A Wretched One

He had never been this careless not when it came to the potion in the pocket of that jacket. But with the letter and looking through the books…he lost focus. “Fuck,” Apollo muttered miserably under his breath. Okay. Think, think think. There had to be a solution that would work out in his favor. He could break in. It wasn’t like he had any interest in stealing the contents of the shop only taking back what was his. But after his close call at Reds, Apollo decided not to press his luck. He could go back to Cassio and explain but that would mean admitting he was careless with the potion. Apollo wasn’t convinced that Cassio would give him a second chance with it.

Apollo brought his hands up to his face and groaned, slowly raking his fingers down his face. The truth was he didn’t know what to do. He worried if he left it alone the shopkeeper would find his jacket in the morning and rummage through it in order to find the owner. If he checked the potions he was bound to find Cassio’ potion. He sighed and peeked through his fingers to see someone coming towards him. Great. Now there’s an audience. Why did everything seem to go from bad to worse?

“They’re mine,” Apollo growled out and immediately reached out for the books. “It wasn’t like I went very far. I could still see them.” It was a poor defense considering he hadn’t seen her pick up the books and bring them to him. But he wasn’t in the mood to be schooled by someone and Apollo had lived his life constantly on the defense. He laughed dryly at her question because one, she was being nosy and two, because he doubted that he looked anywhere near alright. “I’m fine,” He answered, nodding to the door behind him. “I left something in there and I need it back.” How could he explain that what he left in there couldn’t wait til morning? “You ever have a day that keeps getting worse?” He asked as he looked at her. “That’s how today has been going for me.”

She was taken by surprise at his aggression towards her, but the surprise quickly faded. She was used to aggression and violence. She’d been exposed to both as far back as she could remember. Having a stranger snap at her did cause her some anxiety, a small discomfort before she sighed and nodded. “Alright. I’m sorry.” She already knew she had been pressing the other on behalf of their well-being when it wasn’t her business to know nor was it her duty to try to help. But she saw how upset they seemed and it had her hesitating but she could pick up on the hint that he wasn’t in the mood for any good will. Colee shrugged her shoulders in defeat and straightened her own jacket, intending to turn around when he spoke again. She glanced at the shop door curiously as she saw what exact shop that it had been.

She looked back down at him and nodded in understanding at his words. She knew that feeling all too well. “My whole life feels like a shit day that keeps getting shittier, so I get it.” That was probably the honest thing she’d ever said to anyone about how exactly she felt about herself, her circumstances. Though she didn’t know why she let it slip out, but it was nice. Even though he probably wouldn’t care about it either way, so she assumed. “Looks like the shopkeeper is gone..” Colee spoke as she looked back at the darkened store.

She glanced at the man on the floor and then looked all around them.

The streets were empty.

Colee chewed on her bottom lip and looked once more at the man. “You know exactly where you left the thing? Exactly?” She pressed, already reaching into her pocket and pulling out her wand. It had been a while since she’d done anything reckless like when she was young, she’d broken out of those habits but indulging in it to help someone, where was the harm in that?

I will not pretend

I will not put on a smile

It was rare to see Tomes and Scrolls empty on a night like this but Apollo was thankful for it. The last thing he wanted was to get distracted and have to make small talk with someone he didn’t care that much about. He was most thankful that so far this trip seemed to be Oliver Davenport free. The pesky little RA seemed to always pop up in order to sour his mood. No, today Apollo was far more interested in the books that littered the walls and tables of the bookstore. Each book was unique, rare, and rarely pricey not that that mattered much to him. Mostly he wanted to get ahead in his classes. Maybe learn something his classmates hadn’t. The second reason he was venturing out was because that invitation still stuck in his head. He wanted to be prepared for whatever that was.

Apollo made his way towards the advanced spell work section of the store and started flipping through the first book he picked up. It wasn’t as dark as he had hoped but it was advanced. Snapping it closed, he shoved the book under his arm and continued down the aisle. It didn’t take long for him to get sucked up into the books around him. With a pile of books in his arms, Apollo started to make his way towards the register when his lower half bumped against a table roughly. His books, along with his jacket bundled up in his arms, went flying out of his grip and he groaned at the mess he had made. “Fuck me.” He muttered bitterly through gritted teeth as he went about picking up his items.

“I gotta close shop, kiddo,” A raspy voice hollered from the front of the store and Apollo quickly made his way to the front of the store to check out. Before he knew it, he was being ushered out of the shop and making his way back towards campus.

The cool air caused him to shiver and Apollo shifted the books in his arms to throw his jacket on. What? He threw his books into the ground as if that would magically make his jacket appear. It didn’t. And then as if his life couldn’t get any worse, Apollo felt the grip of Cassio’s potion wearing off and that bitter darkness was returning to settle down in his mind. “No. No. No. No.” He closed his eyes and stomped his book before jogging back to the darkened store, leaving his books piled high in the middle of the road. The store was darkened and he rattled the doorknob. Hoping, praying, begging that the shopkeeper would still be there. Apollo was met with silence. “Fuck,” He hissed out and hit the door with his fist. “Fuck. Goddammit, shit.” He turned and leaned his back against the door before sliding down until his ass hit the pavement. Would his luck ever change? Probably not.

It was getting late and with shops closing up she had rushed to get everything she had been needing. Running out of school supplies wasn’t something she had planned on but she was relieved that the stores gave a slight discount to not only Hogwarts students but the University students as well. Her messenger bag on her hip full with fresh spell books, papers and pens. But also a few purchases of books and items she’d gotten from Knockturn Alley, trying to prepare herself for the worst if need be. She wasn’t sure why she was responding to that stranger letter she’d gotten but she was curious. Curious to see what would happen if she did find herself going to the meeting. Curious to see who else would be there.

She had just started to make her way up toward the University when she’d noticed a pile of books left in the middle of the road. She walked over to them and looked around for anyone that they may belong to before spotting someone by a shop. Colee picked the books up, balancing the pile and walking it over to the shop before she placed them down near the seated man. “Am I right in guessing that these are yours?” She asked and glanced over at him. Upon finally getting a closer look she had to admit, he looked rough. He looked as though life had thrown a million punches at him and it had landed every single one.

Colee was refreshening simply put. Upon going to the party initially he hadn’t thought he’d come back with anything, much less a friend. And it didn’t hurt that she seemed to be as sweet as he was told he was. Maybe that was just something he sought out in people because it was so familiar. Whatever the reason he was very grateful for her and this time. Even if it was just them watching a horrible movie and sharing snacks. There weren’t too many he’d found that could be simply satisfied with that. 

To her little question of how bad the movie really was going to be well he’d just shrugged. “I mean I suppose that depends on your taste.” His teeth dug into his bottom lip to keep the smile from moving any further on his cheeks. “All I’m saying is to not have your expectations too. And we’ll rain check that … what’d you call it?” He’d clicked his tongue and attempted to repeat the title she’d said. “Sharendo? Shapendous? Whatever it was we’ll have to save that for another time.”

“You and me both.” He chimed cheerfully as they’d both given over their tickets and proceeded for the way of their movie. He stole a quick glance over at her, brow slightly tugged upwards. “I would say I’m surprised by you wanting a blue tongue.” A soft chuckle accompanied his words and he shook his head, balancing his own box into one hand so he could grab open the door to the correct door for the both of them. “Blue may be a good color for you.” He’d spoken faster than he realized and quickly cleared his throat as he’d stepped under the sign for Killer Klowns and swung it wide for the both of them.

His heel held the door and he’d taken just a second to see her. Snacks in hand, a slightly mischiveous smile on her lip and, from what he he could tell, she seemed happy. That was all he’d needed. “Now I’d suggest sitting right dead center but I have a feeling you’re about to prove me wrong on that account too. Right?”

Colee laughed lightly at his attempted repeat of the Sharknado title and agreed with a nod of her head. That would have to wait for another time where they’d have to take a break and enjoy having a friend around to distract them from impending responsibilities. Or simply just enjoy having a friend around, something she hadn’t expected she would make when she entered College. She was excited to have friends though, to make fond memories of her time in the University and rather than simply being buried in her books and course work. She was already thinking the next hang out should be a Sharknado marathon in the Gryffindor common room with popcorn and gummies.

“Is it that surprising though? I mean it is me.” She raised an eyebrow right back at him, a playful smile on her lips. Colee had spoken honestly while shrugging her shoulders. But that playful smile didn’t fade. She didn’t think she was hard for someone to see through. She was easy, typical. But then again you always judge yourself the hardest and she had some not so shinning opinions about herself. At his comment she couldn’t help the giggle that left her, “No way! Blue’s your color.” Was her simple reply, walking into the theater with a bounce in her step from the eagerness to see such a terrible movie and to chow down on some snacks with the older gentleman that accompanied her.

“I’m offended you’d think otherwise, good sir.” Colee mocked shock at his words, eyes widening to seal the . “Dead center are the best seats in the house! If I can’t get dead center row and seats then I head for the front area.” Colee gave a nod toward the very front of the theater. “You know, the spot where you have to basically look up at the screen the entire time.” She chuckled and shook her head, “Nah, center is perfect for me.” She started to head up the stairs and down the middle row. She was impressed with the seats in the theater, they looked comfortable and extra plush. She took a seat and dropped her box of treats onto the little side table every chair had. “The seats recline!” She exclaimed as she pressed a button and slowly the seat started to recline back and a bottom half stuck up to lift her legs.

Jack hadn’t tried out for the University’s main Quidditch teams at the beginning of the year, he was too worried about making an ass out of himself after being out of practice for so long. It was a decision he had regretted immediately, but by then it had been too late. He’d joined the Intramural team and things had come back to him rather quickly. He wished he’d had more confidence in himself to begin with, but when a spot opened up on the more competitive squad he’d jumped at the chance to move up. Between the intensive training he’d endured during his Quidditch classes and playing regular games, his skills had improved tremendously since the start of the year. Of course he was upset that someone had gotten injured so badly to take them out for the rest of the season, but that left an opportunity for a new chaser and he hadn’t wasted any time in preparing for tryouts. The next day he was on the pitch early practicing and later in the week he’d clinched the spot, but only after a fierce competition with several other worthy competitors.

A week and a half later and he was playing his first game ever Gryffindor and he couldn’t have been prouder. There was nothing more thrilling than hearing the roar of the crowd after slinging the ball through a hoop past the opposing keeper. People came out to the intramural games, but not like they showed up for the big University ones. Everyone from both schools, most of the residents of Hogsmeade, and even some outside Wixen came to the main matches, especially if Gryffindor was playing. It was strange being on the pitch instead of announcing from the stands, but he’d surely gained the superior position. He’d been worried playing with a new team in front of a bunch of people who’d never seen him on a broom, but all it took was for him to score once for them to accept him. He had missed a pass, but it was over his head and would have been a bit of a stretch if he’d actually gotten it, though that didn’t really stop him from beating himself up over it. He also narrowly missed a bludger in the second half. In the end, he’d scored two of his team’s seven goals before their seeker had caught the Golden Snitch.

He’d been hoisted on people’s shoulders when he’d reached the ground and they’d carried the team nearly all the way back to the dorms for a giant celebration. He’d always been present in the Gryffindor dorms after the games for the crazy parties, but it was entirely different being part of the reason that everyone was now in such a wonderful mood. He’d passed around a series of party spliffs, thankfully the RAs tended to turn a blind eye when it came to after game soirees, and had imbibed several shots all to various praise when someone else approached him. “Ya enjoyin’ yaself?” he asked with a broad grin. Relishing in the attention and fully enjoying his buzz.

Colee enjoyed attending the Quidditch matches, mostly due to it being a large sense of nostalgia for her. She would watch her brother play all the time, help him practice when they were on breaks from Hogwarts. It not only made her feel as though she was watching for her brother again, but it also made her a little homesick. The two feelings seemed to battle for whichever would triumph over the other. On the other hand, the celebrations were something she hardly went to. Usually she’d make her way to her bedroom and spend her evening there or she was out wandering Hogsmead with a cigarette in her mouth but tonight she made an exception. She needed the break from studying and the stress of a test coming and decided that a celebratory party was just what she needed.

Colee had been laughing with other Gryffindors in attendance and was smoking away at her joint, wondering if she should start making her way to the drink table when she’d spotted a familiar face not just from the Quidditch field but from the first day of school. She figured the other wouldn’t remember her, not as though she was some sort of memorable figure or made any type of lasting impression on people to warrant that. Even though she felt this way she still thought she would go and congratulate her fellow lion for his impressive skills on the field while she poured herself a drink and began to wind her way through the crowd, which was easier said than done.

She’d struggled through the crowd, feeling a bit claustrophobic in doing so as many were gathered around and too busy celebrating to take into account people wanting to walk about but she persevered and finally was able to reach the drinks and in doing so reach Jack as well. “Yeah I am actually,” Colee chuckled and took another hit from her joint. “It seems like you are too.” Though she wasn’t drunk, she was feeling a nice haze from the green she was smoking. “That was a great game, congratulations! You did great out there.” Taking another hit of her joint she tapped the ash off and reached for a glass, then grabbed the bottle of whiskey and poured it into her glass. “Cheers to you, Jack.” When she spoke the smoke of her inhale left her and she took a drink of her beverage. “Want a hit?” She offered and lifted the joint to pass to the other.

Luca leaned back against the gleaming metallic walls outside of the women’s restroom in Deja Vu, taking sips of his glass of scotch every few minutes. He wasn’t sure exactly why he was waiting this long or what could be causing the person he was waiting on take so long but he’d already resigned himself to this night being a complete disaster. 

As he stood and drank, his body showing off his discomfort in no uncertain terms, he noticed a woman who seemed familiar across the narrow hallway, although it took him a moment to place where he knew her from. Human Anatomy class on Tuesdays and Thursdays bright and early. As soon as that thought clicked for him, another thought immediately replaced it. 

Colee Everett. Daughter of Karina Everett. Currently imprisoned in Azkaban. That thought made some of the frustration over waiting roll off and it also made him a little bit more curious. “Colee, right?” he asked, pointedly looking in her direction. “I think we have a class together.” 

He knew the answer to that question just as much as he knew that this girl had received an unmarked letter a few days ago inviting her to an exclusive event coming up. However, Luca was all about the presentation and knew that the best way to find out secrets about people was to seem completely daft and unassuming.

As soon as the words rolled off of his tongue, Misha stepped out of the restroom and immediately fell next to him, clapping him on the shoulder as he winced. As if this couldn’t get worse. At this point, he was going to look like an asshole if he didn’t introduce the two women, but he wasn’t sure how this was going to go. 

“Colee, this is my sister, Misha. She’s here visiting for the weekend. Misha, this is my classmate, Colee.” His duties done, he took the last sip of his drink before abandoning it on a table nearby for the help to deal with as Misha immediately began to make conversation.

Colee wasn’t one to go to clubs really. It was rare when she did and usually she had to have smoked quite a bit before hand to ease the tension she felt from being overcrowded. But she figured that a night of fun was in store for her and if not a night of fun at least a night of hard liquor. She was sipping on her Tequila Sunrise while her fingers tapped on the glass due to the craving of a cigarette.

She was just about to start heading to the bar again when she heard her name being called and looked over to see a familiar face. “Oh hey, yeah it’s...Human Anatomy right? Luca?” She had replied before someone came to join them. The two of them standing beside each other you could see they were related and could also see that good looks ran in the family as well.

“Nice to meet you!” Colee stuck her hand out and shook Misha’s who shared back a smile and a calm drawl of “Charmed.” and soon she was engaging in a conversation. “So do you two hang out away from class or strictly just classmates?” was the question Misha had asked and Colee shook her head, “No just classmates, never got a chance to really bond.” she joked and Misha smiled, “So I can’t get any dirt on my brother’s personal life, such a shame.”

Colee chuckled and took a big gulp of her drink. Misha was gorgeous, the two siblings did look alike with short buzzed hair and the same shade of blue eyes. She felt intimidated standing there looking at the two of them. Both were taller than her, even if Misha was only an inch or two taller. “How are you enjoying your visit so far?” Colee questioned with a smile, “I wish my siblings would come and visit me.”

Misha chuckled, “It’s fun so far, nice to see how University is helping my brother a bit.” She looked over at Luca and gave his cheek a poke, “My cute brother is growing up so fast...running around at school and whooing a specific mystery person...” Misha winked at Luca and grinned at the irritated expression on his face.

Still by Daughter

He’d some how gotten the impression even if he’d beat her to the counter that she would have still insisted on paying for the both of them. Which was perfectly alright with him, so long as he’d bought the snacks. Colee had a way about her that he couldn’t quite put his finger on. She was very in control. Even for how nervous she’d been the other night he could tell. Sometimes he was wrong but something told him he wouldn’t be wrong about that conclusion. He stepped up just in time to get his ticket from her. “Onward towards the snacking destination.” He concurred, giving the same enthusiastic smile right back. “We may have to take an entire row for how big this table is going to need to be.” He wasn’t joking.

Bryx stepped back from the counter and made his way directly for the heavily cluttered one. Cotton candy bags, popcorn bubbling over the top of each container. It was almost a sort of treat before the movie. Obviously so. The attendee behind the counter shared about as much enthusiasm as their other co-workers. So instead of wasting any of their time, the blond pointed towards the board with their snacks listed. “Nachos with jalapenos. One blue and one red slushie. Those sour nightcrawlers and …” Bryx looked to Colee, realizing how much it was but gave a rather lazy shrug of his shoulders. “Better throw in a tentacle tart too. And anything else she would like.”

Before she could even move to do so, Bryx had his money in hand and to the counter. His eyes narrowed at her but still he moved back in. They’d have at least a moment before all of that would be ready and he felt like they hadn’t gotten a decent amount of time in before they’d be quieted by the film. And even then, he much doubted that would stop them if they’d got going. 

“Thank you.” He spoke gently, propping his elbow onto the counter. Smile spreading on his lips. “For coming out and you know,” His head nodding towards the ticket booth. “For buying my ticket. But mostly just for coming. I feel like we didn’t really get a fair chance at the party.” While he’d hoped it was as good of an impression for her as it was him, he couldn’t be sure. Even though she’d come tonight, he’d still wanted to make sure. “But I do have to warn you. Which I probably should have mentioned before you know you went and bought them.” He couldn’t help but grin. His lips pressed into a tight line, trying not to explode with laughter. “It’s really bad.” He admitted, his cheek pulling up as he leaned back slightly and nervously grinned at her. “I mean unforgivably bad. So I really just brought you out for snacks. I hope you aren’t too upset.”

She was always the person that if they had the means, they’d treat the people that they cared about. Friends, family, whoever was close to her. She liked to do it so it was only natural. She paid for Bryx’s ticket as her own way of saying ‘Thank you’ for inviting her out and saving her from going crazy trying to memorize all the healing properties that different crystals had. It was enough to drive someone crazy so his text had come at the perfect moment to spare her insanity. “That would be a lot of empty seats we’d have to buy!” She gave a quiet laugh. “But I mean worth it for a table for snacks.” She joked and stepped behind Bryx, eyes taking in all the treats that lay there, muggle and wix alike.

Colee’s eyes met Bryx and she gave an almost sheepish shrug of her shoulders at the amount they were ordering. When you were in a munchie mood, you were in a munchie mood. “Could you put some extra nacho cheese on the side? I’ll also take a bag of gummy bears please!” She seemed to chirp with excitement as she had just went to reach for her own wallet when he beat her to it. She scrunched her face up at him but let her hand drop away instead. A fair trade between them and she appreciated it. “No thank you! I really needed to get away from my studying and see a friendly face!” Colee answered honestly and nodded in agreement. The party was busy, though the short time they’d spent together she’d appreciated greatly. He hadn’t needed to spend that time talking to her, listening to her ramble on about nonsense.

She laughed at the face he was pulling and shook her head, “I can dig a bad movie! Like how bad are we talking? Like...like Deep Blue Sea bad? Now you can’t tell me that wasn’t a bad movie! Or are we at Sharknado levels of bad? Sharknado four levels?” Colee questioned and leaned against the counter as they awaited their snacks. She liked Bryx, their first meeting at the party had gone great in her opinion and she was excited to see if the two would end up being friends. With how the two seemed to ramble and share their odd jokes and love of snacks she was thinking it was a good possibility. “I mean I can handle super bad movies! I’ve watched the first three Sharknado’s so I’m pretty prepared.” She glanced over as the employee brought their snacks in two large boxes for them to easily carry to their movie theater. 

As Erik’s books and scrolls scattered when they fell from his hands, the same happened to the person he’d just run headlong into but now there was coffee involved. The thermos cracked on the stone tiles and coffee splashed across the both of their belongings with Erik standing there mainly dumbfounded at the situation. Thank god his broom hadn’t smacked the tile, too.

He did breathe in a sigh of relief when the girl wasn’t immediately pissed at him about the situation. At least that wasn’t another thing to make his day worse. He’s pulled his wand out of his jacket for a quick repairing spell for the thermos, which he handed back to her sheepishly, considering it was now empty. “One of those fucking days, right?” he said, trying to make the best of the situation as he replied. 

He looked down at the book for their currently in session class and back at her, “Looks like we are,” he admitted, hoisting his books back into his bag and helping her with her own. “Although at this point, I wonder if maybe it’s even worth showing up. It’s been…a hell of a morning,” he admitted. “Maybe you want to go get a refill for your coffee instead?” he asked, looking into her eyes and figuring he’d sweeten the deal, “My treat. I mean, I kind of smashed into you out of nowhere.”

“You got that right.” Colee had chuckled and grabbed hold of the thermos in his hand. She was a little distraught at the fact that she’d only had maybe two sips of coffee before it had splashed on the hallway tile. She had needed the caffeine boost if she was going to make it the rest of the day but she figured she’d deal with the lack of energy though she still felt like she was dragging from a night of hardly a wink of sleep.

She grabbed all her books with his help and managed to get them tucked away in her backpack aside from the one that was too big for it and just clinging to it. “Honestly I’m thinking the same thing.” She shook her head and looked at the watch on her wrist. They’d only have probably twenty minutes left of class if they walked in right then out of an hour and a half of class. Not worth it at all. She placed her empty thermos in her bag as well and when he mentioned refilling her coffee she couldn’t help but perk up a bit.

“That..” She started and couldn’t stop the smile from spreading on her face. “That sounds like a deal. I could really use coffee anyway.” Colee noted and looked again at her watch. “Plus I got time between classes. Blue Brick sound good or cafeteria? If it’s Blue Brick..you buy coffee I’ll buy the pasteries?” She offered with a raised eyebrow and the corner of her lip tugging up into a smile. She’d started to walk away from the mess on the floor with a wave of her hand it was clean.

“Or you not a Coffee kind of guy?” She questioned as she pulled at her bag. She’d missed her morning elective but she still had a full day of Aura and healing classes awaiting her. “You look like more of a shot-of-whiskey-in-the-morning-and-you’re-square kinda guy.”