Participants:
| Scene Title | A Momentary Lapse of Reason |
|---|---|
| Synopsis | Tempers flare in the aftermath of the ghosts from Batherton Hills. |
| Location | Hogwarts - Covered Bridge |
| Date | May 10, 1995 |
| Watch For | Melissa summing up what the Death Eaters are after |
| Logger | Egbert |
At first, Egbert continues to trudge numbly along. The mess with Perpetua and Amber. And the crowd from the village— but there was one more thing, the crowd of fellow students (and one professor) trying to also come to terms with it all. With that element removed, the rest is free to really properly sink in… and he stops halfway across the bridge, slumps against the side and buries his face in his hands.
Melissa sighs as she leans against the railing. "It… really is terrible isn't it?" she says. "I know I like science and all, but… people shouldn't be killed for the sake of knowledge…"
Egbert looks up and stares. This is the dark side of Ravenclaws, albeit more subtle than Gareth's bald fascination. "People shouldn't be killed, period! Unless they attack first, and even then—" Then the burst of frustration trails off, and he leans back again, this time staring up at the sky.
"Well, yes, that's what I meant," Melissa says. "But especially not for things like that! I mean, it's killing people just so you can learn how to kill more people… that might be the worst kind of killing there is."
"Yeah, you got a point there," replies Egbert, after mulling it over. "I just… I can't think about it for too long, I did that with Pet and it was just a mess. I need to stop thinking and just, just be here for a while, all right?"
Melissa nods. "Fine…" she says. "What should I do then, just wait here until you're done… being here?"
Egbert sighs. "I don't know," he answers back. "I don't know what I want any more… You can go. Or you can stay if you want." At least the bridge has plenty of room for them both.
Melissa thinks for a bit. "I guess I'll stay," she says. "Can't just let you be alone after all…" she adds with a little smile.
At that, the Puff's expression softens, and he pats the patch of bridge next to him. "Pull up a chair, then… Hey, did you see that?" he adds, pointing up toward what may or may not have been a meteor.
Melissa moves to the railing and looks up at the sky. "Where? Was it another one of those birds?" she asks, looking between the sky and the trees.
Egbert pushes up with his good elbow, craning his head. "No, I don't think so… this one was straight up. Might've just been some birds higher up…" With a shrug, he lays back down on his back again, taking in the overhead view.
Melissa nods. "Just wondering…" she says. "You know… we really should get back to our rooms… it *is* getting late after all…"
Preceded by When We Get Where We're Going.