Sunbathing in Moonlight ((Maryn))

[Jack Rendel S5]

Jack took his first step on the Hogwarts Grounds, breathing in deeply the smell of the grass and the misty air. He loved it out here; much better then the dungeon in the castle. Although he was used to it now, he still enjoyed the outdoors. If only he could sleep out here....He knew he couldn't but as he walked off toward the lake, it became more and more tempting. The water reflected the moon and the stars clear enough. Jack sat down on the edge, swishing the water around with his feet. His shoes became wet in moments but he wasn't upset at it. He could aways dry them off with a spell. How good it was to use magic again! Jack lay back in the grass, breathing in the lush smell. Others were around the grounds too, he could hear their voices but not well enough to make out what they were saying. He was feeling happy and a warm tingle was spreading through his body.

He was finally home! It sunk in slowly, Jack savoring every part of it. He would be where he belonged, with people worthy of his attention and those who....weren't. He didn't care how many mudbloods there were this year, he could handle them. They were so weak and vulnerable to attack, it sometimes took the fun out of it. But, there were Slytherins too! The worthy. Padme was in it too. Mack and Dix and all his other friends were going to be there. The only part he wasn't looking forward to was classes. He wished he could get longer time to relax in Hogwarts. Instead, he would have to put his mind to work already! He grabbed up some grass, pulled it out of the ground, and tossed it into the air. It landed on him, his face and stomach. He reached over, wiped it off and then lay back down, relaxing his head.

Dumbledore's welcome speech had been different and Jack had almost laughed at it. The Houses, unit? What was that old fool thinking now? That people would walk hand in hand through the corridors, laughing and talking with a friendly smile? Jack chuckled now, his laugh rippling across the silvery water. How good it felt to laugh without any doubts! He wasn't at all worried about the train attack. Only the fact that the Death Eaters had attacked a Slytherin! Kris Graas. Jack didn't know him very well, except with an episode by the lake with Mack that had ended with him throwing her in. Jack remembered this vividly. Kris was a good Slytherin, it seemed, worthy and respectable. Although with that temper of his....Jack wasn't sure exactly what had happened to him, although he had no wish to go to the Hospital Wing and find out. He had heard, rumors, that he was in critical condition but who knew if that was actually true. Word spread across Hogwarts so fast.... Jack was so deep in his thoughts that he didn't hear someone approach behind him.

[Maryn Livley]

Maryn quickly walked out of the Great Hall without looking back. Her group of friends kept trying to comfort her. Saying things like "We're alive, thats all that matters" or "Don't worry." Maryn was worried. She knew that things could only get worse now that Death Eaters attacked the train. Maryn always thought that if she was ever near a Hogwarts professor she would be safe. Now, she knew better, but she wished so badley that things were that way. Maryn would often tell herself it's a dream the whole war is a dream, but she knew it wasn't. It was for real and she had to learn to deal with it.

As she walked, she couldn't help but touch the red cut on her face. She had been in the back of the train during the attack. She could vividly remeber the events of the day. She heard people scream "Death Eaters" in the hall and she retreated towards the window. But, charms spat every way and before she knew it she was covered in glass.
Maryn couldn't help but thinking "I look weak." as she started running to the lake. Maryn was usually a strong person, but after the Hufflepuff died she felt different. Maryn just needed to get away from the other students for awhile. She thought that might make her feel better.

She continued running to her favorite place at the school. She often visited the lake to be alone. She had so many friends around her all the time that sometimes she just needed some alone time. As she approached the blue waters she noticed a figure in her spot. "Someones found it already." Maryn thought. She knew other students often came there.
Maryn walked closer and she decided to be nice. "Beautiful night." She said. She now saw who she was talking to. It was a boy in Slytherin robes. The fact that he was in Slytherin didn't bother her right then. She just didn't want to be rude.