Paranour Mall

[Snick]

Elizabeta blinks after the light from the Lighthouse fades and she finds herself in Salem. It was an old routine, Lighthouse brings students wanting to go to Salem on designated weekends to browse, shop, hang out and do whatever they want, within reason as a break from the usual routine. At least that was how it was in past years. This year, because of the kidnapping of Siobhan O'Brien there were far more faculty scattered among the students.

She felt like she was back in first year.

Checking to make sure her wand was secure and easily accessed, Elizabeta looked around for Walker. They had planned to spend the day together while in Salem. Elizabeta certainly hoped she won't have a faculty member hanging around watching their 'date'. From what the faculty said before they traveled here, they were all expected to stick together in groups, depending on what people wanted to do. Alone time certainly wasn't likely to happen.

---

Levi had waited in front of the comic shop for over a half hour, but there was no sign of Rebecca. Of course, now that he thought of it, he hadn't seen her last night or this morning either. Maybe she'd forgotten. Or been too busy with play practice. What if she'd gotten sick?

If she was sick, he'd spent plenty of time around her before that. He'd probably be getting sick himself. That was a selfish thing to think. Poor Rebecca. Maybe he'd wait ten more minutes. He looked down the street again . . . wait, that wasn't Rebecca, but . . . "Sadie?" His face warmed into all its dimples as he waved to her.

---

Sadie returned the wave, grinning from ear to ear. "Excuse me. Pardon me," she said to a few people she had to dodge. Boy, was she glad that the tiles here were not small. In the bathroom, she'd nearly peed on herself before making it across all those itty bitty squares. She felt that whoever designed bathroom tiles was mocking people with OCD. Well, at least it hadn't been a mosaic.

"Levi. Hi," Sadie glanced at Levi's watch, having seen him check it a few times. "Waiting for someone?"

---

He shrugged. "You . . . and Rebecca . . . we were going to look at comic books. But she must have changed her mind. I'd rather look at comic books with you." He looked at her apologetically. "It wasn't a date. Just we're in the same house and we both like comics."

---

"It's alright," she chuckled, standing beside Levi and taking his hand. "We're not dating. You can go on a date with her if you want to. Not that I want you to, but I have no right to get upset when I haven't got any claim on you. Besides, you're cute when you're afraid of making me jealous."

Sadie smiled, a slight pink highlighting her freckles. Her thumb moved back and forth from one side of his thumb to the other like a pendulum. She was counting, but didn't seem aware of it. "Maybe she's sick. Looks like over half the school is," she frowned. "Hardly any students here."

---

Levi nodded. "I thought that maybe . . . with the notes you've been sending me." He looked down, but smiled. "I thought you might want to change that, but guess I'm misunderstood." He finished rapidly.

Embarrassed, he changed the subject. "Hey, never mind the comics. Let's go to the music store. I want to try out the new Fenders. There's a Stratocaster there, and some new Nirvana music. We can jam in the store."

---

Sadie stared up at the ceiling with her brow knitted. Of course she was interested, that was precisely why she'd been sending those notes. But he hadn't asked her to be his girlfriend and she figured he was either not interested or had a girlfriend already. Nor had he given her a chance to confirm or deny his suspicions.

"I'd love to make some music with you," she smirked, glancing at him sidelong. Sadie would just have to show him he was mistaken about misunderstanding. This was 1995, she could ask him out, sure. But where was the romance in that? Where was the thrill of the chase?

---

"You're about the only girl I like jamming with." He took her hand and led her across the tiles, skipping over the cracks with her on the way to the music store, a game for him.

Once they got to the store, he started looking at guitars and basses. "What do you want to try first?"

---

Lorccan felt a little guilty about going to Salem without Siobhan. She and the other Lighthouse Keepers were stuck in the Lighthouse. Apparently it didn't want to expose its Keepers to the disease going about. Far as Lorccan was concerned, being in Salem probably be the healthier than being stuck in closed quarters. At least with the mirrors he could communicate with Siobhan, assure her he was fine and he can make sure she didn't end up sick anyway.

What really annoyed him however was the fact the place was crawling with faculty. He had looked forward to the chance to be unchaperoned in Salem this year. Or was it next year students could go on their own? He wasn't certain now but either way, security was in full force. At least the outings weren't totally banned.

He spotted Sadie and Levi walking towards a music store. Siobhan may like some new music to play on her violin...shrugging he decided to follow the few students going to the music store. Of course Sadie did her skillful prancing over the cracks between the tiles. It was a habit he heard about her doing in the past and seeing it a few times himself. It was odd. Amusing at times but apparently it made her feel better doing it. Superstitious too. What was the saying now.. 'Step on a crack, break your mother's back.'

"Sadie...have you ever considered just carrying a length of carpet or something, this way you can just roll it out over all the tiles and walk across?" He asked, curious. Outside probably wouldn't be practical but if the girls bathroom was tiled like it was in the boy's, how ever did she manage to get across without touching a crack?

---

Sadie took a Gibson Les Paul off its stand and slipped the strap into position. She admired the cherry sunburst finish, running a finger along the red before strumming the open strings. It made no sound without an amp, but she nodded approvingly anyway. Her mouth opened, but before she could speak Lorccan approached them.

"Thanks for the suggestion," she smiled. "I hadn't considered that. But wouldn't I need two? Since I can't pick it up and stand on it at the same time? Or one that extends in front of me and retracts behind me? Maybe a low-flying carpet..."

Sadie giggled, imagining herself flying around school on a carpet. Her fingers strummed almost silently. "Well, you don't know... what... we can find," she sang, grinning.

[Snick]

Levi looked at Lorccan. "Do you play? I know your sister does. They've got electric violins too." He checked out Sadie and the Les Paul. "Nice choice. I totally thought you'd go for the Strat." He chose a Hofner bass, one just like Paul McCartney's only right-handed. "I like how these look."

When the shop clerk came to them, Levi pulled out his Visa gold card and flashed it. "Mind if we plug in? I'll buy if we find something we love."

The clerk had seen Levi before. "Yeah, you're good for it. Okay, plug in, but not above a three on the Vox."

---

"Yeah, I guess two pieces would work better." Lorccan should have come up with that. "Just a small piece to stand on, bigger piece so you can walk a few paces. Just a hovering carpet would work good...I don't think it'll be all that hard to enchant one to just over an inch over the ground. Just need a way to move forward, a cane maybe."

Lorccan leaned against the wall while the others strapped on their preferred musical instruments. He could make the carpet, Lorccan didn't think it would be anywhere near as hard to create as the mirrors turned ended up. They were very advanced. A hovering carpet shouldn't be that difficult.

"I can't play the violin, no good at it at all. My sister has all the musical talent I think. Not that I wanted to learn to play violin that much. I think drums would be cooler to learn." Lorccan had always wanted to learn the drums but his father didn't want all that racket. Besides, Lorccan always felt Siobhan was the one who got all the musical talent. He was just average.

"Lets see how you two play, I don't think I heard you guys play before." Lorccan nodded towards the two. He had to remember to check out the violin sheet music, see if he could find some Siobhan would love to learn to play on her violin.

---

"I can totally see you as a drummer, Lorccan," she nodded. "Drumming is more rhythm than it is musical talent. If you can tap your foot, snap, or clap to the exact beat of a song, that's a start."

Of course, there was much more to drumming than there was to tapping one's foot, but she wasn't here to give a lesson. Besides, most people knew drums set the pace for a song for the other instruments to follow.

"I'm a little rusty, I haven't played in a while," Sadie plugged the guitar into an amp, keeping the volume low, and tuned the guitar to drop D flat. "All apologies."

She glanced at Levi then beamed happily at Lorccan. Clearing her throat softly, Sadie counted down from four and began to play. Her toes tapped out the tempo as her fingers manipulated the guitar strings. Anyone familiar with Nirvana at all would recognize the song as 'All Apologies'. Though her apology had been sincere, it served as an introduction as well.

---

Levi joined in on bass, singing as he went in his baritone, on the chorus, "In the sun, In the sun I feel as one, In the sun, In the sun, Married, Buried, ya, ya, ya, ya, . . .
I wish I was like you
Easily amused
Find my nest of salt
Everything is my fault
I'll take all the blame
Aqua seafoam shame
Sunburn with freezeburn
Choking on the ashes of her enemy " He got a little choked up as the verse reminded him as his sister, but he came back in on the chorus anyway and hid his emotions, he hoped well.

---

Would he make a good drummer? Lorccan let the thought echo about in his brain. There were a few times he drummed out parts of songs using pencils in grade school. That was just playing though. Maybe he should give them a try. If he got bored well, he can just stop playing and move onto something else.

"Drums are expensive though.." Lorccan mused aloud. Maybe the school had a set he can practice on. At least till he decided if he liked it or not.

When Sadie started playing he watched her. She was good, that was one thing he could tell. Listening to his sister's fantastic playing he knew when he heard somebody who had talent. Blinking he looked over at Levi as he sang the chorus. Damn, he was a good singer...

As Levi stopped singing and the song ended Lorccan started clapping but stopped when he heard a noise from his pack. He brought a backpack so he could carry anything he bought inside of it. That and he kept the mirror in there, in a box just big enough for it to protect it from breaking. The impervious spell should prevent that but he rather be cautious than sorry. Lorccan doubted he could get another one if either mirror ended up broken.

Pulling it out he looked at the mirror and saw Siobhan's face. He smiled. 'Hey Shi, that explains why you didn't make it to the meeting place on time. I am glad you are not sick and I hope you don't get sick. I am fine here."

Lorccan fell silent to listen to what else Siobhan had to say before he spoke into the mirror again. "Yeah I am with Sadie and Levi...at the music store. They are checking out electric guitars...would you like any sheet music for your violin? Speaking of which you ever think of playing an electric one?" He was't sure why he decided to ask her that, he never knew her to show any interest in electric violins before. Maybe it just never came up in their talks.

---

Sadie noticed the brief change, but filed her concern in 'inquire later'. After the song was over, she gave a little bow. Lorccan got a... call? A two-way mirror. She was impressed, then she was concerned. What if he dropped it? What if it broke? What if someone hit a really high note on an instrument and it shattered? Shaking a bit, she unplugged the guitar and put it back on its stand.

"Hey, Siobhan," she said nervously and gave a small wave. Sadie looked to the chaperone who was sitting backwards at a baby grand piano and keeping an eye on the students. There was no way to leave, but she had to get away from the mirror. She tapped the tips of each finger in turn against the pad of her thumb and looked to all the LPs plastered on the walls.

Please don't break, please don't break, please don't break...

---

Levi put the guitar on the stand and wrapped his arms around Sadie's waist from behind. "Lorccan, how does that work? I bet that has some kind of charm so it doesn't break, huh?"

Siobhan wanted an electric viol so she could play in a rock band? Now that would be cool . . . He backed up a little with Sadie. "Our own rock band. If Lorccan can learn the drums . . . I can rent instruments pretty cheaply. Drum set, electric violin. Add Pratt as a second bass. I can switch between bass and keyboard. Five of us."

---

"I know you will be rich one day Shi." Lorccan told his sister, totally confident it would happen one day.

"Yeah, get me some music. Any new Celtic fiddle music you can see--there's that new arrangement by the Chieftains, yeah, the one they did with Sinead O'Connor. Just don't tell Mom--Sinead's not a good Catholic any more, so she'd rather I not get her stuff. I'd like the Dvorak Violin concerto in A minor too, if they have it. And I could use more rosin--not the heavy. I like the pale amber. Do you have enough money for all that?"

Lorccan blinked as his sister listed off a whole bunch of music she would like him to bring. That and her earlier mention of food. How did she expect her to get all that into the Lighthouse? He wasn't sure if an owl would be able to fly it all up. He frowned.

"I will get you what I can. I should be able to afford the music or at least some of it, and the rosin. I know that stuff is important for the sound." Lorccan hoped he could remember all the names of music she wanted. Worse comes to worse he will just get the Sinead stuff. "I may have to check in with you as I look through the music, otherwise I doubt I will remember all that."

He glanced up when Sadie said hi to Siobhan then watched as Levi pulled her back a little. He just assumed it was to give him privacy. Lorccan glanced back down at the mirror and realized all he could see was what looked like a real close up of Siobhan's shirt. He looked back at Levi as he asked a question.

"Oh yeah, the mirror has an unbreakable charm on it, no way would I risk accidentally breaking one, it took a huge effort to make them." Lorccan didn't make the mirrors himself but he knew what he said could still be truth. From what he knew of how such mirrors were made, it was a huge effort to make them. He just wasn't the one who made that effort. "I am going to check the sheet music, make use I get what my sister wants before I forget the list she gave me. I will be right back with you guys."

Lorccan left Sadie and Levi near the guitars and walked over to the stand of sheet music and started ruffling through it. He found some by Sinead O'Connor, plus some Celtic stuff he didn't recognize. He looked at the mirror again hoping it wasn't being pressed against his sister's body anymore. "Shi? I found most of the music you were looking for..." He listed off what he found so she can choose what she wanted.

---

"Thank you," the words came out in a gush as Sadie visibly relaxed. "Sorry."

She turned around and pulled away, smiling sadly. He was one of few that could read her so well, identify what was triggering her panic attacks nearly every time. If only he could prevent them altogether. But it would be silly to expect that. She would need to live in a padded room to prevent every trigger.

"That sounds like a lot of fun," she said, watching Lorccan walk off toward the sheet music. At least five wasn't an unlucky number. "We can talk to them when the epidemic clears out. Who's gonna teach Lorccan to play drums?"

Sadie was still shaking a little, but she was trying to carry on as usual, as if she hadn't gotten to 46 while counting the LPs on the wall.

---

"Maybe the music teacher can work with him. It wouldn't cost him much to get a couple of practice sticks and a percussion pad. Let's go rent an electric violin, and we can start the band when the sickness is over. The violin will be rented in my name--belong to the band, so no charity, right?"

He took Sadie's hand and walked over to the electric violins. The prices ranged from a couple hundred dollars for some that were all looks, but had no playing ability, to a few thousand. But he saw one for 150Ok new with bow and amp that he thought might work. "I wonder what's the rental on that one?"

[Snick]

So much for getting Siobhan to stay on the mirror long enough for him to get all the music she wanted.

"Alright I should be able to find most of it. Talk to you later Shi." When the mirror went dark, Lorccan put it away carefully then went back to searching through the sheet music. Fortunately he was able to find the music his sister wanted. Turning he spotted Sadie and Levi looking over the electric violins. His face fell a moment as he worried they were going to buy one for his sister. He didn't know what sort of families they came from but they did dress well. Lorccan hoped they weren't going to buy anything for Siobhan, she'll freak and he'll have to put them in their place for thinking they needed any charity. His family wasn't poor, they just weren't super rich.

Shaking his head he huffed and just as he was turning to leave the section of the store with the music sheets he spotted a book about how to play the drums. On impulse he decided to grab it too, might as well get something for himself. He then headed to the display of rosin and picked up the light amber bar his sister prefers. Then he rejoined the other two students.

"I found everything my sister wants." Lorccan said, his eyes looking over the electric violins. It didn't take him long to see the one Levi was examining was well over a grand. "Those are expensive..not as expensive as the professional quality violin my sister has right now."

"Grabbed a book about learning how to play the drums...if I am going to learn I should at least have a book to learn the basics from."

---

Sadie nodded in agreement. Renting it for the band - the one yet to be formed - wouldn't be charity. She was a little nervous about playing with people other than Levi. Would they be as understanding about her disorder? Would they tease her? She didn't think Siobhan would, nor Lorccan. Not intentionally. But Pratt... He teased everyone about everything. It was all in good fun, she knew, but he could really hurt people's feelings sometimes.

When Lorccan rejoined them she grinned. "So you're going to give it a shot?" she beamed. "We can rent a drumset, or use one of the school's, if you want to play with us. We were thinking about renting one of these for Siobhan if she wanted to join in on our jam sessions, too."

---

"Yeah--She'd be cool with that, right? I'd rent it for the band. She can try it out, play in the band. Once the band starts making some money with some gigs, she can buy it if she wants, or if she doesn't like it, I just won't rent it any more."

While Levi spoke, the salesman came up behind him. "You interested in renting a viol? I thought you were all guitars and bass?"

Levi shrugged. "New band. We've got a hot violinist," he pointed at Lorccan, "his sister. What's the rental on the gold Yamaha with amp and bow?"

"24.00 a month, rent to own. Once you get to full price, it's yours."

Levi thought the gold one would look cool in the band, and Yamaha was a good brand. "What do you think, Lorccan, would she dig this one?"

---

Lorccan ran a hand through his hair, mussing it up without realizing it. Would Siobhan be annoyed Levi rented a violin for her? Twenty four bucks a month wasn't too bad. Then he had an idea. One that would mean he could ensure this wasn't seen as charity at all. Nor would he own Levi or Sadie anything for letting him try out for their band, if he could learn how to play the drums.

"I am pretty sure Siobhan would love to give it a shot. I don't know if Pratt would want to be part of the band. We will have to ask him as I don't even know if he can play an instrument or sing. Worse comes to worse if he wants to be a part of it, he can be our mascot." It was a mean thing to say but Pratt may take it as just a great way to goof off and crack jokes, even if he doesn't need to dress up as a furry animal. Maybe he can set up equipment and pack them up or something like that. He shrugs. "I can try and contact my sister later, when we get back to school. She and the other Lighthouse Keepers are sort of stuck in the lighthouse, it's afraid they will get sick."

"I think Siobhan will like it. She may be apprehensive about you paying the rent on it but I think I know of a way we can do this so Siobhan and I can make up for you paying the rent initially." Lorccan glanced over at Sadie a moment then looked back at Levi. "We do it in trade...I can make a hovering carpet you can give Sadie who can use it to move across tiles without having to worry about stepping on the cracks. I am sure I can do it in Fabrications pretty easily. The required spells aren't too powerful and I already know how to cast a strong levitation spell. I just have to work out a way to move it move forward and backward, left and right."

"Sound like a good way to do it?" Lorccan was eager to try and learn the drums. If he was good enough to be in a band it would give him something fun to do besides LARPing. Of course he knew he would still have to work on his studies to get a good mark but if he was really good at drums and loved playing them, he could focus on a career as a rock band drummer. "You know...this summer I bet I can easily slot in a night or two for our band to play in my father's tavern."

---

Sadie thought that was a fair deal and smiled at Levi. She was flattered that Lorccan would offer to make a low-flying rug for her. Her cheeks turned a light pink.

"You'd really try to do that for me?" Sadie murmured. "How thoughtful. Not many people try to help me like that. I think that's an acceptable proposal. Levi?"

She looked to her on-again off-again boyfriend for his approval, her cheeks getting rosier.

---

"You can try to make it if you want. But I don't know that it would work. But heh, it's me and Sadie's band, so the rental is ours. Siobhan doesn't owe us anything. She can try it out, and see if she likes it. She doesn't ever have to buy it unless she wants to. We're just renting it, and it's no sweat. Just a band expense. As far as Pratt goes, he already plays bass."

Levi laughed. For now, Lorccan was the one who would likely entertain them with his learning to play drums and his attempts at making a flying carpet, but whatever would save the stubborn Irish kid's pride.

"Pratt isn't great, but he'll get there with practice."

---

Lorccan shrugged. He wasn't sure why he suddenly found he wanted to do something nice for Sadie. Must be the fact he was interested in playing drums and if Siobhan joins too, he can be in a band with his sister. It's not often they were both in the same thing that wasn't regular school.

"Making the carpet gives me something challenging to do. Fabrications is one of the few classes I have that I enjoy. Most of them are so boring but I can't just drop them." He shrugs again. "I think Siobhan will be fine if the violin is rented instead of bought and band expense. She's really good with the regular violin so I am sure as part of a band she'll help make money on gigs, easily make up for the rest of an electric violin."

"I didn't know Pratt played bass." Lorccan comments.

"I hope I can learn how to play the drums well enough to be part of your band." He felt rather excited about having a chance to be in a band. "Should be fun."

---

"Yeah, Levi taught him last year," Sadie didn't sound very thrilled about the prospect of having Pratt part of the band - definitely not as excited about having Lorccan play drums. "He's not as good as Levi, but if he could keep focus, he could improve. I hope you like the drums, Lorccan. They're a lot of fun and great stress relief."

---

"I think he'll be good. He and your sister kinda like each other, don't they, Lorccan? I mean, since the whole Lighthouse thing, they've been pretty tight. He should be pretty dedicated with both of them in the band."

Levi turned to the sales clerk. "I'll sign the rental agreement. Until June. Then we'll see if we'll renew after that. Probably end up buying it if it works out the way I think it will. Be pretty hot sound having a rock band with a violin in it. We already have guitar and two basses and thought we could use the school drums to start. But we'll be back to rent a set of drums if we need some."

Levi paid the money and took the violin kit with him. "Where to next?" he asked Sadie.

---

"I could use stress relief." Lorccan doubted anybody realized he was under stress at times. He always worried about his sister and now that she was dating Pratt he always worried something really bad would happen. He hoped his last talk with Pratt will make things easier for the two to relate to each other. "I certainly can't see any reason why I won't like the drums."

"Pratt and Siobhan are friends. It'll be great to have them as part of the band. I just hope I can get good enough with the drums to be a help." Lorccan realized this would give more reason for him to spend time with Siobhan, and watch how she was with Pratt.

He went up to the counter after Levi and paid for the sheet music, the book and rosin block. It pretty much cleaned him out of spending money for the rest of the month. Oh well, it was for his sister and it wasn't like Lorccan had anything else useful to spend his money on. Once he finished paying he walked over to Levi and Sadie.

"I am done here, not sure what you two had planned to go next. I don't have anywhere in particular in mind myself."

[Snick]

"They seem attached at the hip," Sadie commented. "I don't know why she, or you Levi, like him so much."

Her eyes flitted to the chaperon. He was watching them and seemingly bored out of his mind. Obviously he was ready to go wherever else, too.

"What did you have planned to do with Rebecca?" Sadie grabbed Levi's hand and leaned into his shoulder, playing up the jealousy bit more than she actually felt it. "Let's not do that. Unless it's ice cream, I could go for some ice cream. Or maybe a shake."

---

"Comic books and ice cream. But we don't have to look at the new comic books." He reached over and took her hand. "They're probably about as attached at the hip as we are. You never know why a smart girl will choose a stooge for a best friend. But I'm glad they do. What kind of ice cream do you want?"

---

Seeing Sadie and Levi are obviously more interested in each other than interacting with him now, Lorccan shrugs and leaves them to their comics and ice cream. Besides, he hoped to get into the group heading for the Lechry mall. He liked the used bookstore there and the other previously owned merchandise stores. Lorccan often found very cool stuff. As long as it wasn't on the school's contraband list he should be alright buying few things.

---

"Cookies 'n' cream," Sadie answered. "How about you Lorccan?"

She offered her hand to him, so she would be holding both boys' hands if he took it. Since she and Levi weren't an item, it shouldn't be a big deal. Sadie could even flirt with Lorccan if she wanted to. And she might. He seemed an alright guy, even if he was a bit of a loner. Other boys were cuter, but that didn't matter that much to Sadie.

---

Levi saw Sadie reach her hand out to Lorccan and had to keep from biting his tongue, but he decided not to show her how much that bothered him. "Yeah, come on and join us for ice cream. You wouldn't be in the way; we aren't a couple or anything. Sadie and I are just best friends."

---

When Sadie called out to him, Lorccan paused and looked back. Maybe he had read the signals wrong and they weren't hoping he'll leave them some alone time. He was more than willing to hang out with them. He walked back towards them, putting his hands into his pockets, the bag holding Siobhan's stuff wedged between his arm and body.

"I like Tiger Tail ice cream." Lorccan said in response to Sadie's question. He didn't take her offered hand, not intending to be rude but more, he just didn't feel right holding her hand. The only hand he ever held was his mother's or his sister's and neither for years. "It's my favorite, but I will eat any ice cream if offered."

"I am glad I won't be in the way." He looked over at Levi on the other side of Sadie. "What's your favorite ice cream Levi?"

---

As she didn't find Walker, Elizabeta assumed he either backed out at the last minute or was struck with the odd illness running amok through the school. It was disappointing but she was fine. A few of her witch friends joined her and one of the faculty to hit the clothing stores. Elizabeta certainly enjoyed trying beautiful but modest dresses and woman's pant suits.

By the time she was done at the clothing stores she had purchased a few items. With new outfits she of course needed shoes to go with them and that was her next destination. Fortunately she only would need one new pair of shoes to go with the deep purple dress, not normally a color she wore but it did look quite impressive on her without being too revealing. Clothing purchased, Elizabeta headed for the bookstore. There was always something new and interesting at Carpe Librum books and often she could find books of great use to her which weren't already in her personal library at home or the school's library.

"Well well, I didn't expect to see you again so soon." Elizabeta turned at the voice, just as she entered the book store. It was surprising anybody would spot her given she was among a few other students eager to browse the thousands of books available here. It didn't take her long however to spot the one who spoke.

"Samuel." I remember him. Hard to forget since he kept pestering me half the summer till I threatened to feed him to the Vipertooths. "Why are you here? Salem is certainly not in your neighborhood now that you are graduated."

"I was hoping to run into you Elizabeta. I feel we left things badly last time we talked. I hope I would have a chance to rectify that." Samuel was a good looking wizard, arrogant and not one to take no easily. He had dated Elizabeta a few times during his last year at Salem, had even tried to continue dating her over the summer but she had spurred him quite bluntly. He didn't like the fact she rejected him. He could benefit greatly involved with a witch like Elizabeta. Her family was not super rich but wealthy enough and with a good enough reputation it would only stand to benefit him. But more importantly he wanted to score with her, she had always refused his advances beyond hand holding and some kissing.

"Not interested Samuel. I came in here to find a book, not chitchat with old news." Elizabeta brushed past him, confident in her ability to defend herself should he try something. At first he didn't do anything other than stepping out of her way. As she moved past and down an aisle she realized she made a mistake. Now she was in a dead end and Samuel had followed her, blocking the only way out from between the two bookshelves. Even then she wasn't worried. The teacher who came with the group was within shouting distance. There was also the fact she was very fast at drawing her wand, it was her greatest strength in dueling. It wasn't her only strength but it gave her the edge to react first, even if surprised. Not that she intended to start a duel here in public, not unless she had no other choice.

"I know I came on strong this past summer. I am just asking for a second chance. My folks are throwing a big Christmas party, I would be most honored if you agree to come with me, as my 'plus one'. It doesn't even have to be an official date."

"I thank you for the offer but definitely not interested. I have other plans for the holidays already." Elizabeta didn't have any official plans but she knew she would rather stay at the school for the holidays than go with Samuel. "If that is all you wanted to talk about Samuel, I would appreciate you go on your way, I don't have all day to browse."

"You are such a bitch. I should smack you." Samuel threatened, stepping closer to Elizabeta. Before he could even raise his hand, her wand was out and pointing directly at him.

"Back off, Samuel." She warns, hoping he does as she expected the chaperon will not take kindly the use of magic off school grounds.

"Take it easy." Samuel lifted his hands defensively then backed out from between the shelves and moved off.

As soon as he was out of sight, Elizabeta lowered her wand and put it away. She then turned her attention back to the books.

---

Sadie was a little offended when Lorccan didn't take her hand and dropped it slowly. Maybe he was OCD, too? With germs being his kryptonite? He didn't seem to have any nervous tics, though. At least he was joining them. If he was going to be part of the band, he needed to spend as much time with them as possible. They were a pretty quirky pair of jews. Well, Sadie was only half-jewish. And it was on her father's side, so she wasn't actually jewish in the religious sense - only in the heredity sense.

Anyway, the two of them took some getting used to. Even when they weren't together, they seemed like they were. They were always best friends, either way. Then there were Sadie's compulsions. She preferred to be clean, but thankfully wasn't a germaphobe. Superstitions weren't on every doorknob, floating in the air, in food, on hands...

With her fingers laced through Levi's, she tiptoed toward the food court like an accidentally graceful ballerina. On the way, she spotted a few students perusing the magazines at the front of the book store. Sadie waved to one as they passed.

---

The student waved back from behind the medical magazine, then turned his head and sneezed mightily ACHOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!

---

Levi was glad the student sneezed into the book store . . . or maybe he was. "It'll be spreading outside of the school now." He pulled her along towards the ice cream store, hoping they wouldn't get sick and trying not to think about it. "My favorite is peanut butter brownie ice cream. I think I want mine in a sundae with bananas."

[Snick]

Lorccan took little notice of a sneeze. It was nowhere near them anyway.

"It's just a weird cold." Lorccan shrugged. "Made the Lighthouse lock up it's Keepers. Lets just hope it doesn't leave behind any student who's sick when we go back to school."

"Cookies n cream, peanut butter fudge and tiger tail... we do have a mix of tastes." Lorccan says, moving away from the topic of sneezing students. "Mine probably taste weird in a sundae or banana split."

---

"I heard nearly the whole drama class got it," Sadie frowned. "Even Miss Buskirk and the understudies. There's a new substitute, I saw her at breakfast... or him? But with the cast in quarantine, the play will probably be pushed back a week or two."

Coming upon the food court, she saw a couple of small groups of students, chattering away over tacos, burgers, and bourbon chicken. Sadie weaved her way through the throng of shoppers, masterfully missing every line in the tile, pulling Levi along with her to Gelum Crepito.

"Yes, we are very varied in tastes," she chuckled, stopping at the end of the queue for ice cream. "If we all had the same tastes, that would be boring."

---

Something that was often a source of chagrin to the school board and faculty of the school had made Walker late.

Among the Apache tribes, there was a superstition that Owls were the messengers of Death, and having one come to your home was a disturbing portent. Sending one to the Goodwin home was a good way to wind up with a black eye and broken nose. Hence Walker's difficulty. With the floos being closed down, there was no easy or reliable way to contact his family. They didn't have any sort of messenger bird, an even if they did, it would take days for the bird to travel from Arizona to Massachusetts. The better part of a week, most likely. So walker had been forced to use other methods to contact his family, and was late in joining Elizabeta, whom he eventually found in a book shop.

Just the sort of place to go on a sorta-date with a dyslexic.

"Hey." he said as he walked up to her. "Did I miss anything exciting?"

---

Elizabeta was crouched before a bookshelf further away from where Samuel had pestered her at, slowly running her fingers over the spine of a book that caught her interest. Carefully she pulled the book out and looked it over, pleased to see it was the book she was hoping to find.

Just as she stood up again she spotted Walker coming towards her, causing her to smile. "Hello Walker, this is a surprise. I had assumed since you weren't at the gathering place this morning for the transfer here, you weren't going to make it. I am glad you did."

"You didn't miss anything exciting, at least not to my knowledge," Elizabeta assured him. The incident with Samuel was hardly exciting and it simply didn't concern Walker. "Was there anything you wanted to look for here in the bookstore? If not I found what I was looking for and we can go elsewhere once I pay for it."

---

"I got a little diverted." Walker replied with a shrug. "Fortunately, the lighthouse is an old friend. I should stop at the apothecary at some point for some personal supplies, but I don't need to be anywhere else anytime soon." He glanced at the title of the book she held, and then around the store, then shrugged. "Nothing jumps out at me." Of course, with that being his only criteria for book shopping, he might end up with a Monster book of Monsters, too.

---

"I am glad the Lighthouse was willing to send you here despite being late." Elizabeta smiles. "I will just pay for this book on ancient magics and be right back."

Elizabeta headed for the cash and waited a few minutes before it was her turn. She handed over enough money to cover the cost of the book then waited for the cashier to bag her purchase and hand it back to her. Thanking her politely Elizabeta then rejoined Walker.

"I have done just about all the shopping I wanted to do in Salem so if you want to go to the apothecary now, I don't mind going with you. There are a few things I should pick up too. I am running low on a few ingredients I need for a project of mine."

---

Walker nodded when she headed off, wondering a little why anyone would be interested in ancient magics. They were rarely practical or convenient to use. Native Americans had attempted to use ancient magic to get rid of white people on numerous occasions, most recently on the Pine RidgeIndian Reservation in 1975, and failed each time. "We don't have to rush off. I've got all day." He told her nonchallantly. If their past interactions were any clue, Elizabeta might decide to play hard to get again. And Walker wasn't interested in playing that particular game again. It wasn't that he wanted someone easy, but rather someone who could relax and let themselves go.

---

"I am done here at the bookstore, perhaps we can walk for awhile, give us a chance to talk." Elizabeta wanted to get more information about Walker's time as a Lighthouse Keeper. Given they can't just go off on their own and have to stay with the group she knew she would have to be less physical with Walker. She did enjoy having his arms around her but hardly something they can do in such public settings. "Don't worry, I don't mean the sort of talking most men find uncomfortable doing."

"It is so very inconvenient we have to be chaperoned, we are both old enough to take care of ourselves." Elizabeta understood the reasons for the extra precautions but it didn't mean she liked them. As a Junior she expected she wouldn't have to deal with faculty dodging her every move. "It would be nice to walk outside, get some fresh air but I doubt our chaperons would allow it."

---

Levi ordered the three ice creams and handed Lorccan and Sadie theirs, handing the money to the cashier. "Peanut butter brownie ice cream with bananas and fudge sauce . . . bodacious!" he said, taking a bite. He pulled out an extra pink plastic spoon and handed it to Sadie, grinning mischievously. "Wanna taste?"

---

"Thanks," Lorccan said when Levi handed him his tiger tail ice cream. He immediately licked at the unusually flavored treat. The orange sherbet tastes great next to the flavor of black licorice. It was a combination of flavors not many people liked, Lorccan realized but that didn't matter to him.

"Hmm, Siobhan is in that play, well I am glad she's not sick and doesn't have to worry about missing rehearsal if the entire play is set back a week."

Lorccan watched as Levi offered a spoonful of his ice cream to Sadie. A perfectly normal thing to do and he was curious if Sadie would accept it. He also wondered if he should offer a taste of his ice cream. He didn't have extra spoons to use though.

[Snick]

"Thank you, Levi," she took her bowl and kissed his cheek. Cookies and cream was pretty standard, almost as plain and simple as vanilla. Sadie preferred to say she was easy to please. "Sure, I'll try a bite," she took the offered spoon and got a small spoonful, being sure to get a little bit of every element. She stuffed the pink spoon in her mouth and moaned with approval. "That is soooo good."

Her focus switched to Lorccan as she dug into her own treat. "Yeah. She could practice with the other keepers for now if she wanted to, I'm sure," Sadie licked the front of her spoon then the back after each bite. "And the other unsick players can probably still rehearse together."

---

Levi sunk into his treat, loving the intermingling of peanut butter, chocolate, and banana. "Sorry Lorccan, I should have gotten another spoon." He didn't know what orange and licorice tasted like, but he wasn't anxious to try.

"I can't wait for everyone to get healthy so we can start our band."

---

"I suppose some rehearsing can be done in the Lighthouse," Lorccan watched as Sadie licked her spoon, front then back after each bite. There was something mesmerizing about it. He never noticed if all girls licked their spoons like that, Siobhan certainly didn't, at least never when they had ice cream together.

"It's alright, Levi," he said, jerked out of his fixed glare on Sadie's relishing her ice cream to look over at Levi. "I am sure there be other times we can try each other's ice cream."

"Given I need to learn how to play the drums, I will have more time to at least learn the basics over the next day or two and into next week. By the time everybody's healthy again I may be good enough to actually play a song," Lorccan watched as Levi ate his ice cream, noticing the different way he did it compared to Sadie.

---

"There is nothing that can't be done." Walker weighed in sagely. There were plenty of ways and places one could go to slip away. He'd seen plenty of kids slip away from the mall right out from under their chaperone's nose. Of course, they'd probably catch hell later. "Of course, we could just ask one of the professors nicely if we can go for a walk on the Salem Commons." I.e. the large public park in the center of downtown. "They might agree, since I can already apparate."

---

"A walk on the Salem Commons sounds like a great idea. We are both old enough to take care of ourselves after all. In fact there aren't too many students who can out duel me in dueling club." Elizabeta smiled. If it was one thing she enjoyed was dueling. Her biggest challenge is dealing with Professor Llewellyn, somebody she was determined to defeat at least once before she left the school. The little tip Professor Glassman gave is one she intends to use, has been using with other competitors during practice over the past few weeks. A little sacrifice to lull her opponent into thinking she could be defeated, insured a victory against a tough opponent already.

"Let's ask, the worse that could happen is they say no and we are stuck walking about the halls in the building with whichever group happens to be heading in the direction we wish to go," Elizabeta took his hand into her own, looking up into his eyes. "Who would be the easiest for us to convince to let us go to the Commons?"

---

"Mckay. Kim. Maybe Adams or Duke if they got tagged with chaperone duty." Walker suggested quietly, giving her hand a squeeze. He knew McKay and Coach Duke would probably be chafing about babysitting the kids; probably Kim as well. Miss Adams, on the other hand, was a free-spirit sort who would chafe at [spending all day inside a stuffy old mall. "Maybe Llewellyn if he trusts you enough." He added as an afterthought. But he wasn't going to suggest Glassman, since the potions teacher would probably think Walker beneath his star pupil. And he was also fairly pedantic about the rules being followed at all times.

---

"I am sure you can charm Miss Adams to let us go to the commons," Elizabeta suggests. Professor Llewellyn wasn't likely to let her go even though she was his aide. There was also the fact since the incident during the first days of school she lost some of the trust she had in him. All the more reason why she wanted to defeat him in a duel sometime this year. "I don't particularly like Miss Adams myself but I do quite well in her class despite her..eccentricities."