UNLIKE ANYTHING

[collin james welsh.]

the quidditch pitch was his zone, his place of comfort. there really was no other spot on hogwarts grounds that collin felt the most at home than the pitch. although it was empty at the moment (except for collin and his equipment), it revitalized him. bending down, he briskly tied the white lace of his converse and prepared for his early morning practice. although he wasn't captain, he was perhaps the most dedicated of the members. every morning before breakfast he could be found on the pitch doing drills and sharpening his skills. with a quick intake of the crisp air, he mounted his broom and hovered briefly while giving the pitch a quick scan.

it bothered him when people showed up when he was having his little practices. some would see it as a chance to show off, but he felt awkward and nervous like they were judging him. normally, he didn't care what people thought but he was a little sensitive about his passion. holding onto the broom with one hand, he used his other to push the sleeves of his black sweatshirt up to his elbows exposing his muscular forearms. he knew he would be getting hot soon once he started blocking charmed quaffles from going through the rings.

collin ran a tan hand through his short dark brown hair and rose up to take his spot at the rings. perhaps instead of practicing, he should be fitting in more study time for the OWLs. collin smirked to himself somewhat at the thought and got ready for the quaffles to begin their quest for the rings.

as he was practicing, he started to feel like he was being watched. usually no one else was on the field this early, unless it was someone from another house coming to practice as well. the sun was barely up. if he wasn't himself, he would be taking this time to be getting extra minutes of sleep. of course, he tried to spend the least amount of time as possible in his dorm. he disliked his roommates because they irked him. possibly he would like them a bit more if he actually took the time to get to know them - it would most likely be a waste of energy if he did.

it's not that he hated his house completely. there was a few ravenclaws here and there that he actually didn't have anything against. the majority of them were girls because they tended to make the conversation for you. the guys were either too obnoxious to even want to try and talk to or they were like him (reserved and moody) that he was too lazy to initiate a conversation.

catching his breath, collin lowered his broom to the ground and dismounted it. he wasn't sure what time it was, so it would be best to quit soon so that he could dress and grab a bite of breakfast. once again, he got the feeling of being watched arose, but he dismissed it and began to put away the equipment he had gotten out.


tag: rosalind!
status: finished.
word count: five hundred twenty-seven.
comments: lameee.

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[maddie]

rosalind abella command yawned as she perched on the small chair that stood infront of her vanity mirror. looking around her dorm, her bright blue eyes searched the beds for any signs of life. the heavy breathing coming from underneath the covers in the direction of the north wall let her know that at least one of the other girls was still asleep. she knew that one of her roomates had gone to get a shower about thirty minutes ago, and she assumed that the third girl could probably be found studying in the library until at least late morning due to her increased worry over the upcoming OWLs. rose supposed that she should be a little more concerned about how her test scores would turn out since she spent the majority of her free time avoiding school and messing around, but she wasn't. she had been gifted with a photographic memory, so her plan was to pull an all-nighter the night before the test and study until she couldn't hold her eyelids open anymore, then search the depths of her mind for the answers to the exam. thinking about it for a moment, she couldn't help but notice that it had to be the most idiotic and irresponsible idea she had ever had, but she couldn't think of anything else to do. she spend enough time learning as it was anyways. hey, maybe she'd be okay. she could only hope. of course, she shouldn't gamble with something that so highly affected her future, but she was known for taking unreasonable chances.

rising from the chair, rosalind walked over to her dresser and pulled open a few drawers, carefully constructing an outfit for the day. after taking a cold shower to wake herself up and prevent split ends, she combed through her long blonde hair and picked up her wand, trying to recall a spell that she had read about in a wizard's beauty magazine a while back. reciting a few words, she smiled, pleased, as a gust of wind was emitted from the tip of her wand and it dried her damp locks. toying with one of the natural loose waves that fell around her face, she changed into a rather short blue and white dress with shorts underneath just incase she decided to practice her quidditch skills. this year she had tried out for the team and had made it as a seeker. she had always been naturally athletic, so this was just another challenge for her. plus, it gave her a chance to spend some time with a few of her friends from ravenclaw. sliding a navy blue tie and a string of beads around her neck, she put a thick bracelet on her wrist. shrugging on a faded black leather jacket, she finished her look by putting on a pair of dark ankle boots. she wouldn't dress like this on a normal school day of course, but it was sunday so she was free to do as she liked, much to the dissaproval of teachers and administrators. just incase, she always stored an extra set of robes in a bag that she liked to carry with her, along with a pair of flat shoes. putting the robe over her outfit to be safe, she quietly exited the room after applying makeup.

rose always got a little dizzy descending the spiralling staircase that led from the top of the ravenclaw tower on the west side of the castle to the entrance hall. making it down safely after several minutes of clutching to the railing for her life, she pushed open the vast oak doors that let to the outside grounds. closing the doors behind her, she jogged across the freshly mowed lawns to the quidditch pitch, wondering if anyone else would be there to watch the sun rise or to practice. sneaking inside and sitting down on one of the bleachers, she pulled an apple out of her bag and took a bite. suddenly, she looked up at the sky and saw someone hovering around the three rings, obviously a keeper. from this distance she couldn't really make out who it was, but she decided to watch them in action anyways. she took off her robes and put them back into her back, stretching. from her observations, she could tell that this person was passionate about quidditch, because they were really talented. even before he landed she could tell that it was collin, because she had seem him play before. no one else could quite compare. she ducked when she saw him looking around as if he were searching for someone, deciding that she wanted the element of surprise on her side.

standing up when he turned around to put the quaffles back into the chest, she tiptoed across the field silently until she was behind him before attempting to scare him by screaming 'boo' really loudly and jumping on his back. she knew it was childish, but she couldn't help but double over with laughter. sliding off of his back, a pink shade colored her cheeks slightly as the feeling of embarrassment struck her. "good morning, sunshine. you looked great up there, as always. y'know, i've never seen anyone play quidditch as well as you," she complimented her friend sweetly, giving him a hug. "i hope you didn't mind me watching. i promise i've only been here for a couple of minutes. oh, and i'm sorry about that surprise attack. i got a little carried away" she explained with a playful wink. reaching into her back, she pulled out a few pieces of fruit, a fiber bar, and an energy drink. "hungry or thirsty? i always bring extra," she shrugged, walking over to the bleachers and sitting on the third row casually. "so... what are you doing out here so early? buffing up even more for the halloween ball?" she smiled, obviously joking because he was already very muscular. she took a deep breath and realized that she had been talking a mile a minute. "okay, it's your turn to talk now" she laughed sheepishly.

[collin james welsh.]

collin was simply placing the equipment back into its proper place in the chest when he was attacked from behind and he heard the person shout "boo". he typically didn't get his back jumped on unless it was by his mangy little sister, abigail. he was more than sure that the only reason she did it was because she liked the annoyed look that would be plastered on his face once she jumped off. the attacker slid off his back and collin quickly whipped around to see who it was. he swore if it was a stupid little first year he would let them have it. he had a bit of a temper and maybe it would teach the ickle first year to not be so bold. the blonde hair and thin girly frame wasn't that of a first year - most definitely - but it belonged to rosalind command. a pretty ravenclaw that he perhaps would consider a good friend of his.

he noted her hysteric laughter and stifled a grin although her laughing was contagious. he omitted a mock chuckle, "you got me."

[/color] he said while pointing at her and then bending back down to secure the strap on the chest. good morning, sunshine. you looked great up there, as always. y'know, i've never seen anyone play quidditch as well as you, collin felt a heat go to his cheeks and an air of confidence. it felt good that someone was praising him. he smirked as rose leaned in to give him a small hug. he returned it with a light pat on her back. he wasn't much of a hugger. i hope you didn't mind me watching. i promise i've only been here for a couple of minutes. oh, and i'm sorry about that surprise attack. i got a little carried away.

so, rosalind was the creeper that he kept feeling? he wished he had known who was peering at him so that he could show out a little more, but then again he was glad that he didn't. wouldn't want her to get the wrong impression, now would he? hungry or thirsty? i always bring extra, collin's brown eyes flickered down to what she was talking about and noticed the snacks in her small pale hands. after his workout, he felt a tinge of hunger but a trip to the great hall would fix that. he gently shook his head "no". besides, he wasn't too particularly fond of healthy snacks. they were good for a pick me up when he was feeling drowsy or something, but he was ready for a meal.

so... what are you doing out here so early? buffing up even more for the halloween ball? the halloween ball? did he seriously look like the type that would be seen at one of those lame school functions? granted, hogwarts didn't have too many of them but he still wouldn't want to go - especially since he would have to wear a costume. "training, i guess. no one is usually out here this early so i have the pitch to myself."[/color] he answered while following her up to the bleachers."nahh. i'm not going. it's pointless, really."[/color] he said lacing his fingers together and dangling them in between his knees. okay, it's your turn to talk now. collin let out a soft chuckle and sent rosalind a side glance. " so what about you? are you planning on attending the ball?"[/color]




tag: rosalind!
status: finished.
word count: 600
comments: i suckk.

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[maddie]

rosalind couldn't help but blush as she released her grip on him, planting her feet firmly on the ground once again. as he turned around suddenly and abruptly, she took a step back in surprise, nearly tripping. regaining her balance with her cheeks now redder than ever, she looked down at the ground quietly for a moment like a child that had just done something wrong. sometimes she hated her impulsiveness. that was one of her major flaws. she tended to act upon the first thing that came to mind without really thinking about what she was doing in the first place. glancing back up at his face, she saw the traces of irritation marking his features quickly fade as she began to giggle. she thought she detected the hint of a grin that he was trying not to let surface, but she wasn't positive. when she heard him mocking her she rolled her eyes, trying not to smile as she wore a serious expression.

taking the time to look around and observe their surroundings, she noted that it was already obvious that it was going to be a beautiful day. the piercing, frigid morning frost had evaporated, leaving nothing but the first glimmers of sunlight and a warm breeze in it's place. it wasn't quite bright outside yet, but the darkness that lingered above the clouds had faded a lot and had begun to transform into a marvelous blue. whispy white clouds were already dotting the horizon. sliding off her thick leather jacket, rose placed it on the bleachers and wandered back over to where collin was standing. giving him a short but friendly hug, she smirked as she felt him pat her on the back. "sleep well?" she asked casually.

after he declined the food she had offered him she shrugged, taking another bite of her apple and putting the rest of the stuff into her bag. he probably wanted real food. rosalind had never had a large appetite, so she often found herself snacking on small things throughout the day such as nuts and berries... kind of like a squirrel, except less furry. laughing at the comparison inwardly, she took a seat on the bleachers, leaning back against the row behind her. she listened to him as he explained how he had the pitch to himself when he was out early and she nodded in understanding. "hmm... it must be nice to have a little peace and quiet. i'm getting kind of tired of being around so many people all of the time. my roomates are intimidating, too. bunch of nerds," she laughed, exchanging his sideways glance. "don't tell anyone i said that" she added quickly, knowing he wouldn't even though one of her roomates was also on the quidditch team. he was one of the few people she trusted here.

rosalind listened to him say that he thought the halloween ball was pointless. she looked thoughtful for a moment before replying. "it might be pointless, but it sounds like fun to me. how often do you get to see real wizards and witches dressing up when a lot of muggles actually dress up as us?" she reasoned, leaning back further in her seat comfortably. when he asked her if she was going she tapped her chin. "i might, but i'd want someone to go with me so i don't seem like an even biggest loser than people think i am" she laughed. she then turned in her seat to face him. "to be honest.... i was hoping you might want to go with me? as friends. just think about it for a second before you say no" she urged gently. "imagine all of the trouble we could cause," she grinned, nudging him with her elbow encouragingly. she waited for a response patiently, stretching.

[collin james welsh.]

rosalind was an interesting girl, that was for sure. her mannerisms were quirky and amiable. it was a breath of fresh air from the other school-centered people he was normally around. he hadn't spend very much time observing her because he was mostly in the zone at practice or zoned out in classes. either way, she had been a flat character in the thick of book of his life and there was potential that she could grow into a main character. her hyperactivity would be a good balance to his broody disposition. collin mentally slapped himself when he realized where his thoughts had taken him.

sleep well? just as rosalind had asked him that question, he omitted a large yawn and then covered his mouth with a tan hand. he loved sleep; he just didn't get much of it. his roommates were intolerable and liked to stay up where as he went to bed early. he learned his second year that placing a silencing charm around his bunk was the best way to handle it all. hmm... it must be nice to have a little peace and quiet. i'm getting kind of tired of being around so many people all of the time. my roommates are intimidating, too. bunch of nerds, collin chuckled lightly. finally someone with the same views as him! this girl was really getting on his good side. out of all their conversations, he was getting more out of this one. he raised his dark eyebrows at her as she sent him a look. don't tell anyone i said that.

he lowered his eyebrows and nodded his head. "you don't have to worry about me saying anything. i can't stand half of our house."

[/color] usually, anyone that he said that to would give him a strange look and then left disliking him a little more. he didn't care. whoever it didn't bother, he usually continued being friendly with. it might be pointless, but it sounds like fun to me. how often do you get to see real wizards and witches dressing up when a lot of muggles actually dress up as us?

he wouldn't admit it, but she did have a point. then again it made the holiday a little more insulting. i might, but i'd want someone to go with me so i don't seem like an even biggest loser than people think i am. another good point goes to rosalind command. he would have to start keeping track soon. he would be persuaded easier if he had a gorgeous girl ask him to accompany her, but unfortunately the dance of boys' choice. he didn't have a fear of rejection; in fact, he had enough confidence that a girl wouldn't say no. it's just that he didn't want to go with a stranger or even put himself out there. it was the same reason why he didn't have too many friends.

to be honest.... i was hoping you might want to go with me? as friends. just think about it for a second before you say no. collin turned to face her just as she did and gave her a questioning look. now, he really liked this girl. to be so bold to seek him out inside of him doing all the work. he really liked that. "i think that i'm supposed to be the one to ask."[/color] he straightened up and placed a serious look on his face. "we have to do this right."[/color] he paused for effect. "rosalind command,"[/color] another pause, "will accompany me to the halloween ball?"[/color] he asked properly, leaning in a little closer.




tag: rosalind!
status: finished.
word count: 639
comments: suckity suck suck suck.

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[maddie]

sometimes rosalind wondered why she was here. not here at the quidditch pitch, but here at hogwarts in general. her life was a trainwreck and so was she. if she wasn't sure about anything else, she did know that she was not here for her parents. most students were determined to live up to their mother and father's legacies and become wizards just like them. that wasn't the case with rose. ever since her parents basically disowned her several years ago she gave up on ever being reunited as a family. that was when she stopped doing things solely for other people. now she made big decisions and goals simply for her own well-being. she set high standards and had expectations for herself. she was going to be someone who she herself would have looked up to when she was younger. there was no question about this. it wasn't selfish of her to do things for herself, because she had no one else left to do things for. she had seen people give up before she didn't want to turn out the way they did.

although rosalind focused on her future and getting to where she wanted to be, she also did things for one other reason. she wanted her brother to be proud of her too. she knew that this was how he would have wanted her to live and she could often feel his presence with her. trenton was up in heaven smiling down at her and that was all that mattered anymore.

rosalind smiled as she saw collin let out a rather big yawn. "i'll take that as a no" she said softly, her voice empathetic. she could relate. not only were her roomates loud and merciless, but so were their pets. there was a cat that was vicious and forever grumpy, an owl that constantly hooted and knocked over her books when the girls let it out of it's cage, and a snake that got loose quite often and caused her to wake up in the middle of the night screaming when she felt it constrict around her legs. after complaining about her dormmates to collin, she raised an eyebrow as she heard him chuckle. after hearing him say that he wouldn't tell anyone because he felt the same way she grinned, nodding. "thanks. and i agree, most of the people in ravenclaw are strudels." laughing at her strange choice of words, she smiled over at him. "incase you haven't guessed yet, i don't think you're one of them."

when you were face to face with collin, it was pretty much impossible to be oblivious to the fact that he was very attractive. this wasn't the first time she had noticed, of course, but it was the first time that she had thought of him as a little more than a friend. she couldn't help her mind from wandering. besides, they would make a gorgeous couple. that was a given. snapping back into reality, she thought about how she had just mentioned how muggles dressed up as wizards and witches for halloween. of course, they all took the stereotypical path, but it didn't really get on her nerves as much as it seemed to for other students. besides, headmistress mcgonagall wore a black robe and a pointy hat.

after asking him to the halloween ball, rosalind realized that it was supposed to be guy's choice only. a moment of panic seized her, but she relaxed the moment later. who would ever know? and if someone did, what could they do about it? smiling at him, she felt her heart speed up and she looked confused for a moment, almost lost. she was afraid of rejection. well.. this was a first. probably because she wasn't the one to usually ask people out, but she felt like there was something more. maybe she cared for him more than she thought. shrugging, she looked away for a moment. turning back at the sound of his voice, her cheeks reddened and her eyes widened as she listened to him ask her to the ball properly. "i would love to go to the halloween ball with you" she beamed, stuttering and sounding stupid. when he leaned close she froze, wondering what to do next. he didn't want to kiss her, so she'd probably be humiliated if she tried. she just smiled at him. "hey, want to go get something to eat?"