Snake Charming & Potion Brewing pv: caoimhe kyle finished

DATE ┊ 03/24/2023-----STYLE ┊ standard uniform & hair-----MENTIONS ┊ @Harlan Mongomery
-----WC ┊ 432/200-----ENGLISH ┊ "words"-----FRENCH ┊ "words"-----ARABIC ┊ "words"-----THOUGHTS ┊ "words"

"Where a snake meets a lion,"

-----Caoimhe appreciated Potions immensely, whether it was because she could use her hands instead of her wand or because she liked the concept of making something new. She cherished Potions almost as much as Defense Against the Dark Arts. Compliments from the Professor flowed Caoimhe's way on a fairly regular basis, and while it was wonderful to be notified of the fruits of her personal effort, Caoimhe was well aware that she possessed a high level of competence. It wasn't that she didn't appreciate the praise, but above all else, it was merely the fact that Caoimhe wasn't putting in her best effort that made her cringe. As she was working independently during class, Caoimhe was beginning to feel bored and longed for a challenge or an opportunity to put her skills to the true test.

When Caoimhe least expected it, the opportunity would present itself sooner rather than later in the form of a hand reaching out to capture her attention. She gazed up to a boy who had become familiar to view above a cauldron that was burning, but it was not burning in the appropriate manner. This Gryffindor was frequently under the teacher's watchful eye because of his antics, whether it was his general lack of knowledge of the material being covered in class or his inaccurate potion formulations. Caoimhe didn't know, but it did amuse her some in class.

Caoimhe's initially cautious expression morphed into a genuine grin as she listened to what he had to say. She had a great deal of admiration for her classmates who set loftier goals for themselves and put in extra effort to hone their skills in their spare time. Caoimhe would be happy to oblige, especially as this would give her something to do for the next hour. But since they were in the courtyard, Caoimhe did not have a cauldron with her leaving hers in class for storage. Therefore, she dug into her backpack and pulled out an unfinished notebook that contained her notes on various potions including notes regarding their most recent class. 

"Of course. Here, you can take these for now. Are you doing anything tomorrow?" Caoimhe's ego took a hit for some unfathomable reason, which resulted in her experiencing some nervousness. While she waited for his response, she would put on a smile in an effort to conceal the vexing emotion she was experiencing. She cracked a joke with a wry laugh while maintaining her cheerful expression and then said, "But since I don't even know your name, you better you have some good snacks and jokes."

HARLAN WOULDN'T CURRENTLY know it so much in the awkward shuffle he was having with his fellow schoolmates but he would grow into quite the conversationalist in time. Each and every missed cue and silent pause between talking would lead him to having a charm and cadence that felt more natural than breathing. But for now, the kid would have to continue dredging through the muck of learning how to socialize.

As he took in the view of Caoimhe so closely, he hated to be a cliche but there was something that was actually breath-taking about the girl. The tendrils of hair coiled or her complexion, he hadn’t felt quite like this ever and shook his head to dismiss the thought from rearing its ugly head again. It was something he’d have to ask the guys about later, perhaps one of the others in the lion’s den would be able to help sus out what was going on.

‘ Was that a smile? ’ the quick flash of a good time seemed to find its way onto Caomhe’s face for a moment while he explained and this had to be a good sign. Sometimes, sheer and foolish courageous was exactly what was needed to succeed.

“ Yes ma’am. ” Harlan teased back slightly at the other’s stern reaction, something he wasn’t expecting so fiercely but considering she was a snake, he should’ve known better. “ After classes, i’m free so wherever you want to meet, name the time and place. ” His eyes scanned the room as the rest of the first years were still emptying out the room. “ I can ask the professor to use the spare Potions room? They might say yes since i’ll be with you. ” If it was him with anyone else, he might’ve gotten the biggest and loudest no ever imagined.

“ And it’s Harlan, Harlan Montgomery. ” Chiming in to introduce himself as he offered a hand to properly introduce himself to her. “ And you are? It’s only polite. ” He’d disregard that practically everyone knew Caoimhe, Harlan wouldn’t be caught slipping, letting her hold all the power. He’d have to slowly start to collect the cool points where he could and it all started right now at this very moment.

“ Alright, i’ll leave you with a little taste of my joke skills. ” Harlan pulled up his sleeves as though he was truly preparing himself for something difficult or hard. “ Why did the 4th year throw away their potions? Because they were hexpiried!” A mighty chuckle and a cheeky grin tried to goad Caoimhe into laughing at his horrible cruddy joke.

" bold " for speech, ' italicized ' for thoughts.

@Caoimhe Kyle | wc: 428
notes: n/a

DATE ┊ 03/24/2023-----STYLE ┊ standard cloak & hair-----MENTIONS ┊ @Harlan Montgomery-----WC ┊ -/200
-----ENGLISH ┊ "words"-----FRENCH ┊ "words"-----ARABIC ┊ "words"

-----A chuckle would escape Caoimhe's smile, finding Harlan's lighthearted humor rather enjoyable and a cure for the boredom that had before plagued her mood. Caoimhe couldn't help but scrutinize his broad features as though he had an aura of mystery that necessitated further investigation or exploration on her part; he didn't unlike the Slytherins that Caoimhe normally occupied herself with. There didn't seem to be any secrets or notion to exploit her. It was a simple engagement, yet strange. Caoimhe tried to hide the lingering suspicion behind her kind smile.

She had grown accustomed to conversing with others with sharp skill and charisma, but there was something about the handsome individual who identified himself Harlan Montgomery that she connected with almost instantly. She found their conversation enjoyable, and didn't mind so much that she could possibly be wasting valuable time spending it with him. She swore to herself that she had recognized his surname in the Pureblood registry, which implied that he had to be a Pureblood without a doubt. Or someone who simply shared the name. Part of her strangely wouldn't have minded if the boy was not Pureblood, but it certainly helped Caoimhe be charmed by the boy even further.

"If you'd like, I can go with you when you ask her, just in case she has any questions. Even though I am typically busy after classes, I am happy to rearrange as needed. Tomorrow is perfect, though." After making the offer, she recalled that she had not yet disclosed her name. "My name is Caoimhe, Caoimhe Kyle," she concluded with her smile, featuring a dimple on both cheeks.

"And I can do you better - what do you use to relieve a rash? Quit-itch!"
She tried to not snicker as she told the joke she had heard from upperclass students, boys to be exact. They always had to most obsurd and crude comedy, and Caoimhe couldn't help but find it to be the most funny despite it being unladylike.

A laugh from Caoimhe Kyle was not going to be on his 2023 bingo card that was for sure but perhaps Harlan had a little more drip than he actually thought he did. Hands dug deep into his pocket while he waited for Caoimhe to decide what she wanted to do, she probably had hundreds of plans of what she could do right now and so he wouldnʻt feel too upset if she decided to raincheck or postpone.

” Would you really? She probably thinks i’m horrid, maybe i’ll work my way up to it once I turn in some of the missing homework I haven’t done yet. Let’s stick to studying first, maybe. Want to meet after dinner tomorrow in the library?” With a look over to Caoimhe that shared he’d been procrastinating, he hoped the honesty was refreshing versus someone who put on a facade for the sake of appearances.

“ I hate to break the news but most of us know who you are, Caoimhe. ” At least, his little first year Gryffindor cohort did. She didn’t seem like any of the other Gryffindor first years, and this sharp intellect that seemed to rival Ravenclaw energy. He was far too curious as to her ambition and how far she would go to get what she wanted. Did she believe in collateral damage? Harlan wanted to find out.

“ Wow. ” Simply impressed by the joke that she shared, he let out a snort and a slow clap in her efforts. “ Perhaps, you’re more down to earth than people paint you out to be. ” Taller than her, he crossed his arms against his chest and gave her another once over in her verdant and sterling robes that looked crisp and shimmered in the correct light.

" bold " for speech, ' italicized ' for thoughts.

@Caoimhe Kyle | wc: 292
notes: n/a

DATE ┊ 03/24/2023-----STYLE ┊ standard cloak & hair-----MENTIONS ┊ @Harlan Montgomery-----WC ┊ 308/200
-----ENGLISH ┊ "words"-----FRENCH ┊ "words"-----ARABIC ┊ "words"

-----The vipress was well acquainted with the reality that her name had become more famous than she was attributed to the captivating charm of her personality. There would be no denying that Caoimhe would have a significant circle of friends in most of the houses as well, and a similar amount of those she didn't care much for. But what Caoimhe really desired to discover was what kind of reputation she had established within Hogwarts, and more importantly, whether or not it was for the right reasons. Reasons that Caoimhe hoped would elevate her image rather than tarnish; however, there was also a part of the young girl that did not care either.

She would approach the topic with some lightheartedness, but also an investigative spirit: "Is that so? How do people 'paint me?'" she inquired, standing with her hip out slightly, arms crossed and head cocked to the side wearing a signature smirk.

Caoimhe was not one to waste time on nobodies such as those who lacked skill with their magic or ambition for themselves, and she made her view on this matter known. Because she carried herself in such a self-assured manner, many people seem to dislike her. But, in addition, she was often admired and revered for her confidence. This Harlan character was forthright and truthful, and although Caoimhe had second thoughts about helping him, she respected his candor more than if he had tried to captivate her with a lie. Because of his integrity, Caoimhe came to the conclusion that she would help him after all even if she had nothing to gain. But nonetheless, Caoimhe would quickly remove herself from responsibility if this coup failed.

"After dinner at the library sounds great." she stated sharply but smiled through her suspicion and doubt, despite his earlier honesty. This had better be worth the time.

The snake pit had never scared someone so brash as Harlan. His family was filled with ambition and moved with such force that it was either ebb with the current or simply be pushed out to sea. Now, Harlan still wasn’t certain of his Gryffindor tendencies but there was this bravery in wit that complimented itself nicely within the young scarlet and vermillion lion cub that was probably where all that courage was radiating from. It’s why he could speak to Caoimhe so calmly and without fear that she would strike him to death – socially, of course.

“ Well, first off, they paint you with bold, vibrant pigments and soft curves, hard edges. That sort of deal. ” Harlan hadn’t been too into painting but he heard his older sister talking during the Summer and felt like it sounded clever enough to repeat. What it actually meant? His eleven year old self certainly did not know.

“ How do you think people think of you? ” It was easy enough to tell Caoimhe the truth in what the Gryffindors felt but to hear how she thought she was perceived would be far more interesting than to simply share what she already knew.

Harlan nods and flashes her a smile. “ I’ll be ready then, Ms. Kyle. It’s a date. ” He used a hand to gesture her forward, allowing for Caoimhe to leave the Potions room first before he followed after her before they would potentially split, off to their next location.

" bold " for speech, ' italicized ' for thoughts.

@Caoimhe Kyle | wc: 246
notes: n/a

DATE ┊ 03/24/2023-----STYLE ┊ standard cloak & hair-----MENTIONS ┊ @Harlan Montgomery-----WC ┊ 324/200
-----ENGLISH ┊ "words"-----FRENCH ┊ "words"-----ARABIC ┊ "words"

-----The young lion went on to describe Caoimhe after she proceeded to quiz him, but his words in response sounded as though they had been composed by a novelist or an artist. She would assume that the author was genuinely wise and experienced beyond his or her years - nothing that Harlan or Caoimhe . She gave a wry smile and lifted an eyebrow in an inquisitive fashion as she did so. This couldn't possible be the truth, and the fact that Harlan responded with this made her question whether or not she really cared what other people thought of her in the end. 

Caoimhe was caught off guard when she was confronted with this question, which prompted her to do some introspection. Would she be candid about how much she worried all the time about fitting in, or would she use her ego to tell a falsehood in order to maintain the façade that she typically utilised? After giving it a little more consideration, Caoimhe arrived with a rebuttal that, at least in her perspective at the age of twelve, was suitable for both sides of her nature. "I have no qualms with being called an insensitive witch, so long as I become a powerful one. And I think my drive for success is remarkable and appealing to some, but terrifying to others. I guess it just depends.." she ended her words dropping her smile a bit, looking off into the distance.

When he responded that their arrangement was set, Caoimhe returned to his features with a smile. His hand ushered her to the doorway in which she'd do a small curtsy while giggling before walking forward briskly to avoid the bustle of other students in the hall. Looking back at him once more, the snake would smile at him before saying: "It's a date, Harlan,"

Harlan, she'd sear the name into her memory, almost hoping they'd continue their friendship after the library.