Wandering Aimlessly (open)

[Helena Albertyne Ravenclaw]

It was a little over twelve midnight and Helena Ravenclaw was still in the one and only place that offers the best ice cream in the magical world. She had already been to the book store, one of the muggle clothing stores, the pet shop, and the robe maker. Actually, she was already wearing the delicate white scarf she just brought from the muggle clothing store around her neck.

Of course, it would be unbelievably and so uncharacteristically foolish of her to be out in the middle of the night just to get ice cream and shop; but, she had tried her all at sleeping for about 2 hour and no such luck came. So, instead wasting precious time, she decided to sneak out of Hogwarts, do some shopping, visit some shops she particularly like and just enjoy. After all, school had been taking most of her time lately and a break sounded good.

She said a polite thank you and farewell to the kind store tender as she exited the parlour. Her white scarf danced with the wind as she started her “wandering proper” portion of the plan. There was no better lullaby than a pair of tired legs. She said to herself, grinning as the night’s chilly wind caressed her cheeks. In just a matter of minutes, she found herself walking out of the leaky cauldron and in to the world of muggles. It was when she heard someone say her name... and whoever they were, they were not pleased.

[Helga Artemis Hufflepuff]

After a restless couple of hours of sleep Helga woke up with a start. She groaned to herself and buried her head in the pillow when she felt a sudden and violent craving for ice cream. Helga knew there was no ice cream in the kitchens because she hadn't prepared any that night. She laid back down in her bed and tried to get back to sleep but she was unable to. Helga finally slipped out of bed, got dressed and silently tip toed out of the castle. Once outside the the gates Helga apparatted into a Muggle village. She had once been there with Rowena and Helena.

Helga knew the place would still be open at that time. She was tempted to buy some extra ice cream and take it back to Hogwarts for the other founders. Helga appeared at a distance from the shop because she fancied a walk before her ice cream. Just when she rounded a corner, a familiar figure stepped out of the shop and started walking down the street. Helga narrowed her eyes and then gasped when she recognised the young Ravenclaw. Helga increased her place and started calling the child's name.

[Helena Albertyne Ravenclaw]

The call made her almost automatically skid into a halt. She feels like she knew the voice, she just could not make the connection this early in the morning. Ha! I’m betting sleep will come to me at will if I go home now. She smugly thought to herself. She scanned the place, looking for the one who was calling. Another student her age would have ran off if they had this opportunity to pull-off an escape this easy; but, she chose to stay. If the woman who was calling her happened to be a professor, she would have caught up with her and she would be in a larger trouble.

The Leaky Cauldron was packed with people, very chatty and semi-drunk people, and it was a wonder she even heard her. It was only after ten seconds that she was able to spot her. Professor Helga Hufflepuff was walking towards her. She did not know if she was in trouble or not. After all, the founder of the Hufflepuff house was the most friendly of all the founders. She could not even remember her being mad. She chastised her ever now and then, especially when she was younger… but never was she mad. “Good morning Aunt Helga.” She gave her a sheepish grin. Friendly or not, she still caught her breaking about a dozen school rules, some of which, she wrote herself.

[Helga Artemis Hufflepuff]

When Helena didn't break into a run, Helga heaved a sigh of relief. At least Helena was not foolish. Most students would have freaked out and tried escaping if they had been caught breaking rules by one the founders, and that would have only cause more trouble. Having caught up with Helena, the young woman looked at her sternly. However, she couldn't help but smile with the girl's greeting and her expression. Helga turned slightly and looked at the shop longingly. She needed that ice cream and fast. But right now she had duties. Helga turned back to Helena and folded her arms over her chest. "Good morning Helena." Pause. "I'm afraid you're in trouble," she said with a sigh. Helga placed one hand on Helena's shoulder and said, "Let us step inside and talk." Helga was on the verge of giving her another option i.e going back to Hogwarts and discuss this with Rowena. Nonetheless, Helga did not mention any of that. She knew that there was some tension between mother and daughter.

[Helena Albertyne Ravenclaw]

The reaction of the founder was close to what she was expecting. A really optimist part of her, the one hoping the founder would just smile and not see anything wrong with the situation, sunk. She played with her scarf as she continued to smile sheepishly at her, listening intently as she spoke. Discretely, she was looking beyond the founder’s shoulder, scanning if she was with someone. A small smile played on her lips when she saw no one she knew.

“Oh okay.” She said, a little perkier that she intended too, as she started walking back in. Honestly, she did not know what to expect. It was not often that she do these kinds of things, example: going out of the school and getting caught. So, the probability that she will do it and get caught was pretty slim. All she knew was the fact that she got lucky. Very lucky, for two reasons: 1. the founder took her rule breaking as nicely as possible; and, 2. the founder did not take her back at school to discuss this with her mother. “How did you find me, Aunt Helga?” She asked, turning to the youngest founder, curiosity written all over her face.

[Helga Artemis Hufflepuff]

Helga placed her hand on the girl's shoulder and directed her towards a quieter shop. She pouted slightly to herself and bid goodbye to her ice cream. Helga made a mental note to tell Cornictacus to buy her some the next day. Soon enough she found herself face to face with Helena and smiled at her question. "It was a mere coincidence," she said. A slight blush tinted her pale cheeks and she added, "I was on my way to buy some ice cream when I saw you."

They soon reached the teashop. Helga pushed the door open and waved Helena inside. She stepped in after the girl and scrutinised the room for a table. The place was almost empty and Helga chose a table at the side of the shop. Before sitting down, she shrugged off her travelling cloak. Helena was only a couple of years younger than herself, however she had been introduced as her aunt. The young founder remembered when she had announced to Helena that she would soon have a cousin. The words had felt weird on her tongue.

A young waiter soon approached their table. He gave a bow and said, "What can I get you lovely ladies?" Helga looked up with a thoughtful expression, "Tea for me please. Oh no no no wait. Coffee. No. Some hot caoco." The young man was scribbling and crossing out the previous orders calmly. He smiled at Helga reassuringly and turned to Helena waiting for her order.

[Helena Albertyne Ravenclaw]

An “Oh,” with her lips forming an ‘o’ longer than necessary was the only thing she could manage to say at the moment. Her cheeks felt hot. The founder was supposed to be on a trip to buy ice cream and her sudden appearance cost the youngest founder her plan. Feeling guilty, she slightly turned towards the founder and apologized softly.

She remained silent all through out their walk, letting the older woman’s hand on her shoulder lead her down the alley. Much to her surprise, they went for the teashop instead of the ice cream parlor. Smiling at the founder, she entered before her… scanning the place as she did. Again, she saw no one she knew. The place was quiet after all people normally did not have tea this early in the morning.

Helena sat across the table, in front of the founder. She still did not know what to expect but so far the trouble she had gotten herself into was not behaving like it was a huge one. She observed the founder as she ordered, looking for any sign of annoyance or anger. She found nothing and that was not was surprised her. What surprised her though was her indecisiveness. Never having seen the founder so indecisive before made her raise an eyebrow. The young waiter cleared his throat and that got her attention. “A cup of hot chocolate, please.” She said shyly, realizing that he had been waiting for her order.

Turning back to the founder, she sincerely said. “I’m really sorry about the ice cream. Maybe you would like to drop by the ice cream parlor after having tea?” She hoped she would say yes. It was the only way she could think of to compensate for the founder’s lost time, sleep and ruined plan.

[Helga Artemis Hufflepuff]

The waiter smiled at Helena and said, "Good choice miss. We have the best hot chocolate in London." With one last smile at the teen and a nod in Helga's direction he scampered away to prepare their order. Helga laughed lightly and patted Helena's hand. "Do not worry dear. I am sure I will be fine without ice cream." Despite the words and the reassuring smile on her face, Helga did not feel that confident. She decided there and then that pregnancy cravings were a nuisance. Helga rested her elbows on the table and added with a wink, "Besides I can ask Uncle Cornictacus to buy me some tomorrow." The waiter came back with their hot chocolate and a plate of scones. He smiled at the two and said, "These are on the house."

[Helena Albertyne Ravenclaw]

Helena smiled back at the waiter. He seemed nice even though she did not know him for she was not a frequent visitor of the teashop. Relief washed through the young Ravenclaw when the founder assured her that her ruining her trip for ice cream was not a problem. She could not help but smile when she heard about the love of the founder’s life. “Off course, Uncle Cornictacus. I have not seen him in a while. How is he?” She asked.

“Thank you,” She gave the waiter another smile, wider this time, as she took the cup. By just the smell, she could tell that the cup of chocolate was special. She took a sip as she eyed the founder, waiting for her to speak.

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[Helga Artemis Hufflepuff]

Helga thanked the waiter and after he left, she wrapped her hands around the steaming cup. She smiled slightly and flexed her fingers enjoying the warmth. She looked up at Helena and said, "He has been keeping himself busy." Helga sighed to herself and added, "With the shop and his adventure quests." Despite the smile on her face, it was evident that Helga was on edge with her fiance's adventures. She brought the cup to her lips and took a small sip. "He was right. It is the best hot chocolate in town," she said with a laugh. Helga eyed the scones and nibbled her lower lip. She looked back at Helena and asked, "Is everything alright dear?"

[Helena Albertyne Ravenclaw]

It was even more special than she thought it was. The chocolate tasted nothing like anything she had tasted before. It had a unique creamy taste and amazing texture. There was something about the founder’s smile that tipped her off about her anxiety. Normally, when the founder spoke of her love, she glowed. It’s absence concerned Helena deeply. “I don’t want to pry, Aunt Helga, but you seem worried. Did something happen to him? Is he alright?” She asked, concern clear on her face. She heard about the death of her mother's friend, Alfie.

Helena nodded at the founder’s comment. It, indeed, was the best hot chocolate in town. The founder’s question made her think. Was she alright? She sighed before answering. “Honestly, Aunt Helga, I don’t know. I haven’t been sleeping well lately and I’m… just not myself?” She ran a hand through her hair. With all the things that she had been hearing, it was a wonder she could still string a sentence together.

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[Helga Artemis Hufflepuff]

Helga closed her eyes and took another sip from her cup. She shrugged her shoulders uncomfortable at Helena's words and slowly lowered the cup to the table. Helga inhaled deeply and slumped her back against the chair. She looked up at Helena and despite her best judgement she found herself pouring her heart out to the teenager. "I am worried," she began. Her face darkened and she folded her arms over her chest. "He is physically fine. But I am not fond of his latest expedition." Helga did not think it was necessary to tell the child he was investigating on a student on the founders' orders. She untangled her hands and rubbed her stomach unconsciously. After learning the truth about how Cornictacus had tricked her into conceiving, things were a bit strained in between the two. He was sincerely sorry but with her hormones all over the place, it was hard for her not to be angry at his action every now and again. Helga leaned forwards and reached for Helena's hand. She patted it gently and replied honestly, "I have noticed you haven't been your usual self." Helga paused. "Is something bothering you? You know I'm always here for you."

[Helena Albertyne Ravenclaw]

As she enjoyed her hot chocolate, Helena nodded as she listened to the founder talk. Her words made her wonder what her Uncle had been doing. The way the founder’s words came out, though, did not seem like asking her a good idea. But of course, she was curious. “Uncle Cornictacus is a great wizard. I’m sure he will be able to handle it. Don’t worry yourself, Aunt Helga. It’s not going to be good for you and your baby.” She told her softly, concern on her face. From where she was settled, the shop’s glass covered doors notified her about the snowfall that was apparently happening outside. The snow made her want to shrink herself and swim in her chocolate cup as she drank. Helena watched the founder as she rubbed her tummy. “I have a feeling cousin’s going to be a girl.” Helena smiled at the founder, really excited at the prospect of having a cousin.

Again, Helena gave the founder a smile. What she said was not just some empty promise most people made whenever they want to get something out of a person. The founder really had always been there for her. And, Professor Helga Hufflepuff was not known for her friendliness and loyalty for nothing. So, after taking a deep breath, she finally said what was on her mind. “I feel like I’m never going to be good enough to earn my mother’s respect or trust or anything.” She sighed, and sipped her chocolate glumly. Words like these should be between mother and daughter. The fact that she was talking to her mother’s best friend about this just showed how screwed the situation was.

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[Helga Artemis Hufflepuff]

Helga always found it refreshing talking with the teen. She was still young and believed that everything could be fixed or changed. Helga wanted to share Helena's line of thought; she wanted to forgive Cornictacus but right there and then she felt she couldn't. Nonetheless, their love was very strong and she knew they were able to overcome anything. "I will try not to," she replied with a small smile. Helga stared down at her stomach and laughed, "I wish for a boy to keep Cornictacus's family name alive." She paused and gave a shrug, "He doesn't have a preference. Cornictacus said he would love either and equally." Helga picked the mug of hot chocolate in her hands and took a small sip. Her expression softened at Helena's words. She lowered her mug and leaned forwards. Helga placed her hand on Helena's and said soothingly, "Your mother loves you very much Helena. I know it must be hard for you, but you need to understand that you are your own person." Helga's own mother had been a notable healer, and she had been expected to follow in her steps. "Each one of us is unique. You don't have to be entirely like your mother to earn her respect."

[Helena Albertyne Ravenclaw]

Helena sipped her hot chocolate as she listened to the youngest founder’s words. She was still glad that she did not seem to be in trouble for sneaking out and for breaking a lot of school rules. An automatic grin played on her lips when she heard about her uncle loving his soon to be son or daughter equally. “Uncle Cornictacus is really a good wizard. I’m sure he is going to be a good father. I’m so happy for you, Aunt Helga.” When she first heard about her aunt’s pregnancy, she could not help but worry about her happiness. The founder was still young and she had a hunch that she did not exactly planned to be pregnant. But now, she was truly happy for her.

Deep within, she knew the founder was right. She should be her own person. She squeezed the young founder’s hand, despite being the youngest of the founders, she was the one who always gave her the greatest advice. Right then and there, she wanted to get it all out of her chest. “For two years now I’ve been trying my best to be perfect. Perfect grades… spotless record, not even a single detention. I did everything just to please her and to be like her. Hoping, one day, she would start to care again, just like when father was still around. I’ve been waiting for that day to come and it never came.” She paused to she assess the founder’s reaction. She might be her ‘niece’ but it was her best friend she was talking about. “I want to follow your advice, Aunt Helga, I really want to be my own person. But the problem is, I think I don’t know who I am anymore.” She sighed and sipped her chocolate.

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