Ro trudged up the stairs leading to the Owlery, as per usual the higher up you climbed the more encrusted they were with owl droppings and the worse the smell got. There has to be a better way to send letters she mused. She had finished a letter to her mother this morning and was intending to post it as soon as possible, not that she expected much of a response. She also had one for her uncle Michael, just telling him that she had been sorted and hoped his next match went well, but she would send that one with Lee's when she found him.

She looked down at the parchment in her hand, it was rolled up but that didnt matter. She had agonised so much over every word she knew it word for word.
Dear Mam, Shw mae? Beth ti'n neud.... she had begun writing in Welsh, figuring that if the owl had to be changed the letters contents would remain private, few people outside of Wales could read Welsh. She had stopped shortly after that, remembering that her mother was not fluent in welsh and would prefer it in English, also that anybody else with the oppourtunity to read the letter wouldnt be interested in a letter to her mother.

I have been sorted into Ravenclaw, just like you and Dad wanted. Lee is a Hufflepuff, like Uncle Michael was. Will you be back for Christmas? It would be great to see you
Here she had paused in writing the letter. She wanted to say how much she missed her, how so far the only person she knew was Lee, how she still hadnt got over that 'irrational and silly' fear of hers. However, she couldnt let her mum think that she was weak and silly, that she couldnt cope. She was a Copur, they always succeeded. Apparently.

I have my supplies and am soon going to start classes. Im looking forward to most of them, flying at least should be ok, and it will be good to talk of flying without the Quidditch. It is so beautiful here, there is so much history and the portraits can be good for a conversation. Ravenclaw tower is still standing, and no, you can't see the mark that Dad made in his third year
She had added this last bit in relation to her last conversation with her mother, at her aunts funeral.

Hope to see you soon, Ro

It was only short, but what else could she add? She couldnt put how classes were going as that would only lead to her mother asking about potions, she couldnt talk about all the new friends she had made, as so far everyone either knew each other already, or were able to easily make friends. Not for the first time she felt isolated. It wasnt that she was necessarily mean, just shy and uneasy in social situations, besides everyone ended up leaving anyway. She blinked back a tear, she wouldnt cry, it was only the beginning, things would improve, she had to cope, for Dad.

She reached the top and gestured for one of the school owls to come and rest on the perch so that she could tie the letter to its leg. None of them seemed particularly willing, possibily knowing that the journey was long, her mum was in the USA at the moment and expecting an owl to fly across the ocean was asking a bit much. She reached into a pocket and pulled out an owl treat, and soon had the attention of a tawny owl. She tied the letter to its leg and let it go out into the starry night sky.

If only I could do that with all these feelings, she mused, write them down, tie them to an owl, then send them away.

((Gah! I had this post all ready to reply and my damned computer froze *strangles computer...despite that it has no neck. So I'll still reply, but unfortunately I doubt it'll be as good due to my EXTREME FRUSTRATION! *clears throat* Err...Sorry.))

Sydney Malacour [strike]is sick of her f-ing computer freezing on her[/strike] wrapped her Slytherin robes around her shoulders as she climbed the stairs to the Hogwarts Owlery, her hand tightly clutching a letter intended for the one and only Cayman Delusory. Sydney had been arguing on and off with herself for the past few weeks after his sudden disappearance as whether to write him or not. It seemed the handsome pick-pocket's magnetism had won, seeing as here Sydney was.

The night air was quite cool, and the brunette always abhorred the journey; it may have had something to do with the copious amounts of owl droppings and the subsequent smell, but who knows.

Reaching the main landing the Prefect glanced up from the letter she held, and was taken aback to see another student here at such a late hour. A scowl already dominated her face, and upon seeing the stranger her green eyes narrowed in suspicion. Instinctively, Sydney clutched her wand in her robe pocket as she stepped forward towards the other occupant of the owlery. Noticing it was just a student, and a Ravenclaw at that, Sydney relaxed slightly. Standing proud, the Slytherin's lips parted to speak. "I hope you're aware you've just been caught breaking curfew." Sydney commented with her tone as icy as the wind that whistled through the tower, an eyebrow arched as she freed her wand and folded her arms.

((Frozen Computers suck- threaten to drop kick it out the window- thats what I did and it stopped playing up! If nothing else it will relieve your frustration! I apologise for all spelling mistakes in advance, Im writing at 11:15 pm when I started work at 7 30 this morning, and can't sleep. ))

"I hope you're aware you've just been caught breaking curfew."

Ro span round. She had thought she was completely alone, and the other voice made her jump, catching her off guard and so she slipped back into her mother tounge

"Beth yr diawl-"

She focused on the figure who had addressed her. Judging from the crest on her robes she was a Slytherin, and Ro thought she saw the glint of a prefects badge.

Great she thought Im in trouble already, caught breaking curfew, arg. At least it was a student and not a teacher

To be perfectly honest she had completely forgotten about any curfew, or about what the time was for that matter.

"Sorry. I honestly forgot that there was a curfew, and, as I am without a watch, what the time is. " She replied, her voice steadier than she was expecting and switching back to English now that she had collected herself. " But may I ask, who exactly has just caught me breaking a curfew I didnt know was in place, and what they are doing, in the Owlry late at night, surely not looking for people breaking curfew."

So it was a cheeky reponse. Under usual circumstances, she would have just scurried off however she had just been scared by someone walking up behind her on a cold night, after spending nearly a week writing a letter and agonising over its contents to a person. Anyway, what was the worst that could happen- she could lose even more points for Ravenclaw?



((Beth yr diawl-- what the hell/devil (Im assuming that cursing restrictions still apply to other languages)))

Sydney pursed her lips slightly in annoyance as she listened to the Ravenclaw's reply; why was it that everyone had to play the defensive card? No one ever just accepted that they were in the wrong. She frowned, her head tilting slightly as she considered the first year. Either she just spoke in a different language, or have we got another bloody snake whisperer at Hogwarts. Dismissing the small example of foreign tongue, Sydney gave a brief sigh. The fifth year narrowed her eyes, "Ignorance does not excuse you." she said tartly.

The Prefect was not at all impressed with the brunette's cheek. With her cold eyes, Sydney looked down upon her fellow student with abhorrence. If there was one thing Sydney couldn't tolerate (disregarding the mile-long list of things that also fitted under that category) it was bold first years.

"Actually, that's exactly what I was doing, first year. It's little hoodlums like you that keep me patrolling the depths of Hogwarts till ungodly hours of the morning! Not that I need explain myself to the likes of you." The tall Slytherin paused, her mouth curling into an expression of utter loathing; not unlike the kind of expression that appears when you know you've trodden in something foul. "Who?" she repeated with outrage. "I'm Sydney Malacour, Slytherin Prefect. And you are?"

((Oh don't worry! From what I've read your roleplays have been great! Mine on the other hand, oh dear 'specially this one...Talk about exaggerated. I can't seem to get in character. I'm a looooooserrrr *sings* Oh right, sorry. :P ))

((Really? You seem to me you're pretty in character, you had me worried about what Id done! I normally play the rebellious hardass, so playing a slightly weaker character is weird. I dont think that Slytherin dislike of others can be too exagerrated- or maybe thats just me!))

It's little hoodlums like you that keep me patrolling the depths of Hogwarts till ungodly hours of the morning!

Ro had to resist the urge not to ask if that was why Slytherin Prefects were so grouchy, or use the words 'beauty sleep'.

It was obvious that Ro had seriously annoyed the Slytherin, which as she was a prefect was probably not the best thing to do. This left Ro with a choice, she could back down and apologise and leave, or upset Sydney even more.

"Who?" she repeated with outrage. "I'm Sydney Malacour, Slytherin Prefect. And you are?"

"Rowena Copur" Ro answered, giving her full name. It wasn't as if the she was about to make friends, so why bother shortening it.

She looked up at the taller Slytherin, still mentally debating how to leave the situation without knocking Ravenclaw into minus points. It was then that she noticed the letter in Sydneys hand.

"So, what are you gonna do now? Escort me back to the tower and make sure I dont do it again by knocking points off Ravenclaw, or post your letter and trust that I leave and go back to my tower alone." she asked, knowing that this would probably only annoy Sydney more, but she didnt particularly want to stay in the tower getting sneered at. She knew she was in the wrong, she just wasn't sure how to get out of it, and when backed into a corner, she bit back.

((Oh I hate playing weak characters. I had one. I found him so dull he just kind'a died out. *chuckles* Oh, I dunno. I guess I'd like to think that I play Sydney more smooth at times...Though I probably don't. Maybe I'l just use the excuse that she's all tensed up from there being a lack of one Cayman Delusory in her life. Oh man I need sleep! Hyperactive! Okay, here we go.))


Rowena Copur...I'll remember that name. Sydney noted as she stood watching the Ravenclaw before her. "Well Miss Copur, I'll be sure to mention this little incident to the Head of Ravenclaw House, and I expect you'll receive detention. Perhaps it'll stifle your plans to make my job harder next time, although I doubt it. Despite all those supposed wit and brains you lot are s'pose to have you're not real good at learning from your mistakes are you." Sydney's tone was already bitter and Rowena's consistent impertinence wasn't helping the matter.

The tall, chocolate-haired youth spared a glance to the now crumple piece of parchment that she held in her fist. Her grip loosened, her eyes spotting a smudged C and a rather large amount of emerald ink blotted about her hand. Sydney's eyes lightened for a moment before overwhelming rage caused her to begin smartly ripping the letter into tiny shreds before freeing it from her hand and watching the tattered remains dance about the filthy floor of the Owlery.

Tossing a few stray strands of hair from her eyes, the brunette shot the younger student a scornful smile before it quickly faded from her face; replaced with her usual scowl. "Letter? What letter?"

Standing aside the exit, Sydney indicated the way to leave with her hand. "Miss Copur, I've made it my business not to trust anyone, so I think I'll choose the former." The Slytherin tossed her head in the direction she wished the Ravenclaw to take, not taking her eyes off the girl and her hand poised to take hold of her wand at anytime. If in desperation the girl was going to be foolish enough to take on a fifth year duelling champion, Sydney had to make sure she thoroughly regretted it. "Oh and I'll be sure to make Ravenclaw suffer-" she paused, holding back a smirk. "-for your cheek."

((Im kinda hoping that Ro can grow a bit, Im hoping a weaker character can have more room to grow into a stronger character, rather than just starting strong, but you are right, strong ones are much much more fun. One of the biggest drawbacks of weaker characters is that they can't just keep arguing, as they dont have the confidence to pull it off, they have to give way somewhen. Hyper is good. I spend 90% of my time hyper at uni, the other 10% asleep!))

" Oh and I'll be sure to make Ravenclaw suffer-" she paused, holding back a smirk. "-for your cheek."

Great Ro thought, I knew that was a mistake and yet I still did it, maybe shes right about us not learning from our mistakes. At least I can learn one thing, do not upset Sydney Malcour- or a Sytherin Prefect for that matter .

Defeated, with no cards left in her hand to play, Ro relectuantly dipped her head in acquiesence and followed the direction Sydney had indicated. It wasn't as if she still ahd anything to accomplish, she had already sent the owl to her mother, and if she hadnt been caught would have headed back anyway.
So why did I argue with a Prefect? she asked herself All that has succeeded in doing is getting me into trouble and probably a detention .

Ro continued down the stairs, not bothering to check to see if Sydney was indeed following her. She didnt seem the type to make empty, and if she didnt look back there was a slim chance she could retain some dignity. Although the thought crossed her mind, that having the Slytherin behind her, where she could unleash a jinx or hex on Ro without warning, was not the best idea. Especially as Ro had no idea how to defend herself. She knew Slytherins had a reputation but they wouldnt just attack would they? Then again, she had provoked her. Maybe that was another lesson she should remember- don't provoke someone until you know how to defend yourself.

Sydney Malacour watched as the dark haired Ravenclaw student followed the Prefect's instructions and began her decent of the tower. Folding her arms, Sydney fastened a look of pure satisfaction on her face; although it would have been even better if she'd caught the brat before she'd had time to post her letter. Although the tall fifth year didn't allow it to annoy her, after all, she knew to watch out for this particular first year in future. Sydney was surprised she didn't attempt to fight her way out of the situation; perhaps she was smarter than she looked.

With a small 'hmpf', the autumn-haired beauty too set off down the stairs of the Owlery; one hand still kept very close to her wand. She’d see to it that Miss Copur got to her Common Room safely before finishing up her patrol and too heading to her own. However, as Sydney walked, her mind swam with thoughts of the letter she'd almost posted. If it wasn't for the interruption, a small owl would be flying off in direction of one Cayman Delusory now; concluding that he'd won. That'd he'd defeated her. In what the brunette wasn't completely sure, but what she did know was that receiving that letter would have been confirmation she'd accepted defeat in the fervent battle that seemed to perpetually rage on between the pair; and Sydney Malacour did not like to lose.


((Man this is crap-hole. Oh well, I have an excuse, I'm sick *cough* :P Man I am sick of coughing.))

((Aw, hope you feel better soon! try warm blackcurrant squash- always makes me feel better with a cold! I have no excuse, I have just completely lost direction with this character, shes becoming very different to how I first thought of her, and Im not sure its a good thing.))

Ro was fairly sure that Sydney was following her, but still determined not to look behind her to find out. Maybe she could return to her Common Room and lose her in the school so she wasn't as humiliated walking back into the tower followed by a Prefect. No, Ro thought, She probably knows all the passages and shortcuts here anyway and it would only land me in more trouble .

Part of her was tempted to draw her wand, but Sydneys pure confidence left Ro feeling that it would be a very stupid mistake to make, anyway Ro had no idea how to duel.

Ro left through the door of the Owlry and into the cold night air. Pulling her robes closer around her to keep in a bit of warmth the young Ravenclaw set off accross the grounds, walking slowly so that she didnt trip over the uneven ground. Unfortunatly, she hadn't as yet learnt how to make light, so was relying on the moonlight to help her see. Her job was made harder by the slight cloud covering the moonlight, and Ro stumbled more than once, but fortunatly not falling. She could only think how funny the Slytherin would find it if she tripped.

((Dude...Why haven't I replied to this topic? *secretly hopes you have it tracked so you get an email about this...Otherwise..I'll pm you :P*))

((I'm totally replying to this. No more lazniness!))

Sydney ran through a bed of flowers, singing merrily to herself as her long hair suddenly became laced with gold, and sprung up into lose ringlets. "Ahh." she exclaimed, with a note of pure joy in her bell-like voice. "The sun is beautiful today, isn't it?" she questioned a small squirell that she happened to pass on the way (she ignored it's obviously skin-disease-ridden coat and the put the slight frothing at the mouth down to over-excitement (although secretly she suspected rabies). Shrugging off the slightly disturbing state of the wild-life in this grass-covered field (that had turned into this from the flower bed it was before) (Perhaps she ran out of flowers, or was chased by a very large-nosed garden gnome), Sydney twirlled energetically before collapsing in a spasm of satisfaction.

"Life is fun!"

-----------------------

((Ok, sorry. Let's get serious))

With her lips pursed firmly together, Sydney accompanied the young first year Ravenclaw slowly down from the owlery, the pair spiralling as they went.