Shrieking Shack Secrets ((Valmer, then Wynd))

[Ruby Lehane]

Thin swirled wood ran between her forefinger and thumb. Blonde wavy hair replaced the straight look that had become her natural companion over the last five years. Blue orbs sparkled…yes sparkled, in anticipation of the time to come. Natural…natural features of her face became prominent, not needing muggle make-up or wizards make-up to perfect her complexion, for she was a natural beauty. Cold oxygen streamed into her lungs as she found the need to take a deep breath. She illustrated more than power in that moment, power, strength, and confidence. A small smile fell across her face. She was flawless in that moment, which was what she had wanted. Delicate hands placed the wand back into its sheath, the same one her mother had always used and there she stayed for a few seconds admiring herself. No she was not narcissistic, she just knew when she looked good and today she looked more than good. She looked absolutely delightful.

Ruby smiled one last time, her icy blue orbs shown back in utter bliss as she turned from the mirror. She grabbed up her dark blue jacket, throwing it over her shoulders to complete her rather plain, but beautiful look. She wasn’t like the rest of these girls. Dressing up and looking gorgeous for one date was not her way. No, she chose another route. Look like she had always looked, act like she had always acted, don’t play pretend games of this is who I am today, and for gods sake don’t let your emotions take you further than you were prepared to go. Today…today was her day. She was at the pinnacle of her game. It was going to be hard to resist her, it was on a normal basis, but it was extra hard at present. Earlier that week she had been thrown off by the sudden emotions that had streamed through her pure blood, but not now. Those emotions were locked in place and ready to be used only if she so chose to do so. There’s no way she was about to let Valmer gain the control that he had had back in the courtyard. A soft smile fell across her lips and she looked at the wall beside her. It hadn’t been a bad thing…the control he had had. It was almost refreshing to have someone so forward, but still she had felt out of control and that in itself was the one thing that terrified Ruby. To not be in control of one’s emotions meant that one could not be in control of other’s emotions. That was not her intent. She wanted that control and she would not allow herself to lose it again.

The sound of soft black heels clicked down the nearly deserted common room. Most students had already taken off to Hogsmeade, at least those that could. The first and second years were trying to occupy themselves, no doubt waiting for whatever older student they had bribed to return with fresh goodies for them. Ruby found them all rather quaint, wondering if any of them could possibly be aware of the need to be independent. Ruby had learned that at an early age. After her mother was convicted and placed in Azkaban Ruby had found her independence, taught to her mainly by her grandmother who had found the need to educate her that a woman need not rely on a man and that a woman too could be a powerful leader. It was perhaps why she had always been a little distant from her father. She didn’t want to be known as a Daddy’s Girl. No, she wanted to be known as an independent woman that relied on no one. She knew she did not need a man to make her happy. She never did and she never would, but still she didn’t mind the thought of never being lonely. Laughter softly escaped her lips as she traveled down the dungeon path and back up the stairs. She would never really be lonely, with Wynd always around it was hard for her to ever feel alone.

Bright sunlight filtered into her black retinas as the click of heels on stone steps signaled her entrance into the outside world. The air was chilled, as it normally was in these autumn days. Ruby loved it though. She loved the sound of crunching leaves, wind blowing through the trees, and the promise of winter showers. The cold was not necessarily her friend, but the sounds were. Her eyes fixed on the distant town and she started her slow journey, long ahead of the time she was scheduled to meet Valmer. There was no need to hurry; she was never in a hurry, always an early riser and always to scheduled places at least 10 minutes in advance. It was her way. She never wanted to be caught late and she never wanted anyone to assume she was not prepared. Procrastination and lateness were sure signs of an unorganized person. That was why she was here, on the cobblestone path leading to Hogsmeade at One O’Clock in the afternoon, a good hour early. Her cold blue orbs passed over and through her surroundings, the surroundings that had become so familiar and almost homely to her over the past four and a half years. She wondered how long they would remain trapped in this autumn state. How long before the icy breath of winter would unleash her frost into the grounds of Hogwarts? How long before walking without the foot of snow on the ground ceased to exist? Those were questions she could not answer, nor would she try, for no one could, not even those so-called seers that claimed to know everything. If they did than they would know what was in store for the future that Ruby dreamed of often.

Clicking of heels on cobblestone began to fade away softly as the ground turned cold, hard, and paved in dirt. Ruby had veered off the main road that lead into Hogsmeade, the road that would lead her to the rest of the Hogwarts students that had taken refuge in the town from the prison-like days at Hogwarts. She, however, was headed toward her favorite place. The place she had taken refuge in since her third year. The Shrieking Shack came softly into view and it was as if a blanket of warmth and comfort swam over her, covering her in pleasant memories. This was what she had loved in her days at Hogwarts. The solitude of the shack, the place where rumors still ran wild about students entering it’s doors and never coming out, the screams of creatures both known and unknown, and of course the rumors of unnatural beasts running ramped throughout it’s estate. Ruby didn’t care for such rumors, no, what she cared for was the large rock that sat just outside of the fence. There she would sit in solemn silence, listening…just listening to the distant sounds of the house that most had come to fear, but not her. She had come to love its familiar haunting presence. Feet carried her to the large rock, finding the all too familiar crevices that allowed her to hoist herself up in the almost chair like seat that had formed over many years. There she sat, listening, watching, and reveling in the sounds of the Shrieking Shack as she waited for Valmer to arrive.

[Valmer Van Ruster S7]

Valmer was going through everything, making sure he had everything in order. It had been a pretty busy day, even in the early hours of the morning, but he had been looking forward to this time. In almost an hour, he would be on a date with Ruby Lehane. The girl that he had sat with the other night, in the middle of the courtyard, and had found he liked, quite a bit, in fact. It had been an interesting night, that had ended with Ruby lightly kissing his cheek and running off to find her brother. He remembered not wanting that night to end, and voicing his opinion on that as well. Ruby had agreed, but they both knew that they should each take some time and figure out what exactly they were both feeling. He knew exactly what he was feeling now, after a few days of thinking through things. He felt like he was ready for a relationship with someone like Ruby, yet he also wanted to take things slow, as she had said she wanted to, so that they both knew where each other's priorities and goals were at.

It seemed that Ruby had a lot going on inside of her, and Valmer wanted to get to know every side of the girl. He knew that would take some time, definitely. But he was willing to be with her, and figure things out with her. She had warned that her brother was the kind of guy to threaten people, especially those who liked his sister, but he knew he could fend for himself. If her brother had a problem with him, he would just show him exactly what his intentions were, which they were simple. He wanted companionship, and a friendship he could blossom into something more. Ruby also seemed like the kind of girl that could fend for herself, but got pulled down by an over-controlling brother. He couldn't say that for a fact, but it was how he had perceived things and based his logic solely on the things that Ruby had made mention of the other night. Valmer wanted to get to know Ruby better, and didn't want her brother to get in the way of things that could happen between the two of them. Whatever feelings and attraction that was there, deserved to be there. He felt that he deserved it after some of the crap he had been through, with Rachel and with others, using him just like a pawn in their little games. He hated their little games, and hoped that Ruby wouldn't play the same ones.

Valmer took a look at the clock, and realized that maybe she was out there early. It was such a beautiful day, one that was literally perfect for walking out near the Shrieking Shack, a place he didn't frequent, but knew of the beautiful trees and fields surrounding it. He decided to make his way to the Shack early, and wait for her to arrive. For a second, he contemplated changing into a nicer set of clothing (because as he remembered, she looked so much more amazing than he did, even in her regular clothing), but decided to let it go. He had apparently impressed her (he thought), and hoped he didn't need to dress up to show her anything. Valmer left the castle and went down the small road that led to the Shrieking Shack. As he neared the destination, he felt the wind pick up. He loved that about this time of year. It was always so nice out, yet just cold enough for him. He hated the summer and its extreme heat and some unbearable days. He came up the hill that the Shack rested upon, and saw Ruby, sitting on a nearby rock. He hadn't expected her to be here, but was glad she had been here early. After all, it was only about quarter after one, forty five minutes before he was supposed to be there.

When he saw her, his entire aura was taken aback. She may not have been in anything dressy or nicer than usual, but she was still breathtakingly beautiful. Valmer had only seen her partially in the dim light of the autumn moon that night a few days ago, and now it was wonderful to see her full beauty in the daylight. That wasn't what he was most concerned about, of course. He loved the way they had talked that night, and longed for more of that. He never looked at beauty first. He wanted to know someone's personality before learning physical features. Valmer walked up to Ruby, sat down on the rock right next to her, and said, "So, I'm here early. I wasn't going to come early, but it was too beautiful of a day to pass up. I'm delighted that you're here early, as well. How have the last few days been? I don't remember seeing you that often. Maybe once since our time in the courtyard late at night." As he waited for her answer, he took a look around them, loving the breathtaking scene that unfolded before them. The wind blowing, the sound of some creatures in the nearby forest, and of course, the creaking of the Shrieking Shack due to all the wind. It was almost soothing.

[Wynd Lehane]

Wynd was worried. His sister was being distant. They were twins. They didn't keep any secrets from each other. So he thought. Ever since that night with the full moon, Ruby had been... distracted. That was the best word to use. Distracted. And she wasn't distracted easily. Wynd knew this. Neither one of them were. Both had a goal and they were going to achieve it no matter the costs. The muggles would pay for putting their mother in Azakaban. Stupid ministry. Stupid muggles. If it took them their entire lives, Ruby and Wynd would make muggles pay for their mistake. No one messed with a Lehane and got away it. Therefore they had to trust each other. In order for the world to bow at their feet there could be nothing that got between them. But something had. Wynd could sense it.

And so, Wynd found himself following his sister as she walked towards Hogsmeade. He had told her some lame excuse why he did not want to go to Hogsmeade and Ruby accepted it. That's how he knew she was up to something. Usually he expected her to question his reasoning, but today she bought it without any argument. Wynd hated being the bad guy. He will admit that he is a bit protective of Ruby. But she was his sister. They were a pair. He was just looking out for his partner as he knew that she would look out for him. He followed her down the road to Hogsmeade. She took her time and seemed to be in no hurry. Where was she going? And what was she hiding? He had his suspicions. The only other time that he recalled her acting this strangely was when there was a boy involved. Wynd did purposely scare off some of her past boyfriends. They didn't respect her like they should! Or even worse, they were trying to break up the power of the Lehane Twins. Wynd knew that Ruby would never leave him but he was jealous. That was the Slytherin in him.

All of sudden, she turned off the main path. Wynd knew where she was going. The Shrieking Shack. What would she be doing out there? Meeting someone? But who? And why couldn't she tell Wynd about it? Wynd had to keep his distance or else she would sense his presence. That was the trouble about having an unspoken connection. One twin always seemed to know when the other twin was near. She made her way to a rock just outside the fence of the Shack. Ruby and Wynd had spent many a day sitting there. Just being. But today was different. Wynd knew that. Wynd had to find some place to hide where he couldn't be seen but he could see what was happening. Luckily near the rock was a group of trees where if he hid behind and stayed perfectly still, he might not be seen. As Ruby was looking at something in the distance, Wynd threw caution to the wind and dashed behind her to the trees. He hoped that she would think it was the wind rustling leaves and think nothing more of it. Once he got comfortable and situated, he started thinking again. Right now they were close enough that if Ruby really concentrated she could sense Wynd but he did not care. What he wanted was not to be seen by whatever or whomever she was waiting for.

After a while another boy came down the road. Wynd recognised him as Valmer Van Ruster, another Slytherin. He sat down next to Ruby and started speaking. So this is why she was distant! It was a boy after all! Wynd couldn't believe it. She didn't trust him. The realisation was devastating. The boy stopped speaking and looked around. Wynd stopped breathing. He hoped that he would not look too carefully. It would be very awkward if he was discovered now. That might put Ruby in a bad situation and Wynd did not want that. He didn't want to hurt her even as she hurt him.

[Ruby Lehane]

Ruby was pleasantly surprised when she saw Valmer appear around the bend. He was a lot more eager for their meeting than she thought he would be. That was a good thing of course. How could it not be? To know that a guy would go out of his way to be early and not just early…45 minutes early was something that Ruby was definitely not too used to. Only one guy had ever been that early and he…well he turned out to want only one thing. Then again, what guy that Ruby had met didn’t want just one thing? She let the question in her mind subside, left unanswered as she beamed a smile at him. She had to be careful with her emotions this time. Wynd had caught on to her last emotions with Valmer and she did not want that to happen again. It had taken everything in her to not let her brother know about Valmer and it was taking everything in her power to make sure that he didn’t know about this blooming weakness.

Valmer didn’t seem to find anything awkward about being around her as he moved up to the rock and took a seat beside her. Ruby found it pleasant. Most people wouldn’t have had the guts to sit beside her, let alone go after her the way Valmer was. It was quite entertaining for Ruby, especially since she found him more than delightful company. It was something she could never have with Wynd, didn’t want with him. Wynd was her best friend, her brother, but he would never fill the place in her heart that Valmer was starting to fill by the minute. It was disconcerting in a way, well it would have been disconcerting if Ruby had really been thinking about everything that was going on, but she couldn’t help but enjoy this emotion that she had never really had before. It went against most of the emotions that were normally streaming through her, but at the same time she thought of her parents, of the relationship they used to have and would have again pending her mother’s release.

Ruby smiled as she tried to keep from leaning onto Valmer’s shoulder. It seemed to be a natural reaction for her, which was not a good thing, well not if she wanted to be sure that Valmer was the type of guy that wasn’t going to use her like the rest. Instead she crossed one hand over the other as blue orbs took in Valmer’s appearance. He looked good today. She was glad he didn’t dress up. She hated when people did things like that for dates, but then again she hated a lot of things. Pushing the momentary thoughts from her mind Ruby let her smile reach across her face as she turned her blue orbs out to the Shrieking Shack.

“It is a beautiful autumn day,” Ruby said in agreement as she moved her hands behind her so she could rest a little more comfortably on the rock, her hand brushing against Valmer’s. She looked over at Valmer briefly and smiled softly. “I’m sorry.” Turning to look away from him again she answered his question. “It’s been crazy recently. So much homework with the O.W.L.s coming up, it’s hard sometimes to keep up. Not only that, but with real life too, how can one possibly keep everything straight? But I’m glad you were able to meet me today. It’s taken some of the edge out of the rather long week since our last meeting. Did it give you something to look forward to like it did me?”

[Valmer Van Ruster S7]

As Valmer sat down with Ruby, he began to think back to that night in the courtyard. What all had exactly happened that night? He couldn't remember quite everything that had happened, he just was able to remember how Ruby had made him feel. He felt good, yet he wasn't sure if it was a safe kind of good. He hadn't had a girlfriend in a long time, but he also didn't consider this a boyfriend/girlfriend relationship yet. Yes, Valmer had asked Ruby out, but it had turned into more of a "let's try things out and see where they go" kind of thing. Didn't that mean he still had the freedom to go off with girls, or go and talk and hang out with girls? Of course it did, he said to himself. Ruby was one girl he was interested in, but he wasn't tied down to her yet. Valmer considered saying something to her about this, but he figured it was fine how things were right now. They sat there on the rock, quite close, and he smelled her hair blowing in the cool breeze of the fall. It was magnificent, and he could sit there for hours with her.

Ruby seemed to have some kind of hidden agenda, even with what he remembered from the night in the courtyard, but Valmer couldn't be sure what it was. Maybe if he took the time to get to know her even better, she might explain things to him, moreso than the problems she had with her brother Wynd. An odd name, but a name nonetheless. She had said he was the jealous kind of brother, so he had to watch himself around the guy. Ruby moved a bit closer to him as she turned, and moved her hand so it brushed against his, sending a tingle up and down his spine. It was similar to what he had felt during that night in the courtyard, and he liked it. He wasn't sure if he liked it a lot, but he knew he liked it. He had to admit, he wasn't like some of his Slytherin house mates, using women just for one thing. He wanted compatibility, companionship, and more than just a physical relationship. Something inside of him, however, longed for that physical relationship at the same time. He wasn't sure how to react to it.

She spoke. She asked if he was feeling the same way she had, all during the week. He took her hand, and, looking into her eyes, he said simply, "Yeah, I missed you a bit. I was looking forward to this. Why wouldn't I?" He scooted closer on the big rock, close enough so that if she wanted, she could put her head on his shoulder. It was something that most people did, but he wasn't sure what she, being as different as she appeared to be, would do. As she sat there, he reached his hand up to rub her back, not sure if she would mind. I assume if she doesn't like it, she'll smack me or something. We'll see. I can take that chance, he thought. As he took his eyes off her, which tended to be a hard thing to do, he looked around the clearing again, and thought for sure he saw movement in the forest, from which he had come. He looked at Ruby, wondering if she had seen what he saw. "Ruby, did you see that movement? Is that a person?" He reached to his side, ready to cast a spell, as he waited for her response.

[Ruby Lehane]

Churning, rolling, freewheeling, dancing emotions bombarded Ruby’s being. So many thoughts, so many emotions, and so many things she wanted to do. Just looking at Valmer sent a cold heat through her body, made her heart jump slightly as she took in everything about him. How was it that one could know so little about another and still have an unimaginable attraction to them, not only physically, but emotionally as well? There was an ache in her heart as she sat there, she could feel the cool rock seep through her being, her whole body becoming slightly chilled, save for the side nearest Valmer. The radiating body heat warmed her faintly on her right side, while the cool autumn wind lifted her soft blonde hair from her shoulders. She could have stayed there forever and she wanted to. Valmer made her feel so…different. She wasn’t one to express her emotions freely, she wasn’t even one that could give a sincere smile, but Valmer…he made her feel so completely different than how she had lived. It was almost a warm, kind feeling. Reveling in the feelings that bubbled to the surface at being there with Valmer she let the smile show freely, blue orbs dancing over him in the cool afternoon.

It was silent, a comforting silence, not the kind that made one awkward or feel as if something needed to be said. No, Ruby loved this silence. It fell across them, covering them in a blanket of care and affection. It was an amazing thing as she glanced over at him, her smile turning almost shy when she met his gaze. It was all so unbelievable. Never in her wildest dreams did she think she’d be sitting here. How could she know though that she would be? She had never believed in love or anything of the sort…not after all the men she’d been with, all the men that had left her high and dry only wanting a night with her or a couple hours, whatever it was. She had gone through more escapades with men than she could remember. She only hoped she wouldn’t have to worry about that now…not when Valmer seemed to be so…right.

Now the only thing that Ruby had to deal with was Wynd. He had been there many a night for her when she realized she had just been played. Now she was worried that Wynd would just assume that Valmer was another, but Ruby didn’t think so, she never would. Wynd just wouldn’t understand how lonely she was, even though he was her twin and all she was still lonely. He just couldn’t fill that hole of loneliness. She sighed at the thought. How would she get her brother to understand? How would she even know what to say to him about Valmer? She’d have to tell him soon, tell him just how much she liked Valmer…how he made her feel. She only hoped that he wouldn’t be too upset or feel like she was replacing him, because she wasn’t. No one could ever take the place of her twin brother. Valmer just made her happy in ways that he never could. She’d have to explain that to him when she got back to Hogwarts today.

Ruby sighed as she leaned her head against Valmer’s shoulder when he moved closer, a chill running down her spine as he ran his hand over her back. She smiled and would have said something if she thought she could say something intelligent at that moment. She was completely lost in the feelings inside her and she was letting her mind wander a lot further than it should have been at that moment. “I don’t know…some people don’t seem to miss me. I think they’re afraid of me,” she said softly, sharing for the first time her dislike of people’s ideas about her. Though they should have something to be fearful of. Her head shot up at his words and she strained her eyes to look but didn’t see anything. “I don’t see anything, might have just been the wind.”

Ruby turned to look at Valmer and she sighed. “So I realized that we don’t know much about each other…well at least I certainly don’t know much about you,” Ruby said her fingers playing softly across his jacket. A soft smile spread across her features as she looked up at him. Blue orbs shining with amusement. “Like where do you live? What are your plans outside of Hogwarts? What are your dreams and goals?” Ruby couldn’t help herself as she continued to ask questions, but she wanted to know…she wanted to know everything she could about Valmer. It was just how she was.

[Valmer Van Ruster S7]

Valmer sat close to Ruby, feeling something he hadn’t felt in a long time. Warmth. Not physical warmth, because he felt that in the castle all the time, particularly when it was cold out. But this feeling, it was something with Ruby. It was coming from her. He could feel a warmth from her that he liked. Valmer had originally been leery about anything with Ruby, because of the vibe he felt from her, the weird feeling that she had a complex that she wanted to take over the world. But right now, he didn’t care at all about that. He loved being right here next to her, and it seemed she liked it as well. He had to do everything within his power to resist the urge to kiss her right then and there, because he wasn’t sure how exactly she was feeling. She put her head on his shoulder, and he nearly lost his breath. Valmer was never one to show his emotions as much as he was right now, but it couldn’t be helped. Ruby was there, sitting right next to him, and he wanted control. He just wasn’t sure how to express his feelings to her.

She sighed, and said simply how she felt people never missed her. She said how people seemed to be afraid of her. He immediately reached his hand to the side of her face, lifted her head up so she was looking at him, and, in a low whisper, said softly, “I missed you. I missed you the whole time, since our night in the courtyard.” Valmer looked deep into her eyes, as he removed his hand, apologizing. “I’m sorry, that was probably too forward. But I only did it because…”, he bit his tongue, not knowing the right words to tell her how he felt, especially at the moment. He saw the figure again, he thought, but she then answered him about his inquiry about it earlier. She didn’t hear anything. It likely was the wind. Valmer forgot about what he had seen, and concentrated on the beautiful girl in front of him. He searched his mind for the right words to say, but they wouldn’t come. He just gazed into her eyes, nearly getting lost each time they moved. How could he explain the rush of feelings he had in his mind, body, and possibly soul to her, especially when they barely knew each other?

Ruby basically took his thoughts from him, when she asked him a series of questions about his life. This would at least be a place to start. As she put her hand on his jacket, playing with her fingers, he could barely focus on her questions. Valmer was able to hear them though, and he opened his eyes, shaking most of the feeling off. “Well,” he said. “I live in London. I grew up on the streets, at least walking and living in the city, if you want to call it growing up on the streets. It wasn’t like I was a bad kid or anything. My parents taught me to fend for myself. I’m not really sure what I want to do after this place. I love it here, learning about magic. Sometimes stereotypes and frustrations get the better of me, but I realize I’m here at a place I can learn, and I get over it.”

Valmer smiled at Ruby, glad she was asking him questions. He wanted to know more about her too, so he figured he should ask a few questions too. “Where are you from, Ruby? I don’t know much about you either.” As he waited for her to respond, he put his hand on her arm, playing with her jacket, like she was doing with him. The instant he did it, he felt that same strong feeling flood his veins again. Valmer wanted to follow that feeling, that longing, but he wasn’t sure if Ruby wanted it. He decided to ask her what she was feeling. “So, what are you thinking? I know we barely know each other, and this is only the second time we’ve really been together, but I want to know where you are with all this. I can’t come up with the words to describe how I’m feeling, so maybe if you explain where you’re at, it’ll help me tell you.” He hoped he was making sense, and he hoped she was feeling the same way he was. With her so close to him, he could barely feel anything else, other than her presence; and he loved it.

[Ruby Lehane]

Ruby seemed to melt into him. Her body hardly having its own form now as she simply enjoyed resting against him. There was something about him that just caused her to relax, to be the girl she always wanted to be. She didn’t have to think about muggles or her mother being in Azkaban. She didn’t have to think about any of it and that’s what really made her so content. She was free to believe that she was just like every other student. She was there to graduate and have fun, even though that was far from her intentions at this point. She had lots to do in her short time at Hogwarts and she only hoped that it was enough time to actually fulfill her destiny. However, she was unsure if that would happen with the way things were going at that moment.

A cold chill seeped into her being at the thought and she bit her lip unnoticeably as she thought about the implications that would come if people found out she was with Valmer. There were things she wasn’t quite ready to tell him, things that she wasn’t sure if he’d understand if she said anything. It was true; she had plans for dominating the wizarding world. Those plans stemmed from what happened to her mother all those years ago. The moment her mother used her magic to kill simply to keep Wynd and herself safe. Yes…she had murdered muggles, but they were endangering her family and as far as Ruby was and is concerned those muggles deserved what happened. Yes, these were the thoughts she couldn’t tell Valmer, at least not right now. She would give him time; feel out how he felt about her…figure out if he would truly accept that part of her. If he didn’t…if he refused to accept that…well then, she’d find a way to deal with that later if it came up. She didn’t want to even think about it right now.

Ruby’s thoughts were ripped from her mind as his hand found her chin and pulled her head up to look at him, blue orbs piercing his as she felt her heart jump, her whole body breaking out in goose bumps as she looked at him, no…after he made her look at him. It was a sigh of control; a show of his power and Ruby didn’t mind it at all. She could only smile at his attempts at an apologizing as she looked down at the ground. This had to be a dream. This whole thing was just spinning so far down a road she never thought she’d travel, but here she was and she wasn’t just traveling down the road, she was running down it.

The spell around them seemed to break as she asked her questions and Ruby sighed softly as she leaned back against him, his body taking the chill from her as she cuddled in against him, loving the feeling. She didn’t interrupt him as he spoke, she wanted to know everything, wanted to hear everything he had to say and she loved knowing that he was content with answering. She’d push later, find which questions he’d answer and which ones he’d stumble on. She always found that the questions that made people stumble were the questions one should more than likely pay attention to, for they usually were the most important. Humans seemed to work that way, or so she thought as she had stumped many a man, trying to find what they truly would and wouldn’t answer. It was all because Ruby wanted to know their personality and character before really accepting them or really letting herself fall for them. However…that seemed to be a little late this time, but she was going to admit that so soon.

Ruby sat up a little as he asked her questions in return and she smirked as she looked at him, his fingers playing over her jacket. She tried to keep her mind from straying as she sighed simply, “Ireland.” Then her words were catching in her throat as he looked intensely at her, his words striking her almost dumb as she looked at him. Words? What were those? She couldn’t talk…didn’t know how to at that moment as she moved up, pressing her lips softly against his. Maybe that’ll give him an idea of how I’m feeling, she thought to herself as she sighed in content. She had wanted this for the longest time and now that she finally was able to do this she wasn’t about to let anything change that. Her hand slowly made its way up his coat as she let it fall across his cheek. She released him as she pulled back slowly, blue orbs meeting his eyes. “Does that explain how I’m feeling?” she asked softly.

[Valmer Van Ruster S7]

As Valmer sat there, gazing into Ruby’s eyes, he couldn’t help but think of how happy he was becoming. He was with someone who seemed to genuinely care about him. He couldn’t be sure, of course, how much she cared for him, yet. They had only just really met recently and he for one was not a person that believed in love at first sight. Valmer believed it took time and patience, and also strategy on each person’s side. A strategy to find the weaknesses and strengths in each other that would help mold a relationship to what it could ultimately be destined to be. Valmer, of course, wasn’t sure where all of this could be going. Hell, I’m not even sure of how I feel about her, he thought to himself. But what he did know was that he was quite happy, having her lean against him so closely.

As she simply said where she was from, he couldn’t help but nearly get lost in her words. Well, word. It didn’t matter what she said, even though he was listening, he could get lost in her, easily. Before Valmer knew it, her lips were lightly pressed against his, and he leaned into the kiss, taking it in. She sighed, as if she had been waiting to do that for the longest time. Valmer couldn’t blame her, he had wanted to as well, but he wasn’t surprised that she had taken control and beaten him to it. Ruby was a girl who wanted control, yet she seemed to have liked it when he took the initiative to pull her head close to his, whispering in her ear. At this moment, he was happy. He hadn’t felt it in a while, not even from those he was close to in the school. There weren’t many that made him feel this way, at least not since his last girlfriend, and that had ended quite abruptly. When she put her hand on his cheek, he nearly lost control. The tingling sensation from her fingers shot fireworks in his mind. Why he was feeling this much emotion from one simple kiss was beyond him.

She asked if that answered his question, after she released him, and he nodded slightly. “I think it does.” Without thinking, he put his arm behind her, and pulled her in closer, so she was nearly on his lap, yet not quite. He left his arm around her, placing his hand on Ruby’s side, checking to make sure it wasn’t too high. Valmer didn’t want to make her think he was trying to cop a feel or something, he just wanted to be close to her. He looked back at her, her eyes seemingly searching for something. Valmer couldn’t think of any words to say to describe what he was feeling. Instead, he copied nearly the same thing she did. “Maybe we both feel the same way…” he whispered to her, even though they were alone and no one could hear them. He leaned in, pressing his lips against hers, partially hoping he wasn’t pushing the line, and partially not caring. He wanted to respect her, yet he wanted control. It was the most incredible thing in the world, to know someone wanted to be with you in the same way you wanted to be with them, and it was happening to Valmer, right there, at the Shrieking Shack.

He reached down and took her hand in his, pulling away just enough to finish the kiss he had initiated. “So what now? We have much of the day left. Do you want to see what’s inside the Shrieking Shack?” he asked inquisitively. Valmer had always had a longing to see the Shrieking Shack, and to do it finally go in with Ruby, in the situation they were in, seemed like the best time to do it. He awaited her response, still thinking he was seeing a figure in the distance, but brushing it off. It was likely an animal or something.

[Wynd Lehane]

This is boring! thought Wynd to himself. He really didn't want to sit there and watch Valmer and Ruby flirt with each other. All the love in the air made him sick. Wynd knew that Ruby often wanted to find love. To feel like she was connected to the world somehow. And that need often got her into trouble. Here she was with a boy she had barely spoken to in four years and now they were all over each other? Unlikely. Wynd was a fifteen year old boy. He knew how other fifteen year old boys thought. They wanted only one thing. And if Valmer thought that he was going to get it from Ruby then he was sadly mistaken. There was no way that Wynd was going to sit idly by and let him take advantage of her. Not this time. Not ever.

Wynd didn't want to make an enemy of Valmer. He was often kind. Wynd liked sharing a room with him. But he had never suspected his true intentions. Was he just being nice so that he could get closer to Ruby? These past four years they had not talked a lot about her but still... What if Valmer had been eying her all along? All this time that he was playing innocent he was secretly forming a plan of how to sweep her off her feet and have his way with her. Ruby would easily fall for his trick. Valmer was a well liked person. Even some students from other houses seemed to like him. Which was odd, for a Slytherin. Expect Kennedy. The sixth year prefect who seemed to be really good friends with Alexander Promise. But he was getting distracted. He needed to focus on the here and now. And what was in the present was Valmer thought he was all alone with Ruby.

But, something was different. The way he treated her was unlike a person that was going to use her. He actually seemed like he wanted to be with her. He wanted to spend time breaking down the barriers that Ruby had built up her whole life. Maybe he would be the one that would finally melt the ice in Ruby's eyes. No! NO! Stop thinking like that! The truth is that Ruby lied to you. She said that she was going to Hogsmeade by herself and yet here she is with somebody else. Although, Wynd was glad that it was Valmer and not some random student like a Ravenclaw. Wynd knew that Ruby would never be with a Ravenclaw if she could help it. That house was full of blood traitors. They were against the cause not for it.

Wynd could hear the murmur of their voices but he was to far away to hear. He could feel the joy radiate from Ruby and for that he was glad but that did not change the fact that she had lied. She must've seen him in the courtyard that night that Wynd went searching for her. That night he had felt a surge of happiness but she avoided the topic at all costs. It hurt Wynd to think that his sister, his closest friend, had lied to him. The murmur stopped and Wynd looked to see what was happening. She was... she was... kissing him! Wynd felt a tinge of disgust mixed with some jealously. It wasn't fair that he had to suffer alone while she got to make out at the Shrieking Shack. And then to top it all off, he leaned back and kissed her! That was the final straw.

Wynd stood up and come out from his hiding place. "I see what was so special in Hogsmeade today dear sister!" Wynd shouted at them not caring what their response would be. "So special in fact that your dear younger brother couldn't know about it! Well guess what! I do know!"

[Ruby Lehane]

Warmth…true warmth spread through the flesh and bone of Ruby’s body as she felt the hand slip behind her and draw her closer. Breath caught in her throat, the cool air freezing her lungs as she held her breath, blue orbs lost in his. Heart rate out of control as tingles ran through her as she looked at him. She was beyond words at that moment, beyond her seductive ways as she felt her own soul and body get sucked into the very fire she preferred trying to start in others, but here she was with her own seductive ways backfiring as Valmer took control. Her hand went to cover the hand on her side, digits brushing softly over his flesh. She was completely falling…falling for a man she hardly knew.

Soft lips met hers and she found herself sinking into the feeling, into the very warm flesh that was before her. How did this happen? What’s going on? she asked herself. She couldn’t believe how fast things were going, how much she already cared for Valmer. Sure she’d had these types of feelings before, but not this quickly. She was definitely not the ‘kiss-on-the-first-date’ sort of girl…well maybe she was, but not like this, not with these feelings in her. It was a mystery to her…a mystery she didn’t want to really solve, because she liked it. She loved being in Valmer’s arms, loved having his hands holding her, his lips touching her, and most of all his presence there with her. It was something she didn’t get often…not this true feeling of…well what was it? It wasn’t love that was for sure, but it was something at least a kin to it, definitely not lust…or maybe it was, but really Ruby didn’t care just as long as it never stopped.

Of course at that moment he pulled back from her and Ruby was left with an empty feeling she hadn’t really wanted to feel. Blue orbs swam over him as his hand slipped into hers. Her hand tingled in response, shivers running up her arm and through her whole body as she watched him. The emotion passed as Valmer spoke. She smirked at him. “You actually want to go into the Shrieking Shack? Are you sure you can handle it? I mean with the first date and all I don’t want to see you running out of it screaming…” Ruby grinned.

"I see what was so special in Hogsmeade today dear sister! So special in fact that your dear younger brother couldn't know about it! Well guess what! I do know!"

Ruby froze at the voice and she jumped off the rock, away from Valmer, her blue orbs wide in terror as she looked at her brother. Guilt had slammed into her, but she could also feel her brother’s anger, the betrayed look on his face struck her to the bone. She wanted to shake her head, to deny everything, but she knew in her heart that Wynd had been there watching her. She felt the pain etch into her heart, through her whole body as she stood in shock. She didn’t know what to say, she didn’t even know if she could speak. All she could do was stand there, realizing that she had torn her brother’s heart in two…just by his look she could tell, but she knew it cause she could feel it herself.

“Wynd…” she finally spoke as her body tried to move to him. “It’s not what you think…He’s…I…” It was the only thing that came out of her mouth, the only thing she could voice…but it didn’t explain anything, and she couldn’t. She had hurt her brother more than she was ever willing to admit right then. How could she even look herself in the mirror ever again, knowing that her brother hated her right then?

[Valmer Van Ruster S7]

Valmer couldn’t believe Ruby’s brother had followed her to the Shrieking Shack that day. He had known he had seen something in the woods, and here it was, Wynd. He wanted to go into the Shrieking Shack and spend some good alone time with Ruby, but that was ruined now. Valmer stood up as Ruby ran away from him, and he saw how horrified she was that her brother had found her out. His concern and feelings for Ruby changed to rage towards wind, and he could feel his temper flaring.

It was not something he liked, nor something he wanted people to see. But right now, he could barely hold it in. Wynd had interrupted a wonderful day that had just started, and now it was going to be over within seconds. How dare he follow her. “Wynd.” Valmer stated, strongly. “I don’t think this is a good time. Why don’t you…” But Ruby began to speak. “Wynd…”, she said, as she seemed to be trying to move to him. “It’s not what you think…He’s…I…” and she didn’t speak anymore. Valmer looked at her, wondering what she would have said. “What do you mean, Ruby? I’m what?” Now his temper was beginning to show its ugly head, as he began to become angry with her, too. It was something he didn’t want to happen, yet he couldn’t help but wonder and become that way. “What am I to you Ruby? Did you not tell your brother about me? Are you ashamed?” he asked, poignantly. Valmer didn’t know what to think, and hoped the girl would speak up soon.

Valmer stood there at the rock, watching Ruby and Wynd look at each other. He couldn’t do anything more, because he was not what the whole thing was about. He looked at Ruby once again, and said these simple words. “I guess that’s the end of our lovely day together.” He was hurt, but he didn’t know why. He had been skeptical about the whole arrangement between him and Ruby, but it didn’t matter that much to him because he cared so much for her. How could she be ashamed of him? After that night in the courtyard, and the beginning of today, what could be wrong?

[Wynd Lehane]

The Lehane twin's eyes were fixed on each other. Ruby blue orbs like icicles and Wynd's blue irises like a chill autumn breeze. For a second neither one of them spoke. The time seemed like an eternity. Wynd could feel the guilt and surprise from Ruby but he was positive that she could feel his betrayal. It was a weird sense of emotions. It was almost over powering. But that is what happened when they were so close together and feeling such powerful emotions. It had only happened once or twice in their lifetimes. Usually they felt the same thing and their emotions were in sync with one another. It was a rare occasion that they felt differently. But this feeling, this dissonance of emotion, it was paralyzing. It seemed like Ruby felt the same way. They just stared into each other's eyes. Unable to think, unable to move, unable to breathe. They just were. They were the only two people in that moment in time.

The spell was broken Valmer's words: "What am I to you Ruby? Did you not tell your brother about me? Are you ashamed?” he asked, poignantly. Wynd blinked as if waking up from a dream and broke his gaze with Ruby. In that split second of the blink her emotions were slightly cut off from Wynd receptors and he could think clearly. He had to look away from her. While his eyes were shut he made the decision that when they opened again he would be looking anywhere but Ruby. When he opened them they landed on Valmer. How dare he talk about his sister that way. If she didn't tell Wynd she had had her reasons. How could Valmer, who supposedly liked Ruby, doubt those reasons even if only for a second? Even if Wynd had no idea what those reasons were likely to be. Ruby told Wynd everything. There were no secrets between them.

Wynd looked Valmer up and down sizing him up. It was not the right time or place to get into an argument with him. But somehow staring at him let Wynd's anger flow more freely and slowly suffocate the guilt emanating from Ruby. He knew from experience that she would feel the anger grow inside him and feel it boil over but at this moment in time he didn't care. All he cared about was the anger. He let the feel of anger consume him as he turned on his heels and ran. Wynd knew that it was childish of him not to say anything before running away but right now he didn't care. His anger was threatening to eat away at his soul if he stayed there and stared at Ruby. The dissonance was too much for him. Wynd had always been a faster runner than Ruby and didn't care if Valmer was going to chase him. Wynd ran.

[Ruby Lehane]

When people talk about mind melding, the ability to look into someone else’s eyes and have this mental connection…this melding of two minds…that feeling, that very state of being had always been normal with Wynd and Ruby. Twins…they’re connection was on a whole different plane. They finished each other’s thoughts, they understood what only the other felt. It was always a mutual thing…their feelings the same the complete and utter understanding of the others actions. Now though…the depth within their icy blue orbs was beyond misunderstanding. Ruby could feel the hurt…the pain that flowed from her brother, but what she felt more was her own shock…her own fear and anger at herself. She couldn’t remember a time where they had had such different, strong emotions. It was confusing…tearing at her like shears on paper. It sliced hard, fast, and deep leaving her bleeding inside. Her lips were open almost as if she was going to defend herself, but there were no words pouring from her lips…there was nothing in her that could make her voice work at that moment. All she could do was stare into those deep blue irises that were full of hurt and betrayal.

“What do you mean, Ruby? I’m what? What am I to you Ruby? Did you not tell your brother about me? Are you ashamed?”

Ruby awoke from the pain and within her as she blinked. Everything seemed to deaden in that moment…her whole connection with her brother seemed to disappear for those few moments as she focused her deadly blue orbs on Valmer. His words were so quick to judge, his whole being ready to tear her apart and Ruby couldn’t help but feel the stab of pain hit through her once again. Not only had her brother shown his dislike for her in those few moments, but also now Valmer was. Ruby knew where her loyalties lied and she looked to her brother, ready to bear everything when he turned and ran from her. Ruby couldn’t shake the image of her brother running away from her, it stung to the bone…to that icy cold heart that was her only defense. She was alone…well not really. She was still with Valmer, but she felt so very alone in those few moments as she turned back to face him, her eyes darkening as she tried to keep her face numb and void of emotion.

“My reasons are my own, Valmer. I do not tell my brother every bit of my personal life and you Valmer are part of my personal life, unless of course you would prefer not to be? That of course is up to you,” Ruby said. Deep down she was dying, her heart was bleeding and she felt like her whole world was falling apart all around her, but she couldn’t show that…she couldn’t show what was really going on inside of her. If she did then she’d be showing weakness and Ruby never showed weakness. Ruby’s eyes narrowed at Valmer. “I, on the other hand, would prefer you not to judge so quickly when you do not know my reasons. Now if you don’t mind leaving me alone that’d be wonderful.” Ruby was too far removed from herself again…that numbing feel of emotions had enraptured her again and she was no longer the simple girl that had met Valmer. She was now the cold, hard ruler that she was destined to become. Pain was slamming through her entire being as she stared at Valmer. This was not how today was supposed to go. Really she couldn’t blame anyone but herself for the turn of events. Ruby had lied to her brother…well not really lied just avoided the truth. It was something she didn’t do often, but she didn’t want to hear Wynd go on about how bad Valmer was for her. It wasn’t like she didn’t want to hear his opinion, but she wanted to see for herself for once. Wynd protected her often from her own stupidity and want for a relationship, but for once she had wanted to see for herself…judge character on her own. Now standing here she realized that Wynd would have made the correct judgment about Valmer’s character.

“Leave me alone Valmer,” Ruby said again…her voice low, devoid of all emotion other than the icy venom that she could not hide. She didn’t want Valmer to hate her, but as she had just betrayed Wynd she was feeling horrific and then with Valmer turning on her so quickly all Ruby wanted to do was hide. Turning from Valmer she didn’t give him a chance to deny her being alone as she took off, slowly and in a normal pace but as far away from him. She needed to get away. She needed to find a place where she could reflect…where she could find the words to apologize to her brother. Wynd deserved much better than her for a sister. The thought struck her hard as she realized how badly she had betrayed him.

[Valmer Van Ruster S7]

Valmer realized how he was sounding right away, nearly as soon as Ruby began to speak to him, with such a tone he had never heard before. He shouldn’t be surprised as it was though, they were all Slytherins there, of course. But what could he think? She hadn’t told Wynd. Had she told anyone? Valmer knew she didn’t have too many close friends, but could she be ashamed of him? He couldn’t be sure, obviously. As Ruby turned to face him, Wynd ran off, and he was left to look at her menacing-looking, mind-numbing eyes. He usually got lost in those eyes, the way they danced around, pulling everything into view. But now…he could barely look into her eyes without getting nearly scared out of his wits. He regained composure, and looked at her as she spoke. She explained herself, briefly. He felt hurt. Hurt that she might not think he wanted to be with her. Then again, with how he had acted just now, how could she expect him to feel?

“Ruby…” he said as he walked down towards her. “Of course I want to be with you. I may not be sure of everything yet, but what I do know is that I want to be with you. I’m sorry for snapping. I just don’t know why you wouldn’t tell your brother about something that makes you so happy. I mean, you seem happy when you’re with me.” She was being horrible about things, and all he was trying to do was apologize and move on from the problem. Isn’t that a good thing? Moving on? He couldn’t be sure with Ruby. In fact, many things with Ruby made him unsure about if he was making the right decision staying with her or not. But he did care for her. There was no getting past it. Now it seemed as if her brother meant ten times more than he ever had, or probably ever would. He admired the trait in Ruby, but at the same time it gave him some jealous feelings.

Wynd could never love her the way Valmer could. There was only so far that a brother/sister relationship could go before it had to stop. Everything could be out in the open with Valmer. Didn’t she see that? She didn’t have to tell her brother, but he wanted her to be proud to be with him. Then, out of nowhere, Ruby asked him to leave her alone. Right now? Of all times? “I’m not going to leave, Ruby. I realized what I said was wrong and I want to work past it. What’s wrong with that? I care about you too much to leave right now.” His eyes met hers, looking for some kind of hope, anything at all. But there wasn’t any. He couldn’t find anything in the darkness that haunted her eyes, and maybe even her heart, for him.

[Ruby Lehane]

Ruby was cold, hard, and dark in those moments with Valmer. She had never wanted to get this way with him, but standing there with him, having him turn on her as if she was the one in the wrong, it was almost too much for her to bear. Ruby’s eyes narrowed to mere slights her body tensing as he moved toward her. She had to get him away from her for his own good. She was far too angry to allow him within three feet of her that is if he didn’t want a broken arm or a curse. “You want to be with me? You want to be with me?” she stated again, a cold bitter laugh escaping her, her icy blue orbs dancing with amusement, as she looked him up and down. “You have a funny way of showing that you want to be with me. Questioning my motives for not telling my brother. Yes Valmer you may very well make me happy, but does my brother need to know about you? No. That was my call and one I would make again if I had to so back off.” The words were cold, full of venom and for the first time Ruby showed Valmer what and who she truly was. She was not a girl obsessed with finding happiness in men. She was not a girl that felt she had to answer to anyone. She was a ruler…a leader, and she would do anything in that moment to make sure that Valmer never tried to control her or question her. If he did than he was not worth her time and Wynd was right.

Ruby was numb everywhere inside her. The only emotion showing was anger and disgust. She was more than happy to show that to Valmer in those moments. There was no joy in her eyes like normal when she was with him, no happiness, it was nothing but cold bitter hate. Did she hate him? No, she didn’t. She cared for him more than she couldn’t ever think she could, but there was no way she was going to let Valmer stand in-between Wynd and herself. Wynd was her best friend, her brother, and the one person that understood her need for revenge. Valmer would never understand that. She knew him well enough to know that he didn’t find muggles the least bit distasteful. He would never come to hate them the way Ruby did. It made him her complete opposite and in a way her rival in everything. He was against her in that and now he was against her in a way she never thought he would be. Ruby waited for him to get closer to her before she pulled her wand quickly pointing it at his chest.

“I warned you once Valmer to leave me alone. You think that a simple apology will set your words and actions right? Wrong. You went beyond words to question me. Your actions are clear, your words are clear. You and I are completely different in every way possible. I tried to look past it before, but now I can’t. You turned on me in the one moment that I needed you, in the same moment where my brother turned on me. An apology will never get you close to me again. So leave me alone before that choice is no longer yours to decide upon,” her voice was low, her icy blue orbs clouded with anger and annoyance. Valmer would get it through that thick skull of hers to leave her alone if it was the last thing she did. Ruby had no qualms against using her magic on other purebloods, especially against ones that had just dared to question her motives…her actions. There was nothing Valmer could say in that moment to make things better, nothing he could do to make her feel better, except for walking away. The last thing Ruby really wanted to do was use magic on him, but she would if she had to. It secretly ate her up inside to even think she could do it, but that was a fear that would never cross her eyes, not while she was standing face to face with him, barely a foot between them with her wand touching his chest. “This is your last warning Valmer. Leave. Me. Alone.”