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Post by Hannah Abbott MacMillan on Oct 1, 2005 22:17:43 GMT
She was home at last. The only place that felt even somewhat like home anymore at least. Her house just wasn’t home anymore without her mother no matter how hard her dad tried. Hannah felt a little bad just leaving him but he was right it was her final year and there was no reason for her not to finish school. It’s true though that she was able to breathe easier here – at least when people weren’t constantly asking about how she’s feeling. She had taken to hiding in her dorm with the curtains drawn around her bed just so she could pretend nothing is different from the last year – maybe if nobody mentioned it then time would turn back and her mom would still be there. The whole of Hufflepuff was in mourning though with what happened to Laura. Not to mention Hannah’s mum at the beginning of summer and Susan’s aunt. It was almost as if the bright yellow had faded with a somber tinge in the common room. So she sat in the courtyard – proud of herself for being there rather than in her bed.
People had of course found her hiding spot and she could tell they were getting worried about her behavior so she couldn’t go there. And the common room was far too depressing to work in. She felt the courtyard would be ok though. It wasn’t too crowded so she could get some reading done but it was populated enough to keep her from focusing on her recent loss. Classes had ended for the day and Hannah didn’t feel like going onto her homework quite yet. Ernie wouldn’t be happy with that; she could just hear him now, “Hannah you are a prefect you should be putting your studies first. How do you expect to positively influence the younger students if you aren’t being a good role model?”. But… she just couldn’t do it yet. She had just spent hours in class plodding through that stuff, now was her free time.
She sat on a bench under a tree filled with green leaves providing shade from the warm sun. She was glad for her school robe though because it wasn’t quite as warm as she would like it – likely only about 20 degrees. Sure most people say 20 is a perfectly nice temperature… but not Hannah. She pulled a novel out of her bag and opened it to about the center – the page marked by her bookmark – and started to read.
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Post by dillion on Oct 2, 2005 1:05:38 GMT
Nice Day! Sun out, nice Huffie yellow. Good color yellow. Everything good in yellow. Sky clear, all blue. Blue good color too. Not as good as yellow, but good. Good Good. Was afternoon. Didn't have to get up all morning! Love weekends. Much better than days when had to go to class. That no fun. Have to get up, and sit in class and listen to coring stuff. no fun at all. Nope, no fun! Outside mush better! Especially after sleep all morning! Finally get up, get dressed. found jeans in Pay's trunk. They clean, his not. Pay still need to charm clean them. And shirt! Huffie sweater! Nice. Like sweater.
Courtyard was nice. Jumped rock to rock down path. Much more fun to jump. Saw someone in distance. Took moment to realize who, but it was Huffie! Hannah Huffie! Hannah play quidditch too. Beater sometime, like him! Remembered something....summer. Her mum in Diagon Alley, like Payton. Only not so good for her mum.
Skipped down rocks to her. She was reading--but reading no fun.
"Hannah! Come have fun with me!"
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Post by Hannah Abbott MacMillan on Oct 2, 2005 1:59:29 GMT
Hannah looked up from her book as someone said her name. More like yelled her name excitedly actually… No surprise she mused as she looked up and saw Dill on the rocks beside her bench. “Hannah! Come have fun with me!” He got out and she smiled weakly at him blushing from head to toe. “Hi Dill. Umm it’s a nice day out don’t you think? Have fun… well sure I suppose. What exactly do you plan on doing though?” She said quietly scared her voice would break and not sure quite what to say. Hannah replaced the bookmark and put the novel back in her schoolbag before standing up. She contemplated getting up on the bench then climbing onto the rocks from there but the memory of Ernie finding her and Dill on the table was still all too fresh and so she thought it safer to just stay firm on the ground for now.
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Post by dillion on Oct 2, 2005 3:50:14 GMT
Hoped from rock to rock, looking down at Hannah, stopping for moment to scratch head. What to do! No ideas. None. Need idea. Idea of fun things. Hard to think of. Need idea. Good idea. Fun stuff. Hannah need fun stuff. Need to be happy again! Happy much more fun!
"No rock jumping?"
Thought bit longer. Need something. Anything. Good idea...need good idea....
"RUN!"
Jumped down, grabbed hand and rand down path dragging Hannah behind.
"Good things happen when you run!"
Laughed, still dragging Hannah. Kept running...running...running. Off path onto grass. Lake ahead! Lake pretty! Too cold to swim, but still pretty! Breath...running...out. Let go of Hannah and do summer-salt, end up on back looking up laughing very hard.
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Post by Hannah Abbott MacMillan on Oct 2, 2005 4:09:37 GMT
Hannah watched as Dill descended. He mentioned jumping on the rocks but she was rather glad that he seemed to decide against it. He then mentioned running though and next thing she knew she was being dragged along behind him. They were flying along the path and Hannah was scared they were going to hit one of the people who thankfully had the sense to get out of their way. That was when she wasn’t afraid she was going to topple over herself at least. The way she was being pulled though… her feet felt like they were going to pull her down any moment and Dill was laughing like a madman – which people often thought he was. Just when she was almost positive she was collapse she felt him release her arm and gave in. She tripped over her left foot, which had been in front and fell to the ground. She started laughing which only got worse as she saw Dill’s summer-salt. Her descend had certainly been less dignified. Hannah simply lay on the ground clutching her side she was laughing so hard. Staring up at the sky she saw white fluffy clouds pass overhead and tried to distinguish what shape they took. “Hey look Dill, it’s a frog” she said pointing at one to her right before starting to giggle again; even forgetting to blush in her ammusment.
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Post by dillion on Oct 2, 2005 4:36:54 GMT
Still laughing. So hard almost can't breath! Such fun! Look over, see Hannah on ground too. Laughing! So much better to laugh! Something about frog.
"Frog! Ribet!"
Look up. Sky! Frog in sky. Upside down!. Spin around on ground. Lie by Hannah now. See from right side up. Better. Upside down mean frog fall on head!
"Frog being chased by....by...."
Cloud not so formed. Kind of big blobby thing. Not animal like frog.
"Frog being chased by Blob! Jump away frog!"
Jumped up and and sat like frog, ribeted and jumped over Hannah.
"No blob get me!"
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Post by Hannah Abbott MacMillan on Oct 2, 2005 5:03:54 GMT
Hannah had finally calmed down enough to tell Dill about the frog when he swung around beside her. All of a sudden her throat got really dry so she couldn’t even swallow. She was sure she was as red as any rose and bit her lip so hard she was sure it was about to pierce. She tried to chuckle at his comment about the blob but her throat was just so dry she was almost gasping for air. As he sat up like a frog she turned on her side facing him hoping that would help - which it thankfully did. She let out a giggle as he hopped over her like a frog before sitting up herself. "Remember that time those frogs were raining down in the common room? I wonder how that happened. What do you think they did with all those frogs afterward? Just set them free in the lake?" She asked him.
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Post by dillion on Oct 2, 2005 16:18:27 GMT
"Raining Frogs!"
Remember! Of course remember! Was there! Did it! Not alone, Jordan help and Payton, Payton knew charm. Payton always know charm. Such fun! Good Idea! Rain frogs. Girls screaming, everyone laughing. Best idea of year. Yep, bestest idea!
"I did it! Yep! Me! Ribet started idea. Copied him over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over. Well, Jordan copy too. Pay find charm. Pay always know charm! He so smart with charms. He find it, Give me and Jordan,we make frogs! Tons of frogs! Then we charm them to rain! Only copies though. Disappear after few hours. So all went away. But so great! What fun! Should go it again this year! O! No! Jordan and me, better idea! Frogs in bed! Great time! Every beg gets a frog! Chaos!"
Very excited by the plan stayed in frog position and hopped around more. more excited, hopped faster until he finally hopped so hard did another summer-salt making him laugh again.
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Post by Hannah Abbott MacMillan on Oct 2, 2005 16:40:15 GMT
Hannah was mildly surprised when Dill took credit for the frog fiasco along with Payton and Jordan. But then again it was those three so she really had no reason to be surprised. The resident Hufflepuff troublemakers though there seemed to be a few first years after the title now. She didn’t think anyone could compare though – at least not yet. Maybe with a few more years of magical training they will be ready but in this their final year Dill, Payton, and Jordan will certainly reign supreme.
She squirmed slightly at the mention of frogs in the bed. “Well I certainly hope I do not get a frog in my bed Dillion Moore or I know just who to blame it on.” Hannah said with a pointed stare. Her serious tone faded into laughs though as Dill began hopping around again. “Did you know the frog was my mum’s favorite animal? I never knew quite why.” Hannah said without thinking. When she realized what she had said though Hannah looked down at the grass beneath her and became suddenly very interested in pulling it apart.
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Post by dillion on Oct 2, 2005 18:18:31 GMT
"Frog sin bed fun! Why not like it! Ribet nice to sleep with! Stay on pillow. Only little cold. Little slimy, but good frog! Good! Everyone have frog! They should! Your mum life froggies? Smart woman, smart, smart smart!"
Paused for moment, though Hannah look different really quickly, moved so sat sort of beside sort of in front, turned head upside down to be where she was looking. She look down, so I go down! Only down upside...well, upside down, much better than down right side up!
"No be sad. I know it makes you sad, but sad no good. She no want you sad. Be happy. Happy about anything! Life good, life happy. Sometimes just hard. Still happy...just hard."
Sat for moment, upside down, then let out a loud ribet.
"Frogs are happy!"
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Post by Hannah Abbott MacMillan on Oct 2, 2005 18:34:33 GMT
Dill went on about frogs a bit and Hannah nodded her head without lifting it when he said that her mother is a smart lady. “Yes. She was very smart. I never understood the frog thing though. She always just said that sometimes things may not be he flashiest but you love them just the same for what they are.” She tried to give him a smile, which probably came out kind of feeble as tears started falling from the corners of her eyes and sliding down her cheeks. “I'm so sorry.” She said after he started acting like a frog again and stood up. Hannah walked a few steps and stood with her back to Dill. She took a few deep breaths and wiped her face with her sleeve trying to get rid of the tears, which were slowing down before turning back to him. “Yes, frogs are happy.”
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Post by ernie on Oct 2, 2005 21:39:08 GMT
It was a perfectly lovely morning followed by a perfectly lovely afternoon. He had risen at the same time he always did, 6:15 on the button, and immediately dressed in his school robes, despite the fact it was a weekend, and proceeded down to the Great Hall for a light breakfast. Normally, he would have stayed in the common room, catching up on a bit or reading, normally of a more leisurely topic on the weekends as he always finished his school work the day it was assigned, until Hannah came down, which had always been sometime after seven, and then they could go have breakfast together. This year though was very different. She took her mothers death so hard, not that he excepted her to accept it any differently, but she now seemed to prefer to stay in bed unless she was forced up for classes. It was because of this that he had breakfast alone, very early, and retreated to the library to catch up on a bit of potions theory. It never was his strongest subject.
He spent his entire morning there, carefully reading some of the special NEWTS related potion essays before he decided it was time for lunch. Proceeding down to the Great Hall once more he asked if anyone had seen Hannah, and it seemed that she had not been around much that day. The only answer that he received was when a third year told him that she thought she had seen Hannah heading out toward the Courtyard an hour or so ago. Soaking in the knowledge, after lunch, he went up to his dorm and got a slightly thicker sweater before heading out toward the courtyard to see if he could locate her.
He walked down the cobblestones, carefully searching for any signs of a certain blonde haired Hufflepuff, when he heard something that sounded rather distinctly like a ribet followed by laughter. More confused than anything he followed the noise, noticing as he came close to them that Hannah was there, as well as one of the Moore brothers, Dillion he assumed by the behavior of him, though he never did become good at telling the two apart. He preferred instead to avoid the two of them in general. They were never up to any good.
As he slowly came close enough so that they might notice him, he saw that the mood had suddenly changed--or at least it had for Hannah. Dillion still seemed rather the same, but Hannah, had that look she always got when she was trying not to cry. He let his stride extend just enough that he reached her just as she said something about frogs being happy.
"I have been searching for you everywhere Hannah" he said, making himself known before he reached a hand out and placed it on her arm, reaching the other out and using his thumb to wipe away a tear that was trailing down her cheek. One may have though that he should have acknowledged the fact that she had been crying, but the way that he saw things, there was no point in verbalizing something that was obvious to everyone anyway.
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Post by Hannah Abbott MacMillan on Oct 2, 2005 22:10:10 GMT
Hannah had barely gotten the words out when she heard the most familiar voice of all speak to her. She bit her lip and looked up at Ernie as he came up to her and placed a supportive hand on her arm. She gave him a smile still biting her lip and blushing thoroughly for being found in such a state - crying like a child. “I’ve been out here for a bit now. Dill was just keeping me company; we are ‘doing something fun’”
As she spoke Ernie brush a tear off her cheek and she shifted her weight toward where he was standing. “Remember that time frogs rained down in the common room Ernie? Well apparently it was Dill who did it. Do you remember how I wanted to keep on of the frogs for my Mum? But you reminded me that was a little impractical considering how long it would be before I saw her again and that I was never all to great at taking care of pets?” Hannah brought a hand up to her mouth and started chewing on a nail as she looked down at the grass beneath her shoes. “Mummy loved frogs best of all. I never understood it.”
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Post by dillion on Oct 3, 2005 0:30:16 GMT
"Ernie!"
Didn't know Ernie well. Not too well at all, nopers. Never too much time with him. Played quidditch though! Not beater though. Beater the bestest! Good beaters! Not know well though, Ernie. Not too much time with. Always serious. Ernie never fun. Jordan fun! Payton sometimes fun! Hannah sometimes fun! Ernie...always serious. Maybe could be fun today though! All have fun together!
"Yes frogs! Raining Frogs! Good time frogs. O! Should have kept one! Can make one for you! Must be able to. Transfig something! Be such fun! You have frog! Then understand why mum liked them so much!"
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Post by ernie on Oct 3, 2005 1:17:43 GMT
He nodded when she asked if he remembered the incident in the Hufflepuff Common Rooms where far too many frogs rained down from the ceiling and covered everything with the amphibians. The common room, normally rather peaceful, turned into chaos, and he was sure that he remembered this particular Moore twin dancing on a table, though that seemed to be a rather common occurrence. The image of Dillion on the table with Hannah the morning of their last quidditch match was another image that he held fresh in his mind.
He glanced over at Dillion just as Hannah said that the Moore had been responsible for the act, along with Jordan, who he remember from quidditch, and the other Moore twin, Payton. He was not surprised to hear that Dillion ha been the culprit, though he was a bit disappointed. Hufflpuffs should be slightly more respectable than that; besides Dillion was a sixth year at the time, and on the quidditch team. He should have been setting an example, not enjoying wreaking havoc around their house.
He was silent for some time before he finally answered. "Yes, I remember. You mother always did like frogs, and you did want to keep one for her. It was a nice idea, it really was Hannah, but we both knew it was completely impractical."
He gave her a soft half-smile, and let his hand linger on her cheek for a moment of silent comfort.
"If you want a bet you should start with something very easy to care for. A cat maybe. Though an owl would be a much better animal, as it also serves the purpose."
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Post by Hannah Abbott MacMillan on Oct 3, 2005 1:36:23 GMT
The tears resumed full force as Dillion offered to give her a frog to see why her mother liked them so. No. She could just ask her mom. She didn’t need a frog, she could just ask. Her mum was at home now. All she had to do was owl home. That’s it. Just an owl. Hannah felt the back of her throat choke up and she thought for a moment she wouldn’t be able to breath for the second time that afternoon. Without thinking she gave Ernie a hug and cried on his shoulder as he talked about getting her an ‘easier pet to deal with’.
“Serves the purpose? Serves the purpose?! Just what is that supposed to mean Mister MacMillan? Animals are to be loved and cared for. Not to serve some purpose. Not to be experimented on trying to see why people like them.” She said to him as forcefully as she could as she drew away from him and took a few steps backward. She was trying to sound serious and vehement though she was failing miserably due to the fact tears were still streaming down her face and her hand still rested on his arm for support. “I don’t want a pet. I don’t want a bloody pet. I want my Mum!” Hannah yelled before she could stop herself. She flushed and turned her back on the pair suddenly exceedingly embarrassed. She flopped down on the grass and sat there with her back to them crying so hard it was hurting her chest.
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Post by ernie on Oct 3, 2005 2:53:31 GMT
Hannah hugged him and his arms wrapped around her to comfort her as best as he could, immediately feeling her hot tears being soaked into his sweater. He would have to remember to do a cleaning and drying charm when he returned to the dorms. For the moment though, Hannah was demanding her attention. He was trying his best to sooth her when she suddenly burst into some sort of inappropriate fit. First she raged over his view of bets--which was perfectly logical even if her current state did not see it as such, and then she finally admitted the problem and broke down into more violent sobs before turning her back to them and settling down on the ground.
He took a moment, sighing loudly before looking over at Dillion, who was certainly not equip to properly handle a situation like this. He though, knew Hannah, and understood her reaction as only someone as close to her as he was could. He stepped forward, so that he stood directly behind her and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Now Hannah, you knew exactly what I meant about the pet. I know that your upset and its a completely understandable emotion to be having right now, but that is no reason to express your anger on me. Especially when I am am simply trying to help. Now..." He paused for a moment, moving around her and reaching down to take both of her hands and pulled her up from the ground "Its getting cold, and your upset. Lets get you back to the castle and find you a nice cup of tea."
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Post by Hannah Abbott MacMillan on Oct 10, 2005 2:04:27 GMT
Hannah remained static as Ernie came up from behind and placed a hand on her shoulder. Tears streamed down her face and she didn’t even bother fight back when he chastised her for taking her emotions out on him. She tried to keep her face straight – great Gods she tried – but that had of course never been a strong suit of hers as she had been told her face was as transparent as glass. She looked up into his face as he moved in front of her and she couldn’t help but grudgingly give him her hand. She really didn’t want to – honest she didn’t. She wanted to sit there and cry until her mom came back but with Ernie there she just knew she couldn’t do that. Hannah sniffed and wiped her face and her nose with the sleeve of her free hand when she stood up. “Ok fine. Bye Dill.” She mumbled and followed him up to the castle.
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Post by dillion on Oct 10, 2005 2:45:22 GMT
Ernie very serious. Always serious. No fun with Ernie! Try to have fun with Ernie! But no work! No work no matter how hard try! Ernie no want to have fun. Instead he say things make Hannah cry. Cry no fun! Cry never fun!
"Hannah!"
bounced over and around, Ernie move toward too, no bounce though! bouncing better!
"No cry!"
Bounced around more. Hannah got up, Ernie stand right there. Say bye. Bye no fun. Have to go. Understand that. But bye still no fun.
"Bye Hannah. We have fun later!"
Bounced around again. Finally in font, Ernie just out of the way. Want to make Hannah happy. Hannah can't go back sad! Need to be happy! Grabbed fistful of her hair, gave gentle tug, then leaned in so his forehead bumped hers. Then sort of kiss tip of her nose before tugging hair again and jumping back.
"LATER! FUN LATER!"
Words barely out before started jumping away toward lake.
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Post by ernie on Oct 10, 2005 3:08:16 GMT
He nodded as she reluctantly rose, his own way of acknowledging his successful attempt to put her out of her misery and get her back to a more normal state. He knew that she would of course still be upset, but someone had to help try and get her focus on something other than the turn her life had recently taken. After all, they would be graduating soon. For the moment she was safely inside Hogwarts, and he was around to help keep her heading on the proper path, but graduation was coming and she needed to get ready for what life would be like after Hogwarts when she had the real world to contend with.
Hannah had hardly got up and stable when Dillion came bounding over. He didn't think he had ever seen this particular Moore twin do any sort of normal gait. He never walked as a normal student should, he always jumped and bounded like some over enthusiastic child who refused to grow up. He bounded around the two of them at first and then focused in on Hannah and said his good-byes. At least he seemed to have some sort of reasonable manners in the fact that he didn't just bounce away and he planned on giving some sort of farewell.
Ernie sighed loudly and glanced away for a moment, waiting for the moment when Dillion would be done and would leave him to return Hannah to the castle, where should she be in her current state. After a moment of looking away he returned his gaze back toward Hannah, just in time to see Dillion's face far to close to hers and the Moore plating some sort of awkward version of a kiss on Hannah's nose before immediately bounding away.
He started at Hannah for a moment, then glanced toward Dillion for a moment as his fellow seventh year hopped away from them. He then looked back at Hannah, at a complete loss for words. He had everything perfectly work out in his mind. He knew exactly how life was and exactly what was suppose to happen. Everything was organized and planned. Everything, except that Moore. He had to come in and do whatever he felt like. He was chaos and havoc and disaster. How could he have just done what he did as if it was nothing. He never would have done that. Never. Even if such an erg had ever come to him--the simple thought of which made it hard to swallow. Besides, no one should have done that to Hannah of all girls. He sighed deeply, trying to return his focus. Hannah needed him now, and that Moore was simply a problem to deal with at a later date.
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