Hotaru had gotten the owl and nearly screamed with joy. She hadn't talked with Zeno for so long, had barely seen him, and she had missed her 'little brother'. She wondered where on earth he had gone, what he had been up to. But suddenly, just one random day, she got that wonderful owl. Now she was overjoyed.

So she had agreed to meet him in Hogsmeade in the Three Broomsticks. It was crowded and bustling, like always. She already had two butterbeers waiting for them, sitting there and warm when he wanted one. Her honey brown eyes kept roaming over the crowd, trying to see that familiar figure. Did he even look the same? Had he gotten taller? A hair cut? She was so excited she was nearly jumped out of her seat.

Zeno wondered what Hotaru thought when she recieved the letter he had sent her. He hadn't seen or spoken to her for what seemed like years, he missed talking to his " big sis". He had been taking a break from his life as you can say. It was his time to grow up.

As he walked down to Hogsmeade he felt nervous, "what was she going to think of me?" and other questions just kept coming into his head. Passing the mass crowd of students he had to push through to get to the door of the Three Broomsticks he grasp the door handle and pulled it open. He had almost forgotten what she looked like but, he could tell by the look from the girl that was sitting with the two butterbeers that it was her.

He didn't say anything, he just walked up to her and gave her the biggest hug.

Hotaru's heart was practically in her throat when he finally came up to hug her. She nearly squeeled with delight that he was back. He was finally back! She hugged him harder, and if she were strong enough or big enough, she would have picked him up off his feet and twirled them around.

Although he did look a little different. Though she was older, she was tiny, and he was deffinitly taller and bigger now. "You look like you grew up." She said with a grin, motioning for him to sit down. He looked more mature, that was for sure. "Where were you this entire time? I missed you so!" She exclaimed, smoothing his hair out gently out of a nervous and sister like habit.

He had the biggest smile on his face as he sat down from giving her a hug. She looked the same but, older than he remembered. Hotaru smoothen out his hair which was sticking out everywhere. He had just dyed it red so he was hoping she'd approve."Where were you this entire time?... Was the one question he dreaded being asked but, he knew it was coming.


"Well I've been busy with school and other stuff. Mostly just been trying to find out who I really am. It's been tough trying to figure it all out with everything else going on, ya know what I mean? I guess you can call it soul searching..." He trailed off as he took a sip of his butterbeer which was warm and yummy.

" How have you been? I've missed talking to you, it feels like its been forever since the last time"

Hotaru nodded in understanding. She wasn't mad at all that he had left, she was so overjoyed that he was back. She would have just wrapped her arms around him and stayed like that. Her eyes turned toward his red hair. Red hair? She grinned. She didn't mind the red hair at all. It was different, that was for sure.

"I've been fine recently Zeno." She gave him an almost sad smile. "I've missed talking with you too." She still had the necklace he had worn and given to her. She was even wearing it now. Hotaru took a sip of her own butterbeer, letting it wash over her warmly.

"How is...your family?" She asked gingerly. She almost didn't want to ask such a personal question, but she really wanted to know. Was everything alright?

(( I dont even remember what the necklace looked like. :dontgetit: ))

Warmly smiling at her he adjusted so that he was sitting completely facing her since they were both in the same booth. Still looking at her he rested his head on his arm. He smiled even more if that was even possible as he looked at the necklace he had given her awhile ago.

It was gold and had a picture of his sister Le who passed away not so long ago. He had replaced it with Hotaru's when he had given it to her. " I'm glad you kept that, it means a lot to me" he said pointing to the necklace.

The subject of family came up. He didn't think she'd asked about it but, he was sorta glad she did. " The families doing better now, lots of things have been going on. I've recently been placed in a foster home. My parents said they couldn't handle me anymore. My brother has gotten married and relocated to the United States. I'll be visiting him after school gets out."


"Enough about me, what about you! Hows the family doing?" He said in a happy tone.

(( I kind've forgot to, so I just made up what I think it looked like ))

Hotaru had given him a warm smile, her hand going up to touch the necklace around her neck gingerly. But she turned pale the moment he said he was in a foster home, that his parents could no longer handle him. She looked at him, brown eyes large.

"You...are?" She knew of foster homes. Her mother was a muggle social worker, and had once worked with foster children. A lot of foster homes weren't fun. She looked scared for a moment.

"My family?" She asked gingerly. "Nothing has changed much with mine. My grandmother passed away a month or two ago, I still dont know my father, my grandfather is ill, and my mother is...my mother." Hotaru shrugged. Nothing had changed much, really.

" Yes, I am. It's not so bad, I just wished I didn't have to move to a different home every now and then. But, it's what I have to do. The family I'm staying with is nice and welcoming, they have a daughter that's in the second year so that's good.


His smile slowly fading as Hotaru told him about her family. Things didn't change much with her family, he had hoped it would. " Sorry to hear about your grandmothers death, and your grandfather's illness. Things will be better soon I know it" He said in a reasurring way as he gave her a hug. He put his hand on hers holding it tight for awhile. He didn't know much about Hotaru's father but, he thought it best not to ask too many questions.

Hotaru sat very still, listening to the family he was with. It was a nice family, that was good. Hotaru let out a breath she hadn't been holding. "I wish you could stay with my mother and I." She said softly.

She took his hug greatfully. She nodded to what he said. Even though she knew her grandfather, who was the closest to a father she had ever had, would die, she was prepared for it, and knew that eventually she'd be okay. Everything would calm down eventually. "Thank you Zeno, that meant a lot to me." She said, holding his hand gently. "I missed taking to you so much." She said softly.

" I wish so too but, I wouldn't want to burden you with me. Problem is I hate depending on other people when it comes to these sorts of things. I'd rather be in rags on the street then to be in nice clothes and in a warm home." He said his smile slowly forming again.

" It's no problem at all Hotaru, you know I'm always here for you. In a heart beat. I should apologize for not being around all those months. I'm sorry..." he said gripping her hand lightly. He knew he should've been there for her all those times she might've needed him. She had always been there for him no questions asked or needed.

"Well how's everything else in your life? Especially the love life?" He lightly laughed. He had someone special, he was wondering if she too had someone.

Hotaru took his hand in hers gently, giving it a light squeeze. She took what he said for what he wanted it to be--comfort. She knew she shouldn't fret over this much, but she couldn't help but worry sometimes. She just hadn't seem him for so long...

She blushed furiously when he asked her if she had someone special. Hotaru shifted in her seat uncomfortably. Did she have someone special now? Well...sort of. "Erm, well...not, officially." William wasn't official, but she did like him. And she wasn't going to push it with him. At the moment, it was far too early to tell.

" From the redness in your cheeks and the way your acting now I'd say you like this guy a little?" He said smiling at her. It was good that Hotaru had someone she liked. It would bring her some happiness and that would be wonderful for her. He smiled a little more as he thought his own someone.

Zeno kind've fell into a state of daydream as he thought about who he had back home. Too bad he couldn't tell everyone about this amazing person he had.

Hotaru face continued to flame as she watched him, looking emberrased. But she saw the day dream in his eyes and knew something was up. Narrowing her eyes she took his hand in hers gently.

"Zeno, remember dear, I am an empath. Who is it that has stolen your heart so?" She inquired with a smile. It had to be someone special if they could make Zeno space out completly.

Zeno smiled warmly at her, " Yes I do remember, how could I not? Do you remember the time with Alex, Cassandra, Aiden and everybody else?" He asked remembering what had happened in the past to make most of them not friends anymore.


" Well, I don't know how to explain this but, yeah I do have someone special. Thing is it's not a girl..."he trailed off. Now he had to await what her reaction would be.

Hotaru frowned at his question. "I barely remember it, refresh my memory." She said softly with a smile. As she listened to him talk, she froze. It wasn't a girl. Hotaru's smile widened and her eyes sparkled.

"You thought I'd be upset that it wasn't a girl?" Hotaru inquired, and then sat back and laughed. She took his hand and squeezed it gently. "Zeno my dear, you are my little brother, and I love you regardless of whom you date." She said with a grin, then it faded slightly to make her look series.

"But I want to meet him at some point. I dont want someone hurting you." She said, trying to look serious, and failed, a smile spreading across her face.

" Ah well, I don't remember all of it. Just most of it in phases. All I really remeber is Aiden, Alex and I in the Hospital Wing for over a week from fighting each other. I don't really know what I was thinking when it all went on. Does that refresh your memory?" He asked thinking about it.

He slightly smiled, " I didn't think you'd be upset, I didn't know how you'd react to finding out". Holding her hand his smile widened as he continued to speak, " Yes you'll meet him soon I hope. He's already finished his schooling. I've been with him for over a year, it's been awesome." He finished.


(( not sure how we'll RP that though. maybe i'll make another character? any ideas? ))

Hotaru thought for a moment, her eyes looking up at the ceiling as she did so. Yes, she rememebered some of it. Hadn't Cassie liked Aidan? Alex was with Zeno at the time. Then suddenly, out of nowhere, Alex dumped Zeno and went with Aidan. Cassie had been heartbroken.

"Yes, I do believe I remember most of it now." She didn't remember much of the details, but it hadn't been fun at all.

"Just finished his schooling? Zeno, how old is this guy, and what is his name?" She at least needed to know that, since she was the big sister after all. She smiled at him, giving his hand a light squeeze. He seemed so happy, and thats all she wanted for him.

(( Lets just say Hotaru met him. ::shrug:: ))

He slightly frowned, " It's not something I like remembering. It's in the past so best not to dwell on it." It was all pretty much about lies and heartache. Most of it being his fault.

" Yeah he just finished his studies, he's a muggle. His names Jeff and he's 19 years old. I know the age gap is there but, I think I'm in love with him. I never thought I'd ever be saying that about someone and actually meaning it. Actually saying it with a smile on my face..." Zeno was so happy. Finally talking to someone about Jeff. Zeno still did have questions he wanted to ask Hotaru.

((OOC: Zeno... we all know i am not a mod but.. PLEASEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE remeber the word count.. 100 words per post!! those are like... 50..or 20 ish))

"A muggle?" Hotaru said, eyes wide. She didn't know why she was surprised at first, but then she realized why. "Does he know you're a wizard?" She asked curiously, frowning slightly. She was worried about Zeno. If Zeno hadn't told him, and eventually did and Jeff didn't take it well, then Zeno would be heartbroken.

Hotaru's eyes widened, then narrowed. "19. He's 19." Hotaru shook her head, running a hand through her curly hair. "I'm glad you're happy though. Be careful, alright?" She inquired.

She tilted her head to one side. "Is there something wrong Zeno?" She asked lightly.

I posted over a 100 words in that post. It was 112 words.

" I've been wanting to tell him but, I just haven't thought up a good way to tell him. I'm sure he'll accept me for being a wizard if not I don't know what I'll do. He thinks I'm off at some boarding school, he finds it weird that an owl brings him my letters. So he has a slight idea that something's going on...." Zeno finished slightly smiling.

" Oh nothing's wrong. I just miss him a lot. Why don't we talk about this mysterious man you've got?" He laughed. He wondered what kind of guy he was, hopefully someone that treats her well. She deserves it.

Hotaru sighed, patting Zeno's hand in that sisterly type of way. "Well, be careful, alright little brother? I dont want to have to hex him if he hurts you." She said with a smile. "But tell me when you tell him you're a wizard, alright? I dont want to let something slip, or act silly."

Hotaru turned a furious emberrased red color as he asked about William. "I dont know what to tell you. I mean, Will and I..I dont think we're serious. I'm not sure. But I really like him." She said, still blushing furiously.

" I'll be careful and I think once you meet him you'll love him" Zeno said smiling. Picking up his butterbeer he took a couple of gulps before beginning to talk again.

" You don't have to tell me much, just a little information so I can see if this guy's good enough for you. He seems it already though. Your cheeks are red as cherries, you must really like this guy. Maybe I could meet him?" He asked smiling at her happiness of finding someone. It'll be good cause hopefully he and Will could keep her mind off her grandfather's illness.

Hotaru took a shaking breath and sipping her own butterbeer, thinking things over. What could she tell Zeno about Will that would be safe? She didn't want Zeno going after him. "Well...Will is in my house. And he's great at Potions." She said hopefully.

"Meet him?" Hotaru looked absolutly frightened. "Well...erm...maybe?" Hotaru didn't want Zeno to meet Will until she knew if Will liked her. Although there were many signs, she didn't want to jump to conclusions.

" I see and how old is he? Sorry, if I sound like a dad asking all these questions. I just want the best for you, you deserve nothing below that. I'm sure he's a wonderful guy." He said brushing back his bangs.

" It's okay if you want to wait awhile before I meet him, it's up to you." Zeno had always fallen in love to fast and always gotten hurt one way or another. He's always been a hopeless romantic. He's estatic he found Jeff.

Hotaru continued to blush slightly. "He's my age. And he is a wonderful guy, you would like him." Hotaru coaxed, nudging him slightly with a smile. A nervous smile, but a smile no less. Hotaru quickly downed the rest of her buttebeer, letting the warmth spread through her slowly.

Hotaru's smile widened. "You're really excited about Jeff. You must really love him. I hope he treats you right though." She said, narrowing her eyes at him slowly. "If he hurts you, I'll hex him." She added with a grin.

Zeno smiled, " He sounds like a great guy. He'll treat you well, he better or I'll rip him to shreds" He said smiling at her. He finished his butterbeer and then set his next to hers.

" Yeah I'm so happy about Jeff. No need to worry he treats me good. Everything's good right now. Well, I think I'm gonna go down to the lake and sit there for the rest of the day. Would you like to join me?" He asked.


(( if you want to we can make a topic at the lake ))

(( Sure, I dont mind. ))

Hotaru's eyes widened. "Hey now! At least I said I'd hex Jeff, which can be changable. I dont think Will will be able to stand against you ripping him to shreds." Hotaru looked pale and scared. "Even if Will and I dont work out, we can be great friends, so dont kill him."

"I'd love to. This place is getting too crowded now, and I feel like I can hardly breath." As if to show she were choking Hotaru wrapped a hand around her neck in a mocking choke.

" Don't worry it was a joke. But, instead of ripping him to shreds, I'll curse him or atleast chase him in my animagi form. It'd be fun, for me atleast." He said reassuring her that he wouldn't literally rip Will apart.


He laughed, " Haha, we should go then." He said waiting for her to get up so he could get out since she as sitting on the outside. They then proceeded out of The Three Broomsticks.


(( you want to start the topic? i haven't gotten any inspiration :blush:))