Jordyn didn’t know why she had volunteered to hand out the prefect patrol schedules for May.  She was already up to her ears in NEWTs work and finding the time to do anything was nearly impossible.  But, she was managing her best, and after having sent out a note to all of the prefects that she’d be in a classroom revising with their schedules for a couple of hours, they could all stop by at their leisure to pick theirs up. 

It was after dinner and she was holed up by herself on the fourth floor after a quick library run.  She needed some research books, but rather than risk the , wisely advising Xavier and anyone else that she was doing prefect things this evening.  It might have been nice to have some company, especially as she hovered over arithmancy textbook, eyes glazed at the words. 

It wasn’t that she didn’t like arithmancy, quite the contrary – but she couldn’t focus, not really.  Especially with prefects coming in and out every once and a while.  This was probably less helpful than studying with Xavier, and that had proven to be minimally effective at best.  Sure, swapping kisses for correct answers had its own charm to it, but it made the revising process a little less about revising for exams, didn't it?  She might have liked that at the moment though.  Comparitively, her textbook was rather dry. 

At least it was a subject she was rather good at and didn’t need intense concentration for.  It wasn’t like Defense, which was routinely her hardest class.  She always needed more practical practice for that class.  That might be something fun to do... though Xavier was much better in that class than she was, it'd be embarrassing.  That was definitely the NEWT she was the most nervous about.  Picking up her quill, she scratched a note in the margin of the book, idly scribbling a formula out when she heard the door open again.  "Schedule?" she asked, still looking at the book.

Admittedly Ayla had been putting off picking up her Patrol schedule. It wasn't that she was trying to shirk her duties. She actually rather enjoyed being a Prefect even if she was still unsure she had been the best girl for the job. Even rough patrols like the last one with Fred[1] weren't enough to deter her. Truth be told the reason she had been putting it off was a completely selfish and personal reason.

A week prior she had been heading up the library to study for her OWLs when she passed the Head Girl in the hallways between the Hufflepuff Dorms and the Slytherin ones. She didn't think Jordyn had seen her but Ayla had certainly seen her and more importantly her companion. Even though she had pretty much given up on the match making business there was no mistaking the looks on their faces as they walked down the hall holding hands. Despite all odds Xavier Tawse and Jordyn Dimbleby were an item.

Ayla was still trying to figure out how she felt about it. Xavier hadn't been her boyfriend in over two years now but the fact that he had been her only boyfriend made things awkward. Not to mention that the last few girls that Xavier had been involved with had not exactly been kind to her. She was worried Jordyn was suddenly going to be the same way. The mere thought of it made her anxious. She practically idolized the girl. She never said so out loud given her rather public view on Slytherin in general. The girl had style and grace and authority. She was strong and independent and Ayla really respected all of that. She couldn't imagine how horrible it would be if she suddenly turned on Ayla all over a stupid boy.

Taking a deep breath she entered the empty classroom. She offered her best smile though she was certain it was easy enough to tell that she was nervous. She had a Defense textbook clapped to her chest, upside down. Her turquoise hair was pulled back on one side in a tight braid.

"Uh yeah, sorry for taking so long. Studying for OWLs is melting my brain. But I'm sure you know all about that, since well obviously you've done the whole OWLs thing and now you've gotta do the NEWT thing." She bit her tongue to keep from spewing any more nonsense.

She crossed the room and took the parchment with her schedule on it. She shook her head and simply started talking again without thinking, "I have no idea how you do it. Head Girl, patrol schedules, NEWTs prep and a new boyfriend on top of all of it . . ." She blushed slightly and snapped her eyes to her schedule pretending to memorize it. She could have easily just run away but she needed to know Jordyn's reaction and what sort of treatment she should expect from the Head Girl for the last few months of school.

Jordyn’s interest peaked when the prefect started apologizing for taking time.  “It’s not a problem,” her eyes flicked upward to finally check who it was: Ayla Collins, the hufflepuff fifth year.  Jordyn was familiar with her, prefect duties for one thing, and Hogwarts wasn’t so big of a school.  Everyone seemed to be in the know on everyone’s business.

Lately, it wasn’t Collins’ life that was in the spotlight though.  Two years ago, they might not have been able to say the same thing.  But, the brightly haired girl had seemed to adjust to not being in the spotlight so much, except Quidditch (which Jordyn had a limited understanding of, at best) and then becoming a prefect. 

It was a good trajectory, really.  Jordyn abandoned her book and shuffled through her papers to get the schedule for her.  “OWLs were terrible,” she sympathized with her as she held out the paper, “But, once you do one set of examinations, the next set is still daunting, but…” she shrugged. 

It was all very casual, so she didn’t know why Collins seemed so anxious.  And then… there it was.  Jordyn’s eyebrows raised at her comment – balancing everything, new boyfriend (oh Godric that was still odd to think) included.  Jordyn wasn’t nearly as good at keeping it all together as she let people believe, but she wasn’t going to tell the fifth year that.  It wouldn’t do to have everyone in on her secrets. 

“You find time for things, I guess,” she tried to be as casual as possible, “I mean, you must know that – what with patrol, quidditch, and OWLs.”  It was a comprable load, after all, and anything to deflect, “Check to make sure I haven’t made any mistakes,” she added.

So far so good.

The Head Girl seemed as cordial as she normally would have been. Sympathizing about the OWLs, "I suppose, I mean I'm not horrible at exams, usually actually do better with them then class projects and I'm not sitting as many as some of the other fifth years but still . . . suppose NEWTs are pretty much the same, just more you know, more." This word vomit thing was really starting to become a problem. It wasn't like she wasn't a talkative person, there had been times where it was harder to get her to be quiet over getting her to talk. Although nervous rambling wasn't exactly the same as talking for the hell of it.

Ayla carefully watched Jordyn's expression when she mentioned her new Boyfriend. She didn't even flinch, nor did she blush or smile or . . . react. In Ayla's experience that was not how girls reacted to a brand new romance. Was Jordyn really as cold or prudish as everyone said she was. Was it possible that she had read the situation wrong? No, no that couldn't be it. There was no mistaking the look on Xavier's face. A crazy notion came to mind, was she doing this for Ayla's sake? Was she saving her excitement because she didn't want to hurt the Hufflepuff's feelings? That was just silly, it wasn't like Ayla was still in love with Xavier, of course not. She was totally over him.

She said the first thing that had come to mind, "I'm going to try out for Captain next year." So far she had only told Fred. She had no idea why she was telling Jordyn this. She turned back to her schedule, "Nope, no mistakes. Everything looks right."

Jordyn quirked a smile at the other girl’s unease.  She seemed so uncomfortable.  Jordyn remembered that, hell, that was her like two weeks ago.  That was her most of the time.  It was only recently that she was really trying to embrace whatever was going to happen and be a little more open experiences and things.  “The written tests aren’t so bad,” Jordyn added, “I always found the practicals to be much more worrisome.” 

It probably wasn’t a good omen for a person who wanted to make her life doing practical things, but she really hoped this year would work out.  She needed the scores to get into training.   Plus, she’d be mortified if her standing in the class dropped as well.  There was a lot at stake, personally and professionally.  She supposed the fifth years would get there eventually – she rather missed the worry about OWLs and just qualifying for her higher classes.  Qualifying for the larger world was a much scarier prospect. 

She’d talked to Xavier a little bit about it, though she doubted she communicated the extent of her worries. If that didn’t work out… She let out a deep breath – no need to unload her emotional baggage on an unsuspecting fifth year.  That wouldn’t do at all.  “That sounds like a good plan, you’ll have plenty of practice managing the responsibilities,” Jordyn encouraged.  “Though, the addition of any social engagements,” at this, her cheeks pinked up a little bit, “does complicate matters slightly.  You’ve definitely got to make sure it’s worth it.” 

Ayla paled slightly at the older girl's assessment of the exams. On one hand it was good to hear that the written parts weren't that bad, those were definitely the most worrisome for her. However on the other hand hearing the practicals might be worse was even more worrisome. She normally excelled at practical work. It was much easier for her to just do something than try to explain it through writing. She had been hoping to breeze through those portions but if they were even harder than she had been expecting . . . maybe she really did have more to worry about when it came to OWLs than she thought.

Ayla couldn't help the laugh that escaped when Jordyn talked about social engagements. In the five short years she had been at Hogwarts she went from social butterfly, to everyone's favourite little sister, to bullied by what felt like the entire upper class to completely invisible to . . . what was she now? Mildly sociable? She had some good friends and she was actually friendly with more Slytherins than she ever had been but it was still a far cry from the center of attention she had been in her first two, three years at the school.

"Yeah I don't think I need to worry about that. I mean I barely do anything social now as it is and I haven't dated anyone since, " She coughed slightly, "Well it's been a long time." She blushed lightly and tried to think of how best to recover, "Quidditch is just easier for me, it's like baking. I know what I'm doing and I don't really need to think about it. When I'm out on that pitch, everything just makes sense." Not like everything else in my life.

The hufflepuff was probably exaggerating.  She seemed like the social type, and anyone who played quidditch always seemed to be at the center of something going on.  It was that team mentality – having to travel in packs and be able to understand others in order to work together most effectively.  But, Jordyn would not mention it.  It seemed rude to contradict her. 

It was also a little awkward, given that Jordyn immediately realized who Ayla was talking about and the last person she dated… word had clearly spread by now.  Jordyn’s cheeks involuntarily darkened several shades and she lowered her eyes, watching her hands mindlessly fuss with the papers on the desk in an effort to ignore the obvious discomfort in the room. 

Quidditch! That was much easier.  All of a sudden, Neely’s explanation about boys just thinking of quidditch was a startle out of reality.  Different circumstances, admittedly, but same principle.  “I’m glad to hear that,” Jordyn forced a smile, warmth was not exactly her strong suit, but she clasped her hands.  “What was that about baking?”  Another intriguing tidbit, and one Jordyn could appreciate.  She had a bit of a sweet tooth after all. 

Ayla tried not to stare at the Head Girl's reaction. Something passed between them. An unspoken acknowledgement that they both knew who she was talking about and that the subject was awkward on both ends. The gossip inside her desperately wanted to know more but it was obviously too strange. She didn't really know Jordyn and then there was Xavier. After the kiss over the summer and the apology he gave her during holidays, she had always thought of him being there. The realization that he was graduating and she'd likely never see him again (especially with him actually dating a completely normal person) was hard for her to come to terms with.

Thankfully the older girl didn't seem keen to explore the subject at all and instead opted for one Ayla had no problems talking about. Her own features lit up and she smiled from ear to ear. Much like Quidditch, baking was one of her main passions, "I'm an excellent baker. It's probably the one thing I'm actually really good at. I use all my own recipes, practically lived in the kitchens all last year, and I charm them all. Each sweet has a different effect, nothing major. Just a bit of fun. I've been running a sweets stand during the Winter Festival for the past three years now. Saved every knut I've made. Gonna open a shop when I graduate. My parents said they'd give me the captial to lease something small in Diagon or Hogsmeade - depending on the market - but I've got to run it all by myself." She was practically beaming. She wasn't exactly rich like a lot of the old Pureblood families were but with her Dad being an Ambassador and her Mother wildly famous in the muggle world, her family certainly did well for themselves.

Jordyn could not claim the same joy over cooking or baking.  When she was at home, she cooked to live, not for real enjoyment.  She had a terrible sweet tooth, but was never skilled enough to make her own sweets.  That’s what the bakery was for, or Honeyduke’s.  Truth be told, Jordyn was lucky if she could even make something savory worth ingesting. 

Ayla sounded far more competent in a kitchen, however.  Charmed sweets sounded entertaining, though she hoped it was nothing like what was in the Weasley store.  Weren’t those things designed to make you sick to get out of class? Or turn into a giant bird?  She didn’t imagine someone who wanted to open an entire shop based on sweets to do something like that though.  “I’ll be on the look out for it once you’ve graduated,” Jordyn smiled genuinely, ignoring the fact that Ayla’s parents could help her out with the beginning of her career.  Jordyn hadn’t even heard from her parents since Christmas, not that they were in a position to do anything for her.  “What would you say is your specialty?” 

Ayla hugged her book to her chest and rocked on her heels. She contemplated Jordyn's question. While she was always coming up with new recipes and trying out new combinations there were a few of her earlier creations that were always crowd pleasures. Her giddy gummies were popular amoungst the younger years and her cheerful cookies were great after study sessions. The sweetheart cupcakes could be dangerous though as they did hold a mild love potion, one she had to tweak the potency of in the past after she came under it's spell herself one year. The Cherish cake was only sold to adults as it's love potion was much more potent than the cupcakes.

She tapped her chin, "I don't know if I'd call it my specialty but my cheerful cookies are probably the best. Mostly because the cheering charm can be placed on almost any flavour of cookie without changing the taste. Except oatmeal raisin . . . I haven't figured that one out. Maybe because it's not a very popular flavour to begin with."

She paused for a moment, "I also make a really good strawberry shortcake but I don't bother charming that one. It's good enough all on it's own. I figure I could offer both regular treats and charmed ones. Not everyone wants to be put under some spell or another but almost everyone likes a nice treat every now and then." She figured if she wanted to actually run a successful, long term business she needed more than just a quick gimmick. The charmed confections were fine for the few days she sold them over the winter festival but she wasn't sure they'd be enough to stay profitable every day of the week.

Ayla was actually rather pleased to hear the head girl would keep a lookout for her shop. She was still a few years off from her goal, she needed to graduate first after all. She had no idea if Jordyn would even remember after all that time but it was a nice sentiment all things considered, "What are you doing after graduation? You only have a few more weeks at Hogwarts, right?" Ayla thought of all the seventh years she knew. It reminded her of when Fauna and the other Hufflepuff upper years she was friends with graduated. She wasn't sure there were as many seventh years she was going to miss this time around. Peyton and Eli certainly, but there were some she'd be happy to never see again.

“Perhaps not a flavor worth figuring out,” Jordyn offered with a bit of a smile.  She quite liked the sound of some cheerful cookies.  Probably because it would help her get out of this funk of studying and being distracted.  A little bit of cheer would do her well.  “If you have any in the next couple of weeks, I’d love to try some,” she added, “the cookies, that is.”  She wasn’t so much a fan of oatmeal raisin, but anything else would be quite good.

It was not secret the head girl had a massive sweet tooth.  The strawberry shortcake also sounded appealing.  “Or that,” she added casually, though it was not how she felt about it.  She would curse someone for some cake right now.  It’d be much better than the book she couldn’t even focus long enough on to make sure she was taking notes.  “You can deliver them by owl,” she joked – though it was probably slightly less jokey in real life.  Jordyn wasn’t the most skilled joke maker. 

Her face also fell when Ayla asked about her post Hogwarts plans.  It was an almost immediate eruption of hives and she felt hot.  “Well, I’m definitely applying to train at St. Mungo’s,” Jordyn responded, “but I have to pass NEWTs first…”  That was rather terrifying, really.  “I’m just hoping I do well enough to get in,” she let out a deep breath. 

It was absolutely terrifying to think about.  She didn’t have a back up plan if it didn’t work out.  That was probably the worst part.  “I can’t believe how short of a time we have,” she looked down at the desk with a sigh, then looking up at her.  “Don’t be surprised how quickly it goes.  You won’t even know where the time went.” 

Ayla's smile was still sweet as she made a mental note to make Jordyn some goodies before she left Hogwarts for good. She ticked off what kind of care package she could put together. Certainly some cheerful cookies to help with the exam blues and a slice of strawberry shortcake for when it was all over. She had been experimenting with some Felix Felicious but it was a hard potion to get a hold of. She had yet to be able to make it herself and it was highly regulated. Her cousin had given her the smallest of vials after weeks of begging. She figured putting it in a gummy candy or a lollipop would be best. Though she didn't think it would be best to give out during exams. She didn't need to help the Head Girl accidently cheat.

When she mentioned St Mungo's Ayla's thoughts went back to her cousin again. Her own features were much brighter than that of the head girl's, "do you have a field you want to specialize in? My cousin works for the Potions and Plant Poisoning ward. If you were looking to do some work there I can ask if she'd write you a letter of recommendation?"

It was a sweet gesture even if it held little weight. She just wanted to help. Even if she didn't know the Head Girl all that well. She felt like her old self again when she was helping others. It was a nice feeling, one she was eager to keep up.

She offered another nod, "I think I know what you mean. I can still remember getting on the Hogwarts Express for the first time like it was yesterday." She had been so nervous, new country, new school and everyone talked so differently. Thankfully she had no problem making friends with those in her train cabin.

“That’s very sweet,” Jordyn responded to her offer, “but I’m not even sure.  I think I have to try a bit of everything before I choose a specialty.”  She couldn’t believe she was thinking about it so concretely now.  It wasn’t even a reality yet, but it felt like it.  It was almost in her grasp. 

The thought sort of left her breathless.  Jordyn rubbed at her throat, trying to stimulate breathing and alleviate some of the redness she knew had developed from heat and anxiety.  “I’ve always been much better at my spell work though,” she admitted.  “I’d love the name of your cousin though, perhaps someone to look out for?”  Networking was essential in places like hospitals, after all. 

There were ways to go about it on her own, but why bother when there was a viable opportunity right here.  That actually made her feel a little better about moving into the future.  Much better than thinking about the first time she saw the scarlet Hogwarts express or crossing the lake or the Great Hall for the first time… or the sorting hat perched upon her head for mere seconds before it announced slytherin!  It all felt like seconds ago, but here she was now – getting ready to graduate. 

It certainly made everything from the past seven years seem so much less… intense than it had been at the time.  It was all so little.  The big things were really set to come.  “You’ll enjoy the last two years though – they’re the best.” 

Ayla offered another smile and sort of just bobbed her head along. She felt like a nodding idiot at this point but she couldn't think of much else to do. The two girls were rather different from each other when it came down to it. Even Jordyn's lack of confidence, or just uncertainty, about her future seemed to contrast Ayla's assuredness as to what she was going to do (and she was still a few years off) "Of course, her name's Lexus. Lexus uh Dale I believe. I don't think she ever took her husband's name." She rarely talked about Hunter these days so Ayla never got around to asking her stuff like that.

Her smile faltered for a moment, "I'm hoping so." She wasn't the type that couldn't wait for school to be over. She loved Hogwarts and despite her third year being the worst of her life, the castle was still her home - so much more than the penthouse in London, where she spent so little time. She wasn't sure where she'd live after graduation, likely still stay with her parents until her business took off enough for her to afford her own place. At that point Dahlia and Erik would still be living at Hogwarts so it wouldn't be crowded.

"At least once OWLs are over I can just enjoy my sixth year. Focus on Quidditch instead of an entire year of exam preparation again." Maybe actually start dating, she thought wistfully. Not that she really had anyone in mind. It was just nice to start thinking of again. Especially with Xavier out of the way. That last lingering bit of feelings should just fade once she stopped having a constant reminder, right?

“I’ll be sure to look her up!” Jordyn jotted down the name in the corner of her parchment: Lexus Dale.  A rather elegant sort of name, if she were to judge.  She supposed she’d cross her path soon enough, if it were meant to be anyway.  The whole thing was surreal. 

It was interesting, hearing Ayla talk about her future at school.  That was how the world worked, didn’t it?  Even if you left a place, it didn’t mean it stopped existing.  There would still be students after her, walking the same halls, sitting in the same seats… just like she’d replaced and eclipsed others who had been at the school too.  Jordyn felt her heart rate pick up a little at the notion of how small and insignificant her experience here was, in the grand scheme of things. 

Letting her shoulders drop, Jordyn tried to be as discreet as possible as she filled her lungs with air and slowly exhaled, hoping to calm down.  “Then you have seventh year,” the corner of her mouth quirked into a smile, “and the exam preparations start all over again…” she motioned to her book and her the accoutrements of revising.  “You’ll be fine though – it sounds as though you’ve got a solid plan.”  It was true enough, it did.  She sounded very sure, which was nice when the great majority of her friends were so unsure.