Trouble in the Dark PV Charlotte Cadunt Closed

~ * ~

Ruby fought the urge to roll her eyes at their apparent irritation. Oh, please. They were breaking the rules and were stupid enough to think that they wouldn't get caught, and she was doing her job. It was as simple as that. She was getting ready to usher them inside, but then Margo took the hand that was offered. Ruby glanced down and then saw the look on Margo's face – the sweet, false innocence. The prefect's blue eyes widened as she tried to let go of Margo's hand. She recognized that look. No no no no no no no- but it was too late.

Strong hands yanked on her pale, delicate one that she had so kindly offered, and Ruby went splashing in. Drops managed to fall onto her face as her lower half made contact with the water. Cold, cold water climbed up her robes and soaked her through to her skin. A small gasp escaped from her lips as it hit her and she tried to get adjusted to it. Oh, come on, Margo. I was just doing my job, no need to be so childish. I just wanted to go back to my nice, warm bed and sleep, for goodness sake, but now I'm soaking wet out here in the dark because you can't let things go and you're a sore loser. Someone could have been hurt. That was dangerous. Ruby picked herself up, accompanied by her annoyed, tired thoughts, part of her cold garments meeting with the air and making her even colder. She fought down the sneers and harsh comments that threatened to spill out of her lips. She was not going to let this silly, immature girl win, and she was not going to ruin the professional attitude that she had carefully created. A shiver shook her body, and she knew that she had to get out of here, but Margo was moving further and further away from the castle and Ruby had to do her job and get her fellow Slytherin inside.

Thanks a lot for ruining my night. She shook herself off slightly, getting rid of some of the loose droplets. She'd dry, she'd recover, it wasn't a big deal, but this was just cutting in the time that she had to sleep and she'd probably catch a cold. Well, at least she had succeeded in doing what she wanted to do. She had found out a lot more about Margo. “Margo, get inside, or I swear, I will come over to you and drag you there,” she said firmly. There would be no arguing. There was no anger in her tone or eyes, no embarrassment, no real emotion, only her indomitable will. She turned to the other girl. She didn't know this one's name, but that didn't make her exempt from this. Apparently, this one had fallen in, too. Clumsiness? Maybe. “What's your name?” Her cold, analytical gaze swept over the girl from head to toe. “For goodness sake, stop standing there shivering and hugging yourself and get out of the water. Staying there will not help anything.”

Both of you, just do as I say, she willed silently. I don't have the time or patience for this, and I don't intend to waste my emotions on you. Just. Get. Inside, she thought, a slight bit of irritation finally sinking in. She just wanted them to get inside and behave. She just wanted to sleep. How hard was it to follow the rules? Ruby made her way back to the bank and climbed out. She would wait there until they came, and if they didn't, then she would physically drag them out, no matter how much they resisted. They would come back to the castle and go to their common rooms, whether they came willingly or not.

~ * ~

Margo could feel rage bubbling in her stomach as Ruby spoke down to them. People did not merely speak down to her. Ever. So what if Ruby was tired and irritable? She could go back to her bed if she so desired, Margo definitely wasn’t stopping her. However, the Slytherin prefect had a conscience- definitely not a perfect one- but one that made her stand up for the rules she seemed to deem ‘important’. Of course, some rules were safety guidelines, and some were to make the staff’s lives easier, but in this situation nobody was hurt and the two girl’s who had been caught ‘breaking’ the rules were perfectly capable of taking themselves up to the castle without an escort. Ruby didn’t seem to see that, and that’s what annoyed Margo most.

She strode purposefully towards the bank and tried to scramble up the slippery incline. To her utter surprise, she managed to haul herself upwards onto the damp grass. She flopped on the ground and hauled her legs up, taking a breath of the crisp air and looking up at the stars for a second. The world was so big, that for a moment Margo managed to imagine what it would be like if she let her grudges slip away. What if she went back next summer and apologised to the girl she had screamed at in year 5 for bullying her about her pigtails? What if she let Ruby guide Charlotte and her back to the castle because she was only trying to do her job as a prefect? Perhaps she would become a better person, perhaps she would have a group of close friends, and perhaps people would be happier in her presence. As it is, she was a stubborn and moody 11 year old, and a moment of reflection under the stars couldn’t change that.

What it did change, however, was Margo’s timing. Maybe it wasn’t best to start an argument in such a peaceful setting, when they were both tired and in the presence of another, kinder student. Her gaze wandered to the side and the sight she was met with strengthened her willpower. Her tin of blackberries lay unharmed on the ground and a single ladybird made its way along the rim. Margo carefully lifted the tin and let the ladybird crawl onto her finger. She raised the insect up to her eye level, admiring the unique pattern of dots on its back. Parting her lips slightly, she blew on her finger to hide her forming smile, watching as the ladybird took off in the artificial breeze. She watched its flight until she couldn’t anymore- a small bug against her giant figure, just as she was meaningless in the shadow of Hogwarts castle. There were millions of different perspectives to look at the world through, and tonight she was looking at Ruby’s. She wasn’t forgiving the girl, far from. She was merely choosing the better option- proving that she was good enough to be on the girl’s level.

With that in mind, she reached forwards to offer a hand to Charlotte, in the very position that Ruby herself had been in only minutes ago. “History repeats itself.” She said quietly to Charlotte, silently daring her to do what Margo had done. She didn’t know what the outcome would be, but at least this time it wasn’t her hands deciding the fate of another. Charlotte had her full permission to pull Margo back in, even if the pyjama wearing girl didn’t know it. Fun was underrated, and maybe Charlotte would see that. But even if she didn’t, she would have Margo’s grudging acknowledgement, for it would mean that there was kindness there that the young Slytherin did not possess. Preparing for the worst, Margo let her smirk grow, pushed her tin to safety behind her, and looked Charlotte Cadunt in the eye. The rest of the night was in her hands now.

Even as she fell, Margo couldn’t keep the smile off her face. Charlotte was the kind of person who would’ve likely clashed with Margo’s big personality if they had met in an ordinary way. However, sometimes shared moments forced people together- and this was one of those times. If they had fun this evening, then the two girls would likely try a little more in the future to be friends, and a little effort was all that was needed.

Margo had been lying to herself since coming to Hogwarts. She did want people to talk to, people she could trust. She’d never been close to anybody her age in the muggle world, the secret of her family’s magic was too much to hide- not that anyone would dare brave her spikes to get so close as to see. She would never let go of her sarcasm, if people judged her on that basis then they weren’t worthy of her attention, but she wouldn’t push people away. She would savour the times like these and live in the moment. She wouldn’t change- that was not her goal, but she would be grateful for the emotions that different people brought up within her, whether good or bad. 

So, when Margo hit the water with a splash that soaked the other two girls, she momentarily forgot about Ruby and focused on soaking Charlotte with as much water as physically possible. Oh, how the girl was in for it. Margo never went down without having the last word... or splash.

“Oh my gosh, look at that bird over there.” Margo pointed with false excitement behind the dripping girl. It was unlikely that Charlotte would fall for it, but Margo carried on with her ‘plan’ anyway. Without waiting to see if Charlotte had looked away, Margo launched herself at the girl, aiming to sweep her legs out from underneath her. However, it was easier said than done, escpecially when one couldn’t see their own feet. She felt something hit her waterlogged shoe, and had no idea if it was a leg or just a big stone. With her other leg in front, still finishing its stride, Margo balanced precariously, grabbing on to Charlottes hand for support. Unfortunately, Margo was not a light burden, so she fell, her grip tightening slightly on Charlotte, but not enough to hurt the girl. With a comical expression of surprise on her face, Margo fell backwards into the murky water gor the third time, hopefully pulling Charlotte with her if she couldn’t pull out of the Slytherin’s grip. 

Margo watched with dismay as the enthusiasm suddenly drained out of her soaked companion. Maybe Charlotte  was tired, or didn’t want to get into any more trouble, but either way it didn’t seem like there would be any more splashing tonight. Her gaze followed Charlotte’s towards the previously forgotten prefect and it struck her that the girl probably didn’t even know Ruby’s name. Perhaps Charlotte didn’t want any more fun in the water but Margo couldn’t help but take the opportunity to annoy Ruby a little more. 

“It’s a little late for introductions but this is darling Ruby Cazares of Slytherin.” She told Charlotte conversationally, within hearing distance of the other girl. She looked into Charlotte’s eyes to try to convey that she didn’t want to offend her with her sarcasm, just Ruby. Somehow, not that she would ever admit it, Margo had grown to care about what the other girl thought of her... just a little. Maybe they would become friends- she wouldn’t ever turn down free fun like the fun she’d had this evening. 

So, when the Hufflepuff offered Margo a hand with the most serious look that Margo had seen on her face so far, she knew not to test boundaries. She took the hand and pulled herself up, shooting Charlotte a grateful smile. She’d been a lot freer about giving smiles this evening- she’d have to get on top of that before the sun rose, but maybe, just maybe, Charlotte would be exempt from some of her future coldness. A friend was something worth valuing, after all. 

“I'm sorry, I shouldn't have stayed in the water.” Charlotte told Ruby sweetly. Now, was the innocence put on or not? Margo thought not, but one could never be sure of the lengths that another would go for sarcasm. People had misunderstood the Slytherin’s jokes in the past after all. Margo was highly tempted to tell Ruby exactly how sorry she was, but perhaps it was the time to stay on Charlotte’s good side if they were going to be possible friends. Choosing a form of communication she rarely used, Margo picked up her prized blackberries, looped her arm through Charlotte’s and started to quietly walk towards the castle. Silence was boring, but this time it was worth it.

~ * ~

Ruby waited for them to emerge, giving them a bit of space. She reckoned that if she kept nagging them to come in, Margo would just get more and more stubborn, but the other one seemed to be a bit more obedient. Ruby would let them splash around, having their fun. She didn't blame them for what they were doing or for being out here, and she didn't blame them for reacting the way that they did. She understood. Rule-breaking had been a huge part of her life before she became a prefect, and the trouble-making tendencies were still deeply ingrained into her. Even so, this was her job now. If she hadn't taken on the role of prefect, perhaps she would be joining them.

She turned away slightly. That would not happen today, not now. She watched them from a small distance, making sure that they were moving in the right direction, even if it was slow. Her blue gaze was clouded slightly. She was tired, thoughtful, and didn't want to deal with Margo's stubbornness right now. That was for another day, another time. The other girl – Margo's companion – had given Ruby a cold glare that promised revenge, but all she felt like doing as a response was laughing. She restrained herself, luckily, but if the girl thought that that would get to the cold prefect or affect her in any way, then she should think again.

“It’s a little late for introductions but this is darling Ruby Cazares of Slytherin,” Margo said. A chilling smile crossed Ruby's face as she looked at the girl that was being introduced to her. A gleam in her eyes promised danger, and her whole look together was probably enough to make some people run away. “It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss…” she said in a soft tone that was almost as terrifying as the rest of her, leaving a space for the girl to state her name.

Ruby felt a small wave of relief when she saw that the girls had decided to obey her – at least somewhat – and she was in half a mind to make them suffer through hours of writing lines without talking as revenge for the small trouble they had caused her, but where was the fun in that for her? When the girl that had been out here with Margo apologized, Ruby felt herself soften a little bit. At least someone here had some kind of conscience or desire to attempt to follow the rules. Terrifying this poor girl was not necessary. Most of the maliciousness disappeared from her facial expression, and she gave the girl a small nod of approval, accepting her apology. Her eyes still shielded her emotions and the churning thoughts inside, but she was less hostile now. She waited until they were in front of her and heading to the castle, and then she followed behind them, making sure that they didn't stray and that they wouldn't pull any tricks or try anything stupid.

~ * ~

If she were to put it simply, Margo thought that Charlotte was overreacting. She didn’t dislike the girl for it, but she did think it a little silly. Ruby wasn’t going to bite them... at least, Margo hoped not. The Slytherin girl’s teeth looked perfectly normal to her, but she wasn’t a dentist, so was not one to judge another’s dental structure. Charlotte’s teeth also looked acceptable.

Who knew, perhaps Margo would develop a passion about dentistry, it was certainly a unique subject to focus on... but maybe it was better to focus on getting back to the castle before doing so. She’d have plenty of time to dream about fillings once she was safe back in bed. 

Honestly, Margo was surprised that Ruby hadn’t reprimanded them more about being out of their beds. The slightly cocky version of the girl she’d peviously seen covered in mud had been a completely different person to the one she saw now. No matter what opinions she had about Ruby, she couldn’t deny that the girl was fascinating. The way she held herself, the way her moods changed, the way she talked- it was an endless list. It was almost unfortunate that the tension so so high between the two Slytherin girls. Margo would never ever admit it, but she’d been a little bit of a sore loser in their first meeting. 

“More like a lot.” Her internal voice argued. She was a naturally competitive character, and that often made her a little bit of a handful. It was taking quite a lot of her willpower just to remain silent as she started her walk of shame up to Hogwarts. However, the fact that she could do it was all the motivation she needed. Control was important. She’d always had a mask to hide behind, but only now was she discovering how to fully control the mask itself. It seemed that Ruby Cazares had perfected all her masks, both the carefree and the prefect, and that was the true reason that Margo stayed silent. She was she was jealous of the girl.

At least... that was until she actually looked at Ruby. She didn’t know quite what to feel when she looked at the expression on the girl’s face. It was more eerie than anything else. Her blue eyes gleamed and the voice she used to speak to Charlotte was more than a little menacing. Margo hardly thought it fair to speak to the girl in such a way. She did not feel guilt, but maybe just the tiniest bit of regret for her sarcasm. Charlotte shouldn't have to pay in such a way, though she did seem cool enough when she answered. 

As a matter of fact, Margo was concerned for Ruby. She was temperamental to some extent, but Ruby took it to a whole other level. When her expression actually softened, Margo thought it best to insure the girl’s health before anything else.

“Are you okay?” She asked, searching for something to lighten the mood more. “You look a little... fairylike.”

It was far from true, she’d just had to say the first thing that came to mind. Her grandma often used the expression ‘away with the fairies’ but Margo had never really understood it herself. She just hoped that Ruby wouldn’t think her mental like her hair-brained relative. Now that she thought about it, she missed her slightly mental grandmother. The old woman and her cat lived in Aviemore like her family, and they saw her every week. Now that she no longer did, Margo found herself remembering her grandmother’s words, and even, once or twice, taking her crazy advice- though she stoically remained a dog person.