Applications {Cooper}

[Katherine Finnigan]

"That's fine really," replied Katherine, giving him a light and reassuring nudge, "Let them come up with whatever little rumours they want. Just as long as you know the truth and I know the truth, it shouldn't really matter, right?" Maybe Kat was making less of it than there was but she'd learned all too well how silly rumours were. She hardly placed any significance by them since it was only a matter of people either trying to hurt others or making up childish things to spice up their own conversations. Years of hearing rumours and being involved in one or two had taught her all to well that it was pointless to worry much over them as long as those involved knew the real truth...not just some made up rumour being passed off as the truth.

It was oddly comfortable in the empty corridor. Katherine thought so at least. Perhaps it was the minor fact that it was just her and Cooper talking and laughing as though nothing was different. Then again, it also had something to do with the bit about no one being around to start up rumours or bother them just yet. No matter what it was, she couldn't help smiling as she listened to him defending himself against her little joke.

Making a face of disgust, she noted, "I haven't caught anyone snogging in the olwery but I wouldn't doubt the desperate little buggers would if they needed a free place bad enough." Kat couldn't imagine people actually being able to focus on snogging when the sounds and smells of hundreds of owls were all around them. It nearly made her shudder to think about what sorts of things could happen. "Whatever flips their switches though," she added after a second, scowling in disgust one more time before entirely letting the subject go. That just wasn't something she really wanted to think about.

As Kat headed up the staircase that would lead them to the afore mentioned Olwery, she thought about his question. Honestly, she had no ideas as to what they could do without bumping into anyone by the time people started to leave the dance. It wasn't that she minded people seeing her with Cooper but she wasn't too keen on "interrupting" anyone's snogging sessions. Giving it a moment or two of additional thought, she looked over at him and, scrunching her nose a little, answered, "Dunno really. You've already ruled out spending more time in the library." At this, her lips twitched into a bit of a grin. The library wasn't her favourite spot either but she decided to neglect mentioning that detail again. Instead, she finally suggested, "S'pose we could always have a fly about the castle...or at least around the pitch."

[Cooper Weasley]

Cooper nodded in agreement. If rumors did pop around about them, he'd set him straight. Again, he was great at finding who exactly started rumors, and he was just as good at ending them. He didn't really see it as much of a problem right now. All since Katherine, seemed to agree to his offer.

The idea of snogging in the Owlery just gave Cooper a shudder. You'd probably end up covered in owl poo by the end of things. Plus, it can't be too comfortable in there. And, who could concentrate on snogging with a beatiful girl, with all the owl noises and smell? Whoever did manage to pull that off deserved an award in Cooper's mind. He couldn't think of a girl that would find that a romantic spot either. Giving the subject a rest, Cooper momentarily thought of other nice, romantic snogging spots. He ended up scolding himself for it. If they we were going to happend, he wanted to do it right, and not like a jerk. No, he was going to take his time to getting to the snogging - or even kissing part. There had to be a right moment in time for it, and all that other mushy stuff.

Cooper had to smile at Katherine. The way she scrunched her nose was cute, and he took in the moment for a brief second. "Hm, I know a few guys who might be snogging there later but, they usually hide under the bleachers so, the pitch should be open for us. Plus, if we run into any Gyffindor teammates - I'll just threaten to bench them a few matches." He replied after a few moments of thought. "Care to consider that a first date?" he asked with a grin. It didn't have to be, but it seemed to be a clear night and Cooper thought to use the seemly perfect night for that first, real date.

[/blockquote]

[Katherine Finnigan]

The sound of their footsteps echoed off the walls and floor of the empty corridor as Kat practically lead the way toward the owlery. Despite all the talk about desperate students possibly using the place for snogging sessions, Katherine was hell bent on making sure Cooper got his application sent off straight away. After all, it was the beginning of the rest of his life and she wanted him to get the position that way he was in there once school finished up. Her future was a little less sure since it all rested in the hands of whichever professional scouts that decided to come out to the last matches of the school year.

Glancing over at Coop, she couldn't help wondering what was going through his mind. He seemed to be pretty quiet, which wasn't really like him unless he was focused on something or else deep in thought. Softly, she inquired, "Sickle for your thoughts Weasley?" Almost as soon as the words left her lips, she couldn't help thinking a moment about how things had gone tonight. It was a bit strange to think that she'd dreaded this very night for weeks prior to the dance but now she wouldn't change a thing about anything that had happened. Kat honestly couldn't think of any other event at Hogwarts, save Quidditch, that she was quite as content as she felt here and now.

"So we're basically safe from Hufflepuffs and Gryffindors that are on our house teams then," Kat laughed lightly, "But hopefully we'll have a little time before any of those sort decide to leave the dance, yeh?" His next question, though, did throw Katherine off guard a little. Giving it a second or two of consideration, she gave a slight nod in answer and replied, "Sounds like a masterplan to me Coop."

[Cooper Weasley]

Cooper looked at Katherine and just smiled. It was his nice smile too, not his grin, or smirk, just a simple smile. She had been him the happiest soul on earth, which was what he was thinking about. He hadn't realized he was quiet, until she said something. "I was just thinking," he grinned and left it at that. Coop wanted to see if she would ask him what it was he was thinking. You, he thought. He hoped that he wouldn't screw things up either. No, he'd be smart this time around and get things right - and be more himself.

Copper nodded, "Yeah. As far as I can tell, this dance won't be over for several hours, or at least midnight." The pair had plenty of time, basically alone, before the dance let out. Besides, there were always those 'after parties' and he was sure everyone would go to those. He hoped that the pitch would be clear, bleachers and all. Not that he planned on using those for anything but sitting. He wasn't going to snog her, or even try to. Just a simple goodnight kiss - on the cheek. That was it, he was going to be a complete gentleman and not screw things up for both of them.

[/blockquote]

[Katherine Finnigan]

"Well, yeah, I gathered that you were thinking," laughed Kat lightly, shaking her head in amusement, "The question at hand is what you were thinking about, Coop." Shaking her head again, she couldn't help smiling a little at him. Even with their current position, everything seemed entirely natural and comfortable...the way it should be. All of her eariler apprehensions about it pretty much melted away and Katherine was more or less just enjoying things as they came. Still, though, she wondered what had him so pensive.

Still walking along beside him, Katherine thought about all of the time that she and Cooper would have to talk and just enjoy the evening. It seemed like a lovely enough night and she certainly couldn't complain about the company. Curiously, she questioned, "Do you think we'll end up out that late?" Not that she'd mind it really but she just didn't know if they had enough things to do to keep them occupied for so long. Flying would take up a majority of the time but with it being a little late, and hence dark, it would be pretty pointless to try tossing a quaffle around.

[Cooper Weasley]

"Oh, right," he chuckled slightly. "Well, I was just thinking about you to be completely honest." Cooper thought it best to just confess everything now. Since they were together now, he felt it complete appropriate to express his feelings toward her. "I was thinking that...I've been liking you for a really long time and I just didn't see it until earlier this evening. I'm still baffled that you are giving it an actually chance - and I swear by my broom I won't screw it up." He gave her a softened expression, really putting forth his feelings. Cooper really wanted them to work, being honest and sharing feelings was a factor of a long, healthy relationship. Despite what many think, Cooper did know a thing or two about making a relationship last.

Cooper shrugged, "Let's just...see where the evening takes us?" He really didn't think they would be spending much time flying. There wasn't much, if any light out. The night air might be just a bit chilly. Coop hated cold air and cold in general. He was sure they would come up with other things to do - or, they would just end up talking and walking about or something.

The pair finally reached the door to the owlry. The door had been left ajar by some careless student. Cooper glanced in. A few owls flew in and out. He figured they were going to hunt mice - or whatever owls did at this time of night. He sighed, and lingered outside the door. Coop casted a glance at Katherine. He felt silly as he started feeling nervous. The what-if's started popping in his head. He tired really hard not to let them get to them but, he found that effort useless. "What do I do if I'm not accepted? This is all I've ever thought about since nearly our first year..." he said quietly.


ooc; sorry it's been such a super long time! I lost some desire to rp but, now I'm fully restored.

[/blockquote]

[Katherine Finnigan]

Katherine couldn't help practically beaming when he confessed that he'd fancied her for a long time. As much as she wished he might have admitted it sooner, she was glad that he did finally say something. It was their last year at Hogwarts and she hated to think about missed opportunities. Life was far too short for missing out on all of the good things it had to offer. Yes, she would have survived perfectly fine if they'd only ever remained best friends but this was so much better. Softly, she responded, "That's incredibly sweet Cooper. I know you wouldn't mess it up...I mean, I trust you more than nearly anyone else. My dad might want to thoroughly interrogate you once he finds out but we can always just handle that little problem together."

Thoughtfully, Kat noted, "That sounds like a plan to me then." She wasn't sure what else there was to do around the castle at this time while everyone else was at the dance or already off snogging in their common rooms or empty corridors. Then, she supposed, it wouldn't be too incredibly difficult to come up with other things to do since they did have a few of the same hobbies...though most of her favourite things to do involved flying.

As they reached the top steps to the owlery, Kat noticed that Coop hadn't just gone straight in. For a moment, she wondered if his nerves had gotten the better of him again. Just as she was about to ask, she heard him quietly voice his concerns. Giving him a slight nudge, she reassured, "Cooper Andrew Weasley...you're the best person for the job. How in Merlin's name could they not accept you?" For a second or two, she thought about it and was reminded of her own worries involving her future. "I know you'll get accepted, Coop. But, if against all the bloody odds in the world, you don't...just reapply until they see how daft they were for not picking you in the first place," added Kat, knowing she'd be at every try-out and training camp for every single professional team until someone thought she was good enough.

{No worries really. I know what that's like so no apology necessary. Glad you're fully restored though. Welcome back!}[/size]

[Cooper Weasley]

Cooper turned to head to look at Katherine's reaction to his confession. He thought she might be shocked about it, he had kept it a secret for as long as he could. Coop was glad to see that she smiled, and was quite happy about it. "Sweet is just one of my middle names," he said with a grin. Inside his head, he pushed back the worry of screwing this up. The last thing Cooper wanted to do was hurt her but, his consious kept telling him that he's done it before. No, this time was different. This time he was in for the long run. This time he was pursuing the girl he really, really liked - maybe even loved.

Cooper shifted his eyes away from the wooden door and at Kat. She was right, they were crazy not to accept him. Still, the thought was there. This had been Coop's dream since he was five. He was scared, although he wouldn't outright say it. Not to mention, he didn't really have too much of a back up plan. There was of course quidditch. The quidditch life wasn't exactly Cooper's dream though. There was too much traveling away and lots and lots of girls. They would be too much of a temptation and Cooper didn't want to be in any sort of compromising situation. "Thanks," he said quietly. "Ugh, I might as well get it bloody over with." Taking a deep breath in, Cooper pushed open the door.

He step in, slipping his hand and arm away from Katherine. "Better you stay here love, wouldn't want any owl dung on that pretty dress." Coop smiled, his nice, sincere smile. Besides, this was something he wanted to do himself. He stood near the door, looking at all the owls, searching for his. A lot were coming and going with dead mice and other small creatures. Coop gave a little whistle, and great grey owl swooped toward him and landed on his shoulder. "Alright mate, this is going to the ministry. Sorry, I forgot a treat -- I'll give you double next time," he said to his owl, tying the application to its leg. "Remember what I told you, if you loose this you'll be Christmas dinner for something." The owl nipped his ear and then took off. Coop watched it fly out the window until he couldn't see him anymore. He stuck his hands in his pockets and spun around on his heel. "Well, there it went."

[/blockquote]

[Katherine Finnigan]

"Oh yes," Katherine giggled, "Copper 'charming', 'sweet', 'too much' Weasley." Giving him a playful nudge, she shook her head in amusement and laughed a little more. Perhaps this was just one of those moments which gave her every confidence that it would work out. No matter how serious it was supposed to be or what uncertainties were dwelling deep within, they could joke easily and comfortably with each other they way best friends naturally did. The more she thought about it, the more sure Kat was that Cooper was probably the only guy who could understand her and, even more likely, the only guy who her father would accept as 'good enough' for his little girl.

Giving Cooper a reassuring pat on the back, she watched as he opened the door. She couldn't see any reason why the Ministry wouldn't find a place for him. Even though she could see him playing Quidditch just as well as working for the Ministry of Magic, Katherine wanted him to have the job that he wanted. After all, he was probably one of the most capable people for the job. Again, this got her thinking about her own future. Now, though, she pondered how things would work out if she actually did manage to get signed. There were so many questions fluttering through her mind and leaving her with a bit of a dreamy sort of expression.

As he stepped inside, she leaned back against the wall and crossed her arms. If...no...when this worked out, would she still be so keen on being on the road all of the time? Katherine's head was so filled with possible scenarios that she wasn't sure what she wanted from life. She'd always been positive that Quidditch was her life and she'd even been pretty sure that she wanted to live in Ireland but now she had actually stopped to think about it a little more. Letting out a soft sigh, Kat watched an owl, bathed in the bright moonlight, soar toward the tower and ready itself for a smooth landing. There had to be a happy medium to life and she was bound to find it sooner or later. At least now she had Coop to help her find it. That being settled in her mind, she nodded to herself and wondered how Cooper was handling his task of sending off his application.

[Cooper Weasley]

Cooper stood there, staring off in the direction the owl flew off. Thoughts hit his mind, ridiculous thoughts like, what if something happened to his owl? Maybe a muggle airplane, or some large prey caught it? What would become of his application? Would it get eaten too, along with his pet, and never get it's destination? Cooper shook his head, and even tapped his temple - in an attempt to knock himself into sense. No, nothing was going to happen to it. The application would reach the Ministry in a matter of an hour or two, then it was going to be opened, read and reviewed, and within a few weeks he would get an acceptance letter for the internship. At least, that's what he hoped would happen. For the next weeks to come he would be dreading for the post to come in the morning until that letter arrived.

Twitching his mouth into a grin, Coop spun back around and looked at Katherine. For a second, he just looked at her. He didn't say a word, just stood and looked at her, with a bit of a grin. Cooper had no idea what he done right to get her. Maybe what his sister Lizzie said was true, there is one true love for everyone. He had the feeling he found his, he knew it. He always did know it but, blocked out those feelings because of their friendship. Coop couldn't stand and just be best friends anymore. He was glad that she at least liked him more than a friend. He hoped one day that she would love him too but, he wasn't going to press that upon her. In fact, Cooper planned on not even telling for some time.

Cooper stared at her a few more moments, taking in her beauty. He'd done this a thousand times before but, tonight she just seemed extraordinary. Coop just still couldn't believe and found himself thanking the stars that they were not a they. He admired the way the moonlight hit her hair, giving Katherine a heavenly glow. He thought of things that could happen later on in the night but, those thoughts were brought to an abrupt halt when an owl swooped over his shoulder and discharged a large dropping right in front of him, nearly landing on his shoe. Cooper took that as his cue to stop standing there staring like an idiot in love. He walked back to the door, once again coming to Katherine's side. "And now, my future lies within the claws of a bird," he said lightly.

[/blockquote]

[Katherine Finnigan]

Her chocolate brown eyes were practically glazed over in careful contemplation as Katherine found herself absorbed in thoughts of the future again. No matter how she'd tried to ward the questions and ideas off, they kept returning. Would she get signed? Would Coop get his position in the Ministry? What would happen if things got more serious? Where was she going to live? Even more immediate...what would her mother say once she caught word of this? What about her daddy? And Coop's parents? The thoughts swirled and spun through her head so quickly that it nearly made the Hufflepuff girl dizzy and sick to her stomach. Putting her right hand to her head, she blinked once or twice before shaking off the feeling and letting her hand drop back to her side. Mentally, she reminded herself that things could be taken one step at a time and it wasn't as though she'd have to solve all problems and make all the decisions on her own. This little reminder made her smile brightly.

Up until that moment, Katherine had been so lost in her thoughts that she hadn't noticed whether Cooper had finished his task or not. Now, however, she peered into the doorway only to see the figure of said Gryffindor headed out. Much to her delight, his hands were both empty and he looked content enough. With a broad grin, she noted, "Knew you had it in ya Coop! And I'm positive that bird of yours will make sure it gets there in one piece...two at the most anyway." Once more, she was sure to give him a friendly nudge to lighten the mood even more. If nothing else, she wanted to take his mind off any anxiety he might still have over the application.

Thoughtfully, she asked, "What to do now Minister Weasley?" It hadn't occurred to her that she didn't even put a second of thought into what they could do next. She could have easily contemplated ideas while he was off posting his application but her mind was far too busy racing with other thoughts. Scrunching her nose, Kat glanced at the tower for a brief second before letting her eyes fall back on Cooper. Her hands absentmindedly fidgeted with bits of the dress which she was still wearing. Then it hit her like a tonne of bricks: she didn't feel nearly as awkward about wearing the thing when it was just Cooper around to see her. Letting out a light laugh, she randomly added, "Seeing as we're all dressed up...now we just need somewhere, bar Great Hall, to go."

[Cooper Weasley]

Coop shrugged, "Well, we could stroll around the grounds. It looks to be a nice night out or, do something of that sort." At this moment, Cooper could care less about what they were going to do. All that matter is that he was with Katherine. He had always felt that way when he was with her. The thought about going back to the dance lingered in Coop's mind but, he didn't really want to go back. He knew if they did return that he'd probably worry more about Lizzie than the matter at hand. Coop decided that his little sister needed a little room for whatever it was she was going through.

Cooper loosened his tie, feeling himself get a bit warm. With a grin, he took Katherine's hand and rested it inside his arm. "Let's just walk and see where our legs take us," he suggested with his grin. In his mind he thought of several things he'd like to go and do with her but, it was a bit too soon to be thinking about that. Cooper scolded himself for being a disgusting pig but, he was a male - so, it couldn't be helped ninety-nine percent of the time.

[/blockquote]

[Katherine Finnigan]

A nice stroll around the grounds seemed like a perfect idea in her mind. After all, it seemed like a really nice night and the weather didn't look like it would be changing anytime too soon. Even if it did, Kat doubted that she'd mind all that much. Sure, her mum would have a fit if anything happened to the dress but who cared?! Absolutely nothing could entirely ruin tonight after the way things had turned out. After all, just as long as she was with her best friend, wait...scratch that, just as long as she was with her boyfriend, things would be perfect. It still sounded a little funny to her but Kat couldn't help feeling as though it wouldn't take all too long before she was used to it. Nodding her head after a moment, she finally said, "A stroll sounds like a great idea."

Letting him place her hand on his arm, the Hufflepuff girl smiled quite brightly. "I have a feeling we may end up in some random place quite far away from the castle if we just let our legs do the deciding," she laughed softly, knowing that it was highly possible to forget all about time and location while they were wandering around if no one paid attention. Then again, even that didn't seem like all too bad an idea. If it weren't for classes, Quidditch and their futures, it might have sounded like the ideal suggestion.

[Cooper Weasley]

Cooper's grin grew, if that was at all possible. In his head it was. All that mattered to him was that he got to be with Katherine - and not just be with her but actually date her. Coop had been so determined to ask her out a thousand times before. Everything he got the you-know-what to do it, the words always dissolved in his throat. Cooper was quite happy with himself that it was now out in the open. There wasn't a happier soul in the world right now, compared to how he felt right now.

Cooper straightened himself up, and began to lead Kat back down the eight stories they now had to descent in order to even get outside. He chuckled at her comment, "Well, see, mine had a mind of their own so...." he paused to let out a theatrical sigh. "If we just happen to end up by the lake or somewhere secluded, don't blame me," he said quickly, with a smirk. Immediately after saying it, Coop regretted it. That's not taking thing slow, a voice told him. You're just being a pig, said another. No - all you said was that you might end up somewhere secluded, that doesn't mean snogging there!] a third replied.

Cooper gave his head a slight shake to silence the three voices. There was no reason why they couldn't wanter off to somewhere secluded. It didn't necessarily mean they had to snog, it was just some quality alone time. Cooper knew by the end of the night, whenever it would be, he planned on giving her the nice, romantic goodnight kiss, his Katie deserved. Katie was his now, new, nickname for Katherine - even though he had yet to call her that.

[/blockquote]

[Katherine Finnigan]

Glancing over at Cooper, she couldn't help but smile brightly at the sight of him grinning. Kat had always been the sort that liked knowing her friends were happy but there was just something about seeing Coop smiling that made it contagious. Letting her chocolate brown eyes wander away from his face and out across the bit of horizon which she could see through the owlery. Her smile still in tact, she wondered how things had worked out so perfectly when she'd expected it to be absolutely dreadful. Even being in the horrid dress didn't seem so bad as long as she was spending time with Cooper. In fact, she had more or less stopped dwelling on how much she loathed wearing dresses all together.

As they walked down the one set of stairs after the other, Katherine listened to the sound of their footsteps as the light tapping echoed off of the corridor walls. Another sound which bounced around the empty corridor was his chuckle as he responded. Of course, his statement also caused a light laugh to slip through Kat's pink lips. It was just like him to say something like that but she didn't mind all that much. It was just part of Cooper Weasley and she had no intention of changing him. "Secluded? The lake? I hear that's a hot spot for snogging after dances," she joked, giving him a gentle nudge, "Try again, Coop."

The sound of loud giggling somewhere down the hallway made Kat shake her head and roll her eyes. She could only guess at what was going on and it almost made her Head Girl instincts kick in but this was supposed to be a night for fun. Scrunching her nose, she nudged Coop again and quietly said, "How about we go down the other way and take a shortcut to the second floor?" It wasn't that she wanted to avoid the little perverts except that it really was. If they had to walk by those other students, she'd at least have to say something so that she was upholding her duties.