Do we Have a Deal? PV Regina Miller Finished

Mid Evening / September 20th,2022
"Checkmate," the young Ravenclaw boy whispered as he took off a white knight piece with a black rook. Another win against himself as he stood alone upon a boulder by the great lake. He was back in his usual spot, away from all the mishaps, loud voices, and other students that he faced daily for the time being. Hunter Argentum, now a second year at Hogwarts was just as paranoid, tired, and alone as he was during his last few months before leaving Hogwarts for summer. He of course left things on a bad note, having poisoned three students of different houses to help his own knowledge of the subject and substances. However, it would also result in him creating enemies and further his own distrust of other students. Still though, to survive and complete his own goals Hunter felt he required connections. @Sophia Nelson was one such connection, but this was mostly the only one. He had a few snakes slithering in the dungeons to talk with, but he felt he required a few more such as a badger or a lion.

He was alone atop the boulder, away from others to concentrate on his thoughts wearing his normal robe attire and a satchel across his body. He needed to keep his distance and think a bit more about who he could and couldn't rely on... his paranoia was acting up like always. There was a possibility that word got out of students being poisoned, but Hunter tried to make sure his targets weren't the kinds to blabber their mouths off. He pondered and wondered. The prodigy boy capable of brewing an assortment of potions was at a standstill, dazing in and out of thought and reality. His eyes every so often jerked to any movements of bushes and his ears perked up to the sound of branches and leaves dancing to the wind. He felt scared, but his facial expression was one more of distress and worry. He needed to act fast, but his lack of communication made it hard to know who to trust.

Who could the young boy trust? Who could he make deals with and gain information from? The question pondered in his head, but he could only wonder. The names he did know, were too risky and untrustworthy. The moment certain students would find out who Hunter really was, they'd be afraid and he'd get into deep trouble. Still, though, he needed to continue his research and improve his potioning skills while finding the answers to questions he still had about the students at Hogwarts. Yet, all he could do for now is think and train his mind with a couple of games and wait for the opportunity to strike. He opened his satchel and took out a large assortment of glass vials with different colored liquids and placed them on the ground. He took jumped off, and leaned his back against the boulder while eyeing the vials in front of him. Murtlap Essence, Gregors Unctious Unction, Forgetfulness, Memory, and an Antidote to Common Poisons. A large array and variety, but he felt he would require something else for his next plan. He needed a bit more time to think of what else he was missing.
@Regina Miller
Last edited by Hunter Argentum on 6 Jan 2023, 00:58, edited 1 time in total.

It takes a Mad King to create Change. I am no King, but I pull the Chords of Insanity.
Do we Have a Deal? PV Regina Miller Finished
Daddy says I'm good for nothing | Mama says that it's from him
Outfit | 20/09
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Image posted by the member
Terrible Presence is in effect.
.──

Regina's fingers curled around the small glass phials filled with potions in the pocket of her jean shorts as she sauntered along the curve of the Great Lake, enjoying her evening stroll in the cool autumn September breeze with a black and white striped long-sleeve and matching black stockings. Over two weeks had passed since the new school year started, and she wanted to move onto the next step in what she called a 'fearsome reputation plan'. She'd already established her rebel status and broken at least three different rules. The letters of her delinquent behaviour sent to her parents back at the Miller Manor must be farcical.

So far, she hadn't received any Howler as a consequence. And Regina was tempted to see just how far she could step out of line before her Father blew a fuse.

The Gryffindor's steps slowed as orchid eyes fell upon the figure of another person, sitting on top of a lone boulder and hunched over small objects that Regina couldn't make out from this distance. Though, she could see clear enough to identify the figure to be male, dressed in a long robe with a satchel across his torso. As she walked closer, she recognised the things scattered in front of him to be potion phials - judging by the variety of colours. How convenient. Regina had just possibly came upon the perfect incentive to begin the next phase in her plans.

"Quite a nice little collection you have there," She commented as she came to a stop next to the boy, head titled with a blank expression. "You remind me of a certain Ravenclaw I took under my wing. A prodigy at Potions, she is."

Yes, @Sophia Nelson was indeed very talented at the subject, which was why Regina had bribed her for potions in exchange for duelling lessons in the first place. The poor idiot, not knowing who she'd agreed to make a deal with. Nelson would never know Regina had intended for every single potion to be used with nefarious intent - experimenting and testing on any students naive enough to ingest them without knowing. And things would remain that way, even though the raven-haired rebel would just manipulate her way through the possible accusations.

"Yes, I see you are just as masterful. Such a skill would go to waste, however, if one does not find the opportunity to use them...or the right potion needed to add to the pile."

Regina circled the boy curiously, her unnatural purple eyes darting through each phial and identifying them easily with the knowledge of two years of Potions class. Her gaze then shifted to the wary boy, and the corner of her lips lifted barely in a mockery of a greeting.

"Pardon me for my ill manners. My name is Miller," She straightened herself and held out a hand. "Regina Miller, third year. You might have heard of me from the official Duelling Team, or as the Gryffindor delinquent, whichever is fine."

@Hunter Argentum

sta • 9 | eva • 11 | str • 4
VICIOUS⠀PREDATOR
wis • 12 | arc • 11 | acc • 12
⠀⠀⠀Regina Miller
⠀⠀⠀E N C Y C L O P E D I A
⠀⠀⠀Henri de Bourbon
Prodigal DADA | Perfectionist | TP
THROUGH⠀THE⠀YEARS
LC | Nonverbal | ability
Do we Have a Deal? PV Regina Miller Finished
That voice was a chilling one that brought unease to any who heard it. Some would say Hunter had such a voice, but this one was certainly more ominous. The boy already had his own issues of paranoia, and the surprise of another student appearing out of nowhere would only make him jump and be extremely weary of anyone who approached. Upon hearing Regina's voice, the boy immediately began to shove the vials back into his satchel as she circled around him. He stood up, and climbed back up the large boulder ( he had laid upon) to keep his distance from the girl. His right hand held onto his satchel of potions, and his left hand was slightly reached into his robe searching for his wand.

Wrong, very wrong was all Hunter could feel as he faced this girl. The boy's hair stood on end all the time, but her presence was making it feel like his hair was warning him to run away. Hunter wasn't a coward, he was just too damn cautious all the time; rarely relaxing, especially now that he was creating more enemies left and right at Hogwarts. He didn't know what to say, he only knew to keep his distance.

Her words were jumbled as Hunter's mind was elsewhere, trying to figure out who she was, why she was here, and what she was going to do. Was she sent by other students to steal Hunter's potions? Or did someone send her to get revenge for his previous mischievous acts? He couldn't tell and he was too damn worried to concentrate. Perhaps it was the mention of another Ravenclaw prodigy that Hunter eventually did calm down slightly. There was only one other potion prodigy he knew of in his house, and recently they had a discussion that could give some insight. Hunter didn't speak, he just let Regina continue onward with her introduction. Calling herself a delinquent was interesting, but also questionable. It would mean she should have a reputation, but Hunter was mostly slacking when it came to the lions at Hogwarts. He kept his eyes on the Ravenclaw housemates he shared a dorm with, he made notes of the Slytherins for their unique deceitful nature, and he could never avoid the annoying Hufflepuffs that found him at every corner. Yet, the lions were the ones he knew little about. This was quite the conicidental opportunity he was presented with.

His breathing slowed, and his left hand left his robes (slipping his wand beneath his sleeve). If this girl was who she claimed she was, then Hunter would have to use his wand as an escape rather than to duel. She was experienced in battle, he wasn't. However, that was of course just his paranoia talking and he would 100% prefer avoiding any use of magic at all: "You mean Ms. Nelson? So you're the one who had her brew that nasty potion." In their previous discussion, @Sophia Nelson had mentioned about a Gryffindor duelist teaching her dueling skills for potions. A fair deal, but to craft a befuddlement draught was rather unlike something for the polite Christian girl known as Soph: "As for your thoughts, no she didn't tell me you who were exactly. She said she couldn't reveal your name, but I suppose that's on you," Some would snicker or revel in having solved a mystery, but Hunter only gave a blank and weary expression towards Regina. This girl felt like bad news, to call herself a delinquent and request a befuddlement draught from a lower classman was certainly something.

He breathed again, trying to relax his nerves further and collect his thoughts. The best way, of course, is his personal journal. He reached in his robes and took out a black book, and opened up the pages, sifting through them till he reached a blank page. He reached in his robe to put away his wand, and take out a muggle pen and began to write. Normally Hunter wouldn't say what he wrote out loud, but his mind was still having trouble correcting itself. He had to hear the words to write them down correctly. What he wrote and said was, "Regina Miller, a third year of house Gryffindor. Self-proclaimed delinquent of her house, yet I have little to no examples or proof of her deliquency besides requesting a befuddlement draught from Sophia Nelson. Our first meeting occured by the Great Lake, in which she has black hair, slim fit, and..." Hunter lifted his gaze from his book to have a quick glimpse of Regina, "violet, no purple colored eyes. She is potentially, or rather most likely, the mentor of Sophia Nelson (*Note to self, question Sophia if Regina is her mentor for confirmation)." Eventually, Hunter's thoughts finally calmed down and rearranged to where he could think. He closed his journal, deciding to write more for another time. His eyes jerked back at Regina, what he did most likely seemed extremely odd and questionable.

What she saw was a piece of who Hunter Argentum was, a child who kept tabs on others because he was afraid of what he did not know. He coughed and sighed, "Argentum, Hunter Argentum. In relation to what you said, I am another potion prodigy of house Ravenclaw like Ms.Nelson. Unlike her though, I'm more cautious of what I brew and who I speak with..." his eyes shifted around, curious in thought that perhaps he was being set up or perhaps was about to be ambushed upon the rock he was on. Hunter's hand placed his journal and pen back in his robes, and he once again slipped out his wand this time in full view for Regina to see, "My skills are far from wasted, Ms.Miller. Opportunity takes time, and my time is thin. So, what would you like to discuss?"
@Regina Miller

It takes a Mad King to create Change. I am no King, but I pull the Chords of Insanity.
Do we Have a Deal? PV Regina Miller Finished
She'll fill your heart with kerosene and light you up 'til you can't breathe
──.
Image posted by the member
Terrible Presence is in effect.
.──

"Forgive me, I was in no way attempting to undermine your skills," Regina took the passive-aggressiveness in stride, because she was more than used to dealing with cautious individuals. It was a necessary instinct for survival, after all. "If Nelson had already told you of what she did for me, then you will understand what I'm about to propose."

The third-year made a mental note to inquire her duelling mentee about this Hunter Argentum later. From a first glance, he certainly didn't seem like the type of person that whimsical, bubbly and clumsy Muggleborn would frequent with. He looked calculated, dangerous in such a subtle way one would easily look past. She barely reacted to the boy fishing out a journal and murmuring the exact words he was writing down to profile her. The corner of her lips lifted just barely at the mention of a lack of misdeeds besides the Befuddlement Draught. Though she would have to tell Nelson to keep her mouth shut in the future about their little business, Regina was glad Argentum was currently more or less aware of the menace he was talking to.

This would make her plan go even smoother.

"Imagine, Argentum, the power you could have over your victims if they were unable to even utter a cry for help," Orchids eyes took on a sudden darker shade as Regina stepped closer to the boy, the tone her voice dropping dramatically. "When you have them frightened and squirming on the floor, yet they cannot cast a single spell to defend themselves and are completely at your mercy. They cannot even speak to plead for you to stop."

The Gryffindor had an eerie fixated stare as she took out a glass phial from her pocket and held it up for Argentum to see. With his exceptional Potions skills, she didn't doubt he wouldn't recognise the blue-silvery colour of the Muffling Draught.

"I'd have loved to use this on the meek little Prefect who put me in detention last year, but alas. I settled for a Full Body-Bind Curse instead, pity. I'd like to propose a trade, or is that not your line of work?"

Regina tilted her head curiously as her eyes scanned Argentum up and down. He was certainly a better potential trading partner than Nelson. The other girl was had too much of a goodwill. She needed somebody who was more...dark leaning.

@Hunter Argentum

sta • 9 | eva • 11 | str • 4
VICIOUS⠀PREDATOR
wis • 12 | arc • 11 | acc • 12
⠀⠀⠀Regina Miller
⠀⠀⠀E N C Y C L O P E D I A
⠀⠀⠀Henri de Bourbon
Prodigal DADA | Perfectionist | TP
THROUGH⠀THE⠀YEARS
LC | Nonverbal | ability
Do we Have a Deal? PV Regina Miller Finished
Hunter, a bit calmer now, sighed a bit at Regina's request. He placed his wand back inside his robe and took out a pocketwatch this time. Opening it up, he checked the time, keeping track as the second hand ticked away. He found himself checking time more and more often. He was becoming more meticulous as the second hands kept passing. Thoughts and debates were taking place in his mind for a quick couple of seconds. There was only silence, and barely even movement being taken place. Eventually, Hunter closed the watch and looked towards Regina's potion. Of course, he'd recognize a muffling draught, and such a potion would be extremely useful for his current collection. The issue was more of the words Regina was speaking. Casting a full-body bind curse? The terms and suggestions she also made seemed rather cruel in nature. He'd be writing more about this later, but despite the typical confirmations Hunter looks for in these sorts of statements, he believed the words Regina spoke. Whatever cruel things she claimed to do, Hunter most certainly felt like she was telling the truth.

He sighed once more, "If it is a trade you wish then I can provide. Although, what sort of potion did you have in mind? Better memory for classes? Wanna make someone forget a few things? Perhaps trick someone into being your friend, or a healing balm for the injuries you will cause?" Gain what you can and making connections is what came to Hunter's mind. His guard was still up, and he kept his eyes on Regina for the time being. This wasn't because of who she was but was just a natural feeling that Hunter had; rarely letting his guard down in any situation or conversation.

"But I want to make four things clear if you agree to my trades Ms.Miller. One, these trades shouldn't be made/talked about outside of our conversations. I'd prefer that little to no one knew about my arrangments. Two, the potions we trade are of interest to each party. Even if you offer me a potion much better than my own, I will not accept it if it does not pique my interest and vice versa. Three, I do not trade in just potions. I like to be a network, and I'm willing to offer payment or trades for information about houses or students around Hogwarts. If you ever need a secret, I'd like such payment or trades to be made back as well. Four, and utmost important. I do not care about how my enemies suffer, squirm, or struggle. I do not care for power like others and I won't tell you what I care for. What I will say, is as long as no one is in my way, then you have an idea of who I am."Hunter wanted to make these statements clear. His previous actions could be considered cruel, but he didn't accept himself being such a term. He was in denial, but secretly knew he was expressing his darker side more and more. He had goals and intentions, and he was the type of person willing to do anything to achieve them: "Do we have a deal, Ms.Miller?"

It takes a Mad King to create Change. I am no King, but I pull the Chords of Insanity.
Do we Have a Deal? PV Regina Miller Finished
She'll fill your heart with kerosene and light you up 'til you can't breathe
──.
Image posted by the member
Terrible Presence is in effect.
.──

There weren't a lot of people Regina truly, genuinely respected.

But this boy, this Hunter Argentum, had earned it through little effort simply with his assertive and conniving demeanor. The longer he went on with his proper code, the more Regina's eyes seemed to shine with malicious interest despite the neutral expression on her face.

Indeed, she trusted and regarded very few people as her equal. Those who possessed the same type of questionable morals like her, and those who were not afraid of using underhanded means for personal gain. Her dark, ominous presence slithered around the Gryffindor as she fixated Argentum eerily.

"If we are talking rules, then it's only fair if I give you mine," She said. "First, you do not speak of nor question my reasons for any requested potion. Second, you do not mention me by name if anybody else in this line of work inquires about our trades. Third, as a skilled duellist I can secretly take out any target you request by force if you offer me a high quality product or a very valuable information. And fourth, you do not double cross me in any way. Stick to my demands and I shall stick to yours without a fault."

Out of everything in this world, Regina hated lies and deceit the most. The environment she grew up in had shaped her natural instinct to distrust everybody until they were proven trustworthy. As such, she was a witch of her words. But the moment a person even attempted to betray that faith, she'd show them why she was believed to be a vicious predator.

Regina Miller did not make empty threats and promises.

"You've got yourself a deal, Argentum. I shall give you this in exchange for a vial of Murtlap Essence in your possession."

The older teen deposited the Muffling Draught into Argentum's hand, raising an eyebrow expectantly.

@Hunter Argentum

sta • 9 | eva • 11 | str • 4
VICIOUS⠀PREDATOR
wis • 12 | arc • 11 | acc • 12
⠀⠀⠀Regina Miller
⠀⠀⠀E N C Y C L O P E D I A
⠀⠀⠀Henri de Bourbon
Prodigal DADA | Perfectionist | TP
THROUGH⠀THE⠀YEARS
LC | Nonverbal | ability
Do we Have a Deal? PV Regina Miller Finished
Hunter listened closely to Regina's demands. He eventually jumped off his rock, looking up towards the third year due to their height difference (Hunter is a bit short for his age). He cautiously accepted the Muffling Draught in his hand but decided to do his own investigation on the potion before daring to give a Murtlap Essence to Regina. He held the vial up, at an angle towards the sun while jostling the liquid inside around a bit: "Hmmm... slightly more viscous than usual... possibly an indication of more volatility... the bat spleens would have to have been diced to perfect-" Hunter was mumbling to himself, admiring and noting the potion's aspects. It was oddly perfect, but what could be considered odder was how Hunter could just tell these sorts of things from just looking at the vial. He wasn't a prodigy for nothing, but he cut himself off noting he shouldn't ramble away too much.

He turned his back towards Regina, placing the Muffling Draught in his satchel and moving his hand around deep inside. Sounds of glass vials clanking and hitting one another could be heard, and eventually, Hunter turned back with the requested potion in hand. He was still cautious, making a mental note that someone who calls themselves a delinquent, was rather good at following the rules and instructions for brewing a potion: "You probably already know, but the potion has a shelf life of three years. It's currently 4 weeks fermented and ready for use. I highly suggest holding your breath or covering your nose before applying the ointment on wounds and cuts." It was customary for a seller to offer information about their products, Hunter had to be an honest person for this line of work... well, not all the time.

With that, he reached back into his robe, taking out the pocket watch once again. Opening to let off the hypnotic ticking to the wind, he took one quick glance and back at Regina; although, quickly averting to avoid eye contact with her. "Well... if that is all, then I'll be getting back to my game of wizard chess. If you ever require some ingredients or other items I'm usually here after classes. If not, check the trees as I tend to climb them, or I may be in the dungeons. I suggest an OWL before meetings are best though." To which Hunter turned away, heading back atop his rock to begin another game of wizards chess by himself.
@Regina Miller

It takes a Mad King to create Change. I am no King, but I pull the Chords of Insanity.
Do we Have a Deal? PV Regina Miller Finished
She'll fill your heart with kerosene and light you up 'til you can't breathe
──.
Image posted by the member
Terrible Presence is in effect.
.──

As she watched her 'business partner' examined the Muffling Draught, a smirk ghosted her lips at the mention of a perfect concoction. Of course, Regina Miller would never do anything with half-effort. She was a perfectionist, after all. The girl refused any flaw that may grace her actions and decisions - whatever she did, she made sure it was done impeccably.

Regina waited until Argentum had pocketed the draught and given her the Murtlap Essence in return. Much like what he'd done earlier, she brought it close to her face to check the consistency and quality of the potion. Marvellous. The work was clearly done by an expert, Argentum certainly lived up to his reputation. She put the vial into her pocket with a clearly pleased expression despite her face not showing much emotion, and she nodded in response to the boy's instructions.

"I will keep that in mind. And, for future meetings, you will indeed receive a paper notice beforehand. If you see a great white owl delivering a letter, you will know it's me," Regina said, before turning on her heels. "Should you ever request my services instead, you may either find me in the Duelling Club, the Room of Requirement on the fifth floor...or the Forbidden Forest. I sometimes like a little bit of adventure."

Purple eyes glanced one last time at the Ravenclaw boy, pensively, until her steps finally left the Great Lake.

"Until next time, Hunter Argentum."

@Hunter Argentum
Regina has left the thread.

sta • 9 | eva • 11 | str • 4
VICIOUS⠀PREDATOR
wis • 12 | arc • 11 | acc • 12
⠀⠀⠀Regina Miller
⠀⠀⠀E N C Y C L O P E D I A
⠀⠀⠀Henri de Bourbon
Prodigal DADA | Perfectionist | TP
THROUGH⠀THE⠀YEARS
LC | Nonverbal | ability