Debates and Debacles PV Cade Darkbound Closed

Interacting with
@Leonard Oaksworth

Cade finally had some time to read up on beasts for the Mystical Creatures club he just joined. The first meeting was the following week. He didn't know whether or not the others were already experts on the subject. Cade didn't want to be the only one that had no clue what a Billywig or an Ashwinder were. He planned to camp out in the library and read Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them until he had some idea of most of the creatures that might be discussed. So far the book was going through each creature in alphabetical order. Not a bad way to organize a guide such as this. But it was definitely taking forever to read. He couldn't concentrate. It wasn't the occasional obnoxiously loud page turns of several students reading close by, nor the furious scratch of the quill of people taking notes and writing essays. It may have been the quiet murmur of people discussing classwork. But there was someone very distracting sitting to Cade's right a couple of seats down from the table he was parked.

The boy was around Cade's age maybe a little older. His robes carried a Slytherin house patch. He had a kind face with a mop of brown hair. But the boy was clearly frustrated with his homework. He was making a right mess with his quill and ink. Cade furrowed his brows, something told him that boy was going to have to start his work again if he ever wanted it accepted by a teacher. Something also told Cade that he didn't care. Cade thought that was no way to work.

Shaking his head knowingly, Cade had experienced those types of days before, he returned to his book. Turning the page his eyes hovered over a page covering the Demiguise. But it was almost as if he couldn't read. His eyes read over the words but his brain didn't soak any of it in. Cade didn't understand what was the matter. This only ever happened to him when reading A History of Magic. His eyes would glaze over and he would get the funny feeling of resting. Surely that was not happening to him now? He was very interested in what the Demiguise creature was. To make matters worse, the kid sitting to his right was now talking to himself!

"Homework back in Brighton was much easier than you." He told his paper. Cade wanted to tell the kid to shut up, but something that he said stopped him. "I'd much rather be solving for the value of a variable than having to read through three hundred pages just to figure out how it feels to get burned at the stake."

"Did you grow up there? In Brighton, I mean..." Cade started talking to the stranger before he could stop himself. He couldn't believe it! He was just annoyed at this kid, but now he was striking up a conversation with him? Something was very wrong with Cade today. On any other day, he would have eliminated the distraction by moving to another table. What was going on with him that he was now talking and engaging this boy?

Interacting With: @Cade Darkbound

He was slightly surprised when a voice answered his frustrated words. The scripting of social interactions was something proven rather difficult if the previous year had ended with any lesson, with the best cases and the worst cases both being results of throwing the script in the rubbish bin. As of then, he hadn't even prepared a rigid outline of what to do, as the only activities he'd scheduled for the day were rewriting essays, throwing them away, rewriting them once more and hopefully not throwing those away. People were not as easy to define, despite his mind's best efforts, but profiling the commenter on his residence was the closest to it. A Ravenclaw, Leonard could see, from the cobalt tie. Usually those of the eagle house were smart, though not always in the sense of tact. Hopefully it wasn't the rare exception, the ignorant bearers of the blue-and-bronze emblem who would first resort to demonstrating their lack of knowledge in just about everything before thinking.

"Yeah, yeah, I did," he said, folding the parchment and putting it into his pocket. "You grow up there as well? Somewhere near? Or are you one of those pureblood elitist types who think every muggle town is made of dirt and inhabited by animals? Hopefully the former, a magical neighbour would be fun. At least, more fun than my current neighbours who say their dog didn't poo in the backyard when it's clear as day it did."

The snake was cautious in his choosing what to say. Making another person in the school wish to hunt him down and throw him to the sometimes literal wolves was not on the agenda, and while sometimes it was a fun activity to pick on someone, his victims were usually chosen of his will, not the other way around. Plus, it was clear the dark-haired boy sitting across him was not one of the brainless targets that were enjoyable to crush beneath the weight of witty, passive-aggressive utterances, even if he was one of those lacking common sense and thinking ancestry and an extremely long name with French roots made them above the rest of Hogwarts.

Interacting with @Leonard Oaksworth

Cade wasn't sure what to make of this boy now. He talked with a bitter undertone about purebloods. Namely, ones that had muggle prejudice. Cade did not consider himself one of those types. For they were of a certain breed. Those types of purebloods usually lived out in the country away from any sort of muggle village. They had big mansions and only associated themselves with people of their blood status. Cade's upbringing was completely different. For one he lived in a muggle town amongst muggles! The Darkbounds didn't fuss over having Cade grow up among non-magic folk. In fact, they lived a very privileged lifestyle. Cade's family lived in a cozy townhouse with a house-elf named Dusty. They were wealthy without aristocratic nature. Sure the Darkbounds were always invited to those pureblood galas every year but they only attended to keep networking with their kind.

Cade was awfully curious now, Slytherin house was known to accept students that came from blood superior elitist families. The way this boy spoke separated him far from the other pureblood Slytherins. Cade felt somewhat affronted that this Slytherin would peg him as a pureblood elitist. Cade didn't blame him for thinking that way but it was completely beyond Cade's character. He now wondered if other people thought him to be that way. How would he go about correcting the falsity?

"On the contrary, I happen to live amongst muggles in a town called Ottery St Mary. I don't consider them to be animals. It's a shame that so many purebloods seem to think that way." Cade made sure to stamp out that theory as soon as possible. He couldn't have this stranger think that he was the worst sort of wizard. It almost made his blood boil thinking about it. "I'm Cade Darkbound by the way. I only asked because one of my muggle friends moved to Brighton last fall." Cade was a little eager to meet someone from Brighton who didn't mind living amongst muggles. It was a rare occurrence.

His book long forgotten, Cade moved over a seat, getting closer to the Slytherin. "Do you know a Henry Wilks? Blond and skinny? I don't know much about Brighton so I can't say how big a city it is." Now that he was closer, Cade could see that this boy's homework would definitely need a rewrite. There were even holes in the parchment where the ink was too wet. Despite this, Cade could tell the kid was smart. For the legible sentences were coherent and well structured. He obviously knew a lot about witch burnings.

Interacting With: @Cade Darkbound

His expression turned to that of faint surprise when his newest partner in conversation revealed himself to not be a terrible human being, even expressing resentment for such. It was a milestone, a one that's very existence was disappointing, but a milestone nonetheless. At the very least, there was little chance of a fight, physical or magical coming from idiotic prejudice. A verbal fight coming from any other topic, however, was perfectly plausible.

That in mind, Leonard decided to keep a wall of caution and passive-aggressive comments up. The snake adjusted his posture to appear less like someone who only a few moments prior was stabbing and talking to a piece of paper and more like a formidable figure, and cleared his throat before replying to the claim of the other boy, that despite being of likely wizard descent he lived in a muggle town. Frankly, Leonard found it hard to believe, but there were larger possible problems than wherever his raven-haired peer's childhood house was.

"Well, good. You can imagine my disappointment if you did think of perfectly normal human beings as animals, though if it turns out you're lying about that, you may experience the effects of that disappointment in ways you wouldn't like," he then paused, skimming mental folders for any information on a Cade or a Darkbound. After finding nothing, he continued, "My name's Leonard Oaksworth, bet you'd never heard of me, though. I like to keep myself a surprise, you could say."

When Cade, he now knew, moved closer, the snake tensed, a million different scenarios involving trips to the hospital wing playing in his head. Fortunately, the seat was not occupied for reasons concerning bruises and beatings, but for an inquiry about a blonde bloke.

"Well, I know of a Henry Knight, but Henry Wilks isn't a name I recognise. Most of the people I know in Brighton are customers at my family's bakery, so maybe he gets his pies and pastries from some other shop. I'll look out for him once summer comes."

"So, you never did answer my question fully," he turned to fully face the other boy, a scrutinizing look on his face. "You, apparently, aren't one of the elitists, but are you a pureblood? Something else, even? A prodigy who thinks himself better because he can wave a stick around?"

After internally debating whether or not he was being just a bit too harsh, Leonard decided to bring out a stilted semi-compliment with a less judging stare, one of many to come.

"Or maybe just a prodigy who has a normal, healthy amount of self-confidence. Wouldn't be surprised."

Interacting with @Leonard Oaksworth

Cade wasn't the type to judge before getting to know a person, but this particular snake was sending him some wrong vibes almost immediately. Cade didn't know how exactly to remedy this judgment that Leonard continuously threw at him. Surely Cade was being one hundred percent transparent with the boy. He had nothing to hide, and yet he was still reading a lot of mistrust in the kid's eyes. Internally, Cade made it his mission to try to appease this student. But then, what was the point if there was obviously a strong wall built up against him initially?

"I am pureblood, but I am not in any way egotistical about my abilities. I mean... before school, I couldn't do much of any magic. I mean. When I first got my wand I accidentally turned my house elf periwinkle." Cade smiled at the recent memory. Oh how much he'd grown since then. Just a short month later and he already knew a handful of spells. Cade couldn't wait to see just how he would evolve with a little more time. He became a stronger wizard each day.

"Clearly you think pretty highly of yourself. 'Keep yourself a surprise...' what is that supposed to mean? You're not about to spur something on me, are you?" Cade's optics swept over Leonard again, this time quizzically. The jack in the box remained poised in the collapsed position. At any moment it could spring out and attack. Cade was getting the feeling that Leonard wasn't one he'd truly get along with. How long did it take for this boy to become at least a little bit friendly? Cade didn't understand how one could continue to be so nasty.

Perhaps the boy was just having a bad time. From the looks of his paperwork, that was definitely the case. Cade considered going back to his reading and forgetting about this kid entirely. Again he mused about what would have happened if he'd gone to find another corner of the library. Slowly the Ravenclaw's patience with the boy chipped away. He was trying his very best to remain optimistic. Adamant about leaving with a friend and not a foe.

Interacting With: @Cade Darkbound

Trust was not something gained of Leonard Oaksworth easily. No, it was something more akin to a terribly tiring triathlon, consisting of many hurdles that seemingly popped from the ground and extended to. Perhaps it had something to do with the numerous incidents in early childhood, when opening the wrong door could set off a spiraling chain of events leading to a new phobia and stained school uniforms. Perhaps it had something to do with the fact only a minute or two prior his only objective was to scribble incoherently with fury upon his notes and somehow answer questions about a deceased alchemist with a penchant for collecting toads perfectly by the power of sheer annoyance. Perhaps it had something to do with the fact he was more than well acquainted with the fancily surnamed, child aristocrats who found joy in tormenting those considered lesser by eighteenth century standards. No matter the reason, he tried to keep his guard up, though he could sense without a sprinkle of semi-positivity every now and then his conversation partner would soon bolt from the library.

"Well, seems we have something in common there. Not the house elf part, of course, the closest thing to a helper elf in my house is an alarm clock," he matched the other boy's smile, his just a tad more tense. "One of the only times I can remember accidentally using magic was when this absolute imbecile Sean Murphy Junior started picking on me. Next thing you know, he's covered in little crawling creatures all over. They even cancelled school for a week because they thought there was an infestation." His smile turned wider at that and many deals more genuine. It was a fond memory, the first occasion he'd really appreciated the many possibilities of a wizard's will.

The snake nodded along as Cade stated his perception of the comments made. After all, it wasn't as though he could deny thinking of himself highly. Leonard thought back to a quote learned from a muggle book much too heavy for him, that one's ability should match their arrogance. While his wandwork could use much more practice, sure, he considered his ability to interrogate people beyond satisfactory. Of course, it was most certainly not a satisfying experience to be picked and prodded at by him, a pretentious prat prone to presumptions for the person prodded, but he always gained a pleasant sense of pride after.

"That depends, really. What, exactly, is the kind of information that you'd consider as something shockingly spurred on you?" His body relaxed a little as his mind began to formulate possible replies, a thousand different statements rushing through his mind, most at least a quarter false. A smirk formed as an answer was finally reached. "That I'm a Hufflepuff?"

After a few seconds of solemn silence awaiting Cade's reaction, he started snickering.

"No, no, I'm kidding. If I were placed in Hufflepuff, I'm fairly sure the Sorting Hat would be in a retirement home by now," he sighed as the chuckling subsided. In the last car of his train of thought, he wondered if retirement homes for hats existed, along with the annual salary of the Sorting Hat. "I'm a Slytherin, might be why we've never seen each other around in the common room. I'd say that you've probably got some ambitions too, though. Care to list some down?"

@Leonard Oaksworth

Perhaps this Oaksworth wasn't all bad. He too had fond memories of accidental magic in his past. And Cade found that he could warm up to people that admitted to their mistakes. There was honor in that. But Cade also wondered why Leonard had automatically assumed he was one to brag of his abilities akin to the quality of wizard who found blood status superiority important. Cade of course knew some families like that, thanks to his father's non-stop networking. But it wasn't as if he valued any of them.

Unsure if he was allowed to laugh at the notion of an infestation, Cade settled for an amused smile reaching to his honeyed eyes. "That must have been quite the infestation. I bet they didn't pick on you after such a horrifying experience." The young Ravenclaw somehow found it hard to believe that Oaksworth was a wizard that got bullied. He had almost a regal quality to him that was unmatched by other students. And Cade wasn't sure if that's what warranted him to be a target. But this quality was choked by the unmistakable ambition of a Slytherin. Cade decided that Leonard was someone to be wary of. No matter how innocent he looked, there was the unmistakable look of power in his beady eyes. And the way he molded his words was also something the Eagle had to protect himself of. There was a convincing and manipulative facet stamped onto this Slytherin. He could very well be dangerous if Cade wasn't careful.

This only heightened the alarm that came when Oaksworth suddenly spurred the false information that he was a Hufflepuff. And Cade found himself almost believing the snake despite the clear mark of his school robes and his less than amicable nature. And Cade would let his jaw slacken as he processed the information. Thankfully Oaksworth prooved the information false as he laughed at Cade's dumbfound expression. Blinking Cade would grin shamefaced at how easily the Slytherin had teased him. "I must be put in a retirement home. I didn't realize how gullible I could be. I'm sure you must be pleased prooving yourself right."

Cade took a breath, leaning back in his chair his curious eyes lifted to the vaulted ceiling. "As for ambitions... I've had aspirations to join the house dueling club. My father was on the Slytherin house team back in his year. It's something I always wanted to get into the moment he told me." For a moment the young Ravenclaw thought keenly about his father. The respectable ministry man was somewhat straight-laced. Patient and ambitious in business and networking. It was funny to imagine him in a dueling scenario, wearing his house colors with pride. And then Cade tried to imagine the same with himself, almost instantly doubts sprouted from the folds of his brain. "But I dunno if it's something I can really do this year. I only know so many spells. I can't exactly shoot red sparks at a fourth-year and expect winning results can I?"

Cade would chuckle towards such a thought, crossing his arms shaking his head. Dark bangs fell into his eyes as he looked up to regard the young Slytherin watching him. And quickly he thought to return the query. "How about you, Oaksworth? Any ambitions you wish to share?"