We All Scream For Ice Cream (Lusie)

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Ashley needed ice cream. Sure, if she had to tell anyone why she was roaming the dungeons with no apparent plan or destination in mind, she was unlikely to admit her true motives, but she was looking for the kitchens. She heard people talking about how it was in the dungeons somewhere, behind a painting of fruit, but where in the heck was that painting? Granted, she had no idea how to get past the fruit once she found it, but that was something she could figure out when she knew where the place was. 

The thing was, Ashley loved ice cream. Any and all flavors. Back in Ilvermorny she would sneak to the kitchens all the time to have some of her favorite confection. She was positive that the house elves there had a part of the freezer dedicated to her ice cream, she loved it so much. Here at Hogwarts, that wasn't so simple. Sometimes they offered ice cream with dinner, but it wasn't as frequently as Ashley wanted (since she basically wanted it daily). Thus, her mission: find the kitchens. The problem was, she was pretty certain she was just going in circles right now and the frustration started to show on her face. 

When she heard nearby footsteps, Ashley paused, listening carefully and hoping. Maybe this person would know where the kitchens were? "Hello, is anyone there?" she called out, not really loud but not soft either. Hopefully the footsteps weren't echoes of her. That would be annoying.

@lusie

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Lusie wasn’t really one to sneak out of her dorm, she wasn’t really one to get into any trouble. She took after Susan in that way, they were both fairly good and one for the rules, however, she had a bit more Will in her than she liked to admit. If she knew she wasn’t going to get in trouble, she didn’t consider it breaking the rules, exactly. Thus, her evening walk from her dorm to the kitchens wasn’t really out of her capacity. She crawled out from her common room through the wall of barrels and walked through the basements towards the painting of the pear fruit on the wall. On her way, she heard a voice. One that sounded vaguely familiar. She turned the corner to find the blonde girl whom she had met in Diagon Alley over the summer. “Hi. Ashley right? We met over the summer holiday.” she asked sweetly. “Are you lost?”

@ashley

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Ashley turned, smiling when she heard the familiar voice behind her. It was that girl she ran into during summer break. She thought for a moment, her smile remembering when she remembered her name. "Yeah, I'm Ashley. You're Lusie, right?" Ash was fairly certain she remembered the girl's name correctly but she wanted to be sure. She grimaced at the second question. "Kind of. I'm not lost in the way that I don't know where I am ... I just don't know how to get where I want to go," she admitted, her tone more annoyed than anything else. "Do you happen to know where the kitchens are?" she asked the younger girl, her tone extremely hopeful. Maybe she would be able to get some ice cream tonight.

@lusie

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Lusie smiled when the girl confirmed her own name and asked hers. She remembered it. Lusie wouldn't have been surprised if she hadn’t, but it was nice that she had. “Yes, Lusie is correct. Lovely to see you again.” the Hufflepuff greeted in her normal chipper voice. She admitted she wasn’t lost, which Lusie was happy to hear, while she would happily help someone find their way, she didn’t particularly feel like walking too far out of her own way this evening. Lusie was about to ask where the girl wanted to get and offer to point her in the direction when she asked about the kitchens. Lusie smiled. “I’m actually on my way there. You weren’t far off, it’s just past this turn here.” she pointed down the corridor. “Shall we?” she offered to lead the way.

@ashley

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Ashley smiled when Lusie confirmed that she remembered her name correctly. ”You too. I hope the rest of your summer went well?” Ashley asked. She remembered meeting the girl during the summer but honestly hadn’t seen her since. Now that she recognized her, Ashley found herself very curious about the younger girl.

Lusie’s answer was exactly what Ashley wanted to hear! She said that they weren’t far away and Ashley found herself beaming. ”You were already headed there? That’s perfect!” Now Ashley didn’t have to feel guilty for pulling the other girl from whatever she was doing because they were both going the same direction. She nodded as the girl asked if she was ready to lea”Yes, let’s get going.” The two walked down the hall in silence for a moment before Ashley asked. ”So do you go to the kitchen there? Is there anything you recommend as a good snack?” Yes, Ashley knew she wanted ice cream, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t have something else too.

@lusie

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“Yes my summer was fine.” Lusie said with a shrug. She hadn’t done much. Most of her summer was spent in the castle with her siblings and her mother, but that didn’t really need to be said. She wondered if the girl had found out who she was or about her family. It didn’t really seem like it, which Lusie was fine with.

The two girls headed down the corridor towards the painting of the pear fruit. “Yeah I go there almost every night, well, maybe not ever night, a few times a week though.” Lusie admitted. “I normally just get tea and biscuits, but, i’m sure whatever you ask for, the house elves would be able to make.” she insisted with a smile. When they came onto the painting, Lusie demonstrated how to tickle the fruit to open the door and the girls were able to step in. The kitchens weer dimly lit by a well kept fire in the corner and were very cozy. House elves came to greet them as they stepped inside.

@ashley

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Ashley smiled, unsurprised when the other girl said that her summer was fine. It wasn't a very confident statement, but she wasn't going to get after her or anything. It was just interesting that the bubbly girl she met in Diagon Alley was now so quiet and reserved. Especially considering who she was ... of course Ashley learned about Lusie's true identity once she learned who her brother was. Edmund Winsor, Slytherin Quidditch captain. He was royalty, which meant that Lusie was too, but Ashley wasn't going to say anything about that yet. She didn't want to make the girl uncomfortable.

Lusie led the way down teh corridor and Ashley glanced at the younger girl as she spoke, explaining how often she went down to the kitchens. "Do they have ice cream?" Ashley asked, unable to keep the hopeful tone out of her voice. She missed her precious ice cream. Loved the stuff so dearly that she really couldn't resist asking. She watched with interest as they stopped in front of a painting of a bowl of fruit and the Hufflepuff tickled the pear. Ashley's surprise turned to a grin when she saw what happened. She entered the kitchen, looking around herself as she did so. It was definitely big and quite impressive. 

A bunch of house elves walked up to the pair, asking what they could do for them. "Do you have any ice cream? Any flavor?" Ashley asked, relief and excitement flowing through her when the elves bobbed their heads. "They do!" She squealed as she turned to look at Lusie. "So are you going to have tea and biscuits?" she asked curiously. Honestly, she didn't understand why everyone didn't love ice cream as much as she did, but Ashley was still a bit curious.

@lusie

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“Oh I’m sure they have Ice Cream.” Lusie insisted as they came closer to the kitchen. Once they entered, and Ashley asked if they did have ice cream, of course they did and the house elves were eager to help her. Lusie loved house elves, she thought that they were the coolest. Not that she minded doing housework for herself, and obviously the castle she lived in at home didn’t have house elves, but, they did have servants, and those were cool too. However, the little creatures were always so happy and eager to assist… it was nice.

Ashley asked if Lusie was going to get tea and biscuits, which was what she explained that she usually had, and Lusie nodded, asking the house elves for what she wanted, before going over near the fire and sitting at one of the couches while she waited for her snack. “It helps to settle my stomach before bed.” she admitted. Lusie couldn’t understand how people could have a heavy meal, or even dairy, before going to bed. It upset her stomach too much. “So how are you getting on at Hogwarts?” Lusie asked, making small talk while they waited.

@ashley

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Lusie agreed that they probably had ice cream and Ashley nodded with a smile. "Good. I'm really in the mood for some." The thing was, Ashley was always in the mood for ice cream. She normally didn't tell people that, because once she did she was certain that they would realize how strong of a weakness it was for her. She told Eli that last year, and he'd now used it twice against her. Though if she was being honest with herself, the fact that he made ice cream for her was just about the sweetest thing anyone had ever done for her. 

As they entered the kitchens, it was obvious to Ashley that the girl with her loved this place. She was smiling at the house elves and seemed so peaceful here. Ash imagined that this place was probably a haven of sorts for the younger girl and was glad for it. Even in her own school, Lusie seemed so timid and easy to break. It was always a good idea to have a happy place. 

Lusie asked for her tea and biscuits and then Ashley followed her over to the couches near the fire. She sat in one a bit further away from the fire, knowing that if she sat too close her ice cream would melt way too fast. She nodded, "That's an important thing. Being able to sleep is a good thing," Ashley agreed. If she had her way, ice cream would be her food of choice before sleep, mostly because if made her happy and being happy made it easier for her to sleep. 

Ashley nodded at the girl's question. "I think I'm getting along fairly well. The people are all pretty nice and inviting. The classes aren't too hard. I love the grounds here and the castle is beautiful." It wasn't home for her though. Home was Ilvermorny, her meadow where she and Eli studied together all those days last year. Then again, maybe they could find somewhere to study here, now that they were friends again. "How do you feel, having so many new people here this year?" Ashley asked her own question in return. She couldn't help but wonder if the Hogwarts students were annoyed by the fact they had to share their home with others this year.

@lusie

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The two girls made small talk about Ashley wanting ice cream and what Lusie had got and why as they got comfortable by the fire in the sitting part of the room. There were also a few tables around, however, Lusie found it a lot more comfortable to sit by the fire.The kitchens were fairly dimly lit and she liked the bit of extra light and warmth that the fire provided.

Ashley explained that she was faring pretty well being at hogwarts, but Lusie could imagine how much the girl would have to miss her own school. She missed hogwarts while she was home for holidays. Even if she had a castle of her own to go home to. There was something different about a magical castle. Something different about a castle with all of her friends doing fun things without all the pressure of the muggle world and muggle politics. “That’s great to hear.” Lusie admitted, “It’s probably more helpful that you’re friends are all here too… so you’re not here alone.” she added. Ashley’s question caught Lusie a little off guard. She hadn’t really thought about it. “It’s good. It’s nice to meet all of these new people and to learn new things about your culture. It is a little crowded, but we’re all used to it after last year.” she admitted. This being the second year in a row that they had visitors, they were used to it by now.

@ashley

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Ashley nodded when Lusie started talking about it being a good thing that her friends were here. "Yeah, definitely. And it's good that my brother came too." What? Lusie should understand that, since her older brother was also here at the school. "We're pretty close and I'm not quite sure how I'd do without him," she admitted, scrunching his nose a little. "I'm not really looking forward to experiencing that next year, if I'm being totally honest." Joe was her rock. Ashley might not spend most of her free time with her brother, but just knowing that he was there at the school made her feel more relaxed. If she ever needed someone, she knew that he was there for her. Joe would drop anything to help her if she needed it and that knowledge gave Ashley a confidence that she was unsure if she could find another way. She laughed, realizing that she got off topic. "Yeah, I am glad my friends are here too. It's nice to have a little bit of familiarity." 

Ashley listened as Lusie started to explain what she thought about having all these students here. She nodded, laughing as she just now remembered that they had visitors last year as well. "Oh yeah! Was that weird? Were there as many students visiting then as there are now? Did you go to the Tasks?" Ashley had honestly been slightly jealous when she heard the Triwizard Tournament was going on. She wanted to have her school involved, mostly because then maybe she'd have been able to find an excuse to attend, but no such luck. Now, after seeing the attacks that came after the Tournament, she was glad that her school hadn't participated.

@lusie

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Ashley opened up to Lusie a bit, explaining that she was glad that her brother had come with her and that she wasn’t looking forward to the year that she would be in school without her brother. Lusie instantly nodded. “I know exactly what you mean. I’m the youngest of 4 and we’re all a year apart from the other. My older brother graduates this year too and I’m a bit worried about being on my own next year as well.” she explained, hoping that she didn’t sound pathetic, but, if she did, Ashley had just admitted so also, so if anyone would look silly, they both would. It was really nice to have her family around. It was nice to have her older brother looking out for her and protecting her, even if he didn’t have to do so often.

“Was the tournament weird?” Lusie asked to clarify. “Yes a little, I suppose.” she hadn’t really thought about it as having been weird, but she supposed that it was. “It was exciting. I’m glad none of my siblings were in the tournament though, it would have been far too stressful. I went to all of the tasks, it was very exciting. A little scary, maybe, but very exciting, and of course, we’re all proud of Anna Weasley for winning.” she didn’t really want to say anything about the explosions. She hadn’t known many people involved, but it hadn’t been a fun or nice time for anyone of any of the schools. “Did you guys hear about it over in America?” she asked.

@ashley

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Lusie agreed with Ashley. While she wasn't entirely surprised by that, Ashley was glad that the two found something that they had in common. She nodded, "Yeah, I definitely get that. Well, in a way I guess. I have a younger brother who's a fourth year, but we're not really super close with one another. I'm much closer to Joe." She grimaced a little at the thought of him leaving, "We've almost always been together, except for the one year when he went to school and I was stuck at home." Ashley had been very bitter about that, throwing tantrums and begging her parents to let her go, simply not understanding the fact that they couldn't let her go until next year. All she knew was that Joe was gone and she wanted him back. It was definitely a good thing they were only one year apart from one another. "Are you close with your other siblings, or just the one a year older than you?" Ashley asked curiously, wanting to get to know the other girl a bit more.

Ashley laughed when Lusie clarified if she was asking if the tournament was weird. "No, I meant, was it weird last year for you to have visitors all over your school?" Still, she listened as the other girl explained what she thought about having the tournament at her school. She nodded, "I wished I could have come to see some of the tasks," Ashley admitted, "but since we weren't participating in it, our school wouldn't give us leave to come over." She grimaced, obviously still a little bitter about that. She nodded at Lusie's next question! "Yes! I mean, if you wanted to you could read about it in the paper and find out a bit about it. I know some didn't care, but I thought it sounded really cool. I read all the articles about the Triwizard Tournament." She liked the creativity that the tournament inspired among the participants. It was fascinating to her. 

@lusie

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When asked if Lusie was close with all of her siblings, or just with Edmund, she nodded. “I’m close with them all. But Edmund is the closest in age to me so we were together the most often. He’s in your house actually, he’s captain of the Quidditch team this year.” she explained, maybe Ashley knew who he was. She forgot that people might know her brother, she hadn’t gotten used to Ed being popular yet. Not that he wasn’t unpopular before, but now as team captain, people knew who he was. “My other siblings are graduated, obviously. Susan works with creatures and Will… works in muggle affairs.” she said, taking almost a guess at what Will was up to. She believed that he was technically unemployed, but he had to be doing something. “Is it just the three of you or do you have more siblings?” she asked.

Ashley clarified what she was asking and Lusie blushed a bit after having answered the wrong question. “Oh, well I guess it was a little weird at first, but we adjusted to having the visitors well. I think it was weirder this year actually, because last year, the visitors lived in their own quarters, they didn’t share with us.” she explained. While it was cool having the guests last year, she hadn’t noticed them much unless they were out in their free time. Everyone took classes separately and only mingled if they wanted to. This year it was impossible no to mingle. Ashley explained that their papers covered the tournament so the students were able to keep up and Lusie nodded. The house elves brought over what they asked for and Lusie sipped her tea as she listened to the blonde talk. “That’s so cool.” Lusie said when Ashley was done talking. “It was really interesting to watch and to see how everyone tackled the challenges.” she agreed.

@ashley

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Ashley smiled when Lusie explained that she was close with all of her siblings, but that Edmund was closest to her. "That's cool." She nodded when Lusie said her brother was a Slytherin and captain of the Quidditch team. "Oh! That means he works with my older brother!" Ashley answered with a smile. She knew who Edmund was and that they were siblings, but she didn't want to embarrass Lusie by saying that outright. She could let the girl explain things. She nodded as Lusie explained a bit more about her older siblings, about Susan and Will and Ashley listened carefully. Then she shook her head, "No, I have one older brother who already graduated. I don't get to see him much, but he works in the MACUSA," she added

Lusie started to explain a few of the differences between last year and this year and Ashley's eyes widened. "They lived in their own quarters? How did they do that?" That wasn't something she read about while keeping up on the information about the Triwizard Tournament. Then she smiled, "But you don't mind us being here, do you?" It might be a bit of a pressure-filled comment, but Ashley honestly didn't mean it that way. She sighed wistfully, "I still wish I could have come over, seen at least one of them." 

@lusie