An active, character-driven Hogwarts experience set in the early 2000s. Unique items, plots, and features. Non-canon; this isn't Harry Potter's story, it's ours.
Post by Lucas Mardling on Aug 6, 2020 20:14:14 GMT 10
Having kept to himself during lunch, busy worrying about his afternoon plans, one could almost swear he hadn't been present in the Great Hall at all. He was then out the door before the meal had ended, as he had some things to do before he was required to meet up with Amara later.
Without his robes, as always, Lucas fixed his hair and tie then headed to the Entrance Hall. He went to his semi-usual spot by a wall, in perfect view of anyone coming or going in the large area of stairs or doors. He was open to doing deals with anyone who was interesting, and was glad that word seemed to have gotten around among first years that he the "Deal Kid" could help out. For a price, of course.
First years were the easiest, though Lucas hoped he could make a decent profit today. He had things to buy soon, after all. He sighed, leaning against a stone wall near a bench where he'd tossed his bag, and waited.
Was sighing, palming the single apple he had garnered from the Great Hall. Lunch came and went so fast, and though he was tempted to take another apple, he felt it against his better judgement. They were allowed a single apple, not two, not there. And taking his required quota from lunchtime seemed a bit... Much, all things considered. Stuffing the apple back into his bag, he began to well... Awkwardly waddle and shuffle around the Entrance Hall, his normally unfocused eyes keen and sharp, on the lookout for someone who may or may not be willing to part with their -own- apples!
For the most part, he was aware of Lucas's existence. The "Deal Kid," was indeed a popular topic amongst 1st years. Though he couldn't shake the thought that it was rather rude he didn't even know his name. He didn't even... Know what he looked like... Though despite everything that was going on in the Entrance Hall, he couldn't help but notice an older boy, near the wall. Cocking his head, he'd slowly shuffle up to him, his hands behind his back, tilting his head curiously.
Was -this- the Deal Kid?
"Hello?" he spoke with a start, doing his best to keep the resistance and the stuttering from his voice, though he noted he failed somewhat, his voice coming out as frail and rather anxious.
Post by Lucas Mardling on Aug 6, 2020 21:01:51 GMT 10
Lucas noticed the boy before he'd been spotted, and sighed in dread with the assumption of how nervous the Ravenclaw seemed. Though a bit of inconvenience for the sake of Galleons was still worth the effort, so long as this wasn't someone who was terrified of breaking rule or something.
'Hello,' he returned, since the boy may be small and rather hopeless but was still a potential customer. Lucas glanced him over, figuring the Ravenclaw had probably heard from some of his friends about him or something. As long as the news got around safely and effectively, he didn't particular care about the methods.
'Do you need something?' He raised an eyebrow, waiting. 'I can help you get it, if you do - for a price, of course. Nothing's really free, is it?' The last part was just a precautionary statement in case the boy was nervous about paying him, rather than just nervous in general. He'd know more soon, but Lucas was nothing if not carefully strategic.
Sighing lightly the boy did his best to compose himself. Yep. This was the fabled "Deal Kid," in the flesh. Or at least his mannerisms and statements made it seem that way. Even if he wasn't, he'd take the chance. It wasn't like he was trying to get much anyway. And it wasn't outside the purview of the rules, it didn't matter. Why was he -so- nervous anyway? Scratching the back of his head, he'd begin to mumble, just loud enough for the older boy to hear it, mayhaps barely. "H-hey... I'll just... Get to the point then. I need two apples. That's all," the way Zeke was handling this situation made it appear as if something more... Sketchy was going on.
When really all it amounted to was one student asking another for what... Was basically... Their lunch.
Post by Lucas Mardling on Aug 7, 2020 0:31:00 GMT 10
Apples? Well, that was disappointing.
'Have you tried the Kitchens?' Lucas sighed. Did the kid skip lunch or something? Still, there was a profit to be made in everything, he supposed - even the mundane and ordinary things. 'Yeah, sure. Two apples...'
He retreived two from his bag and offered them to the boy, but withdrew them if the kid made any attempt to take them.
'What's your name?' Lucas asked. He always made sure to know who he was dealing with regardless of the request at hand. It came in handy for later, especially if he decided to do some research and find any weak spots for future blackmails or deals. Not that he often did that for first years, but knowledge had it's uses.
He checked the apples were in perfect condition, though he always took good care of anything that made be offered up for trade.
'Two galleons,' he said. Lucas held out his other hand, awaiting payment. It was simple enough; a galleon per apple. He refused to go any lower than that. If the boy had an objection, he could go get his own lunch.
Noting the disappointment in the "Deal Kids," voice, Zeke pulled back but only momentarily. Confirmation of his request made the boy beam. And without thinking too hard on it, he blurted his name, "Ezekial!", his name always felt weird when he spoke it aloud. Though that was due to him being used to well... Being called Zeke.
Pulling his bag around, he'd undo the satchel and reach within, pulling two galleons out and offering them to the merchant. Even now he felt a bit weird. This whole scenario seemed sketchy, maybe buying something more... Interesting would warrant the secretive nature of the situation? He didn't think too much about it. With this, he'd have met his quota, which was all -he- personally cared about.
"What's your name?", he'd inquire. He was pretty much one of the first students he's actually spoken to. He's seen a few here and there, but nothing too in-depth on the conversation side. Couldn't hurt to learn his name, whatever the case.
Post by Lucas Mardling on Aug 7, 2020 0:49:12 GMT 10
Now that he paid a bit more attention, the kid did look especially nervous. Lucas glanced around, suspicious, but apples were hardly something to earn him a detention or worst. He doubted anyone that nervous could have set him up anyway. And a first year, no less.
'Ezekial, what?' Lucas asked, giving the boy a stern look. A first name alone was of no use to him. 'You don't look like an Ezekial. Is that the name you prefer or just the one your parents saddled you with?' He had a feeling that anyone with a name like that might have a shortening or nickname, and if Lucas could find it out and use it - it'd give the impression of positive association.
Perhaps the first year might even think they were friends now. That would be more useful than a few Galleons. Lucas wasn't opposed to influencing younger students for his own gain.
He accepted the Galleons and tucked them into his pouch, then handed over the apples.
'Lucas Mardling,' he formally introduced himself, trying not to be offended that his stupid yet effective "Deal Kid" name was more known than his actual name now. Out of ingrained habit, he offered his hand to shake - ignoring the fact that a 5th year like him could hold two apples with one hand, but a small first year could not.
He was in fact a very nervous kid by nature. But oddly enough, he felt a little more comfortable around Lucas than he did with others. He couldn't place a finger on it. He blinked as his name was brought into question. The stern tone the older boy let off made him shudder, but he did his best not to show his growing anxiousness. Taking a deep breath, he deposited the galleons into Lucas's outstretched hand.
"Ezekial Glade... Ma and Pa call me Zeke... Easier they said... Can't imagine why they named me Ezekial, anyway. Too long...", he'd say; expressing some disdain towards his own name for whatever reason. His hands now free of the money, and his satchel secure on his back once more, he would reach out and gingerly take both of the apples, their size making them fit nice and snug in his hands.
Noting the handshake, his immediate situation came off as somewhat awkward. Yep. Couldn't really shake his hand with apples occupying both of his, right? Sighing awkwardly, he'd slowly kneel down, and place -one- of the apples down on the floor, in between himself and Lucas. Something he would likely regret in the moments to come... Reaching out, he'd go to take Lucas's hand, unwittingly stepping forward in the process...
"Well... Nice to meet you Luca-", cutting himself off, he froze. His face turning somewhat pale as he looked down. Under his right foot; the remains of an apple. The innards of the apple had practically oozed overtop his clean and prim dress shoes. The boy's grip went limp as he sighed discontentedly.
"Wouldn't... Happen to have... Another apple would you, Lucas?" he muttered, pulling away from the handshake, and pulling yet -another- Galleon from his bag, a hopeful look in his dull eyes, he did after all somewhat need those apples, even if it was admittedly a silly purchase on his part.
Post by Lucas Mardling on Aug 7, 2020 2:38:54 GMT 10
Lucas shook the boys hand, nodding rather than commenting on the name babble. He didn't really care, but still it was a good thing to encourage Zeke to open up to him. Come to think of it, he'd need a Ravenclaw to get some info for him sooner or later. Could Zeke be that person, perhaps?
He winced when the apple was stepped on. Lucas covered his face with his spare hand, silently counting to three to keep himself calm. He could hardly believe it happened, and immediately reconsidered using Zeke for anything. This boy was a nervous disaster walking.
Sighing, resisting the temptation to charge Zeke extra for having wasted a pristine apple, Lucas returned to his bag to get another apple. He accepted the galleon and handed over the apple, making a point of carefully placing it into the boy's hand.
He wanted to say something, but decided there was no point.
'Zeke...' Lucas relaxed his posture and voice, knowing how to appear friendly and approachable when needed. Especially against unsuspecting first years. 'Take care, okay? If you need anything else, just ask. I'll be around if you need me.'
It was almost too easy, but it so often worked. He'd practiced his reassuring tone well, after all. If he had any sort of self-awareness, Lucas might realise he wasn't as awful as others thought of him. There was actually a part of him that was genuine and kind, but it rarely got noticed by anyone. Least of all himself.
"Will do!" a slightly more enthusiastic Zeke would nod at the older boy, and -carefully- pocket the apples this time, storing them in his bag for safe-seeking. Couldn't rightfully smash this one. He'd look like an idiot if he did. Though he felt like he already was... Sighing lightly, he'd scratch the back of his head and wave at Lucas. He did like him, he was pretty nice. Exactly as the rumors described him to be.
And thank god he had another apple...
Turning to leave, he'd walk off, trotting towards wherever he had to go next!
Post by Lucas Mardling on Aug 7, 2020 15:34:25 GMT 10
Though he didn't mind the extra Galleons, Lucas was glad to see no apples were wasted this time. He rarely cared what happened to things once he'd handed them off, but still - he'd had to get all those apples and he didn't appreciate the wasted effort.
He watched Zeke hurry off, almost tempted to convince the boy to buy some better bag protection. Just in case. Too bad no one realised there would be an abundance of apples during the feast tonight. Their loss, his gain. Though patience wasn't always a virtue.
Sighing, he resumed his leaning against the stone wall. Lucas casually observed students coming and going in the hall, hoping a few apples for not even a handful of Galleons wasn't the best he was going to do that afternoon. He had plans later, so it wasn't as if he could hang around here all day.
Sebastian walked the corridors with his head down, his green eyes focused on his hands. He wiggled his fingers back and forth, stretching out his slightly dirt-speckled palms. Was there something in the soil that forced Dippy into a state of shock? Sebastian shook his head at the thought, still choosing to debunk that theory. The dirt was harmless. It had to have been the polite gesture alone, something Sebastian had already believed to be foreign to the house-elf.
He entered the Entrance Hall, his eyes beginning to sweep the location for a familiar face. He was looking for his dormmate and friend, Lucas Mardling. Were they friends, though? Sebastian thought so, under the assumption they had been for years. They were around eachother often, but Seb didn't know if that was out of choice or circumstance. He supposed it wasn't as clear as he would've liked it to be, and perhaps he would make more of an effort out of pure choice.
"What's up, Deal Kid?" Sebastian teased, walking up to Lucas with a grin. He had heard of the nickname his dormmate received closer to the beginning of the year, finding it funny. He wasn't sure if it was a title that Mardling embraced or rejected, but either way, Shores felt like jokingly goading him for a reaction. Maybe he would have his curiosity answered that way?
"Do you have a couple apples?" he asked, retrieving some galleons from his pockets. "I know it's not an exciting request for you, but it's an urgent one. I have to get them to Professor Fairburn," Seb explained, despite expecting some degree of apathy from Lucas.
Post by Lucas Mardling on Aug 14, 2020 0:31:13 GMT 10
Lucas heard him first, and turned to give an unamused look to the speaker - then his eyebrows raised in surprise to see Seb. Was that a nickname he was allowed to use or had before? Who knows, but it was now. It was hard to tell if Seb was being playful or actually teasing him, but he shrugged anyway and rolled his eyes in show that it didn't bother him too much. He wasn't a fan of it, though had gotten used to it and even answered to that nickname now.
The things he did for money.
'Apples?' He sighed. It was the pumpkin nonsense all over again. At least apples weren't as heavy though. 'How many do you need? They're a Galleon each,' he said, picking at a thread on his shirt sleeve.
He considered making conversation with Seb, but doubted he'd care. No point in wasting his time, after all. Everyone had places to be, especially on a day with free time. He was curious what Seb did in his free time though, but once again resisted. It wasn't as if they were friends...
Last Edit: Aug 14, 2020 3:00:58 GMT 10 by Lucas Mardling
"Apples," Sebastian instantly repeated, looking for traces of annoyance in Lucas' expression. "I'll take two of them," he added, retrieving the money from his pocket. Seb jingled the galleons in his hand incessantly, waiting for Lucas to make the exchange. He was anxious, excited. He would be able to send everything off to Professor Fairburn by afternoon's end.
"Are you getting a lot of business today?" he asked in idle conversation, a look of curiosity lighting up his emerald green eyes. Seb wanted to make more of an effort to speak to Lucas outside of their dormitory and lessons, and now was the perfect opportunity to start. Sure, Sebastian was requesting something of him, but it didn't hurt to engage in a little chat while doing so—and, what better topic of conversation for Lucas than his wheelings and dealings? Sebastian hoped he was willing to converse about it. If not, he had a general backup question.
"You doing anything else before dinner?" Sebastian inquired, all in an effort to keep the conversation going. "I'm probably going to head to the Spiral Staircase after this," he shared, but didn't disclose why. He didn't think Lucas would care, but still felt the need to fill him in. It was hard not to share though, because of how eager Sebastian was. He had acquired a Bronze key and figured he'd give one of those various locked doors around the staircase a try; the shoulder and blades of the key looked as if it would work. He'd have to wait and see.
Post by Lucas Mardling on Aug 14, 2020 3:16:49 GMT 10
Lucas retrieved two apples with a bored expression, wishing the requests were at least a bit original. Then again, it was less effort on his part as well so maybe he shouldn't be complaining too much? He accepted the Galleons and placed them in his special pouch, then handed over the fruit.
'It's all right. People either miss a lot of meals or have some weird need for fruit.' He shrugged, briefly suspicious when Seb asked about his deals. Most tended to judge him for it and call him names, unless they were the ones he was making money off. Funny how people changed their opinions fast when they needed something.
He took note of his updated inventory, then glanced at Seb. He was still talking to him. What was going on? Was he supposed to elaborate? No, why would Seb care if he was making money today unless he was up to something. Then he was asking about his afternoon plans? Something was up.
'Not much.' Lucas shrugged, eyeing Seb. 'Some deal-making, bit of Gryffindor retribution, you know, the usual.'
The Gryffindor part wasn't at all usual, since Lucas firmly kept away from all that commotion for his own safety. He didn't know what else to say though, and no doubt Seb was aware of Lucas' incident last night since they shared a dorm and Lucas was throwing things all night before bed and was completely impossible to be near. It was very out of the norm, but luckily no one but Amara had the sense to ask him about it.
'Do you... need anything else?' Lucas asked, unsure why Seb was still there. Not that it was welcome, but he was baffled by it. He even forgot to ask about what was so interesting about a staircase, though he had some theories involving keys that he hadn't bothered to check out.
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