Seeing Green ((Ryann))

[India Nightingale]

India fiddled absently with her warm black scarf, tucking the end strands into and through one another repeatedly. Her gloved fingers could still sharply feel the iciness of the mild autumn air as they chaffed against soft material. The weather wasn’t cold enough for her breath to vaporise in the air, yet it was enough to force India to wear a thick cloak over her school robes. It was rare for her to be seen outside on such cold conditions; India spent most of her time indoors, whatever season. However, she had been drawn towards the Courtyard more and more lately, the memory of an evening a week ago still fresh in her mind. Currently, India was standing in the same position she had been that night, staring up into the elusive eyes of Drake Manning. His tall frame shadowed hers easily, but there was no dominating figure to block the bleak rays that punctured the afternoon atmosphere now.

India breathed in slowly, then out again. Her eyes fluttered shut as memories from that evening eroded at the edges of her mind, her skin tingling from unforgotten flashbacks of sharp-tongued words and darkly cast glances. The incident from the summer had been pushed out as though of little significance, replaced by this recent one which India couldn’t force out of her mind. Anything involving Drake seemed to take over India’s brain, invade so violently nothing else could penetrate or replace it unless it was something else to do with Drake. It unnerved India, this attachment, and for once she couldn’t control her emotions as they heightened against her wishes. Even her poignant past had been burnt away to a crisp… quite literally. It had all burnt down, gone, turned to ashes. But there didn’t seem to be a way to burn Drake down… crush him and forget him. “How could I ask him to forget me when I can’t even forget him?” India questioned herself bitterly, unresolved anger still mingling with her regret, confusion and distaste.

There were times when even studying, India’s haven where she could forget everything and just focus on work, work and more work, became so difficult, even burying her head in a thick textbook filled with lines of words and words couldn’t distract India from her lingering thoughts of a certain seventh year Slytherin. It was so much for India that she had resorted to the only way which aided her in ridding her mounting frustration: coming out to the Courtyard, even in bitter conditions, just to relive those haunting memories, rather than pushing them out of her mind, attempting and failing to lock them into another one of India’s several inner boxes. India’s graveyard of memories was too full up to hold another coffin… no more could be buried there.

India had, in truth, given up on trying to forget Drake Manning. India did not ever waste any time even thinking about a guy, so it pained her greatly to admit this to herself, so much it felt like stabbing herself in the chest. However, India was somewhat comforted by the thought that she was only so gripped by memories of Drake because she held nothing more than contempt and loathing for him. India was only so troubled by Drake because he was the only person to succeed (much to India’s distress) in crawling under her skin and uplifting things she didn’t want to even know herself, never mind share with someone else… someone who was a guy, who was renowned for being a player. The only reason Drake could do this, in India’s opinion, was because he was the most arrogant, stuck up and flirtatious man she had ever met. It was nothing more, their relationship – if a relationship between them even existed. The two had only talked to each other on two occasions, the last one of which was cut short by the unexpected arrival of Ryann Taylor.

India was one hundred percent sure her feelings about Drake ran no deeper. Even though Ryann’s appearance had annoyed her greatly, this was only because the Gryffindor had succeeded in interrupting an important conversation between her and Drake. India had been that close to getting Drake to agree to forgetting that upsetting night from the summer, until that silly girl of his had come along and wrecked India’s plans. So, okay, everything had not gone according to plan (though India hadn’t planned their meeting that evening in the slightest), as India had lost her temper rather quickly (that was only because the issue at hand was a major one; Drake was no different to other Hogwarts students, India could be just as indifferent and cold to him as any other peers – younger students were different, India could bully them and be as nasty like other Slytherins as she wanted), but India had generally been in control of herself that night… She had let slip again a little, exposing another part of herself to Drake, but what of it? India didn’t need to talk to the guy again; she had avoided him all this week, she could do it for another forty or so until he graduated.

Glancing at her watch as she shook the plaguing thoughts out of her mind, India deemed that she had spent far too long wallowing in this ridiculous issue, wasting too much of her precious studying time. She should really be getting back to her Transfiguration homework. Dusting herself off as she stood up, India began to make her way back towards the castle, hoping thoughts of Drake would obediently sort themselves out, or even better, evaporate; fade away completely and disappear. India didn’t care if someone had to steal the knowledge of Drake’s existence from her, she just wanted to forget him; forget the impact he was having on her pointless life. However, who else would appear as India was walking towards the doors but Ryann Taylor, halting India from steeling herself for throwing Drake off a cliff in her mind. India almost jumped in surprise at the much too familiar face of Ryann, but steadied her emotions well; only a slight pause in her step could give her away, but India didn’t think Ryann was the type to be that observant. In fact, India liked to believe Ryann was downright stupid in comparison to her. However, India didn’t bother to stop the blossoming scowl on her face that replaced the usual blank canvas of iciness and indifference.

After sending Ryann an obvious glare of dislike, which screamed “stay away from me, I really don’t like you”, India proceeded to continue walking towards her destination as though the annoying Gryffindor girl wasn’t there. The last thing she needed was a conversation with one of Drake’s admirers. However, luck wasn’t on India’s side as Ryann appeared to be approaching in her direction fast, an intent look of purpose on her face. India’s panic surfaced in the form of a deeper scowl, which no one she was sure would normally meddle with. However, Ryann was looking for trouble, because she didn’t veer away in avoidance and fear as India had hoped. Instead, she was soon stood before India silently, as though struggling to find the words internally to speak to her. India’s scowl failed to fade as she waited for Ryann to talk, until she could take the heavy silence no longer and rolled her eyes. “Cat got your tongue, Taylor?” India snapped loudly, shoving her gloved hands into her pockets rather than crossing them over her layered body. “What’s your problem? Spit it out already, I don’t have all day. Don’t think I’ll humour you like that idiot Manning does. He has ulterior motives anyway, though I suppose you already know that.” India stated coldly, carefully controlling her irritation simmering away angrily inside her chest. “Or maybe you didn’t. A clever girl with brains and common sense wouldn’t put herself within any close distance of Manning if they could avoid it.” India couldn’t help but jibe at Ryann’s familiarity of Drake, insult her pride perhaps, and her integrity. It got on her nerves, the fact she was a female Gryffindor with a Slytherin guy like Drake. It really got on India’s nerves, so much so she had avoided thinking about Ryann like the plague. However, all her bitter emotions wanted to spill out now, facing the annoying brunette. They really did.

[Ryann Taylor G6]

Up until this year Ryann would have argued that her life was pretty normal. She liked it that way. Too much drama wasn't for her. Yet, now, there she was in the middle of a storm of drama. Originally, she thought that this year was going to be a good one. Having met Noah during the summer and looking forward to getting to know him better, Ryann was optimistic. Then... well... she realized he didn't like her in the same way she liked him. At that point even more drama entered her life in the form of Drake. As much as she wanted to chalk that as the past, a part of her didn't want to let go of the thought of Drake. Even after Noah had caught them kissing in the hall, Ryann was torn between her feelings, emotions, and not knowing what to do. Ever since the last time she was in the courtyard, Ryann had wondered why Drake had been so mad as to snap at her. Perhaps it had been India? Ryann would have liked to have gotten the chance to talk to India about Drake. Sure, it was rumoured that the girl wasn't the most friendly, but Ryann was sure that she might be able to give her some information that might be useful. She simply couldn't allow herself to accept Drake's reputation, and she needed to know if there was more to him that India had known about.

Having needed to collect some potion supplies that were best to find this time of year, Ryann had bundled up and ventured outside into the cold. With her list of needed ingredients in her hand, Ryann's mind was still circling the ideas of Drake as she made her way through the courtyard en route to the edge of the lake. As she was walking, Ryann was quite surprised to see none other than India Nightingale standing across the corridor. It was as if fate had allowed her to be there just when Ryann was seeking to be able to get the chance to converse with her. Determined that this was as good a chance as any, Ryann didn't waste a second to ponder her options. Instead, she waltzed right over to where India was standing, opening her mouth to speak.

The only problem with making hasty decisions was that it left you unprepared. In this case, Ryann wasn't quite sure where to start, which gave her the look of a ridiculous idiot who didn't really know what they were doing. This allowed India enough time to act on that misconception, making a somewhat cold remark. Ryann was about to correct her, showing that there was no need to worry about any cat preventing Ryann from spilling her questions, but then India almost unknowingly answered many of the things that Ryann was going to ask. It seemed somewhat out of place for India to do such a thing though, and Ryann wondered why she wouldn't simply allow her to, as they say, 'play with fire and get burned'. It would have seemed logical that India would not really care to warn Ryann, but at the same time her condescending tone was quite apparent. Ryann was calm and collected though, at least at this point, and so she didn't bother to make any cold remarks back. Instead, she just wanted to learn as much as she was able; as much as India was willing to offer or admit.

"You know this from experience?" she asked. It wasn't one of those questions in which Ryann was doubting the authority of the statement, but more it was a question out of curiosity. Anyone could have told Ryann what India had said, but only some could attest to what was being said. Was India one of Drake's 'victims'? Ryann was rather curious to find out. "Clever or not..." Ryann continued, still tryig to steer clear from causing any extra rift between them. She needed India to be as unbiased and willing to share as possible. "...it doesn't take much to realize that there is a lot to Drake that not everybody can really see. You know what I mean? It's just that... well... you have to do a lot of digging, and I was curious to know if that was the case with you. Do you know a lot about Drake yourself, or it is just what you know from the usual Hogwart's gossip?" It was doubtful that India would cooperate, but Ryann was desperate for information.

[India Nightingale]

India made an immediate noise between a snort and a disbelieving cough. “As if.” India muttered coldly, looking Ryann right in the eye to dispel any thought the Gryffindor could possibly be having concerning her “relationship” with Drake. “Don’t be stupid, Taylor. Nothing is going on between Drake and I. Can you really see me with him?” India asked somewhat incredulously, before reeling herself in again. “You obviously don’t hear much. About me, or about Manning.” A frown lined India’s eyes, but she let it pass quickly. “That doesn’t mean he’s not interested in me.” India began slowly again, letting her gaze wander around the Courtyard slowly. She thought she might as well play with Ryann for the meantime, since she had so annoyingly insisted upon talking to her and wasting her precious time. Although India was definitely going to deny all claims insinuating her partaking in Drake’s... games, she wouldn’t mind letting poor and obviously love-confused Ryann in on thinking that Drake was into her. The Gryffindor was obviously so into Drake, she had come to pursue the one girl most known for her anti-socialibility in their year. Normally, India doubted the timid Ryann would’ve approached her for anything else but a boy. It was rather ironic, really; that someone should have to pursue India to question her about a boy. Well, India wasn’t about to give her an easy time.

India quietened when Ryann began speaking again. What the Gryffindor came out with surprised India. She didn’t think she’d be quite that perceptive. “You’re a perceptive one.” India voiced aloud with disdain peeping through her eyes as she directed them back at Ryann. “Actually, a lot of people don’t realise things like that. Perhaps you’re quite unperceptive after all. Or maybe it’s just the men you like.” India shifted on her feet in obvious impatience. The conversation was boring her... or rather, unnerving her. She didn’t really want to go too much into Drake and she felt about him. She wanted to enjoy hating him and not discuss it with someone she didn’t like at all. Why wasn’t Ryann flaring up at her? Then India could finish this and leave the Gryffindor fuming in her wake. However, she was so calm and insistent, India was forced to stay put to answer her extremely irritating questions. “I would stop digging if I were you, Taylor.” India snapped in response, glaring again at her companion. “Do you think Drake wants you to unearth his true self? Do you think anyone wants you to do that? Don’t be so almighty now, Ryann. Stop butting her noise into business which doesn’t concern you. Drake’s a big boy. He can handle himself.”

India barely noticed the transition from “Manning” to “Drake”. She kept herself detached from refraining to use other’s first names, but something triggered off her need to show her personal closeness with the Slytherin boy. Perhaps to smite Ryann? Even so, it was showing too much emotion for someone else. “So no, Taylor.” India started again in slight anger. “That is not the case with me. If you haven’t noticed, I don’t appreciate it when people try to dig at me either. I’m sure Drake would be grateful to me for telling you to just stay away from both of us. We don’t need anyone else.” Now that came out a little wrong... and over possessive. But India paid it no heed; she was blinded somewhat by her detestation of Ryann. What did Drake see in this Gryffindor? She was nothing but a pretty face. India had never saw her as anything else but. It was a shame she had brunette rather than blonde hair; blonde hair would have completely suited her, in India’s eyes. She would look just like Skye. Lovely.

“So that answers your question, doesn’t it?” India asked derisively with a roll of her eyes. “I don’t know much about Drake, and I don’t want to, or need to. If you’re really so desperate, go ask him yourself. I’m sure he’ll cooperate, since you’re the flavour of the month... Oh, I’m sorry. Week.” India shook her head disapprovingly, a bitter smirk lining her lips. “It’s pathetic, how that man can draw girls in like that. He uses them. I can assure you. Those gossips were right, Taylor. Don’t say I didn’t warn you about Drake Manning.” India raised her eye level straight to Ryann’s again. She wondered if she really was being genuinely sincere about wanting to keep poor Ryann out of Drake’s evil clutches, or if she wanted to keep Drake to herself. Either way bore hatred with her conscience, so India forbid herself from questioning her motives again as she asked Ryann a question with narrowing eyes of suspicion. “Why are you asking me, anyway? Just because you saw me with Drake here the other night? We were just passing one another. Although he is a player, he’s not quite that good.” India hitched an arrogant smirk. “What is it about Drake that you like, Taylor? Because whatever it is, get it out of your system and get over it. He’s not worth the effort, because he’ll be gone the next day. Want my advice on Drake? He doesn’t wait around for long. You’re just a toy to him. The flavour of the week. Drake Manning doesn't have a conscience.”

[Ryann Taylor G6]

Just from the way India talked, Ryann could tell that this was going to be difficult, at best. She even doubted that it was worth her time, but the prospect that she might learn at least one thing that would be helpful kept Ryann there to endure the harsh tone that India seemed to be willingly forcing upon her. Had Ryann not known quite well the reputation that India did have, she would have likely snapped, attempting to put her in her place. Ryann knew that it would do no good though, and if she wanted that one piece of information, whatever it might be, she needed to keep her cool. India would simply have to go unchallenged, for now at least, while Ryann tried her best to take as much as she could and learn from whatever truths India might help to prove or dispel. Either way, it was information that Ryann could use. "I just... assumed," Ryann offered, her voice weakening with the last syllable. While avoiding confrontation, she knew that she should still chose her words wisely if she didn't want to give India more to fuel her easily unguarded attempts to prove her superiority in the situation. "I mean, it wasn't a terribly unjustified assumption, was it?" Ryann hardly wanted India to answer, but she needed to just slightly defend her own thinking so that she didn't seem totally incapable of reasoning. India was likely already doubting Ryann's mental abilities just by the way she downgraded her in the way she talked and the words she used.

When India's words began to indicate that she might actually be giving a compliment, Ryann perked up a bit, only to soon realize that there would be a string attached. When did someone with India's reputation ever let down their guard unless it was only as a way to help make another of their cutting remarks. Ryann let the comment about 'the men she liked' slip by without as much as a frown, her mind taking in every ounce of India's words and even more, her emotions. Something about the two weren't compatible, and Ryann had picked up on that fact. She may have been quiet at times, but that didn't mean she wasn't observant and at times highly logical. As India began to offer warnings, she could help but think that they were either stemming from a sincere caution or a threatening warning. India would only be warning Ryann of the dangers of pursuing Drake if she really cared or if she had another reason to keep her from him. Since she had great doubts it was for the first reason, Ryann had concluded that India herself had something to hide. India's next few comments about others, aside from simply Drake, not liking the digging made Ryann even more sure of her hunch that India was not being completely sincere. And then, India even related it to herself. There was no doubt at this point in Ryann's mind that India had her own agenda, and that any warnings were not because she wanted Ryann to avoid being hurt but were for other reasons. Regardless of what the reasons were, Ryann knew that she had to be careful not to get in the way of them if it was at all possible to avoid. India was not a force that Ryann felt like having to go against if she didn't have to.

Having felt that she got enough from the very little that India had shared, Ryann was ready to continue on her search for Potions ingredients, but then India continued, catching Ryann of guard a bit. It was clear that India was passionate about this, as she wouldn't just drop it. That seemed highly unusual for her to drag something out if she really didn't care. When she made the cut about Ryann being his "flavour of the week", Ryann's mouth dropped open. Quickly, she shut it, trying her best to maintain all the self control she had worked toward possessing during this conversation with India. But that comment had hit a rogue nerve, causing her to act without having the ability to stop herself. After India finished, Ryann proceeded to ruin any composure that she had been able to keep up to this point. "Perhaps you're just jealous," she retorted with a glare. Ryann knew better, but India had succeeded in pushing her to the limit of self-control and calmness. "Maybe I am just his flavour of the week, but I guess that's better than being last weeks flavour." She couldn't stop herself. Everything that she had bee thinking about India just spilled, and Ryann was unable to keep it all in. "You're only warning me to stay away because you can't have him for yourself." Ryann crossed her arms over her chest, her breath causing them to rise and fall in anger. She had opened a can of worms, and it was only inevitable that India would have a slew of her own replies. Ryann didn't care though. She had already said enough, and nothing more that India could say would do much more to make Ryann angry. She wished she could have stayed calm and left with the information she gained, but it was too late now. She had already acted out, and it was turning that perhaps the confrontation that was inevitable happened quicker than Ryann would have liked.

Inside of her, she wondered if it was even worth it. Though likely selfish in their motives, India's words probably did hold a lot of truth. Was Drake even worth all of this? Probably not, but Ryann had already dove head first into the raging waters, and the only thing she could do now was fight to stay afloat. She would do anything to prevent herself from drowning at this point.

[India Nightingale]

India stared at Ryann in distaste and condemnation. “Stop. Assuming.” She ordered the slightly shorter girl in a cold, unforgiving voice, each word pronounces softly but clearly. Really, India thought in derision. How could this obviously unperceptive, gullible, and assuming child have noticed anything about Drake’s ‘inner personality’? Maybe she was just pretending she could see the real him; inventing herself a little fairytale to convince herself that her ‘love’ for Drake was real and genuine; that he was worth loving and he wasn’t as manipulative as he seemed. ”How utterly pathetic.” India’s inner self growled in displeasure. “Is it?” India gave an abrupt bark of sarcastic laughter. “Why don’t you ask yourself that, Taylor? You should stop jumping to your obviously miscalculated assumptions and open your eyes – see the real picture. Just because you want to assume that something is going on between Drake and I based on his reputation, mine still remains in tact. Use that to your knowledge too, or I will be forced to remind you myself.” India stated venomously. “Am I being clear enough, Taylor?”

India observed Ryann’s reactions carefully, wondering how the heck such a meek girl was even sorted into the house of Gryffindor, known for its ‘bravery and loyalty’. ”Yeah, right.” India inwardly snorted, thinking of her twin sister. ”Skye? Brave? As if. If she were ‘brave and loyal’, she wouldn’t have lost her voice from being too traumatised. She would’ve recovered.” Suddenly, Ryann’s angry voice broke India’s bitter thoughts. Glancing towards the Gryffindor’s face again, she observed Ryann’s flaring temper with a slight interest and detest. Great. Now she reacted. Bit slow, wasn’t she? India thought disdainfully of her fellow classmate. Then again, she supposed all Gryffindor were like this. Skye too. Originally India had wanted Ryann to react – to dig at her pride a little and leave her floundering and fuming in her wake. However, now India just wanted to leave as soon as possible. Ryann was bothersome to deal with. “Are you sure I’m the jealous one?” India questioned calmly after a moment’s thought in reply to Ryann’s demanding question. Initially, without any constraint, India would’ve reacted in a split second just as angrily as Ryann, inciting further argument and anger between them. But India knew better after years of conflict with Skye.

“You’re the jealous one, Taylor. Why seek me out?” India continued blandly, as though bored by their conversation. She could feel her inner rage curl in her stomach and settle there unhappily, but India ignored it. She would not let her anger get the better of her again and again and again. Especially not to this unworthy girl. India wasn’t going to allow herself to scream Ryann down with spitting retorts to the insinuation that she was last week’s flavour. No, India would not fall in her own trap which she had set purposefully for Ryann to tip head first into. Such a gullible child. “What if I was last week’s flavour? I didn’t stalk the girl before me. I wasn’t quite that obsessive or jealous, enough to think I was ‘last week’s flavour’. Already that possessive of him, Taylor? Sacred you’ll loose your boyfriend to me? Admit it. You’re just scared as hell he’ll leave you. You’re attached to him.” India tutted softly. “Bad move, Taylor. Bad move.” She hissed with a cold smirk. “Drake doesn’t do attachments.” India withdrew her eyes and stared at her fingernails in tediousness. “The moment men know women are attached they flee. I am giving you good advice, Taylor. Think what you want.” India stated icily. “To men like Drake, women are just objects. That is why I despise men and that is why I do not ‘want Drake for myself’.” She ground out in genuine restrained bitterness. “They take your emotions for granted and use you like a doll. You’re a naïve girl, Taylor, but you’ll learn soon.” India rolled her eyes uncaringly.

India shifted. “Like I said… think what you like, but I am not involved with Drake and never will be. Your paranoia will drive you insane one day, Taylor.” Oh, that was such an ironic remark, and India didn’t even realise it. “I don’t need anyone else, much less a man.” She continued to state matter-of-factly. “My new piece of advice is: get over yourself. Get over him and get over anything you feel for him. He’ll only turn it against you and stab you through the heart.” Smiling coldly, India unfolded her arms and stuffed them into her pockets again. “Now if you don’t mind, Taylor, I have better things to do than stand around and waste my breath on you. You obviously won’t heed any of my warnings. I wish you the gentlest of falls, because trust me,” India paused as she turned her head back a little, inclined at Ryann with a small smirk still lingering, “You will fall.”

And then India was gone.

[Ryann Taylor G6]

In the wake of India's verbal onslaught, Ryann could only stare in horror as she tried to discern between the truth and the bitter accusations. In fact, she was so confused herself that she couldn't even offer India any type of retaliation. Surely, she had to have looked weak and pathetic as the Slytherin had no trouble at all slamming her with one tongue-lashing after another. Still, Ryann was too conflicted to even care what she looked like in front of India. All she knew was that this had escalated beyond her control and she never was prepared for it to have went this far. She couldn't shake the notion that India must have been rather passionate about this whole issue for one reason or another, and all logic pointed to that reason being Drake himself. Whether India would admit it or not and whether Ryann could accuse her of it, it was obvious that India was hiding something. Perhaps she was after Drake herself, or maybe she just really despised the man enough to resort to warning others against him in a genuine fashion, even if it meant demoralizing them as she had done with Ryann.

Whilst Ryann was left to collect her thoughts and process what had just happened in only a matter of seconds, India had disappeared as quickly as the conversation had turned itself into a brutal cat-fight short of the claws actually coming out. Whether it was spoken or not, Ryann knew that she had some how made an enemy of India, despite the numerous warnings that India seemed to be offering for 'Ryann's benefit'. What hurt Ryann the most was that she was almost certain that much of what India said was really the truth. Had she allowed herself to be so blinded and foolish to really believe that Drake's motives and actions were sincere? It seemed so silly, but there was that little bit inside of her that wanted to believe it was all a load of rubbish. Perhaps it was a bit of her rebelling against India and wanting so badly to prove her wrong, or maybe it was a bit of her that wanted to believe that she and Drake may have shared a true moment of bonding. But then... then there was Noah. How could Ryann's heart forget about Noah, whom she had been so infatuated with from that day that they spent in her tree-house. She had yet to even reconcile with him after he had seen her kiss Drake, and perhaps she was throwing away not only a chance at a relationship with Noah but their friendship as well.

Quiet and alone, Ryann stood in the courtyard with the list of ingredients that she needed to gather. Instead of doing that, though, she couldn't help but stand statuesquely as she let India's last words ring over and over in her pounding mind. You will fall. You will fall, Ryann Taylor. You. Will. Fall.

"I won't fall. I refuse to fall. I will do whatever it takes... so that I don't fall." Never in her life had Ryann been more adamant about something, and she had no idea how she would even go about the path before her.