17 replies to this topic

[Alexander Sowerby]

Snow crackled under his boots as Alexander made his way down toward the lake. The sun was not out from behind the mountains yet but looking up he saw it was going to be a perfectly clear, cold but crisp day. Preparing himself for the cold, he had donned his warm fur cap, gloves, and his thick boots.

It was the first day that it had not snowed in over a week, and now that they had all the time in the world during this break, he'd be able to do whatever he wished and liked. Stay up in the common room roasting marshmallows, or drinking hot chocolate and tea in bed if he liked or read all the books available to him in the library. Well, today was the first day off and Alexander considered that since he couldn't sleep from the excitement of having time off from lessons, he'd take a chance to skate a bit and perhaps try to see who had decided to stay back so that he could perhaps cajole someone to go sledding down the hills around the Castle.

Sitting down on a small stump he began tying the one skate onto his left boot, it was slow work since the boots were large and skates being rather awkward had to be properly secured before one got off to skating around the ice. After what seemed like ages fidgeting with the left skate he put the other one on his foot, which was just as much work if not more.

Alexander stood up, feeling a bit warm from all the effort of putting the two skates on. After a few awkward steps on the snow, he managed to get on the ice. Although it had been a few months since he last skated, it was somehow different. Perhaps because this was a lake or because he usually went skating on rivers and ponds, the ice was a bit more rough and skating on the surface was a bit different.

Perhaps it was the fact that he had been skating since an early age but he was quite good at this as he glided across the glass like surface of the lake. He loved going as fast as he could; it was as he finally warmed up and felt that he didn't need the cap or his fur gloves when he decided that he'd do some silly moves just to relieve his feelings a bit.

Taking off his coat and scarf, leaving his cap and gloves on he skated as fast as he could to as far as the ice was clear from the snow and back to the beach front. The time flew by as he noticed that the sun was now in the air and undoubtedly soon the students which had decided to stay for the holidays would be coming out to have furious snowball fights or do whatever else they wished outside.

After skating a rather large circle, staying in an area which had been cleared of snow by wind or perhaps the grounds keeper. Alexander jumped in the air and upon landing did a rather silly scratch spin which upon completing he laughed at for attempting. It was at that moment that he heard the snow crunching under a pair of boots.

Edited by Alexander Sowerby, 06 November 2011 - 10:06 PM.

[Meghan Morris]

The bitter icy cold wind bit at Meghan's nose and ears. The snow beneath her feet groaned and cracked as she lay her weight upon it. Over her shoulder hung a pair of skates she had received last Christmas. Despite the fact Meghan was known for her clumsiness, skating seemed to be something she could actually appear graceful while doing.

Meghan was hoping that skating would take her mind off more serious things and help her enjoy the holidays to come. She hurried towards the lake determination in her eyes and saw Alexander. Alexander... the boy she had fancied herself in love with a few weeks ago. How odd that he had turned in her eyes from the most dashing person alive to simply a friend, though things often seemed strained when chatting with him.

She sat down upon the stump where his thing lie and made fast of changing into the skates. Alexander as always excelled at skating to a point. He was no professional, but he was past amateur. Yet another reason her infatuation with him had ended, he was just to good. Meghan hated the comparison but in her eyes it was true.

Meghan quickly got on the ice and made herself known, "Hello Alexander, what a pleasure to see you. How are you?" Meghan got used to being on the ice and did a few simple tricks to reassure she was not too out of practice. Without waiting for an answer from Alexander she continued talking, "Are you going home for the holidays?"

[Alexander Sowerby]

"Hello Alexander, what a pleasure to see you. How are you?" Meghan Morris said as Alexander looked at her. She was good Alexander thought as she skated around like a natural. She may have been seen as clumsy by some, but she seemed to be in her natural habitat. Without waiting for his answer she continued by asking, "Are you going home for the holidays?"

He smiled at her, and skating close by her with his arms behind his back "Hello Meghan, it's nice to see you." He turned around and skated in a circle around her stopping a few feet in front of her. "No, not going home this year." the smile flickered off his face as he said that. He could probably tell her the reason why, but he didn't think it was a good discussion topic. Not being wanted at home wasn't exactly an excellent discussion topic, especially for a boy of his background. He was supposed to not care about such things.

"It's for the best of course." he noticed that since the Halloween Hogsmeade trip she seemed to be able to talk to him, and didn't act as awkwardly as she did at the beginning of the year. Guessing it was the same reason that he was now no longer friends with Emmanuelle and that Adelaine seemed to dislike him as well, he didn't want to raise the subject at all.

"You staying for the holidays as well?" Alexander asked half hoping.

[Meghan Morris]

He's staying home! Oh this is such wonderful news. Now I won't be so terribly alone. Meghan noticed Alexander's hesitance on why he was staying intrigued Meghan bust she figured that she could get him to tell her over the holidays. A smile lit her face at being able to share them with a friend.

"I would have thought you like everyone else were returning home. Perhaps we could celebrate together, I dread the thought of being alone on Christmas. If you don't want to please excuse my bluntness." Meghan very much so hoped he wouldn't decline her offer. If he did then this Christmas was sure to be horrible. Solitude just did not fit Meghan.

Meghan felt a tingling of worry; if they did spend the holiday together it would be customary for her to give him a gift, but what? Lines creased beneath her brow and she pondered this. She could probably put something presentable together.

Edited by Meghan Morris, 07 November 2011 - 12:24 AM.

[Alexander Sowerby]

Alexander spun around in the same spot. Just as he turned around facing Meghan, he slowly skated backwards when she spoke. "I would have thought you like everyone else were returning home. Perhaps we could celebrate together, I dread the thought of being alone on Christmas. If you don't want to please excuse my bluntness."

Alexander smiled morosely at Meghan. "No, not returning home."

Good, he thought as he smiled at the girl. "I'd like that." he said before continuing "Spending Christmas together I mean."

"Let's have a race, who can skate to the other side and back faster."

[Meghan Morris]

Excellent! Though it may not be the best holiday I am sure it will be interesting! Alexander thinks he can take  me? Well let's see about that. Without a second thought Meghan took off on her skates sliding swiftly over the ice. Adrenaline pumping through her veins it did not take long for her to get to the other side and begin heading back.

She paid no attention the fact that she felt like an icicle, no all she knew was that she needed to win. With her eyes on the prize, or in this case the lake, it seemed like nothing could break her concentration until she heard a crack. What on earth? She came to a sudden halt and was astounded by what she saw.

Edited by Meghan Morris, 07 November 2011 - 12:22 AM.

[Alexander Sowerby]

Alexander started gliding along the smooth surface of the ice. Wanting above all to give her a good run for her galleons.

The skates swished through the ice, the air embracing his skin. The breeze blowing in his ears. He laughed just as he heard the crack.

"Wha..." he half-shouted.

Before he knew what was happening, before he could grab a hold of something. He felt himself falling, his stomach felt like it had jumped up in the air. The last thing he saw before water consumed him was the expression of shock on Meghan's face.

Floating down to the bottom, he screamed, kicked and flailed his arms and legs as he tried his best to get back to the top. He rose into the air breaking the surface of the lake where the ice had been broken. The air piercing his face like a million needles as he gasped for air. Waving his arms, trying to get a hold of the ice that had not been broken.

"H-he-help..." he shouted as he plunged underneath the water. His arms felt stiff and the pain stinging his every inch of his body felt more and more painful as he tried hard to rise up again. Fear took hold over him, he was scared of not being able to rise again. He floated to the top with what was the last of his strength. His waterlogged mind felt heavy and slow as he did so. He was close, close to the hole which he had fallen through and yet; he couldn't do it.

He was going to die, die a slow painful death as he could no longer breathe. Gasping for air in the water which held none; he stopped flailing his arms, kicking his legs. He was resigned to die now. The thought that crossed his mind just as he knew to be dead was that he would never see his sister again.

He closed his eyes and no noise but a bubble of air escaped his lips. He reached for his wand, held it above him and with a bubble of air escaping a jet of red light exploded from his wand, piercing the water going through the surface and exploding above the lake. This way, the red sparks would mark where he lay.



"Alexander, come on" he heard a voice whisper his name. He felt warmth in his bones. If this was dying, it wasn't so bad.

Edited by Alexander Sowerby, 07 November 2011 - 11:55 AM.

[Meghan Morris]

Meghan hurried over to where Alexander laid careful of the ice beneath her. How could this have happened? One moment they were talking gaily and the next one of them was on the brink of death. Tears stung Meghan’s eyes as she begun to pull Alexander to edge of the lake, she gently laid him down on the snow and got quick to work. His clothes were soaked, his face pale, and his breathing held a slow unhealthy pace.

Meghan pounded on his chest with her small fists and was sadly not greeted with any coughing. Knowing was she must do Meghan shook off the indecency and with quick and nimble fingers removed his shirt. Pounding once more on his chest Meghan just about admitted defeat.

When the familiar crunch of boots filled her ears hope sprung and she shouted louder than ever, “HELP!” Looking down at Alexander she took one of his hands and silently whispered to him “Alexander, come on. Don't do this. What about spending Christmas together? Come on Alexander you are stronger than this!”

Edited by Meghan Morris, 07 November 2011 - 01:21 AM.

[Elisabet la Barre]

“HELP!”


Elisabet had just gotten halfway across the grounds to the lake when the cries of help reached her, so she ran towards the lake and saw a gryffindor she didn't know huddled over someone at the edge of the lake

Who is tha.... her question trailed off when she realized it was Alex on the ground. What happened?? How did he fall in?

This can't be happening Elisabet thought panicking He is my only friend here. The only friend I have. What would mother and father do? What would Zella do?


Can you send sparks out of your wand? Elisabet asked the other girl.

Elisabet look a deep breathe and just calmed down to think of what was needed

Okay, first, he's gonna be really cold, so good job on taking off his shirt. Let's turn him on his side and take turns pounding on his chest and I'll rub his arms to see if we can get some blood flow going. Hopefully it works


C'mon, Alex! Spit some water...do....something.she thought frantically

[Alexander Sowerby]

He kept hearing voices come in and out. As he lay there wondering if this was just the in between or the final destination of his final travel.

"What about spending Christmas together?"

Christmas, together. That would be wonderful but there would be no way. He would have to wait for a few more decades before he could spend Christmas together, now that he was dead of course. Tears leaked down his eyes, he would miss everyone; his sister, his cousin, his brother and the baby sister he never really got to know; the friendships he managed to make in these last few weeks.

Another voice piped up. "Hopefully it works"

A rather hard jab to his chest caught him off-guard, he caughed and spat out the water that seem to have been in his lungs. Coughing heavily he opened his eyes. Was this heaven? He thought as his eyes blurred over trying to adjust to the two shadows around him and the pure whiteness which was behind them. As his eyes glazed into focus he noticed that there were two girls above him, starring at him looking frantic and worried. A dawn of recognition came over him, Meghan was there and not only did she look pale but she had been clearly crying.

"Water," he croaked at them.

Than with a slight chuckle for he felt that he had no strength to give his usual hearty laugh he smiled at them both. "Just--kidding of course." his voice still raspy, his breath was short and punctuated by a dry cough. He blinked slowly, realizing he wasn't dead and yet he felt extremely numb with pain. He saw the red sparks he had cast above the lake floating slowly downward. His eyes lids felt heavy and they drooped slightly. He was exhausted after this little bath and felt like it was best to close his eyes and sleep. Oddly enough he didn't even feel the cold, rather a warmth seem to spread through him.

Edited by Alexander Sowerby, 07 November 2011 - 12:03 PM.

[Professor d'Ambray]

Kenton had been busy, working in Greenhouse Five, preparing the soil for a supply of screechsnap which he intended for his fifth years to be working with during their next lesson. Despite the icy conditions outside, he had magically maintained an acceptable temperature within his greenhouses so that his plants could continue to grow and thrive. Every now and then he glanced outside, keeping a watchful eye on the students who had chosen to brave the weather.

It was during one of these periodic sweeps that Kenton noticed some red sparks hovering over the lake, and since these were an accepted means of indicating a witch or wizard was in distress, he immediately put down his tools made his way at a steady pace towards the source of the signal. With all the snow on the ground, he didn't exactly run but he did manage a distance eating pace which took him towards his destination at about as rapid a pace that he felt it safe to attempt.

When he got to the edge of the lake he saw three first year students close together, two girls and one boy. The boy was laid on the ground and from the looks of him appeared to be in a bad way, yet thankfully conscious for the moment. He recognised the lad as a Slytherin boy called Sowerby, Taking an empty cup from one of his pockets, Kenton pointed his wand at the object and uttered the word "Aguamenti" which caused a jet of water to fill the drinking vessel. He then offered the drink to the boy on the ground.

Feeling that there was very litle he could do for the lad here by the lake, and that the cold conditions would probably start to chill him if they waited around too long, Kenton started to make arrangements to get the lad back to the castle so he could be checked over by the school nurse. "Can you stand, Mr Sowerby?" he asked "we'll need to take you to the hospital wing." He glanced then at the two girls, hoping that maybe they could provide some explanation as to why the boy had gotten into this condition. "What happened here?" he inquired.

[Meghan Morris]

Meghan attempted to slow her tears and concentrate on the Professor's words. What had happened? It was indeed unfortunate and very startling. The lake had appeared well frozen yet Alexander had broken through a patch of thin ice. How he managed to come ashore in his state was befuddling. It was truly a miracle. Why though was the Professor not taking him to the Hospital Wing immediately, when questions could be asked later.

"We were racing around the lake when all of a sudden I heard cracking, it was the ice. Alexander must have skated onto a thin path of ice and fallen through. By the time I got there he was lying on the ice barely breathing, I dragged him over to the snow and attempted to make him cough out the water to no avail. Luckily this girl arrived and seemed to know what she was doing. And then of course you arrived." Turning her worried glance to Alexander she noticed that he had gained some color back in his cheeks and did not look quite on the brink of death like before. Hopefully he would be cured soon, no one enjoyed being ill. "He'll be okay, won't he Professor?"

Edited by Meghan Morris, 07 November 2011 - 09:13 PM.

[Alexander Sowerby]

His eye lids felt heavy but Alexander tried hard under the strain to keep his eyes open. A voice in his head told him that it wouldn't be for the best if he laid down now. He heard the crunching of boots and his eyes which seemed to have glazed over and had lacked focus on anything in particular finally focused for long enough to notice Professor d'Ambray.

He seemed to have taken his little joke for water as a serious request. He chuckled, looking somewhat bemused his voice hoarse and raspy. "I was just joking sir. Some humour to make light of the watery situation.". The professor than asked, "Can you stand, Mr Sowerby?" and before Alexander could answer he added "we'll need to take you to the hospital wing.". Alexander looked at the professor and spoke coughing slightly, the water he had swallowed making his throat itch like a woolly sweater. "I think so, sir." getting up gingerly on his feet, he kicked off the skates that were tied to his boots. Slowly as it was rather difficult work he managed to get both off. Absent mindedly he reached to his head, his cap must have fallen off in the lake. His hair oddly enough stood straight on an end. His hands felt like balloons, moving them felt sluggish.

As Alexander looked at Meghan, he noticed that tears had fallen from her eyes. He was surprised, undoubtedly the shock of the situation had made her scared and worried. Feeling a shiver crawl down his spine he heard the Professor ask "What happened here?"

Meghan launched into an explanation, of which Alexander only heard parts as his eye lids drooped downwards and he tried his hardest to keep them open. "We were racing around the lake when ...I heard cracking ... Alexander must have ... fallen through." he smiled serenely confunded by the whole excitement of the morning skate. He felt dizzy and yet he stood waiting for them to start. The shivers felt like ants crawling down his spine.

"He'll be okay, won't he Professor?"

As he smiled at all three of them, the boy stumbled slightly, his legs feeling like lead as he fell back on to the snow and sat down rather awkwardly. The shivering had stopped, his face and hands felt numb. Alexander felt scared and yet was glad that he was saved by his friend Elisabet and Meghan.

"I wouldn't say no to some hot tea right now" Alexander said his eyes glazed over as he smiled at Elisabet. "Would you care to join me?"

Edited by Alexander Sowerby, 08 November 2011 - 12:05 AM.

[Elisabet la Barre]

Of course I will Alex, you know I enjoy strolling the infirmary. Elisabet said jokingly, so she wouldn't break down into a sob of relief. Are you coming too? You helped save Alex, more than I did. she asked the other girl. I'm Elisabet by the way, not that you didn't just hear Alex say my name. Its really nice to meet you.

Elisabet reached down to try and help him on his feet, but because of her small size ended up falling into the snow herself.

Drat! There I go making a fool of myself in front of another student AND a professor  she thought miserably

Edited by Elisabet la Barre, 08 November 2011 - 04:24 AM.

[Professor d'Ambray]

Kenton was satisfied with the explanation he had been given as to what had transpired here, it may have seemed a little heartless to start asking questions at this stage, but the boy's was at least responsive and it was often best to get answers as soon as possible rather than wait until a little later when people's memories might become blurred. "Clearly the lake isn't as safe as it appears" he advised them "I'd strongly suggest you stay clear of the ice for the time being." He made a mental note to offer a general warning during the evening meal in the Great Hall when most of the student body would be in attendance.

He moved over to stand close to the boy, noticing that he had attempted to stand but then had quickly collapsed once more. "Would you be able to stand if you held on to me for support?" he offered, reaching forth a hand to try and help him up "perhaps the girls can assist too." Of course, if this didn't work then Kenton would look at alternative means, such as carrying Mr Sowerby into the castle on a stretcher, but he hoped that the last could walk there, even if he did need a little support.

"Incidentally, Mr Sowerby" he explained "I always listen to the reasonable requests of those in need of medical care, most of time they are fully justified." It made ltitle difference in this case though whether he drank the water or not, the drink wasn't going to harm him in any way.

[Alexander Sowerby]

Alexander sat there, slightly delirious by the cold which had started to entrance him. He thought hard for a minute, a slight shade of worry crossing his face as he could not for certain say how he had even gotten here. "Clearly the lake isn't as safe as it appears" the Professor spoke before continuing. "I'd strongly suggest you stay clear of the ice for the time being.". Why was the Professor talking about the ice or the lake?

In any other time he would have known that his slight confusion was being caused by the sudden loss of body temperature, early warning signs of hypothermia; the confusion, the stumbling, the forgetfulness.

However, Alexander didn't think of any of that, as he was trying hard to think of how he had gotten here in the first place and why he felt as tired as stiff as a icicle. Just than the professor moved over to stand close to the boy. "Would you be able to stand if you held on to me for support?" Professor d'Ambray offered, reaching forth a hand to try and help him up "perhaps the girls can assist too.". Alexander looked at the Professor with his half drooping eyes and a expression of surprise. Why was the Professor acting so strangely, I mean, he could usually walk without any problem. Standing up by himself once more, he swayed slightly feeling that his feet could not support him. He put his hand out and reached the Professor's shoulder. It was hard going since he was rather short and the Professor rather tall. Alexander blinked a few times.

He heard Elisabet speak, but it felt like it was travelling through water as if slower to reach him. He blinked a few more times slowly before he understood what she said.

"Of course I will Alex, you know I enjoy strolling the infirmary." the girl said jokingly, fighting the urge to scream or do something to show her emotion. Alexander smiled serenely at the girl, closing his eyes slightly and slowly and opening them up again. "I think, I'd like to lie down on this patch of snow right here." he said his voice a little less raspy than before. Before Professor d'Ambray could answer him however, Elisabet seemed to be asking Meghan a question. "Are you coming too? You helped save Alex, more than I did. she asked the other girl. I'm Elisabet by the way, not that you didn't just hear Alex say my name. Its really nice to meet you.". Alexander screwed up his face in thought. Save me? He chanced a look behind him and saw a hole in the ice which was now slowly freezing itself over. Comprehension seemed to dawn on his face, I fell through the ice? A sense of panic seemed to pass over him as he realised that he was not exactly well. As if a candle was lit, a sense of alertness shot through him. His eyes no longer felt tired or droopy and while his limbs felt numb, cold and ached; he felt he could get to the castle without the teacher's help. Of course, not wanting to worry anyone Alexander kept this all to himself.

Suddenly the Professor spoke. "Incidentally, Mr Sowerby" he explained "I always listen to the reasonable requests of those in need of medical care, most of time they are fully justified.". Alexander looked at him slightly surprised. What had he said? He hoped whatever it was, he didn't start accusing teachers of being incompetent. "I'm very sorry sir." he said before continuing. "for what I said." he wanted to add ever but he thought better of it since it would undoubtedly show he was a bit lost and would likely only panic them more.

Edited by Alexander Sowerby, 08 November 2011 - 11:03 AM.

[Meghan Morris]

For reasons unknown, even to herself, Meghan remained referring to Alexander as if he was still unconscious. Why? Maybe she was in shock, or perhaps her brain was having difficulties processing everything at once. If Luka were here he probably would not have been surprised. The girl introduced herself to Meghan, yet Meghan was sure she had seen her before. They most likely had attended a few classes together, or something of that sort. The Professor suggested one of the girl’s help support Alexander’s weight. They were both rather petite but they could most likely handle it.

“Meghan Morris, you arrived in the nick of time, luckily you actually had some idea of what to do. I’ll gladly help support Alexander. How about Elisabet and I take his arms and you guide us? I can hardly see through this wretched snow.” The group did as requested and they began their awkward journey to the hospital wing. The girls struggled but were lucky that Alexander was not extremely heavy with or without the water dragging him down. Though it was difficult the quartet arrived at the hospital wing long enough to push Alexander on to a bed and collapse on the ground their selves in exhaustion, well except for the Professor that is.

[Professor d'Ambray]

Topic Closed
By Staff for Archiving
(points awarded accordingly)