Midwest Skies & Sleepless Mondays [open]

[Jude Morte]

Jude Morte was a peculiar boy. While it was pretty obvious that he was a stuck up Slytherin who cared about nothing but himself, he often had odd tendencies that most of the other stuck up slytherins do not. It wasn't that Jude enjoyed solitude, but he was far more comfortable being alone than most of his friends were. They often needed to travel in large groups with other noisy slytherins in order to be comfortable; but not Jude. He did prefer having large crowds of people around when they were people he liked, and he was having fun. But now as he exited the giant front doors of Hogwarts castle he was very much alone. Still adorned in school robes, he closed the door behind him and began to make his way down the sloping lawns of the Hogwarts grounds. The hour was very late; hardly a sole treaded outside except for the prefects who were always making sure everyone was in bed where they were supposed to be. Jude was careful to avoid their paths and walk where ever there were shadows to conceal his massive frame, which wasn't particularly easy.

Regardless, he was successful in reaching his destination. The Lake. It was always cooler down by the lake, but Jude didn't show much sign of being cold. In fact he preferred this weather. He reached the edge of the water and stared out on to the black, glistening lake. The reflection of the moon was shown brilliantly on the water's surface, and it was so quiet that a pin being dropped could've been heard. It was a little eerie even. Jude walked over to a rock and took off his cloak, dropping it on the ground beside him. He untucked his shirt and loosened his proudly sported Slytherin tie before taking a seat on the cool grass. Jude rubbed the back of his head, making his already ruffled hair considerably more disheveled and messy. Vibrant green eyes scanned the scene before him, but behind his vivid eyes was a bored seventh year with nothing better to do so late at night. Jude hadn't even tried to get to sleep tonight. He didn't even change out of his uniform. It wasn't too common for Jude to be like this, but today he was.

He stuffed his hand in to his pocket and took out a muggle cigarette. It was a terrible habit indeed, but he wasn't completely addicted. Jude didn't really know why he did it in the first place. They tasted awful as hell, but when he felt a rush of calmness fall over him he always seemed to remember why. It had a soothing effect on him, and made everything else in life seem less dramatic. He tapped his finger on to the end of the cigarette and a flame automatically lit it for him. Breathing in the harmful chemicals Jude held it between two fingers and blew smoke in to the cool night air. He repeated the proccess a few times and eventually started to blow carefully crafted smoke rings in to the empty air in front of him. Jude stared around for a moment, not surprised to see the grounds still empty save for a few Prefects further up near the castle.

Jude's eyes were fixed upon the castle for at least a minute as thoughts flew through his head. He never realized it before, but he was really going to miss this place come graduation day. Despite a few challenges here and there life was so easy at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. At least, for Jude it was. He probably made life at Hogwarts a little rather worse for more than a few people but what did he care? So long as he was happy... But was he truly? Jude dreaded the thought of joining the Death Eaters like the rest of his family had. What was the point in bowing down to the supposed 'greatest dark wizard'? Jude didn't understand. All he knew was that he wanted more power than that, and he'd be at no one's mercy. Burrying the thought out of his mind he looked back toward the lake and appreciated the dead silence. These sort of times were rare.

Jude sighed to himself and exhaled another cloud of smoke, this time in an odd shape that looked like something between a round edged rectangle and a stick. Although he was quite serene and peaceful (which was also rare), he started to feel a little lonely. He held the cigarette between his lips and rolled up both his sleeves to his elbows, then glanced at his wrist watch. It read 1:54 am. He decided he'd at least go back at two o'clock, if not earlier. He was starting to get bored without any company.

[Abbie Chalk]

Perplexing as it was as to why Abbie was out this late would be probably stay a mystery beyond her own mind. She was not having nightmares nor was she in any condition in which she needed comfort. In fact, she seemed to be in good health except for the tiny detail that she was breaking a rule. She was out of her common room after hours. Abbie usually never broke such a rule. Every other rule was an exception (like sneaking into the Restricted Section), but getting out of bed when you're not supposed to just seemed so suspicious. And yet, here she was, roaming the corridors with her wand clenched tightly in her hand as if the world depended on it. Certainly her education did.

Abbie silently tip-toed up the cool staircase to the first floor from the dungeons. For a moment she slipped her hand off of her wand handle and let it trace along the wall beside her as she creeped up the stairs. At any sound that echoed throughout the area, she would jerk her wand around in a frightful manner, stare for a second or so, and then continue on her way with her long black robe billowing behind her. Her wand was not lit and most of the lamps in the castle had a very dim fire flow making it very frightful to see. Yet, still, she clutched her wand for dear life as if it were lit and held it directly in front of her like a torch to lead the way.

Upon reaching the first floor, Abbie stopped for a second or two at the top of the staircase. She turned around to look down the stairs she had just ascended, then turned to look across the current corridor she was in. Nobody was present. Giving a great sigh of relief, but still remaining as quiet as possible, Abbie walked through the Entrance Hall, past the gigantic house point glasses, and to the even larger oak doors. She reached out to touch the door with her hand, letting it stroke the exterior of the wood, then slowly pushed it forward revealing the grounds of Hogwarts. They looked so different during the night.

Abbie could recognize the Forbidden Forest from far away for it seemed to give off a darker aura during this time of night. The sky was pitch black save for the few stars shining just bright enough to give Abbie enough confidence to lower her wand to her side rather than clutching it like a club. Just down the way was the lake, glamorously reflecting the few stars and the tree that hung near it. Abbie turned around slowly to close the door behind her and then scurried on toward the lake. It was defiantly not as much as nervous scurry than an excited one.

As she approached closer and closer to the lake, she noticed a large figure out beside where she had planned to sit. Raising an eyebrow, Abbie raised her wand up like a weapon once more and edged closer. The clearer the person came into view, the more she could feel her heart drop the bottom of her stomach. Jude Morte. But, what was he doing out here so late? Feeling a sudden rush of panic rising over her body, Abbie shuffled her feet for a second before getting the bright idea to jolt behind a bush nearby. It was not too big, but there were other various bushes as well that formed to make a decent hiding spot. Although, it was still rather noticeable to one with a good eye.

[Jude Morte]

Jude leaned back on his hands, still holding his cigarette, when he heard the soft sound of feet treading on the grass. Clearly his boredom was about to be cured. He was no longer alone at the lake. He didn't turn around, and pretended that he hadn't heard the sound of someone arriving. He had no idea who it was.

Jude shifted slightly, taking another drag from the cigarette. He then heard some more shuffling, and then the sound of leaves gently crackling. Was someone trying to hide from him? Perhaps it was an intimidated younger year that had changed their bright idea of coming down to the lake when they saw Jude. Unable to put off his curiousity, Jude glanced over his shoulder to see that there was in fact someone hiding in the bush not a far distance away. He squinted his eyes to be sure he wasn't seeing things, and then stood up.

Jude brushed off his pants and flicked the cigarette to ground before crushing it with his sneaker. Running a hand through terribly matted hair he slowly walked toward the bush, when a small smirk formed on the edge of his lips. The way it often did when he was thinking of something horrible to do to yet another innocent and unsuspecting person. "Come out, come out, wherever you are..." Jude taunted as he further approached the bush. It wasn't a smart idea that his wand wasn't at the ready, considering he could be hexed in to oblivion upon discovering whoever was in the bush. It could have been anyone afterall. He licked his bottom lip, before deciding he'd scare the person out of their hiding spot. Jude took a bit of a turn and walked over to the bushes beside the bush that whoever it was, was hiding in. He moved his hands through the leaves, pretending he was searching while he crept around to the bush where the mysterious unknown person was actually hiding in.

"Hah! Found---" Jude stopped in mid sentance as he noticed who was hiding in the bushes in front of him. It was Abbie Chalk, a sixth year Hufflepuff, and the last person in the world he had expected to find out this late. He didn't exactly think she was the type that would prowl the grounds at two a.m., but then again, people were always surprising Jude. "Abbie?" he questioned, staring down at the girl with an eye brow raised. Perhaps she was out here for a more logical reason than wandering. Or at least maybe she had permission... Abbie breaking the rules didn't seem to register in Jude's mind. It was almost as bizarre as Jude following the rules.

"What're you doing out here?" Jude asked, still perplexed.

[Abbie Chalk]

Abbie could feel her heart thumping in her chest as she eyed the male by the lake. He was casually smoking (which she noted in her mind as completely against Hogwarts rules) and seemed to be quite enjoying himself. She clenched her fists by her side and huffed a little bit of air. He did not deserve to be around her spot on the lake. She had sighted that area in between classes and was destined to be sitting there right now. At least, if he was not already occupying the area. Which he rudely was making her huff in anger once more. She tried to settle herself down in the bushes by adjusting her crouching position, but it only seemed to make more noise. Abbie put her finger up to her lips as if trying to silence the leaves, but her good deeds were gone un-noticed.

Out of the corner of her eye, while she was scolding the brush, she saw Jude rise up from his position at the sound of her last movement. Abbie immediately stopped what she was doing and stared out between the branches to get a better look. She had defiantly been spotted. Or, if anything, detected with her sound among the area. Jude was not a dumb person, to be sure. He was not going to let this slide very easily. Gulping, Abbie squatted lower into the bushes and moved her hand to the branches so she could see where, exactly, he was.

Jude's curious expression changed to his common sinister one. His voice echoed throughout the grounds as he taunted her with his words. He knew very well where she was now. He was just reeling her in little by little. Oh, and how talented he was as it. Abbie swore her heart was about to push through her chest in anticipation and her feet were beginning to cramp up by sitting there for so long. She almost felt purple in the face because of her lack of breathing. She had attempted to hold her breath in to prevent noise, but had lost track of how long she had been holding it. Unfortunately, she sucked in even more air when Jude's hand shot through the bush groping around for a figure. Abbie's hand jerked backward from it's former position on the branch and instead clapped to her mouth in a sad attempt to stop herself from revealing anything else. Although, that was now a lost cause.

Abbie sighed, finally giving her time to breath, when she was finally discovered by the ultimately surprised look of Jude. He seemed very dumbstruck which only gave Abbie the upper-hand. She dusted herself off before rising up and out of the bushes- stepping over them with ease. She forced a smirk upon her face as if all of this was planned- her hiding and him finding her. Ha! Yes, this was defiantly planned. At least, that sounded like a marvelous excuse for her to use. It seemed to be working rather well too for her smile did not falter from it's placement as she nodded her head at his shocked expression. Abbie even topped it off with a casual laugh.

"Yea, yea, it's, uh," At least it was going well. She was a terrible liar. "It's me!" She jumped up in the air and landed with her arms held out in front of her giving the impression of a muggle imitating a wizard and crying, 'tada!'. All through grade school, Abbie had been forced to lie about her family's origin and why they occasionally acted so wierd. But, by her faulty skills at lying, all the kids just assumed that her entire family was undergoing mental treatment- even Abbie. Feeling suddenly humiliated, Abbie straightened herself up and continued to dust off her jeans. "I just wanted to enjoy the lake." she commented with a matter-of-fact tone. "That's...uh... that's all." She rose to greet his face with a taunting smile then shrugged and started to head down to the lake. She secretly hoped he'd follow. But, shook her head when the thought came to mind. Such a silly and arrogant mind.

[Jude Morte]

Jude watched her carefully as Abbie moved out of the bushes and she laughed. She appeared to act very casual, but he still couldn't figure out why she had hid from him. Jude wondered whether he was that intimidating and conceitedly decided that yes, everyone in school was afraid of him. "Well no kidding..." he commented, watching her even more closely now.

Her confidence made him question whether she was actually hiding from him because he struck fear in to her delicate little Hufflepuff heart, or whether she actually had a more convincing reason. To be honest Jude was a little disappointed that it wasn't someone he could hex. Well, he could hex Abbie, but he'd never forgive himself if he did. As much as they disliked each other, Jude always showed more sympathy to her than to anyone else.

I just wanted to enjoy the lake... Jude found that all too hard to believe. Abbie could enjoy the lake at any time of day, why would she decide to do so this late at night? And furthermore break the rules while she did it? "Enjoy the lake?" he questioned with a snort. "At two o'clock in the morning? A Huffelpuff like yourself? I don't think so..." he finished saying, not even hesitating to judge her and make generalizations. Jude's lively green eyes followed her small figure as Abbie headed down to the lake. Jude decided he'd follow her and pester her further. Jude didn't even have to quicken his pace to catch up to her. A few strides and he was already walking beside her.

"So are you going to tell me why you're really down here breaking the rules?" Jude asked. Then he smiled as he thought of something that was probably guaranteed to annoy her at least a little. "Wait... you're not stalking me are you?" he added looking sideways down at her. As much as he tried to seriously ask her the question to follow through with bothering Abbie, Jude couldn't hide his smile as he spoke. He almost wished she had been stalking him. The thought of people being obsessed with him was actually quite appealing to Jude. However, he knew Abbie well enough to know that that would never be the case, which is why he had asked her the question in the first place. She was bound to throw a fiery retort back at him. Somehow he secretly liked it when she got mad at him. Watching her yell at him for being such a pain in the ass all the time was when he liked her best. He didn't really know why.

[Abbie Chalk]

Abbie continued walking without even a second glance as his retorts followed up to her. She secretly smiled to herself as he seemed to get more confused and, hopefully, annoyed. She walked with her hands folded behind her back and she seemed like have a little bounce in her step. But, that was nothing special. She normally walked with a little skip. Her mom claimed it was her inner happiness that made her such a cheery person. Her brother claimed she was so happy that he could vomit, but he also added, before Abbie burst into tears or rage, that he wouldn't because it was a sweet gesture to have a little bounce in your step.

Still, the childish smile ran across her features as her giggles were regretfully being held back. Hearing the grass rustle behind her, Abbie quickly hid her joyful grin. He immediately appeared beside her giving her the random thought that maybe she needed to stretch her legs more often. It was sad he could catch up to her in that amount of time... or steps. "No, I think I'd be fun to keep you guessing." she commented, still refusing to look at him. Yet, her smile was now obviously apparent. She was enjoying this way more than she should be. Her friends would be thoroughly shocked.

Every day it was, 'Oh, there's that Jude-jerk', 'what innocent girl is he going to possess today?". Of course, one of Abbie's friends would occasionally interject, 'I wish it was me' and sigh like any other fan girl of his. On most days, Abbie would giggle at their crude behavior, but now she was only giggling because the thought of what they would say was eating at her. 'You were alone with Jude at night!', 'Are you crazy?'. Somehow, though, she wanted to keep this to herself to look back on and laugh. The night that one girl was alone with Jude and did nothing. The night that instead of giving into his childish games, he was confused and utterly curious rather than the ladder. Who wouldn't smile at that?

Though the next comment he made had struck a slight nerve, it was not a surprising comment from 'Boy Wonder'. Abbie stopped in her tracks, glanced over at him with a cold stare, then shook her head as if disgusted. "You're so full of it." she spat, taking the time of silence to cross her arms across her chest and take on the famous womanly stance that indicated the person receiving the gesture is total scum. Abbie seemed to have mastered this through the years. Her brother and her dad were often accused of such a crime that deserved the all-powerful stare. It seemed to work with them, why not Jude? Of course, with the stories she had been told, Abbie would not be surprised if he was immune to this.

Taking that as a cue, Abbie huffed out air and continued her walk to the lake, making her strides larger than they formerly were in hopes that if he really wanted to follow her this time it would take a good amount of work. The lake was getting bigger and bigger as she arrived closer to it and the moon that was reflected into it was beginning to look more and more appealing. As well as calming. Somehow, the thoughts of getting caught out of bed were now cleared out of her mind. She thought for a second it was because of her encounter with Jude, but shook yet another thought about him from her mind. 'Boy, he does stay on the mind. Wait, I did not just think that.'

[Jude Morte]

Jude noticed Abbie seemed rather happy. Not that that was unusual in her, but he could hardly fathom how anyone could constantly be so happy. No, I think I'd be fun to keep you guessing... Her response was not one that Jude anticipated, nor one he particularly liked. Something was out of place here. It seemed as though Abbie was the one starting to do most of the taunting. No, Jude did not like this one bit. Plus, she wouldn't look at him and that could mean she was thinking of ways to further taunt him. Roles seemed to be reversed tonight, but Jude was determined to change that before he headed inside.

Abbie could be so complicated sometimes. One day he'd think he has her all figured out and the next she's surprising him. She seemed like this happy-go-lucky girl that hardly ever had a temper, but then she'd go and prove Jude wrong. It wasn't women in general either. Jude had most of them figured out in a heartbeat, especially the doting Slytherin ones, but not Abbie. Abbie had always been different from other girls. Jude didn't know why he had thought about that so often, but he was quick to eliminate the thought from his mind before he got carried away and did or said something he'd regret.

Finally Jude received a more predictable reaction from Abbie at his 'stalker' comment. Heck, he even got 'the look'. The look he had received on so many occasions. The look that said 'you disgust me, be gone'. Yes, it was a look that Jude knew well, but it was also a look that Jude constantly ignored in order to continue his malicious bothering ways. "So full of what? Joy and pleasurable company? Why thank you, I'd have to agree myself," Jude stated plainly. He always had to have the last word and say something aggravating or self promoting. Most times both at once.

Abbie was not impressed, not that he had expected her to be. Her pace quickened and Jude got the impression that she'd be far happier if he left. But what else could she possibly do without him around to entertain her? It was vain thoughts like these that kept Jude around when no one wanted him there. One step in a light jog took him to where she stood. For a moment he felt as those he were trying far too hard. But trying for what? Jude refused to accept the fact that he was trying to hold her attention. He convinced himself he was just annoying her for his own amusement when there was nothing else to do so late.

"I certainly don't like to be kept guessing..." Jude started to say. "Are you going to tell me why you're here? Or should I resort to accepting the fact that you are stalking me... I mean really, why would you of all people break the rules for no reason? You're not exactly the 'rule-breaking type' if you know what I mean..." Jude said, his curiosity getting the best of him. He had to stop himself from babbling but he was far to intrigued. It'd be like Jude showing up early for class. In Jude's mind, it just wouldn't happen unless there was reason. He looked out to the lake and stuffed his hands in his pockets, then looked back to Abbie. The moon was shining down on her and illuminated the soft curves of her face. Jude mentally kicked himself for noticing that, and then looked back to the lake to preoccupy his eyes. As much as he tried, his gaze always seemed to wander back to looking out of the corner of his eye at her.

[Abbie Chalk]

Abbie was not surprised at his immediate remark of pleasurable company. It made her surpass an honest laugh for the first time out loud. A laugh that was not fake as if she were trying to appease him or a laugh that said, 'boy, you are stupid'. It was the laugh that mocked his ego. And she hoped he would hear it from where he was. Wait, Abbie was not going all Salazar Slytherin on him, was she? Oh, how she hoped not. She was a proud Hufflepuff, to be sure, but her family was pure-blood and anytime she felt as if she were being mean, her thoughts resorted to the fact that maybe she had belonged in Slytherin. All pure-blood families resided there, at least. But, she tried to clear the thoughts of mocking him as a bad thing clear out of her head. He deserved such treatment, did he not?

Abbie was finally just a few feet from the lake and she could hear the wind rustling over the branches of the lone tree that rested beside the embankment. It was a common tree that Abbie and her friends loved to study under between classes. It provided just the right amount of shade and never failed to provide a lovely view of the water spanning through alot of grounds. Giving a slight smile at the view and memories that rested beside her, she could not help but wonder what other joy could possibly overthrow the happy times she had at Hogwarts in her years.

In just a large step, Jude had caught up with her and was already back on to the previous subject making Abbie shake her head. She was slightly annoyed, yes, but more curious as to why he was so pressed on the matter of her breaking a simple rule. She turned her head to look over at him as he was too busy studying the land just as she just was too busy doing as well. His thick eyebrows were raised in such a manner that only made her wonder what would happen if he weren't such a meanie. He was cute and, even in his vile manner, his cheeks were the rosiest of sorts. He had a way of giving the most sinister smile, but making it seem like every moment, even if it were full of terrible taunting, could revolve around you and you only. But, Abbie quickly adverted her eyes for she had the sinking feeling that he was looking at her. Such an interesting relationship they had.

Abbie attempted to get back on the previous subject he had just obnoxiously brought back up and considered answering his question. It's not like Jude deserved the truth for he had probably lied many times in his day. Besides, he had never been the nicest person to Abbie either. Yet, as Abbie stared out at the lake and watched as it was so quiet and different from the day, with nobody dipping their feet into it and nobody skipped rocks across it's surface, she felt as if it wouldn't matter whether she told him or not. If he judged her, it wouldn't be the first time. And, somehow, she didn't care. But, it wasn't just him, really. She didn't care what most people thought of her.

"I've been here for five years," Abbie refused to count the one that had yet to start, "and I have broken a few rules you know." She took that moment to shoot a glare his way, then continued. "But, I've never actually seen the sun rise at Hogwarts. I mean, in the dungeons, what is there to see when you wake up early? There are no windows." She suddenly realized she revealed the scenic location of the Hufflepuff common room, but it really did not bother her. Abbie had been informed of the located of the Gryffindor common room in her fourth year. But, then again, Abbie was not a conniving Slytherin who might go looking for the dormitories. "Anyway," she drawled on, unknowingly beginning to shuffle her feet and look at the ground below her, "I just thought it would be nice to see it for once." She shrugged half to herself. "But," she commented in almost a sing-song voice, "I might have come out here too early." She hated revealing her stupidity in front of him.

[Jude Morte]

Her response was (yet again) not one that Jude had expected. "Well you know sneaking extra desert doesn't count as breaking a rule," Jude retorted with a smirk. He had always made assumptions about Abbie, and the fact that he thought she'd never break a rule in her life was one of them. Her warning glares shut up him up again as she continued. As she spoke next, Jude received what he thought was a much more 'Abbie-like' response.

So the Hufflepuff common room was in the dungeons. Jude knew the location of every house's common room except the Hufflepuff one. He always debated whether it was tucked away on the first floor somewhere, or whether it was in the dungeons somewhere near the Slytherin common room. It made better sense since the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw common rooms were generally in the same area on the seventh floor.

She may not have realized it, but thanks to Abbie, Jude had all he needed to trash the Hufflepuff common room if he wanted to... He discarded the matter, however, as sabotaging wasn't exactly his first priority at the moment. Listening further Jude frowned again. Jude had seen the sun rise countless times at Hogwarts, but certainly not from the common room as his was in the dungeons as well. It was really quite a sight to see, especially at the lake, and it was a shame Abbie hadn't seen it before.

"Really? Never?" Jude inquired. "Well, you're right on that one, it is too early... but you could see it if you stayed..." Jude said. He must have sounded so stupid. He sounded almost as if he really did want her to stay. The tone of his voice was less annoying and more unsure. It wasn't a common thing to see in Jude. But of course, he had to change that immediately when he realized how he had sounded. "That is, if you have the courage to be out that late without getting scared of being caught," he challenged, looking sideways at her. Jude thought by challenging her she'd be more inclined to accept his offer, but then he thought secondly. Why was he so determined to have her stick around any longer? She meant nothing to him afterall... didn't she? Jude found himself questioning that dilemma more often lately... especially now.

Jude removed his hands from his pockets and sat down on the cool grass, with his legs laying straight in front of him. He leaned back on his hands and looked up at Abbie. "Unless of course, you're too afraid of getting in to trouble," he persisted to tease, with a grin set upon his defined features. Jude realized he had just invited a Hufflepuff to watch the sun rise with him. At least she's a pureblood... he thought to himself. But why was he even debating the issue? He was supposed to have had no interest to spend any time with Abbie, at all.

[Abbie Chalk]

Abbie laughed to herself at his blatant remark of the dessert. So, he had noticed. That or he was making fun of her as usual. But, somehow, she thought it was funny that him trying to make fun of her was actually something she had done. Abbie was fond of the kitchen's food for the house elves did a great job, but the desserts were always such a treat. The pies, the puddings, and even the pea cobbler seemed to suit her interest. Her friends constantly groaned when she would reach for thirds or even fourths on the pea cobbler. They would shake their heads to each other and, every once a while, slap her wrist as if telling her that one day she would get caught. Every time Abbie would giggle to them and then plop some more on her plate.

But, she stood there, continuing on with her reasoning for being here without even giving a second glance to Jude. She decided it might be best to not prove him right this one time. Although, she had already slipped alot of wrong doings through this conversation and he could probably black mail her if he had the chance. And yet, so could she. He was smoking ('ew!' Abbie thought) and coming out at night. He was breaking one more rule than she was giving her the upper hand in annihilation. That is, if it came to such a stand.

As Abbie was trying to stare at the lake rather answer any more of his personal questions, he alarmed her with a statement even she he had not expected. He wanted her to stay? Not only was she breaking one rule tonight, but breaking yet another? Okay, okay, so the 'other' rule was not an official rule of Hogwarts, but it was defiantly a rule among her friends. Unlike Abbie, her pals were true gossipers. They talked about every one and everything- including their juiciest topic: boys. And, as much as Abbie hated to think about it, their main man candy was Jude and all his glory. Oh yes, something that made Abbie cringe even thinking about it.

It was constantly him, him, him. What girl he was wooing, how cute his uniform looked on him and yet how much of a jerk he could be. If only they knew that he had just invited her to stay with him at the the lake would make them die. Not only because he had proposed such an offer, but because it was proposed to Abbie. Abbie, when they spoke of Jude in their little 'gossip group', never stuck up for him. She never commented on his looks and she never said that he might have a little good in him (which her friends talked about all the time). The only thing Abbie pitched in while they were talking would be his utter ignorance and his huge ego. In other words, if her friends saw this they would not think Abbie would be too worthy. In a different mindset, Abbie didn't exactly think so too.

She was not drop-dead gorgeous like his usual beaus (although Abbie refused to believe she was one; she might kill herself if she was) and she was not the usual female who fawned over his every whim. She did not deserve to be in this position. A billion girls would kill for this opportunity and yet all Abbie could think of was whether or not she would get caught. Being caught out of bed was enough- getting caught with Jude was even more. What's funny is that even the teachers had an idea of what his reputation was. It was almost sad, really.

As if reading her mind, Jude proposed yet another statement to her- leaving her temper to rise slowly. The courage? Of course she had the courage. I mean, yes, she wasn't sorted into Gryffindor for a reason- she was terrified of heights, and even worse, of stairs. But, to have that stated out loud by somebody like a Slytherin gave her a little jolt in the stomach. "I am not afraid!" she retorted, plopping herself down onto the grass sitting with her legs out in front of her and folding her arms across her chest once more. She, in reality, seemed like a little five year old having a fit. It was quite ridiculous.

[Jude Morte]

There was something about Abbie that Jude couldn't quite put his finger on. He came to the conclusion that it was the whole notion of wanting something that he knew he couldn't have, no matter how bad he wanted it. Jude could have almost any girl at Hogwarts with the simple snap of his fingers, but Abbie was not one of them. She had a good head on her shoulders and she knew nothing good ever came of Jude. Abbie made him question what he really wanted, and what was truly relevant in life.

He never really had to think about that around other girls. It was always simply 'Hi, I'm Jude. Wanna snog over there in that corner now?' There was never any substance or real connection. Maybe he was becoming more mature. Maybe all his pranks and bullying were getting old and he needed something more to find in life. It just so happened that it was only around Abbie that Jude started to have thoughts like these. Eventually though she'd finish telling him off and he'd be distracted by a whole bunch of things that brought him back to his usual childish self. Things happened to be more complicated when Abbie was around and Jude hated and loved her for it all at the same time.

Jude smiled widely as she gave in to his manipulating ways. She was definitely starting to get frustrated with him, but in turn was not willing to back down from a challenge either; which was a good thing for Jude. "Alright, maybe I did underestimate you..." Jude said, rolling his eyes playfully. He laughed quietly to himself as he observed her sit down and pout like a little kid. It was kind of adorable actually... You've done it again! Stop thinking like this, Morte! he mentally told himself. Jude had to snap out of it before he turned in to a big softy, at least, that's what he thought. He found he had to avert his eyes from her again. He had been doing that a lot today.

Jude looked to his watch again, it was quarter to three. The sun wouldn't rise for at least another three hours... what to do until then? Jude started to make weird noises while smacking his lips together for a little while. He boredly sat up straighter and bent his knees. He placed his elbows on his knees and neatly folded one hand on top of the other. "So..." he said in an exaggerated tone that lasted longer than it would have if he had been speaking properly. For the first time Jude's big mouth had nothing to say. This was also uncommon for him, especially around people he rather enjoyed taunting.

"Hey, want to see something cool?" Jude suggested brightly. He reached in to his pocket to feel that the magical glass eye that he had found in Borgin and Burke's earlier was still there. It'd either intrigue Abbie, or gross her out. The latter was the most likely, so Jude (being as immature as he was) found it to be a good idea.

[Abbie Chalk]

Abbie continued to sit there, her arms crossed with dismay, as she shot various glances back over to Jude. He was definitely annoying, for one. And secondly, he seemed to be shooting her various glances as well. It was quite curious, really. The way that he said that he had under estimated her seemed rather suspicious. But, then again, Jude was a very suspicious being and Abbie wouldn't put it past him to be plotting a devious event. She was sure to keep a good distance away from his ever-so clever mind. Those clocks never stopped ticking, did they?

Casually, she let her arms fall to her side and began to relax the more that she stared at him. It was almost impolite to be staring so much, but she had always been told that. Her friends continued to tell her she looked like she belonged at Azkaban, but Abbie would just shake her head and laugh explaining that it wasn't abnormal to have, and stare, a crush. A crush... Abbie only stared like this at her various amounts of good looking guys she admired. Never had she thought about that until now and as she immediately realized it, she turned her head away from Jude.

No, it was wrong. Wrong, wrong, wrong! He was a foul, heartless, Slytherin. A foul, heartless Slytherin who Abbie realized had much more in common with her than she had ever thought before. He was a keeper as well; and a thumpin' good one. At almost every quidditch match she could see him from across the pitch batting away every quaffle that nearly came within an inch of his hoops. Even if he were at the one at the far left, he could reach the opposing one in a matter of milliseconds. He was an exceptionally talented quidditch player and Abbie had always found that as an attractive quality. Now that she thought of it- all of her past crushes has usually been quidditch players. And they were usually the ones that were rather challenging. She loved players that were into the game.

But, no! She was still forgetting that he was Jude. JUDE! His eyebrows were bushy, his lips were huge, and he had many other flaws that she could name endlessly. But, Abbie turned around to glance at him once more. His cheeks were so rosy and his eyes were constantly boring into the back of her head. She knew he was staring at her when she was not busy staring at him. Abbie turned back around to view the lake once more as he began to make various noises behind her indicating his obvious boredom. She could hear his lips smacking together and Abbie cringed. This was going to be a long three hours.

In order to break the silence, a voice came over the land making Abbie turn around to see him directly in the eye. It was almost startling to see him to suddenly staring back at her. "Define cool in your dictionary." she commented while turning her entire body to face him now. Abbie was now sitted with her legs crossed placing her body directly across from him like some type of showdown, not giving one hint of a smile. His thoughts on cool seemed to be rather off from her's as she had noticed. Secretly, Abbie was sort of scared as well. Slytherins had the tendency to scare other Hogwarts students. She had been going to the library one day when a third year had jumped out of a dark corridor in middle of nowhere and screamed at the top of his lungs. Abbie, in turn, screamed and ran head fast toward the library's oak doors. She was rather humiliated the next day when the entire Great Hall found out that she had been scared of a wizard who was merely two years younger than herself.

[Jude Morte]

He could tell she was getting ill tempered with his annoying habits and that only made him continue to do them longer. Something about the way she got fed up with him encouraged Jude to presist with his antics. Jude knew she'd probably be appalled by what was in his pocket, but that was half the reason he wanted to show her it. He looked forward to watching her squirm in distaste at what she probably found grotesque. But then again, Abbie had surprised Jude so many times tonight, she may even be fascinated rather than discomforted.

Define cool in your dictionary... Jude had a very broad definition of cool, but he just laughed instead of actually defining what he was about to show her. He shifted, crossing his legs just as she had, and reached in to his pocket to pull out the glass eye. He covered it with his massive spindly hand so that the contents of his palm could not be revealed. Jude leaned forwards slightly, so that his face was far closer to hers than she was probably comfortable with. He had a tendancy to do that with girls often. Primarily the ones that needed their space and didn't like it invaded. Jude was only guessing Abbie was one of those girls. He lowered his voice to a dull but just as equally cheeky tone. "Well, if you're too scared, I suppose I don't have to show you it..." Jude replied cooly. He knew that that would spark her curiousity even more, as she wondered what he had to show her. He moved his hand that held the glass eye behind his back and out of her view only to provoke her even more.

"I'll show you, if you promise not to scream. Because if you do, angry prefects will have us both sent back to our common rooms and there will go your hopes of watching the sun rise..." Jude mentioned before bringing out his hand from behind his back. He realized that through all this time his face had been incredibly close to hers, and now she was probably getting even more agitated than she already was, so he moved his torso back to its original position.

Slowly revealing what was inside his hand, it only appeared to be a white sphere. Jude used his other hand to flip it's side to brandish a bright blue circle now confirming that what he held in his hand was an eye. It was quite realistic for a glass eye, Jude established. He looked down at it then back up at Abbie. He held his hand out closer to Abbie so she could clearly see what it was. He anticipated the worst of reactions, but Abbie might surprise him for the hundredth time tonight. They were both slightly out of there usual characters in fact... but he came to the conclusion that he should start acting like his old self. Jude was about to mention it was glass, but the juvenile side of him decided to save that bit of information for a little later.

[Abbie Chalk]

Abbie quirked an eyebrow at him when he answered her simple statement with just a chuckle. He was rather cocky, but it's not like she hadn't noticed that before. He had always been and it would probably never change. Even at every single quidditch game. He would hop off of his broom and run his fingers through his hair like some egotistical jock. Of course, he would also be overly praised by his peers making Abbie simply scowl and trudge off to her own changing rooms. It never ruined her day to see him like this, but it simply agitated her for a good while. Many of times she would be asked what was wrong after the quidditch matches, even if they had won. Abbie would just shake her head and join in on the festivities as if nothing happened.

But, she couldn't do that now. She couldn't just turn her back on him and scowl at the huge confidence that he obtained. Instead, Abbie just continued to stare at him like nothing was going on inside her mind. All she was focused on was what had just appeared in his palm. She could see past some of the holes in the spindly hands of his and tried to eye the figure, but just could not make it out. Although, it was rather shiny. It would not surprise Abbie if it were something utterly embarrassing.

Which, right when the thought crossed her mind, Jude had leaned forward making Abbie's heart jump. And, in reaction, her head jolted backward. He was so close that those simple eyes that formerly bored through the back of her head now bored through her own eyes. She squinted at him, then his hand. Whatever he was hiding was definitely something that he usually used to gross people out. His statement only proved her right for he was taunting her once more. With the same defiance she had shown just seconds before when asked whether she was scared of being caught, she spat back the exact same remark. "I am not afraid."

But, more words continued to drawl out of his mouth. 'I'll show you, if you promise not to scream'. Abbie glared at him through even more squinted eyes. '...and there will go your hopes of watching the sun rise...' Abbie cocked her head to the side and removed her glare to a more calming glance of pure dislike. He sure knew her weakness and Abbie tried to keep that in mind for later. Do not tell him what you're doing anymore. He will refer back to it. Her mental note was stored.

His hand slowly opened revealing nothing more than a white ball. Abbie huffed out air as if disappointed, but with the tap of his finger, it turned over to reveal a human eye. Her nose wrinkled at first because she suddenly felt as if she were going to vomit. No screams emitted her throat and she was not about to admit how disgusted she was. Instead, her head moved backward even more at the sight of his devilish eyes. He was hiding something about that eye and, somehow, Abbie found it hard to believe that he was so sinister as to be holding a real human eye. She looked down at his hand once more and raised one eyebrow. This was too odd.

[Jude Morte]

Jude could tell that she was nervous to see the contents of his hand all along. She, like so many others he had shown creepy things to, always expected the worst. More so because it was Jude, though. There was always some sort of horrifying trick up his sleeve that was either unexpected, or just a disturbance to everyone in general. Either way, people found themselves unhappy with him and yet somehow happy with him similarly. Right now, Abbie only appeared to be aggravated with him, but even still she was completely determined to prove her fearlessness to him.

Jude held his composure while he watched her reaction. He didn't want to laugh at her and make her feel uncomfortable when he had already done so much of that tonight. At first she seemed to be convinced that what he held in his hand was an actual human eye, but with a little more observation, Abbie seemed less convinced. As realistic as it was, even Jude wasn't so horrible to carry a human eye around in his pocket for kicks. It was pretty obvious to her now that it probably wasn't real at all.

"It's not real," Jude finally said, as he noticed Abbie was starting to figure it out. "I found it in Borgin and Burkes a while ago... Neat though isn't it? Apparently, it can see through solid objects, even invisibility cloaks," he explained excitedly. He looked like a little kid visiting a candy store for the first time. Odd things found in Borgin and Burke's always seemed to fascinate the conniving slytherin. While most of the other kids enjoyed trips to Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour in Diagon Alley, Jude was busy wandering around Knockturn Alley in search of peculiar items he found a great amount of interest in.

This particular glass eye wasn't even for sale, though. Upon observing some very curious poisonous candles, Jude had spotted the eye beside his foot on the ground. He almost stepped on it even. He supposed the shop keeper didn't notice that it had found its way out of the stock--- or out of someone's face for that matter, and so Jude picked it up and pocketed it in an instant. Upon later examining it further, he assured that it would prove to frighten some gullible younger years, and spark some interest within his own friends as well.

"Hey guess what," Jude continued on, "I bet it can even see out of the back of the holder's head!" He looked down and ran his thumb over the surface of the eye, then looked up again and held it out to Abbie. "Wanna touch it?" he asked. Suddenly Jude felt like he was a little kid again. It was almost as if he and Abbie were sitting in a sand box while she was quietly playing and he had come over to gross her out with the cool thing he had found. Jude hardly ever wavered from his usual 'suave' (or so he thought) personality, but tonight by the lake he had almost lost all traces of keeping his cool. Around Abbie it was almost all thrown out the window. He was acting like some sort of preschooler and he didn't have a care in the world.