We're Kind of like "The Three Musketeers."

[Sara Moon]

Sara was lying beside the lake, looking up at the sky. The world was stretched out in front of her, and she felt like flying, but the long walk up to the castle to get the key to the broom cuboard wasn't exactly promising and she was enjoying the feel of the sun tickling her skin too much to move. She looked up at the wisps of cloud, passing over her. There was a rabbit, and beside it a dragon, did it mean anything, would the centaurs in the forest be looking at it and knowing what was going to happen in the future. She mentally shrugged her shoulders, and closed her eyes.

The bright light of the sun burned through her eyes, a yellow sheen in front of her lids, making her feel warm and safe. She listened to the sounds of the castle, students were laughing and chatting, much the way her and her friends did. She frowned at the thought, wondering what her friends were up to, and why they'd been so out of touch with each other. She'd been a bit out of it lately, with all her activities. Heta Omega, Quidditch, Hogwarts Monthly-not to mention the Glee club. She missed them though-Stefan and Willow were her two closest friends. They kept secrets-especially Stefan, but they were always there for each other, whether they knew why the other was upset or not.

Kayden had disappeared off the fac eof the earth-as had Vayne, Amanda and Ciel, but Stefan and Willow would always be there. She was so worried about them both. Willow's illness had changed her, she was less confident and she could tell that she wasn't fully better yet. she hadn't talked about the illness really and Sara didn't know how to approach the topic, maybe Stefan could help? He was so smart, always had an answer, but she worried about him too. She was pretty sure his Father was hurting him, but he denied it vehemently. she wasn't going to hassle him about it though-when he was ready he would tell them what was really going on. The other problem was-his relationship with Kate. She felt nothing for her sister anymore, it was a mostly mutual falling-out. Neither of them had done anythin g bad, but they'd both believed lies, fed to them by a jealous muggle friend. It had caused a rift, that Sara knew could never be healed, but she wasn't going to bad-mouth Kate, no matter what-she wouldn't sink that low. Things like this should be kept confidential.

 

[Stefan Archer]

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The sunlight of the bright summer day was annoying the Slytherin. He hated the fact that it was too sunny. Too sunny meant that he was completely terrible when he tried to see outside. He knew that it wouldn't exactly be the best thing to go outside, but a part of the Slytherin was literally begging him to go to the sunlight. He had been reading a lot over the past few days. With broken ribs it was the easiest thing to do without really have to move much. Broken ribs were the bane of the Slytherin's existence. He hated when it happened. And unfortunately for him, it had a lot more than it really should. His father always targeted that area and his back more than all others. He was at least pleased that the face was not as targeted as much. Or his hands. The Slytherin did not like when he couldn't use his hands. Sure, his left wrist was sprained, and his right hand was bruised. But that was fairly minor considering at times his father had once broken two of his fingers. And while this had been before Hogwarts and before he'd had a life with friends. He was at least thankful his father had not done anything like that since he had been at school. It wasn't that it would stop him from doing school work but two broken fingers would attract a lot of attention, and while his friends and such were pretty much sure of what happened to him. Broken fingers would really give that away. People tended to be concerned with broken fingers. Stefan was sitting in his dorm room. Every so often glancing to the great outdoors and wondering if he should maybe consider heading out. There was a part of Stefan who was sure that sunshine would actually help him. He didn't know if it was true but he had heard some sixth years talking and they had said that the sun actually made people happy. Stefan did not like the sun. He couldn't really see in it, but he was pretty sure that a little sunlight to help make him happier would be good. If the theory the people had been talking about was in fact true. It was why from every glance from his book to the window his mind counted one point for the outdoors. When it got to being about six points Stefan closed the book, and decided that if he did not go outside soon he would lose his mind. He hated the outdoors but he would do anything to be happier. And there was that tiny little factor that his friends might just be outside. He knew that generally he avoid his friends in the first couple of months. But all his bruises on visible skin, apart from his hand were pretty much faded. So at least he didn't have to worry about that too much. Stefan smiled to himself. He made a decision. Outside it would be.

Walking to the outdoors was not difficult. Slowly, because despite it already being the second month, Stefan still was not as active as most. His movements were slow because his ribs unlike most actually took a while to heel. And considering he was pretty active and his father had hit him in the area after, it was going to take longer, and it was painful. Stefan knew that in the grand scheme of things he should be at least thankful his father had taken him to the hospital. Most of the time this did not occur. Stefan usually tried to fix himself up, but he had been in so much pain when they'd broken, and it had been almost impossible for him to breathe that his father had panicked and taken him to the hospital. This just meant that he had to be carefully answering questions. But everything had worked out, so the Slytherin was at least thankful for that. It was not impossible to imagine that the police had actually thought something was wrong in his family, but the questions he had answered had just dismissed all of that. The signs were their, but Stefan knew how to lie. His friends knew that he could. They had seen him lie. Every time they asked him about his home life he would give a vague answer. Kate knew a lot more know. She'd seen it, and though Stefan had not told her everything. He had not exactly denied or admitted to any thing. But, being with Kate was hard he wanted to tell her everything, but he also didn't want to ruin the chances he had at leaving his father. Telling someone would lead to people being involved that he didn't want their. And not only that but he would lose Hogwarts and in turn everything that he had at the school. Which was quite a lot when he thought about it. He would lose his chance at being a wizard and the friends that he had made. Kate, Sara and Willow. All of them. Everything he would end up losing if he told anyone. Stefan was good just waiting it out. He walked with his eyes down. It was bright, difficult for him to see. But he enjoyed the warmth he was feeling. His dark blue jeans, that were old and worn, the dark grey t-shirt and jumper to match. All too big for him considering his very thin frame and all old. They had of course once been his father's.

The Slytherin noticed a girl sitting by herself in the grassy area. He wondered if he knew her, but since he was far away it was difficult for him to even make out if it was really a girl. So, slowly the slytherin approached. He then realised as he walked forward that not only was this person a girl, but she was also someone he knew and liked a lot. Stefan smiled to himself. Sara. While he really really like kate and had some odd feelings for her. He felt bad about the fact this seemed to mean he had drifted apart from Sara just a little. Stefan enjoyed Sara. She was smart, she was a lot prettier than she thought. And she was one of the only people that Stefan enjoyed talking about classes with. All in all she was the kind of girl that - Stefan figured if he didn't have everything that happened in his life happen to him - they would be good friends. Close even, well closer than they were now. And as much as their had been a time when he had disliked Sara, it had always been because in the moments of her yelling he had felt like he was back home. Not her fault. As it really had been all his. With a small smile upon his face the Slytherin walked towards where she sat. "Sara?" Stefan said as he approached. He walked to her. "hey" Stefan said as he took a seat next to her. "I haven't seen you in while. I miss hanging out with you." Stefan the words I miss a lot, it was always true because in the end, he knew what it was like to have literally nothing, and then have people care. He spends his whole holiday alone with his father. All he has are the memories with friends. And they make him miss them. Stefan met Sara's eyes and then glanced down at his hands, at which point he promptly pulled the sleeve to cover the bruising on his right hand. "How're you doing?"​

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[Willow Autumn]

To Willow, the Cliffs was one placed she liked to be when she wanted to be alone, although being at this level of height above Hogwarts petrified Willow in many ways, it was a place where she could breathe. Today was just one of those days - another day of mindlessly wandering around of not really knowing what the day will entail or involve. The sunlight and the light blue sky was appealing to Willow, forever gazing into it's beauty and wishing to know what it was like to touch one of the fluffy white clouds that were meandering through the endless blue. She was happy but she was lost. It was another emotionaless routine that Willow adjusted herself into in which her life revolved around school work, sleeping and eating. Socializing was mixed somewhere in that lifestyle - when though was the question Willow wasn't even sure about.

Deciding it was enough, She made her way down the rocky steps of the Cliff - she was pretty sure there was some sort of enchantment to stop students like her self from falling down the said steps, but every now and then Willow would slow down and watch the rocks in front of them - analyzing which one would move and which one wouldn't.

Safely on her feet, she decided to move towards the Lakefront - the sky and the clouds were pretty but being near the Lake was another thing, Willow loved it's simple beauty and there is nothing like watching the ripples of the lake move while it was glistening underneath the sun - as if the lake had tiny diamonds scattered throughout it. She heard voices, voices that she knew. Stopping in her tracks she noticed the two figures - Stefan and Sara, they were probably the only two people she has interacted with ever since she got back to this place - Kate was somewhere but she was usually so busy but in times of need, she usually found herself in Stefan or Sara's presence. Smiling she walked up to them, crossing her arms as she was a little shy for some reason, "Stefan...Sara?....Hey"

 

[Sara Moon]

Sara slowly opened her eyes, slowly as she heard a familiar voice greeting her. her eyes watered slightly, confronted with the heat and light of the sun. Her vision was hazy for a moment, disconcerting her as she sat up, but her pupils shrank and her vision was once more in place. "Stefan!" sh grinned, hugging him, lightly so as not to touch any bruises that may or may not have been there. "I know, it's been far too long." she was so happy to see him. she was surprised he had missed her. She knew they were friends, but she'd alwas thought her overall loudness sometimes annoyed Stefan, but it was nice to be proven wrong. "I'm great!" she answered, beaming. she chose to ignore his motion to cover a bruis and moved on. "How are you?" she asked, hoping the answer was good-Stefan was always healthier in Hogwarts, even though he was never exactly healthy. He always seemed to look half-starved, but he was by fr one of the kindest, and intelligent people Sara knew, and she craved his company, even though she knew he adored her sister-she wouldn't let that ruin her friendship with him-strange as it was. Sara and Stefan had never really had a normal relationship. One moment she'd be angry and hated him, the next he was one of the closest friends she had, but nonetheless-she hoped all of that was over now and they could just stick to being friends. "Are you liking third year?" she asked, enthusiastically.

A few moments later, another familiar face appeared. Sara jumped up, her head reeling from the fast motion. "Hey Willow!" she smiled, hugging Willow also. "Care to join us?" she asked, her mouth in a playful pout as she sat back down, this time dangling her legs in the water. She turned her head towards them and smiled sincerely. "I've really missed you guys." she was so happy to see them, she felt like doing cartwheels, but if she attempted-she'd fall over-a lot.

 

[Stefan Archer]

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For the SLytherin teen he did not quite know how it had become that through his slightly closer relationship with Kate that he had lost a little bit of touch with Sara. As much as he really liked Kate, Stefan enjoyed Sara's company it was different from most others. She had on more than one occasion been pretty clear with what she thought was going on in his life. It had been the very first time that apart from just asking someone had actually accused his father of something. At the time itself, Stefan would have never said anything. He hadn't. It was just too early on, and while it was the same there and then back when he had been younger Stefan had, had even more to lose. However this meant that he had lied to Sara. And he knew one day he might just apologise to her. But for now he would settle on making their relationship a little less rocky. After all, Sara was one of the first few people he met and he always enjoyed the conversations he had with her. She was a Ravenclaw and he enjoyed that. Stefan thought everyone he knew was smart. A lot smarter than him in every case, but Sara was incredibly smart. He loved listening to her opinion on something. Even if for most it would be a completely pointless thing that she was talking about. Stefan gave a small smile as she hugged him, biting his bottom lip lightly as pain coursed through his veins. He attempted not to show it, but even the slightly pressure on his chest made him want to curl up in a corner and cry. Stefan knew he could not. He had to pretend that everything was okay. And this meant not showing the pain he had felt. Stefan gave a light laugh as she returned the question to him. Stefan often worried if when people said that to him even really cared about the answer.

"I'm doing better. Really glad to be back at Hogwarts. It was a long holiday. My father's not had much work recently so, things have been pretty difficult." Stefan said, at least being a little honest. His father hadn't worked in a long while. He did little bits and bobs but it was really hardly enough to keep him going. Stefan hadn't had anything hot during the holiday's since they'd just had no power. It had been even worse than before, and that in itself was really saying something. It had been bad before, worse than it was now, But Stefan hadn't ever really had three hot meals everyday so he hadn't known what he was missing. But now, when all his effort to be better was completely washed away it felt worse. Not to mention that he needed more to eat. His body though used to little, still needed something. Stefan however would not talk any more about the situation. He was skinny, too skinny, but he would live with it. "It's a lot more difficult, but I like it. I'm getting better at reading everything." Stefan nodded as he spoke. "What about you? How do you like it?" He had been waiting for a reply when he'd heard a second voice. Stefan looked round and noticed Willow near them. He smiled at her. Happy to see her, and glad to know that she was at least looking well. Stefan let Sara go up to Willow and give her a hug while he did a very awkward sort of wave. Since the colourblind boy did not give hugs. he watched as Sara put her feet in the water. He had remembered doing such a thing in winter. Now, it was still summer. And it was sunny. As Sara spoke, Stefan nodded while taking his shoes and socks off. Putting them neatly to one side. Stefan's feet were not badly hurt. He had a very minor bruise around his left toes, and one pretty bad one a little below his right ankle. And apart from a few other very minor small cuts his feet were just pale and thin. Stefan did not roll up his jeans and instead rubbed his feet lightly upon the grass. "You should sit with us. How were your holidays?" Stefan asked with a smile at his friend. Keeping a hold of his jumper sleeves that were covering his hands. "I miss you both, too." Although for Stefan missing wasn't a bad thing. It always implied that he was going back. "Glad to be back and back into classes."​

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[Willow Autumn]

As she walked closer to her friends she only just realized how hazy her memory has become - what was she even doing out here on a day like this, she was supposed to be inside studying or catching up on her homework and missed lessons over the past few days - in her mind, she had no time of idle chit chat or social awkwardness. But being Willow, it was too late to back out now and she could never turn away from her friends for a friendly conversation and catch up. It was one of those things Willow secretly hated about growing up - everything became more complicated than it had to be, she missed the bliss carefree days of her younger self where she would find her self climbing trees with Chris or lazing around in the sun with a book in hand. Instead she found her self dealing with the pressures of the impeding teenage years and relationships that formed within it. Naturally, Willow's feelings for Chris subdued and dissolved away but she still cared for him - as a friend.


She re-adjusted the hair bow that was placed neatly on her head and spread her arms out wide open for Sara's hug - the usual traditional greeting that was the norm these days and besides, Willow always secretly loved the hugs - it was one of the best feelings in the world. She noticed Stefan's wave and she gave him the warmest smile she had and patted him on the shoulder - gently. Just so he knows that Willow appreciated his gesture and making one in return. "I missed you guys, really." She spoke quietly, her eyes were looking at the dancing, glittery lake. It had seemed forever since Willow had the time to breathe and release any stress from her body. Sitting beside two of her best friends made her life so much brighter and vibrant, she was still hesitant and a little shy from being away for so long but she could feel her former self returning, slowly but surely.

She stretched and felt the grass laying beneath her hands and the smell of the salty lake mixed with the scent of nearby flowers filled the air. She was completely relaxed. "Classes are pretty fun...How are you finding Muggle Studies?" Willow looked towards Stefan - they were both new to the Magic buisness and Willow was pretty sure since her departure her knowledge would have sunk back to first year level, but she was taking the time to catch up - and learn the extra things that she got to miss out on while she was away. She was feeling rather guilty that she wasn't there to help Stefan if he needed it, but in Willow's head - she was pretty sure Kate would taken care of that for him.

 

[Sara Moon]

She hadn't seen Stefan in so long. Par of her hated the fact that he was so obviously in love with her sister. the one person on earth she wanted as little to do with as possible. She didn't know if Kate felt the same way, and to be honest she didn't care. Kate couldn't do any more to her than she already had. she knew Stefan, Willow, Tara-they all thought things could be fixed, but some things couldn't be unsaid, some wounds were too deep, so punches too far below the belt. If she had her way, she'd never have to speak to her sister again. It killed her, living in the same house, going to the same classes.

Sara nodded sympathetically. She never knew what to say in these situations. she wasn't very goo in certain social situations. If someone was walking behind her in a line, she would walk faster than was necessary, afraid they'd think she was too slow. Really, she knew it was irrational, but she still did it, and this is why when Stefan mentioned her father, she couldn't think of the word to say. she nodded, her smile sad. She knew life was hard for Stefan, everything was hard for Stefan. She suddenly felt so guilty, for feeling so bad about her minute problems. She felt like hitting her head against a wall andd screaming at her own stupidity.

She smiled as Stefan spoke about school. "That's great Stefan!" she enthused. She knew reading was hard for him, colours blurred for him, and it must be so hard to focus. She pondered the question before anwering. "I dont like the studying, but otherwise it's okay, I like the new subjects, but the lessons are getting harder." she replied, her face set. she wasn't sure whether she was enjoying her lessons, but she knew they would pay off in the end. She was enjoying her extra-cirricular activities much more.

She grinned as Willow sat beside them, and Stefan put his feet in the water also, she splashed his foot, with hers, flicking the water from her toes. She smiled as they talked about classes, things were back to normal, and that was good. Very good.

 

[Stefan Archer]

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It wasn't like The Slytherin teen did not enjoy time with friends, it was just that he avoided it a lot more than anything else. It was almost the thing that half made life bearable, but it was hard for him to ever want to meet. He was half the time afraid that someone would notice too much and tell on him to someone who would in turn take him away from his family and mean that he would have no one. Friends were good and well, but Stefan knew they weren't like family. And the easiest thing could set them against one another, at least with his father he knew that his father could've left years ago. He didn't have to keep Stefan. Since he called him the scum and dirt of the earth, Stefan wasn't surprised that his father had not just dumped him at the side of the road and told him to just fend for himself. The ultimate question being that if he had would Stefan had this point be better off. There's nothing to say that a lack of a good place to sleep at night and meals every so often would be available. Would Hogwarts have even found him. Sure his father could still at this point throw him out, but the Slytherin doubted that this would happen. They were too far down the line at this point. They'd come so far, his father wasn't about to just let Stefan go. He would have to spend time making food for himself. There would be no one to torment. In all, Stefan was pretty sure that at least for the next couple of years he would have a home to return to at the end of term, no matter how bad to most it would seem.

The SLytherin nodded along with Sara as she said it was good that he was getting better. The slytherin agreed a lot. He thought that it was the best thing to happen since even being accepted to Hogwarts. He found it somewhat funny that upon his arrival to the great school, he had had nothing. No skills, no friends, just the hopes and dreams of someone finally able to do something other stay in a house all day. It hadn't been until hogwarts that Stefan had even been allowed outside more than once a season. He thought the fact he was studying muggle studies fun, just because as a class that he was meant to know a lot about, the slytherin knew about as much as a pureblood wizard who hated the very existence of the muggles. The lovely apartment they'd been taken to, just showing him how different his world, and the world of most people were. Stefan looked from Sara to Willow and found himself smiling. The liked the cool air on his feet. He glanced down briefly and quickly made sure that at least with the black and white sight he had that everything looked sort of good. One thing he had realised was that too much pressure on his feet at any one time would lead to mass amounts of pain. Which considering that he was still allowing his broken ribs to heal, wasn't something he wanted. The slytherin boy glanced at back at Sara as she splashed him with water. A smile clear upon his face, with a small glow of the smile reaching his eyes. "I like Muggle Studies. Despite the fact I grew up as a muggle, things that we learned about, like electricity and lovely luxury apartments are sort of a novelty." Stefan replied Willow honestly. He had never been rich. All he could remember was being poor. Having literally nothing to his name. Sure at times it was better, but there were times when it was just awful. And while he was sure that neither of them knew what it was actually like to have nothing, he also had no interest in talking about how little he had once had. It wasn't an interesting topic. And not to mention it would make everyone uncomfortable. He smiled a little. "I like that they are getting more difficult, I mean, I don't feel so much like I'm completely drowning in new information. More difficult means I read more, so when lessons actually arrive I'm not as behind. The cheering charms were odd. I didn't like those. False Happiness, it's kinda weird." Stefan said, glad he could talk about his problems in magic. The two girls he was with made him always feel like there was someone he could talk to. They helped him a lot. He liked thinking about his ideas and talking them over with people who wouldn't just shut him down.

Stefan wasn't able to study when he got home, which was why he was thankful for the time he could spend with his friends, and the time he could spend studying at home. Most of the time at the end of the year, he left his school books at school. He didn't want his father getting his hands on them. There was no telling what he would do once he got his hands on the books. If he would just bin them, burn them. Use them for heating the house in the dead of winter. Or just use them on Stefan. Which was not something that the slytherin wanted. Not in the slightest. "I can't believe we're going to be fourth years. It's so unreal. You know, I think the two of you would make great prefects. When we get to fifth year." Stefan said. He in a sense didn't like to think in such ways. He didn't want to say that he would make it, and then not. That he would end up making plans for the future and then be unable to complete them. He knew he probably wouldn't, but the Slytherin was thinking that he needed to at least start persuading his friends that he would. That Stefan Archer would see all seven years in Hogwarts. He had never expected to get this far, he had to pretend that he would make it. "You really would."​

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[Willow Autumn]

Willow smiled it was easier to have conversations that wasn't directed towards the personal lives of anyone. That area was still messy and gray in her mind and she wasn't even sure why she wanted to avoid such conversations when she cared so much about her friends - she was pretty convinced it was because she couldn't do anything about Kate & Sara that it automatically made her think she can't solve or at least help anyone's problem at all. Deep down Willow just wanted to be herself again but there was that nagging feeling that wouldn't let her let go of whatever is bothering her at the moment and pick up from where she left off.

"I enjoy Muggle Studies, it's quite interesting how the wizarding world sees it...I'm finding it kind of fascinating even though it's completely boring in the real world in a way." Willow shrugged and nodded along to Stefan's statement - all the money in the world can't buy anyone happiness or security or anything. Willow is happy that Stefan was the type of person who was gracious and courteous to be the person that he is - anyone else would have made sure to get their hands on anything and everything, money was a subject Willow hated treading in - it causes pain and misery to everyone around them. "Thats great to hear about the lessons" Willow gave Stefan a warm smile, it was great that he wasn't falling behind - Willow on the other hand..."Those cheering charms are weird, It feels weird when you're under the spell as well. I guess it's a novelty type of thing, kind of like a joke charm I guess?"

Willow blushed when Stefan said she'd make a great prefect - she wasn't sure if her friends knew it, but it was her goal to become a school prefect and hopefully be made the school's head girl in her seventh year, her academics were alright for now but Willow believed she could be a good prefect, she was easily approachable and she likes helping people - so why not? Perhaps in her current moment, probably not, but in time, maybe. "You know what Stefan?" she paused as she thought about it; "I think you'll make a great prefect as well, and i'm not saying that just in return. I can see the younger students looking up to you, especially the shy and quiet ones - you have that personality in you." She smiled and looked at Sara; "and I really can't see Sara not being made a school prefect, you're pretty much there for everyone and anyone, look at you doing all those extra curricular stuff"

 

[Sara Moon]

Sara leaned back, rinning and leaning on her elbows as her legs soaked in the cool water. "What do you guys do in muggle studies?" she asked, looking up at both of them expectantly. She had never considered Muggle Studies for an option subject. She nodded at Stefan's statement. "They're kind of, unusual, but I don't see how they'd ever be useful." she added, speaking about the cheering charms. She'd never thought about it before, but now that she approached it-there really was no function for them.

She missed hanging out with Stefan and Willow, not having to sufer Kate being around all the time. She'd really grown too be annoyed by Kate, even the sound of her voice irritated her now. "I love the lake-it's so beautiful here, peaceful too." she commented, looking across the lake toward the forest. "You could just stay here all the time." she added, stretching her neck so her face could absorb the sunlight.

She grinned as Stefan said she and Willow would make good prefects. She had always wanted to be a prefect. "I'd like it, but I'd have to study more in the next year or so." she replied, wishing it weren't true "I always thought itd be you two, you're both so good in school and all the teachers like you." she grinned, looking from one to the other. It was very true, Willow and Stefan were model students.

Out of Character:

Sorry for late, rubbish reply.