Experiment #022: 'Point of Defense'
"Surely not...surely I didn't..."
It was a disaster. No, a catastrophe! A cataclysm! A...a...
Oh, by everything above, it was a problem!
Emil had just been settling down in between classes, eager to dig into a couple textbooks and plan out some new ideas to test out. They had remembered to put their copy of The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection back into their bag following their last class...and yet somehow they'd completely forgotten their copy of Jinxes for the Jinxed back at the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom! This was horrible! What if someone else picked it up? Emil had written their name in the book, but all it would take was one person missing that signature or deciding to ignore it for their book to be lost for who knew how long!
That was unacceptable. It would impede Emil's studies. And they'd paid for that book with their own allowance! They refused to see it be stolen or further misplaced!
The little Hufflepuff was awkwardly trying to dash amongst the crowds of their fellow students to try and get back down the flights of stairs back to the classroom. What if someone saw that book and assumed Emil was wanting to inflict jinxes on others like a common bully?!
One flight, two flights, three...Emil was not a very athletic person, but the huffing, puffing Hufflepuff kept on making a desperate dash for the classroom. Merlin only knew who could could potentially find that book before they got it back!
@Robin Lockett
Experiment #022: 'Point of Defense'
Date November 10, 2025
Time 10:50
Location Defense Against the Dark Arts Classroom, Hogwarts
Tags pv @Emil Scovich
Colored italics are thought; colored "quotations" are spoken. Uncolored italics are usually books or songs etc., while uncolored quotations are usually meant to emphasize the included word or make it sarcastic.
The chatter of passing students faded as Robin entered the empty classroom. His next class was Defense Against the Dark Arts, his favorite subject taught at Hogwarts as of now, and he doesn't expect it to change. His Ravenclaw robe was worn neatly as always, with no wrinkle meeting the eye. He pushed up his glasses in anticipation for what this lesson has to offer.
Robin had came to the classroom earlier than usual. He felt like he'd been performing quite well in homework assignments, so he wanted to start learning second year spells in his free time and get a head start. Despite being as objectively prodigious as he was, Robin still had some questions he hoped the professor could clear up for him.
The professor wasn't in his classroom at the moment, but it would seem that someone had occupied Robin's usual seat in the front row. There wasn't a satchel anywhere near that seat, but a book was left on the desk. Jinxes for the Jinxed. Robin stepped closer and flipped open the cover, seeing a name inscribed on the title page: Emil Scovich.
This . . . "Emil" person left the book here? Probably from the last class.
Robin considered handing it over to the professor when he sees him, putting it on a bookshelf to the side, or just letting it stay on his desk. The last option wouldn't be that big of a nuisance anyways, as the desk had sufficient space for him to place his own study materials and more.
Ultimately, Robin decided to leave the book in the corner of his eye and pay it no mind. He sat down and took out his textbook, notebook, and quill, setting them neatly on the wooden surface in front of him. He also took out his wand and examined it, debating whether he should practice a spell or review his notes.
That was when the door behind him flew open, followed by someone's labored breathing. Robin turned around in his seat, blinking expressionless at the panting Hufflepuff.
Reduciodate open to change
Experiment #022: 'Point of Defense'
“Just grab it and get going, before anyone—“
The huffy, puffy Hufflepuff had been barreling into the classroom in a sheer panic as every potential horrendous outcome raced through their mind — until they burst through the door and found themself in an impromptu staring contest with someone else alone in the classroom.
They blinked once, twice, and then quietly cleared their throat. Oh dear…had Emil intruded on something private? As if this blunder of theirs couldn’t get any worse!
“…sorry. I didn’t mean to be disruptive.”
They took a step forward before pausing. There, right on the desk this other student was using, was their book. Emil gestured to it as a pink flush began blooming across their face in embarrassment.
“I left my book.”
A pause.
“I-I’m not using it for anything malicious, mind you! Just additional…research material…”
Why had Emil pre-emptively defended themself? Oh, now this other student would surely think they were up to no good!
“…you, um, you didn’t need to use it for anything right now, did you?”
Emil motioned to this other student’s current set up at the desk.
“I can…I can let you borrow it, if that’s the case. Oh, wait — introductions. Sorry.”
Emil, all anxiety and nerves wrapped in pinkening skin and ginger hair, waved awkwardly.
“I’m Emil. Emil Scovich.”
The huffy, puffy Hufflepuff had been barreling into the classroom in a sheer panic as every potential horrendous outcome raced through their mind — until they burst through the door and found themself in an impromptu staring contest with someone else alone in the classroom.
They blinked once, twice, and then quietly cleared their throat. Oh dear…had Emil intruded on something private? As if this blunder of theirs couldn’t get any worse!
“…sorry. I didn’t mean to be disruptive.”
They took a step forward before pausing. There, right on the desk this other student was using, was their book. Emil gestured to it as a pink flush began blooming across their face in embarrassment.
“I left my book.”
A pause.
“I-I’m not using it for anything malicious, mind you! Just additional…research material…”
Why had Emil pre-emptively defended themself? Oh, now this other student would surely think they were up to no good!
“…you, um, you didn’t need to use it for anything right now, did you?”
Emil motioned to this other student’s current set up at the desk.
“I can…I can let you borrow it, if that’s the case. Oh, wait — introductions. Sorry.”
Emil, all anxiety and nerves wrapped in pinkening skin and ginger hair, waved awkwardly.
“I’m Emil. Emil Scovich.”
Experiment #022: 'Point of Defense'
Date November 10, 2025
Time 10:50
Location Defense Against the Dark Arts Classroom, Hogwarts
Tags pv @Emil Scovich
Colored italics are thought; colored "quotations" are spoken. Uncolored italics are usually books or songs etc., while uncolored quotations are usually meant to emphasize the included word or make it sarcastic.
Robin got a better look at the Hufflepuff kid after they took a few steps forward into the classroom. He wasn't sure if this shorter kid was a boy, a girl, or somewhere in between at first glance. They had grey-blue eyes and ginger hair that goes lower down their neck, relatively light skin with freckles all over their face, and is currently blushing either due to embarrassment or overdoing physical activities. This wouldn't have been the first time Robin encountered a pretty boy or a handsome girl at Hogwarts, but just to be safe, he decided not to invest in a definitive answer for now.
" . . . Sorry. I didn't mean to be disruptive."
The Hufflepuff seemed to feel a bit anxious seeing someone else in the classroom. Robin shook his head in reassurance: "You're fine, it's . . . not my room, anyway." Thinking this was just another diligent student who came to ask questions, Robin turned back about to review his notes. However, after a long pause, the other student opened their mouth again: "I left my book."
Robin's gaze was directed towards the book in the corner of his desk, Jinxes for the Jinxed. "I-I’m not using it for anything malicious, mind you! Just additional . . . research material . . . " The student felt a need to defend themself, for a reason Robin isn't entirely capable of comprehending. His mind was focused elsewhere, it was focused on the trigger word to his sleeper agent self, "research".
The Hufflepuff then hurriedly proceeded to lend the book to Robin, without giving him a chance to ask questions. Then, they finally stopped themself from becoming a fountain of sentences. The ginger-haired kid waved awkwardly at Robin, whom is now standing up with the book in his right hand.
"I’m Emil. Emil Scovich."
"My name's Robin Lockett. The bird and the necklace thing but with two 't's." After using it a few times, he found this introduction to be the most efficient, so he'd been using it for some time now. Robin walked forward and held out the book on jinxes, eyes staying on its cover with a hint of curiosity flickering within. "You said research, uh, would you mind sharing what you've been looking at?" He paused for a moment, then added: "I . . . also like to learn things in my free time."
Reduciosorry about the short delay, I didn't bookmark/subscribe to this topic so it wouldn't notify me about new posts if I'm not mentioned
Experiment #022: 'Point of Defense'
Emil…blinked. They weren’t being thought of as a budding bully? They weren’t being accused of wanting to do something nefarious? That was already much better than the worst case scenario’s that had been brewing in Emil’s mind.
The Hufflepuff looked up to Robin — goodness, he was quite tall for his age! He practically dwarfed Emil already.
“Oh! Um…if you’d like, I can show you my planned experiments.”
Emil slowly pulled a chair over towards the desk Robin had been sitting at before settling in and opening the book. They normally didn’t show their process of deciding on what to look into to just anyone, but Robin seemed interested…and Emil had technically interrupted his personal study time. It was only polite for them to make it up to him by showing him their work, yes?
Emil flipped open their book before also producing their textbook for Defense Against the Dark Arts. Notes scribbled into the margins helped link up topics across both of them.
“My first idea so far is looking into potential synergistic effects between certain offensive spells. Curse of the Bogies is on our syllabus for first-years, but it seems a bit limited to more hinderance than pure offensive capabilities. For slowing down pursuers, it may be a nice tool — but for immediate ‘firepower,’ it feels lacking. However, I’ve heard that certain charms and Jinxes can cause unexpected secondary effects if cast on the same person within a short amount of time. I’m curious to see if such a combination exists for Curse of the Bogies, perhaps something to accelerate the speed of the flu-like symptoms setting in or…”
Emil paused before looking away bashfully. How long had they been talking?
“…sorry. I’m trampling the conversation. What do you think?”
The Hufflepuff looked up to Robin — goodness, he was quite tall for his age! He practically dwarfed Emil already.
“Oh! Um…if you’d like, I can show you my planned experiments.”
Emil slowly pulled a chair over towards the desk Robin had been sitting at before settling in and opening the book. They normally didn’t show their process of deciding on what to look into to just anyone, but Robin seemed interested…and Emil had technically interrupted his personal study time. It was only polite for them to make it up to him by showing him their work, yes?
Emil flipped open their book before also producing their textbook for Defense Against the Dark Arts. Notes scribbled into the margins helped link up topics across both of them.
“My first idea so far is looking into potential synergistic effects between certain offensive spells. Curse of the Bogies is on our syllabus for first-years, but it seems a bit limited to more hinderance than pure offensive capabilities. For slowing down pursuers, it may be a nice tool — but for immediate ‘firepower,’ it feels lacking. However, I’ve heard that certain charms and Jinxes can cause unexpected secondary effects if cast on the same person within a short amount of time. I’m curious to see if such a combination exists for Curse of the Bogies, perhaps something to accelerate the speed of the flu-like symptoms setting in or…”
Emil paused before looking away bashfully. How long had they been talking?
“…sorry. I’m trampling the conversation. What do you think?”
Experiment #022: 'Point of Defense'
Date November 10, 2025
Time 10:53
Location Defense Against the Dark Arts Classroom, Hogwarts
Tags pv @Emil Scovich
Colored italics are thought; colored "quotations" are spoken. Uncolored italics are usually books or songs etc., while uncolored quotations are usually meant to emphasize the included word or make it sarcastic.
Robin noticed that Emil had to look up to him when he walked closer. He'd been told how tall he was for his age a few times before, boys usually had a later growth spurt than girls, but Robin's height rapidly increased earlier than his parents expected. He's still growing, but his parents worry he might reach his limit sooner and be shorter in the long term. Robin honestly didn't care that much, he didn't hold pride in his height since the trait wasn't too important for his "desk potato" self.
Emil looked relieved when Robin expressed his interest in their research, agreeing to show him some of their planned experiments. They sat down near Robin's desk, and Emil took out their DADA textbook, referencing it along with Jinxes for the Jinxed. They went on a quite in-depth talk on how some spells were lower in offensive power and could be greatly improved when combined with the right charms or jinxes.
They are already trying to figure out spell combinations? Robin's eyes widened slightly in awe. Combining multiple spells to achieve complicated effects, in his mind, was something more advanced than what first years were usually capable of comprehending. The kid's DADA notes were also very elaborate, Robin couldn't help but focus on those for a moment before dragging his consciousness back to the current topic.
Robin was so enthralled by Emil's theories that he didn't notice their sudden pause until an apology was voiced. The ginger-haired Hufflepuff then asked Robin's thoughts on the matter, looking away rather embarrassed.
"Oh please, no need to apologize, that was very interesting."After giving it some thought, Robin reopened his mouth: "This is definitely a fruitful area to explore. If there's a spell that can weaken one's immune system, the effect of Mucus ad Nauseam might be significantly amplified if it's cast after that. Sadly I can't think of any curses or jinxes with such a specific effect."
Robin flipped through the books in his mental library, looking for something else he might be able to provide for the young researcher. Then, something clicked.
"This probably isn't what you're looking for, but I do recall reading about a spell in our third year syllabus, the Full Body-Bind Curse. It wouldn't amplify the severe cold symptoms, but imagine you want to sneeze or cough and the curse makes you unable to move or speak. I assume that includes not being able to move your five sense organs, so, would you still have the urge to sneeze even though you can't? That sounds painful."
Experiment #022: 'Point of Defense'
Emil blinked at Robin, somewhat incredulously. The Full Body-Bind Curse? They hadn't quite considered that as an option before now, even with their current research. However, it seemed like a plausible combination - with a potential flaw.
"Well, perhaps, but it would be quite dangerous, wouldn't it? After all, if the Curse of the Bogies induces flu or cold-like symptoms, your opponent may already have difficulty breathing. Maybe a Full Body-Bind Curse would override it upon hitting a target, but if it didn't...that would mean someone could potentially start choking on their own mucus. Unless the Full Body-Bind Curse also renders the parts of the body responsible for the excess mucus production? Do autonomic body functions like breathing continue when hit with the Full Body-Bind Curse? I would assume so - I doubt they'd teach it to us at third year if it could cause suffocation so easily."
Emil found the moment strangely comforting. Not the concept of someone choking to death on their own mucus, of course, but rather the process of laying out the questions and things that needed to be tested later - mapping out the potential pitfalls and ways to test safety measures against the plan. After all, Emil would learn the Full Body-Bind Curse at some point in their Hogwarts career, so learning about lethal complications or synergistic potentials beforehand was quite a boon to keep themself from properly hurting someone.
...and an experiment was already forming in their mind.
"Perhaps a simpler trial would be best - the Dancing Feet Spell is on our syllabus for this year, along with Curse of the Bogies. They aren't the exact same pairing, but the Dancing Feet Spell is still technically loss of control in parts of the body. Perhaps that pairing could give some insight? After all, if the pair have a disastrous tandem effect, then we'd already know to be extremely cautious with the Full Body-Bind Curse as a potential pairing."
Yes, the design was coming together - observing both spells on their own and then the ways they could be cast together. Would the order of casting affect the outcome? What about the timing between the two? It would probably need to be at least somewhat close together, yes? Emil was already chasing down the rabbit hole, getting that focused yet determined smile again...before remembering that they were still with company.
The Hufflepuff started to apologize, stopped, started to apologize for apologizing excessively again, and then stopped again with a self-loathing huff. Why did Emil always have to get so carried away and steamroll a conversation when it came to their experiments?!
"...what are your thoughts?"
@Robin Lockett
"Well, perhaps, but it would be quite dangerous, wouldn't it? After all, if the Curse of the Bogies induces flu or cold-like symptoms, your opponent may already have difficulty breathing. Maybe a Full Body-Bind Curse would override it upon hitting a target, but if it didn't...that would mean someone could potentially start choking on their own mucus. Unless the Full Body-Bind Curse also renders the parts of the body responsible for the excess mucus production? Do autonomic body functions like breathing continue when hit with the Full Body-Bind Curse? I would assume so - I doubt they'd teach it to us at third year if it could cause suffocation so easily."
Emil found the moment strangely comforting. Not the concept of someone choking to death on their own mucus, of course, but rather the process of laying out the questions and things that needed to be tested later - mapping out the potential pitfalls and ways to test safety measures against the plan. After all, Emil would learn the Full Body-Bind Curse at some point in their Hogwarts career, so learning about lethal complications or synergistic potentials beforehand was quite a boon to keep themself from properly hurting someone.
...and an experiment was already forming in their mind.
"Perhaps a simpler trial would be best - the Dancing Feet Spell is on our syllabus for this year, along with Curse of the Bogies. They aren't the exact same pairing, but the Dancing Feet Spell is still technically loss of control in parts of the body. Perhaps that pairing could give some insight? After all, if the pair have a disastrous tandem effect, then we'd already know to be extremely cautious with the Full Body-Bind Curse as a potential pairing."
Yes, the design was coming together - observing both spells on their own and then the ways they could be cast together. Would the order of casting affect the outcome? What about the timing between the two? It would probably need to be at least somewhat close together, yes? Emil was already chasing down the rabbit hole, getting that focused yet determined smile again...before remembering that they were still with company.
The Hufflepuff started to apologize, stopped, started to apologize for apologizing excessively again, and then stopped again with a self-loathing huff. Why did Emil always have to get so carried away and steamroll a conversation when it came to their experiments?!
"...what are your thoughts?"
@Robin Lockett
Experiment #022: 'Point of Defense'
Date November 10, 2025
Time 10:55
Location Defense Against the Dark Arts Classroom, Hogwarts
Tags pv @Emil Scovich
Colored italics are thought; colored "quotations" are spoken. Uncolored italics are usually books or songs etc., while uncolored quotations are usually meant to emphasize the included word or make it sarcastic.
"Aye . . . you're quite right about the, well, dangers." Robin was a bit embarrassed too, after hearing Emil's concern. It sounds like they were just thinking of dueling situations, not actual life or death combat where you don't need to care about the opponent's life. Robin felt like a psychopath in that moment.
Robin then continued to listen to Emil's deconstruction of the theory. It was enlightening, really. There was so much to consider, yet they thought of almost if not every aspect that may come into play.
"Perhaps a simpler trial would be best . . . " And just like that, they laid out a whole new experiment. A complete one, with a purpose, methods, and implications for future research. Robin wasn't unfamiliar with these activities, he'd been reading academic papers for some years now, so he'd often design experiments in his head as a form of brain exercise. However, in this instance, all he could do is nod and make sounds of affirmation. Robin would consider everything Emil said, then realize that they are the best solutions to their questions he can think of. There's literally nothing to add.
" . . . what are your thoughts?"
Robin blinked a couple of times before forming his reply, it was like he just woke up from a dream: "I think that's a great experiment." He tried to think of something else to say, "Though in what context would we test that? I think the school rules state that we can only use magic when we're studying or doing extra-curricular activities, and yeah this might count but I think some form of adult supervision is needed. Or like, we might get detention." Robin put a fist over his mouth, thinking.
"Maybe we can find someone to moderate an unofficial duel? We can test our theories during that duel and there would also be someone present to watch out for us."
Robin unintentionally used the words "we" and "us" in his response. After discussing the experiment with Emil, it would seem that he'd developed an interest in this research question. He only just realized this after suggesting they duel each other, he instantly grew self-conscious of his overeagerness.
"That is, of course, if you like dueling. Everyone has different interests, I honestly didn't even consider dueling before getting my wand that is supposedly 'for accomplished duelists'."
Experiment #022: 'Point of Defense'
'Maybe we can find someone to moderate an unofficial duel? We can test our theories during that duel and there would also be someone present to watch out for us.'
Emil got a...curious look on their face. The concept of dueling was moderately terrifying to them, but Robin did have a point - a duel was one of the few places where spellcraft was necessary and not discouraged.
"That could be a possibility - though I must admit that I'm not exactly the most competent duelist."
The Hufflepuff paused as a bashful flush of pink began touching their face.
"...I will be forced to rectify that if we're to have any chance at testing this theory in the future."
'We.' The word fell through Emil's lips before they even fully processed the concept. Not just socializing now, but working in tandem with someone. For an experiment, of all things! That thought shot a spike of anxiety right through Emil. What if they were wrong? What if they wasted Robin's time?
It would have to be a risk Emil contended with if they worked with Robin - and it seemed that he was interested in the concept enough to also be saying 'we' as well.
'Focus. Be present. Be...social.'
"It seems quite...odd that our wands all seem to possess traits beyond mere tools. Mine apparently needs 'firm handling' and expects conviction from me. I'm...I'm not too sure what that means in my case."
@Robin Lockett
Emil got a...curious look on their face. The concept of dueling was moderately terrifying to them, but Robin did have a point - a duel was one of the few places where spellcraft was necessary and not discouraged.
"That could be a possibility - though I must admit that I'm not exactly the most competent duelist."
The Hufflepuff paused as a bashful flush of pink began touching their face.
"...I will be forced to rectify that if we're to have any chance at testing this theory in the future."
'We.' The word fell through Emil's lips before they even fully processed the concept. Not just socializing now, but working in tandem with someone. For an experiment, of all things! That thought shot a spike of anxiety right through Emil. What if they were wrong? What if they wasted Robin's time?
It would have to be a risk Emil contended with if they worked with Robin - and it seemed that he was interested in the concept enough to also be saying 'we' as well.
'Focus. Be present. Be...social.'
"It seems quite...odd that our wands all seem to possess traits beyond mere tools. Mine apparently needs 'firm handling' and expects conviction from me. I'm...I'm not too sure what that means in my case."
@Robin Lockett
Experiment #022: 'Point of Defense'
Date November 10, 2025
Time 10:57
Location Defense Against the Dark Arts Classroom, Hogwarts
Tags pv @Emil Scovich
Colored italics are thought; colored "quotations" are spoken. Uncolored italics are usually books or songs etc., while uncolored quotations are usually meant to emphasize the included word or make it sarcastic.
Emil blushed slightly as they admitted to not being the best duelist. Robin shook his head: "Me neither, I thought Ollivander was joking when he told me about the wand. He assured me that no one starts out as an accomplished duelist anyways, and like, the wand isn't supposed to be wrong." Robin sighed, "I've been trying to get into it since our first week here, but mustering the courage to ask someone for a duel was pretty hard. I've only had two unofficial duels up until now."
Emil added to Robin's comment on strange wand selections by sharing their own experience: "It seems quite . . . odd that our wands all seem to possess traits beyond mere tools." Robin nodded, he knew this too well. The Hufflepuff continued, "Mine apparently needs 'firm handling' and expects conviction from me. I'm . . . I'm not too sure what that means in my case."
"That sounds even more abstract than mine." Robin raised an eyebrow, "Maybe . . . I don't know, holding onto your values even in dire situations and not forfeit them no matter the consequences? Naw, that sounds a bit too grim, doesn't it? Perhaps—"
Robin stopped himself from speculating anything else. There were a couple of students entering the classroom, as it was almost time for the next Defense Against the Dark Arts class. The excitement of finding a kindred spirit made Robin forget the time and what he came here for in the first place, he was planning to ask the professor some questions about second year spells . . . no matter. That can wait. You don't bump into a fellow inquisitive mind every day.
"Hey, uh . . . Emil? How about we discuss things further after class, or maybe some other day? You can probably find me in the library when I don't have class."
Robin wasn't trying to shoo them away or anything, on the contrary, he loved their talk. However, he wasn't sure if Emil was equally caught up in the conversation as him and forgot that they too had somewhere else to go.