Gerrard Rayne: ::Drags his trunk out from under the bench in the car on the train and points his wand at it muttering, "Reducio.", the trunk shrinking to near pocket size and he slips it into his pack, Urza sitting obediently on his shoulder as he makes his way off the train, the slight wind on the platform doing nothing more then ruffle his short chestnut hair, but stands proudly in his black robes and the Gryffindor shield very visible on his robes::
Charisse Banning: ::A fifteen year old Hufflepuff girl pulls her trunk and owl cage down from the luggage rack in her compartment and drags them off the train, she is dressed in her uniform of mid-thigh length grey skirt, grey knee-high socks with yellow and black stripes on the top, a matching grey sweater with the same trim, a white suit shirt, and a yellow and black striped tie, her black robes open and proudly bearing the Hufflepuff crest. Her auburn hair is pulled halfway up, keeping it from her face, but allowing the silky length to show and she climbs quietly into a carriage, awaiting the rest of her friends::
Gerrard Rayne: ::Reaching into his pack he removes Urza's cage and unfolds it quickly turning it into a full sized owl cage and coaxes the stubborn bird onto his perch inside, after a little resistance he finally assumes his position, smiling a bit he takes a deep breath of the clean air and since the beginning of the trip finally relaxes and finds himself ready for the beginning of a challenging year at Hogwarts::
Charisse Banning: ::Smiles as her friends climb aboard and yet she somehow isn't as happy to see them as she expected to be, but she shrugs, reaching into Opa's cage to gently stroke the spotted owl::
Gerrard Rayne: ::Searches for a moment and ponders, attempting to find a carrige that wont condemn him to enduring the ride to hogwarts with something as low as a Slytherin and spots one with a few hufflepuffs aboard and shrugs to himself:: May as well...::Lifts Urza's cage and strides over to the carraige sliding the cage in ahead of him and slides up over the stairs into the small space, and places his pack between his legs and Urza's cage just in front of him, reaching through the bars to stroke the back of his head::
Charisse Banning: ::Glances at the Gryffindor as he steps in and smiles at him, chuckling softly:: Hello, Gerrard...
Gerrard Rayne: ::Looks up a bit in surprise, knowing only a few people who call him by name and smiles at her:: Hi Charisse, great to see you again!
Charisse Banning: ::A few of her friends giggle and then talk amongst themselves as she throws them a quieting look and then smiles at Gerrard again:: Excited about a new year? ::Sits back a bit as the carraige begins to move::
Gerrard Rayne: ::Leans back in his chair and chuckles a bit, pulling his legs up onto the seat and sitting cross legged, eyeing her friends out of the corner of his eye before returning to her:: Oh, absolutely... Kinda worried about a couple of my classes, but I'm trying not to think about it, how about you?
Charisse Banning: ::Smiles and nods, setting Opa's cage on the seat next to her, the owl peering through the bars at his owl:: Definately... except that I'm trying for all 12 O.W.L.'s and I'm horrible at Potions...
Gerrard Rayne: ::Chuckles a bit and shakes his head:: Like i said before, all you need is a more relaxed view at them..they really are a lot easier then they sound.. ::Leans over from his seat and says at a highly sarcastic whisper:: I mean c'mon...Snape should teach Diviniation, at least then when people are told they're gonna die he could actually deliver...
Charisse Banning: ::Eyes him wearily for a minute and then shakes her head:: He doesn't need potions to kill people... all he needs to do is look at me...
Gerrard Rayne: ::Frowns a bit and shakes his head:: Now what would make you think a thing like that... ::Jumps a bit as the carraige takes a slight hop and leans back again in his seat::
Charisse Banning: ::Sifts a bit as they hit the bump and smiles weakly:: With the daggers he shoots at me, I'm lucky I survived first year.
Gerrard Rayne: ::Shakes his head and waves his hand in dismissal:: He hates everyone, even students from his own house! Trust me...I'll make you a deal, you help me pass Ancient Runes ::Speaking the title of the class gives him a slight shudder and he shakes his head, going on:: And I'll teach you everything I know about potions... ::Smiles a bit and taps the toe of her shoe with his own from under his robes and chuckles:: Sound like a good plan to you? I can't say I know everything about potions...but I know more then most first years...so I think I can help.
Charisse Banning: ::Chuckles softly and raises an eyebrow, shifting her feet a bit before crossing the leg closest to him over her other, eyeing him for a minute:: I'm not that bad at Potions...
Gerrard Rayne: ::Blushes with blatant embarassment at his poor choice of words and shakes his head:: Uh...not what I meant...I'll tell you what...how about you help me with Ancient runes, I'll teach you potions and we just forget that although we both know more then first years in the area of potions I have a serious lack of getting the proper meanings in my statements...
Charisse Banning: ::Studies him for a minute, appearing to be very hurt and then smiles, nodding and gathers her things as the carriage rattles to a halt:: That sounds good.
Gerrard Rayne: ::Smiles and nods slightly, picking up his knapsack and grasping the handle on Urza's cage and nudges the door open with his knee, offering the Hufflepuffs the door to get out::
Charisse Banning: ::Each of her friends shuffle past him, eyeing him for a minute before giggling and then fall into a small clump a few feet from the carriage and she smiles at Gerrard:: I'll meet you in the Library after classes tomorrow.
Gerrard Rayne: ::Nods slowly and smiles:: I'll be there..
Charisse Banning: ::Steps out of the carriage and lifts Opa's cage in a wave before being swept up by the group of giggling girls::
Zarek Yeran: ::sits down in the corner, near the front door to the castle, sighing::
Gerrard Rayne: ::Steps out of the carriage and looks around for a moment, staring after Charisse for a minute and then chuckles, nudging the door shut with his elbow and hefts Urza's cage in his left hand and tosses his knapsack over his shoulder making his way to the front door of the castle, the form of the boy catching his attention and he kneels down next to the Gryffindor and sets Urza's cage on the ground, frowning a bit and watching him::
Zarek Yeran: ::looks up distractedly:: Oh, hi there Gerrard. How are you?
Gerrard Rayne: ::Shrugs slightly and chuckles a bit, reaching his hand out to Zarek:: Not bad man, little puzzled though, what’s bothering you?
Charisse Banning: ::Glances at Zarek as she's swept up the steps of the castle and quickly puts her things in the pile of luggage to go up to individual rooms::
Zarek Yeran: ::stands slowly:: Ahh.. not much really. Just not looking for ward to Snape again this year. I swear he looks for a reason to fail me.. even though I do decently in his class.
Gerrard Rayne: ::Laughs slightly and shakes his head:: Seems like everyone's got the Snape jones this year, tell you what if you come out of that dark corner and walk with me up to the common room I'll buy ya a cauldron cake and we'll see if we
think about something other then our imminent failings in Snape’s class...
Zarek Yeran: ::smiles slowly:: Well, alright. By the way, was that Charisse you were talking to? That got out of your carriage?
Gerrard Rayne: ::Nods slowly and grins a bit:: Yeah, she's worried about Snape’s class too...we're meeting tomorrow in the library so i can give her a hand with it, you should come along, been a while since the three of us have been together doing anything but worrying..
Zarek Yeran: ::nods slowly:: Lets go.. We can talk as we walk.
Gerrard Rayne: ::Pats him on the back and smiles, nodding a bit:: I just gotta drop my stuff off and then we can go find a snack or something...
Charisse Banning: ::Attempts to push her way out of the castle to see if Zarek's alright, but gives up after a few minutes and rolls her eyes a bit as the still giggling group of girls sweeps her into the great hall::
Zarek Yeran: ::nods again:: Sure.. oh.. by the way. ::looks somewhat nervous:: I've always thought Charisse was sweet. She’s been really nice to me since our first year.
Gerrard Rayne: ::Hefts Urza's cage again and smiles, setting it down near the other various animal cages and then takes his pack off his shoulder, removing a pocket sized trunk and setting it on the ground, drawing his 10" cedar wand, with a dragons heart string and mutters, "Engorgio" as the trunk returns to its normal size and then chuckles, stuffing it pack in its little pocket and looks at Zarek:: She is, isn't she?
Zarek Yeran: ::nods:: By the way.. I hear Gryffindor has a Seekers position open. I've been practicing over the summer. Maybe I'll make the team..
Gerrard Rayne: ::His eyes light up and he smiles, wrapping his arm around the back of Zarek’s neck and lets out a cheer that distracts several students in the hall and yells:: Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting for you to say that?!
Zarek Yeran: ::grins sheepishly and blushes slightly:: Well.. The spot has always been occupied.. There is no way I could have taken it from the last seeker. He was incredible.
Charisse Banning: ::Finally pushes her way out of the mass of kids and into the entrance hall where she spots Gerrard and Zarek and smiles, calling to them from about halfway down the hall:: Come on! They're about to sort the first years!
Zarek Yeran: ::ducks his head for a moment and whispers:: Oh, would you mind if I came to the Library with you and Charisse tomorrow? Or was it something special between the two of you?
Gerrard Rayne: ::Nods a bit and chuckles:: True he was, but listen...tryouts are in two days! You'll do great ::Raises an eyebrow at the voice and smiles, jumping again:: Charisse! ::Nudges him in the side and smiles:: C'mon man lets go! ::Chuckles a bit and stops in his tracks, looking back at Zarek:: God, and then I'd faint and die a happy man, c'mon lets get to the hall!
Zarek Yeran: ::nods and hurries along behind Gerrard:: Lets go!
Gerrard Rayne: ::Turns and starts off at a slow jog down the hall, his robes billowing out behind him and as they reach Charisse he ducks around her side and turns around, picking her up from around the waist and starts to walk in the direction of the great hall:: Charisse your going the wrong way!
Zarek Yeran: ::chuckles and bows slightly:: Good Afternoon, Charisse. ::blushes almost unnoticeably::
Charisse Banning: ::Smiles at the two, waiting patiently for them for a moment and then eyes Zarek for a minute, screaming in slight surprise as Gerrard picks her up and laughs softly, looking at Zarek from over Gerrard's shoulder:: It's been a while, Zarek. Good too see you again. Everything alright? I saw you sitting outside... I tried to stop, but it's impossible to get through that crowd.
Gerrard Rayne: ::Laughs softly and smiles, putting her down and draws his wand, pointing it at himself and conjures a hover charm, snickering a bit at the two of them and makes rowing motions in the air with his wand as he floats along the corridor:: C'mon guys, we can't miss it this year..
Zarek Yeran: That it has, Charisse. I've been doing Okay. Lots of Training this summer, kept me busy. Oh.. outside. I'm really worried about Snape’s Class this year. I do decent in there, but he always seems to try to fail me anyway.. And with O.W.L's this year.. I really have to work hard..
Charisse Banning: ::Smiles slightly, dropping back as Gerrard puts her down to walk alongside Zarek and nods:: I know the feeling all too well. Gerrard's going to help me with potions this year. We're meeting in the library tomorrow, if you'd like to join us.
Zarek Yeran: ::smiles broadly:: Thank you.. that would be Great. Gerrard already invited me as well. After the afternoon classes, right?
Gerrard Rayne: ::Bows his head a few times as he floats along the corridor, slowing down a bit as the two come up alongside him, his head nodding in a rhythmic pattern to some song he's humming in his head::
Charisse Banning: ::Smiles and nods a bit, walking along after Gerrard:: Right. ::Stops for a minute and listens:: The sorting hat! ::Takes off at a run, her robes fluttering behind her:: Come on!
Zarek Yeran: ::hurries into the great hall, finding a seat at the Gryffindor table as close to Charisse, at the Hufflepuff table as possible, and Beckons Gerrard over::
Gerrard Rayne: ::Lets his feet touch lightly on the ground and chases after Charisse coming into the great hall and straight up the middle of the tables and hops, landing butt first on the bench and sliding a foot or two to a stop and turns towards the table, grinning at Zarek, just before Snape shoots a menacing look at him from the staff table::
Zarek Yeran: ::Glances up at the staff Table, seeing McGonagall and smiling at her, getting no response. Looks past Snape to Hagrid, grinning at him, looking forward to an Interesting year as always::
Charisse Banning: ::Slips into her seat and looks up at the staff table, smiling at waving at Professor Sprout and receiving a large smile in return before turning to look back at Gerrard and Zarek for a minute, having missed then the past two years:
Gerrard Rayne: ::Crouches on the bench for a second as kids still mill around the great hall and stands up, waving at all the teachers on the staff table right when Snape turns his attention elsewhere, receiving a few knowing looks and waves from
the teachers, but quickly plants his butt back on the bench as Snape’s gaze returns to the gathering houses::
Zarek Yeran: ::Glances over at Charisse, noticing her looking at the pair of them, and flashes her a quick smile, before looking back to the Staff table, as Dumbledore Stands::
Gerrard Rayne: ::Smiles at Charisse and lets a small quick wave out before turning to look appropriate while Dumbledore addresses the houses of Hogwarts::
Charisse Banning: ::Flashes the smile back to each of them and waves in return before turning her attention to the staff table, shuttering a bit as her gaze passes a tall dirty blonde Hufflepuff boy::
::After Dumbledore's short introduction and traditional welcoming of the students the stool with the sorting hat is brought to the front, a grim looking thing but none the less brings a sense of Awe over the first years as they study it, some worrying about what it'll say but the majority excited::
Sorting Hat: ::A low grumbling sound can be heard from the hat as its lifted from its stool and placed on the first students head, Gretta Jorgen, pondering for a moment the hats facial features contort and then it grins in its own special way:: Well i believe you young lady are a....::After a moment of suspenseful pause:: A HufflePuff! ::Bringing a roaring cheer from the Hufflepuffs table and a bright blush from the young student as she steps down::
Charisse Banning: ::Smiles and cheers along with the rest, applauding loudly, and offering the new girl a seat next to her::
Sorting Hat: ::Another child, fresh faced and with a slightly evil glint in his eye steps up and arrogantly takes the stool, his arms crossed over his thin chest, slicked back black hair and a small hooked nose and dull gray eyes sneer at the convened houses, the sorting hat, grumbling and moaning a bit as its placed on this boys head and barely touching the trailing strands of hair the hat lets out a somewhat disgusted moan:: Slytherin.... ::Greeted by a roar of approval from the rest of the Slytherin house and a particularly evil glare from Snape, obviously liking the potential of this one, the boy strides down the steps, pleased and grinning to the slytherin table::
Charisse Banning: ::Frowns a bit, looking at the boy for a long minute, most of the color draining from her face before she looks away::
Prof. Snape: ::Snape, in the traditional manner though with less enthusiasm then the rest, which is always expected stands to welcome the Slytherin:: Welcome to the Slytherin house, Zeik Banning, ::Fluffing his robe he reclaims his seat at the staff table::
Charisse Banning: ::Bows her head, praying that no one makes the connection and seems to shrink in her seat, looking not at all well::
Sorting Hat: ::The next child approaches the stool and takes his seat, a small golden haired boy with an iron clad stature and a determined glint in his eye sits for a moment before the sorting hat is lowered, mulling over this boy for a moment he grumbles distractedly at himself:: Hmm...strong...honorable...very intuitive...Lets see how you do in.. ::After a moments pause:: Gryffindor!
Zarek Yeran: ::looks over at Charisse, seeing she’s upset, and tries to get her attention::
Gerrard Rayne: ::Stands from his place at the table and claps loudly, cheering the boy on:: Welcome to Gryffindor Henry!
Zarek Yeran: ::cheers along with the rest of the Gryffindors, still trying to get Charisse's attention::
Charisse Banning: ::After a few moments of no questions, she decided that it's safe and turns her head to look at Zarek and Gerrard, frowning again at his look, and gratefully joins the applause for the new Gryffindor::
Gerrard Rayne: ::Pats the seat next to him and smiles:: Come on have a seat! ::Tries to get the boys attention over the roar of his housemates and is finally successful, the boy sits next to him, a little nervousness showing::
Zarek Yeran: ::Seeing her looking at him, he Mouths 'What’s wrong?' then 'Banning?' and points at Zeik::
Gerrard Rayne: ::Sits down on the bench and pats Henry on the back and after a moment and the kid is settled in he turns to look at Charisse, a deep frown coming over his features::
Charisse Banning: ::Frowns at his question and nods slowly, the shadow of a tear forming in her eye and mouths the word "Later." Turns her back to them as the new Hufflepuff asks her a question and smiles, happy for the distraction::
Sorting Hat: ::The next first year walks up to the stool, a taller girl with long golden brown hair and a pair of glasses pushed far up the bridge of her nose, a calm and serene look over her face and her cheeks just slightly red. Clutched in her left hand and almost covered by her robes is an advanced astronomy book, the sorting had studies her for a moment as it's placed on her head and ponders for a few moments:: Well...my dear Sarah...i believe that you are most suited for ::After a moments pause it shouts:: Ravenclaw!: ::The girl stands up only a small smile coming over her features as she clutches the book to her chest and walks down the stairs, greeted by the cheers and roars of the Ravenclaw house, taking her seat with the others the sorting hat closes his eyes and slumps over a bit, done with his job for this year, being placed on his stool he's carried out by a staff member and to Dumbledore's office where he spends his time::
Zarek Yeran: ::looks around slowly, seeing Charisse has looked away. Mutters to Gerrard:: I'm ready to go to the tower.. We really need to talk to her tomorrow ::nods in the direction of Charisse::
Gerrard Rayne: ::Nods slightly at Zarek while clapping for the new Ravenclaw and then speaks in a semi-loudish voice over the cheering:: Lets wait at least a little bit...we don't want to bother her..
Zarek Yeran: ::nods:: That’s what I meant.. tomorrw would be good. She told me she'd tell me later..
Gerrard Rayne: ::As the cheering dies down he glances over his shoulder at Charisse and then to Zarek, nodding a bit:: All we can do is wait, i wouldn't worry too much in the mean time..
Prof. Dumbledore: ::Dumbledore stands up once the hall begins to quiet and gives his quick start of term speech, welcoming the new students and telling them all the new rules, but overall a short speech and as he sits, the tables magically fill with food and the resident ghosts come out to greet everyone::
Gerrard Rayne: ::Watches the food appear and smiles, looking up at the ghosts and raises his arm to wave:: Hey Nicholas! How’s your head this year?
Charisse Banning: ::Exchanges a few quiet words with a few of her fellow Hufflepuffs, only picking at her food and waves to the fat friar, but quickly finds herself in no mood to be around the joyful crowds and slips quietly from the hall::
Zarek Yeran: ::Stands slowly and excuses himself from the table:: I'm exhausted. I'll see you all around. Good to see you again Nick! ::wanders off in the direction of the tower::
Gerrard Rayne: ::Looks down and around the table, the slight billowing of robes to the left and to the exit of the hall catches his eye and he frowns, calling as quiet as he can after Charisse:: Charisse...Chari.. ::Frowns and tosses down his napkin and stands up, excusing himself from his fellow Gryffindors and stalks out of the hall, following the sounds of their footsteps::
Charisse Banning: ::Stops for a minute at the door as she hears Gerrard's voice and then shakes her head a bit, heading for the doors, wanting a bit of fresh air::
Gerrard Rayne: ::Turns and looks both ways at the exit of the hall and notices billowing robes in the direction of the gate and starts off after her at a slow walk, waiting to see if she'll notice him coming::
Zarek Yeran: ::stops halfway up the staircase, seeing Gerrard chasing after Charisse and hurries down to catch up with him:: I decided.. er.. not to sleep yet.
Charisse Banning: ::Quickens her pace a bit at the prospect of being outside and makes her way across the extensive lawn before settling herself at the base of a tree near the lake::
Gerrard Rayne: ::Stuffs his hands in the side pockets on his robe and frowns, shaking his head just a bit, his mind wandering slowly to two years ago, but mentally waving it off he turns out the main door to the grounds, his head coming up for just a second and forces a smile at Zarek:: It's alright, glad your along...::Jerks his head towards the lake:: Up for a walk? Heh...
Zarek Yeran: ::chuckles quietly:: I just had to get away from that noise in there you know:: Follows Gerrard out in the direction of the Grounds, and Charisse:: I'm always up for a walk. I've missed Hogwarts grounds far too much, not to wander them again.
Gerrard Rayne: ::Pats his friend on the back and smiles, his walk at a somewhat sullen pace, remembering this particular half of the grounds of Hogwarts, but stuffs it away as they approach the lakeside::
Charisse Banning: ::Smiles slightly in spite of herself as the giant squid sends water spraying all over the opposite bank and shakes her head, looking up at the stars::
Zarek Yeran: ::Points at the tree off in the distance:: Is that her, sitting there?
Gerrard Rayne: ::Looks only out of the corner of his eye, her silhouette against the darkening sky and the lake being slightly painful to look at but he nods:: Yeah.. That’s her..:: Strides down to the lakeside from where they are walking and
Gerrard Rayne: kneels down to scoop up a bit of water and splashes it on his face and then runs his fingers through his short hair, staring out over the water from his squatting position::
Charisse Banning: ::A single tear shimmers in the starlight upon her cheek as she sits quietly, having lost track of the years. She always knew Zeik would be coming to Hogwarts, she just did expect the years to go so quickly::
Gerrard Rayne: ::Rests his elbows on either knee and bows his head, shaking it slowly as small flecks of water spatter the water and the grass around him and he looks back at Zarek and in a small voice, speaks slowly:: Zarek..
Zarek Yeran: ::Looks up rather distractedly, having been staring off at Charisse:: Oh.. sorry.. yes?
Gerrard Rayne: ::Chuckles softly, knowing full well where his attention was and shakes his head, leaning his head down and resting his chin on a closed fist, his eyes scanning the shoreline before he stands up and turns to him:: Nothing...::Nods his head in the direction of Charisse:: Lets go see if there’s anything we can do..
Zarek Yeran: ::nods:: Alright.. ::sneaks up behind the tree Charisse is sitting by and pops out beside her, sitting down:: What’s Wrong Chari?
Gerrard Rayne: ::Strides after Zarek, his pace still slow and his eyes still scanning her as she sits at the tree, able to guess in the back of his mind what’s bothering her, but having no real proof contents himself with just waiting for her to: tell them if she likes, comes up off the shoreline, directly in front of the two and takes a seat on the opposite side of the tree from Zarek and leans up against it, his attention on the conversation but his gaze on the lake and the mountains beyond::
Zarek Yeran: ::looks up at her:: So.. its this Zeik fellow. Something to do with him, I know. What it is.. I have no clue..
Charisse Banning: ::Jumps in surprise, knocking her head on the tree as she does and blinks a bit, quickly wiping the tear from her cheek before rubbing the back of her head and looks from Zarek to Gerrard and back, frowning for a minute and takes a deep breath, shrugging for a minute:: He's my brother...
Gerrard Rayne: ::Turns his head as he hears the small thud and reaches a hand around placing it over the back of her head, rubbing the spot lightly with his finger:: Are you okay? These trees aren’t too forgiving..
Zarek Yeran: ::nods slowly, contemplating:: He’s your brother.. and you didn't want him to come to Hogwarts? And now your ashamed because he is Slytherin, right?
Gerrard Rayne: ::Startling himself slightly at the feel of her hair he jerks his hand away and turns his gaze back to the lake, nodding slowly at Zarek’s comment::
Charisse Banning: ::Jerks her head away from his hand almost instinctively, the movement so sudden that it causes her neck to crack and she nods a bit, muttering:: I'm fine... ::Looks back at Zarek:: It's a little more complicated than that... It's more like... ::Sighs softly:: My entire family is ashamed that I'm a Hufflepuff...
Zarek Yeran: ::frowns somewhat:: Your whole family is Slytherin?
Charisse Banning: ::Blows a puff of air out of her nose and smiles just slightly:: That's the understatement of the century... but basically, yes, and I was, well, blasted off the family tree the very second I was sorted... that's why I live with my uncle... ::Shakes her head a bit:: I always thought that if Zeik grew up to be anything but a Slytherin, my parents would have to accept that the line has changed, and I could go home...
Zarek Yeran: ::nods and pats her on the shoulder:: It is ok. Just because you are different from the rest, is no reason to be ashamed. I know it is hard to be shunned from your Family. My Grandparents both reached their deathbeds, without saying one positive word to me. They shunned me for not acting proper in their eyes. My grandmother attended Drumstrange, and my grandfather was a Slytherin.. Supprisingly enough, my Parents were both Gryffindors, as am I..
Gerrard Rayne: ::Shrugs a bit and frowns:: Slytherins are notoriously strict on family matters...it's a shame they can't accept you for a Hufflepuff....but they probably don't see that family lines don’t totally dictate where you go...it's the person that you are...that sorting hat doesn't exactly just take random guesses as to where you belong...
Charisse Banning: ::Smiles slightly, looking up at Zarek:: My uncle was a Gryffindor, too... and thank you... I just, I don't even particularly even like any of my relatives, I just... ::Shrugs:: Miss my family... ::Looks at Gerrard for a minute, nodding slightly:: That's exactly why it's so bad...
Zarek Yeran: ::nods:: I know You miss your family. I remember being so young, I didn't know the difference in the houses, and being shoved away by my Grandparents, as all my friends knew their grandparents, and loved them greatly.
Gerrard Rayne: ::Shakes his head:: In the end it's their loss for not knowing just who their daughter is and can be, but people do change and maybe someday they will...it's not easy not knowing your family or being on the outside...but I can understand the feeling..
Charisse Banning: ::Shakes her head slowly, showing the two a weak smile and speaks softly:: I don't want to talk about this tonight... thank you though. You two really are great friends... ::Looks slightly ashamed for a minute:: I'm sorry I've kind of been avoiding you lately...
Gerrard Rayne: ::Smiles a bit, genuinely and turns his head, looking at her now moonlit face:: It's been a long time and lonely without you, but even in this place we knew you couldn't avoid us forever...
Zarek Yeran: ::shakes his head:: You haven’t been ignoring us lately. I understand totally. And If you don’t want to talk about it.. that is fine with me. ::Gives Charisse a quick hug:: Everything will work out for the best though. Don’t you worry.
v Walk Me Home v: ::Returns the hug lightly and shakes her head slowly:: No... I have... and I really am sorry. I just... well, I wasn't sure how to tell you about David...
Gerrard Rayne: ::Grins slightly and glances at Charisse and then to Zarek:: With the three of us together? Nothing can stay wrong for long..
Zarek Yeran: ::shrugs slowly:: ah.. David. There was nothing for you to explain there. I'll admit, David and I didn't get along all the time. But I was glad to see you happy. When I saw you moping through the corridors, I began to get worried, and Kept a closer eye on you.. but everything seemed to be ok. I didn’t want to intrude, so I kept my distance..
Gerrard Rayne: ::Frowns slightly at the mention of the name and shrugs slightly, swallowing his pride for the moment:: Hey...c'mon, You have nothing to apologize for, it's not like we can blame you for being worried, but it was good that you were happy...
Charisse Banning: ::Smiles slightly and nods, studying each of them for a minute:: You're very right... ::Glances at Zarek for a minute, her smile all but fading and shakes her head a bit, wishing she hadn't have brought that up:: That was nice of you.. ::Frowns slightly and looks up at the two of them:: To tell you the truth, I've always been happier just hanging out with the two of you... ::Shakes her head a bit:: I missed you guys... things were so complicated with him, I'd much rather be with the two of you... just doing anything or nothing... with no expectations to worry about...
Zarek Yeran: ::Smiles at Charisse:: You shouldn't worry so much. Its the first day of the term. Its the beginning of a great year, and the reformation of three great friendships. ::smiles at both of them::
Gerrard Rayne: ::Smiles and leans his head up against the back of the tree:: After the first two years here with the three of us and the amount of trouble we got into, it was kind of hard to find other people who just wanted to hang out and relax.
Charisse Banning: ::Smiles and nods slightly, looking at the two of them:: You two are truly the best friends I've ever had... ::Pulls then both into a big hug::
Zarek Yeran: ::returns the hug, smiling broadly:: I always feel the best when I'm with you two. This is going to be a great year.
Gerrard Rayne: ::Smiles and chuckles, returning the hug for a moment and then just sits, scooting over to sit cross legged to Charisse's left and grins at the both of them:: You guys have always been my best friends, and this year will definitely be one to remember..
Charisse Banning: ::Smiles and looks from Gerrard to Zarek, her entire face softening and her eyes glittering a bit:: You know what I like best about you two?
Gerrard Rayne: ::Chuckles a bit and eyes her for a moment:: Our great taste in mischief?
Zarek Yeran: ::grins at Gerrard:: That IS our best quality.
Charisse Banning: ::Smiles and shakes her head a bit:: Aside from that... You... both of you... take everything at face value. You let people know everything you're thinking or feeling. People don't have to try to dig it out of you, and there are no surprises that way... and I can do the same with you.
Gerrard Rayne: ::Smiles a bit and ponders on that for a second, nodding slowly:: It's true, though come to think of it I don't believe I started out that way ::Points his finger at the both of them:: And I have you two to blame for that..
Zarek Yeran: ::smiles at the both of them:: It is a great feeling to know that you can tell your friends anything.. Also wonderful to know that they trust you enough to tell you anything as well.
Gerrard Rayne: ::Chuckles a bit and reaches up, patting himself on the head:: Well for the way I turned out ::Nods towards Zarek:: It's the straight out truth...
Charisse Banning: ::Smiles and looks at Gerrard for a minute, chuckling softly:: Well, we couldn't very well have you moping around all the time, could we? ::Unconsciously pulls her robes a bit closer around herself as the air begins to cool:: It's great to be back with you...
Gerrard Rayne: ::Chuckles softly and blushes slightly, looking back at the both of them:: I wasn't all that bad was I? But you are right...it's great to be back..
Charisse Banning: ::Shakes her head slightly:: No... only most of the time.
Gerrard Rayne: ::Nods a bit and chuckles, lying back on the grass and staring up at the stars:: Well, gladly enough that was a long time ago..
Zarek Yeran: ::nods slowly and props himself up on the tree, next to Charisse:: That was a long time ago.
Charisse Banning: ::Chuckles softly and nods a bit, pulling her arms inside her robes:: A long time ago, and I'm still no closer to understanding Potions...
Gerrard Rayne: ::Laughs a bit and props up his head on his hands:: Don't worry about it at all, besides.. I'm no closer to understanding that Ancient Runes class.. ::Shivers just slightly and looks back at the castle:: Oh wow it's getting late...we're going to have to get to our dormitories soon...that and it's getting awfully cold..
Zarek Yeran: ::Chuckles softly:: I don’t take Ancient Runes.. Potions I am decent at.. but Snape hates me... ::Frowns disapprovingly again and sighs to himself::
Gerrard Rayne: ::Turns his head to look over at Zarek, shrugging slightly:: Snape hates everyone though, even people who do well in his class...
Charisse Banning: ::Smiles and looks at the two, nodding slowly:: He hates everyone unlike himself... as far as I see it, I would rather be hated by him than anything like him, but ::Shrugs a bit:: We probably should get inside...
Zarek Yeran: ::shrugs:: Its still annoying.. I try to be nice to everyone.. that is nice to me. I've gone out of my way to do well in Snape’s class.. but he still loathes me..
Charisse Banning: ::Smiles and pats Zarek's arm lightly:: You and me alike...
Gerrard Rayne: ::Yawns a bit and pushes himself up from the grass and into a sitting position, nodding at Charisse:: I second that emotion.. ::Picks a few blades of grass and studies Zarek for a moment:: You worry too much, don't give Snape’s class a second thought, it'll ruin your year... ::Points at him for a second:: And that's exactly what he wants...
Zarek Yeran: ::smiles:: Well.. It'll be ok. We have each other this year. Its going to be great!
Gerrard Rayne: ::Chuckles softly and nods:: Exactly, whether Snape wants to loathe or hate any of us it wont matter, we'll pass the class and move on and he'll be as grumpy as ever...
Charisse Banning: ::Smiles and nods a bit:: You know what I heard? Gryffindors should be having Potions with Hufflepuff this year...
Gerrard Rayne: ::Smiles and tosses a few of the blades of grass into the wind:: Well that'd be great! He doesn't allow much noise in his class but we can always get around that..
Charisse Banning: ::Chuckles softly and nods a bit:: I have extra parchment...
Zarek Yeran: ::bounces around:: That would be amazing! At least I could be in it with people I enjoy being with!
Gerrard Rayne: ::Grins a bit and smiles:: Ahh Snape has no idea what kind of magic he's going up against when they stick the three of us in a class together..
Zarek Yeran: ::snickers with them:: Poor Snape
Charisse Banning: ::Smiles and nods slowly:: As long as I learn enough to pass the O.W.L. and get through his N.E.W.T. classes...
Gerrard Rayne: ::Grins:: Ah, don't worry about that, you'll be perfectly prepared long before those come around.. ::Looks around, running his fingers through the grass for a few moments and then stands, walking up to the trunk of the tree and jumps, catching the lowest branch with both hands and hoists himself up, staring out over the lake, flips his legs over the branch and snickers, staring up at the full moon and howls. Cups his hands over his mouth and yells:: Meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeooooooowww!
Charisse Banning: ::Watches Gerrard for a long moment, chuckling softly to herself before shaking her head slightly and looking at Zarek with a shrug::
Gerrard Rayne: ::Frowns and shrugs a bit, leaning back against the trunk of the tree and stares out over the lake and to the mountains, resting his arms in his lap::
Zarek Yeran: ::nods slowly:: Sorry ..I'm a bit off today. Still worrying about Snapes class. I think we will be fine though, Charisse. We will study potions very well. You'll get your 12 O.W.L's.
Gerrard Rayne: ::Draws his wand from within his robe and giggles a bit, staring up at the moon and conjuring a writing charm he reaches out into the air and draws a smile and two eyes over the moon and stares at it for a minute before waving his hand through it and forcing it to dissipate before looking down and sighing and then leans back against the trunk of the tree, whispering to himself:: Too much about class...
Charisse Banning: ::Smiles gratefully at Zarek and nods slightly:: We will. And you, Zarek, will pass Potions and the O.W.L. with O's.
Zarek Yeran: ::Flashes a very large grin:: I seriously hope so. I want to become an Auror and you have to have top grades for that.. In Potions, Transfiguration, Defense against the Dark Arts, and Charms..
Charisse Banning: ::Looks up into the tree at Gerrard and stands, letting her robes fall to the ground, leaving only her school uniform and tiptoes around the other side of the tree, climbing up until she sits on a branch behind and just above him and then looks down at Zarek:: You can do it, Zarek... easily.
Gerrard Rayne: ::Leans his head against the trunk of the tree and chuckles, closing his eyes for a minute and letting out a long breath:: Don't sweat it Zarek, you'll do fine.. ::Smiles a bit and holds out a hand listing off on his fingers:: I mean for the past four years you've gotten near the highest marks in the Gryffindor house, you have nothing to worry about, neither of you do, as far as grades go your both golden..
Zarek Yeran: ::smiles at Charisse:: Here.. a present for you. Thank you for making me feel better. ::pulls out his wand and mutters 'Orchideous!' conjuring a bouquet of flowers, and then 'Wingardium Leviosa', causing them to float up to Charisse::
Charisse Banning: ::Smiles and reaches out a hand, catching the flowers and brings them up, taking in their scent for a moment before looking down at Zarek:: Well, thank you...
Zarek Yeran: ::nods slowly:: The only class I worry about is Potions. But we'll fix that with our studies! I'll finally get to fulfill my dream of becoming an Auror. ::smiles broadly and then grins up at Charisse:: Of course.
Charisse Banning: ::Turns her gaze to Gerrard, studying him for a minute:: And what about you, My. Rayne. Doesn't anything worry you?
Gerrard Rayne: ::Shrugs slightly and smiles, falling to his left until he's about horizontal with the branch and catches it with his free hand and hangs for a moment, looking up at her:: Yes, quite a bit actually.. ::Chuckles softly and drops to the ground, patting Zarek on the head:: Don't sweat it, it's in the bag...but I think I'm going to go get some rest, long first day tomorrow.. ::Waves to the both of them:: Good night guys, I'll see you in the morning, great to see you both again...
Zarek Yeran: ::smiles at Gerrard:: Nice to see you again too. Talk to you tomorrow
Gerrard Rayne: ::Smiles and stares at both of them a moment a piece and turns, striding away slowly across the grounds, whistling a small tune as he goes::
Charisse Banning: ::Smiles and raises a hand to wave at Gerrard before dropping out of the tree:: Good night.
Zarek Yeran: ::chuckles as she lands on the ground:: Are you glad to be back here? At Hogwarts I mean.
Charisse Banning: ::Smiles and looks after Gerrard for a minute before taking a seat at Zarek's side and nods slightly:: I am... I wasn't sure if I would be, but I am. Are you?
Zarek Yeran: ::nods quickly:: I really am. I was dreading coming back.. but reuniting with you two, made it all worthwhile honestly. And we've only been here a day. ::grins to himself and looks at the ground near his hand::
Gerrard Rayne: ::Whistles softly on his way up to the tower, climbing the stairs to the portrait and guardian of the Gryffindor house and mutters the password, entering and heading to his room he strips off his robes and tosses them onto his bed, just in a pair of shorts and a t-shirt now and his ritual for the first day climbs into the window of his room and leans against the side, staring out at the stars before slipping off into a light sleep::
Charisse Banning: ::Smiles and nods slightly, studying him for a minute:: This'll be a great year... but we should probably get inside before they lock us out... ::Glances up at the windows of Gryffindor tower, trying to see if she can see Gerrard from here::
Zarek Yeran: ::nods a bit and smiles:: Well.. I suppose we should. I guess I'll see you tomorrow then. ::stands up slowly and helps Charisse to her feet::
Charisse Banning: ::Smiles and stands with a soft "thank you," the flowers still held in her free hand and nods slowly:: Definitely, and if you decide to go sneaking out later tonight, send me an owl, I'd be delighted to go with you.
Zarek Yeran: ::Smiles at her once more:: I'd Love to have you along. Last Year got so dull, sneaking out and about by myself. Well, see you tomorrow, or later tonight. ::grins:: Who can tell? ::Turns to walk away, but turns back and hugs Charisse once more:: I'm glad We're friends again..
Charisse Banning: ::Smiles and nods a bit:: I know the feeling all too well... I didn't sneak out once last year. ::Returns the hug and smiles at him:: We were always friends, Zarek. I'm just glad we're speaking again. Good night... ::Scoops up her robes, placing them over an arm and starts off toward the castle, stopping for a minute to say:: Say good night to Gerrard for me if he's still up. ::Then, with a small wave, she disappears into the darkness::
Zarek Yeran: ::Hurries back to the castle, and up The Staircase, and Finally to the portrait of the Fat Lady, that is Gryffindors tower and gives the password, creeping up the staircase, finds himself in a room with 6 four-poster beds, and notices Gerrard at the window:: Charisse Says Goodnight. ::yawns audibly::
Charisse Banning: ::Hurries up the staircase as well and turns down the hall, quickly speaking the password and climbing in the entrance to the Hufflepuff common room::
Charisse Banning: ::Tiptoes up the stairs and into the room complete with four four-poster beds and quickly changes into her pajamas, glancing out the window for a minute before crawling into bed::
Zarek Yeran: ::changes into his pajamas and crawls into bed and quickly closes his eyes, before muttering:: g'night Gerrard
