Zack Dill, Alderaanian Prefect
September 12, 2007 2:55 PM
My table, <i>mine</i>. (wotw) by Zack Dill, Alderaanian Prefect
The first day of classes was an important one for Zack. Firstly, classes were important in and of themselves. Secondly, it was his first full day without Nick in months (though, admittedly, his brother had begun to grow up and therefore wasn't as terrible to be around as he had been). Thirdly, he didn't need to worry about making breakfast before everyone had to be at work.But, mostly, it was the day he laid claim to his table.
Zack was very territorial about his table.
First, he marked it. The sign looked nearly professional. What his own handiwork lacked, magical transfiguration could improve. It sat at the edge of the table, facing into the rest of the library and away from the window at the other end. The words "ZACK DILL, ALDERAANIAN PREFECT STATION" were printed out neatly and the glossy finish made them shine.
Next, he defended it. He took down a myriad of books from the 'Muggle Sciences' shelves that surrounded the alcove the table sat within and covered the table in them, making certain there was no room for anybody else to take a seat there. He frowned in passive-aggressive challenge at anybody who evinced an air of 'where can I sit?' as they walked by. The second years and older knew better by now, but the first years had best learn to go elsewhere. Even when he wasn't here.
That was the reason he came down at 5am, and that was the reason he left only long enough to go to class and relieve his bladder. People were creatures of habit and it was best that nobody got in the habit of sitting at this particular table. It was his.
This was his prefect station, if anybody needed help they could approach and ask him questions or request assistance. He wasn't even particular about helping only Alderaanians, though they had preference. It was important that people be able to find him. This was like his office.
Also, it was his table. The prefect station excuse made it sound a lot less neurotic, though, didn't it? Zack thought it might even stand up to a teacher's judgment if he did ever get challenged for the spot. The first day, though, was about preventing such challenges. The table was his. He claimed it first.
Finally, he settled and relaxed into his territory. He started reading the books he had piled up to keep others away. He took out a sheet of lined looseleaf paper, and began answering the end-of-chapter question in a chemistry book.
1
Zack Dill, Alderaanian Prefect
My table, <i>mine</i>. (wotw)
40
Zack Dill, Alderaanian Prefect
1
5
Zoey Welsh
September 13, 2007 12:57 PM
You're not possessive at all... by Zoey Welsh
Zoey had always been fond of Sonora due to the fact that it gave her the ability to see challenges in a whole different way than when she was living in the muggle world. Granted, the magical world lacked things like cell phones and computers, but they made up for it with spells, potions, and flying. Coming to Sonora allowed Zoey the freedom of discovery and a new world of discoveries.Aside from that, it also allowed her to make friends. One friend she was now currently on the hunt for.
Pausing beside her vanity, Zoey quickly pinned back her curls so that they were out of her face and glanced at her reflection. Her face had more freckles due to the summer sun and her hair was slightly blonder, also from the sun, but aside from that she looked exactly the same. Limping back, Zoey took a look at her outfit and sighed. She was growing tired of having to wear skirts, but they were easier to get into instead of trying to bother with hobbling into her pair of jeans.
Luckily, the cast would officially be off in two days. But before she let that happen, she was going to get all the signatures of her friends so that she could keep it as a rememberance. Even if others thought that might be strange.
Awkwardly walking through the shelves of books in the library, Zoey tried to recall exactly where Zack's table was within the library, but months without having gone to it has made Zoey's mind a bit fuzzy on the details of it. She frowned slightly in concentration as she limped through the many aisles. She knew he was here. He was always here. His devotion to his studies made all the rest of the Aladrens look rather lazy by comparison, but that was Zack for you.
Finally spotting a table full of books and a clearly visible Prefect sign, Zoey grinned and made her way over. Leaning onto one of the piles of books, Zoey grinned down at Zack, "I've been looking for you." She declared, taking a seat opposite him and sticking out her cast. The cast was blue in color (Zoey picked it for support of her house) and came up to her knee. There were various signatures all over the cast written by her friends and family.
"Sign it, please!" Zoey requested, her smile widening as she looked at him. "I saved the best for last and this will be removed in a couple of days so I had to hurry and find you."\n
6
Zoey Welsh
You're not possessive at all...
39
Zoey Welsh
0
5
Zack
September 16, 2007 10:39 AM
*misses the sarcasm* Yes, I am. (wotw) by Zack
Zack frowned at his book then flipped to the glossary in the back to see if 'hydroponic' was there. As he suspected, it wasn't. But 'hydrophilic' was, bearing the definition he thought it should have. He scowled more. One would think the editor would catch a malapropism of that magnitude, but there it was: The solid form of the compound is hydroponic, meaning it dissolves easily into water.He was half-tempted to write the correct word into the library book when somebody loomed over him. Expecting to find Guenther, as the large younger student usually dropped in on him the first day, he was a bit surprised to hear and spot Zoey instead. "Hey," he greeted in return to her 'I've been looking for you.'
She took the seat opposite him and presented him with a blue cast. Zack's eyes widened slightly at her 'best for last' comment, but he grabbed a pen that wrote in black ink and looked for an open spot. "Sure," he agreed, feeling rather flattered that she sought him out to sign the cast.
Not really sure what else to write, he just signed out his name in his usual neat handwriting, deciding on all caps because his name was too short otherwise. ZACK DILL It still seemed to be lacking something, so under that, he added, Alderaan forever!
Capping the pen he sat back, and asked a little anxiously (he'd never signed a cast before), "How's that?"
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Zack
*misses the sarcasm* Yes, I am. (wotw)
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Zack
0
5
Zoey
September 17, 2007 2:32 PM
Really? I couldn't tell. by Zoey
Zoey waited patiently for Zack to figure out a spot to sign and then proceed to sign it. She was slightly amused by his reaction to her request and had decided to be quite offended had he not agreed to do it. Not that she thought he would, Zack was the sort of guy who would agree to anything as long as it was within his reach. Les would have stated he was the type of guy girls dubbed 'a friend' because of his passive nature. Despite herself, Zoey tended to agree.When Zack was done, Zoey kicked her leg up slightly higher so that she could read it. His name was clear as day, though she wasn't sure about the Alderaan reference. She knew the name from Star Wars (three brothers and a geek of a father would have any girl knowing the Star Wars Episodes), but she wasn't exactly sure why Zack would right it on her cast. Still though, he had signed it and that was all that really concerned her.
"It's perfect." Zoey exclaimed, still smiling. "Though, did you mean to put Alderaan?" Zoey asked. She knew boys of any age were Star Wars fans (she had yet to meet any who weren't), but she didn't think Zack was the type to write something down without thinking first. It just didn't seem to be his nature. "Star Wars fan?" There was no accusation or anything remotely negative in her voice. In fact, Zoey's voice only held a note of curiosity within it.\n
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Zoey
Really? I couldn't tell.
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Zoey
0
5
Zack
September 17, 2007 10:14 PM
Should I put my name on it a few more times? by Zack
Zack blinked in surprise. "Of course I meant to put Alderaan," he said, wondering why she would think he wouldn't. "And, yeah, Star Wars is cool, though, to be honest, I'm a bit more of a Trekkie. But, you know, the House," he shrugged in a what-can-you-do sort of way and turned the Prefect station sign around so she could get a good look at it.ZACK DILL, ALDERAANIAN PREFECT STATION stared back at them, with a blue green planet behind the words that was supposed to be Alderaan but probably just came off as a blue circle. Unfortunately, the internet failed him for coming up with detailed continent masses.
"I've been calling it Alderaan since first year. I can't even remember what it's supposed to be half the time anymore, even when I'm trying to use the right word." He shrugged and looked a little sheepish, "I honestly have no idea if I wrote Alderaan or Aladren on my CATS examination papers." His rueful expression dropped away as a troubling thought occurred to him, "Maybe that's why I only got an E in Divinations."
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Zack
Should I put my name on it a few more times?
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Zack
0
5
Zoey
September 20, 2007 12:31 PM
Yes, you should. by Zoey
Zoey's amusement towards her friend only grew when he admitted being a 'Trekkie'. Zoey's father and eldest brother, Ryan, had watched Star Trek, The Next Generation together when Zoey was just a little girl. During their show, Zoey was always laying on the floor coloring or reading (depending on the age), but the show eventually distracted her enough for her to sit and watch with them. Even now, she would watch the reruns on those rare occasions when Zoey remembered they even had a television.Zoey was momentarily distracted by his Prefect sign, wondering why she had never taken notice of the house name. It might have been because your eyes see one thing, but your brain read something different. There had been a study on that once. She returned her gaze once more to Zack as he continued talking. The subject of CATS was brought up and Zoey nearly groaned. She never wanted to think about those ever again.
"You're upset over an E?" Zoey asked, not understanding why anyone would be upset over such an accomplishment. Perhaps Zack was a perfectionist. Only the best for him. Or maybe that was how his parents were...though, from his letters, Zoey gathered that they were much the opposite. "Anyway, I doubt these exams are like the SATs where writing your name gives you points or anything." Zoey stated, though she really had no idea if that were true or not.
"So, tell me Zack, what sort of Trek fan are you?" She asked, looking at him curiously. "Are you a Kirk fan? The Next Generation Fan? How about Voyager or Deep Space Nine?" Zoey questioned. Based on his response, Zoey could get into details of episodes...maybe.\n
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Zoey
Yes, you should.
39
Zoey
0
5
Zack
September 20, 2007 4:21 PM
Zack Dill Zack Dill Zack Dill Zack Dill Zack Dill Zack Dill by Zack
"Actually, I'm ecstatic over my Es in Care of Magical Creatures and Defense Against the Dark Arts." Actually, he was disappointed over those, too, but for different reasons that he knew were entirely based in his absolute perfectionism when it came to academics. He could ignore that disappointment by dropping those classes like red hot coals and pretending they'd never been a part of his curriculum, which he had done even before getting his scores. Fortunately, his worst fears - getting an A - had not been realized in either class. He may have had to do something drastic like let mom cook to punish himself if that had happened."But the thing about my Divinations exam is that I don't know what I did wrong. I'm sure I got everything right, except for maybe, like, three questions and I'm a good guesser. It's really bugging me. I know where I went wrong on the other two, but this one is driving me up the wall." And okay, yeah, that was perfectionism and possibly OCD, too, but it was more reasonable than in the subjects he knew he was bad at. There, he could at least recognize that his genius did not completely compensate for his practical failings.
When she brought up Star Trek again, he relaxed from the anxious tension that talk about his less than perfect scores had caused and he grinned. "Spock is far and away my favorite - Vulcans are the coolest alien race in existence, though I suspect they came from Earth originally, before the Elves learned space travel at the end of Tolkien's histories - but Data is cool, too.
"I've seen most of the episodes in all of the different versions. I might have missed one or two since I never sat down to watch them all in order and I saw most of them by downloading pirate copies onto my computer. But if I had to pick one series, I think I'd have to go with TOS. You just can't beat Spock, Bones, and Scotty, though of the captains, I do like Picard better than Kirk."
OOC: A/N: If Zack makes any wrong or stupid statements regarding Star Trek, it's entirely the author's fault. He's obsessed with the show and knows more obscure facts about the universe than the writers do. I myself, however, can only recognize the main TOS characters and Enterprise was the only series I saw regularly on TV, and that's the extent of my Star Trek knowledge.
0
Zack
Zack Dill Zack Dill Zack Dill Zack Dill Zack Dill Zack Dill
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Zack
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Zoey
September 24, 2007 6:20 PM
Okay, okay, I think they'll get it now... by Zoey
Zoey was rather surprised that Zack had received Es at all. She had received a fair few, but she was quite okay with those results. Although, now that she thought about it, Zack had never seemed to be much of a fan of Care of Magical Creatures. In fact, Zoey could recall one particular lesson that dealt with Gnomes and how against the lesson Zack had been. So much so, he was willing to get into trouble over it.Since Zoey had started the study sessions with Zack for their CATS, she had always wondered why it was that he took both Divinations and Ancient Runes. Zack had always seem like the analytical type of person (despite his belief in aliens), who believed solely in the sciences like physics and chemistry. She found it hard to believe that Zack studied tea leaves and rocks with symbols on them.
"You can always ask the Professor." Zoey suggested. "I mean, I don't know if they would get copies of the exams or anything, but maybe she has some insight." Zoey intently studied Zack for a moment before continuing. "Hey Zack...why do you take those classes anyway? You don't seem the sort who'd be interested in staring into crystal orbs or anything."
Zoey let out an amused chuckle when Zack went on to explain that Vulcons were Elfs from Tolkien's stories. She thought that was a bit of a stretch, but she had heard stranger theories than that before. "I grew up with the Next Generation. My dad and Ryan watched it and so, by default, I did as well. I had a crush on Wesley." Zoey admitted. She wasn't sure why, the actual character had been somewhat girlie and bit whiney. Zoey could only assume it was simply because he was young and intelligent. "Apparently, I have a thing for smart guys." Zoey shrugged.
OOC: A/N: No worries, I grew up with Picard, but I couldn't give you any details for the life of me.
6
Zoey
Okay, okay, I think they'll get it now...
39
Zoey
0
5
Zack Dill
October 04, 2007 3:09 PM
Okay, good. (wotw) by Zack Dill
Zack frowned in confusion when Zoey asked why he was taking Divinations and Runes. While he saw her point about Divination's lack of scientific foundation, he thought Care of Magical Creatures, Charms, and Defense Against the Dark Arts were all even less scientific, and saw no reason why that would prevent him from taking a course anyway. This was, after all, a magic school, not a science academy. Runes, in particular, was being unfairly labeled."Runes is more language than science but it's no less fascinating for that. Runes is probably my favorite subject after Astronomy. At the end of last year, we were just learning how they could be used in Divinations. The two subjects are strongly linked, as are Astronomy and Divinations. Astrology is an entire subject that explores how the two interrelate."
He waved his hand vaguely, "I'll grant that the tea leaves, tarot cards, and crystal balls aren't especially interesting by themselves, but I love how Divinations is an applied field of two of my favorite theoretical classes. Plus, you know, divinations is about knowledge and understanding as much or even more than it's about predicting the future. If you 'divine something', that means you 'see the truth of it' - the subject's not nearly as corny as its reputation suggests."
"Here, look," he shuffled the books on his table around and pulled over the Advanced Runes textbook they were using in the RATS level course this year. Pointing at the Futhark alphabet printed inside the back cover, he pointed out the three symbols that had made up his reading about his CATS exam. "Last year, I did a reading on how my CATS would turn out and they told me I needed to start studying with a partner while it was still winter or I would do badly."
A new reason for his E suddenly occurred to him, spurred on by his own advocacy of the divining subjects, "Maybe if I'd been quicker asking you out, I could have gotten that O. It was already the last day of winter before I finally got up the courage to do it. I probably cut it too close. We didn't actually study together until after spring began." So caught up in his Divinations angst was he that Zack completely missed his own phraseology regarding the process of asking Zoey to study with him.
1
Zack Dill
Okay, good. (wotw)
40
Zack Dill
0
5
Zoey
October 06, 2007 7:48 PM
*Grins* by Zoey
Zoey seemed to have touched a nerve by asking him that question. She hadn't meant anything by it, she was sure the subjects were quite interesting, but she knew little about them. And what she did know made her question why Zack would be interested in them. She certainly hadn't been accusing or thought negatively oon him studying them. She was simply curious to know the reason behind it.She raised an eyebrow when he started explaining everything to her. She was only semi-surprised that Astronomy was his favorite lesson, for whatever reason, Zack seemed to like that professor best. Or so Zoey had gathered from the lessons the year previous. She was no longer taking the class, as interesting as it was, Zoey didn't think it would be very helpful to her future. Whatever that ended up being. Something with Transfiguration. She just had to figure out what that something was.
Zoey was both amused and impressed by Zack's determination to explain what the classes really represented. Listening to him now, Zoey wished the teachers had this much passion when they spoke in their lectures. Maybe if they had, Zoey would be as interested in the subjects as Zack was.
She scooted closely to Zack when he pulled out a book on Advanced Runes. She shifted her deadweight of a leg slightly so that she didn't accidentally kick him with her cast. She had to admit, some of this stuff was rather interesting and the more she listened to Zack talk about it, the more sense it made to her why he liked them so much. She suddenly remembered a conversation they had had a few years back when Zack had spoken about Aliens. She wanted to ask him now if he continued to believe Stephen was an alien, but didn't really get the chance when he explained what the Runes meant.
Zoey sat up straighter at his words, unsure exactly how to take them. If he considered their study dates as actual dates then the two of them were going to need have a long talk about what exactly they were considering they had spent the better half of last year together. She was hoping that if Zack ever did ask her out, it wouldn't be so that they would spend hours studying for a major exam.
"Well, I can't really say if it was that reason for not getting an 'O' on your exams, but you know Zack, you don't have to wait for a symbol to tell you when to ask me out. Even if it's only to study."\r\n\r\n
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Zoey
*Grins*
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Zoey
0
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Zack Dill
October 16, 2007 7:10 PM
Quite so by Zack Dill
OOC: You're not taking astronomy? I thought you were one of the three who signed up for it. I wrote you into my post there since there were so few of us. Oops. BIC:Zack blinked. Then he blinked again. Had he heard her right? Yes, he was pretty sure he had. Why would she say . . . then it belatedly clicked in his brain what he'd said. He blushed red. "Erm," he said, which wasn't quite as eloquent as he would have liked. He looked away, focusing on his prefect sign and taking confidence from that. He looked back at Zoey. "I didn't mean it like that," he said, and he hadn't. Not really.
Zoey was Zoey and she was great, and pretty, too, but she was, like, two feet taller than he was (well, not that much, really, but definitely no insignificant amount) and the idea of dating her (or anybody, really) was downright terrifying.
But that had definitely classified as a Freudian slip on his part, so was he subconsciously thinking of Zoey like that? Of all the girls at the school, she was definitely the one he liked the most.
Right now, though, he was still in a hole, and he tried to explain it. "I mean, I'd never studied with anybody before, and the CATS are a huge deal, and it seemed like a major commitment, you know? What if I was a terrible study partner and you ended up hating me? I'm not really very good with making friends, and you're probably the best one I have here." It was either her or Guenther, but Guenther was two years younger and mostly they just discussed the D&D campaign, except for when Guenther asked questions about girls that Zack was in no way qualified to answer.
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Zack Dill
Quite so
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Zack Dill
0
5
Zoey
November 04, 2007 8:20 PM
I don't remember what we were discussing. by Zoey
OOC: I probably was originally, but RL is keeping me from having full schedules for my characters and Astronomy unfortunately isn't one of Zoey's top favs to keep. BIC:Zoey was surprised that she wasn't more upset with Zack flat out rejecting her. In truth, she was almost relieved. At least now she knew where he stood with her and so she wouldn't have to constantly wonder about it. He was one of her closest friends and anything beyond that was sort of an odd thought. She knew, of course, that she was the one who basically brought it up, but saying it outloud and actually making anything of it were two very different things.
Though, at the moment, she was okay with it. It might have been because they had just returned back from summer and Zoey was in too good of a mood for a rejection on a silly little crush bother her. Later she might be a little upset about being rejected.
She rested her chin in her hand while Zack tried to explain himself. Zoey always knew he was a brain and big on studying, but she didn't realize how normal social interaction with it would worry him so much. "Zack, relax. It's okay." Zoey told him, giving him a friendly tap on the arm in reassurance. "I just meant, you shouldn't feel the need to look for signs or whatever to come to me for anything."
Zoey stood up and stretched. "Zack, we're friends and you shouldn't have to worry about things like that. Even if you were a terrible study partner, which you weren't, I would still be your friend. You can't get rid of me that easily." Zoey joked with a smile. She glanced down at her decorated cast before looking back at him. "I should be going. Thanks again for signing it! I'll see you around Zack."
6
Zoey
I don't remember what we were discussing.
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Zoey
0
5