[Lake] We have nothing to lose, everything to gain

[Professor Ashton Laurent]

Ash sat atop of a large rock overlooking the lake, the deceptively passive waters lapped at the pebbly shore, a chill hung in the air, causing most students to stay, curled up in comfortable overstuffed chairs in their common rooms, Ash however had grabbed his velvet cloak, that he had gotten at Ashlee's store last term, and had gone outside. Now out at the lake, he had some time to think. About things that had changed, how his friends had changed, how he had changed. So idistracted was he with his thinking that he did not notice someone walk up behind him...

[Max Hennerdale]

He must say, this kind of weather was not his favourite, but the breeze combing through his hair relaxed the blonde Gryffindor somewhat. Maxi wasnt lost in his thoughts, more enjoying the alone time since he couldnt remember the last time he was alone. He had been spending half his time with Ash, Bray and Fay, and the other time Alex kept on stealing him. Though, Maxi didnt mind, he and Alex did have a lot in common, though the conversation usually revolved around Girty, which of course he didnt mind.

As he got to the lake he saw the familiar dark head that was Ash, or at least he thought it was Ash, it could have been another dark haired person. Walking up behind him Maxi put his hands on the boys shoulders, "Whatcha doing?"

[Professor Ashton Laurent]

Ash felt hands on his shoulders and looked up to see Maxi. "Hey Max. Not much. Just thinking. You?" He asked giving Maxi a smile.

[Max Hennerdale]

Typical responce, though still what did he expect. "Walking," He said calmly as he sat down on the grass. Watching the waves roll back and forth, "Heard you and Laney had an argument the day after the party?" Maxi looked at Ash and tilted his head on the side. "Everything okay between you two?"

Max let the breeze rush through his hair. He had heard off Laney that the two of them had had a fight but Max didnt think it was anything serious, besides, Laney and Ash couldnt stay mad at eachother for very long, that was common knowledge, those two siblings cared for each other too much.

[Professor Ashton Laurent]

Ash sighed and lay back on the grass. "I don't know. I guess." he muttered. He sighed, "I know she didn't mean any of it, but still..." He smiled, "But I guess there's no point in being mad if she didn't mean it." He grinned up at Maxi, "So, what have you been up to?"

[Max Hennerdale]

"Well, no there is no point in being mad at Laney for it." Maxi sighed, it seemed to be one problem after the other and somehow, Max always managed to find himself within it. "Whatever she said was probably said out of hangover, It's not like Laney would mean to hurt you is it Ash?" Maxi smiled, "I mean come on, You and Laney are like two peas in a pod, you two could never have a serious argument, you both would either laugh by the end of it or make up the next day" He nudged Ashy's leg and smirked, "You two couldnt have bad feelings for eachother if you tried, I respect that. Whereas me and Hannah, well that child is just annoying"

"What have I been upto?" Maxi asked looking at Ashton with a smile. Spending time on my own in the common room, catching up with late assignments, finding out about Rieko's new lovelife, doing my prefect rounds, catching up with friends, apparently kissing everyone at that party, drinking myself to oblivion, studying, oh and spending time with your sister in dark places like the forest while she spills the beans on how she feels about a certain someone. Yeah because THAT would go down well. "Nothing really, you know, usual. Prefect Duties and the rest of that boring crap." Maxi bit down on his bottom lip as he watched the lake ripple outwards.

[Professor Ashton Laurent]

Ash smiled, "Yeah, you're right. I love Laney too much too stay mad at her!" he gave a small laugh when Maxi mentioned his own little sister, Hannah. "Geez, ya think? I barely know the girl, I only spent one summer with your family, and she annoyed the crap outta me!" He followed Maxi's gaze out to the lake, "It's a nice place to come and think." he said softly.

[Max Hennerdale]

"Try living with her" He meant Hannah of course. Though Maxi didnt say anything else on the whole Laney subject. Instead he just sat down on the grass and looked towards the lake. It was certainly relaxing just listening to the waves crash against one another. Though he was glad to hear Ash couldnt hate Laney, least that one of them would be okay.

[Professor Ashton Laurent]

Ash laughed quietly. "I know. I feel so sorry for you!" He sighed and leaned his head against Maxi's shoulders. '"I can't believe how much everything's changed." he said quietly. "I've changed, you've changed. Sometimes.... sometimes I just wish things would go back to being how they used to be. Everything felt so perfect back then." He sighed again, "I really miss you Max, and don't say something silly like 'I'm right here' because you know what I mean."

[Max Hennerdale]

"Yeah well, I love her to bits so its okay I guess"

Maxi jumped a little bit when Ashy's head rested on his shoulder. Maxi let out a deep breath. His eyes closed, Ash was right, everyone had changed, Max especially but in ways even he didnt understand right now and trying to explain these to Ashton, well it would only make the Gryffindor more confused. Ash missed him, was this Ashtons way of saying he still loved Maxi. Of all the things he needed this wasnt one, not now.

"We have all changed, people do change, Ash." Max told him, "Its what happens"

[Professor Ashton Laurent]

Ash nodded, "I know." He said softly. He sighed, "I guess.... I just wasn't ready for the change. Hell, I still don't know if I am!" He sighed again, "I know I probably brought alot of this upon myself, if I hadn't been so clingy and jealous, not to mention so self-pitying, maybe none of this would've ever happened."

[Max Hennerdale]

"Changes happen, whether you want them to or not"

Maxi sighed he knew this was coming. What was wrong with him lately? Had be become a magnet for peoples affections? "Well it has happened Ash, and theres not much you can do about it now except accept that it did happen." Maxi looked at Ash and smiled, he wanted to tell Ash to move on and enjoy life with Sunni cause Max knew Ash was fond of Sunni and knew that they could make it work. At least Ash wouldnt be at risk of getting hurt by Max more than he was now. So much had happened, just like Ash had said, "Best thing you can do is move on Ash, let go of the past and stop clinging onto it. The future could be better for you."

[Professor Ashton Laurent]

Ash blinked back tears, "But I don't think I can." he whispered.

[Max Hennerdale]

Running a hand through his hair, Maxi took a deep breath and looked out to the lake. He watched the lake and bit down on his lower lip, typical Ashton. You could always count on him to keep his mouth buttoned when more either needed to be said, or could be said. The Gryffindor felt a small wave of frustration creep throughout his body, though Maxi knew he couldnt create a scene so let himself relax and held his tongue. Feeling as though he had to say something, if not to break the silence, Maxi looked at the Claw and said, "Ash, you will have to" Sighing he looked to the ground before pushing the Claw's head off him and looking at Ash. "You said it yourself Ash, Life changes, people change, we've changed." Sighing the Gryffindor stood up and looked down at the Claw who was still sat down, "It wouldnt be the same if we got back together now. It wouldnt work Ash, too much time has passed and... and other things have happened.... I've changed."

[Professor Ashton Laurent]

Ash looked up at Maxi, "I know." he said. He gave a small smile, "I guess I'll never really get over it." He sighed, "I still don't understand, you told me in Hogsmeade, that you wouldn't give up until you proved to me that you still loved me. What happened to that? Now that I'm ready to fight for you, you decide that it's too late?"