22 May 2019, 01:53
Investigation Initiated
@Marla Quinlan @Kaegen Deathmote @Artemis Vernatis
On 17 May 2019 at exactly 12:26, Headmaster Lear put up a notice that the new Charms professor was a man by the name of "Artemis Vernatis." A small picture of the professor's face was affixed to the announcement.
There were many things suspicious about this announcement. First, Lear had not yet explained the mysterious circumstances that resulted in the departures of not one, but two professors. Second, Lear announced the Charms professor exactly twenty hours and six minutes after he announced the new History of Magic professor, even though they were hired at the same time. Third, his name could be abbreviated to "Art." Why did he chose the Charms profession when he very clearly was destined to be an artist? Fourth, when Mari analyzed the picture of the new professor, she found his long hair suspicious - while beautiful, it flowed too much, sure to fall in the crosshairs of a student's misfired spell. He certainly needed a haircut before he dealt with any first years. Or, at least, he needed someone to braid his hair so its luscious locks would not be singed.
If Mari was sane, she would have been curious about the new History of Magic professor as well, but she fixated on Art like the crazed person that she had become. While her thoughts still strayed back to her traumas of the year of being stabbed by Deathmote, being nearly kidnapped at the Blossom Ball, and the food poisoning by a Cheeto, majority of her daydreams since the announcement involved the potential threat of Artemis Vernatis. Why had he come so close to the end of the school year? Did he have a connection to those large boys to the Blossom Ball? Did he know that she had been targeted and thus was a weak enough link to manipulate? Did he actually like to do art? Was he going to hurt the students since it seemed the students were always hurt at Hogwarts? What products did he use to make his hair flow behind him, as if caught in a breeze, while he walked?
As she sobbed her daily cry in her Porcelain Palace during the day on 20 May, anxieties mounting about the mysterious Charms professor, Mari was struck with an idea. She would have to take matters into her own hands since Lear and none of the other people of authority seemed to realize how suspicious this professor was. It would involve risk, as she couldn't investigate him when there was potential of being interrupted. She would have to break curfew for the first time in history. But if it meant that she would be saving the students from another disaster, it would be worth it.
Mari thought of the many awards and accolades she would receive when Art was arrested and thrown into Azkaban. She would deserve them, of course, especially after all the traumas she had been through. She was honestly quite surprised that she had not received a medal for escaping a kidnapping and still managing to show up to classes. How many students could write that on their resume? With the added accomplishment of removing a threat from the school, Mari knew that she was destined for all the fame and glory Hogwarts had to offer. Perhaps Lear would give her his office as a reward? She would refuse, of course. She didn't need much; the Porcelain Palace was becoming more like home every day.
Unfortunately, she'd need an accomplice. That girl would not receive as much glory as Mari, of course, as the targeting of Art was all Mari's idea and this girl would be along for the ride, just to help and be a lookout. Mari knew just the person to ask. She hadn't seen Marla in a while or often, but the girl had stuck up for her in an unusual way that made Mari trust that she would be willing to help. They had exchanged a few owls to solidify their mutual respect, but then...Blossom Ball had happened and the owls had been infrequent while Mari holed up in the toilets with the company of her tears. However, she knew Marla well enough to know she would likely go along with the plan, so Mari wrote her:
To be quite honest, while Mari loved the palace, she had referred to it as the Porcelain Palace so often now that she did not always remember their actual name. She established her position in the Porcelain Palace at exactly 9:55. She had wanted to at least get to the palace before curfew actually started, as, though she was quite a different person, her anxiety hadn't exactly left her. She took the hour that she had before Marla's arrival to get herself ready. Mari had entered the palace in her traditional blood-stained robes, lugging her bag that was full of clothes and makeup (though she would say that she had been studying at the library if anyone had chosen to stop her).
She looked in the cracked mirror and let out one last cry before she would have to keep her face dry while the investigation was initiated. A solid five-minute wail was enough. Mari then slipped into her black t-shirt and jeans and pulled on her darket, quietest pair of black shoes. She turned back in the mirror to analyze her face. Dark circles lingered under her eyes - she wouldn't need to to do much to her face, in fact - her tanned complexion and the circles would be satisfactory enough. Concealment for special missions like this one was the only benefit of insomnia, caused by worrying about the manic professor that now roamed the halls. Mari shoved the makeup in her bag. Twelve-year-olds really didn't need it, anyway; she only had it because Mum had insisted Mari would stock up if Lucy was going to get some.
10:57. Where was Marla? Was she going to bail? She should be here by now; if she was taking this mission seriously, she would be here by now. She began tapping her foot (silently, thanks to her shoe choice) and glanced once more in the mirror to see a solitary tear trickle down her face from the fear of breaking rules, the unknown, and this devil professor. It was a good thing Mari didn't believe in make up, for her nerves were getting to her so badly that she would undoubtedly look like a raccoon by the end of this investigation.
21 May.
Corridors, Heading to Charms Classroom.
11 PM.
Corridors, Heading to Charms Classroom.
11 PM.
On 17 May 2019 at exactly 12:26, Headmaster Lear put up a notice that the new Charms professor was a man by the name of "Artemis Vernatis." A small picture of the professor's face was affixed to the announcement.
There were many things suspicious about this announcement. First, Lear had not yet explained the mysterious circumstances that resulted in the departures of not one, but two professors. Second, Lear announced the Charms professor exactly twenty hours and six minutes after he announced the new History of Magic professor, even though they were hired at the same time. Third, his name could be abbreviated to "Art." Why did he chose the Charms profession when he very clearly was destined to be an artist? Fourth, when Mari analyzed the picture of the new professor, she found his long hair suspicious - while beautiful, it flowed too much, sure to fall in the crosshairs of a student's misfired spell. He certainly needed a haircut before he dealt with any first years. Or, at least, he needed someone to braid his hair so its luscious locks would not be singed.
If Mari was sane, she would have been curious about the new History of Magic professor as well, but she fixated on Art like the crazed person that she had become. While her thoughts still strayed back to her traumas of the year of being stabbed by Deathmote, being nearly kidnapped at the Blossom Ball, and the food poisoning by a Cheeto, majority of her daydreams since the announcement involved the potential threat of Artemis Vernatis. Why had he come so close to the end of the school year? Did he have a connection to those large boys to the Blossom Ball? Did he know that she had been targeted and thus was a weak enough link to manipulate? Did he actually like to do art? Was he going to hurt the students since it seemed the students were always hurt at Hogwarts? What products did he use to make his hair flow behind him, as if caught in a breeze, while he walked?
As she sobbed her daily cry in her Porcelain Palace during the day on 20 May, anxieties mounting about the mysterious Charms professor, Mari was struck with an idea. She would have to take matters into her own hands since Lear and none of the other people of authority seemed to realize how suspicious this professor was. It would involve risk, as she couldn't investigate him when there was potential of being interrupted. She would have to break curfew for the first time in history. But if it meant that she would be saving the students from another disaster, it would be worth it.
Mari thought of the many awards and accolades she would receive when Art was arrested and thrown into Azkaban. She would deserve them, of course, especially after all the traumas she had been through. She was honestly quite surprised that she had not received a medal for escaping a kidnapping and still managing to show up to classes. How many students could write that on their resume? With the added accomplishment of removing a threat from the school, Mari knew that she was destined for all the fame and glory Hogwarts had to offer. Perhaps Lear would give her his office as a reward? She would refuse, of course. She didn't need much; the Porcelain Palace was becoming more like home every day.
Unfortunately, she'd need an accomplice. That girl would not receive as much glory as Mari, of course, as the targeting of Art was all Mari's idea and this girl would be along for the ride, just to help and be a lookout. Mari knew just the person to ask. She hadn't seen Marla in a while or often, but the girl had stuck up for her in an unusual way that made Mari trust that she would be willing to help. They had exchanged a few owls to solidify their mutual respect, but then...Blossom Ball had happened and the owls had been infrequent while Mari holed up in the toilets with the company of her tears. However, she knew Marla well enough to know she would likely go along with the plan, so Mari wrote her:
May 20
Marla,
I need your help. I don't know if you've been paying attention to the news, but Lear announced the new professor of Charms, and I have evidence to believe that he is up to no good. Meet me tomorrow night outside the toilets of the second floor, the ones that are really pretty and look like a great place to have a throne around 11, and I'll explain. Wear dark clothes.
J. Marianna Haynes
Marla,
I need your help. I don't know if you've been paying attention to the news, but Lear announced the new professor of Charms, and I have evidence to believe that he is up to no good. Meet me tomorrow night outside the toilets of the second floor, the ones that are really pretty and look like a great place to have a throne around 11, and I'll explain. Wear dark clothes.
J. Marianna Haynes
To be quite honest, while Mari loved the palace, she had referred to it as the Porcelain Palace so often now that she did not always remember their actual name. She established her position in the Porcelain Palace at exactly 9:55. She had wanted to at least get to the palace before curfew actually started, as, though she was quite a different person, her anxiety hadn't exactly left her. She took the hour that she had before Marla's arrival to get herself ready. Mari had entered the palace in her traditional blood-stained robes, lugging her bag that was full of clothes and makeup (though she would say that she had been studying at the library if anyone had chosen to stop her).
She looked in the cracked mirror and let out one last cry before she would have to keep her face dry while the investigation was initiated. A solid five-minute wail was enough. Mari then slipped into her black t-shirt and jeans and pulled on her darket, quietest pair of black shoes. She turned back in the mirror to analyze her face. Dark circles lingered under her eyes - she wouldn't need to to do much to her face, in fact - her tanned complexion and the circles would be satisfactory enough. Concealment for special missions like this one was the only benefit of insomnia, caused by worrying about the manic professor that now roamed the halls. Mari shoved the makeup in her bag. Twelve-year-olds really didn't need it, anyway; she only had it because Mum had insisted Mari would stock up if Lucy was going to get some.
10:57. Where was Marla? Was she going to bail? She should be here by now; if she was taking this mission seriously, she would be here by now. She began tapping her foot (silently, thanks to her shoe choice) and glanced once more in the mirror to see a solitary tear trickle down her face from the fear of breaking rules, the unknown, and this devil professor. It was a good thing Mari didn't believe in make up, for her nerves were getting to her so badly that she would undoubtedly look like a raccoon by the end of this investigation.
Race: Werewolf // Ability: Terrible Presence
Stam: 10 Evas: 1 Str: 2 Wis: 10 Arc: 2 Acc: 10
Stam: 10 Evas: 1 Str: 2 Wis: 10 Arc: 2 Acc: 10
22 May 2019, 03:52
Investigation Initiated
@Mari Haynes
@Kaegan Deathmote
@Artemis Vernatis
@Kaegan Deathmote
@Artemis Vernatis
Out of all people in the world, the last one Marla was expecting to create a scheme to sneak into a classroom was Mari Haynes. Not that she hated her, in fact, Marla enjoyed the short amount of time that the two had spent together. It was just very... Surprising. The girl seemed so innocent, Marla never guessed that Mari could have any suspicions about anyone, really. After a few minutes of thinking about whether or not she should go, Marla wrote back:
May 20th
Mari,
I don't know exactly why you'd want to sneak into a professor's office... But I'm down. Remember to burn or destroy the letters, though. Can't have any creepers that are onto us!
- Marla S. Quinlan
P.S., why the toilets? Ah, nevermind. I'll see you there! ツ
Either way, Marla was quite excited to sneak into Professor Vernatis's classroom. If there was anything Marla would like to do tonight, it was definitely to be one of those cool wizard-ninjas like in the movies. Or what were they called... Her brother Noah was obsessed with them... The Mutant Ninja Crocodiles? Whatever. It was cool to feel like a ninja, but she definitely didn't want to look like the bunch. Yikes. With their slimy weird skin and the bulging eyes? Yeah... No.
Marla looked in the mirror, wondering if she was concealed enough to go out. In Mari's letter, it said specifically to wear dark clothes. She felt like one of those cliche robbers that would sneak into those people's homes in the 50's movies. The girl was wearing fleece-y black sweatpants along with a tank top (it was a bit humid, after all) and a black hat to top it all off. If she was going to be up to good tonight, she wanted to look the part. As she looked up at the clock, panic rose to her face and made it almost as red as her hair. Shoot! It was 10:55, and she had to walk down countless flights of moving stairs. Poor Mari, she was going to be a bit late...
Marla grabbed her wand and broke into a sprint, flying out the door as fast as she could. Poor Mari, she felt absolutely terrible that she was late. As far as Marla knew, the poor Hufflepuff could be freaking out right now. Hopefully, she wouldn't be mad. Hopefully. Probably not. Right? But why was she suspicious of the new professor? Could he be an old creep or something? Marla honestly skipped dinner the night they introduced him to the academy, so she really had no idea what he looked like... But apparently, he was pretty nice. Marla didn't trust that, though. He had to be baaad if Mari out of all people didn't like him. What could he have done that was so terrible that made Mari want to sneak out in the middle of the night? The curiosity of it all made Marla's pace even faster (which wasn't much, she had tiny legs). Eventually, she reached the stairs, stumbling down the steps case by case. It was absolute torture. Almost as bad as that one time where she'd fell in toilet water in the abandoned toilets. And that was bad.
And finally, Marla could see the freaking bathroom in the distance. She suppressed the urge to scream out loud from her triumph, instead doing a silent cheer to herself with a little victory dance as she opened the door. Marla yelped as she saw a figure in the bathroom, and relaxed immediately as she remembered it was Mari.
"I'm so sorry. I'm the worst. I lost track of time, and, uhm... Wait, are you crying?" Marla asked in between heaving breaths, walking up to Mari, her eyes slightly red. It was most likely that she was scared of being in a dark bathroom alone. Marla would never admit it, but she'd cry too if she had to be in here all alone for this long. It was pretty creepy. Poor Mari. Marla felt a twinge of guilt in her gut as she thought of the Hufflepuff all alone.
"And d'you mind explaining why we're stalking a professor? Not that I mind, this is gonna be pretty fun, but, well– you know what I mean." Marla rambled for a few seconds, stopping herself before she got nauseous from how repulsive her voice sounded. It sounded very gross and mucusy, since after running for ages, her mouth was dry and, well... Her voice was kind of bound to sound like hell-in-a-voicebox.
Another thing Marla would never admit was that she was a bit scared to do this. She'd snuck out of her common room once before with a boy named Kyle DeRook to steal something from the potions room. Not with an important motive, or anything. Kyle just wanted to get back at the Slytherins for whatever reason. Weird, but it was pretty fun while it lasted. Thankfully they weren't caught, but... Marla was testing her luck, now. She prayed that she wouldn't get karma from breaking into a classroom for the second time... It would be a death sentence if she got caught. But there was nothing she could do now, she was in the plan too deep. Might as well just make the best of the situation. The girl leaned against a bathroom door that was actually intact and tried to catch her breath, crossing her fingers that she wouldn't have a literal asthma attack by the end of the night.
"your loss, baby !!"
stamina 10 | evasion 7 | strength 6 | wisdom 7 | arcpower 6 | accuracy 9
stamina 10 | evasion 7 | strength 6 | wisdom 7 | arcpower 6 | accuracy 9
22 May 2019, 05:56
Investigation Initiated
The girl. She was weak, honestly. Weak, and a bit stupid. Like a young wild pig, too weak to do much more than knock you about, but too proud to do anything but charge. Kaegen knew he, himself, was not very strong. He was a weak predator, stalking carefully among the mighty lions of hogwarts, waiting for them to fall asleep before striking, trying to defeat them at their lowest point. That was simply the way he was, he acknowledged it, as much as he hated the reality of it.
But that girl? He recognized her by scent more than anything. If someone leaps on you trying to punch you to pieces but failing miserably, you get a sense for who they are. She moved without grace, without fear. The only thing that seemed to be coursing through her veins was trepidation and he loathed it. How dare she tread his corridors and not even feel fear on the same level that he did?
When the second girl joined the first, Kaegen began to understand. She was not terrified because she had an ally. A slight pain bit into Kae's chest, but he ignored it. So what if she had an ally and he didn't, he was still stronger, a lot stronger. He could destroy both of them and survive, thrive and get stronger and better until he was on top, until he was the best. Then he wouldn't be scared, not ever. He would have killed death and he would live forever.
The lithe form of the Ravenclaw flitted after the pair, hanging far enough back that it was impossible for him to see what they were doing, or even to make out their forms, but he could hear them just fine. He could smell them too, although not very well. He had to make sure that the chance of him actually getting found by them was tiny, almost nonexistent. He only moved when there was reason to, otherwise staying perfectly still.
It was time to follow, and wait.
But that girl? He recognized her by scent more than anything. If someone leaps on you trying to punch you to pieces but failing miserably, you get a sense for who they are. She moved without grace, without fear. The only thing that seemed to be coursing through her veins was trepidation and he loathed it. How dare she tread his corridors and not even feel fear on the same level that he did?
When the second girl joined the first, Kaegen began to understand. She was not terrified because she had an ally. A slight pain bit into Kae's chest, but he ignored it. So what if she had an ally and he didn't, he was still stronger, a lot stronger. He could destroy both of them and survive, thrive and get stronger and better until he was on top, until he was the best. Then he wouldn't be scared, not ever. He would have killed death and he would live forever.
The lithe form of the Ravenclaw flitted after the pair, hanging far enough back that it was impossible for him to see what they were doing, or even to make out their forms, but he could hear them just fine. He could smell them too, although not very well. He had to make sure that the chance of him actually getting found by them was tiny, almost nonexistent. He only moved when there was reason to, otherwise staying perfectly still.
It was time to follow, and wait.
Shade-Beacon, Master of the Castle of Avarice
23 May 2019, 01:32
Investigation Initiated
Artemis yawned as he closed the ink pot on his desk and placed his quill in its holder. It was a long day with so many classes to conduct and way too many homework assignments to grade. Then the tutoring sessions for the 7th years who wanted his help was also draining. None of his assignments would be given to the NEWT students as he was suddenly placed into this position late in their last year and it wouldn't be fair to them to remember what their previous professor taught them throughout the year along with his lesson. So most of his lessons were theory based and helping the students practice or learn something new about a spell that would most assuredly be on their NEWT exams.
That didn't stop his 7th years all vying for his attention and time though. Every day once lessons were completed for the afternoon, a handful of the young adults would come asking for tutoring sessions and though he would like to deny them, he felt obligated to at least help them. So every afternoon he would help the 7th years who sought his help until dinner. He would dismiss them and then he had eaten, would do the grading and lesson plans he had put off. It was a tedious routine, but Artemis enjoyed the idea that maybe he could be making a difference and help the students succeed in acquiring their future career goals. Standing from his desk, the Charms professor yawned again as he stretched his right arm above his head. This was a rare feat for the man. He normally stayed awake until 1 in the morning grading but tonight he just felt himself feeling extra tired.
With another stretch of his left arm, Artemis walked into his personal chambers and shut the door. Taking a quick shower he washed his hair and brushed his teeth, the towel still around his neck. Leaving the bathroom in only his towel, he lethargically dressed in his night clothes, choosing to sleep in just a tank top and not a T-shirt as he normally did, and climbed under his covers. Of course, sleep didn't come to him easily, especially as his mind chose this very moment to wander to a couple of students who worried him a bit. He remembered his time at Ilvermony where a group of girls would constantly try to touch his hair or do whatever to him that was highly inappropriate. One student, a boy this time, even attempted to drunk him with a love potion but it instead was consumed by one of the first year students at the time who was probably very thirsty and she consumed the spiked drink. Artemis still wondered to this day what possessed the girl to drink from a random cup, but at least he was spared the embarrassing moments of pursuing a student and potentially losing his job.
'I never had this sort of trouble as a kid. Why all of a sudden these pre-pubescent teenagers are so interested in me, I'll never know.' the man thought with another yawn. Closing his eyes, Artemis hoped that sleep would come for him soon. But knowing his body, his brain would most likely run rampant for another hour or two.
That didn't stop his 7th years all vying for his attention and time though. Every day once lessons were completed for the afternoon, a handful of the young adults would come asking for tutoring sessions and though he would like to deny them, he felt obligated to at least help them. So every afternoon he would help the 7th years who sought his help until dinner. He would dismiss them and then he had eaten, would do the grading and lesson plans he had put off. It was a tedious routine, but Artemis enjoyed the idea that maybe he could be making a difference and help the students succeed in acquiring their future career goals. Standing from his desk, the Charms professor yawned again as he stretched his right arm above his head. This was a rare feat for the man. He normally stayed awake until 1 in the morning grading but tonight he just felt himself feeling extra tired.
With another stretch of his left arm, Artemis walked into his personal chambers and shut the door. Taking a quick shower he washed his hair and brushed his teeth, the towel still around his neck. Leaving the bathroom in only his towel, he lethargically dressed in his night clothes, choosing to sleep in just a tank top and not a T-shirt as he normally did, and climbed under his covers. Of course, sleep didn't come to him easily, especially as his mind chose this very moment to wander to a couple of students who worried him a bit. He remembered his time at Ilvermony where a group of girls would constantly try to touch his hair or do whatever to him that was highly inappropriate. One student, a boy this time, even attempted to drunk him with a love potion but it instead was consumed by one of the first year students at the time who was probably very thirsty and she consumed the spiked drink. Artemis still wondered to this day what possessed the girl to drink from a random cup, but at least he was spared the embarrassing moments of pursuing a student and potentially losing his job.
'I never had this sort of trouble as a kid. Why all of a sudden these pre-pubescent teenagers are so interested in me, I'll never know.' the man thought with another yawn. Closing his eyes, Artemis hoped that sleep would come for him soon. But knowing his body, his brain would most likely run rampant for another hour or two.
Artemis Vernatis
Professor of Charms
23 May 2019, 02:20
Investigation Initiated
Mari fingered the response Marla had sent her as she stared at her watch, counting the seconds as they ticked by. When 11:00 had passed, she began to tap her foot, wondering if she could dare to break into the classroom by herself. Noting that her hands were now stained with the ink of Marla's letter, she absconded herself for even thinking such a thought. Of course she could. Fight, that's what the year had taught her. Always fight.
Marla had told her to burn or destroy the letter, but Mari needed it as proof that she was actually coming. She would have found herself questioning reality if she had not had it while the minutes ticked past 11 PM. Finally, finally the redhead walked in. She made some remark about losing track of time - Mari rolled her eyes, at least she had taken this seriously enough to show up - but then was distracted by the sight of Mari's tears. An involuntary hum emitted from Mari's mouth as she shook her head and said, "Never mind that. It's not important." She didn't know the girl that well, nor was there enough time, to be spilling her deepest fears. They had a mission. She wiped her eye to remove the traces of water from her cheek.
She was talking some more. Mari was hurried to leave, especially because Marla was late, but she had, in fact, told her she would explain why they needed to hunt Art down. Eyes locked on Marla's in an intense stare, one that had not been broken since she entered the room, Mari hastily explained, "Did you ever wonder why Lear took another day to announce that he was our professor? Why did those other professors leave in the first place? And here -" she handed Marla the picture of Art that she had swiped from the announcement, when no one was looking. "Look at this. What kind of man has such luscious hair when he's dealing with hexes and spells from idiotic first years? And how old is he, anyway? I've looked everywhere and couldn't find an explicit answer. It just all doesn't make sense."
She signed. "So. We need to investigate them. I don't know if you've noticed, but Hogwarts isn't safe. And with all the weird things about this guy, I think - no, I know that we have to look into him. He's not going to let us rummage around during the day, obviously. Which is why we met at this time. And why we are as concealed."
Mari flashed her an anxious smile, looking Marla up and down to note that she had, in fact, heeded Mari's instructions. When her eyes gazed upon the girl's shockingly red hair, Mari glared and blurted, "Is there anything we can do about th-...Never mind." The only two ways Mari could think of to rid the atrocious color from Marla's head was a color-changing spell (didn't know it) or shaving it (didn't have time). They'd just have to deal with her mistake.
11:20. They were already 20 minutes behind schedule, and Mari didn't want to waste any more time. She shoved her bag by her throne, placing it next to her toilet paper crown, and then beckoned to Marla to follow her.
The castle was dark, but there was still some chance of being caught. Before Mari left the Porcelain Palace, she scanned up and down the corridors, noting that it seemed the coast was clear. The investigation was initiated. She turned back towards Marla, raised a finger to her lips, and creeped along the wall to ensure maximum concealment. The wall was dark and cool to the touch, yet somewhat comforting as her internal temperature had risen from anxiety. If Marla didn't mess up any more, they would certainly get to the Charms classroom without an issue and get whatever dark objects Art had in his office out so that he could be taken to where he deserved: Azkaban. The biggest risk would be their exposure on the stairs going up to the third floor. She eyed Marla at the bottom of the stairs as if to confirm their plan, confirm that they were really going to do this, really going to save Hogwarts from the destruction of Artemis Vernatis.
"You ready?" she mouthed silently, in the most exaggerated way possible so Marla couldn't play dumb and say she didn't understand. She may not have taken the meeting time seriously, but now she was in this, and the girls could not afford any more screw ups.
Marla had told her to burn or destroy the letter, but Mari needed it as proof that she was actually coming. She would have found herself questioning reality if she had not had it while the minutes ticked past 11 PM. Finally, finally the redhead walked in. She made some remark about losing track of time - Mari rolled her eyes, at least she had taken this seriously enough to show up - but then was distracted by the sight of Mari's tears. An involuntary hum emitted from Mari's mouth as she shook her head and said, "Never mind that. It's not important." She didn't know the girl that well, nor was there enough time, to be spilling her deepest fears. They had a mission. She wiped her eye to remove the traces of water from her cheek.
She was talking some more. Mari was hurried to leave, especially because Marla was late, but she had, in fact, told her she would explain why they needed to hunt Art down. Eyes locked on Marla's in an intense stare, one that had not been broken since she entered the room, Mari hastily explained, "Did you ever wonder why Lear took another day to announce that he was our professor? Why did those other professors leave in the first place? And here -" she handed Marla the picture of Art that she had swiped from the announcement, when no one was looking. "Look at this. What kind of man has such luscious hair when he's dealing with hexes and spells from idiotic first years? And how old is he, anyway? I've looked everywhere and couldn't find an explicit answer. It just all doesn't make sense."
She signed. "So. We need to investigate them. I don't know if you've noticed, but Hogwarts isn't safe. And with all the weird things about this guy, I think - no, I know that we have to look into him. He's not going to let us rummage around during the day, obviously. Which is why we met at this time. And why we are as concealed."
Mari flashed her an anxious smile, looking Marla up and down to note that she had, in fact, heeded Mari's instructions. When her eyes gazed upon the girl's shockingly red hair, Mari glared and blurted, "Is there anything we can do about th-...Never mind." The only two ways Mari could think of to rid the atrocious color from Marla's head was a color-changing spell (didn't know it) or shaving it (didn't have time). They'd just have to deal with her mistake.
11:20. They were already 20 minutes behind schedule, and Mari didn't want to waste any more time. She shoved her bag by her throne, placing it next to her toilet paper crown, and then beckoned to Marla to follow her.
The castle was dark, but there was still some chance of being caught. Before Mari left the Porcelain Palace, she scanned up and down the corridors, noting that it seemed the coast was clear. The investigation was initiated. She turned back towards Marla, raised a finger to her lips, and creeped along the wall to ensure maximum concealment. The wall was dark and cool to the touch, yet somewhat comforting as her internal temperature had risen from anxiety. If Marla didn't mess up any more, they would certainly get to the Charms classroom without an issue and get whatever dark objects Art had in his office out so that he could be taken to where he deserved: Azkaban. The biggest risk would be their exposure on the stairs going up to the third floor. She eyed Marla at the bottom of the stairs as if to confirm their plan, confirm that they were really going to do this, really going to save Hogwarts from the destruction of Artemis Vernatis.
"You ready?" she mouthed silently, in the most exaggerated way possible so Marla couldn't play dumb and say she didn't understand. She may not have taken the meeting time seriously, but now she was in this, and the girls could not afford any more screw ups.
Race: Werewolf // Ability: Terrible Presence
Stam: 10 Evas: 1 Str: 2 Wis: 10 Arc: 2 Acc: 10
Stam: 10 Evas: 1 Str: 2 Wis: 10 Arc: 2 Acc: 10
24 May 2019, 17:44
Investigation Initiated
[quote]As soon as Mari pushed away the subject of her crying, Marla felt a twinge of guilt in her gut. She couldn't help but linger over Mari's words. And despite feeling obligated to help the Hufflepuff, Marla didn't want to delve into someone else's business, especially when Mari didn't want her to.
"Okay.." She murmured, though it sounded louder from the echoes of the bathroom. As Marla rambled on as why she was late, it seemed like Mari was in a hurry so she stopped talking. As soon as the Gryffindor went silent, Mari gave her an intense stare, deadly serious about every last word that came out of her mouth.
"Did you ever wonder why Lear took another day to announce that he was our professor? Why did those other professors leave in the first place? And here -" She put a picture of Professor Vernatis in her hands. It was quite surprising that he looked that young. Marla was kind of expecting him to be some old grandpa like that Dumbledore dude who had a portrait in the corridors. At first glance, Marla almost mistook him for a girl– he did have pretty hair. . "Look at this. What kind of man has such luscious hair when he's dealing with hexes and spells from idiotic first years? And how old is he, anyway? I've looked everywhere and couldn't find an explicit answer. It just all doesn't make sense." Marla didn't think Mari was completely off, but it could've been a bit of a stretch. Maybe he wanted to stay private about his age? And possibly is careful about where his hair is?
"Yeah, there could be something weird going on, but if there is something shady about him. Supposedly," Marla liked Mari, but she had to be careful with her words, it honestly didn't seem like the girl was in a good place, "What do you think he could've done?" Although it did all seem weird, what could he have done? Stole a pencil from a student? Bought a really expensive hairbrush? Yes, Professor Vernatis could be suspicious, but that didn't mean he did anything shady.
"So. We need to investigate them. I don't know if you've noticed, but Hogwarts isn't safe. And with all the weird things about this guy, I think - no, I know that we have to look into him. He's not going to let us rummage around during the day, obviously. Which is why we met at this time. And why we are as concealed." Okay, Mari did have a point there. Last year, the masked man? Marla wasn't there for it– luckily, but it was freaky. And the fire at the blossom ball this year? It was all adding up to be really abnormal. Why were things like this happening all the time? It didn't add up.
"Maybe he could have been involved in the BlossomFest fire? You never know." Marla had mentioned, immediately regretting it. If a theory was somewhat plausible, then Mari could spiral out of control with it. "Wait... No. He became a professor after the ball, right? That wouldn't make any sense." The girl mumbled to herself.
It seemed like Mari was relieved that the girl was wearing black, well, until she saw the red hair. Mari had mentioned doing something about it and immediately stopped talking. She was right, though. If they were caught, Marla could be easily recognized by the vibrant color of her hair. Remembering that she wore a hat, Marla bunched all of her hair together and shoved it into the black knitted hat. She probably looked like a lunch lady, but Marla would rather have that than get caught.
"Better?" She asked the Hufflepuff for reassurance. It was definitely better than before but there were still a few wild strands that were sticking out. Better than nothing.
Once Marla had fixed her hair, Mari snuck to the door of the bathroom and peeked her head out, scanning the area to be absolutely sure that there were no prefects or professors. Right after, she had snuck outside of the bathroom and made her way out of the toilets. Marla followed, trying to keep up with Mari despite the halls being annoyingly dark. It was as if there was black paint in the girl's eyes, she was practically blind. Out of nowhere, Mari stopped and looked at Marla when they were at the bottom of the stairs. "You ready?" She had asked in a hushed tone. Marla nodded, making her way up the stairs as quiet she could. This was an absolutely insane plan– they were going to try to put a (probably) innocent professor in imprisonment. Quite insane, but there was no going back now. Marla hoped for the best as she glanced at Mari and back to the dark hallway in front of her.
"Okay.." She murmured, though it sounded louder from the echoes of the bathroom. As Marla rambled on as why she was late, it seemed like Mari was in a hurry so she stopped talking. As soon as the Gryffindor went silent, Mari gave her an intense stare, deadly serious about every last word that came out of her mouth.
"Did you ever wonder why Lear took another day to announce that he was our professor? Why did those other professors leave in the first place? And here -" She put a picture of Professor Vernatis in her hands. It was quite surprising that he looked that young. Marla was kind of expecting him to be some old grandpa like that Dumbledore dude who had a portrait in the corridors. At first glance, Marla almost mistook him for a girl– he did have pretty hair. . "Look at this. What kind of man has such luscious hair when he's dealing with hexes and spells from idiotic first years? And how old is he, anyway? I've looked everywhere and couldn't find an explicit answer. It just all doesn't make sense." Marla didn't think Mari was completely off, but it could've been a bit of a stretch. Maybe he wanted to stay private about his age? And possibly is careful about where his hair is?
"Yeah, there could be something weird going on, but if there is something shady about him. Supposedly," Marla liked Mari, but she had to be careful with her words, it honestly didn't seem like the girl was in a good place, "What do you think he could've done?" Although it did all seem weird, what could he have done? Stole a pencil from a student? Bought a really expensive hairbrush? Yes, Professor Vernatis could be suspicious, but that didn't mean he did anything shady.
"So. We need to investigate them. I don't know if you've noticed, but Hogwarts isn't safe. And with all the weird things about this guy, I think - no, I know that we have to look into him. He's not going to let us rummage around during the day, obviously. Which is why we met at this time. And why we are as concealed." Okay, Mari did have a point there. Last year, the masked man? Marla wasn't there for it– luckily, but it was freaky. And the fire at the blossom ball this year? It was all adding up to be really abnormal. Why were things like this happening all the time? It didn't add up.
"Maybe he could have been involved in the BlossomFest fire? You never know." Marla had mentioned, immediately regretting it. If a theory was somewhat plausible, then Mari could spiral out of control with it. "Wait... No. He became a professor after the ball, right? That wouldn't make any sense." The girl mumbled to herself.
It seemed like Mari was relieved that the girl was wearing black, well, until she saw the red hair. Mari had mentioned doing something about it and immediately stopped talking. She was right, though. If they were caught, Marla could be easily recognized by the vibrant color of her hair. Remembering that she wore a hat, Marla bunched all of her hair together and shoved it into the black knitted hat. She probably looked like a lunch lady, but Marla would rather have that than get caught.
"Better?" She asked the Hufflepuff for reassurance. It was definitely better than before but there were still a few wild strands that were sticking out. Better than nothing.
Once Marla had fixed her hair, Mari snuck to the door of the bathroom and peeked her head out, scanning the area to be absolutely sure that there were no prefects or professors. Right after, she had snuck outside of the bathroom and made her way out of the toilets. Marla followed, trying to keep up with Mari despite the halls being annoyingly dark. It was as if there was black paint in the girl's eyes, she was practically blind. Out of nowhere, Mari stopped and looked at Marla when they were at the bottom of the stairs. "You ready?" She had asked in a hushed tone. Marla nodded, making her way up the stairs as quiet she could. This was an absolutely insane plan– they were going to try to put a (probably) innocent professor in imprisonment. Quite insane, but there was no going back now. Marla hoped for the best as she glanced at Mari and back to the dark hallway in front of her.
"your loss, baby !!"
stamina 10 | evasion 7 | strength 6 | wisdom 7 | arcpower 6 | accuracy 9
stamina 10 | evasion 7 | strength 6 | wisdom 7 | arcpower 6 | accuracy 9
9 Jun 2019, 05:36
Investigation Initiated
They were talking about the professor? Why would they do that, it was pretty common knowledge how evil the professors were, wasn't it? Why would they need to check, why would they even wonder? Did they not know? Were they that new? His feet padded softly across the floor following them, at great distance. He had some sort of an idea where they were going, and they were loud enough that he was able to figure out which door they entered. He waited for a little bit before he slipped in after them. The charms classroom. He had no love for charms, but no hatred either. It was a class, like all the rest.
He ducked behind a few desks, moving towards the back of the class, trying to figure out what was going on, trying to be as quiet as possible. He moved with a sort of swaying, like shadowy reeds by the side of a lake, barely illuminated, and completely natural, nondescript. Or at least it looked that way in the fens.
His hand reached for his slingshot. Maybe he should kill them, leave their dead bodies in the classroom as a warning? But no, that was probably against the rules. But wouldn't that be the point?
He ducked behind a few desks, moving towards the back of the class, trying to figure out what was going on, trying to be as quiet as possible. He moved with a sort of swaying, like shadowy reeds by the side of a lake, barely illuminated, and completely natural, nondescript. Or at least it looked that way in the fens.
His hand reached for his slingshot. Maybe he should kill them, leave their dead bodies in the classroom as a warning? But no, that was probably against the rules. But wouldn't that be the point?
Shade-Beacon, Master of the Castle of Avarice
13 Jun 2019, 04:28
Investigation Initiated
They creeped into the classroom, Mari so focused on the task at hand that she was completely unaware of any other presence besides herself and Marla. She was a bit distracted by Marla's question, about if Vernatis had been involved in the shenanigans at Blossom Fest. It seemed plausible at best to the child at first, but as they made their way into the room, she was convinced of it.
Yes, as Marla had pointed out, it only made sense that Vernatis had been the cause of the disaster that was Blossom Ball, as he had been hired soon after. A professor needed to inspect the school, right? So Vernatis had gotten some of his henchmen up with less-pretty hair so it would be less suspicious, gotten them to put veritaserum in the punch, set a fire at the ball, and had the rest of them try to beat up and/or kidnap the beautiful souls that were the children of Hogwarts. Those that were successfully kidnapped (Mari was too worried about herself to know if any actually had been) must have been interrogated about Hogwarts and its professors, then released after a memory charm. It all made sense.
As she creeped open the door, she explained her theory, "I think you're right. Artemis Vernatis is a potion-slipping, nasty thug who should have never been allowed to work at Hogwarts in the first place. I think he tried to get kids so that he could see how to get to the top at Hogwarts quickly, then he had his other henchmen beat up some other kids so we'd forget about the interrogation methods. And of course he'd use a memory spell to make sure no one remembered such a crazy tale, so that when he came back to the school they wouldn't know he had already met them! It all makes sense."
Her last word was muffled as she began sobbing. It could have been her, she could have been left at the hands of this evil man, forced to reveal the few secrets she knew about the school, the biggest being that there was a mad student who had stabbed kids and gotten little to no punishment at all. Of course, Mari didn't know this for a fact, but given that her exams had not been cancelled yet, she assumed it as truth. The Headmaster would have certainly cancelled her exams had that boy been punished.
There were a few moments of sobs that she attempted - and failed - to silence, as she pitied herself for nearly being damaged by Artemis Vernatis and his thugs. His thugs had nearly gotten her, and they had emotionally scarred her for possible life, so she still felt that she deserved the same amount of sorrow as those who had been kidnapped. Furthermore, she felt she deserved the same amount of revenge. Artemis Vernatis had to pay for his dastardly deed.
She looked at Marla, contemplating what she was thinking, then motioned that they should scan the room. It was dull, had no evidence at all: just desks, books, and a few quills. Just as she was about to scream in frustration (she really was doing the discreet thing well, it seemed), her eye caught something intriguing: a solid wood door, certain to lead to another room. Could it be that that door led to something actually interesting, something that could damn the professor so that he could be fired for his atrocious actions?
Mari looked at Marla, her eyes now glimmering with hope as the sobs slowed but the tears continued. In a whisper, she asked, "Do you think we should try there? I think we should."
Yes, as Marla had pointed out, it only made sense that Vernatis had been the cause of the disaster that was Blossom Ball, as he had been hired soon after. A professor needed to inspect the school, right? So Vernatis had gotten some of his henchmen up with less-pretty hair so it would be less suspicious, gotten them to put veritaserum in the punch, set a fire at the ball, and had the rest of them try to beat up and/or kidnap the beautiful souls that were the children of Hogwarts. Those that were successfully kidnapped (Mari was too worried about herself to know if any actually had been) must have been interrogated about Hogwarts and its professors, then released after a memory charm. It all made sense.
As she creeped open the door, she explained her theory, "I think you're right. Artemis Vernatis is a potion-slipping, nasty thug who should have never been allowed to work at Hogwarts in the first place. I think he tried to get kids so that he could see how to get to the top at Hogwarts quickly, then he had his other henchmen beat up some other kids so we'd forget about the interrogation methods. And of course he'd use a memory spell to make sure no one remembered such a crazy tale, so that when he came back to the school they wouldn't know he had already met them! It all makes sense."
Her last word was muffled as she began sobbing. It could have been her, she could have been left at the hands of this evil man, forced to reveal the few secrets she knew about the school, the biggest being that there was a mad student who had stabbed kids and gotten little to no punishment at all. Of course, Mari didn't know this for a fact, but given that her exams had not been cancelled yet, she assumed it as truth. The Headmaster would have certainly cancelled her exams had that boy been punished.
There were a few moments of sobs that she attempted - and failed - to silence, as she pitied herself for nearly being damaged by Artemis Vernatis and his thugs. His thugs had nearly gotten her, and they had emotionally scarred her for possible life, so she still felt that she deserved the same amount of sorrow as those who had been kidnapped. Furthermore, she felt she deserved the same amount of revenge. Artemis Vernatis had to pay for his dastardly deed.
She looked at Marla, contemplating what she was thinking, then motioned that they should scan the room. It was dull, had no evidence at all: just desks, books, and a few quills. Just as she was about to scream in frustration (she really was doing the discreet thing well, it seemed), her eye caught something intriguing: a solid wood door, certain to lead to another room. Could it be that that door led to something actually interesting, something that could damn the professor so that he could be fired for his atrocious actions?
Mari looked at Marla, her eyes now glimmering with hope as the sobs slowed but the tears continued. In a whisper, she asked, "Do you think we should try there? I think we should."
Race: Werewolf // Ability: Terrible Presence
Stam: 10 Evas: 1 Str: 2 Wis: 10 Arc: 2 Acc: 10
Stam: 10 Evas: 1 Str: 2 Wis: 10 Arc: 2 Acc: 10
14 Jun 2019, 20:44
Investigation Initiated
[quote]A small wince escaped from the girl's mouth as Mari took the small Gryffindor's Blossomfest conspiracy into account. Oh god. What had she done? The theory wasn't even plausible– Professor Vernatis wasn't at Hogwarts during Blossomfest... Hopefully. And he seemed nice enough. What was Mari's grudge against him? Was she given a bad grade or something of the sort? It got even worse as Marla could hear the poor Hufflepuff's silent whimpers as they echoed through the vast room.
"Are– are you okay?" Panic began to seep through her voice as she thought of something to make Mari feel better. The girl wasn't very good at dealing with sad people. One time in primary school, she tried to help a girl who had fallen on the concrete during recess and then she got detention for bullying. Did she have a scary face or something? Marla felt a stab in her gut, so she took a few seconds to walk away from Mari and think of something– anything to make her stop.
"Do you think we should try there? I think we should." Marla let out an audible gasp, not expecting Mari to still be searching for clues. What happened with her? When Marla met Mari in the beginning of the year she was a lot more... Stable. Awkward, but stable, nonetheless. Now? Mari was honestly... Well, the bluntest way to put it was that her mental state resembled a dumpster fire. She turned back and walked quickly towards Mari's silhouette, who she couldn't really see in the dark. Marla examined what she had mentioned before, and it was a... Wooden door? That's what it looked like.
"Yeah. Be quiet though." Marla reminded her. It was scary enough being out late at night, but the threat of getting caught? Usually, it wasn't a big deal because she would tell the professors it was all in good fun and just get a small punishment, like detention. How do you explain trying to get a professor locked up? Exactly. You can't. And Marla would be expelled. She shivered, feeling a lump in her throat at the thought. It didn't help that she felt like they were being followed. It was probably just being in the dark that made her creeped out, but the girl felt eyes on her back... Even if it was nothing, the feeling was still unsettling.
"By the way, are you alright? Do you want to get a tissue or a napkin, or something.. Before we go in there?"
"Are– are you okay?" Panic began to seep through her voice as she thought of something to make Mari feel better. The girl wasn't very good at dealing with sad people. One time in primary school, she tried to help a girl who had fallen on the concrete during recess and then she got detention for bullying. Did she have a scary face or something? Marla felt a stab in her gut, so she took a few seconds to walk away from Mari and think of something– anything to make her stop.
"Do you think we should try there? I think we should." Marla let out an audible gasp, not expecting Mari to still be searching for clues. What happened with her? When Marla met Mari in the beginning of the year she was a lot more... Stable. Awkward, but stable, nonetheless. Now? Mari was honestly... Well, the bluntest way to put it was that her mental state resembled a dumpster fire. She turned back and walked quickly towards Mari's silhouette, who she couldn't really see in the dark. Marla examined what she had mentioned before, and it was a... Wooden door? That's what it looked like.
"Yeah. Be quiet though." Marla reminded her. It was scary enough being out late at night, but the threat of getting caught? Usually, it wasn't a big deal because she would tell the professors it was all in good fun and just get a small punishment, like detention. How do you explain trying to get a professor locked up? Exactly. You can't. And Marla would be expelled. She shivered, feeling a lump in her throat at the thought. It didn't help that she felt like they were being followed. It was probably just being in the dark that made her creeped out, but the girl felt eyes on her back... Even if it was nothing, the feeling was still unsettling.
"By the way, are you alright? Do you want to get a tissue or a napkin, or something.. Before we go in there?"
"your loss, baby !!"
stamina 10 | evasion 7 | strength 6 | wisdom 7 | arcpower 6 | accuracy 9
stamina 10 | evasion 7 | strength 6 | wisdom 7 | arcpower 6 | accuracy 9
14 Jul 2019, 14:49
Investigation Initiated
Artemis tossed and turned under the covers. It was always like this. He would attempt to go to sleep at a reasonable time and end up staying awake longer than he wanted to because his damn brain wanted to play a quick game of Quidditch before resting. The way things were going, he wouldn't be going to sleep any time soon.
'Which means I'll be having another exhausting day tomorrow. Great.'
Heaving a sigh, Artemis moved to lay on his back and stared at his ceiling. His thoughts wandered to his wife and son. They would be taking a vacation soon to visit his in-laws in Japan. This coming weekend would be the last weekend he would see the two before they departed. He even applied for a Portkey to get them there and back, though the return trip would lead them to the Ministry where he would meet up with them and take them back home. It was planned perfectly as they would return the day after the students left for vacation and he had planned to have all of his grading completed before that date. There was no way in hell he would be prevented from seeing his family at the start of summer vacation.
It was hell enough trying to get convince his son's school to let him take any end of year tests a month early so that he could go with his mother. But it all worked out in the end.
Artemis sighed. All he wanted was the school year to end already. He wanted to see his family. He should have told the Headmaster he would start in September instead of straight away. Turning onto his side, the man closed his eyes. 'No point in complaining or thinking about it now. Come now, brain. rest so that I can finally rest.'
He rested, trying to even out his breathing and clear his mind, and almost managed to actually drift off. Until he heard the noises. The murmuring. And then he heard the door connecting to his office and personal quarters open.
Someone was in his quarters, and he didn't think it would be a teacher. They would have called through the floo network or sent a Patronus if he was needed. Sitting up, Artemis grabbed his wand and stood up. Flicking his wand at the bed, it made itself up and created an adult-sized lump in the middle, making it seem as if he were sleeping soundly. He then cast a disillusion on himself and stood in a corner of the room, waiting for his intruders to come to him.
'Which means I'll be having another exhausting day tomorrow. Great.'
Heaving a sigh, Artemis moved to lay on his back and stared at his ceiling. His thoughts wandered to his wife and son. They would be taking a vacation soon to visit his in-laws in Japan. This coming weekend would be the last weekend he would see the two before they departed. He even applied for a Portkey to get them there and back, though the return trip would lead them to the Ministry where he would meet up with them and take them back home. It was planned perfectly as they would return the day after the students left for vacation and he had planned to have all of his grading completed before that date. There was no way in hell he would be prevented from seeing his family at the start of summer vacation.
It was hell enough trying to get convince his son's school to let him take any end of year tests a month early so that he could go with his mother. But it all worked out in the end.
Artemis sighed. All he wanted was the school year to end already. He wanted to see his family. He should have told the Headmaster he would start in September instead of straight away. Turning onto his side, the man closed his eyes. 'No point in complaining or thinking about it now. Come now, brain. rest so that I can finally rest.'
He rested, trying to even out his breathing and clear his mind, and almost managed to actually drift off. Until he heard the noises. The murmuring. And then he heard the door connecting to his office and personal quarters open.
Someone was in his quarters, and he didn't think it would be a teacher. They would have called through the floo network or sent a Patronus if he was needed. Sitting up, Artemis grabbed his wand and stood up. Flicking his wand at the bed, it made itself up and created an adult-sized lump in the middle, making it seem as if he were sleeping soundly. He then cast a disillusion on himself and stood in a corner of the room, waiting for his intruders to come to him.
Artemis Vernatis
Professor of Charms