⫶ stone bridge

@－ ❛ ʜ ❜：jacob caxton。⁰³ "Trash bag hopping extravaganza," Henri repeated, almost stumbling over his own words and chuckling amused. "I like that word. But I am sure we will end up in chaos. You know us." It was rare that it did not end up with some chaotic experiences but as long as it was Jacob it was fun. He grinned at the other and shook his head, smiling warmly. They had made many experiences together, some more gentle, others a little more violent but as long as they had each other, Henri never really minded. However the encounter with Jacob's parents and the guilt he was still carring was the only thing he was minding. He was still not over it. And he hated himself for it.

"Yah, don't call me that," Henri said and gently kicked Jacob's . He huffed slightly and shook his head, his cheeks a little red. It was true, they were still kissing each other's lips from time to time. Not all the time and not as passionate as before as they were careful around each other ever since the talk that had ended in them breaking up. He still missed being with Jacob but the guilt would probably never disappear and the fear of losing the other more than just as a boyfriend was too much. He could not lose Jacob as a friend too, he belonged into his life after all. "Also you can't deny that you love kissing my lips, don't you." He wiggled his eyebrows.

"Then butterbeer it is for you," he nodded as he took the other's hand, gently squeezing it. He just wanted to be close to Jacob and hold him, just be with him. He hummed softly and nodded then. "You are just too whiny for snow, that is true," he chuckled amused and tilted his head a bit. "Cold is not for you, princess," he teased as they were walking towards the building where they would get some butterbeer and maybe find some warm fire place too. "I'll keep you all warm, don't worry. No freezing for you."

@－ ❛ ʜ ❜：henri knight。⁰⁴ "I'll look forward to our trash bag hopping extravaganza. Just inform me about it and I'll make the experience more entertaining than it could possibly get." This made Jacob laugh from his statement told to Henri, it made his features smile in coordination with his eyes. A cute little eye smile that some described would look exactly like a cat. It was a compliment he regularly got when he was still a child, walking through the streets of the muggle world until he's taken here in hogwarts. The little features he had were still present, although no one ever pointed it out it still made it more adorable to watch.

A kiss is something shared between people with an amount of sentimental value and affection. This is given on the cheek from close friends or relatives where they bid goodbye or good day. It's also shared between romantic partners and our family who mean the most to us. The kisses he shares with Henri from the past and the present hold a treasure he stores from the back of his mind. "You couldn't miss it since we sometimes do that every time we see each other, sun of a bish." Jacob laughed and nudged Henri's shoulder, calling him the exact contact name he gave specifically for him.

"Oh!" Jacob let out a surprised gasp once he saw Henri hold his hand. It took him a while to calm down and breathe, discouraging the blush that formed through his cheeks. "I'd like butterbeer my good sir." He chuckled upon how he sounded so dorky in front of Henri. "I'd love to but your dear friend dislike the cold that he'd rather stay inside and keep toasty near a fire place." Jacob chuckled in response knowing full well that Henri knew about his major dislike over snow. He hates getting himself frozen to death but he knew Henri wouldn't leave him out in the cold.

@－ ❛ ʜ ❜：jacob caxton。⁰³ “I’m just saying you would look stunning no matter what you wear, Jake,” Henri said amused and he meant it. He had seen Jacob in a lot of states and he was one hundred percent sure the other always looked breath taking. “You need more confidence in yourself,” he said and poked the other’s nose, a bright smile on his pretty red lips while he kept his eyes on the other, tilting his head a bit. “Mh, I guess next time we meet up it’s trashbag hopping time,” he laughed and nodded. He would totally do that, however he was also very sure he would totally fall over and roll down the next best hill as he did not have any sense of balance. But it would be fun and seeing Jacob laugh was all he needed.

The blush on Jacob’s cheek was beautiful and it made Henri chuckle slightly. He wanted to hold this beautiful picture in his mind, replace all the hurtful and sad memories they had collected over time even though he knew it was irreplaceable. But it did not change the fact that all he wanted was to see Jacob smile. He blushed when he heard Jacob’s words and rubbed his neck slightly, shyly looking away. He was usually rather bold and straightforward but with Jacob he always got a little nervous. “How could I not miss your beautiful lips?” he said and looked at the other, tilting his head a bit. Oh gosh, he missed being close to the other, holding him and kissing him. He missed making the other happy.

“Sounds good to me,” Henri said and reached out to take Jacob’s hand, gently squeezing it. He was not sure if holding the other’s hand was okay but it was warm and felt nice. “I’d like to have some hot chocolate too,” he then hummed. “Or maybe butterbeer, that is a good idea too.” He grinned at the other and shook his head amused. “So you don’t wanna build a snowman with me?” Henri joked, singing the last part a little bit. “I rolled down a hill a few days ago when the snow was all new and I loved it,” he grinned, looking at Jacob. “It was pretty cold though.” He walked with him, a bright smile on his lips. He enjoyed the other’s company so much.

@－ ❛ ʜ ❜：henri knight。⁰⁴ When Henri mentioned about Jacob, wearing a trash bag, it made his mind turn round in wonders about what kind of fashion sense he had set for him. “Are you suggesting that I should wear a trash bag when I meet you again?” He chuckled in response and looked at him with a wide grin at how funny that sounded for him to wear once he meets Henri once more. Sharing laughs and jokes between his closest friend made his heart feel light and jump on clouds at how much he missed these moments he had with him. “If I’m wearing a trash bag, the next time we meet, I need you to do the same and hop around with me in it.”

The simple affection he showed towards Henri made him nervous until he heard him complementing his soft lips that once left kisses. It made his cheeks and ears turn red from his response to it. He almost thought he would dislike his continuous amount of affection. Slowly Jacob turned back to look at Henri, his feet sinking down onto the surrounding snow to approach him. “I can see I’m not the only one who missed kissing you just as we did. We still do that, we kiss and hug, but I’m not surprised that you think so.” Jacob tried to brush the topic off, not sure if he should express how much he missed being his boyfriend. He opted to hide his feelings in front of Henri. It was a specialty he gained in order to decrease the worry among his friends.

“Let’s grab something to eat. I crave for something sweet right now. How about you?” Eating a muffin, chocolate chip cookie, or anything that involves sugar will always be Jacob’s go to energy food. He never hid his title of being a sweet tooth behind other students in Hogwarts. His Instagram shows everything about his food adventure more than his own face. Jacob posts selfie’s here and there but not as often as for his love for food and he knew many people would agree to it. “I feel like grabbing a butterbeer somewhere and sitting inside away from the cold.”

@－ ❛ ʜ ❜：jacob caxton。⁰³ “That is all I am asking for,” Henri said, a warm smile on his lips. Not being forgotten by the other. He wished to stay in Jacob’s memory as the good boyfriend he used to be, not as the man he was right now. A little lost, a little broken with a scar around his eyebrow and eye that was hard to cover on some days. He his lips slightly and showed Jacob a warm smile, hiding how nervous he was being around Jacob. They had changed ever since they had broken up but he still cared so deeply for the other, he would probably die for him if asked to. He was still one of his closest and best friends.

A soft laugh left the older’s lips and Henri immediately shook his head. “You could come here in a trashbag and look stunning,” he said amused and poked Jacob’s nose gently. “You look amazing.” He always did and in the beginning it had made Henri as nervous as it made him now. He huffed and tilted his head a bit, the smile still on his lips. Henri however had never given too much thought to his clothing, only dressing the way he liked to dress, comfortable and warm, even on dates. Luckily he had fancy clothing he preferred to wear around Jacob, even now, to sometimes impress him, maybe. Something along the line.

The kiss to Henri’s cheek sent butterflies through the Hufflepuff’s body and he almost squealed, his cheeks turning red. He had not expected that but it made him all nervous and shy even though it was their thing. Just somehow he had not seen it coming. “Your lips feel nice,” he blurted out even before he thought about it and, oh , maybe that had been inappropriate. “I-I mean-“ he started, embarrassing himself so badly even though he had tried to hold himself cool in front of Jacob. Well, that had not worked out well.

@－ ❛ ʜ ❜：henri knight。⁰⁴ There he was welcomed with the soft material which he identified to be a scarf wrapped around his neck. His attention being taken away just as quick as that made Jacob turn his head to be met by his once lover. "But... you do know I wouldn't forget you." His cheeks turned a shade of pink once he was welcomed around Henri's arms. The beating of his heart made it's way to beat in such a pace he knew whenever his presence have him stolen away. But that moment was now a memory kept deep inside his heart. How he adored Henri's amount of affection towards him.

"What?" A chuckle left Jacob's lips upon observing Henri scan the attire he had for today. A white turtle neck sweater, another sweater but in the shade of light grey, a green coat and white pants. "Did I overdo my look or?" The nervousness he once kept now kicked into his senses making him feel he took way too much effort with his clothing choices for today's activity. Well, whatever Henri understood their outting was supposed to be. Was it that bad he felt like this could be a date knowing it will never happen again between the both of them?

"Thank you." Without further thought, Jacob leaned in to capture Henri's cheek with a small kiss. He dismissed himself through moving ahead of him and taking a short walk with the snow crunching down on his feet. He felt extremely flustered after what he did just seconds ago. Was this his way of saying I miss you? He always still kissed Henri on the cheek, the forehead, they've always been like this ever since they broke up with each other. How time flew by so quickly yet their hearts still felt the same as before.

@－ ❛ ʜ ❜：jacob caxton。⁰³ As Henri had been way too early he had taken a detour through the snow, his feet leaving beautiful patterns on the ground and he drew a few animals into the snow, his fingers getting colder by the second. He did not mind it however as he loved the snow and the cold. Something him and Jacob where entire opposites in. He loved the snow and Jacob was just no fan of the cold wind and the snow that might make its way into his jacket, covering his beautiful skin. The soft, pale skin that looked so beautiful on his favourite bible boy. Henri missed him.

Pushing that thought aside Henri made his way back towards their meeting spot and blinked surprised when he saw Jacob sit there, a soft smile on his lips. Quietly he walked up to him from behind and then, gently, putting a big fluffy scarf around his ex boyfriend. “I knew you would forget your scarf,” he said, a chuckle leaving his lips as he gently hugged Jacob from behind for a moment and then walked around so they could look at each other. Jacob looked stunning. Henri immediately felt underdressed as he had of course done his make up – he loved doing his make up – but he had not put extra effort into looking nice. Jacob however looked so damn mesmerizing.

“You look amazing,” Henri said, a warm smile on his lips and trying his best not to get flustered. Was there a reason Jacob looked even more handsome than usual? Or was he just trying to look good for himself? He looked cozy and comfortable but so very handsome. And he could feel his heart flutter slightly in his chest. Even now he still had feelings for Jacob but it was still like back then when they had broken up: they were better separated. Even if it broke his heart.

@－ ❛ ʜ ❜：henri knight。⁰⁴ The idea of meeting Henri made Jacob excited once again just like the previous year where they would always see each other for a few hangouts and small dates. It almost made him think it was just like how the past was. How simple it felt where he could just laugh with him, practice and eat together. Each moment drove him insane from every memory that crosses his head. Hugs, simple pecks to gentle kisses... But he knew at some point he'll choose to let all of these thoughts go. Let the thought of being with him just like the good days go where Henri was once, his.

Clearing his throat, he began to search for something warm to wear for him to meet up with Henri considering it's winter and he despises the cold. He never once took an interest to the chill of the atmosphere and freezing walls where his palms came in contact with. Thank god hot chocolate exists as well as coffee. Speaking of beverages could he grab a little butterbear talk with Henri along the way? There he found himself rummaging through his closet of what to wear. He considered wearing his black and yellow stripped jacket he once wore a few times but he didn't want to look like a bumblebee in front of Henri. Jacob almost opted to wear a couple of rip jeans only to remember how cold it was outside. How bold of him.

Finally deciding on what to wear he decided to take off and out of his room to meet up with Henri. He had his phone and wallet tucked inside his coat pockets securely. He pat his pet cat, lucky's head before scurrying outside to meet with the said man. Once he arrived he almost thought he was the one who was late rather than Henri. Taking a vacant seat he decided to wait for Henri close by.

Did he over did his hair? His clothes? What if it's too extravagant??

@－ ❛ ʜ ❜：irelia marceaux。⁰³ The guilt that slams into him like a freight train upon seeing the expression on her face nearly blinds him, eyes blinking rapidly as his mouth shapes a silent "oh" at her curt words. Kaladin fidgets, grimacing down at his shoes in thought, lost in his own thoughts in the sudden quiet that seems to have wrapped itself around them. He tried, with her, had honestly tried being more than this ed up version of a man he had become over the past two years - no, he had tried to be better for her. He had cared for her deeply, loved waking up next to her whenever they managed to sleep next to each other, still remembered the way she fit against his chest when his mind was still lost in Morpheus' realm, nose buried in her hair. Yet he had ed up, like everybody had said he would. And now he was standing there, a chill running down his spine at the cold wind blowing across the bridge, speechless.
When she spoke again his head snapped up, mouth opening and closing as he felt his own temper rising at her tone, the way she looks at him stinging like a needle in his veins, the way she says his name like a slap across his face.

"Irelia, wait", he calls out, chest tight with sudden anger and he rushes after her, nearly stumbling over his own two feet before he catches up to her, already talking. "Will you ever speak to me again? If not for me, for Alex? Hey, I'm talking to you." They had been friends, kind of, before Kaladin had screwed things over and had allowed her to get closer to him, had been utterly charmed by the way she had always looked at him even though he knew all too well that he didn't feel the same. He had been helplessly enamored by her - everything of her, from the way she smiled, the way she moved and talked, how she was fitting so nicely against his side. And it had been just that. Endearment, infatuation. The moment he noticed that she felt more, felt deeper than him, it had scared him to a point of drunken insanity, breaking them apart. His hand lifts before he can stop himself, fingers wrapping around her wrist to stop her from walking and he tugs them both to a halt, almost about to spin her around to face him before he thinks better of it. "We gotta talk about this one day, Elli."
The nickname falls from his lips so carelessly he winces at it, fingers still wrapped around her wrist although he wishes he could let go, could let her walk away. But it was unfair - to both her and Alexander. It had been his fault, after all. "I know you hate me, but why can't we be civil about this?"

@－ ❛ ɢ ❜：kaladin ravenwood。⁰⁴ How was he able to speak to her so casually? Of course she can decipher the awkward, dry atmosphere. It practically suffocates her with how prevalent it is. Even her movements are awkward, the stiffness of her body too obvious even as she tries to breathe through the anxiety that begins to tighten in her chest and keep her captive, unmoving on the bridge. She was supposed to see Alex. Where was he? Irelia can only stand in silence for a few moments, trying to register the words that he speaks. His voice rings in her mind and it only serves to surface painful memories that she had tried so desperately to bury for months on end. Just when she thought she had recovered, he had resurfaced. Was this some kind of sick joke?

She'd always liked his hair -- the way it let loose, the unkempt threads that she'd run her fingers through lazily in the mornings. It only hurts to see the strands come across his forehead and the tips of his ears like she used to appreciate when they were still in love--no, when she was still in love with him. At the moment she feels nothing but disdain and confusion. "No, he hasn't." He just hasn't arrived. The universe is playing some twisted game with her, holding her heart captive and spiraling her mind into pits of emotional hurt. She realizes that at some point, she'll have to speak again, but how can she when her chest is tight and it feels like her voice is nothing but wisps of air in ? Somehow, she manages. With every fiber of strength in her body, Irelia somehow spurs her voice out of nothing. "Funny?" Irelia scoffs, hand tightening around the straps of her bag. "Bye, Kaladin." It was always 'Kal', or some endearment, but not today. If his face was in her sight any longer, she'd be too consumed by unwanted memories. Turning on her heel, she begins to walk away, steps heavy. There's no way she'd be able to stay here, not when the person who had hurt her most had invaded what she thought would be a peaceful afternoon.

@－ ❛ ʜ ❜：irelia marceaux。⁰³ The day had been quiet, most students focused on studying for their upcoming exams and Kaladin himself wasn't a stranger to the stench of desperation clogging the air in the library, the only noises in the giant room the frustrated groans of his peers and the scratching of quills against rough parchment, their tips too dry against the paper. He had fled the library after finishing most of his assignments, head fuzzy and feeling as if his brain would melt from his very eyes if he would try to study for another second. The weather was nice - cold and crisp and clear, the sky a brilliant blue above, the sun a pale orb between the tiny dots of white clouds that were hanging low against the backdrop of the afternoon - and he had found himself beyond the castle's gate not long after he had left the library, headphones secured on his head as he wandered aimlessly. Alexander had mentioned he'd be out here too later today, he had remembered, steps speeding up with the rhythm of the song blaring through his headphones, his walk no longer leisurely. Maybe he could rope his best friend into some trouble. The castle was horribly boring around exams, too quiet for his liking.

His steps faltered when he reached the bridge, eyes growing wide when he spotted an all too familiar figure coming his way from the direction he was headed, back towards the castle. Oh . Her steps faltered, came to a sudden stop and Kaladin nearly stopped too, hands balling into fists inside the pockets of his coat, shoulders pulling up towards his neck when a sudden gust of wind reached for his skin with icy fingers, his eyes trained on that lone figure, simply standing there as if rooted to the spot. Irelia. The abrupt guilt that crashed into him like a tidal wave had his chest feeling tight, his throat clogging up with a mix of emotions he couldn't really put a finger on. He was probably the last person she wanted to see, was perhaps looking for Alex just like him and now here they were, barely enough distance left between them to turn around and pretend he hadn't seen her. And so he took a deep breath, resumed his walk and pulled his headphones off, letting them rest around his neck as he tousled his unruly locks. "Irelia", he greeted softly as soon as he was close enough for her to hear his voice, trying to keep the guilt from rattling through his words. "Looking for Alex? He hasn't stood you up, right? I was hoping to run into him here. Funny... eh... funny seeing you here. I guess...?" His words fizzled out like the bubbles in a glass of champagne, leaving the air between them stale and tasteless, the "how are you?" lingering on his tongue unspoken on his tongue.

@－ ❛ ɢ ❜：kaladin ravenwood。⁰⁴ There's a prominent bounce in her step, a giddy smile tugging at the corners of roseate brims. There's a twinkle in her eye, eagerness practically exuding from her very presence. The loose grip on her bag, habitual, keeps her grounded as she practically hops her way to the stone bridge. Her classes had been over for the day, she'd gotten a satisfactory amount of sleep, and a lot of her work had been done beforehand for the sake of taking things easy today. Relaxation on her mind and the intent to kindle with one of her close friends again, Irelia approaches the stone bridge with such leisure that when Kaladin's face comes into view, she almost thinks she's dreaming.

There's no way. Of course, there is a way, considering that they do attend the same school and seeing as how the universe apparently hates her, it'd subject her to such torture. To see the face of her cheating ex again, she thinks she must have murdered a family in her past life. Swallowing thickly, she tries to subdue the rage. Instead it practically boils over in , vision practically going red. She was supposed to meet Alex, what was /he/ doing here? They're still fairly far apart, but Irelia could recognize that face anywhere -- the face she had fallen so deeply in love with, the face that smiled at her so sweetly in the mornings, that flashed her the mischievous little spark in his eyes whenever he was up to something no good. All the memories come flooding back in a single moment and it almost catches her off guard enough for her to take a step back. Instead, she's rooted to the ground, her feet suddenly adopting the weight of two cement bricks. Irelia falters, hurt and anger clearly written over her features. The want, the need to retreat is so desperate, but she can't move. Instead she simply stares, imprisoned by her own hurt. "Why is he..."

@－ ❛ ʀ ❜：alistair di angelo。⁰⁴ Frustration rose in her and seemed to cord up around her neck. Why didn’t he want to go out with her? She hadn’t asked for much, had merely confessed her love, one that he should reciprocate. “I have no idea what you are talking about. Respect what?” The effects of the potion had washed away all respect, Reyna would have never acted like this if she had the control over her mind but her intoxicated brain was lured by his scent, by every tiny movement of his body. Alistair had removed himself from her again before she could act. This time she kept standing by the door rather than chasing after him once more. “Why? Why can’t you do that?” Tears now clouded her vision as she had no idea just how to deal with the frustration and pain that she felt because of the rejection. “Fine! If you think that you will ever find someone better than me!” She exclaimed and then pulled the door open only to throw it close with a loud thump behind her.

****

A few days had passed in which Reyna had been plagued with a terrible headache. The embarrassment of what has happened with Alistair the other day was glued into her a mind as a nightmare. Merlin. What did he think of her now after the way she had behaved? By now, she had figured that a love potion had been brought into her system somehow but she still had no explanation as to how this has happened. She only remembered drinking the water Alistair had given her; but why would he sneak a love potion inside when he wasn’t interested in her that way?

Still lost in thoughts from that day, Reyna was on her way to study as she walked over the stone bridge. She spotted a male on the other side, one that was all too familiar to her. The embarrassment rose in her cheeks colouring them in a rosé colour and having her feel like she burned there. No matter how much she hated this situation, she had to talk to him to get their friendship back on track. “Alistair.” She reached him quickly so that he couldn’t escape from her. He must have still thought that she was crazy. “I’m so sorry about what happened. I swear that wasn’t me. You know me, I would never act that way.”

@－ ❛ ɢ ❜：mason finley。⁰³ @－ ❛ ɢ ❜：leopold cho。⁰⁴ @－ ❛ ɢ ❜：dimitri yavlinksky。⁰³ @－ ❛ s ❜：yvaine dorian。⁰⁴ @－ ❛ s ❜：veronica nott。⁰³ The blast of everte statum veronica sent to the acromantula nearly had him heaving a sigh of relief, but he knew it was too soon when it merely got back on its feet and snarled in deep frustration. Getting alarmed as the beast scuttled right towards the bulky male to his immediate left, eleazar dove into action without thinking for the first time. Running on pure instinct, he swooped over behind mason as he fell over and began trying to pull him back away from the offending creature, his usually calm demeanour cracking just a sliver when he looked up at the beast's dark beady eyes and venomous teeth.

"Mason, get up! Quick!" The blonde whisper-yelled to the student on the ground, struggling with pulling him back due to their obvious physical differences. He made to cast yet another Jinx at the monster, but given his first two misfires, he'd rather not take the chance. Glancing back to the Slytherins and Gryffindors next to him, he asked, "maybe I can get a little help before the both of us become spider fodder? What if you guys tried Arachnia Evanesca or Reducto together?"

@－ ❛ ɢ ❜：leopold cho。⁰⁴ @－ ❛ ɢ ❜：dimitri yavlinksky。⁰³ @－ ❛ ʀ ❜：eleazar azorra-shin。⁰²   @－ ❛ s ❜：yvaine dorian。⁰⁴ @－ ❛ s ❜：veronica nott。⁰³ For a moment, he almost courageous for saving his fellow classmates and thought he would be unable to successfully carry out the task of fending off the spiders. Fortunately, in the end he did fight off one of them the moment he casted the spell out of fear, as soon as he saw one of the gigantic spiders crawling closer towards the students and the bliss of hunger in their eyes. Although he was able to fight one off, there was still another waiting impatiently as if leaped closer towards Mason, as if it knew how much he feared of the acromantulas. Feeling the rush of adrenaline returning to his body again, he fell down on his bottom first on the floor and slowly began loosening the grip on his wand in his hand. "N-nice spider spider." He feared for his life, as he could not think of any spell at the moment when he was met face to face with its huge, snarly pair of fangs and wide eyes.

@－ ❛ ɢ ❜：mason finley。⁰³ @－ ❛ ɢ ❜：leopold cho。⁰⁴ @－ ❛ ɢ ❜：dimitri yavlinksky。⁰³ @－ ❛ ʀ ❜：eleazar azorra-shin。⁰² @－ ❛ s ❜：yvaine dorian。⁰⁴ she could not believe it. 'twas as if each spell they throw at the blasted beast, it had only increased its vexation to attack them. it was swift— quick on its thin legs and pincers clicking like unforgiving thunder inside her ears. veronica knows her face had gone pale, eyes wide in fear as her hand trembles to hold on the wand that is an extension of herself ever since she's gotten to hogwarts.

she thinks of actually spewing the spells she'd learn on her spare time; but they were dabbling to dark arts, and she could not risk using them while in front of the others. so, with a clipped tone, nodding her head to eleazar in response, she takes a step forward and shouts, "everte statum!"

alas, the acromantula hit the a huge boulder, but it came back up again, stumbling on its legs, beady eyes slowly zeroing back on them again. "circe's tit, this beast is really grating on my nerves!"

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@－ ❛ ɢ ❜：mason finley。⁰³ @－ ❛ ɢ ❜：leopold cho。⁰⁴ @－ ❛ ɢ ❜：dimitri yavlinksky。⁰³ @－ ❛ s ❜：yvaine dorian。⁰⁴ @－ ❛ s ❜：veronica nott。⁰³ The blonde watched in amazement as his fellow students leaped out to cast spell after spell at the monstrous beings, giving a small cheer from his position as mason fired a particularly strong cast of arania exumai at one of the acromantulas and sending it to its demise. Noticing that yvaine had managed to set the second acromantula on fire somewhat, eleazar formulated another quick plan. It was 4 of them (and maybe 2 more) against 1, they could do this a little easier now. Stepping out of his cover, he once again brandished his wand at the offending monster and casted another offensive jinx. "Depulso!"

Alas, the spell had missed its mark and instead created a sizeable hole in the pillar separating two of the bridge's large arched windows. "merlin's beard, you have got to be kidding me!" He cried out as he fell into step with the others. "Sorry about that guys, I'm usually much better than this. Anyone has any other good tricks up their sleeves?" He managed in a scarily calm tone, his eyes focused solely on the burning acromantula that was eyeing them with its horrible beady set of eyes.

@－ ❛ ɢ ❜：mason finley。⁰³ @－ ❛ ɢ ❜：leopold cho。⁰⁴ @－ ❛ ɢ ❜：dimitri yavlinksky。⁰³ @－ ❛ ʀ ❜：eleazar azorra-shin。⁰²   @－ ❛ s ❜：yvaine dorian。⁰⁴ bollocks! she'd briefly forgotten where she was. hogwarts, safest place on earth, they said— but that was just it. full of freaking bollocks. of course it would be those blasted acromantulas this time, too; it seemed there would be at least one species (what's the singular for that word again? she can't think!) breaking free from the forbidden forest to terrorize oblivious student. for example, her.

with her back still flat on the stone pillar she's hiding from, she could only hear the terrifying noises the beasts were making, along with the cries of her school mates as they throw spell after spell. but she's frozen, already imagining her death in the most dramatic way. she wasn't sorted into gryffindor for a reason. then again, dying without a fight was quite embarrassing, too, so when she sees mason throw a spell that worked, she briefly slips out of her hiding spot and brandishes her wand, spewing, "arania exumai!" veronica watches the acromantula screech when it hits one of its leg, eyes closing in on them in fury when it got back to its feet after the blast.

@－ ❛ ɢ ❜：leopold cho。⁰⁴ @－ ❛ ɢ ❜：dimitri yavlinksky。⁰³ @－ ❛ ʀ ❜：eleazar azorra-shin。⁰²   @－ ❛ s ❜：yvaine dorian。⁰⁴ @－ ❛ s ❜：veronica nott。⁰³ As soon as the news of the acromantulas spread, Mason knew he would be in deep . Spiders were the one thing he feared and hated most, especially if they were triple the size he was. And so, here he was now, faced with the task to cast out the acromantulas but how when all he could feel is the adrenaline of fear flooding through his system, causing him to feel sweat drenching down his skin, as well as the throbbing of his own eyes. At this point, he could feel the drums of his heart beating loudly, almost as if it's wanting to escape out of his chest. However, he could not show the beast any sign of fear as he was met with not only one, but two of them.

Watching as the younger lad went in first to attempt to cast out the acromantula and only failed to attempt to get rid of them, Mason hesitantly went out to face his fears while holding the handle of his wand in one of his hand. The longer he stared into the eyes of the spider, he knew what he had to do as he tried to find the spell in the deepest part of his mind, but time was ticking as the largely figure grew closer and closer, hungry to feast on the heads of the students. And so, inhaling the heaviest sigh to calm his nerves, he shouted, "Arania exumai!" Then finally, he was able to blast one of them away and leaving only one left.

@－ ❛ ᴀᴄʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴛᴜʟᴀs ❜ @－ ❛ ɢ ❜：mason finley。⁰³ @－ ❛ ɢ ❜：leopold cho。⁰⁴ @－ ❛ ɢ ❜：dimitri yavlinksky。⁰³ @－ ❛ ʀ ❜：eleazar azorra-shin。⁰²   @－ ❛ s ❜：veronica nott。⁰³ they had to be kidding. acromantulas? abnormally large spiders that crave human flesh almost as much as cannibals? yvaine shook her head, hands reaching back to tie her blonde tresses into a ponytail at the nape of her neck once she was safely behind the pillar. she just wanted to get to class and yet these annoying things were in the way. "go for it." she muttered in eleazar's direction, slipping her wand out from her robes. "I'll cover you on the other one." as soon as her acquaintance left the group hiding place, she was quick to do the same, wand pointed at the second of the two arachnids. "let's throw a little fire into the mix, hmm? incendio!" she called out, a small trail of flames leaving the thin wand and traveling in the direction of one of the spider's front legs. the flames seemingly dimmed upon impact only to rekindle after a few short moments. thank goodness. it wasn't much, but perhaps it would distract the being long enough to do some further damage. "unless you guys want to become spider food, I'd advise you all hurry."

@－ ❛ ɢ ❜：mason finley。⁰³ @－ ❛ ɢ ❜：leopold cho。⁰⁴ @－ ❛ ɢ ❜：dimitri yavlinksky。⁰³ @－ ❛ s ❜：yvaine dorian。⁰⁴ @－ ❛ s ❜：veronica nott。⁰³ Acromantulas. He'd just read about them barely the previous week, and the Headmaster's imminent announcement to the whole school earlier that morning should've been a very telling sign. Yet he was still caught off-guard by not one, but 2 of the giant arachnoids at his current location. Diving for cover with several other students behind one of the pillars, he quickly analysed the situation and tried to determine the best way to take down the monstrous creatures currently trying to breach the large open windows. Glancing at the students around him, he softly but confidently exclaimed, "I'll go first."

Getting up from his position behind the pillar, he took a step out and brandished his wand in full view of the arachnoids, successfully gaining their attention. "Confringo!" He casted at one of them, his eyes widening when he saw that the acromantula he aimed at dodged the spell with ease and screeched monstrously at the attempted attack. Cursing under his breath, he immediately dove for cover behind the opposite pillar, sparing an apologetic glance at the others across him.

@－ ❛ ɢ ❜：mason finley。⁰³ @－ ❛ ɢ ❜：leopold cho。⁰⁴ @－ ❛ ɢ ❜：dimitri yavlinksky。⁰³ @－ ❛ ʀ ❜：eleazar azorra-shin。⁰²   @－ ❛ s ❜：yvaine dorian。⁰⁴ @－ ❛ s ❜：veronica nott。⁰³ .

【 ᴛʜɪs ᴘᴏsᴛ ᴍᴀʀᴋs ᴛʜᴇ ʙᴇɢɪɴɴɪɴɢ ᴏғ ᴛʜᴇ ᴀᴄʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴛᴜʟᴀ ɪɴᴠᴀsɪᴏɴ ᴇᴠᴇɴᴛ 】

               ˚✧₊⁎  sᴛᴏɴᴇ ʙʀɪᴅɢᴇ  ⁎⁺˳✧༚

❛  The monstrous sight of five long, black legs emerging from both sides of the bridge was absolutely terrifying for the students that only wanted to get to their classes. Each limb moved separately from the other, climbing towards the length of the stone walls until two sets of large, pitch-black eyes made themselves known. A soft clicking filled the ears of the students, the beasts’ tendrils shaking as they awaited their moment to finally feast on human flesh.  ❜

— ᴛʜᴇʀᴇ ᴀʀᴇ ᴛᴡᴏ ᴀᴄʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴛᴜʟᴀs ɪɴ ᴛʜɪs ʀᴏᴏᴍ

         【 ɴᴏᴛᴇs 】
－ please make sure to read and comment on the announcement.
－ tag one another.
－ use the dice roll room to determine the general outcome of your actions.
－ you have three days to complete your tasks.

@－ ❛ ʜ ❜：maya yim。⁰⁴ His sociable aspect? The most he could say was that the professors liked his ‘I follow the rules’ mentality and that he is respectful when it came to those of authority. But when it came to his peers, all he needed was to just be mindful that he was not stating anything harsh enough to get him into trouble. Maya was certainly a Hufflepuff, seeing the best in another person. But then again, he hadn’t done anything to make her think otherwise. Actually, she /is/ one of the few people that he hasn’t tried to purposely annoy right off the bat. Despite that, Liandro did not expect her to be opposed to the idea of just allow others to think he was infatuated by Myrtle. Her comment even made him raise a brow. “You wouldn’t? Well, that’s something that I’ll have to keep in mind.” Lian only meant it in a teasing manner, yet he sounded extremely serious about the statement.

“Don’t worry. I wouldn’t break a pinky-promise. I’ve been told that if you do, your fingers will break. I’d rather not test my luck.” He gave a nod in response to her soft smile. There was something off-putting about it, but he paid no mind, instead, he was distracted by something that she said. He stood there, his fingers pushing through his hair as if he were in deep thought. She had already turned and clack away from him when he spoke aloud with a questioning tone, “Cilantro?” He had previously guessed that he had heard her wrong, but now it was clear as day that she was calling him such a thing.

@－ ❛ s ❜：liandro kang。⁰⁴ He only seemingly puts himself down, not bothering to give himself credit for the remarkable student he must be. Despite his reassurances of his negative reputation, she puts a halt to his words, shaking her head. "You were gifted the title of the Slytherin prefect for a reason. Sure, it could be from studies and grades, but I do believe that your sociable aspect has played a role in it too. You're a good person, and people have recognized it," she says with certainty lacing her tone, eyes speaking of true sincerity, as she waits a brief second. "Even if it wasn't true, I don't think I'd be opposed to be snogging with you. And yeah, let's not go with the Myrtle plan." She emits a laugh.

The subject of his sister prompts a smile on his countenance and her heart, she finds it seizing. Although she isn't too fond of her family, she's glad to see that he is, or at least of his younger sister. Raising her pinky finger, she winds her daintier one around his tightly to signify the deal of their profound promise. "Let's talk again soon. You promised me we would, so don't break it. I'll see you inside then, Cilantro." For a final impression, she offers him a soft smile, one that doesn't necessarily reach her eyes, as she retracts her arm, being first to turn her back on him. Her soles lightly clack upon the flooring whilst she takes a glance back to him, hoping she wouldn't find him reaching into his pocket, before facing front and continuing into the Great Hall.

@－ ❛ ʜ ❜：maya yim。⁰⁴ "Infatuated with me? What?" He wasn't quite sure what she meant by that, and judging that whole ordeal, he highly doubted that she meant she admired him in any way. "Nevermind." Most likely, she meant being associated with him. "It could certainly still do something. I don't think I'm very well liked, even by my own house. So it may be better for you to just be out with the truth anyways. I guess we could state that I am just highly interested in Myrtle but I didn’t want others to think I'm some sort of weirdo." It was true, others seemed to see him as annoying and rude. Although, it was not as though he gave them anything else to think of. Some, due to his typical words and actions, genuinely thought he was an idiot and thus did not have great study skills despite his exemplary scores. "Maybe we shouldn't and we should part ways now. You may go first. Possibly when everything blows over we may walk together. But you know how people can be, they'd get the wrong idea anyway."

A smile spread on his face when she asked him to tell her more about his sister. If showing interest in animals didn't make Liandro have a good feeling about others, then it would be their interest in Sooyun. "Sure, I'll tell you more about her next time." With her asking him to promise to send an owl, Lian lifted his hand, his pink finger outstretched to make a non-magic unbreakable promise. "I promise. I really do want to know more about Lolly." At that, he gestured for her to go ahead of him. Where would they meet again, Lian was not sure, but he would figure it out when the time came.

@－ ❛ s ❜：liandro kang。⁰⁴ It takes her a moment to answer, it being evident that her intentions to keep his secret might've still been blurry to him. Or well, perhaps he does understand, but finds it deeply incredulous. "The latter. I can't be bothered with something that didn't actually happen? That's why I'm alright been infatuated with you, because I know why we were there, and though others may think different, I'll just let them continue thinking so. It shouldn't change their view on me, I don't think." Once more, she shrugs, only to then rise up on her feet as he does. Right, the feast. They should be on their way. "Do you think we should like—walk in together? Would that catch the attention of others?"

"It definitely is 2020, you're right about that. I'll take note of that idea." She flashes him another genuine smile. "Oh, your younger sister? Next time we meet, maybe you can tell me more, I'd love to hear it. And there actually /is/ a reason why I named her Lolly, but you'll have to send me an owl too sometime," Standing, she outstretches her arms briefly, taking a glance down the corridor to the Great Hall, their next location. In this fleeting second, she wonders, would she have to pretend as if the two hadn't shared a decent conversation together? As if she didn't consider him a friend, somewhat? "Promise?"

@－ ❛ ʜ ❜：maya yim。⁰⁴ "I don't think I can even imagine you having a rendezvous anyways. But what is the difference between others thinking that you did and it actually happening? Either way, outsiders believe that you're doing such things, isn't that correct? ...or is it the satisfaction of know that it's untrue that keeps you going, since you obviously can't be embarrassed over something that never actually happened." Liandro was truly curious about her thoughts in the matter, wanting to hear more, but alas the time was getting late and dinner was going to finish soon. Not only that, he had noticed the way she seemed to hug herself. "We should get going, it'll be warmer further in the building as well, we are still quite close to the bridge entrance."

At that, Liandro stood up from the seat, rolling out his shoulders from the awkward position that he had been in. "I /highly/ double that she would prefer your affection over /mine/. She's my cat after all. But she will let me know if she deems your cuddling as nice. Maybe you can set your weird date up with Lolly too. They're both female, but its 2020." He waited on her to get ready to go as well, honestly a bit excited to be able to possible eat. "No, my younger sister named her that. She thought that the patterns in her fur looked like cinnamon swirls. She's my cat, but she seemed really excited to give her that name. Why'd you name your dog Lolly? Do you have a background to that?"

@－ ❛ s ❜：liandro kang。⁰⁴ "I know, that's entirely my fault. Both the, uh, bumping elbow and bathroom stall," she scrunches her nose over to him sheepishly, tightening her robe around her waist to encase the body heat within her clothes. Yeah, it wasn't true, and despite others thinking otherwise, as long as she knew the truth, that was all that mattered, right? That, and keeping Liandro's lavatory visits a secret. "Yeah, it isn't true, but I think I'd rather it not be than to truly be caught having a rendezvous. I don't think I'd live that down."

Her surprisal to his acceptance of her request has her eyes widening with joy, utmost immediately nodding in compliance with his words. "I would never lie about my cuddles, don't worry, heh. Maybe your cat would agree it's better than yours?" She bites back another threatening grin that curls the ends of her lips, playfulness embedded in both her voice and actions, as he continuously shocks her with the name of his companion. Not that she was expecting something more edgy (?), but definitely nothing like that. But, she takes it as the man before her amuses her greatly. He is what she'd call a wildcard. "Cinnamon Bun, I love the name. Did you perhaps pick it out?"