Pause to Play [HARPER]

[Belaya Drocellmeyer]

Belaya had no idea why she was in Diagon Alley. No clue at all. She only had a few Sickles, given to her by Chase and Brent, and didn't really want to spend them on anything. When you grow up pretty much all alone you usually gain a habit of hoarding and saving things. Money was something the teen didn't have very often so she had only spent the few coins on some ice cream for her and Glamoura, her pure white wolfdog.

"Well... This is... really peaceful." Belaya murmured to her companion, her voice tired yet peaceful. She was sitting in a small, not crowded corner which had the perfect amount of sun, eating her ice cream. She was wearing her Muggle clothes, a simple white shirt and torn blue jeans. "Are you enjoying your treat Glamoura? It's been awhile since we just... relaxed like this."

[Harper Lewis]

Harper walked down the alley not really knowing what she wanted or why she was there. All she knew was she wanted to get out of her house for a while. She had thought that a nice walk down the alley would be a nice part of the day.

She decided on ice cream. She absolutely loves ice cream and the more she thought about it the more he really wanted it. She went in, got her ice cream (double dip of chocolate chip cookie dough) and tried to find a place to sit.

That's when Harper saw her. There, sitting in a corner, was a very cute girl. Harper knew that she had never seen this girl before, she would have remembered if she had. She looked like the girl was about her age, something which confused her on why she had never seen her.

Harper knew she wanted to get to know this girl so she walked over to her, hoping that the girl would let her join her. "Hi. I was wondering if I could join you."

[Belaya Drocellmeyer]

Belaya blinked a few times, her calm blue eyes focusing on Harper, before replying. "Oh, hi Harper. I'm sure we don't mind so go ahead and join us." When she said we she meant her and Glamoura. The two of them were friends and if Glamoura didn't especially approve of a person his owner would always take that into account.

Belaya recognized the girl, Harper, who was the same age and house as her. Though they didn't talk too often Belle liked to think they were on good terms. At the very least she liked the nice, pretty girl and didn't get upset at her very often. In fact, she usually tried to keep calm around Harper.

"So, how're the other Hufflepuffs? Are they still as crazy as always?" she asked, curious to know how her fellow Badgers were. After all, she hadn't spoken or seen any of them since she left in early April.

[Harper Lewis]

Harper wanted to smack herself. Of course he knew who this was. Belle was her age and in her House for goodness sake. She guessed it was because she hadn't seen her since she left a few months ago. She never realized how beautiful she was while at school. Maybe now that she saw her in a new light she might do something about it. What was she saying. Belle would never look at her like that. She sighed and sat down.

"Well you know us Puffs, we are a bunc of silly kids who no one really pays attention to. Nothing really changes around there."

Harper thought about the House after Belle left. Some noticed that she wasn't around, others didn't. Harper did but didn't think too much on it. She felt a little bad about it. She wondered how she was holding up. "How have you been since you left? Did leaving help you?"

[Belaya Drocellmeyer]

Belaya gave a warm smile when she heard that nothing really changed. It gave her some sort of comfort to know that the Puffs were still the good ol' fun underdogs. Though they were the most under rated house they were probably the most fun. Contrary to popular belief, Badgers were not all goody two shoes. Usually, they were the ones holding parties and breaking quite a few of the rules. One of the common rule to be broke was the underage drinking one. Parties usually contained first years, sixth years and firewhisky. Not the most legally perfect situation but the Hufflepuffs always seemed to handle it well enough to not get into serious trouble.

"Yeah... Leaving helped. A lot." Belaya replied softly, licking her chocolate ice cream cone from time to time. "Honestly, I don't know what would happen what would happen if I didn't... Anyway, how are you Harper? Just out of curiosity, did anyone notice my absence?"

[Harper Lewis]

Harper licked her cone as she thought about what to say to Belle. Some really had missed her, especially during the parties. Others however didn't even know she had left. Harper wouldn't lie to her though. "Some people noticed that you had left. You have been missed by some, especially during the parties. You were always fun during those times."

She smiled and licked her cone once more. She really loved ice cream. "Are you coming back next term? I'd like you to come back." the last part she whispered quietly.

[Belaya Drocellmeyer]

"Hmm..." Belaya smirked a bit as she remembered her times at the Puffle parties. Though she wasn't much of a party person she was fond of drinks and that usually awakened the little party side in her. "I might be... I'm still thinking about it honestly..."

Belaya tilted her head in curiosity as she heard Harper's quiet statement but decided not to say anything. But even so she wondered if her classmate had any affections for her. It was a logical assumption but Belle never really liked jumping to conclusions about serious matters. Even so, if Harper did like her she probably wouldn't turn her down. She considered herself to be bi so gender didn't matter to her.

"Have you gotten any luck with any of the girls yet?" Belaya asked, hoping to move a conversation along. Harper being lesbian wasn't a secret in Hogwarts so Belaya felt more or less comfy about discussing dating with Harper.

[Harper Lewis]

Harper was a little sad that Belle might not come back when school resumed. Now that she saw Belle again, she really wanted to spend more time with her. "Well I hope you decide to come back."

She thought about Belle's question. She really hadn't been with anyone in over a year. Though being gay or lesbian wasnt uncommon or looked down upon in their world, there were not many girls in school that were bi or les, at least not yet. She had gone to Hogsmeade with a couple of girls but nothing came of them. "Nothig came of any of the girls, but we are still young, we have time."

[Belaya Drocellmeyer]

"Sorry to hear that but yeah. We still got time." Belaya smiled a bit, thinking of the future. She still didn't know what she wanted to do after Hogwarts but, as Harper said, she was still young and time wasn't an issue, yet. "Hope you find someone soon Harper. Though I'm not desperate for a boyfriend or girlfriend it does get lonely at times... At least I have Glamoura for company though."

At the mention of his name, the wolfdog perked up and looked up at Belaya questioningly. When he realized everything was alright he let out a happy bark and trotted over to greet the other Hufflepuff girl. Glamoura barked at her, wanting attention.

"Hmm... Glamoura likes you." Belle gave one of her rare grins as she watched her pet ask for attention. It had been awhile since Glamoura had been this playful and relaxed and it made Belaya smile.

[Harper Lewis]

Harper knew what Belle said was true. It was really lonely sometimes not being in a relationship with someone. She wished she had someone in her life. She was young she knew that but a lot of her yearmates were starting to get into relationships and Harper felt even lonelier than she already did. Who knows though, maybe this will be her year.

She got excited when Belle's wolf came to her. She loved animals and they seemed to love her too. "Oh my gosh, I love animals!" She pet the dog, giving it the attention it desired.

[Belaya Drocellmeyer]

Glamoura happily gave Harper's hand a lick, trying to show his thanks for the attention then trotted back to his master. Even though the white wolfdog liked other humans he only loved Belaya. He would risk life, limb, sense and soul for her but there was only so much a single wolfdog could do...

"Well, I really hope you find someone..." Belaya said in between licks of chocolate ice cream goodness. "That's nice to hear. I always give a certain respect to anyone who loves animals. Of course, that can change on the person but I believe anyone who likes animals is never really bad..."

It was rare that Belle would ramble on like this but she was doing a bunch of rare things today. There were just some days like that for everyone..."

[Harper Lewis]

Harper smiled as she watched the dog/wolf walk away. Maybe she would go get herself a new pet before she left the Alley. She was thinking maybe a cat. Yeah, a cat would be nice. Maybe a smokey gray one.

She realized she was lost in her thoughts and focused back on Belaya. "I hope I find someone too...that both of us do."

She licked her ice cream again. "I was just thinking of going to the pet store to find me a new kitten. My mom told me that I could get one a while back but I just haven't done it yet. I don't think she'll be too mad at me for bringing one home. I was thinking of a little gray one. They are so cute." She realized she was rambling and quickly shut up. "Sorry, I tend to get really hyper and ramble sometimes."