One Summer Afternoon pv Sia Rose

London was as crowded as it always seemed to be. Sia had grown used to it long ago. Still, she had to admit that it did nothing to help ease the summer heat. For as much as she loved summer, loved being held by its warmth, there were temperatures that she simply couldn’t handle.

She wandered around, searching for something to help her cool down. And then, she saw it. A cafe. She sighed with relief. She’d find a cold drink there, surely. Maybe even some sweet treat. She was still just an unsupervised kid. She wouldn’t waste the opportunity to get a little sugar.

A bell chimed softly above her head when she entered. There was a cozy vibe to the cafe. Perfect for a lovely afternoon. Sia went straight to order something chocolate frappe and a chocolate chip cookie. Her mouth watered just thinking of the taste.

When she got her food, Sia looked around for somewhere to sit. She quickly spotted a brunette girl sitting by a window. She looked a bit familiar. Perhaps they’d crossed paths in Hogwarts? It seemed likely. But Sia didn’t think about it for too long. Her eyes drifted the girl’s notebook. Did she like writing? Journaling? Drawing, maybe?

Needless to say, Sia was intrigued.

Putting on her best smile, she went over to stand by the girl. She wanted to sit with her, but she didn’t want to be too forward. If the girl was seeking some alone time, Sia wouldn’t want to disturb her.

“Hello.” She spoke, gesturing to the empty seat. “You mind if I sit here?”

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Mentions: Reducio @Sia Rose

Quote: Reducio Curiosity always leads somewhere.

Notes: Reducio

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Diana looked up from the page she'd been absentmindedly filling with little notes and sketches, blinking once as the girl's voice pulled her back to the present. For a brief moment, Diana studied the girl. It was something she always done, and had done a lot during her first year at Hogwarts. However, there was something familiar with the girl's face. Perhaps they'd passed one another in the corridors at Hogwarts or shared the Great Hall during meals. It was a large castle, after all, and there had been countless students she'd recognized by sight without ever learning their names.

A gentle smile found its way onto Diana's face. "Not at all," she replied softly, closing her notebook before moving it slightly aside. "Please." She waited while the girl settled into the chair opposite her, her eyes briefly drifting to the chocolate frappé and cookie she'd ordered. "They look good," Diana observed with a quiet laugh. "I almost ordered something chocolate too, but I ended up choosing a blueberry scone instead." Perhaps if Diana ever entered this cafe again, she could order something chocolate.

She glanced out the window for a second, watching a pair of pigeons flutter across the pavement before returning her attention to her new companion. "I think you look familiar" she admitted after a thoughtful pause. "Did you happen to be at Hogwarts last year?" It seemed like the safest guess for someone who mainly observed people because during her first year, she'd spent more time observing than introducing herself. Which meant there were plenty of faces she remembered without knowing much about the people behind them.

"I'm Diana, by the way." She offered another small smile. "I'll be starting my second year this September." Her fingers rested lightly against the edge of her notebook, curiosity quietly replacing the silence that had filled her afternoon only moments before. Perhaps this unexpected conversation would make the summer day just a little more memorable. And perhaps, she'd happen to make a new friend. And if she was at Hogwarts last year, Diana might've had classes with her, since the young raven does seem to recall seeing this girl in a class or two.

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Word Count: 365/200

Sia grinned when the girl gave her the go ahead to sit with her. Wonderful. She took a sip of her frappe while the girl commented on it. Her eyes sparkled. It tasted so sweet. And it was cold, just as she’d needed. She knew she’d made an excellent choice. Both in her snack and her companion.

When the girl, Diana, asked about Hogwarts and introduced herself, Sia nodded, smiling. She set her frappe down. “I’m Sia. I’ll also be a second year.”

So they were the same age. What a lovely coincidence. Sia’s eyes drifted back down to Diana’s notebook, swinging her legs under the table. She really was curious. She hoped it wouldn’t be too intrusive to ask about it.

“You writing something?” She asked, tilting her head slightly to the side before taking a bite of her cookie. It was also sweet, though warm. It reminded her of baking in the kitchen with her mum. Speaking of whom, she’d have to text her sooner or later to let her know that she was okay.

Now that she could get a look at the pages of Diana’s notebook, it certainly seemed to be something creative, like the notebook that Sia herself kept hidden in her room for the summer. Hers was more of a journal, she supposed. Either way, it made her excited. Someone who enjoyed any type of art was someone Sia could get along with. And it would be nice to have a new friend for the beginning of the next term.

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Mentions: Reducio @Sia Rose

Quote: Reducio Curiosity always leads somewhere.

Notes: Reducio

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When Sia confirmed she'd also be starting her second year at Hogwarts, Diana smiled. "Then we probably have seen each other before," she said. "Hogwarts is big, but after a while you start recognizing faces, even if you never properly meet." It always seemed to be like that. Diana knew people by face but hardly even knew their names, except for the Ravenclaw students, as she sees them every single day at Hogwarts.

Diana followed Sia's gaze to her notebook that was resting on the table before she looked back up. There wasn't any hesitation in her expression, only the quiet sort of thoughtfulness she always seemed to carry with her. "A little," she answered, sliding the notebook around so Sia could see without having to lean across the table. The pages were filled with neat handwriting around small pencil sketches of flowers, feathers, castle windows, and a few tiny stars tucked into the margins. The sketches were things that Diana liked. She also found both writing and sketching was calming and a great way to relieve stress.

"I like writing down things I notice," Diana explained. "Sometimes it's something someone said, sometimes it's a place I've been, and sometimes I just end up drawing whatever catches my attention." She gave a small, almost sheepish smile. "It helps me remember little moments." She glanced at one of the drawings before lightly closing the notebook. The drawing she'd looked at was a small drawing of an owl perched on a windowsill. That drawing was of her own snowy owl, Khione. "I don't think I'm particularly good at drawing," she admitted. "But I enjoy it, and that's enough."

Diana's attention than shifted back to Sia, her own curiosity returning. "What about you?" she asked. "Do you have any hobbies?" There was a thoughtful pause that followed before she added "Or is there a class you're looking forward to once we're back at Hogwarts?" Diana reached for her blueberry scone, breaking off a small piece before smiling again. "It'll be nice going back already knowing a few more people." That was Diana's way of making a new friend. Her saying it'd be nice going back knowing a few more people basically meant she wants to be friends with Sia.

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Word Count: 376/200

Sia’s eyes widened slightly with admiration when she was able to get a clear view of Diana’s notebook. The sketches were what impressed her most. They were quite similar to what Sia herself liked to draw, especially the flowers and stars. Sia didn’t draw much, admittedly, but she did draw flowers she wanted to remember, and doodled stars when she was bored. It made her smile. They had something in common!

She listened to Diana talk about her writings, and scoffed lightly. “I think you’re plenty good at drawing, Miss Diana.” She chuckled.

Sipping on her frappe, she thought about her answer to Diana’s question. “Well, I like reading and writing. I’m really bad at writing, though.” She murmured, looking down at her cookie. Then she glanced up at Diana. “Oh! I really like herbology class. Most of my family are herbologists. My dad’s side of the family, I mean. My mum’s a muggle.”

She took another bite of her cookie to stop her rant. She hoped she wasn’t talking too much. She couldn’t help it. Diana seemed like someone likeminded, and Sia could already see herself talking with her all afternoon. Maybe they’d continue to talk when they were back in Hogwarts. Possibly. Hopefully.

She hummed at Diana’s last comment, and grinned. “Yeah, it’ll be nice, Dee.” She took her shot with a nickname. That was her way of establishing the friendship. She only hoped that Diana wouldn’t mind. “And you? Are there any classes you like?”

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Mentions: Reducio @Sia Rose

Quote: Reducio Curiosity always leads somewhere.

Notes: Reducio

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When Sia complimented her sketches Diana felt a faint warmth in her cheeks. "Thank you," she replied with a small, appreciative smile. "I still think I have a lot to improve, but I'm glad you like them." In other words, Diana was far from being a famous artist. But, becoming an artist isn't her goal in life. She isn't even sure what she wants to be when she graduates.

Diana listened with genuine interest as Sia spoke about her hobbies. Sia seemed to become more animated when talking about the things she enjoyed. It reminded her a little of herself whenever someone asked about books or Hogwarts or anything that Diana liked. If someone asked about her snowy owl, Khione, Diana would talk about her with pride and joy. She loves her owl a little too much.

"I don't think you have to be the best at something to enjoy it," Diana said gently. "If writing makes you happy, then that's reason enough to keep doing it." Diana's eyes brightened when Sia mentioned Herbology. "That makes sense if your family studies magical plants." She smiled thoughtfully. "It must be nice growing up surrounded by all of that." She imagined a garden filled with unusual magical flowers and herbs, each with their own properties and stories. It certainly sounded like an interesting place to spend time. Diana grew up surrounded by books because her mother is a librarian and her father teaches at a secondary school, so it's no shocker that Diana loves books and writing and drawing.

Diana was slightly off guard by the nickname. "Dee?" She blinked once before a quiet laugh escaped her. "I don't think anyone's called me that before." There was no discomfort in her voice only mild surprise. "I like it." The words came easily, accompanied by another gentle smile. No body has ever given Diana a nickname before, or at least she can't remember anyone giving her a nickname.

Diana took a moment to think when Sia asked about her favorite classes. "I've enjoyed most of them," she admitted. "But if I had to choose..." She rested one hand lightly against her mug. "Probably Charms and Astronomy." A thoughtful expression crossed her face. "I like Charms because it's amazing how many everyday things magic can do once you learn the right spell." She smiled. "And Astronomy is peaceful. I like being outside at night, looking at the stars. It always feels... quiet." Diana loves quiet, so Astronomy was perfect for her! She paused before adding with a small laugh, "Although staying awake for late-night Astronomy lessons can be difficult sometimes." Sometimes in class Diana felt herself nodding off, but then she remembered that since she's a Ravenclaw she has a short journey to go before she gets to her dorm.

Remembering something Sia had said earlier, Diana asked, "Do you think you'll follow the rest of your family into Herbology one day? Or are you still deciding what interests you most?" She smiled warmly. "We've still got plenty of time to figure that out." Diana figured that by fourth or fifth year would be a good time to have an idea of what to do after Hogwarts.

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Word Count: 533/200

Sia couldn’t help but giggle at Diana’s surprised reaction to the nickname. But she said she’d liked it. Perfect. She’d stay Dee, then.

She rested her elbow on the table, and put her chin in her hand as she listened. Charms and Astronomy. Sia nodded along. “You like quiet, huh? I get you. I like astronomy, but not as a class, you know? I like just looking up at the sky and learning by myself.”

Sia returned the smile to Diana, pleased with the question. She held her cookie up to her lips. “Honestly, yeah, I think I’ll be a herbologist one day, but I’m not sure. I might just get a muggle job.” She bit into her cookie with a shrug. “You’re absolutely right. We’ve got plenty of time to decide. I’m in no rush. But, I think I’d definitely like to have a family when I’m grown.”

It seemed like the natural way to Sia. She loved her family, so she imagined herself one day having a family of her own. But even that wasn’t for certain, and she knew it. They were just kids. Their futures were far from being written in stone. She thought it was best to enjoy that fact while it was still true.

“What about you, Dee? What do you want to do when you’re grown?” Sia leaned back against her seat. Conversation flowed easily. It was relaxing, just talking simultaneously about everything and nothing.

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Mentions: Reducio @Sia Rose

Quote: Reducio Curiosity always leads somewhere.

Notes: Reducio

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As Sia spoke about enjoying Astronomy in her own way Diana smiled. "I know what you mean," she said. "Sometimes it's nicer when you can just sit outside and look at the sky without having to remember the names of constellations for homework." She let out a soft laugh. "It's easier to appreciate it when no one's about to ask you questions."

She listened as Sia spoke about possibly becoming a herbologist one day before mentioning a Muggle job instead. Diana found herself nodding thoughtfully. "Both sound like good paths," she replied. "I think it's nice that you're keeping your options open." It was also nice how Sia was already forming a backup plan in case her first career path doesn't suit her. Diana thought that was smart.

Diana's expression softened into a warm smile when Sia mentioned wanting a family someday. "That sounds lovely," she said sincerely. "You seem like someone who really cares about people." She paused for a moment before adding, "I think that's something children would appreciate."

Then Sia's question came. Diana looked down into her mug for a moment and watched the last wisps of steam curl into the air. "I honestly don't know yet," she admitted. "There are so many things I enjoy that it's hard to imagine choosing just one." She smiled sheepishly. "I love reading, writing, drawing... and I like learning new things." Her fingers absentmindedly brushed the edge of her notebook. "Part of me thinks it would be nice to do something where I could keep learning every day." She continued after a thoughtful pause. "Sometimes I wonder if I'd enjoy working in a library like my mum." A small smile appeared at the thought. "I practically grew up surrounded by books." She let out a quiet laugh. "Or maybe teaching one day. My dad's a teacher, and I always thought it was nice that he got to help people learn." She lifted her gaze back to Sia's. "But then there are days when I read about someone doing research on magical creatures or discovering something new about magic, and I think..." She smiled, "...that sounds interesting too."

Diana gave a tiny shrug. "I suppose I'm a little like you. I'm not in any hurry to decide." Diana has many options that she could choose from, and when the time's right, she'll know what career path she wants. As Diana glanced toward the cafe window a comfortable silence settled between them. From the window Diana could see that the afternoon sun cast warm patches of light across the pavement outside. "I'm just looking forward to going back to Hogwarts," she admitted quietly. "It'll be nice seeing everyone again." Her attention returned to Sia accompanied by a gentle smile. "And now I'll already know one more friendly face."

Diana was enjoying getting to know Sia. Both girls seemed to share some things in common. Diana had a feeling that the two would turn out to form a beautiful friendship and she didn't want to lose that. She hoped Sia would feel the same, but judging from the flow of conversation and how Sia hadn't left yet, a friendship was beginning to bloom between the two girls.

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Word Count: 534/200

It made he happy to hear Diana agree with her. It really did seem to her that they were like minded, which was perfect. Friendship came naturally.

“Your mum’s a librarian?” Sia’s eyes sparkled. She could only imagine, but she bet that it was a wonderful experience. “That sounds so cool! It’s so amazing that you like learning. Not a lot of people are like that.”

Yeah, like minded indeed.

Sometimes it felt like everyone was always rushing towards the future, with a detailed plan and a set goal in mind. It was so refreshing to find someone who was enjoying life as it was right now.

“Oh, definitely. Hogwarts is so huge, though. I feel like it gets lonely sometimes.” Sia lamented, pouting at her cookie. She spent her days at Hogwarts surrounded by people, yes, but it was hard to feel a connection with a crowd. It was better to know people for themselves.

Then, she grinned. “Oh, but at least I’ll have a pet with me next year. My parents got me the cutest little bunny. Her name is Lotus. ‘Cause she’s that small.”

Sia could practically see hearts in the air just thinking of her beloved baby. She shook her head softly, and looked back at Diana. “You got any pets?” She hoped she did. Maybe their pets could be friends too. And she suspected Diana to like animals.