A friend may be waiting behind a stranger's face PV Lindsey Closed

@Haley Rose

It was a perfectly normal day, and a perfectly normal route. Notebook in hand, Lindsey was on her self-set mission of investigating the plants on Hogwarts grounds and trying to classify them into different categories. This wasn’t an easy task - numerous herbs and trees were out there, waiting for her discovery. But, it’s certainly a good way to kill time and learn something new at the same time, and Lindsey thought it was worthwhile. As pretty many Hufflepuffs did, she liked Herbology, had gardening as a hobby, and didn’t at all mind having her hands in dirt. Still a fourth year, Lindsey had yet to consider about her future career thoroughly - okay, she had dreams, big ones, but just hadn’t made a decision. So it couldn’t be wrong to learn more things - see, even if Hogwarts decided to hire a new groundskeeper and it would be her only choice, she’d have a chance for her experience examining plants out there.

Winter was drawing nearer, and she gotta be quick. Lindsey had already finished recording the plants near the castle some days prior, and now her destination what be the great lake. This had always been one of Lindsey’s favourite spots around this school, and indeed she was excited. Kneeling down and gently examining the plant’s leaves, she would take its species down if she knew that kind of plant; and if she wasn’t sure of it, she took a quick sketch and tried to look it up in the library later on. No plucking was the rule. She was doing it well today, finishing up her set goal without much difficulties. Or she could thank the weather, as flowers could hardly be seen - and that reduced the difficulty. One more full stop on the notebook, and she stood up to strength her legs, sore from the squat.

When she stood up she would come across a girl, who seemed to have just finished a workout. Lindsey had found herself far less athletic after joining the Duelling team - growing lazy, she had to admit, as physical strength wasn’t much required for her current sport. Anyway. This young athlete did seem familiar, the flaming red hair resembling someone she could recognise but had never really got acquainted with. Oh yeah, she knew it, the girl was on the Gryffindor Quidditch Team, and had quite a few impressive moves last game against Hufflepuff. Her house brought victory home, Gryffindor did not, but it didn’t mean that they were bad. Didn’t Haley blatched Captain Healy successfully (okays she wasn’t a fan of foulplaying especially when it’s directed to her housemates but objectively speaking you did need nice skills to successfully blatch someone else), if she hadn’t mistaken?

“Hey, aren’t you Haley Rose?” She’d chirp and grin, waving at the redhead girl still with her notebook in hand. “One of the Gryffindor chasers? I’ve seen your games, and you are great!” Even if she wasn’t on the Hufflepuff team anymore, Lindsey kept her tradition of going to games and keeping an eye out for the scores as well as talented players. She hadn’t faced Haley during her time, but Lindsey did know her - sports players, especially Quidditch players, were literally mini-celebrities on the campus. And for a Quidditch lover like her, it wouldn’t be that wise to let a nice Quidditch player walk past you without exchanging a little friendly conversation.

English: #008000 Parsel: #008080

@Lindsey Springhall
Outfit

As Haley recovered from her athletic session and let her gaze linger over the water, she became aware of a voice. "Huh?" the redhead blinked at the unfamiliar face. She was looking into the face of a girl with long golden brown hair and dark brown eyes, whom just called her by name. Haley couldn't remember the two of them talking before, but she gave her a smile and nodded. "Yes, Haley Rose, that's right." The Gryffindor girl pushed herself away from the railing and took a few steps towards the girl she still didn't know, her eyes fleetingly falling on the notebook in her hand and she wondered what she was doing out here alone.

"Oh wow, thanks!" Haley was visibly surprised that she recognised her as a Gryffindor Team Chaser and complimented her on it. But Haley also laughed, she couldn't help but think back to the last game against Hufflepuff and that was anything but the style of play she liked. "Even though I'd rather aim for the rings than other players." She added with a sarcastic tone, "But that's between us." She winked and shook her head at the memories of the barbaric game. She had dealt some bludgers but also taken some and at the thought she briefly recalled the hellish pain. It was not a pleasant memory and so she quickly shook it off.

"So what are you doing here all alone on this cold day?" again her eyes fell on the book in her hand. Maybe it was her diary? Or she was drawing? Or maybe she just liked to read in some peace and fresh air. It was definitely something Haley would do too. There was nothing like a quiet moment, a good book and being in the beautiful nature of the Scottish Highlands. But was that really what her opposite would do? It was up to her to find out, because currently she knew more about Haley than Haley knew about her. In fact, Haley knew nothing about the girl. "Sorry, what was your name again?" she continued to ask, not sure if she had missed it or maybe she hadn't introduced herself yet.

@Haley Rose

She was aware that Gryffindors were almost as friendly as they Hufflepuffs did, but Haley was even much easier than she had thought. Lindsey didn’t expect such a warm reply from her, she didn’t really think herself would accept a compliment without much scepticism if their role had a switch. But, really, she liked Haley, the redhead’s friendly nature made Lindsey’s grin went even wider. “Nah, you deserved it.” She put a thumb up. Haley then went on, winking and admitting she wasn’t the biggest fan of blatching. So wasn’t Lindsey, and it was good to know that they both preferred an authentic Quidditch game, without those aggressive behaviours. “I know, that’s…indeed a little immoral.” She never liked it when un-beater players tried to attack others, colliding with them and throwing them down from their brooms. Defensive moves were much better. “But sometimes you just have to do it to win, so I can understand as well when Captains come up with that kind of strategises.” Oh, it had been long since she had ever spoken to someone about Quidditch, and now she felt that she was still a part of the team. That was…a long ago, indeed. Talking with Haley made that memory vivid, the scene of her practicing and listening to the Captain’s deployments coming back to life. Her lips curled into a pretty curve. Treasured memories, indeed.

“Oh, I was taking some notes regarding the plants we have here around the castle.” She waved the notebook and flipped a few pages, cursive letters and simple sketches of herbs could be seen. “I’m quite interested in plants, and I feel that it’s a great opportunity for me to learn more about them if I can do a detailed record about the ones on the Hogwarts grounds. I am still unfamiliar with many of them.” She made a gesture, drawing the outline of the grand courtyard out with her hands. “It’s a big task, but I think I’m handling it!” There were still many left things to do, admittedly, but she was enjoying the process. Things couldn’t be too difficult when you truly enjoyed them, Lindsey was quite confident about that.

Chocolate brown eyes gazed at the girl in front of her. Lindsey noticed that Haley had green eyes, a rather unusual colour, and very pretty. She had heard some people describing those who had green eyes as like emeralds, and Lindsey could prove that they weren’t exaggerating. Much better than her own tedious brown, really, whose colour was apparently popular. Haley was a charming girl indeed and a nice person, and Lindsey was drawn to her. Maybe she could get to know her more. Maybe she could even try make a friend. And then with Haley’s reminder, she finally realised that she had to introduce herself properly, instead of just screaming and bubbling here like a super hyped fan. “I’m Lindsey Springhall, fourth year Hufflepuff.” She grinned, a bit apologetically for not making her identity clear earlier. “I once played as a Beater for my house, though I think I had already quit by the time you joined. I now duel, but is still a big Quidditch fanatic.” Laughing slightly, she stuck her hand out. “It’s really nice to meet you, Haley Rose.”

English: #008000 Parsel: #008080

@Lindsey Springhall
Outfit

"Sometimes it's just out of our hands, right?" smirked Haley, nodding in agreement when the girl talked about how sometimes you had to do it for winning or because the captains entered the game with such strategies. It seemed like the girl knew about Quidditch, she also talked like she played herself, but Haley couldn't remember ever playing against her. "It feels like I'm talking to a teammate, okay more like an opponent." Joked Haley, eager to find out if she plays quidditch herself.

"Oh wow, that looks interesting!" excitedly Haley looked at the notes of hers and she remembered back to her first year, being so interested in Herbology herself. And all the animals and her adventures searching for Bowltruckles. "A few years ago I was really into all the plants too, well, I still am, just priorities have shifted a bit I guess." She shrugged her shoulders, she had many new hobbies but she would never lose her love of the environment. "I once went on a little adventure with a friend and we were hoping to come across Bowltruckles. Well we weren't successful but I'm still hoping we'll get a chance to go to Bowltruckles Island with the teachers someday."

"Now it all makes sense." Laughed Haley as the girl, Lindsey, introduced herself as a former Beater. "It's nice to meet you too Lindes Springhall." Haley liked the girl, she was nice and easily they got into a conversation quite unnoticed. She just hoped that she would have a better experience with this Hufflepuff than she had with the last one. She just hoped Lindsey didn't take her up on it. She and Simon were in the same house and surely they knew each other. Haley, however, just couldn't take it anymore that she was asked about their relationship every time. She had finally moved on from it but it seemed like it was still a topic of conversation for one or the other, which made her get mad every now and then.

Haley noticed the cold wind on her face and by now she was starting to shiver. "Care to walkt to the castle?" she asked her new acquaintance, hoping they could talk some more. But she wouldn't last long out here, she wasn't dressed thickly enough for that. "These clothes are great for running, but not for staying out in the cold for long." The redhead explained further before she made her way back to the castle. Depending on whether Lindsey would accompany her or not, she would talk to her some more and try to get to know her. "Tell me, what is your favourite plant?" Haley opened the conversation and looked sideways into the girl's dark brown eyes.

@Haley Rose

Lindsey grinned at Haley’s comments. It had been long since she last conversed about Quidditch like this with another Quidditch lover, and she felt that her youth was back - erm, maybe that’s not the best analogy, but she did feel so. Those carefree days were long, long ago, which seemed not to be able to go back easily - and so she did cherish this moment with Haley. Lindsey blinked at the redhead with approval shining in her eyes, when she heard about the third year’s adventure of Bowtruckle-seeking. Though she didn’t pick Care of Magical Creatures as an elective, Bowtruckles were indeed intriguing little creatures. “The island sounds like a fun place for a tour.” She nodded, before laughing slightly. “Do notify me when there’s a chance!”

“Oh, of course!” She could already feel the slight shiver going down from her spine all the way down to toes even if properly wrapped in a coat, and Haley who had just finished an exercise would only feel colder. Turning her heels, she walked alongside with the Gyrffindor girl. “Um…I like most kinds of flowers, especially lilac and dandelion. As for magical plants…pretty sure it’s Dittany. I like it’s function of healing and restoration.” She thought carefully and answered. “I’m also quite into wand woods. It’s so interesting, to link the woods with different wand characteristics, and then further to personalities and spell casting preferences.” As a pureblood kid, wands was something she longed for in her childhood - like every else child who grew up in the magical world did. Before receiving her very own wand at age eleven, she had read through the wand wood and core descriptions again and again, while taking guesses at what exactly would her wand be. And now, when she was fully into Herbology after starting her education at Hogwarts, she could learn more about the wand woods. That was quite an interesting subject indeed, and she had done quite a few researches on it.

Half turning to Haley with smiley eyes, she chirped on. “Have you got a favourite plant as well?” She inquired, curiously. “And, what are your favourite subjects? Herbology counts, I guess?” It’s easy to talk with Haley, the latter could easily start a conversation, and Lindsey just had to follow her steps. She felt relaxed with Haley by her side - a strange thing really, they had just got acquainted for minutes, but Lindsey already thought she could try to make a friend. A good friend even, perhaps?

Most of her past experiences with Gryffindors were great at the beginning, but ended up as nothing: they met up and became quick friends, they loved each other dearly, they kept in touch - and then they lost touch. Always like that. Always. If she was the Lindsey of eleven, of twelve, she would say Carpe Diem, and did not care much about friends coming and going. There would always be someone who would stay by her side forever, and she still had enough time to meddle with everything. Not when she turned fourteen though. But something inner told her that this time it would be different. And…she hoped so.

Reducio

I’m soooooo sorry for how long this took life has been really busy!

English: #008000 Parsel: #008080

@Lindsey Springhall
Outfit

Haley couldn't believe how long ago those adventures were. It feels like a lifetime and so much has happened since then. "I will!" Haley promised Lindsey, "But I think we'll have to wait until one of the professors plans a trip there. But who knows, maybe we'll get lucky?" Haley smiled and shrugged her shoulders, sometimes it was out of one's hands, but maybe she should make the suggestion to her professors. It might make a difference with any luck.

"Oh wow, wand woods. I can see why you're interested in this and it's really incredibly interesting." Haley had never really looked into it before but it was really interesting how it all worked together in this little piece of wood. Maybe she would have to listen to a little lecture from Lindesy sometime to learn more about it. And again, this was one of those moments that pointed out to her how indescribable this magic was and again she realised how grateful she was to be a part of this world.

"Favourite plant?" Haley laughed, "I think I have too many." She shook her head with a laugh. "I think my enthusiasm is just too big to really name favourites. Favourite subject? Yes Herbology is one of them, of course. And Flying, of course. And Care of Magical Creatures, and Charms, DADA, potions. As I said, the enthusiasm is too big." Haley laughed again, but that was how she was. "How about you? Herbology the only favourite subject?" The subjects revealed that the two couldn't have known each other for long, but the way they spoke to each other was totally easy. They could just chat and laugh like that. Haley loved these kinds of conversations and atmospheres.

By now they had arrived at the castle and Haley couldn't wait to get into the warm surroundings. She opened the big door for both of them, rubbed her hands together and tried to warm up her red cheeks. "It was really a pleasure Lindsey. We should do this again but in order to do that I really need to take a warm shower or I'll freeze to death." Haley really hoped the two of them would do this again soon. She liked the girl and they had things in common. "Maybe next time we'll go to the Quidditch training field together? Test out what else you've got?" She suggested with a wink before saying goodbye and sprinting up the stairs to finally warm up her body under warm water.

@Haley Rose

“Yeah, it’s indeed incredible, our wands and all that.” She agreed with Haley, nodding and chuckling. Lindsey had always regarded waving your wand as the coolest thing (well, um, along with riding a broom) in the world - it was the scarce time she could really feel the magic floating at the tips of her fingers, and that made her feel - well, magical. No better adjectives would fit this description better, despite how exquisite they would be. She waved her wand, murmured the incantation, and - woohoo, spell cast! That was the truly amazing thing, and back to its roots, it was because of the wand. The wands that were truly amazing.

“Absolutely not.” She also laughed hearing Haley’s own opinions on herself. Enthusiasm too big? Exactly something to describe Lindsey also. “Let me see…Transfigurations, Herbology, Muggle Studies, Charms, Flying…in no specific order.” She thought for a moment, before continuing, “And I think I’m also gaining a recent interest in Potions. Divination is also quite interesting, I guess.” She had took interest in toxicology for sometime now, which led to an interest in Potions. And, brewing potions was fun, like making a fine cuisine - she had that patience, so why not?

“We do have pretty much in common.” Smirked Lindsey. It was a great pleasure for her to discover this - Lindsey liked this feeling, to have someone that was like you in some way by your side. Her Herbology research might be a bit boring, but talking with Haley certainly wasn’t - the girl was easy, friendly, straight-forward, the ideal of a friend - and Lindsey felt that it was worth it. Even though she had only be in touch with the Gryffindor for no longer than ten minutes, she could feel that something was already forming between them - something beyond that of acquaintance. It was different, she knew it. Unlike most people she met whom she had to consider before giving her back to them, her instinct told her that Haley was someone she could trust. And Lindsey loved the way they conversed, the chemical reaction between an outgoing Gryffindor and a chatty Hufflepuff was no doubt one of the best things in the world.

And then they reached the castle. Feeling the warmness inside, even Lindsey who carefully wrapped herself up in coats was eager to enjoy herself beside the cracking log fire in the ancient Hogwarts fireplace. She nodded sympathetically at Haley’s explanations - gosh, she must have been cold in that workout outfit - “Okay, just go ahead!”, while stretching her own arms and stamping herself to overcome the stiffness, courtesy of the cold weather. Chocolate brown eyes sparkled when Haley brought up a flying session. What great news, after all these years, Lindsey would absolutely love that. “Oh hey, of course, I’d love to!” She also smiled back. “I’ll meet you up there sometime, when you are free? I hope that wouldn’t be long. Super excited, you know!” With warm goodbyes and expectations for the future meet up, Lindsey took the way down to the Hufflepuff bungalows. Her fruit today might be more than the plants she took down, it seemed. A harvest, indeed.

Thread Fin.