All this, over a book? Open Closed

An individual that is in constant pursuit of knowledge is cursed with a thirst that may never be quenched. Even if one was somehow physically able to read every single book ever created, in every language known to man, in the time it would take to complete such a task, new books would have been written. There was undoubtedly more knowledge, useful and otherwise, between the muggle and wizarding worlds than one could, or even should, possess. Highly unrealistic, and more than likely impossible, the desire to know everything was a fool's errand- but Tatiana Crane was one such fool.

Being raised under the guise of a normal, uninteresting, and mundane muggle life, Tatiana's appetite for magical history was insatiable. From the moment her parents sat her down to explain why she would be going to a new school and what that meant for her future, a never ending list of questions had been streaming through her mind. Often it could be a bit overwhelming, and made focusing a real chore. To combat the anxiety of hearing the voice in her head inquire about a staggering amount of things she was wholly incapable of answering, she regularly spent time losing herself between the covers of books. Her hope was that somewhere on these pages would be the answers she so desperately craved, if only she could find the right book, and the right page.

What this obsession usually manifested itself into was hours, sometimes days, spent alone at a table between the musty shelves. Tatiana had no qualms with foregoing social interactions, usually meals, and more often than not sleep, to find what she was searching for. And while her textbook, History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot, was an acceptable place to start, it was just the beginning. She regularly found herself pulling books off the shelves in the historical section with complete disregard for the mess she was making or even what their titles may be. Grab first, read later had been a trend that had led her down many a rabbit hole, delving into tangents of information she hadn't even been aware she was looking for.

Today just happened to be one of those such days. Relevant textbooks packed in her bag, Tatiana had left her dormitory early that morning to head to her usual spot in the library. She rose before most, so her brisk walks through the corridor were often empty of other faces, quiet and peaceful just as she had hoped. As she passed through the courtyard, a crisp morning breeze cut through her clothes. Pulling her robes tighter, she picked up her pace, deciding to skip breakfast as she passed the great hall. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, she heard her mother's voice say. But she wasn't home now, and she was free to do as she pleased, even if it would cause her some stomach pains later in the day.

The goal was to be too distracted to notice, and as her feet brought her closer and closer to the library, she began devising a plan to do just that. She knew exactly where she was going, a bit of a dewey decimal expert at this point, and made a beeline for the historical section as soon as she had passed through the open wooden doors. Yesterday, she'd casually leafed through Great Wizards of the Twentieth Century, and today, she had something a bit more specific in mind. When she'd gone home for the summer holiday, her parents berated her with all sorts of questions about what she learned that year and how she felt about the school and her classmates. Her answers had come easy enough, until they asked about her plans for a profession, and if she'd choose one in the wizarding world. She was only a second year, for Godric's sake, and that's exactly what she'd told them. But her lack of response and overall thought on the subject had hit a nerve, and now she needed to know.

While she was glad to have finally had some time to visit her parents, aside from their little interrogation, she was also grateful to be back for her second term. There was nothing more she could learn from her parents back home, at least not about magic, and she needed to get back to her quest for knowledge. As far as professions went, she had spent plenty of time thinking about it since she’d returned to school. A healer, or mediwitch, seemed right up her ally, though she figured she probably wouldn’t mind teaching either- as long as it was herbology or potions, maybe transfiguration. But the possibility of working for the wizarding government had also peaked her curiosity. The year earlier, she’d read in one book or another about some of the more interesting jobs for witches, most in the Ministry. She liked the idea of an Auror, fighting dark wizards, or maybe a Curse-Breaker. But what really grabbed her attention was the brief mention of Unspeakables, who had secret jobs that she figured must be filled with all kinds of interesting mysteries.

The day before, Tatiana had mentioned her interest to the librarian, mindfully excluding the part about Unspeakables, and she'd recommended a new text she'd managed to gloss over in her previous visits to the library. She made her way past the rows of heavily packed shelves, towering above her, until she reached the area to which she'd been directed. Turning the corner, hand already raised to grab the book from the shelf, her fingers had barely grazed the spine when she noticed another hand reaching for it. She turned to the student, stunned for a moment, as she had hardly been paying attention and didn't notice anyone else was there. It was a girl a little taller than herself, with dark curls falling down and framing her face, and chestnut colored skin. The first thing Tatiana noticed was how she smelled. Sweet, like... coconuts?

"Uhm-," she stumbled for her words for a minute, blinking, trying to gather her thoughts as the girl spoke. "My house?" she asked, glancing back at the table she had just turned to, a Ravenclaw boy sitting there. Tatiana was unsure of what he'd done, but stealing books certainly hadn't been her intention. "Well no, I don't think anyone in my house is making a habit of stealing books, but I can't speak for him," she said, nodding to the boy that had been previously addressed. "Though we are perhaps more interested in reading them than other houses." She hadn't meant to come off as condescending as she had sounded, but she wasn't prepared to be so blunty accused, and by a stranger nonetheless. Maybe blunt wasn’t the right word, or even accused- as the girl’s tone hadn’t been exactly mean, but it had caught her off guard. And, she was really looking forward to reading this book in particular and hadn't anticipated the need to share it.

"Is this what you were looking for?" She pulled the book from it's place on the shelf, the words The British Ministry of Magic: Notable Events and Key Players scrawled in metallic letters across the cover, and extended it out toward the girl. "I suppose you can have it," she shrugged. "As you were obviously here before me, but I'd like to see it sometime later today, if you don't mind." Tatiana wasn’t in any particular mood to argue over the book, as some sort of dispute had apparently just transpired between her and the other Ravenclaw boy, and she wanted to be no part of it. If she had to wait, she would, but she hoped it wouldn’t be for too long. If she wasn’t interested in sharing or discussing it, Tatiana would need to find something else to occupy her time until she was finished.

James’ hands trembled a little as he turned the pages of the large history book. He hadn't told the others, but his curiosity had been too much to bare. He had to find out more about this "Wizarding War" and "Dark Lord" stuff. Most of all he had the sinking feeling that his dad may have been in danger at the time all this.
Muggles had most certainly been caught in the cross-fire of the wizarding conflict and he couldn't help but imagine the horrifying reality of dying to something you didn't understand.
He wondered if they'd have been in nearly as much danger if only they'd known.
He mulled it over in his mind... the Statute of Secrecy - it was completely stupid, he knew this for certain.

He glanced over the brim of his book and caught the eye of a pretty Gryffindor first year, a firey expression painted on her face.

He decided to see what she thought. This was a school after all and surely discussion of this sort would be encouraged.

"Hey- what do you think of this whole- uh- Statute of Secrecy- thing... doesn't it kind of put Muggles in danger?" he said, hoping that discussion like this wouldn't put him on a watchlist of some sort.

The girl exploded... a speech dripping with venom and vitriol. James felt as the prickly heat of anger rose up in him like fire.

She turned and accosted another Ravenclaw girl, continuing with a talk about stealing books. James felt his anger flare. The disrespect of delivering such a torrent - only to move on to somebody else.

James stood up in defiance, and placed his hand on the girl's shoulder.

"Wow - ok we're not done here - you sanctimonious, arrogant-" James stopped himself, and took a breath. He followed up with a measured whisper.

"If you think wizards are any better than - us- I mean - muggles. Then open a fucking book... I'm not denying that people- not non-magic people- just people- people do pretty horrible stuff to one-another- all the time. But if you - whatever your name is- think that the world is so- bloody simple- that it can be divided into two - then you're small-minded, and frankly dangerous.

But look, my friend, if you're so short sighted you can't see past your petty little prejudices, then maybe the Library isn't the place for you... I think the books here might be a little beyond you. Perhaps I could go get you a copy of The Very Hungry Caterpillar - do you think that'd be more your speed?"

Edit: Sorry I changed the “picking mud from his hair” thing because he falls in the lake later in the day and this is just after breakfast

@Savannah Rose @James McMurtrie @Tatiana Crane

Maggie wasn’t often found in the library, but she’d made an exception that morning. She’d dropped by the Great Hall earlier that morning, after stumbling out of the Gryffindor dormitory resembling something scarily similar to a zombie. After rushing to the Gryffindor table, she’d hastily stuffed a blueberry muffin into her mouth, grabbing a poppyseed one and stuffing it into the pockets of her robes. She was all too aware that the action would leave crumbs in her pockets for the next decade, but she was hungry, and her robes were already past the point of worrying about a few crumbs.

As Maggie entered the library, she had only one focus: dragons. She’d been fascinated with the creatures ever since she first learned of their existence— real existence, that is. As a Muggle child, she’d always thought they were mere myths from books and movies, like The Hobbit or Game of Thrones. She’d been enthralled with them then, but now that she knew they actually existed, well, ecstatic was an understatement.

It was early in the morning, and the few students that occupied the library were unfamiliar to Maggie. She walked up towards the librarian’s desk, ready to pummel her with a series of questions about dragons and the like, when she spotted a familiar face and blue robes.

“I uh— do you have any books about dragons?” Maggie asked, trying not to look over towards the small, well, scuffle with words, that was happening a few yards over.

“Yes, dear, check the third row of the shelves to your right.” the librarian cooed, smiling down to Maggie and reminding her of her grandmother. Maggie nodded, stepping back from the desk and bee-lining it towards the left, where Tatiana and two other students seemed to be arguing. Well, Tatiana wasn’t saying much, but the two students Maggie didn’t know seemed to be giving each other 12-inch essays at this point.

“Hey, Tati, what’s going on?” she asked looking towards the other two students with a somewhat worried expression. One was a boy, with Ravenclaw robes and brown hair and eyes, and Maggie suspected he was a first year. His face was tinted pink as he seethed at the other student, this one being a girl. She was a Gryffindor, like Maggie, but she also looked to be a first year. She had dark, curly hair and deep brown eyes, and she would’ve been pretty if she hadn’t had a look of such strong hatred on her face.

Maggie snickered as the boy finished his speech, appreciating the snappy comment at the end, though she wasn’t sure who was in the wrong here, or, really, what the confrontation was all about. She looked to Tatiana, her eyebrows raised as she sent her friend a questioning look.

@Maggie Parker , @Tatiana Crane , @James McMurtrie

"Well no, I don't think anyone in my house is making a habit of stealing books, though I can't speak for him," Savannah’s lips twisted in amusement and she reached up to tuck her curly dark hair behind her ears. "Though we are perhaps more interested in reading them than other houses." At this point, Savannah had begun to notice a pattern among the Ravenclaws. They all tended to possess the same sort of condescending attitude. They were victims to the stereotypes of their house. "I suppose you can have it, as you were obviously here before me, but I'd like to see it sometime later today, if you don't mind." Savannah shook her head, curls bouncing as she did so.
“You’re taking things a touch too literally, luv.” Savannah offered the girl a pleasant, too-white smile. “Don't get so wound up, It's just a book.” Her smile widened some. “You can keep it though, or we could share it if you’d like.” She wet her lips with her tongue. “I’m Savannah,” she offered her hand to shake and didn’t wait to see if the other girl would accept it or not. “I have room at my study table, if you’re interested. I’m in the process of debating your housemate, there.” Savannah jutted her chin towards the flustered and red boy who was in the process of getting up out of his seat.

"Wow - ok we're not done here - you sanctimonious, arrogant-" Savannah smiled wide, the expression perhaps a bit darker than she had intended. She looked over at the girl with the button nose and waggled her eyebrows amusedly.

“And here we go.”

"If you think wizards are any better than - us- I mean - muggles. Then open a fucking book... I'm not denying that people- not non-magic people- just people- people do pretty horrible stuff to one-another- all the time. But if you - whatever your name is- think that the world is so- bloody simple- that it can be divided into two - then you're small-minded, and frankly dangerous. But look, my friend, if you're so short sighted you can't see past your petty little prejudices, then maybe the Library isn't the place for you... I think the books here might be a little beyond you. Perhaps I could go get you a copy of The Very Hungry Caterpillar - do you think that'd be more your speed?”

Somewhere behind her, someone might’ve giggled but Savannah didn’t bother to turn and look.
“Hm. Let’s pause and think. Is that what I said? Or is that what you heard because you operate on a circular form of reasoning?” Her voice was possessed a bitter bite, and she tilted her head to the side, eyes sparkling with amusement. Her Raven debate partner didn’t even have a solid argument for her to chew on. That took a decent amount of the rage out of it. "Are you sure the hat didn't get confused? It seems I'm the only one using my brain here and you're being ever so emotional."

Savannah didn't stop there, in fact, she was just getting started. Her desire to show off was only exacerbated by the presence of the Pretty Ravenclaw girl. “Take a moment and listen to yourself. I explained to you,” she stepped closer and counted off the main points on her fingers. “That muggles have a history of destroying cultures they’re afraid of,” one finger. “Muggle technology is light years ahead of what Wizards 'ave managed to figure out and that makes 'em dangerous,” two fingers, “And that the solution is that as a society we should do more to protect ourselves.” Three fingers. Savannah watched the boys face as it changed colours. "Should ah' write it out on parchment for you, or are you keepin' up?"

“You automatically heard, ‘subjugate muggles’, because it’s ingrained in you to associate anti-muggle views with previous dark lords, wars, and the following genocides. Well that and you're just a child, I suppose. No real-life experiences...just your books. And you clearly have a heard time filtering factual information, from the opinions of Authors. They are not the same.” Savannah gestured to the books he was reading at her table of all places. “You do realize, that's apart of the problem. Don't you? The Ministry hasn't lifted a finger to do anything to reform infrastructure or government because every time someone wants to put the magical community first, they act like---well, you." Savannah's nose wrinkled in disgust.

"Perhaps you should consider if you’re the prejudiced one. You didn’t even hear the words I said. And there’s nothing more dangerous, than frightened muggles and willfully ignorant little boys.” Her words left her mouth in an accented drawl, the corners of her mouth curling into a smirk.

“I am still waiting for any sort of logical, factual information you could offer as to why you think mankind should be exposed to our society. But, If you have only inaccurate accusations to offer, please keep them to yourself." Silently, Savannah indulged in a bit of dark humour. Perhaps Dark Lords went around slaughtering muggles, muggle-borns and their supporters because it was easier than trying to remove the blinders from their eyes. "I rather not bored to death by your vain attempts to establish some sort of intellectual superiority, based on the colour of your robes. Especially, when what little you have to offer, leaves so much more to be desired.”

Savannah looked behind her, seeing a Gryffindor she recognized--Maggie Parker. As first years, they all shared the same dormitory. She really didn't know her personally, but evidently, she knew the girl with the tiny nose. Savannah gestured to the two chairs at the wooden brown study table. "You two are welcome to sit down unless anyone else has anything to offer to the topic at hand, I'll be resuming my notes." Savannah kept her books piled next to her seat on the floor so they wouldn't crowd the table, as the Ravenclaw boy had so rudely done.

If the other Ravenclaw was keen on sharing the book, then she'd focus on that for the time being, otherwise, she had other work that had to be done. Savannah wondered if that's where Ravenclaws went wrong. They wanted to know everything, about everything, which in turn only gave them a piece of pea-sized information about a million different topics. She thought they would be better off if they put all their intellectual energy into one topic. Better to be a master of one...

“You’re taking things a touch too literally, luv. Don't get so wound up, It's just a book.” Tatiana felt a flush rise in her cheeks, embarrassed, she hadn't meant to come off as so testy. It wasn't in her usual nature, but she had a bad habit of resorting to a defensive sort of mode when caught off guard. She felt a swell of relief as the girl offered to share the book, as she hadn't really come prepared with any back up plans of where to look for the information she was in search of. Offering a sheepish smile in return, she returned the gesture, "Tatiana," introducing herself and shaking her hand. The Gryffindor girl had a nice smile, and despite whatever had just occurred, was obviously trying to not hold the actions of the other Ravenclaw against her.

Before she could manage any other words, said boy was marching over in their direction, intent on continuing their fiery conversation from before. Her mouth hung open, watching as he so confidently spat his vitriol comments at his apparent chosen enemy of the day, cringing as he resorted to insulting her with his final comments. Tatiana was still only vaguely aware of what they were talking about, something about muggles and dangers to man, but was unsure of how their debate had reached this point. Surely they could figure a more civil path to deliberate on the issues. Even so, insulting someone's intelligence by comparing it to that of a child seemed a little weak, even for students their age- even though her own comment just moments before wasn't far off from his, it was a little more subtle.

In the middle of the commotion, a familiar face had quietly approached, just in time to witness the scuffle. She managed a sideways glance and wave to Maggie, giving her a shrug in response to her question, giving her an expression that hopefully conveyed she also had no idea what was going on. But if Tatiana had thought his comments a little harsh, they hadn't seemed to phase Savannah in the slightest. If anything, she appeared amused by the whole ordeal, a coy smile playing on her lips and head cocked to the side as she offered her own retort to his criticism. She watched, wide eyed, as she counted off her points on her fingers, adding to the heat already visibly present in the boy's face. If Tatiana could briefly sum up the energy Savannah's comments were emitting, she would call it a 'verbal eye roll'. She was brilliant, and cocky, and Tatiana couldn't help but feel a little impressed by the girl's quick-witted counter argument.

By the time she was finished, Tatiana half expected to look over and see the boy's figure reduced to a pile of ashes on the floor, burned up by the fire that had just spewed from the Gryffindor's mouth. Obviously satisfied that she had exhausted the topic and successfully driven her point home with the poor lad, she turned to Tatiana and Maggie and reiterated her offer for joining her to study, gesturing to the empty places at her table. Confidently deciding she'd rather remain on this side of Savannah's rather spirited temperament, she nodded in response. Besides, her qualms weren't with Tatiana, and she had made some very well-informed points in her speech.

Avoiding eye contact with the boy, she kept her head tucked and eyes to the ground as she quickly brushed passed him. She set her bag on the floor beside the table and removed her robes, folding them neatly across the back of the chair. Loosening her tie a bit, she took a seat and pulled her history book from her bag, setting it next to the one she planned to share with Savannah. "So...," she started, particularly poor at small talk. "What are you studying?" Stupid question. You already know what book she was looking at. "And uh- what was all... that about?" she laughed, offering a meek smile and waving her hand in a general circular motion toward the spot they'd just been standing. "I mean, only if you want to talk about it, I understand if you've had your fill on the issue." She wasn't looking to start another debate, but her curiosity was begging her to ask.

He felt a twinge of embarrassment rise up and mingle with his rage. He did have a bit of a habit of losing his temper at inopportune moments. As the girl's speech dug into him like hot knives, each of her points causing him reel back... he remembered that he was eleven.

He felt the hot pressure of tears begin to rise in him and he did his best to push them down.

"I think you're wrong. Y-y-your very eloquent- but you're just wrong. Muggles - we are- they aren't- some huge amorphous mass you can just- hang a characteristic to. They're not all colonizers or murderers- or whatever, just like not all wizards are like this- Voldemort guy," he trembled a little, feeling the tears hit the back of his eyes. "They're people- beautiful- complicated- flawed? Of course - but people. Just like us. And some of them- because of the magical world - died confused and broken and alone- my Dad could have- and I just don't think that's fair."

He'd poached most of the words from a talk his Mum had given at the Homeless Shelter she used to work at, but they worked just the same.

The hot tears welled up in his eyes now, and he quickly turned away so the girls couldn't see his face. She had been right that he showed more Gryffindor characteristics than he did Ravenclaw, he was all emotion right now.

He tried to hurry away but ended up running straight into the brown-haired Gryffindor girl as he attempted his escape. To his shame the tears were streaming thick and fast down his face as he met her eyes. "Sorry." he said matter-of-factly. He didn't want to be anywhere near the three girls anymore.

He quietly approached the Librarian and asked for the names of the three girls.

Savannah Rose, Tatiana Crane, and Maggie Parker.

He made a mental note to warn the Breakfast Club that these three were really bad news as he hurried out of the Library, intent on clearing up his tears before he met Lark for clean-up duty later.

@James McMurtrie @Savannah Rose @Tatiana Crane

Oh. As the other Gryffindor girl spat an argument back towards the Ravenclaw boy, Maggie felt her gut twist and anger seed in her stomach. While Maggie didn’t understand half of the words she’d said, she got the idea, and it was one that made her slightly nauseous.

The Gryffindor invited Maggie and Tatiana to sit with her, and Maggie was more than surprised when Tatiana sat down at the table with her. From what Maggie could gather, this Gryffindor was pretty anti-Muggle, and with Tatiana being a fellow muggleborn, Maggie was more than confused when she sat down with the girl.

The Ravenclaw boy continued to argue with the girl, his voice breaking a bit and his face growing slightly red. He turned, accidentally running into Maggie on his way out. He apologized, and for some reason, Maggie felt as if he was a bit angry with her. What the hell? She hadn’t done anything!

Maggie shot a cautioning glance towards Tatiana, smiling at her before turning back to talk with the now-crying Ravenclaw boy. She would come back later, she wanted to make sure the Ravenclaw knew that all wizards didn’t think what the Gryffindor girl did.

“Hey!” she called, jogging slightly to catch up to him as he left the library, “Don’t let her get to you— the other Gryffindor, I mean.” she smiled weakly at the boy, who still had tears streaming down his face. Maggie extended her hand, offering the crying boy a kind smile.

“I’m Maggie— Maggie Parker.” she introduced herself, hoping she and the boy could start off on a new foot. “And I think that girl’s speeches were a load of shit, by the way.” she stated matter-of-factly, bouncing on her toes. “Pretty words won’t change the fact that she’s got about as much sense in her as a Scotsman after a night at the pub.” she joked, laughing at her own joke. “I’ve got to go. I’ll see you around!” she gave the boy a mock salute before ambling back over towards Tatiana and the other Gryffindor, plopping down in the seat next to Tatiana.

This girl— whoever she was, gave Maggie a bad feeling, and she wasn’t going to leave Tatiana alone at a table with her. Not that her friend couldn’t fend for herself in an argument, but Maggie felt a bit protective over the girl, and though she wasn’t really handy in the intellectual part of arguing, she did make a great supporter.

“Hey,” she greeted, somewhat breathily, as she drummed her fingers on the table. She arrived just in time to hear Tatiana ask a fateful question, one that Maggie was sure would get them in another argument.

“And uh- what was all... that about?” Maggie looked to her friend as if she was crazy, her eyes widening as she gave her a seriously look. “I mean, only if you want to talk about it, I understand if you've had your fill on the issue.”

“Yeah, uh—” Maggie laughed awkwardly, “You gave quite a speech there...” she trailed off, realizing she didn’t know the girl’s name. “What’s your name again? I feel like I’ve seen you around the common room before, but I’m afraid I wasn’t ever able to catch your name.”

@Maggie Parker

As James had finished his intelligence gathering with the Librarian, he noticed the brown-haired Gryffindor girl striding toward him, a sympathetic look on her face. He felt his anger subside somewhat, wondering if he had misread the girl’s intentions.

She kindly offered James an olive-branch and stuck out her hand in greeting.
James took Maggie's hand trepidatiously, "I'm - ah- I'm James," he tried to shove down his tears but they kept welling to the top like boiling water, "I'm ah- I'm really sorry - back there- I uh- that wasn't really- very me? Y'know? I- uh - it's been a sort of rollercoaster of a day."

A Centaur portrait on the other side of the library yelled across the room at the boy, "Traitor! You will die for your crimes against the Centaur king!"

He gave the girl a crooked sheepish smile. "She might not be the first enemy I've made today"

“And I think that girl’s speeches were a load of shit, by the way.” she said kindly, "Pretty words won’t change the fact that she’s got about as much sense in her as a Scotsman after a night at the pub.”

James snorted through his tears. Maggie was funny, and he wondered if he'd met the girl under different circumstances he may have found a kindred spirit. He thought that he’d have likely said something similar were the shoe on the other foot.

"I don't know, she can have her opinions, but I still think she's wrong... "

“I’ve got to go. I’ll see you around!"

James smiled at her, unsure exactly how to feel.

"Yeah- yeah I really hope so, Maggie."

Something warm in Savannah’s belly hummed pleasantly when Tatiana came to sit down with her. She felt like she had won her approval. As if she had been picked, deemed more worthy of her attention than the girl’s snivelling housemate. The curly-haired girl couldn’t hide her smile when Tatiana initiated the conversation—she was glad she wouldn’t have to pretend to read for an hour. “So…what are you studying?” Savannah offered a little shrug. “Everything I guess, my mum’s a muggle. But mostly ‘am trying to see what sort of government services the ministry offers to the public.” Savannah spoke slowly, trying to enunciate her words before they got lost in the thick slur of her accent. “Are there government aids for impoverished magical people? Is there ah’ social services agency for the needy, disabled, elderly and children? I mean clearly---they have some form of law enforcement…” Savannah trailed off lips twisting in mild disappointment. The lack of infrastructure was intimidating.

"And uh- what was all... that about?" the girl laughed, face still somewhat pink from her earlier flush as she inquired about the earlier spat. "I mean, only if you want to talk about it, I understand if you've had your fill on the issue." Savannah didn’t miss a beat in her response, leaning a little over the table—one eyebrow arched.

“Why Tatiana?” Her name rolled off her tongue smoothly, as If she had said it a million times. “Do ya’ think you could last ah’ round with me?”She levelled a glare at the girl, but there was no heat behind her eyes. After a tense few minutes, her face split into a wide smile and she sat back in her chair with a giggle. “Look. The lad asked me if da statute of secrecy should be repealed an’ honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever been so startled in my life—” Fully prepared to rehash the story, Savannah’s eyes sparkled eagerly. But before she could get another word out, the half-blood with was interrupted once again by the Ravenclaw boy.

Savannah let out a loud sigh as she turned her head to look at the boy. When she noticed the tears in his eyes, she rolled her own chocolate brown orbs, shaking her head in annoyance as she did so. “Oh, for Merlin’s sake—what do ya’ want now?” The boy talked through his tears and Savannah mused that she should’ve felt bad for reducing the child to tears, but perhaps he’d learn from the interaction. There’s no point in inciting a debate when your own argument doesn’t even have two legs to stand on.

"I think you're wrong. Y-y-your very eloquent- but you're just wrong. Muggles - we are- they aren't- some huge amorphous mass you can just- hang a characteristic to. They're not all colonizers or murderers- or whatever, just like not all wizards are like this- Voldemort guy," She was tempted to just ignore him and go back to chatting with the one Ravenclaw that could actually hold her attention."They're people- beautiful- complicated- flawed? Of course - but people. Just like us. And some of them- because of the magical world - died confused and broken and alone- my Dad could have- and I just don't think that's fair." Savannah just stared at him, brows knitted in annoyance and completely unmoved by his emotional outburst.

“You’re ah’ Real humanitarian, luv. Like PETA, but for muggles.”

She watched in amusement as he stormed away, the other Gryffindor chasing after him to no doubt kiss his boo-boos and offer consoling words. Good. She didn’t want to be bothered with the other girl anyways. What little privacy they had was once again intruded upon by the Gryffindor. Savannah offered the girl a tight smile when she returned. “Yeah, uh—” she laughed awkwardly “You gave quite a speech there...” Savannah resisted the urge to roll her eyes once again, putting down her quill to engage with Parker. “It wasn’t a speech. It was a conversation. Your blubbering friend just didn’t have an adequate retort.” Savannah answered in a matter of fact tone. “What’s your name again? I feel like I’ve seen you around the common room before, but I’m afraid I wasn’t ever able to catch your name.”

“Savannah Rose. I’m a half-blood from Greater Glasgow and I’ll be the Minister of Magic one day.” The 11-year-old stared at the girl expectantly, wondering why else she would be lingering about before she remembered that she had indeed invited her to sit at her study table. She would’ve hit herself, had she been alone.