Fey gazed up at the dark structure that stood across from the lake, the lights from its windows twinkling like miniature stars, Hogwarts castle stood tall and proud against the even darker sky. All around her people bustled around, shouts of friends too each other and the racket of a schools worth of owls, cats and toads created a frantic din. Strolling agilely through the crowd Fey carried her barn owl, Duskan, in his cage over to the carriages. She had lost her friends in the scrum but it didn’t worry her, they would find each other at the great hall.

Shivering slightly as a cruel breeze swept down from the mountains that surrounded the castle, Fey reached the carriages and jumped into a free one. It didn’t stay free for very long as three Gryffindor’s also clambered in and the carriage started its rickety ride up to the castle. Fey made a casual motion sweeping her long hair back from her face and took the opportunity to glance around at her carriage mates, they were all in her year, she recognised their faces from some of her classes but they were not on speaking terms. The tension between the two houses was still there, simmering beneath the surface. Fey contemplated that it was actually worse, especially for Slytherin’s, since the fall of he who must not be named, Slytherin’s had been branded as traitors to the free wizarding world. Gryffindor house had been projected into glory as the house of the boy who lived, the one who had saved them all.

“You know, I don’t see why they even let Slytherin’s into the school. We all know they are gutless bunch of dark arts loving freaks. Do you know that some of them are still pure blood, I’m surprised they aren’t inbreed by now.” The girl speaking had dark brown hair and cold eyes which slid onto Fey in her green tinted uniform and then back to her friends as they sounded a chorus of mocking laughter. Fey felt cold all over as her cheeks burned fiercely on her pale skin but she kept her silence and turned her face back to the window, gazing out into the darkness.

They finally reached the entrance hall and Fey leaped out as soon as they stopped, almost running up the steps, the girls cruel barbs still ringing in her ears. Finally making it into the warmth and light of the stone castle Fey breathed a sigh of relief, back home at last. Leaving Duskan in the corner with the other pets she made a small clicking noise at him, which he returned and smiling for the first time since the train Fey caught her name being called from across the room as her friends called over to her.

Xavier waliked behind the group that had just stepped out of the carriage after a Slytherin, his eyes flashing in anger before a mask of indifference etched itself across his pale face. They wore happy smirks on their faces, some high-fived, hitching the strape of his bag higher on his shoulder, Xavier shook his head in disgust.

"It's been years since Harry Potter killed Voldemort, you'd think people would let it go by now. Tch, bunch of simple-minded idiots." He muttered under his breath, the soft hoot from traditional cage in his left hand drawing hid attention away from the group as he entered the familiar warm, stone walls of Hogwarts. Leaving his owl, Aurora, with his bag near the end of the staircase, Xavier made his way towards the Hall. He was proud of his house and he'd be dammed if he'd allow a bunch of Gryffindor wannabes to mock anything related to his home away from home and pureblood policies. Picking up his speed and whipping a few strands of silver hair away from his eyes, he decided to get a few things out in the open.

"In a rush eh Traitor?" The voice came from Xavier's left, he shifted his gaze and found a boy with narrowed sky-blue eyes framed by ink-black hair. Ignoring the Gryffindor and relaxing slightly when he entered the Hall, Xavier's fingers traced the warm wood of his wand in contemplation.

Should he?

Yes.

Keeping his wand within the folds of his robes, Xavier focused on the group of Gryffindors and non-verbally tranfigured their hair into different shades of pink, blue and green. Their robes shifting with each color change. It'd have to do for now, taking his seat, he shifted his gaze to the Head table and then the point hourglasses. @Elorwin

Fey caught up with her friend Amy who was also in Slytherin, Amy was a tall girl with warm red hair that was caught in a storm of curls, she was even more tanned than normal, it was clear she had been away over the summer. Together they made a stark contrast; Fey was fair with straight pale honey hair to Amy’s warm tones and curls. Fey was just so happy to see her again they clasped hands and started walking into the great hall all the while catching up on news. However as they walked together something caught her eye that brought a massive grin to her face.

The three Gryffindor’s she had been in the carriage with were just ahead of them, the girl with the brown hair who was obviously the leader was flanked by a black haired boy and a tall blonde girl. They were swaggering into the great hall, barging into people as they went. Just behind them was a boy with white hair who was gazing at them without blinking, his hands inside his robes. Then before anyone knew what had happened all three of the Gryffindor’s hair suddenly changed colour, pink, blue and green with each of their robes changing as well.

Fey laughed so hard she had to hold onto Amy for support and she wasn’t the only one as the entrance hall and the students seated nearest them in the great hall exploded in laughter. The Gryffindor’s swung around looking furious and embarrassed but finding no one to blame the sidled out of the line into the hall, presumably to try and fix themselves. Fey had kept her eyes on the white haired boy who seemed to have been the one to do this, although he had melted into the crowd like a ghost. She could not figure his motives as he appeared to be a Gryffindor too. Giving a small shrug as she continued to giggle they walked quickly into the great hall.

Although she saw it nearly everyday throughout the school year she was always still amazed at the ceiling which mirroring the sky outside and was at the moment full of shining stars in a sea of velvet blackness. Below that hovering in midair were thousands of candle that bathed the students in their warm, flickering light. Sitting down next a group of their other friends Fey glanced around the great hall, just revelling in the familiar scene that lay before her.

Suddenly her eyes caught on the white haired boy sitting almost exactly opposite her on the Gryffindor table, their eyes connected and for a moment Fey could have sworn something sparked between the two of them. Then Amy touched her shoulder to get her attention to something that Ben had just asked her and Fey turned her head back to her friends.

@Arista

Xavier sighed softly and averted his eyes from the girl that had joined a redhead, he was tires and more then ready to fall asleep if he were honest. Soon the sorting began and the hall filled with applause for each first-years sorting, the familiar lull had Xavier fighting the keep his eyes open, the hand that clamped down on his shoulder jerked the silver-haired male from his light daze.

"Nice seeing you again." The words were accompanied with a sneer, Xavier blinked slowly and slapped the hand away, the group of Gryffindors he'd jinx stood behind him, the hard sky-blue gaze focused completely in him. Ignoring them as the Headmistress begins her greeting, he misses the shared look they focus on one another. They sit on either side of him, the Hall falling silent as the Headmistress announces their new DADA teacher, Xavier joined the mass applause and focused on the sudden -if expected it still brought a small smile to his lips- table of overflowing food items.

A hiss of pain escaped him as he reached for the closest plate, the wand pressed against his side kept it's steady pulse of electricity flowing through his body.

"We know it was you. Your the only Gryffindor that defends the filth that are Slytherin." A blonde girl snarled, her pale face distorted into a sneer, Xavier narrowed his eyes and wandlessly aimed a levitation charm towards the girl. Alice's hazel eyes widened as her goblet lifted and turned towards her, spilling it's contents onto the girls lap and robes. He ignored the noway near-numbness that was spreading through his body as his magic acted on its own, the rest of the Hall continuing to eat. The boys who wand was jamming Hardee and deeper into his side, Darius snarled and then yelped when the bowl of soup before him titled forward and spilled into his lap. The last of the trio, Britney hissed softly and reached forward, Xavier hid a smirk as her hair began to shift from its natural brunette to other colors.

He was in no mood for idiots. @Elorwin

When all had eaten their fill and the plates had been cleared Professor McGonagall stood up and given her start of term speech which included the normal points of not to go in the forbidden forest, no magic in the corridors, signing up for quidditch teams. Then came the introduction of the new defence against the dark arts professor and Fey’s eyes were drawn to the sleek, raven haired woman who was sitting next to professor Slughorn. She was introduced as Professor Fletcher and as Fey observed her she saw bright amber eyes like a cat, smooth coffee coloured skin and her full lips which were set in a serious line. It was a poor observation to make but in Fey’s opinion she looked more like a model than a teacher, like she should be smiling up from a beauty magazine but she was hopeful that she was capable. Defence was one of her favourite subjects.

Suddenly the air was filled with the screeches of benches being pulled back and the thunder of hundreds of feet starting to make their way to their common rooms. Blinking in a slight daze Fey gazed around and jumped swiftly to her feet to follow Amy, who not having noticed Fey wasn’t with her was already at the end of the table. Catching up they made their way down to their underground common room which was full of green light which danced and shimmered on the walls. Yawning widely they finally arrived at the fourth year dormitories which were on a lower level than the common room. Changing quickly and climbing into her soft, warm bed Fey made a passing comment about the boy with the white hair but Amy was either too sleepy or didn’t know anything and didn’t reply, all too soon Fey also slipped into dreams.

The next day was a clear and bright morning as Fey sat once again in the great hall trying to bully her brain into waking with a steaming mug of tea; she was not a morning person. As she very slowly revived with the teas help she picked up the fourth year timetable that Slughorn had been passing down to them all. Glancing down the Monday column she heaved a sigh, it wasn’t the subjects she had an issue with, it was that most of them were joint classes with the Gryffindor’s, which meant seeing the three morons again. Drinking her tea and eating her toast as slowly as possible Fey watched the rest of the great hall empty. Finally Fey was forced to resignedly get up from the bench and trudge along behind Amy out into the grounds and to care of magical creatures with Professor Hagrid.

There stood the crowd in front of the forbidden forest with Hagrid at the front waiting for the whole class to be present. Joining the back of the class Fey soon spotted something that lifted even her dread of seeing the bullying Gryffindor’s, there tethered to a low hung branch was a beautiful, silver coated unicorn, her whole body emitted a strange ethereal light. Fey’s eyes were fixed on the lovely creature and so intent was she on it that she moved to the front of the group, barely aware that she bumped a few people on her way.

@Arista

Once the feast was over, Xavier calmly followed the rest of his house to the Gryffindor common room. Entering the crimzon-gold colored room, Xavier moved away from the rest of his housemates and headed straight for his room, he was exhausted. Reachung his door and flopping into his bed, Xavier gave a flick of his wand and sighed gratefully when the crimson curtains fell and brough comfortable darkness. Shifting until Xavier was more or less comfortable, he managed to shimmy out if his robes, shirt and pants before sleep pulled him under.

The following morning founder Xavier glaring at his breakfast as if it had personally offended hum, his long fingers curled around a steaming mug of coffee. He was a morning person, though waking up and lacking the urge to get up to face the idiots of his year, he'd had to wait until all were out and heading down to the Hall. To say he was annoyed was putting it lightly, by the time their timetables were being handed out, Xavier had calmed and woken up fully. He hid his pleased smile when he saw that most -if not all- his classes were with the Slytherin's. Rising to his feet after finishing the last of his breakfast, Xavier rose to his feet and calmly made his way towards the Forbidden Forest. He loved Professor Hargid, the half-giant was friendly and enthusiastic with his teaching, entering the clearing with the rest of the Slytherin-Gryffindor students he came to a halt at the creature standing before them. A unicorn was majestic creature, rarely seen by anyone, the fact that their teacher could convince any animal to come out from the safety of the Forest to be examined never ceased to amaze Xavier.

He saw a flash of blonde hair breeze by him, turning and reaching out more on instinct than truly meaning to, he found his hand wrapped around a thin arm. Blinking his eyes as a ray of sunlight breaks through the trees, he finds himself face to face with the girl from last night. "I wouldn't get too close, they may be docile and gentle creatures, however simply nearing one without being alert might be a mistake. Can you see? It's a female and judging by the size of her abdomen, she just gave birth to a foul of two. Mother unicorns are known to attack any that come near them and their newborn foul, even other unicorns." Xavier explained softly, releasing his hold and stepping away a step, hands jamming themselves in the pockets of his pants.

It wasn't his fault their Book of Monsters was so interesting. @Elorwin

Fey gasped as a hand snaked out and grabbed her arm as she reached the front of the class, swinging around her eyes flashed and she suppressed a small snarl; she did not like being touched. Then she saw it was the white haired boy that she had noticed last night, her hostile instincts calming down from the surprise. Drawing herself up to her fullest height she looked intently at this unknown boy who seemed strangely familiar to her, deciding that his intentions had been in her best interest she kept her tone pleasant. Looking into his amber eyes she gave a smile.

“Don’t worry; I had no intention to go up to her. I was just so mesmerised I had to get to the front to see her. Trust me I know how to act around animals.” There was a small knowing glint in her eyes but then she pressed a finger to her lips as Hagrid began the lesson on unicorns. The sunlight was bright across the Hogwarts grounds, making the unicorn shimmer even more brightly as the class learnt about their magical properties and what they could be used for in magic.

“Now full grown unicorns do prefer a female’s touch, which is where we get a lot of the myths around using girls as bait. Let’s give this a try then, as there will be occasions when you may need to get close to these creatures. You” He said pointing directly at Fey, “come on now don’t be shy. Just approach her slowly and calmly, she is a little bit fussy at the moment but s’long as your calm she will be too.”

Turning to smile brightly at the boy Fey stepped slowly but purposely forward from the crowd and turning all the focus on the unicorn she held one hand forward. Eyes gazing intently into the unicorns she walked slowly towards her, making small comforting noises as she went. Finally she was just a few inches away from the unicorn where she stopped as the unicorn brought her slivery eyes up to hers. If anyone has been any closer they would have seen Fey’s eyes flash and change colour to match the unicorns. The unicorn quirked her head for a moment, then giving an inquisitive snort she stuck out her nose and gently placed it within Fey’s open hand. Smiling Fey felt the warm breath against her hand and smelt the pleasant scent of sweet grass and sunshine. Moving slowly Fey moved her other hand to stroke the unicorns graceful neck, delighted with her progress Fey turned beaming back to the class, catching Amy’s eyes she got a thumbs up and the boy smiled back warmly at her.

“Well now that’s how you do it.” Hagrid called softly. “Beautifully done, now if some more of you girls want to come forward and …”

Fey saw it out of the corner of her eye, something flying from the crowd of Gryffindor students, however there was nothing she could do other than watch as the small but cruel stone struck the unicorn’s flank. Everything exploded into action, the unicorn let out a panicked whiney and reared, and the flailing hooves caught Fey a striking blow knocking her backwards into a tree where she crumpled. Screams and shouts were heard as the class panicked and tripped over themselves to move backwards.

Fey looked up through slightly bleary eyes and saw the unicorn’s distress and confusion, the sight of such a beautiful creature looking so fearful tore at her heart. Lifting herself up from the ground and moving forward as swiftly as she could Fey brought herself before the unicorn; taking care to avoid its hooves as it continued to rear, she began to whiney gently, the same whiney mothers called to their foals to calm them. Ignoring the warm trickle that had started from her temple Fey continued to try and calm the unicorn and to the side of her vision she could see someone else moving forward slowly, coming to help, their step slow and calm as behind them the noise of the other students was quieting.

@Arista

Darius was unconscious in a heap near a rock, Xavier's gaze shifted away from the male to the girl and the rearing unicorn.

"The hell did you do to him?!" The shriek did nothing to calm the frightened unicorn, with a sigh and anot easy flick of his wand, Xavier silencer the next words that were bound to come from the hysterical blonde.

"What did I do? You daft girl, look at what he did to that poor unicorn. He had no right to throw a rock, let alone start laughing when it sent our fellow fourth-year classmate sailing it the air. He deserved it, mythical creatures are to be protected, not treated like they aren't special or that they don't mean anything. Abusing them is a crime." His voice had never risen, it remained calm and montane as he spoke, his classmates however backed up a step and paled drastically. Anger was evident in his tone, his amber eyes scaneed each student before dismissing them, Bridget stepped foresee and raised her wand.

"You freak! You shouldn't be here, not when your-" Bridget fell silent as a large, warm hand fell on his sboulder and squeezed.

"Wand down, Miss Evangelion. I want you and Miss Alexandria to take young Darius to the Hospital Wing immediately. For his act against both the unicorn and a fellow classmate, I can eighty points from Gryfindor. For Xavier' defense of both and quick spell work as well as his words, I award Gryindor twenty points. Now away." Xavier turned and watched as Professor Hagrid ushered the two girls and unconscious boy back towards the castle, turning and slowly making his way towards the girl and unicorn. Taking a deep breath and calming the anger coiling in his stomach, Xavier raisedhis hands slowly and whistles softly under his breath.

A silver flute appearing in his hands, he befins to play a tune that calms most creatures as well as human down.

He composed it years ago, for a friend he couldn't remember anymore. @Elorwin

From the first note of the flute the unicorn calmed and quietened till it stood once again firmly on the floor and within a minute of Fey whispering soothing words and whickers she was still and calm gazing at Fey with sorrowful eyes. Smiling Fey reached out and stroked the silken nose of the unicorn but was surprised when she took half a step closer and sniffed with concern at her left temple. Reaching up a hand Fey was almost shocked to see it come back slick with bright crimson and the unicorn neighed with an almost human like alarm and distress.

“Now, now it wasn’t your fault.” Fey whispered. “You should go now before anything else happens, you have your babies to see to.” With a gentle push against her neck Fey turned the unicorns head back towards the forest and with one more reluctant glance and a whiney that almost sounded like sorry the unicorn turned tail and trotted swiftly back into the forest. Fey watched until she could no longer see her coat shimmering through the trees. It was then that she actually noticed that the flute had stopped playing and without its comforting music Fey found that her head was pounding in both the front from the hooves and the back from the tree.

Turning around Fey made a pitiful mewing sound as pain lanced through her head and her bleary eyes raked the crowd of black robed students looking for Amy and some much needed help. However it was the boy, whose name she still did not know who was closest and it was him that came forward. Smiling up at the boy she tried to keep him in focus.

“Thank you for your help, she was a kind creature who did not deserve such cruel treatment.” Her knees trembled slightly as she swayed like a leaf in a light breeze but she was saved the trouble of having to make a choice on what to do next when she felt the ground vibrating and the next thing she knew Hagrid’s large face blearily swam before her.

“C’mon then Miss Adelaide up to the hospital wing with you too. Mr Williamson can take you. You did very well the both of ye.” And Fey felt a pat to her shoulder which she was sure was meant to be gentle but would have sent her sprawling to the ground if the boy had not been at her side and attempting to keep her steady.

Together they began walking away from the rest of the class and back up towards the castle, each unsteady step was sending throbbing bolts of pain through her head but it was oddly nice to be back in the quite after all the hubbub from before. When they had gone far enough to be out of sight of the rest of the class Fey slowed even further and turned her eyes onto her support.

“Please don’t take me up to the hospital wing. I don’t want to be up there with them.” Her words left no doubt of who she was speaking of. “Can we just go somewhere quiet and out the way so my head can stop spinning. But before we go anywhere I need to know what your name is, I can’t keep calling you It all day.” She smiled in a weak attempt at humour but it came out as more of a grimace as she gazed at him.

@Arista

Xavier paused along with Adelaide, his head tilting as her words filled his ears. A smirk stretched his lips up, stepping sway from the girl, he bowed and decided to answer her if she gave him an answer as well.

"My name is Xavier Williamson, a pleasure. May I ask your name? Also you do now that Professor Hagrid will check up on you after he's done from the day yes? We can avoid the Hospital Qing for now but we will have to go so he won't suspect anything. And just so we know when the idiot trio leaves, I'll ask a dear friend of mine to do a little air reconnaissance for us." With that said Xavier flexed the fingers of his right hand and again the silver flute appeared put of nowhere, the rays of sun gleaming off the sleek surface and showing off the wolves that decorate the sides.



Taking a breath, Xavier's eyes close as he begins to play the song Arora was trained to come to. A gentle hoot signals her arrival a minute of Teo later, eyes opening but lips and fingers still playing, Aurora remains airborne with ease, powerful wings flapping every now and then for support. Using a small burst of magic, the flute moves away from his lips, only to remain playing and hovering in the air. Aurora hoots once more in greeting before angling her wings until she's near enough to fold them completely and land on his shoulder.

He pats her white-black spotted head and grins when she rubs her head against his palm, gently tweaking her beak with his forefinger and thumb. Aurora blinks her gold eyes ans tilts hee head in curiosity, Xavier points to Adelaide and then up and towards the Hospital Wing.

"This Slytherin here doesn't want to go there so need you to see from the outside when the idiot trio leave. When they do come and tell us, fair? Will be near the Black Lake." Aurora blinks her eyes, hoots and takes off, powerful wings easily lifting and guiding her forward. Turning to said snake, Xavier reaches forward towards her temple, stilling however when his eyes catch her own, he could heal it, he knew the spells to do so.

However by doing so, they wouldn't have need to go to the Hospital Wing at all, dropping his head and reaching into the pocket of his robes, he pulled out a potion vile. "This is a pain releaving potion, it should help for now. I can heal it, however Madam Ensley wouldn't take kindly to us just appearing out of the blue for no reason. Taking this will help, we can go to the Black Lake and sir for a bit, and hope the Giant Squid doesn't splash us." He offered a small smile, holding out the vile and waiting for her to take it.

Most of the other Slytherin didn't trust a Gryffindor as quick as they could hex them, though he knew this girl wasn't like the ones that caved under the impressions others still had after the War. He wanted to at least, if by just starting with one, become friends with those from a house that were kids thrust onto something deep at too young an age. None of the Slytherin students knew the extent of Voldemort's plans, some followed the tutelage of their parents and were the first ones to die. Maybe his mother was right, those that might seem cold and unfeeling were suffering on the inside and the only way they knew to cope was to bring others down. He was determined, since first-year, to make a change towards the hatred directed at the Slytherin house. He'd be glad and honored to make a friend along the way. @Elorwin

Fey smiled brightly as they continued to walk together, it was good to finally learn the name of the person who was so different from the rest. His small bow made her chuckle lightly and while they were still apart she returned the compliment with a regal curtsey.

“Well Xavier Williamson my name is Fey Adelaide and I can assure you the pleasure is all mine.” There was a brief pause while he reminded her that Hadgrid would eventually come to the hospital wing to check on all of his students and Fey nodded knowing she couldn’t run away from the fuss and attention. Watching as Xavier called forth a silver flute, beginning to play an unearthly tune and then from above a beautiful snowy owl came gliding like a ghost. He gave her instructions to watch the hospital wing for when it clear of anyone unwelcome and with a hoot of understanding the owl took off.

As they turned their feet towards the lake Xavier reached into the pocket in his robes and withdrew a small vial of light blue potion. “This is a pain relieving potion, it should help for now.” He stated thrusting the vial towards her. Fey eyed it warily but accepting it in her hands as he spoke about healing it but that they should go to the hospital wing and for that they would need a reason.

Still holding the vial as they walked to the shore line of the lake and together she and Xavier sat down on the soft green grass on the bank. The day was continuing to be a clear and beautiful, the sun was warm down upon them and the light breeze that ruffled tendrils of their hair was full of the scents of autumn. All around them the birds were singing in the forbidden forest and for just a moment the world was peaceful and a Slytherin and a Gryffindor sat together by the still lake that reflected the clear blue sky.

“So” Fey said, her voice as soft as the breeze as she held up the still sealed vial “you fancy becoming a healer then? Do you just carry these around ready for a medical emergency, like a savage unicorn attack?” Reaching back up to her head she was glad to find that the bleeding had mostly stopped but she had a lump the size of snitch on the back of her head. Eyeing the vial again Fey uncorked it and sniffed. “Sure it’s not poison?” The look of indignation on his face was so comical it made Fey laugh and in a flash she downed the potion.

In an instant the pain receded to an almost unnoticeable throb and with an exhilarated smile she turned her bright blue eyes on him. Then making a gasping noise her hands threw to her throat and Fey laid on the fake choking act, ending with falling dramatically back into the grass so she was laying flat, and letting out one final choke until she lay completely still. For a couple of heartbeats Xavier face was one of panic and shock his hands flapping as if trying to do something and then he caught on and Fey opened one eye to look up him. Then they both started laughing and their laughter lasted for so long that they both had tears in their eyes and could hardly breathe. Finally after regaining their breath Fey propped herself up onto her elbows.

“Well either way I think you’re a pretty good potion maker, the pain is pretty much gone now. So tell me more about yourself, I never really noticed you around before although I will say that I didn’t go out of my way to take notice of Gryffindor’s.”

@Arista

Xavier snorted softly, pausing near enough to the edge of the lake that they could see its surface but far enough away that the Giant Squid wouldn't splash them. Picking out a comfortable rock to sit on, he gestured for Adelaide to take the rock next to his, bringing his knees to his chest he takes a deep breath and rolls his shoulders.

"I'm a pure-blood heir of my family and yet my younger brother has won my parents favor. He'llbe starting next term, I don't resent him however my parents are another story, I also believe that Slythern house shouldn't be judged for what's in the past." He paused as his words filled the air, almost everyone in his House distrusted of him because he believed the snakes innocent, shaking his head and blinking his eyes as a frigid breeze blew around them he began once more. "Most of the students at the time were either fighting for the Dark or Light side, no one really saw the struggle happening behind closed doors. I'm sure you've read the book that Harry Potter published two years after the war? "In Memory: The true hero's of the War"? That tells the truth that no one even tried to look into. The house-elves told me that it wasn't just lies etched into parchment like most of the rubbish the Daily Prophet prints everyday. I bought it mostly of curiosity, now it's something I depend on when the harsh comments are thrown around with no care for repercussions. Harry wrote about the war and how it was for him, but it wasn't just that, he mentioned others that played key roles. My views vary from those of my House that at times I wish I could be resorted and see if I get into Slytherin, though that can't happen so I'm stuck with people who hate me and have tried to silence my 'traitorous words'."

Reaching for a pebble and tossing it into the wster, Xavier kept that fact that he wanted to follow Harry Potter and become an Auror, not to gain game but to rid the world of the threats that would more then likely arise. Placing his chin on his folded knees, Xavier watched absently as a ripple began to expand along the inky surface, it was oddly calming. Absently reaching into the folds of his robes, Xavier tugged a worn leather pouch from his pocket and gently tugged the strings open, fingers tugging a small red-white tablet from within before his other hand tied the strings and placed the bag within his pocket. Placing the tablet on his tongue he swallows and feels the tightness of his limbs fade instantly. It wouldn't do him any good passing out, he didn't need another scolding. @Elorwin

Fey brought her knees under her chin mimicking Xavier’s stance while she gazed out over the lake as he talked. It was true what he was saying about the wizarding war, there was no denying that there was great good that came from that however it had spread cracks, fractures in their world that would not easily heal. But overall, she mused, the world was a more peaceful place now than it had been for a long time.

However there had been whispers, not only ones directed at the pure bloods and Slytherins but of something else, Fey didn’t know what but it was a feeling deep within her that told her something was wrong. Lost in these thoughts for a few moments she was quite and noticed nothing of the world around her however she quickly came back to the present and turned her face back to Xavier.

“Now believe me I have read Harry’s book and it is an interesting read. But I asked about you Xavier.” There was a twinkle in her eyes as she spoke. “I now know that you have a brother but I still know zip about you. What you like? Dislike? Or let’s just start small, what’s your favourite subject?”

@Arista

Xavier's lips twitched as he tried and failed to hide a smile, for now they'd talk, get to know one another and maybe become the first inter-house friends that their Headmistress pushed them towards.

They'd have to get to the Hospital Wing soon to, Magical Creatures would be ending soon.

"I don't dislike my brother, though on some small level I do because my parents pay more attention to him. However I am the heir to the family so I'm not always free to play when he asks me to when he was younger, which led to fights which also caused our parents to lash put verbally towards one another. In a way we want something that the other has, Cameron wants to become heir so he can gain power and knowledge, I used to want my parents love. We're on balanced levels now since he started school, I'm living happily alone with Aurora and a house-elf that acts more like my mother then my helper. I like reading, playing the flute that was given to me by my grandmother and Potions. I dislike when I have to have lunch or dinner with my parents, though going out with my brother is easier and more comfortable. My favorite subjects are Potions, DADA, Astronomy and Charms. Now that I've spilled my metaphorical guts, would you mind reeling me about yourself?" Xavier took a deep breath of frigid air and swallowed. He wasn't one to talk much, but with Fey, it just seemed easier then telling others -though he hasn't since he told his Aunt Melinda- his interests.

He liked it if he was being honest. @Elorwin

Fey smiled, it was one of her talents being able to get people to open up and talk, even the shyest of people could be coaxed out of their shells, mainly because she herself knew what it was to be shy and to wish someone would speak to her. It was interesting to learn about someone else’s life you were never quite sure what they were going to say or what details they would surprise you with. Gracing him with an easy smile in thanks for him opening up to her Fey shook out her honeyed tresses.

“Me,” She laughed lightly, “I’m no one of any consequence really. My family is pureblood but no one has ever heard of us.” Pausing for a moment she placed a delicate finger on her chin as she contemplated. “I don’t have any brothers or sisters so I actually think you’re quite lucky, even if you don’t like him that much, but I have my parents both of whom are in muggle relations, they come back and tell me so many interesting stories.” She wondered for just a second if she should trust Xavier with her secrete but she quickly decided that the time was not yet right, they had only just met. “And even with what has happened today I think that care of magical creatures is one of my favourite lessons, I love animals. However you’re right, I have a feeling the bell is going to ring soon, and as fun as this has been I really better get this cut cleaned up, it’s not exactly improving my looks.” She gave a small self-deprecating laugh and with a flourish of robes Fey got to her feet dusting herself off. “Come, we can carry on our conversation after I have been clucked and fussed over by matron Whitehart.”

Suddenly from above there came a soft hoot and Xavier’s beautiful snowy owl came soaring down towards them, coming to rest upon Xavier’s shoulder. Hooting once again she fixed her bright eyes on him and bobbed her head a few times.

“Ah so I take this to mean that the cost is now clear.” To which the owl hooted in response. Smiling widely at Xavier she held out a hand invitingly to him. “Coming or do you have another class you need to get to, its nearly time after all?”

@Arista

"I have Potions and Ancient Ruins before lunch, then a free period before ending the day with DADA. Do you have any classes?" Xavier asked curiously as he easily matched Fey'a steps, he stuffed his hands into the pockets of his robes and rolled the shoulder Aurora was perched on. She gave a hoot and affectionately nibbled on his earlobe, Xavier rolled his eyes and smiled, absently taking the lead a they begin their trek back to the castle. "I forgot to ask, what story should we tell Matron Whitheart? She'll ask why we took so long to arrive, I'd say tell her the truth. Though it's up to you since we are avoiding them for a reason." He allowed his words to fill the air as the silence surrounded them, Aurora tucked her head under her wing and settled in for a nap.

she must of eaten while surveying the sky. Xavier thought fondly as his gaze focused on the darkening sky. The wind had been slowly picking up around them, now it was stronger them it was when they'd let Care Of Magical Creatures. Picking up his pace and absently tugging his wand from his sleeve, Xavier cast a Warming Charm, after a moments hesitation, he flicks his wand one more and casts another Warming Charm on Fey.

It'd do neither of them any good to get sick. @Elorwin

They had already made their way up the steps and were on the way to the hospital wing and Fey started to feel quite weary. Sighing slightly and running a hand through her hair Fey tried to remember her timetable, remembering stuff wasn’t her strong point.

“I have transfiguration, history of magic and we have the same after lunch schedule, I think we are in the same Defence class. And I agree Matron Whitehart is not unkind nor is she unobservant I’m sure she will understand. I’m sure she has heard all kind of stories of how students have gotten themselves scraped.” It was then that Fey realised that they were standing before the hospital wing doors, taking a breath Fey pushed the door open. As soon as they crossed the threshold the matron swooped down upon them. At forty something she had a soft motherly face, warm brown hair that was tied in a lose bun and deep chocolate eyes with a slight hint of laughter lines. It was these eyes that raked across the two students and quickly she found the cut at Fey’s temple which unbeknownst to any of them had began to bleed sluggishly, head wounds were notorious for continuously bleeding.

“Well well, you from the same class as them two I just patched up.” She tsked under her breath and mentioned something about dangerous classes. “Come and sit down and let’s patch you up.” Suddenly making them all jump the bell rang out and Fey couldn’t help the nervous giggle that escaped her after the shock as she sat down on the edge of the nearest bed. Within a moment the matron was back with a silver try with some green potion and bandages, even from a distance they could smell the antiseptic fluid; Fey wrinkled her nose as she looked at Xavier. Turning away from her patient for a moment Matron Whitehart gazed intently at Xavier too. “You better run along young man, this will take a little while to clean and dress and she is going to be later for the next class as it is no need for two of you to be late. Run along now.” She made a small shooing motion towards him and Fey caught his eye again from behind her elbow and shrugged apologetically. Then with mechanical precision the matron pulled around the privacy screens. It was then with a hiss of pain that Matron Whitehart applied the first swipe of antiseptic potions.

It was a few hours later at lunch time when Fey made her way to the great hall, she had a bandaged head and she hated it, she kept pawing at it in an absentminded way. She had been late to transfiguration but after a few moments of being glared at like an eagle by Professor Mcgonagall where she took in the bandage around her head but then she just carried on with her lesson and Fey was able to sit down next to Amy. And now with a sigh Fey took her seat at the Slytherin table in the great hall and laid her head down on the table.

“Urghh today feels so long and its only lunch.” She whined and beside her she heard Amy giggle and her hair was suddenly being stroked gently.

@Arista

Xavier absently stirs his food around his plate, his eyes listlessly watching the flickering candles that fill the ceiling. The sudden hand on his shoulder has his back straightening and head whipping up and to the side. A hiss leaves his lips as a line of flame stretches across his shoulder and across his chest until his left hip, a soft chuckle draws his wavering attention.

"So sorry, I forgot I had my wand on me as I was showing the slicing hex. Are you alright?" Xavier narrowed his eyes and rose to his feet, his vision clouding as pain sears across his skin. He manages to swallow thickly before he begins to make his way to the Hospital Wing, pausing for a moment when he catches the narrowed eyes of the two housemates he'd confronted earlier.

Gritting his teeth and ignoring them as he begins to walk once more, Xavier focuses solely on getting to his destination. His right hand unconciously going to press against his wound. He could get the Healer's attention now since she was in the room, but he didn't want to-

The sound of fabric tearing and another burning line running along his back, fills his ears a moment before his knees give and a strangled cry leaves his lips. His wand lands on the cobblestone floor as his body falls heavily on his sides, the first scream filling the air has Xavier wincing. His eye close as pain and his blood coats the front and the back of his robes, he didn't even have the strength to murmur the healing charm.

He wondered sluggishly if he'd miss his next few classes. @Elorwin

The rest of the day progressed as normal, Fey and Amy had a free period and although she hadn’t formally been given homework as she had been in the hospital wing Fey decided it would be best to follow Amy’s lead. So together they slogged through a complicated essay on the theory of vanishment, Fey had not been in the class and was finding the work extremely difficult to get her head around, and even with Amy’s help within half hour Fey’s brain had turned to mush. In the end of the hour period Fey had done her best but she still needed to do the conclusion however that could wait until the evening. Moaning with tiredness Fey clasped her head in her hands and rubbed her eyes vigorously, her reprieve was rudely interrupted when she received a playful tap on the head from Amy. Looking up in mock horror Fey gazed at her and received a laughing smile for her trouble.

“Come on now you really don’t have to be so melodramatic you always do this the first day back to school and you know the homework situation is only going to increase this year.” Fey rolled her eyes up at Amy.

“That’s fine for you to say with your big brains, you just seem to get what the teachers are saying when they explain stuff. Me it seems to go in one ear as English then when it gets to my brain it turn into gobbly gook and I don’t speak that.”

“Pfft you do fine. I think the problem you’re having today is thinking about that boy, Xavier was it. I think you like him, letting him take you off like that, no wonder you are having trouble concentrating today.” Fey squealed in indignation and pulled the threadbare cushion from the chair she was sitting in and proceeded to try and beat Amy around the head with it. They were soon locked in battle, laughter ringing out and the attention of the whole Slytherin common room on them as the cushions swished back and forth. Finally both girls fell back into their seats, faces flushed with excitement and their laughter still ringing around the vaulted common room.

“Come on. We have Defence against the dark arts now and the last thing I want to do is be late for the new teacher.” Amy nodded and together they gathered up their books and bags, straightened out their hair and made their way to the defence class room which was several floors above. They were in before the bell and took their customary seats towards the front. As they waited for the teacher to enter and the class to file in Fey unpacked her bag but was surreptitiously glancing around trying to spot Xavier. She had to be very careful, last thing she wanted was Amy catching on to what she was looking for and mocking her again but if she was honest with herself he had made quite an impression on her, something no one had done in a while.

@Arista

Xavier hissed softly as hands gently rolled him on his back. His eyes fluttered as if to open, only to remain closed as his ears filled with sounds. Screams and the sound of feet thunderinf across the floor had him tensing and gritting his teeth.

"We need to get him to the Hospital Wing, quickly now." The voice was muddled and wavered as warm fingers grntky touched his cheek. A soft sound escaped him as he felt warmth encase his body and gently lift him up.

"You three, to the Headmistress's office now!" Another voice snapped out, Xavier paid it no head as he began to float towards...somewhere. He felt warm and his chest ached, it was hard to breath but he knew he had to keep calm. Silenced filled his ears as the sounds of heavy doors closing pulled him from the comforting darkness that hovered over him.

"I'm going to Apparate us there, hold your breath on three. One, two, three." He felt the tug around his navel and did as he was told. Darkness surrounded him as the sound of frantically voices filled his ears.

He wondered briefly if he'd be able to wake up after this. Everything faded to nothingness as he gave into the darkness. @Elorwin