Gavin

[quote name='Aaryanna'][COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]It's actually going to be posted later this evening ^_~[/FONT][/COLOR][/QUOTE] [SIZE="1"]Hopefully there'll still be a few left unsolved by tomorrow morning for those of us who live in the GMT timezone. Always wondered why I was never around when the riddles were posted.[/SIZE]

[SIZE="1"]Odd that I was just looking through the last OB Survey yesterday evening. Personally I'm against decentralising forums again, even it they would be just a "flavour of the month" variety. I think like Des already said, it would just end up being a messy affair when there are very few topics which get to the stage where they might require a forum of their own. And as BK said, often it's the case that they're only fads for a while and go silent again. DBZ for example was a staple forum on this site for years before interest in it waned. The removal of the one-thread-per-franchise rule seems to be a better system in my mind, as it would achieve the same ends as the "flavour of the month" forums without all the extra work needed to manage them. Perhaps another approach might be to have a series of threads on the one franchise for example, Final Fantasy XII could have a discussion thread as well as a help thread, each of them catering to a different audience. I don't think we'll ever get a perfect system of this, as we're a general site that deals with a lot of different franchises.[/SIZE]

[SIZE="1"]This was such a simple idea that ended up being such a pain in the ass to write.... ||||| As the two teachers readied themselves for the demonstration, the entire quidditch pitch went deathly silent and all eyes were transfixed on either Professor Conroy or himself. Alexander could feel his heart beat slightly faster, which was odd given that it was just a demonstration, but the fact that the magic they were about to perform was immensely powerful, a twinge of excitement was perhaps unavoidable. Wands held directly pointing forward they were both in a mirror stance of one another. Nodding slowly they each entered the series of movements required, sweeping their wands around themselves generating lines of silver energy. There were a number of astonished gasps in the crowd as older students realised exactly what magic they were about to witness. After several seconds the two teachers were surrounding by the silver lines, which had formed into great stellated dodecahedron, a construct made of twelve joined pentagrams. A silver mist filled up the area between the lines, until all that was left was a pair of glowing silver crystal-like stars which began to spin gracefully... and expand. Moments later, the two magical forms shattered, billowing clouds of smoke out and preventing those in the stands from being able to seen, that was until the head of a large Basilisk shot out from within the haze, with Professor Conroy standing confidently on it's crown. Several students let out screams at the sight of the mythological creature which had in Hogwart's history claimed several lives. None of the teachers seemed particularly surprised however, summoned guardians were often legendary animals, and depending on the witch of wizard, they could wield terrible power. The giant serpent swayed, it's eyes transfixed on the smoke under which presumably Alexander's guardian was to be found. It didn't have to wait long, as a large Ifrit or fire djinn raised itself up on it?s hind legs. The Ravenclaw Head sat perched on the creature?s massive shoulder before pointing his wand to his throat and seemed equally at ease in the company of such a powerful entity. The silver smoke finally dissipated with a word from both professors. ?[b]Sonoras[/b]? His gravelly voice came out clearly over every part of the quidditch pitch, compared to the throaty growl of the Ifrit he?d just summoned, they were quite similar. ?[b]Please be calm. Both Professor Conroy?s and my guardian are perfectly under control and will cause no harm to anyone here...[/b]? A few students who had looked very ill at ease relaxed at bit in the knowledge that the two creatures would no turn on those present, especially the Basilisk... Professor Conroy continued the explanation as Alexander fell silent. ?[b][COLOR="DarkOliveGreen"]I?m well aware that you all know the stories associated with the Basilisk in Hogwarts, rest assured myself and Professor Corvidae are equally familiar as we were both students here when Voldemort?s Basilisk attacked for the second time. That said...[/COLOR][/b]? She patted the snake?s head affectionately, it seemed to close it?s eyes in appreciation. ?[b][COLOR="DarkOliveGreen"]This one is nothing like the fellow member of his species and would not harm anyone without my direct command first.[/COLOR][/b]? A chain of whispers could be heard equally through the gathered crowd, most of them expressing a desire to never get Zeta in a bad mood again. Alexander spoke up once again. ?[b]As you can see, both myself and my esteemed colleague, as well as several others in the stands with you are Summoners, capable of calling a guardian from the Aetherius, or Other World, into our plane of existence to protect us in times of danger. None of you will have seen this type of magic before, although I expect several of you may have heard or read about it. It is a very ancient and very powerful branch of defensive magic which requires a lifetime to even begin to master. We both shall begin teaching summoning to those interested as part of the Duelling Club, but be warned, you will not be able to summon a guardian of this strength until you are much older...[/b]? Most students didn?t even hear the last part of what he?d said, they were too busy talking about what creature would be their guardian when they took part in the class at it?s next meeting. Professor Corvidae merely shook his head before nodding to Zeta to continue again.[/SIZE]

[quote name='Darren']I actually have an idea of what it might be... I don't want to make a guess just in case I'm wrong. I don't suppose you'd tell me if I was right anyway. I will say that if I am right, I'm very disappointed in you Gavin. Anyway, lets get to the duel already! I'm very excited. Also, does this demonstration count toward the house cup? It is just a demonstration and since I doubt Crowe and Longbottom would duke it out as well, I wasn't sure if anyone was planning on counting it...[/QUOTE] [SIZE="1"]PM me, if you're right, I might just let you in on the plotline. And even if you're right, let me say you won't be disappointed with where I'm going with it. And no, this demonstration won't be for the House Cup, this is just a demonstration for something which may or may not, depending on the skills of those present in the stands be an extra-dimension to the Duelling Club.[/SIZE]

[quote name='Sandy']Oh, it's for the[I] entire [/I]school? I thought it was only for those [I]in[/I] the Duelling Club. I will edit my post, then. ;P[/quote] [quote name='Blayze'][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode]Seems like this demonstration could really fill out the stands on the Quidditch pitch, Gavin. I'm rather intrigued... [/FONT][/QUOTE] [SIZE="1"]Thanks Sandy. And no it was always intended to be a whole school demonstration, with the other staff members present too. After myself and Jamie reveal the nature of the magic, I reckon people can have a lot of fun with it. I've already given a hint to what it is, so no more. :animesmil Another good question though boys and girls, is what exactly is on that parchment Alexander handed Zeta. ;)[/SIZE]

[quote name='Darren']Well, I admit, coming from a very small town, I'm not really familiar with gang colors. but I was going with Red and Blue of obvious colors represented by the police... Maybe a different thread title would have been appropriate, but I suppose it's too late now.[/QUOTE] [SIZE="1"]I thought you were referring to the mechanima series [B][COLOR="Red"]Red[/COLOR] vs [COLOR="Blue"]Blue[/COLOR][/B] for some reason when I read the thread. Maybe one of the mods should change the title to "Your Experiences with the Police". By the way Darren, you have one seriously ****** up local police force. What you need is The Rock to come in and do a Walking Tall on them.[/SIZE]

[SIZE="1"]Sandy, in your last post you reference Herbology as being the morning's first class. I probably should have made it clearer in my last few posts but the Duelling Club/DADA demonstration for the school is going to take up the first two classes. If you wouldn't mind, could you edit your post accordingly.[/SIZE]

[SIZE="1"]The morning of September 2nd was a cool one, the first rays of the dawn illuminated the due fresh dew on the quidditch pitch which in turn shimmered in a magical fashion, it was an appropriate start to the day, the first of a new year that for some would determine the rest of their lives. Alexander sat quietly in the stands far above the pitch, the anticipation of the demonstration between himself and Zeta had prevented him from being able to sleep, it didn?t matter really, he didn?t need any more than two or so hours of rest to work at his peak. Blowing out a breath, he watched the opaque cloud disappear as it mingled with the cold air around him. ?[b]Couldn?t sleep either ?[/b]? He turned and found Professor Conroy sitting behind him. He was impressed she?d been able to sneak up without him noticing, but gave no inclination of it. ?[b]No. But I don?t need it like you do.[/b]? The comment was off-hand, her expression didn?t change, but he could sense he?d struck a nerve with it. ?[b]Looks like it?s going to be a nice day for it...[/b]? The thought hung in the air between them. Zeta seemed to agree, sitting down a foot or two away from her colleague. She looked out into the sky and nodded slowly. ?[b]Yeah. It?s been a while since I used that magic, though the situation then was a lot more dangerous. You ?[/b]? ?[b]Five years. I was in Romania at the time.[/b]? He didn?t care to explain the situation that had warranted it. ?[b]I imagine a lot of people won?t have seen it before. Thought, I?ve heard Neville is pretty good at it himself.[/b]? ?[b]I?ve only heard rumours myself. He has a thing for toads though, doesn?t he ?[/b]? Alexander gave a small smile, which Zeta returned. ?[b]I have to admit though, the first time I saw him, I was very far from impressed. Pegged him nearly instantly for a Hufflepuff. One of the few times I?ve been glad to see I was wrong.[/b]? ?[b]You really don?t like Hufflepuffs, do you ?[/b]? ?[b]Birds of a feather.[/b]? He shrugged his shoulders. ?[b]Sorry to hear about Drucilla. She was a bright kid with a good future ahead of her.[/b]? ?[b]Thanks.[/b]? They?d both sat quietly together for the next few minutes, watching the sun rise slowly into the sky. He?d met Zeta her first day in Hogwarts, back when Alexander was going into his sixth year, he?d brushed passed the girl on the Hogwart?s Express during they journey and muttered an apology. Hadn?t seen her again until the previous year when she?d taken up teaching after a career as an Auror, must have seemed a nice change of pace. Even after Voldemort had finally died, plenty of dark wizards were perfectly happy to make trouble, and Aurors were often the first baptised under fire. Withdrawing a piece of parchment from his parchment from one of the pockets from his robe, he handed it tentatively to Zeta. Her eyes breezed through it before she turned with a shocked expression to Alexander. ?[b]This is...[/b]? ?[b]Yes.[/b]? Her eyes narrowed. ?[b]That means ?[/b]? He nodded slowly. ?[b]Yes.[/b]? She seemed to read the list again, just to make sure her line of thought was correct. ?[b]And Professor McGonagall knows ?[/b]? It was almost an accusation. ?[b]I imagine she does. If you?re asking have I told her directly, then no.[/b]? His voice had suddenly lost all emotion... ||||| Jamie, you know both of the plots that are going on here, continue them as you see fit. I hope I got your character right too. For everyone else, if you think you knew Alexander Corvidae, you?re not even close.[/SIZE]

[SIZE="1"][b][U]PC[/U]:[/b] Currently switching between [B]Guild Wars[/B] and the different [B]Dawn of War[/B] games, the campaigns of which I finally finished yesterday. Play a bit of [b]ES4: Oblivion[/b] and [b]KOTOR2[/b] as well, can't wait for Team Gizka to finish their restoration project for K2. [b][u]DS[/u]:[/b] Probably pick up Pokémon Pearl at some stage in the next week, and continue my addiction to that series, hell I probably subconsciously bought my DS just to play it. I swear, Pokémon is videogaming equivalent of crack... [b][U]Gamecube[/U]:[/b] Finally got [B]Legend of Zelda: Collectors Edition[/B] after the threads here in Hardwired and I got to say, I forgot just how awesome [B]Ocarina of Time[/B] is... even if as usual I'm stuck in the God-damn Water Temple and can't for the life of me figure out what to do... [b][u]PS2[/u]:[/b] Nothing at the moment, play the odd game of [B]DBZ: Boudokai 3[/B] with my brother, and half-beat [B]Need For Speed: Most Wanted[/B] before I lost interest. Debating whether or not to finish [b]Final Fantasy XII[/b] given it's utter grindathonic nature, probably won't as there's nothing about the game that hugely appeals to me to do it. That's about it.[/SIZE]

[SIZE="1"][url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_Ball_Online][B]Wiki Article[/B][/url] Just happened to be browsing Wiki when I came across this article and thought it was interesting. I was a DBZ uber-geek in my youth and still enjoy playing the games and watching the series nowadays. While the game doesn't have a confirmed outside Asia release, I'm assuming given the cult-status of the series it would only be a matter of time. It's not confirmed either whether or not this will be a subscription game or not, but I'm sure that won't bother determined fans. Other people's thoughts, other than yes that guy does look like Crono from Chrono Trigger ?[/SIZE]

[quote name='James'][color=#606060]I suppose the villains could be as weird as you wanted. When I think about the tone of this story I'm really thinking of something like Max Payne. You know, sort of film-noir with quite a few monologues and things like that. Almost like Detective Story from The Animatrix. If you think of that sort of grainy black-and-white visual feel...lots of "thinking out loud" moments...that's sort of what I'm getting at. So within that context there's room for some fairly surreal characters. As I said earlier, "ladies" don't always have to be women. I would be quite interested to see if someone put forward a transvestite character or something along those lines (whether as a good guy or a bad guy - I'd want to see experimentation for sure).[/color][/QUOTE] [SIZE="1"]Yeah, I get where you're going with that, and seeing as Detective Story was probably my favourite Animatrix story, you'll get no objections from me on using it as the template. I'm so looking forward to having a Lady or two round for dinner. Maybe have some fava beans and a nice chianti... [/SIZE]

[SIZE="1"][B]Irish Love[/B]. An after-dinner Irish milk-chocolate sphere, think Ferrero Rocher, that acts like a powerful aphrodisiac. Comes in batches of two, because I believe in monogamy :p, and the container contains a small recording device that plays Hadaway' "[b]What is Love[/b]" to get them even more in the mood, and because I love that song. Alternative it may play "[B]Easy Love[/b]" for the same reasons. Obviously it would be an expensive chocolate, as I don't want any old person to be sucking on my chocolate balls. And yes, that was a paraphrasing from South Park. :animesmil[/SIZE]

[SIZE="1"]Alex lives up to his nom-de-guerre once again as the legendary PoisonTongue. Also, Nerdsy sums up the "chick in your shirt the morning after" analogy pretty well. It means she's somewhat comfy and only has to take off one piece of clothing to get naked again. Happy days. :p[/SIZE]

[quote name='Blayze'][FONT=Lucida Sans Unicode][B]"I reckon we can trounce the Talons this year. Unless Corvidae has something up his sleeve for them. Which, knowing him, he probably has. Evil bastard," [/B] [/FONT][/QUOTE] [SIZE="1"]Dream on Phil, Gryffindor hasn't a bloody chance, even without Alexander's tutelage, you're still dealing with a House of magical geniuses. On a side note, I think I'm about ready to accept that Alexander has become the new Snape and might as well continue making him morally ambiguous and stop caring about his physical hygiene. [[b]Edit[/b]] By the way Phil, if Dean is from where I think he is in Ireland, he'll use the term "bud/buddy" instead of mate. [/SIZE]

[quote name='Dagger']I think it's a bit odd, actually, that people refer back to evolutionary theory when trying to explain why this or that couple is together. They say that initial attractiveness has to do with child-creating potential or whatever, but the ultimate reasons that people get involved in long-term relationships are [I]way[/I] too complicated to be reduced to evolution. Heck, even sexual attraction can't be easily accounted for by evolution etc. Why do I get weak-kneed when people wear glasses? What's with the "girl wearing her boyfriend's shirt" fetish? ~Dagger~[/QUOTE] [SIZE="1"]Heh agreed. As I said, the whole anthropological explanation is only a small aspect as to why we are attracted to certain people over others. It would obviously be a terrible thing to think we've only ever gone out with people for sex wouldn't it ? :p But all joking aside, while it is a bit shallow in reality to be jealous of someone for going out with someone you feel is much better looking than them, it is really just a natural reaction because you're only look at physical appearances.[/SIZE]

[SIZE="1"]I suppose [b]Metal Gear Solid 4[/b] is the one I'm really hoping lives up to what it's predecessor built upon, as Snake Eater was without a doubt one of the best games I've ever played. [b]Fable 2[/b] is another big one, though I hope this time around Lionhead do a better job of setting out the different skill sets of the heroes. It was a little tiring to just grind XP for four or five hours before my first mission and walk out as the hybrid of the Incredible Hulk, Hawkeye and Merlin while simultaneously being worth millions and having the best weapons and armours available. Having played every game in the series I've got high expectations for [b]GTA IV[/b], and giving the transitions we saw between Vice City and San Andreas, I think we'll see a massive change between III and IV. Last but not least, though it will probably not live up to the hype surrounding it is [b]Star Wars: The Force Unleashed[/b]. After the Jedi Knight series, which I assume this will probably bear a good resemblance too, I'm just hoping it's a better game than [B]Episode III: [/B][strike]Return of the King[/strike] [B]Revenge of the Sith[/B].[/SIZE]

[SIZE="1"]Draining his goblet dry for the fourth time, Alexander had to admit the house-elves had really outdone themselves in the quality of the food served. Even Jacobim's usual attempts to worm into the rivalry established between himself and Zeta hadn?t dampened his mood. Why couldn?t the man just accept that compared to their Houses, Hufflepuff just didn?t cut the mustard ? Loyalty and an ethos of hard work were both admirable qualities, but even the hardest working student could not beat a genius in their field. Silently he wished that Crowe would go and hang around with Professor Longbottom, given that since Hermoine Granger had passed out of the school, Gryffindor had yet to produce a prodigy worthy of comparing with Ravenclaw and Slytherin. Alexander believed in fate, it was perhaps odd for a man of his intelligence to do so, but his life had proved to him over and over that destiny was as inescapable as the dawning of the new day, and so to was the destiny of Hufflepuff to produce average wizards for the rest of time. He leaned in next to Professor Conroy who was clapping for the latest addition to her house. Slytherin?s picking this year had been slim compared to past ones. ?[b]How do you want to conduct the demonstration tomorrow ?[/b]? She frowned thoughtfully. ?[b]I?ve been giving it some thought, I think we?re best off to use the Quidditch pitch given the space needed for it.[/b]? Alexander nodded slowly. ?[b]I agree, there?s nowhere in the school building that would be safe enough for it.[/b]? He chuckled slightly. ?[b]Plus we can have the students fill up the stands to give them a bit of a show.[/b]? Zeta merely smiled at the thought. The celebrations went on for about the next hour before Professor McGonagall asked the Prefects to escort their Houses off to bed. The clean-up took less time than a minute as dishes and the remaining food was zapped down to the kitchen for storage. Alexander watched as Zeta moved off from the group towards her House?s common room, he had to admit, the woman had a knack for sensing when she was needed. He would probably go and check on his own students in a few minutes, after some banal talk with other Professors on how their summers had gone. Emily had left earlier, evidently still exhausted from the previous evening. Neville was busily explaining his latest discovery in the Amazon to Professor Aldridge, his fellow Gryffindor alumni. Seeing his opportunity, Alexander slipped out of the hall quietly and ascended the stairs to the Ravenclaw common room in their tower. He watched silently as the Grey Lady swooped past him before arriving at the bust of Socrates. ?[b]Forwards I am heavy, backwards I am not. What am I ?[/b]? Even though it was just a statue, it still managed to sound imposing and wise at the same time. ?[b]Ton.[/b]? ?[b]Enter you of sharp mind.[/b]? Alexander did so, and arrived in a hive of activity. ||||| Any Ravenclaws feel free to react to this. He won?t be sticking around long, but he will ask how your summers went and how you?re all preparing for the coming year.[/SIZE]

[SIZE="1"]Heh, I knew I should have added a smiley after that, it was meant to be a joke as much as it was a commentary. As for whether or not it's just how humans think, I definitely agree. There's a very obvious primal aspect to it and you can't escape genetics. Human inherently seek out the best mate for them, and physical appearance gives a good indication of how suitable a mate will be, i.e. how good their genes are. It's a subconscious thing, but when you look at a good-looking girl or guy, you're actually assessing them as to how good a parent that might be for your future children. After all the most basic function of animals is procreation. So yes, while it may be a bit shallow if you're jealous an ugly guy or girl is dating a hot one, feel even more jealous if you've been passed up, because that means that he or she feels your genes are inferior. :p[/SIZE]

[SIZE="1"]I've got to admit it's never really bothered me, because I guess based on Alex's assertions, I'm one of the few guys who doesn't pay that much heed to what a girl looks like as opposed to her personality. I'd say it's probably more likely that women are less shallow than men, but I know plenty of women who make puddles seem deep by comparison. But really, all this thread is going to do is make people who agree seem really bitter and shallow.[/SIZE]

[quote name='Charles']I've never stopped believing. Santa and Jesus ftw![/QUOTE] [SIZE="1"]Quoted for truth. I hope Santa comes and beats you all with sacks of coal this Christmas for your lack of faith. :p All kidding aside, I stopped believing in Santa at about age eight when one of the kids in the class ahead of me told pretty much everyone in our class that there was no such thing as Santa Claus. The teachers went ballistic at him and tried to reassure us all that he did indeed exist, but even then I think we all just knew it was the truth. As for how log I've believed in Jesus/God, everyday of my life and I don't imagine that will change any time soon. And seeing as nobody else has done it yet. [CENTER][IMG]http://tn3-2.deviantart.com/300W/fs5.deviantart.com/i/2005/131/a/b/Lack_of_Faith_by_lerms.jpg[/IMG][/SIZE][/CENTER]

[quote name='Sandy']Oh, and you made Emily say to Alexander "I can't believe how much you and [B]your[/B] mother look alike" (or something like that). As fun as the line is, I don't think you meant it that way, heh. ;D[/QUOTE] [SIZE="1"]The line reads fine to me Sandy, though by alike, what I meant was that Alexander is comparing what Emily looks like now, to what her mother looked like at that age.[/SIZE] [quote name='Darren']Anyway, I'm curious Gavin, What sort of new magic are you planning?[/QUOTE] [SIZE="1"]You'll just have to wait and see Darren. ;)[/SIZE]

[SIZE="1"]What a sight they must have been. Alexander had stayed up most of the previous night with Emily going over their respective courses, she was still incredibly nervous over the task ahead of her, and even raw intelligence could only take someone so far. Between the pair of them, they'd maybe snatched thirty minutes of sleep in the previous twenty-four hours, and even wizards are not immune from the effects of mental and physical fatigue. He couldn't tell exactly when he'd fallen asleep, that in itself would have been nothing, but to wake up with Emily's head on his shoulder and her equally dead to the world would look totally unseemly to most people. She had been right about one thing, she genuinely was young enough to be his daughter, and the governors were already iffy on staff relationships, let alone those that involved a former pupil. Alexander's wand had been drawn almost instantly, and he'd cast a reflective spell on the windows looking into their cabin. Behind his fear however was another totally different set of emotions, a mixture of pride and surprise, he'd always regarded Emily as being like a daughter to him, the apple of his eye. He had never realised however that the relationship had been equally potent to her, in that she felt comfortable enough to fall asleep on his shoulder. He'd simply sat there for a few moments, trying not to wake her. She looked so much like her mother... odd that that thought would come to him just then. He pushed a stray lock of hair out of her face and she stirred awake. Alexander simply smiled broadly. "[b]Sorry. I didn't mean to wake you.[/b]" She leaned up off his shoulder and yawned. "[b]That's OK. And don't worry. I cast a modified Concealment Charm on the windows, anyone looking in would have just seen us talking.[/b]" Alexander relaxed visibly. Though in reality he supposed he should have expected nothing less of her. He stretched out and yawned himself, feeling better at the rest he'd gotten. "[b]I was just thinking how alike you and your mother look.[/b]" Emily scowled jokingly at the statement. "[b]So I look like a forty-three year old woman ?[/b]" Alexander chuckled. "[b]You know what I mean. If not for the fact your hair is a little darker, I'd think your mother had been using an anti-aging potion.[/b]" He watched as a genuine frown formed on his companion's face. "[b]She still talks about you... the man she should have married.[/b]" Now it was Alexander's turn to frown, they'd never talked about this subject before. "[b]I know... It just wasn't meant to be.[/b]" He sighed, looking out the window at nothing in particular. "[b]You know why I couldn't marry her. I'm sure she's told you that.[/b]" Emily nodded slowly before smiling again. "[b]Funny though isn't it. That you and I would meet even though you've been around the world for so long.[/b]" Alexander smiled himself. "[b]I think it could have been fate.[/b]" [b][u]TWO HOURS LATER[/U][/B] Putting up the decorations for the sorting was a relatively simply thing, blue and bronze banners unfurled themselves on command, the immense wooden tables and benches were polished to a high sheen and covered with cloth and cutlery. The entire affair took less than a minute with them all working together. He spied Zeta Conroy taking great satisfaction as Slytherin's green and silver colours became more apparent in the great hall. Sitting together she gave him one of her obviously laboured smiles, which he returned with equal difficulty as asked how the train ride had went. He'd replied as politely and minimally as possible, a talent he'd developed over the last year of working with the ex-Auror. As the sorting was about to begin, he tensed slightly as his colleague leaned in again. "[b]Fifty Galleons says that we win the House Cup this year, my feathered friend.[/b]" This time there was a genuine smile on her face, Slytherin House's win last year had been outright, and she'd let Alexander and all the other House heads know it. "[b]You're on. This year McGonagall is including performances in the Duelling Club as part of the House Cup. And we both know between myself and Emily, your scally backsides don't stand a chance against the Talons*[/b]" His own smile was almost predatory in nature. Like an eagle spying it's meal. ||||| * The Talons is a nickname given to members of the Ravenclaw Duelling team.[/SIZE]

[quote name='Ezekiel'][SIZE="1"]I agree! I think the school should hold a match between the teachers for a bit of fun. It would be amusing to see Alexander and Zeta go head to head. If not, we have the Duelling Club to amuse ourselves, Gavin. Perhaps a little demonsration is in order for the first years?[/SIZE][/QUOTE] [SIZE="1"]You are so on, and seeing as I got the go-ahead from Lionheart on that new variety of magic we were talking about before, I think it's going to be very, very interesting demonstration. Oh, and those fifty galleons Zeta has bet are as good as Alexander's.[/SIZE]

[SIZE="1"]What do you mean teachers can't play Quidditch ? If he has to, Alexander will use a polyjuice potion to ensure Ravenclaw takes the House Cup this year. Or can we have the Dueling Club be worth points too ?[/SIZE]

[SIZE="1"]"[b]Time to go... my dear.[/b]" He'd licked his lips adding the last words, a sort of sexual hunger she'd never seen in him before, it was attractive. He even looked different than before, his body was more toned, every muscle perfectly defined, a sense of anticipation was building in her. She took his outreached hand and he pulled her close, close enough so that their lips were only centimetres apart. She wanted him, her body remembered him, and she had no doubt his body remembered her. As she leaned in to connect their lips however, his eyes broke with hers and glinted with... excitement. Turning, she watched The Beast approach them, his mouth breaking into a malicious grin. "[b]The Darkness ripens Master. The time draws near.[/b]" [color=blue]"[b]Yesss... The Darknesss sensesss what isss to commme. It hungerrsss for itt.[/b]"[/color] "[b]Then we should not keep It waiting. The exchange for Gadget's head is soon. Should we bring Rai with us ? It would be amusing to see the reactions of her previous colleagues...[/b]" Gavin's smile mirrored The Beast's own. [color=blue]?[b]Nooo... Sheee mussst be preeeparredd forr the Darknesss too consumme her fully... ass it did youuu my apprenticcce.[/b]?[/color] Gavin looked at her, almost as if he were looking through her... into the depths of her soul. [color=DarkOrchid]?[b]I want this Gavin. I want whatever has made you this way.[/b]?[/color] She stroked along his chest with her fingers. "[b]Make no mistake my love, this is no simple play for power. Once you have sold your soul to the Devil, he holds it forever... But in exchange you will be so much more than you ever thought possible.[/b]" [color=DarkOrchid]"[b]Then let?s go to Hell together hubby.[/b]"[/color] She smiled and kissed him, as the shadows closed in over both of them. Their legs were wrapped together in a lover?s embrace. The change had already begun, her skin was pale like ivory, her lips the colour of fresh blood. Breaking their kiss he bit down on her bottom lip, she moaned in pleasure arching her body against his thrusts. Her nails pierced the skin on his shoulders in ecstasy, life?s essence mixing with the darkness. Sweat glistened from both their bodies, and then time itself seemed to stop in the gloom around them, for one brief moment as their dark love was consummated. They laid together in one another?s arms, in the darkness for what seemed like eternity. |||||||||| Ugh, I don't know what's wrong with me today that those two scenes just wouldn't come out right. I'll probably end up rewriting it altogether.[/SIZE]