[Puddifoots] A splendid cup of Earl Grey

[jimmy]

Seated in the corner of a quaint little Tea shop Jimmy surveyed the other customers, there were few the place surprisingly didn't recieve many visits. It seemed to Jimmy the rabble up at Hogwarts just wouldn't appreciate such a place. The chairs were comfortable, the decor satisfactory, the service gave much to be desired, in truth it wasn't up to his high standards, but in short it was unfortunately the best on offer.
A small goblin of all things, was seated some distance away moaning and grumbling about his expenses for Christmas, Jimmy could sympathise as his purse was feeling somewhat lighter after sending home so many expensive gifts. It was safe to say that his owl didn't much like Jimmy, he had been nursing a few cuts of late as he flung out his owl from his dormitory window.

Pondering on that he didn't much like either, he was sharing the crampe dormitory with a rather uncouth lad to say the least, a small annoying boy who didn't stop talking, named Perry. They didn't get along, his own mannerisms clashed wildly with those of Perry's; who had no manners at all. Prefering to not dwell long on that topic he gazed at the next Tea Shop customer; a tall slim girl perhaps in her sixth or seventh year at Hogwarts he thought. She was dressed smartly and was pouring over a large book before her, quick to smile and slow to anger he deducted as she smiled at the words on her page. Just the sort he would like to get to know he thought, but she was busy as was he at this hectic time of year.
There were no others in sight, not even a waitress ready to serve. The ageing woman who had bustled about taking a rather long time with a simple cup of tea seemed to be running the institution single handed, he admired that though better tea would be required for him to visit against.

Grimacing inwardly at this being the best in this tiny all wizarding village, he nonetheless settled back in his chair, feeling at ease, that was until a group of rowdy students rudely entered. Why they deemed it necessary to interupt his elevenses he couldn't fathom. They entered with a raucous cry, followed by an evil sounding cackle of laughter. Such a bedlam was produced solely by two people; a young man and woman. Raising his eyebrows as his judgements took over presuming they were lovers he grimaced openly this time; that was all he needed, two lovebirds kissing and giggling in a corner. Turning away so as not to witness such play he sipped his tea, enjoying the warmth of the china cup, and looked out of the paned windows, slighly steemed up as the warmth of this cosy house clashed with the chill wind outside.

Finishing his first with a quick swig he settled the china back onto it's flowery saucer and summoned the waitress for another asking politely
"may I have another," expecting the answer certainly sir and a quick curtsy. Instead he got the sharp reply of
"if you've the money," startled Jimmy nevertheless replied calmly
"why of course." as the waitress flounced off Jimmy recollected times when that most certainly wouldn't have happened, the behaviour in the entire wizarding world was quite frankly appalling, he sighed wearily and cursed inwardly as he realised he was letting his emotions slip out, what would his father think?
He sat silently pondering his home and the luxuries along with it, whilst he awaited his second Earl Grey.

Admin Edit: WHOA, its a beast! =O (Sorry, had to be said)

[Girty Hubbles]

Girty trudged down the street of Hogsmead. She was not in a good mood and was trying to avoid her friends. She was not in the mood to face them today. After purchasing a few goods Girty decided it was time for a refreshment. Heading off to her normal watering hole Girty was about to set foot into the Three Broomsticks when she saw a groups of her mates. With a repulsed face she spun around to face the other way and matched on further down the street towards the tea shop.

As she pushed open the door the sweet smell reached her and a small smile filled her face. The room was quite apart from the odd laugh and girlish giggle. Looking around she safely noticed that none of her friends or in fact acquaintances were even in the shop. With a sigh of relief Girty walked over the main counter ordering a cup of tea and a slice of hot toffee cake.

Carefully carrying it over to an empty table she slid off her robes, draping them over the back of the chair. Making herself comfortable she was about to take a huge bite out of her cake when out of the corner of her eye she noticed a boy sitting in the corner. Trying to move her gaze off him she suddenly became aware of how stupid she may look trying to cram a whole slice of cake in her mouth at once. Blushing she placed it on the plate in front of her. Wiping her hands Girty picked up the for and slowly started dividing it up into more sensible sizes.

[jimmy]

Eventually recieving his second cup of earl grey he was in mid sip when his ears pricked at the jingle of the little bell announcing the entry of a rather glamorous young lady. Holding his cup halfway to his mouth without realising it, he surveyed this new entrant's attributes, smiling to himself as she asked with confidence to be served without delay, he gently lowered his dainty china cup. A happy smile enhanced her features though she seemed somehwat drawn too, perhaps too much of that abominable game of quidditch.
Steepling his fingers before him he looked again upon the young lady whereupon she recieved her slice of dark brown rather off looking cake she presently took a seat facing, about to tuck into her cake with a gusto she stopped as she met his own steadfast gaze, he smiled without warmth as she blushed slightly. He enjoyed having that effect on women. Careful not to let his mouth fall into a sneer he diverted his gaze to his own cup, seeing he was past halfway through, he sighed wearily then signalled for another cup.
Waving his hand failed to attract the woman's attention though. Grimacing disgustedly at the poor quality of service he nevertheless commanded politely "another if you please."
As the waitress bustled off with a scowl he directed his gaze back to the young lady, seeing she was now delicately slicing up her cake, he nodded with satisfaction knowing this was the first person he had seen do such an obvious mannerism. Normally he wouldn't have admired such a basic manner but in this abysm it was the best there was.
Smiling curiously he averted his gaze once more, again loosing interest
"do hurry up," he called in a voice audible to all there, he desired to embaress this unlucky waitress for the poor serice, he fully expected making a complaint at the end of his nourishment break here.

[Girty Hubbles]

As Girty continued to slice up her cake she could still feel her cheeks burning. Trying to compose her self she carefully scooped up a piece of toffee cake and placed it in her mouth. The warmth filled her whole body and the taste of the cake spread across her tongue making yet another smile creep across her face. As satisfaction radiated from her she carefully placed the fork onto the plate, which created a small ping as it hit the china. Reaching forward Girty took hold of the cup and took a rather large gulp, however as she did the boy who she had previously been looking at took her attention. Forgetting she was drinking Girty took in a breath only to find a liquid substance in the way.

She suddenly found her tea going down the wrong way in her throat and soon she was coughing and spluttering. This soon got the attention of many people in the shop as she struggled to clear her airways. To her disgust no one came to help, but eventually she was able to breath properly. After a few deep breaths she shot an glare at the boy in the corner. Pushing the chair backwards Girty walked towards the boy and slammed her hands down on the table in front of him. With a sharp but rather rough voice from the coughing Girty silently talked to the boy.

“One. That is not how you treat anyone in this shop, the people who work here are not your personal servant. And Two. You nearly killed me!”

Her eyes where harsh as they watched every movement on the boys, rather pefect face, not knowing how he was going to react.

[jimmy]

Jimmy watched amused at the expresson on the young lady's face as she seemingly enjoyed her cake immensely, though she seemed to be exaggerated somewhat, unless her manner was always so intense. Finishing his own tea within moments, which was quite unlike his character he set his cup down once, though he fained no interest in the young lady he couldn't help but be drawn back to her, he concluded it must be because all others in the little quaint tea shop, where somehow more dull.
Wondering precisely where his simple cup of tea was he looked at his watch to show his irritation. Having nothing else more to preoccupy his thoughts he looked once more upon the face of the rather charming young lady, her gaze was firm when she desired to use it he thought. Musing over her qualities, though they were few and far between he sighed wearily once more.

As she raised her own cup and met his gaze he was about to smile warmly so as not to draw attention to himself when she suddenly began to choke it seemed. Wondering what on earth all the fuss was about he was about to rush to her aid, somewhat late he knew but as suddenly as she had started her scene, it stopped. He smiled reassuringly at her, giving her a winning smile designed to make her fall head over heels for him. But all of a sudden she had bounded to her feet and apporached looking rather furious, though it didn't stop her beauty he noticed with a smirk. He was somewhat surprised and downhearted at the roughness of her voice though as she spoke angrily to him.
Though he admired her courage for standing up to him he wasn't going to accept her smarmy attitude. Though she was all smiles he realised glumly they hid her fierce nature.
Retorting calmly yet with words carefully chosen he said smoothly
"I beg your pardon, I treat others as they so thoroughly deserve." He didn't notice the hypocrisy of his own words and continued bluntly swatting aside her second comment.
"I nearly killed you?" He asked his voice dripping with sarcasm,
"I beg to differ, you did that yourself, don't you know how to drink?" He asked with a genuine smile of pleasure. He suspected those words to drive her away to coware in the corner, smiling with satisfaction he turned away not wanting to waste one more breath on the young lady, no matter how beautiful she looked, he had to admit glumly.

[Girty Hubbles]

Girty’s mouth hung open as he talked. This boys oozed superiority and that grated on Girty’s nerves. Then he not only had the self belief he was right but then he ignored her, when clearly she was still standing by him. Her nostrils flared with anger and her whole body tensed. As the boy continued to ignore her she looked around the room and noticed that many people still had there eyes fixed upon her. With a low growl of pure anger she spun around and headed back to her table.

As she flopped back onto her chair she impatiently moved her chair back into position under the table, scrapping the legs on the stone floor sending a screeching sound throughout the whole shop. With yet another angry sigh Girty viciously stabbed a slice of cake just as violently pulled it off in her mouth. Not even the delicate and irresistible taste of the cake could calm her down. She glanced back over at the older boy and frowned. The cheek he had to accuse her of not being able to drink, her words may have been harsh but that was no excuse for him to replay in such a way.

Throwing the her fork down in disgust Girty folded her arms and looked around the room. She noticed the people still glanced over at her nervously and as they caught her gaze they turned away immediately and whispered about her to their friend. Yet again the words of the boy haunted her mind. With a deep breath Girty stood up and picked up her plate and tea and walked towards the boy. She slammed them on the table and looked daggers at the boy. The tea sloshed over the side and the cake fell over the plate with crumps flying off in the boys direction.

“If you so high and mighty maybe you will care to teach a simpleton how to drink.”
With another low growl she abruptly sat down in the set opposite refusing to take her eyes off the boy.

[jimmy]

Jimmy sat silently in pure triumpth. He smiled happily as he inflicted misery upon the poor soul, other customers were clearly on his side too as they looked suspiciously at the girl. His carefully chosen words had worked wonders and he smiled with pleasure knowing he had won, though he had expected and rather would have prefered her to put up more of a fight, but alas she had flounced off back to her table, stuffing herself with food now. She seemed severely agitated and Jimmy couldn't surpress his smile of joy in being the one to inflict it, though she seemed to be grinding her teeth in pure frustration and annoyance. He admired himself for the marvellous effect his few words had had, though he also felt some regret surprisingly.
Jimmy sat perfectly still hands steepled before him once more. Totally relaxed and under control he alighted his gaze once more upon her marvelling still at the exaggerated effect his words had seemingly had.
Turning to look at the view from the window he was surprised to here her approach once more,
wanting to say the words come back for more have we, he stifled them not wanting to denigrate her totally.
"Haven't you embaressed yourself enough yet?" he did enquire though wanting her now out his sight. But it was too late, whether she had heeded his hushed words or not, he couldn't tell. Slamming her refreshments angrily upon the table Jimmy was astounded to see crumbs fly towards his best clothes, a clean on this morning shirt and tie with a rahter fetching leather jacket atop.
Her comment now lacked some subtlety, and he was about to retort offensively if only to be rid of her detestable company, when a rather more effective plan entered his mind. Smirking with glee he said
"certainly, do be seated," he said happily seeking the opportunity for his own enjoyment.
"This is the correct pose," he said indicating with his own cup, he smiled at the young lady wanting her to take up the same pose.
"I could take you under my own wing if you so desire," he said patronisingly
"teach you how to act in front of true company," he surpressed a laugh hoping this new method would persuade her to detest his presence, he much preferred his own solitude.

[Girty Hubbles]

Girty folded her arms and frowned at the boy. Who the hell did he think he was? He was actually telling Girty how to act. Displeasure filled her and she looked away to where she had been sitting wishing she had never left that chair. Suddenly something floated into her mind as if by magic. Turning slowly at the boy she looked at his pose and a small smile passed over her lips. By the way he was acting the chance this boy had a sense of humour would be slim.

Girty straitened her back, placed her hands on her legs, tilted her head sideways, elongated her face and pressed her lips together like fish. She then started to wobble her head from side to side and closed her eyes to make sure she could not se the reaction on the boys face. Girty tied to suppress a laugh put could not resist. Soon her body relaxed to normal her back slouched and her a smile covering her face. Raising her grey eyes up to the boy she hoped that he would started laughing with her. However the cold expression on his face showed he was not playing long.

“Oh lighten up. If that’s how you say people should act then no wonder you sitting in here all by yourself with no friends.” Girty giggled a bit more and let her mouth continue to spout out words which her mind did not double check.
“If anything I should be teaching you how to act. Were not in Windsor castle anymore mate, this is a school…full of children. If you let a true smile fill that handsome face of your you may have a bit of fun.”

With a smile of satisfaction that she had got that rant off her chest she picked p her cup of rather cold tea and sipped it before placing back onto the saucer. The feeling she had before of whether or not she should have come over to the table had passed. She was enjoying the company of this boy even if he was no enjoying hers.

[jimmy]

The change that came over the young lady was quite extraordinary, one moment she had been flustered to say the least, angry annoyance obvious from her face adn body language, and the next she had changed so utterly, the small smile she had allowed herself sent a shiver down Jimmy's spine, he knew not if that was a good sign, or far worse.
But he needn't had worried for that brief fleeting moment, she became utterly foreign to him once more, what she performed before his very eyes reminded him of a fish out of water. Looking quizzically at her he deemed she must be totally mad, shaking his head sorrowfully he stopped a smile playing across his lips. Looking stonily at her still her listened dutifully to her comment pondering the words a moment. As she spoke a look of consternation fluttered across his face, he didn't know whether to laugh or cry at this comment, whether she was mad or not she seemed to have the apparent wits to see his own problem immediately; it had been staring him in the face for months but in a matter of moments she had analysed his character and given him his way out. Staring amazedly at her he tried to get his mouth to work but feared the words would make little coherency.
He realised with some concern that he ahd left his mouth hanging open, ironically like the fish the young lady had just portrayed. With an angry look he closed it firmly, not behesting to her request of allowing even a trace of a smile. Trying to keep his emotions in check he surprisingly began to say the first word that came into his head; "hand," but abruptly finished before he completed the word handsome, though he knew it perfectly well he couldn't help but wonder why she had pointed it out.
Pausing a few moments more to recollect her words he played them over in his mind then retorted rather lamely
"for your information I have got friends...they are just not situated in this abominably dreadful castle." He folded his arms rather crossly realising she had him quite lost for words.

[Girty Hubbles]

As the boy gave what seemed to be a very, very uncharacteristic stutter Girty could not help put laugh. She looked at the boy with warm eyes and a wide smile as he so polity put it.

“I have no friends at school.”

Trying to pretend to be shocked by his remark Girty raised her hand to her mouth and gave a little gasp. With yet another little giggle she lowered her hand revealing her smile once more and poked another slice of her toffee cake before putting it into her mouth.

After swallowing and taking a sip of her tea Girty looked over at the boy once more looking deep into his eyes.
“Here we both are talking and acting as if we have been friends for at least 10 minutes and we do not know each others names. Well I do not know yours…if you were up to date with the news and activities that happened at Hogwarts you would know that I’m Girty Hubbles, famous Hufflepuff.”

After her little speech she flicked her long brown hair over her shoulder and rested both hand son the table and fiddled with her cup. She could not explain how she felt at this moment in time. She had gone from pure furry and anger to laughing and almost having fun with this Gryffindor. But there was something about him she could not place…and interest in him wondering truly what he was like underneath all the pompous attitude.

[jimmy]

Jimmy looked quizzicaly at the young lady as she didn't seem overly shocked at his confession of having few friends in this horrible place. But the warm smile he recieved raised his spirits ever so slightly, though the stifling of a girly giggle had been plain for him to see. Scowling once more he watched as she sipped her tea more daintly now, just a few moments in his presence seemed to have cured her of her manner defaults, though the others would need much more work he thought with a sigh. This castle had changed him for the worse, and he didn't appreciate nor like it one bit.
As she prounced herself 'famous' he now couldn't help but bark a laugh
"pah, I can't say as I have heard of you Girty Hubbles, shame for you, you're not so famous as first thought," he said snidely. He would enjoy making fun of this Girty as she seemed determined to stay around, refusing to learn her lesson, he admired her for that. He couldn't help but admire her beauty either as she swept her hair round in a flirtaious manner.
"Jimmy Roberston at your service," he said curtly now looking away faining no interest in her.

[Girty Hubbles]

Girty’s mouth dropped open. Her eyes grew wide as she stared at the boy who had just called himself Jimmy.

“WHAT! How could you not have heard of me. you either A) do not watch the Quidditch as I’m Hufflepuff’s number 1 chaser…possibly the best in this whole castle. B) You must not care about the going on in school and be blind. My face is all over the posters. I’m the Champion for Hufflepuff. And final C) you must never have walked around the forbidden forest at night.”

After the last remark Girty gave him a sly smile and looked closely into his eyes. They were cool and showed no sign of kindness in them. Turning up her lower lip Girty finished off her cup of stone cold tea and prodded the last few slices of cake with her fork. Looking back up at Jimmy she smiled thinking of a question she was dying to ask.

“Begging my pardon sir but what do you do around school? What is your purpose? Do you put anything back or are you all take take take?”