Wolf In Sheeps Clothing

"I’ll take you up on that! You’ve just been challenged."

"Very well, Elvira, I hope you don't mind I do it in my costume...it'll make my win much more satisfying."

Is that so? Well I bet I’ll beat you at Levitating Spiders! And trick or treating!

So you think, dear Prewett, so you think.

He’s never been gone this long before! He’s always back in the common room by the time I go to bed, always.

Considering Halloween is coming up, I hope nothing unsavory has happened to him.

"I wouldn’t bet on it Augustus! I’m a great bowler, probably the best around. I plan on winning at least one event.”

"We shall see, my friend. Why don't we make things interesting and place a few bets? A couple galleons each, winner takes all?"

Has anyone seen an orange cat running around? He’s a Cornish Rex and he responds to Ringo.

Have you honestly lost him, again?"

Elvira genuinely enjoyed being able to help people, and helping Augustus gave her that very same good tingly feeling that helping anyone else would give her. Regrettably, Elvira couldn’t remember taking the time to formally get to know Augustus and in the girl’s head now seemed like a good time. She raised an eyebrow when he said she wouldn’t be interested in his research. “That can’t be known for certain unless I know what it is, but it seems like a private matter. I won’t push on the subject. Is this normal for you, though? Doing personal research projects. I find that so interesting, since most students are just trying to get by and get out,” she mused, giving the boy a smile as she made conversation. Careful to keep it light and not too personal. 

Augustus kept his gaze firmly ahead, focusing on keeping his feet moving at a steady, while debating on whether to tell Elvira some of the truth about his trip to the lake. People thought him a bit odd already, so he doubted the truth would hep matters. Besides, she didn't really need to know he was collecting samples for a potion he planned to brew. He'd discovered an ancient textbook in the back of the restriction section of the library - it was full of dark potions and spells, none of which were taught as far as he knew. He raised his shoulders in a shrug. "I wouldn't say it was private as such, just not very interesting. Most people don't find algae or moss a fascinating subject...I doubt a girl like you would either." He smiled feebly.

“No kidding? Blimey, I didn’t realize you had muggles in your family, Rookwood,” he said, the smile on his face firmly staying. “Say, you wouldn’t happen to have an automobile, would you? I’ve been trying to get my hands— well, you surely don’t care, but still.” He cleared his throat and rand a few fingers through his hair. “How’s the term going for you? Quidditch has picked up, yeah?”

"Yes, my mother is a Muggle." Much to father's annoyance. Augustus thought bitterly. "I believe we had one when I was a child but father doesn't exactly approve of Muggle things being a Pure-blood. I don't remember much about it." He managed a shrug and brightened at the topic of Quidditch. "It's about usual, it's only early on though. I'm sure in the New Year I'll be busy preparing for exams in the spring. Quidditch is a different story, I appear to be the only one that gives a damn about our team."

Arthur let out a laugh, not because of the question, but because he had about twenty different types of light bulbs in his room. “No, no,” he smiled, holding the little clear glass up to the light. “I rather enjoy studying them. Fascinating what these Muggles come up with, don’t you think?” He lowered the bulb to look back to Augustus. “They use this ‘electricity’ for most of their daily chores.”

Augustus frowned at Arthur, but decided to his true opinion to himself. Sometimes he forgot that not all wizards knew about the things Muggles had and did. He merely nodded, somewhat amused by Arthur's excitement. "Well, I'm sure they are interesting if you are not used to using them. I'm afraid we have a house fill of them at home."

Elvira smiled, pleased at his small smile and his gratitude. She was always happy when she was able to help another student. “You’re very welcome, Augustus, I won’t say it was my pleasure, because I hate ,” she said before she started to head in the direction that he pointed to. "So, do you often take dips in the Black Lake, or was this a special occasion?" She asked curiously. It seemed far too cold for a dip and he said he had been collecting something for personal research.  What would he be collecting?

Augustus rubbed his arms while they walked, glancing sideways at Elvira not sure why she was being so kind to him but he accepted her help regardless. "It depends on the weather of course, I don't mind swimming but it's usually for research purposes. Nothing that would interest you, Elvira."

Elvira attempted as best as she could to avoid getting closer than she had to, but to clean the blood from his face, she needed to be closer than was probably comfortable for the boy. As gently as she could, she finished up when he spoke again and looked over to the side of the lake he had mentioned. "Well, then, let’s go retrieve it. I really don’t think it’ll be wise for you to stay out here much longer… you look chilled to the bone," she said with concern, not trying to be commanding. 

He stood perfectly still, allowing the petite brunette to go about her work It was strange to have a woman be kind to him, and bathe his wounds - his own mother couldn't be bother to care for him but that wasn't her fault. "Th-thank you, Elvira, I appreciate you going to all this trouble to help me." He offered her a small smile and knew the moment he got back to the common room he would linger by the fire to warm his chilled skin. "Hopefully my book bag should be where I left it." He pointed in the direction they needed to go.

"Actually, it’s not magical. It’s, well, a light bulb. Electricity? Have you heard of it? Marvelous stuff, really."

"Yes, I am well aware of what a light bulb is. It's not considered ground breaking as far as Muggles are concerned. Have you really not seen one before?"

“Oh,” she said, her lips almost frowning, but not quite making it before she continued. “That’s alright. Presumptions never get anyone very far.”

"Indeed, presumptions do not get anyone anywhere in life." Why was he spending so much time talking to the Slytherin? Why did they keep bumping into each other like that? Augustus didn't believe in fate or love or anything that some dimwitted poet would use to explain the two of them constantly meeting. "Thank you, Miss Vanity, it is very much appreciated." He forced a smile watching as she turned to leave. He couldn't help but wonder what made her tick and if all Slytherin's were alike as they appeared to be.

She chucked, pursing her lips as she nodded an acknowledgement. “Well, if I find myself in need of a tutor, I’ll be sure to remember this conversation,” she replied, looking up the corridor briefly. “I do appreciate you taking time out of your day to answer a passing question, though, Rookwood. Much obliged.”

"Me? No, no Miss Vanity, I'm not the tutor type. I prefer to work alone." He spoke rather quickly, hoping the point got across in the same manor. She might have owed him a favor but he didn't fancy spending any more time with her. "You are welcome."

Emma grew slightly uncomfortable in the silence, so clearing her throat she said, “I didn’t mean for you to stop talking entirely. I just don’t have an answer for that particular question.” Not one that you need to hear, anyway. “Got any more up your sleeve?”

"You didn't exactly give me much to go on and I was just making a passing comment, Miss Vanity. I'm sure it's not too late for you to change subjects or find yourself a tutor." Augustus explained.