Almost Discovered ((Ciaran))

[Kia Brightstar]

"Go." Serenity waved a hand toward Kia lazily and Kia jumped up quickly, practically sprinting through the doors gratefully. Nothing had been the same between her and Ren ever since Kia had turned down her nephew. Well, it had been a shoddy plan anyway! Pretending that he was trying to take over her place in Ren's classes. That was hardly the best way to win her heart! Though, to be entirely fair to the boy, Alaric maintained that he had been tricked into it and had known nothing about his devious Aunts plan. And Kia was inclined to believe him. Her instincts told her that Alaric was innocent. Not that her fight with Alaric's girlfriend didn't tip her off. Kia rubbed her jaw gingerly, wincing as pain shot through her jaw and caused a shimmer of tears to cover her eyes. Well, Kia guessed that any girl would be angry to see the man whom she wished to marry hugging another girl, with his Aunt crying in the background. Not that she was happy about being tackled to the ground by an extremely angry, extremely strong woman. Especially when said woman had fearfully long nails that had been raked down Kia's face, leaving four shallow cuts and one deeper cut that Kia's dad had predicted would heal into a scar. She had been seconds away from being dragged out of the class by her raging father when Alaric had interfered and turned on his Aunt, demanding that she explain exactly why she felt that she had the right to interfere in the lives of three innocent people - one of whom was a student of hers!

That had been about two weeks ago and the cut had healed over into a barely noticeable scar - just as her dad had predicted. But her jaw had suffered quite a few punches and so the multiple bruises had meshed together into one. She could've had them healed but Kia had declined the offer, the slightly more cruel side of her finding a small amount of pleasure in the way that Ren flinched at the stark bruises whenever Kia turned up for her daily lesson. Despite his silence, Kia knew that her dad understood, even if he didn't approve. But this was something that she needed to do - both for herself and for Ren. But that was a topic for another time. When both felt ready enough to talk over it without dissolving into tears or getting angry. A small body ran toward her and Kia laughed in delight, bending to catch her younger sister and twirling Kae around playfully. Kae had been her little saviour when Kia had been in tears over her mentors deceit or throwing items at the wall during a sudden tear-filled rage - one priceless heirloom had been destroyed in one such temper and then repaired by an annoyed father. "Kia, Kia! Are you going to take me to the park today?" Kae looked up innocently, sparkling blue eyes pleading with her. "Not today, Kae-Kae. But I promise that I'll take you tomorrow, alright?" Kia sighed when the sweet blue eyes, so much like her own but so much more innocent, filled with disappointment. Guilt ran through Kia. She had promised her sister that she would take her to the park and she hated to break a promise to her sister. "Oh alright. But not in Liverpool, sweetheart." Kia looked around thoughtfully, noting that the two sisters had wandered away from their house and toward their Aunts.

"So where will we go, Ki?" Kae tilted her head, confusion written all over her face. Kia grinned, ruffling the darker blonde hair that adorned her sisters head. "We'll get Aunt Mia to apparate us to London. I'll take you to the park and then we can look around Diagon Alley if we get bored. Alright, Kae?" The younger girls eyes lit up with excitement. It wasn't often that she got to venture to London and it was an even rarer occurrence for her to go with her older sister - who, in Kae's words, was the 'coolest, most exciting, simply amazingly wonderful big sister in the world, ever!' Which probably originated from Kia's inability to say no to her sister. Unknown to the younger girl, her 'amazing' sister had absolutely hated her when she was born and, as a result, was now unable to refuse her sister anything. Their cousin, Adam, opened the door when Kia knocked and grinned down at the two girls in amusement. "Squirt! And Skittle!" Adam smirked when Kia glared at him before pulling her into a tight hug and then passing her over to his dad. "Robbie!" Kia grinned and latched onto her uncle excitedly, leaning against him when he set her back onto the ground. Meanwhile, Kae was refusing to let go of Adam and was clinging to his neck determinedly. "Kae," Kia laughed, "you'll strangle him. Not that it wouldn't be wonderful." Adam lunged forward and grabbed his cousin around the waist, tickling her mercilessly and avoiding her kicking feet easily. "Enough!" Amelia entered the hallway and glared at her son pointedly, arching an eyebrow in disapproval until Kia was set back down and Kae was dropped back to the floor. "Now, what did you two want?" Kia explained quickly and her Aunt nodded to Adam pointedly. "He'll take you. And he'll stay with you until you're ready to return. If Kae wants to come back before you do, Kia, then he'll apparate her home and trust you to floo home. Understood?" The two teens nodded obediently, knowing of the womans temper, as Kae looked on in amused confusion.

After a few more lectures about being safe and not letting Kae get lost - apparently Kia was trusted to find her way home - and not letting Adam get drunk, - Kia burst out laughing at that warning - the three cousins were in London and wondering exactly what to do first. "Well," Adam, being the oldest, took it upon himself to take charge. "We can head to the park first. Kia, you have money right?" He waited for her scornful nod before continuing. "Just making sure, Skittle. Well, I'll stay with Squirt until she's tired or bored enough to go home. You can stay with us until you get bored and then you have full permission to wander away so long as you get home before midnight. You're staying over tonight and mum and dad won't mind what time you come in so long as it's before Joel comes to pick you up." Adam grinned, brushing a lock of light hair away from his eyes. Amelia and Robbie were pretty trusting until someone abused that trust. Adam had learned that quickly and had stayed on his parents good side after one incident when he was fifteen. His parents lived by the rule that their child could do whatever he wanted if he could handle the consequences and that rule stretched over to their nieces.

"I have the pouch of floo powder," Kia assured her cousin, knowing how protective he was of her. Protective enough to buy that pouch as one of her birthday presents, along with about a dozen other presents. "What do you want to do first, Kae?" Kia stressed the name pointedly, shooting a laughing glare at her cousin. He had nicknamed Kae 'Squirt' because she was so short and Kia received that nickname 'Skittle' because of her obsession with the muggle candy. "Swings!" Kae squealed excitedly, dashing toward them. Kia laughed and started to walk toward her but was stopped by Adam putting a hand on her arm. "You alright, Skittle?" Kia knew what he was talking about instantly, a hand raising to her jaw instinctively. "I'll be fine, Adam." Kia gave him a reassuring smile before breaking into a run and beating him to Kae, then sitting on a swing. "Push me?" Adam rolled his eyes but obeyed, giving the swings a hard shove to set his favourite cousin in motion. "Gryffindors rule!" Kia whooped happily, only to be silenced by Adams hand over her mouth. "Idiot! People could hear you. Muggles could hear you!" He hissed at her fearfully, looking around cautiously. He knew that Kia was careless but this was ridiculous!

[ciaran]

“Ciaran where’s Niamh?” Finnea called jogging up the stairs to Ciaran’s room. Ciaran was in the corner reading a book by the fireplace. Yes, he did have a fireplace in his own room. This was one of the many great qualities of the Douglass household. The house wasn’t huge, but it was more than big enough for the family of four. Ciaran especially liked his own room. It was fairly large with a couple of windows and a fireplace. Finnea and Ciaran had the privilege of having the upstairs to themselves. However, that didn’t mean that Ciaran had much privacy at all. Ha, Finnea wouldn’t allow that. Ciaran loved his older sister, but Finnea wasn’t exactly the quiet one of the family. Ciaran looked up from his book calmly. It wasn’t exactly rare for Finnea to interrupt his reading. Ciaran sighed shutting his book and putting it on the hearth. “Over there.” He nodded towards the white owl sitting in her open cage. Finnea often used Ciaran’s owl. “So, when exactly will you be getting your own owl?” He asked arching an eyebrow. “Never.” She laughed giving Niamh a letter. Finnea then opened the window and watched Niamh fly off. However, Niamh was quite clumsy and she hit a tree before she could fly over it. “Umm, Ciaran..” Finnea said staring out the window. “Trust me. She’ll get up.” Ciaran sighed opening his book once again. Finnea turned to look at her brother and frowned. His owl could be hurt and he wasn’t concerned? Suddenly, Niamh got up from the ground and flew off. Ciaran didn’t even have to look up, he knew Niamh’s timing too well. “See.” He said smiling still reading. Finnea sighed in an annoyed manner walking towards Ciaran. “She left the letter on the ground.” Finnea said annoyed with her brother more than the bird. He laughed looking up from the book. “Right smart owl, eh?” He laughed.

“Watcha reading?” Finnea asked walking over to the fireplace and sitting in a near by chair. Finnea was much of a reader like Ciaran was. Actually, she didn’t understand why he found books so darn fascinating. Ciaran sighed closing the book and showing her the cover. “Ahh, the Fountainhead.” She said grabbing the book from him. Ciaran leaned back in his chair. “A muggle book?” She asked raising an eyebrow. Ciaran nodded. “Yes, muggle authors bring something exciting into the world of books.” He explained. Finnea shrugged. She was much more into clothing and fashion. She had never been much of a reader like Ciaran. Plus, there wasn’t much time for reading in her life. Finnea had a job at the Ministry and this was one of her first off days in months. “You are such a book nerd.” She said sighing. Ciaran sighed. “Whatever.” However, he knew Finnea would continue. “It’s summer and you are stuck in your room with a fountain!” Finnea called. “Fountainhead.” Ciaran corrected. Finnea sighed. ‘C’mon get out of here let’s go somewhere.” She asked smiling. Ciaran laughed at her. That is what she wanted all along. To get out of the house. “Where?” He asked knowing that his reading was over with for the day, now. Ciaran pushed his book near the unlit fire place. “Um, shopping?” Finnea asked hopeful. Ciaran eyed her. “Think again.” He laughed. Finnea look up trying to think. “I’ve got it!” She nearly squealed. “The park! It will be just like the old days!” Ciaran laughed looking at her. “Sure.” He said giving his sister a small smile. “Great get ready!” She called leaving the room. Ciaran smiled sitting up from his chair and walking towards his closet.

Ciaran didn’t have to worry about not getting dressed in time. No, Finnea would take too long for that. She always had to have the perfect outfit. Usually, Finnea was obsessed with Witches Robes, but she couldn’t exactly wear them to a muggle park. Finnea didn’t go into muggle places often so her clothing choices were limited, but she didn’t usually stand out too much. Ciaran choose some kaki pants a red polo shirt. He couldn’t exactly show off his true Gryffindor Pride with his Gryffindor robes and such, but he could merely wear the color red. Ciaran then slid on some shoes and walked past the mirror quickly. He didn’t particularly care what he looked like, but Ciaran wanted to atleast look decent. Then, he stepped out of his room and knocked on Finnea’s door. “You ready?” He asked. “No!” She called. Finnea opened the door and then ran over to her mirror. “Well, how do I look so far?” She asked using a powder puff on her face. Ciaran laughed lightly. Of course, Finnea liked muggle clothes, but she wasn’t exactly up to the trends. She did however know witch clothes very well. Finnea was wearing light colored jeans with some sort of sequins all over it, an orange shirt with horses on it, a coy boy hat, a rather odd block and red jacket, and tennis shoes. Ciaran had never seen a more odd concoction of clothes before. He laughed not trying to hurt his sister, but he couldn’t help it. ‘What?” She asked. Ciaran gazed at her. “Um, it’s just..” Ciaran stopped himself. “That bad?” She asked. He nodded laughing a bit. “Wear this.” Ciaran said going into her closet. He didn’t exactly know what to pick out for her, but he could deal with picking something simple. Ciaran pulled out some dark jeans, a light pink tank top, and some sandals. Finnea nodded and smiled. “Perfect.” She said. “Now scram.” Ciaran left the room so she could change. Five minutes later, she came out wearing the outfit with a dark pink cardigan added. Finnea smiled. “Let’s roll.” She said laughing. Finnea took her brother’s hand and apparated them off.

Within seconds, Ciaran and Finnea were right outside of the park. Ciaran looked around. “So, what exactly are we planning on doing here?” Ciaran asked looking around at all the little kids. “Relive the old days.” Finnea said happily. She took off her sandals. Ciaran laughed. “What are you doing?” He asked smiling. “Feeling the grass and the sand.” She replied. Her voice was so dazed and distant. Ciaran knew she was reliving the old days. Days of the two siblings playing in the park together. Memories of mum buying them ice scream. Ciaran smiled at his older sister. “Does that mud feel good too?” He asked staring at her feet. “Waa?” Finnea asked looking down. She had stepped her feet into a couple of inches of mud. “Eww!” She screeched getting out of it and rubbing her toes in the grass. Ciaran laughed. Finnea was still so much like she was in the younger days, but that was a good thing. Before the move, Finnea was the best sister, but after she came to hate London and her family. But, those days were gone. Finnea had finished getting the mud off her feet and put her shoes back on. “Ok, maybe I don’t want to feel the sand and the grass.” She said laughing. The two continued to walk on. They moved towards the swings. Ciaran saw three people swinging. One was an older boy perhaps not too far from Finnea’s age.There was a younger girl that couldn’t be in school yet and an older one. Ciaran recognized her yes? She had to be a Gryffindor. He just knew it. Ciaran and Finnea came closer to the three. Ciaran heard the girl say Gryffindor’s Rule before she was muffled by the boy. Ciaran laughed. Yes, she certaintly was in Gryffindor. Ciaran sort of remembered her now, but they had never really met. He and Finnea came closer. “Yes we do.” Ciaran said coming up to them calmly. “I’m Ciaran Douglass. Gryffindor fifth year. This is Finnea.” Ciaran said pointing to his sister. “Gryffindor Graduate.” He said proudly. Finnea smiled. Ciaran looked at the girl that wasn’t much younger than him. She was pretty, but of course Ciaran didn’t know her yet. But, she was rather pretty and he did love someone with Gryffindor pride.

[Kia Brightstar]

Kia smiled sheepishly, drawing her knees up to her chest and draped her right arm over her knees carelessly, leaving her left hand to balance her. Adam was glaring at her and even Kae was looking at her like she was an idiot. "Kia...you can't just say things like that." Kae sighed resignedly, stopping her swing to look at her sister disapprovingly. At certain times, Kae wondered if Kia would ever grow up and take responsibility. She adored her older sister, yes, but that didn't mean that Kae couldn't see Kia's faults. Indeed they were too obvious to ignore at times. Like now. Adam laid a hand on Kae's shoulder reprovingly, automatically taking the side of his favourite of the two sisters. Kia may have been in the wrong but that didn't give Kae the right to sound so disappointed in her. "That's enough from you, Squirt." Adam arched an eyebrow sternly and removed his hand from her shoulder, waiting until the younger girl nodded and started swinging again before turning to Kia. "Skittle...she had a point. A very good point. There are muggles here. A lot of muggles." Kia snorted and interrupted him sarcastically. "Muggles? In a muggle park? How surprising." Adam rolled his eyes, a small smile barely curving the edges of his lips. It was rare for Kia to interrupt anyone for a sarcastic remark but it always made him smile when she did. There was just something innately funny about seeing a girl, who was usually so bouncy that most people would doubt if she even knew the word sarcasm, practically snap at the one person she trusted with everything. "Can I continue?" Adam waited for a nod and mumbled affirmative before carrying on with his lecture. "Kia. If you were heard by muggles then we'd be in a lot of trouble. All of us would be in trouble. Including Kae." Kia lowered her head at that and Adam tipped her chin up to look in her eyes firmly. "What's done is done. It was a mistake; learn from it and move on. Now we have to see if anyone heard and formulate a plan of defense." His tone changed from reluctantly disapproving - how could he truly yell at her when he had done so many foolish things? - to brisk and rather cold. This was the Adam who almost scared Kia at times. The side of him who would stop at nothing to keep his family safe.

"A boy and a girl," Kae murmured quietly, tilting her head toward the two pointedly. "And a group of five muggles." Kia added quietly, fear flickering through her light blue eyes quickly. "It's alright, Kia." Adam squeezed her shoulder soothingly, focusing on the five muggles determinedly. His eyes narrowed as he studied them, taking in their stances and laughter before shaking his head slightly. "They either didn't hear or just didn't pay attention. Now, which two were you talking about Squirt?" Kae rolled her eyes and jerked her chin toward the two people once more. His eyes narrowed even more and protective worry flashed through his eyes quickly. "They must've heard." Kia confirmed, dropping her legs back down to the floor, poised to run but looking completely relaxed, as she watched them walk closer. "Darn it," Adam sighed softly, silently cursing himself for not bringing his wand. Things would be so much easier if he could just obliviate them, no matter what risks he would be taking. "Wait," Kia frowned slightly, looking at the boy approaching them carefully. "He looks familiar. I think..." Kia grinned happily, all of her worry disappearing instantly. "He's a Gryff! Oh, thank Merlin. He's a Gryff!" Adam nodded sharply, trusting his cousin implicitly. If she said the boy was a Gryffindor then he was, Adam was sure.

Kia smiled at the two when the boy started talking, surprised to feel a slight shyness coming over her. She batted the small amount of shyness away irritably, annoyed that a stranger could make her feel shy but blaming it on the worry that had been caused by her careless yell. "Kia Brightstar, Gryffindor third year. My sister Kae," Kia waved a hand toward her sister, noting with a mixture of amusement and annoyance that Kae merely mumbled a hello before starting to swing again. Obviously she felt none of the shyness that Kia felt creeping up on her again and it irritated her. "And my cousin Adam." This time, Kia rolled her eyes when Adam simply inclined his head politely before starting up a conversation with Kae. It was all too obvious that she wouldn't be getting any help from those two. Not that she had expected help from her cousin. He wasn't exactly the friendliest person when it came to strangers, but he'd be paying close attention to the conversation. Kia tucked a lock of hair behind her ear nervously before realising that she had revealed the bruise on her jaw and ducking her head so the hair would fall back into place and hide the bruise once more. "I uh...walked into a door?" Kia offered helplessly, not wanting to give the real reason to two complete strangers. Even if Ciaran was rather cute. Kia blushed lightly, suddenly glad that no one could see the blush since she hadn't lifted her head yet. How embarrassing. And annoying. She could flirt and tease other boys without feeling anything but she only had to look at this boy and she was blushing? "Welcome to the world of crushes, Skittle." Adam murmured quietly, intending for the words for her alone, and alerting her that her silence had been noticed. "Terribly clumsy, she is," Kae commented chirpily, shooting a slightly worried look at Kia. "She walks into doors all the time. She managed to walk into a wall once..." Adam touched Kae's shoulder gently, indicating that she should shut up. Now. Before Kia tried to strangle her younger sister for embarrassing her. "I think that perhaps ice-cream would be a good idea," Adam continued smoothly, grinning at Finnea charmingly. "I'd be thrilled to buy some for such a lovely lady as yourself." Kia snickered quietly, knowing that her cousin could charm any girl into anything if he tried, but shook her head slightly. "You four go ahead. I'll stay here." Kia sighed silently, adding quietly: "Maybe I can die of mortification before you come back."

((Hehe. I never thought of Kia as the type to get crushes so easily but that's the way it turned out. ))

[ciaran]

Ciaran nodded as the girl introduced herself as Kia Brightstar. Yes, Ciaran had heard of her before. She was one of those third years that Ciaran would notice. Some of them just stood in the darkness, but Kia didn't seem like the type. Ciaran looked at her calmly. How could she be so pretty for a third year? Well, of course he didn't let his thoughts affect his face. That would embarrass him. And of course Finnea would laugh if Ciaran showed any sign of liking Kia. That's just the way Finnea was. Finnea would always laugh at Ciaran and his girlfriends. He hadn't had many, but he had a few over the years. Ciaran smiled at Kia. That was a cool name wasn't it. Ciaran always thought his was sort of long, but didn't Kia stand for something? Ciaran thought for a second and then he realized it stood for Kiana, but since she had introduced herself as Kia then that must what she mainly went by. Ciaran didn't like it much when Finnea called him Cia. It sounded so girly. Ciaran chuckled to himself, but Kia certainly fit this pretty girl. He looked over to Finnea. She was looking at that older boy with Kia. Kia had introduced him as Adam and the younger girl as Kae. Kae didn't seem to be the age for Hogwarts yet, so that explained why he had never seen her there before. Ciaran had never seen Adam there either, but he may have graduated or didn't go to Hogwarts. Actually, he could be a muggle for all Ciaran knew. Ciaran looked around him and then back at the three.

Ciaran wasn't exactly the most talkative guy. Actually at Hogwarts he seemed sort of a loner at times, but of course that was off since he did have several friends. Ciaran just liked his space is all. He didn't want to be put under a microscope for everyone to see so that's probably where the loner thing sort of emerged. Ciaran didn't want everyone to know everything about him. That's probably why rumors spread instead of the truth, but he liked it that way. He liked to keep Hogwarts guessing. "Nice to meet you all." He said calmly sounding very formal for some reason. It was just sort of weird to be in the presence of the three in a muggle park. Ciaran spent most of his time during the summer indoors reading and such. Besides, Kia was overwhelming him and Ciaran really didn't know why. Why was she scaring him and making him shy? This was a question Ciaran wanted to know the answers to. Ciaran suddenly noticed something about Kia. Was that a bruise on her jaw? Kia noticed Ciaran staring at it and said she walked into a door. "Are you sure?" He asked in a nearly comical way and eyed her. He lit up a smile so she would hopefully understand. Finnea suddenly started talking. "Ha, sounds like Cia here." Ciaran turned to his sister. "Finn.." He murmured as to say be quiet. "Well, you do." She said turning to Kia. "This one reads none stop. He's like a programed robot. He tries to open doors with a book in hand and not looking up. I bet that's embarrassing at Hogwarts since I'm not there to heal that." She said calmly. Finnea wasn't afraid of muggles hearing. She wasn't involved in that world. She found the clothing interesting it itself. Ciaran shook his head. "Umm, no." He offered to his sister before looking at Kia.

Adam had whispered something in Kia's ear that Ciaran couldn't hear. He looked at the ground. He didn't know why, but he did. Ciaran wasn't nesicarrly shy, but he did have his moments. Sometimes he could be easily intimidated like now for instance. He didn't know what it was about Kia that scared him, but something did. However, Ciaran liked the feeling. Ciaran turned to Kae as she said something about Kia. He had forgotten she was even there. He offered her an awkward smile and then looked back at Kia and Adam. Ciaran looked at Adam and Finnea as Adam said something about a lovely lady and buying her ice-scream. Finnea giggled. She giggled? Since when does Finnea giggle? Ciaran thought to himself. Oh no now she was blushing. Great, they were going on a simple outing and now Finnea was flirting with someone she did know. This was very weird for Ciaran as he had never really seen Finnea with a guy at Hogwarts. Well, at least he wasn't around for that. Finnea smiled at Adam. "I'd love some kind sir." Finnea said in a girl tone. Ciaran rolled his eyes at her. Kia said something about for them to go and she would stay alone. Finnea turned to walk. Ciaran stood there and smiled at Kia. "I'll stay with her." Ciaran told the others. "If you would like of course." Ciaran smiled. "You never know what sort of people will be lurking around here." He added. Truth be told he just wanting to talk with her without Finnea around. Ciaran waiting for Kia to answer.

((Haha, well the end was all Ciaran so don't look at me. *points and laughs*))

[Kia Brightstar]

Kia glanced at Ciaran discreetly, glad that her hair was shielding her face and hiding her quiet scrutiny. She recognised him and wanted to know why. The obvious answer would be from Gryffindor tower but that didn't seem entirely true. It was just something pulling at her, a memory pleading to be brought from the shadows of her mind and remembered. Kia shrugged slightly, reckoning that she would remember once she stopped thinking about it. It might seem strange to some but that was how Kia's mind worked, apparently. So instead she turned her attention back to Ciaran, observing him calmly. Another faint blush rose to her face when she took in the dark hair and hazel eyes. He really was adorable. Instantly, the memory revealed itself and Kia's blush deepened, even as she closed her eyes in amused shame. So, that was why she recognised him. How embarrassing. But really, what were the odds? Well, it really was quite probable. Both of them being Gryffindors and all. It was still mortifying though. Running into her first crush, when she had been successfully avoiding him since the middle of her second year. Kia flicked a glance at her cousin warily, wondering if he had connected the dots yet. Naturally, she had shared the news with the person she trusted most and had been rewarded with advice and no laughter. Not while she was watching anyway. Sure enough, Adam was looking at her with amusement, a slightly ironic smirk playing about his lips. Darn his quick thinking mind. Kia wouldn't be surprised if he had picked up on it before even Kia herself.

At least now she understood what was making her so shy, and almost scared. Well, she thought she knew anyway. It had been a year and a half since her crush had developed and Kia had ordered herself to stay away. Crushes implied a lack of control and that was one thing that Kia hated. So she had kept away from the boy who had brought blushes to her face and made shyness course through her. The crush had slowly faded and Kia had returned to normal. But here she was again, a year older and still blushing over him. Would anything ever change? Kia touched her jaw gingerly, deciding that it was time for it to be healed, revenge on Ren or no revenge. Kia laughed in delight, enjoying the tales of Ciarans clumsiness. "I could always set up a guard duty for you. I know that at least one of my friends would be willing to help me out. We'll make sure that you don't run into any doors. Walls however are a different story." Kia grinned, mischief sparkling in her eyes. She hadn't felt so carefree in days and it felt good to just laugh with no cares to weigh her down. He would be a good friend, Kia was sure. Anything else though...that wasn't really high on her list of expectations. After all, she was just a lowly third year and he was a fifth year. And she wasn't the type to just jump into a relationship anyway. Not anymore. Perhaps the old Kia would've done but she had changed and she liked her new self. She was more in control, more focused and determined. Her artwork had been slowly improving and Kia credited that to the more focused approach that she had started to take. Besides, it was just a crush. Crushes faded. Alright, so maybe this crush would be slightly stronger because of his status as her first crush - and first crushes were never forgotten - but he would fade. He had to. She was just starting to grow up and gather herself together, after thirteen years of childishness. Her father was finally, truly proud of her for once. Kia couldn't - wouldn't - mess that up by getting distracted by a boyfriend. He would be a friend but nothing more. No matter how cute and adorable he was.

Kia rolled her eyes when Adam strolled away with Finnea. She pitied the poor girl, really she did. Kia knew exactly what her cousin was like when it came to girls other than her, Kae and his mother. But still, if Finnea was silly enough to fall in love with Adam then she deserved everything she got. Kae looked between Kia and Ciaran thoughtfully then glanced at Finnea and Adam with equal thoughtfulness before wrinkling her nose cutely. "Ew." Kae informed them before running to play with a group of muggle children who welcomed her eagerly. "You're very welcomed to stay," Kia smiled warmly, mentally smacking the part of her that bounced about and screamed happily because he was choosing to stay. "Oh yes. The sort of people lurking around here. In a muggle park. I'm sure that those muggle children are just waiting to kidnap me and hold me to ransom." Kia replied dryly, letting a smile curve her lips to show that she was only joking. Kia started to swing again lazily, frowning in faint annoyance when she didn't get very high.The height was the thrill! Kia turned to face Ciaran and pouted at him childishly. "Push me, please?"

[ciaran]

Ciaran nodded as Kia joked about getting one of her friends to guard him. Great, Finnea managed to make things lovely. Well, it wasn't so bad. It did make for a good laugh. Ciaran couldn't help it that he liked to read. Well, yes actually he could, but that was besides the point. Ciaran eyed Kia when she talked about that. "Oh, that would be lovely." He joked. Ciaran wasn't usually clumsy, but he did try to read and walk. He did bring the hitting walls thing on himself. But, whatever. Ciaran smiled at Kia nicely. He was glad she did have a sense oh humor. Ciaran wasn't much for shy people in general. They were always awkward and scared. True, Ciaran wasn't the most outgoing guy ever, but he wasn't shy at all. Ciaran glanced at Finnea. Yep, that was just like Finnea to bring that up. Ciaran knew she would pull something, but he wasn't sure what. Finnea was always the center of attention. It didn't surprise Ciaran when she started flirting with Adam. It was kind of odd, yes, but not at all surprising. Finnea liked to talk and laugh and let people know who she was. Ciaran knew all this of course. Ciaran watched as Finnea and Adam walked away together. He raised an eyebrow as Finnea looked back at Ciaran. He shook his head and she just ignored him and looked at Adam. Lovely, Finnea couldn't spend one afternoon without being the center of everything. Now she found some guy to talk to. Of well, at least Ciaran could talk to Kia without Finn's lovely childhood tales.

Kae went off to play with some younger children. Ciaran smiled. He had always wanted a younger brother or sister, but no. He had been stuck with Finnea instead. Of course Ciaran loved his sister, but he still wished he had more siblings. Ciaran shook his head, but it was barely noticeable. What was he thinking? He didn't need a little brother or sister. Little kids were menaces and he didn't need that in his life. They cause trouble and trouble wasn't something Ciaran liked all that much. He had developed the dislike of trouble over the years. Probably because people thought that Gryffindors had to have trouble in order to have fun. After a while, Ciaran got tired of hearing this so he decided to change how Gryffindors look. He decided to change himself. Now it just felt normal. Ciaran didn't know if people thought of him as a ordinary Gryffindor or not, but he really didn't care too much. Ciaran looked at Kia. He didn't know what she was like really? He had heard rumors about her yes. Third year rumors spread quickly even to fourth years. Of course, that was last year. All Ciaran had head was that Kia liked fun. Nothing more really. News of sickness and death passed faster in the Gryffindor dorms. One third year's father died and another's muggle brother had Leukemia. Those rumors spread fast, but Ciaran hadn't heard many about Kia. Of well, rumors were often not true.

Ciaran smiled as Kia said he could stay. Good. He didn't know too much about Kia, but he liked her. She was cute yes, but there was something else about. Something in her eyes that Ciaran couldn't explain. It was weird, Ciaran had never had that feeling about a girl before. That unexplainable feeling. He had always been able to explain things pretty much like any Ravenclaw, but not this. Ciaran laughed as Kia talked about muggle kids holding her for ransom. "Well, Death Eaters have attacked muggles before. So, they really could end up anywhere. I don't know why though. I don't understand why hurting muggles will help anything." Ciaran shrugged. Death Eaters hurting muggles didn't make sense. To them it was just fun, but to Ciaran it was something more. Would life be this way if the muggle were wizards and the wizards were muggles? Would the new wizards treat the new muggles any differently? Ciaran had always wondered this. Ciaran laughed as Kia asked for him to push her. Why not? There wasn't any harm in that. He walked over and started to push her wing higher. Ciaran smiled. "So, Kia how long do you think it will take for Adam to realize that Finn is an attention seeking fashionista?" Ciaran asked still swinging Kia. He was sort of joking, but also not. He grinned pushed her higher and waiting for a response.

[Kia Brightstar]

Kia rolled her eyes in affectionate exasperation when Adam put a hand on Finneas arm gently to stop her walking and leaned in slightly, presumably telling her to wait for a second or two. And adding in a bit of flirting of course. Adam strode toward them again and Kia closed her eyes, already knowing that whatever came out of her cousins mouth would embarrass her. "You," Adam pointed at Ciaran firmly, a mixture of amusement and protectiveness glinting in his dark eyes. "You take care of Skittle and keep an eye on the Squirt. If anything happens to either of them, I know some very painful curses and I'm not afraid to use them." Instantly, Adams demeanor changed, a bright smile crossing his face as he turned back to Finnea. "Now, if you'll excuse me, it's a sin to leave a beautiful young lady by herself and I just did so." Sure enough, Kia had to control the blush that was trying to rise to her cheeks as she watched her cousin walk away. Skittle. That name just wouldn't start haunting her, would it? Ah well, at least Adam was gone now so he couldn't embarrass her any further. Gah. Kia frowned slightly. Exactly what was it about him that made her feel so...shy and scared but excited and pleasantly nervous, all the same? It simply wasn't right - wasn't fair! She adored being the center of attention; she was used to having eyes turned toward her and, indeed, almost expected it at times. To be so shy around someone whom she felt the need to impress - despite telling herself that Ciaran was nothing but a crush - was almost enough to bring a frustrated scream to her lips.

A loud scream caught her attention and Kia's head whipped around to the source instantly, her blue eyes seeking out her younger sister immediately. She was so used to looking after her sister that not even a second passed before she was sitting straighter in the swing, searching for her sister among the children. All other thoughts about impressing Ciaran or killing Adam for embarrassing her faded from her mind until there was just one tangible thought in her mind - finding her sister. The source of the scream was identified quickly - a child had fallen over and hurt himself - and Kia laughed lightly, turning back to Ciaran and smiling easily. It was second nature now, to look after her sister. She had been doing so from an early age, slipping from the role of sister to mother when the occasion called for it. Kae wasn't stupid - far from it, even if she would never be a Ravenclaw - but Kia had learnt from an early age that she was to look after her sister. Which could be the reason why she loved attention so much. During the summer, she had to focus on her sister rather than herself. Hogwarts was the only place where she could just be herself, with no Kae to look after and no father to frown at her disapprovingly. Really, she was almost a whole different person at home. Kia had to control her bounciness when she was at home, which was why she was so active at school.

"I guess that they think attacking muggles proves just how strong they are." Kia shrugged, a slight hint of sadness flashing through her eyes quickly. Didn't the Death Eaters realise that attacking muggles proved nothing? How could the muggles fight against something that they knew nothing about? It was unfair and unjust - two things that Kia rebelled against, with the utmost determination. If the war was still going on when Kia graduated then she knew that she'd take an active role in the battle against the Death Eaters, by training to become an auror. Ciaran started to push her and Kia grinned, swallowing a sigh of pure contentment. She just felt safe when she was around him. You hardly know him. Her mind reminded her sharply, Ciaran is cute, yes, but don't be fooled. He could be just like Adam, for all you know. Kia flinched, shaken by the idea of him being like her cousin. A charmer who was wonderful to look at but no good in a long-term relationship. Or any type of relationship. But one day Adam would fall in love, Kia grinned impishly, and hopefully that girl would be just like him and teach him a lesson. The question made her laugh but Kia waited for a few seconds before answering, thinking over the best way to phrase her answer. "How long will it take your sister to realize that my cousin is a jerk?" Kia countered, letting just a hint of laughter enter her voice. She had decided that just reflecting the question as an answer would be the best way to reply.

[ciaran]

Ciaran watched raising an eye brow as Adam returned after flirting with Finnea some more. Finn just gave a flirty giggle like always. Geez, this was embarrassing. They had always been talking to Kia, Adam, and Kae for a few minutes and still Finnea insisted on latching on to some poor male. Well, that was Finnea for you. She was out of school now, but she still had to flirt with someone where she went. Ciaran shook his head a bit. Finnea would find another guy in a matter of minutes Ciaran was sure. Adam walked back and started talking to Ciaran sternly. Ciaran looked at him with a funny look on his face as he whipped a piece of hair from his eyes. Ciaran looked at Adam. He understood of course. He was protected of his cousins just as Ciaran was protective of Finnea even though she was a pain and older than Ciaran himself. Yes, Ciaran often cursed Finn for being the center of everything and having to cause pain on some poor boy, but she was his sister. Ciaran was still protective of her despite the way she behaved. Ciaran nodded at Adam. “I understand, but I’m warning you,” He paused. “Hurt Finn and I won’t hurt you because I wouldn’t do that. She’ll do it herself man. Trust me.” Ciaran said raising an eyebrow as Adam walked away. True, kind of rude yes, but it was so true. Finnea worked for the ministry. She could do more curses and spells than Ciaran even knew of. Adam walked away and went over to Finnea. “No harm done, kind sir.” She commented back smiling brightly and giving Ciaran a look. She hadn’t heard what the two boys had said, but she had an idea. As Adam walked away Ciaran looked at Kia. “Skittle?” He asked in a comical way laughing.

Ciaran’s head turned as some child screamed. For a slight moment he wondered if it was Kae. Ciaran had heard what Adam said. He wouldn’t let anything happen to her even if Adam hadn’t told him very sternly to. Ciaran was a protective person naturally. He watched after Finnea and his cousins in Ireland. Ciaran looked at Kia. Would they be friends at Hogwarts? He hoped so because he could already feel himself being a bit protective even though he didn’t know her too well. But, maybe he would. Maybe they would become friends or something over the school year. Ciaran smiled at her. She was so pretty and so different than Finnea. Ciaran liked that in a girl. He liked someone who didn’t have to blatantly flirt or act like bimbo when she wasn’t. Finnea often acted stupid to impress boys. It happened all the time. Ciaran had seen it. True, Finnea wasn’t a Ravenclaw, but she was smart. While at Hogwarts, yes, Finnea was pretty popular and had many giggling partners, but she was smart. She stuck to her studies most of the time. But, out in the real world, that side of Finnea seemed pretty much gone. She didn’t have those friends to fall back on anymore. Ciaran felt that his relationship with Finnea would deterate in the future. He didn’t know why he felt that way, but he did.

Ciaran nodded as Kia replied to his comment about muggles. That was very true. Yes, but it wasn’t good enough. Kia’s analyst was right on, but the Death Eaters excuse for hurting muggles wasn’t good enough. Actually, it was just stupid. They really just needed to get a life and fine something better to do. “They might be strong, but they are not very bright.” Ciaran sighed. “There attacks can be predicted too well you know?” He said calmly. “Not all the times, but some times I can sort of feel it coming because I see it in people’s attitudes. Does that make sense?” He asked not knowing if it did or not. Ciaran had just thought of that in his head. However, he secretly hoped that Kia didn’t think he was stupid for saying that. Ciaran laughed at Kia’s answer to her question. “Good, then they seem just alike.” He laughed pushing Kia higher. “Finnea’s a good sister, but not so good as a girlfriend.” He said thinking back. “In fact, every guy she dates ends up wondering what they did wrong and what were they thinking.” Ciaran shook his head. “I do feel sorry for them, but I have to wonder what they were thinking.” He smiled. Ciaran could count all of Finnea’s boyfriends at Hogwarts in his head. It was a high number that was for sure. It was so odd. Hogwart’s students often asked Finnea if she was really Ciaran’s brother. Ciaran guessed it was because they were so different. Plus, Finnea was severely popular and Ciaran didn’t really know if he was. Yes, he had friends at Hogwarts, but no one knew a lot about him like they did about Finnea. With her, everything was advertised because she wanted it that way, but Ciaran was different. He liked for things to be kept quiet. So for those reasons, Ciaran guessed people thought he was sort of mysterious, but that didn’t mean he was popular and Ciaran didn’t care if he was or wasn’t. He laughed pushing Kia. “So, should I keep going then or what?” He asked pushing her higher. Ciaran noticed how strangely pretty he thought she was while in the air. He shook that thought off waiting for her to respond.

[Kia Brightstar]

Kia blushed brightly, ducking her head and mumbling quietly, promising death to her cousin when she next saw him. Wait. Kia frowned slightly, the blush on her cheeks fading slightly. Did she have no pride? Well...no, most of the time she didn't. But this was different. This was a matter that needed pride. "Yes," Kia lifted her head, grinning lightly and paying no attention to the blush that she just knew was still there. Maybe if she ignored it, the blush would go away. "In my first year at Hogwarts, I was introduced to a muggle candy called Skittles. You've heard how hyper I am without sugar?" Kia lifted an eyebrow wryly, leaving the rest to his imagination and giving him a few seconds to speculate before continuing with her tale. "Somehow, Adam got to hear about it. I don't know how since I never told him and I think you are the only person from Hogwarts who knows about him. But if I ever find out who told him, I will curse them with a nickname that is equally as embarrassing." Kia shrugged easily. Why couldn't Adam embarrass her in front of someone else? Like Maryn! She was a friend and Kia wouldn't care if Maryn teased her. But Ciaran...he was attractive. What had she done to deserve being embarrassed in front of him? ...Except having a cruel and vindictive cousin. And he knew exactly what he was saying. His smirk had said it all.

"So, yep. I'm Skittle and Kae's Squirt. We really have to think up an annoying nickname for him, see how he likes it." Kia mused quietly, just following her thought pattern out loud. Which might end up confusing Ciaran since her thoughts jumped from one topic to another and then back to the first topic but slightly confused with the second topic. The only person it didn't confuse was Kia herself. And even she got confused at times. Which was strange because surely people shouldn't confuse themselves. Or maybe they should. After all, people were confused by other people so why not be confused by themselves? And the shy feeling had vanished, Kia cheered mentally. If it wouldn't terrify the poor boy then she would be doing cartwheels and backflips around the park. Shyness didn't settle well with Kia and that was why she was so relieved that she was feeling more normal now. Adam had once told her that she needed a boy who would be able to handle her and calm her down; a boy with sense. Kia had just rolled her eyes and laughed, asking why she, the wild and uncontrollable, didn't need someone just like her. Because having two of you around would kill me. Adams reply sounded in her head and Kia smiled softly. She understood the words more than she had then and even partially agreed. But no one could handle her, even when she hadn't had sugar. And certainly no one was able to calm her down.

"No one ever said that Death Eaters were smart," Kia grinned. "Besides, muggles are just as good as wizards and wiches, if not better. Because they can survive without magic. If a pureblood was stranded in the muggle world then they would be absolutely helpless. And these are the people who claim that muggles are inferior." Kia sighed. But nothing good would come from dwelling on what couldn't be changed. As long as there were witches and wizards, there would be a hatred toward muggles. "And muggle is a stupid word anyway." Kia added firmly. "Who thought up such a ridiculous word?" Her smile lightened slightly as the subject turned back to Adam and Finnea. "Maybe they'll be good for each other then. Perhaps Finnea can teach Adam that being a jerk isn't a good thing." Doubtful. Her cousin wouldn't let anyone interrupt his lifestyle. But it was a nice thought. Even if Ciaran was probably going to hate her when Adam broke his sisters heart. "I don't bother to feel sorry for the girls who date Adam. If I did then I'd be feeling sorry for most of Liverpool and about half of London." Which was, unfortunately, true.No girl seemed to hold her cousins attention and interest for longer than a week or so, maybe two is she was lucky. "No," Kia shook her head, pointing to the empty swing beside her. "You sit and tell me about yourself. Start with why you act so mysterious in school and end with your favourite word." Favourite word? Kia lifted an eyebrow mentally. Well, at least he already knew she was strange. Though she hadn't meant to tell him that she knew he acted mysterious. Hopefully he would just put it down to her being in the same house as him, rather than her paying attention to him. And if he remembered a blonde haired girl hiding whenever she saw him, in an attempt to avoid him, then she would curl up and die of embarrassment.

[ciaran]

Ciaran gave a true smile. He liked the name skittle. Ciaran had heard of the candy in the past. It was a cute nickname and it seemed to suit Kia. True, Ciaran was just now getting to know her, but he had seen her for years. She was one of those third years that people liked to talk about because of how outgoing she was. Somehow Ciaran had never managed one of those girls. He did like them and thought they were very interesting, but the never seemed interested in Ciaran. It wasn't because Ciaran was a dork or people didn't like to talk to him and he was an outsider. He wasn't an outside. Actually, Ciaran had no idea what girls or anyone that wasn't a friend thought about him, but he wasn't too bothered by that. He smiled at Kia again. Ciaran gave Kia a sort of odd glance when she said hyper without sugar. He did hope that didn't mean she was strictly a trouble maker. Ciaran didn't like them very much. However, the didn't take away fro how incredibly Kia seemed for the moment. She was so full of life and energy. She was like no girl Ciaran had even been friends with in the past. He smiled and nodded laughing a bit. "I think the nickname is cute for you." He said in a semi flirty sort of way with a huge grin on his face. What was he doing? Ciaran really didn't know, but he was curious. Kia was so different from any girl he knew, but he liked that she was different. He liked her energy and happiness. Ciaran was attracted to her even though they were just getting to know each other. He hoped this could turn into a friendship and maybe more in the future. But, for now, they could only get to know each other better.

Ciaran laughed when Kia said something about making a nickname up for Adam. "Hmm, well think about the most embarrassing thing you recall him doing. That could make for a funny nickname and it will bug his lights out probably." Ciaran grinned. Yes, those nicknames based on events were always funny. Finnea had even called Ciaran himself the Bruised Faced Nerd because of his habit of walking into walls while reading. Ciaran defiantly wasn't a nerd, but he couldn't help the ready thing. He liked books and that was just something he wouldn't stop doing. The conversation had now moved on to Death Eaters. He nodded. "Yea, I agree. You have to hand it to them because they will always beat us when it come to technology. That stuff that they invented is crazy and I will never understand half of it." He started. "And muggleborns, have to be some of the smartest people at Hogwarts. They know so much more about the world than we do it isn't even funny. Plus, muggle studies must be a breeze for them." He laughed at that. "That's why at Hogwarts I can't stand seeing Slytherins picking on muggleborns. Because they have way more knowledge than those pure-blood, Slytherins who think they rule the school." Ciaran took a deep breath. "Death Eaters are just like little annoyed kids wanting there way, but bullying other people to get it and end up really getting nothing." Ciaran paused. This was a subject he liked to talk about. However, he didn't know if this was the right time or place for it, but he did like talking about it. Ciaran had been looking at the ground, but now he looked at Kia. "Sorry for that. Sometimes I get sort of passionate on a subject and I just babble. Sorry." He said calmly giving her a small smile. He nodded when Kia said that muggle was a stupid word.

The subject went on to Finnea and Adam. Ciaran had liked the Death Eater subject, but this was much easier and more fun to discuss. He nodded. "Yes, maybe they will be." He said calmly. "At least I never see her hurt, however if Adam hurts her which I find doubtful because she is usually the one to mess everything of that nature up, I probably won't be too upset." He paused. "But, even though I rag on her and her dating skills half the time, she is my big sister and I will always be protective of her." He took a breath smiling at Kia lightly. Ciaran smiled a bit when Kia told him to sit in the empty swing. He did and held on to the chain sides swinging himself very lightly with his feet still tracing the ground. He looked over to her casually. He gave sort of an odd expression when she asked about why he was so quiet in school. He could explain some of this to her. He could. Ciaran just wasn't used to this question because no one had never asked him it before. But, he could tell Kia. Ciaran wanted to be able to trust her. "Um, it's a story." He started. "I guess it's because I don't like my thoughts publicized to the whole school. I don't really know why. It's not that I'm not social or shy, it's just that I have my things and I like to keep them to myself." He sighed giving her a calm look. "Like what I believe about the Death Eaters, I don't know I just would rather those things be kept to myself." Ciaran smiled. He thought for a moment. Then why did he just tell Kia that. His mind went blank for a brief moment. Why did he?

"People think I'm mysterious?" He asked raising an eyebrow. Well, it wasn't that hard of a thing to think. Of course, they did. Ciaran was pretty sure people only new him from rumors and not much else. He wished he knew what sorts of things the school thought of him. "I don't really know what rumors and stuff are out at school about me." He asked calmly. "I'm just not in the gossip loop at school I guess." He had to smiled after saying that. Ciaran laughed smiling at Kia. "My favorite word.." He started. He smiled already knowing. "Gryffindor." He said smiling. Ciaran laughed. He looked around. They weren't in ear shot of any muggles so saying this quietly wouldn't hurt a soul. "I love my house of course. I can't imagine myself in any other house." He thought for a moment. "I something wonder if the sorting house every thought of putting my somewhere besides Gryffindor." he said kindly. He smiled at Kia. "Ok, so your turn. Why you are so hyper without sugar and your favorite subject at school. Go." He said laughing like it was some sort of game or something. He hoped Kia wasn't offended that he asked why she was so hyper, but she has said something about herself being that way earlier. He hoped it wasn't a problem to say that.

[Kia Brightstar]

Kia smiled slightly, just the faintest hint of shyness evident in her expression. Skittle was nothing like a cute nickname but it pleased her to hear his words. And dare she hope that he had been flirting? No...no, that was ridiculous. Kia banished the thought sharply. Ciaran was a fifth year. Older, wiser and attractive. Kia had no doubt that he either already had a girlfriend or was a potential boyfriend for some lucky fifth year girl. He would never even consider thinking about her as something other than the young hyper girl who had been stupid enough to yell out 'Gryffindor rules' in a park full of muggles. It was a shame but that was the way it was. The best thing Kia could do was to put any thoughts of him out of her mind and stay far-far away from him. Or maybe staying around him and adjusting to having him as only a friend would be the better option. Also, she could then see him with other girls and that should help her to get over her crush. Even though she knew that doing that would hurt far more than she would have liked.

"The most embarrassing thing I can remember Adam doing..." Kia thought through all of her memories of Adam quickly; the good, bad, humourous, irritating and just downright ugly memories. There were fourteen years of memories of her dearest and closest cousin. He had been there since her birth, a seven year old boy peering down at his new cousin and silently promising that this girl would never feel unhappy, if he could help it. "Well, there was the time he came home drunk and almost fell into the fire," Kia offered laughingly, her light blue eyes twinkling charmingly. "And another time, he attacked a boy because he thought that the boy had stolen my Skittles. And he hexed a man because he thought that he had made Kaelae cry. Both times, it turned out that Adam had made a mistake." And both time, Kia had burst into almost hysterical laughter, before rushing to comfort the young boy and to apologize to the man before ordering Adam to remove the hex. "Muggles and muggleborns are amazing," Kia nodded in agreement. "Muggles have some crazy inventions, but they make sense once you learn about them. And muggleborns have to adapt to a new world, with new customs and new food, but not once have I heard one complain." Kia glanced up at Ciaran, flicking a strand of hair away from her face and wrinkling her nose when the strand merely fell back into place. Her hair really did need to be cut, even if she hated to see some of her hair gone.

"Adam won't hurt her. Not deliberately anyway." Kia smiled reassuringly, partially understanding his concern. It was completely natural to want to protect someone you loved, whether they were older, younger or the same age. Kia would willingly give her life in an attempt to save her family and closer friends. Adam was seven years older than her but Kia would maim, maul and injure whomever dared to hurt him, just as she would for Kae. Would she do the same for Ciaran? Or even Maryn? Kia pondered silently. Maryn was one of her closer friends and Kia felt that she could trust her with most, if not all, of her secrets. Yes, Kia decided calmly. She would happily maim anyone who wanted to hurt her friend. Likewise, if anyone wanted to hurt Ciaran then she would wreak her revenge. Her first crush and newest friend would merit her protection, even if she wasn't overly powerful when it came to hexing and cursing. "Sometimes, you just need to keep things to yourself," Kia smiled in easy understanding. She kept many things from many people. No one would suspect it - after all, a hyper girl such as herself probably didn't even know the meaning of the word secret. Kia snorted silently. Piffle. - which just made it even easier to keep things to herself. If someone confronted her then Kia would probably admit it.

Kia waved a hand in easy dismissal. "The gossip loop is ridiculous. As is gossip. A person can make judgments on people that they don't even know, just because they've heard a piece of gossip. It's not right and it's not fair. But very little in this life is fair." Kia stated firmly. Gossip disgusted her, even if many people thought that she would enjoy it and indulge herself in it. "Gryffindor," Kia giggled. It was such a typical response from a Gryff and yet she could easily believe it about Ciaran. "Why am I so hyper, even without sugar." Kia repeated laughingly, not in the least offended. She had been asked that many times and had given everyone the same, monotone answer: 'because I want to be.' But she would feel bad if she gave that answer to Ciaran and so Kia contemplated the question for a minute or so. "At first, that was my personality. And now, that's what everyone expects of me." Her favourite subject. Interesting question, and one would would receive an honest answer that would probably surprise him. "Transfiguration." One of the more difficult magics at Hogwarts, but undoubtedly Kia's best subject. "Preferred career and favourite colour," Kia laughed lightly. It was a fun game, and an entertaining way to get to know a person.

[ciaran]

Ciaran gave a little laugh at Kia’s response to Adam’s most embarrassing moment. Adam getting drunk and nearly falling into a fire? Ciaran could actually picture it. However, that was odd since Ciaran didn’t know Adam personally, but it sort of fit in his head. Finnea herself was a rather funny drunk. She had a reputation actually of singing muggle songs on the bar at her favorite pub. But, that was just something Ciaran had heard from one of her friends. Ciaran smiled again as Kia continued to talk about embarrassing Adam stories. Ciaran knew Adam was protective of Kia and Kae, but it did seem a bit ridiculous for him to attack people because of that, but that was just Ciaran’s opinion. Ciaran wasn’t a trouble maker. He had never been one. Ciaran didn’t really know where he got that from. Well it certainly wasn’t from Finnea or his parents, but somehow he must have acquired it over the years. Ciaran didn’t let his thought on trouble making show on his face. No, he just laughed at Kia’s stories. “Ok then nicknames..” Ciaran said racking his brain for an idea. “Geez, I’m bad at nicknames.” He said after a moment of thinking. “I’ve got nothing.” Ciaran said putting his hands on his head and giving a laugh smiling at Kia. He was acting so stupid. Kia had to notice how odd Ciaran was acting. He just felt so odd laughing so much and not being able to think of a stupid nickname. Was Kia making him like this?

Ciaran nodded at the rest of Kia’s comments about muggles, but he chose to not respond. No, he had done enough babbling on that subject for one day. Ciaran laughed as the subject flickered back to Finnea and Adam. “Finnea will hurt him. Well, maybe I’m wrong we will see soon enough.” He laughed calmly looking over to the direction in which the two had walked. However, Ciaran couldn’t see them. He raised an eyebrow wandering how far they had gone. Oh, well. Finn could handle herself and that was a fact. Ciaran smiled as Kia said sometimes people need to keep things to themselves. He was glad Kia agreed. Ciaran found that being different from friends was a good thing, but it was just as good to agree on things as well. “The gossip loop is ridiculous? Good, because I wouldn’t be the one to know other wise.” Ciaran laughed a bit. “I know there is gossip about me, I’ve just learned to not care and not spread gossip about anyone. After all, even the silliest of gossip in the hand of a friend could probably spread to an evil rumor in the hands of a Slytherin.” Ciaran knew this was true even though he had never experienced it himself. He still knew it to be true. Ciaran smiled as Kia explained why she was so hyper without sugar. Ciaran and Kia’s conversations’ were moving fast, but Ciaran liked it that way. You covered more ground like that. Ciaran decided to give any remarks to what Kia had just said. True, Ciaran didn’t understand why Kia would want to do what other expected of her, but he didn’t want to get into a long conversation about that so Ciaran avoided the subject.

Kia’s next to questions made Ciaran smiled. He knew exactly how to answer the two. “I want to be an Unspeakable under the Department of Mysteries.” He said soundly. It was very true. Ciaran had wanted this for years even though he didn’t have a real reason as to why, but Ciaran still wanted it. This was why he worked so hard at Hogwarts. Ciaran would try as hard as he could to get want he wanted and then if he didn’t succeed, he could still feel a little good about it. Ciaran eyed Kia. “Um, I would say red but that would be a lie.” He said giving her a mischievous smile. “I wear a lot of blue and my room is blue so I guess it’s blue.” He said smiling. Ciaran started to think of two more questions for Kia. “Um, how about favorite hobby and..” He paused for a brief moment. “Favorite hiding spot at Hogwarts if you have one.” He said thinking back to his spot right by the Forbidden Forest. He loved it there right by the woods and still by the lake. He couldn’t get in trouble for being there and seldom did people venture in that area. Ciaran smiled at Kia, but he paused thinking. “I wonder where are lovely relatives are.” He said laughing a bit. “How long does it take to eat ice scream anyways?” Ciaran asked looking over where the ice scream cart was, but not seeing Finn and Adam. He shrugged looking at Kia.

((Sorry it took forever and is lacking in ideas, but that was the best I could do for the moment.))

[Kia Brightstar]

"Mm. Adam is rather like the cliche image of a true Irish drunk," Kia rolled her eyes. Her cousin was an absolute disgrace when drunk, which was the main reason Adam had stopped drinking. His pride, if not his dignity, was held close to his heart. "Then again, he's a troublemaker even when he isn't drunk." Kia added, with a wry smile. "Let no one say that my cousin isn't the perfect representation of a foolish Gryffindor. I'll bet that he drove the professors crazy with his goofing off during class, but that's just Adam. He loves to fool around but he's not stupid. Sometimes, I don't understand him but, really, he's just like me, I guess." Kia tilted her head and grinned lightly, offering a small shrug. "I'm not exactly stupid either but I don't pay much attention in class. I just get distracted so easily, and it's really hard to force myself to concentrate on something that I'm not even particularly interested in anyway." Then again, the only things that she was interested in lately were gymnastics and art. Even her friends and family had taken a back seat but Adam, maybe partially understanding, had shrugged and advised them to let her be.

"Gossip means nothing." Kia stated firmly. "Just rumours started by people who know absolutely nothing about you and believed by idiots only." Kia shrugged dismissively, absent-mindedly putting out a hand to catch Kae as she ran past before lifting her onto her lap and starting to swing. Kae, not at all annoyed about being forced to stop playing with her new friends, merely giggled happily and snuggled into her sisters body contentedly. "An Unspeakable." Kia grinned approvingly, not surprised in the least. It just seemed...Ciaran-ish. If Kia had stopped to think about the quick movement of the conversation then she might have been surprised, but it just wasn't in Kia's nature to wonder why she was opening up to a virtual stranger. "Ah, you Ravenclaw-ish Gryff!" Kia giggled, unconsciously tightening her hold on her sister slightly when Kia started to swing higher. "Blue's a good colour," Kae chimed in, defending Cia against her sister childishly. "Favourite hobby...drawing, definitely. Gymnastics have a place in my heart, but art is my first love. Portraits especially." Favourite hiding place...that, she had to think about. Not that she had none, rather that she had too many. "The girls dorm is always a good place to hide, but I much prefer a little spot by the lake. It's nice and peaceful there."

Kae poked her gently and Kia looked down questioningly, nodding slightly when she saw Adam and Finnea approaching before letting Kae down and watching her younger sister run to her cousin. Adam, ever predictable, swung the girl up into his arms and Kia smiled gently before turning to Ciaran. "Guess that answers that question. But it always means that I have to go. See you in Hogwarts, no?" Kia stood and hovered by the swing uncertainly then made her decision and dropped a quick, friendly kiss on Ciarans cheek before sprinting to her cousin and being apparated away. If Adam had seen the kiss then Kia was due a few hours of unmerciful teasing, but she could handle it. Especially when she could tease him about Finnea. Did Adam really think that she hadn't seen him kiss Finnea before Kae had ran over to them? Hah, no chance!

((I had no inspiration and so decided to end it here. But the end was all Kia's decision. *pouts* I didn't even get a chance to write my own post; she did it all. ))