wait for it

@sorrowsofsinclair​

Now, Lily knew from Dueling Club that Jackson was a more than competent duelist, but even she didn’t like his odds when it was four against one. She also knew that if she caught them fighting, she’d have to punish all of them, even if it had been the Slytherins who instigated the fight. Clearing her throat to make her presence known, she stepped out into the corridor and shot the Slytherins a hard look. “It’s past curfew, in case you hadn’t noticed,” she said sternly. “And I really don’t think Slytherin can afford to lose any more points, especially after that rather humiliating Quidditch defeat. I’d be off to bed if I were you.” The other students glared at her, and more than one ‘Mudblood’ was spat her way, but she ignored it as long as they did as she’d asked and shuffled along to the dungeons. Turning back to her friend with concerned eyes, she asked “Are you all right?”

@sorrowsofsinclair​ 

Jackson had his wand drawn and pointed at the other three students. As if he really had a change with the three wands draw to him. He knew he could easily give them a run for their money, but did he want to? No. Would he? If they attacked him first? Yes. For once he knew he would not hesitate. Normally he’d accept it as if it were some kind of karma from his parents. But he’d already been belittled multiple times today he didn’t need anymore. But honest to Merlin, thank heaven for Lily Evans. Though he kept his shoulders high and stance steady while the other students were still in sight, as soon as they had slipped away he couldn’t help a sigh of relief fall from his lips. “Oh thank fuck-” He exhaled. “Fine.. yeh- fine- fine almost got hexed again but other than that top notch.” Jackson exhaled resting his hands on his knees as he tried to steady his adrenaline. “Just a bunch of dunderheid’s ragin’ what’s new aye? Thanks Lily- seriously I owe yer one.. again.” @lilyxcvans​

Landon was supposed to meet with his friends to study in one of the empty classrooms on the fourth floor - they’d decided to meet there as all of their usual spots were getting too busy with the approaching midterms. Kai and Quirinus were one of the few boys whose company Landon actually enjoyed, and he knew they felt a bit abandoned with all the time he’d invested into becoming closer to some Slytherins. He was actually looking forward to spending the afternoon and evening with them as promised. “Hey,” he said walking in with a smile on his face, before stopping dead in his tracks. “You’re... not Kai,” he said in surprise, wondering how he could’ve gotten the room wrong.  

Now, Landon was no big fan of the other boy’s tone. But he was freshly out of the Hospital andnot looking to have a remake of the Halloween Party, so he took a deep, deep breath, and opened his books. “Let’s wait until he gets here and ask him, why don’t we?” he looked down, not particularly looking to have a conversation, but not wanting to move either. His fight might have humbled him slightly, but that didn’t mean he’d been stripped of any pride altogether. He clenched his teeth at the comment, wondering what about his black eyes made Sinclair think he could insult him without actively risking his life. “That seems a bit excessive now, Sinacre,” he said with a head shake. He really did not want to intimidate the boy, what with… everything he’d already gone through. But that didn’t mean he held him in particularly high regard or would let himself be disrespected either.

“Yer the one disruptin’ the peace Landon-“ Jackson muttered with a puff of air from his cheeks. So much for a quiet minute alone. A part of him simply wanted to give in and get up and leave. For the fact that he didn’t have the energy to deal with another human being. His introverted self was strung thin and all the male wanted was a second simply to be alone with his thoughts and ponder of the whatever he wished. The meaning of life, worry about whether Peeves was plotting against him, a certain smile of a blonde ravenclaw girl who’d captured more of his attention recently than normal. But no. Instead he was stuck with a clenched jaw, begrudgingly putting up with Landon out of mere principal that he was here first. He knew it was childish, but right now he was too stubborn to care. “Excuse me for wantin’ to study alone for a moment in a classroom, which is meant for learnin’. Rather than ye jollyin’ on and usin’ it as what? A hang out spot for ye and yer wee friends?” He was being an asshole he knew that. But he’d had enough of what felt like being walked on all day long. Was a moment of sanctum really that hard to come by at Hogwarts? @landonboot​

Sybill skipped across the grounds. She just seen such an unusual creature in the forest. Something she had never seen before in the many times she’d ventured there. She was headed over to the library now to do some research before the image of it in her mind disappeared. It was too fascinating not to investigate and she had plenty of time still before dinner. She was pulled out of her thoughts by a loud noise. A group of loud Slytherins, shouting about something. Nothing new there- wait, did they just hit somebody? She turned directions and headed over to them. As she got closer she saw who they were attacking. Jackson, he’d be kind the last time they’d spoken. Despite the boy’s protest she certainly wasn’t just going to leave and let them get away with hurting someone. It wasn’t her style. “Don’t you think it’s pathetic that you need to gang up on someone” Sybil shot at the group “not big enough on your own.” She moved closer, trying to see if she could position herself between them and the boy. “I’d probably run along now, unless you want me to curse you with my freaky voodoo magic.” She waved her hands in the air for added effect. Sybill knew the rumours about her. They could be used to her advantage sometimes. Clearly it had done the trick this time, cowards.  “Are you okay?” Sybill asked, rushing over to the boy

“Sybil-“ Jackson tried to interject as she spoke but really there wasn’t much use it was evident she was here and not going anywhere. Granted he was a little relieved to say the least. As much as he didn’t want her involved for risk of them equally turning around and hurting her, it was nice to know someone at least had his back. Despite Sybil’s words, it didn’t stop the tallest Slytherin from getting a final punch to Jackson spitting ‘mudblood’ in disgust before leaving. Leaving a groan falling off the older Ravenclaw’s lips as he cursed under his breath: “Feckin’ shite-“ One hand clung to his side as he sunk further back against the wall. A slight pained expression crossing his features. Despite how much he tried to hide it, mainly so he didn’t worry yet another person, it was obvious across his features. Humming through gritted teeth, he gave a small nod. “Wee bit sore but fine-.. I’ll be fine-“ The male winced with a sigh of relief as he leaned back against the wall letting himself sink back against it. Granted even if it were for support as he tried to come to terms with the stinging across his face and side. “Thank yer for steppin’ in and all- yer really didnae need to-Though think I’d have liked to see yer curse them with yer what was it? ‘freaky voodoo magic?” Jackson spoke half heartedly, offering the smallest half smile as he looked up at her from where he was crouched. @sybillptrelawney​

While she had experienced a few crushes on boys before, Olivia was still unsure how to go about this particular change she was feeling. It was like she was seeing Jackson in a new light, despite knowing him and being friends for all their years. She had always thought of him as nice and funny but now she saw him as cute and adorable as well. It wasn’t like she was just looking at her friend Jackson, it was different to her now and she could only hope he had felt something change too. She hoped that over some time to let these feelings sette she could gain some courage to admit it to him or even talk to her roommates about it and she wouldn’t be scared of the outcome. Watching him with a curious gaze as he lifted his hand, forming a fist and extending his pinkie finger towards her she smiled. “Pinkie swear,” She giggled, pushing aside her work as she leaned in closer, her hand making a fist and extending her pinkie to lock it around his. “I promise this is an official agreement.” Even without the pinkie swear, she was going to take their inside joke seriously just because it was special to Jackson and therefore it was now special to her. If it made him happy, then she was glad to do it. “Now about that secret handshake,” She joked, part of her not wanting to let go of his finger but regretably doing so. “We can always change that you know.”

He couldn’t help his smile widening across his features at the sound of her giggle. It shouldn’t have made his chest warm but it did. Maybe before Halloween it wouldn’t, they would have just been friends and everything would have been just as it was. It would have been normal. Ever since what had happened with his parents, any glimmer of this.. feeling, he’d suppress and push down so far into his chest it was left inaccessible. Yet Liv, she’d snuck up on him some how. As much as he knew he should push it down, that it would be better for everyone, for her, if he did. The romantic part of him that always begged for attention. The part of him that reveled in watching the passing couples in the court yard and moments of students glancing at one another in wishful thinking. The very small part of him that still held hope let himself feel it. Even if it was just for this moment and he’d accept to trying to forget about it come tomorrow. Right now for once in a long time, he let the feeling sit in his chest. Instead of the sadness that always seemed to follow him like a cloud, he could have sworn with her smile there was a small piece of sunshine seeping through the grey. 

Crossing his heart when their interlaced fingers, a smile played easily on his features and he glanced briefly down at their interlocked fingers before back up to her face. Just the small touch he wanted to hold onto a little longer but it fell just as quickly as it had come unfortunately. Though his ears pricked up at her last words. “Yer think?” He questioned with a slight quirk of an eye brow. Turning his body, one leg pulled up on the seat so he could fully face her. “Alright Rosmerta, how did yer wanna start this? I mean-” Jackson spoke raising his hand again as he tried to think of something intelligent. Really, he was too focused on the potentially of touching her hand again. “Ain’t there somethin’ like wings we can do? That can be for yer uh- for last night- Then we could have some stuff in the middle and finish on a pinkie promise down? It canny been too long or we won’t remember it.” The male spoke though his brow furrowed slightly. He’d always been much more practically than creative, even in things like this. @liv-rosmerta​

Deciding to push himself up, Melchior headed down the transfiguration corridor, slowly beginning to glance into each of the classrooms, Melchior seemed to be coming up empty until the last room on the left. That’s when he noticed someone sitting at one of the desks. Curious and maybe a little smug, Melchior headed into the room. Leaning against one of the desks behind the person and folding his arms. “Are you meant to be in here? Or do transfiguration lessons begin at eleven thirty now and I'm just unaware?”

There was a certain power trip that came with getting to use a prefect privilege to apprehend students that Melchior wasn’t particularly fond of. Despite his opinions, Melchior seemed to treat students of all blood-statuses with the same demure tone. Purely out of concern for his own position. The last thing Melchior needed was a baby-faced second year Gryffindor crying to McGonagall and suddenly, Melchior’s been replaced with another Slytherin who didn’t care for the role.  He did treat the lesser students with a sterner tone and made the tight grip on his wand at his side obvious as he spoke to the mudbloods. Just to invoke a little slice of fear, Melchior believed it would build character as well as make it clear who the deserved students were. As Jackson spoke, Melchior wondered if it was possible for him to become anymore unbearable. “What is it you are doing?” He questioned, suddenly aware that he hadn’t actually asked. “Don’t worry…I’ll give you a second to make it up on the spot. I’m feeling kind.”

It took everything in Melchior’s body not to hex Jackson, although he knew it would do Melchior more harm than good. The shiny badge on his lapel that he admired so much in the mirror would be gone and Jackson would be parading around the halls of Hogwarts as if he was some mudblood martyr. “I already know your blood type,” Melchior dismissed with barely a flicker of emotion. Mudbloods always loved to flaunt their opinions. “Elders? Is that your excuse for forgetting to get a permission slips, perhaps be a tad more creative this time.”

Making a note to approach McGonagall in the morning, preferably before Jackson did. His eyes flickered up and down Jackson. “Well, most students get caught outside of bed at this time with their friends but it’s not really a surprise you’re here on your own…is it?”

His eyes narrowed slightly in a ‘seriously’ expression, as he looked over the other. A part of Jackson paused for a moment, really thinking ‘did he hold two brain cells at all?’ Wasn’t it obvious just from appearances what the Jackson had been doing in here? With books clasped under his arms, bag slung over his shoulder, clearly the ravenclaw was in here causing chaos. Not. Merlin have mercy. “What does it look like I’m doin’? Practisin’ gymnastics?” Jackson spoke sarcastically as he raised the books in his arms with a quirk of both of his eye brows. “Studyin’, isn’t that the purpose of a classroom? Education?”

“Ye do?” Jackson spoke still of course sarcastic as ever. Because he still knew exactly where Melchior was bound to head with his comments. Jackson knew all too well what his type were like. Mudblood. Really he was surprised the word hadn’t slipped out of the Slytherin’s mouth yet. Still, Jackson ‘played dumb’. The last thing he wanted was to play into and meekly accept the notion of ‘superior blood’ when really in his eyes it was complete and utter codswallop. “O negative, it’s a good type don’t ye think? My da was the same canny remember what me ma was though. Maybe AB positive, or B negative- who knows.”

Granted it was late and really whatever patience Jackson held for purists and was wearing thin. He couldn’t help but snap a little. “Are ye as forgetful as much as ye are an arsehole? I already told yer, I musta misplaced it. If yer ask McGonagall she’ll happily tell ye just that.” The ravenclaw hufffed, starting to feel like a broken record. “Is that supposed to be a dig or an insult because if it is, it’s a rather shite one at that laddie. If ye got something to say Parkinson just spit it out will ye and save us all a wee bit of time.” @melchiorparkinson​

“Fountain pen,” She repeated the word back to him. Pandora had known that, of course. “Of course,” The blonde muttered as she ran a hand through her hair. At his thanks, she flashed a smile and lifted her chin. “Absolutely no problem. You never know what things mean to people so… I’d have hated for you to have lost it,” The woman’s voice was soft and gentle. “It looks very dainty. It’d be a shame for you to actually almost lose it again. Is a pocket the safest place for it?”

“Yeh I er- it means a lot actually.” Jackson admitted with a half smile as he looked at the pen in his hand. He knew that he would have been devastated if he’d lost it. He always tried to keep a piece of his parents with him at all times, it made him feel more grounded and safer some how as if they were still here with him. As much as he’d get sneers from purists whenever they saw some of his Muggle belongings. “Not when it’s got a wee hole in it it’s not-“ Jackson spoke with a puff of air from his cheeks as he looked back down at the pocket in question with a frown. “Should charm it to stay on me person or somethin’- maybe try a different pocket.” The male tried half heartedly with a small shrug. He didn’t trust himself enough to keep it in a bag, especially not with the wizards who liked to take it upon themselves to make his life a living hell. It just gave them something else to toy with. “I really owe yer- is there anythin’ you need help with?” He couldn’t exactly repay her in a form of anything materialistic like so many students could, but a gesture often when a long way at least in his eyes. @dorafxrtescue​

Having heard about what happened with his parents way back when, she knew the best thing to do was just be a good friend. While their stories weren’t quite the same, Liv knew how it was to grow up without parents though she had been lucky enough to have Cordelia by her side. She wanted to make sure all of her friends have someone to be there for them in their time of need, having a good support system is what helps in the long run. “I’m sure your dentist will under your one night of sweets,” She laughed, her grandmother had been the same way with candy growing up, not allowed sweets unless it was her uncle sneaking the candy her way. It was only when she got to Hogwarts she was thankful she wasn’t obsessed, sure she would give herself a few on a bad day but the blonde knew her limits. Having him sit next to her made her heart rate speed up just a bit. Okay, this was definitely something new to her, she had never felt like this around him before the party. “Fine, fine,” She smiled, even if it was just a nickname, it was the fact it was something just between the two of them that made her happy. It was like there was a reminder of the fun night they had together. “I’ll answer when you call me Tink, I promise.” 

For a moment, Jackson could have sworn he would have gladly sat there all day if it meant he could look at her smile. Despite how quickly he’d pushed the thought away, he still couldn’t help his gaze lingering a little too long as he looked over her features. Of course he’d never been blind, he’d always noticed that she was pretty, but the fact had never had this kind of effect on him before. It was nothing, it would pass; he tried to convince himself. Though despite his effects to subside the warmth in his chest at seeing her pink cast over her features; a part of him had an incline it wouldn’t be fading as easily as he hoped it would. Despite this, he shook his head lightly and averted his eyes in some kind of meek attempted reminder to himself to pull it together. Smiling lightly to himself at the idea of their own little hidden quirk, he raised his hand curled loosely in a fist with his pinkie finger extended towards her. “Isn’t it more official this way?“ The raven haired questioned with a small low chuckle. “We donnae have a secret hand shake of anythin’ so this’ll have to do. So what ye say Tink? Pinkie swear it for the sake of a foolish Scot?” Jackson joked lightly with a half smile. Almost regretting it a little, truthfully a little worried she’d think it was ridiculous a pass it off. Hearing it back it sounded a little dorky. But still his other hand raised to cross his heart just in case as he offered a sheepish smile. @liv-rosmerta​

Her head snapped quickly around when she heard someone approaching, the last thing she wanted was to talk someone she didn’t know or even worse make small talk with someone she only barley knew. She exhaled quickly, clearing her throat trying to shake her thoughts away., feeling herself relax a little when she saw who it was “now what in the world is a mediocre ghost like you doing in a place like this?” she smiled looking up at Jackson.

@sorrowsofsinclair​

Returning the smile, he plopped himself down next to her and pulled his backpack off looking out across the fields. “Mediocre ghost? Come on it doesn’t deserve that much high praise. Budget ghost maybe.” The Scot spoke sarcastically, as he turned his head to look at the other. “Ye alright wee’un?” The raven haired asked, brows furrowed lightly with concern as he looked down at the younger girl. @lucy-talkalot​

Maybe it was just a draft from the colder weather outside or maybe it was the way he was looking at her, whatever it was had goosebumps forming across her skin. With the presence of alcohol the night before, she had been feeling a little braver than normal but now without any help she just felt shy. And she didn’t understand why, they were friends and always had been able to easily converse with him. “Yeah, yeah, I see your singular finger,” Olivia smiled, humoring him as she followed his finger with her eyes. Her head fell down to look at the book, partially to hide her blush and to remember what it was she was trying to read. “Not really, just some light reading. Figured it’d be easier to read today than homework.” Honestly with the way her thoughts were racing today, the blonde didn’t think anything could distract her. Shaking her head, out of all her friends of course he would be the one to get a sugar high instead of plastered like the rest of them. “Well that’s better than a hangover,” She countered, blushing at bit at his compliment to her outfit the night before. “I’m doing alright. I mean you don’t have to let the lack of a costume stop you, I’d probably answer to it if you started calling me Tink randomly.” Or maybe regularly, like a pet name, something only the two of them would understand.

Jackson had always been an observant soul. Granted he wasn’t particularly gifted when it came to socialization. He wasn’t a social butterfly at all. Rather, he’d gladly stay in the shadows and commit to a life of being a wallflower. He’d revealed in once being a kid that was almost invisible. There wasn’t anything particularly remarkable about him, nothing that could pull him from a crowd or make others think - wow there goes Sinclair-. The only reason people knew who he was, was because of his misfortune. But still, over the years, he’d prided himself on being observant. He was a people watcher, happier on the side lines than anything else. So really, even if she had averted her gaze, he still caught the light pink that casted over her cheeks. It made a warmth grow in his chest that he hadn’t expected. And for once, for the smile to grow that little bit wider across the know sad boy’s features. Maybe it was the temperate in the room as to why she was blushing, any thoughts as to it might be him that was having that effect on her was out of the question. “I don’t think my dentist would agree with ye there-” The Scot spoke with light sarcasm as he settled himself next to her. Whatever had happened last night, it felt like something had changed in their dynamic. Which after so many years was- odd. He didn’t want to dwell on it, but even Jackson knew that there was something undeniably different. Maybe it was just him, probably; so he pushed the warmth in his chest from just being sat next to her as far down as he possibly could. But still, he couldn’t help think how adorable she looked with a hint of pink. “Alright- Tink it is. But I’ll be holdin’ ye to that lassie. Dunnae want to go shoutin’ the name across the hall only to get absent stares.” @liv-rosmerta​

“You don’t say. That cat terrifies me. Once follow me when I was walking back from a Hufflepuff party, it was the fright of my life.” Seo replied, helping his tiddy up his stuff. “I always see you half asleep, are you okay? If you need a sleeping potion I can always ask a friend to brew one up for you?” The girl sometimes spotted Lily talking to him, and she’d once or twice mentioned helping him out emotionally, so by affiliation, she’d began worrying about him too.

“It’s the eyes, I donnae know about a cat; it looks more like a creature of the night.” Jackson spoke sarcastically with a puff of air from his cheeks. Moving to close his text books with a light sigh before dragging both of his hands through his hair as if some how that was going to wake him from the daze he was currently in. Brows knitting together at her comment, Jackson paused for a moment as he thought. Did he really do this that often? “Oh I er-“ The Ravenclaw spoke with a small frown. “That’s nice of ye and all- but I’ve tried ‘em. Don’t really fancy fallin’ into a deep slumber for two days like the last time. I’m fine though thanks.” Mostly fine, but he wasn’t going to get into details with someone he barely knew. Especially when he barely gave them to his close friends. @butterflyun​

“I am not,” Olivia laughed, she would never lie to him, maybe his dancing wasn’t conventional but it was fun. She hoped he enjoyed himself as much as she did, even if she was used to the strict structures of dancing just being able to let loose and enjoy the music rather than a routine was fun. Her work was set aside now and her focus was on their conversation, obviously he hadn’t indulged in enough alcohol to forget it but she knew even if she had been completely wasted; she would’ve remembered having fun with him. Maybe one day she could be brave enough to show him some of her routines and see how he’d be in a structured setting, maybe he’d love it or maybe he’d hate it but at least the blonde would’ve given it a shot. “Yes, I have perfect vision,” She laughed, brushing a strand of her hair behind her ear, “Of course. I’ve been trying to get a jump start on being productive but it’s not really happening.” Olivia sighed, moving over on the couch she resided on to make some room for him. “Maybe it’s just tiredness from last night. How are you feeling this morning?”

Hearing her laugh,  it couldn’t help but make his smile grow a little wider. Especially at remembering her wings fluttering with every joyful sound falling off his lips last night. He’d been mesmerized then and it felt funny that still he was looking at her and for a moment he wanted nothing more than to just stand and watch. How her eyes crinkled a little when she laughed, the bright smile on her features, how her blonde hair moved with her. Jackson had to stop himself from thinking, because merlin all he wanted to do was make her smile like that as often as he could. “Ye sure? How many fingers am I holding up-“ He teased with a grin, raising a finger for her to follow before her eyes before he dropped it and moved to sit down next to her. “Well- What yer readin’? Maybe I can help?” The Scot offered with a light quirk of an eye brow. “Alright, tired. Didnae get pished. Only thin’ was I ate too many muffins last night. Combined with the punch it feels like I’m still recoverin’ from the sugar rush.” The male scoffed lightly with a small shake of his head. Even as he admitted it, it sounded stupid to his ears. “What about ye, are yer all alright? Have to admit.. pity I can’t call yer Tink anymore. Those wings really suited you.” @liv-rosmerta​

But now? Things felt different. Though Jackson may stay on the side lines, he was a keen observer. And it hadn’t missed his eyes that Thor was starting to integrate himself into a different crowd. One that was commonly known to heckle and harass him. It seemed odd, worryingly so. A part of him wanted to believe that he was just over analyzing. But it wasn’t a one time occurrence; which truly was the most disconcerting. Though Jackson tried not to jump to conclusions, they were friends. Weren’t they? Thinking, Thor couldn’t really be spending time with people like that willingly, could he? Besides it wasn’t like he’d had a chance to catch and speak to the other, truthfully though more because he was avoiding it. Especially because really, Jackson wasn’t dim. His gut instincts typically held truth. 

He’d headed down to the quidditch pitch, figuring that it could offer a little sanctum away from the boisterous hallways. Maybe even he could catch a quiet moment to himself, fly, read, analyse others flying technique. But when he’d found his way to the green grounds, he wasn’t as alone as he’d hoped. He recognized the boy’s stature almost instantly, Thorfinn. Wearily he approached, brows knitting together lightly. The other looks so deep in thought, he didn’t want to startle him. So instead spoke lowly with a light quirk on an eye brow: “Ye alright there laddie?” @halohexed​

Thorfinn looked up from the deep stretch he’d been absorbed in –– he was of the singular opinion that a truly good stretch only benefitted the body if one focused and willed the muscles into obeying –– twisting the wrong way when his head and shoulders raised. A grimace. “FUCK.” It wasn’t much of a greeting, but it was all he had. With a groan, Thor unsteadily rose to his feet, and scanned the stands for any signs of his friends, his new friends. People who would see him talking to Jackson. People who would talk about that. People who wouldn’t like that. Thor supposed he shouldn’t have been talking to Jackson, anyway– Jackson wasa MUDBLOOD, after all. It was strange, to him, to suddenly have to think about his.. friend in another way. It was strange, to go from hexing others like Jackson to suddenly feeling at a loss of what to do when confronted by the Ravenclaw. Hex him? Jinx him? Ask how his summer had been? It wasn’t like there was a guidebook, and it wasn’t like he could ASK anyone about it. In the end, he decided to settle for a noncommittal shrug, fingerlessly-gloved hands reaching for the handle of his broom, nonverbally calling it into his grasp. “…signed out the pitch for private practice. Is WOOD really that scared of us this season, sending in a reserve to spy?” It was the sort of thing he was used to saying, the banter that their friendship had built up on.. but his tone was off, even he knew that, and he couldn’t help but check the stands once more for familiar faces.

He could sense the shift in the air almost instantly. Of course he’d know Thorfinn for a few years now. They’d spent enough time on the side lines watching and waiting in case they were needed during quidditch,  that with as many comments passed among the males; almost immediately he could tell from the other’s tone that something definitely wasn’t right. It didn’t sit well. Jackson had had this feeling before. Of friends who suddenly didn’t seem as eager to have him in their presence. Distancing themselves as if he were something they feared not get close to as if his unhappiness or ‘dirty blood’ was contagious. Though granted it had happened so often after his parents had died, that it was strange for him to see it now. Most, if they weren’t his friends, avoided him for being a bad luck charm. Saw only pity and fear that what happened to him could happen to them. Or worst case, most looked at him with disgust and resentment. 

But they were friends, weren’t they? 

“Ya alright there laddie? Looks like ye’ve seen a ghost.” Jackson tried to bolster as he too glanced over his shoulders at the stands as if trying to understand what the male was looking for but falling short. Something had changed, that was undeniable. “Didnae know being on the field was a crime, could be enertainin’ to watch ye fall off that thin’.” Jackson tried to joke, but it didn’t sit right. “Wood ain’t worried, not when we’re going’ up against folk like ye. We can definitely handle ye, how is Amos? Gettin’ his wand in a twist yet?” @halohexed​

Landon was supposed to meet with his friends to study in one of the empty classrooms on the fourth floor - they’d decided to meet there as all of their usual spots were getting too busy with the approaching midterms. Kai and Quirinus were one of the few boys whose company Landon actually enjoyed, and he knew they felt a bit abandoned with all the time he’d invested into becoming closer to some Slytherins. He was actually looking forward to spending the afternoon and evening with them as promised. “Hey,” he said walking in with a smile on his face, before stopping dead in his tracks. “You’re... not Kai,” he said in surprise, wondering how he could’ve gotten the room wrong.  

Landon didn’t appreciate the Ravenclaw’s tone – there was absolutely no need to be snappy about one of them being in the wrong room. “That’s a pity, lad, because I’m meeting someone in this very room. But the next door down sounds good, if you want to try it,” he said with a sneer, trying to match the other’s aggressiveness. He didn’t really know why he was being an arse, but his pride at being talked down to meant he had to make sure he ended this conversation with the upper hand. Dropping his books on the table, he sat down heavily on the other side of the room and faced Sinclair with a quirked eyebrow. 

He held his tongue from uttering ‘ye’re a right little prick do ye know that?’ figuring it definitely wouldn’t help the current situation. Jackson hadn’t even been overly standoffish. Granted he wasn’t exactly amused, nor did he do well with people he didn’t know overly well. But still he recognized the other Ravenclaw to know his general demeanor of irritation and generally seeming done with the rest of the student body. Could Jackson really blame him for that? No. Though that didn’t mean he appreciated the other’s tone. “If next door is so nice, why don’t ye wait outside and show ye wee friend whenever they join ye. I’m sure they’d agree first come first serve is still the honored rulin’.” Turning his attention back to his book, Jackson blew a puff of air from his cheeks. Not being able to help but utter: “Didnae realize you could book rooms for dumassary now.” @landonboot​