Laughing Clowns (OPEN)

[frank]

Frank Longbottom took his studies seriously, particularly when he had his future as an Auror on the line, but that didn’t mean that he avoided parties. Provided his work was done, he always looked forward to blowing off some steam. So, it was with great relief that he heard through the incredibly fast (if occasionally inaccurate) Hogwarts grapevine that someone was having a birthday party one the front lawn today. It wasn’t until he began hearing more information about the birthday person that he began to feel the onset of panic. Hold on, it was a girl in his house? In his year? Well, there were only five, and that probably meant… His stomach dropped like a ton of bricks lobbed over a balcony. Bollocks. Not again.

Frank had forgotten a friend’s birthday. For what seemed like the eightieth time. Fu…runculus. It was a wonder he was still even invited to birthday parties. How was it that he could remember the date of every single goblin rebellion, but he had an absolute inability to remember anyone’s birthday? Not that this was really much of a surprise—he had always been notoriously terrible about friends’ birthdays. This forgetfulness was seemingly magnified sevenfold recently—something about the stress of seventh year combined with his habitual one-track mind since the death of his father had made him almost unaware of anything that didn’t directly pertain to becoming an Auror and living up to his father. Never the less he had been invited and it was with a degree of shame that he set off towards the lawn he knew to be set up for the before mentioned party; he remembered seeing it on his way to breakfast this mornign but hadn't thought much of it, in a school as large as this one there was a birthday almost everyday; but I digress, off he went, sans birthday present.
“Gifts are NOT necessary, my arse,” he mumbled to himself. “Let’s just wait and see when I’m the only one without a gift.”

It was with a further degree of shame that, whilst walking, he reached into his pocket for the all too familiar carton of cigarettes. “Smoking kills,” he said aloud, as if that was supposed to deter him, before lighting up anyway. Perhaps one day he’d heed said mantra and quit, but not now. Plenty of students had worse vices, he reasoned, more than aware that he was making excuses for himself, as there was a large part of himself that was frustrated that something that had initially begun as innocent curiosity had turned into an activity that occupied a fair amount of his thoughts daily. However, the 7th year barely had time to properly chastise himself for his habit before he glimpsed the tent and, not willing to admit that he smoked, he quickly put out the light.

As he approached the tent, Frank instantly made eye contact with the table of presents and cursed so vehemently in his head that if his mother had heard (and if she were a legilimens, thank Merlin she’s not), she would have smacked him with her red handbag. Still, it was with a smile—albeit an embarrassed one—that Frank approached the table.. Ruffling his hair absentmindedly as he glancing around him (just in case someone was looking) he proceeded to dig through his pockets and pulled a wrinkled piece of parchment from somewhere between what felt like a ball of gum and a chess piece he had stuck in his pocket that morning after standing on it while he was getting dressed. Smoothing it out as best he could, before sliding it between to brightly wrapped parcels.
Written on the slip of parchment, in Frank’s neat, cramped handwriting:

I owe you one very wonderful birthday present. Don’t let me forget.

-Frank

Attachments:

[alice grace hallows]

The air was a little chilly, but Alice didn't mind. It was nice to be away from London. The walls of Hogwarts had been home to her for so many years it made living in the city so very strange and unapealing. She'd arived by apparition only moments ago. Having arranged with Dumbledor a little meeting, Alice decided to come a whole week in advance and take time off from her internship at the ministry. She still had friends that were a year behind her and it occured to her that it would be nice to pay them a visit and assure them that... Arithmancy was entirely unnecessary, and to fill their classes with extra charms. She'd left her bag at the Three Broomsticks. Lucky for her Madam Rosemerta liked her well enough to offer her a room for the deration of her stay.

Tucked under her arm was a very neatly wrapped birthday gift. alice had not forgotten the girl's birthday. And was glad she decided to come early and not miss the party. Though she didn't know the girl as a best friend, Alice did still wish to be polite. Stepping off the path she followed a shadded figure with smoke around it's head. Not noticing it was Frank Longbottom the very pinical of all adoration Alice had in her, she adjusted the bow on the packaging and trotted through the grass to the tent. But the head became ever so clearer and the cigarette was put out. Alice recognised the back of that head. She'd seen him at school. She'd drooled over him in the library her second year. And third. And fourth. And so on and so on. That was indeed the Frank she'd never really been able to talk to privately. She had attempted to muster up that much courage, but failed.

"F-Frank Longbottom...." He was wedging a piece of paper between some gifts. "Well well Mr. Longbottom. I thought you'd know better than to...." the more she thought about it though the more dangerous it made him look. She never did finish what she originally was going to saying. Thoughts got in the way and she was picturing him on a motorcycle with a smoke in between his lips and her on the back. Shaking the thought away she quickly came up with something to finish off the sentence a nicer way. "Than to show up without a gift." Smiling Alice took Frank's quil and stuffed the parchment in his pocket. On the tag of her book she added "And Frank." next to "From: Alice." She gave him back his quil and set the gift on the table. "Now you owe me."

Alice had learned to be courageous and how to talk to boys since she'd been gone. Dorcas was a large part of that learning experiance. And a good few drinks. A little liquid confidence never hurt anyone. Though she couldn't say she wasn't a little nervous talking to him. She only hoped he would react well. "So, how is Hogwarts without me handing out detentions?" I grinned and brushed back a bit of hair. He looked great. All... tall and, manly. Suddenly now that I was viewed as a woman in society, people began to look a bit different to me too. Frank with his soft brown hair and those gentle eyes. His body seemed more toned. He'd been bulking up since she'd last seen him. Sucking in her pink bottom lip she stared at him waiting for him to say something. Anything. She'd probably die at the sound of his voice. And that there would be the end of Alice Hallows. What ever would the world do?

Word count: 634
Tag: Frank!
Post status: Finished
Clothes: Click me!
Comments: I'M SO FREAKIN HAPPY WE HAVE A FRANK!!!!!!!!!!

[frank]

He didn't need to move his gaze up the delicious looking fingers; that had somehow managed to swipe his quill from him before he had even noticed the other persons presence, to know who the hand they were part of belonged to. If the sight of the fingers that had featured in many of Franks fantasies where not enough then the sound of the woman's voice was enough to confirm the presence of a person he hadn't expected to see again. Alice Hallows; a woman Frank based all other woman on and found them lacking.
'And the reason I'm single. She is'"Perfect" Not needing a mirror to feel the flush of his embarrassment spread over his face Frank moved his gaze up to Alice's face for the first time in almost 6 months. And like a diabetic offered the rare chance to eat chocolate he was reminded of just how beautiful the girl of his fantasies was. The picture he had of her taken by a random kid at a quidditch match did her no justice.

His throat dry Frank swallowed once, twice, three times before he felt ready to say anything else "Alice" Flushing again as he heard his own voice croak the woman's name. Fixing a grin on his face he cleared his throat before trying again hoping she didn't notice how nervous he was to be talking to her and if she did notice his tense shoulders he hope she wouldn't think the worse.
"Alice" He repeated moving closer he wasn't sure what to do, he had watched her for years but the furthest they had ever gotten in getting to know one another has been over a game of truth or dare that usually ended with head of house breaking up the party before anything interesting could have happened.

Reaching out with his right hand Frank brushed a piece of her dark hair off her face "You look amazing" resting his open palm against her cheek it took Frank a moment to realise that he was probably over stepping boundaries, they had hardly been good friends when she was in school and now she was out of school he knew without a doubt that he had lost his chance to be anything but an acquaintance, she was most likely in a relationship now. She was to amazing to be single.
Pulling his hand away slowly he did his best to memorize how her skin felt against his. Pulling away he shrugged slightly before answering her "Dull." He sighed, tucking his hands into his robe pocket;more to stop him from reaching out to touch the beauty before him than to keep his hands warm, it was actually quite warm today.
"Between NEWT practice exams and practicals and then actual classes I have spent most of my time in the library. I can't afford to fail anything if I want to get into the auror program" Feeling as if he was talking to much Frank nodded slightly in Alice's direction "What about you? Any new people in your life?"

Comments: I'm 'freakin' happy too! Hope we can rp well together I think this will be awesome!

[alice grace hallows]

She was more than happy to see him now. There was no hope for an attempt at not smiling. Sure she could almost count the actual solid encounters she'd had with Frank. But Alice loved every second of it. Physically Frank Longbottom had always been exactly what she was looking for. He was a devilishly handsom boy. Though she expected he didn't think the same of her. Alice was quite plain in her oppinion. And she always found it very strange that he didn't have any girlfriends. Some of her was afraid to find out why. And then again some of her was almost possitive that it wouldn't matter. She'd love him anyway.

The way he looked at her made Alice's heart race. She was all calm cool and collected two seconds ago when it was just her talking and not paying attention to the fact that this was the very boy she'd admired from afar for so long. Alice knew she never stood a chance at him with all the other girls. Until her last year or so at Hogwarts at least. Once Alice started to be more social she found that people rather liked her. Which was a relief to say the least. Never the less, Alice was a much more bright and open person now and felt better about talking to potential guys. Looking up at him as he spoke her name Alice smiled and faught the burn behind her own cheeks. It was put to ease a little when she sensed the tension in his voice. Smiling wider, she looked down then back up. Could he say only her name? If it were the case, Alice didn't think she'd mind it that much. She wasn't sure there was anything she could do to ease his nerves but she didn't let the knowlege of them be known to him at all. Finding that acknowlaging things like that often detered one's confidence, Alice wanted him to think he was a strong boy. One that wasn't nervous at all. That he had her right in the palm of his hands.

And then he did. As his hand hit her skin she held her breath. She wasn't sure what to do. She was just stunned there to the spot. Then he spoke and she.... let words come out in an almost idiotic way. "Thank you... You're very pretty too.." Really? Had she just said that? OF COURSE SHE BLOODY DID!! When he went around making her all mooshy she was bound to say something dumb! She recovered quickly though. "I mean.. You make those robes look... very in fashion." That wasn't much better. But he answered her quiestion as he pulled away. Had what she blurted out made him back off? She hoped not. What did he expect from her?! He was marvelous!!!! Didn't he know that?!

She listened to him glad to have something else to talk about. Actually she missed most of what he'd said. But she came back in around the "auror program" part. She nodded appropriately and smiled. "It does take a lot to get into that program. But I'm sure you can do it." Then he asked about her. Not a subject Alice was exactly fond of. Herself. Ick. She didn't like to talk much about herself. But if was the question he asked that made Alice quark a brow. "New people? Well.. I am a tea tray girl in the beasts division of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. It's not that exciting really. But no one of any specific interest. No boyfriends or anything adventurous like that. I've hung out a bit more with Dorcas. But growing up and all that really isn't as lavish as it sounds." Alice laughed a little. Had he been asking her specifically if she had a boyfriend? She hoped so. Hoped she'd given him the right answer as well.

Quickly wanting to keep things moving right along and not linger much on herself, Alice smiled and put a hand on Frank's arm. "Let's go get some punch?" Leading him in the right direction her hand still lightly on his arm, Alice tried to suppress the sound of her heart thudding in her ears. "What about you? Make many more friends in the library or is it just love affairs with litterature for you?" she laughed lightly and stopped at a large punch bowl to pour herself a glass. The party seemed nice. No sign of the birthday girl, but that was alright. No sign of many people she knew actually. Which was strange as plenty of her friends were still here at the school. None of that really mattered to Alice though. She had Frank's attention, and she was holding onto it for dear life.

Word count: 829 (woo!)
Post status: Finished
Tags: Frank!!!
Clothes: Click Me!
Comments: Oh I see that we're off to a brilliant start here!!!!

[frank]

He wasn't grinning like an idiot because of her confession, nor was he grinning because finally after 6 years he had Alice Hallows leading him by the arm so they could be alone; a few of his fantasies had started out like this, Alice in a short school shirt and a too tight white blouse leading him into the privacy of the library stacks (it was one of his best); but no, that wasn't the cause of the current head eating grin on Franks face, the reason for it was because in the space of 0.34 seconds Alice had suggested they spend some time together. Sure it was getting a drink and talking but it was further than he had managed to get in six years. 6!

Ignoring the butterflies in his stomach as best he could Frank followed the gentle pressure on his arm from Alice as she made a path for them through the surprisingly crowded tent. 'Strange I don't remember seeing so many people when I came in' Brushing off his surprise like oil over wax Frank pulled himself free of Alice's hand on his arm as the refreshment table came into view before them. Without a word he quickly picked up two glasses of blue punch; the punch in question had red steam raising from the top but that was to be expected it was the magical version of the Purple Rain cocktail. Once you took a sip your saliva turned purple for 5 minutes; it was the drink Alice always picked during house parties, he knew because he was always watching her at these house parties.

Handing one of the glasses towards his partner Frank turned his attention to answering the question. The truth of it was that he hadn't met anyone he wanted since he first saw Alice on his first ever train ride to Hogwarts.
"Well now that you mention it I have had my eye on someone for a while now." He tried his best to control the grin on his face as he tilted his head down slightly to look in her eyes "You know her in fact"

Comment: Let me know if yo don't like some of my back story. We should take a bit of time and come up with some amusing stories and or info the other would have caught in their 'Alice/Frank Watching'

[alice grace hallows]

How sweet of him to remember that she liked food that changed your mouth funny colors! Or had crazy bubbles like Droobles. Sipping on the punch she looked around at the party. It was picking up. That was good. Alice couldn't help but notice the grin Frank had playing over his teeth. Was he smug that she didn't have a boyfriend? Or perhaps he'd seen a different girl. That he really did like. And then the truth had shown it's ugly face. He did have his eye on someone. Lovely.

The smile faded a little then as she looked away. She would keep her cool though. It wasn't as if she had dibs on him or anything. And they lived in totally different worlds now. Of course he'd found someone. It was about time. She was begining to worry about his sanity. Feigning excitement for him she looked up to him. "Well that's fantastic, Frank." Her tone had changed ever so slightly. Enough to show a very small smidge of doubt and disappointment. But she would be truely happy for him if he were happy. "Well, I wish you the best of luck with her. She must be brilliant to have caught your eye." Smiling Alice turned away a little, crossing her arms and focusing her eyes on the croud.

She wondered how long she could be expected to stand there without crying. "Who is this lucky girl any how? You said I know her. Is she your year or younger? Or my age maybe?" She didn't care who it was. Now all she wanted to do was hex them. Suddenly she felt a rage not unlike the one Dorcas had felt when she had hexed Alice at the last birthday party she'd attended. Had frank been there that day? she didn't quite remember. "Maybe I should go find the birthday girl... give her my best." She was waiting for him to stop her. But she doubted he would. Another girl had stollen Alice's perfect man. Because she was too chicken to claim him in the first place.

Comment: I love it. We should come up with little things to throw in there. LoL sorry it's short. Can only take so much Alice misery. LOL

[frank]

He had a plan. It was fool proof so he was confident that not even he could mess it up 'Fingers crossed'
The plan was simple. He was going to make her jealous and then he would ask her out on a date. Fool. Proof.
Mistaking Alice's sudden attitude for the jealous he had been hoping for Frank took a small sip of his drink as the woman before him seemed to turn to look for the birthday girl.
Lowering his drink Frank moved so he was standing behind Alice, his drink held in front of him he used his free hand to touch the slight woman on the shoulder.
"You know her" He acknowledge the question "In fact I was hoping you could help me" He confessed as his plan slowly came together in his mind, all he had to do was get through it without scaring her off or doing/saying anything stupid.

With his hand still resting on Alice's shoulder Frank moved around her so he could see her face "I am hoping to ask her out on a date" He paused as he lifted his hand reluctantly from her shoulder "I'm wondering if you know anywhere nice I could take her for a sit down meal. Can you help me?" Smiling down at the woman now before him Frank did his best to put on a hopeful face. He was hoping she would suggest somewhere she liked so he could slip in with a "So I'll pick you up at 7pm?" He had seen a few of the other guys use it around the school and being the eternal optimist he was Frank hoped that the cheesy line would work for him. What he really didn't want was a slap, he had seen that response for a few of the more daring guys who had added with a smirk "I'll bring the comdoms" Frank was sure he didn't have to worry about his tongue betraying him in such a way. He was more about accidentally poking her in the eye, somehow. He wouldn't be surprised if he managed it.

In an effort to decrease the number of possibly disasters Frank turned his attention to the colour changing drink in his hands, he had never seen anyone spill this particular drink on their clothing but he was sure that the liquid that made up the cocktail would stain the skin if not that then it would surly stain clothing. With this thought in mind Frank lifted the yellow and purple spotted glass back to his lips. 'I can't spill any if I have none left in my glass'

Comment: Ok. Fini!

[alice grace hallows]

She felt his hand and was hoping he was going to take it all back and just dance with her. And then the git continued on about the date. How was she supposed to react? Did he really expect her to speek about this? Alice had thought that however subtle she remarked about the other girl, that she had made it fairly obvious she was jealous and not wanting to have anything further to do with the situation. As he faced her she sighed. She let him talk and wait and suffer for her answer.

Blinking a few times Alice looked away a bit. She did not want to cry infront of him. They were supposed to be friends and as a friend she should help him. But lord help her if she did not tell him to take that girl somewhere awfull. with a milky white hand she brushed some hair back and blinked once more. "There isn't much around town. I hear the Hog's Head has excilent entres though." Her arms folded across her and she took in a deep breath. Alice couldn't take any more.

Turning away quickly she breathed and let a tear fall as she attempted to make her way through the people. Stupid boys. How much more obvious could she have made that. "Excuse me I need to get through!" There was a couple standing between her and the exit. Snogging of course. Alice thought it was repulsive and though she was an adult now and punishment for hexing students was more serious that detention, Ms. Hallows surely contemplated doing just that.

Comments: I know.. it's short. I suck LOL!!!!

[frank]

'Hogs Head? Well sure. Why not I mean they had started doing a few small dishes but Frank had never been brave enough to try anything just like he had never been brave enough to try the pubs homebrew...with good reason he had seen a guys nose hair fall out after he had taken a sniff. But if the Hogs Head is where she liked it was Hos Head he would take her' Nodding to himself Frank opened his mouth to complete his plan only to freeze as Alice dismissed him and moved off across the dance floor.

'What? She is leaving! But...' Releasing the air he hadn't realised he had been holding Frank followed quickly after his fleeing companion making a note to send the couple currently blocking the exit a box of butterbeer. Stopped a few spaces from her he watched in surprised she as tried to leave 'Maybe I came on to strong? Or maybe she doesn't like me!? I have just made a complete fool of myself!'
"Please Alice!" He cried out hoping, praying she would stay if he apologized "I'm sorry. Whatever it is I did I'm sorry." Stepped closer he touched her shoulder lightly once again "I understand if you don't want to go to with me" Shrugging his shoulders and smiling, even though he knew she couldn't see Frank moved slowly closer. He was savoring the moment because even if he excited it to end with his being punched in the face he knew it would be the last time he would ever be this close to his teenage love "I won't ask you out again" He paused "If, you come back to the food table and have some of those sticky buns with me"

Holding his breath as soon as he had finished speaking Frank prayed silently to any God that may exist to help. He wanted to spend the day with this woman. Just one day! It wasn't much, in fact it was nothing compared to what he knew the muggles asked their one God. He didn't want a miracle...well ok, maybe this would come under 'Miracles' but he didn't care.

Comment: No worries my posts tend to suck every other one so I'm happy its not just me in the 'sucks' pile

[alice grace hallows]

Alice spun around as he stopped her once again. "What?!" Her tone was harsh and she brushed a tear away with the back of her hand. "Sorry?!" She folded her arms and paid no mind to him moving closer. Sure she liked it. Curse her for liking it! "Frank..." Then he said the most suprizing thing he'd ever said to her. "You what?" A second ago it seemed she couldn't get a word in as he was trying to recover his little stunt, now she simply had no words to say. It was almost as if Frank had stunned her just as Dorcas had that one time. Alice decided it was time to stop going to birthday parties.

She contemplated her answer for an excruciatingly long time, before moving past him and picking up a cookie from the food table. "Frank Longbottom..." Throwing the cookie back down she rounded on him her head tilted downward until she met him chest to chest, at which time she had no choice but to look up at him. "If you ever want to ask me out again...Save yourself the trouble." It sounded like a deffinate no. And while she wouldn't drag the torture out as he had, Alice still wanted to give him a taste of his own medicine. "That was a dirty trick, Frank. And absolutly no way to pick up a lady." Staring intently at him she sighed. "How do you expect me to say yes after all that?!"

Just as she saw the defeat creap into his eyes she smiled. It was time to put an end to their suffering. Reaching a tender pale skin hand to his hair she brushed just a little off his forhead. "I'll tell you how I'll say yes." Standing a tad on her toes she placed a soft little kiss on his cheek. "You could be really charming and if I didn't like you so much and wouldn't have been jealous... that would have worked perfectly." Alice blushed a little as she pulled away again and suddenly feeling as though she were naked, Alice crammed a cookie in her mouth.

Swallowing the cookie down and taking another drink from her punch, she finally remembered how to breath. "Honestly though, if you take me to the Hog's Head, I'll hex until not even Madam Pomfrey can cure you. Same goes for if you try and pull foolish lines like that one. Stop listening to Sirius...There is a reason he doesn't go out with any of the same girls twice." She smiled at him but subconsciously stayed very close to him. It was only then that she realised a few passers by had taken a small notice to them. That was well enough awkward for her. "Ermm.. We should keep talking somewhere... a little less populated maybe? I think we've finally made a scene." Her cheeks were flushing brightly now as she fidgeted. That wasn't how she wanted all this to turn out.

[frank]

Stepping back slightly as Alice suppun back around to face him Frank let his hand drop once more from her shoulder as she moved quickly back to where they had just been standing. Wrapping his hands around his drink he watched in worried silence as Alice picked at the assortment of cookies.
"If you ever want to ask me out again...Save yourself the trouble." 'If you ever want to ask me out again...Save yourself the trouble. If you ever want to ask me out again...Save yourself the trouble.' The words echoed in his head like a bad record on repeat. The undeniable truth that she really wasn't interested in him was not something Frank had ever wanted to hear, he had been happy in his little world where he had a chance. He had accepted that she probably would never consider him as a boyfriend or even a good friend but this acceptance and having the fact spoken out loud and by her no less was in a word; horrible.

He was so caught up in his own little pity party that he almost missed the rest of what Alice was telling him (in fact I'm almost sure that if it wasn't for the kiss on the cheek he would have missed all of what she was saying!). Even thought he didn't expect it to be anything he wanted to hear he would listen, if for no other reason then it being her. Not only that but he suddenly noticed that the distance between them had decreased 'I can SEE down her top! Ok Frank old boy just keep your chin up. Keep eye contact. Don't whatever you do look down!'

"Honestly though, if you take me to the Hog's Head, I'll hex until not even Madam Pomfrey can cure you. Same goes for if you try and pull foolish lines like that one. Stop listening to Sirius...There is a reason he doesn't go out with any of the same girls twice." As bad as he was with woman if there was one thing Frank know the sound of it was an acceptance. It just took him a little longer than most people to understand what that meant especially when he had boobs within view and a perfectly good reason for looking down; his drink was held between them.

Frowning to himself Frank quickly recited what Alice had just said silently. For some reason the words didn't make him feel as crap as he had expected them to 'if you take me to the Hog's Head, I'll hex until not even Madam Pomfrey...Ok so easy to follow she doesn't like Hogs's Head, I'm sure she said they had nice food. Not important SHE WOULD GO IF I ASKED HER!' Glancing down Frank didn't bother stopping the huge grin that was slowly spreading over his face. Laughing softly to himself the 7th year Gryffindor practically threw his drink onto the food table as she moved to sweep Alice into his arms "You said yes" He grinned as he picked her up around the waist and started spinning around in circles.

Comment: Not very well written but I'm sure you can get a good image of whats going on. ?

[alice grace hallows]

A laugh escaped her as he spun in a circle. "Of course I said yes!" She was sure people were looking now, what with the way he was taking her approval. The pair were clearly already well connected. Honestly, Alice felt relieved. The day had finally come that Alice didn't just have to admire him from affar. She'd spent hours alone memorizing the way his hair moved when he brushed it back. The cadence of his voice when he read quietly aloud to himself in the library. She wasn't sure why he did that. But she noticed it got louder the more interested he was in the book. The way he looked only moments ago with the cigarette between his lips. His beautiful lips. She'd dreamed of his lips so close to her skin she could just shutter and they'd brush her senses. Of course she always woke up with nothing there but maybe a dust bunny from under the bed. No enchanting embraces there that was for sure.

Once her feet were safely back on the floor, Alcie looked up at the handsom boy and smiled. "Frank I... I really don't want to cut this night short but... I think we'd be stealing the birthday girl's spot light." A few girls she knew from library study sessions were looking at her with excited smiles, and a few boys were snickering in congradulations to Frank. Wanting quickly to recover what sounded like an exit, Alice made the next bold move of the night. "We could pack up some cake and some more of that fantastic punch and maybe take a walk down to the lake?" she very much hoped he would accept. "We can talk more about that date you'll be taking me on."

With a smile she looked up at him. It was quite impossible to discribe just how happy she was now. But it was very very obvious she did not really like having an audience. Being more of an introvert and shy girl in the past, Alice was still simply not used to having people stare. Though she very well knew that some of her most recent acts were very much something to draw attraction. Like when she told McNair to bugger off and get his own damn tea. That actually hadn't gone over very well. He'd been pretty angry with her. She'd patched it up for the time being though by adding a tiny bit of what she called a "happy potion" into his tea when he wasn't looking.

She was realizing how close they still were spacially... and wasn't sure if she should feel comfortable, or awkward. Lucky for her, emotion overrode her over thinking and she fell at ease so near to him. He smelled increadible too. What was that? A colone? The smell of tobacco? She blinked a bit to stay focused. "What do you say huh?" Flashing him a smile she held her breath a few more seconds as she waited to hear his voice again.

[frank]

"We could pack up some cake and some more of that fantastic punch and maybe take a walk down to the lake? We can talk more about that date you'll be taking me on." It was all he needed to hear, if he wasn't happy enough to bust before he was now, fighting to get his expressions under control Frank nodded alone as Alice spoke, he couldn't have come up with a better plan himself, not even if he had planned what to say and made notes that he would have kept with him; if he was smart enough to think of things like this before he was in the decision seat.
"What do you say huh?"

'Perfect it's simple. Just say yes.'
Smiling down at the woman standing almost too close to him Frank found himself fiddling with his fingers now he had no glass to keep them occupied "You know I once had a dream about the squid, I was naked..." 'Stop NOT what I planned. Stop talking mouth. Please' "...so was the squid in fact since squids don't wear clothes." Biting his lips Frank glanced around them quickly, but as usual luck was not on his side; the whole of his 7th year class mates had heard. It was nothing unusual for the students of Hogwarts to catch one of Frank poorly and usually completely inappropriate comments but never had they seen his face go the colour the 7th year Gryffindor knew it was now turning; if the flush from the small kiss off Alice was a flush then this was a royal flush.

"Not that I dream f the squid often" He hurried to add, tempted to raise his hands before him to try and ward off his own embarrassment "He doesn't look so nice naked, not like you" He smiled at Alice tempted once again to touch her, just to make sure this wasn't a very realistic dream "Not that I'm comparing you to the squid!" He winced as his voice raised in volume slightly as he rushed to save himself all the while his inner monologue was cursing him "I mean I'm sure you look very nice naked, not that i think about you naked often either..." He broke off with a sigh, dragging his hands over the front of his face "What I meant to say was, Yes. I think I walk would be nice"

[alice grace hallows]

Blinking Alice stared at him as he talked. Her eyebrows adjusting with every interjection of his thoughts. Finally, when he was done talking, Alice burst into laughter. "Oh, That's not very nice of me. I'm so sorry." Blushing, she took his hand and shook her head. "Lets get out of here before people start talking." She smiled and pulled him away from the tent. The air was cooler now, only a little. And Alice didn't really mind that much.

"So... Skinny dipping with the squid huh?" She grinned at him as she held his hand. "It's okay. I've had some strange dreams." She was remembering the crazy drunken dreams she'd had after she'd gone out with Dorcas. "I had a dream that I petitioned to save Unicorns." Laughing she sighed a little. "Seriously, if we didn't use unicorn hairs, a good portion of witches and wizards all over the world would be out of a wand. Besides.. I pitty the person who goes up against a unicorn. They happen to be very ferocious animals. The person would be increadibly lucky if they were not speared to death."

Aproaching a big tree quite a ways away from the party, Alice stopped and took a breath. "It's nice out for being autumn." She smiled and turned to him. He was an interesting person. And Alice couldn't help but be curious as to what made him tick. Why now she kept asking herself. Why not the many times they were mearly a shelf away in the library? Or that time she got locked in a broom closet and he happened to find her there. No that was really embarassing. She was actually kind of glad no one had said anything that time. "Frank.... Why now? Why did you wait so long to talk to me about this?" It wasn't like she was oblivious to the fact that he at the very least thought she was attractive.

[frank]

He let her lead him outside while he fought down his blush 'Can not believe you just said that... I know, she probably thinks I'm completely stupid now' The cool autumn air hit him almost before he had fully left the party tent and every ones watchful eyes. It was refreshing, a welcome change from the stuffy area they were leaving behind them, now he was outside though he wanted to go for a walk. When was the last time he had had female company on one of his walks around the grounds? The memory was so distant he couldn't recall it, if it even happened.

Stopping as Alice did Frank turned so he could face her, he wasn't sure what he could say to that question. What would sound less pathetic? "I don't know" He confessed "I was scared you would laugh in my face I guess" He shrugged, turning to look out over the grounds. He loved this time of year, the colours were stunning as far as he was concerned. "Lets not worry about that now though" He added before Alice had the chance to second think them spending some time alone, together.

"Would you like to walk with me?" He asks, reaching for Alice's hand he carefully intertwined their fingers, almost scared to look her in the face as he did so.