24 Jan 2021, 09:46
Final First Impressions
October 16th 2020
Immediately After the Ball
@Thomas LestrangeThe end of the ball did not necessarily signal the end of the night for Maria. All the other ball-goers had either been shooed away by faculty or had made their way back to their dorms, but she remained in the corridor. She remained with Thomas Lestrange. They’d lingered despite really not having much to do with each other. They’d been teammates in a watered-down version of a cult-classic featuring Slytherin’s finest, and now they were ball dates. It was by the most technical definition that they were such, being that one asked and the other accepted, and they both showed up. They didn’t talk much, nor did they dance, they made rounds around the floor but Maria noticed it was Thomas aggravating people more than anything.
She saw that Marion didn’t trust him, but then again Marion wasn’t exactly someone she knew well. Even if her attention had been more or less on the doll, she still heard snippets of the conversation, and the blonde was clearly upset when they’d approached. She presumed it wasn’t about her and more about the riddle-keeper she kept for company that night.
Then he stopped that blonde girl from whatever she was doing. The Huffle had witnessed it all but was much too shocked to really do anything. Thomas had acted as a prefect would, which she found no fault in. She also had no idea what the fight was about, nor did she know anyone involved. She thought it best to stay out of it.
It was strange, what she thought of him now. Perhaps she was a person that saw too much good in everybody and that’s why she still felt drawn to him now. Maybe he peaked an interest in her as he was a person she’d never encountered before.
Or perhaps she was just approaching the phase where the misunderstood bad boy type appealed to her more than a kindly Hufflepuff Quidditch captain. Either way, she didn’t dislike Thomas Lestrange and so far he hadn’t given her a good reason to. He was brooding, arrogant and a smidge on the creepy side but in the time she’d spent he just felt like a puzzle that you needed to solve.
None of these were things she was sure of, but she was sure that she’d want to see him again.
After moments of silence, she spoke first.
“You...” She started. “Have a problem with blondes don’t you?” An odd choice of words for an odd companion. She tried to meet his eyes and see what was going on with him. They hadn’t talked much, and Maria was mostly just polite and trying to match his wits earlier. Perhaps there was a conversation to be had here, or perhaps she just wanted a little more time with him before she went back.
Tryna solve a problem like Maria.
Stats:Stamina 8||Evasion 7||Strength 5 || Wisdom 8 || Arcane Power 8 ||| Accuracy 9
15 Feb 2021, 02:33
Final First Impressions
The intentions of a fluid and easy going evening were admirable at best, but Thomas should have know better. Even if he managed to remain on the outskirts of the many conflicts, the boy couldn't resist inserting himself into the action. Even a strategic move of a mostly blind date with a seemingly equable Hufflepuff, she would not deter his attention from those who shared past trifles.
The blonde Slytherin, Davenport, firmly implanted in the most ominous of happening that encompass the campus. To worsen her status, she refused a hand of help. Thomas would not blame her for doing so, the implication to make her play owl was not a such a comforting thought. It was the sole reason she refused to accept the many times he attempted making amends. Leaving each encounter with heightened tensions that would be discomforting for any bystander.
Next came the inclusion of Erin Ryan, a constant at any social gathering the two attended. Thomas was not her target this evening for a change, yet the two still crossed paths in hostility. After the girl had embarrassed Thomas last ball with a fire dance, the boy exposed her on a magical level. Revealing a body riddled with scars in public, a version of herself she tried to hide, erase from memory. It was only a matter of time the past caught up with her. And Thomas would not be around to share her pain.
After the evening's conclusion, Thomas parted from the group and rested against the stone walls of the corridors outside the ballroom. Still in his thoughts until Maria approached to interrupt this evening's reflection. Thomas turned to face her, a quirked brow at her direct way of addressing him. He pushed himself off the wall, turning to face her. "The problem is her own." He stated in defiance that he contributed to any ongoing conflict between them. Marion's inability to let go fueled their endless friction.
"Well, did you enjoy your front row seat to fight night, then?" Thomas smirked, the balls may have well been the equivalent. Many scheduled bouts of confrontation, some ending in a KO, others by submission. They may as well include a ring in each ball, make the many uncivilized students feel more comfortable. "Really an ideal setting after the way we met." Thomas added with hints of sarcasm, witnessing a fight seemed to be a staple in this...whatever this was between them.
The blonde Slytherin, Davenport, firmly implanted in the most ominous of happening that encompass the campus. To worsen her status, she refused a hand of help. Thomas would not blame her for doing so, the implication to make her play owl was not a such a comforting thought. It was the sole reason she refused to accept the many times he attempted making amends. Leaving each encounter with heightened tensions that would be discomforting for any bystander.
Next came the inclusion of Erin Ryan, a constant at any social gathering the two attended. Thomas was not her target this evening for a change, yet the two still crossed paths in hostility. After the girl had embarrassed Thomas last ball with a fire dance, the boy exposed her on a magical level. Revealing a body riddled with scars in public, a version of herself she tried to hide, erase from memory. It was only a matter of time the past caught up with her. And Thomas would not be around to share her pain.
After the evening's conclusion, Thomas parted from the group and rested against the stone walls of the corridors outside the ballroom. Still in his thoughts until Maria approached to interrupt this evening's reflection. Thomas turned to face her, a quirked brow at her direct way of addressing him. He pushed himself off the wall, turning to face her. "The problem is her own." He stated in defiance that he contributed to any ongoing conflict between them. Marion's inability to let go fueled their endless friction.
"Well, did you enjoy your front row seat to fight night, then?" Thomas smirked, the balls may have well been the equivalent. Many scheduled bouts of confrontation, some ending in a KO, others by submission. They may as well include a ring in each ball, make the many uncivilized students feel more comfortable. "Really an ideal setting after the way we met." Thomas added with hints of sarcasm, witnessing a fight seemed to be a staple in this...whatever this was between them.
@Maria Dee
We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful what we pretend to be
Stamina: 8 | Evasion: 7 | Strength: 7 | Wisdom: 8 | ArcPower: 3 | Accuracy: 7
Ability - Evasive Maneuvers 2x
19 Feb 2021, 22:41
Final First Impressions
@Thomas LestrangeOkay, so perhaps he was touchy when it came to the subject of the two blondes they’d come across. The energy he returned to her seemed that he wanted no involvement with them. A Pilate keeping his hands clean, Thomas vehemently insisted that he had nothing to do with whatever “teenage issues” Marion and Erin had. He was facing her now, away from his place against the wall. Maria had been opposite the wall from him, only turning to face him still leaning against the wall when she opened the conversation. Her lifted her head off the cold stone and also properly stood up. Where her companion was defiant she was a little more calm. The energy shift didn’t go unnoticed but she had no reason to pick a fight. But then again the subject bore no weight to her. It was just a means to start a conversation.
“Doesn’t mean you don’t seem to enjoy reminding her about them.”She challenged, mimicking his quirked eyebrow. “Or was just how say hello to your friends?”
Her date then shifted the topic. A smirk was on his face – a stark difference from the different versions of brooding or scowling that seemed to be his default. Briefly Maria wondered if a 13 year old could get wrinkles. Nevertheless, it was more than likely he’d get them as he turned older.
She couldn’t help but offer a chuckle and a small smile at his question, her gaze shifting downwards with a nod. Charming – or perhaps it could have been just interpreted as an attempt to be. “That’s true.” She looked back at him before continuing. “It was definitely an… interesting party. I didn’t think all the fighting energy would follow us all the way here. Though I do have to say that is happens again I know what I’m getting into next time.” She tentatively lifted her eyes hoping to catch his. Eyes were windows to the soul and maybe she’d find out something more about him if she looked there. Or maybe she just wanted to know if this boy had soul. An exaggeration but given that he talked like he’d seen much more than anyone of their age should perhaps it was a valid concern.
“I guess coming here was a better choice than I expected it to be.” If he allowed the eye contact she would briefly break it to contemplate on her next words before she looked back at him. “I enjoyed the company.” Another pause before she continued. “Did you? Uh, enjoy the fight I mean.” Odd of her to specify, but better to do so than to give him the wrong impression. Maria just hoped he understood.
Tryna solve a problem like Maria.
Stats:Stamina 8||Evasion 7||Strength 5 || Wisdom 8 || Arcane Power 8 ||| Accuracy 9
14 Jun 2021, 06:18
Final First Impressions
Maria's prod had a humorful undertone, but Thomas would not receive it as such. His impact on Marion's status was a futile endeavor. The boy represented a thinning string that threatened to split each time the ends were pulled apart. Marion would not receive his advice, or concern for her well being. Not that he could make any difference to her fate, but at the very least he could introduce her to someone that might.
With a huff, the boy opted to downplay his relationship with Marion. "A standard greeting, I thought." Offering a modest smile, he shifted his footing. Transitioning to the overall impression the evening provided for them. "Ryan has a knack for initiating the like." Thomas parted his lips to reveal his teeth, lifting a finger to point to one of his two front teeth. If Maria looked close enough, she would find a corner was missing, chipped via a fight years ago. "Ryan's doing."
"Enjoy is not the word I'd use. It was not my intention to reveal her secrets in public. @Erin Ryan is many things, but she has a right to her own privacy. As do I.. as do you." Thomas' tone developed into a more serious and thought provoking nature. "So when you lie about your enjoyment this evening, it is not my place to prod. You have a right to hide your true feelings, if you prefer."
"Did you need help finding your common room, or is this the time we part?" The boy offered to accompany her back in case the evening left her feeling disoriented. A kind gesture, but with Thomas Lestrange there was almost always a hidden agenda, especially when willingly sharing the company of others.
With a huff, the boy opted to downplay his relationship with Marion. "A standard greeting, I thought." Offering a modest smile, he shifted his footing. Transitioning to the overall impression the evening provided for them. "Ryan has a knack for initiating the like." Thomas parted his lips to reveal his teeth, lifting a finger to point to one of his two front teeth. If Maria looked close enough, she would find a corner was missing, chipped via a fight years ago. "Ryan's doing."
"Enjoy is not the word I'd use. It was not my intention to reveal her secrets in public. @Erin Ryan is many things, but she has a right to her own privacy. As do I.. as do you." Thomas' tone developed into a more serious and thought provoking nature. "So when you lie about your enjoyment this evening, it is not my place to prod. You have a right to hide your true feelings, if you prefer."
"Did you need help finding your common room, or is this the time we part?" The boy offered to accompany her back in case the evening left her feeling disoriented. A kind gesture, but with Thomas Lestrange there was almost always a hidden agenda, especially when willingly sharing the company of others.
@Maria Dee
We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful what we pretend to be
Stamina: 8 | Evasion: 7 | Strength: 7 | Wisdom: 8 | ArcPower: 3 | Accuracy: 7
Ability - Evasive Maneuvers 2x
20 Jun 2021, 04:08
Final First Impressions
@Thomas LestrangeAt first Maria thought Thomas’ demeanor might have changed. He looked almost relaxed, although she could feel that he was either hiding something or trying to act cool. But then again, she did not know much about him or Marion or Erin to make any conclusions.
Baring his teeth to her, he gestured to one that was slightly different from the rest, a piece of it missing. Maria reacted with a sympathetic wince. Apparently, the other blonde could pack a punch. Maria made a note to try and not get on her bad side… or any side of hers really. In the short amount of time she spent in Erin’s presence, she felt uneasy and the alarm bells in her head went off as if to warn her that this girl meant trouble.
Maybe she heard them (although probably much softer) around Thomas as well. After all, he was the type of person to consider Erin as an “acquaintance” of sorts. On the other hand, Maria herself was somewhat acquainted to Marion. She had no scars or chipped teeth to commemorate that day, but it absolutely left a mark. He was right. Everyone had their own secrets, and she had quite a few of her own. It was hard not to gather them living in the walls of Hogwarts. Perhaps they would not be the same, but they were secrets nonetheless – privy to a few, and probably only meant for the consumption of a select crowd.
She found it funny, however, that he would think she was lying about their time together. What a peculiar boy indeed. “I’m tempted to ask if you’re always this distrusting, but based on what I’ve seen I think that question answers itself.” The laugh she let out sounded more like a scoff. “I could be hiding a multitude of things from you Lestrange, but my opinions are probably the last thing I’d lie about.” She met his gaze again with a tight-lipped smile, and gave a nod in consideration. “Perhaps enjoy is a strong word, but it was definitely… something I wouldn’t be forgetting soon.” Also not the whole truth, but there was really no other way to describe it. Perhaps she would rather forget about the doll in the shadows she attempted to incapacitate, but by far, that was probably one of the tamer occurrences that she’d witnessed.
His offer “If you won’t have too much trouble finding the dungeons after, then I would appreciate the escort.” She said as she started walking backwards to the direction of the Hufflepuff Common Room. This time there was no teasing or sass in her voice, just the plain diplomacy of an offer extended. “Never know if any more of those things are lurking around.” This time, she gave him a subtle smile and a slight head tilt. The offer stood, although she was not expecting him to accept. Thomas Lestrange did not seem like the type to walk a date back to their Common Room. (If his ominous invitation was anything to go on, she thought he’d be lucky to have a date at all, if he was inviting people he barely knew).
Tryna solve a problem like Maria.
Stats:Stamina 8||Evasion 7||Strength 5 || Wisdom 8 || Arcane Power 8 ||| Accuracy 9
4 Nov 2021, 23:37
Final First Impressions
The insinuation was not personal, fun was far down the list of describing words for the evening. Thomas had a way of alienating his dates, a habit he recognized, though Maria would insist the evening was not so dull after all. Perhaps seeking the popcorn entertainment that comes with following Thomas into whatever devised conundrum the evening held.
Yet Thomas’ remark was only a ploy to see if Maria Dee, a Hufflepuff, was willing to stand by her words. To stand up for herself. A challenge she met swiftly, allowing the boy’s shoulders to relax, a sheepish smile to boot. ”What reason do I have to place trust in a stranger, after all?” Thomas issued a similar smirk back to the girl, motioning towards a hallway that grew empty given their delayed departure. ”You don’t know much about me, do you?” Another test, always playing games. Calculating, eager to learn the unique driving force behind each individual.
”Easy to get lost in the dungeons, perhaps the roles should be reversed?” The traditional roles of a man and woman faded with emerging independence from the latter. A role Thomas would embrace, and was comfortable with. An absent father and a single mother left to bend over backwards will do that.
Feeling out the girl’s return expression, she may notice a hint of playfulness upon his visage. It was not a serious offer. ”A smart point, you do never really know.” Playing the role of asshole was second nature, and as the hallways emptied from departing ballgoers, his implications may appear ominous.
Thomas motioned towards the empty corridors in the direction that would lead to the Hufflepuff common room. ”After you, then.” Trailing after to find her side, Thomas would allow some time to pass before speaking again. After turning to find a route through the revolving staircases, he returned to a topic of interest. ”So what are you hiding, then?”
@Maria Dee
Yet Thomas’ remark was only a ploy to see if Maria Dee, a Hufflepuff, was willing to stand by her words. To stand up for herself. A challenge she met swiftly, allowing the boy’s shoulders to relax, a sheepish smile to boot. ”What reason do I have to place trust in a stranger, after all?” Thomas issued a similar smirk back to the girl, motioning towards a hallway that grew empty given their delayed departure. ”You don’t know much about me, do you?” Another test, always playing games. Calculating, eager to learn the unique driving force behind each individual.
”Easy to get lost in the dungeons, perhaps the roles should be reversed?” The traditional roles of a man and woman faded with emerging independence from the latter. A role Thomas would embrace, and was comfortable with. An absent father and a single mother left to bend over backwards will do that.
Feeling out the girl’s return expression, she may notice a hint of playfulness upon his visage. It was not a serious offer. ”A smart point, you do never really know.” Playing the role of asshole was second nature, and as the hallways emptied from departing ballgoers, his implications may appear ominous.
Thomas motioned towards the empty corridors in the direction that would lead to the Hufflepuff common room. ”After you, then.” Trailing after to find her side, Thomas would allow some time to pass before speaking again. After turning to find a route through the revolving staircases, he returned to a topic of interest. ”So what are you hiding, then?”
@Maria Dee
We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful what we pretend to be
Stamina: 8 | Evasion: 7 | Strength: 7 | Wisdom: 8 | ArcPower: 3 | Accuracy: 7
Ability - Evasive Maneuvers 2x