#18 - Knock, Knock

Nyx always grew restless when she had to study. She hated the stacks of papers that collected on the bed table in her dorm, despised having to slowly build another stack as she went through the previously existing tower of papers that she had to review, sketches she had to perfect, facts she had to remember, terms that needed to be memorized. It was possibly the most tedious part of studying for exams, the part she couldn't wait to be over and done with. Was it sixth year yet?

And, seeing as she had been studying since leaving class that morning, the blonde was about ready to scream, or simply run away to do something far more interesting with her time, and it was such an urge that at times she found herself staring blankly at the wall as her dormmates came and went, fantasizing about abandoning Hogwarts and running far away with Mathias.

It came to a point where she couldn't help but stand up, pace about in her dorm, before looking at a nearby clock. A bright, excited smile tugged at her lips when she'd realized the time. Lunch was surely over, which meant it was time for her to meet Amara and Vicky. It wasn't for anything too exciting, but anything was better than another couple hours of studying. She liked the idea of spending some quality time with her friends, even if they'd be all doing extra-curricular work.

With that in mind, Nordstrom made her way through the bustling castle, carefully traveling moving staircases, turning crowded corridor corners, a focused expression plastered across her face as she walked with particular determination, as if nothing could deter her from her path. The only thing that could deter her was Mathias, but he was likely buried away in his own dormitory.

"How's your arm?" Nyx asked, approaching Victoria after she'd rounded a corner. "Your sling is off already? I was hoping I'd get a chance to sign it," she added, smirking in jest behind the collection of books in her arms. She hoped her friend wouldn't take any offense, considering Slytherin lost the match where she'd sustained the injury, but Nyx was prepared if she did.

It didn't appear as though Victoria had knocked, which left Nyx to hover near the door. She supposed it wouldn't hurt to knock now and hope Amara arrived soonafter—so, she did. With a roll of her knuckles, she rapped loudly at the door and subtly leaned in to listen for footsteps on the other side. She wondered if any staff were even present with lunch having just ended.

'Yes? Hello?' Professor Archerose peered out of the Staff Room, relaxing when he saw a group of students were waiting there in the corridor. Had he expected someone else?

Straightening, he fully exited the room and fixed his glass with one finger. He tucked the Daily Prophet under arm, and gave them his full attention.

'How can I help?' he asked. 'Anyone in particular you'd like to speak with?'

Victoria was content to remain silent as Nyx approached her and asked about her arm, simply nodding along at the girl's snarky brand of humor. She couldn't help but roll her eyes when she noticed Nyx's smug smile either, her own face coloring from the stirring under her skin. Victoria's day hadn't been great, and the last thing she felt like doing was exchanging barbs, so she chose to ignore the comment. If they were going to work together, there was no time for fighting.

'All good, thanks.' She was short, to the point. There was a clear lack of enthusiasm in her tone as she leaned off the wall and joined the blonde. 'You don't think we'll be doing something with heavy lifting, do you? My arm feels fine, but I'd rather not push my luck today.'

Her demeanor changed when Amara arrived and a smile pulled at the corner of her mouth. As Nyx knocked for assistance, Victoria silently admired her roommate's braid, appreciating how freshly tied and neat it looked. There didn't seem to be any strands out of place, at least from where Victoria stood, and it caused her to wonder how long it might've taken her to style it.

When the door swung open and Archerose presented himself, Victoria started to speak but was cut off by another voice. It was Kassia Saenz. Had the girl never heard of a line? Now.. Victoria was never one to curse in front of a teacher, but the moment a string of curses threatened to come out, she simply shook her head and ground her teeth together as best as she could.

'What do you think you're doing, Saenz?' She'd turned around and hissed under her breath, shooting the girl a subtle glare. 'Wait your turn. Your time isn't any more precious than ours.' Victoria sneered, turning back to Archerose with a toss of her head that served to flip her brown hair in the girl's face. Normally she wasn't as snappy, but Victoria was in a sour mood.

'Amara, Nyx and I completed what you asked of us the other day. Professor Rivera might've mentioned it to you? We made our dishes and served them in Charms.' Victoria looked at her friends for reassurance, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. 'We're ready for the next step of your extra-curricular task — whatever that might be.'

Kassia had been expecting to be ignored at best and sneered at worst, but she hadn't expected the quickness of Vargas snapping at her. She got a faceful of brown hair, and only just managed to tilt back enough to avoid being whipped by it entirely.

Professor Archerose disappeared momentarily to fetch Professor Rivera, and so Kassia intentionally stepped forward. She smiled at Vargas sweetly, almost pitying.

"Darling, I am so sorry that the backwater you grew up in did not have the concept of appointments. A-ppoint-ments. Shall I use smaller words to describe it? I know how your brain struggles. You poor, poor dear. I would be happy to sit down with you sometime and teach you the basic concepts of society. Maybe then you'll finally get a man."

The professors returned, and Kassia gave Vargas another slightly manic smile. It had been some time since she'd had reason to insult someone, and was grateful for the opportunity. She stepped away with Professor Rivera, leaving the harpies to their business. She smiled warmly at the charms Professor, a real one compared to the one she'd given the other Slytherin.

"Hello, Professor. You asked me to come find you again? I'm interested in completing more activities for charms."

Amara rolled her eyes as Professor Archerose emerged from the staff room, though she hid it well. Her arms were crossed tight, in clear reluctance to be there. She frowned and became more alert when Kassia showed up and decided to butt in. Who did she think she was, trying to imply she should get seen to first? All focus from the Professor gone, she shot Kassia an offended glare.

While Archerose went to get Rivera, Amara pushed away from the wall to back Vicky up. Then the appalling manner in which Kassia spoke to them... she had to remind herself not to reach for her wand whilst standing outside the literal staff room.

'What's the matter with you?' Amara snapped, during a pause between Vicky and Kassia. 'Have you completely forgotten that we're Slytherins too? This kind of disrespect and petty insults, out in public? Have you no sense of house pride? Everyone's against us as it is. You know house unity in public is crucial.'

She shook her head, in disbelief.

'Besides,' Amara gave Kassia a judgmental glance over. 'I don't know what branch is up your arse today, but you're hardly one to be giving lectures about the concepts of society.'

She was aware enough of Kassia's blood status to be tempted, but decided against it. Kassia may be willing to disgrace their house for a few cheap, unprovoked shots, but Amara wasn't about to mark herself a hypocrite. Clearly, being buddy with Twiggs was corrupting Kassia and rubbing off on her. Perhaps literally, with how touchy they'd been lately. Ew. She hoped Kassia hadn't caught anything.

Amara sighed as she forced herself to listen to Professor Archerose, but could not resist pulling a face a the new task. Making hats? What a waste of time. She shot Kassia another glare, with more malic to it, then followed Vicky.

'No.' She reached to grab her friend's sleeve and stop her. 'I'm not sitting around making hats. What is what supposed to prove? How does that teach us anything worthwhile about history? If I wanted to learn about magical birds, I'd have taken Creatures class. So no, not happening; I'm out.'

Amara shook her head, adamantly against it. She headed off for the Entrance Hall instead. If Nyx or Vicky wanted to discuss this further, they'd have to chase her down there.