A Cool, Refreshing Day PV Hugh Lowe Closed

George didn't look back until Hugh was quite close, and gave him a little smile in addition to returning the wave. His eyes scanned over the bigger boy's outfit - noting the lack of helmet, this time. Perhaps he wasn't as wary about George smacking him over the head while they were within screaming distance of the professors?

The armor didn't make a lot of sense to him - but he had never seen Hogsmeade as anything other than an idyllic village. He saw headlines, occasionally, and was hit with a cold splash of reality when he spoke to that young boy from Koldovstoretz... but the suffering still only existed in abstract. The only thing bringing it home to him was the distinct lack of Ivy. He glanced out at the water and rubbed a hand over his head, feeling suddenly vulnerable.

It didn't make it any easier when Hugh finally closed in and smiled down at him, wondering why he was sitting alone. The reasons came to him in droves. "Just getting some quiet," he said softly, the anger that had been boiling up inside of him suddenly quenched by the words of the giant. A little laugh escaped George as Hugh pointed out his 'friends', who had scuttled back over to the scene of the seed-bombing to start picking at the feast that was laid before them.

"Yeah, sit down. You know, you walk more quietly than you'd expect," George said, wrinkling his nose as he looked up at the bigger boy. He never thought about it, but giants could be quite sneaky if you weren't looking at them. Their footsteps were fewer and further between, and could be just as soft as any small person's. Er, normal person's. Normal-sized. "I don't really come out here alone much."

George pushed up on his cheek, contemplating the water for a few moments. He let a little silence hang in the air. It must have been odd for Hugh, who might have never seen George with his mouth closed for more than three seconds at a time. (Even in class.) "I never used to, I mean. Now I sort of like it... a bit more. It's nice to get away from everybody. Uh, not that I want to get away from you, or anything."

Smooth lines as usual from this slick-talking badger. But he didn't keep bumbling over his apology, letting the silence wash it away with the cool wind. He nudged himself a bit closer to Hugh and further from the lake - using the part-giant as a barrier from the wind. He didn't say anything... but would give Hugh a little smirk if he noticed.

"Am I taking your spot? I could let you be lonesome here if you liked. I've got lots of spots."

"Aww," George said, a soft sound of sympathy when Hugh mentioned having enough alone time. It was always a bit funny to him that Hugh had such a physical presence when, really, he seemed like a bit of a shy boy. The only times you'd really see him were if he were upset, like in class, or... times like this, when he sort of caught you off to the side. Living at the margins of attention was not something George could get used to, but Hugh navigated it gracefully. "I'm only sitting here throwing seeds at the birds, so I apologize if I am not quite as spectacular as my normal self. Just felt struck by the urge."

The mention of the other schools' imminent arrival struck a foul chord with George. He grimaced, wrinkling his nose and trying to focus on the positive - Gideon would be visiting, along with a few of his other little friends from across the various schools. Nobody good would be coming from Durmstrang, of course, only a bunch of pointy little punks. "My guy?" George repeated, a bit confused. His face started turning red after just a moment.

Of course, it wasn't like he'd posted his breakup in the school newspaper. It had been a (by George standards) quiet affair. Most had only noticed because he was no longer exchanging love letters or acting quite so giddy whenever an owl arrived with a letter for him. "No, Felix and I broke up. I just- I don't know... I don't really feel like explaining it." Least of all to Hugh. The thought made his stomach twist. He felt like he might burp. "So, no, I'm not really excited for them to show up... I guess the ball is like a consolation prize. I might see if Jake will go with me, but I don't think he has a good time when I just drag him along... he does like when I do his clothes though."

George swept a hand through his hair, looking out at the water for a few moments, seeing the ripples on the surface brought out by the waves. He palmed along the nearby grass, searching for a rock, and then threw it in to disturb the surface. Plop. The boy sighed, and then forced a small smile, trying to lift the mood. "It's what I get for not following my own advice. Got to stay away from Durmstrang."

George leaned into that sympathetic touch. He hadn't forgotten their little outing to Puddifoot's completely - he could tell that, at least a little, Hugh would probably be pleased to hear the news. A warm hand on his shoulder was still comforting, especially as another cool breeze blew past the pair. George tugged his sleeves down over his hands and set his arms atop his knees, curling up a little bit.

"How- what?" George was completely stunned. He had scarcely considered Jake's dating potential. The little badger was a total write-off romantically. Not due to any lack of charm on his part - George was sure that some girls or boys or whatever Jake liked would have to like him back. But George didn't think that Jake did like anything. Aside from stuffed animals and warm chocolate chip cookies. The baby badger had nearly barfed when George brought up the topic of kissing to him in the past.

He gave the question its due consideration, which took no longer than a few seconds."He will... he's not going to do that for... he's probably not going to do that." No shame in going stag. He didn't hold the expectation Jake would pursue anyone. "If he shows up with a date..." George paused. "I'll eat my boots."

There was a few moments of silence as Hugh explored his imagination. George's image of the school used to be much the same - handsome boys in regal uniform, mysterious and distant, like the school they came from. The fact was, they were a bunch of snotty jerks who seemed to enjoy their reputation as dark and mysterious wizards. It made Hogwarts seem quaint, with its warring houses and mixed identity.

But even if they had fancy, well-dressed boys, none of the other schools allowed part-giants. Students such as Hugh, who were handsome in their own unique way, were denied to them. One point in favor of Hogwarts. (Compared against the risk of death, it was a small thing, but to the mind of George handsome lads were considered with greater weight.)

"I didn't know you still went to the ball," George admitted as Hugh mentioned his lack of date. Hugh, watching attentively, would notice the Hufflepuff's eyebrows quirk upward with sudden interest. It was quickly concealed beneath a veneer of cool indifference, however, as George attempted to project a sort of sullen introspection that he imagined Hugh might be attracted to.

A slight reddening in his cheeks couldn't be concealed as easily. He had also begun to smile, so the whole act really fell apart then. He reached down between the blades of grass and picked a bits of birdseed up, tossing them away. "Oh, you... want to go with me?"

Hugh had managed to sound quite unenthusiastic - especially as he backpedaled and called the idea silly. George pursed his lips and furrowed his brow as he examined the half-giant. It was amusing to watch him squirm. "You think going with me would be silly? Well, I was going to say yes, but if it would be too silly..." he said, batting his lashes at the half-giant. He followed up with a cheeky grin. "I think I could make some time for you."