[center][h2][color=24c4a8]Elise Reed[/color] and [color=D8BFD8]Mary Winthrop[/color][/h2][/center]


Elise was nervous. First the Peregrine had arrived late at school, and then they had all been shoved into the tiny lounge together. However, she was putting on a brave face for her cousin. Mary was leaning against a wall, curled up in a corner almost, away from as many people as she could get herself away from, which was nearly impossible. She was reading a book, but kept looking up and scanning around her. Elise was next to Mary, and had her hand on Mary’s head, gently petting to reassure the smaller girl. 

Once it was announced that they could go get some food, Elise let out a small sigh. It was getting later and later, and all she wanted was food and sleep. However, the sleep was being denied for right now, so food would have to do. [color=24c4a8]”You hungry Mary? We can go to the hall and get some food if you want.”[/color]

[color=D8BFD8]“Yeah,”[/color] Mary stood up, closing her book and sliding it into her bag. [color=D8BFD8]“Finally.”[/color] She gave a smile, her usual one, the one she wore when she knew someone was looking.

Elise, having gotten to know Mary very well, knew that smile. She helped her cousin up and kept an arm around her as they headed to the dining hall. She found a few spots at the end of the Tituba house table and sat down next to Mary. She started serving herself some food as she looked around. She noticed that several of the professors were missing, which was odd. What was going on? First the centaurs were revolting, causing them to be late, and they couldn’t go outside, or to the dorms. What was going on outside that they were hiding from the students?

[color=D8BFD8]“Why aren’t they letting us into the dorms?”[/color] Mary asked after a few moments of silence. 

[color=24c4a8]”I don’t know Mary. This is the first year they haven’t let us in after dinner. Also they cancelled the opening ceremony. Something is going on, and I don’t like it.”[/color]

[color=D8BFD8]“Where are we going to sleep?”[/color] Mary frowned slightly over her potatoes. 

[color=24c4a8]”I doubt they could keep us out of the dorms all night, but if it continues like this, maybe the Hall? I don’t know Mary, this is the first time it’s happened. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure you are somewhere safe tonight.”[/color] Elise paused between bites of chicken as she looked around. They weren't even having the candle ceremony? What was going to happen to all the first years?

Mary nodded. There was still worry etched on her face a bit, but her general smile returned. [color=D8BFD8]“That would be like a giant sleepover.”[/color]
[color=24c4a8]”You’ve never really been to a big sleepover before, huh? It would be fun, but I doubt they’d have us sleep out here without reason.”[/color] Elise reached over and gently rubbed Mary’s shoulder. [color=24c4a8]”So, are you excited to start Care of Magical Creatures this year?”[/color]

[color=D8BFD8]“No I haven’t.”[/color] Mary paused slightly. [color=D8BFD8]“I am excited. Also Arithmancy, and Study of Ancient Runes.”[/color]

[color=24c4a8]”I didn’t take Ancient Runes, but Arithmancy is good. The professor is nice, and if you need any help, don’t feel afraid to ask them questions. Care of Magical Creatures is fun, you’ll start with some rather benign creatures, but that doesn’t mean they aren't interesting.[/color] 

Mary gave a small nod. [color=D8BFD8]“I was reading the course book.”[/color] Mary tapped her bag. She gave a strange smile, very unlike her usual one. [color=D8BFD8]“Such strange creatures.”[/color]

Elise smiled. It was hard not to when Mary was giving an almost genuine smile. [color=24c4a8]”Yeah, I’d imagine for you they’d be extra strange. However, don’t worry. Most of them look worse than they really are. If you’re lucky, you might get to see the Siren’s in the lake.”[/color]

[color=D8BFD8]“I’d like to learn more about them. I’ve always been a bit fascinated by them.”[/color]

[color=24c4a8]”If you’re lucky, maybe you might learn how to attract one of them.”[/color] Elise was happy to see Mary so interested in her class. She continued to eat, still wondering what was going on.