"White" Christmas

[Kennedy Valak S6]

Kennedy shrugged at Mary's explanation of her tendency to make herself know. Makes enough sense, he reasoned. Then, Mary gave him his question.

Without having to think much or lie for that matter, Kennedy was able to come up with an answer. He thought the question was rather easy for what he had been expecting, but he didn't complain. "My actions," he said assuredly. "What is a good idea if you can't support it with what you do? You know what they say, 'Actions speak louder than words,' or I guess in our case, ideas," he added. "Sure the mind is powerful, and great ideas are a wonderful thing, but you know as well as I do that people are known most for their actions."

Satisfied with his answer, Kennedy began to think of a question to ask Mary. He pondered thoughtfully, searching for just the right question to ask. "Hmmm..." he said aloud. "How bout this one. If you could know the exact way that your death will occur, would you want to find out?" He waited for a second and then added, "That includes how you will die, where you will die, and when you will die, along with the possible who may kill you and why they would kill you if either of those are applicable."

((Congrats on the 1,300 posts! *joins in the confetti throwing* I also got to see another friend post her 300th, I know it's far from 1,300 but still respectable... glad you are excited! *takes a look at post count and realizes that there is much ground to cover in order to even consider a celebration for a while* ))

[Mary Evans]

Mary listened to Kennedy’s answer – slightly surprised though she didn’t know why she would be. It’s not like she knew him overly well. Likely it was simply because she would have chosen the other – being known as the brains behind the operation – the one who instrumented it rather than the one performing the labour. She always saw more honour in that for some reason. But to each his or her own, honestly. The world needed both ideas and implementation to continue turning as it had these past many years. She simply nodded in acknowledgment of his answer before waiting to hear her own question.

“No.” was Mary’s knee jerk reaction. “No, I would rather not know.” She went on more calmly. “Because – what about self-fulfilling prophesies if they are wrong? Or if you go so out of your way to avoid it that you simply die another way – or worse irony that’s how you cause it to happen. Plus if you know it will always be in the back of your mind and you will be waiting for it – waiting for some sign. It’s like those people waiting for the apocalypse – sure they tell us when it happens they will be more prepared but meanwhile their whole life is wasted waiting for it. Granted, it is guaranteed we will all die someday somehow but… why make it hard than it has to be you know?” Mary explained.

“Your turn again. Truth or Dare?” Mary asked once more before glancing out the window seeing the familiar sights of the way home. They were a few hours away yet but if the game kept going as it was it would seem they make it home in no time.

[Kennedy Valak S6]

Kennedy listened to Mary's response, and nodded his head in agreement. Much of what Mary said was exactly what he was thinking. Although it would be nice to know how long you have left to live, he thought that just the knowledge itself gave too much power and at the same time provided the opportunity for great destruction. Overall, he felt Mary chose the wise decision for the answer.

The game continued, as Mary once again asked Kennedy 'Truth or dare?' He thought about it for a second, thinking of the possibilities. So far, Mary had chose the same thing he chose, so for a moment he thought of which he would want her to do again. But then he figured she would change it up eventually and pick the opposite of what he picked. Realizing he was overly analyzing the situation, he decided to bend the rules a little. "How about you chose for me," he said with a raised eyebrow. He didn't know what he was getting himself into, but by this point he was confident in his abilities. Kennedy watched to see Mary's response to his little twist. He assumed it would be one of delight, seeing that she could do whatever she wanted in this situation. Having power like this was something Kennedy assumed Mary would enjoy.

[Mary Evans]

Mary gave Kennedy a queer look as he gave her the ability to choose for him. That would take a wee bit of thought. “Well don’t expect the same option yourself. My next turn will a truth, regardless of what you do now.” She said and then smirked. What could she get him to do or say? This game was mighty useful when you had an intention but in this case the whole object of the game was to spend the time between Hogwarts and King’s Cross amused. Of course she could always use it as an opportunity to get to know Kennedy better – but of course she wanted to see him squirm as well. But she couldn’t be too cruel – he was also able to get her back in this game.

Though what were the chances that he knew how to get to her? She was quite proud of herself in fact – this year she had done quite well at making herself appear impenetrable – were this the end of last year she would be quite worried. But last year she was a weak little fool – thinking she could find the diamonds in the rough of the muggle lovers – believing that all in Hogwarts were equal and other such non-sense. Sure she still had friends in other houses – three in fact – but they were all tried and true not to mention pure.

But it wasn’t about that right now. Sure Kennedy likely knew about her exploits during her second and third year but… she had done much better this year – she believed. And it wasn’t time to be contemplating what he could hit her with – it was time to think of what she could gather from him. “You have selected truth once more, congratulations.” She then said – turning on him with a sickeningly sweet innocent smile. “What is the worst decision you have made so far this school year? And of course, why is it the worst?” She went on with a smirk.

[Kennedy Valak S6]

((OOC: Sorry the answer is sub-par, but I haven't developed my charrie enough to give a good response ))

Mary informed Kennedy that he would be choosing truth as well as her for the next turn. Then, she proceeded to ask him his question. This one was a little tougher than the first. Kennedy thought to himself, as he replayed the events of the school year in his mind. He honestly hadn't done anything spectacular. His year so far had been rather boring actually. Not wanting to sound dull though, he thought hard, searching for something to offer Mary. "Hmmm," he muttered, allowing Mary to realize he was thinking of the matter. "My worst decision this school year and why," he repeated the question. He sat a few seconds longer and strained his memory for something stupid. Then, it came to him. "I've got it," he announced. "Earlier, I ran into a younger Gryffindor girl in the library. I tried my best to let her have it, but in a way she seemed to grow on me at first. Then I realized my stupidity and ended up stopping the conversation I was having with her. I thought more about it, and realized it had been a waste of my time. To be honest though, this was at a time where I was really trying to find myself."

Kennedy stopped. He didn't know why he was sharing all of this with Mary. Once he started, he just kept going with the idea. He didn't care much what she thought, but felt that she didn't need to know any more. After that incident, Kennedy did a lot of thinking and realized he didn't have to please anybody else. Even if he didn't fit into the perfect Slytherin mold, he knew who he was and that was all that mattered. It wasn't like he was now all the sudden kind to mudbloods. He still despised them, but he felt he didn't have to show this constantly by verbalizing his feelings. Kennedy discovered that he needed to focus more on himself. He was becoming a very independent wizard and he learned to care less and less what others thought.

After answering Mary, Kennedy began to think of what he could ask her. A question immediately popped into his mind. "Now for you," he said. "If you could change just one thing about yourself, what would it be? Go ahead and tell me why too," he added "seeing that you understand the importance of know why someone feels the way they do."

[Mary Evans]

Mary rolled her eyes at Kennedy’s ‘growing period’ with a Gryffindor his ‘self discovery’ so to speak. She accepted his answer, though, without argument. If that was his answer than that was his answer. Why would he have been talking to the Gryffindor in the first place anyways, was the question on her mind. But her time to ask was over and she doubted she would bring up the subject again unless she got real strapped for questions – and knowing that Kennedy was a Slytherin like herself she doubted that would happen.

Mary then looked out the window, once more positioning herself between the seat and the wall. Her mother always got upset when she sat like that – said she was being defensive. Her mother insisted that Mary was sitting like that to “protect her back from arrows and be able to watch the whole room – as if she trusted no one”. Mary insisted she sat like that for sheer comfort. Though with her mother constantly badgering her the way she had when Mary was young it would be little wonder if she had originally sat like that to be aware of when her mother came into the room.

Kennedy then asked what Mary would change about herself if she could and Mary closed her eyes. She rested her head against the window as she thought about it – watching the light from the sun cross her eyelids again and again as trees blocked it every few moments. Mary was actually pretty content with herself, it was just her parentage she would change – though she doubted that would pass as an answer considering it was not something ‘about herself’.

She lifted her head off the glass, opened her eyes, twirled a long red strand of hair around her finger, and giggled as a thought occurred to her. Of course that wasn’t something she wanted to change in the slightest though so she went back to thinking. “Well… I suppose I would prefer if I were better able to accept “criticism”. I mean it may happen time-to-time that people don’t see the perfection that is me and I may or may not have gotten into a heated argument or two about it… with professors. So if I were better able to deal with that it may be a good thing…” Mary said with another of her patented sweet smile.

“So Kennedy, truth or dare?” Mary asked. Just then there was a rap at the door before it slid open and the woman who had been pushing the cart slid it open – her cheeks slightly more pink than usual and her hair slightly frazzled. “Anything off the trolley?” she asked and Mary smiled at her. “No thanks, I think I am fine, Kennedy?” she asked smirking at him.

[Kennedy Valak S6]

As Mary answered Kennedy's question, he thought about her response. He found it odd that she would want to accept criticism. From what Mary had revealed to him so far, Kennedy would have assumed that Mary would be apathetic toward criticism from others. However, he did understand that she may want to be more accepting of it when coming from authority figures such as professors. However, he was sure that she would disregard any criticism given to her by fellow students, especially those outside of Slytherin and worse, those who were not pure-blood.

Kennedy was about to respond with his choice for the next round just as the door opened. The candy trolley was back to order and the lady asked if they wanted anything from the cart. Kennedy had to hold back his laughter when his eyes met Mary's. "I think I'm okay too," he replied. The lady shrugged and left them alone again. Kennedy's contained laughter burst from his lips and he looked back at Mary. "Somebody is blushing a little," he joked.

"Well," Kennedy added, "seeing that everything seems back to order, I suppose it would be safe to chose dare again," he said with a grin. He was really starting to enjoy the game, and it was helping to make the time traveling go a lot faster. He figured he would be sitting, bored out of his mind, had he not decided to join Mary in the compartment.

[Mary Evans]

Mary rolled her eyes while suppressing her own giggles on seeing Kennedy try not to laugh. Not a little obvious, she thought. He then chose dare again and Mary smirked – she would need something really difficult this time. Something positively foolhardy. Something you would have to be dared to do. Either that or plain stupid.

She stood up and began to pace the compartment. She could have him sing? Nah, too easy. She could have him run around and do something? Nah, not hard enough. She could have him talk to someone? Nah, too easy plus it was kind like his kiss. She could… Yes, yes that was perfect.

Mary sat down directly across from him. She rested her elbows on her knees and placed her head on her knuckles. She game him a smirk and just sat there for a moment looking at him, as though she knew something he didn’t, which she did. “I dare you…” she drawled out, “to challenge the first sixth or seventh year Slytherin you see to a duel. So now you go on out into the hall and walk around a bit until you find one.” She said smirking – enjoying this thought far more than she should be.

((Hehe I hope you don’t mind I already asked someone to play our Slythie (they were actually kind enough to come up with the dare ) you just have to post finding him ))

[Kennedy Valak S6]

Kennedy watched anxiously as Mary got up and began pacing. He could tell she was deep in thought, searching for the perfect dare. In a way it worried him, but part of him felt ready to do anything. He suddenly had a rush of adrenaline that he couldn't explain. Mary finally seemed to have the perfect idea, as Kennedy could sense it by her expression. He listened closely as she informed him of his next task.

Kennedy's jaw dropped. He had to challenge a 6th or 7th year Slytherin to a duel. He knew this wasn't going to be good. It wasn't that he was scared, he just was afraid of being humiliated. He was a talented wizard, but was not advanced enough to take on someone who had two extra years of training. His palms started to sweat as he pulled his wand from his pocket. "Okay," he stammered. "This should be fun," he lied. With that, Kennedy walked out into the hall and peered around. There was nobody but two younger girls- most likely first years who he was sure weren't in Slytherin anyways.

Kennedy's heart began to beat faster as he walked a little farther down the hall. Still nobody around. He turned to go back and tell Mary that there were no older Slytherin students around, but just then he saw one emerge from a nearby compartment. He forced a calmness into his voice and mustered every ounce of courage he had in him, "I challenge you to a duel," he informed the student.

((OOC: My first duel ;D better go read the rules!!! ))

[draco]

Lounged in his own Compartment, Draco had his arms placed comfortably behind his head with his eyes closed as the train hurried along the tracks. "Goyle, get me something to drink." Draco ordered as his two 'thugs' sat mute in the compartment along with him. Draco didn't hear any movement. Opening his eyes he glared at Goyle. He was knocked out sleeping, and Crabbe was no where to be found. "Dunces." He shot as Draco rolled from his seat and pushed Goyle's side. "Bloody hell, you sleep like a rock!" Draco commented as he punched Goyle a few times in the arm, and yet the boy was still asleep. Mumbling under his tone he growled, "Always have to do things on my own. bloody buffoons can't even walk in a straight line or comprehend complete sentances..." Draco shook his head as a strand of his bleach blond hair fell into his face. Walking toward the sliding door, he pulled the handle and the door slid to the left. Stepping through the corridor Draco was looking down as he went through his pockets for loose coins. He knew he threw a hand full of galleons in his pocket before he boarded. Taking out his hand he counted the coins as he continuously walked to the front of the train where the cart was.

Hearing a young voice in front of him, he merely disregarded the comment, but when he saw the boy; most likely a 3rd or 4th year Slytherin; standing before him with his wand Draco stopped. He paused for a moment as a grin appeared across his face. "You must be bloody out of your mind." Draco commented half laughing. "And who in bloody hell are you to be challenging me to a duel? Dear boy, you have no right." With every word Draco drew closer to the boy. His eyes glaring into the boy's with strength and wittiness. Glaring at the kid he took his by the shoulders and threw him up against the door frame on his left side. The door shook from the body hitting the wall. Grabbing the boy's wrist, he torn his wand from his grasp. Pocketing the wand, Draco placed three galleons in his palm. "Get me three butter beers. Defiantly a better choice.. lad." Draco slapped the boys face twice as he let him go. "I'll be in my compartment. You can get your wand back when I get my drinks." With a glare and sly grin, Draco strode off back to his compartment with an arrogant walk of superiority.

[Kennedy Valak S6]

As soon as the words came out of his mouth, Kennedy realized he had made a grand mistake. The Slytherin standing in front of him was none other than Draco Malfoy! Malfoy was the meanest, most popular of all Slytherin students that Kennedy even knew of. "The name's Kennedy, Kennedy Valak," he said boldly, however he figured his response meant nothing to Draco. His assumption was correct as he was suddenly slammed up against the wall by Draco as he snatched his wand and ordered him to buy him three butter beers.

The adrenaline that was previously circulating through Kennedy's system surfaced again as he felt his face burn. He wasn't going to blindly obey someone's orders even if it was Draco Malfoy. Kennedy would have to be forced to obey. "I'm not one of your gorillas who you can order around," Kennedy said with a snarl. "So if you would be kind enough to give me back my wand, I believe I challenged you to a duel." Kennedy thought to himself, realizing he was in over his head, but he wasn't backing down without a fight. "That is unless you are afraid of losing to a fourth year," he beckoned. He didn't know why he was being so adamant, but Kennedy knew there was no backing down now.

[Mary Evans]

Mary followed about ten paces behind Kennedy as he searched for a target. She giggled, a lot, especially when he challenged Draco Malfoy to a duel. Draco was… perfect in his arrogance – as was to be expected. To his credit Kennedy did try to talk back but Malfoy simply ignored him. Mary stopped laughing a moment as Kennedy was slammed into a compartment door but she started again when he showed he was fine by speaking once more. She simply hoped nobody would come out to investigate the crash – especially not a professor. Malfoy ignored Kennedy’s calls and Mary rolled her eyes. Once Draco was gone she walked over and took Kennedy’s arm in her hand. “Come on, Superman, we had best get those drinks so you can get your wand back and we will be able to finish our game.”

Holding onto his sleeve Mary started walking toward the very front where the trolley lady would likely be – she would drag Kennedy if need be. Standing up for yourself was one thing but catcalling a Malfoy – especially while wandless – was completely another.

[Kennedy Valak S6]

Kennedy hung his head as Draco ignored him and walked back in his compartment. Mary, who had been observing the scene, came over and advised Kennedy that he had best get the drinks. Knowing that she was right, Kennedy kicked the wall in anger. He knew that Draco didn't go back into his compartment because he was afraid, but rather because he knew that a duel against Kennedy would prove nothing and only have the possibility of getting caught. This angered Kennedy. He hated the thought of defeat, especially since he was so competitive and prideful.

"Guess you're right," he acknowledged Mary in a mellow tone. At least Kennedy knew he had his pride in the fact that he at least tried to stand up to Draco. Regardless that in the end Draco won, Kennedy felt better about knowing that he attempted standing up to him, and he also knew it was probably best that Draco ignored his attempt.

The two caught up with the trolley lady, and Kennedy handed her the galleons. "Three butter beers please," he said in a defeated voice. They exchanged goods, and Kennedy slowly walked back to the compartment where Draco awaited. He felt lower than a rat entering the compartment, but he did so anyways. Handing the drinks to Draco, he snatched his wand back and, with as much spite that was left in him, he muttered sarcastically, "Here are your drinks sir."

Kennedy walked back over to the compartment with Mary. He knew she was probably howling with laughter inside. How could she not be? Still bitter, Kennedy slammed the door shut and tried to put it behind him. "I guess at least I survived- right?" he said, putting a small grin back on his somber face.

"So what do you say, truth or dare?"

[Mary Evans]

A defeated Kennedy walked to get the drinks and Mary was slightly perturbed. It was all supposed to be in good fun, wasn’t it? Sure nobody liked to play the fool but that was the whole point of the dare – he knew the moment he agreed to it he wouldn’t be coming out on top. Of course boys just needed to pout sometimes so she said nothing the whole way to the trolley and then back to Draco’s compartment. Mary watched him intently – surely he must not have expected to win in this encounter? Perhaps he was upset with her for setting the dare and that’s why he wasn’t speaking to her? Well that’s just childish. If there was one thing in the world Mary refused to put up with it was being ignored.

Mary was actually beginning to feel offended when they reached the compartment and Kennedy had yet to speak. She sat down in a huff and shuddered a little when the door slammed – she hated loud noises. Mary immediately calmed as Kennedy finally spoke.

“Yes, you survived. You did quite well might I add. Who would have known it was Malfoy nearest us? Granted I doubt any other upperclassman would have been any nicer… But that’s not the point.” Mary told him with a sort of sympathetic smile. She was actually beginning to like Kennedy as she got to know him through the game. ((Just as friends, no worries )) “I think I will go with truth this time.”

[Kennedy Valak S6]

Mary complimented Kennedy on his dare, and this brought a smile back to his face. He really didn't think she cared much. Rather, he figured she was simply enjoying the entertainment instead of his company. Maybe he was wrong.

She informed him that she would be choosing truth. Not thinking of much else besides what just happened, Kennedy easily thought of a question. "What would you have done in my case?" he asked. "Had Draco given you the galleons with the order to get him drinks would you have simply obeyed him or would you have tried sticking up for yourself as I did?" This wasn't a tough question, Kennedy knew that. He just wanted to see what Mary's response would have been. Simple enough, the answer he figured may say a lot about her. "Oh, and why," he added with a smile- this time, however, his smile was real. Through all the drama, scheming, and chaos that he and Mary were experiencing, Kennedy realized he was having... fun.

"After you answer, I will be choosing truth as well. Don't think I'm quite ready for another encounter like that one," he chuckled.

[Mary Evans]

Mary smirked at Kennedy’s question – easy. “Were it me, and were it Pansy or any of the Queens, or even Malfoy I suppose though I don’t know he would have behaved the same were you a girl, I would accept it. There’s no use fighting back – they are older, more experienced, and of age to use magic whenever they wish. I, on the other hand, would be defenceless the moment we stepped off the train.

“They are used to getting their way and there is nothing I could do about it. When we are upperclassmen then no I would never take it, but for now I would do exactly as they say.

“Plus, it’s just a game. It’s not like either of you did something to deserve being put in that place – so you really have nothing to prove. It’s a game plain and simple. Not like he is going to remember who it was tomorrow anyways – only people who know what happened really is the two of us – and it’s not like we are going to go shouting it about. So yes, I would follow just as I am told.” Mary explained with little though.

A truth, a truth, what could she ask about now? “What would you rather, have forever to spend with someone not knowing the truth of your relationship or to know them and know that you love them and that they love you too but your time is up and now you have to say goodbye? And of course, the infamous why?” Mary asked him.

((Though it's not in the post Mary is going to go with dare next so if you want you can just dare her rather than asking )

[Kennedy Valak S6]

Just back down and listen to them. It was something that Kennedy couldn't swallow. Sure Mary made good points, but Kennedy knew he was too prideful. He would rather have been punched a few times by the older Slytherin students than to have been their silly waiter. That was in the past though.

Mary's question was interesting. It was something that Kennedy really had never thought much about. He hadn't ever been 'in love,' so that made it even harder for him to answer. He thought about it and finally came to a decision. "I would chose love," he said, almost in a way that made it seem as if he had to convince himself. "Yeah... love. Even if you had forever with somebody but you didn't know that you loved each other, I'm sure it would be miserable." Kennedy thought about his answer. "Of course living forever would be kind of nice," he joked, "but even that would have its disadvantages." The concept was very deep, and Kennedy was sure that he barely even scratched the surface when thinking about all the outcomes and possibilities. It was something that he was inexperienced with though, and truthfully he didn't care much. In a way, he was almost bitter about the topic of love, for he felt as if it was something he lived without, yet longed to find out what it was like.

Kennedy thought about Mary's next dare. He had to think of something good... no great. It wasn't that he wanted revenge on Mary. Rather he was just sick of him being the only one who was being humiliated. It was time for him to get a good laugh. "I suppose it's time that I give you a good dare," he said with a smirk. "That last one was rather easy."

"How about this," he added with a hint of victory in his eyes. "It is kind of like the first dare you gave me, but a little worse. You have to find any boy that is at least a 5th year or older and not in Slytherin. Then, you have to get him to kiss you. A little more difficult than just plastering a kiss on the first boy you see," he added. Kennedy was anxious to see Mary complete this dare. He had no doubt in her abilities, but he figured it would be amusing to see her persuasion skills at work on an older boy.

[Mary Evans]

Her jaw dropped as Kennedy announced his dare for her. “You expect me to do what? You expect an Evans to degrade herself so much as to kiss a muggle loving fool – worse you expect me to try and get one to kiss me!” Mary sputtered indignant. She had half a mind not to do it. But then he had challenged Malfoy to a duel… She supposed she did owe him something for that.

“Fine.” Mary said standing up deftly with a stoic kind of smile. “I will do it.” She walked out the doors and automatically started going further towards the front. She heard older voices talking - likely the professors – and though of going back.

But then again… they were all older than fifth year right? Only Snape would be considered a Slytherin too… Plus then she doesn’t have to worry about how to tell them it was just a dare and now she wants them to shove off…

On a sudden impulse Mary “fell” in her high heels. She knocked into the glass of a compartment door. She screamed as she tumbled into the door and her head “accidentally” hit the floor. It was harder than Mary expected it to so she likely really did have a red mark on the right side of her forehead. Biting her lip as hard as possible – bringing tears to her eyes.

Though her gaze was blurry Mary saw someone with red hair standing over her as she sat there on the floor. “I tripped.” She got out meekly letting her cheeks turn incredibly rosy – she would always swear she blushed on purpose – even though she had no control over it. “My head is pounding,” she said through tears as she reached up grabbing any part she could clasp of the older male – pulling herself up right in front of him. She fit herself into him crying on his shirt whether he wanted to let her or no. Being only 5’3” Mary only reached his chest.

[Kennedy Valak S6]

Kennedy loved to see Mary squirm because it meant he had done well at choosing a dare. He couldn't wait to see her follow through with it.

Watching as Mary entered the hall in search of a victim, Kennedy observed her every move. Wonder what she will do this time, he thought excitedly, as he knew she would most likely glide through the dare smoothly. She had already proved herself once, and Kennedy had picked up on her cleverness throughout the game so far.

Noticing that Mary had stopped at what seemed to be a compartment filled with adults, Kennedy stood confused. What the bloody hell is she doing!? he thought. He watched as she tripped, and he almost rushed over to help her up, but then it hit him. Ohhh... she is SMOOTH! Kennedy thought to himself, as he shook his head in disbelief. It was obvious to Kennedy that Mary had faked her fall, but he watched as one of the adults, oblivious to her scheme, exited the compartment with intentions of helping Mary.

[Bill Weasley]

Bill strolled up and down the trains corridor with a keen eye out for any trouble. After what happened on the train in September, Bill was determined not to let anything happen this time. Of course, Bill couldn't help but reminisce as he looked in each compartment to check on the students. It had been a while since he had ridden the train as a student, but he could still remember all the fun he had on his way back and forth to Hogwarts. The train rocked familiarly beneath his feet as he continued down the corridor. He had almost lost his balance a couple of times as the train has slowed down at a few crossings.

Tiring of his walk, Bill lounged against on the trains walls as a few first years ran by. " Hey, slow down!" The kids looked back at Bill with horror on their faces and they slowed their gait. Bill smirked. God, I'm starting to feel like a prefect again, he thought to himself. Absent mindedly, he took his wand, and with it's tip, he scratched himself behind the ear. His grin only broadened more across his face as he realized what he had just done. " Moody would of had my hide if he saw me do that," he said out loud to himself.

Hearing a thud and a scream to his right, he got up and walked a small bit down the corridor. A girl, probably pushing her fifth year, was laying in the hallway crying. As he approached her, she began to pull at his clothing. " Hey, hey. It's okay," Bill tried to say in a soothing voice. The girl continued to wail. I'm not good at these types of things, he thought to himself glumly. Helping the girl right herself, he wondered too himself how she could wear heels like those. " You okay? Let's see now. Bumps, bruises..." He looked the girl over to make sure she was fine. " No broken bones it seems like..." Looking down at the crown of her head, she did seem to have a bit of a gash on her head. Lowering his head, he let his lips brush the top of her head in a kiss. " There you should be better now. If you need anything, I will be up farther in the corridor." He let the girl go, and walked back up the corridor.