&&if the``world DieS//let me_stay {Open}

[Derek Tobias]

Darek sat on the floor in an empty corridor, he was supposed to be in Potions, but honestly, was the Slytherin ever in class? He had a sleek, black acoustic guitar laying in his lap, a spiral notebook and pen on the floor beside him. His foot tapping the stone floor to keep tempo, his fingers danced across the neck, forming cords as he strummed, making it up as he went. He was stuck at this point in time. He had been working on the same song for a while now. Hitting a cord he liked, he let go of the guitar, letting the note ring through the corridor.

The fifth year was wearing a simple pair of light wash jeans, a snake skin belt holding them to his waist. A red t-shirt with black paint splatters clung to his torso and shiny black boots that looked as if they had just come out of the box covered his feet. A chain that looped from his belt lay coiled on the floor as he sat cross legged, a thick linked chain hung from his neck and a silver bracelet wrapped around his wrist. Black make-up coated the skin around his eyes as usual and his long black hair was spiked out lightly. The platinum blond highlights caught the dim sunlight from the window every time he moved. A simple silver hoop circled his eyebrow and a silver stud shined in the middle of his tongue. The tattoo on his forearm could easily be seen as he scratched something down in the notebook.

Picking up the guitar again, he began to throw notes together in a musical order, happy with how it was sounding he began to hum along, thinking about the lyrics he had written previously. Happy with the way it sounded, he glanced to the open notebook at his side, throwing the lyrics into the song as he continued to play:

"And now we're here again
up on your roof so high
the whole world can just go to hell
for all I care tonight
I can feel the end is near
it all has come as we had feared"

Smiling as he fell silent, letting his music end on a good note, he leaned back against the wall. He hadn't even noticed the person that had walked up until they spoke. Catching him off guard, he jumped lightly, looking up to see who had snuck up on him while he was so into his music. After all, when he was working it was as if the world stopped, nothing else mattered except the music he was producing. An entire war could be going on right in front of him and he wouldn't notice until the music stopped. "Can I help you?" he asked, a little annoyed that someone had been listening to him.

[Evelyn Conway]

Evelyn was skipping class. What else was new? For the Gryffindor classes were just another way to bore the hell out of students. The girl had woken up this morning and knew that it was another day that she would skip classes. She would blow the teachers if that would get her out of getting in trouble. It was a shame that the girl was almost overly willing to give favors to get out of doing things. Yet, it was what she had been doing for quite some time now and in a way it had taken over the majority of her personality.

She was wearing a pleated black skirt with a snug pink halter top on. That seemed a bit too cold to wear for October, thus the girl had pulled on an all black zip-up hoodie over it. She kept it zipped up a bit at the bottom, but open enough that one could easily see her chest and the rather seductive cut of the pink top. Black stilettos adorned her feet and they clicked rhythmically with every step the fragile girl took as she moved gracefully down the hall. She had left her red bag back in her red room after she had left the red common room. The girl did not feel the urge to pretend she was going to class and doing what she was supposed to, not today. It was rare that she was even in the Gryffindor common room, she was not much of a Gryffindor. At least she didn't think so. Her personality and outlook on life had always struck her as a bit too, cynical to be a Gryffindor.

Turning the corner into an empty corridor she heard the sound of music. At first it was just one note that rang out, and the girl stayed out of sight until the notes and chords continued floating from the guitar. The girl found herself rather enthralled by the music, and she was thoroughly enjoying it. A smile was across her face. After a moment she realized that she needed to continue on, and quickly turned the corner and proceeded in the direction of the boy who was sitting on the ground. She stopped rather near to him, listening intently. He was rather good, to say the least and Evelyn was enjoying the entertainment he was offering her. A smile was placed gently across her pale features and her vibrant eyes were observing the boy with the spiked hair.

He stopped now and spoke in a bit of an annoyed fashion towards her. "You already have," she said with a slight wink. The boys face looked slightly familiar, perhaps from passing him in the other corridors but she knew he was not from her house and probably not from her year. "You play well," she grinned at him with honesty across her features. She turned her head to observe the empty halls and a section of ebony hair tumbled across her forehead. One slender pale hand rushed up to push it away from her lovely eyes and it trailed down her neck and began to play with a longer strand of her hair near her cheek. A slight giggle escaped the Gryffindor's mouth.

"Evelyn Conway," she said in her typical voice, only this time she permitted her flirty undertone to grow. "What can I call you?" Her blue eyes scanned him closely and with much interest, he was a decent looking boy, very different which was rather attractive.

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[Derek Tobias]

Darek gave the girl a quick once over as she spoke. Instantly he classified her as a slut and rolled his eyes at her comment. If he was looking for an audience, he'd go find one, but then again, he was sitting in the middle of a corridor, it was only time before someone came across him. His dark eyes fell back to the notebook sitting beside him, reading what he had written down and thinking about what he had just heard. He was scribbling something out and rewriting a portion of the introduction when the girl complimented his playing. Not bothering to look back up at her, he shrugged. "I'm not the best," he said simply. When it came to music, the Slytherin was a bit of a perfectionist. Actually a complete perfectionist, but that's okay.

Only when the girl still standing in front of him giggle, did he return his gaze to her. She obviously wasn't in his house, he would recognize her and she wouldn't bother stopping to listen to him now. After all, he was constantly playing in the common room. He already didn't like the girl, who ever she was. When she introduced herself, his first impression was verified. Slut. He'd heard more than a few things about her. He really didn't feel like introducing himself as she asked for his name. A low growl softly vibrated from his vocal cords before he finally answered her. "Darek, was all he said. If he had his way, he'd have nothing to do with Evelyn. She interrupted his songwriting and that had put him in a rather fowl mood to begin with.

[Evelyn Conway]

The girl sensed a growing dislike for this boy, but she was not willing to express it yet. Something about him was attractive in itself, and even if she felt bad vibes from him, she was still going to attempt to seduce him. He seemed rather cold though, perhaps she had just come at a bad time? The girl refused to let herself believe that there was ever going to be a time that was bad for her. Never, she was too perfect for these bad times. It was a horrible thought to think that she would be around someone at a bad time. When she was around, everything was perfect because in short she was perfect.

"Who said you had to be the best to be good?" She grinned teasingly at him, it was all in good fun, but nonetheless she had a feeling she was getting under his skin. That or he was just not very good at socializing with those better than himself. The gryffindor began twirling a lock of her hair around her finger and smiled lightly whilst doing that.

What was with boys only giving first names? She inquired their name and gave them all of hers, but she always only received a first name. Instantly the girl was able to recall several instances where she ran into boys and only received their first name. 'I give them my first name so they can look me up later.' she smiled wider. In her mind the world revolved around her, and everyone either loved her or hated her. There was nothing in between. Yet, she didn't care if they loved her or not. All that mattered was that the action was still happening, all that mattered was that guys still worshiped her.

"Darek why practice your music where no one can hear it?" she took a few steps closer to him and tilted her head to the side slightly so that she could get a better view down at him. Besides, she figured it would make her look a bit cuter, if that was possible.

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[Derek Tobias]

Every second that Darek spent with Evelyn, his dislike for her increased. His chocolate colored eyes stared at his notebook beside him, but he couldn’t concentrate on it anymore. That really annoyed him. He just had something going. He was on to something, but with the girl’s interruption, it was lost. It angered him to know that this girl that he never really wanted anything to do with was the cause of his loss, and with that anger, his features began to become more wolf like. That is, until he caught himself. He quickly closed his eyes, taking a deep breath and making sure everything looked… human.

Her teasing comment was not welcomed. Batting his eyes back open, he looked up at her. ”So I’m good, it still needs work,” he spat quickly. His ringed fingers had a mind of their own and plucked lightly at the guitar strings, the sound just barely audible in the otherwise empty hallway. The Slytherin wasn’t so good at socializing, that is, unless it was at one of his infamous parties. Speaking of parties, he was almost positive he had seen Evelyn at a few of them. It was about time for another one, too.

If it was at all possible, her next question annoyed him even more. ”So I can concentrate and not get interrupted. It’s not ready for an audience.” he almost spat between clenched teeth. He watched her take a few steps closer to him, she really was a slut if Darek had ever seen one.

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[Evelyn Conway]

Evelyn did not want to be involved with this boy much anymore, something about him gave her bad vibes. Yet, something within her would not let her simply get up and walk away. She had to stick around, if she could get under his skin any further then things would get better. Right? He would not forget about her, that was almost certain.

"Don't take such offense to it," she laughed airily, "It was but a joke, hun!" Her voice rang out flirtatiously before him, and soon after she began laughing again. Poking fun at this boy had begun to be more fun than flirting with him, if he kept this up she had a feeling they would most certainly become enemies. Rather hardcore ones. That almost pleased her to think about, even though he did have some incredible parties. She would most certainly make an appearance and take away some of the more attractive men for a night of fun. He would never get that lucky.

"Don't consider me much an audience then," she grinned for a moment. It was becoming apparent that he was very protective over his work. Perhaps he was like her brother in that sense. They both had something they were outstandingly good at, and neither wanted to be disturbed while working on it. Jealousy and anger swept over her in a cold rage. Maybe he was one of those spoiled boys that their family always showered with love.

Anger began swelling up inside of her even when know direct attack had been made on her. The memories of being forgotten were rising within her and he was doing nothing to help that. Outwardly she expressed nothing, she was not willing to show that he had crawled so deep under her skin in their brief conversation. She gave a slight sigh, and thought perhaps it would be best to keep the subject on his work for now. Even if it would anger him more.

"So, why don't you play a piece that you have perfected then? Hm?" her she knelt a few feet before him, observing him carefully and not minding the fact that it was almost impossible not to look up her skirt now.

[Derek Tobias]

Oh, one thing was for sure, Darek certainly wasn’t going to forget Evelyn, or the dislike he had for the slut. He arched a single eyebrow at her words. ”Forgive me if I’m not in a joking mood at the moment,” he spoke sarcastically. The more he thought about it, the more appealing it sounded to let loose at one of his own parties. Yes, he would definitely be throwing one in the near future. Still, the girl’s laughter got under his skin. It was annoying as hell and didn’t help his already blown thought process. He could care less if he never saw her face after this pathetic conversation that only managed to waste his time.

”I can’t think with people watching,” he offered through clenched teeth. It was the truth, and something he wasn’t too fond of. However, it wasn’t like it was something he kept a secret. Everyone that knew him more than just the guy with the cool hair that throws the parties knew that. To say that he was protective of his work was an understatement. He hated when anyone listened in while he was working on something that he didn’t quite have finished. Works in progress where just that – works in progress, not meant for anyone’s ears but his. He was more than willing to share pieces that he was completely satisfied with and thought of as finished. Then again, as an artist and a writer, his works were never truly finished.

His music was the only thing Darek could take pride in. His parents preferred his twin to him and he didn’t get much attention at all growing up. Music was his escape from the world, his way of venting and expressing himself without hurting anyone. Recently, running as a wolf had helped too, but that was a secret.

He rolled his eyes as she knelt down, though he couldn’t help them from wandering for a few seconds. Maybe if he played something he already had finished she’d let him alone. “Alright, fine.” he growled, flipping back through the pages of his notebook, searching for something he felt like playing. Stopping at one of the middle pages, his fingers found the starting cord without thought. Glancing once at the page, he looked back at Evelyn as his fingers began to play. It was a fairly up beat but dark sounding rhythm in a minor key. He didn’t need to look back at the page as he reached the vocal entrance:

”We were running though the town
Our senses had been drowned
No place we hadn't been before

We learned to live and then
Our freedom came to an end
We have to break down this wall
Too young to live a lie
Look into my eyes

Ready, set, go it's time to run
The sky is changing we are one
Together we can make it while the world is crashing down
Don't you turn around

We are looking back again
On loneliness and pain
Never been so wide awake

Breathe slowly in and out
somewhere beyond the clouds
I can see the morning break
Too young to live a lie
Look into my eyes”

He stopped the lyrics there, letting the song cut off in a decent place. Obviously, there was more, he could have continued if he wanted to, but he felt the girl had got the gist of the song. She probably didn’t want to hear the entire thing anyway. Looking up at her, he attempted a bit of a smile. Music always had a magical way of brightening his mood a bit. ”There’s more, but…” he trailed off.

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[Evelyn Conway]

She smirked at him, "However do you think in classes then? People are always watching, no one is every truly alone." She shrugged her shoulders slightly and observed his slightly wandering eyes. The smirk on her face widened and she felt some of the anger melting out of her now. Perhaps it was under false pretenses, but nonetheless she was enjoying the attention she was getting. Even if the attention was bad.

It did not take long for her to realize she had accomplished something. She got him to show her a piece of his work. It was a fascinating feeling, yet one she had felt many times before. When you break a difficult case a rush always overwhelmed her. It was rather fantastic, almost like a high. Evelyn had tried pretty much every drug under the sun but nothing gave her a high so great as breaking down a person. Breaking down a person was the best thrill there was, it made everything else look dull and boring. The girl felt that she had accomplished something just by getting Darek to play a song.

The song itself was very lovely, she rather enjoyed listening to it. He was very talented indeed, perhaps more than he took himself for. Or, maybe he was an egotistical ass. Evelyn could not yet figure out exactly what the boy was all about, exactly what his weakest point would be. But, she was going to find it. She was determined to find it. A shudder ran up her spine as he stopped playing. Something within her wished that he would start playing again. The song had been cut short, she could figure that much out, but she didn't know why he did it. Perhaps to get her to leave? If he thought she would leave that easy then he was sadly mistaken.

"That was fantastic," the awe in her voice was genuine, she was always impressed by people who were talented in the musical area. "You should have played more," she let her voice trail a bit like his had. She watched him with close, careful eyes.

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[Derek Tobias]

Darek simply rolled his eyes at the girl’s statement. She didn’t understand. It was different in class. It was bookwork, from the mind, not the soul. Not that he actually went to class on a regular basis anyhow. It took so much more than simple mind power to create something so complex and emotionally attached as music. It was a process Darek had to do when he was alone. He didn’t quite understand why, it was just the way it worked. ”Class is different,” was the only explanation he offered.

As much as Darek made it seem he didn’t like to play for people, he loved it. He loved the cheering and applauding after each song, the lights shining down on him while he’s on stage, the adrenaline rush, the nerves, the feeling that every song is a piece of him he’s giving to the people listening. He loved it all and that was all he could ever see himself doing after he was done at Hogwarts. He wanted to play music. As much as he disliked Evelyn, he enjoyed playing for her.

Darek couldn’t help but smile to himself as the sound of his guitar echoed through the corridor. There was something so relieving about playing, singing, writing. It was all heaven, an escape from reality, a way to put things into perspective. He wasn’t sure why he cut the song short, maybe he was hoping she would leave him alone, I don’t really know. He was fairly happy with the way the song turned out, it wasn’t his favorite song that he’d written, but it was decent. A bit of a smile pulled at the corner of the Slytherin’s lips as she complimented his song. He couldn’t care what she said about him or anything else. His music was the only thing that really mattered to him, well that and making sure his animagus secret never got out. ”Thanks,” he shrugged as if he didn’t really care, but the truth was that he took her words to heart. He was strange with the way he took criticism and compliments.

His eyes fell back to his notebook. He half wondered if he should play something else. It wasn’t a matter of whether or not he was in the mood to play, no, he was always in the mood for music, it was something else. He flipped the page, scanning the page quickly before looking back at the girl before him. He didn’t really know what to say, nor did he really feel like talking.

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[Evelyn Conway]

She simply shrugged in response to his class remark, it did not matter to her what he did or didn't say. Rather, she preferred if he would show her how he felt via actions rather than words. It felt like a losing battle for him, yet the challenge of seducing him was ever present. She wanted it so badly, not even because she was lusting for him. The lion had a horrible addiction, and she needed her fix. This was an addiction for her, and the withdrawal symptoms were becoming overbearing.

Evelyn was more complex then she lead on to be. In reality she never really had the closeness to anyone that a typical person had with their friends and family. She had nothing of the sort. Her family had brought her into this world with a temporary perfection that was broken shortly after when her brother was brought into the world. And eventually her sister would be the youngest, and she would be the one who was totally raised in the dysfunctional household. Sometimes Evelyn felt sorry for her little sister, and yet at other times she didn't. The girl often made herself secluded and kept herself very withdrawn. What was she supposed to do? The lion had her own problems, she was not going to waste her time helping out a little girl who couldn't help herself.

Friends? Evelyn had some of those. Most were either sex buddies or people she kept around to keep herself amused rather than alone. And many of them kept her around for the same reasons. Sure, they would gossip and share lame secrets; yet, ninety percent of the time she was with males. And never with innocent intentions. She could not be around a guy with intentions any less than messing around. It was a game to her, and one that she tried so hard to play well. This boy was proving to be very difficult and she did not know how much longer she could last with him. His indifference in the response he gave her was enough to drive her crazy. And indeed, maybe she was going crazy.

"Could you play me another one?" she inquired at him, staring up into his face with her blue eyes that absolutely glistened. Something within her told her that so far this would be the best approach. If she could get him more comfortable with her maybe then his outer layer would fall away. The girl was almost pleased with the boy. Pleased he was not as simple as some of the others.

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