When heaven sent you !-!--!-! Lyra!

[WILFORD BAILEY HAYWARD]

Will considered what he had last said, but ignored the way he had just gone off on a rant. Yes the hall ways could be rather packed at times, but some of those Slytherins did like picking on him to the point he'd at least take them on. Drinking his white hot chocolate in silence, he was still considering what he honestly thought of Lyra. Despite her being the Quidditch captain, he was now looking at Lyra with a new vague interest about why it was Quidditch she had chosen to be the captain of. Sure, she could have chosen a different position and still be the captain too. "Thanks, someone has to really," he said to her.

Once more sipping his hot chocolate as he gave Lyra his genuine smile at the way she was looking at him, but he knew that it wasn't a look of pity. As soon as she asked that question, he went silent for a bit, debating whether or not he wanted to tell her. Sure, he had his quiet moments, but this one was an issue he usually dealt with on his own. Being a prefect you sometimes had to earn your respect, but when it came to docking house points to Slytherin. Sometimes they did team up against him, but he fought back rather valiantly usually. Gripping his wand a little before then letting it go to take another sip of the delicious scathing hot chocolate.

There was no burning on his tongue, but he could tell from the way it had been brewed as he then decided to tell her what was going on with him. Will decided it was no use hiding it from Lyra since she'd pry the information out of him eventually, and he knew her type. Always wanting to know who was hurting their fellow house members to try taking vengeance on them. Sighing softly, he then looked up to her while setting down his drink to explain, "Well, I haven't really had much trouble, but there are some of those Slytherins that like to team up on me. You don't need to do anything though, I'd rather handle them on my own as I always do," he spoke to her quite valiantly not wanting to be seen as weak.

Notes; Haha, he's such a cool guy but he knows that deep down she might not believe him

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[LYRA KARA THORNTON]

"Thanks, someone has to really," lyra grinned and nodded earnestly. "too true...otherwise people like me would run amock and create all sorts of havoc!" lyra laughed lightly, knowing it was half true but that it would be less fun to prank people if it wasn't frowned up anymore. the fact that she liked to create a bit of mischief every now and then was the exact reason she'd never attempted to be a prefect. she was pretty sure if she'd been a preferct, she'd have been handing out points for good pranks, helping people sneak out after curfew and docking as many points as possible to any slytherin who dared to annoy her. yep, she'd make one hell of a rebellious prefect.

he sipped her hot chocolate, quiet for a few moments as she watched will lightly, allowing him his own time to decide if he wished to respond to her or not. her eyes traced his features gently, hoping to do so without him noticing, and she felt a small surprise as she realised he was pretty cute - and actually, she was more surprisied that she was reconising that fact. normally with a guy friend, she didn't really notice what they looked like. then again, with lyra she'd always thought it was more than looks - liking someone - it was all about the personality.. cliched as it sounded.

"Well, I haven't really had much trouble, but there are some of those Slytherins that like to team up on me. You don't need to do anything though, I'd rather handle them on my own as I always do," lyra nodded slowly, listening to him and watching him gently, she chewed her lip lightly, on the verge of saying something but not sure. she didn't want to offend him at all. "well ... in case you ever need back up or anything... ooor you know, someone's really giving you trouble and you'd love for something uhh 'accidental' to happen .. you can talk to me." she smiled wrly. " i mean, that way your prefect badge won't get dented for any pranks or little hexes that may have been sent their way...not that i'm saying you can't handle it i'm just saying if you ever want any help handling it or something..." lyra bite her lip and blushed slightly, completely messing that up and hoping she hadn't offended him by offering to help - she knew a lot of guys didn't like being helped out by a girl.. but it was only an offer - that way if anyone was giving will trouble, he wouldn't need to worry about having his prefect badge taken away or whatever for getting caught hexing them .. because lyra would send a prank that way instead. if he ever wanted her to or whatever. she'd always help out a friend, but she just hoped she hadn't offended him or anything.

ooc , lols .. he's adorable!! -hugs will- XD

[WILFORD BAILEY HAYWARD]

Will was already considering taking this hot chocolate with him to the hufflepuff common room, but since they were already within the dungeon drinking a nice hot beverage there was really no need to go anywhere else. A midnight snack was nice at times too, but he only knew one other person that snuck down to the kitchen besides him. Louis was notorious for that, and Will had caught him, yet hadn't joined him. Instead he compromised by joining him for a midnight snack, and usually ended up enjoying the nice hot chocolate that the elves made. Then again, it was usually magic that conjured the drink, but somewhere they had made it, he knew it. There was always an oven going even late at night to prepare for the next meal in the day. Even when she had mentioned what she had he almost had to laugh a little.

Will honestly couldn't see Lyra as more than just a prefect since after all he knew her too well to even consider her being able to hand out points seriously to the point it would be fair to the other houses. Just the thought of it brought a smile to his lips while he sipped his hot chocolate until he realized it was empty at that moment. Looking down, and then to a house elf, he pointed at it as if it was a serious offense that he was out. "I'm out of hot chocolate, may I have some more please?" he said in his calm tone, but his eyes showed he wanted more right now. I mean, not later, but right now, even though he was thinking it would have been funny to say that in front of Lyra. Chuckling to himself, he then felt the cup reheat itself and instantly disappear with a new cup of hot chocolate.

An elf in the background grunted due to the fact Will's cup didn't fit in the dishwasher and tried to get him to use the same one. Then he waved his wand at it cleaning it instantly to make them happy, but he knew they could easily clean it with their magic if they wanted to. "It's all good, I can handle them by myself, they're not very tough once you find out what they're weakness is, and then they cower like the dogs they are...or should I say run away like the snakes they are," he said, letting out another chuckle at that.

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[LYRA KARA THORNTON]

lyra sipped her hot chocolate, reaching the dregs now and gulping the last of it before putting her empty mug down on the table. "I'm out of hot chocolate, may I have some more please?" lyra looked up from looking at her empty mug to will, grinning in faint amusement at the look on his face - he was acting as if it were an offense... which in her opinion it kind of was. her grin widened as she watched the commotion of them trying to fit the mug into the dishwasher before will cleaned it himself and found more of the good stuff being pressed into his hands.

lyra blinked as she heard a small voice say "miss?" poiltely from her left. she turned her head to look at the house elf and smiled kindly. "would you like more too?"

[/i] the little elf asked gently. lyra shook her head and smiled lightly back. "no but thank you for the offer." she said politely, not really one to drink the stuff a lot - even if it did taste heavenly. besides, she was still warm and satisfyied from the first hot chocolate. so she waved her wand neatly at the mug, cleaning it with a simple charm, and handed it to a house elf eager to take it and put it away.

"It's all good, I can handle them by myself, they're not very tough once you find out what they're weakness is, and then they cower like the dogs they are...or should I say run away like the snakes they are," lyra nodded and smiled, glad he hadnt been offended by her offer and that things were okay. she was usually pretty good at reading people, so if he hadn't been truthful about it being okay she'd have noticed. she didn't know why but she did seem to have a protective streak over the younger hogwartians. louis - another fifth year - was someone she liked to look out for as well as his twin sister dom. she couldn't help it, she was protective of friends. she grinned lightly. "yeah you definetly could say that.. and i know how it goes. slytherin's are only 'brave' if they'd got six other people behind them and they're up against a first year." lyra rolled her eyes, remembering one time in her first year she'd been cornered by some slytherin fourth years after pranking them. her first prank. she'd managed to get them to back off .. eventually. it was a matter of finding out what they didn't like.. in her case, it'd been frogs.

ooc , lols .. he's adorable!! -hugs will- XD[/justify][/blockquote][/blockquote][/blockquote][/size]

[WILFORD BAILEY HAYWARD]

Will was contently continuing to sip his delicious white hot chocolate as he looked around at the kitchen and how tidy it was always kept. The house elves sure outdid themselves sometimes, but he wasn't one to complain at all. Luckily they weren't being forced to do manual labor anymore. Since house elves here were of their own free will, most could come and go when they wanted, plus they usually slept a lot too. Kingsley sure had done a nice job with the place, but why the dementors had been banned from Azkaban was a weird choice to him. Not that had anything to do with what they were talking about right now. Will merely sipped contently once more on his hot chocolate.

Even as he was drinking it a little too fast, he burnt his tongue as he went, tch tch tch, ah, but then used a charm to instantly heal the wound as his prefect badge almost fell off. Standing up he soon grabbed it as it was on it's way down to the ground, instantly catching it in his hand as if he knew that was going to happen. Just like usual he stuck it right back on where it usually went, and the Hufflepuff Logo was distinctly worn on it, proudly showing it off. Grinning as he looked over at Lyra again as she had agreed with him about most of the things he had said. There really wasn't anyone else that understood him as well as she did.

Will sometimes just wanted to take the house elves with him back up to the dorm to have conversations with them. There was always so much going on with them at times, and he had even been here during one of their food fights. How glorious it had been to see them having the time of their lives, and not knowing of the attacks that would eventually be happening. "Well they are cowards like the snakes they are and only strike when you're not looking obviously, it makes sense...plus they like traveling in packs, so they're more like wolves, they can't do squat when they're alone," he chuckled at that metaphor, however, it was slightly true.

Slytherin wasn't his favorite house at all.

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[LYRA KARA THORNTON]

lyra watched the house elves scurry about, sorting out the last of the dishes and such before they started to slow, evidently almost done with their clean up for the night. lyra yawned lightly, quickly covering it with her mouth and sending an appologetic smile toward will. "sorry." she said quietly, knowing it was rude. she wasn't bored or anything. heck no. just tired. it had been a long day, and the hot choclate and will's company had settled her some what.

"Well they are cowards like the snakes they are and only strike when you're not looking obviously, it makes sense...plus they like traveling in packs, so they're more like wolves, they can't do squat when they're alone," lyra smiled and nodded again, knowing this was all true and that will definetly understood what she thought too. she was glad they were on the same page, it was refreshing to meet someone who shared her opinions and views and thoughts. it was nice.

"all true. which makes it even more fun when you can manage to corner one for a prank." lyra grinned, thinking back to one time when she'd gotten a fellow seventh year girl who'd been bugging her all week in potiions. the prank had felt oh so satisfying.. especially since said girl hadn't dared bother her since. damn straight. lyra peered at the time, curious as to how late it really was and she blinked. "whoa.. it's almost one am!" she raised her eyerbows and glanced to will. "perhaps we should head back to the common room soon .. " she sighed slightly, not really wanting to leave but knowing they probably should soon.

ooc , gah .. sorry it's so short /:

[WILFORD BAILEY HAYWARD]

"Well, I triple dog snuffy snoopy dare you to stay up all night," Will said to her, but was obviously joking as bags were forming underneath his eyes. Plus it was getting to that time to be heading back to the dorm without being caught, and since the Hufflepuff common room wasn't too far away it would be a lot easier to sneak back in. No one would even noticed as Will knew most of the other prefects that were in the Hufflepuff house were asleep, and aloof in their own dorm rooms. Doing whatever they did on their spare time this late at night, but Lyra was the quidditch captain, so he understood if she was still out late at night practicing.

There were other times for that though, but he had to give her a stern warning to remind her not to be out late as it was his job. "So, did you enter your name in the house tournament cup thing? That Goblet of Fire is nifty," he added, trying to add conversation to their night out together. Some would call this a date, but in Will's mind it was just a friendly gathering of two friends whom shared common interests for a change. Just that Will didn't like pranks as much as Lyra did, however, if she wasn't near Will when she did them he'd be okay with that. Unsure what his reaction may be to other few questions he was asked, however, he knew it was indeed getting late.

A yawn escaped his lips and then he waved his hand up in dismissal if she would even attempt to say he was tired. It was immensely obvious how tired he was indeed, and there was nothing he could really do to deny it. Lyra knew fully well Will has his limits just as she had hers, and today had been a rather eventful day. The hot chocolate stirred within him and made him feel cozy. Did the house elves put something in his drought that made him sleepy. Whatever the cause, he soon found himself starting to exit the dungeon's kitchen, motioning Lyra to follow since they had to get back soonish.

"We should be able to sneak back in easily, and not get caught since no one should be patrolling the dungeon at all at this hour, so off we go, back to our dorms...then talk to each other in the morning if you're up then. I'll probably be at the great hall having breakfast," he said to Lyra, as he was looking back at her, a faint blush coming to his face at how pretty she looked just then.

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[LYRA KARA THORNTON]

"Well, I triple dog snuffy snoopy dare you to stay up all night," lyra laughed lightly and grinned, rolling her eyes. " see you shouldn't dare me, because i really would.." she said, despite the tiredness lagging at her heavy eyelids and limbs. "nah i've done an all-nighter before, and crashed by midday the next day..." she said shaking her head, thinking about her best friend who'd stayed up with her, passing the hours. they hadn't planned an alnighter but still, they hadn't realised til they'd seen dawn breaking through the window...

lyra glanced at will as he spoke again."So, did you enter your name in the house tournament cup thing? That Goblet of Fire is nifty," lyra grinned lightly and nodded. "of course.." she smiled. "and it sure is...what about you?" she asked, wondering if he was entering it too. she saw him going to stand and did the same, rubbing her tired eyes and hiding a yawn once again, hoping he didn't think she was being rude.

she followed will toward the door as he beckoned to her, eager to walk with him toward the common room. "We should be able to sneak back in easily, and not get caught since no one should be patrolling the dungeon at all at this hour, so off we go, back to our dorms...then talk to each other in the morning if you're up then. I'll probably be at the great hall having breakfast," lyra smiled and nodded. "i hope we don't get caught... they might get the wrong idea." lyra rolled her eyes, knowing that people often liked to get the wrong idea dn spread rumours - which would certainly happen if someone saw them sneaking into the common togetehr at such a late hour. lyra glanced at will as she heard the other part of what he said. "yeah that'd be nice... i'll come find you at breakfast." she said lightly, liking the idea of seeing him at breakfast and talking to him again more than she probably should.

ooc , gah .. sorry it's so short /:

[WILFORD BAILEY HAYWARD]

(I'm just gonna do a time skip here.) Will was already up in the Hufflepuff common room by the time Lyra had done explaining to him the pros and cons of being a quidditch captain at times. This would have been fascinating had he not been half-asleep already with sleep tugging on his eyes lids easily. As soon as he was up in the boys dorm of the Hufflepuff Common room, he was instantly asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow face first. Of course he had removed his articles except for his pajamas that he slipped on unconsciously since it was an unnatural habit of his. Once more, he found himself starting to drift off into a peaceful sleep.

Once the morning came, he could tell that he was going to have a hectic day as he hadn't slept for at least a full eight hours. Will's body usually hated it when he didn't get enough sleep as he woke up rubbing his eyes. Wearing yellow Hufflepuff pajamas that his parent's had gotten him...plus he could easily go down into the common room easily like this. Since there was nothing really going on today, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to actually move his stuff around a bit. Now his room looked a little more organized in his own thoughts..then he took off the pajamas. Donning the usual Hogwarts robes, and putting them on quite efficiently.

When you've been doing this for over five years already it got easier and easier to put the outfit on. Not that he really wanted to wear it, but it was required of all students it seemed, while he managed to keep them nicely tended to. Now just wearing the hufflepuff vest and the pants along with the common dress shoes that were required to wear in this place. Will wished he could invent his own fashion and invent different clothing styles that would be much better than just robes. It seemed a little plain to him, however, he was soon walking down to the common room. Wondering if Lyra was up before him, or if she would join him later.

Either way, he didn't look twice on his way out as he ran up towards the Great Hall with his prefect badge on since he obviously would need that later for prefect duty. Right now he was off, and instantly sheathed that in his pocket while waiting for Lyra, or hoping she would show up sooner than everyone else. It was odd, but he liked her, just seeing her as a friend right now was all he needed. Someone to talk to in his times of need, sure, Louis was a great confidant, but Lyra also provided a secure place he could reveal almost anything without her telling on him. It was good to know she was a friend now.

Soon as he sat down a plateful of food appeared in front of him, belgian waffles with strawberries, some orange juice and what looked like sausage on the side. Will's mouth was watering, but he was determined to wait for Lyra...his hunger would not best him even as his stomach gave a loud growl.

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[LYRA KARA THORNTON]

(( alright cools! xD ))
after will and lyra had gotten back to the common room last night, she'd been thoroughtly exhausted, and pretty much been a zombie as she'd treaded that familiar path to her dormitary. she'd pulled off her clothes and half asleep, yanking on her usual tank top and pjama bottoms that she slept in, before crawling into bed and falling fast asleep within seconds. she didn't set an alarm or anything - there was no need, her body clock was always set on waking her early these days, and so when her sleep drew to an end, lyra was still exhausted.

she blinked her eyes open from a comfortable pile of pillows, bedcovers and her mass of bedheaded blonde hair. she groaned and brushed her hair aside, almost literally pulling herself out of the bedcovers and rolling to her feet, yawning and stretching; muscles stretching and then happily recoiled after those few hours. lyra knew she'd suffer for this later - she liked to have a lot of sleep, but for now, she needed to focus on one thing at a time. not a morning person, lyra was litterally a zombie as she pulled on her hufflepuff robes - taking five minutes to realise she'd put it on back to front, and then spending ten minutes trying to put her feet into the wrong side of her shoes - left foot in the right one, right foot in the left one.

finally, more awake, she paused infront of the mirror to run a brush through her bedraggled messy locks, before applying some minimal make-up and heading down to the common room. she scanned it quickly and nodded that louis, bradley and will were all gone. which meant damn she was late. lyra hurried down to the great hall, pausing to graze her light grey gaze over the mass of students before picking out the one she was looking for. a smile spread across her face without realising it, and she quickened her pace toward him, dropping onto the bench beside him.

"morning will." she said lightly, now more awake and therefore less zombie-like. she glanced at his plate and raised her eyebrows. "is there a reason you're just salivating over the food, rather than eating it?" she teased lightly, taking a sip of her pumpkin juice and glancing down as her own plate magically filled with food. "sleep well?" she asked will politely, glancing at him as she put her goblet of drink aside and thought about starting on the food.

[WILFORD BAILEY HAYWARD]

Will was well rested since yesterday and since he was staring at his food as if it was mocking him while he almost wanted to drool move over it. Lyra was walking up towards the table and finally he could eat. Thinking it was amusing how she assumed he wasn't waiting for her before eating as he didn't want to appear rude to her. Unaware of why he was acting like this as if he wanted them to eat together at the same time as if they were a couple, yet she still started to dig into her own meal like it was an appetizer. Shaking his head and then chuckling lightly he merely started to devour his meal. Using table manners of course and within a few minutes his plate was being refilled with food, which probably shocked Lyra at how much he could possibly eat. Then again, if he knew Lyra, she might have as bad as an appetite as him.

Sooner or later he would have to answer her though as he watched those lips of her swallow her pumpkin juice, and gulped a little at how gorgeous she looked just then. A blush evident on his cheeks, but it was way too early to even mention anything about feelings. Will just passed it off as his adolescent feelings realizing there was a girl sitting beside him like it did with most of the other beautiful girls around him at Hogwarts. Sure, he had many crushes, but he doubted Lyra had one on him already. It wasn't love at first sight, or so he thought. If it was he would already have asked her out, no he wait at least until they were halfway into the year. What are you thinking? That's too soon, he chastised himself mentally, although soon smiled in return.

Realizing he had been a little quiet as usual when thinking things over and what to say. Sometimes it took too long for his brain to actually thinking of something to say. Then suddenly he realized he had an article due soon for the Hogwarts Prophet, he seriously needed some prefects to interview. Lyra wasn't one, but she was a student who entered into the tournament. "Oh, Lyra, I was just waiting for you before I ate, figured I'd be nice and save you a spot here too. It's actually got the best vantage point to see what's going on all around you, and you have a less likely chance of someone talking to you since not many people sit near the middle of the table, or even close to the Headmaster's table. What do you think is going to be in the House Tournament this year for tasks? I've only heard rumors, but what do you think?" he asked as if he was just a friend not trying to get information out of her.

Of course, that wasn't the only reason Will had brought a pen and paper with him as he was casually writing stuff down about what the other prefects thought of their job. Interviewing Lyra would be his best bet and decided to tell her, "I'm just asking cause I need to write a column about what students think that the House Tournament tasks will be, judging from a lot of other people's opinions, I think it will be something along the lines of a fun house where you have to find your way out while avoiding deadly obstacles. If you go the wrong way you end up having to answer a riddle and if you get it wrong you have to go back to the start...but that's my own opinion. Then the questions change each time you go the same way too, and there are never any questions that repeat themselves, that would be a task if I wanted one," he continued on while eating his breakfast, the same thing showing up as he was on his third plate...his stomach was still growling at him. How much could one boy eat?

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[LYRA KARA THORNTON]

lyra glanced at will, noticing his blush and wondering what for. had she said something or done something to embarrasse him or something? she chewed her lip lightly and decided it was best to forget it, taking another sip of her pumpkin juice and licking her lips lightly. she glanced at will and grinned as he started to eat, surprised slightly at how quickly he was knocking it back. she herself politely picked up her knife and fork and tucked into the food peacefully.

"Oh, Lyra, I was just waiting for you before I ate, figured I'd be nice and save you a spot here too. It's actually got the best vantage point to see what's going on all around you, and you have a less likely chance of someone talking to you since not many people sit near the middle of the table, or even close to the Headmaster's table. What do you think is going to be in the House Tournament this year for tasks? I've only heard rumors, but what do you think?" lyra smiled lightly. "you were waiting for me? thanks, you didn't have to." she said gently and shook her head, not having expected him to wait her for, but thinking that it was nice that he had. will was rather considerate, she liked that about him. "the tasks?" she repeated, getting on to answering his question. " uhh i havn't really thought about it yet, why do you ask?" he asked curiously.

"I'm just asking cause I need to write a column about what students think that the House Tournament tasks will be, judging from a lot of other people's opinions, I think it will be something along the lines of a fun house where you have to find your way out while avoiding deadly obstacles. If you go the wrong way you end up having to answer a riddle and if you get it wrong you have to go back to the start...but that's my own opinion. Then the questions change each time you go the same way too, and there are never any questions that repeat themselves, that would be a task if I wanted one," lyra nodded slightly as he explained. "oh .. hmm that sounds like a probable idea." she smiled lightly, look thoughtful. "uh i'm not sure, perhaps something to do with dueling, perhaps a creature that you have to battle and you've only got your wand... or maybe .. you get planted in the middle of the forest and find your way out .. with other things out there? who knows." lyra smiled lightly with a small shrug, pausing to sip her drink and look to will.. who was on this third plate already?! lyra blinked. " wow will, when was the last time you ate?" she grinned lightly, teasing.

[WILFORD BAILEY HAYWARD]

Will was already finishing his third plate and he realized how embarrassing it was to have a girl he liked commenting on that. Well, it wasn't like he was going to stuff her face in return with what he was doing, and was unable to actually speak for a moment. Not wanting to talk with food in his mouth, but he knew that the Goblet of Fire feast was coming up. When the names would be revealed for the first time, and they'd find out what the tournament tasks would be. Everyone had their own opinions as Will was writing down what he was hearing from Lyra, at least he was able to get an answer from her. So far, no one else had really wanted to talk to him about the Tournament itself.

Writing itself was a passion he took quite seriously and soon responded to Lyra after finishing his food rather quickly. "Yeah, I can't wait to see what names get drawn, but I wasn't able to actually get close enough. I did enter my name though, but I don't care if I don't get chosen it will still be fun to watch," he merely said to her as he soon started to finish off his drink and then finally chugged it down completely. The drink was almost ready to refill itself as he was debating whether or not he wanted dessert since he knew that it would have been a bad idea to do that. So instead he just nodded to Lyra.

As for being hungry, well it was quite obvious that he was on the verge of actually going for his fourth plate, yet quickly refused it as he didn't want to be seen as an over-eating pig at that time. Plus he didn't really want to scare Lyra off from having a bit of a gas problem either with his body functions. Sighing softly he soon finished writing that piece up on what Lyra thought it would be, working off of that to get other ideas formulating in his head about what others thought it would be. Will would definitely put his idea in there.

"Well, as for eating a lot, I was starving since yesterday evening, but I usually have a midnight snack. Forgot to do that while we were in the kitchen," he said softly, and then smiled warmly at her as rubbed his stomach as he was now satisfied.

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[LYRA KARA THORNTON]

lyra chewed apiece of sausage thoughtfully, mind wandering to the trials awaiting her should she be the lucky chosen one. she hoped they were challanging - of course they would be but, what she meant was she didn't want something too simple to work out. if anything, lyra loved a dare and she loved a challange. this goblet of fire would definetly present her with the best yet by far, and she could only pray that her name was the name chosen for hufflepuff champion. she wanted to wear the hufflepuff robes proudly, display them to all and show all those others that being a hufflepuff was worht something - if not, everything.

"Yeah, I can't wait to see what names get drawn, but I wasn't able to actually get close enough. I did enter my name though, but I don't care if I don't get chosen it will still be fun to watch," lyra pulled herself out of her thoughts and turned to look at will, poltely swallowing her food and making sure she wasn't going to display anything gross before responding. "you did? that's great!" she smiled, honestly pleased for him. "yeah it'll be just as interestng to watch .. and cheer on huffflepuff of course." lyra grinned, knowing that if she didn't get chosen, then it was no hardship on here, she'd cheer just as loudly for whoever hufflepuff's champion was deemed to be.

returning to her plate for a few moment,s lyra hoped she hadn't offended will with her mention of how much he'd eaten. she'd only been teasing - she knew guys liked there food, and it was nice to see someone with a hearty appetite. "Well, as for eating a lot, I was starving since yesterday evening, but I usually have a midnight snack. Forgot to do that while we were in the kitchen," lyra grinned warmly in response, looking to will. "ah well i'm sorry if i caused you to forget .. and there's absoultely nothing wrong with a hearty appetite." lyra said gently, going to brefly place a hand on will's arm, before blushing slightly at her boldness and the contact, and dropping her hand to grab her drink and take another sip, trying to hide the blush and the fact that she really did like this boy.

[WILFORD BAILEY HAYWARD]

Will was uncertain what the touch to his arm meant, but even as she was speaking to him he chuckled softly thinking he had to get this article done soon or else he wouldn't be able to think at all anymore about what else he'd need to add to it. Sooner or later he was writing more stuff down in his own words, and the thoughts roamed on what many students had said on what they thought would be happening this year. There really wasn't much choice for error, but he knew that no one would chastise his responses either. Not only that, but the head editor could easily fix up the pages in case he made it sound too narrow-minded.

Will's mind soon went to Lyra as he started to think about how beautiful she would splayed in his mind on some form of cushion. A deep blush coated his face as he looked away from her, almost embarrassed he had such thoughts, but kept to himself what it was. Even so, she was certainly gorgeous in her own rights, but she was a seventh year so who knew how long they would be able to talk with one another. Even as shy was Will was, he was the only one who actually really liked Lyra more than any other Hufflepuff he knew, but it could cause some drama with a few of his friends. Louis was certainly one of the few who would be jealous.

None-the-less, Hufflepuffs had to stick together, and then he radiated with heat when she touched his arm. That had almost thrown him for a loop as he was instantly acting a little more defensive than not, but he soon toned it down. Realizing Lyra didn't mean anything bad by it she was just trying to be friendly. Even so he wondered how long he could go without actually asking her out, but he didn't know everything about her. So he wanted to remain close to her as he'd just let this crush develop slowly and silently...yet it was getting stronger the longer he looked at her. Her lips were so kissable, however, he had to look away as his shy nature came about him again.

"Yeah, I know what you mean, and I hope I can finish writing this column before the deadline is up," he said softly, even as he kept spewing out nonsense that someone would probably read and find it to be intriguing.

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[LYRA KARA THORNTON]

lyra glanced at will and noted his blush, wondering if that was because she'd touched his arm, and unable to help blushing too. she hadn't meant to do that, it'd been a natural reflex to try and get her sincerity across...and of course, perhaps she'd been flirting a little. as a seventeen year old, lyra knew how to flirt of course, and she'd had a few boyfriends, so she knew exactly how it felt to have feelings for someone. which was why she was pretty sure that she was crushing on the boy sitting next to her.

yes, will was a fifth year and she was a seventh. but in truth, it didn't bother her. will was a nice guy and she felt they'd kinda, well she hated to say a cliche but .. connected? they'd agreed on a lot the other night, and she'd had a good time talking to him. she realised now that she'd been looking forward to seeing him this morning too. maybe it was far too soon to even think she had a crush on him, seeing as she hadn't really spoken to him all that much before last night but still ... just because she liked him it didn't mean she was going to say anything. lyra might be confident and bold, but she wasn't confident enough to make the first move or anything like that, she tended to give hints that she liked a guy, and then that way, she didn't get outright hurt because if he liked her, he would make the move. wel, that was how she played it anyway.

she finished her food and left it at that, certainly too full to go for seconds - which she could admire will for going for so quickly. she wasn't one of those girls who just ate salad - heck no, she could eat as much junk as any guy on occasion, and she didn't really care. but she had her limit. lucky for her, she stayed skinny no matter what she seemed to eat. "Yeah, I know what you mean, and I hope I can finish writing this column before the deadline is up,"

lyra smiled softly in return to his words and nodded. "i'm sure you will." she said lightly, easily being able to tell that he was a hardworker. "so what did you have planned today?" she asked, genuinly curious as to what he was doing today, seeing as it was a sunday and all and classes weren't on til tomorrow. she glanced at him, watching him writing down notes gently, hoping he didn't think she was staring at all, even if her eyes did linger on his dark hair and his sky blue eyes and ,, nope, she blinked, stopping herself from tracing his features and looking away with a faint blush, hair falling across heer face to try and hide the blush so he wouldn't wonder why she'd blushed in the first place.

ooc , i couldn't remember what day it was, so i hope you don't mind i said sunday?

[WILFORD BAILEY HAYWARD]

Will noticed that Lyra was already starting to look at him again, but she knew he wasn't always like that. It seemed odd, but Will could almost tell Lyra was looking at him like most girls did when they had a crush on someone. The quiet types could usually sit back and easily tell who liked who way before anyone else even knew. Then when the relationship happened, they usually answer with their modest "it was only a matter of time," just like what was going on here. The subtle hints and blushes from Lyra's face, but he paid no attention at the moment as he kept jotting stuff down. Once he finished with his column, he was soon working on the next page already.

Sure he was fast at writing what he needed to, but it was hard when Lyra sitting beside him was causing him to look up at her every so often. Sorta finding it weird that she was watching what he was writing, but paid no mind as he had a dead-line once more. Realizing it was the weekend, but sort of not caring at the same time he muddled over in his head that this could have been worse. The Goblet of Fire ceremony would be happening shortly too. Whoever's names were chosen, well he could only hope that Lyra would be chosen in the long run. Even having heard of some of the results already, but he wasn't going to even mention them.

That was for when the ceremony would actually start, but he wasn't writing about that, he was writing about what students thought the tasks would be. Perhaps he could talk to Lyra about sort of being a prefect, "So, Lyra, what do you honestly think it means to be a prefect, and what would you do if you were one...like would you report anyone who was doing something wrong or would you be the type to let some things slide? Plus you can't be prejudice during this question so please don't say "I'll go and dock points from Slytherin at every chance I get," " he said, obviously joking as he looked towards her. It was obvious he had nothing planned yet.

"I honestly have nothing planned so far, what about you?" he asked her in return, but wanted to hear her first answer.

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[LYRA KARA THORNTON]

lyra glanced around the great hall, eyes gazing over the other students. a few of them were already dispersing to spend a lazy sunday morning trying to do homework or making use of the quidditch pitch for practise. lyra had tried to book it but found the gryffindors having taken it for the day - much to her annoyance. but oh well, she wasn't one to fight over things like that, fair was fair after all. her light grey gaze caught none of her usual friends, not bradley or louis or even albus and she wondered if perhaps they were making most of the sunday and catching up on sleep, or had already left.

"So, Lyra, what do you honestly think it means to be a prefect, and what would you do if you were one...like would you report anyone who was doing something wrong or would you be the type to let some things slide? Plus you can't be prejudice during this question so please don't say,"I'll go and dock points from Slytherin at every chance I get," lyra glanced back at will and chewed her lip in thought, honestly considering his question - it seemed he was asking for a reason so she felt he deserved a sincere answer. "to be a prefect? i think it means to help uphold the conducts and code of hogwarts - to set an example on how people should behave, and help keep people in line and teach them how they should behave outside of hogwarts too..." lyra paused, thinking over it some more before shaking her head and shrugging. "me? well to be honest, whoever let me be prefect in the first place would have a seeerious lack of judgement. i'd probably try to be responsile and all .. but i'm afraid .. i'd most likely give out points to people who deal some good pranks ... shame to say it, buuut it's true." lyra half smiled, and shook her head slightly.

"I honestly have nothing planned so far, what about you?" lyra shook her head in return. "same .. nothing at all." she smiled lightly, and turned her gaze to the hallway again, just simply looking around for the sake of it, rather than for reason or purpose.

[WILFORD BAILEY HAYWARD]

Will thought Lyra was definitely beautiful and had every right to be. It was hard not to look at her in his own light, but he still had his doubts about bringing up that he liked her. Considering it was just some crush he had on her at the moment, and then he finished up writing his article as he was listening to her talk about prefects. Yes, that's about what Will thought they were like too and decided to go with his own words on this one. Considering she had just basically confirmed what he thought a prefect should be in the long run. Even so he had finished writing the article just then.

Unable to do much else but put it in the bag he was carrying with him and then looking over Lyra's form with her not looking at him. Checking her out, so to speak, but he made it rather discreet, since he didn't want her to think of him as a pervert. Although he would love to be caught snogging with her. That thought made him blush deeper, but soon he was speaking to her again. Realizing he hadn't really complimented her for actually showing up, despite the fact he had been waiting for her. Almost as if he were her boyfriend, now that was his imagination going crazy.

No girl in her right mind would consider Will as a boyfriend, not even as just another guy in the Hufflepuff House. Of course, he had his sincere side that was showing more or less around Lyra, then again when she mentioned she'd give house points away to who could pull off the best pranks. Will wanted to roll his eyes at her, which he did. Then let out a chuckle and soon smiled as he looked at her. Unable to look away since she seemed to radiate towards him now like an angel. It would have sound cheesy if he told her that though.

Usually he was bad in front of pretty girls, but right now he was managing to talk to her without stuttering his words. Will was definitely crushing on her too, but he didn't know how to reveal that he liked her without posing it as just a friendship right now. "I don't see why we don't hang out more, I mean, I'd love to be good friends with you if that's fine? You're very beautiful too, by the way I must add, but I'm sure you get those compliments a lot. As for giving away house points for the best prank, that's bad, I usually just take them away for anyone doing nasty pranks, but if they deserve it then I might be lenient," he said to her, thinking it honestly was fair, but he was blushing deep after what he had said.

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[LYRA KARA THORNTON]

as lyra's gaze flittered around the tables, noting that only two proffessors were seated at the long table at the front, happily chatting away and forgetting their steadily cooling plates of food, she felt eyes on her in return. she glanced out of the corner of her eye at will, and caught a flash of him glanced at her and blushing. lyra bit her lip, looking away and hoping he hadn't seen her catch him looking - she didn't want him to feel awkward. she couldn't help but wonder what he thought of her, and if he'd already figured she quite liked him, after all; quiet people were always the most observant.

lyra saw him move and glanced at him again, seeing him putting away his pen and paper and guessing he must be done with the article. "I don't see why we don't hang out more, I mean, I'd love to be good friends with you if that's fine? You're very beautiful too, by the way I must add, but I'm sure you get those compliments a lot. As for giving away house points for the best prank, that's bad, I usually just take them away for anyone doing nasty pranks, but if they deserve it then I might be lenient," lyra blushed red and bit her lower lip, glancing up at him from beneath her lashes. " i'd love to be good friends too.. we should definetly hang out more..." she said in return, feeling a twinge of dissapointment as she wondered if that was his way of saying 'i know you like me but lets just be friends'. she couldn't really tell with will. he wasn't an easy guy to read. but she was really blushing for his compliment. "thank you.. and no i don't get those compliments a lot." she grinned lightly with a shake her her head.

she caught his eye roll and grinned again with a small shrug. "hey i can't help being irresponsible...but i do only encourage the harmless pranks." she said honestly, never one for allowing other people to get seriously hurt in any of her pranks - nor liking it when others did either. that was just wrong, and cruel.

ooc , sorry it's short /: