What... the... heck on Care of Magical Creatures

Professor Murphy

April 22, 2007 3:25 PM

Lesson Two 1st - 5th Years by Professor Murphy

Rois Murphy, a woman in her fifties, a woman who had lived a long and wonderful life, was standing in the center of the clearing waiting for the first of the students to arrive. From the information left to her from the previous Care of Magical Creatures Professor, the one she was replacing until further notice, it seemed as though most classes were broken up so as to experience the different creatures at levels that their age can handle.

Seemed reasonable enough, but Rois liked to teach all ages while they interacted with one another. It was entertaining and a wonderful learning experience for all.

There was also mentions of contacts who knew of the situation and were waiting to find which creatures Rois would be requesting. The list of those contacts, address, and the creatures they had available were waiting in the office for Rois to decide. It was nice being the one to decide what to teach and not having everything set and prepared for her. Most substitutes had to go strictly by what was left by the previous Professor. It was rare to have such freedoms.

Rois was not a fragile woman by any means. She had always had an active life. White hair down to her chin, grey eyes hinting at amusement, body small, but aggressive in stance. She was a mother and a grandmother, she could handle even the worst of them This was going to be a new lesson for them all. All the classes together with a new Professor. It was supposed to be fun.

When the students were to enter the clearing, the first thing they would see was more likely going to be her, but what should really catch their attention was the golden foal unicorn that was standing beside her. "Good Afternoon everyone!" Rois greeted them. "My name is Professor Murphy and I'll be your new Care of Magical Creatures teacher for the time being. I'm not sure how your previous professor conducted her classes, so I'm just going to tell you a few rules that I have." Rois shot a stern look at a couple of students who were snickering.

"There will be no talking unless there is a project and I allow you time to work on it. You are to wear proper attire while in this class for your own protection. You are to listen to everything that I say when it comes to handle the creatures. I don't want to have to worry about loss of limb." Rois smiled, her Maine accent was thick, but she figured they could understand her just fine.

"Now, this beautiful creature is called a foal. It's a female unicorn. Unicorns are the purest of creatures. They are what oose innocence. Often times, they are hunted for all the wrong reasons. Their horns can be found in some potions and their tail hair in wands. Their blood, however, can give longevitity. However, it is against Wizard's law to slay a Unicorn or use it's blood. Now, unfortunately, they are only really comfortable around the females, so I would like for the girls in the class to get in a line to pet the creatures. Boy, if you'd be so kind as to stand a bit back and take notes, that would be wonderful."

OOC: Some of you may be aware of where Kiva is during all this, but IC, your characters should have no information on that. Keep your posts at least a minimum of 2 paragraphs, 10 sentences each. Be creative and make sure you stay in character!

Subthreads:

And the boys edge back... by Echo Elms with Matt and Josh Santoro, Josaih, Saul Pierce, Josiah, Lucas Smythe

Can It Get Any Better Than This? by Talitha Cumni

So many people in one place...I don't like this by Hyana Kamiya with Elly Eriksson, Hyana, Talitha Cumni

Ridiculous creatures. by Lily Collins with Eavan and Earl Valentine

*eyes wide* They are real?? (TAG: Professor Murphy) by Gwyneth with Professor Murphy, Oliver Abbott

What... the... heck by Paul (and some Cissy) Tarwater with Hannah Laurent, Paul

Unicorns! by Ebony with Irene Liddowe, Anonymous

Too...many...people... by Adam Brockert with Jaeven Dimitri [Pecari]

I hate this class I really do by Zack Dill with Guenter Heindrich, Kaleb Heindrich

*Goes Girlie* (Tag: Ben) by Bella Santoro with Ben Stafford, Bella, Ben

A lot of people... by Camren Christianson with Caedence, Camren

I don't want to be here. by Kaylie Brockert

CLASS CLOSED (nm) by Professor Murphy

0 Professor Murphy Lesson Two 1st - 5th Years 0 Professor Murphy 1 5

Echo Elms

April 23, 2007 5:03 PM

And the boys edge back... by Echo Elms

Care of Magical Creatures was starting to become Echo's least favorite class. It always seemed to involve standing around outside in a compressed huddle of students all trying to get close enough to both see an exotic magical creature and hear the professor. In order to keep your personal space in tact, you had to stand way off to the side so that people looked at you funny, or way in the back where you could see or hear nothing but the kids who hung out back there to goof off. And if he decided to chance being actually in the crowd, he ended up being so hyperaware of everyone else's position that he payed not an iota of attention and the last time he tried it he almost had an attack just from the possibility of having an attack. It was not cool.

So today was a stand in the back and off to the side day. There were way too many kids, what with all the grades being there. He was sort of relieved they sent the boys back and had the girls come forward -- that worked for him -- but he didn't like it in principle.

As he took a step back toward the other boys he commented, "Right, so, does anyone else feel kind of..." Pushed aside? Ignored? In the way? Underfoot? Unwanted? Inconvenient? There was word for this.

21 Echo Elms And the boys edge back... 93 Echo Elms 0 5

Talitha Cumni

April 23, 2007 10:24 PM

Can It Get Any Better Than This? by Talitha Cumni

Talitha rose early and dressed with particular care on the first day of second term. In the past, she would dress in a way that would help her become as invisible as possible but not today. Turning over new leaves was a happy event and she decided to dress the part. Before leaving the room, she checked her reflection in the mirror and wasn’t disappointed with the results.

The jeans and trainers were new. The blouse was a present from Aunt Carmela, her father’s sister. It was white with a rainbow of beautiful desert flowers embroidered around the neckline and shoulders. She wore a choker and earrings of silver and petrified wood that her uncle had made for her. Talitha’s braid wasn’t its usual messy self either. She’d brushed her hair until it shone and carefully plaited it so not even a single strand was out of place. As a finishing touch, she added a clippie from her father that was adorned with owl feathers and beads made of rhododendron wood, like her wand.

Talitha grinned. To the uneducated eye, one would just see a little Native American girl with dancing brown eyes and dimples that got deeper the bigger her smile. In reality, she wore something from three different Nations all mixed together, but they worked, just like her family.

“My, aren’t we a perky little pumpkin this morning?” the mirror commented.

Talitha laughed and snatched up her books and school robe to throw on before class and half skipped, half ran out through the Crotalis common area, through the portrait and down to Comc.

It was a gorgeous day, the sun was shining brightly and here and there the snow was beginning to melt. As she neared the lessons area, she saw the substitute for Professor K. She had no idea why the professor was gone but it must be serious as teachers just didn’t take time off unless it was something serious.

There was already a lot of people standing around. Had the whole school turned out to meet the new professor? She’d never heard of a lesson including all the years together. Feeling a bit of the old fear creeping up, she pulled her school robes on as a distraction. No, she didn’t care if It happened all over the place in front of everyone., she was not going to be the timid mouse in the corner ever again!

When she got a good look at the new teacher, she breathed a sigh of relief. Professor Murphy was close to her grandmother’s age. She seemed to have Nana’s attitude too. Strict, but nice. There was something about her that told Talitha she should respect and trust her, maybe as much as Nana.

It was then Talitha saw the unicorn filly. Her hands shot up to muffle the squeal of delight so she wouldn’t frighten the tiny baby. It fuzzy golden coat glimmered in the sunlight, tossed its head up and down against its halter and lead and gave a high pitched whinny as it called for its dam. Its downy tail flicked back and forth over its rump so fast it was almost a blur.

She hung on every word of Professor Murphy’s description. Of course, the was nothing more wonderful, more innocent than that precious creature! And the girls got to come up and pet it?!?

“Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh!” Talitha whispered over and over again when Professor Murphy instructed the boys to stand back and the girls to form a line.

Talitha’s legs seemed to move of their own accord. Usually, she would have hung back and waited for others to begin the line, but not today. Today, she would be first in line. She didn’t care who saw. She didn’t care if others thought they outranked her. All she cared about was getting her hands on that golden soft coat. When she reached the spot where the lined should start, she forced her hands down to her sides and waited in respectful silence for permission to come forward.\n

0 Talitha Cumni Can It Get Any Better Than This? 102 Talitha Cumni 0 5

Hyana Kamiya

April 24, 2007 6:18 PM

So many people in one place...I don't like this by Hyana Kamiya

Hyana was okay with her classes, truly she was. She got to meet Echo, someone new but not new to her. If that could even make sense. But as the small asian first year walked to CoMC class, the only thing she saw was people. Lots and lots of people. Not good. Not with her injuries. Not when Caedence could be lurking around, when she could still be mad.

All of her instincts told her to run, just skip the class, it's just Care of Magical Creatures. She had turned around, with the intent to speed back to her commons. But she saw Talitha, who was being braver than she was. Hyana could laugh at herself. She was so pathetic. She just had to stand in the very back of the crowd. Professor K liked her, she wouldn't really mind. So Hyana turned back around, and, taking a deep breath, walked to the crowd. That's when she realized Professor K was gone.

Hyana could cry. She really could. Could anything get much worse? She watched the new professor nervously as she gave her speech. She seemed so strict...and scary. Not a bad kind of scary, not Amy Fox scary, but still scary. It turned out that they were going to work with a Unicorn filly. That made her smile for two reasons. One, she had read about them in so many books and had been waiting forever to see one, and Two: Caedence would be totally disgusted. Serves her right.

And of course they had to pet the Unicorn. Of course they had to do something that would require any type of use in the arm. Why not? Hyana again considered running, but couldn't as she was suddenly knocked down by someone just a little to excited to see the Unicorn. After a second or two of just sitting there looking like a moron, she stood up.

"S-sorry that I was in the way..." She whispered. "I didn't mean to be in your way." Hyana glanced at the ground. She just wanted to leave. She didn't want to be there...even if she got to see a Unicorn up close. She was so close to crying that her body was trembling. She just wanted to go to her commons, and hide. She didn't want to be there. And the thought that Caedence could be watching her reaction and getting mad about it made her feel even worse. She just couldn't do anything right.

0 Hyana Kamiya So many people in one place...I don't like this 0 Hyana Kamiya 0 5

Matt and Josh Santoro

April 24, 2007 10:26 PM

We're too cool for a unicorn anyway... by Matt and Josh Santoro

Matt met up with his twin just outside of the school doors. They may not like to be partners in class, but they liked to goof around on the way too class. And Care of Magical Creatures was the perfect opportunity for such an occasion. It probably had something to do with the fact that they got to be outside and Professor K was lenient on a lot of things.

"We'll have to do it on Friday. Everyone's always excited it's almost the weekend, so no one will really be paying any attention." Josh was saying as they entered the clearing just before class began.

"Yeah, that makes sense. And we can set it so that they go off while we're in..." Matt trailed off as he took in his surroundings. There were way too many people here to only be first and second years. And, as he looked around, he discovered not only were there third years, but fourth and fifth as well. Just what sort of lesson had all five years together?

"What's this?"

"No idea."

The twins moved closer into the group and looked around. They discovered that not only was everyone here, but the Professor wasn't. Instead, some old woman was standing there introducing herself to all of them as Professor Murphy.

The twins looked at one another. So many professors have gone without any explanation and Professor K was the DH. Things were weird in the school of Sonora.

It took them both a moment to even notice the unicorn that was standing beside the elderly woman. Both boys tried not to seem too excited about there being a unicorn cos it was uncool to oogle a pony, but they were fascinated by it. Unicorns were hard to find and harder to catch. The fact that this professor had one meant that she was either good at this job or had some nice connections.

Both Matt and Josh frowned and pouted when they were told that the boys couldn't go up and pet the unicorn but that the girls could.

"That's no fair!" Matt called out before shuffling back with the other boys. He lazily kicked at the dirt.

"Right, so, does anyone else feel kind of..."

"Unimportant." Josh finished, shrugging at Echo. He knew of the boy, having met him in this very class their first year and he was Matt's roommate, but he spent all of his time with Elly and Meredith (sometimes that kid with the really blonde hair), so Josh didn't actually know him.

0 Matt and Josh Santoro We're too cool for a unicorn anyway... 0 Matt and Josh Santoro 0 5

Echo Elms

April 25, 2007 7:03 AM

... of course we are by Echo Elms

"Unimportant," Josh finished for him.

"Yeah, that," Echo agreed. He also agreed with Matt's sentiment of Unfair!. Summarized it nicely. Echo started to pull out his notebook but thought better of it. "And how are we supposed to take notes if she didn't give us any information?"

Professor McFarlan's instructions were sketchy at best. Girls - go pet the unicorn. Boys - stand in the back and pretend I gave you something real to do. This wasn't a class, it was some weirdo exclusive petting zoo.

Arms crossed, Echo watched the girls go up, one by one. He honestly didn't see the draw of a unicorn. It was a small horse with a big horn on its head. So what? Well, there was the serene glowiness about it, and its magical properies. Still. It could impale you with its horn. And that wouldn't be cool at all.

21 Echo Elms ... of course we are 93 Echo Elms 0 5

Elly Eriksson

April 25, 2007 1:17 PM

What can I do to help? by Elly Eriksson

Care of magical creatures again. Elly quite liked this class because she got to sit outdoors. The lessons were usually fun, too, and Professor K was, in Elly’s opinion, a great teacher. So Elly was pretty cheerful as she headed down to the lesson. She became a little confused, though, as she noticed that there were substantially more people there than usual. First, second and third… maybe fourth too? Or even fifth years? Elly wasn’t sure as she gently meandered her way to somewhere near the middle of the group, hoping to spot a friendly face.

It wasn’t until the Professor started speaking that Elly looked up to discover it wasn’t Professor K as she had been expecting, but an older woman, called Professor Murphy, apparently. She didn’t like this new teacher all that much – she said no talking. That didn’t sound fun. Idly Elly wondered where their Deputy Head had gone. Consequently, when the Professor continued talking, Elly had already zoned out and completely missed everything else she had to say. So when the girls started moving forward and the boys headed t the back of the group, Elly blinked around confused for a moment. What?

Deciding to just go with the flow, Elly jostled forward, but stopped when she noticed Hyana on the floor. Heading over, she heard the younger girl mutter an apology. “Enjoy your trip?” Elly asked, grinning. But as she got to Hyana’s side she noticed the poor girl was trembling all over and her cheeks had gone all pink. Elly changed tack immediately, holding Hyana’s shoulders instead. “Hey, Hyana, what’s up?” Elly asked, her voice wrought with concern. “Is everything okay?” She sincerely hoped it wasn’t Caedence who’d caused the upset, because that was not a mess that Elly wanted to be a part of.

0 Elly Eriksson What can I do to help? 92 Elly Eriksson 0 5

Lily Collins

April 25, 2007 3:19 PM

Ridiculous creatures. by Lily Collins

There was a different teacher for Care of Magical Creatures. Lily shrugged. She didn't really care that much.It was just something different that she noticed. She liked Professor K. well enough but it wasn't like she was Lily's favorite. Lily liked O'Leary and Williams best.

Another thing she noticed that was that all the years were together. She couldn't imagine why. Older students needed to learn more advanced stuff. First years couldn't handle it, and the older students would be bored by the easy stuff they already learned.

"Now, unfortunately, they are only really comfortable around the females, so I would like for the girls in the class to get in a line to pet the creatures. Boy, if you'd be so kind as to stand a bit back and take notes, that would be wonderful."

Oh now, really ! What stupid creatures! Animals were supposed to be brighter and have better instincts than human beings. Lily had always heard that dogs and cats could tell when a person was a good person or a bad person. (In fact,upon hearing that, she'd wondered if that was why her mother didn't like animals much and hadn't let her have a pet.) To base it on gender was just dumb . Yes, Lily knew they were animals, and therefore didn't think like people did. Animals based things on instinct. Still, Lily felt unicorns had pretty lousy ones. There was no way anyone should feel more threatened by Adam Brockert, Geoffrey Spindler or Zack Dill then they did by herself, Sorrel Craven or Lexi Stafford. Perhaps it had to do with female hormones.

She got into the line and approached the creature. Lily petted its foolish little head and wished she could explain to it that a person's gender had nothing to do with whether or not they were good. It licked her hand.

What a silly creature.

11 Lily Collins Ridiculous creatures. 45 Lily Collins 0 5

Hyana

April 25, 2007 6:05 PM

Not be violent...looks at a certain person by Hyana

Hyana felt a wave of relief pass through her when it was Elly who spoke to her, not someone else. At least she was safe. It wasn't someone scary like Amy Fox, mean like Caedence, or just plain hyperactive scary like Josiah or that Jae kid from Charms Club. It was nice, calmish, caring Elly.

Of course, Elly was well on her way of being feared when she held Hyana's shoulders. The small girl cried out in pain, but tried to hold it in. She knew it wasn't Elly's fault her mother and Bryan hurt her. Elly didn't know. Hyana still had to force herself from pulling away from Elly and running for her life. It was just a little bit of pain, no big deal.

"Hey, Hyana, what’s up?" Elly asked her. Hyana stayed silent, quickly wiping the back of her hand across her eyes angrily. She couldn't cry now of all times. She didn't need to worry Elly. Then Elly asked her if everything was okay. Hyana wanted to scream: No everything's not okay! Nothing will ever be okay!

But she didn't. She looked up at Elly, looking really pathetic without meaning to, and whispered, "There's too many people...it's too crowded." And Caedence could be anywhere, waiting to finish me off... She added in her mind. Wait...Caedence! Elly would know what happened to Caedence over midterm!

"What happened to Caedence over midterm? Why does she have a band aid on her cheek?" Hyana blurted out suddenly. Blushing slightly, Hyana found her gaze focus back on the ground. "I'm just worried about her...that's all. Even if she did hit me..." She said the last sentence to herself, in a whisper. She wasn't sure if Elly heard that or not, all she wanted to know was that Caedence was okay.

0 Hyana Not be violent...*looks at a certain person* 0 Hyana 0 5

Elly

April 26, 2007 12:34 PM

Fine by me. by Elly

Hyana whimpered and jolted at Elly’s contact, so she let go immediately. Was she hurt or just skittish? Elly couldn’t tell. All she knew was that Hyana didn’t look at all happy. “There’s too many people… it’s too crowded,” Hyana said in barely more than a whisper.

Elly frowned. At least the scenario was familiar to her – she knew how Echo hated to be in crowds too, though he usually demonstrated more composure than Hyana was managing. “Er, okay,” she said. Elly’s first thought was to take Hyana to Echo and they could stand out of the way together. On the other hand, though, she wasn’t sure if Echo and Hyana really knew each other, and neither of them was particularly brilliant with strangers. Without another plan, though, Elly stood on tiptoe to look over the heads of the other students (which wasn’t so easy with the older students there, too) to see if she could locate Echo. Instead what she saw was the girls lining up to pet what Elly was pretty sure was a unicorn, judging by that pointy thing on its head. Okay, Plan B.

“Come on,” Elly said to Hyana, “let’s go pet the unicorn.” Well that was something she’d certainly never said before. Shielding Hyana with her arm, doing her best not to touch her, Elly steered them towards the back of the queue where there were far fewer people. Of course there was also the bonus that they were doing what they were told and partaking in a lesson, plus Elly imagined it probably wasn’t a bad experience to stroke a unicorn, and she could talk to Hyana without anyone jostling them.

“What happened to Caedence over midterm?” Hyana asked suddenly. Elly looked down at her and blinked. “I’m just worried about her… that’s all.” Hyana said, blushing. She mumbled something else, too, but Elly didn’t catch it.

As far as Elly had been able to deduce, Hyana and Caedence had had a … disagreement since returning from midterm. It seemed a little odd that Hyana would ask about Caedence’s midterm if she’d already seen and spoken to her. Then again, Caedence hadn’t been very forthcoming when she’d told Elly about her holiday, despite them being best friends. All in all, Elly decided that it was really up to Caedence to tell her business.

“She cut her cheek,” Elly said, shrugging. She didn’t know exactly how that had happened either, because Caedence hadn’t said explicitly, just that she had argued with her Dad. “She’s okay. I think she’s glad to be back is all,” Elly said. “How about you? How was your midterm?”

0 Elly Fine by me. 0 Elly 0 5

Gwyneth

April 26, 2007 6:31 PM

eyes wide They are real?? (TAG: Professor Murphy) by Gwyneth

Gwyneth was surprised to see such a gather of students in the field as she approached the CoMC class. At first she wondered what was going on. Had she missed some announcement for an assembly? When she finally realized that they, everybody in the school apparently, were all in the same class, her heart dropped. She had hoped to find Jae or Meri or someone else she knew, but in this crowd that would probably be impossible. So she found a relatively quiet place in the crowd to listen to the teacher.

When the substitute, Professor Murphy, showed up instead of Professor K, Gwyneth was surprised yet again. She thought it was just for this one class (maybe Professor K was sick?). But from the way the new teacher introduced herself and "her" rules, Gwyneth understood that this was a long-term sub. The way Professor Murphy went on about proper attire for their own protection and not wanting to worry about loss of limbs made Gwyneth wonder just they were getting in for.

After all that cautionary talk, Gwyneth couldn't believe her eyes when the professor stepped aside. She had been expecting something dangerous and big, with lots of teeth and claws. Maybe even a dragon, since the older kids were here. What she saw was a . . . pony?? No, a unicorn, according to the professor, she thought. She listened carefully to the brief lecture about the magical uses of the unicorn. Why would anyone hurt such a pretty thing just to get hair or horns or blood or whatever? she wondered.

Startled when she heard the teacher ask the boys to step back, she wondered if she really wanted to touch the magical creature. As she slowly lined up with all the other girls to pet the unicorn, she glanced at the boys. It really didn't seem fair that they had to take notes while the girls got to pet the golden foal. As her turn approached, she timidly raised her hand and asked the teacher, "Professor Murphy, why would the unicorn be so sensitive around the boys? Would the boys be able to touch a male unicorn?" Her face registered both confusion and an innate sense that this wasn't fair. She knew that if roles had been reversed, she would have been uncomfortable and a bit hurt at missing this opportunity. If the unicorns were so sensitive, then there should have been a male foal for the boys to see up close.

0 Gwyneth *eyes wide* They are real?? (TAG: Professor Murphy) 0 Gwyneth 0 5

Hyana

April 26, 2007 8:36 PM

Thanks^^ by Hyana

Hyana let out a shaking breath when Elly released her shoulders. She wasn't too sure if the left shoulder was dislocated, but she didn't want to go to Wolfe and find out. Elly led Hyana to the line, thankfully Elly was careful not to touch her. At least Elly was being careful. Hyana still felt guilty for making her worry though.

"Thanks Elly." Hyana smiled, probably for the first time since she came back to Sonora. "I'm actually looking forward to petting the unicorn. I've read a lot about them." Elly answered her question, somewhat, about what happened to Caedence, and then asked Hyana the question she knew would come up sometime. "How about you? How was your midterm?" Hyana considered lying to Elly, but she couldn't do that. She couldn't tell the truth either...

"W-well..." Hyana sighed. "My midterm was..." She forced herself to say the next word. "Wonderful. My mother has a new boyfriend, and I get to go to Japan over the summer to learn more about where my mother and her family grew up." Then the subject of midterm made her remember Elly's gift.

"I almost forgot!" She exclaimed. She pulled a set of sky blue and pink hair clips wrapped in sparkling wrapping paper. "I know that we've only known each other since Charms Club but...I got you this for Christmas." She held out the gift. "And how was your midterm?" she added. She might as well ask. It would be polite.

0 Hyana Thanks^^ 0 Hyana 0 5

Paul (and some Cissy) Tarwater

April 27, 2007 5:23 AM

What... the... heck by Paul (and some Cissy) Tarwater

Paul stuffed his hands into the pockets of his black slacks as he entered the room with Cissy. The two had the look o siblings. The same black hair and cold blue eyes. The pale skin, and the angry disposition. Cissy's was crueller though, a bit undirected at the moment, which was why Paul said nothing to her on the whole walk here. She was showing her anger recently and it wasn't a good thing. It meant she could hurt Paul in public if she wanted. Which wasn't good at all for Paul. He had made the mistake of asking what was wrong with her before.

"What's wrong with you?" he'd asked while picking her up on her way from Pecari. Mother had recently sent a letter saying to watch her, and Paul felt something was up. A familiy secret that he wasn't invited to share. Apparently not since Cissy had smacked him in the face, but not as hard as usual. Paul knew something was especially wrong when tears stung her eyes and she quickly tried to hide them.

Paul's face was still red from Cissy when they got into the class, and the young girl quickly stood, surrounded by people, making it positive--by the fact that there were no seats left--her older brother wasn't invited to anymore. Paul didn't mind, Cissy was going to slowly inch away from them anyway. And Paul was fine standing alone as well. Which was what he did.

Professor K was gone, that was already established being an Aladren. She wasn't gone, but she just wasn't here for now. But Paul was fairly sure she'd come back. At least she'd hoped Professor K would come back. Especially since this woman seemed completely sexist, as did these damned unicorns. What was the point of standing in the back? If the Head of Aladren was here, she wouldn't do this to them. Even if she did teach unicorns, she'd probably use more of her own time to help teach the boys something useful about them.

Angrily, he watched Cissy walk up to one of the unicorns, hoping she would hurt the unicorn. Not just to show that she wasn't so sweet, but also to show the unicorn that females weren't always the one you should trust.
Paul had had enough of this sexist class. Here, he didn't even care if he was seen leaving. He'd just tell this new professor that she was being sexist (which was actually against the law), and Paul shouldn't be forced to stand a whole lesson not learning a thing while his sister stood there not giving a care to the unicorn licking her hand (instead she glared daggers at the thing, wanting to kill it).

As Paul turned to walk out, he felt someone grab ahold of his shoulder, and Paul turned to give the teacher a piece of his mind. Only to see it was a student who had grabbed his arm to resist falling...

0 Paul (and some Cissy) Tarwater What... the... heck 0 Paul (and some Cissy) Tarwater 0 5

Ebony

April 27, 2007 6:01 AM

Unicorns! by Ebony

Ebony was glad she had come back to Sonora after the mid term holidays. She didn't want to as in the first term she had become lost and faded into the background but her parents had convinced her to come back and now seeing the beautiful unicorn in front of her she was glad she had. The unicorn had a golden coat and seemed to be patiently standing beside Professor Murphy.

Ebony listened carefully as Professor Murphy began her lecture and Ebony listened carefully as the Professor described what unicorn hair, blood and horns were used for. She was elated when she discovered that the girls could line up and touch the unicorn. Quickly Ebony headed for where the line was starting to form looking around to see if everybody else was excited as she was.

Once in the forming line Ebony had time to look around and realised for the first time that every year was here for the lesson.

'This is the first lesson I have been to that didn't involve just the first and second years', Ebony thought. It was a nice idea though and allowed her to see the older years outside of the Aladren Common Room and Cascade Hall. Ebony watched as people formed groups and chatted, some arguing with others.

'I am glad I came back', Ebony thought, before turning back to face the front of the line hoping it would move quicker.

0 Ebony Unicorns! 0 Ebony 0 5

Elly

April 27, 2007 10:28 AM

You're welcome. by Elly

Hyana’s midterm seemed to have gone okay. She said that in the summer she would be going to Japan with her mother.

“My Dad went to Japan last year with work,” Elly said. Her father worked abroad a lot, doing something with railways but Elly had never really been quite sure what.

Elly wasn’t expecting Hyana to get her a Christmas present, and so was pleasantly surprised when the first years pulled a gift from somewhere on her person and handed it over.

“Oh, wow, thanks, Hyana,” she said. “I didn’t get you anything, you know,” she told her as she unwrapped the sparkly paper to reveal a set of hair clips. “And these are lovely, thank you.” Elly grinned at Hyana, still unsure whether or not she would appreciate physical contact. What was it with so many people around Sonora not liking to be touched?

“And how was your midterm?” Hyana asked.

“It was pretty good, yeah,” Elly said, slipping her new clips into her pocket. “Me and Echo stayed with Meredith – they’re in my year – and I went ice skating and to the cinema with some friends back home. My Dad was there for practically the whole holiday, too, which was nice. He’s not home much,” she said. “Summer’s going to be good, too; I’ve asked Caedence to stay over.” And since they were on the subject, “Are you and Caedence okay? I mean, I don’t mean to be nosy or anything, but I got the impression that maybe you two had fallen out or something. Just tell me to shut up if it’s none of my business,” she said, laughing.

0 Elly You're welcome. 0 Elly 0 5

Josaih

April 27, 2007 2:13 PM

Joining the outcasts by Josaih

Josiah made his way down to COMC, robes in his arms. He was wearing a yellow shirt with a prairie dog on it that had a speech bubble proclaiming “TEPPANPAW RULES!” His pants were beige cargo pants. His feet were covered in black sandals that he expected to kick off while he enjoyed class time.

When he got to class, he was taken aback. What was with the huge crowd? It looked like the whole school was out here! Did he miss a memo? He saw a glint of gold at the corner of his field of vision. A snitch? Upon further inspection, he found a unicorn foal. And a teacher that was most certainly not Professor K.

The teacher was also really strict and mean. Why couldn’t he kick off his shoes and leave his robe off? He frowned. If this Professor Murphy wanted robes on, well she can yell at him. He threw his robes on the ground at her shooing the boys off.

Anyone else feel…. one person began Unimportant? another suggested. Josiah strode over to them, kicking his robes ahead of him as he went. “Yeah!” he put in fiercely. “It’s not like we can know these things without notes! I think she’s just trying to have a class for the girls!” He glanced at the redhead, “Are you related to Elly?” He asked. Turning to Josh, he introduced himself to them both, “Name’s Josiah.”\n

0 Josaih Joining the outcasts 0 Josaih 0 5

Echo Elms

April 28, 2007 12:41 AM

We're fun to join... all out and cast and stuff by Echo Elms

[OOC: Slightly confused, but I think I've deduced that Elly is the redhead who got glanced at and the question is directed at brown-haired Echo because he's always hanging around with her? If that's not workable let me know and I'll rewrite]

I think she's just trying to have a class for the girls! one of the firsties complained, coming over to join them. Echo recognized him as having something to do with the Charms club. He never went to it (it was all firsties) but Elly seemed to be okay with that, because she went sometimes. When the kid said his name was Josiah, Echo nodded like he'd known it all along because he sort of had. If someone had said 'Josiah' to him, he would have known who it was. Apparently Josiah knew who he was too, even if not by name. But, it was kinda funny. No one ever assumed he and the English girl he spent so much time with were related. There wasn't a red hair in his family, and he'd never even been to England until midterms and that was for maybe, maybe, half an hour. Usually, their spending huge amounts of time together caused an entirely different set of assumptions.

"Ha! No," he said, following Josiah's eyes to her, "we're just friends." And that was pretty much what he said to the other set of assumptions too. And both were true, no matter what Brett might claim. "I'm Echo. And," he indicated the twins, "this is Matt and Josh."

He liked Josiah right off. It was easy to like someone when you were all being unjustly ignored together.\r\n\r\n

21 Echo Elms We're fun to join... all out and cast and stuff 93 Echo Elms 0 5

Adam Brockert

April 28, 2007 9:16 PM

Too...many...people... by Adam Brockert

He didn't know who this woman was or where Professor K. was but Adam knew that anyone who had practically the whole school in one place couldn't possibly be very nice. Granted, he figured this new professor couldn't know how he felt, and Adam sure wasn't going to tell her, but still he didn't like this at all. He could feel their eyes staring at him, judging him. He shuddered, he didn't want too, of course, for that would make them be even harder on him, but he couldn't help it.

The only good thing was that Kaylie was with him. Adam gave his sister a worried gaze. Ever since her boyfriend broke up with her, Kaylie had seemed to be in so much pain. She looked pale and weak. Adam hated seeing her this way. He shot the offending a boy a quick angry glare. The fact that anyone could do this to Kaylie made Adam feel sick. She was the sweetest person he'd ever met and didn't deserve this. He wanted to yell at the boy, scream at him, hex him into oblivian, but of course he wouldn't. Adam didn't have the courage to and he really didn't think that was what Kaylie would want anyway. It was all he could do to comfort her and be there for her.

Adam listened to the lesson. He placed his hand gently on Kaylie's shoulder and nodded at her to go up. As much as he wanted her to stay by him for both their sakes, he didn't want her to get in trouble either. She left and Adam fell back, trying to avoid the eyes of others.

He wished he could leave. Being here was torture for him and it wasn't like Adam could even participate in the lesson because he was male. Not that he wanted to go up, as that may make him the center of attention. Then again, being in the group of guys while the girls and teacher were occupied with the lesson, wasn't good either. Either way, he was stuck.

11 Adam Brockert Too...many...people... 78 Adam Brockert 0 5

Matt and Josh

April 29, 2007 2:45 PM

Hey now, we're the Cool Kids, not the Outcasts. by Matt and Josh

Josh was going to answer Echo's statement about the notes, saying that perhaps the Professor meant the random statements she had made about the unicorn before inviting the girls up to pet it, but before he could answer him another boy joined them in their small group off to the side. His eyebrow went up slightly as the boy went on. Okay, so Josh didn't think it was all that fair that only the girst could pet the unicorn, but he didn't think it was because the Professor was only partial to girls. And, besides, it wasn't like they couldn't complain about it to Professor K if/when she returned.

Maybe there really was a good reason behind it all. Though, Josh wasn't about to open his mouth and say all this to these three since they each seemed to want to believe the Professor was completely against the male population.

Matt knew this kid already, having met him in DADA not that long back, but decided not to mention it as this kid had been rather strange in what he knew of the Latino heritage. And Matt didn't really want to have to go through another explanation of that sort of thing.

When Echo answered Josiah's question, the twins looked knowingly at one another. Josh, simply because he believed Elly and Echo were a couple (even though both denied it) and Matt because he thought Echo liked...well, not girls. But neither of them had ever heard anyone actually ask Echo or Elly if they were related. They didn't even look alike. Echo wasn't even British. What an amusing question.

The twins nodded in greeting to the newcomer, but didn't bother to explain which one was which as they were identical. Although, by now, Echo was bound to know which one was actually Matt having roomed with him nearly two years. The same usually could not be said for anyone else.

"Well, all I can say is, lucky us that we get a free break." Matt exclaimed, getting over the idea of not being included rather quickly.

0 Matt and Josh Hey now, we're the Cool Kids, not the Outcasts. 0 Matt and Josh 0 5

Jaeven Dimitri [Pecari]

April 29, 2007 8:41 PM

Not enough horses...er...unicorns by Jaeven Dimitri [Pecari]

Professor K. wasn't around. Jae stood on his tiptoes to see above everyone. The lesson was ginormous. He wouldn't be surprised if the entire school was here. And since Professor K. wasn't around, there was a sub. But the most interesting, most special, most I-told-you-so part of it was the little golden foal standing in the middle of the clearing. He knew it! He just knew it! When Professor K. said they wouldn't be doing horses for awhile because they were dangerous and difficult, he knew it was just a trick so she could surprise them! And here was the surprise!

Jae started wading through the crowd of students (a difficult feat when you're about four foot five), but stopped when the sub started talking. Aunt Marla and Aunt Cheri always said that you had to be respectful when people were talking, and Jae wanted to be super-respectful to Professor Murphey. Professor K. said that he might be able to help out with the magical creatures and stuff if he asked nicely and the sub said yes. So he listened very carefully and very quietly. Or at least, he did his best. Jae did fidget a little bit, but nothing like he usually did.

But then...Professor Murphey said they didn't like boys.

The unicorn horses didn't like boys.

So Jae wouldn't get to touch one.

Disappointed beyond all belief, he trudged back to the back of the class. Looking for Mika or...wait. Gwyn was a girl and so she got to pet the unicorn. He'd forgotten. The first year looked around for someone he knew, but he didn't see anyone. What the small, blond-dreadlocked child did notice, though, was one older boy standing off to the side. He did not, Jae observed with observant green eyes, look very happy. Maybe he wanted to see the unicorns too?

Jae went up to him, regaining a bit of his usual bounce as he did. As soon as he reached the other boy, he gave him a hug. "Did you want to see the unicorns too? I did. I love horses. I have one at home, well sort of anyway. Nina and I share. My name's Jae. I'm a first year, and I'm in Pecari, like Saul and Caedence. Do you know Saul and Caedence?"

0 Jaeven Dimitri [Pecari] Not enough horses...er...unicorns 0 Jaeven Dimitri [Pecari] 0 5

Hannah Laurent

April 30, 2007 4:41 PM

Terribly sorry and all by Hannah Laurent

As Hannah approached the place of their Care of Magical Creatures lesson was being held, she looked around with confusion. Why were there older students here and so many of them? She didn't like it at all. It meant she was more likely to be shoved out of the way, even if they didn't mean to, simply because she was petite, even for a first year.

Rather than trying to fight her way through, the blonde girl in low pigtails stayed behind it all. It was easier than getting bruised and she doubted it would be anything that she couldn't find out about later, but of course, that was before she heard the magical word - unicorn. Giving a small squeal, Hannah tried to squirm through the older students. Unfortunately, not seeming to notice her, one bumped her rather roughly, causing her to step back too quickly. It seemed a chain reaction, as she then tripped over her own sneakers and grabbed the arm of a nearby student.

Righting herself quickly with the help of his arm, she could feel the blush coming on, as her cheeks turned a rose in color. She looked at him wide-eyed with pretty blue eyes, feeling incredibly embarrassed over the whole matter. She should say something instead of standing here looking like a social imbecile.

"I'm so sorry," she said softly, biting her lower lip. "Thank you for being there to save me."

0 Hannah Laurent Terribly sorry and all 98 Hannah Laurent 0 5

Paul

April 30, 2007 9:30 PM

More concerned over the lesson than the girl by Paul

The little first year who'd grabbed him seemed flushed as Paul allowed her to get up. He didn't mind her much, looking up to find Cissy sneaking out the door. Paul wished he could do the same. Just get out of this sexist room with the stupid unicorns that Paul had no idea how to study when the teacher was just letting them freaking sit around with the girls petting them.

Instead Paul was stuck with the tiny girl who'd fallen on his arm. At least she didn't seem to overactive or hyper. She didn't seem like a Pecari, basically. And that was good enough for Paul so far. "Don't be," he sighed in slight annoyance. "You have to watch out, all the years are here and you're little." Once she was off his arm, Paul placed his hand in his pocket so to avoid physical contact with any of the people in here.

"And I wasn't necessarily here to save you," Paul stated again. "More wanting to get the hell out of this sexist class here and to find out where Professor K is and why she let this woman take over." Paul's free hand mussed his black hair as he looked to the front of the class, meaning where the stupid unicorns were. Which was a while away from the two of them.

"You wanna go pet one of the creatures?" he asked with a heavy sigh.

0 Paul More concerned over the lesson than the girl 0 Paul 0 5

Saul Pierce

April 30, 2007 10:35 PM

joining the Cool Kids by Saul Pierce

Saul had tried to sneak up toward the unicorn, just to get a better look at it. Having had a pretty major growth spurt the last few weeks (he now reached 5'7"), he'd been able to see over most of the girls' heads pretty well but it hadn't helped disguise him any. He'd been directed back to join the boys and he grumped the first six steps away until he recognized Echo in a small subgroup of the ostracized male population. With that head of curly hair, he was easy to pick out.

Feeling better already since he had a bona fide reason to spend the class not doing any work, he grinned and joined the growing crowd just as one of a set of twins (at least one of which he was pretty sure was a Pecari) was saying, "lucky us that we get a free break."

Saul grinned at him, that being the same sentiment he'd just had, and nodded, "Absolutely. I mean, the unicorn is pretty and all, but the snifflers us third and forth years had at the beginning of the year were way more interesting. We got to go treasure hunting and everything. All the unicorn is doing is just sitting there. Hey! We could find gnomes! The garden's probably full of them!"

1 Saul Pierce joining the Cool Kids 82 Saul Pierce 0 5

Zack Dill

April 30, 2007 10:56 PM

I hate this class I really do by Zack Dill

Zack had come to the class only reluctantly. The only redeeming quality the subject had was that it was taught by Professor Kijewski and she wasn't even here right now. Some other lady was substituting for her. The class was outside. There were no desks. There was usually some kind of animal present. Zack did not like animals. In fact, he was quite often terrified of them. He didn't even like dogs. Dogs were called canines, which were a kind of teeth.

In short, the sole reason he was here was because he couldn't imagine skipping it, even if there were so many people present the sub probably wouldn't even notice one person missing. Besides, this was not his normal class period for Care of Magical Creatures, so he could possibly argue that he'd forgotten the time change. Of course, he was a Prefect, so it was partly his responsibility to make sure the affected Aladrens had known about the time change, so that wouldn't work.

Anyway, he consoled himself with the fact that there were going to be first years present. That meant it wouldn't be anything too dangerous. He hoped.

As Professor Murphy began the lesson, Zack took his usual meticulous notes in fictional languages, and breathed a sigh of relief when she said that the males were excused from direct contact. Zack was more than happy with that turn of events. Let the girls get gored by that sharp pointy weapon sticking out of the beast's forehead. Zack was going to be way back here where it was safe, in the far back behind even the other boys.

Now, if all Care of Magical Creature classes were like this, he wouldn't mind it so much.

1 Zack Dill I hate this class I really do 40 Zack Dill 0 5

Hannah

April 30, 2007 10:59 PM

And that's okay with the girl by Hannah

"It might not have been intentional, but you were there and because you were, you saved me from falling and possibly hurting myself," Hannah answered with a smile of delight, as though it were the most obvious reason in the world.

If she hadn't been in Teppenpaw, she most certainly would have been in Aladren. She was a bright girl, but as such, her brain tended not to function in the way that most others' would. As a result, she tended to say things that others found odd or confusing.

She tilted her head in curiosity at the boy, wondering about his strange behavior. Why did he mess up his hair? Didn't one want it to stay neat if they took the effort to brush it. She touched her own hair in fondness, having taken the time to make it shine. She kept it long, because her mother always told her how beautiful it was, different than the rest of the family with their dark brown.

A small sigh escaped her lips at the thought of her family. She missed them terribly, especially her younger sister, Addie. Next year, next year, she would be here. She couldn't wait and hoped she got into Tepp, as well. Either way, it would be great just having her here, to share secrets once more. She had so many already bottled up inside of her, just waiting to come out. It felt like summer couldn't come soon enough, which was terrible since they were barely in the new year.

Pushing the heavy weight to the back of her mind, she turned her focus back to the boy, wanting to know if she wanted to go see the unicorns. She rewarded him with a smile that went clear to her eyes and made her whole face glow. She really did! She nodded shyly. Would he help her? On purpose this time?

"What's your name?" She asked, curiously. "I'm Hannah."

0 Hannah And that's okay with the girl 0 Hannah 0 5

Eavan and Earl Valentine

May 01, 2007 12:19 AM

Who you callin' ridiculous? by Eavan and Earl Valentine

Eavan practically dragged Earl towards their joint Care of Magical Creatures class. Being two years apart, it was a rare treat indeed to be able to have a class session together.

They reached the lesson right on time, with Earl wrenching his arm away from Eavan's firm grasp.

"We're here. We don't need to hold hands," Earl mumbled as he dusted imaginary dirt from his robes.

"Don't be such a priss, Earl," Eavan retorted. By this time, there were a lot of students milling about and Eavan was having to jump up and down to see over the many heads in her way.

"Earl! What'd going on? I can't see a thing!" Eavan jumped and then made grinned.

"I think I saw something gold! What was it?"

"Hold your horses, Eav." Earl put a hand on Eavan's head to prevent her from jumping again; it was getting annoying. Earl glanced over the heads and made a low whistle. Eavan shot him a curios look.

"We've got a sub," Eavan hit him playfully on the arm and Earl ruffled her hair.

"Unicorns, Eavan. You saw a baby unicorn." Eavan grinned, grabbed he brother's hand and pushed forward through the crowd. They got to the front just at the substitute told the group that girls should stay forward and boys head back. So, Earl backed up.

"You're not gonna come?" Eavan asked.

"You heard the teacher. I'll draw you a unicorn, 'k?" Eavan sighed, but happily headed for the golden foal. She pushed her way in and began to scratch behind its ears. Eavan felt a bit squished, being surrounded by all these girls, but it was definitely worth it to be able to pet a unicorn.

Eavan turned to the girl at her side with a big grin. But the girl didn't look too happy. Then she recognized the girl. She was on the Quidditch team with Earl.

"Why do you look so sad? You're petting a unicorn." Eavan took the hand that was not petting the unicorn and held it out for the girl to shake.

"I'm Eavan Valentine, by the way...Earl's sister."

0 Eavan and Earl Valentine Who you callin' ridiculous? 0 Eavan and Earl Valentine 0 5

Hyana

May 01, 2007 6:29 PM

This is where I come up with a witty subject by Hyana

Hyana was somewhat curious when Elly mentioned her father going to Japan for work. She didn’t ask what he did though. She had learned not to pry into anyone else’s business, that was for sure.

“You’re welcome Elly.” She said instead. “I didn’t expect a present anyway.” The only real present she had gotten for a while was that dress from Josiah. She secretly wondered if Elly got one as well. “I’m glad you like them.” Then Elly began to talk about her midterm. It turned out she hung out with Echo and Meredith. It sounded like Elly had a blast.

“Echo’s pretty fun, I met him in Astronomy.” Hyana commented. “And that’s really kind of you to invite Caedence over! I wish I could do that…she needs to get out and around more often.” Then Elly asked what Hyana expected. “Are you and Caedence okay? I mean, I don’t mean to be nosy or anything, but I got the impression that maybe you two had fallen out or something. Just tell me to shut up if it’s none of my business.”

“Oh, don’t worry about it. I was going to talk to you about it anyway.” Hyana gave a small smile. “She was looking for me in the labyrinth gardens, wanting to talk about something. I gave her a present and asked what happened to her cheek. She snapped at me, saying it wasn’t my business, never to pry into her life, don’t make friends because they can become worst enemies, having friends shows weakness. Then I got mad. I guess it was my own fault she hit me…” She trailed off, looking over someone else. This was getting kind of awkward.

“I don’t want you to think bad of Caede, it was my own fault.” She said to Elly, her voice somewhat begging. “I said something I shouldn’t have, I called her weak for not wanting friends or help, so please don’t get mad at her. She needs friends right now, not anger.”

0 Hyana This is where I come up with a witty subject 0 Hyana 0 5

Josiah

May 01, 2007 8:21 PM

raises eyebrow Josiah, a cool kid? laughs by Josiah

OOC: oops, sorry Echo, I dunno why I thought you were a redhead too... Seeing as my other charrie lives in your house, I should know that by now *Blushes* sorry

IC: Josiah grinned at Echo. Well, him and Elly hung out enough to be related. So what if it was a stupid question? He had a reason to. Which led to another, one he wouldn't voice, of his relationship with Elly. Friends? Or more than that?

Turning to Matt, he smiled. He remembered now that Matt and him were partners in DADA. He wondered why Matt didn't show more recognition. Maybe he didn't like Josiah?

Then another person joined the outcasts. Well, he did have a point. Weren't unicorns just horses, but fancy? He'd have to admit though, that he wished he could touch it. The gold fur was too...cool to pass up.

"Gnomes? Sounds like fun I guess," he shrugged, "It could be like DADA, right? Did anyone ever even make it to the stash in the center of the maze anyways?"

He recognized Saul from the Pecari quidditch team. This guy didn't seem so bad. After all, he was a fellow guy who liked quidditch. No one who liked quidditch could be all that bad.\n

0 Josiah *raises eyebrow* Josiah, a cool kid? *laughs* 0 Josiah 0 5

Lucas Smythe

May 02, 2007 11:09 AM

It could happen... by Lucas Smythe

Being late for classes was becoming some sort of unintentional habit for Lucas. This time he had shown up just in time to hear the professor... who... wasn't... Professor K strangely, say that the boys were pretty much unneeded in the lesson. Alright, the short old lady hadn't used those words exactly, but it was how Lucas was going to take it. From the various outbursts from other boys, it seemed that Lucas was not the only one to take it that way.

He boy flicked his fringe from his eye and crossed his arms and assumed an "I'm not gonna move" pose, but as the girls began to push past him to reach whatever they were allowed to touch and he was not, he felt that maybe he ought to move. A few of the girls that passed him were chatting about unicorns and how 'cool' they were, so Lucas assumed (apparently correctly after standing on his tiptoes to have a look) that there was a unicorn at the front.

He mumbled to himself incoherently and looked around - if all the girls were flocking forwards, that must mean... Yeah, all the guys were flooding toward the back. Lucas noticed a group of boys and began wandering over to them, he recognised a few of them, as in he'd seen them around the school, but he didn't actually know any of them.

Then Lucas caught sight of Josiah who was also in the group and considered turning around. He was relatively unsure of the boy, not sure if he liked him or not. But still, maybe he should give him the benefit of the doubt?

Pushing his fringe away from his face once more, Lucas continued toward the group. As he arrived at the scene, Josiah was talking about gnomes and defense against the dark arts. Lucas raised his brow a little, but kept his mouth quiet for the time being.

Suddenly changing his mind, Lucas opted for hovering a little away from the group, but close enough that they could talk to him if they so desired. He just felt a little shy around the older years and decided that 'butting in' wasn't the way to go - it may be a "private party" after all.

0 Lucas Smythe It could happen... 96 Lucas Smythe 0 5

Bella Santoro

May 02, 2007 9:49 PM

Goes Girlie (Tag: Ben) by Bella Santoro

Bella was the type of girl who could handle herself in almost any situation. It comes along with being from a family of strong women. So, when the coursework began to pile up and the classes buckled down, Bella rolled up her sleeves and dove into it, leaving playtime for later. Despite her playful attitude on a daily basis, Bella was in Aladren for a reason.

But all that bookworm, study hard, straight head of her's flew out the window when Bella entered the clearing and spotted the golden unicorn. She was practically jumping up and down to get to the creature. She had dreamed of having a unicorn of her own to ride and play with (and, really, what normal girl magical or muggle didn't want a unicorn of her own?).

Bella, who was standing...er...hopping next to Ben, grabbed his arm excitedly. "Look, Benny, look!" She felt five again and getting her toy doll that she had been eyeing for her birthday. "It's a unicorn!" Bella's dark eyes were lit with pure glee and all because of a simple animal. Her small hands were grasped tightly on Ben's arm. By now, the substitute had already begun the lesson and was instructing the students to come forward.

"Come on Sleepy-Do, let's pet it!"

0 Bella Santoro *Goes Girlie* (Tag: Ben) 0 Bella Santoro 0 5

Elly

May 03, 2007 1:36 PM

And here's where I reply by Elly

Hyana said that she thought Caedence needed to get out more. Elly guessed she meant from her real home, not from Sonora, and she took that as a strong indication that Hyana knew a little bit at the very least about Caedence’s less than desirable family life. Elly was surprised further by Hyana’s affirmation that she was going to talk to her about Caedence, anyway. Elly didn’t really understand why, unless Caedence had told her they were friends. Either way, Elly listened quietly to what Hyana had to say.

Once Hyana had finished talking, Elly stood chewing her lower lip for a short while, considering where to go next. “Well, it sounds as though you sort of set each other off,” she said. If Caedence had returned angry and upset from midterm and run straight into an unusually defiant Hyana then she could guess their encounter wasn’t especially pleasant. They only had themselves to blame, of course; Elly would certainly know better than to call Caedence weak, but she also knew much better than to hit another student. Ugh, she was beginning to feel like she was always stepping in the way of Caedence’s fights, and that certainly wasn’t her intention. She wanted to help Caedence, but not to interfere, that wasn’t right.

“I don’t think bad of either of you,” Elly said eventually, sighing. Then she smiled. “You’re a lovely person, Hyana,” she said, remembering from when they first met that Hyana’s confidence levels were pretty low, “and don’t you ever forget it. Just don’t wind Caedence up – it’s like inviting trouble,” she said, laughing a little.

They were still at the back of the line, and it was progressing slowly towards the front of the class and the unicorn, but all the girls in the first five years of the school made quite a long line between them. If Elly stood on tiptoe she could see the unicorn, but little Hyana had no chance yet. “So, er…” Elly began, trying to think of something to say that didn’t involve Caedence. “How do you like Sonora so far?” she asked. “You got a favourite subject yet?”

0 Elly And here's where I reply 0 Elly 0 5

Ben Stafford

May 04, 2007 5:50 PM

Right... by Ben Stafford

Ben knew this day was coming. He had known since his first year that it was, and yet, it didn't help him at all. The day when Care of Magical Creatures had unicorns as their basis of study was finally upon them, and Ben was not particularly excited. Bella, however, seemed to be ecstatic. She was clutching Ben's arm, jumping up and down in sheer excitement. Ben would have laughed, had this class been any other time when Bella was acting silly, but the over-riding feeling of dread was killing his good humour.

"Bella," he said, resisting her tugging, "They don't like boys, I don't think it's a good idea for me to be going any nearer..."

Hesitating, Ben flashed an uncertain look towards Bella. She looked so incredibly over-joyed at seeing the unicorns, it was almost like a small child at a petting zoo. He wanted to make Bella happy, but at the same time, unicorns were not known for their friendliness towards guys. Ben felt bad about not resisting petting them, but decided that it wasn't fair for him to keep Bella from petting the unicorn.

"You go ahead," he finally said, uncurling her hands from around his arm, "I'll wait back here and... watch, or something."

0 Ben Stafford Right... 58 Ben Stafford 0 5

Echo Elms

May 05, 2007 1:55 PM

Anything could happen. by Echo Elms

Echo grinned as Saul veered suddenly onto the topic of gnomes, "Oo! Gnomes!" he put in as Josiah wondered if anyone made it to the middle of the labrynth in DADA. Echo didn't think his group did. They ran out of time -- too much chatting, he thought, that and his spell started getting whacked out screwy toward the end. That's mainly what he remembered. It might have been that they did make it and the ending just wasn't very memorable.

He carefully stepped out of the inner crowd, making the gathering more inclusive of the new joiners and giving himself some extra elbow room. Being a little outside the group suited him and he nodded to the kid with the too-long bangs he was now standing near, but his focus was still with the group.

"How do you find gnomes?" he asked Saul, who was probably going to be the expert on such matters. After all, the groundskeeper, Mr. Tellerman, was Saul's cousin or something.

21 Echo Elms Anything could happen. 93 Echo Elms 0 5

Paul

May 05, 2007 2:27 PM

That's not what most girls say by Paul

Paul shrugged at the girl's explanation of thanks. "Whatever you say," Paul muttered gently, not able to understand why the girl cared so much that Paul had "saved" her unintentionaly.

Paul looked at a group of boys in the corner, no doubt complaining about the sexism of this teacher. The stupid unicorns and not allowing the boys to do anything. Paul wondered why the teacher combined the classes coed. She could have done one class for girls and another for boys.

Paul ran his hands through his black hair again, it probably looked very messy by now, Paul had been nervous and angry at the same time all morning. What with Cissy walking to class with him and the unicorns, and Cissy getting to run out without him. Paul messed with his hair, fidgeting, when he was feeling negative.

Which was almost all the time. Paul barely realized he did it, but his mother always tried to get him to stop.

The girl, Hannah, nodded when Paul asked if she wanted to see the dumb horses. She seemed so innocent, like the act Cissy always put on for adults. It scared Paul a little, but he tried not to show the suspicion in his eyes. Mentally, he backed away from the girl.

"Paul," he stated warily. "Aladren, what house are you in?" If she was in Pecari, that was it. He was getting the hell out. Paul had bad experience with that lot. If she was Tepp, then he had to place it in his mind that she was nice, and he could stay a while longer. There was no way she was a Crot though, Paul knew that. Nor was she Aladren.

People thought Paul to not notice things, but he did notice a lot more than they did think.

0 Paul That's not what most girls say 0 Paul 0 5

Hannah

May 05, 2007 2:57 PM

I'm not most girls by Hannah

Hannah glanced with longing towards where the unicorn was. She wanted to feel the hair, find out if it was soft and silky, or the unimaginable, rough and dry. Somehow, she doubted it would be the latter. Her attention was drawn back to Paul, though, as he kept messing with his hair and shifting. Most people acted that way when they were nervous. Was he nervous? About her?

She was certainly no one to be nervous about. She was just a first year and a tiny one at that. She doubted she could take anyone on physically and she barely knew any spells yet, and those that she did, she really wouldn't classify in the harmful group. She was about to try and ease his nervousness by saying something. She really wasn't sure what, but something when he beat her to it.

Oh, he was an Aladren! He was smart! She wished she were in Aladren. It would be nice to be known for something other than being pleasant. One could be friendly and be in any house, really.

"Teppenpaw," she stated with a slight pout, her eyes cast downwards for a moment, her long lashes fluttering against slightly full cheeks. Looking back at him, she tried to continue the conversation, "So, what year are you in? I'm a first year."

Best he knew now rather than later. She doubted anyone in the third year or higher would want to associate with a lowly first year.

0 Hannah I'm not most girls 0 Hannah 0 5

Talitha Cumni

May 06, 2007 12:28 AM

And here's where I butt in by Talitha Cumni

OOC: If you’d rather not include me in your thread, just ignore me. I was just tired of standing in line waiting for permission to come forward with no one to talk to.

Talitha walked back from petting the unicorn on feet that didn’t seem to touch the ground. She only had a moment with the baby and left quite reluctantly. Its coat was so beautiful close up, all gleaming golden and so soft. Never in her life had she felt something that soft before. It was even softer than a baby chick’s fluff. The filly’s eyes were huge and so intelligent, as if it’d lived one hundred lives already. Talitha’s palm still tickled from where it lipped her with its whiskery baby mouth.

She walked back wondering if she should sit with the boys until the other girls had their turn but one glance at their angry, disappointed faces told her females certainly were not welcome at the moment. But she couldn’t just sit quietly and wait to be dismissed. She had way to much energy to blow off or she’d explode.

Looking down the very long line of girls, she spotted two that she’d started to become friends with in charms club. They were almost at the end of the que, so Talitha bounced over to say hi.

“Hyana! Elly!” Talitha waved as she got closer. “How are you? Wait ‘til you get up there. That little unicorn is adorable. I just wish we had more time with it. Oh you’re gonna love her! She’s so sweet!” Talitha took a moment to draw a breath and realized she sounded a bit like Jae. She laughed at herself. “Well, anyway…Hi!”
\n

0 Talitha Cumni And here's where I butt in 102 Talitha Cumni 0 5

Bella

May 06, 2007 9:50 PM

Tries to act tough by Bella

Bella had been so preoccupied with her own excitement of seeing the unicorn that she failed to notice Ben's unenthusiasm towards the creature Bella had held so dear to her since she was a little girl. His reluctance to go see the unicorn forced Bella to actually turn and look up at him directly.

Disbelief now decorated her face as she looked up at him. Ben was one of the nicest guys Bella had ever had the priveledge of befriending. To think that a unicorn...or anyone...would find anything to dislike or fear (probably not something Bella would actually ever say to Ben as he might try and act all tough after such a compliment) him was beyond Bella's comprehension.

"But...the unicorn..." Bella started, her eyes shifting back over to the unicorn briefly before shifting back to Ben. It took her a moment to realize that her hands were empty and almost immediately filled them once more by taking ahold of one of Ben's hands.

The disbelief gave way and a teasing smile spread acrossed her lips. "You mean you aren't a girl?" Bella asked in mocked surprise. Her teasing smile turned to a real one, using her hands, Bella pulled Ben's face down closer to her's and kissed him lightly on the cheek. "Just kidding. I'll be right back, you stay here for me." Bella released his hand and walked towards the group of girls, though she did pause long enough to look back at Ben with a smile and a wink.

She truly enjoyed teasing him.

0 Bella *Tries to act tough* 0 Bella 0 5

Paul

May 07, 2007 5:50 PM

very good thing pointedly stares at certain girls by Paul

Paul felt behind him to get a feel of where the wall was so he could lean back. He was getting tired just standing and wished there were desks, or at least chairs here so he could rest. Paul had a feeling if he ever made it out of here he would immediately sit the second he was out. And possibly fall asleep in public. He was so tired right now.

Though Paul was unsure why fatigue hit him so quick, he tried to ignore it. What he always did when feeling sick or upset in public. He just pushed it down and put it off as being bored or annoyed. When in reality, Paul was probably just not feeling good, and that was his normal disposition.

Still, Paul felt better (and some of his nervousness lost) when Hannah stated she was in Teppenpaw. Thank Merlin, Paul certainly couldn't deal with another falsely nice Pecari. In fact, Paul was so relieved he looked down and muttered a "thank you" to the floor. And she was a first year too? That was even better, it gave a reason for her creepy innocence.

Though Cissy was also one, and Paul couldn't say she had not a dash of innocence left in her. The scars on his stomach could say it all, really. But if she was in Teppenpaw, and a first year, then she had a better excuse than his sister.

"Second year, probably not much older than you really," Paul shrugged lazily. His birthday was mearly in May, which was about four or five months older than the oldest first years. Cissy was probably one of the youngest first years, being born August of the next year. He looked at the giggling girls at the unicorns, disgusted (even some of the fifth years were going all girly over the horses), then turned back to Hannah.

"You want me to get you up there before I go?" he asked lightly. It wouldn't be that big a deal for Paul. He was fairly weak, but he could always push thorugh crowds.

0 Paul very good thing *pointedly stares at certain girls* 0 Paul 0 5

Hannah

May 07, 2007 11:31 PM

Sometimes by Hannah

Hannah looked at Paul with a slightly odd expression on her face. His response to the fact that she was in Teppenpaw was certainly...interesting. She officially decided that it had to be the gender. Boys were just plain strange, or maybe it was just the year? She hoped it was just the age. She couldn't really decide though since she hadn't interacted with many of the boys here. Most of the boys back home were probably around Paul's age and they all acted in a bizarre manner. Addie said they didn't act that way around her, so Hannah couldn't imagine why they did around her. Perhaps, it was because she acted differently?

She was surprised to learn that he wasn't much older than her. It seemed everyone was, just because of her size. "When is your birthday?" She wanted to know. "Mine is February. On the seventh." She found herself telling him. She knew that she should probably stop talking, because he probably wouldn't want to know. He was a second year and most likely already had a set of friends.

She was about to apologize for continuing to delay him to whatever endeavor he had intended before she grabbed him when he said the words that made her ears perk up - getting her to the unicorn. Yes, that's what she had wanted the entire time. It's what had caused this interlude. Not that it was so bad. He seemed nice enough.

"You really are my hero," she told him, pleased that he had offer. "I'd really like to. I'm not sure when I'd ever get another opportunity."

0 Hannah Sometimes 0 Hannah 0 5

Guenter Heindrich

May 08, 2007 3:55 PM

Are you kidding? I love this class! It's my favorite! by Guenter Heindrich

Guenther wandered to Care of Magical Creatures class wondering why it wasn't being taught by the normal teacher.
He was worried in that respect. What could have happened that there was a substitute?

The great thing about having class with the other years was that Zack would be there. He hadn't talked to Zack in awhile and he was anxious to hold a conversation that wasn't with his brother...or a girl. He liked girls well enough, but he didn't care about a majority of the things that the majority of girls wanted to talk about. On top of that, most of the girls he hung out with were girls he liked and he got so tongue-tied when he was around them that he never actually held a conversation. THEY did most of the talking.

As he reached the place where they were holding the class, he saw that there were a throng of people. There was going to have to be some luck involved in finding Zack and well, his height would help. Just as he was going to part the sea of people with his massive arms(carefully so as not to hurt them of course), he got a poke in his side.

(OOC: The person is going to be his brother. It will just take a few minutes to post it. Thanks!)

0 Guenter Heindrich Are you kidding? I love this class! It's my favorite! 0 Guenter Heindrich 0 5

Kaleb Heindrich

May 08, 2007 4:16 PM

POKE! by Kaleb Heindrich

Was the teacher dead? Did she lose a limb? Maybe she caught some mysterious illness! Or maybe she got eaten by one of her creatures! Of course, there was the possibility of abduction by aliens. Whatever it was, there must have been some conspiracy behind it, Kaleb was sure. After all, the Care of Magical Creatures seemed almost invincible to him.

Not that he liked the class much. HE hadn't seen any dangerous creatures, though his brother tortured him by telling him all the COOL creatures he had seen. Of course, Kaleb felt that those creatures were purely fictional because Guenter refused to show him pictures from his books. Maybe Guenter thought it as payback for all the tricks Kaleb had pulled on him over his last 11 and 1/2 years of existance.

He was in debt to this substitute teacher if only because she had put the grades together. This way he could torture his brother to no end. He found his chance when Guenther came in late. Guenter was looking around, he guessed for Zack. Zack was that prefect that Guenter hung around.

"Hey BRO!" he said shouted, joking "Can you hear me up there?"

He poked him while he was doing this. "Your friend Zack is over there."

He pointed in the direction of Zack. He couldn't see Zack from his position, but he knew approximately where he was because he had bumped into him awhile back. There were too many kids in this clearing.

0 Kaleb Heindrich POKE! 0 Kaleb Heindrich 0 5

Paul

May 08, 2007 4:44 PM

Pretty much always by Paul

OOC: So I messed up last time cos they're outdoors, it won't be a wall, it's a tree. Sorry.

BIC: Hannah obviously heard Paul's thankfulness at her being in... well pretty much not in Pecari. Not that Paul cared, let the girl think he was odd. Nearly everyone here did. Because he was, at least so he thought. Which child his age was trying to get a job so bad after all? Well, he had special circumstances, what with his father always losing his.

Birthday? She wanted to know his birthday? That was fairly odd. Paul shrugged. "May the seventeenth." Paul had been glad to see that his golden birthday would be when he was of age. Maybe luck would turn around for him then. Paul found himself shaking his black hair once more when Hannah's eyes perked up at his offer.

Paul was taken aback. Okay, that was weird. But not Cissy-weird, so Paul could pretty much deal with it. So Paul grabbed her arm, as gently as he could not really knowing the proper way to touch someone and pulled her slowly behind him as he ducked through the crowd. Blushing lightly when she'd called him a hero. Paul was never called a hero.

People were crowding, but easily pushed away with only a glare. "Be careful," he muttered, as someone had taken to pushing him back. It was an older student, and Paul knew if he was strong enough he would punch the person back. There was a clearing up frount where the boys stayed back watching the girls crowd more around the unicorns.

"I don't know if I can go any farther without the teacher shooting me," Paul stated casually afterward, looking over at Hannah.

0 Paul Pretty much always 0 Paul 0 5

Hannah

May 08, 2007 6:50 PM

It makes me different though by Hannah

Hannah made a mental note of Paul's birthday. If by some chance they became friends, she wanted to make sure to remember the date. Birthdays were always such an important event. It was a special day just for that person to celebrate their entrance into this world. And because it was such an important date, she knew that she would feel bad if a friend forgot hers, as such she tried to remember others' birthdays.

While she was filing the information away, Paul took her by the arm. She knew it was to help her, but it was still a bit awkward, both on the position and the personal front. To take care of the position, she adjusted herself, but it did nothing for the personal. Being a bit of a tomboy, despite being little, she wasn't used to being touched, except for roughhousing, which had caused her to tense slightly, but as he pulled her along, she began to relax.

He had already challenged an older year for being aggressive, and in an odd way, it made her feel safe. It seemed odd, considering it also brought about the impression of a bit of a darker side, but she did. She liked having someone looking out for her, even if they did it by accident, like saving her from falling.

Unfortunately, they had reached the spot where they had to part ways. She nodded in understanding. She knew he couldn't go any further. Unicorns didn't like males, which was kind of interesting. She wondered if it was all males or just human ones. She would have to remember to ask the professor after class, unless someone else asked first.

"Thanks, again, for helping me," she started, her toe digging in the dirt, her hands clasped behind her back. "Um...so...are you leaving then?"

If he was, she at least wanted to make sure to say goodbye. There was something just that felt wrong without an ending, something, even if it was an 'I'll see you later.'

0 Hannah It makes me different though 0 Hannah 0 5

Professor Murphy

May 09, 2007 2:26 PM

...Yes by Professor Murphy

Rois stood there watching as the girls came up and the boys drew back. She wasn't so old that she didn't notice the looks of anger on some of the boys faces. Those looks were meant for her and she wondered if they would have given those same looks at their previous professor. Of course they didn't know that she was only following the advice from the contact that allowed her use of this young unicorn in the first place, and had they been listening, she clearly stated that Unicorns were only a bit more comfortable around females than males. She could have just given them another boring lesson with some miniscule animal that they would have complained about. She knew she wouldn't have been able to win either way.

Her gray eyes narrowed as the young redhead asked her a question. "Animals, both magical and non, use their senses of smell and their keen instincts to judge their surroundings. Males have been known to be more aggressive and they give off a different scent due to their hormones." Rois answered. "I'm not saying that the boys wouldn't be able to pet them, but because there are so many of them, it's best if they just stand back and watch."

Rois looked out at all the students, she cleared her throat and her crisp voice shout out for all to hear, "I hope you were all listening to that, I wouldn't want you all to miss something that may possibly be on your exams."

OOC: Sorry it took me long to respond, RL has had it's ups and downs and it's hard for me to keep up with everything. I'll try to do better in the future.

0 Professor Murphy ...Yes 0 Professor Murphy 0 5

Hyana

May 09, 2007 9:52 PM

Oooo, someone to come up with a new subject! by Hyana

OOC: I don't mind at all. I can see how you got bored.

IC: Hyana uncomfortably watched Elly chew her lip. She felt like she somehow dissappointed this kind girl. That was something she really didn't want to do. Elly always made her feel better, and here she was, making Elly upset. How hopeless was she?!

“Well, it sounds as though you sort of set each other off,” Elly said. Hyana nodded, lowering her head. She really should have stayed calmer. Then Caedence wouldn't have gotten mad at her. Elly was wrong. It was all Hyana's fault. Then Elly sighed, saying that she didn't think badly of her or Caedence. Hyana looked up at Elly, giving the red head a small smile.

"Thanks..." She said quietly about Elly's comment about Hyana being a lovely person. "I kinda needed that." And she really owed Elly for taking the subject away from Caedence. "I do like Sonora. It's definatly my home. Favorite subject? Well..." Hyana was cut off when Talitha's voice cut through the crowd.

“Hyana! Elly!” Hyana turned towards the direction of Talitha's voice and waved back. It seemed that her movements were getting easier. Maybe most of her pain was imagined from fear. She made sure to keep her bruised wrist down though, no one needed to see that. It caused enough problems with Caedence. Talitha finally got up to them, all bouncy and excited. This really wasn't the same Talitha from Charms Club. Even Talitha was getting braver than Hyana.

"Hi Talitha." Hyana finally got herself to say in a happy voice. "I'm glad to see you. I got you something over midterm." Hyana dug through her bag, then pulled out a headband that she had woven some owl feathers into. She had a lot of free time over break. It was wrapped in a deep purple pattern. It seemed to fit Talitha.

"So how was your midterm?" Hyana asked Talitha. Just don't ask about mine. She begged in her head. Don't ask about mine.

0 Hyana Oooo, someone to come up with a new subject! 0 Hyana 0 5

Elly

May 10, 2007 12:55 PM

Re: Oooo, someone to come up with a new subject! by Elly

OOC: What Hyana said. The more the merrier!

BIC:

Hyana had barely started to reply when they were joined by Talitha. Judging by her unusual exuberance and delighted smile, Elly guessed that Talitha had already seen the unicorn. Of course the fact that she said so probably was a good indicator, too. If she was honest, Elly wasn’t all that fussed about the unicorn. She wasn’t especially fond of horses. The only charm the creature held was that for most of her life she had assumed unicorns didn’t really exist, so being able to stroke one was a bit of a strange reality. Hyana seemed quite excited by the prospect, though, and Talitha had obviously enjoyed petting the creature.

“Hey Talitha,” Elly said, greeting the other girl with big smile. Standing with the first years was making Elly feel even taller than usual, and rather old, which she didn’t like that much. She wondered if she should have walked down with Meredith then they could have stood together. While Hyana passed Talitha a present Elly tried to scan the crowd for Meredith, or maybe Caedence, but she wasn’t particularly successful. Despite being especially tall for her age, Elly was nonetheless shorter than a lot of the older students, so couldn’t see very far. It didn’t matter, though – Hyana and Talitha were both perfectly nice people and Elly certainly didn’t mind chatting with them.

She rejoined the girls’ conversation to hear Hyana ask Talitha about her midterm.

“Did you have a good time with your family?” Elly added.

0 Elly Re: Oooo, someone to come up with a new subject! 0 Elly 0 5

Gwyneth

May 11, 2007 7:00 PM

But . . . by Gwyneth

Gwyneth listened carefully to Professor Murphy's answer to her question. She had really hoped to hear a solid reason why the boys were asked to step back. She completely understood when Professor Murphy said, "Animals, both magical and non, use their senses of smell and their keen instincts to judge their surroundings." That made sense. She knew that dogs and cats and other animals back home could sense when someone was mean or afraid or such. But that surely didn't apply to all the boys at this school.

The professor's next statement completely surprised her. Males have been known to be more aggressive and they give off a different scent due to their hormones. That was such an. . . an . . . exaggeration? No, that wasn't the word her mother had used once when she was angrily describing the time some student in her class had said that boys were naturally better at some things than girls were. Generalization? Yes, that was it! That was such a generalization and it really didn't fit the boys here at school, at least as far as she could tell. The only time they were "aggressive" was during those silly Quidditch matches, and the girls on the team were just as rough! So why weren't those girls told to step back, she wondered.

She looked back at the boys and saw her friend Jae and then saw Josiah from Charms Club. Jae looked upset, well, for Jae - - he actually looked unhappy for a few seconds. She knew how much he loved horses. It was part of most conversations with him! Most of the other boys looked kinda angry or confused. She just felt that something about this class wasn't right and she didn't know what to do!

Gwyneth heard someone behind her cough and clear her throat. And she thought she heard a couple girls' voices ask what the hold up in line was. Gwyneth realized that she was the hold up. It was her turn to approach the unicorn and she just stood there, caught up in this stupid dilemma!

'Grams always said to trust your heart. If it doesn't feel right, then you probably shouldn't be doing it,' she thought to herself. With one last look at the beautiful golden unicorn, Gwyneth stepped out of the line to pet the foal and walked over toward the boys! She didn't know if she was going to get into trouble for this. She didn't mean to disrupt the class and she certainly didn't mean any disrespect to the teacher. But her heart said that petting the unicorn wouldn't be right if everyone wasn't given the same opportunity.

0 Gwyneth But . . . 0 Gwyneth 0 5

Talitha

May 11, 2007 9:05 PM

Well...That's a deep subject by Talitha

“Oh, wow, thanks, Hyana.” Talitha was really surprised with her gift. With the exception of the girls in her house, especially Lila, so many blessings had come her way since she’d returned to Sonora from so many people. It was kind of overwhelming. She met Hyana’s eyes with her own dark ones, genuinely touched that she took the time to actually make someone she’d only just met something. Her finger touched the soft down of the feathers. “It’s really pretty.”

She was shaken back to reality when the girls ask about her holiday. “It was great! I ate way too much and got so much stuff! Mother and Daddy must have really missed me. Then Daddy and I visited his sister’s family here in Arizona and I got more stuff and my cousins were so much fun!”

Talitha sobered a bit. “Something awesome happened too. I really want to tell you two all about it. You both are actually part of the whole long story.” She looked around at the students. “But it’s too crowded here. Maybe we can find some place quiet in the Gardens after supper and then I can tell you without so many ears.” Like Lila and Lutece.

Talitha really did want to confide in Elly and Hyana. After all, they helped draw her, how did Nana put it? Oh yeah! They helped to “draw her out of a nightmare of her own making.” Talitha owed them big time.
\n

0 Talitha Well...That's a deep subject 0 Talitha 0 5

Saul Pierce

May 11, 2007 10:37 PM

All about Gnomes: they are Gnifty. by Saul Pierce

Saul wasn't entirely sure what gnomes had to do with DADA, and he certainly had no idea what the younger kid was talking about with the Gardens (he guessed it had to do with a first and second year lesson). It didn't matter anyway because while the kid was asking about it, Echo was oohing the gnome idea and then prompting for more information.

Having lived his entire non-Sonoran life on the very fringes of magical society, in those places where they brushed up against the fringes of muggle society, Saul had very little first hand experience with gnomes. But Simon had mentioned them when he told Groundskeeping stories once or twice, and that was enough for Saul.

Addressing everyone who looked like they were remotely paying attention to him (audience was important and a larger one was always better, so he was sure to make eye contact with the people on the fringes so they'd feel included and not go away), he began with an authoritative tone, acting as if he had the first clue of what he was talking about.

"Gnomes," he said, then gave a short dramatic pause while he tried to figure out what he was actually going to say about them. "Gnomes are tricky little guys. Clever, you know? They hide about in gardens causing mischief." He wasn't entirely sure what kind, but Simon was all about getting rid of them, so they must be bad. "Our mission, should we choose to accept it, is to track one of these critters down and grab it."

Simon claimed he swung them around and tossed them away and they'd leave the garden alone for awhile, but Saul thought that was probably just hyperbole. "They hide about in bushes," he added, though that was mostly just a guess, "so we'll spread out and try to find them in the hedges. Agent Elms!" he called over to Echo, him being the one of the few he knew by name, "You'll lead one team. Agent Santoro!" he pointed to the non-Pecari twin, because it wouldn't be right to appoint the whole command cadre from his own House. "You'll lead another. I'll take the third. That's two people per team."

It belatedly occurred to him that introductions were called for before they proceeded with the mission further. "For those of you who don't know, I am Agent Saul Pierce. Agent Echo Elms, is the fellow with the curly hair. Agents Santoro are the two that look alike," neither of which was Saul entirely sure of their first name, but he thought they sounded Spanish. Maybe. "As for you two, report in, Agents!"

After all, there was no point in chasing after gnomes if they weren't going to make it fun. Otherwise, it was just chores.

1 Saul Pierce All about Gnomes: they are Gnifty. 82 Saul Pierce 0 5

Ben

May 11, 2007 11:38 PM

Psh, yeah right. by Ben

Ben laughed at the continued excitement on Bella's face over the unicorn. Seriously, what was it with little girls and their love of unicorns? The thing hardly looked like a fun animal to play with, what with the whole potential lethal weapon attached to its head... But it didn't seem to faze Bella and her endearment towards the creature. As soon as Ben felt Bella's warm hand in his, he felt a strange surge of emotion. Now he regretted telling her she could go up and pet the unicorn without him; Ben didn't want to let go of her hand.

"Oh, ouch, ouch," he replied to her teasing remarks, putting the free hand to his heart in mock agony, "My poor insulted manhood..."

It was at that precise moment that Bella pulled his face down towards her and kissed him on the cheek. Shock registered first in his mind, then the eventual recognition of what had just happened. Ben hardly had time to react properly before Bella just waltzed off, winking at him. He wasn't sure what to make of all of that. Sure, Ben knew he liked Bella, but something about her air made him feel uneasy, as if she was just a tease. Then again, he thought to himself, even if she were, it would be worth it just to hold her hand again.

"Yeah," he faintly said, but Bella was already over with the group of girls headed towards the unicorn. Ben fell back with the rest of the male population, a million thoughts racing about in his mind. The foremost, however, being that feeling he got when Bella took his hand and kissed his cheek. Ben Stafford finally knew what he could be passionate about.

0 Ben Psh, yeah right. 269 Ben 0 5

Irene Liddowe

May 12, 2007 11:01 AM

Oo...Shiney! by Irene Liddowe

Irene headed onto the grounds where the CoMC class was to take place. She was slightly taken aback when she didn't see Professor K waiting for them. Instead, there was an older woman who stood beside a golden unicorn. Irene gasped at the sight of the shining creature and resisted from running up and squeezing it.

Irene listened as Professor Murphy instructed them on the rules and expectations. When the girls were told to line up and pet the unicorn Irene rushed to get her spot in line. Irene pushed her brown hair out of her face and waited behind the girl in front of her.

The line moved slowly and Irene's interest was quickly fading. Patience? Hah. Trivial thing...

Irene let out a groan and turned to the girl in front of her. "Does the unicorn have glue on its coat or something? They're taking long enough."

0 Irene Liddowe Oo...Shiney! 106 Irene Liddowe 0 5

Matt and Josh

May 12, 2007 1:16 PM

They are Sneaky by Matt and Josh

Matt and Josh stood there as their group grew to include older students. Well, one older student. He was on the Pecari team and when Matt whispered into Josh's ear, Josh discovered his name to be Saul. Josh didn't think the name suited the kid, but he didn't say it outloud.

"What's a sniffler?" Matt whispered to Josh. Josh shrugged.

"I think he means niffler, cos they're the ones that like shining things and Mama will never let us have."

"I wonder why he calls them snifflers..." Matt whispered, staring at the 3rd year. Josh shrugged again.

"Slip of the tongue?" Josh suggested.

The mention of gnomes had the twins looking at one another again. Why would they want to go looking for gnomes? The twins saw them all the time in their gardens at home. They were nasty little things that liked to play tricks and got Mama all mad when she would pick her squash and discover that her vegetables were all ruined.

They were going to mention how they really didn't feel like doing more chores as they got enough of that at home, but Josiah started talking instead so the twins remained quiet. At some point, another boy arrived into their little group, though he seemed a bit standoffish by staying a few feet away. Both Matt and Josh nodded their heads at him in greeting, but otherwise said nothing.

Again, they tried to say that the didn't want to have to do chores during a free period, but Saul suddenly exclaimed their name and pointed at Josh. Well, if he was going to make a game of it, he wasn't going to stop him. Games were fun. And they could use that charm that McKindy had taught them. The walkie talkie charm...if they could remember it.

"Matt."

"Josh." The twins said their names and pointed to themselves when people were apparently introducing one another. "What happens when we find them? What do we do?" Josh asked. He needed to know the rules of the game if he was to participate. \r\n\r\n

0 Matt and Josh They are Sneaky 0 Matt and Josh 0 5

Bella

May 12, 2007 3:30 PM

I can so be tough! by Bella

It took awhile for Bella to make her way into the correct line and then even longer for her to wait her turn to get to see the unicorn. But when she got there, she took her dear sweet time with the foal. Her golden coat was bright and incredibly soft. She was shaking beneath Bella's touch. The smile on Bella's lips played innocence as she spoke quietly to the unicorn.

It smelt sweetly to Bella. It was a scent she wanted to bottle up just for herself and wear it all the time. It was subtle, not quite a flowery scent, but something she couldn't quite name either. She wondered if all unicorn smelled like this.

Finally, after a couple of minutes with the unicorn, Bella stepped away from it and began to make her way back to Ben. She felt like she had just after his Quidditch match. Lucky he was tall and standing in the back, Bella was able to spot him rather easily. Making her way, Bella was downheartened to find that many of the younger years were either her height or taller. That didn't seem very fair. Of course, it never bothered her before, so she wasn't quite sure why it should bother her now.

Manuvering through the crowd of students, Bella managed to make her way back over to Ben, satisfied that he really hadn't moved from his earlier position. "It's a shame," Bella began as she made her way over to him. "That you really aren't a girl. That was the best experience ever." Bella grinned at Ben. "Did you miss me?"

0 Bella I can so be tough! 0 Bella 0 5

Hyana

May 12, 2007 9:15 PM

Yeah, what else is deep? by Hyana

"Y-you're welcome." Hyana said, somewhat surprised. She didn't really expect Talitha to like her present, but then again, she was having luck with presents. Elly liked her present. Caedence liked her present. Wasn't that luck?

It sounded like Talitha had a good midterm. And she wanted to talk to them about something else. That sounded interesting. It must've been something important if she didn't want anyone else to hear it. She was happy that Talitha wanted to confide in her and Elly. That was something she knew the girl needed. It was something Hyana needed too, but she wouldn't admit that out loud. The only person she had confided to truthfully was Caedence. She seemed to have similar problems.

"That sounds okay." Hyana agreed, not really paying attention to what she was agreeing to. She peered over the shoulders of the people in front of her, and for a second thought she saw the unicorn's horn. "I think we're getting closer..." She said quietly. Hyana glanced over at the boys. It was too bad that they didn't get to pet the unicorn...

0 Hyana Yeah, what else is deep? 0 Hyana 0 5

Lucas

May 13, 2007 5:14 AM

And stupid... by Lucas

After arriving into the group – or a little way outside it – one of the students, whom Lucas recognised from around the school (he was always hanging around with that redhead girl), stepped a little away from the group and nearer to him, offered a nod in his direction as a greeting before continuing with the previous conversation within the group. They were discussing gnomes. Lucas hated gnomes, they were so pointless and annoying and wrecked stuff – kinda like his cousins, really.

Another two people nodded toward him, elder students that looked the same – twins, obviously. Since three people had offered a greeting, Lucas felt that he could possibly include himself within the group a little more, though he remained where he stood.

The one that had been talking about gnomes, the ‘leader’ of the group, it appeared, then got everyone’s attention and looked around everyone. ”Gnomes. he said, making Lucas focus his attention on the elder boy – and he noticed that it worked on the rest of the group too. All eyes were on the guy as he began talking about gnomes as if he knew about them, which Lucas wasn’t entirely convinced that he did since he labelled them as ‘clever’ while Lucas would have said the complete opposite about the creatures – they were the stupidest things he had ever come across in his entire life.

But that didn’t matter – this lad was talking about making a game out of catching them. It sounded fun, if not a bit daft and a slight waste of time, but then again, that’s what happens if people are shunned during their classes, they make their own fun. It’s all the professor’s fault.

The elder student was going on about being split into teams to find the gnomes and grab them. Two people per team – whichever way, Lucas was going to get stuck with some older kid he didn’t know.

"For those of you who don't know, I am Agent Saul Pierce. Agent Echo Elms, is the fellow with the curly hair. Agents Santoro are the two that look alike." Well, at least Lucas knew their names now. Sort of – he knew the Santoros’ surname.

This problem cleared itself up quite quickly however as the two introduced themselves as Matt and Josh, Josh being the ‘agent’ in Saul’s game. ’Older guys are weird.’ Lucas thought to himself as Josh asked about the rules of the so-called game, which Lucas had been wondering himself. After all, if there are no rules then it really isn’t a game – it’s just a chore. Catching gnomes was something you did when you’d been bad and your parents want to punish you, so this Saul guy had better make it fun.

0 Lucas And stupid... 0 Lucas 0 5

Camren Christianson

May 13, 2007 11:23 PM

A lot of people... by Camren Christianson

Camren knew she needed to go to Care of Magical Creatures class, and she knew that it was outside, but she wasn't completely sure where... Thankfully she was able to follow other students who looked like they were headed there. By the time Camren got to the clearing though, a large crowd had gathered. They were all looking at something golden. 'It's a baby unicorn!' Camren thought to herself. "Wow..." Camren said aloud, though she wasn't sure if anyone heard her. Camren had never seen a baby unicorn before...

Camren watched the baby intently and jumped up when someone spoke.

"Good Afternoon everyone!" Rois greeted them. "My name is Professor Murphy and I'll be your new Care of Magical Creatures teacher for the time being. I'm not sure how your previous professor conducted her classes, so I'm just going to tell you a few rules that I have."

Camren took a deep breath and paid attention to the professor who shot a look at some students who were snickering.

"There will be no talking unless there is a project and I allow you time to work on it. You are to wear proper attire while in this class for your own protection. You are to listen to everything that I say when it comes to handle the creatures. I don't want to have to worry about loss of limb."

'Loss of limb?' Camren thought. She thought this class might be okay, but now she wasn't so sure... 'What would they be working with this term??' Camren wondered silently to herself. Camren vowed to follow this professor's directions to the T. She didn't want to get on her bad side...

Then she started talking about the Unicorn baby.

"Now, this beautiful creature is called a foal... However, it is against Wizard's law to slay a Unicorn or use it's blood... unfortunately, they are only really comfortable around the females, so I would like for the girls in the class to get in a line to pet the creatures. Boy, if you'd be so kind as to stand a bit back and take notes, that would be wonderful."

Camren listened intently as the professor asked the girls to line up, and the boys to stand back. 'Why couldn't the boys touch them too?' Camren wondered. She felt bad for the boys... She looked back at the boys as she walked with the other girls a little bit closer to the foal. She wasn't watching where she was going and walked RIGHT INTO SOMEONE!

"Oops... I'm sorry!" She said, and she clasped her hands on her mouth. She wasn't supposed to talk! 'Will I get in trouble?' Camren wondered, looking from the student she walked into to the teacher and back to the student...

0 Camren Christianson A lot of people... 0 Camren Christianson 0 5

Talitha

May 14, 2007 12:28 AM

Oceans are deep. And the river is wide... by Talitha

Talitha frowned a little, confused. Hyana seemed a million miles away. Did she just interrupt a serious conversation between her new friends? Then Hyana seemed relieved that Talitha liked her present. What did she expect, to get yelled at or something? Honestly, it could have been the most hideous thing in the world and she still would have appreciated the effort Hyana had put into it. The fact she cared enough to make it was gift enough.

At least Hyana had agreed to meet and talk. Mother said that one step towards growing up was to trust someone enough to confide in them. The only people she really ever trusted with special secrets was Daddy and Mother. Well, and Nana, of course. Nana was a natural legilimens and so you just didn’t lie around Nana. She had many friends back home, but it was just hard to confide in someone about things relating to her handicap. After all, hyperactive accidental magic was the Wizarding equivalent to bed wetting among muggle children.

Something deep inside told her that she could probably tell these two anything with out fear of being teased or looked down on. Besides, Elly and Hyana had offered her friendship during what could have been the darkest moment of her and helped her reach the turning point back to the light. They’d earned the right to be trusted.

Yet, Hyana seemed so distracted. She looked every where but at Talitha. Maybe there was something Talitha could do to help her to repay her kindness. The line began to move a bit faster. Soon it would be Elly and Hyana’s turn to see the baby up close. She wished she could go up once more.

“Okay, is it a date then? Where should we meet?”\n

0 Talitha Oceans are deep. And the river is wide... 0 Talitha 0 5

Oliver Abbott

May 14, 2007 3:50 PM

Yeah. Now you know how we feel. by Oliver Abbott

What a waste! They had all been called together for this great big lesson with the five lower years, and the boys weren’t even supposed to take part. That was just stupid. Plus, it was an outdoor lesson so Oliver was wearing his hat and sunglasses, and he really didn’t like to draw attention to himself by dressing differently when it wasn’t necessary. Still, he didn’t care all that much about unicorns, so Oliver just pushed off to one side like he was told and took up a spot on a comfy-looking patch of grass. He sat idly pulling up small clumps with his fingers as he watched the girls coo at and pet the silly creature. Then there was one girl who, after a couple of words from the Professor-who-wasn’t-Kijewski, jumped right out of the queue and headed his direction.

“Not fancy the unicorn?” Oliver asked, looking up at her from his position on the ground. She was in his year, he knew that much, but he hadn’t ever spoken to her. He wouldn’t have now, either, except that he was bored and curious as to why she’d decided to forgo the lesson. Unless she was really a boy in disguise – he sniggered inwardly.

0 Oliver Abbott Yeah. Now you know how we feel. 99 Oliver Abbott 0 5

Elly

May 14, 2007 4:03 PM

And the mountains are high? by Elly

It sounded like Talitha had a fantastic midterm, too, like Elly did. Hyana didn’t seem so thrilled though. Elly wondered why. Maybe her mind was just elsewhere. Shrugging it off, Elly looked quizzically at Talitha as she explained that she had something to tell them. She felt touched that the younger girl wanted to confide in her, especially as they really hadn’t known each other all that long.

Talitha suggested they meet somewhere quiet in the gardens after dinner that evening. “We could meet at my swing, if you like,” Elly said. Then she realised that she hadn’t told Talitha or Hyana about her swing at all, let alone where it was. “Or I could meet you both in the Cascade Hall after we’ve eaten and show you the way,” she adjusted, grinning.

“I think we’re getting closer,” Hyana said.

Elly peered over their heads again, and was surprised to find very few people between them and the creature. “Yeah, nearly there,” she said, smiling at Hyana. She guessed Hyana was looking forward to seeing the unicorn, and she had earned it, having stood in the queue for so long. “Not long now,” she added, mostly just for something else to say.

She saw Hyana looking over at where the boys had formed their separated little huddles. Elly saw the Santoros with Echo and Saul, and Josiah was with them too, and some other kid Elly didn’t know. That looked like a fun group – for a short moment Elly wished she could go chat with them rather than having stood in line forever just to see a baby unicorn. But then it was a baby unicorn, and how many other chances was she going to get?

0 Elly And the mountains are high? 0 Elly 0 5

Hyana

May 14, 2007 10:28 PM

A valley isn't low enough by Hyana

Hyana let the two girls make the plans. She was more comfortable that way. It was just natural for her to let people steer her this way and that. Sometimes she even let people push her around. Okay, all the time. She was just happy to be noticed. Elly mentioned meeting at her swing, and Hyana was about to intergect, saying she had no idea where that was, when Elly changed her mind and decided to meet in the Cascade Hall.

"Yeah..." Hyana agreed. "Meet in the Cascade Hall. That sounds good." She smiled at the two. She was much quieter than she was at Charms Club. She couldn't help it though. There were just too many people. It wasn't natural! Hyana missed Professor K. This new professor was just crazy. She glanced around again, and spotted Jae.

The poor guy... She thought sadly. Almost everyone knew Jae loved horses. He probably was miserable right now. Elly said something, and Hyana turned her gaze back to her friends. "Huh?" She said numbly. It took her a moment to process what Elly said, then a smile came across her face. "Good. I kinda want to get out of this line." She laughed. "There's just too many people." At least she wasn't shaking this time. That was an improvement.

"So...when do you think Professor K will be back?" She asked quietly. "I hope the sub isn't permanate. I mean...poor Jae." She stuck her bottom lip out a little. "And Josiah probably wanted to see the unicorn too. Or something like that." Then a smile spread across her face at her next thought. "Of course, we all must feel sorry for Caede." She said with a laugh. "I don't think she's enjoying this very much."

0 Hyana A valley isn't low enough 0 Hyana 0 5

Lily

May 15, 2007 2:06 AM

Not Earl for once by Lily

As the younger girl introduced herself to Lily as being Earl's sister, she tried to maintain a fairly neutral expression and not make a nasty face as she normally did instinctively when her archenemy's name was mentioned. She couldn't however, control her tongue. "Well, I'll try not to hold it against you." Lily replied with a laugh. She sure wouldn't have wanted the blame for some of her relatives, after all. "I'm Lily Collins, Earl's worst enemy. It's nice to meet you, Eaven." She shook the younger girl's offered hand. There wasn't any way this girl didn't know that Lily and Earl didn't get on. Her own relatives knew very well who she did and didn't like.

"And no, I wasn't sad. I was just thinking about how a person's gender had nothing to with whether or not they're a good person and I don't understand why a unicorn would be more comfortable around females. There are some really vicious and scary girls here and some really harmless boys. Take myself and my second cousin Adam, for example, I was trying very hard to take out the other team last time we played Quidditch. The Aladren seeker is terrified of me. Adam, on the other hand, is the most harmless person you'd ever meet." Come to think of it, he was scared of Lily too. "He seems like he wouldn't harm a fly." She gave the other girl a small smile "Not that you should be scared of me, unless you plan on playing against me in Quidditch. I don't have a problem with you because of your relatives. That would make me no better than pureblood elitists and I don't like elitists of any kind."

11 Lily Not Earl for once 45 Lily 0 5

Ebony

May 15, 2007 4:00 AM

New person by Ebony

"Does the unicorn have glue on its coat or something? They're taking long enough."

Ebony turned and saw a girl with brown hair standing behind her who seemed to be loosing her patience. Ebony couldn't help but smile she had been thinking the same thing. Maybe not about the glue but she had been wondering what was taking so long. Perhaps some of the older years had been asking questions.

Ebony had been taught patience in a strict school. Her grandmother thought that all females should be silent and never seen. Therefore she had spent hours sitting straight backed in a chair whilst her male cousins played outside. But at this moment Ebony was grateful for the patience she had.

Realising the girl was waiting for a response she said,

"You're probably right about the glue. Although the unicorn could be nervous because of all of the students here and its taking a while to calm it down." Ebony replied. Intrigued by this girl Ebony introduced herself.

"My name is Ebony. It's a pleasure to meet you."

0 Ebony New person 0 Ebony 0 5

Irene Liddowe

May 15, 2007 11:21 AM

That would be me =] by Irene Liddowe

"You're probably right about the glue. Although the unicorn could be nervous because of all of the students here and its taking a while to calm it down."

Irene shrugged and said with a smile, "I guess either works, then."

"My name is Ebony. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Irene held out her hand and said, "My name's Irene Liddowe. Nice to meet you too."

Irene stood on her tip-toes, trying to see the small golden creatures. "I wish I could see," she saod, still trying to catch a glimpse. "I've never seen a baby unicorn!" She said excitedly, not really caring if she was expressing her lack of knowledge.

When peopel would ask her if she was muggleborn, she would always feel awkward telling them that she was actually a half-blood. But these things don't bother her as much anymore. She's here, isn't she?

0 Irene Liddowe That would be me =] 106 Irene Liddowe 0 5

Gwyneth

May 15, 2007 11:50 AM

So, how's life in the back of the bus, er . . class? by Gwyneth

“Not fancy the unicorn?”

Gwyneth turned to located the speaker as she walked away from the line of girls waiting their turn to pet the unicorn foal. She thought she recognized the boy from other classes but realized that she didn't really know him more than as a face. She wasn't sure why he had that smirk on his face after asking his question, but she was too steamed at the situation to think about it.

"It's not the unicorn I don't . . . 'fancy', it's the prejudice!" she replied rather hotly, flipping her auburn pony tail to accentuate her frustration. Without stopping to consider that she really didn't know this boy, she continued, "What a stupid generalization. 'Males are traditionally too aggressive.' What a bunch of baloney! The girls who play that silly Quidditch game are just as aggressive as the boys . . . and they don't have to step back. I have never heard of such a stupid, . . . idiotic, . . . outright ridiculous comment from a teacher." As her rant sputtered to an end, she suddenly realized that she probably should have kept her mouth shut. After all, she didn't know this teacher, or this boy, or . . . but it was so tremendously unfair of the the teacher to treat her friend Jae like that. Jae, who loved horses more than anything. Jae, who didn't have an aggressive bone in his whole body, for heaven's sake!

Mumbling to herself about the teacher's edict, she looked around for Jae, but didn't see him. After a few seconds of breathing to try to calm herself down, she looked over at the boy who first spoke and introduced herself. "Hi, I'm Gwyneth Aquillon, first year Tepp and newest outcast. Sorry if my rant bothered you, but I'm not sorry for walking out of that line!" she finished forcefully.

0 Gwyneth So, how's life in the back of the bus, er . . class? 0 Gwyneth 0 5

Caedence

May 15, 2007 6:42 PM

Yes, and you had to meet this one by Caedence

Caedence made her way sullenly to the class. She didn’t really want to go to class. After all, she would most likely be paired with the firsties. She probably could meet up with Elly when she got there. She was surprised to find what looked like the whole school on the lawn. And she didn’t see Kiva. Where was she? She never even said she was leaving! Was this going to be like Deck? Would they have to have this woman forever?

She listened to the substitute talk. The stupid strict old hag. So she was forced to pay attention this disgustingly cute thing while students like Jae couldn’t? It wasn’t fair. She glanced over and saw Elly and Hyana talking. So she couldn’t talk to Elly. Too bad. She fingered the end of her braid, bringing it up and over her shoulder. She was going to have to get it trimmed this summer. There were some terrible split ends. Maybe she could do it herself, so that the stupid salons wouldn’t cut off more than an inch. She hated it when they actually cut her hair. Honestly, how tough is it to just snip off the split ends and leave the rest well enough alone?

She glared fiercely at Cissy when she approached the unicorns. She knew the girl was in the same boat as her, not caring about the stupid creatures. She hated Cissy because, even without proof, Caedence somehow knew that she had pranked Elly. Elly had said that Cissy didn’t like her, it was enough to convince her. She was about to go over and confront Cissy when someone crashed into her.

“You clumsy idiot!” She snapped, whipping around to face the girl. "Oops... I'm sorry!" the girl said to her. “You’re sorry? Sorry?! I bet you are. Why don’t you watch where you walk instead of let yourself be dazzled by the stupid little pretty pony? Stupid!” she paused for a bit, studying the girl over with a harsh glare. She wasn’t familiar, and by now Caedence at least knew all the students by face, “Who’re you girl? You aren’t from around here. I’d know. Where’d you come from?” She asked with an eerie calmness in her voice. Why was this girl here anyways? Was she a new student? Where did she come from?\n

0 Caedence Yes, and you had to meet this one 94 Caedence 0 5

Camren

May 15, 2007 8:11 PM

Uh oh... by Camren

Camren was paying attention to the teacher and wasn't watching where she was walking... That was obvious to the girl that she had walked into...

“You clumsy idiot!”

The girl had said as she whipped around to face Camren. "Oops... I'm sorry!" Camren looked at the girl, her forehead was starting to wrinkle, and her bottom lip vibrated just enough to make her bite it to stop it from shaking. Camren didn't want to cry... Not here... ESPECIALLY not in front of a girl who she had just walked into... Or in front of what seemed to her, to be the WHOLE SCHOOL...

Camren missed her friends now more than EVER before...

“You’re sorry? Sorry?! I bet you are. Why don’t you watch where you walk instead of let yourself be dazzled by the stupid little pretty pony? Stupid!”

Camren shrugged. She was just trying to be a good girl just like her Mom had always told her to be. She was paying attention to the teacher and wasn't watching where she was walking... "I said I was sorry..." Camren said softly. She'd done it now... She'd gotten this girl angry... And she was no first year...

Camren was ruined here, she was sure of it.

The other girl paused, looking Camren up and down. She spoke in a calm voice that to Camren, made goosebumps travel all around her body.

“Who’re you girl? You aren’t from around here. I’d know. Where’d you come from?”

Camren shivered with the chill that the goosebumps left her with. She smoothed the hair on the back of her neck back down and stuttered, "I... I... I'm Camren... Camren Christianson... I transfered here..." Camren couldn't say anymore without bursting into tears. She held it in, making her face wrinkle worse than normal. Her face turned a shade of pink almost like it was sunburnt, but she knew that the others wouldn't think thats what it was. What would they all think of her now? Her first week of school, and already she was crying in class...

0 Camren Uh oh... 0 Camren 0 5

Eavan

May 16, 2007 3:40 AM

For once...meanie by Eavan

Eavan shook Lily's hand and laughed a little at Lily being Earl's worst enemy. She remembered him once calling her the Anti-Christ and drawing pictures of her with broom aflame and pointy devil horns. But the thing that caught her attention was what Lily said about unicorns and gender.

"I-I never really thought about it like that." Eavan furrowed her eyebrows in thought.

"Maybe it's a general thing. Most girls I know are all girlie; and maybe the unicorn would like the more sensitive boys. They just might like the sensitivity of a person and not their actual gender." Eavan gave one last pat to the unicorn and turned to Lily.

"You're very opinionated, aren't you?" Then Eavan's eyes widened. "I mean that in a good way. Like you just know what you believe is good and bad. There's no thinking about it."

Eavan sighed. Hopefully Lily didn't take anything badly. The last thing she wanted was a reason to start callig her Anti-Christ like Earl.

0 Eavan For once...meanie 0 Eavan 0 5

Talitha

May 17, 2007 12:38 AM

Find wings and fly out of the valley by Talitha

OOC: I know... After this class closes, let's tag Jae and tackle him with a group hug, that'll cheer him up! BIC:

Talitha was relieved. Both of the girls sounded like they wanted to talk. She was little afraid that they didn’t want to bother.

The sun was really getting hot. She wondered absently how mad her dad would be if she cut her hair really, really short. Even with the weather charms, the Arizona sun could be brutal. She found herself longing for the shade of the old growth forest that her community called home.

When Hyana expressed sympathy for Jae, Talitha had to agree. The poor guy looked like he could just cry. She was sure that of all the boys, the baby unicorn wouldn’t mind Jae one little bit. Hyper as he was, he had a kind and gentle heart. Talitha touched her medicine bag. Not knowing how sensitive the baby was to the spirit world, she made the predatory Fox and Owl stay by her and sent Squirrel off to see its favorite person next to her.

Squirrel carried the magic of faith, preparation for the future and the sense of fun and play. Squirrel scampered to Jae and climbed to his shoulder, immediately it began to play with his diamond stud and blonde dreadlocks. Talitha smiled absently. Jae may not be able to feel or see Squirrel, but he could still be blessed by Squirrel’s medicine.

Talitha startled herself from her thoughts when Elly’s words finally sunk in. Her swing? How fun!

“You have a swing…here?” Talitha smiled at Elly, her eyes danced at the idea of flying without those scary brooms.
\n

0 Talitha Find wings and fly out of the valley 0 Talitha 0 5

Kaylie Brockert

May 17, 2007 5:19 AM

I don't want to be here. by Kaylie Brockert

Why was it when everything was going great for Kaylie and she wanted to spend more time with Chris, her year was by itself and when it hurt to see him, the fourth and fifth years had class together, and with the rest of the school? She stared at the ground, shuffling her feet, unable to meet anyone's gaze, including her brother's. All Kaylie wanted to do go back to her room and sleep, or just plain be alone somewhere. She often felt like she was about to burst into tears and being around Chris made it even worse. So far, she wasn't the least bit over the hurt.

Even the unicorn, which would normally delight Kaylie, sparked no enthusiasm in her. Not a word the professor said even reached her ears. She felt Adam's hand on her shoulder, and moved zombie-like towards the line where the girls were gathering. Since Kaylie wasn't paying all that much attention, it was her turn before she knew it. She gave the unicorn a breif petting before stepping aside to let the next person go.

Sighing, she made her way over to a tree and slumped down under it. Kaylie clenched her eyes tight, to keep the tears away. There was no way that she'd cry in front of the whole school. She didn't want to make Chris feel bad or Adam worry. Kaylie had never liked letting her brother see her cry.

The tears didn't break free, but she couldn't help but shake a lot. Her head hurt too. She just wanted to get away.

11 Kaylie Brockert I don't want to be here. 43 Kaylie Brockert 0 5

Elly

May 18, 2007 4:58 PM

Fly? by Elly

OOC: Sorry guys I don't have time to reply before I go away, and I think the lesson will have finished by the time I get back. I'll post a thread meeting up with you to go to the swing when I come back, if you like. In the mean time you girls could go tackle Jae...

0 Elly Fly? 0 Elly 0 5

Oliver

May 18, 2007 5:38 PM

It's dull. by Oliver

The crazy girl did have a point, Oliver thought, though she wasn’t conveying it very well through her frustration. Finally she calmed down enough to introduce herself. Oliver was surprised to hear that she was a Tepp – not that he held much stock in rumours, but all the other Teppenpaws he’d met really were quite cheerful and friendly. This Gwyneth girl looked like she could go on a killing rampage.

“None of it’s fair,” Oliver calmly replied, “just get used to it.” He blinked at her with his pale gray eyes from behind his tinted glasses. “Oliver Abbott, first year Crotalus and an experienced outcast,” he said cheerfully. “Take a seat.” Oliver patted the ground next to him and hoped that Gwyneth would sit down and chat for a while – this lesson was easily the most boring so far, and he would certainly appreciate her company.

“So what are you like when you’re not walking out of lessons?” he asked, smirking ever so slightly. He didn’t know where his shyness had gone – it did seem to abandon him at inappropriate moments such as this. Perhaps Gwyneth’s openness with her emotions had encouraged Oliver to behave in a similar, though toned down, fashion. Who knew?

0 Oliver It's dull. 0 Oliver 0 5

Gwyneth

May 18, 2007 7:34 PM

Then we need to make it interesting! by Gwyneth

The boy introduced himself as Oliver and invited her to sit down. Gwyneth took a quick look around for Jae, but didn't see him among the crowd of other boys. Realizing that it was pointless to just stand here, she hitched up her robes and plopped down beside Oliver on the grass. Crossing her legs "Indian style", she settled in to wait out the rest of the class period. She purposefully put her closed notebook and pen on the ground beside her. No way was she taking notes in this bogus class!

So what are you like when you’re not walking out of lessons?, Oliver had asked. Suddenly realizing just what an impetuous thing she had done, Gwyneth blushed hotly and started stammering. "Uh . . . well . . . oh criminy! I just walked out of a class! My parents will kill me! Even after I explain, they will still be mad. Oh, maannnn," she wailed. She took a few deep breaths to try and calm down.

She looked over at Oliver to try to respond to this question . . . but he was smirking, again! What was so funny about her? Or about this situation? "How can you just be so calm? It's not fair. And people shouldn't allow things like this to happen!" she said, quieter than before but still with exasperation. "You, more than me, er, I?" She stumbled over the grammar, "Er, whichever! You should be more upset about the way you boys are being treated."

Then, curiousity about Oliver's apparent lack of concern with the treatment of the boys and the class in general won out over Gwyneth's righteous anger. Narrowing her eyes and looking more closely at him, she asked, "So why aren't you upset about all this?"

0 Gwyneth Then we need to make it interesting! 0 Gwyneth 0 5

Lily

May 18, 2007 8:26 PM

Thanks, I know I am. by Lily

Lily raised one blonde eyebrow at the younger girl's expression. Obviously, either she had quite the reputation for being scary or Earl had really put the fear of her into his sister. Not that Lily could really blame him, given her own little sister thought Earl should be eliminated based on what she'd said. "Well you could certainly say that," Lily responded, with a small chuckle. Opinionated was a word one often used to describe her.

She went on. "And if the actual sensitivity of the person is what its based on, why is it that the unicorn was licking my hand? I'm hardly known for being sensitive or girly. Why isn't the unicorn running over to lick some of the more sensitive boys and let them pet it." Her tone was non-hostile and more the one a person would use if trying to carry on an intelligent conversation. Lily was trying to make the younger girl think. "If it was a case of sensitivity, why not ask the people who play Beater-about half of whom are female- or are known to be aggressive in some way to step back?" She inquired. "And have the more sensitive gentle people come forward."

11 Lily Thanks, I know I am. 45 Lily 0 5

Adam B.

May 18, 2007 11:45 PM

It doesn't matter, we can't touch them anyway. by Adam B.

Adam took a deep breath in order to hopefully prevent the hyperventilation that was always a possibility when he felt this anxious. This was a situation in which he was quite likely to panic. There were way too many people there. It was hard enough to handle his own class and one other without the other three as well.

He felt arms encircle him and nearly jumped out of his skin. Adam gave the offender a bewildered look, as he backed up a bit instinctively. There was this small, dread-locked younger boy standing there. This was someone he'd never met before. Adam wasn't completely opposed to affection, but this was a complete stranger! A complete stranger who hugged him. It had been one thing for Eaven to touch his shoulder in Charms last semester. It was just a touch and she was a girl. Adam was a bit uncomfortable being not only touched by someone he didn't know, but by a male no less. Even though he wasn't the most masculine guy around, he at least knew that guys did not hug. He gaped at the boy as if he'd grown a second head. Obviously this kid didn't have the same qualms about how his actions appeared to others as Adam did. His face flushed and he sincerely hoped nobody was watching.

Before he could respond, the boy introduced himself as Jae and began to talk so much that he couldn't keep up. "Um, I'm Adam, third year, Crotalus." He responded, muttering and looking at the ground. "I know Saul,but not very well, and I only know Caedence by reputation. We haven't met personally." And I'm glad , Adam silently added. Caedence was one of Sonora's scariest and he had no desire to be in her presence.

Mentally he checked over what he'd said, to make sure he hadn't screwed up too badly. Name,year, house and replying to Jae's question. Yes, that seemed okay. He hadn't answered the question about unicorns though. The younger boy seemed very excited about them, thus if Adam didn't express the same, Jae would judge him harshly. On the other hand, if he got all excited, the Pecari might think less of him, that he was unmanly. Pecari males had this tendency to consider themselves "cool". This kid might even be having fun with him and trying to trick him into acting in a way that would lead others to pick on him. It wouldn't work though since, Adam felt fairly neutral about the unicorns. However, even if Jae was being genuine, others could still be listening and laugh at his response.

Suddenly, Adam realized he'd been standing there a long time without saying anything. His face went even redder. He still really didn't know what to say. He certainly wasn't going to tell Jae the true source of his unhappiness. "Oh I'm fine. Um, she said they don't like boys anyway. It's probably best to stay back here." As soon as those words were out of his mouth, Adam began to regret them. What he'd said could be taken as him being afraid of unicorns. That would certainly make him look wimpy.

11 Adam B. It doesn't matter, we can't touch them anyway. 78 Adam B. 0 5

Caedence

May 19, 2007 11:00 AM

II’m not that bad! by Caedence

Caedence sighed. She didn’t understand these stupid first years. The lot of them were either way too hyper for their own good, or stupid sniveling idiots. She glared sharply at the girl. Oh, and now the crying starts. Can’t anyone stand up for themselves? It was so annoying. She sighed. Oh well, maybe she was like Hyana, and needed a few lessons taught. The non violent kind, that is. She realized that this was the same class she had met Hyana. Odd, that now the whole school was here, and Kiva was gone. She missed her teacher, and hoped that nothing major was wrong.

Breaking off her glare, she said, “Well, want to pet the stupid horse? Come on, Camren. You won’t get anywhere just waiting around. Let’s go.” She grabbed the girl by the arm, “If you want something in life, fight for it. Nothing ever happens by being nice. If you’re all passive like that, it opens the door for people to walk all over you. Believe me, I know.” Her eyes closed off slightly, as if someone had pulled the blinds over them.

“Now, just to let you know, I’m Caedence and that redhead talking to the Asian girl’s name is Elly. She’s my best friend. She’s nice, don’t hurt her or you’ll have me to deal with.” She glared slightly at Camren to emphasize her point When she was near the front of the line, she pushed her way between two taller girls and let go of Camren. “See? We’re almost at the stupid horse. Wanna tell me stuff about you while we wait?” Caedence’s method of socializing was kind of harsh, unkind, and all around rude, but at least she was talking as opposed to speaking through her fists. She was getting better, slowly, but surely. \n

0 Caedence II’m not that bad! 94 Caedence 0 5

Camren

May 19, 2007 11:42 AM

Oh? I can see that now... by Camren

The other girl sighed and Camren watched the look on her face as she wiped the tears off her cheeks as fast as they came down. Camren tried to take deep breaths to get rid of the sobs. Finally it worked just as the other girl broke her glare on Camren.

“Well, want to pet the stupid horse? Come on, Camren. You won’t get anywhere just waiting around. Let’s go.”

She grabbed Camren by the arm and Camren lost her breath completely. Would this girl be like her father? She couldn't breathe, it was like she was drowning in the air. The girl kept talking as she dragged Camren with her.

“If you want something in life, fight for it. Nothing ever happens by being nice. If you’re all passive like that, it opens the door for people to walk all over you. Believe me, I know.”

Camren listened carefully as the girl continued to drag her closer to the foal. Camren watched as she shut her eyes. It was almost like she was remembering something that had happened to her. Camren wanted to say something, but she didn't want to interrupt the other girls' thoughts. After all, she HAD walked into her in the first place...

But Camren put a note in her mind to talk to her later about people walking all over her. Camren had a feeling that this girl wasn't really as cold as she made herself out to be. What was going on with this girl? Maybe it was fate that Camren walked into her that day. Maybe they could be friends and help eachother... Just maybe...

“Now, just to let you know, I’m Caedence and that redhead talking to the Asian girl’s name is Elly. She’s my best friend. She’s nice, don’t hurt her or you’ll have me to deal with.”

Camren nodded and spoke softly. "Nice to meet you... And I won't hurt her..." Camren shrunk at the glare from Caedence and then watched as Caedence pushed her way between two taller girls. She let go of Camren and Camren followed like a robot through the girls, following Caedence.

“See? We’re almost at the stupid horse. Wanna tell me stuff about you while we wait?”

"Uh... About me...?" Camren said. "Well... uh... I'm a transfer... And... uh..." Camren didn't really know what to tell her... She wanted to tell her something... But Camren couldn't think of anything else that she could say that wouldn't make her dad look bad or give away where her sister and mom were hiding...

Would Caedence think she was weak? Would she think Camren was a baby? Would Camren be liked at Sonora? Could she keep it safe for Caden and Kasey?

0 Camren Oh? I can see that now... 0 Camren 0 5

Ebony

May 19, 2007 2:32 PM

ummm? by Ebony

"I've never seen a baby unicorn!"

Ebony hadn't either.

"Me either, but my mom says they're really pretty. My dad thinks its a lot of fuss over nothing but I think he was just jealous as they don't like males." Ebony replies.

Ebony turns back to the front of the row and sees it moving. Excited Ebony moved forward but was disappointed when it only moved about one foot ahead.

"Do you think we'll get to see the unicorn before the lesson is over?" Ebony asks worried. How was she supposed to do her homework if she never got to see what it was supposed to be on! Ebony sighs loudly. Deciding that it was going to take a while for them to reach the front Ebony turned back to Irene.

"How are you finding Sonora? I think the lessons are interesting but some of the professors can be a bit intimidating."

0 Ebony ummm? 0 Ebony 0 5

Caedence

May 19, 2007 3:31 PM

Yeah.. by Caedence

Caedence sighed. This girl was so…spineless! It was nauseating. She would have to train another pupil at the rate this was going. She should charge a fee. But then again, not everyone was a spineless coward. She growled in frustration. “All right there, Camren. You have different lessons than Hyana. Your first lesson is this. Take your hand, and feel the base of your neck.” She waited a moment staring pointedly at Camren before continuing. “Feel that right there? It’s called a spine! Use it! Or get one!”

She put a hand on her hip, a fierce display at home, but here she wasn’t sure if many people were scared by that. “You’re going to be my new pupil. Got that? And my pupils don’t sit there going ‘uh.. I’m Camren…uh…uh’” she exaggerated the ‘uh’s.

She was pleased to see that they were the next people up for the horses. She was happy to get this over with. She messed with the black elastic band that held her braid together. The unicorn was cute, she’d have to admit, and she liked the way its fur shimmered in the light. “Now, repeat all you just said, but act as if I was doubting you were Camren Whats-your-name and I said you weren’t a transfer. Convince me that’s who you are!” She instructed.\n

0 Caedence Yeah.. 94 Caedence 0 5

Zack Dill

May 19, 2007 4:10 PM

No, I'm not kidding by Zack Dill

Zack was starting to get bored. As good as it was that he was exempted from approaching the magical beast (rumors of goodness and purity aside, anything with a big pointy weapon attached to its head couldn't be entirely harmless), Zack did not appreciate the fact that he had nothing to do, not even a little essay.

Looking around for something to distract him from just standing there like an idiot, Zack spotted a familiar large frame not too terribly far away. It was always reassuringly easy to spot Guenther even in a crowd. "Guenther!" Zack called over to him, heading in that direction. "Over here!"

Closer now, Zack noticed that the kid brother was with him. He hesitated briefly, but decided his friend would probably welcome the interruption. He picked up his pace again and stopped only when they were within conversational distance. "Hey," he greeted. "How are you guys?" he asked, more to Guenther than to Kaleb, but still including the younger of the pair.

1 Zack Dill No, I'm not kidding 40 Zack Dill 0 5

Camren

May 19, 2007 4:44 PM

Sigh... by Camren

Camren didn't know what to do when Caedence sighed. Finally it clicked... This was the girl that Hyana was looking for in Cascade Hall... Camren better listen to what she said, and follow all of her directions. Caedence growled and spoke.

“All right there, Camren. You have different lessons than Hyana. Your first lesson is this. Take your hand, and feel the base of your neck.”

Camren moved her hand to the base of her neck, like Caedence had told her to do. She really WAS a robot... Caedence stared at Camren until she saw that Camren was following what she said to do and then she went on.

“Feel that right there? It’s called a spine! Use it! Or get one!”

"I'll try my best to..." Camren said, almost adding the word Ma'am to the end of her phrase and then rethinking that idea. 'That probably was NOT a good plan...' Camren thought to herself as she watched Caedence put a hand on her hip.

“You’re going to be my new pupil. Got that? And my pupils don’t sit there going ‘uh.. I’m Camren…uh…uh’”

'Is that what I sound like?' Camren thought to herself. 'Oh my goodness... I really am awful...' Camren nodded to Caedence. She didn't even notice that she and Caedence were the next ones in line to pet the foal. She was watching Caedence play around with the elastic band that enveloped her braid. Caedence had Camren's full attention.

“Now, repeat all you just said, but act as if I was doubting you were Camren Whats-your-name and I said you weren’t a transfer. Convince me that’s who you are!”

Camren nodded and spoke. "My name is Camren Christianson. I am a new transfer student here." Camren said, trying to get rid of her shaking voice and replace it with one that was much stronger. "Was that better?" Camren asked Caedence as she bit the inside of her bottom lip so that nobody would notice it.

Confidence. Camren used to have it... Until...

0 Camren Sigh... 0 Camren 0 5

Eavan

May 19, 2007 10:57 PM

As long as you know by Eavan

This older girl was making Eavan think. And while that wan't necessarily a bad thing, it was still hard to think of a good retort during a bustling class. She almost felt as though Lily were testing her or challenging her - like a teacher would.

She bit her bottom lip and glanced over at the girls huddled around the unicorn and the boys back by the fence.

"Maybe It's a chemical thing. Girls...I don't know...smell different or something."

It was all Eavan could come up with, but it would have to do. Eavan wasn't smart. She never pretended to be. And chemical signal were the only thing she could think of. And she couldn't elabortate on the subject. It wasn't even magic. One would think that a magical being would have magical reasons for something...not scientific. Oh well; Lily would have to be satissfied with that.

0 Eavan As long as you know 0 Eavan 0 5

Irene

May 20, 2007 6:12 PM

Ermm.... by Irene

"Me either, but my mom says they're really pretty. My dad thinks its a lot of fuss over nothing but I think he was just jealous as they don't like males."

Irene gave a laugh and nodded. "The Professor said it was gold, right? I didn't know they were gold! I thought they were always white!"

"Do you think we'll get to see the unicorn before the lesson is over?"

Irene was sure they would. How could a professor just let a few people see them? Irene spoke her thoughts out loud to Ebony.

"How are you finding Sonora? I think the lessons are interesting but some of the professors can be a bit intimidating."

Irene nodded in agreement. "I know what you mean! Some of the teachers are a little intimidating... I love the classes though. It's so diffent to be learning magic rather than math or science..." Irene said. "I'm a half-blood but I didn't know until I was about 5. My mom was the witch," Irene smiled to herself, noting how funny that sounded. "I grew up not knowing a lot of stuff so this is all new! It's a different experience, you know?"

0 Irene Ermm.... 0 Irene 0 5

Ebony

May 23, 2007 4:03 AM

different by Ebony

Ebony could understand why coming to Sonora would be a big difference to Irene's older life.

"I went to a muggle school too, back in England." Ebony said. "But my mum and dad always made sure I knew about the Wizarding World as well. My dad used to read my magical history books designed for children every night before I went to bed." Ebony grinned. "My muggle teachers believed I had a very active imagination when I started drawing goblins and witches fighting."

Ebony had had a good childhood, apart from the visits to her grandparents. Her parents had made sure that once a week they visited somewhere muggle and also somewhere in the Wizarding World. She knew her upbringing was enormously different from most people's as she knew more about the muggle world then purebloods, like herself, and she knew more about the Wizarding World then muggles.

"Even though I have known about the Wizarding World all of my life I still get surprised by it. Every christmas we have a big fir tree and my dad lays out treats for the fairies in the forrest near our home and as long as we feed them they sit on the tree for all of christmas." Ebony smiles. "It still amzes me every year."

"Did your dad know your mum was a witch before you found out or did they just wait to tell you until you understood and were able to keep it quiet?" Ebony asked Irene hoping it wasn't too personal. She could understand how difficult it must be for a witch or wizard to tell the person they loved about themselves, hoping all along they don't think you're wierd and run away screaming.

0 Ebony different 0 Ebony 0 5

Ben

May 23, 2007 12:23 PM

Whatever you say... by Ben

Ben watched the girl procession to the unicorn and back, puzzled. It had to be something genetic, something on that second x chromosome that made girls so silly over things like a shiny golden pony. Yet, when he thought about it, Ben didn't think that Lexi would have had the same kind of reaction. But that was Lexi. Ben had come to recognise the fact that Lex tended to be an outlier in statistics.

When Bella finally returned, however, Ben cleared any traces of his puzzlement and grinned as she made her way to where he was standing. He probably wouldn't have seen her if it hadn't been for the fact that he was looking specifically for her. It was lucky that Ben was shaping up to be on the taller end of the spectrum; Bella wasn't the tallest of their year, and being tall makes looking for shorter people in the crowd much easier.

"Yes, quite a shame. And of course I missed you," he said to her, grinning as he lent down, kissed her on the cheek, and took her hand in his, "Well? Did you enjoy the unicorn?"

0 Ben Whatever you say... 269 Ben 0 5

Anonymous

May 23, 2007 3:13 PM

Re: different by Anonymous

Irene listended as Ebony told her about her muggle school and how she use to draw goblins on her papers.

"Even though I have known about the Wizarding World all of my life I still get surprised by it. Every christmas we have a big fir tree and my dad lays out treats for the fairies in the forrest near our home and as long as we feed them they sit on the tree for all of christmas." Ebony smiles. "It still amzes me every year."

Irene grinned and nodded. "I know what you mean! Just when you think you know what you need to know, something pops up and surprises you!" Things like that happened a lot. It wasn't like she was completely oblivious, but she didn't know everything, and she didn't pretend to.

"Did your dad know your mum was a witch before you found out or did they just wait to tell you until you understood and were able to keep it quiet?"

"Actually, my dad didn't even know until I found out. I heard my mom telling my dad. He was so mad! His face... I wish you could've seen it!" Lie. That was the worst fight she had ever seen. He has never actually hit her, but that was the closest she'd ever seen him to it.

"So I heard her and came downstairs and said 'You mean, I'm magic!?.' Mom died a few months later, but at least she got to tell me."

Irene smiled at that memory. It was funny to see her dad's face scrunch up in confusion. 'Wh-what?! Her too? Wait- but I- What is going on here?!'

"I didn't really do any magi...il I was about six. I was hungry and I accidentaly transfigured my doll's head into an orange!"

Sort of true. She was hungry. But she was really hungry. That was one of those weeks where the only, only thing in the fridge was whatever drink was the 'drink-of-the-day'.

Irene moved up as the line did, but only a few paces.

"So where abouts are you from? Were you born in England?"

0 Anonymous Re: different 0 Anonymous 0 5

Irene

May 23, 2007 3:14 PM

facepalm forgot the info... (nm) by Irene

0 Irene *facepalm* forgot the info... (nm) 0 Irene 0 5

Bella

May 23, 2007 11:15 PM

You're very negative by Bella

Had anyone told Bella that the one person she would grow close to while at Sonora would be Benjamin Stafford the 56395th, she would have called them crazy. Not that Ben wasn't a great guy, because he was, but because Ben seemed so different from Bella. She had no care for how others saw her, she said what was on her mind, and she did what she wanted freely. Ben had seemed so reserved when she had first met him...er...befriended him...that a friendship seemed unlikely.

And yet, here she was now, always looking for him, always with him. She had even heard weird rumors saying they were dating. Which they weren't, unless Ben forgot to mention something to her.

When he kissed her, Bella froze slightly, but didn't shy away from it either. It was only on the cheek, and Bella couldn't quite figure out if he was only doing it to get back at her for having done it first. Of course, Ben ought to be used to her doing random things without thought, but Bella wasn't used to Ben doing the same.

Not that she was complaining.

"Oh, it was quite lovely. She's so soft and cute! I think she was a bit scared of all the people cos she was shaking, but she certainly can keep a secret." Bella paused and looked quizzically up at Ben for a moment. "Can you?" She asked, she looked around briefly before indicating him to come closer. "I told her that I have a crush on your roommate, Chris." Bella whispered into Ben's ear.

Pulling back slightly, Bella looked to see what sort of reaction she received from Ben having just spilt her guts to him. She let this news sink in for a moment before grinning cheekily at Ben. "Just kidding!" She exclaimed, laughing. "I just wanted to see your reaction."

0 Bella You're very negative 0 Bella 0 5

Ebony

May 27, 2007 4:01 AM

Home Sweet Home by Ebony

Ebony had listened carefully to Irene talking about how she had found out about being a witch and performing her first piece of accidental magic. She was sure there was something else behind the words but she couldn't tell what.

"So where abouts are you from? Were you born in England?"

Ebony couldn't believe Irene was the first person to pick up her hints about living in England and only lately moving to America.

"Yes I was born in England. Both of my parents went to the magical school there in Scotland, but I didn't want to go to a school where my cousins were and where my grandmother could have access to. My grandmother isn't a nice person to me as the families from a long line of purebloods, but my mums a muggleborn." Ebony shrugged.

It was a lot easier to talk about her grandmother now there was an entire ocean between them.

"My first piece of accidental magic was at my grandmothers. I was very clumsy as a child because I was so nervous around my grandmother and one day I broke a really, really expensive vase in the entrance hall. I was even more surprised when the pieces jumped back together and fixed themselves with no cracks. I told my mum and dad about it later that evening and they took me to the cinema as a treat for my first real piece of accidental magic."

Ebony returns from the memories and smiles at Irene.

"You can see why i wanted to come to school in America. And my parents could understand it too, they actually offered to move for me. I'm glad i'm here, how else would I have met a friend like you." Ebony grinned.

The line moved forward and Ebony followed it. A glimpse of the unicorn made her grin wider.

"We're only a few people now from the unicorn. We'll get to touch it soon!"

0 Ebony Home Sweet Home 0 Ebony 0 5

Irene

May 28, 2007 10:56 AM

Sweet Home <s>Alabama</s> Michigan. by Irene

Irene listened as Ebony told her about moving to America. She could only imagine how difficult moving across an ocean would be! Not only do you have to adjust to a new continent but get your stuff there too! Crazy, man. Irene gave Ebony a lot of credit for accomplishing that.

"Yes I was born in England. Both of my parents went to the magical school there in Scotland, but I didn't want to go to a school where my cousins were and where my grandmother could have access to. My grandmother isn't a nice person to me as the families from a long line of purebloods, but my mums a muggleborn."

Irene nodded. "I know what you mean. I only met my Grandmother once, but that was an... experience," Irene said with a smile. Her dad's mother was definitely the most prim and proper person she had ever met. "That woman... I swear. 'Irene! Are you elbows on the table?' 'Sit up straight.' 'Don't speak so loudly! A lady never speaks above a whisper!' I had laughed at this last part because she had practically screamed it at me! When I told her 'Grandma, remember to whisper...' I thought her head would explode!"

That was a fun trip. Honestly. It was. She enjoyed the teasing of her Grandmother, or "Lady Deirdra", for the entire week she was there!

"You can see why i wanted to come to school in America. And my parents could understand it too, they actually offered to move for me. I'm glad i'm here, how else would I have met a friend like you."

Irene grinned and gave Ebony a hug. "I'm glad you're here too!"

Ebony was really great. Irene loved having someone to actually talk to rather than, 'Okay, now you try the spell.'

"We're only a few people now from the unicorn. We'll get to touch it soon!"

"Well about time!" Irene said, standing on tip-toe and catching a glance of the glimmering gold. "They look so gorgeous!"

0 Irene Sweet Home <s>Alabama</s> Michigan. 0 Irene 0 5

Ben

May 28, 2007 10:49 PM

Well, I'm working on it. by Ben

"Can you?"

Ben was a little shocked at the question. Bella didn't seem to be the type of girl who would have just randomly started telling people secrets. Actually, Ben figured Bella didn't really have any secrets to speak of- everything seemed so care-free with her. But this was Bella they were talking about here; anything was liable to happen around her. Shrugging, Ben leant in towards her to hear this secret.

"Chris?!" Ben blurted before thinking, "I mean- wha- oh, you were kidding."

A lovely crimson shade developed around Ben's ears, his impulsive reaction embarassing him. He had, for the moment between Bella's "secret" and the truth, been worried. For that split second, jealousy had crowded his mind, and even Ben couldn't reason that away. The fact that the thought of Bella liking someone else made him jealous and angry, no matter how fleeting it was, made Ben anxious. In truth, he hadn't ever had someone he cared for as much as he cared for Bella. It was an odd sensation that really made him want to do something impulsive.

"Anyway," he cleared his throat, still slightly embarassed, "You did get a reaction... I- um, well..."

Ben didn't have anything else to say, except for the one question that was really on his mind. He wanted to just ask her, but that seemed near impossible. Despite the vast amount of de-wallflowering he had done since becoming friends with Bella, Ben was still the reserved guy he had been before. Taking a deep breath, Ben tried to focus, to get his courage together. Pass it off as nothing, he told himself, it'll be easier. Okay.

"Bella?" he asked, making sure his hand was still holding onto hers, "Would you- ah, you know, I was thinking that it'd be really cool if we could, you know... go out sometime. What do you think?"

Great Ben, real smooth, he chided himself, you sound like a real charmer... He tried to put up a charming smile, but it was only half of his usual smile, due to his worry. Rejection was a tough thing to prepare oneself to take.

0 Ben Well, I'm working on it. 269 Ben 0 5

Ebony

May 29, 2007 4:26 AM

Grandmother by Ebony

Ebony listened in amused silence when Irene described her grandmothers behaviour to her. She would enver understand being able to talk back to an older person but she could see the fun in doing so.

'Perhaps I could do it during the summer when we have to go for our annual weekly stay.' Ebony thought.

Ebony's imagination conjured up images of how her grandmother could react and it was a large reality check when she realised the only reactions she would get were a small beating with a broom, being locked in a cupboard, forced to sit in a chair with her back straight for hours and then finally there would be the final argument between her father and grandmpother when he found out about it. And he would find out about it as Ebony was not keeping that sort of behaviour from her parents.

Ebony sighed.

'Yes, it was wonderful listening to her father call her grandmother a hypocritic, pureblooded, shrew who had no tangiable feelings and whose appaling behaviour would be befitting of a muggle.' Ebony had realised only the muggle part would truly be an insult to her grandmother, but it was fun hearing it anyway.

"My grandmother is sort of like your except if you say anything back it just gets worse." Ebony said to Irene hoping she understood. "Your grandmother sounds fun though."

The line moved and Ebony realised she was at the front. Shocked she walked the extra few feet to the professor and the gold unicorn. Shaking Ebony reached out a hand and gently touched the unicorns back, the hair was soft beneath her fingers. Dazed at the beauty of the creature Ebony turned to smile at Irene before she looked back at the unicorn.

"You are a very pretty unicorn." Ebony said to the animal feeling slightly embarrased when she realised she had acutally said her thought out loud. Thankfully there was only the professor and Irene who would of heard her so it wasn't too bad.

Relucatantly, after a few strokes down the unicorns back, Ebony stepped back and let Irene take her place.

Ebony's thoughts of her grandmothers treatment of her faded away in her mind and she felt as though a new strength had been created inside of her. Ebony's grandmother wouldn't know what hit her in the summer.

'Perhaps I'll take a leaf out of Irene's book.' Ebony thought.

0 Ebony Grandmother 0 Ebony 0 5

Irene

May 29, 2007 6:20 AM

Oh! I have one of them! by Irene

"My grandmother is sort of like your except if you say anything back it just gets worse." Ebony said to Irene hoping she understood. "Your grandmother sounds fun though."

"Sure. I guess you could say 'fun'," Irene said with a smile. Irene wondered what Ebony meant by 'it justs gets worse.' Surely not what she thought it meant... But, maybe. If so, it felt nice that Ebony trusted her so quickly. Irene never told anyone about her troubled past except Renaye, but she was her cousin.

Ebony had reached the unicorn and Irene watched with a huge grin on her face.

"You are a very pretty unicorn."

Ebony looked a little emabarrassed, but Irene completely agreed. The small unicorn was beautiful. Ebony stepped aside so Irene could have a chance.

Irene stepped forward and rubbed her hand across the unicorn's golden back. It was very soft, but unlike anything she'd felt before. It wasn't like a horse; it was too soft. It was different.

"Ebony is right!" Irene said quietly to it. "You are very pretty."

Irene stood aside so others could have a chance and so she wouldn't hold up the line.

"So," Irene said, heading toward Ebony. "Do you have any brothers or sisters?"

0 Irene Oh! I have one of them! 0 Irene 0 5

Oliver

May 29, 2007 6:26 PM

What do you propose? by Oliver

Gwyneth’s reaction to his question was so funny that Oliver laughed out loud; he couldn’t help it. He tried to keep it quiet though so as not to offend her, but he didn’t think it had helped. Luckily, though, Gwyneth didn’t comment, and continued to go on about how it wasn’t fair. Oliver merely shrugged in response until she asked him explicitly why he didn’t mind.

“Not much point getting upset, is there?” Oliver said levelly. “I’m not fond of this class anyway. I suppose it’s a bit unfair, but only more obviously so than other stuff. Like that WAIL group,” he said, it being the first example that came to mind. “They don’t want girls to play Quidditch. This teacher doesn’t want boys to pet the unicorn. Boys aren’t allowed into the girls’ dormitories.” He sighed, not sure he was making his point very well.

“All I’m saying is that it’s not worth worrying about in the long run. If I was that bothered I could look up unicorns in my textbook, or ask the teacher if I could pet it another time when there’s just me. But let’s face it, I don’t really care.” He shrugged again. “Though, if it helps, I admire your concern,” he said, grinning at her.

0 Oliver What do you propose? 0 Oliver 0 5

Gwyneth

May 29, 2007 8:34 PM

Well, I'm up for a protest march if you are by Gwyneth

As she listened to Oliver's extremely mature, extremely level headed explanation (and extremely lame, in her initial opinion!), Gwyneth's face became a kaliedoscope of emotions, shifting from surprise, outrage, blank ignorance at the WAIL comment as she hadn't attended the Quidditch game, concern, and finally, grudgingly given respect!

While she tended to be a "rebel for any cause" as her mother often said with exasperation, she did understand the point that Oliver was trying to make. "So, what you are saying is . . . 'life ain't fair, get used to it'? Okay, I know that life, in general, isn't fair. There are often rules, like the dorm stuff, and other stuff, like that WAIL complaint you mentioned, that we just can't seem to do anything about. But, isn't it our right, . . . no, our duty, to challenge those rules we think are unfair? My Mom is a history teacher, so maybe that's where I get a lot of this from. But she says that people, no matter who they are, shouldn't just stand idly by and let 'injustice' go unchallenged! Because when we do, we damage not only the group that is being treated badly, but ourselves as well."

Gwyneth thought about the situation for a bit. "But what could we do in this case? Or in the other cases?" she asked a bit rhetorically. "Well," and she began to whisper conspiratorially but with a twinkle in her eye, "we could gather the most innocent, calm boys - - like you and Jae - - and march over to the unicorn and test the Professor's stupid theory." She continued with a bit more excitement, "and we could get some of the girls who play Quidditch and use them as test subjects, too! Like a blind test, each group hidden behind a curtain and see which one, if any, the unicorn reacts badly to!" she finished triumphantly.

Then seeing the look on Oliver's face, she broke up laughing. As she calmed down she said, "Sorry, I get carried away sometimes! Maybe you're right and I can't do anything to change this situation, but I don't have to participate like I agree with the class."

"Oliver, you are a really together kid. I wish I had could be half as logical, calm and clear thinking as you. Who knows? Maybe your calm will rub off on me!" Gwyneth was glad Oliver had spoken to her and that she had sat down. Then her eyes twinkled mischieviously and she added, "Or maybe I will turn you into a rebel for a cause, if you hang around me too long!"

0 Gwyneth Well, I'm up for a protest march if you are 0 Gwyneth 0 5

Oliver

May 30, 2007 3:42 PM

No, not really. by Oliver

Oliver conceded that Gwyneth did have an interesting perspective on the whole ‘life’s not fair’ issue. Whereas Oliver was content to deal with what life threw his way, Gwyneth seemed to want to change the things she didn’t like. Oliver wasn’t entirely convinced if it was worth it.

He couldn’t help snorting when she referred to him as innocent and calm. Those weren’t words Oliver would ever use to describe himself. He couldn’t speak for Jae, never having met him, but somehow he got the impression that he wasn’t especially calm, either. Of course her idea about the blind test with the unicorn was just plain ludicrous, and his expression related that to her quite clearly. Oliver was momentarily worried that he’d managed to find another girl as crazy as Lutece, which until just now he had thought impossible.

“Maybe we’ll rub off on each other,” Oliver replied to her last comment. He took another look round at the girls grouped together and the boys off separately. He understood now why Gwyneth had been upset about the lesson, but still, she might not get another chance to get up close to a baby unicorn.

“You sure you want to sit this one out?” Oliver asked her tentatively. “I mean, we can’t go look, and some boys might want to. You, on the other hand, have the opportunity, and you’re passing it up.” He shrugged. “If I were you I’d take advantage of your… erm, advantage,” he finished lamely.

0 Oliver No, not really. 0 Oliver 0 5

Gwyneth

May 30, 2007 9:41 PM

Wimp! Protest is what this country is founded upon! by Gwyneth

“You sure you want to sit this one out? . . . I mean, we can’t go look, and some boys might want to. You, on the other hand, have the opportunity, and you’re passing it up.”

Gwyneth was surprised by Oliver's comment. She thought she had made her position quite clear. He truly had not seemed interested in the slightest in being anywhere near the unicorn. And up til now, this had been a basically philosophical argument about the class and discrimination.

She smiled at his unexpected kindness and thought about her answer for a moment before she spoke. "I will admit, I never believed unicorns truly existed before this class. And, while just knowing that is really cool, I know that touching one would be . . . gosh, I don't even have a good word for it. My little sister will never believe that I had the chance here and I 'blew it'. And I can tell that you think I'm weird, or some kinda 'hippie wannabe', all 'protest this and protest that.' No, don't deny it. You laughed at me, for heaven's sake!"

"But the only way I'll get back in that line is if you go with me," she smiled at the improbablity while her eyes challenged him.

0 Gwyneth Wimp! Protest is what this country is founded upon! 0 Gwyneth 0 5

Bella

May 30, 2007 9:53 PM

At least you're trying :P by Bella

Bella thoroughly enjoyed the reaction she grabbed out of Ben with her 'secret'. Of course, figuring out why Ben reacted that way was a challenge. Maybe it was because Ben assumed Bella wasn't into anyone. Or maybe he thought she was into girls (such a rumor really wouldn't surprise Bella all that often). Or maybe Ben just couldn't believe Bella would like a boy like Chris.

There were all sorts of theories behind why Ben would react like he had, but the one she hadn't expected the real source behind it all.

A small crease formed between her brows as she waited for Ben to finish. Her smile, which had been rather large with amusement just moments before, was now small and almost shy-like. Something that was rather uncharacteristic for Bella. She had been looking directly at Ben while he spoke, but for the moments of silence after he had finished, Bella's eyes were focused on their hands.

She knew Ben liked her, but she didn't know he had liked her. Bella liked him, had for awhile, but she just assumed Ben put up with her cos she was nothing more than a friend to her. Of course, Ben was the first boy to call her pretty, or hold her hand, or pay the least bit of attention to her, so that could be where she got her feelings for them. Or, at least, where they started from.

Bella finally looked up at Ben, the small smile still resting on her face. "Okay." Bella answered, her smile growing, "If you think you can handle me." Bella teased.

0 Bella At least you're trying :P 0 Bella 0 5

Ben

May 31, 2007 2:16 AM

:P to you too! by Ben

Ben had no idea how awesome a word so simple as "okay" could mean until he heard it from Bella. Relief washing over him in waves, a genuine grin replaced the unsure expression he had been sporting just moments earlier. It seemed as though Ben would have to wait until another time to experience rejection, which was just perfect in Ben's book.

"Great! Wonderful!" he said, almost giddy, "I mean, I can handle you, Bella. The real question is if you can deal with me. I'm not such an extrovert as you are."

The only thing Ben could do was grin, and that he did, so completely relieved that Bella had accepted. Truly, the little Chris thing had worried him -immensely- but here he was, and there she was, and things were exactly has he'd hoped. Without any pretense, Ben squeezed Bella's hand, and put the other up to her cheek, kissing her softly on the lips. He pulled away from her just moments later, another grin taking over his features.

"I'm sorry," he started to apologize in a soft tone, "I just- well, you did psyche me out with that whole Chris thing, and I'd thought. Well, I'd been meaning to ask you for a while now, it's just that... I'm not that articulate, you see."

With yet another smile, Ben gave Bella's hand a squeeze again. His blonde hair was falling haphazardly in his eyes, but it didn't really matter. He had a girlfriend, a Bella. In another other situation, the idea might have made Ben worry, but there was little room for negativity in his near euphoric state of mind. He'd even forgotten that they were in a class, COMC, of all classes. He, Ben, the ever-studious one, just checked out completely from the seemingly useless unicorn class. Funny thing, how life works out.

0 Ben :P to you too! 269 Ben 0 5

Oliver

May 31, 2007 12:42 PM

I'm not a wimp, I'm just lazy. by Oliver

Oliver breathed a well-concealed sigh of relief as Gwyneth didn’t start up her ranting about injustices again after his suggestion – he was getting the impression she wasn’t a particularly stable person, and he really knew enough of those already. Though the way she refused his denial that she was quite as mad as a March Hare persuaded Oliver to believe that she was harmless, though decidedly a little nutty.

Then, with barely any warning, she went all protest-y again. “The only way I’ll get back in that line is if you go with me,” she said.

Oliver blinked at her. “You’re crazy,” he told her, shaking his head, his blond hair falling in his face. He’d never broken a rule in his life, and he’d certainly never stood up to a teacher. He wasn’t about to start now, even if it was just a substitute teacher and the lesson was a little more unfair than usual. But Gwyneth was smiling in a crazy, mischievous kind of way, which Oliver found oddly compelling. What she was proposing was insane… there was absolutely no way Oliver was getting in that line. No way, not ever. Not a chance.

“Alright,” he said suddenly, grinning at Gwyneth.

He was out of his mind.
\r\n\r\n

0 Oliver I'm not a wimp, I'm just lazy. 0 Oliver 0 5

Bella

June 01, 2007 12:39 AM

Grins by Bella

Bella had to prevent herself from giggling at Ben. She never knew that saying 'okay' to being asked out could cause such a reaction. Though that wasn't a surprise considering no one had been interested in Bella prior to her relationship with Ben. Or, at least, no one that she was aware of.

"Oh, I think I can handle you just fine." Bella commented, looking smug at him. Honestly, if she were at all bothered with him being an introvert at all, she wouldn't have been all over him since the very start of their friendship. Really, she probably would have avoided him after their first conversation if she was at all bothered by any of it. Truth was, Ben wasn't as reserved as he thought he might be when he was around her and that was something she found to be rather cute.

Bella, who hadn't been paying all that attention to Ben's movements, was shocked to find his face close to hers and even more so when his lips met hers. When he pulled away, Bella's face was hot from the blush that was currently residing across her face.

She let him babble for a moment while she collected herself. After a moment, she was smiling and looking up at him rather amused by all of it. By the end of his ramble, Bella was giggling. "Ben..." Bella started, using his actual name for the first time in a long while and in a rather serious tone too. "It's okay, you can kiss me whenever and even speak as inarticulately as you want. I don't mind."

It escaped her that this was probably not the best place for such a conversation as this one, but Bella doubted anyone was really paying any attention to them. Besides, it was better that they talked about it now to get out any awkwardness rather than have to do it all later.

0 Bella *Grins* 0 Bella 0 5

Gwyneth

June 01, 2007 11:55 AM

Let's go, lazybones! by Gwyneth

Gwynwth had issued her "challenge" about joining the line never expecting that Oliver would accept. After all, he was a Crotali - - calm, reserved, respector of all rules, etc. Then, out of the blue, immediately after calling her crazy yet again, he said, "Alright."

Gwyneth felt her mouth drop open as her mind raced. It was one thing to get herself in trouble; it was quite another to drag an innocent bystander into the fray with her. She had been only half serious when she had said that maybe she would rub off on Oliver; she had actually been hoping for the reverse - - that Oliver's calm and clearheadedness would rub off on her. She had been only joking about rejoining the line with Oliver in tow, hadn't she? All this went through her mind while she stood there, staring at Oliver, her mouth half opened due to his unexpected capitulation.

"What the heck? Oliver, I don't want you to get in trouble! I was only joking, well, kinda. Are you crazy?" Gwyneth looked at Oliver in utter amazement. "Are you sure? I mean, really, REALLY sure?" She watched his reaction carefully. "In for a penny, in for a pound, as Grams always says! Let's go!" She hopped up off the ground, smoothed her robes and reached down for Oliver's hand.

0 Gwyneth Let's go, lazybones! 0 Gwyneth 0 5

Oliver

June 04, 2007 12:39 PM

Uh-oh. by Oliver

Oliver had no idea what had made him agree to join Gwyneth. Perhaps he wanted to see if she really would go through with it, or maybe he wanted to find out what would happen. Maybe he just wanted to do something mischievous for once in his life, or maybe Gwyneth really was just rubbing off on him. If that was the case then she was highly contagious, and the disease spread fast.

As much as he wanted to not get up, as much as he wanted to say he was joking and stay safe sitting right there on the ground, Oliver knew he couldn’t; he had said he’d do it now, and if he went back he’d look like the sad loser he really was. He couldn’t chicken out now, so when Gwyneth asked if he was sure, Oliver nodded with as much enthusiasm as he could muster and allowed himself to be hauled up.

“You know I’ll blame it all on you if we get into trouble though, right?” he said to Gwyneth as he released her hand and brushed himself off.

0 Oliver Uh-oh. 0 Oliver 0 5

Gwyneth

June 04, 2007 10:12 PM

Look out, Line, We're off to see the Unicorn! by Gwyneth

“You know I’ll blame it all on you if we get into trouble though, right?” If she got Oliver in trouble for this crazy stunt, she would blame herself. He wouldn't have to! She had half hoped he would have stayed on the ground. Now, here he was, standing beside her brushing the grass off his robes.

"Really? You blame me? I blame you!" she retorted in a joking manner. "You're supposed to be the calm, sensible one here!" She laughed and suddenly felt unburdened. Seeing this side of Oliver surprised her. Shoot, seeing this side of herself surprised her. She generally wasn't a take charge kind of girl. She certainly wasn't a "throw caution to the wind and break the rules" kind of person. She had never done such a spontaneous, reckless thing before in her life. And yet, she felt almost charged with positive energy.

"Seriously, though. If we get in trouble, I'll take the blame and say I dragged you over to the line against your will. No point in both of us getting into too much trouble," she said to Oliver. She nervously adjusted her auburn hair into a ponytail. Then, looking Oliver straight in the eyes, she said, "You are either the craziest or bravest person I know. But seriously, I really glad I got to know you." She blushed a little, then hoped Oliver wouldn't think she meant too much by that last statement.

Taking a deep breath, she said, "Let's go!" and walked toward the group of girls. The line was considerably shorter now. She supposed class would be ending soon. 'And not ending TOO SOON because of us,' she hoped. She took one quick glance over at Oliver to see if he was still there. A few more steps, still time to change your mind. And seemingly suddenly, there she was, standing at the end of the line to see the unicorn. She wondered if the Professor or anyone else had noticed. Then she turned to Oliver to see if he was actually standing in line with her.

0 Gwyneth Look out, Line, We're off to see the Unicorn! 0 Gwyneth 0 5

Ebony

June 09, 2007 2:12 PM

Siblings by Ebony

"So do you have any brothers or sisters?"

"No, I'm an only child. Mum and dad decided I was enough to handle, I was never a calm child. I remember my mum and dad took me to a muggle park when I was four and dad had to spend the day finding me as me favourite game at the time was hide and seek. We only ever played that game in the Manor afterwards." Ebony smiled.

Ebony walked slowly away from the unicorn once she noticed Irene seemed to be finished allowing the next girls in the queue a chance to storke the unicorn. She directed them towards a shaded part of the area as the sun was out and although it wasn't very hot it was hotter then Ebony was used too in England.

As Ebony thought about the question she realised she had never missed having siblings, she supposed if you grew up without them you got used to them not being around. It probably accounted for Ebony's love of reading as she spent a lot of her time in the large library in England.

"Do you have any siblings?" Ebony was intrigued. She had noticed that most of the wizards and witches at Sonora came from large families and usually had at least one sibling, where as in England she found that families only ususally had one child.

OOC:Sorry for the late post but life got in the way and this is the first time i have had five minutes to sit down and respond.

0 Ebony Siblings 0 Ebony 0 5

Professor Murphy

June 09, 2007 6:54 PM

CLASS CLOSED (nm) by Professor Murphy

0 Professor Murphy CLASS CLOSED (nm) 0 Professor Murphy 0 5

Irene

June 10, 2007 6:34 PM

Eh, not so much... by Irene

"No, I'm an only child. Mum and dad decided I was enough to handle, I was never a calm child. I remember my mum and dad took me to a muggle park when I was four and dad had to spend the day finding me as me favourite game at the time was hide and seek. We only ever played that game in the Manor afterwards."

Irene laughed as she listened to Ebony's story. Irene never really did anything in her childhood. She was too young. And after that Mom wasn't around leaving her with Damon/Dad... Yeah, she didn't do too many childhood things... Irene followed Ebony towards the shade. It was pretty warm outside. Irene prefered the mid-70 weather, rather than the blistering Arizona heat. Growing up in Northern Michigan made her use to colder weather.

"Do you have any siblings?"

Irene shook her head. "Nope. Just three very close cousins. I live with my Uncle and they practically live with us because they're parents are away all the time," Irene said taking a seat on the grass. "Actually, the twins, Renaye and Josh, are applying here for next term," Irene said with a small grin. "It's going to be so much fun with them here! Josh is usually pretty quiet around other people and Raye is really loud. Strangely, they both get along really well. Polar opposites those two."

Irene pulled some grass up from the ground and went on, "Really, Renaye is blonde and loud and Josh has black hair and quiet. They're both beaters though. Some of the best in my opinion!" Irene said, drifting for a moment to Quidditch in the backyard.

"What about you? You play?"

""

0 Irene Eh, not so much... 0 Irene 0 5

Professor Murphy

Lesson Two 1st - 5th Years by Professor Murphy

Echo Elms

And the boys edge back... by Echo Elms

Talitha Cumni

Can It Get Any Better Than This? by Talitha Cumni

Hyana Kamiya

So many people in one place...I don't like this by Hyana Kamiya

Matt and Josh Santoro

We're too cool for a unicorn anyway... by Matt and Josh Santoro

Echo Elms

... of course we are by Echo Elms

Elly Eriksson

What can I do to help? by Elly Eriksson

Lily Collins

Ridiculous creatures. by Lily Collins

Hyana

Not be violent...*looks at a certain person* by Hyana

Elly

Fine by me. by Elly

Gwyneth

*eyes wide* They are real?? (TAG: Professor Murphy) by Gwyneth

Hyana

Thanks^^ by Hyana

Paul (and some Cissy) Tarwater

What... the... heck by Paul (and some Cissy) Tarwater

Ebony

Unicorns! by Ebony

Elly

You're welcome. by Elly

Josaih

Joining the outcasts by Josaih

Echo Elms

We're fun to join... all out and cast and stuff by Echo Elms

Adam Brockert

Too...many...people... by Adam Brockert

Matt and Josh

Hey now, we're the Cool Kids, not the Outcasts. by Matt and Josh

Jaeven Dimitri [Pecari]

Not enough horses...er...unicorns by Jaeven Dimitri [Pecari]

Hannah Laurent

Terribly sorry and all by Hannah Laurent

Paul

More concerned over the lesson than the girl by Paul

Saul Pierce

joining the Cool Kids by Saul Pierce

Zack Dill

I hate this class I really do by Zack Dill

Hannah

And that's okay with the girl by Hannah

Eavan and Earl Valentine

Who you callin' ridiculous? by Eavan and Earl Valentine

Hyana

This is where I come up with a witty subject by Hyana

Josiah

*raises eyebrow* Josiah, a cool kid? *laughs* by Josiah

Lucas Smythe

It could happen... by Lucas Smythe

Bella Santoro

*Goes Girlie* (Tag: Ben) by Bella Santoro

Elly

And here's where I reply by Elly

Ben Stafford

Right... by Ben Stafford

Echo Elms

Anything could happen. by Echo Elms

Paul

That's not what most girls say by Paul

Hannah

I'm not most girls by Hannah

Talitha Cumni

And here's where I butt in by Talitha Cumni

Bella

*Tries to act tough* by Bella

Paul

<i>very</i> good thing *pointedly stares at certain girls* by Paul

Hannah

Sometimes by Hannah

Guenter Heindrich

Are you kidding? I love this class! It's my favorite! by Guenter Heindrich

Not be violent...looks at a certain person by Hyana

eyes wide They are real?? (TAG: Professor Murphy) by Gwyneth

raises eyebrow Josiah, a cool kid? laughs by Josiah

Goes Girlie (Tag: Ben) by Bella Santoro

Tries to act tough by Bella

<i>very</i> good thing pointedly stares at certain girls by Paul