An Illegitimate Endeavour PV Complete

The thirteen-year-old immediately took a step back, discovering her body outside of the classroom and found her guard elevated. Her arms were down at her side, and her eyebrows had formed a wrinkle in between them. This was not the same person she interrogated for the newspaper, but then again, neither was she. The wand inside of her robes swayed dangerously, but she didn't dare to reach for it. It would only present Aurelia with a reason to throw her into detention alone and Howie with a reason to attack her, but that was approaching. She could naturally just tell.

Peering down the hallway to redirect her eyes from the two, Emma planted her hands into her pockets, fidgeting with her wand just in case she sincerely needed it. She had already grown impatient with the students, but before she could leave, Howie's words caught her attention, and not for the better.

"Am I stopping you from brewing the potion? Have you two lovers completed the potion? I thought so. I do not see how I'm preventing you from doing anything, but wow... watch your language, Howard." The Ravenclaw finished, her voice beginning to harden. Her facial expression remained tranquil, internally motivating herself to yell at them both and showing the serenity in her eyes. She wasn't there to harm them, or even to get into Howie's heads. Aurelia had simply put Howie into the scene, however, she was not complaining. There was a reason she hadn't mentioned him when she first arrived in the classroom.

Of course, she could be egotistic and domineering sometimes, but it was only Aurelia that brought out that side of her. She looked over at Aurelia, forcing herself to remember the sincere intention that brought her here. It wasn't to squabble with the Hufflepuff. "I can't?" Her feet took a few steps to her right until only her frizzled hair and her face prevailed in the doorframe, substantially leaning over the wall of the corridor. 

"I'm going to tell the Headmaster." And with that, she ran off. Her footsteps echoed in the dungeons making it very apparent she was running. The black Converse sneakers scrapped against the flooring as she made a bolt for it. It wasn't exactly how she wanted to make her getaway, but anything she could take, she did. No, she wasn't actually going to tell the headmaster of the school, but she doubted she would make it to the Ravenclaw common room before being caught by the two students. Maybe even another professor or worse a prefect would be unlucky to catch the three students. It didn't hurt to lie, at least, not herself. "Professor!"

The truth was; she was never going to outrun Howard and Aurelia, they were much too fast for her. She was, however, going to use the information against the two for blackmail... maybe not the newspaper. She had made an oath, after all.

Aurelia stepped in between the two, creating a physical barrier. Even in the most dire of situations her commitment to her duties didn’t fail. It did nothing to quell the anger that brewed within the boy, but he was indebted to her and wouldn’t move through her.

”Emma can’t leave.” Aurelia said in a sharp whisper. His rage had clouded his mind, but her words would help him see it. Emma had done more than interrupted thier illicit dealings. She now had that knowledge to use against them.

Howie’s hand would slide into his pocket, his fingers gripping the handle of his wand. He was a decent caster, but lacked the knowledge of any spell that may help him here. Sure, he could attempt to knock her back, set her on fire maybe, but nothing in his arsenal would remove the information from her mind. He suddenly became very conscious of the bulge in his other pocket. His left hand would pat it as the thought entered his mind. “Aurelia...” Howie began, his voice quiet as his eyes drifted to Emma. “We only have one option here.”

“I’m going to tell the Headmaster.”

Emma said as she quickly turned and began to run back down the hall. “Shit!” Howie pushed past Aurelia and tore off after the Ravenclaw. She had a head start but was no match for Howie’s long legs and physical build. “Aurelia, grab some of the potion!” Howie yelled out to her. Yes, it was loud, but the adrenaline pumped through him and Emma had to be stopped. With a few more long strides, he would be right behind her. Reaching out, Howie would attempt to grab a handful of the fabric of her clothing and yank her to a stop. If successful, he would then wrap her up with his arms and attempt o keep her still.

Once Howie grabbed her by the robes, she didn't force her way out of his grip or try to attack him in defense. Instead, she let her feet drag across the stone flooring, a loud, piercing screech erupting from the soles of her sneakers. Leaning all her weight against him, it was almost like being a toddler being dragged back to their room after throwing a tantrum except no sound erupted from her mouth. There was no struggle required to keep her still if she didn't move. She had learned better. 

As she was released by Howie, she pushed her elbow in his direction. Not to injure him, but essentially to get him off of her. She didn't want to stay in his grip any longer than she had already been. Almost evidently, Emma wasn't going to be drinking the potion. She didn't have to, nor did she want to ever raise a potion vial to her lips, especially one concocted by the Gryffindor herself. Before speaking, she looked at the potion and rolled her eyes, letting out an annoyed sigh. "You really thought I was going to tell? That's pretty mean, even for you."

Without any warning, she slapped the vial from her hands and its glass smashed into the stone ungracefully. Shards of glass scattered around the floor that easily could have been magically repaired, but she definitely wasn't going to drink it after it had touched the ground. The liquid remained on the ground, some of it had collected on the top of her shoes. She had to admit, though she couldn't yet feel it begin to seep through, it did not look pleasant. 

"Doesn't matter. I'm not drinking that." Emma stated, defiantly crossing her arms after shaking off the residue that jumped on to her hands. Standing in the puddle of the wasted potion, she shifted her attention to face the grand staircase, tapping her foot impatiently against the cobblestone. "Anyways, can we hurry this up?"

Howie grabbed two hand fulls of fabric and held fast, causing Emma to stop in her tracks. Planting his feet he began to pull her backwards towards Aurelia. He had no doubt that he could over power the girl, for he stood a whole head taller than her and was in decent shape. The resistance he expected would not come, in fact, Emma would just rag doll. It was an effective tactic as the boy struggled to move her and what little he gained brought a terribly loud screeching sound as her shoes drug against the stone floor. 

Howie released Emma as Aurelia called out for him to stop, holding his arms up on the air to signal that he was complying. The force of Emma’s elbow wasn’t enough to knock him down, but did push him back a few steps. Maybe the young Ravenclaw was stronger than he had expected. Crossing his arms, he would simply stand in silence as Aurelia poured out a dose of potion, ordering the other to drink. His eyes would drift in the Gryffindor’s direction with an appreciative gaze. She may be small in stature, but she was a force to be reckoned with. He admired and envied that about her. Once he had repaid his debt to her, she may prove a useful ally. The Prefect was bound by her duty and put it above all else, however the pair were potentially walking down a dark path together. Here they were, about to force another student to drink Forgetfulness Potion, thier pact forming a bond between the two. The shared desperation to forget the darkness may well prove to lead them closer to it. Only time would tell.

With a swiftness that caught him off guard, Emma would smack the potion from Aurelia’s hand. The small bottle crashed against the stone as the glass shattered, its contents spilling all around them. Howie’s eyes would return the the Ravenclaw, a dark expression within them. Taking a quick step forward, Howie would attempt to grab her by both arms and push her back against the wall. If successful he would try to use his strength to pin her there. “That’s enough out of you! Aurelia, there is more potion in my pocket. Grab it and let’s get this done!”

"You're not my mother. Stop acting like it," she said in a still, slow voice, blowing hot breath in his face. Parts of her lower spine and the back of her head prickled from the impact on the stone wall, but it was nothing a good night's rest couldn't fix. Hadn't he learned before? She didn't try to shout for help or even force her way out of his grasp. As uncomfortable as her position was, she didn't want to appear helpless. She could have reached for her wand, but with being pinned against the wall, her odds weren't that great. Rolling her eyes at Howie, she nonchalantly looked up at the ceiling, taping the stone wall with her nails to produce noise to fill the basement. Any other sight beat this one. "For crying out loud Howie, would you get off of me?"

Though the vail had been restored, the fragrance of the potion still lingered in the corridors. It was a somewhat pleasant smell considering only half an hour remained until lights were out and she could rightfully be penalized for not being in her dormitory. She split the time fanning the sight from her nose and the other holding her breath, but that only persisted for a minute.

Emma kept her hands close to her robes just in case an event occurred. Even though Aurelia was officially a prefect, it didn't stop Howie from doing anything, maybe getting a fortunate break from detention is all. Temptation persuaded her to knock the glass vial from her hands, but something told her that Aurelia's grip was going to be much sturdier this time; that idea was a nope. She began to get annoyed with the Hufflepuff, she was still fastened against the wall and it wasn't very comfortable now that force was being applied to her shoulders, thrusting her farther into the wall if possible. With the intention of provoking a light pain, she lifted her foot up and slammed her foot on one of his shoes using her heel. It was the strongest part she could think of.

"Fine, I'll drink it." The brunette stated with a resentful smile as she snatched the bottle out of her hands, the jewelry on her bracelet clattering together. It was the bitterness that covered the genuine smile on her face. There were so many things she could do with the bottle. She could throw it down the hallway, uncork it and drain it completely, or even splash it on them. That one she liked the most, but to no surprise, it broke one of the rules. She took the stopper off the vial and took a deep breath, mentally telling herself to be cautious of the amount she used. Taking in a large gulp of air, she took in as much of the potion as her mouth could carry. Like using mouthwash, it was a manageable task though the pressure was on. Exhaling the same breath, she closed her eyes and let the containments out on to the two. A thick mist drizzling on to the ground and the wall behind the two. 

"Pretty lightheaded... cya tomorrow Aurelia," the lie came out with ease as she opened her eyes to look up at the second student. Putting a hand on her head, she waved to the Hufflepuff. "Hey, Howie. Bye Howie." Snickering a bit, she lowered her left arm down to her waist and shook the vial lightly in her hand.

Howie squinted as the hot breath from Emma’s response washed over his face. He was increasingly understanding why Aurelia had such a distaste for the girl, but he had to give it to her, she had quite the spine. His harsh words and semi violent actions had done nothing to squash the defiance in her eyes. This drew two emotions from the boy, anger and a sense of admiration. Howie had grown accustomed to people being intimidated by him. His fellow Huffles gave him a wide berth and avoided contact with him, a fact that might upset some, but he however was beginning to like it. He would see none of this in the Ravenclaws eyes, she was potentially...a worthy adversary. Someone who may challenge him to rise to the next level, to push his strength, to help grow his power.

Aurelia’s words would wash the thought from his mind, drawing his eyes away from Emma to herself. She was prepared to do what was necessary and he gave her a nod to symbol he was willing as well. Emma would squirm under his grasp, calling out for her freedom. His fist closed tighter around her robes. “Be quiet and drink the potion Emma. We aren’t going to ask you again!” Howie whispered harshly into her ear.

“Gah!” He grunted as Emma’s foot came crashing down on his own. It wasn’t terribly painful, but it caught him off guard, causing him to step back and release her from his holding. He prepared to rush her once more, but before he could act the vial was in her hand, ready for her consumption. His right hand would raise, pointing his index finger at her chest. “Drink it! Now!”

Howie watched as she took a long pull, it would be more than enough to do the trick. He crossed his arms in satisfaction, an arrogant smirk crossing his face. It wouldn’t last but just a moment as his hands flew to his eyes. The burning sensation was immediate as Emma spewed the potion from her mouth, dousing his face with the contents. “Ah! Shit!” He rubbed his eyes furiously, stepping backward into the opposite wall. “Aurelia, stop her!” He called out. 

Taking a sharp breath as he whispered in her ear, Emma swallowed hard and tried her best not to let the distress reach her facial expression. For the first time in a while, she felt threatened, but it didn't matter. She had moseyed herself into this mess and getting herself out wasn't a problem. She didn't have a problem with staying quiet, but swigging a hazardous liquid was were she crossed the line. There was no escape unless... 

At last, the teenager got a taste of freedom and a stern look remained on her face. The temptation to break his finger clouded her judgment, but it was simply best to leave it there. "You're lucky I don't break that finger." Looking down at it, she seized the bottle and took a gigantic gulp that was guaranteed to lose a month or so of her memories. 

"Ah! Shit!"

That was her cue. Despite the everlasting dizziness, she managed to find the stairs. Before she touched the Grand Staircase, she glanced back at the two and promptly set the small vial of the lingering potion at the bottom of the staircase. It was no use now, but as a souvenir, it was worth a thousand memories. "Bye Aurelia," Emma grinned in their direction from the third step on the staircase. "Bye Howard." Thankfully, she managed to escape with her cherished memories and get a little revenge. The brunette was looking forward to seeing her again whether in the potions classroom or even somewhere else. As for Howie, she just prayed they'd never cross paths again. She didn't want to reminisce about the possible 'next times' and although it was difficult to tell, she might have developed a fear of him. Seeing him was the last of her problems, however.

Curfew. Less than fifteen minutes remained and she still had to travel halfway across the castle. Honestly, Emma couldn't wait to go back and study.

Emma exits the thread