(Lake) Breath of Air

[Carrieanne Darke]

"This place isn't as bad as I thought it would be.." Carrieanne thought to herself as she walked her way from the school towards the big oak tree that was near the lake. She had decided to take a walk towards the lake to get a fresh breath of air and check out the old oak tree. She had been cooped up in the school for the past few days doing work, so she was due for a change in scenery. The wind blew through the grounds and the area of which she was walking through, her hair tumbled behind her tapping her back. The sun was shining behind a bustle of clouds in the sky, speaking of the sky it looked as if it were thinking about raining and blocking out the warm rays of sunshine. That would dampen everyone's spirits since it's been so cold lately.

Keeping her arms around her as she made her way through the mass of students walking back to the castle, she heard a few people complaining about some things, mainly about guys or their relationships. Carrieanne looked back at them and raised her eyebrow, turning back to watch was in front of her she shook her head wondering why people complain so much about little things like that. In her opinion she can't really say she knows what they're talking about because she's never been in a relationship. So she wouldn't know the first thing about them, she's kept her head in the books and really didn't have time for anything like that. It seemed lately that people have been having problems with relationships, it almost made her happy about not being in one. But the thought didn't stay for very long. A gentle sigh escaped her lips as she thought more on the subject, but overall she was happy being single, but there was a part of her that wanted to explore that new adventure of being in one, well it's the thought.

Her thoughts haulted when she saw the lake and the sun sparkling off the surface. Her eyes lit up in pure excitement of how beautiful it was from where she was standing. Glancing over towards the little path up the hill where the oak tree was, she began walking in that direction, it was a perfect view of the lake. As fast as her feet would carry her, she made it up the hill and took a seat at the base of the tree and leaned back on the trunk of the tree. "Gorgeous." she said with an elegant smile. Carrieanne brushed the few strands of hair from her face and tucked them behind her ear. She sat there admiring the view and watching the water rippling upon the surface making it sparkle.

[Gregory Greenwich]

For once Greg wasn't on the night shift, most people would claim someone had something against them, that it was unfair he was given such a duty each night; patrolling the boundaries of then forest, but he did his duty, even though his knees would knock when a screech sounded perilously close. He just solely thankful that he didn't have to search the forest often, last time he'd been given the task of searching for a Rogue encampment deep within the forest he'd emerged a day late; a nervous wreck, until his sister had literally slapped it out of him.

He'd been practising hard though, and his aim had improved, he'd even mastered the art of a few more offensive spells for use in a duel, but still when up against a real threat, he buckled under the pressure. Luckily he just didn't ponder over it and just forgot, carrying on, because he knew he was doing his best, and that was all he could ask for. Even his sister Chloe had said she was proud of his inexhausitable effort.

Now after five nights patrolling the boundaries of the forest, here he was again, just during daylight hours. With hair carefully combed and an inscrupable, crisp suit now upon his back he'd only had a quick cat nap but was once again ready for action, or rather the lack of it. He'd perfected the walk though, you know the walk that all law enforcement officers do, a seemingly leisurely stroll at first glance, confident, ready for anything, except old ladies swinging handbags their way. Hands clasped behind him, in the small of his back Greg whistled as he walked, eyes roving all about, checking for anyone doing anything suspicious like. As a few girls whispered and shot him funny looks his face turned crimson and his step faltered, what were they saying? He couldn't help but wonder, looking back he hoped someone funny was behind him, but somehow doubted there was. Turning back he gave a little harumph as he dad perfected, hands now down at his sides he walked quickly away, turning about face and heading directly for the lake, with hoots of laughter floating after him. Little did he know there was a sign upon his back reading;

Jinx me!

Moving swiftly to the lake he looked out calmed by the flickering rays of the sun breaking through the cloud cover and reflecting off the water, it really made a pretty sight. But he couldn't rest long, eyes on the look out for danger they flickered past a young lady sat beneath the bows of the old oak, he gulped, even he knew she was beautiful and he had trouble around people at the best of times, but she wasn't suspected of anything he was sure. Walking as calmly as he could along the lake shore he tried to remember where he'd seen her face, a few seconds later it clicked, a new Healer at Hogwarts, he'd taken careful note of all new recruits there, but her record was straight, so he'd found no reason to investigate, and he always remembered a face, even from a picture. At least his mind was good for something then.

Now the Ministry officials had been told to keep on the good side of employees at the school, make sure they were firmly on their side, perhaps Greg had better keep up appearances and look as if he'd been keeping up aquaintances, rather than hiding away checking their records; it was much less scary, for Greg wasn't a people person. Yet she didn't look like she'd bite, and her record had been fine from what he could recall, so heart in his mouth he changed direction, having strolled right on past her without knowing it. Ascending the hill he smiled a little quaveringly, "M..Miss D..Darke, Gregory Greenwich, Magical Law Enforcement Apprentice, on behalf of the Ministry I would like to w..welcome you to Hogwarts." He was so used to his stutter he didn't even notice his slight hiccups, for him that was a fluent sentence, he'd never manage that in front of Locksley. But then he suddenly realised he'd got nothing else really to say, panicking he tried to think up something to interesting to say, being English he commented, "w..wonderful w..weather we're having." Gulping slightly and looking anywhere but at her he wondered if this had really been ther brightest of ideas... apparently not.

[Carrieanne Darke]

Carrieanne couldn't recall something so beautiful than the afternoon sun shining down upon the lake, letting its rays dance upon the surface of it's waters. She had made her way to the top of the little hill and sat at the base of the tree leaned back against it, with a light sigh of peace Carrieanne needed this time to herself for a little bit. Even if it was just to get a few moments of fresh air. Hearing a few laughs from a few students, the young woman turned her head slightly to see a gentleman in a suit walking through, a very handsome gentleman at that. She couldn't help but to be curious as to why the girls were snickering about, but let it be that, she turned her head to watch the waters ripple being ever so curious as to if there really was a giant creature that was claimed to be underneath the water of the lake. It was the thought that had her curiousity blazing with another thought of testing it out, perhaps not today.

Pulling her wand, she had conjured a book with the title 'Sonnets of a Sorcerer.' Carrieanne had barely began to read the book and had only read a few pages into it because she had a bit of free time to do so. Yes, her fault of loving books was nothing too bad, it kept things interesting for her and sometimes she even lived moments that she's read before. For instance in the book she previously finished called 'Triangle of Imperfections,' now that was a book she could almost relate to. Flipping open the book to the marked page that she had left off at, Carrieanne had already been leaning against the tree comfortably with her legs crossed over the other. She had managed to engulf herself into the sonnets, reading and understanding a logical meaning to them. It wasn't too long that her interest in the book was interrupted by a splash in the water, glancing over the top of the book Carrieanne noticed the water rippling outward.

For all she knew, it was probably just a student who decided to go for a swim, but as she thought about it, she didn't recall seeing any students sitting by the lake. They were more so out over towards the area of the grounds near the court yard, at least from what she could see when she looked. Glancing back at the lake, the water still rippled but started to become less and less. "Maybe it was just a fish." she thought and proceed back to reading her book. Once again engulfed in the idea of figuring out what the author meant. A few moments went by and Carrieanne was reading and pondering in thought, if someone were to walk by her, she probably wouldn't have even noticed that's how into the book she was. Flipping the page, she glanced up at the lake and smiled taking in a fresh breath of air and just shifted her gaze back to her book when she heard a voice that startled her a little.

Carrieanne glanced up to see the gentleman that she had saw earlier walking around, the one that the girls were snickering about, which she still wondered why. With a look so innocent and a smile graced upon her lips, the young woman stood up when he called her 'Miss Darke' as it was respectful to stand and not be lazy even if it was a relaxing day for one. "Oh" a smile creased her lips "You can call me Carrieanne. Carrie or Anne for short. Pleasure to meet you Mr. Greenwich" she said extending her hand out formally greeting him. The place was already starting to grow on her, the warm welcomes from other staff members and this was her first time meeting a Ministry worker so it made things even more like home. "Well thank you very much." her tone softened with small hint of excitement. Carrieanne did notice his stutter however, it didn't bother her in the least and she was still understand him and it didn't make him any different from her.

As the young woman stood there for a few moments longer, she gazed out upon the lake and turned back sharply to hear his comment on the weather. But also noticed something white flow with the movements of the slight breeze that blew by, Carrieanne stepped back a little noticing the paper on the man's back. A light smirk escaped her lips "It's definitely great weather, but it's not so good having a piece of paper stuck to your back." she stated letting a warm smile curled her lips as she reached behind him and pulled the paper off. The words read "Jinx Me". A sigh escaped her lips as she shook her head in disappointment of the students for being so cruel, "It looks as if someone was planning to have you jinxed out of fun." she explained to the man as she handed the paper to him. Carrieanne couldn't help but to chuckle a little at the thought of it though "At least you're near a Healer." she said jokingly, then quickly laid to rest the joke. "How is your day going?"

[Gregory Greenwich]

Standing a little stiffly and feeling bad for making her rise from her comfortable sitting position Greg smiled nonetheless as she was showing respect, something few people truly bothered about this day and age. When she gave a shorter version of her name, he realised he'd never known a Carrieanne before, and he remembered near every name given to him, or found out. "Wh..which do you p..p..prefer Miss Darke?" He asked wondering if her friends had a preference, then of course he should really take the other because he didn't really know her...yet.

"The p..pleasure is all mine Miss." The young apprentice inclined his head slightly to show due respect, eyes flickering away and not lingering, he knew people hated eyes resting on them, and he found himself incapable of maintaining eye contact for more than a split second with most women.

"W..we like p..people to feel welcome," he declared with a quavering smile, looking out at the lake for a moment. He found just gazing at the water calmed him, allowing him to unclasp his hands which he'd clasped tightly to stop from shaking uncontrollably.

"Sorry?" He muttered, wondering what she meant by paper, then it hit him, "oh, t.that happens all the t.time." He carefully took the paper with an appreciate smile, "more evidence," he explained as he slipped the offending article into a pocket.
"T.they keep tr.trying that, g..got h..it the other day. B..but Miss Locksley took p..points from them, so I th..thought they'd st..stop, ap..apparently not. Miss Locksley says they're naive and st..stupid, in effect, sh..she uses st..stronger language." He remembered the incident well, especially the lecture he'd received afterwards.

Laughing at her joke he agreed, "s..suppose I'm p..pretty lucky really. I'll h..have to bring you along as p..protection. A healer is always h..handy."

When asked about how his day was progressing he replied relatively crisply, as if giving a report, "w..well you'll understand I can't t..tell you certain information, confidential I'm afraid, b..but th..things are progressing ac..according to plan nearly. It makes a n..nice change to be about during the day really. H..have you a d..day off, or t..time off?" He asked wondering why a healer was outside of the Hospital wing when dozens of students were likely injuring themselves somehow. They always seemed to get into scrapes. Luckily she wouldn't have to deal with Ministry wounded as they brought their own healers along to tend to their wounded.

"G..got much p..planned for the d..day?" Greg asked interested to see what a healer would do on their days off, much the same as anyone else he guessed. Though a little annoyed that his stutter was still quite apparent, he controlled it better when around men, he was still coherent so he didn't much mind.

[Carrieanne Darke]

Carrieanne rose to her feet with a graceful smile creasing her lips, as he smiled it made her smile wider "Some just call me Carrie, only few people call me by Anne. Either way I'll respond to all three." in all honesty, either of the three she didn't mind being called either of them. She figured it would be easier to shorten her name to either of the two. Normally she would let them choose which name they wanted to call her. Mainly her friends, in which there weren't many of them always called her Anne.

Another smile raised her lips when he too showed respect in return, back where she was from, not many cared to show respect for others including her. They were always rude and nasty towards them.
It was nice to feel welcome and to be greeted by other staff or even outside of Hogwarts, it wasn't very often she found that in a place. She remembered when she worked as a Healer at Beauxbatons, women were to be seen not heard unless they were taking care of children or teaching them. Watching him gaze out at the lake, she followed his gaze out to a much lighter area on the lake where it sparkled brightly.

As she stepped back noticing the paper on his crisp clean jacket, she smirked commenting on the weather, but also removed the paper off his back as she mentioned it to him. She turned to look at him and handed him the paper. "It happens all the time? Well.." she paused with a slight surprise on her face. "Students now adays show no consideration for people. If you ask me, they have a lack of respect." she sighed in disappointment.

"Sometimes students don't learn on the first time around, I think detention and house points should have been a proper punishment for them. But then again, it's not my place." even if she were able to do that and caught those whom did this, she would send them straight to detention and would have removed house points. At least he was able to laugh at her joke despite what happened, "Yes, healers are good for some things." she chuckled.

As she glanced over at him asking about how his day, he mentioned about some of the things he couldn't tell her due to being classified, she nodded her head "I understand." she stated as she looked at him and another smile creased her lips. He had suddenly changed the subject sort of which was ok and she understood why, Carrieanne heard his question and nodded "I had today off and decided to come up here and read a book, but the lake captivated me."

The lake was very beautiful and peaceful in her mind, it was a great way to relax and take away the thoughts of work that was overbearing her mind. Glancing back at him and replied "No, I don't have nothing planned. I was actually bored to be honest." she explained. "But I needed fresh air so that's why I'm here."

[Gregory Greenwich]

Now most men would have been looking out for subtle signs, or just appreciated the grace in her smile, yet Greg wasn't like most men, his mind just didn't work in the same way. Not only was he naive but perhaps the greater problem was being wrapped up quite completely in his work. If he'd thought about the matter he wouldn't have made the probable mistake of believing the smile was for him, but even better the smile never even crossed his mind in such a way. He had no hopes on meeting women like others seemed to, always on edge and acting, Greg was just himself; plain and simple, in more ways than one.

"I..I already know an Anne, a friend of my s..sisters. So C..Carrie it is," beaming Greg lapsed into a comfortable silence whilst viewing the lake in all its splendour.

Hearing her comment about the lack of respect from pupils this day and age he had to agree, "I'm p..perfectly used to it now th..though. P..patience is n..needed for t.teaching nowadays; bucketfulls of it. Inexhaustable p..patience really. I d.don't know how they p..put up with it constantly." Even though Greg was rarely phased by the students constant pranks he could never teach, stood up there before so many people, who didn't want to hear a word he spoke.

"A great many things in fact, I often b..break bones and th..they always fix me up g..good and p..proper." he nodded as if that settled the matter, knowing that if a healer hadn't been about before now then he'd be occupying a hole in the ground right now, and so would a great many others.

Listening to her reasoning for relaxing in the grounds he laughed, "that's as good a reason as any." He commented, "the lake is magnificent, I've often watched it, p..particularly when I was at school here."

Hearing a faint noise Greg's ears pricked as he turned finishing his comment, "th..the air is remarkably fresh up here in..." he left the sentence unfinished on hearing the cry of exquisite pain cut the air. Wand drawn within an instant he wheeled about hearing a rough voice shout "sectumsempra," a cry quickly followed the spell, presumably it hit. Greg was already running towards the outcries, shouting over his shoulder, "get help." Breaking into a sprint his sharp ears detected quite acutely where the shouts had come from. Eyes picking out two officials, friends of his in fact, bleeding upon the ground, one passed out from the pain as he lay sprawled up against an oak, for they were at the brink of the forest itself. His training kicked in, their assailant was nowhere to be seen, how could he vanish so fast? Get down, ordered a voice in his mind, one that sounded all to similar to Locksley's, his training was taking over now, his refined instincts making him drop like a stone to the ground as a spell sizzled in the air overhead. Grunting as he landed Greg rolled guessing more spells would be incoming. On his front, he rose to a crouch eyes searching for his attacker but failing to find them. Jumping up he headed directly for the cover of the forest, keeping low he sprinted for the nearest tree, on reaching it he pressed his back up against it as he peered about its trunk. He could see nothing, scouring the ground for footprints with a practised eye his gaze followed the heavy-set prints as they retreated into the forest.

Something poked into his back as a voice growled, "drop yer wand boy." Cursing his stupidity Greg gulped, raising his arms slowly, though fear gnawed at his insides his loyalty to the Ministry was paramount and overwhelming even his fright.
"Under Ministry protocal, article 217 I..I'm unable to c..comply to your request." Greg shook with fear but his voice only quavered a little, he wouldn't back down from the man though.
"Wrong move kid," the man was about to utter his curse and Greg didn't have the reflexes to counter quickly enough; without assistance he was doomed.