Shirley smiled slightly to herself as she opened the large doors that led her from the cold hallway into the inviting library. Though she wasn't a Ravenclaw, at heart, Shirley knew she was one of them, at least, sterotypically speaking.

Walking towards her favorite crevice between two book shevles, Shirley inhaled a deep breath of air and smiled even more widely than before when the smell of books hit her.

Ah...that never gets old

Once she reached her corner, Shirley picked out her latest muggle book to read and set herself up for a nice relaxing read for a couple of hours or until interrupted.

Rebecca sighed to herself as she made her way through practically every bookshelf in the library, except the restricted section of course. It was the weekend at Hogwarts and she'd been off trying to find a book to read, enjoyment wise. Though now that she'd come down to the library and actually searched for something she found her task hopeless to say the least. After all she'd been her at least an hour searching.

Sighing loudly at her thoughts Rebecca pulled a strand of her hair away from her blue eyes which were now searching the bottom shelf. Reading the first few titles she just frowned and moved on. She wasn't in the mood to read books about Herbology. As she made her way to the next shelf though she looked around and noticed a girl sitting in the corner, reading.

Smiling at the scene Rebecca had to ask, "Enjoying the peace and quiet?" She had had to admit the girl had picked the perfect place for reading. She was far back in the library where no one usually ventured and tucked away in a corner where people probably wouldn't notice her. Smart girl, she thought amused as she waited for the girl to answer.

Shirley was lost in a land of love and intrigue while reading her novel. Despite enjoying the silence, Shirley couldn't help but wish someone was here to sit with her.

I'm always here by myself.

Shirley did have friends, she wasn't a complete loner, but she had spent most of her time at Hogwarts hidden behind the endless tomes of ancient magic. Alone. She knew it was mostly her fault, afterall, hiding behind endless books didn't shout to everyone welcome, come sit and chat. Shirley fingered her glasses before pushing them up the bridge of her nose, they always fell slightly when she was reading. Snuggling further into her corner to continue reading she froze when she heard..."Enjoying the peace and quiet?"

Looking up to see a pretty girl about her age wearing a Hufflepuff insigna, Shirley smiled. "I was" she replied. After a moment, she realized that might have come off rude and ammended her statement "but it is nice to take a break from the silence. Would you like to sit down? I'm Shirley by the way". Scooting over a little bit she made some room in the spot nearby.

She'd been in the library all morning, gray eyes pouring over books and tyring to absorb the printed information, anything and everything could be useful in the tournament. Unfortunately not every day could be a spare one and so she had to study; Fawne had some serious learning to do if people were going to take her seriously as a competitor. Since currently they all though she was the weakest link! Shane had already agreed to help and Craven would if the time arose. Her optimism allowed her to belive she would win this for her house and prove that dueling skill is not everything in the wizarding world.

She was currently wandering around the charms section, just a row away from that herbology section, which she'd already passed through. It took a moment for her information addled brain to register the voices near by. Her natural curiosity perked as she recognized the voices. Without another moments though she placed the current book she held back on the shelf and headed towards the voices, her footsteps light and fluid as always.

Approaching the girls she noticed immediately that one was from he own house, her year even. She was pretty sure they may have shared a dorm at some point, like most in the same year had, but then the year group was big and Fawne didn't tend to spend a great deal of normal hours in her dorm so she could be wrong. The other face she recognized as the girl Craven had befriended. Fawne's wistful features suddenly brightened with a half smile as she spoke, only steps away from the girls now.

"Oh hello...I'm not intruding am i?" her soft voice rang out.

As Rebecca watched the girl freeze at her words she instantly flashed the girl an apologetic smile. She hadn't meant to scare the other, but nevertheless it seemed she had. As she got a smile and reply in return Rebecca had to wonder if the girls words were meant in a rude way or not. Taking in the smile she assumed it wasn't. The girl's next words confirmed her thoughts and Rebecca could only smile.

"I'd be happy to join you. By the way I'm sorry for scaring you with my sudden words, that wasn't my attention at all." Saying this Rebecca trailed off as she moved to sit down beside the girl she'd just met. While she made herself comfortable she opened her mouth to introduce herself, but was interrupted by another voice. One that didn't belong to the girl she'd just interrupted.

Looking up Rebecca instantly remembered the girl as Fawne, the girl who had been chosen for the tournament for Gryffindor house. She also noticed the girl as Craven's stepsister. Just the thought of Craven made her think back to their conversation and she frowned just slightly though it was gone in a matter of seconds and replaced with a grin.

"Hello and no I assume not. You might have been just moments ago, but I think I already beat you too it." Laughing quietly at her words Rebecca's blue eyes turned to glance at the girl she sat next to, wondering if she was going to invite Fawne to sit and join them.

Shirley's smile grew even wider as the girl who had interrupted her reading sat down beside her. Shaking her head slightly she said softly "You didn't scare me at all. I just didn't know that anyone would find this little alcove, it startled me is all."

Waiting for the girl to introduce herself she heard soft footsteps coming from another direction. Peering around the girl beside her, Shirley saw another attractive girl who she could have sworn was her dormmate. "Oh hello...I'm not intruding am i?" Shaking her head no while the girl beside her answered no for the both of them Shirley realized she still didn't know either of their names. Oh how rude of me for not knowing

Trying her best to be polite and not scare off the first people to find her corner she said brightly "Would you like to come sit with us? I'm Shirley." and turning towards both the girls she inquired lightly "What are your names? I can't recall them, I'm afraid" She gave them each an apologetic and sheepish grin.

Fawne smiled when neither girl turned her away, with the amount of information running randomly through her brain she needed a break from book trudging and this was the perfect one. Besides she wanted to get to know Rebecca better and Shirley was from her house. Everyone needed friends, Fawne included, no matter how quirky she was.

As soon as Rebbecca spoke she realised why Craven had befriended her, she was teasing just like he was. With the same smile still on her lips she nodded at Shirley invitation to sit down. Choosing to sit across from the other two rather than next to them. So they were sort of sat in a little circle. She sat with her legs folded under herself and her arms on her lap, looking for all pretences like a posed pot doll. No wonder Craven though she looked fragile.

Her voice was light and polite as she spoke, her attitude making her come across as slightly unreal with a dreamy vague nature, not that that was anything new. "I would be delighted to sit with you both, thank you...I am Fawne, you are in my house and year, no?"

Listening to the girl’s reply about not scaring her Rebecca grinned. She was glad she hadn’t, after all it wasn’t a good way to make a good first impression. Nodding at the girl’s words she understood why she was startled. The only reason why she’d found the Gryffindor was because she’d stumbled upon her. “I understand what you mean. Even so I have to say this is a nice little place. I might have to use it sometime.” Saying this Rebecca smiled before turning back to Fawne who was now joining them.

Smiling at both girl’s Rebecca listened as they both introduced themselves. While they did this Rebecca took in both of their appearances. Shirley was a pretty girl with tan skin and happened to be older than her while Fawne, pretty too, was very different looking from both her and Shirley, though not in a bad way. Craven didn’t tell her too much about Fawne but she could tell why he was worried about her all the time. A trouble magnet he had called her.

Tuning out her thoughts Rebecca came back to reality and introduced herself a smile on her face as she did so. “It’s nice to meet you both Shirley…Fawne. I’m Rebecca.” Finishing her introduction she trailed off not sure what to say next as she waited for Shirley to answer Fawne’s questioning words. It seemed like the girl’s new each other. If not a lot then at least a little.

Shirley nodded at both girls as they sat down and introduced themselves. Shirley was so used to sitting in the backgrounds instead of interracting with people, so she stayed quiet as both girls spoke.

"I would be delighted to sit with you both, thank you...I am Fawne, you are in my house and year, no?" Fawne...it was a really pretty and familiar name. Yes that girl had definately been her dormate for atleast a year. If it had been first year, it would be no surprise the two didn't know each other. That had been the year where Shirley was solely in the library or attempting to get into the Ravenclaw's exclusive study group. This girl, she spoke so politely that Shirley felt the need to match her politeness. "Hello Fawne. It's nice to finally speak to you. Yes I am in your house and year, we were once dormmates I believe."

As for the first girl, Rebecca, she was very pretty, but probably younger than her which is why Shirley had never seen her in class. She seemed to exude an inner happiness that Shirley admired immediately and was slightly envious of both girls at the same time. It was impossible for her to just introduce herself to people and yet both girls had come and said hello as if it was the easiest thing.

Realizing it had been a moment of silence, Shirley piped up "Well, I'm glad you girls joined me." Laughing softly she tried to come up with something to say. "Um, so girls, what are your favorite things about Hogwarts?" Shirley immediately felt dumb asking the question but she couldn't take it back now. Hopefully it broke the ice.

She took note of both the girls as she sat, gray eyes noting over their appearances and personalities as most people do upon first meetings; although she had seen the girls around before.

Both Rebecca and Shirley were pretty but in different ways their personalities shining through their appearance. Rebecca was much as she'd pictured from Craven's vague replies to her questions. Rebecca was pretty, young, sweet and cheeky. A perfect friend for her brother who spent far to much time being mean. Shirley was tan and tall, dark haired and pretty in the much wanted beach girl way. it was strange to see the three of them sat together especially with Fawne being very pale with dark hair and light eyes; a porcelain doll. Not that anyone would find the three of them chattering away in a corner of the library.

She realised her musing had probably delayed her reply, though in reality it hadn't by much. With a smile still on her lips she spoke once more. Her words still polite in the way that almost belonged in an era long gone.

"It is wonderful to meet you Rebecca, i belive you know Craven Blackwood?" her question was polite and curious, after all she had to check this was the right Rebecca. Before she was answered Shirley spoke asking about Hogwarts. Fawne paused slightly taking the time to mull over her answer, her head tilted slightly to the left in though; much like an animal does.

"i belive the whole school is glorious, the people are wonderful, the lesson delightful and the teaching is brilliant...May i ask you the same in return?"

As Rebecca watched both girl’s take each other in, their appearances and such, she could only help but smile a little. It was something everyone did. Almost as if sizing down the competition at least when it came to sports and stuff. Here and now Rebecca knew that wasn’t the problem. It was just a way of getting to know the people around you other than by their actions and personalities. It was a good thing to do in Rebecca’s opinion.

Trailing off out of her thoughts Rebecca listened on as Shirley and Fawne spoke. So her assumptions had been right. Part of her couldn’t help but think the other two girl’s would know each other better or at least know one another’s name, but then again she couldn’t be so surprised. She, after all, hardly spoke with her dorm mates except for probably Emily. It wasn’t that she didn’t like the other girls, but just that Rebecca liked the peace and quiet that came with being in her dorm. It was the time and place where she wanted to reflect in her thoughts and do things which didn’t involve company. Like reading, or writing a letter to her parents or Julianna, or doing homework. Nevertheless she knew some things didn’t go according to plan.

Coming out of her thoughts Rebecca turned suddenly to Shirley who was speaking, breaking the silence that had passed between the girls. She gave Shirley a grateful smile knowing she had no idea how to start the conversation. Though before she replied to the older girl’s question Rebecca was hit with Fawne’s polite words. Smiling almost instantly at Fawne she nodded to her question about knowing Craven. So I guess this is really Fawne, she thought to herself slightly nervous as she wondered what Craven had told his sister about her.

“The pleasure is all mine Fawne. And yes I do know Craven. It’s nice to finally meet a member of his family.” Announcing this Rebecca smiled once more before turning to Shirley and answering the girl’s question. “Favorite things? I don’t think can chose! There’s so many things to like about this place it’s insane. Though one thing I love the most is the feeling it gives off. After all everyone who goes here feels at home here. A great feeling I tell you.” Trailing off Rebecca smiled softly her blue eyes still watching Shirley as she waited the girl to answer her own question which was asked by Fawne.

Shirley smiled lightly as she closed her eyes and leaned back against her corner in the wall. She was enjoying the sound of people around her as Fawne asked Rebecca about some Craven person; it was actually a nice change from the silence that usually buzzed in her ears. Then she heard Rebecca respond to Fawne and heard a mention of family but by this point, Shirley wasn't really listening to the words that were said. The sounds were soothing and she could only focus on the volumes and tones while they discussed things she didn't know anything about.

"i belive the whole school is glorious, the people are wonderful, the lesson delightful and the teaching is brilliant...May i ask you the same in return?"

“Favorite things? I don’t think can chose! There’s so many things to like about this place it’s insane. Though one thing I love the most is the feeling it gives off. After all everyone who goes here feels at home here. A great feeling I tell you.”

Both girls spoke, and both girls had her full attention once they were talking about something Shirley understood. Hogwarts. This place was her home, her sanctuary, and her place to prove herself. It meant the world to her. Nodding to both girls she replied honestly "I love this school. More than anything though..." she trailed off for a moment in embarrassment. "Um, I love this library. This is where I'm happiest, and then, after books, the lessons are my favorite thing about the school. I've never had enough interactions with people to say that's my favorite thing." Shirley felt awkward and hoped this wouldn't scare off two of the only people to ever talk to her while she was in the library.

She pondered Rebecca’s words thoughtfully and found herself nodding her head lighting in agreement with her words; it was true Hogwarts did give the feeling of home. In fact Fawne felt more at home here than she did in the Blackwood house, or even the Sugarmoon house. Both were old buildings with too many memories and dark corridors. Hogwarts might have been old, dark and large but it was full to the brim with life; even at night. It was welcoming in its darkness and if not anything else it was safe…

She was drawn from her musings when Shirley spoke about her favourite Hogwarts items. She was shocked slightly that the girl so easily admitted a personal fault. Many were quick to hid them not announce them. She supposed it shocked her because Fawne was the same; she didn’t go out of her way to hide her quirks and faults, they made her herself. She was careful not to show her shock; after all she rarely did and instead smiled at Shirley. Mostly to show she wasn’t bothered by the admission at all. It wasn’t in her nature to be affected by such a comment and she found both Rebecca and Shirley to be great company.

With a lightness in her tone that wasn’t there before she spoke, her voice as melodic as ever. “You seem to be a rather delightful person, you should interact more with the students. I promise they are most wonderful!” Of course Fawne would say that, she found the goodness in everyone, dated a vampire and had a Slytherin for a brother. Not that Shirley or Rebecca knew any of that. “Oh I almost forgot. Thank you Rebecca for befriending my Brother, he rather needs a good influence. He has a good heart.”


OOC:Sorry about the lame reply, i totally forgot about this topic! T.T