8 Jul 2022, 04:45
Poisonous Breath
June 12th, Early Morning
Hunter waited by the central wash of the Abandoned Toilets, looking around at the scenery. Mischief was in the air, and he swirled a glass vial of a black sluggish mixture in his right hand (A mixture of Water, Belladonna, and Doxy Eggs) and he had a slight fear of being caught. Yet, it was a Sunday and the middle of June. It seemed very unlikely for anyone to show up and spend their time in the smelly, old, and disgusting location of the abandoned toilets. There seemed to be little chance of getting caught, but Hunter felt unnerved nonetheless; the last time he was here, he was experiencing immense stomach pain due to accidentally poisoning himself. Now he stood here again to prepare and repeat history... but for a different unlucky soul rather than himself.
Hunter can't remember much besides the pain he felt from incidentally eating doxy eggs in the past. A bit of vomiting and dehydration, but he can't quite recall the accuracy of the feeling and the necessary treatment required. Today he'd be getting answers, with a bit of a stronger poison, and a bit of help from a guinea pig... or rather badger.
He stood and waited, but eventually, the doors opened and he noticed the individual he was waiting for, "Mr. Brown, correct? I have that Dogbreath potion you requested." Hunter lifted and showed the glass vial of black sluggish mixture: "I'd appreciate it if you could drink it right now, as I want to make sure it works correctly. If so, I have another dosage in my satchel here for you." Hunter patted the satchel he had wrapped around his body with his free hand, and he offered the glass vial of black gunk to Marius. "I know it may smell or be off-putting in looks, but that's why I asked you to come to the abandoned toilets. The stench of this location may help in indulging this mixture and it's also a good way to avoid prefects and professors. I don't know how they would feel about knowing a student had a potion that allowed them to breathe fire," of course this was all just a circle of lies. Hunter wanted a secluded area to not get caught, and he was only anticipating waiting and seeing what would occur once Marius agreed to try the fake potion.
@Marius Brown
It takes a Mad King to create Change. I am no King, but I pull the Chords of Insanity.
9 Jul 2022, 14:38
Poisonous Breath
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If one listened carefully, there was a gentle rustle of a preteen's trousers. The door of the abandoned toilets swung open, and a rather short, slim, athletic tween boy quickly entered before swiftly shutting the door behind him without making any sound. His breath came quick and fast, and every inch of his little figure was quivering with strong emotion.
Inside, a dark-skinned boy had been waiting. "Mr Brown, correct?" he asked, and the other student nodded his head.
Mr Brown, or Marius we shall call him for the sake of ease, could not believe he had made this decision. He was not good at Potions, and last term had almost fail the class. Now that the final exam of the academic year was approaching, the Hufflepuff felt scared to death. He lacked confidence that he could pass this time, even with the optional extra-credit project he had done for Professor Wickham-Deakin. And thus, he callously made the forbidden decision: cheating.
The first year looked at the Ravenclaw in front of him. Rumour had it that this Hunter Argentum was a potion prodigal, and now the two boys had made a rendezvous. But it was not an educational meeting where Hunter would help Marius study; in contrast, he would give the Chinese-English boy a vial of Dogbreath Potion he had brew. And Marius would keep the vial in his uniform pocket to pass as his own should brewing said potion was what they had to do for the test. It was such a dark and despicable plan that fit the darkness and odour in the abandoned toilets.
Hunter handed the Hufflepuff a vial of potion which was black in colour and told him to test it before handing out the rest. There was no turning back now. "He doesn't want buyers to complain afterward," Marius thought. "He wants us to try it right in front of his eyes that both parties would realise that it is the correct product."
He took a good look at the potion and shift his attention back to the Ravenclaw. "Are you sure this is the right potion, Mr Argentum?" he asked doubtfully. "I mean, I trust that you're excellent in brewing potions, but could it be that this is someone else's order? I believe that Dogbreath Potion should be purple instead of black."
Inside, a dark-skinned boy had been waiting. "Mr Brown, correct?" he asked, and the other student nodded his head.
Mr Brown, or Marius we shall call him for the sake of ease, could not believe he had made this decision. He was not good at Potions, and last term had almost fail the class. Now that the final exam of the academic year was approaching, the Hufflepuff felt scared to death. He lacked confidence that he could pass this time, even with the optional extra-credit project he had done for Professor Wickham-Deakin. And thus, he callously made the forbidden decision: cheating.
The first year looked at the Ravenclaw in front of him. Rumour had it that this Hunter Argentum was a potion prodigal, and now the two boys had made a rendezvous. But it was not an educational meeting where Hunter would help Marius study; in contrast, he would give the Chinese-English boy a vial of Dogbreath Potion he had brew. And Marius would keep the vial in his uniform pocket to pass as his own should brewing said potion was what they had to do for the test. It was such a dark and despicable plan that fit the darkness and odour in the abandoned toilets.
Hunter handed the Hufflepuff a vial of potion which was black in colour and told him to test it before handing out the rest. There was no turning back now. "He doesn't want buyers to complain afterward," Marius thought. "He wants us to try it right in front of his eyes that both parties would realise that it is the correct product."
He took a good look at the potion and shift his attention back to the Ravenclaw. "Are you sure this is the right potion, Mr Argentum?" he asked doubtfully. "I mean, I trust that you're excellent in brewing potions, but could it be that this is someone else's order? I believe that Dogbreath Potion should be purple instead of black."
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Having eyes, but not seeing beauty; having ears, but not hearing music; having minds, but not perceiving truth; having hearts that are never moved and therefore never set on fire - these are the things to fear.
9 Jul 2022, 20:46
Poisonous Breath
Hunter was slightly surprised by Marius' comment about the color of the potion. Most people who came to Hunter either didn't know much about the potions they requested or didn't care enough to really question too much about it. He considered Marius to be certainly more clever than other students Hunter had encountered previously and he knew he had to be careful with his wording.
First, Hunter thought about the reasoning behind Marius' request for a DogBreaths potion in the first place as it was currently exam week and most students requested potions that helped with memory or calming anxiety. To request such a potion could either mean Marius was planning to prank someone, thought the potion would be fun to have before leaving Hogwarts, or it had relations to a possible upcoming test. Hunter couldn't quite put his finger on it and was unsure if he had the right to ask. For now, it was best to try and calm the situation and try and wordplay his way to convince Marius the potion Hunter held was the one he requested, "Hunter is fine, but I'm more worried about why you seem to be all out of breath. As for your question, yes, the Dogbreath potion is indeed purple if done by the textbooks. I on the other hand have been spending the majority of my year in the dungeons with Professor Wickham-Deakin studying potions above our grade while enhancing current ones. By adding two drops of salamander blood to the fire whiskey involved in the potion, it is capable of enhancing the effects of the brew ten-fold. It turned to a dark lavender when I did that, and I added a sprig of peppermint which caused it to turn dark black. The professor seemed really pleased with the idea, and the last time I checked the potion basically worked even better. If anything, this will probably make other students jealous once they see you use it." Of course, it was all a bunch of lies, but there were very small truths. Hunter had been seeing Professor Wickham Deakin after class hours to learn more potions, but he never typically tried altering ingredients and such to already known recipes. It was dangerous and he was unsure if it would be approved by higher-ups. However, he had done a lot of research to learn that it was normal for Potioneers to experiment and enhance potions by adding varying ingredients.
Hunter gave good reasoning, now he just needed to push Marius with a bit of pressure, "I do apologize, but time is of the essence. This enhanced version should work, but if it doesn't I have another potion..." to which at this point Hunter takes out a glass vial full of a teal-colored potion, "...in case you feel sick. And it will take a bit of time for me to brew a normal dog breath potion. Shouldn't be too long since I have everything in my satchel, and at most it takes 10-15 minutes to brew it. Perhaps you can even watch and remember how to brew it for next time, rather than requesting it from another student." A bit of pressure, and a good explanation as to why they were hidden in the abandoned toilets at such an early hour. In case an issue occurred, they still had time to make another the correct way.
@Marius Brown
It takes a Mad King to create Change. I am no King, but I pull the Chords of Insanity.
17 Jul 2022, 08:05
Poisonous Breath
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You'd be if this is the first time you break rules and are about to do something terribly risky.
Marius attempted to control his breathing and emotion to shake less, but he could still feel his heart bumping and thumping, as if it would jump out of his breast any moment. Never in his life had he performed something so dishonest. Looking straight at Hunter and thinking how calm he was, Marius formed a guess that this was not the first time the Ravenclaw had done something dark. Considering things again, it was the Potions prodigy who requested that they were to meet in such a secluded place, far from the peering eyes of other pupils and prefects and staff. Clearly, he's used to such thing...
To the other boy though, Marius merely shook his head, tongue suddenly too heavy to talk.
The Hufflepuff then turned his attention back to the vial, brown eyes meeting black liquid. His intuition screamed no, but did one not have to take risk to make sure everything was correct? Moreover, Hunter had assured that he had with him some antidote, so things should be just fine.
That is, if he brewed it properly.
The longer he delayed, the more torture he felt. Shaking his head, Marius took the vial from the Ravenclaw's hand and gave its cork a tug to open.
He held his breath. He closed his eyes. He took a drink.
Marius attempted to control his breathing and emotion to shake less, but he could still feel his heart bumping and thumping, as if it would jump out of his breast any moment. Never in his life had he performed something so dishonest. Looking straight at Hunter and thinking how calm he was, Marius formed a guess that this was not the first time the Ravenclaw had done something dark. Considering things again, it was the Potions prodigy who requested that they were to meet in such a secluded place, far from the peering eyes of other pupils and prefects and staff. Clearly, he's used to such thing...
To the other boy though, Marius merely shook his head, tongue suddenly too heavy to talk.
The Hufflepuff then turned his attention back to the vial, brown eyes meeting black liquid. His intuition screamed no, but did one not have to take risk to make sure everything was correct? Moreover, Hunter had assured that he had with him some antidote, so things should be just fine.
That is, if he brewed it properly.
The longer he delayed, the more torture he felt. Shaking his head, Marius took the vial from the Ravenclaw's hand and gave its cork a tug to open.
He held his breath. He closed his eyes. He took a drink.
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Having eyes, but not seeing beauty; having ears, but not hearing music; having minds, but not perceiving truth; having hearts that are never moved and therefore never set on fire - these are the things to fear.
18 Jul 2022, 08:27
Poisonous Breath
Hunter immediately backed away from Marius after he took the potion and began to drink it. The young Ravenclaw kept a safe distance from everyone for his own cautious reasons. To that, he took out his wand and a whistle from his cloak. With a quick wand movement and short incantation, he turned the whistle into a pocket watch. He opened it up, and began to wind it to a random time; then, he stopped and allowed the hands to move on their own the moment Marius began to drink. Hunter took note of the random time of the watch and began to count the few seconds that passed on it. The *tick* and *tock* of the seconds that passed echoed via the room in such a way of resembling a demented count down. Hunter placed his wand back inside his robes, and took out a journal and a muggle pen. He bought the unique item from other muggle students since it was obviously such a useful tool.
"Hmm, 5 seconds and nothing yet. I thought I increased the concentration of the poison to work faster..." Hunter wrote something in his journal completely overlooking his comment. It took him a moment to come back to the realization of what he said. He didn't turn his head, nor shifted his eyes at Marius. Perhaps Hunter was just that confident, or he really wanted to make sure that what he wrote would be legible to read on other days. Still focusing on his journal, he said the awful truth, "Bit of a slip on the tongue, but I do apologize in advance, Mr.Brown. Potions aren't for free and I'm not in search of galleons these days. What you drank was poison, and I would like you to tell me how you feel and if any sort of symptoms occurs. Symptoms like seeing double, perhaps hallucinations, pain in the stomach or even numbness in the legs."
After speaking in just a mono-toned voice that made it sound like nothing wrong was going on, but neither reassuring, Hunter finally lifted his head out of his journal and looked at Marius. Hunter's eyes avoided Marius' to either avoid feelings of anxiety or perhaps pity. Hunter sometimes had a very tired look, one of someone who worked hard and diligently with no end. He had goals, and nothing was going to stop him. His determination could be inspiring, but also had the potential of being seen as absolutely frightening. He lifted the other glass vial containing a teal-colored potion with his bare hand: "Compliance would be much appreciated. as a reward, you can have a potion that will help you on your next exam and this very antidote I am holding. Since you recognize potion colors, then hopefully you recall the Antidote to Common Poisons is a vibrant teal."
@Marius Brown
It takes a Mad King to create Change. I am no King, but I pull the Chords of Insanity.
17 Aug 2022, 15:10
Poisonous Breath
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What was going on?
Marius was now in his full panic mode. His first attempt at cheating on a test was going totally awry, but worse than that, his life was now in danger. All right, in immediate danger (because if Professor Wickham-Deakin ever caught him trying to cheat in order to pass a test, she might as well give him a T for his final or average score at Potions, and then he may have to repeat a year, and that would be the second most dangerous thing to ever happen to a pupil, with the top danger being expelled from school!).
This Hunter Argentum, whom they called a Potions prodigy, had just given something he drank and informed him that it was poison. Was he serious? But if so, why? Marius barely knew this Ravenclaw and vice versa (or so the Hufflepuff thought), so what could be the reason for this kid to torture and/or murder him?
The Chinese-English boy turned to look Hunter straight in the eyes, but the other preteen avoided his gaze in an obvious manner. Marius felt sick, and he knew no more whether it was the physical or psychological effect of the poison. For a moment, his legs seemed to be rooted on the floor - but just for a moment. In the next blink of an eye, he dashed forward, no longer listening to Hunter's words, attempting to break out of the abandoned toilet. It was likely that he would have to explain the whole reason behind this poisoning, but it would still be better than dying in a stupid and silly state; if he could get out, he may be able to drag himself to the Hospital Wing, or at least someone may spot him and call the school nurse or a professor.
Marius was now in his full panic mode. His first attempt at cheating on a test was going totally awry, but worse than that, his life was now in danger. All right, in immediate danger (because if Professor Wickham-Deakin ever caught him trying to cheat in order to pass a test, she might as well give him a T for his final or average score at Potions, and then he may have to repeat a year, and that would be the second most dangerous thing to ever happen to a pupil, with the top danger being expelled from school!).
This Hunter Argentum, whom they called a Potions prodigy, had just given something he drank and informed him that it was poison. Was he serious? But if so, why? Marius barely knew this Ravenclaw and vice versa (or so the Hufflepuff thought), so what could be the reason for this kid to torture and/or murder him?
The Chinese-English boy turned to look Hunter straight in the eyes, but the other preteen avoided his gaze in an obvious manner. Marius felt sick, and he knew no more whether it was the physical or psychological effect of the poison. For a moment, his legs seemed to be rooted on the floor - but just for a moment. In the next blink of an eye, he dashed forward, no longer listening to Hunter's words, attempting to break out of the abandoned toilet. It was likely that he would have to explain the whole reason behind this poisoning, but it would still be better than dying in a stupid and silly state; if he could get out, he may be able to drag himself to the Hospital Wing, or at least someone may spot him and call the school nurse or a professor.
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Having eyes, but not seeing beauty; having ears, but not hearing music; having minds, but not perceiving truth; having hearts that are never moved and therefore never set on fire - these are the things to fear.
21 Aug 2022, 11:14
Poisonous Breath
Hunter's eyes immediately darted as Marius began to run for the doors of the abandoned toilets. With a swift movement of his wand and pronunciation of "Colloportus!" he could hear the kerchunk of the door becoming magically locked. Marius could easily unlock it if he knew the unlocking charm, so Hunter needed to be quick in calming the boy down. He gave out a sigh after casting the spell, Marius was being more troublesome than Hunter had expected: "Now hold on Mr.Brown. If you leave now then you'll be sent to the Hospital Wing in quick time. You'll have to explain why you were poisoned, and I'll make sure I'm not the only one to go down. You came here for a Dogsbreath potion and it is currently the week of exams. I'll make sure others knew you tried to cheat. So take a deep breath, and relax. The poison won't kill you. At best, you'll be on the toilet for hours non-stop with stomach cramps if left untreated." Hunter hadn't expected Marius to still have the strength to try and run away so quickly. Perhaps the poison was made too lightly and innocently for the Hufflepuff boy, and Hunter would leave that in his head for the next time he brewed the concoction. He looked at Marius attempting to choose his words wisely thinking what else could convince him to stay. Hunter gave it some thought, and an idea did pop in his head: "Look, Mr.Brown. I just have a few questions I need you to answer. If you answer them, then I'll give you the antidote, give you a few tips on remembering the dogsbreath potion, and we can then be on our merry way. We don't have to complicate or risk the chance of us both being exposed." It was simple and harmless, Hunter needed to calm the other boy's nerves first. Yet, the thing he said next was meant to attack the heart of the badger: "Just know, you aren't the first to be poisoned. If you don't answer my questions, then know another Hufflepuff will end up being poisoned as well. Don't you wish to protect your housemates?"
Hunter tried to give a slight smile to help ease the situation, but it was a weak and hollow smile with little kindness to add. He could only wait for Marius to comply, and perhaps let the poison settle in ab it longer. Who knows, perhaps Marius would start to hallucinate at some point in their conversation. Hunter just needed to waste some time and prevent the bomb in Marius' head from exploding.
It takes a Mad King to create Change. I am no King, but I pull the Chords of Insanity.
12 Sep 2022, 09:07
Poisonous Breath
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The moment Hunter magically locked the exits with a Coloportus, Marius instantly regretted that he did not have his wand with him. He knew very well the door could not be unlocked with a key, but perhaps physical force would work. And even if it did not, someone would bound to hear. (That is, if somebody was around. Hopefully. Do not forget that this area was abandoned.)
Only half-listening to Hunter, Marius started banging at the door, giving his best to cry out for help. If anyone heard, he definitely would feel so ashamed and he would have to explain about everything, including his attempt to cheat at the final exam; but still, it was better than dying right there and then.
It was only because he happened to catch Hunter's words that the poison would not kill him that he stopped. Was this kid serious? Was he honest? And even better than that, the Ravenclaw promised to help him study (even though Marius would much prefer if Hunter helped him to practice brewing, not memorise the theoretical aspects).
"Why should I trust you?" the Hufflepuff tried to put up a brave fight despite the rising physical discomfort. "You've lied to me, telling me this was a stronger potion and not a poison. What's the guarantee that it won't kill me and that that," he pointed at the vial containing the said antidote, "is a real antidote to this poison?"
Only half-listening to Hunter, Marius started banging at the door, giving his best to cry out for help. If anyone heard, he definitely would feel so ashamed and he would have to explain about everything, including his attempt to cheat at the final exam; but still, it was better than dying right there and then.
It was only because he happened to catch Hunter's words that the poison would not kill him that he stopped. Was this kid serious? Was he honest? And even better than that, the Ravenclaw promised to help him study (even though Marius would much prefer if Hunter helped him to practice brewing, not memorise the theoretical aspects).
"Why should I trust you?" the Hufflepuff tried to put up a brave fight despite the rising physical discomfort. "You've lied to me, telling me this was a stronger potion and not a poison. What's the guarantee that it won't kill me and that that," he pointed at the vial containing the said antidote, "is a real antidote to this poison?"
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Having eyes, but not seeing beauty; having ears, but not hearing music; having minds, but not perceiving truth; having hearts that are never moved and therefore never set on fire - these are the things to fear.
22 Sep 2022, 18:22
Poisonous Breath
Hunter, took out his pocketwatch to check the time. He found himself checking time more and more, listening to the seconds tick by each moment. He listened to Marius' words. It was very odd, the way they were both acting. Hunter was still calmed, slightly surprised and agitated by Marius' previous and current actions. Time was still going by smoothly he concluded, and was wondering if anxiety and fear were possible things to be stated as a condition given by the poison he gave to Marius'. Heard to say and Hunter placed his pocket watch back in his robe. "Yes, I lied. Yes, I gave you poison, and thus you shouldn't believe what I have is an antidote." Marius had every right to not trust Hunter, but Hunter wasn't here to earn trust.
"I suggest you think, and give yourself time to calm down and look at your options; although, do recall the poison will cause you to have stomach pains and possibly headaches as more time goes on. Again, it won't kill you, but the experience won't be pleasant." Hunter's expression was still calm, but also... lifeless. No joy, no anger, no sadness, almost nothing. It could be described as a feeling of gray: "Either, one, you answer my questions, get your antidote, learn dogs breath, and we leave. Two, we both stay here and miss our classes. Three, you try and escape and I'll cast a curse on you. Four, we battle, or five you think of a different solution." Hunter's voice sounded sincere and trusting. The options he gave all made sense, and eventually, he gave a cold smile to try and ease Marius a bit more, "The questions I have aren't hard either. These questions are only a badger can answer."
@Marius Brown
It takes a Mad King to create Change. I am no King, but I pull the Chords of Insanity.
8 Oct 2022, 13:49
Poisonous Breath
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No, Hunter's question was not difficult to answer. Truth be told, not hard at all. But what Marius despised was the fact (or was it his opinion?) that this way, he would be in the Ravenclaw's mercy and Hunter would have the upper hand.
He was being used like a tissue paper; what was the guarantee that Hunter had a real antidote and would keep his promise to help the Hufflepuff study? Nothing. He might as well get what he wanted - that is, the list of symptoms caused by the potion he had given to Marius - and give the Chinese-English preteen nothing at all in return. Why, this kid was insane. Surely it was not such an overreaction to guess that he had just been lying, telling Marius the poison was not deadly when in fact it could kill an elephant in a day. Then in this case, he would get what he desired and leave his victim to die in an abandoned spot to cover his tracks!
Usually, Marius was not the kind of person who thought before he acted, and he had the tendency to act impulsively, particularly when he was hot. Right now, however, he realised that he had to play smart, nay, play genius. He was playing against a madman, and a crazy individual could be five times as cunning as a sane person. After weighing his ideas for a while, the country boy finally decided to strike a deal - and be a little cunning at the same time.
"All right, Hunter, let's talk," he said bravely in the midst of increasing physical discomfort. "If I answer your questions, you are to give me an authentic antidote, we're learning to brew Dogsbreath potion instead of going through its theoretical aspects, and we're out of here."
What he did not tell the Ravenclaw was that he planned to give a fake list of symptoms. (And he was not even lying, was he? He promised the other first year to answer, but not to answer honestly.) If Hunter was proved to be trustable, Marius would give him the correct list after they approached a more crowded area; or if it was not possible, he would send him an owl as soon as possible. He did not want to cheat his fellow student, but he would make sure if Hunter did not keep his promise, he would not get what he aimed for, either.
He was being used like a tissue paper; what was the guarantee that Hunter had a real antidote and would keep his promise to help the Hufflepuff study? Nothing. He might as well get what he wanted - that is, the list of symptoms caused by the potion he had given to Marius - and give the Chinese-English preteen nothing at all in return. Why, this kid was insane. Surely it was not such an overreaction to guess that he had just been lying, telling Marius the poison was not deadly when in fact it could kill an elephant in a day. Then in this case, he would get what he desired and leave his victim to die in an abandoned spot to cover his tracks!
Usually, Marius was not the kind of person who thought before he acted, and he had the tendency to act impulsively, particularly when he was hot. Right now, however, he realised that he had to play smart, nay, play genius. He was playing against a madman, and a crazy individual could be five times as cunning as a sane person. After weighing his ideas for a while, the country boy finally decided to strike a deal - and be a little cunning at the same time.
"All right, Hunter, let's talk," he said bravely in the midst of increasing physical discomfort. "If I answer your questions, you are to give me an authentic antidote, we're learning to brew Dogsbreath potion instead of going through its theoretical aspects, and we're out of here."
What he did not tell the Ravenclaw was that he planned to give a fake list of symptoms. (And he was not even lying, was he? He promised the other first year to answer, but not to answer honestly.) If Hunter was proved to be trustable, Marius would give him the correct list after they approached a more crowded area; or if it was not possible, he would send him an owl as soon as possible. He did not want to cheat his fellow student, but he would make sure if Hunter did not keep his promise, he would not get what he aimed for, either.
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Having eyes, but not seeing beauty; having ears, but not hearing music; having minds, but not perceiving truth; having hearts that are never moved and therefore never set on fire - these are the things to fear.