Inside

[Blake Deimos]

Blake smiled as he sipped his own cup slowly so he wouldn't burn his tongue; he was often told by his mother he had the tongue of a cat, far too sensitive. "I wouldn't say exceptionally bright, but I am ambitious in what I love and obsessive with knowing more than those who can become your enemies.. though I do not go actively seeking opposing forces. I have wonderful friends and acquaintances though, and none of them are in my year. Like my guy friend Emery, he's really nice and honest- the type with a good head on his shoulders, with the courage to be his own person and not care what others think, and he's very up front about things, very blunt.. I- I like that."

[Headmaster]

"But you are otherwise feeling outcast I imagine?" The headmaster gave a knowing look. "You know Blake, I have always pushed for cooperation between all four of the houses. This year seems to be showing it happening more and more though some students still find this a difficult thing to do." He sighed lightly. "If I may be so bold, it is refreshing to see students like you." He gave a smile.

[Blake Deimos]

Blake flushed and gave a half-nod, "I.. I guess I am. I might pull away more than be pushed away though, so maybe I am making myself an outcast without wanting to.." He sipped his tea silently and thought this over, not knowing if this was true, or a lie. Tittering, Blake looked to the Headmaster with a bright smile, "Your audacity is welcome, Headmaster. I don't see boundaries when houses come into play, but opportunity and a chance for friendship. Having the same type of friends, no matter how nice, will get dull after so long because the conversation will always be the same unchanging constant. There are no variables."

[Headmaster]

"Not to mention that when too many of the same ideas are shared constantly it can lead to an elitist way of thinking though I imagine you may have witnessed this already." He leaned back in his chair. "I do not believe that you are at fault for anything." He nodded. "Though I would hope you would like to pull away from your desire to be on your own at times. It is a difficult life, being on your own so much. To put on an air of being alright...it is a painful thing." He sighed as though he spoke from a sort of experience. "It is much better to accept help and to open yourself to others while keeping your personal beliefs and morals than to live your life in solitude and to let loneliness consume you."

[Blake Deimos]

"Elitist, esoteric, Machiavellian even.." Blake reached over and broke off a small piece of the banana bread, popping it into his mouth while being mindful of crumbs. "A lot of us are use to putting on an air- a mask, Headmaster. Though I am thankful many do not bother with mine at all. I am always pleasant, always polite, and always content. As long as I do not dare to deviate from that when I am not, no one asks questions or truly knows. I should probably make a better attempt in 'hanging out' or making dates with friends to meet and enjoy one another in company, give myself the chance to be helped when necessary."

[Headmaster]

The Headmaster nodded. "Opening yourself to others can help." He smiled before opening a bag and pulling out a sherbert lemon. "Care for one?"

[Blake Deimos]

Blake began to nod, sifting through his mind and his thoughts from the past few days. He hadn't made it to the party Effy had invited him to because he had fallen asleep for the day, not feeling well enough to part with his dreams. He purposely made his way to places he knew he wouldn't find interaction when he felt the need to be truly alone. Books were not friends, only good companions. He could owl Cedric, or Gavin, or Effy or Nyssa- Freya, Cho, Arya.. Yeah, he would. He'd try.
Blake blinked to clear the glaze that had settled in his eyes and blinked again curiously, "I've never had one before, yes please."

[Headmaster]

The Headmaster offered the bag over and smiled. "You have good friends Blake. Strengthening your bonds with them will only help you to feel better. The same goes for acquaintances. If you'd really like a challenge then befriend an enemy." He smiled. "Though it can be difficult."

[Blake Deimos]

Blake took the bag with a crinkling sound and took one of the candies out, setting the bag back onto the table. He cautiously licked the sweet and not finding it offensive to his palette, he also popped it into his mouth to savor it. "I'll definitely try, Headmaster. A good support system is the foundation of a sane person, I guess. I wouldn't want to go insane, even if it might be an experience." He giggled at such an outlandish suggestion, "Befriend an enemy? It sounds like I'd be painting white roses red, but I welcome a good challenge."

[Headmaster]

"If you welcome a challenge then that is the challenge for you. Most people will see reason in a half-decent way eventually or if not they can end up agreeing to disagree and put old feuds to a rest." He smiled. "Do you wish to spend the night away from Slytherin house? If so I can arrange alternate sleeping conditions for you."

[Blake Deimos]

"You're right Headmaster, if we're speaking about people that have any reason at all to begin with.. there are very stubborn people out there in the world." Blake finished his sherbert lemon, wondering if they came in the flavor of green apples, and then sat upright at the Headmaster's suggestion, "Really? Is it no trouble..? A night away sounds awfully nice, even though I have nothing against the place. I guess it's the aura around it that feels stifling."

[Headmaster]

He nodded. "If here is enough you're more than welcome to stay the night in my office otherwise I can arrange something else." He smiled.

[Blake Deimos]

Blake broke off a last piece of the banana and chocolate chip bread to eat, "I wouldn't venture to intrude on your space, Headmaster. If possible... I'd like to be situated somewhere else for the night.."

[Headmaster]

He smiled. "It would be no intrusion. I've had others stay in here the night. Though if you'd like I can find you a room in the castle somewhere. The room of requirement would likely be the best place as it could provide whatever you'd need though we could likely find somewhere else if you'd like anything specific."

[Blake Deimos]

"The room of requirement would be perfect Headmaster. I must admit, I've found comfort in it twice.. It's as if the castle is a sentient being and she knows her students. Have you ever found yourself talking to her, Headmaster..?" Blake tilted his head to the left in his pondering.