— ocean's breeze & sea mist

Catching the sound as well, Cass was already swimming back to the shore of the Lake. “If we move fast, we won’t be late.” She might not care so much about Hogwarts itself, but she did like to learn, it was the only way to improve her life even more. Once ashore, she dried her clothes with a spell, and then Cora’s. “It’s been lovely, Cora. I hope to see you again.” She flashed one last smile before starting towards the castle quickly.

Cora swam after her, her own clothes being dried before she could do it herself. So she sent a grateful smile towards Cass before saying, “Thank you.” She actually rather liked classes. Being a student was something she was good at, and learning about magic was interesting. “I hope so too, Cass,” she finished with another bright smile, waving as they parted ways.

“Where are my manners, it’s a pleasure to meet you Cora.” shaking her hand, he continued, “I’m George.” tilting his head politely, he grinned at her. 

Looking up at the plant, he groaned slightly, his eyes darting between the plant, Cora and the people around them. There would be no escape. “That is mistletoe.” clearing his throat, he ignored the light blush that was now staining his cheeks. “are you familiar with it?” 

“A pleasure to meet you as well, George,” she said with a returned bright smile, shaking his hand carefully. 

When he groaned, she looked back to him, confusion flickering in her eyes. Perhaps he wasn’t...a fan of greenery? “Mistletoe?” she echoed uncertainly. “I- well- I believe I saw Master Hufflepuff talking about some of its benefits outside just a bit ago?” She blinked as she took in his little blush, so used to feeling such a thing on her own cheeks rather than seeing it one someone else. “Is there...something wrong with it?”

He is relieved, the conversation had gone on for long enough. But, his relief isn’t as consuming as it usually is, he was actually enjoying this conversation. “I have some notes on unicorns patterns and habits up in my room. We can meet up another day and talk about them more… if you would like?”

She looked back up with hope renewed in her eyes, an eager, “Really? Are you sure?” coming from her lips along with a bright smile. “I’d love that! Or well- I’d love to- learn more about them and everything. If it’s not too much trouble?”

“You are absolutely right!” he can’t understand people who complain about classes or learning, isn’t that why they are all here? To enjoy the school? To experience this wonderful opportunity?  “It’s a perfect way to end the year,” a hand clapped him on the shoulder suddenly, one of the guys from his house, who seemed to be really enjoying the party. 

“Mate, look up!”

She grinned again as he agreed with her, rather glad that she’d decided to take a chance on a new friend. “I’m Coralynn, by the way. Or just Cora. I don’t think I introduced myself,” she said, offering a hand to shake. “A truly lovely way to end the year. It’s nice to see everyone having fun.” The voice wasn’t meant for her, she was rather certain, but she still heeded it as she glanced upwards. A funny little...plant? “The decorations are nice as well.”

It didn’t take a genius to notice that Annie had been moping about for quite a decent amount of time now, and Cora felt a little guilty for not having managed to get a hold of her friend to ask her about said moping earlier than this. Though...she still most likely wouldn’t begin by asking outright. Still— she knew Annie at least needed something to take her mind off of whatever it was that was plaguing her. So that had led her to seeking out the girl, and presenting her with a bright smile. “Annie- are you doing anything important right now?”

@coraxmacclellan​

Phoebe tutted as she helped the teenager sit down, she noted several footsteps running from the courtyard, his wrist was so obviously sprained and Phoebe plucked her wand from its holster. “This won’t hurt a bit,” she dragged the wand tip around his wrist, it was glowing a faint lavender, there was a vile little pop of noise, then the boy sighed. “There we are, now, go see one of the teachers. We cannot have people getting pushed about,” she took his wrist and bent it a little, “you’re all patched up,” she patted the top of his head as he ran off, a look on his face as he reached for a knife at his belt. “No stabbing people! Why are people always getting into fights.” she was exhausted, but she wasn’t a teacher and wasn’t going to go chasing after kids. Getting up and wiping dust from her pants she turned to find someone peering at her from beside a pillar, they were watching her wand. Phoebe recognized her, a fellow Badger, they hadn’t gotten a chance to speak just yet. 

“Like what you see Cora?” her smile was playful as she approached. “Did you need something?”

Cora had been lingering in the courtyard herself, enjoying the fresh air and the sounds of the outside when she’d heard the little pained yelp the teen had given when his wrist was hurt. She’d looked up out of her ever-present sense of compassion, though she knew there was probably little she would be able to do. But one of her Housemates had beat her there, anyway. And thankfully it was one who knew what she was doing. Unlike Cora. “Oh-” she said in a little embarrassed tone at having been caught looking. But curiosity got the better of her so she simply said in return with a hopeful smile, “I- well you’re a Healer, right? I was just...curious about...all that.” She didn’t want to ask out-rightly, though. Cora wasn’t in the habit of making herself a nuisance. . 

“Of course not, I am better prepared then that.” he was a popular target growing up, he got good at hiding when needed and his revenge is legendary. “Uh, you will meet one… one day.. soon,  am sure. it happens.”

“Oh, of course,” she said in the beginnings of a teasing tone. Then Cora gave a little sigh, forgetting to hide her disappointment as her shoulders dropped a little. “I suppose you’re right. Or rather...I hope you are,” she said with a little embarrassment for being so enamored with the creatures. “But I’m sure I’ve taken enough of your time. I promise I’ll stop bombrding you with question now, she finished with a little smile.

Cass had never really felt lonely growing up. Her father may have been her only constant, but between the men who worked for her father and the people that she’d helped him charm for business, she’d never felt like she was a lonely person. She had loved that life, and the loneliness she felt at Hogwarts only made her miss it more. “I’m sure he’s very pleased with that. Who wouldn’t be? We’re very charming young women.” 

Cora laughed at Cass’ response, still drifting as serenely as could be in the lake’s glassy surface— little ripples coming off of her to mix with the ones Cass was making. Just then, she heard the sound of the castle bell chime, and she righted herself into treading water rather quickly. “Was that the signal for lessons?”

Evie laughed at the little whisper. “No, it’s nothing like that. It’s a Viking tradition, one of the more tolerable ones. Supposedly, it’s bad luck if you stand under mistletoe with someone and don’t kiss them.” The first year after her father died, and Vikings had firm control of York, it’d been very interesting to discover that tradition when a Viking tried to kiss her. He’d had bad luck that night with a broken nose. 

“Oh-” Cora said with somewhat widened eyes, a little blush spreading over her cheeks. “Well that’s- a very funny tradition, isn’t it?” But again the alcohol made her a little more confident. “What are those silly Vikings up to in their little snow places anyway? Who thinks of that?”

“You left with him!” She said, the raw betrayal clear in her voice. “You picked dad over me.” She knew it was her dreams that had spurred Cora into her decision, but they were coming from the man that had left them both. “I saw you… I heard you. Stop pretending, you can’t take it back.”

“Left with who?” Cora asked hastily, becoming more and more worried by the second. But then she drew back for a moment, outright shock on her features. “I- I haven’t even...seen him since he- since I met you.” It had been the first and last time for her. “I’d never pick him over you,” she said quietly, fiercely. “Rosie, please. Look at me—” Her hands went to try and rub soothing circles on her sister’s face. “I would never leave you. Never. I couldn’t.”

“Still a lot, can’t say I am used to it yet.” maybe in a few years he would actually be able to wake up and go to bed without being surprised by something he found. “And you? Are you enjoying yourself today?”

“Definitely, I feel like I learn something new every day here,” she said with a little giggle. “But I guess that’s kinda the point, isn’t it? I mean— we are at a school,” Cora laughed. “Oh, definitely!” Her smile was bright with the words. “The feast is wonderful with all the food, and dancing, and music. And everyone looks so happy.” 

Cass felt little loyalty to the land she’d been born to. She had no memory of the time, but her father had paid for wet nurses to travel with him, unable to bear the thought of being parted with his daughter after the loss of his wife. But she knew Ireland well, just as well as any other. “The Irish have the best sayings, I’ve found.” It wasn’t particularly comfortable for Cass, hearing Cora talk like that, about loneliness, but it didn’t show on her face. “I’m certain there are others. Nothing, no creature is ever truly the only one of their kind.” Some might be the last, but the oceans were a mysterious place, so she was sure there were more Squids, hidden deep in depths. “He may feel them, deep in his heart.” That’s what it was like for her, on the full moon. She could feel her pack in her heart, but still she missed them.

Cora’s childhood had been far too much loneliness, which was what had driven her to wondering after the squid. To be lonely was a terrible thing, and it was something she’d known all too well for much of her life. Then Rosie had come along, and all of that had changed. “I hope so,” she said serenely, still floating peacefully on the water’s surface. “Still...at least he’s got us for friends now, right? We’ll visit him to make sure he knows he’s not alone. Hopefully he’ll be happy with that.”

“Well, of course I’m a genius too.” Bri joked, although she knew that intelligence wasn’t her forte. She wasn’t one for book learning, if she had been raised by a different family, she’d never have the education she’d had forced on her. “I will see you later.”

A laugh of her own bubbled up. “I’m having a lovely time. Hogwarts certainly knows how to throw a party. It’s delightful.” She was going to miss it while going home, but at least the Hood would be able to make an appearance while she visited Edmund. Looking around, she noticed someone pointing above their heads with a laugh, so she looked up. Mistletoe had been brought to York years ago, the only good thing she could think of that Vikings brought. “Oh dear.”

“They do, don’t they!” Cora said with another little giggle, twirling a little as she liked the way her skirts swished. She’d worn the new dress Bri had made her, and absolutely adored it. Her thanks to her friend had been endless for the gorgeous thing. Cora followed Evie’s gaze upwards, her brow furrowing in confusion. “Oh...dear?” She leaned forward a little, the drink still making her even more silly than usual. “Does something not nice live in it?” she asked in a whisper, almost conspiratorially. 

As her brain registered that Cora was in her sights again, Rosie startled backward. She didn’t want to be left again. Why was her sister there? “Why are you back?” She asked in a broken whisper. “Just leave if you’re going to leave!” She yelled, feeling betrayed by her for coming back, the tears racing down her cheeks faster.

“What?” Cora asked in simple confusion, worry plain on her features as he hands tried to look for if there was any physically wrong with her sister. “Rosie, I’m here. I’m not leaving. What are you talking about?” Her voice was earnest, but she was trying her best to be calm. “Rosie, please— are you hurt?” she asked again, realizing Rosie hadn’t answered her the first time.

Rosie isn’t sure how long she had been in the room. It could have been minutes or hours, she wasn’t sure anymore. All she knew was that she was slumped against the door feeling cold and numb. Her sobbing had finally stopped, though tears still ran down her face, but she had yet to stop rattling the doorknob in hopes it would open. The crickets had yet to stop and she swore she was losing her mind as she heard the words pathetic whispered over and over again.

Cora had been searching for her little sister so she could thank her in person for the beautiful flower crown she’d gotten her for Christmas. Even now it was perched on her head as she traded happily through the hallways, asking everyone if they’d seen Rosie. After someone told her they’d seen the girl going through a door a while ago, Cora tried to open said door. Only to find it...locked? An Alohamora later and she was bursting into the room, a bright smile on her lips. “Rosie, I—” But then she looked down to her little sister, looking positively broken on the floor. Instantly she dropped to the floor next to her sister, hands going to her tear stained cheeks. “Rosie, what’s wrong? What’s happened? Are you hurt?”

“I almost gave you a lock pick, but I thought you would appreciate this more. Merry Christmas!