Did You Miss Me? (Thalia)

[Deleted]

Brandon was excited. He got to go back to Hogwarts! Granted, he wouldn't really be a student there, so things would definitely be different this time around, but he would be back and that was what mattered. He missed the place. Missed his friends and the quirkiness of the castle and he couldn't squelch his anticipation of returning. The hard part was going to be returning as a rival. He had a bunch of friends there and now he wasn't going to know how to respond to them. They might just be glad to see him, but they also might be annoyed that he was coming back to try and beat them. Oh well, it was what it was.

It was his first night in the Great Hall after his return, and Brandon was looking around for somewhere to sit. He turned his attention to the Hufflepuff table. He was allowed to sit anywhere he wanted, but that was his place. He swallowed nervously and then moved to sit by one of his old friends, hoping beyond hope that she wouldn't mind. "Hey Thalia. How are you?" he asked, a fake smile covering his face. 

@kyles2

[Deleted]

Sometimes the only pay-off for having any faith
Is when it's tested again and again everyday
I'm still comparing your past to my future
It might be your wound but they're my sutures

Thalia was all excited to be back at Hogwarts. One would think that she was a bit of a crazy girl to miss the castle, but truth be told she loved the place more than anything and would love to be able to stay there even during vacation. In her eyes, the castle held a great mystery to itself which always made her the need to unwound it. She gave a farewell to her parents which had the usual set of instructions, stay calm, safe and behave and enjoy. She always follows them except for may be the stay safe part. She cannot be safe considering all the number of times she tries to do things for thrill, and let the world go on with their work.

It was announced earlier that the school would be hosting the Triwizard tournament that year. She was more than happy to get a chance to prove herself. She could show the world that she was more than capable of handling things. At times she hates them for thinking that she would only be good at quidditch considering who her parents were. But what they seemed to forget was that they were quite good at academics too, and so was she. She shook her head off those thoughts and decided to look presentable that day. After all, students from the other schools were going to dine with them. And whether or not she would like to admit it, Thalia cared a good deal about her appearance and thought that first impressions mattered a lot.

Thalia made her way to the Great Hall and waited for any of her friends to come, she knew it was a bit early but she was excited to talk to them about the new students. She was someone who loves to indulge herself in done good gossips. As the dinner was about to start, a familiar voice spoke from beside Thalia. Startled by the sudden presence, she looked up and saw that it was Brandon Fisher. The very guy whom she was friends with, until he decided to disappear. At his question, she smiled though you could see that she was angry at him. Bit nevertheless she spoke up "fancy seeing you here Brandon." As he asked about her, she gave a sigh, her earlier anger melting down, "I've been good. How are you ? It's been soo long " She gestured for him to eat and spoke up " a letter would have been good you know. I was soo worried about you " she in a low voice, hoping to keep the conversation between themselves.

@brandon

MADE BY VEL OF GS

[Deleted]

It wasn't too big of a surprise to Brandon that when Thalia noticed him she looked a little angry. He expected that when he realized he was coming back. He hadn't told everyone of his plans and his need to go and spend some time with his dad. Of course some of them would feel left out and angry at him. He just hoped that it wouldn't last long. He had too many friends here at Hogwarts to want them to be mad at him for any amount of time. Especially now that he was back. Brandon wanted to enjoy the last year of his schooling with his old friends from Hogwarts and the few new friends he had from Durmstrang, which really were few because that group was pretty closed, especially when it came to outsiders like him. Thalia's response was polite, but she was obviously holding back frustration at him. Brandon wondered if he'd need to find somewhere else to sit. Then she started to answer his question about how she was and she seemed to warm up to him a little. 

Brandon took that as an invitation and sat down next to her. "I've been alright. I mean, school is school, but I've missed this place," he looked around the Great Hall, smiling at the ceiling as he did so. Then he looked back to his friend at her next comment, his expression growing more serious as he answered her softly. "I'm sorry. I was being an idiot. Things just got hard for me and I decided I needed a change of scene, to leave entirely, so I went to live with my dad, thinking that would be easier if I didn't have all these connections making me want to come back. So I didn't write you, or anyone else." At the time it made sense to him, but now Brandon didn't know. He felt like an imbecile, refusing to write his friends. "I'm sorry, it was selfish of me." He looked up into her eyes. "Forgive me?" he asked softly. This was going to be the hardest part of returning, getting his old friends to forgive him for leaving and saying nothing. It wasn't going to be easy, but he hoped it wouldn't be impossible.

@kyles2

[Deleted]

Hufflepuff
Kind hearted and loyal

Being angry at someone has never been something Thalia achieved till this date. She just couldn't contain an emotion like that within her. The girl knew that there must be a reason as to why he left, and if there was one she could not be angry on Brandon for that. The reason might be strange or outright crazy, but if he thought that it was worth it then for all it was, Thalia would accept it. She half heatedly wondered if that was why Brandon choose to sit by her, as she was not the type to unfold a drama for all. Good choice, she thought mentally.

As Brandon sat down beside her, Thalia smiled a little. May be he left them all behind for a year, but he was back now and is willing to talk with them, try and make up with them from his words. And he was, Thalia was going to be the first to give him a chance. Friendship was something she deeply cherished and Brandon was one of her best friends. As he spoke, she nodded along and with a hint of a smugness she said "no school can beat Hogwarts, never going to happen". As much as Thalia said she likes being unique, when it came to school she kind of preferred it just as it was. Nothing brings her more happiness than being inside the castle and knowing that she is safe and at home. But then again things which have happened inside these very walls worry her a lot too.

As Brandon spoke to her, answering her previous question Thalia's anger dissipated to nothing. She took his hand in hers and said " it's okay to want to need a change. And I can understand what must have been going through your mind back then, and I'm going to respect that now that I know why". All these days, she was angry and unhappy at him for not sharing any ounce of news. It was pretty annoying to not know where your best friend has gone to all of a sudden. But she was sorted into the house of badgers for nothing. She always stayed loyal to her friends and had a kind heart. And not to forget she missed that guy a lot.

As he mentioned that he was selfish, she gave a smirk and said "you were selfish yeah," and her expression softened a little as she continued "and once in a while, it is okay to want something for yourself". As he looked up at her asking for forgiveness, she nodded and with a smile she said " yes of course I forgive you." And with a playful grin however she added, "but you have to make it up to me. Up for the challenge?"

@brandon

MADE BY VEL OF GS

[Deleted]

Brandon nodded when Thalia mentioned that no school was better than Hogwarts. He glanced around exaggeratedly, pretending like he was concerned that one of his fellow Durmstrang students was nearby. He really didn't care if they were though. "That's because Hogwarts is the best. Don't tell the others I think that though." They probably wouldn't care. Most of them didn't care about what Brandon did anyway, but he still said it.

She took his hand and Brandon smiled back at her. "Thanks for understanding Thalia." Really, it was a relief to have someone who didn't seem angry at him anymore. Having Thalia forgive him meant more to Brandon than he could really express, and he was glad to have her back as a friend. "I am sorry about all the stuff that went on last year without me," he told her. Not that he could have made a difference in what happened, but he was sorry his friends had to go through all that.

He grimaced when she said he'd been selfish, but then she justified him and actually said that she forgave him. Brandon's smile widened into a grin when she said he was going to have to make it up to her. "Absolutely," he replied with a wink. "What do you have in mind?" Really, doing things with Thalia was fun and Brandon was in the mood for it. He was also interested to see what sorts of things she came up with as well.

@kyles2

[Deleted]

In my dark times I'll be going back to the street
Promising everything I do not mean

As Brandon agreed with her words about Hogwarts being the best which mirrored in his words, she gave a chuckle and said "my my, what would your new schoolmates think about you?" She found it rather amusing that he would say such a thing, but then again she was glad that the school didn't change him. She has heard a lot about the school and none of them was good news for her. The most disturbing of all was that it was rumored that they teach the dark arts there. And while Thalia usually does not believe much about it, one cannot say for sure. After all everything is what it seems. And at times like these, she was rather weary of the new students. But Brandon on the other hand was someone she has known for over five years starting from the day they were sorted in the hufflepuff house. She knew that she could trust him

Thalia smiled back at his words. As he mentioned last year, Thalia let out a sigh. To be honest, all Thalia could think last year, let this all be over. It was just too much for her to think of. The attacks on students, minister of magic dead, students killed brutally, and then the worst of all, the kidnapping of not one but 15 students. It was just too much for Thalia to take in. Even now if she is honest, she is afraid that such a situation would arise again. Everyone knew that the war was upon us. Considering that their once fellow student turned out to be a murderer, Thalia had lost it all in the summer holidays. It was not everyday one would know that the person whom you share classes with, and roam around the school is capable of a heinous crime like murder. And while she did not know Elaine nor talked to her, the idea itself tat she roamed in the same castle as her was enough for her to worry. And as Brandon spoke, all those thoughts crashed on her once again. And she simply shook her head and said "That's the thing you see, I wish I could just forget those days. It was terrible, but at least you weren't here.".

As Brandon asked what she had i mind, Thalia grinned and said "on the top of my head, I don't have any idea of what I am going to ask you." And it was true, all she could think right now was that he was back and she was happy for it. "But do remember that you owe me one" she said with a mischievous grin. Oh how Thalia liked to have such tallies and use them in the right times. "And right now we should start eating our food, or it will vanish soon" she said with a smile as she filled up her plate with the food she wanted. "So, what is it like in the Durmstrang?" she asked Brandon casually wanting to know more about his new school.

@brandon

MADE BY VEL OF GS

[Deleted]

Brandon smiled when Thalia started teasing him about what his classmates would think. He didn't really care, though he wasn't planning on telling them his thoughts. "Shh, don't tell them. It's our little secret." He winked at her confidently, sure that she wouldn't go around telling everyone that he liked Hogwarts more. And if she did, who would care? It wasn't like anyone here would be going back to Durmstrang anyway. They were here for the rest of the year and then graduating.

It was obvious to Brandon that Thalia was thinking about last year and how difficult it was and he felt guilty about bringing it up. None of the students liked to talk about what happened and he didn't blame them, but he also couldn't understand. He wasn't here, didn't see it happen so while he could read all he wanted about it, he didn't have an inkling of what the rest of them went through. He moved to wrap an arm around her shoulders. "I'm sorry about all of it. At least things have been a little better this year." And hopefully they would stay that way. He didn't want Hogwart's reputation to get more messed up.

Brandon smiled again when Thalia did, glad that the somber mood had passed, for now at least. He nodded when she said she didn't know what she wanted yet, but that she owed him. He chuckled, "Alright. I'll keep in mind that I owe you," he answered before turning to the food. He followed her example, loading his plate with all the food he missed last year. He shrugged at her question. "Cold, and a bit more tense. Most of the people are pretty closed so making friends isn't the easiest. I don't know, I guess stuff here is just a bit more laid back. The classes are fine though." He paused, not knowing exactly what else to say about the school. It was just different.

@kyles2

[Deleted]

It's not much of a life you're living
It's not just something you take it's given

Thalia gave a good-nature laugh at his words. It definitely felt good to have him back. And while she was a little angry at him in the beginning, now it all dissolved to nothing as she talked to him. I mean, how can a person stay angry if they are enjoying said company. Besides he was just too nice and sweet and she can never stay angry with her friends, unless they wounded her heart or broke it. But he did neither, and she could happily forget that he left school mid-way. She winked back and said "not a word about it, my lips are sealed. And I'm very good at keeping secrets."

As Thalia lost herself in thoughts about the school last year, all the buzzing around her in the hall was pushed back. And then, she felt an arm over her shoulder which successfully brought her into the present world and the voices around her became a little more clearer to her. She turned to look and saw that it was Brandon who at that moment was talking to her. Upon hearing his words, she nodded and said "yes, I really hope so" taking in the comfort of his presence. But a part of Thalia was worried, she had heard about the Triwizard tournament from her parents and it wasn't all smiles and new friendships. And while everyone is doing their level best to maintain the security, she still was worried. Well that wasn't going to stop her from entering into the tournament.

Thalia gave a nod at his words, as she took a bite of her salad and added "you better". As Brandon began to speak, Thalia got the distinct impression that he was not happy with his school as much as he was while at Hogwarts. And while one might say that Hogwarts is cool and fun and great, there was more to it than that . Durmstrang kind of emanates a sense of coldness, what with it's secrecy and not to mention their intimidating dressing sense. Even though she knew what to expect, she was not at all ready for what she saw when the students from the school entered. And truth be told, she was awestruck and stunned. She nodded along as he spoke and in the end she spoke again "so I'm guessing that it is quite contrast to that of here". It was merely an observation she made from the way he spoke and from what little she herself knew.

@brandon

MADE BY VEL OF GS

[Deleted]

He laughed, glad that Thalia wasn't upset with him anymore. "Good. I'm depending on you for that," he teased her easily. "If one of them gets mad at me, I'll know who to blame." Ha! Like Brandon would ever blame his friends for anything.

He nodded, not really knowing what to say. This was the hard part about leaving, having bad things happen, and then coming back. Brandon had a hard time relating with his friends. At least, a hard time connecting with them about the things they went through and he hated that. He squeezed her shoulders a little bit. "We'll watch out for each other. And there's more security around the place so that should help." Hopefully. If not, Brandon intended to do his best to protect his friends. He didn't want anything to happen to any of them.

He started to eat, saluting Thalia when she told him he'd better remember that he owed her. If he didn't he was sure she'd remind him, but things would work out. Talking about his current school wasn't his favorite subject, however, so once he finished explaining a bit about it, Brandon turned to his food. He nodded when she said there was a contrast. "Yeah, a pretty big one. It's not necessarily a bad thing, just different," he explained, hoping that she'd understand. If he had to recommend a school though ... he'd recommend Hogwarts.

@kyles2

[Deleted]

I'll be there for you
Like I've been there before
I'll be there for you
'Cause you're there for me too

Thalia scowled at him playfully and said "yeah blame the innocent girl" and stuck her tongue out. Ahh, how good it is to be at Hogwarts, her home she thought. Her year was going to be better than the previous one, she could feel it. While the tournament was something she is worried about, she knew that there would be enough securities in place. Leave the thinking for later, she thought and concentrated on her food. She looked at him and asked "so, now that you're here again in Britain. Are you going to stick around? After this whole tournament and such? " She had been wondering about it for quite some time in get mind, but didn't know how to say it out loud without sounding like a nagging mom. And in the end she took the risk.

With his arms around her shoulders, Thalia felt better. She didn't know it, not every time someone talks about last year happenings she becomes overly tensed and worried. But with these many people round her, her friends enjoying themselves and with him beside, she didn't feel the terror. While she may be brave and all, but she was a human too and there is only so much one could see and bear. She nodded at his words and said " we will be there for each other, and when she realized what she said, she hastily added, "we will all get through this."

Thalia nodded at his words, and she could tell that he did not like his current school much. And so she decided not to pursue the topic further. And on a lighter note, she asked "did you know that there is going to be a Yule Ball as a part of the tournament? " She knew it from her parents beforehand, about the ball. But she still didn't know how she would survive a ball considering her dating life is practically null.

@brandon

MADE BY VEL OF GS

[Deleted]

He grinned at her scowl. "If they find out, then that'll mean you weren't innocent," he teased back, relaxing in the great hall with his friend. It was so nice to be back in Hogwarts. He'd missed it for sure and he was glad that Thalia was letting him talk with her. He was eating when she asked another question, about him staying in Britain after the tournament. Brandon nodded, "I think so. I mean, once I graduate, I want to start my career in music and I think that'd be easier to start out here. I have a few connections," he mentioned, thinking of Zander. The boy moved to Brazil, but he'd given Brandon some names of people he could go to. "What are you planning on doing?" he asked curiously.

He smiled when Thalia seemed to feel self conscious when she said they would be there for one another. "Of course we will, Thalia," he said, giving her shoulders a squeeze before releasing them. "We'll be there for each other and for all of our friends." Brandon would at least. He definitely had no intention of leaving his friends behind now that he'd gotten them all back.

He nodded when she mentioned the Yule Ball, "Yeah, I did. My schoolmates are very excited about the Yule Ball. I think they might be even more excited about that than about the chance to be a Champion. Are you excited?" He asked softly.

@kyles2

[Deleted]

Wish you're my love

Thalia rolled her eyes at him and said "yeah, whatever" though you could see a hint of smile tugging on her lips. Twirling her hair, she looked around and smiled at the familiarity of the place. Ever since she was a kid she dreamed about this place. She remembered it just like yesterday when she entered in to this very hall as a first year, and was sorted into her house. And now she was in her last year eating her dinner with just as much liking as before. And that was when she felt it. She was going to be here for only one more year. She didn't know how to feel about that part. She however returned her attention again to Brandon and listened on as he spoke. As Brandon mentioned that he would be staying here, Thalia felt a little more happier than before. She then spoke "so still into music then. I'm glad". She remembered from past when the two had a great time discussing music with each other. She wondered if the two can get back to that routine. As he asked about her, she said " I'm quite unsure to be honest. I have an interest in writing and music as you know. I'm not going to minister that place would bore the hell out of me. And I'm thinking of healer-in-training as an option too."

Thalia looked up at him with a smile at his words. It felt good to hear his words. May be they can get through this together, she smiled at the thought of togetherness. All her life Thalia had learned to be independent but there were times when she too wanted some one to reassure her that everything will be alright. "We will be Brandon, we will" she said with a happy smile. It definitely was good to have him back. Or was it something else that's making her this happy. Whatever it was, Thalia did not want it to go away.

Thalia was rather surprised to hear that the Durmstrang students were excited about a ball. At his words, she chuckled and said "that on the other hand is quite amusing. May be they are just eager to show-off" she suggested. It was a possibility she knew of. Asking a girl out and taking her out would be the most difficult task after all. As he asked her, Thalia looked up at him and spoke "excited, hmmm I am. But a little bit worried, if that makes any sense." Thalia had no boyfriends which was a wide known fact among her peers. While some find that surprising, some find out amusing that she doesn't have one. But Thalia had never felt any bad about it till this day. A Ball.. She knew that everyone would look out for who came with whom and who didn't make it to the ball. And considering her odds, she was not sure if she would have a date. If she didn't then, she could not go. And she would be on the list. But a part of her didn't want to miss it. Her mother has told her all about it, which made her more excited about going to a ball. But she had to make sure that she did it properly and got herself a date even if it means that she has to be the one to ask a guy out. Thalia Wood would get what she wants no matter how she does it.

@brandon

MADE BY VEL OF GS

[Deleted]

Thalia seemed happy now, despite her teasing, and Brandon was glad for that fact. He always hated it when the people he cared about were upset, for one reason or another, so seeing his good friend happy was a relief for him. He nodded when she said she was glad he was still into music, “Me too,” he teased. His interest in music would be no surprise to anyone who knew him, even just a little bit. He was almost always talking about it. He nodded slowly as she started talking about the choices she was thinking on. “I think you would do good at all of those things, Thalia,” he told her honestly after a few moments to think it over. “What do you like most about each of those options?” He knew he’d only been gone for a year, but a part of Brandon felt like he needed to work harder now to know the people that he used to know so well. What changed with them?

Brandon shrugged when Thalia started speculating about why the Durmstrang students were excited for the ball. In all honesty, he didn’t know. “Maybe … or maybe the chance to meet so many people in a foreign land?” he suggested softly. Either way, he was excited about the Yule Ball too. It should be fun to have a party and while Brandon wasn’t sure if he was going to ask someone (probably not), he was excited about it. “Why are you worried?” Brandon asked curiously, a little clueless about why Thalia could be worried about a ball. Shouldn’t it just be fun?

@kyles2

[Deleted]

Feeling used,
But I'm still missing you,
And I can't, see the end of this

Thalia was glad that they were both over that awkward stage. She would like to have as many friends as she can by her side, though she may not admit it. As they talked about their futures, she gave a smile towards him and asked "so any new compositions lately? We have a lot to catch up on after all"she said, her eyes alight with excitement. And then she added "we definitely need to sit together one day, you know like old times"she said slowly, a smile on her face. She could remember all those days when they would sit together and sing. Sometimes she would sing a few lines she herself wrote. Those were good times, she thought as she looked at him. May be a part of her could go back to some routine before all these attacks and chaos.

As he expressed his opinions on her choice of future work, she gave a genuine smile. It was the first time someone actually got what she was talking of. Everyone kind of thought that she would be into quidditch, but why couldn't they understand the small concept that she was different from her parents. While she may share their interest in quidditch, she most definitely did not want to go in their path. And when she mentions her options, even her parents had their doubts about it. She just did not know at times whether she was doing the correct thing or not. As Brandon asked which one she liked, Thalia's brows furrowed a little as she thought for a second. "Honestly, I don't know Brandon. Each one is something I like.And if I really want to drop anything, then it would be healer-in-training" she said with a shrug. She knew that her decision of dropping would surprise anyone. Usually people would keep the healer job, but Thalia would drop it for not one but two main reasons. One being, she was not sure that her heart or mind would be able to see through the suffering and pain a person goes through when they come to the hospital. And secondly, if it were to choose between writing and singing she knew that she would choose her liking over anything else. Thalia knew that money was not a problem, all thanks to her parents. And so if she ever wants to work, then it would be for the love and passion of doing it not because it was expected of her.

Thalia looked at Brandon as he spoke. She hummed as she nodded her head, "yeah, it might be"she said slowly. As he asked why she was worried, Thalia did not know how to answer that. How can she, the girl who fears nothing is afraid of a simple dance ball. And how can she say that out loud without creating awkwardness around. But it was Brandon she was talking to, and sighed. She cannot hide the truth from her friends, never and nor was she the type to sugarcoat things. "I am worried that I will be alone even on that day"she said in a small voice not looking at him as she continued "while every one is going to walk in the arms of their partners, I don't know how I would be.The not knowing kills me like always. I know that there is a long time, but still"she said as she played with the broccoli on her plate never daring to look up at him. She did not know what she would see in his eyes. What would he think, that she was a silly girl with such thoughts, or she was being overly dramatic.

@brandon

MADE BY VEL OF GS

[Deleted]

Brandon smiled when Thalia started asking if he had any new compositions and that they needed to catch up. "A few," he admitted, trying to sound humble. After all, he didn't want to come off as one of those cocky musicians. "I'd love to show them to you ... just like old times. We can do other songs as well, of course." That was one thing he and Thalia always got along well with. Their mutual enjoyment of music made their friendship so fluid and he really enjoyed that.

Thalia was deep in thought, really considering his question and Brandon listened closely. He nodded when she finally said that she didn't know, but that if she had to drop something, it would be healer-in-training. That made sense. He knew how much Thalia loved writing and music and he was going to follow his passion, so it made sense for her to do the same thing as well. "I think the important thing is to make sure you're doing something that you feel strongly about and something that you can enjoy every day." That didn't mean that every day would be perfect, but if you chose to do something you hated, life would become hard.

He smiled when she considered his reasoning, but didn't say anything in response. How should he know why other people were excited for the Yule Ball. Then he could tell that Thalia was nervous and waited for her to say something. She was normally very forthcoming, so he decided to give her the chance to do that today. His eyebrows furrowed as she expressed her concerns. "No, Thalia," he reached over and touched her arm. "Even if you don't get asked to the ball, you won't be alone. I'll dance with you for sure." A part of him was tempted to ask her then and there to go with him, but he also didn't want to take away her opportunity. What if she started liking someone and that person wanted to ask her to the dance? No, Brandon wouldn't take that chance away from his dear friend. He shook his head, "I'm sure you'll get asked though. You're amazing and sweet and pretty. If you don't get asked, it'll be because guys are idiots, not because of you."

@kyles2