Family Affairs
Hunter was concerned, but also curious about the reason behind Vales's tears. Originally he saw nothing wrong with the fact that he himself shared a bloodline with the Ashwoods. Despite his research on Vale's family, Hunter couldn't find much about them within the confine of Hogwarts. He always wondered why his grandmother had a feeling of spite towards them, and he couldn't help but wonder more as Vale began to sob. Clearly, there was something taboo about the Ashwoods that Hunter hadn't quite fully digested in thought. From Vale's reaction he could tell that she hadn't shared the information with anyone, and having shared it with someone close like Avery clearly wasn't a good sign. The young Ravenclaw boy tried thinking back as to whether or not he told anybody that he and Vale were related or not. As far as he knew, he only told one person. Yet, he still wasn't 100% sure how bad such a thing was.
As for Avery's question, Hunter gave a confused and questionable look towards Avery. As far as Hunter could tell, he and Vale didn't give off such vibes. Sure they acted rather friendly, but not even Hunter would mistake the two for having a crush on each other. He wanted to ask Avery some questions concerning how such a conclusion came to be but decided it probably wasn't for the current. The largest issue at hand currently was Raydon, and Hunter wasn't going to lower his guard no matter what.
Hunter listened to Raydon's words of Nature's will and the wrong there is behind thievery that wizards had placed upon others. Hunter could agree and knew the ideals that Raydon spoke of were true. Yet, there were still issues behind it. People themselves had their own natures that spoke of their own wills. Hunter wanted to understand, and a slight grip in the papers could be slightly seen for a split second. He sighed, loosened his grip, and walked over towards one of the newar by coffee tables. He placed the papers he had grabbed on top of the table. Too many risks were at stake, and Hunter knew patience was key to learning more. Still, the cost of giving up when he came so far left a bitter taste in his mouth.
Facing away from the others, he attempted to slip one page of interest within his hoodie, before turning back to the rest. Portraying a slight look of calm yet disappointment, Hunter decided to just walk out of the room: "Mapenzi ya asili yanaweza kudhibitiwa"(The will of nature can be controlled).
@Vale Ashwood @Avery Chen
It takes a Mad King to create Change. I am no King, but I pull the Chords of Insanity.
Family Affairs
He watched Vale intently as he blurted the question that he'd been pondering for a few months, now. It was always something that hung on the back of his mind as he observed Vale and Hunter from a distance, beginning with the first time they partnered up in Potions class. He wasn't quite sure why he would be concerned -- surely, Vale was able to choose her own friends, and Hunter had so far made a mostly positive impression on the small Slytherin boy -- but the question nevertheless nagged him on and off.
Vale seemed to show a moment of hesitance. Was there the possibility that she actually had a crush on Hunter? Did she need a few moments to sort through her emotions, now that Avery had finally brought the question to the forefront? He watched as the sought comfort from her older brother. "I...Hunter is...Hunter is my cousin. I don't like him like that." Avery stared. What? ...So, all this time, when he had thought that she and Hunter had a secret type of relationship going on, it was simply the fact that they were family? Avery couldn't help but let out a small breath, whether in relief or disbelief that he could be so wrong.
However, Vale only seemed more distressed, now that she had revealed what she must've been trying to keep secret. Avery watched with concern as she buried her face into her brother's shirt, talking about mean men who might take them away, as if it was dangerous to be related to Vale Ashwood. "Vale... Raydon?" Avery looked to her older brother for an explanation of some sort, in case Vale wasn't in the state to elaborate, "What does she mean by 'scary claims'? What men?" Did people in the wizarding world have something against the Ashwoods, who he only knew to be good hosts? Sure, Raydon was a bit intimidating, but after seeing his caring, brotherly relationship with Vale, Avery was willing to lower his guard. And he knew that the Ashwoods were eccentric, even compared to other wizarding families -- Vale was certainly a unique individual at Hogwarts -- but he wasn't quite sure about their relationship with other old wizarding families and authorities.
Wizards have been 'making people do things against their will'. Avery considered Raydon's words carefully. True; they had learned in History of Magic that beings of other races were often wronged, and muggles were often manipulated in the power struggles of the wizarding world and vice versa. However, but listening to the way that the teenaged boy spoke, Avery noticed that he seemed wiser than his years, and seemed to care deeply for the subject. What had Raydon and the Ashwoods personally experienced that made him feel this strongly?
Avery looked at the map on the table. There were so many places beyond Hogwarts in the wizarding world... and all new mysteries to him. And Raydon said that Vale, Hunter, and Avery could go with him? Avery glanced up, beaming, eager for adventure. "Count me in!" he couldn't help but say, hardly knowing what he was signing up for. "I might not look very useful, but I learn fast!" And it was true; Avery Chen, within the span of months, had come very far from not knowing anything about the magical world, to understanding the basics of complicated subjects like Potions, DADA, Charms, Herbology and Transfiguration, and built a useful beginner's repertoire of spells alongside impressive flying skills.
He didn't even notice as Hunter slid some papers into his hoodie, but eagerly nodded as Raydon suggested taking them for a late-night snack. Vale's excitement for whatever treats Raydon could whip up was contagious.
@Vale Ashwood @Hunter Argentum
Family Affairs
†-----------------†--------------「 Wood to Ash 」-----------------†--------------†@.Liana Kerr†-----------------†--------------「 Fire 」-----------------†--------------†----Vale took turns to look at both Hunter and Avery. Instead of getting excited for a late night snack like Vale was, they seemed preoccupied with other things. How could anything be more important than the ability to have late night snacks?
Oh, the scary men.
It was important enough for Vale's brother to stop in his tracks and look down to Avery. A smile formed on his lips, looking down to the young boy as Vale watched. Was it truly okay to explain? Won't they get in trouble?
"Avery," The man's eyes lightly shined, watching the boy carefully and with a precision that he took a moment to think about how to exactly explain to the young boy as to what may open his eyes to a world that seems so magical, yet has such a horrific background. He always told Vale about it whenever she was home. "Even wizards and witches have to follow orders of so-called superiors. Even if they're wrong. But eventually those superiors end up recognizing when enough's enough." Vale's eyes perked up in response to hearing the same statement from her brother once again, for the 543rd time now.
"You'll see, one day. I'll make sure of it. All three of you. Even you, can help with that, Avery." Raydon's eyes shifted to Hunter, overhearing his words in Swahili as he moved out from the space. Vale would bare witness to Raydon's smile. A smile that wasn't brotherly in nature. At least not of one that Vale was familiar with. "Kaka! Brother! Let's hurry! Come on Avery!" She hurried over, grabbing her older brother's hand and pulling him along.
She saw it as best as to escape further on the topic. Memories of her mother and her father were clear, but the one piece she knew she wouldn't forget on that faithful day was Raydon's eyes, watching the men in the background. Especially when they left.
Grandpa Hendrick used to have the same eyes anytime her great grandmother was bought up around him.
"Yeah, yeah. " Raydon rolled his eyes as his sister would finally get his full attention. Vale was sure he was done with his monologing words. He'd do it all the time to her whenever he was home and Vale was around to listen to him. Even if it was the same thing over and over, Vale still liked to hear her older brother and have his attention on her. No matter how much she asks, he never tells her exactly what plants and animals he was finding on his quest.
But it didn't matter now. Not when she had friends over and he was giving her a welcomed snack during such hours, and she had Hunter and Avery to join her. What more could she ever asked for?
Ok, maybe if she's well-behaved, maybe he'll read her a story before bed, just like her mother used to do.
Vale and Raydon exited the thread.
Interactions | @Hunter Argentum @Avery Chen
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