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 Jacob Thatcher on Aug 25, 2020 0:34:45 GMT 10
This thread is a prearranged situation done with RPG staff knowledge and approval. To achieve the outcome we're plotting, please don't join this thread unless you either don't help Jacob or you fail at helping him (thus agree to also become a victim to what's going on and be defeated by Seabrook).
God-modding between Jacob Thatcher , Amara Seabrook , and Lucas Mardling is done with permission to ensure everything goes as planned during their interactions etc. Jacob frowned, arriving rather confused to the Private Courtyard. He'd received word that someone wanted to talk to him there, but so far he had no idea who. Had he heard wrong? It couldn't be a prank because that would be the most lame prank in the history of Hogwarts. It wasn't even as if someone had wasted his time, since he'd just been wandering around in search of something to do anyway.
'Uh, hello?' he called out, figuring he may as well. It was a private area (duh) but not as if he'd get in trouble for being there. 'I got your message. What's up?'
Killed by Devin Kudosen by act of the Killing Curse. June #24, RPG year 1 -- he was a 5th year Gryffindor. Jacob died to save his best friend, Luckett Langford.
Post by Amara Seabrook on Aug 25, 2020 1:16:14 GMT 10
Amara smirked, hearing Thatcher's arrival. She stood with her back against the huge tree in the courtyard, sans her robes - the absence of which had become as much a part of her style and daily preference as it was for Lucas. They had a purpose before, but now she could move more freely and be harder to spot.
Not that she'd ever admit it was initially in fear of any of that awful pink glitter getting everywhere again. A prank she hadn't forgotten about, and suspected Thatcher was likely behind as well. If not him, then someone as bothersome as him - like friends or fellow comrades. Today's event wasn't about that though, not really. But it was in revenge and would be carried out properly.
'Actually, you didn't.' Amara stepped out from behind the tree, wand in hand as she smirked at Thatcher. 'But not to worry, that's exactly why we're here.'
She wasn't alone, having brought a Slytherin 6th year boy for added backup. She chose to believe Lucas would make good on his promise and show up, but no way was Amara leaving any of this to chance. She approached Thatcher, shaking off memories of when they were younger. Those were simpler times, before Hogwarts, before stupid pranks, and before house rivalries. He made his decision to be her enemy. These were the consequences.
The best part was she knew he wouldn't run away. All that Gryffindor bravado... she'd never relied on it more. So really, what came next wasn't entirely her fault. He could turn and flee anytime, so that was on him.
'For years, I've tried to warn you that getting in my way would end badly for you and your pathetic little band of friends,' Amara said, still turning her wand in her hand. She was confident and completely at ease, though silently hoping Lucas would arrive soon. 'You remember last night, right? You crossed a line, Thatcher. I'm done being merciful about that. You need to learn to stay out of our way.'
She raised her wand, aimed right at his chest. The threat was clear in her angry gaze like emerald fire just waiting to burn him. Amara wasn't fooling around this time.
Post by Lucas Mardling on Aug 25, 2020 16:19:43 GMT 10
Loathe as he was to admit it, Lucas was annoyingly loyal and had no intention of going back on his promise to get involved with the afternoon plans against Thatcher. Sleeves rolled up and hair freshly-combed back, he wandered into the Private Courtyard just as Amara had stepped out from behind a tree. There was a joke to be had there, but he held his tongue. Now was not the time.
Seeing Thatcher again, Lucas' own anger bubbled back to the surface. He clenched fists in his pockets as he approached, dutifully standing at Amara's other side. He gave the 6th year a critical glance, deciding he'd happily sacrifice him if it was necessary. If things got messy, as they no doubt would, that guy could go first.
He hoped Thatcher felt cornered, though doubted the Gryffindor prankster would ever realise how much worst it felt for those he so often targeted. Lucas hadn't caused any trouble - he'd been minding his business last night, just trying to get to the safety of his common room before curfew. The ambush - the fighting - the insults? It was unnecessary, and now personal. Thatcher had mostly left him alone, but whatever changed now wasn't going to be ignored.
Lucas didn't trust himself to speak yet though, so let Amara handle it. She was much more adept at being calm while enraged - it was almost a magical talent in itself. He, however, kept his fists in his pockets to avoid reaching for his wand and getting straight to the point.
Post by Jacob Thatcher on Aug 26, 2020 17:08:44 GMT 10
Bollocks.
Jacob glared at the Slytherins, unsure why he was even surprised. He crossed his arms tight, hoping to look tough and annoyed rather than a bit intimidated by the fact he was undeniably outnumbered right now. He made an effort to roll his eyes at Seabrook's words, as if she'd ever been merciful before. Is that what she called the constant jinxes and insults and countless other rounds of bullying? Typical.
He'd gone against Slytherins many times before over the years, but Jacob had to admit it wasn't boosting his confidence any to be ambushed like this. He glanced over his shoulder, almost expecting to see one of his friends come to back him up. He had a bad feeling that wasn't something he could rely on this time.
'Went squealing to your master, did you?' Jacob glared at Mardling. Another thing that shouldn't have surprised him yet had. 'What do you want?' he added to Seabrook, well aware that she was always the instigator.
She was just looking for an excuse to ruin his day, as always.
He slipped his wand into his hand, keeping it aimed low as to not set anyone off. Not that it took much with those lot. Still, Jacob wasn't stupid. If he had to defend himself, he would. He'd dealt with their crap before. Yeah, he was at the disadvantage this time but he wasn't a Gryffindor for nothing. He could take them. Probably. Well, he could take one of them anyway...
Oh, this was going to suck. He just knew it. Not that he'd let them see his confidence waver though, though his wary search of exits might have given him away a bit. Not that he planned to run though. Jacob would never give them the satisfaction of turning him into a coward. Never.
Killed by Devin Kudosen by act of the Killing Curse. June #24, RPG year 1 -- he was a 5th year Gryffindor. Jacob died to save his best friend, Luckett Langford.
Post by Amara Seabrook on Aug 29, 2020 1:41:45 GMT 10
Lucas kept his promise. Amara glanced at him as he stood by her side, hands stuffed in his pockets. She knew that for what it was, though decided not to remind him there was no need to hold back. Not this time. Though, perhaps a little restraint was good for now. No point in rushing things. She was just relieved he had kept his word and was willing to take a confronting approach.
She smirked as Thatcher searched for exits. She kept turning her wand in her hand, glaring as he drew his own wand though at least had enough sense to not aim it at anyone. A pity though, since it would have given her the perfect excuse to start on the offensive.
'What do I want?' She frowned. How stupid was he? 'I want you to leave us alone. I want you to finally learn your place, Thatcher. Now you are nothing more than a jester who thinks too highly of himself. What gives you the right to get in our way?'
Fiddling with her wand was a habit she'd learned to remain calmer than she felt when resisting casting a curse on someone, but it had another advantage - it prevented an opponent from predicting when that idle twirling turned into an active motion.
Gripping her wand tight, using as much sheer will as she could, Amara aimed at Thatcher. 'Expelliarmus,' she said with determination.
Defensive spells weren't her typical choice, but this time she preferred to reduce Thatcher to what he tried to make them - defenseless. Without his wand, her message could be better delivered to ensure this time he finally listened. She wasn't going to let him crawl out of that courtyard until he realised they were not fooling around anymore. It was time she proved once and for all that was stronger and more powerful than idiots like him.
Last Edit: Aug 29, 2020 1:44:35 GMT 10 by Amara Seabrook
Post by Jacob Thatcher on Sept 1, 2020 1:45:35 GMT 10
Jacob couldn't help rolling his eyes that time. She made it sound like his goal in life was to seek out Slytherins and make their days worst... wait, he did kind of do that. Not in the way she was saying though. They just made the best targets, and besides it wasn't without reason.
'Sod off, Seabrook,' he said. Jacob wasn't in the mood to deal with her attempt to bully him yet again. He'd heard it all before, like she was so important and he was nothing. Blah blah. 'I think that "Slytherin Queen" title has gone to your head. You know you don't actually rule anything, right? You can't tell me what to do just because you don't have a sense of humour. I reckon-'
He did't get to finish, noticing too late that her wand had moved from idle to danger. Having only ever expected a jinx or some other offensive spell from her, Jacob was uncomfortably caught off-guard by a defensive one. The worst kind too.
He yelled first in shock, then in pain from having been thrown roughly backwards onto the grass. Jacob gasped, fumbling for his wand only to realise it was gone. Amara stood over him, his wand in hand, and it was like a nightmare come true.
Refusing to be at her feet, he jumped up - making a snatch for his wand, but of course failing. He winced, aware of how hard the ground was now he'd been bruised by it.
'Give it back.' He snarled at her, desperately making another grab for it even though he knew there was no way he was getting it back once she'd stolen it. 'Stupid git, that's mine. You think this proves you're better or something? Attacking someone who's disarmed? You're a bloody coward, is all that proves. Give me back my wand.'
Last Edit: Sept 1, 2020 1:46:55 GMT 10 by Jacob Thatcher
Killed by Devin Kudosen by act of the Killing Curse. June #24, RPG year 1 -- he was a 5th year Gryffindor. Jacob died to save his best friend, Luckett Langford.
Post by Lucas Mardling on Sept 3, 2020 0:46:51 GMT 10
Lucas glared at Thatcher, anger boiling to the surface. For once, the Gryffindor was the one who had the disadvantage and there wasn't much he could do about it. Considering he was up against Amara, there wasn't really anything he could do about it. She wouldn't let him win.
As angry as Lucas was, offended by the ambush the night before and the comment about him having a "master", it was Thatcher's words against Amara that pushed him over the edge. It wasn't as if she couldn't handle it, as it was no secret she'd heard worst, but Lucas didn't need much of an excuse. He was sick of Thatcher - the stupid comments, horrible pranks, and just everything he did.
So with he Gryffindor finally knocked down a peg, being wandless and outnumbered, Lucas decided to get involved. By the time Thatcher called Amara a "stupid git", Lucas charged forward. He shoved Thatcher so hard the Gryffindor would go down. At their feet, where he belonged.
'Maybe you should learn to shut up?' Lucas growled. 'You don't care about targeting us whenever it suited you. Did you really think we'd let you get away with it? No one's coming to your rescue, so just give up while you can.' He stepped on Thatcher's arm, intending to pin it there and keep the Gryffindor from getting up again.
He glanced at Amara, nodding to signify he wasn't going to just stand back and watch. It was personal. He wanted Thatcher to pay as much as she did.
Post by Amara Seabrook on Sept 3, 2020 1:12:55 GMT 10
Amara's composure slipped the more Thatcher insulted her. Hissing in building rage, her wand was at his throat before she realised what happened. She stepped back, prioritising catching his wand and securing it before she could take her anger out on him properly. They had to make sure he got the message this time, and rushing wasn't going to ensure that.
It felt good to have his wand though, knowing the power was stripped from him. He couldn't fight back, though she hadn't decided what punishment to give him yet. She needed to learn some new jinxes - keep things fresh and unexpected.
She smirked when he made grabs for the wand, which she'd expected and used her well-honed reflexes to keep it out of his reach. 'Why?' she asked, when he demanded it back. 'You won't be needing it.'
Then Lucas stepped in. Amara blinked, staring in surprise and awe as he shoved Thatcher and pinned his arm. She knew there was more to Lucas than he liked to show, but she hadn't expected it to come out in a confrontational way. Not from the boy who was all about self preservation. She caught his nod and, for a moment, forgot why they were there.
He really did have her back. She didn't know how to feel about that. She had back-up and allies and people who'd do anything she demanded of them, but never someone who had her back like Lucas implied. Not in the sense of it being genuine rather than just because she told them to.
It was true, though. No one would be helping Thatcher this time. She'd made sure of it, and had the 6th year keep an eye out too. This was their moment. She tucked his wand away in her robes, then aimed hers closer to his neck again.
'You're going to leave us alone from now on,' Amara said quietly yet with every seriousness of her threat. 'If you don't, this is only a tiny portion of what will happen.' She cast a burning curse on his arm, the one Lucas didn't have pinned.
Amara leaned close to his face, intimidating and fearless.
'Not to you,' she added. 'But to anyone you care about. Any friend who you confided in... any ally who had your back... any idiot who pranked alongside you... We will come after them, just as you came after us. This isn't a game anymore, Thatcher. We're tired of playing. So either learn your place or this is only the beginning.'
Amara lifted out her knife, the one intended for use in Potions or Herbology tasks - yet which she found far more practical uses for. With a sadistic glint in her eye, she nicked his cheek with the blade. Then made a deep stab in the grass right beside his head. She wanted to scare him more than hurt him - it was a tactic she'd learned well from her father. She had no doubt Thatcher would give her more than enough reasons to revisit this - to cause the pain he deserved.
'Do we make ourselves clear? Back off.' Amara glared into his eyes. 'Do I need to repeat myself?' She gripped her wand, eager to use another curse.
Post by Jacob Thatcher on Sept 10, 2020 1:39:25 GMT 10
'Give me back my wand,' Jacob tried again, not about to quit even in the face of these idiots. 'I'm sure I can find some need for it...' he grumbled.
He was fiercely brave and often laughed in the face of danger, but that slipped as fast as he went crashing to the ground from Mardling's shove. He grimaced, pain shooting his back as he landed hard. He yelled when his arm got stepped on, trying to push the Slytherin off but that only added pressure. When did that guy grow a pair all of the sudden? Worst timing ever.
He was stuck. Jacob's resolve faded, as he stared at the two Slytherins towering over him. A very uncomfortable realisation formed. He'd tussled with them before, but nothing like this. The whole thing was a different kind of danger, one he hadn't expected yet was annoyed at himself for not noticing how much it was escalating. Seabrook and Mardling weren't being bullies this time. This was something much darker.
It was Mardling's involvement that startled him most. He gulped as Seabrook tucked away his wand. No way was he getting that back. He gave her another glare for good measure. Her wand at his throat though, Jacob struggled to put on a brave face. He wouldn't let her win.
He glanced around in hope someone would come by to help. 'Not much of an audience... in a private courtyard,' Jacob said, his voice trembling a bit. He tried to crack a grin but it wasn't his best effort. 'No one even brought popcorn. Personally, I'd prefer chocolate,' he joked, wincing as he leaned too much on everything that ached.
The real pain came from the burning curse. Despite his best resistance, he cried out from the pain and writhed in effort to pull himself away. Mardling kept him pinned. He swore, giving Seabrook a well-honed glare of hatred.
What could he do? No way was he giving up, but even Jacob couldn't deny how slim his chances were of pulling off a miracle and regaining the upper-hand. The glint of a blade recaptured his total attention, though he had little time to react or prepare himself when she attacked him with it. Despite his startled exclaim at the sting that he knew had drawn blood, he considered it wasn't so bad - having expected her to stab him or something instead.
Okay, so he'd certainly had better days.
He went stiff, eyes tearing up in shock, as she stabbed him in his beautiful face. No, wait... the grass beside his face. Whew. Jacob looked up in fear after her threat, but almost snorted at his own idiocy. He wanted to mouth off, but the thought of Amara Seabrook inflicting that type of pain upon his friends... Tiana, Jade, Amy, Sophia - no, he couldn't bear it. He didn't want to be the reason for their suffering or for giving further satisfaction to Seabrook.
Blood from his cheek oozed to his lips as he remained pinned to the ground. He managed a hesitant nod, then spit some of the blood that pooled near his mouth. When she asked if she needed to repeat herself, he simply glared before shaking his head.
'Loud and clear,' Jacob managed to mutter, resisting a growl at his own defeat.
Killed by Devin Kudosen by act of the Killing Curse. June #24, RPG year 1 -- he was a 5th year Gryffindor. Jacob died to save his best friend, Luckett Langford.
Post by Amara Seabrook on Sept 13, 2020 19:27:55 GMT 10
Amara was completely in her element, smirking as she stood over Thatcher. Everything was going how she'd planned, though she had to remember the purpose was to deliver a message and warn him - no to push too hard. Punishment would come later, as she had little doubt he'd find some way to end up in this same situation again - either him or someone he cared about. You could always rely on a Gryffindor to meddle in things that don't concern them, ignoring common sense along the way.
It was satisfying to see him powerless against them, as Amara knew all too well how it felt to be at someone else's mercy. It used to bother her, causing that to someone else, but those days had long since faded. Thatcher deserved what he got for standing in her way, targeting those of her house, and for ambushing Lucas the night before. He'd brought this on himself.
'Good.' Amara nodded, putting away her blade though kept a grip on her wand. 'We'll have mercy this time, but don't test me again, Thatcher. You have no idea what I am capable of.' The darkness in her gaze and tone held volumes he hadn't seen from her before, not like that. It went deeper than just a threat of violence or revenge.
She pulled away from him, savouring the moment and his suffering. Amara was only getting started, but it was enough for now. She glanced at the sky, knowing it was getting late in the afternoon and they had to wrap things up. A pity.
'We're done here.' She nodded to Lucas, indicating he could release the idiot. 'The feast is starting soon. I'm starving.' Amara reached to loop her arm with his, heading across the courtyard. She paused by the exit and smugly glanced back at Thatcher.
She reached into her robes for his wand. As tempting as it was to keep it, Amara decided one show of faith and finality of their moment was needed. She didn't particularly want a herd of insufferable Gryffindors trying to get it back anyway. She held the wand out, then let it fall to the grass.
'Don't say I never did anything for you,' she added. Amara leaned her head to Lucas' shoulder, amused by her own words, then strolled into the castle.
Post by Lucas Mardling on Sept 13, 2020 19:50:13 GMT 10
Lucas kept Thatcher pinned - any time the Gryffindor struggled, he added pressure. He also added it whenever Thatcher made stupid comments or glared at Amara. It'd be a wonder if something hadn't broken yet, though there'd be a pretty nasty bruise at least. Good.
He glanced at Amara as she began to wrap things up. Lucas had seen some of this darkness from her before, but not quite so vocal and open about it. He wasn't phased by that side of her, knowing he could hardly be one to judge when he had some of that same darkness inside him. Probably not quite at her level, but he was less accepting of his than she was of hers. It did inspire him, seeing what could be.
'We'll be watching, so don't even think about retaliating.' He pressed further on Thatcher's arm, remembering the horrible night before when he was cornered and forced to defend himself. 'I make it my business to know things about people they don't necessarily share with others, even friends or allies. If Amara doesn't get to them first, rest assured that I will.'
He finally released Thatcher, straightening as Amara looped her arm with his. That was an unexpected bonus. He nodded to the 6th year who'd backed them up, then allowed Amara to lead him towards the castle.
Lucas sighed as Amara gave up Thatcher's wand. He shot the Gryffindor a look that implied he got lucky, as no way would Lucas have given it back. For a price, maybe. A wizard without a wand was a far more affecting kind of powerless and he'd have loved to put Thatcher through it longer. He didn't know if he'd go as far as to snap it, though it would have at least crossed his mind. But it was Amara's call, and he understood why she did it.
Feeling better about the whole situation, he kept pace with Amara and tried to keep a pleased smile off his face as she leaned to his shoulder. A perfect end to their afternoon, in his opinion. Maybe she'd even sit with him during the feast?
Post by Jacob Thatcher on Sept 13, 2020 20:03:13 GMT 10
Jacob glared. He didn't trust himself to speak, as it seemed the Slytherins were finally going to piss off. He wasn't about to push his luck by adding fuel to their fire. He shuddered at Seabrook's threat, not entirely in fear but in a heightened awareness of just how dangerous she was. Despite what they believed, he just wanted to have fun and prank those who either could use a good laugh or sorely deserved some payback.
He grit teeth, tears in his eyes, as Mardling pressed harder on his arm. How was it not broken yet? Or maybe it was - it'd been almost a year since his last broken bone, so he couldn't quite remember the difference. Jacob exhaled in relief when Mardling moved away. He propped himself on one elbow, watching as the Slytherins took their leave.
Seabrook still had his wand, the foul git who... oh. Jacob was quite surprised that not only had she left without one final attack, but she'd actually returned his wand. "Returned" being dumping it on the grass as if it was nothing, but he'd take what he could get.
'Bloody gits.' He grumbled, collapsing onto his back - then yelping as he remembered what was bruised too. Did everything hurt? Yeah, probably. Nothing more than his pride though.
Groaning, he manged to crawl a bit then finally pull himself to his feet. Both his arms hurt, and various parts of him ached from bruises or whatever else. Blood dripped down his face, causing him to spit more out as he trickled to his mouth. He snatched his wand, tucking it away safely. Jacob leaned against a stone post near the castle, groaning again as he tried to steady himself.
It wasn't his smartest decision, but Jacob refused to give them the satisfaction of him going to the Hospital Wing to be healed. It meant they got to him. And what if a Gryffindor was there? No, he couldn't bear it. He might sneak by in the morning if everything still hurt, but for now Jacob would retreat to his dormitory - where he intended to curl up under his sheets and stay there.
He didn't even want to go to the feast. Jacob was in too much pain and too angry, plus didn't want to deal with people wondering what happened to him and not having a glorious tale to tell. He pushed away from the post and headed into the castle, muttering every swear word he knew as a way of distracting himself long enough to get to the Gryffindor tower.
Killed by Devin Kudosen by act of the Killing Curse. June #24, RPG year 1 -- he was a 5th year Gryffindor. Jacob died to save his best friend, Luckett Langford.
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