Wild Horses of Dreams ((Oz))

[Jasmine Anderson]

((We! Finally finished it! I should get a cookie for such a good post huh?))

Jasmine hummed a son quietly to herself while tucking a strand of dark hair behind her ears. Jumping back as a couple of first years were chasing after each other she readjusted the strap of her shoulder bag more comfortably on her shoulder while weaving through the maze of students entering the Great Hall. Classes had ended earlier in the day and everyone was coming in for dinner. Jasmine wasn’t all that hungry, but decided to grab some fruit or something along the lines of easy snacking. She sent a small smile toward a couple of Ravenclaws who were on the Quidditch team. They had won their game against Gryffindor and everyone played so well and she was quite astonished with herself that she actually caught the snitch before Harry, but there might have been far more important thoughts on the Gryffindor’s mind than catching the snitch. Quickly snatching a couple of apples in her hands, she wrapped them carefully into a napkin and set them inside her bag. Looking over toward the Gryffindor table she ignored the stares and made her way out of the maze of students. It had been normal to not see Jasmine eat dinner after returning to Hogwarts from her accident. She had just skipped dinner to catch up on missing homework assignments. Jasmine had this thing where if she didn’t finished her work there would be some guilt inside her. Also, she couldn’t sleep much at night. All she really ever dreamed about was that night. Sometimes her dreams would end up even more traumatic that what really happened. She just couldn’t forget that night or ever forgive herself how she reacted toward her horse running wild with her. Slapping her forehead with her good hand to drive the thoughts away she continued down the main corridor.

Luckily, Jasmine had caught up with all her assignments and was determined to have at least some time to just get her mind off of everything that had happened. Stopping at the large towards toward a spare classroom she stopped at the sound of voices. Maybe someone else was using the room? But who would want to miss dinner? Turning around and leaning her back up against the door, Jasmine noticed a group of girls walk down the corridor gossiping about things. As soon as the flock rounded the corner everything fell silent. Sighing with relief, Jasmine entered the empty classroom. There were lines of desks that seemed to have never been used. Maybe this room was just a storage room. Setting her shoulder back down on the table she took a seat in one of the chairs. Pulling out a couple of items from inside the bag, Jasmine pushed the bag with her foot further forward under the table. The lights were off in the room but the moon light poured into the room giving off just enough light to see. Running her fingers through her dark hair Jasmine turned her attention toward the charms books laid out on the table. Turning the page toward a bookmark, she continued to read some of charms inside. Jasmine had checked the book out from the library to finish and essay, but found quite a few charms she wanted to try.

On the desk also stood a couple of beautiful shaped origami horses of all different colors. Picking up her wand she gave a flick toward one of the paper animals. At first the horse stood still for a while until finally it came somewhat alive. The paper horse pawed the table, threw its head up into the air and went off into a gallop. She watched as the horse raced around the table with spirit she made another flick with her wand. Slowly the galloping horse began to go into circles, rising up into the air. It ran in circles up into the air letting out joyful whinnies. It reminded Jasmine of the summer nights when the horses were put out into the posture for the night. No even daring to take her eyes off the off she yet again flicked her wand, giving it the last final touches. Suddenly the outline of the horse looked almost silver clear and began to sparkle like a star lighting up the dark room. Jasmine’s hazel eyes sparkled with the horse’s glittering reflection. Adding the same charms to the other horses, she leaned back in her chair and stared up. The horses looked very magical; almost as it they were coming from a dream. To Jasmine the herd looked almost as it the stars had turned into the shapes of horses and decided to let go and become free. A small smile appeared on her face as she hummed a song her aunt used to sing to her. Finally just letting go she sang it quietly to herself not even caring if anybody heard her.

[oznelson]

"Where were you when I was burned and broken? While the days slipped by from my window watching? Where were you when I was hurt and I was helpless? Because the things you say and the things you do surround me. While you were hanging yourself on someone elses words. Dying to believe in what you heard. I was staring straight into the shining sun." Oz's fingers played the music to 'Coming Back To Life' by Pink Floyd as he sang. It was one of those songs that Oz knew by heart, and not because he had sung it over and over again - but because it was an easy song to sing and play. Well, for Oz anyway. He wasn't a terrible singer, but he wasn't fantastic either. He was better at bass and guitar than he was at singing. He rarely ever let anyone hear him singing, he figured he didn't have a very nice voice. Which was why he was in an empty classroom instead of in the common room or up in his dorm. He was skipping dinner, but that was alright, he had eaten a big lunch. Oz usually did eat a big lunch though, so it wasn't much of a surprise. He had figured he would get in a bit of practice time on his own while everyone else chatted over chicken and pumpkin juice. His fingers played over the strings and he smiled, letting the guitar part wash over him. Then he sang again, "Lost in thought and lost in time. While the seeds of live and the seeds of change were planted. Outside the rain fell dark and slow. While I pondered on this dangerous but, I took a heavenly ride through one silence. I knew the moment had arrived. For killing the past and coming back to life."

Oz was sitting on a desk, his guitar in his arms, and his left foot perched on the desk across from the one he was sitting on. His other foot was dangling down and his head was bent so he could look at his guitar. Although he knew the song by heart, he still didn't want to mess up. There wasn't anything Oz hated worse than messing up a song. "I took a heavenly ride trough our silence. I knew the waiting had begin. And headed straight... into the shining sun." He finished the song and then set his guitar down, bringing his left foot down beside the right one. Oz put both of his hands on the edge of the desk, gripping it and looking at the chalkboard. It was blank and dusty, but then again this classroom looked like it hadn't been used in ages. He sat there in the quiet for a bit and then hopped off the desk, picked up his guitar and headed toward the door that led to the hallway, but it opened before he could reach it. Quickly, Oz disappeared into the shadows. It was a natural reaction, but he knew he looked foolish. With his back to the wall, and his guitar in his right hand - he watched as a girl entered the room and made her way to a desk, obviously oblivious to his being there. Oz recognized her as the Ravenclaw seeker. The Ravenclaw house had won the Quidditch game, and although Oz never really followed it - he felt some disappointment. After all, Harry was a year older than this girl and he had more experience than she did. He should have been able to catch the Snitch. Oh, well. It was just a game anyway.

Oz watched as the girl sat down and then started to do something with Charms. Oragami horses sparkled and gallopped in the air. And that's when she started to sing. Her voice was pretty, better than Oz's that was for sure. She sang timidly though, as if she were afraid someone would here. Rightfully too, because someone was hearing. He listened quietly for a moment, setting down his guitar almost silently against the wall. Apparently not quietly enough because she stopped singing. Oz stood stalk still and then took a step forward, "No, don't stop, please."

[Jasmine Anderson]

Jasmine couldn't help but continue to stare up dreamily at the horses flying continuing to run around in circles. What would be even more beautiful if a crystal clear horse with wings fly around in the sky along with the other horses. Maybe she was becoming to….What would be the right word, obsessed, with horses. She even admitted the truth, but tired her best not talk about the majestic creature. When she went to a muggle school before Hogwarts all the boys would tease her about her passion. Once all the boys in her class had put up posters on her locker that said, 'Kill the horses.' Upon seeing the posters she cried her heart out in the bathroom where her aunt had to pick up from school. So, Jasmine never really trusted boys that much in understanding her passion, and just rarely ever talked. "Horses in my dreams. Like waves, like the sea. They pull out of here. They pull, they are free." She sang softly leaning back more in the chair and her dark hair cascading behind the back rest. Rode a horse around the world. Along the tracks of a train. Broke the record, found the gold. Set myself free again. I have pulled myself clear." Closing her eyes as she sung, she fell into a state of relaxation. Now who would want to leave such a secluded and tranquil place?

With her eyes still closed she could almost imagine the soft tunes of the piano playing in her head. Jasmine’s aunt has always sung that song to her when she was very little. Also her mother has loved horses as much as singing, and sang her that song to get to bed at night. Opening her mouth to let more words come out she heard a soft thump of something hitting against the wall. Jasmine's jaw closed while her hazel eye instantly opened as her body jerked instantly. Gasping as the chair had lost it balance it toppled over bringing her along with it. Luckily, she landed on her right side, but there probably was going to ache in the morning. Groaning softly she didn't waste any time from jumping right back up. Grabbing hold of the table for support, Jasmine tucked away her hair from her face. One thing that she learned from horseback riding is if you fall you get right back up and on that horse before you had second thoughts. But, it was a good thing she didn't land on her but like she normally did when falling off a horse. Now that really did hurt, especially when you woke up the night morning feeling unbearable aches.

With a quick motion of her hands, she wiped off any dirt that had appeared on her clothes. Looking up at the boy who had startled her she sent him a slight glare. "Don't you know not to hide in the shadows watching someone sing or do anything?" she asked her voice slightly shaky. She had a reason to be scared half to death with all the Death Eater attacks. Jasmine's face softened slightly as she continued to stare at him through the flying horses. "I could almost get the impression you would be stalking me? That would be a first really someone stalking me." Running her hands through her dark hair to straighten it slightly she pulled the chair back up on all fours and took a seat. "If you even dare try to make fun of my clumsiness or the horses galloping around than I would simply send a curse toward you." Jasmine was slightly taken back at her comment but didn't let it show on her face. "You liked my singing or were you just complimenting my handy charms work on the horses?" She asked realizing that he had said something earlier but not really quite catching it.

[oznelson]

Oz winced as the girl fell off her chair, he had done that many times. Falling off chairs always made him feel like a complete fool, actually, falling in general made him feel like a complete fool. It wasn't something that was rare. He felt like a fool often, he blamed the fact that he tried so hard to be inconspicuous. Oz smiled as the girl spoke and wiped any dirt off that had gotten on her clothes. He just stood there a moment, pondering his response and then he shrugged, "I wouldn't stalk anyone, I know what it feels like. Don't worry, the eerie feeling you get when you're 'alone' is not from me." Oz shrugged again and leaned against the wall watching her softly. He might seem a bit odd because he studied people, but Oz didn't care. It was how he got to know people. Studying them.

When she said she would curse him if he made fun of her or the horses, Oz shook his head and put his hands in his pockets. "People who make fun of others are insecure. And people who make fun of something as beautiful as horses are... just stupid." He grinned and held her gaze before looking at the horses. "I've never ridden on a horse, though, so I know absolutely nothing about them. Don't quiz me, I'll fail." He looked back at her and sent her a bright smile, "And, yes, I liked your singing. Although, you're charms work on the horses was neat, too." Oz pointed at the glittering origami horses after he had taken his hand out of his pocket, "I couldn't have done that... but then again I suppose that's because I'm only a fifth year. I'm Oz Nelson by the way, Gryffindor. You already know my year."

[Jasmine Anderson]

There was silence between them, making Jasmine’s stomach churn with uneasiness. She hated it when there was silence when two people could actually start a conversation. Not letting her eyes drift from his she waited for an answer. She had seen this boy around on the grounds before, but had never really been introduced to him. He seemed to be the quiet type of guy who mostly just kept to himself. When he did finally speak, Jasmine felt a wave of relief rush through her. So he wasn't stalking her, which was good, but how could he know she felt somewhat afraid by herself? Well she did locked herself up in her room after breaking her arm, watching old horse show tapes and not coming out unless for dinner or a bath. Blinking a couple of times to hide her confusion she smiled kindly at him. "You've been stalked before?" she asked wondering if girls these days were willing to do anything to get some kind of male attention. Noticing a guitar slumped up against the wall next to him she smiled again. That most had been the noise that startled her. "Well, if you do play the guitar than I could understand why girls would stalk you. Red hair, short, and that quiet attitude that sets you apart from every other Gryffindor, yep I can see it.” Jasmine couldn’t help herself from calling him short. He probably heard that a lot but most guys were taller than her.

Jasmine couldn't help but continue to smile gratefully at the Gryffindor’s kind words. He was right about people making fun of others were insecure and those who made fun of horses were stupid. That really does show boys can really grow up. Letting her gaze drift toward the horses her hazel eyes began to look dreamier. "Horses are wonderful. They see past looks and into our hearts. They give us confidence and freedom to be who we are..." she stopped her self laughing softy. He probably didn't want to hear her very long explanation why horses were so magnificent. "Don't worry I won't quiz you. I don't want to embarrass you. But you can kind of guess that I'm just a bit….umm infatuated with horses?" Jasmine wondered if the boy really did like horses like Will did or was just trying to be sweet. Running her hands through her hair she smiled at his words again. “Thanks…I won’t give another soulful reason why I like to sing, you probably already know the answer being a musician and all.”

Letting her fingers drag in her hair she looked back at the origami horses. “I can show you how to use charms like these or just give this book and you can figure it out on your own, either way is fine with me,” she said closing the dusty book shut. Setting it down in the middle of the table she looked back at Oz. “Jasmine Anderson, sixth year Ravenclaw,” Jasmine simply introduced while pushing the chair in front of her with the tips of her toes. “Take a seat Ozzy unless you want to leave me by lonesome self,” she said flashing him a bright smile wondering if he would sit down or down. Jasmine did feel like talking to Oz to get to know him a bit more.

[oznelson]

Oz shook his head and rubbed the back of his neck with his right hand. “Little six year old girls think I’m the next hottest bass guitarist ever to walk this green Earth.” He answered after a moment. Oz had never had a steady girlfriend, some would say he was married to his music – but he just never had any interests in any girls. Most of them seemed air headed to him anyway. Why would someone want to spend the night having their ear yapped off just for a kiss every now and then? If Oz was ever interested in a girl she was someone who was calm, collected, and very into her music. The chance of finding a girl like that was very slim, almost non existent. That was alright though; it just made it easier for Oz to focus on his music and his studies, and helping his Grandmum around her house.

Ever since Grandaddy had died, Oz had been helping Grandmum with all the chores Grandaddy used to do. He didn’t complain, in fact he enjoyed helping Grandmum – it made him feel useful and it kept him busy so he wouldn’t think about Grandaddy. Although he had died many many years ago, Oz still missed him. He was close to Grandaddy and his death took a huge toll on Oz, one of those that put him in a permanent silence. He had three things to focus on, his music, his studies, and his Grandmum. Those were the three most important things in his life, and if someone had a problem with it – he didn’t care. It made him who he was.

She was saying something about how she was infatuated with horses, and then how she wouldn’t give another soulful reason for her singing and how he could probably understand that. Oz grinned and nodded slowly, “Yeah, except I can’t sing as well I would like to. I’m better at playing bass than I am anything else. I’m not horrible, but there’s a reason why I will never be a lead singer of any band.” It was then she offered to teach him the charms or loan him the book with the charms in it, and pushed the chair in front of her out – after introducing herself, while calling him Ozzy. Oz cringed at the nickname and shook his head, “My mum called me that when I was younger. I don’t want to think of my mother when I’m talking to you.” But he sat anyway.

[Jasmine Anderson]

Really?" Jasmine asked looking up at Oz with an amused twinkle in her hazel eyes. "That young? Wow you must be a real babe magnet," she finished with a small chuckle. She wasn't always this confident around people she didn't know, but Oz seemed to be a nice kind of guy. Jasmine wasn't exactly the kind of person who was open and sociable to everyone she met. Her moods changed day by day just like any body else's would. She would maybe one day feel like being alone and others being around friends. Who wasn't like that? Was Oz going to think she was just like other girls? Daring and bold? Wow, that was odd words to throw in about Jasmine. Anyways, why should she care what he thought? All she was trying to do was be friendly and maybe make a friend.

Jasmine nodded toward Oz as he understood how she liked to sing. It was just an out lit for her to release every mixed emotion inside. She sent him back the same kind of smile. He was sure to be a wonderful singer if he could play the guitar and bass. Wasn't it in musician’s blood to be able to play instruments, write songs, and sing? Or was that too good to be true? "I can tell you’re really into your music if you want to start a band..." she started trailing off and letting her eyes gaze at his guitar.”I'm sure your an wonderful singer...do you write songs?" she asked looking back at Oz with another one of her smiles. "Guitar has something I've always wanted to play, but I'll stick with the piano. After all, I'm just a bit more interested in horses than my music." Grinning at her words Jasmine wondered if Oz really understood her. She loved horseback riding and music but horses always came first? He just had to understand that.

Laughing once again at Oz's comment to her nickname she grinned. "Oh no...I don't want you to think I'm your mother when you talk to me. Though, I do like the nickname Ozzy...it has a ring to it." Jasmine ran her fingers through her air while taking a deep breath. "Could you play for me?" she finally blurted out letting her eyes drift toward the horses again. "Only if you want too. It’s not like I’m forcing you too, I guess I just want to know how good you really are."