{Firewhiskey for those Cold, Autumn Days} ++

[severussnape]

(Any suggestions as to how long this thread should last?)

All the leaves are brown...

Severus rubbed his hands together, desperately trying to force some heat out of the movement, against the cold of the fading Autumn. It was now October, but only just. Leaves were falling thick and fast on the streets of Hogsmeade, to fall only on their frozen predecessors. Each one crumpled with a satisfying crunch as Sev walked; each footstep taking him closer and closer to the Hog's Head. As he closed the corner that would bring him face to face with the unpopular pub, his eyes met a scene of silence. It was not unusual to see no-one outside the place, but when you were expecting a rowdy group of your fellow Slytherins, it can be a little disappointing. You see, Severus Snape was not simply strolling around Hogsmeade, he had planned a meeting with a few friends outside the pub, in an attempt to obtain that most sought after liquid - alcohol. A party was being planned by himself and Narcissa up in the Slytherin Common Room. Snape had decided that what the bored and work-stressed serpents really needed, was a good old piss-up.

When the word had been spread, plenty of his classmates had happily counted themselves in. The only problem now was how to persuade the barman to supply them with what they wanted. This had created two plans, A and B. Plan A, in theory should work, it involved the of-age Slytherins going in and asking for a few bottles of the good stuff. Plan B, on the other hand, involved an older adult going in for them. They had a good idea who this adult was going to be, but didn't want to get their hopes up yet. If push came to shove, Severus knew how to brew up some potions with similar effects - but it just wouldn't be the same. So, fired up with ideas of sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll, they arranged to meet outside the pub at about the same time Sev was standing there now.

Severus cast his eyes around for any sign of the others, all the time concious of the fact that they might not turn up. He peered warily through the grimy window, the bar looked pretty deserted. Certainly there were no teachers to speak of, they were probably all cosied up in the Three Broomsticks. Well, that was good news at any rate. Severus might have been seventeen, but he was sure that smuggling drink into school for younger students, wouldn't go down all that well. He checked his watch - two o'clock - he was bang on time. But where was everyone else. The cold was reaching his special places now, and he began to wish that he hand thought to bring more than a scarf to keep himself warm. Passers-by glanced in his direction and he became aware that he probably looked very odd, standing there all on his own, while his friends moved around in packs. He decided he would wait three more minutes, and if no-one had shown up by then, he'd stop wasting his time and head off to Honeydukes. It would be thouroughly disappointing though, he had been looking forward to the party for a week now. Rubbing his hands together, he whispered, "C'mon, where are you?"

[Narcissa Black]

{They're gonna clean up your looks, with all the lies in the books.}

Her hands were partially hidden by the long sleeves of her expensive robe, but her long, slender fingers weren't concealed by the black material. The tips of her fingers brushed against her sides as she kept walking, her face, as always, partially hidden by the hood of her cloak. Even though there wasn't absolutely anything to care about at the moment, and everything was still in order (something that wouldn't last, if everything went according to the plan), Narcissa didn't like the glances people threw her way every once in a while, when she walked by with the hood down. She wasn't egotistical enough to believe they were all about admiration. Vanity was all good and nice, but she wasn't to lose touch with reality. One would have to be blind to consider the antagonistic stares she received on a daily basis anything but evil, and the hood had proved to be helpful more than once. The other, more realistic, reason as to why she had her head covered, was that perhaps, this once, she had gone overboard with her possé and flair for the dramatic. Sure, the whole point was to not alert any of the teachers to their plans of the bash they would soon be throwing, courtesy of Severus' plotting by the way, but if it was about going incognito to get the Firewhiskey, Narcissa was all for it. So the hood also covered her now glamoured black hair. To tell the truth, her pride had hurt when she had taken a look in the mirror after charming her hair that way, but it was all for the sake of breaking monotony. Looking older and just a tad bit ugly, she had grabbed the cloak. Of course, not everything was about hating her, but once something proved to be useful, she hardly gave it up. And now, she was inmensely grateful for the protection it offered. So now, as she strolled through the streets of Hogsmeade, her direction clear in her head, her eyes scanning for familiar faces, she was somewhat disappointed as she arrived to her destination, only to find one other person there. Arching her eyebrow, and crossing her arms in an amused gesture, it was all that Narcissa could do to stop the laughter. She couldn't keep it out of her voice though, when she spoke up. "My, my, my, Severus. A little eager, aren't we?"

She came to a stop right beside him, and took a few moments to appraise him. If Hogwarts proved to be anything but boring, that would be time-consuming. As a result, the longest while had passed since she had had a decent conversation with her long-time friend that didn't involve Polyjuice, boring lectures, parchment, quills and ink. Passing notes in class was so juvenile. Which was why she revelled in it whenever she could. It was one of the few traits she still conserved untouched by her mother's formidable upbringing, and it was something she wasn't going to give up willingly any time soon. It was bound to be discovered by either Trix or someone else sooner or later, but she wasn't worried about that. Blacks weren't snitches. That wasn't how their world worked. Steadily believing in a world ruled by fate, it was all about biding your time, and you would see just how revenge is best served cold. So as she stood beside her Slytherin friend, studying his profile and wondering, with a half smile that was only reserved for the top five people in her list, why in Hades why Severus Snape was still single, she forgot, for a second, the reason as to why they were standing outside the dingy pub. Why was it, that all of a sudden, she felt the need to throw her arms around him and hug him tightly? Narcissa wasn't a very touchy-feely kind of person. Sure, she was definitely a physical witch, but she passionately abhorred clingy people. Insufferable, intolerant, incompetent...the list could go on and on. She hated whoever wasn't strong enough to stand on their own two feet. And for her to suddenly want to hug one of her friends...she was frowning all of a sudden.

It didn't last though, as she easily dismissed the impulse and resumed her normal composure. That didn't mean she would stop wondering about it. For everything, there was a reason. There wasn't anything in the world that Narcissa was more sure about. It was another of her philosophies. Or her mother's in any case, but still, it was part of her life.

Eyeing him out of the corner of her eye, Narcissa plowed on in the conversation, all the while still thinking about it. "So, what's the plan?" She turned to face him fully. "We enter, steal and leave?" Her smirk proved just how serious she wasn't. The lack of Slytherins was intriguing though, and she couldn't help but questioning their word of showing up. You just never knew.

It wasn't about a trust issue, it was about habit. Narcissa never relied on people. She never questioned whether they would do what they were asked, or they weren't. She just didn't ask them anything. Fiercely independent, there was never a day when she came asking for a favor. Things had order, and for her that was how they worked. Now, as they both stood outside the Hog's Head, very much alone, and waiting for any other Slytherin to appear, to her it was enough proof that if you wanted things to be done well, you had to do them yourself. Easy and simple.

[brett]

"Brilliant Cissy," Regulus smirked sarcastically as he appeared behind Severus and his cousin seemingly from thin air. But that was the thing about magic wasn't that one could just appear from thin air. "And...should we kill the barman or do you think tying him up would be sufficient?" he asked keeping his tone as he pointed out the gaping whole in his cousins plan. Regulus had in fact not appeared from nowhere, rather he had appeared from somewhere very close by and the only magic used was the spell he had cast on his sneakers earlier that day to silence his footsteps. Walking around in the dungeons with an imagination like his and even the echo of your own footsteps can make you paranoid.

Regulus was not quite a party animal, but considering his inconsistent sleeping patterns he could use a night of debauchery with his housemates. Not to mention he had been spending far too much time in the presence of attractive Gryffindor girls lately and being in among the other snakes would ensure that he wouldn't turn soft. Regulus had the tendency to alter his actions and words depending upon his company. So in the presence of Indigo and Ashlynn he was all cute comments and charming smiles. But on a cold October night with Severus and Narcissa his comments were biting as the autumn wind the charming smile replaced by an arrogant smirk. Adapt to your surroundings and your company, that was the key to survival.

Regulus stroked at the scruffy beginnings of a beard along his jawline. He had been putting off shaving for about a week, at first because he was lazy, but since he heard about the party he decided to stay unshaven in hopes of making himself look older. He was only 16, but should be able to pass for 18, unless of course he was asked for ID. Narcissa, while her plan may have been crude it did bring up a flaw. "Do we have money?" Regulus asked addressing no one in particular though looking more towards Severus. Had a collection gone around or was it that they would have to pay first and collect later? In either case Reg had a sizable amount of galleons and sickles in brown leather pouch hidden safely away in the deep left hand side pocket of his cloak.

[celestedeluca]

OOC: I would have to say that this thread ends when the booze has been retrieved and is securely in Slytherin hands. Oh, and if no one minds, I might not post as Reinard due to the fact that I'd just be repeating everything all over again. And I'm sure no one wants to have to read that again. If that's a problem 'cos it's necessary to have his input in the thread, just let me know!

Celeste pulled her scarf tighter around her neck, teeth chattering from the biting autumn wind. The annoying thing kept blowing in her face, blocking her view as she made her way towards the Hog's Head. She had tried to look as inconspicuous as possible, seemingly failing at it as she caught many students and passers-by glancing in her direction. A few times, she contemplated removing her hood, releasing her hair into the chilly wind, but decided against it. She would not risk freezing her face off. How could she possibly drink then? Sighing softly, she glanced behind her, making sure that the Professor was still following her. She had commanded him to keep his distance, unwilling to allow anyone to spread rumors about her traveling around Hogsmeade with a Professor attached to her hip. Behind her, the Professor had a small smirk on his face, motioning for Celeste to turn and keep moving, which she eagerly complied to with a shake of her head. She still couldn't believe that they were actually going through with the plan of getting a teacher to purchase "booze" for them. It had been pure torture to get Professor Reinard to agree to accompany her.

She laughed inwardly at how difficult it had been to get him to do this for her. Buying alcohol for minors and allowing them to bring it into Hogwarts? It had earned her major brownie points with the narcissistic teacher. It had also cost her all her free time. In return for purchasing drinks for the seventh years, she was forced to join the Potions Club and to assist the Professor in every lesson. In addition to this slight horror, she had also been told to become the teacher's pet in his class. She begrudgingly agreed, unwilling to let Severus down. He had been counting on her to bring an adult, and who better than the laid-back, possibly even naive Professor Reinard? But still, she would have to repay Sev for this wondrous idea of his. Making his life miserable would be a magnificent form of revenge. Celeste stuffed her hands in her pockets. No, that wouldn't be right. She had, in fact, agreed to persuade the Professor to come along, so it was as much her fault as it was his. Nevertheless, it was fun to blame it on her fellow Slytherin.

Celeste tugged once again at her scarf, wrapping it securely around her neck and tossing back her hood, releasing her trapped tresses. A sigh of relief passed her lips, the cool air actually wonderful to her overheated ears. Glancing one last time to make sure Professor Reinard continued to follow her, she looked towards the horizon, eyes squinting to see three figures standing by the Hog's Head. As she moved closer, she began to recognize the faces of Severus, Narcissa, and Regulus. But, where were the other Slytherins? How exactly was this plan supposed to unfold without the assistance of their other housemates? Perhaps they were just...running late. Celeste glanced down at her watch impatiently as she came to a halt next to Severus, tugging Professor Reinard next to her with a smirk.

"Celeste and Professor Reinard reporting for duty," she announced. "We're not late, are we?"

[mariellacovas]

With every five steps there seemed to flow a curse from Mariella's mouth. There could only be one source of such hatred from Mariella and that source had to come from the fact the the cold was nipping at her cheeks and ears. The pure torture the young woman was experiencing was positively horrid, her body still not fully accustomed to giving up the warmth of the summer and slipping into the cold, cold autumns. She couldn't stand the thought that winter would become even colder, so she simply pushed those thought to the back of her mind. How one could possibly pull that feat off when facing such cold, she was sure most wouldn't be able to explain. This was how her mind worked though, these thoughts a comfort to her. Mariella's hands rose, fixing her scarf so it was tighter about her neck and pushed her hair ever closer to her ears, that sufficing to keep them warm enough. Her eyes were set in a fixed glare, warning those around her to back off, for she wasn't in the mood for talking. She merely wanted to get in, get the booze and go party in the warmth of the Slytherin dorm.

Mariella couldn't help the smirk that touched her lips. A party was definitely in order, something that would help to relax the students and help them get into the flow of being the 'bad guys' of the school. What was better to do that than drinking and partying like the animals they could be? And what greater way to jump start the party than assisting in getting one of the essentials? Mariella only felt that it was her duty to help in the retrieval of the alcohol, both as a fellow party goer and a good friend of Severus. Not to mention she just loved seeing mischief, it was quite a sight to see and even more of one to be apart of. So who would care if she had another motive for being here? As long as she was helping them, she knew that they would be quite happy to have her assistance. Or at the least they should. She could be picking out her outfit and make up and such. Of course, being a witch, she could do that all in a few minutes. However, like any other girl, Mariella did like to take her time and decide on the best outfit. Sighing, she pushed those thoughts to the back of her mind as she caught sight of her fellow Slytherins and thieves. She couldn't help but smirk as she saw Celeste had got Reinard on their side, although....wasn't the group lacking?

Mariella strode up to the group, stopping beside Celeste and pulling down her scarf with her gloved hands. She needn't anything muffling her speech nor hearing. "Well, here I am...but where is everyone else?" Only Severus, Narcissa, Regulus, Celeste and the teacher she managed to trap found helping retrieve alcohol so important? Mariella couldn't help the soft sigh that passed from her lips, knowing she would just have to accept this fact. So now that they had a teacher, what were they to do? Cloak the items the man brought out or simply walk through town with the obvious contraband. Well, whatever it was, she assumed it wouldn't be too physical seeing at the group they had at the moment did not possess the wondrous physical strength nor stamina to deal with such loads. Crossing her arms over her chest, Mariella glanced around the group before looking over at her best friend with and obviously teasing smirk upon her lips. "Whatever did you do to get him on our side....?" she whispered, an undertone of suggesting nature. Of course she was joking, but it was fun to tease the girl a bit.That was what the girls did, tease and joke.

[parker]

It was cold, to cold for anyone to be out. But then again Parker was a wuss when it came to the cold. You'd never hear her state that aloud or to anyone else. The deep ebony of her expensive robes clashed slightly with the vibrant hue of her rosy locks. Hazel eyes looked dead ahead of her as she trudged miserably through the cold. It had only been a few days ago that she'd heard of this get together for the Slytherins. Apparently they had talked some teacher into buying the drinks. Laughing inwardly, she thought of how hard that might have been.

Curiosity sparked in the green-brown eyes of the older girl. 'I wonder who had the job to talk him into it? Stupid git, they probably had to promise their right arm of something. How idiotic! They could have asked me! Of all the nerve.' she thought to herself as she huffed. It was like no one knew she was eighteen and could legally buy the alcohol. Sighing softly she calmed herself, now was no time to lose her temper. A quick glance around her had her going in the right direction again; you could never overlook a group of Slytherins. Maybe it was so easy to spot them because Slytherins were drawn to their own, or maybe because Narcissa, Severus, Regulus, Mariella, and Celeste were some of the more talked about in the serpentine house.

There was a taller man standing with the group who Parker could only assume was the teacher they'd gotten to come along. Another twinge of untamed jealousy rippled across her features in the form of a small grimace. I guess it was to be said that the porcelain skinned girl was a bit put off that she hadn't been asked personally to do the job.

Slowly she rubbed her hands up and down her upper arms, it was a bit nippy eh? Decided that she'd taken a good amount of time, she finished the small walk over in a minute or so. "Am I to late for this little party your all planning? I just heard." she inquired with a cocky smile. "If you don't want to use the teacher, I can buy the drinks for you, I am eighteen after all." she offered with a glance at the small group. In truth she'd expected a lot more to come, but then again not a lot of people were willing to get their hands dirty but willingly shared in the rewards. Bloody gits.

[severussnape]

((I'm sort of assuming this is the turnout, so I'm going to get back in and post again.
Celeste, that's fine - but it would be nice if you could post with that account once in a while when he actually becomes part of the action.))

The scowl of Sev's face quickly progressed to a grin as a trickle of Slytherins started to file round the corner to greet him. Cissa was first, greeting him with a smirk that was duly returned.

"So, what's the plan?" She turned to face him fully. "We enter, steal and leave?"

"Basically yeah", he shrugged. "Too much planning would spoil the fun. Celeste said something about Professor Reinard, but I very much doubt she meant it. We're probably going to have to blag ourselves the booze, the barman looks simple enough anyway."

Next came her cousin, Regulus, - Celeste and - wait one moment - Professor Reinard??

Severus froze to the spot where he stood. What had happened, had Celeste told on them? No way, he wouldn't believe it. He had obviously accosted her as the rumour had reached his ears. Damn! The plan had failed, and he could kiss goodbye to his next-to-perfect school record now.
But wait - Reinard seemed to be smiling. Perhaps...? No. How could Celeste have persuaded a teacher to do that for them? There was obviously something he was missing out on here. Trying desperately to not look his much-loved Potions teacher in the eye, Severus turned to the last to members of their impromptu alcohol party - Mariella and Paris. He nodded to both of them as they approached, greeting them appropriately as they greeted him.

"No, you're just about on-time."

Turning away from the group as they began to chat amongst themselves, Severus looked towards the grimy pub they would soon be entering. He didn't feel nervous anymore, just a slight sense of foreboding. He took a deep breath, and turned back to his friends and acquaintances.

"So, shall we go in?"

His eyes flickered towards Reinard, trying to catch his reaction.

[bellatrix]

(my procrastination, my bad. Excuse me)


It was apparent that Bellatrix was either rudely late, or just not showing up at all. Yes, she got the 'memo' and knew where they were meeting, the percise time, situation, and everything else that this little escapade involved. What she did not know, was the time, as she got extremely caught up with the other things she was doing. Trix hated arriving late, being late at all was untimely, and there was no such thing as 'fashionably late' in her set opinion. Which, of course, was the right one. How utterly unsatisfying it was to be one of the last Slytherins to arrive. However, it was better late than ever, and she always had an air-tight excuse. An excuse she didn't bother sharing with everyone else, as usual. It was bitterly cold outside, something that suited the month of October well. Trix didn't generally break school rules for such silly reasons, but a party was exactly what their house was in need for. It had been a dreadfully dull start of the year, and their house needed to incorporate some more slytherin pride.

Shaking the wet leaves off her boots, Bellatrix continued to walk across the path of Hogsmeade, with a little less confidence than usual. Knowing she was going to go home for her great aunt's funeral was fine, considering she could care less. But now she'd have to pretend she didn't care that her parents neglected to tell her first; went to their favorite daughter, the youngest. It's what they always did, it wasn't unusual at all. Still, the jealous always ran rampant through her, from the age of three and up, she has always felt it. Next year, she'd prove them wrong. That she was the strongest, and knew her future course like the back of her own hand. Several young and older Hogwarts students ran down the slick streets in pursuit of their favorite store, and their best friends. One slipped and fell down, and Bellatrix stiffled a laugh.

At last at the Hogs Head, the band of Slytherins looked prepared to head inside. She stopped a very fair distance away when she noted the taller in the group. It was a professor, the potions professor to be exact, and he seemed to be accepted in the midst of them. Though a tingle of supsicion shot down through her spine, Bellatrix's slouched posture straightened into a stiff pose, and she glided towards them. "I'm grossly late, I know. But I'm here now, so we can go." It was evident she'd expected them to wait for her. Cissy, Severus, the professor, Mariella, Regulus, Celeste, and another girl she barely recognised were all there. Frowning, she looked at all their faces. "I hope the other Slytherins don't assume they can get the reward without the trial." In other words, she wasn't going to be hospitable to them, when they came around and wanted a drink. "Professor Reinhard." A very short remark, but all the same asked the question as to why he was here.

[marieannetteisoul]

She wasn't going to come, she was just going to wait for everyone else to get the booze and maybe slip into the party later. But, that just didn't seem fair. They were bound to be angry with her if she just.. turned up at the party - no effort put in to the preparation. She suspected the was what many slytherins would be doing, but she didn't want to be one of the ones getting the stares ... she wanted to be giving the stares out. This was the reason Marie was walking across the wet brick pathway of Hogsmeade, heading for The Hog's Head. Dressed in her school robes, Marie had also got her scarf on, and it was constantly blowing into her face as she walked - the day was a typical British winter day, bitterly cold as usual. And she wasn't going to be late... she wasn't. Marie had set out on the right time, but cutting it fine. She couldn't afford to be held up - and of course, held up was exactly what happened. Sod's Law.

She was going along fine, when she ran into a younger Ravenclaw boy. Literally. Well, technically he ran into her - and she didn't hesitate to tell him this. That, and the fact the the boy just wouldn't shut the hell up, was the reason the Marie was late. The heated argument she had with the boy, which she did eventually win (but only when she pulled out her wand and threatened to hex him), lasted a good 10 minutes. When she realized she had wasted this much time Marie almost gave up going. They would have gone in already, surely. But bordom kept her going. She really had nothing else to do, so she figured may as well just keep on going, on the vague hope that everyone else had been late too. Surprisingly, to her luck, she saw a crowd of Slytherins gathered outside the doors to The Hog's Head. Marie smiled slightly at her luck, but was still a fair distance from the Pub. She stopped as she saw the odd one out in the group - the Potions Professor. Marie was unsure of whether to continue or not, as she couldn't tell if he was there to break up the plan or there to help. Going in closer Marie realized that he seemed to be accepted in the group, no shouting at them or even looking slightly angry.

Marie walked up to the group, noticeably late, but she was such an insignificant figure in this plan that they probably wouldn't even notice her approach. So, as she pushed back her hair behind her ear and walked up to them, she didn't expect any response from the group, least of all any sort of welcome. If her entrance went well they wouldn't even notice her, and when they did they would assume she had been there for longer than she had. The best of both worlds. She slipped into the group, standing silently next to Bellatrix, just in time to hear her give a court remark to Professor Reinhard.


OOC: Can Marie jump in now? I'm sorry for the lateness.

[neilreinard]

Professor Reinard glanced around him, his brow arched, amused at the small number of Slytherin students surrounding him. It seems that their plan was going into action. Every minute, a new student would arrive, seemingly trying to be surreptitious as they surrounded the Hog's Head. So, they were really going to go through with this. Chuckling softly to himself as he glanced down at De Luca, he remembered back to just a few days ago. The day that this all began. The day that Celeste came to him, it had already been an extremely odd day. First off, a third year had turned in the most atrocious homework assignment that Neil had ever seen, his quills had mysteriously disappeared for the third time that week, the rowdy Gryffindor and Slytherin group had been silent for their class, and the strangest thing yet, a seventh year had come to him asking for help. It was a wonderful surprise, having the lovely Slytherin, Celeste De Luca come to visit, but her request was surprising. She courageously came to him, seemingly begging (or at least in his mindset) that he accompany her that weekend to purchase alcohol for a Slytherin party. As her teacher, he was required to immediately turn her down, but that was before she had offered her services to him. It was amusing to see the proud De Luca beg him to help her, so he couldn't say no. Anything to gain the adoration of his pupils, right?

Well, the week passed by quickly, and here he stood, tied to De Luca by the hip, waiting for further instructions. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he couldn't help but question why he had agreed to this. Why by them drinks if they wouldn't even bother to share them with their beloved teacher? He didn't dare question his student, however, she seemed to be in a bad enough mood as it was. Besides, Italian's are feisty when they're angry. Neil glanced around the slowly enlarging group of Slytherins, counting a total of eight students. It seemed the rest would be awaiting the spoils back in the common room. Yawning softly, Reinard returned his gaze to De Luca, brow arching as he heard the soft murmur of Covas to her friend. He watched the Italian girl flush darkly, snapping at her friend in embarrassment. He had the urge to defend her. To lean down and inform Covas that all the girl had done was to become the teacher's pet, but he decided that her suffering was another form of punishment.

"So, shall we go in?"

Reinard moved his gaze to Severus, the supposed leader of the group. He smiled and nodded, removing his hands from his cloak and rubbing them together. "I suppose so. But, if I may ask...how exactly do you plan on getting your drinks into the castle?" He was quite curious to know as to how they planned on getting past the other teachers and remaining inconspicuous as they made their way through Hogsmeade. Celeste had only informed him that he would be purchasing the drinks since, though they were of age, they could not bring them into Hogwarts. The thought of all these wonderful students getting detention over alcohol-smuggling was simply dreadful, leaving Neil with only one choice. He would have to assist them in moving their drinks. All he needed was a bag and a simple spell and they could safely move their booty into the castle undetected. Whatever the decision, it needed to be made quickly. Time was running out. Either they would be discovered by another teacher, or their time in Hogsmeade would expire, leaving them with no choice but to return home empty-handed.

[Narcissa Black]

{To make a citizen out of you}

"Brilliant Cissy"

And before she thought twice, Narcissa had whipped her wand out, pointed right at her cousin Regulus' heart. "I know, Reggy dear," she replied sedately, her emphasize on the nickname barely noticeable as she actually smiled at him. "But I do beg you, in the most courteous manner," she broke into a smirk. "That you never again call me Cissy." She jabbed his chest in a light but threatening manner, making sure that her point had come across quite accurately, no room for misinterpretations. "You see, you're family, but still. In public, Regulus?" she clucked her tongue, almost in a chastise. "That's a big nono." And then her face broke into a grin. "But it's still good to see you," she commented idly, the hood of her cloak still in place. "And I think that tying up and a quick Obliviate could do the trick better than killing him," she continued off-handedly, still in stride. "You see, I'm in no killing mood tonight, cousin dear," she said with a roll of her slate eyes, slightly shaking her head. Crossing her arms in front of her in what would've been a defensive posture in anyone else, Narcissa's eyes scanned the surroundings, lazily flicking to and fro for any sign of another Slytherin. If them three turned out to be the only ones to show up...

Her train of thought was interrupted when Regulus asked a rather random question, considering just who he was with at the moment. Shooting him a weird glance, Narcissa sighed. "Seriously Reg, what's with you?" Turning to face him fully since the hood of her cloak blocked her peripheral vision, she grinned at him. "That's the last thing you should be worried about right now, cousin dear," she chastisised. With a grand sweep of her arms, Narcissa gestured at herself, at Severus, and lastly at her cousin. "Do you think Severus would've made a plan, gone through some pains to actually put it into action and then come up with the nonsense that we're in need of money?" And she laughed then, her eyes twinkling merrily. Narcissa wasn't making fun of her cousin at all. It was just that the thought of them lacking money was just too hilarious to even consider it for a second. She was still chuckling when two other figures were discernable in the distance. When she managed to distinguish who it was, the laughter died in her lips almost immediately. "You've got to be bloody joking," she said, her eyes narrowing instinctively as she saw no other than their Potions Professor escorting Celeste DeLuca. The girl, she had some trouble identifying at first, had her hood up, much like herself, but definitely for different reasons. She very much doubted the Italian girl had decided--in an act of total insanity, she had to admit--to Glamour her hair.

"Professor," she said courteously, nodding her head in acknowledgement, doing the same for her Housemate next. Slightly turning to face Severus, she widened her eyes slightly in questioning as to the Professor's presence, but Severus' anxiety shone through. If he didn't know about him coming, then what was going on? He couldn't punish them for something they hadn't comitted yet, but still, she had to admit that standing in front of a dingy pub wasn't really the most inconspicuous behavior in the world. Yet, he couldn't do anything until something was revealed.

There was no time for mulling it over though, as a couple more of Slytherins turned up. Both whom she vaguely knew, but everything was kept strictly in the acquaintance terms. Narcissa didn't let many people through her rigurous friend filters, and just because they shared the same House didn't make them automatic friends. Perhaps just allies, but in the light sense of the word. And then Paris had to mention the licor. Hadn't she seen Professor Reinard standing in the middle of their little clique? She was about to hiss a reprimand, but the Professor didn't indicate anything but absolute disposition. What the...? Shaking her head (she would never understand him, seriously), Narcissa's eyes lightened considerably when Bellatrix appeared. "Apparently they're showing their true colors at last," she commented idly as an answer to Bellatrix's first words to the group. She examined her fingernails for a moment before looking up, a small tugging of her lips proof of the smirk that was about to blossom. "who would've thought?" she asked rhetorically, making a quick scan of those who were missing. She was about to narrow her eyes when she counted at least three Slytherins missing, but when Marie walked up, she sent her a quick nod of acknowledgement. So she had shown up. Narcissa had been wondering as to whether she'd come or not. But wasn't this girl always up for anything? She half smiled and shrugged in response to Severus' comment.

"After you," she said with a grin, gesturing to the entrance of the pub, trying to ignore that there was a Professor among their midst.

[brett]

"My apologies, Narcissa," Regulus smirked. While his younger cousin was not nearly as intimidating as her sister Bellatrix, Reg knew that a cross Narcissa could be quite dangerous. Taking the poke to his chest, Regulus brought his hand to his shirt straightening it to remove any sort of dent as his cousin detailed her plan. "How generous of you," Regulus commented running the plan through his head. It would still be too easy to get caught, unless they obliviated everyone else in Hogsmeade someone was bound to find the barman and recall the large group of students...but perhaps he was just worrying too much.

Regulus should have known better than to bring up a question of money around his cousin. "Just checking that all the pieces are in place. You should know it's hard for me to go along with anyone else's plan without questioning every step," Regulus explained meaning no offense to Severus or his cousin. Regulus had been told to show up because they were getting drinks for a party and since he was not involved in the planning he was convinced that it was more than likely the plan was flawed, so he would question every step until he found it. After all there was a reason, he had only a fraction of the detentions of his brother and it had nothing to do with being less mischievous.

Regulus had heard that Celeste would be trying to bring in the aid of a teacher, and Reg thought it was a dumb, most likely unnecessary risk. Even now in the Prof. presence he stood by that opinion, luckily the risk had paid off. There was a decent collection of students now, including 3 fellow members of the quidditch team, one of them being his cousin Bellatrix. Surprisingly not among the horde was Hemlock, probably back in the commonroom waiting, lazy bugger. Regulus kept his eyes focused on the pub thinking the plan through, possible things that could go wrong, and how he would get away if they did.

Severus' voice broke his gaze and returned him to the current time. Hearing Reinard's comment Reg was glad he wasn't the only skeptic in the group. Surely they had thought of something though. All they would need is one bag, maybe one of the girls purses, to enchant and increase the volume to hold their liquor. "Anyone bring a bag or a purse?" Regulus asked looking around at his cohorts figuring the thoughts were no good unless he shared them with the group. "Also is there anyone beside Reinard and Parker who can buy alcohol? Because I'm thinking who ever can should so no one person has to buy it all, because again transportation becomes an issue. If we go in small groups of maybe two or three or even four and five it would look far less suspicious then a group of eight students and a Professor going in to buy a massive amount of liquor," Regulus finished. Not that there was much the barman would be able to do, as long of an of age person was doing the buying, but still. There was also the question of how much they actually wanted and of what, but surely Sev would have thought of that.

[parker]

Time was growing short, and they were still all standing here looking like a bunch of daisies. 'Ew what a sickening analogy..' Parker was naturally a patient person, but this was pointless. Questions were being tossed about, answered, and tossed about again. When did they plan to actually get on with the purchasing of the goods, hm?

Silently Parker stood there, glancing about with those hazel eyes of hers. It was about this time that she'd normally just give up on discussing things and just walk up and buy the bloody stuff and be done with it, but she wanted to stay calm and look the part. Then the question of transportation into the castle came up, and all Parker could do was smile. "Isn't butterbeer allowed in the castle? Or like other non-alcoholic drinks? Well why not just switch the labels? A simple transfiguration charm would work nicely." she stated, throwing the idea out there to be mulled over by other minds.

Then Regulus spoke up, talking about purses, and then about others purchasing as well. It was a smart idea, and they were less likely to attract attention that way, but hadn't everyone already seen them as they stood where they did? "I agree with Regulus on the separate buyers, but purses get checked don't they? she questioned. Looking around carefully, she thought for a moment before turning her full attention back to the group. "We're wasting a lot of time debating this though, if we take much longer we wont have enough time to do whatever it is we do to get the stuff, and also back inside the castle."

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