well they began it--

[Imogen Sauveterre]

Yeah. Maybe I'm being picky, haha. I mean, I kinda don't want to travel with someone who's used to travelling in style and wants the fancy hotels, because honestly, I mean it when I say 'backpacking' and 'hostels'. By the sound of things, I should take someone I barely know. Which could be all right, I guess; we'd have lots to talk about, at least.

But at the same time, I'm not getting my hopes up. Travelling really is something rich people do, so... It's nice to make plans, but another thing entirely to follow through.

Depends on if he likes me back and wants to be with me. And I guess it also depends on what he expects from me. I dunno, having a boyfriend has never been a priority. I know that there is a guy who likes me, and he does want to ask me out, and I like him, and I still said no. I mean, he didn't mean right now, since... well, because of reasons, and he's going to do it after the holidays I think, but to be honest, I still don't know if I'll be ready for a relationship. We've been friends for a while too, so it'd be like... starting on the seventh date, or something. Which could be nice, but then it's also like... starting on the seventh date, as in... there are expectations of intimacy and whatnot. I dunno, I'm talking too much. So. Your turn to talk. Is there anyone special in Gabriella Rivera's eyes?

[Gabriella Rivera]

Considering you're going to be spending a lot of quality time with this person, I don't blame you for being picky! And yes, you would, but then again what if you take someone who you hardly know and they turn out to be quite awful? Then you'd be stuck with them!

That's true. Do you have other plans for the future? Besides travelling? Like, a back-up plan?

What he expects? What do you mean by that? And wow, really? Why didn't you Why don't you think you're ready for a relationship? I mean, I know girls much younger than us who have boyfriends. Well, not much, but definitely a year or so younger, if not our own age. And hey, my two best friends dated, and they were awesome! Then again, they broke up and it was kinda dramatic and now they're kind-of awkward...but I do believe they're on their way to being friends again...anyway! Who is heee? I'm sure if he likes you well enough, he wouldn't pressure you to do anything you're not ready for! You know, relationships aren't all about sex and stuff. It's about holding hands and having someone to talk to and to cuddle with at the end of the day, someone who always wants to be around you and do nice things for you to surprise you. I don't think when I get a boyfriend, sex will be really that important, you know? Although I guess if he wants to, I'd do it and stuff We're still really young and stuff.

No Yes Sort of I dunno? Maybe? I've had the biggest crush on Severus Snape, but it's...stupid. Haha.

[/color]

[Imogen Sauveterre]

Psh, just drop them off in Cambodia or something.




I'm kidding. Sort of.

Not really, other than being an Unspeakable if I can keep my grades high. Do you?

You know, with intimacy and stuff. I'm not comfortable with it? With touching and stuff. I mean, I've snogged before, and that's fine, but anything further than snogging is basically a 'don't-you-dare' sorta thing. I dunno, I don't think I'm good 'girlfriend material', you know? I guess I'm really picky. I'd want to be with someone I can... someone I can argue with, if that makes sense? I don't want to be with someone who just goes "No I totally agree ohmygod we're so perfect for each other have my babies", I want someone who disagrees with me on things so that we can have engaging discussions and thought processes and stuff. I mean, some things are a deal-breaker, of course. Like, I could never be with someone who was homophobic. I'm not looking for a fight, just... a debate, if that makes sense. I don't understand all these couples who just look at each other with those lovey-dovey eyes and can't stop touching each other and snog in hallways and can't stop talking about how perfect their partner is. It doesn't seem authentic to me oh my god, why am I talking so much, I'm sorry.

Also, I don't know how to "cuddle", so haha. Thaaaat's another roadblock in the relationship route.

Severus Snape? Huh. Do tell, this intrigues me. If you want, that is.

[Gabriella Rivera]

Haha! I've...is that an actual place? I've never heard of it. I'm not good at Geography.

Oh wow! Unspeakable! That's certainly ambitious, and I'm sure it's a very cool job. And, well, my first choice would be Healer. Second choice...maybe a kindergarten teacher, although I dunno if wizards have that. I wouldn't mind having a muggle job, to be honest.

Well, you're not just magically okay with that, you know? It's understandable if the idea makes you uncomfortable now because you've never had a boyfriend, because I'm the same way, sorta. But I mean when you do get a boyfriend you'd be sorta eased into that and then you'll be okay with it! I think. And hey, that's not too picky! Some girls are really picky, like they want someone who has green eyes, or who's super rich and pureblood, or who's a Quidditch player. I think your criteria is perfectly reasonable! Is the guy who likes you like that? Or is that why you said no to him - because he's not? And I don't mind you're talking! Haha, you're an interesting person, Imogen, I've never thought of relationships like that. I guess I've read one too many story books, because I've always thought lovey-dovey couples were cute.

You don't know how to cuddle?! But...how?! Don't you have a best friend who you can just cuddle with during the winter? Or...or when you're upset and you need cheering up, or vice versa? Or...well...okay, that's fine! It's not like all guys like cuddling anyway!

Haha. Well it started about seven months or so ago? Sometimes before summer break. I just...I don't know. He's so clever and he's amazing at Potions and I know lots of people wouldn't find him typically attractive but I don't really care about looks because it's not like I'm the most blessed in that department anyway and besides he has much more redeeming qualities and looks fade away anyway. I just think he's lonely and misunderstood and I just find him to be very...intriguing and maybe it's stupid but it sometimes feels like we're kindred spirits - and it is stupid because he barely even knows my name!

[/color]

[Imogen Sauveterre]

Yeah, it's in Southeast Asia, over by Thailand and Vietnam and stuff. That's... pretty much all I know of it. It's a fun name to say, though.

I'm sure it would be, haha, but it's hard to say since no one can talk about it. Healer is good, though. My best friend's quasi-girlfriend wants to be one, too. I think most magical children that aren't Muggle-born are home-schooled. That's what my father says, at least. He went to Muggle schools, though, since he's a Squib. But yeah, he and his brother were homeschooled for a few years. I went to Muggle schools, since my father was out fishing a lot and my mother didn't want to teach us. I liked Muggle school; it was easy, and I was always into science and maths and stuff. It's why I'm still taking Muggle Studies, haha. Anyway, I'm sure that some pureblood kids are taught by other purebloods; there's gotta be some sort of class pre-Hogwarts where purebloods are taught the basic knowledge of the world, like spelling and reading and maths and all that. I can't imagine Hogwarts being someone's only education.

I'm not sure if he's like that. I haven't really told him too many personal things about me, and he hasn't told me much about himself either. It's weird. I don't know where it came from - his liking me, I mean. But anyway.

Well, I've never cuddled? Haha. Like I said, I don't really like much physical contact. My closest friends are all guys, except for one, but we used to go at each other's throats with fangs bared and claws out, so I don't really know if we're at the "cuddling" phase of friendship. As for the guys, well, one of them is as iffy about physical contact as I am, and the other... it's weird? We've hugged, but he's always initiated it and most of the time it's a happy-hug. Whenever either of us or upset, we just go down to the kitchens and share a slice of chocolate cake. I suppose it's because part of me associates cuddling with childhood, like a toddler cuddling a stuffed bear, or a mother cuddling her offspring after a nightmare. Haha, I dunno. Is there a written and illustrated guide as to how one (or two, I suppose) are supposed to cuddle? Because I'll definitely give that a read.

Do you feel lonely and misunderstood? Sorry if that's too bold, but that's what stood out to me when you said you felt like kindred spirits. Not everything is about appearances (but if it helps, I think you're pretty, and I'm positive others do too) and sometimes the intellectual attraction is better than the physical. He is smart and independent, and he's probably the type of person who could have any future he wanted, really. Plus, the way he keeps to himself and his whole demeanor is all "mysterious", and girls often tend to be attracted to mystery and the "bad boy" persona. I can see why you'd be attracted to him. Just be careful, though. He was in the same year and house as that Mulciber bloke; it'd be scary if they were chummy, you know?

[Gabriella Rivera]

Ohhh, I see. How do you know all this stuff, anyway?

Well, that's what makes it so cool! No one knows anything about it! I bet it's awfully tough, though. And yeah, I really want to be a Healer, but I guess it'll depend on how well I do this year, if I can get good enough grades and stuff. I just want to help as many people as possible, you know? And oh, well it'd be cool if I could teach young wizards and witches, but I don't know how some purebloods would feel about being taught by a muggleborn. I know a lot of purebloods are really nice about that, but then a lot of them aren't, you know? Especially the parents. But I'll bet most of them are homeschooled anyway.

Have you thought about asking him? Why he likes you, I mean?

Ohhh. Well, to each their own, I guess. For me, cuddling is my form of comfort, I guess. It just makes me feel good, to have someone who loves me and who can protect me holding me, you know? It's even better than chocolate. And then there's moments when it's cold and all you want to do is cuddle with your boyfriend in front of the fire. Well, for me it's my best friend, Gideon, but still! I guess if eating chocolate cake works for you, then that's fine! Maybe your future boyfriend will like eating chocolate cake, too.

Well, I...sort of? Not really misunderstood. Mostly lonely. Although not so much anymore, to be honest, but I had a phase where I just felt really, really lonely for some reason. All my closest friends were in a relationship and I wasn't and there were just times where I just felt bad about that, you know? But I'm better now! I think. I've always thought of it more as...well, because we both loved Potions so much and stuff. And yeah, see, that's what I think, too! But oh, I'm positive Severus isn't anything like Mulciber! He just...he can't be. There's no one like Mulciber I just know he's nothing at all like that horrible, evil him.

[/color]

[Imogen Sauveterre]

I read a lot.

I guess, though you never know if they're actually studying things or having a great big party. And if you need help with some of your courses, I do tutor, so I could help you out if you needed it.

Well, if all else fails, you could always try to see about becoming a professor here. I'm sure there are some staff here just waiting for a replacement so that they can retire.

Nah. Part of me doesn't want him to think about it in case he changes his mind, haha.

Better than chocolate? Think I'm gonna have to disagree with you on that one. I've yet to find anything better than chocolate. As for the bloke who likes me, well... He likes pie, not cake. Haha, problems already! ... I'm kidding. Sort of.

Ah, I see. Is that why you went home? Yeah, I guess I can understand that. It happens. No matter how much you tell yourself that you're fine on your own and you don't need to be in a relationship, being surrounded by them can make you feel like a third wheel a lot.

Well, I hope you're right about him. I mean, he seems pretty harmless from what I know of him. I don't think we've ever officially spoken face-to-face, but I go to those potions things sometimes, the ones he teaches. He needs to get out of the dungeon more, but I guess he's not bad, or else I don't think Dumbledore would let him back inside the castle. So is it just... an infatuation with him, then?

[Gabriella Rivera]

Oh, I see! Makes sense!

Haha, I guess that's true! What do you have to do to be an Unspeakable, anyway? Like...how do you apply? Do you just go to the Ministry and say "hi, I want to be an Unspeakable"? And aww, that's sweet, I'll keep that in mind! Thanks!

I don't think I'm good enough at any subject besides Potions, though. Plus, I prefer working with children, really.

You're worried about him changing his mind, then? Does that mean you want him to like you, still?

Well, you eat chocolate and it makes you feel better for a little while but then that goes away, but best friends are for life! And people can like more than one dessert, silly!

Yeah, exactly! And I guess I'm just not used to being alone like that, so this year was kind-of a shock or something.

I guess it doesn't really matter if I'm right or not because he barely knows who I am as it is, and it's not like we're ever going to date or anything, we barely even talk, so even if he was mean-spirited (which I doubt!), it wouldn't matter because he doesn't have any reason to talk to me, let alone be mean to me. And yeah, I guess it is. I just don't know how to get over it, you know?

[/color]

[Imogen Sauveterre]

I'm not sure, exactly. I'll have to talk about it with Flitwick when it's time for those career-advice chats, ask what he knows. I assume you have to take every course you can because you never know what sort of mysteries you'll be working on.

Maybe you could specialise. Muggle doctors have specialists for all sorts of departments, right? Maybe you could be... whatever the Healer equivalent is of a paediatrician. Then you could be a Healer and work with kids.

Er... yeah. Haha. It's stupid.

Aw, I'm sorry. Are things mostly back to normal now for you lot, though?

You could always try talking to him during the Potions Club. If you're interested in being a Healer, why don't you ask him if he knows anything about healing potions?

[Gabriella Rivera]

Yeah, that sounds like a good plan! Gosh, it sounds kind-of dangerous though, being an Unseakable. I mean, there's got to be a reason why they don't speak about it, right? I sure hope it's nothing illegal, although I doubt it since it's the Ministry and all.

Ohh, I bet I could! I don't think Healers do everything, unless they're a General Healer or something. I'll have to ask Professor Sprout when the time comes!

It's not stupid. I can tell there must be something else holding you back, but it's okay you don't have to tell me. We hardly know each other! I do hope that everything works out for you, whether it's you and him becoming a couple or staying friends.

Oh yeah, it's totally fine! I was just being silly.

I don't know, it seems rather pointless to try to talk to him more because I just know he's not interested and it's just...why put myself in that position when nothing will come of it? I doubt he even wants to be my friend, so I'm sure I'm better off moving on. I mean, he's so much older, and so much smarter, and he's just...way out of my league.

[/color]

[Imogen Sauveterre]

Probably, but I figure there's danger in any job. You never know who the crazies are.

Haha, it's fine. I just uh... never really thought of myself as "dating" material, and I don't think about dating the way other girls do, I guess. My ultimate goal isn't marriage and kids, you know? If it happens, fine, but... I dunno. Haha. Like I said, it's weird.

Are you sure?

Won't hurt to try, though, right? You're not rubbish at Potions, so he'd probably have more patience for you than for a lot of the prats who're in the club. In fact, your interest in potions will probably make you stand out to him.

[Gabriella Rivera]

That's true! I'll bet even being a Healer is dangerous and stuff. I mean, I've heard of like patients going absolutely mad and trying to stab their doctor with a scalpel!

Oh. Well, it's not weird. You're just different, and probably not all that different. I'm sure there are other people who share your point of view. Having a boyfriend isn't everything, I guess. It's just something nice to have, but it's not, like, a necessity.

Yeah, totally!

I dunno, Imogen. I mean, we brewed a potion once together? Haha, I couldn't sleep so I snuck into the Potions classroom and decided to make a Potion and he caught me. Didn't get in trouble, though, he just helped me. And...well, I can just tell from our interaction that nothing will come out of it. It's just a feeling you get, and it was clear he saw me as another student and nothing more. It's like having a crush on a teacher, you know? Even though you might view them romantically, all they see is another brain to fill with knowledge.

[/color]

[Imogen Sauveterre]

Not to mention the latest incident Mm, but I'm sure there are more protective methods in place now.

Well, you could try just... being his friend? He obviously knows you're capable of brewing potions. Was it a difficult one?

[Gabriella Rivera]

Yeah, definitely, especially after...well, you know.

Maybe. I dunno. Maybe after I get over him or something. It's hard being just friends with someone you really like.

[/color]

[Imogen Sauveterre]

Yeah. You weren't there, were you? I know a couple of NEWT-level students were there to shadow Healers.

Haha, tell me aboot it. But maybe being friends will help you get over him, too? Like... the more you get to know him, the more friendly it gets between you, less... crush-y. Or maybe you'll find less to like about him than you thought.