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Post by cruzdevera on Dec 18, 2007 23:44:03 GMT -5
So, this was it, Hogwarts. A lot smaller than he had imagined it, a whole lot smaller than Durmstrang had been, and a lot less… serious. Walking through the grounds Cruz had noticed many of the younger students playing, older students lounging by a large lake and chatting with friends. He realized if it had been this time of year at Durmstrang he would be in front of a roaring fire, cooped up in his room, against his will, of course, studying the history and origin of the Dark Arts.
Cruz DeVera had done everything expected of him upon arrival. He had found his trunk in the assigned room, signed up for the required classes, and now there was a void to be filled. Wandering the corridors in broad daylight as classes were in session he wondered how he would be able to get in to the swing of things. Cruz never really had a knack for study, or attending class for that matter, but he had promised his mother before he left that he would do his best to achieve what was required of him.
He couldn’t even remember the last time he had opened a book or even attempted to study. His last year at Durmstrang, not a book was touched from his large collection in his trunk. Promising himself he would find the library as soon as possible (which was of course put off for a couple days), he began his search from top floor to bottom.
Reaching the first floor, he let out an exasperated sigh. It would be on the last floor you look. But once again, my stubbornness for not asking directions clouded my vision, he snickered to himself, slowly pushing the library door opened. Contrary to the outside of Hogwarts, there were students studying rapidly turning pages, heads down, quills scratching away.
Cruz meandered among the shelves until he found an area of the library closed off by a velvet rope. Looking around curiously to see if anyone was watching, then looking once more to the librarian who seemed too focused on scolding a younger student, he lifted the rope and slid under with ease. Cruz’s fingers ran across the binding of the dusty books. Why were they closed off to the public? he wondered curiously, half the books within the velvet rope were those he had took out in the Durmstrang library, or those he owned himself. Finally, Cruz’s fingers stopped on one book in particular. Removing the bright green leather bound covered, worn with age, the gold letter flickered on the cover. Notorious Wizards Cruz slid down the book case and opened the book, flipping through the pages. It wasn’t studying, but it would be an interesting escape, with nothing else to do.
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Kerridon Paradox
Ravenclaw
[blue]6th Year Ravenclaw[/blue]
One loss locked me in the heart of misery... but you had the key to set me free
Posts: 317
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Post by Kerridon Paradox on Dec 19, 2007 13:01:17 GMT -5
Kerridon was researching. Again. And he couldn't find the book he wanted. 'Notorious Wizards' was supposed to be somewhere in the Restricted Section, but it hadn't been put back in the right place. Now he was scouring all over the place for the book that supposedly contained reference to the character he had mentioned to D'rorah last week - the dark lord who had attempted to create a spell that would attract dementors, rather than repel them as most people would prefer to do. It could prove useful in helping with his own spell to repel dementors by blocking away bad memories, but he didn't want to travel to Knockturn Alley to retrieve the scrolls if the same information was already in this library.
Turning the last corner, he was surprised to see a boy he hadn't seen before, probably a 7th year, ducking under the rope and into the Restricted Section. Watching casually, he started when the boy picked out what he recognised as the very book he had been looking for - 'Notorious Wizards'. Typical!
He approached the boy without his usual stealth, not wanting to startle him, as the Gryffindor (judging by the insignia on his robes) slid down the bookcase and began to flick through the volume.
"Excuse me," Kerridon said politely. "But are you using that book for any particular reason or just browsing? Because I was looking for it but it had been mis-shelved." Remembering the boy's ducking under the barrier, he thought to comment on the fact. "You do know that this is the Restricted Section, correct?" he checked. "Only I have not seen you around before and you did not seem overly certain that you were supposed to be here."
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Post by mallan on Dec 19, 2007 13:26:42 GMT -5
Mallan being one of the students whom were rapidly turning pages, head down, with his quill scratching away lifted his head at the conversation being had down the walkway. It's not very often you find two people, who apparently do not know each other, look for the same book. Mallan decided he should make a quick mental note on the title of the book so that he could look it up later. It was odd. Earlier he had overheard part of a conversation referring to some sort of dark magic. Or was it dark magi? Hmm. He had just passed it off for the moment thinking it might have been some childish imagination but now there were two people looking for a book with a seemingly devious title. He definitely will have to look into that further. At another time. Mallan then continued his reading on the History of Magic but only partly... keeping part of his mind on the conversation.
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Post by gillian on Dec 19, 2007 15:40:01 GMT -5
Gilly pushed open the door to the library and looked around for a moment. Her red hair spilled over her black robes and she had a rather heavy schoolbag slung over her shoulder. Chewing her lower lip a moment, she decided to take a seat at Mallan's table, that one being the least crowded, plus she knew him since he was in her year. She walked slowly over and dropped her school bag on the floor beside a seat across from Mallan.
"Hey," she whispered, giving him a small smile before sitting down and pulling out a large, heavy transfiguration book. She glanced briefly up at Mallan. "How's History of Magic coming?"
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Post by mallan on Dec 19, 2007 20:13:41 GMT -5
Mallan, noticing a figure walk over to his table, assumed that the person was just there to study and not to converse with him and so ignored the figure until he heard her speak. Mallan lifted his head up away from the book he was reading to find a lovely girl sitting in front of him. He was still unsure she was speaking to him and not someone else until he noticed her eyes were still lingering on him. He noticed her red hair and facial features and discerned that she must have a Gaelic background. Though he was even more stunned when he looked her in the eyes, realizing that she had green eyes. It’s not too often that you see green eyes. He closed the History of Magic that he was studying for his class and leaned back in his chair as he spoke.
(With an ever so slight shocked look on his face he regarded the girl) Hey there. History of Magic? Ah, well, it’s going as fast and well as I can tell. (Chuckling to himself in his head for accidentally rhyming he continued) I’ve just arrived at Hogwarts and am a bit behind in all the subjects. I don’t think there is a single class that is standard in the rest of the world. (Gaining a crooked smile and shaking his head a bit at the last comment and letting his face go blank as he began the next phrase) So, here I am studying away so that I do not stay behind. Though, I have to say, I’m not sure I’ve actually met you but I know I’ve seen you in the halls. Let me guess… Is your name Gillian? (Sure it was because his memory usually didn’t fail him but he liked to be playful) Hmm. I have to say; I’m not too fond of that name. First girl I asked out, and who promptly and harshly turned me down, was named Gillian. May I call you Illy? (He gave her a big sincere, playful smile to make sure she knew he was not lying and meant no offense)
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Post by gillian on Dec 19, 2007 21:54:05 GMT -5
Gilly laughed at his question. "Most people just call me Gilly," she replied. "I don't think anyone's ever called me Illy, before. But you may, if you like. I'm not particular about nicknames." She smiled at him. "If you need any help catching up in anything, I can try. I've dropped History of Magic but I'm still taking Transfiguration, Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, and Potions, so if you need help in any of those subjects..." The red-head grinned, her green eyes sparkling, and then opened her book.
"I've got a huge Transfiguration quiz tomorrow," she sighed, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Where have you come from, by the way? What other school?"
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Post by mallan on Dec 20, 2007 3:04:54 GMT -5
Mallan was glad that Illy did not take offense to him suggesting a new nickname. He was actually happy to hear that she had not heard that one before; made him feel like he was original and unique in her mind. He was excited to hear her offer help because that meant he would have more time to get to know her and she seemed rather nice… and definitely beautiful. Mallan took another moment to look at her face and donned a half smile. He definitely will have to find some time to steal her away… for lessons of course. D’rorah crept into his mind as he thought about lessons. It’s been awhile since he talked to her, not having a chance to at Hogwarts yet. He should take her up on her lessons as well. He really needed all the help he could get. Then Illy’s eyes sparkled… “How do girls seem to do that?!” It took him another moment before he responded.
I wish I could help you somehow. (Mallan shrugs helplessly) This is actually my first magical school. My family is back in California. (He did not want to reveal too much, plus, that might leave her curious and ask more questions) First school, and first year. I… uh, foolishly ignored the Hogwarts invitations for 4 years. (Shakes his head at himself) I thought it was a joke. Dumb, huh? (Quickly realizing that a topic leading to his lack of intelligence was probably not a good idea, he then smirked and steered the conversation a different direction) I take if you’ve been here for a few years? Do you have a specific field of magic you prefer, perhaps Transfiguration?
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Post by gillian on Dec 20, 2007 12:26:11 GMT -5
"California?" Gilly repeated. "Wow. I've never been to America. That's so wicked." Then she shrugged. "It's not dumb to think it's a joke if you come from muggle parents." She was careful here not to reveal too much about herself, either, not that it was a secret, really, but more because she preferred not to talk about it. "And yeah, I've been here since I was eleven. I guess my favorite field of magic is Defense Against the Dark Arts because I want to be an Auror someday." She sighed a bit. "But that day seems rather far off right now. Transfiguration is alright, too, but tricky. I rather like potions, though. It's so...mysterious, isn't it? One moment, each ingredient is just itself, but put together, they all create something so powerful." She basked for a moment in the profoundity of this and then shrugged, grinning. "But anyway, do you have a favorite subject so far? Or is it all still too new?"
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Post by mallan on Dec 20, 2007 14:26:54 GMT -5
Yeah. (Mallan smiled at her apparent excitement over him being from California and then let it fade from his face) California is beautiful but not nearly as intriguing as Hogwarts or its grounds. (Glad that she did not think him dumb, he continued on, still not wanting to touch the subject further) The people here are much more friendly and attractive. (Mallan smiled a big smile until he realized that he added the attractive part without thinking in which his smile turned into a smirk with a tinge of embarrassment on his cheeks and he quickly moved on) An Auror? (Mallan leaned a bit forward with interest as he put his forearms on the desk but not to the point where he would be intruding in her space) I’m not sure I’ve heard of them and why should the day be so far away? (He chuckled in his head once more at his accidental rhyming “I’m such a dork sometimes…”) It’s true that I have not been here very long; however, I would have to agree with your field of expertise. Defense Against the Dark Arts, and counter spelling, is actually the expertise I was hoping to gain. Potions though… (Mallan leans back in his chair with an expression of regret as he ran his left hand through his hair) I was not that good in my high school chemistry class so I don’t think potions is something I’ll be getting into too far. As far as your metaphor is concerned… you can associate that with other aspects of life as well. (Mallan gave Illy a crooked smile attempting to indicate that the metaphor can be associated with relationships) Since you’ve been training for a few years in Defense Against the Dark Arts, I think I will have to take you up on your offer of help. Perhaps you could show me a few things in the gardens some other time? (Mallan let his face show a slight of hopefulness on it but realizing that that may be a conversation ender, and he did not want it to end just yet, added...) I have to ask though, why do you want to become an Auror? (Curious as to her reasoning and also to find out whether or not that should be something he should look into)
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Post by gillian on Dec 20, 2007 19:34:46 GMT -5
"Well, potions isn't quite like chemistry," Gilly matter-of-factly explained. "It hasn't really got the math component and all that. It's more like...cooking, I guess." She studied Mallan carefully and then grinned to cover it up. She was not the sort of girl who got swayed by good looking guys, though even she could see Mallan was quite nice in appearance. Still, she did not dwell on it, turning a page in her book after a moment.
"Oh, about being an auror. An auror is basically a dark wizard fighter." She sighed. "I just have to get E's in all my NEWTS next year and it seems so far away from now..." she trailed off, looking wistful. "And I guess I want to become an auror much like anyone else'd want to become one. No special reason in particular." Besides for having a dark wizard half-brother, she reminded herself. She put on her smile again. "But, of course, I'd love to help you with Defense. Maybe during lunch hour one day?"
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Post by mallan on Dec 22, 2007 1:01:17 GMT -5
It seemed to Mallan that Illy was taking on a lecturing tone as she began to explain how potions was closer to cooking than exact chemistry and this rather annoyed him. He hated it when he had to listen to a lecture when he was not prepared, mentally, for one. Luckily she left the tone behind as she continued enlightening Mallan on what an Auror was. He didn’t believe that she wanted to become an Auror the same way everyone else does. There’s always some reason but he would not push the subject; there was a reason she was not informing him. As far as the NEWTS was concerned he imagined they were some test that a wizard or witch would have to take in order to gain some title of recognition, but not knowing the specifics didn’t bother him at the moment.
He had a feeling that the conversation was nearing an end. Not because she made him uncomfortable or anything of the sort, quite the contrary, but more so that there was starting to be a lack of topic and he didn’t know how to continue. It seemed to Mallan that the only way to keep Illy interested was to leave her a little curious. She did seem to enjoy mystery. So, he would end the conversation in that manor… hopefully. Hopefully she wouldn’t find him rude and then refuse to help him later. Or worse… not talk to him at all. But he really didn’t know what to say and he knew he should leave before he started fidgeting.
Cooking? Hmm. I guess if potions are anything at all like bartending then I should say I would have an easy time. I seem to have a mind for mixing things at a whim. (He smiles, small and proud) Though I have to admit… they are not always the best. (Mallan chuckles remembering a few horrible drinks leaving a pause before he continues) Dark wizards are common enough that they have a task force against them? That is not a comfortable thought. Though, I guess there is always evil in the world. There doesn’t have to be though. (There is another pause as an evanescence of sadness rolls over Mallan before his face returns back to its normal, friendly state) It seems that this Auror profession is something I should look into. At another time though. Right now I must beg pardon as I must go to class. Good luck with your Transfiguration quiz tomorrow, though I'm sure you won't need it. (He smirked attempted to convey his confidence in her) Lunch time; let’s say, two days from now? Perhaps I will reveal a skill of mine the next time we meet. Oh, by the way, you may call me Lan.
Not waiting for a response Mallan stood up from the desk, putting The History of Magic into his book bag, and left. As he left Mallan continued hoping that he didn't offend Gillian and thinking about himself becoming an Auror.
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Post by gillian on Dec 23, 2007 4:48:13 GMT -5
Gilly watched Mallan leave and frowned at his last statement. Perhaps I will reveal a skill of mine the next time we meet. What was that supposed to mean? What sort of skill? Gillian almost wanted to call out after him and ask but he was already too far away and she didn't want to draw unnecessary attention to herself in a place like the library. All that could possibly lead to would be a lot of hissing and shushing.
Gilly sighed and returned to her Transfiguration book, deciding to catch up with Mallan the next time she bumped into him. It shouldn't be too difficult, seeing as they were in the same year. Besides, he had promised to meet her at lunch in two days.
The girl had to admit, he was puzzling. It sounded almost as though he was carefully keeping the conversation away from certain topics. Gilly certainly knew what it was like to hide things from people, but she hoped she wasn't as obvious about it as Mallan was. Unless she was reading too much into him, of course, which was entirely possible.
With another sigh, Gilly returned to studying for her quiz - or pretending to study, in any case. Her thoughts were still a bit preoccupied with the conversation just had.
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