Tired. She supposed that had been the perfect word to give a general air of how she felt. No. Perhaps lethargic had been a better word. The past week had been filled with nightmares. Images of pain, of anguish flooded her mind and caused her to wake in what she thought was fits of screams. Except… well… except for the fact that she had too much panic. So much that it clung to her throat and only produced silent screams and gasps. 

Today, she had tried to force herself out into the fresh air. The gardens had always been her favorite place and she only hoped that it would provide some sort of restorative nature. Her eyes drooped (ever-so-slightly), though they were intricately hidden behind layers of looping tresses, which were pulled into her usual design. Her supple wand rested in the front pocket of her dark grey robe where her Hufflepuff ties vibrantly stood out against the smooth fabric. Her white button-up shirt barely clung to her pallid flesh, confined by the matching grey vest. Buttons, as well as some floral design which laced up the sides of the vest, were the Hufflepuff yellow. Though, with how she anxiously pulled her cloak tightly, no one could see the designs she had spent such time working on. Her skirt was black – a stark difference, but one that easily tied into the ties that she always wore – and it just barely swept across the ground whenever she moved. She was clad in black, lace up boots which stopped just below her knee (not that anyone could see them) and they had a very small heel, barely an inch, to serve in keeping balance upon the slick winter earth.

One hand lingered near her pendant as the other grasped tightly to keep her cloak securely wrapped around her bodice. Her mind didn’t recognize the date, never having had much interest in the holiday she had allowed it to slip from any anxious thoughts that might have arisen.  Still, her body had moved toward where the rose bush sections of the gardens were, and she had allowed her eyes to rest upon the piles of snow which had been swept in from the previous night’s snow-storm.  Her breath lingered on the air, tendrils of smoke encased her face and mingled with her hair as she absent-mindedly gazed over the plants.

At least it was a beautiful night, and only the moon dared to illuminate the garden. An hour… one hour of rest in the garden, and perhaps she’d be able to sleep…

Ariadne was restless. With her classmates and friends missing, the past couple of days had felt very strange. Everyone had been looking forward to Valentines weekend, either to enjoy or to heckle. The castle had a strange feeling about it and Ariadne had been given extra prefect duties to make sure everyone was safe. She felt somewhat pressured as a result, so it was good to slip out on her route and breath the damp February air. The rain had stopped at least, but the ground was freezing over again. She hoped wherever everyone had gone they were not out in the cold.

The moon broke through the clouds a moment, bathing the plants around her in just enough light to see a little clearer. Ariadne caught sight of pale blonde hair amongst the leaves. Her heart sank a little - the route indoors had led her past more than one suspiciously shaking broom cupboard door which she’d been forced to turn out. There’d also been an incident with Peeves chasing some of them down the corridor singing rude rhymes about teenage hormones. Out here, Ariadne had somehow thought that the hormonal and peer pressures might not be so bad, what with the chill, but clearly not.

She drew closer, and realised it was Resalyn, a fellow seventh year from Hufflepuff, and to her relief she was alone.

“Res!” Ariadne greeted, sounding more delighted to see her classmate than she might ordinarily for a chance meeting. Ariadne was always somewhat enthusiastic to see anyone (well barring a few choice people who’d crossed her) and particularly friendly. “Merlin, I was on patrol and thought I’d be sending more snogging fourth years to bed.” She stowed away her wand which was very visible in her hand as she spoke.

“Come out to escape the madness?” Ariadne asked.