[sub][@LordofthePies] & [@Madly33][/sub]

Karen nodded. No point in denying the obvious: she was new to the sensation of having to interact with other children her age. "I am, though I'm hoping to get better with it soon," she said. "Not being able to communicate with others is an oversight that I can't ignore."

As Haley said his thanks, Karen thought there was something a bit strange with his response. "You're welcome," replied Karen primly. "As for my parents, my mother went to Hogwarts, as a Slytherin. My father went to Durmstang, however."

For some reason, she couldn't shake the feeling that the air had become a bit awkward. Then her mind processed Bishop's words and went back to [i]Hayes's[/i] introduction.

[i]Oh my god . . .[/i]

If her face had flushed red earlier, then right now, it was doing a good job of imitating a tomato. She scarcely heard the lady offering them sweets and simply replied with dull, wide-eyed nod. Forcing herself to look [i]Hayes[/i] in the eye, she began stammering out an apology, before catching herself and forcing herself to calm down.

Inhale. Exhale.

"Mm . . . Hayes, I apologize for . . . getting your name wrong. I won't do it again, I swear." 

Not even a day in and she had already screwed up; not quite the auspicious start she was hoping for.