The Black Lake

A harsh pause, the girl turned toward Joa, holding the sketchbook up to him, the picture of the insect with it's freshly painted shell and it's soft blue eyes gleaming it's it's realistic illustration.

Almost like a giant beetle, wingless and covered in shell, it was a terrifying looking creature.

But Cynder showed it to Joa nonetheless, a deep frown on her face.

"Look here, Joa. Do you see this? This is an Ohmu. They're one of the rarest creatures alive today. Only one wizard has seen one in the past twelve-thousand years. And no muggle has ever set eyes on one. Yet they're fearsom, and known as heartless terrors who charge enemies and destroy whole continents when enraged."

She paused, her eyes soft, wise.

"Don't say you're not kind, Joa. They're looked at as heartless. However, when they're pleased, calm... they're protective and endearing. Forgiving and noble. They're Sympathetic and friendly. Though not always the most open to people.. not always kind... they are, deep down. And so are you, Joa. I know you are. Ged knows you are. Every time we talk, he can't help but speak about you."

"You think that but JUST today, I wanted to put a price tag on the cure AND I still want my best friend's girl, maybe even love her, when I have a girlfriend..."

A small shrug, Cynder turned back to her book, began sketching another Ohmu by the side of the other, and a larvae to the other side.

She painted them carefully, making sure to pay every attention to their detail.

"Just because of that, it makes you unkind? That's a sick lie Joa. Everyone thinks terrible thoughts. I must admit I have, as well. But that doesn't define who you are."

"Cynda', either ya the nicest person on the planet or you're just too dumb to quit on me..."

A smirk, she dipped her brush in the water, clearing it of it's current color and dipping it in red, painting the eyes of the second Ohmu the scarlet color, signifying rage.

"It's up to you, Joa. Weather you make yourself out for bad, and allow yourself to be consumed by darkness,"

A pause, she cleared her brush again, and dipped it in blue, painting the babie's eyes blue.

"Or you can realize we all make mistakes, we're all human, and that you just want to be good, that you're not heartless like the Death Eaters."

"Here's the thing... I'm good at bein' bad... I've lived off it for years. Robbin', doin' all sortsa things..."

The girl dipped her brush in the paints again, making a soft tannish brown for the armor.

"... and this makes you evil, how? It's not right, but it certainly better than going about killing people for fun."

"How do ya do it..."

A pause, Cynder's brush hovered above where she was about to paint. She tensed slightly and scowled.

"I've lived that way, Joa. Done unspeakable things. And only after I had killed and caused great sadness, then I realized that my actions were severely wrong. I understand good and evil, because I've lived in both, and survived, wavering between the two for all my life."

"I just wish I could be like ya... just instinctively know the good thing from the smart thing..."

A frown, she pressed the brush to the paper, lifting quickly and dropping it again in gentle, long streaks.

"I never said I did, Joa. I'm human, I've done many wrongs in my life.. Often you just need to think it through. Do what you know will not harm others, or cause fights. Even a simple idea like that can make the difference in a whole decision."

"And what about where lovin' someone's future wife is concerned?"

Cynder spoke clearly, reciting part of a a verse she had already memorized, as part of her Biblical studies.

"James 1:14-15...
But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. "

A calm, gentle look toward Joachim.

"It's hard not to love someone. And by all means, don't stop loving her. But respect that she will soon be a friend's wife, and don't allow yourself to sin for your own desires. For example- Artemis. In my eyes. I've found great respect and adoration for him. Yet I've promised myself, and him, that I will not come between him and his wife. It's not my place to try and take his heart, when it belongs to someone already."

"Welll I got no clue when you went all Jesus freak... but anyways... yeah I guess ya right... the last time I tried to win Potion I put my friend in Azkaban..."

A chuckle, she shrugged.

"You can ask Matthew about that one. I got Baptized a little while ago."

A small exhale, she put her brush down and blew on the paint, to help it dry faster.

"You're good, Joachim. Ged and I both believe that. Just don't allow your desires to overwhelm your Judgement."

"And how do I now whats the right call?"

A small, kind smile.

"Often, the right answer comes in a mere whisper. You've just got to listen."


"Complete rubbish..."

The second voice caught Cynder off-guard.
She jumped and lifted her head, gazing unsteadily behind Joa.
Jean Descole.
Who wouldda thought.

-I scowl at him- "You lost? The bastard convention is in the Potions classroom, not here."

Cynder's face lit up bright red at Joa's comment, and Descole seemed to notice.

He chuckled darkly and crossed his arms lazily.

"Careful when you suggest your Potions professor around Cynder. She'll defend him with all she's got."

The girl turned her face down and murmured under her breath.
"Severus isn't a bastard..."

"Whatever. Why are you here?"

A smirk, the auror uncrossed his arms and pulled a letter from his suit.

"Cynder sent me. Apparently it's time I work with the bloody Strayers again, to save a silly boy. That's why I'm here. I was asked to be. And for a pretty penny- which I need just about now..."

Cynder felt herself growing a bit upset with Descole, but she reached into her bag and pulled out a large sack of money, handing it over to Descole.

"Thanks, Mr. Descole..."

"It's... my.. pleasure.."

-All 3 Strayers arrive-

ooc gtg night

(( night ))

She was walking around, when she heard what he said. She chuckled evilly.-Oh, I might help you in that...-