With the Ghosts, comes The Darkness.

[Rukevra Vanderzuk]

Sleep was something which Ruki no longer had. Each night was filled with thoughts of his parents. Of what they where doing. Why they where here. Why he was here. The past four weeks at the newest school had proved difficult for the young transfer. He wasn't fitting in as well as he thought he could. Friends where made briefly, then lost for stupid reasons. Lessons where over-whelming; his future hanging in the balance of failure.

As news of the Halloween feast spread, Ruki thought of his costume within seconds. Himself. His inner demon. The darkness buried within.

Sighing heavily as he stood from his bed, Ruki grudgingly made his way to the Great Hall. He would at least try to have some fun. Upon entering the hall, Ruki glanced at the decorations. They where truly beautiful. With his spirits lifted slightly, the young boy made his way towards a table of food; scanning the hall as he did so. Fellow students where enjoying themselves. Dancing. Talking. Ruki picked up a plate and helped himself to a few sandwiches. His memories of upper-class evenings flooding back. Breathing deeply, Ruki pushed the memories away. Tonight would not be spoilt by his past.

Finishing his small bite to eat, Ruki recalled his un-wavering ability to dance. If one thing came of those evenings, it was certainly a swing or two on the dance floor.

 

[Patricia Styx]

It was finally Halloween night and Patricia was glad to say she was actually looking forward to it. She hadn't been looking forward to much as of late, but after an encounter with one Niccy, Patricia was begining to see that she had been so silly. Sure her life had been turned upside down due to the facts that were reveled to the young Hufflepuff during the summer holidays. But as she now knew, worse things could happen. So having pushed all thoughts of the past four months out of her mind she focused on the present, which right now involved getting ready for the Halloween Feast. As she hadn't been talking to her mum much she was unable to ask her to owl over a costume, so during the last Brightstone weekend she picked up a cheap white dress and a few accessories.

Adding the final touches to her outfit she observed herself in the full length mirror in her dorm room and smiled brightly, for lack of resources it didn't look too bad. Her idea of an Egyptian Goddess came across quite well. Patting out any creases in her silky dress she slipped on her strappy sandles and made her way down to the Great Hall for the Halloween Feast. As per usual the place was outstanding, every year did seem to get better and better. Entering the Hall she looked up to the podium in time for Headmistress Rambolt to make speech, or rather lack of it. Smiling to herself she made her way over to the refreshments table. She wanted so badly to find her friends and have a good nights craic with them, just a night to really let her hair down and have some good old fashioned fun. She had been in such a slump recently she wasn't even sure if she could do that anymore.

Lifting one of the cup she poured herself a drink and observed the already packed dance floor. Moving to the rhythm of the music in the background she nibbled on a few of the sweets, taking the occassional sip of her juice. She looked out for anyone she knew, not really minding who - she just wanted someone to talk too so this night wouldn't be a complete and utter diaster.

 

[Rukevra Vanderzuk]

As the music played, and the students danced, Ruki took a deep breath in. Halloween was a night for the demons to wander free. He would allow his to leave for the night; dealing with it tomorrow. And every other day until it was banished. Pulling on the lapels of the long; black coat, which barely brushed the floor, Ruki turned to place the now empty plate onto the table behind him. He would simply have to dance.

As he took a step forward, Ruki caught sight of a friendly face. A small smile crept into view. "Miss Rogers.". Ruki moved towards the girl.

 

[Patricia Styx]

Miss Rogers

Patricia heard someone say her name, well her last name, but nonetheless her name. A smile still clear on her face she turned to face the person who had called her. As soon as she turned her face the amount of juice that was still inside her mouth immediately went out, thankfully she was quick enough to cover her mouth with her hand before it went over the persons costume. Coughing slightly she grabbed a napkin to clean her hand. Looking back at the person she stared at them in shock, noticing the person as Ruki - a boy she had met on the Quidditch Pitch not so long ago. "Wow Ruki!" she exclaimed still in shock. "Holy crap you scared the living day lights out of me." she said, laughing now she was over her fright. "Who or what are you?" she asked curiously.

 

[Rukevra Vanderzuk]

Reaching the younger girl, Ruki watched her turn to face him; almost coughing juice over him as she did so. A look of shock appeared upon her face; his inner demons where no longer simply affecting him. Ruki's heart deflated a little. He had never intended to frighten anyone with his darkness. Catching the sound of her laughter, Ruki grinned. His spirits lifted slightly in her presence. "This is who I truly am.". Ruki gave a wink. So long as he could see who he was, he knew nothing could trouble him.

"The costume appears to be affective, however. If I scared you.". Ruki flashed a smile towards her. "You look well this evening.".

 

[Patricia Styx]

As she finished wiping her hands she discarded the tissue in a near-by bin, turning back she heard Ruki explain how he was dressed as his true self. Patricia frowned her eyebrows, she highly doubted he was this scary, evil person. But she didn't want to start a whole, Yes I am. No you're not conversation which it would more than likely start. "A self proclaimed constume. Impressive." she said with a smile, trying not to keep things on the brighter side. Sure it was Halloween, a night for scary things but she was never one for all of that.

Nodding she said, "I think scared is an understatement, you might even give Professor Fletcher a run for his money for Scariest costume." she added with a wink, wondering if anyone would ever beat the current champion - two years running. She smiled sweetly at his compliment, "Aw thank you. I wasn't planning on even coming tonight, so everything is just last minute." she said smoothing her silk dress out a bit - loving the feel of it on her hands. "So how long did it take you to turn in to yourself?" she asked, attempting to take another drink.

 

[Rukevra Vanderzuk]

Ruki listened intently as the younger girl spoke to him. He had heard about the costume competitions. Maybe it was worth entering. "Or at least, make him run.". Ruki smirked at his slightly failed humour. The girls final question echoed around his head. Truthfully, it had taken him a couple of sleepless nights over the past week. Knowing it wasn't the best time to discuss his past, Ruki spoke softly. "Not as long as I hoped.". The mood of the evening had begun to shift.

"Would you care to dance?". Ruki was here to enjoy himself. The Darkness would have to wait.

 

[Patricia Styx]

Patricia snorted at Ruki's comment about Professor Fletcher before breaking out in her delightful Irish giggle (or so it had been deemed by her friends). Patricia frowned her eyebrows slightly at Ruki's reply, his words replayed in her mind, what did he mean by that? she wondered. As Patricia had deduced from their previous meeting, there was something different about Ruki, something Pat had yet to pin down but she was unsure if she wanted too or now. Knowing Ruki came from Durmstrang and had some trouble from there she wasn't sure if she could handle anything too serious. She was only 14 for crying out loud, she was still young and carefree.

Hearing his question, Patricia's expression brightened. "Sure!" she said happily without thinking. This Halloween was already shaping out to the best but this was the cheer on the top for Patricia had never danced with anyone - apart from her friends - at any Ball, Halloween and Yule. "Lead the way." she said, hooking her arm for Ruki.

 

[Rukevra Vanderzuk]

The sound of laugher fluttered across Ruki's ears. It was always something which could lift anybody's sense of gloom. The young girl's following words where also pleasing to hear, as Ruki was finally able to enjoy himself upon the dance floor.

Stepping to the girl's side, Ruki linked his arm into hers; and lead the way towards the floor area. A nice up-beat song began to play. Stepping onto the floor, Ruki turned towards Patricia. Temporarily releasing his arm from hers, the young boy took her right hand in his left; before spinning her on the spot. Taking her left hand, Ruki smiled at the girl before moving in time to the music. The rhythm flowed though him.

After a few second, he decided to speak. "The ball appears well organised.". Ruki knew it was a silly observation, but it was his first in-formal dance. The high-class evenings where always the opposite. "I had never attended the events at Durmstrang.". Ruki continued to move in time with the music, leading Patricia as he did so.

---

Song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pk8VZgJkpeg

 

[Patricia Styx]

Patricia felt Ruki lead her on to the floor, it was so weird walking on to the floor with a boy but Patricia couldn't help smiling. Tonight was turning out to be pleasantly better than she had anticipated. Patricia noted the change in song as she and Ruki steped on to the dance floor. She let out a "Woooo" of happiness, waving her free arm in the air, she loved this song. Feeling Ruki spin her round in the spot Patricia giggled as the buzz of adrenaline filled her young body. Letting Ruki take her hands in his she started to move easily to the rhythm of the music, the dancer in her coming out naturally despite not having danced since the begining of the holidays.

Patricia let Ruki lead her easily, he seemed to be a good dancer so it wasn't a hard task. Patricia leaned closer a bit to hear what Ruki had to say, luckily she had heard what he had to say without having to ask him to repeat. Nodding her head in agreement she replied - raising her voice over the music, "Yeah, it's amazing. But trust me, it get better every year." she said truthfully, speaking from her own experience. At Ruki's next comment Patricia's mouth formed a small 'O'. How could someone have never attended anything before? She wondered to herself, then again she was surprised that Durmstrang even had social events like this. "Well there you go, more change you're already accustomed too." she responded brightly. "I hope this means you'll be attending them regularly, Yule Ball incuded?" she asked with a smile.

 

[Rukevra Vanderzuk]

As the pair danced, Ruki watched Patricia with interest. She could certainly move. The sound of laughter; fun; and conversations drifted across Ruki's ears. Tonight was most certainly a good night. Catching the softer sound of the younger girls voice, Ruki nodded in agreement. If next year topped this, he would definitely participate.

Still following the rhythm of the song, Ruki moved to his left; turning the pair to face opposite sides. "I will most certainly have to attend.". Ruki smiled back towards the girl. If it would mean another dance with the young girl, Ruki would put the effort in to taking part. As the song ended, and a new one began, Ruki changed the pace of his movement. The beat was a little slower, but not by much. With-out too much thought, Ruki released the girls hands; and positioned his arms either side of her waist. Tonight's dance was just like any other.

---

Song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9Xtvj_JVSM

 

[Patricia Styx]

Patricia grinned brightly as Ruki nodded his head in agreement to her question. "Great!" she replied happily. She was glad that he was going to make an opportunity to get out to things like this around the school, they were great for socialising so it would be perfect for him - as he had yet to meet a lot of people. Patricia continued to move to the beat of the song, she couldn't believe she was actually dancing with a boy at one of these things - she never thought it would actually happen. Chancing her arm she looked up at Ruki and said, "Now you're going to the Yule Ball you'll have to save me a dance. OK?" a smile printed perfectly on her face. To dance with a boy at the Halloween Feast was great, but to dance with one that the Yule Ball, that would be amazing.

Hearing the change in the rhythm of the music, Patricia felt Ruki release her hands and move his own to her waist. Taking his lead, she raised her own arms to around his neck. He wasn't much taller than herself, so thankfully she didn't have to reach too far to put her arms around his neck. Once the two felt comfortable enough Patricia started moving to the music again, enjoying the slower tempo. But right now Patricia didn't really care about the music, she was having far too much fun - much more than she was expecting to get out of tonight. "So are you looking forward to the Quiddich Season?" she asked, keeping the conversation going.

 

[Rukevra Vanderzuk]

Settling in to the newest rhythm, Ruki felt a bit more relaxed as Patricia placed her arms around his neck. His mind had become clear of all thoughts of his past, and was now filled with enjoyment and fun. As the young girl spoke, Ruki glanced around the hall; before answering her question. "I would like to request you save a dance for me.". Ruki gave a small smile. If the past few weeks continued the same, he likely wouldn't attend the Yule Ball with anyone to be able to save a dance.

Holding the young girl, Ruki knew his future was un-planned. Andromeda and Zazuka had been right. His path was up to him. Having taken the first step along it, Ruki hoped he could continue; moving away from the darkness of his parents. Running the words of the song through his head, Ruki couldn't begin to imagine what they meant; but it sounded good. The younger girls words entered his ears once more, and thoughts of Quidditch past through his mind. In truth, Ruki had no idea if he would ever have the chance to play for the Gryffindor team. He was a spare part. Training had taken place and he had to switch positions again. Shaking his head slightly, Ruki looked into the girls eyes. "I can only hope I have an opportunity to play.". A faint smile appeared across his lips. "How are you feeling about the games?". Ruki remembered their race several day before. If only the younger girl was still a Chaser.

 

[Patricia Styx]

At the boys words Patricia let out a little giggle, "It would be my honor." she said with a beaming smile. Instantaneously her mind went into overdrive, thinking about the night of the Yule Ball, what type of dress she would wear, what way would she do her hair, until she stopped herself. She didn't know why she started thinking about things like that, it was one dance and they had already made a deal - it's not like Ruki was going to back out because of what she wore or looked like. Forgetting about the Yule Ball until closer to the time Patricia continued dancing to the music.

Patricia frowned slightly when Ruki said he hoped he got to play, at least he wants to now Patricia thought to herself, compared to last time when he didn't seem so enthusiastic. "Well I hope you have the chance to play or I won't be able to keep up my promise." she said with a playful wink, referring to their bet during their first meeting. Thinking about his question she shrugged, "I'm ever the optimistic, so I'm excited. A bit nervous about my new position but Vi wouldn't have placed me on that position if she didn't think I was up for it." she said happily.

As the song finished Patricia broke away, "I'm going to get a drink, want one?" she asked. When she heard his answer, she turned towards the drinks table, "I'll be back in a minute. Save me another dance?" she asked.

 

[Rukevra Vanderzuk]

Ruki's smile increased at Patricia's words. Her honour. The young boy's confidence was rising. Of each person he had met over the past several years, this young girl was the sweetest. Her words past through his ears once more, as Ruki began to feel relaxed around her. Nothing in his past came to light. No more worries. No more anger.

Listening to the girls words, Ruki gave her another smile. "I hope so too.". Even though he could feel annoyed with the game, Ruki knew; whenever he mounted his broom; he was free. As he listened further to the younger girl, Ruki realised he would just have to put up with his position as Chaser; and work hard for his team, and for Andromeda.

Hearing the song come to an end, Ruki allowed Patricia to break away, before nodding at the offer of a drink. "Thank-you.". Ruki no longer worried about acting too much of a gentleman. After-all, his father wasn't here. Ruki laughed as Patricia walked away. Of course he would save her a dance. Turning, Ruki surveyed the hall as a new song began to play. Swaying along to the beat, Ruki looked on as an argument broke out; but never gave it too much attention. Turning back towards the tables, Ruki attempted to locate his dance partner. Not finding her, Ruki felt his heart deflate slightly. His confidence sinking. What had he done wrong.

---

Patricia Leaving: http://hogwartsnewzealand.com/topic/7220655/