Monday 4th of October 2010
Hogwarts

Heart thumping, stomach in knots, his fathers words ringing in his ears- his back and legs panging to remind him of the actions that had accomoanied them-, Damion was keyed up like hell. He was fiddling with his spoon rather than eating his meal, knee bouncing with nerves.  Alistair had been teasing him since he sat down, which in his own way was a form of encouragement for what he had planned.
She was laughing. Her eyes sparkling.
He coughed, accidently dropping his spoon from lack of concentration. He looked sheepishly around him in case anyone had noticed his mishap but it appeared he was in the clear. 'Get a grip of yourself before you really end up doing something embarrassing.' 
Damion placed his spoon down gently, reaching for his goblet. His gaze flicked up and back over to the Ravenclaw table, a calm resolve washing over him. He had this. Even if she said no, he could take it. He smiled over at her as her gaze met his briefly and he looked away, his pale eyes looking back to his friends as Alistair asked him something. He frowned at the boy due to the nature of the question, firmly telling him 'Later.' He didn't want to talk about where he'd stayed ovee the summer. For the past two summers he'd used every tiny penny he had to his name to live in his Uncle's house on his own. His Uncle had owled him the keys when he was alerted to Damion's predicament, but past that he hadn't been in a position to help except to send a little allowance at the end if each week.
He was underweight, that much was obvious, but he didn't let it bother him. Damion had decided to get something positive in his life, and the something had turned out to be someone. @colemetmilinia , the Ravenclaw girl he had in most of his classes. And he was determined to ask her out before curfew today, had made a point of making sure he smelled nice and looked presentable, his thin frame hidden by his uniform.

Oh she was leaving. Alone. 

Damion grabbed his back and slid off the bench in a fluid movement, bidding his friend fairwell as he strolled confidently out of the Hall after the girl. Unfortunately, he wasn't fast enough, and hadn't seen which direction she had headed. Out onto the ground, or further into the castle. He stopped and leant against the wall for a few seconds until he was sure he heard her, then he took off in pursuit. Hopefully by the end of the night she would be his.

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OOC: Happy wonder week deary, thought this would be cute! 

It had been a couple years since the attack had happened, and Colemet was managing her life as well as she could at this point. It was difficult getting through Hogwarts, hiding the horrible side of her that seemed to be growing by the day, but somehow, she was managing to do it. She knew she was different; she wasn’t the same person that she had been before the attack, that much was certain. She had never been a particularly outgoing person, but she was quieter and more reserved now than she had ever been. She was bordering recluse at this point, but it was probably better that way. After all, why should she risk being close to people when she knew that she would inevitably lose her temper on them eventually, displaying the cruel and aggressive side to others that she never wanted to see the light of day? No, it was better if she kept to herself. Of course, Sophia knew the truth about what had happened, and it was all the relief that Colemet could manage when Sophia didn’t up and abandon her for fear of the tainted person that she was now. Honestly, Colemet would probably be nowhere without Sophia right now. Her best friend helped cover for her, and helped kept her in line. She would certainly be worse off without her.

Outside of Sophia, Colemet didn’t let anyone else in on what was going on. Her brothers knew, obviously, and they looked out for her as well. Colemet through the motions as she needed to, but only with extreme caution. She went to classes, went to meals, and stayed on alert at all times, which wasn’t too difficult with werewolf instincts to help her out. It was how she had heard someone following her out of the Great Hall. Colemet usually got away from meals and large groups of people as discreetly as possible, trying not to draw too much attention. But apparently she had caught someone’s attention today, and she tensed at the thought. She heard fast footsteps approach, and she turned around to see who it was. “Damion,” she said, slightly confused as to why he followed her. Colemet and Damion were friends, of course, had a few classes and talked from time to time. He was always really nice to her, and she thought him certainly one of the better guys that went to this school. Still, she was confused as to why he had followed her. “Did you...need something?” she asked curiously, not sure how else to go about this.

Truthfully Damion had been working up to this moment for months, slowly but surely gathering his resolve and determination to see through what he had in mind regardless of what his father had said to him on a daily basis. He was free of him for now, blissfully safe here in Hogwarts away from him just like he'd been at his uncle's. And yet that monster's words were still holding him back even now, adding to his nerves. His ill-looking state didn't help matters but no one had commented on it thus far so he reckoned he was in the clear. And it was dark out, so as he followed her onto the grounds he was sure she wouldn't notice. It wasn't like she was going to hug him or touch his ribs in anyway- he was fine. And he knew Alistair would be in the common room when he got back waiting to find out whether he had been successful or not. And he had hopes of going back saying he had been, and meaning it.

Seeing her slowing down and turning his breath caught in his throat and he ducked his head to avert his gaze, slowing his gait as he drew closer. The last thing he needed was her deciding he was a freak she wanted nothing to do with which he supposed woukd be fair, but he'd rsther avoid that if possible. His blood roared in his ears and he managed to catch himself before he stumbled from the sheer nervousness coursing through him. He also needed to up his meal portions if his blood pressure was this high. Or was it low? He wasn't sure. Oh Merlin she sounded puzzled...that couldn't be good could it? Finally stopping a few metres away he smiled crookedly at her and ducked his head again briefly and looked up at her in what he hoped was a pleasant expression. "H-hey Colemet." He greeted her after a moment, mentally slapping himself for stammering around her. His father would be furious if he had witnessed him doing that!
'Don't think of that now, dear Merlin don't now this'll fall apart don't think about him...' He thought desperately. Damion swallowed harshly and rubbed the back of his neck with a shaky hand. He was starting to panic already but he knew if he walked away now he wouldn't try again. "Er yeah I did I uh...y'know I don't make a habit of following people I swear!..." He stuttered trying to explain himself, failing miserably to get a grip of himself. Then he began to get angry at himself for not being able to spit out something so simple, angry that he was messing it up horribly. "No this is all wrong damn it!" He exclaimed quietly, covering his eyes with his hand briefly.

In retrospect, things were going pretty well for Colemet. With all things considered, she was doing better than she had been in a while. She had finally mastered concealment charms, so her scars were always covered now. She had a slightly better handle on her temper than she had, as she had grown used to some of its patterns, triggers, and otherwise. She still didn’t have the healthiest release for it all the time, but she was managing. And even more than that, she was finally starting to get a handle on Occlumency. Her father had suggested she learn it to protect their secret, and she finally was starting to think that she was scratching the surface with it. It was getting easier to clear her mind, and slowly, she felt the protection of magic falling over it. Being a Ravenclaw, it was good for Colemet to have the study of occlumency; it gave her something to focus on, something to control, and that made her feel better that she had control over something and was putting her efforts to something good.

All of this had made Colemet as close to happy as she had been in a long time. She obviously still had her reservations, which was for the best, but she was as happy as she thought she could get. She had Sophia by her side, and she had what she needed. Still...her reservations meant she was a bit lonely sometimes, both by fate and choice. It was better that way, and she tried to avoid too many interactions...it could only lead to problems. At this time of night, Colemet was making her way onto the grounds after dinner for some typical solitude. It was normal for her, and that was why she was surprised that someone had followed her. She was even more surprised to see Damion; what did he want with her. “H-Hi…” she replied, a little nervously, a little hesitantly. Damion seemed even more nervous than her, but his vibe gave off that he was nervous for an entirely different reason. Before she knew it, he was stumbling over his words, and she tilted her head at him curiously, then her eyes widened in surprise when he said everything was all wrong. What was he trying to say? “Are you okay, Damion?” she asked, taking a step towards him, perhaps against her better judgment.

Damion was starting to feel light headed from the surge of blood going to his head and he held it for a moment to gain his composure again. Perhaps he should have eaten more this last week- he had been trying to introduce regular meals back into his diet gently but apparently he was doing it at too slow a pace. Bloody typical. If he fainted now he was well and truly finished.
No...he was a Kvothe. He wouldn't faint, he would not allow such humility. When Colemet stammered her own reply he wasn't sure whether to be relieved that she seemed nervous too or to feel guilty for causing it. She was so pretty out here...he really needed to get a grip of himself. Soon her best friend Sophia could come looking for her and his chance would be ruined. And then she came closer and his heart leapt in hope. She wasn't running away! He was being a bloody dithering idiot and instead of taking off she wanted to help him!
...That in itself was weird...having someone slightly concerned about him who wasn't Eric or Alistair. He cleared his throat and dropped his hand finally, shaking his slightly long hair out of his eyes as he managed a lopsided smile.

Damion took a step towards her too, very hesitantly in case she suddebly started laughing at him and walked off. He couldn't help his lack of trust for anybody...the marks across his back, ribs, abdomen and legs reminded him everyday what happened when you trusted someone. Each of them were still angry red/fading to purple after nearly two years of being away from his dad. And yet he couldn't help but try and trust Colemet...it was like he didn't get any choice to do otherwise. He bit his lip, nibbling at the skin as his vulberable gaze met hers and he drew in a shuddering breath. He could do this. He didn't have to worry about not making it back alive next holiday because his dad had beat him to death...he had no more reason to distance himself from everyone. And he couldn't fight his feelings for the Ravenclaw anymore. 'Don't your dare get teary eyed on me...we're alive. We're fine. You can do this...just open your mouth and ask her.' His thoughts thrummed through him and he nodded resolutely to himself, keeping his pale eyes on hers as he tried to quash the vulnerable look that he was projecting. "Co-Colemet...I was wondering...of course you don't have to...but I..." He began, clearing his throat and laughing nervously. Then he closed the space betwren them and took her hand in his, knowing she was probably going to notice how hard he was shaking and how thin he was, but he pushed past it.
"Colemet...would you go out with me? W-would you like to be my lass?" He asked in a voice above a whisper...and then he waited in trepidation for the oncoming 'No'.

Since the attack, Colemet had been nothing but careful at school. There had been an adjustment period after it had all went down, realizing exactly what lupine tendencies she had and their severity, and it was a learning curve from there on. She had to learn how to act normal again, act like herself, even though she was different. Luckily, she was quiet enough where hardly anyone noticed a difference, except Sophia, who was her closest friend and picked up on the changes almost immediately. But with her help, they had been able to get Colemet to a better place, a more normal place so people wouldn’t really notice. She quickly learned how to conceal all of her scars, including the ones that she was starting to put on herself, and she was even studying to become an Occlumens. Sophia didn’t know that, though...no one did. Only her father knew, and that was how it needed to stay. Colemet needed her reservations...she needed to stay under the radar.

That was why she was surprised that Damion had noticed her leaving the Great Hall, and followed her...she thought no one paid her any mind. What could give him cause to do that? She was a little on edge, but trying to act normal. Damion was a good guy...a really good guy, and she admittedly liked him a lot. But it still didn’t make sense to her. He seemed nervous, more nervous than even she was. He tripped over his words a bit, and she tilted her head. When his question finally came out, her stomach dropped to her feet. He...wanted to date her? He wanted her to be his girlfriend? He couldn’t possibly, she told herself. No one paid attention to her, no one thought she was anything to be desired. But..>Damion did. How could that be? “You...you want to...date me?” she said. “You...you really do?” She wasn’t trying to be off putting or anything of the sort but she was...genuinely surprised. Why would Damion want her of all people when there were better witches out there for him? He was attractive, smart, funny, kind...he had everything a girl could want. He could have any girl he wanted. But he chose...her?

Really, Damion was unbelievably surprised Colemet didn't already have a lad. She was really pretty, was funny, quirky, helpful... all round, just a fantastic girl. And this didn't really help make him feel any better about the entire situation. She could do far better than him, he was no one remotely special. He was too thin, to reserved and quiet, acted older than he was... so it was no surprise he hadn't had anyone interested in him in the past that he knew of.
She was going to say no. He could feel it. Perhaps he'd be better saving them both the embarrassment that would come out of her rejection and just walk away now with his dignity still intact. Let her get with someone who wasn't broken, who was a happy soul with lots to give her, who could really make her happy and such. Someone at the opposite end of the spectrum from him. She looked like she didn't want to be here anyway... he had obviously inconvenienced her. Clearly interrupted her in the middle of going somewhere to do something. But part of him couldn't let this go, and it was the part that won out and made him stay exactly where he was and see this through.

Why was she looking at him so intently? Damion began to backup half a step and dropped his gaze, adjusting his clothes impulsively and slumped a bit so it looked like they were filled more than they were. He even moved his head into a different angle so he looked less gaunt and the shadows his the bags under his eyes. Anything to make him look better, more graceful and classier than before. He wasn't vain, but he wanted to look good, attractive- appealing to her in some fashion.
Oh Merlin her expression caused from his question did not look like it boded well. He should have kept his mouth shut. And her words sounded less close to an acception and far closer to a rejection from where he was standing.
"Well, I'm not being funny, but I wouldn't have asked otherwise." He said quietly, his eyes dimming as he turned away dejectedly. "But I can see you look less than happy at the... the prospect of that, so I'll just go. I'm sorry to have bothered you, please enjoy the rest of your night." He moved and began to walk past her, shoulder's hunched forwards defensively as he walked away from the castle. He felt his heart clench hard in his chest but ignored it. He shouldn't have tried to speak to someone above his station... this was his consequence.

Colemet was trying to make her life as normal as possible, but that was much easier said than done. She wasn’t normal anymore, that much was for certain, and she had to live with it. She had to learn to deal with it so other people would think she was normal. She couldn’t have anyone thinking that she had been through a wererwolf attack, because Merlin only knew the consequences, but she did what she could to seem normal. She had learned to feel her aggression coming on, so she went off on her own. She smiled and talked to her friends, but kept most people at arm’s length except for Sophia, who knew the truth. She even spent time in the library reading and studying, true to Ravenclaw, but in reality, she was studying the theory of Occlumency, which she was improving slowly to finally accomplish. It was difficult, but she knew she could get there if she really wanted to. It was all going okay, at least for now.

Through all of this, it was hard for Colemet to even remotely think about guys or a relationship. She was trying to balance a normal life, and she didn’t want to make it harder by concerning herself with that. She figured no one liked her anyway, as she was too quiet and reserved, not what most guys wanted. Still, it didn’t stop her from dreaming, even a little bit. Like a guy like Damion...he was kind, smart, handsome...but she never let her mind get too far past that. She shouldn’t, after all. She figured someone like him would never like her anyway. But then...this happened. He was here, he had followed her, and he had asked her to be his girlfriend. She almost couldn’t believe it, which was why her response had come out so confused. But apparently he hadn’t taken it how she meant it. He apologized, and started off. She was still stunned, and while she knew it wasn’t a good idea in theory, she didn’t care. Colemet quickly went after him. “No, Damion, wait!” she said, as she grabbed his arm to stop him. She realized that it might’ve been abrupt, and she blushed. “I didn’t...I mean...yes,” she said. “Yes, I...I’d love to go out with you.” Of course she did, of course she wanted to. “I...I was just surprised...I never expected anyone to want to go out with me,” she admitted quietly, wanting him to know it wasn’t him that caused her to react like that.

Was he really in a position to just sit back, relax, and have fun like the rest of his peers and classmates here at school? No. Not even close. But he would be damned if he wasn't going to try it even this once. As his mother had said when he was a kid, "You can't make an omelette without cracking a couple eggs" and in this instance, the eggs were him. He was the really thinly skinned thing trying his best to make himself and hopefully someone else happy. That was what you did when you liked someone after all, wasn't it? You tried to make them happy.
Though, how he could make someone else happy when he himself wasn't remotely close to feeling anything like that was still a mystery to him at this point... a mystery he probably should have thought about before jumping on this with both feet. Tentative feet. Feet with a whole load of baggage. Baggage that Colemet most certainly did not need. Merlin he needed a lie.... He needed an excuse as to why he was so thin! Why he looked so ill! Why hadn't he damned well thought about all this before he left the hall?! He had thought he was ready, that he was prepared. He wasn't. Oh lordy was he not.

And it was like a kicked puppy that he walked away, his stride purposeful as he tried to make his dignified retreat. Why would she have wanted him anyway? No one else did. Merlin knew that Eric had most likely heaved the world's biggest sigh of relief that he had graduated and left him, and Alistair was.. they weren't really close. Who did he have? No one. Not even she wanted him.
Damion tried to hide his wince as Colemet suddenly appeared back in his vision and latched onto his arm. The lack of padding there made her action painful, but he was confident she wouldn't notice. Wouldn't notice a thing about him. Why was she standing so close this wasn't a good thing... oh wait she was talking... and blushing. Blushing?
"Look, you don't have to go out with me. It isn't a big deal. You aren't obligated to,...it's fine." He sighed and made to pull his arm away but stopped himself. Just a few more minutes in her company.. that was all he wanted. He tried to smile as obviously his face had been tripping him so badly that she had felt the need to change her mind to make him feel better, like a guilt trip. "I'm sure there is another guy you have in mind, I am sorry for inconveniencing you."
His mouth was working on autopilot, his brain had obviously stopped working. He couldn't stop the words tumbling so 'eloquently' from him, dissuading her from her change of heart towards him. She couldn't honestly be that happy to date him.. no one in their right mind would be.

Colemet never imagined that her life would end up this way. She didn’t know what she expected, but the last thing she or anyone expected that fateful day a few years ago was to be attacked by a werewolf. Her life had completely changed from that day onward, and she knew it. The moment she woke up after the attack, everything was different. To this day, she was still learning how to deal with it. As time went on, she learned more about whatever condition she was faced with now, and she was coping. But it never seemed to get easier...every time she thought it was under control, that things were okay, something else came up, or the moon caused everything to go haywire again. It was tiring, but she was coping. She at least had learned to cover her scars with proper concealment charms...up until she had learned, she was only relying on clothing and praying for nothing out of the ordinary to happen where they would be seen. And then she was starting to put marks on herself… It was a lot, but she was doing her best.

The whole situation hadn’t left her to think about much else. She managed her grades, kept on a good face for her friends, and studied Occlumency and potions in her free time. It was that exact routine that made her so surprised that Damion was here to ask her out. She hadn’t meant to be so off putting...she was honestly just genuinely surprised. She knew it was against her better judgment, but she wanted to go out with him... Merlin, did she. Damion was kind, sweet, funny, handsome...she was everything she wanted but that she never let herself have. Se almost panicked when he took her reaction the wrong way and tried to leave. “No, I...I want to date you. Really, I do,” she told him quickly. She let go of his arm, realizing that might seem too abrupt. She shook her head at his words. “There’s no other guy,” she assured him. Merlin, she was just fortunate that one guy wanted to date her. She had never even imagined it. “I...I would really love to date you,” she said quietly, looking him in the eyes. She didn’t want him to walk away, not now...she didn’t want to push him away...