A Quiet Meeting ((Christoph))

[Zara Girard]

It was way past curfew already. The crescent moon was up, providing little moonlight to light up the dark corridors of Hogwarts, and yet Zara Girard was sneaking around, trying to find her way to the Astronomy Tower yet again.

Well, she didn't exactly need to find her way. She had taken this path in the dark so many times, she'd get there with her eyes blindfolded and her hands tied behind her back. She was that familiar with this particular path. The Astronomy Tower was where she met up with Christoph once in a while.

They had never really shown off the fact that they were friends. In fact, it was one of their secrets - their friendship. He was a Slytherin, she was a Gryffindor. They were not to offend the sacred code of rivalry between the two houses. But they had been friends since childhood, and it was just something Zara had gotten used to. She was the one who came up with the idea to meet at the Astronomy Tower once in a while, to catch-up. Because Zara was never someone who could go on for a long time without talking to anyone she considered her friend.

Finally reaching the tower, she breathed out in relief. She had managed not to get caught this time, too. Hoping that Christoph wouldn't be caught, too, she skipped to the large window, and stared at the night sky, waiting for her friend.

[christoph winter rivers]

The cold air danced through his hair as he peered out over the edge of the tall balcony. The tower had been his favorite place to rest for many years now, and tonight was no exception. He didn't smile, and his peaceful resolution was not reflected on his face at all. In fact, he could be considered a marble statue as far as appearences might go. Winter didn't smile often, and laughing was unheard of from his tight lips. His mind wouldn't slow down enough to allow him much pleasure, but the tower offered the most peace he could expect in his life. It was always quiet this far above the grounds, and no one ever really bothered him here. He never got caught, though he suspected that a few different professors knew he came up here sometimes to think. Maybe they pitied him due to his situation? He didn't know, nor did he care. All Winter wanted was peace and quiet, and some time to be left to his thoughts.

The fact that tonight would not be a night when he would be alone never crossed his mind. It was close to the weekend, and that was when they often met. Lovers? No, of course not. She was never interested in him like that and his heart was far too frozen to allow her into his life. He shared his suffering with no one. Yet, they were friends, as she was one of the precious few whom he would bother to call a friend. Her smile always made him feel better about life, if he never joined in with her merriment. She was a good soul, a nice person whom wouldn't harm a flea. How the two had become friends was beyond him. All he knew was that she was a friend, and she listened to him when he dared open his mouth to actually communicate. A Gryffindor, much to his own surprise, had turned out to be one of the closest friends he had ever had... well, since he lost his dear twin sister.

His sharp, crystal-clear eyes moved to the opening as he knew she would appear soon. No matter how early she tried to be, he was always here before her. It had become a little game between the two. Her tower was much closer than his dungeon, yet he always made his way here before his Gryffindor counterpart. He nodded as he heard her approach. He stepped to the shadows behind the arch, and waited. As he expected she moved through the large window and looked to the stars. She was a reflection of beauty, and of course she thought she was alone. He couldn't let her think she won this game, even if there was no prize to be had. Winter leaned against the cold wall and tilted his head. His voice was a sharp contrast to the silence, but yet remained low and nonthreatening. "You intend to jump, Ms. Girard? Or is there something else on your mind tonight?" He did not smile, but it was obvious he was teasing his dear friend.

[Zara Girard]

A small smile spread across Zara's face as she slight breeze caressed her skin, and she took a deep breath. It felt so good to be right there, in the dim moonlight. It was times like this that Zara regretted not choosing Astronomy as one of her core subjects. Not because she loved the study of the sky and planets, but because she'd get to spend the occasional nights studying such a beautiful sight.

She felt triumphant for a moment. It was one of the very few times she had made it to the tower before Christoph, and she had it clear in her mind that she was going to rub that in his face....

You intend to jump, Ms. Girard? Or is there something else on your mind tonight?"

Zara did jump a little, and immediately turned around, only to see Christoph standing a few feet away from her nonchalantly. Damn. He made it earlier. Again. "Merlin, you guys have got to stop doing that! First Sirius...then you...I'm going to get a cardiac arrest..." she mumbled on.

In a few seconds, though, her shock had subsided, and Zara crossed the small distance between them to hug Christoph. "Chris!" she enthusiastically greeted him, before pulling away. She was the one usually talking when they met. She was the one keeping the conversation alive. But somehow, even the silence between them was often very comfortable.

Zara had known him from a very young age, around the time she had lost her mother. The both of them hadn't exactly gotten along at first, but overtime, things got smooth, and they became good friends. They often met like this since the first year, but when things turned horrible in their third year, Zara knew she had pretty much lost the old Christoph. His family's murders had affected him too deeply, as it would anyone, and he rarely talked anymore. Zara had tried her best to make him share with her his suffering, but she had only succeeded on very rare moments.

Still, she never stopped being the chatterbox that she was around him. She would never stop. "Yes, there is something on my mind. Do you have a secret passageway from the dungeons to this tower? Because let me tell you, I left the common room very early today," she grumbled, hands crossing in front of her chest. She had no idea just how he managed to beat her to the balcony every single time.

[christoph winter rivers]

She was just about the only person he would tolerate hugging him. He lifted one arm and gave her a small pat, the way he normally did. Anyone witnessing this that didn't know Winter would probably guess him to be gay. After all, someone as beautiful as his friend Zara hugging him and him not responding in full would be seen to be odd. However, she never seemed to take offense at his lack of affection. He did manage to brush his lips across her cheek as they passed. It was easier for him to slip a small kiss to her than it was to actually engulf her in a full embrace. Once she moved away he looked back to her with false shock.

"My dear Zara, are you calling me a cheater? Surely you'd think more of me than that?" He crossed his own arms in front of his chest, and mocked her pose perfectly. Winter added in a tap of his foot, and then smiled lightly to her. His eyes gleamed in the low light of the tower. The breeze moved about them to softly rustle their clothing, his own long robe dancing mildly in the wind. He moved away from her to glance over the edge to the dark grounds below.

Turning back to her he realized how easy it was to actually connect with her. After all, they had known each other since childhood when Zara lost her mother. They did not get on well at first, of course anyone infringing on his time with his twin was seen as an enemy at that age. Yet, as they grew older the two actually found some common ground and soon she was a better friend to him that most the guys he had known in his neighborhood. Then when the incident happened Zara was the only person whom the bond didn't waver. They shared the loss of a parent, and that alone was enough. Yet, it was never all.

"Obviously you didn't leave early enough. Next time perhaps a Time Turner of sorts? Yeah?" He loved teasing her, and it was all playful between these two. No matter how hurt and bitter Winter had become, he couldn't seem to turn that hate toward her. After all, she had always been there and probably always would. He put words to his thoughts, "So, why do you put up with me anyway?" Winter wasn't exactly positive he meant to ask, but it was too late to suck the words back in and silence them. Instead, he crossed his arms on his chest again and mocked her pose. She was beautiful, and he knew he did her no justice.

[Zara Girard]

As usual, Zara received a small pat on her back and a barely existent kiss on her cheek. The familiarity of the greet only soothed her. She had always been pretty rough, greeting most of her close friends with a rough hug that is accompanied by a loud voice. Only Chris got a quiet and gentle greeting. And Zara wouldn't change it for the world. It was just the way the two of them worked.

She narrowed her eyes and playfully punched him in his shoulders. "You just never know, Mister" she countered, maing a face. She still couldn't believe just how in the world he had made it earlier than her. Zara had planned the timing, never bothered to take a nap, and left her dorm early. And yet dear Chris made it earlier. Was her time-keeping that bad? She could only sigh at that thought.

She leaned against the wall comfortable, crossig her legs over as he suggested she should carry a time-turner. "Ha ha, you're hilarious, Chris. Please stop. You're making me laugh too much," she retorted in a dry voice, smirking nonetheless. His teasings never offended her. On the contrary, they made her feel better. That there was someone close enough to her that they would take the liberty to tease her without worrying about offending her. That always made her happy.

Zara had just plopped down on the hard ground and was about to ask him to join her, when she heard his question. The sudden question did surprise her, which was evident in her face, but she recovered quick enough. "Well, because I don't have a choice," she replied with a straight face, fighting to keep the laughter away.

Soon enough, it became too much for her to take, and she burst out laughing. "Silly boy! 'Why do you put up with me', really..." she chuckled, shaking her head. "If you can put up with me, then I can put up with you, too," she grinned, before slapping on the ground beside her. "Now, stop asking such silly questions and come sit here. Tell me about your week, I'll tell you about mine," she smiled at him. She was still surprised he had asked her that question, but she didn't really mind it. As long as he knew that she'd never trade him for anything in this world, that was good enough.

[christoph winter rivers]

If circumstance were different, he could love her. She was always warm, and understanding. One day she was going to make someone very lucky. Winter never considered himself the lucky type, so he knew it wouldn't be him. However, she was a wonder of wonders, and could almost always make him comfortable. That was rare for him, and he was learning to take it as it came. Zara was someone special in his life, and he already knew how deeply he needed her.

He moved slowly, and sat down next to her. Winter did something that he had never done before next. Without really thinking about it, he leaned over and pressed his shoulder next to hers. His head rested on her shoulder, and he closed his eyes. If it was only for a moment, he thought he might find peace. She was comfortable, and resting his head on her made him feel good for the moment. Even when the cool wind danced over them from the gush coming onto the balcony. Fall was here, but the cold weather was already teasing that it could come early. He nestled into her, and began to speak. His words were soft at first, but as always he was able to really let himself be him around her.

"Honestly, nothing is new. It is all the same circle, just a new year. The wind feels different, and I know you'll think that sounds silly; but, it's almost like there is a smell of change to it. Maybe not for me, maybe not for you, but change nonetheless." Maybe it was the fact that they were going into their next to last year at Hogwart's and the whole world would be waiting on the other side of next year? Or, that he was growing tired of sneaking around to see someone he cared about, and just wanted the rest of the world to know he loved his closest friend who just happened to be a Gryffindor. It might even be a mix of both, but Winter felt a little sentimental at the moment. The two never really talked about their friendship, they always just hide it and met when they could. In the hall there would be only a faint flicker of recognition, but otherwise no one would know they even knew of each other. No one could guess how close they really were.

Winter felt that Zara deserved a better friend than he.

ooc: I'm sorry this is short. Forgive me?

[Zara Girard]

((OOC: That's perfectly alright, it's really not that short :) ))

Zara patiently waited for him to sit next to her, and when he eventually did, he surprised her by allowing his head to rest on her shoulder. She smiled, letting her arm link through his as she rested her back against the stone wall, thoroughly enjoying the calm moment.

She quietly wondered if Christoph would ever let any girl into his life, someone who would probably love him more than just a friend. She had never considered Christoph as someone she'd date - she had known him for too long, from a young age. To her, he was a brother she never had. Of course, if things had been different, she'd have been one of the few attracted to his mysterious presence and handsome features. There was no denying that her friend had striking good looks. She had not failed to observe the way some girls looked his way in the school. But even then, she could never bring herself to love him that way.

She chuckled when he mentioned the change of smell in the air. "It's not silly. Though I don't know if there's a change in the smell of the air, I'm thinking there's a definite change in the people in this castle," she sighed, her mood suddenly sombre. She knew things were getting darker outside of these castle walls, her father warned her to be careful whenever he wrote to her. On top of the constant worry for her father who was battling against the rising army led by Tom Riddle, she was also sensing that a lot of the students, particularly the Slytherins, seemed to have an sir of hostility around them. More so that usually, might she add. "Dad wrote to me, asking me to be extra cautious. I wish I could say he's worrying too much again, but this time, even I don't feel good. So, be careful, Chris," she advised him softly.

"Is that all that happened to you this week, Chris? Really? It's so uneventful, I'm beginning to think I should set you up with a date or something, to make it more interesting," she teased him, laughing. "Now, on to mine. Guess who's got herself a boyfriend?" she grinned. "I went to Hogsmeade the other day, with Sirius," she informed him, still grinning happily like an idiot. She had never been a shy person to start off with. She'd talk to anyone and everyone. Despite that, she was extremely private with her life. She never shared her deepest secrets or fears with anyone who wasn't part of her close and trusted circle of friends - something that ran in the blood, being an Auror's daughter. But Christoph was one of her closest, if not best, friend. She always told him everything.

Her grin did fall a little at the thought of being with the Sirius Black, who hadn't had a relationship that lasted too long. She was all about long-term relationships, flings never really amused her. "I've always liked him as a friend, and even a tiny crush sometimes. But now that things have gotten real and far...do you think he'll stay?" she asked him timidly. "You know Sirius and his relationships with girls. Do you think I've gotten myself into something that I'll regret? I couldn't help it, I really do like him. A lot," she whispered to Christoph, sighing. He would give her some sensible advise. Though she was hoping, more than anything, that it didn't involved him asking her to not hang out with Sirius.

[christoph winter rivers]

His head was starting to ache dully, almost as if some conclusion was about to take place. He often felt like this when he was close to Zara because her life seemed normal to him. It was almost like she would try to suck him into being normal, even if he knew his inner rage would never allow for him to live a life like a normal student. Still, he loved her and he placed that mild side effect on the back burner when it came to his friend. One of the very few friends he had ever known outside of his pain. His ears perked up as casual conversation turned to talk of her dad's letter. Although he never told her, Winter liked to hear about her family. He never got owls from home, and when she spoke so casually of them it almost made him smile. Then his stomach gave a small lurch, and he looked to her from the corner of his eyes. His lips set thin in a small line on his face.

A date? Him? Foolishness. Who would want to date him, and who would he want to go on a date with? Well, the second part of that answer was obvious, but to be set up on a blind date would be foolhardy for whomever she tried to fix him up with. Winter was not the dating material, and that broke his heart when he was alone in the dark of night. No, he put those emotions past him in the eyes of others a long time ago. It had to be that way. There was no other choice in the matter. He nudged her lightly and she continued. Winter rolled his eyes, and shook his head. Of course she'd be dating someone, another Red Robe as far as he was concerned. One of the popular minions that haunted the castle and got away with murder. He sniffed little and ignored her. It was hard to do since it appeared she wanted to prattle on a little more about it. He sighed and sat up gathering his head from her shoulder so he could watch her.

Was that happiness on her face? Did the whole drivel of crushes and romance make her that happy? Of course it did, she was a girl after all. They liked those sort of things. He listened to her finish, and shook his head in mock disgust. "If he hurts you, I'll kill him. No matter how many of those friends he has surrounding him. You're about all I've got in the way of friends these days, so he'll be in for it should he step in the wrong path." He was serious, but his lips cracked in a small smile. He couldn't help but notice the change on his friend's features when she spoke about him. Love. Such a stupid game to play, but it was obvious all her pieces were firmly planted on the board. "Alright then, I am happy for you. Just, be careful you know? Hearts are broken every day, and all that mushy rubbish." A little piece of his own heart melted away at the thought of her being happy with a nice guy. He didn't know Sirius, and didn't particularly want to know the Gryffindor; but, if he made Zara happy then that was all that mattered.

Right?

[Zara Girard]

Zara heard him talk, chuckling a little, yet feeling a warm fuzziness within. It was nice to have someone be so protective of her. Someone like Chris. "Don't worry, Chris. If he ever does hurt me, he'll probably end up in a pitiful mess before you find him. You know how angelic I am when angered," she battered her eyelashes, before bursting out laughing. But deep down, she doubted she'd be able to hurt Sirius. She was turning into a pathetic mess, and she knew she needed to stop that.

"I know," she sighed, now resting her head on his shoulders. She had never felt as comfortable with Chris as with anyone else. "But hey, my heart's made of steel," she joked, laughing. "Boy's got to have a lot of strength and guts to break that." She didn't know how she could lie so fluently. She was one hell of a sensitive girl. That tough exterior was just her defence mechanism - to make sure no one got to know the real her. She wasn't too sure whether Chris could see through her, but she didn't really care. She had known him for years, and he could always be trusted to hold her when she was down.

"So, now, tell me. Should I start looking for a girl to set you up with? Preferably not a Gryffindor...should be gorgeous...and should be...well, come on, tell me! Describe your dream girl," she said in a dreamy voice, biting back a laughter. Oh, how she loved teasing him.


But she honestly hoped Chris would get a girl for himself one day. Someone who would understand him and love him enough to stop him from being a broody and mysterious boy, to cheerful and happy one. The old Chris. Not that Zara didn't like him now, her comfort level with him has not decresed an ounce over the years, but she'd love to have the old Chris back. She knew it was going to be tough for him, with the loss of his family, but she could always hope.