The Second Meeting PV Cleo Cabello Finished

Ruby nodded. “Yeah, I guess so. I'd like to see what that would be like if someone did write that. "Realistic" takes on unrealistic things are quite interesting to see – I find it interesting to see what people believe would happen.”

Ruby blinked at Cleo's outburst. At least she was speaking about it this time... progress was being made. Also, she was 11, after all, and needed to be cut a bit of slack. “First of all, you are not a Muggle, so you can't say "we". Secondly, that wasn't my point. Muggles have a different kind of power with their technology and inventions in general – personally, I think most wizards are stupid not to use some of the things Muggles have created. Wizards aren't necessarily superior, and it depends on the specifics of what you're talking about. Honestly, humanity in general – both wizards and Muggles together – is stupid. The individual may be smart, but as a whole... not at all, really. Sure, we're more advanced than any other creature, but we're not smart. Lastly, I'm just saying feelings about Muggles in general. Some people think magical folk are superior, some love Muggles, and some believe in things in between. I'm not talking about my opinion at all – just that most Muggles can never and will never know how someone magical feels about them. Every individual has their own opinion: the magical community isn't united under one opinion,” Ruby replied calmly. Okay, so a little bit of that wasn't entirely what Ruby believed, but, hey, whatever worked. She decided not to mention Cleo's comment about her being socially skilled, and she would bring up the club again later – presuming they got over this little misunderstanding.

“Yeah, there are different views on everything, that’s how the world changes and advances, I think. I’m sorry I got annoyed. I know it’s no excuse but I hate my temper. I wouldn’t go so far as to call humanity stupid, though. If you call humanity stupid, what’s your definition of smart? I think people can be smart, but intelligence alone doesn’t matter. What’s being smart if you’re too lazy to ever use your mind? And even then, what if you only ever help yourself succeed and just stop when’s you have a decent life?’

“I suppose if non magical people don’t know that magic exists, then they can’t be aware that there are different opinions of them as a whole, and not just to do with race or something else.” It slightly concerned Cleo that Ruby talked of things with such an objective point of view, she barely knew a thing about the other girls views.  
“So, do you have any good friends in the non magical world?” Cleo asked, knowing even herself that it was clear she was probing for Ruby’s opinion on muggles. Cleo knew that she wasn’t partcularly socially skilled or experienced. She felt that if she was, then she would push more to be a leader.

“If everyone had the same views, life would be incredibly boring. It's good to disagree sometimes,” Ruby said, her attention shifting as they reached the library. She entered the large room and instantly felt a little more at peace. She loved libraries and their many books, and she had met several people here in the time she had been at Hogwarts. Ruby also frequented this place, occasionally coming here to read, study, meet people, draw, or relax. It had become one of her many favorite places in the castle. She led the way to a section of the library that didn't mean anything particularly special to her but had somewhere to sit and a window to look out.

She waited for Cleo to sit herself and then continued to reply. “My definition of smart? I'm not sure, really. Don't take offense from me calling humanity stupid. I'm talking about it as a whole and not the individual. Individuals can be smart, but think of everything humans as a whole have done to destroy the world. Most people don't even realize the severity of it and what they're causing on a day-to-day basis. Intelligence alone does matter, but it's not the only important thing. If you're smart but don't use your mind, then you don't really qualify as smart. If you only use it to help yourself succeed and then you stop when you're having a good life, then you're just like many people in the world. That doesn't mean it's right, but it means you're just like them.” Ruby spoke a little bitterly at the end. It wasn't obvious and most people wouldn't notice it, but there was definitely bitterness hiding in her tone and her words.

It reminded her of her parents, rich and smart enough to get themselves to a successful point in their lives, but not do much more. They worked to keep their rich, pure-blooded status, and they traveled the world for their jobs. Although one was a Gryffindor and the other a Ravenclaw, they acted like they cared about people and saving the world or whatever, and they really tried to. They spoke at conferences and events, they tried to make a difference, and they stood up for what was "right". Ruby supposed they did use their "intelligence" more than most rich people, then. They certainly cared, or acted like they cared, about the world, society, everyone and everything, and all that was good and right in the world, but in doing so, they neglected their only child – their daughter, Ruby.

Most of the memories Ruby actually had with them consisted of being taught their beliefs, what was "right", and how she should act – since she was a female pure-blooded member of their family. They told her that Slytherins were evil, never to be friends with them, and to force the sorting hat to put her somewhere else in the "unlikely" event that the house was considered for her. They left out every good bit about Slytherins and every bad bit about the other houses (mainly Gryffindor) or forced others to leave them out when she was being taught about some of the history of the magical world, and she only heard the bad things about her future house. Despite her parents' efforts, this only served to make her more curious about the house of Slytherin. She reasoned that if the house was that bad, then it would probably cease to exist in Hogwarts. After all, if the other houses – "especially Gryffindor" – were so good and pure, then why would such an evil house exist in a school, a place that was meant for kids? Ruby knew that something somewhere in the story was wrong. It had to be. So, Ruby had begun her own research. She talked to her other family members – the ones that were more accepting of Slytherins. At events and parties for pure-bloods, she made sure to go talk to the Slytherin families. She convinced the aunt and uncle she spent the most time around to retell the history she had been given, and buy her more accurate books.

Long before she got her letter, Ruby knew enough of the truth about Slytherins to understand that they were really misunderstood, got unfair hate, and were so much better than her parents had said they were. She had realized how much affection she had started to feel for the house, and that she actually felt like she could belong there. She still hadn't been sure if she wanted to be in it, but she felt like it was a possibility, along with Ravenclaw and Gryffindor. One day in the past year or so, she had accidentally said something about Slytherins that wasn't what she was meant to know, and her parents had instantly got colder and asked her how she knew this.

From then on, they found ways to monitor her more and make sure that she wasn't finding out anything she wasn't "supposed" to. Ruby had found it easy enough to hide anything good about Slytherins, and was very careful not to mention it again. Her parents drilled their beliefs into her head over and over again, and her dad instructed her on what to think and how to behave when she was getting sorted. She was told that the sorting hat was always right, and once she was safely in Gryffindor, everything would be fine. Of course, Ruby had completely disregarded all of it and began to seriously dislike her parents as she realized more and more about the reality of what they had been doing to her all her life.

Ruby forced herself to stop thinking about that and remove the bad feelings that had clouded her eyes slightly. “Yeah, that's what I was saying about Muggles. They have no way of knowing how any magical people feel about them, because they don't or shouldn't know we exist.” Cleo's next question caused Ruby to think a bit. She really didn't feel like talking about this after what she had just been thinking about. Ruby didn't know if she would call anyone in particular a good friend, really, but there were certainly some people who were decent enough. “Yes,” she replied simply, not knowing what else to say.

Cleo looked around the library as they entered it. It made her smile slightly as she thought of all the different thoughts on all the different pages in that room. Cleo surveyed Ruby as she followed the girl towards a window seat. Through the window Cleo could see the snowy grounds; it had snowed just the night before, leaving about two feet of soft, white snow. After living by the sea for most of her life, Cleo hadn’t really seen heavy snowfall before. When the first snow came to Hogwarts, she’d decided that she liked it. It was beautiful, not in the way that green forests are beautiful, but in a more eerie way, making the land’s features sharp, yet hidden under a beautiful mask. She liked the way the crisp air showed her breath, and how the coldness outside made her dormitory and the common room seem even more like home. And Hogwarts was becoming her home, Cleo realised. She still missed her mother and couldn’t wait to spend Christmas with her, but she liked the magic surrounding her, not the normal kind, but the magic of belonging.

“I see what you mean.” Cleo said. “I used to see it every day. Back home, plastic and glass used to wash up on the beaches, probably 10 big pieces a week. We are killing the seas, two thirds of the planet, because we want everyday luxuries we can definitely live without. Humanity has so so many flaws but there is no better species either. Even if there is other advanced life in space, it’s going to have flaws too.”

Cleo could see that Ruby was in her own world, likely memories. Our minds are wired to remember bad moments best, and Ruby’s face didn’t look very happy, so Cleo deducted but it was that. 

“Yes. I don’t think I’ll ever understand people who are anti-muggle because I’m fairly sure that wizards and witches have exactly the same flaws.” Cleo said. She didn’t mention Ruby’s simple reply, not wanting to seem any nosier.

Ruby watched Cleo look out the window and think, and so she did the same while she waited for a reply. Ruby liked the crisp coldness of the air outside, and the snow was beautiful, settling over the Grounds like a blanket, making everything sparkle when the sun shone on it and making it seem even more quiet, peaceful, and beautiful outside when no one was there. To her, it softened the world outside, but still made it seem pretty yet cold.

When Cleo spoke about all the plastic, Ruby wasn't surprised. She already knew about all of that, of course, but it didn't make it any more acceptable. “That's horrible, to see it every day… I mean, can't we just use magic to get rid of all of the plastic in the oceans? Now that I consider that, why hasn't anyone tried that before…?” she thought aloud. When Cleo mentioned luxuries, Ruby felt a tiny bit of guilt. Okay, she did live with many luxuries, but it wasn't really her fault. Her parents wouldn't let her be seen as anything less than rich, and they wouldn't let her wear or have things that weren't of the finest quality. So stupid…

“Are you sure there's no species better than humanity? I think many are. They just don't have anything close to the level of intelligence and capability to learn and develop that we do, if that's what you're talking about. Of course, every species does have flaws, like you said… I agree.” Ruby replied.

She was deliberately not letting herself think about her family any more. It would only serve to harm her emotional state and make her unhappy or angry. She didn't need that kind of negativity right now. Cleo's next comment almost brought her thoughts back there, but she forced herself to avoid it. “Oh, no, they definitely have different kinds of flaws. They both have the flaws of humanity, of course, but these flaws and the way they come out as personal flaws are very different in some ways among Muggles than they are for wizards or witches.”

“That’s true actually. I guess it would be hard though. How do you just get rid of that much plastic? If you try to vanish it all who knows what could happen. There’s so much of it and I don’t think one person could have enough magic. I suppose, though, if you tried in a group or team it could work. Surely it’s worth a try. You know, maybe we could talk to one of the teachers about it?”

Cleo looked out at the grounds with newly found regret. To think that the beauty of the pristine white snow would change over the years, be gone one winter to never fall again. Cleo wasn’t fully aware of the full extent of the damage inflicted upon the world by humans, but even if she had had a little more insight, she would’ve be puzzled on what to do. Cleo didn’t like to give up and she definitely didn’t like the idea that there are many problems that can’t be solved. As much as she may or may not like it, she didn’t like to be powerless.

“How do you measure other species being better though? I can only go with what I know and...” Cleo trailed off. She didn’t like to be wrong, but she could see that Ruby was right. Animals focus on themselves and what they need, only killing if nessecary. Humans are greedy, Cleo realised suddenly, searching for power and perfection, they are probably the most horrible species on the earth.

After a long pause Cleo said quietly, “We can’t know. We don’t know what animals are like completely. However, I think they’re probably a lot better than the greed that humans have.”

In some part of her mind Cleo was aware that she was being vague and she hoped Ruby understood what she was trying to say. The other part of her brain was thinking fast. When she went back to Bournemouth Cleo vowed to just sit on the beach and be grateful. Maybe, she realised, this was why she loved the company of the wind and waves and the seabirds. There’s an innocent raw power in nature that seemed right to Cleo. Sometimes humans declare things as unnatural, but really, they are.

Cleo frowned at Ruby’s last words, “I’m sorry but I disagree. You’ll have to elaborate on what exactly you mean. What flaws are we talking about here? People judge others all the time, because of power, because of differences, and with people against muggles, I think it’s both, people who feel that way are selfish and need to go out and realise how similar we are.”

“Yeah, I meant lots of wizards and witches doing it all around the world. People don't use their magic and wealth to actually help make the world more inhabitable and I don't get why… Even the nicest parts of nature are being destroyed because of the stupidity and close-minded selfishness of mankind. We should ask a professor about it at some point, you're right, but which one?” Ruby replied.

To herself, her words seemed more like she was stating facts than anything else. She was deliberately detaching herself from her feelings and any connection or emotion relating to this topic, because she didn't want to think about it in too much depth and detail. I'm only a kid, she reminded herself gently. I don't have to worry about all the world's problems right now and try and fix them. No one expects me to. I should just focus on friends and school. No problem, right? She subtly took a couple of deep breaths – inhale… exhale… inhale… exhale – to completely let go of any stress or feelings that affected her at the present moment. She was just a child.

Ruby watched Cleo's expression as the Gryffindor looked out the window. The other girl seemed sadder – more regretful. Ruby felt a twinge of guilt because of this. She hadn't meant to make Cleo feel like that and cause the girl to bear some of the world's worries and be affected by them both emotionally and mentally. “Hey, Cleo… I'm sorry for… bringing this up, I guess. Are you okay? I didn't mean to change your mood,” Ruby said gently, apologizing while not really knowing what to say. There was definitely a bit of concern in her light blue eyes when she spoke.

When Cleo was speaking again, about what she thought of animals and them being better than humans, Ruby studied her expression even more carefully. The girl trailed off and seemed to be at a loss of words for a while, as the pause was fairly lengthy. There was a moment when Ruby found a bit of horror in the Gryffindor's eyes, maybe as Cleo realized how bad humans were. I shouldn't have said anything. I actually feel bad now. Why did I have to start talking about this?

“Animals can't experience the same depth of things that we can. However, I disagree with your thinking that we don't know much about them. We can analyze their brain waves and reactions to stimuli or things in general – situations as they're going through their lives. We can look at the chemical part of their bodies – hormones and what can power them, essentially. We can look at their brains and reactions together and find out what kind of emotions they have and their emotional capacity. Of course, since it's different for many different creatures, I can't give you much more than a broad overview, but I'm sure you could find many pieces of research on specific animals if you wanted to.”

“On the other topic, yes, people always judge and the flaws of human nature still continue both in the magical and non-magical worlds, but what they judge a person on is different. Even here at Hogwarts, we're separated into houses. We're judged and stereotyped for where we're placed. We're taught all the wrong things – that we should be with and work together only with like-minded people, that people who are different are bad, that we should always be competing for things as trivial as house points, and make a big deal out of who wins or loses, often becoming less kind and considerate. We're taught that only Hufflepuffs can be kind, loyal, and hard-working, we're taught that only Gryffindors are the strong, daring ones who fight for what's right, we're taught that only Ravenclaws can be the smart ones, and then we're taught that Slytherins are the evil ones. It's not true. These are age-old stereotypes that have been going on for decades, but they still haven't been broken enough in wizarding society. Think of all the pressure put on us, starting from when we're just 11 – just kids. There's too much pressure put on every single person from every single house to be who their house is and has become – not who they are, not human. And do people consider what effects this can have on us? Of course not! Especially with my house, we're automatically distrusted and hated by the other houses – even if people think that things have changed and that they're accepting of all houses. We're hated because there were people years ago who made bad choices and happened to be in this house. If you take every single one of the Slytherin house traits and examine them, none of them are inherently "dark". It's the person that changes that, and because the wrong kind of people had a couple of those traits, we have a negative house reputation in the present.”

“I don’t know,” Cleo said slowly. “I don’t think it’s that simple. Magic can’t achieve everything, but I agree that people should try harder.  We should ask a professor, as for which I’ve got no clue, you?”

Cleo was glad that Ruby seemed to want to help. She liked the girl, she really did now, although it was hard to reach Ruby’s opinions. It wasn’t something she disliked though, more admired. However selfish it may seem, Cleo, along with many others, liked their opinions being heard. Ruby didn’t seem to need people as Cleo did, not need time alone, as Cleo also did. Cleo was fairly sure that there were probably some sore spots in the other girls past, and although she was curious, some part of her didn’t want to know, because she knew that it would likely put something between them. When you share something with somebody you don’t trust completely, it can get between you because of the fear of the other person spilling. Cleo knew this.

“You’re right, we know a lot of things about animals, but I like to think there are some things we’ll never know. We’ll never know what it’s like to be them, although we kid ourselves we do. Knowledge is free, it should be. The facts and figures of the world should be available to all. But the knowledge that isn’t free is the emotional knowledge of others, I think that’s where we get in over our heads. Sometimes people need privacy- you can’t ever fully know a person, they’re too complicated. People act differently around different people, I do, you probably do too, even if it’s just slightly. Animals have emotions, but we’ll never know if it’s the same way we experience ours because we can’t even talk to them, let alone see inside their souls.” Cleo finished. She was mulling the last sentence she’d said over. She wasn’t religious, but she didn’t like to beleive that life just ended after death. She did believe in souls, she thought that they were the core of a person, then without masks and without feelings. However, she didn’t really know where or what it exactly was, she just didn’t question it.

“I think you’re right. But, just think for a moment what Hogwarts would be like without the houses. I feel like some of the magic would be lost. However selfish or ignorant it may be, I think we like the idea that we belong somewhere, I know I do. It’s a comfort that you don’t have to navigate the world with no knowledge of yourself, but it’s also making us live up to different standards from others. We are taught the wrong things, that we should be who we’ve been chosen to be, and not who we choose to be ourselves. I think you’re right about the Slytherins, but you can’t say it’s just them. I’m sure some parents want their children to be Slytherin against anything else. You may be considered dark or twisted but we both no that’s not the case, anybody with any sense should know that. People do judge, but I don’t think there’s a way to fix it anymore. They aren’t going to get rid of the houses in Hogwarts and magical people definitely aren’t going to change their perspectives overnight. You have to overcome anybody who judges you and doesn’t give you a chance to act upon it. The truth is that people judge others in the wrong ways. I do, you do, everybody does. But the other truth is that there’ll always be someone morally good who’ll overcome the particular judgement which your stuck in, whether or not you’ve met them. I’m sorry for the way you feel, and by all means, you have a right to it, but I don’t think its a problem easily solved.” Cleo looked out of the window. These weren’t all her own thoughts, she was reminding herself of her mother.

“Remember Cleo, those who judge you because of where you live, what you look like, and other unimportant things-they’re the ones who’ll suffer the absence of your company.” Cleo’s mother told her.

“But I am the one who suffers, they’re all fine with their friendship groups and talk about going to the park after school and, and boys and... ugh. I’m the lonely one.” Cleo said.

“I know, sweetheart, but there’s someone out there who you don’t know yet, who doesn’t believe in those petty judgements and someday, that complete stranger will become someone close to your heart. Then you’ll believe me. Besides, you’re not lonely, you have me. Now, are we going down to the beach or not?”

Cleo recalled the memory as clearly as if it were the day it had happened. She had always loved and admired her mother with all her heart, and would be very pleased to be just like her.  

“It can definitely solve a lot more than doing nothing about it can,” Ruby stated plainly. “For the professor, I'm not quite sure either, but we can probably figure something out. We can ask around or pick one to go talk to – maybe even just wander until we find one. However we decide to find one, I don't think we should do that quite yet.”

Ruby watched Cleo intently, trying to figure out what the girl was thinking. The power of deduction could only get her so far, and even then, she was limited to having a general idea of their emotions or topic of thought rather than details about these things. Some people were still a lot easier to do this to than others — those that were wary and carefully guarded what showed through to their appearance were extremely difficult to find out anything from. Many people, however, let themselves be read like a book, mostly not knowing how much they were giving away. More people even than that didn't need to be "read" because they saw no reason to keep their mouth shut, instead letting most of their thoughts flow directly into speech before they had become fully developed – allowing the steady stream of thoughts and emotions to trickle out of their mouth, leaving them plainly in the open for all the world to see. It was foolish, really, but maybe they thought that it was the best option.

“Mm… not sure I fully agree. What, exactly, can't we know about animals? What makes you think we don't or can't know what they experience and feel? People are rather different to other animals – I thought we were talking about other species, were we not? What constitutes "fully knowing a person"? Brainwaves, heart rates, and stimuli can be analyzed to provide a good idea of what they are thinking, coupled with knowledge of their background and desires. The extent of the information they've had access to, their beliefs, and hormones… those can provide us with more knowledge of them. Understanding psychology, behavior, their culture, and what they "normally act like" can help too. Why do you think that it isn't possible for someone to fully know and understand another human?”

“We actually can understand animals' emotions – sure, we can't talk to them the same way we talk to another human, nor can we "see inside their souls", as you put it, but we can run tests, collect data, and perform analyses. Numerous scientific experiments have been done on this topic. For example, it has been discovered that emotional capability of dogs is roughly equal to that of a two to two and a half year old human child. That's the extent of dogs' emotions.”

Ruby listened to Cleo's words and prepared her next response while the Gryffindor spoke. “I am not arguing for the abolition of the house system. In some ways, I believe it is quite important. Hogwarts would also not be the same without that time-enduring tradition that it has had since its creation. My example of the way Slytherin house is treated was merely that – an example. I am not saying in any way that we're the only ones with stereotypes forced upon us, and that's certainly not the only view of Slytherins. I'm not arguing against the right to an opinion, either. What I am arguing – what I believe – is that people with harmful opinions and prejudices should keep them to themselves. I would like a change in general belief, perspective, and reputation. I would like people to think for themselves and listen to reason, and to only be against something like a house if they can prove without a doubt – supported by reasoning and evidence and disproving every counter-argument – that it is bad or wrong or whatever else they're thinking regarding it. I would like children to be educated in all the houses' strengths and positives, and told not to disrespect or treat someone differently based only upon their house and their house's past or alumni. It would be a gradual change and difficult to make, I realize that, but I have faith that it is possible. Besides, when is such a large change as that one ever easy to make? Why should we just accept things the way they are, and push negative things aside because that's the way it's always been – because we think we can't make a difference? If these negative stereotypes and beliefs were able to be created, then other things countering them can be created too.”

“True.” Cleo said, glad they agreed on something. She hadn’t talked this deeply with someone for such a long time. She felt like it was refreshing- as if she was figuring out herself at the same time she was figuring out Ruby.

“OK, lets find a teacher, but why not now? Do you mean not right this second, and maybe just a bit later, or not now as in a weeks? But why not soon- as in within a few days, isn’t this important?” Cleo asked. In truth, she was puzzled by the other girls last statement. Ruby had seemed so enthusiastic... until she wasn’t. Shrugging it off, and thinking that she was blowing things out of proportion, Cleo promptly changed the subject.

“I don’t know about you but I believe that every living thing has a soul. Are you religious? Anyway, this may seem contradictory, but I’m not sure I know exactly what I believe exactly about souls, just that they are the essence of someone. I know science doesn’t allow ‘room’ for a soul, but I know they’re there. I don’t think you can know about another persons soul because you don’t even fully know your own. You’re right in saying that technology is very advanced and we can know nearly everything about an animals emotions. However, I like to believe that there’s some things we’ll never know. For example, we may be able to analyse and test extensively but there’ll always be one rabbit among a thousand that doesn’t follow the pattern, one that will play dead instead of run from the farmer, ya know?” Cleo said.

Pausing, she mulled over what she just said and started laughing uncontrollably. “I can’t believe I just said that!” She gasped. “Room for souls indeed! Where would it go! In your sole?” Cleo hiccuped, still laughing. “I’m sorry if you did actually believe that but-“ she breathed deeply, trying to control her giggles. “The image in my head,” hiccup, “I’m trying to get it out but,” hiccup, “It’s just too funny!” Cleo burst out laughing again. “And when you compared a dog to a two year old! I’ll never get that image out of my head either.” Cleo hiccuped again. “Can you imagine something half dog and half toddler- well that’s what my mind is like... Wait! No! I didn’t mean my mind is like a dog/toddler’s mind.”

Cleo paused for a solid minute, occasionally laughing and finally managing taking control of herself.

“Sorry about that.” She smiled. “I’m gonna be totally honest and say I don’t regret that laugh though.”

“You’re right.” Cleo said, full of energy from her recent laughing fit. “I was being pessimistic. Change can happen, change will happen, it’s just a matter of how. Everybody should realise that it’s best to be brave and smart and kind and cunning. That would be an amazing person, we don’t need to be just one. I don’t think it can be just us who want to change this, there are others too. But first we need a point to make, we need proof that Slytherins and different houses are treated stereotypically, and I don’t know how we get that. You’re right in that nobody should just accept things the way they are... I feel like we should put that on a banner or something, it’s really catchy.” Cleo grinned, completely off topic. She felt comfortable around Ruby now, like there was nothing between them. Cleo had discovered enough similarities and traits she liked or them to be friends, and she only hoped that Ruby felt the same.