Study Escapes (Fiona)

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The year was nearing a close - with just a few more weeks before break, and OWLs on every Fifth years mind - Raina had decided to take a little free time, collecting her Guitar and heading down to the pond in hopes of finding a spot outdoors to play for a bit. There was a light spring in her step as she made her way towards her destination - her face lighting up as she saw there were very few people out there at this time - then again, between exams - OWLs and the older students NEWTs - it wasn't honestly that much of a surprise after all. The library was likely packed to the brim once again with last minute studying and students revising frantically. Outside was seeming like more of a great idea the more she thought about it. 

With a gentle sigh she settles herself down, carefully moving her guitar with her - a fond smile crossing her lips as she traces the instrument, she loved this thing more than anything else she owned - it was her pride and joy. One thing she always brought to school with her each and every year without fail. As Raina got herself comfortable she took a deep breath, closing her eyes as she adjusted her instrument, gentle fingers running over the strings as she lets the familiar smells - the fresh air calm all the worries and thoughts - all of her stress drifting away as she slowly begins to play. She wasn't the greatest with words - but she had been working on writing some music. A little practicing would always help though and what better time than now to play something she had been working on? 

Raina's hand paused, resting against the strings as she heard footsteps nearby, her head tilting slightly as she looked behind her only to suddenly grin happily as she spotted a familiar face, "Fiona!" the young Krum girl let a small laugh escape, nodding beside her - a gesture for the other girl to join her, "What brings one of my best-friends out here? Did you follow the music?" Her eyes lit up as she spoke, clearly happy to see one of her friends. With everyone so busy it felt as if she rarely got to see her friends lately.

@fiona

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Fiona had been on a walk to clear her head. She loved the fresh air and found that it did wonders for the brain, especially when there was something that felt like it was weighing you down. She was mostly just stressed over her OWLs, though she hadn't really been stressed up until this point. She knew she was prepared and she knew that she had natural talent in the subjects that she absolutely needed to get Outstanding marks on. But the rest of them were starting to weight on the small Hufflepuff girl. Fiona wasn't very large, nor strong, she was convinced that too much weighted stress would crush her and she didn't want to see what that meant. 

On her walk, she began to hear music and was pretty sure she recognized the play style. She followed the gentle strumming until she saw the girl in the distance. Raina was sitting by the pond, with her lovely guitar playing softly. Fiona turned in her tracks and walked over to the girl, someone she considered one of her best friends, someone who cared about her just always seemed to understand. "Yeah, I heard you playing." she admitted with a smile. Fiona sat down at the girls gesture to do so. "How are you? Why are you out here alone? I don't want to interrupt if you're working on something." the sweet Hufflepuff insisted. 

@raina

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Being outside was like - a wonderful escape, it wasn't that Raina hated being inside - far from it. But being outside was refreshing - no matter the weather, hot or cold - there was always something beautiful outside to see and it was... inspiring really. Not to mention relaxing, after being so focused on her studies - it felt like a relief to get outside and relax. Adding in her bringing her guitar outside - it made for one very happy and relaxed girl, all of her stresses and worries were forgotten - at least for the moment as she closed her eyes - allowing the sun to shine down on her as her fingers played without her even needing to think of what notes to play.

She was in her element, at least for the moment she was - right there, escaping from the world around her. And then - she had some company. Her face lit up, seeing Fiona approaching was a welcome sight for her eyes, she'd never say no to the company of one of her best friends. With a small laugh and a cheerful smile she waved her hand - offering for the other girl to join her. "I'm alright - been stressed so I thought some outdoors time would be a good idea - I already feel tons better." Quickly Raina shook her head, still smiling happily, "You're not interrupting - and even if you were, its a welcome interruption. Special VIP best friend benefits." She straightened up, patting the bench beside her, "Come sit with me, I only came out by myself cause everyone else had their noses in books or other study materials - what brings you out here?"

@fiona

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Raina insisted that Fiona wasn’t interrupting and had every right to sit with her friend. Oh good! Fiona hated imposing herself onto other people who were just being kind and didn’t actually want to be imposed upon by an awkward Hufflepuff girl. It was why she rarely talked to strangers and avoided doing so as much as possible. She was awkward, she was anxious and she was really bad at small talk and at keeping conversations going with people who she didn’t know. Sometimes she was even bad at keeping conversations going with people that she knew well. She sat down when her friend patted the bench beside her. She explained that she was out here on her own because everyone else was studying and then she asked what Fiona was doing out here. “Just taking a small break from studying.” she laughed. “I just wanted to clear my head and get some air.” she insisted. "What were you playing?" she asked. 

@raina

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Raina loved any kind of time she got to spend with well - any of her friends, while of course she was polite even when it wasn't a friend, when it was one of her friends - it wasn't hard to tell she was happy to see them. Her friends were special - in Raina's mind at least, they were utterly essential and important in her life - just as much as her family but in a special - different way. It was something she may need to make sure her friends knew properly if Fiona's worry was something she was truly seeing. Perhaps Fiona needed a gentle reminder that Raina was utterly fine with her friends company. She adored the other Hufflepuff girl, she found Fiona simply adorable and her company was certainly most welcome on this day.

She smiled happily when the other girl laughed, "That makes sense - too much studying can't honestly be good for someones mind, not that I don't like the Ravenclaws but - some of them study way too much." she gives her head a gentle shake before blinking and biting at her lip lightly at the question, "It was just something I've been working on - my own little song I guess, its not anywhere near finished and I still have no lyrics or anything for it." Raina pauses before glancing at Fiona again, "Did you like it?"

@fiona

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Fiona wasn't surprised when the girl sitting next to her on the bench said that she thought some Ravenclaws studied too much. From what she knew of her friend for as long as they had known each other, which was quite a few years now, Raina wasn't much of a studyer. Which was fine. Some people were naturally good at school and testing and didn't need to study or work hard at it. Fiona, for the most part, was good at school, but she enjoyed studying and she enjoyed reading. The Hufflepuff also recognized that school wasn't everything to everyone and people, particularly those with interests outside of the world of academics, weren't particularly bothered by getting good grades and coming first in their class. And that was fine for individuals, but not something Fiona could accept in herself. "I get that." Fiona nodded, she didn't study all the time so much as just read all of the time. Fiona was a sucker for a good fiction novel. "Yeah, I did like it. It was really nice." the Hufflepuff told her friend with a nod of her head as she spoke. "Is it anything in particular? Like is it for anyone?" she asked. 

@raina

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Raina did get good grades - for the most part, potions was the thing she struggled with the most. But studying often frustrated the usually sweet girl, she loved reading - but reading the same thing over and over to make sure it stuck in her mind - and not even know if that information was something she would actually need to know...  it was rather boring and very frustrating in her mind. She still tried to study, even though she did well enough without dealing with the whole studying part of things but sometimes she had to do it even if it often led to her being a little more sulky after a study session. She learned better by experience than she did by reading things in a book. She gave a small smile as Fiona spoke, fidgeting slightly as she gently kicked her shoe against the ground, her eyes lighting up at the light praise.

"Did you really like it?" She couldn't help but confirm that her friend liked it, so far Fiona was the first one to even hear that song - even if it was a work in progress. At her question she paused - a little longer than intended before shaking her head, "Not.. Not really, its just.. mostly trying to get some feelings out of me and process I guess.. this year has been full of a lot of feelings and thoughts I suppose." she gave a small smile, "What about you? I mean... how do you handle it when you have a lot on your mind and stuff?"

@fiona

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Fiona’s favorite subjects, potions and Herbology, were perfect subjects leading up to her future career in the magical medical field. It was actually because she was so good with those lessons that she decided to take on the career choice. Her father, who was a muggle, worked for a muggle hospital in London and she kind of liked that she was, in a way, following in his footsteps, so that had been a plus. Her head of house was pleased with her choice and was proud of her for deciding to take on such a challenging and distressing career. Fiona wasn’t sure what Raina wanted to do, maybe it was something involving music? She wasn’t entirely sure if the girl had picked a career yet. They didn’t necessarily have to narrow down their choices until after their OWL examinations at the end of this year. “Yes really. I wouldn’t say that I liked it if I didn’t.” that wasn’t true, but Fiona thought that it was. She would absolutely tell a little fib to make her friend happy, but this really wasn’t one of those times. The girl explained that it was just what she did to get her mind off of something, “Well what’s on your mind?” the Hufflepuff asked. When the topic was turned around on her, Fiona shrugged, “Read I guess.” she was sure that her roommate was well aware of the stacks and stacks of books under her bed in their dorm. Most of them were books she had already read this year. 

@raina

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Raina was still a little lost, not knowing what she even wanted to do in the future. Her heart wanted her to follow her music - it was a passion and something she loved. But she knew it wouldn't be easy - it'd be a long road and she also knew her mother would likely want her to do something more... practical. But what else could she do? She had been thinking about it a lot. As OWL's came closer and practically everyone was talking about what they were going to do, or what their plans at least were for a future career - it had been stressing Raina out more and more lately. Music had been a comfort, whenever she was stressed or upset - she could distract herself and fall into music once again. It was a constant and an escape, but mostly it was a wonderful comfort for her stressed out mind and body. 

Her face lit up as Fiona spoke, feeling happy that someone liked it and actually meant what they had said. She had a few people who would lie to her, something she really didn't like - she'd much prefer if someone told her the truth - even if it may have hurt. "Thanks Fiona.. that means a lot." she smiles and plays with the strap on her guitar. Thinking over things for a moment, "A lot of things mostly - OWL's of course... and I have no idea what career or anything I wanna do.. everyone else seems to have huge plans and their minds made up.." her voice wavered slightly as her smile drifted - her lips setting into a small frown as she spoke, "I have no idea.. I love music but.. I don't know if that should be a career I mean.. What else could I be good at anyways?" she shook her head quickly, peering at Fiona again, "I love reading too - and I have seen those books of yours - I was gonna ask if I could borrow a couple sometime actually." Raina gave a small giggle, shaking her head at her friend - she had more than once tripped over a few books that had slid from under the bed.

@fiona

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Fiona could understand her friends confusion regarding whether or not to see music as a possible career choice. It was a hard industry to break into. Fiona was one of those people who had her whole life already planned out. She knew what she wanted to be. She knew where she wanted to work and she knew what classes she had to take and what tests she had to pass to get herself there. She hadn’t always known, though. It was a somewhat recent decision to become a healer. And the anxious, often times emotional, Hufflepuff still wasn’t completely sure of her decision, she wasn’t sure if she would ever be completely sure of her choice, but something just felt right. Maybe it was the fact that she was following in her father's footsteps. “Have you tried to talk to anyone about it? Maybe someone who is already a musician? Or the counselor maybe? I’m sure someone could give you advice or help you figure out what your best options are.” she suggested. “And if it makes any difference - I think you’re good enough. I’d totally listen to your music!” she admitted, meaning every word and giving her friend a friendly smile.

The girl laughed when her friend brought up her book collection and admitted to wanting to borrow them. “Anytime, just don’t tear any pages.” she told the other Hufflepuff. Fiona was never shy about sharing her books. She loved to read and never could she have enough to read. She was constantly buying new books whenever she went to Hogsmead, how she would get them all home at the end of the year she wasn’t sure. She only started the year with a dozen or so books and would end with easily over 100, and that included the ones she brought home over the winter holidays to store there. She had a bit of a book buying problem.

@raina

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As much as she loved music, of creating something beautiful through music - she was scared and she knew there would be many people trying to talk her away from going after it as a career choice. Unlike many other careers as well, there wasn't a set up of classes even that could help with preparing for it or a way to easily become a musician like there was to become an Auror or a Healer. Through most of it, it was luck and talent - "I don't really know many people who I could talk to..." she gave a quick shrug, looking back at her friend, "I know most people - friends and family, who I can talk to even - most will try to talk me into something more logical - that I can actually achieve a career at. I love music but I do know it won't be easy." She smiled and reached out, quickly hugging Fiona when she spoke again, "That means a lot - at least I know I will have one fan." she giggles and smiles a little brigher.

"Hey! You know I'd be careful - I'd never intentionally ruin something I borrow." her eyes were happier, and she nodded eagerly - she'd treasure and care for any books she borrowed, while she wasn't as big of a reader as her friend was - Raina did love to read more than most people knew. "Although - I am a little curious about how you will get your little library home when school ends this year - I'm pretty sure you have more books than you do clothes." There was a playful tease to her words.

@fiona

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Fiona understood her friends hesitancy in talking about her desires with the people close to her in her life. It was hard to get that kind of rejection, especially from the people who were supposed to believe in you and have your side no matter what. Parents who were supposed to raise you up, not try to check your dreams, and friends who were just looking out for your best interest. Fiona didn’t try anything like that. She was always supportive, she was supportive because she knew that she’d want and expect that kind of support from her friends as well. Even if Raina didn’t ever make it big with music, Fiona would still be in the front row and every little gig her friend played, she’d still wear the T-shirts and buy the songs. Fiona knew of course, that supporting her future career as a Healer would be a lot different, it was a more private career, and not one during which she could often have visitors, but either way, the support was everything. “Maybe you can talk to someone who has done it? A previous student? Or try the guidance counselor, they probably know…” she shrugged. Not wanting to push anything on Raina, just offering her suggestions.

“Oh I know… I was teasing.” Fiona said, not really being surprised that her friend hadn’t exactly caught her joke. Fiona wasn’t the funniest person, she had her moments, but for the most part, she was easy to misinterpret. “Well I took a lot home over the Winter Holidays, and I’ll have a lot of room in my trunk… but the rest I guess I’ll try to send home via owl post. I’d have to commission a lot of owls.” she laughed. She was sure she could get quite a few in her trunk and most of the rest she could likely fit in her backpack or maybe she could purchase an additional duffel bag in Hogsmead.

@raina

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As bubbly and open as Raina was, she had a gentle heart - and that heart could easily be hurt by things such as rejection and critisism. They were two things she was kind of afraid of, particularly when it came to those who were close to her, she knew they cared obviously - but sometimes it was those people who could cause the most pain - the most harm to you. But here Fiona was encouraging her and supporting her - and it did help, particularly what she said next - it at least gave her more to think on and perhaps the idea of talking to someone who has already been through it. "Thats... thats a smart idea. I might try and ask about that, maybe someone can help me find someone I can talk to about it. I at least would want to ask .. if I can't go after that at least I can say I tried and.. its not like I don't plan to keep music in my life." She gave a small laugh, shaking her head slightly - music was apart of who she was now, that wasn't going to change no matter what career she ended up in.


"Oh - oh right..." Raina blushed and shrugged her shoulders - feeling a little silly, she should have known it was a joke. "Well - if you need help, I could pack a few with my stuff - I can send them to you over the Summer, it'd be a bit easier than commissioning so many owls all at once - plus I dont have a ton of stuff to take home with me in my trunk so I have the space.. and as a bonus even, its a extra reason to keep in touch over the break," Raina giggled, not that she needed a chance - she loved writing and keeping in touch with her friends no matter how long each break was, "Or we could even meet up over the Holiday  - that'd be awesome."

@fiona

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Fiona was glad to hear her friend talk so fondly about music and how even if she wasn’t able to pursue it professionally she would want to keep it in her life. “That’s the spirit.” Fiona smiled. To be honest, she wasn’t sure how practical a career in music was. But then again, there had to be some need for it in society since music continued to come out and people continued to buy it. Fiona didn’t know the statistics or the probability of Raina getting a job in music, but she wasn’t sure that always had to be the point. Fiona loved reading but she didn’t want to get a job reading, or even writing. She was excited to embrace her future career as a healer. Fiona was so thankful to have friends like Raina, especially as she was saying that she’d be willing to help her get her books home if she needed it. “Thanks, I might have to take you up on that.” she admitted. She’d have to pack her trunk and then see how she was for space. Maybe she could buy an extra bag in Hogsmead on their next weekend out. “Of course we can meet up! I wouldn’t dream of spending all holiday without seeing you.” she agreed. Last summer she had spent almost the whole thing inside reading, but this summer she was trying to branch out and not let her anxiety steal so much of her life.

@raina
(I'm trying to end school threads, can we work on ending this? You can in the next post if you want, or if you can't, I can in the post after. )

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Raina gave a small happy sigh, talking about music always made the usually bubbly young Krum even happier - there was such a lightness as she spoke - her eyes lighting up. It felt - good. She gave a wide smile at Fiona's words, silently thanking her and hoping Fiona would get the message. She knew it was a risky career which was why Raina was actually concerned and worried about it, but talking about it - it helped, because it was infact something she loved. The currently - blue haired- usually brunette girl shook her head, grinning back at her friend, "Just let me know - I can pack a few with my things when its time, its no trouble at all!" she happily spoke shifting slightly on her spot to tilt her head at Fiona, "Good! We can totally make it a day then, it'll be fun and I love being able to see you outside of school!" Her eyes lit up as she spoke, already trying to work out some things they might be able to do together, as she was she glanced down at her hands - catching sight of her watch, "Oh - I was supposed to meet up with my sister soon, but - we can talk more in the dorms later - maybe try and see how much space you will have - we can always get an extra bag or two, and I'm happy to take some home with me to give back later." 

@fiona
[Trying to tie it off! Feel free to end it and maybe we can do a small thread over break later ]