12/19/2001

 

Ron's sitting quietly at one of the far tables.. You'd probably have to purposely be walking in that area to even notice him, except for that shock of red hair atop his head. His lanky form is huddled over a book and he's feverishly mumbling something to himself. Now, you don't really know Ron that well - but what you do know of him has never included studying intently in a library.

 

Cho has been spending a great deal of time in the Library the last few weeks, trying to work something out, and yet again this is one of those moments. Her search has been narrowed down dramatically, but still, not complete. Carrying a single book and some paper to take notes on, she moves around to find a table, and spots... the youngest Weasley boy. She pauses for a moment, then moves over and tries to see what exactly he's studying so intently before she says, "So I hear you might be in consideration for Gryffindor's Keeper?"

 

Ron gives a start when he hears a voice directed at him, and seems even more jumpy when it's female. Glancing up and noticing you're asian and don't have wild brown hair he calms a bit and loosens his grip on the book he's looking over. Seems to be a specialty textbook about Herbology. Nothing fancy, really. He's silent for a moment, as if collecting his thoughts.. he hasn't spoken to you, heck, ever. Maybe in passing. And he hasn't really seen you this year, yet.. He certainly hopes Harry's been spared the occasion as well. "Hm? Ah.. yeah. Maybe." He offers a weak smile that twists unevenly to the side, "I sure hope so."

 

Cho knows she's never really spoken to this young man before, and she probably wouldn't be now if he hadn't been mentioned recently. "I'm sure you'll do fine. Harry seems to have faith in you." Her smile is friendly, but marginally distant in comparison to the old days, if he'd seen it a year ago at least. On the plus side, she doesn't mention that Quidditch talent seems to run in his family, even if that's one of the first things she said when Harry brought up the possibility of his playing just the other day.

 

Ron leans back in his seat a little and his smile is there, but like yours, a little faded. For totally different reasons, though. If you knew about the Keeper position then you -must- have spoken to Harry.. and he feels bad for his friend who constantly blames himself for.. Well, anyways, "Yeah, he's a good friend." he states pointedly before running a finger over his notes, which appear to be the outline for a spell, "We'll find out soon enough. You're still Seeker, right?"

 

Cho nods, still smiling the same smile, "Still Seeker, yes." A decision that most her team was very surprised she made so easily. Even if it wasn't as easy as she made it seem. There's a pause, then she asks, "Do you know how he's feeling? He came into the Infirmary the other day." The question is completely casual, as is her tone in saying it. Though there seems to be something behind the question, as if she's not asking it for herself really.

 

Ron blinks, frowning a bit as he shakes his head, "I didn't know that.." He shrugs lightly, "He must be okay, though." Harry would tell him if something was seriously wrong, he's sure of it. So he just grins, "Are you alright?" Asking in reference to you being in the infirmary.

 

Cho nods about that bit Harry, and seems to let it drop. And as for that question, if she had a Sickle for every time she heard that, she'd have enough to buy that Nimbus she wants to get. But she just nods. "I'm fine. I was just helping out Madam Pomfrey." The two are off in a sitting area of the Library. Cho's standing with a book and a few pieces of paper, and Ron is sitting down at the table.

 

Lezard strides in humming to himself, softly under his breath. He is empty handed this time around and scans the room for any signs of Pince. Good, the old biddy isn't around to harass him today. Maybe off harassing Mysty somewhere... and speaking of the girl, he hasn't seen her in some time either. Up to mischief no doubt. But his gray eyes do alight upon two young students, a Ron and Cho. "Hrms" he muses to himself as he strides to the restricted section.

 

Ron mmns...and nods slowly at your answer before tapping the table quietly. He's not big on small talk.. and besides, he normally doesn't have to deal with it. But something about you, which may annoy you at this point, makes him feel bad for not at least trying. "So, are classes going well this year? Finals were horrendous, weren't they?"

 

Cho nods and gives her head a small shake, "My marks are down in almost every class. Except Defense Against Dark Arts." She won't go into why she paid much more attention to that class this year; he probably won't need to ask anyway. After what happened before. She hears someone humming and glances over, and immediately goes stiff, the smile fading. Only yesterday and she somehow knows she'll remember what he said for the rest of her life and will have it on nice mental replay. She gives her head a quick shake and looks back at the red head. "Did you have trouble with Herbology?"

 

Lezard's eyes meet Cho's for that split second and he grins cheerfully, changing his direction towards Cho and Ron. He adjusts his glasses and smiles cheerfully, "Good afternoon young master Ron, young master Cho. I hope you all had a peaceful rest last night?"

 

Ron gives Cho an awkwardly sympathetic.. but not pitying.. look. He didn't notice the humming until Cho turned. Giving Lezard a rather peturbed glance he looks back to his book rather quickly. He looks a little defensive when you ask about his classes, "Huh? No,  did alright.." before ooohhhhing as he's reading a Herbology book. A faint blush catches on his cheeks when he shrugs, "This is just.. a little.. project I'm working on." He coughs faintly. At Lezad's approach he frowns, but nods, "Yes, sir."

 

Cho nods at the project, "I know how those are." She's carrying a Potions book after all, even with the help she got from the very Assistant Professor who's just walked over. As he speaks, she closes her eyes for a split second as Lezard walks over, and by the time she opens them, she's completely composed. A smile is offered to the professor. "Yes, Professor. Quite peaceful." There's almost an unspoken thank you in her tone.

 

Natalie grins as she walks into the library.  Too bad Madam Pince doesn't allow noise in here.  Otherwise, she'd terrorize Ron no end.  But...  Ali, Nat's kitten, yawns and stretches from her perch on Nat's shoulder.  "Hello, Professor Valeth, Ron.  I'm sorry, Miss, I don't think I've met you before."

 

Lezard turns his head and nods to Natalie, "Good day Miss McDonald. You are doing well I hope?" He smiles in his usual friendly fashion and inclines his head slightly towards the kitten, "And to you little one."

 

Ron meets the eyes of the new girl with skepticism... o.o She's mental, that one. He nods a friendly greeting, though, "'ello." He begins to close his notes into his book.. there are way too many people around for him to feel comfortable continuing work on it, really. He only has two days to make his plan fool-proof, though.. so he's getting a little nervous.

 

Cho raises her eyebrows at the new arrival, and then offers one of her kindest (if rather distant-eyed) smiles, "Cho Chang." It's surprising to find someone who doesn't even know her name. She's used to being popular. As Ron closes his book, she offers him a sympathetic look. Her project got interrupted more times than she would like. Her project didn't really have a deadline though.

 

Natalie grins amicably and puts out a hand.  "I'm Natalie McDonald.  It's nice to meet you, Cho."

 

Lezard says, "I see that the three of you are getting along quite amiably. Are you all looking forward to the Yule ball?" He smiles, his smile still rather sincere, but with Lezard who know what hides under the insane smile.

 

Ron's hand tightens over the old binding of the herbology book in front of him and he nods with a quick jerk of his head, muttering, "Yeah.. I'm going.." There's a small, hidden smile there, though. Three days, three days.. it's coming too fast. What if he fouls it up? ._. But he glances up to give Lezard a once over, "Are you going, sir?"

 

Cho shifts the Potion book and notes in her arm so she can take the hand and grip it lightly. And of course Lezard has to bring up the one thing that happens to surface both very happy and very sad memories. And brings back that haunting mental replay. She keeps her composure, for the most part, but she releases the hand and says, "I'm sure it will be an.. enjoyable event." For other people.

 

Natalie turns to Ron, one of her favorite people to bother.  "What are you up to, Ron?  Ooh, Herbology... Flowers, maybe?"  She pestered Harry about this last night, and now it's Ron's turn.  "I'm still trying to get... Never mind.  If only I could find Lee..."  Nat remembers why Cho is so reluctant about the Yule Ball.  She remembers her now, but they had never been introduced.  "I'm sure the ball will be lots of fun."  Especially if a certain seventh year boy is with Nat...

 

Lezard nods in response to Ron's question, "I will try to be there. Though a certain project just recently... came up." He smirks a secretive smile, "Tis my first year here. Do you think it would be appropriate if the faculty brought a guest? I have a friend who would be interesting in coming..." He mutters under his breath, "Even if she could spoil the whole thing."

 

Ron folds his arms over the book with a taunt shrug -.- Maybe, maybe not. But he wishes people would quit guessing about it ._. Whatever it is, he wants it to be a surprise. Thus, he attempts to ignore the question and instead nods to Lezard, "All faculty are allowed guests, sir."

 

Cho watches Professor Valeth silently, the smile slipping off her lips. The book slides out of her grip, impacting the floor with a solid thump. This causes her to jump and break eye contact. She bends down to pick it up, murmuring apologies. "I'm going to go, I have.. some books to go through. It was nice meeting you Natalie. Ron." She offers them both a forced smile, then nods to the Professor, "Professor." Once she has acknowledged all, she starts to move towards the exit of the Library.