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Practical Magic PV Jacob Thorley Closed

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Interacting With: @Jacob Thorley
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Date: Saturday October 28th
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One might consider spending a Saturday in the library to be a rather dull affair but Matthew was certainly not one of those people! Every chance to devour more literature on the wizarding world and expand his keen mind was sought over all else and so it was to no ones surprise that he had been sat here for most of the day. From the windows above he had seen the golden glow of sunrise melt into the mellowing grey of midday until now, where the darkness filtered in broken only by the small faded pockets of starlight that peaked through the sky. It was rapidly approaching Matthew's favourite time of year and the whole school was decorated to show. Pumpkins filling the halls, ghosts more lively than ever and students all buzzing with the electricity of the festivities to come.

That was why this weekend was so important, he was going to be far too busy enjoying the holiday to focus on his studies during the week so he had to cram it all in now. Really it was all rather unnecessary as he was ahead in all of his classes and even in those he struggled with he was making marvellous improvements every day. This weekend also coincidentally happened to be the only time he was able to procure the book he had requested weeks ago. Running his hand down the leather hard back cover of it he read the title over in his mind The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection by Quentin Trimble holding it he already felt safer and stronger. Matthew had just recently signed his name onto the duelling club sign ups and although waitlisted was just happy to have been accepted as a candidate.

An opportunity like that couldn't be wasted so he had decided to get a start of some more advanced spells in the hope that even if he couldn't yet learn them he would know what he was up against. It sprung a quote long buried in his head by Sun Tzu the author of The Art of War "Whoever is first in the field and awaits the coming of the enemy, will be fresh for the fight; whoever is second in the field and has to hasten to battle will arrive exhausted." Less than a year ago you couldn't have convinced him that he would ever be really following the advice of a book on war and yet here he was.

Matthew had become obsessed about learning to duel, he wanted to protect himself and those he cared about and as the only practical work you got to do in the classroom was on objects the club seemed his only chance. To win you had to be prepared, that was what Sun was saying and he was dedicated to being as prepared as possible. Settling in to another hour of reading he hardly noticed when the boy walked in. If he hadn't paused next to Matthew to spy what he was reading it is likely he would've gone entirely unnoticed. Matthew had an uncanny ability to completely disassociate the world around him lost in the pages of a book.

Eyeing the boy in his peripheral vision he took in the sight of him, he was tall with sharp features and piercing eyes that along with his dark eyebrows contrasted from his pale skin but in that handsome way in which it was clear he spent time on his appearance. The only thing that wasn't a picture of perfection was his hair but even that fell gracefully messy towards the back as if styled unlike his own that had a life of its own and made decisions against Matthew's own wishes daily. As he curved his smile in a polite kind of smile he waited patiently to see if the boy was actually going to speak or if he was best to just return to his book.
Nikolai Volka // "Light, light: do not go
I sing you this song and I will sing another as well." // Matthew Campbell
Practical Magic PV Jacob Thorley Closed
@Matthew Campbell
Since starting Hogwarts, Saturdays had quickly came to be one of Jacobs favourite days of the week. No classes, no real responsibilities beyond the odd piece of homework, complete and utter freedom. Or at least freedom as one could have within the confines of the castle grounds. What was it that Jacob chose to utilise this freedom on? Often times, a morning trip up to the library, or if he was feeling adventurous, he'd explore the castle, continuing to try and create a mental map of the various hallways, and classrooms. Today though, the library was his destination.

Despite his frequent trips to the library, he was mostly unaware of what most of the library contained, after all he had only ever spent time within one section. The rows and rows of books detailing various dark creatures, the escapees of dark wizards, spell books, and guides to duelling by any number of famed duelists were Jacobs childhood dream. His fathers study had contained many of these books, of course, but he hadn't often had the chance to read them, as his tutors kept him busy, or his mother was dragging him across the country to meet some pureblooded friend of hers.

It was a surprise to see another student tucked away in the library on a Saturday, and the other boys presence caught Jacobs eye immediately. He was unfamiliar to Jacob, perhaps other than having passed each other in the hallways once or twice, and initially Jacob hadn't any intention to speak with the boy, until his eyes focused on the book that he was reading. His lips curled into a grin, quickly moving to sit opposite Matthew. He hadn't seen anyone else read that book, and half regretted that his own copy was tucked away besides his bed up in his dorm, looking considerably born worn than the library copy did, given he'd read it likely a dozen times.

"Good choice. " He began, not caring to particularly lower his voice, despite them being in a library, as he lowered himself down into the seat, quickly glancing around at the surrounding book shelves. "Have you read it before?"

After a moments pause, he quickly spoke once again, leaning forward across the table to extend a hand to the other boy. "Jacob Thorley, pleased to meet you." His voice was laced with pride as he spoke his surname, likely very telling to his blood status, or at least his style of upbringing.
Practical Magic PV Jacob Thorley Closed
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Interacting With: @Jacob Thorley
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Date: Saturday October 28th
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Perhaps he was becoming as bad as the purists himself but it had become abundantly clear a mere two months in how to spot a pureblood. There was an air of sophistication in the way they spoke and held themselves and this boy was no different. The boy was intriguing though, if he knew Matthew's blood status he clearly hadn't cared and if he didn't know it could be a perfect opportunity to learn about the inner workings of their minds. Once again finding Sun Tzu's advice filling his mind this time with the quote "Know thy enemy"

Jacob Thorley may not be his enemy but he could certainly give an insight into fellow Slytherin purebloods that were, and that was invaluable. Not to mention he had clearly read the book Matthew still clung tightly to and it was fairly advanced for first year learning. Using his knowledge of purebloods he decided on an introduction that would at the very least make him seem like his family was of some worth. "Charmed, I'm Matthew of the house Campbell. May I presume you have read this then? I'm aiming to further my duelling knowledge, so picked it up for a bit of light reading." Tightening his rather broad Scottish accent, to resemble a far more refined tone, the words felt alien in his mouth but if he was to hope to keep a civil conversation it was a sacrifice he was willing to make.

Shaking the boys hand he smiled gracefully towards him. Wanting to know more about the boy he decided there was no time better than the present, "Sadly I was not allowed to read materials on duelling before Hogwarts, I suppose my father didn't support such pursuits. He prefers art an culture, thinks fighting is beneath him. I suppose defying him is my primary ambition!"He was being very careful with his lies, it was easy to get caught out if you weren't careful so he made sure everything he said was true just shifted slightly to fit his persona.
Last edited by Matthew Campbell on 29 Mar 2024, 15:45, edited 1 time in total.
Nikolai Volka // "Light, light: do not go
I sing you this song and I will sing another as well." // Matthew Campbell
Practical Magic PV Jacob Thorley Closed
@Matthew Campbell
As Matthew introduced himself, Jacob leant back in into his seat. The Scottish accent somewhat caught him off guard, not having interacted a huge amount of Scots, despite the schools location. It did raise a question in his mind, of whether Scottish people had to trek all the way down to London to take the train, despite their relatively close proximity to Hogwarts. He was almost tempted to ask, but he was far more excited to discuss the book that Matthew was holding.

"Course I read it." He began, as if it was something that should be expected. "My father bought it for me when I was 10 after I expressed an interest in his job." Once more, he felt a deep regret that he'd left his copy in his dorm, wanting to show it off. The one time he hadn't carried it along with him, was the first chance he'd had to properly discuss it.

"Probably not bad for duelling, but you'd be best practicing actual spells, I think. Some of my fathers old coworkers tutored me, and taught me a few spells before I got here. I bet they'll be useful if I ever sign up for the duelling club, which I do intend to do one way."

As Matthew spoke of his fathers supposed interest in art and culture, Jacob waved his hand dismissively. "Bunch of useless stuff, that is." He scowled. "My mother is obsessed with that stuff, too.. Spent years trying to make me learn the piano, or pick up certain hobbies, but they are all so dull." Those memories, despite how pleasant many would find them, were the stuff of nightmare for Jacob, his disgust at his mothers attempts more than evident on his face.

"Thankfully my fathers an auror, so he encouraged any interest I had in this stuff, " He gestured broadly around them, to the surrounding book shelves. "What is it that your father does then? Can't imagine it's a particularly interesting career if he has no respect for fighting, and duelling."
Practical Magic PV Jacob Thorley Closed
Image posted by the member
Interacting With: @Jacob Thorley
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Date: October 28th
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This was going to be harder than he imagined the thought pounding against his head as he suffered through the boy's opinions. There were very few things in the world that Matthew truly valued and the piano was among that select few. It put him in a rather difficult position as frankly his thoughts on duelling interested Matthew greatly, if only he could stick a pin in the ego.

Listening as intently as was possible he had picked up that Jacob's father was an auror, of course he'd never met an auror but for a while it was something he imagined himself perusing a long time in the future. He thought back to his reading on the second wizarding war and the list of aurors that had been instrumental in the victory, but equally how many were secretly on the side of the dark lord. It filled his minds with questions about the boy's family history and none were particularly pleasant to imagine. Being an auror was a dream of his, but if the department was still prejudice maybe it wasn't worth it.

One thing above them all had peaked his interest though, Jacob had practically told him to practice duelling and he was certainly not going to turn down the opportunity if the offer was real so pondering over the boy's words he answered in the disguised tones of eloquence or he would have but the boy quickly followed up with a secondary question. One that if answered poorly would be sure to expose him. He had to think quick and using hi knowledge of art and magic he kept his composure saying "He's dreadfully boring I'm afraid, especially in comparison to an Auror. He work's in magical paintings, he may even had some up in these very halls but I never pay much attention to his work. As you said rather useless so you can see why I'm more interested in a practical role. After all, one of us has to continue our families legacy with something of actual worth."

It was a stretch he had got caught up in the lie and he knew it but he hoped he just came off as arrogant like the rest of them. Before the boy could question anything he added "Practicing actual spells you say, well I would be happy to be tutored by an expert, or the son of one at least. I find you can't truly defend against the dark arts if you've never actually experienced them in real life, don't you agree? With this he was back in full swing, while the way he was saying the words was still foreign this was completely true, he had grown sick of the lessons practicing on inanimate objects that couldn't fight back. A dark wizard wasn't going to just let you hit them so practical teachings had to be made, whether in a club or not.

Prodding at the boys armour he added "Though of course I'm sure with a father like yours you wouldn't dare risk duelling outside of the club, wouldn't want to rile up your father." he smiled a devilish smile, baiting the boy into a counter and riling him up. It seemed a perfect way to learn what spells purebloods came to Hogwarts knowing, and either way this conversation was no doubt going to end with him attacked so it might as well be educational.
Nikolai Volka // "Light, light: do not go
I sing you this song and I will sing another as well." // Matthew Campbell
Practical Magic PV Jacob Thorley Closed
@Matthew Campbell
Jacob certainly shared Matthew sentiment about his fathers supposed career, wholeheartedly agreeing that a painter, no matter how esteemed, was an awfully boring career when compared to an Auror. Any potential hints of Matthews growing webs of lies were entirely lost on Jacob, who was more than happy to sit and bask in any kind of praise of his fathers career. "That's a good attitude to have." He nodded, at Matthews comment about leaving behind a worth while legacy. "Although, I suppose if your father does have paintings around this castle somewhere, that's a legacy in of itself. Maybe you could point the paintings out or something? I don't find paintings to be particularly interesting, but it might be cool to know who was behind them."

As Matthew mentioned tutoring, Jacob sat upright, his grin broadening. "I suppose that is certainly possible.. There are plenty of empty class rooms at most times though the day." He'd often utilised them when practicing his own spells, after all, and if you were lucky enough to find an empty Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom, then you could even find practice dummies. "I suppose you're right though.. I know a few cool spells, but I've never had to actually try use them against anything that can move.." His mind was already running wild with the possibilities that came with having a practice partner, it'd certainly make for great practice, if either of them wished to join a duelling club.

Jacob once more waved his hand dismissively to Matthews comments about his fathers expectations. "My father wouldn't care about any of that, he'd probably think it was good that I got some kind of experience duelling." He began, before frowning. "My mother on the other hand.." His mother, and by extension that entire side of the family, certainly would not take well to Jacob getting into any kind of trouble. "Uh.. I'm sure it'd be fine anyway, just got to make sure she doesn't get any word of it."

"What about your parents then? How would they take to you taking part in some kind of duel? Doesn't sound as if your father would approve of you duelling, or trying to learn defensive spells."
Practical Magic PV Jacob Thorley Closed
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Interacting With: @Jacob Thorley
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Date: October 28th
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Surprised with how swimmingly this conversation was going he considered for a second making his persona of nobility a permanent change in his life, their was a confidence that it gave him and clearly it gained him far more respect than the truth. He knew it was all a lie but as Jacob spoke he envisioned what it would be to really have his father's work up in the walls of Hogwarts, of what he had seen magical art was nothing in comparison. Portraits were so unimaginative in comparison to the world of emotion that could be captured by a brush.

Then the lightning strike moment hit, Jacob was really willing to do it. How many days he had spent infuriated at the lack of practical learning and finally a solution had presented itself. In Jacob's eyes there was a joy, he could see them turning filling with possibilities and spells and it threw Matthew off slightly worried that this was going to end badly for him. Wasn't that entire the point though. He needed to learn how to actually defend himself, he needed someone ruthless that was going to treat him like an enemy would. Defence was pointless if it was all theoretical.

As the boy spoke of his family the worries only deepened, as he wondered what kind of auror his father was. Matthew had no problems with their arrangement being secret in fact it was a point he rather would have insisted on himself, expulsion was not something he was willing to consider. Thorley clearly showed immense pride in his father's accomplishments and so he decided that prying would likely go unnoticed. So responding to the boy's question, he decided to dig a little deeper, "It's only my father and I've barely had a letter since coming so I highly doubt he could care what I get up to. I hope you won't mind my curiosity I just can't help my intrigue at times, was your father an auror during the war?" Another perfect little lie wrapped in a mirage of truth. His father had barely sent him any letters but mostly as he didn't trust in an owl delivery service, and didn't want to badger his son as he was exploring his independence. Then followed by the question he couldn't get off his mind. In another life he believed he and Jacob could be friends after all they clearly shared passions and he much like Jacob would in any other circumstance beam with pride for his father. But this was likely not that life, and what side his father had been on would tell him that.

Not wanting to seem suspicious he followed up his question coolly sitting back in his chair saying with a nonchalance "Anyways, I think it sounds a perfect idea, both of us are clearly keen duellers and all respect to the professor practicing spells on a cushion isn't going to help us in a fight!" he smirked towards the boy his mind now filling with his own ideas of the future. More determined than ever now, he was going to become a duellist that would give him a family legacy, a muggle-born legacy.
Nikolai Volka // "Light, light: do not go
I sing you this song and I will sing another as well." // Matthew Campbell
Practical Magic PV Jacob Thorley Closed
@Matthew Campbell
This conversation was going swimmingly in Jacobs mind also, he'd found a like minded student who shared his interests, and was even willing to slightly bend the rules in order to benefit them both. What was there for Jacob to not enjoy? It was as if he had struck gold, really. Finally, someone he was going to be able to learn to duel with.

Jacob nodded as Matthew mentioned the lack of owls from his father, which was a situation that Jacob was sympathetic for. Despite how close he was with his parents, he hadn't received a huge amount of letters since the first couple of weeks, and likely wouldn't receive many more, if he didn't send the first letter. He assumed it was something to do with his parents wanting to build him up to being more independent, which made sense, and he hadn't an issue with that.

He did, however, react quite visibly to the question about his father fighting in the war. "How old do you think he is?" He asked incredulously. Had his father been able to fight n that war, he'd of been, what? Mid-late forties? "My father would of still been in Hogwarts the last time there was any kind of major war, or conflict." He paused for a few moments, idly scratching his chin as he did so, before speaking up once more. "He'd of probably been second or third year whilst all of that was going on. Maybe it was part of why he became an Auror, I never really asked that." He shrugged, reclining back into his seat with a sigh.

"I do think though, we should be clear with what it is we are planning to do. Are we to meet in some abandoned class room during the day, and simply duel? That seems like we'd be begging to be caught." He began with a frown. He wasn't entirely sure the punishment that would warrant, would it simply be a detention, or something worse? Duelling illegally was very much against the rules, so he wouldn't be surprised if he carried a heavier punishment, and he certainly did not want his mother to catch word of it. "Or do you wish to sneak out at night, once everyone is asleep? I'm sure that's far less likely for us to be caught."
Practical Magic PV Jacob Thorley Closed
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Interacting With: @Jacob Thorley
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Date: October 28th
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On any other topic panic would have sank in like a lead balloon and his entire guise would have been up but fortunately, was it fortunate? a question sinking into his head he instantly pushed down. Whatever it was he had read the chapters on the wizarding wars time and time again trying to wrap his head around it until he had memorised the events like they happened to him. Laughing at the boys confusion he watched him as he reclined in his seat sighing at the very question Matthew himself was so desperate to know.

With that tone of aristocracy and arrogance he chipped in before the boy could continue "No of course not as an auror, I had meant had he fought in the battle of Hogwarts but clearly as a second or third year that would be highly unlikely. You should certainly ask him the next time you have a chance, might be a story worth telling!" His heartbeat returning to normal as he covered his tracks, happy now to have read the history even if he was unhappy to have ever known it.

As Jacob started making works on their plan he could see further similarities in the two of them, it was clear he didn't want to get caught as much as Matthew and that would be to both their benefit. Of course they would have to make a pact that in the case of any accidents or emergencies they wouldn't rat the other out, which was no doubt going to be the hardest part. Accepting help from a pureblood was one thing but trusting one was an entirely new concept.

It was a smart plan, to do it under the guise of night, particularly for their own protection though it did worry him slightly. This was all well and good while they were friendly but if Jacob reacted the way others did to his blood purity he could find himself alone in the dark with no one to help him. The thought was like a poison that coursed through his veins as he watched the boys mind tick behind his sharp blue eyes. If he were to tell him now it could ruin the only chance of gaining a duelling partner while if he didn't and Jacob found out he could wait until an opportune moment to strike leaving Matthew completely defenceless. And, if he was honest with himself that 'if' was more of an eventuality, the boy was clearly intelligent and wasn't going to be fooled forever.

Truly there was no good choice, so he chose not to choose. If it came up he wouldn't lie but he wasn't about to ruin this opportunity so close to success. So speaking up, filling the silence he let his mouth choose without his mind's interference "You're right, the classrooms are far too open so the way I see it we have a few options all of which will be benefitted by the cover of night as you said. There's the abandoned bathroom on the second floor, the grounds themselves, perhaps the boat house? Or we go simpler, being Slytherin it would be easy for us to slip deeper into the dungeons after curfew, the parts where no one goes." In his decision to stop lying as much to the boy he had forgotten to uphold the tone of sophistication he had been putting on as carefully and so his broader Scottish accent began to seep through.

Leaning in towards the boy he gestured for him to come closer until they were within whispering distance before he added "We might want to keep this between us as well, the more people that know the more likely we are to get caught."
Nikolai Volka // "Light, light: do not go
I sing you this song and I will sing another as well." // Matthew Campbell
Practical Magic PV Jacob Thorley Closed
@Matthew Campbell
The rewording of Matthews question made a lot more sense now, and Jacob almost felt silly for assuming otherwise. "My father mentioned it in passing, but he didn't fight, both because of his age, and I believe all the Slytherins were locked up in the dungeon during most of the fighting, or evacuated first, I don't remember." He shrugged. "I'll definitely ask him though, might be some cool story, as you say." Truthfully, he was fairly sure that his father had more simply fell into the job, as it's a respectable career and he was qualified enough to pursue it, rather than joining for any kind of noble reasoning. That was, after all, sort of why Jacob wanted to pursue being an Auror. It was respectable, and it was cool.

The abandoned bathroom plan had some merits to it, primarily the whole name sake of it. It was abandoned, and unlikely to have teachers discover them. However, it wasn't exactly a hidden room, or an unknown spot, so it wouldn't be a surprise at all if they were happened upon by another student. The dungeon plan however, sounded good to Jacob. It was convenient, and easy for them to plan something around the dungeon, given they were both Slytherins. Just as he was beginning to concentrate on the plan, something snapped him out of it. A thicker accent, an oddly more natural sounding accent from the boy opposite him. Jacobs reaction wasn't huge, but it was noticeable if Matthew was paying attention. The slight narrowing of his eyes, the furrowing of his brow, as he listened closer to Matthews continued speech. Whilst Jacob wasn't massively familiar with Scottish accents, the difference was noticeable enough for him to find something odd about the way the boy spoke.

There was not, however, enough yet for him to actually question Matthew on anything, and so he complied, leaning into whispering distance. "Of course we keep it between us, we don't want a single soul knowing who is not sat at this table. Your dungeon plan is good though, we wait say. Two hours after curfew, and we find somewhere deep in the dungeons." After quickly whispering his idea of the plan to the boy, he leant back into his seat once more.

"So, uh.. You mentioned your father, what about your mother? " He no longer felt the need to lower his voice, given that they weren't discussing anything against the rules anymore, but if he was to duel and practice with someone, there was no harm in familiarising himself with the other party.
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