|
Post by Xavier Rutherford on Jul 18, 2015 15:32:39 GMT -5
The full moon was approaching; Xavier didn't even have to look at the lunar calendar to know. His symptoms of feeling faint and queasy were coming in more and more every day. He had been lucky that the potions master had finally relented and helped him learn to brew the wolfsbane potion on his own before coming on the field trip since the full moon happened to occur on his second day there. Wanting to actually enjoy Rome, Xavier pulled the bottle out of his trunks secret compartment and unstopped the beaker. As he drew it to his lips, a sudden slamming of a doorway caused him to jump, the vial slipping through his fingers and smashing to the ground. "Damn," Xavier growled, gripping the post of the bed to steady himself. He scavenged through his belongings to try and find another vial, but was unlucky in doing so.
"Damn!" Xavier exclaimed again. The new headmistress he imagined had been briefed of his situation, though he still had not been sought out by her yet and didn't feel wholly comfortable going to her now. When they had arrived he had heard whispers of a black market for potions being run in Rome somewhere. Rome was a big city he knew, but he realized the risk was worth it. Besides, he had all day to explore anyway. Putting on a black leather jacket he had picked up in New Orleans last month, he donned a pair of sunglasses and walked out into the bright sunshine. Rome was incredibly different from anywhere he had ever been, and he hoped after today he could actually stop and take in the history. Instead, he meandered from street to street attempting to find where this market was. After awhile, he got the funny feeling he was being followed. He slowed down to a casual stroll, and then whipped around, hand in his pocket enclosed around his wand.
TAG - anyone
|
|
|
Post by Gunther Hansen on Aug 15, 2015 20:11:54 GMT -5
Gunther stared, dejected, at the face in the mirror. The weight of his thoughts was reflecting in the haggard state of his appearance, a tired and drawn face, untamed locks, and, dare he think it, was he appearing meek? A disgusted expression now faced him, and he slammed the shower water on. He had to face the day, no matter how dreaded, and fix himself for the moment. No matter the future, he could not bear the bleakness of that, but the present was here and he was assigned a mission for completion if he ever hoped to have a future. Hopes, currently, were at an all time low post-graduation.
How was he ever to have a life? His resources were none, his skills slim, and his education poor. He was pushing forward with his one ambition, potion brewing, and he knew at the time of taking his post as he did currently beneath this warm water that the price, personally, was heavy. Working in Knockturn Alley under a sly, old dirtbag doing dangerous and often illegal activities one small stepping stone towards his larger goal, but it felt more of a sinkhole. The bad guy vibe was certainly compatible with his personality, and he knew nothing more than slum life, but his conscience weighed in on some of the bigger, dirty issues. His resentment pulsed hot through his body, feeling strongly that if he had family that cared, who allowed him a chance to figure things out in a secure, safe environment for even a short span of time, he would not be in such circumstances. Yet, here he was in Rome, not under his own wishes, fully not enjoying himself. Little of the work was at all rewarding professionally, very much of it uncomfortable and awful.
The old brewer sent Gunther away often on trips for acquiring ingredients, never far from the U.K, but when he heard of Hogwarts' trip to Rome, the time was right for a big venture to acquire those rare, unique, and often illegal stock that was done only occasionally. In addition, he assigned the recent Hogwart's alum to take advantage of all the young, naive students away from the secure confines of authoritative figures. Here lay the problem, personally, for it simply wasn't right to Gunther. Sure, when he had been in school, he would have jumped on the opportunity for black market items. However, he knew most had no concept of these advanced potions, and no need really - what were they truly suffering from? A broken heart? They would move past in a week. Therefore, thus far, Gunther had only sold off some quirky vials to a gang of seventh year boys, yet otherwise avoided the students. However, he ultimately must look out for his own self, and the man would be expecting a certain amount of sales. If not met, full pay would not be either, and he had already slept the streets. He would secure his bed back in London with the day ahead, someway.
At last, Gunther had stepped out into the day. The worn look was there to stay, and he slid shades on to mask this. His hair was combed back, beard trimmed, and appearance more approachable in a v-neck with cargo shorts. The bag on his shoulder look merely for travel, yet contained a moderate portion of vials, ingredients, and money he had traveled with, the remainder in the closet of his hotel room. He spotted many students, yet frequently in packs. He struggled, for he was no business man, that was not his aim in life. He could speak smoothly, but there was more to it than that. The guys he could manage, being similar to him, but he needed a lone wolf... and then he spotted one.
Xavier had risked the trip, he noted, knowing the problem the poor bloke suffered with. It had begun in Gunther's last year at school, when he really began to excel in Potions, and was only a very basic friendship. They were both bitter, young adults struggling for that future, establishing and retaining relationships was neither of importance or at arms grasp. However, Gunther knew whether Xavier already had wolfsbane or not, he surely would always desire more, as he himself did with alcohol. That which made ones life easier must always be kept in abundance.
"What the bloody hell? Who is going to attack you in broad daylight, a fool?" Gunther spat out, immediately aware of Xavier's hand in his pocket and menacing look. Never-mind that, he was more peeved at having to stop so shortly, for he had been trying to catch up rapidly to the other boy.
|
|
|
Post by Xavier Rutherford on Aug 29, 2015 12:48:38 GMT -5
Xaiver lowered his wand as he saw it was Gunther approaching him and not some Roman street urchin or beggar. He looked at him cooly for a moment before deciding to respond."Can't be too careful in a foreign country Hansen, in your profession you should know that," he drawled quietly before pocketing his wand. He ran a hand through his hair and felt the sweat come off on his hand. He wondered if Gunther would notice the small things that would give away his desperate disposition, then realized of course he would as he was one of the precious few people who knew about his situation. He sighed, eyeing the back the older boy had slung over his shoulder.
"You wouldn't happen to have anything for my particular situation in there would you?" he asked quietly, knowing Gunther would immediately know what he was talking about. He rummaged in his pocked for a second, letting the moneybag hidden inside jingle a little to let him know he would pay handsomely for it. He knew that the man Gunther worked for wasn't the most honest....hell, he was probably the least honest person Xavier had ever stumbled upon and he was sure he wasn't paying him nearly as much as he should. "There was an accident in the room this morning, and my last vials were smashed. They said there was a black market somewhere round here but if you had it it'd save me the trouble," he divulged, somewhat begrudgingly.
TAG - Gunther Hansen
|
|
|
Post by Gunther Hansen on Sept 5, 2015 20:59:04 GMT -5
Gunther shrugged at Xavier's response, acting cool, yet it stirred up those uncomfortable feelings from earlier. He scrutinized the other boys pocket, thoughts momentarily caught up in the prospect of even a knut transferred to his own pocket. Any amount Xavier was willing to add in on top of the standard charge could be the difference between one more comfortable night and one not so much. His conscience already felt so disturbed, however, that he would have force himself to treat Xavier as any other customer and not a school friend. Xavier's sickly appearance made it difficult, for Gunther could strongly relate in the moment.
An accident, Xavier went on to explain, regarding the store of his wolfsbane. This helped Gunther, for if he kept that in mind, he could regard Xavier as any other fool. He sounded like the most irresponsible werewolf, considering from his gatherings that this affliction had been around for years. "They'll mark you a tourist immediately and rob you clean, let's see what I can find," Gunther replied casually, readjusting the bag, as if there was any question of a trade occurring in the next few minutes. He looked around, adding, "We're too noticeable in the streets. Come."
Gunther resumed a casual stroll, leading the way. "There is this Scottish pub, a short walk, that is more of an American hub. They show all those Muggle sports, shoved away into this funky alley. I can't imagine many students floating within or around there."
Xavier Rutherford
|
|
|
Post by Xavier Rutherford on Nov 9, 2015 0:10:39 GMT -5
Xavier resisted the urge to roll his eyes as he sensed Gunther's disdain of him running out of Wolfsbane. He had brought enough for the trip of course; how was it his fault that his fellow students decided to slam doors at inopportune times? "I'm willing to pay for your time of course, old friend," he added, letting his pockets jingle lightly to let him know he was good for his word.
Following Gunther into the pub, he looked around and sniffed the air. The scent of stale beer, haggis and possibly an uncleaned lavatory greeted his nostrils and he scrunched up his nose. The pub was about half full, which would be good for their business - not so few people for them to be too noticeable, but enough so they would not be disturbed. As they took their seats at a tiny table in a corner, a waitress immediately sauntered up to them and asked if they'd like to place an order. "Just a water for myself for now, but I may be coerced into something a little stronger later," he said with a wink. Just because he was feeling like hell didn't mean he had to act that way. He looked over at Gunther pointedly. "Get whatever you want friend, it's on me," he said as he sat back in his chair, waiting for the other boy to put in an order.
Gunther Hansen
|
|