TERM 6 - Mission Accomplished - The Three Broomsticks - Aoife O'Donnell, Willow Meana, Hunter VanDerberg, Kynan Walters, Aylee Walters, Ryland Malfoy

They did it! They made it to Hogsmeade! How they'd managed to pull it off without getting caught, Hunter wasn't sure. It was mostly thanks to Aylee's incredible magical abilities. Once he'd gotten Kynan's attention, Hunter and the others followed the siblings along the road until the town of Hogsmeade came into sight. Hunter felt a grin spread across his face as he caught sight of it - they might be the first first-years to go to Hogwarts ever!

He wanted to run straight into the crowded streets and explore, but that was probably not the best idea considering the circumstances. So he followed Kynan and Aylee into a more deserted alleyway, dragging Aoife and Willow along with him. Aylee didn't seem to be able to see them at all - Kynan had to inform her that they were there. Either way, she lifted the chameleon enchantment and his friends came back into clear view.

"That was awesome!" he said excitedly, unable to hold back his grin. Kynan said something about pretending to be really short third years. "Right, short third years," Hunter repeated. He wasn't really listening - he was too excited. Besides, he was the least likely to look suspicious, since he was taller than the girls. "Come on, let's look around!" He said, heading back toward the busy street and beckoning his friends after him. "Where do you want to go first?"

WAS HUNTER COMPLETELY THICK?

"Where do you think I want to go first, stupid?" Aoife grinned. And just in case he didn't. "ICE-CREAM!" Her motivation, her passion, her purpose in life, her one true love after sheep. Which sort of ruined the purpose, but still, it meant something. She wondered if they sold grass flavoured ice-cream. Then she could be like a sheep. But it might waste her opportunity. She'd probably just try and have a few ice-creams.

Hopefully Kynan and Aylee would understand her desperate need to go. But then again, she did want to try a butterbeer, simply because they were apparently so nice by the research she'd done into magic food. So, as long as she got her ice-cream(s), she was happy either way. "Can we go there first? I'm so hungry! I don't mind, though. Where else do you want to go later? Really, I'm only bothered about my ice-cream!"

"Please try not to yell," Aylee muttered as she heard Aoife's excited shout. "We don't want to draw any attention to ourselves." She had never broken any rules in such manner and there was a really annoying feeling in her stomach. It wasn't something to be proud of, sneaking out three students to Hogsmeade. What if they got caught? They'd be in serious trouble. Aylee sneaked a glance at her brother and wondered how he never had any trouble with lying. Her brother was so good at acting innocent, who knew what else he lied about? Suddenly, she shook her head as she heard Aoife speak. She could see, out of the corner of her eye, the Three Broomsticks in the distance and her mouth was immediately filled with the lovely taste of butterbeer.

"Can we go to the Three Broomsticks first, and then get the ice cream later?" Aylee asked. She needed to make up a lie unbelievably good for Aoife to buy it. She wasn't sure why she wanted Butterbeer so badly, though. "You guys have never tasted Butterbeer before and this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance! Please?"

Aoife seemed surprised by his question. Then she called him stupid. That was typical. Hunter wasn't offended, just amused, and actually managed not to jump for once when she shouted that she wanted to go for ice cream. Hunter grinned, but Aylee did not seen very amused. The older girl quickly shushed Aoife, and seemed pretty uncomfortable with the situation. For the first time, Hunter wondered momentarily what would happen to them if they got caught. That probably wouldn't be good. Only, they weren't going to get caught. Kynan didn't seem concerned, so Hunter pushed the thought from his mind.

Then, Aylee was suggesting the Three Broomsticks instead. Hunter had heard about Butterbeer, and he was curious to try it. And Aylee was right - they might never get the chance again. Well, not for another two years at least. They could have ice cream any old time. "We have all day to walk around," he reasoned with Aoife. "And it's closer, anyway. It's right there. We could just stop in, have a Butterbeer and then head straight to the ice cream shop!"

"Sorry, Aylee," Aoife murmured. Aylee was a huge figure of authority. At least, she regarded her as one. The older girl could do all these magic spells and was really clever and just awesome. Plain awesome. And she didn't want to upset the people who had managed to sneak them in to Hogsmeade. Because she was eternally grateful. And forever in their debt and all that rubbish.

Then Aylee was trying to convince her to go to the Three Broomsticks first. And Hunter was agreeing. Aoife frowned but shrugged. As long as she got that ice-cream at some point. But it was sort of a stupid argument. It wasn't a one-in-a-lifetime chance because they could go later, after they'd had ice-cream, but she didn't mind. She remembered her eternal gratitude. "I suppose so," she nodded. They probably expected her to throw a huge tantrum in fight for her purpose in life, but that wasn't her plan. "As long as we can get my ice-cream afterwards." Otherwise, no freaking way.

Well, Aylee seemed pretty desperate to go to the Three Broomsticks. Kynan watched his sister try to come up with a good excuse to go taste butterbeer. He could understand- they had been planning to visit Hogsmeade for ages now and Aylee had been wanting to take him to the Three Broomsticks to taste butterbeer. If it weren't for him to come with three little first-years, they'd be having a fun day in Hogsmeade. Hunter then reasoned with Aoife, and then they all agreed. "I'll buy it for you," Kynan promised Aoife. "Thanks," Aylee smiled weakly. He frowned a bit as he saw his sister's face.

He and Aylee led the way towards the Three Broomsticks and Kynan reached out the open the door. Aylee walked in, turned around and said, "You guys go find some seats. Butterbeer's on me." before walking off to order some butterbeer. Kynan nodded, then looked at Hunter, Aoife and Willow and said, "Come on." He found a table somewhere to the back with five seats and sat down.

Hunter tried not to look too amazed as he followed Kynan and Aylee toward the Three Broomsticks. He didn't want to give himself away quite so early in their adventure. Aoife had agreed, though a little begrudgingly, to stop there first. She hadn't caused a fuss or anything, so Hunter figured she wasn't too annoyed by the group decision. It didn't take them long to reach their destination, and when they got inside Aylee urged them to go find an empty table. She said she'd take care of the Butterbeer.

"Wow, thanks!" Hunter said to her before following Kynan to a table toward the back of the room. "Come on," he said eagerly to Aoife and Willow. He sat down to Kynan's left and finally let his eyes travel about the interior of the room in wonder. The smell of Butterbeer - or at least he guessed that it was the smell of Butterbeer - drifted through the air. Whatever it was, if it wasn't Butterbeer, it smelled amazing. He hoped Aylee would return with some soon so that he could taste it!

As much as she wanted that ice-cream, Aoife couldn't deny that it smelled amazing inside the Three Broomsticks. She hoped it was the butterbeer that smelled like that. When Kynan led them towards a table at the back, she took a seat opposite Hunter, beaming at him. She'd promised herself not to be disappointed that they weren't getting ice-cream first, and she wasn't because they'd definitely get it a bit later.

Now she was quite excited about trying some of the hot drink, which, according to Aylee, was totally amazing and this was the once-in-a-lifetime chance to try it, which was definitely an exaggeration, but it would still be good. Hopefully. "This is going to be so fun!" Aoife grinned, directing her words more at Willow and Hunter since they were the other not-meant-to-be-there first years.

It was a Hogsmeade day at Hogwarts, and Ryland had to work. What a wonderful event. He frowned a little as he made his way thorough the crowded streets, filled with happy students he knew and had seen around the Castle. Sadly, he wouldn't be enjoying the same things as his job was a full day shift today. Devon, the girl that was usually working on these days, would be out of the country for a job interview, and Ryland was the only one who could cover her. Sighing, he finally made it to the Three Broomsticks, and though he loved the smell of the place, he couldn't help but notice that there was a very familiar person at the counter; Aylee.

Clearing his throat and walking towards the counter, acting as if he had not yet noticed her, he greeting the older woman, or rather the owner of the inn. "Couldn't you have hired someone to work for only today?" he grinned, playfully complaining. She shook her head and patted his back as she walked out to hand some food out to customers. Well, now there's no excuse. he thought as he turned around to face Aylee. "Oh! Hey! Didn't see you there." Wow, Ryland. Could you be a bit more obvious? he thought as he leaned a little on the counter. "So, how can I help you? Butterbeer? Garden burger? Fish and chips? Firewhiskey? Name it and I'll make it."

His green eyes then trailed behind her, to the back of the room, as he caught sight of the most annoying person he had ever met. Aoife. And it wasn't just Aoife, it was Hunter and Willow too. All first years. Sure, they were with Kynan, but that didn't mean they weren't eleven. Turning back to Aylee, he asked, "Why are they here? They can get in trouble, Aylee." He probably sounded a bit harsher than necessary, but his mood always became negative when Aoife O'Donnell was around.

Aylee slowly and uncomfortably approached the counter, her arms folded and glancing back at her brother every minute. Surely there'd be someone who'd recognize the three students. Kynan had chosen a seat at the back, somewhere where nobody would usually look at twice. Still, she felt like something was going to go terribly wrong that day and she didn't know why. She waited for her turn like any other customer, and stared at her shoes. At least, until a voice got her attention. Really, she almost jumped with surprise. Her eyes open wide and she felt her face going warm. She hadn't exactly seen Ryland since the Defence Against the Dark Arts party, and the awkward invitation. What was she even supposed to say? She'd bet a thousand galleons that moment that Kynan was watching her and grinning. He's a worker. Order your food. Aylee then she shook her head and only managed to say, "Ryland! Um, I didn't know you worked here." Then, realizing that she should probably order now, she started mumbling, "I need about... five butterbeers, please? Oh, and if you sell chips can I-" Ryland then looked behind her and was asking why 'they' were here.

Something already went wrong with their plan. Ryland had recognized Aoife, Willow and Hunter. Quickly, Aylee turned her head around to look at Kynan and the three first years. She looked back at Ryland, leaned in so nobody else would hear her and said in a hushed tone, "I know that, but Kynan wanted to bring them. It was their idea- they wanted to visit Hogsmeade and Kynan agreed to sneak them out. I'm the one who did that, and you don't know how much Kynan bugged and bribed me. I've been wanting to read the Percy Jackson series for ages, and I couldn't find them in the libr- but, anyway..." Her face looked really serious, but her eyes looked like they were pleading. "You're not telling anyone, are you?" Please say no, please say no, was all Aylee was thinking at the moment. She was secretly hoping that she could trust Ryland enough to not give their secret away.

Without any worries, Kynan sat down and watched as Hunter sat down next to him. Aoife and Willow sat down on the opposite side of the booth. He grinned, folded his arms and sat down like some kind of cool guy. He chuckled at Aoife's excitement. "I know!" he replied. "According to Aylee, the food here is great." Speaking of which, he was hungry. Hopefully, Aylee knew that. He looked at where his sister was, at the counter, and burst out laughing. "She's talking to Gryffindoggy!" Kynan told Aoife, nodding in Ryland's direction. And yes, he was grinning mischievously and making funny faces. Then he saw Ryland look over to them and say something to Aylee. He didn't know what it was, but it looked like it was something serious.

"I think we're in trouble," Kyna muttered.

Hunter listened to Kynan say that the food was supposed to be good. He hadn't even thought about food. He had been so excited for the butterbeer that it hadn't even crossed his mind. Now that Kynan said it, though, he could definitely go for some food. He had almost forgotten that Kynan had never been to Hogsmeade before either. But since the boy was a third year, it was his first time there, too.

Kynan made a comment about Aylee talking to Gryffindoggy - there was that weird name again. Aoife must have gotten it from Kynan. Or the other way around. He wasn't sure. But he knew by now that it meant Ryland. Hunter turned in his chair to see Aylee chatting with Ryland, who was behind the counter. The older boy must work there. Then he heard Kynan say in a lower voice that they might be in trouble. Shoot. Ryland had seen them. "You don't think he'd tell, do you?" Hunter said quietly. He knew that Aoife didn't like Ryland, but Hunter had found the boy to be nice. Maybe he wouldn't give them away.

GRYFFINDOGGY. WHY WAS HE HERE? HE WAS JUST EVERYWHERE.

Aoife rolled her eyes. Kynan was right, they probably were in trouble. Much as Aylee loved him, she didn't trust Bill herself. Even Professor Elddirs had said he was better suited to Slytherin. He was almost Jen standard mean, and that was saying something. She nodded in agreement, squinting at the two and trying to see exactly what was going on.

Then Hunter was asking whether she thought he'd snitch. He wouldn't know. Ryland was actually nice to him. "I wouldn't be surprised," she murmured darkly. "He'll probably run straight to Professor Elddirs once we get back."

Ryland was back on awkward mode. Shrugging, he said, "Yeah, I've worked here since Aurelia left." It had taken him one year, one miserable year, to get over his silly boy-crush on Aurelia Rosier and he hoped and prayed to whatever it was that wizards believe in that Aylee never found out about this. Smiling at her, he continued to listen to her order and her sudden rambling.

He looked at her, so serious and worried about Annoying Aoife and the others. Just for Aoife, he wanted to sell them out...but his feelings for Willow and Hunter, and specially for Aylee, were stronger than his hatred for the young Gryffindor girl. Turning his eyes to the counter, he grinned, "Five butterbeers and chips it is." he said, heading down to gather the drinks for the students.

As he put some down on the counter, he turned to Aylee. "I won't tell anyone, but I'm sort of still waiting for a date..." he half-joked. A part of him already knew Aylee would just do something clumsy and run off like she did, or tell him something completely embarrassing and unrelated to the topic, so he let the subject drop. "Here, I'll help you bring them." he said as he took three of the drinks and carried them all to the table, not bothering to see if Aylee would follow or not. He was getting a bit tired of her constant rejection.

Setting the drinks down, he smiled at everyone. "Okay. Five butterbeers, and I'll be back with your chips, unless you want anything else than what Aylee ordered?"

Kynan shook his head at Hunter's question. "I don't think so, he's not like that," he murmured, watching Aylee talk to Ryland. Then Aoife's statement made him laugh. "Everyone hates that git. If Gryffindoggy was about to blow our cover, he'd at least go tell someone decent like Professor Henley or Professor Vega... I really need to stop calling him Gryffindoggy." Then he shook his head and grinned. "And anyway, Aylee can be very persuasive. If not... we can make a run for it." Yet his sister read too much books so she knew how to get what she wanted. Soon enough, he saw Ryland and Aylee walk over with about five butterbeers and Ryland was saying something about chips. "Oh, great, Aylee got me food!" Kynan joked as the butterbeers were passed around. Sometimes he could swear that his sister knew him more than he did.

He grabbed his mug of butterbeer and took a few gulps.

As Ryland walked away to get the drinks, Aylee couldn't help but let out a small, relieved sigh. That git better get me some good books, she thought as she glanced at Kynan and shot him a glare for getting her into all this trouble. When Ryland came back to the counter and said something about waiting for a date, Aylee's first instincts were to run. Really. Drop everything and run. Go to the bathroom or something. Stay away from embarrassing yourself. But she didn't move- instead she picked up two of the drinks and, without thinking, asked, "Er... have you ever been to the Ice-Cream Parlour down the road?"

If her hands hadn't been full, she would've been slapping herself for saying that. But he helped us, no? Going on a date with him was the least she could do. She must've been owing that to Ryland for ages. Stupid her for not recognizing the hints since the little flowers incident. The world wasn't going to end if she gave it a shot, though, wouldn't it? Why not? Problem was, how did you ask a guy on a date? If only Sydney were there. But Sydney was back in Hogwarts or something, probably drooling over some Ravenclaw boys.

It took her a few moments to realize that Ryland had gone to serve the drinks. Aylee turned around quickly and followed him towards the table, setting down the drinks. Kynan seemed to be grinning, and happy that he would be having food. "Your welcome, you ungrateful git," she told Kynan in a joking manner. Then she turned to Ryland and asked, "How much?"

Hunter was watching the exchange between Ryland and Aylee as Aoife said he'd probably go straight to Elldirs. That would definitely not be good. But Kynan seemed to think that Ryland wouldn't say anything - or at least that he wouldn't go to Elldirs. He was talking about making a run for it if things went badly. "Nah, I think we're good," Hunter informed the others with a grin as he watched Ryland smile and go to fetch their drinks. "He doesn't look like he's going to get us in trouble."

Soon, Ryland was making his way toward their table. Aylee followed shortly, and before long they were both at the table setting down butterbeers. "Hi Ryland!" Hunter said brightly, grinning at the older boy. "Thanks!" he exclaimed, taking his butterbeer and instantly bringing the glass to his lips. After all, the whole point of coming here was for the butterbeer. And it was amazing. Better than he could have imagined! Hunter wasn't sure how he'd live without it for another two years until he could visit Hogsmeade properly.

"Aoife, try it," Hunter said excitedly. "It's brilliant!" Taking another big gulp, he heard Aylee ask if they wanted anything else. She'd gotten them food, too! "No, this is great," Hunter said. "Thank you."

That was weird. But definitely in a good way. "His deep, endless, poetic admiration for the love of his life must overrule his hatred for me," Aoife smiled, watching Ryland get the drinks and come towards their table slightly suspiciously. He could be leading them on, pretending to be all nice and perfect and not a snitch but then BANG! They were sold out. With lovesick teenagers like Bill, you never knew.

Without greeting the older boy, she reached out to pick up her butterbeer. Maybe it would be polite to at least say thank you, like she would with any other random stranger who worked in here. She was debating whether or not to do so in her mind, but eventually came to the decision to do the same that he did: pretend that she was nice. Or actually respected that git, anyway. "Thanks. And thanks Aylee!" Even though they hadn't gone for ice-cream first, they'd been bought food. Food was good.

"Okay, don't rush me!" Aoife said, thinking about hitting Hunter. But not, because she was thirsty. "WOW THAT IS BEAUTIFUL WHAT THIS IS THE BEST THING EVER!" WHAT? How come muggles weren't allowed drinks like this? It was so unfair! If her brothers and sister knew about how good these were, they'd be SO jealous! But they would never get the opportunity! Just MagicAoife!

"That's good. I'm hungry!" Kynan acknowledged as Hunter told them that they won't be in trouble. Then Aoife said something about Ryland liking Aylee more than hating Aoife which caused him to burst into laughter. "Yes, he must!" Why won't she go out with him already? he thought as they walked over to the table. When Kynan was drinking and Aylee was calling him an ungrateful git, he looked up at the thought and said, "Aylee, have I ever told you that you're the best sister in the world?" He saw Aylee raise her eyebrows. She knows what's coming, he thought. Quickly, he added, "By the way, I have no money, can you pay for me, thanks!" and continued drinking. He heard his sister let out a loud sigh and figured that she'd be rolling her eyes now, too. Then, Aylee was asking Ryland how much the drinks were.

Kynan looked over to Hunter and Aoife and noticed that they were marvelling over the butterbeer. "Great, isn't it?" he remarked. Then, to Aoife, "We should sneak some of these back home and open our own butterbeer shop." He grinned, and then looked around. "Guys?" Kynan mumbled slowly. "Is it just me or is there Professor Henley in the Three Broomsticks?" He looked at the little first years and grew more alarmed. When he noticed that Ryland was going over to take the Professor's orders, probably to distract her too, Kynan shot a look at Aylee. If they got caught, they would be in big trouble, and Professor Henley definitely taught the three kids. "Get against the wall," Aylee ordered immediately, and Kynan realized how it would work. He and Aylee would sit at the edges of the booth and it would be hard to notice that Hunter, Aoife and Willow were with them. If the three were okay with getting squeezed a little bit, it shouldn't be a big problem. He noticed Aylee stealing glances at Professor Henley. "Ryland's keeping her busy," she murmured, nodding, but still keeping her eye on the Professor.

Well, this wasn't such a good start, Kynan thought, sighing. Could it get any worse now?

REPLIEEEEEEEEED MWAHAHA TAKE THAT HUNTER

Aoife was alone with her butterbeer. There was nobody else here. Just her and her wonderful, wonderful butterbeer. But then she was snapped back into reality when she heard Kynan talk directly to her. "We should!" she agreed, taking another big sip of her butterbeer. "We'd make loads of money. Then we could use it to buy more butterbeer for ourselves. Or sweets!" It was a perfect, well thought-out, beautiful plan!

"Maybe if-" She was cut off when the older boy's tone became urgent and she followed his gaze to the Potions professor, right there. What if she caught them? And took away points? Detention would be totally fine. But points? No way. Without thinking, she immediately ducked under the table. Then she heard Aylee instruct them to get against the wall. So, staying in her comfortable crouch under the table, she moved backwards, hopefully hiding herself from view.

If that git Ryland ruined everything now, she would break his pretty little face and ruin his hair. Because he'd deserve it.

Khalidah walked along the street of Hogsmeade, wondering what was so great about this street. There was only joke shops and candy here. Nothing on Durmstrang where there were weaponries and possibilities to buy dark arts artifacts. Of course, not even they were more harmless than the artifacts she now had in her masters home. She wondered briefly why she hadn't brought any of them, but then remembered that though this was about to get bloody, it wasn't supposed to last for too long. The ministry's arrival would be bad for them.

Khalidah walked off the street into her designated place, the three broomsticks, opening the door and letting the sound of life fill her ears. She quickly spotted Kellin over by some woman and a young man dressed as a working personnel. He would probably die here today. The thought almost brought a smile to Khal's lips, but she ignored this and went to sit by a table.

She spotted a lot of happy students and she sighed. She wasn't going to kill anyone today. Not unless they got in her way. She then spotted a girl underneath a table with two other youngsters pressed against the wall. And two older ones sitting on the edge of the table. Khal smirked. Sneaky ones, she thought to herself and leaned back, relaxing while waiting for the opportune moment.

Hunter laughed at Aoife and Kynan's banter about opening up a butterbeer shop. "As long as I get a discount," he joked, taking another long swig from his glass. He only put it down long enough to shove a few chips in his mouth before taking another gulp of butterbeer. This stuff was amazing! But unfortunately, he couldn't continue to focus on the glorious drink because apparently there was a problem.

Professor Henley was there. "Damn," Hunter said, instantly slipping beneath the table with Aoife. Then Aylee was instructing them to get against the wall. Remaining low, Hunter did as he was told. He quickly risked shooting his hand up to grab his mug of butterbeer. "Who knows how long we'll be stuck down here," he explained with a shrug to Aoife as he continued to sip on the stuff.

Ryland was apparently keeping Professor Henley occupied, but Hunter knew that the older boy couldn't distract her all day. Hopefully once she'd had a drink, she'd just leave and then they could continue their awesome illegal adventure.

Damien paid no attention to the shops and people crowding the streets up. He shoved past without a second glance and kept up his quick pace as he walked. He didn't want to waste time with pointless things, or else he'd miss out on all of the action at the Three Broomsticks, his designated place to be for the attacks. And he wouldn't want that, would he? No, the fun would be too much to miss out on. He was feeling more excited the closer the attacks got.

When he pushed open the door and got in, he took no hesitation in scanning the room and finding an empty booth at the back. Perfect. When he was comfortably seated, the man looked around for anything interesting. There was Kellin over at the other side of the room, with an unfamiliar woman. Then students, so many students. Two suspicious looking older ones sat on the edge of the table. Interesting. Then he spotted the pretty red headed girl and he turned his attention to her instead. What was her name? Khalidah, that was it.

He was feeling a bit impatient now. When she attacks would start, Damien didn't know, but he was ready. He tapped his fingers on the table. Now it was just waiting.

Practically running towards them, mostly Aylee, Ryland stood exactly in front of the table so that it would be harder for Professor Henley to notice the younger kids. "I'm sorry to be rude, but I'd rather you guys left soon." he said almost anxiously, before turning to Aylee. "It's not that I don't like you all being here, you're welcome at all times, but I'd feel better knowing you're not about to risk anything." he was probably rambling about useless things, but something in his gut told him the two newcomers were not going to make a quick order and leave. He was going to have to get Aylee out of there in case his instincts were right and they were here for something other than food and drinks. "I'll feel better if you're safe." Ryland didn't bother to make it seem like he was talking to everyone. By now, everyone knew he was practically in love with the Ravenclaw.