Lunch

[Kingsley Shacklebolt]

Kingsley was the first to make it into the great hall. Only a few others crowded the Gryffindor tables before the lunch hour. Baked Potatoes and Roast beef wafted throughout the room and he sat hungrily.

[October Cricket]

Ocober drifted through the doors of the Great Hall, keeping her head down and walking so lightly that it almost seemed like she was floating. Quietly, she settled herself at the Slytherin table and glanced around to see if anyone she knew was there yet.

[Caroline Valde]

Being extremely hungry today Caroline headed into the great hall early to find only a few other school mates. She walked over to the Gryffindor table and took the seat across from Kingsley

[October Cricket]

October observed the Gryffindor girl silently as she entered, recalling that she was the very same one who had inquired about her health in the Three Broomsticks. Perhaps she was another one of the rare Gryffindors who had a heart. The Slytherin fourth year mused on this possibility, picking at her food with a fork but not actually eating anything.

A large owl flew into the Great Hall through one of the many windows, accompanied by a few others, and lighted upon the Slytherin table. Specifically, right in front of October.

"Oh. Hello, Orion. Do you have something for me?" She asked the owl, almost conversationally, while extending her hand to the creature. Orion quickly dropped a letter into the fourth year's outstretched hand before stealing a roll and flying off to go join his companions in the Owlery.

October turned the letter over in her hands, examining it. A letter from home. How pleasant.

[Caroline Valde]

Caroline hummed slightly as she filled her plate with Roast Beef. My favorite she thought. Taking a mouth full she examened her fellow Gryffindor. She had seen his face before around the common room and such but never really talked to him. Always time to try something new "Hey," she said to Kingsley, "how have you been?"

[October Cricket]

October ripped the letter open and pulled out the decorated piece of parchment. Her mother's familiar, scrawling handwriting ran over the page. Her mother's handwriting was sometimes difficult to read, but it was uncharacteristically neat in this letter.

Dear October,

My poor child! That was why I warned you to keep your diary hidden. Little brothers can reveal your deepest, darkest secrets at the drop of a hat. I should know. I had one, after all!

Anyway, darling, do you think could tough it out until the year's end? I'm sure your secret, whatever it is, won't stay big news for long, anyhow. Gossip dies quickly. Just keep reminding yourself of all the fun we're going to have this summer visting haunted places across Europe!

Speaking of that, August sent me a letter saying he doesn't want to come anymore. Apparently, the boy thought we were simply touring Europe for eight weeks and NOT visiting the most haunted locations on the continent.

So, since I already bought train tickets, I'm going to let you bring a friend of your choice to accompany us on our SPOOKY adventure. Why not pick that Snape fellow you're so fond of? I think you mentioned that he enjoys the paranormal.

Your Mother,
Winter Cricket

PS. Septimus might be sending you a Howler on the importance of quality education. So, dearest, if you receive a red letter, DO NOT OPEN. I asked him not to send it, but you know Septimus. So stubborn...

[Blaze Spellseeker]

Blaze walked into the Great Hall and saw the 'potions girl', as he decided to call her, with some guy across the room. He contemplated going to talk to her but as soon as he realized what he was thinking decided against it. Instead he went to sit next to one of the girls he had met in the Slytherin Common Room the other day. "Hey," he said to her remembering the 'potions girl's' word of let's say advice. "How have you been?"

[October Cricket]

((Hello. I suppose you're talking to me, since I'm the only one here.))

[Blaze Spellseeker]

((yeah sorry))

[October Cricket]

"Oh, hello." October raised her eyes from the letter, quickly rolling it up and storing it in her pocket, "I've been well enough."

[Blaze Spellseeker]

"That's good," he said trying to be nice. Instead it came off as sort of a growl, so he picked up a bisect and started eating it.

[October Cricket]

"You...ah...wouldn't happen to know where Severus is, would you? I need to ask him something." She asked, assuming he knew who Severus was. But he seemed to be about as old as herself, and doubtless he should know who was in his year.

[Blaze Spellseeker]

"Severus, Severus, nope don't think so," Blaze said not wanting to admit that he didn't really know who Severus was.

[October Cricket]

"Oh. Alright." October replied, sounding genuinely disappointed.

[Alea Johnson]

Alea came into the Great Hall and sat on a bench across from October and the boy she had seen in the common room. "Hey, October," she said cheerfully.