Andrew Vance
REEEE
Wednesday: June 2, 2021
He had hopes that any Selkies near the surface would overhear his music, so he could seize the opportunity to talk with them, though he knew such odds were practically zero to none, like the reclusive Selkies of the Lake would ever venture far from their village. Still, it was a faint hope that kept drawing Andrew back to the Lakeshore to practice. It wouldn't go to waste, when he was older and had more freedom to roam outside of Hogwarts; he fancied he'd travel to Greece or someplace more abundant with Merfolk, so he could try the experiment on them, with more fluency over his instrument. If Merpeople's love of music really was as strong as Newt Scamander's writings said it was… Music was a universal language. Perhaps the soothing flow of his ocarina would help convey a message of peace to the Merfolk.
The smooth sound reminded him of water. Raindrops and bubbling brooks. Aquariums, and the glow of the Lake through his dorm window. A calming effect, something he genuinely sought whenever he brought the instrument to his lips, washing away his anxieties and stress from school. So different from the loud, blaring trumpet he played at home. Two different worlds. He rarely mixed both of them together. Whenever Andrew felt the urge to play his ocarina, was usually when he felt the need to be alone. Dan and Tyr might have heard a few tunes from him, wandering the Grounds together, an occasion or two when Andrew felt inspired (or pestered by his friends enough) to play for a human "crowd". Otherwise, he kept this pastime private, playing for his own enjoyment, not anyone else.
He kept his ears open for the gong of the bell tower that would signal the resumption of classes and send him scurrying up the hill slope, nearly tripping on his long black robes, once more. All was still calm, lulled by the warbling birds and waves lapping at the shore, when the last notes of lonely song drifted from his fingertips. Setting the instrument aside, placing it gently in his book bag, he then withdrew a copy of the Hogwarts Headliner, flipped to a page, and cast a nervous glance around, squirming a little uncomfortably; not from his cross-legged position on the grass, but on behalf of those about to be caught in the crossfire soundwaves, as he cleared his throat and sucked in a deep breath, internally cringing with a silent apology at the birds nearby.
No coincidence that his furry gray companion was absent this time around, shielded behind the walls of the Castle.
A flurry of feathers would erupt from the trees, pinpointing the screeches of a banshee that filled the air, as Andrew began to read aloud—in Mermish—the opening paragraph of an article. Translating it to the best of his ability, though any untrained ear wouldn't be able to differentiate one grating screech from the other, any more than they would with Parseltongue:
Last edited by Andrew Vance on 28 Jun 2022, 05:39, edited 6 times in total.
REEEE
One could never find peace within the walls of the castle. The students packed the halls tightly and there was always the occasional professor she had to keep an eye out for. There was the exception to the slimy abandoned lavatories and the dusty room of requirement. Locations Aurelia wouldn't find the ideal for a smoke. Some fresh air would do.
A skilful wave of a cherry wood wand accompanied with an incantation summoned a small flame to spark at the end of the tightly rolled cigarette held delicately between the Gryffindor's slender digits. The nicotine promptly entered her system within the first whiff, a subtle ashen grey cloud wafted from the pair of parted lips that set in a soft satisfied smile. These short intervals between classes were always made use of to satisfy the teenager's growing dependence on nicotine. The last time she had developed an addition was to the vails of forgetfulness potion during the conflicting phase in her second year.
The edge of the great lake was quite a distance away from the castle but serene and secluded enough, no chatter and gossip from prissy younger years. However, her peace was momentarily interrupted when a high pitched whistle strained her ears and furrowed her brow. A loud "REEEEEEEE". The dispersal of birds pinpointed the location of the intruding sound. Rather than leaving to find another quieter area, curiosity got the best of her.
Who would have thought that the perpetrator of ears was none other than a familiar Slytherin. Heinrich had told her about Andrew, he was one of the very few individuals who went looking for her. It was nice knowing that despite not having acquired many friends over the years, at least some people were concerned about where she was, even if it was for some kind of investigation on a certain dhampir's behalf.
Pressing the cigarette to her lips and taking another whiff, Aurelia would finally speak in a voice raised over the loud screech from whatever the instrument was in his hand. "Looking for me, Andrew? There are better ways to summon me than murder my ears. Whatever you were doing," She joked.
A skilful wave of a cherry wood wand accompanied with an incantation summoned a small flame to spark at the end of the tightly rolled cigarette held delicately between the Gryffindor's slender digits. The nicotine promptly entered her system within the first whiff, a subtle ashen grey cloud wafted from the pair of parted lips that set in a soft satisfied smile. These short intervals between classes were always made use of to satisfy the teenager's growing dependence on nicotine. The last time she had developed an addition was to the vails of forgetfulness potion during the conflicting phase in her second year.
The edge of the great lake was quite a distance away from the castle but serene and secluded enough, no chatter and gossip from prissy younger years. However, her peace was momentarily interrupted when a high pitched whistle strained her ears and furrowed her brow. A loud "REEEEEEEE". The dispersal of birds pinpointed the location of the intruding sound. Rather than leaving to find another quieter area, curiosity got the best of her.
Who would have thought that the perpetrator of ears was none other than a familiar Slytherin. Heinrich had told her about Andrew, he was one of the very few individuals who went looking for her. It was nice knowing that despite not having acquired many friends over the years, at least some people were concerned about where she was, even if it was for some kind of investigation on a certain dhampir's behalf.
Pressing the cigarette to her lips and taking another whiff, Aurelia would finally speak in a voice raised over the loud screech from whatever the instrument was in his hand. "Looking for me, Andrew? There are better ways to summon me than murder my ears. Whatever you were doing," She joked.
|
“One can never be too careful,” STM — 5 | EVA — 19 | STR — 5 | WSD — 12 | ARC — 5 | ACC — 9 |
Lovely Creature — Evasive Manoeuvres — Monster Hunter — Terrible Presence
Andrew Vance
REEEE
Pausing to relax his throat, less he strain his vocal chords from overdoing it on Mermish, Andrew stiffened up and whipped his head around at the sound of a– familiar voice. and face– eyes darting over to the surprise visitor who had appeared from behind.
"Aurelia? Er– Hey." Caught in the act, like a kid with their hand in the cookie jar, Andrew's first response was to act natural and cover up what he had been doing.
Welp. Time to find a new hidey spot for his Mermish sessions. Not like Aurelia knew what he was doing, anyway. Right?
"How did you–? uh…" Stunned for a moment, lost for words, as the reality of who he was talking to sunk in.
How did you find me? How did you get here? How was any of this even happening? Hey, how are you? How?–why?–what?
"How's Heinrich?" He recollected himself. Partly a desperate attempt to switch the subject, as he quickly stuffed his ocarina away, inside his bookbag. Partly in genuine concern for the Bezuidenhout who was related to the Notrésvace standing before him. "I heard he's gone," Andrew said, a bit sadly.
He couldn't help but stare at her. His heartrate quickening from a sense of unease, in Aurelia's presence. When was the last time he saw her? …Summer? …nearly a year ago?
His nose wrinkled from a whiff of smoke, expelling it from his nostrils with a short puff.
"What is that?" His tone lowered, recoiling in slight disgust. He noticed the joint in Aurelia's hand. Playing dumb, as he usually did. He knew what it was. He had seen them, breathed them, was lectured about them before. In his household, the word "drugs" was almost as taboo and foreign to him as cursing.
"You shouldn't be doing it. I've heard…" He cut off abruptly.
He rarely mentioned him. To Dan, obviously. Tyr, maybe– the first time they had met.
"My uncle." He hesitated, eyes downcast as he fell somber. "He did that kind of stuff and… Now he's not doing so good." Whatever happened to Dean's fate, if it all started with one smoke, Andrew wouldn't wish that kind of grief on anyone, if Aurelia should spiral down that same path. "It's not good for you."
Neither was his addiction to chocolate. But chocolate never made anyone disappear. Never burnt a hole in families and tore them apart.
His was a timid plea, and Andrew knew it was likely to fall on deaf ears. Reverse psychology. Telling someone not to do something would only make them rebel and do it more. But given his and Aurelia's vague history together, and caring for her like he would any fellow human being, he wasn't about to keep quiet about it. At least he had said something.
Shaking the morose thoughts from his mind, Andrew eased a corner smile. Nearly a smirk, watching Aurelia and her self-destructive habits in amusement. If last summer was a pattern to go by. "Is that allowed at Hogwarts?" He poked lightly, curious of how Aurelia would respond. "Won't the school expel you if they find out?"
So long as he wasn't stuck breathing the same air as her, Andrew would let the authorities do their jobs and catch up to the deviant, eventually. Good thing the Dungeons were far from the Gryffindor Tower.
"Aurelia? Er– Hey." Caught in the act, like a kid with their hand in the cookie jar, Andrew's first response was to act natural and cover up what he had been doing.
Welp. Time to find a new hidey spot for his Mermish sessions. Not like Aurelia knew what he was doing, anyway. Right?
"How did you–? uh…" Stunned for a moment, lost for words, as the reality of who he was talking to sunk in.
How did you find me? How did you get here? How was any of this even happening? Hey, how are you? How?–why?–what?
"How's Heinrich?" He recollected himself. Partly a desperate attempt to switch the subject, as he quickly stuffed his ocarina away, inside his bookbag. Partly in genuine concern for the Bezuidenhout who was related to the Notrésvace standing before him. "I heard he's gone," Andrew said, a bit sadly.
He couldn't help but stare at her. His heartrate quickening from a sense of unease, in Aurelia's presence. When was the last time he saw her? …Summer? …nearly a year ago?
His nose wrinkled from a whiff of smoke, expelling it from his nostrils with a short puff.
"What is that?" His tone lowered, recoiling in slight disgust. He noticed the joint in Aurelia's hand. Playing dumb, as he usually did. He knew what it was. He had seen them, breathed them, was lectured about them before. In his household, the word "drugs" was almost as taboo and foreign to him as cursing.
"You shouldn't be doing it. I've heard…" He cut off abruptly.
He rarely mentioned him. To Dan, obviously. Tyr, maybe– the first time they had met.
"My uncle." He hesitated, eyes downcast as he fell somber. "He did that kind of stuff and… Now he's not doing so good." Whatever happened to Dean's fate, if it all started with one smoke, Andrew wouldn't wish that kind of grief on anyone, if Aurelia should spiral down that same path. "It's not good for you."
Neither was his addiction to chocolate. But chocolate never made anyone disappear. Never burnt a hole in families and tore them apart.
His was a timid plea, and Andrew knew it was likely to fall on deaf ears. Reverse psychology. Telling someone not to do something would only make them rebel and do it more. But given his and Aurelia's vague history together, and caring for her like he would any fellow human being, he wasn't about to keep quiet about it. At least he had said something.
Shaking the morose thoughts from his mind, Andrew eased a corner smile. Nearly a smirk, watching Aurelia and her self-destructive habits in amusement. If last summer was a pattern to go by. "Is that allowed at Hogwarts?" He poked lightly, curious of how Aurelia would respond. "Won't the school expel you if they find out?"
So long as he wasn't stuck breathing the same air as her, Andrew would let the authorities do their jobs and catch up to the deviant, eventually. Good thing the Dungeons were far from the Gryffindor Tower.
REEEE
"Andrew? Hey." Aurelia repeated, the corners of her lips tilted upwards in an amused smirk at his reaction to her presence. The near-deafening notes of the instrument in his hand were cut off abruptly and replaced by stuttering words and questions. "Yes, I'm alright, thank you." Aurelia responded with the words dipped in sarcasm when Andrew almost immediately diverted the topic to her little brother, shedding no concern about herself. Certainly, the world did not revolve around her, but still, everyone was their own narcissist.
"Ilvermorny." She said simply, not giving any more information about his whereabouts.
His gaze followed the whiff of smoke to the ends of her fingertips which pinched the cigarette delicately. Had she heard it was bad for her? Certainly. Had she heard why? Not exactly. Did she care to stop? No. All she knew was not to let those of authority witness her little habit. It seems Andrew was more knowledgeable about it than she herself was. Aurelia would join him, lowering herself to the ground. Extending her arm towards the younger, she would put the slowly disintegrating cigarette up for offer. "Would they really?"
" I'm sure you are aware, students come and go all the time. Disappear without a word, without a trace. Heinrich told me you were looking for me, I'm flattered." Her chin would rest delicately on her knuckles with ever-lovely smile playing at her lips yet the familiar, unsettling presence radiated. She was rather bored.
"Do you remember when we had first met? Not in the owlery." She raised the question, her alluring blues levelling with Andrew's.
It was a question she had been pondering for a while ever since he returned the lost remembrall back into her possession two years back. Andrew was a part of her history - her memories, even if it was all but small and short. Her mind was meddled with by her parents index approved in 2018 to erase a single individual, but regardless of how adept a wizard was in the arcane, a child's mind was so fragile and a small fault in spell was indeed detrimental. Aurelia had been long aware of her parents, but there were the lapses within her mind she had not yet acquired the lost pieces to fill with. And Andrew had one. "Because I don't."
"Ilvermorny." She said simply, not giving any more information about his whereabouts.
His gaze followed the whiff of smoke to the ends of her fingertips which pinched the cigarette delicately. Had she heard it was bad for her? Certainly. Had she heard why? Not exactly. Did she care to stop? No. All she knew was not to let those of authority witness her little habit. It seems Andrew was more knowledgeable about it than she herself was. Aurelia would join him, lowering herself to the ground. Extending her arm towards the younger, she would put the slowly disintegrating cigarette up for offer. "Would they really?"
" I'm sure you are aware, students come and go all the time. Disappear without a word, without a trace. Heinrich told me you were looking for me, I'm flattered." Her chin would rest delicately on her knuckles with ever-lovely smile playing at her lips yet the familiar, unsettling presence radiated. She was rather bored.
"Do you remember when we had first met? Not in the owlery." She raised the question, her alluring blues levelling with Andrew's.
It was a question she had been pondering for a while ever since he returned the lost remembrall back into her possession two years back. Andrew was a part of her history - her memories, even if it was all but small and short. Her mind was meddled with by her parents index approved in 2018 to erase a single individual, but regardless of how adept a wizard was in the arcane, a child's mind was so fragile and a small fault in spell was indeed detrimental. Aurelia had been long aware of her parents, but there were the lapses within her mind she had not yet acquired the lost pieces to fill with. And Andrew had one. "Because I don't."
|
“One can never be too careful,” STM — 5 | EVA — 19 | STR — 5 | WSD — 12 | ARC — 5 | ACC — 9 |
Lovely Creature — Evasive Manoeuvres — Monster Hunter — Terrible Presence
Andrew Vance
REEEE
"The American school?" He drew a puzzled expression. "Why's he over there?"
Whether or not Aurelia backpedaled to address the question, the waft of smoke would disrupt Andrew's thought of Heinrich, turning his attention to the cigarette at hand as Aurelia sat down across from him. Holding temptation out to him between her dainty fingers.
Talk about peer pressure, the whole "Just Say No" campaign. No sweaty palms or pounding heart to sway his feet from the path of righteousness his parents had set him firmly upon since youth. Tight-lipped, Andrew's steely gaze would border an unamused "Really?" as he held Aurelia's unwavering for a moment, then diverted his reflective gray blues to the Lake, ignoring the offer. A blunt refusal. Pun intended.
Ones who disappear without a trace. He only hoped his own exit would be as fluid as such, and not rouse any whispers like Aurelia's. The she-devil gave him too much credit. Don't flatter yourself too much. People talked, he caught wind, probed the surface to satiate curiosity, then left the rest up to Fate, washing his hands clean of the matter. He didn't go entirely out of his way to look for her, nor was he desperately concerned over her whereabouts. What would be the point of giving chase? She was neither his friend nor foe to be interested in. Or did she fancy a knight in shining armor to come after her? To bask in male attention? Would she have voiced such flattery if he were the opposite sex sitting before her? Not ire? Or indifference?
"Naturally, I ask. Same with Heinrich."
He wasn't about to let go of the brother so easily, though for the moment, he would tuck it away, entertaining Aurelia's captive gaze. Studying the here and now, this long lost stranger before him, not what once was, long gone and afar. Girls. He scoffed internally. The way they teased, played coy, and batted their eyelashes. Something he noticed more common, thrown in his direction, as of late. Tyranni. Even some of Stacy's girl friends when he escorted her to prom last summer. Hogwarts didn't have enough boys to go around. Biologically, he reckoned he was immune to such charms, but around certain girls…boys, even… It wasn't him, but them.
Did he remember when they first met?
Eyes flicked to the side, as if to contemplate. A slight head tilt in a gesture of 'maybe'. Poker face mirroring that of his bored company as a subtle smirk played on his own lips, locking eyes with hers once more.
"Hm. You first," he purred.
Rising to his feet to escape the cigarette smoke pooling on the grass, polluting his air, he'd find some relief to break away from the girl's intoxicating intimidating aura, at liberty to move around. Andrew's figure in black robes would cast a shadow over Aurelia, peering down at her.
"What brought you to my place last summer?"
A split second hesitation from her; Andrew would huff, snarky tone leaking through his smug comment.
"You're welcome, by the way."
He had been too quick to give, last time. Now was his turn for answers.
Whether or not Aurelia backpedaled to address the question, the waft of smoke would disrupt Andrew's thought of Heinrich, turning his attention to the cigarette at hand as Aurelia sat down across from him. Holding temptation out to him between her dainty fingers.
Talk about peer pressure, the whole "Just Say No" campaign. No sweaty palms or pounding heart to sway his feet from the path of righteousness his parents had set him firmly upon since youth. Tight-lipped, Andrew's steely gaze would border an unamused "Really?" as he held Aurelia's unwavering for a moment, then diverted his reflective gray blues to the Lake, ignoring the offer. A blunt refusal. Pun intended.
Ones who disappear without a trace. He only hoped his own exit would be as fluid as such, and not rouse any whispers like Aurelia's. The she-devil gave him too much credit. Don't flatter yourself too much. People talked, he caught wind, probed the surface to satiate curiosity, then left the rest up to Fate, washing his hands clean of the matter. He didn't go entirely out of his way to look for her, nor was he desperately concerned over her whereabouts. What would be the point of giving chase? She was neither his friend nor foe to be interested in. Or did she fancy a knight in shining armor to come after her? To bask in male attention? Would she have voiced such flattery if he were the opposite sex sitting before her? Not ire? Or indifference?
"Naturally, I ask. Same with Heinrich."
He wasn't about to let go of the brother so easily, though for the moment, he would tuck it away, entertaining Aurelia's captive gaze. Studying the here and now, this long lost stranger before him, not what once was, long gone and afar. Girls. He scoffed internally. The way they teased, played coy, and batted their eyelashes. Something he noticed more common, thrown in his direction, as of late. Tyranni. Even some of Stacy's girl friends when he escorted her to prom last summer. Hogwarts didn't have enough boys to go around. Biologically, he reckoned he was immune to such charms, but around certain girls…boys, even… It wasn't him, but them.
Did he remember when they first met?
Eyes flicked to the side, as if to contemplate. A slight head tilt in a gesture of 'maybe'. Poker face mirroring that of his bored company as a subtle smirk played on his own lips, locking eyes with hers once more.
"Hm. You first," he purred.
Rising to his feet to escape the cigarette smoke pooling on the grass, polluting his air, he'd find some relief to break away from the girl's intoxicating intimidating aura, at liberty to move around. Andrew's figure in black robes would cast a shadow over Aurelia, peering down at her.
"What brought you to my place last summer?"
A split second hesitation from her; Andrew would huff, snarky tone leaking through his smug comment.
"You're welcome, by the way."
He had been too quick to give, last time. Now was his turn for answers.
REEEE
Arm outstretched, the smoke wavering from her fingertips. Her offer was acknowledged, comtemplated on, but nonetheless shortly refused. Instead, diverting his attention to the lake. The older girl would not mind his refusal and the little cigarette would be once again pressed to her lips.
Aurelia had learnt through the years that not all answers were easily obtained when asked so directly. It was a desire, naturally, to want something in return. Annoyed? Slightly, but she still wanted the answers. Andrew knew her, he came into possession of her remembral at one point. And ironically, Aurelia could not recall how.
Summer 2020. Funny how of all people who could have passed her bleeding semi-conscious form was none other than Andrew. An interaction of a few hours that gave her a little insight into the muggle world and a nice muggle family. Perhaps if she hadn't found her way to Andrew's place, all this trouble she was going through could have been avoided. Her parents, with their pureblood stigma, could never believe how mcuh time she had spent among the muggles. Furthermore, the Zuheirs, that was another problem that her parents were taking care of.
"I was bored at home. Took the floo. The details are fuzzy, I can't quite remember how I ended up so bloodied, not to mention, at your place. A dog perhaps? "
Aurelia would follow Andrew, only after snuffing out the blunt with her foot into the grass. "You have a rather... nice family. I could even say I'm envious. You know, your Dad could have taken the money." Indeed, her parents did what they saw was best for her, even their portrayal of care differed significantly from Andrew's family. It was wishful thinking to have more caring parents. Would Thellea Notresvace, her biological mother, have cared for her any differently if she had not called her own demise? Doubtful.
"Maybe if you and your friends had let someone stumble across my bloody body, perhaps my life wouldn't be such a mess now. "
Aurelia had learnt through the years that not all answers were easily obtained when asked so directly. It was a desire, naturally, to want something in return. Annoyed? Slightly, but she still wanted the answers. Andrew knew her, he came into possession of her remembral at one point. And ironically, Aurelia could not recall how.
Summer 2020. Funny how of all people who could have passed her bleeding semi-conscious form was none other than Andrew. An interaction of a few hours that gave her a little insight into the muggle world and a nice muggle family. Perhaps if she hadn't found her way to Andrew's place, all this trouble she was going through could have been avoided. Her parents, with their pureblood stigma, could never believe how mcuh time she had spent among the muggles. Furthermore, the Zuheirs, that was another problem that her parents were taking care of.
"I was bored at home. Took the floo. The details are fuzzy, I can't quite remember how I ended up so bloodied, not to mention, at your place. A dog perhaps? "
Aurelia would follow Andrew, only after snuffing out the blunt with her foot into the grass. "You have a rather... nice family. I could even say I'm envious. You know, your Dad could have taken the money." Indeed, her parents did what they saw was best for her, even their portrayal of care differed significantly from Andrew's family. It was wishful thinking to have more caring parents. Would Thellea Notresvace, her biological mother, have cared for her any differently if she had not called her own demise? Doubtful.
"Maybe if you and your friends had let someone stumble across my bloody body, perhaps my life wouldn't be such a mess now. "
|
“One can never be too careful,” STM — 5 | EVA — 19 | STR — 5 | WSD — 12 | ARC — 5 | ACC — 9 |
Lovely Creature — Evasive Manoeuvres — Monster Hunter — Terrible Presence
Andrew Vance
REEEE
Aurelia didn't seem bothered or trying, in offering up a lackadaisical, vague hypothesis of an explanation. Regardless if her fuzzy memory were truth or not, if she didn't care to remember, neither would he.
She would stand, the two facing each other at an impasse, it would seem. Smug satisfaction flashed through Andrew's eyes, realizing he was taller than her. Inches were finally creeping up on him. Though his neutral smile fell into a scowl of disapproval as his gaze flicked to the ground, watching Aurelia's foot snuff out the cigarette on the grass. It was as offensive as if she were spitting on the ground or planting gum under the table before him. Disgusting. Litterer. Disrespectful.
She was lucky he couldn't Aguamenti her face yet.
He was done. Aurelia's presence had drained him tired of conversation. Why waste any more breath on her? Less he nauseate himself by lingering around this human incense burner of secondhand smoke… Andrew would pick up his things and leave, slinging his school bag over his shoulder and turning away without further word, hoping to clear his head and shake off the irritant as he strode off in search for a new place to sit along the shore. Merlin, talk about men not taking a hint, Aurelia just took it as invitation to follow after him, ignoring his body language of dismissal. Was she really that desperate for answers or was she just bored?
He didn't want to be rude, telling her to bugger off and leave him alone, but just as he was contemplating of doing so, Aurelia spoke again, about his family. His father refusing the money for the Vances' treatment of her wounds and temporary stay in their London home. As if silence and a life-debt could be so easily bought. She had mentioned her mother wouldn't approve of her being in Muggle house. What was there to even reply? Just so he could gripe about pure-bloods? If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all. He couldn't throw away the façade just yet.
Her compliment about his family was soured as Aurelia moaned on. That he should've left her to bleed to death on the streets in London, because her life was so terrible now anyway. She was high. Andrew was fuming, biting back his tongue…
Oh boo-hoo, Your Highness, as if you're the only one with problems. She knew nothing of what he was going through. Ungrateful wench!
Two swift strides and a rough shove to her backside would cut Aurelia off abruptly in the middle of her rambling soliloquy of self-pity. She would fall. Not just a stumble and faceplant into shallow water, a foot or two from a gradual sloping shore, but a few meters' drop from an overhanging ledge off a steep bank, into water that her toes would not touch the bottom of, if Aurelia's head resurfaced.
The thought didn't occur to Andrew of sharp rocks at the bottom, that he could've very well committed murder at that moment, staring down at the resounding splash where Aurelia's weight had made impact. Who would tell on him, anyway? The Squid?
Killer would be an accident. Murderer was premeditated. A surge of anger and adrenaline all too similar to what he had unleashed on Jack Warren. But this time, wasn't the heat of the moment in self-defense. There was a bit more method to his madness, a split second contemplation before enacting his plan. Annoyance, yes. Getting the girl to shut up, a taste of what she deserved, what she needed. A bath to wash the smoke out of her lungs, shock her system. And if she really wanted to die, well, she could let the water end her miserable existence right here. How thoughtful of him.
Meh. She'd be fine.
She would stand, the two facing each other at an impasse, it would seem. Smug satisfaction flashed through Andrew's eyes, realizing he was taller than her. Inches were finally creeping up on him. Though his neutral smile fell into a scowl of disapproval as his gaze flicked to the ground, watching Aurelia's foot snuff out the cigarette on the grass. It was as offensive as if she were spitting on the ground or planting gum under the table before him. Disgusting. Litterer. Disrespectful.
She was lucky he couldn't Aguamenti her face yet.
Reducio
He was done. Aurelia's presence had drained him tired of conversation. Why waste any more breath on her? Less he nauseate himself by lingering around this human incense burner of secondhand smoke… Andrew would pick up his things and leave, slinging his school bag over his shoulder and turning away without further word, hoping to clear his head and shake off the irritant as he strode off in search for a new place to sit along the shore. Merlin, talk about men not taking a hint, Aurelia just took it as invitation to follow after him, ignoring his body language of dismissal. Was she really that desperate for answers or was she just bored?
He didn't want to be rude, telling her to bugger off and leave him alone, but just as he was contemplating of doing so, Aurelia spoke again, about his family. His father refusing the money for the Vances' treatment of her wounds and temporary stay in their London home. As if silence and a life-debt could be so easily bought. She had mentioned her mother wouldn't approve of her being in Muggle house. What was there to even reply? Just so he could gripe about pure-bloods? If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all. He couldn't throw away the façade just yet.
Her compliment about his family was soured as Aurelia moaned on. That he should've left her to bleed to death on the streets in London, because her life was so terrible now anyway. She was high. Andrew was fuming, biting back his tongue…
Reducio
…The internal rant in his head unfolding like a very similar conversation from one particular Slytherin to a Gryffindor.
Oh boo-hoo, Your Highness, as if you're the only one with problems. She knew nothing of what he was going through. Ungrateful wench!
Two swift strides and a rough shove to her backside would cut Aurelia off abruptly in the middle of her rambling soliloquy of self-pity. She would fall. Not just a stumble and faceplant into shallow water, a foot or two from a gradual sloping shore, but a few meters' drop from an overhanging ledge off a steep bank, into water that her toes would not touch the bottom of, if Aurelia's head resurfaced.
The thought didn't occur to Andrew of sharp rocks at the bottom, that he could've very well committed murder at that moment, staring down at the resounding splash where Aurelia's weight had made impact. Who would tell on him, anyway? The Squid?
Killer would be an accident. Murderer was premeditated. A surge of anger and adrenaline all too similar to what he had unleashed on Jack Warren. But this time, wasn't the heat of the moment in self-defense. There was a bit more method to his madness, a split second contemplation before enacting his plan. Annoyance, yes. Getting the girl to shut up, a taste of what she deserved, what she needed. A bath to wash the smoke out of her lungs, shock her system. And if she really wanted to die, well, she could let the water end her miserable existence right here. How thoughtful of him.
Meh. She'd be fine.
Reducio
Godmodding permitted by @Aurelia Notrésvace
Godmodding permitted by @Aurelia Notrésvace
REEEE
It wasn't very often that Aurelia had company. With the bad habit of hers and the aura that constantly loomed over her, it made sense that the mundane would be deterred from venturing too close. Even if her pretty visage turned heads and drew their gazes. But now that she had approached Andrew and initiated the conversation, it seemed that Aurelia was quite reluctant for it to end. Leaving would be well enough of a sign to portray one's disinterest. However, Aurelia would stubbornly follow despite the evident scowl on the younger boy's face.
She and Andrew lived different lives. She was a pureblood with a wealthy family, part-time monster enthusiast. Yet, unexpectedly, they had met in the muggle world. Twice. In the playground years back and in Vance's home. Perhaps it was fate or destiny. Running away and living in the muggle world had given her a better scope of the mundane life. A life without magic. But that, Andrew, would not know.
Deep in her thought, the girl was, speaking her mind. When Andrew turned and took steps towards her, one of her eyebrows would raise in subtle inquisition. He did not look happy. She would have respected if he had politely requested her silence or departure. But what she did not expect was a hard shove. Down she went towards the water with a high pitched scream, only to be cut short as she hit the bottom.
Splash.
Even with the nearing summer, the Scottish waters were cold. The impact against the water hurt more than she expected, if she had actually expected to be shoved into the lake, that was. It took a second for her to register what just unfolded while overcoming the pain and struggling to keep herself above the waters. Andrew pushed her. He pushed her into the lake. Where was her wand? It wasn't with her. Wingardium was not an option to get her out of this. "Andrew Vance! How dare-" Her voice that was full of rage wouldn't finish the sentence as she was doused by another wave.
Aurelia knew how to swim - or rather, float. She had a lesson when she was 6. But that was old. Living in the middle of England, she, nor her parents saw the necessity to further this particular survival skill. But now more than ever, with the strong waves of the lake dangerously pushing her closer towards the rocky cliff, she was in need of some swimming skills. "I can't s-" Then a wave, a big one crashed over her, delivering the girl towards the rocks. Quite a gruelling thud might have been heard amongst the sounds of the waves.
She and Andrew lived different lives. She was a pureblood with a wealthy family, part-time monster enthusiast. Yet, unexpectedly, they had met in the muggle world. Twice. In the playground years back and in Vance's home. Perhaps it was fate or destiny. Running away and living in the muggle world had given her a better scope of the mundane life. A life without magic. But that, Andrew, would not know.
Deep in her thought, the girl was, speaking her mind. When Andrew turned and took steps towards her, one of her eyebrows would raise in subtle inquisition. He did not look happy. She would have respected if he had politely requested her silence or departure. But what she did not expect was a hard shove. Down she went towards the water with a high pitched scream, only to be cut short as she hit the bottom.
Splash.
Even with the nearing summer, the Scottish waters were cold. The impact against the water hurt more than she expected, if she had actually expected to be shoved into the lake, that was. It took a second for her to register what just unfolded while overcoming the pain and struggling to keep herself above the waters. Andrew pushed her. He pushed her into the lake. Where was her wand? It wasn't with her. Wingardium was not an option to get her out of this. "Andrew Vance! How dare-" Her voice that was full of rage wouldn't finish the sentence as she was doused by another wave.
Aurelia knew how to swim - or rather, float. She had a lesson when she was 6. But that was old. Living in the middle of England, she, nor her parents saw the necessity to further this particular survival skill. But now more than ever, with the strong waves of the lake dangerously pushing her closer towards the rocky cliff, she was in need of some swimming skills. "I can't s-" Then a wave, a big one crashed over her, delivering the girl towards the rocks. Quite a gruelling thud might have been heard amongst the sounds of the waves.
|
“One can never be too careful,” STM — 5 | EVA — 19 | STR — 5 | WSD — 12 | ARC — 5 | ACC — 9 |
Lovely Creature — Evasive Manoeuvres — Monster Hunter — Terrible Presence
Andrew Vance
REEEE
Oh.
Oh no.
Oh no.
Sure, he expected shouting and an overall heated spat, as anyone would be when abruptly shoved into water, moreso girls, getting their clothes and hair wet and all. The act went off without a hitch, without resistance. His own strength nearly surprised him, eyes widened in shock as Aurelia hit the water. Her furious glare met his gawked stare as she resurfaced. Wordlessly, he peered over the edge, unfazed by her shrieks as she thrashed about.
This was supposed to be the comedic part, right? Laugh at her, partake in some banter, watch as the girl floundered to shore and stormed off?
But as panic washed over Aurelia's face, swallowed up by a wave, realization soon snapped Andrew out of it, paling at what he had done.
"Aurelia?" He called frantically. Little thought was given to his own wand and what he could do spell-wise as his legs took off, scrambling down the bank. "Aurelia!" Fortunately the current helped bridge some distance between the two, fanning Aurelia toward him. He could only pick his way so far across the slippery rocks, before plunging in. A short push off had Aurelia in his reach. Gripping the girl with one arm, he paddled madly back to shore, clinging to handholds on the rocks and towing her back to the shallows.
"You alright?" He panted from exertion, keeping an eye on Aurelia in mild concern as they recuperated on the grass. Only when a breeze picked up did he realize how cold and drenched and heavy he was, shivering slightly as the adrenaline wore off. He hadn't even thought to remove his robes and shoes beforehand. Or his wand. Patting his robes, he felt the familiar stick of wood jutting from his pocket. Drat. He spun around, craning his head in search of the Castle clocktower. What time was it? He couldn't go to class like this!
He pulled out his wand and shook off the excess droplets, before pointing it at himself. "Aer Calidus." Squinting against the gust of hot air that blow-dried him out. His clothes were saved, less so his hair, as he ran a hand through the disheveled windswept locks, unaware without a mirror in front of him.
The whereabouts of his wand would give rise to Aurelia's. Fine. Least he could do, for pushing her in. Shortly spotting the stick of wood that had floated ashore, Andrew would fetch it and return to Aurelia. "Here," he mumbled tiredly, averting his sullen gaze. What possessed him to do that? So many things could have gone wrong. Aurelia could have drowned them both. She could have died. His clothes could have sunk him down. He could have broken a leg on the rocks or his wand during the swim or lost it in the Lake.
Oh, well. Didn't matter now. They were both still here. He couldn't care less what Aurelia might threaten him with, telling on staff. Expulsion wouldn't change the course of his plans. On the contrary, it would accelerate them. Why even bother attending classes anymore?