"White" Christmas

[Mary Evans]

Mary continued to cry on the man’s chest as he inspected the extent of her injuries and tried to speak comforting words to her. She was a wee bit apprehensive that maybe things wouldn’t go as planned… Maybe he would just leave upon seeing she was okay and she would have to come up with another scheme. Maybe she could find Kam? Kennedy never said she couldn’t tell them what was going on… Kam was a sweetheart though and defiantly a last resort. She kept up her act of being terribly shaken just hoping she would not have to cross that bridge. How much would that suck, having a gash on her head a pounding on her temples, and failing at the dare? She just had to make this work and she clung to his shirt so she could at least ask him to kiss her booboo before he left, if he made any attempt to.

Something really was drumming on her temples though and she knew that was going to hurt until she could her Vierna, her house elf, to fix it up. So focused was she on the pain and the need to keep her tears flowing that Mary was actually a little surprised when she felt the man place a small kiss on her forehead. One thing down at least. She then released her grip on his shirt and let the flow of tears slow down as he walked away.

Mary smirked at Kennedy for a moment through blurry, red eyes before walking back to the compartment saying nothing. She bet she looked a mess and that needed to be rectified. She pretty much ignored Kennedy as she opened the door and slipped into the compartment. She pulled out her purse and checked the damage in a small mirror. Her nose and eyes were pink along with her gash and her eye makeup was running down her cheeks. Starting with the most obvious bits Mary used a Kleenex to remove all the tears from her eyes then took off all her make up to remove the tear stains. Normally she would never be seen without makeup but right now… she didn’t really feel like re-applying it anyways.

When her eyes were once again visibly green and her complexion as pale as a china doll – no longer with the rouge tint she finally looked up at Kennedy and half smirked half smiled. “You never said he had to be a student or that it had to be a kiss on the lips.” She said meekly shrugging her shoulders. “I wonder who that was anyways – he’s certainly not a professor…” she mused before focusing on Kennedy again. “So I believe it is once more your turn. Truth or dare?”

[Kennedy Valak S6]

Kennedy watched in amazement as Mary put on the best act he had seen in a while. She should join a drama club or something, he thought to himself. The idea amused him as he imagined Mary preforming some sappy love scene. She really was a talented actress, but Kennedy couldn't help but think that her pride drove her to complete the dare. He figured she would do whatever it took just to be successful. And that was just what she was- successful. The adult that came to her aid planted a kiss right on her forehead. Mary had no hesitation in turning from a helpless little girl back to her normal victorious self as soon as she got what she was looking for. She didn't say a word to Kennedy but instead went right back to the compartment where she dried up her tears with a Kleenex.

Once both were back inside the compartment, Mary was instantly back into game mode as she ensured Kennedy that the dare was a success. Even though she didn't do it exactly as Kennedy had intended, she was right in the fact that she followed the rules he had set up. He never did specify that it must be a student, and he also never stated where exactly she must be kissed. "Bravo," he commended her, "You're right, you did follow the rules that I provided, so I guess it's a dare complete and on to my turn." He thought momentarily before deciding on another truth. "Truth," he ordered as his mind wondered what she could possibly ask next.

[Mary Evans]

Mary smirked as Kennedy commented that her dare was in fact complete considering she did follow the rules – though likely not in the way intended. The dare would have been a mite harder had she. Not impossible of course, not that she would admit to at least, but harder, and who had that kind of time? Kennedy then asked for a truth and Mary pinched her lips as she tried to think up a good one. She turned in her seat and put her feet up on the seat next to her while her head and back rested on the window.

She closed her eyes and tapped her foot that was resting on the top, as her legs were crossed at the ankles. “Describe…” Mary drawled out before opening her eyes and giving Kennedy an oh so innocent smile, “your very worst nightmare. The worst dream you can ever remember having.”

[Kennedy Valak S6]

Kennedy's eyes narrowed. His worst nightmare... He cringed at the thought. It wasn't something he really felt like sharing with Mary, but that was part of the game. Conflicted, he thought about the dream. It wasn't something he had to think hard about. It flooded his thoughts at Mary's first mention of the word 'nightmare.' Kennedy had been having this certain nightmare a lot lately. It had been a recurring dream since he could remember. He never did tell anybody but his father who quickly shrugged it off and called Kennedy a coward. He never did mention it after that.

His palms began to sweat as he thought of exposing his worst dream to Mary. What would she think? How would she react? He could just lie and make something up- but that would be cheating. Is it really that bad, he thought. Maybe Mary will think nothing of it.

Gathering enough courage, he figured it was just a dream. "Well," he began, "if you really want to hear it," he said, hoping to make it sound ordinary and unexciting. "The dream starts with me going to bed. It's just a usual night. I fall asleep in the dream, and then I wake to a deafening scream. I recognize it as my younger sister's voice, so I rush to her room. I find her dead. Laying on her bed in a pool of blood. Then, I run to my parents room and I see a woman. She is standing over my father holding a knife. Just as she thrusts the knife into my dad's chest, she turns to me and I see her face." Kennedy stopped, a little out of breath as he had rushed to get it all out. "Then I wake up," he added.

Everything he said had been the truth. He ended up giving Mary the exact account of his scariest dream, save one fact. Kennedy knew who the woman was, but this he didn't tell Mary.

"So there you have it, my scariest nightmare," he said casually, hoping that Mary hadn't caught on to the fact that he neglected a major detail. "Truth or dare?" he asked, attempting to keep the game moving so that he wouldn't have to do any more explaining of his dream.

[Mary Evans]

Her toes continued to tap as Mary listened to Kennedy’s dream. Certainly was odd, especially because it seems like it takes place in his house… That would mean that chances are he didn’t feel safe at home… A blank face ((Hehe I know he doesn’t say that there is no face but Mary just assumes)) on a female too was unusual so far as she knew. But then most faces in all her dreams were blank so perhaps not so much. But then she could always identify the people – even if she realised upon waking they were not real people in her dreams she always seemed to know who people were. Kennedy then interrupted her musings by asking if she was going for a truth or a dare from him. Remembering how hard her last dare could have been put her at a cross roads – should she go dare again now before he got another brain wave or go with truth so she was safe from that again for this turn at least? Sitting up Mary placed her feet firmly on the floor and leaned forwards resting her arms on her knees. She smirked up at Kennedy and raising an eyebrow maliciously answered simply “truth”.

[Kennedy Valak S6]

Happy that Mary had avoided going any more in depth about the dream, Kennedy instantly began thinking of another question to ask her. The game had been going on for quite a while now, and it was getting harder and harder to think of things to ask or dare. Biting his lip, he thought of something, but was hesitant to ask. "Umm... okay," he said reluctantly, "how about this," he paused, thinking of exactly how he wanted to word the question as Mary had proved to be an expert at using his own words against him, making the dares especially easier than he had intended. "Tell me exactly what you think of me," he commanded, "but wait!" He stopped before Mary could begin an answer. "I want an in depth explanation," he stressed. "Tell me what you think about my personality, my mind, my appearance," he went on. "Give me an overall analysis, excluding nothing."

Having no idea what he may be getting himself into, Kennedy figured at least both of them may benefit from it. He would get a good idea of how others perceived him, while Mary would surely have fun ripping him apart strand by strand and pointing out all of his many flaws. "Well," he said with a shrug, "let's have it," he said waiting for Mary's evaluation.

[Mary Evans]

The compartment was growing darker as the sun visibly sunk lower in the sky. Streaks of pink and purple now marred what was formerly blue. Kennedy’s question threw Mary off and she spent some time stalling looking out at the sunset. Questions like that were certainly unexpected – the things everyone yearned to know but were too afraid to ask. Not only too scared of the answer but also fearful of people realising just how insecure they are – in need of other’s opinions to feel complete themselves. “Much as I would love to share every thought I have had concerning you over the past four years I am afraid I cannot remember them all. All I can tell you is the present.” She said slowly with a smirk. “You’re tall”, she began with physical appearance which was easiest, “I realise being 5’3” most everyone seems tall to me. But even compared to others our age you are tall. Blue eyes and dark hair are unusual naturally giving you a sort of unique look but not unheard of. When you walk, though, it seems like there is something wrong. You are always limping though I have never known why.”

She paused for a moment, just long enough for it to seem like she wasn’t going to go on before she continued. “As for personality I do not know you all that well never really having conversed with you before today. You seem amicable though slightly unsure of yourself. Felling the need for reassurance with questions like “what do you think of me”” she gave him a little verbal gab with a smirk unable to resist. “As well, you felt the need to laugh while we were in the station at someone getting hurt. That shows a bit of insecurity as well – or just plain sadism. Maybe a bit of both I am not sure. You’re first pick was dare and you told me you believe actions speak louder than words which shows you wanted to start with the harder… You wanted to fight Malfoy – kinda Gryffindorish. Especially considering you were wandless. Shows you can be very prideful – very arrogant. Foolhardy though. And you took it well when I shifted the rules for my dare with that Weasley guy. Shows you are understanding and comfortable enough with yourself to admit… defeat? I guess. So all in all personality the jury is still out on some things but at the end of the day you’re all right, kid.” Mary finished with a little laugh.

“Finally is your mind. Judging from your questions that you ask and the dares that you set you seem clever. Your answers and the ways you complete the dares also shows that you have a secure thought process and understand logic. In class it seems as though you read the assigned books but I have never seen you with a novel or anything interesting. But then I never really would have noticed.” She finished with a shrug. Mary then looked back out at the falling sun making it obvious she was finished speaking.

[Kennedy Valak S6]

His mind racing, Kennedy fought to take in every word Mary spoke. She really did dish it out, not skipping a beat. Kennedy was amazed at how observant she really was, as she touched on things that he would have naturally let slip his mind. The scary thing was that for the most part, Mary had nailed him. She seemed to be dead on- especially concerning the things inside. Kennedy was in fact going through a stage in his life where he was very unsure of himself. He was struggling to find who he really was, and Mary's realization of this came as a shock to Kennedy. "Am I really that obvious?" he asked, serious, but almost in a joking manner.

Looking down, Kennedy mused over what had just happened. In a way he felt like telling Mary just how right she was, but then he would risk revealing more about himself that he wasn't sure he could handle others knowing about. Desperately, he wanted to just pour it all out, telling her exactly how conflicted he had been lately when it came to establishing who he was inside. "If you only knew how right you are," were however the only words that escaped his lips.

Looking back up at Mary, Kennedy covered his mouth as he emitted a slight yawn. The traveling and in depth game he had been playing with Mary had exhausted him to an extent. "I suppose I could go with another truth next," he said softly, assuming that the trip would soon be over anyways. "That is if we are still playing," he added, taking a look outside at the setting sun.

[Mary Evans]

Mary smirked as Kennedy reacted in such a way as to indicate she had been correct. Granted, especially with the personality, she had gone back and forth a lot so at least a bit of it was bound to be correct. She was glad he didn’t expect her to, or get upset she didn’t, really provide judgments on what she had just said. Sure she said she liked him just fine but beyond that she had been very careful not to go one way or another on things. She didn’t fret about it anymore though and he asked her for another truth.

“Why of course we are still playing. We can keep playing until King’s Cross comes into the window and we have to pack up and go home. Another truth though, give me a moment here. What question shall I plague you with next?” Mary commented with a smirk. What more did she want to know about Kennedy that this may be her last opportunity to ask? She couldn’t ask something like his favourite colour, she could ask that any old day. This time she could ask anything and he had to tell the truth. “Why did you chose to sit with me today?” she asked with a grin.

((Sorry it's so short. I really don't know what's been up with my posting... ))

[Kennedy Valak S6]

((That's ok... I know I've been really busy, so simply getting to post has been a difficult task))

Thinking back to his entrance on the train, Kennedy tried recalling why he did chose to sit in the same compartment as Mary. At the time, he had been in quite a bitter mood as a result of all the snow. "Actually," he said admittedly, "this was the only compartment that wasn't empty or full of people who appeared to be happy. At the time I chose it, I was neither in the mood to be completely alone, nor in the mood to be surrounded by smiling, over-joyed people," he explained. "Plus, I knew that your company would be at least tolerable, being that you are in the same house as me. Lucky for me, you proved to be worth the choice, as this trip has definitely had its fair share of fun and entertainment." The question was easy enough for Kennedy to answer and at the same time, he really was glad that he had picked Mary's compartment because he really was having a lot of fun, even though had had been slapped by and older student and then humiliated by Draco Malfoy.

Assuming his answer would suffice, Kennedy wasted no time in asking Mary whether she wanted truth or dare next. In a way, he was hoping she would pick dare, as he wanted at least one last chance to come up with a difficult one that might possibly cause Mary to actually struggle. So far she had eased her way through every obstacle Kennedy had placed in her way. She was smooth, but Kennedy knew that she had to have a weak spot somewhere- if he could only find it. "Truth or dare?" he asked slyly, emphasizing the word dare by dragging it out in a mysterious tone. He couldn't help but smile at the thought of how silly he must have sounded.

[Mary Evans]

((Hey, sorry it has taken me so long to answer but with finals and no inspiration anyways… Well… And now my computer refuses to turn on and I have no idea how long it will take to fix it and I won’t be at school much now with the way my program works and the computer in my family room just sucks so… I love this thread but do you mind if we wrap it up and then maybe if you would agree we can have Kennedy and Mary get together again when I get my computer fixed?))

Kennedy answered her question and Mary simply nodded. Not the most interesting answer in the world but it wasn’t bad either. Kennedy then asked her which she would chose and Mary looked out the window. The sights had become familiar, comprised of many buildings and lots of people – it seemed they had finally made it into London. “We should be a the station in a few minutes.” Mary said distractedly before turning and smirking at Kennedy. “How about a dare? Better make it a good one as I expect it will be your last chance.” She said then stuck out her tongue childishly at him. Sure she should be grumpy they were about to get off… When they arrived she would be condemned to the whole break with her family and they would no longer be allowed to use magic until she got back on the train at the end of break…For some reason though the game had lightened her spirits and she was feeling happy that at least this part of break had been enjoyable… And break wouldn’t be that long anyways…

[Kennedy Valak S6]

Shaking his head slightly and letting out a small laugh, Kennedy watched as Mary stuck her tongue out at him. She truly was a unique girl- not afraid to be herself and have fun at the same time. Kennedy thought hard about a worthy dare to give her, as their time on the train was quickly coming to an end. His time with Mary had seemed to go by so quickly, and he was appreciative of that. Normally, he hated the slow, boring train ride home. "Hmmm," he began, "a dare. Let's see," he continued, biting his lower lip and glancing at the ceiling. "Alright, I've got it. Since we are almost back to the station, I don't want to give you a dare that you won't have time to complete. Rather, I will give you a dare that you must finish when we get back from break." He forced an evil grin on his face, attempting to intimidate Mary. He figured she could care less, but he found it fun to try and pretend like his idea was actually threatening. "I dare you...," he paused, adding to the suspense, "... to meet me in the common room when we return from break so that you can tell me how your trip went." His 'evil' smile turned to a more friendly smile and he waited to see how Mary would respond. Truthfully, he wasn't sure what she would say, but he had enjoyed Marys company enough to try to get the chance to meet her again and get to know her a little better.

((That's fine... I went ahead and tried wrapping it up while also providing a feed into our next post... I will be patient in waiting for a response since I know how busy college can be))

[Mary Evans]

((Thanks I really appreciate it As well, 1,400 posts! Yay two big landmarks in this thread And that certainly was an evil dare considering I gave Mary a horrible break here So as soon as I am back from vacation and you are back from vacation I will PM you about a new thread )

A dare when they got back… that was a change. What could possibly be so bad that he needed her to do it after break? Mary was quite relieved when Kennedy said it was simply to tell him about her break – he would certainly come off the worst for the wear there. Her break would be utter rubbish she knew – some beach with her bloody parents and anytime she talked to someone her mother would bud in asking their last name and making sure they were from a respectable family before Mary could even consider getting to know them. Last year had been a lovely break from it all, why hadn’t Hogwarts arranged a trip again this year? She would have went. Would have been one of the first to sign up. Of course her Mum had been extra pouty last summer that Mary had abandoned them over Christmas but then her Christmas had been fun for once so it all evened out in the end. In fact it was better – her summer and Christmas would have been bad but since she went her Christmas was lovely and her summer had just been a little worse than usual. Suddenly Mary thought of that day she spent shopping with Jersey who was a sixth year Slytherin now and smiled – yes it certainly had been worth going.

Turning back to Kennedy Mary smiled pleasantly, “You’re on. But when you get sick of hearing me complaining know it was your fault you were subject to it. That’s if I survive this break of course.” Mary added with a playful wink. Well, at least the sooner break started the sooner it would end, right? And then she could go back to Hogwarts with people who were sane and who allowed her to live her own life. Back with the filth and the muggle lovers too mind but putting up with them was easier than no magic and putting up with her mother. At least them she could hex and snarl at when they bothered her – where as her mother she could simply roll her eyes and throw the occasional hissy fit.

The train suddenly jolted to a stop and Mary realised she hadn’t even felt it slowing and suddenly her time on the train was at an end. That was awful that was – now she had to go face them. She gave Kennedy a brave smile as she stood up holding the seat just in case the train jolted again. “It’s almost like being a lamb only having the knowledge you are being herded into slaughter.” She muttered to Kennedy as people filed noisily past their compartment on the way out. “Well have a good break then and I will see you when we get back. Have a happy Christmas” Mary said as she pulled her trunk out of the doorway blocking a group of three first years who had been on their way past.