Fantasy Triwizard tournament (Closed)

[wendy]

September is the busiest month of the year for students all across the country, they have just spent months on their summer holidays doing nothing except following where the wind would take them but reality soon set in and many were dragged back into the classroom kicking and screaming but not for a certain student at Hogwarts School for Witch Craft and Wizardry, Alice Rayford was just entering the large train station with her mother as today was the day Alice would take the train to school leaving the muggle behind for months and entering the wizarding world, it was something she had been doing every year since she was accepted to the school when she turned 11 much to her mothers surprise as no one in Alice's family was a wizard.

As the two entered the station on the cold Autumn morning what seemed like hundreds of business men and women were power walking through the station shouting down their mobiles complaining about deadlines not being met or something adults would be complaining about this early in the morning. To Alice the train station was a happy sight as she knew she was one step closer to Hogwarts so as she began to walk her pace quickened and her mother struggled to keep up with the pace of the 16 year old girl. "Hey! I know you're excited but please wait for me, it's busy in here and I don't want to loose you." Alice's mother says scolding the girl as Alice apologises quickly as the two now walk at a steadier pace towards the special wall which would gain Alice entrance to platform 9 and 3 quarters but the only bad thing about having a muggle parent was that they couldn't pass through the magical barrier with their child and so as the two came to the train platform with the wall with the 9 and 10 sign's either side of it Alice's mother pulled her daughter into a bone crushing hug "Stay safe! Don't do anything dangerous, listen to what your teachers say, make new friends, do all your homework and DON'T forget to write, you know how worried I get." Alice's mother says as she squeezes her daughter until her face turns red. "Mum, I need to breath." Alice says but she still hugs her mother tightly back. "Yes, Yes Now get going and remember that I love you." Her mother says pinching Alice's cheek. "I love you too." She says as Alice walks with ease through the barrier as she soon came out upon the packed train platform with the famous Hogwarts Express ready and waiting to head to its destination.

Alice passed the hugging families already feeling a stinging pain in her heart at the thought of her mother being alone for the many months that Alice was away at school. As Alice climbed aboard the train the familiar smell of old wood and pumpkin pasties hit her nose as she loved this smell as it meant she was another step closer to Hogwarts and so Alice happily walked through the Ravenclaw section of the train but she stopped when she came to the Slytherin section as she sighed opening the door knowing she would get glared and ridiculed because of her wizarding heritage and of course that she was the typical Hufflepuff but Alice quickly walked through the section ignoring the comments made and she even got paper thrown at her but she soon reached the end of the section as she opened the door and shut it firmly behind her bumping shoulders with someone "Sorry." She muttered as she continued in to the Hufflepuff section where she was greeted with happy smiles from her friends as she sat down happily as the conversation immediately picks up.

The long train journey seemed to fly by as the HufflePuff students caught up on the many things that happened over the summer holidays both in the muggle and wizarding world but soon darkness had fell and students got into their uniforms which Alice was more then happy to do as she looked at the yellow tie that hung from her neck as she smiled feelings more comfortable than she ever did in muggle clothing. The train slowed to a stop and students poured off the train with Hagrid calling for the first years also greeting a few students including Alice as last year she helped him look after some dragon eggs before they were shipped off to Bulgaria. It didn't take the Slytherin students long to start picking on the Hufflepuff students but the Hufflepuff student took it due to their weak wills but Alice just rolled her eyes meeting eyes with a male Slytherin for a few moments before she quickly looked away away to avoid any conflict. Alice and her group of friends got into one of the many carriage and as the large castle came into view Alice's breath was taken away as she happily sighed as she would never get used to the sight of the castle and her friends laughed at Alice as she look Love struck whenever she looked at that castle.

The carriages stopped and everyone got out immediately heading to the great hall as the headmistress tried to get through the sorting process as quickly as possible as by now most of the students were ravished and begging for something to eat and once the first years were sorted the huge amounts of food appeared in front of the teens as the feasting began. Everyone caught up with each other telling tales of their summer adventures but Alice was just eating as the last thing she ate was some weetabix from breakfast as she couldn't afford to buy anything on the train up to Hogwarts. Once the large feast was over the first years were taken to the dormitories and the common room but the other years had some free time before bed, Alice's friends were tired and so they all went to bed but Alice needed to write a quick note to her mother to let her know that she got here safe and so Alice stayed in the great hall.

As Alice wrote more and more people left until she was one of the only people left in the great hall, the only other people were a small group of Gryfindors and Flich the care taker. Alice soon finished the letter and a owl picked it up for her as she told it to take to her mother. Alice got up and rubbed her eyes as she headed out of the great hall rather sleepily not really paying attention to where she was going and she walked along the long, cold corridors she yawned loudly and as she turned a corner her and a Slytherin collided, it was a girl with two others one being the male from before. "Watch where you are going Mudblood." The girl hissed at Alice as the girl brushed off her black cloak as if touching Alice made her dirty but Alice just sighed, the one thing that made Hogwarts an annoying place was the pure blooded Slytherin's who think that they are gods gift to the world. "Well aren't you going to apologise." The girl hissed again like the snake she was. "I'm sorry." Alice says not meeting eyes with the horrid girl as Alice quickly walked past the group heading into her common room and straight up the stairs to the familiar bed that she had been thinking about for a long time. Even Slytherins couldn't ruin this moment for Alice.

 

[Malhyanth]

The young red-head idly stared down the station. His parents were busy chatting to other Slytherin parents; old comrades, school mates, potentially even they all stood side by side in a dying war. The kid knew his family blood lines; knew he'd be a Slytherin through and through... his father still kept the mask, and the cloak, in which he'd once been convinced to do atrocities in. Cold, no-coloured eyes simply stared, as hand shakes were made, jokes were told, history left well alone. Ten years has passed; his father, frail looking still, had spent five of those years in Azkaban, as recompense for supporting that creature they'd called a Dark Lord. Ruger Wolfgang neither particularly cared, or wanted to know, what it had meant to once be part of a "Death Eater" family, but apparently it was well known his father had admitted to his crimes, and suffered for it. He'd not sought forgiveness; he'd truly believed at the time he'd been correct to stand against those that fought Voldemort. Six year old Ruger had barely comprehended; he's simply let it wash over him. His father's skeletal figure was part genetics, part his stay in Azkaban. The Dementors had affected him badly; he still had the dark rims about his eyes, the sucked in cheeks, like he was slightly desiccated.

Still... because of his father's odd choices, Ruger found himself in an odd situation at school; on the one hand, he was welcomed as a wizard of great potential; his Transfiguration skills, and general wand abilities, weren't far off perfect; his Potions weren't particularly shabby either. History he struggled with, considering events he'd experienced first hand clouding his version of events somewhat, and then there were the magical beasts classes; a class none had really expected to see the strangely silent lad in, but at which he also seemed to have an aptitude for. This seemed highlighted by the large cat that sat at his feet, the tips of his tufted ears peeking above Ruger's knees, an impressive feat, considering his willowy height! Panthera gazed up at her human, and a low mew escaped her; more like a grumble then any sort of normal cat sound. Her sounds were too deep to be considered a standard cat sound. Ruger looked down at her, their matching eyes often unnerving those that saw them together. He crouched, and she climbed upon his shoulders, draping herself languidly across him, her long tail of fanning fur flicking idly like a living fur collar. Her smokey black body was warm and living, such a contrast to both sets of eyes that were very cold, and impassive.

If he was honest, Ruger was losing the will to live listening to his parents ramble. His mother's fiery red hair, like his own, was pulled into a tight bun. Her sparkling blue eyes flicked between the family they spoke with, and her husband with pride. She was willowy, but quite short; Ruger got his height from his father. He sported pitch black hair, tied back into a small ponytail. Ruger remembered it when it was a cascade to his waist; the guards of Azkaban had seen fit to remove his hair, for whatever reason; his father said he'd been defiant, and they'd taken it as punishment. Ruger couldn't help but feel many of his father's tales were lies about that place. He saw the haunted expressions when the man thought no one was looking; he had not faired as well as he liked to make out. Ruger pitied him... and he certainly did not find pride in him. If anything, Ruger felt that maybe there was an emotion he felt; abhorrence. Whistles started to blow, but his parents were still deep in conversation. Knowing this all to well, Ruger turned, and entered the train, not saying a word to either parent as he left them, bragging and boasting, on the platform. Typical Slytherin. It was all he could feel pass through his mind, and he and Panthera made their way through the House carriages.

Finding the Slytherin carriage was never particularly difficult; they were a rambunctious lot, whom took great pleasure in bullying those that walked through to the other carriages; Ruger never participated, though the others often tried. When his tongue was loosened, it was often more scathing than anything the others around him could conjure; and what was unique about Ruger, was he wasn't afraid to stand up for other kids, Slytherin or not. He despised idiots, first and foremost, and idiots often used others as their scapegoats to ensure they weren't identified as such. Ruger saw right through it with his cold, silent gaze. Before the train departed, he walked down to the carriage where their trunks were kept, and identified his own. From it, he plucked a book on magical creatures he'd purchased additionally to his course books, and also a muggle treat he'd become particularly fond of his summer; popcorn. As he walked back to the carriages housing Slytherin, a Hufflepuff girl he recognised from his classes came bustling through the carriage door just after him, and bumped his shoulder. He said nothing as she ducked her head, apologised, and scurried on. He followed her quietly as she rushed through the Slytherin carriage, receiving all manner of insult and items thrown at her. His differently coloured eyes narrowed, as he sat by a window in the open part of the carriage, settling his book upon the table to proceed to read.

"Hey'up, look who made the train! Ol' Ru-boy!! How are ya?" Ruger sighed, and looked up to the shock of white blond, the turquoise eyes. Not a Malfoy, though one would be sorely hard placed to not identify him as one, the boy that sat across from Ruger was a Half-blood; the result of a muggle prostitute and a wizard. Bit of a shock for dear old mum when her little boy was packed off to wizarding school!! He got a lot of grief for being that rare thing of a muggle descended Wizard, but this kid, he had grown up tough and mean. Kyle his name was, Kyle Smithee, and he was a real bruiser. Quite short, probably only reaching Ruger's shoulders, he was broad and muscular; and when he wasn't boxing in the muggle world, he was a Beater for Slytherin in Quiditch, and a damn good one. He'd earnt his place within the Slytherin House through sheer determination... and giving a few broken noses to anyone that crossed him.

"Blimey, his Lordship did return!! Alright, Ru?" The red head growled a little at the name, as the third of their little party settled herself opposite as well. Merelda Hickley; a particularly vile pureblood, whom had made it her mission to intercept the fragile friendship of Ruger and Kyle, and become a third wheel. It was bad enough Kyle felt the need to always be on his case, but at least with Kyle, the affection held was somewhat genuine. Merelda made Ruger's blood boil. What was worse; she'd started to "date" Kyle last year, so there was no escaping the raven haired girl. She was pretty, for sure; a complete contrast to pale, snowy Kyle; her skin was as deep and rich in tone as mahogany, and her eyes were a rich chocolate. She was the same height as Kyle, and curvaceous, even at 16. And she was rude. One of the worst for bullying those of other Houses. Ruger honestly hated her, but kept things civil for the one person he guessed he considered a friend.

"My name is Ruger." It was his usual response, and was met with the usual inane laughter, as he returned to his book, and made the appropriate noises as Merelda regaled them with tales of her summer break to Egypt, and then Kyle with his tales of going for tryouts with some Quidditch Youth team, which got a few gasps and congratulatory yells from the students around them. Ruger didn't follow sports of any kind, so barely comprehended if this was good or not, and simply followed the crowd on this one. He patted his friend on the shoulder with a small smirk, which seemed to be the best response in the room as far as Kyle was concerned, so he continued to speak at Ruger about the tryouts.

The journey flew this year; Panthera snuggled about his shoulders the whole journey, growling in her menacing way at any that approached too closely. She would stare in a way that unnerved them all into backing away; many people stated it was because it was too similar to the unblinking stare they received from Ruger too. Getting changed into his uniform when required, Ruger seemed to physically relax into it. His scarf was loosely looped about his neck, the warm grey pullover edged in green baggy enough to trap extra air against his thin, wiry frame. The cloak; oh the exquisite cloak with the velveteen layer of emerald green! Prepared and ready for departure, Ruger awaited the myriad student faces to depart, before he, Panthera, Kyle, and Merelda departed too. Standing, watching the first years scuttle past to get to the giant at the end, his dual coloured eyes met briefly with dark eyes of the girl whom had run into him on the train. Why was she popping up so often? The glance didn't go unnoticed by Kyle, whom ribbed him with a sharp elbow. Ruger's glare killed the comment about to bubble from his friend's lips.

Carriage rides in carriages with no creature to pull them were always interesting, but Kyle always broke out in a sweat and babbled about the weird creatures that pulled the black cabs. Thestrels were known to the kids as they entered the cabins, but it seemed Kyle was the only one to see them. Ruger pointedly sat next to his friend, to soothe him, as he had from their second year. Merelda was too busy speaking with some other Slytherin girl and exchanging make up and diet tips to be concerned over her sweaty, clearly distressed "boyfriend". Ruger and Panthera both glared at her as they travelled on, towards the great castle. It was always a sight to see, and always drew an appreciative grumble from Ruger; it was his true home, where he most belonged. Ceremonies, as always, were conducted without glitch; a few more Slytherins for the cause, whatever that was these days. The new headmistress delivered her address to the school, and so commenced the feasting. Panthera would sit, and stare, moving only to paw at Ruger's arm when something particularly delicious caught her eye; usually something meat based, steak, or turkey, or chicken. She often turned her nose up at fish. Whenever Kyle tried to offer her food scraps, her cold eyes would pierce him with an intense glare, which would set the table up laughing; he was forever trying to get the feisty feline to like him as much as he did her. It was Kyle's dream to one day let her!!

As the night drew to its close, Merelda demanded the two boys accompany her to the first floor so she could attend to her feminine needs; or as Kyle stated as she left them, that "I've eaten too much" situation, which did raise a grin from Ruger. They waited a few minutes, before she returned. The headed towards the stairs, when the young Hufflepuff again made an appearance, just as they rounded the corner for the main entrance staircase. Merelda crashed into her, also having not been looking where she was going, too busy trying to get Kyle's attention. The words that came from her mouth were pure bile, and Ruger wouldn't stand for it. He went to grab the girl's arm, and pull her away from the Hufflepuff, but Kyle got in the way, trying to calm the over reacting Slytherin girl. He pulled her away, towards the stairs, as she hissed at the girl that she needed to apologise. The Hufflepuff did, and Ruger looked at her incredulously. Panthera was at his feet, and seemed to mirror his expression. Kyle finally dragged the screeching Merelda away, and Ruger went to follow, but instead, he turnedc and jogged to the Hufflepuff, catching her arm, and spinning her. Panthera leapt, planting her large feet onto the window ledge beside them, before leaping again to spread herself over the shoulders of the red head; their combined intense stare would be enough to scare anyone, never mind a sappy, daft Hufflepuff!

"Don't let anyone speak to you like that." His deep voice was commanding; like there was no way to argue against it. The hand that had caught her around the upper arm squeezed once, before he let go, and turned away from her, stalking away down the hall, before she could respond. Kyle and Merelda were waiting for him at the stairs to the Dungeons, and their Commin Rooms. They went to ask him what took so long, but he brushed past them, and started the long walk down into the bowels of the Castle. This was the one thing he disliked about being a Slytherin. Why were they kept in the dungeons? Like they were needing the practice to get used to such dark and isolated confines. Sure, like all the commons and all the bedrooms, it was lavishly decorated, but there was something about it being a dungeon that always got to Ruger. Panthera purred against the back of his head as they entered. He waved to Kyle, and he slipped off, directly to bed. Kyle's time would be taken up with the harpy on his arm, so Ruger followed his desires, and his need for sleep!!

 

[wendy]

The sun lazily rose above the Scottish Highlands as it creeped into the dorms of the sleeping students, some were happy about the new day getting up bright and early with ease while others moan and groan protecting their eyes from the harsh light which woke them up at what they thought was a ungodly hour but after much persuading from their peers they arise. Alice was one of the students who was doing to persuading as many students had spent the summer getting up at whatever time they wanted but now they had a shock to the system getting up at 7am each morning to be ready to eat breakfast for 8am. Alice sat on her bed balancing a mirror on the cushion as she brushed her rather wild hair as it became riddled with knots and tangles during the night making it nearly impossible to tame in the morning, the only way to tame it was with sheer force as Alice dragged the brush through her hair letting out a few cries of pain before she reached the tips of her hair. By the time she had finished ripping out her scalp it was time to go down to the great hall for breakfast and Alice quickly ran down the stairs her black cloak bouncing with each step and as she reached the common room she saw prefects with sunken eyes from the lack of sleep, maybe it was home sick first years who had spent the night crying and prefects spent the night comforting them.

As Alice walked alone down to the Great Hall she couldn't help but feel like someone was following her and so she turned around seeing two heads zip behind one of the walls as Alice sighed smiling "What are you two doing?" Alice says laughing slightly as two girls one a Ravenclaw and the other a Gryfindor came running towards Alice all smiles and arms open as the girls connect in a large hug jumping slightly as excited teenagers do. The Ravenclaw girl was the shortest of the girls standing at around 5'1 with dirty blonde hair cut just above her shoulders and bright blue eyes her actual name is Samantha Kurten but everyone calls her Sam or Kurt, Sam was the talented Quiddicth player who made the Ravenclaw team every year except her first as her favourite position was Seeker but she was much better at the Chaser position as her nimble statue made it easier for her to zip around large beaters. The Grynfindor girl was the one who always had her head in the clouds day dreaming about what it would be like to save the world some day, This constant day dreaming made her the target of malicious comments who had nick named the girl 'Dopey' but her real name is Esther Tupence. The three girls were a strange combo nation of people but this combination seemed to work as these three had been together since the first train ride down to Hogwarts and they've been together since then.

The three pull away from the hug as they link arms happily walking towards the great hall chatting about summer holidays and of course the regular boy talk about who got with who over the summer, the most controversial couple was apparently a Slytherin girl who was dating a Ravenclaw boy but dumped him for a Hufflepuff girl, it was all very exciting to the three girls whose love lives were barely non existent. As the three sat down together Alice sat opposite the other two and just to the right of Esther's shoulder she spotted the red haired boy from last night who ran after her and told her that she shouldn't let anyone speak to her like that Slytherin girl had last night, Alice thought it was strange for him to tell her this as Slytherins normally stuck to their pack like mentality only looking out for their own so for a Slytherin to give advice to a Hufflepuff was a rare occurrence but maybe Alice was just to deep into thinking that everyone's house was who they truly were inside. Alice soon realised she had been staring at the Slytherin boy for a while and so she turned back to her two friends who were fighting over who got the last piece of toast.

"I turn my head away for two seconds and you two manage to eat a whole rack of toast." Alice says as she snatched the piece of buttery goodness from Sam's plate chomping down on it as she sighed with happiness as the food just seemed to be different and better quality then in the muggle world, maybe the house elfs made some sort of magical bread recipe. "You're so mean." Esther says looking at Alice as she ate the slice of toast. "No time to be sad, We've got lessons to go to." Sam says patting Esther on the cheek as the three girls get up after their short breakfast heading their separate ways to their common rooms where they collect their schedules from the head of house. Alice scanned the scroll seeing that she had her favourite class, Care of Magical creatures first and even with 45 minutes before the start of first lesson Alice picked up her wand and yellow scarf which she threw around her neck before running off down to the Games Keeper's hut near the dark forest.

Alice's wand is something that was extremely precious to Alice as the day she received Mr Olivander said that only a true hero could possess this wand and this nearly made 11 year old Alice faint in the wand shop. It was a 12 and half inch wand made of pear wood and had a dragon string heart, The golden-toned wood produces wands of splendid magical powers, which give of their best in the hands of the warm-hearted, the generous and the wise. Possessors of pear wands are, in my experience, usually popular and well-respected. I do not know of a single instance where a pear wand has been discovered in the possession of a Dark witch or wizard. Pear wands are among the most resilient, and I have often observed that they may still present a remarkable appearance of newness, even after many years of hard use. Dragon heartstrings produce wands with the most power, and which are capable of the most flamboyant spells. Dragon wands tend to learn more quickly than other types. While they can change allegiance if won from their original master, they always bond strongly with the current owner. The dragon wand tends to be easiest to turn to the Dark Arts, though it will not incline that way of its own accord. It is also the most prone of the three cores to accidents, being somewhat temperamental.

Alice ran through the cold corridors dodging between students before she finally made it into the courtyard which she quickly ran across heading down the steep path almost tripping on the wet grass but Alice caught herself quickly as she continued on as she soon arrived at the large blue door where she knocked loudly "Hagrid! Hagrid It's Alice! " Alice says happily as the large blue door was soon pulled open as the half giant pulled the 16 year old into a large hug. "Knew you'd be coming down early so I put the kettle on." Hagrid says as he invites Alice in. The two sit talking as Alice is barely able to hold the large cup that Hagrid gave her but Alice was barely able to sit still as she wanted to know what creature she was going to be taking care of today. "Do you want to meet Snuffles?" Hagrid says as Alice nods enthusiastically as Hagrid chuckles rubbing the girls head before the two headed out of the back door of the game keepers hut as they headed to the edge of the Black Forest where stood inside the large clearing used for the lessons stood a winged horse as Alice sighed happily looking at the beauty of it. "Why'd you name him snuffles?" Alice asked Hagrid but soon the winged horse let out a large sneeze making Alice jump slightly. "Good name Hagrid." Alice says as the chestnut coloured horse soon spread his large wings showings it strength as Alice just watched amazed as she sat on the wall watching. "You can touch it if you like, just remember to not look him in the eye." Hagrid says gesturing toward the Winged horse. "They have many of these at Beauxbots, you shall get to see them when they come for the Triwizard Tournament" Hagrid says immediatly realising what her just said and so he makes a quick exit "I'm going to get the others rounded up so just be good with him, Hufflepuff and Slytherin class huh? What's Mcgonagal trying to do?" Hagrid mumbles as he walks off knowing that the Slytherins would dominate the lesson.

Alice slowly slid off the wall watching the half giant walk off as she quickly brushed the dirt off her black robe as she ever so cautiously walked towards the winged horse stopping whenever it seemed to act up but she was soon close enough to reach out and touch its soft chestnut fur, Alice was looking at her feet as she ever so slowly reached out her hand not trying to spook the winged horse but soon enough her hand collided with the neck of the winged horse as Alice smile was so bright it probably could of blinded someone as she ran her hand through the fur that seemed to be as soft and fluffy as a cloud but as she gently stroked the Winged horse she thought about what Hagrid had said "Triwizard Tournament? Like the one Cedric Diggory died in?" Alice mumbled to herself "Is the headmistress insane? Or maybe the ministry wants to prove that it's safer now, as safe as that tournament can get." Alice says to herself as she dropped her hand from the winged horse as she heard happy voices coming from the Games Keeper's hut as she backed away from the winged horse and sat back on the wall. She was greeted by a few other Hufflepuffs as they came and sat with her but her attention was once again caught but that red haired Slytherin boy. She had never noticed him before but this year he was popping up more and more, it was slightly strange as the two had never spoken except for that time last night.

As the Hufflepuffs stood in their group they couldn't help but feel the condescending stares of the Slytherin purebloods on the Hufflepuffs who were majority Muggleborn or Half blood as occasionally a comment was thrown at them which they Hufflepuffs just ignored. "That's the filthy who crashed into me." Says the vile Slytherin girl who was just as responsible for that accident yesterday as Alice was. "Mudbloods." The girl spoke with nothing but pure hatred laced into her voice. Alice was used to backing down and accepting the harsh comments but something stirred around inside her as the words that boy spoke to her yesterday rang inside her head as Alice then spoke out "Don't speak to me that way! We aren't living in the 1800's! Blood heritage doesn't even matter anymore!" Alice spoke out to the Slytherin girl who immediately laughed at Alice as Alice just sighed as she turned her attention to Hagrid as the class began.

 

[Malhyanth]

Ruger was up early. He always was.

It wasn't that he didn't like a lie in as much as the next person, but his internal body clock seemed to know when he was back at the Castle, and had classes. Panthera blinked at him from the end of his bed as she rolled around, deceptively. He waggled a finger at her, their silent conversation only understood by them; 'you're not fooling me', the look said. And her's in return was coy, like she didn't even faintly understand what he meant! He rose quietly, listening to the snoring boys all around. Kyle was on top of his covers, his icy white appearance stark against the dark green covers. The red head contemplated waking the boy up, but knew he'd be in a foul mood if he did; it was, after all, before 6am. Clicking his tongue, Panthera followed him out as he grabbed his green Slytherin scarf, and they headed down to the Great Hall; certainly not the first students up and heading for the breakfast table! He pulled a comb from within his robes, and straightened his choppy, bright red hair with it, before shoving it back within his robes. He'd brush his teeth after enjoying a breakfast; the first one of many this year at Hogwarts.

Panthera sat beside him, in her usual manner, picking and choosing the bites of his meal she wanted. He eyed her in silence, and she would stare back equally as quiet, her expression saying not to judge, and most certainly not to question her choices. The heterochromatic eyes would roll, and offer her the fork, which she would diligently scrape with her clawed paw, and eat from the bench. Scrambled egg was chosen, and a little breakfast steak. Toast, potato and onion hash, and the tinned tomatoes were ignored.

"You know, your food is far better for you." He murmured. She was fed the best in raw meats, and often caught her own in the grounds and Castle; catching what Mrs Norris, now even more ancient, like her master, could no longer manage. Few students had cats; most chose the convenience of an owl, or the unusual toad. Whatever sort of use someone had for a toad was beyond Ruger; they weren't the most enthralling of critters after all! Some held useful poisons, sure, but otherwise... a veritably boring pet. Ruger continued to peruse his timetable, which he'd managed to get off of the Head Boy early, as they had risen about the same time, and slowly eat his hearty breakfast. Today was going to be interesting with his chosen subjects; Care Of Magical Creatures, Appiration class, Potions,
and then an early finish, it seemed. Mondays seemed like they were going to be a relaxing experience this year. He smirked a little, turning his fork with whatever it was he'd just speared over to his demanding companion.

Her voice carried through the doorway before she was visable; the girl from Hufflepuff. Today she didn't seem to be alone. A veritable miasma of colours walked through the door to the Great Hall, like the start of an awful joke; what the punchline was, Ruger couldn't hazard a guess. Humour was not particularly his strong point. He watched her; one amber eye, one blue, following her as she sat down with the Ravenclaw and the Gryffindor. He returned to his breakfast and his day plan. She had been in Care Of Magical Creatures last year; seemed they would be sharing classes this year! He tapped his time table before looking poignantly at the huge cat beside him. "You can't follow me to classes this year, Panthera." He recalled Transfigurstion with McGonnagall last year, and the situation of his cat chasing various stages of transfigured pin cushion hedgehogs. She had a prey drive a mile wide, it seemed!! "This year, you wait for me in the Dungeons, do you hear?" Her matching eyes stared back at his own, her ear flicking. He knew she'd sneak down with him to Magical Creatures, just to sit on the walls and stare at him, however, he hoped she may behave where other classes were concerned.

Feeling eyes on him, Ruger looked up, searching for the source of the feeling. His eyes met the Hufflepuff's for a brief moment before she turned back to focusing on her quarrelling companions; why was she turning up so often? She was nothing special, just a genteel Hufflepuff without a spine!! She could barely stand up for herself, and was just so smiley about everything. For someone whom barely had expressions on his face, he found her tiring. He was about to excuse himself when Kyle stumbled into the Hall, yawning broadly; thankfully, he was alone! No Merelda on his arm, not yet anyway!! They greeted each other in grunts, and Kyle pulled towards himself a whole platter of bacon, and just started munching; matching expressions of disgust appeared on both cat and human faces.

"Really, Kyle? All that bacon?" The pale lad looked at Ruger, than at Panthera, before grinning his amicable smile, and pushing more bacon into his mouth. To distract himself from the sight, Ruger busied himself with preparing a tea pot for himself, the clear glass filling with hot water, whilst he packed selections of tea leaf into his own personal diffuser; it was metal, and shaped like a fish; the scales were slits into the body where the tanins could release, but the leaf stayed safe within. Lifting the lid on the clear pot, he dropped in the fish, which promptly started gasping, and swimming about in the pot, stirring the tea, and releasing its trail of dark tanins. Kyle's mouth dropped open, pointing at it.

"When did you get that? I know you like your tea, Ru-bear!! But that is awesome!" Sometimes, Ruger forgot that Kyle was, indeed, a "Mudblood", which even now seemed to be a popular term within the Slytherin student body. Ruger hated the term, and those that used it, and yet, Merelda was the worst for it, and was dating one!! He knew it was because of Kyle's prowess on a broom that she dated him; seeking glory. He hoped his best friend would one day see her for the slimeball that she was. Long gone were the days of blood being important. Kyle Smithee was as much as Wizard as Ruger Wolfgang, and yet, their upbringing and family stories couldn't be further apart. Ruger watched the fish swim a few more laps before lifting the lid and removing it, watching it twitch as though caught on a line as he lifted it by its chain, and emptied its innards out carefully, and tucking it away within his robes.

"A gift from my mother in my birthday. Something actually useful, for once." His sighing, deep voice seemed bored of the chatter, but Kyle was about the only person he would even grace with his voice. It was said, though not confirmed but Ruger, that as a child, Ruger had been a selective mute, refusing to speak to his family. It was only on the day he received his letter that he made his first word, and then on the train, when he'd met Kyle, he used more words than he had in 11 years. Ruger indicated the tea cup beside Kyle, whom passed it diligently. Only Ruger made the perfect cup of tea, in Kyle's opinion, and so he would always accept, if Ruger was offering. The first sip of the liquid showed a new blend his friend was trying out; sweet caramel flavours danced with the tang of a breakfast tea, Assam probably. Ruger watched his friend for his reaction, and getting only silent gratification face, Ruger smiled slightly at the corners of his mouth, and sipped his own. He dropped a dash of milk into his own, for natural sweetness.

Breakfast passed quietly for the pair, Ruger sipping his tea, assessing his upcoming year, whilst Kyle continued to munch through a platter of bacon. Only when Merelda joined them and squealed at Ruger that they would be doing Magical Creatures classes together, whilst Kyle had Alchemy, did he decide to head to his dorm for his things. He bowed his head to Kyle, and scowled at Merelda, before heading out. Kyle tried to call him, but knew it was a waste. Kyle wasn't as stupid as his friend believed sometimes; he knew there were issues with this girl, but getting rid of her was like getting rid of a leach. Difficult, and was best left to gorge itself till it fell off!

The dungeon Common Rooms were bustling with new students, and old, whom were all preparing for their first day of lessons. Kyle had a good 30 minutes before his first class down at Hagrid's, but he figured he'd leave now, see what was going on down there. Panthera trotted beside him, a living shadow. Some of the first years cooed at her, and reached to touch her glossy coat, but were rescued from a mauling by the temperamental feline by older students that had experienced this particular feline themselves previously. They told stories about her as nightmare fuel in the younger dorms, apparently. This just amused Ruger, somewhat. Panthera was a pleasant enough animal, but she was finicky about manners; all well and good asking Ruger if they could pet her, but all he'd ever do is direct them to ask her, as it was her fur that was being touched. If they failed to ask her, and heed her response, he failed to see how he was responsible.

Taking up his Magical Creatures books, a quill and parchment, and his wand, a pine beast, intricately carved with a wolf head, eating the handle of the wand. The straight-grained pine wand, the Wandmaker had said to him, always chose an independent, individual master who may be perceived as a loner; intriguing and perhaps mysterious. Pine wands enjoy being used creatively, and unlike some others, would adapt unprotestingly to new methods and spells. Many wandmakers insist that pine wands are able to detect, and perform best for, owners who are destined for long lives. What was most interesting to Ruger, was that the pine wand is one of those that is most sensitive to non-verbal magic; Ruger seemed to have an excellent ability to use little to no words once the pronunciation of a spell was mastered, and thus, internalised it, so those that duelled with him often felt at a disadvantage not knowing what spell was coming their way. For two years, now, he'd been in the finals for the Hogwarts Spell Duelling Club Championships. What made his wand strange, was it was not an English wand, like an Ollivander; it was American. Inside, the tail feather of the Thunderbird had been used, it being a wand of "Wolfe's Wands"; oddly enough a distant relation of his father's. The core of such a type were known to be powerful, but difficult to master, and were good for Transfiguration; one of Ruger's favourite subjects! With all his items, he looked to Panthera with pleading eyes.

"Stay here. Chill out and relax. It's only two hours, and I'll be back before you know it." The Maine Coon glared at him, but for once, seemed to do as she was told. He smiled at her, one that even showed a little teeth, and he parted from her, as she curled up in the centre of his bed; he knew she would unlikely be there upon his return; probably off galavanting, harassing other cats at the Castle, beating up the new ones, proving she was the big bad, and hunting down more healthy meals. One day he expected her to drag in a House self; considering her size, he didn't think it would be difficult for her to do, she was bigger than a lot of Muggle dogs!! His long legs carried him up the sloping spirals of the descent to the Dungeons with ease; he remembered when he was a first year, and the toing and froing up these slopes and the steps all around the Castle were simply hell on his unfit body! Now, older, and fitter, he could get around with ease! The sun was warm, as he stepped through the large doors to the grounds, but he was pleased he'd grabbed his scarf; there was a nip in the air that suggested that winter was beginning to descend on these Highland mountains; snow wouldn't be far behind, but rain was a definite possibility every day!

There wasn't long to go before his class started, and so he made his calm way down the slope, alone; how he liked it. He could hear shouting, hollering, jeering. Other students were also heading out. Merelda's vile tones could be easily heard over the birdsong and rustling trees that Ruger had left early to enjoy. He grumbled, and as he neared the Game Keeper's hut, knew this was going to be a long lesson. As Hagrid directed them to the walled off area he used for most of his lessons, just within the Forbidden Forest's borders, he spied that Hufflepuff again, as he'd expected. Again, he felt her intense gaze, and wondered why she looked at him. As Merelda and her female cronies joined him, being Merelda's boyfriend's best friends, she felt that meant they must be friends too. He didn't mind her cohorts so badly, but they did egg on their ridiculous leader, and her loud mouth. They were giggling viciously about the girl that had walked into Merelda on the first night, and Merelda had taken it upon herself to make the Hufflepuff pay for her mistake. "That's the filthy who crashed into me."

Ruger was partway to tearing the girl a new one, this time sick to death of her attitude considering their mutual relation to Kyle, when the Hufflepuff spoke; it was a frail voice, not used to the words they were saying, but she said them, and for that, Ruger felt a little pride blossom. "Don't speak to me that way! We aren't living in the 1800's! Blood heritage doesn't even matter anymore!" Merelda was startled; Ruger could tell. Redness crept up her neck, tinted her ears, but she had a facade to maintain. She laughed down at the girl, but moved away, huffing at the look she caught coming from Ruger. He watched Merelda strut to the other end of the wall, defeated, before turning to cast a sidelong glance at the Hufflepuff; his lips pulled into a sly smirk at her confrontation, and he nodded his approval. The only way change was going to happen was if it started from within; and Ruger didn't mind being that starting place where heritage, and House, no longer mattered; the other Houses did it; this girl was proof! A Gryffindor and a Ravenclaw were her friends that she chose, over those of her House. She was special. She was the start of the new age of Wizarding. Ruger stopped looking at her as Hagrid started to talk in his broad accent, speaking about the giant winged horse that stood within the walled area, it seemed, aptly names Snuffles. Why it snorted and sneezed so much was to be the course of their homework, and to write an essay on the best way to assist his recovery. But first; to meet the beast!! Hagrid sure knew how to make a new year entrance!! Ruger held back, as he let other students approach first, flicking through his well worn copy of Newt Scamander's, finding the chapter on the Winged Horses, and identifying the creature before him, with its chestnut colouring, as an Aetheron.

 

[wendy]

The other Hufflepuff students were wide eyed as Alice spoke up against the high strung Slytherin girl who seemed rather defeated as the she seemed to retreat as the lesson started. Hagrid's rough accent was sometimes quite hard to understand at times but the students who spent time with Hagrid out of lesson for example helping him look after his horde of magical creatures it was a lot easier to understand him. The majority of the lesson was just Hagrid lecturing about how winged horses used to be a common spieces but like most magical creatures their populations have slowly begun to decline. Just from looking around the students Alice could tell who was actually paying attention and who wasn't as those who weren't were whispering among themselves distracting those who did want to pay attention and actually learn something so it was rather annoying for those who wanted to learn. "Alright, That's it for today. Homework shall be figuring out the correct treatment for Snuffles and we shall use the treatment I thinks best." Hagrid says as he dismisses the lesson a 45 minutes early, that was the other reasons why people chose the care of magical creatures, it was because Hagrid always dismissed his classes early.

The slackers seemed to disappear as soon as Hagrid dismissed the lesson but a few stuck around asking questions before disappearing. Alice was sat on the wall still as she runs her hands through her wild hair as she looked at the winged horse with a look of deep thought on her face. "I know you want to figure it all out now but please save some for homework." Hagrid says to Alice as Alice just smiles happily as she picks up her growling textbook as she hops off the wall walking back towards the games keepers hut. The teenage girl pulls out her wand and places it over the growling book as she commands it to open and it easily does as the lock immediately pops off and the growling book stops growling. Alice carefully flipped through the pages looking for something that she hadn't read yet as she came upon a short paragraph about Thestrals, Alice immediately stopped half way on the path as she read the small paragraph out loud to herself "A Thestral is a breed of winged horses with a skeletal body, face with reptilian features, and wide, leathery wings that resemble a bat's. They are very rare, and are considered dangerous by the Ministry of Magic. Thestrals are, undeservedly, known as omens of misfortune and aggression by many wizards because they are visible only to those who have witnessed death at least once or due to their somewhat grim, gaunt and ghostly appearance.

Due to Thestrals' classification as XXXX, only experienced wizards should try to handle Thestrals. Breeding as well as owning these beasts may be discouraged or even illegal without Ministry consent; in fact, wizards that live in areas not protected against Muggles are forced by law to perform Disillusionment Charms on their Thestrals regularly. Only wizards who have seen death are able to see these creatures." Alice spoke as her curiosity was peaked by this last statement. "I did see my Grandmother die when I was 4" Alice says as she looks behind her seeing that Hagrid was busy trying to help Snuffles and that boy from before hadn't really moved from his spot but he soon looked at Alice as Alice looked at him for a minute as she shut her book and headed off the track that had been layed out for students safety but Alice stepped off the track heading into the forbidden Black Forest in search of Thestrals.

The Black Forest wasn't a particularly pleasing place to be but the Hufflepuff girl just sang a old nursery rhyme to herself to keep her nerves calm as she wound her way around the tall trees that seemed to block out nearly every trace of sunlight that tried to enter the thick canopy. "Old McDonald had a farm EE-" Alice says but her song was finished with a scream as her foot sank in between two tree roots as Alice immediatly freaked out pulling her foot out of the small hole as Alice's heart rate escalated rapidly as she now seemed to glide through the Black Forest "Threstrals, Threstrals, Threstrals. Threstrals are fun, Threstrals are cool." Alice says saying each word with every step she took as it did seem soothe her on edge nerves. She continued to walk having no success in finding the creatures that Alice was supposedly able to see. As Alice walked a chill came over her as goose bumps erupted on her arms and legs as she looks around wildly as she spotted something grey and small on the ground as Alice's brain hadn't processed what it was so she let out a small shriek before her brain registered that it was just a big and rather fluffy cat. "Merlins beard! You scared the living day lights out of me." Alice says to the cat as she places a hand over her heart as she breaths deeply trying to slow it. "You're rather big for a cat aren't you, but sometimes bigger is better." Alice says talking to the cat as if it was going to answer back as she knelt down in front of it. "Hm, different coloured eyes. How pretty." She says looking at one that was a beautiful shade of Amber and the other a ocean blue, this cat certainly looked expensive.

"May I?" Alice asked not knowing the proper protocol on how to pet a cat as pets were something seen as a luxury to her as many times she begged her mother for a puppy or a kitten the two could just not afford one so Alice got a gold fish instead who had unfortunately passed away this summer, Miles lived for 3 years before passing. The cat didn't seem to have any protests to being stroked and so Alice gently ran her hand from the top of the cats head to the base of its tail as the cat seemed rather unamused by this pathetic attempt at affection. Alice seemed to remember that cats liked being petted on their face area, she'd problem read a book on how to pet cats when she was kitten obsessed and the memory had just popped up and so Alice proceeded to scratch under the cats chin which it seemed to enjoy and Alice seemed to enjoy it even more as the cats fur felt like it was made of fine silk from how soft it was to the touch.

Alice looked at the small clock face that was strapped to her wrist as she really did need to start heading back up the the castle so she could gather her things for her charms class. "Maybe you're lost?" Alice says to herself as she had never known for a cat that wandered to far into the dark forest to come out alive. "I'm going to pick you up." Alice tells the cat right before she does it but Alice had to think for a moment on how she actually would pick up the huge ball of fluff. Alice picked up the big cat placing a hand under it so it felt secure and then Alice just placed her extra hand to stop it falling forward out of her hand and so she began to re trace her steps back out of the dark forest as she walked quicker at every sound of a snapping twig or a strange call coming from the mist but soon enough the cowardly Hufflepuff was back on the path leading to the Games Keepers hut as she looked back seeing that Hagrid was still talking the Snuffles.

Alice turned in the direction of the castle spotting the boy with the red hair walking back up as well. Alice soon thought that is she didn't speak to that boy soon it would probably drive her crazy as she just kept spotting him everywhere. Alice did a light jog but his long legs seemed to go further with every step. "YOU, WALKING UP THE HILL, RED HAIR, SLYTHERIN, WAIT!" Alice shouted with all her might as she was at the bottom of the hill and he was almost near the top. He did seem to notice as he turned around spotting her and waiting. Alice sighed as she knew she would have to get up the hill quickly now and so she began jogging up the hill the large cat bouncing in her arms giving the occasional hiss in protest which Alice just answered "Yes, yes keep your fur on. Not everyone is as graceful as a cat you know." Alice says between breaths and by the time she reached the top of the hill she was completely breathless as she walked up to the boy trying to ignore her burning legs as she approached him she had a slight sheen of sweat across her forehead.

Alice was now close enough to the boy where she could see his eyes, one a beautiful Amber and the other a bright ocean blue, she looked at the boy and then the cat as it must of been a huge coincidence that these two met but maybe also fate. "Um Hi, You may not remember but you helped me last night so I would like to thank you for those words, they were actually quiet inspiring. I'm Alice Rayford, Nice to meet you." Alice says sticking out her hand for a handshake and this gave the cat the opportunity to move and so it did immediately jumping from Alice's arms onto a wall before climbing onto the Slytherins boys shoulders and draping herself around them like some fluffy scarf, it took Alice a back for a moment.

After he had responded Alice heard the large bell go off signalling lesson change and Alice needed to run up to her dorm to collect her Charm homework that she had done over the summer. "Nice meeting you, I shall see you around." Alice shouts as she has to run if she was going to be able to make her charms lesson on time. Alice was happy that she finally knew the mysterious two coloured eye boys name.

 

[Malhyanth]

Flicking through his two books, listening to Hagrid speak about Snuffles, Ruger was formulating his theory for helping the winged horse. Ruger listened mostly to the questions asked by other students, processing the useful information from it, tossing that which wasn't interesting for him, and working on identifying what needed to be considered. On his spare parchment, he jotted down notes, carefully considering the information, forming links. Hagrid approached them all, and dismissed the class early, which Ruger frowned about a little, but as the paddock cleared, he placed his items down, and approached the animal carefully. As he got near, he was sprayed completely in the Aetheron's wet sneeze, which whilst vile, at least gave Ruger a further idea of what could be going on. He decided not to approach any closer to touch the animal; he could see clear enough that the animal's fur was somewhat rough, not as sleek as one would expect, and a little patchy. His feathers also seemed less than perfectly presented.

Returning to his books, Ruger made a note of his findings, and tapped the quill against his lips, making a note and circling it a few times, happy with his diagnosis, and slipping all his things together to disguise it. "'Ear Ruger. Y'are the last Slytherin, as always. What are y'thinkin' then?" The red haired Slytherin boy looked around, realising he was indeed the last Slytherin, and those last few around him were the most devoted Magical Creatures students from Hufflepuff.

"I have a theory. But I need to do some research, before I can be sure." Hagrid understood the boy's caginess, not wanting to lose his theory to other classmates, and tapped his large, bulbous nose with an equally large finger, winking and pointing st the young lad. Ruger, for a Slytherin, was a good student, and Hagrid valued the boy's devotion to knowledge. Ruger bowed and took his leave, turning to start up the hill back to the Castle. As he turned, he spotted the Hufflepuff girl walking into the Forbidden Forest, and he frowned, especially as he spied the lithe, flowing form of a cat he recognised disappearing into that same forest further up the hill. He knew his pesky Panthera went in there; was avid she had a little pack of werewolves or centaur tribe that hailed her as a queen or something, she always came back with a triumphant and regal air about her. Either that, or she spent some time in the Forest and soon found her way down to Hagrid's for cream and steak!

As he headed up the hill, he did hear a squeal. He wondered if Panthera had scared the Hufflepuff girl whom had disappeared into the tree line. It didn't sound too deep in. It was unusual, the boy thought, for a Hufflepuff to be brave enough to enter such a place, as it was against the rules, and of all the Houses, you rarely heard Hufflepuffs being the ones to break the rules. Perhaps there were unknown depths to Hufflepuffs he'd never considered before. He started to stalk up the hill, his long legs making short work of the incline, though it would definitely still take him a good 10 odd minutes to reach the top. It took him a while to realise that the shouting voice was hollering at him. He turned, perplexed, to witness something that was shocking even to him. He leant against the stones that bounded the vast Grounds from the entrance walkways and Gardens of the Castle itself. There she was, that courageous little Hufflepuff, CARRYING Panthera. His eyes would have dropped out of his head if it were possible, but somehow, his stubborn, moody, aggressive, single-minded cat, a cat of extreme prejudice against ANYTHING and EVERYTHING, was being cradled like a babe, and carried up the hill by this Hufflepuff. He jutted a hip, placing a hand upon it, and looked at this girl, with her dark waves of thick hair, and her freckles, and he felt a small smile play around his lips.

"Well I never..." He commented quietly. Panthera's face was a picture. Never before had such a disgruntled cat been seen in the arms of a woman. Her heterochromatic eyes were wide, the pipils dilated, like she was ready to pounce and maim, but she hung, limply, in the arms of the girl. "I remember you alright. Clumsy Hufflepuff that could have got herself into some serious trouble." He inspected the hand that was held out for him to accept her introduction, but before he could, Panthera decided to make her move. The outstretched arm and wall were the perfect way to be reunited with her human after her ordeal, and so she used them to full effect, leaping from one to the other, and draping herself across his shoulders. Ruger raised a hand, and stroked her under her chin, the cat jutting it out further, closing her eyes. Two pairs of amber and blue eyes then looked to the girl, identical in all shades and hues, even down to the slightly haughty expressions.

"You seem to have already met Panthera. I..." He frowned a little, wondering how in 6 odd years of them being at school together they were only really introducing themselves now. And the fact he was introducing himself to a Hufflepuff? He looked around to see what students were near by. "I am Ruger Wolfgang." The girl seemed startled by the end bell of first lessons, and took off at a run. He raised an eyebrow at her, completely baffled. Alice Raybold... now he thought about it, he did remember her from right at the beginning of the year, being sorted. Panthera had been a tiny little kitten, stored in the hood of his robes, which had made McGonnagall jump when she'd placed the Sorting Hat on his head and she'd swiped at her. She'd been a rambunctious, lively child, he remembered. Interested in everything... and... hadn't she picked up Panthera in just the same way back then? He looked across at the dozing cat. No way to find out from that smug face! He grumbled, and continued to walk up to the Castle, fetching his next classes items. Apparition was a somewhat hair raising idea to be learning, considering the horror stories that came with it, but Ruger had felt it was going to be a useful thing to know considering his parents weren't exactly the most useful for taking him places.

 

[wendy]

"Why am I running so much today?" Alice whines as she climbs up the spiral staircase to her small dormitory but her legs begged her to slow down even just the slightest but Alice powered up the cold stone stairs quickly searching her room for the two textbooks that she and her mother had bought from Diagon Alley one summer day, her mother prayed that this textbook wasn't going to attack her when she was trying to wipe the dust off it. Alice was once again on the move her but this time descending the spiral stairs was much easier on her legs.


The Charms Classroom was as lively as ever was Alice walked as the Gryfindors were in this class aswell as Hufflepuffs. Alice spotted Esther waving over the out of breath HufflePuff as Alice slipped into the wooden bench next to her sleepy friend. "How was care of magical creatures?" Esther asked looking at Alice with bright green eyes that seemed to be off in some other world "It was... interesting." Alice says remembering the pairs of amber and blue eyes looking at her in some sort of surprised and curious way but maybe the teenage girl was just imagining it. As the charms class proceeded Alice seemed to feeding off Esther's energy as Alice also slipped into her little dream land as those different coloured eyes had really thrown her off her concentration and how Rugar was slight rude to her, was she really that clumsy? She seemed to remember those eyes from somewhere but she couldn't quite put her finger on it and that to Alice was absolutely infuriating. "Miss Rayford, What is the Patronus Charm?" Professor Flitwick asks the day dreaming girl as Alice immediately snaps out of it as she thinks for a moment "It's a charm that repels all darkness, It comes in the form of an animal each patronus representing what's really on the inside." Alice says with ease as the dwarf Professor nods happily at the HufflePuff girl as he then turns to a Gryfindor boy who seemed to be taking a rather loud nap in the back of the classroom as the short professor woke him with a stunning charm making the classroom erupt with laughter. The rest of the class was spent taking notes and just watching demonstrations of Professor Flitwick producing the Patronus charm as everyone seemed to be capture by its beauty.


As the lesson came to a close the majority of the teenagers bellies were growling intensely as it had just turned to 12pm meaning that food would start being served and through out the next hour meaning that you could come and go as you please taking as much food as you wished as the house elves always re stocked it. "You may go." Professor Flitwick announces as everyone gets up from their places eagerly leaving, Esther and Alice walk side by side talking about a few mundane things as they enter they were immediately flagged down by Sam who had managed to get them a space.


"How were your mornings?" Sam asked as the two sat down immediately taking whatever took their fancy "Alice says she'd had a interesting morning." Esther says as she lazily brought a forkful of sweet corn to her mouth. "Do tell." Sam says leaning in and so does Esther. "I met a cat with two different coloured eyes and it was huge and super fluffy and adorable and then I met the owner who had the same different coloured eyes." Alice says as if it was no big deal but it was interesting to her. "Cat boy from Slytherin?" Sam asks raising a eyebrow, Alice just nods giving her a strange look "A few first years for scratched by the big cat." Sam says as she taking a bite of the chicken leg she was holding.

The three girls were continuing to eat having the occasional conversation until the three were finished eating "I've got a Quidditch meeting so I shall see you later." Sam says offering a quick smile and wave to the girls before she heads off her heels clicking along the cold floor. Esther then went back to her dorm where she would spend a lot of time looking into constellations, this was the routine the Alice was used to and so Alice got up and headed out of the great hall aimlessly wandering the large hallways until she sat down on one of the many wooden benches that were scattered around the large school. She sat in silence gently picking at the loose skin on her fingers as she gently hummed some tune that her mother sang in the kitchen while cooking, a cool wind caused strands of her hair to brush across her face as she gently pushed them back into place, Alice was peaceful in that moment as she felt like the only person on the earth.

 

[Malhyanth]

Ruger's long legs took little time to eat up the distance between their introduction point, and his Common Room. It helped that the Dungeons entrance was so close to the main doors. Ruger had signed up for the year long Aparition class; usually, it was 12 week course that started after Christmas, but a choice had been made available in recent years to extend it to a full year, so those with concerns regarding splinching, or those that just liked to know more about the ability and learn more theory, could do so. The weeks leading up to the Christmas holidays were carried out by whatever tutor had signed up to teach it for that semester. Then, come the New Year, the Ministry representative turned up, and taught the practicals, alongside the teacher doing the theory through to year end, and for their test.

Knowing he wouldn't have much time to return to gather his supplies before Potions, he gathered everything into a satchel that he would need for the next two hours, and then headed to the Great Hall, where individual tables had been set up. This time, Panthera stayed behind, and curled up on Ruger's bed, truly sleeping. She would still be there, he suspected, when he arrived for depositing his items, and heading off to lunch. She was not a cat to miss a meal!! The class was small; few students were taking the extra credit elecive, but as he was unsure where he was aiming to go with his life's journey, Ruger figured it couldn't hurt to understand as much about Aparating at possible, and to fill out his time table. Out of the 8 tables, he was the first to arrive, so selected one relatively close to the front; third back on the left. The Great Hall was chosen as for the hour long sessions, it was easiest to remove the Aparating blanket ban across the whole of the site on this one room. And it was, of course, a decently large room!

The class passes slowly, but the bell was soon tolling for his next class; Potions. Slughorn was not Ruger's favourite teacher, in fact he rated him lower that his memory, and his name sake!! Slughorn had been implicated, so the stories went, in the creation of the Dark Lord, and he had been the one, it was said, whom had implanted the idea of horcruxes into Voldemort's serpentine brain. An abhorrent man, but one favoured by Slytherin kids, despite his not really being overly fond of anyone other than his "select few"; Harry Potter and Hermione Granger were amongst them, apparently!! Ruger had neve cared to look at so many images of Slughorn and his 'achievements'. What it did mean, as Ruger was not in the Slughorn elite, was that he got a change to chat to Kyle. They had few lessons together, and even fewer of those held no Merelda. Potions and Alchemy were the only ones. Kyle wanted to continue to study Potions and Alchemy after school, and create the next new thing!! What it was going to be was beyond him, but it would be big, and it would make him rich!!

"So, how was it down at the old Hut?" Kyle muttered, as Slughorn made notes on the blackboard about some potion or another they were going to try and makeX and then critique what the other was doing wrong. Ruger lifted a shoulder; he thought of Merelda's attitude after with Ruger when the Hufflepuff... no... Alice stood up to her.

"Panthera made a friend. I met a winged horse I think had seasonal allergies." Ruger continued to scribble down notes, even as he spoke to Kyle. He had a good skill for it, multitasking, and so he continued to listen to Kyle, and note down the interesting points being made about the potion they needed to research in time for making it next lesson, and if they hadn't already, source the ingredients for it. The lesson passed Uneventfully, and the two boys continued to stick together as they headed for lunch. The Head Boy, soon as Ruger entered the Common Room to drop off their bags, flagged him down. His name escaped Ruger, but he knew it was one of those amusingly obvious Wizarding names, like Charlie Bottlebist, or Bozzleworth, or something like that; it was also a name that really didn't strike fear, as a good Slytherin name should.

"Wolfgang. There was an incorrect version of time tables sent out earlier with details of incorrect free periods. Take this, and make sure you get to your lesson on time!!" Takinf the timetable, what had been an afternoon of relaxation had changed. Defence Against The Dark Arts now filled the double slot. Kyle motioned to it, excited, as they were sharing two classes today now, rather than just one! Panthera, hearing their voices as they headed towards the dorm, was waiting in the hallway, her tail flicking idly. Both boys greeted her, and she watched from the doorway as he settled his potions items into their designated spaces around his small part of the dorm. Kyle, in true Kyle fashion, just threw it all on his duvet. "Let's go eat!! I've got a meeting for Quidditch coming up this lunch!!" Ruger nodded, and as they left, the black cat streaked in ahead, and path clearing for her, as all the years and students she had scorned individuals, parted ways to let her and her strange owner through.

The Great Hall was back to normal after his Apparition class, and they settled at the Slytherin table, close to the middle. Both ladled food onto their plates and bowls (Ruger went for a thick soup of some Scottish origin, with pearl barley, and lamb; Kyle selected various meaty items, like steak, sausages, chicken). They didn't really talk, not even when Miss Glum came across, and Merelda tried to get Kyle to be sympathetic to her plight that the Hufflepuff Filthy had made her look silly. The thunderous gaze that came over Kyle's face made even Panthera stop begging for food, and Ruger pale. "Merelda, please leave me and Ruger to our lunch. I don't want to hear any more about your abhorrence for MY kind of WIZARD." Realising her mistake, her large dark eyes tried to plead with Kyle to forgive her, but Kyle shrugged her off, and she eventually moved down the tables to join her friends. Kyle quietly seethed to himself. "Why didn't you warn me ab----"

"I did. Multiple times. I told you she was no good!!" Shovelling down the last of his very protein rich dinner, Kyle groaned and sighed, and Ruger simply shrugged, as Panthera demanded the spoon for its lamb content.

"I'm going to the Quidditch meeting. Meet you for Dark Arts in the Dungeons? Walk up together?" Kyle seemed truly dejected, and Ruger felt bad for him, simply nodding. One of the girl's with the Hufflepuff girl also got up and left, and Ruger recognised her as some hot shot from one of the other Houses. Couldn't remember her name. The other girl with Alice also upped and left. It seemed odd that they would all separate so early, but Ruger pushed it from his mind, and continued to indulge in the delicious hot pot style soup.

When he finished, Ruger decided to take a walk around the Gardens and internal feature courtyards and squares of the Castle. Panthera trotted, leading the way. Ruger just idly followed her. When the cat seemed to skip off out of sight, Ruger frowned, and trotted to keep up with her. When he saw at whom's feet Panthera was sat at, staring intently, Ruger groaned. "You really must stop trying to steal my cat. Panthera, come on."

 

[wendy]

As Alice sat staring out into the glossy green glades of the Scottish Highlands her thoughts were interrupted by a presence as her feet as Alice sat up slightly looking down at her feet seeing a pair of Amber and blue eyes staring back at her as Alice smiled. "Hi Panthera." Alice says gently greeting the cat with a gently stoked between her ears as the large cat seemed to enjoy it. Alice knew that if Panthera was here Rugar mustn't be too far behind and speak of the devil the fiery red haired boy was soon spotted jogging towards the pair. As Rugar stopped his eyes seemed to pierce into Alice's soul with quiet a strong amount of annoyance as he spoke "You must really stop trying to steal my cat. Panthera, Come on." He spoke as Alice looked down at the cat who seemed quite happy just sat with Alice who gently stroked the large cat again. "Let's walk together." Alice suggests as she pushes herself up from the cold wooden bench as she begins to walk with Panthera happily following in tow as Alice headed into the lush gardens which Alice admired very much.

Stepping into the famous Hogwarts garden was like stepping into a gardeners paradise as thousands of breeds of plants lined the beds which were always presented so perfectly, even Alice couldn't recall a time when a grain of soil had been out of place. As Alice walked she looked down at the cat realising how nice it must be to have a little bit of home with you when at Hogwarts, Rugar was certainly lucky to have such a ybeautiful cat. Alice turned around looking at the Slytherin boy who didn't seem exactly happy about the three of them walking together. "What do you think is wrong with Snuffles? I personally think it's seasonal allergies. It must be all the late blooming flowers which are causing it. It should be treatable with a bit of Mandrake and he shall be good as new." Alice says without a second thought but she soon realises that she's just given away her diagnosis for Snuffles but she had a feeling that Rugar wasn't a person so desperate to get the work out the way as to steal someone else's idea.

As Alice walked the chilly brushed against her skin as she quickly rubbed her hands together in a attempt to keep them warm until she saw Panthera. "Panthera, could you keep me warm?" Alice asks bending down as she places her cool hands into the cats thick fur as her fur acted like a pair of gloves as Alice gently scratched Panthera's side for payment of keeping her warm. Alice looked at Rugar and once she saw his facial expression she couldn't help but feel like she was intruding on his alone time. In the distance Alice could see the Quidditch Pitch with tiny dots of blue and green flying around in the air. "Didn't your friend also go to the Quidditch meeting? Why don't we go watch them." Alice says to Rugar as she clearly remembered Sam being greeted by a talented Slytherin beater on her way out of the great hall earlier. Alice had been wanting to support Sam as she was really quite talented. Alice began to walk at a quicker pace so that she could actually get the see Sam in all her glory, but Alice stops at the exit of the garden quickly turning around her hair flipping off her shoulders and falling straight down her back "Are you coming or not?" Alice says mischievously to Rugar but in a way it was actually quite commanding as Alice began to make her way down the small path that had been carved by the feet of the students over many years,.

Alice was heading towards the Whomping Willow as the small path that ran past it lead towards the large Quidditch ground, with every step she took her wild hair swayed and bounced uncontrollably as Alice brushed strands from her face every few seconds. After the long-ish walk Alice climbed up on the staircases that lead into the student seating area of the small stadium but as she entered she immediatly ducked as a pair of RavenClaw beaters sawed over her head. "Sorry!" One of them shouted at Alice as the Hufflepuff girl stood at the edge of the wooden seating area as her eyes scanned the air soon spotting the girl with blue robes on with her blonde hair tied back into a ponytail, she was currently sat on her broom talking to the Slytherin Beater from the great hall earlier. "Sam!" Alice shouted as she waved vigorously as the girl in blue robes gracefully drove broom so that the two girls could talk and the large boy in green also flew down to talk to Alice as well or maybe he had spotted his friend walking down behind Alice.

"How's it going?" Alice asked Sam as Sam smiled brightly "Its going awesome! I didn't realise how much I missed playing Quidditch until I got back on the broom." Sam says enthusiastically as Alice smiles happy that her friend was having such a fun time. "This is Kyle." Sam says introducing the large Slytherin boy as Alice smiled at him. "Nice to meet you, I'm Alice." The cheerful Hufflepuff girl says as the two shake hands. The two Quidditch players were soon called back by their captains as Alice sat on one of the slightly damp benches as she looked up at the skillfull Quidditch players who made the complicated moves look so easy. Alice had always admired the Quidditch players as all of them had a certain ferocity about them that only seemed to appear when they played the game they loved so much. Alice preferred a simple ride on a broom to the high paced game. As Alice watched the sun seemed to come out and spread its warmth around the Quidditch ground which Alice was much too happy to up as much sun as she could get. "Wonder if he's coming or not?" Alice spoke aloud as she cheered for Sam as she landed the Quaffle in the middle ring against the Slytherin keeper who seemed rather frustrated with the younger student scorning against her.

 

[Malhyanth]

Panthera plainly ignored Ruger's request to come away from the Hufflepuff girl, and she sat, eyes closed, enjoying the scritches to her head. It was only when Alice suggested they walk together that Panthera moved on, diving into the gardens, chasing imaginary prey as they walked through the late flowering plants. The Maine Coon was up to something, and Ruger couldn't help the frown that furrowed his brow as he followed behind the cat and Alice. He knew he must look like a petulant child, but he didn't really care. Panthera stopped chasing whatever it was she believed was her prey when Alice tried to make conversation. Ruger seemed to come out of his frowning solitude, and tapped his chin a few times.

"I was thinking the same. Hagrid spoke to some other students about timelines of it starting, which indicates a few different potential species could be involved." Ruger looked to the girl at her Mandrake theory and shook his head. "Mandrake is good for a bit of everything, but this is respiratory. I'd suggest Spirinula, to up natural immunity, then three daily run downs with an aromatherapy based lotion to the throat, chest and sides, based around Myrtle as the primary base, and then varying degrees of Rosemary, Eucalyptus, and Lemon oils, that will be breathed throughout the day to settle the mucus, and soothe the sneezing. These are delicate beasts, so anything too astringent in their stomachs would cause digestive upset." He looked at her through a sideways glance, and stuffed his hands into his pockets as she buried her own into Panthera's long fur. "Local raw honey on his food, or squirted directly in the mouth, would also lead to a result of allergies naturally being reduced over time..."

Ruger watched his cat with furrowed brow once more; for an animal that didn't like others very much, she sure was getting friendly with this Alice. He indicated the two, and Panthera glared at him. "Are you part cat or something? She is usually such a git to everyone." Ruger had to say, he wouldn't be surprised by anyone in the wizarding world being part animal; McGonagall, after all, was an Animagus, whom tuned into a cat; what if she... He shook his head trying NOT to think of the elderly head mistress getting jiggy with a cat.

Ruger didn't have time to comment that Kyle was indeed at a meet, before she was off down the paths required to go and watch. Ruger rolled his eyes, and followed slightly slower, feeling pin pricks in his back as Panthera decided she was not going to walk all that way, and leapt up onto Ruger's shoulders. This Hufflepuff was so full of energy she tired Ruger out just being around her. He sullenly followed. Every time he fell to far back, Panthera spiked him with a claw to hurry up. Ruger had to admit he had been to very few of Kyle's games; he wasn't really a sports fan. And it was often a raucous and jostling affair. Ruger followed the girl up, and stood at the top of the stairs, admiring the view as Alice and Kyle introduced themselves. He watched how chummy he was with the Ravenclaw, and frowned; good job Merelda wasn't here to see. She was an extreme jealousy type. But it was nice to see Kyle smiling, joking, being himself around a girl. It bought a little smile to Ruger's face. Seeing his friend, Kyle lit up, and flew over, fist bumping Ruger, upside down on his broom, careful to avoid Panthera, whom was looking at him with wide, dilated pupils.

"I'm here, keep your hair on." Ruger grumbled, sitting next to the Hufflepuff as the sun started to shine, Panthera stretching out across his broad shoulders. "I don't understand much about this game, but I guess that was good?"

 

[wendy]

Alice watched Kyle fly over Rugar as the two fist bumped and Alice mouth opened slightly amazed at how he could control his broom so well, If Alice would attempt to try a move like that she would of probably took Rugar's head off. "I don't understand much about the game, but I guess that was good?" Rugar spoke as Alice just sat there looking at him like he was crazy, who wouldn't be interested by Quidditch? "Kyle's got really good broom control, definitely one of the best in the Slytherin players this year." Alice says as she watches him fly with such ease and confidence around the stadium "Apparently he's quite the heartthrob for girls who are into Quidditch." Alice says looking at up him seeing Sam zooming past at such a speed it would put a F1 car to shame. "I can't believe that you're not into Quidditch, maybe it's because you've been in the wizarding world much longer then me but basically there is Three chasers, two beaters, one keeper and one seeker. The chasers are the ones who score points in one of those three rings. The beaters job is to hit buldgers away from their own players and at the opposing team to try and knock them off their broom, the keeper is pretty self explanatory and the seeker in the one who catches the golden snitch and that's worth 150 points and that also ends the match." Alice says as she points out each player as she says them with a certain admiration in her voice for the players.

"Also, I'm not part cat but I've always wanted a pet." Alice says looking at Panthera who was quite happily sat on Rugar's shoulders "We couldn't afford one." Alice says pushing the wild curly strands of hair behind her ear once again as she turned her attention back to the players feeling slightly uncomfortable as she never really did talk about her home situation. Before Alice was born her mother and father were apparently deeply in love apparently the envy of the town but when Alice's mother got pregnant and 17 and Alice became the apple of her mothers eyes her father began to grow jealous eventually becoming violent as he wanted to be the centre of attention and so the beatings began. While her mother was pregnant the beatings were softer but once Alice was out of the safety of the womb the beatings escalated until one day her father turned his hand to Alice, after that one slap her father took to Alice's face her mother packed up there feelings and fearing for her daughters life they moved half way across the country to the centre of London where they live on the top floor of a shabby apartment building, it wasn't much but it was their safe haven but the mother and daughter always have the feeling to look over their shoulder once in a while to make sure he isn't coming for them.

The two sat silently watching the Quidditch players practising and recruiting new members for the Quidditch season ahead where the four houses would fiercely battle to get ahold of the house cup which was currently held by Ravenclaw thanks to Sam's quick plays as they beat Slytherin by 30 points. "So, Where do you live?" Alice asked out of the blue wanting to get to know the Slytherin boy better, from the way he acted Alice assumed that he was a only child or just had a bad relationships with his family. "You don't have to answer if you don't want to!" Alice says immediately after not wanting to pry into his private life as Alice waited for his answer as she felt slightly stupid as most Slytherins really didn't like it when you asked about their private life as Alice had learned when she asked a Slytherin girl where she lived and Alice got shouted out by her and a threat the be hexed which was extremely nerve racking for a muggleborn who barely even knew what a hex was. "I live in Central London with my mum." Alice says hoping it would make him feel slightly more comfortable to share where he lived.

As she listened to his response Alice stayed neutral as possible but as Alice opened her mouth again Sam pulled up to the side of the where the two were sittings as she was quite sweaty from the afternoons hardwork. "How did I look?" She asked Alice as Alice just gave Sam a smile and a thumbs up as Sam smiled happily. "We are about to finish, Wanna walk back up together?" Sam says wiping her forehead with the back of her hand trying to get the sweat off it. "Sure, meet you just outside?" Alice says as Sam nods before pulling off as quickly as she came. The Quidditch players slowly decreased in numbers until none could be spotted flying around the stadium.

From her pocket Alice's pulls out a crumpled piece of paper as she opens it trying her best to flatten it out as she scans down Monday with her finger as she sighs seeing that she has her least favourite lesson but the worst thing was that it was a double lesson "What have you got next? I've got double defence against the dark arts." Alice says rather unhappily. When Alice first started Defence against the dark arts she thought it was going to be sort of a self defence class but soon to her shock she found out that the wizarding world wasn't as perfect as it seemed at Hogwarts as she learnt of Voldemort and his followers and how the golden trio did everything in their power to take him down which resulted in the Battle of Hogwarts where lots of young wizards lost their lives to Deatheaters. The memorial for the Battle of Hogwarts was quite tucked away in the large castle but one day Alice visited it during her fourth year and scanned the names of wizards looking at their ages as she couldn't believe that if she went to Hogwarts during that time she would of fought Voldemort's followers.

"Alice? Are you coming?" Sam's voice called from the exit to the stadium as Alice stood up waiting for Rugar to do the same as Alice walked down the stairs as she also saw Kyle chatting to the Ravenclaw girl. "You looked really good out there today." Alice says to Sam as the Ravenclaw girls flips her hair "Well I am a protegè." Sam says with a funny expression on her face as Alice let out a small laugh. The four students began walking the two girls being slightly ahead of the boys as Sam looked around at Kyle "Come on we're going to be late! You're even slower on your feet then your broom" Sam teases the large beater but even Alice was out of breath trying to keep up with the quick Ravenclaw girl. As the four students got back into the school they parted their separate ways except for the two Slytherin boys. "See you at dinner Al!" The Ravenclaw girl shouts from the end of the hall waving frantically at the Hufflepuff girl as Alice waves back before Sam disappears around a corner. "Bye guys." Alice says to the pair of Slytherin boys as Alice heads up the flight of stairs in front of her towards her common room where she sits on her bed organising her things.

As Alice was heading towards her next class of the day she was stopped by two Gryffindor first years as they needed help getting to the Greenhouses as Alice guided them to the greenhouses making her already a few minutes late to her next class and by the time she had climbed the stairs up to the large classroom she was 7 minutes late and she could hear that the lecture had already began. Alice tried to be as silent as possible when entering but the eagle eyed professor immediatly spotted her trying to enter unnoticed. "Why are you late?" She asked. "I was helping two first years." Alice says to the professor. "How wonderful of you now take a seat and don't be late again." The Professor says sarcastically as a few partially nasty Slytherins laughed slight. Alice looked over to the side where the Hufflepuff students were all sat seeing no open space and so she turned to the Slytherin side of the room spotting Rugar and Kyle sat together and in front of them the girl from this morning who was more focused on talking to Kyle then the lesson but Alice soon spotted a spare seat which was empty and close to her only Slytherin friends so it was alright as Alice quickly walked over and slipped into the seat immediatly opening her textbook and placing her wand in the spine of the book as the Professor continued to teach.

Alice wasn't really sure about what the Professor was on about until she wrote down three words on the board 'Imperious, Cruiatus and Killing' as Alice knew she wasn't going to like this lesson at all. As the Professor went on explaining each curse Alice actually felt sick because this Professor went into a lot of detail about each curse and how affected each part of the body and also how you can counter it but the counter curses seemed give almost no protection but as Alice looked around the room she saw that a few more seemed to feel the way she was feeling as maybe they had lost brother, sisters, aunts or uncles to one of these curses during the Battle of Hogwarts.

 

[Malhyanth]

Hearing Alice speak about Kyle made Ruger smirk. He knew his friend was a good looking guy, and what he knew of Quidditch, he knew people thought his friend was skilled. Ruger, not being the sporty type, whether in Magical or Non-Magical circles, just accepted what people said, and nodded agreement, without giving too much away about his confusion about it all. As Alice spoke about his skills, Ruger just watched his friend, taking on a new appreciation for the Muggle-born Slytherin. Such a contradiction in and of itself. Ruger followed her lesson diligently, though, and continued to sport the little half smirk that covered his features.

"Well thank you for the lesson." He chuckled, scratching Panthera's chin as she watched the zooming players with interest. They were like flies, prey for her to follow and catch. Alice started to change the subject, becoming melancholy. Ruger sat and listened, before sitting in the quiet, happy with that. Her next question caught him off guard somewhat and he scratched at the back of his head. "I live on the south coast, near Portsmouth. Our garden backs onto the beach." His hands came to rest between his knees as he leant forward, not really looking at Alice. He sighed, missing the sound of the waves when he was here; the wilderness was nice and all, but nothing could beat being by the sea. He was about to say something more when Alice's friend pulled up and beamed at them, sweaty from exertion. Kyle wasn't far behind, and made an appreciative face at his friend regarding the Ravenclaw player. Ruger simply rolled his eyes at his hound-dog friend, shaking his head slightly, and half listening to the two girls.

"You gonna wait for me Ru-man?" Ruger lifted the shoulder not covered in cat and nodded, a small frown covering his features. "Ace! We can get our stuff together and go to Defence!" Again, a quiet nod. As Kyle disappeared, Ruger stood and stretched, when Alice mentioned she also had Defence Against the Dark Arts. Ruger looked at her incredulously. How many classes were Slytherin and Hufflepuff sharing this year? Usually, Slytherin was paired off with Gryffindor, and Ravenclaw with Hufflepuff. It was just how it had always been. Perhaps Headmistress McGonagall was twisting things about to try and find the best combinations?

"Huh, funny that. So do me and Kyle..." A holler from below got them moving down the staircases, and when they reached the bottom, an eye roll from Ruger as he spotted his friend making moves on the Ravenclaw girl. It was a good job his friend's girl wasn't about. Not that he believed she was "his girl" any more! Seemed she's made a pretty bad mistake that Kyle was in no rush to forgive. They all trotted along behind the Ravenclaw girl, reaching the Castle in no time. Ruger was struggling for breath she'd marched them so fast!! They split in the hall outside the Great Hall, and waved each other off.

Defence Against the Dark Arts was something the two boys really did enjoy; they gathered their things quickly, and then jogged their way up to the classroom, turning up just as the door opened. Slytherins and Hufflepuffs took their separate sides, as always. Merelda seemed to not be talking to Kyle or Ruger, and was sat away from them, which suited Ruger fine. Kyle was pouting at her, angered. They were getting into the class, when the door opened behind them, and the last student walked in. Ruger frowned, realising he hadn't noticed Alice wasn't in the class. The teacher gave her some grief, but having been doing the usual soft Hufflepuff thing of helping others, she was let off. This was when the shocking thing happened; there was few seats she could access easily on the Hufflepuff side, so SHE SAT NEXT TO RUGER. Kyle nudged his friend, winking mischievously; Ruger belted him around the back of the head with a fist. He hissed at Alice as whispers spread through the class at her choice of seat.

"What are you doing!? You're gonna get lynched for that!!" His hiss was almost a growl, and Kyle was laughing into his text book, as Ruger also tried to hide behind his own book to speak to her. The teacher was too busy getting into the Forbidden Curses, which was making Ruger feel uncomfortable anyway considering his parents' occupation during the Second Wizarding War.

 

[wendy]

Alice could hear the hisses in Rugar's voice as that boy sounded more and more like his cat everyday as Alice lowered her head to speak to him as well "It's nothing new to me." Alice says flashing him a weak smile as Alice sits back up again picking up her quill quickly dipping it in the small bottle of ink that was at the top of the wooden desk as she quickly begin to write down whatever the teacher said no matter how stomach churning it was. As the Professor began to go into greater detail of how each forbidden curse was used Alice just tried not to imagine how the Cruciatus curse twisted people around like rag dolls or how the Imperio curse caused such devistation and destruction in the Ministry of Magic or how the killing curse took so many innocent lives on the battle of Hogwarts. Panthera seemed to notice the girls uncomfort and so the beautiful feline moved from her position to sit in Alice's lap as Alice smiled gently scratching the felines head which gained a small pur.

"Now could please read page 184 for that extra bit of information." The Professor says as everyone turned their eyes to their books but Alice turned hers to Rugar's as unfortunately Alice's mother hadn't been able to afford all the textbooks Alice needed for her 6th year at Hogwarts. "Miss Rayford, Did you not bring your textbook?" The eagle eyed Professor says seeing that Alice didn't have one in front of her as Alice didn't know what to say as the other Slytherin students began to chuckle at the Hufflepuff girl. "Um, I don't." Alice says timidly as the Professor raised her eyebrow "May I inquire why you don't have a textbook? It was clearly stated on this years equipment list." The Professor asks as Alice was put on the spot and Alice began to rapidly think of an excuse but her Hufflepuff self was screaming at her to just tell the truth "I can't afford one." Alice says truthfully which seems to take the Professor a bit as the Professor soon opens up a cupboard picking up a older version of the textbook but she walks along the outer edge placing it in Alice's desk. "Please do return it by the end of the year." The professor says as Alice quickly flicks through textbook finding the correct page and began to read in depth as she gently stroked Panthera who was keeping the Hufflepuff girl toasty warm in the chilly classroom.

"Good work today, You may go." The Professor says as the clock struck 5 as students began to collect their things and leave the room knowing that they now had some free time to spend with their friends or try and fit in a quick bath before dinner. "Alice, Can I have a word?" The Professor asks the wild haired girl as Alice just nods as she stands up Panthera gracefully leaping off Alice's lap but leaving quite a bit of cat hair behind. As soon as the majority of the students had left the Professor began talking to Alice who was stood in front of the Professors desk "I'm sorry for exposing you're home situation to the others, if they trouble you about it come straight to me." The Professor says a new found kindness in her voice "oh and also when did you and Rugar's become friends?" The Professor asked curiously. "I met his cat this morning but I think Panthera likes me more then he does." Alice says as The Professor laughs slightly.

Alice leaves the Defence against the dark arts classroom as she sighs running a hand through her hair, as the teenager walked back to her common room she couldn't help but feel like their was a sudden excitement injected into the air as many of the students were sat in groups chatting about something but Alice didn't listen closely enough to hear what the subject of all this excitement was. The teenagers mood had been knocked slightly as she revealed her financial situation to her whole class but as she arrived back at the Common room she sat on one of the many comfy sofas in front of the never ending fire as she just warmed herself ,string her thoughts drift off to wherever.

It was soon time for dinner and Alice met up with her dinner buddy Travis as she couldn't sit with her two other good friends at dinner, Travis was like Alice as the two had made friends outside their house and so they became friends for the convenience of it. As everyone filed the excitement in the air had still not died down but seemed to increase as Alice caught a glimpse of what seemed to causing so much commotion among the students. She soon noticed that the tables seemed to be longer than normal which interested Alice as they couldn't be accepting new students. The hum of the talking students was soon silenced by the elderly headmistress who began to speak "I assume you have all heard about the rumours about the Triwizard Tournament coming back to Hogwarts and I am here to inform you that the rumours are true." The headmistress spoke as Alice looked at her with a confused face but others seemed rather excited as the headmistress went onto to explain the history of the tournament. "Now, May I introduce our newcomers from Illvermory School." The headmistress spoke as everyone's eyes turned to the door as students from the American school soon poured into the great hall showing off their magical skill making beautiful illusions which they seemed to create effortlessly as the stunned students as they oohed and awed at the sight of them as Alice smiled happily seeing the illusion of a butterfly land on her left shoulder, Butterflies are always a good sign so Alice smile happily but it soon dissapeared as the wizard who casted the illusion had sat down. "Now please welcome students from Drumstag academy." The headmistress says as the large boys dressed in deep red clothing made a rather dramatic entrance spouting fire and making themselves seem manly which made Alice chuckle slightly.

"Welcome to Hogwarts! We are so grateful to have you here!" The headmistress says enthusiastically. "Their shall be a few rule changes to the Tournament this time around, instead of competing alone you shall now compete in pairs, these pairs shall be chosen at random by the Goblet." The headmistress says as the lights dim in the great hall as the large goblet was revealed slowly as its outer casing cascaded down from it as its aura was filled with intense energy as everyone just watched silently. "You shall have till tomorrow evening to place your names in the Goblet but those who are chosen must be warned that these challenges are not for the faint hearted as you shall face hard decisions in these three trials but the pair that shall win shall receive the Triwizard Cup!" The headmistress says as the cup was brought forward, it was made of a transparent material that had a slight bluefish tinge to it and in Alice's optioning it was quite beautiful "and you shall also receive a large sum of prize money!" The headmistress says which really seemed to get everyone talking. "Now enjoy the feast." The headmistress says as food appears in front of the ravenous teenagers as everyone began to tuck in.

As Alice lay in bed that night she held a piece of paper with her name written on it. Alice wasn't interested in the tournament until the headmistress mentioned the prize money which peaked her interest as her mother could really use a large sum of money so that the two could buy a proper home or just go on a holiday. Alice checked her watch seeing it was last midnight as the Hufflepuff girl slipped her feet into her slippers as she quietly exited the dorm with the other sleeping girls. Alice walked through the common room and exited onto the hallways where the cold wind harshly blew past her skin but Alice power walked through the halls holding the small piece of paper tight to her chest. She stood in front of the large doors taking a deep breath before she pushed open the large door enough for her to slip in, Alice walked up to the goblet as the golden flames licked at the air around it. "Mum needs this money." Alice says as she stands on her tip toes throwing the piece of paper into the goblet as it showed its blue flames of acceptance as Alice scurried back to her dorm where she threw herself back in bed her heart beating out of her chest.

 

[Malhyanth]

Ruger hissed through his teeth as she shrugged off her decision, and he rested his temple upon his fist as he dipped his quill, and tried to ignore her sat next to him. Being left handed made this significantly easier to direct his attention away from her, though Panthera, again, defied him, and went and settled herself in Alice's lap, making the student grumble and huff. The subject matter was also causing him issue, and was raising the tension in his body. The professor was so calm in her descriptions of the issues surrounding the Unforgivable Curses, and Ruger felt his stomach knotting. As they listened and he made partial notes, not wanting to really write about these horrid curses, he knew Kyle was trying to get his attention, to see if he was already. His knuckles were white on his quill, his face pale and a little sweaty. He waved Kyle off, and swallowed, trying to stop the feeling that he was going to vomit. Looking around the room, only a few Hufflepuffs looked similar, not any Slytherins. Something that only made him feel more sick.

Turning to the page commanded, he noticed Alice trying to look, and unconsciously moved his book to enable her to look better, but the professor caught it, calling the girl out. The honest and humble answer made Ruger baulk, and he drew his book back as the professor gave her a copy of the book from the cupboard. He let a small smile play around his lips to her, hoping it looked sympathetic rather than pitying. He started to read, continuing to make his notes for the essay they were asked to write, whilst trying to ignore the more... in depth questions being asked by those students that didn't have the same connection to the Curses he did. As the class ended, he packed up quickly, and clicked his tongue, Panthera leaping from the girl's lap and chasing after her stalking owner. Kyle looked to Alice, and was about to ask why their friend was acting strangely when Merelda's voice cackled out after the professor held back Alice.

"Seems Mister Wolfgang can't stomach what his daddy did during the War!" She cackled as she headed out of the door. Kyle's face paled further, and he gripped Alice's arm for a moment before chasing out after Ruger. It was always going to start to pop up in the school; the rumours and the stories of whose parents supported whom during the second rise of Voldemort. Kyle had known, to some degree, his friend's father, and his mother, had been involved with the Deatheaters. But Ruger wasn't like them. He was quiet, studious, and he was caring, in his own way. Kyle had known him since they first sat at the Slytherin table, and they hadn't become best friends through chance. Kyle was a half-breed, a muggle-born. A mudblood. Ruger hadn't cared. The bright red shock of hair that belonged to Ruger was disappearing out of sight outside. Kyle pushed through the crowds, following his friend out into the grounds. Ruger continued walking, ignoring Kyle's shouts, until he reached the outcrop that led down to Hagrid'a hut, and he sat, pulling his cloak around himself, and staring out into the Forbidden Forest.

"Ruger, dude. Why'd you run out man?" Kyle wasn't sure if his friend had heard Merelda. Granted, she was so loud, almost everyone would have heard her. Panthera hissed at Kyle as he sat down next to her owner. Kyle sneered at her, and dangled his long legs over the rocks, waiting for Ruger to speak. He didn't. Looking across, Kyle could see he was still very pale, which was impressive, as he was a pale guy in the first place. Kyle looked down at his hands. "Ru-man. I--- I've heard about your folks. But you know, it was always you that stood up for me, as we were growing up here. You were always the one giving people shit for mentioning my heritage, and people listened... I knew I was because of... because of what they did." Ruger's mis-matched eyes looked across at Kyle's pale complexion, his turquoise eyes. Kyle grinned at his friend, and jerked a thumb over his shoulder. "Let's go man. Get ready for dinner, yeah?" Ruger nodded, his face still set in a surly pout, but he allowed Kyle to lift him up, and they walked in together, Panthera clearing the way as student group after student group jumped away from the dangerous, infamous cat. People said she was even more terrifying than Mrs Norris. The fact Mrs Norris also seemed terrified of Panthera made students of the school even more nervous.

Depositing all their bags, and heading down for dinner, they started to notice their was an odd exuberance to the school. They frowned as they neared the hall, noticing the extra tables. Two extra sets of tables. As the two lads sat at their table's usual spot for them, they looked up to the Headmistress, whom was stood at her podium stand, the large silvery owl flapping its wings to gain attention and hush the crowds. "I assume you have all heard about the rumours about the Triwizard Tournament coming back to Hogwarts and I am here to inform you that the rumours are true." Ruger and Kyle stared at each other for a moment, before Kyle's face split into a huge grin. He'd read all about the Tournament, and had taken exceptional interest in the dragons of the last one, that saw Harry Potter use a broom and his Quidditch skills to retrieve an egg. Ruger couldn't tell what had amazed his friend more, the dragons, or being able to use his broom to defeat a dragon. The Headmistress was not finished.

"Now, May I introduce our newcomers from Illvermory School." Ruger paled at the name, and watched as the Great Hall doors were opened, and the entrance filled with butterflies of all manner of colour and type. They left trails of silvery star dust as they fluttered around, landing on Hogwarts students, and disintegrating. Panthera stamped on one that landed on Ruger's arm, promptly eating it. The young student next to Ruger baulked at her, and shifted away from the huge cat. The students sat on the long table adjacent to the Gryffindor tables, furthest to the left hand side of the hall.

"Now please welcome students from Drumstang Academy." Thundering drum beats filled the Great Hall as the Durmstrang boys in their thick woollen cloaks entered. Ruger watched them in quiet appreciation, awed by their mastery of fire. His eyes caught Alice's face for a moment, noting her amusement at the very masculine display. "Welcome to Hogwarts! We are so grateful to have you here! There shall be a few rule changes to the Tournament this time around." Whispers erupted around the Hall, wondering what new situations could be being implemented, especially considering the tragic loss Hufflepuff sustained in the last Tournament.

"Instead of competing alone, you shall now compete in pairs. These pairs shall be chosen at random by the Goblet. Two from each school." The intense atmosphere of the room only depended as the candles dimmed their light, and the Goblet was revealed. It was a huge thing, ornate, and beautifully crafted. It's blue flame was enticing and mesmerising, and both Ruger and Kyle stared at it, transfixed. "You shall have till tomorrow evening to place your names in the Goblet, but those whom are chosen must be warned that these challenges are not for the faint hearted as you shall face hard decisions in these three trials. The pair that shall win shall receive the Triwizard Cup; and you shall also receive a large sum of prize money!" Kyle looked at Ruger, indicating with his hands a large stack of coins, and ''making it rain" which was apparently something muggles enjoyed doing with money. Whatever that meant.

"Now enjoy the feast." Guests and students alike dove into the food that appeared on the golden plates in front of them. Ruger picked at food, still struggling with the knots in his stomach from his earlier lesson. Kyle seemed undeterred, and was piling roast chicken, potatoes, and gravy onto his plate, as well as a generous helping of cauliflower cheese; about the only way Ruger had ever seen him eat vegetables, slathered in melted cheese. Ruger picked at a piece of salmon, most of it going into Panthera.

"We should enter." Kyle said around a mouthful of roast potato. Ruger raised a skeptical eyebrow, but Kyle was undeterred. "Think about it; a muggle-born, and a Slytherin whom just doesn't fit with his family ideals? We'd be the perfect combo!! We can make people see we're more than just our family name and history." Ruger shook his head, not sure. Panthera pawed at him, and he turned his fork to her as he looked at Kyle.

"I don't think you understand how dangerous this could be." Ruger commented. His parents still had the paper clippings from when the Triwizard Tournament had brought about their Dark Lord's return. It made a shiver travel up his spine. "What if..."

"No more what if's Ru-man!!! Start living a little!! I doubt we'll even be chosen, so come on, let's just stick our names in to say we did it!" Ruger looked at his excitable friend's face. And caved. He nodded, causing Kyle to fist pump the air, before returning to his meal. Ruger struggled even further to eat, though as dessert showed itself, he managed a small slice of cheesecake.

The evening passed without issue. They made the choice to enter their names first thing in the morning, heading to bed quietly, working on their Unforgivable Curses essay together before bed, to get it out of the way, so Ruger could concentrate on other things.

 

[wendy]

"Alice, Get up!" One of Alice's dormmates says shaking the Alice's body but Alice just groaned back in response pulling the warm quilt further up her body as she wanted to stay in her cocoon of warmth slightly longer but after the threats of having cold water thrown over her Alice was up and at them. It was just like any other morning as the Hufflepuff common room was busy as ever as some braided eachothers hair while others were talking passionately about the Triwizard Tournament but each time someone mentioned it someone seemed to look at the portrait of Cedric Diggory that hung on the wall as he flashed his beautiful smile which still made Alice blush to this day.

It was a cold morning at Hogwarts and so on the short walk to the dining hall Alice pulled on her yellow scarf as she covered mouth and nose letting her warm breath keep her fave warm but as she entered the great hall she had no need for the scarf as the warmth soon hit her face and the scent of bacon made Alice's tummy rumble violently as she didn't eat much last night as so Alice took up a seat alone at the long HufflePuff table as she picked up one of the copies of the Daily Prophet which had be scattered across the tables for the students to read at their leisure but in all honesty Alice just liked to look at the moving pictures in the newspaper as she only occasionally read a full story as the pictures were just too distracting to her. On this mornings copy was the large headline "Triwiazrd returns to Hogwarts!" As Alice looked at the moving picture of the headmistress posing next to the Goblet of Fire as she smiled slightly as the headmistress looked extremely awkward in that photo. Alice folded the paper back up as she placed it back in the table for another student to read but now Alice turned her attention to the food as she took a long whiff of the bacon as she smiled happily before stabbing two pieces with a fork lifting them from the tray as she held them in midair for a few seconds letting the excess grease fall off before she put them on her plate, Alice took a slice of bread making a small bacon butty as she took a bite and smiled happily as it reminded her of her and mothers lazy Sunday morning ritual where they just ate bacon butties and watch a few episodes of Project Runway together.

Alice polished off the bacon butty as she looked over to the Goblet thinking of the piece of paper she threw in late last night and at the moment a few Durmstag boys where hyping eachother up to throw their names into the Goblet as each one did a chorus of cheers bellowed out through the great hall which was rather annoying as so Alice just rolled her eyes every time they shouted. The Durmstag boys seemed to have a presence wherever they went as people parted out the way as the Red Sea of boys came walking past but because of their large steps it almost seemed like they were running. The Illvermory students seemed to have a certain charm about them and as Alice looked around the Great Hall she saw quite a few Hogwarts boys quite smitten with a Illvermory girl but Alice wondered how the other schools saw the Hogwarts students. It was going to be a bit of a adjustment having two whole new sets of students enter what already seemed like a overpopulated castle but they were going to have to make do.

Alice sighed slightly as she pulled out the crumpled piece of paper out of her cloak pocket as she tried to flatten it on the table but not to much success. "Potions, History of Magic, Herbology" Alice says to herself as she had quite a free day today so she might as well take a trip to see Hagrid or go in search of Panthera for a cuddle. As Alice was thinking of what to do for the day the daily post run flew in as the familiar Grey owl which was lended to Alice this year for communication with her mother flew down past her dropped a letter in front of the 16 year old as Alice quickly opened the letter scanning the contents "Miss you so much already, Love Mum" Alice says quietly to herself as she smiles at the letter. Alice now added writing a response to her mothers letter on her to do list. Alice checked her small wrist watch wandering if her two friends had even gotten out of bed yet but after a sleepover at Esther house one summer Alice found out that her two friends were extremely heavy sleepers and so Alice assumed that they weren't coming down anytime soon and so slightly disheartened Alice picked up the daily prophet again lazily turning the pages not even looking at the pictures as she looked around the great hall looking for a familiar face, she was like a puppy who had lost her owner and wasn't moving until they came and found her.

Alice sat for a few more moments before a whole load of Durmstag boys seemed to fill up the table as Alice was soon touching shoulder with two large boys either side of her as a few Hogwarts students looked at her worried that she may be crushed by the broad shoulders but Alice soon pushed herself out of the space and walked across the great hall sitting where she had seen Rugar and Kyle sit the other night but Alice sat on the opposite side of the table. There weren't any rules about seating at breakfast as students could sit anywhere that took their fancy but the majority of Slytherin students seemed to sit to their table. Alice sat waiting slightly annoyed at the rough conduct of the Durmstag boys who didn't seemed to notice that they'd almost crushed Alice between them but Alice brushed it off soon enough as she looked around the Great Hall she saw the fiery red headed boy and his large friend walking towards the table as Alice smiled at the two "Morning." She says cheerfully pulling a slice of toast off the rack as she spread a light layer of jam on it before eating looking at the two boys "How did you two sleep?" She asked innocently as if she weren't sitting at the Slytherin table.

Of course Alice could hear the nasty comment being thrown at her but she simply tuned the out in the most Hufflepuff like way as she just spoke with kindness and radiated happiness to her two friends which seemed to piss the cunning Slytherins off even more. "Are you two going to enter?" Alice says taking a quick look at the Goblet of fire which had a few Illvermory students stood round it. "I entered last night, the money is worth the risk." Alice says to them before she turns her attention back to her toast.

 

[Malhyanth]

The morning passed as usual; Ruger and Panthera were up for 6:00, Kyle continued to snore for a few more hours. Getting up, and dressing, Ruger examined his essay from yesterday's first lesson, and set himself the task of writing up his Winged Horse trial treatment that evening. He wondered if he should see if Alice wanted to join him, but shook his head. Transfiguration, one of his favourite classes, was first, which pleased him. Kyle would be in his class, so that was something to look forward to! Slowly, Kyle started to rouse, and Ruger watched, whilst Panthera stared, accepting a gentle stroke between the ears from her owner.

Grabbing his scarf, as always, and hooking it around his satchel bag's handle, Ruger and Kyle left for the Great Hall. Panthera did not follow, opting, instead, to rough up Ruger's neatly made bed into a nest for herself. Ruger scowled at her, but the nonchalant face she sent back his way just made him sigh, and head out after his scruffy friend. Kyle didn't bother to tuck in his shirt, nor had he really made much effort with his white-blond hair. It's centre parting was still in place, but the hair fell in scruffy curtains. He was constantly yawning, and scrubbing at his eyes, as the two lads walked in silence towards the Great Hall for breakfast. Inside, there were many students, mostly Durmstrang it seemed, all over the Hufflepuff table! An odd choice, as the Slytherin table had been extended for them, but clearly they'd decided they preferred a more central table!

Heading to their usual spot, a familiar face was grinning at them. The two lads looked to each other, and Kyle grinned broadly, his turquoise eyes sparkling as he bounced over and sat next to Alice, beaming at her. "A very good morning to you too, Alice!" Kyle almost sang, and Ruger rolled his eyes, scowling at those that questions Kyle's sitting with a Hufflepuff, as he walked around to the other side of the table to take his own seat. Taking his own granary toast slices, and spooning on jam and peanut butter, whilst Kyle selected bacon, sausage and egg to sit like a mountain upon his white bread slice, and squishing it all down into a more manageable sandwich. Ruger simply nodded to Alice, his face showing his annoyance at her once again putting herself in harm's way, joining them. As they settled into eating, Merelda walked into the Hall, and her indignant squeal caused a few stares. She raced out, howling, the three Slytherin girls she was with all throwing filthy looks at Kyle and Alice as they left after the wailing girl. Ruger raised an eyebrow at Kyle, whom was completely ignoring the goings on around him. Ruger shook his head for what felt like the hundredth time that morning.

At the question, Ruger swallowed, and pulled from his pocket the names upon parchment that they had written the night before. He indicated the long queue to the Goblet and shook his head once more. "I'll pop in after Transfiguration, pop mine in. Kyle has a free period after Transfiguration so he can pop his in whenever." Pouring some milk into a goblet, Ruger cleansed his palette for a moment, and then returned to his toast.

 

[wendy]

Alice turned her head at what sounded like a scream but when she saw the girl who called a Mudblood run out of the great hall in quite a dramatic manner as if she was on sort of soap but Alice just ignored it. The Slytherin girls outburst had seemed to catch the attention of quite a few as Alice turned her attention back to the two boys. "From how many people have put their name in this morning it's a slim chance that I might get picked." Alice slightly disheartened as she rested her head on her hand she slightly chubby cheeks squishing between them making her lips pucker every so slightly as she watched Rugar eat his toast while Kyle seemed to enjoy a full English every morning but maybe that was just the inner Quidditch player in him trying to bulk up on muscle but Alice was still amazed by the amount that Kyle could eat as her eyes widened as he seemed to go for another helping "Do you have a black hole for a stomach?" Alice teases Kyle with a mischievous smile on her face as the Durmstag boys let out another cheer as another threw their name into the Goblet as it made Alice jump ever so slightly.

Alice picked up another slice of toast as a certain Ravenclaw and Gryffindor walked in lazily as Esther sat down next to Alice immediatly resting her head on Alice's shoulder while Sam sat down opposite Kyle as the two immediately stuck up conversation about Quidditch. "Tired?" Alice asks Esther who just nods her head as Alice chuckles slightly letting her friend rest for a while Alice continued to eat happily as Esther also lazily spooned some porridge into her bowl. "What's the sea like?" Alice suddenly asks Rugar remembering that he lived on the coast "I think the last time to the beach I was about 6 months old and it was to Pleasure Beach in Blackpool." Alice says as she was actually really intrigued about what it was like, of course she had seen photos of the ocean but it wasn't the same as being actually there as she tried to picture what it was like a few times in the past but it never seemed right.

As Alice waited for an answer some students began to look around at the cohort of wizards and all the different colours in one group as most stuck within their house but seeing a wizard from every house sat together like it was the most natural thing in the world but those who thought the houses shouldn't mingle with each other were the strange ones to Alice as how could you judge someone on what school house they had been put in, it was absolutely absurd and it was the only thing that pushed Alice's button well that and hurting her friends, it didn't end well for a Ravenclaw boy who was picking on Sam during their second year as Alice did have quite a fiery temper when you really pushed her over the edge.

"Alice, can you pass the butter?" Esther asked who was completely oblivious to the butter that was right next to her as Alice guided the girls knife to the butter that was right beside her as Esther just nodded her head. How on earth did that girl get placed in Gryffindor! "Oi, Esther. He's here again." Sam suddenly says across the table as Esther perks up immediatly as Alice looks in the direction Esther was looking at as her eyes landed on one of the Durmstag boys, he was about Esther's height and had a certain wildness about him as he seemed to carry himself with such confidence. Alice looked at Esther's expression as Esther she seemed more focused then Alice had ever seen her but this had happened once before when Alice had a crush on a Ravenclaw boy. "Why don't you go talk to him?" Sam suggested but her idea was immediatly shot down by Esther "What?! Don't you think it shall be a bit awkward when I'm standing right there with all his friends looking at me. I would look like a complete idiot!" Esther says to Sam as Alice just watched the two converse about how to approach him and not to scare him off.

"Isn't his first day here? Why don't you offer to show him around?" Alice suggests to the two who were coming up with the most stupid ideas which included stalking him for the majority of the day. "Oh yeah, that would make more sense." Sam says "He's getting away! Go!" Sam says as Alice nudges Esther slightly as Esther got to her feet and power walked after the Durmstag boys as she gave the two remaining girls a thumbs up before she disappeared out of view. Alice tucked her wild hair behind her ears as it stuck out from her head a bit more but it showed off the few piercings Alice had, she had both her lobes done like the majority of girls but Alice had also had her Tragus done on her left ear which was styled with a yellow stud representing her house colours, this piercing was a birthday gift from Sam and the other piercing Alice had was her rook slightly less visible and still healing by the looks of it and this was her mothers birthday gift to Alice even if she got it half a year late. For most who knew Alice they would never of suspected that the pure, happy Hufflepuff girl would be sporting some extreme piercings.

"I've got potions now, Have a good morning." Alice says happily getting up from her the bench and wrapping the scarf around her neck once again before waving to them as she disappeared into the sea of students as Sam was now the only girl left on the table, "Alice has sure got some guts to sit at this table." Sam says to the both of them "Especially now Merelda's upset now and you know what she's like." Sam says worried for her friend who was just wanted to make friends but might make a new enemy along the way.

 

[Malhyanth]

Once again, Ruger rolled his eyes at his friend's eating habits, but for once, it wasn't the red head chastising him. Alice spoke up, and Kyle simply grinned around egg and bacon, and continued to pile his plate. It was fair to say the boy didn't need to really worry; he was tall, broad, and muscled. Every girl's dream, where it not for the green that decorated his robes. Kyle was the least threatening Slytherin in the whole school to Ruger's eyes. He was kind, sweet, funny, and accepting. He watched the white-blond kid nudge the Hufflepuff, and continue to eat, and simply shook his head in bewilderment. All the houses had a lot to learn from Kyle and his acceptance of all. Even the son of a Deatheater.

It seemed baulking and draining of colour for Ruger was to become a regular occurrence, as the Hufflepuff's Ravenclaw and Gryffindor pals came and joined them also. All of a sudden, stares were directed at the gaggle of rainbow students; all the colours sat together, all of them seeming quite content, chatting, joking, flirting. Ruger watched like a spectator, barely comprehending it himself. Alice's question caught him off guard, and he coughed a little on his toast, before placing delicate fingers to his lips, and swallowing. He frowned a little, as he thought of his home, and the places he felt most safe. "It's a... freeing place to live." He ventured, wincing at her mention of a 'Pleasure Beach'. "Where I live, the garden backs onto the beach. I go for a walk every morning I'm home, early, so I can watch the sun. The sound of the waves on the pebbles and sand, the wind, the sea birds. It all clears your mind, gives you nothing but the reflective surface of the sea, mirrored in your head." He realised how much he had said, simply from looking at Kyle, whom was enraptured as Alice. Kyle lived in the city too, and had been to Ruger's house once, but a storm had caused them to stay inside, as well as dangers from those whom had learnt that the Wolfgang Deatheater had been returned to his home from Alcatraz. "It's wonderful..." He concluded, before filling his mouth with his chosen breakfast.

Ruger looked up as talk was directed away from him, and back to the new students in the school. It seemed the whimsical Gryffindor was attracted to a very stoic and dangerous looking Durmstrang boy. Ruger couldn't keep the disapproving look off his face, not really seeing the appeal. He shook his head, hearing Kyle's laugh; he could always trust the other Slytherin to read his expressions perfectly, like he was reading Ruger's thoughts. Kyle was watching the spectacle of the willowy Gryffindor trying to approach the large lad, and continued to chuckle. Ruger was more intrigued by the small snippets of individuality shown on the Hufflepuff; her ears were an interesting selection of piercings. His own didn't hold any studs, however, in his tongue, the barbell rolled against the inside of his teeth, wanting to share, as she had done, so subconsciously. Her abrupt departure left the two Slytherin boys with the Ravenclaw, whom was far more interested in talking to Kyle than to Ruger, which didn't fuss the red head at all. He couldn't help but agree with the sentiments. It was Kyle that responded, huffing indignantly at the suggestion of Merelda.

"If that little stroppy witch wants to have a go, bring it!! Alice is our buddy, right Ru-man?" Ruger looked at Kyle with a frown, and Kyle took this as clear indication that he believed this to be the case, and he beat against his chest with a fist. "Right!! See!! Ruger agrees!! Anyway, Merelda is angry at Ru-man, for telling her to stop being so snooty to Muggle Borns. She keeps forgetting I'm one!!" Ruger looked up at this and thought a moment.

"What is going on with you two now?" The banshee screech had certainly been extreme for someone whom had seen them all together. Kyle shrugged.

"She broke it off cos I said I agreed with you, and she was a bitch to keep talking to Muggle Borns that way. She's been hooking up with that Kieran kid anyways. She didn't think I knew, but I did. So she's upset we're sat here with three gorgeous girls from other Houses!" He winked at Sam, and Ruger rolled his eyes whilst they giggled at each other.

"Come on. We have Transfiguration. Was nice meeting you again Sam." Ruger dipped his head a little, and hoisted his book satchel over his head and shoulder, and walked around to grip Kyle by the shoulder and hoist him up as well. Kyle waved good bye in his jovial manner and turned to follow Ruger, sighing happily.

"Ain't she a doll, man!! So cute! And so good at Quidditch!!" So followed nearly a full course of lessons with Kyle constantly talking about her form and technique on a broom, until McGonagall transfigured his scarf into a long ermine to try and throttle him for being so distracting in class.

 

[wendy]

Potions is one of Alice's favourite subject but it's not exactly her strong point as a few students prefer not being her partner as Alice does have a bit of a tendency to adjust the potion recipe once in a while ending up in absolute success or having singed eyebrows for the next week. A few of the foreign students had been placed in Alice's potions class as everyone jumped at them asking them to be their partner for the day in which one of them looked flattered but the other look terrified at the amount of English wizards surrounding them. The lesson consisted of trying to successfully brew a batch of Sleekeazy's hair potion which might come in handy to Alice as it would allow her to tame her wild curls for a while, The brewing process went as smooth as it could for Alice as there was only one occurrence where Alice was afraid it was going to blow up in her face but by the end of the lesson she had successfully brewed a average batch of the hair potion as the Professor even allowed her students to keep it as it wasn't a harmful potion and so with her Hair tonic in hand Alice headed to her next lesson, History of Magic.

The thing that Alice liked about this lesson was how passionate the Professor was as he was a fantastic story teller as he occasionally added his own personal stories to his lesson which made them even more thrilling but this lesson Alice seemed distracted as she began to think about the way Rugar described the sea at his home, He described it in such a way that Alice knew that it was a precious place to him and that he was longing to be their and the love that was laced into his words made Alice want to go to the beach he described so beautifully.

By the time lunch swang around the castle seemed to be packed to brim with students as different coloured uniforms tried to force their way down the hall to get to their desired destination which just made it harder for other students to get by but hardly any older students could be seen in the big traffic jam of students as their used less known routes around the castle to make the journey easier. As Alice entered the great hall she saw all the tables already packed with students but Alice was determined to get food as for the last 10 minutes of her History of Magic lesson she couldn't stop thinking of Heinz chicken noodle soup. After seeing a group get off the Slytherin table Alice power walked over quickly sitting on the bench before swinging her legs round just to ensure that she actually got her seat. Alice smiled happily as the House Elves were a blessing as she helped herself to a large helping of chicken noodle soup with a soft bread roll on the side. As Alice was about halfway through her chicken noodle goodness the silver bowl began to shake rather violently and Alice gave it a curious look as she placed her hands either side of it to steady the bowl but the soup began to bubble before the hot liquid burst upwards like a fountain sending bits of pepper and noodle into Alice's face and hair as the broth also stained her white shirt and black cloak. Alice heard a few giggles around her but Alice calmly wiped the hot liquid from her eyes as she stood up abandoning her meal and heading towards the nearest toilet passing past Sam and Esther on her way, "Alice, are you alright?" Sam called out to Alice but Alice was already heading towards the toilets where Moaning Murtle lived as it was always quieter in that toilet.

"What a waste!" Alice says as she undoes the button securing her cloak into place as she lets it slide off her arms and onto the floor as she unknots her tie also taking off her white shirt as she begins to rinse it with warm water under the tap occasionally scrubbing it was soap to try and get rid of the brown stain "They are too expensive to waste." Alice reminds herself every time she thinks of throwing the white shirt away out of frustration, Alice also does the same thing with her yellow tie as it was also a casualty of the soup incident, "Being bullied are we?" Moaning Murtle says as she lazily sat on top of one of the many cubicals' "No, just stupid girls." Alice replies as Murtle just giggles watching the girl struggle to get out the stains.

Meanwhile in the Great Hall after seeing their friend walk out covered in something Esther and Sam looked around soon spotting where the incident happen as Sam looked at Slytherin first year "Who did it?" Sam asks the girl who sheepishly pointed at Merelda and her groupies, Sam's blood boiled as she dropped her wand from her sleeve into her hand but Esther just grabbed Sam's hand "You'll just make it worse." Esther says as Sam let out a frustrated groan wanting to teach that stuck up bitch a lesson but without making it worse for Alice and so the 5'1 angry Quidditch player walked past Merelda and her sniggering groupies holding back every urge to smack her in the face. As the two exited the Sam spotted Kyle and Rugar approaching the great hall as Sam power walked up to them obviously fuming "Try to keep your psycho ex-girlfriend away from Alice" Sam says quickly walking past the two as Esther just offered them both a quick apology as the she had to jog to catch up with the quick Ravenclaw girl who was already en route to Moaning Murtle's toilets.

The two girls comforted Alice as they also helped her get the stains out of her clothes letting it dry before they all decided to spend the rest of their lunchtime sat outside talking about how Esther's attempt to talk to that Durmstag got had failed miserably which made them laugh quite a lot. Alice also let Esther use the hair potion she had made in potions as Esther used it on Alice's wild hair before she neatly tied it into a French plait. The large bell signalling lessons were beginning again made the three girls go their separate ways after lots of cuddles and words of reassurance but Alice soon made her way to the Green Houses greeting her head of house who was still disorganised as ever and so Alice immediately began to help her professor before taking a seat as the other students began to arrive.

 

[Malhyanth]

The morning's first lesson sped along, maybe due to the fun being had with Kyle, maybe because Transfiguration was Ruger's favourite lesson. The next lesson was Arithmancy, which was a small class, with students from every house; few had wanted to learn the way to tell future plans through numbers, but Ruger liked numbers and mathematics, and was intrigued. He probably wouldn't chose to continue to N.E.W.T level, but a few years of getting to grips with it was enough for him to be happy. Once that class was over, it was the top up hour of Charms, again, without Kyle, but at least this time it was all Slytherin. Ruger couldn't help but feel the whole Alice and friends situation was getting a little out of hand.

As he practiced his charm wand flicks, his mind wandered; Alice was sweet enough, gentle and kind. Her friends with their little attributes that made the group as a whole cohesive worked, but why had they begun to include him and Kyle in their circle? It was making life in the school a bit chaotic, and he wasn't sure what he thought about it. Life was simple. He was aware his best friend enjoyed the company of the Ravenclaw girl; Quidditch and more of a good pal type friendship that Kyle probably wanted as more. Ruger on the other hand, liked Kyle's company, and pretty much that was it! Kyle was the social butterfly. Ruger blinked a few times as he looked around, and realised the class was looking at him waving his wand. Looking around, he realised he had levitated his books all around him. Clutching his wand to his chest, they all fell about him. The professor at the front of the room was just tapping his wand against his crossed arms, looking at Ruger for a moment, before continuing the class.

Leaving the class, Ruger met with Kyle as they headed to the Dungeon to deposit their bags and head to the Hall for lunch. They took their time, neither over hungry, and discussed the entry to the Triwizard. Kyle had been thinking if they enter their names at the same time, there would be more chance of their being picked at the same time. Gathering his Herbology kit, and storing this in his satchel, the two lads headed up to the Hall. The watched as Alice run off, but had missed the incident, however Sam racing up to them with anger was a shock, and the lads glared after the two friends, Kyle's face more shocked. Heading towards their usual spot, moving on some younger students whom were taking them up, Ruger looked to Merelda, whom was smuggly reenacting the explosion of soup to her friends. Kyle followed Ruger's gaze, and slammed down his bag, storming up to them.

"What is your problem psycho bitch?!" He hollered, causing Merelda to look shocked and her eyes glisten. "We are OVER!! The way you treat muggle borns is abhorrent!! Get over yourself!! This isn't the time of Voldemort!!" Ruger physically flinched and felt like he'd been punched in the gut. Kyle wasn't that aware of He Who Must Not Be Named, and his vile hold over this school. Ruger's reaction was mirrored by many in the Hall, and McGonagall appeared at his side with such speed and pushed him out of the lunch Hall as Merelda wailed, it was impressive. Merelda was consoled by her cronies, until the elderly Slughorn approached and directed her out of the Hall as well. Ruger sat, rubbing his chest. The name had fallen from Kyle's mouth so easily, and Ruger still felt pain at the mere mention. He shook his head, and selected a few items to try and stop his flip-flopping stomach. A small sandwich was made, chicken mayonnaise, with layered bacon, and some salad in a bun. He managed a few bites, before wrapping it up and placing it into his satchel.

Standing, Ruger took the two pieces of parchment from his pocket, his own name and that of Kyle. He stalked down the Hall, and past the line of students wanting to place their name in the cup. They grumbled at him, some shouted, but Ruger threw both names in, and turned to glare at the others a moment, before stalking out again, and heading towards the Greenhouses. Finding a bench outside, Ruger sat, taking his scarf from around his satchel handle, and the sandwich from his bag. He started to eat, but struggled to swallow, anger and shock still making his appetite roll.

 

[wendy]

"Professor, please be careful." Alice says as she was holding the small wooden step ladder as the head of Hufflepuff house seemed inclined to fall on anything and everything. "Don't worry Alice. I'm fine." The Professor says as she turns to look at Alice pushing one of the plant pots off with her elbow as Alice quickly caught the pot placing it on the main table so that it wouldn't get damaged any further. The Professor climbed down from the small ladder looking at Alice as she was at the main table filling up a few more medium sized pots with soil ready for the lesson "Alice, I heard about the incident this lunchtime do you wish to talk about it?" Her professor says as Alice just shakes her head "Just playground fighting." Alice says pushing a few stray strands from her French plait behind her ear. "Alright then, could you go water the flowers outside." Her Professor says handing her a small watering can in the shape of elephant which made Alice chuckle slightly as her Professor was quite silly as well.

Alice carried the small elephant out of the greenhouse trying not to spill any water as she spotted a certain head of bright red hair as she saw Rugar sitting on one of the benches, alone but it wasn't much of a surprise to her that he was alone as he did seem like the type to slink off like a tom cat. On second thought Rugar seemed rather cat like as Alice quickly watered the plants until the small watering was empty and so she walked over to Rugar sitting down next to him letting down a deep sigh leaning back on the wood as the midday sun shone on her face as it dried the wet patches on her uniform. "Ugh, why are some people so rude! I've done nothing to that girl and yet I seem to have become her personal punching bag but then again if I didn't bump into her you wouldn't be my friend today." Alice says out of the blue "guess something good can come from something bad." Alice says closing her eyes and letting the feeling of the warm sun consume her body as she just relaxed, it was a nice feeling just to relax for once instead of having to deal with the rush of life.

"Hopefully I can win this bloody tournament. I really want to go on holiday." Alice says still talking but she soon settled into a comfortable silence just taking these few precious moments rest before she would probably have to deal with judgemental Slytherins once again but then again a few Slytherins were beginning to accept for example Kyle was probably the best influence for Rugar when it comes to accepting other houses and maybe if Kyle hadn't been by Rugar's side all this time maybe he wouldn't of been so tolerant of Alice as he is now. "Hopefully I get into the tournament, did you see how many put their names in! It's got to be at least a 1 in 100 chance at least. I really should of read about it before I entered to be honest especially since Hufflepuff lost Cedric Diggory to the last one." Alice says to him while sitting up and stretching out her arms as she looked at the small clock face on her wrist seeing that it was almost time for lesson but being a few moments late wouldn't hurt anyone.

A few other students past the two on their way to the green houses as Alice got up as well waiting for Rugar. "Are you coming?" She asks tilting her head to the side like a puppy looking at its owner. In some ways Alice was like a puppy, very excitable and not really caring about dangers while Rugar was much more cat like. Alice picked up the empty watering can and walked back into the green houses holding the door open for Rugar with her foot. Once he enters Alice takes her seat with the other Hufflepuffs who all seemed to have had their feathers ruffled as the vibe between the two houses wasn't the best as rumours of the soup incident had probably got around and each house was protecting their own but that just made for awkward tensions and petty fights.

The Hufflepuff head of house was just doing a introduction lesson as she was just telling the students what they were going to be learning about as she excitedly described all the rare roots and plants they would be studying. Most students who took care of magical creatures also took Herbology as the two subjects really just went hand in hand and most magical plants had a medical purpose as well. As the Professor droned on Alice's eyes shifted to Rugar looking at his wild hair which sort of made him stick out from the rest of the dark haired Slytherins. In Alice's eyes he was very kind as the day they met he had gone out of his way to offer a piece of very vital advice to her. All in all Alice thought he a good guy in a mysterious and rather intimidating way and maybe if he hadn't shown that slither of kindness to her she may of seen him like other Hufflepuffs did.