What a beautiful day! (Annalisse)

[Riley Taylor]

The past few weeks for Riley had seemed to fly by. Summer vacation was going much to quickly, especially for how quiet it had been around Hogwarts. Not many students had stayed this summer compared to her last few, apparently. Although she'd rid her life of a lot of the more.. drama filled people, she was still missing having people to be around all the time. She was ready to find people worth spending her time around. If she was going to do that, she couldn't spend all of her hours cooped up in her dorm, could she? She finished brushing out her fine, blonde curls and pulled a yellow fitted t-shirt over the black tanktop she was wearing, all of it matching the black shorts she was wearing. Hufflepuff pride, baby! She slid yellow flip-flops onto her feet before exciting the Hufflepuff Common Room and heading up towards the entrance hall to exit the school.

As she finally hit the lawns of the school and began making her way down to her favorite place, the lake, she let the summer sun filter in through all of her pores and warm her body. It was quite the adjustment coming from the Hufflepuff Commons in the basement up to the beautiful grounds. She reached the lake and perched herself under a tree, sitting right on the base of it, knowing that when she stood back up, her black shorts were going to at least be slightly dirty, if not more. She sighed softly as she closed her eyes and gently leaned her head back against the tree. With her luck, she would lean her head back and wack it something fierce against the brown trunk.

When she opened her eyes, she realized just how bright that beautiful sun did make it around here. She loved summers at Hogwarts because everything was so beautiful. In winter, everything was beautiful too, but in the summer it seemed so much more peaceful. In the winter sometimes it was a mistake to go outside for the frigid air would catch you. The climate over Hogwarts was never warm enough to make summers unbearably hot, but was cold enough to make winters unbearably cold. She watched the golden sun glisten over the texture of the lake as it moved seemingly in unison with her heartbeat, which she could feel slightly in her chest. She breathed in deeply, glad that she didn't have allergies and could enjoy the summer as much as the next person.

[Annalisse Childs]

With the weather being so nice and all, Anna decided to stop being a neglectful toad owner and take Herman out for some good ol' fashioned exercise, and maybe get some sun to tan that still-too-pale body of hers. Must be the Irish side of her. After she'd thrown on a t-shirt and shorts on top of a bathing suit just in case she wanted to take a swim, Anna took Herman out of his cage and attached him to his leash. The least was necessary, seeing as whenever he got the chance her lovely little toad would make a run for it - usually towards the forbidden forest, which she wasn't very fond of visiting. She let him lead them out of her dormitory and then steered him through the castle until they made it out to the grounds, where he automatically made a beeline for the lake. Herman hopped pretty fast for someone who was probably really out of shape.

As they reached the lake, Herman sat as close as he could to the water but didn't yet venture into it. Looking around, Anna saw a tree that was close enough for her to tie the leash to and still allow the toad room to move into the lake if he so chose. Unfortunately, there was someone sitting under the tree in question, so she'd have to ask them to move for a minute so she could tie it. Hopefully it was someone nice that wouldn't give her any trouble. Leash in hand, Anna stepped closer to the base of the tree with a meek smile on her face, waving when the girl turned in her direction and heaving a sigh of relief as she realized it was someone she knew, though not someone she had seen very recently. "Hi Riley!" she squeaked excitedly, glad that she wouldn't have to deal with a meanie and also glad to see someone she knew.

"Would you mind if I borrowed the tree for a minute to tie up my toad?" she asked, realizing shortly after that how silly it sounded. "He's quite misbehaved, so to keep him from getting lost forever I have to keep him on a leash."

[Riley Taylor]

Riley blinked slightly as she continued watching the beautifully shimmering colors. She pushed some of her hair behind her ears, but the breeze blew it right back into her face. She pulled it all back into a somewhat messy, but still decent looking, ponytail. She frowned slightly as she realized there was a bump in it and she would have to do it over. After doing so, she seemed at least slightly satisfied and jumped slightly as a shadow obscured her vision momentarily. "Oh, hi Anna!" She smiled at her, glad to see someone she had known in the past, yet it wasn't one of the many people she'd let slip from her life lately. "Long time no see." She smiled as she stood momentarily, instead of scooting along the ground. She understood misbehaving pets.

"I totally understand, have at it." She smiled as she watched the toad curiously when it hopped around. It didn't seem like a toad would be such a bad pet to have, but Riley hadn't had a pet in quite some time. She missed her dog, but letting her father have him was the best decision for the dog. The dog would be able to keep her father company and she knew he would be a best friend for her father. Since Riley's mum had passed, things for her Dad just hadn't been the same.

"I'm thinking of investing in a pet. What kind do you think would be best?" She asked, the question flitting across her mind as she continued studying the toad. She actually didn't think she'd so much like a toad. It really wasn't her thing.

[Annalisse Childs]

"Very long time! How have you been?" Anna asked, quickly looping the leash around the tree and tying it tightly in hopes that it wouldn't come loose and allow Herman to escape. Though he'd probably be easier to find with the bright blue leash trailing along behind him. As soon as she was done she stepped back to allow Riley to reclaim her seat and plopped down a few feet away from where her spot was. The grass was a little wet, but that was alright since she was just going to change when she got back to her dorm anyways. Plus she didn't have anyone to look good for anyway.

Anna pursed her lips as she tried to think of an answer to Riley's question. "Well, let's see. Toads aren't...particularly fun," she finished the sentence in a whisper lest Herman hear and feel bad. "Dogs are lovely, I have a Yorkshire Terrier and she's oodles of fun, but lots of work. She needs to be taken out pretty often and she barks at night sometimes which gets annoying. Basically she's just needy, but that's ok because I love her. Cats are good if you have less time because they're a lot more um...independent? I see them wandering around the castle on their own all the time - you can't really let a dog do that. But they're nice too, I've never had one here but we have a couple at home. They can be super cuddly and lovable or they can hate your guts, so be careful. Owls seem useful but I've never had one of those. I have a niffler that lives on the grounds, but I don't count him as a pet since he's pretty self-sufficient and I just visit him." She shrugged her shoulders, hoping that her long answer had helped her out a bit.

"If you still have trouble deciding I say just go into the pet store and see what you like! I'm sure you'll be able to find something," she told her with a smile, debating on taking a trip to Kath's herself. But no, she had enough pets. Stepping in there wouldn't be the best idea, she'd surely leave with another animal or two if she did.

[Riley Taylor]

"I've been doing excellently. A lot better now that O.W.L.s are over and that I'm going to start taking all of the classes I need to take to prepare myself for my N.E.W.T.s. And I got rid of the drama in my life." Riley shook her head, having a feeling that when she talked about him that way, or the people who surrounded him at all times, Annalisse would know who she meant. It had seemed years ago that the Ravenclaw himself might have attempted to pit Riley against Anna, which was uncalled for. Riley pretty much liked everyone, even the people who didn't like her, and she wasn't out to get anyone over some silly boy. Especially a silly boy who didn't even know what he wanted from one day to the next.

Riley watched as she fastened the leash around the tree trunk and took her seat back, next to Anna this time, pulling her shorts down a little as she sat so that they were in a proper position to sit without showing any underwear or anything crazy. Luckily for everyone at the school, Riley wasn't one to wear pants with her butt hanging out anyway.

"Yeah, I was thinking of getting a cat. I mean, I have the time to devote to a dog, but .. they're sorta a pain sometimes. I had a dog here, Gordie, but my Dad ended up wanting to take him once my mum died." She shrugged. " It's weird around here without Gordie, in a way, because even if no friends were out, I had my pup here with me all the time. So in a way I want a dog because they're more of a being than a cat, who will ignore you if they really want to." Riley thought on the idea for a moment, pondering whether or not she should get a cat or a dog. "I have an owl already, and a pygmy puff. I'm thinking a cat might best suit my time schedule during N.E.W.Ts and all though."

[Annalisse Childs]

"Oh that's right, O.W.L.s are in fifth year," Anna mumbled to herself after hearing Riley's reply, scolding herself for not having thought to start studying for those this summer while she was home alone doing absolutely nothing. It was never too early to start! She shook her head and turned her attention back to Riley, hoping she hadn't seemed rude with her quick moment of inattention. "Getting rid of drama is wonderful," she said with a smile, though she couldn't relate to that very well because she tended to keep herself away from things like that. Then again, she supposed there was that bit last year with that Peter kid, and that Edward kid...and oh, yeah, there was Jaegar. Gosh, Ravenclaw boys were really dumb - it must have been their fault that the house's reputation had been diminishing. Perhaps she could petition for Ravenclaw to become an all-girls house.

"It's nice that you let your dog stay with your Dad," Anna commented, not sure how to approach the bit about her mom. The girl didn't know how to deal with things like that, for she'd never experienced a big loss like that and was always afraid she'd say the wrong thing. "And sorry about your mom," she finished with sincerity. "I agree about the dog thing, they are much more loyal and lovable. If you don't end up getting one you can play with my Hadley any time!" She smiled and nodded her head.

Gosh, Riley was already thinking about N.E.W.T.s? This girl was making Anna feel extra unprepared, and that wasn't something she felt often or was at all used to. Her mind was racing as she wondered whether she should take Herman back inside right now and start studying, and not come back out until the term started. That should catch her up. However, she also had some other catching up to do - that being with Riley, one of the few people she'd seen lately that she actually recognized. A girl needs some socialization too, right? With that she decided that she would start studying when she got back to the castle, but wasn't going to be rude and rush away. She quite liked hanging out with Riley.

"I'm sure whichever you decide you'll be able to handle," she said with a reassuring smile.

[Riley Taylor]

"It's making me look at everything in life with a different light, I suppose. If you could call it that exactly. It's just making things.. a little less harsh all the time." Riley nodded. It seemed as though every time she turned around she was scrutinized for who she was with, who she spent her time around, who she talked to even. She was happy to finally have rid herself of having to be worried of being scrutinized for something so silly. Now she could be free and enjoy life, live it to its fullest. In fact, in the most recent days she'd met up with some old friends who she hadn't talked to in years, she'd met a few new people, and she'd even considered going on a date with someone. Scrutinize that, hoes.

"Yes, Gordie really liked my Dad just right off the bat, and Dad's been so lonely." Riley shrugged, trying not to sigh too loudly or turn her head too far away, so Anna didn't think she was bothered by the situation. No one knew exactly how she felt about it. To be frank, Riley could almost care less. It was only the fact that she was the woman who gave birth to Riley that had upset Riley at all. When Riley had been very young and her father explained to her mum that he was a wizard, she'd left out of fear of what her young daughter and husband were capable of. She wasn't heard of again until word had it that she was dead. Which is also why its so curious to Riley.. why her Dad seems so distant. She wondered if maybe her parents were mending things while Riley was away.

"And it's alright." She shrugged. She wasn't one to take the apologies over her mum's death too seriously. It felt weird to her to say that she only had one parent now, but her Dad had pretty much raised her alone all the years anyway. She put the thoughts aside as she thought of what animal she might choose again, having previously realized that a cat was a good idea. She thought about it momentarily, and knowing that there were plenty of different types of cats, knew that soon she would have to make a visit to either Kath's pet shop or the Magical Menagerie. "I need to go look at cats soon." She nodded, wondering if Anna might like to join her. "When I do, would you like to join?"

[Annalisse Childs]

Anna nodded her head in understanding, having had a bout of loneliness herself the past few months while everyone she knew was away. Having Hadley around helped with that, but in her experience it didn't completely alleviate the feeling. Perhaps she was too much of a people person for that. She had been feeling much happier now that people were showing back up for the new term, in fact she was beginning to get quite excited. New year, new classes, new (and hopefully some old) friends, she even needed new robes...what's not to be excited about?

As Riley invited Anna along to look at cats with her, she hoped she wouldn't also be starting out the new term with a new pet of her own. The girl really didn't need another living thing to care for, Hadley was handful enough. This trip would be a test of her will, because she totally wasn't going to refuse going. "Sure I would!" she finally replied with a smile and a nod of her head. "Just let me know when and I'll be there. Maybe I'll pick up some new toys for Hadley, she tore up most of her old ones a while ago..." she trailed off, shrugging her shoulders. She'd have to keep her dogs vicious nature in mind when picking out new things for her. Giggling lightly at the thought of her dog as being vicious, she looked around the area to make sure her troublesome toad was behaving himself.


((So sorry this took forever and super sorry that this is kind of an awful reply. It's been a long couple of weeks, but I didn't want to leave you hanging forever!))

[Riley Taylor]

As Riley listened to Anna's agreement to go with her to the store, thinking about toys for the dog, she realized how much she did miss Gordie. She missed having someone to go for a walk with on the grounds when none of her friends were around. She missed having someone to talk to. Someone who would listen and wouldn't interrupt. She missed someone to play with, when she was feeling childish. She wondered if maybe she should get another dog. Missing the young husky wasn't going to be easy, and Riley had known that. Cats had always gotten along with Riley, but she wondered if she would be amused with the whole .. too laid back thing. "You know, I miss Gordie a lot, everyday. I wonder if I should get another dog. Not to replace him, but definitely to fill in the gap missing in my life right now." She shrugged.

Riley looked around the grounds as she pulled her knees up closer to her body and wrapped her arms around her legs, holding onto one wrist with the hand of the opposite side. She sighed happily, smiling slightly. She'd missed the grounds, the school, the friends, everything over the summer break. Usually she didn't go home for the whole break, but she'd returned only a week or two before term because of the whole funeral and everything. It had all happened right before she was set to come back to Hogwarts, so she'd had to push it off. Which really bothered her. But now that she was back, everything was hunky dory. She was more than ready for her fifth year and was going to make it the best.

(It's totally understandable. I've been busy too. Got my old job back and I'm struggling to make time for things like this.. lol. Finally had some time though. )

[Annalisse Childs]

Anna grinned lightly as Riley changed her mind yet again, contemplating another dog. She could see how she'd miss having Gordie, for she was sure she'd spend a lot more time bored out of her mind if she didn't have Hadley. After years of wanting a puppy, she definitely wasn't let down, despite the fact that Hadley started out her life as a Bundimun. "I think if you want a dog you should get one! I mean, you've had one before, so it's not like you don't know what you're getting yourself into. Not like me...all I had before Haddie was this darn toad, and he's much less high maintenance." She giggled and shrugged her shoulders, hoping Riley wouldn't decide against getting a dog just because she was worried about some silly tests she wouldn't taking for at least a year or something.

As Riley's attention seemed to be elsewhere for a moment, Anna took the time crawl towards the lake to where Herman's pink leash ended to make sure he was still attached and all. Unfortunately Herman had chosen a very muddy spot to sit in, so when her hands made contact with the mud she slid forward and skidded right to the very edge of the lake. "Oh, Merlin!" she squeaked, moving backwards gingerly to avoid accidentally diving into the lake. It was a good thing the girl didn't have a phobia of mud, because she was covered in it. Upon standing up and looking at her muddy clothes, she burst into a fit of giggles and heaved a great sigh. "Interested in a swim? The water's..." she trailed off, slipping off a flip flop and dipping a foot into the lake. "Nice and warm!"

[Riley Taylor]

"Yeah, you're right. I remember every detail of having a dog and I'd be more than willing to do it again. Especially if it meant that when no one's around, I won't be lonely." Riley shrugged, now wondering what type of dog she should get, what type of dog supplies she might still have in the bottom of her wardrobe and trunk. She was now ready to jump up and look, but she wanted to enjoy the warm afternoon outside first, especially now that Annalisse was asking if she wanted to go for a swim. Riley didn't wear her black and yellow bikini under the clothing she had on for nothing, but she didn't know if Anna had swimming gear on or anything.

"Surely, sounds like fun!" She smiled at the girl. It had been a while since Riley had been able to just let loose and have fun. "Are you alright though? Didn't look like a fun slide." Riley tried to help her up, seeing a little mud on her hands. She knew that once she got into the lake, it would wash away, so once she had Anna up, she leaned down and washed her hands off in the lake before pulling her shirt over her head by the hem. She then pulled her shorts off and dropped both her shorts a shirt a little away from the mud before jumping into the lake.

[Annalisse Childs]

"Well Miss Riley, if you ever feel lonely and would like some company, just shoot me a text--" Anna wrinkled her nose, remembering that text messages were a muggle thing. She'd spent far too much time at home this summer. Did wizards have a way to communicate instantly like that? They had to, everything was better in the wizarding world! Unfortunately she was at a loss for such a thing. "An owl, just send me an owl," she corrected herself, though owls weren't the speediest delivery option she imagined that it wouldn't take long to send an owl from one part of the school to another, right? She hated the thought of poor Riley being lonely, or anyone being lonely for that matter. Nope, there would be no more lonely denizens of Hogwarts as long as Anna could help it.

Anna shrugged her shoulders as Riley asked if she was alright, looking down her arms and seeing a few scratches but nothing major. "All is well, I'll be better once I get cleaned off a bit though," she replied with a laugh, and though she did have a bathing suit on over her clothes she jumped into the lake fully clothed in order to get some of the mud off of them. "It's a bit colder once you've got your entire body in, huh?" she mumbled to herself, shivering lightly and hugging her wet clothes to her body. She found that it was very hard to swim while wearing clothes, so after she had tried to rub away the mud she pulled them off and threw them ashore. Feeling as if she was ten pounds lighter, Anna floated around on her back and looked over at Riley. "Do you think the giant squid is down there watching us?" she asked curiously, for she had never actually seen the creature but had heard a lot about it.

[Riley Taylor]

Riley nodded at Anna with a bit of a laugh. She knew that text messages were a muggle form of communication, although she'd never quite given them a try. She figured it would probably be a good idea to give them a try. They had to be faster than owls, but not faster than talkin through fireplaces like when Sirius shows up in the Gryffindor Common Room, yesh? She had never actually tried to communicate with anyone in the wizarding world without the owl post. It had always seemed the most obvious form of communication to her. Otherwise, she just walked right up to someone and talked to them. She'd waited outside of common rooms before and asked people to go in and get someone for her. She'd go out on the grounds, because she was good at remembering where some of her friends most liked to sit. "An owl, yes." She laughed a little, thinking back on how Anna had almost said to send her a text.

"Yup, it's a bit chilly." Riley said as her curly hair started to soak with water in the lake. She cringed slightly when Anna asked about the giant squid. "To be honest, I've never seen him so I don't know what he does or anything.." She pretended to pull her legs up to her chest though, making herself as small as possible by doing a sort of .. fetal position under the water. She wondered though, if it really did watch people swimming. "I wonder if what people say is true, about him being like Godric Gryffindor or something crazy." That would be kind of cool. But if Gryffindor was still around, it was unfair that Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw weren't. If Slytherin was around, this whole place would be in chaos, so Riley figured they could all live without that.