Sinks and Secrets PV B. Quinn, H. Barrows Finished

Harvey's little legs carried him away from the Great Hall as he booked it towards the staircase. Everything had gone considerably well this morning so far. He had awoken with the sun just as he always did. Well, it was hard to tell down in the Slytherin dormitories as there wasn't much difference to the greenish glow that lit the dungeons during the day than at night, but his alarm went off all the same. Then it was to the shower, brush, pomade and pressed suit just like every other day. Breakfast was next on the schedule and the Hogwarts' elves never disappointed, but it was just as he was finishing that a wrench would grind his gears to a halt. A wrench in the form of Gregory Towns.

Harvey's grandfather had made the money game look so easy as he threw the power of his fortune around from one venture to the next. They didn't call him Larnak the Lender for nothing. So, the first year had come into a bit of coin from a well placed gamble on the last quidditch match of the season and decided it was best to use those galleons to lend to ole Greg Powers. Harvey was well on his way to building his own empire. Give him another year or two and he'd be trading on the floors of Gringotts in no time! That high didn't last long though. Time had come to collect from Greg and the fourth year had squandered the coin away. Then Harvey had to hire a seventh year to bully it out of him and now he was only up a galleon and Powers was not too happy about being shaken down. How on earth did his grandfather manage it all? What a mess.

So, when Greg had come charging his way the little part-goblin had taken one more bite of sausage and then zoomed on out of the hall. Fortunately the corridors had started to fill and it was easy for short, little Harvey to get lost in the numbers. Just for safe measures though he ducked into the abandoned toilets to make sure the coast was clear and on his way in he scooted past another boy. "Pardon me. If a lug of a boy comes this way looking for me, I've got a sickle for you to tell him I went the other way." With that Harvey ducked into the room.

Date: June 27th, 2025	Speech | Thoughts
Time: Morning	Notifications: @Harvey Barrows (interacting) @Avis Greymond (mentioning) @Victoria Blythe (mentioning)
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He wasn't surprised when he discovered that he was there before Avis or Victoria, because Luca had always been an early riser. If you're waking up with the sun, you've already missed the deal that made it happen, Lorenzo Corranado used to always say to him when he woke up at sunrise or later. Both of his parents influenced his work ethic, but his father consistently imparted valuable wisdom that significantly contributed to his success in life. Luca, consciously or not, listened to his father, and many of the man's habits were instilled into his personality and drive.

What surprised him was the hours that had passed with no sign of either of the girls he had invited to this adventure, which gave him a slight pause. The young Slytherin thought he had a good interaction with Avis and went out of his way to help Victoria in class, so he wondered what he had done to be ignored, especially after his invitation had been met with an affirmation. This left a slightly sour taste in his mouth about his fellow Slytherin and Ravenclaw counterparts, but the thoughts were stopped dead in their tracks when a boy who appeared to be part Goblin, judging by his ears, scooted past him into the abandoned toilets.

Luca's interest was piqued at the mention from the other boy about a sickle for redirecting someone he described as a lug of a boy. Before he had a chance to respond, the part Goblin scurried into the abandoned toilets. Shortly after the door stood still, the very lug of a boy came barreling down the hallway with about as much grace as an Erumpent. Nearly foaming at the mouth, the lug asked in a clearly angry tone: "Have you seen the vault-rat? He nicked half my pride along with my Galleons."

"Can't say I've seen anyone. Plenty of people passing through, though — who're you after?" Luca asked idly, buying time, his expression unreadable. He knew precisely who the lug was looking for, but he had financial skin in the game. The boy looked frustrated and huffed something as he began moving further down the corridor with equal grace as before. Before he left, he muttered something as a warning to Corranado: "Should've known — never owe a Goblin anything, even a half of one. Never trust Barrows - he's half-Goblin, full-git."

Several long moments passed, and Luca was sure the lug was gone.

"The coast is clear," Luca said towards the door.

If Greg Powers did not beat Harvey to a blood pulp, both Luca and he could discover that they had many things in common. Inspired by their parent's work ethic, rising to the pressure of meeting their expectations and an unshaken commitment to being punctual. The boy even had a neat appearance that mirrored his own and Harvey appreciated that. So many were all too casual about such things. The was a prestigious institution of magic and people ought to have the decency to dress accordingly. Though that mattered little in the moment. Harvey would have to forget his judgements for now and focus on surviving the day.

The young goblin slid into the toilet room and pressed his back against the door. He focused on his breathing to keep from sucking wind and silently waited to see if his deal would go through. "Vault rat"? Harvey rolled his eyes. Greg Powers was a troll in human form, but would did he really need to stoop so low as to make fun of the boy's ethnicity? Harvey would remember that next time. He may not be a fighter, but he could hold a grudge like the best of them. He'd let time slip by, let the brute lower his guard and when least expected the blow would come. Perhaps not a physical one, but it's hurt all the same.

A wicked grin curled Harvey's lips when he heard his new contractual partner hold up his end of the bargain. Oh the way a bit of silver could influence. His adoration for coin probably fueled the stereotypes of his kind, but money was power and proof was in the pudding. Harvey barely listened as Greg took one more shot at his heritage before stomping off in the other direction. "Excellent." He turned and opened the door and as he did so his free hand reached into his school robe to retrieve his coin purse. "Your payment." Harvey reached out with a shiny sickle in between an abnormally long thumb and index finger.

There was no need to let this interaction be purely transactional. This other boy had been mentally sharp enough to process the benefit of Harvey's offer in just a quick moment. Perhaps his was a mind worth getting to know. "Harvey Barrows." Again the lad would extend his hand for a proper introduction. "May I ask why you were posted up in front of these toilets? I mean no offense, but maybe an odd choice for a hangout?"

Date: June 27th, 2025	Speech | Thoughts
Time: Morning	Notifications: @Harvey Barrows (interacting) @Avis Greymond (mentioning) @Victoria Blythe (mentioning)
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The Corranado boy let the sickle fall into his palm before rolling it between his thumb and forefinger for a quick inspection. Satisfied, he tossed it into the air about chest height before snatching it quickly with the same hand and slipping it into his neatly pressed Slytherin robe. Luca then noticed the extended hand after his arms and hands had disappeared under the same school robe. Without much hesitation, his hand that looked purely Human reached out from the robe and took Harvey's hand in a firm handshake. As the half-Goblin introduced himself as Harvey Barrows, the wizard became thoughtful.

Dad has mentioned the name Barrows before. Perhaps he has had some dealings with this boy's family in the past? Corranado thought in the moments that the handshake lasted. Quickly, though, the Slytherin spoke up with a sly smirk. “Another sickle and I’ll forget you ever existed,” Luca quipped with a smirk that left his tone deliberately unreadable. His face went from thoughtful to sly to perhaps holding a modicum of disappointment after the boy's second question. He thought about how he had a grand adventure planned for two people he thought he had made friends with.

"Well, I had owled two girls that I met in my last potions class this year to see if they wanted to explore the castle. They agreed that we would explore the abandoned toilets here, but they appear to have changed their plans without informing me," the wizard said evenly, looking between the door and the Barrows boy. He wondered what adventure lay beyond the doors that he had just slipped into, and didn't want to waste his first year on just academics. As he spoke, a thought occurred to him, and he acted on it.

“Luca Corranado. Would you be interested in a little adventure then?” he asked, curiosity glinting in his deep blue eyes more than any disappointment from earlier.

ℬrookline stood in the middle of Hogwarts' library, and tried to decide which book to read. She sighed, and went to a shelf. She noticed how sooted and foul one was, and used her fingers to dust it off. "There, good as new." Andddd.... now she was talking to herself.


Once she grabbed a novel, Brookline went back to the table she was occupying. Tigeress was on top, lodging on the wooden table. She shook her head slightly, Silly kitty, and she started rubbing the cat's ears. Tigeress would adore whenever she petted her.

Brookline leaned back in her chair to crack open her book, and read. Tigeress leaped into her lap, turned once, twice, and then, oh, not that comfortable for me. She leaped off and scurried out of the library, there she goes. "Ugh! Tigeress, no!" The Ravenclaw girl exclaimed, "You can't just run of like that! We've talked about this!"

The Welsh girl grabbed her Enchanted Satchel, swinging it over her shoulder, and sprinted after her kitten. How many times has her pet ran away from her just a measly old game? Though, Brookline did not think it was a silly game, it was life or death as the acids in her stomach twist and turn, and her throat grew extremely dry, the hairs on her nape high and alert.

The young Quinn raced out into a corridor, and stopped just before she headed right into annother witch. Sidestepping quickly, she ducked into annother hall, and her wide, dark blue eyes searched for that tiger-like tail. There! Tigeress' tail flickered, and she was chasing after something. Brookline raced after her, and she had her arms outspread as she nimblely tiptoed after her kitten.

Then her kitten raced upstairs. Shit! Brookline's thoughts raced, Tigeress, stop! Then, as if, her cat could even understand or hear her. And she had no choice but to tumble after Tigeress up the stairs. She grabbed hold of the banister to propel herself forward and she let loose a dramatic sigh.

Brookline chased her kitten up annother floor and she reached the Second Floor. There was a classroom or two, the Study Hall, and the Abandoned Toilets. The latter not one she encountered mostly. Just a portrait, Brookline had a light bulb turn on. She could hide behind the thick curtains and tapestries! Why didn't she think of this before? And behind she the curtain she was, keeping a doting eye on Tigeress. The feline decided to investigate near a crack in the wall, possibly a rodent that was behind the castles walls, caught in her scent.

Just when Tigeress was too distracted, Brookline made the decision to pounce now. The predator now was turned prey to her owner. With arms stretched out wide, Brookline came from the tapestries, and crept towards the cat, then a surprise to the feline, as she wrapped her hands around the finicky kitten's midsection. Tigeress tried her hardest to scramble out of her girl's arms, but it was too late, Brookline had a iron-strong hold. And despite the claws digging into her skin, she would keep her hold on her kitten.

Just as Brookline was to walk down towards the lower floors, she heard two students talking in undertones in the Abandoned Toilets. Intrigued, she crept closer to the door, and saw two wizards, one shorter than the other and has quite pointy ears, one was with dark brown hair and a sandy skin tone.

Oh! Brookline thought, The one with pointy ears is Harvey! She just didn't know who the other was. Then he introduced himself to the part-goblin.

Brookline decided to go in and say hi to Harvey's new friend. Of course, she didn't really wanna talk to anyone at the moment, yet, there goes Old Brookline. Always a-talking with anybody, anywhere.

"Hi Harvey!" The Welsh Ravenclaw plastered on a smile. And to the other boy, "Hello, I'm Brookline! Brookline Quinn."

Always interrupting things, she is. Brookline struggled against her cat, yet, had a smirk on her face, even though it was fake.

occ note: so sorry for delay!

Harvey offered his own smirk as Luca took the sickle and made a quip about further deals. He was pleased that this boy knew the value of a coin and profitable agreements. Too many their age weren’t thinking of their futures and how wealth would shape them. It also made it apparent that Luca was perhaps of like mind. Harvey would be expected to make it on his own after Hogwarts and that would require many partners to achieve. So, he made a mental note about this boy. Plenty of potential.

Harvey nodded along as Luca explained his reason for being there. Exploring a restroom was maybe an odd choice, but in a castle this ancient it really was worth exploring every nook and cranny. So many secrets, centuries of mystery around every corner. It was incredible to think about how many minds had been molded within these walls. How much skill and talent had been honed. The castle had seen so much of Wizarding history, from goblin revolt to civil war. “A shame to abandon a commitment without warning, but perhaps it was meant to be.” They were standing before each other by chance alone. Harvey didn’t put too much emphasis on such things, but it could also not be denied. “Let’s see what these toilets have in store for us.”

Just as Harvey agreed to be Luca’s companion a familiar voice would call his name. It had been some time since their introduction, but that chat and her presence had made quite the impression on him. “Brookline, what a pleasure to see you.” Harvey offered a slight bow of his head in formal greeting as she introduced herself to Luca. “We are embarking on a grand adventure to explore this abandoned restroom. Come, join us.” He gestured before making his way through the door.

Date: June 27th, 2025	Speech | Thoughts
Time: Morning	Interacting: @Harvey Barrows, @Brookline Quinn
« Preceding | Following »

The Slytherin boy nodded with a quiet, composed nod at his new adventuring partner and prepared to set off on their journey into toilets unknown. He already knew of two legends surrounding this room. His research into the location had been extensive during one of many late nights at the library. Luca learned about the legend of Moaning Myrtle, but there had been few confirmed sightings in recent years. The other legend is the one that kept the young Parselmouth's interest the most. Legend held that the abandoned toilets on the second floor were the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets. It was an absurd theory… yet exactly the sort that drew his curiosity.

His mind drifted back to a memory from his childhood, when he was exploring Epping Forest with his nanny, Lillianna. She was always going far beyond what any caretaker was expected to do, and she also served as the primary home-school teacher. To Luca, she was more than just a nanny; she was a friend and a second mother. I cannot wait to see her and tell her all about Hogwarts, interrupted the memory of when he learned he was a Parselmouth. During the exploration of Epping Forest, they found themselves face-to-face with an Adder snake.

Without thinking, the only Corranado child spoke to it in what he thought was English, and it listened to him. He vividly remembered the wild expression on Lillianna's face because of what she had just heard from Luca's mouth, not realizing he was speaking a different tongue entirely. This memory brought him back to the moment he was in, ready to explore the toilets, and debating whether such information should ever be shared. Suddenly, a taller brunette with fair, light skin and hair cascading down her back, judging by its flowing as she came around the corner, was present and introducing herself to Barrows.

"Pleasure to meet you, Miss Quinn. I am Luca Corranado," the Corranado boy said confidently and offered a hand to Brookline. The hand was presented with practiced etiquette, mindful of propriety. Considering the informal setting, a kiss on the back of the hand wasn't appropriate, but gently taking her hand, if allowed, followed by a warm smile would be. Were it to be denied, the Slytherin boy would still offer the warm smile and reach for the door to the abandoned toilets.

"Yes, please do join us for a bit of investigating," the Corranado boy said welcomingly as he stepped through the door after Harvey. The sight that greeted them was as Corranado expected it to be. He was surprised that Hogwarts would let any of its rooms reach such disarray, especially with the existence of magic. However, he realized that some locations may have been left this way due to the legends that were created here from previous events. This would leave the Hogwarts administration with the decision on whether to allow these legends, ghosts, or other entities to be disturbed by student traffic.

Either way, it was hard not to notice the state of things: the sour, stagnant smell of standing water, dirty, decrepit, having been devoid of the concept of cleanliness or order for years past and to come. Luca's eyes darted up to a broken window high on a wall where a stiff wind blew into the lavatory, leaving the boy tightening his cloak to fight against the draft that became evident.

"Charming," Luca remarked dryly as he took in the surroundings of the room.

ℬrookline grimaced as her kitten's claws dug into her pale skin, then noticed her mistake and her small, polite smile was back. Harvey nodded to her, and she, just a bit confused, nodded back and stated, "Nice to see you too!" Ever since their first meeting when the young Quinn literally almost bumped into a tree, and even after Harvey told her about his part-human nature, she still wondered what was it like to be a goblin. It's gotta be so cool, being a half-human, you get life as a human and life as a vampire or werewolf or in Harvey's case, a goblin.

Brookline presented her name to the younger boy, and he introduced hinself as Luca. Luca offered his hand, with a friendly smile, and the Welsh Ravenclaw thought, Pure-blood, or a wealthy Muggle. She outstretched her hand though, just to be polite and nice, shaking Corranado's hand. "Likewise, I'm delighted to meet you as well."

Explore? The... Abandoned Toilets? Brookline thought, her full lips pursed as Harvey invited her to this "adventure" these two wizards were apparently on. Then Luca stepped through the door, welcoming her to come as well.

Brookline narrowed her eyebrows, yet inched towards the door that both Corranado and Harvey disappeared in. Her kitten struggled to get the heck away from her. "Uhhh.. Wait! I suppose I'll come too...." Brookline sighed, her hair flying into her eyes.

Then Tigeress decided to twitch her tail in the girl's face. The fuzzy fur itched her nose, and she sneezed, causing her throat to itch and throb. She sighed, and exclaimed, "Fine! You better stay by me, miss." Brookline released her hold on Tigeress, and the cat leaped out of her arms, landing on the ground with such grace as a feline should have.

As soon as she stepped inside, Brookline felt a frigid chill. She pulled her white cover-up over herself, and goose bumps trailed up her legs. Her Jean shorts did nothing as she continued, cocking her neck back to look around. A cracked window was the first thing she saw, and was causing the draft. Her nose wrinkled, as she noted the sharp, sour smell. She wanted to throw up.

"So... what are we doing exactly? Will this be dangerous for.... a cat? Er..." The anxiety grew as Brookline followed her two companions, her stomach flipped, cartwheeled, and was all over the place, as direct fear settled into her brain.

She sighed, and wondered how deep this lavatory went. Brookline glanced behind to make sure her beloved kitten was trotting along beside her.

occ note:

As Harvey entered the restroom he would have to suppress a shudder at the state of it all. "Goodness." Was all they boy could manage as he tried to acclimate. His aversion to filth and mess wasn't completely debilitating, but Harvey was known for his tidiness. The dorm room he occupied was spotless, his bed never left unmade, his suits pressed daily and he wouldn't be caught dead outside of the boy's dormitory without pomade combed through his hair. To think that Hogwarts would allow a room to be kept in this state was almost unthinkable. While the castle was a bit odd in places it was always well kept by its dutiful elven staff.

"What? Is this all for show then?" Harvey had read Hogwarts, A History. He knew of the legends that had been passed down from one generation to the next. Ghosts and secret passages, hidden lairs and ancient magics, but as he looked at the run down stalls and the once immaculate marble sinks it just felt like a shame.

Harvey turned when Brookline entered the room and offered a slight grin. He was genuinely happy to se her again. There was something about her energy that he was drawn too, but it would be hard to suppress his look of distaste as her cat followed. Hogwarts' pet policy was one of his least favorite things about the school. It was simply crawling with snakes, spiders and all sorts of furry creatures. Could they not stay in kennels and terrariums? Some place other than his dormitory? Now was not the time for that argument though. "Your cat should be fine. I don't think there is actually anything in here."

The little goblin strolled around, carefully lifting up the hem of his robe and making sure not to step in stagnant puddles. "So, Luca? Not much to see I'm afraid. Was there something specific that you hoped to find?"