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 Oct 6, 2022 23:04:48 GMT 10
Having gladly left his DADA lesson, Lucas made his way to the Entrance Hall. He'd intended to spend the remainder of his afternoon tucked away in the Slytherin common room to do some quiet studying or just relax, but he'd heard some interesting news from some of his informants.
Apparently, various students from differing houses have been spotted in odd places around the castle. It matched up to what he already knew, and the strange string of recent deals -- especially some reoccurring potions or items. So there he was, seated on a stone bench in the Entrance Hall to anticipate those students needing to take the easy path yet again -- by purchasing items from him, rather than obtaining them via their own efforts.
All the more gold for him.
Lucas sighed, opening a textbook on his lap though he wasn't particularly focused on it. As good as an opportunity as this was, sometimes he wished he didn't have this whole deal business at all. He just wanted to enjoy his time at Hogwarts, the best he could considering the dangerous place it was, rather than being so focused on his future that he was missing out on just being a 15 year old.
Post by MJ Birdwhistle on Oct 7, 2022 1:06:29 GMT 10
Rushing down the steps to the Entrance Hall, MJ considered the Dungeons would be her best bet for finding Lucas Mardling - but she didn't have to venture far!
"Oh Lucas! You're amazing for being right here when I need you!" If she had been closer to the Slytherin, she would have hugged him but they barely knew each other so... That would be weird.
Instead, she came to a stop in front of him and took a moment to calm down, even though her excitement threatened to bubble over. She lowered her voice and continued.
"I have a question for you, possibly several actually! Is there such a thing as an invisibility potion?" That was her first question. She'd wait for him to answer before she would ask more.
Post by Lucas Mardling on Oct 8, 2022 14:34:21 GMT 10
Hearing hurried footsteps by the stairs, Lucas glanced up from his boring textbook -- giving the 1st year an amused look as she rushed to speak with him.
'Back so soon?' he asked, setting aside his textbook with an air of relief.
Her gratitude and compliment was a bit surprising, and he stuttered for a minute in uncertainty of how to respond. Normally he just threw on his usual charm and played it off, but he was tired and his brain was overworked by OWL prep.
This kid was rather excitable, too. He knew a good, potentially ongoing customer when he saw one.
'Invisibility potion?' he repeated. Lucas stood from the bench and went through his bag, then lifted out a potion vial. 'Why yes, there is. Interested?'
Lucas returned the vial to his bag for a moment, freeing his hands to consult his notes first.
'Let's see...' He read them over. A silver (cauldron) item was extra, but he'd made this deal before. '45 Galleons for one. Or, as you never know when you might need another, I can give you two for 78 Galleons.'
He gave MJ a smirk, as if he knew something she didn't while he awaited her consideration. He didn't give out discounts often. Almost never, really. Yes, there was a definite smugness about is look -- in offering her a special two-vial deal. Lucas prided himself in knowing as much as he could, and even that itself had a price.
Though he didn't give MJ much to go by, other than his personal recommendation, it was clear there was something behind it.
Post by MJ Birdwhistle on Oct 8, 2022 18:34:34 GMT 10
"Yes, I'm sorry!" She apologised for bothering him again so soon and it seemed like he was studying as well.
But before she could ask about that, Lucas confirmed that such a thing existed and she couldn't help her little bounce of excitement.
"You're right... Getting two would be a good idea, just in case." Because who knew what the future held? She was glad Lucas was so considerate.
She nodded at his offer, "How about we round it up to an even eighty?"
He was already doing her a favour and round numbers were nicer to deal with. Hopefully he wouldn't think she was too weird for this. MJ dug into her pocket and took out the coins, counting them carefully before offering them.
Of course, if Lucas wanted to recount them, MJ wouldn't mind.
Last Edit: Oct 8, 2022 20:23:15 GMT 10 by MJ Birdwhistle
Post by Lucas Mardling on Oct 8, 2022 20:37:53 GMT 10
Lucas squinted at MJ. She was an unusual one, given the way people typically behaved towards him or just reacted in general. Maybe this was just her personality?
Then she tried to get two Galleons off what was already discounted? Lucas frowned, opening his mouth to object, then blinked as the maths caught up with his confused brain. No wait, she was giving him more than he asked for? What was happening right now?
'Uh...' He blinked again, willing words to come back to him. 'Hold on, you want to pay me 80? Okay, sure.' Lucas wasn't about to turn down her foolish offer to give him more money.
MJ was indeed an excellent customer. He held out his hand for the coins, then counted each of them carefully. A part of him was sure it must be a trick, but no. He counted it twice, just to be sure. Lucas tucked it away in his enchanted pouch, then retrieved two Invisibility potions for MJ but didn't give them to her just yet.
'Just to be clear: don't drink these,' he cautioned. If she wondered if such potions existed, MJ was unlikely to then know how to use them. 'An Invisibility Potion turns a liquid-retaining material invisible, not you personally. It should last all day or night. I'd recommend using a cloak or blanket for best results.'
Nodding, he handed over the potions. 'I'm not liable if you drink it,' Lucas added. Didn't hurt to cover his bases, just in case.
Post by MJ Birdwhistle on Oct 8, 2022 20:42:20 GMT 10
MJ nodded at Lucas, smiling as he checked her coins like she suspected he would and listened carefully to his advice. It was a good thing he mentioned using a cloak or blanket because she would have assumed they were drinkable.
"Okay, that's a good tip. Thank you, Lucas." She nodded and opened up her satchel to place the potions inside. Good thing she had a winter cloak in her trunk, perfect for this occasion.
"Don't worry, I won't tell a soul where I got them from even if I was silly enough to drink them." He probably didn't realize how much easier he had just made her life! She would have to think of a way to thank him later.
Maybe her granny could send her some baked goodies... Did he seem like the kind of person who liked chocolate?
"I'll see you around, good luck with studying." She added, giving Lucas another bright smile before she turned and headed off again. She would need to stop by her dormitory before she headed back to the portrait.
Post by Jaxen Ashworth on Oct 8, 2022 21:10:29 GMT 10
Shouldering his bag, Jax walked briskly through the entrance hall obviously with some kind of destination in mind. The fifth year faltered, practically stumbling to a stop. His attention flicking to the boy loitering nearby, he almost continued on his way, but with a sigh hesitated.
Reena liked to drag him into uncomfortable situations, maybe he ought to start repaying the favour.
"Hey Lucas" he called to the Slytherin, approaching and trying to act more confident than he felt. He wasn't worried about Mardling, but... This whole situation was uncomfortable, what was he supposed to say? 'Hi, my sister traded you my freedom'?
"Reena said something about us duelling? You free to do that now?" Better now than later when he was genuinely better. He could track down Reena later and make her spill her guts about whatever had happened that morning too.
Post by Lucas Mardling on Oct 8, 2022 22:27:56 GMT 10
Lucas glanced up at the voice, and immediately packed up his notes. Textbook returned to his bag, Lucas slung it over his shoulder and nodded -- eager to get this whole thing over with. He faltered, confidence slipping for just a moment, when Jaxen didn't seem to know the full details. Had Reena not been specific? Then again, it was Jaxen...
'Did she also mention the terms?' Lucas eyed Jaxen. 'It's just training, nothing more. I figured you'd be reasonable and focused, not wasting time with sass or trying to one up at every chance. I simply want to practice; improve my skills. No tricks, got it?'
Uncharacteristically, his uncertainty showed through. He didn't really know the Ravenclaw too well, not really. What if he still took glee is trying to knock him on his arse? Lucas wasn't so sure about it now, as Jaxen had pushed things really close to the deadline -- giving him more time to overthink it and doubt his decision to ask for this as part of the deal.
But he had made a deal, thus he was obligated to see it through.
'Three duels, no games. Just practice,' Lucas said again, then gestured for Jaxen to lead the way.
Post by Jaxen Ashworth on Oct 8, 2022 22:35:57 GMT 10
Terms? Had Reena mentioned terms? It had been quite a while ago that they'd had the conversation, Jax couldn't recall her outlining any terms though.
"No tricks, got it" with one hand still on the strap of his backpack, he fanned out his fingers in a well-meaning gesture. Lucas didn't know him very well, he didn't know Lucas well either, but he had no quarrel with this particular classmate. If he was just looking for a training opportunity, then Jax could do that.
When he next faced off against Kassia, he'd make no such promise.
He almost felt bad for leaving Lucas waiting so long, but it wasn't like he'd made any agreement with him, Reena was at fault for offering his assistance. Glancing over his shoulder to ensure Lucas was following, he led the way out of the entrance hall.
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