The Dark Witch Society Private Group Closed

Interacting with a Miss @Savannah Rose and a Miss @Tatiana Crane
Open for Other Interactions

Professor MacTavish valued his endeavors, as they were always simple and cautious. He was easy to like (or so he thought), but not as easy to do business with. When a young Gryffindor by the name of Savannah Rose greeted him, he would not have otherwise thought much of it. This appeared to be a club meeting, and he had a feeling that he knew more than he should by the time he had stepped through the door. However, he did nod, smiling at her. What more could he do?

This isn't to say that he was a pushover. By all means, he had control over his own actions. His thoughts and ideals were his own, but these did include the premise that no student shall ever be robbed of their ability to learn. They had a sort of free will, and he did not believe that many secrets of the universe should be kept from them. Those who sought a special sort of knowledge were determined, and they would be the ones making a difference in the world one day. He could only smile and appreciate them and their ambition. Secretly, he wished that he would have had that sort of drive and power when he was their age. The enthusiasm amongst these students was radiating, and he enjoyed every bit of it.

While Boniface did not feel bothered by whatever it was that was happening, he did note that some warry eyes were darting his way. Students seemed to fear the elephant in the room, which he understood. But Boniface was not here to punish these poor children; to drag them to their common rooms and demand that they think about what they've done. More than anything, he wished to serve as a guide. Someone that could be easily found, and just as easily spoken to. He wanted for students to like him. To trust him. It was a simple request, but he knew that he would have to put in the required effort. He needed to be on their level.

So after he had stepped in the door, he decided it was time to make himself trusted. "Hello, Miss Rose." He said, smiling. He still wasn't quite sure what was going on. A study group, perhaps? He had his guesses, as noted before, but this was very vague.

To clarify, Boniface didn't know that any of this was happening. Perhaps he was just in the right place at the right time. Just like the children, he wanted to fit in and be loved. Now, he wasn't exactly seeking this out. This opportunity fell into his lap. Whatever he had heard- well, he didn't know what he had heard. It was true that the sound could carry through the doors, so their position was easily given away, long before his foot stepped across the barrier. But he still wasn't sure what this was.

As a muggle-born, Boniface never did experience the same sort of enrichment of knowledge and a power complex that those of magical heritage did. While the same sort of energy coursed through his veins, he was a black sheep to the community. Even to those accepting of him. Whatever it was that those with a magical family had in common, he didn't share it. He would only have to work twice as hard to get just as far; to prove that he was worthy. Maybe that wasn't as applicable this day in age when the world was far more accepting of those that didn't have the same gifts as they did, but he couldn't help but feel that the statement still applied and as true. He didn't mind as much, however. Whatever shenanigans that the nightcrawlers and dungeon dwellers of the pureblooded families got up to were none of his business. Boniface had many of things to occupy himself with. Whatever went on, it happened right under his nose, and he didn't have the energy to be upset about it.

But his curiosity was certainly piqued. Now, he was in a unique position. One of authority. One that was given with age. So he couldn't help but feel the need to ask his student. Any decent professor, one that wanted to keep their job, would. "Am I allowed to ask what the cloak and dagger complex is about, or is this confidential? Ye seem busy, so I won't keep ye waiting. Just curious." A curious eyebrow raised, and his brown orbs scanned those in the room as he tried to piece together what it was that all these students had in common.

Boniface didn't really like for secrets to be kept from him, even if his front claimed that he could care less. He was in on something that maybe he wasn't supposed to be in on. But he at least felt the need to know. Otherwise, it would eat at him for days, maybe even weeks. Trying to egg Savannah on, he spoke again. "Ye know, if ye need any help with club stuff, I'm always available. I'm not sure if I could be of much assistance, but I would happily help ye organize. Just... If ye need an adult figure, an' all." It was the least he could do. All the poor professor wanted was to be liked. Trusted. Enjoyable. His mission was to make all of his students happy and comfortable, in any way that he could. Perhaps this was how?

Sighing, he tried to consider what all was happening.

That was when Miss Tatiana Crane, and exceptional herbology student, one who he found so bright and enjoyable, one who he suspected would go far, spoke up. "Evening, Miss Crane." Boniface beamed at her, happy to see a familiar face. Her stunt with the slugs- well, that would be unforgettable. What a lovely student this was!

He didn't want to hold up the meeting for... For whatever this was, so he would leave if he was deemed an unwelcome visitor.

Mentions: @Tatiana Crane @Marla Quinlan @Calanthe Choi
Interactions: @Savannah Rose @Illowy Magnard

OPEN  FOR INTERACTIONS!

Sylvie sat down looking to the front of the classroom where the professor stood. Tatiana and the other two girls sat down. The middle girl who Sylvie had confirmed was the leader had sat in the chair front of her. Next to her was Illowy and another girl first year girl Sylvie didn't recognize. The other first year girl seemed to keep looking over at the leader girl. Were they friends? It didn't seem like it. The leader girl didn't really seem to acknowledge her presence. 

“Does anyone have any questions? Or at the very least, an opinion?”

Sylvie wanted to make a good impression on this girl.  After all, she was the one in charge. Illowy had asked a question about if the girl really thought that muggles would take the news of the wizarding world well. After Illowy had finished, Sylvie said, "I agree with what you said about Muggle borns accidently showing their powers to their friends when they discover them," Sylvie smiled warmly as her green eyes locked with the leader girl's brown. "I believe my sister was there when I discovered my powers for the first time. Luckily she is part of my family and I trust her, also she was too young to really think to much about it." She casually put a piece of her blonde hair behind her ear. "I agree with you that something bad could possibly happen if a muggle-born shows their powers in front of their friends, but I also have to agree with Illowy that unfortunatly there will always be some muggles that will be scared of magic and decide the best way to deal with it is to try and supress or destroy us." Sylvie had lived in the muggle world for most of her life and knew that humans in general were far from perfect. "Hopefully I made a good impression." She thought. "Also, I don't think I've introduced myself before. I'm Sylvie Maple," She held out her hand to the girl, with a tiny giggle and a cute smile.* 

*Ability used: Charmer

Interacting with : @Dale Kurt, @Boniface Murtagh MacTavish // open to interactions
Mentions : Everyone? Anyone?

The Dark Witch Society had drawn a lot of attention since it's recent arrival on campus, though not all of it good. But when Tatiana saw the number of students who had shown up with genuine interest, she was truly impressed. Their cause was something she invested great personal belief in and hoped others would feel the same, but was concerned their message would become muddled or misconstrued- as new, innovative ideas often did. She turned around in her chair, her arm hanging over the back, as she angled herself to better view all the eager faces in the room. A few she recognized, but many she did not. The cast was a diverse one, they had members from all sorts of backgrounds, different blood statuses, and several members from each of the four houses. It made her glad to see they'd drawn the interest of at least a few boys, one of which was a Slytherin named Dale who she'd found out over the summer shared her enthusiasm for herb gathering.

Just as she'd noticed him, he made his way over to her side of the room. "Hi Dale," she smiled back at him, shifting herself to face him and a few students sitting behind her. Savannah was already taking questions and she figured now was as good a time as any to try and socialize a bit with the new members. After taking a seat next to her, Dale inquired about whether she was interested in joining the mysterious inner sect of witches that had been mentioned. "Well Dale," she grinned. "I've actually already joined. I'll be helping to organize the initiation events." She wore a smug look on her face, maybe a bit more prideful of a demeanor than she usually exuded, but being a founding member of something so new and unique made her feel proud.

Overhearing his question, she took a moment to turn back to Boniface. "Thank you for your help, Professor. We'll surely let you know if we need anything and we really appreciate you offering your services," she smiled. Okay, maybe she was laying it on a little thick, and sucking up was one of her less... charming qualities, at least among her classmates. "And nothing to be worried about, just a bit of an aesthetic choice," she giggled, her eyes squinting into small crescents.

She wasn't exactly telling the truth, but a little white lie never hurt anyone. And besides, it's not like they had any sort of evil intentions, just a desire to learn information that was more commonly kept a secret from students, especially ones their age. Now Tatiana wasn't typically one for breaking the rules, but she was also a strong advocate for the freedom to access knowledge, of all kinds. Her parents had instilled in her the importance of questioning everything, and that if she wanted to be a proponent of something, she needed to have all the information. Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and to remove all doubt, they'd told her. She didn't like being wrong, so she'd taken up the habit of only discussing in length things she knew in great depths, and to get all sides of a story before picking a side. How was she to ever form her own opinions on 'dark' magics if the only informations she was ever provided were heavily censored? No, that would just not do. She believed everyone deserved a choice- hopefully an educated one- and by joining this society she hoped that she could help others come to their own conclusions about what was good and bad within the wizarding world.

Speaking to no one in particular, she asked, "What are you all hoping to get out of this community? And, are there any sorts of information you'd like to see us cover?"

Open to Interactions!

River sat peacefully, watching the flames of a white candle burn gently in the dim-lit dorms of the Ravenclaw common room. There were no one in the room except River herself. It was quiet, peaceful, just how she liked it. She was waiting for the time to pass, as her mind wandered into thinking of the event of the evening.

The strange encounter with the cloaked figure earlier had truly sparked an interest, of which River could not turn down. After all, perhaps she’d find people there who were like her? People who had interests equal to her own.

The Red-headed Ravenclaw had finished all homework early that day, eager to get to the time mentioned in the letter she’d recieved.

When the time neared, River got up, carefully pinced the small flame out, and began her walk to the classroom where she’d be meeting the others.

As River entered the doors she’d rarely been through before, she was met with a sight unlike she’d imagined. Things were so mysterious, the whole room left a very peculiar feeling. And the air, it was scented with something quite familiar to River, sage, she thought, as her lungs filled with the air filling the room.

There were already quite a few people who’d arrived. Some, she had met before, others, were strangers. Of course, River had seen most of them around, just never gotten introduced.
The young girl walked further in the room, She could see the dust encasing any uncovered surfaces, and particles floating through the air.

In not long, three girls entered the room, all of them looking stunning, and just as peculiar as the room itself.
River watched the girls intently, as they begun talking. She caught every word, and felt more and more relieved that she decided to walk up to the shadow-figure in the dark back of The Leaky Cauldron. This was soemthing she’d been searching for, perhaps even without knowing it.
A careful smile slowly spread across River’s small lips, as her eyes watched the girls darkly.
These people were like her, she’d found someone with beliefs similar to her own. She wanted, no, needed, to be a part of this.

Becoming older and wiser was something Marla had always enjoyed. She would sit down and look up from her book for once at her ceiling with the grandest diamond chandelier, and just wonder where she would be for a year. Because it gave her hope. Something that truly didn't come often for her. Daydreaming was an alternative source of happiness than a mess of paper and ink. What if at that exact month, day, even minute, a year from now, she could have run away, and be running blissfully in a field. Or soaring through the air, jumping on the clouds with nothing heavy in her heart except for all the love she had for her life, peering at the sky's divine etchings of constellations from only a few feet away.

Did she think that she would be slightly drunk at a lowkey cult meeting about dark magic wearing some scratchy lace in front of around twenty people? Hell no. But at least she was sure of two things. One, that it was definitely better than where she was a year ago, constant screaming matches with her family and being blatantly ignored. And two, the brown-eyed girl that stood to her right. Somehow looking so, so matured and humble, being smug all the same. Savannah Rose, with her slicked back blonde hair and quite frankly, charming antics, was a true wonder for Marla. When they had first met, she was even convinced that the fellow Gryffindor was going to be her nemesis. But they had formed an unbreakable bond after gushing about their eerily similar childhoods, and she couldn't help but sympathize with the girl. And god, was she relieved that she did. Savannah was not only someone witty, intelligent, and overall amazing that she could hang out with, but she was one of Marla's best friends.

So watching her speak ever so confidently, after her first impression of the girl was just completely breaking down in front of each other, was impressive. They'd seen each other at highs, and lows. Right now was definitely a high for Ms. Rose, but, well, a low for the short, fiery redhead that stood beside her other confidant, Tatiana Crane. A girl she barely knew, but even then, Marla had a gut feeling that she was just a good person. Someone that she could trust. Whoever was Savannah's friend was hers, and this was no exception. And while being around two people that she felt almost concerningly comfortable around, she couldn't shake this uneasy feeling brewing in her stomach. Or maybe that was just the alcohol. It wouldn't hurt to take another swig, right? To hell with it, because the booze was going down the hatch tonight. Way, way down.

Now, what most people would ask in a situation like this, where the hell did a twelve-year-old purchase whiskey? Well, it's funny that you ask. She had found it. What are the odds, huh? She had been wandering the curious little pike that she was, making her way to the glorious library. Filled with knowledge and adventures that were all at her fingertips, ready to be eagerly scanned by her energetic golden eyes. However, that plan was scratched when she spotted something shiny in the cushion of a fluffy, worn armchair near the back of the library. Now, while Marla was not a materialistic person, she couldn't help but investigate. What did something so glimmery and glamorous have to do to end up in the far corner of the library? Either way, she had a feeling that it was going to be good. In the most deserted part of the giant maze of books, this particular location was lost in a mound of exhausted students who were doing last-minute studying for whatever types of exams and quizzes they had. Pulling out the shiny object, Marla observed it was a bottle. On the front, it obviously said, firewhiskey. She unscrewed the cap, taking a small whiff and immediately regretted it, recoiling and extending her arm to relieve herself of the dizzying stench. The most unsettling part was that this horrid stench gave her an unsettling feeling of familiarity, but why? Scrunching up her nose, not exactly eager to find out, she had stuffed the small bottle in her robes and looked both ways to make sure nobody had noticed, rushing out of the library as hastily as she could.

But as she took another hefty swig, she was reminded of a lackluster, sleepless night that had made her realize this smell? Was from her mother. Although she was ever so young when her mother left, one thing she remembered was being pulled on the ear by her, and the beautiful blonde woman with heavy bags under her eyes scowling, yelling scorching scolds at Marla with the hot smell of alcohol filling her breath and mind with angering, delusional thoughts. Something like this would make her vomit, or get hostile on the spot, for she had almost no memory of her mother, ever. And all of a sudden, this hit her like a meteor colliding into Earth. But she was temporarily numbed. The last thing she wanted to deal with was the irrational, constant pain of a missing mother figure on Savannah's biggest day.

She tapped her fingers on the flask lightly, closing her eyes and listening to the soothing sounds of the metal, holding back the urge to slip into a haze of irrelevant thoughts as she drove herself to stare at Savannah as she wrapped up her speech. Everything was frankly a blur after that until hot breath touched her ear, it was Savannah. Her eyes widened as she side-eyed the girl, was it that obvious that she was, well, drinking? The same scowl that filled her mother with so much hatred was imitated on Marla's face, who looked like a clone of the woman beside her fiery red hair. "Ahm not go–gonna do shite, yeah?" She claimed with a feeble whisper, her words unstable as she shook her finger in Sav's face.

She would have said more, probably would go on a whole novel's worth of a rant about how she wouldn't ruin this for her. But even tipsy Miss Quinlan knew that she couldn't possibly do that. Sav would hate her. Well, actually, that's a lie. The reason why she didn't go on an intelligible speech right then and there was because her most favorite professor ever just walked in! Oh boy, was it nice to make the Honorable Sergeant Bonerface's acquaintance! Truly an honor. Thankfully before he had made himself comfortable, the trio hid all of the incriminating decorations in a mysterious door just in time. "Boner– Boniface!" She began uneasily, slipping the flask in her robes before sitting up straight with an innocent smile on her face, "Good evening, good sir. How are you on this fine evening?" She asked, only a smidge sarcastically before turning around to scan the room, her eyes in a daze as she tried to search for anyone she knew. A scowl formed on her face as she spotted Illowy Magnard. Ugh, that girl was so stupid. Could she ever get a break from people she loathed around here? Marla gave her a cutting stare, narrowing her eyes threateningly in the Slytherin's direction. Oh, and spectacular, the only other person who was familiar was Dale Kurt. The rumor spreading slimeball. Mutated cooties?! That was the dumbest thing she's ever heard in her life. She rolled her eyes before retreating to the far corner of the room, pulling her knees to her chest and letting a sigh escape her lips. What was she to do, being surrounded by a bunch of goddamned pricks?

Well, the only thing she could think of without bothering anyone else was to wallow in her sadness and mommy issues, and just take a few more sips of the whiskey. It wouldn't hurt to just have a little more, right? She wouldn't go overboard...

Interactions: @Savannah Rose @Illowy Magnard @Sylvie Maple
Mentions: @Boniface Murtagh MacTavish @Tatiana Crane

As Professor MacTavish entered the classroom, Calanthe noted the adjusted demeanor of the trio. Savannah, who had radiated burning ambition in the preceding minutes, now seemed like a perfect angel, her sickly-sweet voice greeting the professor. It was understandable that the girls had not informed Professor MacTavish of their true intentions with the club. Unsure of their cover story, Calanthe fell in line with everyone else, settling in a nearby seat as casually as possible. She would not be the one to rouse the professor's suspicions.

Her eyes remained still for a moment, watching the Professor’s entrance, before darting around the room to find Savannah. Spotting the witch’s blonde head, Calanthe refocused until she realized she was meeting Savannah’s gaze head on. Unable to hold her stare, Calanthe swiveled her head about the room as if she had been observing her surroundings and not gaping at the tall girl. Grabbing at her palms, she was not surprised to find them collecting sweat. Working too intently to clean them on her jeans, she almost jumped out of her own skin as she felt a body nestle into the seat next to her. She tried to take a look at this new person before snapping her head in the opposite direction. Shit.

Unable to turn towards Savannah, Calanthe instead focused on Professor MacTavish’s questions. Despite not being able to eek out a word to Savannah, she felt somber at the prospect of Savannah leaving the seat to talk to the professor. Thankfully, a lace-clad girl with beautiful, blue eyes kept the professor busy by answering his questions.

Concluding that not acknowledging Savannah would be even more weird, she turned back, offering a smile that was stiffer than she intended. Thankfully, Savannah was occupied with turning her chair around. With a gentle tone that undercut her formal sitting position, Savannah requested questions or opinions. Bearing neither, Calanthe remained silent as two other girls – both fair-skinned and freckled – responded to the ringleader’s inquiry. As a result of her forced anti-social nature, she did not know either of them.

Listening to their informed perspectives, Calanthe kept trying to sculpt a coherent thought in her mind. Feeling her old personality crawling out of its deep confines, she decided that she did not want to stay mute during this conversation. Savannah had chosen this empty seat above the others and Calanthe had to make some impression, at least. This was no time to be wallowing in self-pity like she had been for the past month. Waiting for the other two to finish their perspective, she slid closer to the three girls.

“I think – Oh! I’m Calanthe, by the way. Calanthe…,” her eyes grazed over Savannah’s face, making her stumble on her words, “ah…C-Choi.” Clearing her throat, she continued, trying not to look at the witch sitting next to her, “I don’t have much experience in the wizarding world. This is all very new to me. Everything you said up there,” she cast her eyes towards the front of the room instead of Savannah, “it’s the first time I’ve heard any of it. But I think I agree with what you said. About the dark magic bit…”. She stopped her dialogue and took her lips between her teeth. She was sure that this very passionate witch would not want to hear that Calanthe was interested in dark magic for the sole purpose of pissing off her parents. Choosing to drop the topic, she continued, “I mean, the bit about throwing muggle-born magical kids to the dogs. I’m in a situation like that…well, not just like that…but yeah. I see where you’re coming from and I agree with you. I think dark magic is important for us in this day and age.”

Pulling the last sentence out of her behind, she glanced at the girls. “I’ve never had an encounter where I used my magic in front of close-minded muggles, but as an avid user of technology, that kind of thing – capturing magic on camera, I mean – is a real issue. And muggles…yeah, most of them aren’t open-minded.”

Letting out a heavy breath after her words, Calanthe was relieved to have spoken more than a three-word sentence that wasn’t filled with utter hate. Gathering her hands that motioned in the air as she spoke, she looked down at them once more. Though not before peeking at Savannah in the corner of her eye.

INTERACTIONS:
@Savannah Rose @Illowy Magnard @Sylvie Maple and @Calanthe Choi (and all those who are in the group speaking that I might have missed)
Open to Interactions

Alexx still wasn't sure why she was attending, or what she was doing here. None of this made a whole lot of sense to her. Well, it was mostly simple. Alexx wanted to learn. There were things that students were capable of finding on their own accord; things that professors wouldn't so willingly spit out to them while in the classroom.

While Alexx was more in tune with her leadership skills than she was her follower skills, she would listen to the girl who appeared to be organizing this whole thing.

At first, Alexx didn't want to speak out. She'd just sit and listen. The professor in the room made it all the more uncomfortable, too. What could she say? What couldn't she say? Did she have to be extra careful about her words? How confidential was this meeting, anyway?

Alexx stood with her back to the wall, narrowed eyes studying anyone who spoke. What an odd bunch of kids who had gathered. Boy, would Ami and Reid think she was weird for joining this... Group. But she couldn't help but feel intrigued. It was true that Alexx was different from other kids her age. Different as in... She thought different.

Walking up to the girl running the place, she crossed her arms, keeping her distance. Alexx was still hesitant. But she would make her presence know to all those in the surrounding area. Swaggering over to the small grou that had already formed, she tilted her head, listening further. She nodded at points where she agreed. Finally, she spoke up.

"Especially kids. When they get their powers... They're so excited. They don't know any better. But who is to say that accidental slip won't expose us? Hurt those of us who do know better? Muggles are famous for retaliating against our kind. But the truth is, they simply don't stand a chance against any one of us. I speak merely from a Pureblood point of view, however. But it's up to us, anyway. The next generation. You're absolutely right; we have the ability to make a change."Alexx said this in sort of a nonchalant sort of manner. It was all too casual. All too natural. Part of her couldn't even fathom that she was actually saying any of this... Some of her closest friends were muggle-born! And to accuse them of such a careless attitude... What would they think?

What her friends didn't know won't hurt them.

None of them were here, anyway. They probably didn't even know what all was happening here tonight! It was safer to hide in the shadows for now... She couldn't imagine that any of them would easily accept these new found ideals.

Truth be told, Alexx didn't endeavor in politics much. She didn't really care. If she had to fight to keep her world concealed, so be it. If not, then why waste her time worrying over something that wouldn't even happen?

But then she thought about it. Why would there be societies, such as this one, if there wasn't a threat? If there wasn't any danger? Someone must know something or at least suspect something, otherwise, no one would be making a fuss over this. Deep down, Alexx knew that there had to at least be something that even she didn't know about. The brilliant but damaging thing about being sheltered in the magic world was that she couldn't always keep up with muggle affairs. All she could do now is work her way up the chain of command, if at all possible. Alexx wanted to know if something were happening. Alexx wanted to be ready.

Whatever the cost.

Interactions: @Dale Kurt @Tatiana Crane  Mentions: @Savannah Rose

Dale was quite impressed with how fast Tatiana and Savannah's friendship progressed. They seemed like friends who knew each other for years, yet Dale knew they had only known each other for a few weeks. "T-That's quite impressive." He said to Tatiana while nodding his head. Dale realized that almost all of his friends were in this society, that thought made him happy, he would get to spend more time with him. He did not want to have a repeat of his first year, he had talked to very few people during his first year, mostly due to his extreme shyness and his own obsession with his studies. This year was would be different, he had joined a club, and he was much more prepared for his classes this year.

As Dale looked around the room he couldn't help but notice a certain red-haired girl, Marla Quinlan, his first encounter with her wasn't the best. She had confused Dale with someone else, this someone had apparently been spreading the rumor that she had "mutated cooties", He would never say something so... childish. He let it go, simply because he didn't want to get too much on the girl's bad side. But she seemed a bit... off, she seemed to walk strangely and talk funny. Dale narrowed his eyes, was she tired, maybe all the decorating and planning had taken a toll on her, that or she was... drunk. He sighed, what a dumb though, how would she even get a hold of alcohol, but he decided to ask Tatiana just in case. "Umm, is Marla... drunk? " he asked in a quiet voice, the last thing Dale wanted was for Marla to hear him, who knows what the mad girl would do to him if she thought he was insulting her.

When Dale finished asking his question he saw a familiar face approaching him, Santario, she was another person he considered a friend, and he was happy she was had joined the soceity. "Hello Santario, I didn't expect you to be here either." He said with a chuckle. "Do you plan to send Savannah an owl later?" He asked Santario.

~ * ~

Ruby had arrived with time to spare – after all, she was never late – and had simply blended into the shadows since then. Her attire was definitely on the formal side, which wasn't unusual for someone of her family's blood status and wealth. Her clothes were spotless and as perfect as her posture from years of being taught to be that way. Personally, she felt a bit like just abandoning all the traditions and all her family's wishes, especially over something as trivial as clothes, but she still knew the importance of first impressions and to dress cleanly, properly, and impeccably – no matter how much part of her might prefer to be running around in a casual shirt and shorts, having fun and probably getting dirty along the way. Sadly, that would not be the case, and at least there was still a good part of her that thrived on formalities.

The Dark Witch Society had been something that had definitely intrigued the young Slytherin. An opportunity to learn was always appreciated by someone with such a deep thirst for knowledge. This could offer her proper access to information that she might not be able to have otherwise, so of course she was going to take part in it. It simply wouldn't do to be unbalanced in her studies of all sides of magic (and other subjects) by only focusing on the "light" side. Despite the whole stigma around dark magic, it was slightly misunderstood. Many "dark" spells could be used for good purposes – intent mattered. That wasn't to say that they should be dismissed as being harmless, though, there were certainly reasons why things were this way, but proper education free from much bias would be a nice step that could be taken. Ruby wanted to see all points of view and not have her power limited to just one side of magic, so the logical conclusion was to learn about what could be slightly nasty stuff too.

Her curiosity had certainly got the better of her and had landed her in this first meeting. When the three leaders entered the room, Ruby was absolutely shocked and couldn't stop staring – not because of the way they looked or were dressed, or because of the way they held themselves so confidently in a manner not unlike her own, but because one of them was Marla. There was initially confusion as she tried to squint past the large hat, but there was still no mistaking that face. The face of her best friend. What was she doing here? Why had Ruby not known? Her heart pounded as a sense of betrayal entered the mix of emotions. After all the time they had spent together near the end of the year, their day out to the Leaky Cauldron, the memories they had already made together and the bond they had created… all of that and more, for this? For Marla to walk beside this new girl probably with a sense that this was her place in the world?

It hurt. It hurt more than Ruby would ever admit, especially after the emotions she had already dealt with this summer. Marla, the few other rare friends she had made, and three of Ruby's cousins had been all that kept her going, allowing her to push through all the jealousy and hatred that had plagued her. Those same feelings that had already managed to become so familiar to her were present once more as she stared at the girl beside Marla, the one who was leading this. Some first year had stolen her best friend? Her fists clenched slightly, yet she managed to show no other sign of emotion. Internally, though, she was seething. She wasn't and would never be good enough for her parents and the majority of her family – she never had been, and she hadn't had parental love growing up. But that was one thing, and she had managed to cope with it. You can't miss what you've never had, right? This was different. This was a whole new level. The only friends she had had before coming to Hogwarts were her favorite cousins – she had pushed everyone else away or scared them, always being too "different" to the rest of them. She had gone most of her first year without making any friends, too.

Meeting Marla had been the best thing to ever happen to her. She had felt like the redhead was perfect for her. They had understood each other and had seemed to click very quickly, but clearly it was for nothing and the other girl didn't feel the same. How could she? Ruby's doubts had been right all along. She would never be good enough for anyone, no matter what she did or how hard she worked. She was tempted to walk out of the room right then and there, but the first year started speaking and Ruby stayed to listen. On the first day of school this year, she had taken a notebook to the sorting ceremony and had jotted down all the first years' names and houses, adding observations about their mannerisms and a quick sketch if she had time. This meant that she managed to remember that this one was called Savannah Rose and was a Gryffindor.

Savannah's speech was… interesting, both in terms of the content and the choice of words. Ruby took a moment to process it and commit it to memory – she would definitely write it down and properly analyze it after the meeting ended. Some parts definitely appealed to her, but Ruby was deeply familiar with the strategies that were being used. The basics were manipulation and the kind of cleverly charismatic promises that were made by revolutionaries needing followings and supporters – whether these "revolutionaries" were "good" or "bad", most of what they used were the same techniques. The speech made Ruby skeptical and cynical, and she thought that some of it was slightly ridiculous. Yet, despite that, there was definitely some truth to it, and Ruby couldn't help but feel somewhat attracted by the idea of it all. Past the jealousy and partial hate, there was a gleam of respect and perhaps even slight liking for this girl. Loyalty was a rare commodity, and not one she intended to give away easily. She would need to know more before she made a decision.

Ruby continued to observe from the edge of the room, blending in wherever she could, going mostly unnoticed. Calculating, analyzing, gathering information by studying the way people acted and who they talked to, what they said. Her blue eyes reminiscent of ice shards flicked around the room, taking in as much as she could and helping her to always stay alert. If nothing in particular caught her interest, she would leave the meeting and owl Savannah.

~ * ~