An uneventful evening. (Rayne+ any)

[hakhuraziel]

It wasn't the best of days for Vlad, Christmas being a time of reflection and the school emptier than ever. He could hear his footsteps in an ongoing echo like a pebble skimming across a pond, even for the loners not having people around was a real downer, but atleast a lot of the jerks had gone home, spoilt brats, they'd all come back in january with new goodies and an extra couple of knotches into their belt buckle to compensate for all that festive food stuffed down their piggish throats.

He and Rayne had agreed to meet for dinner, it was a mutual agreement since they'd now met a couple of times and had felt the desolation of winter at Hogwarts for the past 2 years. Vlad was not sure how he felt about her, it was all still very much in the air and though he'd love a friend, he was hesitant to close the gap he'd created around himself from other people, it was a comfort zone and it meant he was always self sufficient and was always in control of how he felt because he was all that mattered, kind of selfish in a way. Plus she'd been as warm as supper on one occasion, then stone cold sour the the next... he arrived at the great hall and chose not to give it much more thought for the time being. He saw a couple of Hufflepuffs and a few other students dotted around the room, the arching walls and floating candles lit up the enormity of the room, and he sighed with the same feelings of emptiness that christmas always exfoliates, this huge room made it even worse. He couldn't see Rayne and wondered where she could be, she probably wasn't even going to show up, oh well he did enjoy a nice relaxing meal and atleast he would not need to think so hard about what to say, or rather what not to say. Don't get your hopes up Vlad, he thought, it's just another Christmas at Hogwarts. He removed his jacket and took a seat, his shirt was white with large drooping sleeved and a big sharp collar. He poured himself a glass of water and waited.

[jess4ever]

Rachel glanced around The Great Hall, blowing a stray strand of black hair out of her face. Lost in thought, she touched the large diamond necklace her father had given her, and smiled. It was a beautiful necklace, and she appreciated the gesture. However, she would've appreciated it more if her parents had thought of taking her with them on holidays for Christmas break. They had decided, at the last minute while Rachel had been packing her bags for Christmas Break, to go on an exotic holiday in which they wouldn't return until after school had begun. Which meant Rachel had to stay at Hogwarts. She had thrown a tantrum, begged them, bargained with them but they had refused. Eventually her father had relented and sent her the gorgeous necklace in an act of repentence from the far away country they were in, but Rachel felt betrayed. However, Rachel was not one for feeling sorry for herself. She was one for revenge, and had done so in sending back an envelope of broken diamonds. Her father had, of course, thought she had broken the necklace because she hated him and her mother, and begged for her forgiveness. She had relented, and the three were now back on good terms. When they returned she would tell them she hadn't destroyed the necklace, but for now, she was just happy they saw her point of view. Smiling again, she enjoyed the weight of it on her neck, but most of all, she loved the envious glances she was receiving as she sauntered past the large dining tables.

Walking slowly down the Hall she glanced around, trying to find someone she could sit with. Since the break had started, all her friends had gone to be with their families. Narrowing her large brown eyes, Rachel tried to decide who was appropriate to sit with. There was one guy from Stlytherin house that she knew, but she couldn't bear to have a conversation with.
"Complete bore," she thought to herself. Passing a group of Hufflepuffs, she wrinkled her nose. She would rather sit with The Bore than that group. Suddenly, she spotted a guy sitting by himself. As she neared him, she realised he was a Hufflepuff. A cute Hufflepuff. A cute Hufflepuff who looked lonely. Pausing, she decided that even if he was inferior, he might be worth some connection one day. Passing the Slytherin table, she checked her appearance once more and pasted on a bright smile.
"Hi, is anyone sitting here?" She asked.

[Rayne Hamilton R3]

Rayne looked in her mirror at her hair it was curly and bushy and completely un manageable. Lucky for her she knew a spell that would straighten it. It was one of the more useful spells her mother had taught her. After it was straightened she put it into pigtails pulling two one inch thick strands out at the front and turned them red to contrast the natural blue black of the rest of her hair. Satisfied she'd done all she could about her hair she made sure her clothes were alright and looked good. Satisfied she had done all she could to look as good as she could without seeming to try she started to make her way to the Great Hall.

She was happy that Vlad was giving her a third chance. He had owled her two days ago asking if she wanted to have lunch over the Holidays. Rayne happily accepted. After the Courtyard incident where she had tried to start a fight with him she had thought he would just cut every tie with her. She was happier then ever that he was going to give her another chance to prove herself.

Once down in the Great Hall she looked around for Vlad. She spotted him almost immediately he was alone. Although not for long because before she could make her way over another girl got there first. By the looks of her she was rich as she was sporting a very beautiful yet sort of gaudy looking diamond necklace. SHe was also probably slytherin most of the really rich kids were in Slytherin after all. A surge of jealousy went through Rayne but she quickly squashed it after all the girl might just be being nice to Vlad. And anyway even if she was interested in Vlad Rayne had no claim to him and he could go for whomever he pleased. Rayne realized she had stopped walking after seeing the girl and after she realized this she resumed walking towards her friend and the stranger. "Hey Vlad sorry I'm late." She turned to the other girl. "Oh hello who are you?" She hoped that didn't come out too catty but wasn't sure she cared if it did.

[hakhuraziel]

Vlad clasped the glass of water between his boney fingers, there was a slight shake in his right hand cos it was fairly cold, Hogwarts made use of fires and insulation well, but in the Great Hall the task of heating always seemed neglected.

As Rachel had approached, Vlad had presumed from the ever-closening footsteps that it was Rayne, but was too timid to turn and have a look. Rachel asked to sit down, as he heard her voice he half turned and glanced at her out the corner of his eye, before fully turning after a couple of seconds of 'is she really talking to me?'.

The first thing he noticed was the necklace around her neck, which he thought was beautiful if not a little belittling in intention, as he noticed next she was a Slytherine he concluded this was probably the case. His next almost-instinctive reaction was to look around and check that she wasn't part of a group of friends who had dared her to come over and talk to him, for their own amusement, but the Hall was way too empty for that, and she looked pretty stranded.

'My.. friend, Rayne, is meeting me here soon, did you want to join us?'. As he spoke her name out loud, he heard the footsteps he had been expecting and didn't even have to turn around to know Rayne had arrived. He saw Rachels eyes scan over her and wondered if they perhaps knew each other, maybe Rayne had invited a friend along cos of his inability to hold a conversation.

The usual self doubts rolled through his mind like a steam train. Oh well, it was too late to be a coward, these might be the only friend he had this year, he had to just do his best to make a good impression, and if they were just playing him like a fool, he was still distant enough to cut them off.

Rayne apologised for being late, Vlad nodded his head towards her with a 'that's ok, but erm yeah... you're late' expression. He smiled at her slightly then looked at the table to see what had been laid out for dinner. He decided to get the ball rolling. 'Why's everyone standing around, come and have a seat if you want'. The benches around him were completely empty and he waited to see where they'd sit, he noticed Rayne looking at Rachel in a way that was almost assessing her, and then asking her who she was in a kind of catty tone, but he wasn't sure how she'd take it. He knew she hated Slytherin so more likely than not, but he wasn't too fond of them himself, and it being christmas and all decided to let the usual hostility cease.

He looked at Rayne to see where she would sit.

[Rayne Hamilton R3]

Rayne noticed when she arrived that Vlad sent her a yeah you're late look. In return she sent him an apologetic look before looking to Rachel. Rayne was waiting for her to make a move. The whole situation screamed of tension for her. Maybe she was making too many assumptions about this girl yeah she was Slytherin but Rayne shouldn't let her predjudices about that house cloud her judgment about one person. After all maybe she was a nice Slytherin. She'd met about one of those but she knew they happened they were just few and far between. Still she should be nice and give Rachel the benifit of the doubt. She wouldn't apologize for sounding Catty because she wasn't sure if they picked up on it but she would keep a civil tongue until given a reason not to.

Rayne smiled as Vlad tried to break the ice between the three of them. There was no ice between herself and Vlad but throw a stranger into the equation and both of them shut down a little. It was part of the reason she'd gotten to know Vlad in the first place he was a lot like her in some ways and they were completely different people in others. She noticed he was looking to her after he asked why they were standing around and not sitting. She took that as an invitation to sit next to him. She stepped around Rachel and sat next to Vlad sitting on his left. That still left his right side open and the seat across from him was left open. She wondered where Rachel would sit. "You can sit down love we don't bite." Truthfully speaking Rayne did bite but only if she was in a knock down drag out fight with another person. Rachel and Vlad didn't need to know that though so she kept that thought to herself.

[jess4ever]

Rachel smiled easily, walked over to the other seat next to Vlad that was free and sat down. She thought she recognised Rayne, and found it hilarious that the girl had already been catty to her. Suddenly, she decided taht Vlad was no longer just someone who could do something for her someday. She wanted him.

Taking a sip of water, she turned towards Vlad.
"Thanks so much for letting me sit here. My friends are gone for the break so I don't really have anywhere else to go," she said, smiling reluctantly. Taking another sip, she glanced at Vlad before turning to Rayne. A awkward pause followed, in which Rachel decided she needed to do something to make them relax.
"Oh, Rayne, is it? Sorry, I just have to tell you, I have been admiring your hair since you arrived, is that your natural colour? Well, the black," she said, laughing. After purposely scannig Rayne's face, she nodded briskly.
"Here, take this. It'll look much better on you than me, and will complement your features nicely." Rachel took off the necklace and handed it over to the girl.
"My father gave it to me, but I'm afraid it's a bit large for my taste. He's a big believer in if you're rich than you should show it off, but I think that that line of reasoning is a bit obnoxious. I believe if you're wealthy you should share it around to the people less fortunate," she said earnestly, leaning forward. She purposefully kept her eyes on Rayne, only briefly turning and smiling at Vlad.
"Don't you agree?"

[Rayne Hamilton R3]

Rayne had heard a muggle saying once that went 'First impressions are often entirely wrong.' Whoever wrote that was very wrong when it came to Rachel Mason. Everything she had thought about this girl was in fact entirely true. Like Rayne figured Rachel took the seat to Vlad's right so that he was sandwiched in between the two. She was also a stuck up snob just like Rayne had predicted. Rayne could also tell that Rachel now wanted Vlad. Rayne didn't own Vlad but she was starting to like him and she'd be damned if she'd let Vlad get eaten alive by this wench of a girl.

Rayne laughed when Rachel asked her if the black was her real hair color. "No the red in my hair is the natural color I just painted the rest black to fit in with girls like you." She was being sarcastic of course but with her tone of voice you wouldn't be able to tell.

Rayne suppressed a laugh when Rachel took off her necklace and handed it over to her. She knew that Rachel was trying to offend her with her comments about her hair and sharing with the less fortunate. Rayne knew she wasn't poor. In fact she was one of the richest girls in school thanks to her grandmothers inheritance and her parents hard work. So she didn't let the girls words get to her. Instead she accepted the necklace. "Why thank you it's a lovely necklace." She frowned as she looked down at all the diamonds. "I'm afraid it's not to my tastes love but don't worry it's easily fixable." Before anyone could say anything Rayne took out her wand and muttered a spell. The result was that the gaudy diamond necklace was transfigured to a black satin ribbon. "Oh that's much better." Rayne took out the ribbons that were originally in her hair and replaced it with the newly transfigured ribbon. She couldn't keep her hair in pigtails any longer but it was so worth it.

"Don't worry love I know it's black and doesn't show in my hair at the moment but when I turn my hair back to it's 'natural' color it'll show up marvelously." She said leaning past Vlad to pick up a bread roll and some pudding. She wasn't very hungry but felt since she had been invited by Vlad to eat lunch that she should eat something.

[jess4ever]

"Oh, I'm sorry, I should've guessed that red was your natural colour. And that...um...ribbon will look lovely when you do go back to your natural colour," Rachel murmured, her face a portrait of wounded innocence. Instead, however, she was bubbling over. This couldn't have gone better. Rayne had all-out insulted her, and turned her beautiful necklace into a ribbon to spite her. All in front of Vlad!

"Oh, wait a minute...did you think? Oh, dear, I'm so sorry! I didn't realise what I said before came out in such a horrid way. I wasn't giving that necklace to you as an act of charity Rayne! That would be awful of me. I honestly thought it would good on you. But I suppose that ribbon looks better," Rachel said, her eyes shining. She blinked them back, and gave Rayne a shaky smile. Play on the emotions, she thought. Reaching for her glass, she took a quick sip of water.
"Well, I see you two want to be left alone, I'm sorry for interrupting..." she said, about to rise. This was a dangerous move, she knew. If Rayne agreed, then Vlad would see how much better Rachel was, however if Vlad agreed, she would have to leave. She looked apologetically at Vlad, lowering her eyes. Turning to Rayne, she gave her one last wounded, yet distinctively brave look, and began to gather her things.

[hakhuraziel]

The awkward silence was broken by the clink of the jug on Vlad's glass as he poured himself a second glass of water. Now with one girl either side of him, and an atmosphere staler than his old muggle schools cafeteria food, he had to think of something to say.

Although the way girls talked to each other could often confuse Vlad, and their ability to go from friends to fists in an invisible shift would wreak havoc on him when trying to understand a situation, but he wasn't a complete idiot and got the jist of it.

He'd seen the way Rayne acted towards him, he owed credit to the sorting hat for pointing out deep down she was not of Slytherin substance, so he could respect her. Still unsure if the girls had met, and barely knowing Rachel, all he knew was she was from Slitherin, and not to be trusted, and if Rayne felt she was up to something... which was quite apparent in Rayne's hostility towards her, he should atleast consider it a possibility that Rachel wasn't just there for a mutually benefical chat. Oh well, whatever.. he seriously couldn't be bothered with social complications right now.

He was about to speak his mind and just tell the two of them to drop it, but he still couldn't tell what was going on. He was also kind of intimidated by girls, being a developing young man and all this kind of situation was pretty much a nightmare, and he'd probably be blushing if his skin was less pale. His eyes stayed staring at his plate, which was still empty.. sipping his water he didn't know what to do.

The two girls fight became more apparent as Rachel was preparing to leave, had Rayne been right about her and now her cover was blown? Was she simply offended by Rayne's imposing and untrusting attitude, which Vlad himself had been on the end of before in the courtyard.

He thought, with it being christmas and all, a joke would unsettle the mood. 'Please stay, it's not often find ladies swarming around me'. Vlad kind of choked on his words since it was fairly true, but also cos he thought he'd made himself look like an idiot. He leaned over and whispered to Rayne, 'what's going on?'.

[Rayne Hamilton R3]

Rayne concealed a smile as Rachel was getting up to leave. She knew Vlad well enough to know that he wouldn't think any less of her for her little show of cattiness towards the Slytherin. She'd yelled at him and told him to bugger off on one occasion and he'd forgiven her so her attitude towards someone he didn't know wouldn't affect his opinion of her.

When Vlad asked the girl to stay and made a joke about it she just smiled politely and responded "yes please stay we didn't mean to make you feel unwelcome." Even though what she really wanted was to curse the girl to high heaven. She wondered vaguely why she didn't like the other girl. Maybe it was her competitive nature or maybe it was just because this girl was a slytherin. Maybe it was because she could see what Vlad couldn't. This girl was bad news and Rayne knew she only wanted Vlad because Rayne wanted him.

She sent Rachel a very catty smile as Vlad leaned over and whispered into her ear. She wondered if Rachel could hear him but she doubted it so she sent her a very smug look before whispering back. "She's trying to win your heart and is trying to make me out to be the wicked witch of the west is my guess love."

[jess4ever]

Rachel laughed as she sat back down.
"Thanks Vlad, Rayne," she said, taking her goblet of water and taking a swig. Turning to Rayne, she decided it was best to be direct. Or at least, pretend to be direct.
"I understand why you're...uncertain, Rayne. Yes, I'm a Slytherin. But a wise woman once said, 'while most Dark wizards are Slytherins, most Slytherins are not Dark'. I'm just here because I wanted someone to talk to, and Vlad seemed interesting and was alone. And I appreciate that you allow me to stay, Rayne. Once again, I'm sorry if I insulted you," she said, smiling.
"You can trust me."

Another pause followed, and Rachel ate some of her pudding. Her temper flared as Rayne whispered something in Vlad's ear. She strained to listen, but all she could hear was the word, "wicked". She really disliked this Rayne girl. She and her catty ways. All she wanted to do was alienate her from her friend, possibly steal him from her since it was clear there was some history between them. Was that so wrong?

Watching them closely, she decided her best bet was to make Rayne uncomfortable. Maybe Vlad too. How they answered this question could make things very interesting.
"So, are you guys going out or something?" She asked innocently, taking another mouthful of water.

[hakhuraziel]

Vlad coughed amusingly as he swallowed a lump of water when Rachel asked the question of whether he and Rayne were going out. 'No, we're not' he responded almost instantly to her, then looked at Rayne to see whether she was offended by such an allegation, or amused, or whatever.

Ofcourse there was an awkward silence then, and Rayne looked on the verge of saying something. Vlad filled the gap, 'how about you, any boys to speak of?'.

[jess4ever]

Rachel grinned inwardly at the immediate response, and how Vlad then glanced over at Rayne. The pause that followed only intensified her happiness.
"No, I'm single," she said, grinning lazily at both of them as she took another bite of her pudding.
"I'm taking a bit of a break from boyfriends at the moment. They're so much worked!" She quipped, giggling. If she could make them believe she wasn't interested in Vlad, it would be much easier for them to trust her. And then she could get Vlad.

"Do you have a boyfriend, Rayne? Or, a girlfriend, Vlad?" She asked, covering her smile with another sip of water.

[hakhuraziel]

Vlad had never spoken to a girl about her relationships before, and was interested Rachel was being so open. 'A break? You've had quite a few then, enough to grow tired of them?'. Vlad hoped that didn't seem insulting, saying she'd been around a lot or anything, but he wasn't about to be victim to any subtle hints that she was interested in him, he had eyes for someone else to be honest.

'Nah not me, i'm single, always have been.' He was boringly honest, and waited to see if Rayne had a boyfriend, and maybe get some conversation flowing, plus he really wanted to know.

[Rayne Hamilton R3]

Rayne had a million responses for Rachels comment about Raynes distrust towards her. Rayne's distrust was not fueled because Rachel was a slytherin but because Rachel was the way she was. To Rayne Rachel was everything she despised in a human being. She was sneaky catty and rich used to getting whatever it was she wanted. Rachel was the epitome of the whole reason she was such a loner most days.

Rachel then asked if she and Vlad were dating. She was a little sad when Vlad quickly replied no and she didn't even see him glance towards her. She was fuming who the hell was this little wench to come in and try to take away everything she'd worked for. Rayne was not a social person for the most part she loved her privacy and people just didn't interest her. The only person she'd ever willingly struck a conversation with was sitting to her right and acting like the idea of them dating was prepostorous. Of course at this moment it kinda was they'd only talked twice before so she didn't expect them to start dating right away but she could see it happening down the road.

Then Rachel asked if either of them had a boyfriend or girlfriend. SHe was happy to note Vlad said no that meant that maybe just maybe she'd have a chance. Twirling her hair between her fingers a bit she looked straight at Vlad and then Rachel. "I don't have a boyfriend no. Present company excluded most boys are immature and not worth my time."

[jess4ever]

"Yes, I've had a few," Rachel laughed, "and that's cool about you being single," she said. Rachel could tell from Vlad's answers and expression that he wasn't into her or what she was saying, but she wasn't about to give up. The looks Rayne had been giving her were too good. Vlad was a challenge, and that was one thing she hadn't had for a while.
"And yes, most boys are completely immature, Rayne. I don't know why we even bother," she laughed.

"But do you guys like each other? You don't have to answer, I just thought maybe you did, from how you're looking at each other..." She knew she was pushing it, but this was too much fun.

[hakhuraziel]

Typical of a Slytherin to strangle an awkward situation until there was nothing left but sheer embarrassment, Vlad really didn't want to be here.

He sat back and looked around the room like he had some kind of other agenda, but blatantly didn't really. 'Oh.. i think i should get going, i had some.. some music to practice'. He swallowed the rest of his water and smartened his jacket, he looked like he was about to leave unless someone could give him decent reason to stay, which was unlikely considering how under pressure he was. He knew he hadn't answered her question, which was kind of an answer enough in itself, and something better left avoided. Atleast until the time was right.

[jess4ever]

"I'm sorry, that's a stupid question. Please don't leave," Rachel said, grimacing as she realised how close she had come to ruining things.
"I won't mention it again," she promised, touching his hand in a friendly gesture. She could've kicked herself. The last thing she wanted was for him to leave or be embarrassed. Rayne would only leave as well.

"So, um...what are you guys doing after lunch?" She asked smoothly, trying to get them both to relax.

[Rayne Hamilton R3]

A million responses flew through Rayne's mind after Rachel asked the very awkward question of do they like each other. A million things she wanted to do. One thing she wanted to do was deck Rachel she just wanted to get up and beat this girl to the ground for making her friend almost leave. Another part wanted to get up and leave herself without saying anything to either of them. Another response one she really wished she had the guts to do was to say 'yes yes I do like him.' Then pull him into a deep kiss. The only thing stopping her was that she wasn't sure how Vlad would take it. She would be doing it because she genuinely liked him but Vlad and Rachel would see it as a way to spite the other girl. Admittedly it would be fun to see Rachel's face as she kissed the boy Rachel was vying for but she didn't want to ruin things with Vlad. So she kept her mouth shut.

Even though Rachel touched his hand and asked him to stay Rayne wasn't sure it was enough to keep him and to be truthful she hoped it wasn't. So she leaned in close so only he could hear her. "don't leave me." She turned to Rachel "We aren't sure yet what we're doing anything you'd like to do?" She asked politely. She then realized she was still excruciatingly close to Vlad so she moved back giving him space.

[hakhuraziel]

It seemed neither of them wanted him to leave. He didn't care at that particular moment, he pulled away from his seat and was tugged softly back by Rachels hand on his, he glanced at her and she apologised for being so direct. Vlad didn't respond to her, he just turned to leave again, which was sort of rude but if you knew Vlad you knew it was just him panicking.

Then Rayne leant towards him and whispered 'don't leave me', he froze and looked into her eyes which were sympathetic and like she didn't even care that Rachel was still there. He froze all motion which was towards the door, and was on the edge of his seat with Raynes face a couple of inches from his ear. He turned to face her and struggled to make the eye contact, he kind of just stared at her forehead for a while as a cheap substitute. This didn't last long as her eyes mesmerised him and they looked genuinely kind and caring.

'I'm sorry' he said, after a pause which may have even looked like they were about to kiss, from where Rachel was sitting, and then he stood up and immediately walked off, very quietly and didn't look back. He needed time to think.