December 2nd: 'Tis The Season - Lake (Open)

[Willa Robbins]

Unfortunately for all, Benji didn't have suggestions on how to more easily co-exist with the bloke she was sharing the stand with, but Willa had been learning how to work with Dirk for a few years now. Surely this would be just fine. But the Hufflepuff had to hide a laugh at Benji's undertone, and send him a look of befuddlement as the roommates exchanged what could generously be termed as banter. This is how you two interact? Goodness, how do you survive in the same room? Because Benj was trying to brush off his words as a joke, and even as he made an effort to help them organize the crowd into orderly lines, Dirk was taking points from the House that the boys shared. Was that really necessary? She sent Benji a sympathetic but grateful look before turning her attention to her partner, who was suddenly shining.

Oh my, but was Dirk not just the most pleased with himself for the new organization system. When she'd entered the shack before, with James and Lily at the helm, it most assuredly was not as tidy...and it really, truly, was wonderful to see her fellow prefect actually smile. So it was easy for Willa to return the joyous look, unable to not be affected by someone's happiness. If she chose Returns, she'd be able to hear stories about her classmates' adventures on the ice, and direct them to the hot cocoa stand to warm up. If she chose Rentals, she'd be able to see the anticipation - happiness, and maybe some nerves - in their faces about the shenanigans to come, and wish them well. Decisions, decisions. "I'll take Returns, thanks. How has your day been so far?" Willa asked amicably as she went to the counter and got to work, exchanging pleasantries with the ex-skaters and taking care to return their rentals to proper spaces. She kept an eye on Benji when she could, sending smiles when he looked back to her, rather wishing that he'd told her of his plan earlier so that she could've scheduled more accordingly...

[Charlotte Fudge]

Daisy's never going to let you hear the end of this.

Both for her best friend and for herself, Charlotte did her very best to remember every single aspect of these quiet moments. Remus returned her smile immediately, even letting out a little laugh in his delight as his chocolate brown eyes shone just for her. How long have you been working up the nerve to do that? she wondered in giddy amusement, glad that he had kissed her. If he hadn't...would you've found the courage? Char truly didn't know, although hoped she wouldn't have let too much time go on before making her feelings more evident. Because she was liking the bloke she was rather snuggling into decidedly differently than a friend, and had for some time. Her friends, while they could make her laugh, or engage in just as thoughtful discussions as those she had with him, didn't send nerves into her belly or make her smile so warmly upon sight. It was a blessing in disguise for her, really, that her brother was currently involved with someone; otherwise, surely, Ruff would've noticed her growing affection towards his roommate.

And so the girl settled in comfortably against him, Remus' arm quite naturally fitting around her shoulders, and nearly spoke over him when he started making real plans for them. Yes, I would like that. As it was, Char moved the blanket over her skirt for warmth and looked up at him to smile, giving a nod in response. "Perfect. The Knight Bus would probably be best, unless you've visited before and have a place to visualize," she suggested, having taken the hair-raising wizarding mode of transport often on holidays herself. Until Ruff had agreed to apparate into muggle London proper with her to explore over this last summer, the towering purple bus was her only way out of Sutton.

"We'll definitely see the bookshop - not so grand as the library here, naturally, but it has a charm of its own. And actually, speaking of libraries, Sutton's library itself is new and worth a stop as well. And the churches are just lovely if we want a piece of history. I've stopped in to appreciate the architecture or take in a service to try and understand them more. I can't truthfully say I have a firm grasp on any of them yet, but it's interesting. Really - ah - really whatever strikes your fancy when you're there," she ended after letting her mouth run away with her again. She'd so rarely shown anyone from Hogwarts her hometown, and while they likely wouldn't visit her actual home - Merlin's beard, wouldn't be able to talk yourself out of that one if seen, and are you ready to have them in your business? - there was still plenty to do and see on a song that she found herself rather excited. Seeing things that were everyday to her life, fresh and new in another's eyes, it really could be wonderful. And if it went well, perhaps she could visit his hometown soon too, right?

[Arnie Peasegood]

Oh good, that brings such clarity, Arnie thought, unmasked sarcasm in his mind, a look of slight bewilderment to his eye, after Sirius' words. It wasn't like he'd attended "pureblood events" as a child, so as to have a point of reference for what the older Gryffindor was using as a comparison. He could grin a bit at the mention of food, able to appreciate that more easily than whatever the required dress was, and at least Dora had some reassurance for him. Even if the expectations were still rather vague; would Wes' robes be good enough, or were robes a few years old out of style now? His family never had occasion for the things outside of graduations and the more formal dances, really, or the funds to frivolously spend on stuff like dress robes. So neither Arnie nor his brother could be proper judges of the latter's supply...she says it'll be fine, it'll be fine. "Okay, I think I've got it. Look good, and prepare to eat a lot. I can handle that."

Onto the next adventure they went, and while Arnie thought of it not too long after they'd piled in, he felt it would only increase the awkwardness for him to take out his wand and cast an expansion charm on the inside of the carriage. Talk turned to their Head Students, and Arnie had to laugh at the pair of lions he was sharing the space with. "All right, so I've just got to start causing a ruckus? Noted. How'd Lily get it then?" Arnie teased back, cheek warm from the light kiss his girlfriend gave him, and insides warmer under his sweater due to the rather singular look she was sending his way. While he'd wanted them to have the carriage - and this evening - to themselves so he could share what was in his heart, the Ravenclaw now wanted that alone time even more pressingly. Inconvenient, that, seeing as they were stuck in the carriage with another...

[Remus Lupin]

What are you doing, suggesting plans after Christmas?

It was mad to make plans with her, to nod and smile as she so happily discussed how the Knight Bus would be the best method for him to get to Sutton. He had never been before, and while he wasn’t fond of the crowded (and often reckless) method of transportation, it was better than ending up someplace he shouldn’t.

You shouldn’t go at all.

The boys would get on his case if he brought up his concerns. But this wasn’t just a new friendship he was striking up, it was forming into a relationship of a much different kind. One he wanted to continue, but he couldn’t lie to her about what he was. That wasn’t fair to her, and he wasn’t exactly comfortable with the idea of sharing the secret he hadn’t even told some of his closest friends. Lily would give him hell if he turned down this chance.

“That all sounds wonderful,” he chimed in as she trailed off, rubbing her arm gently as he looked down at her. “I can’t say I’ve ever been to a service, but I have read up some on religion. But some of the architecture of churches is absolutely beautiful. And I don’t think I’ve ever turned down a trip to the library. What else is there in Sutton? Have a hiding place you went as a kid?”

[Lily Potter]

Skating around and around James as he shuffled about the ice like a baby deer gave her a certain amount of joy. She felt a little bad for it. Happiness at another's expense was not true happiness at all. But James seemed to excel at all the physical things -not that she was thinking of James Potter getting physical with her or anything- except this. She could ice skate better than he could and she took her victory with a grain of salt and a cheeky call of his nickname- Prongs. Especially when her counterpart called her out on her abysmal flying skills.

"Oi!" She said, making another circuit around him, though her voice was full of laughter. "I would say I have a solid fourth-year skill level. Thank you very much." He was right of course despite her words. He was by far the superior flier and she was the worst. In fact, it was one of the more attractive things about him. James took the sky like a fish to water and he looked good doing it. She skated up to him now, teasing smirk in place as she skidded to a halt, spray ice onto his feet. "I just might let you do that, Potter."

A day of flying around with one James Potter? It was more appealing than it ought to have been and more terrifying still. Lily didn't much like flying, but she felt with James, it might not be so bad. It might actually be fun. Like now. She hadn't expected to be having such a good time on this admittedly well thought out snow day, but she was. Hand in hand with James as they ambled over to the carriage line made her more content than she cared to admit. She glanced over at her counterpart as she basically pulled him along, he really was very good looking. He was well on his way to a handsome man, with a good heart to boot...

"You've done a really good job. And not just today, just...in general. You really surprised me." Lily said when they were settled in the queue, only a few people before them. Her voice was quieter and more intimate than she had intended but at the moment, it fit her words perfectly. This was not something the others needed to hear. Particularly their roommates standing so close. "Perhaps...perhaps Dumbledore knew what he was doing after all." That was an admission that didn't hurt half as much as she had anticipated, in fact, it didn't hurt at all. If anything, it felt right.

[James Potter]

After the year started out with such a rude awakening - in the form of one of his teammates snogging the Head Girl on day one, and Remus calling him out on expecting something from her - James had felt he had to temper himself around this girl. Worried about saying or doing the wrong thing, messing the year up for her when she’d worked so hard to get here and he’d just been shoved into the position. Finding a balance wherein he could still be himself but the "better" Head Boy version had taken most of the term, and compromised his friendships, his coursework, even his Captain duties as he worked it out. But being here now and feeling the freedom in joking with Lily? Not second guessing everything? Took you long enough, but I think you found your stride.

So he made a face at her absurd insistence that she was at fourth-year skill level, and was promptly putting together a mental plan for a day flying with her. Just might was almost as good as an agreement, and if things went well this weekend…then he’d already have Date #2 ready to go. "Yeah? How’s next week look for you?" She just needed some confidence in herself to boost her flying abilities; it’d never seemed to him that she was afraid of the sport, and flying really was like their other subjects. There were some with natural talent, some who’d studied it longer than others, but anyone who wanted to get better and was willing to put in the work could get better. And after experiencing a few adrenaline-chasing maneuvers with him, how could she not want to spend more time in the air?

Maybe it was his hypersensitivity to her, maybe it was just wanting it to be true, but as Lily guided them towards the carriages, James felt that she was looking him over. And maybe he was grinning to his skates a little much at the thought. He mimicked the movement of hers to come to a stop, standing and finding his balance a little easier than at the start of this venture as they waited. As Lily struck up conversation again, her voice falling into quiet and almost tender tones, James looked to her in happy bemusement. At the start of term, he’d felt like he had to earn the approval of way too many people. Dumbledore, McGonagall, Remus, Lily - on top of the confused student body. He’d been most concerned about Remus and Lily; he and his mate had hashed things out in September, but it was a taboo topic between the Heads. She knew he struggled and had done what she could to help him gain confidence in it. And to hear her now?...

"Thank you, Lily," James replied, quiet in his sincerity. He gave her hand a squeeze as he smiled over at her, glowing as he searched for words after the surprise praise. "That - ah - that means the world, coming from you. Really, it does." In short work he was stepping up into a carriage and helping her in, and James settled into the hay feeling nearly on top of the world. Because there was one thing he needed to do today, besides throw the best snow day Hogwarts had ever seen. Something he'd been putting off until he felt that it was as sure of a thing as it could be. Something he'd sworn to stop putting off and do today. His throat felt parched at the realization that this was the best time for it, but he cleared his throat stubbornly, not about to let a little thing like nerves stop him when they were so close to taking a step. 

Working to keep his affect casual, although the redhead knew him well enough by now that she likely wasn't fooled, James quirked a brow over at her.

"D’you have plans for Hogsmeade tomorrow?"

[Charlotte Fudge]

Charlotte was ultimately relieved that their ideas of "wonderful" weren’t so far off from the other’s, and smiled up at him at his gentle reassurance in word and touch. This was what was at the core of her histories and romances, wasn't it? Finding someone that shared your view of "wonderful" in the day-to-day? Getting ahead of yourself there, Charlotte. Calm down, dear girl. She nodded to his agreement, smile broadening as he even agreed to the library, but had to chuckle at his last. "Besides my room?" she jested, that the only space at home that was truly her own. Well - as close as she had to that sort of spot, as her siblings took liberties with what she would have thought was a simple closed door means no company, please policy. "There are some well-kept parks about, if it's not too cold it can be lovely to be out in them too." But was the winter weather even something she should worry about? She'd moved the blanket up for modesty's sake more than warmth; seated here with him, maybe it was the proximity, or that they weren't the first to occupy the carriage, but it was quite warm enough. Probably charmed for it, nothing more than that.

"Hiding places..." She turned a curious eye on Remus at giving that phrasing a second thought. "Is that your way of hinting that you'd run off and hide as a child? Your poor parents! Whatever is the story there?" Seeing as long as she'd known him Remus had been tall, imagining him hiding anywhere successfully was amusing. And you failed to hide together, her mind very helpfully reminded the sixth year, conjuring up the jarring knocks of the Head Boy on the closet they'd sought refuge in. 

[Remus Lupin]

One day in Sutton wouldn’t be the end of the world, not by any means. He didn’t even have to tell his parents exactly why he was going to go visit. They knew Rufus Fudge was one of his roommates, and surely if he said he was going to see the Fudges’ they wouldn’t read into it too much? While he knew his mother would be delighted to know that he was going to see a girl, Remus had to guess his father wouldn’t approve as much. Keeping the secret of what he was, that was priority number one. He’d never even told his parents that the boys knew about it, afraid that his father would insist he stop attending Hogwarts. It had been bad enough in fourth year when Severus had found out, and a letter to his parents had been sent home. But one trip, that was innocent. It didn’t mean anything between them would be more permanent.

He smiled with her as she joked, not too surprised that Charlotte found solace in her bedroom. His room was his space, the one place that was truly his. At least, his in a way that didn’t bring up bad memories. And while the air would be cold in Sutton, there was something appealing about a walk in the park with the girl seated next to him in the carriage. At least, there was until the next question she asked, and he felt his throat go dry and his mind scrambled. Oh, he had hiding places of course. Dark and damp places, with stone walls and broken chains from when he had been younger and ripped them from the walls during rough transformations. Places with numerous magic spells to keep the werewolf from escaping and murdering everyone it could.

“No,” he whispered quietly, diverting his eyes away from Charlotte to floor of the carriage. “Not exactly.” Oh, there were plenty of times he’d tried to hide from his father as a kid. When he had been very young, he hadn’t really understood what was going on. Just that whenever his father took him to that place, it was painful. He’d run off plenty then, his father always catching him before he got too far. It had only been once he was old enough to understand that he was a werewolf, and track the phases of the moon, that he’d stopped trying to hide from it. “There’s a tree not far from my house that I liked to climb as a kid, though. Sometimes I’d stay up in it for hours.”

[Lily Potter]

Lily looked over to her fellow Head and current skating partner with a pointed look. "You know very well every minute of the day is planned for me and I'm booked until the end of year feels like." she said, clearly exaggerating and pulling another face, this one considerably less happy. Her younger self had thrived on setting such a strict schedule, but back in those days, she didn't have nearly as much responsibility as she did now. There weren't so many things to mark down on her calendar, there was always time for friends and laughter back then. Now she was Head Girl and she barely had time to breathe it felt like. Much less go off on a flying 'lesson'! But.... "Maybe I can move some things around though, I'll have to check the master planner."

She smiled at him then, referring to the larger calendar in the prefect's lounge that she kept for them both. Maybe they could find time to get away, just the two of them, even if it was for flying. Lily took a mental pause, taking note of how easily she thought of them as a pair and how excited she actually was at the prospect of flying, something that commonly invoked fear and foreboding in her heart. But with James, it was...different. He would never let anything bad happen to her, she was sure of it.

That feeling of safety must have flowed over because as they waited for the carriages she found herself saying words a few short months ago she thought she would never say. The words were deserved however and Lily felt somehow lighter for having said them. James had surprised them all with how well he was doing with being Head Boy, her most of all, and he should know that she no longer doubted him. His response made her blush a little, the moment felt so intimate now...she liked it. But was also glad when moments later their ride arrived.

The red-head climbed in after the messy haired boy-man she called partner, her mind wrapped up in all the revelations of late. This year had definitely been a doozy thus far. Starting with Remus and his bombshell about being a werewolf of all things, right down to James asking her out to Hogsmead tomorrow. Because she was positive, that's what he was doing right now, trying to inquire so innocently about her plans. She was shocked and hesitant for only a moment before a weird sort of euphoria overtook her. This had been coming, she could feel it, perhaps they both could and now that it was out there, she felt sure in her decision. Besides, hadn't she just been thinking about making time to go flying with him, if that wasn't a date she didn't know what was. Also, James Potter was so bloody transparent, and she kinda of really, really liked that about him."I think if you want to of course, that I'd like to go to Hogsmead with you tomorrow." She said haltingly, her eyes locking onto his, a bit of an unspoken challenge in their green depths. 'I challenge you to make me love you, James Potter.'

[James Potter]

"I know you love that planner, but give me five minutes alone with it and I promise I’ll have it sorted." Or five minutes alone with you, and we'll forget about all of our plans. James gave the Head Girl a big grin, sloppily skating along as he tried to keep up with her. He had admittedly gone a bit mad this year when it came to the necessity of scheduling out his life and, in turn, hers. But with the commitments he was unwilling to give up - there was no way he was losing his captainship or leadership of the Arrows club in his seventh year - and those forced upon him, it was...too much to keep in his mind without getting overwhelmed. Thankfully, Lily had helped him move from the giant handmade calendar in his room to a proper one in the lounge. Who’d known that you could get colored ink to help keep things organized? And that you could use charms to move lines around instead of scratching things out? Brilliant.

James was nearly as glad to get off of his feet as he was to be in a horse-drawn carriage with the redheaded stunner, and was proper proud of himself for getting this conversation started. Because he felt that she felt for him, in a decidedly more-than-friendly manner, and now that she was there along with him...why keep waiting to be happy together? Or to at least try? She'd agreed to figuring out a way to fly together, and that alone time was obviously a date, right? We could do this, Lily. I swear, we really could. His warm hazel eyes focused in on her after he spoke, heart beating hard in his chest, and read just a mite of hesitation in her before she started mirroring his own happiness.

Lily Evans was stumbling over her words as she essentially asked him out, but her gaze was unwavering as she met his smiling eyes. James could hardly believe what was happening - he’d figured he’d have to do some convincing, or at least make certain that she knew he was asking for a proper date. But with how she’d said it, there was no doubt in James’ mind that that’s what she was asking him for. And so he just smiled, lightly knocking a knee into hers in jest. "C’mon Evans, I’m never gonna say no to you. Even if you did just beat me to the punch on something I’ve been working so hard on." Extremely pleased, James couldn’t hold in a laugh, and let himself relax into the hay behind them. He linked his fingers behind his head, unable to keep a wide smile from his face as he looked up at her. Honestly not knowing the last time he’d felt so good, James was content to stay in this carriage the rest of the evening, looping around and around the lake with this girl until they could see the stars. "One of our last Hogsmeade visits, gotta make them count, y’know? Is there anywhere you haven’t been yet?"

[Charlotte Fudge]

Oh dear Merlin, what had she said wrong? Charlotte mentally backtracked as Remus’ affect dropped so much, feeling badly for bringing the mood down but not knowing how exactly she’d managed to do it. Navigating through talks with him was sometimes difficult, as her conversation skills were hardly prime, and they were still getting to know each other. But what was it - Did he not want to talk about home? Or his parents? Or life as a child? He did respond, after breaking eye contact and lowering his voice, seeming reluctant about it, and she felt her gut sink.

"Er - Remus?" She shifted about a little to find his eye, a gentle smile on her face before she spoke up. Perhaps she shouldn't address it, her friends may have given her that advice, but...Char felt that he'd appreciate her being up-front, even if, in the moment, she felt horribly awkward in doing so. "Thank you for sharing, but if I ever - er - if I ever bring something up that you’d rather not talk about, you can let me know. I won’t be hurt, I promise. There are things I don’t like to discuss unless it’s with someone who’s earned my trust, and we haven’t really known each other for long, so, I understand. Okay?"

That's Gryffindor courage, for you. Barrel through the discomfort, eh?

    If that's so, then...why haven't you told your family about the pair of you? 

It wasn't that the girl was ashamed, or wanted to hide them, or any such thing. But this was all so...uncharted. If their date during the holidays went well, and being together truly was something that they agreed to pursue, that they spoke about...you could tell them after that, couldn't you?

[Remus Lupin]

It seemed as if there wasn’t a conversation he could get through without things being weird, when it shouldn’t be this complicated. They were just talking about his life, it wasn’t as if he wasn’t knowledgeable in the subject. If his mind could stop thinking about the whole werewolf thing for just a minute, he could figure out how to speak to the pretty girl that was sitting so close to him in this carriage. He looked to her as she shifted to get his attention, unsure of where this conversation was headed as she so carefully said his name. But her words were not ones he had been planning to hear, and he couldn’t stop the smile that slipped onto his face as she made him feel like he wasn’t so awkward after all.

You could fall in love with this girl, if you’re not careful.

        Maybe I want to.

You won’t risk that though, will you?

Remus reached out for her hands, clasping them in his own as he nodded. “It’s not anything you’ve said, I’m just,” he paused, chewing his cheek as he thought. “This is new to me, going on dates and such and I’m just…” Failing at it, that’s what he was doing. “I’m just not used to someone being interested in anything about me.” There, that wasn’t the worst bit of putting words together he’d ever done, and he had to hope that it was enough.

He hadn’t realized how long they’d been in the carriage until it started to slow, and he hopped out when they stopped so that he could help Charlotte down. Once she was safely on the ground, he nodded towards the castle. “You know most people aren’t in the common room, we could probably find a good spot by the fire. I’ve got a book from my mum you might enjoy.”

[Charlotte Fudge]

Oh for Merlin's sake Charlotte, you should've just let it lie. Come up with literally anything else to say. That was so strange, people don't do that...

Against all of her self-talk, however, Remus began to smile. And started holding her hands. And looking at her in a way that quieted each and every argument inside her. Because he understood her. When are you going to stop doubting that? She listened intently, pale blue eyes bright on his, as he found words himself, assuring her that she hadn't been out of line before, and wasn't now. Relief tingled into her from the hands that he held so gently, and she was shortly smiling back. "Thanks, I - I can relate," she said with a laugh, not having spoken so much about herself since first year. She'd had to bond with her roommates then, for there had been no way she was going even one night without becoming acquainted with her current best friend. Having a bloke interested in her - and not just any bloke, but Remus Lupin, sweet and kind and bright with eyes like Honeydukes' best - was altogether different than that, but...you like it, don't even pretend to deny it. "For the record, I like learning about you," she blurted out before she could help herself, grinning as the carriage slowed to a stop. The queue was still thick with their classmates, but she didn't mind Remus helping her out in front of them. Gentlemanly thing to do, and Ruff is nowhere to be seen.

She found her feet a bit unsteadily, eager to be back in her boots and out of the school skates, but couldn't stop the grin on her face as he spoke up. What Remus suggested sounded like the perfect way to spend the rest of their evening - she'd made good on her promise to Daisy to come out, she had many stories to update her on, but - that was for later. Next, she just wanted to return their skates, go up to their Tower, and warm by the fire with the book from his mum. "Is that so? Sell it to me," Char challenged in tease, throwing a little smile back his way...

[charmus out!]

[Benji Fenwick]

Benji was positively seething on the inside; oh yes, Dirk the Jerk was definitely getting the ugly end of his fist when they got back to the dorm later. Twenty points? Did he really have to take twenty points, from his own house over just a little 'joke'. The now angry boy only glared daggers at his roommate, not willing to meet Willa's eye as he felt she would see the madness in them, the want to throttle Dirk into the ground. So he bit his tongue and directed the flow of people coming into the skate rental with as much ease as he could manage.

Why did his roommate have to be such a stick in the mud all of the time? Couldn't there be sometimes that he was just a /little fun? Benji guessed not and tried not to let the whole ordeal ruin his good mood for having snagged Willa Robbins for the day. Just ignore it. He told himself with a determined nod. "Alright, sort yourselves out. Rentals on this side returns on the other. Come on you lot." A gaggle of girls giggled as they jumped into the opposite line, the one for returns, and Benji shook his head. Really it wasn't that hard.

Soon it was all sorted out and the Ravenclaw felt lost at what to do next. His impromptu 'date' with the Hufflepuff wasn't going exactly as planned and honestly he felt like a bit of an intruder. She was a prefect and had duties to see too. Why being so friendly to Dirk was one of those duties was beyond Benji but he would never hold Willa's kindness against her, no matter how ill placed he thought it to be. Resolved he ambled up to the counter, hands shoved into his pockets and pointedly not looking at his roommate. "Meet me around back by the student plots when you're done here?" And with Willa's promise to do just that in hand, Benjji made his leave of the snow day festivities.

[Lily Potter]

Lily gave James a sidelong glance, quirking her lips in amusement. "No sir. You may not touch my baby." She informed him, thinking of the massive calendar and how perfect it was and how much of her love and time she had put into it. "No, I'll handle it, I'll make us some time." She assured him, already thinking of ways she could move things around to free them up some time.

She could barely believe that she was so eager to make time for flying, and with James at that, but she was. The head girl accepted that knowledge as they entered the carriages together and held on to it as she essentially asked her counterpart out on an actual date. A Hogsmead date too, which in the world of Hogwarts was like the real deal dating scene. Lily giggled at her own thoughts, for once really feeling like a giddy teenaged girl, something her responsibility usually kept her from.

So, she had essentially asked James Potter out on a date and she was happy about it. Oh, what the world was coming to. She smiled as the messy haired boy across from her agreed to said date, making her laugh in the process. And she laughed more at his last question. "James." she said, shaking her head in fondness. "I think we have all seen everything Hogsmead has to offer by now. If we hadn't, I would question what we have been doing these seven years." Her face turned slightly more serious then and she licked her lips, meeting James' eye. "I suppose it doesn't matter where we go or what we do, as long as we do it together, it will be new and exciting."