Here's to us // Nate

It had been a month since she had her what seemed to be annual break down. Ana had always had issues in giving her heart away to the wrong type of guy, she never thought she'd lose her best friend in the process though. Jack hadn't really tried to talk to her after she told him off, and maybe they needed some space til she realized what he lost, and she got herself together. Ana had been spending her time consumed in her studies, and on the weekends she'd hang out with her lady friends, or Nate. Nate had been there for her through it all, but she did feel bad about her moody nature. About a week ago Ana had felt a pressure lifted from herself, and she was ready to have some fun. One could only break down so much before they pushed themselves into a deep numbness. Was she emotion cold? No, she was Ana. Ana had learned that losing boys wasn't the end of the world, always getting the bad side of the relationships she invested herself in. This time around it wasn't the same case, but she couldn't dwell in darkness forever. She'd end up going mad, or become someone she didn't want to be.

After spending an afternoon earlier in the week with Nathan, they decided they would attend the quidditch trip together. Ana loved to watch the game, but was never into the sport. It wasn't that she was afraid of heights, she just didn't like the thought of hurdling balls coming her way. Nathan had played, so she knew it was something they both enjoyed. A common ground of sorts. She had enjoyed her time spent with her dear friend, and after dragged him along on her sad venture for the past month, she owed him a day of cleaver, hyperactive, giddy Ana. The Ana that she had been when she was normal. Define normal? She thought to herself,never coming up with a true conclusion, she guessed she just had a certain image that was what everyone was used to. Her whole morning she spent awake in the common room, dancing to herself. Dancing always put her in a great mood, and when she was finished she showered and got dressed. Ana knew the weather was going to be nice today so she put on her velvet maroon dress, her white tights and her brown boots. She touched her face up with some light make up and then made her way to the great hall where everyone was to meet.

As a prefect she was directed to collect permission slips and check off names of the students attending. She'd have to lead the third year students attending to the port key as her prefect task, but after that she could hang out with Nate. The students were allowed to enjoy the attractions of the Irish village near by, while they waited for the game that took place in the evening. She was thrilled and excitement shocked through her body as she gathered the younger Slytherin students. They never really gave Ana a hard time, and if they did she could always have Albus scold them. That boy hadn't put up with it, and remanded strict as a prefect. Ana didn't want to seem mean so she rather let her mate do it. As the school made their way to the port key she listened to the head of houses speak of the rules. Younger years were to be accomplished by an adult at all time, and they were broken into groups. Sixth and seventh years, as well as all the prefects could wonder. As each student took turns using the port key she looked around seeing Nate. Ana waved the boy over and grinned. "This is going to be fun, I'm so excited!" She admitted. "What do you want to do first?" Ana asked, knowing Nate always had some sort of fun game plan in mind. "Nate, you think we'll see a leprechaun in Ireland?" she teased foolishly, squinting her eyes as she giggled about. If he hadn't noticed by now she was enthused and she wasn't letting anything get in the way of this perfect day.

Tagged: Nathan Harper Words:706 Wearing: This Note: Bam! Credits: Shawn!

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When the students had been told that there was a field trip to go see an actual professional Quidditch match, Nathan jumped at the idea. He got a permission slip right away and sent it home to his aunt so that she could sign it and send it back to him. It was rare that she didn’t sign that stuff, unless it was something she didn’t approve of. But he and his Aunt Daisy was usually pretty lenient with him and let him get away with a lot. She did put her foot down when necessary, but him going on a trip to watch a professional Quidditch match was certainly not one of those times. She knew that Nathan wanted to play Quidditch when he got out of school, so this was very important to him.

When the day of the trip came, Nathan didn’t try to hide his excitement about it. He loved Quidditch and anyone that knew him was aware of that. He talked about it a lot, but he didn’t care if anyone else liked it or not because he loved it and that was what counted first and foremost. Besides, today, he had someone to spend the field trip with and he wasn’t going to let her down. He was more than sure that Ana would be very disappointed with him if he stood her up, especially after how much time they have spent together during the past few weeks, since the night of the masquerade ball. They were friends anyway, even before that night, but it was because of that night that they had become a bit closer.

Nate liked the idea of spending more time with Ana, and the idea of their friendship becoming stronger than it has been. That was likely because neither of them were trying to get into the other’s pants. That in itself was something different for Nathan, but he didn’t mind it either. He had developed a reputation while at Hogwarts as a skirt chaser and, while he might be heavily into girls and having fun, he isn’t only about getting into a girl’s pants and he has been working on that reputation this past year. Don’t get it wrong, he was still into chasing skirts, but he didn’t chase every skirt that he saw. And, to him, Ana was not just a skirt, so he wouldn’t dare disrespect her in such a way. She deserves so much better than that.

When the time came, Nathan took his permission slip and headed down to where the portkey was to be. He handed in his permission slip and went to the portkey, arriving in the place where the game was being held. The students that went were allowed to wander the local village for a bit, before the game started, and Nate waited for Ana since she had her prefect duties to take care of first. She finally arrived and came over to him and he smirked at her first comment. “I am so excited,” he said enthusiastically to her. She then asked what he wanted to do first and he shrugged. “I am down for whatever the lady would like to do first,” he told her with a grin.

She had then asked him if he thought they were going to see a leprechaun while they were there and he shrugged his shoulders again. “Not sure, though it would be wicked cool if we did,” he told her with a grin. “Maybe we can find his pot of gold and then go have a fancy lunch or dinner,” he told her. That would be really awesome if they did see one, and found its pot of gold, but Nathan wasn’t going to hold his breath for it since it would likely not happen. “would the lady allow me to buy her a drink?” he asked her as his eyes caught the sight of a pub not too far from where they were standing.

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Anabel was very excited to get away from the school. Although she felt very at home there, there was something about being in those hallways that made her feel contained. Ana had always been a free spirit. She loved to roam freely, without seeing those who brought on her darkest hours. Ana had to get her normal prefect duties out the way before she could have some fun, she gathered the younger students and lead them to the portkey. She watched as each one took their ride, and she remembered her first time using a port key. She didn't really like it, the spinning made her slightly nauseous. Ana looked over to Nate and gave him a smile, she had been glad her friendship with him bloomed a bit more. At first sight of him, the night of the ball she knew who he was. Typical Gryffindor jock who, chased the ladies and didn't know what commitment was. She didn't judge him for that, because when denied most guys would back off. Not that she denied him or anything, but she may have in the past. Ana had a lot of self respect, and she was in and out of relationships, partially bad, since fourth year. Ana hadn't really seen the need to go to too many parties, nor was she easy. The circumstances were perfect though, she was hurt and Nate helped cheer her up. It seemed as if he was doing that for the past couple weeks, showing her a different side.

As the last of her group took their rides she followed in suite and arrived in Ireland. The look of the town was beautiful, and she could see the rolling hills in the distance. Traveling was something she always loved to do, one because she liked new settings, but two because every country had a different style of dance. Perhaps she'd get to watch some of the ladies do some Irish step, she'd enjoy that immensely. Ana was a ballet dancer at heart, but all dance was art, and she liked to join along and have fun. Ana caught up with Nate, and the two spoke of leprechauns. Ana was only teasing but she liked the thought because they were said to be magical creatures, though she had never crossed one in her travels. "It would be very cool indeed, and it would also be something to check of my list of things to see before I died." Ana told him with a sheepish grin. She giggled at his pot of gold comment and nodded. "Very fancy." She added concluding her thoughts. She wasn't sure where she wanted to begin, but she could hear music coming from the pub he pointed out. "Sure, that sounds amazing right about now." Ana told him, she wasn't old enough but she could use her charming ways and land herself a drink if he bar tender was male.

Ana took his larger hand in her, slightly smaller one and walked toward the pub. Maybe Ireland drinking laws were different, it may have been a possibility. She walked through the door and looked around at all the neon signs and grinned. "This is going to be a long day. Keep an eye on me Nate, I'm feeling bold." She told him, leaning against him as they walked to the bar stools. Ana ordered a drink, batting her long lashes a bit. To her surprise the Irish man delivered her rum, and didn't ask for an I.D. she figured it was kind of early for a rum and coke, but it was her favorite. "We should cut loose today, you know? I want to enjoy everything. Sadly, I forgot my camera." She pouted a little as she took the first refreshing sip of her drink. Ana didn't drink much, but when she did she was much more out there with her personality, and less reserved. "We have to hit the shops as well, grab some merchandise for the game later, and maybe some face paint." Ana suggested taking another sip from her drink as she looked around the pub. "I bet I can beat you in game of darts, even after a couple drinks." She told Nate, in a challenging boastful tone.

Tagged: Nathan Harper Words:711 Wearing: This Note: Credits: Shawn!

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As far as Nate was concerned, Quidditch and women made the world go round. That might seem a bit shallow of him, but he didn’t care. It wasn’t like he was saying pretty women made the world go round, though even he had to admit that he was more drawn to the pretty ones than the not so pretty ones. But, in all honesty, who wasn’t? That didn’t mean that he would never look at a less than drop dead gorgeous woman because he would, but the initial physical view determined the thoughts his mind took on when he looked at her. One thing Nate has learned through the years, and he wouldn’t be against admitting this, is that beauty isn’t everything. He was a good looking guy himself, this he knew to be a fact, but he wasn’t naïve enough to think that was all he was. There was so much more to him than just his pretty face and he made it a point to make that known when he was given half a chance. He did the same when it came to women because he knew that one’s personality said so much more about a person than their physical attributes. He would never discriminate though; again, something he’s learned with time.

When the students going on the field trip arrived in the Irish village, Nate waited for Ana to come through at the end along with the other prefects going. When she came up to him, he couldn’t help but smile and join in on her enthusiasm for the day. The game wasn’t till later so they had some time to kill. There was plenty of shopping and some pubs that they could go into, and Nate was glad that the legal age in Britain was eighteen because he was old enough to buy himself an actual drink. Ana wasn’t old enough yet, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t get her a drink if she wanted. From what his Aunt Daisy told him, those who were sixteen and seventeen could order beer or wine while eating at a restaurant, but they had to be with an adult who ordered it for them. He wasn’t sure if those who grew up in the wizarding world were aware of such things so, if she asked, he would make that known to Ana. “So let’s go then,” he said after she told him that the idea of a drink sounded great.

She took his hand before they started to walk towards the pub and he couldn’t help but notice how small her hand was compared to his. It was an irrelevant observation, but it was hard to miss because her hand felt so small and delicate compared to his calloused and large ones. When they reached the door to the pub, he held it open for her and walked in behind her. “Like I’d let you out of my sight with all these Irish men around,” he joked softly in her ear after she had leaned against him as they headed towards the barstools. Ana ordered herself a rum and Nate raised an eyebrow at her before ordering himself a pint of Guinness, which was one of the beers Ireland was more known for. He lifted the glass of dark liquid to his lips and took a sip. He then turned to look at Ana when she told him that they should cut loose and enjoy themselves. “I’m game for whatever you have in mind,” he told her with a slight wink of his eye, “and I’m sure that there’s a place around here we can buy a camera,” he told her.

It was a bit weird to be in a Muggle pub drinking with a pureblood witch, something Nate wasn’t sure he’d ever experience, but that was one more thing checked off his bucket list, which was something Ana referenced earlier when they were talking about seeing a leprechaun while they were in Ireland. She then started to talk about hitting up the shops before the game and buying stuff for the game. Nate wasn’t sure how many things they could get for the game in the town, but the game itself would have a lot of stuff to buy. “Yeah, we can do that,” he said with a nod before he took another sip of his drink. He raised his eyebrows and then looked over at the dart board on the wall when she told him she’d be able to beat him in a game or two, even after a few drinks, and he smirked at her. “You think so, eh?” he said as he set his glass down on the bar. “I didn’t know you knew how to play the game,” he teased.

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It was great to be away from the school, Ana couldn't help to have high expectations for her day with Nate. It was going to be fun, and she was going to break her streak of being constantly moody. Dwelling on the past was never good for anyone, she couldn't bring herself to fully forget the pain in her heart, but she could certainty try. It wasn't like Jack was trying to talk to her anyways, and that hurt as well. As her best friend he should have at least had the decency to apologize and come to some conclusion. She felt he abandoned her in senses, she walked away and he let her. Even if Ana said some cruel things he should have at least tried. It was only human to do so. Therefore, it was going to be a stress free, no drama day. Ana didn't really like drama to begin with. She had always stayed away from it, especially when it came to other girls. When in Ireland she took in a breath of the air, and let all her troubles flow away. Anabel was ready for the day, and no one could change that.

Ana was sure Nate felt the same way, after keeping her together for the past few weeks, he needed a break from drying tears. She was sure as strong as she acted he could see her torn side, but today was different. It was time for change, and to have a friendship based on fun memories and not ones where she needed him to tell her she was going to be alright. Ana hated to be a burden on anyone, but she learned who was a true friend in her dark time. The two made their way to the pub, and she decided it was time to let back, and enjoy a few drinks. As Nate spoke of not leaving her with the Irish men, she giggled. "Being protective, are we?" She asked, teasing. She knew Nate wouldn't let her be harmed in anyway, and he'd have her back if need be. It was the same for her, she had brothers, and considered her male friends brothers, she was built to be protective. Nate was game for whatever she had in mind, and she grinned. "Well, I'm not from here, you're the one who is Irish. I was hoping you'd have something fun in mind." Ana told him, she wasn't sure about the attractions of Ireland, thus far she had only seen a lot of green land.

Taking a seat, she noticed a small wall with brochures and maps, that read Ireland attractions. It would be the prefect to spot something like that she thought. Ana got to her feet walking over grabbing one, she then returned to her stool sipping her drink as she skimmed through it. "Seems like a lot of castle tours, some horse back riding, and lots of shops to buy nifty things, for me to accessories with." Ana beamed Nate a pearly smile. She loved grabbing stone-like, and Celtic jewelry. "Can you see us drunk on horses?" she laughed a bit taking another drink before skimming the pub. The dart board caught her attention, and she challenged Nathan to a game. His cocky words made her lick her lips. Pffff "Bring it!" Ana told him with a smug face. Ana wasn't great at the game, but she'd give her all. As a feminist she would try anything to show a man up. Ana wanted to drink a bit before playing, getting a light buzz going would set a nice vibe for her afternoon. "How about this, we finish these drinks. Then the loser of the game buys next round." She challenged taking another small sip of her drink. "I bet you can't beat me in shots either." she said softly, looking in his directing batting an eye lash.

Tagged: Nathan Harper Words:652 Wearing: This Note: Bam! Credits: Shawn!

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Nathan snorted softly when Ana asked him if he was being protective in regards to his comment about Irish people. “If you want to call it that,” he said playfully to her. “I call it being smart. The Irish know how to drink, as most people know, but they can also get a bit out of control,’ he told her, “especially if there happens to be such a beautiful woman around,” he added with a soft smile. When he told her that he was game for anything she had in mind for them to do, she told him that she thought he would have something in mind to do since he was Irish and that she wasn’t from around these parts. “I am half Irish, yes, but I live in London, and have my whole life,” he told her, “so I am not entirely sure what there is to do around here either,” he admitted. “And you’re the lady, so it’s your choice,” he told her with a half smirk half smile.

They took a seat at the bar and each ordered a drink. Nathan had been surprised that the man didn’t ask to see either of their IDs, but he was sure it was because Ana was so beautiful that he didn’t care to do so. Even still, that would normally leave him to card Nathan, or any other guy that would be with her, but he figured that the guy was trying to impress Ana by not IDing the people she was with. That, or the guy was into dudes, but he would be barking up the wrong tree with Nathan because he was totally into girls, including the one sitting beside him, though he knew that it was only a platonic thing that he and Ana shared. He was okay with that, which is why he never pressed the issue nor allowed his true feelings to show. Besides, he knew she was into jack, even if she didn’t want to talk about it or to him, and he wasn’t a fool to set himself up for disappointment.

He watched her get up from her seat and go over to where there were maps and brochures lined up on a wall and then looked over her shoulder as she flipped through them after she returned to her seat. He nodded when she said that there were a lot of castle tours in Ireland. He might not have ever visited here before, but he was aware of their pride in their castles. Horseback riding sounded interesting, but he wasn’t sure if that would be a good idea if they were drinking. And then she mentioned the number of shops she could buy things to accessorize with and he smirked at her. “It seems interesting enough. I we have time, we can definitely do a castle tour. I don’t know about drunk horseback riding. We could really hurt ourselves,” he said before taking another sip of his drink. “But it would be fun as hell, I’m sure,’ he said.

When she told him that she would beat him in a game of darts, he asked her if she was sure about that, and then told her he didn’t know that she played darts. She taunted him with her ‘bring it’ comment and he smirked at her. “Let’s do it then,” he said to her. She then suggested that they finish the drinks they were currently drinking and then the loser of the game would buy the next round. “All right, sounds fair,” he told her before lifting his drink to his lips and sipping from it again. He didn’t know how good she was at the game, or even if she’s ever played before; he was okay at it, only having played a couple of times in his life. It would be interesting to say the least. “A shot contest?” he asked her with arched eyebrows. he wasn’t sure how much she was planning on drinking throughout the day, or even how much she could handle without becoming a fall down drunk, but he knew he’d be there to keep an eye on her no matter what.

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