closed Glimpse of a Ghost PV

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The Great Lake was likely one of Rafal's favourite spots at Hogwarts. It was one of his first impressions of the school, and yet even after seeing so much more of its magic, the lake remained a constant favourite.

It was on this particular Sunday that the Slytherin had decided to go for another walk along its shores. While he typically tried to make the most out of his free time with revising academic material, especially with exams so soon - the day was so lovely, it almost felt like it would be a crime not to fully enjoy it.

So here he was, strolling down the shore with his hands in his pockets, humming a cheerful tune. Rafal couldn’t remember the last time everything felt so peaceful, and it was ridiculously difficult to feel any sort of negative emotion in a setting like this one. And who knew? Maybe he would even see Herman again.

His gaze swept across the surface of the lake. When the sun hit just right, it was almost like the water was illuminated with golden light. Rafal knew that it would be less than wise, but he almost wanted to jump straight in, regardless of all the tentacled monsters which surely resided within its depths. Probably. Maybe.

Letting out a sigh of contentment, Rafal turned his sights back to the lake banks. Had to watch where he was going, after all.

But maybe he shouldn’t have. A few feet away from him, standing near the edge of the lake, was a girl. Her pale skin almost glowed. Her silvery hair spilled down her back in cascading waves. The contrast with her black clothes was almost disconcerting to look at.

Looking back, Rafal's wasn’t sure what it had been, exactly. Maybe it was the way she looked almost like a ghost in this light. Maybe it was something about the girl's face, and the way she held herself, he couldn’t help but be entranced, even briefly. Or maybe he just wasn’t expecting to see another person so close to himself.

Whatever the case, Rafal suddenly felt like he couldn’t even remember his own name. How did one walk, again? Right foot forward, left foot… back? He stumbled over air, and as he toppled he reflexively held out his arms in an attempt to break the fall. However, since the direction was towards the Great Lake, that did not achieve any more than bringing the girl he was so captivated by down with him.

And off they plunged, into the murky depths.

Interacting with @Aleksandra FairBairn

" I told myself next time i’ll be colder but here I am, feeling the warmth all over. " c.c. aurel——

Peace that was all Aleksandra wanted. Standing by the Great Lake it all seemed blissful like a heaven to the girl barely any students barely foot traffic just the girl and the wildlife that seemed to blossom around her. The humid breeze caressed her cheeks as if life seemed to be calm not a thing truly existed.

The teens gray eyes were directed towards the lake watching the gentle ripples as the birds seemed to linger about a few water fowls enjoying the waters coolness. Of course Aleksandra did not expect herself to also enjoy the water that resided in the lake.

The rather short second year felt a solid object ran into her, making the teen girl stumble losing her footing. In slow motion it felt like the platinum haired girl fell into the lake with a loud splash. For a split second her face was under the dark murky water though it was fairly shallow it caught her off guard sitting up spluttering out the lakes water. Aleksandra ran her left hand over her bangs glaring darkly sputtering out the water coughing slightly. Her platinum blonde hair clung to the sides of her face while a few specks of the lakes mud seemed to appear on her pale skin. Standing up shakily feeling the water run off her clothes, Aleksandra frowned.

Today was not the day for a swim in the Great Lake. Of course it could have been completely and utterly worse than it truly was. After all, the girl was now soaking wet, her platinum hair sticking to her face as she had a frown etched on her face.

A heavy sigh escaped Aleksandra’s lips as she turned to look down at the murky water noticing a taller boy in the water. Frowning heavier Aleksandra huffed in annoyance as she trudged her way back up onto the shoreline wringing the water from the bottom of her short mumbling under her breath.

One bloody day that’s all she wanted, one bloody day of normalcy but no of course that could never possibly happen for the young girl instead some child rams into her lost in a dreary dream-like state.

Huffing once more Aleksandra glanced towards the boy frowning if possible heavier her eyebrows scrunched together as her pale nose crinkled the pieces of mud on her cheekbones seemed to smudge with her movements as her gray eyes if looks could kill the boy would certainly be a goner. The girl's platinum blonde hair had beads of lake water in it along with some mud in the tips of her hair. Tapping her left foot in annoyance, Aleksandra crossed her arms, scowling heavier.

“Are ya blind?”

Aleksandra hissed coldly her Scottish accent was heavy while her face seemed slightly red from her frustration and slowly growing anger. As if this child had no decency or common sense. To enter with what exactly? Maybe the boy was blind it was highly possible that he shouldn’t be walking alone without some form of guidance. Yet this boy seemed normal to the teenage girl but alas she had no idea because like every creature humans were the ones that seemed to confuse her the most. They change their tune and appearance for others just to fit in and go along with life and yet Aleksandra could care less she enjoyed being an NPC in her life. A background character in her story that she enjoyed and unfortunately when things like this happen always bring the girl into a position she hates. Communicating, talking and socializing was a bloody mess for the girl.

Huffing once more Aleksandra crossed her arms over her chest waiting to hear from the boy. Whatever excuse he had was most likely stupid maybe he truly was blind? Or maybe the boy like many others at this dreadful school had the same bug of idiocy that seemed to spread like wildfire. Of course Aleksandra had to admit each boy at this school she’s encountered has been some sort of idiot or prejudiced child. Why would this boy be any different? A life of a child in the world of magic. Of course Aleksandra being pureblood knew the world well her father always explained it well to the girl how the purebloods thought how they acted and how they treated others who were different. Of course the girl could care less about being a pureblood or not. She still had magic like muggle-horns and half-bloods though the girl also despised most of the human species so finding anyone she truly clicked with was rare at best.

As Aleksandra awaited for the boy to speak the young teen girl took her shoes off to try and get the excess water from them her face contorted into a scowl as she shook her head frustrated.

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wc: 838 tag: @Rafal Devereux ──────────────

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It was lucky the the water was so shallow in this area of the Great Lake, otherwise this situation could have ended up far more disastrous. As it was, Rafal swallowed quite a lot of the lake's contents - ridiculously salty, would not recommend- and thrashed around for a bit in a panic. Then he realized he could just stand up, and staggered to his feet, soaking wet and disoriented.

He made his way to the shore as quickly as possible, collapsing onto the grassy banks. Coughing up the water in his system took a while, and Rafal felt horribly ghastly even after. He turned so that he was facing the lake again, still slumped on the ground - and closed his eyes, taking deep breaths in an attempt to calm his racing heart.

“Are ya blind?”

His eyes shot open. In the rush of events, Rafal had completely forgotten about the cause for his sudden clumsiness. A cause whom he had brought with him to take an impromptu swim, apparently.

Scrambling to his feet, the Slytherin struggled desperately to think of the appropriate cause of action. The ghost girl was standing to his side, drenched and mud-specked, yet somehow still retained her unnatural etherealness. Next to her, Rafal felt remarkably foolish and disheveled. He reflexively ran a hand through his damp hair.

"Oh, I… I'm so sorry?" He made a mental note to hit himself on the head later. Was that supposed to be a question?

"I mean! I really am sorry. About… this." Rafal gestured helplessly to their general vicinity. He wanted to be more comprehensive, he really did. But the heavy scowl and clear annoyance she was practically radiating were hardly helping!

The girl was now taking her shoes off the drain the excess water, still exuding an air of great frustration. Rafal stood there awkwardly for a moment, wondering what he ought to do now. The proper thing would be to help, especially seeing as he was the main reason for her current predicament in the first place. In all honesty, though, the girl unnerved him a little.

He took a step forward hesitantly. "Are you hurt or anything? We can go to the Hospital Wing just in case. Or I could help you with… the water?"

Yes, Rafal was just charming today.

Interacting with @Aleksandra FairBairn

" I told myself next time i’ll be colder but here I am, feeling the warmth all over. " c.c. aurel——

As Aleksandra was draining her black loafers of excess water the platinum haired girl glanced towards the boy. She was annoyed for sure but the boy seemed to be stuttering and lost for words. The girl huffed in annoyance. He seemed like a puppy that just got scolded for destroying a pair of new shoes. Though she had to admit he seemed to be similar to a puppy with the way he seemed concerned and brought up the hospital wing and yet this little puppy could not pay attention to were his paws were leading him. Sighing heavily suppose she couldn’t possibly be mad at this idiotic little puppy.

Aleksandra snorted softly under her breath. She was either really cruel or had a way of coming up with nicknames for all the idiots in this dreadful school. Though this boy did seem to remind her of a puppy. The way the boy seemed concerned after the fact he knocked the smaller second year into the lake seemed to confuse the girl slightly but she was not gonna protest or belittle the boy. He seemed a bit dazed, maybe he saw something that she did not, which would not surprise the girl much honestly.

Aleksandra stood barefoot in the bank of the Great Lake staring at the boy crossing her arms quietly thinking of what to say to the puppy of a boy. The more she glanced at the boy he did seem like a wide eyed puppy to her as if he was worried and concerned for the girl's safety.

“I am just fine, Puppy. Would not have this issue if you paid attention to your surroundings.”

Aleksandra spoke calmly her Scottish accent was heavy as she slowly put her black loafers back onto her feet. The young girl glanced over at the boy taking in his features. Though the Lakes water was dripping from the boy's blonde hair and curls that seemed to still be intact from the aftermath of water seemed to frame his face, his eyes were like a green-blue gem that seemed to hold a concerned look to them.

Aleksandra stared at the boy a bit longer. This boy really did look like a puppy, a golden doodle if she remembered correctly. A golden retriever mixed with a poodle yeah that could pass for this boy in front of her. How strange that she thought the boy seemed reasonably a dog of all creatures. If the boy was a magical creature he could pass as a very bright golden yellow PuffSkin most likely with how he seemed to just run into her lost in whatever world the boy seemed to reside in.

The humid breeze caressed Aleksandra’s cheeks sending a shiver down her spine. Huffing the young girl glanced around the surroundings her mind seemed to think in a slow pace coming up with an idea. Gathering some sticks rather quickly Aleksandra pulled out wand glancing down at the sticks.

“Incendio.”

The Scottish girl spoke clearly as she cast the fire making spell igniting the pile of sticks on fire. Nodding in satisfaction the young teen sat down by the flames holding her hands out to try and dry off a bit while the golden hues of the flames danced around in a small slow waltz.

Gray eyes glanced towards the puppy like boy. Sighing she waved her hand over beckoning the boy to come and sit by the flames to dry off and not to freeze. Though it was spring and fairly humid she did not wish to get sick nor would it be good for this boy to get sick as well.

Aleksandra closed her eyes thinking to herself enjoying the heat from the flames the smell of burning wood seemed to waft around them. A rather nice scenario for the girl. Peaceful once more until someone tries to ruin it for the teen.

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wc: 684 tag: @Rafal Devereux ──────────────

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Rafal had never been one for nicknames. In his opinion, proper names were there for a reason, and not just so other people could ignore them in favour of whatever attributes or qualities they deemed appropriate. Of course, shortened versions were perfectly fine, and might even be necessary at times - but that was certainly not the case now.

The Slytherin blinked. Had this girl seriously just referred to him as canine? He was glad she was unhurt by the fall, and there were surely worse critters she could have matched to him, but this was hardly something he could acquiesce in! Rafal instinctively took a step forward, then stopped. "Uh - puppy?" His tone was cautiously hesitant. "Did all that water get into my brain somehow, or did you just call me a puppy?"

Now that Rafal was drenched, the light breeze of the lake he had so enjoyed earlier was considerably less lovely. He shivered involuntarily, glancing toward the water, and pulled his clothes tighter around himself - though maybe that wasn’t the best idea, what with how they were just as soaked as him.

Suddenly, he felt a wave of heat from somewhere beside him. Turning back to the shore, it seemed like the ghost girl had set up a blazing log fire, and was settled by the flames with her hands out, drying them off. As he watched on, she seemed to consider something for a moment, then reluctantly made a move to wave him over.

Rafal hardly wanted to give her more reason for her nickname for him, but he really was rather cold! And the walk back to the castle seemed so long and freezing, and he was so worn out. Sighing inwardly, the first year begrudgingly headed over, plopping himself down as far away from the girl as he could while still being in the heat vicinity - which really wasn’t all that far.

"So, what’s your name?" Might as well stop calling her ghost girl in his head, right?

Interacting with @Aleksandra FairBairn

" I told myself next time i’ll be colder but here I am, feeling the warmth all over. " c.c. aurel——

The hissing and crackling of the fire eating its way against the wooden sticks seemed to reverberate around Aleksandra the young teen sat quietly using a longer stick that she had found close by poking and prodding making sure to keep the fire at bay. The warmth of the flames seemed to emit around the girl helping with the growing chill that seemed to dance upon her spine.

Of course the girl thought bitterly to herself frowning. Why was it always her luck to be tossed into these situations as if the students at Hogwarts had no common sense. Though Aleksandra had to admit she did stay pretty far from many students and barely ever interacted with anyone unless they started the conversations. Just the way the lone girl preferred it.

Steel cold gray eyes lingered upon the red orange hues as they danced about like small fire fairies enjoying a soirée of sorts. The flames hissing, crackling swaying back and forth in the midst of its small dance.

A voice of surprise and hesitation spoke towards Aleksandra as the young girl eyed the golden-doodle boy. Watching his confused expression seemed to make Aleksandra let out a cold snort. This boy sure seemed clueless, lost really, hence the name puppy she had given him. Hearing his voice speak seemed to annoy Aleksandra though people in general annoyed the girl she preferred to stay to herself alone and in her own world. Yet here she was dealing with this puppy. Maybe he was right? Maybe the shallow lake's water clogged his brain? No of course not that it was impossible he was not even underwater long enough to cause any real damage to the brain cells. Of course she had to say differently for this boy. He seemed a bit daft to the girl. Clueless, reckless as if he was in his own world. Why else would the boy have run right into the girl? That or he was just a plain idiot who does not understand common sense that people are solid objects and one should avoid running into them.

“I see it as I call it.”

Aleksandra responded coldly. Her tone was soft as a feather drifting over the hissing of the flames while her thick Scottish accent was gentle yet held the sting of coldness to each word that left her mouth. The girl's gray steel like eyes watched the flames more as the light from the flames illuminated the girl's features making her pale skin seem to shine while her platinum blonde hair seemed to shimmer almost eerily close to white. The girl was odd in appearance as if she could blend in with the ethereal ghost that resided in this castle. As if anyone would dare question the girl or appearance. Hence why many students stayed away besides those who knew of the girl she supposed many students thought she was just a young ghost that died and resides on the grounds of Hogwarts. Suppose that was the case for the girl.

As silence seemed to blanket the duo once more Aleksandra prodded the flames with the long stick that she had beside her. Watching the flames carefully as the young girl frowned slightly her mind seemed to slowly flood with thoughts.

Where are all the first years of this daft? It was one of those times where the young teen wished she had stayed in the comfort of her dorm. Many of the younguns seemed to always be problematic just like many of the Second years that the young girl knew of. As if Hogwarts brought out the worst in students. She supposed without one’s parent or guardian to be down one’s throat can make it easier for these children to get away with literal murder even if they dared try. Though Aleksandra would not be surprised though Hogwarts always held some interesting problems. Interesting is the understatement honestly. Anything was possible, anything could happen and yet the girl always found herself stuck in these situations of conversing with the special children who seemed a bit naive or daft or just plain annoying.

Hearing shuffling near her, Aleksandra glanced towards the golden-doodle-like boy, seeing him sitting from the girl. She shrugged not really caring much it was the boy's choice honestly he was better off far from her anyways. The young girl did not wish to really deal with him. He was a bit interesting and a tad annoying just like the puppy that he was.

All seemed eerily quiet for a bit until the boy spoke up catching the girl slightly off guard. Her name? Did this boy just ask for her name? She supposed it was a matter of time. But yet she did not really seem to care to be on a name to name basis with this puppy of a boy. Shuffling slightly Aleksandra poked the flames once more with the long stick in her grasp eyeing the flames carefully as they danced around the duo.

“Aleks. What about you Puppy?”

Aleksandra spoke quietly in a bored tone as she continued messin with the flames, not really paying much attention to the puppy-like boy near her. After all it was not that big of a deal for the girl as her mind seemed to wander around as she dealt with the flames quietly.

The silence once again seemed to blanket over the duo as Aleksandra awaited for the boy to speak. As if it really mattered. It was not like Aleksandra truly cared about the boys name nor did she plan on really getting to know this boy she planned on drying off a bit before extinguishing the flames and going to the comfort of her dorm away from all of these unwanted children that seemed to always find themselves around the girl and it was just a dreadful experience. Of course what did Aleksandra expect from this dreadful school. It was always misery and pain. The pain of being annoyed to unknowingly chaos.

Aleksandra sighed softly as she leaned back on the palm of her hands glancing up at the sky, her gray eyes watching the clouds gently gliding above overhead. It was peaceful. The Lake was always peaceful, she supposed, until things like this boy happened. Yes that was it. Hogwarts truly was full of idiots.

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wc: 1091 tag: @Rafal Devereux ──────────────

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Ghost girl was really rather condescending. In their short time together, there didn’t seem to be one second where she wasn’t frowning, snorting in derisiveness, or in general just not speaking to him as if he was a dog who had done wrong. Like jump up onto the couch. Though if the nickname was to be taken literally, that was exactly how she saw him.

"I- " Rafal genuinely didn’t know how to respond to that. He was frowning, the corner of his lips tighter than usual. True, he hadn’t been at Hogwarts that long, but so far everyone had been at least minimally pleasant! Meanwhile, this girl acted like she was demeaning herself just by being around him, and the Slytherin was rapidly getting sick of it. He liked to think of himself as a tolerant person, but maybe that wasn’t true.

"Are you naturally so snobbish?" he said bluntly, "Or is it just a ploy to project an image of superiority, in order to cover up any feelings of… personal insecurity?"

Aleks was a curious name, and Rafal suspected it was short for something. He rather liked it, though the same sadly couldn’t be said for its owner. "I’m Rafal," he inclined his head slightly in greeting. A pause, then - "And I’m actually pretty on the fence about that nickname, so it would be nice if you ditched it."

The ghost girl was peculiar. She was so beautiful yet so supercilious, she offered Rafal a seat by the fire, yet continued to give the impression that she was being forced to endure his presence. Rafal couldn’t pretend like he was invested enough in the story of Aleks to care about her inner workings, but it wasn’t like either one of them was going anywhere at the moment.

Interacting with @Aleksandra FairBairn

" I told myself next time i’ll be colder but here I am, feeling the warmth all over. " c.c. aurel——

With the hissing and crackling of the makeshift fire Aleksandra continued to prod it gently with the large stick that was nestled beside her. The gentle early spring breeze tickled Aleksandra’s cheekbones. Making the young girl twitch her nose slightly at the gentle warm touch. While the warmth of the flames' heat seemed to trickle about dancing a slow dance. The clouds floated above sluggishly slowly blocking the illuminating sun. Enveloping the duo in a bit of the shadows.

With the spring breeze dancin about picking at the edges of the grass and the freshly blooming flowers scattering loose flower petals about in the gentle dance. The chatter of the songbirds were lively as they fluttered about singing their melancholy dancing about. With the gentle lapping of the Lakes edge grazing the shore making a soft clapping sound gently floated around the air. With the scent of the Great Lakes lake water scent with a hint of the scent of the stonewalls lingering about mingling with the freshly blooming flowers.

Gray eyes seemed to close in thought as Aleksandra leaned back resting on the palm of her frail thin hands. Her platinum blonde hair swayed behind her with the light of the flames dancing about making her pale skin seem to glow slightly the few droplets of lake water seemingly drying slowly. While her platinum hair seemed to look to have a few strands of white dancing about in her already platinum hair.

If it was not for the fact that the strange little puppy boy spoke Aleksandra would have stayed in her thoughts. Snobbish? Aleksandra chuckled softly. Suppose she came off that way. She personally did not care for others. Not that she truly wanted friends or to even be included in this school. Though being pure blooded she knew she would have no choice but to eventually attend Hogwarts. Though it was not like it was any of the boys' business really. Nor did she really actually care. If the boy thought she was snobbish, good for him. At least she wasn’t a clueless little puppy trotting about looking for trouble. Insecurity’s? That seemed to make Aleksandra burst into a small fit of laughter. The girl was not insecure. At least not to her knowledge that is. Sure she had her problems. Mainly trust issues. Aleksandra wiped a stray tear from her laughter slowly shaking her head. As she leaned over staring at the flames her eyes slowly glazed over turning stone cold. Not like this boy would understand. Not like anyone would understand. The truth of how those you care and love end up betraying you. Stabbing you in the back. Leaving you after making countless promises. Yeah friends are nothing but lies. Those who will take the knife and dig it into your back without hesitation.

“ ‘Uppose I am snobbish? So what?”

Aleksandra spoke quietly, poking at the flames once more with the large stick that was beside her, glancing over towards the boy quietly before continuing.

“I have no reason to be insecure about myself. Though…”

Aleksandra paused for a second mulling over her words carefully. She was not sure what she was doing or trying to prove this boy was just a stranger, someone who was just a pawn in this game of life just as Aleksandra herself was a pawn in this giant chess board.

“People always turn against you during the day. Best to keep your distance. Never know when one will get stabbed. Especially at ‘Ogwarts.”

Aleksandra spoke softly again, her Scottish accent heavy with warning as she continued to prod with the flames.

The girl was not wrong, just last year there was a stabbing, then after that she heard rumors and read the daily prophet about the bombing at Hogsmeade. Aleksandra was only a second year and yet this school seemed rather cursed. Best to stay away from others and go through school friendless and alone. Yeah that sounds about right. Being alone was safer than being around potential enemies who could or would stab or harm oneself in a heartbeat.

Hearing the boy speak once more catching his name. Rafal? Not a bad name. Though the name seemed to fit the boy's golden-doodle personality. Staying silent the girl listened quietly glancing towards the boy silently letting out a hum of acknowledgement . For a second the boy pauses, catching the girl's attention before speaking once more. Did he just tell the girl to ditch her ‘nickname’ ? A sigh escaped Aleksandra’s lips. Only a few people knew her actual name and yet only her father ever rarely called her Aleksandra. The girl preferred Aleks, that was her name. Aleksandra? That was just a name given to her at birth. Though she had reasons why she disliked that name so much, maybe it was because of her? Because of the woman that she admired so much, the step in mother that would have happened? Yet? Just yet that life was taken away.

Closing her stone cold gray eyes, Aleksandra thought quietly before clicking her tongue. She did not have to say her name; it was a given if she even decided to but yet why would it matter? After all it was just a name? A name that she despised. A name that seemed to bring back things that she could not handle. A name full of misery and pain. Maybe that was why she preferred Aleks so much? Maybe she held more pain inside her heart than she realized?

Sighing once more Aleksandra waved her hand off dismissively.

“Aleksandra… But if you call me that I’ll hex you into next year and nobody will be able to prove it was me.”

Aleksandra spoke coldly, her gray eyes narrowed as the young girl scowled softly. Before turning her face away from the young boy.

Why did she say that? Mainly as a warning would she actually hex the boy? Probably not. Aleksandra may seem cold and cruel but the girl would never actually harm another student unless the occasion demanded it. Though the girl was more of the protector than a fighter. Why? She had no idea. She’s had a few occasions of being kind and caring but yet she was always the type to come off cold and cruel. Yet here she was sitting near this boy threatening him.

A sigh escaped Aleksandra’s lips once more as she rubbed the top of her head with her left hand glancing down at the ground scowling slightly. Why did it matter not like she wanted any friends nor did she really care about making good first impressions. Yet she also was curious how this boy could survive Hogwarts? After all he seemed oblivious to the dangers that lurked in the shadows of this mysterious school. The shadows that always seemed to hold more secrets by each day. Always something new something devastating? Anything was possible at this school. Aleksandra knew that and yet you had children like Rafal who were unaware of the dangers. Ah yes those children are the ones who end up finding themselves in the danger known as Hogwarts. At least maybe the boy would be spared. Maybe Hogwarts will treat him well. That or Hogwarts will show its true colors? Only time could tell. After all time is always the trickster that lulls its enemies in a false sense of security.

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wc: 1270 tag: @Rafal Devereux ──────────────

notes: ────────────── ──────────────

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Aleks laughed. As if she were possessed, a switch was flipped and she laughed wildly. It was such a big and rapid switch from her previous demeanour that Rafal couldn’t even manage to feel offended, just stared on blankly. As he watched, the chuckles slowly died down, and Ghost girl wiped a stray tear from her cheek, shaking her head in mirth.

She leaned over, staring at the flickering flames, and her eyes suddenly reverted back to stone cold. It was a far more familiar expression on her, but did nothing to calm Rafal's growing unease. Did he somehow break the girl? No, he didn't have such a high opinion of himself to think that he could have such a profound effect on one he had met moments prior. Perhaps Aleks was just demented. That would explain a lot. He made a start to say something, then quickly cut himself off before anything could leave his mouth. Had to trust the process.

When Ghost girl finally spoke, it was in a voice so unusually quiet Rafal had to strain to hear it. Yet there was a sincerity to it, like she was trying to be honest. If that was the case, it must be hell inside her head - for her musings were hardly jocund.

Rafal cocked an eyebrow sceptically. "Well, it’s a character trait that tends to be generally frowned upon." Tilting his head slightly, he scrutinzed Aleks with an inquiring manner. "And those rather sound like the words of someone with insecurities."

He straightened, shuffling closer to Aleks. "Why do you have such a pessimistic view of the world? Why do you think people will turn against you?" Rafal prodded, fixing the girl beside him with an intent look. "You seem to have a deep distrust of Hogwarts, that must have stemmed from something."

All right, maybe he had gotten a tad too caught up in the moment! Rafal wasn’t a therapist, or a detective! And he was pretty sure he would suck at both. But Aleks revealed those small things, and he just instinctively pounced on the information. Natural curiosity at work, that was what the Slytherin chose to call it. Though he was likely just nosy.

Aleks had misunderstood him, he wasn’t telling her to ditch her own nickname! That was none of Rafal's business! "No no, that’s not what I meant!" he cut in hurriedly. "I want you to ditch your nickname, for me. The, uh -" He gestured weakly with a hand. "Puppy one."

But it might have been a blessing in disguise, for Rafal now knew the full name of Ghost girl. Aleksandra. He doubted he was ever going to learn it from the way things were going before. "That’s a very nice name though." he nodded sagely. "Unique." Shooting Aleks a slight smirk, he added jokingly, "And don’t worry, I have no doubt you could wipe the floor with me if you wanted to. Definitely wouldn’t risk it."

Interacting with @Aleksandra FairBairn