Skyler had asked her Head of House where would be a good place to practice defensive spells and such seeing as he was the defense against the dark arts professor. This might have been a mistake because since the moment she had entered his classroom he had done nothing but, snap, sneer, and round and round it went. The sneer she got, the snap she didn't. He simply told her in a bored if somewhat irritated tone that she should head to the dueling chambers. Skyler didn't think it wise to push her luck with Professor Snape and ask him where those actually were, but offered him a grin and a thank you and booked it out of his classroom before he could react. Somehow grinning at the wizard drew a parallel line with poking a sleeping dragon in the eye in her mind.

Skyler debated internally whether or not to ask someone for directions and ultimately decided against not doing so. She didn't have time to waste by being too proud to ask and then spending hours trying to find them. She asked a random student and the helpful Hufflepuff was able to help her in the right direction, even if she gave Skyler an odd look. Skyler was kind of used to them by now so she usually just shrugged it off. But it really was beginning to irritate her. She gritted her teeth and nodded her thanks, not trusting her mouth at the moment.

It was ten minutes later that Skyler could be seen entering the dueling chambers, and when she did she allowed the anger and irritation to fill her up. She was angry and irritated with all the looks and glances and whispers. She wasn't some animal in a zoo! She would have liked to curse everyone who did gawk at her but the stupid shiny badge pinned to her robes kept her from doing it. It felt like she was restricted, and like it was hard to breathe sometimes. Skyler hated rules and hated having to be the one to enforce them. It felt wrong.

Suddenly her wand was in her hand and she let curses fly at the practice dummy at the other end of the room. Letting out her frustration was good, but it would've been better if she could curse those who had angered her.

Silas had been wanting to Madam Pomfry about maybe taking some lessons from her. Sometimes the woman allowed those that had high marks to help out as assistants. After having spoken to the woman, Silas was going to meander about the castle. Until he saw the Yank go into the room down the hall. Curious, he followed at a slower pace.

There were many rumors going about. The ones that Silas was interested in was if the girl somehow remotely [i]was[i] related to the Dark Lord. The only ones who didn't know the connection between the name Riddle and the Dark Lord were the first years. Even they he was sure had heard the news by now. It was hard not to with the gossip going about. It was funny really. The Yank seemed to be filling in the space Potter usually occupied in the school grapevine.

Only an idiot went into the Dueling Room without their wands drawn. Doubly so if you knew the room was occulied already. Drawing his own wand of acacia wood, he kept the wand point in the palm of his hand. Only taking a few steps inside the room he asked, "Whose effigy are you murdering?"

Skyler let one more severing hex fly before she turned to the intruder and this time she didn't allow her surprise to show. She had come in here for the sole purpose of being angry at the world where it was safe to be angry at them. She wouldn't allow him to take that from her, although she did wonder why he was there in the first place. It was clear they he disliked her and she didn't have time for his dirty looks. They were bound to backfire on him in this room with Skyler in the mood she was currently.

"Yours." She responded coolly, turning away from him as if she didn't care whether he stayed or left. She was aware it might be considered stupid to turn her back on him when he had his wand out but Skyler wasn't worried. She was too angry to be anything else but angry. Aiming her wand at the dummy she sent another spell, this time silently, and this time the dummy's head was severed off cleanly. Skyler watched it hit the floor with satisfaction. "And everyone else's." She added on quietly.

Surprised he wasn't. Silas almost expected that reply. Casting his own spell at the dummies he reversed the damage. He kept his distance from her just in case. Twirling his wand through his fingers he decided to just broach the subject. If she wanted she could tell him to shut it. Until then he would talk and hazard his theory.

"Is it the rumors? Give it enough time and they may die out in favor of Potter once again. Mayhem and intrigue surround him as if he were the Queen herself." He made sure to keep the irritation of the last out of his voice and expression.

Giving her a curious searching look, Silas stepped a bit closer. "Its just a coincidence isn't it? You're a Yank and I can say with certainty that if you were related and he found out you'd likely end up dead."

Or did blood count more with the Dark Lord? If Silas behaved such as this Yank did, his own mother would have killed him herself. At least she found something in him to let him try and prove himself. Would the Dark Lord do the same with this strange girl? And if he did what sway would that hold?

Skyler watched through guarded eyes as the boy repaired the dummy easily and twirled his wand in his fingers. She didn't let her guard down for a second but appeared to be watching him casually, if a bit curiously. One dark brow arched on her pale face as he spoke, hitting the nail on the head with ease. Was she really that transparent? Or had the rumors reached farther than she had anticipated. His words caught her attention for another reason too though. Skyler had to wonder why the rumor mill would follow Harry, and she itched to investigate this direction of conversation further to find answers.

However, Skyler didn't really know this boy, and from what she did know she didn't really like him. And she knew without a doubt he didn't favor her at all. This weighed on her mind as she tried to find a footing in this situation she could control. He thought it was just the rumors that bothered her, and while that was it partly, it wasn't the whole reason for her anger. What bothered Skyler most was that she didn't know whether or not they were true. And that brought on a whole new can of worms she wasn't sure she wanted to open.

Skyler had been unprepared for the move here, but she had looked forward to coming to Hogwarts. Now though, she found she might have been sheltered from and lied to about things she felt she both deserved and needed to know. On top of it all, Skyler had no one to trust with any of this, much less anyone who would help her get answers. Within a week at Hogwarts her life had been turned upside down in a whirlwind of rumors and could be's.

None of this was anything she felt she could tell the boy before her. Or anyone else for that matter. And that was the basis of her anger. The very raw part of it was that Skyler felt utterly alone in it all and now the boy had added one more question to the pile she already had with no answers. Luckily enough, Skyler felt she might actually get an answer for this one if she went about it the right way.

Sighing, Skyler shrugged at him carelessly. "Rumors hardly bother me. They're almost never true or highly inaccurate most of the time. I'm sure the same could be said for Harry." She replied, sending a stunner at the newly repaired dummy. She felt a chill run down her spin and her blood run cold, but thankfully she had enough engrained in her to not show this sudden fear gripping her. Had that been a threat, or an observation. Slowly Skyler raised hard purple eyes to meet those of the boy's. "What would you know about it then?" She answered his question with one of her own, neither confirming or denying what he was asking because she couldn't do either, and because she wanted to get as much information as possible.

Giving the girl a knowing look he bit back his laugh only allowing his smirk to show. She may say she didn't mind the rumors but her attitude in the quidditch shop towards him belied how easygoing she appeared on the surface. Continuing to twirl his wand, Silas replied, "On the contrary. Most rumors begin or contain a grain of truth to them do they not? Makes them so much more believable."

Giving the Yank a one over he wondered again how it was that he ended up mixed up with her. It had been a fluke that had him follow after her in the shop. An annoying younger year had turned their fun verbal spar into something a bit too personal. And then during his first class with the girl he nearly jerked his neck out of its socket when he'd heard her surname. Then there was the rumors and he'd wondered if there was any truth to them. So when he'd saw her enter the dueling chamber he'd decided to grab the opportunity to talk with her.

When she'd asked what he knew about it, there were several ways to take that. What he personally knew about rumors about oneself. Rumors about Potter that he'd stated. Or, about the rumors concerning her. Possibly all of the above. At first he'd thought she was playing with him, until he gave her a second look. Assessing if she was in fact as ignorant and niave as that. Perhaps as a Yank and new she hadn't yet gotten to know all of the names of certain parties? It was a possibility.

"I have been attending school here the previous four years. So I have been privy to all the gossip concerning Potter. Anyone with ears has. As for the rumors regarding you...." Silas stilled his wand as he kept his curious and intent gaze on her. "I would like to know if there is merit to them. Let's say I have an active interest in finding out if it's true or not."

Skyler adopted a blank look and regarded the boy cooly. It seemed to her he was playing with her and she didn't appreciate it one bit. But she supposed he had a point and she would allow him that as she kept a watchful eye on his ever twirling wand. Still too angry to be afraid of him, Skyler was not above being cautious. She hadn't forgotten his threat to the young girl in the Quidditch shop and if he was not above hitting a girl that young she wouldn't put it beneath him to hit her with a spell when her back was turned or when she was unarmed. Which was why she kept her wand in a neutral position in her hand, gripping it in anticipation in case of a strike.

"Ill concede that point." She offered in response. It was without a doubt true that most rumors started out with a bit of truth behind them, regardless at how twisted those truths became in rumor. Skyler shifted on her feet, leaning her weight on her right side and never taking her eyes or focus off of him. Her dislike was growing for him with every word he spoke but for the life of her she could not simply close her ears and walk away. The idea of him having the answers she wanted, needed, was too much for that.

On the outside Skyler appeared barely interested in his words. But on the inside there was a war waging in her mind. There were two ways to approach this and she had to make a choice as to what information she wanted more, and decide whether or not it was even worth discussing with him. She couldn't trust him as far as could throw him and this led her to believe that the less he knew about her the better off she was. But she had no idea why that was, and that is what ultimately led her to choosing to figure that out. Skyler ignored his talk about Harry, meeting his gaze and locking hers on his, hoping she wouldn't end up regretting her decision because it gave up far more than she would've liked. But she knew sometimes you had to give in order to get, so she had to take the risk.

"I find it odd you would be so fascinated in my heritage. Actually, I find it odd you would be fascinated in anything to do with me." Skyler moved while she talked, casually pacing slowly towards the right and her gaze never left his form, as if she were a panther stalking its prey. "I find myself wondering why the sudden interest." Skyler didn't deliver it as a question, but she allowed her curiosity to show through her guarded look. It was up to him to either elaborate or leave.

"Why is that?" Silas queried as he kept his gaze on the strange Slytherin. She wasn't what one expected to find in a Slytherin. Doubtless there had been others that equally didn't fit the standard, but it was a bit much. Giving the girl a curious look he asked, "Who said it was sudden?"

Was it so difficult to believe he'd been curious about the Yank since he'd met her outside the shop and she'd played along with his game? Only to later find out that the girl could be related to one of the most dangerous men of their time. A man that had been itching to kill not only Silas but his cousin just because they had been late. There was irritation at Malfoy's feud with Potter as well and Silas' want to dress in Muggle clothing which exacerbated the mad man's anger. To know what this girl's relationship with the man was was of utmost importance to Silas.

The teenager wasn't above using anything that he could to his advantage. He kept pace with Skyler disliking anyone trying to circle him again. Nor did he like having someone that had their wand drawn anywhere near his unprotected back. The alley had been one thing, here at school, there were no rules really per se. And in the Dueling Chambers to top it all off was not a place he could claim ignorance or unpreparedness. Keeping them at the same distance, Silas quirked a brow. "I'm sure by now that you've heard that there is a man out there with your surname. Most people would find that interested and want to know what your connection is. To exploit it, or to use you as an example whether or not you are. That's the tragedy of having a famous surname." he bit out sarcastically.

Skyler tried to not look as surprised as she felt at his question, but she was sure it he leaked through. She couldn't help it much, because she was taken aback by what he said and his curious look. She had assumed their little spat in the Quidditch shop had left them both in equal dislike. Had she gotten that wrong? Skyler mentally snorted. It wouldn't be the first time. "You can't possibly tell me you had any interest prior to this." She stated with a roll of her eyes.

The random and strange meetings she kept encountering all regarding her name at some point was beginning to really bother her. And the fact that none of these encounters provided any answers, but only more questions, was grating on her nerves. Atleast her encounter with Draco Malfoy had given her some insight, but since that first night in the castle she hadn't found anything more concrete. She hadn't really been trying very hard though. She was partly afraid of the answers she would uncover.

At the very least she was relieved to know that this boy didn't seem to know anymore than she did, but actually less. This could only be a good things considering his next set of words. He matched her, step for step, and his statements had her on edge. She wanted to know why this was so important to him, and whether he was a threat to her. Skyler changed tactics abruptly. Her pacing stopped and she straightened from her almost crouch like position, cocking her head to the side and showing him her honest curiosity. This had worked in her previous two encounters, so here went nothing. "So I've heard, yes. What I want to know is what he or I have to do with you. So how about a little deal. You tell me that, and I'll tell you the truth."

"Not so much in your name as I didn't know it," he replied truthfully. It had been her replies back and her overall attitude that had him curious about her. He had enjoyed himself up until the little second year had ruined it. He knew he had behaved in bad form but so had she. They had parted on bad terms, but it was because certain factors had been brought up.

Stopping when she did, Silas matched her curiosity with his own. Was her surname in fact a coincidence? He had never believed in them before yet was not the type of person who believed everything happened for a reason. He was the type that knew that you had to make your own luck. He knew that unless she was adopted so there was no blood connection, she had to be related, however distantly to the Dark Lord. It was that he was interested in. How far was the blood connection and was the Dark Lord aware of it? Was this another test thrust into their paths? Would this bring him more disaster or something else if he slipped word to the Dark Lord about this girl sharing his last name?

"Truth?" Was he going to be having this conversation again? Not with a Gryffindor but a Slytherin this time? His eyes lit up at what the girl might have to say about that. Waving the hand not holding his wand he dismissed it. "Truth is relative and can be influenced by a persons emotions or perspective."

However, he did need to know and he was quite curious and decided to go ahead with this and see where it went. "But if you must know, let me answer your question with one of my own. Do you know my surname?"

"Whatever. That's beside the point." Skyler waved away his comment, honestly not caring by this point. Of course, she was still curious, but this part of the conversation was the least of her worries, and to be honest getting information from the Ravenclaw was about as painful as pulling teeth. It was like he spoke in circles in a way that only made sense to himself. Skyler was beginning to lose patience.

When he followed her lead and stopped when she did, Skyler was hoping they would end the circles they were trying to talk around each other and just get to the point. Apparently the boy had other ideas. The brunette rolled her eyes, but much like their first meeting, she couldn't help the grin pulling at the corners of her mouth. She considered him for a minute, then, with a blink, she shrugged gracefully. "Fair enough." She allowed. "Allow me to amend my statement then. I will tell you truth according to my own personal knowledge." This was the best she could offer him, so atleast she were being honest and willing to continue doing so. For the most part.

Skyler rolled her eyes again for what was probably the tenth time in the last ten minutes. Seriously? Couldn't he just answer a damn question without making everything so difficult and dragging it out until it died a horrible and painful death? It was impossible to imagine the boy had any friends if he was always like this. Skyler ultimately decided he must lead a very lonely and miserable life. "It's Lestrange. And I don't care who, what, when, where, or why. It's about time you answer my questions. Now. Why do you feel the need to know what my connection is to current Dark Lord, if there is one at all?" The brunette figured some might have thought this was giving a bit too much, but really she hadn't given anything at all. She knew what he wanted to know. What she wanted to know was why he wanted to know it. And she wouldn't be giving him anything else until he told her.

"Agreed," Silas stated to her compromise. He needed that information. And if she was willing to give him her version of the truth, it would vastly help. He disliked being mired in anything and greatly favored having wriggle room.

At least she knew his surname but still not its import. It was time to educate her it seemed. "Very good and yet you are still very lacking in the more important things."

She had been the same way in the quidditch shop. Friendly until it turned sour then she was quite impatient. Much like now. This Riddle had better do something about her naiveté. It figured that Yanks didn't give the proper wizarding or even just normal ettiquette. Eyes gazing at her sharply his his whole demeanor turned frosty. Lips twisting into a harsh scowl he stated, "If you want to survive here, Yank you had best learn which families support which side."

How could she be this ignorant? He'd been watching and there wasn't a chance that it was all a facade. One would think that a few days in the snake pit and she would have picked up a few things by now. Draco had shown interest in her on the train. Perhaps he learned of something and had yet to share. Making for the door seeing as it was apparent she didn't know herself, Silas kept her within his sight. This would be the last bit of advice he'd give her for now. "Association of people with certain names automatically label you for death. I'd watch out if I were you, Yank."

If Skyler thought they would get somewhere with his agreement, she was sorely mistaken. What she did get was an array of cold looks and unhelpful words. The boy made it clear he held her in a certain amount of contempt, and the emphasis on the word 'yank', as he kept referring to her as made it almost demeaning. His attitude and words made her want to grind her teeth in anger, but the brunette did not want to give him the satisfaction.

The teen was not idiot enough to play into his game, though she knew his words held truth. There were a lot of missing factors in the situation she had landed in, and far less people she could trust to give them to her. Especially without wanting something in return. The list of things Sky needed to find out was mounting, as was the amount of might be enemies she was gaining. The brunette was prepared to count this particular boy as one.

Try as she might however, his would-be parting advice struck a nerve with her, and her eyes blazed to life as she watched him turn to leave. Perhaps she should impart him with a bit of advice as well. A truly devilish smirk curled her lips, and with a simple flick of her wand Skyler sent a cutting hex at the boy, though she did not aim to do much harm. It was to serve as a warning, and she aimed it at the wrist of his wand hand. The brunette was extremely practiced with this particular hex, and her spell was casted with such precision there was hardly room for it to not meet it's mark.

The girl strutted forward with a confident pride until she were toe to toe with the boy. "The name is Riddle, and you would do well to use it, because next time, I won't be so forgiving, and I won't be aiming for your wrist." The teen said this in such a way that one would have to be daft not to hear the promise underneath. Skyler was not the type of person to not live up to her own word. The childish and yet, oddly dark grin she flashed at him proved that she would enjoy making him bleed and suffer, and have no regret about it after.

With that, the Slytherin headed for the door, but paused when she reached it and turned back to give him a knowing look. "Though your concern is greatly appreciated, I don't let fear for my life dictate how I live it. Unlike some." Her violet eyes glittered at him, and her smirk was back with a vengeance. "I simply outsmart my opponents strategically. Another tip for you should you decide to impose on my time again with your presence." The brunette did not sneer. She didn't need to. The haughty words and viscously cutting delivery of them could not leave a doubt in anyone's head about just how little Skyler thought of the boy.[/color]

Seeing movement, Silas raised his acacia wand to cast a shield charm. His angle must have been off or he'd not cast it strong enough because the spell connected. It bit into his left wrist almost causing him to drop his wand. He'd begun to make a pained noise but clamped his mouth shut to stop it from going further. Knowing what it would mean if he dropped it, Silas's fingers tightened their hold. Not wanting to appear weak bit not wanting to bleed out in this dismal place or in such a melodramatic fashion, he slapped his right hand over the wound. With a tight grip, he glared with a mix of anger, hatred, pain, along with morbid curiosity and slight respect.

"Next time I won't be so nice or unprepared." Silas was not going to cede a full victory to her. "If this is how you show your gratitude I dare say I won't be doing you any favours."

Eyes, face, and body going cold, Silas' gaze shuttered and narrowed. This American girl dared to try and give him a lecture and tips? A dark humour filled him causing him to laugh. He couldn't stop laughing at her audacity and wrongly pre-conceived idea about his phobia. Sobering he stated with self-deprecating humour, "Death is the only winner in war."

Anger and contempt laced his voice as he venomously continued. "I would get my facts correct before trying to use them against someone."

Lifting his arms not in surrender although he didn't care if the stupid yank took it that way, Silas wanted to stop the bleeding until he went to Madam Pomfrey. Knowing that lifting his arms over his head would do this, he did so. Giving a mock bow, he coldly and sarcastically stated, "If you don't want to join in the Riddle tradition of killing a Ravenclaw while attending school. I'm going to see the nurse. Ta."

Moving past her, Silas exited the room and strode down the hall towards the hospital wing.