Between the lines (Raug)

[natalia]

Nat scoured the shelves, searching for no book in particular. As always, she felt a slight twinge of guilt, passing so many books which appeared to have their own appeal. But it wasn't what she was looking for. Today, she wanted something completely new. Something completely unexpected, from an underrated author. Her talks with Erik had revealed to her that the wide range of books in the wizarding world were an infinite spectrum of opinions and biases.

She wanted to know them all.

The idea of the text upon the page always excited her, because there was something deeper than the text. She knew that one must learn to read between the lines. That was what made reading so enjoyable. Her finger continued brushing the tomes, all seeming frequently read and worn. Her finger brushed by a thick book, the title chipping from the old spine. She took it, looking at the cover.
'
"Medicinal Herbology," she whispered aloud to herself, aware that no one was there. She saw almost no one here. This was her sanctuary. There was always a certain air about the library, that gave her a deep sense of home. It was such a powerful feeling, and those that she occasionally encountered within the library weren't as intimidating as she would normally find them outside of these walls.

Tucking the book under her arm, she retreated to her corner, and flipping the book open with anticipation. Her cheeks always hurt on the end of the day, from grinning as she inhaled the scent of old books, the pages, the ink upon parchment. Nat had always pitied those who would never truly understand the beauty involved in the miracle of books.

Flipping past the page, Nat found herself swallowed by the wonders of Herbology and it's practical uses. It barely skimmed the surface of her consciousness as she heard someone enter the spacious library...

[raugmoretti]

Raug had never been so insulted. He'd been outwitted- Outsmarted. Earlier he had had a confrontation with a fourth year, obviously an expert in herbology, who had tried to correct him. His extensive research and tests had always been correct, or so he thought. I'll show him Raug thought as he walked to the herbology section of the magnificent library. He would prove to that he was right. Thought he didn't know how he was determined.

Where to start Herbo:ogy being Raugs worst subject he decided anywhere would do. Raugs found the closest book and began to read as he walked to the nearest chair. His foot caught on something and instantly fell, book and all, to the ground."Blast!"

[natalia]

A loud yelped pulled Nat from her deep world of Herbology. She glanced up to see a boy struggling with his materials. She studied him for a minute, before jumping to help. It was rather out of character for her to ever approach a stranger, but then again, she was in the library. Here it was safe.

She knelt beside him, stacking the books and parchment as she briefly skimmed the last book. She smiled slightly.

"You like Herbology?" She stood, offering the tome to him. She surveyed him, noticing the Ravenclaw badge on his chest. He didn't appear much older than herself. She had often been told her attraction to any one subject was very abnormal for a first year, and she was shocked to see another like her. Intrigued, she studied his face, to see no Englishman, but to see an Italian, like herself. "Stai bene?"

[raugmoretti]

"Si, solo qualche luido." Raug brushed himself off, then stopped. Grandfather would npt aprove. "I'm not allowed to speak Italian." Raug stated as he picked up his book. He should have sensed her, he must have been to distracted by his ignorance. "I despise herbology," Raug fixed his slightly ascew tie. "It vexes me."

Raug began to observe this young girl, she was sitting out of view surrounded by, as it seemed, a fort of books. Medical herbology, Herbology in muggle society, and Herbology unrestricted stood out the most.

[natalia]

"Oh," Nat nodded. "Neither am I. Bad for my English," she agreed. She winced slightly. Never had she heard such hatred for the subject. She felt a little twinge of disappointment. She took the book, surveying it. "A beginner's guide to Herbology," she read aloud. "May I ask why someone with such hatred has such a book? She smiled slightly. He wasn't like most other people. This she sensed.

"I wouldn't be too harsh with Herbology. It has something to offer, just like every subject does. As do people," her rambling was more to herself. She had found herself pondering this subject more and more often.

[raugmoretti]

"It is the only thing there is too much to learn," Raug attemped at a lie "Or at least it would take too much of my time." Raug never thought there was to much to learn.

Raug wondered what she meant by the last part. She could prove that fourth year wrong... or right... either way she could be quite a powerfull resource. "I just need to know the basics," Raug shifted "No more then necessary."

[natalia]

Nat moved the book to the other hand, considering it. "Then this is the wrong book for you, love," she placed it carefully back into its position on the shelf. She reached for a thinner volume, handing it to him. "Quicker read, broader topics," she stated.

She considered him. The first sentence was obviously a lie. She had read so much of human nature that she could recognize those fairly easy. Now how to answer was part of social situations that Nat hated. No book can answer how to interact with humans.

"Or do you have a specific question?" She was intrigued. What possible need would he have for such a hated subject?

[raugmoretti]

"I'm sure I can manage this," Raug said accepting the book "If I need any help I can ask ... Umm ... What did you say your name was?" Raug asked almost apologeticly.

Raug realized he had never talked to anyone besides Ivy this much, about anything. He wondered if she noticed his unknowing responses were from little practice.

[natalia]

Nat nodded. The boy didn't seem to apt to speaking either. She didn't take umbrage to it, as most people would have. She understood completely. She managed another smile, odd for her, especially around other people. The only person who had seen her smile must have been Erik.

"My name's Nat," she answered. The strange part of socializing, was once a name was speaking, it was an agreement. You were promising to speak once again. To be put in an awkward position again. To address one another again for the sake of manners. This seemed different though. This boy sure didn't come across as the type who would have asked if it didn't matter to him.

Those kinds of people were rare.

"And you?" Nat asked, honestly interested.

[raugmoretti]

"My name is R-Raug" he said stuttering. He had never had to say his name to anyone in school before. This girl-,Nat, could help with his problem he thought.
"Do you have a free period? I was thinking about going to see the hypogryphs."

[natalia]

Nat smiled slightly. The name rang very Italian, yet original. She wished she knew the etymology. She was accustomed to knowing the etymology of names. They reflected the person. Almost like a prophecy for one to live up to. The next question startled her.

"Yes, I do," she nodded. "I would love that," a silly grin broke across her face. It was strange. There were no social pretenses with this boy. No limitations. "Tomorrow?" She asked, stacking her books upon the shelves. It was getting close to curfew, and she'd been lectured a fair few times about breaking curfew.

[raugmoretti]

"That sounds fine. Meet me there," Raug thinks for a second, "A coat would be wise." Raug said confused as he turned away carrying the book on herbology. A strange thought came to mind. He hadn't predicted anything lately. Something must be wrong.

Raug stopped suddenly offered a "Good-bye" and turned out of view.