friends forever }{ lux

[LUX LOSCE]

Lana smiled knowingly when Lux asked about her practical testing, making the blonde smirk and drop her eyes to her pumpkin juice. There was no point in hiding her oddly deep interest in all things schooling-related. Perhaps she should become a professor. Lux had considered it before, but even though she did love Hogwarts, she wanted to get out and do something. Not that professors did nothing, of course, but Lux wanted to apply her knowledge to the outside world.

She listened while Lana recounted her experiences, giggling while she imagined her somewhat short, dark Russian friend as a tall, pale redhead. Her stomach flipped a bit at the image in her mind; she was certain Lana had been quite something to look at. But it only made her more appreciative of how her friend looked naturally. Lana was gorgeous, flawless even, in Lux's eyes, and often without her own knowledge Lux would find herself staring.

Lux gasped excitedly, her eyes lighting up when Lana told her the professors had mentioned her training to be an Animagus. "Ooh, that would e so exciting!" she exclaimed, clapping her hands together once. "I've wondered what that would be like. An Animagus is someone who can change into an animal form at will. Professor McGonagall is a cat, for example. It's really hard to learn, quite an advanced level of Transfiguration. But it isn't illegal. It's only against the law to be an Animagus without registering with the Ministry of Magic. They want to keep a closer eye on you so you don't abuse your abilities," Lux explained.

They talked a bit more about careers, and Lana seemed to take an interest in Curse-Breaking as well as being an Unspeakable. "It does, doesn't it?" Lux agreed with a grin. Some of these careers sounded as though they came right out of a fable. Lana wanted to see the world, just like Lux did, as well as dragons. Perhaps her friend would even tame one one day, and then Lux would actually get the chance to touch it. She laughed, blue eyes sparkling happily, as she imagined Lana on a giant plantation filled with dragons.

"You could do it, Lana. Curse-breaking, dragon-taming, being an Animagus or Unspeakable... any of it. We both could." The opportunities seemed endless. They were two best friends nearing the prime of their lives, smart, about to graduate from Hogwarts, with the world at their fingertips and all the knowledge they required at their disposal. When Lux was with Lana, and Rafferty was miles away, it was easy to feel as though she could do anything.

[LANA LOSCE]

Becoming an Animagus was looking more intriguing by the minute. An animal form! What sort of animal would she want to be, anyway? "Do you get to choose? What animal do you think I should be?" she asked curiously. "Do they teach that here? It sounds just perfect, I think. Do you think you could do it with me?"

Lana grinned when Lux went on about how they could do anything with their lives. "Maybe we'll do it all," she mused. "We wouldn't have to commit to one career. Would we? I'd love to try some of everything, travel the world...really do things, you know? I never thought I'd have the chance." She smiled here. Maybe some people liked the idea of sitting around, not having to work, filthy rich, hosting parties, and such things, but for Lana life had always been suffocating. She had never been given an opportunity to see or do anything. The only life she had foreseen for herself as a small child had been very sad, very lonely. It was what she was born for, her parents had told her. Her sister, Oksana, hadn't had much more hope than she did.

"Aoife's a...what was the word? A nomad, I think she referred to herself," she said uncertainly. "She's seen the whole world, I swear! She's learned all sorts of magic from different places. She's met so many different people. Ahh, her life is perfect," Lana said dreamily. "I'm very lucky she agreed to stay in Hogsmeade for me. But she says it's been so long since she's been in this area, so she doesn't mind it much. She said students are allowed to visit Hogmeades on certain weekends, so maybe I can introduce you, one day."

Just thinking of the future was exciting, but her good mood was swept away as quickly as it had come, her beaming face falling slightly, so that her smile was forced and sad as she considered other things. The war had to end before she could really do anything. What was the point in seeing the world when it was steadily being taken over by the Darkest wizard of their age? No, they would have to see the end of the Dark Lord before she could do anything else. The famous Harry Potter (who even sheltered Lana had heard about in her youth) and his friends were supposedly still searching for a way to defeat him, though there were little details on how they expected to do that. It was probably a good thing. They couldn't have the Dark Lord finding out their plan. Still, it was irritating. Lana wished she knew how closer they were to being free.

[LUX LOSCE]

"No, you don't get to choose," Lux answered, a hint of disappointment in her voice. How awesome would it be to be able to pick your animal? "No, the magic brings out whatever animal best reflects you, your personality and all of that. But it does sound pretty amazing; I've never really given it that much thought. I was just in my third year when I learned about Animagi in Transfiguration. I never thought I'd be able to do it, but... I guess I could," Lux decided with a smile. If that didn't impress her father, she didn't know what would. Animagi were rare, very rare, because of how hard they had to work at bringing out their animal form. But Lux was smart enough, and Lana was smart enough, and both of them had plenty of determination. Maybe their animals could even help them decide on a career!

Or maybe, Lux mused, they wouldn't have to pick just one. Maybe they could do it all! All the adventure, world travel, potion-making, dragon-taming... they could do anything they wanted. All of the excited butterflies in her stomach made Lux feel like she had wings. Her best friend was back from the dead, and being with her again made her certain that they could accomplish anything they set their minds to. Anything!

"That sounds so perfect, Lissy," Lux grinned, reaching across the table to squeeze her friend's hand tightly, feeling the rush of excitement that overcame her. The two of them against the world. Against the whole world. "I want to see and do everything with you. Everything we've ever dreamed of. We could, you know." Couldn't they? Lana was free. Lux... well, she was a bit less free. She'd return home after this year at Hogwarts, but she tried not to think about that. A career was her way out, a means by which to both support herself, and please Rafferty.

Aoife was a nomad, Lana said, never staying in one place for too long. She was in Hogsmeade for now, and Lux nodded eagerly at the prospect of meeting her. "I'd love to meet her! I bet she has so many stories to tell. Besides, I've got to make sure she's taking as good of care of you as I could," Lux said with a playful wink. The two of them had always looked out for each other, since the very beginning. Lana was the only person whom Lux could honestly say she loved more than she loved herself.

[LANA LOSCE]

Lana smiled as they discussed becoming Animagi. Maybe she would talk to McGonagall after her first class about doing it. Students would be able to, wouldn't they? But if they were so rare, they must not actually teach it in class. It was worth a shot, asking, though. It was a useful trick to have, being able to become an animal. "I think you would be a kitten," she teased, tapping her foot against her friend's leg under the table. "And by kitten, I do mean something like a....hmmm...tiger. A pretty white tiger." Then she took a moment considering her own animal, pursing her lips as she went through various choices. "And I shall be...a dragon! And I shall save you from harm and let you touch me all you want!"

All the talk of the future was exhilarating. She would start reading all of her career pamphlets right away then send an owl to Aoife to get her advice! Then she'd need to talk to her head of house about things. She'd have to take every class offered, maybe, to have the training needed to do all she wanted. She had signed up for plenty of classes, but if she was missing any she'd need to know right away! "And we will!"

Talk of meeting Aoife was even better. When was the first Hogsmeade trip? Lana opened her mouth to ask when one of the elves hopped over anxiously. "Misses must go! Professors is coming! Professors is coming! Hurry! Misses must not be caught!"

The elf seemed troubled so Lana stood up, brows furrowed in confusion as the elves began cleaning the table. Maybe teachers didn't like company. Then she remembered they weren't supposed to be out after curfew. So silly, these professors. The last thing they needed, though, was to get in trouble so soon.

[LUX LOSCE]

Lux pretended to pout, but couldn't conceal her laughter when Lana decided that she would be a kitten. Not a cat-kitten like Professor McGonagall though, but a tiger kitten. A white tiger, nonetheless. Lux smiled and sighed as she thought of herself becoming a beautiful white tiger. How exciting would that be!

"A hatchling, perhaps," Lux teased back when Lana decided that she would be a dragon, nudging her friend's foot with her own. "And I would touch you all the time!" she giggled. She could only imagine what dragon scales would feel like, but she was sure she wouldn't be able to keep her hands off.

It was a perfect night. The two best friends were reunited and dreaming of doing everything imaginable with their careers, but all good things had to end. Lux almost glared at the elf that came tripping up to interrupt them, but it bade them a warning - professors were coming this way. Lux leaped up immediately as the elves began to hurriedly clean the table.

"Come on, they'll have our heads if they catch us out here," she urged, grabbing Lana's hand. They'd get detention for sure. Lux flew out of the kitchen, dragging Lana behind, trying not to make too much noise and stick to the shadows as they hurried back to the Slytherin dungeon wall. Suddenly she skidded to a halt, arm flying out in front of Lana to stop her as well, and pressed them both back against a dark corner.

"What do you make of the new first years?"
"Quite a crop, I'd say. Probably some very good wizards and witches in the making. Though there were quite a few Slytherins..."
"Oh, come off it. Not every Slytherin is an automatic servant of the Dark Lord."
"I'm just saying, He was one, wasn't He? We need to keep an eye out, is all, in all the houses!"

Lux rolled her eyes. Of course a couple of patrolling teachers would be having some stupid debate right outside the Slytherin dorm. She pressed a finger to her lips and motioned Lana to follow her back the way they came. They backtracked for a couple of turns, then Lux led them down a long corridor with plenty of shadows to hide in.

"There'll be no getting back to your dorm tonight," she whispered into Lana's ear, then pointed ahead to the huge, towering Ravenclaw Staircase. Once they reached the top, they would be home free.

[LANA LOSCE]

Lana let Lux grab her hand, being pulled out of the kitchens and down the corridors. They were close to the dungeons, so it wasn't long before they neared the area, but they heard the conversation of two teachers patrolling the area. What was wrong with Slytherins? Hearing what they said made her freeze, like an iceberg fighting its way down her throat, through her chest, flopping painfully into her stomach. She hardly heard a word Lux had said, letting her friend pull her towards Ravenclaw Tower. All through Lux answering the required riddle, being dragged into the common room, she could hardly function on her own at all.

Finally, Lana blinked, shivered, then looked to Lux. The Dark Lord was a Slytherin, yes, but that didn't mean anything, she told herself. That didn't make all Slytherins bad, nor did it mean anything particular about Lana herself. Did it? "H...He was a Slytherin?" she asked quietly. "That's not...It would be silly to say that...I'm really tired. Can we go to bed?" Glancing away from her friend, she chickened out of her questions. She didn't want to know. The surge of panic had risen, but it slowly calmed itself as Lana told herself repeatedly that everything was fine. The Dark Lord was far from here. Being in his house meant nothing, only that he gave them a bad name.

[LUX LOSCE]

Lux was just glad to make it back to the tower without being caught. Her heart was pounding in her chest, her breathing coming a bit quickly as all of the adrenaline and excitement died down. It wasn't until then that she noticed the look on her friend's face, and she spoke soon after, asking about the Dark Lord's house assignment.

"Oh, Lissy, no," Lux hurriedly assured her, squeezing her best friend's hand as she remembered the conversation they had overheard. She rolled her eyes, feeling anger roil deep in her stomach. "That's just Professor Craven. He took over Muggle Studies after the war began, and he's more than a bit unrealistic. Just because the Dark Lord happened to be a Slytherin, suddenly they're all under the microscope. It doesn't mean anything, Lana. You'll make a fine Slytherin. And Craven won't bother you, I'm sure of it," Lux said, tucking a stray lock of her friend's hair behind her ear and smiling softly.

"Of course we can go to bed," Lux replied, hardly able to stifle a yawn herself. She didn't want to let go of Lana's hand, instead leading her up the stairs to the girls' dorm and to the empty bed that would be hers. She climbed in and lifted the covers for Lana, feeling deeply happy for the first time since she could remember.

[LANA LOSCE]

Lana smiled wearily as Lux explained Professor Craven's behavior. He wouldn't bother her, her friend promised. The blond reaching out to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear startled her. Hand-holding had been one thing, but it was hard getting used to physical affection again, after all she had gone through. It was nice, though. More than nice. "Good. I won't let him bully me, either way, no matter what." Probably not to the point of getting herself expelled. She needed to be here. But she had been kicked around enough in her young life. "What's his name? Professor Snipes? Snaps? Sn...Snyder?" Who was her Head of House again. "Would he do something if this Craven did something? It is his house and all." Or did teachers care, even if it was their house? "What if he did do something?"

Glad to go to bed, Lana squeezed Lux's hand as her friend led her to the dormitories. While Lux climbed into bed, Lana tugged off robe and skirt, kicked off her shoes, then climbed into bed in nothing but her tank top and panties. She would have to try to wake up early to get back down to the dungeons to get proper clothing for the day, but right now she wouldn't worry about it, instead snuggling up close to Lux.

[LUX LOSCE]

"Snape," Lux offered, grinning a bit as Lana tried to remember the name of the professor. She shook her head at Lana's questions, giving her fingers another gentle squeeze. "He won't bother you, Lana. He's too much of a coward. It's not just Slytherins he's worried about, it's just about everything. What gets sent out and received in the students' mail, the risk of injury in Quidditch... he's a paranoid fool. Much like the Muggles he studies, if you ask me," Lux scoffed. "He'll never say anything to the face of any Slytherin, and nothing behind their backs while Snape's around. The imbecile is terrified of him. And if he did do something, he'd be out of here before you could say "Felix Felicis." His reputation's hanging by a thread as it is."

They headed up to bed, with Lux so tired she climbed right in with her robes and all. She giggled when she realized, about to take them off before she noticed Lana doing the same. Immediately she dropped her eyes to give her friend privacy, confused by the overwhelming desire to look up again. It was like an itch she was desperate to scratch, and Lux's eyes glanced up almost of their own accord. What did it matter, she told herself, they were best friends after all. Even so, seeing the moonlight fall on her friend's scantily-clad body stirred something in her that she hadn't felt before... at least, not in Lana's presence. Not really, anyway.

Lux blinked and mentally shook the feeling off. She'd always thought Lissy was gorgeous, and besides, she had just basically come back from the dead. Emotions were just running high, that was all.

She had a bit of a hard time believing it, though, as she wiggled out of her robes to have her friend press up against her. Lux swallowed hard but eagerly cuddled back, wrapping an arm around Lana's midsection. That was okay, right? They'd woken up like that plenty of times at Rafferty's manor. What was so different now?

Your brain is tired and you're overthinking. That's what's different now, she told herself firmly, and relaxed further against Lana, letting her friend's familiar scent fill her. She smiled and sighed happily, feeling more than blessed just to have Lana with her again.

[LANA LOSCE]

Right. Snape it was. Craven was apparently a coward, though, who acted like Muggles or something. Too scared of Slytherins and their head. Lana didn't know much about Muggles, but it didn't sound good. "Good," Lana said, a little relieved. The last thing she needed was a teacher bullying her.

In bed, Lana snuggled up beside the blond as she always had. The instinct to do so was natural, but something gave her pause as Lux's arm wrapped around her. Something seemed different, but maybe it was all that time apart. She craved human touch, a kind touch, after so long in that dingy dungeon, held captive by depraved old men. Lux was nice and soft with smooth skin that felt so nice against her own, and she was so warm. Her eyes were open wide, though, staring into the darkness as a strange feeling came over her. It felt like a fish was in her stomach, flopping around, trying to escape. It was the strangest sensation in the world. Heat crept to her face, though she wasn't entirely sure why. This was normal! So why did it feel so special? Why was her heart racing the way it was?

It had to be nerves. She was anxious about her first day of class. This was a whole new world she had to adjust to. Shifting around, she tried to find a comfortable position, though she tried not to move too much, not wanting to give Lux a reason to let go. No matter how confused this was starting to feel.

[LUX LOSCE]

As tired as she was a moment ago, Lux now found herself almost wide awake. Her heart was pounding in her chest, skipping and flipping every so often when Lana moved against her. Lux swallowed hard again, staying completely still while her friend shifted again beside her, undoubtedly trying to get comfortable in an unfamiliar bed. Lux's stomach was in knots, though the feeling wasn't entirely unpleasant. Lana's skin felt warm beneath her fingertips, and her body was so soft, like a pillow. Lux couldn't help but to cuddle closer, a shiver running through her that had nothing to do with the mild chill in the room. She hoped Lana would interpret it as just her being cold, though.

Lux swallowed again and tried to relax enough to be able to go to sleep. For some reason, it was difficult with Lana spooned against her, Lux's face buried in her soft hair that smelled so very good, so very Lana. Lux sighed softly, torn between confusion and secret pleasure. She blinked a few times, finding her eyes were not quite so wide open as they were a moment ago. Sleep was beginning to take her again, and as she drifted towards unconsciousness, keeping her baser desires in check didn't seem to matter so much to her foggy mind. She pulled Lana closer to her, pressing herself against her warm body, smiling into her dark hair as her stomach flipped excitedly. Lux was just happy that her best friend was alive; that was all. It was so hard not to relax when she was so happy and wanted Lana against her so badly. It was becoming a fight to keep her eyes open, and Lux finally gave in, drifting off into oblivion.