Catching Up

[mariellacovas]

A smile slowly began to crease Mariella's lips, eye shimmering a slightly golden brown as she took in the familiar sight of the Common Room. It hadn't changed a bit in the six years she had attended the school, with the exception of a few mischievous acts that had occurred here. A few fires, more than a couple unauthorized duels and minor hazing to first years, but hell, that's what made this area all the more special. Memories began to rise from the ashes and forgotten corners of her mind, Mariella's settling into a seat in front of unlit fireplace. Her hand smoothly slipped into her robe, fingers wrapping about the wand, pulling it out and pointing it at the fireplace. "Incendio", she murmured, her accent of Spanish kissed English slowly slipping past her lips. Her eyes narrowed as her wand reacted, nearly blinded by the sudden burst of light from the fire. She could feel the instant heat from the fireplace, grinning and shivering as any chill she had was expelled. Now she could think in a comfortable warmth with the fire as a perfect background noise.

Mariella pulled her legs up onto the couch, sitting in a polite way so her already short skirt did not become too short. She always did wear her skirts slightly shorter than they regularly were. She did it not just because she knew she had magnificent legs, but also because she absolutely hated when the bottom of the skirt brushed against the back of her knees. For some peculiar reason, it bothered her to no end, the constant rubbing of cloth against the sensitive area. Shaking her head, Mariella again let the memories resurface, leaning back into the couch, simpering as she leaned back. Of all the things she loved the most about being here it probably had to be all the friends she made while she attended the school. The mischievous things that they had done, nights spent staying up late with one another, the plans, the parties, the ideals. They all made the girl feel--though she'd never admit to it-- fuzzy inside. A peculiar though, but none the less one at that. A sigh left her lips though as a melancholy thought that she had been combating came to mind.

This was her last year in this school, the last year of her happy tennagerdom. The last year of zero responsibility and total carefree attacks on other people. She knew that she would miss all the friends that she had made while she went to the school, simply knowing that she would see some around, others she would never see again and forget about. Mariella wasn't naive either, she knew that she would most likely lose most of her friends, but there were some she mentally promised herself she would stay in contact with. Probably those that had the most interesting streaks to her, someone that made this last year a bang.

Shaking her head, Mariella sighed, opening her eyes just wondering how many people saw her sitting there with that idiotic smile on her face. It instantly shrunk into a natural, small smile-smirk. Her eyes stared into the fireplace, the dancing fire making the light brown hue of her eyes at the moment shine. She couldn't help but wish that some sort of company might join her so she wouldn't have to sit here with only her thoughts as companions.

[severussnape]

A strange and outlandish boy was sitting in thoughtful silence in the Courtyard. He had a pale complexion, contrasting starkly with the black of his hair and eyes. The boy's hair itself was a little longer than short, being allowed enough length to curl outwardly at the ends.
The most prominent feature of the boy's face was his nose. It was quite big and slightly hooked at the end. However, even though his hair and skin had an slight greasy look, he managed to escape ugliness at this point in his life - pulling off the 'rugged look'.
He was perched precariously on the edge of a large bench, trying desperately to keep his mind focused on the task in hand. His lips moving wordlessly, his coal black eyes flicked left and right over the piece of parchment he was holding.

Rules and Instructions on Euphoria: A Potion to Induce

Ok, Severus was the kind of boy who enjoyed company (in moderation). It was only natural; an inbuilt desire written in his very genes. His ancestors had survived because they had enjoyed company, so that was also where Sev experienced his happiest moments. However, there are moments when even the most gregarious among us seek solitude; the bliss of having to listen to nothing but your own thoughts; the ease of being utterly yourself. Severus Snape, a Slytherin 7th Year, was experiencing this very unnatural sensation right now.

The mounting pile of homework that was highly unusual for this stage in the term was really getting him down. He had enough to worry about with his increasing 'oh-no-this-is-my-last-year-at-Hogwarts' depression, and was seeking solitude in rebellion against his already lonely feelings. "You can see them any time," he muttered reassuringly to himself; he was of course talking about his friends. "This part of the term is the most important - they're teaching you the fundamentals that you'll need for the exam." But no matter how long he chanted this mantra in his mind, it could not quite drown out the much more appealing voice that whispered, "Bollocks - " The mantra eventually gave up completely.
"- you'll have all year to stress, you said it yourself - you've got to make the most of your last year."

The voice was right, he knew the notes he was reading off by heart even in his sixth year. He got up so abruptly that his owl (Drittie), that had been perched on his shoulder, almost set off in fright. He stroked her in a comforting way. She nipped his finger affectionately. "So old girl," he whispered more to himself than Drittie, "- I'm young, intelligent and with limited time - what can I do to ease this boredom?"

But his owl gave no reply that would ease any boredom, and simply looked in what she considered to be a wise way at him. "Taa," he smiled sarcastically.

There was nothing for it; he couldn't stand being alone any longer. Somebody was bound to be in the Common Room - feeling just as bored as he did on a miserably cloudy day such as this. So, making his way fairly unhindered up from the grounds, he finally reached the entrance. He grunted the password ('Cursed') and strided straight into the main sitting area.

"Oh - didn't expect to see you here." he grinned.

[mariellacovas]

Mariella's ears had barely twitched at the sound of the house painting opening, although the peculiar reaction to noise however was hidden by her hair. She had become mesmerized by the fire, or perhaps it was the activity she was doing with the fire. It seemed there was a small mouse in the middle of the fire, obviously terrified by the bright flames that flickered around it. A look of sheer boredom had crept its way onto Mariella's features, her eyes drooping and her chin resting gently upon her hand. However in her other hand, her fingers held her wand loosely, waving it every now and then. She was performing the flame-freezing charm, switching it on and off, terrifying the poor creature as it was singed then placed back into a gentle breeze and then being singed again. What prevented the mouse from simply escaping the confines of the fireplace? Well none other than Mariella's Black Bombay, Sheena. Sheena had brought the still living creature to the young woman, Mariella being as disgusted as she was throwing it towards the fire. Although, whatever ounce of sympathy was in her made her quickly cast a wordless charm over the fire, the poor creature squeaking in fright as it was surrounded by cruel, frightening enemies.

Now Mariella didn't believe in hurting animals, no, she simply believed in working with what you have. And when all you have is a mouse, a cat, fire and a wand there wasn't much you could do....okay maybe that wasn't true either, but it seemed to be the only somewhat human thing Mariella could do. The irony of her behavior was simply laughable, though. She could hex a boy twice her size until he wet his pants, but she couldn't harm a small mouse that had absolutely no defense system. Despite popular belief, Slytherins did actually have morals! Maybe a good chunk of them discriminatory, but they had morals none the less. And that's what really counts, right? Sighing, Mariella grew tired of the game, leaving the fire in its 'frozen' state, eyes barely lingering on the cat and mouse.

At the sound of a voice, Mariella could feel her spirits soar. Someone to spend this wonderfully boring time with! Thank the gods! A small, mischievous smile made its way onto her lip, Mariella grinning as she saw Severus. "Likewise to you!" she exclaimed, turning to face the boy more rather than her little twisted game. She could say that she and Severus were good friends, she having known the boy since her first year. Maybe they weren't as close then, but similarities in friends and crowds, they were bound to meet. She had been a bit off-standish, the reputation that some gave the boy diluting their meet. When she got to know him, however, she immediately dismissed most of the thoughts, letting his true nature expel any rumor.

"So Sev, how're you?"


[OOC:If you want me to change anything about the friendship history, just tell me]

[celestedeluca]

Small scratching sounds could be heard from the Owlery, the sound emanating from a quill which was quickly scribbling a note. Celeste laid down her quill, examining her note, smiling with satisfaction. She wrapped it one of her red ribbons, sealing it with a small kiss, one for each family member. Whistling softly, she called her owl to her, clicking her tongue. "Lucciano...Lucci..." she murmured in her thick Italian accent, scratching her faithful companion's wings as the owl nipped her finger affectionately. "Lu, I need you to deliver this to Mama and Papa, and quickly. They've been waiting too long for a response from me." Her owl's head tilted to the side, spreading his wings with a soft hoot. She watched him flap his wings once, twice, rising into the air and flying off into the morning. Stretching with a yawn, she watched until her owl disappeared from sight, grimacing as she glanced at the bird droppings on the floor. Getting out was going to be hell.

Making her way through the dropping-infested tower, she quickly left the Owlery, waving a quick goodbye to the other owls and making her way back towards the Slytherin Common Room. Now that she had finished writing her letter, there was a book back in the Common Room that had her name on it. She had been itching to read it since she had laid her eyes on it in the library, having checked it out the previous day and forgotten to read it. Hairy Snout, Human Heart, a book about the battle of a wizard as a lycanthorpe. Speeding up her pace, she walked down into the dungeons, towards the Slytherin Common Room. Stopping in front of the portrait hole, she racked her brain for the password, listening as the portrait demanded it. "Cursed..." she murmured, running a hand through her tresses. The portrait swung open, revealing the dreary dim lit Common Room. However, upon entering, Celeste realized that she wasn't alone.

"Ah, Mariella, Severus, nice to see you." she sat down with a small grunt in a chair closer to the fireplace, grabbing her book which she had stuffed underneath the cushion. Before becoming entombed in her book, her gaze fell to the floor where she saw Mariella's cat prowling. Wrinkling her nose, she sighed. Cats, she had never learned to like them, though Mariella's was the only one she could tolerate. Crossing her legs in the chair, she opened the book to the first page, glancing up at the other two, the placing her eyes back on the text, intent on at least getting somewhat far in her novel.

[severussnape]

"Likewise to you!"

Came the bubbly reply; heavily laced with Mariella's strong Spanish accent. Severus grinned broadly - glad of his warm reception. He had to ponder for a while as the question concerning his wellbeing sunk in. It seemed at the moment that they were alone in the Common Room, and after double checking there were no younger students lurking in the shadows, he slumped himself heavily on the chaise-lounge opposite his friend. At the impact of his body on the leather, Drittie the owl fluttered delicately from his shoulder up to the top windowsill, where she surveyed them both sagely and keeping determinedly out of the way of Mariella's cat. Sev was still watching her stretch her wings as he replied.

''In truth - absolutely fucking bored out of my mind. There's quite literally nothing to do, and no-one to talk to. I'm glad I found you - I can tell you that for sure."

Severus yawned luxuriously and rearranged his body so he lay with his feet resting on the end arm of the chaise-lounge. He stared up to the exquisite silver and green painted ceiling. His eyes traced the many figures of twisting serpents as they danced all over the room's walls and tapestries. He had almost forgotten to return the question and subsequently turned back to Mariella with an apologetic smile.

"So - what have you been up to today? Seen Kalib?"

Severus knew that the two were going out, and while he held the boy will indifference, he thought his name an appropriate one to drop in order to keep the conversation going.

At that moment, their mutual friend Celeste walked through the portrait-hole. Severus had always liked Celeste, and was indeed closer to her than he was to Mariella. He had to admit that he had had a huge crush on her while they were younger, being quite taken by her striking good-looks and Italian accent. To an extent, he still found her attractive, but he had other girls on his mind at the moment.

"Ah, Mariella, Severus, nice to see you."

"Hey Celeste," came Sev's casual reply. There was nothing remarkable about the situation to comment on so he had to stick to this pretty boring greeting. He swung his legs around to change his position to a seated one, and crossed his fingers. His eyes flicked between Mariella and Celeste, waiting for someone to say something.

[mariellacovas]

Mariella couldn't help but roll her eyes at how eloquently Severus had pointed out his boredom, nodding her head. If it hadn't been for the whole cat-and-mouse game she really wouldn't have had anything to fill the fifteen minutes she had been sitting in the Common Room. Of course she could have gotten up and taken a nap, got a snack, or even trained but hell, she just didn't feel like doing any of those things. It was just one of those times where she felt like sitting around and being lazy. Laziness was something the girl would never admit to actually doing because that simply was not ladylike. Just as people learned, the girl simply did not like to be thought of as anything as polite, beautiful, sophisticated and simply womanly in general. Why did one think she was so attentive about her appearance and personality? She didn't want to give off a bad vibe so she thought it was best. Pulled into her own thought, Mariella was pulled out at only Severus's question.

"So - what have you been up to today? Seen Kalib?"

A smirk rose to her lips at the question. It seemed that ever since they had been going out and it had spread(thanks to a certain person who name started with Z and ended with E). Mariella didn't mind however, she enjoyed talking about her boyfriend, it simply sending flutters through her body. Her fingertips always seemed to rise to touch the dragon necklace he had made for her, the same night he had admitted openly that he loved her, and she loved him. Again she found her hand at her necklace again, running over the smoothed scaled surface of the Chinese Fireball side. Her eyes traveled down to her necklace before looking back up to Severus's dark eyes. "Well I just finished up a bit of homework", she answered, that obviously being something not very interesting. "I got a bit of lunch with Kalib, we hung out in the courtyard a bit. But he had to go do something so I came back here..."

Probably not that interesting to Severus, but he did ask, didn't he? "So how've you been, Severus?" Of course one would have to ask the question back, it was only the polite thing to do. However, she probably didn't need to be polite with her friends but still, it wouldn't hurt to do it anyway. Her attention was soon pulled from Severus to the entrance to the House, smiling as she saw a familiar Italian girl enter. Celeste and Mariella had been the best of friends ever since their first year, the two having so much in common. They both were foreign and parents had moved to London for business reasons, not to mention the same mentality when she had to deal with Mudbloods or Muggleborns. Mariella's loud worked off of her quiet beautifully, it was an interesting pairing, the two girls.

"Ah, Mariella, Severus, nice to see you."

"Bella!" Mariella exclaimed happily. It was the nickname that just seemed to fit with the girl. "How're you doing? Reading...again?" Mariella shook her head slightly, just tempted to teasingly call her a dork.

[celestedeluca]

Celeste had been listening to their light conversation, eyes flickering from the pages of her book to Severus and Mariella. She hadn't replied to their greetings, having already been deep within her story, somehow ending up reading the same lines over and over again. Even now, she couldn't recall half of what she had read, her eyes lifting to watch Mari fumble with a necklace, brow rising in curiosity. Closing her book with a quick snap, feigning mild irritation, she ran a hand through her hair slowly. "There is nothing wrong with reading, Mari." he mumbled with a soft grin. "Besides, I can't read it anyway. Certain...friends of mine don't know how to be quiet..." Her words were sharp and ill-tempered, but as her face rose from her book, there was a bright smile glittering on her lips. "I suppose that you're loud voices show how unhappily bored you all are without me in your conversation, so, as a good friend, I will join you."

Rising from her current chair, Celeste moved to the couch her friend occupied, scooting her over and plopping down next to her, legs crossing politely. She leaned over, becoming immediately interested in the necklace, her smile softening. "So, Hemlock bought you a necklace?" Now, she didn't dislike Kalib, oh no. In fact, they were both friends on an average level. But, she did think him to be quite the womanizer, which she kept to herself. "That's awfully sweet of him. È realmente bello..."

Her finger reached out to feel the scales, surprised at how wonderfully crafted it was. She knew that the Chinese Fireball was Mariella's dragon, having been her favorite since she had first heard of the magnificent beast, and assumed that the Horntail was Kalib's. Her voice fell to a whisper. "Realmente bello."

Leaning back, Celeste let her hand fall, returning it to her lap. Something so wonderfully crafted must have been incredibly expensive. Perhaps Kalib wasn't such a bad guy. Maybe Mariella finally set him straight. Sighing, her gaze moved to Severus. "Now, before I nick this necklace from 'Ella, how have you been, Sevvy?" she reverted to her old playful nickname for the boy, a grin returning to her lips. "Eagerly awaiting for our last year to finish or doing all you can to prevent time from passing by quickly. Christmas will be upon us before you expect it, you know."

[severussnape]

Severus pondered for a while on Mariella's choice of nickname for Celeste. He re-arranged Celeste's name in all the ways he could think of, but still failed to create 'Bella' out of the jumble. Oh well, he thought, maybe it's just one of those 'girl' things. He allowed himself a smirk before turning to rejoin the spattered conversation the three of them were having.

"You've already asked me that," said Sev in reply to Mariella's repeated enquiry of his wellbeing. "But, just to keep you updated, my boredom is lessening."

As the reply to Sev's question about Kalib came, he couldn't help but smile as he noted the slight movement of the girl's hand to the Dragon Necklace she wore. Putting two and two together, he guessed that it held some memories of Kalib for her - or else that it was of his handiwork. "Liking the necklace," Sev added inconsequentially.

The girls continued to chat of their own accord, so Sev's eyes once more flicked back down to the notes he had been reading. His mind thought of the journal lying, bound with leather, in his trunk. He wondered if he should encode it somehow - make it impossible for unfriendly eyes to see. Or maybe that was just taking secrecy too far? Almost everyone he knew had a journal, and as far as he could gather no-one was of the disposition to go sneaking around reading other people's. Having said that, his anxiety increased, and he made a mental note to go up and check on his wellbeing once it was time to go to bed.

Thinking of his journal made him think of another book, lying deeper in the pile of his belongings. He hadn't given a thought to his Potions Book for a few weeks now. After scribbling the finsihed incantation to his last spell, he had been almost scared to look at it again. Ok - he had somehow dreamed of meeting James and Sirius in a crowded corridor and managing to cast 'Sectumsempra' upon them both. But in reality? He would be sanctioned heavily, and at the very least - excluded. He hadn't even known what had made him write the spell. Maybe magic like that only came to Spellweavers when they were especially angry, maybe the more fury you added - the nastier the spells became. Besides - he knew what happened last time he cast one of his creations in front of someone else. The whole school were hoisting eachother up by their ankles by the following day. Even as he thought of it his eyes began to sting terribly, the memories were a little too hard to bear. He thought of that fateful day and of that...that word.

"Now, before I nick this necklace from 'Ella, how have you been, Sevvy?"

He screwed up his eyes and returned to reality. His eyeballs were still stinging so he let his fringe flop heavily over his forehead in an attempt to disguise it. Knowing he must be looking a bit odd to the two European beauties he was in the company of, he managed a grin. Though he was quite sure that it must have looked more like a grimace to them.

"Same old, same old - nothing too exciting." What a lame reply. "And so I'm Sevvy now, eh? You haven't used that for a while." Severus grinned again, hoping it looked a little less false.

"Eagerly awaiting for our last year to finish or doing all you can to prevent time from passing by quickly. Christmas will be upon us before you expect it, you know."

"A little bit of both," Sev replied. "I still can't believe it's our last year - I'm getting a bit worried that I still have no idea what I'm going to do when I leave." He turned to the both of them.

"What are your plans for the future?"

[mariellacovas]

"I guess I did...."Mariella said, back tracking in her memory and indeed seeing that she had been the first one to inquire into how the other was doing. This is what led people to believe that she was a little air-headed at times. She wasn't air-headed, not in the least. Just, when she got distracted, it was quite easy for her attention to be deferred. A small smile came to her lips as Mariella nodded her head in thanks to his compliment towards the necklace, hand rising up to touch it again. It seemed to be like a magnet for her fingers, drawing them near and close whenever he mind drifted or even if she was concentrated. It was as if this boy had placed a spell off of her or something of that sort. She highly doubted that, only the truly desperate or immature used love spells.

Mariella's eyes snapped over from Severus to Celeste as she heard the book snap closed, eying the girl before snickering. Mariella waved her hand as if to dismiss any care about the book, scoffing softly for she knew the girl was bluffing. She recrossed her legs, leaning back as she looked at her friend and rolling her eyes as she saw the bright smile. Celesta had always been able to brighten up a room with that smile, in Mariella's eyes at least. "Yes, Bella, we will simply die if you don't join us", Mariella mocked softly, pressing the back of her hand against her forehead. She slowly let it drop, a small smirk setting on her lips. "You know it is true!" Mariella eyes the Italian girl as she walked to the couch that she was occupying and took a seat next to her. Although it seemed her gaze instantly became focused in on her collarbone, the necklace specifically.

"No, he didn't buy, he made" Mariella corrected, a smirk on her lips as her eyes shone proudly. She didn't want to downsize the true worth of the necklace. Well of course Mariella could never put the full worth of the actual necklace in full world value, but nonetheless...Mariella felt a smile cross her lips as she nodded her head. She knew what Celeste had said, there being only a slight difference in the Spanish sentence and the Italian. The two girl had worked off one another ever since they had met, their two languages being so close and all. When they were younger and got excited, they used to talk in extremely fast native tongues, each girl understanding for the most part what the other was saying. It was quite the spectacle to behold if one ever saw it. "Gracias..." Mariella watched her friend as she gently stroked the necklace before leaning back when the girl finally stopped. Leaning into her friend, Mariella smirked slightly knowing that she wasn't going to complain, they did this for years. "Nick it will you?" she asked. "Then I will simply have to nick one of your pretty little outfit's dear..." Mariella knew the girl treasured her fashion so an eye for an eye, even if they were joking.

Mariella's eyes turned to Severus, smirking slightly having not heard 'Sevvy' for a good while now. It just didn't fit anymore, he was a big boy now, you know? Although, his question was the infamous one that everyone that always seemed to be asking them. A smirk slowly rose to her lips as a maniacal thought came to her mind. "Well after I go to college, I am going to begin picking off people one by one by one before I make myself supreme empress of the world! With Celeste by my side, of course! Would you like to join us?" Of course it was a joke, Mariella made that obvious as she began to laugh softly, before shaking her head. "Probably college and I'll decide after that..." Her head cocked back to look at Celeste, eyebrow rising slightly. "What about you Bella?"

[celestedeluca]

Celeste glanced at the necklace again, slightly in awe at Kalib's craftsmanship. Maybe he wasn't such a bad guy after all? Making a mental note, she knew she would have to go see Kalib and compliment him on his wonderful work. He was slowly moving to her good side, no longer perched precariously on the edge. At Mariella's comment, she whipped her head around, face covered in an imitation of fear. "Oh no! Please not my clothes!" she leaned on her companions shoulder gently, copying her gesture of placing the back of her hand on her forehead and gasping. "You know I would have to send the twins after you for that." This wasn't much of a threat, seeing as her brothers seemed to adore Mariella, finding the ground she walked on to be blessed. She smiled to herself at the thought of their faces when she wrote to them telling them about how Kalib had taken their 'angelo'

Continuing to lean on her friends shoulder, Celeste listened to her speak of after Hogwarts, brow arching slowly. "College?" She had not thought of going to college after school. Knowing that in the muggle world, you required a sort of degree after graduating school, she knew that they would not accept the fact that she had graduated from a 'wizarding' school. She laughed softly at the thought of actually telling a muggle about Hogwarts, the astonishment on their face amusing. Returning her attention to the conversation, she grinned, wrapping her arm around Mariella's waist. "Of course, we'll take over the world and I will loyally serve by your side as your Captain, leading your armies to every corner of the earth and bending all to your will!" She nodded her head, as if agreeing with herself. "Yes, I like that idea. Will you join us, Sev?"

Laughing at the joke, she leaned back in her seat, thinking about what she herself would do after Hogwarts. "I..." she paused, tapping her lip thoughtfully. "I actually haven't thought about it much. I'm trying not to think of the future much, but I know I must." She closed her eyes gently. "An Auror...that seems interesting, but...I also wouldn't mind working at St. Mungos... I'm handy with potions and herbs." She then smiled, eyes opening. "Or, I would love to teach here. It would be as if I never left." A sigh passed her lips. Hogwarts was her second home, it was just about the most wonderful place she had ever been, and the idea of teaching at the place she loved seemed wonderful. "There are so many choices, and we're slowly running out of time..."

The thought was depressing, it was their last year at Hogwarts, time to start moving on, leaving friends and making new ones. She hated the thought of saying goodbye to those she loved, she was not one to get teary-eyed, but it was saddening. Sighing heavily, she shook her head, smiling lightly. "Anyhow, away from the sad thoughts. What are your plans?" her gaze fell on Severus, eager to hear what he wished to do after school. Anything to possibly keep her mind off her sad thoughts.

[severussnape]

(You two couldn't by any chance tone down your post-colours could you? I'm getting blinded by that bright green).

"Yes, I like that idea. Will you join us, Sev?"

Sev smirked. "Hmm - sounds like an interesting idea, ladies, but I'm afraid I would be wasted on Captainship, it is I, Severus Snape, who is destined to rule the world! You two just wouldn't be able to cope - being girls and all!"

He laughed and recoiled back, anticipating reproachful punches on the arm from his two friends. Quickly, he tried to get back onto the subject of leaving school. He listened to Mariella's wish to go to college. He'd never heard of general colleges for wizards before, as the 7th Year acted as a sixth form and NEWTs as A-levels. Severus, unlike most wizards, was pretty knowledgeable about Muggle education, having had to have listen to his father's endless rants about how Hogwarts was a school for 'ponces' and 'thickos' while his own school days had been incomparably superior. He could remember thinking that if muggle schools had been so great, how come they had turned out a foul-mouthed drunk like Tobias Snape?

His memories faded into the background as he next was questioned on what he would like to do on leaving Hogwarts.

"Well, you'd be hard-pushed to find a general college for magical-folk, Mariella. You get specialized places like for Healers and Aurors and all that, but the Ministry seems to think Hogwarts is all you need."

"Or, I would love to teach here. It would be as if I never left."

"Pah!" Severus spat with disgust. "What? End up like old Dumbledore or Diable? Stuck in a nine to five job for the rest of your life? Never seeing more than the inside of the same castle you grew up in? No thanks, I'd rather become a beggar outside Gringotts that a teacher."

He shuddered, imagining a future in this place. It simply held too many memories for him, bad memories. His favourite teacher, Professor Diable, was always muttering darkly in French about how much he hated the place. No, he would never come to work in Hogwarts.

"Anyway," Severus continued with a new and strange glint in his eyes. "I've got bigger plans for my life." He leaned in closer to the two girls in front of him.

"Don't tell me that you've never heard of the Death Eaters..."

[mariellacovas]

[Sure not a problem. Hehe, I hope this color is better]

"I will simply smother them with my adoration and they will forget all about their mission!" Mariella exclaimed, remembering the times she had visited Celeste's home and had been fawned over by the twin boys. Mariella had to admit, they were cute, in that small animal kind of way. Something that you would simply want to hold and smother to your chest rather that do anything actually with. Mariella actually was surprised she hadn't ran into the two recently, seeing as they were third or fourth years. She knew that she would visit them, spend a bit of time with them for she did love to be around the two mischievous twins. Glancing over at Celeste, Mariella nodded her head. "Yes, you know... a Witch College, my sister is one right now. They are beginning to pop up more and more to help refine the skills we learn here actually...not to mention give us insight into more spells and charms and potions and such." Mariella waved her hand slowly, smirking slightly as she felt Celeste's arms about her waists. Placing her hand underneath her chin, she gave a maniacal laugh enough to send chills down someone spine. But it was all in good fun, wasn't it?

'Hmm - sounds like an interesting idea, ladies, but I'm afraid I would be wasted on Captainship, it is I, Severus Snape, who is destined to rule the world! You two just wouldn't be able to cope - being girls and all!'

Mariella gasped, glaring in playful anger at the boy, rising, with or without Celeste still about her waist and beginning to punch him. She would never allow such sexist comments about her future dictatorship exist! She must pummel them from existence! Well, maybe not pummeling, more like a girly little excuse for a minor round of punches on his arm. She wasn't trying, but he needn't know that. Giving a satisfied huff when she was done, Mariella turned on her heel, returning to her seat and plopping down upon it. When in good company like this, she really did begin to lose a bit of that beautiful ladylike shine she had perfected. Mariella blanched, shaking her head. Teaching is something sh herself would never do. She did not do teaching for if you didn't pick something up fast enough for her then you were worthless, idiotic. Hmph, but hell, she couldn't help the fact if they were slow...Mariella smirked, seeing how Severus agreed, nodding her head. She would never want to end up with such a vanilla life. She would simply perish from boredom, from simple lack of anything to appease her love for new and interesting things.

Mariella's eyebrow rose slightly as she saw Severus lean in at the mention of bigger and better things in life. What, did he plan to rob Gringotts and live the rest of his life in pleasure and ease?
'Don't tell me that you've never heard of the Death Eaters...'
Death Eaters. Mariella's interest immediately perked up to what he was saying, a smirk resting upon her lips. Of course she heard of the Death Eaters. What self respecting Slytherin hadn't? Her true grasp on what they really were, however, is what made her more interested. She knew that Death Eaters were a society of Purebloods against Mudbloods and Muggles, that they were sinister. Although, their true activities were what eluded her. "Oh, of course I know who they are..."Mariella said, head cocking to the side slightly as she looked at the boy. "What of them, Sev?" Mariella already knew that he must be interested in a future with them, since he was the one that brought it up, so he probably did know more about them than either of the girls did.

[celestedeluca]

"I will simply smother them with my adoration and they will forget all about their mission!"

Celeste giggled softly, knowing how true her statement was. In fact, she wasn't even sure that her brother's would do anything against their love. Though they were adorable and sweet to Mariella, to their own sister, they were the most vile and diabolical beings. Through the years, she had learned to deal with their pranks, even having her revenge on occasions. Now that they were at Hogwarts, the twins tended to stray from their sister, only being seen with her in the Great Hall or leaving on vacation. There was nothing wrong with that, in fact, it was possibly the most wonderful thing ever. Taking care of her brother's at home was one thing, but she didn't have to be seen with them at school too. At the sound of the spine-tingling laughter of Mariella, she shook her head at the girls' childishness. The things that occurred between friends, odd enough as it was, it was enjoyable.

"Hmm - sounds like an interesting idea, ladies, but I'm afraid I would be wasted on Captainship, it is I, Severus Snape, who is destined to rule the world! You two just wouldn't be able to cope - being girls and all!"

Releasing Mariella's waist, Celeste rose from her seat and punched him in the arm playfully, fingers uncurling to pinch his cheeks gently. "You're lucky that you're cute, Sev." she returned to her seat, crossing her arms lightly over her chest. At the retorts to her wish to possibly become a professor at Hogwarts, she pouted, arms tightening around her chest. "Così horrible!" she murmured. Teaching at Hogwarts would not be such a horrible thing. She loved the school and believed it might be enjoyable to teach the new students. "There is nothing wrong with being like Dumbledore." she purposefully left out Diable, finding him to be slightly unbearable with his constant muttering in French. She definitely did not want to be like him, finding Dumbledore to be more pleasing. "Hours are no problem either. I say as long as you do something you enjoy, time does not matter," She grinned. "You two are just jealous of my natural teaching skills. Why, I could even teach Transfiguration." Shrugging, she let her arms fall back to her lap, brow arching as she saw Severus lean forward, voice lowering.

Death Eaters, of course she had heard of them! Who in their right mind hadn't? Nodding slowly, she leaned in also, chin resting lightly on her palm. She was interested in learning of what Severus planned on doing with the Death Eaters. She knew of their existence, but had never been interested enough to actually learn of their actions and purpose. "Who wouldn't know of the Death Eaters?" she smiled, her curiosity growing as each second passed. "Now, why are you so interested in them?" She knew he would possibly provide some information for them about the organization and awaited for him to do so.

[severussnape]

((Woops! Sorry for the delay, and tiny post -_- ))

Severus had always liked Dumbledore. His friends, especially Bella and Roldolphus, loathed him with a passion. Sev, on the other hand, respected his knowledge and patience. He didn't normally declare it openly, but he would never say a word against the old wizard - although he was happy to let others bitch all they liked. Diable was a different case entirely - sure, he was good value in classes as he bullied the Gryffindors ceaselessly, but he was still a prick on all accounts.

Sev rubbed his arm and grinned again, "Ok, ok - teaching's not that bad -but let's just say it's not my dream job. Besides - it's takes years and years to work your way up to headmaster, the stepping stone in between is pricks like Diable and Reinard. Nah - I'd like to make a difference."

Severus noticed a change in the atmosphere when he mentioned 'The Death Eaters'. He had been half-joking when he had dropped their name, but now it was like they were expecting him to declare he had the Dark Mark tattooed on his arm or something. He toyed with the idea of letting them think that for a moment. Telling them he had already been approached by the Dark Lord's followers asking him to sign up straight away. Nah - even they wouldn't swallow that bollocks. So he tried a different tack - the truth.

"Well, you're of-age Slytherins - you must have heard that they're recruiting. I'm not going to mention any names, because I just don't need to, but there are people we talk to day-by-day who's parents are involved with them. Now they're asking their children at school to see if any of their friends over 17 are interested."

He paused, and a strange smile played about his lips.

"I was just thinking about it - that's all."

He leaned in a little closer, as if scared that if he was too far away they either wouldn't hear him or someone else would.

"Would you ever consider it?"