling.
Polly chuckled.
"I don't think that would work out…Let just end this here, all right?"
She started to walk again and this time he didn't follow her. Gus' back curled up in defeat. Johanna, who had been watching the scene from a distant, didn't know if she should approach Gus or not. Finally, after giving him some room she gave some careful steps in his direction.
"I'm sorry Gus…" she told him, touching his arm.
He looked her in the eyes. That raged look had returned and Johanna thanked Merlin it wasn't meant to her but Polly.
"I don't need your pity," he declared. His head then moved towards the grounds where it was still possible to see a little point in the horizon that belonged to Polly. Or Johanna was very much mistaken or she could swear Gus was already plotting against her.
The Next Step
Author: Jefferson
Date: 01-02-13 16:47
"Hey sweetie, would you like to stay with the Morgan kids tonight?" Jefferson asked his daughter, who was stretched out on one of the beds reading.
Remedy glanced up at her father, a questioning look upon her face. "I guess so, but why do I have to go there instead of staying here with Aunt Lawson?"
Jefferson smiled, "Well kiddo, I won't be home until late…Lawson has to work or something tonight." He pulled his daughter up into a hug. "You'll be alright; it's just for the night; besides Camden will be there too."
"Really?" Remedy brightened up instantly, she enjoyed hanging out with her best friend, even though Cam was two years younger than her. "Wait! Are you going on a date with Melinda?" She grinned, "An actual date, just the two of you?"
So far he and Mel had only been spending time together with the girls around, and had kept their relationship casual. Though neither of them could deny the fireworks every time they kissed or even bumped into one another. That was about to change. Tonight was their first date as an actual couple, Jeff felt like he was a teenager again, as new emotions rushed over him.
"Yeah, we'll be going on an actual date tonight. Now I want you to behave, alright Rem?"
The nine year old was about to ask her father a million questions about his blossoming relationship with her best friend's mother, but Jefferson stopped her.
"Go get your overnight bag kiddo. We gotta get you over to Fallon and Fletcher's." Jeff grabbed his jacket while Remedy stuffed a few items into a backpack.
"I would say it's about time you spent the night with the woman, bro." Lawson said with a smirk.
"Jeff rolled his eyes at his little sister. "Where did you come from? Always quick with a jab at me, huh Laws? Now, being a gentleman, Melinda and I are taking this slow, and I would prefer to not have this conversation around impressionable ears."
Lawson was about to comment, but Remedy beat her to it. "It's alright Daddy. I know Cam's mom makes you happy, and I like her and Camden, that's what matters."
"Nice, Rem. Tell him the truth next time."
Rem quirked an eyebrow at her aunt. "That is the truth! Don't you have a client or something Auntie Laws?"
"Wait, what?" Jeff turned to Lawson and sighed. "We'll discuss your…habits…tomorrow. Now c'mon kiddo or we're going to be late." He grabbed his wand and tucked it into his back pocket.
"Okay! Bye Lawson." She and Jeff quickly walked off towards the Morgans home. "Flooing would have been faster, Dad."
"It's a nice night to walk though, and it isn't far."
Lawson, meanwhile, slumped back against her bed. She did have someone to meet tonight, but she knew her brother would be furious with one of her recently acquired jobs, and more furious that his nine year old daughter knew about her activities.
"Are you in love with her, Dad?" Remy asked as the walked.
"With Melinda?"
"Well, yeah. Camden, Crew and I think you guys are perfect for each other."
Jeff smiled and wrapped an arm around his daughter's shoulders. "I think so, kiddo, but we're still getting to know each other."
They reached Fallon and Fletcher's doorstep and Remedy reached up to knock. Just then finger tips grazed over the back off Jefferson's neck, Remy giggled beside him.
"Hey, Mr. Foster." Mel grinned as Jeff turned to face her.
"Why hello Miss Vanderbilt, funny meeting you here." He said with a playful grin. At that moment the front door opened, and Rem and Cam ran off inside.
"You two gonna snog on our front porch?" Fal said with a knowing smirk, she was holding Mase on her hip. "Or ya gonna leave the kids and go have some fun?"
Jeff and Mel exchanged a look. "We're going to dinner."
"In a muggle restaurant. So it should be a fun evening." Mel took Jeff's hand and they turned to leave.
"Tell the girls to behave!" They said in unison.
Sitting At The Pitch (Lauren)
Author: Aaron Miller
Date: 01-02-13 18:18
Savannah Applewhite comes to sit next to roommate Lauren MacDougal asking as she does, "Why did you stop after the flying? I thought you liked Quidditch."
"I do but I banged my elbow this morning. I didn't think it was that bad but there's a big bruise and a knot. It hurt a lot just doing the flying. I don't think I'd be much for any of the Quidditch drills or actually playing."
"Maybe you hurt it worse than you thought and need to see the nurse."
"Maybe. If it's still bad, or worse, in the morning I'll go see her." Lauren's eyes go in the direction of the village, which she can't see from her vantage point. "I wonder why first and second years aren't allowed to go to Hogsmeade. Do they think students suddenly become more responsible the day they become third years?"
Savannah shrugs. "I know. I don't understand it either. What I hate even more is that because Lilith and I are a year behind them because of our stupid birthdays, Marion, Katheryn, Hope, and Callie will all get to go to Hogsmeade next year while she nad I have to stay at Hogwarts."
"It's not exactly the same but I sort of felt that way having to watch Liannah and then Marlow come to school while I was stuck at home. It wasn't so bad when it was just Liannah because Marlow was stuck right along with me. You're being flagged to go over there."
Savannah jumps up. "I'm up to play some. Chaser."
Lauren watches Savannah as she joins others for a round of Quidditch. For a little while she watches the match but her mind soon wanders back to the question of why first and second years aren't allowed into Hogsmeade. Sitting out here at the pitch is as good a place as any to ponder, at least while the weather is decent. When the weather turns cold, followed by snow Lauren isn't sure she will like being out here on a Hogsmeade weekend. She might give the next flying and Quidditch workshop a try but if she can't get bundled up enough to be warm while also being able to move she's going back into the castle to find something to do there.
Lauren's last thought about Hogsmeade and not being able to go in for a visit before she returns her attention to those playing Quidditch is, "Liannah and Marlow both better bring me something good to eat."
Old Haunts
Author: Phyllida
Date: 01-03-13 01:46
Ptolemy made his protests vocal as he followed Phyllida through the busy High Street. Back arched and hackles raised, he stopped in front of the Three Broomsticks.
"Hungry?" Phyllida asked, eyeing the gilded lettering above the entrance. It seemed merry and inviting inside; the warmth reflected in the paned windows lured in customers from the cooling afternoon. Her cloak stilled around her feet as her steps faltered.
Since she had left Grim's Island, Phyllida had felt like she was drifting from place to place. She was hardly aware of the passing of days – or of how she had bidden Blaise farewell, and arranged her debt to him, which he seemed willing to waive. He had been a good friend to her, she reflected, but there was no point in taking up any more of his time. She felt severed from everyone she had ever felt close to – from her mother, from Ferne, from Nate – even from her father.
She was being driven forward by nothing more, she realised, than destiny – and, perhaps more prosaically, by Ptolemy's unceasing demands.
The Three Broomsticks was crowded; they were enveloped in its smoky warmth immediately. She could hardly move around for all the enthused, bright-faced third years milling about. Sighing, she picked up Ptolemy, concerned that he might be trodden down.
Madam Rosmerta must have seen her hovering near the bar, and approached with her bright, easy smile. "Sorry, love, all the tables are taken." She eyed the grey cat in her arms. "Unless you're here to meet somebody." Her eyes drifted towards a table where a girl with long, blonde hair was seated, her back turned. Phyllida followed the direction of her gaze. A dark, curly head stuck out sorely against a lime-washed wall.
The cat gave a long, low growl of objection.
"No, I'm not meeting anyone," Phyllida said quickly, angling her red-cheeked face towards the window.
"We should have something available soon," the barwitch suggested, smiling. Her face turned apologetic as Phyllida shook her head heatedly and spun on her heel. "You can wait by the bar if you'd like…"
The pair trotted out of the inn, returning to the bustle of the street. She jostled aside a pair of students in her haste to escape. They travelled down the road, heading away from Hogwarts.
Evening was falling; the student population were already meandering back towards the gates. The cobbled street was increasingly deserted. A pair of wizards in front of her were discussing a subject with considerable animation; they stepped distractedly into a shabby, dark building with a flaking, hog-shaped sign hanging above the door.
She'd never been inside the Hog's Head before; the toes of her boots trod gingerly on the unswept floor, and she held up the hem of her cloak. The publican, a ragged, grey-bearded man, gave her no acknowledgement as she strode in, but his vivid blue eye followed her as she walked past. Disconcerted, she averted her gaze to the damp, watermarked wood of the benchtop, where she noticed a most peculiar symbol scratched into it. It was a rough circle set inside a diamond-shape, and it reminded her of nothing less than an unblinking eye.
The innkeep moved a mouldy coaster over the mark with gnarled and dirty fingers. Her gaze slid upwards to his disconcertingly blue eyes. The indifference in his gaze was penetrated by something sharper. He removed his grimy spectacles and regarded her openly. "There's a table in the corner, Miss."
Phyllida nodded, removing her gaze and walking towards the table he'd indicated. It was next to a window so opaque with grime that the people passing on the pavement on the other side appeared as the dark, confused shadows of a dream. The table top was covered in the stubs of long-melted candles. Ptolemy settled on a rickety chair with a questionably-stained cushion, and tucked his tail under him.
"What'd you like?" asked the stringy-bearded man.
"A firewhiskey for me. You don't have any tinned fish, do you?" she asked. "For my cat."
Ptolemy grumbled audibly.
"Kippers," muttered the innkeeper.
"That will do," Phyllida said, keeping her gaze on the mangled stub of a candle.
"And a Blishen's for the young lady." The man regarded her gruffly, his blue gaze probing. The non-verbal inquiry lasted a few moments; until he cleared his throat – it rang out like judgement across the empty bar.
Empty. Phyllida's brows crossed with the realisation. The two wizards she had followed inside were nowhere to be seen; she supposed they had made their exit as she was being seated. The interior was growing dimmer with the dying day, as the candle-stubs lit themselves, sputtering into life weakly. The last candle to light came on in a dark, windowless corner, where a crooked table was perched, with only one chair.
The chair was occupied by a figure in a long, black cloak; a hood shadowed his face. A pair of hands, encased in black leather gloves, were folded on the table. They did not touch the grimy tumbler of firewhiskey in front of them. And, though she could not see anything of his face, she was certain, beyond a doubt, that the figure was watching her.
His unseen gaze held hers for a moment, before he raised the firewhiskey with a black-gloved hand, and nodded a toast.
Jenny
Author: Nathaniel Ross
Date: 01-03-13 02:46
Nate tried to find Tim among the crowd composed mainly of excited students from Hogwarts. A quick consultation with his watch confirmed that his friend was already half an hour late. There was also no sign of Mrs. Gabble, or her daughter, Jenny.
Nate stood in front of the Imperial Crown and Cauldron. The door would open from time to time, and the aroma food would invade the street, as well as the sound of cheerful conversations and cutlery. His stomach growled, and he inwardly cursed Timothy for his lack of punctuality. Nate watched through the window as a group of Gryffindor students split a large chocolate cake between them. He felt his stomach protesting once again.
"Er…Hello Nate!"
He turned around to see who had called his name. In front of him was Jenny Gabble, Tim's sister. At first, he barely recognized her because he was used to seeing Jenny in her school robes with her prefect badge attached to them. But now she had presented herself in a cherry red dress, a matching headband sitting on top of her long blond hair that she had always worn in a practical ponytail while at school.
"Hey, Jenny," Nate greeted her with enthusiasm, kissing her two cheeks.
"Sorry, I'm late," she excused herself. "It took me a while to find the right dress…"
"It's all right," he replied, not giving her attire a second glance. "Your brother and your mother aren't even here yet."
"Oh, didn't they tell you? Tim got stuck at work and Mum…well, she just couldn't make it as well. Something related to babysitting my sister's kids, I think…"
If Nate was a more attentive wizard, he would have noticed Jenny's hand playing with her fair hair as she spoke. However, he did not take it as a sign that she might be lying to him. He only thought it was a peculiar quirk of Jenny's, of wrapping her hair in her fingers while she spoke.
"Well, I guess it's just us, then," Nate said, with a smile.
"Yes…" she grinned, revealing her perfect white teeth and the dimples in her cheeks. "How about we go to the Three Broomsticks?"
"Sounds good. If we are lucky enough to get a table…"
"We'll manage, I'm sure."
They entered into the busy and clamorous pub. At that moment, a pair of Slytherins were leaving their table, and Madam Rosmerta quickly installed Nate and Jenny there. They ordered two butterbeers and Jenny placed a box filled with cinnamon biscuits on the table, pushing them in Nate's direction.
"I heard you like these…I got them at Briar's."
"You didn't have to…"
"It's all right. I like them as well," and, as if to prove she meant it, she picked up a biscuit and nibbled it carefully.
Jenny then started to talk about her classes at Hogwarts and what had changed in the castle with Dumbledore's death. He listened with interest, and he even gave her his advice, here and there, about some of the subjects she was taking. Jenny's favorite subject was Astronomy, but she also liked Care for Magical Creatures. She loved animals and living things. Jenny told him she was considering pursuing a career related to it once she left Hogwarts.
From time to time, she would let out a nervous little giggle, and play with her hair again, adding how much she admired Nate and how glad she was that they were here together. He did not take it seriously. Tim always told him how Jenny had a huge admiration for him, and he guessed since he was her brother's best friend, she clearly looked up to him in the same way she did to Tim. However, he thanked Jenny, and he even added he admired her as well. She was a good student and a friend and he was glad they could spend some time together.
"Really?"
He nodded, absent minded. His eyes had been observing Madam Rosmerta's other customers, and his eyes had detected a movement at the door. He saw the back of girl with red hair; for a moment he wondered if she could be who he thought she was. Not that he should care, but he would like to know what Phyllida was doing in a place like Hogsmeade. He could see her in a fancy mansion, having tea in the most delicate china cups, seated on an expensive sofa of golden brocade. Not in a million years she would sit in a dusty pub having a butterbeer. He reached the conclusion that whoever that girl was, she wasn't his ex-girlfriend.
Meanwhile, Jenny continued to speak, but he did not hear half of it.
"…Tim used to make jokes about it but I always thought you and I…well you know what I mean, right? Please don't make me say it, my face already looks like a tomato. I promised to myself not to blush, but I can't help it. Oh Nathaniel…"
Hearing his name brought him back to reality, and he blinked a few times trying to recall what Jenny had just said. Her cheeks had turned red, almost matching her dress , and he had no idea what was going on. Was she offended about something?
There was a heavy silence that was broken by the sound of shattered glass a few tables away. Nate's head turned to the scene, as if he took a particular interest in the incident. He did not notice how Jenny adjusted her hair or how she drained her glass of butterbeer, as if she was trying to reunite all the courage she had inside of her to proceed. Finally she took his hand in hers. The cold contact of their hands made him turn back his attention to her.
"So…do you agree or not? Shall we give it a try?"
He thought she was talking about the Muggle Studies tutoring sessions she wanted him to give her during the Christmas holidays, something they had mentioned previously in their conversation. He gave her a short nod and Jenny's face illuminated in a smile.
"I'm so happy, Nate! Oh thank you!"
He gave her an uncertain smile. No one had ever showed so much gratification on free tutoring during the holidays.
"Er…you're welcome, I guess…"
Jenny then said she was already late and she needed to go back to the castle for her Prefect round. She told him to keep the box with the biscuits and she left. However, halfway towards the exit, she turned around and returned to the place he was seated. Jenny leaned forward and dropped a kiss on his lips.
"I'll write to you," she whispered, and she walked away, leaving a puzzled Nate behind her.
Saturday Productivity
Author: Araxie Loren
Date: 01-03-13 15:24
Since it was a Hogsmeade Saturday, and I was only a first year and could not venture into the village I'd decided that today would be a good enough day to get a few things sorted. I needed to go through my art supplies and see what needs to be replaced and debate on if I could live without it until school broke for holiday. I had a list of things that I needed before the holiday, and thankfully I had most of it in my studio at home so there wouldn't need to be an additional purchase.
Charlotte currently curled herself on my pillow, looking indignantly down at me as I shifted and mildly interrupted her peaceful slumber. An annoyed mewl slipping from her and I shook my head, rolling my eyes. "Deal with it. You can't expect the bed to remain perfectly still with me on it and awake."
Charlotte mewled disdainfully and dropped off the bed, moving instead to curl on my trunk where I'd set up a cushioned bed for her. I couldn't help but chuckle, as I drew my legs beneath me and quickly wrote a letter to my aunt and uncle. I also got a letter together for Nichole which included a couple of pictures for her.
I had, since the day I got my father's letter, attempted to write to him. Each time the parchment ended up being crumpled into a ball and cast into the flames of the hearth. What was she to say to him? She had very little to say to the man who had torn her family apart and thought only of himself despite claiming otherwise. I'd said my peace to him during my last visit to him before school had started and I was not yet ready to allow him access to my life once more.
I looked up as Wendy came in and offered her a smile and one of the strawberry frosted biscuits that I'd been sent from Nichole.
"Hey Wendy."
"Hello Araxie. What are you working on?" She asked as she came to sit on the edge of the bed and peer at the sketchbook that was sprawled across my lap.
"Just a random sketch. I'd spent most of the day working on homework an organizing my art supplies since I did not feel like going out to the flying workshop and such."
"It's very pretty."
"Thanks." I added a few finishing touches to the sketch and carefully withdrew it from the sketchbook. Adding my signature to the bottom corner, so it almost nearly blended in I offered it to her.
"You can have it."
Wendy offered me a smile of thanks and also picked up one of the biscuits and nibbled on it.
"Thank you!"
She went and spell-o-taped the picture up on the wall by her bed and then came back and we fell into easy conversation that soon grew when the remaining girls we shared the room with returned from various activities.
A Bite Before Returning (Basil)
Author: Jared
Date: 01-03-13 15:46
Ivan Grimsby and Basil Wynbourne emerge from Dervish and Banges to stand looking at the Crown & Cauldron. "I wouldn't mind getting something before going back to school," Basil comments.
Ivan starts to agree but then, eyes drifting to nearby Petals he says instead, "I want to go in there. Take my bag and cap and I'll get them from you later."
"I get why you don't want to go in there with a shopping bag but why your cap?"
Ivan gives Basil the sort of look he'd give to someone he thinks is an imbecile. He waggles the knit cap in Basil's face. "Hello? Slytherin colors. They'd peg me for a student straightaway."
"You're going to get pegged as a student anyway but so? You're legally an adult now."
"I thought they had some agreement not to let any Hogwarts students in no matter the age."
"It's possible but even still, if you're legally an adult they can't really keep you out if you insist, can they?"
"Don't know. Guess I'll find out." With that Ivan shoves both theh cap and shopping bag at Basil and hurries across the lane. Basil follows his friend's progress for all of half a second before looking forward and starting towards the restaurant. He stops again after only a step, hearing a familiar voice coming up from behind. Turning he sees Aleydis and Sadie walking his direction. When they draw near he clears his throat then says, "Hello again."
The two come to a stop, Sadie's elbow looking like it's having a spasm into Aleydis's side. Aleydis shoots Sadie one of those unfathomable to boys looks then offers Basil a smile. "Hi, heading back to Hogwarts?"
"Soon. I was thinking I'd eat here at the Crown & Cauldron first." Basil knows if he doesn't hurry and say what he's got on his mind he won't say it at all so he blurts in a rush, "Want to come with? My treat."
Remembering the other girl there he adds, "You too, Sadie."
Sadie's elbow does that spasm thing again. She really should have Madam Pomfrey check that out. At the same time that's happening she shakes her head. "Thanks, but I think I'll go on back. Aleydis would love to join you though."
Aleydis gives Sadie another of those undecipherable to Basil expressions before smiling at him. "That would be nice, but first," she suddenly waves at someone and calls out, "Hunter! Hunter Rabnott."
Basil is confused as he turns, missing Sadie's glare at Aleydis in the process, to spot the other boy who is waving back and now jogging towards them. Hunter Rabnott reaches them. "Hi, Aleydis, Sadie, Basil. You called me over, Aleydis?" He looks as confused at Basil and his cheeks visible in the glow of the streetlight and from the light coming from the Crown & Cauldron seem to have turned red when he said Sadie's name.
"Would you do me a huge favor? Us, Sadie and me that is. I'm going in here with Basil. Would you mind helping Sadie with these bags back to Hogwarts?"
When Hunter reddens more Basil thinks he understands now what's going on.
Sadie waves a hand. "I can manage. Aleydis, you shouldn't have bothered Hunter."
Rabnott hastily reaches for the bags Aleydis had indicated. "Nno bother, Sadie. I don't mind. I was going back soon myself."
With that seemingly settled, Sadie thanks Hunter, gives her cousin yet another of those strange between girls looks, then after bidding both Aleydis and Basil goodbye walks off with Hunter. Nervous now to be alone with Aleydis even though they got on well and easily when sharing a booth at lunch, Basil sort of wishes Sadie, and Hunter, would have stayed to grab a bite with them. He holds the door of the Crown & Cauldron for Aleydis hoping he isn't about to make a complete prat of himself in front of her.