29 Jun 2024, 17:57
To Bond, To Clash
May 18th, 2024 | PV with Enzo Delcroix (@Akari Kato)
If some curious people ever asked what Maxi liked best about life, he wouldn't hesitate to say that it was its unexpectedness. Serendipity would lightly make its way into the room without giving any notice beforehand, which was the exact charm of it. See, only yesterday it had rendered him a service, and Maxi was currently on a quest to make the most of his totally unexpected discovery.
So, everything started out as simple: the annual interschool broom race hosted by Hogwarts was approaching in two months, and Maxi who shamefully came last during last year's race was desperately hoping to prove himself (intially it was his grandfather who repeatedly brought up this subject, but now he genuinely wanted to claim a victory also). When Friday's class ended and Maxi was on his way to the dormitory, it suddenly came to him that he should have a look of the past broom racing records. Beauxbatons' broom racing team was renowned and had a history long enough for him to go through and potentially learn a few extra tricks, so Maxi abruptly turned around and headed towards the upper rotunda of the main tower which served as the team's hub.
He was admiring some trophies displayed for a temporary rest after carefully going through some possible tactics, until he came across the one with his own name embed. The game against Durmstrang in 2022 was a great deal of time ago, and despite they had wonderously beaten out those Durmstrang dudes at the last minute and secured a victory, Maxi didn't really spend much time going back. Again, the typical stressed out fifth-year excuse.
But anyway, he was trying his best to come up with some details of this win. Its track, its obstacles, and most importantly, its people. Three of them of team 2022, including him, stuck faithfully to the sport until now, and probably would show up on the track yet again this summer; the rest were gone, either going to graduate or simply left. He might or migth not have a photo of the whole team back then in his album; he couldn't really recollect it. But he had to admit that after two years the names of those who had quit the team were even posing as a little unfamiliar.
And so he let the names stop on the tip of his tongue, hoping to reconnect with some little facts of the certain past teammate to commemorate them. Enzo? Oh, yeah, Enzo. His memory had revived a little with the name on his mind. That blond kid who was a year below him and a fine racer, but oh, that was all he could remember. Enzo had somehow quit racing in the following school year and wasn't in the roster next summer, and Maxi hadn't really seen him around much ever since. It's a pity, really, considering that Enzo...sorry, Enzo what?
He leaned forward. And then he squinted his eyes, brows furrowing.
Enzo...Delcroix?
The last name struck. Enzo Delcroix. D-E-L-C-R-O-I-X. Delcroix.
It was only during Easter break that he, in hope of digging out a handier wand for himself from the storeroom in the attic, had discovered his late grandmother's wand. It's a shame to admit, but his late grandmother's name only came to him fifteen years after, and before that he had the littlest interest. But as he had found a strange connection with the wand she left behind, Maxi felt it was his duty to learn more about her. Her death after childbirth was destructive for his grandfather Louis, and had similarly caused great pain for his father Vincent even if he couldn't even remember her as a newborn baby. They didn't want to talk (and even took the wand away), that was fine, and Maxi was gonna find it out himself.
And her, Veerle de Fostoncy's maiden name was Delcroix. The same of Enzo's.
Naturally Maxi had a thought that they might be related. He had scarce idea of Enzo's exact blood status (he hadn't shared it when they were on the team, had he?), but it just sounded like right. The boy seemed posh in his few recollections, and really - why shouldn't he give it a try, if there might be a chance and he's willing to know? Certainly Enzo wouldn't mind a small inquiry.
He spent the rest of the night searching for him in the Chateau, but ended up as having found nothing. He was apparently luckier the next Saturday morning, descending straight down to the lavish gardens and came across the person he was searching for on first sight. The silhouette - oh yeah, more recollections of Enzo popped up when Maxi saw that blond hair - was reading a book, and Maxi's lips curled at the sight. A favour on gardens and reading was certainly a bonus point as he was into it also. Maxi thought that he was starting to see that his guessing of the shared legacy might be right, for there's probably something running in the family line, and his confidence was almost immediately boosted (a cousin wouldn't say no to him!)
"Enzo!" He waved and smiled, trying not to let himself look rude when he approached. "Sorry to interrupt your session, uh, it's been a while, yeah?" Maxi scratched his head and started, suddenly feeling a little bit awkward. Gosh, his only hope was that Enzo could remember him. It would certainly be very, very embarrassing if he just stared back and asked who he was.
He reflected shortly on if he should introduce himself again, but decided that Enzo must have the knowledge of who he was (was he being overconfident?). "I was just wondering if you could, like, kindly provide some information of your family? Does the name, uh, Veerle Delcroix, sound familiar?"
"I thought there's a high chance that we are somehow related, and I want to make sure." He said, earnesty shiny in those dark grey eyes. "Do me a favour, if you may?"
the godmode of Enzo reading in the garden was agreed upon with the lovely Akari 
Maximilien de Fostoncy · Beauxbatons "Just call me Maxi." |
Hufflepuff · Lindsey Springhall "Or, have some lemonade." |
30 Jun 2024, 05:02
To Bond, To Clash
❝ Interacting with: Maximilien de Fostoncy | Mentioning: @Lindsey Springhall ❞French dialog: #4d6284 | English dialog: #262d5e
05.18.24
The lovely may air was something that should be much more appreciated. The months that were the delicate bridge between the frosty winter bite and the blazing summer sun was the truly the perfect time, for it was not too cold nor too humid to enjoy the small pleasures of the outdoors.
The leaves were regaining their vibrant green hue, flowers were beginning to come into full bloom, and everything was waking up and coming out of hibernation.
On this calm and inviting Saturday morning, Enzo awoke to the bright sun peaking through his curtains, its intensity causing him to stir immediately and forbidding him from returning to his peaceful slumber. It was far too early for him to be awake on a weekend, but he had no say in the matter now. If he had still be on the broom racing team perhaps he would have jumped at the convenient opportunity to get some extra practice time, but as that was not the case it was no longer necessary to do so.
So what was he to do today on this fine day? Initially his first thought was maybe revise for upcoming exams, but no, he had already done enough of that, there was no reason for him to get back to studying so early. Homework? No, he had completed that too. There was nothing he really needed to get done, so out of boredom, he started gravitating towards a stack of books that sat in the corner of his room. Enzo had not had much time as of late to explore his own novels as his focus had been fully directed towards school, but he supposed now was a good a time as any to catch up on it.
With that he picked up a random book out of his collection and dusted it off before hastily grabbing the nearest cardigan in his sight and swiftly making his way out.
Enzo was not a fan of eating in the mornings so he skipped the hustle and loudness of the dining hall and went directly outside. He eventually found himself in the gardens, which was not much a surprise, for anyone who enjoyed a nice little quiet spot for some solitude likely happened upon the gardens rather often.
Once finding a bench that seemed to be the least affected by the morning dew, Enzo sat himself down, one leg crossed on top of the other before leaning backwards while opening his book. He quite liked the feeling of started a new novel, for the outcomes of what you would find written upon its pages were so endless.
Not long after he had begun reading, he suddenly heard the footsteps of what he assumed to be a random passerby, but not bothering to tear his eyes away from the pages in front of him. That was until he heard a voice follow, and strangely enough, calling out his name. For a brief second he thought he would continue to ignore it in hopes that it would just go away but it persisted.
Enzo finally dragged his gaze away from his reading material and looked towards the origin of this disturbance, meeting the eyes of this seemingly enthusiastic fellow. Enzo eyed the boy in front of him, and looked him up and down, though his expression held an unreadable one, as if he was deciding on whether or not he would even engage. The boy then insinuated that it had been awhile since they had seen each other, but Enzo frowned, seeming to draw a blank. He recognized his face but that was about the extent of it. Not that it really made a difference to him, either way he still would not and did not respond the boys' greeting.
Enzo honestly was about to just dismiss the boy and return to his novel when came a question that rather confused him, for it was not a question he would have predicted hearing. "Who's asking? Why do you care?" He spat out without hesitation, who the hell was this lad to show up here, out of the blue, demanding information about his family! What was he after? Why was he fishing for such specific details? Of course Enzo knew of Veerle, and he would be lying if he said his interest was not even a little bit peaked, but he would not let up this information so fast, nor would he let down his guard.
Enzo scoffed upon hearing this boy's hypothesis. Related? Surely if they were Enzo would have heard of him or met him at some point during their lives prior to now, right? Though it was indeed suspicious that the boy knew the name of his great aunt, but coincidences happened all the time... Enzo refused to give him the benefit of the doubt - guilty until proven innocent.
"Firstly, I don't even know you, why would I do you any favours? And secondly, I'm not entirely sure why this is my problem anyways"
Life is much easier when you just chill out | enzo delcroix |
30 Jun 2024, 17:18
To Bond, To Clash
Interacting with Enzo Delcroix (@Akari Kato)
It was all happening so wonderfully. During the few seconds he waited for an answer, the fragrant perfume of flowers and the pleasant scent of herbs flooded his nostrils, and chanting birds proudly announced their presence. Summer, his favourite season, was already in the air, inspiring him to his full potential.
What a day. He should certainly compose a poem to record this when he got back to his dorm.
He cast a hopeful look at Enzo, letting his gaze linger on the other boy's features. Although they appeared not to be exactly the same, Maxi suspected there was something similar. Temperament, maybe. Indeed, there's a chance that it was all his own wishful thinking, but - oh no.
Probably, life's unpredictability meant that he only needed a few seconds to go from thrilled to startled. “Pardon?” He mumbled unwittingly, casting a dubious look at Enzo. “…you don't even know me?” That was peculiar. Maxi had never thought of himself as an average person, thanks to his grandfather's continual bragging about him in conversations with other purebloods, and Enzo's disinterest offended him. - Okay, slightly offended, given that he was a former teammate and (possibly) cousin. “Broom racing. 2022. Against Durmstrang. Yeah?” He hinted and crossed him arms, rocking a little back and forth.
Initially, he considered calmly waiting for Enzo to recall everything; Enzo certainly was not getting that muggle Alzhei something at fifteen! Yet it was apparent that Maxi had overestimated his patience, as in a few seconds he cut in before Enzo could really give a reply. He took a step back, raising both of his hands as if giving in. “Maxi. - de Fostoncy, if your memory still fails you.” He added helpfully, flashing a smile towards the other boy.
Maxi lifted an eyebrow and tilted his head to one side. “Oh - you wouldn’t say that you had never known a Maxi, would you?” He swore that it wasn’t his original notion to be a tad bit mean, it was really the fact that Enzo had zero intention of identifying him which made him grudged. “If you say yes, then you should really go and improve your memory - it’s only been two years, mate.” He suggested, trying to appear as innocent as possible.
He might still be a little offended, after all.
“Long story short, she’s my grandmother. I came across your name when going through broom racing records and - uh -”
A horrible mistake. Was he confessing that he also had a terrible memory? Would Enzo sneer?
He darted a quick, remorseful peek at the boy, deciding to slip away and pretend as if he hadn’t said anything. Recollecting his purpose, Maxi returned to the affectionate big brother form, adjusting his collar before speaking. “Anyway. Do you know her? - I suppose a simple yes or no will suffice. It won’t take long, I promise, and you can happily resume your reading.” And suddenly his curiosity was piqued - what genre was Enzo interested in? He dropped his eyes, hoping to catch a glimpse of the book’s title. No luck.
Oh, Maxi was really starting to get discouraged.
banner by Beatrice Dupont.
Maximilien de Fostoncy · Beauxbatons "Just call me Maxi." |
Hufflepuff · Lindsey Springhall "Or, have some lemonade." |
2 Jul 2024, 02:51
To Bond, To Clash
❝ Interacting with: Maximilien de Fostoncy | Mentioning: @Lindsey Springhall ❞French dialog: #4d6284 | English dialog: #262d5e
05.18.24
Enzo shut his book and tossed it lightly to the side, deciding that he would return to it later, for though he was not exactly interested in the situation as of yet, he thought he would give it his attention for the time being.
The boy in front of him seemed confused, taken aback even that Enzo did not recognize him. It was not that Enzo had bad memory per se, it was rather that he never cared to pay attention to people or things unless he chose to or was merely forced. He simply was living in his own world and it took a lot to draw him out of it.
"Am I supposed to...?" Enzo said, his monotone voice making it hard to tell what he was thinking. He waited for the boy to continue on, for he was not about to work hard and wrack his brain to place the origin of this boys familiarity.
Ohh, broom racing. That's right, he did remember now. The year he had participated in racing at the wizarding school in the Scottish highlands. Though the boys name was still not- he did not have to think long for that information was already offered up to him. Maxi, the boys name was. "I most certainly would have should you asked me that question only 2 minutes ago" Enzo sarcastically sneered, a tiny little grin growing upon his lips, reflecting his enjoyment towards his own response and admittingly was quite amused by Maxi's reaction to his indifference. This Maxi was so confident, quite like Enzo himself as a matter of fact, not that he would acknowledge that of course.
It was then finally that Enzo realized he had yet voice a proper response. "I suppose I do, so no need to go accusing my memory of lacking something its not, yeah?" Eyes narrowing slightly as he finally piped up a reply for the other boys sake, confirming that he did not see him as a complete and utter stranger. Though he could not help but add a little petty retort for the comments doubting his memory, as if their minimal interactions through the broom racing team intitled Maxi to be front and center in his mind's hall of fame! Ridiculous!
Aha! Enzo immediately caught on to the small slip up Maxi had with his wording. Enzo would always be the very first person to use someone's own words against them, the second he got a chance. "Right so you are getting on me for not remembering you, however you did not recall my existence until you went poking around old racing records for whatever reason. Quite telling" He interjected without hesitation, but no true irritation was noticeable in his tone. He really just wanted to challenge the other boy, make him sweat a bit, as Enzo's bluntness usually tended to cause.
Enzo watched Maxi carefully as he carried on making his case. He uncrossed his legs and placed his two arms atop the bench while still nonchalantly leaning back, an idea slowly forming as he saw the pure interest and curiousity that Maxi held. "Listen, I'll tell you what, I'll give you the answer you want, and a little more even, but you'll owe me. Fret not I will not hold it over your head, and it won't be anything crazy, but if I do something for you, you should do something for me, fair?
Life is much easier when you just chill out | enzo delcroix |
5 Jul 2024, 17:35
To Bond, To Clash
Interacting with Enzo Delcroix (@Akari Kato)
Enzo was, for Maxi, a peculiar individual. He had to say that he held a mixed feeling towards the blond, something that didn’t usually happen towards his circle of peers. One on hand he had a tender heart towards 1) a junior 2) a former teammate 3) a potential cousin, while on the other hand Enzo was rather getting on his nerves. There was no doubt that Enzo Delcroix looked good on paper - and in Maxi’s imaginations, perhaps, somehow he pictured the boy as sweet and innocent with his darkish blue eyes - a charming colour indeed. And maybe it was this charm that drawn Maxi, as while Enzo didn’t come at all as friendly, Maxi did, somehow and much to his distress, find him intriguing.
The sarcasm and the ironic glances were scarcely consumed by Maxi before, and it was truly a new experience, to have someone continuously poking at you as if it was fun. (Was Enzo enjoying it or he just wanted to cast him away? Maxi wasn’t sure.) Competitiveness suddenly flooded in - he could have just shrugged and left, but that sounded like just awful, not getting what he wanted and being defeated by a mere kid. He wasn’t going to lose the coming broom racing game, and he wasn’t going to lose in this current match against Enzo, either. “Okay, okay, fine. My bad. I’ll apologise.” Maxi lifted his shoulders and spread his hands, trying to pose as indifferent and innocent as possible.
As for why he hadn’t come up with Enzo’s name at the very beginning, he was now more than sufficient with a plausible explanation - at least to him. “We have plenty of broom racers, and there’re few that actually stick around. Most people just sign up for the team, train for some time, and then disappear.” He patiently explained. “That makes it difficult for me to recollect every single name, yeah? At least I could recognise your face.” He hinted. Somebody couldn’t even identify their former teammate who had been to Britain together! Guess who it was!
An answer and “a little more” sounded tempting, and Maxi almost immediately grinned when Enzo released his grip on the information he had. This kid wasn’t that bad after all, huh? His smile soon went stiff when it was kindly noted that it was an owed favour - seriously, why should he do him a favour in return? Maxi was pretty sure that Enzo wouldn’t just want to know another family connection - he might send him off on a must-die mission, and while he might do this willingly for a charming young lady, Enzo certainly didn’t meet that criterion.
But he had no other available choices - this seemed like the easiest way to feed his curiosity and eagerness - and so in conformity with his wishes, Maxi eventually nodded. “...deal. What do you want?” Thwarted, he mumbled, rather reluctantly. “Just make sure that you are speaking the truth. I’ll certainly check it out later. And if you don’t…” Maxi crossed his arms and narrowed his eyes.
What could he expect from a distant and seemingly sly kid? Although admittedly it wouldn’t hurt to confirm the fact from other resources, really, yet as said he would have done this already if he could instead of wasting his time here with Enzo. He’d rather spend his time in the library or on the racing track than visiting his grandfather’s chatty old acquaintances or flipping through the pages of the endless and tedious pureblood family line records. It’s just…a small intimidation, if Enzo could be intimidated - and honest as he was, Maxi really doubted that.
Banner by Beatrice Dupont.
Maximilien de Fostoncy · Beauxbatons "Just call me Maxi." |
Hufflepuff · Lindsey Springhall "Or, have some lemonade." |