Lurking the Corridors ⍋ Closed

Kaegan moved through the hallway, looking smug. Potions had gone particularly well, ending with him as the top of the class. Ony to be expected, however, he thought vainly, climbing up the set of steep stone stairs and past the rows of glowing torches that led to the ground floor. The normal clamor of students reached his ears, ringing throughout the arched corridors that made up Hogwarts. On the other hand, the dungeons seemed blissfully rid of people, and the Gryffindor considered staying there for a while, incredibly bored of his peers.

Successfully marring the quiet, a heavy sound of footsteps behind Kaegan sounded, and two tall, heavyset boys that he recognized from his previous classroom ascended the stairs, the older one stopping to give him a once-over. He seemed like the definite leader of the two-person pack, the awed commander. The Gryffindor gave him a look of poorly concealed distaste, his self-satisfied attitude still not wavering. "Hey, aren't you the 'smart' kid?" the older boy began abruptly, bending his fingers in quotations. His underling snickered warily like he wasn't sure this was the right moment to join the conversation.

"Oh, is it that obvious? Clearly, I'm doing something right," Kaegan snarked, glancing disdainfully at the two. "I don't think I can say the same for you, however." The older boy opened his mouth to say something in retort before turning a light shade of angry red and shoving roughly past Kaegan, his follower in tow. The Gryffindor raised one brow arrogantly as they disappeared around a corner, watching as the smaller one cast a quick, peevish glance over his shoulder.

Other students were now starting to wander through, the majority of them swiftly dropping their gazes as Kaegan passed. A few shot him dirty glares, most likely remembering past encounters with a clear vividity. He moved through the crowd, sidestepping groups of first years huddled together while they compared schedules, and scanning the hallways for a preferable exit. The Gryffindor considered himself highly superior to his classmates, which was just one of the reasons that compelled him to leave promptly- getting stuck in a conversation with one of them was sure to end on bitter terms.

He turned a corner, looking around with a self-important smile at the sudden emptiness. "Hey freak, shouldn't you be in the Abandoned Toilets right about now?" a familiar voice echoed through the hall, ricocheting off the high, tapestried walls. Kaegan's smirk dropped and he scowled in the direction of the noise. What were the odds that he'd run into the same imbeciles twice? He wandered haughtily in the general direction of the commotion, taking his time before rounding another bend to see a pale girl with choppy black hair leaning against the wall. The older boy stopped jeering at her and turned sharply away, stalking in the opposite direction. He stopped momentarily at the sight of Kaegan, long enough for the Gryffindor to offer him a supercilious smile, before he was gone.

"I'm pleased to see he has the capability to form a complete sentence," Kaegan said sarcastically in the direction of the girl, watching the boy's retreating back with an arrogant disposition. He turned to eye her patronizingly, taking in the dark bags under her eyes and her heavy breathing. The Gryffindor could recall seeing the girl a few times before, but never entering into a conversation. Still, she seemed less frivolous than the rest of the students he'd come across- and he appreciated the hand gesture she'd made just before.

"Still, I have a suspicion his head is only there to keep his ears apart."

@Lana Monet

The girl sitting slumped against the wall turned her head up, allowing Kaegan to get a better glimpse at her. She was quite thin, which had either caused her alarmingly pale skin and gaunt, sunken cheeks or been a natural side-effect of the two. Her hair was jet-black and unevenly cut and her eyes were a green that seemed to stand out against the rest of her features, from where Kaegan stood in the slanted passageway. She didn't look particularly welcoming or comforting, on that matter, more like she'd just as easily stab you without batting an eye as she would wave a casual 'hello' in the hallways. Blue decorated her robes, proclaiming her to be in Ravenclaw, a seemingly unfit choice from what he could grasp of her forbidding exterior.

There was something else too, something the Gryffindor couldn't place a finger on that lingered around this girl. The air seemed chillier in her presence, though no drafts had entered, and Kaegan shivered involuntarily, an air of distaste falling over him. Something was making him feel irritatingly unsafe, almost threatened by an unconscious entity. The back of his mind, while not managing to pass through any signals to his conscious thoughts, was contemplating leaving before the Ravenclaw saw him begin to cower, which every sense was starting to mildly recommend he do. Arrogantly, the boy hid this well, studying her instead with a look of practiced disdain. While unable to fully shake the ominous feeling that loomed over his head like a light cloud, Kaegan's air of superiority gradually drifted back, reclaiming itself with a force.

The girl snickered softly, not quite loud enough to be a laugh but exuding the same effect, profound on its own. There was a pause where Kaegan lifted a brow superciliously, for a brief moment wondering if she knew how to speak. He wouldn't be surprised if the answer was negative- she didn't seem like the type of person who would readily jump into a conversation, despite the subject. When she finally formed words, her tone was raspy and sounded practically unused, like it hadn't been operated frequently enough to stay in perfect condition.

"It's a miracle he can even form thoughts on his own," came the belated response, her head turning to curiously eye the empty corridor where the two boys had been just prior. "That's what the other one's for," Kaegan said jeeringly, letting his gaze slide to the deserted hall as well. Torches flickered uncertainly in their ornamental sconces, and the room, while entirely sealed off, still had a slight chill to it. Pale light from the arched windows filtered down, arriving in an array of opaque colors through the stained glass and illuminating the ground around the two students with bright, irregular patterns. There was chatter from the surrounding halls, but it was faded and dull as if it came from behind several heavy, closed doors.

"Who are you?" The grating voice came again, blunt and direct. Kaegan returned his focus over at her and considered a sarcastic reply before thinking better of it. Though he normally wouldn't take others into consideration, he had a minute feeling that his new companion wouldn't appreciate the typical satire.

"Kaegan Chase. Will I be granted the pleasure of your name as well?" While not clearly mocking, as per usual, the Gryffindor allowed a cynical edge to creep into his tone, despite his fleeting inclination to reply with civility. However, it seemed unlikely he would be able to gain much politeness from this Ravenclaw in return, who was, as yet to prove herself friendly and naive, far from akin to the people Kaegan habitually found himself stumbling upon.

Suddenly, his voice- refined and reflecting his upbringing with a shining clarity- dropped off, replaced with a slight, distasteful sneer. The pattering of heavily placed footsteps echoed through what had previously been a room bordering on eerily still, shattering any notion of quietude with resolve. Their former guests had reappeared, stomping down the hall with angry faces- or at least, the taller boy was. The shorter one looked meekly timid as he scurried after, eager not to be left behind.

"Ah," the Gryffindor said, his tone ridiculing as he glanced their direction. "What a pleasant surprise. I was beginning to miss you."

@Kaegan Chase

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The torches that illuminated the hallways seemed to flicker as she smirked, soon resting back to normal as her face dropped. She noticed his change in tones- from once sarcastic and uncaring, to now serious and intrigued. She wondered why this was. Perhaps to appease her? She didn't seem to think she was that readable, though maybe this boy just had a knack for paying attention.

She stuck her hands in her pockets, the slight chill that swept the corridors brushing upon her fingertips. At the inquiry of her name, she half-contemplated lying, giving him an alias. It'd be amusing, though useless for the time being. Though perhaps she'd start doing such a thing, to create even more confusion for those who spoke about her.

It was obvious he had second-guessed himself in his response, probably unsure as to what reply would set her off the least. Did he think she was going to hurt him? It was certainly possible, though pointless in its entirety. If she was going to cause harm she'd make sure it was to someone who deserved it, and this boy looked far from dangerous.

"Lana. Lana Mone-"

She spoke formally, or at least she did until her sentence was suddenly cut short by the sound of amused chattering. They locked eyes with Lana, their grins wide. They seemed to be confident now; as if they were ready to push her and her new.. acquaintance around.

"What a pleasant surprise. I was beginning to miss you." The Gryffindor said amusingly, as if he wouldn't mind engaging in an argument with them. Lana looked at him quizzically, unsure as to why he would even bother.

They opened their mouths as if to speak, an idiotic remark ready to roll off their tongues. Though before they were given the chance, Lana whipped out her wand instead. She pointed it at them calmly, their faces now fearful. She knew she wasn't going to use anything dangerous, though it would be fun to cast a jinx or two.

"I will give you five seconds to run.. After that I will cast whatever comes to mind."

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Kaegan raised a brow with a smirk at the new arrivals, suspecting he was to deal with them on his own, which he preferred. While his companion, her hands now in her pockets, didn't seem like the most pleasant person to engage in an unsavory conversation, he doubted she would willingly offer her assistance if she wasn't the one being provoked. Lana, was it? It seemed to be a surprisingly innocent name for such a hostile person, almost ironic in its simplicity. He couldn't recall ever meeting a Lana, yet the name was supposedly common among girls, meaning 'light' or something equally praising in Greek. He eyed her choppy strands of ebony hair and sinister glare, suppressing a haughty snicker. No, not fitting at all.

While their conversation had played out, all chatter echoing around the distant hallways had faded from dull ambiance to unnoticeable murmurs. The vast majority of reasonable students, the ones who weren't too proud to mingle with their peers or too terrifying to try, had returned to their common rooms, presumably easing themselves down by a roaring fire or perched atop one of the four-poster beds. There were a few muffled voices coming from around some of the many bending and twisting passages that wound their way into Hogwarts, but each passing dialogue disappeared as quickly as it'd arrived. No prefects or teachers, unless they were prone to Apparition, would have an easy time stumbling upon the scene. Again, this felt beneficial in Kaegan's viewpoint- less of a need to act politely.

The two boys, easily excitable, were looking at them with expressions of glee like they were fascinating zoo exhibits. Neither had on distinguishable robes from where the Gryffindor was standing, alone in this echoing corridor next to a chilling girl, and he hadn't bothered to check their houses earlier, as he assumed one run-in with him and Lana would suffice their appetite for being mocked. Seemingly, the boys weren't appeased. The taller one looked like he was about to say something, the gleam in his eyes almost visibly unintelligent, when Kaegan heard motion behind him. Upon turning, a slightly amused look on his face, he found the Ravenclaw, her expression placid, suddenly alert with her wand outstretched towards the two boys.

"I will give you five seconds to run. After that, I will cast whatever comes to mind."

He looked at her appraisingly, a mix of arrogance and levity playing on his features. Apparently, his assumption of her indifference was wrong. He was mildly doubtful of her capacity to cast anything either lasting or eventful, but a simple hex didn't seem too far beyond Lana's reaches. It was refreshing to Kaegan, the act of regarding someone superciliously, only to be proven that they were, in fact, passable- a rare occurrence, but reassuring all the same. Perhaps there was hope for some of the wizards and witches accumulated at Hogwarts, if only a scant few. What did it say, however, that a vaguely redeeming member of the student body was this girl, who was reserved, threatening, and disliked?

The Gryffindor, with a small sneer, turned back to the boys, who were yet to move. The larger one, looking visibly nervous, stepped forward, voice tremoring marginally as he muttered: "What're you gonna do, freak?" The small one hadn't said a word, and instead looked like he wanted nothing more than to hurriedly break away from the two people facing him.

Kaegan's voice was derisive when he spoke again, eying both boys with an air of contempt he made no notion to disguise. While it was slightly admirable- in the way people admire circus clowns for making them laugh- that the boy had chosen to brazenly continue his endeavors instead of yielding, it also seemed like a poorly imitated attempt at bravado, executed without a great deal of thought. "How rude of us. It appears we've forgotten you don't know how to count to five," the Gryffindor said, aloof and disparaging.

Keeping his wand tucked into the pocket of his robes, Kaegan looked to Lana, his expression of conceit marred slightly by curiosity as to her next move. She was hard to speculate at, unpredictable in her decisions, and it seemed likely that any guesses towards her actions would prove themselves to be wrong.

The good thing about this girl, however, was that she would probably choose something favorable.

@Kaegan Chase

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There was a moment of silence as she seemed to stare at the older one, her eyes so cold it was if she was peering right into his soul. It wasn't long before he spoke, the tremble in his voice enough to amuse Lana. They needed to be taught a lesson, though she figured now was not the right time, or the right place. It was tempting, yes, though having to explain herself for taunting a couple of 5th year boys wasn't particularly in her agenda.

Her eyes flicked back to Kaegan, his expression reading one of pleasure and intrigument. It was a perfect opportunity to show who she really was, but also dangerous at the same time. Exposing herself too much took a high risk, especially if the boy intended on running and tattling.

"Dare I say I have a few experiences with the Unforgivables." She replied jeeringly, her bluff coming across foolproof. Despite her traumatic childhood, she still had never been exposed to such things. Even that was stepping over the line for her family.
"Y-you'd get expelled! You're just trying to scare us!" The smaller one squeaked, pointing at her accusingly. "W-wait until I tell the headmaster about this!"

Lana smirked casually as if it wasn't a big deal to her, the flame in her eyes still burning. "Ah, you act as if expulsion is really so bad. I really couldn't care less about leaving this shithole."
This statement was both true and false at the same time. As much as she hated the students here, she couldn't help but become attached to the halls that she seemed to roam every single day. Leaving it wouldn't result in grief, though it certainly wouldn't be considered relief either.

The wand she held lowered slowly, her eyebrows raised for a second indicating it was their cue to leave. Permanatley, this time. It was exhausting having to deal with such stupidity, and on top of that manage a conversation with a stranger.

The boys needed no second warning, their unproportionate bodies running frantically down the hallway and making a sharp turn. She waited until they were gone to say anything, the laughter practically dying to escape her lips. She would await the call to the headmaster's office later in the day, though for now, she had a conversation to get back to.

"As I was saying, Lana Monet." Her previous chilling personality still remained, though to a lower extent. Perhaps she would regret befriending this boy, though maybe it would result in something interesting. She'd have to wait and see.

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Kaegan watched Lana, his demeanor a mixture of haughty amusement and mild curiosity. She was staring at the boys coldly, a threat poised on her lips. It was highly unlikely, the Gryffindor thought, that she had any real knowledge of an Unforgivable curse, nor would she cast one in a school hallway. Maybe her exterior was cruel and uninviting, and the bluff, however genuine, couldn't be discerned from fiction, but there was a limit to the capabilities of a student. The smaller boy spoke again, his voice nothing but a high squeak which Kaegan was sure had risen several octaves since his last utterance. He pointed one shaky finger, defiantly accusing Lana of a lie. Scare tactics? "I don't believe she has to speak in order to make you afraid," he ridiculed, raising a brow at the boy in disdain. His diminutive frame was practically quivering as he stepped back behind his burly companion.

The light in Lana's eyes still hadn't faded, a seemingly large step up from the dull way he'd been greeted. "Ah, you act as if expulsion is really so bad. I really couldn't care less about leaving this shithole," she said. Kaegan's smug expression wavered, if only imperceptibly. While it wouldn't be entirely unpleasant for him to leave, of course, and continue his studies at an accelerated rate, not surrounded by crowds of irrational students, the familial response he would garner surely wouldn't be favorable.

Had a Chase ever been expelled? He doubted it- pride ran in their blood, even unnecessary strands of it. Lana had lowered her wand during his ruminating and was giving the boys a look that bordered on unrestrained menace. The two opposers turned out of fear and sped down the hallway, even quicker than they'd stormed off previously, with the shorter one leading the retreat. They made a sharp left and were gone, their footsteps still echoing in the empty corridor long after it was vacant.

Kaegan turned back to face Lana, a complacent smirk on his face, intermingled with some slight humor at the spectacle he'd just witnessed. She hadn't changed her manner- it was still quite distant- but the bitterness and reluctance he'd felt she'd shown in their conversation seemed to have lessened. Had her aims been set towards simple, dutiful pleasantries, or was she really trying to befriend him? The comical scene played out before them combined with the sheer ludicrousy of that proposition prompted him to let out a small snicker, his tone far from friendly.

Even trying to imagine a casual relationship with this girl was laughable- entirely pointless, really. She did, in her favor, retain a certain air of supremacy towards others that he couldn't discredit, but besides that her current marvelous qualities were slim. He could easily endure the prospect of them being acquaintances, a passing nod in the hall, or a person who could be sought after to answer a question, but companions? Fatuous.

"As I was saying, Lana Monet," the Ravenclaw said, aimed at Kaegan. He narrowed his eyes momentarily, the name Monet ringing a concealed bell. Weren't her family a set of rigid Purebloods? He was sure he'd heard his father mention the name before. Lana rose in his esteem; maybe being friends wasn't entirely out of the question, after all. Despite the persona she exuded, there was a certain confidence and similarity to his own nature that he could, if he bothered, bring to light as a redeeming quality in any decision regarding their amity.

Gesturing towards where the boys had formerly been, his derisive manner alleviated only a shade- but alleviated nonetheless- Kaegan spoke, his voice satirical, but not entirely disinterested.

"The pleasure's all mine. So, what brings you into the stimulating company of our two friends?"

@Lana Monet Sorry for a bit of a wait (: