A book of numbered letters.

[Rukevra Vanderzuk]

Having had a small discussion with his Arithmancy professor, Ruki felt much worse leaving her office than he had walking in to it. The lessons he had studied so far had passed over his head. Never to enter. Pushing his way through the library doors, Ruki cast his eyes across the huge shelves filled with books. How would he ever find anything to help him in here. Edging his way along the first row, Ruki began to read the titles of books.

After a good twenty-six minuets, and plenty of pacing; aisle wandering; and title reading, Ruki slapped his hand against one of the shelves; as he made his way back to the front of the library. Surely there would be a help desk, or someone who could assist him.

 

[Lily Drage]

Lily was on her way to work on her essay for Defence. Not really paying attention to where she was going, she suddenly ran into something hard, causing her to drop the book she was carrying. Looking up, she realized what she ran into was another student. Bending down to pick the book up, she looked to see who it was. "I am so sorry. I didn't hurt you or anything did I?" she asked, not quite sure she recognized who he was.

 

[Rukevra Vanderzuk]

His mind slightly distant, Ruki's thoughts where shook away; as he rounded a book shelf and colliding with another student. Catching words of apology, Ruki re-gained his balance and focused his eyes upon the obstacle. "Please, I feel it was my error." Ruki announced. If he hadn't been day-dreaming, he would have seen the girl heading towards him. "But I am un-hurt, thank-you.". Ruki gave the girl a slight smile.

 

[Lily Drage]

Standing back up, Lily looked him in the face. "Wait. Didn't I escort you to the hospital wing a few weeks ago? How's your leg?" She straightened up, looking at the younger student in front of her. "Did you heal up well?"

 

[Rukevra Vanderzuk]

Watching as the girl stood fully, Ruki's eyes fell upon a face he recognised. Their previous introduction hadn't been one he could have hoped for, waking up in the hospital wing. Smiling, Ruki answered her questions. "I believe so. And my leg is wonderful; not a sign of viscous Gnomes anywhere.". Ruki shook his head slightly. Being over-whelmed by Gnomes was pitiful. The young boy attempted to ignore the thought of his father being disgusted.

"What brings you to the library?". Ruki asked politely. "I'm sure I would be safe from harm in here.". His grin widened. The way everything was going lately, Ruki felt he could become injured just by moving.

 

[Lily Drage]

Lily looked at the boy and smiled. "Just here to work on an essay for Defence. Nothing much. What are you doing?" She stood and looked the boy in the eyes, then spoke with a bit of cheek. "Are you sure you are going to be safe? Might get a nasty papercut if you aren't careful."

 

[Rukevra Vanderzuk]

Ruki couldn't help but laugh at the girls comment. It certainly wouldn't surprise him if the sheets of paper co-ordinated an attack against his hands. Remembering why he had entered the library, Ruki allowed his laughter to fade. "Arithmancy. I'm trying to find a book which could assist me in understanding the course.". Ruki sighed. Maybe it was simply something else he would have to fail.

 

[Lily Drage]

"Arithmancy? Really?" Lily asked. "I might be able to help you out with that. I have taken arithmancy for a while now. Mind if I join you at your table? I can try to help you while I work on my essay." She smiled, offering him her assistance. Lily had taken the class for the last few years now and felt like she had a pretty good grasp on the topic.

 

[Rukevra Vanderzuk]

The girls words where like a flame in an other-wise pitch-black room. Ruki's eyes lit up at her offer of help. "Most certainly.". Things where starting to look up for the ex-Durmstrang. "I was about to speak with the help desk about locating a book.". It would seem rather pointless sitting at a table with-out one. "If you would excuse me for a moment.". Ruki gave the girl a smile, before moving towards the desk.

Making his way back, Ruki indicated towards a seemingly quiet table. "Your kindness is greatly appreciated. Thank-you.".

 

[Lily Drage]

"Okay," Lily replied, then waited for Ruki to come back. "Not a problem. As long as I am able to work on this essay, its all good." She followed the Gryffindor to the table he indicated and settled in to a chair. Lily was in her uniform skirt and tights, so she kicked off her shoes under the table and tucked her feet up underneath her on the chair.

Opening her Defence book, she took out a quill, ink and parchment and got set and ready to go. "Okay. I need to get a book from the restricted section on this. Be right back." She took the note from Professor Rowann and went to the librarian. She was quickly shown the proper book and she took it back to the table. "Alright, lets get down to work!" she said with a chuckle.

 

[Rukevra Vanderzuk]

Sliding onto a chair at the table, Ruki placed the book down and flicked open the cover. The first page alone confused him. Hearing the girl speak, Ruki nodded as she stepped away from the table; and wondered what the restricted section was. As the girl arrived back at their table, Ruki smiled and spoke to her. "What is it you are studying?". If it was related to the dark arts, what better study guide was there than a Durmstrang transfer.

 

[Lily Drage]

Lily opened the book and started to flip pages. "Oh, for Defence we are studying Inferi. I have to write an essay on them and defense against them." Flipping a few pages in, she found some information that she could use for her assignment. "So, what are you working on?"

 

[Rukevra Vanderzuk]

Looking up-wards as the girl spoke once more, Ruki felt a grin appear upon his face. The walking dead. Such useful creatures.Taking in her question, Ruki lost his grin; replacing it with a frown. He had no idea what he was studying for Arithmancy. "Truth is, I don't really know. It's all about adding letters and seeing who we are.". The young boy gave a faint smile.

Much more interested in the Inferius, Ruki diverted the topic back to the girl's work. "Your assignments seem a lot more.. interesting.". Ruki gave another smile as he looked towards her.

 

[Lily Drage]

"Yeah, they are interesting, but they are getting tougher. I am in the middle of preparing for NEWTs and it really is overwhelming," Lily replied. "Arithmancy isn't too bad. Its just that, adding the letters together in different ways to learn about yourself. I find that much more fun than studying reanimated dead bodies to be honest." She smiled at the boy, then realized she didn't know too much about him. "So, Ruki, did you just transfer here? I don't remember seeing you around last year."

 

[Rukevra Vanderzuk]

As he listened to her words, Ruki wondered just how much work he had a-head of him in lessons. Everything in this school was much harder. Or maybe he was finally paying attention to his surroundings. "NEWTs. I have my OWLs shortly.". What his career plans would be where a mystery to the young boy. Frowning as the girl continued to speak, Ruki remembered his previous Arithmancy work. "I had attempted to calculate my life path; hearts desire; expression; and personality.". Ruki sighed. "Nothing makes sense.".

Smiling at the girl's latter comment, he responded; visions of walking dead running through his mind. "I don't know, it could be rather.. ..fun?". A smirk spread across his lips. "And yes. I have transferred.". The emotions involved with the transfer once again began to flood his mind. Some days Ruki was happy to have left the institute, and others; he wished he could return.

 

[Lily Drage]

"OWLs aren't so bad. I am rather nervous about my NEWTs though. Those are the ones that really determine what jobs you can have. I plan on playing quidditch but still, need something to fall back on if something happens to me or I get to old to play anymore," Lily said with a laugh. Giving Rukevera a goofy look, she added, "Really? You think dead bodies could be fun? Ew." She faked looking sick, then smiled softly.

Pushing her books to the side, she leaned forward on the table to look at what the Gryffindor was working on. "So, what part are you stuck on? I can try to explain it to you. I really don't want to work on my essay at the moment anyways."

 

[Rukevra Vanderzuk]

Listening to the older girl caused Ruki to think. He needed a fall back plan. What if his life ended along the wrong path. What if he couldn't have his own dreams. "I thought I liked Quidditch as well, but I feel it may simply be the time spent in the air.". Soaring through clear skies allowed him to clear everything from his mind. A future career was no longer important whilst on a broom.

Smiling at Lily, Ruki responded to her first question. "Not much emotional stress can come from a deceased person. Especially if you don't know who it was.". The young boy paused. The answer sounded depressing. "I certainly don't mind them. I could happily eat my dinner with one.". Ruki grinned. The grin soon vanished as the subject turned to his Arithmancy work. "I'm stuck on how numbers can be used to out-line our lives; dreams; futures; and desires.". Ruki scowled. He wanted nothing more than to drop the course. "I am capable of adding the numbers, but choosing how they represent me, and why; and then discussing the points, is where I become lost.". The young boy glanced towards Lily.