Vaille Que Vaille pv Closed

Ami snorted at Scott's sheer ridiculousness, how strange he looked snuggling with a pompom ball that could fit in his palm. Alexx's pain was obvious, too, but Scott managed to recover pretty well. The redhead was left at a loss for words, though, as both Reid and Scott comforted the Slytherin, making her feel better. Why couldn't she say anything? Why did words stick in her throat, leaving her as the only person who didn't say anything to comfort Alexx.

She smiled a small smirk as Scott mentioned his brief stint as prefect, although her gaze stayed focused on Alexx. Her eyes flickered over to Reid, however, as Scott pointed out the toad in Reid's hair. She scoffed loudly, grinning at Scott with a mockingly offended expression. "Scott! I don't bite! Only yell," Ami protested with an easy-going smile.

"He's... precious," Ami said hesitatingly, glancing at Scully warily. A toad? Of all the pets you could get, Reid had gotten a toad? And by Reid's description, Scully really didn't even do much. At least, with a cat, Leo could keep her company or entertain her when she was bored. Toads with only three legs really couldn't do anything but sit there and glare at you; and what kind of fun was that? Shaking her head slightly in confusion, she brightened up at the mention of America, glancing towards Scott with an excited expression. 

"The city! I love America," Ami said, glancing at Alexx and adding, "Never been down to Louisiana, but Chicago is the best. Buildings that touch the sky- the skyscrapers just stare down at you, and the people! So many people, coming from every corner of the world and the universe, playing in the streets- oh, the music! Just, all the different things there, and all the food..." She sighed happily she reminisced about the city where she had grown up, a dreamy glaze crossing over her eyes.

"America's so cool," she finally decided, wrapping her mini-rant up. "If you ever get the chance to go, Reid, you definitely should. Also! New Orleans, Alexx- that's cool." At that, Leo turned from Alexx, staring at Scully with a playful glint in his eyes, his tail flicking wildly. Alarmed, Ami sprung to her feet, snatching her cat away.

"Sorry, Reid," she said, holding Leo close to her chest. "I don't think he's ever seen a toad before- or, at least, a toad up close. Goddammit, Leo, why can't you behave like Lady?" Ami sighed, glancing at Lady Madeleine pleadingly, as if she could keep her feline friend under control.

When Reid took it upon himself to explain who his small friend, Scully, actually was- Scott was busy facing Alexx with his best expression of horror. You don't smell weird! is what he then mouthed to the Hufflepuff when he finished, as reassuringly and apologetically as he could. Only the subject of America had once again been brought up, so there was no telling wether he noticed.

"I've never been, either," Scott admitted. "But if it's anything like the way you say it is, Ami, then I bet I'll like it. Because I love food, and I do music, too... Chicago.... And New Orleans! Where is that? They have music there, too, don't they? Famous, I mean. It's all I've heard about it. In fact, that's all I hear about any place over there- since Dad has been a couple of times. Although he says he's been everywhere. Not Wales, though... not ever."

Scott looked out the slowly darkening compartment window in contemplation, as he stroke Rosalie once or twice between her ears- until Ami disturbed his view by rushing to her feet.

"Ami, if Leo eats that probably-nice-or-maybe-just-disabled toad I am going to be very sad about it. Do cats eat toads? Bet they could... I hope not. Lady won't, anyway, she barely eats anything if I don't cut it up nicely for her first. And I promise I won't do that to Scully."

Scott leaned forwards to see what Lady Madeleine was up to. She, unlike her smaller friend, hadn't thrown a single curious eye Reid's way- and this relieved him to see. Instead, she'd taken to lie closer to his own feet, her yellow eyes closing whenever he wasn't moving.

Maybe the floor was cold.

Trying not to lose control over Rosalie as he held her in just the one hand, Scott wrapped the other around Lady's stomach and lifted her up to place her in his lap. She seemed annoyed at first, what with having been disturbed, but continued to lay still and in peace with the small movements of the train.

Rosalie, he held high up by his chest- keeping the two apart mostly for her own sake. Lady was never aggressive, but to be fair he'd never seen her react to having a Pygmypuff drop onto her sleeping head.

"What are you going to do then, Reid, during the summer? Are you travelling somewhere or staying in England? You're from England, right, I can hear it... either way I need to know where you're taking my new best friend. Sorry Ami."

Alexx hummed as the others mused, paying no mind to Reid's playful scoff that he shot her way. While the others were talkative, she fell quiet, nodding along at some points. She didn't feel the need to say much, given that there were three perfectly good other speakers in the compartment. Scott seemed to be fascinated with Scully, Reid as well, whilst Ami was preoccupied discussing America. Alexx, however, found herself without much to say.

For a whole year, she had used her words. It took some time; especially since she had previously been so shy and nervous. Alexx had been very lucky to have grown out of that. However, now she was tired. She had her fun. All year, she had been having fun. Now she was socially and mentally exhausted. Upset, too.

The end of the year called for some violent mood swings on her behalf. She wasn't sure what was going on. Why was she so angry all of a sudden? She didn't understand. Everything got under her skin... Everything just seemed to annoy her. Right now, she wasn't necessarily angry, but she was sad. With all this anger, though it seemed to keep her warm, came an aftertaste that was so bitter it could only make her sad. She couldn't help but partially assume that her home life was to blame, but she also decided that wasn't the only factor. There was probably much more, but she didn't know what. It was very frustrating living her life not knowing what it was that was making her feel terrible.

It was easier to not talk, because if she didn't, then she couldn't upset anyone. She liked all three of them. If she hadn't, then she would certainly not have invited Reid to come and sit with her. She also would have chased Scott and Ami out. So, it was safe to say that was a bridge that she was not looking to burn anytime soon. Instead, she decided that silence was the key here.

However, she would speak. Mostly to be polite, still. She had spoken already, so suddenly falling quiet was not going to do her any favors in her quest to stay inconspicuous with her emotions. Alexx didn't like to trouble others with how she felt. No one should ever have to share her burdens if it weren't necessary, so she would not let others in on it. Alexx was always being an idiot like that. She kept her emotions locked away tight, not to be seen by her friends or family.

Soft and innocent eyes set their full attention to Reid. Big, blue-green orbs eyeing him, almost glossy. Not necessarily in a sad way, but in a sparkly way. Her eyes were massive and filled with admiration and wonder. "May I hold him? S'il vous plait?" Alexx had always loved Scully. He was a good toad as far as she could tell, and Rosalie seemed to like him just as much. It helped that he wasn't going to be moving around much. It meant that there was less havoc to worry about with him. Rosalie, on the other hand, could bounce off walls all day long, should it please her.

She had also nodded at Scott and Ami when they discussed America. "New Orleans does have some fine music. Jazz. Lots of culture there." She commented, smiling. She hadn't always had the best interactions with the city. On a night that was most unfortunate, she found herself, nine years old, wandering around the city alone. Flashing neon signs and the chatter of people. A jazz tune emerged in the distance; a sound of a lonely trumpet. Though it was jazz, it was eerily solemn. She remembered the fancy clothes and the smell of the food, eyes glistening, glancing in every direction. Something was wrong.

Alexx pushed the thought aside. Now was no time for unpleasant memories. She wasn't going to make this train ride any more dismal. She wanted to think of something else. "I plan to come back to England for my birthday, though. You all will come, right? Probably just us three. Maybe Dymphna too." Much to her dismay, Grand-mère Jeannine would not let her go without celebrating. Thirteen, from her understanding, was supposed to be a marvelous affair. Alexx herself, however, could do with just sitting around the house with Tex. Instead, she was meant to do something that she wanted. Spoiled, she was. So, Alexx picked to make a return to England to (hopefully) visit some friends. That was all that she would ask for.

[quote]"Oh, I love birthdays! Probably no more than the next person, but I imagine it's a given for everyone. Where in England do you live? Because I hope too that you plan on going back there to celebrate, as I can't imagine suddenly expanding my trip to New Orleans could ever be on the table with my mother. She damn near sent herself with me to Hogwarts first year. But I'd happily attend!"

Scott grinned at Alexx, happy for the invitation, and then did the same down towards his lap as he bounced his knees up and down a couple of times with Lady half asleep. This didn't wake her up, nor had he meant it to... Whilst Reid took to describing what appeared to be one of his favourite places, Scott pondered over questions like who was Dymphna again? and when was the last time he saw a football game? He decided that 1, he couldn't remember- and that 2, he'd never actually been to one, that the distinct memories he had were merely his father's excited stories come vividly to life.

"I don't know wether I've ever been... trekking." Scott said slowly, as Reid had asked them all a question about it. "We rarely visit nature places like that anymore. Whenever we travel it's with Mother's work, and that usually means cities. Only this Easter Holiday, we went from Manchester to Oxford and then to Ryde in the span of a couple of days... Not exactly trekking-places, unless you really know your way around. But we used to visit my grandparents in Ballintoy all the time before! It's definitely not a national park but it's beautiful, nonetheless. Very beautiful, to me... We camped in the glens nearby once, when I was little. But then I woke up covered in ants and screamed so we don't do that anymore!"

Scott laughed at himself, then petted both the creatures in his seat at once. He'd wished for his family to return to Northern Ireland almost every holiday now, probably as the one thing he and Ben were on the same side regarding, but it hadn't happened so far. Still, this summer he was going to America! As much as he loved the hills and the cliffs of the place, he couldn't very well pick Ballintoy over this opportunity. Either way, maybe it was something he could wish for again come Winter Holidays. They hadn't celebrated Christmas at his paternal grandparents place for several years, and Scott would be lying if he didn't say he enjoyed that significantly more than he did Christmas with the Alexanders...

Spoke to Ami, she requested yet another skip, so I'm posting in her absence.

Alexx marveled at the Bufonidae that now sat in her lap, smiling intensely. While Alexx didn't plan on taking Care of Magical Creatures, she did at least love animals. The pygmy puff that seemed to like Scott more than anyone else was her prime example of that. Outside of Rosalie, Alexx was quite taken with Scully. Reid's companion and counterpart was, perhaps, the most adorable thing that she had ever seen in her life.

Scooping the toad into her hands, she smiled sweetly at him, tapping her finger on his head as a form of "petting". She couldn't tell if he was enjoying his time with her so far or not, as he mostly kept the same facial expression, along with the fact that he couldn't go anywhere without the assistance of her (or anyone else). So he was really just forced to endure her rare spurt of affection that was currently being bestowed upon him.

Alexx was very guilty of paying more attention to Reid than she did most other people. He always had something interesting to say, even if he sounded like an idiot. Reid was dumb, no doubt, but he knew how to keep people interested in a conversation. For example, Alexx hated the outdoors with a passion, but the way that Reid was describing his interest in it felt so much more intense to her than anything Scott or Ami had said thus far. She didn't mean that in a rude way, or to insinuate that everyone was irrelevant in comparison to Reid (though, in all fairness, that felt mostly true from the outside looking in), but she simply meant that as showing how much she truly cared about her friend.

She had to think before she spoke. Not everyone would share the same interests, and that was more than fine. The world would be a boring place if everyone liked the same thing. But judging by her pale skin, she thought that Reid would have noted that she didn't get out much. Well, with the exception of Quidditch, of course. Alexx was the least-athletic athlete there was. She hated being outside, hated getting dirty, and hated physical labor. So why did she like Quidditch so much?

Legacy.

Texas André Séverin was a damn good seeker. He could have totally played professionally had he just learned to use his talent. Alexx admired her second oldest brother; much to a point that she wanted to fulfill what once was his dream. It would take some getting into shape, and definitely a lot more dedication than she currently had, but Alexx was bound and determined.

But Quidditch was her only true exception. Otherwise, she absolutely would never go outdoors until absolutely necessary. There was simply too much room for the humidity to make her hair frizz, or for her to begin sweating, or for her face to get red! She couldn't take any chances.

So, finally, she spoke up. "Sadly, I am not as in love with the outdoors and physical activity as you, mon ami. Aside from Quidditch, of course. I have never been trekking, either. I avoid being outside if I can help it. She shrugged, concluding her statement.

Then, pursing her lips, she spoke up again. "No presents. My family has all the money in the world, I could buy anything I want. Don't waste your money on gifts. Showing up is enough." Her statement wasn't meant to brag, but it was true. Two long lines of rich purebloods meant that Alexx could buy just about anything. Other than that, she couldn't even begin to think of what she wanted. All her life, her parents had tried to buy her affection. Really, Alexx just wanted attention. Love. Respect. Friends. Knowing that people would actually be there was enough for her.

Turning to Scott, Alexx smiled. "Actually, I don't really have a home at the moment. We'll likely go back to France, but my brother and I are couch surfing for the time being. Papa took the manor when he and mother divorced, which is why I'll be in America over the summer. Until my oldest brother can get custody of us, at least. Then we're thinking about an apartment in Paris. But we hold some residence in Manchester- the Bonheur side of my family, at least. So that's where I'll be." It felt far too natural explaining to her friends that she was technically homeless. It was true that there was a perfectly good manor belonging to the Séverin family that was located in France, but this past year made Mikey decide that he was not allowing his siblings to move back in with their parents. Given that Alexx and Emaline weren't exactly old enough to make that decision legally, it was up to Mikey to figure that out. She couldn't stay in America for very long, of course. The family connections that would keep Tex and her there would run thin soon enough, and then it was back to France.

The pending case, however, could take... A while. At least, that is what Mikey told her. So Alexx was preparing for winter break either at Hogwarts or her wandering around England and hoping for the best.

Ami's eyes seemed to glaze over as the other's talked, and her attention turned from her companions to the view outside the window. Her mind, inexplicably, flickered to that fateful night outside the Groundskeeper's Cabin, her hand drifting to her shoulder as her fingertips ran across the raised, ruined surface of her skin. What had happened to Eris and Dorian? Eris, she had seen several times throughout the school year, but they were only glimpses here and there; never face to face, never conversations. With a pang, she couldn't help but worry about her- was she still living in that park? Did she have food to eat each night? ... did she still have the knife that Ami had given her?

Why was it her business to worry about someone who hated her to her very core?

Her leg bouncing up and down nervously, Ami's hand dropped from her shoulder as she leaned back against her seat, folding her arms over one another as she stared dejectedly at the ceiling, her feet performing some sort of intricate tap-dance that only she knew the beat and rhythm to. The others seemed to be talking about something, and it was probably something important, but Ami simply couldn't bring herself to start listening again. What was it that Elijah had said?

Right. ADHD. She still didn't want to admit it, she knew it was stupid. While she had always been energetic and rather... lively, Ami had never had any problems focusing when told to. It was only now that she had to force herself to listen with every nerve in her body, that she had to physically restrain herself from jittering and fidgeting. What would her mother say? Ami bit her lip at the thought of her mother finding out that she was so much less than perfect- so unlike Abella. Her leg bouncing wildly, now, her head turned back to shift her gaze out the window of the train.

Leaning her head against the windowpane, Ami wonder just what it was she and Scott were going to do in America. She had never been much of a planner, herself, but she knew that her father at least liked to have a vague outline of what they were going to do. With a jump, she straightened up again, glancing at Scott. What was he going to think of her father? Her father, the brave, No-Maj veteran who stoutly refused magical treatment, despite her mother's pleading; her father, confined to his wheelchair, with biceps as large as her head; her father, the loud and proud American. Her family was so different from Scott's... how on earth would he react?

Reid mentioned something about a home, and Ami was once more sucked back into the conversation for absolutely no reason. "I- yeah, houses and stuff," she said, glancing around the compartment. "Uh..." Glancing at Scott, a panicked look on her face, she asked, "What are we talking about?"

"Homes." Replied Scott casually. "And their sometimes quite complicated nature. I wouldn't know too much about it." He laughed, quite unaware of the lie he just told, and smiled at his friend. Had she drifted off? He wondered where to. But even as he did, Scott couldn't stop himself from throwing Alexx a short but concerned look. What was it she had said, exactly? "Couch-surfing"? It hadn't sounded like she was altogether stray... She'd mentioned a number of places in which she could reside, and a number of people with whom she could reside there with! And when it all came down to it, it was the latter that would've reassured Scott the most. Though he himself was guilty of relating much of his comfort to familiar corridors and rooms, it was the people who mattered the most in the end. It seemed like Alexx thought so, too, and so he hoped she'd taken what Reid had told her to heart.

"Speaking of..." He began, turning back away from her with a new smile. "I never knew how you lived, Ami? Over here, I mean. If you think you can top manors, french apartments or a guestroom with a TV, then by all means, go for it! Oh, Reid, I wasn't being ironic- I'd actually like to have a TV. Not quite as much as Ben, though-" He stopped himself for a second and added: "My brother. he's been pestering my parents about getting one for years... But Mother just doesn't trust them. She's wary about those kinds of muggle things, you know?

There are a few monitors in the foyer of our building, though," He chuckled. "-that's as close as we get. I've never been able to switch the programs on them, either... complicated machines. They've been showing nothing but these tedious games of golf for the past thirteen years! In fact, they're so boring I've started to think they're all the same one put on eternal repeat. Although I've never had the patience to watch a full one to see if I'm right."

Scott shook his head. Did they air golf in America? Probably. A global horror.

"But once you get past those it's all well. I'm inviting you, too, since that seems to be what we're doing here! And I'd love to see all of your places someday..." He was addressing all three of them, an exaggerated but still genuine tone in his voice. "Wherever in the world they may be at the time! ...Well, except for Wales. I promised my dad.

I'll have to ask him wether he was being serious about that soon..."

Scott sure was a talker. He was much like Reid in a sense. When Alexx had first met Reid, his mouth seemed to run while his brain walked. Scott felt to be a little bit more organized, but was still sporadic and all over the place. Meanwhile, Ami was completely aloof, lacking in response. It was as if, quite suddenly, she did not want to be in the compartment. Alexx didn't care all that much, because she had two other good friends to occupy her. Whatever was going on with Ami, it wasn't her business. She could always ask later.

Besides, her head was turning in all different directions as the boys spoke a mile a minute. Comment after comment, word after word. It felt hard to get a word in edge-wise because each sentence twisted itself into a new story, a new opinion, a new topic. Her head was running circles around that, and she almost felt dizzy over this.

She beamed at Reid. "I might just have to pay you a visit over the winter, mon ami." She chuckled at his comment regarding manors. It was true that Alexx had been spoiled all of her life, living in high residency. But truth be told, the blonde girl would prefer to stay in a home where there were love and welcoming than a manor that was filled with luxuries but without love. Money could buy happiness, despite what people said, but it couldn't buy love. Some might assume that they were one and the same, but Alexx thought differently.

Alexx beamed again, this time at the group. "We will all have to meet up one day! Outside of school, of course." To be graced with Alexx's presence was a gift in itself. She was picky. She was careful about who she associated with. This wasn't like the typical pureblood stance- only those that are pureblood- but instead in the way that she did not like most people. Anyone who passed her in the halls and felt her glare was aware of this fact. But then she would be in the same vicinity as someone such as Reid or Ami and simply smile, because she could not help it. She loved her friends, and had so much respect for them.