Baby It's Cold Outside (Open)

[amandalarsen]

((OOC: You must be a Medium-Advanced RPer to reply.))

Frosty dew upon the grass began to melt with the rising bright orange orb over the silhouetted mountains that shadow the lake and school. The days have grown colder and autumn was on winter's doorstep. Soon enough it would begin to snow one of these days and children will play, play in the snow that we've all dreamt of in our little dreams for the past several months since summer had taken over.

But who likes hotter days when you've got colder days to snuggle with a loved one? Soon these days will come when snow blankets the ground instead of frost and little snowflakes will dance around in the sky as they fall and kiss your flushed cheeks from cold temperatures. It was only a dream one could dream up of, a perfect dream of wintery days and nights by the open fire and reading a book to lull one's self to sleep.

Or perhaps hot chocolate with peppermint and marshmallows to keep one warm while covered by a warm knitted blanket and sitting next to the window where frost has developed over the past few nights. It was only a dream one could dream up of, a perfect dream of snowball fights down by the lake and possibly ice skating all day long with your friends and enjoying every fall you've made.

Sun rays have found their way through curtained windows and a little light ran across her pale face as she slumbers in her four poster bed. Of course she turns over in her bed to hide away from the sun, but soon enough she'd awake to a beautiful day outside. A yawn escapes her mouth as she begins to stretch in her bed, blankets all a mess, and her curtains pulled back since she was too tired last night to close them.

Slowly her eyes open, starring straight at the ceiling she's known for the many terms she's slept there. And she cranes her head, looking toward the window with little light that has shown through. Morning. It was morning already, but thankfully it was weekend. Amanda slowly hoisted herself up from her bed. Feet touching the cold stone floor before she yelped and hurries to find her slippers.

It was only a dream she could have dreamed of. Perfect wintery days where she could enjoy snowball fights with friends, sledding, and hopefully ice-skating. The days were winding down before it would be winter, and she looked forward to winter since it was one of her favorite seasons of the year, next to autumn of course and then spring and lastly summer.

Her feet shuffled over to the window. Sapphire orbs peeking through the curtains to a scene that was breath taking. She opened the curtains wide and opened the frosty window to get a better look. Frost touched every surface on the school grounds and a bit of snow capped the mountains where the sun began to rise higher and higher in the sky.

It was a beautiful sight to see. The lake was dark, but still with visible ice beginning to form around the edges. Most of the grass was a pale green since it was still visible through the frost. Amanda couldn't wait to go out there just to hear and feel the crunch beneath her shoes. Turning away from her window, which she closed, she hurried to dress up in a pair of fitted jeans and a light pink sweater.

Slipping on her pair of boots, Amanda went to the mirror and fixed her hair up in a ponytail. Then going to the washroom, she took her toothbrush and washed her face clean so that she looked very refreshed. Leaving the washroom, she entered the common room. Very little students were present since it was way early in the morning, about sevenish.

Amanda smiled as she waved off at the groggy students and left the tower, heading down the empty corridors, and finally arriving the Great Hall. Breakfast lay out in plates of gold and silver goblets. She took her seat among the Hufflepuffs to have half a grape fruit and some water. Finishing up her fruit and drink, with a piece of buttered toast with strawberry jam, she wipes the sides of her lips and leaves.

The outdoors was just like she had imagined in her dream. It was almost a wintery wonderland, but she knew that it wouldn’t last long once the sun was held high above her. Her feet made crunching noises as she began walking toward the lake. It’s been awhile since she’s had some time to herself. Peaceful time she can enjoy without having to worry about classes, homework, or quidditch.

She’s not sure where she was going, but Amanda enjoyed just walking around the frozen lake. A nice stroll would do her well and perhaps she’ll venture off onto the pier if she wants to be a bit risqué. Hands pocketed in her jeans, she glances around, a puff of air visible in front of her face as she exhales. This is the life, as she knew it. Nice, quiet, and peaceful. Well, she’d like to think so of course.

[Holden J. Caulfield]

He shivered as he felt the room grow colder. Even with six blankets over his whole body he could still feel the chill of the room. Why did the Hufflepuff Dorms have to be so cold? Shouldn't they be nice and warm for the students?

Holden turned around over in his bed and tighted back into a ball in his fourposter bed. He hated the cold with a passion of his heart and would never like it. Warm, hot, sticky weather was the best kind of weather. Another shiver went down his spine and Holden opened his mouth. Way too cold in this dorm.

Over the now yellow and orange shining peaks the sun rose and some raze hit the Hufflepuff's eyes. Holden tried to cover his eyes but it was no use; the sun was too bright for him to escape it. A sigh of hot air came from his mouth and he opened his eyes. With a push all six blankets were off of him and at the foot of his bed.

Gray orbs looked around the room. Everyone was still asleep, lucky them. Holden put his sock covered feet on the ground and gave a big stretch. Bending back he could feel and hear his spine pop from his waste to the back of his shoulders. He sat up straight and walked over to his drawers.

Soon he found a pair of skinny jeans, thicker socks, fingerless gloves, his White Chapel band shirt, a white shirt to go underneath it. Taking off his flannel plaided pj pants he quickly put on his skinny jeans and thick socks. Much better. Soon his shirt came off and he put his other two on to make up for it. Hopefully this would keep him warm outside.

Starting with his left foot he put on his black and red Vans while putting on his fingerless gloves. Blowing on his fingers he found his tracker [hunting] hat. Holden picked up his hat and got his Avenged Sevenfold hoodie and put it on. Then his hat went on the top of his head as he began walking out of the dorm. Being conciderate of his roommates he closed the door softly on his way out.

Looking around the common room nothing looked different. Barely any students were out and about. Maybe they were too cold to sleep too. Holden put his hands into his pockets and walked out of the common room. Maybe someone he knew would be awake. Maybe Avery or Jackson is about. Even Nathaniel could be 'round and about.

[/color] As long as he had someone to talk to and walk with.

The hallways and corridors were clear of students. Twice he passed a couple of ghosts which made him feel colder than usual. An eery coldness. With a couple shivers he made it into the Entrance Hall. To stay inside or go outside was the question. Would he risk staying inside to find everyone asleep or go outside to see if anyone was out and about? Outside.

The Hufflepuff passed the Great Hall on his way out. Breakfast was gross and he didn't like any breakfast food. Well, he did have a liking of hashbrowns and tator tots with pepper and garlic. But honestly, that was about it.

Pushing the door of the Entrance Hall to the grounds was cold. He could feel the cold air hit his face and thought about going back inside. But since he had already made it half-way outside he would just keep going. Maybe it would eventually go warm outside. The chances were slip but he could dream right?

Holden looked to the ground as he walked. He watched his shoes make footprints in the frost. Vans weren't the best weather for this sort of thing. Since they were made out of pure cloth like Chuck Taylors the cold weather went right through to his feet. His hands kept inside his hoodie pockets trying to keep warm. Fingerless gloves just didn't cut it for this type of weather. With a shiver he continued walking.

Looking at the ground he noticed there were other footprints. Small ones compared to his. Holden began walking beside them and following them. Maybe it was someone he knew. Just maybe. What if it wasn't? Then he could just say, 'Sorry. Just following the tracks out of boredum.' Hopefully they wouldn't find the Caulfield too strange.

Up the distance he could hear small cracks from the frost. They made him look up. A figure. A girl figure. Holden began walking quickly till he saw who it was. He knew that girl. Amanda! A smile came upon his face since he hadn't seen his friend in ages as it seemed. Walking at a quick pase he soon caught up with her and put his arm around her waist and spun her around once.

Holden laughed and smiled. With his arm still around her waist he said, "Greetings and salutations." Hopefully she didn't mind him spinning her around like that. He didn't want to make her mad or angry at him.[/font][/size][/blockquote]

[amandalarsen]

Momentarily she stops by the lake's banks, dipping her shoe onto the ice which began to crack beneath the less weight she had put on it. Just the sound of breaking ice intrigued her as much as the crackling of a wild roaring fire in the fireplace of the Hufflepuff tower. Though it seems the house elves were lacking their jobs around the castle and the fiery embers were beginning to burn out to nothing but cold ash.

She would have picked up a piece of ice, just to feel the slippery texture of it, but she'd rather not fall into the waters and come out all drenched and cold. She didn't need to get sick again after recovering a week's worth of coughing, sneezing, and dry heaving. Allergies were no help as well since she didn't take it too well with pollen and mold in the air.

Amanda stepped back, returning to her casual pace around the lakeside. The silence that surrounded her was golden. No snoring students or yelling whipper-snappers. She didn't even have her little stalker tailing her around which she was very glad. Philip must be sleeping and if Amanda could, she aid him to sleep much longer. Much much longer!

Anyway, why should she plot making some little teenager's life miserable when he was just a first year. She was no different when she had at least a couple friends to keep her sane. Though it's her second year that she's flourished more into a social butterfly and so on. The side of her lips lift a little into a faint smile at the memory of her first and second year.

The Gossip Column was such an issue, and she stopped in her tracks just thinking of how much chaos she's caused. Her words brutal enough to receive replies back from other students. Some were good and others were bad. Bad enough where she was actually threatened by a Slytherin student, whom she later encounted in the tower. The thought of her sent shivers down her spine.

It was the past anyway and Amanda would like to leave the Gossip Column as it was in her memory. A nice opportunity to fullfill her duty as a writer. She's dreamt of being a reporter when she was younger until she's had her first and last taste of it with the Daily Prophet. After she resigned her position, she could no longer meddle in other people's lives nor write as well as she had before.

Her shoe slips on the frosty grass, but she braces herself and catches her balance. This isn't what she looks forward to during the winter. As much as she loves snow and ice, she hated to fall on a hard landing. Snow may be soft, but ice was far worse. She'd like to forget having a bruised arse for at least a week and not being able to sit properly during the time.

Ugh... ice, she rolls her eyes and continues walking, this time being more careful. Amanda would hate to fall and have someone point and laugh at her. That'd be big news around the school. And she's done it before around the same time as this year. A soft sigh escapes her pale pink lips, another visible puff of smoke infront of her face, but she's not really a smoker. ;]

And suddenly an arm wraps around her waist and spins her around, the world a blur to her vision until she faces the stranger who approached her so inconsipicuously. She smiles because she knows him and because it has been a long time since she's really seen Holden outside of classes. Obviously their time spent away from each other really made Amanda miss him more.

"Same to you too Holden m'dear," she smirks, amazed that they hadn't falled with such an awesomely cool spin he made her do. She's more of a clutz than she appears to be, but Holden probably already knew that. And she's not normal like other girls which is obvious with her behavior and how she handles a situation. Hot-headed and fiesty, but sweet and funny. An odd mixture for this Hufflepuff.

Her soft sapphire orbs look to Holden and she laughs. "So anyway, how have you been? I haven't seen you lately. I mean besides classes, but should we count those as actually seeing each other when we can't talk whatever we want to talk about or do?" She asks Holden who probably thinks she's a wee bit nuts for such a mush-mouthed reply.

[Holden J. Caulfield]

Holden breathed through his mouth and saw his breath. Pretty cool right? He was a smoker now. Joking. The Hufflepuff knew he would never smoke. Too many health risks involved for him to smoke. Yes he would try smoking but he wouldn't depend on it. Not dependent like he was on air.

With a chuckle he smiled. The Hufflepuff began to feel how much he actually had missed his friend. It wasn't the same feeling as missing one of your friends after you haven't seen them for a couple days. It was something else he hadn't felt before. Something that he couldn't explain at all. With a shrug trying to get rid of the feeling he began answering her question.

"I really wouldn't count those days. I don't think they count actually. We didn't what you call 'hung out',"

[/color] he said using his fingers to quote "hung out". "I see us seeing each other those days were we took the catalogs, and what-nots."[/color] Holden also had a feeling that he had missed those days were they were being childish. Uusually he liked acting older than his age but with Amanda it seemed like he could just be a child again.

"But anyway like you said,"[/color] he stated before telling her where he had gone to. "I was sick for about a week. I was in bed the whole time. Sometimes I would walk to the Kitchens to get some soup then walk back to the dorm to sleep. I had it real bad. It was more worse than loosing my voice."[/color] Holden looked down at Amanda before asking his question.

"So, where have you been? What have you been up to?"[/color] He thought he would ask since she asked about him. Hopefully Amanda didn't think he had abandoned her or anything. That would have made him feel terrible and he would eventually make it up to her. Feeling abandoned and lonely didn't work out so well and he knew it. Holden didn't want her feeling the same way.

Noticing that he still had one arm around her waist he blushed and dropped his arm. I can't believe I just did that. Oh my Gawd. She must think I'm a creep. Oh crap. I didn't mean to make it seem...oh crap.[/color] Holden tried to think of something else so it wouldn't look like he was being stressed out. How could I have put my arm around her waist? Oh Gawd.[/color]

But the thing was, he kind of liked putting his arm around her waist. It was kind of comforting y'know? Felt... How would you describe something like that? Holden couldn't explain it so he just pushed it to the back of his mind. He couldn't and wouldn't do that again. The Hufflepuff didn't want to give his friend the wrong impression.

Holden licked his lips since they felt a little chapped. But honestly, licking your lips makes it more worse than it does help you. He wasn't into the whole lipgloss slash chapstick thing. Holden didn't see the point so he didn't bother with it. Just something he could avoid and keep his chapped lips.

Still feeling a bit awkward he put his foot on the ice. He kept his hands out of his pockets to keep his balance. Hopefully he wouldn't fall and hurt his arse. Amanda would have a laughing stock at him and probably never let the situation drop. He kept one foot in front of the other as he slowly walked. It was like shoe-skating. Now that was something he hadn't done in ages.

A small cough came out of his mouth as he tried not to fall. Holden turned around to walk back toward Amanda. This ice didn't seem so bad but it didn't seem safe. Suddenly he heard a crackling noise and looked down. The ice wasn't breaking. A happy sigh came from his lips and he began walking slowly back to Amanda.

When he finally reached his friend he grabbed her by her arms and pulled her out to the ice. When he tugged on her hands he nearly fell from the force. Holden kept his balance and let go of her hands not wanting to give her an impression. He put his hands back in his pockets finally and walked slowly away from her.[/font][/size][/blockquote]

[amandalarsen]

Holden was very right. They didn't hang out like old times. Goodness, she thought their time spent together was old? Nah, more like they haven't hung out like good times. She missed the library antics and their plans to cause havoc in the place. Sadly another Librarian didn't last too long. James Singer had left them again, unfortunately, and it would have been fun to play tricks on him.

"Right-O Holden. Goodness, I miss those catalogs cards. Too bad we don't have a librarian to mess with," she sighs sadly. What a waste of a good mind for the both of them. Amanda felt the childish side of her diminishing with each passing moment. But there are some times, like the current with Holden, that she feels younger than she is now.

She listened intently to where Holden has been and how life has practically been treating him no better, but probably worser than Amanda. She knew he was sick and she probably was the cause of it because of the try-outs being held in the rain. But that was early morning and the rain finally cleared out during the middle of the trials.

If Amanda had known how worse his condition was, she could have helped him like any friend would do for a friend. Though there would be no way for her to enter the boy's dorm, they're passworded and charmed just like the girls which she wonders what does happen to a boy if they enter a girl's dorm? Amanda would like to know, but would never find out since it's not attempted these days.

"I'm sorry to hear that you've been so ill Holden. Soup must've made you much better though and the comfort of your bed. As for me," she pauses for a moment before shrugging her shoulders, "Just been around. Sick too, but with the typical cold and allergies. They were acting up real bad a week ago," she frowns because she hates having allergies. They were far worse during the spring though.

The absence of his arm around her waist went unnoticed for Amanda. She was far oblivious to his actions and only assumed they were a friendly gesture. For some reason it was hard for her to notice what is infront of her since her last encounter with a guy went wrong in the end. Tristam didn't allow Amanda to come close to him as she would have liked and only left after one measly kiss.

She cursed that day and Tristam for leaving and tearing her apart. Stupid crushes. Amanda should have known better when she wrote articles on Tristam beforehand. Thus she avoided having fallen for some guy, but the feelings sometimes resurface only to the company of someone who cared about her. Nathaniel was one, but she's found herself seeking Holden more often these days.

But maybe it's just a phase she's going through. Amanda sought out for friends and took her own advice more than anyone else's. It's bad enough to see how relationships turn out, especially when one of your best friends had a downfall in the love part of her life. Alessa was quite the influence, but somehow she's found her other in Nathaniel. Weird.

Amanda watches Holden as he does something quite bold and starts walking out on the ice. She wasn't sure the lake was frozen enough for people to start walking or skating on it, but he was being such a daredevil. Her breath gets caught in her throat when she hears ice cracking. "Oh be careful Holden. We wouldn't like a frozen Human-icicle, would we?" She grins.

However, she gasps when he grabs onto her arms and brings her out onto the ice along with him. It scared her that he almost fell and she probably would have gone along with him. Carefully her shoes slide across the ice and he lets go of her. Both arms hovered out to her sides to keep her balance. Skates would have been much better than her shoes.

"Well you've accomplished shoe-skating Holden, but I'd give it at least a couple more weeks before you can come out to the middle of the lake with skates," she smiles brightly while looking over at him. For some reason he seemed distant to her, walking slowly away. Hands held high on her hips, she huffs and slides toward him, liking an arm around his own. "You can't slide away from me that fast. Afterall, you brought me out here," she teased and poked him in the side.

[Holden J. Caulfield]

"I don't wear skates. I've never been ice skating in my life. Roller blading yes. Definitely. But ice skating doesn't look like my cup of tea."

[/color] Holden smiled and stopped where he was at. "I better be accomplished at this. It took me ages to learn how to do this,"[/color] he said overly dramatically.

Amanda walked over toward him and he laughed. "I could always just walk more further away from you."[/color] He walked back wards a bit and waited for Amanda to come closer. Holden wouldn't move too far from her just in case she fell he could catch her a bit so she wouldn't bust her butt.

She came closer to him and her hands were on her hips. Holden smiled and chuckled a bit. Cute. She looked like a mother trying to tell him he was bad. It made of him think of his own mom. He bit his lip and shook his head. It wasn't time to think of her now. Holden had to put on his happy face for Amanda. If he didn't she would question him. The Hufflepuff didn't feel like explaining it to her right now.

Another chuckle came out after she said he couldn't get away from her. Holden smiled and looked at the ice beneath their feet. "Know what would be terrible?,"[/color] he asked as she poked him in his side. "If someone dropped you on your butt or on your head."[/color] With that Holden put his hand behind Amanda's back and his other hand behind her knee cap and picked her up. He held onto her so she wouldn't fall on the ice with her butt. That wouldn't have been very nice of him.

Turning his head he coughed again and looked at her. "Wonder what it looks like looking down."[/color] Holden looked over Amanda and to the ice. He held her but he acted like he was going to drop her. His hands let go of her for a few seconds to make her feel like she was dropping. The Hufflepuff wouldn't do that to her. She probably would never forgive him for that. Plus, it would make him sad to drop her.

"Don't worry. I won't drop you. You have my word." Slowly he began walking toward the snow. The ice cracked a little bit and he kept walking. Maybe it was the fear of the ice breaking that made him keep moving. Holden pretended to drop her again but kept his grip.

Where the ground was firm he put her down on her feet. "Honestly, was that so bad?"[/color] A smile tugged on his lips as he walked around the edge of the lake. Holden began wondering where the squid was. It's probably at the bottom of the lake.[/color]

He looked back to Amanda and stopped. Holden promised himself he wouldn't abandon her. His head tilted as he looked at her. Why did he feel really happy? Maybe it was from being able to see one of his friends that he hadn't seen in what it seemed like ages. Why anxious? Holden tried to decipher some of these thoughts. Hopefully she wouldn't notice him thinking.

Honestly, you need to stop it. What you're feeling is no different from when you see Avery or Jackson.[/color] But he was lying to himself and he knew it. Something was different and he couldn't explain it. But what? Feelings for this Amanda Larsen? Please, they had only known each other for a short while. Yet he knew he could tell her something and she would never tell as long as he told her not to tell.

A snort came from his nose as his head titled back up right. "Are you coming or are you just going to stand there like a deer in front of a truck's head lights?"[/color] Another cough and he was fine. Now what to do? Holden felt like going back on the ice again but he didn't want to see if he fell through or now.

Holden's hands went into his hoodie pockets. He would have to later think about somethings that were going on. It was all too much for him right now. Patiently he waited for her to come join him in walking around. Or something maybe to that extent. Maybe later get something hot to drink and talk. Just maybe.[/font][/size][/blockquote]

[amandalarsen]

"Pfft, Holden you just have to try ice skating. It's fun actually and you'll get farther on the lake with those skates than your shoes. You'll glide really easily too," she smiles though knowing she wasn't going to persuade him so easily to try skating later on when winter days were colder and the ice would be stronger to hold their bodies.

A slight giggle escaped her lips whilst rolling her eyes at Holden. Shoe-skating was his 'cup-of-tea' afterall, more than hers. She remembered ice skating as if it were yesterday. At the Larsen Manor, there was a large pond in the back that'd freeze up during the fall and winter, earlier if her father provided the spell, and she'd skate as long as she'd like. Sure a bit bruised here and there, but well worth it all.

However, she didn't get the chance to do that this past fall break, but perhaps when winter break came up she'd visit her parents longer than before. Amanda missed them dearly and heard that Rachel began getting better from the wizarding flu that was going around again. And her brother Peter was thinking again whether he'd return to Hogwarts or not. Amanda hoped he would.

She smiled at Holden and rolled her eyes again. If he had kept walking farther away from her, she'd make sure he'd have it by the end of the day. And by meaning 'have it' she'd definitely make sure he'd fall down on the ice along with her. If one was going to fall, well so was the other, that way there was no way in chiding each other in the long run after today.

"What would be terrible?" She asked while her eyes downcasted. The waters beneath them was still murky, but you could see life underneath as fishes swam by and a tentacle grabbing it. Ugh, Squidster is awake from grub, she sighed. Looking to Holden, she cocked her head tot he side. Well that was a bit... random. "Of course it would be terri- ahh!"

Amanda's arms swung around Holden's neck as he picked her up so quickly. "Oh my gosh! Holden, you'll injure the both of us!" She squeaked as she tried not to move a muscle at all. Her eyes closed tightly because she didn't want to think of falling on the ice or through it for that matter. "You're nuts Holden, but I've probably already told you that." She whimpered.

As he looked over her, Amanda's grip tightened around him, curling her body closer to his. "Don't look! Don't look!" Another whimper and she buries her head into his shoulder. She felt like he was going to drop her, and she wasn't liking that feeling. Amanda felt like having a panic attack. "Holden you better keep to your word. If you drop me you'll so... so... get it!" She said while she slowly opened her eyes.

He began walking on the ice and Amanda just had to see where they were going. Slowly and carefully looking over her shoulder, she sees the frozen banks and sighs with relief. Holden let her down and she nearly topples over on the ground, but catches her balance in time. Her legs felt a little wobbly, but that was because she panicked too much and the blood rushed all to her head.

She sniffed and looked over the lake, then averting her eyes to Holden. "I-I guess not," she shivered. Her whole body shook, both from the coldness and nervousness. Amanda's never been that scared infront of someone else. She felt... vulnerable? Afterall she wasn't on her own two feet and she had to rely on Holden. She shrugged it off, feeling any slight anger toward him. It was just for fun, right?

Another sigh escapes her lips as she smiles faintly to Holden. Just for old times sake, they needed spontaneity in their friendship and this topped it most of all. The ice was definitely dangerous and yet they survived it. Hearing Holden, she glances up and nods. "Of course I'm coming!" She hurries and catches up to him, slightly brushing her elbow against his when she got there.

"So perhaps we'll leave the ice to a later day Holden, but for now... where do you think we should go or do?" She asks just in case he does have some idea. "Unless walking around sounds fine. If there were snow we could make an igloo or I dunno... have a snowball fight, but that's if the clouds would ever let it snow," she shivered again, causing her teeth to chatter with each word.

[Holden J. Caulfield]

He began walking again when Amanda had finally caught up to him. Holden too wondered what they could do. Walking seemed to be the only option for the two Hufflepuffs. Sad. She had talked of ice skating later on in the year. A small frown came upon his face.

"Amanda, if I ice skated I would fall on my arse. That would hurt y'know. I have..uh..,"

[/color] then he coughed, "...certain body parts that are very fragile. I kind of need them."[/color] How mature Holden James. The small frown disappeared and he looked to Amanda. Her teeth were chattering like crazy.

Being himself Holden put his arms around her and put his head against hers. "Cold?[/color] Holden rubbed her arm as they walked trying to keep her somewhat warm. He didn't want her to catch a cold. That wouldn't be very good. Amanda would get sick and maybe even get death bed [to Holden that is so sick you sleep all day] sick.

"That is only fiction. Sometimes it feels like the whole wide world has made itself my enemy. But I will stand on my own two feet and...and raise my head,"[/color] he sang softly.

His gray eyes looked to the ground as they walked. Nowhere was their destination and he was fine with that. Who knows where you might end up. Maybe an adventure would emerge and fun and fright would come. As long as no wild, untamed animal came Holden would be fine. That wouldn't be good either. Might eat them up and hurt Amanda.

Holden's mind was on her and his actions. Why am I doing this? This is something I would do for Avery. But...it just...doesn't feel the same. I'm so confused. I should just stop. That would solve anything.[/color] At first he found it hard to let go of his dear friend but managed to do so. In result he moved a little ways from Amanda and his hands went back into his pockets.

"We can go wherever you want to go. I'm not picky at all. As long as no human-eating animals are involved."[/color]

He licked his lips again as they became more chapped. A sigh came from his lips and he saw his breath in the air. Holden's eyes continued to stare at the ground, he didn't want to be caught staring at her. That would be very awkward and embarrassing. How could this happen again? Feelings were emerging. They felt the same way as he had for when he first met Jessica. Holden wouldn't let that happen again, ever.

"I wonder if I did something wrong,"[/color] he said randomly. "I wonder if I made Jessica leave. Maybe I shouldn't have asked her out. Maybe I shouldn't have wanted to go out with her. I knew she was never around much, yet I was stupid enough to have feelings for her and to ask her out."[/color] Why didn't these thoughts go away?

"I mean, why didn't she tell me she was leaving? Was there any reason not to tell me? She just...left. It was out of nowhere too. No note, just a disappearing act."[/color] Holden shook his head. He didn't want to think about this. His eyes widened; he had been talking out loud.

The Hufflepuff looked to Amanda. She had heard him and he was sure of it. Holden wanted to hit himself in the head for thinking out loud again. Now she was sure to say something about the matter. Oh Gawd. Holden bit his lip and sighed angrily at himself for it.[/font][/size][/blockquote]

[amandalarsen]

Amanda doesn't want to imagine Holden falling down and damaging the jewels he speaks of, but more maturely than she is thinking. Men can ice skate! Her brother does it and has fallen plenty of times. However, Amanda would make a plan to get him out on that ice whether it kills her or not. It's not that bad and she could always conjure a pillow for him to fall on if he slips.

"I'd make sure that you won't fall then. We could always tape a pillow onto your arse or pad your pants," she coughed, trying hard not to laugh, but you know that it was just bubbling up inside her. "Plus there is more you can do on ice. I mean, why not have a theastral carriage ride on it? That'd be cool! And you wouldn't have to ice skate at all."

Either choice would fit her, but she'd prefer the first just because seeing Holden ice skate would be priceless. She's no ice princess herself and wasn't very well balanced. Hell, she's a clutz for God's sake! But just gliding out there on the lake always made her feel free, just like being up in the air on her broom and zooming around the pitch when she wants to.

Oh well, forget about it. It'd be a few more weeks until the place would be heavily snowed in and the lake would be completely frozen over for months. She smiled as he wrapped an arm around her. "Very," she replies, but it's her fault for not dressing up warmer than she should have. Amanda should have known to put on an extra layer of socks at least or another shirt.

But she doesn't think of these things when she only planned to be out for a little while. Instead her plans changed when Holden arrived, but for the better of course. He always cured her boredom and she had more fun around him than with anyone else. It's hard to believe when her two best friends are Alessa and Nathaniel. And she loved hanging out with her cousin Marissa.

Hearing him sing to himself, she smiles faintly. He hasn't done it in awhile infront of her. She can't even remember the last time he burst out into a chorus at a practice, even if they haven't had one this term yet. Amanda didn't even want to think of Quidditch now because it was just a total disaster. The team wasn't falling apart, but the applicants weren't good enough like last term.

Amanda didn't give it a second thought as Holden let go of her. She may have felt a bit chilly, but she got used to it. She's always been used to fending for herself anyway. Learning the hard way with Tristam was enough and before him, Sam. Tucking a lose strand behind her ear, her sapphire orbs look elsewhere in the far distance where the snow covered mountains were now illuminated by the bright rising sun.

Mornings like these she'd like to stay up in the tower, but she's perfectly fine on school grounds. Plus, she's got the best company to accompany her all this time. She turns to face Holden again and laughs quietly. "Serious Holden, I wouldn't pick a place that could harm us or eat us for that matter," she rolls her eyes at him and then looks down at her feet.

Think Amanda Think! A place they could hang out and possibly get out of this cold weather. Amanda was enjoying it very much, but soon enough the two would turn out to be human-icicles. They've had this chat before about icicles and thawing out last term up in the tower. Hm, she needed a place for the two to go, but where? Her feet began shuffling, slipping a little, but she caught her balance.

Her body perked up, listening as he spoke to himself, unless he was speaking to her. She couldn't quite understand what it is he's talking about. He didn't do anything wrong, right? Not with Amanda. That is until she heard him mention Jessica. Who was Jessica? This is a part of Holden's life that Amanda didn't know much about. They've only just begun hanging out since last term and have gotten to know each other quite well.

But she didn't know anything about his dating life. Then again what was there to share about? Some were good, some were bad. Biting her lower lip, she looks away, unsure of how she feels about this subject matter. Perhaps a bit uncomfortable since he was questioning his failed relationship with another. And he did it without realizing she was there.

Well it did take him a moment to realize she was there. She could see how fast his facial features changed and she didn't want to make things worse by questioning him about it all. Amanda thought fast and decided that they should just return to the castle where it would be warmer for the two. Hot chocolate was a good fixer-upper. Taking his hand in hers, she motions her head to the castle.

"Come on. Maybe we'll get the elves to make us some hot chocolate and perhaps some cupcakes," she winks at him. "But be careful when we go up the hill. We definitely wouldn't want to fall down the slippery slope. We'll end up like Jack and Jill," she smiles faintly again and lets go of his hand to tug on his sleeve.