A new friend, perhaps? PV Irina Shevel Finished

Although Mahlioz wasn't surprised that Irina had understood, it still relieved her and she smiled even wider. Yes, she wanted answers. Yes, she'd love for the hat to tell her why the heck Ravenclaw wasn't where she belonged. But in the meantime, bonding with people over the fact that they both had no idea what was going on with their lives was the next best thing. "Your mom sounds like a smart woman," Mahlioz said with a half-grin. "But you're right, being confused together is a lot better than being confused on your own." My god, did I just say that? Am I losing all introvertedness?? What's going on with me?! But it was true, even as an introvert. People were terrifying and horrible and so much worse than books, but... you could talk to people. And it could help with stuff. How peculiar. I don't think people have ever helped with anything before.

As they moved on to the subject of the "Require Room" or whatever it was called, Mahlioz could tell Irina was definitely looking forward to exploring. Which the Slytherin could understand, ish. Exploring wasn't her favorite thing to do... Researching, decoding, mysteries and being all secretive - those sounded awesome. And if exploring came with it, well, she didn't mind too much. They made a decent pair, Mahlioz and Irina, didn't they? One would do what the other was not too keen to.

Irina suggested they go to the library, which was never something Mahlioz ever said no to. "Good idea! We'll find what we can about the Room, make a list of the possible places where it could be, and then go find them and figure out which one is right! And maybe find out what the Room even is while we're at it." Her face lit up as she started planning. She'd explored before, it wasn't that bad. And she knew almost the whole castle by now thanks to an adventure she'd had with a Ravenclaw and two Slytherins at the beginning of the year. She knew her stuff - she'd be able to help! "Wait, though, what if we're not allowed to go there? Like for Hogms- Hogeam- ugh. That place third-years go to?" Mahlioz frowned. She didn't really know what that place was either. She really needed to get to the library and get some answers to her questions. "I would love to go but I don't want to get in trouble."

Was that childish? Mahlioz hoped it wasn't. Kids were always getting into trouble at Hogwarts anyways, so maybe she was just overreacting. But she didn't want for someone to see her as just that - a troublemaker. She wasn't one, and she wasn't planning on starting. The professors already had enough work... they didn't need another kid doing something stupid. So, Mahlioz decided, she wasn't going to find this Requiry Room if it got her into trouble, even if it was childish. Taking risks that great was not too high on her to-do list.
Mahlioz held her hand out to Irina to help her up from the ground. "Should we get started or what?" she said excitedly.

A happy, warm feeling was growing in Irina's chest - the hopeful and contented feeling that only happens every so often. It was a good feeling, one that filled her with a sense of enjoying the moment rather than waiting expectantly for more.
She listened as Mahlioz laughed and smiled, excited at the possibility she had found a true friend at last!
When she mentioned going to the library, Mahlioz seemed to light up with delight. It was clear to Irina that just as exploring and adventures were her thing, reading and the library was Mahlioz's.
'This is gonna be fun,' she thought to herself. 'I absolutely love reading but maybe Mahlioz can inspire me even more! Maybe she can help me with my concentration problem. We can be reading buddies or something!' She inwardly giggled at the idea. 'And maybe I can help her expand her love for exploring?'

It was clear that Mahlioz wasn't as passionate about exploring as Irina was - or maybe she just had a lot more sense that Irina did. When suggesting that night time wanderings and hogsmeade trips might get them told off, Irina paused and frowned slightly. "Huh . . . I did not think of that," she mumbled with a sheepish grin. "Well, with a combination of my stupidly reckless plans and your calm, sensible ones, I'm sure we can find a middle ground where no one gets caught or told off." She laughed excitedly, the feeling still swelling in her chest along with the familiar feeling od a new adventure.

Mahlioz stood and held out her hand to help Irina up. "Should we get started or what?"
Irina smiled up at her and clasped her outstretched hand. "Let's go," she grinned as Mahlioz helped her up and they began walking back to the castle.