Carrots

Last days of summer and Avis had no idea what to do. Most people spent their time with their friends, went to cinema, did some shopping and stuff like that, but Avis found out already in the early morning that she didn't want to do any of that.
She had got all the things necessary for school and though Lucy offered her to go on a shoppingspree, she refused, later, obviously, feeling guilty and even regretful about that. After finishing book, Avis had hard time with holding herself back and not crushing the wall of her room with her head. Boredom was killing her and she calling the house elves to amuse her was also out of question. Not because they weren't funny, they were, but if they failed to make her smile, one of them (or two) always started punishing him or herself.

Once she got out of the house, Avis felt much better. She walked aimlessly trough London's streets and stopped only when she realized where her feet had taken her. Diagon Alley. It was still full of children of any age. Some of them were still buying stuff for school and some, who like her, came here just to waste their time. She bought herself an ice cream and took a seat near one café. It was the second time of the day when she felt how regret filled her mind; she had forgotten her book at home.

Serge was at the leaky cauldron, his room having been given to him by the ministry. After a good night's sleep, he went downstairs to meet the man he had come here with, but found no one around but the bartender and some strangers. Oh well, Serge thought, I guess I'll have to get the things myself. He had never done that. But he guessed it was better this way, now he could go wherever he wanted to. But he guessed it was best to pick up the necessary things first, so he picked up his money and headed to Diagon Alley.

Once done all his shopping, he began walking rather uncomfortably back to Diagon Alley. He had no trolley, so he was carrying his broomstick and all his books with him. If only we could use magic outside Hogwarts... what a stupid law. Suddenly, he spotted an ice cream parlor on the way back and stopped abruptly, only to be knocked down by the person behind him. Serge groaned as he saw his shopping all scattered down on the floor. Looking around, he noticed a girl at the ice cream parlor looking at him. That only made it more embarrassing.

Blaming and calling herself with many nicknames that would've offended any normal person, she forced herself to calm down and eat her ice cream peacefully. While she emptied little dish, feeling now that she was getting more hungry and right now ice cream was the only thing that could satisfy her appetite.
She was about to order herself another, this time apple flavoured dessert when suddenly a young boy dropped his belongings on the ground.

Avis put her spoon away and looked over at him, leaning her head against her hand. It seemed that he did some late shopping. Poor guy, choose wrong day for it. There are still some things left here? Wow.
What made situation funnier for her was the fact that he saw Avis staring at him. Right... "Do you need any help there?" she asked; seeing someone in awkward situation made her much better.

Of course, no one had bothered to help him. The girl was just staring, and smiling, and other people just walking past him without noticing. One stepped on his book, and Serge scowled. He had learnt many things about Society since had had turned eleven, and one was that people didn't like to help others much. So he was quite surprised when the girl offered help. "Uhh yeah, I could use some help," he replied a bit nervously. He had probably been carrying too much things in the first place, which was why he hadn't been able to hold on to them.

Serge stared back at the girl for a moment, not aware that most girls didn't like that much. "Say, do you go to Hogwarts?" he asked curiously. She was older then him clearly, but he'd guess her age was about seventeen.

It was fun to spectate his emotions. He was begging wordlessly for help yet no one even cared to pick up few books for him and help him get up. She had seen many people around Diagon Alley and some of them were those, who would never accept any sort of help.
She raised from her chair and walked over to him; she picked up as much books as she could handle and then took them to her table. Then she turned and took some of his bags.

„Yes,“ she replied shortly, putting bags carefully on the grounds so that they wouldn't fall over. Then she took a seat on her former place and pulled out another chair. She waved with her hand, offering him to take a seat next to her. „You must be Serge Hunter,“ she said, showing him her warm smile, though her eyes were studying him with big curiosity.

At first, the girl seemed to be having fun watching him struggle and had no intention of helping him. Then, to Serge's surprise, she actually got up and picked up all his things. Watching her, Serge realized that he had seen the girl around the common room at Hogwarts. He didn't know her though, so he was surprised when she knew his name. "Uhm, how do you know my name?" he asked, not smiling back due to his confusion.