Perfect Place for a Prefect Picknic PV Closed

~ * ~

Part of Ruby couldn't believe that she was doing this. It was insane, right? Having a picnic in the cold, damp, dark, stone dungeons – probably with something dripping on them. It was creepy down there, and it couldn't be very sanitary at all. Yet Ruby was immensely intrigued, and her curiosity overtook anything and everything else. Ruby was always searching for something different. Things that stood out and just simply didn't fit in. So, when Ruby had received an owl one morning from one of her fellow Slytherin prefects about having a picnic in the dungeons, she had immediately accepted. She wanted to meet this person, as they were clearly different from many others if they suggested something like this.

She had got some drinks and cups from the house elves when she had explained that she was having a picnic with another student. It was a bright, sunny day outside, after all. They didn't need to know that the picnic would be taking place in the dungeons. Her dark curls were neatly pulled back into a French braid. She was wearing a dark red dress that went down to her knees and was rather simple but good for the occasion, and a silver necklace hung around her neck. just use your imagination for now

She finally entered the dungeons and could see a figure slightly further in. “Miss Shymane, correct?” she asked for confirmation as she walked closer. She could then see the picnic setup and knew that no one else would be having a picnic down here, so she joined the other girl, setting the drinks down. Normally, Ruby was pretty cold towards others, but this time, she was too interested and puzzled to bother with that. A wide smile appeared on her face. “It's a pleasure to finally meet you. Although, I do have to ask, why the dungeons?”

She had to resist the urge to laugh at the pure craziness of the situation and imagined what it would look like to a passerby. Two young prefects, happily dining in the dungeons. What a sight…

~ * ~

There she was. Well... as far as she could see. It wasn't very dark in the Dungeons but just a tad too dark.

'Oh! Hold on!' Digging in her pockets she pulled out a candle with a handle. Sunlight was annoying even thought the Slytherin Dhampir loved to watch the sun rise. How people could just run around in it, sit in it.... She envied them. Swiftly, she scratched the matchstick against the rough side of the matchbox, igniting a tiny flame. That on its own already lit up their surroundings quite a bit.

Carefully, Nico poked the flame onto the small stem of the candle, lighting it. Putting out the matchstick, she placed the candle with its handle next to them, far enough so it wouldn't set anything on fire. Surely, they would be able to put it out easily, but she'd rather not take any risks.

'Glad you could make it, Miss Cazares. I'm not gonna lie, I was quite surprised when you didn't have any problem to have a picnic in the Dungeons.' Nico scratched the bridge of her nose gently as she smiled. It was ridiculous. It was... No one with a sane mind would casually hang out and have a picnic in a damp, wet place like this.

'I noticed it was going to be a hot day today, and.. since the shadows of trees wouldn't give the best cooling... I- Haha.. I thought Why not in the Dungeons? It's the deepest place in the Castle and the temperature is perfect.' Sitting up on her knees, she leaned over the picnic basket she brought for the occasion. 'Oh, here if you're hungry, take whatever you like. I did my best to... bring various sweets and foods.' She smiled abit shy. The kindness and warmth of this girl took her by surprise. It was.. a good surprise. She felt happy.

'I'm glad that I finally get to meet you too. As soon as I heard, I- I have to admit, I might've been evading meeting you. That's not your fault really. I'm.. I often have trouble meeting new people. And then inviting you in this weird place for a picnic... I thought you would've called me crazy.' She smiled abit sheepish, rubbing her elbow. Being honest was a good thing but it felt like you're exposing yourself.

'But tell me... How is it going with your new job? Not too much trouble I hope?' Carefully Nico picked up a chocolate muffin from the basket and rest it in her lap on a kitchentowel. She didn't want to smudge her new dress. With her fingers she pulled off a chunk and brought it to her lips, quietly munching.

~ * ~

Ruby watched as Nico pulled out a candle and lit it. She was very well prepared for this, apparently. Ruby sat there, watching the tiny flame flicker when they moved and created a small breeze. It was peaceful and provided them with a glow large enough to light up their picnic. The dungeons were chilly, but it was a blissful respite from the heat in the higher floors or outside. Maybe Nico was onto something here… Ruby found herself feeling a glimmer of respect for the girl's actions. The school year was crazy but a picnic was a lovely break, especially where no one would bother them.

A quiet, short chuckle echoed off the walls at Nico's words. “To be honest, I was a little surprised, too. I suppose curiosity can lead us all to do unusual things.” She smiled. “I can't say I regret it—you did a wonderful job here.” A gesture accompanied her words, directing attention to the picnic basket and the spot that had been chosen. “You had a good idea.”

With another last smile at the girl and a nod of approval, she broke the eye contact to reach for a sandwich. Her praise was not something that was given incredibly easily, but her companion's actions were sweet and deserved to be recognised. Something also made Ruby feel like Nico could use some kindness and praise directed her way. Maybe the typically wary girl had picked up on the slight look of surprise in her colleague's eyes or the shyness in the smile. Regardless, she had not started off with the coldness when interacting with Nico, which meant that it would be gone for good. It would just be plain rude to be friendly in their first meeting and cold after that.

Besides, she reckoned she liked Nico already. She bit into her sandwich and chewed a couple of bites while she listened to what was being said. An understanding smile crossed her face at the girl's words. “Starting at a new school can definitely be tricky; I hardly think you're alone in feeling that meeting people is difficult.” She rubbed her neck sheepishly and a little laugh escaped her lips as she said, “I've had some trouble with that myself. I'm not too good at… getting along with other students my age. I've felt a bit different to them, you know? I think that's a pretty common feeling among preteens and teens, though. Still, crazy is good. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. It's more interesting.”

A look of reassurance would be visible to Nico. She would stand by her fellow prefect if it was needed, because no one should have to feel like they were alone. As for the craziness? This whole event reminded Ruby of something that Margo would do. That girl seemed to be one with no regard for societal norms whatsoever, preferring to live loudly and boldly, other people's hateful opinions be damned. Perhaps Nico would like her, or perhaps she would be too forward for the seemingly shy prefect. The little Scottish girl had wormed her way into Ruby's own heart with sarcasm, competitions, and hugs. Would someone like that be good for Nico, to help bring her out of her shell? Ruby considered introducing the two of them, but decided to tuck that thought away for another time.

Moving on—there was another statement that needed to be addressed. “It's going well so far. I haven't encountered much trouble so it's been pretty smooth.” It was a simple answer, but nothing particularly noteworthy had happened yet in her time of being a prefect. She continued munching away on her sandwich, savouring each bite.

~ * ~