So Obvious ((Dani))

[Mary Evans]

‘Well time goes in a blur – especially when writing to an annoying brat of a cousin – and I am going to be late for class so I had best get going. Talk to you later.

Sincerely

Jeremy

[/center]

Mary finished the letter from her cousin with a small smirk and refolded the heavy parchment down the middle. She slid it back into the large cream coloured envelope carefully then tossed it onto her pillow to remind herself to respond to it later. Summer was over and he was back in Durmstang while she was at Hogwarts and both were grateful to be rid of one another twenty-four-seven. It had turned out better than expected though with them managing to form something resembling a friendship though he still honestly believed she was a spoiled brat and she still thought he was a puppet of his parents and a condescending jerk.

Mary uncrossed her legs and threw them over the side of her bed so she was facing her closet and with a flick of her wand the doors opened revealing her wardrobe to her. Looking at her outfit Mary decided that it wasn’t worth changing and just grabbed a light emerald green cloak and pair of black high-heeled boots and put them on. Purse in hand Mary walked up through the common room and out of the castle. Unfortunately it wasn’t technically a Hogsmead weekend so there were no carriages waiting to bring her into the village. Mary grumbled as she passed out the gates and down the path to Hogsmead in pursuit of her favourite hobby – shopping.

First things first though she stopped in at The Three Broomsticks and got herself a cappuccino. Mary ordered at the bar and then found her way to a secluded corner booth where it wouldn’t be too loud with the usual Saturday crowd – thankful most Hogwarts students didn’t dare break the rules and go into the village when they weren't allowed so it was not overly busy. She then pulled a book out of her purse and began to read waiting for her coffee.

A short while after settling in Mary heard the bell ring and looked up to see a bunch of teenage boys leaving noisily through the door. Looking up at the bell again a minute later she saw two of them come back in. Again the bell went off and the boys left. Mary was getting rather annoyed because though she could read through anything she knew she had to look up when the bell went off lest a teacher come in or something. A moment later the boys were back and Mary rolled her eyes. Just as the bell rang one more time Mary turned in her seat toward the door but hadn’t looked up from her book yet. “In or out for goodness sakes. How pitiful lives you must live to have nothing better to do than disturb my peace and I swear to the high heavens…” Mary began harshly but trailed off when she noticed it was not in fact the boys once more. It was actually Danika – a Slytherin in the year above her who Mary knew vaguely and had spoken to a few times though not really enough to consider her a friend. “Oh thank goodness it’s you Danika I swear if it was those boys once more… Did you see them going in and out constantly like the pathetic creatures they are?” Mary asked across the pub loud enough to make sure they could hear but making no apologies to Danika for yelling at her.

[danika]

The school was too crowded on average weekends, and Hogsmead was too crowded on the weekend when normal forms or transportation from Hogwarts to the near by wizarding city was provided. It was enough to tamper with ones sanity, even if school hat yet to be in session for two months. For whatever reason, this particular morning seemed to be exceptionally irritating, so after rising, and dressing in a loose necked emerald sweater, coupled with a mid-calf length black skirt and heeled boots. When her attire for the day was set, completed with the traditional witch robes, she made her way toward Hogsmead.

Thankfully the streets were nearly abandoned, She was hardly in the mood to deal with the attitudes of a filthy mudblood who wanted something from her. She strolled down the street and turned into The Three Broomsticks, deciding at this hour in the morning she was in need of a latte. She had hardly entered when she was immediately greeted by the completely ungraceful words of a fellow Slytherin she had become acquainted with the year before. Before approaching Mary, she first went to the counter and ordered her desired drink, before moving toward the booth Mary was currently occupying and settled herself down in the seat across form her.
"You know you really shouldn't yell like that. It is hardly desirable behavior for a social setting, even if we are reduced to this excuse for a wizarding city."

[Mary Evans]

The book came out again and Mary continued her reading with no more disturbances from the boys as Danika went to get herself something from the bar. Her thoughts were disturbed though by the older girl speaking as she sat down across from Mary. Closing her book once more Mary smirked at Danika, “Oh really? And what am I supposed to do about them then Deary? Just sit in silence as they run amuck annoying me? Am I supposed to take that? Or perhaps deal with them like you chose to do with those annoying boys in the common room last time we spoke. What happened to them again? Oh yes I remember now… nothing. Yes that will certainly teach them to respect their betters. And before you say anything yes I am their better.”

Just then some young waitress came over with their drinks on a tray. She placed them down on the table and Mary picked up her cappuccino immediately. She looked over the rim of her cup at Danika as she took a sip before placing the mug back down on the table. Holding the cup between both hands Mary gave Danika an overly sweet smile. “So Danika, how is your new school year coming along? Is the OWL year really as hectic as they say?” Mary asked for want of another topic.

[danika]

She sat quietly as was proper social behavior for the moment, though her attention was not fully on the words her fellow Slytherin was saying. She remember the girl from the year before, though then she had been even further from the ideal image Salazar had in mind those months ago. At least now she had a bit more air to her. She remember a night in the common room when the girl showed a hint of promise, but was too weak to back it up. She needed more strength before she could ever be anyone.

"First, never, ever call me or anyone else for that matter deary. Its a term reserved for elderly muggles to incompetent too speak in words over two syllables. As for dealing with anyone displeases you, your a witch for Merlin's sake and I assume your family has enough money to have bought you a descent wand. When someone bothers you and there is no one around to take care of your little problem, simply pull it out and use it. In a place like this though..." She paused for a moment and looked around the room, which contained a number of students as well as wizards from around the town "I'm some someone could have been persuaded into taking care of the little problem. Now..its Mary, right? I'm afraid I never really payed enough attention to remember your name, I'm hurt that you would have thought I saw you as no better than whatever filth walks these streets...well...perhaps hurt isn't the word. Disappointed would be more suiting. As if I don't know how to judge social standings in others. Now...you are by no stretch of the imagination on the top of any list...but you are far above anyone who calls this place home."

She glanced over to see her drink placed on the table, and she looked down at the drink, telling by the aroma that it was not going to be one of the better lattes she had in her life. She really had to write her father and ask him to send her espresso beans. They always used such low grade ingredients at places like these.

Hearing Mary say something again she looked over, her expression almost as if she had forgotten she was not alone at the table. "OWLS are only a challenge for someone with only have a functioning brain. But really, can you think of no better conversation than that excuse or a school we are forced to attend? Disappointing me twice in one conversation is never a wise decision."