Looking Back (Aurora and anyone else)

[Ethan Jacobs G5]

Ethan packed his books and clothes back into his trunk rather sadly. He was going back home, which would normally be great, but somehow it just plain sucked. He had an amazing time at Hogwarts during his fourth year, and hoped next year would be even better. He thought back to the countless times he had roamed the castle at night, barely dodging Filch and his stupid cat, Mrs. Norris. What kind of name is Mrs. Norris, anyway? Ethan thought to himself. I bet the stupid creature was named after Filch's mum! There were no other ladies in his home I bet! Ethan thought with a chuckle. He remembered the night he had snuck out of the castle to find Mrs. Norris waiting just outside. She started meowing for Filch, who appeared within seconds after Ethan had cunfunded the horrid thing. Filch hadn't seen Ethan who was hiding just behind a large bush nearby, so Ethan decided to do the same thing he did to his ugly cat. Ethan laughed as he remembered Filch standing there like a complete idiot, scratching his head. He also remembered the time he had tried to go on a date with two girls at once in Hogsmeade. He ran around the entire village going from Madame Puddifoot's, to The Three Broomsticks, and back again. He had gotten away with it that night, but the next day, he got slapped hard in the face by both girls, who happened to be sisters. He laughed as he placed the last sock into his trunk, closed it tightly, and placed Benny's cage right on top of it. The house elves would bring it down to the train. Ethan thought of his own house elf, Marty. He was a great elf. Always did whatever Ethan asked, even though they had set him free ages ago. His mum didn't feel right ordering him around and not paying him for it. She had always been kind to magical creatures. Ethan's dad was too. Last year, all three of the Jacobs had a talk with Marty and offered him a a pair of shorts, a t-shirt, socks and shoes, and a five galleon a week salary if he wished to stay with the family. Marty appreciated the gesture, but insisted he would stay without pay. They had agreed, and all was well. Ethan couldn't wait to see little Marty again. He was like a friend to Ethan, back before he was to young even to go to muggle school. They were still close, but Marty was no longer his only friend. He had many others now.

As he walked out of the portrait hole and bade goodbye to all of his dorm mates, he walked onto the train of the Hogwarts Express. Many of the carriages were full, save for one in the very back that had only one girl sitting inside. This suited Ethan fine, for he loved to be surrounded by beautiful women. He sat down and noticed the girl to be Aurora Chan, a sixth year Hufflepuff who Ethan had heard of, but never had the pleasure of meeting.

"Hey, I'm Ethan Jacobs. I don't know if you've heard of me, I know I've heard some very nice things about you, and so far, the rumor I heard about you being beautiful is definitely true." Ethan gave one of his famous smiles and kept on talking, almost positive the girl probably wouldn't be paying attention, she was probably too busy staring at him.

"I'm a fifth year Gryffindor, and I've got to say, it took a lot of bravery to tell you what was on my mind, so I hope you don’t just leave me hanging here."

((Sorry if there are any minor spelling errors, spell checker isn’t working and this computer doesn’t have word))

[Aurora Chan]

“C’mon, let’s go.” Aurora smiled brightly at Harmony as she met her younger cousin in the Hufflepuff Common Room, trunks and pets by their sides. No doubt Ariane and Leo were doing the same in the Gryffindor area, also preparing to leave for the Express. Aurora could hardly believe it was the last day of school, that summer was already upon them, and that now they were going home all over again. How time had flown over the last year, and so many memories had been stored up in her mind. Aurora had to admit, the year wasn’t entirely lovely; there had been her aunt’s death, and Ariane’s attack, coupled with those dreadful OWLs. But now it was over, and it was truly a new beginning. Aurora smiled to herself as she made her way down to the Hogwarts entrance with Harmony by her side; Helix twittered softly in her cage whilst Dori lay peacefully within her carry case. Aurora would miss Hogwarts during the summer, but the holidays also meant meeting up with the band, and also, more importantly, Daniel. He was always on Aurora’s mind, despite the fact she always denied this, and a part of her was slightly nervous this time, because Ariane and Harmony would be introduced to him. Harmony of course had no idea who he was, but Ariane… Aurora told her cousin and best friend everything, and no doubt Ari would be investigating Daniel like a suspicious detective. The thought was rather amusing, yet nerve wrecking at the same time.

Aurora and Harmony separated when they reached the station, because Harmony had to go find her sister and Leo, leaving Aurora to set off in search of an empty compartment. Finally, right at the back of the carriage, she chanced upon one, and claimed it with a grin. Plopping herself down by the window and looking out at the view of the looming Hogwarts castle, Aurora gave a fond, sad smile at it, before heaving Helix’s cage beside her on the seat, and Dori’s carry case in front of her. Propping her chin in her hands, Aurora wondered how life would be now with Ariane and Harmony living with them. Of course, she didn’t mind; in fact, she was excited about the thought. But daily life with them would certainly be different, plus her mother was going to be working now too. Although she was slightly worried about how her cousins would fit in, Aurora had never had a big family, and the concept of one thrilled her. She was sure her parents and Leo would make them feel comfortable, and they’d be fine in no time. Aurora would make sure of it.

Aurora was suddenly jerked out of her thoughts at the sound of the compartment door opening, and looked up with a smile, thinking it was Harmony, back with Ari and Leo. However, she was met with the face of a boy, who came in and sat down, but Aurora maintained her grin nonetheless, even though she knew now that they’d have to find another area. She had never been rude enough to chase someone away from her compartment, but she was aware Ari would not be happy. Aurora gazed at the younger boy for a moment, before finally placing him in her mind. Ethan Jacobs, a Gryffindor… in the year below. He had a reputation for being a little cocky and very flirtatious, and Aurora found herself smiling despite herself. Men like him were rather amusing to be around; although Aurora didn’t find her attracted to guys like Ethan, their personalities were funny, that was for sure. However, before she could even say hello, Ethan had launched into conversation, surprising Aurora with his bold, forward personality. She absorbed his words with a gradually widening grin, before laughing when he finally finished talking.

“Yes, I know who you are! It’s nice to meet you Ethan. I obviously don’t need to introduce myself, but I’ll tell you my name anyway. Aurora. Chan.” Aurora extended a hand with a friendly smile. “Hufflepuff, going into sixth year. My, my, you certainly live up to your reputation!” She laughed merrily, brushing away a strand of hair from her twinkling eyes. “You don’t beat around the bush! I can’t believe you’ve heard of me… and I’m sure they can’t be good things if they’re rumours, right?” Aurora gave an amused smile at her company. His flirtatious advances weren’t going to work on her, but she’d be happy to parry him in conversation nonetheless. She had never been shallow enough to fall for stuff like that, and the only guy she’d ever liked was Daniel… Aurora supposed Ethan was a pretty smooth talker and could reel in girls by the minute; that’s what the rumours she had heard claimed anyway. He seemed an interesting enough guy, and he certainly didn’t lack in the looks department. Aurora had to admit he had a very charming smile. “And I’m sure I’m not that beautiful, but by all means, continue flattering me, I’m definitely not complaining.” Anyone else would be staring at Ethan like he was crazy now, and Aurora had been caught off guard a little with his upfront personality, but she had eased into it quite comfortably. “Of course I won’t leave you hanging. I wouldn’t turn down such charming advances. It’s been a while since someone flirted with me so openly.” Aurora smiled honestly, leaning her cheek against her palm. “But you can’t expect me to believe that took a lot of bravery! You exacted that perfectly! You’re too much of a smooth talker for me to believe you found talking to me nerve wrecking.” Aurora teased lightly, before sending a playful wink at Ethan.

[Ethan Jacobs G5]

“Yes, I know who you are! It’s nice to meet you Ethan. I obviously don’t need to introduce myself, but I’ll tell you my name anyway. Aurora. Chan.” Aurora extended a hand with a friendly smile. “Hufflepuff, going into sixth year. My, my, you certainly live up to your reputation!” She laughed merrily, brushing away a strand of hair from her twinkling eyes. Ethan couldn't help but notice they were just like her cousins. Most guys wouldn't waste their time with girls like the Chans, but Ethan thought a second without a girl was wasted time enough.

“You don’t beat around the bush! I can’t believe you’ve heard of me… and I’m sure they can’t be good things if they’re rumors, right?” Aurora gave an amused smile. He knew this girl wasn't all that interested in him, but he continued to talk anyway. If that would make the girl happy, then why not? Although, if it really bothered her, Ethan had sense enough to stop.

"Now, that's a very common misconception. Rumors are not always bad you see. Take the one about you having a sparkling personality. My friend in the next year told me that one. Seems to be true, and I don't see why it's a bad thing!"

“And I’m sure I’m not that beautiful, but by all means, continue flattering me, I’m definitely not complaining.” Ethan was surprised. She was almost as good as him, when it came to talking to the opposite gender. He was impressed, most girls that were Huffies normally just blushed (which was just fine, Ethan rather liked girls that blushed. He thought it was cute.) and silently accepted his compliments.

"Well then, miss Aurora, I think there's something wrong with your mirror if you do not think you are beautiful. Remind me to hurt the horrible person that bewitched it." He smiled and gave her a wink.

“Of course I won’t leave you hanging. I wouldn’t turn down such charming advances. It’s been a while since someone flirted with me so openly.” Aurora smiled honestly, leaning her cheek against her palm. “But you can’t expect me to believe that took a lot of bravery! You exacted that perfectly! You’re too much of a smooth talker for me to believe you found talking to me nerve wrecking.”

"You're right, as you may have heard I do this a lot. Most people think it's horrible, but I never pass up an opportunity to make a girl's day. Look how happy it's made you!" Ethan smiled.

"I like to think I'm doing a huge favor to the ladies at Hogwarts, and at home. Although, I've got to say, I'm running low on male friends. Most of them are quite mad at me." Ethan shrugged. "It's a price you've got to pay, I'll say." Aurora winked playfully.

"OOO, I didn't see that coming. Well, thank you anyway, for not leaving me hanging. I appreciate it. I can't tell you how many other girls have just walked away and ignored my well thought-out compliments. I mean really, who could turn down such good looks?"

[Loki Fen'Rolphus G6]

Loki hummed as the through the last bits of his things into his trunk. Everyone in his room had already packed and left, it was just Loki now. He was taking his time taking down all of his ‘rights for werewolves’ posters, wanting his dorm mates to see them as they left. Making a lasting impression on people was definitely one of the things Loki strived to do. For the past two years he’d been trying to get the word around that segregation among wizard kind and werewolf kind was wrong. Aside from his nice little, discreet protest, Loki was just plain slow. Packing and doing various works like that? Just…he didn’t want to do it. Loki was a huge procrastinator, which would explain why he had actually only started packing about five minutes prior to when he should have been finished. Loki’s head was just….so full of other things he didn’t have time to spend thinking about mundane tasks. Packing just…wasn’t his number one priority. On the contrary, his number one priority had been going around to everyone he knew and saying good bye. This of course, with a school the size of Hogwarts, had taken him all afternoon and he had still not said good bye to everyone. None the less, Loki may have been lazy, but when something needed doing he would get it done. He had started his packing late, but was finished in no time. How hard is it to just throw your things into a trunk? Not hard at all.

Loki had a pretty good feeling that he was the last one to the train and knew he’d have a hard time finding a seat. This didn’t bother him much. He was one of those kids who could pretty much be friends with anyone. And hey, being shoved in a compartment with a kid he didn’t know would be nothing more then an adventure. As long as it wasn’t a Slytherin. Loki had done his best this year to really…get around. He’d befriended people from three out of the four houses, but that’s not saying he didn’t try to befriend people from all four houses. It seemed that the Slytherins in particular were even more cold to him in specific then they were to the other Gryffs, and Loki knew why. He hadn’t been vocal about his Lycanthropy for long, but as soon as he had opened his mouth about it word has spread like wild fire. In most cases, this didn’t change people’s opinions of Loki. Many of these kids had been friends with him for years and so this little bit of information was more…surprising then anything else. All in all, the werewolf situation in the world was generally getting better. Since the fall of You-Know-Who the wizarding community had…taken to being much more excepting. Of course, there were exceptions, and many of them seemed to reside in Slytherin house. The taunting and name calling didn’t bother Loki too much though; he’d taken to growling at the rude kids. That shut them up real good.

Loki made his way, slowly might I add, down the train, peeking in compartments, waving at people he knew, and occasionally opening the door to say something to someone. He at least recognized a face in almost all of the compartments. Most of the times though, the nice little rooms were filled with friends and there was no room for Loki. Nearer the back however, Loki looked into a compartment and smiled. Inside he saw two kids he knew pretty well. Aurora Chan was a Puff in his year, he’d talked to her a few times before, had some classes with her. The kid sitting across from her was a kid in his house, but a year younger then him. Ethan Jacobs; Loki had to hold back a laugh. He stood in the doorway for a few minutes and watched a few winks take place and once again, held back a laugh. It was common knowledge that Ethan was a little flirt who had smooth talked just about every fourth year girl in Gryffindor. Loki had to admire his confidence, but at the same time…it was just downright humorous. Finally, containing his laughter, Loki pushed open the compartment door and slid right into the seat next to Jacob. He put his arm around the kid and smiled at Aurora before looking back to Ethan. “Kid I must say, you’re bold.” He finally laughed and patted him on the back before sitting back and smiling across the way again. “And how might you be this fine last day of school Miss Chan? I do hope our little romantic prodigy wasn’t being too much of a handful.”

[Aurora Chan]

Aurora giggled softly, hearing what Ethan had to say about her. “Now which friend said that? I’ll have to go and ask him or her exactly what they said.” Aurora admonished in an amused tone, her thoughts flicking through her several acquaintances in her year. She supposed “sparkling personality” did describe her rather well, and it definitely made her smile to hear this younger boy say it. Though she had no idea who on earth had described her that way. As Ethan continued to knock back more compliments, Aurora sat back and smiled in amusement. “I wouldn’t say it’s horrible.” She finally drawled slowly, thinking over the matter in extent. “It’s just… not many girls would appreciate it. I find it all in good jest, as you can see. As long as you’re not trying to… what’s the best term? Get me into bed.” Aurora’s hands waved away the comment as quickly as she had said it with a shake of her head and a wry smile. “As long as your flirting doesn’t have any other intentions, it’s all a bit of fun. It’s boys, or men, that want to take advantage of you, that are in the wrong. And lots of people are on guard for that. I also know lots of conservative girls who either are already very loyal to boyfriends, or just can’t stand being flirted with.”

Aurora gave a casual shrug, as though unsure of how to explain it to Ethan. “Take my cousin for example. Ariane. She’s in my year, Gryffindor. She would murder you on the spot if you tried it on her.” Aurora grinned warningly. “My advice? Stay away from Ariane Chan. She is one scary girl. Do you know who she is?” Aurora brushed a finger through her hair, peering down at it with flickering eyelashes. “Hm… You know Ethan, some girls probably think it’s horrible because you woo them casually without them realising you’re not serious, and when they fall for you, you’re already onto another girl. We girls get hurt easily.” Aurora tried not to frown as an image of Daniel popped into her head, swimming around hauntingly. “We’re all too sensitive, and boys aren’t much so. Your personality just isn’t… loyal enough, on the outside. It seems a bit like you’re playing us.” Aurora finally stated her advice, calmly looking Ethan in the eye. “I’m not offending you on purpose, just giving you the opinion of a normal girl, one which you might not have realised. Or maybe you do, but don’t mind.” Aurora chuckled with a soft sigh. “The heart is a delicate thing.” She admitted finally in quiet tones.

”No wonder your male friends are mad at you!” Aurora laughed humorously now, dispelling the odd tone she had set with her serious words. “You’re stealing all us girls away. Tut tut.” She reprimanded Ethan lightly. “And don’t think looks will get you anywhere, Ethan Jacobs. Because we girls, well… a lot of us, anyway, are not as shallow and easy as we look.” She flashed him another playful wink, before the slide of the compartment door alerted Aurora to an incoming presence. Perhaps it would be her friends this time? But no, Aurora’s gaze met another familiar one, this time belonging to another Gryffindor boy, but in her year. “Loki!” Aurora exclaimed, recognising the boy and watching as he slid in smoothly. Loki Fen’Rolphus had a couple of lessons with her, and was a pretty decent guy she knew rather well; she was one of few that supported his view on equality for werewolves, though she couldn’t say many other people did. “Glad you could join us.” Perhaps a part of Aurora inside breathed a small sigh of relief that she didn’t have to remain alone with Ethan anymore, with his flirtatious ways. It was funny, of course, but flirting had its limits with Aurora, a girl whose luck in romance was pretty much zero. She gave a small laugh as Loki spoke, the sight of the two boys causing her lips to quirk into a small smirk. “I’m lovely, thank you, Loki. And Ethan here has been entertaining me greatly. Haven’t you, Ethan?” Aurora giggled with another wink, “I’m afraid you won’t get far with me though, will he, Loki?” She turned to her friend again with a smile. “So, Loki, how are you? It’s been a while since I spoke to you. Are you the culprit who has been informing everybody that I have a ‘sparkling personality’? Because that’s very bad of you!” Aurora scolded jokingly.

[Esmeralda Mendez]

Aurora giggled softly, hearing what Ethan had to say about her. “Now which friend said that? I’ll have to go and ask him or her exactly what they said.” Ethan chuckled and put his feet up on a vacant chair next to him.

"Ah, now if I told you that, I'd have even less real friends than I do already, my friend has quite the crush on you. He often compares you to a beautiful firecracker...oddly enough, that is a compliment." Ethan flashed Aurora another wink.

“I wouldn’t say it’s horrible.” She finally said, in a much more serious tone. “It’s just… not many girls would appreciate it. I find it all in good jest, as you can see. As long as you’re not trying to… what’s the best term? Get me into bed.” Ethan laughed and said with a smile,

"Now that is never my intention." This was honestly a very truthful statement. He knew he was much too young for that. A simple kiss, however, wouldn't hurt. Ethan smiled to himself, wondering if Aurora was a good kisser.

“As long as your flirting doesn’t have any other intentions, it’s all a bit of fun. It’s boys, or men, that want to take advantage of you, that are in the wrong. And lots of people are on guard for that. I also know lots of conservative girls who either are already very loyal to boyfriends, or just can’t stand being flirted with.”

"I come across that kind a lot, they just don't seem to get I'm doing them a favor. I always say, simple flattery will make any girl's day. I can't tell you how many beautiful girls think of themselves as ugly. I may be a very open flirt, but I'm always honest. I will never tell a girl she is beautiful if it is not true."

“Take my cousin for example. Ariane. She’s in my year, Gryffindor. She would murder you on the spot if you tried it on her.” Aurora grinned warningly. “My advice? Stay away from Ariane Chan. She is one scary girl. Do you know who she is?”

"Ah yes, I learned that lesson the hard way in the middle of my third year. I've never been so mortally offended by a beautiful girl in my life."

“Hm… You know Ethan, some girls probably think it’s horrible because you woo them casually without them realising you’re not serious, and when they fall for you, you’re already onto another girl. We girls get hurt easily.”

"You know, Aurora, most girls know better than to take me seriously. They take my honest comliments with a thank you, and go on with their day. Those who don't...well, lets just say I give away more honest apologies than I do honest compliments."

“We’re all too sensitive, and boys aren’t much so. Your personality just isn’t… loyal enough, on the outside. It seems a bit like you’re playing us.” Aurora said, she was giving him a lot of good advice, too bad he heard the same exact words come out of his mother's mouth, just days before he left on his fourth year.

“I’m not offending you on purpose, just giving you the opinion of a normal girl, one which you might not have realised. Or maybe you do, but don’t mind.” Ethan smiled again.

"I'm not offended at all, I enjoy hearing the girl's opinion on my flirtatious ways. I like to think I know a lot about girls, but even I don't know everything."

”No wonder your male friends are mad at you!” Aurora laughed humorously now, dispelling the odd tone she had set with her serious words. “You’re stealing all us girls away. Tut tut.” Ethan chuckled.

"I wouldn't really call it stealing, I would just say borrowing. It sounds much nicer. And plus, if a girl tells me she's seeing someone, I normally don't go any farther than my harmless compliments, which seems to tick their boyfriends off enough. They go by my reputation, not by what I've actually done to offend them."

“And don’t think looks will get you anywhere, Ethan Jacobs. Because we girls, well… a lot of us, anyway, are not as shallow and easy as we look.” She flashed him another playful wink, and then the compartment door slid open. Ethan looked to see who it was, and noticed it was his friend, Loki. Loki was a year older than Ethan, but also in Gryffindor house. Ethan removed his feet from the seat as his belongings appeared with a pop inside the compartment and the train began to move, leaving Hogsmeade station behind. Ethan rose from his seat to put his belongings away and Aurora began to converse with Loki.

“Loki!” Aurora exclaimed.

“Glad you could join us.” Aurora seemed slightly relieved that she and Ethan weren't alone anymore, but Ethan took little notice as he greeted Loki as well.

“I’m lovely, thank you, Loki. And Ethan here has been entertaining me greatly. Haven’t you, Ethan?” Aurora giggled with another wink, “I’m afraid you won’t get far with me though, will he, Loki?” She turned to her friend again with a smile. “So, Loki, how are you? It’s been a while since I spoke to you. Are you the culprit who has been informing everybody that I have a ‘sparkling personality’? Because that’s very bad of you!” Aurora scolded jokingly.

"Why yes I have!" Ethan said proudly. "And by the way, he's not the one that said those kind words about you being a firecracker...unless he fancies you too?" Ethan gave a smile in Loki's direction as he sat back down in his seat.

"So Loki, do you fancy Aurora? Because I think a certain someone would be very angry if you did." Ethan winked at Aurora again as he sat back in his chair.

[Loki Fen'Rolphus G6]

Loki waved happily at Aurora in response to her exclamation. If there was one thing Loki loved it was being recognized. He made it his job to meet as many people as possible, and get them to remember him. Loki however, had trouble with names, and he was surprised he remembered these two. Well…nah, not so much. He talked to them often enough. It was typical of Loki however, to meet a group of five or more people at a time. He had a habit of skipping up to gaggles of friends and inserting himself into their conversation. By the end of it however, he made sure that everyone in that group could tell him his name. What’s my name? “Loki” Goooood… It was his thing to make sure people knew who he was. He didn’t really care if they liked him or not, he just wanted to make sure they knew his name. He did well with faces. He could look at a kid and know if he met them or not, and how he had met him, and he could almost recall their conversation completely, but he wouldn’t be able to name the kid. Loki nodded happily when Aurora welcomed him. “Glad to be here.” He chuckled and grinned as Aurora told him she was doing well and that Ethan had been entertaining her. There was no doubting that. Ethan had quite the reputation of being a ladies man. Or well…boy. Ladies boy was the more proper term. Or at least, the one Loki felt like using. Loki watched Ethan get up to put away his things and he smirked slightly. “Ethan, boy, since you’re up…” By the time Loki had begun to speak, Ethan had just taken his seat again, but…well Loki just wasn’t in the mood to care. He pulled out his wand and slid the compartment door open with his foot, levitating his trunk inside with them. “Mind putting mine up too?” He smiled hopefully at the younger student.

Where Loki was one hundred percent for equal rights between werewolves and wizards…he wasn’t so much a supporter of equal rights for all aged students. Loki was, on the contrary, a huge supporter of the superiority concept. Rights by passage. Respect for your age. That sort of thing. It wasn’t that Loki disliked younger students; on the contrary, he tended to enjoy the company of younger students, and thrived on their energy and humor. Loki just felt that younger students had their place. Ethan, in this case, had his place. Loki didn’t really feel like getting up to put his trunk up…so why not ask Ethan to do it? Technically, at this point in his life, he was slowly moving up the ladder, but he was still not at the top yet. Even more technically, Loki wasn’t either…but being on his way to his sixth year…in his mind…gave him the right to sort of…be above the new fifth years. He wasn’t arrogant about it. He would never throw it in someone’s face. But he did have a habit of talking down to younger students. Especially on a day like today when he was just in an all around good mood. “Thanks a bunch.” He added before Ethan had even agreed yet. He didn’t really mind, if Ethan refused, Loki would put up his own trunk…but that wouldn’t exactly make Ethan look very good. Eh, Loki didn’t care either way. He was just hoping he wouldn’t have to move. Loki listened to Aurora and then nodded, smirking slightly. “I’d say yes to that Aurora, I can’t see our little flirt here getting very far with a girl like you.” He chuckled. “She’s a little out of your league Ethan.” He added to Ethan before turning back to Aurora to continue their conversation.

“It has been a while hasn’t it? I’m doing just fine, almost missed the carriages down here I think, but no matter.” He smiled and then raised an eyebrow. “Well Aurora, if I have been telling people that why would I tell you if it’s going to get me in trouble?” He laughed and then heard Ethan speak again and he turned back to the kid. “Fancy Aurora? No, no, I actually believe she’s a bit out of my league as well.” He laughed and then smirked. “Someone might be mad? Oh dear me would that be you Mr. Jacobs? Jealousy flaring up?” He nudged the boy with his elbow and then rolled his eyes as Ethan winked again, turning back to Aurora. “Good gracious, what is with you two and winking? It’s like you both have some permanent twitch.”

[Aurora Chan]

“Now I simply must find out who this darling boy is.” Aurora grinned mischievously with a raised eyebrow at Ethan. “A firecracker? Oh dear…” She laughed, having never been described this way before; she was sure Ethan was joking with her, but the supposed compliment was humorous nonetheless. Aurora looked back at Ethan as he spoke, and understood rather well what he meant. In all honesty, Aurora had never thought herself beautiful, but neither did she think herself ugly. She liked to imagine that she was one of those girls that was in between, and didn’t worry about her appearance in the slightest. Aurora had never worn or owned any makeup, and she wanted to keep it that way; she preferred natural things, and if a boy didn’t like that, then tough. They were pretty superficial themselves if they couldn’t see beyond the skin. “Hm, Ethan, I suppose you do do some of us girls a favour.” Aurora admitted with a long sigh and a twitching smile. “Just don’t overdo it now.”

Aurora laughed when Ethan proclaimed he had learnt it the hard way with Ari. “Oh really now? She never mentioned the experience with me… Though I can imagine she probably hexed you then left you for dead. That’s Ari for you!” The thought of Ethan flirting with Ari was rather outrageous, and Aurora giggled despite herself, and smiled. “You mean like me? I would never take you seriously. I’m just not that… easy.” Aurora gave a casual shrug. She had to admit, she was pretty picky with men, in the sense that she wouldn’t go out with someone the first time she met them. She thought that was just jumping the gun way too fast, and she preferred to make sure that a guy was ideal enough to be with. There was no point in harming yourself when realising that the guy wasn’t what you were looking for. “Well, what’d you expect? Boyfriends are meant to be overprotective. Imagine if it was your own girlfriend and a lot of guys were chatting her up.” Aurora pointed this out, but didn’t expect Ethan to agree.

With Loki’s entrance and a friendly wave from him, Aurora settled back to let her Gryffindor friend take the front seat with Ethan for a change – not that she expected Loki to flirt with Ethan; oh no. Although Aurora was a chatterbox, she liked to take a rest sometimes, and the banter between Ethan and her had exhausted her a little. She was still tense from it, because Aurora always had her guard up beneath her skin whenever talking to guys in general, unless she knew she trusted them well; her defences didn’t show, and she acted naturally around boys, but… She supposed the experiences with Daniel had certainly left some sort of mark on her mind forever. Plus having her heart completely lost didn’t help. Aurora gave a laugh at Loki’s statement, and waved her hand dismissively with an infectious grin. “You compliment me too much, Loki… Hm, you’re smarter than you look, Fen’Rolphus.” Aurora teased when he said he wasn’t going to tell her. “But what’s the worst I could do to you, eh?” Thoughts ran through Aurora’s mind, and a smirk pricked at her lips, before she laughed again at Loki’s “confession”.

“I don’t know about that, Loki. I’d take you on any time.” She joked, though she definitely didn’t mean it, and Loki probably knew that. “And was it you that described me as having a ‘sparkling personality’ and a ‘firecracker’?” She asked with a smile, looking Loki dead in the eye. Aurora was rather reserved when it came to men… the name Daniel coming up somewhere in the midst of those thoughts. Aurora had always gotten on better with boys, but she never let them any nearer in a romantic kind of way. Defences, guards… All of them went up. Aurora considered Loki a friend enough to let them down usually though... She didn’t think he liked her in that kind of way… She wasn’t sure anyone did despite the current back-to-back flirting marathon. “Ah…” Aurora mused in reply to Loki’s questioning with a smirk on her lips. “Well, I blame Mr Jacobs here. Definitely his fault I’m winking so much. I haven’t flirted, or winked, or laughed this much in a long time.” Aurora grinned honestly, hand on heart. “I promise I’ll stop now, Loki. It’s hurting my eyes.”

[Ethan Jacobs G5]

“Now I simply must find out who this darling boy is.” Aurora grinned mischievously with a raised eyebrow at Ethan. “A firecracker? Oh dear…” Ethan smirked.

"I never give away my sources, if I did, I'd have even less real friends than I do now."

“Hm, Ethan, I suppose you do do some of us girls a favour.” Aurora admitted with a long sigh and a twitching smile. “Just don’t overdo it now.” Ethan laughed.

"I would never!" He gasped, pretending to look hurt.

“Oh really now? She never mentioned the experience with me… Though I can imagine she probably hexed you then left you for dead. That’s Ari for you!” Ethan chuckled as he remembered the day he had met Aurora's cousin Ari. He remembered all the names she had called him and the tongue tying hex she had left upon him.

"Ah yes, she called me some very hurtful things, and then she cast a tongue tying curse on me. I couldn't talk for a week. But flirting is not only done with words, Ari should have known that." He said casually.

“Well, what’d you expect?" Aurora said as a response to his comment about not having many male friends. "Boyfriends are meant to be overprotective. Imagine if it was your own girlfriend and a lot of guys were chatting her up.” Aurora pointed this out, and Ethan thought back to his past relationships.

"In my opinion, if a girl really likes me and wants to be with me, she won't cheat on me. I'm not exactly the jealous type, Aurora. If a girl wants me, then great! If she doesn't, well then it's her loss."

Ethan pondered this for a moment, he really didn't mind if his girlfriend flirted with other guys. it didn't matter to him, just so long as it stopped at flirting. He heard Aurora let out a laugh at Loki's statement. Loki was the last to enter the compartment, and he still needed to put his trunk and such away. Ethan looked out the window as he saw the large Hogwarts castle disappearing in the distance. He wouldn't see the beautiful place for another few months, and he was perfectly fine with that. His studies proved to be pure agony lately, and Ethan was not looking forward to the exams he had next year. Ethan snapped out of his thoughts and back into the conversation Loki was having with Aurora.

“And was it you that described me as having a ‘sparkling personality’ and a ‘firecracker’?” She asked with a smile, looking Loki dead in the eye. Aurora said this as an accusation, as if it was a crime to give her a compliment, even if it was in secret. Loki hadn't been the one who had told him about Aurora, anyway. To be honest, Ethan couldn't even remember the person who had told him. Ethan blinked as he brought himself back into the conversation.

“Well, I blame Mr Jacobs here. Definitely his fault I’m winking so much. I haven’t flirted, or winked, or laughed this much in a long time.” Aurora grinned honestly, hand on heart. “I promise I’ll stop now, Loki. It’s hurting my eyes.”

"Now, that's not fair!" He made a face in mock sadness. "You're saying it like it's a bad thing! I'd like to think I brought out the best in you, Aurora." He smiled again. Loki changed the subject, and started talking directly to Ethan now.

“Ethan, boy, since you’re up…” Ethan was now comfortably in his seat, and had been for a while, but Loki didn't seem to care. “Mind putting mine up too?” He smiled hopefully at the younger student. Loki was a bit of a hypocrite when it came to equal rights. He was a huge supporter of equal rights between wizards and werewolves, but he didn't care much about equality when it came to bossing around younger students. Loki was a friend of Ethan's, but this habit of his was quite annoying.

"No problem." He said with a smile towards Loki. He casually removed his wand from his pocket and waved it so the load of baggage levitated itself right on top of Aurora's trunk. He waved it once more, and before he knew it, all the luggage was stacked neatly on top of one another. Ethan smirked.

"So, how have you been, Loki? I haven't heard from you in ages! Where'd you go?"

[Loki Fen'Rolphus G6]

Loki laughed at Aurora’s comment about him being smarter then he looked. “I’m a werewolf not a troll, Aurora.” He shook his head, grinning and looked out the window. He knew Aurora was only joking but it sent the gears in his head into motion. There was another one of the flaws of most wizard kind. They assumed that a werewolf was a beast with no human thought. They figured that the wolf that overtook a man affected with Lycanthropy once a month infested his mind at all times. Sure, werewolves were known to like their meet a bit rarer, and had a tendency to run on all fours…that only happens occasionally, I promise…but still. Werewolf kind was man kind. They had a disease. Not a personality disorder. Loki felt confident enough to say, that despite his laziness, he was one of the top of his class. He performed well in school. It was the same mentality that said that mudbloods and halfbloods weren’t as good as purebloods. It was complete bullocks. A person was a person was a person. No matter what their blood or their heritage. This same racism was far too present in the world. It would take a million more people like Loki to get through it. This was the biggest reason Loki was the way he was. He didn’t think for two seconds he could change the world. But he knew that if he could change a few people, that together, a group of people could change the world. One man can not change the world, despite that common ideology. It is not possible. But one man can change another man. And that man can change one more. And so on and so forth so that together, many men change many men who change the world as a whole. Loki may not have been able to change the world himself, but changing the world did start at him. He was the first link in the chain.

Loki turned back to Aurora when she said she’d take him up any time. He laughed lightly and shook his head. He knew she was only joking. As boastful as Loki could occasionally be he hadn’t found many ladies who were honestly into him. The werewolf thing scared off a lot of girls, and then the rest of them just thought of him as a good friend. And Loki wasn’t the type to just jump around from girl to girl like some of the guys he knew. He glanced at Ethan when the boy countered Aurora’s apology for the winks. “You know kid, here’s something you should learn. Winks are only effective in small doses. Do it too much and the appeal wears off. Not to mention the fact that you look like you have a nasty permanent twitch.” He laughed and turned back, laying his head back on the seat just as Ethan decided to put up Loki’s trunk for him. Loki was expecting a shift in the seat but when none came he opened his eyes lazily and watched his trunk float in front of him and up onto the racks, neatly stacking with the others up there. Loki didn’t need to look at Ethan to know the boy was smirking. Loki refrained from shaking his head and rolling his eyes, instead he simply closed them again. He had a feeling that this was going to be a very long train ride, and that he would be thoroughly annoyed with Ethan by the time the arrived in London. The boy’s flirting was childish enough by itself, his arrogance didn’t help the matter one bit. If there was one thing Loki hated it was a kid who didn’t understand his place in the great stepping ladder known as The World. Even more so, the stepping ladder known as School. There was a big difference between equal rights for werewolves, and showing a younger student his or her place. It was called moving up in the world. Everyone started somewhere, and in school, everyone started as a first year. They grew and moved up through the years, therefore earning the right to put the lower years in the place. This way, the older generation instills a humble and respectful attitude in the one beneath it. It is, once again, a chain. Those that did not follow the chain would get a great smack in the face when they crossed the wrong person someday. Loki hoped he’d get a chance to see Ethan cross the wrong person.

“Oh you know me Ethan; I’m around, always around, just around with different people. I’ve seen you quite a bit these last few months; you probably just didn’t notice me. I mean, what with all those girls around how could you eh?” It might have been a subtly snide comment, but it definitely wasn’t a jealous one. Loki got more attention from people in general then Ethan would in his life. Sure, some of it was negative attention, but he still got attention. Not to mention Loki developed real friendships where as kids like Ethan tended to break friendships more then form them. His habit of wooing and flirting girls – even if they weren’t single – was going to put him in trouble someday. Loki took a deep breath. He was getting ahead of himself. Ethan was young; he still had time to grow up. Ethan was a house mate, he was a friend. And plus, it wasn’t like Ethan was flirting with Loki’s girlfriend. Though…it wasn’t like Loki had a girlfriend. But he could imagine that if he did and Ethan flirted with her? Loki just might be that wrong guy Ethan crossed.

[Aurora Chan]

Aurora watched nonchalantly as Ethan abided to Loki’s request, putting the trunk away before sitting down again, “Hm, I suppose you’re not a troll. Hey, how’s the whole werewolf campaign going? Need any help on anything? I’m more than happy to help.” Aurora offered to Loki with an encouraging smile. She admired his determination in the matter, and she also supported fighting for what you believed in. Aurora grimaced a little in good humour at Ethan’s comment, sighing a little in the process. “When I’m at my best I do a lot less flirting. Trust me.” Aurora usually flirted only when a guy instigated it… and that was only to humour them. She didn’t bear any interest with most men unfortunately… “Loki’s right.” Aurora nodded in agreement. “It does look like you have a permanent twitch. I can tolerate it, but I’m sure some girls would find it downright annoying after a while.” She tried to explain, though highly doubted Ethan would understand their explanations. It seemed his beliefs in flirting with women were deeply rooted… and were not about to be changed. Aurora sighed inwardly; he would hopefully grow up one day. If for now he insisted on flirting the Ethan Jacobs way, she’d let the boy be. Aurora was not someone who forced her opinions on others, and demanded her companions to change for her. She respected that every individual had their own unique opinions and beliefs, and although she wouldn’t agree with a lot of them, Aurora would happily share and mix, debate and listen to everyone else whilst giving her own.

Aurora tried not to laugh at Loki’s laid-back comment, and her eyes passed slowly between the two Gryffindor boys. Both from the same house, but oh-so different personalities. She believed it wasn’t the house that you, but… well, yourself. Everyone in every house was different, and the view that if you a “pathetic” person just because you were in Hufflepuff was ridiculous. If the Slytherins wanted to stick to their thinking, Aurora was not about to stop them, but she still found it unfair and downright offensive. If she was one of those people that became riled easily, she would’ve been clawing her way at the cocky people right now. But Aurora was one of those mild, placid teens, with respect and understanding. Perhaps too much of it. It was true that at times people walked all over her, using her soft personality to their advantage… Aurora usually didn’t mind too much, she knew when to put her foot in it and stop the situation. People may think her stupid and foolish for being the way she was, but she wasn’t about to stop being herself anytime. Aurora believed the way she lived and acted was perfectly fine, and she was happy too. That was more than what she could ask for.

“So, what are you boys doing during the summer? Going abroad?” Aurora asked curiously, still mentally comparing the two Gryffindors in her mind. If given a choice to have to choose between them for a boyfriend, she’d have no doubt gone for Loki, because he wasn’t as flirtatious as Ethan; generally, Aurora viewed him as a down to earth guy, with moral principles who fought for what he believed in. Ethan had too much of a reputation, he was younger with an immature mind, and Aurora guessed if she ever went out with him, she’d find her supposed boyfriend with some other girl the very next day… Aurora needed loyalty, somebody she could trust to love her and treat her with the respect she deserved, or anyone deserved in a relationship. Her slight “fling” with Danny-boy had taught her that. Love and friendship was built around trust, and Ethan just wasn’t somebody Aurora could trust, though he probably was a rather amusing friend (however, if Aurora was a boy, she doubted she’d even find him remotely funny, not with him chasing all the available – and unavailable – guys). Loki seemed quite trustworthy… Though he wasn’t one of Aurora’s closest friends. She had a circle of very good pals, and everyone else flocked around her as acquaintances. Aurora supposed Loki was in between the two, and she thought she’d like to get to know him better. He was nice, charming in his own way, and was the furthest thing from Ethan’s type of guy, which Aurora was glad of. She’d had enough flirting for today… Though she didn’t hate Ethan for it. If that was his personality, he was allowed to live life that way. There was probably more to him hidden underneath, but Aurora didn’t have the strength to explore today. She wasn’t going to judge him anymore than she already was.

[Ethan Jacobs G5]

Ethan spaced out into his own thoughts as Aurora and Loki talked. He wondered what he would do this summer. his parents were away so much, it would be simple to throw a few parties here and there. He never got caught, although he knew his parents knew exactly what was going on. They were never able to catch him in the act, though. Try as they might, nothing could stop Ethan and his parties. He wondered if he should get back together with his ex girlfriend Melissa. They had been dating on and off for as long as Ethan could remember. She was one of the most annoying friends in the world, but as a girlfriend, she was amazing. Although, there was those random times when Melissa got too emotional over something and broke up with him. Mostly, though, he had broken up with her for overreacting too much. Lately though, Melissa seemed to stop at nothing to be with Ethan, she followed him around more than the paparazzi did. No, he would get together with someone else this summer, someone new and interesting. Someone who somehow wouldn't know he was famous. People treated him very differently because they knew he was heir to the Jacobs empire. They made millions of galleons an hour, and Ethan couldn't lie, that fact alone attracted a lot of attention. Sometimes, Ethan just wished he could get away for once.

Ethan was pulled out of his thoughts when Loki commented about his constant winking. He seemed to think it looked like a permanent twitch. Ethan chuckled. He knew it looked weird. That was the point. Flirting with Aurora was nothing more than a game or a funny joke to him, Aurora knew that too. He would have never done such things if he was actually trying to impress Aurora. Loki just didn't get his ways, just like Ethan didn't get his. He understood Loki's constant battle for werewolf to wizard rights, and he admired him for taking a stand for what he believed in. What he didn't get was why must he feel so superior to those even a year younger than him. Ethan may have been a fourth year and he a fifth year, but he was still just months younger than him. Less than a year. So maybe he had learned to walk before Ethan did. Maybe he learned a lot of things just months before he, but that gave him no right to tell him what to do. Loki needed to learn that he needed to earn Ethan's respect, it wasn't just handed to him because he was mere months older than Ethan. Ethan sighed and told Loki what he wanted to hear, he wasn't up for an argument.

"Maybe you're right, the winking was a little much. I'll be sure to watch out for that next time." After this, Loki made yet another comment that made Ethan think. He didn't fancy Aurora, but he wondered that if given the choice, who would she choose? Would she choose Loki, who pushed people around just because he felt he had earned the respect, or Ethan who came on as immature, but still had a good heart and truly believed in equal rights. She would probably pick Loki, which suited Ethan fine. He knew what went on a woman's head, she probably thought him to be mature and loyal. She figured he had a solid opinion and fought for what he believed in. It didn't matter much to Ethan if Aurora didn't like him, he had plenty others to chose from. He brushed the thought away and brought his attention back into the conversation, where Aurora had asked what they were doing during the summer.

"Well, I'm staying home in London, mostly. I might go to Italy later on to visit my aunt, but mostly I'm over here in London. I'll definitely be throwing a few parties, I'll let you know when there will be one." Ethan paused. "You too, Loki. I'll send you an owl." He smiled in a friendly way, knowing that one or both of these students would turn down his invitation. He didn't mind much though, there would be more than enough people at his parties, he didn't need anymore. Ethan just figured it would be Nice to invite people he knew to his parties, in case they had wanted to come and weren't invited. Ethan sighed and looked out the window for a moment, waiting for one of the two to reply. They were getting close, it was getting dark and Ethan could already see London in the distance. They were almost there.

[Loki Fen'Rolphus G6]

Loki hummed to himself almost silently, just a small tune he made up as he went. He was sure not to be too loud, no doubt he would break glass and ear drums if he was. Loki smiled to himself when Aurora backed him up on the winking thing. Loki had never been one to wink much…and to be honest, he couldn’t. He just couldn’t get his eyes to do that. Plus, the whole wink thing always just looked stupid to him, when guys did it at least. Girl’s occasionally looked cute when they winked, but a guy like Ethan? Loki had talked to far too many girls about how annoying winking could be. Loki had a habit of walking in on the most odd conversations. It was dangerous to walk up to a group of all girls and just throw yourself out there, often times you became the male mediator and that was just awkward. Loki wasn’t one for awkward. And girls asked the strangest questions. “Ever had a girlfriend?” no… “Ever kissed a girl?” Um…no… “Who do you like?” Just silly girly questions that only girls would ask…well…no, guys asked them too but the environment was a bit different. Not so awkward, more…well…laid back? Not so tense. And Loki sure wasn’t one to enjoy being made a fool of and being in situations like that with girls made him feel like a fool. Oh well…now I’m rambling…where was I? Oh yeah, winking. The winking just annoyed Loki and he was glad that they were moving past that.

Loki let a silence settle, on his part at least and he chanced a look up at the window. It was slowly getting dark and that surprised him, it felt like he had just gotten on the train but apparently it had taken him much longer to find this compartment then he originally thought. Loki looked back from the scenery when Aurora asked about their summer plans. Summer…oh bleh summer. Loki honestly didn’t see summer the same way most kids did. Loki lived in a forest, in a log cabin, with his legal guardian. He couldn’t remember names well enough to write anyone a letter, and so his contact pretty much consisted of those that remembered to write him. Because…then he could just write a reply and give it to the owl. That made things easier. Other then that Loki was stuck in the middle of nowhere with a man who rarely talked. Sure, Loki had plenty of books to read but books just weren’t the same as people. He sighed, unnoticeably, more huffing to himself as Ethan mentioned his plans. Loki nodded slightly and shrugged. “Probably nothing much. Not going anywhere that’s for sure but…” Loki looked over at Ethan. “I might just take you up on that invite Ethan. I could use something to do.” A party? Loki didn’t party; he’d never partied except for the parties that were held in the common room after quidditch games. Ohhh and Loki’s birthday party; that was always great fun. Every year since Loki had taken to being social he’d gotten his friends together to have a huge party. Whether they had it in the student lounge, or an empty classroom they could get together in, they’d all decorate it and sneak food from the kitchens. All in all it was a blast, that had been the highlight of Loki’s last year. Oh now he couldn’t wait till September. Oh well, hopefully this summer would be slightly more worthwhile then previous summers.

Loki looked out the window once more and then up at his trunk. They wouldn’t be on the train for much longer and Loki hadn’t managed to say goodbye to everyone he’d wanted to. Loki stretched his arms over his head before slowly standing and looking around at his train ride friends. “Well, I hate to chat and run but I’ve still got to make my rounds and make sure I say seeya to everyone I need to.” He patted Ethan’s shoulder and smiled at Aurora before pulling his trunk down from the shelves. Once it was on the floor he pulled his wand from his jacket (he’d changed before he’d even gotten on the train) and waved it slightly, lifting the trunk a few inches off the ground, just enough to get it to come after him easily. He pushed open the compartment door and sent his trunk out first before looking back at the two other students. “It was great sitting with you two, see you next year, and maybe even at Ethan’s eh?” He nodded happily before turning and leaving the compartment, heading down the train, looking in random windows for any face he recognized.

[Aurora Chan]

Aurora nodded as Ethan explained his summer plans, stifling a wry grin when he mentioned the word “parties”. “I see.” Aurora managed a straight smile. ”Oh dear.” She then thought inwardly. Oh no, Aurora was making no promises yet. She had always hated parties, something about them bothered her (probably the pointlessness of it all?); already she was thinking of an excuse when the time came; though she found the thought rather amusing. Aurora had always been a homey person; she hated travelling and holidays generally, and preferred to stay cooped up in the warm house, seated before the TV under a blanket with a tray of biscuits and a jug of juice by her side. Even if she was more outgoing, Aurora hated parties for another reason. They were noisy, crowded, and stuffed full of strangers. Now Aurora had always been a very friendly, social person, and her goal in life was to get to know people, but she liked one on one interaction, or small social groups, rather than mingling at a big party, straying from friend to friend, being passed around like a ball in a game. Aurora found parties were a place where you chatted, danced (which she couldn’t do for her life), had a bit to fill your stomach and bladder, and then go home. Such a waste of time, in her eyes. Aurora also didn’t appreciate the food and drink available usually, and parties with alcohol involved were even worse. Aurora was pretty sure Ethan wasn’t stupid enough to host parties with alcohol (he was flirtatious, but a harmless flirt), but she’d still have to wander around, bored, being picked up on by random people and struggling to make it worth while. Aurora supposed she rather liked the idea of a ball rather than a party… Somewhere calmer, with a lighter atmosphere. After all, Aurora DID enjoy meeting new people. It was the partying process about parties that put her off.

Aurora turned her attention to Loki as he gave his reply to, getting the impression he was trying to stray from the question and give as vague an answer as possible. Not wanting to push and not particularly bothered, Aurora let it drop, and nodded. Even Loki’s presence to shield her from Ethan’s flirtatious manner wasn’t going to convince Aurora to want to go any parties. Aurora imagined Loki was game for anything wild… not over the top, but he seemed like the kind of guy who could have fun. Aurora wasn’t uptight at all either, but when it came to excitement, she always drew the line much earlier before others. Even Ariane. Even Harmony. Aurora didn’t even like roller coasters, and often she argued that it was an helpless phobia. But in reality, Aurora was paranoid and scared of such a fast, exhilarating ride. She had never liked danger in any shape or form. She knew if she admitted it, people would think she was pathetic and cowardly; not that Aurora minded much what people thought, but it was easier to not have demanding and mean questions directed at her. Aurora didn’t have the willpower to give a witty reply usually. “I’m going to be pretty busy this summer.” Aurora said, and it wasn’t a lie. She plastered an apologetic expression on her face tiredly. “I’ll see what I can do, Ethan. I’d save my invite for someone else though. Perhaps someone more beautiful and more game to your advances.” Aurora gave a soft chuckle and resisted to wink one more time, just to annoy the two. But her eyes weren’t about to comply.

Aurora’s head shot up when Loki stated he was leaving, and narrowed her eyes as they swung round to peer out of the window. It was getting late now, and Harmony and the others still had yet to turn up. Worriedly, Aurora stood up alongside Loki, nodding her understanding. “Yeah, well, see you later, Loki. Nice talking to you too, and have a good summer. I’m going to follow you out.” She smiled at him with a gesture down the corridor before turning to Ethan. “I’m sorry to rush off like this, but I’ve totally forgotten about my brother and cousin, and I’m starting to get a bit worried. I really have to go and find them. Hope you don’t mind Ethan, but I’ll be back soon. I’m leaving my stuff here anyway.” Aurora indicated the luggage, before flashing a quick smile and darting into the hallway, careful not to trip over Loki’s trunk. “If I don’t see you later, Ethan, it was… interesting, meeting you. Hope you have a wonderful holoday too and get some rest before the OWLs.” Aurora grinned wryly, her tone light. “I’ll give the party some thought.” She directed this at Loki and Ethan, but her mind highly doubted she’d turn up. However, like she had said, she would definitely mull it over. See what her parents and the others thought. “Bye!” Aurora gave one last wave to Ethan, a flash of a grin at Loki who was setting off in the opposite direction, and ran away to search for her lost family.