Open We Have Made It This Far

[Alexis Kramer]

Open to Seventh Years​

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With everyone so busy studying for the NEWTS herself included, Alexis figured they could use a breather. One week of lessons left and mostly on pop quizzes and reviews before the actual exams week. She had sent word by posting in their common room, on the walls next to the other houses' doors, prefects' common room and student lounge. She had everything set and double checked if she had missed something. It was just a simple party for them as well as for their head people, Leda and Simon. The Ravenclaw had read the article about Leda's sister. They may not be close but she figured the Head Girl would need some outlet to refocus her energy on. Now all she needed to do was wait for them to arrive.​

 

[Leda Layton]

Leda had been umming and arring about whether or not to attend the party that Alexis was holding for the seventh years. She’d seen the posters in the prefects lounge, and her immediate response was that she wasn’t going to go. She’d never gotten on well with the Ravenclaw and the last time they’d spoken, she’d been in the middle of an argument with her at the Wiggentree. The more she’d thought about it though, the more she realised she had to go. It wasn’t just because she was Head Girl and had a duty to attend, but if she’d learnt anything this year it was that she couldn’t waste time with grudges. How would she feel if she left Hogwarts on bad terms, as she had Olive. Leda didn’t know if she could take that. She had pulled herself together, dressing casually in jeans and a shirt, hoping Mervyn would be there too. Honestly she didn’t have a huge number of friends from her own year, although maybe she could count Simon, Liam and Joshua in that list now. The boys were all nice enough, and the Slytherin knew she just hadn’t really even given anyone a chance. Not really. She brushed her curly blonde hair, glad she’d be able to get away with bleaching it again for the last couple of weeks before the red started poking through again. Every time she saw it, she just felt sick. She didn’t want to look in the mirror and see Olive and the guilt reflecting back at her. No, Leda was better separating herself as much as she could from her sister at the moment. ​

The seventh year walked out awkwardly into the court yard as she realised she was actually the first person here asides from Alexis. Leda has wondered many times whether the girl had only invited her because she felt like she had to, rather than because she’d wanted her there, but Leda was going to have to rise above it if she wanted to be back on civil ground. “Hi,” she waved at the Ravenclaw as she came closer, looking around at the display she’d put on. “This.. looks nice.” Maybe it did sound a little sarcastic, but Leda was trying to build the bridge between them and she had to start somewhere.​

 

[Lina Olaf]

With graduation on the horizon, Lina was so excited to finally be out of this place and start the road to what she really wanted. She’d known for years that magic wasn’t for her. She’d accepted she needed to know it so that she could control it, but it wasn’t where her passions lay. Of course that meant that soon she would lose both her siblings. Although she hadn’t been as close to them as they were to each other, Lina was going to miss seeing Mhairi and Ilijas faces around the school when she moved away. She was almost positive she knew where she wanted to study too, and that would mean she would be moving to her another new country. Making the most of the time she had left with her twin, the seventh year had met the Hufflepuff and the pair had walked out into the courtyard to see a couple of the other students about, and Lina hoped this would be a little busier the later in the afternoon they got.​

 

[Mhairi Olaf]

Mhairi was proud of how far she’d come in her seven years, and she was proud to see her friends and sister grow too. Of course she was going to miss everyone, and the gardens, and generally feeling safe as they were allowed to explore their interests. Hoping to run into a few of her friends in what may have been one of the last social gatherings they were going to have before graduation, Mhairi had put on a light crop top and long floor length skirt, trying to feel as care free as she wanted to really be inside, rather than a little apprehensive of what was to come. She stood with her sister, although waved at the other students who seemed to be in mid conversation.​

 

[Alexis Kramer]

Alexis smiled brightly whe she spotted Leda approaching. She was not prepared for the head girl to arrive first but was glad all the same. "Leda, hi!", she met her, stopping a few feet just in case the Slytherin was uncomfortable with her. "Thanks, I am glad you like it.", she replied sincerely. She gestured to the food on the table. "Do you want me to fix you a plate? Though I don't know what your preferences are.", she offered to the girl. The Ravenclaw did not want to leave the school with unresolved conflicts.​

​

The prefect spotted Lina and Mhairi arrived together. She waved at them with a smile, beckoning them to the snack table. "Hey, guys. Grab a plate.", she invited the sisters. She was already passing them plates even as she said it.​

 

[Leda Layton]

If Alexis did hear the off tone in her voice, she didn’t react to it. Leda shook her head though when she was offered a plate of food. Really she wasn’t all that hungry either but she supposed the Ravenclaw had put a lot of effort in so it would have been bad not to try herself. “No, thanks, I...who needs plates right?” Leda chuckled nervously, helping herself to something that sort of resembled a sausage roll and taking a bite out of it there and then. It was crumblier than she’d anticipated and the Head Girl had to quickly wipe the mess off her jumper. Okay, she needed plates apparently. Moving away from the table as two others joined them, she recognised them both although never realised they knew one another. “Do you.. do you all know each other? I mean as friends,” she asked the trio. Leda wasn’t sure she would ever be able to act as comfortable as they were being thrown into a new group, so surely they had to be friends already.​

 

[Lina Olaf]

A few years ago, Lina would have been signing to her sister about now, but Mhairi has proved to her time and time again that she didn’t need Lina, not like that anymore. Mhairi was more than capable of following conversations herself despite the fact she couldn’t hear anything at school. She’d worried for the Hufflepuff over the years, thinking she must have felt isolated, but Lina had never expected to be the one on her own instead. “Er, thanks,” she smiled to Alexis, a Ravenclaw who seemed to be very outgoing despite the fact she didn’t know Lina very well. She looked to Leda, having seen her around the common room here and there and shrugged. “I just know Mhairi, she’s my sister,” she said, feeling a bit out of place that the Head Girl was only now noticing she existed, despite having classes with the girl for years. “I think Mhairi knows Alexis though,” she said, turning to the Hufflepuff so she could read her lips and nod in acknowledgment.​

 

[Mhairi Olaf]

Mhairi couldn’t do much but watch as the scene unfolded, taking a plate graciously from Alexis when offered it, and gliding over to the table, “Thank you,” She hadn’t realised how hungry she was until she laid eyes on it, and it was hard to know what to choose first. She picked up a few things for herself and Lina before returning to the Slytherins side. She nodded at her sisters comment, before smiling between the other girls. “Yes, Alexis is one of the smartest girls in the class, but I also know her from the Wild Patch,” Given Mhairi couldn’t hear herself talking her tone was a little flat, but it was easier than trying to sign or write in the air, especially with her hands full. “Are you looking forward to graduation?” She asked the girls, genuinely curious.​

 

[Alexis Kramer]

Leda surprised her when she forego using a plate and picked a piece to eat. Comically, crumbs fell on her top after she took a bite. It looked so amusing and fun that Alexis giggled before follwing what Leda did.She also took a pretzel and bit into it. Just like with Leda, crumbles fell onto her shirt which she quicky brushed them off. "Guess we need those plates now.", she commented with a laugh before passing Leda one. The pair joined them, recognizing Mhairi and a girl who she assumed was Lina. The Ravenclaw met Mhairi briefly for a rose delivery then knew her even more when she joined WPC two years back. Now that Lina said it, she could already see the resemblance of the sisters. "Aw, Mhairi. You're exaggerating there.", she teased as she looked at the Puff with a smile. Mhairi, aside from being involved in WPC, also thought sign language as she was deaf herself. "I somehow know Lina from classes and Mhairi was right about the Wild Patch thing.", she added before she glanced around to check whether others were coming.​

 

[Simon Vanity]

Simon had been a little surprised to be invited to an end of year celebration for only the seventh years. He had of course immediately reached out to Charlotte and invited her with him, there wasn’t any way he’d go to this event alone, not when it was Alexis who organised it. Thankfully, with a line up that included few parties Simon hadn’t been too surprised when Charlotte had agreed so, they’d met before hand and were now arriving together, with his arm out to support her. He looked at the courtyard and the few other students who were mingling around. He knew Alexis and he knew Leda but some of the others were a little more difficult for him to know. Simon looked to Charlotte, ”We should go to Alexis first,” he said, knowing she probably wouldn’t like it, and knowing that Charlotte didn’t particularly like Alexis but also knew it would be polite to do so. He walked across to where Alexis was surrounded by a few others, ”Thanks for organising this Alexis,” he greeted her. ”Blow off a little steam before the NEWTs,” he commented know that was probably the first and last things on their mind. ​

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god mod approved​

 

[Fleur van Houten]

A party to end their final year sounded like fun to Fleur, so once she had seen the notices she had decided to go. Over the years, Fleur had mostly befriended girls in the year below her, but she definitely had a few classmates she really got along with too. The girl wondered if she'd see Shane and Charlie at the party, though she didn't think Charlie was a big party person. Fleur headed to the courtyard at the right time, spotting a few of her classmates already there. She grinned at Alexis, though the girl seemed to be talking to quite a few people. Well, it had been her idea, so that was fair. "Hey, Alexis! Good party!" She called, waving at her from a small distance. Then Fleur decided to grab herself a snack, there were too many to ignore.

 

[Shane Ackley]

Shane had decided to go to the celebration for Seventh years. He had assumed it would probably be pretty terrible, but he wouldn’t say no to such a thing. The hufflepuff had put on some of his party clothes, things he only tended to wear when he was going to muggle parties. But, as he walked to the courtyard he was a little surprised to see both Mhairi and Lena. Oh. Oh...they were twins. Oh dear. He wasn’t sure Lena would be friendly with him if she knew what he had kissed her sister - provided she didn't already know. But, god, there was Mhairi, as beautiful as ever. Shane also spotted Fleur, perhaps she was a safer option. He wasn’t sure who to approach, it didn’t help that they were all talking with one another. He decided he would approach Fleur, in his mind the safest option at this party. he stood next to her and nudged her arm slightly, ”Hey,” he greeted, he looked towards Mhairi and unable to help himself knew that if she looked at him he’d wink at her. ”You ready to graduate then?”​

 

[Charlotte Harper]

When Simon had told her of a party Alexis was hosting it was not the first thought the blonde had of going. Half of the students Charlotte didn't even liked. And she never had liked Alexis, she didn't liked the girl. But Simon seemed to like her. And it would be fine if she was next to him and they would have fun. Perhaps there was some fun in it after all. The blonde hold the arm of her boyfriend and smiled. She had put on a nice dress and walked to the courtyard together with Simon. Simon said they should go to Alexis first. Charlotte her thought was to ignore her but she rolled her eyes instead and gave him a kiss on the cheek. '' Sure.. Amazing.'' He knew how she thought of the girl so the sarcasm was there. He followed Simon holding his arm tight. The blonde was already pleased when she saw she was way more pretty than everyone else there. She and Simon were just the perfect and handsome couple. Charlotte was also proud of having her boyfriend as the headboy at her side. She was already curious at his speech and wanted to find out what he would say. Hopefully something sweet to her as well, but that was not the intention of it ofcourse. Charlotte led Simon do the talking and just looked at Alexis for a moment, but in a arrogant way. She wanted to say something unkind but for Simon she didn't. '' Yeah nice.'' The blonde just said shortly and than sighted. Was there something to drink?

 

[Xavier Mackintosh]

Xavier had been happy to go along with the idea of a party for all the seventh years, considering that NEWTs were almost upon them and soon they would be graduating. It seemed like the perfect time for one, though it wouldn’t completely stress-free. Still, it had been a good idea and after telling Alexis that he would come back in a bit he had gone to the dorms to get changed. He had promised he would be back as soon as he could. As he finally arrived to the courtyard, he spotted a few people already there and he smiled as he passed some of them and went directly to his fiancé. "Hey, I’m back," he announced. "Hi Simon, Charlotte," he greeted politely. "Would you guys like something to drink?"​

 

[Alexis Kramer]

Alexis spotted Simon and Charlotte and after politely excusing from Leda and the Olaf sisters, she met the newcomers. A bright smile plastered on her face upon seeing her Head Boy friend and teammate as well as his girlfriend. She knew that Charlotte was not fond of her for reasons she never knew. "Hey, Si! Hello, Charlotte!" She barely managed to greet them when Xavier reappeared beside her. Her smile brightened even more. "Hey, love. Thought you lost your way.", she teased as she linked her arm through his. While her fiancee offered them some drinks, she spotted Fleur a few feet away. She waved at the girl, smiling. "Thanks, Fleur. Be right there.", she added although Shane arrived and struck a conversation with the girl. At least, the Gryffindor would not be left out.​

@Simon Vanity @Charlotte Harper @Xavier Mackintosh @Fleur van Houten

 

[Leda Layton]

The more people continued to arrive, the more out of place Leda was feeling. It was a little easier when she spotted Simon, at least a reasonably familiar face in the bunch although Charlotte was attached to his arm so she did very little more than send the boy half a smile. She’d never gotten in with her dorm mate, but at least she’d almost gotten away seven years without her finding out what she had done to her in their first year. A few other people joined that Leda knew but didn’t really care to talk to, and the Slytherin crossed her arms wondering where everyone else was and whether they were coming to. Everyone seemed to be in conversation, and the blonde had no intention of pushing her way into any of their talks.​

 

[Lina Olaf]

Lina smiled at Alexis when she went off to see who else was arriving, although she didn’t know them, at least not until Shane arrived. She didn’t fail to spot that he was looking at her sister, almost as though they were invisible. Really the seventh year wasn’t surprised, most people didn’t notice her but it was probably easier that way, she’d have less people to let down when she graduated. “He’s in your house isn’t he?” She asked to her sister, not wanting to make it obvious to the group who she was talking about. She knew that she wasn’t as up to date with her sister and her social circle as much as she should have been, but the twins had had to move away from one another in order to stand on their own two feet. He was busy talking to the Gryffindor girl at the moment, but whatever, Lina was only here because she wanted to support Mhairi before they left, so it was probably good he wasn’t paying her any attention.​

 

[Mhairi Olaf]

Mhairi grinned at the Ravenclaw although she knew what she was saying and completely believed it. Alexis excused herself to talk to the others, and Mhairi turned to look at Leda who seemed to be looking a little lost. Mhairi could understand why someone like herself would struggle, but didn’t the Head Girl want to talk to anyone? She was about to strike up another conversation with the Slytherin when she caught her sisters words, turning her head to look over her shoulder and a huge smile appeared on her face when she realised Shane had joined them. Mhairi hadn't had the chance to talk to him since the lake, and she’d not told anyone about the rose she’d sent to him either, not even her siblings. Turning back to Lina she gave a little “mmhmm” in acknowledgment. Was Shane a friend? Probably as much as most she had in this school. Spending time with him had been fun, at least while they had been there. She didn’t think that someone like him would be interested in her though in more than a one off afternoon. Mhairi was deaf, not blind. She knew how this worked. “His name’s Shane,” she said quietly, assuming Lina didn’t know.​

@Shane Ackley ​

 

[Simon Vanity]

Simon smiled at Charlotte's very tight greeting, he couldn't help the light expression as he watched her. It amused him when she had to interact with people she didn't like. He looked to the boy that appeared beside Alexis, Xavier. He only knew of the boy because of Alexis, he didn't know him particularly well, but he knew that if Alexis was happy that was enough for him. It hadn't been what he'd expected, Simon had always thought that Alexis and Josh had something, but he'd been wrong before. "Xavier," He greeted, the boy offered Alexis a drink and Simon decided that was enough for them. "Let's leave our host and get some drinks and food for ourselves, right Charlotte?" he said to his girlfriend as he said this, but he glanced up to Leda after, "Would you like to join us Leda?" he said, "We can fill some plates and talk about how great ravenclaw is?" Simon knew that Charlotte wouldn't enjoy spending time with Leda, but given the recent article and the respect which Simon had for her, he couldn't leave her to stand mostly alone. Though if she turned him down, he wouldn't exactly push it. ​

 

[Charlotte Harper]

Charlotte watched as Alexis called her boyfriend short versioned. Si?! Charlotte almost had to barf of it, what a stupid name that was. The blonde hair rolled her eyes shortly. And afterwards smiled back fake-ish. When a blonde boy joined them and the boyfriend of Alexis was Charlotte looked at him. She never actually spoken to him and didn't knew him. Charlotte didn't even knew a lot of names of students out of her year, she just didn't cared. '' Hi.'' She said shortly to the boy. He asked if they wanted something to drink and before the blonde could answer Simon already did. It was nice when people did something for you, but she was fine with this as well. This ment they would go away from Alexis now so that was fine. '' Sure. We can do that. Good idea... Si.'' The blonde than said for a moment and grinned shortly. She just could not help it for a moment and gave him a kiss on his cheek, she hoped he could laugh of it as well. She took his hand for a moment and wanted to go away but than her all so kind boyfriend asked that headgirl. Charlotte just hated her for that already, she deserved it way more. But whatever. But she had a feeling why Simon did this, she had read the article as well. And she felt a bit for the girl, just a tiny bit. She rolled her eyes for a moment. '' You mean Slytherin. A mistake is easily made right?'' The blonde was already annoyed and could do two things. Or have conversation with them or go and find someone else. But most of the people here she hated or didn't knew so it was an easy choice now. The only person she spotted was Shane, the person she used and he her when she wanted to make Simon jealous. Charlotte than figured she had to act and try her best not to be rude to her roommate. '' Great victory for Slytherin again.. with quidditch.'' She than said to Leda. Charlotte only watched Simon at the games, not that she cared of the sport that much.

 

[Fleur van Houten]

It was pretty interesting to watch so many of her classmates in one place, possibly for one of the last times. She realized as she looked around that she hadn't really gotten to know as many of them as she liked, and she felt a little regret for that. But she was also relieved when Shane came up to her and nudged her, she smiled and nudged him back. He was looking at one of the Hufflepuff girls, but from Fleur's experience, Shane was always looking at someone. "The funny thing is that I pretty much felt like I was ready to graduate as soon as I got sorted. I couldn't wait to get out into the real world." She admitted, then smiled a little sadly. "And now that it's near, I kind of want to draw my final year at Hogwarts out instead. Weird, right?"

 

[Shane Ackley]

Shane spotted Charlotte and gave her a little smile, though they had somewhat dated, he didn't mind that he had been ditched for the boy she was with, that was exactly his role, to fill a need and make a certain boy jealous. He looked back at Fleur as she answered his question and nodded lightly. He could understand that, "Little weird sure," he agreed, though he could understand why. To wait for something for so long and then to have it within grasp would be daunting and perhaps just what made her feel a little unsure about it. "I've been looking forward to graduation for ages, was looking forward to it at my old school and now here too. Really I just want to graduate now," he told her, knowing he was appearing quite eager but he was actually pretty eager to leave school. Even if he didn't really know what his next steps were. "Have you figured out your next steps?"​

 

[Alexis Kramer]

Alexis just chuckled at how uptight Charlotte was around her. Squeezing Xavier's arm, she nodded at what Simon said.. "See you later, Si. We should talk about new patrol routes for the last time.", she added with a small laugh. She knew how Charlotte did not like her but seriously, the Slytherin should not worry about anything. She was already engaged to the Puff beside her and it was clear that Simon was so hung up on her. She watched the pair and stifled another laugh as Simon invited Leda with them. Turning to Xavier, she playfully pulled him to get some drinks before she asked him if she could wander off to Fleur. Once he agreed, Alexis approached Shane and the Gryffindor with a plate of cookies on one hand. "Hey, you guys. Cookies, anyone?", she offered.​

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@Simon Vanity @Fleur van Houten @Shane Ackley ​

 

[Fleur van Houten]

Fleur snorted when Shane agreed it was weird. She guessed he didn't feel the same, which he soon confirmed. "Are you sad you're not graduating at your old school?" She asked him curiously. "Why are you looking forward to graduating? Do you want something specific after Hogwarts?" She asked, and he asked her a similar question. Fleur grinned a bit, imagining her future. "Well, I want to travel to different magical creature sanctuaries." She told him. "Especially those with dragons, to see different types." She said. "Then I want to work at one of them." Then Alexis approached them and offered cookies, and Fleur happily grabbed one. "Don't mind if I do." She said with a grin. "How are you doing, Alexis? Any plans for after Hogwarts?" She had heard the girl had gotten engaged, and had an opinion about it, but didn't know the Ravenclaw well enough to really know anything about it. She'd just thought that Willow had made the right choice by saying no to the proposal, and figured that one year didn't make much of a difference. But she wouldn't say anything, that wasn't her place.

@Shane Ackley @Alexis Kramer

 

[Shane Ackley]

Shane laughed lightly, "No, my last school was the worst, with the worst people," he said in response, but he shook his head, he didn't have any plans after school specifically. "I think I'll party a little, and maybe go travelling," he didn't know what he was going after school, he didn't know what he wanted, but he could now decide what it was. "Maybe we'll run into each other in lots of other locations," He thought Fleur would probably suit dragons. He glanced as Alexis joined them, he didn't know her very well, but he knew she was engaged and that felt wild to him, but for reasons other than the fact she was young, it was just...marriage was weird. He took a cookie and ate it as Fleur led the questioning back to her. He didn't know what else to say. ​