Silent Night

[Benjamin Chase]

The instant roar of the Great Hall pierced the ears of Benjamin Arthur Chase when he scooped the last bit of mashed potatoes on his plate. There were people who were hugging each other as they entered the Hall. Some were making friends with the first years to make them feel at home. The first years at the Slytherin table though were more of the quiet type as they eat their dinner by themselves. Some were talking excitedly about exploring the grounds of the castle. When they caught green eyes boring into theirs, they immediately stopped talking in a heartbeat. Benjamin's green eyes tore themselves off them as he stood up with a goblet in hand as he drank the contents. The final gulp took a few seconds and he placed it on the table with a gentle shook of the remaining drops. Benjamin wiped his hands on his trousers. His green eyes looked at exit of the Great Hall and willed himself to get out of the cramped room, filled with chatters of everyone that were willing to hug every person that were their friends. Benjamin did not appreciate hugs from any of his acquaintances. Hugs were awkward and a little weird. Benjamin removed his green eyes off the girls that were doing so and walked with his hands in his trouser pockets.

Cross out the word forbidden. That leaves 'The Forest' only, The Pure Blood boy thought as he took his first step on the grounds of the Forbidden Forest. He buried his hands deeper into his pocket, searching for the warmth inside it. The cold breeze chilled him a bit yet he grinned. He was a lover of the cold season. The trees stretched out so far that he could not see where the darkness ended. Foolish as he can ever be, Benjamin walked cautiously in the dark expansion of trees amazed by the moonlight. It was simply beautiful and simplicity mixed with beauty attracted the boy so much that he hated it sometimes. They were one of his weaknesses. Aside from the moonlight, the trees tempted him to climb on them. "Wow. That's... unbelievable." Muttered the boy as his green eyes fixed on the moonlight that was shining through the leaves. Benjamin climbed a tree with a little difficulty and grunted through the way as he adjusted himself on the sturdy branch. His arm had a small scratch but that did not bother him at the very least. Benjamin's green eyes only had its attention on the moon, giving off moonlight. He relaxed his back on the rough surface of the bark and leaned his head on it, not expecting any person to disturb him throughout the night.
​

 

[Khione Hawthorne]

Khione arrived the Hogwarts just in time to play for a while, she was eleven and other than being witch she wanted to be kid too. She hurriedly made her way outside the castle, as different student started to swarm in. She didn't wanted to drown again just like on the train a while back, even though she was a bit exhausted she didn't mind. Jumping up and down as she raised her up and saw a wide forest, it made her remember their house back in Poland. A huge smile spread the girl's face, she loved nature and it loved her. Khione entered the forest, touching a tree then another tree. She liked the texture of the trees, their rough and hard trunks. Old leaves scattered the ground, she picked about ten and threw it up in the air. Twirling around like a fool, she jumped some more. The Gryffindor figured that no one was looking at her, which made it more exciting. She ran up and down, and stopped as she got distracted by the moonlight.

"Aw, Awoooooooooooooooooooo!!" she mimicked a werewolf, and repeated again. Her face following the sound of her voice, she scratched her head as if she was a werewolf herself. Then immediately chuckled to herself and continued her walk. As she was walking nearer and nearer to the forest, she decided to ran back as fast as she can then stopped. A boy was there, an actual person who looked tall. His shadows copying his movements, Khione stopped for a while trying to catch her breath from all the running. She jumped once more and this time she jumped in front of the boy's tree, "Boo!" she replied smiling at him. Her dress following her tiny little legs, she looked at the boy's green eyes than pointed it. Then pointed her duo tone colors, lastly pointing the moon.

Taking a steps away from the boy, she fixed the strap of her shoes and returned her attention to him. He looked incredible handsome but looked a bit of mean in a way, she figured since her was alone friendless. Khione then fixed her hair, combing it with her left hand. She was always a lefty, and again gazed up to the moon. "Pretty isn't it." she shouted looking up at him. Without any hesitation, Khione climbed the tree wearing a dress didn't mattered to her. It was easy for her to climb trees, as her lite petite body was easy to carry. She looked at the boy once more, signaled him to move and give her some space to sit on. He wouldn't push a girl down the tree, would he? She stood there, her hands holding a branch and the other placed above her eyebrows, as if she was looking for something faraway.

 

[Benjamin Chase]

The sound of a stray werewolf awoke Benjamin with a startled start. His green eyes immediately snapped open even though it stung afterwards. A complete rush of adrenaline pumped through his veins, ready to take flight for anytime. The voice though of that creature did not seem authentic. It was a high pitched voice, howling through the forest in the middle of seven o'clock in the evening. Benjamin slowly closed his eyes and sighed tiredly. In just a matter of seconds, it was like his energy was drained. His brain was a little fuzzy but that did not really matter. Benjamin laid his head on the bark again, his chest rising and falling because of the adrenaline. He steadied his ragged breath and mentally cursed himself. How could he have slept in the Forbidden Forest where everywhere he goes has a mystery in it? Especially in the dark, not to mention. Minutes later, his lungs were breathing normally and his brain was not in a spin anymore. The Pure Blood kept his cool despite the need to just go away and walk back to the common room. A sudden voice interrupted his thoughts though and he looked down to see a small kid standing in front of the way of the tree he was perched on. Her 'boo' did not seem so surprising to him. Benjamin chuckled to himself as her attempt did not really shock him. Her voice was faint from afar; One of the factors on why he did not really get her joke. "Multicolored eyes? They're certainly rare." Benjamin said, loud enough for her to hear him from above. As a matter of fact, it too was rare for Hogwarts to have any kid below ten to run in the forest. In fact, it was quite impossible. The girl had some of a special race, that was sure. Her height was not exactly normal for people her age. The boy experienced life as an eleven year old. Surely, his height was not like hers.

"Yeah, it's beautiful. Lovely moonlight." Benjamin said with his eyes transfixed on the faraway moon. His green eyes shown with peacefulness and admiration towards it. The boy knew there was a werewolf somewhere in the school but he just could not damn recall her name. She was a girl for sure but her name seemed distant in his mind. Benjamin looked down to see the girl but she was already climbing the tree. When she reached him, Benjamin reluctantly moved to the side enough for her petite body to be perched beside him. She was so like a kid and he seemed to be with his younger sister right now. "What are you looking at?" Benjamin questioned, his tone neutral yet curious. Deep green eyes followed the direction of the girl's multicolored ones and frowned when he saw nothing but darkness ahead.
​

 

[Khione Hawthorne]

As Khione was going up the tree, she could hear him speak some words. Which she clearly heard, she smiled at him and took a sit near the space he saved. Adjusting her seat, Khione looked at him stared at his eyes once more."Yes, Rare and Different." she said as she started to swing her legs. She knew the boy must wonder why she was tiny unlike the rest of the students, but she didn't wanted to reveal that to anyone. Her pointy ears hidden inside her long blonde her, separating it from being unnoticed. "Yeeeeeeah." Khione agreed with an echo-e voice. Continuing to stare at the moonlight, if only she could bring it along with her back to her dorm and watch it before she sleeps. Khione then glanced at the boy, looking at his head then to his eyes and lastly to his nose. It was her usual thing to do, she was after all keen and observant but sometimes just plain lazy. Her face beamed a smiled at him, as she heard him speak. His English or his accent was different from what she had used to hear back in Poland.

"You, of course." she answered and smiled once more. His face looked so ever pleasant, which made Khione look at him closely. She then followed his eyes, meeting hers and going to the darkness. It was dark already, which made it even more fun for the witch. As if this was a game of survival, and the two of them were in the game. Her imagination made it more fun though, she looked down and saw nothing but pitch black. There was nothing to be seen, then she returned her attention towards the moonlight. It was perfectly sound, glowing and utterly gorgeous. If her mother would see this, her daughter with an attractive boy sitting on a tree. She would probably snap a picture using Khione's camera of course but that wasn't the scenario she was only eleven and the boy looked young as well. So instead she sat there staring at the moonlight, smiling to her happy heart with content.

 

[Benjamin Chase]

The girl that was sitting beside the Slytherin was quite lucky in his opinion. Benjamin's mood was great and there was no one to stop it. For a reason, he certainly did not mind just sitting there and talking to her. Besides, she appeared to be a first year and Benjamin did not intend to harm any of those young people. That is, for now only. Benjamin looked at Khione's duo coloured eyes with his green eyes deeply looking into the girl's pupils. They appeared lovely. It was just a shame that no one really had that same kind of thing that the blonde had. "Is there some kind of a condition for it? A special term perhaps?" Benjamin knew nothing about these things, illnesses and conditions. They were somehow a little confusing for the boy. Her eyes were rare, which made Benjamin wonder how it felt to have those kinds of multicolored eyes. Benjamin looked at Khione again, his eyes meeting her mismatched ones and broke the stretching silence that was beginning to get awkward. The girl thankfully did not seem to mind though. "Have you been here already? In the forest, I mean." Benjamin asked not knowing if ever this girl was a first year or not. There were some seventh years that were small enough to be considered as a first year. Part-goblins were there race but Benjamin did not bother to ask. He felt that the girl was one of those that were sensitive when it came to their feelings and background.

Green eyes flashed with mild confusion. The girl seemed to mess around with Benjamin. Surely, she was joking and the joke puzzled the boy. She looked faraway to much, when he was only a foot away from her. "I'm not that far. Probably a foot from you or less." Benjamin stated tilting his head to the side. He wondered what her response would be. What he just said was the obvious of reality. He seemed to faraway from her or it was just she was just totally strange. Aside from her height, this seemed another factor to consider her something that was incredibly weird. Benjamin pushed it aside though. It was damn rude to just think about something like that. Instead, he decided to go through the introductions already, forgetting that they have been together for almost a few seconds only. "So, you're a first year? What house are you in?" Benjamin's attempt to make a conversation was rather lousy and plain but he never thought of anything better to talk about. His start was cliche, but cliche starts could always lead to interesting answers.
​

 

[Khione Hawthorne]

Khione was now looking down at the dark forest, she couldn't even see the big roots of the tree. But that didn't mattered the moonlight shined it's brightest, it would serve a light for them later on. Swinging her legs once more she stared away from the boy then back to him and repeatedly did that over and over again. "Heterochromia iridium." she replied without looking at him but instead she looked at the moon once more. The blonde noticed he was staring at her eyes, who wouldn't? Two colored eyes and a little girl who seems to be running alone in the forest, made no perfect sense for some people but to her it did. She liked having two colored eyes, which her family truly adored. Explains the bag of pictures they've been hiding from her and all, it was special condition but it didn't affected her eyesight.

"Not really, it's my first time. But this forest reminds me of our house. We have a forest just like this one, though it's much more lively." she explained and looked at him, his green eyes still shining. Khione beamed a smile at him and broke her stare as she looked at her shoes, partly covered with dirt and mud. It also explains why she had lots of shoes, she liked to get them dirty and worn out from all the running and jumping, which her mother didn't mind. It gave her a reason to shop more for Khione, Ephy and her, as her father would just smile and hug for some reason that she never understood.

"Really? Then I'm moving closer." she said to him breaking the silence that was partly making her insane. Sure she can shut her mouth for a day but when she was with some human specifically a boy Khione could not shut her mouth like she usually do. It's like gender had an effect on her, and boys were it's victims. At the moment Khione knew that she was too small to be human or something, of course she didn't wanted to brag about her race. Nor did she wanted to share it to the world just yet, since no one knew what she was behind her hat and her long blonde her. Which reminded her that she needed to comb her wigs before sleeping, she scratched her nose and heard the boy speak once more. Khione nodded and stared at him, he really looked good for a boy who likes to climb up the trees. "Gryffindor, Rawr!" she said to him growling and motioning her hand as if she had a claw. It was always fun to see say her answer in a different way, like using her hand as gestures.

 

[Benjamin Chase]

The darkness interested Benjamin to go into it but asking the girl to venture with him sounded like a bad idea. Besides, she was a first year with no sense of direction in the forest. There was a possible chance that the two of them would be run over by a herd of centaurs that were lurking in the forest. Benjamin did not mind the swinging of the girl's legs but what bothered him was that from time to time, she stared at him repeatedly without tiring her eyes. Benjamin had a charming way on how to converse with girls but now, he did not really mind whether she was looking at him over and over again. She was probably curious about him or something but no matter how many times she looked at him, he'd shrug it off. People mostly looked at him because of his smug appearance. His lack of respect to some of his peers though were not really a topic that people would talk about. The Pure Blood boy returned his attention to the little girl again, his expression lost with the words that she just had said. "Hetero - what?" Benjamin asked, his green eyes narrowing themselves as he tried to recall what she said. The girl's gaze were on the moon but Benjamin did not mind. He just stared at her, waiting for an answer. The word was long and the blonde talked pretty fast for him not to catch everything. Benjamin never knew nor was familiar with that word nor did he care. He just wanted a conversation, actually. He kept his bluntness within himself for the first year not to have a bad impression of him. Benjamin's fingers softly caressed the rough bark of the tree and nodded slowly. Manhattan also had those kinds of things, trees and darkness. Nature itself was beautiful there. "Then your house and mine are very much alike. Except that it's silent in the woods in our place." Benjamin said and looked briefly at the moon to see that it was the same way as he saw it in the manor's windows. The moon looked different wherever Benjamin went but this night had a different thing to it. It looked very much like the same old moon he was staring at years ago before he even attended Hogwarts.

Benjamin momentarily stared at the girl as if she was insane. Well, she really was losing her sanity around him. She probably ought to return to her common room, wherever she belonged. Her personality was pretty unique like she was cheering him up whether he liked it or not. She looked like a first year and Benjamin never intended to harm those people. The only exception is when their personality was really wilder than his. Benjamin removed his green eyes off her, managing a weak smile prior to that. Honestly, he did not know what to do. His smile was a mixture of awkwardness and cockiness. It was a glad thing that he still did not feel her body heat close to his or else, that would be embarrassing for the wizard. Merlin, he was only twelve years old! The moment he looked at her as he heard a scuttling noise, she almost lunged at him spontaneously. Benjamin gripped the branch hardly, his eyes containing a feeling of surprise. "Woah, calm down Lioness! No need to yell." Benjamin's fingers slowly uncurled itself from the branch and the feeling of damp moss was on his palm. His green eyes surveyed it and took of the moss that was stuck to the skin of his palm briefly. He clapped his hands together, away from him, to remove the dirt and mess that was on his skin.
​

 

[Khione Hawthorne]

The night was getting darker, only the moonlight lighted up the entire forest. It was a good night, spending it with some random student that seems older than her. Khione turned her attention towards the boy that's still unnamed, she scratched her head in wonder if she'll be asking him or what. But the sound of being unnamed sounded good to her for now, she smiled knowing what to do. As she heard him saying something, Khione didn't mind replying she thought the question was rhetoric. They kept looking at each other, her eyes focused on his and his focused on her. There was a lot of silence going and the little part-goblin didn't mind at all. Instead she gave at the moonlight once more, enjoying the sound of the crickets chirping that very night. It reminded her a lot of their home back in Poland, it was a ride away from the city. Which she really liked, being away from the pollution and all the crowded noises. As her father liked the fresh air and the cold weather there, not to mention the different trees that grows at their forest.

It may be weird but her father actually owns the forest, it comes with their house of course. Everything was attached, at first sight you might thing their house looks haunted but it's not that haunted. It looked old but as her parents calls it, Vintage. As it was made during the Victorian era that was passed for generation and it so happened that Khione's father loved the place. Though he decided to fix the house, they ended up buying it an renovating it. It was their most loved house, other than their white house in Greece. The place where her parents met, not to mention where they fell in love. Other than that her father wanted to invest on some house and lot, to visit during their annually vacation.

Khione nodded at him and smiled, though she knew theirs were far different than anyone. It was not modern but it was a heavenly place to stay, including every room in the house. Which reminded her of her room that she really dearly missed, all her doll untouched. She watched the reaction of the boy, quite surprise of her gestures, which made her laugh and giggle out loud. Other student would laugh at her but instead she liked the way the boy reacted to her, surprised and unaware. "..and what house are you in stranger?" she asked him, staring at his green eyes and trying to make him uncomfortable. Khione felt the question wasn't enough, so she decided to reach for his cheek and poke it. His skin cold and soft, she poked it again, hoping to not annoy the boy. Khione stopped and blush then smiled, her usual big goofy smile. "Poke." she said after poking the boys cheeks then continued to stare at him once more.

 

[Benjamin Chase]

It was just so unfortunate for the boy to not have a wristwatch. His arms never really contained any accessories for the record. The only exception was when it came to formal events that needed the guests to dress in elegance. Benjamin never saw what was wrong for him not to wear any wristwatches. It itched the sensitive skin that he had and made it sweat too much. Benjamin briefly looked at the wrist of the blonde but saw nothing except for her pale skin glowing slightly under the moonlight. Benjamin secretly thought that she was too pale for her age but it was just probably in the genes of her family. Her skin complexion was far too white compared to his which he gladly thanked his mother for. That moment, he turned his eyes to face the girl but no sound came out of her lips. Not a small utter from her and Benjamin looked downwards to observe anything strange. She probably considered his question somewhat rhetoric therefore making Benjamin put his mind into other things. Sitting with younger company seemed a little awkward for him. Never did he experience a time like this, except with his sister and fellow blood relatives. Benjamin was aware that the silenced stretched because it seemed that the blonde left the subject of their houses alone and quiet.

Two seconds after, Benjamin stared at the blonde strangely, his face trying to sort out her inner self. She seemed like a jovial person but not exactly a normal one. Her attempts to interact with him were rather weird and strange. The corner of the boy's mouth twitched slightly and eventually formed itself into a weak smile. His eyes looked at her for a second and then looked at the moon. Her company was not so bad but Benjamin still preferred to be alone enjoying the picturesque scenery. The moon was so big looking at them as if it was a cat's yellow eye. Benjamin then exposed his signature smirk to the girl before replying, "What do you think? Make a guess." Benjamin challenged slightly before leaning back at his side of the tree. There were leaves that racked through his hair and Benjamin ran a hand through his black strands. He shoved the small branch away and leaned, knowing that it would be gone. The branch moved into another direction, bending a little bit to its side. As soon as Benjamin leaned, he sensed another pair of eyes staring into his face again. The boy bit his inner cheeks and exhaled deeply. Her skin touched his and the wizard looked at her surprisingly. "Saw anything interesting about my cheek?" Benjamin teased a bit, watching her as she blushed softly. Hell, if only he knew earlier why the girl was biting his nerves a lot then he would have acted better.
​

 

[Khione Hawthorne]

It was getting uncomfortable since silence would struck them by and by, also it made Khione look at him more. She was used to meeting strangers, mostly boys. Never did she thought of it as a weird thing, but boys were just easy to talk to, girls hated her making boys laugh. Still the part-goblin looked boys as friends and nothing more, nor did she wanted anything else from them. Khione continued to smile as she kept swinging her legs, then looking at the the boy. She wasn't getting bored just looking at him, it was like looking a picture, a painting from a famous person. As she kept gazing, Khione wondered what time was it since the boy was looking at his wrist then here. Time is gold, but during moments like this Khione never bothered to wonder what the time may be. Also she was like her mother who seldom wear watches, as they pretty much forget it to wear their watch.

The little girl looked at the moonlight once more, stretching her arms as it was getting stiff. "Well, you sound nice but not too nice to be sorted in Hufflepuff, could be a Gryffindor but it doesn't suit you from what it seems, Ravenclaw possiblly? Definitely a nice Slytherin!" she stated not bothering to look at him, instead she looked at the stars other than the moon. Khione then kept her gaze and returned to his eyes, he was running his hand to his black hair. It was weird but Khione mimicked his movements, she got a strand of her long blonde hair and played with it. Soft, smooth and it smelled good, out of nowhere she got a bite of her hair. "Mmm, banana-berry." she mumbled as she got a taste of her hair. It really dint' taste like any normal hair, due to her aunt's homemade shampoos, made from natural fruits and herbs.

Khione stopped biting her hair momentarily then looked at the boy if he was looking, which she really didn't cared if he was. As she heard him speak again, the blonde opened her mouth and dropped her hair to her shoulder, licking her lips to taste the flavor once more. She then raised her hand and continued to poke the boy's soft cheek, "Yessssh, it's soft and quite cold. Poke..." Khione answered him smiling. Then she raised another finger of her and poke his cheek once more, it was always nice to touch a person's cheek from her point of view. The part-goblin then giggled lightly, moving closer to him, close close. Only one inches apart, she flashed a smiled wondering what was the boy thinking that she was close to him.

 

[Benjamin Chase]

Benjamin's smirk faded into a confused expression, making him look a little silly for a while. He then stopped tilting his head to the side and kept his mouth closed. The sudden decision of the blonde made him think twice leaving silence around them. He never really understood girls, especially Gryffindors. They were quite odd to his kind and only the majority of Slytherins and Ravenclaws were his type of company. "Your guess is Slytherin then? You really sure? Not Ravenclaw or Gryffindor?" Benjamin slyly inquired, his green eyes flashing in the moonlight. There were barely any Gryffindors in the family of the Chases. It was not that they really did not contain any courage. Courage was not a strong family thing with them anyways. Meanwhile, friendship and friendliness was not also common with them. There were several people in Benjamin's family that looked like geniuses but the majority of them that were educated at Hogwarts usually went through Slytherin. The Hogwarts houses did not matter though for them as long as the pure bloodline still continued in their family. Benjamin looked at the girl's direction, weirded out with what she was doing. Getting a taste of her own hair was a thing Benjamin would never do. She truly was one of a kind, in a some sort of strange way.

The touch of the blonde's fingers were soft but it did not make Benjamin any softy. He inner Slytherin was still caged inside him but showing it to her the blonde would probably scare her. He nodded slowly understanding her even more. Benjamin barely dodged her small attempts managing a weak and small smile. He did not want to upset the first year. "You really are fond of poking aren't you?" Benjamin asked with false curiosity just to make the girl talk and not mind any of his skin. His light white skin felt the heat that the blonde's skin had. It was pretty awkward but all Benjamin wanted was for her to just stop it and move on to another topic.

Out of Character:

I lost my muse for a loooooooooooong time.

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[Khione Hawthorne]

Khione Claire Hawthorne doesn't know how to flirt nor did she even attempted to try, not that she want to flirt. It was just what she was doing right now, or maybe not. Flirting without even knowing, the blonde laughed at herself as if her mind was arguing with her body. Rubbing her eyes does not mean she was already tired, Khione just liked to for no reason. After all she could stay up late anytime she wanted back at home, as long as her father was too busy with his accounting and stuff. She then returned her attention to the boy sitting beside her, up to now he was still nameless. "Nope." said Khione shaking her head. She knew only a Slytherin will talk to her like that, if he was a Hufflepuff he'll probably stated his name and house even before meeting her.

Licking her lips, Khione could still taste her hair. "Yessssshhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh." the little blonde girl stated as long as she could to leave the sh hanging. After that, she decided to rub her cheeks, they were smooth and warm unlike the boy who had cold cheeks. Although his cheeks too were smooth, Khione flashed a grin towards him not sure on what to do next. Shall she ask him her name? Bit her finger? Eat her hair more? or just go with the flow. Everything was confusing so she settled with, just go with the flow. Stretching both of her arms, she could still see the moonlight streaming down at them. Then she clapped thrice and decided to just ask his name before everything's too late. "Sooooooooooo, What's your name stranger?" Khione asked him clasping her hands together as she stared at his green eyes.

 

[Benjamin Chase]

A small smile toyed with Benjamin's lips, his eyes sparkling with amusement. The girl was smart enough to comprehend his actions or maybe his actions just said it all. The way he swaggered, talked and ate; Did everything make him feel and look like some typical Slytherin? His attitude was something that the Sorting Hat did consider about him, to be placed in the house of the cunning and ambitious. The way he smirked and drawled too were familiar characteristic of a Slytherin. Benjamin knew of this anyways and he noted that the blonde was aware of this too. "What made you think that I am a Slytherin?" His green eyes showed his amusement and small praise and not to mention, he was actually proud saying that he was in the house that he belonged in currently. He was glad to say that the Sorting Hat made the right choice for him. It was not bad to be a Slytherin and the common room was not a terrible place either. The rumours that explained nonsense about their hunted common room intimidated the boy for a short while but the ages that he spent there were countless already. The Gryffindor common room though, on the highest floor of the castle was nowhere to be seen whenever Benjamin went up there. Of course, he recklessly looked around at night without even casting 'Lumos' for some generous light. The blonde's common room was difficult to look for yet the boy payed no mind. "Or are you just to smart for your own good, hmm?" Benjamin added quietly, his tone smooth and casual as any person would have placed it. Though he thought of it as a teasing thing but it was gentle perhaps. The way he talked with other people within his age was sickening but the blonde somehow got an excuse to not experience this, well, ordinary treatment.

The blonde's voice caught Benjamin's attention once more, making his head draw to her direction. He observed that her skin slightly glowed under the moonlight, making it seem pale and like ivory. He compared her skin to his which was far apart from him. Benjamin's seemed normal yet cold as hers, looked pale and smooth. A short chuckle escaped his lips and hung on the air for a while, about five seconds the most. There would be no need for any comments to arise and so silence took over. There was a clapping of hands, obviously coming from the blonde to get his attention or at least, to make some noise hang around. "Benjamin Chase, how about yours?" He answered quietly, his tone half curious and tired. Benjamin would never give up though and retreat back. His plan for the night was to stay up on the tree and observe the moonlight and if ever, try to sense any creature coming by. That was his plan recently but it changed when the blonde interrupted his lonely session. "Met any other Slytherins lately? Besides from me though." Benjamin asked, his eyes drawn towards the moon and its beautiful light. It was suddenly more brighter than ever and colder. Benjamin smiled softly at the breeze and sighed contentedly, waiting for the response of his companion.
​

 

[Khione Hawthorne]

Wobble, wobble, wobble, Khione wanted to wobble. Some part of her wanted to run wild along the corridor, she missed running. Even though she had small legs, she had an energy that no one can trespass. Also she missed running into the woods, inside their own forest. Khione lifted her chin up high when he heard the stranger ask her something, "Because......you are a Slytherin, you just are." she said bothering to look at him. There was just something about every house, they were easy to spot unless a student tries to totally fix or change his or her actions. In a way that no one will suspect them being in a certain house, the blonde just smiled to herself as she gazed out into the dark. She could even serve as a light, with her pale skin, blonde hair. As if she was her own little light, in which she considers very helpful. During night time she would sneak out her room and would wander around the forest, she was easily be seen unless she hides behind a tree or would play inside a mud pool. Khione was invisible, inside her little mind she could imagine a lot of things, including home.

At first she was too busy trying to reminsice some things, when she heard the boy speak. "Huh?" mumured Khione as she glance at him, her eyes wide open as she wasn't paying attention to him a few mintes earlier. "I guess so....." she trailed off avoiding any eye contact for the min time. There was just something, something uncomfortable every time she would look at him straight into his eyes. So Khione stopped staring at him, and instead she looked straight into the moon, but she couldn't resist and glanced at him once more. "Key-oh-nee, Khione Hawthorne" said the Gryffindor, not caring on sharing her family name, at least she knew his. Some part of her wanted to touch her and so she did, the first year once again poke her cheek. This time her finger remained in tough with his cold skin, as if he was flashing his dimple. Her other hand touching her hair, carelessly twirling her long blonde hair. As she kept her eyes glued to him, and just like that there was complete silence. "Nope, you're the first." answered Khione facing his face and smiling at him.

 

[Benjamin Chase]

The pride that swelled in his chest decreased slowly and gradually. Benjamin wanted to show that he loved his house but expressing it to a first year would probably be no use. They were not even here for a month! There was a chance that they did not know the house rivalry that occurred between Gryffindor and Slytherin. All saw that Gryffindor was the house that was good whilst Slytherin was like the villain among all Hogwarts houses. It was true, that Salazar Slytherin released the students that were notorious for using the Dark Arts or for being a loyal follower of the Dark Lord. Voldemort was a Half Blood - if Benjamin wasn't mistaken -, yet those Pure Blood people worship him like a god. "Do you know about it? Our rivalry because of our houses?" Benjamin asked quietly, his green eyes staring at the moon peacefully. He really was not interested in seeing what the girl's reaction would be, especially knowing that she is in Gryffindor. Almost everyone he would meet and talk to were Gryffindors. It was strange, yet interesting in some way. He knew Hariah, Jade, Andrea and Napoleon. Was that it? All of them were Gryffindors and almost all of them hated him. His life was not a complete wreck anyways and his hatred towards Hariah Meadow was already subsiding through the months. Benjamin uttered a small laugh and it lasted for a few seconds. The small Gryffindor was good company after all, despite her strange actions and weird feelings. All the others that he had met were somehow, hating his guts.

Nodding, he sighed softly and thought about her name. Hawthorne was unique and so was Khione. Her name sadly did not really fit her face though. Benjamin looked at her whilst she spoke but found out that she was not even looking at him. He smirked softly and turned the direction of his sight to someplace else. His green eyes slowly landed on the trees after them, only seeing darkness after some plants ahead. Her finger then again went up to reach his skin and he flinched involuntarily. He really was not used to any contact, especially from people he barely knew. "How about any Hufflepuffs? Or Ravenclaws?" Benjamin added softly and quietly. In his whole first year at Hogwarts, he only kept everything to himself. His secrets, his sorrow, his joy and all the other things that he could think off were all to himself only. He barely knew anyone from Ravenclaw and he did not know anyone from Hufflepuff. He knew some Slytherins but not personally anyways. It was only the Gryffindors who would try to make a conversation with him, even though he did not want to even talk to them. He expressed his observant attitude through his silence and introvert-ness.
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<i></i>

 

[Khione Hawthorne]

It was getting darker and darker, two seems to be clueless of the time. Then again who cares, the night is theirs to enjoy. Khione kept repeating his name inside her head, just so she could remember it forever. Gazing into the moonlight, she found herself lost in it once more. It looked so amazing at every look, until she stopped gazing when she heard Benjamin say something. "Yeah, but I don't really care about that. Do you?" she threw back the question back to him. This time she bothered to look at him, it was always his green eyes that catches her attention. She kept her gaze a couple more then turned away, was this going to be a long night for the both of them? As it seems like forever, the awkward chat and the stares they would return back. He was so serious and it was not like Khione, she'd probably would fart or something just to lessen the tenseness of the boy. Instead she decided to keep her cool, by means of going with the flow.

Khione couldn't imagine what he was thinking, probably Slytherin and boy stuff which she really didn't cared about. Her finger was still poking his cheek, she figured it would leave mark or something. So slowly she pulled her finger away and clasped her hands together. The first year stared at her finger that he touched at Benjamin's face, then she decided to do something. Positioning her finger, she placed it to her cheek at well. For some reason it didn't made sense to anyone, but it did made sense to her. It's like feeling his touch, like Benjamin actually touching her cheek to. Though she knew he wouldn't do that ever, "I met a few Hufflepuff and they weren't that all great. I still need to meet a Ravenclaw though." answered Khione as she continued to touch her cheeks with her finger, then slowly touched her lips. It was a bit chapped, so she licked it and bit her lower lip for some time.

 

[Benjamin Chase]

The girl's question made Benjamin think, deeply and solemnly. Did he actually care about that stupid rivalry that has been going on since the beginning of Hogwarts Scotland? He hung his head to the side, as his thoughts ran over the things that Gryffindors use to back stab Slytherins. The common insults were numerous and he kept track of those that were used most of the time. Their belief in Pure Blood superiority still moved on and Gryffindors always talked about it. Benjamin sighed softly and looked at her his eyes showing no emotion but something deep in him was bugging him. "I think I do. I care about our reputation as Slytherins compared to Gryffindors. The house point system is nothing though. Complete nonsense in my opinion." He said with no conviction as if it was just a talk about some infinite rivalry. But weren't they the known houses in Hogwarts? Slytherin and Gryffindor were the ones that competed hardcore, leaving Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff to their own business. All knew that the Ravenclaws would always win the house cup. Either it was Gryffindor or Ravenclaw anyways. Benjamin sensed the awkward silence, noting that his dry personality did not really help all along. The blonde's spontaneous actions helped though and he was glad. She was different and terribly small. Just like a goblin's size but in a human form. The boy looked down and let his eyes swarm around the darkness, curious if ever anyone was below eavesdropping on them. The possibility of hearing hushed voices was slim though for almost all the people that lives in Hogwarts were inside the Great Hall, loading themselves with food of different varieties.

Benjamin stared at her, his eyes showing an expression of curiosity. She needed to meet a Ravenclaw? Was that even valid? Benjamin really did not care about meeting anyone as long as their attitude was decent and civil. He preferred talking to the Ravenclaws too compared to the Badgers and Lions. Usually, they would get along with him and some of his mother's friend's sons were in Ravenclaw or were formerly in that house. "Why do you need to meet a Ravenclaw?" He asked suspiciously, his green eyes landing on dual coloured ones. Besides from wondering about that, he also noticed the way she spoke. Benjamin's accent was barely noticeable. It was American with no tinge of weirdness in his opinion. He wasn't familiar with it nor did he even hear it in his whole life. If he did, then he did not care about it in his younger years. He proceeded to ask her what kind of question it is, his tone bland with a small spark of wonder. "Er, what kind of accent do you have? It's so . . . unfamiliar." Benjamin faced her as he positioned his body facing her too so that he'd just look up to speak and make eye contact with Khione Hawthorne.
​

 

[Khione Hawthorne]

At that moment Khione knew that he's intrigued about the whole house rivalry, and just like she said there was nothing to elaborate about. If it's true then the first year would just ignore it, then again does it mean that Benjamin Chase hates Gryffindors? If yes, then why is he still her with her? "Whatever you say." she replied giggling. As she looked away, looking for something, anything really. Then something entered her mind why not just enjoy those green eyes, since he looks adorable. Khione then positioned herself, slightly angled side wards. Once she got her spot, she then looked into his eyes. Staring into those green hue that complimented his face. Even though the boy wasn't looking at her direction, she still is persistent on gluing her eyes on him. Next she lowered down her gaze, and looked at his nose, a bit pointy but not like hers.

Hearing him speak Khione still focused her eyes on the boy's face, "Coz' I haven't met one yet and I think it would be nice to complete the set." Khione answered briefly. As she got a view of his sparkling green eyes, in which she stared deeply at it. She knew that this conversations seems a bit dull, then might as well do something productive like stare at Benjamin. For a moment she got distracted of his name, "Benjamin? Such a long and old name." the part-goblin thought, wondering why his parents named him Benjamin. Not that it was bad or anything, Khione just wondered if he has a nickname. "Do you Benjamin Chase have a nickname?" she asked him, raising both of her eyebrows. Her eyes till glued to his, slowly she draw he face neared to him ,catching a near view of his eyes. "Oh! My accent? Well I'm polish, then Scandinavian. Guess my accent is mixed then." Khione stated clasping her hands together since they were getting cold, she tug both of her hands under her armpit to catch some warmth.

 

[Benjamin Chase]

Even though Benjamin distrusted Gryffindors, he ever wondered why he just said that aloud to a girl that was only one year younger than him. His mind was not thinking straight as he was just mesmerized by the moonlight, completely forgetting that the blonde was actually a Gryffindor. He thought that she would be far off better with Hufflepuff or Ravenclaw at least. Slytherin did not seem to suit her. She didn't have the ambitious trait that most Slytherins have ever since. He had a different personality compared to hers but being somehow friends would not hurt him at all. However, the way she giggled made him a think twice if befriending her was a good idea but then he couldn't really do anything since he had done it. She was also small but height wasn't really a huge deal for the young boy. He allowed the silence to come again and welcomed it with sincerity. Really, he just wanted to enjoy and mesmerize himself under the moonlight. Benjamin sensed the eyes of Khione boring into his face again, not tired of the old habit. Looking at him was what she did since the start of their conversation. Nothing was wrong with that, right? Benjamin looked at her casually, throwing her a glance out of her nowhere. "Is there something wrong?" His tone was perfectly feigned with curiosity but deep down, he just wanted to get rid of the awkward silence that was cast between both of them.

Having friends from different houses was just an impossible idea for Benjamin. He wasn't a socialite and there was no way that he could even befriend the typical Gryffindors who would walk their way and stare at the Slytherins in proud disgust. Benjamin usually did the same but being in the risk of losing house points was becoming a threat. He knew that some Slytherins were competing with the rest of the houses to get the Cup but some laid back and tamed down. He respected their decision though and maybe helping them wouldn't be so bad. The boy grew tired of sneering then walking away to the Gryffindors that he met last year. They were not his type of friends anyways. Khione's voice went to his ears again, causing him to perk up softly and let his eyes linger on hers for a moment. "Nothing really. But I guess the shortest name that you could get from Benjamin is 'Ben'." He said softly and shrugged. He wasn't really used to be calling that name nowadays. However, his mother would usually refer to him as that in her letters. Letters that weren't formal and motherly. That was one of his only refuges, really; The loving words of his mother written on parchment. Benjamin looked at Khione, only to see that she was so near him already in a matter of seconds. Was she even itching to go near him? It was probably his scent before he left the Great Hall. A great shower made him more relaxed before the food came in. "Your heritage is pretty unique then. You're a Half Blood?" He asked softly, hoping that at least she would have some magical blood in her. Just looking at her height made him confident that she was but it was better safe than sorry.
​

 

[Khione Hawthorne]

The silence was taking over and Khione could feel herself yawning, she wondered if there was something to do beside stare at him. So while waiting for some topic to start, the little girl decided to sing a song. A song that she sings back in Poland, just for the fun of it. She wasn't sure if this will make the boy want to talk to her more or probably laugh at him. Other than that Khione had a pretty voice, her father described it to be heavenly. Somewhat angelic, as she continued to stare at him. The first thing that she had done was to smile at him, and tried to ease the awkwardness.

"Once there were three bears
who lived in a cottage
Papa Bear
Mama Bear
Baby Bear
Papa Bear was chubby and fat
Mama Bear was slender and tall
Baby Bear was the cutest one of all
That's because he was so small "​

Khione always imagined herself to be baby bear, a female version of him anyway. When she was younger she used to sing the song over and over, being the only child and enjoying her time. Mostly when she's out the meadows, the little girl would catch the attention of some animals and call out to them. Just so they could hear her sing, a few audience is nice indeed. The first year continued her song, the last paragraph to end it.

"There are three bears in a house,
Father bear, Mommy bear, baby bear!
Daddy bear is fatty,
Mommy bear is slim,
Baby bear is too cute!
Shrug! Shrug! You are doing well!"​

As she ended the song, Khione quickly flashed a smile at Benjamin. "I just want to sing. Teehee." the blonde stated as she blushed lightly, hoping she didn't look like a fool. Until Khione heard him mutter something "Everything's perfect!" she blurted out as she slowly stretched her arms, squeezing her tiny body. Only a couple inches separated the two, though she's really close to him. Which looks odd, since she was just eleven and probably he was around the age of twelve. A bit to young to be so serious about life, she frowned a little worrying that Benjamin didn't liked her. "Beeeeeeeennnn" Khione whispered in a echo-e voice. Now she looked away from him, finding it sad that he didn't liked her.

The boy seems to be a pureblood, the way he talks and all. As if he's too high to reach, but she never met some pureblood who's rather arrogant. One example is her grandfather who's a pureblood and a goblin, he's one of the kindest man she ever met. Khione continued to frown at him, as she face another direction trying to see the dark forest. At first she didn't bother to say a word, since she was frightened she'll say something about muggle-borns or half-blood to be disgusting. You'll never know, so instead she just shook her head in disagreement and continued to gaze away from him. Though she didn't bother to move away from Ben. "Not perfect as I hoped to be." she whispered under her breath. This was the problem about Sltherins and pureblood, they're too prejudiced to even care about other's feelings.

Out of Character:

I'm a bit out of my mind, so I present to you this!

 

[Benjamin Chase]

His legs swung back and forth from the sturdy branch. Moss probably covered his trousers right now but that did not really matter. The darkness below them was inviting which caused him to be curious at a point that he wanted to ask her if she was exploring down there. The Slytherin wasn't really fond of adventures and so he stopped his thoughts from telling him to do such a foolish thing. A single melody floated in the air, making Benjamin look at the thing that was producing it with suspicion. It was a feminine voice, soft and somewhat slow to his hearing. It dawned to him that it was just Khione, singing with such confidence for a Gryffindor. He watched her with pure interest, wondering what kind of song was she singing. Hearing the words 'bear, chubby and small and cute' made him smile for a short moment, before returning back to his silent self. His expression was slightly amused with a small smile hanging on his lips. It was rare for him to do that but showing it to a younger student wouldn't really hurt. "Where'd you learn that song? And is it in your genes to have such a good voice?" He wondered aloud, having no choice but to wait for her response with his eyes shining. "She could be a good singer," He told himself silently. There was a chance that she would improve if she would practice more. Benjamin knew that his voice did not match hers really since he never bothered to sing. To hum a tune was not really likely for him too.

Benjamin laughed lightly when she blushed. It was actually a cute song for some kids who would love to sing too. He was certain that he was too old for that and so was Khione anyways. The Slytherin gave her a little nod, looking pleased that there was nothing wrong to what he was doing. He thought that she actually thought that he was giving her the silent treatment, which he barely did to anyone except for his real annoyances. Those times were a bit distant now and childish. "Hey, why the sad tone?" He whispered to her, since she was only inches away from his skin. Her hair faced him though because she just instantly turned away from him. What the heck was wrong again? It was plain difficult to muster and read what she was thinking. Benjamin was having a hard time but he did not consider her as a pain to accompany him. He looked at her, his lips obviously frowning. The chances of her being a Half Blood was actually slim. "Oh, I see. You make a nice witch though," He complimented her as he faced her duo coloured eyes. He just hoped that she didn't think that he was actually flirting with her. Making a lousy friend to a younger student wasn't just his thing at all. Especially when he knew that it was his fault. Hell, his guilty conscience bugged him all the time and it was difficult to get rid of it.
​

 

[Khione Hawthorne]

It was still night time and here they are talking to each other, not minding if they'll get caught for staying out late. Hopefully they wouldn't be caught, also she wasn't ready to leave just yet. Khione could hardly imagine leaving the boy here alone, not that she wants to. She grew interested in him for some quite time, since Khione found him to be arrogant yet nice in some weird way. The first year looked at him and smiled, no one heard her sing such song. Maybe because the playground was always to crowded for her to do so, then her mother's too busy to notice her daughter sing. It was her father who have heard her sing, he would applaud and tickle her afterwards. "I've heard it during a trip." she told him, swaying her legs once more. "Oh I'm not that sure, I've never heard my mother sing, though my dad has this soothing voice." Khione shared as she bit her lower lip, waiting for anything to happen.

As if nothing happened after she just sung a song, it was so likely of her to forget such things. But not people, never. Khione grinned widely as she stopped blushing, to ease the awkwardness. She sighed as she heard him say something, she grew sad about him somehow being judgmental about the different houses, and maybe blood status. Even though her being a mixed blood, she felt sad about those muggleborns who were being disgust upon. It wasn't their fault to be born magical, in fact they are indeed lucky to be a witch or a wizard. "Nothing..." she mumbled and lowered down her head. As she looked at the ground, it was dark and it was unlikely to see anything at all. "Thank You!" she cheered feeling a bit more lighting up, thank to his compliment or else she would sulk more. "You too!" Khione said poking his arm, and decided to poke it continuously until she had enough.

 

[Benjamin Chase]

Benjamin noticed even the slightest movement that was happening around him. Per instinct, he would instantly turn his head to the direction of the movement. Benjamin was thankful that his senses were alert tonight, watching out for some nosy professor who would pry into his conversation with the younger student. He was rather enjoying his time with Khione Hawthorne. She was good company, even though other people would consider her as odd. It had been ages since he experienced a civilized and decent conversation with a girl. And also, he adored her duo coloured eyes. They were indeed unique and rare. He once came across someone with bright purple eyes, only to find them with unique blood. Hers were also fascinating but it did not attract him romantically towards her. "Oh?" Benjamin wondered in silence, whether his parents even sang to him or not. After all the years in the Chase manor, it was easy to say that his parents rarely sang. His father never did, except to hum a couple of notes for his contentment. Whilst his mother did, it was rare to see her sing a small lullaby. "My uh, parents rarely sang. In fact, I don't think anyone in our family is musical." Benjamin slowly moved his head and stopped as his dark sea green eyes were facing the mysterious moon above.

"You sure?" Benjamin said softly whilst raising an unconvinced eyebrow. He had a feeling that she was aware of his blood status, and how purebloods were infamous for bragging it and using it as something to insult others. His tone was gentle and encouraging; something that was rarely heard by the other people in the castle. She was a young one anyways, and Benjamin was not exactly nasty and arrogant to those younger ones. He was rather quiet and reserved around them, not the usual stuck up prat he was around his batchmates. "A good witch am I, huh?" He said with a small chuckle. If he were the same as her, then that would have made him a witch which was surely female. An amused smile settled on his features, knowing that no one can ever question his sexuality. He was a heterosexual guy, who still hasn't developed any feelings for the opposite sex.
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