We've Been Searching the Sky for Answers

[Derrick Breckenridge]

Derrick stood at the edge of the large tower, the warm summer air blowing through his hair, and his palms pressed against the cold rigid stone. Sighing he was enjoying this night to its fullest and had to because he didn't know if he'd actually be able to sneak out again and how many other times he'd be able to sneak from the Hufflepuff common room to one of the towers. Granted there was always Astronomy classes but those were more for learning then enjoyment and more over to him it was to sciencey to actually be at this place of magic. It was like all the other classes in the fact that he excelled in them but it was to factual for him, to structured, and explainable. He needed and wanted the stars that sparkled above him to remain a mystery and not be explained as just some balls of fire billions of miles away. Derrick preferred the simplicity of it all and didn't want to be jaded with all the technical definitions of what was supposed to be out in space. Sighing heavily he took in the night and what it had to offer him though because he was quite aware that there just wouldn't be many other soon enough and his nights would be spent by the fire at this time of night. At this time of night most people were either asleep or working on school work that they had put off. Derrick had done neither since he'd come here; for the most part he'd be on top of his school work and done it as soon as he'd received it so the nights were his. It helped also that he only really needed four or five hours of sleep to function correctly without being hindered by drowsiness.

Sighing he diverted his attention to Niwa who sat at the door of the tower. He really wasn't sure why he brought his cat or if he had even really brought him. Niwa had a large mind of his own in these situations and probably had just followed him up but Derrick couldn't remember whether or not this was the case. He didn't mind either way and knew that his cat was probably just concerned and that was why he stood so close to the door. To somehow warn him if someone came but really in this situation where would he go? He didn't have a broom or anything of that sort just a guitar and would good would Francesca do him when he leapt to what would most likely be his immanent death. The thought from Niwa was what mattered most to him though. Sighing he wished someone would join him now and at the same time cursed his time spent on the train. The short time spent on it had made him now yearn for more human companionship and exploring but for now Niwa would do. Picking up Francesca he decided to play his cat something or another after all who else would listen.

"You were the best thing summer gave me better than silence and no school, no curfew, and no rules. I was the last thing you expected to become part of your life, to become part of your life.
So sing this song while you drive home baby, you drive home baby. I will sing along from another country, another country and do-do goes the telephone. While the planes and trains won't let me go, oh no. Pass the world and I will go there. And when the pollination starts, in the springtime baby, the springtime baby. Can you map out all the parks if you find time baby, I'll find time baby and I have nothing to say other than I love you. And I'll stay if you want me, if you let me I will go, and if you let me I will..."

Inhaling he listened to the chords and the sounds the Francesca emitted. He didn't care if he got caught, he didn't care who found him here, and more importantly as always he didn't care who heard him. It was the way he had always been with his playing, singing, and musical exploits in general. Turning his attention back to the song Derrick continued with ease and feeling each chord more and more as he struck them.

"So sing this song while you drive home baby, you drive home baby. I will sing along from another country, another country and do-do goes the telephone. While the planes and trains won't let me go, oh no. Pass the world and I will go there. If I admit that I was wrong In the right tone baby, the right tone baby and pretend that I belong in the same room maybe, the same room maybe and I have nothing to say about this. I love you and I'll stay if you want it, if you let me I will go, and if you let me I will go. You were the best thing summer gave me."

Sighing Derrick looked to the door and hoped someone would stroll through it and at this point he really didn't care who it was.

Open to whoever

[Claire Desrosiers]

So Claire had wandered a little far from the dungeons but so what, it wasn't like she had to stay there of all places. The truth was that she was bored of just sitting in the common room all day reading. This was strange for the third year since she had yet to start plotting or pranking around the school just yet. Perhaps she should talk to Trixi about such things but for now Claire felt rather tame. It was all very strange, could the snake just be tired of that sort of behavior? There was really no reason to plot as frequently since she wasn't home. Mr. and Mrs. Desrosiers never paid much attention to their daughter since the two were always busy with work. He was busy all the time at the ministry and she always stayed at St. Mungos as a Healer. Grandma and Grandpa would always baby sit but Claire never behaved when with her parents.

It was a blessing to be sent to Hogwarts becacuse then the girl wouldn't have to think about her parents as often and she meet some new people. The best part of it all was that mum and dad weren't there to critizise her for their daughter's interests such as music and Quidditch. However it was the Quidditch they despised most of all. Claire had been on the team since year one and loved being a Slytherin beater. Just being at the school made her happy and transformed the summer holidays into a real drag unless gramps was around.

Climbing the steps to nowhere in particular Claire noticed that she was coming up to one of the towers. This was the signal to turn back down until something made the third year stop in her tracks. Someone was up there singing and Claire's curiosity came into the picture. Slowly going back up the snake poked her head through the door and gave a shy smile to the boy playing inside. "Um...that sounded really nice."

[Derrick Breckenridge]

Derrick looked down now from the door. Who knew if anyone would actually come and if they did who would it be. I mean it was late and after all who else would risk wandering around the castle, not everyone was like him and didn't mind detentions or punishments. They could never take away Francesca which was all he cared about at the end of the day. Well her and Niwa but his cat wouldn't hold it against him at all for forgetting him for a moment. Niwa was like Derrick quiet and reserved only speaking when he needed something or was spoken to. Niwa purred as Derrick turned his head looking at the cat now. It was as if he had somehow heard him speaking to him. It was somewhat eerily but in actuality it was just understanding, an understanding that Derrick had known with his cat since they had meet in Diagon Alley during his trip there for his first year of supplies. It was probably one of the happiest moments of his existence finding what he considered to be his only true friend in the alleyway that day. Shaking his head he brought himself back to reality and looked to the stars once more. This is what he was always doing searching the sky for answers, hoping and dreaming that one day that the stars would finally give him the answers he wanted. Derrick knew that he probably had far too many to questions to be answered in this life or next but he could hope and dream that just maybe it would happen and somehow they would be answered. Derrick heard a noise and hoped he wasn't about to get in trouble. He wouldn't care if he did but just felt that it would be the end of his night and he didn't look forward that that what so ever.

Looking up Derrick was a bit shocked to see that the person who stood in the doors entrance was a girl. She seemed about his age but it was hard to tell because at the same time she seemed extremely tiny as if she could be a first year also. Derrick doubted that this was the case though as it seemed that her deep blue eyes had seen quite a bit in their day but not much. It was a bad habit that Derrick had. He tried to read people's eyes on one occasion too many and while in most situations it turned out what he saw was correct there were also times that he was off or read people the wrong way. It had never really been an issue as he had never went on to talk to any of the people but he saw their actions and observed. He had never seen this girl before and didn't remember her from anywhere or at least that he could remember. For all he knew that could have classes together and he wouldn't know simply because when he was in class he focused in only on whoever was instructing him and not on anyone else in the class. Unless of course it was group work and then he just hoped he could be in a group of his own. Derrick sighed as he realized that he had let his mind wander once more. Scolding himself mentally he looked up once more at the girl and realized he didn't know what exactly to say. She had spoken but what had she said....he couldn't remember and he felt a need to panic but brought his thought process down to earth and remembered in a small flash. Looking into this girl's eyes he spoke in his usual soft and kind tone.

"Thank you, if you'd like to hear another just let me know I suppose."

Derrick looked down, she was one of the few people who had actually complimented him to his face. There were always the side comments as they walked away but nothing really directed at him. Now that he had actually met people this shocked him a bit. A few days ago it had been people talking to him that had shocked him. Now it was the fact that this girl had actually told him to his face that she enjoyed his musicianship. He was sure that Maddyson had said something to him the other day but off the top of his head he couldn't remember and that hadn't been the first thought that had entered his mind. The first thought was in fact that someone was speaking to him and now someone was speaking to him about how nice he sounded. All of this was a rush to Derrick and people were forcing him to come out of his shell quickly this year. Better now then never he supposed sighing lightly. Looking up he figured it best to introduce himself to this girl, after all he highly doubted that anyone would just pop in for a few moments and not expect to do some star gazing this late at night. Looking down Derrick spoke a bit hesitantly but used the same tone as he did before simply because he wasn't sure if she even wanted to talk to him past her compliment.

"I'm Derrick Breckenridge by the way nice to meet you."

Derrick just hoped that he wasn't intruding on whatever she wanted to do here in the tower tonight.

[Claire Desrosiers]

Carefully Claire stepped a little further into the room hoping she really wasn't bothering the boy there. Strange, this was awfully considerate of her but why would she act rude in front of someone she hadn't met before or recall meeting. Well hopefully this kids nice attitude would last otherwise the Slytherin's sharp tougue might just slip out. When he accepted her complilment and sort of offered to play another song Claire just felt a little weird at being asked something along those lines.

"It's alright, I don't want to bug you or anything. You don't have to keep playing if you don't want to." Though in some ways Claire did wish he would play something but at the same time she was a little jealous. She would love to play an instrument well but mum didn't approve of her learning such a thing. Gramps was working on it with her but that was only possible when there was a holiday and Claire's parents weren't around. When Derrick introduced himself she quickly did the same.

"I'm Claire Desrosiers, pleasure. So, what brings you up here at this time? Though I guess I shouldn't be one to talk." she smiled.

[Derrick Breckenridge]

Derrick looked down now shyly as she spoke. His social graces weren't the best and he hoped that he could make a friend out of this girl rather then a foe. In general he was hoping this was how all his encounters went; granted though Derrick had to remember that he was annoyed easily in some situations and in these situations to be quite honest he could be a bit brash. Derrick stopped thinking to himself though and paid more attention to the girl who was now in front of him. That was how this whole ordeal worked right? Her tone it sounded somewhat hesitant as if she had interrupted something but that was far from the case. To put it nicely Derrick was aching for some interaction. Derrick stopped himself and had an urge to swear under his breath. He was doing circles in his head again with his thought and that wasn't a good thing not in the least. He need to move his mind elsewhere and did so in analyzing the girls words and body language. The latter of which spoke volumes she seemed to be reacting as awkwardly as he was to this situation. Not something that would work to either of their advantage so Derrick decided to somewhat speak up somehow to try and break the ice. How though Derrick pondered this for a moment and then figured he'd get to it later just sticking to the basic back and forth banter for the moment. Brushing his hair aside Derrick listened to what he thought was the end of what she had to say. Grinning sheepishly Derrick spoke his voice carrying a tone to match his smile. Wasn't that how he usually sounded though?

"You aren't interrupting me at all no need to worry, feel free to take a seat.....or you know lean against the wall I guess."

He scratched the back of his neck in a brief moment of nervousness. It was cliche but he didn't care it was the only way at this moment that he could find to relieve any kind of oddness he was dealing with. What should he say next or more importantly what could he say next? Derrick stared hopelessly for a moment in Niwa's eyes and asked for guidance but knew he would get none from his faithful pet and ran his hand across the cat's back. Derrick smiled as Niwa replied with a purr and turned his attention back to Claire and spoke.

"I want to play though, it's what I'm up here as I am every few nights. I guess you could say it's what I do I just come up play, think, and star gaze. What are you doing up here though Claire?"

He finished this statement with a smile. Not a large one but a small smile the kind that seemed to fit his face perfectly; not to say large ones didn't but the smaller smiles just seemed a bit more honest, as if they belonged, or something of that nature. Looking up into her eyes he gave her the same small smile that he had thought about over the past moments.

" I'm going to play another, I hope you don't mind."

Derrick inhaled and brushed hair out of his eyes. His hair wasn't long but it had a tendency to stray down into his eyes due to its length. He began to strum chords and felt a large wave of relief wash over him. It was something he was used to but each time it felt new and even more releasing then the past time. A gasp escaped his mouth and at the same time the words began to.

"Words from a drunk and numbers in code. I've got the pride of the Irish on the phone. Keep sending postcards from Chicago. Pressure's building up I think I might explode. Hold tight I wish that you could see through my eyes. I've never really been good with goodbyes. So keep holding on, I'm holding on. So what'll it be? Clothes in the trunk I guess I should have known. Looks like the Queen of Confusion's got her throne. Save all White Russian for the drive home. Mint and hazelnut, I can't forget how you taste. Windows boarded up but were they ever really open in the first place? Hold tight I wish that you could see through my eyes. I've never really been good with goodbyes. So keep holding on, I'm holding on. This time I promise not to take the whole night. I'm doing all I can to make this right. So keep holding on, I'm holding on. One day leads to decay. What in the hell happened to us? My dear, you have a choice to make. Hold tight I wish that you could see through my eyes. I've never really been good with goodbyes. So keep holding on, I'm holding on. This time I promise not to take the whole night. I'm doing all I can, doing all I can to make this right. So keep holding on, I'm holding on. Hold tight I wish that you could see through my eyes. I've never really been good with goodbyes. So keep holding on, holding on."

Derrick finished and looked down feeling somewhat ashamed. He felt as if now he was just showing off. He really had no idea why that wasn't his intention in the least. Sighing at himself he turned to Claire and offered her his guitar as a gesture of kindness and humbleness he supposed. He didn't even know if she played but he really didn't care, even if she just wanted to fiddle with it he wasn't that protective of Francesca.

"Would you care to play.......if not it's fine no pressure, even if you know just want to strum a little bit."

Derrick smiled sheepishly once more and reminded himself that he desperately needed to stop doing that.

[Claire Desrosiers]

It wasn't normal for Claire to act this shy around a person but perhaps a little more conversation would help out with it. However judging by how he was acting he wasn’t exactly talkative either. When Derrick mentioned about taking a seat or leaning against the wall the girl didn’t think twice as she took a place on the floor legs folded. Leaning against the wall would have been fine too but this was better. At least her entrance into the place didn’t bug the boy but it still felt a little weird walking in when playing. Though Derrick didn’t seem to pay any attention to that, rather he seemed a little happy over some company. At least that might explain why he was a bit insistent about her staying.

“I’m actually here for no particular reason.” Claire shrugged when asked the inevitable question, she didn’t mind though. “Sometimes I just wander around the castle rather than just sit in my common room. Normally though it’s just a way to put my thoughts together rather than staying in my own house. Though can’t say I haven’t been scolded a few times here and there.” The rule about students staying in their dormitory at night never really applied to Claire since she didn’t listen to it most of the time. At least if it was a Slytherin prefect that caught her there was no punishment really.

Derrick had begun playing again since he said it wasn’t a problem for him and also because it was part of his reason to play. Claire couldn’t blame him since it was a nice place to just sit but she also couldn’t help wondering if any of those goody goody people could hear him play at night time. Not like the sound didn’t travel down to wherever they were patrolling but he didn’t seem to care. She admired that and only wished she could play in instrument without the privacy of the Room of Requirement. However when the boy offered his guitar to her Claire didn’t know what to do. Of course she wanted to play around with it but it was rare that someone would actually offer anything like this to her. It was all so strange.

“You…you really wouldn’t mind?” Claire asked skeptically. “I mean, my gramps taught me how to play a little but I’m not very good right now.” Despite what she said, the thirteen year old reached out her hand. Well, it wouldn’t hurt just to play a few random chords if he really didn’t mind right?

[Derrick Breckenridge]

Derrick chuckled and gave her a warm smile at her somewhat shocked response. Granted had she known Derrick and said that it would have been understandable, especially, considering how he hugged Francesca keeping her close to him a majority of the time. Sighing to himself he was a bit surprised he had even chuckled like he had it wasn't something he did often but he found her actions for whatever reason.......well he wasn't to sure what he found her actions or what word he could use to describe them. Shrugging to himself Derrick thought of what she had said about why she was here. For him it was a similar situation and honestly in most situations it was just better to get out and search for the answers then wait for them in your room. Looking at her now though he addressed what she had said of his gesture with the guitar and her skill.

"I don't mind at all it really isn't a problem at all. It doesn't matter how good you are either all that matters is that you enjoy doing it so play what you can and don't worry about it."

Looking up into the sky he thought of what he had just said and realized how corny it probably sounded. It's what he was aiming for but it gave off that after school special sort of vibe, like he was just saying it to be nice and not because he meant it. Oddly enough though Derrick though he would just let it settle. Saying anything after it now though would just cheapen it further. At least he thought so. He felt bad for the girl though seeing as it seemed she wanted to learn but didn't have the resources to for whatever reason. In his opinion it wasn't something that should occur. For the most part he had self taught himself a majority of what he knew on his guitar, before he had died, his father though had taught him the basics and fundamentals which is probably why he had clung to his guitar so much over the years. While Derrick had dabbled in piano he didn't feel the same connection when he played it as when he did the guitar. The same went for any other instrument he had experimented with. Looking over at the girl he felt troubled for her, she wanted to play and learn or at least that's what he thought and gathered from her body language and words when he offered. Turning he faced her and spoke a bit nervously as he didn't know how she would take what he was about to offer.

"Look if you would want to....you don't have to I'm just offering but if you would want to and be willing to put the time in I'd be more then happy to teach you how to play a bit better. I'm just putting it out there I mean I have spare time here and there and I could send home for one of my spares and you could borrow it and if you felt it fit you, you could keep it. It wouldn't be a problem I only really need Francesca all my others are more just for recreational use and experimentation. That's if you'd be up for it?"

Derrick felt odd about the way the offer had come out. Not so much that he regretted it but just how rushed it seemed and the fact that he decided to rationalize it didn't help either. Christ it didn't help that he had let Francesca's name slip, she probably thought he was nutters now or something. He petted Niwa softly and hoped that he didn't come off as he thought he did. Even if she said no he didn't want to ruin any chance of friendship he may have had with the girl. Sighing he looked out onto the grounds and just hoped he hadn't dug himself into to deep of a hole.

[Claire Desrosiers]

Claire smiled softly as she fingered the guitar and strummed a couple of chords from her limited knowledge. So far the only song she knew was from this muggle named Bob Dylan, but she only new the first few notes from Blowin’ in the Wind. The girl knew that Derrick was right about enjoying this and not worrying about anything. Though for someone who was always defiant over what her parents said why did Claire hesitate when it came to music? The answer was simple; it wasn’t something she would normally do. People around the school knew the young snake as someone who was friends with Trixi and loved to cause trouble. That part of her developed at home and now at Hogwarts students knew that Claire Desrosiers was not someone to be messed with. Maybe she was a little afraid of learning music because of what people might say or how differently they might treat her. Then again, if anyone even thought about laughing they could always be dealt with.

Claire happily continued strumming even though the sound she produced didn’t blend so well. However when Derrick addressed her again his offer took her completely be surprise. Was he really offering to teach her to play? The fact that he let the name of his guitar slip out didn’t really bother her. She had heard so some people who did that but Claire was still trying to take in what he said for a moment. “You serious?” Claire expression brightened, “You would be willing to teach me to play?” And better yet he would let her borrow a guitar as well. If this was a joke it was a cruel one, but there didn’t seem to be any hint of a sinister plot in the boy’s eyes. This was all very strange, no one had ever been this nice to her before. Unless you count Trixi but even Claire didn't get along with her the first time they meet.

[Derrick Breckenridge]

Derrick laughed heartily at her reaction, it was surprising he supposed that he asked after knowing her for such a short short time, but it was his nature to be this nice. Any of the servants that worked for his step parents would attest to this. He wasn't one to order them around and only let them do anything for him because he didn't want to hurt their pride after all this was their job he mine as well oblige them. They were more then that to him though because other then his parents they were the only people he interacted with. He wasn't sure if he wanted to call them friends but Derrick was friendly with all of them and when they had spare time they exchanged hobbies so to speak. Derrick taught them how to play guitar, how to read and write music, and how to play piano although that wasn't his specialty. In turn they had taught him how to cook, draw, and properly grow and keep a garden. He enjoyed their time with them seeing as a majority of the time his parents were in the states. Turning back to Claire he smiled warmly and nodded.

"Of course I'm serious. It wouldn't be a problem either as long as you don't mind putting up with me."

Derrick laughed at the last bit knowing it was a terrible attempt to be funny something he always failed at. Shrugging it off he watched her with the guitar. She wasn't terrible, her finger work, was good, and for the most part she had the gist of what she needed to do. If she accepted all she'd really need to do is just refine her technique and if need be he'd teach her music. If she wanted he could teach her piano to but Derrick would find that out later. Looking up to the stars he spoke again.

"You don't have to answer me now either if you'd like to think it over. So whenever you decide be it now or later let me know. I'm usually around in one of these towers or out on the grounds during the day."

[Claire Desrosiers]

Claire thought this over for a moment. So Derrick was serious about all this and that was great. Still the girl had to think about this really quick, though her answer was going to come quick. Yea, she already knew that her skills were not the best in the world. Anyone might be able to tell that just by hearing. Deciding to take away some of the seriousness of this conversation, Claire just smiled at Derrick’s first comment, “If I am willing to put up with you? I don’t know, you’re not hiding anything that would make me not want to hang out with you right?” It was obvious she was joking but her gaze never left the boy as she came up with her decision about lessons. They might take away time from pranks and studies but it would be worth it.

“Well, since you are willing to teach me then there is no changing your mind on this.” Claire continued. “So it’s all fine by me. Though you might have to warn me where you might be since my common room is a little far from anything that requires going upstairs. It's just so I know where to find you."

[Derrick Breckenridge]

Derrick stared down at the ground now and tried not to blush as hard as he could. He didn't know why he reacted like this when people looked directly at him for to long he got nervous. Not because of anything special but it was attention he wasn't used to garnering from anyone for any reason. Even when he played publicly in parks on the occasion that he was in the city people didn't stop to talk or make eye contact. They just threw money or a small compliment; whichever they could muster for him at that moment. This attention though was the kind his old parents gave him consistently and new parents would give him on occasion and for whatever reason it made him feel like this. It gave him this odd feeling and it was most likely because he hadn't received anything of this nature since they passed away. It was just a glance, he knew, but people weren't interested in him it was like a rule of thumb with him. It was easy to just pass him by because he was that weird quiet kid who played guitar nice to listen to but not much for conversation. Derrick would miss those days he guessed since now he had friends. Is that what he could or should call this. Yes he could possibly be giving her lessons but he didn't know if that merited them being friends or she would consider him one. Sighing he listened to what she said and chuckled slightly answering quickly.

"Well I'm a bit to brutally honest for my own good and I'm socially awkward but as long as you can deal with those two things you should be fine. Oh and I moonlight as a serial killer on Wednesdays."

Derrick chuckled looking over at her and hoping she didn't take him seriously. After all with a end statement like that who wouldn't be joking. Well Derrick bit that back knowing that in wizarding history starting out young wasn't exactly uncommon for such actions. She'd figure it out or at least he thought so because it seemed to him that Claire was a bright one. Derrick made eye contact with her as she answered his offer. She wanted to learn from him and was accepting his offer to teach her. It wouldn't be a problem but to him by the way she answered it seemed like she underestimated her own abilities with the instrument a bit. Derrick laughed when she mentioned him trying to back out. Bailing out on things wasn't in Derrick's nature so she had nothing to worry about but he figured he should let her know that.

"No problem I wouldn't offer if I was going to attempt to bail out at any point. What kind of person would I be then?"

The last part of what she said made him wonder though on how he would work out a time, place, and some sort of schedule. Looking at Niwa he knew he could always send his cat but didn't think that he would manage to get into the Slytherin common room seeing as he didn't know the password and his cat couldn't speak. Sending a letter by owl could do it but that just seemed like too much work for a simple lesson. Also the time of day would she prefer to meet here at night or on the grounds during the day. This was something they'd have to figure out he knew but didn't know if he should address it now or later. Sighing Derrick ran his hand through his hair and looked at Claire.

"Well when, where, and how are up to you. I can work in whatever surrounding so just think of what you'll be most comfortable with because you're the one learning."

Derrick hoped that she'd decide because in these situations he wasn't much help or use. Turning his attention away from those thoughts though he wanted to ask now what he had thought of earlier. If they were friends or if he was now just her teacher. He'd seen her around and knew she was popular it's not like she should have a reason to bother with him at all after tonight but he didn't know if that was how she felt or not. Derrick was always down to just hang around after all that's what he did mostly when he wasn't in the library, play guitar, or study. The only one of the three that he spent a large amount of time in was the library. The other two were things he did when he needed to or wanted to. Derrick wanted to ask her but didn't want to seem to weird but that was something he'd probably already achieved. Standing up he leaned against the edge of the tower and looked out onto the grounds. He really just wish he knew the answers to all of these things. Petting Niwa he decided to just ask the question and bite the bullet what's the worst that could happen? Turning his head he grinned sheepishly and tried not to sound to nervous.

"So does this mean we're friends now or I mean.....I don't know never mind."

He chickened out but he just hoped she somehow missed the first part of what he said. Looking out on the lawn he felt like adventuring into the woods but at the same time knew he probably shouldn't risk attempting to venture out onto the grounds without getting in trouble. He hadn't lost his sense of adventure but knew when something was to risky. Depending on how she reacted to his questions though he may venture down their. Only if she left though because he really did enjoy her company. Sighing he stared out into the night and just hoped he hadn't screwed this up to badly.

[Claire Desrosiers]

Boy were mum and dad not going to be happy if they ever found out that their daughter was going to learn guitar. Claire could already imagine how they would explode with the famous ‘you won’t go anywhere in life’ speech. Already the two assumed that she was going to become a professional Quidditch player or some kind of starving artist. Not exactly what a pureblood should do. Claire of course was proud of her heritage but mum and dad took pride to a whole different level. At least she had friends of all kinds of lines. Mrs. Desrosiers wanted her to rise up to a high position in the ministry or become a healer like herself. To tell the truth Claire did have some interest in healing but it was still way too early to be thinking of the future in her book. She was still thirteen after all, but getting her parents to remember that would take a miracle. However with her brother Paul was in his fifth year so he had to deal with a lot more grief than she did.

“Hm…well they say honesty is a good thing.” Claire smiled, “Though I can’t say that for myself all the time. And as for you being a serial killer, it’s all good as long as I stay off your hit list.” This was all very exciting for the girl and she was in a good mood now. At least Derrick promised he wasn’t going to bail or anything from this. “What kind of person would you be?” she continued, “One who would have made a girl very upset and perhaps would be subjected to a prank or two. But since you are a nice guy rest assured nothing of the sort will come from me.”

Claire let her mind wander for a little while before being caught of guard by Derrick’s question even if he did brush it aside. She decided to answer anyway. “As long as you don’t mind putting up with me,” she smirked, “I don’t see why we can’t be friends.”

[Derrick Breckenridge]

Derrick chuckled at her comment about the hit list. If he actually had one of those it'd be rather small and actually the more he thought about it most likely it'd be non-existent. Derrick off the top of his head could not imagine a single person that he could ever build up that much animosity towards. Granted there were more then a few people who rubbed him the wrong way because of their attitude but he didn't think he'd actually kill any of them. The whole act just seemed senseless in his opinion. To take another's life was serious business and was something that should only be done in self defense. He caught something though and he looked down at Claire questionable because of that statement. What did she mean exactly by she couldn't say that for herself? Did she have a tendency to lie? He wasn't going to bring it up seeing as it'd be rude and really uncalled for in this case. Well in most cases he'd say something but he didn't know her well enough. Could it possibly just be playful banter or was it something more? Either way he didn't know and decided to just let it slide. What was the worst that could happen to him by doing so? Shrugging it off he heard her say something about the possibly pranking him and could help but laugh slightly at the thought. He wasn't really one to prank because the reaction it'd garner wouldn't be anywhere near the desired reaction her or anyone else would be looking for. He smiled warmly at the thought that she had actually called him a nice guy. He knew not to be to content with this but compliments were a bit of a rarity coming his way with the exception of his guitar playing.

What she said next caught him off guard and made him blush a very bright shade of scarlet. Derrick wished that he could stop himself but he couldn't. He wished even more that she had not heard what he had said or at least brushed it off. She had heard though and she hadn't brushed it off instead Claire had responded. It was only friendship he knew but she was the first person he could actually call friend here at Hogwarts. Sighing deeply Derrick prayed that the pigment of his face would change but knew that at this moment it wasn't possible. Lifting himself up he sat on the tower's edge looking out into the distance hoping and praying something would appear from the sky and sweep him away. He didn't care if it was a hippogriff or some random person on a broom as long as they took him away from the awkward situation he had managed to place himself in. Derrick knew that he could leap from the tower but highly doubted he'd survive it. He shook himself out of it though and realized he was over reacting. Now he only wished he could shake the color from his face. Trying to hide his face the best he could Derrick mustered a reply up hoping for the best that she wouldn't notice his cheeks. Making his voice clear he laughed a bit and questioned exactly what she meant by her statement.

"What'd you mean if I don't mind putting up with you? We seem to be getting along well enough now don't we?"

Looking out in the distance he felt vulnerable and exposed. It wasn't something Derrick was used to and desperately hoped that this feeling wouldn't continue. If it did he could say he honestly wouldn’t know what to do with himself.

[Claire Desrosiers]

Claire didn’t really notice Derrick’s face color and even if she did she might not have said anything. It wasn’t really important however the somewhat surprising fact was that a Hufflepuff was willing her be her friend. Not that she didn’t like that badgers and that other snakes were not friends with them but it was a little strange. Claire knew Maddy and got along with her just find but they didn’t see each other that much except for class. No most of Claire’s friends were in Slytherin including her best buddy Trixi whom she could always count on to get into a little bit of mischief. Traditionally even though these two houses weren’t supposed to get along it didn’t matter to the girl. Besides, Derrick was nice enough to offer guitar lessons and was willing to put up with her.

“Yep, we do seem to be getting along.” Claire smiled, “So I would take that as a good sign.” This also meant that Derrick was safe from any of her own pranks, though she couldn’t say the same for the other Slytherins. Maybe she ought to warn Trixi about not doing anything to him either. However the thought about having someone else to talk to was quite happy for the thirteen year old.

[Derrick Breckenridge]

Derrick smiled to himself. The feeling that had racked his body just moments before had now passed. It was as if whatever had been troubling him had just flown off into the distance as he had wished he would. Although he still wished he could, Derrick was sick of sitting here and was growing restless. Standing up he felt the wind blow through his hair and for whatever reason a warm feeling spread through Derrick's body. Turning and looking at Claire he chuckled.

"I would hope it would be a good sign."

Looking down at her still he wondered if she would want to leave the tower with him. If she would be willing to go out on to the grounds and explore what the night hid from their eyes up here. Turning back out he stared into the distance and focused on the lake. It looked so peaceful and welcoming as if inviting him to go take a swim. Trying to shake the feeling Derrick realized that he wouldn't be able to and decided to ask her if she'd be up for it. Derrick's next move was something he contemplated for a moment. He didn't want to appear to be showing off or screw this up but then realized he just didn't care. Shifting his weight Derrick gathered himself and back flipped off the towers ledge onto it's flower. It was a natural movement something he did to get down from trees. This was no impulse but something he loved doing; the rush and feeling he received was something he loved more then any other....after music of course. Turning to Claire he spoke softly giving her the option to follow if she liked or if she wished he would stay.

"Would you possibly be up for a walk down to the lake? If you don't want to that's fine I'll go myself unless of course you'd rather me stay? It's your call on this one I suppose."

Brushing his hair from the top of his eyes he waited patiently for her answer.