˜º˜ September Fourth˜º˜

Narrator: ::News of the curses that Snape had stumbled into had spread like wildfire through Hogwarts over the past four hours, the students of his two morning classes had gladly told and retold the story of "The Lord of the Dance" and "I am Draco Malfoy's mother" to anyone willing, or even unwilling to listen, though there were very few students and even teachers that weren't begging to hear the story again and again. By this time, the stories had evolved into stories of Snape dancing and singing while dressed in a pink tutu and giving birth to Malfoy right there on the floor of his class room, and even now the entire Great Hall was more filled with sounds of laughter and gossip than eating::
Gerrard Rayne: ::Slides into a seat in the great hall on the Gryffindor table, his face slightly red and his eyes brimming with tears tossing his bag just under where he sits he places his arms on the table, the material of his robe piling around his arms and he buries his head in them, his shoulders rising and falling quickly, a soft noise coming from him::
Zarek Yeran: ::Sits down in his normal place at the Gryffindor table, still chuckling softly to himself, listening to the stories, all with varying degrees of untruthfulness, shaking his head slowly:: Its funny how things multiply from the truth to being so outrageous in a matter of hours.
Charisse Banning: ::Wipes tears of laughter from the corners of her eyes and runs into the great Hall, slipping into place next to Gerrard at the Gryffindor table, as the tables all around had overflowed into one another with the exception of Slytherin and laughs softly:: People have completely lost their minds!
Gerrard Rayne: ::Slowly raises his head to look at Charisse, calm for just a moment, tears streaking his cheeks and a look of dead seriousness coming over his features and then a small smile before it grows into the largest possible grin, leaning back just a little more on the bench but just a tad too far he wraps his arms around his midsection and falls into fits of bellowing laughter, now lying on his back, legs still up on the bench at the Gryffindor table, between laughing, a few words like, "Snape" "Oh dear" and "I need air!" can barely be recognized::
Charisse Banning: ::Laughs softly as Gerrard falls over and reaches out a hand to help pull him back onto the bench, her entire face alight with the utmost joy and she shakes her head, a few strands of loose hair falling into her face:: Have you heard about how Snape gave live birth to Malfoy on the floor of his classroom?
Zarek Yeran: ::chuckles from the other side of Charisse, looking at Gerrard with a very comical expression on his face:: He’s going to suffocate if he doesn't get some air soon. He didn't even laugh this long when we dropped dungbombs that almost painted Filch's office green
Gerrard Rayne: ::His face calms for a moment at this fresh infuse of a new and outrageous story and he starts laughing again, taking her hand, getting back up into his seat::
Charisse Banning: ::Eyes Zarek for a minute:: Wait! That was you!?
Zarek Yeran: ::grins wickedly, blushing slightly, and looks over at Gerrard before nodding:: That was us..
Gerrard Rayne: ::Waves his hands and shakes his head, mouthing the words, "No! No!" at Zarek, from behind Charisse::
Charisse Banning: ::Frowns, looking very seriously from one to the other and shakes her head:: I'm so disappointed in you two... Why didn't you invite me?
Gerrard Rayne: ::Stops waving his hands and shuts his mouth, running his hands through his hair and trying to look normal:: Well...it was just last year...and well.. we weren’t sure you'd want to come...
Zarek Yeran: ::Almost falls out of his seat, laughing again, gasping for air:: We..were going to, but you had locked yourself up in the library, studying a Potion, and didnt want to be disturbed
Charisse Banning: ::Smiles and laughs, shaking her head:: I always want to be disturbed for something like that. Though, I have to plead insanity for the past two years...
Gerrard Rayne: ::Chuckles softly and smiles, patting her on the shoulder:: Plea accepted...but really not needed...it's definitely great to have you back to your old mischievous self...
Zarek Yeran: ::smiles, with a very big grin on his face:: Its not like its the last time that'll happen. We have the WHOLE year ahead of us. Minus a few days of course. Its nice to have you involved in pranks again. Teachers are going to be kept busy this year.
Gerrard Rayne: ::A huge grin passes over his face at the vision of Snape in his head:: Oh...a classic moment in Hogwarts history...
Zarek Yeran: ::nods at Gerrard, laughing again:: Even the Weasleys will be impressed with this one..
Gerrard Rayne: ::Nods enthusiastically at Zarek, grinning:: Oh they'll definitely have their hands full with us this year...
Zarek Yeran: ::Pats Charisse on the back, grinning at her before glancing up at the teachers table where Snape should be:: What would we do without you?
Charisse Banning: ::Smiles and nods, sighing contentedly:: It's great to be back. I look forward to everything that we haven't even dreamed of yet. ::Laughs softly, shaking her head and points across the table at a large group huddled there, in the middle sit Fred and George Weasley, half trying to convince everyone that it wasn't them while also wishing they could take credit for this one::
Zarek Yeran: ::Looks over at the Weasley twins, chuckling again:: I figured the students would go straight to them. I wonder if anyone will figure out who really did it?
Charisse Banning: ::Considers for a minute and then grins at Zarek:: Become boring, dry up and blow away into oblivion... either that or suffocate from one of your own dungbombs...
Gerrard Rayne: ::Follows to where she's pointing and laughs, staring at them:: I bet you they didn't expect competition this year...::both of the Weasley's gaze strays over to the three and he stands slightly, giving a huge thumbs up and then sits down before he's noticed::
Charisse Banning: ::Shrugs and shakes her head a bit:: I doubt it. Once they figure out whose wands the spells were cast by, they'll think it was Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle.
Gerrard Rayne: ::Grins at Charisse and Zarek:: Okay.. so i was never a good aim with those things...am i EVER going to live that down?
Zarek Yeran: ::shakes his head, grinning at Gerrard:: No, we're never going to let you forget the time you almost killed us with one.. I have to admit, Your aim was great when you tossed that one in Filch's wastebasket though..
Gerrard Rayne: ::Laughs softly and smiles:: Yea, but do you know how much concentration it took for me to make that shot? I swear if i thought any harder about it my head would have blown up instead of that dungbomb...
Charisse Banning: ::Laughs softly and looks at Gerrard for a minute:: Maybe. You'd have to perform a miracle, save our lives at least twice... each, and then play an entire quidditch game wearing nothing but a sock on your head...
Gerrard Rayne: ::Frowns and shakes his head, laughing softly:: I'm not exactly a miracle worker...but as for the Quidditch game...::A very mischievous grin comes over his features as he trails off::
Zarek Yeran: ::chuckles, wincing slightly:: At least let him wear underpants. I suppose if he wore just a sock, he COULD prevent a lot of goals..noone would go near the hoops. And he’s already performed a Miracle. ::whispers:: King.
Charisse Banning: ::Frowns and slaps herself in the forehead with an open palm, shaking her head, muttering:: Note to self: Rethink everything in triplicate before saying it aloud...
Gerrard Rayne: ::Laughs a bit and shakes his head, chuckling softly:: That would make us all miracle workers Zarek...and i suppose we are...Now, now...lets not get too personal...I’d like to think my being nude at a Quidditch game wouldn't attract all negative responses...and i'm quite happy in that illusion thank you!
Zarek Yeran: ::chuckle:: I didn't say all negative responses. Though, all of the Slytherin chasers are male. I would hope, that you'd hope that you wouldnt get anything positive out of them
Gerrard Rayne: ::Considers thoughtfully for a moment and then chuckles, grinning at Zarek:: Point well taken my friend...::Pats Charisse on the shoulder:: My words are lucky to get half a thought before i say them...so i wouldn't worry..
Charisse Banning: ::Shakes her head and looks up at them for a minute:: But all of the Hufflepuff chasers are female, and love to watch you change near the window...
Zarek Yeran: ::Grins at Gerrard:: I'm sure the Gryffindor chasers wouldn't mind either. Might mess up their concentration a bit though.
Charisse Banning: ::Slaps a hand over her mouth, her eyes going wide as she looks up at Gerrard:: I mean...
Gerrard Rayne: ::Starts in on his next sentence before raising an eyebrow at Charisse, blinks a bit and Zarek and then grabs his robes, pulling them around himself:: I suddenly feel very insecure about changing my clothes....!
Charisse Banning: ::Shakes her head a bit, looking up at him:: Just, ya know... close your curtains... or, well, look back at them and grin in a model-ish way.
Zarek Yeran: ::chuckles, looking at Charisse, grinning slightly:: How did you find that out? This is also why i change AWAY from the window.
Gerrard Rayne: ::Laughs a bit and smirks:: Well i guess the thought had never crossed my mind that our window would be under so much scrutiny from across the castle...
Charisse Banning: ::Shakes her head, muttering something to the effect of "I am not blind nor deaf," suddenly seeming very hungry as she fills the plate in front of her::
Gerrard Rayne: ::Chuckles softly and smiles, nudging Charisse in the arm:: Of course you aren't..
Zarek Yeran: ::chuckles, also filling his plate, munching contentedly before grinning at Gerrard again:: Just smile and wave next time. ::pokes Charisse in the ribs:: I know you aren't blind nor deaf, That was more of a rhetorical question than anything..
Charisse Banning: ::Her eyes widen and she looks up at him for a minute:: like we were trying to look at you! We were trying to study for astronomy and put a telescope in the window, only one of the girls is horrible with telescopes and saw you and screamed...
Gerrard Rayne: ::Grins and laughs out loud, nodding a bit:: See I knew there was something odd about that...that’s more the response I’d expect..
Charisse Banning: Well, so then everyone looked, and it seemed that I was the only one studying astronomy from that point on...
Gerrard Rayne: ::A bit more satisfied and maybe happily oblivious he munches at a few of the items currently covering their table, nibbling contentedly::
Charisse Banning: They still keep a telescope there...
Gerrard Rayne: ::Grins a bit and pats Charisse's shoulder lightly:: Well see...it's good that you have taste in your hobbies...Astronomy is far more interesting..
Zarek Yeran: ::laughs softly, looking from Charisse to Gerrard:: Just put a sign in your window, reading 'Not available at the time, come back later for show'
Charisse Banning: ::Laughs softly, nodding to Zarek:: Indeed. You should sell tickets...
Gerrard Rayne: ::laughs and leans back lightly from his spot on the table to get a good look at Zarek:: Well now wouldn’t that be a bit obvious...but i like it..i'll make the sign later tonight..
Zarek Yeran: ::grins, nodding slowly:: I'm glad the window my bed is near, isn't viewable from the towers. At least It doesnt seem like it is..
Charisse Banning: ::Glances at Zarek, speaking offhandedly as she picks at her food:: Not from the towers, no.
Gerrard Rayne: ::Mutters and looks at Zarek:: You know, as i recall you stole that bed from me...though i can't complain really about mine..i'll just have to modify my habits.. ::Grins at Charisse before turning back to his food for a moment::
Zarek Yeran: ::scratches his head in confusion, looking somewhat concerned:: I dont like that tone ::Grins at Charisse:: something you'd like to add to that?
Gerrard Rayne: ::Chokes momentarily on a cracker before snickering and whispering more to himself then anyone else, "Buuusted.." and takes his goblet, sipping the orange juice::
Charisse Banning: ::shakes her head slowly, taking a small bite and chewing it before answering:: Well, every window is visible from somewhere, right?
Gerrard Rayne: ::Sets down the glass and nods a bit:: Good point..
Zarek Yeran: ::nods slowly, looking somewhat distracted:: Never thought about that..but I suppose..Yes, but what is the case with mine?
Charisse Banning: The lawn by the lake... ::Frowns for a minute:: David spent and entire night swearing that you were spying on us until I decided it wasn't worth it and went to bed.
Gerrard Rayne: ::Grins and systematically saws off the edge of a new cracker, swallowing it bits and pieces at a time::
Zarek Yeran: ::chuckles quietly, swallowing noticeable, making a mental note to himself:: Thats strange..I would never think you could see me from there..
Charisse Banning: That and the Ravenclaw girls like to camp out down there in hopes that you'll have no choice but to stand at the window..
Gerrard Rayne: ::Snickers softly and shakes his head:: Well i have to say that today’s lunch has brought a new a completely paranoid part to my life...
Charisse Banning: ::Shrugs a bit and takes a sip of pumpkin juice:: It's alright though. I talked them out of cameras...
Gerrard Rayne: ::Nearly spits out his latest sip of orange juice with a small laugh in between and then chuckles, setting down his goblet:: Okay...thats just getting into the disturbing..
Zarek Yeran: ::chuckles, blushing slightly:: I will have to agree with that. Ah..remember one of the only times we talked last year? We were walking to herbology outside, and the two slytherins were talking about going to watch Charisse change back into her school robes. We almost blasted him into the ground..
Gerrard Rayne: ::Laughs a bit and nods, chuckling softly:: I remember the looks on their faces when we tapped them on the shoulder...that was almost as priceless as the look on Malfoy's face..
Zarek Yeran: Speaking of that..Where were you last year? I hardly saw you at all. During some classes, you popped in for a minute or two, but always disappeared again soon after.. The only times I saw you frequently, were when I caught you sneaking into the kitchens, on my way.
Charisse Banning: ::In a movie-like twist of fate, it's her turn to spray the person across from them with juice, coughing a bit before looking between the two::
Gerrard Rayne: ::Shakes his head and frowns:: Last year was one of my worst...Snape had it in for me more then you could imagine...every second i could spare from classes that the teachers would let me i spent doing detention...ugh i hated that... ::Blinks a bit and stifles a laugh, apologizing quickly to the person across the table and then pats Charisse on the back, gasping a bit:: Whoa! are you okay?
Zarek Yeran: ::nods, pondering for a moment:: I do seem to remember seeing you, EVERY time i was in Detention
Gerrard Rayne: ::Chuckles softly and then grins a bit:: I think he mentioned that i had the most detention he'd ever given one student in a year...I’m pretty sure that was my only accomplishment during that time..
Zarek Yeran: ::looks at Charisse, with a concerned look, then to the Person across the table, half drowned in Juice:: Whats wrong Chari?
Charisse Banning: ::Her eyes widen a bit as she looks from one to the other:: You know I was joking about people watching you, right?
Gerrard Rayne: ::Chuckles nervously for a moment and then stutters:: Yeah...so...were...we.. Just wanted to see your reaction to it...::Laughs softly and tosses a glance at Zarek, returning to his half nibbled cracker::
Zarek Yeran: ::Zareks eyes widen noticably before chuckling a bit, nodding:: Yeah! We....were too.. ::pushes his plate away quickly, obviously not hungry anymore:: : I-if..we were serious, The S-Slytherins woulda been blasted into the G-Ground. Right, Gerrard? ::Throws a quick, nervous glance at Gerrard, his eyes looking desperate::
Charisse Banning: ::Frowns and eyes the two for a minute, slipping off the bench:: You two are horrible liars... I have to go talk to Professor Sprout... ::With that she turns on a heal and walks down the isle between the tables and up to the teacher’s table, leaning over to exchange a few words with Prof. Sprout::
Gerrard Rayne: ::Laughs softly and recovers, waiting until Charisse turns his head and runs a finger across his throat, trying to tell Zarek to drop it and then chuckles again::
Zarek Yeran: ::Frowns disapprovingly:: I hope she isn't mad at us..I thought she was serious..
Gerrard Rayne: ::Mutters softly and stuffs the cracker in his mouth and grabs his throat, gasping for air and falls off the back of his bench, making some choking noises::
Charisse Banning: ::Glances up from Sprout long enough to see Gerrard fall back and jumps down from the platform on which the teacher's table is and runs across the hall, kneeling at Gerrard’s side:: Are you alright!?
Zarek Yeran: ::Looks at Gerrard, searching for a practical joke, not seeing one, and leaps to his side:: Gerrard! Are you ok?
Gerrard Rayne: ::Opens his mouth to sputter and only a few pieces of white flakes fly out, his face turning a darker shade of red now::
Charisse Banning: ::Takes her wand from her pocket and waves it at Gerrard, speaking a spell and causing the cracker to dislodge itself::
Gerrard Rayne: ::Half gasps for breath and quickly swallows the cracker that was left and just sits, gasping slowly:: Thanks...for that... ::Chuckles a smiles a bit weakly up at Zarek and Charisse:: To answer your question...yeah I’m alright.
Charisse Banning: ::Nods slowly and reaches up to the table for a glass of water, holding it out to Gerrard:: Are you alright?
Zarek Yeran: ::looks at Gerrard, slightly green in the face, then looking at Charisse, smiling weakly:: Thank you..I froze..I couldn't have done that if my life depended on it..
Gerrard Rayne: ::Takes the glass of water gratefully and smiles, nodding again, taking a few large drinks and letting his head clear, being just slightly dizzy and hands the glass of water back to Charisse::
Charisse Banning: ::Smiles and nods a bit:: I couldn't have either, but it wasn't my life and therefore slightly more important. ::Takes the glass of water from Gerrard and sets it lightly on the table, studying him for a minute::
Gerrard Rayne: ::Chuckles softly and leans forward, taking a few large breath's and then sighs:: Well i was glad for any reaction...breath was running just a tad short...
Charisse Banning: ::Pats Gerrard lightly on the back, a concerned expression on her face:: Are you sure you're alright?
Gerrard Rayne: ::Nods a bit and smiles, taking a deep breath and patting his chest with his hand:: Perfectly it seems...thanks again for the help...stupid cracker..
Charisse Banning: ::Smiles and shakes her head a bit:: It was the least I could do.
Gerrard Rayne: ::Smiles a bit and pulls himself up onto the bench, sitting down slowly at first and smiles at her:: Sorry about that though...i dunno..it just got caught
Charisse Banning: ::Smiles in return and slides into the seat next to him, shaking her head a bit:: You don't have to apologize, you know. It's not like you did it on purpose...
Gerrard Rayne: ::Chuckles a bit nervously and nods slowly, giving a sidelong glare at the plate of crackers and then looks back up to her:: I suppose...i feel terrible about putting you and Zarek in such a fright...
Charisse Banning: : ::Raises and eyebrow and shakes her head slightly, smiling:: Zarek's a big boy, I think he can survive the shock of his friend pretending to choke on a cracker...
Gerrard Rayne: ::Nods slowly just before she finishes the sentence and nearly chokes on his own tongue at that, his face turning a slightly bright shade of red and he looks at her for a moment:: Well...i...well...::Chuckles softly and shakes his head, whispering:: How did you know?
Charisse Banning: ::Smiles slightly, shaking her head a bit:: You still haven't read Hogwarts, A History, have you? You can't choke on the food they serve you. It's physically impossible.
Gerrard Rayne: ::Snaps his fingers and chuckles, resting his arms on the table, shaking his head:: It's always something...you know I’m seriously considering spying on you in the library so i can read all the books you do...just to make sure I’m up to par with "Mistake covering techniques that work"
Charisse Banning: ::Laughs softly and shakes her head:: you don't have to spy on me. I'd enjoy the company.
Gerrard Rayne: ::Chuckles and nods a bit, smiling:: Well sounds like a plan...::Frowns a bit and looks at her:: The truth is ...we thought you were serious...which is a little dumb now that i think about it...We didn't mean to just blab that... : ::Smiles nervously, and blushes again, taking a few sips of his orange juice to calm his nerves::
Charisse Banning: ::Shakes her head a bit, smiling at him and shrugs:: It's alright. I should have specified more... the whole astronomy thing did happen and David accusing Zarek of spying, that that's all, that I know about anyway, and it's good that you did. Professor Sprout's getting new drapes.
Gerrard Rayne: ::Chuckles softly and nods a bit, smiling:: Well that’s good...And...your not pulling my leg again...are you?
Charisse Banning: ::Smiles and shakes her head:: I'm being perfectly serious.
Gerrard Rayne: ::Ponders for a moment and then looks past her up to the teachers table at Professor Sprout and then back to her, chuckling:: I wonder if she'll order a set for me.. ::Looks down at himself for a moment and then back up at her, embarrassed:: I'd like to think i have a couple things to myself that everyone doesn't know about..
Charisse Banning: ::Smiles and pats his arm lightly:: I think it'll be okay. We can't see anything unless you're directly in front of the window, and it's only from about the middle of your stomach up.
Gerrard Rayne: ::Raises both eyebrows and then chuckles:: Well alright...but still...i don't think i ever put a second thought towards the fact i had a window there...::Smirks a bit:: Blissfully oblivious i think is the word that applies to me at the moment..
Charisse Banning: ::Shrugs a bit and nudges him lightly with her elbow:: It's alright. I'm sure that had you been looking, you would have seen me a couple times.
Gerrard Rayne: ::Laughs softly and blushes a bit more noticeably now:: Ah well...::Chuckles and trails off, drowning the rest of his sentence in the last bit of orange juice left in his goblet::
Charisse Banning: ::Eyes him for a minute and then smiles slightly, raising an eyebrow:: Have you?
Gerrard Rayne: ::Chuckles softly, setting down his glass and stares at her out of the corner of his eye for a moment before turning his head and nods nervously, whispering:: At the beginning of last year..you know how i spend the first night in my window to relax? I saw a shadow just before i fell asleep...::Shrugs slightly:: I didn’t see anything..just an outline..i figured it was just some random person and went to bed..i didn’t figure out it was your room until close to the end of the year... ::Narrows one of his eyes and chuckles softly, nudging her with his elbow:: Have you?
Charisse Banning: ::Smiles and pats his arm lightly:: Ah well, no harm done. ::Blushes just a bit and looks at him for a minute, whispering:: Well, there was this one time last year... David and I had just had a fight, and I decided to go stargazing to calm myself down so I could sleep, and when I was adjusting the telescope it went past your window... it was only for a second and your shirt was already halfway on, so all I really saw was your stomach...
Gerrard Rayne: ::Chuckles softly and smiles, nodding slowly and pats her arm in return:: Well i guess that means we're even...though i can tell you i was a little more then slightly embarrassed even when i found out it was your room four months later...
Charisse Banning: ::Smiles and shrugs a bit:: My fault for changing by the window when I knew you would be out there sometime, I suppose. Though, I think I would have minded more if it was a complete stranger.
Gerrard Rayne: ::Nods an agreement and smiles:: True...i can't say the prospect of complete strangers watching me in my window is all that appealing...
Charisse Banning: ::Chuckles softly and nods a bit:: Or anyone really...
Gerrard Rayne: ::Grins a bit and nods:: Very true...well we'll just chalk those up to coincidence...
Charisse Banning: ::Smiles and nods, looking up at him for a minute:: That sounds good. And I'll keep as many people away from my window as I can.
Gerrard Rayne: ::Blushes a bit and chuckles, nodding at her:: That’s very considerate of you...I’ll do my best to take a few steps to my left when I’m getting ready for bed...and I’ll do my best to fall asleep quickly in my window from now on...
Charisse Banning: ::Smiles and nods a bit, chuckling softly:: That sounds good... though, I can’t say that it really bothers me that much. It's kind of comforting to know that you're there.
Gerrard Rayne: ::Smiles and sifts through a plate sitting in front of him and chuckles, nibbling on a cracker for a moment before nodding:: I know the feeling....
Charisse Banning: ::Smiles and pats his arm lightly, seeming to have completely forgotten about her lunch:: Who knows, ::Shrugs slightly:: Maybe I'll wave good night to you now.
Gerrard Rayne: ::Chuckles softly and tosses the remains of the cracker onto his plate and looks over at her, nodding a bit:: Well...maybe i'll just wave back...i'd find it quite a bit less embarrassing...
Charisse Banning: ::Studies him for a minute before smiling softly and nodding:: It would be... OH! I wrote to my uncle about ::Nearly whispers:: Looking for your family and then told him about Snape, and I got word back this afternoon that he insists that you spend at least a month with us over summer.
Gerrard Rayne: ::His eyes brighten up at the mention and he smiles, leaning close to listen, his face flushing red:: T-thats very generous of him...i don't know what to say but thank you! ::Lowers his voice again and smiles:: I don't think my : parents would mind at all... ::Smiles and places both his hands on one of hers and whispers again, a bit louder this time:: And thank you!
Charisse Banning: ::Smiles and looks up at him for a minute, her eyes glittering and speaks softly:: Of course. It'll be nice to spend some time with you... ::Stutters for a minute and then smiles shyly:: Helping you is what I meant...
Gerrard Rayne: ::Smiles and blushes noticeably and nods, patting her hands lightly:: I know, everything so far...what you've done...it's hard to find a way to thank you...but i think i might have an idea..
Charisse Banning: ::Smiles and shakes her head a bit:: Just seeing you again is enough thanks for me... ::Glances down at her watch and signs:: But we sould be getting to class. ::Slips out of her seat:: I'll talk to you later! :::Waves and disappears out the door::
Gerrard Rayne: ::Chuckles a bit and waves after her, reaching under the bench and grabbing his knapsack, jumping up from the bench he slams his knee on the bottom of it and hobbles out of the great hall, muttering to a few snickering class mates:: Ssshhh! I'm trying to recover gracefully! ::Limps a bit and then drops into a semi-quick jog to his Ancient Runes class::