[MP] Friendly Faces Everywhere [Patience]

Trick or treating was a kids game, right? Wasn't Holden too old to do this? The Fourteen-year-old Hufflepuff was conflicted when he first heard about the events to come. Yet at the same time, the idea to relive his childhood and dress up for an occasion sounded fun. With the boat incident that happened in the prior month and the fact, Holden was on the Hufflepuff quidditch team things felt so different than they did in previous years. Maybe he was finally growing out of his shell for once he even stood up to an older Slytherin student at one point! Not that he was proud of his reckless behavior then. So what did it matter if he was too old to dress up and enjoy the festivities? Besides he would be hanging out with one of his new friends.

Patience was a newly sorted Hufflepuff and if he was honest something about her reminded Holden of himself. She was a nervous wreck half the time and it felt comfortable to Holden. It felt like looking into a mirror at times though Holden didn't realize this. This was also probably one of the only times she would be able to attend Hogsmeade till her third year anyways so why not escort her around and show her the shops? Holden was excited to take her to Honeydukes for some sweets for sure once they got there.

Now for his costume, Holden was a bit embarrassed to say he didn't give full thought to it. Yes, he had something which was at the very least doable and did reflect his desires, but he knew he would probably get teased about it later. To most people, he probably just looked like he was in his normal school robes, but in reality, he was not. Instead of the Hufflepuff yellow accenting the black robes were now replaced by blue. Being able to borrow a fellow students robes for this one night was a lucky chance for Holden and he could finally feel like his own family members. Maybe he was just simply fooling himself with this outfit, but he felt like he finally fit in and was where he belonged. It was nice.

Once all the students were escorted towards Hogsmeade Holden looked for Patience hoping to find her quickly for them to enjoy their day of fun. Seeing the young girl whilst the heard of students began to thin he made his way to her and shyly asked, "You ready?"

@Patience Blackstone

It was Halloween and Patience was so excited! She had initally planned on last year's holiday being the last time she'd get to go trick-or-treating and dressing up. Patience was unaware that she could still dress up in the years to come. The Hufflepuff didn't bother to think about it. What was important to her was that she was going to go to Hogsmeade. She would be going with Holden too, nonetheless. The two of them hadn't really been alone before that they could get to know each other one-on-one. This was a perfect opportunity! She'd had fun talking to him when they were with their group of friends. Sometimes the two would whisper jokes or he would answer questions she had as they sat to the side and listened while some of their more exuberant friends took the lead of the conversations.

Patience had put a lot of time into her costume. He tried to ask other students for ideas to the days drawing up to the event. She had owled her mother once she made her decision and was excited to hear that she would make the costume for her. If Patience had her sewing kit and some fabric, she easily could have made a simple dress, but her mother's creations were always brilliant. Just days before she was to visit Hogsmeade, a carefully wrapped, thick paper package had been delivered to her by their family owl along with a small hat box. Though she wanted to pull it out and show it off to all of her friends right there at breakfast, she instead carried it with her all day until she got back to her dorm to reveal what was inside.

Now, here she was, parading in the sky blue dress laced with pink flowers that cascaded down the front. She had one of the older students curl her hair carefully so that they were loose around her face. In her hand was the gift that had been sent in the small hat box. It was a round, fuzzy, green, plushie purse to hold her goods in that she gathered throughout the night. Everyone had asked about her costume and of course, Patience went ont to inform them what it was. She was so proud to be wearing it. She felt like a princess.

Once they had arrived in Hogsmeade, she found her excitement quickly turning into fear of the unknown. Patience was in a new place and she wasn't' sure what they would find. As she watched students run off together, she found herself standing there alone, her eyes dotting over every face she saw. At first, she had a hard time finding Holden. Once she spotted him, a wave of relief washed over. Holden had spotted her first. He had been looking for her! Immediately she felt better and not so scared. Holden seemed to have that affect on her when she grew anxious. "Hi, Holden! Yes, I'm ready! I'll follow you since I don't know my way around." She was careful to stay close to him as they went along their way. "Are...you supposed to be a Ravenclaw student? I could have matched you and borrowed Abby's robes! Though, I don't know if she'd let me wear them. She's much taller than me. But she's Ravenclaw too! I'm the Princess from The Princess and the Pea." She held up her furry green basket. "And this is my pea!" Her bubbly nature was surfacing, a usual sight when she was talking about things she loved and found interesting. "Where are we going first?"

She was fit for the occasion as most young girls were. Dressed like a princess or in some sort of cute attire. Holden felt out of his element. Did he not try hard enough? Was going as a student in another house even dressing up? It's not like the shop owners would know if he was from another house anyways. This was stupid he should have dressed as something scary or interesting. Holden just looked so plain in comparison to Patty. At the same time, he couldn't help and feel happy right now. This young girl seemed to be elated at being here with him. Was this what it felt like being an older sibling? Holden wondered if Leo saw Holden like he was seeing Patty right now. The size difference between the two didn't help this situation either. He probably indeed looked like an older sibling taking his younger sibling trick or treating. Was this really a bad thing though? Holden decided it wasn't.

Holden gave Patty a small blush and hung his head a bit lower. "Yes," he said meekly at being asked if he was supposed to be a Ravenclaw student. He was seriously second-guessing his costume now. Maybe he could use a transparency charm to make himself look like a ghost. Would that be offensive to the ghosts of Hogwarts? Also, would he get in trouble if he did cast magic outside of class? He decided he wouldn't risk it and just deal with his decision this time. Maybe if they were lucky they could find something in a store to help elevate his costume.

So lost in his thought he totally missed Patty's explanation of her costume. He was only brought back to reality when she asked where they would be heading to first. "Uhhhh...," Holden responded unsure as he hadn't thought of this before. He put his hand behind his head and began scratching at the nape of his neck. Where should they start? Honeydukes would probably be the best place, right? They sold sweets so they would have the best candy, but probably all the students would go there first it might be crowded. Then again if they go too late the candy may all be gone by the time they made it there. Holden then lowered his left hand to his chin and covered his mouth with his index finger. He scanned the surrounding buildings for an idea. "I think," Holden paused as he continued to scan the other student running back and forth between buildings. "Let's try Madam Puddifoot's," he lowered his hand as he said this and pointed down the street where the tea shop was located. He turned to Patty and gave a big grin before adding, "It shouldn't be as filled with students since it's not known for its candy. We might not be able to get the best items from them, but at least there won't be a big crowd."