Valentine's Tea Errand Finished

Logan glanced down at her paper as she read.

20. WHO HAS BEEN THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSON IN YOUR LIFE?

"Instead of asking how close she is with her family, ask: 'Who's the most influential person in your life?'" Sullivan says. "This will tell you more about her family dynamics and close relationships she has with friends."

"I have no idea who this is," Logan muttered as she saw the name Sola Haze on her paper. She went to stand up whenever she heard someone say her name. Looking up, the Hufflepuff smiled softly. "I'm Logan." She stated simply as she stood up and held her hand out for the other girl to shake.

Logan glanced around the room and saw almost everyone else paired up and her eyes widened at everyone who was paired up. "I guess I can just ask my question." Logan mumbled as she looked down at her paper, a small blush on her face when she realized that she had zoned out just a little bit for a second. "So who has been the most influential person in your life?" The Hufflepuff asked as she looked up at Sola a bit of a blush on her face.

"I feel like this is a bit of personal question." The small girl mumbled as she looked down at the paper again and then back up.

@Sola Haze

The girl seemed to be caught off guard that someone was talking to her. She even asked Serena if she was the one her question was directed at. Serena nodded but didn’t say anything. Although it was likely that the girl didn’t even notice because, after only a brief glance, she returned to staring at the tea options.

“I don’t think I’ve ever had peach tea before, let me know if it’s any good!” Serena said with a smile. She then turned her attention to the vast array of tea flavors. “As for me, you can’t go wrong with Earl Grey, in my opinion.”

It was then that out of the corner of her eye, she spotted a girl she recognized from the Lunar New Year errand, Violine. She looked pretty in her gray pants and white blouse with a green cardigan layered over it. She seemed to be coming over to where she and her new acquaintance were chatting. But then all of a sudden, she changed course and sat down at a table with an older student who Serena didn’t know.

Serena’s smile briefly drooped down a bit. She was looking forward to getting to know the girl more. But maybe later. For now, she needed to pay attention to the girl in front of her. Serena’s smile came back as the girl complimented her on her attire, slightly stumbling on the words.

“Thank you! So do you,” She said sincerely. Serena really did find her white top and pink skirt cute. Especially with the strawberry detail on it. “Where did you get that shirt? I love the strawberry.” She asked.

As she waited for the girl’s response, Serena reached for the container with Earl Grey tea. She went to pour herself a cup when a loud scream and the crash of a teacup was heard throughout the hall. Serena stiffened as memories of smoke, and fire, and blood entered her head. No, she wasn’t there, she was safe, she was okay. Serena took a few deep breaths before slowly turning her head towards the noise. She saw another girl from the Lunar New Year errand covered head-to-toe in boiling hot tea. Next to her was a blonde girl holding what was likely the shards of whatever had hit the floor. Except she was strangely smiling? Serena failed to see what was so amusing about someone being covered in scalding hot tea. Unless that girl was the one who poured the tea? Serena wanted to go over and help, but it seemed as if the older students had a handle on the situation. Serena turned back to the refreshment table and poured herself a cup of tea.

She gently picked up the cup and took a sip. Mmm. Just as good as she remembered. Serena glanced back over at the scene of the tea-spilling. The blonde girl stomped her foot down hard on the foot of a brunette girl. What was wrong with her? Serena didn’t know who this blonde girl was, but she made a mental note to stay as far away from her as possible. Then another thought occurred to her. Why wasn’t Professor Bercegeay doing anything? A girl had tea spilled on her for goodness’ sake! Serena looked around to try and spot the flying professor, but couldn’t seem to locate her.

Serena couldn’t help but turn her attention back to the scene. She couldn’t seem to look away. The badger felt terrible for just watching as the blonde girl poured even more tea onto a boy wearing a fedora and slammed another boy’s forehead into the table. But what could she do as things escalated even further? Finally, the flying professor intervened.

Using a voice that Serena had never heard her use before, Professor Bercegeay gave out instructions to hopefully get the situation under control. Serena was impressed with how the professor handled the circumstances even though it was very late in the game.

Serena continued to sip her tea as the pink-loving professor made the announcement of her true intentions of this event. Match-making? Really? Well, she might as well go along with it. Who knows? Maybe she and her match will become good friends?

Sayomi Suzuki. Serena didn’t recognize that name. She started looking around the room before noticing that the girl who was standing next to her was the only one still standing alone. “Would you happen to be Sayomi?” She asked, wanting to be sure. “I wasn’t expecting this to happen but hey, might as well make the most of it.”

Serena glanced down at the piece of paper that had been handed to her by Professor Bercegeay.

30. WHAT’S YOUR ALL-TIME FAVORITE SONG/ARTIST/BAND/GENRE?

“Asking about her favorite song, band, or artist, of course, tells you about her taste in music,” Sullivan says. But you can branch-off and find out what her first concert was, who she’s dying to go see, and if the cards work in your favor, these bits of information can turn into a phenomenal future date or surprise.

Serena couldn’t help but crack a small smile. How fitting that the piano player received the music question to ask. She decided to wait and ask her question when she was sure that the girl she had been chatting with earlier was, in fact, Sayomi.

Interacting with @Sayomi Suzuki

WC: 341 + 887 = 1228

Errand Complete

Interactions (open): @Tyranni Whitethorn

As nervous as Tyranni claimed to be about meeting new people, which Andrew could definitely relate to, he was relieved that the girl was not so shy as to engage in conversation, so long as the topic was meaningful, he assumed.

"I don't mind Valentine's for the 'friendly' kind of love, showing love for everybody in general." He agreed with Tyranni on the 'cheesy' aspect of the holiday. "I don't really get why it always has to be about the 'romance' part."

She also had a sense of humor, and didn't mind going by a nickname herself. That was good. Meant she wasn't so uptight and formal.

"Tyr." He jotted it into memory. "I'll call you that. Oh, and I'm second year - forgot to mention. . . And I believe I saw your face during the Sorting Ceremony? Sorry I haven't gotten around to saying 'hi'," he said sheepishly. "Things are… School, you know," he admitted simply. There was only so much time he could devote into meeting new people, aside from studying, sleeping and eating most of the day away. "Hope things haven't been too rough, adjusting to Slytherin," he said with a friendly tease, though he sincerely hoped Tyranni hadn't run into any bullies. She seemed like a nice girl. Would be a shame if she had any trouble.

Sensing they might be talking for a while, Andrew found a nearby table for them to sit at, so they'd more comfortable than standing the whole time. In fact he hastily swiped a few more chocolate chip scones so he'd have something to munch on (like he hadn't had plenty to fill himself up already) while they chatted.

He listened attentively as Tyranni told him about her best friend Dillon. He was pleasantly surprised to learn that she was a wizard-born, but for her to have Muggle friends and a Muggle upbringing as well, Andrew found it admirable, that she wasn't a classist witch, and was accepting of Muggles. Not like most other wizard-borns who shunned the Muggle world and looked down upon Muggle-borns like himself.

"We used to do a lot together, like play Viking warrior in the woods next to my hometown."

Andrew was immediately interested by that.

"Do you live in the countryside?" He asked. A bit glumly, he went on to describe, "My family lives in the city. Romford, London. I've lived there all my life, but I've always wanted to live in the countryside. My aunt has a farm in Somerset. Me and my family visit her place whenever there's school breaks. I love being on her farm… Just being out there, with all the nature and animals around." Longingly, he went on. "When I grow up, I want to live somewhere where there's lots of trees and forests around… Maybe in the mountains."

Wow, he didn't expect this much to be spilling out of him, but surprisingly, Tyranni was quite easy to talk to.

"Do you have a best friend?"

"I do…" He started out excitedly, but then caught himself and trailed off uncertainly. He realized that this question had a lot of weight to it.

"I mean… I suppose I have…" He hesitated.

With a grunt-sigh, he forced himself to say something:

"Dan Palmer - Quidditch captain of our House, if you've heard of him. We met on our first year. Very first night, after the Ceremony. We shared the same dorm. Still do, in fact. Strange how it happened… Something just 'clicked' and we've been best friends ever since." He perked up, remembering the past school year they had spent together.

"At the same time…" His tone dipped into melancholy. "Well. I'm Muggle-born. . . Before Dan and Hogwarts and all the wizard stuff happened, I had Muggle friends. . . Cody and Elmer. The three of us, we hung out all the time. Cody and I live on the same street; we were each other's first best friend, since we were four. Then Elmer, I met him at school - my old Muggle school - Cody went to a different school - but Elmer and I met in second grade, and turns out he lives just a few streets away from my house, so that's how I introduced him to Cody, and the three of us became best friends after that." He smiled fondly as he recalled, "Cody loves basketball, Elmer loves skateboarding. I'm not very good at either - or anything sports-related, matter of fact - but I miss playing with them, as often as I did… before the Letter came."

There was a sadness and longing in his voice, as he continued.

"I wish… I wish I didn't have to live two separate lives. I can tell Dan everything about Cody and Elmer, but can't tell them about Dan. I was best friends with them first, before Dan. Sometimes… It just doesn't feel right, keeping secrets from them. I wish I didn't have to leave them out. My family too…"

It was hard living a double life. The longer he remained at Hogwarts, the more secrets and lies he had to keep from his Muggle contacts, his once-closest friends, and even his family. There were times when Andrew felt he might break down. Times when he questioned himself… Was he really meant to stay? Should he abandon it all? Go back home, where everything could be normal again? Eventually, he knew deep down, he'd have to pick one world over the other. And when that day came… Which "half" would he sacrifice? Either way, he'd feared he'd never feel whole again…

"Sorry, I'm getting all emotional," he apologized. Before any tears could slip out, he smiled in embarrassment and forced himself to chuckle, hoping it would cheer himself out of the depressing place, back to the present.

"A-anyway… What's your question?" He referred to the piece of paper in Tyranni's hands, hoping that whatever was written on it would take his mind off things.

[font=Segoe Print]Interacting With: @Piérre Marchonné @Wren Caster @Victor Moore @Jo Morgan
Mentioning: @Katrina Walker ?[/font]

[font=Segoe Print]”Well... I’m okay... sorry for ignoring you. I didn’t see you, honest! Kid seems pretty nervous, and I thought that I could make him feel better, but I was wrong... I try too hard, don’t I?”

Rafael raised an eyebrow at Pierre’s words, a slightly amused look on his face. The guy honestly hadn’t come off as ignoring him in the first place – if anything, he just seemed focused on the more important things occurring . Which was valid, as there certainly was a lot going on. Putting on a reassuring look, the Gryffindor addressed Pierre’s words. “You’re fine!” he said cordially, simple words of consolation. Then, lowering his voice, “Obviously, you had more important things in mind.” He nodded obscurely towards the jittery Slytherin boy, stealthily enough to be unnoticed by anyone who weren’t watching closely. “You aren’t trying too hard – you’re being a good mate.” Nudging his fellow first year with his shoulder, he continued, his voice escalating to full volume once more. “Anyways, there’s… a lot going on presently. So, no shade at all.”

He continued to follow Pierre over to the small group, where Victor was already speaking. It seemed as if he were answering Raf’s previous question, the one regarding his reasons for attendance. "My friend, Vlad convinced me to come." This comment certainly piqued Raf’s interest – Vlad… Vladimir! Another witness! “Yeah? He coming?” the Gryffindor asked in a friendly manner, his voice nonchalant as ever. “I mean, seems kind of silly to leave you here by your lonesome.” He smiled a bit at that last sentence – a nice touch, if he did say so himself. The boy still seemed a bit edgy – hopefully, his smooth countenance and well-placed words would allure to innocence instead of curiosity. The last thing he needed to do was scare the boy away. No, that wouldn’t do at all, and he would do well to avoid such an outcome.

The Gryffindor found Victor’s assumption regarding him and Wren quite hilarious – he allowed a laugh to escape his lips, albeit a bit halted. His cheeks heating up in the slightest, he looked over at his friend, rubbing his neck to release some of the tension manifesting there. “Ah, we’re just… friends…" he began to explain. Unfortunately, before he could elaborate, Wren had stepped forward, offering a pretty detailed description regarding their relationship – Raf listened, silent and dumbfounded. He wasn’t sure how he felt about that. It wasn’t as if he were ashamed of his relationship status [he weren’t in the least], but at the same time, it wasn’t as if he wanted everyone to know all about his personal life. Because, that’s exactly what it was – personal. Perhaps he didn’t appreciate Wren putting all his information out in the open, into the hands of relatively new people. Or, maybe he was a bit miffed about Victor’ pairing of the two together. Whatever the case, though, it seemed to put a damper on his mood, his head hanging in the slightest and a small scowl coming over his features.

Though, the look only lasted for a moment, as he quickly put a strained smile on his face. “Uhm… Thanks, Wren,” he muttered, his voice noticeably reluctant. It wasn’t often that he found himself at a loss for words – in fact, he wasn’t sure he could recall an instance where his vocal skills had been lacking. For a moment, he remained silent, chewing his lip and allowing conversation to continue, searching for the right thing to say. A thought occurred to him then, and he turned to Wren – his partner. Hopefully, a question would get her disturbing words off his mind. “Hey, Wren,” he said, turning to the girl. “What’s your pet peeve, eh? Do you even have one?” He raised his eyebrow in question, crossing his arms gently and his lips in a neutral position.

It wasn’t long before another face made herself known – this time, though, the face was a bit more familiar. “Oh, it’s a troll!” he yelped, feigning a disgusted look at the sight of Jo Morgan. “My eyes – they’re burning!” A small grin escaped his lips, and he allowed it to stay for a moment, an eyebrow raising wryly as if to portray a joking spirit. Though, he absently noted, he hadn’t seen the girl for quite a while. It was almost as if she had disappeared off the face of the earth. With this in mind, a question begged to be answered – where had she been? “You know, for a while there, I didn’t think you were capable of facing the sunlight – what brings you to this lovely tea party?” [/font]

Interacting with~ @Ginevra Tsuchiya

"Hadn't noticed," he admitted, "you seemed fine, though I guess I'm glad you're comfortable around me. Made it way easier for this whole partner thing at least." he snickered. Honestly if the professor made people switch up she was going to have a rough time since he was not going to be moving from his perch now that he'd gotten comfortable. Any partners would have to come here because he wasn't about to go searching.

He really hoped she didn't though...He found he liked Ginny just fine, she seemed reasonable unlike some people...what if he got someone like Vahl? Merlin he didn't even want to think about it!

The other got a squinted look for her efforts, Elsian feeling slightly cheated as his own question was turned back around on him. "...Using my own question against me, cheater." he accused, though his lips were pulled in a half smirk betraying how he actually felt over the whole thing, "but fine, you got me this time."

Still, Elsi had to actually think for a moment on that. Unlike her he didn't have an easy answer, hadn't really thought about such things before. He shrugged slightly, taking a sip of his drink, "Um... dancing." he settled on, almost feeling like a liar for it. He didn't mind it and it had ended up playing a huge part in his agility so he figured it was a fine answer. At least, the best answer he could give without just giving the other a flat out I don't know response.

"Its fun enough, so I think I'd like to continue practicing." Not a total lie but not entirely the truth but hey, at least he was trying to answer the question than take the lazy way out for once...

Andrew revealed he was a second year. At least he was ok with chatting with someone younger than him. Some students can be so...prissy about associating with first years. "Hope things haven't been too rough, adjusting to Slytherin," he stated. Tyr loved Slytherin house. Even though her dad and his siblings had all been sorted into different houses, she had always secretly hoped to be sorted into Slytherin. "It's been ok. I don't really talk to many people so I haven't made many friends, but no one decided to dump hot tea on my head so I think I must be ok," Tyr relayed, relieved that she had so far had a trouble free school year.

Andrew grabbed a nearby table, and they both sat down to continue their conversation. She saw him perk up when she mentioned playing Viking warrior in the woods growing up. He asked about Tyr's home, and continued to explain that he was from London, but had an aunt that lived in Somerset he would visit sometimes. He seemed to be upset...no, not upset, but maybe glum about where he grew up, dreaming of living in the mountains.

"I grew up just outside Avoca, Ireland. My mum and dad decided to move there after they got married because they always wanted to explore new places. Mom grew up in Norway, and dad in England. I guess you could consider our place as countryside. Our house sits on a riverbank, surrounded by woods and rolling hills." Tyranni thought back to the photo she had at her desk in the dorms of her home. Maybe she could show Andy sometime when they were both in the Common Room.

When she asked the same question, who was his best friend, he became excited but hesitated. As she listened, she found out he was a Muggle-born. His best friend from Hogwarts was Dan, who was the Quidditch Captain. They met on day one of school. His first experiences at Hogwarts were very different from hers, as she still did not have anyone at school she could consider a best friend. But then he became more distressed. He also had muggle friends that he left behind when he came to Hogwarts. Like Tyr, he had to hide part of his life from them. However, he also had to hide his life from most of his family.

"That must be really hard. I know what it is like to hide parts of your life from friends, but I can only image that it is made worse hiding from family." She felt sad for him. "Do you think any others in your family may develop magical abilities? Also, if it helps, when I write to my friends back home about what I am doing, I tell them about my experiences but fudge the truth. Instead of mentioning Dan was the Quidditch captain, since they don't know about the sport, you could mention that he is the captain of the basketball team. It might help. I mean, my parents raised me in both magical and muggle world. You can still have both."

She could see that thinking about his friends and family back home were starting to upset him. He apologized for getting emotional, and asked her what question the professor had given her. She fiddled with the paper in her hands, hesitant to ask the question on the paper.

"Um....my question is to tell me about your family, but I don't want to upset you more. We can ignore that question and I can ask you a different question. Let me think....how about this. Do you have any animals?" Professor Bercegeay may not be too happy she changed up the question, but she could see Andy was getting upset. Plus, who didn't love animals?

@Andrew Vance

Interacts with:  @Olphie Bercegeay, @Jack Burnett 
Mentions: @Ruka Tân (mini Parce), @Persephone Barret (bitey blonde)

Jack was like a cat, a boy with perhaps more than nine lives considering the dangerous game he was playing and how he seemed to flirt with danger. Not only had he earned the ire of a mad woman, but he had also caught the eye of another blonde. Comparatively, Erin looked like the sane option. A rare moment she should savor. The girl bit Quinn's hand only to find herself accosted by Alex's friend, that Slytherin Prefect Noco-something. Apparently she had something wrong with her eyes.

She did not even hear Jack Burnett mention her name. She was more interested in removing her potential rival from the Small Hall. Yes, Erin was the jealous-type. She never learned how to share as a child and it was showing as she got older because she was equally unwilling to share her men. When Quinn asked about how they knew each other, Jack tried to brush it off. Defer it until a later time. Nope, not happening. She did not implicitly trust her boyfriend, he was hiding something from her and knowing her luck he was hiding another woman. Maybe the bitey one. "He is my boyfriend," Erin piped up. Not was but is.

Not that it mattered to the man-eating giant. "Ah just may come to find you to hear more about this then."

"You have nothing to worry about." 

She gave him a doubtful look. Like coming to a Valentines Day event without your girlfriend? Like a follow-up with a man-eating giant. Like-fucking-hell. 

"I was just...overcome by my rage for a moment." 

Why? The girl did not seem that relevant or that physically imposing. 

"I...all I could think about was wanting to beat her until she either apologized for what she did or she was knocked out..." 

Erin gave the girl a sideways glance. She did not look very beat up. She frowned and took in a sharp breath. He was bullshitting her wasn't he? "Then why didn't you?" Yes, there was the matter of the part giant. The man was a veritable tank. "Or... why not later?" She conceded.

"...Is this what it's like to hate someone?"

"No," she replied bluntly. "If that was the case, she would be dead." The notion of hate was new to her, but she knew wrath and rage, for a number of years she had taken others and made it her own. He did not even look angry any longer, tired perhaps from this brief exertion. She never considered Paracelsus to be a durable or a vital man, her stamina likely exceeded his. Still, hate was not nearly as ephemeral as vigor. "Do you like her? Did you come here with her?" The jealousy was coming back out again.

Professor Bercegeay had interceded after Erin had arrived. Erin's opportunity to say anything more was lost as she glowered. Just take the girl and eat her already she internally complained. It was as if that massive ginger existed just to piss her off. Not that he could with so many witnesses and a meddling Professor added to the mix. Erin was matched with Jack, whoever that was. Professor Bercegeay had betrayed her. "Who the fuck is Burnett?" She sighed as she looked around the room and watched as the students got paired up. She could not even get this right, Erin internally complained. 

"I wanted him Professor," Erin called out in complaint after Professor Bercegeay  as she pointed her finger in his direction. She was (probably since she is gone from the thread) not paying attention. She dropped a small bit of paper into her hand, another into Jacks and moved on. There were a lot of students, it was not a simple or a fast task. She was not going to find this Jack, she had no interest in finding some stranger. She would fondle the slip of paper in her hand.

The Professor was at least taking the crazy-bitey blonde, tiny Parce and some other girl away. Small favors - at least Paracelsus' other date was gone. It did not change the fact that he was there with her in the first place.  She let out a frustrated noise. Why couldn't this be easy? 

Which left her with him ...and a room full of irrelevant students.

"Thank you for worrying about me." 

She was not worried, she was jealous. He reached out for her hand and she pulled hers away a bit but it was not impossible to catch. "I was not worried about you," Erin replied. A half-truth, seeing him near Quinn had given her a fright but she did not even consider that implication until just now. Like a jolt of fear that shot through her when the notion struck. Sigh. "Maybe some."

"Um...did you...still want to try this...?"

"I am mad at you?" She pouted but there was an inflection in her voice that suggested otherwise. She was having a hard time staying mad. she wanted to be mad. She was supposed to be mad wasn't she? "Why did you come here?" She asked the question that would most likely get her mad. "With her." Well, at least that was what she saw it as. That he had come to this gathering with someone else or at the very least found someone else while he was here.

"And who did she pair you with, I did not even hear your name." Not that she was going to share him, that poor girl was as good as dead. In the end it did not matter really did it. Quinn and Alex's friend wandered off to their own little corner. She opened up her little slip of paper. 

WHAT ARE YOUR QUIRKS?

The handwriting was slightly painful to read. (Presumptive: that i is dotted with a heart isn't it).

"Mine says: What are your quirks?"

She actually did not think he had any quirks. "Besides showing up to romantic events without your girlfriend," yeah she was still on that. "You seem pretty normal to me." If that question was reversed, she had a fair amount to say. She was far from normal, it was likely her least attractive quality. her most attractive quality - her Veela heritage.  

»»————————-　♔　————————-««
interactions @Piérre Marchonné
mentions @Dale Kurt @Olphie Bercegeay
word count 938 | text colour #274E13l
»»————————-　♔　————————-««

Astrea’s tea had just run out when Professor Bercergeay stood up from somewhere in the room, the professor blue-eyed and flamboyant in speech. Ah? The professor had been present the entire time? With how independent the entire fiasco with the tea was handled, the blue blood could have sworn otherwise. Professors were supposed to keep situations in line, to cut in when things became physically or mentally dangerous, to at least provide some semblance of order if present.

The theatrical teacher addressed the entire room, curled hair bouncing. The blue blood could practically feel her punctuation. ”Now, students, let's all get back to the true point of this day: love. I'm going to pass out some papers to you; each paper will have a question. After you have received your paper, I'd like you to find your partner and converse, using each question as your guide! After you've talked a while, you'll get an opportunity to switch."

Love. The former betrothed‘s mind ran at the thought- the prospect of the free reign of emotion, of affection, toward another without a single thought of another’s background. Especially romantic. Dangerous. It was not for her, for a young lady heir of her status and expectation. Blank faced, she put down her empty teacup, still warm-hand making an aborted gesture up to fish out the silver chain that hung low around her neck before being forced down again to rest in her lap innocently. She just barely caught Dale’s parting words before he left, giving a nod of acknowledgement that was probably not even seen.

Piérre Marchonné. The surname rang no bells and any small amount of hope that had happened on the blueblood about being able to interact with others of her upbringing was crushed. But Astrea was no blatantly rude aristocrat- she will be civil. Who knew, perhaps her partner would be an interesting acquaintance for the time being. Her attention turned downwards at the small slip of paper she was handed, the question big and bold.

7. WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT LIVING HERE?

This question rocks whether you're new to a city or you've lived there for years. "You get to talk about local places she likes, see what you have in common, bond over the people, culture, and why you moved to the area in the first place," Jones says. Better yet: "Many second date ideas can be born from this question."

With a small hum of understanding, Astrea took leave of her seat and came up closer to the middle of the room when someone approached her. A tall, willowy brunet with impish emerald eyes- why did she always end up noticing those with such eyes, eyes like leaves and fresh moss? Or perhaps she was always surrounded by such people and never noticed it until the S.W.A.G meet. Come to think of it, the male in front of her was vaguely familiar- bounded up to her table with a wave and smile.

”Hi Astrea! I’m Piérre, and it looks like we’re partners... Would you like to sit down somewhere so we can answer our questions and get to know one another?”

Nice boy, it seemed Piérre was. Words slightly strained, but genuine nonetheless. The young heir flashed a polite smile at the other if only to put Piérre at ease somewhat. "Pleasure to make your acquaintance. Partners, yes, it seems to be so. Hm." The brunet's offer of a table rang with her as she carefully gazed around the entire room before selecting a quaint unoccupied table nearer to the back, right up against a window that painted the neon pink tablecloth a paler shade. A quiet thank you escaped her toward her partner for pulling out her chair- and her mother complained that chivalry and fine manners was dead in Sparkless society.

”So, how do you feel about travelling and seeing the world? Would you be more of a type to enjoy the highest in life, the finest foods and lodging, or are you more of a starlight and sunsets person?”

"Ah-" To this Astrea had to take a moment to think, her legs crossing at the ankles idly as she turned toward the window looking out. A life of luxury was something she was born into. From the moment she was born to her first appearance in the genteel society to her betrothal to minutes before she left for Hogwarts, there was no doubt about it that her life was certainly very different from many a regular modern person. So her mind went automatically to the life she always lived in, the best of everything offered and all materialistic things accepted.

Yet the longer she stayed at Hogwarts, the more she realised how she was raised was not normal. A small cycle of nannies and a council of governesses and a reliable brood of family house-elves, of owned land so vast Astrea often could spend hours in and still be mere miles away from the manor. As bucolic it seemed, her hours in the meadows riding upon her steed was riddled with reminders of a better life than most- her clothes of fine material, the grasses beautifully green and lush, her horse immaculate and sturdy as long as she rode it into the evening tide. “Perhaps the stars and sun. Many a gala may be elaborate and beautiful, but I can assure you they seem no more than dressed up conference, testy alliances, and the constant danger of a reputation lost. Stifling, but expected.”

“My question is,” she unfolded her question paper with a fluid moment, reading out the question calmly. “What do you enjoy most about living here? People, food, culture, things of the sort.”

Interacting with @Lamik Fillestar

Someone came right up behind him, and tapped him. Turning around, Dan saw that it was none other than Lamik Fillestar, the Seeker for Gryffindor. The one defeated by Neculai Lazar, and then by Huff n Puff's seeker almost immediately.
Dan actually had begun to wonder if Hufflepuff had cheated. But that was a conspiracy theory for another time.

As if sensing their presence, Professor Washed-Up Quidditch Player INSTANTLY made a bee line for them like a vulture who just saw a fresh carcass.
And, instead of offering tea like, you know, a normal person, Olphie pronounced he and Lamik as a couple, handed them a piece of paper, and walked out the door.

Dan stared at her in utter disbelief as she left. Who exactly did this skanger think she was? Like, sure, Lamik was cute and all. Probably the cutest person in Gryffindor. But then again, that wasn't saying much... But Lamik was still cute. But, they were barely aware of each other's existence, why would-

Then it hit him. Olphie paired them together because they were both Seekers. She must have. That was how bimbos think. He turned to Lamik and sighed. He might as well give it a shot.

"Well... I guess we should get a chair. Maybe some tea. She'll NEVER stop her bitchin' if we don't."

Word Count 222 +332=555

Interacting with: @John Wolfe
Mentioning: @Piérre Marchonné @@Wren Caster @@Victor Moore@Rafeal D'Spacito
Dialogue Color: color=#3d85c6

Katrina sat down at one of the pink booths as the orchestrator of this event stepped forward. She left the group with the 'caretaker boy' and Rafa to continue amongst themselves. Professor Bercegeay addressed the audience. Slowly, the room quieted. She passed out the slips of paper and Katrina didn't even bother looking at hers. Eventually, the professor paired people up.

A portion of Katrina that she didn't even know was there pinched. Piérre was paired with another girl. She tried to shove the feeling away, but it still nagged at the back of her mind. Each pair was announced and people had even begun to move to their places. Katrina was slightly afraid that she would be the odd person not paired up but then…

"Katrina Walker and John Wolfe"

A puzzled expression found its way to her face. John Wolfe? Who even was that? She had never even met a John at this school. Honestly, couldn't the professor match people together who at least knew each other? It was annoying to say the least, especially because she didn't know what he looked like.

Katrina sat and bit her lip. Hopefully he would find her. Her eyes darted about the room and she saw a boy approach her. He seemed fairly sure of himself. Her initial response proved correct when her introduced himself.

"I'm John Wolfe, might you be Miss Walker?" She was slightly startled by the formalities but (hopefully fast enough) slipped a polite expression on her face. A quick internal debate occurred between being formal back or being casual.

"I am indeed," she almost added 'Mr. Wolfe', but really didn't want to be incorrect in her polite-ness. She was never raised in a highly respectable family. Then she had a thought, he was a pure-blood. It was random and not aligned with her previous wonderings. Then she glanced down at her attire and wished she had worn something better. The thoughts dissipated as he continued.

"May I join you?"

Katrina gestured to the seat opposite of her, "Yes, you may," the lioness inwardly cringed at her attempt to be courteous. She made a mental note to work on her formal-ness later.

"So, should I go ahead and ask my question?" Katrina inquired. She glanced down at her paper and quickly read it over.

46. WHAT'S THE MOST EMBARRASSING THING THAT'S EVER HAPPENED TO YOU?

Share a funny story at your own expense first. It'll show her you have a sense of humor and can laugh at yourself. Then, she'll be more inclined to do the same.

A puzzled expression landed upon her face. Embarrassing story? And what was the 'she' thing all about? Was this note supposed to be for a boy? She took a deep breath and looked back to John. Her mind reeled with ideas about stories to tell that weren't that embarrassing. She had a LOT to choose from.