#8 - no arms, no cookies

Amelia had heard enough from that Slytherin Slime-ball and she was through huffing and puffing... Well, maybe not completely through. She had found a place on some stairs and had sat quietly for a while, until she felt her stomach lurch and growl in protest. Well, Breakfast hadn't been the best... The food was always good, but she had neglected it some when Jacob appeared.

Where had he wondered off too? Maybe she had been too rough in her compassion for him? Maybe she had gone about asking what happened the wrong way? Rubbing the back of her neck, she felt her skin prickle at what Lucas had said... What if he friend's didn't trust her?! Was that why Jacob was hiding his answer from her and the others? What if he told someone else and they just chose not to say anything to her... She would truly fight for her friends... Would they do the same for her?

'Stop it, Amelia!' She screamed mentally to herself before she pushed herself from the stairs and headed towards the kitchen, swinging her bags as she walked and neared the doors. As she entered, she stopped herself when she saw that same Slytherin from early. Well, she wasn't exactly being followed by the girl, seeing as she had been here first. Crossing her arms, she gave her a sideways glance before she walked a little past her and looked around.

"Good morning, House Elves! Can I get something to snack on please?" Amelia asked to anyone who might have been listening. She really didn't want to wait here all day for them to deal with the Slytherin.

Narby was supervising the preparations for lunch when she noticed a Slytherin student entering the kitchen. Before she had a chance to approach, a Gryffindor student entered as well. She was delighted at first, as it was rare to have students from those two houses accompany each other, but sighed when it didn't appear as if the girls got along.

She nudged another elf, pointing to Amelia. Then Narby headed over to Reena. 'Hello, Miss,' she said with a shy smile. 'I is Narby. Is you needing anything?'

Meanwhile, the other elf hurried over to Amelia. 'I is Pakby,' he said, standing taller (which wasn't saying much, even for a house elf). 'Good morning to you too, Miss. What sort of snacks is you needing?'

Narby blushed at the unexpected gratitude, not sure how to react or what to say. She nodded eagerly when hearing the request, realising Reena had a very important one. Her studies? That was a lot of pressure - Narby simply had to make sure she found what the girl needed.

She hurried over to the vegetable prep area, almost stumbling in her rush. She sorted through some crates, then slowly made her way back to Reena - taking special care not to drop what she carried.

'I is bringing you two,' Narby held them out as if they were made of glass. 'Is you needing anything else, Miss?'

Pakby was stunned by Amelia no only bending to eye level but the praise she gave. He mumbled something in awe, then indicated to several elves who blushed and were delighted she'd liked her food. A small one hurried to make her something to eat, which appeared to be some sort of scrambled eggs thing with herbs - presented to her on a plate.

At the mention of Noody though, several elves grumbled.

'We is so sorry, Miss,' Pakby said. 'If Noody is causing mischief again. He is not always a good elf. Please don't be reporting him to Headmaster, Miss. We is promising he is doing his best,' he anxiously rushed to say.

The House Elf was very eager and Reena watched it disappear to get her Tarrow. Ever so helpful it- she brought back two when Reena had only asked for one, seemingly eager to please her.
The way the elf looked at her and held out the vegetable as if it was something fragile and precious was almost cute- if only House Elves would not look as creepy.

Despite herself Reena managed a genuine smile and shook her head.
"This will be quite enough, thank you!", she said while she put the Tarrow away.
Reena was pleased that her ingredient search had progressed this quickly and although her constellation of ingredients was not the best she was almost certain she would obtain her clearance.

Overhearing the elf that talked to the Gryffindor, Reena furrowed her brows.
The way it was anxiously trying to protect this Noody-elf made them sympathetic in her eyes. It was interesting to know that they seemed to look out for one another despite being so weird.
In that way they resembled people more than Reena had expected.

She smiled at the house elf that had tended to her and said: "Two for one is very generous of you. I hope you have a nice day, Narby!"
With a last smile at the elves and a quick glance towards the Gryffindor Reena turned to leave the kitchens.
She would try to get her clearance now. Perhaps she could even get a jar or something for her honey.


[Exit]