Welcome to TB, an all levels Harry Potter roleplay with no word count. Our purpose is to go through the books with one exception: the addition of original characters and what changes that makes.
We accept all beings and creatures in the Harry Potter verse including ghosts, veela, muggles and even centaur.
We have many active events ongoing for both students and adults and many characters and locations around the world.
Come join us and discover how your character can grow and evolve in the world of Harry Potter.
Post by THALIA BURKE on Jul 27, 2024 10:35:36 GMT -5
The guests were moving, forming and reforming little circles as they socialised; the dancing couples swirled, the serving staff drifted around offering refreshments. Noting everyone around her was not a simple task. A few of the boys she saw seemed to be about the right height, but she could tell at a glance that they were not him. Their postures were all wrong, not enough pride and confidence, not enough... not enough of something that he exuded so effortlessly.
He might not be here. People were not his thing, while personal space was. There were hundreds of the former, which left very little of the latter at times. But she had to look, even if she could not name a good reason to do so.
She weaved her way through the crowd, wary of getting bumped into - dodging adults who were not looking her way as they walked, lost in conversation. A few more of her peers were nearby - she made sure to veer in a different direction, so as not to be noticed and drawn into a conversation.
As the infernal figure dressed fully in black stepped in front of her, Thalia's heart somersaulted. She knew him at once, though she was not able to say how.
"Are you looking for someone?"
"Not anymore." Thalia had not intended to admit she'd been searching for him, but the words came out before she could consider them. Would Julian appreciate her efforts? She had not schemed far beyond finding him - and now that her goal was achieved so abruptly, no new plan was forthcoming.
"Escaping from my family proved to be unexpectedly easy," she shared, though the information wasn't particularly interesting. At least not without him knowing that her little sister was set to be her companion for tonight. "I wasn't sure you'd be here."
Post by JULIAN MULCIBER on Jul 27, 2024 18:48:20 GMT -5
"Not anymore."
Well that was a surprise. Had the purpose of her avoiding her friends and acquaintances simply been to seek him out? Julian tried to ignore the flash of satisfaction that threatened to quicken his heartbeat, succeeding in doing so with the internal reminder that he needed to focus, and not get distracted by unnecessary pursuits... however tempting. "Hm," he made a brief sound of thoughtfulness, gaze moving down from her golden mask to the bodice and of her dress, drinking her in from this closeness - was she an unnecessary pursuit? In this moment, Julian did not believe that to be quite accurate. Like her dress, there was a darkness underneath her golden exterior; he had seen it: mere glimpses, each more captivating than the next. His eyes returned to hers, "you have my attention," and she did: now that she was before him - within arms reach - he would not wander. Julian had always possessed a laser focus, and tonight was no exception.
Thalia then mentioned that escaping from her family had been unexpectedly easy, to which a small smirk played on his lips, "you will have my sister to thank for that. She is..." he paused for a moment, thinking on his next words, "exceedingly likeable. Though I am not sure where she obtained such traits." Certainly not his father. "I do not know how long she will be contented in the gardens, however," Julian removed his gaze from Burke temporarily to scan the doors by the garden entrance. He was on borrowed time - his sisters' generosity would only stretch so far - she had asked to attend the ball to escape from their dreary Manor: he would not expect her to play with other children the entire night.
Not seeing any sign of either sibling, Julian returned his gaze to Thalia as she remarked about his presence, detecting care, "Neither was I," he admitted honestly, only having attended out of honor as he had given Annabelle his word. His father, of course, had sniffed out the opportunity to return to social graces, though Julian was uncertain how exactly he would fare in doing so. The man was ever unpredictable, and likely to notice his childrens absence soon enough... He needed to keep moving, lest he be discovered. Julian half turned from Burke, offering her his arm to take, mentally preparing himself for the prospect, "will you accompany me?"
Post by ROSE WEASLEY on Jul 29, 2024 22:04:50 GMT -5
Rose simply nodded. She had a feeling there was more he wasn’t saying, but she didn’t want to push, particularly after her recent anger fueled outburst. Perhaps he truly didn’t know. After all, by his own admission it had taken him a while to decipher the chair metaphor, so maybe he didn’t actually know what she meant by the rest of it. He seemed genuinely distraught over the loss of his friend, spurred by some obvious misunderstanding, and Rose felt utterly helpless in that moment. Seeing the usually cheerful Slytherin so downtrodden had her stomach in a twist, although she didn’t fully know why it upset her so much.
“Maybe I can help in some way,” she offered, wishing to somehow give him hope. It seemed she was now involved in this whole fiasco, in some way or another, so might as well try to remedy the situation and help her friend out. “Do you think she would listen if I spoke to her?” Rose didn’t know Sofia all too well, only what she had heard through Don, but surely the girl would listen to reason, right? After all, she wasn’t actually the one who threw the drinks. Her sister had. Perhaps it had all been some horrible misunderstanding and there was still a chance to fix their friendship. Rose was willing to try, as long as Don was okay with it.
“Or maybe we can plan something to win her back! As a friend, I mean,” she quickly corrected, somehow the thought of the two of them actually being a couple making her heart squeeze uncomfortably. “After all, if we can pull off the greatest Halloween prank ever, surely we could pull off something to get you back in her good graces.” She gently nudged his shoulder with her own, hoping the mention to their successful plot earlier that year would bring a smile to his face. Despite being caught, Rose still considered it one of her greatest successes yet.
Post by THALIA BURKE on Aug 4, 2024 5:44:14 GMT -5
As Julian's gaze moved away from her half-concealed face and down to her dress, Thalia felt a flash of heat in her cheeks. She knew she looked pleasing - she'd evaluated her own appearance in the mirror less than an hour ago, and both of her parents had complimented her on it. Now, however, parental praise did not seem like a reliable source of confidence, and she wished there was a reflective surface nearby so she could see what Julian was seeing. She kept her eyes on his only by sheer force of will, warily seeking any signs of dissatisfaction. None were forthcoming.
"You will have my sister to thank for that. She is... exceedingly likeable."
It took her a second to comprehend his words, but when she did, a momentary tinker of laughter escaped from her lips. Amusement was only a partial cause for it; Thalia also felt relief and a glimmer of gratification. Her effort of seeking him out had not been one-sided, then. "You sent her as a decoy. That is very conniving of you." The ethereal-looking girl - Annabelle, she remembered the graceful introduction - had undeniably impressed Thalia's father, and was probably on her way to befriending Charlotte by now.
"I do not know how long she will be contented in the gardens, however."
"How long would you say we have?" she asked. Her parents might or might not try to seek her out when Charlotte returned - she wasn't sure. Getting further away from them would probably keep her relatively safe from babysitting duty, though.
Thalia's heart nearly leapt out through her throat when Julian offered his arm to her. She swallowed it back down and hooked her own arm through his, a barely suppressed smile on her lips. "Where am I accompanying you to?" The answer didn't really matter to her, few options could have made her balk at this point, but she was still curious to know.
Post by JULIAN MULCIBER on Aug 10, 2024 2:13:48 GMT -5
Thalia met his steeled gaze as he concluded his closer inspection of her, and he caught a flicker of searching in her hazel eyes. He held that gaze for a moment, internally cursing that his legilimency skill was years from true fruition and that he could not know what she was thinking. Had his approach been far too bold? It was not like Julian to question himself or the paths he took - he acted purely on instinct a lot of the time, and did so with the upmost confidence. It gave him an advantage over those that might hesitate, or those with a split moral compass... He, instead, was much like an arrow: tearing through without the option of going back. Tonight, his actions had led him before Burke, and he could not fathom that this was an error in judgement, but instead he felt that this is where he should be, and she here, with him.
As he mentioned his sister to her, perhaps for the first time, Thalia did something he had not expected, but the sound was almost melodious and sweet in nature to him: she laughed. Had he done that? He did not believe he was one to cause laughter very often - perhaps cold laughter, but that had not been hers. Hers had been warm. "I did," he admitted freely, comfortable with her knowing the extent of his desire to see her this night. She was a breath of fresh air to the suffocating pressing of his fathers presence. He only hoped Marcus would be distracted long enough to stay away. "She requested to meet you, as payment for her service," he then informed her, certain that Annabelle would come searching for her compensation before nights end - though if not tonight, he also knew she would not likely forget.
"How long would you say we have?" Burke then asked him, to which Julian returned his eyes to her, "not as long as I would have preferred," he answered, knowing it to be true. Her presence was addictive, and Julian had not felt that before - he wanted to be near her, which was entirely odd for him - as usually Julian favoured personal space and solitude to the company of others. "I would say a few minutes at most - perhaps slightly more." Annabelle would definitely cover for him for that long, potentially longer, should she enjoy her traverse around the gardens - his father, however, would more than likely begin to seek him out - and Julian did not want to face the drunken wroth of Marcus should his absence anger the man.
He had crooked his left arm for her, as was proper etiquette when escorting someone at these events, uncertain whether she would take it. His focus on that thought very nearly nullified the unpleasantness of the physical touch, swallowed instead by the electrifying knowledge of her accepting him. She threaded her arm through his. He barely flinched. She had suddenly very much been accepted into his personal bubble - a place not frequented by many at all. He had only allowed three people to touch him over the past two years - his sister, naturally, Maeve - though rarely and usually only to apparate alongside her, and Levi in extenuating circumstances. He glanced down at their arms briefly, the pale skin of her arm a stark contrast to the black of his overcoat. "Anywhere but here," his gaze now moved over the top of several guests, looking for somewhere to breathe, away from the crowd of the evening and the exhausting polite conversations of the elite. He had become acutely aware that security was barring entry to many avenues of the building, but that was no matter.
"Come," he spoke quietly, moving toward the large, open doors of the impressive terrace, weaving through the amassing crowd with a delicacy to ensure both himself and Burke were not bumped. He could feel the cooler air outside before he reached the doors, and he stepped out onto the balcony overlooking the grounds with relief. There were only a few others gathered out here - but the space was large, and little glimmering lanterns cast the entire space in a warm glow. Even the music of the orchestra trinkled out here, with the loudness of the conversations inside seeming to wither and die amongst the open air. Julians eyes lifted upward, where the stars shimmered against the black curtain of night, and he exhaled softly, lifting his right hand to push the mask upward onto his hair, freeing his face. Much better. Although his body was covered neck to toe, Julian could feel the chilly air on his face now that it had been uncovered. He hesitated from venturing too far out, a thought occurring to him, "are you cold?" He looked down at Burke, having never needed to express consideration for anyone else, though it felt right to ask - given she was much more exposed to the night air.
ooc: Julians mask & outfit . Largely unrecognisable, though potentially recognisable if he speaks, or one is close enough. Tattoos are covered. NPC: Marcus Mulciber if needed
Post by AURELIA MULCIBER on Aug 16, 2024 12:33:03 GMT -5
Marcellus' eyes lit up with amusement as he heard Marcus launch into a rehearsed speech, a taunting remark already brewing behind the courteous smile. A just cause... His brother was not even trying to sound convincing. Did he know what cause the Neros had chosen to promote this evening? He was sorely tempted to ask, and see if that would make Marcus squirm. A gentle squeeze of his arm told him that Antonia had picked up on his intentions, and wished to dissuade him. He gave her a reassuring look - he would not get carried away, it was only some harmless taunting - when his sister's voice interrupted the exchange.
"Aurelia, how good of you to join us," Antonia greeted, glad for the diversion. "Olivia has been out of the hospital for several months now. She came with us today."
"Sister, your presence completes this sibling reunion," Marcellus added, though instead of lingering on Aurelia his eyes moved to her companion, who was gallantly handing his sister a drink. Bold of her to bring him into this circle, unless she was purposefully using the poor man as a distraction. Perhaps she was; his little sister had never been bothered by scruples.
"Excuse me, but who are you?"
Smirking at Marcus' uncouth inquiry, he inclined his head minutely in acknowledgement of the odd one out. "Neville Longbottom, is it not?" He hoped his brother would recognise the blood traitor's surname, at least. His reaction would doubtlessly be entertaining to observe.
"Lovely to meet you as well, Neville," his wife stepped in, ever mindful of proper manners. "How do you two know each other?"
"Oh, we fought in the civil war together," Aurelia supplied, her light tone not quite reflecting the gravity of the statement. Their parents had nearly disowned her for betraying the Ministry and backing Liberamach, and now she was flaunting her association with one of her co-revolutionaries. "And one of my bookshops is quite close to his flower shop. We are practically colleagues." The smile remained on her lips, but Marcellus noted her gaze turning steely as she looked back to Marcus. "Neville is a dear and valuable friend to me," she stated, possibly expecting that Marcus would get the hint and refrain from harming her Scottish connections.
NEVILLE LONGBOTTOM, also interacting with NPC: Marcus Mulciber (JULIAN MULCIBER) NPCing Marcellus Mulciber (the post is written from his POV) and Antonia Mulciber.
ooc: Aurelia's mask & dress. Easily recognisable to those who know her.
Post by THALIA BURKE on Aug 19, 2024 7:06:14 GMT -5
"She requested to meet you, as payment for her service."
Thalia's amusement only grew. "I am guessing she will join us in Slytherin, when she starts attending Hogwarts." Breaking a family tradition of being sorted into a certain house was not exactly rare - someone did so in almost every generation of every wizarding family she knew of. However, her very first impressions of Annabelle told her that the girl was every bit a Mulciber. "I shall be glad to help you pay this debt," she stated, doing her best not to grin. Although she hadn't been thinking about Julian's younger sister until this exchange, meeting her was suddenly an exciting prospect.
They did not have the time to discuss her upcoming acquaintance with Annabelle much further, though. A few minutes was not sufficient for anything. It made sense to seek a different location, since their parents were most likely to search for them in this vast, crowded hall before thinking to look outside. Julian did the navigating; Thalia was content to let him lead, her own awareness so filled with the unforeseen physical contact that she was too likely to walk into some obstacle. They did not pass anyone she knew, or at least anyone she recognised - which probably meant nobody noticed them leave, either. Good. She loved her friends, but she did not want any of them approaching her at the moment.
The cool night air that greeted them on the terrace clung to her skin, offering a short-lived relief from the stuffy confines of the hall before creating a different kind of discomfort. Thalia was not going to complain, though; it wasn't that bad, it wasn't winter anymore. She only hoped Julian wouldn't spot the goosebumps on her arms. What if he decided that they should head back inside? And anyway, his proximity provided some warmth - in more ways than one.
Noticing that Julian had pushed his mask up, Thalia did the same. Hers was soft and light - not metallic like his - but it still blocked a lot of her vision, and the slight pressure on her face was unfamiliar, not entirely comfortable. It felt much more natural to know Julian could see her now, and to see him as well.
"Are you cold?"
"Only a little," she admitted, and it wasn't technically a lie... yet. At the moment, her dress still held the warmth it had gathered inside, sheltering her from the worst of the chill. She could sense that, in a few minutes, it might be a little less tolerable. No matter - she could endure far worse weather than this. "Slytherin dungeons are always chilly, I'm used to it." Although, she had to admit, the comparison was not as accurate as she would have liked. The damp coldness of the dungeons was not the same as the windy crispness of the air outside, nor did she traverse the Hogwarts halls clad in a silky dress.
Post by JULIAN MULCIBER on Aug 23, 2024 22:22:37 GMT -5
"I would expect so," he agreed to her remark concerning his sister being placed in Slytherin. Although she was entirely different from him in personality - the underlying traits were there. She was clever, ambitious and deviously cunning when she needed to be. Julian certainly would not underestimate his sister, and perhaps that was why they were so close: he did not treat her with the fragility others seemed so intent on providing her with. Thalia then mentioned being glad to help him pay his debt to his sister, and Julian could hear the continued amusement in her voice - it felt briefly contagious - and so he smirked down at her, finding ease in his response, "I shall be glad of the help - to deny her is at one's own peril."
He led them out onto the balcony: a refreshing part from the insufferably close quarters indoors. Julian had not yet seen anybody else he recognised from school - though he doubted very much that recognition was possible in most circumstances, given the dress code. He had been extremely lucky to identify Burke amongst the denizens - though perhaps it was not so much luck as it was an unconscious vigilance to her presence. He had felt it during their first 'Muggle Protection' Club meeting: an unignorable draw - a gravitational pull - to where she placed herself. He had fought hard to disregard it and to maintain attentiveness to conversation, but he had been so acutely aware of her every movement, even when he was not looking directly at her. He felt it even now: an intense cognizance of her arm draped through his and an recognition of the warm, spiced scent of her hair. It was intoxicating.
His eyes had gone to the skies above to take in the stars, finally freed from the constraints of societal expectation inside. Out here - although he was still required to remain on good behaviour - at least he wouldn't chance at his opinions being overheard. It only took him a few moments to recognise that they had also left the relative warmth of inside to be out here, and so he hesitated on leading Burke further out. It was not like him to show concern for another, much less over something so insignificantly small as uncomfortable weather - but the words, and their intent, had come almost naturally to him... It seemed she had more influence over him than he would have liked to admit.
"Only a little." He understood that as permission to proceed further out into the night and so walked the few steps towards the edge of the balcony. She had followed his lead to remove her mask, pushing it up into her auburn hair where it now sat, much like an accessory purposefully positioned. Thalia mentioned that the dungeons at Hogwarts were usually chilly, hence her tolerance, "cold and damp," Julian concurred, "though I suppose that is expected in having our common room directly underneath the Black Lake." As he was speaking, he allowed his gaze to drop to where their arms were connected - zoning in on where small prickles of goosebumps had begun to appear on her skin. She seemed intent on dissuading their return inside, however, despite the discomfort, and so with a soft sigh, Julian unthreaded their arms, shrugging out of his overcoat. It slipped easily down his arms, the silky black lining that hid the basilisk skin providing no friction against his removal. He held it in his gloved hands momentarily, considering his approach, before wordlessly stepping behind her to drop it gently over her shoulders. It fell long on her, as it was tailored to fit him (all his clothes were), but it would provide protection against the impending cold, at least.
He stepped back to Thalia's side, eyes darting over her now that she was draped in his clothes, the warm glow of the lanterns playing on her face. He fought a small flicker of gratification at the sight, turning back to lean forward casually on the parapet with his elbows, left in his belted vest and black blouse. He inhaled the night air, comfortable - for once - with his surroundings, and with his company. The mask felt heavy on his head, but the ache was minimal, "it is...-" Julian paused briefly, attempting to find the right word, "-...nice...to see you, outside of school."
He did not like the glint suddenly present in his brothers' eyes as he spoke his practiced response - though he proceeded regardless, much too invested now to go back. It had been years since his last public appearance - it had taken much to bring himself out from the confines of the Manor - and even then, he had not prepared himself fully for this dive back into upper-class society. He was not the man he used to be, that much was obvious to all that would observe him, but he was still a Mulciber - and that would keep those lesser away. His family, however, was entirely another story. They would not hesitate to tear him down, especially Marcellus... Marcus suddenly required another Firewhiskey, and fast.
He was interrupted in his search, of course, by his sister - though perhaps it was a more welcome appearance than the cool reception she received, given she had just inadvertently saved him from public embarrassment. A passing waiter provided him with the opportunity to grab a hold of another glass as Antonia spoke of her daughter. Turning back to the group, he immediately looked downward, expecting a toddler at her leg, but finding nothing. He frowned at the empty space. Olivia? The name was familiar, but then not... He could barely recall hearing about her birth. Everything seemed a hazy, dark void -- how much time had passed? He did not think he had ever met the child, though that was entirely expected as his brothers' family were not to be fraternized with - and he had made that very clear to Julian and Annabelle -- the thought of his children alerted him once more to their continued absence. Marcus lowered the glass from his lips as he swallowed the fiery liquid, swivelling his head again to attempt to spot his son and daughter. He had specifically instructed them not to wander.
Marcellus announced that their sisters' presence meant that all three of their generation of Mulciber children were present: an extremely rare sight, given their general displeasure of each other, apart from Aurelia. She had always been a stark mediator between the two brothers: a voice of reason and calm when things went awry. Their parents, however, did not see this mediation as anything of value - and were instead much more weary of her independence, endlessly voicing the concern that she had yet to settle with a man of prominence and bear children of proper blood lineage. Marcus' eyes darted over her company for the night - narrowing at the man suspiciously - did she intend for that to be her choice of coupling? His disinclination was apparent.
"Neville Longbottom, is it not?" His brother made the introduction public. Marcus' eyes narrowed even further at the name. Longbottom - as in Frank and Alice Longbottom: the two Aurors tortured to insanity by loyal Death Eaters, whose son fought alongside Harry Potter to defeat the Dark Lord? Marcus' mouth twisted into a grimace and he unconsciously took a slight step away from the man - unwilling to be contaminated by him. Mudblood sympathizer. Clearly, his brother and sister-in-law were not so disgusted, exuding an almost warm exterior at his appearance.
"Oh, we fought in the civil war together." His sister spoke unabashedly, though the statement was rather concerning. Aurelia had shocked the family to its core by siding with Liberamach, only further chipping away at their patience, her refusal to toe the family-line a constant thorn in his parents sides. She then mentioned that Longbottom owned a flower shop. No, that is quite enough. Marcus sculled the remained of his drink, slamming it onto a nearby table, "how quaint," he hissed in Longbottoms direction, "do excuse me, my dear family," voice now dripping with loathe sarcasm, Marcus turned away from his brother and sister. He was starting to feel the effects of his quick, successive glasses of Firewhiskey - the liquid quickly flooding his system; inhibiting his senses, dulling his hearing, muddling his mind. Bliss. Although he was feeling heavier on his feet, Marcus somehow maintained a upright exterior as he scanned the growing crowd behind him for his children, choosing a direction at random and storming through the blurring faces.
ooc: Julians mask & outfit (now without coat) . Largely unrecognisable, though potentially recognisable if he speaks, or one is close enough. Tattoos are covered.
Post by NEVILLE LONGBOTTOM on Aug 29, 2024 13:25:47 GMT -5
Some things had changed greatly in his life. And some, not so much. Namely, dealing with Slytherins and their uncanny ability to try and get under his skin. He dealt enough with Malfoy to know that just smiling and going along with whatever they were saying - unfocusing his ears, helped - was enough to ignore it. But he did place his hand at the small of Aurelia's back, a touch, a small one, hopefully to annoy enough of them quietly that he could leave this event feeling like he'd accomplished something.
He knew the Mulcibers, much like the Malfoys, brought with them bags of prejudice but Neville didn't care - he'd stopped caring for people's opinions moons ago, it was like water off a ducks back.
"Very quaint." he said and turned to whisper against Aurelia's ear, "I'll get us more drinks." he said and then bowed his head at the remaining people surrounding them and stepped away - it was easier than trying to tune them all out.
Post by THALIA BURKE on Sept 1, 2024 6:00:54 GMT -5
The way he spoke about his sister was almost affectionate, even if it wasn't immediately obvious. She had interacted with him enough to notice the change in tone, the hints of deadpan humour. This only boosted her eagerness to meet Annabelle. Little sisters had a way of lightening one's mood, she knew it because of Charlotte, and she knew that Julian didn't have much light in his life. It was something that made her feel almost guilty about having a happy family, two loving parents, two lovable siblings. Thalia knew that practically nobody in their rapidly growing study group had that, she was the odd one out there - enjoying the precipice of the happiness scale alone, while Julian was suffering far at the bottom of it. Knowing that he had someone at home who didn't make him feel desolate was a relief. Although she did now feel a little worried about the ethereal girl, who was stuck in the same frigid household that produced Julian.
"When does she start school?" She hadn't looked closely enough at the younger girl to estimate her age with much accuracy. Anywhere from eight to eleven was her guess, and she hoped the latter was closer to the truth.
For just a few moments, she thought her words had been successful in convincing him that the cold wasn't too bad. He even commented on the positioning of their common room, which was a slight change in topic, and she grasped at it eagerly. "We get a unique view from our windows, at least." No other house could watch fish and other aquatic creatures swimming past their common room.
Even as she spoke, she noted his gaze drift down to her bare skin and knew her attempt at distraction hadn't been as successful as she'd hoped. Instead of suggesting that they should go back, though, he unlinked their arms - the loss of contact made her feel the coldness more acutely - and smoothly removed his overcoat. Thalia realised what was about to happen and felt heat creeping up her face; he was successful in warming her up even before the garment draped around her shoulders. "Thank you," she breathed, tugging the coat closer to wrap around the front of her dress. The effect was immediate, since Julian's own body heat was still present in the clothing - the chilly night air no longer caused discomfort.
"It is... nice... to see you, outside of school."
Thalia felt grateful that he led the conversation elsewhere, because she couldn't come up with anything to say - her mind was too busy overanalysing the gallant act as she basked in how unbelievably pleasant the leather garment felt on her skin. She caught the scent of coffee and bergamot, and recognised the slight flowery smell as lavender. It took a lot of willpower not to dip her head and inhale fully, but that would have been too obvious. Thalia was suddenly happy about the dull lighting - it would hide most of her blush. "Yes, it is - I am glad that... you are here." The words sounded all wrong, too shallow to convey what she was actually experiencing, and too awkward for her liking. It was easier to talk to him at school; for some reason, this new environment made her far more aware of what was coming out of her mouth.
Her gaze dropped as she tried to collect her thoughts and steer herself into her usual state, the one that allowed her to speak fluently and without feeling self-conscious. She frowned a little, noticing something that she'd missed earlier. The coat wasn't made of typical leather. Her curiosity was piqued. "Is this snakeskin?"
Post by ANNABELLE MULCIBER on Sept 2, 2024 22:44:24 GMT -5
Annabelle was just returning from the gardens, fully satisfied with her time viewing butterflies and ready to collect on her agreement, when she saw him storming through the crowd. She ducked behind an older couple nearby and tried to sneak by unnoticed. “Annabelle.” She had only made it a few steps before her father’s stern voice cut through the din of the crowd. Her entire body froze and she slowly turned on her heel to face her father, an apologetic smile already on her lips as she braced herself for the consequences of her actions. With only a look he summoned her to his side and she quickly obliged, keeping her eyes down low. While it may have appeared to be out of shame to those around them, it was more so out of fear.
She glanced up for just a moment to see him looking around at the crowd, obviously looking for her brother, before he caught her eye. With a small gasp she averted her gaze, but it was too late. She’d gotten his attention. Crouching down in front of her so they were face to face, her father grabbed onto her arms, turning her to face him head on. The smell of firewhiskey emanated off his breath and Annabelle had to refrain from scrunching her nose in disgust.
To those around, the sight of the two would not be abnormal. A father kneeling down to check in on his daughter, perhaps disciplining her for doing something naughty, but just a normal parental moment. What they couldn’t see were his hands holding on to her just a bit too tight, marring her skin with little bruises that would only appear days later. “Annabelle, where is he. Where is Julian.” It came out more as an order than a question, a demand to rat out her flesh and blood in the hopes of saving her own skin. That would not happen.
Afraid to speak, she simply shrugged her shoulders, glad in that moment that she truly did not know where Julian was with his mystery girl. The older man huffed and released her, standing up once more to scan the crowd. “Come. Do not stray from me again,” he ordered, his words slurring ever so slightly, as he resumed his search for the older Mulciber child. Annabelle stuck by his side, just slightly behind him - as was expected of her - praying her brother remained out of sight for the time being. While her evening of frivolity was all but over, he could still enjoy his freedom.
Post by JULIAN MULCIBER on Sept 3, 2024 2:42:12 GMT -5
"Next year," he answered Thalia's query regarding Annabelle's start at Hogwarts, "she has been incessantly questioning me about the school in her letters - and I am certain I will have no reprieve until the minute she boards the train." He expected Annabelle's letters every other week now, and despite his general lack of written enthusiasm, Julian had warmed to her willingness to maintain contact. "Shall we be expecting your sister in a few years, too?" He had briefly glanced over the younger girl whose hand had been clasped within Thalia's, though to be honest he had not paid her much more heed - his eyes had only really been captured by her older sibling.
As Burke remarked that the Slytherin common room had a unique view, Julian relented, "I have tortured some first years by informing them that the giant squid often reaches for small students through the fireplace should they disturb his quiet - dragging them into the dark depths." It had guaranteed some relative silence for a few hours at least.
He had hesitated in placing the coat over Burke's shoulders, uncertain if the gesture would be a welcome one, yet she breathed words of gratitude as it fell upon her, even wrapping the oversized coat tighter around herself. He leaned forward against the railing, eyes reluctantly moving away from her to gaze out on the grounds, which had been lit softly by the very same lanterns that littered the balcony they were standing on. He could feel the cooler night air bite at him, though as someone accustomed to cold, and rather fond of it, this did not entirely bother him. As he spoke, unsure if nice encompassed the feeling he held while in her presence, Thalia reiterated his declaration, albeit a little awkwardly, causing him to make a small noise of thought - a mm as he mulled her response.
He had not been watching her to catch her frown of realization, though at her next question he could assume her expression, "basilisk," he corrected her speculation without second thought, though perhaps he should have just allowed her to believe it was nothing more than regular snake. Basilisk skin was notoriously rare and difficult to acquire, and therefore came with a hefty price tag: the coat lining alone could have sustained an entire family for a year. "Our tailor in Knockturn Alley stitches the skin into our robes as well - provided we bring the material." He turned then, now leaning backward against the railing, hands resting flat upon the sandstone half-wall behind him, "you are as armoured now against incoming spells as akin to casting a particularly strong shield charm," he smirked, looking back at her briefly, the coat almost reaching her ankles in length, and certainly a little too long in the arm. Nevertheless, it was his coat, and she was adorned in it. There was a little spark of elation.
"Julian-!" The sudden growl of a call would have made him jump if he had been less rigid, though the familiar voice still dramatically altered his body language. Julian's hands released the railing at the sound, and his open chest was covered defensively as he crossed his arms, eyes moving to his father - who was standing in the open doorway from which they had earlier come. Marcus looked perfectly beside himself - mouth twisted in an ugly scowl that did his typically handsome features no justice. He was uneasy on his feet - too many Firewhiskeys. Julian stared at him for a moment, his own face distorting back into its usual frown - he could see Annabelle a short distance behind his father, obedient and quiet.
So she had been caught too.
Julian exhaled softly, knowing his time was up. He cast Thalia an almost regretful glance of departure, "excuse me, but I am summoned." He pulled the mask from his hair to ease the tension in his neck, walking over to his family slowly. He hated leaving her there, but he also had no choice. To bring her to Marcus would be a terrible mistake, and likely earn her his intense inquiry - let alone his grandparents. Julian was trying to avoid his life being meddled with - not invite more of it. As he reached the both of them, he could smell the familiar acridity. He grimaced at the scent, "father-" his next words were cut from him as a powerful back-hand snapped his neck to the side, upper body keeling over slightly. Julian blinked at the wall, momentarily seeing stars, his entire head ringing as though it had been cracked open. He had immediately shot a hand out behind him, palm open towards Burke in a gesture of pause to stop her interfering. He could hear his fathers laboured breathing - he was likely using all his self-control to keep his sons punishment a single slap. "I told the two of you to remain at my side," his father rumbled, tongue sounding heavy. Julian felt a numbness in his cheek, lip slowly swelling, though he recollected himself, straightening, lowering his hand to be back at his side. "My apologies," he responded, dangerously silkily, nodding his head slightly forward, glad to have been out in the relative privacy of the balcony.
"We're leaving," Marcus announced suddenly then, tone lined with frustration and finality. There was no point in arguing - he had already made up his mind. He turned on heel, glancing over his shoulder to ensure his children were in tow, before navigating through the crowd towards the front door. Julian stepped into line beside his sister, retaking her hand as they followed their father, using his other to replace his mask over the growing red mark now prominent on his face, "I should not have sent you off," he spoke quietly to her in apology, knowing his father would never lay a hand on his sister in punishment - though perhaps he had been far too reckless that night.
ooc: Julians mask & outfit (now without coat). Largely unrecognisable, though potentially recognisable if he speaks, or one is close enough. Tattoos are covered.