Staring At The Lake

[Charlotte Williams]

The second morning in Hogwarts started very much like the first. The young teen got up and out of bed long before all the others in her dorm. She had to spend a long time getting ready. A lot longer than the rest of them. He had a duty to look nice. He had to. For the sake of her family and the values they desired for her to uphold. She was left with not much else to do apart from that. Her mornings were simple enough. All she had to do was get up first thing, shower and then get ready. The locks of shoulder golden blonde hair was tied back in a bun as she took the shower. She'd washed her hair the night before and she had no desire to have to wash it again today. It was still nice enough. It would stay still during the day. The young girl got out of the shower and went back into the main part of the dorm room. She sat down in front of her mirror, in his dressing gown and very quickly picked a very smart outfit, made up of a new dress that she had been given, a smart yet summery dress that didn't make her overly smart for just normal school. She sat back down at the table and very carefully added make up, and did hair up in lose curls and adding a headband, to finish off the outfit. She was very simple when it came to jewelery, just a simple necklace, with the family crest on the end. It was fairly large, her dress covering up the pendant part of the necklace. It was always a work to get ready in the morning, but she had this impression that even so far from her parents she had to be perfect. She had to be the perfect girl who would be ready for any social event that her parents might drag her along to. She was very happy with everything else. She was happy for one to be back at school. She'd been away too long. It was annoying, since she wasn't ever in the one place long enough to get a real education. She had dots, and pieces. She had very little that constituted of a real education. This would change things. This year would turn everything around. She would be able to focus almost solely on her studies, hopefully. Charlotte knew that no matter she tried, she would always end up being pulled out at one point or another. She was hoping to have the best year she could have before this happened. There was just one tiny flaw in this, Charlotte had no friends.

When she was finally ready, the rest of her dorm was waking up. Charlotte smiled slightly as she checked herself in the mirror one last time. Before taking the heels she would wearing and headed out. She waited until she was far enough away from the dorm rooms before slipping on the shoes and heading out of the common room, and house and to the main hogwarts building. She had been to many schools in her time, but this was the one that stuck in her mind the most. She'd spent the first two years at Hogwarts, then spent the year following at Hogwarts Scotland, then there had been France for two years. Now she was back to square one, hoping to spend the final two years between the walls of this school. The one she was actually most interested in. If her parents needed her, she was pretty far away, and with the amount of attention her family got a lot of the time, she was pretty much unable to do anything but fly between the two countries. So, she had the time to do a lot more, and it would be less likely that she would half to be pulled out for the little things. That being said, she didn't have much choice in the matter. If she got an owl, with a plane ticket for the next day, she would have to pack her things and leave. Her heels echoed in the hallways. She continued down all the steps and on to the ground. It was amazing, the cold morning air, the slowly rising sun rising higher into the sky. The quiet grounds, something that the girl had missed. She had been so busy over the last few months, over the last few years that it was nice to just be able enjoy the morning. Slowly, the girl walked towards the lake. She was walking with pose and a smile. The girl was so much happier than she had been before. It was a losing battle for her to try to convince herself that her life was the best thing. She had everything she could possibly want. She just didn't want most of it. The blonde girl finally reached the edge of the lake, and took a seat on the grass. She didn't want to get her dress full of grass stains, but the grass wasn't wet, and she had a simple spell to be able to fix it quickly. The usefulness of being a witch. The girl stretched out her legs. She was a lot taller than she had been last time she'd been at Hogwarts. Which really wasn't that long ago. She was happy. Everything was better now. All she wanted now was maybe a bit of company. That would definitely be very nice.
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[Kate Archer]

Kate was lying on her bed in her dorm.She was bored out of her brain.So far the year had been pretty uneventful,for once Kate had been quite relaxed,she really didn't have much to be worried about except Stefan but compared to other years she had a lot of weight lifted off her shoulders.She still had to reply to Stefan's letter,Squishy had had a long time to rest and she was going to send her back this evening.She was looking forward to seeing him,she missed him a lot.But it made her happy to know that he would possibly be returning next year.It was a lot to undertake as he had missed two years and he was going straight into NEWTs though she didn't know if you could do them with out completing your OWLs.Kate could help him if he needed to.She would gladly help,she loved helping people.It made her feel good knowing she made someone else feel good or at least made their day seem better then what it had originally.Even when she had been ill herself she had tried to make other people feel better or just give advice.Now that she had a relatively free year she was going to focus on making sure other people were nearly just as happy as her or just a bit better.She should probably be a charity worker when she was older.She would certainly be happy doing that job.Knowing that she was changing people's lives for the better would make her feel better.Maybe work somewhere out in Africa or something.But maybe that was something she would do for a year before returning to either New Zealand or where ever to find a job and maybe settle.Kate would like to do a lot of things before she settled into anything.Traveling the world was one thing she would love to do and maybe do one or two things that are a bit extreme but something that you would never regret.All these ideas usually floated around her head,she would think about them periodically in her free time.This year she had a lot more free time,a lot more then any other years.Maybe because she had nothing too serious to worry about she found she had more time on her hands.It was a nice feeling ,having a lot more free time.

Kate got off her bed and walked down to the common room. There were a few people inside there just chatting away and doing some homework.There wasn't anyone really worth talking to inside. She didn't know them very well and she wasn't in the mood for joining a conversation,she might not be welcomed anyways so instead she walked out of the common room and wandered around the castle for a little while.It was quite sad that she was just wandering around alone but Kate didn't mind it that much.It was nice to just walk around and look at things.She was usually so busy that she didn't take the time to notice things and take a break from the rush.This was almost like her gap year from school. Next year would be hectic .She would have barely any free time next year,it would all be study study study.It wasn't something she wasn't looking forward to so she would try and enjoy this year because it would be her last relaxing year in school.Her last year of really enjoying the place and going to places she hadn't been too yet because she probably wouldn't get a chance next year.As she passed the Great Hall she looked inside and saw the place full of people eating their breakfast.But since she had been up quite early she had already had her breakfast.She tended to get up earlier then a lot of the other girls in the dorm. She always woke u at the same time each morning week day or weekend.It was a habit from fourth year.She couldn't get rid of it no matter how tired she was she still woke up at the same time.So instead of getting breakfast she continued out into the grounds.It was a nice morning,it was quiet too which was nice. The school was always at its quietest during meals,feasts and quidditch matches.As she walked towards the lake she noticed another girl sitting down by the lake. Kate recognized her from the way she was sitting and her hair.Kate walked up "Hey"She said cheerfully ​

 

[Charlotte Williams]

With her hair tied up in such a fashion, the girl was constantly pulling it over her shoulder. Each time it went out of place she would reach and put it back. Soon she was doing it without realising it. Her summer dress was lace, with high nude pumps. Her outstretched legs were seemingly long and incredibly slender. She wasn't sure the dress looked that good on her, but the combination of the two was enough for her to say that she liked it. That and she thought she was the right mix of fancy and relaxed. Well, as much as she thought, most would believe that she looked overly smart for what she was meant to be doing. Which was, just sitting at a lakeside. She knew that most would take one look at her outfit and decide to not speak to her. Charlotte was sure that it was half the reason she didn't have any friends. She wasn't dressed correctly, which was somewhat understandable. It really was. She could see where they were coming from, and she was happy to try to just be less like herself, but it had been drilled into her, and there was no stopping it. It happened whether she wanted to or not. Her casual was another person's smart. Charlotte did find it very odd to be back at school, everything was so different, for one no one really wore heels. She appeared to be one of the few who would wonder the halls with heels. And no one seemed to try that hard. Charlotte wondered if it was just her heritiage that did that, or that she just tried overly too hard. It was odd for her, since she generally lived in a world where woman dressed in a very specific way. Everything was smart, unless the time called for casual, which it hardly ever. All in all it wasn't exactly very school like. Which was why she really loved everything about it. it was everything she wasn't used to, which made it so much better than what she was used to, mostly because what she was used to, was very boring indeed. She like being somewhere that was different. it was a lot more fun than her normal every day to day life. The life that was awaiting her once she left the school and ventured out into the world.

The school, and the people within it made Charlotte feel less like who she really was. As if, for a moment she could pretend that she was just another teen girl who was at school worrying about grades, and boys. She didn't have to plan around family occasions, family events and things of that sort. Everything would easily fall into place and everything would be easy. Of course at the end of the day it was cool reminder of how much she liked the idea of not having any family duties which wasn't good because she knew there was no escaping it. There was no drifiting away from it. She would be stuck in a dead end of which she had no exit for. Which really was not what she truly desire from her life. But Charlotte had little choice in the matter. She had to make a decision about her future now. And she knew what she would pick. No matter how great a most normal and un-Williams' like life she could have, she wasn't brave enough to follow that route. She wasn't strong enough. She wouldn't know what to do with herself. What she thought she was good for was looking nice and being polite. She knew she didn't have many skills. So the only life she could half was one most wouldn't want for themselves. The girl stretched slightly, smoothing out the hem of her skirt as she sat in the quiet silence. Then out of nowhere a voice greeted her. The girl visibly jumped slightly. She turned and saw a familiar face. A smile breaking out on Charlotte's, the hazel eyes following the girl as walked over to her. "Miss Kate!" The girl greeted, someone she was pretty close to calling a friend. "You startled me Miss Kate, forgive the fact that I am a little flustered." She said breathlessly. She was an easy scare, the girl didn't pay much attention once her mind got going. "I trust I did not wake you this morning as I left?" The girl wondered if it had been her fault the girl had been awoken before a slightly later time. Of course, Charlotte knew little about the girl in front of her, she was pretty hopeful that this could just be a brand new friend, or someone she could actually get close to. It helped that their families ran in almost the same circle. "You look amazing, as ever Miss Kate. I particularly like the t-shirt. That may just be because, I truly love my home city."
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[Kate Archer]

Ever since Kate was a few months old,she had been twirling pieces of hair on her head.She had been born with a head of dark hair so after a few months during her sleep her fingers would start twirling.She had been doing it ever since.When ever she was sitting down she would always twirl her hair. It was a habit that she would have until she had no hair,which she hoped never happened.It was only when she was nervous did she not twirl.Even when her hair was tied up her hand would go to her pony tail and twirl.Some people had found it annoying and she had been told a lot of times in primary school to stop.Not so much in Hogwarts since she didn't do it as much in class as she was often doing practical work or writing so she didn't have time to twirl.But she was making up for it this year.She was reading a lot more and she was lounging around a lot more this year so she had much more time on her hands.Her hair had grown a lot over the years.It now nearly reached her lower back.Her hair tended to be messy most of the time.She would brush it but she never did much with it.She would tie ot up some days or just clip back hr fringe or put some random plaits in her hair or plait back the fringe.It depended on how much time she had and how her hair looked.It varied a lot and it sometimes even depended on her mood.If she was lazy she would do nothing bu sometimes she would be in a creative mood and she could spend longer on it then usual.She didn't mind going out with no make up.She didn't like the feel of it on her face and she didn't see the need of it.There were a lot more occasions for her to have to wear make up these days.She didn't mind that much because that was usually just for the night.With clothes she was a bit more picky.She liked to look good and she liked clothes.She didn't wear clothes as nice as Charlotte.Her style wasn't like hers.She was much more casual though when she got the chance to dress up she did enjoy shopping and choosing dresses and shoes.

Even though lately she had been a bit bored Kate for once had actually been studying.She didn't want to be completely freaking out next year and she knew to her cost what cramming felt like and she didn't want to have another experience of that so she had decided to do a bit of study this year so she would only have to look over some things next year which would decrease all the work she would have to do by a lot.She wanted to do well in the NEWTs even though she might not need the grades for the profession she was thinking of.She wasn't sure what someone would do if they wanted to be a muggle teacher.They wouldn't be able to get into college with out Leaving Cert results or what ever the big exams at the end of secondary school were called.They would probably have to do it again which would mean a lot of years of school.Kate didn't think that was worth it and thank God she had never wanted to be a muggle teacher."Sorry"She said when Charlotte jumped.She hadn't meant to frighten her,she felt bad for doing so but Charlotte didn't seem to mind and it wasn't anything too serious. "Don't worry about it"Kate said smiling.Kate wondered what it was like talking the way she did all the time.To her it was perfectly normal.Her accent was a crisp English one.The total opposite to her own which was a mixture of Irish and English and some other accents added in from hearing all the different accents in school.The Irish one was still the most clear.You couldn't get rid of the Irish r . English was the second most prominent .She would say Aw as in aw-pple instead of ah-pple.But that was only at times,mostly she was Irish sounding.Her accents even varying from a Tipperary one to a Cork. "No you didn't,I always wake up at the same time each morning"She said re assuring the girl.She had heard Charlotte walking up and getting ready.She herself had chosen to stay in bed for another little while before getting up."thanks"She said smiling.It was nice to be complimented. "Well you look amazing also"Kate said truthfully.As always Charlotte looked impeccable and lovely.Kate looked down at her t-shirt and laughed "London is pretty amazing"Kate agreed.She had fallen in love with the city the minute she had walked onto the busy streets.She sat down beside Charlotte. "So how has school been so far?"She asked curiously

 

[Charlotte Williams]

The young hufflepuff girl was just happy to be back at school. It didn't bother her that this was only her second day and it was proving to be a very quiet one. It had started at the time she always started her days at. Mostly because she liked routine and she always had to get herself up early enough to have just the right amount of time to get ready. It took her a while to get ready in the morning, so she was pretty happy to take her usual routine and apply it here at school. She knew that no matter what she would have to be doing such things. Even if her family were not close by she still had the name and she had to uphold what it meant to be a Williams' and she was pretty sure looking a mess would not help her. But, it was a little bit hard currently. Charlotte had arrived back in New Zealand less than four days before. She had been launched straight back into school, and she was feeling exhausted all the time. Her body was still adjusting to the new timezone she was living in. After all, she'd been flying for most of a day and hadn't had much time to just adjust herself. It had been one of the reasons her father had told her it would be a bad idea. She would be travelling to and from and it wouldn't be as easy as with Beauxbatons or even Hogwarts in Scotland. This would be a lot harder and require a lot more. There would be little avoiding it, but she knew it would be a good fit, since it would deter her father from making her go to everything. Which she was very hopeful would work. Sure, she'd go back at Christmas, but that was a duty she couldn't escape. The girl was letting her mind drift, it was soon on to the topic of what she would be wearing to christmas. The dinner party that her parents would hold. The annual one, where it was the biggest party anyone could be invited to. Charlotte had a few new dresses, but she always felt she needed to be a little more of a princess at these things. She wasn't technically a princess, she was of royal blood, but not a princess. She dressed proper all the time, but the christmas party that her family had was thetime of year to pick out the best gown a person had. Charlotte was already thinking of ideas of what she could wear. Thinking of where she could go to buy them. It would definitely be fun. She hoped that she would also be able to convince her father to let the Moon's come to their party. It wouldn't be hard. Her father had final say on everything, but it was a charity event and he had always talk about it.

With Kate now with her, the young blonde moved her slender legs out of the way, to give her a little more space to sit down with her. Charlotte smiled warmly, and ran a hand quickly down a strand of the hair, and put it back into the place it was meant to be. She knew that the girl hadn't meant to scare her, but it was hard to not. Charlotte had no worries back home, she had never been bullied or picked on. Her parents were loving, and her brothers were the only ones who snuck up on her. She had always managed to be scared by her brothers. Charlotte wasn't used to being back at school, where she was always surrounded by people who would desire to speak to her. It was mostly why she was startled. Though Kate seemed like she hadn't meant it. Charlotte continued to give her a warm smile. Not saying much else on the matter, since there was little to no need for that. She had no problems with what Kate had done. She also thought that there was no need for her to apologise. Charlotte wasn't going to stop her, She had learned it was a little rude to do something like that. Instead she waited, and looked out at the lake. Charlotte was also very glad to hear that she hadn't awoken her. "Thank goodness. I get up really early, through habit. I didn't want to wake you or any of the others up." Charlotte said in a relieved tone. She had a long time getting ready that morning. It showed, her hair was almost perfectly in place, and not one touch of make up was out of place. She had always been good with her make up. She had gotten better, just being in a dorm with other people was something she wasn't used to yet. She had to readjust to them. "I have not shared a room in a long while Miss Kate, so I am not used to having to be so quiet first thing. At home, I am pretty quiet. I am up long before my family, so I can be ready before breakfast, but I tried to be even more quiet here." Charlotte gave a brief explanation, knowing she didn't need to give one, but was also not the kind of person who cared who knew what. Really. She waved off the thanks Kate gave her. It was true. "Thank you. I tried to dress casually, I don't think I succeed." Charlotte stretched out her legs and looked from the hem of her lace dress to the shoes, with a heel just under six inches. She really hadn't managed it. "I love London. It's my favourite city. I have spent a lot of my life in that city." Charlotte smiled more thinking of London. She looked out at the lake and then back at the girl she was with. "I'll be honest Miss Kate, it has been tiring. I had forgotten what being at school was like. But, it is great to be back. I missed it sorely. "
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[Kate Archer]

Kate had always loved Hogwarts. From the moment she had first set her eyes on the amazing looking building she knew she would love it here. It was so different from Muggle secondary schools or boarding schools.She had never been in a castle before. Sure she had visited historic ones with her family but they hadn't been inhabited and they had been under the care of the OPW. No one lived inside them. They were for the public. They were owned by the State.There had also been no school she had ever heard of that took place in a castle. The place was huge and magical and perfect for a magic school. She had never expected a castle. She had been completely surprised when she had seen it. Kate was a sucker for historic things. She loved history. She found it very interesting and she always had opinions on every decision made by past important figures. She found the whole thing very interesting and exciting. Not like most people who usually found history dull and uninteresting. Sometimes it could be the teacher at fault. Some just droned on and on. They were lucky to have such an energetic professor at Hogwarts. But even if they had had a boring teacher Kate would teach herself the history. She would read through the books and make Star had debates with her over certain topics during history.What was great about entering a completely different world was the totally new history. Wizards and witches had their own views on what the muggles during history had done. Sometimes their pasts had intertwined.Kate was a nerd when it came to History.She could go on and on about it but she didn't think many people would appreciate it so she usually kept her bursting thoughts to herself

"I wake up early from habit too I just stay in bed for longer"Kate said shrugging her shoulders. Some times she would get up and take a walk but most of the time especially during winter when the castle was cold. She would stay in bed and snuggle up,under the covers.She loved her bed even though she had had some bad nightmares in it.It was still warm and cosy. It was also handy to get up early because then you had as much time as you wanted in the showers. When everyone was up it was crowded and people were always hurrying you on. Kate liked her long warm showers.Kate knew what it was like to try and be quiet. None of the other girls tended to get up as early as she did so she was always tip toeing around the place. When she had been unable to sleep she had had to do that most nights. The night went on forever if you just lay in your bed thinking. It was best to move around and do things. She had had to make sure she didn't wake anyone up though. She would feel bad and she didn't want people asking her why she was out of bed. "You get used to it"She said smiling ,she hoped Charlotte had a good time here. It would be a nice break from family life though she would probably act the same in some things. "You don't have to dress casually,there is no rule saying you can't dress the way you want"Kate said shrugging and looking at her own clothes. She just wore what she liked to wear and what she felt most comfortable in. If a dress and heels were what Charlotte felt most comfortable in then that was casual for her. "I love London too, so big and exciting"Kate said eyes shinning. So much things to do and see. "I know,school is always tiring,last year was worse"Kate said chuckling. "You will get used to it I'm sure."Kate said encouraginly "What are you looking forward to most?"She asked curiously.