Enjoying Alone Time ((anyone and everyone))

[xtina]

Elle strolled into Catalina's Cubby wearing a pink halter top and pocketless jeans with a studded belt. Her wavy auburn hair was plastered to her face, due to the long walk in the summer heat, but she was nevertheless enjoying herself. It wasn't every day that she received alone time. No, usually she surrounded herself with her friends and they made a loud, chattery, noisy, but very merry group. Going anywhere by herself was strictly un-Elle-like.

Opening her black leather purse and sifting through it, she found a small mirror. Looking in it, she noted that her eyeliner was slightly smeared, and that her cheeks were red. Seeing that there was nobody around that really mattered, she didn't bother to do much more than wipe the sweat off her face as she browsed the jewelry section, noting the ravenclaw ring and making a mental note to bring more money next time.

Looking up from the dazzling display case, she saw...

[livinghope1986]

Mandi quickly made her way to Catalina's Cubby. The heat outside was unbearable. She smiled at the nice day, but couldn't help but feel resentful to the heat. It would have been nice except for the blasted heat, she thought to herself as she pushed out the door. She stepped inside to the cool store and sighed. She looked down at herself to see how much damage had been done by the heat.

Mandi was wearing dark blue jeans with a baby blue and green sash tied around her waist as a belt. Her sleeveless baby blue blouse seemed to be clinging tighter to her body. The stickiness of her body was the cause of the reaction. Her long brown hair seemed limp rather than the normal waves it usually had. She opened her baby blue purse and pulled out her mirror. Her make-up seemed to be intact and she smiled brightly. It wasn't so bad after all.

Mandi smiled at the people she passed as she made her way back to the notebooks. She was in need of a book to begin to write her songs in. She wanted to be able to carry it around and she was tired of parchment. Her walk to the notebooks was distracted by the jewelry section, like usual. She loved checking out the jewelry and today there was a young girl around the jewelry as well. Mandi was not the type of person to not talk to someone she was standing next to so she smiled at the girl. "Hi, my name is Mandi. How are you on this hot day?" Mandi couldn't help but smile broader at her own little question. She thought she was so funny, yet deep inside she realized that she wasn't. She looked at the girl as she waited for her reply.

[xtina]

Elle looked up, "Hey I'm Elle. 3rd year Ravenclaw. It's nice to meet you."

Running a hand through her hair, she continued, "I am fine on this hot day, except of course, the heat does bug me a little. I'm just looking at the jewelry here. You know, the rings are quite nice. If I had more money with me, I would buy the Ravenclaw ring, but I wasn't really considering serious shopping today. I was just kinda intent on spending some alone time. You know, some time to think and reflect on things, which I normally don't get to do when I'm with my friends. That's pretty much 24/7 if you catch my drift. But you don't hafta leave. I'm always happy to meet new people. Everyone calls me a social butterfly. Oh, and I'm sorry if I'm so chatty. People also tell me that I never shut up."

She laughed merrily, and this caused her dimples to be shown, which added a sparkle to her complexion.

[livinghope1986]

Mandi smiled brightly at Elle. She seemed to be just like her in many ways. Especially about the part about never shutting up. Mandi laughed out loud at this part as she looked at the young Ravenclaw.

"Well, I'm in Gryffindor my 5th year. Ah, a bit scary since I take O.W.L.s this year, but I can deal with them, I hope. I totally understand about the 'not getting alone time' thing. I'm usually surrounded by my friends as well. I'm kind of the center of attention and I must admit I do enjoy it. As for never shutting up, I don't think I'm like that," Mandi smiled as she continued, "My mum always calls me Motor Mouth, but I don't agree. There are actually times when I can sit quietly. Humming doesn't count does it? Because if it does then I guess I never shut up."

Mandi laughed at herself as she brushed her hair out of her face. She was already enjoying Elle's company and hoped that she was enjoying hers. "You're alone time, might not be so quiet today," Mandi smiled as she pretended to contemplate. "I mean, I am here and though I do like to have my alone times, I'm kind of already lonely. Then I run into you, yeah, I don't think you're going to be sitting by yourself today," Mandi smiled. She didn't know if Elle had understood anything she just said, but smiled anyways. She didn't plan on leaving Elle at the moment, maybe if Elle really wanted to be alone she would, but right now she seemed to be in a good mood to talk to. Mandi looked back at the jewelry as she waited for Elle's reaction to her comments. She smiled broadly as she heard the girl speak again.

[xtina]

"Oh that's right," Elle replied, "I'll kill myself if I get anything lower than Exceeds Expectations, and my goal is to at least get an Outstanding in Tranfiguration and Charms. Here, let's go sit down."

Elle walked to the Cafe, expecting Mandi to follow. She found a two person table, sat down, adjusting her purse on the chair, and motioned for Mandi to sit as well.

"I absolutely adore mocha, especially when it's on the rocks. I'm not much of a fan for hot coffee. I'd much rather it be iced," Elle said, "If you want anything, just hand me the amount that it is, and I can go get it for you since there's really no point in both of us going."

[livinghope1986]

Mandi smiled as Elle talked about how she would kill herself if she got something bellow Exceeds Expectations. "I know what you mean. My best subjects are Transfiguration and Charms. So I better get Outstanding in those two subjects. The rest I could let fly with Exceeds Expectations. Yeah, lets sit," Mandi said as she followed Elle to the tables to sit down. She was interested in knowing more about Elle and didn't want to pass up the chance for a Butterbeer.

"Yeah, I'd like a Butterbeer, it's four sickles I do believe," Mandi said more to herself than to Elle. She opened up her purse and found her wallet. Extracting four sickles from the mess she handed them to Elle. "Thanks for getting my drink," Mandi said before Elle left the table.

Mandi's attention turned to the window. The sun was still beating down hard, which seemed to have turned off most of the people in Hogsmeade, for she couldn't see anyone outside at all. Mandi began to lightly hum an old muggle song while she waited for Elle to return.

[xtina]

OOC: Before I go RP an order, I have a question. Can we just kinda godmode an imaginary member of the staff to get the drinks or do we hafta wait for them?

[payton]

((I think you are to wait for a server, but I can at least help decrease your wait time))


He was more use to baking than serving, but one afternoon a week, he got the change of scenery of playing the role of server in the cafe--and being the people person that he was it was a happy change. He was behind the counter, picking up an order when he saw two girls sit down, and after making the quick delivery he walked over to the girls, doing a quick chivalry style bow before giving them a broad friendly smile. "Good Afternoon Ladies, and welcome to the Cubby, my name is Payton and for as long as you care to stay in our humble little cafe I am here to bring you whatever it is you desire so feel free to call on me for anything your pretty hearts desire." He paused for a moment, his grin still wide and charming, as he reached up and pulled out the pencil he had tucked behind his right ear. "Now, is there anything you care to start with or do you want a few moments?"

[xtina]

Elle smiled at Payton, showing two dimples, one on each cheek.

"Yes, I think we're ready," she said, as, again, her hand was going through her wavy hair, "One strawberry milkshake and one butterbeer please.

Elle glanced at Mandi to make sure that it was still her choice of drink.

[livinghope1986]

Mandi smiled at the waiter. He was definitely new. She had never seen him before and she knew she would have remembered him if she had seen him. She nodded at Elle's questioning glance about the Butterbeer. She still did want it. It was her favorite drink.

Mandi turned to look out the window again. Things hadn't really changed in the last few minutes, but she was always interested in looking out the window. She turned back to Elle and began to talk. "So, are you ready for school to begin. It's not long now before the Hogwarts Express goes back," Mandi smiled. She herself was a bit nervous. After all, the attacks on the school last year at frightened her badly. She figured someone was looking over her though, because she had decided to study for her Charms final during the Defense Against the Dark Arts class where apparently the attacks began. Mandi's smile had faded from her face at the thoughts of the attacks. She realized that no place was safe anymore, not even Hogwarts. Her attention returned to Elle when she began to speak.

[xtina]

Elle nodded at the waiter.

"Well," Elle said, "I'm kinda looking forward to it, but I don't know if the school is safe anymore. I guess it's probably safer than anywhere else, since there are so many professors and things here. But that makes it a target for the Death Eaters too, seeing as they can kill all of us at one time. I guess it's mixed feelings, but then again, I'm sure everyone else feels the same. I just hope they don't close it.

So then, what about you? Are you anticipating it?"

[livinghope1986]

Mandi looked out the window before she answered Elle's question. There were so many thoughts running through her head that she wished she had a Pensieve. She sighed.

"There are so many conflicting thoughts running through my head on the subject. On one hand I barely missed being attacked, and who knows if I would have even lived through the attack considering I'm a half-blood.

On the other hand, I feel like Hogwarts is safer than my home. My dad's training as an Auror. There are times when I don't see him for ages. He used to work for muggle artifacts for the Ministry of Magic, but since Dumbledore started talking about the Dark Lord being back, he's begun training. He said he had always wanted to be an Auror. Most of my fathers family were Aurors. My grandparents were killed by some couple that were later convicted and placed in Azkaban.

I feel safer at school than at home, but I also know the school isn't safe anymore. So I guess I'm just waiting to see. After all I do have O.W.L.s this year and those are so important," Mandi finally finished. She looked back at Elle. She shrugged as a smile returned to her face. "No since of talking about depressing things. Have you done anything fun this summer?" Mandi asked as she ran her hand through her hair. She was fighting the curiosity about the coming school while she listened to Elle speak.

[xtina]

Elle smiled, "Well Voldemort was bound to be back in power, but yeah, it's no use talking about it. Whatever's bound to come will come."

She knew most people didn't like using the Dark Lord's name, but she was trying to show Mandi that she wasn't afraid, that things would turn out okay.

Elle thought about her summer, "Well, I haven't really been doing much. Just shopping and Hogsmeade trips and hanging out and sleepovers and such. Oh, and I visited Ireland and met up with Terra at the beach. Turns out she lives about an hour's drive away. What about you? Have you done anything exciting?"

[livinghope1986]

Mandi didn't jump at the sound of the Dark Lord's name. She had said it not too long ago for the first time. She was however a little intrigued. Elle wasn't afraid at all it seemed. She didn't seem to care that is said his name. "You must think you're really brave to say his name. Why do you say his name?" Mandi asked quietly. Her smile had faded and she was waiting to see what Elle's answer would be. She hoped she didn't sound offensive, but she was always intrigued to know why people said Voldemort.

"I've just been kind of hanging out in Diagon Alley, London, and Hogsmeade. Nothing too exciting, but I've met up with a lot of people. It's been fun and I love that. But it's been a battle with my dad to get out of the house. He's afraid that nothings safe anymore, not since the attacks at Hogwarts," Mandi said as she looked at Elle. Things had definitely been different since the attacks. The ministry seemed to be keeping a closer eye on everything. It was at this time Mandi wished she was an Auror. She'd be fighting against them, but it wouldn't happen for a while. Mandi smiled. "Personally I think he's being a bit negative. I mean, I don't expect to get attacked right now. Why would Voldemort want to attack us," Mandi said quietly as she bent in toward Elle. She had noticed some people look at her at the sound of Voldemort's name, but she was talking so quietly they weren't really sure they heard it. She watched Elle closely while she waited for her answer.

[xtina]

"Well, I'm trying to convince myself that there's nothing to be afraid of," Elle said, hand going through her hair again, "But I know it's not true. It's just, that, saying his name makes me feel a little more confident. I don't know."

Elle looked out the window, trying to see what was so intriguing to Mandi. She didn't find anything, "Well I guess he wants to rid the wizarding world of half-bloods and muggleborns. But I don't think he'll purposely attack us, I think we'll just be caught in the crossfire. Look at how many people got hurt at Diagon Alley. Some were even the children of Death Eaters.

I mean, if you won't survive, then I have even less of a chance. I'm muggleborn. But enough of this talk! The world's depressing as it is, let's try and stay in a positive light."

"Oh look," she exclaimed, seeing that the waiter had brought their butterbeers (OOC: Sorry about that godmode, I just don't think he's gonna post here anymore), "I just love butterbeer."

[livinghope1986]

Mandi listened to Elle's point of view, but didn't really agree with it. "I don't think it matters anymore whether your pureblood or muggleborn. I think it all rests on who is right and who is wrong. I mean look at the people who are Death Eaters. Do you think they became Death Eaters because they wanted to? Most of them are scared to death of their master. Who can really blame them? I think they just chose the easier way. It was easier to support the Dark Lord than it was to tell him no and die. They took the easy way out instead of fighting for what they believe in," Mandi said as she watched Elle. It was strange how things had come to be in the last few days. Mandi was lucky, but it seemed that her luck was just about to run out.

Mandi was handed her Butterbeer and she gratefully took a drink of it. "So with school right around the corner, have you got all of your supplies. I have most of mine, which is good because Diagon Alley is completely destroyed," Mandi said as she made small talk. She tried to avoid the topic of Diagon Alley and death, but it seemed to be so prominent in these days that it was a hard subject to avoid. She took a drink of her cool Butterbeer again as she waited for Elle's reply.

[payton]

((Sorry about the delay ladies, I got a bit distracted with the attack and all--it seems I was rather injured! Anyway, I'm still here, but no worries about the god mod thing. Didn't one of you have a strawberry shake though?))


After their order had been set he disappeared for a few moments, getting their drinks before returning and easing them down onto the table in front of the proper witch.

"Now, if there is anything else you need, just flag me down. Enjoy your drinks ladies."

With that he turned and went back toward the kitchen to fetch another order that had been given

[xtina]

OOC: Oh yeah good point I ordered a strawberry shake...and I'll visit you in the hospital wing I guess

IC: Elle took her strawberry milkshake, "Okay I might order some lunch in a little bit."

Talking about Diagon Alley made Elle remember her school shopping, "Oh yeah. Crap. I bought all my school robes and such, but I haven't had time to go buy my books. Now that Diagon Alley's closed for the month, how in the world am I going to get all my supplies that I need? Well I suppose I could go to a second hand bookshop instead"

Elle remembered the time she had to borrow a transfiguration book from Professor McGonagall because she lost her's, and someone had vomitted all over the page, "But I really do like having new books because old books smell bad. And some of them have puke on them."

[livinghope1986]

Mandi raised her eyebrow at Elle's comment about old books. She obviously had a bad experience with used books. Mandi smiled to herself at the comment as she took another drink of her Butterbeer. "You know there is a bookstore in Hogsmeade. Over near the Hogs Head. I go there often. It has the books that you'll need. Since Diagon Alley was attacked most of the shops here in Hogsmeade have taken up ordering books and supplies the students will need," Mandi said as she looked out the window again. She couldn't get her attention off the window, she was looking out to make sure nothing was going to attack them as they sat there. Mandi looked back at Elle. "Sorry about that, my attention span has been shortened by the attacks. I have a tendency to watch the windows now. Anyway. I'm a little worried that some of the students won't be healed in time to get back to Hogwarts for the start of term. I mean, they'll be there, but not out of the hospital," Mandi frowned as she sighed. It was a difficult situation for everyone and Mandi wished Dumbledore or Harry could fix the problem. She believed they could and that thought comforted her a bit.

[xtina]

Elle smiled gratefully.

"Oh," she simply said to Mandi, "I don't really know Hogsmeade that well. Thanks for letting me know. I'll positively DIE if I get another puked on book."

As Mandi looked out the window, Elle's eyes followed, "Well I guess that if any Death Eaters attacked, you would probably hear it before seeing anything, because they might start the attack somewhere away from here, but you'll definitely hear screams and explosions and things. Either way, I've got my wand, and I think that I will summon my broom and fly off in something happens. You can ride too. It's a new Nimbus 2005."

When she mentioned the hospital wing, Elle spoke once more, "Yeah I hope they'll be better. I mean, we do still have another month, and I believe Madame Pomfrey can heal them. Either way I went and baked cookies and brought them to the hospital wing for everyone. I sometimes think that a little piece of homeade goodness is the best cure."