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 Luckett Langford on Jan 23, 2021 3:59:54 GMT 10
After being cooped up in the common room all morning, Langford wanted a little fresh air. He exited the castle walls and made his way to the courtyard, seeking its large and open space. It was always a nice gathering place for the students and gave them a chance to socialize outside classes. Lucky made use of it almost daily, hanging with his mates and shooting the breeze.
Today was no different. He was already huddled in a group of his loyal comrades from various houses, but more predominantly Hufflepuff. It looked like he was holding court with the lot of them, his friends laughing and joking along with whatever one-liner he had uttered. He was in good spirits having a free day. Lucky could do whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted, with whomever he wanted. Well, not the last part. Don't tell Lucky, but not everyone liked him.
'Oi, Jake! We're over here, mate!' He squinted his eyes, looking over some of the heads in front of him. 'Come on, you plonker!' Lucky waved his hand to beckon the Gryffindor over, or who he had believed to be Jacob Thatcher. It looked like it was him? It had to be him. But something looked off to Lucky. His mate didn't seem to be in as good a mood as he was.
Lucky pushed through his gaggle of mates and out into the open courtyard. He hadn't realized how stuffy it was in his huddle of friends. It was like walking outside and getting fresh air all over again. Lucky tossed his hands up with an exasperated shake of his head as he made his way over toward the other fifth year. Was he intentionally ignoring him? Anyone could've heard Lucky from the other side of the castle. His voice was known to travel a considerable distance.
'What's got your knickers in a bunch?' Lucky pulled a face after his joke. 'You going to join us or mope around the courtyard?' He rose a brow, crossing his arms in challenge.
Last Edit: Jan 23, 2021 4:03:49 GMT 10 by Luckett Langford: The details of this thread have been discussed beforehand!
Post by Jacob Thatcher on Jan 25, 2021 21:39:02 GMT 10
Jake wasn't used to avoiding people. Or rather, non-Slytherin people - though he couldn't really call those slithering gits "people". But on account of not being used to avoiding people, he'd taken his usual route back to the castle after having spent the afternoon sulking at the Savannah. Thus, of course, setting foot in the Main Courtyard was bound to get him noticed.
He ignored the familiar holler of Lucky Langford, but pretended not to have heard him - though even Jacob knew he'd have to be deaf to have not. He increased his strides, but his path was soon blocked by the Hufflepuff captain.
Great. Another friend he had to lie to.
Jacob frowned, glad he was able to move his arm again as he'd convinced a 7th year to practice their healing charms on him. They needed more practice because it still hurt, but at least he could move it around. Good enough to punch Mardling in the nose, if he dared risk it. His wrist was still burned but he keep that hidden under his sleeve. If only the cut across his cheek wasn't so obvious, especially with how clean and intentional it looked.
'Sod off,' he grumbled. 'I'm not in the mood.' Jacob knew it was out of character for him to not at least have a chat first even if busy, but he was fed up. He hurt, had his dignity crushed, and now people won't leave him alone to sulk.
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 Luckett Langford on Jan 26, 2021 6:58:31 GMT 10
Sod off? That wasn't like Jacob to say, at least not in this context. It wasn't like him to be roped into hanging out either. He usually came willingly. Lucky gave him an initial look of disbelief, not knowing how to react. He could tell something was wrong with his Gryffindor mate, but had always been under the impression not much bothered him. Maybe the pudding at lunch wasn't up to his usual standards? That was something Jacob would be upset over.
'Whoa, whoa.' Langford exaggeratedly threw his broad shoulders back, hands in the air. His movements were comic to the point of caricature, the amused sarcasm in his voice clear. 'Who pissed in your cheerios, Thatcher?' He scoffed a laugh in an attempt to add more humor to his words, not realizing they could do more harm than good. Lucky was painfully unaware.
'Is that how you to talk to a Quidditch Captain?' He flicked the front of his badge rather contemptuously, a smug grin on his face. 'You ought to have better manners than that, mate. Didn't your mum teach you any?' His sarcasm was thick, his words ground out through an obvious simper. A mum joke seemed ill-advised, but again, Lucky was oblivious.
'Eh, probably not. She's been too busy trying to score a front row seat to see me play in a few days.' He laughed. 'Then again, everybody is. It's been the talk of the school lately. They can't wait to see me sweep the pitch with Nordstrom and Ravenclaw.' He proudly cocked his shirt collar. 'I'll be hanging those birds upside down on the rafters.'
Post by Jacob Thatcher on Jan 26, 2021 20:45:29 GMT 10
He clenched his teeth and fists, wondering why Lucky was obnoxious all of a sudden? Is that how they sounded to other people? Nah, must be an off-day for him too. His words grated on him though, and he glared at the grass. It wasn't the same courtyard, but close enough. It was hard to get out of his own head, and remember he couldn't risk his friends getting hurt.
At the part about having better manners and not being the way to talk to a Captain... Jacob lost it. It reminded him too much of Seabrook and Mardling's superiority crap, and how they "put him in his place". Then the mother joke? Seriously? She had the same blood purist delusions as those Slytherin gits.
'I said, sod off.' Jacob shoved Lucky, gaze filled with misplaced blame and rage. 'Can't you read the room, Langford? Get out of my face or I'd be happy to rearrange yours.' It was harsh, considering the Hufflepuff was a friend, but he was angry.
He couldn't yell at the ones he really wanted to, and Lucky didn't get the hint to leave him alone. He grimaced a little, having chafed his burned wrist, but forced himself to ignore it. Jacob was looking for a night now. A part of him actually hoped Lucky would shove him back.
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 Luckett Langford on Jan 26, 2021 21:53:31 GMT 10
The shove was sudden. Lucky stumbled back, and not from the boy's force, but from being caught off guard. What was his bloody problem? Did Thatcher want to fight or something? Not many people knew of the very real anger that existed within Luckett Langford. But it was there. With his physical attributes and sheer strength, he could be a brute force. In his younger days, he blew hot and cold. He couldn't always control his temper. It was still a work in progress.
'You know, that might be the funniest joke I've heard all day. You're going to rearrange my face, mate?' He dusted his shoulder and stepped to his friend. 'What's your source of inspiration? Your already busted mug?' Lucky scoffed, this time without a laugh for humor. He was ticked. His lip was curling up over his teeth, his shiny whites on display.
'Challenge accepted.' He went to shove him back using both hands, all with an intention of sending him sprawling. 'Keep it up, Thatcher. That scratch on your cheek is looking a little lonely. I think a black eye would really make it pop, don't you?' There was no hesitation in his words, no second-guessing and no concern. This was about to become a scuffle, a clash between friends. Jacob needed some sense knocked back into him.
Lucky didn't want to fight his friend. Him and Jacob normally got along great, which made this an unusual situation. But the Hufflepuff was prepared to throw fists if that's what it came to. He was well equipped anyway. Jacob wasn't weak by any means, but Lucky had the obvious advantage. He had the brawn to knock the goofy Gryffindor out a couple times over.
Post by Jacob Thatcher on Jan 27, 2021 20:58:20 GMT 10
Jake didn't hear half of what other mockery Lucky said, as he yelled in frustration and charged forward. He'd stumbled from Lucky's push and almost landed on his arse again, his mind flashing back to the day before. Mardling and Seabrook standing over him...
His tone and actions were angry, but shoving Lucky hard exposed a closeness in which the Hufflepuff might notice another emotion - fear? Hurt? Jake wasn't even sure, unaware as he was of his own thoughts and emotions right now. He just wanted to fight back - he didn't care who it was anymore.
'You bleeding git,' he grumbled. Jake wasn't a pushover, but he'd still deluded himself into thinking he could do some serious harm to a bulky Quidditch bloke like Lucky in a fight. His shove was rough, but it would surely take more than that to push Lucky down.
He cried out as pain shot up his arm, but it only grew his frustration. Jake charged again, this time putting his whole body into it, to shove Lucky onto the ground. He didn't use his fists, as it wasn't that kind of a fight, he just wanted to shove and scuffle - roll around in the grass like the deranged teenage boy he was, trying to take his anger and hurt out the only way that made sense right now.
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 Luckett Langford on Feb 3, 2021 5:23:53 GMT 10
Another shove. Did this bloke have some sort of death wish or was he just plain stupid? Lucky stumbled from force this time, but recovered. He hadn't expected the Gryffindor's haste, once again caught off his guard. There was something going on with Thatcher. Something more than met the eye. Lanngford didn't know what his deal was, but he wasn't going to tolerate being shoved around to find out. Not with everyone watching. He had a reputation to uphold.
'You asking for a full on fight, Thatcher?' He stared at the boy, rolling up his sleeves. 'Because a fight would require two equals -- and you're far from my equal, mate.'
Lucky cracked his neck, his knuckles, and intensified his stare. He was going to give the Gryffindor one more chance to back down. He didn't want to have to fight his friend, but he refused to be seen as someone who took a shoving from someone half his size. What would that tell everyone else? Luckett Langford could be pushed around? That he wouldn't do anything if someone challenged him? Lucky couldn't allow that. Not now, not ever.
He was startled by the sudden cry that escaped Jacob, but was ready for the charge that came next. Langford rose a quick enough knee to block the tackling attempt and used his upper body to try and wrestle Jacob into a headlock. His arms were simultaneously brawny and nimble, completely capable of getting the job done. His muscles flexed and tightened as he tried to maneuver Jacob toward his side, his bicep hopefully holding the angry Gryffindor in place.
'Give it up, wanker! You're fighting a losing battle, don't you think?' Lucky wanted to hold the boy in place and really give him a chance to think of the events that led him to this moment. Was this really what Jacob wanted? It's not what Lucky wanted. He only wanted to shoot breeze with one of his buddies. But nope. Here he was, brawling, and not for fun.
The afternoon hours coming to an end, Anjay had a few spare moments before dinner began and nowhere he needed to be. He'd spent all day cooped up in the castle and had gleaned from a few open windows that the weather outside was lovely, the air crisp, and the sun shining. He wanted to spend a few moments to himself out in the therapy of the open air.
Anjay entered into the Main Courtyard with the intention of passing through to the Black Lake when a scuffle drew his attention. He sighed in annoyance, absentmindedly straightened his Prefect badge, and made his way towards the commotion. He hadn't even had his first official shift as Prefect and already he was breaking up a fight? Would he get no rest?
His face quickly turned into a scowl as he took in the scene and ascertained what was happening- Jacob Thatcher was in a headlock, his body smushed under none other than Luckett Langford. Of course. Wherever this scourge of Hufflepuff was found, trouble was always close by. Anjay immediately jumped into action, rushing toward the two 5th years, pulling his wand from his robe.
"What the bloody hell do you think you're doing?" he hollered, trying to sound as authoritative and angry as possible. "Release him, Langford! Now!" He knew from their miserable tryst with Peeves on Halloween that Langford had no respect for anything or anyone, so appeals to authority were useless, but they were all he had.
Post by Jacob Thatcher on Feb 15, 2021 17:54:13 GMT 10
It shouldn't surprise him really, how badly Jake had overestimated his own ability to hold his own in a physical altercation with Lucky, but he yelped in surprise all the same when he was grabbed into a headlock.
He struggled, spat a few swears for good measure, but a panic grew in his chest. He was overpowered, again. His air supply wasn't feeling too great either - or was that his own nervousness kicking in? Either way, he'd been better. Still, Jack struggled and refused to back down. Unlike with the snakes, he could risk trying to punch his foe.
Except, Lucky wasn't a foe but a friend. Jake couldn't do much more than flail anyway, but one wrong squirm caused him to cry out again. If anything, it increased his frustration rather than cause surrender. As much as he hated everything about this, and how annoying it was that Lucky wasn't giving him what he wanted from their scuffle, he still couldn't hold back a groan of dread when he heard Xcalyn's voice.
Then again, the killjoy Prefect might prove helpful. Lucky was a friend tho, and even through his anger blinder Jake wasn't about to get the unfairly-brawny Hufflepuff a detention - or worst, a Prefect's lecture. So he didn't play up his injuries or claim Lucky started it.
'Air... need...' Jake whined instead, implying the headlock was tighter than it was. He even risked holding his breath a bit, so his face could change colour and add to his plea. So long as didn't accidentally make himself pass out. That would be horribly embarrassing.
He grit his teeth though, fists ready for swinging as he just wanted to hit something. Cause some of the hurt he felt. Reclaim the upperhand. Foolishly, he'd picked the wrong person to scuffle with in that case. Still, he wasn't satisfied. He hoped Xcalyn could get him free soon, so he could turn around and sock Lucky one for good measure. It'd cost him cuz Lucky was no pushover and would certainly retaliate if Xcalyn's not fast enough butt... hey, no regrets - right?
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 Luckett Langford on Feb 16, 2021 2:39:18 GMT 10
He wrenched his arm tighter around Jacob's neck, and not enough to cut off his oxygen intake, but enough to hopefully leave him in a weakened state. Lucky forgot about his friends hovering nearby, so much that he unknowingly drowned out their voices. They were probably rowdy and wanting to get in on the action, but smart enough to keep their distance in case things got too out of hand. This was a public courtyard. Anyone could walk in on their fight at any moment.
And then someone did. An annoying someone. A killjoy of a guy. Anjay Xcalyn. But Lucky didn't care. He heard what the prefect yelled at him, but he didn't budge. He wasn't going to let go of the Gryffindor, not until he knew he wouldn't get another shove, or worse. Instead, he focused on Jake, not daring to look away. That was amateur stuff. Lucky wasn't a complete idiot.
'Yeah? You want me to let him go?' He shot the prefect a challenging look. 'Tell your housemates to mind their manners then, Xcalyn!' His words came out like a series of grunts, deep and primitive. 'All I wanted was a chat, a hang. But this bloke?' He wrung Jacob's neck again for good measure, ignoring his plea for air. 'He wanted a row. And as everyone should know, Luckett Langford doesn't ever back down from a fight!'
Yeah, Lucky referred to himself in the third person. He generally did, especially when he was being boastful or showing off. This was clearly one of those moments. His arm muscles flexed and strained as he forcefully held the Gryffindor in place, his firm jaw thrusting outward. It wasn't long before the two boys would collapse onto the grass, with Langford attempting to keep Thatcher writhing beneath his bulky physique. Things were getting out of hand now.
On the one hand Anjay was fascinated. This Langford was something absolutely primeval, a relic from a bygone age where men were more like beasts and brawn far surpassed brains in terms of importance. He had studied history and he knew that Langford would have thrived in an era where the powerful could mete out justice on their own accord.
Thank the heavens they lived in an age where laws and civility mattered.
"You're already in enough trouble as it is, Langford," Anjay said simply, cranking up the condescending tilt in his voice to 11. "Do you really want to be suspended from your first Quidditch game for starting a fight unprovoked?" It sounded like Thatcher had been the instigator if Langford was to be believed at all, but if it came down to it, Anjay wagered his word would count for more if he reported this to a Professor. Which be totally intended to do.
"Yes, yes, we know, big strong Lucky never backs down, yada yada. If Jacob promises to not take a swing and apologize, can you be persuaded to stop shoving him into the dirt?" Maybe the mocking tone wouldn't help things, but as far as Anjay was concerned any continued aggression from Langford was a positive. The more vile his behaviour, the more he had to report to McGonagall and Sprout. Anjay looked at Jacob, not quite buying his schtick, but happy to play along if it meant getting Lucky in trouble.
The sun set, colouring the sky with a beautiful array of pink and orange hues. Students caught a glimpse of the crescent moon and a starry sky before clouds drifted to occasionally obscure them. Night was upon them, and dinner had started in the Great Hall.
It was impossible to miss, as the Main Courtyard became a busy area, with many students made their way from various locations or the grounds as they headed to dinner. Despite the hungry commotion and darkened courtyard, the 5th year group had some dwindling time to wrap things up before there was any risk of getting in trouble for lingering.
Post by Luckett Langford on Feb 18, 2021 8:23:21 GMT 10
Ha. Did Anjay Xclayn just use Quidditch against Luckett Langford? That was something you didn't do. Lucky didn't care if the dude had a shiny badge. It was nothing but a glorified label. All he could do was report what he saw, but it was his words versus everyone elses. He was outnumbered. Plus, for once, Lucky was actually innocent. He hadn't started this fight.
'Oh come off it, chuffer.' Lucky spat the words like venom. 'I know you're McGonagall's personal arse-licker, but you can't be bias when I have a courtyard full of witnesses.' He gestured at the crowd while keeping Thatcher down. 'Your threats mean nothing.'
Anjay was intolerable, man. He was a total thorn in the side. Lucky hated he was even in this predicament of having his friend eat dirt while arguing with one of Gryffindor's most obnoxious. It wasn't fun. He wanted it to be over, but how could he leave things without Jacob retaliating? Lucky was human. Well, a human boy -- and boys will be boys, right? If Jacob so much as tried to attack him again, Lucky would pop him in the mouth. Friend or not. He didn't care right now.
'Yeah, I'll let your housemate up.' He narrowed his eyes at Anjay, a seriousness in his voice. 'But If he so much as swings.. what comes next is on him and him only.'
Lucky used his own weight to push off Jacob, and earned some momentum to land back on his feet. He backed away from the pair of Gryffindors, and brushed the dirt off his untucked shirt and trousers. All he could do was shake his head. Lucky still didn't know what Jake's problem was, but he wasn't going to stick around to find out -- not when Anjay wanted him in trouble.
The darkening courtyard was enough to let Lucky know it was time to wrap things up and head inside. And from his perspective? Things were wrapped. He didn't bother saying another word and signaled his friends over, before leading them all inside and towards the dining hall.
Last Edit: Feb 18, 2021 8:30:47 GMT 10 by Luckett Langford: Lucky is outtie and going to get some dinnerz.
Post by Jacob Thatcher on Feb 18, 2021 21:55:56 GMT 10
Mind their manners...
Something Mardling or Seabrook would say. Jake growled, but his struggle actually cut his air off for a moment and he coughed. He grumbled at Lucky's words, but even more at Anjay's... well, overall existence. He was often butting head with his dormmate, who was no fun at all. Zachary was way cooler.
Ever the good friend, and having spent enough time around Tiana and Amy, Jacob actually made a sound of protest at Anjay's Quidditch threat. Like, sure, he was actually going to start turning blue soon if Lucky didn't let him go but... that was just rude. Don't touch Quidditch!
He was just as offended at being asked to promise not to take a swing if released, which he absolutely was not making any such pledge. Wait, shoving him into the dirt? Jake looked down and blinked, realising his face was rather close to further embarrassment. He also had a great view of Lucky's crotch area, which he'd noticed too late to make a big deal about.
It was getting dark though. As much as Jacob may claim otherwise, it was truly only his hunger for dinner that proved his decisive point. Lucky let him go and he sprawled onto the ground, showing a bit more of his usual theatrics and personality in staging an overly-dramatic death scene. Blimey his arm hurt though.
Jacob frowned up at the Prefect, having that he was once again at someone's feet but feeling too dramatic to care. Oh, he had a decent view of Anjay's crotch area from here too. The things he noticed when in a bad mood...
'I was winning, you know,' he said. It was a lie and he knew it, but he was a Quidditch player too and if he'd really gotten into a proper fight (when not injured, of course) he'd have gotten a few punches in. He was great in scuffles, but picking Lucky of all people was not his brightest moment.
He didn't think Anjay for spoiling his fun, extra annoyed that he'd been distracted with his fake death scene and Anjay's crotch - and doing so meant Lucky had already left. So much for venting his frustration further. Still, food might be he cure he needed right now. The Hospital Wing would be good, but not nearly as much as food right? Yucky potions had nothing on chocolate pudding.
Dusting himself off, he headed towards the castle and Great Hall without a look back.
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.
What in the world was wrong with this bloke? Anjay didn't know Thatcher well... the boy had seemed an odd one to him right from the beginning of their first year. But he never expected the other Gryffindor to behave in such a strange manner, picking fights he had to know he had no chance of winning and acting aggressively like some uncivilized brute.
"Have you gone mad?" Anjay asked him genuinely, happy at least that Langford had stormed off and released the other boy. The dramatic way in which he'd responded upon being released made Anjay roll his eyes and sigh out loud. And where in the world were Thatcher's eyes focused? The realization hit Anjay slowly and then all at once.
"Hey, tosser! My eyes are up here. Have you lost your mind, Thatcher?" Anjay didn't wait for a response. The boy's comment about winning the fight just proved further that he was delusional. Delusional people were best ignored, as fighting them almost never ended with them seeing reason and admitting their errors. Anjay scowled, turned, and walked to the castle.
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