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The Hitchhiker’s Guide to a Strong Reputation PV Amaris Knight Finished

*.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*
Wednesday, May 3, 2023, after classes in the afternoon
Private to @Amaris Knight
Classes had barely ended for the day and Ruby was headed to the library to pick up new books and study, hopefully with some peace and quiet. It was cloudy and lightly raining outside, the perfect conditions for curling up with a book. Well, maybe she would have to postpone that until later. OWLs were growing ever nearer, and while she was a top student even when she didn’t try awfully hard, she was undoubtedly a perfectionist committed to learning and studying, so it was crucial that she touch up her skills and study fully. The Ordinary Wizarding Levels were nothing to laugh at, after all, they were far more than just a test that took place at the end of a section of content. They were exams that could determine her future. She believed she would do well—she didn’t see how she couldn’t—but still, they were of the utmost importance.

Thoughts were elsewhere as she made her way through the corridors, mind occupied by content for the exams as well as thinking about her recent duel and the people she was starting to become closer to. Closeness was dangerous, and while she wasn’t as vehemently against forming new friends as she had used to be, she was still wary of new company. People were fickle and untrustworthy at their core. Yet there still remained an appealing comfort in having good company—someone to banter with or spend time with at the end of the day. It was a careful balancing act, teetering on the line of “to trust” or “not to trust”, sometimes falling one way or the other.

But none of that was important right now. She centered herself, focusing on the soft, quiet sounds of her own footfalls. She carried herself with an air of grace and authority as she always did, an elegance and precision that had been encouraged by her pureblood upbringing. Her chin was tilted slightly upwards, her posture was straight-backed and perfect, and whether it was believed to be motivated by arrogance or confidence depended on the knowledge of the observer. She certainly knew she had the ability and skill to justify having a large amount of self-confidence, and many others who had heard about her or seen how she performed in class or in duels would come to the same conclusion. Cold eyes glanced over her surroundings, taking in anything she could see. She was still quite a ways from the library, but no matter. She would be there soon.
*.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*
Last edited by Ruby Cazares on 8 Oct 2023, 01:50, edited 1 time in total.
Stamina: 10 | Evasion: 14 | Strength: 5 | Wisdom: 17 | ArcPower: 12 | Accuracy: 17
Perfectionist I & II, Fearless, Spell Spread, Nonverbal Magic
iNPC Vyacheslav Aleksandrovich Preobrazhensky
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to a Strong Reputation PV Amaris Knight Finished
recent days were terrible, especially after her encounter with a certain headliner writer, maverick castle. it was certainly a stab into amaris' pride, if not anything else. amaris had gained nothing at all from the encounter. maverick had denied writing the article about her, the 'smartest' first year gryffindor. what a waste of time and effort. what a waste of space and paper the other articles would be. what a waste. perhaps it was for the best.

amaris wandered in the hallways after class, checking out the suits of armour she had never really paid attention to before. she was too distressed to do anything else than that. she ran her hands down the cold metal, embracing their coolness. one would think a child raised in cuba would be more sensitive to the cold, but her preferences had changed once she moved to london, and then to hogwarts, an even colder residence in the highlands of scotland.

it was almost ironic this time.

amaris happened to know another student: a headliner writer as well as being a brilliant duellist. apparently she was a prefect in the past as well. ruby cazares was certainly someone amaris had idolised and still idolised now. she had dark brown hair with striking pale blue eyes. not only had amaris seen her picture in the headliner, she had also watched the older girl (a fourth or fifth year- she couldn't remember) duel. it won't be an understatement to say she was gifted at spell-casting. whatever she casted never seemed to backfire. she was able to cast to many targets at once. she could cast a spell without even saying the incantation.

and of course, amaris had read her headliner articles. they were perfect, polished, professional writing. the recent article about the dhampir attack on aurelia notresvace had also been a delight to read, if not slightly bone chilling. she didn't always contribute to the newspaper, but it was surely a pleasant experience when she did.

amaris was hoping to find her and speak to her about how to up amaris' reputation. she didn't need to be considered for an article, but the least she was asking for was how to gain some more respect as a first year. how could that be too much?

she really had the best of luck.

it was deja vu, really. she was walking down the corridors, trying to find her 'idol'. would she get rejected once more? would ruby deny the conversation? would she be too busy? amaris would imagine it as such. yet all she could do was hope that her imagination was wrong. she could hope that ruby would agree to talk about gaining a better reputation, even find a place to sit down and have a proper discussion relating amaris' predicament.

she was there, just like how maverick was there last time. amaris approached her, and as she took in her confident and authoritative stride, with her head slightly up-tilted, her posture rigid, she was, needless to say, intimidated my the older girl. her eyes felt cold on amaris' skin- colder than the suits of armour, in fact.

amaris tried to fall into step next to the headliner writer and duellist. 'miss, i'm sorry if i'm a bother, but may i speak with you?'

would this play out like last time, or would it be different? she hoped for the latter.

@ruby cazares
with love
— amaris
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to a Strong Reputation PV Amaris Knight Finished
*.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*
It seemed that, despite merely walking through the corridor, Ruby had caught someone’s attention, as a new set of footfalls fell into step beside her. It was not the familiar sound of a friend’s gait, thus it was a stranger or acquaintance. She spared a glance at the girl next to her, eyes cold as ever as she took in the newcomer’s appearance. She was definitely much younger than Ruby, and the Slytherin had no knowledge of who she was—they had never met before and she likely wasn’t involved in extracurriculars or other such activities that would afford her a notable reputation.

However, as the girl spoke, she revealed herself to clearly be polite, addressing Ruby as "miss" and asking to speak with her. You already are, she had the urge to say. It would have been an irritable little comment stemming from the fact that she was just trying to go to the library undisturbed, but she held her tongue. If not for the manner in which the girl had spoken, Ruby likely would’ve just said it or made some other snide comment that indicated for the other girl to back off, but as the younger student had demonstrated both the confidence to approach and the respect to be noticeably polite, Ruby would entertain the request. At least for a little while.

“You may. Is there something I can help you with?” Her voice was smooth but cold, the gracious words somewhat negated by her aloof demeanor. Ruby was not one to be characterized as friendly, instead, she was often quite the opposite. If the girl was looking for some kind upper year to act as a mentor or something along those lines, she would have to look somewhere else. Ruby hoped that whatever it was that this girl wanted could be made quick—she had studying to do, although she supposed a brief interruption could be tolerated. Her body language remained unreceptive as they moved through the hallway, not needing to appear approachable or likable to some lower year who she knew nothing of.
*.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*
Stamina: 10 | Evasion: 14 | Strength: 5 | Wisdom: 17 | ArcPower: 12 | Accuracy: 17
Perfectionist I & II, Fearless, Spell Spread, Nonverbal Magic
iNPC Vyacheslav Aleksandrovich Preobrazhensky
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to a Strong Reputation PV Amaris Knight Finished
Good Lord what had she done? A flash of panic spread across her face, but the Cuban tried her best to hide it promptly. Still, someone of Ruby's experience should have easily seen her distress. Although Amaris had never guessed Miss Cazares would be 'nice', her cold demeanor still shocked the Gryffindor. She faltered a little and blushed, the colour obvious on her dark skin. Her palms became slightly sweaty as nervousness got the best of her.

However, as Ruby's stone-cold words rolled over her, Amaris could not help but force herself to get herself together. Standing in front of the upperclassman, the least she wanted to do was embarass herself. The young first year stiffened ever so slightly. 'Seeing that you've been a prefect in the past and is currently a renowned duellist and headliner reporter,' Amaris started, wording herself cautiously to add a tinge of flattery, but not so much that it was untrue. 'I would like to ask you a question: how to gain a more... notable... reputation, like yours?' Amaris paused on the adjective, searching for something appropriate, yet not too bland.

What she hoped in Ruby's reply was some tips based on her personal experience, but what could she expect?

Note: Incredibly sorry for this short reply
with love
— amaris
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to a Strong Reputation PV Amaris Knight Finished
*.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*
Ruby noted the reaction the girl had to her attitude—a brief flash of a panicked expression, the subsequent blush further coloring her cheeks as she faltered. The Slytherin was unbothered by this—if the girl was really determined to talk to Ruby about something important, she would persevere. Ruby didn’t need to soften herself to accommodate for someone who wanted something from her. But it did slightly amuse her how people tended to be intrigued or repelled by her, typically intimidated by the way she presented herself. She was confident, poised, and powerful, and some people viewed her as a threat because of it. How interesting.

After mentioning the positions Ruby had held, the girl asked her question: how to gain a more notable reputation, like Ruby’s. The Slytherin scanned the younger girl briefly with a calculated, cool glance. For Ruby, the truth was that it just came naturally. After being raised in a strict, rich, pureblood household, she tended to carry herself in a way that demanded attention and respect. She deserved the best, and she believed she was destined for greatness—for more than just the average, everyday accomplishments. She was characterized by her ambition and ruthlessness, and she would stop at nothing to accomplish her goals and get whatever she wanted. The younger girl would either have to learn to do the same or find her own method of having a strong reputation.

Her voice was cool and clear, every word clipped and properly enunciated. “Dedication is key. Find what calls to you and stick with it, building your skills.” She paused, then continued, “Make sure no one can ignore you. Be bold, determined, and ready to seize opportunities. If you believe you deserve things and that it’s yours for the taking, the rest will follow.” Undeserved overconfidence, however, tended to be irritating, especially when it was coming from lower years who had done nothing to prove themselves. “Work hard to ensure that you do deserve it.” Hopefully her answer would suffice so that she could go study.
*.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*
Stamina: 10 | Evasion: 14 | Strength: 5 | Wisdom: 17 | ArcPower: 12 | Accuracy: 17
Perfectionist I & II, Fearless, Spell Spread, Nonverbal Magic
iNPC Vyacheslav Aleksandrovich Preobrazhensky
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to a Strong Reputation PV Amaris Knight Finished
Ruby had told Amaris to pursue what called to her, but what did call to her? What skills did she want to build? Sure, the girl enjoyed flying and potions, but she certainly did not want to waste her life away by pursuing to seemingly useless subjects. And drama?- doubtless, it was a passion for the Cuban, but she had no interests in becoming an actress in the future. The upperclassman's questions made Amaris question herself and her true identity.

The Gryffindor was not an oppurntunistic child. But she was bold and determined. Yet her goals were never to accomplish the extraordinary. She was no Harry Potter; she had no special destiny. All Amaris wanted was to obtain a better reputation at Hogwarts, not to make history. And perhaps the probelm was, she didn't want to be like the Cazares. She didn't want to be cold and distant, acquiring fans she didn't care for at all. Amaris just wanted to be more well-known so she could finally obtain a little Hogwarts fame.

'As a member of the headliner,' Amaris started, recounting the day she met Maverick, 'I think you know a student by the name of Maverick Castle.' Judging by Ruby's brisk answer, it seemed as if she wanted to get rid of Amaris. Of course, she could understand why a respected fifth year would not want to interact with (at least in Ruby's opinion) 'pathetic' first year. 'I met him recently,' Amaris continued, 'and hoped that Mr. Castle would write an article about me. However, I think he believed me to be asinine.-' hm that was a good word '-How might I revert such a situation?' Amaris paused, for she did not know how Ruby would think of her predicament. Amaris bet she would remain just as emotionless as before.

'You told me to work hard to make sure I deserved it,' Amaris started, raising her head a little in arrogance. 'But I do deserve it already. I just cannot understand why others like Castle cannot see my hidden potential,' Amaris said, her narcissism showing through her initial politeness.
with love
— amaris
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to a Strong Reputation PV Amaris Knight Finished
*.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*
The girl brought up the Headliner and their newest member, Maverick Castle. She explained that she had wanted an article written about her and didn’t understand why he wouldn’t do it. “Castle? He’s brand new. I haven’t even met him yet. I’d recommend seeking out somebody else with more experience. Perhaps writing about students just isn’t his calling, and it’s not personal.” She shrugged. “I’m not sure if you can revert such a situation. First impressions can’t be modified, and I doubt excessive kindness or persistence would change his mind. So prove him wrong. Find something that you can accomplish so that you make your potential less hidden, as you put it.”

Ruby didn’t understand why the girl was so focused on impressing one person—a person who, to Ruby’s knowledge, wasn’t even worth it. Why waste time and energy thinking of ways to redeem herself in Castle’s eyes? He was only a first year, and all he had done was barely join the Headliner team. He wasn’t worth the stress, in Ruby’s opinion. A wise person with ambition would choose to focus their efforts on impressing people with more power and accomplishments, or on personal self improvement so that they could ensure they wouldn’t be able to be ignored. But if the girl wanted to waste her time chasing after Castle’s approval for little returns, well, that was her choice.
*.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*
Stamina: 10 | Evasion: 14 | Strength: 5 | Wisdom: 17 | ArcPower: 12 | Accuracy: 17
Perfectionist I & II, Fearless, Spell Spread, Nonverbal Magic
iNPC Vyacheslav Aleksandrovich Preobrazhensky
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to a Strong Reputation PV Amaris Knight Finished
Amaris gave a small polite nod as the young Cazares explained that students just may be the things Castle didn't write about. She wasn't entirely convinced, but reconsidered that it might actually be the truth. Some writers may have specific themes, such as horoscopes or motorbikes. All the same, Amaris felt as if Castle had tried to belittle her or deem her as unworthy. 'Thank you for the advice,' Amaris said. 'I'll make sure to seek out someone with more skill next time. Perhaps I was wrong to assumme first years will be more approachable. '

A light smile flickered on the Knight girl's lips. At first, when Amaris brought up her 'hidden potential' she thought Ruby would dismiss it, scoff, and walk away coldly, just like she usually would probably in any similar situation. 'Prove him wrong', the Cazares had said. Did the other Slytherin think she could do it? Excitement danced in Amaris' eyes, but she kept her face as neutral was can be. 'Sports, perhaps?' Amaris suggested. The girl had always had a liking of Quidditch. And duelling, duelling was nice, too. 'What out grades?' she persisted. Amaris' grade average was indeed an O, but she was not an all-O student. 'Or general popularity? I'm currently only part of one club,' Amaris admitted. 'Should I join more?' She inquired.
with love
— amaris
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to a Strong Reputation PV Amaris Knight Finished
*.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*
Ruby gave a nod of acknowledgement as a response to the girl thanking her for the advice. She would not say that it was “no problem”—she had no interest in dismissing the inconvenience. Still, she did appreciate the girl’s politeness. It made the interaction significantly more bearable given that Ruby was at least being treated with proper respect. The girl clearly had good manners, and that was always pleasant, especially since she wanted advice from Ruby. She had to hand it to her, it wasn’t a bad plan to approach her in the corridor like this and go about the topic in the manner that she did. The worst that could have happened was rejection—well, the worst that could have actually happened was that Ruby would have hexed the girl, but that would’ve clearly been uncalled for and unjustified.

The younger girl started suggesting things to excel at to prove herself and gather attention. She started with the suggestion of sports, and Ruby nodded again. “That’s always a good one, plenty of potential there. Becoming undefeated, gathering a reputation of being particularly strong, nice, or mean, gaining the role of captain… that kind of stuff is all possible. As long as you can work hard enough to excel, you can easily build a reputation with sports, since you’ll have spectators no matter what.” Her voice was still not warm despite the fact that she was beginning to entertain the younger student’s queries further, but she wasn’t quite as forcibly distant as she had been at the beginning of the conversation.

The next suggestion was grades. While slightly trickier, that could still work, in a roundabout way. “I doubt you could build a strong reputation based on grades alone. It’s the skills that high grades provide—mastery of spells, higher understanding of content, ability to stand your ground in the event of a duel or danger—that would be more useful.” She shrugged. Any achievements could be utilized in favor of a particular reputation if you had strong enough will. The girl started talking about general popularity and clubs, and Ruby was starting to lose interest. If the girl was that eager, she should just work on all of the things she had listed and see how it went rather than waste Ruby’s time seeking her approval. “Sure. If you lead a club you’ll be guaranteed to be known by your club members, but I’m not sure that would lend itself to wider school reputation unless it’s a particularly large club.”
*.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*
Stamina: 10 | Evasion: 14 | Strength: 5 | Wisdom: 17 | ArcPower: 12 | Accuracy: 17
Perfectionist I & II, Fearless, Spell Spread, Nonverbal Magic
iNPC Vyacheslav Aleksandrovich Preobrazhensky
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to a Strong Reputation PV Amaris Knight Finished
Things were pretty much going in Amaris' favour in this conversation. She had learnt what she needed from it; perhaps not truly from the conversation itself, but rather from the way Ruby portrayed herself. Certainly, Amaris would not wish to be as cold as the Slytherin, but she could learn from Ruby's subtle confidence. Ruby had answered the Gryffindor's questions and there wasn't much left to say. Sports seemed like a good option and Amaris simply decided to follow that ambition. Quidditch? She liked watching it well enough, but playing it was a different matter. Perhaps her heart would reside in the piste? Amaris had always had an interest for duelling and it seemed an easy way to make her fame.

'Well, Miss. Cazares, thank you for your time,' Amaris said simply. She had never favoured long conversations, and her gut told Amaris to leave Ruby be. As she had gotten the Slytherin's advice, there was no use in wasting both their times anymore. The Gryffindor walked away and headed towards the common room with the conversation still fresh in her mind. Should she sign up? Was she ready for the piste, a little first year. Thoughts clouded her mind, only quickening her steps.
with love
— amaris
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