(Corridors) Starry starry night

[Charlie Peers]

Perched upon the battlements scarily high up in one of the tallest towers of Hogwarts Castle Charlie sat with her legs dangling over the parapet, she'd never been particularly scared of heights, not off buildings anyway because they were sturdy, now cliffs were another matter entirely, she pretty much panicked whenever she saw one, and could rarely be coaxed near the edge, she'd seen too many films where people had fallen to a horrible death with the collapse of a cliff, or being pushed over the edge; scary.

But the dizzying height of the castle was no problem, she strangely enough felt safest way up here than down below where girls gossiped and bitched about each other, and guys just used fists to 'solve' all their problems, it wasn't quite so drastically bad as that but she liked to exaggerate even in her own mind to herself. It was just she needed a bit of solitude sometimes, Ravenclaws might like to immerse themselves in literature; usually fictions or even fairytales, which Charlie did adore, but she was also contented just staring off into space, imagining her own worlds from time to time, or simply just admiring the beauty of nature all about them.

Tonight the stars had her undivided attention as she stared raptly up at the brilliance, some shone brightly; beacons of hope, others dim and farther off, but all she gazed at as awestruck, listing which ones she knew the names of. A fair few she knew in fact. Wondering if she really could tell a future from studying the stars she didn't doubt others could, but she guessed and believed you needed a knack for it, course some stuff could be learnt the facts, but not the art itself, that was naturally instilled within a seer she thought. Charlie was quite contented just gazing happily at them, she wasn't one of those who desperately sought knowledge so she just sat and stared off, she probably wouldn't even hear anyone's approach she was that intent upon the sheer brilliance of those stars.

[Maria Turolia]

Maria slipped out of the common room for one of her usual nightly strolls. As she roamed the corridors, she realized that she was growing tired of the same scenes every night, even though she explored different floors and corridors every time. It took her just moments to realize that she what she wanted was some fresh air, and it had been a while since she had been up to one of the towers. Immediately, she started off to the nearest tower.

When she reached the top of the tower, she saw a figure sitting upon the battlements. It had to be someone brave to have their legs dangling from such a height. They didn't even seem to notice her presence. Walking over to the battlements, she stood next to where they sat.

Looking over at the person she immediately recognized Charlie. It had been quite a while since she had talked to the girl, who was in her year and house. Charlie seemed intent with staring out into the night sky, and Maria knew how she felt when someone disturbed her when she was so zoned out. So, deciding to leave Charlie to her thoughts, Maria looked out to the night sky allowing her mind to wander wherever it pleased.

[toby]

Tobe peered into the breast plate of one of the many suits of armour that lined the corridor, and ruffled his fringe into the messy sort of style that he seemed to think looked good. It was then that he noticed that his was not the only reflection in the armour. A girl, with her back turned to him, was sitting on the battlements just behind him. He swivelled round and recognised her as a Hufflepuff in his year.

Charlie Peers. Someone that Toby had never really spoken to or hung out with properly before. She was a prefect for one thing, and more importantly to him, had never really seemed to fall for the charms of him and his group of friends. Could be fun. Toby considered with a smirk, never one for turning away a challenge. It was then that another Hufflepuff appeared, Maria Turolia - another one he was not too sure about. She seemed to want to avoid disturbing Peers from her daydreaming and instead decided to join in - a consideration that provided far too much quiet for the likes of Toby.

'What are you doing?' He stepped towards his fellow sixth years in his usual confident manner. 'You two were looking as gormless as some of the Slytherins in our year, and as I'm sure you know, that's quite an achievement.' He leant against the wall nearest to them, arms crossed with a smug expression on his face.

[Charlie Peers]

A few minutes passed as the stars kept their silent vigil still, Charlie focused her eye upon Orion's belt then flicked over to the moon wondering if that sickle shape meant anything in particular? Probably something obscure like her shoes would need polishing tomorrow, which was actually true they'd been in need of a polish for weeks, maybe determining the future from the stars worked afterall then? So long as it didn't mean anything to horrible she'd probably believe it.

As a stiff breeze made her shiver slightly, Charlie whistled to stop her teeth from chattering, maybe she'd been out for too long already? Then all of a sudden a voice rang out behind her making her nearly slip and fall from the battlements, luckily she didn't fall to her untimely death and he reflexes were just quick enough to grab a hold of the masonry. "Cor blimey!" She exclaimed, adrenaline pumping within her system as quick as a flash. Turning she immediately spotted Maria now, "lord your voice has changed," she commented with a laugh, craning her neck round further to see the other newcomer.
"Ooh you haven't been there ages have you?" She asked Maria quickly, afraid she'd been utterly ignoring someone for ages; which she had. "I kinda disappear into my own little world you see, sorry," she pulled off a sincere innocent smile.

Craning her neck back around to the boy, she waited patiently for him to move into the light then recognised him as a popular Gryffindor, known as Moron by the Slytherins she'd heard once, they were such an original bunch. "I've been called gormless many a time...Toby," she uttered hesitantly. "Aren't the Slytherin boys more attractive in our year though?" She asked Maria confusedly, not really seeking to banter with Toby, she had actually heard rumour of it when she occasionally listened to girly talk in her common room.

As the breeze ruffled her skirts Charlie, decided getting a crick in her neck from looking back round at Toby was a bad idea, so twizzeled around, nearly toppling backwards a couple of times, and very nearly allowing him a peek up her skirt if he was looking, she didn't actually notice herself though as she smiled, "well I was gazing at the stars, they're really pretty tonight...quite beautiful." She breathed not noticing that she looked directly at him on saying that, sometimes fate played cruel tricks on her, tonight seemed such a night.

[Maria Turolia]

Maria jumped at the sound of the voice, and her eyes widened as she was sure that Charlie was about to fall off the tower. She sighed in relief when she saw that the girl had regained her balance. "No, I've not been here long," Maria answered with a small smile to Charlie. "And don't worry about being in your own little world. I was rather enjoying the peace and quiet," she said turning to the boy who had disturbed it.

She immediately saw that it was one of the Gryffindors in their year. Chuckling at Charlie's question she answered, "Yes, Charlie, the Slytherin boys in year are slightly more attractive. Some of the Gryffindors aren't too bad, though." She shrugged a bit as she said this.

"Gormless?" she said looking at Toby and raising an eyebrow. "You know, Toby, sometimes a bit of peace and quiet does you good." Shaking her head slighlty Maria continued, "Although, I do suppose that you are just so used to being surrounded by people that you wouldn't understand the value of a bit of quiet."

[toby]

'Slytherins, more attractive?' Tobe raised a playful eyebrow, and eyed them both looking thoroughly and jokingly unconvinced. 'Now you're just being ridiculous.' A smug smile resurfaced - he was always putting on a show, even if he didn't realise it yet. 'And you say it like its a bad thing.' He turned to Maria, referring to her comment about him always being surrounded by people. It was true of course, tonight was a rare occurance to see Toby without his close-knit group of Gryffindors.

'Though just because I don't stand around in towers in a day dream-' A smirk played on his lips as he looked pointedly from one girl to the other. '-doesn't mean I can't appreciate a bit of peace and quiet-' He had flying for that - and realising that he was beginning to sound something resembling seriousness, he gave his hair another ruffle and quickly moved on.

'Consider yourself a bit of an astronomist then, Peers?' Whose locked gaze had quite puzzled him as she had spoken of the stars.

[Charlie Peers]

She'd never grow used to talking about attractiveness, it didn't embarass her as such, she herself just rarely found many lads attractive, because she didn't concentrate on looks so much, but much more so on personality. Though even she had to admit that Toby was pretty hot, she'd never inflate his ego by telling him such, he probably knew it already anyway. "I suppose they aren't bad really." She admitted giving Toby an obvious appraising look, not designed to make him uncomfortable but just thoughtful, contemplative and analytical even.

"Yeh it's true," agreed Charlie believing peace and quiet was incredibly vital to her own life, she'd never be able to think straight otherwise. It was difficult finding time alone, just to sit and think, or even better just to think and clear her head of all whirling thoughts completely. "I like daydreaming," she commented with a small smile, thinking it good for her soul really, "I'm not so popular as you pair." You'd think she was sad by saying such a thing, but really she wasn't, for she really was perfectly contented with her life. She didn't want to be anywhere else in fact, she just prefered the peace and tranquility to the hustle and bustle. Then kept herself to herself more often than not when able to.

Gaze now caught when Toby asked his question she replied, "no not really, I just like looking at them. One day I suppose I might make it into a hobby of sorts, but at the minute they just make me at peace looking at them."

She shrugged, "not many people understand that sort of thing, I just love the natural world really, Care of Magical Creatures is my favourite lesson for sure, how's about you?" As an afterthought "but what brings you up here anyway?" She shared a knowing look with Maria and smiled innocently back at Toby.

[Maria Turolia]

Maria shook her head at the boy's smugness. Was it even possible for him to think more highly of himself? He was cute, but nothing too special. "Daydreaming is an excellent use of your time," Maria said nodding in agreement with Charlie. She didn't spend too much time daydreaming, but whenever she could get away and be by herself, it was one of her favorite things.

With the talk of astronomy, Maria looked up at the bright dots against the dark sky. She was a horrible astronomer. Even when people pointed out constellations to her she couldn't see them. She just didn't have the eye for it.

Turning her attention back to Charlie as the girl asked a question Maria thought for a moment. "I've always found Charms to be a fascinating subject. Although, I may prefer potions, I'm not sure. And as for why I'm up here. I was just tired of spending every night roaming the corridors, so I thought being out in the fresh air would be a pleasant change." She looked over at Toby, curious as to why he was apart from his little group and out here.

[toby]

‘Oh-’ One thing about Tobe was that he was excellent at thinking things up on the spot, and sounding genuine about it. He’d hardly a detention to his name because of the skill. ‘-had a little run in with our friendly caretaker, nearly caught a few of us hanging out in the empty classroom on the floor below.. had to make a quick escape.’ He gave an unbothered shrug. Truth be told, he’d just had enough of the common room for the evening. Though he enjoyed being centre of attention along with his friends ninety percent of the time, he was in that rarer ten per cent this evening - not that they needed to know that.

Tobe moved closer to the window and peered down below. 'Bloody hell Peers-' It was long way down.. the Gryffindor was used to such heights, but of course, that was with a broom. '-I thought I was good with the heights.' It gave her an impressed sort of nod, before moving back to lean casually against the wall.

'I'm more for Transfiguration.' He said, continuing the conversation with probably one of the more generally disliked subjects - comparable to that of physics in muggle terms.

[Esther van Haestregt]

Her footsteps could be heard as Esther walked down the long corridor, her high heeled black leather boots echoed around the hallway. She was worried, the castle was too quite. Her pervious patrols had been pretty lively, catching small children sneaking to the kitchens for midnight snacks, meting up to spend more time with each other. But tonight there had been no one, the stars were out as she was now on the seventh floor of the castle and there was no one.
But as she walked past one of the entrance ways to the towers her sharp ears detected the sound of people talking. The sound of her footsteps stopped and Esther moved her long dark hair away from her ears so she could hear even more. She could tell there were three people, two girls and one boy. Perfect.

After jogging up the stairs Esther reached the top of the stairs and stood at the top of the tower looking at its occupiers. Then slowly she reached into her pocket and pulled out a small black notebook which had a white rose upon it. Then out of her other pocket Esther pulled out a pure white feathered quill and flicked open and started to tap it against the notepad.

“Three students out of bed, after hours and at the top of the tower, which it not only against school rules but also extremely dangerous. Now can you all give me your names and we will try and decide a suitable punishment.”

[toby]

Toby groaned as a voice of authority interrupted their chatter. Not getting in trouble was becoming so much harder with all the ministry minions plodding around the place. He moved off leaning against the wall, and turned around to meet the owner of the voice. Haestregt. He winced – they pretty much couldn’t have had worse luck. She was far too clever for the usual tricks he would pull with a ministry worker, and far too strict to care for any excuses.

‘Certainly.’ He said in the false politeness he used for all ministry employees placed in the school. ‘There’s Charlie Peers… but, oh-' He put on an innocent expression of realisation. '-she’s a prefect so allowed around the castle.. and Maria Turolia who, with all the hype about the castles security, has now been asked by Darrow to accompany Peers on her rounds.’

It wasn’t strictly true - actually a downright lie - but made some sort of sense seeing as they were in the same year and house - and though she was getting there, Haestregt didn’t have the authority to question Darrow yet. ‘And well, I-’Have absolutely no chance of getting out of this without punishment. He realised inwardly, now wishing he had been genuinely polite. ‘Toby Moran.’ He muttered in a dejected voice after a moment or two. Detention was obviously never the most fun of activities, but Tobe could tell ones from this witch would be in a new league.

[Esther van Haestregt]

A vane and pathetic attempt to try and cover up for the ill discipline of his peers but as he spoke Esther made notes in her little black book. The white feather dancing around as her hand moved along the paper, the sound of the quill scratching against the smooth surface rang out and with a little blow on the wet ink to make sure it did not shut Esther snapped it shut and her gaze moved onto the Gryffindor.

“Mr Moran I do indeed know who the prefects in this school and will be punishing Miss Peers for not doing her duty. I also am informed enough about the goings on around the school to know that there are no such regimes put in place about the protection of prefects, if anything that is what I and the other professors are for.”

If Esther processed the ability this would have been the occasion a small cruel smile would have filled her lips, but alas her face remained straight. There was no crease line of a smile or a frown, no glistening in her dark eyes at the taste of victory over the pathetic student. Instead all she did was flick open her notebook once again and put an X next to Toby Moran.

“You young sir are on strike two. One for lying to a superior and another for being out past curfew, which as a result is either a detention to be served at the weekend or the removal of house points? It is your choice Mr Moran.”

[Maria Turolia]

Maria let out a small sigh at the sight of the woman. Oh well, she had to be caught out after hours at some point. Now was just as bad as any other time. The woman was obviously a ministry official definately not a very pleasant woman. As she spoke Maria couldn't help but think that this woman had a personality very similar to that of her grandmother's. Maria leaned back against the battlements, and just as she was about to give the woman her name and get it over with Moran spoke up.

Maria smiled at Toby as he attempted to cover for her and Charlie. Unfortunately for him the woman did not seem to be buying it and seemed very annoyed that he had lied to her. "Choices, choices," Maria said shaking her head slightly and looking at Toby. She thought that Toby would probably take the detention, just to keep his fellow Gryffindors from having to share his punishment, but she could be wrong. Looking over at the woman, Maria smiled sweetly at her. "I'm sorry that you have to waste your precious time punishing us." Her voice was completely sincere as she spoke to the woman.

"And I'm sorry that Toby lied to you. But in all fairness he was just being a gentleman, trying to take the blame from us. It was rather sweet." Maria looked over at Toby with a too sweet smile. She knew that nothing she said would matter, but nonetheless she kept talking. That was how she handled things. "It is so rare to find such a gentleman these days, wouldn't you agree?" Maria asked the woman as though they were just having a pleasant conversation.

[Esther van Haestregt]

Esther looked up from her notebook and watched the Hufflepuff as he tried to defend Mr Moran, it was a particularly pathetic attempt and Esther was unsure what Miss Turolia was trying to achieve apart from landing herself in detention with Mr Moran. Esther was not one for romance and in particular the small flings between students. Maybe that had been Miss Turolia’s motives, and she guessed by the sickly sweet smile that there may have been something between these two.

“Miss Turolia I do not care if Mr Moran is the member of the British royal family, he has disobeyed the school rules and then lied to a ministry official. You have now answered back to a Ministry official as well as out after curfew so it is the same situation for you Miss Turolia. Detention or points off your house.”

Yet again Esther turned to her note book, the quill flowing around as another complete was put against Maria Turolia’s name. The only person who seemed to be getting away without trouble was Charlie Peers, and she was the only one who was keeping her mouth shut.

[toby]

It seemed that Charlie and Maria had got off lightly, when - to his surprise - Maria suddenly piped up. Tobe smirked in approval as she carried on where he left off - in the same falsely polite, conversational way. It was clear that she would be heading straight for the same reply as he got, and he had to stifle a laugh when she was offered the same proposal as he.

'A choice?' Toby asked, pretending to consider, even though he could only ever accept one. How generous of you. He thought, deciding to keep his sarcasm within his mind, though being unable to stop himself from rolling his eyes. 'I'll take the detention.' Though he was now sure he was going to have the weekend from hell, there was no chance that he was going to let Slytherin closer to the House Cup.

Toby crossed his arms in front of his chest, and watched the ministry witch with a glare. His mates would get a laugh hearing how easily he had been caught.