Follow Through ((Nole, Randy))

[Elaine Bentley R6]

Elaine head had been up in the clouds lately. She couldn’t even concentrate in any of her classes, just sitting there, staring off into space with that dreamy look in her blue eyes. When a teacher would call upon her, she would just either ignore them, or babble some useless answer that wasn’t even on topic. All her friends had been noticing this strange behavior, but not finding it to worrisome. Only one of her closet friends knew what had Elaine Bentley walking on air lately; Rachel Cohen. The two had talked only a couple times before their last meeting which brought them closer. Rachel helped Elaine calm down after the whole ordeal with Noalan and Leo in the corridor. That was a awful day, and ironically it was on Valentines Day. Sighing, Elaine doodle flowers around her parchment as Professor Flitwick squeaked on about different charms they were to perform on their OWLs. Elaine was quite afraid of taking the final exam, since it did affect on what courses she would be taking next year. She didn’t even know what she wanted to do with her future! Pushing those thoughts from her mind, Elaine ran her fingers through her curly dark hair tucking a few curls behind her ear. She wished she had some bobby pens in her bag to tie them back. Elaine loved her hair down and curly, but sometimes it just got annoying. Feeling someone elbow her hard on her side, Elaine jolted back to reality as she gave Rachel a small glare wondering what that was for. She was still debating over possible names on who could have possibly written the love letter. Noah didn’t need to find out about this. He would have a cow and hunt down all the boys at school just to find whoever had these secret feelings for Elaine. It was strange though, Elaine hadn’t ever had a guy do stuff like this. Actually, she hadn’t ever dated since she wasn’t exactly the most popular, or outgoing girl in the world. Elaine was sensible, but now she was starting to want to change some things in her life. Though, she didn’t want to be like Rachel in the love category. There had to be another girl on her best friend’s mind that kept her from looking at AJ with those googly eyes she always did.

“Do you have a bobby pen, Rachel?” Elaine whispered quietly as she stared into the girls face. Rachel was ten times more beautiful than Elaine was which made her finally understand why guys were always after her. Yet, she was still trying to find a clever way to get Rachel to crack about her new found love interest that kept her from AJ. It had to be something horrible if she was keeping it away from Elaine. Yet, she kind of understood where Rachel was coming from. It wasn’t like they were attached to the hip of something like that, but Rachel did however know about Elaine’s little crush on her boyfriend’s best friend, Noalan. Elaine wished it was Nole who was sending the letters to her, but she was probably thinking the impossible. Why would a seventh year want to be with a fifth year? Plus, Noalan could have any girl in the school with the snap of his fingers. Watching patiently as Rachel rolled her eyes leaning down into her bag, Elaine grinned as she handed over the couple of bobby pens left. “What would you do without me dear, Elaine?” Smirking, Elaine took the hair materials from her friend’s hand settling them skillfully into her curly locks. “Have my hair in my fair the whole day? I’ll return them, don’t worry.” It was then when the students began to pick up their things leaving the classroom. Elaine did the same, humming quietly as she settled the strap of her backpack on her shoulder following Rachel out of the classroom. They headed toward the Great Hall, Rachel stopping to turn to face her. “I’ll see you at dinner!” With that, Elaine was left alone in the hallway as she noticed Rachel partially skip off in the other direction. Where was she going in such a great mood? Elaine felt the urge to follow her, but that would violate the friend policy. Elaine just needed to continue to come up with plans to get Rachel to crack.

Heading in the opposite direction, Elaine bounded down the stairs toward the student lounge stopping mid step as she noticed a familiar figure tower over the younger students. It was Noalan. That was quite odd. She was just thinking about him. Nole wasn’t alone though, he was with a group of friends. Her blue eyes stared into the boys faces not noticing AJ, so maybe Rachel did meet up with her boyfriend. Why was Elaine trying to but into her friend’s life? Sighing, Elaine snapped out of her thoughts as she continued down the flight of stairs. “Noalan!” she called out hoping to get his attention. He didn’t seem to notice as Elaine drew closer. It wasn’t until another student collided with Elaine when she lost her footing stumbling down the last few stairs that were left to climb. Staggering her way forward, Elaine felt her cheeks begin to grow warm as she grabbed onto the wall for support. The other boys were silent as they stared at the fifth back to their friend before departing in a simple bye. Watching as everyone left, Elaine cursed silently in her head as she turned her attention back on the Gryffindor in front of her. “This has to be another embarrassing moment in my life….I hope your friends don’t think I’m too much of a klutz.” Laughing lightly, Elaine winced slightly as she tried to step forward, but stopped ignoring the slight pain. “I just wanted to apologize again for fleeing away from you at our last meeting. It seems to be a habit of mine.”

((Godmoding of Rachel Cohen was allowed. ))

[Noalan Bounds G7]

[td][/td]Sometimes Noalan felt glad he had a free period. All he wanted to do was think. There was so much going on in his mind. As a student, a friend, and a child, he had responsibilities. But this was overwhelming. Something had happened with Rachel and AJ, Nole knew that much. The usual behavior wasn’t present between the two. Things where tense and awkward, as if they had been in a fight, but decided to still stick together. If that was the case, at least they knew there relationship was worth it. Many couples he knew that if they had even one disagreement would have ended things. Noalan was just surprised AJ hadn’t said anything to him about it. Noalan didn’t want to pry. Rachel, the girl always full of gossip had her lips sealed, all she said they where going through a rough patch, nothing at all to worry about. He wasn’t sure if she was trying to convince him, or herself. She had been moodier lately and not at all like herself. He wanted to help them, but the teachers were piling so much work on them he barely had time to do anything else. He would pull all nighters as everyone else slept. Then there was that thing with his parents. Or rather his father. He was going to ask that girlfriend of his to marry him. He was a nervous wreck because he wanted her to meet Vanessa first. Noalan was trying to talk him through that as well. There was a lot on his plate. He was sure he would be able to handle it all if it wasn’t for thing, the letter. After Valentine’s Day, he couldn’t stop thinking about her. He knew she was the girl. Again his mother was right. How could she be wrong? But he had a spur of the moment impulse and sent her a letter, an anonymous love letter. He couldn’t sign his name, no one knew he liked to write, and also he was a coward. He wasn’t sure if she liked him, and was afraid to find out. For now this was the only way. He was hoping she would say something to him about it, it would clam his nerves. Due to her, or his feelings for her, he had been ignoring his other duties as a friend, a student, and a child.

Elaine,
The sky is slowly darkening outside my window. Not just yet pitch black. The sky still holds the colours from earlier this evening. That one shade of orange, it’s fading now. The way the image of your smile is fading from my memory. It’s been awhile since I saw that rainbow. The brilliance after a storm. But I do remember how it makes me feel, it’s the coldest, longest drink after walking ten years in the desert. And as long as I remember that, I’ll be set. A goddess walks among us. My down to earth, sweet, goddess. Do you hear the beating of this mortal’s heart? Do you hear my intake of breath when you’re near? Do you see how I can’t look away? You’re magnetic, and I can’t look away, I can’t make myself. You leave, and then come back just as my heart is recovering. They, whoever they are, can say I’m not thinking rationally. But my thoughts are crystal clear. It’s you. From that first moment. Fate stepped in and gave me happiness. I’m a fool to only see it now. They say I’m too young. They say I’m moving to fast. They say its not more then a crush. I don’t care what they say; I know I’m on love with you. I hope you understand why I can’t tell you my name. Though just to know you could have been reading, gives me chills. I hope you will forgive me if I am not what you hope for, when I finally reveal myself. Sweet dreams.

The note of which he remembered every word. It was burned in his memory; there was no way to get it back now. He hadn’t seen Elaine for a couple weeks. And he gave up on trying to find her. So for today he was going to let it go. He was going to focus on being the friend he knew he should have been, he would let himself have sleep even if it meant not finishing a paper, and he would write his father. He needed to get his mind in the right direction. He even took the first step by going out for a walk with his friends. By walk, I mean a stroll of mischief. The other guys where playing pranks on any younger students, preferably to the Slytherins. Noalan laughed along and joked, this was more like his old self. For now they where taking a break from the actual walking and staying in one spot, they would let the victims come to them. Now they where talking about relationships. Who was who, who was going to get with whom, who cheated on whom, and who helped who cheat. The mention of this his best friend disappeared. That was strange, Nole didn’t have to ponder on the subject though, the new victims where being let out of class. His friends sniggered and made a third year’s book bag turn itself over scattering it contents. Nole tried to smile, honestly he wanted to leave, find Elaine … then like a miracle he heard his name. He heard his name in her voice, he looked up hopefully and there she was. She was making her way towards him when she tripped. His eyes widened, waving bye to the group he made his towards her. He felt like an idiot who couldn’t help but keep smiling. “Falling for me, are you?” He asked her with a laugh. Of course this wasn’t just one of his regular jokes. How great would it be if she really did like him back … But he had to be here now, not in his thoughts. Lately they where a dangerous place to dwell. He held out his hand seeing that she was in pain. He was offering to be her crutch. “Not too much.” He said laughing “Look, you look like your in pain let me take you to the hospital wing. Who knows what you did to yourself.” As they walked she apologized once again for running away, the memory still fresh on his mind he tried not to wince. “Let’s break this habit then.” He told her smiling, joking, laughing.

[Elaine Bentley R6]

Elaine rolled her eyes at Noalan’s witty comment about falling for him. Ironically it was true, but he wouldn’t know that. No. Only Rachel knew Elaine’s secret and she wouldn’t break the code of friends. Elaine probably wouldn’t ever talk to her ever again. “Nole, I think you can do without another girl on your long list of crushes,” she began leaning against her propped hand that pressed into the castle walls. “I’m pretty sure half of the female population in our school has a major crush on you…..No wait I for sure know.” Smirking at the fact, Elaine shrugged as she shifted her weight onto her right. There was a sharp pain in her left ankle, causing her calf muscles to ache. How could she be such a klutz? She had Quidditch practice tomorrow afternoon, and she already messed up her ankle. Well, it might become better by then. Hopefully, or else Jasmine would have her head. “How should I describe their words without it sounding too inappropriate…?” Elaine thought out loud, her eyes scrunching up slightly in thought. There were so many things about Noalan that girls loved, but some of the things were a bit inappropriate. Plus, it would probably add more to Noalan’s ego. “They think you’re ever so dreamy with long hair that falls into your gorgeous green eyes. Plus they think you have a nice body.” Elaine laughed at her description tilting her head toward Noalan, her blue eyes piercing his. She wondered what was crossing his mind as she describe his outer appearance perfectly…well there was more she could say, but those thoughts were private. Ruffling her hair nervously, Elaine kept composed as she smirked Noalan’s way. “Don’t let it go to you head, Nole. Your one of the major heart throbs here at Hogwarts.” Laughing lightly, Elaine smiled graciously as Noalan hold out his hand toward her. Taking his outstretched hand, she leaned into him, limping her way down the corridor.

“Have I mentioned how embarrassing this is?” she asked after a few moments of silence, her eyes watching all the students’ reactions. They were all staring at her like she was crazy, but more students by who she was leaning against. People couldn’t think they were together. They were just friends, especially since Elaine was limping half of the way toward the Hospital Wing. Hearing Noalan mention trying to break their sudden interruption spree, Elaine smiled his way, nodding her head slowly. “I agree…as long as Leo doesn’t come to talk to us. I can’t stand that guy. He’s such an egoistic, jerk!” she exclaimed huffing slightly as the memory came forward. Leo was right though with what he said. Noalan was older than herself, so why even try to want to be with him. Shaking that thought from her mind, they rounded another corner Elaine stopping for a moment to stretch her ankle. Lifting her leg, Elaine rubbed her calf slightly, sighing as she looked over toward the Gryffindor next to her. “Think you can carry me rest of the way to the Hospital Wing?” she asked sticking her tongue out at him as she dropped her leg to the ground. Walking ahead before Noalan could take her on the offer, Elaine turned over her shoulder at the older boy adjusting the strap of her shoulder bag on her shoulder. “Come on,” she began waiting as he caught up to lean against him again sighing with each step. “This wouldn’t be the first time that I hurt myself being a klutz.” She began as they neared the large doors to the hospital wing. “I just hate those nasty potions she gives for sprained ankles, and broken bones. It’s quite nasty.”

As they entered the wing, Elaine hopped over toward a fresh bed, sitting down on the nicely tucked white linens. Madam Pomfrey was attending toward another student further down by the windows who seemed quite pale than usual. Elaine looked back over at Noalan as she leaned back against the pillow, propping her swollen leg up onto the mattress. “Thank you for helping me, Nole,” she told him with a large smile noticing Madam Promfrey head their way. “Another sprained ankle Ms. Bentley?” the older women asked airily as she headed toward the potion cabinets. Elaine smiled over toward Noalan nodding as the older woman took out a vile pouring it into a glass. Wincing at the substance which was handed to her, Madam Promfrey was about to say something but stopped as the student in the last bed rushed out of the wing holding their mouth. With wide eyes, Madam Promfrey followed after the student leaving Noalan and Elaine alone. Sighing, Elaine stared down into her cup looking over at Nole. “Do I really have to take this? I can just manage it the muggle way and wait it off?” she asked stopping as she sighed stirring the liquid around in her hands. “Actually, no I have Quidditch practice tomorrow. I don’t think Jasmine would be too happy with me if I came with a sprained ankle.” Bringing the cup to her lips, Elaine took a sip swallowing but motioning toward her bag that was on the floor. There was still some potion left, but Elaine kept it there setting the glass down on the table next to her. “I got this letter from some guy…it’s in the front pocket of my bag,” Elaine said her finger pointing toward the pocket wondering if Noalan would know who it was. “Do you know who it was? I’ve been trying to figure it out all week.”

[Randy Kerr]

“And do you really think that is the correct answer Miss Kerr?” Randy winced at the women’s high pitched, screechy voice after Randy stumbled to produce a made-up answer. “Not even anywhere in the Milky Way close, professor.” She exclaimed. The class snickered at Randy’s remark which was odd because Randy didn’t even think it was that funny. No, she had said it purely for her own enjoyment. Oh and the look on the professor’s face. Randy was always causing trouble, but it was never anything big. No, she preferred to stick to the little things that were pure fun and could keep her out of trouble. Randy simply liked to get the most out of life which to her meant having as much fun as possible. Randy could hear her parent’s responses to this statement playing over and over in her head. ‘What does fun matter in life, Miranda? Fun won’t help you get to the top nor will it help you in the potions business.” As if Randy was really going to go work for her father. And then there was Elizabeth who would simple scrunch up her eyebrows like she disapproved even though she didn’t. Randy knew all too well about her mother’s past even though Elizabeth never told Randy a word of it. Randy wasn’t stupid. No, she had a way of finding dark secrets out or even little ones. She always had been good at it even as a kid. And it would always be that way.

“Randy, over here!” A group of Hufflepuff girls called in the corridor outside the classroom after dismissal. Randy eyed the group. They all looked the same: pretty, starved to death, freezing in their skimpy outfits, and completely superficial. And the funny part was that Randy was friends with them. Well, sort of. She felt like she didn’t fit in. She was the different one who the girls wanted around so that boys would pay attention to their group. That was the way it was even if Randy didn’t notice or care. She didn’t even care that the girls were the way they were. They were nice to her face and that was all Randy thought about. Randy took a few steps back. “No thanks. I think I’m going for a run.” Actually, she was sure of it. Running was the one that that let Randy escape. Running was the one thing that Randy actually felt good at. Sure, she never raced anyone, but she felt like she could win if she did. Running was the one thing in her life that Randy was sure of so she would stick with it forever.

The wind made pieces of blond hair fly all around Randy’s face as she ran, but she didn’t mind. All she could do was look forward except for the few moments she looked to the lake. Randy smiled to herself. This was the best way to spend her free period. It was better than gossip with a group of girls that was for sure. Randy sighed. She was born into a world where all people did was gossip and she hated it. Well, the gossip and the world sometimes. She hated feeling like she was constantly on display, especially at all the functions her parents dragged her to. Couldn’t they just let her live her life? Nope, not likely. So instead of having a fun night out on those occasions, Randy sat with her arms crossed sipping champagne in the corner until some friends appeared and then they held their own party. But this wasn’t the ‘real world’ and Randy knew it. She just wanted to get away from it all, but she couldn’t. “Ah!” Randy exclaimed. She had been looking forward so intently that she didn’t look down to her feet where a fourth year boy was lying in the grass. Randy toppled right over him. “So sorr..ouch!” She exclaimed as she placed her hand over her arms which had a two-inch deep cut on it. Randy pulled away immediately. She then looked to the boy who was standing over her now. “You okay?” She asked. The boy had mousy brown hair and wide eyes as he stared at Randy. He nodded. “Do you have a name?” She asked after a moment of silence. “Brennen.” He replied finally. His eyes darted all over the place. “Randy.” She introduced herself even through the pain. “I know.” He let slip out. The boy then stood there without saying a word. “Well Brennen. Will you give me a hand?" I better let Madame Pomfrey handle this. Brennen grinned and nodded and then proceeded to help Randy up.

Randy and Brennen were walking up to the Hospital Wing when they spotted Madam Pomfrey chasing after a boy. “Well Miss Kerr at least you are letting me help you with that this time! You know where the potion is!” Madam Pomfrey called as she continued to run. Brennen gave Randy a look as she smiled at Pomfrey’s comment. “Oh see I get hurt sometimes when I run, hence today and I usually try to mend them myself. But that always backfires, so Madame Pomfrey always corrects the situation.” Brennen nodded and then Randy grabbed the door. He hadn’t said a word since they were outside. “Well, Brennen I think I can take it from here. Thank you though.” He nodded and then walked off. Randy shook her head staring after him and then entered the Hospital Wing. She smiled at the familiar face she spotted as she entered. “Noalan Bounds what did you do to the poor girl?” She asked jokily as she found the particular healing potion she needed and poured the proper amount into a cup. She really was gifted at healing. The times that Madame Pomfrey had to step in were only when Randy got carried away and tried some crazy healing form she made up. Randy winced a bit as she drank the bitter liquid. Yep, that hurt worse than the arm. Randy walked over and sat on a bed near Nole and the Elaine. This was Noah’s younger sister who was a Ravenclaw. “She ought to slap you in the face.” She joked again. Before looking to her cut which seemed a little less deep than before now. She nodded at it. Randy then looked to Elaine. “What happened?” She asked curiously.

[Noalan Bounds G7]

His afternoon was shaping up in a way Nole never thought it could. It seemed fate was working with him, instead of against him as it normally did. I guess the universe could work for you if you wanted it to bad enough. I’m sure we all know the secret to such success, and that is positive energy, just ask Gandhi. Not one bad thought existed in Nole’s head. He was absolutely happy. He fulfilled some of his friend duties, and once more, the girl came to him. Maybe, just maybe, this girl was the reason for his happiness. I can’t tell you, but you can judge for yourself. His laugh vibrated of the walls. “There you are wrong Elaine, I could always use another girl to my ‘long’ list of crushes, and I can’t imagine it’s that long anyway.” Nole told Elaine trying to imagine who she could possibly mean and saw a few faces. He didn’t recall their names, but their not important to this story. Fine, so he had a few girls running his unofficial fan club, but didn’t everyone have one of those. Pushing the last smiling face from his memory Noalan took a look at the only face he wanted to see a smile on. She was one of the few girls that could keep up with his witty banter. Maybe it was a Ravenclaw thing because Rachel was the only other girl. Yet when that particular girl joked around with him, her humor was darker, and sometimes too much to handle. Elaine made remarks that where so easy to be sarcastic with. He chuckled at one in particular. Oh, you’re sure now? Want to make a bet?” Nole asked her completely confident in his abilities. He wasn’t a beating man usually, but sometimes it was called for. “Oh, do you think I’m dreamy with my long hair and gorgeous green eyes?” He asked the Ravenclaw teasingly, giving her one of his heart melting smiles. He wasn’t going to lie to himself and say he meant that question as a friend only, but he could pretend with her. Noalan was such a coward for a Gryffindor. She mentioned his body and Nole smirked, she really was making this way to easy. “That’s what they think … or is just your opinion?” His jokes today where very forward, he hoped the younger student wouldn’t mind. He knew any girl his age wouldn’t be fazed by him. He just hoped Elaine wouldn’t he intimidated by him. “Too late, it’s gone to my head and won’t leave.” He told her as she finally accepted his help.

As they walked Nole sank into his thoughts as he often did. He thought about the angle he should take on his paper, and about how to be happy for his father when he proposed. But even the most comfortable of silences are broken. “You may have mentioned it. But you can say it again.” He told her teasingly. His eyes wandered the walkway before them, he noticed how the other students where looking at them. He shot a pack of younger students; they stopped laughing and walked off looking slightly nervous. Nole smirked to himself. He noticed a few other people, girls mainly, whispering about what they where seeing. He was sure yet another rumor would be started about the friends. No matter how true he wanted to make them, he would have to use his connections to crush anything going around about them that was suggesting they where anything besides platonic. Poor guy, he over thought, a habit he should break. Elaine and Nole decided they also had to break the habit of running away. She brought up Leo, and how much she couldn’t stand him. Nole smiled, this girl was perfect. She would fit in so well with him and AJ. They paused so Elaine could examine to see how bad the damage was; Nole hoped she wasn’t too hurt. It didn’t look to good. It was defiantly a bad idea to make her walk, even if she was using him as a crutch. “I think it would be better if I did carry you.” But she walked away, maybe the damage was that bad, but she was injured, she couldn’t just walk away from him. He took her bag from her, no need to add extra weight on to the leg. “I am. You’re in such a hurry.” He told her slightly amazed. The entered the hospital wing and Nole looked around. He remembered when he was younger and had the hundred and four fever, the potion was terrible, and he could almost imagine how it was for Elaine. “You’re a big girl, I’m sure you can handle it.” He told her with a laugh.

Everything was so clean in this place. Nole cracked a smile, no where to his dorm room. It was littered with books, parchment, quills, an assortment of snacks, just the regular boy mess. This was a change for him. “You’re absolutely welcome Elaine. I get to take a field trip down to the hospital wing. How exciting.” He told her all with a laugh. As Madam Promfrey came to take care of Elaine, Noalan tried to stay out of the way and not cause any problems. At the mention of a letter though, Nole was brought back to her side, his heart doing flips in his stomach. He didn’t need to open her bag. He knew what the letter said, word for word. As he was about to answer he heard a voice call out his name. Saved by the bell, or rather by Randy, whom it turned out the greeting belonged to. He smiled at the tall blonde who came over to Elaine’s bed side. “What makes you assume I did something Miss Kerr? One incident where I ran into you, and I become a safety hazard?” he asked her teasingly. It had been awhile since he had seen this Hufflepuff. “My poor face, I don’t think it could handle it.” He told her sarcastically noticing the potion in her hand. “So injured yourself as well, or should I say again?” He asked her. Her question took him off guard. “She fell.” He stated simply.

[Elaine Bentley R6]

Elaine laughed at how Noalan was oblivious to the fact that half of the girls at Hogwarts had crushes on him. He was the guy every girl dreamed of, wishing they were the one to be with him. She did just that, but Elaine never had a crush on the Gryffindor until the snowy day out on the grounds. Elaine didn’t even know who Noalan Bounds was if he hadn’t discovered her lying in the snow. She wasn’t the talk of Gossip around school, and tried hard to stay out of that life. Now she was thrown into it, with an unexpected best friend her own year. “Oh, Noalan…” she breathed his name out slowly, a sly smile slipping across the fine lines of her lips. “You have so much to learn about girls. You’re completely unaware of your surroundings. Next time you head down the halls by yourself, take a look around, you’ll see what I’m talking about.” Running her fingers through her hair, Elaine tried hard to keep cool. She would have to make sure Noalan wasn’t doing exactly that when she was around. It was hard to keep her eyes away. Was that a crime? Sighing in her head lightly, Elaine tilted her head as she always did at the boy in front of her. “Are you challenging, Nole?” she asked with a raise of her eyebrows wondering if she could take him on the offer. After all, Elaine was a girl, and she knew the latest scoop on who had a crush on whom. “Let’s say we do place a bet. What does the victor get?” Elaine straightened her head at Noalan’s next comment. Should she answer truthfully? No. Of course she wouldn’t. Rolling her blue eyes, Elaine crossed her arms over her chest since the wall was supporting most of her weight. That heart melting smiling he was giving her was making it hard for Elaine to keep her cool. Damn. He was good. “I don’t think you can pry that kind of information out of me. Whatever I think of you will only stay in my head.” With a simple movement of her eyes she chewed on the inside of her cheek. Somehow this wasn’t scaring Elaine the least bit. Maybe she was just preparing herself?

Perfect. Now Elaine created and egoistic monster. Rolling her eyes at him, she limped forward before saying anything she would regret. Noalan seemed to take her words well. At least she wasn’t driving him away. Elaine’s forwardness always came as a turn off with the opposite gender. It was a curse, but who Elaine Bentley truly was. Why change yourself for one guy? Plus, Noalan was controlling her quite well. She should be the worried one. “Well…” she began trying hard to ignore the pain shooting up from her ankle. “If you insist I say it again I will. I’m sorry for running off.” Nodding Elaine sent the Gryffindor a sideway grin before looking at the corridor in front of her. This felt like the last time they had met on Valentines Day where they wandered the halls exchanging words. That was the highlight of her month until Leo Keane just had to come and ruin everything. Luckily, Rachel was there to clean up the mess. With the looks that everyone was giving them, Elaine was afraid rumors will fly. Though, the scene could be easily misinterpreted. She was leaning against Nole, which would make them look like an item, when they weren’t. Leaning in closer to the Gryffindor next to her, Elaine didn’t keep her eyes off from in front of her. “Is it just me, or is everything really staring at us?” she whispered knowing no one but Noalan could hear her. This was perfect. Trying to ignore the silence Elaine stopped momentarily to check on her bruised ankle. Nole seemed to be all up for carrying her, but that wasn’t necessary. Instead, Elaine just continued her way forward smiling gratefully as Noalan took her shoulder bag. “If I had broken my leg, then I would let you carry me.” Nodding, Elaine looked over her shoulder at Nole smiling just barely. “Maybe next time if you want, Nole.” Before long she was already laying across the top of the hospital bed with Nole at her side. She was surprised he didn’t leave.

After finishing her potion, Elaine had motioned for Noalan to search for the letter but he didn’t seem too responsive about it. Though, before she could get more in detail, another voice came into the picture. Elaine turned her head slowly noticing Randy Kerr sitting on the bed side her. Smiling at the girl, she kept silent as the two went one. They had to have met before. Strangers didn’t talk like this. Plus, Randy used Noalan’s nickname. Before she could even answer the girl’s question, Nole beat her to the punch. Sending him a glare, Elaine sat up slowly from the bed, resting her back against the banister. “I think I can answer for my own injuries, Nole,” Elaine stated simply glancing over back at Randy noticing a large cut on her finger. “Ouch, that hurts.” Wincing slightly, Elaine ran her fingers through her curly hair wondering where to start. “So, I take it you two met already? Maybe not in the most favorable condition?” she asked remembering Noalan’s usage of the words safety hazard. “It seems that you are a safety hazard. We should put caution tape over you.” Smiling, Elaine looked over toward Randy. “How have you’ve been, Randy?”

[Randy Kerr]

Randy crossed her legs as she eyed the potion and took another sip. She winced. Couldn’t they at least make the stuff taste good? It could probably be done. Actually Randy could probably experiment with it. She made a mental note of that and then eyed Elaine and Nole. Randy had met Nole on one of her runs. She ran in to him, go figure. Randy did that a lot actually. Well sometimes it was things and not people. She had a nasty habit of running in to trees for some unknown reason..whatever. Randy was okay with being the only girl at her parent’s parties with a scab on her face. However her parents certainly were not. When would they learn that Randy didn’t care what she looked like? They never would, but it didn’t matter because Randy would be herself no matter what. No one could change her..right? Randy swirled the nasty concoction around like it was a real beverage. Maybe if she pretended it was Butterbeer that would help. She took a sip and shook her head in disgust. No such luck. She would have to settle for the nasty medicine for now. Oh well.

Randy smiled at Nole. “Yes.” She smiled as she answered his question. “I think you’re cursed Nole. Plain and simple. But it’s okay. I seem to have been hit with the same one as you.” She nodded. It was true. Randy had a history of getting hurt and hurting people. She wasn’t necessarily clumsy but she never paid attention that was a fact. But Randy had always been that way. When she was younger, nannies were constantly directed to watch Randy at parties and make sure that she didn’t make a fool of herself. Randy would always take it upon her to make their job hard so they would quit. Even back then she didn’t want anyone watching out for her. She could take care of herself. Really, if Randy wasn’t in this whole ‘everything is taken care of world’ she would be fine. She would. Randy wasn’t high maintenance and yet she often pretty difficult, but that was simply Randy. She smiled and shook her head when he said he didn’t think he could handle being slapped. “Oh come on now. Every pretty-boy has to be slapped once it’s a rule. Just like the every girl has to fall for a bad boy rule.” She joked even if it was true. Okay so maybe the girl falling for a bad boy rule was truer than the other, but it was funny none the less. Randy wasn’t the kind to care that she had just called Nole a pretty-boy out loud. She felt like she and Nole were friendly enough to joke that way plus it was true and the whole school knew it. Noalan was one of the cutest boys in school and no girl could disagree.

“Hey I didn’t injure myself that last time. I just bruised my self esteem.” She smiled jokingly. Yea not so much. Randy could run into the lake without meaning too and still not be embarrassed. That was just who she was. “But yea I ran into a fourth year and some how cut my arm on a rock or something. It’ll be fine. I’m kinda used to running into things as you might have guessed.” She said finishing off the potion and whipping the liquid away from her mouth casually. “Gross.” She commented out loud. Randy nodded as Nole simply said that Elaine fell. Elaine then told him that she could speak for herself. Randy smiled a tad at the girl’s feistiness before whipping that smile quickly from her face. “Well usually I try and mend it myself and that hurts a lot worse than the actually getting cut part. Yea, but this time I decided to deal with it old school and come to the Hospital Wing. So it is better than it could be I guess.” Randy could deal with the pain. Even as a kid she would fall and then hop back up. She wasn’t weak and she didn’t even want to appear to be so.

Randy took her eyes away from Nole and looked to Elaine. “Yea well what actually happened is in debate.” She said smiling to Nole for a split second. “So I will just say that we were both at fault for colliding.” She sighed. “I was running and wasn’t paying attention so it probably was my fault, but it is in the past.” She nodded and smiled slightly. “Now I have a brand new collision to talk away. Yippee.” Randy nodded at the caution tape comment. “Yea with one of those neon signs that says ‘Caution’. Could be helpful.” She joked before thinking over Elaine question. “Umm not too much. School, running, Potions which I am actually doing pretty well in. It’s probably putting an ever lasting question mark on Snape’s face.” She smiled at that. “And then the ever lasting ‘he said, she said’ debate my parents have had going on since I was oh…born.” She didn’t mind speaking about her parent’s very public divorce, her mother public divorces, and her father’s needy wife and replacement son. And she defiantly didn’t mind making fun of the situation like any true Kerr besides Randy, would not do. “But besides that. Life has been rather dull lately. I’ve been needing some excitement. This was very true. “What about yourself Miss Bentley. What have you been up to lately, besides the obvious?” She said pointing to her injury. Randy examined it. She could probably fix it for Elaine, but she wouldn’t even bring that up. Knowing Randy, something could go wrong rather quickly if she did.

[Noalan Bounds G7]

You would think by now Noalan would be used to have everyone looking at him. But that is not the case. Being the oldest he rarely got the attention the twins received. His father was the only one to really give him his full attention, but as Nole was getting older he was getting more questions about his future, and he tended to try to avoid that topic all together. He knew he would always be Vanessa’s little boy, but the twins where young and need looking after, Nole was gone most of the year, and all her other activities. So the attention he was getting in the hall was a bit unnerving. He was only taking her advice; though he may have not been alone he could see what she meant and wondered how he had been oblivious to this kind of attention. Perhaps he was falling into the tortured writer stereotype before he even published a book, but he couldn’t keep himself out of his thoughts. Once again he looked up to see people watching him and Elaine. “No, I’m pretty sure it’s just you.” He told her with a laugh. “I’m kidding, actually, but if we don’t look them in the eye maybe they’ll go away.” He said grinning even more. The two continued to make they’re walk to the hospital wing, who knew what awaited them there. “Hmm. Fine, let’s not bet on it. But … I’m sure you’ll run away again. I tend to drive people away; as I’m sure you’ve personally noticed.” He told her being more serious. There was nothing ever too serious about his serious tone, so perhaps he should have left his tone the way it was. They paused in the hall so she could check her ankle. “Let’s hope there isn’t a next time.” He told her following behind her now.

Noalan didn’t want to see his handwriting scrawled on that letter. He didn’t want to know what his face would give away if he even read just the first line. He didn’t think he’d be able to lie to Elaine and say he didn’t know who it was from. Lying was frowned upon, a big no-no in the words of Vanessa. Thankfully he didn’t have to. Insert Randy Kerr. He hadn’t seen the tall, blonde for sometime now. There last meeting was a bit … unconventional to say the least. But one that made an impression for sure. After all, it wasn’t everyday you knock people over. Or if you do, how many times do you make a friend from the situation. I’m sure we’ve all been in a circumstance when we introduce one person to another. Like two of your friends to each other, your boyfriend or girlfriend to your family, your kids to your boss. Like I said, we’ve all been in a situation as such, and we had this crazed feeling for them to just like each other. Because who knew what would happen if they didn’t get along? Your friends becoming immensely jealous of the other, your parents forbid you to see this person you really like, your boss dislikes kids and your officially off his good list, whatever it is, you never want that to happen. Noalan was feeling like that right, he was hoping the two girls would like each other, he wasn’t sure what would happen if they didn’t, but he figured it wouldn’t be good.

Noalan shot her, and by her I mean Randy, a smile. “Cursed you say. I guess that makes you two girls feel dangerous, hanging out with a guy like me.” He told her doing the whole stretch- blow on the nails- polish them on his shirt move, very dramatically, finishing his performance with a smile to both of them, who where sitting on the bed facing him. “Well, since we’re both cursed, maybe it’s a bad idea to be in a space, any space, together, who knows what we’ll do to the other patients.” He told her, running his fingers through his sandy blonde hair. Winking at Elaine at the part about other patients. He looked behind the bed and saw many more like it. Some held patients, some where empty, all held a feeling of sickness. He had a brotherly thought pass through his head. He wished his brothers would never end up in here, but knowing them, they’d have reserved beds. He chuckled to himself; always close to the end of the term he began to miss his family more and more. He was counting down the days till he saw his mom, and the boys, his father, and Cody. Though this summer was sure to be different then all the others. This summer his father would be getting married, Nole could see it now. Him running all over London helping his father getting wedding errands finished. He hadn’t even met his father’s fiancé yet. It was going to be an interesting one.

He had began to drift away into his thoughts of wedding attire, and damage control issues he was sure he was going to have to deal with, but he was pulled out of his thoughts by Randy yet again. “I’m the exception to the rules Randy; I am a prefect after all.” He told her with a laugh, wondering why girls did go for the bad boys. “Well, if I got slapped my self esteem would be hurt, like yours last time. We learn by example after all, so let’s not let that happen.” He continued with a smirk. He listened as Randy explained how she ended up in the hospital wing. “Tell me something Randy, how does one run over a fourth year. I mean you’re tall, sure, but not that tall.” He said laughing. When asking what happened to Elaine Nole was quick to answer, but Elaine had to have her say so. He smiled sheepishly. “You know, I’m glad I’m not hurt. That stuff looks sick.” Nole commented on the potions he watched both girls take. As Nole listened to Randy describe how they met he opened his mouth to mention that it was mainly his fault for not being with reality, but decided against it. “What she said,” He added with a smile. “Sounds like you have a lot on your hands.” Nole told Randy in response on how thing where with her, he was now leaning up against the bed post of the bed across from Randy and Elaine. He waited for Elaine to answer.

[Elaine Bentley R6]

Elaine looked back and forth between Randy and Noalan. There was just something about them that she couldn’t quite put her finger on. The way that they teased each other so easily reminded Elaine of her relationship with Noalan. They always found a way to constantly banter with each other. Whatever Noalan would say, Elaine would counter it with a comment of her own. It was like a never ending tennis match. One ball would be hit by the server, flying over the next to the second player. That person would hit it back and it would continue on in that pattern until one got tired. Well, that was how both of the older students in front of her were. Elaine felt her stomach churn uneasily. She didn’t know whether it was potion, or something much deeper. Maybe that big green monster was taking effect? No way… Elaine thought quietly in her head turning her attention back on the empty glass on the table beside her. There was only droplets left of the potion, sliding down the clear glass. What would Elaine be so jealous about with Randy? She barely even knew the girl. Yes, they did talk during events, and Elaine’s family knew hers rather well, but other than that, their paths didn’t cross. Elaine liked to be alone, or hang out with different people that weren’t part of her rich lifestyle. No one would expect her to be wealthy with the way she dressed, but Elaine didn’t care. She wanted it that way. But, there was nothing to be jealous about with the Hufflepuff. Maybe she was jealous that Noalan was flirting with her as well? There wasn’t a crime against it. Elaine would just have to suck it up. They could all be friends.

Chuckling as Randy agreed that Noalan was cursed Elaine tore her gaze from the glass of potion. Leaning forward, Elaine reached a hand toward her bruised ankle, her fingers massaging the aching muscles in her leg. The potion might be helping with the sprain, but it didn’t stop the soreness in her leg muscles. Maybe it was all the Quidditch practice training. Elaine still couldn’t believe she was on the Quidditch team. Years ago she wouldn’t have expected to join the team, but Jasmine had convinced it. Plus, she got to release her anger by playing beater. There wasn’t any other feeling than hitting a bludger at a couple of the opposing team mates, especially if it hit them. It was one of Elaine’s guilty pleasures, but that didn’t make her a bad person. “I think that all of us are cursed….Noalan just adds to the bad karma,” she spoke her eyes looking up into the boy’s face, a smirk playing on her lips. The dull ache in her ankle was dying down, but it still looked red and swollen. Leaning back into the bed, Elaine shot Randy a warning glance as she continued on the topic of hitting Noalan across the face. “Don’t add more to Noalan’s ego by calling him a pretty face,” she told the girl with a playful glare that indicated she didn’t mean anything by her words. Randy seemed like a pretty cool person to be around. Someone who Elaine could see being good friends with. “Have you fallen for a bad-boy yet Randy? I find them repulsive, really. I go for more of the tormented soul type.” Smiling, Elaine laughed lightly shaking her head. Elaine didn’t date much. It wasn’t her style. Wait….when did she ever have a style?

When Randy began to explain what happened, Elaine nodded slowly at the girl’s words. Seemed like they were both falling over different boys today….physically and emotionally. Feeling her cheeks grow slightly warm at the thought, Elaine kept her blush down as, her blue eyes pouring into Randy as the girl answered her question. She was good at potions? Maybe she could help Elaine pass the class. She couldn’t wait until sixth year to drop it. “Well….I’ve been trying to convince my parents to buy me a new camera. Want to do a sort of documentary over the summer….either that or just paint murals on my walls. My parents just love that.” Smirking, Elaine crossed her arms over her chest staring up into the ceiling wondering what else was going on in her life. “Seems like we both need some excitement in our lives.” Nodding, Elaine opened her mouth to say something else but a male’s voce ranged hard in her ears. Noah was heading toward the bedside, his brown eyes looking over his sister. “We were supposed to meet thirty minutes ago…remember?” he asked causing Elaine to sigh. “Alright…don’t fly off your broom. I only just was on the verge of death.” Noah smirked, causing Elaine to grin. Pushing herself off from the bed, Elaine turned her attention back on the two students across from her. “Well…I’ll catch you guys later. Sorry I’ve gotta go to soon, Nole. And talk to you later Randy. Don’t have too much fun without me.” With that and a large grin, Elaine limped out of the hospital wing, listening to her brother bicker next to her.

((Sorry for the lateness in my reply. But you two know what to do. ))