I snort at Bridget's pun about things stinking, and try to look irritated, but I can't do it. I laugh instead. [b]"Well, I guess you really have a nose for these things, so I'll take your word for it."[/b] I stop laughing, however, when she mentioned how I could confuse my wand. I gaze at the thing, turning it in my hands. I can't tell if she's joking or not. [i]"Try it if you don't believe me," [/i] she says, sounding almost like a dare. For a very brief moment I actually consider it, but then I shake my head.[b]"Nah. I'm not about to have a spell backfire and hit me. Maybe you're pulling my leg, maybe not. I'd rather not risk the humiliation,"[/b] I reply, carefully replacing the wand in my sleeves, and wondering if she's being serious.

"Well...goodnight, Alex. I'll meet you down here at 9 tomorrow? That should give us plenty of time to...well...grab a quick bite and then dash out the doors to the carriages. But hey, it's late. I'm not getting my stuff ready tonight." [b]Yeah, um. Goodnight then. See you tomorrow,"[/b] I say, surprised at the genuine feeling of disappointment at her parting. It occurs to me that I am actually going to miss her. Well, not that it surprised me. I've been coming to terms with certain...feelings I've developed over our weeks spending time together. I'm not entirely sure what to think of that. It scares me, in some ways. Everyone I ever cared about was slaughtered right before my eyes. If I care too much, will she be next? [i]It's a little too late for that now,[/i] I tell myself. [i]You already care too much. So now you just have to see what happens.[/i] Lost in my own thoughts, I make my way up to the mens dorms, where I fall asleep damn near as soon as my body touches he bed.

*************************************

I wake up early the next morning. I decide to pay my Owl, Gaia, a visit. A beautiful jet black Great Horned owl immediately soars in my direction. I smile, and pet it's head. [b]"Well hello, Gaia"[/b] I greet it, running my fingers along it's neck. A lot of students chose rats or cats as pets. Me, I wanted practicality. Back when my family was...well. Alive, I wanted an owl to communicate back and forth. She hadn't been sent on a delivery in years, but she gets around on her own well enough. 

Deciding I better get my stuff ready, I go back to the dormitory, and open the trunk at the foot of my bed. I grab a spare pair of unmarked robes, with a hooded dark cloak. No need to advertise to the world that there is a Hogwarts student in their midst, especially if we're hitting the shadier areas of Diagon Alley. I also grab what appears to be a small bag to hang at my hip. And it is indeed a small bag, but enchanted with an extension charm. I can fit quite a load in this bad. Not near as much as Bridget's vault, but it will do. I take about half the money I allow myself for spending as well. I leave the other half in my trunk. Not that I can't handle myself if someone tries to steal from me, but I'd rather not risk losing everything I have for the year. 

I walk down to the common room, dressed in my unmarked robes and covered in my cloak, hood down (for now), and wait for Bridget. Sitting in a big fluffy chair, I begin to contemplate what I might find, if anything. And when I do eventually find something...what will I do about it?