Stop Right There PV Haley Rose Finished

The last few weeks went by very quickly and even though Haley missed her family, she was just as happy to be back at Hogwarts, because that was her home too. She felt incredibly comfortable here and as soon as she was back in the castle, she realized how much she had missed it. She had thought long and hard about going home at all for the vacations, but she was glad she did in the end. She was incredibly happy to see her family, especially her parents, and was also able to clear up some unresolved issues. Even though she hadn't told her parents about her new discovery, she had spoken to her grandmother. She was still immensely grateful to her that she had finally told her a little more about her and her family and Haley had gotten some answers to her questions.

But now Haley was sitting at the Gryffindor table again, enjoying breakfast. She was incredibly happy to meet her friends again and could hardly stop smiling over both ears. When some of her friends came to the table, she jumped up and fell into their arms. "Oh, how I've missed you!" Haley said, smiling warmly at them. They sat back down at the table, ate their breakfast and all talked about their Christmas vacation and they laughed a lot together. Haley got lost in her thoughts as she thought about who she would go to see next and made an imaginary list. Along the way her eyes were lost in nowhere, her hands were playing with her new ring and slowly but surely she was listening less and less to the conversations when suddenly she was brought back to reality.

"Oh Haley, that's a beautiful ring." Haley startled slightly but immediately began to smile and looked down at her ring. "Thank you! It's a family piece I received from my grandmother for Christmas." Narrated Haley excitedly. This reminded Haley of her first person on her list and she decided to leave the hall to get ready and then go in search of her other friends.

Haley said a heartfelt goodbye to everyone and made her way to the common room when she suddenly heard a voice yelling. She tried to ignore it at first, but then she heard her name. Startled, she turned around and looked in wonder at the hallway, which was bustling with students. But then a familiar face poked into her view and the corners of her mouth immediately pulled up. Along with the many students looking confusedly back and forth between her and Simon, she caught sight of the black familiar hairs and a boy who appeared even taller than he already was. She quickly saw that he had climbed up on a bench and had to shake her head in disbelief but started laughing. "Person number one on the list really makes it easy for me." Haley muttered to herself and jogged in Simon's direction laughing.

Haley picked up the envelope from Simon and ran a hug over him. "Oh Simon, it's so good to see you!" She squeezed tightly one more time before loosening the hug again and looked down at the floor a little embarrassed. She now quickly turned her attention to Simon's card and opened it.

"Merry Christmas, darling!
Simon!"

Haley felt the warmth rise to her face and had to grin at the nickname. She now looked at Simon's face, "Thank you so much, I love it!" and at the same moment it occurred to her that she had something for him too and wanted to tell him an incredible amount of stories.

"YOU won't believe it." She began as she started rummaging in her bag on the side. "But before I go on, I have something here for you." She continued, pulling out a small black box from her pocket. All the rest of the time after Christmas, she was looking forward to giving him this gift. Even though they hadn't known each other long, she knew from the first moment that she wanted to give it to him. She held the small black box out to him and waited anxiously for his reaction. "I know this might be a bit strange but I wanted to give it to you." she said an gave him a honest smile. When he opened it, he could see a man's ring adorned with a black stone entwined with a snake.


As she waited nervously for his recation she began to play with her ring, which was the counterpart to the one in the box. She really hoped he would be happy about the little gift and couldn't wait to tell him the story about it. Haleys ring got emerald green eyes and she wore it on her index finger.

He was going to explain that the foxes made him think of her and her red hair and go from there but he was now distracted by the fact that she had a present for him. Briefly in taking the box from her, he saw the ring upon her own finger. This was nice. No one else at Hogwarts had a present for him and he opened it to reveal the ring inside. It was a nice gift and he loved the snake, as it sort of indicated the trust she had for him in keeping her secret when she desperately needed someone to know about it.

"Wow, Hales," he whispered, taking it from the box to get a better look at it. His eyes looked at it from all sides before he slipped it onto his finger to see how the sizing was. It fit. Quite nicely, too!

Simon looked up to Haley and smiled to her before looking to her own ring, also seeing the snake. "Thank you," he said genuinely. "Walk with me? Talk with me?" He wasn't sure if she had somewhere she needed to be or somewhere she'd rather be, but he was glad to see her after a holiday apart.

[Word Count 206]

Haley watched Simon anxiously as he opened the small black box, hoping very much that he would be pleased with her little gift. She could hardly restrain herself from telling him all about her vacation and new knowledge, but held back. She swayed impatiently back and forth on her legs, which she didn't notice at that moment.

She had to smile when Simon called her Hales, not many did, almost no one, but she liked this nickname very much. She was even more pleased when she saw that the ring fit. "You really don't have to wear it if you don't like it but I still want you to have it." She continued to smile at him and wouldn't blame him in any way if he didn't wear it.

"I thought you never asked." Laughed Haley at his question and started walking off, pulling Simon along with her by his arm. "I have so much news to tell you." Started Haley, but stopped herself very quickly. She started playing with her ring with her fingers again and looked down at the floor a little embarrassed. She didn't want to blindside Simon like that and talk without a break without him being able to get a word.

"I'm sorry, it's just that I'm so happy to be here again and to see you again too and I just have so much to tell you." She rolled her eyes and started laughing. "But first things first - did you have a good vacation? Were you able to enjoy time with your family and are you doing well?" She looked at him eagerly and had to shift her gaze slightly upward. She had almost forgotten how tall Simon was.

Sorry I attached the wron picture yesterday, I updated the photo of the ring in my previous post.

Simon could tell that she was eager to talk to him, that or just extremely glad to be back after the holiday break. But right now, just outside the Great Hall after a meal time there were so many other students to navigate through and he knew that there was a good possibility that Haley's information might need to be said in a more private location. He was her secret keeper, after all.

"My holiday was nice. Aunt Maggie had the tree up and she tried to force Christmas cookies on me..." he paused because it once again left the poor young woman in heartache. Being a baker, as one of of the things she did as a profession but also prided herself in, she had yet to find one that Simon enjoyed, even tolerated and wanted from time to time. Sweets just weren't his thing.

"I got to see some of my friends from back home," in particular his best friend Oliver. They were doing well and it had been nice catching up - the best he could and all. It wasn't as if he could talk about his magical school but he could talk about some aspects of it.

"And then every year we go to a late Christmas Eve sort of mass and after we gather at this one place in town to sing carols. A bit hokey but traditions...gotta keep them alive, right?" And he loved it because by that time it was ALWAYS dark on December 24th so he was able to participate in it as well. It was one of the few activities he knew he could always count on being a part of in the community.

"Christmas Day my Aunt Maggie always makes this huge meal and invites some of the recent widows from church. She invites them ever year after as well so...sometimes it can add up to quite a lot of people," depending how long they lived after losing their loved one, depending how long they could live with a broken heart. Sad, and yet not, because his Aunt Maggie had this way about people. People just absolutely LOVED her and her optimism was infectious. It was where Simon got it from.

Wanting a closer look at the ring she had on her own finger, he reached down and without thinking took her hand into his own. It was then he sort of realized it and gave her a small smile as he lifted it up towards him to examine it. "I like it," he said, his voice just slightly softer than normal. He glanced up from the ring to see one of the staircases. If they went up, there'd be less students. They all sort of mingled outside the Great Hall after a meal, dispersed to their Common Rooms, or they headed outside. That meant the corridors on the Second or even Third Floor would be relatively empty and they could find a place where she could share her news.

He led her up the stairs and just for security up another and they turned left, heating down the corridor. Artifacts rested upon these walls. There wasn't even any portraits to lend a prying ear. Simon found a bench and that is where the two stopped and he motioned for her to sit. "Tell me about your holiday." And the news.

Interacting with @Simon Kincaid

As the two continued to walk through the corridors, Haley listened intently to Simon's words. It was hard to keep her eyes on Simon, since so many students were on the corridors and here and there she collided slightly with a few other students. She quickly excused herself each time and then quickly turned her gaze back to Simon to continue listening to him. She always tried to keep an eye out to find a place for them to sit, but all the benches they passed were occupied.

Haley laughed ere and there at Simon's stories and was very happy that he was having a good time spending time with his family and friends. "I'm happy that you had a good time" she told him, smiling warmly. Haley was curious what Simon's family must be like, but she was sure she would like his family.

Haley flinched inwardly as Simon reached for her hand, but did not let it come to the surface. She quickly got used to the feeling of their hands on each other and smiled at him. She watched his gaze with excitement as he examined her ring. "Thank you." Haley replied and before she could say anything more, Simon led her up the stairs until the two of them found each other again on a bench in a quiet corridor. She sat down and waited until Simons also sat down to tell him about her vacation.

"puh I don't even know the best way to start." Haley laughed briefly, trying to sort out her thoughts. "Over the vacations I was home with my parents. I didn't tell them about my new discovery. Someday I will but not now." She looked briefly at Simon, hoping very much he wouldn't judge her for it. Normally Haley would share everything with her parents but in this respect her feeling had told her it would be better not to. "But to the first topic of news - we are moving. Currently we live in a muggle area of London but we're going to move a bit away without any Muggles around to a new house. I'm really looking forward to it, we'll be able to use a lot more magic at home." Haley knew, of course, that she wasn't allowed to use magic outside of Hogwarts but her mother didn't use any magic at home either because it was just too risky.

"Over the holidays we went to my grandparents. They have a huge property and a huge house where we are all accommodated. In the end, my parents and I were there, my two uncles and aunt with their partners and four cousins. So the house was really full even though it was so big but we had a great time." Haley smiled at the thought of the Christmas season and was already looking forward to next Christmas. "Now back to the important stuff." She shook her head briefly and looked apologetically at Simon, she didn't want to bug him with boring stories and now continued.

"Well me and my grandmother have a super relationship and even though I unfortunately couldn't persuade her again to tell me more of our family history, I was still able to learn something. I told her that I found out that I can talk to snakes and at first I was totally scared of her reaction but that was totally unnecessary. When she heard that, her eyes started to sparkle and she was totally excited and gave me a big hug." Haley had to laugh at this memory. She can still clearly remember how nervous she was before that conversation and how confused when her grandmother reacted that way.

"She then told me that this has been in our family for many generations. There are only a few who inherit this ability, but every few generations it happens again. She told me that she thought there wouldn't be a next generation that could speak Parseltongue, but she was so happy to hear the news." Haley smiled at Simon, only now realizing that she had been speaking without a period or comma for the last half hour.

"Sorry, I guess I got a little lost in the telling." She looked at him apologetically and shrugged her shoulders. She knew that an apology wasn't necessary, because knowing Simon, there was no way he would take offense. Suddenly she remembered something else.

"Ah, one more thing! Sorry! That's the most important thing." She shook her head, she couldn't believe she had almost forgotten to tell him. "After talking to my grandmother for several hours, she got up and got something from her room." Haley's gaze moved to Simon's hand and she raised her hand to show the ring. "And it was these two rings." Haley cupped her ring with her other hand and smiled at the thought of that moment. "These are family heirlooms and have been in our family for generations. In fact, these are from my great-great-grandmother and her husband, who both happen to be Parselmouths"

He was so glad to hear that she was excited about the move. If Simon's aunt had decided to move from London, Simon probably thought he'd feel rather anxious as he hadn't really been many other places. Shortly after learning to walk, his mother and aunt took him to the coastline of England for a short vacation and after that his last destination was the Scottish Highlands to come to Hogwarts.

Maggie was working a lot and it was difficult for a twenty-five year old single woman to keep a house and raise a boy, so while they lived quite comfortably, there wasn't extra money and time for things like vacations but he didn't mind.

And then Haley began to talk about what he had been wondering about - how her family had reacted to the parselmouth situation. Granted, most of her family had still yet to know but he was so proud of her for telling her grandmother and smiled, sharing her delight that her grandmother was proud of her and happy with her. See? A gift! Simon knew it could be something special and good. It didn't have to be negative.

Simon looked down to the ring again. A family heirloom? Was it because he was her secret keeper that she decided to give it to him? "I'm flattered that you decided to share this with me," he said, smiling as his eyes reached her gaze. "And it means a lot to me that you did but listen, if there ever should come a time you feel you need it back, you need to tell me, okay? I feel like this is something pretty important and if you ever need it, you let me know and until then I'll always keep it safe."

Simon looked away from her. My gosh he didn't need to be looking into the girl's eyes! They were brilliant. So brilliant. But it wasn't going to make what he wanted to ask her any easier. His eyes drifted back down to the ring she had given him. "Uh, so upon returning I joined this club here. P.U.R.E. - they uhh, go over the traditions and customs of the pureblood community. I thought maybe I'd learn some about parseltongues that maybe could help you later on. Anyway, they're having this ball next month," he paused, his fingertips gently brushing over the ring.

"And uh, I was wondering if maybe....possibly, you might, kind of, want to ...go to it with me?"

Interacting with @Simon Kincaid

As much as Haley loved her family and enjoyed her time at home, she was incredibly happy to be back at Hogwarts. This had simply become her home from the first second and she felt at home here. She realized just at that moment how much she had missed the castle and especially her friends. She enjoyed this moment very much and was glad that she met people like Simon here, to whom she could confide her secrets and talk about everything.

Haley was very glad that Simon was happy about it and found his behavior incredibly nice. "That's so sweet of you!" Haley knew the ring would be in good hands with Simon and after he had supported her so much with the whole issue and still does and is her Secret Keeper, he was the only one she wanted to give this ring to. It just felt right. "That is really nice from you, but I am sure it will not come to that. I don't know who I would have rather given this ring to." She smiled at Simon, hoping he knew Haley really meant what she said.

P.U.R.E - Haley had never heard of it before and was all the more curious when Simon told her about it. She was surprised that Simon himself thought to help her along with the whole subject even if he's at the Club. "Oh, how sweet of you! But it's really not necessary, you may deal with other topics as well." She laughed and winked at him.

A ball - her gaze wandered back to Simon. This is probably something that will happen more often during her time at Hogwarts. She remembered the last one in October and had to smile.

Haley hadn't thought that far ahead at that moment and looked at Simon confused for a brief second when he asked her if she wanted to go to this ball with him. But as soon as her brain had processed the question, she quickly answered his question and began to speak with excitement in her eyes, "Oh wow! I'd love to, really! Thanks for asking me." She smiled warmly at him and felt a slight warmth rise in her cheeks. Hoping Simon wouldn't notice, she quickly continued speaking. "Uh but I actually don't know anything about this club. And I'm no Pureblood." Haley spoke the second part a little more softly and more to herself than to Simon, but she was sure he must have heard her. She didn't know if that was a requirement for this club, but it was one of her first thoughts.

He was so relieved when she said she'd go with him. Simon felt he could breathe again. He had lots of friends there at Hogwarts and many of them were girls but there was something different in his mind when it came to Haley. In fact, when he first had gotten his invitation to this ball and it mentioned inviting someone, she's the one that instantly came to mind. She was the only one that came to mind.

"Oh, no, its not like that. It's to understand the way purebloods are and the notions around them, what is truth and what is not. What their customs are... All that sort of stuff. I'm not pureblooded either," he said but paused. "Well, at least I don't think I am." His mother was a witch from a muggle family and his father? Who knew. He didn't even know the man's name let alone if he was a muggle or a wizard.

Simon glanced down the corridor in thought. Was that something he should ask his aunt about? Would she even have the answers he was looking for? Things about his father seemed to pop up more and more lately but no, he had to push it away.

"I don't know if that sort of club would interest you but you could always join as well if you'd like. No pressure. You can go regardless of being a member."

"So...you'll have to tell me what you'll be wearing once you figure it out and I will coordinate off it." Simon wanted to be one of those more put-together sort of couples at the dance.

Interacting with @Simon Kincaid

Haley was relieved when Simon explained that the blood status was not important and listened to his explanation with interest. She did not know that this club existed, but found it quite interesting and was very excited about the ball. After all, all of her family are purebloods except for her. She is the first halfblood in the family and with her birth the pureblood line of the Rose family was broken. She knew that no one was mad about this in any way, but she also felt that her grandmother in particular was a little dewy. She had never said anything to her, yet Haley knew that her grandmother had been very particular about blood status, especially in the past. Later, Haley would still have to learn that this also stands with many of her family's negative behaviors in the past.

"Well, that sounds very interesting. I'm the first halfblood in our family, so it's certainly not bad to learn a little more about Pureblood. I'm really looking forward to the evening!" Haley didn't know if she would want to join the club, so she would wait for the ball to get a better idea. Haley had to grin a little at Simon's comment, "I guess I'm not the only one with unresolved family questions." She winked and nudged him lightly with her elbow.

When Simon brought up the outfit for the evening, Haley started grinning right away. She could remember how much fun she'd had picking out an outfit at the last ball and knew she'd get right to it as soon as she had a quiet minute. Even if it was still a while she would be way too impatient to wait to deal with it for a few weeks. "Oh, I'll definitely do that!" She smiled at Simon and in her mind she imagined how the two of them would spend the evening dressed appropriately and her smile grew even bigger.

"Uh, sorry, when was the ball again exactly? How many weeks do I have left?" she joked and laughed. Haley wasn't complicated at all when it came to that. She could always decide quickly what she wanted to wear and always had exact ideas of how something should look once she started planning something and never took long to do so.