24 Jan 2022, 21:35
Potential Ally or Enemy?
Reducio
@Vale Ashwood
Hunter was glad to be back within the confines of the potions classroom. He's been excelling in class as he was expecting, but overall was still having trouble socializing with other students, especially when it was within a group of them. One-on-one talks were rather easy, although he wouldn't really look at other students very often. Sometimes he would recognize a student better by their voice rather than their actual face. Even now, Hunter had his face glued to his books and notes. Today he was to team up with another student, he sighed in fear that he was going to become anxious and the fact that he wouldn't be doing 100% of the work when brewing. The potion, in particular, being brewed was a choice between the herbicide potion and the forgetfulness potion. Hunter had already brewed the two potions in a previous class, but he supposed it was just a review session for him and whoever he was bound to be paired up with. He was gonna let his partner decide which potion to brew since he had little to no interest in either.January 10th, 13:15
It took a bit, but eventually, Hunter heard who his partner was, Vale Ashwood. "Wait..." Hunter thought for a moment. Hunter's mind paused for a slight second, the name sounded familiar. He repeated the term Vale for a bit, but nothing came to mind. When he repeated Ashwood, something resurfaced from his memories.
He lifted his head and took off his glasses. He saw the girl wearing a Slytherin robe and appeared to be of African lineage. She seemed rather average for a typical Slytherin to Hunter, although he had a feeling he had seen her somewhere. It took Hunter a few seconds to recall, but he slightly remembered seeing the young Slytherin girl at the event in which Slytherin was having a feast against Ravenclaw. Hunter dreads the thought of that event, for it ended extremely badly for him, but he doesn't recall much interaction or analysis on this Ashwood girl. He took a couple more minutes eyeing her with concern on attempting to remember if she said anything that seemed important. Eventually, he remembers she made comments about his dittany that he offered to another Slytherin named Hildegard. That's what it was; she seemed to be the knowledgable one of the bunch, but her comments before weren't exactly right either. Cretan dittany (which Hunter had previously presented) was safe overall, it was a different strand of dittany that was volatile and dangerous. He wondered if she brought up the volatile strand of dittany to trick her fellow Slytherin, or if she hadn't gotten a good look at what he presented to their table. Nonetheless, she seemed rather smart and Hunter was glad to have someone of that caliber.
However, something still didn't seem right or exact. Something was scratching at the back of Hunter's head about the term "Ashwood" and it was really starting to bother him. He began to walk over to Vale so they could begin brewing, but as he approached his body began to reach into his robe. His body felt like it was acting on its own, against his own will. His steps slowed, and he eventually pulled out his father's journal that he kept close at hand. He rarely showed it to other students, and despite his months at Hogwarts, he wasn't any steps closer to deciphering anything in the book. As he looked at it, it hit him. Now he remembers where he's heard the term Ashwood before. Despite how torn, old, and fragile the journal appeared, there were still passages that could be read.
Hunter's body felt a slight chill as he approached the girl, and he began to flip through the wrinkled pages of his father's notes. When Hunter reached Vale, he said, "M-Miss Ashwood, I have an odd book here that may have some information on your family. Do you think you could explain it a bit for me?" Hunter was anxious as always when speaking with others in a normal environment, but bringing up someones family seemed like a rather odd thing to bring up. Eventually, he found the page in which he heard the term Ashwood before and placed the book down in which he and Vale could read it (if she wished):
JournalDate: [Black scribbles over the date, making it impossible to read out]
I met an interesting gentleman the other day, a rather young-looking wizard of African descent like myself. He shares a similar job as me too; in which we travel the world to collect and profit from the selling of unique and rare potion ingredients...[Odd symbols overlap the text, making it illegible]
I eventually asked for the boy's name, he claimed he was "Raydon Ashwood." I couldn't believe my eyes, an Ashwood. The family is of course infamously well known, and I was rather surprised to meet another wizard of pure-blood descent...[An odd black fingerprint blocks some text, making it illegible]
It has been a couple of weeks and we have voyaged together for a rather long time. The young Ashwood fellow is rather interesting as he knows more about herbs than I do; although, I seem to have the upper hand when it comes to the parts of animals and magical creatures. We've shared a few stories together and he has surprisingly invited me to meet the rest of his family.
Date: [Black scribbles over the date, making it impossible to read out]
It was quite the travel, but I eventually reached the living location of the Ashwood family. It is surprisingly in Scotland where my wife, mother, and son also live, but not in the same town/village. Now if my mother knew of me visiting the Ashwoods, she would certainly berate me with lectures on how I shouldn't be so excited or intrigued to meet such a group of people. I believe my mother said she met an Ashwood long ago and they had a rather unpleasant dispute. All I can recall is that my mother said to the Ashwood lady, "For any poison you brew, I'll make an antidote for it..." [A random list of potion ingredients and words written in an odd and possibly unknown language is written; again making the rest of the snippet illegible]
I have spent about a day here at the Ashwood estate, and I must say I am more bothered than I was expecting. In similarity to walking through the jungles to avoid the den's of Acromantula's, I have to keep my wits and eyes up at all times. If not, I feel as if I almost would have been cursed, hexed, jinxed, or possibly lost a couple of fingers while here. Overall, this visit felt almost similar to a venture into danger that I have faced many times before...
The patriarch of the house, Duncan I believe his name was... extremely skilled... a man after my own heart, both metaphorically and literally... his skills certainly surpass mine... [Many scribbles and blackened spots appear around here. A side note is beside the word Duncan and states "Don't talk too much about this man, nor write about him. Even though I have left the estate, attempting to write about this man brings a chill to my spine and makes me believe I have yet to escape his watch"]
Next is the wife of Duncan, Adana. A lovely lady who seems to be the sanest of the Ashwoods. We spoke during a cup of tea...[a long black splat of ink blocks most of the writing here]... the tea may have been poisoned now that I think of it. I am lucky that my body is very experienced with all sorts of poisons, was it a test?
I met a lady named Burgle, and [Much of the text is blackened, and a few drawings of spirals and circles appear. A note is made next to Burgle's name: "She's watching, I must not speak nor even think about this lady again. I should take a forgetfulness potion when I return home immediately"].
I got to meet an elderly lady named Ida, she seemed the most intrigued to see me. Apparently, she was the lady that met my mother and had a dispute with her. She doesn't seem to hold any ill-will against me. I was surprised my mother held such disgust towards a rather fragile and polite lady. Although I must say during the whole meeting I felt rather out of place and unpleasant when speaking with her.
The Ashwoods are extremely capable potioneers that certainly surpass my own skills. I am unsure if they surpass the skills of my mother, but as fellow pure-bloods, we don't seem to hold too much ill-will against each other. Surprisingly, they have heard of our family the Argentums; although, my family line doesn't hold much meaning these days...
As I left, they've offered me a vial of dragon's blood, to which I offered them Unicorn hair and horns... interestingly, they said they had another member, a young child. From what I've learned she should be around the same age as my son, I do hope they never cross paths. There's no telling what Hunter could learn from that Ashwood child, nor what Argentum secrets he may accidentally let out.
Last edited by Hunter Argentum on 31 Jan 2022, 16:37, edited 1 time in total.
It takes a Mad King to create Change. I am no King, but I pull the Chords of Insanity.
25 Jan 2022, 01:02
Potential Ally or Enemy?
Anyone that met Vale would know something was strange about the young girl on the first day. From her carrying around her dolls and speaking to them, to having a giant spider that were replace the dolls and wander all over her body. And at the worse, be lurking instead in the surrounding environment.
Surprisingly enough, some people seemed to like Vale. Especially for her recalling memory, even making a few friends of her own in doing so. When it was time for partnering, Vale became rather eager. Her family had a natural talent for potioneering, and Vale was no different. She, in her own opinion, did well for her potion classes. The one thing that annoyed Vale the most was the inability to further herself in her studies besides what is legally available to her personal. And there were many, many things Vale was not allowed to have in her person at all times.
And knowledge, in her own opinion, shouldn't be withheld. Especially from her.
Despite Vale's age, she was surprisingly smart. Able to remember many things, whether good or bad for the people around her. Prehaps her latest victim, would be the young boy who had no choice but to interact with her as a partner for the time being. The one that was coming over to her right now.
His name popped up in Vale's head with no issue.
Hunter.
At least, the first name came to mind on its own. The last name Vale wasn't so sure that she had acquired yet until it was time for partners. The first name she had acquired during a time of celebration among her fellow Slytherins. She remembered quite well that the poor boy was injured from the incident.
Yes, Hunter Argentum.
The last name, Vale heard at some point back at home with her own family. Vale's family, the Ashwoods, were infamous, at least in their potioneering work. It was common for them to meet with other potioneers with the same goal in mind; knowledge. Argentum, from what she remembered hearing from her father, were one of them. Vale was young, and even smaller than she was now. Couldn't even walk her home's staircases without being exhausted. Her mother had to carry her until she was slightly bigger, and had more energy.
And now Vale was bigger, and here she was meeting her first Argentum.
A smile formed widely across her face.
"Vale Ashwood, of course, at your service!" Vale bowed at her seat as best as she could. "How horrifying it is to meet you, Hunter Argentum!" She clapped her hands, as if proud of her own greeting.
She would stop her clapping and tilt her head in a confused manner when he would pull out a rather old-looking book, showing her immediately an article piece without hestiation. Knowledge! Something for her to immediately chew up and confirm its material properties! Even better, knowledge that she has to decipher and spread out to her new, curious companion!
Vale was quick to stand up and observe the book of its findings. She sniffed it first; dusty, and old. As she thought. She listened; wrinkly, like an old book, yes. She was ready to even taste test it, but remembered where she was.
Not a good idea, she made clear to herself. She will just use her vision then; the one sense that'll give her the most information.
She observed the writing, finding it delicate and prehaps fancy. But the information it wrote was even more interesting. It spoke...of her brother!
Vale crackled, clapping her hands eagerly as his name came up, then her mother, and her aunt Burgle. Her grandma Ida. And even, her father! This is all so interesting! A letter to write back home about, she concluded. But first, the present.
"My family? Hm, you met my brother! My papa, mama, auntie, and even grandma Ida!" Vale kept a large smile on her face. She would stop, confused once more and tilting her head to the side.
"But, not me? Did not see an Argentum. Yes, I did not." She nodded to herself, moving her head up. "But Argentum name is familiar! Papa said it once! Such a fearsome name." Vale moved to sit back down in her seat. "Traded with my family, it seems. Unicorn pieces at that. Very useful, hm." Vale pulled something out from the side of her. It was a small doll, slightly torn and disleveled.
"Ashes, is this boy familiar to you?" The doll did nothing, keeping limp in her hands as she held it. Yet she spoke to it like it was a living creature. She nodded, as if listening to a fellow person before turning her head back to Hunter. "Ashes doesn't remember you either apparently. I never met an Argentum yet." Vale, like on instinct, put her doll, Ashes, away at her side and turned to the assignment at hand. She took to deciding on brewing one of the potions; the forgetfulness potion. It wasn't like Vale didn't already know the potions being reviewed, but it was a choice she had to make either way.
"How about the Forgetfulness potion? It can be a bit more tough to create right." Not to mention, gave Vale an idea to see how well a Argentum son was in the art of potioneering.
The excitement in Vale's bones were burning in anticipation. Oh, what secrets did these Argentums supposively hold? She couldn't wait to know.
25 Jan 2022, 08:42
Potential Ally or Enemy?
Reducio
@Vale Ashwood
Hunter was caught a bit off guard by the young girl's actions. The clapping, the greeting, the examination of the book, and speaking to Ashes was something he hadn't seen another student do. Perhaps strange or odd would be the correct terms, but Hunter never could quite tell what someone would consider odd at first. He wasn't raised around many or any children at all before he came to Hogwarts, thus he considered the attitudes or actions of many students to be quite possibly the norm since so many had different backgrounds to themselves.
He was still caught a bit off guard, but it somehow caught his interest a little. Vale was rather familiar with the names, and this of course guaranteed something for Hunter. He finally was able to learn something from his father's journal. He lifted his hands up towards his face showing the palms of his hands, he shook them left and right and responded, "Ah, sorry but I, unfortunately, have never met your family either, nor.. uhh... Ashes. This journal does belong to my family though specifically my father." Hunter was slightly hesitant to talk about his family around another student, "I-I didn't think someone in your family would mention mine. Even though I and my family are pure-bloods, we haven't exactly gotten much attention these past years. Supposedly my Nyanya (Grandmother) is the most well known these days." Talking about his grandmother sparked a bit of nostalgia and loneliness within Hunter. It's been months since he last got to see her, and here he was in the Potions classroom doing the very activity they enjoyed together.
"Ah, sorry," Hunter seemed to have been in a daze as he was thinking back to the days he had back at home, "You said you wished to do the forgetfulness potion? I suppose it is more challenging, but tough isn't exactly a term I would use for it." Hunter gave a slight smirk towards Vale and he turned away to go gather the ingredients for the potion: "Ironically I still have a memory of the potion. I'll go gather the Lethe River water and the Valerian sprigs. You wouldn't mind grabbing the mistletoe berries and standard ingredients would you?" This was another surprise for Hunter, he never really requested something from fellow classmates. He typically did most of the work himself, preferring his own judgment and thoughts over others. Perhaps Vale could show him a new trick or two, or perhaps they both knew just as much as the other.
This, however, didn't quite mean he trusted Vale. Before he left, he gave a slight comment, "Oh, would you mind talking more about your family? They seem rather interesting... does your mother really sometimes poison her guest? If so, I must request you don't try slipping a mistletoe berry into my mouth somehow." He turned to leave, but once again he had to turn back at Vale, "And please don't try and use this potion on me," he said with a rather stern glare.
As Hunter left to go gather the ingredients, he was mighty excited. The symbols, the writings, there has to be more in that journal that can be found. The Ashwood family seemed frightening, but extremely skilled people. Hunter thought if he couldn't decipher the journal on his own, then perhaps he needed a group of students or friends to help him. An Ashwood seemed like the perfect choice as a possible helper. He just needed to figure out how to convince Vale.
It takes a Mad King to create Change. I am no King, but I pull the Chords of Insanity.
27 Jan 2022, 04:55
Potential Ally or Enemy?
Vale began to take note that unlike her boastful sense of...well, loudness, the boy wasn't much like her. Slightly less animated and more...quiet? Either way, he seem to be as curious as she is. It was a good start then.
Vale blinked, "Father? That is a most logical conclusion, yes! Small, like me, you are!" She made a short jump from her seat, setting the workspace up correctly to ensure it was in proper condition for reviewing.
Vale listened to Hunter talk about his family's popularity while doing so, catching his words about his family not being so well known in comparison to her own.
"Oh! Father talks about all families that come and visit! Usually its gibberish and mama tells him to calm down..." Vale stopped, turning her body to Hunter as she felt the mood slightly change when his Nyanya Grandmother came up in topic. She tilted her head before brushing it off when Hunter asked her to collect specific ingredients.
Vale was quite nimble on her feet, grabbing everything without delay. She hummed to herself in doing so before returning to her seat. "My family?" Vale blinked, moving to watch Hunter grab the other ingredients for the forgetfulness potion. When Hunter asked about her mother poisoning guests, she couldn't help but make a small giggle.
"Mom doesn't poison guests! She's a healer, she can't really do that." Vale made a large smile. "Aunt Burgle used to though! Before we got in trouble for that, I mean. So no feeding poison to people. Illegal, ministry says so." She kept an eye on Hunter, making a small smile as he asked about her family.
"Well, I'm not sure what people don't know about us Ashwoods." Vale immediately raised her hands up, keeping her smile as Hunter warned her not to use the forgetfulness potion on him. "There's no need for me to use this potion on you! No use from that, and certainly no fun!" She moved her hands back down, resting her head instead on one of her arms.
"Do I scare you, Hunter?" Vale hummed out a giggle, deciding it might be amusing to mess with Hunter. "That I'll steal your family secrets?"
Just a little.
27 Jan 2022, 10:11
Potential Ally or Enemy?
"Scare?" Hunter wondered for a minute while he was trying to locate the Valerian Sprigs. He eventually found them and looked back at Vale. It was a good question if he was scared of her or not. Hunter always analyzed people, and Vale wasn't an exception. As he walked back he began to name off the few things he had observed about her in his head:@Vale Ashwood
Talking to dolls, giggles, smiles often, reads and smells books, excited when it comes to family... and said she wouldn't use the potion on me because it was no fun.
That last one actually caught Hunter off a bit. He surprised himself that he paid attenton to Vale's words like that. Does she do good or bad things for her own amusement? Could be a good exploit later down in the years if he wanted to convince Vale to do something "fun." Then again, Hunter rememberd he needed to watch himself. Exploit and analzying people weren't always the right terms he should always be using. He sometimes wondered if this was how he lacked a bit in "humanity." If it meant new knowledge about a person or an object, Hunter would be willing to do things even if it meant hurting his relationship with others. Although he did have his lines, he wouldn't try and harm a friendship if it wasn't worth doing nor would he ever put someone in harms way: "Your mothers a healer? Surprisingly so is mine; I didn't get to see her much, but she was always there when I got sick."
Hunter returned back to Vale's desk to prepare brewing. He was about to say that Vale scares him a little, but not very much. However, Hunter began to think in his analytical/logical way. He began to assume that perhaps Vale was attempting to learn more about Hunter; learn his fears and maybe use that against him: "Scare wouldn't be the right term. More like, unsure and cautious of what your capable of. Also, I trust your hands at a cauldron than most of the other students here. As for stealing my family's secrets..." Hunter stated.
He had to think a bit about this one. As far as he knew his family didn't have any secrets. It took him a minute, but he eventually recalled 3 different secrets his family has. Each unique, and each useful on their own: "Stealing our secrets is something I'd like to see you try Ms.Ashwood. However, what about this," Hunter closed his fathers journal and placed it back in his robes while giving a slight smirk, "This journal is actually one of the biggest secrets I have at the moment. Based on how you inspected it I'm sure you know it must have some interesting stories and pieces of knowledge. Unfortunately, I can't really decipher everything on my own. It's very complicated and I feel like I need more... 'creative thoughts' to help me. Essentially, if you help me with this journal, then we can both benefit by sharing the contents within. As for my actual family secrets, you'll have to try and trick me into revealing them. A rather hard task I might add on." This was Hunter's proposition. A sort of deal on trying to learn more about his fathers journal, and see if he can learn more about the Ashwoods. A sort of neutral aquiantanceship that both sides could benefit from. Although he didn't know if Vale would see it as that.
"Although, are you scared of me Vale?" It had been a while since Hunter had called someone by their first name. As for now, it was Hunter's turn to try and flip the tables he thought existed. This seemed like a slight battle of wits, and he was mentally testing Vale to see her response: "Would you... be scared of Ashes falling into the cauldron, or perhaps if I actually turned her into ashes?" He asked.
Great, another odd question and slight threat came out of Hunters mouth. He always had odd test like these, always paying attention to the small details people said or did. As one would study their enemy, Hunter would almost do it to everyone. He wanted to learn what he could about anyone. At times it made him seem... cold-hearted. It sometimes would end up with him labeling people in certain ways that were either 100% true or 100% false. It was a side of him he actually disliked, but would rarely notice himself doing it.
This was one of those rare times. He caught up and realized what he said. His voice got slightly timid and nervous, "A-A-Ah, s-s-sorry. I didn't mean to come out as a threat or anything. Ashes... seems like a lovely or umm... horriffic? Doll." His voice then got a little more stern and joking, "If anything, I think I'm more scared of myself than I am of you Ms. Ashwood," Hunter chuckled at what he said, but it wasn't false.
He looked over at their cauldron and began to add 2 drops of Lethe River water. Then lit a flame to turn up the heat.
It takes a Mad King to create Change. I am no King, but I pull the Chords of Insanity.
27 Jan 2022, 18:26
Potential Ally or Enemy?
Vale blinked, and she stared. She stared for a awful amount of time before she bursted into laughter. A bunch of students looked in confusion before returning back to their own assignments. Vale kept laughing, uncaring about the eyes that were on her as she laughed away.
She would only stop when tears escaped her eyes from all the laughter. "Terrified, I am! Cold-hearted and apathetic! I like it!" Vale threw the sprigs into the water after Hunter heated it. It didn't take long to heat, throwing in the sprigs right after.
"Hm, a book filled with secrets! Family secrets, mine and yours!" She was quick to move on stirring the cauldron as well. She looked back up to Hunter, taking great joy as to who exactly Hunter is, deep down. "Ashes is a boy! And he likes girls a lot!" Vale made a gasp, moving her head to nearly get into Hunter's face. "You're a genius! Let's throw Ashes into the cauldron and see what happens! Maybe he'll even turn into ashes!" Vale kept her large smile on Hunter, moving to pull Ashes out from her robes.
Only for Vale to stop in her tracks, looking down at Ashes in her hand. "What do you mean you don't want to go into the cauldron? You said it yourself its time for a bath anyway!" She stared at the lifeless doll before looking back to Hunter.
"Well, Ashes doesn't wanna go into the cauldron. He wants a cold bath instead. He got sensitive skin, he says! Damn coward." Vale was quick to put Ashes back. "Anyways, you got yourself a deal, Hunter!" She moved a hand out to Hunter, expressing she was in need of a handshake.
"I bet a chocolate frog that I can figure out something in the book before you do!" Vale giggled, taking massive joy at the situation. A deal for Vale to collect knowledge? With an equally smart potioneering student like her? How wonderful! It makes her so excited. Very, very excited. Almost too excited that she nearly overstirred the cauldron. She was quick to wave her wand, and now know that the waiting game was all it was now.
"We have to wait anyway. We can even try now!"
29 Jan 2022, 08:55
Potential Ally or Enemy?
Vale's staring was a bit tense. As she stared at Hunter, he began to feel a bit on edge. Her laughter and comments a few seconds later didn't help at all either. The other surrounding students eyeing them in curiosity or surprise as to why Vale was laughing made Hunter feel even more uneasy. He looked blankly at the desk and blushed a little. One reason was that the other student's eyes were focused on them for a bit. Hunter usually tried his best to bring as little attention to himself and his activities as possible. Usually, one or two students would notice him, but not the entire classroom. The other reason was Vale's comment. Hunter never enjoyed that side of himself, it felt natural and yet unnatural at the same time. For her to say "cold-hearted and apathetic" made him feel slightly down. Saying she liked it didn't help either. Based on the very few notes his father wrote about the Ashwoods, hearing Vale say she liked that side of Hunter made him worry.
"Ah, a-apoligies for calling Ahes a 'her,' and sorry to hear that he has sensitive skin," Hunter responded back with a smile he had trouble holding to hide his worry. "Was she really about to throw that doll into the cauldron? Or did she plan to make an excuse?" Hunter wondered. Vale didn't seem to lose her smiles nor giggles, either this girl was really good at hiding her fears, or she really had none at all. "A fearless individual can be dangerous," Hunter thought again.
He was glad to meet someone of an odd but similar background as him, but Vale's nature logically spelled 'danger' to Hunter. To place his trust in Vale had both the potential of being a great decision or the worst one he could make. It's always the smart ones you have to be careful of. Hunter always played psychological warfare sometimes with himself or others; he was starting to wonder if paranoia was going to seep into him at some point.
He let out a sigh, "Whatever we find, could be worth it. Even if she backstabs me, I'll always find a way," Hunter thought to himself again. Hunter rarely got so paranoid or cautious of other students. So why Vale?
He tried to think a bit more, and when he went to shake her hand it came to him. He shook Vale's hand and said, "Throw in some jelly slugs and you have a deal," while smiling. He began to avoid eye contact with Vale as he did with most or every student. The fact Vale liked Hunter's less humane side and the fact she has interestingly close similairty to him is what made him paranoid. As if looking in a mirror and seeing a different version of himself. Hunter was afraid of Vale, because he began to wonder if she'd bring that side of him out more often. If he spent time with a slytherin, was he bound to become some sort of cold-blooded bird? He wonderd if he could somehow end up more like her or her family. The very thought sent an unnerving chill up his spine.
Hunter started to get a slight headache from the thought, "Ah, s-sorry Ms.Ashwood. I haven't been feeling the best as of today, so let's look at the Journal another time. Don't worry, I promise I wont try and cheat at our bet. If we try and look at it now, I fear you'll have an unfair advantage," Hunter gave a sheepish smile towards Vale to throw her off the topic of the journal. "We still have a bit more time till we need to add the rest of the ingredients. Is there anything else that may interest you to discuss?" A weak attempt, but Hunter wanted to change the subject. He hoped it worked.
"Ah, a-apoligies for calling Ahes a 'her,' and sorry to hear that he has sensitive skin," Hunter responded back with a smile he had trouble holding to hide his worry. "Was she really about to throw that doll into the cauldron? Or did she plan to make an excuse?" Hunter wondered. Vale didn't seem to lose her smiles nor giggles, either this girl was really good at hiding her fears, or she really had none at all. "A fearless individual can be dangerous," Hunter thought again.
He was glad to meet someone of an odd but similar background as him, but Vale's nature logically spelled 'danger' to Hunter. To place his trust in Vale had both the potential of being a great decision or the worst one he could make. It's always the smart ones you have to be careful of. Hunter always played psychological warfare sometimes with himself or others; he was starting to wonder if paranoia was going to seep into him at some point.
He let out a sigh, "Whatever we find, could be worth it. Even if she backstabs me, I'll always find a way," Hunter thought to himself again. Hunter rarely got so paranoid or cautious of other students. So why Vale?
He tried to think a bit more, and when he went to shake her hand it came to him. He shook Vale's hand and said, "Throw in some jelly slugs and you have a deal," while smiling. He began to avoid eye contact with Vale as he did with most or every student. The fact Vale liked Hunter's less humane side and the fact she has interestingly close similairty to him is what made him paranoid. As if looking in a mirror and seeing a different version of himself. Hunter was afraid of Vale, because he began to wonder if she'd bring that side of him out more often. If he spent time with a slytherin, was he bound to become some sort of cold-blooded bird? He wonderd if he could somehow end up more like her or her family. The very thought sent an unnerving chill up his spine.
Hunter started to get a slight headache from the thought, "Ah, s-sorry Ms.Ashwood. I haven't been feeling the best as of today, so let's look at the Journal another time. Don't worry, I promise I wont try and cheat at our bet. If we try and look at it now, I fear you'll have an unfair advantage," Hunter gave a sheepish smile towards Vale to throw her off the topic of the journal. "We still have a bit more time till we need to add the rest of the ingredients. Is there anything else that may interest you to discuss?" A weak attempt, but Hunter wanted to change the subject. He hoped it worked.
It takes a Mad King to create Change. I am no King, but I pull the Chords of Insanity.
29 Jan 2022, 15:29
Potential Ally or Enemy?
Vale shook Hunter's hand eagerly, but was quick to notice him looking away from her. She purposefully tried to keep in his eyes' range, hopping around to keep in his field of vision.
"Jelly slugs! You have a deal to that!" Vale kept violently shaking his hand before pulling away to observe how far long their potion brewing was. Finally, journal ti-
Vale was stopped in her tracks when Hunter pledged the journal for another time. Her behavior, like a cat, moving its head quickly. A small frown embedded on her face, "Well, if you are not feeling at your best, then it wouldn't be so much fun now." She nodded to herself, a decision she made on her own. "Oh, don't worry about Ashes. Unlike the others, he doesn't try to get revenge for misdoings against him." Her frown was quickly replaced with that of a smile. "Ah! Think of the many things we could find! The...uh...an-nal-a-lyze we could do!" Vale slowly worded out 'analyze' to herself.
"We'll be the most smartest people at Hogwarts! Well, besides those old, dusty adults, but-!" She stopped, looking to where Ashes was like she was listening in onto something before clapping her hands together firmly.
"We'll discuss this later! Oh, maybe during dinner tomorrow, or-!" Vale shook her head. "We'll figure that out when its time." She giggled lightly, moving to sit back down in her chair.
"So about my family..." Vale began, deciding she'll at least try to answer Hunter's question about her family. She tapped their large desk with her nails, thinking hard about what exactly there is that nobody would know about...
"Well, my father met my mother when he visited an all-female tribe of healers." Vale paused, thinking more. "My brother is really good at cooking, like mom. He can make the perfect meat souffle! When he's home. Erm...mom..." She stopped in her tapping, "Isn't like us. I mean, people don't run away from her. They treat her okay. But not everyone else. Well, my brother they do too, but not the same way." Vale looked down, like a shade of disappointment loomed over her.
"They like our potioneering skills, but...not us." Vale suddenly beamed up, eager to talk to Hunter next. "But what about you! Surely there's a lot about your family too! Your papa seems smart! A whole journal of notes even! What he like?"
29 Jan 2022, 19:37
Potential Ally or Enemy?
Vale's frown and looking down were probably the two most surprising parts of this conversation. He understood her eagerness to know more, and this journal of his father's certainly held something important. Also, to present it the way he did was rather unfair. If Hunter was presented with a book that spoke of his family, he'd want to look at it immediately: "I really am sorry Ms.Ashwood, but I promise we'll look at the journal soon." Hunter really did feel bad for Vale, and it was a good thing he could feel empathetic for her. He was still making slight mental notes of course, such as to not mess with Vale's dolls except for Ashes and that she perhaps gets upset when denied what she wants. Hunter at least owed her information about his family, especially since he's the one who wanted to change subjects: "My father?" Hunter had to think about it for a bit, it had been quite a while since he last saw his baba (dad). "Hmmm... he tends to travel, a lot. He isn't home often but he always tells me stories of his travels when he is. I know he went through a dragon graveyard and walked through the nest of Acromantula's. He's always trying to find useful or new potion ingredients to sell off or test himself. He usually does magical creatures, the worst travels he said were between a hundred murtlaps and a bicorn." Hunter chuckled at that thought. They had his grandmother's chicken mafe on the night his father told him that one.
"I usually spent time in his office brewing with my Nyanya (grandmother), it was a complete mess and filled with wrinkled and old papers. However, it was filled to the brink with ingredients and had a rather large copper cauldron. As for popularity, he was more of an independent person I believe. Supposedly people would hear of him and would attempt to hire him. Sometimes he'd accept, other times he wouldn't. Overall, only a few people would really recognize the "Argentum" name, especially up here. Supposedly our name would be better known back in Africa because my Nyanya was considered to be a great healer. She'd travel great distances and share her potions for a fraction of their actual cost. Many feared her, but even more, loved her for her kindness." Hunter's voice was rather meek when speaking. He thought back to how Vale looked down and stopped tapping her finger. "People don't run away from your mother you said? And people like your family's skills but not them in general? I'm finding it odd how you say "us" Ms.Ashwood. So far you seem to be different and similar to your family. I don't know if "us" is the right term to use. Mr.Chen seemed to have enjoyed your presence at the feast when we last met. Ms. Schneider also trusted your words over mine on that day as well. If you ask me, you certainly have students here who both admire your skills and thus trust you, and admire you as a person and thus enjoy your company." Hunter said all this because he was still feeling sorry for rejecting Vale's proposition to look at the book at the moment. He also was beginning to feel a bit teary when thinking about home. He still avoided eye contact with her to avoid any more feelings of anxiety and avoid being caught sounding a bit down.
Hunter looked over at their cauldron," It's almost time, we should start crushing up the standard ingredient and mistletoe before adding them. Would you like to the do the honor?"
"I usually spent time in his office brewing with my Nyanya (grandmother), it was a complete mess and filled with wrinkled and old papers. However, it was filled to the brink with ingredients and had a rather large copper cauldron. As for popularity, he was more of an independent person I believe. Supposedly people would hear of him and would attempt to hire him. Sometimes he'd accept, other times he wouldn't. Overall, only a few people would really recognize the "Argentum" name, especially up here. Supposedly our name would be better known back in Africa because my Nyanya was considered to be a great healer. She'd travel great distances and share her potions for a fraction of their actual cost. Many feared her, but even more, loved her for her kindness." Hunter's voice was rather meek when speaking. He thought back to how Vale looked down and stopped tapping her finger. "People don't run away from your mother you said? And people like your family's skills but not them in general? I'm finding it odd how you say "us" Ms.Ashwood. So far you seem to be different and similar to your family. I don't know if "us" is the right term to use. Mr.Chen seemed to have enjoyed your presence at the feast when we last met. Ms. Schneider also trusted your words over mine on that day as well. If you ask me, you certainly have students here who both admire your skills and thus trust you, and admire you as a person and thus enjoy your company." Hunter said all this because he was still feeling sorry for rejecting Vale's proposition to look at the book at the moment. He also was beginning to feel a bit teary when thinking about home. He still avoided eye contact with her to avoid any more feelings of anxiety and avoid being caught sounding a bit down.
Hunter looked over at their cauldron," It's almost time, we should start crushing up the standard ingredient and mistletoe before adding them. Would you like to the do the honor?"
It takes a Mad King to create Change. I am no King, but I pull the Chords of Insanity.
30 Jan 2022, 03:28
Potential Ally or Enemy?
Vale was in awe hearing about Hunter's family, her mouth wide open as she listened. From his father's travels to his own grandmother's reputation. It was all so interesting to the young girl as she watched Hunter explain.
"Your Nyanya sounds really smart." She sighed, "Probably one of the smartest women in the world." Vale blinked and moved back a touch when Hunter mentioned the need to crush the rest of their ingredients. She nodded and was already on it as requested. "You got it!" She crushed the standard ingredient along with the mistletoes. It was simple, to her at least.
Her mother would let her back at home crush ingredients while she worked as well. She even let Vale picked some herbs from their garden even as long as she was there to watch. That's right, no matter where Vale went, her mother was there behind her, along with her father. Her father, a bit outlandish much like her though.
It was Vale's mother that taught her the more 'refined' things in life while her father was no stranger to the gritty things. Such a contrast made Vale wonder exactly how it came to be. Maybe she can write a letter home about it.
"Mr. Chen? You mean...Avery? Well, I guess he likes me in a way. We did go to the Fall Ball together." Vale hummed, confirming at least one friend for herself.
And then there was Hildegard. Now, Vale knew the chaos the girl could bring, and right she was.
"Ah, Hildegard. She smacked you in no man's land, I saw. Avery too." Vale spoke of what could be a rather painful memory. Yet, she seems to have enjoyed it like it was a good show. For Vale, it was.
"Gave you two quite a smacking now actually. Did you heal up well, Hunter?" Vale easily changed the subject without meaning to, working further on their potion in the meantime.
"She's willing to break arms, but if you look deep underneath further than her cold, dead heart, you'd see that she isn't too bad now." Vale paused, deciding she did enough for the time being and would let Hunter take the reins this time.
"I just think she's lonely." Vale assumed. Whether or not it was true was not something she would know without asking. But it was a thoughtful suggestion, according to her.
"I think a lot of us are. But what's stopping you from getting revenge now?" Vale giggled, cracking her hands. What's more fun than watching people get revenge or incite a reason for someone to want revenge? "Are you gonna let her get away with it? A lot of other Ravenclaws, and even Slytherins saw what happened. It'll be dangerous to let people know you can be pushed around now. And you're too smart and strong to let anyone think that now."