Chirp, chirp, little bird. PV: Novalie Moon finished

Today was the day Novalie had to attend History of Magic.
It wasn’t that she didn’t care about the past - especially when magic was involved! - but sitting through lectures and reading about dusty old events just didn’t hold her attention. She was a hands-on kind of girl and stories alone never seemed enough to keep her engaged. Novalie had to feel it, to really experience it! Sitting, listening and reading though..
If she was honest, focus might not be her strongest suit.

The moment the redhead entered the classroom, her eyes locked on Oliver, and a smile spread across her face. Without hesitation, she plopped down into the seat beside him.

"Okay, Ollie, picture this.", she launched right into conversation, skipping any greeting or formalities, "I just came from Flying Class, right? And there was this girl who swore she'd beat me in a race. I thought: Oh my god, finally, a real challenge! She’s even in some flying club or whatever, so I figured, why not? We started before class - because, well, you know why - and BAM! I took off so fast!"

Novalie’s hands moved wildly as she recounted the race, illustrating every sharp turn and burst of speed.

"It was like whoosh and whaa!-"

The Ravenclaw abruptly stopped when she felt a leaf dangling from her hair, her energy momentarily giving way to a more casual tone,
"Oh. Must’ve gotten that from the tree I nearly crashed into."

Then, without warning, she leaned in close to Oliver, clearly invading his personal space with renewed enthusiasm,
"Anyway, get this! I won, but she said I cheated! Can you believe that? Me? Cheat? That takes all the fun out of it. I think she just couldn’t handle losing. That's sad, really."

With a shrug, she pointed at his textbook,
"So, I didn’t bring mine. Let's share!"

Novalie flashed him her brightest smile.

She skipped all greetings Oliver noticed. Also used his nickname. Ollie, only one person used it at Hogwarts with out him minding. That being Aaron, his brother. When did Novalie start using it? His mind was drawing a blank, when he opened his mouth to correct her, she started talking about something he had zero interest in. She was talking fast, and if anyone asked Oliver would tell them she was rambling on.

It was something about a race? He jumped a little when she said 'BAM!' It came out of no were. He smoothed out his robes. "Very interesting," His tone was sarcastic when he said that, he didn't think it was interesting at all. "However I think class will be starting soon." It may have been a small fib. He thought they might have a few minuets before it started.

Give him a few seconds of quiet. That would be great. He couldn't be that lucky. Sadly. As she got right back at talking. Waving her hand around wildly as if trying to swat a bee away. He watched in almost horror as she pulled a leaf from her hair. How could she not notice it at all? Insanity. "You almost ran into a tree?" He asked trying to make sure he heard this right. Despite not being to fond of her, he still wasn't to mean as not check up on people. "Are you alright?" Oliver asked in a slightly worried, or closer to concerned tone.

Out of nowhere she leaned in really close. Way to close. He jumped back at the proximity of it all. Lightly pushing her back in her seat. Almost just guiding her. "How tragic." He said with an eye roll, why would he care that this other girl whom he did not know of said Novalie cheated in a silly race he did not witness?

He had almost forgotten about the books on his desk until she had drawn attention to it. He looked down re adjusting himself from when he had jumped back. He took a very deep breath, very. Of course she had forgotten. He had to bite back a response about if she was so hyper she could have ran to the library or even her common room. "I..." He paused trying to think of really any reason he might not be able to.

"I don't see a reason why we cant." Oliver told her, in a defeated tone. Then he looked up at her, moving the book in between them. "Just don't touch it to much, it's in very good condition. I would like to keep it that way." He kept his books in amazing condition, some people might find it hard to believe that it had been a month since school started. They looked close to brand new. "This is a one time thing. I won't help if you forget again." He would. But she didn't need to know that.

OUTFIT & INVENTORY Reducio school robes Mandatory school items in a massager bag. (quill, wand, parchment, books, etc.)

OOC NOTE & STATS/ABLITIES Reducio Fearless - Oliver does not scare easily, not effected by terrible presence or unsettling aura { Stamina: 7 }{ Evasion: 5 }{ Strength: 10 }{ Wisdom: 3 }{ Arcane Power: 2 }{ Accuracy: 8 }

Interacting : @Novalie Moon |||| @n/a : Mentioning

Novalie absolutely loved how attentive Oliver was!
Sure, the redhead knew she was a great storyteller - there was no doubt about that - but with Ollie, it felt different. He wasn’t just listening, he was truly engaged, hanging on to her every word. She could tell by the little comments and questions he sprinkled in, like when he asked if she was okay after nearly crashing into the tree, a - in her eyes - genuinely worried look on his face, or when he wholeheartedly agreed how tragic it was that some people just couldn’t handle losing gracefully.

She was certain the Slytherin enjoyed hearing about her adventures as much as she loved telling them.
Novalie would make sure to always share her stories with him, no matter what.

When he agreed to share his book and slid it between them, the girl beamed,
"Thanks, Ollie! You're the best!"

She was about to flip the pages when he stopped her, telling her not to touch the book. Her hand froze mid-motion, confusion showing on her face. It wasn’t like the book looked old or fragile - it seemed brand new, actually. Why couldn’t she touch it? Because he wanted to keep it new?

Well, everyone had their quirks, she supposed.

With a playful shrug, Novalie lowered her hand, still smiling.
"Okay, no touching.", she agreed, respecting his request, even if she didn’t quite understand it. He must have his reasons. Also, she would try her best to remember to bring her own book next time! Oliver was so caring!

As the lesson began, Novalie’s enthusiasm quickly faded. To her disappointment, they were still stuck on the topic of Gargoyles. The Ravenclaw had been interested when they first discussed the strike, but now they were bogged down in boring ministry regulations and her attention drifted.

Puffing her cheeks, she leaned back in the chair, gazing up at the ceiling as she twirled a strand of her long hair between her fingers. Her mind wandered and before long, she leaned toward Oliver again, whispering,
"You know what? I’ve been wondering how one could get past that gargoyle by the classroom. It looks so intimidating, doesn’t it?"

A mischievous chuckle escaped her lips as she imagined sneaking past the stone creature.

"I heard the Professor put it there because people kept messing with the classroom. Like pulling pranks and stuff.", she continued, her voice low and conspiratorial, "I’m not trying to cause trouble or anything, but I am curious to see how far I could get. What do you think it would do if it caught us? Do you think it would, like, actually hurt us?"

Novalie was already counting Oliver in, her eyes sparkling with excitement, "Let’s try it tonight! No one will be around to snitch on us then and the atmosphere will be so much creepier. It’ll be thrilling!"

He was about to send a glare at Noviale when he saw her hands hovering over his book, about to flip the pages. Was it a bit much? yes. Did he really care? No, not at all. It was his book after all, his rules. He held back at the glaring though when she had agreed, respecting his a little over the top wishes. "Thank you, just tell me," He was putting emphasis on how he was the only one allowed to touch it. Again, a little to much. He just wanted to make sure she understood. She did a lot of talking. And Oliver wasn't sure how well she listened. "When you need the next page." He finished.

As the class started, Oliver started to. Immediately tuning out the chatter of his classmates that didn't like the class as much as he did. Taking his very thought out and in depth notes. Hanging on every word the professor was saying. As if it was the most important information in the world. And to Oliver, right now it was. Everything else didn't matter to him. He was in class, so his focus was on class. Not on Novalie. Not on his house. Not on his family. Just the class. And taking the notes on gargoyles.

Though of course, nothing good could ever last forever. The Ravenclaw just had to start talking again. He did not want to know what, and wanted to focus on what the professor was saying. So he wasn't fully paying attention to what the girl was saying. He sighed. "I suppose one could say that." He said with a little grumble, he wasn't one to get intimidated from a mere gargoyle. It was Hogwarts after all, no harm would come to him here. He did not think the professors would be fools enough to let a dangerous thing sit aimlessly around the school.

He sighed and took a deep breath. "No, I don't think it would hurt anyone." That was just simple logic after all. There was always an explanation on why not to be scared. "It's Hogwarts, they wouldn't let a dangerous thing like that around students. If we think about it, It would most likely just alert a prefect or professor." He couldn't blame the professor if it was there to stop students from messing up the room. He would have done the same if he was a professor. He didn't like sharing a book with a student, and couldn't fathom what one may do to an entire room.

He than looked over at her with wide, shocked eyes. "Are you mad?!" He asked tone almost angry but not quite there. How could she even think about going out at night? Breaking a strict rule? All rule's were there for a reason after all. Yes, it would be creepier, sure. If you were a scaredy cat. "Why not just, I don't know, do it in the day. When your not breaking a school rule?" Novalie now had his attention, Oliver was trying to talk some seance into the girl.

OUTFIT & INVENTORY Reducio school robes Mandatory school items in a massager bag. (quill, wand, parchment, books, etc.)

OOC NOTE & STATS/ABLITIES Reducio Fearless - Oliver does not scare easily, not effected by terrible presence or unsettling aura { Stamina: 7 }{ Evasion: 5 }{ Strength: 10 }{ Wisdom: 3 }{ Arcane Power: 2 }{ Accuracy: 8 }

Interacting : @Novalie Moon |||| @n/a : Mentioning

Novalie listened attentively as Oliver explained that the gargoyle wouldn’t hurt anyone but would instead alert some authority figure. That made sense - well, Oliver was smart, after all, so whatever he said always seemed logical.
She nodded, almost like a child absorbing the wisdom of an adult, her excitement brieflly replaced with a thoughtful expression.

But when she noticed his reaction about sneaking out at night, her brows furrowed slightly in confusion. The boy didn’t seem thrilled with the idea...
For a moment, she studied him, puzzled, until it clicked in her mind:
He must be scared.

An almost pitiful smile showed on her lips as she placed a hand on his shoulder.

"It’s okay, Ollie. Most people would be scared to face a gargoyle at night.", she said lightly.
"You don’t have to make up excuses not to come with me."
The redhead gave him a quick pat before withdrawing her hand,
"No need to be ashamed of your weaknesses."

In her mind, it made no sense for Oliver to turn down a harmless nighttime adventure if not being scared. Sure, he was a good student who followed all the rules, but sneaking out? That didn’t really count as a rule, right? At least not in her book. Besides, if you didn’t get caught, was it even considered breaking one? There were far worse things they could be doing.

The last time Novalie had been caught, she'd even been treated to hot chocolate by the demon prefect after detention. So really, where was the harm?

Convinced now that her friend was just too cautious to join her, the Ravenclaw stretched her arms lazily, her voice light as she added, "It’s alright, I’ll just ask someone with a little more courage. Or I'll go by myself!"

The words tumbled out casually, without any hint of malice or provocation. In Novalie’s mind, she was being empathetic, not wanting to pressure him into something that clearly made him uncomfortable. She respected him too much for that. To her, it was just a matter of different strengths and she didn’t think twice about how her assumption might come across.

Oliver looked at her hand on his shoulder, she was touching him. He just looked at her hand as if he couldn't believe what he was seeing. Her words, if possible, shocked him even more. Scared? Excuses? Weakness?! Who did this girl think he was? "I, for one. Am not scared." He assured her, he was never scared. Fear was a silly concept. One he did not grasp, and knew other people got scared. Never quite sure as to why. "I also have no weakness," none of the top of his head anyways. He was an Armani, not weak. Never. "Sue me if I don't want to break a rule, set there for a reason." He said with an eye roll.

He was a good student, all O's. Very active in lessons, answering any and all questions he could. Note's as clean and neat as someone's china cabinet. With the plates and cups only used when very important people where coming over for diner. Never anything less. He broke no rules, had the rule list practically memorized. He was not scared of breaking them, no. It was just silly to even try and break them. He knew they were mostly there to keep student's safe, like not swimming, and exploring the forest. He naturally assumed going out at night was also there for safety. He had no desire to break them and find out for himself, like other troublesome students.

It felt almost like a personal stab to the heart, when Novalie had implied even for a second that he would have been scared to go out. It was not fear, it was logic. He almost wanted to just take his book away, and tell her to 'figure it out on your own now.' Almost. He had to take some breaths so he didn't end up doing that. He went back to the lesson. Taking his notes, and whatnot. Pushing the insult to the back of his mind.

"What?" He snaped his neck back to look at Novalie, did she just imply he had no courage? That he wasn't brave enough to go out? When he was meant to have been a Gryffindor, the house built on bravery. "You are not going alone." Oliver told her firmly. He was not a wimp. He would prove that to her. Not like she hurt his ego or anything. "I'm going with, and I will prove that I'm not scared." It was a promise.

This girl was pushing him, if he wasn't so worked up he would have ignored her. Or realized that maybe she didn't mean any harm. But, Oliver being who he was. Just had to prove that he wasn't a wimp. And was the very best. So if that mean breaking a rule to prove it, he would do it. Pray that he didn't get caught. As he was sure his family would be informed. That, would end up a disaster. Though the first year was not thinking of that right now. Only thinking of proving himself superior, and proving he was not scared.

OUTFIT & INVENTORY Reducio school robes Mandatory school items in a massager bag. (quill, wand, parchment, books, etc.)

OOC NOTE & STATS/ABLITIES Reducio Fearless - Oliver does not scare easily, not effected by terrible presence or unsettling aura { Stamina: 7 }{ Evasion: 5 }{ Strength: 10 }{ Wisdom: 3 }{ Arcane Power: 2 }{ Accuracy: 8 }

Interacting : @Novalie Moon |||| @n/a : Mentioning

Did Oliver just say he had no weaknesses?

That couldn’t be right - everyone had a weak point, no matter how old, wise or confident. But the way he said it, so self-assured, made Novalie pause. For a split second, she almost believed him. After all, in her eyes, Oliver was kind of perfect.
But then, why wouldn’t he come with her to outsmart the gargoyle? Was it really just because of the rules?

The redhead tilted her head, watching him curiously, trying to figure him out.
And why in the world would she ever sue him? The idea was absurd! Oliver was one of her closest friends - she’d never do anything like that!
With a sigh, she looked around the classroom, thinking about who else she might ask to join her. Suddenly, Novalie was startled by the firmness in his voice.

“You are not going alone.”, she heard him say, his tone resolute.

The Ravenclaw’s eyes widened in surprise. He-
Her thoughts spun. Why the sudden change of heart?
Was it actually because-?
She gently laid a hand on her cheek, a touch of emotion welling up as she looked at the boy, her eyes shimmering with the hint of a tear. She felt genuinely touched by his promise.

"Ollie...", Novalie whispered, her voice filled with awe, "You don’t want me to go alone? Wow.. you’re so considerate...!"

In her mind, it had absolutely nothing to do with Oliver wanting to prove he wasn’t scared.
No, of course he was scared. But he was doing this for her - for her safety. That’s why he had changed his mind. The Slytherin was protecting her.
She knew she could always count on him!

“You’re the absolute best, Ollie!”, Novalie exclaimed, suddenly throwing her arms around him in a tight hug. A second later, she pulled back, flashing him her signature grin.
“Right after curfew, then! I’ll meet you on the first floor!”, she declared, excitement lighting up her face.

He was very confused, what was this girl doing? Touching her cheek? Was that a tear? "Are you feeling alright?" He asked voice full of confusion, if she was going to start crying.. Oliver didn't know what he would do. Again with the Ollie.. If she was about to start crying, he couldn't correct her. He was far from heartless. Just, rude. Yet she was calling him considerate. "Ah- No... That's not-" He figured that she must think he was doing this to be nice. Not to prove himself brave. He sighed, it would be pointless to try to convince her otherwise. "Never mind." He shook his head.

Why try to tell her otherwise, this was definitely not helping her delusion of thinking they were friends. But he was starting to think maybe that wasn't to bad. As long as she wasn't parading it around. He had a reputation to uphold. He didn't have many, if any friends. Let alone close ones. Novalie was just someone he had to tolerate. His choice of wording was not the best, he would have to admit that. Was it to late to take back his words?

Being called the absolute best, that helped fuel his slightly fractured ego. Then. Oh dear god. She hugged him. He was stunned. Sitting very stiff, and very wide eyed. No one hugged him, only his mother, and younger siblings. Even then it was saved for special occasions, or when he gave a gift they really liked. Not by people he didn't even consider friends, and for sure not for agreeing to break a school rule. Oliver lightly patted her back, very awkwardly. He was unsure of what to do with his hands, so awkwardly.

How the touching had escalated from arm pats, to hugs, Oliver was unsure. And he did not like it. Once she let go, after what felt like an eternity. With her signature grin, and his signature almost frown, she gave him the details. He let out a sigh, smoothing out his robes. And letting out a very small huff, she was, a lot. "Very well, right after curfew. First floor." He confirmed. How did he let himself get roped into this?

OUTFIT & INVENTORY Reducio school robes Mandatory school items in a massager bag. (quill, wand, parchment, books, etc.)

OOC NOTE & STATS/ABLITIES Reducio Fearless - Oliver does not scare easily, not effected by terrible presence or unsettling aura { Stamina: 7 }{ Evasion: 5 }{ Strength: 10 }{ Wisdom: 3 }{ Arcane Power: 2 }{ Accuracy: 8 }

Interacting : @Novalie Moon |||| @n/a : Mentioning

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