Meeting at sunset (Ksenia/CLOSED]

[Anoushka Drysi Gavronskii]

Anoushka's chest heaved rapidly as she struggled to regulate her breathing. This was one night she most certainly never ever wanted to re-live. It took her a few seconds to realise that Ksenia was talking to her. Anoushka picked herself up and nodded in acknowledgement. Knowing that the professor thought the Griffin gone helped her relax a little. She tilted her head back and scrutinised the sky. Her eyes then fleeted in the direction of the forest. Although it was eerily silent, her mind started playing tricks on her and she could hear all sorts of scary sounds. Ksenia's proposal was well received. Ana looked up at the woman and nodded, seemingly unable to speak for the present time. She started walking backwards with her eyes fixed on the woods, cursing the long distance to the castle.

[Ksenia Cornelia Calpurnia]

Ksenia turned on her heel and began walking down the road at a brisk pace. She hadn't lowered her wand, it was still in her hand, ready for attack in case the Griffin returned. The teacher didn't even look back to make sure that Anoushka was following her; after all there was no reason for the girl not to follow her professor. She wouldn't want to be left alone in the darkness. The only sound in silence of the dark forest were their footsteps on soft leaves and broken branches. Ksenia had to take a few deep breaths, before she spoke to Ana again. "Miss Gavronskii, the details of this... unfortunate event should be kept between the two of us." Ksenia didn't want her students and colleagues to know how terrified she had been during the encounter with the beast. She knew what they were saying when they though she couldn't hear them, but she refused to give them further pleasure, by letting them know how foolishly she'd behaved.

[Anoushka Drysi Gavronskii]

The professor moved out of her line of view and hurried ahead of Anoushka. Not wanting to risk being left on her own, the blonde spun around and hurried to catch up with Ksenia. With her wand clutched tightly in her hand, Ana mirrored the older woman as both advanced towards the castle. All of the girl's senses were working overtime, trying to pick anything that might be remotely dangerous to their well being. Ksenia's request took her by surprise and a barely visible frown appeared on her face. Anoushka was very close to her twin sister and the two normally shared everything, however, this one time she was willing to make an exception... she would do anything and everything for Ksenia.

"You have my word Madame," she promised solemnly.

As they drew nearer to the castle Ana said, "It is unusual for Griffins to be in this part of the country at this time of the year. Something must have happened."

[Ksenia Cornelia Calpurnia]

Still looking around nervously, Ksenia kept pacing down the road and Anoushka was following her. They were approaching the castle, but Ksenia couldn't tell how far away they were. Everything looked different in the dark, so it was hard to determine where exactly they were. She was hoping that there weren't any more beast who had immense desire to attack during that particular night. She wouldn't survive seeing another beast.

Ksenia cast a quick glance at Ana, after hearing her answer. Due to a dim light, the older witch missed the small frown which appeared on her student's face. "Thank you, miss Gavronskii." she whispered, trying not to make too much noise. It was Ksenia's turn to frown at Ana's words. "I have never thought about that." she said. It was true actually, she had never thought about the Griffins before, not until she was nearly killed by one. Ksenia just shrugged. "Perhaps Muggles have done something to upset them?" she suggested, still looking at Ana. If something else, more serious had occurred, they would have known about it.

[Anoushka Drysi Gavronskii]

Anoushka was still shaking and the feelings of fear refused to leave her; the Griffin may have left however that did not mean they were no longer in danger. She would not relax until both were safe behind the castle walls. Ksenia was as nervous as she was, making Ana feel even more edgy. Her professor was after all an adult and when adults were scared meant that trouble was bigger than big. Her expression softened when her eyes met Ksenia's. Increasing her pace Ana scooted closer to the older woman, resisting the urge to hold onto her for comfort.

"My pleasure Madame," she replied with a faint smile.

Having a secret with Ksenia was different from having ones with her peers. It felt more important and like she had a greater duty bestowed on her. Anoushka looked up and listened intently. Perhaps Ksenia was right. Perhaps it was just Muggles. However the statement 'just muggles' did not sound right to her and Anoushka was overwhelmed by a bad feeling. For a brief moment she halted in her steps, looking distraught.

[Ksenia Cornelia Calpurnia]

Two tiny female figures were walking down the road, approaching the castle. Ksenia looked up, she could already see the highest towers, raising above the tall trees. They were almost there. They'd almost reached the school. Ksenia let out a small sigh and turned to Ana when she spoke again.

"Thank you." she said, her voice barely a whisper. She was still extremely nervous, her mind troubling with the thoughts of some other more dangerous beasts attacking them. Ksenia closed her eyes for a brief moment, praying that their ordeal would be over soon.

Then Anoushka suddenly stopped and Ksenia turned to her. "What is it, Miss Gavronskii? Have you heard something?" she asked, a small note of panic returning to her voice.

[Anoushka Drysi Gavronskii]

By the time Ksenia turned around to face her, Anoushka was clutched her sides and breathing deeply. With her head lowered she looked up to meet the professor's eyes - Ksenia's tone of voice did not go unnoticed by the blonde. She forced a smiled on her lips and resumed walking towards the castle. Anoushka did not want Ksenia to see her face when she replied to the question because she was sure the older woman would pick on the lie.

"I stubbed my toe," she said - even though with her heavy boots that was close to impossible.

[Ksenia Cornelia Calpurnia]

Still looking at Anoushka, Ksenia nodded her head. She was impressed how foolish the students could be; Ana's previous reaction had made her think that the girl had seen at least a dozen of Griffins, hungry and ready to attack. The older witch turned away from her student, rolling her eyes. They had almost reached the castle, she could see the dim lights behind a row of windows. Why was Headmaster up at such a late hour?

Had Ksenia given her student's words a thought, she would have realised that she had lied. "Well, we've almost arrived." Ksenia spoke, visibly more relaxed than before.

[Anoushka Drysi Gavronskii]

Anoushka was surprised at how quickly Ksenia believed her words. Although she had not wanted to be caught lying, Ana was disappointed that her professor did not know her as much as she wanted to believe. The blonde girl hung her head and proceeded in silence. Like Ksenia she noticed that the headmaster's chamber was still lit. However, her thoughts were much more different than those of the older woman. Ana hoped they wouldn't met him inside because she knew that if he saw her she would be in deep trouble. She gulped audibly, knowing Headmaster Olaf would not be as lenient as Professor Calpurnia had been earlier that evening.

"I am glad Madame," Ana replied weakly while still worrying about encountering Olaf.

OOC: Do we want to see if he is interested in joining?

[Ksenia Cornelia Calpurnia]

"Me too." Ksenia replied and sighed. It sure had been an eventful night. The older witch cast a glance towards Alexander's windows, wondering what he was doing. Perhaps he was enjoying his drink, sitting by his desk, reading a book... Ksenia was exhausted, but she would be willing to forget about it temporarily, if Alexander offered her a drink. She heard Anoushka making a strange sound behind her, so she turned around and gave the girl a questioning look.

"What is it now?" she asked. They were very close to their goal, Ksenia could already see the large oak door which led to the entrance hall. Ksenia was hoping that they would meet the headmaster once they stepped inside the castle.

OOC: I've sent him a PM... let's see if he's interested in joining us

[Anoushka Drysi Gavronskii]

What is it now? - the use of words and tone made her squirm uncomfortably. Anoushka kept her gaze lowered, determined not to look at Professor Calpurnia. The blonde was unsure whether or not to confide her worries in Ksenia. In the end she decided to keep them to herself. Doubling her efforts, Ana walked towards the castle at a faster pace.

"I just want to get inside," she mumbled.

Ana almost added before the headmaster catches me out of bed. Part of her didn't want to get Ksenia in trouble for not punishing her. The other part was plainly scared of Headmaster Olaf.

[Ksenia Cornelia Calpurnia]

"Well, we're almost there." Ksenia replied to Ana's mumbled words. The woman kept walking towards the castle, staring directly before her, without even glancing at the girl. She was still thinking about the ghastly creature which had nearly killed them. What if there were more of them in the woods? Something had to be done about it and in order to do it, she had to inform the Headmaster about the shameful event. He wouldn't laugh at her, he would understand.

Ksenia climbed the marble stairs and stopped before the large oak door. Her wand was still out, so she waved it, making the door open before them. The woman walked into the Hall and turned to face the girl. "Come now, Miss Gavronskii." she stopped, her eyes resting on Ana's face. "I need to talk to the Headmaster. And since you witnessed everything, you should come with me." Ksenia glanced to the stairs, urging Ana to speed up a bit. She was eager to see the Headmaster.

[Anoushka Drysi Gavronskii]

Anoushka was tense and silent for the remainder of their walk, however, she began to relax as they neared the castle. Ksenia stepped ahead of her and opened the door - quietly Ana slipped inside. She was already thinking about a hot drinks, her books and bed when Ksenia spoke. The colour drained from Anoushka's face and she started looking from side to side fearfully.

"I have to go and resume my studies," she stuttered while backing away.

[Ksenia Cornelia Calpurnia]

Ksenia stared at Ana, utterly shocked. The woman frowned slightly, taking a step forward and approaching Ana. "Don't be silly, Miss Gavronskii. You can resume your studies later. Now we have to go see the Headmaster."

With these words, Ksenia turned away from the girl and slowly paced towards the stairs. She stopped, suddenly realising that her hair and clothes had to be disheveled, so she moved a hand in attempt to straighten her dress. Her other hand, equally unsuccessfully flew up to her hair. Her usually perfectly straight hair was a complete mess. Ksenia shrugged and turned towards Ana. "Come on, Miss Gavronskii!" she called.

[Anoushka Drysi Gavronskii]

As her professor moved closer Anoushka took a step back, fearful that Ksenia might physically drag her to Olaf's quarters. She remained silent but could not help but think, silly is wanting to see the Headmaster at this hour... after breaking HIS rules. Ana stood motionless, watching Ksenia walk in the direction of the stairs. The student considered breaking into a run and dashing to her dormitory, however, she knew no good would come out of that. For starters Ksenia was a formidable witch and would have no problem stopping her. Secondly, Anoushka was not an unknown student to the older woman. Ksenia turned around and Ana jumped when their eyes met. Gulping, she shook her head no to the woman's order.