(Forest) Show me what?

[Erys Grace]

"I have to show you something. Its cool, dont worry. Wait by the Forbidden forest for me."

Was basically what Joshua had told her, a topic along the lines of showing her something amazing and to wait here. So there Erys was, sitting on a lone boulder nearby the ominous forest. Nobody would know it was her, for all they could see was an exotically dappled cat. A Bengal, to be exact. By transforming herself while she waited, the sixth year protected her identity in case she ran into some other student sneaking off into taboo territory. From what Erys knew, he wanted her to wait alone before they would go into the forest together and he'd reveal this really awesome thing to her. Feeling the edges of her fur tingle with excitement, she stared out at the castle, waiting for her friend to appear before changing back. He might find that her talent was as breathtaking as that object - well, what she thought he was going to show her - was.

The atmosphere changed from expectant to energetic, full of tiny electric pulses that tugged at her fur and prodded at her paws. Erys felt the familiar urge to run about, feel the muscles burn underneath her pelt. She could resist the animal's instincts to eat mice, but that didn't mean she didn't catch them. Even Erys was up to a game of chase once in a while. Flicking her unblinking stare around the surrounding area, the Slytherin glanced at her paws before watching the treeline as if expecting some dark creature to attack her. They would be fine, her and Joshua. Two talented people with their wands and wits to protect them.

Come on.. Where are you? Erys thought, knowing he was alright yet a little worried all the same. The silence hanging thickly within the air was unsettling, thats all. A minute could seem like forever when you were on your own, waiting for somebody and doing nothing mean while. What was so cool, that she had to meet him here in the dead of night? It must be pretty magnificent, to take her inside the forest and show her. Confident this was going to be really interesting, Erys tried to grin, ending up with a menacing smirk. Again. Cats really weren't made to smile.

[/color]

[Joshua Rivas]

Joshua Rivas hurried down through the grounds of Hogwarts. As usual he wore his favourite jeans and just a simple white sleeveless shirt. It was a warm night but he had wrapped a jacket around his waist in case it was somehow colder inside the forest.

Joshua started jogging, knowing he was late. Instead of passing through a few gates he instead vaulted several short walls. On the last one he lost footing and slammed into the dirt, swearing loudly. He stood up and brushed the grass from his jeans. Shaking his head he continued on for several minutes until he reached the forest.

He looked around. He didn't see anybody, except for a wierd looking cat. Maybe she wasn't coming? Joshua decided to hang around for a few more minutes in the hope she too was late. He yawned, stretching his arms out behind him, revealing a defined and muscular form. Where is she?

[Erys Grace]

Wierd looking? Ouch! Erys was a beautiful cat. He was so lucky she didn't hear him thinking that.

Relief flooded over her as the toned form of her friend appeared, looking around for her hopefully. Leaping off the rock, the feline stood on its hind legs, changing gracefully into a girl. Soon Erys stood there, sporting her favorite jean jacket, smiling smugly. He was so late. "So whats this amazing thing you have to show me?" She questioned curiously, her voice probing. Sweeping her eyes up to his face, forcing herself not to pause at his muscles - which were gorgeous, by the way - Erys crossed her arms over her chest, grinning. Knowing he wouldn't tell her what it was, since it must be so cool that it deserved to be seen in person.

Nudging him with a soft fist, she gestured for him to lead the way towards the forest. With her wand tucked safely within the deep pocket of her pants, Erys felt the familiar prickle of excitement against her skin. Trying to maintain her usual cool, collected expression, the Slytherin watched the treeline of the forest for a moment. Thom Moen was murdered in there.. She remembered, shuddering as an icy chill slithered down her spine. They would be okay, she knew it. They were strong, and they'd keep eachother safe.

Watching his eyes while waiting for an answer, the sixth year noticed that they both seemed to smile more while in eachothers company. Either she and him were going nuts, or they really enjoyed hanging out together. And that was fine, nothing wrong with chilling with your friend. There was also the prospect of entering forbidden territory that might've put a little charge into their moods.

[/color]

[Joshua Rivas]

"So whats this amazing thing you have to show me?"

Joshua spun around and saw Erys crossing her arms across her chest. Where the hell did she come from? He thought, confused. For a moment he considered the fact she owned an invisibility cloak, or that she was brilliant with disillusionment charms. He would have to ask her later or they would be late.

Joshua grinned, "Did you really expect me to tell you? Hell no. But we have to hurry, the moon is almost at it's zenith." He said, as if it were entirely normal conversation. She nudged him with her fist and he playfully shoved her backwards. Then he looked towards the forest, dark and ominous. He placed a hand at the small of Erys' back to lead her forward and felt her shudder. He didn't believe for a second it was his touch that did it, she was scared of something in the forest. She might not even know it yet, but he could feel it.

Rivas flashed her a winning smile then took her hand. Her skin was soft and warm with anticipation.
"Come on, we don't want to be late." He led her into the forest.

[Erys Grace]

Catching the shocked look in his eyes, Erys wondered if he had seen her change. Assuming not, since he wasn't asking any questions about where she came from, she grinned inwardly. The fact that she was an animagus shouldn't matter, but it was interesting to find out when someone possessed it. Scuffing her shoes against the grass, the Slytherin tapped her fingers expectantly against her hips.

"I didn't, no." Pausing, she added, "Zenith?" What did that mean? Making the connection that it must describe the state of the moon's axis or something like that, Erys shrugged it off, more curious as to what he was going to show her. Did he have to be so mysterious about it? Staggering slightly, she shook her head with a laugh. No way was he going to get away with that, she'd make sure to pay him back later. Cursing herself as he felt her shudder as she knew he would associate it with fear, Erys shook his palm away from her back, marching towards the forest with a determined expression. Joshua wasn't going be the macho man all the time, and she was making sure of it.

Feeling his hand catch hers, she slowed her pace some, figuring she could let him be a guy for a while. "We have all the time in the world." Erys replied with a small smile, silencing herself as they were engulfed in darkness. Shadows so thick it was nearly impossible to see, if not for the fog and the shattered beams of moonlight peeking through the tops of the trees. It was his job to lead them, being the only one who knew where this awesome thing was.
[/color]

[Joshua Rivas]

Darkness engulfed them as the forest swallowed them whole. Dappled moonlight showered silver jewels on the night dew, lighting up parts of grass like veins of crystal. Contrasted against the dark green of the sheltered green it was a brilliant effect.

"That's what you think. Sure, we could be late but we'd miss the best part. What's usually amazing becomes like an ecstatic dream when the moon reaches a certain point in the sky." Joshua said, tightening his grip on her hand as the fog swirled around their legs. It was still warm, yet not as much as outside the forest. He smiled at her attempts to be macho, yet he wasn't going to let her take the lead. This was his secret and if he was going to share it, it was going to be on his terms.

Joshua led her for over ten minutes through the darkness and he did so with complete confidence. He knew where he needed to go, it was something of a sacred place to him. Finally they came to a sloping ravine which seemed impossible to descend. Joshua let go of Erys and disappeared for a moment, scouting for the entrance. He quickly found it, a collapsed tree that allowed access to a gentler slope downwards.
"Come here." He said quietly, taking her hand again and leading her down. Tall trees created dark shadows against already black ravine, though silver was beginning to show through the canopy. They were getting close.

Finally, Joshua stopped. The only sound was that of a babbling brooke. It was almost completely black but he refused to cast a light with his wand. He knew it would only spoilt the effect. Knowing it was almost time, Joshua pointed to the place it would start.

The moon finally hit a partition in the canopy above, casting moonbeams down through the ravine. First the light revealed a small waterfall amongst the rocks, starting at the beginning of the ravine and becoming silver with the moonlight. It looked like a stream of molten silver, but it had only just begun. The moon reached it's zenith and struck a rippling pool at the bottom of the waterfall.

Instantly the area was illuminated. They were standing on a bank of soft green grass that gave way to white stones as the ground sloped towards the banks. Surrounding the water was an oasis of lush grass and forestry, ancient trees with roots that reached into the stream. The pool was wasn't large, slightly smaller than the average classroom. As the light hit the pool something amazing happened. The white stones under the water and the rippling of the pool itself mirrored the moonlight into tiny spheres of light that danced in the air up to six feet over the surface of the pool. Tiny aurorae flashed across the surface of the water.

Joshua led Erys to a large white boulder and sat down, indicating for her to do the same. In front of them was something no casted magic could have created. A molten silver waterfall babbling down to a flashing silver pool over which spheres of white light danced through the air. Joshua leant over and whispered into her ear.

"This was my place. Now it's ours."

[Erys Grace]

"That was very.. Poetic." Erys murmured quietly, glancing up at him with a surprised look. Feeling his fingers tighten around hers, she rolled her eyes with an amused smile. Fine, he could be the big and strong guy leading the girl, because it was his spot. Joshua could be such a guy sometimes. Watching as the fog licked at her ankles, she took a step forward, transfixed as it swirled like smoke because of the moment.

Peering forward as he disappeared, Erys waited patiently for him to return, knowing he wouldn't just leave her there or she'd have to murder him while he slept. Which could be really easy, getting into the boys dorm in cat form, slinking over to his bed then changing back and hexing him. Of course, he was too much of a friend for her to do that to him. If anything, the Slytherin just wouldn't be on speaking terms. That wasn't Joshua's way though, Erys was sure of it. He was back now, erasing even the slightest hint of doubt in her mind. "Alright." Was whispered as he grabbed her hand again, but the reply was lost for the area was getting more and more serene. Secret.

It was magnificent as it was beautiful. The water was like liquid crystal, reflecting little orbs of light that hovered above the pool. What she saw was just as he expected her to, something so pretty that there wasn't a word on earth to describe it. Not daring to take her eyes off the scene in case she shattered the sight, Erys felt her lips part for a moment. Completely breathtaking, utterly.. It was at that time where her mind shut off its thinking to watch. Catching her breath, it was all she could do to remain not completely breathtaken.

Its like magic.. She concluded then, before correcting herself. Its better than magic. "Its.. Beautiful." Her voice was quiet now.

Joshua had to tug her over to the boulder, where she dropped gently. "Are you sure you want to share this with me?" Erys whispered, forcing herself to look up at him with wide eyes. Oh, it was so hard to not kiss him right then. Knowing her, she'd get clumsy. If she did anything but look, the Slytherin knew she'd ruin everything. It didn't matter anyway; she was just being a regular hormonal teenager. Giving his hand a gentle squeeze instead, Erys couldn't help but wonder if she was worthy enough for this place. Did he trust her enough? Were they so close that he could reveal this to her?[/color]

[Joshua Rivas]

Joshua watched in amazement at the natural phemonenon that never ceased to put him at ease with the world. When he sat beside the Shining Pool everything slid into place, suddenly he realised how to cast a troubling spell or a missing piece of a puzzle was revealed. Simply by peering into its silver waters his life made sense. He felt Erys squeeze his hand and looked into her wide eyes. The silver light that dappled across her face only served to emphasise her natural beauty and Joshua had to resist kissing her right then.


But no, he wouldn't cheapen this. He hadn't shown her to put her in a malleable mood and he had never shown pretty girls this pool before. Sure, there were other places he used for such purposes but none so magnificent as the Shining Pool. He still wasn't sure why he had shown her and for a moment he felt regret at revealing such a private part of him. He shook that off, somehow sure he would allow Erys to see him as a whole person, not simply one part.

"I don't know why, but for some reason it is important you see this. I need you to understand I'm not just...." Joshua trailed off, unsure of what to say next. "I've never shown this to anyone. We've only just met but there is something different about you, Erys."
Rivas looked into her eyes again.

[Erys Grace]

Erys watched the ornate display, not at all overwhelmed by its beauty and tranquility. This place.. She would tell no one of it. As he wished, this was theirs, and theirs alone. Though grateful, she couldn't help but wonder why her, and not some other girl. This was amazing, it deserved to be treasured; Erys respected that. Somehow, in Joshua doing this, he revealed a very soft side of him that few must've known. To trust her with that knowledge was.. Well, its hard to describe. But she wouldn't take this meeting lightly, nor ever forget it. Watching the silvery orbs again, the Slytherin vowed this.

It was obvious he hadn't wanted to take advantage of her, or else Joshua would've done it already. Aware of that, she felt a smile creep on to her face. Understanding how difficult it was to tell her this, she nodded slowly, "I know. There are more sides of you than people believe." He wasn't just the popular guy who made all the girls swoon. Somehow, the gaggle of teenyboppers who giggled as he passed didn't even consider that. The only thing on their minds was how hot Joshua was. Those chicks really unsettled Erys- she hated describing handsome guys as hot, seeing as the word was demeaning and sounded shallow when you said it.

Grinning some, Erys nudged him playfully, "Different in a good way?" More serious now, she added, "You have something about you too, you know." He didn't find any of those stick-thin girls to his liking? Erys wasn't exactly skin and bone. She had muscles, but kept healthy and slim all the same. Catching his gaze, her eye color turned a coppery gold, which she tried to blink back but found it was impossible.

"Thank you for showing me this, Joshua." Erys smiled, radiant. Leaning forward, she wrapped her arms around him in a strong hug. She had always liked hugs, never getting them from her father but her mother instead. Maybe the absence of an embrace was the reason she preferred them.

He would find that when they hung out in a larger group, she wouldn't be this talkative. Erys was only that way with her closest friends, the ones she could trust with her feelings. But that was alright. Now that she mentioned it, the sixth year should make the rounds and get some more friends. She only had two. That was cool with her, she was more of a lone wolf anyway. You dont need a certain number of friends, just a number of friends you can be certain of.[/color]

[Joshua Rivas]

Joshua nodded, relived that at least someone at Hogwarts was beginning to fully understand him. His softer, sensitive side was just as much part of him as his tougher bad-ass exterior. It was hard to appreciate his whole personality without knowing intimately each part of his complex psyche. "Yeah, exactly." He said, "I'm not exactly who everyone thinks I am. Then again, no one really is."

"You have something about you too, you know."

Joshua smiled, rarely hearing such a compliment. Usually he recieved accolades on his gorgeous looks, bright mind, quick wit or brilliant ability with magic. Almost never did somebody actually tell him that he was a good person.

He nodded.
"You're different in a very good way, trust me. You're real, you are who you are and you don't apologise for it." Joshua said, surprised to feel her smooth arms wrap around his torso. Almost immediately slid an arm across her back and held her closely, not willing to break the embrace. He had been with plenty of girls and had liked all of them. Well, most of them. Some he had hated but only dated them for their looks, Joshua had no problem admitting he had been shallow. Still, hating someone enough to publicly duel was a kind of love, wasn't it? Probably not, he conceded. But none of those girls ever really knew him as Erys already did, or were willing to delve past the exterior.

Joshua watched as the moon slid over the pool and the water slowly dimmed back to darkness. The last two spheres seemed to dance towards them, coming close until finally floating into one another and disappearing in a light glow. What does that mean? Rivas thought with a smile.
"It usually lasts for about half an hour, then disappears. It doesn't happen every night and it has nothing to do with the calendar. Somehow it seems to occur when I need it to, when I need inspiration or a solution to a problem." Joshua explained as they were bathed in total darkness.
"I guess this was such a time." He said smiling, "Come on, we should get going."

[Erys Grace]

It was true, nobody really was who everyone thought they were. Erys couldn't agree with that statement more, understanding that even she was like this. Nobody, absolutely nobody, knew about her fears, her insecurities, even her sensitive side. The only person she'd allow a glimpse to was Joshua, and for now, nobody else. Hell, he knew her better than Veata, and they had been friends before she met him in Honeydukes! There was always time for V and her to chill, though, Erys hadn't seen her around lately. Either she was purposely avoiding her, or she was.. Sick. Maybe something else.

Deciding now wasn't the time to worry about somebody who could handle herself anyway, Erys closed her eyes for a moment, savoring their embrace. She had really missed this, hugging somebody. It didn't matter who, it could have been anyone so long as they meant it. But now.. This was special. Slipping her arms away after a while, she watched the fading glow. Like dying embers, sputtering with its last breath before blinking out completely. Joshua, turns out, had described her exactly. She didn't apologize for who she was or what she did because there was almost always a reason behind it.

The guys she had dated before were real jerks, to say the least. Erys had told herself she wouldn't make the same mistakes, if there ever was a next time. Which there was, now.

Finding that no more words needed to be said, as they had already covered how different they each were, Erys was contented to gaze out at the faint beauty of the last orbs. Watching curiously as the two floated towards them, she stretched out a pale hand, feeling its peppered glow within her palm. Drawing her arm back, she smiled as the pair whirled together, then disappeared. Being someone who watched out for symbolic meaning only because it was fascinating at times, she wondered what this must represent. Perhaps her and..?

Looking at Joshua as the last of lights vanished, Erys blinked to get her eyes used to the darkness. "Ah." Nodding, she tugged her jean jacket back on while silently remarking on how ironic this was. Appeared when he needed it most.. She thought with a knowing glimmer in her eyes - which, surprisingly, flashed like a cat's in the shadows - before standing and feeling for his hand. "Alright." And now it was time to go. Guiding him this time, her memory picture perfect, Erys walked quietly through the forest, confident he would follow unless move to lead her himself.[/color]

[Cessily Monroe]

Such a pretty forest.. So secretive and dark; it reminded her of her room back home. My my, if only her sister found out what dear Cessily was doing at school! She might just hex herself silly. Giggling within the shadows of the trees, the vampire thought this with a jolly tone singing splendidly in her head. They didn't have the best relationship, being siblings and all, but they managed.

The night so far had been uneventful. The fact that no student had dared to venture into the Forbidden Forest tonight displeased Cessiline immensely. She hadn't had a single human to eat in weeks, it was a wonder she didn't drop during class due to the lack of blood. Even a few professors had commented on how pale she looked, or the purple rims under her eyes. She must've looked ghastly! Shuddering, Cessily shook the remark off, deciding that if nobody came, she'd go to the prey instead. Plenty of fellow Ravenclaws to snack on before the twilight was over, after all.

There would be no search-and-destroy missions tonight, for a pair of pupils had already wandered into forsaken territory. At closer inspection, Cessily decided the male appeared simply delicious. She still had strength and speed left within her, so there was no need to go for his companion. Narrowing her eyes gleefully, the seventh year licked her lips. The scent was positively maddening, all that crimson pulsing underneath a few layers of skin. Nothing her fangs couldn't penetrate.

Having followed them to this sacred place, Cessily had been ready to take him right then and there, only to be driven back by the blinding light. So magical, it was sickening. Hiding behind a thick tree trunk, the dark creature dug her fingernails into the bark, viciously tearing off a piece. She was a beast of the night, magnificent and beautiful. Why must she have to hide? Whatever this place was, she didn't like it. Hissing under her breath, Cessily watched. Waiting..

Stretching out a deathly pale hand to the girl, the vampire thought of a perfect spell to get her out of her way until she was finished with her boyfriend. There was no reason she couldn't be civil unless presented with a difficulty, was there? "Joshua was it?" Cessily cooed, her voice low and magnetic. Her lavender eyes roved his flesh, like a hunter circling. For prey, hes gorgeous. Parting her lips, the vampire beckoned for him to come closer. "Come here." Drawing her powers around her like a cloak, she glanced reluctantly at the girl, staring down at her as if she was worthless. A waste of space.[/color]

[Joshua Rivas]

Joshua let Erys lead this time, completely unwilling to argue. She had taken his hand and begun to walk and he followed, admiring her sense of memory in this darkness. He had always wondered why the Shining Pool only appeared when he need it. Many times he had come, then the lights had never appeared. And at others, sometimes of less immediate need, the pool had shone for him. Strangely, those times often ended up far more dire. He distinctly remembered having trouble with a Shield charm in second year. After visiting the pool he was suddenly a master of the spell and used it to beat a fourth year in a duel two days later. Had he not blocked the stunning jinx that had come his way he would have been humiliated. That's why the Pool was so special to him.

Suddenly, something appeared from the darkness. Her skin was pale, almost white. Within moments he could tell she was beautiful, almost taking his breath away. She knew his name and it sounded like a siren's song when spoken by her sultry voice.

"Come here." She beckoned to him. Without a possible thought he stepped forward, releasing Erys' hand and walking towards the pale girl. He wanted to kiss her, to hold onto her and disappear forever. He came closer, entirely unaware of the danger and like putty in her hands. He should have known, his own mother was a powerful Auror well known for her specialty with vampires and had told him of similar effects they exhuded. He knew something was wrong, but she seemed to dominate his mind and an overwhelming desire told him to ignore his instinct. Go with her.

As he walked towards her he brushed Erys' shoulder and his hand clasped into hers. Suddenly his mind reeled and he became more aware of himself. Erys. She was there. Her presence seemed to rear up and fight the vampire for control of his mind. His memories of her were almost enough to break the spell. Almost. He stood with his mind filled with chaos, unable to move. He no longer moved towards the vampire but he was still easy prey.

[Erys Grace]

Stopping the moment someone stepped out a ways infront of them, Erys narrowed her eyes, feeling a tiny, anxious tug at the back of her head. Something is not right about her. She decided, compelled to approach her even though she asked for Joshua instead. The girl's beauty was astounding for sure, and it seemed like already she had him under her spell. Feeling him release her hand now, she stared, shell shocked. Dont go with her! The words were a shriek in her mind, persistent and urgent in their demand.

Trying to place herself infront of him and block his approach, Erys pushed against her friend, glaring up at him as if he was an idiot. "Are you nuts?!" She remarked with a grunt, shoving him only slightly back. Did he not sense it? Then again he couldn't change into an animal, but her feline senses were just screaming danger. "We dont even know who she is!" Within this state, Joshua was a sitting duck. Erys didn't feel like playing the role of superman today - since he was all about being macho - but she might have to, judging by the zombie moving beside her.

Locking her fingers with his and holding on tight, the Slytherin was relieved to see him stop. Only after that he didn't move. Waving her hand in his face for a moment, Erys finally figured out that this chick must have some kind of power over him. A siren perhaps? Maybe, but she hadn't sung anything to enchant him like that.

"Get out of our way." Erys demanded, locking her jaw to keep her voice evenly toned. Whatever was happening couldn't be Joshua's fault, it was just.. Not possible. He had never looked that way about anybody before, not even her. His eyes never strayed from the strange woman's, it was as if he was in love with her. Grinding her teeth together, she whipped her wand out, refusing to admit it. "Reducto!" Hopefully that would blast her out of the way, giving her enough time to tow him back to the school. "Come on, move with me." She hissed to him, pulling at his arm.

[/color]

[Cessily Monroe]

Satisfied he was taken care of, Cessiline continued to beckon with a svelte hand. Only that.. Thing, was getting herself in the way. Wrinkling her nose in disgust while slipping her palm into her pocket to draw her wand forward, she watched as the tattered strips of Dementor cloth slithered throughout the air around it. That was one of the reasons she simply adored the wand she had made by an expert maker, who was forced to make it terrifyingly awesome or else she'd eat him. Truth be told, he did a fine job, thus saving his life in the process. Pointing it at the girl - who was beautiful, but not as much as her, and muscular, but it wouldn't be enough to help - now, Cessily narrowed her eyes, curling her lip over her fangs. "I just have to talk to your boyfriend for a moment, sweetie. Just turn around and it'll be over quickl-" With a bang, she was shot to the side from Erys' spell, colliding with a tree and sliding to the ground.

Recovering instantly, the vampire didn't bother to try and hide the flash of crimson in her furious eyes. With her fangs out she darted forward, the movement nearly too quick to see. Or prepare for. Whirling around the girl's back, she whipped her hand forward, her fingernails as sharp as claws. If the teenager hadn't dodged, she would have three deep gashes on her shoulder blade.

Back to where she was before being so rudely hit with a spell, Cessily licked the blood from her fingers, savoring the taste. Her eyes, now a beet red, were hungry. "Come to me Joshua." She beckoned again, knowing he wouldn't be able to resist. The fact that he had, confused her. Why did he stop? No man could resist her, they never couldn't keep going. It must be the damn girl. Cessily concluded angrily, figuring that if she finished her off, then Joshua, she'd have two meals instead of one.[/color]