How Alluring... PV Stelle Finished

@Stelle Mims

A bit of the excitement would leave Harvey's gaze as Stelle could not remember any details about his surname, but his expression wouldn't show any disappointment. The breadcrumbs had been laid out on the trial before him and that was far more than he had ever had before. His grandfather be damned, Harvey would know his history whether the old goblin liked it or not. "Not a problem." He gave a quick smile to hopefully ensure Stelle that he was not upset. "Perhaps we can speak another time and maybe then we can dig a bit deeper. I wasn't aware of any book documenting wizarding family trees." He figured some households would keep their own, but it was interesting that her grandmother collected them. "I would love to see them sometime." Harvey didn't push the issue any further.

The conversation would shift back to Stelle's family. The game of Quidditch was never one that excited Harvey like most in the magical community, but he did respect its place within society. The business aspect of it all was enticing to him just like any industry that brought in that amount of galleons. "That's impressive. The healing arts are not easily mastered." A bit of his compliment was embellished as the young boy still had a lot to learn before he could really take a stance on magic that way, but a little flattery never hurt anyone. Harvey's brow would raise with genuine intrigue when Stelle spoke of her father's career. "Engineer..." The boy let the foreign word slip off of his tongue. To think a muggle could create something worth while without the aid of magic seemed unthinkable, yet he had seen their work in London first hand. The architecture alone had always left him impressed. "I must admit that I don't know what that is, but it sounds rather impressive. You must be proud. I will say that I do hope to travel by automobile one day. Seems incredibly slow, but perhaps it's fun. Does your family own one?" He asked with genuine excitement.

Harvey's real intrigue would come when Stelle spoke of the Veela spring dances. To think of the combined power of such a gathering! "That must be a sight to see, I'm sure." He wasn't sure what to imagine, but his mind raced anyways. Yet Stelle seemed to hesitate when providing detail. "I'm sure your power will grow as you get older. Maybe then you will find your place among the gathering." Harvey wouldn't push the issue, but left it open for further discussion if she so wished.

Normally the boy would never have allowed someone to physically inspect him the way he was letting Stelle, but she set him at ease. Harvey would flash another rare smile when she voice her appreciation for his differences. He held up his hand for her to compare with and shared a laugh as they were complete opposites. As much as they were the same, the contrast between them was evident, but it was nice the pair could celebrate that instead of letting it divide them. "I'm sure we will both grow into our full potential, even if I don't grow much vertically. I'm sure your power will only grow and I hope to see it first hand." The further exchange of compliments perhaps sealed a bond between the two.

Harvey wasn't sure if his cheeks blushed when she joked about becoming prettier. Merlin knows that seemed damn near impossible, but he was still a little too young to know hoe he truly felt about that. However, he did share the thought that perhaps it could be a burden. While he wasn't a bad looking fellow, it was easy for him to slip into that background. Just another face amongst the crowd. But how could Stelle ever hope to do that. Not only did her physical beauty make her striking, if the aura of power that emanated from her grew as well it would surely be impossible for her. She confirmed when she spoke of how she would remain young in appearance even as she grew old.

His expression turned curious when she spoke of her mother and grandmother. "Does your mother's appearance actually change when her emotions are heightened? Can your grandmother conjure flames without the use of a wand?" The questions came fast as his interest peaked, yet he would frown when she used the term pure. "Many will say that about us I'm afraid. My grandfather says the same thing about me, but you will grow in ways that they cannot. I do believe that our mixed heritage will make us stronger, not weaker." Harvey paused as all of these thoughts swirled around his mind.

₊⁺⋆ Date: January 11th, 2025 | Number of words: 839 Dialogue: #aa5713 ⋆⁺₊

Stelle listened to Harvey carefully, recognizing in his tone the polite respect that many wizards used when speaking of things they didn’t fully understand. Her grandfather used to say that money was the true magic of the world, and though Stelle wasn’t sure she shared that cynical view, she understood the power it held. Quidditch and the healing arts were undoubtedly two fields that moved a great deal of galleons. She smiled at Harvey when he mentioned the difficulty of the healing arts, though her praise seemed more out of politeness than conviction. When he repeated the word “engineer” with almost palpable curiosity, Stelle couldn’t help but laugh softly. It was a melodious sound, more a reflection of his appreciation than mockery. —He designs things—. she explained.—Buildings, machines, structures… My father works with Muggle materials—. She paused, noticing Harvey’s thoughtful expression. —We don’t use cars often, but we do have one. It feels… different from flying. Everything moves at a slower pace, but with a precision that magic sometimes lacks. I like the train better.—.

She could see the fascination in Harvey’s eyes, a genuine spark of interest in something that seemed so foreign to him. Stelle appreciated that about him: his open mind, even if he was skeptical about certain things. The conversation took a more personal turn when she mentioned the Veela spring dances. It wasn’t a topic she shared easily, but Harvey seemed interested without any intention of mocking. His words were kind, but Stelle couldn’t help but feel a slight knot in her stomach. Would she really find her place among them? —Maybe—. she replied with a slight shrug, not committing to the idea. She didn’t want to sound ungrateful or disdainful, but the truth was that she still didn’t know if she wanted to find that place at the Veela gathering or somewhere else entirely.

The little game of comparing their hands brought a lightness to the conversation, a welcome pause from the thoughts that were bothering her. Stelle looked at the differences between them with genuine fascination. Her fair skin in contrast to Harvey’s, her slightly longer fingers, the way her hands moved differently when expressing herself. They weren’t really that different, but there was something about them that set them apart. Maybe her skin was paler and her fingers were more pointed, he knew she was tall and would remain so. She moved her hand away a little and rubbed them together looking at him curiously. The longer she looked at him, the more she noticed the features he had pointed out earlier. She smiled when he mentioned that they would both grow to their full potential. “I hope so.” she admitted. “Though growth isn’t always visible.” Some things change on the inside before they show on the outside—. When she mentioned the possibility of her beauty increasing over time, she noticed Harvey’s barely noticeable reaction. Embarrassment? Hesitation? She wasn’t sure, but she decided not to point it out. To her, that possibility was more of a burden than a blessing. She didn’t want to stand out so much that she felt separated from others. She didn’t want her appearance to be the only thing that defined her. And yet, she knew she couldn’t help it. —Yes… it gives me mixed feelings. I like being pretty, but I don’t want that to be all they see of me—.

Harvey’s questions about her mother and grandmother made her smile. She appreciated his genuine curiosity. —Yes—.” she replied. —My mother doesn’t do it on purpose, but if she’s really upset or excited, her appearance changes subtly. Her hair moves as if there’s wind, her skin shines more. My grandmother, on the other hand…—. She paused, remembering the times she’d seen Andromeda light candles with a simple wave of her hand. —She can do things without a wand. Not with the same precision as a spell, but with more… instinct. I’ve been reading up and it’s a common trait. Annoying Veela can be just as dangerous as mermaids, their faces look like a bird’s and they can… breathe fire or something—. Stelle looked down for a moment, feeling a pang of discomfort. She’d grown up hearing that her heritage made her “different,” though she’d never known exactly what that meant. The way Harvey phrased it was different. —I hope you’re right—. she said finally, with a smaller, but sincere smile.

—I don't want to make you feel uncomfortable, I think I've asked too many things about you—. she said with a soft smile —but I would like to get to know you, I mean, outside of your abilities—. She said with some sadness. She felt comfortable with him, a part of her told her that being friends wouldn't be so bad. But, what did he think of her? She knew it was strange that someone didn't like her, but she knew that some people just liked to share their experiences and nothing more. In this case, she hoped Harvey wouldn't be like that.

@Harvey Barrows

@Stelle Mims

Stelle's grandfather perhaps shared slight similarities with Harvey's as the importance of money was drilled into the boy's education throughout his whole life. If Larnak had his way he would have just tutored the young Barrows himself and skipped magical schooling all together. The old goblin would have taught Harvey the ways of his people and tried to hone his magic the way he saw fit, but the young lad proved to be too human in the end. A fact that Larnak was rather displeased with, yet in the end he came around to the importance of training Harvey as a wizard. Stelle's explanation of her father's work was truly quite interesting. He laughed with her as the word engineer sounded a bit silly off of his tongue. "Wonderful." The idea of a personal car was something he hoped to achieve one day. Muggles may be inferior to the magical races, but they sure could make some fun toys.

When the topic shifted to the Veela spring dance, Stelle would see the glimmer of fascination in Harvey's eyes. Even though he misread her intention of actually wanting a place among them he couldn't help but to assume so. A mistake on his part and if he actually thought about it they would be in similar shoes. Harvey himself would never be fully accepted into Goblin culture. Sure, his grandfather's position within that community would grant him some leeway, but he would never be counted as one of them and one day soon he too would realize that he didn't want one. Both Goblin and wizard alike would always see him as too much a part of the other. Tainted, something that should not be. There would be plenty that would accept his nature, but the challenge would always be there. He would soon discover a feeling within that he would stop caring to please either. That he and those like him had just as much a right to this world as any other. If not more...

Stelle shrugged away that thought and Harvey dismissed it too. No need to stay focused on the heavy subject as they compared hands and let a lighter tone take over the conversation. He believed in his own future and it pleased him that she at least had hope in hers. Stelle would surely always be looked to as a physical beauty first and he understood her want to not have that be the sole thing that defines her, but Harvey hoped she would one day see the power in it. "I'm sure your beauty will always define you." He admitted. "But I agree. They may mistake you as only a pretty lady, but what's within can really take their breath away. You will hold true power one day. Something far beyond what most here at Hogwarts may obtain. I'm sure of it."

Harvey hoped his words weren't too forward, but he did hope to inspire Stelle and when she spoke of her mother and grandmother it was all the proof he needed that she would be something special. "That's incredible. What strong magic most run in your bloodline. Mine too." His tone more matter of fact than boastful. "My grandfather can perform magic without the use of a wand. A simple hand gesture and without the need of any incantation. It's a sight to see and I hope to master that skill too. Do you think you will gain any unique skill from your heritage?" The possibilities of mixed race students seemed almost endless at times. Not to mention the unique traits that both werewolves and dhampir had too. The slightest spark of an idea would begin in the young boy's mind, but that seed would take time to grow.

Stelle's next question would give Harvey pause for a moment. In his short time here at Hogwars he had made many acquaintances and even counted a few of them as potential friends or allies, but he had never once been asked outright if he would like to enter a friendship before. A fact that stunned him for a quick moment and also perhaps cracked that tough exterior he kept his heart encased in. "I don't feel uncomfortable around you. Not in the slightest." He finally found his voice. "And I do hope you feel the same with me. I'd very much enjoy getting to know you better. What do you say?" Harvey held out his hand for a shake. "Friends?"

₊⁺⋆ Date: January 11th, 2025 | Number of words: 542 | Dialogue: #aa5713 ⋆⁺₊

Stelle eyed Harvey’s outstretched hand with a mix of surprise and amusement. His tone had been formal, but not stiff. Rather it sounded like someone making a deal they considered important. Not just an empty gesture. She reached out her hand casually, her warm skin meeting the subtle coolness of his. Gently, she closed her fingers around his in a brief squeeze, still looking into his eyes. —I hope you don’t regret it,—. she said with a light smile, gently pulling her hand away. A glimmer of something unfamiliar stirred in the back of her thoughts, but she let it pass.

There was something about him that reminded her of herself, though she wasn’t sure what yet. The topic soon changed and she found herself asking more about what he had said earlier. —You said your grandfather can do magic without a wand,—. she recalled, tilting her head slightly. —How exactly does he do it? What about you? Have you tried doing it?—.

She watched him, waiting for him to respond confidently. Her explanations of goblin magic were interesting, and Stelle couldn't help but wonder what it would feel like to conjure magic like that, without relying on a wand.

—That's amazing. It's a different kind of magic than what they teach here,—. she commented with interest. —Sometimes I wonder if I'll develop something unique from my heritage, too.—.

Said out loud, it sounded more like a confession than she expected. Ever since she was little, people had told her that her blood made her special. That her magic would be different. But until now, the only thing she'd noticed about herself was the way others looked at her, the way her words seemed to carry more weight than she sometimes wanted. That wasn't power. It was simply a privilege. Her face was the prettiest.

For a moment, Stelle didn't know what to say.

—I don't know,—. she finally admitted. —Sometimes I feel like there's something inside me… like a spark waiting to ignite.—. My grandmother says that Veela magic expresses itself in different ways in each generation. Maybe one day I'll find out.

It was an honest answer. More honest than she usually liked to be.

—They may see you as just a 'pretty lady,' but what's inside you can really take their breath away. One day you'll have true power. Something far beyond what most here at Hogwarts can obtain.—

His words echoed in her mind. There was a slight glimmer in her chest. She wasn't sure what it was. She watched his expression. It didn't seem like he was just saying it for the sake of it. It didn't seem like he was trying to flatter her or say what he thought she wanted to hear. Did he really think that of her?

—They may mistake you for a pretty lady,—. Stelle repeated, a slight smile forming on her lips. —You say it like you're already sure there's something more to it.—. Stelle let out a laugh, finding his words amusing.

She still wasn't sure what to think about his words, but something about them stayed with her, tangling in her mind.

Something had changed between them. They weren't just acquaintances. Not exactly friends yet. But they were close.

@Harvey Barrows

@Stelle Mims

"I very much doubt I will." Harvey answered and returned the gentle squeeze of their shake before letting is long fingers slip away. He had offered that gesture many times to many different people. It was expected of him really given his upbringing. Always prim, always proper. A formal introduction was part of being a gentleman and nothing less than that was tolerated by his strict grandfather. However, this time was different. This connection felt deeper than the surface level right away and it was something he hadn't really ever felt before.

Harvey blinked away the thought as the discussion shifted back to their unique heritages. "I've asked him several times and though he does not like to dwell on such things he has explained that it is an innate ability shared by goblin kind. You see it with the house elves as well." He explained as Stelle had most likely seen their magic performed at Hogwarts. "Instead of focusing his magic through a wand, it is done through simple hand gestures. A snap of the fingers or even just a point of his finger. Often done without a verbal incantation as well. It's quite marvelous to see." The boy offered a somewhat shy shake of his head to deny any attempt he had made at wandless magic. "I've not tried myself, though I expect my tutoring at home will soon include it."

His expression turned slightly curious as Stelle questioned her own potential. With so much power coming down her family tree, Harvey was sure that she would develop some unique talents. As difficult as it could be to be considered a half-breed, it did not come with nothing. From what Harvey had read and researched, people like them almost always inherited some powers from both races that comprised their DNA. Then she would say what Harvey was thinking. An untapped power lying within. "I've felt that way too. It's as if our power has yet to unlock itself. We will soon be teenagers and then young adults. Perhaps as we grow so will our abilities."

Stelle would question his words. Not in a way that showed complete doubt, but even when she repeated his words it only made him more sure of it. "I am positive." There was no jest to his tone. The boy was confident in his beliefs. That not only would he inherit power from his bloodline, but that all half-breeds would. It was merely a fascination at this time in his life, but one day it would come to define it. Today was one of those defining days as well. It was hard to describe what was building between them, but a bond was forged either way. Only time would tell what would come of it.

The sun had shifted overhead as noon approached and lunch was now being served in the Great Hall. This chance meeting had proven more than fulfilling, but now his stomach was in need of the same. "Would you care to join me for something to eat? We could talk further perhaps?" Harvey offered with a rare smile.

₊⁺⋆ Date: January 11th, 2025| Number of words: 515| Dialogue: #aa5713 ⋆⁺₊

Stelle wasn't sure what to make of the way Harvey was looking at her, with a kind of quiet intensity that made her feel exposed. Not as if she were in danger, but as if he were trying to decipher something in her that even she didn't fully understand. When he shook her hand, she felt the firm but careful pressure of his fingers, a well-rehearsed courtesy. She'd seen that gesture before, in other well-behaved children, but with Harvey it felt... different. Genuine, somehow.

When he mentioned his family's wandless magic, Stelle listened intently. It wasn't the first time she'd heard about the innate ability of pixies or house elves, but the idea that he might try it at some point seemed intriguing. Unlike Harvey, she had no clear connection to her mother's Veela heritage beyond her appearance, and that thought had always made her a little uneasy. Was there something inside him she hadn't yet discovered? The possibility both unsettled and excited her. She'd seen wandless magic before, yes. House-elves used it with ease around the castle, and she'd always assumed it was a kind of power simply not meant for ordinary witches and wizards. But Harvey spoke of it as if it were something attainable, as if with the right lineage, with enough time, they too could do it. Stelle felt a strange sense of relief. She wasn't the only one who wondered if there was something else inside her waiting to awaken. She wasn't the only one who felt she didn't quite fit into the wizarding world yet.

—Perhaps as we grow, so will our abilities—.

She wasn't sure she agreed. She liked the idea, but she was terrified that, in the end, there might simply be nothing special about her. That all that anticipation might amount to nothing.

—I hope you're right—. she replied with a gentle smile. But the confidence in Harvey's eyes didn't waver for a second. She wanted to believe him. She wanted to think that one day she would wake up with a mysterious power that would finally make her feel like she belonged in the wizarding world in a more concrete way. But the doubt lingered in her mind.

But he didn't doubt it. "I'm sure," he stated with such conviction that, for a moment, Stelle almost believed it too. The way he said it, without hesitation or laughter, made her feel a little lighter. Perhaps he was right. Perhaps there was something inside her that was simply waiting for the right moment to manifest itself.

Time had passed more quickly than she thought, and upon hearing Harvey's suggestion of lunch, Stelle nodded slowly. The Great Hall would be full at that hour, with the usual bustle of students talking and sharing stories from the day. For some reason, the idea of ​​continuing to talk with Harvey seemed more appealing than the simple act of eating lunch.

—I'd love to, let's go—. she agreed with a sweet smile, walking beside him while the feeling of uncertainty still fluttered inside her.