An aimless stroll(Anyone)

[shinypenny31]

Ender sat in the Ravenclaw common room bored out of his mind. It was Christmas break and he had no homework and nothing to do. Ender sighed and got up from the comfortable couch. He yawned and stretched his tired arms. So far he had done absolutely nothing today. Ender was the only one in the common room. Everybody was hanging out with friends. But Ender, he had no friends.

Ender walked slowly out of the common room. He started to walk aimlessly around. He had no destination and half the time he was staring at his feet. Ender was having the same problem as he did his last two years at Hogwarts. Making friends. Ender was the popular kid at home. The smart kid.The athlete. Here he was nobody. Nothing. He loved Hogwarts all the same though, friends or not. He had not even tried to make friends so far this year. Ender took a turn down a corridor and stopped. He had no clue where he was. He turned back and couldn't tell which direction he had come from. "Oh why wasn't I paying attention!" he yelled. Ender decided to keep walking around and hopefully find a known path. This was his third year at Hogwarts and he still did not no the castle very well.

He had spent most of his first and second year inside the common room. Now he regretted it. Ender walked for what seemed like forever. He still had not found anything familiar. He decided the only way to ever get out of this situation was to find help. Ender was quite alone though. There were no classes going on because of Christmas break and no teachers around. Ender was starting to panic now. "Hello! Is anybody there?" he yelled.

[Rayne Hamilton R3]

Rayne strolled the corridors of Hogwarts in an exceptional mood. It was Christmas Break that meant that a majority of the school was gone. It wasn't that she didn't like the people she just didn't like most people. At least with Break here the only people that would be left were pretty much like her. Loners who didn't want to go to home or had no home to go to. All in all with the majority of the school gone her break had drastically improved.

As she was walking she heard a very faint yell from a boy. It sounded like the boy was lost and angry with himself for not paying attention. Rayne decided to go investigate, anyone screaming because they were lost deserved to be helped. Rayne wandered around trying to find the boy and almost gave up. With this school he could be anywhere.

Rayne had just turned around to go back to her wandering when she heard another yell from the same boy. This time it was closer. She took a right and kept walking before taking a sharp left. Sure enough there was a boy, from her house by the looks of it, looking scared and alone. Rayne walked up to him. "Hey, need help?"

[shinypenny31]

Ender continued walking, frustrated with himself for getting lost. He was about to turn around and try a different route when a girl from his house emerged from a different corridor. She asked Ender if if he needed any help. Ender thought quickly. He might be able to make a friend. It was Christmas break and he was sure he would have some luck. "Ya, Thanks." he replied.

Ender was relieved someone had found him. Although it was embarrassing to be lost as a third year it was better to be found then stay lost. Ender smiled. He would try to be polite to his rescuer. "Hey, you wanna take a stroll with me? I'm kinda bored and you know your way about the castle it seems."

Ender prayed for a yes. If so he might finally have a friend at Hogwarts.

[Rayne Hamilton R3]

Rayne smiled kindly at the boy even though they were around the same age she felt like the older of the two. It was obvious he was a loner just the same as her. It seemed like she got out more though as he dind't seem to know where he was going or how to get around. She liked how this boy acted though. Where most people would act all embarassed about getting lost in the school he just thanked her for finding him and asked if she would like to go wandering.

"No problem this school is big it's easy to get lost in here. And sure I love wandering the school it's a fun thing to do especially when there isn't a lot of people around. Anywhere in particular you'd like to visit?" She asked then she realized that they hadn't introduced themselves. "My name is Rayne by the way what's yours?"

[shinypenny31]

Ender beamed when she agreed to walk with him. "My name is Ender. Rayne is a very pretty name." he added with a big smile . "Um...I don't know where to go. How about the library?" he answered. Ender was happy that he was not alone anymore. Ender could tell this girl was nice and figured if he should have a friend, then she would be a good one.

Ender tried to conceal his enjoyment. He wouldn't want to look like he was overreacting to a walk. He was about to make a friend and didn't want to creep her out by getting all happy over just hanging out with someone. So instead he just kept a warm smile on waiting for her response. He didn't really care where they went. All that mattered was his isolation had finally ended. But then a dreaded thought that crushed all his hopes dashed across his mind. Maybe she was only hanging out with him because she had pity on him. He hoped he was wrong and decided to just forget that thought.

Ender was attractive but sometimes shy and shy sometimes turned people away.So the last thing he would do was act shy. He had to act like he had tons of friends and was popular. This was true but it just happened that none of his former friends were wizards or witches. Just normal muggles who loved to play soccer and basketball with him. But hopefully he could overcome this shy attitude to wizards and witches and make just as many magical friends as he did muggle friends. It was a long-term goal but it was a good one.

[Rayne Hamilton R3]

Rayne blushed when Ender complimented her name. "Thanks I think it's pretty too. Kind of nice to hear someone compliment it then make a crappy storm joke for once." she said rolling her eyes at the memory of just how many people had made that joke. Rayne shook her head to clear the memory and because she didn't want her possible new friend to think she was rolling her eyes at him.

"I guess we could go to the Library if you want not much to do there though except read. People tend to frown upon others holding conversations in there. At least they have every time I've been around. I guess we could go to the common room or student lounge but then we'd just be sitting doing nothing." She paused thinking of something fun for them to do. She snapped her fingers when an excellent thought came to her. "I've got it! We could go to the Room of Requirements. Have you ever been?"

Rayne hoped he'd agree to come to the room even if he had never been before. It was her favorite room in the entire castle. The fact that there was a room that could fit her every need just made her day everyday. Rayne looked at Ender barely concealing her excitement at the thought of going to the room.

[shinypenny31]

"Oh, No problem." Ender said. "Ha ha a storm joke. I would never." The Room of Requirements sounded very interesting. He had never been there but had heard some about it.The thought of anything he needed being in a single room was very exciting. The library did sound very dull. He felt stupid for suggesting it. What was he? Some kind of nerd? "Sure. That sounds cool." Ender replied. "I don't really know the way though. I've never been there before."

Ender was happy she looked excited. He didn't want to make her feel pressured into anything. It was good she suggested a place to go. He knew she would have not suggest it if she didn't want to go. Her excitement to his answer implied it would be a very fun time. Ender smiled and tried to show the enthusiasm she was but that was kinda hard. It would be easier once he saw how awesome this room was.

[jess4ever]

Rachel stalked down the long corridors, cursing herself angrily.
"This has got to be the worst day of my life!" She fumed, gritting her teeth. The day had started fine enough, being Christmas she felt the freedom she yearned for all year. But this year she was not at her parent's castle, she was stuck at school. Why? Because her parents had decided they wanted to go on an exotic holiday, and would not be back until after school started again. Which meant she had to stay at school. To make matters worse, her posse had all gone home. So she was at school, alone, with no one to talk to, or be complimented by, or be generally adored by.

Rounding the corner, she spotted a girl and boy walking. Pausing momentarily, Rachel wondered if they were "friend" material. Glancing at the boy's awed expression, she decided that even if they weren't really that special, she could use a little admiration. And that girl certainly didn't deserve the admiration she did. Fixing her long black hair, she re-applied some lip gloss before walking slowly over to them.
"Hi, I'm Rachel," she said, smiling cheerfully.
"I'm afraid I'm a little lost. Where are you guys going, making I could accompany you there," she suggested, glancing playfully at the boy.

[shinypenny31]

Ender was waiting for Rayne to start leading the way to the Room of Requirements when an attractive Slytherin girl came up to the two of them. She introduced herself as Rachel and asked to accompany them on their way to the Room of Requirements. She looked very friendly although she was a Slytherin. Ender was not concerned what house she was in. He wanted to have friends and she seemed harmless. There was something about her that he liked. But if Rayne decided not to let her accompany him he would back her up. She was in her house and therefore might know more about this girl then Ender did.

If Rayne was fine then that would be great. But if not he was not going to have a fit. Rachel was pretty but knowing Rayne might help make friends because she was also in Ravenclaw. If he could hang with both then that would be great. If he had to choose it would definitely be Rayne though. "We were just on our way to the Room of Requirements. It's fine with me if you come. How about you Rayne?"

[jess4ever]

Rachel looked expectantly at the girl, Rayne, only her eyes giving away her annoyance that the boy did not immediately let her join them. In fact, she was annoyed he did not immediately drop this girl Rayne to hang out with her, if Rayne was so reluctant. But she knew that the only way she was going to have a group this break was if these two trusted her. Later, she could become the leader, but for now it seemed the girl was in control. Glancing at the boy again, she decided he would be easy enough to aquire as a friend, but the girl was hard to read. Rachel searched Rayne's face for some clue of what the girl was feeling.
"Oooh, the Room of Requirements, huh? That sounds fun. How about it, Rayne?" She said, flashing them a dazzling smile. Rayne had still not answered, and Rachel felt a rise of indignation. Turning to the boy, she forced a patient smile.
"Of course, if you guys just wanted to hang out by yourself I can go to the Slytherin Common Room. I'm sure there'll be someone there to talk to, even on Christmas Break. But you'll just have to point me the way. Normally my friends would take me there, but they're all gone home for the holidays, which is a bit disappointing. And this huge castle is easy to get lost in!" She laughed. For a moment no one spoke, so desperate to convince them to take her along, she turned to the boy again.
"I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name," she said apologetically.

[shinypenny31]

"Oh , my name is Ender." he replied to Rachel. "I don't think Rayne minds if you come. "Ender said glancing at Rayne. Ender felt a little sorry for the Rachel. She seemed sorta lonely. Ender knew what that felt like and he didn't want her to feel that way. Ender enjoyed her smile. It made him feel awkward though. As if she knew exactly what he was thinking. Ender smiled back at her. "I don't know the way though." Ender remarked. "Rayne can show us the way."

Ender turned to Rayne. He felt bad for making the decision without her approval. He doubted she would mind but he would need to be more loyal in the future. He was just so desperate to make friends. The Room of Requirements would make for a fun day. The three of them would have a good time. Her turned to look at Rachel and then back at Rayne waiting for her to lead the way to the Room of Requirements.

[Rayne Hamilton R3]

((sorry about the delay I had a ton of work dropped on me))

Rayne was relieved that Ender had expressed such interest in her favorite room. It was rare that others expressed interest in things she enjoyed and that he was so willing to try something new meant that he jumped a few notches of cool in her book. Rayne was about to lead the way when she heard footsteps approach. She really hoped it would be someone she liked and knew but chances are it wouldn't.

Sure enought it was a slytherin; a pretty slytherin but in Raynes opinion she blew that little girl out of the water. And she knew a few boys who would agree with her, her new friend Vlad would definately agree. She watched in disgust as the girl introduced herself, primarily to Ender and flirted with him asking playfully if she could tag along. Much to Rayne's surprise and delight he left it up to her. Rayne stayed quiet waiting to see if the girl would react like she suspected she would and sure enough like she had expected Rachel looked annoyed that Ender didn't jump at her offer to hang out with just her.

Rayne supressed a smirk that Ender was waiting for her. She didn't own Ender in fact she had just met him. However she had a bad feeling about this Rachel chick and she didn't want Ender to be alone with him. Girls like Rachel ate mens spirits. Rachel was what Rayne liked to call bad whores. Girls who were so obsessed with boys and so used to getting anyone they wanted that they would do anything to get the ones that said no. She made a mental note to warn Vlad. He was cute and no doubt if Rachel ever set her sights to him he would be in definate trouble.

Rayne realized she'd stayed quiet for a little longer then she wanted to. She also realized Ender wanted friends and didn't see Rachel the way she saw her. Ender saw her as a potential friend and that could be dangerous. Rachel asked Ender his name but since she was still a part of this group Rayne broke her long silence to address the girl. "And my name is Rayne. It's nice to meet you Rachel you can join us if you wish. Follow me and we'll go to the Room of Requirements."

[jess4ever]

"Rayne, that's an unsual name. Very pretty though. Thanks for letting me tag along," Rachel purred, smiling sweetly. She knew from the uncomfortable expression on Rayne's face that the girl didn't like her at all, but Rachel didn't care. Ender had decided to let her join them without Rayne's approval, and to Rachel, that was a great start.
"I've never been to the Room of Requirements before, what's it like?" She said sociably, linking arms with him.

"I suppose there are hundreds or rooms in this huge school that I haven't got the faintest clue about," she continued cheerfully after a moment, smiling at Rayne, and then turning to Ender. This is kind of fun, Rachel thought, glancing between the opposite expressions in Ender and Rayne's faces. She knew Ender would definately choose Rayne over her at the moment, since they were friends longer and in the same house, but that would soon change. She could offer Ender so much more than Rayne could, and he would be a good companion, especially since he had no other friends and could focus his entire attention onto her. He would be a good distraction until her friends returned.
"So how long have you two known each other?" She asked, looking up at Ender.

[shinypenny31]

Rayne didn't look thrilled with Rachels coming but she did not comment on the mattter. She said that Rachel should come so that meant she was alright with it though. But there was not a smile on her face. But Ender was happy. He now possibly had two friends. Two friends in one day. That was a step for him.

Rachel asked what the room was like and to that Ender had no anwser. She then linked arms with Ender. Ender's heart skipped a beat when she touched him. He was feeling all weird inside. "Well...I guess me and Rayne are pushing on 5 minutes." he said laughing. They started to follow Rayne toward the Room of Requirements. Ender and Rachel's arms were still linked and he didn't mind. He actually liked it. He was getting attention and that was very rare at Hogwarts. Not for long anyways. He WAS going to make a lot of friends this year. "So...We almost there?" he asked shortly after they had begun.

[Rayne Hamilton R3]

Rayne realized from the looks on Rachels and Enders faces that she must not have a happy expression on her face. She quickly changed that and made sure she was smiling. She really liked Ender, he would make a great friend she could tell from the way he acted when they first met. She didn't want her personal dislike of the girl to interfere with her possible new friendship with the boy. So for his sake she'd refrain from saying anything too terribly mean to the girl that didn't mean she didn't have to like her.

She walked ahead since it seemed like she was the only one in the group that actually knew her way around the school. That wasn't a bad thing at least it meant she was in charge for the time being. Of course she had a sneaking suspision that if Rachel had her way Rayne wouldn't even be in the picture. That was something she couldn't tolerate not at all.

Rayne looked back to make sure they were following. Much to Rayne's displeasure Rachel had linked arms with Ender. Rayne kept her expression completely void of expression as she continued on after about 3 minutes they arrived at the place where the door would appear. Rayne passed in front of the door three times waiting for the door to appear. It finally did she was satisfied that Ender would find it entertaing she wasn't sure about Rachel but she didn't care. She wished Vlad were here at least then there'd be two friendly faces. "After you two." She said a smile still plastered on her face as she waved the two in.

[jess4ever]

Rachel smiled broadly as she walked down the long corridors. She could tell Ender was enjoying her company, and her attention, and she loved Rayne's stony expression. This was survival of the fittest, and she would win.

"Wow, you've only known each other five minutes? You could've told me a year and I wouldn't have blinked an eye," she said, smiling up at Ender. Rayne began to walk in front of them, leading their way. For now Rayne had the power because she knew where they were going, but that would soon change. Suddenly they reached their destination, and Rachel smirked when a door that appeared after Rayne passed in front of it three times.
"After you two," Rayne said, a forced smile on her face.

Rachel walked past Rayne without a word and looked up at the room. She could tell Ender was impressed, and even though she only found it mildly fascinating, she wanted Ender to think she was enjoying herself. Especially when it was clear Rayne wasn't.
"This is wonderful!" Rachel cooed, squeezing Ender's hand excitedly. She smiled at him and then glanced smugly over at Rayne. Rachel one, Rayne zero.

[Rayne Hamilton R3]

Rayne realized that Rachel could see through her defences that if she kept this up Rachel would win. Survival of the fittest and Rayne was loosing that wasn't something she could let happen. Rayne forced herself to loosen up not something that was hard all she had to do was think about her new best friend and Vlad. That brought a real smile to her face and that was a start. As long as she wasn't forcing a smile she could fool the others into thinking she was having a great time just like Rachel was undoubtedly doing. Unfortunately Rachel was probably enjoying the male attention she was getting from Ender and how much of a responce, or rather lack of since Rayne was shut up tight behind her defences, that she was getting out of Rayne.

Rayne with a real smile on her face now walked into the room since Ender and Rachel had followed her instructions and went in first. Rayne was happy with her little creation the room was cozy and there were bean bag chairs along with a bunch of other places to sit. There were games that primarily only muggles played and games that only wizards played. There were even games that Rayne had never seen before because they originated in other countries. Rayne walked up to a checkerboard it seemed like it would be a good game to play and there was a high chance that Rachel wouldn't know what it was since most pure bloods didn't associate with the muggle things. "Hey Ender want to play?" She asked her friend sending a smug look to Rachel letting her know she was clearly not wanted.

[jess4ever]

Rachel turned around when she heard Rayne's question. Throwing a pitying look at the pathetic attempt to get her to leave, she noticed Rayne had a genuine smile. This would not do at all. If Rayne was having fun, then Ender would never realise how awful she really was, and how wonderful Rachel was. Smiling up at Ender, she gave his hand another squeeze.
"Yes, you have to, Ender," she said encouragingly, giving Rayne and then Ender, a radient smile.
"I'm afraid I don't know the rules very well, though. Maybe I could sit next to you, Ender, and you could teach me as you and Rayne play," she suggested cheerfully.

Smiling smugly at Rayne, Rachel walked over and pushed a chair over to next to the checkerboard. She motioned Ender to sit next to her.
"Come on, Rayne, show us what you've got," she said, smiling. There was no way she was going to lose.

[hakhuraziel]

Vlad strolled aimlessly along a winding corridor, his kitty Strike scurried to keep up in a silent bombardment of tiny furry paws bouncing along the flat marble floor. He was in no real hurry to get to the room he was headed for, and he enjoyed wandering the halls for the ever present possibility of excitement or unexpected encounter fascinated him, and sometimes even scared him a little.

This was not the case today. with no surprises or hint of mystery, he plodded on down the last hall to the room he visited atleast once a week. Bypassing the room of requirements, he did not fully glance in but heard the faint murmur of people speaking as the door was open, and sound was travelling ever so well in the dead, empty shell winter. He was quite visible to the people inside the room of requirements, maybe they saw him... did he care?

He was too busy scuffling for the key he'd been given as all the music students had, to this special room. He finally found it in the front pocket of his smart jacket, most obvious place checked last, as always... and clunked it through the lock, swinging the beast of a door open creaking and whining as the thick wood swung.

His dull eyes gleamed as he approached the grand piano, built into the wall itself it was a grand fixture which throughout his youth he could not even have dreamed to have access to. This is why he dressed so smartly just for a practice playing, he had total respect for this instrument. It was shiney and polished, oak he presumed, the keys a clear white almost metallic so shiney, and the seat a propped leather stool engraved with odd runic symbols perhaps chinese in origin.

He removed his jacket and laid it on the back of the seat neatly, and sat down rolling the exaggerated sleeves of his white shirt. His hands were outstretched across the top of the keys, almost afraid to touch them. He knew he had to play well, he would be insulting the perfection of the instrument and its creators if he did not himself play perfectly. He exhaled a deep breath and relaxed himself, settling his nerves. As usual he began in a minor key, and was playing a sad chord progression, very much influenced by the music from Rayne's music box in the courtyard, though his own interpretation.

The piano glowed softly and all around the room it lit with a sad pale blue, which circulated and pulsed. The song was so sad, and all Vlad could think about was his mother and where she was, he was especially passionate because of his loneliness. He hasn't shut the door to the room, and it was definitely loud enough to reach the room of requirements, though he himself was lost, looking down into nothing in a kind of slouch, he played into the evening.

[jess4ever]

Rachel was still feeling smug when she saw a familiar figure walking past the Room of Requirements. It looked like Vlad, someone she had met before. Realising what this meant, she turned back to Rayne.
"Oh, Rayne - was that your friend Vlad who just past?" She asked, her voice dripping in sweetness. A beautiful strand of music floated into the room, and Rachel felt herself smiling.
"Maybe you should go and ask him to join us," she said, getting excited. If Rayne left to go and get Vlad, then she'd be alone with Ender for a few minutes. If she didn't, then Rachel would just go and get him herself...which she knew Rayne would definately not like.
"Or, if you don't want to, I can go get him. Don't you think it'll be more fun if Vlad is here too?" She asked, looking at Rayne expectedly.