Horologium Pendulum

Template:LocationHeader/Hogwarts ThirdFloor

Winter Knox

caulerpa, seventh year
paintedred

The Hawk finished up class today by giving them new partners for Charms and Winter's is a new student, a *princess* even, from what he has heard. She was on the other end of the classroom and he did not see the point in making his way over to her especially when everybody was in such a hurry to leave. Instead, he waits by the door for her to exit as well so that he can formally meet her. Sterling and Imogen go ahead without paying him much mind, probably off to snog or something – they've been making eyes at each other the whole class – and Winter waves at Kitt for him to go ahead as well. He doesn't understand why his roommate is so insistent about making sure that Winter is never alone, but it is endearing, at the very least. The hallways are crowded so he is already contemplating where nearby he can bring Darshini for a brief chat as he leans against the stone wall. The pendulum room, perhaps. Joffrey stops by to make a quick comment about how gorgeous Winter's new Charms partner is, but Winter doesn't do much to entertain him other than scoff and roll his eyes. Joffrey's right, but it's unnecessary to verbalize that. Winter finds a lot of things unnecessary to verbalize.

Darshini of Bhārat

caulerpa, seventh year § princess of india
ateleia

His name is replaying in her head, and she even pockets a piece of parchment with it written down in neat print so she will remember to find him. Her previous partner had mentioned that he's quiet, which brightens her hopes of him being a blessing to collaborate with. Darshini lingers, waiting for their peers to thin out in order to find him. If he's sensible, then surely he will want to do the same, but he isn't there and she noticeably frowns as she continues to survey the room. Her gaze falls onto a disgruntled Hawke, who she greets in parting with a small bow of her head before hastily leaving. When she brushes through the door, she sighs and smiles at the person waiting near the exit. He's attractive, and so she must admit to herself that much. Her hand raises to give him a coquettish wave, falling down delicately on her chest as she begins to move past him.

Winter Knox

caulerpa, seventh year
paintedred

Winter looks up at Darshini and opens his mouth to start talking before realizing that she is walking *away*, so he catches up to her and walks by her side. "Hello," he says. Winter is not really one for smiling, and he's been told that he's rather intimidating. Normally he is more conscious but he doesn't know how he'd be able to intimidate a *princess* really; if anything, *he* should be intimidated. His voice is quiet and calming, though he has to talk a bit louder than usual given how noisy the hallways are. "I was waiting for you, actually. I'm sorry if that was unclear. You're Darshini, right?" He's certain, but it's good to confirm anyway especially in case he's pronouncing it wrong. "Do you have a next class to go to? I was wondering if we could discuss the assignment, but if you're on your way to something, we can just exchange Witchagrams and talk about it some other time." Winter himself has Transfiguration next, but it's in thirty minutes and he doubts that this conversation will take very long. Besides, Professor Hornette will not mind if he's late.

Darshini of Bhārat

caulerpa, seventh year § princess of india
ateleia

Darshini isn't embarrassed by the fact that his waiting went unnoticed by her. To her, someone hovering around and staring at her is not a sign that they are actually intending to talk to her. He is just about as intimidating to her as she is embarrassed. "Hello! My apologies. I had no intention of being disrespectful," she attempts to reassure him of this. It wouldn't be a fitting reputation to have people believing she purposefully ignores them and her reputation is *quite* important to her. Darshini smiles politely before continuing. "It's a pleasure to become acquainted, Winter— or would you prefer Knox? I have Transfiguration at the hour, but we can no doubt find time to discuss." Again, it doesn't embarrass her, but she does hesitate for a moment, retraining her gaze forward as they proceed to walk. "I don't have Witchagram. I haven't had the time to figure it out yet. So, for the time being, we will have to communicate through text or we can petition to be reassigned." It's quite straightforward really, and she wouldn't mind it. It's best to resolve the matter now rather than later.

Winter Knox

caulerpa, seventh year
paintedred

"I didn't think you were being disrespectful. It's fine." He raises an eyebrow when she mentions petitioning to be reassigned. It seems a bit extreme, but he appreciates that she suggested this option right off the bat. It is very practical of her, even though he is not going to take her up on that offer. "I don't mind communicating through text. We can always coordinate during or after class." he says. Someone in a hurry almost shoves past the pair and he gently gestures to move to the side so that no one knocks into them. The pendulum room is right by them, so he nods his head in the direction of the open door so that she can follow him inside and avoid the crowd. When he realizes he didn't answer her first question, he continues with, "I'm fine with either Winter or Knox." It's mostly his debate friends who call him by his last name. He looks towards the swinging pendulum for a couple of seconds before taking his phone out of his pocket, unlocking it, and opening the phone app. He offers his phone to her for her to input her number. "If you like, I can help you set up a Witchagram one of these days." It's easier to communicate through Witchagram, and would be more convenient for him, especially given that the Slytherin dormitories are underwater and texts don't always go through. Other than that, helping is just the decent thing to do and Darshini seems nice.

Darshini of Bhārat

caulerpa, seventh year § princess of india
ateleia

Darshini lets him guide her, a gentle hand floating towards his arm but not quite touching it. It falls for her side as she enters the room and passes him, glancing around at the shifting cogs and gears before turning in place to face him. "Winter, then," she declares. Darshini reaches for his phone with both hands, holding it gently as she slowly inserts her number. Giving her number to others is not necessarily a motion she has become familiar with and her head notably lifts to stare at one of the gears as she attempts to remember the last digit of her number. "I will remind Jayesh of the Witchagram issue! He was meant to- *Arey*." Her surprise with herself is astounding and she appears a little scandalized. It's not necessarily an issue per se that she has said this or that she wanted to tell him that Jayesh was meant to discuss this with her mother, but she doesn't want to continue on that point of thought for much longer or else she might bring more attention to her situation. A part of attending Hogwarts was becoming a teenager for a brief moment, so she might as well pretend to be one as best she can. "I would *love* if you would do that for me. How sweet!" Darshini beams, flipping her hair over her shoulder before running her hand over it to flatten it down. "How generous of your time."

Winter Knox

caulerpa, seventh year
paintedred

He waits patiently for her to input her number before taking his phone back from her and sending her a quick text (just *hi. this is winter.*) so that she can have his number in her phone as well. She is responding rather enthusiastically to his suggestion of helping her. It is very simple and he doesn't see how it makes him sweet. It's just the decent thing to do, and it's practical as well. In fact... "We could set it up now, if you like." It would be very quick, maybe ten minutes max and she can customize it on her own later. "It wouldn't take very long, I think. Unless it would be better for... Jayesh?" He isn't sure if he caught the name correctly, but continues nonetheless. "Unless it would be better for Jayesh to take care of it. I'm not sure who he is, but I understand if that would be the proper protocol given your situation." He finishes with more certainty this time. "But it's really not difficult and personally, I don't see how it's a big deal. Alternatively, we can just discuss the upcoming Charms project and then discuss the Witchagram matter another time." Winter generally tries to maintain eye contact with everyone that he talks to because it seems rude otherwise, but admittedly it is difficult to look at Darshini for too long without getting flustered. He's managing, though. "You can decide."

Darshini of Bhārat

caulerpa, seventh year § princess of india
ateleia

"I should wait," she answers, not hesitating to draw the line there. It would terrify her mother should she attempt to do so without her permission and she wouldn't want to chance that. Darshini cannot have her mother die from fright because there would be no one else to care for the monarchy. Also, she loves her mother. "My apologies, Winter. I wouldn't *mind* it, but alas explicit permission is required from the Rajmata." It shouldn't concern Uditi so terribly; Darshini has been visible to the universe since August. What terrible thing could be done with her Witchagram? Surely her mother will concede soon. "Jayesh is my cousin and mentor, who serves as the messenger to the Rajmata," she finishes explaining. Her cousin is in his late eighties and has dedicated much of his time to raising Darshini as an aide to the former Maharaja. "He is an important aspect of my existence, so it's best that he's introduced now should he be mentioned again. I suppose!" Darshini smiles before she waves her hand to gesture him to continue. "My apologies. We have an assignment to focus on. We have to start there."

Winter Knox

caulerpa, seventh year
paintedred

Darshini has offered him her apologies far more than what has been necessary in this conversation. He doesn't know though how to tell her she can stop saying sorry without it being awkward though, so he holds his tongue. "It's fine. No need to apologize." Hopefully she realizes he means that in general and not just for this specific instance. "If you receive explicit permission, then maybe I can help you if it's still necessary." Winter is not very busy and again it would take maybe ten minutes at maximum. They could do it before or after class one of these days. Charms meets rather regularly and as a result he is fairly certain that he and Darshini will have plenty more opportunities to enjoy each other's company in the future. "We were assigned to look into the Bubble Head Charm and do a short presentation on it." he recounts, "Normally for the Hawk that just means brief intro, history, uses, advantages, and disadvantages. We won't need to put in *too* much effort – she grades highly unless she doesn't like you. I don't think she really listens to the presentations." he says. Darshini is new and would probably appreciate this rundown on what Wilfreda is like. "We could probably do a comparison of its effectiveness versus that of gillyweed, maybe. My friend who was in the year above said he and his partner did that last term and they got an O. Professor said it was her favorite part but again... She might've just said that. Still might be interesting, though." He stops talking, waiting for her to say something. She seems like an efficient partner and seems very intelligent and well-spoken, so he is not worrying about the outcome of this pairing.

Darshini of Bhārat

caulerpa, seventh year § princess of india
ateleia

Darshini stares at him, brows permanently raised as a sign that she's listening to him. Her smile is pursed, head tilting at the comment about her apologizing. Would it not be disrespectful of her to not acknowledge how she may inconvenience or upset others? Apologizing is far more confusing than she would have assumed it to be. It's no wonder she was simply taught not to bother with it. "The Hawke?" she questions, brows raising higher on her face before she adjusts to be a more seriously puzzled expression. While affording him the time to clarify this, wondering for a moment if that is how professors are referenced or if this is some sort of cruelty, Darshini withdraws her wand and summons her Charms texts from within the clasped bag behind her. "Hm, this is quite elementary," she comments, tapping her wand on the outside and letting it flip to the appropriate page. "Comparing its uses and effectiveness to gillyweed isn't *interesting*, but it gives more sustenance to an otherwise lackluster assignment." Darshini remains quiet for a moment, humming to herself. "Professor Hawke— this is how she teaches?"

Winter Knox

caulerpa, seventh year
paintedred

When she summons her textbook, his suspicions that she will be a good class partner are all but confirmed as he appreciates this display of efficiency. "Most of her assignments are lackluster, yes." he says, borrowing her words. "She has been teaching at Hogwarts for decades and has grown rather... complacent, I believe, is the correct word for it." It's a shame that Hogwarts has not considered getting a new professor to take her place, but also teachers like her add to the character of the school in a way that makes Hogwarts what it is. He cannot really imagine it being anyone else, however much he wants it to be. Even Pintinger is a better professor than Professor Hawke is, he thinks – at least anyone can tell he cares about the subjects he teaches. He holds his tongue instead of voicing these musings because they are not very important. "Most of the other professors are very competent." Hornette, of course, is his favorite and Krishna is also exceedingly talented and a fantastic teacher but those points seem irrelevant when she will likely discover so for herself. "I suppose it might just be impossible to come up with a perfect faculty roster. Professor Hawke teaches well enough... It's just underwhelming." It is true that he feels he's learning everything he needs to in Charms anyway and he does not feel that his knowledge is lacking, but he sees how it might lead to that for his classmates who are not as committed to their studies. "Were the teachers better at your old school?"

Darshini of Bhārat

caulerpa, seventh year § princess of india
ateleia

Darshini frowns. With how far the bottom portion of her mouth puckers out past the top, it appears to be quite the artificial one, but the feeling behind it is genuine. It's disappointing knowing that this class will have to continue on this rather lame plane of existence, but— "At least my disappointment can be quelled now rather than becoming a constant cycle of... expecting the better, or *the best* considering this school is supposed to be such." Her upset rattles in her voice for a moment, turning down toward the page again as she dramatically sways her head from side to side. A hand falls to capture some hair that has slipped past her ear, pushing it past it again to keep it out of her face. "I appreciate your honesty!" she says, more chipper sounding as she smiles at the page one last time before closing it. "In terms of schooling," she begins, shifting her gaze towards him again and hugging the Charms textbook close to her chest. "I was homeschooled. I have only ever had three teachers and I found them to be competent albeit not specialized in all of the fields they taught." Darshini admires Winter's face for a moment, inspecting it for some inkling of a reaction to what she has to say. It appears he hardly smiles, but that is something she is used to. "Admittedly, I have never had assignments that relied on the performance of others. I'm still adjusting to the concept and I wouldn't want to..." She sighs, not frustrated with herself for forgetting the stupid phrase and rather choosing patience with herself. "— interfere." It isn't the word she was going for, so her hand extends out in a small nonchalant wave to show she is simply accepting this as a replacement for her original thought. Hopefully, he will recognize that she is a proficient partner and one he is quite lucky to have. Her ego is too large for thinking such a thing, she thinks.

Winter Knox

caulerpa, seventh year
paintedred

Her disappointment worries him, especially with the pout, and immediately he decides to voice his earlier thoughts about the more competent members of the faculty. "I assure you, all the other teachers could very easily be considered the best at what they do." Even *Madame Fontaine*, though Winter loathes to admit it. "Homeschooling sounds interesting." A bit lonely, but it would be rude to mention that. He is happy for her, honestly, that she has gotten the opportunity to transfer to Hogwarts even if it is just for her last year. Admittedly, he did not see the point in why anyone would choose to transfer in so late until her explanation. As expected, his expression remains neutral. "You would not be interfering." He understands her intention but doesn't make any move to correct her choice of words though he is also aware it is not wholly correct. "I have worked in pairs many times before, and you are already a lot more competent than some of our other yearmates had proven to be even after one year together." he tells her. Though objectively, what he said is rather rude, it does not come across as such simply because Winter is saying it so matter-of-fact. "Do you have partners in other classes? I might know of them."

Darshini of Bhārat

caulerpa, seventh year § princess of india
ateleia

"Homeschooling is *not* interesting," she informs him, tone pointed though she quickly laughs out of amusement with herself and also the idea that that could ever be true. Homeschooling was isolating, but there were other reasons why she was so isolated. Not all homeschooled children can't leave their homes, and although some might want to argue this is a case of champagne problems, even the largest of palaces become small after a little while. Darshini doesn't consider his statement regarding his previous partners disrespectful and instead finds it to be the same sort of blunt honesty she has been exposed to much of her life. Similarly, she isn't flattered by the compliment though she recognizes the confirmation that he does indeed find her to be quite competent, giving him a little smile. "I had a History assignment with one Fatiha, who was so sweet." Admittedly, even *she* came close to getting tears out of the other student and she still isn't sure why. It's never occurred to her that she might be intimidating. Still the two were able to bond over their shared Muslim backgrounds despite the fact that Darshini doesn't particularly identify with her mother's religion as much as she does her father's. It's her wish that they can become good friends over the coming months. "And Maya in Defense. I would find it absolutely impossible to not have heard of her." Darshini laughs lightly, a gentle hand pushing behind her ear again. Her Defense partner is quite attractive and charismatic and the thought of her going unnoticed is absurd. "I would return the sentiment to you... but I'm afraid I likely wouldn't know them."

Winter Knox

caulerpa, seventh year
paintedred

Winter has not interacted very much with Fatiha, but he knows that she is competent enough. And of course he is familiar with Maya. It is difficult not to be when she is so loud. He does not find her volume annoying but has come to accept that the two are simply not meant to be friends. Then again, Maya and Fionn seem like they get along rather well and Fionn seems like he has less experience talking to people than Winter does. "Both will be great partners." If he is remembering correctly, which he always is, Defense is one of Maya's strong suits. "Yes, you're right, it's likely that you wouldn't know them." That being said, he doesn't bother naming his partners. He doesn't think it's rude especially since she herself acknowledged that the chances were slim. "I am glad that you get to experience going to Hogwarts, then, if being homeschooled was not interesting." he tells her, "Going to school here is very... eventful. I am sure you will enjoy."

Darshini of Bhārat

caulerpa, seventh year § princess of india
ateleia

Darshini isn't sure how Hogwarts could be boring considering there are so many unique characters running about. It isn't her mission to befriend them all because that's quite unrealistic and also children are obnoxious, having never had to be exposed to people younger than herself. "So far, it has been nothing short of enjoyable. Even this mundane project has brought me something joy: the opportunity to get to know someone such as yourself." Darshini's smile is unintentionally quite coy, staring up at him through her lashes before turning to glance out the window. "What was the name of that dance? It was an experience in itself. I have never been to something so exciting and also so full of sweat." She laughs, finding herself funny. It isn't true, and she has no reason to believe that it could fairly easily *be* true. Darshini trained rigorously in kalaripayattu until last month, which involved far more sweating than a crowded room of well-dressed, dancing teenagers. "I don't get the impression you are interested in dances," she comments plainly. She's not shy even if her observation is wrong. "What do you do in your spare time?"

Winter Knox

caulerpa, seventh year
paintedred

At the compliment, Winter lets the corner of his mouth quirk up in a very, very slight smile. "I am also glad to have been given the opportunity to get to know you." he says. It is the polite thing to do to return her sentiment, especially since he is being sincere in his words. "The dance was called Morp Hop." he answers her question. The name is characteristically very Hogwarts, which amuses him. "And you're right, I'm not very interested in dances. At the very least, I am not interested in being a third wheel. I'm afraid my friend group is a trio and the other two are a couple who have recently started dating again." He makes a face at that, almost going on to elaborate that he had come to the conclusion that not going at all would be a better option than finding a date he was not completely interested in. "There should be another dance at the end of the year, anyway, and I figure I will attend that one. Seventh years only, so there won't be any fourth years running around." He cringes at the thought of fourteen-year-olds who think they're so cool trying to interact with their upperclassmen. "In my spare time I like to read. My favorite subject is Transfiguration, so I enjoy learning more about that field. I'm on the debate team." he recites these qualities as if he is reading off a list. "And you?"

Darshini of Bhārat

caulerpa, seventh year § princess of india
ateleia

Darshini is less flattered than he is, but finds pleasure in seeing him smile no matter how small of one it might be. When he tells her he is a permanent third wheel, which she doesn't quite understand the meaning of though she has faith in her ability to infer, she frowns and it's once again over-exaggerated. It might not be glaringly obvious, but Darshini once upon a time had to practice expressing her more characteristically 'negative' emotions in the mirror. So, even now that they are genuine and she no longer minds it, they are dramatic and her face never contorts into something she would find unattractive. Her frown is brief, interrupted by the need to respond. "Oh, it was so frightening being around them," she tells him, voice silvery and smooth as she recounts the genuine fear she experienced being around such childish and rambunctious behavior. It's embarrassing admitting to him that she has never been around someone younger than herself, so she doesn't explain it though she believes it would increase his understanding. He doesn't need to understand. "A dance without them would be welcomed," she adds, smiling slightly. "I haven't found much free time for myself. I have been considering joining Mr. Haji's club." He's so intellectually stimulating in the few conversations she has found herself having with him. He is also quite stimulating to the eyes, which she won't complain about. "I had to abandon most of my hobbies upon coming to Hogwarts, so I'm a little lost in terms of what to do with myself." Darshini laughs though it's quite depressing to her. "What is *debate team*? I have never heard of that."

Winter Knox

caulerpa, seventh year
paintedred

When she mentions that she is considering joining Mr. Haji's book club, Winter has to stifle a scoff. His younger sibling had mentioned to him that everyone in their year has been spending more time in the library just so they can admire the new librarian, and Imogen herself admitted to joining just so she can have more opportunities to just look at him. "His book club is very popular, yes." is all he comments instead. Besides, he is too busy being intrigued by the fact that she doesn't seem to know what a debate team is. It begs the question of how much she was allowed to go out or at the very least interact with other people her age, because surely debate is not so uncommon. It makes sense, though, that she would not have been able to participate in debate and other extra-curricular activities given her homeschooling situation, but still. "Debate is one of the clubs at Hogwarts. We compete against other schools in formal debates. There are a few competitions we participate in, but they are still scheduled for the latter part of the school year." he says. He isn't sure if over-explaining will be an offense to her intelligence, but she *did* ask. "Typically, we are assigned a topic and a stance on the topic and then each side needs to argue in favor of their stance and at the same time find holes in their opponent's arguments." he says, "It's quite fun." To him, at least. "But I've been told by others that it could be stressful to some." At least he follows up with a quick disclaimer. "There are many other clubs in Hogwarts aside from debate, so I'm sure you might find something that will interest you, unless you are really having that much difficulty finding free time for yourself. Are you taking many classes, then?" He doesn't see what else could be taking up her time.

Darshini of Bhārat

caulerpa, seventh year § princess of india
ateleia

While listening, her face begins to twist as her brows lower and she stares at him with confusion. It's enough to express an emotion, but not enough to leave any lines running along her otherwise smooth skin. "Far too many classes," she answers him, but her focus is still elsewhere. Her hand waves off the matter before she leans in, hugging the Charms textbook even closer to her chest. "What you are telling me is that you argue with others as a means of... having fun, or as some hobby?" she questions, believing for a moment that he might be insane. One of her seatmates made a comment earlier about how *it's always the quiet ones* and she ponders that for an even longer moment. What sort of red flag is debate team? Is that something she should mention to her dormmates? "How intriguing," she adds, concluding her thought though she remains muddled in her confusion. It's better than coming across as judgmental, which she doesn't want to.

Winter Knox

caulerpa, seventh year
paintedred

"I prefer adjudication. Being the judge of the debate, basically." he says, which is true and he has won far more awards for it. Nevertheless, he is still more than willing to actually debate and he does find joy in it. "I suppose when you put it that way, it sounds unappealing. I find it stimulating. It would be less stressful, I think, if more people knew how to lose graciously." It's *true*. Winter himself is not very competitive and does not see losing as something to be sore about. He is also not the type to take these arguments personally. Winter is exceedingly levelheaded and he supposes that might be why he hasn't really engaged in any 'debate drama' apart from what happened with his ex-girlfriend, which he has come to conclusion was the result of her being unreasonable and well, not knowing how to lose graciously. "It's not too late to drop some electives, I believe, if you feel that the number of classes you're in is becoming overwhelming. Most professors are very understanding about the risk of burn out." He knows a couple of people who dropped classes as late as November, but hopefully it will not reach that point. He is mostly concerned that she will be so caught up in her classes that the experience of going to Hogwarts will not differ so much from her experience being homeschooled. She did not ask for his opinion, so he does not share it, but he feels that if he were in her position he would focus less on academics and more on his social life. And that's coming from *him*. "I'm sure you'll be fine, though." he finishes, "What other classes are you taking again? History, Defense..." he trails off, waiting for her to continue.

Darshini of Bhārat

caulerpa, seventh year § princess of india
ateleia

Darshini is not particularly convinced that debate could be anything short of stressful, but perhaps she just doesn't know how to lose graciously. Losing has never been an option for her. To the Rajmata, losing was one of the worst things that she could do. Considering how dangerous some of her hobbies at home are, she supposes that losing would therefore have to be off the table. Still Darshini nods in acknowledgement, not wanting to pester him any further since he seems done explaining it to her. She will still have to mention this to the women she rooms with. "Alchemy, Magical Theory, Transfiguration, and Wizarding Law are non-negotiable. Th- My mother would not approve of me dropping them, and there is no point arguing with her while trying to win her favor on other issues." Such as Witchagram. At this point, she would rather the burnout, which she doubts that she will have, over not being able to have something that appears to be so integral to teenage life. "I would prefer to remain in Ancient Studies and Dark Arts too, but I must admit that the Ancient Studies course is inferior to my studies at home." Darshini pauses and sighs though there is no noticeable change in her demeanor to infer that she has relaxed. "I should drop it, but Pintinger's favor could be useful to me when applying to law programs."

Winter Knox

caulerpa, seventh year
paintedred

"It's difficult to obtain Pintinger's favor unless the person seeking it is a Ravenclaw." he tells her. The many times Pintinger has dropped in on debate practice to criticize everyone but Imogen immediately come to mind. "It might be best to drop it, then, especially if you find it underwhelming." he says, "He is a fair teacher anyway and will do you justice when you are applying to programs after graduation." That, and she's a princess. It would be rude to mention it, but surely no program head in their right mind would reject her. She is probably aware of her own privilege anyway. "When given the opportunity to in Alchemy – Krishna always lets you pick your partners – you should pair up with Kitt. Kaeomani." He struggles a bit pronouncing the last name, but Kitt has spent much time just practicing it with him in the dormitory, so Winter manages in the end. "He's new too, and alchemy is apparently his best subject." Which is a bit mindblowing to Winter, considering how Kitt excels in all the classes they share. He doesn't even see Kitt studying in their dormitory. Crazy. "You would like him, I think." he says, before continuing. "You and I have Transfiguration together too." he mentions. Darshini is calming and enjoyable so far, which is what prompts him to offer, "If you like, we could study together sometime." He really just means hanging out more in general, but at the moment this seems the most reasonable thing to offer.

Darshini of Bhārat

caulerpa, seventh year § princess of india
ateleia

Darshini frowns, questioning if she should have aimed for Ravenclaw in that case. The Sorting Hat didn't seem to sway one way or another before she remembered that Uditi wanted her to be in Gryffindor and she begged for Slytherin, her first taste of *rebellion*. The thought tempts a small smile out of her. "Shame," she says, not acknowledging the Pintinger issue further. After all, her interest is piqued by the mention of Kitt Kaeomani and then their continued studying together. Her face illuminates with excitement and she absentmindedly sends her Charms textbook back into her bag. It frees her hands, which clap together. "Kitt! He's such a cutie." Darshini doesn't mean this to imply any romantic interest in the boy. Even though he is quite cute (at least from afar), she simply would *never* attempt to ever start a serious relationship while at Hogwarts or... anywhere, really. "I will do just that. Thank you," she answers with a small nod. "We should study together. I trust that we would be able to remain on task quite easily." It's a compliment. Darshini smiles before glancing down at her watch. "Winter, we should get going to our next classes."

Winter Knox

caulerpa, seventh year
paintedred

Winter nods, pleased that she is open to the idea of both befriending Kitt (it would surely thrill him to be friends with a *princess*, Knox is sure) and also to the idea of the two of them studying together. It makes him even more glad that she notes that they would be able to remain on task quite easily and that she doesn't seem to mean anything unkind by her comment. He would genuinely want to study, after all, and perhaps if he becomes interested in doing more recreational activities together he can suggest that in the future. "I trust that we will be able to do so well." he agrees, sounding quite content. He walks to the entrance of the pendulum room before stopping at the doorway for her to go first. "After you."