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**Wilber Winterbottom** · #1 (**permalink**) 12-26-2022, 05:42 AM

If you want to be the last to leave or want to hang with the more rowdy crowd, then the back passenger cars of the train are for you. Just like the other cars, a long corridor provides access to the many compartments, each labelled with a letter, available for you and your friends to hunker down in until the train has come to a complete stop. Cushioned seats and large windows, allowing perfect views of the British scenery on your journey, await.

Well, what are you waiting for? Slide open a compartment door and make yourself at home. Place any of your belongings not in the luggage car on the racks above you. Chat with your friends about what your summer plans, enjoy munching on the snacks you bought from the trolley lady, get ahead of the game by exchanging addresses, or take a long nap as the train travels over numerous hills and mountainsides. Whatever you do, exhibit your best behaviour -- the prefects will be regularly patrolling the corridors and poking their heads inside your compartment to make sure you are doing so.

Lottiepot · 08-06-2023, 10:22 PM

There was a sense of relief that this year was finally over. It was his first at Hogwarts which wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, in fact overall it had been one of the most enjoyable years of his life. He had a whole new set of friends, partook in lessons and activities that he wouldn’t have seen himself doing several years prior and then he had that completely unexpected relationship which seemed to explode out of mutual trust and respect.

He was happy and settled into Hogwarts life.

But then came the end of year exams only these ones would be dictating what he would be doing for the rest of his life. In a split decision of what others would probably call stupidity, he and Joseph had decided that being constrained merely by a letter next to their name didn’t align with the agenda they had for the foreseeable future. So skip a few exams they did and took the consequences of their actions on the chin when they returned. After a dressing down by Professor Hernandez, detention for the rest of the year (which was fair enough of a punishment in Fynley’s opinion) and perhaps the worst of all an Owl sent home to their parents explaining exactly what they had done, Fynn was more concerned of the disappointed and likely furious expression on his Mum and Dad’s face then he was about potentially ‘failing’.

He had a few hours on the ride home to come up with an excuse to his predicament or otherwise try to find somewhere to escape to should the need arise. The fifth year found himself searching the long corridor until he found an empty compartment somewhere at the back of the train where he could sit for a moment or two before Joseph (hopefully) joined him.

Where his companion had disappeared off to in between their Common Room and Hogsmeade Station he had no idea.

sweetpinkpixie · 08-07-2023, 01:47 AM

Where had Joseph Schultz disappeared to? No where in particular but all the hustle and bustle caused from last minute packing and people being emotional during their final minutes and hours in the castle had been more than enough for the Slytherin to skip out on breakfast and seek out one of his favorite perches while blasting music directly into his ears to drown out other residual interruptions. The showers were likewise unoccupied by the time he had had his fill of the Scottish highland morning glow, so he had indulged in a shower and newest musical renditioning. Which meant that he was smelling fresh and feeling relaxed, as relaxed as he could be, for the entirely too long journey back to London.

If there was anything he hated more than being stuck in a castle with entirely too many people, it was taking all those people and cramming them on a much smaller train for several hours. The only saving grace was the overall mood, typically, being more melancholy than hyperactive like the start of term tended to be.

The noise dulled the further back on the train he went, guiding his lanky strides, until he happened upon one of the (if not the) only people he could stand to spend this trip with - though there was a bit of gloom that hung over the compartment. Gloom that he ought to feel some sort of responsibility for since the whole ordeal had been is idea...but Joseph felt absolutely nothing of the sort. Not even the Howler he had received from Grandma Banshee had elicited even a glimmer of remorse. In fact, he had saved the red and white paper confetti as a temporary souvenir and intended on using it for the next birthday festivities he was dragged to to honor the woman.

Rather than announcing his arrival, the Slytherin folded his arms across his chest and leaned against the doorframe and just observed Fynley for a bit. "Still thinking about the big D, are you?" he mused while crossing one leg over the other and rested his heel against the toe of his other foot. "Disappointment, I mean. From them."

Lottiepot · 08-07-2023, 07:38 AM

With his head deep in thought and without a concern for the ‘constant vigilance’ that had been drilled through their brains, Fynley hadn’t actually heard the arrival of his companion nor sensed his presence as he leaned casually against the doorway. His eyes were instead watching out the window as more students boarded the train from the station, some excited some upset and some like himself just looked indifferent. If Joseph hadn’t actually spoken up then the Slytherin would’ve never noticed he was there despite his tall (and rather angelic figure which was being bathed in a halo like glow from the sunlight hitting him from behind) body taking over the doorframe. The words snapped him back to reality as he turned towards the source, his lips slowly twisting from the straight-faced expression he was carrying into a genuine smile.

Had Joseph not specified exactly what he was talking about then he might’ve received a raise of the brow and a subtle smirk in response. To be fair he could’ve been talking about the D for Dreadful that was likely to be emblazoned across his results parchment although with the fact that he had actually just not attended at all it was far more likely to be a Troll that tarnished his OWLs. “Makes me shudder just thinking about it” he responded watching the way his body moved as he leaned casually against the doorframe.

“Are you going to stand there the whole way home or join me?” The company would obviously be appreciated and Joseph knew it. “I don’t bite.. much.”

sweetpinkpixie · 08-07-2023, 04:08 PM

News flash to Fynley, OWLs were OVER so he could stop letting them saturate his thoughts so much. Joseph was sure once he got home that at the very least dad would start barking at him about resitting his exams if for no other reason than because he own mother would be breathing down his neck about things. Joseph could really could not care less about appeasing that woman and making her proud or rising to her standards or whatever phrasing was thrown out there.

"Don't. Dementors can make you shudder. Not them, even if their expectations can be soul sucking too," the Slytherin replied not unkindly but rather frustrated on behalf of his mate's situation. His fingers drummed a bit more on his elbow before he kicked off the doorframe and pivoted into the compartment. "I know that to be a bold faced lie," the ~~fifth~~ sixth year reflected as he approached the vacancy beside Fynley and sat down. Upon doing so, Joseph swapped his enchanted earpods so the ear closest to Fynley was unoccupied and turned the volume down just a bit so the electric guitar, drum solos, and guttural vocals were less audible. "I didn't make employment at Atticus, by the way." A disappointment he hadn't felt like entertaining after the high that he had continued to ride all the way through those weeks of detention and now was less of a disappointment and more a mild inconvenience.

Lottiepot · 08-07-2023, 07:51 PM

He’d stop thinking about it the second he received whatever punishment his parents were likely to hand out and then he could swiftly move on. For now however the train ride home would be filled with dread and concern or at least it would’ve been had he endured the journey alone. Joseph hit the nail on the head with the Dementor reference though, his parental pressure and the obvious favouritism towards his younger sibling did often make him feel like the life was being drained out of him. “How about we make a promise to not mention parents or exams or school work until the end of this journey?” Preferably after too but it might prove a little difficult to avoid when their parents would be waiting on the platform.

The ‘lie’ statement received a knowing smirk from the Slytherin as he watched his companion move into the compartment and sit on the seat next to him. “Fine. I don’t bite hard” he specified eyes flicking between Joseph’s expression and his leg which was now lightly touching against Fynley’s. As if it were a completely natural response, the sixteen year olds hand softly touched against Joseph’s until his palm was placed directly on top and his digits curled up through the gaps in the other man’s fingers. It was a subtle movement and should another student walk past and happen to glance into the compartment it would be barely noticeable but it was there.

The disappointment on Fynley’s face was obvious. Being able to enjoy the freedom of earning their own money through employment and to still be able to spend time in one another’s company was appealing. “Did you find an alternative?” he asked studying Joseph’s expression to gauge whether it was a let down for him too. He could be a difficult one to read sometimes, he was the type to guard his emotions close to his chest and Fynley found himself having to study him harder to figure it all out. “I guess you’re just gonna have to sign up for drum lessons.” It was the perfect excuse.

*PhoenixRising* · 08-07-2023, 09:17 PM

Dennis wasn't really sure how he felt about this year ending. On the one hand he was grateful that OWLs were over and done with ~~even if he was sure he failed most of them except not really because underestimating one's abilities was a special talent~~. He was also glad to be going home and spending time with the family. Always a good time.

But on the other hand. Charlie was graduating. He was going to miss the older buddy of his. And while he still had Will, it wouldn't be the same without the three of them.

Finding an empty compartment, Den took a seat on the bench to claim it hoping Charlie or Will would be along shortly. Although he wouldn't be opposed to it being a sibling or cousin either. Anyone else can just find their own compartment (except not really because he wasn't one to be rude and turn people away)

Lissy Longbottom · 08-08-2023, 01:06 AM

Moritz Schultz was not having a good end of term. His OWLs had NOT gone nearly as well as he had hoped, especially his History of Magic exam. He was going to go ahead and partially blame that one on his twin, whose disappearance had sent him into a bit of a spiral until he talked to Violeta and he found out where they'd gone. He knew he couldn't control any of his brother's actions, and he was his own man, but worrying about what their parents - and grandparents - would do when they found out he'd skipped his OWLs hadn't helped his general anxiety. Moe worried about him, ok? He cared about his brother, sue him.

Speak of the devil...Moe had been looking for Yukie or Violeta, but instead he stumbled upon Joseph and his new BFF Fynley. While Moe appreciated that Joseph FINALLY seemed to be opening up to someone, he was just the teeniest bit annoyed that HE wasn't the one he was opening up to. Ok, maybe more than a little irritated. There was probably also a lingering annoyance over Joseph's entire disappearance. Call him crazy, but Moe had been picturing the worst when he couldn't find him - and he knew he was being dramatic about all this, but still. It HURT. They were twins, for Merlin's sake! He'd spent all those years trying to chip away at his brother's impenetrable exterior and didn't have anything to show for it.

The whirlwind of emotions Moe was feeling wouldn't make this encounter with Joseph any easier once the latter inevitably picked up on all his angry thoughts and feelings. Not that Moe knew his brother was even capable of that, or that his failure to reign in his anger was going to make the upcoming encounter ten times worse than it needed to be. As per usual.

Moe hadn't even realized just how irritated he was at the whole situation until this very moment and, before he even registered what he was doing, he slid the compartment door open - oblivious to any subtle hand holding going on - and plopped down across from them. He stretched out on the opposite bench, propping his feet up on the cushion, as he crossed his arms and stared at the pair of them. "Glad to see the two of you aren't dead," he grumbled. Was he being dramatic again? Absolutely. He'd SEEN the two of them around the school after OWLs and knew they'd been back for quite some time.

"Well, for now - you might not be so lucky if Gran comes to visit this summer," he added with a small smirk in Joseph's direction. Never mind the fact that Moritz himself was going to be on the receiving end of a nasty howler once he got his OWL grades and she saw how abysmally he performed in her subject.

Chelliephone · 08-08-2023, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhoenixRising

Dennis wasn't really sure how he felt about this year ending. On the one hand he was grateful that OWLs were over and done with ~~even if he was sure he failed most of them except not really because underestimating one's abilities was a special talent~~. He was also glad to be going home and spending time with the family. Always a good time.

But on the other hand. Charlie was graduating. He was going to miss the older buddy of his. And while he still had Will, it wouldn't be the same without the three of them.

Finding an empty compartment, Den took a seat on the bench to claim it hoping Charlie or Will would be along shortly. Although he wouldn't be opposed to it being a sibling or cousin either. Anyone else can just find their own compartment (except not really because he wasn't one to be rude and turn people away)

It was interesting to her that somehow, after how successful of a first term she'd felt like she'd had, the train ride home made her feel even more anxious than the first time on the Hogwarts Express had made her feel. She'd made some friends - truly she had! But there was still this nagging in the back of her head that told her no one would want to share a compartment with her - her sisters were popular and probably had LOADS more friends and Lally too! So she passed by all those she knew, family included, who were already seated somewhere lest she accidentally bother them.

But when she happened by Den, not yet accompanied by anyone, she took a DEEP breath and slid the door open - poking her head in and giving a small smile. "Hi Dennis. Can I come sit with you?" She didn't THINK he would turn her away, but until his other friends appeared perhaps she could sit for a little while and quiet some of her anxiety before she needed to get out of his hair again.

sweetpinkpixie · 08-09-2023, 01:22 AM

Joseph rolled his eyes a bit. That sounded a bit dramatic but he decidedly wouldn't make a big deal out of it. Not any further than he already had. "What...you want to pinky swear on it too?" Okay, now he was done being a sarcastic wretch and downplaying the situation. Not to say that he found severity in anything they had done. Some people liked the color orange and some people thought exams were a complete waste of time. He would call out the next bold face lie that came rolling off Fynley's tongue, but he the blond decided that he would still his own considering he had already gone in a bit hard on the OWL repercussions and was fully aware of just how touchy a subject and cause for consternation it was for him. Couldn't relate, but he could understand. Instead he knocked his knee lightly against Fynley's and curled his fingers slightly to lock him in. "Paradise Piercing's," he nodded. Which had been somewhere he hadn't minded the thought of employment but it hadn't been his first choice. He was a bit surprised to not feel resentment about the music shop rejecting his application...but he didn't. Suppose that was growth or whatever. "Stocking shelves and taking reservations mostly." But he also might get to create some of the tattoo transfer papers since they had seemed to like the contents of his sketchbook too. "There you go creating excuses to see ---"

But his flirtation was swiftly cut short by what could only be described as a dark and sticky humidity, like a thick tropical cyclone passing through, that consumed the compartment. The Slytherin couldn't even suggest a jam session rather than a lesson, though he might be receptive to either depending on the context, due to the weight of the air...air that became disrupted even further by the physical arrival of the source of discomfort. Illperpared, Joseph was suddenly overcome with the feeling one might have upon eating chicken strips that had been breaded and fried with chicken that had gone rancid in the refrigerator. The need to shove both earpods deep into his ears was severe, but as he reached for the other the tremble in his hands caused it to drop and roll to the floor near his twin's feet. "Your observational skills are astounding, Moritz" he replied dryly as that hand that had found comfort in Fynley's reached up to push firmly on his thragus. "She can have back what is left of her howler when she does." His stomach churned some more as his teeth grazed roughly over his bottom lip through a rather tensed jaw. It wasn't enough. His other hand, nestled into his pocket, rolled its thumb over his music player and increased the volume a fair few ticks. "Make sure your nose is clean before she does, yeah? Wipe all that brown off it."

Lottiepot · 08-09-2023, 08:32 AM

Alright, the sarcasm was unwarranted but he really would appreciate that they not talk of whatever impact their excursion was going to have and instead talk about the plans that they might have for the summer. “I’m being serious! Come on, you’re supposed to be my perfect distraction” he chuckled. Pinky swears were not his thing but he wasn’t completely against lowering himself to such an immature action if it meant that Joseph would keep his word. The admission that he was now employed at Paradise Piercings was met with a crooked smile. “You never know, they might let you design a few tattoos. I’d let you practice on me but I’m not sure I’d trust you quite yet,” he teased. He would definitely let him design him something though, from what he’d seen of the brief glances of his sketchbook in their dorm Joseph was extremely talented.

The slightly flirtatious exchange was quickly interrupted by the arrival of an equally as blonde whirlwind in the form of Moe. Unlike Joseph, Fynley actually managed a briefly amused smile in his direction at how over-the-top his entrance had been. “I thought it was Joseph who was into the dramatics in your family.” Literally. He was a member of the drama club after all. His hand felt suddenly empty as Joseph removed his in order to shove his EarPods in, his stomach dropping just a little wondering whether they were still not at the stage in which they were going to admit that they were a.. thing. That hand now found its way into his curly hair as he listened to the exchange between the twins suddenly grateful that his sister was so much younger and therefore he wouldn’t have to put up with her presence at the school. That being said he it would’ve been nice to have a brother to share the burden with.

The Slytherin’s foot found itself onto Joseph’s to remind him that he was in fact still there as back up for whatever familial onslaught was about to come his way. The other foot went searching for the missing EarPod which had somehow made its way across the compartment to Moe’s feet which when located was dragged back, retrieved, blown on to remove any lingering dust and handed back to his companion. Long limbs came in useful sometimes.

Lissy Longbottom · 08-09-2023, 11:06 PM

Moe had been preparing a quip in response to Joseph's observational skills comment, but it quickly died on his tongue when he made the comment that he was a brown-noser. As if his desire to please the matriach of their family could be boiled down to something that simple! He scowled at him. Had they been at home, he would have launched on a tirade about how he had just as complicated a relationship with their grandmother as Joseph did, but with Fynley here, and the fact they were on the train...it wasn't the time or place.

Also...they didn't talk. So. You know. There was that whole thing.

Moritz's hackles went down just a smidge and he sighed. "Not that you'll care, but I figure I'll be receiving one of my own when she sees how I performed on my History of Magic exam," he grumbled, his cheeks blushing ever so slightly. Again, he was going to place some of that blame on his twin. He could probably smooth over this whole thing by telling him that he'd been worried about him, and he simply didn't want to see him throw his life away by skipping out on exams...

But as always, he didn't. Instead, he turned to Fyn and managed a small smile. "You know us 'claws. Always dramatic," he joked. His anger was starting to deflate a little, and he cleared his throat, cracking his knuckles out of habit as he studied the pair.

"You could have told me, you know. Contrary to what you probably believe, I wouldn't have ratted you out," he told them, speaking to both of them but mostly looking at Fyn so he could avoid his twin's gaze. His statement could have applied to something else as well, but he wouldn't bring that up out of respect. "I probably would have called you stupid for doing it - and I still think that, by the way, but...yeah," he trailed off. Because he worried about his brother, he wanted to add.

He wouldn't, though.

*PhoenixRising* · 08-10-2023, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chelliephone

It was interesting to her that somehow, after how successful of a first term she'd felt like she'd had, the train ride home made her feel even more anxious than the first time on the Hogwarts Express had made her feel. She'd made some friends - truly she had! But there was still this nagging in the back of her head that told her no one would want to share a compartment with her - her sisters were popular and probably had LOADS more friends and Lally too! So she passed by all those she knew, family included, who were already seated somewhere lest she accidentally bother them.

But when she happened by Den, not yet accompanied by anyone, she took a DEEP breath and slid the door open - poking her head in and giving a small smile. "Hi Dennis. Can I come sit with you?" She didn't THINK he would turn her away, but until his other friends appeared perhaps she could sit for a little while and quiet some of her anxiety before she needed to get out of his hair again.

Dennis had been, naturally, expecting the compartment to open with one his buddies. He looked away from the window when he heard the door open expecting to see the older puff or the ravenclaw buddy. But instead found his eyes looking at a different Ravenclaw.

"Tamara, hey!!... how'd your first year ago? Did William harass you too much?" He hoped not or he'd have to strangle him. Except not really. "Tellll meee everything. I got snacks." He patted the seat beside him. Although he was sure he'd see the rest of his cousins and siblings plenty over the summer, never hurt to get one-on-one for the inside scoop. He indicated to his sack on the seat on his other side which was laden with far too many sweets.

sweetpinkpixie · 08-11-2023, 12:28 AM

Text Cut: the 'everything is fine' crew

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lottiepot

Alright, the sarcasm was unwarranted but he really would appreciate that they not talk of whatever impact their excursion was going to have and instead talk about the plans that they might have for the summer. “I’m being serious! Come on, you’re supposed to be my perfect distraction” he chuckled. Pinky swears were not his thing but he wasn’t completely against lowering himself to such an immature action if it meant that Joseph would keep his word. The admission that he was now employed at Paradise Piercings was met with a crooked smile. “You never know, they might let you design a few tattoos. I’d let you practice on me but I’m not sure I’d trust you quite yet,” he teased. He would definitely let him design him something though, from what he’d seen of the brief glances of his sketchbook in their dorm Joseph was extremely talented.

The slightly flirtatious exchange was quickly interrupted by the arrival of an equally as blonde whirlwind in the form of Moe. Unlike Joseph, Fynley actually managed a briefly amused smile in his direction at how over-the-top his entrance had been. “I thought it was Joseph who was into the dramatics in your family.” Literally. He was a member of the drama club after all. His hand felt suddenly empty as Joseph removed his in order to shove his EarPods in, his stomach dropping just a little wondering whether they were still not at the stage in which they were going to admit that they were a.. thing. That hand now found its way into his curly hair as he listened to the exchange between the twins suddenly grateful that his sister was so much younger and therefore he wouldn’t have to put up with her presence at the school. That being said he it would’ve been nice to have a brother to share the burden with.

The Slytherin’s foot found itself onto Joseph’s to remind him that he was in fact still there as back up for whatever familial onslaught was about to come his way. The other foot went searching for the missing EarPod which had somehow made its way across the compartment to Moe’s feet which when located was dragged back, retrieved, blown on to remove any lingering dust and handed back to his companion. Long limbs came in useful sometimes.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lissy Longbottom

Moe had been preparing a quip in response to Joseph's observational skills comment, but it quickly died on his tongue when he made the comment that he was a brown-noser. As if his desire to please the matriach of their family could be boiled down to something that simple! He scowled at him. Had they been at home, he would have launched on a tirade about how he had just as complicated a relationship with their grandmother as Joseph did, but with Fynley here, and the fact they were on the train...it wasn't the time or place.

Also...they didn't talk. So. You know. There was that whole thing.

Moritz's hackles went down just a smidge and he sighed. "Not that you'll care, but I figure I'll be receiving one of my own when she sees how I performed on my History of Magic exam," he grumbled, his cheeks blushing ever so slightly. Again, he was going to place some of that blame on his twin. He could probably smooth over this whole thing by telling him that he'd been worried about him, and he simply didn't want to see him throw his life away by skipping out on exams...

But as always, he didn't. Instead, he turned to Fyn and managed a small smile. "You know us 'claws. Always dramatic," he joked. His anger was starting to deflate a little, and he cleared his throat, cracking his knuckles out of habit as he studied the pair.

"You could have told me, you know. Contrary to what you probably believe, I wouldn't have ratted you out," he told them, speaking to both of them but mostly looking at Fyn so he could avoid his twin's gaze. His statement could have applied to something else as well, but he wouldn't bring that up out of respect. "I probably would have called you stupid for doing it - and I still think that, by the way, but...yeah," he trailed off. Because he worried about his brother, he wanted to add.

He wouldn't, though.

Yes, please go on again about how he was perfect. He would internally disagree while externally lap it all up.

But yeah. Fine. Whatever. He would stop talking about them, something easily accomplished considering how very little he cared about them in the first place. "I doubt they'll let me near the equipment on an actual person any time soon. Probably some bogus regulations about having to be of-age for that," he sighed and ran his other hand through his long blonde hair and twirled a bit of it around his finger at the conclusion of the sweep. While he had never considered the industry himself, he had the feeling that he would become infatuated with it easily enough. "But, maybe if you're lucky, you'll be my first client." He knew the perfect spot to work on as well.

If only such light and hopeful conversation had been permitted to continue.

His brother was right about one thing, Joseph did not care though it was less about Moe getting into trouble and all to do with not caring about that woman's opinion of them. "Great, more confetti for the pile," he grumbled. Meant he was in for another as well considering of those he had taken he had only applied himself to maybe two, the only two that mattered in his eyes. The pounding in his head continued to intensify, as did the pressure he applied to his ear with his finger in hopes of numbing the noise even just a little. It also suddenly felt unnaturally bright in this compartment and if he could get the rest of his limbs to cooperate he would be inclined to close the shades. Despite his brother softening, as he usually did because his brother had in his possession a staggeringly compassionate heart in spite of having rocks for brains, the heaviness in the air and the grotesque churning in Joseph's stomach did not. Though he had perfected his stone face during such times, little beads of perspiration still began dotting his brow. "Right...because you know so much about my beliefs."

And who's fault was that? No comment.

His lips twitched ever so slightly into a grimace as he looked at what Fynley was offering him and, with relief in his touch as his fingers brushed over the other's, quickly snatched the earpod from him and as non-chalantly-as-possible blew a bit of dust off it. His eyes, seemingly darker than usual despite maintaining their usual bright blue luster, met his mate's in an almost apologetic glance. Lingering for just another breath, Joseph slipped the other earpod into his ear and leaned back in his seat to a slouched position with his hands folded on his stomach and closed as he let the music take him for a moment (or ten) and the rest of the noise faded into a hazy white. "...are you done then?" he asked, peeking one eye open to look at his brother. And one of his hands left his stomach to inch its way across the seat in search of Fynley's touch again - the foot tap had been very much noticed and appreciated, by the way. "I'd like to get back to my peace."

Lottiepot · 08-11-2023, 01:19 AM

SPOILER!!: Playing Piggy in the Middle Here

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lissy Longbottom

Moe had been preparing a quip in response to Joseph's observational skills comment, but it quickly died on his tongue when he made the comment that he was a brown-noser. As if his desire to please the matriach of their family could be boiled down to something that simple! He scowled at him. Had they been at home, he would have launched on a tirade about how he had just as complicated a relationship with their grandmother as Joseph did, but with Fynley here, and the fact they were on the train...it wasn't the time or place.

Also...they didn't talk. So. You know. There was that whole thing.

Moritz's hackles went down just a smidge and he sighed. "Not that you'll care, but I figure I'll be receiving one of my own when she sees how I performed on my History of Magic exam," he grumbled, his cheeks blushing ever so slightly. Again, he was going to place some of that blame on his twin. He could probably smooth over this whole thing by telling him that he'd been worried about him, and he simply didn't want to see him throw his life away by skipping out on exams...

But as always, he didn't. Instead, he turned to Fyn and managed a small smile. "You know us 'claws. Always dramatic," he joked. His anger was starting to deflate a little, and he cleared his throat, cracking his knuckles out of habit as he studied the pair.

"You could have told me, you know. Contrary to what you probably believe, I wouldn't have ratted you out," he told them, speaking to both of them but mostly looking at Fyn so he could avoid his twin's gaze. His statement could have applied to something else as well, but he wouldn't bring that up out of respect. "I probably would have called you stupid for doing it - and I still think that, by the way, but...yeah," he trailed off. Because he worried about his brother, he wanted to add.

He wouldn't, though.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie

Text Cut: the 'everything is fine' crew

Yes, please go on again about how he was perfect. He would internally disagree while externally lap it all up.

But yeah. Fine. Whatever. He would stop talking about them, something easily accomplished considering how very little he cared about them in the first place. "I doubt they'll let me near the equipment on an actual person any time soon. Probably some bogus regulations about having to be of-age for that," he sighed and ran his other hand through his long blonde hair and twirled a bit of it around his finger at the conclusion of the sweep. While he had never considered the industry himself, he had the feeling that he would become infatuated with it easily enough. "But, maybe if you're lucky, you'll be my first client." He knew the perfect spot to work on as well.

If only such light and hopeful conversation had been permitted to continue.

His brother was right about one thing, Joseph did not care though it was less about Moe getting into trouble and all to do with not caring about that woman's opinion of them. "Great, more confetti for the pile," he grumbled. Meant he was in for another as well considering of those he had taken he had only applied himself to maybe two, the only two that mattered in his eyes. The pounding in his head continued to intensify, as did the pressure he applied to his ear with his finger in hopes of numbing the noise even just a little. It also suddenly felt unnaturally bright in this compartment and if he could get the rest of his limbs to cooperate he would be inclined to close the shades. Despite his brother softening, as he usually did because his brother had in his possession a staggeringly compassionate heart in spite of having rocks for brains, the heaviness in the air and the grotesque churning in Joseph's stomach did not. Though he had perfected his stone face during such times, little beads of perspiration still began dotting his brow. "Right...because you know so much about my beliefs."

And who's fault was that? No comment.

His lips twitched ever so slightly into a grimace as he looked at what Fynley was offering him and, with relief in his touch as his fingers brushed over the other's, quickly snatched the earpod from him and as non-chalantly-as-possible blew a bit of dust off it. His eyes, seemingly darker than usual despite maintaining their usual bright blue luster, met his mate's in an almost apologetic glance. Lingering for just another breath, Joseph slipped the other earpod into his ear and leaned back in his seat to a slouched position with his hands folded on his stomach and closed as he let the music take him for a moment (or ten) and the rest of the noise faded into a hazy white. "...are you done then?" he asked, peeking one eye open to look at his brother. And one of his hands left his stomach to inch its way across the seat in search of Fynley's touch again - the foot tap had been very much noticed and appreciated, by the way. "I'd like to get back to my peace."

Perfection was arguably in the eye of the beholder. If Joseph had asked he would’ve yielded to his ego and mentioned it again. As it happened the conversation moved on to using Fynley as a practice model for his potential future career development. “I’m not sure ‘lucky’ is the right word to use for a test Guinea Pig” he smirked. Sadly the teasing would have to wait until after the interruption had left.

Fynley’s comment over Moe’s dramatic entrance had thankfully not been taken poorly and was answered with a joke and a smile. “Maybe you should join Drama Club too, give you something to bond over?” The suggestion was made in jest but there was a part of him that thought it might‘ve been a good idea. If worst case to worst they could at least choreograph a duel scene in order to take their frustrations out on each other without it actually becoming physical.

Well this interaction was as painfully awkward as it could get for Fynley, trapped in a family feud between quarrelling twins. In fact the tension in the air in the compartment was thick enough to cut with a knife and despite not having the same abilities as Joseph even HE could feel the atmosphere storming up. Would it be acceptable if he just slipped his way out and let them get on with it? The Slytherin was trapped in the compulsion to support Joseph should he want it but to also not get in the way. “Do you want me to leave?” he asked glancing between them both as if he were a spectator at a tennis match although whether his words were heard over the tension was debatable.

At least Moe was trying to get through to Joseph, he couldn’t fault him for that. Arguably they were both at fault and there had to be effort from both sides to understand one another in order to fix the fragile state of their relationship. Not that Fynley was in any hurry to voice that opinion to either of them in the fear that HE would then be caught in the metaphorical duel. “At the end of the day we’re fine. No one died, no one got hurt. We made a decision and it’s US that’s paying for it.” Neither of them regretted it either despite the consequences. Was he trying to neutralise the situation? Absolutely.

Before the sixteen year could attempt any more damage control, Joseph was once again indulging in his usual behaviour of blocking out the world with his music, only this time he had met Fynley’s gaze with a softer approach and the hand that was once blocking out the noise was again migrating across the seat in his direction. He glanced down to where it had landed, then back over towards Moe, then back at Joseph to figure out whether this was an open invitation to show what was really happening before entwining his fingers into his companions and giving his hand a gentle comforting squeeze.

Lissy Longbottom · 08-11-2023, 02:17 AM

Even though Moe was well aware that he'd interrupted a conversation, he had no idea WHAT they were talking about. Practice what? Fynley as a guinea pig? What equipment were they talking about?? Merlin, he figured he probably didn't want to know.

Speaking of Fynley, what he said made Moe raise an eyebrow and look at his brother curiously. "You're in the drama club?" he remembered Fyn talking to him about Joseph's taste in music, which hadn't been a surprise, but he didn't think he mentioned drama club. Or maybe he had just been so taken aback by learning Joseph had FRIENDS that hadn't remembered that little detail. Well, that was a shame. Joseph on stage? ACTING? He HAD to see that.

Annnnd there it was. Typical snarky Joseph response. Once again, his hackles were up and he felt the anger rising in his throat like sour bile. Taking a deep breath in and blowing it out through his nostrils, he scowled at his twin. "Well, I wouldn't know much about them, considering you never talk to me," he retorted. Joseph could believe the Earth was flat for all he knew, and he'd have absolutely zero idea.

Moe shook his head at Fyn's question and stood up. "No, you can stay. He's going to do what he usually does when he's decided he's had enough of me - put on his earbuds and pretend I don't exist," he grumbled. He KNEW Joseph could probably still hear him, that was the whole point. He glanced at their entwined hands for only a moment - couldn't say he was all that surprised, having worked out his suspicions weeks ago, despite his brother's belief that he had rocks for brains. He was pretty, but he wasn't dumb.

"See you at home. Maybe. Merlin knows I have no idea what you're going to be up to this summer," he said with a final sigh before he headed to the compartment door, grabbing the handle and sliding it open. He slid out, taking another deep breath to try and calm his nerves before he headed down the corridor.

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