Unexpected Company ((Wynd))

[Dylan Caoimhe]

"Lumos." The tip of Dylans wand lit at once, and he focused the bright beam of light on the old, worn copy of "Making Magic," a book that he borrowed from the Library quite often. He sat back against the wall, and lazily turned to the page where he had left off, stifling a yawn with his gloved hand. Dylan knew it was well past curfew, and well into the very early hours of the morning, but he didn't care. He loved being up here. This high. He'd been sneaking up to the top of the Astronomy Tower, as well as other places, on and off since his third year, and has never been caught nor seen. Filch wasn't exactly the hardest person to give the run around. There was just something about being up here that enabled Dylan to calm, to relax. He loosened his scarf from around his neck and took his hat off, keeping his wand steady, and his eyes on locked on the page he was reading. It wasn't very cold, given how early it was and that winter was right around the corner. Once again he yawned, but continued to ignore his tired body pleading for rest. It was Friday night. Well, Saturday morning now, he thought. He'd just sleep in a bit later this morning, thats all.

Even though he new the book inside and out, he still read it from time to time just to make sure he retained everything. It had loads of useful information and instructions on creating your own spells and incantations, and given Dylans recent trouble with his latest endeavor, he decided re-reading was the best thing to do. He wasn't sure why his new spell was giving him so much trouble. After all, he was a rather gifted wizard. Although, he thought, none of the other spells he had created required as much skill, concentration, or caution. The purpose of the spell was to transfer your thoughts onto parchment in complete, clear sentences. Thus making completing his homework, mainly essays, a bit easier, giving him time to focus on other things.

His first four attempts at the spell were defiantly unsatisfactory. The first two attempts were fruitless. The third attempt was a little better. He managed to make a singular capital T, and a short, squiggly line that followed. The fourth time, however, ended up with Dylan finally making a complete sentence, but not about the intended topic of his choice. He ended up transferring a very personal thought onto his parchment instead of a sentence about his opinion on Goblin rights. This was a risk he couldn't deal with. He wouldn't deal with. This had to be changed, and to do that, he needed to learn how to completely focus his mind.

After a few more minutes of silent reading, he reached into his cloak pocket, and pulled out a candle, and piece of parchment. "Nox," he muttered, and his wand light was extinguished. He could still see a little through the darkness, and laid the candle out directly in front of him. "Wingardium Leviosa." The candle shot up and levitated directly in front of Dylan, about a foot away from his chest. "Incendio," he said barely audible. A flame shot out of the tip of his wand and grazed tip of the candle lighting it, then shooting off into the dark. He sat the parchment in front of him on the cold stone, and breathed.

Dylan concentrated on nothing but Goblin rights, letting go of every other thought in his head, and tried to think basic thoughts, and ask himself basic questions. "Lets see," he said out loud, closing his eyes and leaning his head back against the cold stone. "Dylan?" "Yes?" he answered himself. "How do you feel about Goblins?" "Well, I think they're treacherous, sneaky, no good liars and crooks." he said. "Hmm, I see. And what do they mean to you?" "Absolutely nothing."

He was defiantly tired.

He laughed out loud at his own insanity. Surely he could've picked a better topic than this? And since when did he talk to, and actually answer himself back? "Do you think they have been treated unfairly by wizards all these centuries?" he continued. He closed his eyes, and yawned. Freely this time. This was frustrating. But, he didn't feel the slightest bit frustrated. He was too tired to feel anything. He picked up the parchment off the ground, balled it up, and shoved it in his cloak pocket. He gazed up at the indigo, star strewn sky.

What was wrong with me, he thought. Lately he'd just been feeling, off. Like he was losing himself or something. Dylan new that this particular year was vital, but he didn't care. He didn't care about anything that used to matter to him. He didn't try as hard as he used to. He only put half the energy into his homework and schoolwork. Here he was, trying to cast a spell to make that a little easier. Everything was just, off. Out of place. Out of sync. If only he could just, get away from everything.

[Wynd Lehane]

Wynd couldn't sleep. No matter how much he tossed and turned his could not get comfortable. It was more than that though. His mind would not stop racing. His fifth year had been an exciting one that's for sure. Well, maybe not exciting. Exciting was the wrong word. Just, not boring. The professors had doubled their homework load from last year and kept telling them how important it was to do well on their O.W.L.s. Wynd knew he had to do well on his exams. The Lehanes had a history of being the top in academics. Ruby was better at Charms and Transfiguration than Wynd but he was better at Potions and Care of Magical Creatures. Although he did expect an 'E' if not a 'O' in all his classes. Ruby was just slightly better in some things. And he was better in others. Their talents complemented each other.

After trying to sleep on his stomach for the millionth time, he decided that he had to get up. Maybe a quick walk would tire him out. Although he had no idea where he would walk to. It was well after curfew and as a prefect he should follow the rules and try to be an example for other Slytherins. He sat up and drew back the curtains of his four-poster bed. The oil lamps had been turned down low so that he could barely see. He looked around and listened to his fellow fifth years. Conan, Samaal, and Valmer all had their curtains drawn but Wynd could tell that they were there. One of them was breathing very heavily, and one of them sounded like he was choking for a second. A tense moment for Wynd but he quickly resumed his regular rhythm. He glanced over at the bed closest to his, Dylan's. Dylan's curtains were not drawn and Wynd could not make out the form of a body. Wynd knew that occasionally Dylan liked to go out for strolls in the dead of night but now that Wynd was a prefect, Dylan's absence was cause for concern. I'm going to kill him, thought Wynd.

Slipping off his bed Wynd headed towards the door. Pulling back the handle the light from the common room fire spilled into the room. Wynd's eyes took a second to adjust to the sudden illumination. The corner of his eye caught his hand and saw that there was nothing covering it. Looking down at his body, he realised that he was not wearing any clothes at all. Wynd slept in the nude and with the sudden discovery of Dylan's vacant bed he forgot this key fact. Weighing the option of running around the castle naked versus putting on some clothes, he decided on the latter. He thought it would be fun to streak through the school but suppose he ran into Professor McGonagall or worse, Professor Sprout. No, no, clothes were the better option. Hurrying back to his trunk he threw on a spare cloak one that really didn't cover him unless he held it, but it was something.

Checking the common room for Dylan there was no sign of him. Wynd silently cursed Dylan. There was many places the Dylan could be, but he had a hunch where he would be tonight. Unbeknownest to Dylan, Wynd had followed him once in their fourth year. He was curious where Dylan was going at night so one night he had decided to follow him. The bloody Astronomy Tower. That's where he would be. The tower was on the other side of the castle. Running back up to his room to grab his wand he also slipped on some slippers. He stormed down through the common room and out the Slytherin house door. Once out in the corridors, all the light from the common room was gone. "Lumos," he spoke to his wand and the tip lit. He drew the hood of the cloak upon his hand and started towards the Astronomy tower, the cloak billowing behind him.

He slowly made his way from the dungeons to the Astronomy Tower. He wanted to avoid professors at all costs but he was sure that if he explained to them that he was searching for a stray Slytherin they would understand. Still, Wynd couldn't take chances. Every sound that he heard was a potential threat. He finally found his way under the trap door that lead to the top of the tower. He extinguished his wand before pushing the door open. He looked around but at first all he could see was darkness. Then a burst of flame came from his left and continued into the darkness. Someone had just lit a candle and its light just barely cast a silhouette on the mysterious person. Wynd could tell by the outline of the person's muscles that it was Dylan. Dylan had always been muscular, a fact that Wynd secretly envied. When Dylan started talking to himself, Wynd recognised the voice. Wynd climbed all the way out of the trap door and addressed Dylan.

"What are you doing out here?" he cried. "Don't make me take away points from our own house Dylan. And who are you talking to?" It was not as cold as one might expect on the eve of winter but still it was colder out here than in the castle. Inside he had been walking briskly and that had kept him warm. On the tower he suddenly remembered that he was naked save slippers and a cloak. But that didn't matter. He was there to get Dylan. "Lumos," he whispered to his wand and Dylan and he were showered in light.

[Dylan Caoimhe]

Dylan heard his name. Someone was talking to him. Yelling, rather. He lifted himself off the wall, and rubbed his hand through the matted hair on the back of his head. Oh great, he thought. That idiot filch had finally caught up with him. Dylan waited patiently as the person drew nearer. As they got closer, he was able to make out enough that it wasn't Filch, but to his surprise, Wynd Lehane. Slytherin Prefect, and his fellow fifth year. Dylan didn't know much about Wynd, and didn't really care. As he got closer, he heard him say something about docking points. "Oh yeah, that'll teach me. Really put me in my place," Dylan mumbled to himself.

He felt his face frown up. He had never been more annoyed in his life. Even in the early hours of the stupid morning he couldn't relax without someone bothering him. And how the hell did he know I was up here, he thought. Wynd asked him who he was talking to, and lit the tip of his wand, so that both of them were now showered in light. Dylan reluctantly looked at him. "What in the bloody hell," he said taking in Wynd's appearance. Dylan chuckled, and leaned back up against the wall like he was never disturbed in the first place. "Interesting outfit Lehane. Do you walk around the castle like that every night, or is that a special get up you threw on just for me?"

This was stupid. Dylan barely took teachers seriously, let alone Prefects. Docking House points? What did he think Dylan was? A first year? Dylan knew, just by hearing snitches of conversation here and there, that Wynd had a sizable temper on him, but he didn't care. He was far from intimidated by him, or anyone for that matter. Prefect, he thought. Dylan was to tired to get any angrier, and wished he was back in the dormitory, but he wasn't ready to leave the tower. He wished he could tell Wynd off here and now, but he would have to settle for cheek.

"Well, I brought the candles," he said nodding towards the levitating light in front of him. "Did you bring the food?"

[Wynd Lehane]

Wynd was taken slightly aback when Dylan chuckled to himself. Only slightly however and he did not show it. Ruby had trained him not to show surprise. Surprise is what the enemy wanted. If you were surprised then they had found a weakness in your defences. It had taken the twins several years but they had mastered accepting surprise and suppressing it right away. Dylan tried to act cool and suave but all that chuckle did was inform Wynd that Dylan was nervous. It didn't matter if he really was. That little chuckle was his downfall. Wynd paused before answering his comment. In that silence a gust blew his cloak and ruffled his hair. Wynd loved having ear-length hair. When the air picked up his hair he felt as if the element itself was on his side. After all, Wynd was named after his grandfather but also one of the four elements of balance.

"Why do you ask Dylan? Do you like what you see?" Wynd said coolly. "I always thought you were a little queer but I meant that figuratively not literally," Wynd continued to egg Dylan on. Wynd hoped that he would come up to the Astronomy Tower and find Dylan willing to come back with him to the dormitory. He hadn't expected Dylan to go on the offense. His eyes narrowed on Dylan. "Until now." Fine, Wynd thought, I'll play his little game. But he'll soon find out I play it better. "Well have a good look. This might be the last time you ever get to see this outfit." He strode within a few fight of Dylan, posed with his hips purposely jutting towards the other boy, and then turned 180 degrees and walked back to his original place. He looked hard at Dylan, a little smile cracking his lips. "Grandmother always said I could be a model."

Wynd knew that he had to get Dylan angry. Once he was angry he had lost. Anger is a useless emotion that clouds your judgment. "Actually I didn't have time to get the cheese and crackers. If I had known that you would be out here at this hour," Wynd continued to add fuel to the fire, "And that you had planned a romantic evening for just the two of us, I would have got a hold of some firewhisky," Wynd finished, the small smile never leaving his face. "Let's go back to the dorm."

[Dylan Caoimhe]

Dylan smiled wide, and even laughed. Dylan couldn't remember laughing like that in his entire life. Sure he was tired, which was probably the cause, but it felt good all the same, especially given all the events that have taken place lately, but Dylan didn't want to think about that. Lehane had a little bite to him. Strong minded, apparently. However, he was amused at his little retort. Dylan sat up, grabbed the candle, blew it out, and layed it on the stone floor. "You know what Lehane, your not at all what I thought you were," he said laying back up against the wall closing his eyes. "You looked like you were having a little too much fun, but don't sweat it. I don't judge. We'll have to hang out sometime. But, I have to say. There's no chance for you and me. Or, anyone and me for that matter. I'm asexual."

Dylan felt a yawn coming and tried to stifle it, but it was to late, so he covered his mouth with his hand. "I'll go down to the dorm when I'm good and ready." He didn't know how much longer he could stay up. He looked at Wynd standing there looking annoyed. "Although," he said laughing again returning his head to the wall, and gazing up at the sky again, "the promise that you will never model for me again in your life would be enough to make me do almost anything." Well, that and the fact that he longed to be in his bed. "That would've scarred me for life if I wasn't so messed up already," he laughed.

"So how did you know where I was? No one followed me. I made sure." It was a little disturbing. All these years and Dylan had never been caught, nor found out of bed after hours. And lo and behold, Wynd should be the first. Well, sure he would rather him then that dumb squib Filch, who would've defiantly tried to get Dylan expelled. He would have to be more careful when sneaking off at night in the future. Funny enough, Dylan never worried about getting caught. If he was ever found, they wouldn't find him doing anything bad. He just found it easier to function when the castle wasn't buzzing with students. He would do homework, study. He just liked it better at night. But, it annoyed him that all these years, he was sure his fellow fifth years had seen his bed empty before, but they never bothered to care, or even wonder where Dylan was. The only reason Wynd was out here was because he was a Prefect. If he wasn't, he probably would've went right back to sleep instead of running off barely clothed to find him.

[Wynd Lehane]

Dylan smiled and laughed at Wynd's retort. Wynd couldn't be sure but he thought it was because Dylan was sleep deprived. Even though they were in the same house and year and had shared the same room for four and a half years, the two had never gotten to know each other. Sure they had the random conversation here and there but they had never developed any kind of relationship. Beyond that of acquaintance. Therefore Wynd was not exactly sure how Dylan would react. Or if this behavior was normal for him. Dylan blew out his candle which did not make the slightest bit of difference as Wynd's wand still lit the area around them. "Asexual? How old are you? Fifteen right? How could you possibly know that you're asexual at fifteen? Doesn't that mean that you're not attracted to either sex? That's just sad."

Dylan tried to stifle a yawn but it was too late. Wynd saw it. Dylan quickly tried to cover his mouth with his hand. "Tired are we? That's why you need to go back to bed." Wynd listened as Dylan proposed that he would do almost anything if Wynd never modeled for him again. "Almost anything, eh? You should not make an offer that you can't keep Dylan. However, I won't model for you again if you promise to stop making these ludicrous trips in the middle of the night. It was cute in your third year, there was one time that you were gone that Snape randomly checked to see if we were all there. Valmer and I made some lame excuse like you drank a lot of water before going to bed. It was annoying during our fourth year. And now in our fifth year it is downright stupid."

"How did I know you were up here? Why my dear Dylan, I've known you've been coming up here for about a year. Did you really think that you could keep disappearing in your bed for two years and your roommates would never once be curious? You really give us less credit than we deserve. Plus," Wynd paused for dramatic effect, "I am in the habit of keeping tabs on my fellow Slytherins. In case one day Ruby and I want to ask them to join the cause." Ruby had been doing the same thing with the Slytherin girls. What would be the point of being in power if there were no followers? "You're right, I didn't follow you tonight. In fact if I hadn't been able to sleep, I would not have come chasing after you tonight. But I couldn't fall asleep and as a prefect it is my job to make sure that your asexual self is safe. Regardless if I care or not. I cannot lose this position. It's too important."

[Dylan Caoimhe]

Dylan continued to gaze at the sky as Wynd responded to him. He could've argued back, but decided it wasn't worth it. Regardless of what Wynd was saying, Dylan would still do as he pleased, when he pleased. He didn't go off at night for the thrill of not getting caught, or because he thought it was fun. He did it for the solitude. The peace of mind. It was the only time he could get in touch with himself. So far, he'd been coming up here just because it was the place that enabled him to be closer to the sky. Closer to the Heavens. Closer to Alanah. He would give anything to have her back. If only she were here, he probably wouldn't be such a mess. He wouldn't be all over the place. He wouldn't be second guessing himself, and what he stood for, and what he was about. He just felt so out of it.

Dylan inhaled deeply. He had to get a grip on himself. He wasn't going to let himself break down. He couldn't. He wouldn't. He slowly got up off the floor and stood up, and faced Wynd. Dylan was a few inches taller than him. "My asexual self huh? Do you even know what that means? It has nothing to do with not 'liking' guys or girls, as you so articulately put it. It just means you have no desire to have sexual intercourse, or contact. With anyone. And what do you mean by 'losing your position because it's too important?' Your a school Prefect, you don't work for the bloody Ministry of Magic. No one cares. Just like no one asked you guys to cover for me. Oh yeah, thanks for that by the way. Your such a good guy," he said punching Wynd on his upper arm. What was he talking about? Having people "join the cause?" It didn't matter. Dylan walked past him and went to the door and opened it. He turned around and looked at Wynd standing there holding his lit wand.

"Well? After you," he said gesturing with his arm and bowing. "Come on. Return me safely to my bed. Thats the whole reason your here right?"

[Wynd Lehane]

Dylan finally got up and faced Wynd. He was a little taller that Wynd. That didn't faze him. Height had no relation to strength or to power. Odette was the perfect example. She was short but the power that flowed from her was overwhelming. If Dylan was trying to intimidate Wynd with his height, it wasn't working. Dylan began spouting out some speech about how his definition of the word 'asexual' was so much better than Wynd's. Wynd yawned but unlike Dylan he did not try to hide it with his hand. He wanted to let Dylan know that he was boring him to death. He glanced down at the book that Dylan had apparently been reading and read the title, Making Magic. Dylan had been up here reading a book? Why couldn't he do this in the common room? thought Wynd. Wynd looked up when Dylan punched him in the arm. How he wanted to curse him. Just a tiny little hex. He would never know. "I'm glad that you noticed I don't work in the Ministry. What a keen observation," Wynd added sardonically. "I would never work for those bunch of blood traitors anyway. Never mind, you wouldn't understand why I need or want this position. And the answer is on a need to know basis."

Dylan had walked past Wynd and opened the door. He gestured for Wynd to go first. "Why thank you Dylan. You're such a gentlemen. You really should meet Theo. The two of you would make a great couple." Wynd made towards the door but before going back inside he stopped and turned to face Dylan. "I'm not going to escort you back to our room. I'm not your mother. Nor do I want to be so don't get any ideas. I'm going to go back inside and walk directly back to the dormitory. And I'm asking you to come back with me. You might think that because we are both in Slytherin that we cannot care for each other. But having someone for a roommate for four and half years gives you a certain affinity towards that person. Even though you went though that odd barking-in-your-sleep phase in our first year. You might not remember that, but the rest of us still do. Thus, I want to see you do well in your goals. You might think that because you have been lucky to not have been caught that you will not get caught.

"But don't let that go to your head. I caught you, a simple prefect. As you have pointed out. Who knows how many other people know of your little night ventures? The paintings are always watching even though they might pretend to sleep. And what about Peeves? If he caught you he could have the entire castle awake and at your location in a manner of minutes. But don't listen to me if you don't want to. I am just a prefect." He then turned back to the door and went back inside. He was not sure if Dylan was or was going to follow him. But he really didn't care. "This is going to be the start of a beautiful friendship," Wynd said loud enough so even if Dylan was still at the door Wynd could still be heard. With his final thought said, Wynd started down the stairs of the tower his lit wand lighting the way.

[Dylan Caoimhe]

Friendship? Something was really wrong with this kid. But hey, Dylan was one to talk. He looked back to the place where he was sitting and saw the candle still lying on the floor. "Accio candle." He caught it, and stuck it in his pocket. "Lumos," he muttered. Dylan took one last gaze at the sky, stepped inside, closed the door behind him, and reluctantly caught up with Wynd. "So, what is this psychotic little cause that you and your sister are all for that makes your, position so important?" He really didn't care, but hey. They were having such a pleasant conversation already. Why stop it?

Even though he had very unwelcomed company, Dylan still allowed his mind to wander. Who was he turning into? He was a lot less outspoken, he was getting a little nicer, he was going out for Quidditch? Here he was actually somewhat listening to this stupid git who was walking around almost naked. He just needed to sleep. Thats all. He was already stretching himself out far enough. He had so much on his mind. Rest would do him good.