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Post by Theodore Nott on Nov 27, 2011 16:02:53 GMT -5
Theodore Nott, Theo to the people he considered friends and acquaintances, made it a point not to worry about the things he really couldn’t control much. For example, if Christina got sick, then she got sick. Of course, it would cause him to spend the better part of his night and morning worrying with a quill in his hand, trying to find a potion from his favorite apothecary that he actually trusted. He wasn’t daft. If she got sick, then she got sick. Christina was a big enough girl that she could handle herself. But, that wouldn’t stop him from losing sleep and getting even more bags under his eyes. Although, lately, the bags under his eyes weren’t from worrying about anyone in particular-more like he was worrying about his future. He sighed, remembering the task that was at hand. He had come to see his best mate-the one that hadn’t returned to endure his final year at Hogwarts. Theo wasn’t going to pretend he understood Shen’s reason for doing so, but he didn’t question it. He just hoped that he wasn’t too late for their meeting. He shuffled around the common room for a while before sighing and leaving the common room, thankful that no one asked him where he was going. He made his way outside and down to Hogsmeade, wondering why no one bothered to stop him. He didn’t care-not really. He could always stun the person that tried to stop him, but that would be a hassle. Once he got outside the Hogwarts grounds, he sucked a breath in as he apparated, the feeling leaving him sick as it usually did.
They had so many things to catch up on. Sure, they were in the same house, but they hadn’t seen each other as often as the seven year Slytherin would have liked-what with Shen not coming back. He would have preferred for his best mate to be by his side walking around Hogwarts. That way, he wouldn’t have to hang around the rest of the annoying Slytherins by himself. He still wasn’t a 100 percent sure how me managed to make do without his company, although he figured that had something to do with Zabini. Theo didn’t even know exactly what he wanted to talk to him about, although he had a clue. Somehow, the idea of telling his best mate that he should abandon whatever he was doing and go back to Hogwarts-despite the fact that Hogwarts sucked and even he wished he had the guts to leave. It wasn’t that cold out, he thought, looking around at all the witches and wizards that were currently in Diagon Alley. Still, he could feel the frost nipping at his cheeks as he made his way towards The Leaky Cauldron.
He all but threw the door open, ignoring the looks he was getting. As calmly as he could muster, he casually walked into the room, his blue eyes wondering around the room, searching for his friend. When he didn’t see him, he had to hold back a disappointed sigh as he strolled up to Tom with a frown on his face. “A butterbeer, Tom.” He ordered, putting a galleon in the barkeeper’s hand and not at all making an effort to grab his change. He didn’t care much for it. After grabbing his drink, and ignoring the inquiry as to why he wasn’t in school, he headed straight for the corner of the bar, hoping it was secluded enough that no one would attempt to listen in. He slid onto a seat and leaned back against the chair. He didn’t have any gloves on-and it was obvious that he had spent his time outside far longer than he would have liked. His fingers had gone completely white. He had been too preoccupied on actually getting here than he had about thinking about what he needed. He knew the conversation probably wasn’t to go his way-it rarely did when it came to Shen. Still, Theo was a man on a mission, a mission he hoped to accomplish once his friend made his way into the bar.
Word Count: 689
Tagged: Shendeth!
Notes: Longer than I expected, oops. (:
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Post by Shendeth Potter on Nov 28, 2011 21:32:15 GMT -5
Some people, especially the teachers back at Hogwarts, might recall making the observation that Shendeth was always arrogantly late for everything. It was true that while he had a vocabulary fitting for his high intelligence, 'early' did not tend to be part of it. However, in his defense this was also sometimes intentional, and he was capable of showing up at a loose definition of on time if he wanted to. It was only things he did not want to go to or did not care about that he deemed not worth sitting through the full time. The list of things Shen did not care about just happened to be very long indeed.
Although Theo being there first would be no surprise, tonight was actually an exception to that list. He couldn't help feeling that things had changed, and wondered what they would say to each other and how this would go. Things certainly had changed, in Shen's world at least. It was with viscous bitterness that he had seemingly abandoned everything in the past, cutting connections, and instead throwing himself onto a dark and dangerous path that was everything but simple life at school. He had changed even over the summer, personality splitting into extremes, and it wasn't far-fetched to say that he could lose himself in digging this hole deeper and deeper. Maybe none of it would matter.
In spite of everything, not even Shendeth would ever forget his best friend, partner-in-crime for seven years. It would be great to catch up and talk like always. Theo was probably the person that he missed the most.
A crack broke the air, somewhat muted by the sounds of the city, as the former Slytherin apparated outside the front door of the Leaky Cauldron. He slipped inside unobtrusively for once, scanning the dimly lit room for a sign of Theo. Sure enough, eventually he spotted him waiting at a table in back. Ignoring the rest of the occupants and their looks, Shendeth strode over to the bar, giving the bartender an icy glare while ordering his drink. These days, annoying Shen could very well be the last thing someone ever did, and he never stopped giving off that impression as a forewarning.
He was also not one to be kept waiting, in spite of the case of the reverse of that, and as such it wasn't long at all before he approached the table and Theo. As he slid into the seat opposite, he set down a glass of vodka next to the other's butterbeer. Studying his friend, Shen managed a half broken smile. "So.. hey." |
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Post by Theodore Nott on Nov 29, 2011 18:53:00 GMT -5
Theo couldn’t abide alcohol. He could drink the stuff-however wicked-if it was for a special occasion, but he avoided it for every other reason. It wasn’t that he got drunk easily that made him dislike the stuff, either. Because, he could drink just as much as the next guy…so long as the next guy wasn’t a raging alcoholic. His problem was that the beverages often gave him a headache. It wasn’t even a hangover-whereas he could always take a potion for. No, they were headaches that came before the alcohol was ever consumed. He would always have it in his hand, under his face. The smell of it made him sick. Perhaps it came from being around it so much as a child. So many memories associated as bad because of it. Regardless, he couldn’t stand it.
That’s why, when his best mate finally slid into the seat across from him, he raised an eyebrow; first at his choice of words, and then at his drink selection. He wasn’t too surprised-not really. Theo was firm in the believe that there was no one in the world that understood Shen. At least, they didn’t understand him completely. Perhaps they understood bits and pieces. But, out of all of those people, he liked to think that he was among the ones that understood him the best. That and he had quit second-guessing and attempting to understand his friend. Because of that, it made it a lot easier to know what Shen was doing. Theo’s icy blue eyes instantly locked on his friend’s face, and an easy smile soon appeared.
“Hey.” He returned for a greeting, wondering just where he should start. First and foremost, he wanted to know where Shen had been. “Of all the drinks you choose, it had to be vodka.” Of course that was the first thing that popped out of his mouth. Because, when it came to confrontation, Theo wasn’t much for it. Besides, it wasn’t right underneath his nose. As long as he couldn’t smell it, he would be fine. “Well, you bugger, where’ve you been?” He asked, raising an eyebrow. They had kept in touch, sure. He was sure that, if they hadn’t, he would have been driven insane. Or, Zabini would have been driven insane from not being able to find a haven from his complaining. More often times than not, he had whined and moaned until Zabini finally threatened to silence him or until someone else did.
He found it amusing; pleasing that it was so simple to annoy them. Zabini and he were a lot alike in the way that they were stoic figures that preferred to blend into the wall. However, that didn’t qualify Blaise to be his best friend. Shen was the one that reminded him to bring his face away from a book. Shen was the one that kept him rational and stable.
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Post by Shendeth Potter on Nov 30, 2011 21:32:25 GMT -5
If it was true that Shendeth had attracted more raised eyebrows than everyone else he knew combined, the fact would come as no surprise. He was bloody insane and he knew it. Most of the time he liked it that way, but recently it had gone to a whole new level. Not even Shen understood himself, and so the reason for Theo's latest raised eyebrow could be seen as quite normal when considering who it was raised at.
While never drawing attention to it, the seventeen-year-old did have quite the wild side.. though to say as much would be implying there was a side of him that wasn't wild. And although Shendeth wasn't really an alcoholic, drinking was no exception to this. Not at all. Fortunately he had a high tolerance for it. He knew very well that Theo was the opposite and did not like to drink at all. As long as it was not for any moral reason, that was fine with him. Shen had memories of his own; they were just overlooked. It had probably done him good to have a sober influence.
"Of course." He gave his best mate a grin that faltered just slightly when he asked where he had been. "I got my own place. It's not much, kind of out in nowhere.. but lots of places really. I don't always get to stay there. It's been.." he half unconsciously touched his left forearm. "I've been doing whatever I have to. Sometimes working for the Snatchers. Putting fools where they belong." he gave a harsh laugh.
Shendeth was active in the Death Eater service, and in the process had done things that even Theo might not approve of. He knew what his friend thought of the group in itself, but it wasn't like he had much choice. It would be a blatant lie to say that he was truly happy and doing fine. There was no school to be used as an excuse though, and Shen had to do everything he could to prove himself. He just happened to take dark pleasure in some parts of it, regardless of whether it was the life path he wanted. Inflicting pain on other people was an outlet for the pain within himself. As much as he wished otherwise, staying neutral and out of the way was impossible. So why not give it his all and love it.
Shen took a brooding sip of his drink. It was true that life had been unpredictable and had ended up everywhere. Everywhere except Hogwarts and.. well, he hardly called the Potter house home. He didn't call anywhere home. The new place he had found, was not new at all, but rather small, old and peeling, somewhat near the city but outside and hidden from the beaten path. It suited him just fine though. He didn't have any money, but didn't need it when everything was stolen. Technically he could have chosen any place he wanted, killed the Muggles who lived there and kept others out by magic, but he had chosen someplace already abandoned so as not to draw attention to it.
"How are things with you?" Shendeth also wanted to know how his friend was faring back at school. Hopefully less messed-up than he was. |
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Post by Theodore Nott on Dec 6, 2011 23:11:52 GMT -5
Theo narrowed his eyes, his brain already beginning to try to figure out his friend’s words. Though he had complained and acted as childish as he should have if he were eleven since the school term started, he felt like he was more of himself now that his mate was seated opposite of him. He didn’t mean to sound cheesy-which was what made him glad that he hadn’t said it out loud-but being with his friend, in a bar, in a corner made him feel normal. And, he always did like the attention on anyone but himself. He was the type of kid that, if his fellow seventeen year old hadn’t stepped into his life, probably would have faded into the background with no regrets towards it.
Theo frowned and gave him a look that clearly said ‘You-are-in-so-much-trouble.’ He calmly took a sip of his butterbeer before setting it back down. “You want to tell me-in better detail-exactly what this place looks like to calm my uneasy nerves that it is not rubbish, or are you just going to let me get you a better place to stay?” The idea of his friend being out there, despite the fact that he was painfully aware of what he was doing, sickened him slightly and he wasn’t inclined to want it to be any other way. The fact that Shen had touched his left forearm, the obvious placement of the Death Mark, hadn’t been conspicuous enough for him not to notice and, even though he wanted to tell him off, he didn’t because it was Shen’s belief-and, just because he disagreed with it, it didn’t give him the right to tell him any different. Everyone’s opinions were always their own-that’s where he stood. He didn’t like the mudbloods or half-bloods, but he didn’t believe that they deserved to be eradicated, either. Otherwise, who was to say that they were better? There were many principals that he had added in this, and he wasn’t really inclined to share them with anyone who didn’t already know them like he would have liked.
“You’re forgetting the part where you’re leaving me at that school to rot in boredom.” He added, bored in tone when talking about Hogwarts. “There’s one thing I don’t understand though, mate. Why’re you doing it?” He asked, fervently. He didn’t much care that he was doing or, or whatever reason he was doing it for. He just wanted to know. It would put his mind to ease, and, if he could do that, then he wouldn’t be as frustrated as he was. Theo naturally worried about certain people-it was a thing that came to him easily, like breathing. “What?” He asked, almost missing the question. He shrugged. “If you’re a Slytherin, you’re not suffering. It’s the basic rule of the school nowadays.” Which he disagreed with, but he was sure that was obvious. “Christina is being a prat-which I won’t tell her. She’s around the Greengrass sisters and Pansy-she wants to fit in.” He tried to think about something else. “I’ve been annoying Zabini-nothing new; nothing interesting worth mentioning.” But, that might have something to do with the fact that he hadn’t been focused on making anything interesting.
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Post by Shendeth Potter on Dec 7, 2011 21:07:20 GMT -5
It was clear from what Theo said and the looks he gave that he did not want to talk about himself; he wanted Shendeth to do some explaining. The fact was that Shen was living as an adult now, and he did not have to listen to anything his friend said. It was also highly unlikely that anything he could say would be satisfactory in Theo's opinion; Theo would just say that he was being incredibly stupid, which maybe he was. However, he resigned himself to at least attempt the task for his companion's sake.
Shendeth looked him in the eye to emphasize that this was serious. "It's not about being bored. It's about staying alive."
Glancing around to make sure nobody was listening in, he lowered his voice slightly. "You know the Dark Lord's going to win the war. I'm doing it cause I have to, to get ahead. Things are different for you. I know you don't like it, but your dad is a Death Eater, and you're pureblood. It's okay for you to stay out of the way since they don't have a reason to question you." he hesitated between touchy subjects. His family was something he never talked about, but it had to be mentioned. "I was raised by people on the other side. Targets. I can't stay neutral without being associated with them. Now that I've joined, I have to prove myself. Besides, I'm doing it cause I can. Maybe I just want to. There's no point in trying to go back to Hogwarts."
He leaned back again and took a swig of vodka, feeling it burn his throat. "And there's nothing wrong with my house."
All in all, priorities had to be thrown into context. The only place that his friend could offer him to live, and probably the real reason underlying this whole conversation, was the Slytherin dormitory. Which he could get away with, and almost wanted to. But that time was over for good. Good riddance. The situation could be seen as skipping a year, not dropping out; his grades had always made him seem the least likely to do the latter. There was no going back and he didn't want to go back. School counted for nothing out there. Although Shendeth was sorry about leaving his friend, whether Theo was bored was not high on that priority list. He was more concerned with staying alive. Some days he just wanted to break down in pain and frustration. How he felt about all this was quite conflicted. But Theo worrying about him was not a concern either. He could take care of himself. Well.. ha. But so what?
When it came to the specifics of what he was doing, that didn't matter either. Although he generally told people otherwise, Shendeth himself had only a quarter wizard blood. Deny and loathe his blood relatives all he might, but he actually had nothing personal against those of his own status as a whole for that reason alone. Up until this year he had worked at a Muggle business, had friends who were, and secretly liked some Muggle things. However, he was smart enough to have not gotten himself into this mess if there was nothing he wanted in it. Shen didn't Snatch or hurt people because they were Mudbloods. Shen hurt people just to hurt people. Was it worth it? Hell no. But this was the only way things could be, so he just had to act like it was. To be able to get away with anything. If it was a different group, that wouldn't have mattered much. He was simply in it for the thrill; along for the ride because it was the ride that looked most likely to lead to power in a world turning to chaos.
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