Do you feel like a young god? PV - Harvey Barrows

@Harlan Montgomery

Harvey sat on the steps of the small hall with his eyes set on the book before him. It would come as no surprise to anyone that knew him to see the boy lost in a book, but today his gaze stayed locked on the same sentence he had read a dozen times now. Try as he might to study, Harvey could not focus properly. He had started in the Slytherin common room, then shifted to the library and now even tried this random spot seeking the spark that might give him the mental clarity to absorb information. All for not however, though he did note that this would be a rather nice spot for future people watching. A little one like himself could easily stay tucked off to the side...

Harvey sighed as his mind got sidetracked yet again and he snapped the book closed in his rather large hand. His expression surely mimicked his internal turmoil as he stared off into space. What could possibly trouble him so? Harvey was an ace student and if he kept at it would surely be somewhere near the top of his class. The boy had made plenty of acquaintances among his peers and had grown quite comfortable in the Slytherin dorms as he now knew most by name and they his. Everything was going quite well considering how disastrous some first years went, so why in Merlin's beard was he feeling so blue. The piece of parchment burning a hole in his satchel had a lot to do with it!

His grandfather Larnak had sent him a searing report of his activities so far. Good grades be damned if Harvey had nothing else to show for it. The trip to Beauxbatons and the Spring Soiree had come and gone and what did the boy have to show for it? A pen pal from Russia. A few acquaintances of meaning. Not nearly enough in his grandfather's eyes as Harvey was expected to achieve much more. What had he done to establish meaningful connections within the magical community? Why had the name Barrows not risen a few rungs up the Hogwarts social ladder? Questions that often weighed heavy upon the little boy's shoulders, but it was not for lack of trying!

Many would look to Harvey and see a snob. Good. Some were not worth his precious time, but the one thing that had alluded Harvey so far this year was a solid group of friends. A collection of people that he could share his ambitions with and speak openly to about his goals without being looked at as judgmental, vain or immoral. He needed those key people so that they could all work together to help elevate each other, but everyone at Hogwarts was just so damn...nice!

A voice from above would ask Harvey if he was alright. His dark, beady eyes rose to meet a rather stunning young wizard. Merlin's beard he was beautiful! It would still be a few years before Harvey discovered if it was the pretty witch or the handsome wizard that would tug at his heart strings, but there was no denying this lad had been graced with some strong genes. Harvey's solemn expression would quickly fade as a rather charming smile spread across his lips. He would rise to his feet, though it would make up very little in the height difference between them. "I am doing just fine, thank you. Lost in thought is all." He explained in a tone as warm as tea and as sweet as honey. "Oh you're no dummy, I'm sure. Hogwarts is truly a maze." Harvey lied. He had the place memorized within a few weeks, but no need to make anyone feel less than. Maybe this handsome giant was just a beautiful idiot, yet that mattered little in the moment. Fate had brought Harvey a knight in shining armor and he was not going to squander the chance. Maybe this was his pretty jock that would help elevate his status. Someone he could rub elbows with and glean a bit of that "it" factor off of. Why not delve a bit further.

"Harvey Barrows." The part-goblin introduced himself and offered his rather large hand in formal greeting. It was also a chance for him to flaunt a rather expensive looking ring to those keen enough to observe it. "I'm afraid I haven't seen you around much before." Harvey mused. The boy had made a habit of studying the students near his age, but must have overlooked this would be knight of his roundtable. "Where've you been hiding?" He concluded with a wink.

Ring:

Reducio

@Harlan Montgomery

Harvey continued to look over this soon to be acquaintance as their interaction continued. It was hard to describe, but there seemed to be a spark or something right away. Was this what people meant by "hitting it off"? Harvey was indeed being too nice. The little goblin was handsome in his own way, but he was surely not as gifted as the model that stood before him. Where Harlan might lean into his charm or physique to manipulate a situation, Harvey was left with his scheming bag of tricks. Flattery being one of his aces. Long ago he had found that just a small compliment can change someone's attitude in an instant. All humans were susceptible to it, but the boy had developed a bit of a knack for saying what people liked to hear. It often disarmed them and allowed for more maneuvering on his part. Regardless of whatever tricks the two like to employ, there really was some kind of energy between them right away.

In the very least, this handsome lad did not seem to look down on Harvey for his obvious differences. Well, he did tower over him, so Harlan did actually have to look down at him, but it was clear that Harvey's small stature and pointed ears did not present a problem. Perhaps another similarity between the two? While Harvey did have a bit of an obsession with other half-breeds and magical creatures, it was never about the who or what that was most important to him. Yes, the rich and influential were a boon, but a lower classed witch or wizard with innate talent was worthy of befriending. It was all about the potential within someone and how that might benefit him as he looked to make a name for himself. Perhaps the wizard before him was just that? A chance to build the social network he had been desperately seeking since school started.

The part-goblin looked down to his ring finger as Harlan pointed out the jewelry. "Hand crafted by the best goblin smiths." Harvey did not have to confirm that it was indeed an expensive piece. Anyone with a true appreciation would know that his statement implied it as he shook the other boy's hand. He allowed the other to look over the piece for as long as he liked. Maybe it was the worm on the hook that Harvey needed. No telling what Harlan's background was, but a flash of wealth could often be enticing for those seeking it.

"A pleasure to meet you as well, Harlan." The introduction was now official as their hands parted. Harvey's tilted his head in interested as the other boy explained that he had left school for a while. He would of course try to weasel out more information to make sure Harlan was a liability, but for the most part Harvey didn't care about people's past, only their potential future. "Oh I'm sure whatever caused the disruption doesn't matter." Just another dangle of the hook without being too pushy. "But I'm sure that you'll ace your test and be back in your proper year at the start of semester." If Harvey did know his sexuality, it very well could have been flirting as they sat closely on the stairs together and the flattering continued.

"Yes, just a lowly first year." Harvey chuckled at Harlan's tease. "Though I expect I shall be the shortest in class for quite sometime." He joked of his mixed nature before his attention was drawn to the book he had been attempting to read. A rather large grin crept across Harvey's face as Harlan offered his notes in a favor for a favor type of gesture. "This was meant to be for studies, but I couldn't find my concentration today. I was actually fretting over my lack of friends just before you came along." Harvey offered with a wink. He was indeed just the type of guy who would like a friendship that could be transactional from time to time. "I would like that very much. No favor goes unpaid by me I'll have you know. You seem like the kind of guy who might like that." The boy made clear his intention.

"I've not met many people willing to be open like you, Harlan. Perhaps I have been too subtle in my approaches?" A bit of advice from an older student would not go unappreciated.

@Harlan Montgomery

Harvey too was slightly skeptical of his newfound friend as they sized each other up. This kind of bond or friendship was exactly what Harvey had been searching for too, but how many times had he attempted to manipulate people this year to gain what he wanted? He thought of the white lies and sugar coated praise he had whispered into the ears of those he wanted something from and couldn't help but wonder if that was what was happening here with Harlan. However, it was all like playing a card game really. There were risks and bluffs, rewards and losses. All part of the game for those wanting to rise up the social ladder of the wizarding world. Time would indeed tell if befriending the Gryffindor was worth the potential treachery, but sometime you just had to go all in.

The slightest of huffs would escape Harvey's lips as Harlan spoke of love. His grandfather perhaps did have some kind of feeling for the boy, but love and affection was not how he would describe it. "Grandfather takes good care of me." That was at least true. The boy wanted for nothing really. They had come up in one of the finest townhouses near Diagon Alley and their home was full of the finest things galleons could buy. The furniture cost more than most wizards make in a year. The dinner table was filled with the best foods available and Harvey's wardrobe alone could fund an excursion around the world. "He demands his expectations be met though and the price is steep." Another calculated risk. Harvey was exposing himself slightly, but perhaps Harlan too was eager to make a name for himself.

Harvey did his best not to show too much excitement when Harlan looked him directly in the eye and offered some free advice. A student mentor could be just what he needed. The professors would help, but there were certain things Harvey just couldn't talk about with them. Certain subjects that blurred the line of morality that would only land him in the hot seat with the adults. The boy had no serious qualms about his differently sized body compared to most people his age, but it was nice to hear Harlan talk about self-esteem. Harvey had it. He was sure of himself and knew that his hard work would propel him forward in life, but Harlan was right. Perhaps he should meet people with an air of confidence. Start with a heavy bet so that they know exactly who they are dealing with. "As tall as I need to be." Harvey repeated with a nod of his head.

"Agreed, much in common I'd say." The part-goblin was being truthful about not having many friends, but it wasn't completely innocent. Why not play on the sympathy card if it earn a bit of favor? But he had risked being honest about it. The chance for Harlan to approach him at the Slytherin table at dinner was an exciting offer. "Yes, that would be great. If you don't mind calling me out by name, that would be helpful." Harvey thought how good it would look for him to have a handsome upperclassmen come to him directly in front of the Slytherin house. It'd be a conversation starter in the very least. You know Harlan? Are you friends with an upperclassmen? Did he just call you by name? Harvey could almost hear the whispers now. Hopefully he hadn't overreached...

The almost smile that threatened to cross his lips faded when Harlan offered the younger boy some more advice. Yes, most kids did seem to fill their days with fun and learning, but most kids did not have their eyes on the prize. Harlan seemed to realize that as he spoke of people networking and consolidating power. Yet his caution to be careful with who he was open to about that landed firmly. There was no way to climb to the top without pushing some people out of the way. Harvey had a lot to learn if he was going to keep both hands on the ladder. "Yes, right you are, Harlan. It would seem that you've been at this a while." Both a statement and an inquiry.

A very slight bit of skepticism flashed in Harvey's eyes as Harlan's offer of friendship. Had he not just warned the boy about being careful, but his grandfather's words rung in his ears as well. Life was full of opportunities and those most successful were the ones that seized it instead of waiting around for it to fall in your lap. There would always be risk, but those that played big often took the pot. "I think that's a splendid idea, Harlan. You won't regret it." Harvey wasn't sure how, but he was determined to make this relationship work. Time would tell if he was making a huge mistake...

@Harlan Montgomery

Harvey was no thrill seeker. A game of quidditch or a broom race, no thank you. The boy preferred his bones in one piece than you very much. However, adrenaline was intoxicating even to the most careful of people. The risk involved throwing his hat in with an upperclassmen that he had only known for a few moments was a bit exhilarating. Moment like this would surely come fast and plenty in Harvey's life. No reward without the risk. He'd be gambling galleons a plenty all based on hunches and first impressions and what better way to start training for that than here and now. Striking up a deal with Harlan could come back to burn him, but in truth it just made it all the more fun.

Harlan was echoing ideas that had been bouncing around in Harvey's head for some time now. In large implanted there by his grandfather, but many of his own too. Larnak was an old goblin and he was stuck in his ways. He couldn't see the way of the future. There was goblin kind with their own ideas of superiority and there were wizards with theirs. Harvey represented a bridge between the two and also another class of magic users that were well on the rise. If the two were to infiltrate the upper crust of society they would in fact need each other and that was just what Harvey was after. A group of half-breeds and humans that would shape the next step in the magical society's evolution. To do so would require a united front as well as guile and strategy. Perhaps today marked stepping stone towards such a goal.

"Yes, of course. I'll make sure to position myself correctly." Harvey had thought of that, but still appreciated the advice and the fact that Harlan was capable of thinking just like him. He'd get to the Slytherin table early and put himself right in the thick of it. The table would fill around him and many would wonder why the lowly first year was taking up space where the cool kids hang, but then bang, a timely entry by Harlan and then they'd all see. Harvey blinked away the daydream before it went on too long and extended his arm to accept the handshake. "A pleasure doing business with you, Harlan. Hopefully the first deal of many."

Harvey chuckled at the older boy's tease. He was small, but he could take it. "Perhaps fate does play more of a role than I thought." The boy agreed. While he was not one for divination or reading the stars, perhaps this relationship was meant to be. Maybe it was just the fact that like minds tend to find each other. Either way they were leaving this interaction today with much more than they had before it. "The castle brought us together and I think these halls will remember us." For better or worse still to be determined, but Harvey would leave his mark on Hogwarts one way or another as he climbed to the top. His court was beginning to take shape and his knight in shining armor now sat at the table.