Dangerous Encounters {Nate, open}

[Ebony Braedan]

It was early on a sunday morning, the sun was shining brightly across The Courtyard, that Ebony currently sat in. Seatedo n a cool stone bench on the edge, staring at the large square space that was occupied by a couple of people passing through. Ebony stared off into the distance, because she was thinking about everything. Jeremy. Mostly Jeremy. Then the Welcome Back ball, and her dress that she was absolutely in love with. It was ages until the ball, and now that Ebony had a date she just wanted the days to fly by. Luckily, the workload wasn't as bad as she thought it would be considering it was the start of a new year.

Ebony was still considering what had happened in the Main Hall the first time she had met Jeremy. Why didn't she know him? They must have met at someone's party at some point, but there was nothing and it was irritating her to no end. It wasn't good. She was becoming obsessed by it and she knew that wasn't healthy, Ebony did want to look good for the ball, otherwise what was the point? Rolling her eyes, she knew she was thinking too much about Jeremy she tried to think of something else.

Then came the subject of Nathaniel Fox, he was Jeremy's friend. How did that happen? Considering she had known him and he had practically stalked her through his years, since when had she not known that. Ebony thought it was because she wanted to avoid Nate as much as possible, so it did make sense that she hadn't even heard of Jeremy. Flicking a lock of dark hair behind her shoulder, Ebony sighed, losing her stare as she looked around The Courtyard.

It wasn't exactly the place most seventh years spent their time, and it just meant that she was in a strange mood for choosing to be a complete loner. Ebony was completely changing her whole outlook and she didn't want to, she had shared information with Jeremy that she never ever spoke about. Strange.

[Nathaniel Fox]

The school's rumour mill had been buzzing insanely right from the start of the school year, specifically since the welcome back dinner three nights ago- or so Nate had been told by one of his lackeys, since he didn't bother with keeping up with gossip directly himself. Why bother, when he had people willing to do it for him? The fifth year wasn't concerned about whether he was being lied to; he had assigned two third years and a fourth year to be his eyes and ears about school, and all three knew the consequences if they ever tried to cross him, because he would undoubtedly find out. Nathaniel Fox was a powerful force at Braedan, despite being two years shy of his final year, and there were plenty of students at the school eager to be gain popularity just by way of being a part of his social circle. The petite third year who had brought him the news this morning had been practically bubbling with nervous excitement, and despite how not happy he had been with the update Nate had still sent the girl off with a few charming words and his trademark smile. It was how he worked; the more they adored him, the easier it was to keep them under his control.

Once he'd been left alone again, Nate allowed the full force of his displeasure to show, his features creasing into a brooding frown that in no way marred his looks. Not that his physical appearance mattered very much at the moment; the fifteen year old was more preoccupied by what he'd just been told: Jeremy and Ebony. As in, Jeremy and Ebony, together. Nate hadn't seen his best friend for much more than a couple of minutes ever since their return to school, but it hadn't really bothered him. Jeremy was starting seventh year after all and was probably busy sorting things out just like he was; they would hang out when they did, and it wouldn't make a difference, it was just that solid a friendship. He hadn't expected Jeremy to be busy with a girl, and the headmistress' daughter at that. He hadn't even thought Jeremy knew who Ebony Braedan was. And now here he was, hearing about how the two seventh years had been seen coming out from the woods together, talking by the great stairs together, and hanging out in the Moors together. Clearly, this was a matter that he needed to get to the bottom of, and immediately.

His decision made, Nate scribbled a quick line on a piece of parchment and folded it in half, sending the order for either Ebony or Jeremy's location to be found zooming down to the common room with a flick of his wand. One of the waiting first years downstairs would bring the answer he wanted soon, it was a smooth system that ran like clockwork and seldom failed him. Still mulling over the situation, he paced the length of his room impatiently as he waited, and at the sound of the timid knock had the room door open with another wandflick. "She's down in the courtyard, we don't know where he is," the first year stammered out. Satisfied, Nate nodded and strode out of his room with the eleven year old scuttling along behind him all the way to the common room. Weaving towards the exit, acknowledging the greetings called out to him with brief grins, his eyes glinted dangerously as he steadily made his way outside, heading for the open air courtyard. He'd already expected them to find Ebony first when he'd sent out the demand; Jeremy never seemed to be available in the morning during the weekends, it was as if the boy was nocturnal. Brushing off his best mate's odd habits, Nate fixed his stare on the person he'd come to find, pausing only for a moment before moving to where she sat, making no attempt to be quiet about it.

"Fancy seeing you here," he greeted calmly as he joined her. Arching an eyebrow, he offered her a small smirk, knowing that after the countless times he'd used that particular phrase on her she would be heartily sick of it. Without waiting for the invitation he knew wouldn't come, Nate sat down on the bench, drawing one leg up as well and bracing his arms on his knee. "So, Ebony. How've you been?" His tone was even, non-commital, but Nate knew she would sense the meaning behind his question. If she had been hanging out with Jeremy, she would know he and Jeremy were mates. He'd just given her an opening to ask him about it, and somehow he didn't think she'd pass up on that opportunity.

[Ebony Braedan]

It was beginning to get quiet again, Ebony moved one leg behind the other, crossing her ankles. She had heard the calls from a few of the younger years and they did nothing to make her smile, in fact they made her want to up and walk to her common room. "Fancy seeing you here," She froze, she immediately recognised that voice and it certainly wouldn't make her call out a greeting. Ebony had heard that phrase too many times for it to mean anything but trouble.

Ebony wondered whether some of the students were brainwashed, Nate wasn't exactly on her thought the way he probably was in some other seventh years. She had no idea why she had never seen the two together - Jeremy and Nate but considering how Jeremy was, Ebony couldn't blame him, Nate was worth keeping a secret. Glaring at him, she slid as far as she could to the end of the bench, "What do you want, Nate?". Ebony rolled her eyes, folding her arms as he opened his mouth again.

"So, Ebony. How've you been?"

She frowned, her head turned to face him, "What's it got to do with you?" Ebony had tensed up, the burning question coming up her throat. Nate would love her to ask him what she was thinking. "I didn't know you were friends with Jeremy" She muttered bitterly, it sucked. Alot. It just had to be the type of thing that would happen, her new friend linked to Nate. Ebony had no idea how Jeremy could stand the boy. She knew of his gossiping ways, it was quite ingenius and made use of the younger years of a way Ebony had never thought of.

It meant Nate had eyes and ears just about anywhere, and had come in handy when she wanted to know something, except that also meant he probably knew about Jeremy and Ebony's wherabouts yesterday. "And if you must know I'm fine" There was no way she was going to ask how he was, really Ebony didn't even care.

"I don't think that's the question you wanted to ask me was it?" Ebony whispered, a few third years running passed, giggling away together. She scowled, slowly releasing her arms and placing them either side of her. Ebony turned her body, to look at him more clearly. Her blue eyes ran over him, until she moved her head to the stone bench, staring down, Ebony shook her head. "I can't believe you sometimes" She rolled her eyes, he was an absolute menace.

Ebony had known Nate since her third year and all that time, well, she wasn't sure of the date since Jeremy had been friends with him but in the four years she had known Nate not once had Jeremy been mentioned. "You've got some explaining to do" She stated, giving him a sharp look. An explanation wouldn't take long, it wasn't as if she was meeting anybody that morning... or in the afternoon now that she thought about it. If Ebony was, it wasn't as important as this and could just be cancelled. She was looking forward to his explanation, Ebony was curious to how they had met and considering how different they both were, what on Earth they had in common.

[Nathaniel Fox]

Oh she was peeved, more than peeved really. Ebony was clearly infuriated with him, and this time Nate highly doubted it was just because of one simple, overused greeting. After nearly three years of dealing with her unmasked irritation however, he had grown used to her snapping at him, and the waspish remarks she fairly snarled at him merely sailed past him without effect. He wasn't at all interested in her state of health either, the question had been posed as a subtle taunt just so she wouldn't be able to ignore him or stalk off in a huff. Nate was determined to get the answers he wanted, and what he wanted he always got. This time didn't prove any differently; Jeremy was brought up in almost the same breath as her curt comebacks, causing his smirk to widen in satisfaction. She was glaring at him, scowling at him, rolling her eyes at him, demanding an explanation from him, and through it all Nate sat on the bench watching her seethe. This was why he so loved being who he was, the feeling of being in control of any given situation, whoever he was with. All it took was brains and galleons, and he had plenty of both. Of course, so did plenty of his peers, but then again, they just weren't him. Obviously.

"Why the bad mood, Ebony?" he asked with feigned innocence, long fingers drawing out his wand and twirling it in a put-on display of casual airiness. "Surely there's nothing wrong with my being friends with Jeremy. You're clearly not having any problems with being his friend." His fingers paused, and he switched his grip on his wand, holding it the way he normally did as he tapped his jaw lightly with the tip. "Or is it because you're his friend now that there's something wrong? I don't quite see what it is," he added, still keeping his voice light and bland. He was deliberately not giving her the explanation she was waiting for, drawing it out to see how she would react. Most people found his friendship with Jeremy incomprehensible. Ebony clearly did. Most people wondered how the two of them even clicked. Ebony clearly did. Most people gave up the questioning when it was obvious he wasn't going to give them the answer right off the bat. Nate doubted Ebony would, but he wanted to see how far he could test her limits. It was a dangerous game to play, especially with the headmistress' daughter, but he'd been doing it right from the beginning. It set him apart, and he was never foolish enough to push her too far too fast. Besides, now he had the added advantage of having information she wanted, information she could only get from either Jeremy or himself- and he was the one sitting in front of her right now.

Resuming his wand twirling, Nate smiled lazily into her eyes. "We've been mates since my third year," he offered, his voice lowering as though he was imparting a great secret. Leaning forward in a confiding manner, he continued, "You two were in fifth." There was a subtle emphasis on 'you two', a reminder that despite their being in the same year she hadn't even been aware of Jeremy until three nights ago. Nate knew his audience, knew how to play up to them in a way that suited him best, and he used the talent with sheer ruthlessness. Sitting back, he shrugged his shoulders at the seventh year, signalling that he wasn't about to say anything further. Something for something, give and take, that was the way he would play this. If she wanted details, she would have to tell him why she cared so much first- and he wasn't about to ask.

[Ebony Braedan]

Ebony pursed her lips, wondering where she had pocketed her wand seeing as Nate has his out. "Bad mood? Oh. You've not seen nothing yet" Her eyes flickered towards him, they were filled with so much anger and for some odd reason but a reason all the same, it was directed right at Nathaniel fox. "Surely there's nothing wrong with my being friends with Jeremy. You're clearly not having any problems with being his friend." Ebony gave a short laugh in response, "Is that jealousy I hear?" She smirked, at him.

"Or is it because you're his friend now that there's something wrong? I don't quite see what it is," Ebony rolled her eyes, Nate was asking for trouble with the way he was going. He knew exactly what to say, he was a great manipulator, hence why they were such good 'friends'. He knew he had everything she wanted to know about Jeremy, and he would want something in return, it was the way he worked. "We've been mates since my third year," Ebony decided to ignore him, folding her arms and turning away from him, no matter how tempted she was.

"You two were in fifth." She shut her eyes and sighed, Ebony was impressed by the uniqueness of his mind, he was most definitely one of a kind. "What do you want?" Her eyes slide to the right, her head on the same position, her face vile. Ebony wondered if he would ever be interested in her in return for information. Her disgusted look was instantly replaced with a smile, as Ebony slid along towards him, "Nate?" She purred, "You know I always get what I want" Ebony slowly blinked, inches away from his ear.

Finally remembering where she had placed her wand, Ebony reached into the back pocket of her robes, pulling her wand out and whipping it round until it was next to Nates. "I'll get it anyway I can" She slowly moved away, holding her wand loosely in her hand, but still pointing at his. Her elbow rested against the back of the bench, Ebony had her legs resting one on top of the other. Her smile dissapated into a scowl, Nate was truly on her last nerve.

[Nathaniel Fox]

He was drawing closer and closer to the uncrossable line, and it hadn't even been ten minutes into the conversation yet. That was impressive even for him, and Nate couldn't help musing at the change. Who knew Jeremy would- could, even- leave Ebony in such a volatile state? She was going from furious to smug and back to annoyed, or at least it seemed that way to the fifth year; that in itself was intriguing, considering how emotionless Ebony had sometimes used to be around him. He didn't bother to formulate a comeback to her comment about him being jealous, merely cocking an eyebrow at her as if to say 'is that the best you can do?' instead. As she turned her back on him Nate permitted himself a brief, triumphant grin before re-assuming his usual laid back expression. Nonchalance had almost become second nature to the fifteen year old now, after so many years of practice, and Nate could pull it off with the best of them. Not many were allowed to see beyond that offhand behaviour; he kept his thoughts locked securely behind it and kept himself a step ahead of the rest. Shrugging again unhelpfully when she asked him what he wanted, it was only when her blatant revulsion morphed into the complete opposite that he showed a hint of surprise.

The reaction was only obvious for a second however, before it was replaced by sheer amusement, both at Ebony's unexpected move and her choice of words. Letting out a low chuckle, he shook his head at her and leaned away from her. "So do I, Ebony. What a predicament, huh?" He waited until she retreated, then resumed his original sitting position. It wasn't because he had been afraid of the close proximity- far from it, despite the high possibility of receiving a curse- rather it was his way of conceding a round to her. He intended on remaining 'friends' with Ebony because of her status as a descendant of the school's founder and the headmistress' daughter, and so he backed down just before the line was crossed. Instead of deliberately flirting back as he had done in the past, he simply laughed once and willingly acknowledged the truth in her declaration. It served his purposes, and besides, he was already planning on hunting Jeremy down for information. It was enough that he'd witnessed firsthand how desperately Ebony wanted to know about his best friend.

"Alright, you can chill, I'll explain," he said lightly. "Jeremy's my best mate, it's just that simple. Doesn't really matter how we met or started off being friends in the first place, I'm sure you can have a nice long conversation with him about that if you want to." His eyes met hers knowingly. "I trust him, he trusts me. We don't rat each other out." The last comment had been added as a hint that she didn't have to bother trying to use Jeremy against him, if she was even considering the idea. It wasn't going to happen. He was fully aware that he had basically just skimmed the surface with his explanation, but she would have to accept that for now and enjoy her little victory- he wasn't about to simply pour everything out just because she and Jeremy had a thing going on at the moment. No, he only said what was enough, to bait her into wanting more, and wanting it enough that she would in return answer his questions without protest and without threatening to use her wand on him. Nate smiled amiably again, his eyes noting her every reaction keenly. "Well. Are we satisfied now, Miss Braedan?"


[[ANDDD ENTER JEREMY. XDD]]

[Jeremy Halpsen]

It was an early Sunday morning. The sun was shining brightly today, which usually meant that Jeremy wouldn’t go outside. Today, however, he was well hidden in the depths of the woods, having just finished his meal. He would have to come back tonight after dinner to get something else to sustain him for the next day, but that didn’t bother him. As long as Ebony didn’t walk in on him again, everything would be fine.

Today, Jeremy was dressed in dark clothes, and he’d managed to find a robe with a hood on it. This would keep him relatively burn-free when he crossed the field, as long as he did it quickly. He stopped at the edge of the woods, glaring up at the sun for a moment. It was the only thing that he hated about being a vampire. Well, that and the cold skin. And the fact that his parents wanted nothing to do with him. Although the feeling was quite mutual. But for the most part, being a vampire wasn’t so bad. He had increased strength, increased speed and an increased sense of smell, sight and hearing. He had to tone down the fact that he was much, much stronger and faster than his schoolmates and it was a hard job trying to act like he couldn’t hear all the pathetic conversation and he had to try hard not to scrunch up his nose when he would walk past a particularly smelly person. But all of these were much easier to do than hide the fact that his skin was literally burning under the sun.

Sighing, Jeremy took a step out of the woods, and started his quick journey back towards the castle. Well, it would have been a quick journey, but somewhere between the Malfoy Fountain and The Courtyard, Jeremy stopped. He’d just caught smell of two very familiar scents, and he could hear two very familiar voices bickering. Glancing towards the castle longingly, Jeremy changed his path, now heading towards the Courtyard. He hated the Courtyard. Apart from the field, it was the sunniest place at the school. Jeremy just wanted to be back in the castle where he could hide from the sun in peace. He entered the Courtyard, and sure enough, there was Nate and Ebony, bickering. Frowning, Jeremy walked over to them, and must have caught the end of the conversation.

“Well. Are we satisfied now, Miss Braedan?” Nate asked.

Jeremy stopped in front of them, right eyebrow arched. “Yeah, Miss Braedan. Are we satisfied now?” he asked, confusion evident all over his face. He pulled his hood up further. Hopefully Ebony wouldn’t ask any questions, and Nate already knew about Jeremy’s ‘skin condition’.

[Ebony Braedan]

Ebony wasn't happy, the only information Nate had provided for her was that they were 'best mates' and that they wouldn't 'rat each other out', that surprised her. They both trusted each other, Ebony didn't have that with anyone, except probably Jeremy. For some shocking reason, her wand was balanced with an index finger either end as she weighed the possibility that Nate would reveal more. Taking a glance at his face from her position on the bench, she decided negative, not unless she had something for him. "I suppose" Ebony sighed. "It'll do for now"

Her head dropped to the floor until she realised that someone had repeated Nates question, her head sharply lifted to the sound, eyes wide. Jeremy was standing in front of them and the look on his face said it all, luckily he had no idea what they had been talking about, otherwise that would result in complete and utter embarassment on her part. He was dressed in some sort of cloak with the head pulled up as far as he could get it, Ebony frowned but didn't ask any questions.

Jeremy had already explained about his bad circulation and it probably had something to do with that, Ebony turned her body away from Nates "Hello Jeremy" Ebony smiled, hoping he wouldn't ask any questions. She could guarantee as soon as her back was turned, Nate would tell him everything. Especially if they trusted each other as much as Nate said.

She felt a little guilty, watching Jeremys face covered in confusion and Ebony didn't exactly want to say anything. Averting her eyes to the ground, hoping that the guilt would seep away, she stared at the pavement, Ebony wondered if she should leave. She didn't want to, she had only just started to find out a few things about Jeremy, but now he was here he had completely ruined everything.

[Nathaniel Fox]

All of Nate's concentration had been wholly directed at Ebony, on analyzing her body language and grudgingly muttered replies the way he always did, so at the sound of Jeremy's familiar voice the fifth year was uncharacteristically caught by surprise. He hadn't expected anyone to dare to interrupt the two of them- Nate Fox and Ebony Braedan? Who would dare, unless they had a death wish?- and so hadn't been paying any attention to the surrounding courtyard. His head had snapped up instantly and his arms dropped away from where they had rested on his knee as his entire five feet ten frame stiffened, an instinctive reflex that for that one clear instant showed just how startled he was by the intrusion. Then he relaxed, fingers absently twirling his rowan wand again as he lifted his left hand in greeting. The changes in his mood had been lightning-quick, going from a dangerously wary to harmlessly at ease predator in one smooth motion. With only a brief glance in Ebony's direction as she said hello, Nate offered Jeremy a genuinely welcoming grin, taking in the older boy's choice of clothing without batting an eye.

"You're up," he observed. Moving slightly towards the edge of the bench, he gestured for Jeremy to take a seat between him and Ebony. The latter didn't seem to be very comfortable with the situation now, and Nate gave his best friend a significant look as he shifted positions to keep both seventh years easily in his line of sight. Now that the object of their discussion was present, the fifteen year old regretfully gave up his initial plan to interrogate Ebony; only for the moment, since he doubted Jeremy would appreciate it if he did that in front of him. There was plenty of time to question both Ebony and Jeremy alone later. Better yet, now it only meant that he had the opportunity to watch first hand how the two of them behaved around and treated each other. His eyes narrowed thoughtfully as they landed on Ebony again- she was staring fixedly downwards, emanating edginess. It would do no good if she decided to make a run for it, he decided. This was too good a chance to pass up, and he wasn't about to let it slip through his fingers that easily.

"Anyway, Jer," he began, injecting his voice with cheerfulness. "Ebony and I were just talking. She's a bit surprised that we're friends, aren't you Ebony? So I was sort of explaining it to her." His gaze moved back and forth between Jeremy and Ebony slowly, absorbing their expressions with veiled interest. Turning back to Jeremy fully after a moment of silence, he raised a curious eyebrow, forgoing the pretence of casual apathy as he faced one of the few people he trusted. "You know mate, I'm a bit surprised you two are friends, too," he said, shooting a look at Ebony out of the corner of his eye to see how she was taking this bit of information. "Word is you two have been hanging out a lot recently. Or should I be hunting down the gossip mongerers to tell them they've been getting it wrong?" Not that he actually would do anything of the sort- well, not personally anyway. And all three of them knew it.

[Jeremy Halpsen]

Both his friends reacted differently to his appearance. Ebony, on one hand, said hello and fixed her gaze to the ground, looking rather uncomfortable. Jeremy had raised an eyebrow at her reaction, and turned his attention onto Nate. Nate had raised one hand in greeting, and offered him a welcoming grin, which Jeremy returned. Nate had then shuffled over slightly, providing Jeremy with a spot to sit down – between Ebony and Nate. Jeremy cast a somewhat nervous glance up at the sun, before taking the offered seat between Nate and Ebony.

“Anyway, Jer”, Nate began, his voice unusually cheery. Jeremy arched an eyebrow at this, turning to face the fifth year. “Ebony and I were just talking. She’s a bit surprised that we’re friends, aren’t you Ebony? So I was sort of explaining it to her.” Jeremy turned to Ebony with a smirk, and gave a short nod. “Mmm, she was quite shocked when I told her, too”, he commented. Nate’s gaze was moving from Jeremy to Ebony. Jeremy mostly kept his face clear of emotion. Ebony, however, looked genuinely uncomfortable and displeased with the direction in which the conversation was heading. “You know mate, I’m a bit surprised you two are friends, too”, Nate said.

This made Jeremy turn back to Nate. Nate was looking at Ebony out of the corner of his eye, as if trying to see what her reaction to this was going to be. “Word is you two have been hanging out a lot recently. Or should I be hunting down the gossip mongerers and to tell them they’ve been getting it wrong?” Jeremy’s eyebrows rose. Those ‘gossiping mongerers’ were probably younger students that Nate had bullied into spying on Jeremy and Ebony for him. “They haven’t been getting it wrong, Nate”, Jeremy said, shooting a quick glance at Ebony before turning back to Nate. “They may have over exaggerated the ‘hanging out a lot’ part, seeing as we’ve only hung out once or twice since we met.”

Jeremy glanced up at the sun again. He was going to have to go inside soon. It was getting hot out here, and his black robe was attracting the heat. Frowning, he turned back to Nate. “I’m a bit surprised Ebony and I are friends, too”, he admitted, glancing over his shoulder at Ebony. “I don’t seem to be the type of person she’d usually want to communicate with. Must be my charm.” Jeremy flashed a grin at Nate.

[Ebony Braedan]

As soon as Nate told 'Jer' that they had both been talking, Ebony blinked, cursing him under her breath. Nate was so not on her christmas list. She shrugged, non-committedly trying to ignore Nate and failing completely. "Word is you two have been hanging out a lot recently. Or should I be hunting down the gossip mongerers and to tell them they've been getting it wrong?"

The word was going to be from Nate's lackeys and it was hardly 'a lot'. They had just met on thursday evening and since then, they had spoken in the woods and in town. From what she thought, Ebony only counted twice. She glared at him, past Jeremy, who was sat in between the two of them. "That means that it's not what he said, which is wrong"

Ebony rolled her eyes as Jeremy said that she was shocked when Jeremy had told her, he was friends with Nate. They were ganging up on her now? Her arms folded and a thick frown on her face, she was not jumping on that conversation, even if she was surprised that she was friends with Jeremy. If you could call it that. Ebony and Jeremy hadn't explicitly said 'we're friends', and for her to hear that, at least she knew where they were.

“I don’t seem to be the type of person she’d usually want to communicate with. Must be my charm.”

Ebony smirked, he was charming, considering that was what she was used to people telling her, it was strange hearing that come from him. She stuck her elbow into his side, rolling her eyes, charmer. Psh.

[Nathaniel Fox]

A lot, a little, once or twice; it didn't make much of a difference to Nate, the important thing was that they had been hanging out, and had spoken to each other enough that Ebony was getting on his case about not ever mentioning Jeremy to her before. Nate had to stifle a laugh at the thought; since when was he ever in the habit of introducing his friends to her? Especially when she had always made her utter lack of interest so unmistakably plain, and- put frankly- he was the one who made sure he knew who her friends were, and that they knew him as well. She was fascinatingly easy to read today, right from the start of their conversation, and it hadn't even taken the mention of Jeremy's name. It was as though his best friend had somehow managed to hack away all her defensive walls in the space of the past three days, something that he hadn't managed in the past three years- to be fair though, not that he'd tried. It had Nate wondering if Ebony had had the same effect on Jeremy as well, and his blue-green eyes slid back towards the latter in an effort to guess. The Halpsen was acting like he usually did- perhaps a tad quieter, but Nate wrote that off as being because he was out under the direct glare of sunlight and probably having problems with his skin again. Faint concern entered his stare as he noted the way Jeremy was glancing up at the sun, but Nate stayed silent on the matter, knowing that it wasn't something Jeremy particularly liked talking about.

Grinning back at his friend, both eyebrows lifted this time when he saw Ebony elbow the other seventh year sharply for the comment with a roll of her eyes. Ah, so they were already that comfortable with each other, were they now? Interesting. "She doesn't seem to agree with you on that," he commented with another chuckle, adding jokingly, "Sure you're not deluding yourself, man?" It also hadn't escaped his notice that neither of them were talking directly to each other; he was the one talking to both of them and they were simply answering his questions, allowing him to dominate the conversation. That was all very nice, but it wasn't giving him what he wanted, and that was to see the two of them interact. Maybe if he left and allowed them a little privacy that would change, but that wasn't the point either, if he couldn't watch it firsthand. And there was no way in hell he was going to try lurking behind a bush and spying on them. For one thing, it was beneath him. Nate Fox never hid like some shadowy little thief. He had people do it for him. For another, Jeremy was involved. As much as he preferred subtlety, he could afford a little directness.

"Right, I'm going to be blunt and ask if I'm going to be doing all the talking here," he announced, leaning forward and resting his arms on his knees, locking his fingers together as he threw the two of them an expectant look. "Come on, you two have obviously spoken to each other plenty, don't tell me you suddenly need a translator." With that said, he proceeded to snap his mouth firmly shut and wait, his expression clearly saying he could and would just sit there until the two of them started speaking to one another. There was a hint of condescension in the twist of his features, one that said he thought they were being ridiculous. He didn't, of course, in fact he was rather amused by it all, but they didn't need to know that. He'd was willing to wait them out; after all, the awkwardness of the situation was completely bypassing him. Nate felt a little bad for doing this to Jeremy, but it wasn't doing any real damage- and he was even doing him a favour, in a roundabout sort of way. If Ebony could talk to Jeremy in front of Nate, as irritated by him as she was, Nate was willing to bet she would be able to talk to Jeremy anywhere.

[Jeremy Halpsen]

Jeremy didn’t move when Ebony shoved her elbow into his side. He chuckled softly, though feigned an insulted look when Nate asked him if he was deluding himself. Both Ebony and Nate knew he’d been joking, though Ebony had seemed somewhat entranced by him when they’d first spent time together in the woods. She’d had a look in her eye that Jeremy couldn’t work out, and whenever he’d come across her since that day, she’d always have that same look in her eye. Jeremy couldn’t help but wonder if she’d been thinking about him just minutes before he’d shown up.

His thoughts were interrupted by Nate, who seemed to have noticed that Ebony and Jeremy weren’t speaking directly to each other. Jeremy turned back to Nate, who was asking if he was going to be doing all of the talking. He leaned forward with an expectant look on his face, a look Jeremy knew quite well. “Come on, you two have obviously spoken to each other plenty, don’t tell me you suddenly need a translator.” With that, Nate snapped his mouth shut. Jeremy read his expression, and rolled his eyes. He turned slightly so Ebony was in his view, and flicked his gaze over to her.

“So, Ebony”, he started, a look of amusement in his eyes, “How are you today?” He knew this wasn’t the kind of talking Nate had been referring to, but when Ebony and Jeremy spoke, they spoke about almost everything. Their first conversation had gone from talking about their family’s to talking about the Dark Mark in less than five minutes. Jeremy and Ebony speaking was a dangerous thing.

[Ebony Braedan]

Ebony smirked, Nate could certainly do enough talking for the both of them, considering that Jeremy was Nates friend he didn't seem to be talking much. She felt uncomfortable having Nate watching her like a hawk when really it was none of his business what either of them did in their spare time. Ebony rolled her eyes, honestly a translator? Did he ever figure that perhaps they didn't want to say anything? Or that they weren't talking because he was there? She highly doubted it.

The short and sharp way Nate was telling them to get talking wasn't going to get anything done, Ebony didn't talk for anyone and she certainly wasn't going to talk for Nathaniel Fox. Any time soon.

Ebony didn't want to be forced to talk to anyone, in doing so just made her want to keep her mouth shut. As if they would talk in front of Nate?! Considering the topics they had discussed, it wasn't wise that they opened their mouths in public. Ebony still had her arms folded, her lips in a firm set line as she furiously decided to not speak to Jeremy. Jeremy, however, had other ideas as he slyly turned his eyes to her.

Ebony watched him carefully, “How are you today?”, she raised an eyebrow in response. Was he serious? Of all the things he could have said, and he chose that and he was listening to Nate?! Just to keep his friend happy, Ebony shook her head, friends. "I'm fine, thank you" She knew that Jeremy was probably expecting some sort of question in return, but Ebony didn't want to. The conversation was ridiculous and what Jeremy had asked was a ridiculous question. Did Ebony look fine? Yes. Question answered without even having to open your mouth. The amount of energy people must waste asking the most pointless questions.

She gave them both a firm glare, sliding as far to the edge of the bench as possible, leaving a couple of inches between herself and Jeremy. Her frostiness should have been a clear indicator to the mood she was now in, Ebony didn't want Nate around nosying in and Jeremy was going to get the treatment just for listening to Nate and giving him what he wanted.

[Nathaniel Fox]

Honestly, the skittish way the two of them were acting around each other, anyone would think they actually had something to hide. That was sheer bull, of course, but really now. How hard was starting a simple conversation, and actually keeping it going? Fine, not everyone possessed the social skills he did, but seriously, this was getting out of hand- which was saying a lot, considering how Nate's idea of what was too much was far from strict or limited. Jeremy's less-than-talkative mood wasn't so bad, after over two years of being friends with the guy Nate was used to his more silent nature. Ebony, on the other hand, had been proving less than ten minutes ago how sharp her tongue could be- she certainly had no problem with throwing questions at him. Apparently, Jeremy was a different matter for her on more than one level. The fifth year's eyes gleamed speculatively at the thought, even as he rolled his eyes exaggeratedly at the two seventh years' behaviour.

"That's your idea of conversation?" he scoffed scornfully, completely unimpressed and not in the least fooled. If they were trying to make him believe that all they did was talk about each other's health, he was going to be extremely insulted. That couldn't even be properly called an attempt at small talk, they had been that pathetic. It only made him more determined to find out why they insisted on acting like a couple of strangers, not friends as both of them- directly or indirectly- had claimed to be. Nate wasn't a fool, on the contrary he was a bloody genius, even if he did say so himself. And he did. He fully planned on discovering the reason behind both Jeremy and Ebony's little charade, one way or another.

A mocking smile curved the corners of his lips upwards as Ebony slid away from them, hugging the far edge of the bench, every inch the ice queen he knew she was so capable of being. Unfortunately for her, he'd gotten the same kind of treatment from her right from their first meeting; it hadn't bothered him then, and it sure as hell couldn't bother him now. Still, Jeremy might not be as lucky. Nate shot his friend a sidelong glance, masking his faint concern; he was pretty certain Jeremy wouldn't let her icy demeanour affect him in any way- the bloke wasn't some lameass pansy, withering at the first sign of displeasure- but with the way things were going it wouldn't hurt to be sure. Then, with an undercurrent of dry irony lacing his tone, he addressed Ebony again. "That was so enlightening Ebony, thanks."

Shaking his head, allowing only a mild tinge of his exasperation to seep through, Nate turned back to Jeremy. "Think a cat got her tongue, or did some enterprising kid actually manage to hit Miss Ebony here with a tongue-tying curse?"

[Ebony Braedan]

Ebony really wondered how Nate maanged it. Not once a few years ago did he get hexed for insulting someone, or blabbermouthing something to the wrong person. He was more confidant and knew what was going on practically everywhere. Nate had a great little company going on, and Ebony was irritated by him wanting to butt in to business that he had no part in.

Nate was trying to rile her up and finally say something to Jeremy but she was remaining tightlipped. Nate couldn't have it both ways, he did after all have Jeremy for a friend. He could spill for them both. Ebony didn't care, so long as she wasn't asked anything at all about her business. Whatever Jeremy did wasn't up to her.

"Yes. Nate." Ebony replied sharply, she slowly turned her head to face his, looking across Jeremy. "Do you have a problem with that!?" She glared at him, complete daggers shooting from her eyes as she realised she was jolted up from the bench, peering round at him. Ebony angrily shook her head, he was such an arrogant pig he disgusted her.

She could would wipe that smile off his face in a heartbeat if it weren't for the fact that she had no idea how Jeremy would react on the matter. Ebony sighed, "It's not as if Jeremy is making a great contribution either! Take a dig at him for once!" She pushed herself off of the bench.

Ebony tossed another glare towards Nate as she heard his comment, quickly walking off pushing past the few students left. As if someone would ever shoot her with a tongue-tying curse! She pulled out her wand, clearly saying the tongue-tying curse as she stared directly at Nate, her wand facing him as students parted. Hopefully it would make it to him and shut him up for a while.

Nate deserved it.

[Sponsored content]