Closed Preoccupied Mind

[Ivy Ashworth]

Ivy had just posted some mail home, probably for the last time this semester. It wasn't long until the break, which meant she would be heading home soon. All her correspondence lately had been with her mother instead of her father, and Ivy was honestly pretty anxious to see him again. She knew he was still angry about the way they had fought during the break, and would be incredibly disappointed with her grades if they were less than perfect, which they likely would be. Ivy wondered if she should stay at school, but her mother had at least seemed excited to see her. She sighed, moving through the corridor without paying anyone any mind. She ran a hand through her hair, unable to stop thinking about her parents.

 

[Stefan Kozlov]

Stefan just had some spare time to quickly pen a letter home. Not exactly what he wanted to do but he got no choice as he had already been badgered by his mother. He figured he could get away with her nagging if he sent her with days before the break. He just sauntered with his hands in his pockets as he made his way through the sixth-floor corridor. He was halfway through the corridors when a student was coming his way. His steps slowed down as he tried to see who it was as the light was coming from his or her back. Shortly after, he could clearly see who it was and he was quite surprised. So surprised that words that rarely came out his mouth slipped. "You look different. Good different.", he simply said, stopping short as they almost came face to face.

 

[Ivy Ashworth]

It took Ivy a moment to realize the person who had just said something had been speaking to her. She blinked in surprise, coming to a stop. "Oh," she said, a bit startled. But then she smiled. It was a nice thing to hear, especially from a classmate she didn´t talk to a whole lot. She liked getting compliments. "Thanks, Stefan." She said, tucking some of her hair back behind her ear with a slight smile. "Nice of you to say so." She added. This sort of thing happened to Ivy's mother all the time, and now she understood a bit better why she always seemed to enjoy it so much. It was nice to be noticed like this, especially after putting some effort into your appearance.

 

[Stefan Kozlov]

Stefan did not know why but he just did not really walk away after that comment. He even gave her a small smile. It was subtle but it was there. He could still remember what she looked like the first time they met at the playground. Frizzy curly hair and fierce face. But now, she was all smiling. "You're welcome.", he even said, another small smile of his showed. He just realized that she said that he said something nice. Did it really mean he was never nice? The Puff became confused. "Was it the first time I said something nice? To anyone?", he suddenly asked, partly knowing that he had never really made friends in the four years he was there.

 

[Ivy Ashworth]

Ivy saw the boy smiled at her and smiled back. She hadn't talked to Stefan much, though they had met for the first time before even attending Hogwarts. She remembered he had fallen off the monkey bars. It felt like a long time ago. Ivy chuckled at his words. "I doubt that." She said though she had to guess he was joking. "Though I can't say for sure." She added with a shrug. It was a bit of a strange question, but Ivy had never gotten the impression Stefan was particularly mean. Just a bit quiet.

 

[Stefan Kozlov]

Stefan nodded at what Ivy said. He thought being quiet and observant would be enough to survive Hogwarts. He never thought social skills would play a role too. "So...", he started, shuffling his foot. "How have you been, Ivy?", he asked. If he would be making progress making friends by talking, he should start now. After all, Ivy was kind enough to talk to him as well.