Sunshine and daisies.

[Arielle Lemaire]

A Hogwarts morning like every other to the young blonde, however Arielle had not chosen to stay cooped up in her dorm that day, sketching her free time away, instead she had made the choice to lie in the soft grass that covered the Great Lawn and stare up at the clear blue sky. It was a peaceful, sunny day that could keep a person daydreaming until sunset, but Arielle wasn't the kind of girl to lose herself so easily, she had her feet planted firmly on the ground and she wasn't going to waste all her time staring up at the sky. The Slytherin was going to spend her time sketching, which was always productive; the only difference was on that day, Arielle had made the effort to walk outside instead of recede back into her dorm after breakfast. The choice to spend her time outside had proven worthy so far, as Arielle had been sketching well into the afternoon, the thought to eat lunch hadn't even crossed the blonde's mind and she had unintentionally skipped going to the great hall to eat lunch.

So, Arielle Lemaire had spent almost her whole day drawing, nothing more, and she didn't even care that her designs weren't coming out how she wanted them to this time. The Slytherin had started to doodle in her sketchbook, after making the decision to give up on fashion for the day. The sun was shining, which didn't help Arielle to focus much, so she stood up and dusted her clothing off before strolling over to a nearby tree to catch up on some studying. The blonde preferred the shade, especially after lying in the sun for the past few hours, and now that she had opened the Transfiguration textbook she had taken with her when she left that morning, Arielle felt sheer boredom looming as her eyes glazed over while reading the textbook. Even her favourite school subject didn't feel right when she was outside, so the blonde was left to just sit in the shade and stare out into the distance until an idea popped into her head which wouldn't leave her feeling completely bored.
​

 

[Artemis Jackson]

Artemis Lawrence Jackson decided to go to the Great Lawn just for to hang out there all day long. Or perhaps just for the whole morning until lunch comes up. The young Slytherin knew from the time she woke up that boredom will be present the whole day until dinner arrives. She hoped dinner would be great and will serve her as the best event for the whole day. Artemis walked out of the Slytherin common room with her hair tied just like a ponytail to take breakfast and eat a little only. She was not the heavy eater during breakfast. Her appetite was not that strong unlike the one she has during lunch and dinner. She actually thought that lunch is much more important than breakfast because that is the time of the day wherein you need energy the most; afternoon. The Slytherin fully exited the Dungeons and ascended the staircase leading to the Great Hall. There weren't any large packs of students walking together that much. There were several of them, laughing and lounging around at the sides, thankfully careful not to block other people's way. The blonde made her way to the Great Hall and took a seat at the Slytherin table. She took a piece of toast and buttered it in just a few seconds before taking it into her mouth. The taste was not as heavenly, but it served her right for the whole morning.

The sun was shining and it was absolutely giving Artemis heat for her body. When Artemis arrived at the Great Lawn, she immediately looked for the best location to sit where there is shade. Her eyes scanned the whole lawn until she found the perfect spot. But someone already occupied it, unfortunately. Artemis scowled for a brief moment and walked towards the vague image of the person. Once she was just a few meters away, she realized that it was Arielle Lemaire, also from the Slytherin house. "Lemaire." Muttered the Slytherin with a single nod. Artemis dusted of the invisible creases on her blouse before speaking again. "Do you mind if I join you?" Artemis asked with simplicity in her voice. After all, she was absolutely bored and had no errands to run for the whole day. So might as well converse with a fellow Slytherin of hers. Artemis knew that this Slytherin loves fashion, but when Artemis scanned her, she was actually sketching. The blonde witch wanted to peep at her sketch, wanting to know whether she was excellent with it or not. Instead, she just remained on her spot until the other Slytherin gave a response.​

 

[Arielle Lemaire]

Arielle Lemaire had been basking in the awe of how peaceful the Hogwarts New Zealand atmosphere really was, it was such a pity that the blonde was only noticing the atmosphere then, and not when she had first arrived to attend this wizarding school. If Arielle had realised how peaceful it was a short few years ago, she wouldn't have kept herself hidden away in her dorm all day. Arielle had to pay all the prices of not going outside, she was getting pastier and her body lacked vitamin d, a vitamin you could only properly obtain from being in the sun for a healthy amount of time. Arielle's move into the shade was in good timing, as the French girl did not want to run any possible risk of sunburn. It would be such a bad look for her being covered in red, the colour had never suited the blonde, and luckily she had been sorted into Slytherin may back when she was only a first year. Arielle's reminiscing was kindly interrupted by none other than Artemis Jackson, a fellow Slytherin who was a year younger than Arielle. They had met the previous year during breakfast, and were now on a last name basis, a basis in which Arielle preferred over the awkward silences between two acquaintances. "Jackson." Uttered Arielle, nodding in the same fashion her fellow witch had done moments earlier. "I don't mind at all. Go ahead." Were the next words the blonde said, while smiling pleasantly at Artemis. At least she now had a decent excuse to stop sketching, studying, or whatever it was she had been doing earlier, because talking to someone she knew enough to avoid them sharing an awkward conversation.

Arielle stretched out her slim arms, she needed to go for a run, but she would save it for later, because she wasn't going to be rude to a witch that had so politely asked to sit with her. The blonde closed her sketchbook that lay open on the lush green grass and placed it into the bag she brought with her that morning, Arielle was proud of her outfit that day, it was casual but not so casual she looked like she lived on a farm, it wouldn't give anybody the chance to cringe, and Artemis' outfit looked cute to. "I like your outfit." Said the blonde, directing her attention from her bag and onto Artemis, politely making small talk while continuing to smile at her housemate. ​

 

[Artemis Jackson]

The way the other witch uttered Artemis' name made the second year a bit relieved with her tone. Artemis thought that she would not be welcomed and worse case scenario; shooed away. The blonde did not want that. In fact, she wanted to actually make a new conversation with the other witch, after the long period of time before they saw each one another again, by accident. Or maybe it was really Fate who planned it. Artemis felt the increasing heat of the sun on her bare arms while the other Slytherin welcomed her to sit down. "Thanks." Artemis said casually yet sincerely while sitting down next to the older witch. The heat instantly vanished from her pale skin and was replaced by a slightly higher temperature of some sort of feeling. The sensation was great, and Artemis enjoyed it until it left her sitting alone with the normal temperature around her. Artemis did not notice the smile of the blonde but was somehow grateful for the welcome. The young blonde leaned back against the trunk of the tree and sighed deeply. Calmness was one of the things that Artemis indeed loved when it came to vacations and breaks. Not much students were on the way, and classes weren't on the run, yet. Meanwhile, Artemis did not want any lessons to happen. She wanted the break to last for a really long period of time, maybe even more than two months, hopefully.

Her legs were already tired from their old position, so Artemis changed them to a position wherein they were fully stretched. Artemis' legs felt the soft grass making contact with her own skin, and she enjoyed the feeling. The breeze was soft and gentle, not as harsh as before. Artemis momentarily closed her eyes to give it a rest for a while. She did not mind even though there was a person just right next to her, doing her own business. Besides, the other Slytherin hopefully did not mind if Artemis just relaxed and drifted alone with her thoughts. The younger Slytherin, Artemis, was not actually thinking of anything at all. She was just savoring the moment, making sure that she would be able to use the calmness before classes start again. A voice spoke aloud and made Artemis to snap her eyes open again. She looked at Arielle, only to see her sketchbook inside her small bag. "Thank you very much." Artemis replied, quite pleased that her effort for today's clothes were worth it. She took all evening just to analyze and think what she could wear for the morning. "Yours look good on you too." Smiled the young blonde, observing the fashionable attire of the older witch. Once again, it looked like anything that this student wore looked good on her. Artemis did not quite like the branch for fashion, but it was worth exploring. For her, style and looks weren't that important. She valued her own personality only. The blonde took the hint that the other witch was trying to converse with her and she took the opportunity to do so. "Hot day isn't it?" Artemis spoke, with absolutely no idea why she just said that.​

 

[Arielle Lemaire]

A day like that day, was warm to say the least, Artemis' comment, which posed as a question, was undoubtedly true. To the point where Arielle nodded in agreement, not a common thing for the Slytherin to do, obviously because she agreed with Artemis that the day was hot and it was uncommon for the blonde to agree with another, usually it was her way or the highway. Arielle had turned into a more mature person over the winter vacation, yet she had only noticed once she returned to Hogwarts New Zealand. The young witch felt her smile widen as she drowned herself within thought once again, a lot of people assumed children didn't think as much as adults when in fact, Arielle noticed she thought more about things than her father did, obviously some of the decisions he had made over time could have been better thought through. Maybe the Slytherin had unconsciously started a habit of thinking too much because she didn't want to be a bad person and say and do idiotic things because she didn't make the effort to think it through first. "It is a hot day. It's great to get some sun though." Replied the third year. Arielle had grown so sick of the cold temperature during the winter vacation, that the warmth of the sun was exactly what she needed and desired.

The sun's rays left the shadow of the tree's branches on her legs, and the blonde sighed, not for any particular reason besides the fact she just felt like sighing. "How was your holidays?" Questioned the blonde, her holidays had been rather bland, she longed to return to France for the winter vacation, but arrived home once her second year ended to hear the news that she wouldn't go to France that year, and instead travel to New York. Arielle was genuinely sad about the whole ordeal and the sudden change of plans, but was also ecstatic about seeing the sights and sounds New York City had to offer. Somebody might say it was a wonderful way to spend time of school, and Arielle agreed, but she didn't want to brag about it and make herself look more arrogant than people thought, she wanted to start her third year off with a new image, a fresh start in a sense. ​

 

[Artemis Jackson]

Artemis was starting to get sick of the warmth. She never liked warm days, especially summer. It made her sweat a lot, making her unfocused on what she does. Since when did she like the warm days? Never to be frank. Artemis loved it when it was winter. It was gloomy and perfect for studying so that she could remain calm. The Slytherin common room provided her enough heat with its emerald green flames in the fireplace. Might as well not experience its heat doubled outside. Artemis nodded when she heard Arielle's comment. She wanted to strongly object but she chose to keep it to herself only. Expressing her opinion might get them into a mini debate, which Artemis would extremely dislike. She did not want to argue, especially in the heat. Her pale skin seemed to glow in the sunlight reflecting its light to her. Artemis scowled about that and continued to face front, avoiding eye contact with the older witch. Artemis fingered her hair at the side for quite a while just to think of what other activities were available for her to do.

Lounging around was the main thing Artemis liked doing in Hogwarts. Besides from reading books and watch Quidditch, her main hobby was just to laze around in the Slytherin common room. And that, was the first thing that popped into her mind. For later, she will go to the Dungeons to take a nap for the afternoon. After all, she had absolutely nothing to do. "Quite boring," Artemis said, frowning at the same time while recalling the memories. All she did was just visit their spacious house and for just three days and return to Hogwarts. She did nothing there, to be honest. "There was just nothing to do. How were yours?" Artemis asked, trying let the conversation flow smoothly.​

 

[Arielle Lemaire]

The shade left Arielle's skin feeling a slight hint of coolness, which would eventually lead her into having goose bumps if she stayed out of the sun long enough. Usually something that would force Arielle back into the sunlight was keeping her away from it now, as the blonde did not see any sign from Artemis that the two would move any time soon. Instead of complaining, Arielle was going to distract herself by continuing the conversation she was sharing with the other Slytherin student. "Mine were nothing special, my father and I just did some traveling like we do every year." Said the blonde, going to New York City was special, to most people, and it was to Arielle, but the new social image she wanted to portray meant talking about how fortunate she was, was out of the question entirely. Not that she minded this, as she knew it would ultimately end up being a good thing for her and the people who would become her friends, that was if they chose to stay around her long enough to get to know her, and with her luck, nobody had so far.

Arielle thought the conversation was starting to wander along the boring side of things, and the only other thing the Slytherin could think of, that would be interesting enough to make the conversation more fascinating was to get out her sketchpad and show the younger witch what she had been working on recently, getting another's opinion was mandatory at the point Arielle had gotten to with her more recent sketches, and since she was a great distance from her father, the young witch thought Artemis would make a great person in which to get the second opinion she needed. "I have been working on some designs recently, I want to be a designer, so would you mind taking a look at one or two for me and tell me what you think?" Asked the blonde, a hopeful smile gracing her lips as she waited for Artemis' answer. ​

 

[Artemis Jackson]

Despite the warmth that Artemis was experiencing, she managed to keep focus on the ongoing simple conversation. For her, the heat was just beginning to increase rapidly. She did not know why, but it seemed that was the truth for her. Or perhaps, it's just my imagination. Beads of sweat haven't come out yet because of the soft breeze that has been preventing it to come out. Artemis touched her tied up hair and brought it to the side of her shoulder. The soft blonde hair followed easily which made Artemis' mood lift a bit. Artemis considered Arielle's holidays as a nice one, but not so entertaining if she were to be put in the older witch's shoes. "Entertaining?" Artemis asked wanting to know if ever that trip had anything connected to the world of fashion. The only word that popped into her mind when she heard the name, Arielle Lemaire was just fashion. Fashion, fashion and more fashion. The world of style was nothing really huge but Artemis found it very complicated, especially when she is being put to the test about clothes.

The idea of looking into designs made Artemis shiver with excitement. For her whole existence, she never actually looked deeper into fashion and its young admirers. The Slytherin looked at the small bag that probably contained Arielle's designs. Seeing that it was a good idea, Artemis smiled. It could take her mind of the bothering heat and maybe get her fashion senses on. After all, her brain only offered a small portion that occupied fashion. "Absolutely. So, what have you got there?" Artemis asked at the same time agreed with the plan. Her head made a slight movement because she wanted to peep at it before Arielle could show it to her entirely. The second year was not exactly the patient type and she was quite excited and enthusiastic to move on with the idea of it. ​

 

[Arielle Lemaire]

The young blonde was, of course hesitant to show Artemis what she had been working on, for conventional reasons did she show any insecurity about her designs. There were many rhetorical questions in Arielle's mind. Ones that caused the Slytherin girl to breathe out slowly and at least make an attempt to ignore her own head, a usually silly thing to do but in some cases, throwing caution to the wind was beneficial. The blonde had no way of telling what Artemis' reaction would be, considering Arielle had received no proper feedback so far, and Artemis wasn’t as fashionably inclined as Arielle was. No matter all the doubt, Arielle removed her sketchbook from her bag, and clutched it to her chest before uttering the words "Now, I don't know how you'll react if I show you a more outlandish sketch, so I'm going to show you a simple one." Arielle moved her sketchbook away from her torso, only enough for her to open it and flick to the page she desired, only flinching and smiling a little when Artemis tried to take a peek.

She turned her sketchbook around so Artemis could see her drawing, it was of a Cinderella inspired ball gown. It resembled Cinderella's dress quite impeccably, although it had a few twists. Arielle had moved the hem line up to the knee and had removed the sleeves completely. It was of course mainstream, but the blonde had chosen that particular design for the simple reason that the younger witch, who went by the name of Artemis, would probably be able to give a better amount of creative criticism if she had seen something more simple. "So, what do you think?" Asked the Slytherin, hiding the obvious fact she was blushing by hiding behind her sketchbook.
​

 

[Artemis Jackson]

Artemis became slightly uncomfortable when the a certain vision popped into her mind. The scene was not explainable on how it just erupted in her mind but Artemis did not care. She quietly visioned herself making a fool out of Arielle's creations regarding the fashion world. The Slytherin's intense blue eyes faced Arielle with no emotion at all in them. She was nervous, yes, but that did not stop her from trying to judge the older witch's offer. Artemis fiddled with her thumbs while listening to Arielle's reply. With only listening to it, Artemis let out a sigh of relief. She was not offended with Arielle showing her only a simple design. In fact, judging it would be more easier and faster to do. Basics, Artemis thought, I just want to see her basic designs. Complex drawings might take her a century just to finally let out her own opinion that was thought over a million times. Good thing that it will only be short and simple. "Seems good to me." The Slytherin changed her position once more into a much more comfortable one, while waiting for the design to show on the page that Arielle drew it on.

When the sketch could be fully seen, Artemis leaned in a little more just to get a good view. The Slytherin found it hard to judge, since this was her first time to see a good design of someone who is so young to draw such a thing. Artemis frowned absently while thinking about a good comment that she would be able to give. She certainly did not want to disappoint the other witch with her lack of fashion skills but she just tried to let out a sentence that was truthful. "With such a young age, I never knew that someone could do that kind of sketch." Artemis commented, still observing the simple yet elegant drawing in front of her. At the corner of her eye, she sensed that the other Slytherin was slightly shy with showing Artemis her own creativity. "Since when were you actually inspired to work in the fashion industry someday?" Artemis gave her a small look of curiosity. "All seems complex in the world of fashion." The she-Slytherin added honestly. She wanted to know whether the older female would comment back in a harsh way. ​

 

[Arielle Lemaire]

The question Artemis had asked allowed Arielle to think about her answer a little more than usual. The blonde avoided talking to people she did not know about her mother, or that much of anything, Arielle usually remained rather quiet and blunt around strangers. This had been the basis for Arielle to be as rude as she was to people she had just met. Although, the third year did know Artemis somewhat more than a stranger, they were mere acquaintances, in a way that was a situation Arielle found herself comfortable with, so telling Artemis a little more about her home life was not entirely absurd. The blonde put her sketchbook down on the soft grass between the two, her sketch facing up as the thirteen year old observed her design for the millionth time, it was almost excessive how much she criticized her own work. But critiquing her own work had developed into being part of the Slytherin's creative routine, and since Artemis liked her design, that was something to be proud of, in one way or another. Arielle still thought there was something wrong with her sketch, like it was missing something. It was just a shame she couldn't figure it out.

The blonde nodded a thank you to the younger Slytherin, before picking up her sketchbook again and hugging it to her chest as she uttered her answer to Artemis' question. "My mother was a model, and since I can remember I have wanted to work in fashion. Designing mostly, but I want to model on the side too." Arielle answered, smiling pleasantly while speaking. She had deliberately chosen not to mention her mother had passed on when she was just a baby. It had donned on Arielle that maybe her father had been lying to her about her mother, but she always dismissed that possibility because she trusted her dad too much to believe anything like that for more than a minute. "Um, what do you want to do when you finish school?" Queried the young witch, she could not remember if she had asked the other Slytherin what career path she wanted to seek out before, so she just asked the question. Arielle had been curious about it for a little while, she returned her sketchbook to her backpack while waiting for Artemis' answer. ​

 

[Artemis Jackson]

Artemis nodded while mentally putting the pieces together inside her head. This and that information made her brain whiz but she still managed to put it all together to fix that tiny puzzle she's been figuring out ever since she has met Arielle Lemaire. Not so many people in Artemis life was actually inclined to the fashion world. They were more of the sporty family. Every time a Quidditch game is up, they are instantly alerted and noted about it. Artemis' father has several colleagues that tell him about it. Because of that, the Slytherin was influenced about Quidditch and made it her obsession. Quidditch was the only single thing that made her have fun and at the same time, exercise her muscles so that they won't experience cramps. Artemis decided not to comment anymore. After all, she already understood why Arielle loved being connected with the world of designing. The second year knew that it was her passion. Somehow, the two girls were totally unalike but they still managed to make a simple conversation. Artemis smiled.

With what Arielle asked, Artemis frowned in thought. Thinking about the future was never in her agenda. So far, all the jobs that were being offered in the wizarding world were not that interesting to her. In around two years time, maybe she'd think about it. So far, all she knew about that was far most the best is being a healer. Healers obviously heal injured or sick witches or wizards. "My future occupation is not yet my concern. But if you insist, then maybe I'd be a Healer." Artemis shrugged and wondered why she said that. She knew that Healers were loaded with lots of patients in St. Mungos and with knowing Artemis, she would not handle the pressure given to her easily almost everyday. People would come to her and insist on her to heal them instantly. There would also be blood present, and Artemis just shuddered when she saw blood. She hated the sight of it. It was just gross.​

Out of Character:

It's been like, ten days? I'm so sorry about the delay!

 

[Arielle Lemaire]

Memories of New York would always remain happy ones; the blonde did not see the negativity some had towards the city of New York. In her eyes every skyscraper, every light, and every car horn all meshed together to form a wondrous place that could not abide a description. Arielle knew she would travel to New York again, whether it be for her designing career or for another holiday with her father, excitement could not be contained for her blindingly bright future. Some would say the streets of New York were unsafe for a young girl like Arielle Lemaire, however she thought otherwise, travelling to New York had fuelled her desire to break into the fashion industry even more, and Arielle felt more motivated to reach her goal than ever. The third year would not say a word of this to Artemis, a younger member of Slytherin house, but would instead chose to ask the younger witch questions about herself, to keep the conversation rolling. Because of her trip to New York, Arielle had been sketching almost non-stop, it was a surprise to her she found enough time to chat with Artemis again, she thought they should organise to meet up sometime, that was when they each had some time off class.

The blonde nodded at Artemis' answer, it was an answer to a simple question, however it was an interesting answer. Arielle had not even considered being a healer, though she had not considered any career besides designing and modelling, and quite frankly, the idea of Artemis being a healer lead Arielle to wanting to know more. "Wow. Are you working hard towards being a healer?" Replied the French girl, her interest in the subject of healers distracting her from the signs Artemis was not yet sure of her career. Arielle's interest in healers may have indicated to the younger Slytherin she was interested in being a healer also, when in complete truth, Arielle was not going to change her career goal, especially not since she had worked so hard and for so long. The girl leant towards Artemis, and rested her chin on her hand, in wait for a reply, a pleasant smile still taking over her features. ​

 

[Artemis Jackson]

Thoughts of Potions class immediately showered on Artemis, telling her what she has done to improve her skill in that subject. There was just absolutely nothing, especially the taking of notes in that class did not give her a good impression of herself being in Potions. She did not know if that class was connected to being a Healer, anyways. If not, then being a Healer was not the job that Artemis was going to get. She had no idea what she could do with that brain of hers, but even though she did not even take that kind of job, there were more alternatives to choose from. They were not jobs, but they were more of a title to bear. Death Eaters are those people, who are still being hunt down by the ministry. Artemis frowned, cursing herself why her thoughts brought her to those Death Eaters and watched as the third year leaned into her. "No," Artemis replied, still thinking of what to say. Her next words were pure honesty and was sort of a question for the older Slytherin to answer, if ever she knew the response to it. "What subject does a Healer need to excel in anyways?" Artemis gave the older witch a small questioning look with curiosity set in her blue eyes. It was totally clear that the second year simply had no idea, and it also made her wonder why Potions entered her mind so quickly. She silently hoped to herself that she was wrong, since there was no hope for her to actually get straight O's in that subject within her Hogwarts life.​