This was a strange day for Vulpes. Not only had he opted to study for Herbology earlier, for once he actually chose to sit in the common room instead of outside when he was finished. But then again, the common room was usually filled with people. And today, oddly enough, it was practically empty. Only a few second years in the far corner occupied the room with him.

So, Vulpes stretched out upside-down on an armchair, listeing to his music while he reviewed his potions notes. He really was worried about the upcoming O.W.L. for it. He had never seemed to do that well in the class as it was, but that was probably because he didn't pay close attention to the ingredients... or the amount needed. In fact, if he didn't just pour random things into the cauldron, he probably would be competing for the top of his class.

He looked up from his notes for a split second, thinking he saw someone walk by. He was right. Strelnikov... that wasn't a girl Vulpes needed to engage in conversation. Or was it? What was that she was holding. It looked like...

Suddenly Vulpes rolled off the chair, gracefully landing on his feet. "Strelnikov," he called out, stepping closer to her. He couldn't believe he was doing this... "Are you holding sheet music? Like, for a piano?" He tilted his head trying ti see what was in her arms better. He could have sworn he saw a glimpse of the Grand Staff.

Demitria hummed to herself as she gathered her papers together. It was getting close to OWLS and the fifth years were all starting to realize it, even the girls with better things to do like Mimi, Kitty, and Neely. Although for the past few weeks, Strellie's outfit for her brother's wedding on the 16th took precedent in the fashionista world, slowly conversation turned to notes and study dates ((and the quidditch game on the 15th)).
 
As she was shuffling through her papers, Mimi saw a few bars of music peek through. She hadnt managed to get to her room in a week or so. It was high time for practicing and maybe an impromptu meeting with Leon. She smiled slightly. Who would've thought, a mischievous Slytherin Princess and the Head Boy? She continued to smile as went to her meticulous files and drew out a few more songs. It worked for her.

So, she slipped through the nearly empty common room quietly.

Strelnikov?

Her spine strained and all the masks came down. No one called her Strelnikov unless they didn't know her or didn't want to know her. Well, or Kitty,.but the voice was definitely male.

Are you holding sheet music? Like for a piano?

Her perfectly pouted lips smirked. "Conner," she acknowledged. "I may, but I fail to see why it matters. The only piano in Hogwarts is for the Hogwarts players."

She turned on her sparkly black flats and wholy intended to just leave the conversation before she spilled the secret of her, and now Leon's, music room.

"I may, but I fail to see why it matters. The only piano in Hogwarts is for the Hogwarts players."

Vulpes's eyes widened. She knew where there was a piano? He had to know. It was even worth being nice to her just ti find out. "W-wait a second," he said and added "please." Vulpes took another tentative step towards her. "See... I've, uh, been trying to find one that I could practice on. It's kind of hard to remember music you've learned when you go six months without playing it."

He flashed a smile. This didn't seem to be working. Not that he really expected it to... neither of them particularly liked the other. Vulpes doubted she would tell him, but he figured he may as well take the chance.

"So would you mind, uhm," Vulpes blushed slightly, and dropped his eyes to the floor. "Would you mind showing me where it is? One musician to another?"

Honestly, Demitria didn't want to be a bitch. She felt bad for the other Slytherin, as she hadn't had the piano for her first three/four years in the castle and she knew what he was talking about. Even with a natural talent, neglecting the instrument for any period of time left the player lacking. And Mimi Strelnikov hated being lacking in anything.

"Would you mind showing me where it is? One musician to another?"

The blonde opened her mouth slightly getting ready to tell the poor unfortunate soul when an emotion hit her. Jealousy. Pure unbridled, possiveness. The ivory and ebony grand piano in the stone hall was hers. No one else's on the entire world. Even with Leon, the room wasn't exactly the same. There was always the chance that the piano that appeared to Vulpes would be different, but of the piano that appeared was hers.... No, it was like being naked in front of a complete stranger. Wrong... Almost perverse.

She shook her head softly. Then she said, "I'm sorry, but no." She tried to cover the fear up, but was pretty sure it wasn't sucessful. Turning on her heel, she sped out of the common room. She felt horrible, but showing Vulpes her haven woukdve felt worse.

She reached the wall where the door to her heart would appear and entered wordlessly. This was her home. She had built it from scratch in her mind. No one else could have it.

((I'm assuming that Vulpes would follow her and enter the room anyway.))