Alstroemeria
Reducio
@Sia Rose
The sun decided to come out from it's hiding just when Julia stepped outside through the door of the big portal. It has been a rather depressing day with the pale light of a cloudy day. Classes had been stretching all morning, homework was staking high. Julia couldn't remember how it came to this. She usually was up-to-date with her homework.
Maybe she mused it is the season changing...? Julia didn't actually believe that weak excuse herself - it was the first season change she was to witness at Hogwarts which meant (taking her curiosity into account) she should be thrilled. She knew how fall looked like at Sunnyhill, but Sunnyhill was hundreds of kilometres away. She didn't know fall at Hogwarts, how the forest would change, how the magical creatures did react to fall. So many possibilities, so much to explore... but Julia felt... nothing.
As she walked towards the lake her forehead scrunched up in thought. She couldn't put a finger on it. She wasn't lacking anything, has made friends. Classes were interesting (for the most part). So why was she like this? Sighing Julia shakes her head at herself. Beneath the branches of a willow near the waters she plops on the grass, getting out some homework (need to keep going, else she'd fall further behind) - and freezes.
A few metres in front of her stood a girl with long curly black hair, back to Julia. The peculiar thing: She was standing in the water, like actually in the water at the beginning of fall. Julia's eyes twinkle with intrigue as she observed the girl who was standing rather still. Tilting her head Julia wondered What is she doing?
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The water was cold below Sia’s knees. She nuzzled further into her white, smiling into the collar of it. She wasn’t sure what had been going on in her mind when she decided to leave her boots behind in favor of stepping into the lake, but she decided that it had been a good idea. The contrast between the water and the heat radiating from herself was soothing, in a way. It provided her with a feeling to focus on.
When a soft breeze made her curls sway, she sensed eyes on her. She assumed it to be some sort of creature at first, seeing as the area had been decently alone when she arrived. But these eyes stayed on her. This gaze was curious and intentional, she could tell. Someone was watching her.
Hands clutching the skirt of her dress, Sia turned her head slowly to look behind her, equally as curious. Behind her was a girl, near a tree, pale and freckled. She seemed genuinely intrigued, not threatening or teasing at all. Safe. Maybe even friendly.
Well, they’d seen each other. No use in awkwardly staring.
Sia lifted her right hand, nails painted a dark green, and waved shyly at the girl, smiling still.
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@Julia Grey
memento mori, memento vivere
Alstroemeria
Reducio
@Sia Rose
Julia blinked slightly in surprise, not really having expected the girl to turn towards her. Dark brown eyes met hazel coloured eyes, and Julia felt her lips start to tuck upwards into a smile. When the girl lifted her hand and waved, Julia automatically waved back, smile blooming fully on her face.
Neither of them spoke, they remained standing across from each other, just looking. The water lazily nipped at the girl's legs, the world was quiet, filled only with nature's sounds.
That is until Julia abruptly moved, her books and pergament falling to the ground as she stands up. Disregarding her belongings she walked up to the water, feeling a sudden pull towards it. Her left boot fell to the ground, the right one following promptly. Her socks fluttered on top of her shoes, as Julia took her first tentative step into the water.
Cold was her thought, but not bad. She took a second step, water gushing around her legs, and she kept walking until she was standing right next to the girl. Taking a deep breath Julia took the sight in, the calm and wide lake stretching out before them.
Julia turned to the girl, now with a bright smile on her face. Beaming at her Julia greeted her properly: Hi! I'm Julia and just so you know: Walking into the water was a brilliant idea!
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Sia’s smile grew wider when the girl waved back at her. She really did seem friendly. It was nice, peaceful, to just be aware of each other like that. Then, Sia watched with interest as the girl took off her boots and headed towards the lake. Was she going to join? The thought filled Sia with happiness.
She waited for the girl to come to stand next to her. She was pretty, Sia noticed, now that she was closer. Her presence wasn’t too loud, and Sia found herself appreciating that, as much as she appreciated the company. When the girl, Julia, introduced herself, Sia’s eyes sparkled with growing familiarity.
“Jules.” She declared, testing the waters of a potential friendship. “I’m Sia. Sia Rose.” She extended her hand to Julia for a handshake, giggling at Julia’s last comment. “Nice of you to join me out here. I find it to be relaxing.”
She turned to look out at the lake again. It was beautiful, especially with the colorful sky reflected on it. It was a rather grey sky, with traces of sunlight peeking through thin clouds. Not exactly a sunny day, as Sia would’ve preferred, but she enjoyed standing under this sky nonetheless. A new breeze brushed past them, now making both their hairs, blonde and brunette, sway. Sia vaguely hoped that Julia would like the feeling as much as she did.
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@Julia Grey
memento mori, memento vivere
Alstroemeria
Reducio
@Sia Rose
Taking Sia's hand, Julia smiled, eyes twinkling with amusement as she was promptly given a nickname by the girl. Nice to meet you... Si? It was half a question. While she enjoyed being called by nicknames, Julia was aware that some people preferred their real name over shortened versions or name unrelated nicknames. "Si" seemed fitting enough. Nonetheless, she hoped she hadn't overstepped.
Joining Sia in simply looking over the lake and the skies, she hummed in agreement, bopping her head slightly. It really is relaxing. Always thought just being near water is relaxing. Don't think I've ever stood in a lake just because. She laughed, her laughter bubbling up from deep within her.
It was freeing: No school work, no pressure, no conversations that could remind her of all the things she needed to do. Just the cold water, the skies, Sia and her. Just two people who had just met, standing in comfortable quietness.
A breeze brushed past them, making both their hair sway. She closed her eyes, leaning her head back slightly. The wind caressed her skin, taking the last stress that had been weighing on Julia with it.
After a long while she turned to Sia again. Opening one eye up she peered at the brunette, her earlier curiosity resurfacing. How did you come up with the idea of standing in the lake anyways? I mean, it fells really good. But I never considered it... I guess?
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Sia grinned, and chuckled lightly when Julia responded with a nickname of her own. She knew more than anyone that weren’t many ways to shorten her already short name, so she appreciated the effort. It made her happy. It felt like the desire for friendship was reciprocated. It was just as wonderful, with the peaceful scenery all around them. She turned to face Julia when she spoke.
Fair enough, Sia thought. She hummed. “I’m not exactly sure. I guess I just wanted to. And it’s easier to do it when no one’s around. No one can judge you that way.” She explained, looking back at the lake. There was nothing wrong with stepping into the lake, but she knew it was a bit unconventional. She reached down to dip her fingers into the cold water, though she’d gotten used to the temperature by now, and smiled down at her reflection. “I’m glad you like it, too. Not many people would’ve even tried.”
She flicked her fingers upwards, watching the droplets splash on the water, creating a gentle ripple effect. She glanced back at where Julia had been sitting, and smirked at the girl herself. “Were you working on something when you got here? Or were you just exploring?” She flicked her fingers again, sending some droplets in Julia’s direction. Nothing exaggerated, but undeniably playful.
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@Julia Grey
memento mori, memento vivere
Alstroemeria
Julia leaned forward slightly, a teasing glint in her eyes as she grinned up at Sia. Which either means, I am a no-one. Or you didn't feel judged by me. She laughed, answering Sia's splash with a small splash of her own, water droplets barely touching Sia's form.I’m not exactly sure. I guess I just wanted to. And it’s easier to do it when no one’s around. No one can judge you that way.
Julia stood straighter again, slowly turning her back on the lake and looked up at the castle that was looming behind them. Eyebrow furrowing slightly she frowned at her belongings that were scattered on the grass as dark shades. I wish... I was getting some homework done - or at least trying to, didn't get far before I noticed you, though. She turned towards Sia, giving her a crooked smile. Homework was stacking high somehow. Thought a change of sight might help.
Julia sighed, not wanting to think about the work that lay ahead. Instead she turned back to the lake, walking a few steps further out. The water pricked her skin coldly as the water climbed higher, almost touching the hem of her skirt. But Julia didn't mind. It felt refreshing and grounding at the same time.
Soaking in the warmth of a stray sun beam she met Sia's eyes again, a genuine smile lightening up her face again. Julia's eyes sparkled in interest as she let her curiosity reign her once again. The way you say it though, do you by chance enjoy exploring? Have you found any interesting spots yet? Places outside or inside the castle? I wish I already knew more about these grounds - surely there's plenty to see or learn!
@Sia Rose
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Laughing, Sia splashed Julia back in response to the tease. “You know what I meant!” She followed Julia further into the lake. She felt the desire to just dive into the water, but held herself back. It wouldn’t do her any good to walk all the way back to her dorm in soaked clothes. No matter how fun a swim sounded right now.
She grinned at Julia. “I do like exploring. Haven’t found that many spots yet, but it’s only first year! We got plenty of time for that.” She kicked up some water, elated. “The place is huge. I’d be very disappointed if there weren’t any hidden spaces around.”
Hogwarts was so ancient. Sia loved to think of the traces of history left behind in the halls, and all the secrets that came with it. She could picture students across the centuries running around in search for anything that Hogwarts had to offer explorers. It made going to class more fun, to think that students weren’t limited to learning in the classrooms.
Sia stepped toward Julia, basking in the sunlight. She felt as light as the breeze. She felt free. “We could explore together sometime, if you’d like. It would be more fun with a friend by my side.”
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@Julia Grey
memento mori, memento vivere