Louder Now. {{Open}}

[Matthew Abney]

So it was about 3 in the morning when Matthew woke up, restless, for he couldn't sleep that night. He went to bed around midnight, but fell into a restless sleep, for he had been experimenting with his guitar, and was really making some progress with it. He was finally beginning to understand how to compose a song, and it had fascinated him. The only reason he had gone to bed was because his fellow bedmates told him to put the blasted guitar away and go to sleep. He begrudgingly agreed, and with a scowl put his beloved guitar away, along with its amp, for he had an electric guitar, or something that resembled one, for his father had bewitched it so it didn't need to run on electricity anymore. It was one of the nicest things he father had done for him, and he appreciated it. As he awoke, he knew there would be no getting back to sleep right now or for the rest of the night for that matter. He ripped off his covers, and grabbed some clothes. He dressed quickly pulling a pair of jeans and a band-tee which was his normal attire, along with sneakers. He was going to get out of this blasted dorm room, and go to a place where he could play his guitar. He grabbed his gear, and exited his dorm, and the common room.

He walked, carefully as possible for he did not want to make too much noise, well not now at least, and he didn't want to run into anything. He had no idea where he was going, but continued walking down a corridor, then it occurred to him, he was going to to the Trophy Room. No one was ever in that corridor, and no one ever visited that room, it was perfect. He would be able to set up his gear, and simply create song after song, until he grew tired of it, or got yelled at. He smirked, and continued to stalk towards the room, he wasn't worried about getting yelled at, for it was a common occurance for him. After all the trouble he had caused, he was quite accustomed to be yelled at, for many professors had yelled at him till they were hoarse, only to have him smirk at them, and promise that it would never happen again. Yeah right, it's just too easy and too much fun to stop causing hell around this school.

He then reached the door to the Trophy Room, and opened it up carelessly. He then banged it shut behind him, more on accident than anything else, but smirked none the less. He gazed around the room, and chuckled in pleasure. This room would be perfect for him, for it was big, and just housed trophies, the acoustics wouldn't be too bad at all. This pleased him a lot and a real genuine smiled appeared on his face, which was rare since a smirk was his normal smile it seemed. Well Hogwarts, are you ready to rock?, he thought. He knew no one would hear him unless they traveled down this corridor, but who in the world would be up at this hour? No one he hoped, for right now he just wanted the company of his guitar. He then plugged in his guitar, turned his amp up to 3, and began to fill the room with guitar riffs, and his voice singing strongly, "You're memories will always like ghost, to put it nicely I hope you choke..." The first line of his new song that he was composing, which he intended to create and finish tonight.

[Robyn Matthews]

So some people could call Robyn a pig. But she really wasn't, She couldn't help it if she got midnight cravings for the sweetest things known to mankind. She was one that could never really say no to candy, cakes or even Soda Pop. Some could call it a disaster and say she will end up regretting her careless ways on how she ate. But when her metabolism started to fail, that is when she would decide to even worry or not. No matter what one would say to try and get her to eat a bit more healthy food... this of course included her sometimes worried brother. It wouldn't work, it was her choice. Her consequences she would suffer when the time came. Maybe she was worse off then she thought. She carried her school bag with a few snacks she would probably munch on later the rest of the day. The only thing she ever regretted on her escapes to the kitchen to snack, was the lack of sleep she would be subjected to. She would only recieve a minimal amount of hours to sleep when she reached her dorm.

It was no surpries that she would dart up from the Dungeons trying to keep to corners which were considerably darker. But she doubted any teacher would be up at this time. Even they needed their sleep. The only ones she expect around Hogwarts at the moment was the ghosts Hogwarts hosted, and of course the amazing little elves she just left in the kitchens. No. She did not massacre them. Probably just ate them out of a weeks worth sweets supply. Somehow sprinting up the stairs managing to stay quiet as she ran on her toes. It was more of a jazz run than anything, but it was what was necissary not to wake any living breathing... thing to know she was up way past after hours. So it came to a great surprise when she heard a bang and she managed to slip on a step. She came crashing down onto the stone steps. Holding herself up with her palms. She felt the stinging of the stone and her flesh because of the friction.

She stayed down for a few seconds, not even allowing her heart to gain its normal speed as she pushed herself up. She started up the few steps left once more. This time making it up to the corridor landing without falling again. This was when she halted, allowing her breath to even out and her heart to resume back to normal. She began tip toeing forward. It was times like these when she felt like going through her playful empty threats and taking Potter's cloak for a walk. She found herself stopping once more. She could hear a guitar playing. Was Maddie up? At this time? Or was it Lily? But didn't Lily sing? Of course, not really surprising her she walked forward. She doubted any proffesor here at Hogwarts had the ability to play guitar. So with more confidence now flowing through her she walked normally, only to halt as she looked through the clear glass of the trophy room. Her jaw lowered slightly in disbelief. Matthew Abney knew how to play guitar?! She didn't know he was capable of doing anything. A smirk made its way onto her lips.

Ok. So she lied. She knew he wasn't incompetent. But she definitely wasn't expecting him to harbor musical talent. Pulling open the door the smirk faded slightly as she could feel the guitars rifts entering her through her feet. Who knew stone could let that happen? With a slight shrug she shut the door behind her, hearing him beginning to sing. Again, her jaw dropped. Her smirk dissapearing. He could sing as well? What was this place coming to? Almost immediatly she clenched her jaw shut before swallowing slightly. "Need you always be vulgar?" She asked trying to keep the shock out of her voice. She needed to be as clear as possible when you were one on one with a possible enemy. She could not give away anything that could possibly show any sign of weakness or insecurity on her part. She walked all the way up to him to stand beside his amp which was not connected to anything. Not that it could be.

[Matthew Abney]

It was as if Matthew was transported into another world. No longer did he see himself in the Hogwarts Trophy Room, but instead her saw the bright lights and the sound of his guitar bouncing off a walls of a venue, with the adoring crowd cheering for him. He felt the rush of adrenaline flowing through his veins as his guitar sang the music of his soul, and his strong voice singing all the words he could never say to the public world. The sound of the guitar riffs and the melody of song fitted perfectly together. The words and notes just started to entwine together, creating an interesting, yet haunting rock song. Just what he was going for, and he smiled as he was playing, a real genuine smile upon his lips. It seemed as if he had accomplished what he had intended for the night, for his song was soon to be completed. He just continued playing in his dream world feeling the rush of emotions that the normal world did not provide for him.

If one would listen closely to Matthew's song, they would realize the torment that he felt within in his soul, that he never spoke about to the real world. He was never one to speak his feelings or even show basic emotions really, but when it came to music he was always able to express his emotions and his true feelings. This was the only way he could actually, when he wrote his songs, or just simply sang them as they came, it was as if all his feelings spilled out of his mouth. Sometimes he didn't feel comfortable with what had spilled out his mouth or written through his pen, but so be it. He was normally pleased with the results, even if they did make him squirm in his seat sometimes. These songs were always haunting and spiteful, but none the less reflected his soul, and he didn't care what other people thought of them, all that he cared about is that they were written, and composed correctly.

It was also some what a secret that Matthew had this ability to play the guitar, as well as sing. He didn't tell many people about it, mostly because it was his stress relief, and his therapy, all in one. Without his guitar he didn't know how he would be able to get through life, it was his constant companion and his old friend. He didn't really know why he had kept this silent or hidden his talent for so long, but for some reason he has. He's only told a few select people about it, and for some reason he wanted to keep it that way. He didn't want the whole school talking about how bad he was at playing the guitar or how his songs sucked, which neither was the case, but he believed the little prats at this school would think so. Now it had just become a habit to keep this talent of his hidden, and only play at night with his guitar. Sure he wrote during the day, but he could always pass it off that he was doing his homework. Oh what an amazing talent he was hiding from world.

He was jolted out of his dream world when he heard the door bang shut again behind him. He flipped around only to be staring at Robyn Matthews, with a look of confusion upon his strong features. He couldn't imagine what she'd be doing here, let alone why in the world she would even proceed into this room with him, didn't she hate him or something? The look of confusion passed upon his face and now a smirk was firmly placed when she asked him why he was so vulgar as she continued to walk closer to him. "Ah Robyn Matthews, sneaking around Hogwarts again? Aren't the Gryffindors suppose to be the good ones that do not break the rules?" Then he watched as she walked around his amp and with amusement in his voice asked, "Admiring my amp, or are you trying now to admire me Ms. Matthews?" He couldn't help but to play around with her, for she had it coming with the way she was looking at him earlier.

[Robyn Matthews]

Looking up from the amp that was placed on the floor she looked up to face Matthew only to find him wearing his revolting smirk. Whatever she had been thinking about him having talent, was completely overshadowed by his smirk. A quick look of dislike flashed through her eyes as she looked at him and he spoke. But what came out of his mouth amused her more than anything. So deciding she wouldn't leave anytime soon. She shrugged the bag off her shoulder hearing the muffled thud as it fell to the floor. A second later she flinched. Forgetting she had a bowl with her favourite Lime Jello in it. Hopefully it wasn't scattered around in her bag. That would be a waste, and such a mess to clean up. She didn't feel like cleaning anytime soon, or feeling regret that it was wasted. Ignoring his questions for a while she spoke. "I probably wouldn't be here if I didn't hear your guitar... Oh, and who could forget the door banging shut." She glared slightly. She had a few scrapes on her palms; which she kept balled up slightly.

When she streched out her hand and the air hit it, it would sting a bit. She didn't like the stinging so much so she decided to go for the odd look instead. "Were you wanting someone to hear you, then find you. And possibly get you into trouble?" She asked, She knew he enjoyed trouble. "Either way, you could have done us all a favor and put a muffling charm around the room so others wouldn't hear you." She said. "Then maybe we wouldn't..." She trailed off. No way was she going to admit the door banging caught her off guard and caused her to slip on the stairs. Surely he would redicule her for that. She didn't come in here for that at all. In fact, She had no idea why she was in there at all. Another one of her actions without properly thinking through them. She definitely had to get some pointers from Cameron.

Deciding to change the subject from that she decided the best way would be to answer his question. Plus, she could always try to veer it to his expense instead. That was exactly what she did. "You've been keeping count of the times I sneak around Hogwarts?" Robyn asked with mock surprise. "I don't know whether I should be worried or flattered." She continued, Two could definitely play at that game. "And if you have anything wrong Abney... which is quite normal for you." She said in mock thoughtfullness as she tilted her head slightly as she continued to look at him. "Is that you think Gryffindors are the rule abiding ones in this school." She shook her head. "I thought you attending this School for Five years would have taught you something... Apperently I was wrong." She allowed a faint of a smirk on her lips. She couldn't help but get like this at times like these. It just spilled out of her before she had a chance to even think through what she was saying or was going to do. Especially if she decided she wouldn't be the one having the conversation turned on.

"But to put your mind at ease." She began once more after a thoughtful silence. "Yes. I am out after hours once more. No, Gryffindors aren't all the rule worshipers. As for your last question." She shrugged slightly. "I was admiring your amp and your performing...Not you." She let out a bright smile for a small amount of time before she forced it away. There was no point lying and telling him his equipment and talent was useless and all crap. A question quickly appeared in her thoughts. She was nearly positive it flashed across her face and eyes as well. What the hell was he doing out so late... Just to play Guitar? "Now for my questions." She spoke once more. She was entitled to ask her questions as well. One couldn't really stop the curious. "What are you doing out here so late?" She asked. "And just to play your guitar?" She sounded doubtful. She knew she did. In fact, a moment later she regretted asking the question. He had just brought up her being out so late, and she had to go delve and try to get more information.

Knowing she sounded a bit nosey at the moment she looked away from the person in front of her. And instead put more attention on the guitar he was holding. It wasn't the best one she had ever seen. But like any instrument it was a beauty. After looking at it's attributes she looked back up to the person holding it. "D'you only play guitar and sing?" She asked looking back up at him with honest curiosity. "I'm just curious." She added as an afterthought. Taking a step forward and reaching out slightly to touch the strings on the guitar. She couldn't play guitar to save her life, but she knew a note when she heard one. Picking at the littlest one she heard its note. Was that the E string? Ok, So she didn't know them back to back. "Oh. Better yet. How long have you been playing?" She asked looking up to ask her question as she took a step back. She had to stop showing how curious she actually was.

[Matthew Abney]

Matthew's smirk grew wider when Robyn looked back up at him. He knew that she hated the way he smirked, especially in this type of situation. He couldn't miss the look of dislike that passed upon her face, and to be honest it amused him even more, for he knew Robyn couldn't stand him, yet here she was standing their admiring his equipment. As he watched her grow more comfortable by flinging her bag upon the floor, he raised an eyebrow, for he didn't expect that she would actually stay to socialize, or whatever this was called between them. It wasn't so much called socializing more like each of them trying to get underneath the others skin. But never the less Matthew watched her intently, his eyes never leaving her. "Well Robyn it seems as if my guitar has called you too me, what a coincidence that is indeed, here I thought you didn't like me. I guess this just means I need to play my guitar around you more, maybe you'll grow to like me." He chuckled when she glared at him for banging the door shut, "As for the door, I couldn't help it, I had my hands full, and besides it wasn't that loud, you just must have been near here."

He thought it was odd that she was inquiring so much about his playing, obviously she didn't care much that he was playing, for it wasn't like she was sleeping right now anyways. The Gryffindor Common Room was no where near the Trophy Room, so she obviously had been sneaking about for her to find him here. "No I wasn't exactly intending anyone to find me here, for I thought most students were in bed right now, but you seem to be the exception Robyn. I was actually hoping no one would find me, for that's why I left my Common Room to begin with, I wanted to be alone, but you found me." He then chuckled once again, for what would be the fun of putting a muffling charm around this room, he could care less if he was caught or not. "Well I didn't put a muffling charm around this room because I could care less if someone would find me, but I figured no one would since its past 3 in the morning, I was hoping everyone would be asleep, but I guess I was mistaken," he spoke evenly.

His classic smirk continued to be plastered upon his face, for she was trying to turn the conversation now at his expense, how cute of her. He quite enjoyed when people did this for it normally gave him more ammo to work with, and indeed Robyn did provide him with some new ammo for him to ridicule her with. With a half-smile upon his face he said charmingly, "Oh but of course I've kept tabs on you Robyn, who wouldn't, with a girl of your stature, of your grace." He then let out an exaspirated sigh, as she began down-grading his intelligence, which he was quite used to by now. It seemed as if it was a hobby for her to do so because it seemed as if everytime she saw him she was always saying how he hasn't learned a thing, and that he wasn't that intelligent, oh if the poor girl only knew the truth. "I'm afraid Robyn that yet again you have judged me wrong once again. I get quite a lot of things right actually would should be apparent in class when I destroy you in any subject that we are in. I have learned quite a lot while I've been here, thats why I figured that since you were a Gryffindor that you would be a good little girl, and stay in your Common Room since it's past curfew."

He was amused as she answered his questions and then started in on her own set of questions. This just confirmed his beliefs that even though to the outside world Robyn portrayed that she highly disliked Matthew, that deep down inside she wanted to get to know him better, and was indeed curious about him. It amused him and slightly shocked him as well, for what was a girl like Robyn Matthews so curious about a guy like Matthew Abney? He nodded to her to indicate that he was ready for the questions, and then answered them graciously. "Well I'm out so late because I couldn't sleep, which looks like the same goes for you. I was restless so I decided to leave my dormitory and venture out in search of a place I could play my guitar, for when I get restless I normally play my guitar, you just never see me because normally I play in my dorm," he answered truthfully.

He watched her with a look of curiosity upon his face, and watched her intently with his crystal blue eyes as she walked up to him and plucked his guitar. He actually laughed at her for he thought her actions were generally cute and sincere. So she was actually curious he thought to himself. A small smile appeared upon his face, he liked seeing this side of Robyn instead of the rude side of her that he normally saw, "Yes I only sing, and play my guitar, but I do write all my songs myself including composing them." He then gently took his guitar off and held it in his right hand by the neck of the guitar. "I've been playing for about eight years now actually." He then gently held out the guitar towards her, "Would you like to learn how to play a few chords?"

[Robyn Matthews]

“I didn’t think you were the type of person to do things to make others like you.” She shot back rolling her eyes a bit. Slightly disturbed that he had said that. He was about to begin his usual ridiculing. Only defense she had against him was making herself start some of the arguing. And a wand, but that was slightly too much at the moment. Why she even bothered, and put up for them to just argue was beyond her. It was something she just couldn’t explain. It must be some bad luck that was beginning to trail her or something. Why someone would ask it was bad luck? What are the odds that she was out way after hours, and out of all the people that lived in Hogwarts. She just had to come face to face with a person she just couldn’t really ever get along with. She felt like laughing at that. What a coincidence it was. “Can’t really fight with that logic.” She mumbled to herself. Not intending for him to hear her. She supposed he really couldn’t help it if he was occupied with his equipment. Looking around at it, it was an armful. She pursed her lips slightly. She was never one for agreeing with the people she disliked. And here she was, doing it quietly over equipment.

So he wanted to be left alone. She was thinking of just staying and annoying him the best she could. No way would she be able to go to sleep and be satisfied with the so few hours of it. “It happens sometimes.” She said referring to her being the exception at the moment. It didn’t happen often, but again. It was probably a bad luck streak coming on. She listened to him speak having the urge to roll her eyes at him. If one wanted to be left alone, Wouldn‘t they normally do everything to make sure they were left alone? He was definitely an odd one. “And you see what happens without that charm.” She began with the faint smirk still on her lips. “You get unwanted visitors.” She said simply. “Makes me wonder if at this point you’d rather I be a teacher instead.” She grinned slightly, wondering how far she could actually push him. Maybe tonight…er morning to figure that out. If he really did want to be left alone. It was bad for him, because she had now decided on staying and just figure a few things out on her own.

But that smirk was still on his face. And unfailing as always, it irritated her. Especially when he managed to turn what she had said slightly against her. She hated when that happened, but sometimes lived for moments like that. When she could get them back same way they got her. “I’m so Sorry Matthew.” she began., Trying to hide all trace of annoyance out of her tone and facial expression. “But you’re out of luck. A girl with my stature and grace wouldn’t even consider a person like you. Even if you had kept tabs. As Flattering as that may be.” She rolled her eyes, finally failing at keeping the irritation in check. “And for your information. I only work with what I have.” She began, not liking that he made it seem she was just profiling him or something along those lines. “It seems you’re as unobservant as everything else.” She began. “For one, You do not destroy me in every subject.” She laughed at him slightly. That must have taken a lot of pride for him to say… or so she thought. “And whoever you’ve been learning from. May I give you some advice and not listen to them. They seem to be incorrect.” She said with amusement now in her tone. She couldn’t believe he had called her a little girl. He was definitely trying to get under her skin. It was amusing to her now.

“That makes sense.” She told him looking him in the eyes. “But another question.” She began another one. How many of those would float into her mind. And she would be obligated to ask to soothe her curiosity. “Out of all the rooms in Hogwarts.” She spread her arms to emphasize the vastness of Hogwarts. “Why the trophy room?” She asked with a faint smile instead of a smirk. It was only the type of smile that turned up the corners of your lips. Barely noticeable. “When there’s so many to pick from.” She finished with a slight shrug… “I would have at least searched for a room I’d never been in.” She said, knowing she would have probably spent the whole time trying to choose a place. Well, maybe it was good to just go into the first available room that could possibly work for whatever was needed and wanted to get done. “So d’you not want the other Slytherins to hear you?” She asked another one. Her questions sometimes were endless. It was as if she played a hundred questions with everyone she met along the way. “Because you could have probably played in the Slytherin common room… Though it seems you like to play loud enough. So maybe it was a good thing you didn’t wake them all up.” She trailed off realizing she had been talking to herself for a moment. She looked up expectantly to look at him wondering if she got something right out of that.

She returned his smile with a quick sheepish one of her own. She had to admit she had never seen him smile. But she just had. “Sorry. Couldn’t keep my hands off it.” She shrugged trying to use that as her excuse. Even if it was her actual excuse. She had gotten the urge to touch it, so she had. “Well. Let me say. You have a pretty good voice and you can play.” She gave him that. She was never one to lie much. Even if this was a person she couldn’t get along with most of the time, He deserved some credit. “Although that song probably wouldn’t be one of my favorites.” She admitted smiling slightly at him. She was no way calling his lyrics garbage. It just wasn’t her type of words. It made her wonder why he wrote those words. She would ask him about that some other time. Maybe. She watched him as he had pulled his guitar off gently. She could tell he valued it slightly. So she was slightly shocked when he held it out to her and asked if she wanted to learn how to play a few chords. “Uhm. Yeah. If it’s no problem.” She said with the shock, and gratefulness in her voice. There was no way she could mask that. She reached out for the guitar examining how he held it by the neck so she wouldn’t hold it wrong and probably drop it.

“Are you kidding?” She asked, all the while placing her wrapped hand around the neck as he had it right below his hand. She looked up into his face and smiled brightly. If he wasn’t kidding, maybe she could learn how to play. She forced the smile to be smaller. Just in case he was kidding. But if he wasn’t, Just a tuned note would probably be enough. Her mother really never supported that her and Cameron just wanted something else to play with. Instead they had been given toy broomsticks at a young age, and silenced about wanting to play any musical instrument.