[Hogsmeade] Just strolling along

[Professor Ashton Laurent]

Ashton strolled leisurely down the streets of Hogsmeade, he hadn't been to Hogmeade in weeks and decided that now would be a perfect time to go. As it was winter, the air was quite chiily, and his normally pale cheeks now had a rosy blush to them, snow drifted lazily towards the ground, and icicles hung from the eaves of the buildings. Ash shivered as he pulled his cloak around him tighter, not watching where he was going, Ash stumbled into someone and nearly fell backwards. "I'm sorry. I didn't see you." he apolgized to the person.

[simoneflynn]

Simone had just finished work for the day, there was a problem with a centaur and a rogue wizard in the forbidden forest that she had to sort out. After a hard day's work, Simone decided to have a quick visit to Hogsmeade and get a few things she needed for home; aswell as a drink or two at the Hogs Head.
She buttoned up her long, dark red coat and pulled out her fluffy white scarf from the pocket to quickly throw it onto her neck.
She made her way to Hogsmeade by foot as she enjoyed chilly weather and it wasn't that far. Eventually she got to the entrance to Hogsmeade and felt her shoe was loose. She looked down to find her victorian style boot had become untied. She sighed and bent down to tie it, to be seconds later interrupted by a poke in the shoulder.
She stood up as she noticed a boy had walked into her by mistake.
"No, I'm sorry. I shouldn't really stand in the middle of the street doing up my laces!" she began to giggle.
"I hope I didn't scare you too much" she grinned as she flicked her long red hair onto her back, revealing her pale face that was now a little flushed.

[Professor Ashton Laurent]

Ash grinned, "I'm fine. I should've been watching where I was going." He pushed back raven hair to reveal sapphire eyes. "I'm Ashton McLane. Sixth Year Ravenclaw."

[simoneflynn]

Simone smiled back at him being friendly. He was the only friendly person she'd dealt with all day.
"Hey Ashton, I'm Simone Flynn. I work for the Ministry as a Magical Law Enforcement Officer" she said pointing to her freshly polished badge on her chest.
"I'm a fellow Ravenclaw myself" she said with delight.
"Oh and don't worry about me, I'm off duty. Just don't mess about with magic when you know you shouldn't" she winked cheekily.

[Professor Ashton Laurent]

Ash couldn't control the small frown that flicked across his face when the woman mentioned the ministry. However, he quickly replaced it with a smile. "Nice to meet you Ms. Flynn. And don't worry, I have no intentions of abusing my magical abilities. Besides, I have other ways of getting what I want."

[simoneflynn]

Simone knew students hated the ministry, but afterall it was just a job, and a damn good one too.
"I know you probably think i'm a suit like the rest of the ministry, but I can assure you i'm the outcast of them. They know I just see it a job to pay the bills, and they don't like that. I used to be concerned with the ministry too. You'll learn to see it's not as bad as it's made out to be." she gave him a knowing smile.
"So, where were you headed to Ashton?" she continued, backing away from the conversation about the Ministry.

[Professor Ashton Laurent]

Ash sighed, "Try saying that when it feels like they're controlling you and taking away your freedom. Not to mention giving out ridiculous punishments. And that Van Haestregt woman? Ugh." Ash gave a small shudder at the name. He grinned, "Nowhere in particular. Just wondering around."

[simoneflynn]

Simone gave a loud laugh.
"Well, yes, Nobody seems to like her but herself. I stay out of battles within the ministry against themselves, there's enough I have to deal with already!" She eventually stopped laughing.
"Well I was on my way to The Hog's Head, if you want to pop along. I wouldn't mind hearing all about Hogwarts nowadays anyway... I'll even treat you to a butterbeer because of being mindless and bending over in the middle of the street" she offered, raising an eyebrow in response.
"And before you ask, I'm only twenty-four, so don't think i'm that out of touch with modern day life for you youngsters" she nudged him cheekily.

[Professor Ashton Laurent]

Ash grinned, "Sure." he laughed, "I never said you were!"

((blegh, short and crappy))

[simoneflynn]

((don't worry, hehe))

Simone nodded and began to walk.
"So, what are your job prospects for the future?" she asked in interest.
She wrapped her arms around herself, trying to keep a little warmer.

[Professor Ashton Laurent]

Ash shrugged, "Well I've got a band with some of my friends, I'm lead singer and I also play guitar if need be" -he gestured to the guitar hanging across his back- "So, we'll see where that goes."

[simoneflynn]

"Very cool" she looked at him.
"So what bands are you into then?" she questioned as they met the entrance of the pub.

[Professor Ashton Laurent]

Ash smiled, "Well Calypso is a mix between pop and rock."

[simoneflynn]

Simone nodded and put her scarf into her pocket then proceeded to take her coat off and hang it onto the coat rack who held out it's arm and gave a slight bow. Simone nodded to it and smiled, while continuing to talk to Ashton.
"So, how long have you been in this band then?" she asked, propping herself up at the bar.
"Butterbeer?" she asked, getting her purse out.

[Professor Ashton Laurent]

Ash grinned, "Well actually we just formed the band a few weeks ago. It's going pretty well though. We're thinking about having a concert in the Great Hall at the begining of next term, which is in a few days. Would you like to come?" he asked. He smiled as she asked if he wanted Butterbeer. "No thank you, I've had enough of that to last a lifetime!" he joked!