(June 23, late afternoon)

As time passed slowly, the sun was beginning to descend from the sky. It was a late afternoon, and the sun was still high in the sky. Throughout the course of the afternoon, Megan had been playing around on a football pitch. Actually, she was not playing alone, but with her cousins in a quick game. Sure, she liked the sport, but she really had been unable to play it since she started to attend Hogwarts. While at Hogwarts, she had been concentrating on Qudditch, and it was hard for her to plan any kind of game with her cousins or friends who were muggles. Add that to her supposed 'problems,' it wasn't a complete shock to her that she would find herself unable to play the sport. Despite of all of that, she did manage to just finish a short game with her cousins.

At that moment, Meg was alone on the pitch, kicking a football. Even though their game ended not too long ago, she persuaded her cousins that she would meet up with them later. Since she didn't play football for about four years now, she wanted some time to herself to maybe kick the ball around a bit before heading back. Besides, it wouldn't have been the first time since she did odd things in front of her family. After all, they all knew of her supposed psychiatric problems. Therefore, it shouldn't appear as a surprise to them if she had any odd behavior.

With a short sigh, Meg shook her head lightly as she looked around the pitch. It brought back memories to her about practicing Qudditch with her team back at Hogwarts. Yes, Dagan did train them hard, but it still did bring back memories, no matter how painful those memories were for her. Shaking her head again, she didn't want to think about it then. It further made her realize how out of touch with the magical community she truly was, once she was away from Hogwarts. Aiming for the goal closest to her, she kicked the football as hard as she could towards the net.

With a wave to the clerk behind the counter, Sasha tucked the wrapped parcel under his arm and slipped out of the shop into the bright sun of the late afternoon.  It had proven to be an unusually quiet day at the clinic so Sasha was grateful to find himself not as exhausted as he often is at the end of the day at his internship.  The things had been slow enough that Mr. Gairden had let Sasha leave early - a rather rare occurrence.

Suddenly with a few extra hours on his hands, after getting off the Night Bus at Diagon Alley, Sasha had taken the underground towards the edge of London for a little shopping.  And, it was actually quite nice.  He wasn't expected back home for several hours so the empty, open afternoon was free for him to do whatever he wanted with it. 

After ducking in the corner bakery for a croissant, Sasha started down the street towards the nearby park.  As much as he liked Britain and didn't look forward to spending time with his extended family, Sasha had to admit he was looking forward to going back to Germany for a few weeks - for the bakeries if nothing else.  What he wouldn't give for a nice, big, soft, warm pretzel.  The croissant wasn't bad but he was looking forward to those Bavarian pretzels.  Not to mention the beer.  In fact, if he planned on avoiding his family as much as possible, Sasha usually looked forward to the regular trip back. 

Consumed in his thoughts about German snacks and beverages, Sasha had been unaware of his surroundings as he past through the park.  He spotted the incoming ball out of the corner of his eye and, habitually, caught it with his foot and sent it back to its source before continuing on.  It had taken a few steps for him to realize he had, in fact, recognized the person that had passed the ball.  "Megan!" he said, surprised and happy to see a familiar face.  "I ... allo!  What are you ... you're playing by yourself?" he asked as he approached.  "I'm not interrupting, am I?"

Pushing a stray piece of her brunette hair away from her eyes, Meg looked around the pitch in front of her. It brought back memories. Not necessarily of Qudditch while in Hogwarts, but of her life before Hogwarts. That was, before she even knew that Hogwarts existed, and before she showed her first signs of magic. She had played football countless times before that, and she liked being apart of the teams that she was in. Of course, she tried to do everything that she possibly could to win, since she was just as determined then, as she was now. She did the same thing with tennis, as well. At the same time, she would become competitive, and had trouble admitting that she actually lost. While that was true, she would always acknowledge it after a length of time.

Yet, all of that changed once Meg first showed signs of magic. She was eventually out casted, since odd events kept happening around her. Her psychiatric evaluations clearly did not help with that either, and her medication made her even more unstable. She didn't like the questions that were inevitably thrown her way, and she became slightly withdrawn, failing to play the very sports that she liked again. Yes, it was a constant reminder how magic managed to turn her life up side down completely. Back then, she had trouble concealing these odd events. Now, she was able to conceal them better, but she still didn't like to be questioned about it. Since her family was less likely to question too much about it, that was why she was able to play a round of football with them, without the awkwardness of conversation.

Shaking her head lightly, Meg was completely unaware that someone stopped the football that she attempted to kick into the goal while in her thoughts. That seemed to happen more often when she was constantly reminded on how different from normal people she was, or at least at how she termed normal people. She was brought out of her thoughts when she noticed the football coming back at her. Stopping the ball quickly with her foot, she looked around quickly, surprised that it came back. Noticing that Sasha was there, she smiled to him. "Hi Sasha!" she exclaimed, as if she hadn't seen him in years. All thought, it had only been a little over a week since the end of their fourth year of Hogwarts. She shook her head at his question, "No, I was playing with my cousins before, but I decided to stay back for a bit," she responded to him. "How have you been?" she asked him. The last time that she saw him, was when school got out, and he seemed depressed around that time.

Just over a week had passed since the end of school and the last time the two Ravenclaws had seen each other and, at the same time, it seemed time was running quickly and slowly.  Sasha could readily remember their last encounter - he'd been sullen and withdrawn about the prospects of leaving Hogwarts and returning home.  The sheer debacle of the last quidditch match had rested heavily in Sasha's mind and it all seemed to have culminated with Sasha's (according to Neely) attempted suicide when he'd stood to Analiza Snark.  The woman who, as Sasha learned unfortunately after the fact, would be Headmistress and, by default, an important element in Sasha's web of lies.  It hadn't been a pleasant dinner. 

And, despite the fact that it had been only just over a week ago, it felt like a distant, disconnected memory.  But, that wasn't uncommon - the two worlds were kept at such distance from each other that one rarely seemed real when he was in the other. 

"Oh," Sasha said, glancing around the field.  "Was it a good game?"  Sasha switched the parcel under his arm to the other side before quickly finishing the last bite of croissant.  He didn't want to be rude and continue eating in front of Megan but it would have seemed foolish to try and offer half of the last corner. 

"I've been alright.  Busy," he answered.  Only slightly confused, as well, he thought, but kept that particular thought to himself.  "My internship started just after school let out and we had our first game of the summer last weekend.  We won - which was nice after ... well, the house cup game."  It was oddly redeeming.  "And, we head back over to Germany for most of the rest of the summer in a couple of weeks - so there's a lot of packing and getting ready.  How about you?"

It didn't bother Meg too much when her two separate lives, magical and muggle, seemed to collide. After all, there she was, talking to Sasha, who she met in the magical community, out on a football pitch in the muggle world. The only time that it actually mattered to her, was when it came to her family. She never did like answering the questions that some of her cousins used to ask. It was a web of lies that she tried so hard to keep together, as she always would. But, as her years at Hogwarts progressed, her lives were slowly beginning to weave together. After all, only another few years, she would be out of Hogwarts, and she still had no idea what she was going to do with her life. When that time came, she would have to learn on how to combine both parts of her world, so it wouldn't be as much of a burden on her shoulders.

Meg looked over at Sasha, and nodded to what he asked. "Yes, it was. I'm a bit rusty at the game, but that would be expected," she responded. It had been a good game, especially since her cousins were still playing that sport. Naturally, that was something that she needed to deal with. Noticing that he was finishing his food quickly, she wanted to tell him that she didn't mind him eating. But, he finished fast enough before she could even utter a letter.

While listening to Sasha, Meg nodded to what he said. "Hopefully not stressfully busy?" she asked him. She knew all too well how demanding their fifth year would be, when stress would surely run high. "That's good, and congratulations. That win must've been a confidence booster," she responded, ignoring the house cup game comment. She was clearly jealous during the game, and she would rather not be reminded on her poor sportsmanship.

As the conversation turned onto how she was doing, she shrugged at his question. "I've been good. Just visiting family, trying to keep the number of questions down, and attempting to hide my school books. It's hard at times to keep everything to my self, but some how, I manage," she responded to him.

Between studies, manic quidditch practices and other extra-curricular activities, it was easy for things like practicing football to fall to the wayside.  It just wasn't one of those activities that was considered high priority at Hogwarts as were most muggle sports.  A situation that didn't, really, pose a concern unless a student found themselves attempting to play the game among muggles during the summer.  His schedule this summer didn't allow too much time for football games anymore.

"Yeah, it is a challenge," Sasha agreed, shaking his head.  "I mean, I don't play as much anymore.  Used to play more my first few years at Hogwarts.  But, I've got a ball at school and manage to get out to practice every so often.  It doesn't help me much with my polo games - that's harder to practice at school."  During his third year, after he'd managed to make it on the Ravenclaw team, he'd tried to devise some way of keeping his polo skills sharp by trying to hit a snitch with the beater's bat while flying close to the ground.  The snitch, inevitably, took off and was, apparently, still seen on occasion over the lake.  The Gryffindor that had spotted Sasha had agreed not to tell anyone else but always gave him a fleeting smirk every time they saw each other.  It hadn't proven very effective and Sasha had quickly abandoned the attempt to practice at school. 

But, if more than one person wanted to practice football than practicing that might be more feasible.  "You know, if you ever wanted to practice or play a game, I'd love to have someone to practice with.  And, actually ..."  He pursed his lips, growing silent a moment.  "I bet we could do more ... you know ... muggle stuff with that muggle appreciation group at school.  They might want to learn to play.  We could play little scrimmages.  Or other games.  It could be fun."  He shrugged his shoulders.  It, after all, seemed like the type of thing people who were wanting to appreciate muggledom would want to do.  They could even put on a muggle cultural fair or they could learn about muggle animals.  And, Sasha would have an excuse to have one of his horses there.  Probably not but while he was excitedly plotting, it was hard not to consider the idea.  After all ... who knew?

Perhaps if he'd done anything to endear himself to the new headmistress.

"Yeah, it was a good game."  Despite the distraction during the halftime.  "I don't know.  Sometimes it's stressful - but mostly it just helps the time go faster.  Lots of shows, lots of games," lots of confusing girls.  Sisters and friends alike.  Sasha nodded, understanding entirely what it felt like to be hiding one's books.  Most of the time, it was actually easier for him as he was allowed to leave his things at school.  "You're just hiding them from your friends and such?" he asked, knowing that, at least, her parents  knew where she went to school. 

After completing the recent stressful and somewhat emotional year (on her part) at Hogwarts, Meg found her schedule to be relatively empty every now and then. Oh, sure, she visited her family with her parents every so often, she would take trips out to muggle London and Diagon Alley, and she would occasionally look at her school books. But, it was relatively quiet compared to what it was. After all, what could compete with all of the homework and exams, intense Qudditch practices, her various extracurricular activities, and essentially hanging around with her friends? It was an intense year, and no doubt, her upcoming fifth year would be even worse. When she noticed the summer job listings, and everyone putting their names down, she did notice some interesting ones on there. But, she knew that it would be hectic for her to attempt to juggle all of that during the summer, and to explain her various absences. Even though she knew that she needed to know what she wanted to do after Hogwarts, she just couldn't commit herself to anything just yet. After all, she still had three more years left at Hogwarts that she certainly hoped were not too hectic.

Looking over at Sasha, Meg nodded to what he told her. As their years would progress, it would even become harder as the work load piles up. "Yes, it is always hard to do, and when you can, it becomes hard to find a spot to be able to practice. Yeah, polo would be even worse, considering all the additional equipment you would need," she commented. With the lack of horses at the school, that would be difficult, unless he could play with a levitation charm. But, who knew how reliable that would actually be, especially when playing.

As Sasha spoke, Meg thought at what he was saying. Playing with a group was essentially important for the game to even commence, and the bigger group, the better it would even be. It would be a great opportunity, at the very least, even if it turned out as chaotic as the paintball game did not too long ago. "Of course, it could be a good way to break the basic routine that is bound to happen in our fifth year," she commented. "That is a good idea to show the other students exactly how muggles would play it as a first hand experience. And, um, if our new headmisstress doesn't mind, maybe littles games, or something if there is enough support," she offered as an idea.

"At east the time passes at a good enough pace. I couldn't imagine if it went slowly," she responded. Meg was relieved that Sasha didn't appear to press on about the final Qudditch match, as she preferred to keep it behind herself. "Um, I essentially hide them from everyone, even my parents. Awkward conversations about what each subject is about really isn't a conversation that I would enjoy having. After having conversations about the school subjects in Hogwarts before with my parents in years before, I'd rather not repeat them," she responded. It was all too possible that awkwardness could come out of it.

 Full football games were always tricky at Hogwarts, given the lack of players and free time wasn't, exactly, at a premium.  But, since he'd brought a ball to school, it hadn't proven that hard to find a few minutes here and there to kick it around.  Studies and quidditch practice always took precedence.  "There are a few spots on the grounds that are good for practicing.  There's a little corner along the west wall that's a good spot and, when it's not in use, the quidditch pitch is about the right size."  Polo, of course, was a different story.  "Though, Neely did suggest trying to bring Polo to the wizarding world," Sasha commented aloud. 

Sasha, definitely, could see a few odd, friendly football matches doing a fair bit to break the monotony of the coming year.  And, definitely, could be fun.  "And, it's strange how little they understand muggle culture at school.  I mean, they discuss it in class but it isn't the same as experiencing it, right?"  The more Sasha thought about it, the more it seemed like a good idea if the members of the muggle appreciation club could be convinced of it. 

"Oh, yeah.  That," Sasha said with a sigh, crinkling up the empty croissant bag.  He, certainly, hadn't done much to endear the new Headmistress to him.  "Well, I think it's safe to say, I shouldn't be the one who asks the Headmistress about it.  I doubt I'm that popular with her right now.  Given.  Everything.  But, maybe there's someone in the group she might like who could ask." 

"I understand.  Or, at least, I think I do," Sasha said.  At least, he could only imagine how awkward actually talking about any of the magical stuff with muggle parents could be.  Sasha's parents didn't have a clue and, still, normal conversations seemed incredibly awkward.  He could only fathom what talking about any of that stuff could be like.  He never really talked about his home life with classmates.  Neely was, really, the only one who knew and she only knew because of what happened at the polo game.

While the grounds at Hogwarts were expansive, there was not that much room that they could play football on. It would be hard to arrange time to play the sport on any ground there at the castle. Meg looked over to Sasha as he proposed a few areas that they could play on. She couldn't suppress a giggle as he mentioned the Qudditch pitch as a possible spot. The Qudditch Pitch was normally in use during any free time at Hogwarts, especially around the times of any of the games. It would be hard to find a time when it was not already occupied. Despite that one suggestion, she nodded to what he said. "Yes. But, at any rate, any spot would need to be suggested in advance, just to make sure it is free. It would be nice to play in the castle, if there was any room big enough," she commented. As Sasha mentioned Neely, she pretended to look around the field that they were in. She wasn't entirely happy with Neely, and the added rumor that she heard certianly did not help the matters. Thus, she acted as if she didn't even hear that part.

"Reading about muggle culture from a book could only go so far. It would be better for them to experience it. But, that is where the problem lays, since it would be hard to show some of the things that they learn" Meg concurred to what Sasha said. She knew that all to well, with her attempting to fit in with the rest of her fellow students at Hogwarts. After all, a book couldn't tell her how to fly correctly, or how to play Qudditch competitively. It would be pretty hard for her to remember anything during a game, let alone what a book said. Thus, it seemed strange for the muggle studies students to just learn about muggles through books.

The new Headmisstress, whom the whole student body was introduced to at the end of the last school year, did seem a bit odd. Clearly, she was in a sharp contrast to Ex-Headmaster Knox. It made her wish that they could've came up with that stuff while he was still around. Then, it would've been more possible to actually get it done. "I doubt that there are many students that she actually likes," she joked. "Though, I think talking with the president or someone that runs the club, should be a priority first. That way, it might be easier to convince the Headmistress," she offered.

"Oh...Well, it was pretty awkward. It would be beneficial to tell my parents at some time or another, probably before graduation," Meg pressed on, not questioning his ability to understand the situation. She figured that the probably didn't mention Hogwarts that much, if at all, to his parents. At the very least, perhaps he even lied to them, just like she did with her cousins. Nevertheless, it wasn't a question that she figured he wouldn't want to answer just yet.