|
|
Post by Arctura on Jan 29, 2014 0:42:00 GMT
Valentino Larkin
[September 1st
Year 01
10:52 a.m.]
Valen was relieved. They hadn't thought he was weird for not having anybody to sit with. And he may have been remiss, but the boy seemed hesitant greeting him. As if it wasn't his cup of tea. Being social. Of course, it's not like Valen was particularly the 'life of the party', as the Muggles say. The girl, as he had assumed, was warm and inviting. He could swear she was internally clapping with joy at a newcomer. He liked her. Very rarely had he met someone so...refreshing. Honest.
Now, someone who did not know Valen -a lot of people, considering he prided himself on being unnoticed- would think this perception odd. But it wasn't really. He simply had a gift for reading people.
He could already tell she was a Hufflepuff. As for the boy...it was difficult. The book next to him suggested he was well-read. Ravenclaw? Wouldn't he know him if he was? Perhaps he was in fifth year. He could be Slytherin, for his expression was inscrutable and his posture upright. The result of a strict upbringing? It frustrated Valen when he didn't know something that should be within his knowledge.
"Thankfully though, there are no incorrigible gits so far. Thank Merlin." Valen thought, before figuring out he was candidly staring. He immediately stored his trunk, heavy with half his library at home, and took a seat across from the mystery boy with the restless owl (Pet or familiar?). Minding his manners, he extended a hand to the two and introduced himself.
"Hello, I'm Valentino Accardi, but I'd prefer to be called Valen. I'm in fourth year and in Ravenclaw." He sincerely hoped he wasn't interrupting a scintillating conversation between the good friends. They were right? And although Valen wasn't bothered with the opinions of his peers to a substantial degree, he did not want to make a bad impression with two people who could potentially be friends. Maybe acquaintances.
Valen pondered the worst circumstances. He could spontaneously combust. He could run out of things to say, especially if they started talking about Quidditch. He cringed at that. The sport was barbaric and predicable. It was a match of adrenaline- not wits. Not to mention, extremely inequitable. What barmy old codger made the snitch worth a hundred and fifty points? Valen thought, "If it comes down to it, I can always pull out a book."
|
|
|
|
Post by Sleeves on Feb 5, 2014 15:48:57 GMT
Joseph Rime
[September 1st
Year 01
10:53 a.m.]
Valentino. Valen. Joseph thought that the other boy's sharp eyes lingered a moment too long on the occupants of the compartment. He had the fleeting but distinct sensation of being dissected. And he didn't like it. Lleu Llaw ruffled his feathers unhappily, possibly feeling his master's indignation at the scrutiny.
There was a soft scratching behind Joseph's eyes and a whisper at the back of his mind. It was the gentle, vertigo-inducing hiss of 'what is to come' that put everything into incandescent, blinding perspective. They were children. All three of them. All of the students of Hogwarts. But they would not be children forever, and Joseph wrapped the word 'revolution' around himself like a warm blanket. They might be children, but it was never too soon to start acquiring allies. Loyal allies, like Kally. Intelligent allies, like the boy sitting across from him.
And then the Valen-boy was holding out his hand and Joseph, remembering himself, blinked rapidly. He took the proffered appendage, a small smile, vicious in its simplicity, curving his thin lips.
"Joseph Rime. Fourth year Gryffindor." |
|
|
|
Post by fairydragon10 on Feb 7, 2014 5:12:50 GMT
Kallima Darling [September 1st Year 01 10:53 a.m.] Kally wasn't sure she liked the way this new boy- Valen was it?- was looking at her. He seemed to be searching her over and in all honesty it felt very…judgmental. The boy held out his hand, but Kally barely had time to react before Joseph jumped in. Joseph was very quick to introduce himself to this boy, and although Kally felt a hint of jeleousy, as he hadn't been that quick to introduce himself to her, her good nature caused her to ignore both that, and the small smile that currently adorned Joseph's face. That smile was making her nervous though. Kally brushed off the uneasy feeling, as she realized Valen was a familiar name. Maybe he and Tammy were friends? They did share both house and year. "I'm Kallima Darling, but every one calls me Kally. I'm a first year, so I don't know my house yet." She stated, " your name sounds familiar, maybe you know my sister Tammerlane?" Note* I'm on my phone so I can't do font color or size or anything. I'll do it later. |
|
|
|
Post by Arctura on Feb 9, 2014 15:53:23 GMT
Valentino Larkin
[September 1st
Year 01
10:53 a.m.]
Ah, a Gryffindor and a...first year. Interesting, but she'll probably end up in Hufflepuff. Oh, she's Tammerlane's sister. Hadn't he seen her before -last year? Lovely, she is. In a potential acquaintance/friend sort of way.
Of course.
"Pleasure to meet you, Joseph, Kally," Valen said smoothly, "I believe I've seen your sister in some of my classes, though I can't quite recall which ones exactly...we never talked much. I'll be sure to keep an eye out for her."
((I think we should start next by asking each other about our best/worst/favorite subjects and extracurriculars (As for Kallima, since she's a first year, we could educate her, and we can talk a bit about Hogwart's history, traditions, rules, etc.)...that might provide some more insight. Then, we can end the train ride. I feel like if we fast-forward here, it might seem too abrupt.))
|
|
|
|
Post by fairydragon10 on Feb 14, 2014 4:40:50 GMT
Kallima Darling [September 1st Year 01 10:54 a.m.] Valen seemed nice enough, but he didn't seem to really know Tammy. Which seemed a bit strange to Kally. It seemed to her that if you were living in the same house and the same year as someone, you would know them. Especially if they stood out, because they were, I don't know, blind. But she supposed neither Valen nor Joseph were very social. Speaking of which, a bit of an awkward silence was enveloping the train car. "So um what classes are you guys taking?" |
|
|
|
Post by Sleeves on Feb 14, 2014 13:19:52 GMT
Joseph Rime
[September 1st
Year 01
10:55 a.m.]
Joseph watched Kally and Valen's interaction with muted interest. Like Joseph, Valen's relationship with his peers seemed underdeveloped. He noted, however, that Valen was much more articulate when it came to expressing it. Joseph decided that it must have something to do with being a Ravenclaw. He also decided that if the Valen-boy turned out to be as much of a posh prat as his smooth speech would imply, he'd ignore the Headmaster's warning and perform the most flashy ritual he could think of just to get rid of him. But there was no reason to be so hasty. The Ravenclaw hadn't said anything annoying yet. And Joseph was still in need of allies.
So for these reasons, Joseph was able to keep his expression passably lax. He took cues in posture from his housemates, and adopted an easy sprawl--legs wide, long arms stretched over the back of the seat, cockiness painting his shark-like grin. Taking up as much room as possible. He almost cringed at how, in that moment, he must resemble any old Gryffindor jock. But people tended to like Gryffindors, with their confidence and good-humor, and so Joseph would play his part, no matter how ill-suited it was.
"Oh, just the usual core classes. Transfigurations, DADA, Charms...you get the idea."
|
|
|
|
Post by Arctura on Feb 15, 2014 23:04:20 GMT
Valentino Larkin
[September 1st
Year 01
10:55 a.m.]
Valen was glad the conversation had not turned to Quidditch or the dreaded "who's-dating-who?". It was simply about classes. Academics.
He could do that.
He answered, "Other than the seven mandatory core classes, I'm taking Ancient Runes, Arithmancy, and Alchemy. Same as last year. And you, Kallima?"
Valen was surprised he had managed to adequately respond and even pose a question; it transcended the realm of his typical social interactions, which were restricted to his parents and the nondescript owl that drops off the paper at breakfast. |
|
|
|
Post by fairydragon10 on Feb 16, 2014 4:00:35 GMT
Kallima Darling [September 1st Year 01 10:54 a.m.] Neither of the boys were very talkative, at least not yet. Joseph was becoming much friendlier, but Valen seemed, well, very stoic and withdrawn. He was obviously intelligent though. "I'm just a first year, so I'm only in the normal classes. I think I might want to take ancient runes at some point though. But I'm not sure. How are the teachers and such? Tammy told me a bit about them, but not much. She's not particularly good at describing things." |
|
|
|
Post by Arctura on Feb 16, 2014 16:40:25 GMT
Valentino Larkin
[September 1st
Year 01
10:56 a.m.]
"Oh, right." Valen felt stupid; of course she could only take the core classes! Idiot. He sensed that maybe she thought he wasn't very smart at all. Already, he knew he had lost all hopes of making friends.
And he hadn't even shown her his Animagus form yet. Would that not make him the epitome of "cool"?
"Well, Ancient Runes is an extremely laborious class, despite its bookish stigma. There is homework nearly every night, and if you do elect to take it, you must take Arithmancy as well; the curriculums complement each other. Some would say its necessary. The teachers are...competent," Valen trailed off, unsure of how to describe the staff, "They know what they're doing, except maybe, Professor Binns. I've heard he has been teaching for centuries. Apparently, he taught until an exceptionally old age, fell asleep, and died. Even as ghost, he taught the History of Magic class. I had him for my first two years, and then dropped his class. Thank Merlin- all we ever learnt was the Goblin Rebellions and the Giant Wars."
When Valen finished his tirade, he realized how easy, how utterly simple it was to talk about what he knew best. School. If he kept playing to his strengths, maybe he might have an entire conversation. it also helped to have a person that was comfortable to converse with: Kallima. Valen wasn't sure about Joseph, mainly because he seemed to have zoned out entirely. Was the history of the school not fascinating? Or was he just another Gryffindor jock? A dunderhead? |
|
|
|
Post by Sleeves on Feb 16, 2014 19:04:46 GMT
Joseph Rime
[September 1st
Year 01
10:57 a.m.]
Ancient Runes, Arithmancy and Alchemy? Jesus tap-dancing Christ, how did the Valen-boy have time for it all? Did he do anything other than study? Joseph had a hard time understanding how anyone would want to take that many classes. Life was so...so short! Why would anyone want to waste it in a dusty classroom? Besides, the Hogwarts curriculum moved so painfully slow. Joseph functioned under the belief that he could teach himself at a much faster pace than any teacher could. And he could pick and choose what he wanted to learn. No more theory than was absolutely necessary, thanks, he'd learn from hands on application.
He supposed that was the reason he was sorted into Gryffindor and not Ravenclaw. Knowledge for the sake of knowledge was a fool's philosophy...but perhaps Joseph was a bit biased.
Valen had finished some rant against Binns (not that Joseph could blame him--exorcising Binns was somewhere on his own to-do list) and Joseph belatedly noticed that he should probably say something, lest he be unintentionally shouldered out of the conversation.
Time to test the waters.
"Binns is incompetent," Joseph agreed, "I mean, I can see the value in learning about the Goblin Rebellions and Giant Wars, but there are more interesting topics we should also be covering. More...useful topics." He allowed his mind to wander to the great wizards of the past. Dark Lords and Light Lords and Druids. There was so much to learn from their successes and their failures. Who cared about Goblin Rebellions?
|
|
|
|
Post by Arctura on Feb 19, 2014 1:24:28 GMT
Valen was impressed. He didn't think anyone would honestly care about the curriculum when there were other...pressing engagements. Like sleeping in class and playing/watching Quidditch, which did take up fifty percent of the average student's schedule. Why was it that everyone only truly studied near exam day and never had an intrinsic desire for knowledge?
He changed his mind about Joseph being a Gryffindor jock; maybe he was alright after all. Smiling slightly, Valen said, "Agreed. It's times like these I wish at least one of my parents worked in the ministry, particularly in the education department. Then, I could get a good word in for a change in the curriculum.
And, Kallima, it won't be bad- don't worry. First year material is simple enough; they understand that not all students have had previous exposure to magic and are starting out. You'll be fine. And the Sorting Hat, well I'm sure your sisters have told you, but it's an enchanted hat, that when placed on your head, can read your thoughts and sort you accordingly. Do you hope to be in any particular House?"
At this point, though unknowingly, Valen was speaking conversationally, without hesitation. These people would not judge him; they were all in the same boat. Especially Joseph, who was still looking a little bit uncomfortable. Nervous, perhaps? But of what?
|
|
|
|
Post by Sleeves on Mar 8, 2014 14:18:27 GMT
Joseph Rime
[September 1st
Year 01
10:59 a.m.]
Joseph laughed, though it was an awkward sound coming from his lips, grating to his own ears. He looked Kally up and down, and shared his earlier prediction on the girl's sorting. "She'll be in Hufflepuff. Maybe Gryffindor. She wouldn't survive in Slytherin," He said. Or in Ravenclaw, he did not say.
"But really," he began, and though he appeared to be addressing Kally, he was watching for the Valen-boy's reaction to his words just as closely, "What house you're in doesn't matter. It doesn't say much about you at all. The hat, your teachers, your peers--they are all going to try to fit you into a stereotype, a predetermined mold. All Hufflepuffs are pushovers. All Ravenclaws are geniuses. All Slytherins are conniving-"he felt his lip curl"-All Gryffindors are reckless. These labels were assigned to us long before we were even born." Joseph felt as if a dam had broke where his mouth was, and thoughts he had kept to himself for years began spilling out. He made no effort to stop them as his gestures and speech became more and more fevered.
"House doesn't matter," Joseph repeated, "Blood doesn't matter. All that matters is the Magic. Magic is the great equalizer. And real power belongs to those daring enough to use Magic wherever they can find it--to tear down arbitrary limits imposed by the Ministry. The determined Hufflepuff, the ambitious Slytherin, the fearless Gryffindor, the Ravenclaw hungry for knowledge."
He took a deep breath and sat back, crossing his legs and folding his hands together. He could have done worse, as far as villainous monologues were concerned. He could have ranted about Leydenfrost or the Ministry. He could have revealed all of his schemes, past or future. But somehow he had refrained from opening up those particular cans of worms.
As it was, Joseph knew that he was taking a risk. Taken in a certain context, it could sound as if he was promoting the use of Dark Magic. But it was necessary, treading on this thin ice, in order to test his potential allies. If they could not even stomach the usage of 'illegal Magic,' they would be no use to him.
Beside him, Lleu Llaw gave an amused hoot.
|
|
|
|
Post by fairydragon10 on Jul 15, 2014 3:33:55 GMT
Kallima Darling [September 1st Year 01 11:00 a.m.] Kally was going to answer Valen's question. She hadn't really been able to follow the conversation well. She really didn't know much about the teaching staff of Hogwarts. But she had been planning to answer the question. Just as she opened her mouth to answer, Joseph jumped in. He talked over Kally like she didn't exist. Which was a bit bothersome to her. She tried not to let it show though.She figured everyone has their faults, and she let it go. And then Joseph started getting loud. Which she didn't mind so much, as he was obviously very passionate about what he was saying. He was saying something about people not being defined by house and blood. Which made sense. But he was also talking about magic equalizing, which was just confusing her.
"Well, I'm not sure I understand what your saying about magic" she said rather timidly, "But I definitely agree that people should not be judged by their blood or house. People should be judged on their actions and how they treat others." Kally was a little uncomfortable right at that moment, although she didn't really know why. She did know, however, that she truly agreed with what she had said. *so I was bored, and I saw this and thought why not. It may not be great writing as it's late and I'm just on here because I can't sleep. I am without computer access for the next week or so though, so I can't edit till then. |
|
|
|
Post by Arctura on Aug 1, 2014 23:32:36 GMT
Valentino Accardi
Initially, Valen did not believe he would be able to find any common ground with Joseph; it turns out he was mistaken. Yes, of course, Valen held his own acknowledged bias towards the Gryffindor stereotype, but that's all it was: a stereotype. He was aware of this slight prejudice, but he was also very aware that it was due to envy; Gryffindors were, more or less, concerned with the virtues of courage, friendship, and boldness. Things he was certain he'd never possess. He wasn't going to be a uptight Ravenclaw like the majority of his House and radiate nothing but contempt of the others, simply because they might not be as intelligent or studious. However, that attitude would be reserved for the mean-spirited, arrogant, and narrow-minded, all of which he pegged Joseph down as. And that was wrong of him - the Gryffindor was obviously very tolerant, not to mention passionate and clever, too. "Agreed. Magic is the great equalizer. As history has proven, blood status does not make a man or woman. If you do not know how to use your potential, you might as well have none at all. There are countless Muggleborns with amazing skill and alternately, Purebloods with meager skill. It all depends on how willing you are to learn, practice, and hone those powers," Valen said, but decides to bring up another point, "However, the reason we are Sorted into these molds at eleven, is because obviously, it would supremely unfair to measure our magical prowess, considering we have very little; our magical cores are underdeveloped and our only exposure would have been accidental magic. Maybe more if you grew up in a family that had magic and was able to teach some, but regardless, it isn't enough. Joseph, at least it's better to Sort children based on their most prominent personality trait - well out of the selection given - than blood status. That'd be an even worse segregation. Furthermore, I truly do get why we are placed by our 'traits'. You need to understand that while the Houses divide us, they also help us come together. Yes, perhaps not at the greatest extent, but it's still effective. We are able to instantly make friends, because what's the first thing you do when you want to make friends? You seek those who share something in common with you. I admit that I am near friendless, but I still have some acquaintances in Ravenclaw. Why? Because I connected with them on day one. They all shared the same thirst for knowledge. I admit that it would have been preferable to have the same opportunity with the rest of the school, but there are too many students in Hogwarts for us to be separated by grade or age, like in Muggle primary school. Who knows? Maybe when you get graduate, you can start finding ways to transform this process and make it fairer from everyone. Then, you can propose the bill and voila. You will go down in history for revolutionizing an establishment so stuck in its ways from the time of Merlin." Valen chuckled at the last statement. Hogwarts was praised for upholding its traditions since the 11th century, but really, it was too static. Where was the innovation? Times change and so should the school. What gave it the right to ignore all the injustices in the name of "tradition"?
The young Ravenclaw was too preoccupied to be embarrassed about his revealing monologue. Usually, he would blush and shut up for the rest of the ride, but he just looked at the other two expectantly. It was the moment of truth.
|
|
|
|
Post by Sleeves on Aug 2, 2014 22:04:43 GMT
Joseph Rime Joseph almost brought his palm to his face in exasperation. His companions had not gotten what he had intended for them to get out of his little speech. Perhaps he had been aiming too high too soon. Ah, well, at least they hadn't taken anything negative from it or been overwhelmed by his little episode. That in itself held promise.
Kally had looked a bit put-out after he'd spoken over her, and for that Joseph felt bad. She was a sweat girl, and young, he had to remind himself. He needed to be more sensitive to the minute social details that ruled her life and the lives of her peers (though he doubted they played any significant role in the Ravenclaw's).
Rhiannon-and-all-her-birds, the Valen-boy sure liked to talk. Luckily, Joseph read enough books to speak the other boy's language semi-fluently.
"I disagree," Joseph said lightly, almost on a whim, "One of the primary purposes of educational institutions is to prepare its students for the real world. Hogwarts is no exception. In the real world, people aren't segregated based on personality. In the real world, you have to learn to make friends and build connections within a sea of very different individuals. I don't doubt that houses make organizing the many students of Hogwarts easier and that the system does provide an opportunity to befriend other students. But why shouldn't membership be arbitrary? That, more than anything, would prepare us for what we will encounter outside of Hogwarts--that is, people who don't behave similarly to ourselves.
"These are the basic ideas on which the Muggle public school system was built. Take away a young wizard's Magic and put him up against a Muggle of the same age and see who survives better in the big bad world."
And, in Joseph's mind anyway, it was true. Wizarding education, in a word, sucked. He hoped Valen wasn't afraid of a little debate. He doubted it--people like him usually clung to any form of intellectual stimulation.
Joseph turned to Kally, wishing to include her in the conversation and hopefully make up for his earlier rudeness. "What do you think, Kally?"
|
|
