April 20th
9:50 pm

A simple question like where would you like go to go resulted in Nicola being dragged across the school. The fourth floor rest stop was when she just wanted to turn the other way and head back to the common room rather than staying in the company of a lunatic who was bent of ripping her arm from it’s socket. Of course before she had a chance to set the change of direction into motion they were off again. “This is all over the Room of Requirements?” Nicola said breathless, her naturally raspy voice sounding sicklier than usual.

Finally the trauma to her body came to an abrupt halt and her arm fell to her side. “Bloody hell,” she said as she massaged her shoulder glaring at him. “Don’t do that again or next time you will get socked in the chin.” Nicola was not the type to slap but was more inclined to throw a bunch. Nicola was controlling herself currently as her fist began to ball. Relaxing her hand she took a deep breath in hopes to calm herself and catch her breath.

“I cannot believe this is all over something so silly as a room!” Nicola said extremely annoyed as she finally let go of her shoulder and looked around. “Now I am sorry to disappoint I am not going to be of any help, I don’t know where this darn room is.” Nicola was grumpy the change of scenery had not been at all interesting. She had a bit of a sour look on her face but it was at least starting to soften.

Gavin ignored Nicola for the most part. He felt kind of ashamed, which was odd, and looked at the floor. Why would he do such a thing? How rude was it that he just dragged someone to the seventh floor without even asking first? He couldn't help it though, Gavin was so excited to go to the Room of Requirement that he forgot who he really was or at least tried to be. A gentlemen. He looked at her nervously and sighed.

"So I guess an apology won't work will it?" He glared at the wall across from him. If only the door would just appear, Nicola would probably forgive him. Ever since Gavin was accepted into Hogwarts he wanted to know all the secrets. Maybe a bit of his dad was coming out of him. He hated to have so many different personalities. It was like he was struggling to be one person. He shook his head rather violently, and got up on his feet once more.

“Now I am sorry to disappoint I am not going to be of any help, I don’t know where this darn room is.”

The last bit of hope Gavin had vanished. This was a complete waste. Next time he would ask the person first rather than assume something. She seemed rather annoyed at Gavin, but she looked kind of cute when she was angry. Maybe this was a plus to this trip. "Aww look Nicola you are breathless, is it because of that run we just did or are you blushing because of my looks?" Why not throw in sarcasm Gavin thought.

"Well I guess we have to look for it without any experience, Umm... Do you know anything about it?" he asked with eagerness.

From time to time, whe sleep wasn't a fair option Kyle would go out to the Room of Requirement to practice his dueling. It was much better than outside as he wouldn't wake anyone up and he could ask the room to make fake magical dueling opponents for him. For four years the boy had been doing this, and nothing had happened yet. After three solitary hours of practice, Kyle decided he'd be off to bed. Yawning, he thanked the room as if it were sentient, which it possibly could have been. He stepped out of the room, watching the wall close up as if nothing had been there.

His attire was unusual, as he had grabbed the clothes nearest him when he couldn't fall asleep to go duel in. He wore old trainers, some worn jeans, and a muggle band t-shirt that had tears in the side from an accident in the forest that sent him to the medical wing a week before. Because magic had done the damage, he could never quite get the fabric to stay repaired and he eventually had given up. Stepping out into the corridor to hear voices made Kyle think that perhaps perfects and professors were roaming about -- but he recognized Nicola's. What? Who was she with so late into the night... strangely, it concerned Kyle.

Walking around the corner to see Nic with Gavin Snark infuriated Kyle. The grip around his wand tightened as he restrained himself from hexing the boy for being even near Nicola. At times, even Kyle realized he was way to protective of the girl. Part of it was the crush he had on her, and the other part was the big brother territorial mentality he had that really wasn't necessary. Nicola could hold her own if anyone messed with her in the wrong way.

"What are ye two doing out this late?" He asked, breaking their conversation. He sure had a double standard about breaking curfew. "And Nic -- with the Snark boy? Really?" He asked incredulously, knowing full well that he did not have good intentions for her. "I suggest ye get away ten yards from her Gav, lest you want your hand blown off. I know your game."

“No an apology is not going to accepted right now,” she grumbled more because she was frustrated and stubborn. She was just angry he had dragged her here not because of where they were and the only issue with the dragging was because it hurt. At least the pain in her arm was dissipating which she would not admit willingly because she was not ready to forgive Gavin at the moment.

“I am not breathless because of you, other than the fact you caused me to run here.” She was not amused at his pitiful attempt to flirt or do what ever he was doing. She rolled her eyes as she walked towards him a bit. “I have no clue about the room, I know my friend uses though so if you really want to know I could ask.” Of course Kyle would tell her how to use the room if she asked, or at least she assumed.

No sooner had the thought of Kyle been in her mind she heard him. “I could ask you the same thing Kyle?” She raised an eyebrow at him and crossed her arms. She looked over at Gavin. “Don’t mind him.” As Kyle questioned her company she looked back at Kyle. “Back of Kyle, I can spend time with who I want to spend time with.”

Gavin looked at the intruder for a moment. He wasn't sure who he was. The little boy looked rather odd to Gavin and after trying to figure out who he was; Gavin saw that it was Kyle Gibson. He hated that boy with a passion. Ever since he met Kyle they never got along. Even if Kyle was a year older than Gavin it didn’t matter. He twitched, not out of nervousness but out of anger. Finally there was a chance to show Kyle who he really was dealing with without professors in the way.

"I suggest ye get away ten yards from her Gav, lest you want your hand blown off. I know your game."

Yup, Gavin thought to him. That annoying voice must be Gibson. Immediately Gavin's hand went for his wand in his pocket. As he gripped the wand he gave a cruel laugh. Was Gibson really trying to have a go with Gavin? He could only be so stupid.

 "Ha, are you trying to play games with me Kyle? Can't you see that we are in a presence of a lady?" Gavin pointed at Nicola, his anger fuming but he tried to keep it cool. Game? What game? Gavin never played games with a lady -- he only had some fun. Nicola was different though, she was a friend. Maybe even a close friend if she forgave him for tonight. She was something different and if this little boy had a crush on her than he would have to take it up with Gavin himself. He wasn't worthy for Nicola. 

“Back of Kyle, I can spend time with who I want to spend time with.”

"HA! Are you jealous Gibson?" It was probably true. Gavin was a bit jealous as well. Why would Kyle be so concerned for Nicola? She wasn't his type.

“Back off Kyle, I can spend time with who I want to spend time with.”

"You know me Nic. Insomnia's a bitch." Kyle commented gruffly at Nic's first comment about his being up late as well. "Yeah, as I am often reminded. But of all people... him? God, he's worse than Michael at times, really." He added unhappily. Michael had backed off a little now that Kyle was soon to graduate, it was more Gavin Snark, who Kyle really didn't like. It wasn't good that he was part of the dealings with Jack Spade. Gavin should have dropped out, betrayed their kind just as Kyle did before he got in too deep. Not that Kyle knew how deep he was, he could be a goon for all he knew, he just knew he was a part of it.

"Ha, are you trying to play games with me Kyle? Can't you see that we are in a presence of a lady?"

Kyle chuckled a confident chuckle. Most times he tried not to flaunt his dueling ability, but this time he would just have to. "Don't joke. Dueling is my life, the entire school knows that and it was very, very clear of that before I was kicked from the club. You pathetic worm. I could crush you, but of course you're probably scared of all the magics I use. Run to the medical wing right?" Kyle asked, provoking him. "Get used to healing and dittany if you ever plan on taking me on." He said, his knuckles whitening as he gripped his wand even harder.

"HA! Are you jealous Gibson?"

"Jealous?" Kyle asked incredulously, his cheeks turning a little pink -- though not able to be seen in the darkness of the corridor. "She's my best friend you bloody idiot, I'd think even a troll would know that."

Nicola knew this was not going to end pretty, Gavin didn’t like Kyle and Kyle definitely did not like Gavin. Kyle had his wand out and so did Gavin. “Merlin’s beard guys come on.” She groaned as her hands racked through her hair frustrated. Why did guys have to be so well guyish? Nicola looked between the two of them. “Kyle just leave us alone right now okay.” Kyle was her best friend but she was hanging out with Gavin right and would be going back to the common room with him since they were in the same house.

“The both of you this is really not necessary!” Nicola wasn’t even thinking of the fact that this was a fight over her because she really didn’t think it was. Nicola was just frustrated and angry that Kyle was acting like this. “Gavin is my friend Kyle. I cannot help it that you have so many enemies Kyle. Bloody hell if I took that into account when I socialized I would have no friends. Kyle you know I don’t make friends with girls well so where would I be left?” Kyle was just being so well Kyle.

Why did this have to happen now? Gavin and her should just leave right? Maybe she should just leave but then she knew something bad would happen because she left them alone.

"Don't joke. Dueling is my life, the entire school knows that and it was very, very clear of that before I was kicked from the club. You pathetic worm. I could crush you, but of course you're probably scared of all the magics I use. Run to the medical wing right?"

Magic? Was this guy really serious? How smart was he to call a duel on a Slytherin? Gryffindors were always trying to be the hero but most of the time it failed -- and this was one of those times. Didn't he understand that most of the books he read dealt with dark magic? Didn't he know that Gavin used dark magic as well -- that he didn't care what would happen if he got in trouble with the school. Analiza was a different story, they had only three rules in the household and one of them was to not get the family in trouble. She would probably go in frenzy if she found out Gavin was expelled from Hogwarts.

"Listen Gibson. Before you go bragging about yourself, which was every entertaining I might add, you better know who you're dealing with. Don't spat out threats if you can't back them up." With his wand pointed straight at Kyle he glanced at Nicola for a moment. Maybe it was time to stretch his luck and give Nicola a kiss. That would give Kyle a reason to throw the first spell. He chuckled to himself at the thought of having to explain to the headmaster that it was only self-defense, Kyle hit Gavin first and that it was Kyle's fault he was laying in the hospital wing with cuts all over his body, unconscious.

“Gavin is my friend Kyle. I cannot help it that you have so many enemies Kyle. Bloody hell if I took that into account when I socialized I would have no friends. Kyle you know I don’t make friends with girls well so where would I be left?”

"Nicola don't worry about him. You and I can have our adventure in a little bit after I take out the trash." He gave her a wink and looked at Kyle again and flashed a smile. This was all too good. If Gibson was a smart kid, he wouldn't duel Gavin right in the halls. Maybe if... The Room of Requirement would be a good idea.
 

"Listen Gibson. Before you go bragging about yourself, which was every entertaining I might add, you better know who you're dealing with. Don't spat out threats if you can't back them up."

All Kyle knew was that this guy needed a huge attitude adjustment, he had the exact attitude a cocky Slytherin whose mother is the head of a Ministry department would have. "You're just a spoiled prat who's gotten everything he wants, which is to say doesn't understand what failure or losing feels like. You've never been in a real fight, one where everything matters." Kyle said angrily, making a reference to his sister's death which the two undoubtedly know about. "I have scars to show you if you'd like." He added with a hiss.

“Gavin is my friend Kyle. I cannot help it that you have so many enemies Kyle. Bloody hell if I took that into account when I socialized I would have no friends. Kyle you know I don’t make friends with girls well so where would I be left?”

Kyle nodded quietly, knowing full well that Nicola was right. It still bothered him though. Gavin was the last guy in the school, next to maybe Devlin or one or two others that he wanted to see Nic with. They were no good. Kyle may have been a little biased, and his opinions wild but he stood by them more so than most others.  He didn't have a good retort for that, and Kyle realized that she probably got just as much flak for hanging around him. So Kyle made a decision, because if he backed down now he'd look like a coward and merely reinforce Gavin's original thoughts. He thought I need a place to duel quietly as he knew he was standing outside one of the entrances to the room, and a door appeared next to the three. "In here. Nobody'll hear us. Now." He commanded, changing the tight grip of his wand to a dueling one, and heading to one side of the room. "First one to call mercy." He said loudly from across the room, which was fitted with high ceilings, plenty of space to duel, and great columns as if to hold the ceiling up on either of the far sides. "I'm sorry Nic." He said apologetically, and then assumed his dueling stance -- a more hung back one, his eyes trained on his target.

Nicola was getting rather furious at the boys, as they were just being stupid. The need to show their ‘manliness’ by dueling or talking trash talk, Nicola thought it was absolutely ridiculous. “You guys this is absolutely ridiculous, you don’t need to do this.” Nicola was furious that this was appearing to go past just trash talking. “Why don’t we just go on our adventure now Gavin?” She asked as she moved a little closer to him and took his free hand. “Come on,” she said as she started to move to pull his hand before looking back over at Kyle she was furious with him for reacting the way he was.

“Kyle you don’t need to duel.” She stood there looking at Kyle as Gavin was not moving. She completely forgot that her fingers were linked with his as she was looking at Kyle. She was angry with him and that had not happened in a while. “Sorry Kyle? Your Sorry?” She yelled at him racking her fingers of her free hand through her hair in anger. “If you were sorry you would not be doing this and letting things be.” She spat out, her raspy cold voice sound that was normal was becoming grittier with anger.

Gavin was pissed; muscles twitching, hands trembling, migraine forming. Yup, he was pissed. At first Gavin had no response to Kyle’s words, he was trying to bring up the past now was he? There was no competition, what was Gibson trying to prove? He got scratched by a cat -- big deal. It took seconds for Gavin to digest what was really happening, he came back to the present.

"DO YOU EVEN KNOW MY HISTORY GIBSON?" Gavin yelled. Of course he didn't, Gavin never bragged about who he really was. It showed a sign of weakness. The argument was getting out of hand. He wanted to just run over to Kyle and strangle him. How dare he say Gavin didn't know how it felt. "DO YOU KNOW HOW IT FEELS TO SEE YOUR MOTHER DIE INFRONT OF YOUR EYES WHEN YOU CAN'T DO ANYTHING? Of maybe losing a father a year after will do it!" Slowly but surely Gavin was able to calm a bit. For some odd reason, he felt his wand trying to ease the anger. Ohhh great, Analiza's theory on wands was getting to him. He muscles twitched to move further, trying to force Gavin to run after Kyle.

A soft, smaller hand interlocked with Gavin's. It felt so warm compared to the way Gavin was feeling -- numb. He looked to see who it was, Nicola. For some reason she had that effect on Gavin, he would have to thank her later. Here was the chance to really push Gibson off the edge.

“Sorry Kyle? Your Sorry?”

Closing his hand on hers, Gavin spun Nicola around so her face was right next to Gavin's. He closed his eyes and went to kiss her lips. After a moment he broke off. He cheeks turned a bit red.

There it was, the Room of Requirement -- waiting for them to duel in. But his excitement for the room vanished; he didn’t care about the room anymore. All he wanted was to beat the snot out of Kyle. Gavin smirked, this was going to be fun he thought. He wanted to see how Kyle would react to the kiss first before anything would start.

"DO YOU KNOW HOW IT FEELS TO SEE YOUR MOTHER DIE INFRONT OF YOUR EYES WHEN YOU CAN'T DO ANYTHING? Of maybe losing a father a year after will do it!"

Kyle did not know this, and acknowledged that the boy had been the very same pain he had been feeling for so many years. But this did not give him such an excuse as to be a total asshat to anyone walking by. "My heart is broken for you, really." He said sincerely, "But I too lost a loved one. MY OWN BROTHER KILLED MY SISTER, IN FRONT OF MY EYES, AND I TOO WAS HELPLESS." He roared, pulled off his shirt to reveal a large dark scar across the left side of his chest, coupled with various lesser ones from the same battle, but had healed considerably better. "I am reminded of it EVERY DAY!" He said, pointing to the long and dark scar.

Then before Kyle knew it, Gavin was kissing Nicola. What?! Are you serious? Is this a joke? Apparently it was not. Kyle stood silent during the short embrace, and even after he had made no noise. "Very..." He began, gritting his teeth "nice of you, Gavin..." Kyle just hoped Nicola noticed at least that bit of restraint in him. He could have easily taken a cheap shot and blasted Gavin's face off -- well not really, but some damage would have been done. "Are you done? Fit to duel now, Gavin? We'll see". He said quickly as he pointed his wand to himself and cast a concealment charm on himself, and darted to the left. You can't attack what you can't see, can you?

"Where am I?" He asked mockingly outloud to Gavin.

A gasp left Nicola as Gavin spoke of what he had been through, she felt emotion in her eyes that she tried to push back. She knew it mustn’t be easy to deal with but right now was not the time to ask questions or see if he was alright. Nicola was also not very good at that sort of thing anyway. Right now the task at hand was to stop them from this stupid duel over nothing but Kyle irrational reaction to her company.

Nicola was confused as she was spun closer to him, her body facing his. She felt like she knew what was coming and her lower lip began to tremble unable to control it. He leaned in getting closer and to Nicola it felt like time had slowed. His lips soon found contact with hers. His lips felt warm, the kiss felt strange though. Nicola was shell shocked she didn’t know what to do, even as he parted from her she didn’t know what to do. Her first kiss was only to get her best friend jealous and more enraged and she knew that. Her cheeks turned slightly pink as she looked at Gavin completely stunned. Her eyes turned away from him as she turned to face Kyle.

“Can we not just end this? Both of you have your stories to tell and both have anger can this not just end and let us part ways?” Nicola was extremely glad she had brought her wand just in case something terrible happened. When she watched as Kyle put a concealment charm on herself she laughed. “Kyle are you afraid to face him fairly?” Nicola was not impressed with Kyle’s actions.

Interesting, clearly Kyle had some emotional damage from his past as well. This was all very sad but there was no time for a sympathy chat that led to singing songs around the campfire. Gavin had to remember why they were arguing at the first place -- because Kyle thought he was so much better than anyone else. Why couldn't Gavin have his way, have the lady and the adventure? He didn't want any side routes. Repressing his anger once more, because losing control would only make the situation worse, he let go of Nicola's hand and ran after Kyle.

"Where am I?"

As the concealment charm took into effect Gavin rolled his eyes. "So you want to play dirty do you Gibson, a coward's move. I'm a little disappointed though, I clearly was wrong. I gave you too much credit before. Now you're just an idiot." Gripping his wand tighter, he ran into the Room. This was defiantly not the way Gavin wanted to end the night. The kiss wasn't bad though, he wasn't planning on that but seeing the look on Gibson's face was priceless. Scanning the room, Gavin couldn't see anyone. Damn it for invisibility. It was such a bothersome. He had no idea why he even started this little duel with Kyle. Kyle wasn't worthy to duel him.

Sending stuns everywhere, Gavin gave up. It was hopeless to see something that was invisible. If Kyle wanted to play tricks... Than Gavin would play tricks as well. He took Nicola's hand once more and squeezed it and whispered in her ear. Kyle wouldn't dare curse Gavin while he was by Nicola. "I'm sorry I got you into this mess." He breathed in her ear. He was truly sorry. If there was one thing Gavin hated most, it would have to be disrespecting a lady. He smirked at her and looked back at the empty space in the room.

"Well Gibson, if you’re not going to face me like a man you claim to be, I'll just take my girlfriend and be off to the other activities we were planning on attending this evening." And with that said he took Nicola’s face in between his hands and kissed her once more. It wasn’t a long kiss though because he knew messing with “Kyle’s Lady” would bring him even more enraged. He also knew that Kyle would never curse Gavin while Nicola was so close once again.

"Well Gibson, if you’re not going to face me like a man you claim to be, I'll just take my girlfriend and be off to the other activities we were planning on attending this evening."

Kyle was smart enough to not fall to this provocation, so he let the words -- and the kiss slip. It wasn't improving his aggressive mood though. Magically enhancing his voice so it would echo around the room so as to not reveal his location, Kyle's voice rang out.  "You're a fool, Gavin. A fool." He said calmly, positioning himself behind a pillar, taking off the concealment charm. After the kiss had ended, he was unsure of what to do. His aim was precise but he didn't want to hit Nicola by any chance. Gavin was the sort of bloke who needed a target. Pointing his wand at the ground beside him, Kyle sent an impressive burst of air that sent him flying into the center of the room, completely visible.

"You don't like my style of deception, fine. But enough with the antics, let's duel for real. Your effortless stuns will get you nowhere while I'm hidden." He stated equally as calm as before, opening his arms as if to receive an embrace, leaving himself open. "And for Dumbledore's sake Nicola... oh nevermind." Kyle started to complain, but decided it was best not to piss the girl off more than she already was. The great thing about Nicola was that when she had an opinion, a thought, a notion, she stuck by it with conviction.

"I'll even make things easier." He said, reaching up his sleeve to get his second wand, that which used to be Bailey's and took it out, tossing it to Nicola. "So if you disarm me, I'm screwed." And with that, he resumed a duelist's stance, ready for the likely use of dark magic or worse. Kyle hadn't dueled Gavin before, and he could potentially be packing worse curses than even Kyle who prided himself on his duelist's library of spells.