Rain Will Fall (Open to Anyone)

[Maryn Livley]

"Uhh." Maryn called stumbling out of the castle. Those great big doors just had a mind of their own, didn't they? Maryn wasn't strong enough to control them and they nearly pushed her to the ground. Well, that was life. I shoulda just used my wand. She thought giving out a sigh. Oh, well. Maryn continued to stumble down the steps leading away from the castle. Today isn't my day, is it? Well, it didn't seem to be so. Maryn could feel the clouds around her. They so desperately promised rain, but she didn't care. Since when did a little water hurt anyone? It didn't. Maryn wasn't the type of girl to freak at the slightest drop of rain or gag when she got dirt on her shirt. She was a muggle born outdoors type of girl. Well, except for her ballet. But, besides that Maryn loved to play softball and ride her horse, Casey. Nope, dirt and water had never been her enemy. In fact, Maryn couldn't recall a time where she hadn't been tempted to run in the rain. So, why start now?

The rain wasn't nearly ready to fall, but Maryn didn't care. It would come when it was time and she was perfectly fine just walking about the grounds. Maryn's pony tail bounced behind her as she strolled about. She made her way towards the lake. The waters were a deep blue, green color that sort of flickered when you turned your head. True, it wasn't the prettiest water Maryn had ever seen, but it was still pretty. The castle grounds always made her glad. It was a weird sort of glad, though. Maryn was glad she had the chance to come to the mountains every year and enjoy Hogwarts. She was glad that she became the witch in her family and not Mercy. Although, Maryn knew she was a bit selfish for this though. Mercy wanted nothing more to be special like she thought Maryn was. Maryn knew this, but this just made her more glad that Hogwarts was something she had the chance to experience.

The skies were getting darker but Maryn didn't dare turn back. She could smell the rain getting closer. Maryn wanted it to pour over her. How she loved the way it touched her skin. Maryn remembered back to months before when she and Rosaliz had ventured out to do the same thing. Back then, she was oh so confused. About, well, everything under the sun. But, now, Maryn knew who she was. She knew one day she would have all the answers as to what her place was in life and why it was the way it was. But, that would take years and Maryn was now ready for that. Maryn walked edged closer to the blue waters as she heard her flip flops click behind her. It wouldn't be too much longer now. Maryn just knew it couldn't be. She felt a smile on her face looking towards the sky. Maryn was so ready for the rain, she didn't hear someone come up behind her.

[stryderstalk]

Stryder Stalk was laying out on the Hogwarts ground with a piece of parchment and an ink quill. He was laying behind a big rock near the front entrance. He hadn't attempted to draw in quite a while and he knew that today was the perfect day to pick the hobby up again.

Stryder used to draw all the time before. He was actually quite a good artist. It was the MacMasters that had taught him how to draw. "Just put yourself in the place" they would always tell him. Stryder had to do exactly that. He had to put himself at the place. The place of course was in front of the lake. Unfortunately he had picked a rather horrible day to decide to draw again. Dark clouds were surrounding the castle warning him that it would rain shortly. Stryder didn't mind to much though, as long as he drew a little bit. He could always come back plus it was nice here.

Since the weather was starting to act up hardly anyone was outside. It made it easier to draw a landscape, he could concentrate more on the scenery. With no people it made things quieter as well. The boy's dormitory in the Gryffindor Common Room was full of excitement and Stryder couldn't concentrate at all.

He blew his hair out of his face while he looked down at his drawing so far. He had a circle. It was a nice circle that hopefully would soon turn into a beautiful lake... or something. He sighed. He shouldn't have stopped drawing. Stryder picked up the chewed up pencil beside him when he heard someone say "Uhh."

Stryder turned at the sound to see a girl about his age stumble out of the castle. She walked about not noticing him. Then again he was practically hiding behind a rock. Stryder was tempted to talk to her but lately he hadn't talked to many people and he didn't want to disturb the girl. She looked upset.

Stryder drew his attention away from his drawing and watched the girl walk beside the lake. He watched her for a while and then realized that there was no possible way that he would be able to continue to draw. His attention had been caught and plus it was going to rain.

Yeah... it's going to rain that's why I stopped drawing. Stryder thought to himself as he stood up, leaving his drawing by the rock, and approached the girl quietly.

"Are you alright??"
Stryder said when he reached the young girl.

[Maryn Livley]

Someone was there. Maryn had the half heart to stop in her tracts, but she knew it couldn't be someone who would harm her. After all, who would do any harm on a day like this? Maryn turned slowly. She released a half smile seeing who it was. Stryder Stalk was a Gryffindor boy in her year. Maryn was emencly glad it wasn't a Slytherin. She wasn't in the mood to get into a bickering match that would be started if one came up to her. Maryn, of course, wasn't the type of girl to stand by and watch someone be harmed or let someone pick on her. Maryn took a few steps backwards to keep her balance. Her flip flops had slid off her feet a little and she needed the steps to help her standing straight. She looked at Stryder. He obviously didn't mind the weather like post students or else he wouldn't be outside. What did people have against rain and water? It's not like you would melt if it got on you. Maryn felt like people should get over the I can't get wet faze and bight the bullet. After all, you had to bite the bullet to get through life.

Maryn didn't know Stryder too well, but he was in her year so she knew his name and little about him. She heard him ask if she was alright. Maryn nodded calmly. "Ah, huh." She said releasing a little grin. Maryn guessed she did look a bit odd. She was after all in the middle of the grounds basically waiting for the rain to begin. Who would think there wasn't a problem with her? Probably no one. Maryn looked at the clouds for a moment noticing they were growing darker. She couldn't held but grin to herself. "I like rain." She said pointing up wards. "That's why I'm out here." She offered politely. Well, it was all true. Maryn didn't use to like small talk, but now it seemed like a normal part of life now. It was true, Maryn had changed a lot since the train attack in September. That all seemed like an eternity away and Maryn was just ready to move on.

Maryn continued to glance over and around her. Rain truly fascinated Maryn. Everything was so pretty to her when it rained. Maybe she was a bit kiddish about it, but that didn't bother her too much. She was perfectly fine if she was immature about rain. Everybody had a weakness. Maryn looked back at Stryder. "So, you don't mind rain, I'm guessing. " She said calmly. Maryn then gave him a moment to answer.

(Sorry it took so long )

[stryderstalk]

Stryder stood behind the girl hoping he didn't startle her. She turned around and Stryder realized that it was a girl from his house and grade. Her name started with an M.... He didn't quite remember it though. Marianne.... no.... Mary.... no that's not it. Stryder was never good at names. Plus he hadn't really ever talked to her before. Sure he saw her all the time but she was always with her friends who Stryder didn't talk to. He knew that he knew her name though. He just couldn't remember. Mereditch... no it's M-a.... Mar... Mary... Maryn.... That's it MARYN. Stryder was glad that he could prevent humiliating himself by finally remembering her name.

"I like rain. That's why I'm out here." Stryder raised his eyebrows. He didn't know what to say to that. Maybe that's why he didn't talk to the girl, she was a nutcase. Stryder continued to look at her. He was surprised that he hadn't recognized her before. Then again he was concentrating on his drawing and she was far away from him. He never realized how pretty she was though in class, not till now.

"So, you don't mind rain, I'm guessing. "

"Nope. It makes things green. Plus it's fun to dance in."

Stryder had never danced in the rain before. He just assumed that it was fun to dance in. Back home when rain fell it was a good thing and a bad thing. Rain meant that things would be green but it also meant more work for Stryder. Rain would make mud, then the horses would slip in the mud. Then Stryder would have to go outside while the rain fell to make sure the horses didn't slip. He didn't mind the rain, but he didn't like it all the much just because it made him work.

Stryder didn't tell Maryn that though. He wouldn't make a weird first... well sort of... impression. Stryder followed Maryn's gaze as he stood next to her. He wondered what stories she had heard about him. He knew that Maryn was a muggleborn, she sucked as Transfiguration, and if Stryder was correct she had been hurt during the attack that had killed Laura Pennington. Other than the small gossip information he didn't know anything about Maryn Livley.

"I haven't seen you in a while Maryn. Well we don't talk much but.... well ya. I'm Stryder, though you probably know me."

Stryder wasn't trying to sound conceited but it came out that way. Stryder wasn't to popular at Hogwarts. He knew a couple people and would stick with the same people. He now though wanted to know the rest of the students that he would be sharing his next 4 years with.

[Maryn Livley]

Maryn nodded calmly listening to Stryder. He had to think of her as crazy. After all, she was sanding outside just as it was beginning to poor. However, so was he. So, she couldn't look that ridiculous or so she hoped. Maryn often did come over as a bit strange. She after all was a muggleborn. The whole wizarding world was still pretty new to her. She didn't know much more than life at Hogwarts and life in Liverpool with her family. Maryn knew people sometimes treated her differently as a muggleborn, but she had learned to expect it. However, she did hope Stryder wasn't one of these people. Nope. It makes things green. Plus it's fun to dance in. Stryder responded to her question. Maryn chuckled to herself. "Very true." She said in her quirky usual tone. "Well, ever since I was little, I was obsessed with running through the rain. Especially, at the stables where my horse Casey stays, the land around it is so big. It makes the best place to run for what seems like hours." Maryn said calmly. Well, it was just a little one of her quirky stories. Maryn and Mercy, her sister shared Casey. It seemed that everytime they went to take care or ride her it was raining. Of course, they saved money to have people to the real hard work while Maryn was at school, but still. Taking care of Casey always seemed to require rain.

Maryn smiled at Stryder's next comment. "I've been around." She said calmly offering a joking smile. "Yea, i remember you. We should make a habit of talking more." She safe offering a smile. Stryder didn't really hang out in the group of friends Maryn was in, but that could change. Of course, he would have to want it to. Maryn hadn't had many friends her second year, she was far too quiet. But, now, Maryn had too many to know what to do with. Maryn didn't think she could live without them. She needed them too much. "I guess I make a habit of only talking to my friends. To be perfectly honest making new ones is just hard." She laughed. "That sounded completely silly." She said making a little fun of herself.

Maryn was waiting for Stryder to respond, but she grinned brightly when she felt something. A drop, it was rain, Maryn could feel it. It wasn't raining hard. There was only a drop every fifteen seconds or so that she felt. So, she Stryder probably didn't want to go in just yet. But, of course, Maryn didn't know. She didn't mind his company at all. He so far was pleasant to talk to. Maryn grinned at the sky. "Yes, rain." She said looking up. Maryn then looked back at Stryder waiting for him to talk.

[stryderstalk]

Stryder enjoyed talking to people. He loved learning about their lives and what they were into. Lately though he had been way to preoccupied with everything going on. Stryder wanted to meet more people, especially girls after his cousin had taunted him. You don't have a girlfriend, then again I don't blame you. Who would want to go out with Stryder Stalk the cowboy. Then again his cousin shouldn't be talking, she didn't have a boyfriend and was older than him. It was true though when his fellow classmates found out that he had horses and he enjoyed his cowboy image they would laugh. He was just another muggle lover to them. He was probably the worst pureblood ever. If my dad say me now he would kill me.Stryder thought to himself as Maryn answered.

"Well, ever since I was little, I was obsessed with running through the rain. Especially, at the stables where my horse Casey stays, the land around it is so big. It makes the best place to run for what seems like hours."

Stryder's eyes grew wide when he heard horse. He didn't care about anything she said after that though. The most important thing was she liked horses, she rode, and she had a horse. Stryder was really glad now that he had decided to talk to her. Stryder couldn't believe it. Sure he had heard about wizarding families having horses but it was just for an ego boost for them to seem rich or pretend to like muggles. Stryder though loved the animals and wished that there would be some at Hogwarts.

"Yea, i remember you. We should make a habit of talking more." Stryder hadn't realized that there had been a slight awkward pause. He was still surprised. Maryn didn't seem like the horse loving type of girl. She was an outdoor girl though, why else would she be in the rain. Stryder returned the smile and threw a rock into the lake watching the splashes and seeing the ripples in the water from the small rain drops that were falling.

"Ya for sure. So you have a horse? That's really cool. I have about twelve. Well only two of them are mine but still it's nice."

Stryder wished he could show her all his horses. He loved all of them. His two horses, Blue and Rocket, were the best things in the world to him. He would spend hours with them just riding and playing. They were his best friends.

Stryder looked at Maryn who had just realized that tiny drops were falling. He waited to see her reaction about him having horses. Maybe she would think he was weird for liking them because he is a pureblood, but she probably doesn't know that. He hoped she didn't know that he was, because he wasn't at all like all the other ones. He didn't want this building friendship to die.

[Maryn Livley]

Maryn's smile grew when Stryder said he had twelve horses. Maryn loved horses even though she was still learning much about them. Casey had been a gift from her aunt on her farm outside of London. Maryn lived in Liverpool, but she had the chance to see Casey every time she came home. She usually just traveled trough the floo network to her aunt's house where Casey stays. Truthfully, Maryn had always been interested in horses at a young age. But, she never had the time for riding with softball and ballet. (Which was about the only girly thing she did besides shopping) But, when she received Casey, all of that changed. One look in his cute eyes, Maryn knew she loved horses. He just just so lovable and Maryn loved riding him. Her aunt wanted her to receive English lessons, but Maryn went against it. She got her aunt to teach her Western riding even in the middle of London.

"You have twelve horse? That's so cool!" Maryn exclaimed. How she wished she could live with twelve horses. When really, Maryn didn't even live with her own. "I just have Casey, but he stays on my aunts farm near a few hours from London. I really didn't know too much about horses until I got him for my birthday." She sighed thinking back to her companion she hadn't seen since Christmas. For a moment, Maryn wished she was Stryder getting to spend each day with horses while Maryn was stuck in Liverpool. Living with muggles wasn't the most exciting thing ever. But, yet again, Maryn was a muggleborn. She couldn't hide who she was and yet sometimes she wanted to even if for a moment. Did purebloods even have horses? Maryn knew of some Slytherins who did, but they never really rode them. They just rode them for show on special occasions,paid someone to take care of them, and sold them when they became too old for their taste. Was that really being an owner? Maryn didn't think so.

The rain droops continued to come down slowly. There was barely any noise in the air and Maryn shuddered for a bit. She missed Casey and her aunt. And then their were her aunt's twins who she missed too. Maryn looked at Stryder for a moment. "You are soo lucky. I live in Liverpool with my family. All of them are muggles except for my five year old brother, who of course can't do magic." Maryn sighed actually feeling sad for herself for once. "I bet having a lot of horse like that is great." She said looking at Stryder wondering how he would respond.

[stryderstalk]

"You have twelve horse? That's so cool!"

Good she was glad that Stryder himself loved horses and had that many. Why did he think that she wouldn't like it. She didn't know that he was a pureblood. Plus just because he is a pureblood doesn't mean that he's like his father. Stryder had grown up with horses. Though he didn't really love them that much. Stryder's father would keep them locked up in the barn. Jack only had five horses and all he would do is well nothing with them. Stryder actually wasn't sure if they were ever even let out or anything. He was pretty sure they weren't riden. They must have been for decoration. Stryder knew that his father and mother liked the threstals a lot more than the horses. Stryder found those creatures horrid. Well they were nice but he he didn't like the fact that he could see them.

"I just have Casey, but he stays on my aunts farm near a few hours from London. I really didn't know too much about horses until I got him for my birthday."

"I have Rocket and Blue. Rocket was my first horse and then we got Blue later. They're amazing animals. I don't know what I would do without them. I just wish that I could have them here."

Stryder did wish that but the looks that he would get from people, especially the ones that knew he was a pureblood, would drive him insane. Stryder though wouldn't mind riding up and down the lake on the back of Rocket and perhaps joined by Maryn. Heck he would have met her through horses if they had them here at the school.

"You are soo lucky. I live in Liverpool with my family. All of them are muggles except for my five year old brother, who of course can't do magic. I bet having a lot of horse like that is great."

"You live in Liverpool? I live in Manchester. We're pretty near each other. I wish I could live with muggles."

Stryder had said it. He didn't mean to but he had said that he wished he could be with muggles instead of his family right now. Stryder loved his uncle and aunt though, he just wished that well he was muggleborn.

"Well actually I mean.... I wish I were a muggle."

There he goes again...

[Dresden Amnell R3]

Dresden sat in the Weeping Willow near the lake. She had climbed up into its branches a few hours earlier, where she knew noone would find her. Dresden was having what her mother called a 'lazy day', the kind of day where all you do is sit around, but Dresden didn't mind. She liked being able to disappear for a few hours at a time.

From her spot in the tree, all she had to do was look out through the branches and she could see everyone on this side of the castle, yet noone would be able to see her. She liked the idea of it, but it never came to her mind as spying. She liked to think of it as getting to know people from a distance.

After 2 and a half hours of sitting in a tree, it started to rain. Not much, but enough to be a slight nuisance. The branches of the willow were able to block out the rain, but she knew she would have to go in eventually.

Dresden took the wreathe she had made with the willow branches and put it in her head, while wrapping a few of her dreads around it so it wouldn't fall off. As she started to climb lower to the ground, she was able to catch the conversation of a girl and a boy not far away from the tree.

Bear-hugging the lowest branch, Dresden slowly began to move around it, so she was hanging upside down. She slowly let her knees down and hung there for a few seconds. She dropped the last three feet to the ground, where her feet made a 'thud' sound on the ground.

"Lovely day to sit in a tree, isn't it?", she called out to the two that weren't very far from her.

[Maryn Livley]

Maryn nodded as Stryder talked about his horses and wishing he could have them at Hogwarts. Maryn wished that name thing. It would be so nice to keep Casey with her. But, of course Hogwarts only took little animals like cats, owls, rats, and toads. Besides, the students were only aloud one pet. Maryn already had her owl Morgen who helped deliver letters to her parents even if they found it quite strange as they were muggles. Maryn smiled at Stryder. "Yea, that would be cool." She answered. "I was thinking about keeping Casey in a stable near Hogsmeade next year. Then, I got see him during this school year, but I don't know if that will happen." Maryn explained. It would be very nice to have Casey near by, but it would cost extra money. And Mercy wouldn't really have a way to get to the horse as Maryn and her shared Casey. The Livleys did get a floo network after hearing of Maryn's abilities, but only Maryn used it. It would be strange for Mercy to.

Maryn smiled when Stryder said he lived in Manchester. It really wasn't that far from Liverpool. He also said he wished he could live with muggles. Maryn didn't really understand why. She was taunted by Slytherins all the time. They called her a mudblood and all sorts of other things. Maryn didn't understand why anyone would want to be put up to that. But, she didn't tell this to Stryder at least not for the moment. Then, Stryder said he wished he was a muggle. Maryn lived with four of them. Her mother, Isa; father, Kenneth; sister, Mercy; and brother, Nathan. Tommy was five and a wizard. Maryn gave Stryder a smile at his last comment. "Well, is a muggleborn good? Let's switch places!" She told a blatant joke. Maryn hoped Stryder would catch it, but she wasn't sure.

Just then, a girl jumped down from a tree. Maryn turned sharply to look at her. She made a thud on the ground when she landed. At first, Maryn gave a puzzling look. She then smiled a bit. The girl was a third year. Maryn didn't really remember her name, but she had seen her often in classes. "Umm, yes?" She offered to the girl. Maryn actually didn't care for climbing trees too much. It just seemed a bit dangerous for her. Maryn didn't mind scary danger where you had no choice, but falling from heights wasn't on the list of daily activities for Maryn. "Hi, I'm Maryn." She told the girl not wanting to make the situation more awkward. Maryn glanced at Stryder and then back at the girl awaiting answers.

[Dresden Amnell R3]

Dresdens smile grew even wider when she noticed the confused look on the girls face. If Dresden were to make a list of the things she was good at, confusing people would be at the top, just under making people uncomfortable. She didn't do it on purpose, it was just the way she was; friendly and weird.

Dresden stuck out her hand to the girl when she answered her back. "My name is Dresden Amnell. You may have recognized me from such books as Travel With Trolls and Holidays With Hags." Dresden then laughed at her attempt to imitate the narcissistic author, Gilderoy Lockhart.

[stryderstalk]

He didn't necessarily mean that he wanted to be a muggle just maybe muggleborn. Then again practically all bloods get 'made fun' of. If your a muggleborn the purebloods make fun of you because you aren't as 'high' as them. Then if you are a halfblood you are humiliated because either your father fell in love with a muggle or your mother fell in love with a muggle. To purebloods it's disgusting and a horrible crime. This logic is what Jake Stalk had taught his son. Stryder thought that at first when he was little. Mudbloods, as his father would call them, and halfbloods were bad. Only purebloods were the best. The only thing is that purebloods have stereotypes and to Stryder pureblood reminded him to much of his mother and father.

"Well, is a muggleborn good? Let's switch places!"

Stryder smiled at Maryn. He was glad that she was so easy to talk to.

"Alright you can be a pureblood and I can be a muggleborn. Sounds good to me."

Stryder smiled and grabbed her hands and started spinning around. He used to do this with his cousins all the time until they would spin and fall down.

"If we spin long enough we'll switch places."

Stryder started spinning looking at Maryn. Rain was falling around them and the feeling was remarkable. Stryder started laughing and their hands were getting slippery. Then Stryder went flying towards the ground when their connection had broken. He stood up and looked down at his feet and then looked over his shoulder.

"So this is what being a muggleborn feels like. What's a pureblood like?" Stryder said to Maryn who had fallen not to far by him.

Stryder wished that it was that easy. It wasn't though, it was impossible. He smiled at the idea though when he heard a thump and girl scream over to them.

Stryder turned to see a girl who he had classes with. She was a Ravie though. That's all he knew about her. Stryder smiled at the girl when she started small talk about sitting in trees. Stryder enjoyed climbing trees but he wasn't sure if he would climb one in this weather. He would have to try it sometime.

Stryder watched at Maryn introduced herself and looked back at Stryder as if she was saying Who is this girl? Stryder smirked and looked at the girl waiting for her to introduce herself.

"My name is Dresden Amnell. You may have recognized me from such books as Travel With Trolls and Holidays With Hags."

Stryder could have made a rude remark asking Dresden which one she was, the troll or hag, but he stayed away from it. He was pretty sure that the girl wouldn't take that introduction so well.

"Nope sorry, I hated those books, not enough pictures. I'm Stryder Stalk."

((Maryn- Sorry for the little bit of god-moding, I'm pretty sure that you don't care, but if you do sorry.

Dresden- I'm RP'ing as if this is before Stryder's knock out in the Great Hall alright?))

[Dresden Amnell R3]

Dresden could see the boy thinking before he spoke."Nope sorry, I hated those books, not enough pictures. I'm Stryder Stalk." It wasn't the reaction she was looking for, which would have sent her into a fit of laughter, but it still worked for her.

"Not enough pictures, eh? There was a nice picture of me on page 137 of Travel. I thought of having it framed, but I was afraid the bogeys would throw normal people off." Dresden tried to keep a straight through it all, but she could feel a hint of a smile breaking through.

Before either could answer, she started to laugh. Dresden pulled out a half eaten bag of chocolate frogs that her Oma had sent her."I'm sorry, but I ate half these while I was sitting in the tree. I blame everything on the chocolate. Want some?" She sat down on the ground, which was surprisingly not wet yet.

"You should have seen the frog that got away," she said, as she pulled one out and tossed the bag to the girl. There was a group of first years from Hufflepuff under the tree when it jumped, and it landed on one of their heads. They started screaming and running, acting like an attack had come from You Know Who."

[[Yeah that's perfectly fine. Haha you so should have put the whole "which are you the troll or the hag?" You would have made my day with that.]]

[Maryn Livley]

"Deal." Maryn said when Stryder announced that she could be the pureblood and he could be the muggle. Maryn grinned as Stryder grabbed her hands as they spun around. He said that if they spun around long enough they would switch places. "If I don't get sick first!" She replied with a laugh in her voice. Maryn liked spinning around. She felt truly free from everything even if just for a moment. Maryn let out a soft laugh feeling her head spin as well. Suddenly, both Maryn and Stryder were going towards the ground. “Uhh.” Maryn said when she hit, but it wasn’t too hard. She placed her pal on her head while getting up from the ground. Stryder asked how did be a pureblood feel like. “Dizzy.” She joked walking in circles a bit. She knew she wasn’t really change, but Maryn wished she could be. She wished she could just be an average pureblood instead of a simple muggleborn. Then, people would respect her as a person. Some people thought Maryn was stupid by just knowing her heritage. She hated that.

Maryn looked at the girl who approached. She didn’t really understand what she was saying about books, but her name was Dresden. Maryn gave her another quizzical look. She sometimes had a hard time understanding things like that. But, of course that was just Maryn. Silly, maybe but Maryn all the same. Maryn laughed calmly at Dresden’s comments. She didn’t really understand them, but Maryn tried to put on a good act. Then, the girl started asking if they wanted chocolate frogs. Maryn just shook her head. Dresden tossed her the bag of frogs and Maryn just handed them to Stryder. Maryn didn’t manage to laugh when Dresden started to talk about the first years reaction to the frog getting away. Dresden mentioned the Dark Lord. Maryn usually afraid from talking about such things. Especially, him. “Well, their first years. Besides, most people are afraid of him.” Maryn just gave a tired looked and waited for either of them to respond.

[Dresden Amnell R3]

Dresden slowed her chewing for a moment, thinking she had hit a nerve with the girl. Shrugging it off, she looked at the sky. The rain was still holding off, just barely sprinkling.

"So, what are you guys up to then?" Dresden crossed her legs and looked at the other two, waiting for a response.

[[Sorry for the shortness.]]

[stryderstalk]

Stryder Stalk studied Dresden for a bit. She looked so familiar but Stryder couldn’t place how. Well if she was a third year he would know her from classes, then again Stryder had a habit of only talking to his fellow Gryffindors. He was pretty sure that he had seen her somewhere else though. Oh well. I’ll figure it out eventually. He thought to himself as Dresden explained that there were pictures. I should have stuck to the hag and troll question. It would have been funnier. Stryder thought as Dresden finished. He laughed along with her and Maryn although he wasn’t quite sure what was going on.

Dresden sat down and pulled out a bag. Stryder hoped she wasn’t pulling out the book to prove that there really are pictures. He looked over at Maryn who had the same reaction as him: blank.

"I'm sorry, but I ate half these while I was sitting in the tree. I blame everything on the chocolate. Want some?"

Stryder was relieved to see that it wasn’t a book and that it was actually chocolate frogs. He loved the things, though if he ate too many of them he would get a really bad stomach ache, the side of effects of chocolate for boys sucked.

"You should have seen the frog that got away,"

Stryder watched eagerly as the bag went over to Maryn who tossed it to Stryder. He wondered if she was allergic to chocolate, I mean who can pass down a chocolate frog?

“There was a group of first years from Hufflepuff under the tree when it jumped, and it landed on one of their heads. They started screaming and running, acting like an attack had come from You Know Who."

Stryder chuckled at his grabbed his chocolate frog. The thing squirmed in his hand for a little bit and then the charm was over. He took a bite out of its head and looked over at Maryn who didn’t look happy at all.

“Well, they’re first years. Besides, most people are afraid of him.”

“Typical first years, they know nothing about attacks. He would never attack anyone with chocolate frogs. Plus they should know that Hogwarts is probably the safest place in the world right now.”

Stryder said hoping to ease the tension a little bit. Sure he didn’t like talking about you-know-who but the image was quite funny.

"So, what are you guys up to then?"

“Well not too much. We were using some ancient magic techniques in order to switch lives. It didn’t work though. It just made us dizzy and made my bum hurt.”

Stryder said as he finished his frog and rubbed his butt while displaying a classic puppy face.

[Maryn Livley]

Maryn froze at Stryders words. “Typical first years, they know nothing about attacks. He would never attack anyone with chocolate frogs. Plus they should know that Hogwarts is probably the safest place in the world right now.” He had said. Maryn shook her head. "I'm sorry, but I don't agree." She said calmly. "I was attacked on the train last September." She said in a very low voice. "I don't think Hogwarts is safe at all." Maryn voiced her opinions calmly as she didn't want to create a ruckus. Maryn didn't trust the school any longer. Too many people had been hurt but Death Eaters at Hogwarts over the years. It might have been safe once upon a time, but Maryn didn't believe it would ever be the same. Maryn hung her head downwards feeling a bit tired. Maryn suddenly felt a rain drop land right on the tip of her nose as she looked up. She giggled a bit lightening the mood. Maryn didn't want her comments to take away from the fun of the rain. She didn't want that at all.

Maryn suddenly got up. She had some strange urge to do something. So, she did a quick cartwheel. She then looked up at Stryder and Dresden. "Well, I got bored." She replied laughing. Maryn hoped her comments were forgotten. She wouldn't change her opinions, but she just wanted to enjoy the moment. Suddenly, Dresden asked what they had been up to and Stryder replied. Maryn nodded in response. "Yea, I agree. Except a think I have a slight headache, but nothing to worry about." She rubbing her head giving a funny smile. Maryn looked up at Dresden. "So, Dresden, how has your third year been?" She asked calmly looking at Stryder and then back at Dresden. Maryn waited for a reply.

[Dresden Amnell R3]

Dresden frowned when Maryn told how she had been attacked on the train last September, and how she didn't think Hogwarts was safe anymore. Dresden knew nowhere in the world could be completely safe, as their was always a way to harm oneself, or be harmed anywhere you went, but the thought that Hogwarts wasn't safe anymore had never crossed her mind until Maryn said that. In a way, she knew she was right.

Before Dresden could say anything, Maryn got up and did a cartwheel.How random.I think I still take the cake with being random though.

Dresden scratched at a spot on her neck. "Third year has been OK. I'm finally starting to get to know people. I think that was the worst part about coming here; I wasn't going to know anybody. Everyone else back home was going off to a new school too, but at least they had friends from their elementary school. Before I came here, the only non-muggle I knew was my Oma, which I didn't even know about her magic at the time."

[stryderstalk]

It had slipped his mind that he was actually talking to someone that had been attacked at Hogwarts. Stryder listened to Maryn as she reminded him that she was attacked the train. He should have remembered that, it explained why she seemed so upset to Dresden comment. He didn't know what he would say if he was in her shoes. To Stryder Hogwarts was still a little safe. He had missed all of the attacks and was greatful for it. Since there hadn't been an attack in a while and other things were going on in his life he had sorta forgotten about it. He knew though that Maryn could never forget about it, not when something like that happens.

Stryder was about to apologize when Maryn got up, giggled and did a cartwheel. Man I'm liking this girl more and more by the minute. Stryder thought to himself as he watched her land gracefully and explain that she got bored. Stryder was jealous that was a great ice breaker but he didn't know how to do a cartwheel, he hadn't been that flexible when he was little and is even worse now.

"So, Dresden, how has your third year been?"

"Third year has been OK. I'm finally starting to get to know people. I think that was the worst part about coming here; I wasn't going to know anybody. Everyone else back home was going off to a new school too, but at least they had friends from their elementary school. Before I came here, the only non-muggle I knew was my Oma, which I didn't even know about her magic at the time."

Stryder listened to Dresden talk about her third year when he felt more and more rain start to come down. It would pour down on the three third years any minute now. Stryder hoped that it would pour down soon, he loved the feeling of it.

"So your half-blood then? Not that it matters or anything. Just, I've never been around half-bloods in the rain and I want to make sure that you don't melt when it starts pouring which will be really soon."

Stryder said as he looked up at the sky. The rain was getting heavier and coming down faster. He couldn't look up too long for the rain drops were falling in his eyes and causing them to sting.

[Maryn Livley]

Maryn's eyes lit up. She wasn't even completely sure that Dresden was a halfblood, but the mere subject made her happy. She was glad that her cartwheel gave no one the chance to comment on her statement. That's what it was for. Maryn glanced at the rain stil falling. It was so perfect. Maryn had always liked rain for unexplainable reasons. It was just one of those things no one understood. Maryn didn't even know, but she just felt free in the train. It's like when people feel free running. They feel like nothing can touch them. Maryn had the same feeling for rain except that the only thing that could touch her were the rain droplets. It was the feeling Maryn love. She loved to feel untouchable. She loved to feel free. Maryn was a free kind of person. Right down to her heart, it was free spirited also. Maryn looked at Dresden and Stryder. They probably didn't feel the way about rain like she did, but Maryn didn't care. Rain was her thing. No one else could have feelings for a piece of matter like she did. It was unexplainable and perfect.

"Wait, you're a half-blood?" Maryn asked with a bit of an open jaw. "Because if you are then we have a pureblood, and halfblood, and a muggleborn out in the rain at the same moment." Maryn laughed. "Fate or destiny?" She joked looking up at the sky. Maryn laughed as a droplet fell in her eye. She looked at the other two. "Stryder how about you?" She asked referring to how his third year had been. "I hear that the age of sixteen if the time of your life so I'm just curious if thirteen can be too." She was sort of joking, but not really. Maryn laughed at herself for a moment. She could make herself laugh. It was weird, but true. Maryn watched Stryder and Dresden. Maryn was growing more bored by the second. The rain wasn't falling nearly hard enough for her. She wanted to be wet, but was wasn't hardly. Maryn was barely even lightly covered in water. She looked at the other too. Maryn then brought a smile to the surface of her lips.

Maryn took off her robes revealing the rest of her uniform. Maryn took off her school socks and shoes and dumped them on the ground. She smiled at Dresden and Stryder. "I'm going in." She announced. Maryn didn't care how random it was or how weird it seemed. She was still going to do it. Maryn then took her sweater off so that her white shirt was left. Maryn reached to the back of her head and took her hair band out. Her ponytail holder fell to the ground and Maryn ruffled her hair back a bit. With that Maryn ran to a small cliff with just her skirt and shirt on. It was enough and basically all of her uniform just without the warm clothing. Maryn looked at the two. "I wonder if I will sink or swim." She joked for a moment. "I guess we will see." Maryn called taking a high swan dive. Maryn knew how to swim. Yes, very well. She giggled as she reached the surface and dove below. Maryn swam to the bottom, touch it and swam to the top. She gasped for air as it was a long ways. Maryn searched for Dresden and Stryder's faces when she surfaced. "So, what are you waiting for?" Maryn asked. She didn't care if they came in or not, but she hoped they did. Maryn then floated on her back waiting for them to answer. The rain was falling a bit harder now, but there was no thunder or lightening so Maryn didn't care.