I had to smile at the frogs myself, "You know, you're right. They do get in a lot of trouble. They're just like real frogs, just without the abhorrent smell and the slimy skin." There was something I'd hated about frogs. The croaking made me want to scratch my eyes out. I suppose that's why I'd never been fond of the chocolate ones, either. Give me truffles any day and I'd be your best friend (or just take them and ignore you, depending on my mood).

"Well then, how about after this lot," I gestured to the shortening line in front of us, "is done and we get to make an escape, we go back? I have some studying to do anyway." I rolled my eyes briefly at the thought of the three foot-long essays I had to do. "And," I added, "I know a place we can study AND enjoy our sweets. That way Madam Pince won't come rattling down on our heads in the library about it. She can sniff those out from the other side of the castle, no matter how sneaky you are. I'm lucky I haven't been kicked out yet." I snickered at my most recent memory, I'd specifically put a chocolate cauldron on the ground where she would have to step on it in order to chew me out. Of course, I hadn't had any more myself, blaming it on another student that had just left a few minutes ago.

Generally I didn't break rules, but that had been too funny. I hadn't done it since, mostly because I didn't want to get kicked out of the library. I liked to hang about in the restricted section when I was in my "research moods."

Lost in momentary thought, I didn't say anything for a few moments. I was yanked out of memory lane, however, as we finally reached the register. "That will be one galleon, two sickles, and 15 knuts," the man told me. I yanked my money out of my bag and threw two galleons on the counter, telling him to keep the change. He looked briefly surprised before snatching them up and nodding as I stepped away from the counter. I was used to the look of surprise that people gave me when I threw extra money around. But again, I really didn't care. Neither did my father, I was fairly certain that he was glad I was out of his hair.

Stepping outside, I realized it had started to snow again in the brief interlude we were inside. I juggled the bag, trying to get my hat and gloves out of my pocket. Looking at Alex, I thrust the bag at him.

"Mind holding this? I didn't think to get these out before we came outside," I sheepishly admitted. "Just want to put them on for the walk back to the castle."