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 Dec 31, 2020 2:51:07 GMT 10
After his moment with Lindsey, then Reena, on the Covered Bridge, Lucas had gone for a stroll through the Forest Path... and was reminded of why he didn't do things like that.
He grumbled, swatting at a bug that followed him, as he trekked back towards the castle. Leaves in his hair? It was an atrocity and offense. He stopped in the Clock Tower Courtyard to check his reflection in he fountain water, not that it did much, and plucked another leave from his hair. An absolute disaster. The sheer audacity...
Of course, none of this solved the fact he once again had more free time than plans to fill it. Lucas smirked, spotting a 2nd year Ravenclaw boy he recognised. The boy's back was turned, counting what looked like gobstones. What was his name? Billy? Will... something?
'I believe you owe me some Galleons.' Lucas snuck up on the boy, startling him as he grabbed his robs hood to swerve him around. 'After that stunt you pulled, losing the homework I gave you. Replacement isn't free.'
'I... I'll get it,' Will said, eyed wide in alarm as if just remembering how much taller the 5th year was.
'That's unfortunate for you.' Lucas sighed. 'Because I'm not feeling generous today. Come on, cough it up.' With all the size and strength advantage he had, he grabbed the boy's ankles and flipped him upside-down - shaking anything loose from his pockets.
Will yelled and swung his arms to swat at him, but Lucas ignore the efforts. Some cards, a few chess pieces, some bubble gum... ah. He knew the boy had money so where was it? He casually shook a bit more, mindful enough to make sure the boy's had didn't hit the ground -- while also alert for any Professors that might venture this way. He doubted the kid would rat him out though, knowing he already owed Lucas and didn't want to end up in his bad graces.
Phillip was still dusting off his robes of real and imaginary specks when he neared the Clock Tower Courtyard. He figured he might as well complete Professor Snape's task and one of the nearest locations was just where he was, apparently brimming with beetles. Phillip spent some time searching for them before he heard noises from the inside.
After short deliberation weighing pros and cons of disturbing whomever was inside, Phillip ventured further into the courtyard to see Lucas Mardling and a second year apparently engaged in a deal. If one striked a deal upside down with his items clattering the ground.
'You know, when they said headstands improved concentration and memory, I don't think that's what they had in mind,' Phillip couldn't help himself from commenting, finding Mardling's actions amusing if the subtle smile he was sporting was of any indication.
Phillip moved some steps to stand between one of the possible entrances, blocking anyone's view from that direction.
'It's not good to shake him like that, you'll injure yourself,' Phillip advised. 'I've got some rope, so it'd be better to hang him by the feet, which would allow you to go through his pockets or use your wand,' he shrugged. Phillip's face was as neutral as he could make it be, so at least the younger boy couldn't know if he was joking about the rope or not.
'I hope you haven't eaten in the past two or three hours,' Phillip addressed the boy. 'Or it'll come up soon,' he nodded, recalling the day he decided to see how long he could do a headstand for. The results were rather messy.
'I'd advise you to just give him what he wants,' Phillip moved his head to indicate Mardling while still talking to the younger Ravenclaw. 'It'll be better for you in the long run.'
Post by Lucas Mardling on Dec 31, 2020 16:47:41 GMT 10
Lucas paused, hearing a voice nearby, though knew he'd look guilty if he quickly dropped the boy so simply held on as if dangling second years was the most normal thing in the world. He smirked, glancing at Phillip. Any concern he had for looking innocent faded.
'I'm not sure they were right,' Lucas said. 'His memory seems to still be failing him.' He gave Will another little shake, though was now wary of making him sick.
He raised an eyebrow at the suggestions Phillip gave. A part of him wanted to scoff and say he didn't need help, he knew exactly what he was doing, yet the mention of rope intrigued him. Lucas got along rather well with his roommates, and Phillip was no exception, but he didn't know as much about him. He often forgot that there were reasons other than blackmail fodder to get to know someone.
'Indeed,' he said, giving Will a sneer. 'I wouldn't want to have to get my wand out. How's your memory now?' Lucas was pleased with Phillip's input to the boy, as it was clearly making Will more nervous to have th both of them bearing down on him.
'Okay, okay.' Will whimpered. 'They're in my bag.'
A bag he'd apparently kicked under a bench to hide it from Lucas. He pretended to know it was there though, and gave Phillip a look - a silent request to retrieve the Galleons for him, so he could keep Will suspended in case he was lying. It was only a few Galleons, so he didn't feel too apprehensive with trusting him to the task.
'He owes me three Galleons,' Lucas said. 'Four, I'd say, for wasting our time.'
Will groaned in annoyance, but had the sense not to argue or flail his arms again. Lucas jiggled him a little to make his hood fall over his yes, snorting at the boy's panic to not being able to see. It also covered Lucas' reputation, if Phillip turned out to be untrustworthy or got greedy. Lucas always honoured his deals with an honest agreement.
Though Phillip had caught sight of a beetle scurrying to safety under a bush, it seemed the rest weren't keen on making an appearance while there was so much going on in the courtyard. Once things had settled again, perhaps he might have more luck?
'Rather devious of you, runt,' Phillip eyed the second year when he spied the hidden bag under one of the stone benches. 'Can't out-Slytherin a Slytherin, though,' he approached the bench and ducked. Phillip pulled out the bag, taking no special care in opening it. He turned it upside down, the parchment, ink bottles and books tumbling out. Phillip gave it a little shake or two until some golden coins clattered on the ground with soft clinks.
'Look at that, he was telling the truth,' Phillip told Lucas, gathering four of the golden coins. Pausing, Phillip took another, finally standing up and showing Lucas his catch.
'Let's make it a round five, for travel expenses,' he smirked, wondering if Lucas was familiar with what Phillip noted as a Muggle term. Though it was more than likely something like that was known in the wizarding world as well.
Phillip neared the still hanging boy in Lucas' arms, crouching and coming within an inch to the boy's face, careful that he wouldn't get in the way of any swinging fists. 'When he lets you go, that'll be the part where you run away,' Phillip whispered conspiratorially, before straightening up and offering Lucas the Galleons.
Thinking back to his dilemma from the common room, Phillip wondered if Lucas knew of a way to get into other common rooms, but resolved to ask him when the Ravenclaw would be gone.
Post by Lucas Mardling on Dec 31, 2020 20:58:16 GMT 10
Lucas leaned to get a better view, grinning as Phillip struck gold. He eyed Will when it was confirmed he was telling the truth, though he should have gotten to it sooner. He shook the boy again for good measure, ignoring his yell of surprise his the hood still blinded him despite his efforts to get it out of his face.
Travel expenses? 'Uh, sure.' Lucas nodded, at the increased rate. 'Let this be a learning experience. And don't try making another deal with me if you're going to lose what I give you, understood?'
With Lucas and Phillip's words, the second year was losing the ability to talk but nodded his head nervously. Lucas gently lowered the boy until his head and shoulders touched the ground, then promptly released his ankles so the rest of him collapsed at his feet.
He rolled his eyes Will's tears. The Ravenclaw quickly grabbed all his fallen items, then bag, and scurried from the courtyard.
'Three, two?' Lucas held out his hand for the Galleons. Three for him, as owed, and two for Phillip's assistance, though he hadn't needed it. He wasn't one for just giving Galleons away either, but was more negotiable with his classmates. He was nice to have some back-up, and Phillip had always been easy enough to get along with, so he was fine with splitting the difference.
He shoved hands into his pockets and glanced around the courtyard, wondering what to do now. Lucas glanced curiously at Phillip, wondering what brought him out there though the location was a bit of a go-between so it was possibly he was just passing through.
Phillip watched the Ravenclaw boy scurry off, not feeling bad for him in the slightest. Breaking your word was perhaps one of the things that immediately put a person on Phillip's crap list.
'Three, two,' Phillip repeated in agreement and put three gold coins in Lucas' hand. It was rather unusual of the other Slytherin to make such an easy offer, especially since Phillip didn't really do that much. However, Phillip wasn't the one to look a gifted horse in the mouth. He needed money for unofficial his extra curricular activities and unlike most of his housemates, didn't have the advantage of being old money.
Phillip waited for the silence to set in, looking around for beetles out of habit, before figuring he might as well ask him what he planned on.
'I was wondering...' Phillip trailed off, thinking how to broach the subject. But since this was Lucas, his house and classmate, he didn't see the point in beating around the bush. Phillip looked around for any other ears that definitely shouldn't hear his question.
'I need to get into all other common rooms,' Phillip explained. 'Obviously, I can't just waltz in, what with me not really knowing anyone.' Not to mentioned he was more of a tango person. 'I don't suppose you know of a way to get in?' Phillip asked, putting his hands in his pockets.
Phillip didn't elaborate any further as it was obvious to him that payment would be included for information or even a way in. He was confident that Lucas would take no time to notify him of the particulars of their deal if one was to be made.
Post by Lucas Mardling on Jan 1, 2021 0:43:04 GMT 10
Lucas nodded, giving Phillip a genuine smile, as their agreement was honoured. 'Thanks,' he said. 'That was easy money.' He tucked his Galleons away, and gave the courtyard another glance of consideration.
It seemed Phillip was looking for something - probably beetles, if memory served him correctly. Lucas didn't have a Potions Kit himself, but he'd gotten his hands on one of those scrolls once when Amara complained about beetles from here. Not that he blamed her - those were nasty and probably bite. If Philip wanted company for that, he was well and truly on his own.
He turned curiously when Philip spoke again, a part of him hoping maybe they could hang out for the rest of the morning - depending what the other boy had in mind, of course. Lucas sighed, his heart sinking in yet another reminder that people didn't want to hang out with him - they only ever wanted something from him. It was the reputation he'd built, but he hadn't expected even his own classmates would also be so disinterested in his company.
Then again, of course they wouldn't want to be around him.
'Polyjuice Potion,' he answered. Lucas fussed with his money pouch to avoid looking at Phillip, expertly hiding his moment of vulnerability. He got out a piece of parchment that detailed the deal he offered for this sort of thing, forever thankful he'd had the foresight to write it down. It was much easier to just hand it out like pamphlets.
OOC: Amara mentioned with permission. The deal Lucas is referring to can be found in my plotter, under the Polyjuice heading.
'Of course,' Phillip rolled his eyes when Lucas told him about the way inside. It was so very obvious he was a little mad at himself for not thinking of it. There was a problem though, that being how to get to a Polyjuice Potion. He could brew it himself, but that was incredibly hard to do, taking up time that currently Phillip didn't have.
Lucas had an answer to Phillip's unspoken dilemma as well, it seemed, when he offered a parchment to Phillip. The boy took it, immediately putting it in his pocket without even a glance at what was written. Phillip could do the necessary steps later, Lucas was, after all, fair in all his deals. At least with Slytherins that is.
'Cheers, Lucas,' Phillip thanked him, using the Slytherin's first name out of habit. It was something he picked up in Muggle school and never seemed to shake it off. He found that some people were okay with it and others, mostly purebloods, always gave him that strange look someone gave a child that dirtied themselves. Then again, Lucas and Phillip knew each other since first year and live in the same dorm. If the familiarity wasn't welcome, Phillip was sure he'd be reminded of it.
'Do you have any other students to shake up?' Phillip asked with some interest, trying not to show excitement at such a prospect. 'I can make a pretty mean face,' he scrunched up his face in a mix between a growl and a grimace, though its effectiveness was mostly questionable.
'Or you know, we can do something else?' Phillip suggested, letting Lucas pick up the reins here. What Phillip didn't account was that perhaps his company wasn't necessary or wished, but what was done was done. Phillip was confident if Lucas didn't care, he would tell him.
Post by Lucas Mardling on Jan 2, 2021 2:36:36 GMT 10
Lucas was surprised when Phillip didn't even look at the parchment, just tucked it away for later use. He appreciated the faith in his deal-making, but had expected the other boy to leave as soon as he got what he wanted. In fact, the offer to then hang out for a bit, almost made Lucas want to tergeo his ears as surely he hadn't heard that right?
He raised an eyebrow at the formal use of his name. It still took some getting used to, and he did often remind Phillip it was weird, but he also had a habit of letting it pass as it was kind of nice to be addressed by his first name. It made him feel less attached to his family's name though, which he did not need another stinging reminder of.
'Uh...' He had no idea what to suggest, caught off-guard by having willing and offering company for the morning.
Then Phillip made that face and Lucas burst out laughing, which wasn't something he got to do often. He covered his mouth with his hand, but could hardly contain it. He doubled over, shaking his head as a response that the "mean" face wasn't the least bit effective.
He finally recovered enough to speak. 'I was actually thinking of heading to the Main Corridor and having some fun.' Lucas shrugged. 'It's been a while since I've enjoyed a good prank or scare. You game?'
Phillip grinned when he made Lucas laugh. It wasn't his goal to do it, but it was still nice to be appreciated, even slightly at his expense. 'I'll have you know this face scared a lot of first years,' he said, sticking his chest out proudly in jest, as if that was something hard to achieve.
'Do you even have to ask?' Phillip grinned at the prospect of scaring or pranking other students. He clapped his hands together, 'I've got some new dungbombs prototype that I've been developing, maybe we could try that?' Phillip asked, already making calculations in his heads regarding the noxiousness and area of effect.
'Although...' Phillip furrowed his brows. 'I've observed some corrosive properties on organic material when the gas comes in contact with water,' he trailed off, pursing his lips. 'Better not then,' Phillip's face took on a sad note, almost wilting when it was obvious he couldn't test his prototype on unsuspecting students. It was still damp outside, the rain might yet fall and people sweat in warm clothes. Not a good combination, Phillip supposed.
'Any ideas?' Phillip asked, turning fully to Lucas. 'Buzzbombs? They're subtle enough not to immediately pinpoint us out and we can pick our targets,' he suggested, wanting to avoid any Slytherin collateral damage.
'We could also do fanged frisbees if we wanted a prank and a scare. Unless you've a better idea on how to scare the lot?' Phillip asked, leaning closer to Lucas, but still subconsciously being mindful of proper personal space. His parents hated when Phillip tried to come near them for a hug, or even just to talk.
Post by Lucas Mardling on Jan 2, 2021 23:21:31 GMT 10
Lucas grinned at getting to hang out with Phillip, though rolled his eyes at the suggestions. Not because they were bad, but because as usual people lacked the imagination to think outside the box when it came to situations like this.
'So that's what that awful smell was in the bathroom sink last week?' Lucas pulled a face, swearing he could still smell it. He stared as Phillip kept talking about it, and clearly he knew what he was doing. Come to think of it, Lucas remembered seeing some odd things over the years so that certainly explained a lot.
'I do have a fanged Frisbee I want to try,' he said. 'But, Phillip, my man...' Lucas leaned to loop an arm around his shoulders, if allowed, as a show of comradeship. It sounded weird to use the other boy's first name, but supposed he could get used to it for the time being.
He shook his head, amused yet his own confidence swelled. Had something far more entertaining in mind.
'You're thinking too much like a Gryffindor,' he said. 'Trinkets and noise-makers? Nah. There are much better ways to prank people. Some good old-fashioned ways. A scary mask, jumping out from behind a suit of armour, or a game of make-believe. Dungbombs are messy and incriminating. We can have much more fun if we're clever about it.'
They could work out the details when they get there.
'Lead the way,' Lucas said. 'Or... were you planning to get some beetles here first?' He gestured to a nearby bench, willing to wait (a safe distance away) if Phillip wanted to crawl around for bugs first.
[OOC: mention of the sink etc used with permission.]
Phillip coughed as if to mask his embarrassment when Lucas mentioned the incident last week. 'Yeeeah,' he drawled out, scratching his head. 'I'm not sure what happened there. I think I put too much spitroot into the mixture,' Phillip sighed, tapping his upper lip in thought. 'Maybe I should add some flobberworm mucus to thicken the solution and solidify it so it won't react to water?' he asked no one in particular, lost in his calculations.
He twitched when Lucas unexpectedly put an arm around his shoulders, his cheeks darkening at the gesture. Phillip wasn't used to other people touching him out of their own will. He didn't even remember the last time his siblings or parents hugged him. Lucas' touch wasn't unwelcome, just unexpected.
'That's why you're here for though, no?' Phillip smirked, relaxing under Lucas' arm. 'To mastermind a good ruse to scare people with?' he wondered, pursing his lips.
'I like the sound of make-believe,' Phillip added. 'It's better and more sophisticated than just jumping in front of a small squirt.'
'I planned on finding some,' Phillip shrugged at Lucas inquiry about the beetles. 'But that was before I knew you were here,' he explained, giving a critical look at some places he knew beetles were hiding in. 'After all, you're a much better company than some beetles,' Phillip finished. He meant that as a compliment, but sometimes Phillip missed the mark with his words and accidentally insulted his conversational partner. Perhaps Lucas would take the words as intended.
'Come on,' Phillip nodded his head towards the Main Corridor. 'I heard a first year class was just let go for the morning,' he grinned and started walking towards the entrance, with a few suggestions from Lucas on his mind.
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