A Meeting Between Strangers

[mallan]

The Gryffindor Common Room always had a giant fire going in the fireplace keeping the whole room warm. That was the reason Mallan had decided to study this evening there instead of the usual library today. It seemed that other students decided that the day had been too depressing and wanted their spirits lifted as well. As it was, the solid grey clouds and mist of today did not help the mood for most. Earlier today Mallan thought he would take a walk outside but found that the cold bore to his bones more than usual and quickly decided to relax inside rather than out. So here he was in his thick woolen pajama pants and cotton shirt studying in one of the many comfortable, cushioned, red chairs.

An hour and a half passed as Mallan had decided to take a little extra time studying this evening. He tossed down his quill lightly and decided it was time to take a break. His head had been swarming with information and it seemed that for the last twenty minutes nothing had been sinking in. “It’s time for a break,” Mallan told himself. He looked around the room at the other students hoping to find one that seemed willing to have a conversation. He needed to get his mind off the subject as it was causing his brain to feel like it was scrambled eggs tossed through a lightning storm. Mallan prepared himself with a smile for anyone who he might catch eye contact with. Usually he was not one to meet people he didn’t know but right now he wouldn’t mind talking to anyone.

[tori]

After a long day Tori decided it was the perfect time to return to the Gryffindor Common Room to curl up with one of her many books. She entered the room and found quite a few students hanging about. One in particular caught her eye. He was in her Charms class and though she had wanted to meet him there, this setting was even better. It seemed he had been studying but appeared to be taking a break at the moment. Eying his attire she thought perhaps she should change into a similar outfit. Deciding to wait until she had introduced herself, Tori walked over to a seat nearby Mallan and plopped herself down. She caught his eye and threw a smile his way.

“Hi, there. I’m Tori Reed. I don’t know if you recognize me but we’re in Charms together. I had wanted to introduce myself in class today but decided against yelling to get your attention. So here we are, given the perfect opportunity to meet. I assume you’re quite new here since I’ve been here all 5 years and have only just started seeing you around. How are you enjoying Hogwarts so far?”

Always excited to meet new people, Tori hoped that this introduction would be the beginning of a lasting friendship. She had friends from every house but especially enjoyed bonding with those from her own. She had a soft spot for her Gryffindor friends and she suspected it had to do with their similarities in character. A part of her also took pride in the fact that this was the house the famous Harry Potter had been sorted into. She dreamed of going on adventures akin to his (though not as life threatening she hoped) and achieving great things because of her courage. Perhaps this new acquaintance would be willing to go on such adventures with her. She could only hope as she waited for his reply.

[Jason Cruz]

It was raining. Jason hated it when it was raining. Jason's favorite pastime was sitting out in a tree in warm, sunny weather with a book in hand and no concerns invading his thoughts. While he could certainly read inside, it wasn't the same at all. And if he went out he would soon be wet and cold, which was the worst possible combination in his estimation. Also there was no way he could practice for quidditch in this weather. The dreadful thought occurred to him that if he were to join the house team, he would have to play in conditions similar to what he was carefully avoiding now. He may have to rethink the whole quidditch idea.

Instead of enjoying the day outside, Jason had spent the last few hours in the library working on his Ancient Runes homework. It still amused him that they called it homework even though he didn't actually take it home. He supposed there were some students who considered the school their home, but if that were the case then the work they did in class could just as easily be labeled homework. This type of irrelevant little thoughts managed to keep Jason from accomplishing much with his schoolwork, and after a time he decided it was too cold in the library for any decent human being anyway.

Quickly packing up, he headed up the many stairways toward Gryffindor Tower. There were only a few seats near the roaring fire, and Jason somewhat doubted he'd be able to snag one, but he was running anyway, hoping for the best. As he charged through the portrait hole however he didn't see the young Gryffindor girl sitting on the floor with her overly large bag in front of her. Jason foot caught neatly in one strap of the bag as he moved past and down he went, calling out a surprised apology to the girl even as he fell.

A short slide and several rolls later found Jason lying on his back, staring up at two students he hadn't met. Despite how often such things happened to Jason, he still blushed fiercely as he sat up.

"Hello. Sorry. I hope I didn't interrupt anything. I mean not that I'm suggesting there was something going on for me to interrupt. I didn't mean for this to happen. I accidentally tripped, see? Though I mean, obviously it was an accident. Is it really tripping if you do it on purpose? I've always thought for it to really be a trip, it had to be unintentional. Are you new? I don't think I've seen you before. Maybe I just haven't been paying attention. Not that you're easy to miss or anything, not like you're dull. But I don't mean that you stand out either, I mean I'm sure you could. You know, if you wanted. You I've seen though. Haven't ever talked to you though. Sorry. I mean, not that I think you were greatly insulted by me not talking to you before. You never talked to me either. I mean, not that I'm accusing you of anything or anything. In fact you may have said hi to me before. Yeah, I think you did. I was just too shy to respond. Sorry."

Jason had directed his first statements at the both of them, had then focused on Mallan, then shifted his attention to Tori. Now he sat there looking back and forth between the two, smiling sheepishly.

[mallan]

Mallan caught eye of a girl who just walked it. He smiled at her as his memory kicked in reminding him that she had been in his Charms class. She was beautiful, especially with that smile, which caused an urge in him to want to talk to her. He was about to introduce himself when she started speaking. “Tori! Good one; glad she introduced herself first otherwise I would have made a complete fool of myself!” Mallan lightly cursed himself. He originally thought her name was Lori. Mallan waited to introduce himself until she was done speaking.

(Mallan’s smile became broad as he introduced himself) Pleasure to meet you, Miss Reed. I’m Mallan Baine but you may just call me Mallan if you would like. I do remember you. (Mallan refrained from adding, “It’s hard to forget such a beautiful face”. He thought that might have been too flirtatious so soon) I apologize for my obliviousness. Sometime it does take yelling at me, or throwing something at me, to get my attention. You’re welcome to do both next time. (Mallan said with a smirk and then paused a moment thinking about how long he’s been at Hogwarts; it seemed like ages) New? Yes, but it feels like months already.

Mallan was about to explain further when a boy, who he’d had seen around, came crashing in… literally. He rushed in tripped on something and came tumbling across the room to land in front of Mallan and Tori. Mallan jumped to the edge of his seat but held on to his books and belongings to make sure they didn’t fly everywhere.

Are you alright?! (Mallan said in a rush)

But before he said anything else the boy began talking; beginning with an apology. The boy rambled on quickly and it took Mallan a moment to piece together what he was saying. His ramblings made Mallan chuckle to himself. He had remembered a time where he acted similarly. Well, he didn’t ramble for as long but it still reminded him of when he was younger and talking with girls. Mallan gave him an encouraging look and a small grin before he replied.

No need to apologize; (Mallan looked towards Tori, making sure she was okay, before looking back to the boy and answering further) we are quite alright. I hope you did not hurt yourself though, your rolling reminds me of some martial artists; nicely done, and so, I assume you’re alright and I hope I am correct. (Mallan waited for a nod before continuing and thought it kind of funny that he had just told Tori that he was new. Mallan looked towards Tori and let out a chuckle as he looked back to the new boy) Yes, I am new. I’ve just arrived at Hogwarts a few weeks ago and though I am a sixth year I have to catch up to the year as I have had no training beforehand. My name’s Mallan Baine (and thinking it would be rude to exclude Tori; he added hers in as well) and this is Tori Reed; we've just met (He added so the boy didn't think he was interrupting anything). Pardon me but I don’t think I caught yours…

Mallan didn’t want the boy to feel like he had made a mistake at not introducing himself and so left it as if Mallan had missed his name. He waited for the boy or Tori to speak further before he pushed himself back, comfortably into his chair.

[tori]

Tori’s smile grew as Mallan gave her advice on how to get his attention. She certainly hoped she wouldn’t have to go to such ends to reach him but laughed at the thought. Her laughter died when Jason’s dramatic entrance included the space she and Mallan were occupying. Worried that he was hurt, she was about to ask if he was okay when Mallan voiced her concerns. As Jason began to speak she realized that he was unharmed and her amusement returned at his rambling. Her eyebrows rose when he kept talking and she wanted to tell him that he didn’t have to use so many words to explain himself. And she wanted to suggest that he give his listeners more of an opportunity to respond. Maybe breathe a bit more to help calm his nerves?

She listened as Mallan introduced the both of them to Jason and also wondered at his name. Like Jason, she recognized him but regretfully realized that she had never introduced herself to him before. Knowing that there’s no time like the present she pushed the regret aside and was happy that they were being introduced now.

“Hey, no worries. It seems that we’re all unharmed and” grinning broadly, “look at what you’re clumsiness has done. Now we’ve been given the chance to meet one another. I’m in no way insulted that you haven’t introduced yourself to me; I just as easily could have introduced myself. And there’s no need to be ashamed of being shy. Though you might want to work on taking deeper breaths when you speak, you know, give your audience a chance to speak.”

She threw him a wink to let him know that she was only joking and hoped he wouldn’t be offended by her bluntness. It would be a shame to kill a possible friendship before it was given the chance to really mature.

[Jason Cruz]

The swiveling of Jason's head as he switched his focus from one to the other of his new companions persisted as they took turns speaking. His sheepish grin broadened and lost some of it's shyness at Mallan's comparison of his tumbling to martial arts. Jason's mother had never allowed him to participate in that sort of thing. He nodded along with the explanation that the older boy gave concerning his neophyte status. At the news that Mallan and Tori had similarly just become introduced, Jason glanced between them again.

"Oh . . . so you two . . . you're not . . . oh."

With a simple nod, more to himself as if he were filing away that little bit of knowledge, Jason turned to Tori, listening as she pointed out the bright side of the accident. He blushed a little at her suggestion about his breathing, and turned an even deeper shade of red when she winked. Innocent a gesture as it may have been, having a pretty girl wink at him would probably never stop making Jason blush. Clearing his throat, Jason pushed himself up to his feet. Though he knew it was irrelevant and slightly childish of him, he couldn't help but smile a little at discovering that he was the tallest out of the three, though the other boy looked to be a little more solidly built and was probably stronger.

"I'm Jason. I'm still only a fourth year but I am fifteen. My birthday was back in November. I dunno about martial arts, but I guess I have gotten pretty good at falling. Er, falling without getting hurt I mean. I mean I guss everyone's good at falling. If someone were bad at falling would that mean they just couldn't manage it? Like they would trip and end up on their feet anyway? I dunno. Sorry. Right. Breathe."

[mallan]

Pushing himself back into his chair, Mallan listened to Tori’s response but kept most his attention on the boy in front of him. He worried that the boy would take her comment towards his clumsiness the wrong way. Tori seemed to be straight forward in her manner. Not that that was bad; it was just something he was not used to in a girl and so it surprised him slightly. A smirk, that Mallan couldn’t control, came over his face when he heard Tori tell the boy to breath. It was true, the boy did ramble, but it gave the boy a certain charm and friendliness that Mallan liked.

Mallan chuckled and shook his head lightly at the boy’s uncertain response to them not being together. He let his smile get broader as he noticed the boy’s face turn a nice shade of red while Tori was talking to him. He understood exactly why Jason's turned red and Mallan couldn't help but agree; she was beautiful. Mallan listened and maintained his broad smile as the boy, who introduced himself as Jason, continued the conversation. Age didn’t even occur to Mallan until Jason mentioned it. He couldn’t help but laugh as Jason mention failing at falling. Mallan regarded Jason with a light and slightly jovial manner; his smile never leaving his face.

Hmm. I would imagine that if someone was not good at falling they would always hurt themselves when they fell or perhaps they would always have a hard time getting back up. Ah, I guess that would make them bad at getting up instead, eh? (Mallan let out a small laugh) Well Jason, I’m glad to meet ya. I’m sixteen, just turned it back in August. So, what were you in such a rush for?

Mallan was never a brilliant one for small talk and didn’t know what else to talk about so he left it at that. He packed up his books and quill though thinking that this conversation was going to be one he would enjoy. After he finished packing he thought he saw a glimpse of light from Jason’s eyes. They did seem unique but he couldn’t put his thumb on it. Mallan didn’t want to ask so soon in knowing him in case he was uncomfortable with them being different.

[tori]

Tori had to laugh at Jason’s assumption that she and Mallan were together. Of course he wouldn’t know that they had just met having missed their introduction by a few moments. Still it amused her and she wondered if he often assumed such things when he came upon a girl and boy alone. Her eyes held a mischievous glint as Jason’s face turned a deep shade of red at her wink. Not unaware of her looks and the way it affected some, she didn’t think it important and chose not to focus her attention on such things. It did amuse her when it tripped people up as she suspected was true in Jason’s case. But she was not conceited and though she appreciated a face that was easy on the eyes, the manner in which she treated people in no way depended on their physical attributes. Too often had she met outwardly beautiful people who were anything but that once she got to know them.

As Jason’s introduction ran into his inquiry about falling, Tori found herself wondering about it too. Shaking her head at the ridiculousness of the question, another laugh escaped her lips. These boys seemed to have a cheering affect on her; not that she was in a bad mood, but lately she seemed to be less buoyant than was typical of her. She felt lighthearted around them and could feel her buoyancy returning as their time together progressed. She had a feeling that this bond they were now forming would only grow stronger as time went by and this thought only further lifted her spirits.

“It sounds like our birthdays are all around the same time. Mine was in August too and I’m 15. Where are you guys from? I hail from San Francisco, the land of fruits and nuts.” Gesturing to a chair beside her, “Jason, would you like to sit instead of towering over the rest of us?”

Looking up at him was a bit uncomfortable and was made more so by the fact that she was sitting. She raised her eyebrows at him, flashed a winning smile, and hoped he would return to more her level soon as she didn’t fancy getting a crick in her neck during the conversation.

[serenamars]

Serena heard laughing as she walked through the doorway. She stopped and stared. She'd hoped they'd be no one up since it was late. She sighed, she couldn't sneak out now, they'd probably noticed her already.
She sighed quietly and considered her possibilities. She could ignore them and move to the fireside and carry on with her revision for her test next morning. She could just walk up into the girls dormitory not saying a word or she could do the right thing and join them.

She didn't recognize any of them which meant they weren't in her class. Another way to make life difficult. She curled her hand around her locket and considered what her Gran would do. She'd probably tell her to stop such a coward and get a move on. Serena smiled, she could just hear her grandmother's voice.

"Hi. I'm Serenity or well Serena. Anyway I'm sorry if I'm interrupting you guys. I was going to study but I'm kind of tired" Serena said quickly as she quickly put her books down on a side table and walked over. "Can I join you or do you want me to disappear?? So what do you guys take up because I'm sure I would have spotted you around school or at least here" Serena commented as she sat down.

Serena looked at her watch and frowned. It was late but not that late. She'd thought it was extremely late. Actually now that she thought about it, that would explain the amount of students around. She smiled. When she was working the outside world disappeared, well nearly all the world. Her smile faded as she remembered the letter her father had sent her, giving her information on her mother. It upset her really. That her mother didn't want her and she was the cause of her families split. She shook her head, her black hair falling out of the tie. She couldn't think like that. Not now, not ever

[Jason Cruz]

Pleased that neither of his companions simply wrote him off as an imbecile and proceeded to ignore him, Jason matched Mallan's grin, nodding as the older boy worked through the same silly little language nuance that had suddenly amused himself. Tori simply laughed, which caused Jason to blush a little more fiercely, but it seemed a good natured sort of genuinely amused laugh rather than a derogatory one. Eyes widening slightly when Tori professed herself a California native, Jason's grin doubled in size.

"Really? San Francisco, California? Cool! I was born and raised in California! Lived there my whole life until I turned eleven and moved here. So . . . yeah . . ."

Jason's eyes shifted between Mallan and Tori as they respectively asked him why he was in such a rush and if he'd like to sit down. Suddenly feeling rather awkward standing there all proud of his truly mediocre height. Moving over to the offered chair, Jason''s grin took on a sheepish quality.

"Thanks. Yeah. Sorry. This is actually why I was running. These seats tend to fill up and as just a fourth year I really can't kick anybody out of them. I mean, not that I would if I were older. That was just a joke. I just . . . yeah."

Ceasing his speech, Jason started to sit down. His bum had nearly contacted the overstuffed cushion when a second girl approached and greeted them. Feeling as though he'd be rude if he continued taking the only available seat with another girl there, Jason immediately sprung back to his feet. Sadly his toe caught on a ruffled bit of rug and he nearly fell again. Several awkward little hops had him balanced again however and he gestured to the seat for Serena.

"Oh hi. Yeah, of course you're welcome. Serenity? Cool name. I'm Jason. This is Tori and that's Mallan. We actually all just met. Weird. I wonder if like, it's like a public holiday today where you meet a bunch of people . . . or something. I mean . . . ok that didn't make any sense. Sorry. I'll just sit down."

Sinking onto the coffee table, Jason accidentally knocked over a glass of water someone had left sitting there. Surprised at the sudden noise, Jason leapt back up, looked around, and sat back down, his face a deeper shade of scarlet than it had yet reached that night.

"Oops."

[mallan]

Mallan was preparing to answer Tori’s inquiry upon his previous living quarters when Jason jumped in and answered first. He chose to wait politely until Jason finished but they were all interrupted when a girl walked into the common room laughing. It wasn’t the actual laughter that caused Mallan to think that she was interrupting but rather the silent stare that she brought forth afterwards. Mallan did not think it necessarily rude; it was an open common room after all. He was just struck by the awkwardness of the situation. Of course, Jason did not seem bothered by it at all and jumped right in to answer her. Mallan was actually thankful that Jason did, however, he was not ready for the idiocy of Jason’s last statement. “A public… what?...” Mallan mentally shook his head with an inner chuckle “Jason is definitely an interesting guy. At least he realizes that he was being a bit ridiculous.” as he finished his thought a tight and small smirk appeared on Mallan's face. Jason definitely made Mallan chuckle to himself an awful lot which actually made him like the guy; even with his odd manner. He caught Jason knocking over a glass out of the corner of his eye and could not help but feel a little embarrassed for Jason. Normally Mallan would have used his telekinesis to prevent the glass of water from spilling but he was distracted. After the incident Mallan finally had the break in the conversation to answer Tori’s question. It did not even occur to Mallan to be insulted by Jason inviting the girl into, what was originally Tori’s and Mallan’s conversation.

Hey there Serena. (Mallan gave a smile and a polite nod) I was just about to answer Tori; she had just asked us both where we were from. She’s from San Francisco, California and Jason here is from California as well it seems. (He gestured to them both as he referred to them but mainly looked to Tori) I originally lived in Dover, England but my family moved to Coos Bay, Oregon in the last few years. Both places seem to have the same climate and are both extremely beautiful. Of course, I have not been to San Francisco or really any part of California for that matter. (Mallan shrugged and then realized that he had seen pictures of San Francisco) Though, I have seen pictures; it must be beautiful there too. (Turning his gaze towards Serena) How is San Francisco and California and where are you from Serena? (Mallan directed the question towards all three of them in turn)

Not wanting to bombard Serena, Mallan left the previous topics of conversation out. Instead, he took the few moments to memorize all of his new companies’ faces and styles. Serena was pretty but her clothing style put Mallan off. He prefered girls who wore skirts or dresses. Of course that was a different story with Caitlin and Mallan still could not place why. Matter of fact, Caitlin’s style was incredibly similar to Tori’s and yet there was not the same charm as with Caitlin. Mallan thought about it for a second and still could not figure out why. A smile still came across his face in thinking about Caitlin however.

[tori]

At hearing Jason's words, Tori was thrilled to find herself in the presence of another California native. She wanted to ask where all in California he had been but before she had a chance, he had already moved on to explaining why he had been in such a rush. When the younger Gryffindor attempted to make a joke about the hierarchy of the school, she couldn’t help but find some truth in his statement. Often times she had chosen to return to her room rather than wait around for an available seat occupied by older students. Distracted by Jason’s near trip, Tori did not immediately greet the new addition to their party. Laughing again at his clumsiness and his subsequent joke about the holiday, she turned to greet Serena and was again distracted when Jason tipped the glass. She shook her head and waved to Serena before speaking.

“Welcome to our little gathering, Serena. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Turning to Mallan she addressed his comments about California, “Yes, I really like it in California, it’s a beautiful state. And San Francisco is an interesting place to live; lots of creative souls reside there. Obviously there are a ton of tourists that come through so it never gets boring. If you ever get a chance, you should come visit; now that you know me you’ll always have a place to stay should you decide to come through.” Wanting to include Serena and Jason in the conversation she said to both, “The same goes for you too. My parents would be thrilled to meet more of my friends from school.”

She had noticed Mallan’s smile and far off look and wondered what could be on his mind. Shrugging, she looked again at Serena and hoped the girl would stay and socialize with their little group.

[serenamars]

Serena jumped as a boy jumped up and then tripped. Jason?? Thats what he said his name was. She listened as he introduced the other girl and boy. Mallan and Tori. They seemed ok.
She was knocked out of her thoughts as a glass hit the floor. She looked up at Jason and smiled He was just so clumsy yet he made it look extremely funny not irritating her smiled widened.

Are you always this clumsy? And you can keep your chair. I've sat enough in the library for the minute She laughed. She covered her mouth. She couldn't believe she'd done that! She liked Jason instantly.
He seemed to have a way of making you laugh at the same time embarrass himself.
She drew in a deep breath then smiled as she listened to Mallan go on about where he lived and how awesome it was. Serena's happiness died slightly.
This was an issue she didn't like to get into. But she knew they were probably become close friends.

She smiled as Tori spoke about her hometown. Its amazing how they seem to live near each other she thought. Serena blinked in shock, Tori had just invited her back to her home?? Could this be for real??

I'd love to come Tori, that would be awesome. (Serena considered on how to answer Mallan's question) Where I came from. Thats hard. I'm kind of Split. I seem to be hopping from Britain to Italy nearly ever holiday. Although I'd prefer to stay in Britain with my father. I...I don't have the best relationship with my mother Serena said as she unknowing started twisting her grandmothers locket around her fingers. She looked at Tori who was looking at Mallan and noticed the far away look. So where was he hanging out then Serena mused to her self

[Jason Cruz]

Fortuitously the thick carpet cushioned the glass enough that it didn't break. Jason reached down and grabbed it off the floor, setting it gingerly back on the table. The wet spot on the carpet and small pool of water on the table would be attended to by the house elves later no doubt. The wet spot on the side of his jeans was something he'd just have to live with. It was funny, but after over three years at Hogwarts Jason still didn't think to fix little inconveniences like that with a charm, a holdover from his muggle upbringing. Offering a somewhat embarrassed smile to Serena, he shrugged.

"Not always. Just . . . usually. Thanks."

Though he felt a little awkward moving back into the chair that he had so rapidly vacated, Jason was slightly nervous at sitting next to Tori. Jason's shyness did not end at speaking with people. Close proximity, and especially actual touch unnerved him quite a bit, particularly when the other person was an attractive female. In the group setting he could simply try and not draw attention to himself and thus feel included without feeling too included. So far he hadn't been managing that very well.

A smile remained on his face of course as Tori described San Francisco. He had never lived in the city itself, but had lived near it more than once and been through it several times. It was a bit father north than he had typically lived, and not quite as warm as he liked it. At her general invitation, Jason flushed once more. He was glad Serena responded so the attention wasn't likely focused on him. His eyes fell to his lap as he sort of muttered.

"Oh. Stay with you. Yeah . . . that'd be cool."

[mallan]

Tourists were not something that Mallan would consider exciting or interesting; they were usually annoying. The prominence of tourists did not deter his desire to visit California though. Mallan was not prepared for her invitation to stay at her place. It was not very often that Mallan got invited so quickly to girls’ houses. He assumed that Tori must have been an incredibly trusting girl. She also must have had a life of little worry. That aside, Mallan actually did want to visit California so he decided that he would have to take her up on the offer some time.

That would be great. I’ll have to take you up on the offer down the road.

A feeling of sympathy came over Mallan as he listened to Serena talk. She sounded sad and her life seemed more messed up than his by far just by the brief description. The only real issue in his life, which was a big one, was that Mallan’s parent had forced him onto emotionally numbing drugs causing him to feel lifeless for the first half of his life so far. He hated his parents for it but in a way Mallan thought his parents must have known what they were doing. The thoughts along with Serena feeling the way she did and Jason’s quiet reply, Mallan began to think that he should steer the conversation in a different direction.

I'm sorry your family life is stressful. Mine is not so great; well, was not so great, it's alright now. Anyhow, thats talk for another time. So what fields of magic are you each specialized in? Any profession you all are looking to become? I've really just entered the wizarding world so everything still seems marvelous. Though, becoming an Auror seems fascinating.

Professor Archer had talked to him about a few professions but the only one that really seemed to interest Mallan was becoming an Auror. The others all seemed boring or they dealt with normal people or muggles as they called them here. Mallan was curious to what they all wanted to become and they focus of study. He could always use some help.