The Grounds

[Draco Malfoy]

Draco was currently sitting under a tree, a book from the library open in his lap. He read in peace and hoped not to be bothered, glaring at anyone who came too close.

[Gavin Dean]

Gavin laughed uneasily, "it's a long story," he said, "but his name is Zolo, and it should be kept that way."

[Effy Brookes]

"I like it. Its fitting. Maybe you can tell me the story another time."

[Gavin Dean]

"Yeaaah... fitting," Gavin scratched the back of his head. He saw Draco nearby and waved to him, even if Draco did not see him. He was tempted to go over and greet him, for he has not talked to him in a while, and wondered if he got the package okay.

[Effy Brookes]

"What, you don't agree?" Effy followed Gavin's gaze to Malfoy, and then looked back to Gavin.

[Effy Brookes]

((I have to go, I'll see you later.))

[Draco Malfoy]

Something caught in Draco's eye, movement, and he looked up from his book. Gavin had been waving. He waved back in greeting and smiled a little only for him. Gavin was the only acceptable out of house friend in his mind's eye.

[Gavin Dean]

(bye!)

Gavin nodded and picked up Zolo, "yeah, of course. If he wasn't Zolo, I wouldn't know what he would be." Gavin looked over at Draco again, their eyes meeting. He turned to Effy, "I'll be right back, if you'll excuse me," he said, and made his way over to Draco. "Good evening, Draco," he said, remembering Draco told him to refer to him as Gavin, "how are you doing tonight? It has been a while."

[Draco Malfoy]

Draco patted the grass next to him, "So formal, Gavin. If you please, have a seat. It has been a while but I am well; what of you?"

[Gavin Dean]

Gavin took a seat next to Draco, keeping his distance from him. Zolo curled up in Gavin's lap, approving of the spot. "I've been doing great, actually. As you know, or I'm sure you know, my mother is catering for the spring ball," he said. He didn't want to seem to eager to ask about the package- he didn't know what was in it.

[Draco Malfoy]

"Well that certainly is nice to hear." Draco watched as Zolo made himself comfortable, he chuckled. "Oh? Ah! Yes, your mother is the best person for catering this ball and any future events to come. She's very thoughtful, actually.."

[Gavin Dean]

"Thank you, my mother is quite the woman," Gavin said. "I take it you will come to the ball then?" Gavin asked, interested in his answer. If Draco were to go, Gavin would definitely be there. If he wasn't going... he would still go, but probably help out his mom instead.

[Draco Malfoy]

Draco nodded. "Indeed I am. I plan on taking the lovely lady I am courting at the moment, Miss Coeus. That is, if she accepts." Draco placed a marker in his book and shut it, "Are you attending, Gavin?"

[Gavin Dean]

"If you two are currently together, I see no reason why she would say no," Gavin said, wondering if Draco was worried if Freya would decline the dance offer, it seemed impossible, but then again, she may not like dancing. "I plan going now," he said with a grin, however, realizing that what he said sounded rather... gay. It was too late now, "however I do not plan on asking someone anytime soon. If worst comes to worst, and I'm declined by whoever I wish to ask, I might work with my mom and practice my culinary skills, either situation would be fine with me. "

[Draco Malfoy]

"I see you're point but it is still proper to ask a lady if she would so wish to attend such an event," Draco leaned into the tree trunk and sighed. Freya may not be much for parties, pure-blooded or not. He turned to Gavin, "Well, I'm glad you're going now, one more boy I can be around in a vast sea of girls and their fantasies of love and perfect moonlit nights. I wish you luck in gaining acceptance from whom ever you request company from. I must see your mother sometime during the ball. You do not think she would mind if I dropped by for a chat, do you?"