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Godfrey Potter-Lockhart Crew
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 Posted: Sun Jun 14, 2009 12:22 pm
Godfrey smiled back, a quick flash of his teeth, and nodded.
"Alright. What's your biggest snake?" Godfrey headed out the library doors, giving the end of the hall and the doors to the last two rooms a quick glance. He looked down the hall towards the greenhouse, and couldn't help but give the mysterious door they'd passed and Voldemort had not explained its function of a curious glance.
But then it occurred to him that it was likely just the bathroom, or the door to go down to the basement, and anyways, he was curious but not curious enough to be really bothered by it. He smiled at himself for being silly, and took the initiative to head towards the greenhouse ahead of Voldemort, looking back at him for a moment before continuing. He took the opportunity to examine the pictures on the wall as well, stopping for a second to peer at the man with the mangled face and utter 'I'm sorry,' for staring. He was more curious about how the man in the painting had gotten that way, but decided to save those questions for some other time, perhaps.
He stopped a few feet away from the greenhouse door, and turned around again to face Voldemort. "How many snakes do you have?"
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Posted: Sun Jun 14, 2009 10:20 pm
"I had a Basilisk for some time, but he had to be sent off. Very disagreeable, and ate a lot, of course. I do have an anaconda around somewhere who is reaching 10 meter mark..." Voldemort followed after Godfrey, giving a glance around the library before exiting. There was an odd sense of something happening, something monumental but which only affected Godfrey and himself. An understanding, perhaps. But also something a bit more; like if Voldemort were to say the wrong thing now he might be forgiven for it.
Voldemort couldn't help but feel happy, more comfortable. Godfrey certainly was something else.
They were in the sitting room that connected to the greenhouse. The entire sidewall was glass, and you could clearly see into the enclosure. There was a long opening along the bottom, so snakes could go in and out of the house easily. Voldemort undid the latch keeping the door shut, and slid it open, where it tucked into the wall, a giant sliding-glass door. There wasn't a floor, only natural dirt and grass, trees sprouting up naturally, one giant oak so large there was holes cut in the roof to allow it to fit. A stream even wove it's way through the center of the room. Most the snakes were camouflaged, so you couldn't tell exactly how many there might be. A few stuck out like sore thumbs: bright reds, oranges, whites. Voldemort could hear them speaking, whispering to eachother, wondering who the stranger was.
"I have close to 300 now. Watch your step. It would probably be best you don't stray too far. Some don't take kindly to strangers, and for good reason." Voldemort was already making his way into the room, hissing now and then. An emerald-green boa, thick as the branch she was draped across, hung right over the path, staring fixedly at Godfrey.
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Godfrey Potter-Lockhart Crew
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Posted: Sun Jun 14, 2009 10:36 pm
"Wow, 300?" Godfrey kept close, as he was 'advised,' and resisted the urge to grab a hold of the back of Voldemort's cloak. Three hundred snakes... and who knows how many of them were poisonous. But he felt rather comfortable, and not like he was in any danger at all. If something did happen... well he didn't want to upset Voldemort by turning one of his pets/friends into a smoldering pile of ashes, and he thought Voldemort might have anti venom in the house.
"No wonder you don't talk to people much, I doubt you lack for conversation." Godfrey grinned, peering up at the tall, tall tree, ears swiveling around, trying to catch all the noises that he couldn't understand. The room was beautiful, the snakes were beautiful, and Godfrey was amusing himself by trying to spot the harder-to-see snakes amongst the foliage.
"Oh!" He paused before getting too close to the boa, staring up at it. "Wow, what a beautiful colour."
He wanted to touch her, but kept his hands down at his sides, thinking about the big albino snake from earlier, and wondering if it had not appreciated being randomly and hastily groped while it was on the table.
Godfrey also shivered slightly, though in fact he was feeling a bit too warm- a combination of himself, the hot greenhouse, and his sweater.
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Posted: Sun Jun 14, 2009 11:12 pm
"It's not so daunting, considering most of them are young. The smaller ones have to be kept in separate enclosures... most snakes will think nothing of cannibalism. Either way, around 200 of my snakes are less than a year old." Voldemort smiled to himself; he couldn't blame the older snakes for wanting to eat those smaller than themselves. Even the older snakes sometimes had trouble with it, the larger ones exercising a lot of restraints on instincts. They were fed often enough though that it wasn't a big problem. Most even got along with eachother, or at least grew used to eachother.
"You wouldn't think of snakes as noisy, but yes, they can be surprisingly talkative." He lifted his hand, stroking the green boa under the chin. Her tongue flicked in and out rapidly, stretching her six foot body out beyond the branch so it seemed almost impossible that her tail could hold her up. As she did so another snake descended from somewhere above, presumably to investigate. And then another, a large diamond-back rattle snake, crawled along by Godfrey's foot. They seemed to be congregating on the spot, curious of the new smell.
"Hm." He spoke to the green boa in parseltongue, a curious look on his face. She had come out of the tree and was draped over Voldemort's shoulders now, trying to get closer to Godfrey. "You're so warm... that's why they're all coming. Here, sit, sit." Voldemort sat on a nearby log, gesturing Godfrey to do the same. It was much warmer in the greenhouse than outdoors, perhaps almost 80 degrees.
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Godfrey Potter-Lockhart Crew
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Posted: Sun Jun 14, 2009 11:25 pm
"Oh!" Godfrey watched the snake stretch out towards him, and wanted to step closer, just as curious about her as she was about him. When he saw movement by his feet, he looked down, watching the diamond-back. He had no trouble recognizing the rattlesnake, but was fascinated rather than afraid. Most people could never dream to get this close to these types of snakes. Godfrey wasn't a snake hobbyist or anything like that, but he thought they were beautiful and fully understood and appreciated the novelty of what was happening.
"So they're just children?" Godfrey looked up, giving Voldemort a curious look. Upon Voldemort's invitation, Godfrey was careful not to step on anyone as he made his way to the log, taking a seat next to Voldemort.
He took off his sweatshirt after a moment, revealing his bright yellow t-shirt, and set his hoodie on his other side, feeling relieved. He had an ulterior motive for this, however- the snakes seemed to want to crawl all over him, and he wanted to let them, feel their scales against his skin.
"My normal body temperature is a few degrees above normal." He commented idly, sitting close to Voldemort and peering closely at the seemingly friendly emerald boa.
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Posted: Sun Jun 14, 2009 11:54 pm
(listening to this, it's strangely fitting, I like it: "Angels on the Moon"- Thriving Ivory. Also, I like writing about snakes, because I have a similar sort of love for them as Voldemort, I guess? :3)
"Children is a close enough word, yes. But they are intelligent from birth, they have to be to survive, and communicate after only a few hours." Voldemort smiled fondly, thinking of how curious all snakes were, the things they would ask. They really were like children, all of them.
Voldemort was distracted by his snakes, but still stopped to watch Godfrey take off his sweatshirt, catching sight of his bare stomach for a brief second before turning away. "Oh, and they're all harmless really, as long as I'm here. You can touch any of them, just go slowly." The emerald boa had already taken initiative, and bridged the gap between the two of them, crossing over onto Godfrey's shoulders, content to rest there like a scaly scarf against his warm skin. Voldemort didn't comment on the fact Godfrey was warmer than most people, having suspected as such, simply logging the information away.
Most the snakes were keeping their distance, simply curious but content to smell from a distance. Even the long anaconda had ventured out of his usual place by the streams edge, his brown and green scales, the black spots on top, blending almost perfectly with the ground and trees around. Upon gathering that there was nothing interesting happening, and no food, most of them retreated back to whatever they were doing before.
Voldemort picked up the nearby rattlesnake gently, it's scales rougher than most other snakes, spiky in places, along the edge that joined it's backside with it's stomach scales. It curled absently in the man's lap, long tongue occasional scenting the air.
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Godfrey Potter-Lockhart Crew
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Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2009 12:06 am
((*Eats the song*))
Godfrey nodded at Voldemort's explanation, watching the boa come closer, and giggled lightly at the tickling feeling of her scales sliding over his shirt and skin. He scooted an inch closer, prompting her to curl around him more and consequently forgetting about personal-bubble boundaries, like he usually tended to do.
He moved his hand up slowly, fingertips brushing against her smooth scales and looking closer at the way the light shone on them. He peered around for a moment at the other snakes, but was more interested in the ones he could touch, turning his attention back to the emerald.
The rattlesnake's texture looked quite different from the boa's, and he slowly reached out his other hand, making sure the snake could see him, before lightly touching it as well.
"They're so warm." He smiled slightly, letting his forearm rest lightly on Voldemort's leg as he lightly stroked both snakes. "Do they have names?"
He was incredibly fascinated by being able to touch these creatures, and couldn't look away from them. The snake's weight felt heavy and warm on his shoulders, almost like an arm giving him a hug.
((Hahaha. Godfrey's so innocently space-invading. xD))
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Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2009 12:21 am
Voldemort smiled over at Godfrey, letting his eyes wander, fixated on Godfrey's bare skin against green scales. It was odd how he couldn't help but focus on such things, Godfrey's arm against his leg, so warm he felt like it should be burning his robes. He took a deep breath and released it slowly; his inner mind was betraying his true feelings and he didn't dare venture down that path. It was wrong.
"They're warm because it's warm here. No doubt she will be a lot warmer the longer she stays close to you like that." He gestured to the green boa, smiling still.
"And they generally dislike names. Some will allow me to name them, but most refuse the idea. Their minds don't grasp the need for such things. They can differentiate between themselves easily enough, and I can as well, so they're right really." The rattlesnake lay completely still all the while, asleep as snakes can sleep- really they only stay still and slow bodily functions, as they can't close their eyes or sleep as most mammals would.
"Is there any certain time you need to be home?" He glanced outside, where the sun had disappeared behind the forest, meaning it neared four. He didn't want to ask but at the same time he wanted to know.
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Godfrey Potter-Lockhart Crew
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Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2009 12:36 am
"I don't have to home until I feel like it." Godfrey said, knowing this wasn't true. Harry wold probably be upset, but Godfrey honestly didn't care. If he could run around outside all night as he pleased at the age of ten without reprimand, he figured he should be able to do the same thing now- especially since he actually had places he wanted to go and things he wanted to do.
Godfrey frowned momentarily and sighed, closing his eyes for a moment and yawning. He kept frowning, not wanting to be tired, but the heat and hissing nosies were luring him and making him feel very comfortable. He gave in after a few more moments, leaning affectionately against his friend's arm. They'd been friends for many, many months after all, and it'd likely be more comfortable for the emerald boa anyways.
Godfrey wasn't going to go to sleep- no, he was just enjoying this nice, quiet moment, a moment where he didn't have to do anything or have to be doing some sort of lesson. Speaking of lessons, he didn't want to have a magic lesson with Voldemort either, despite the fact that some people would probably give up all their possessions for such an opportunity.
"Can we just sit here? I don't want to practice any magic today, I'm exhausted."
Godfrey really was exhausted, cramming and cramming and trying to get up to a fifth year level by next year. He would still have to study throughout the summer, and had a tough time ahead of him. "Thank you by the way.... without you I probably would have had to stay back and do fourth year again next year."
He let his one hand rest on top of the rattlesnake, and let the other fall down into his own lap, staring down at Voldemort's knee without really looking at it.
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Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2009 12:51 am
"Well, whenever you are ready then, I'd be happy to Apparate you wherever you need to go. Much faster and easier that way." Voldemort looked off into the forest outside, surprised when Godfrey rested against him. He looked down at the boy, the snake coiling back around his own shoulders, winding lazily between the two. Voldemort felt like his own temperature had risen a few degrees, as if Godfrey's warmth transferred to Voldemort's skin just as easily at it had to the snakes. Cold-blooded.
He closed his red eyes, dark thoughts whispering through his mind. He spoke slowly, feeling his voice might crack and betray him. "Of course we can just sit here. Whatever you like." Voldemort wasn't tense like he was before; on the outside he was relaxed as he ever felt. But he knew he couldn't sit like this for long, not without his thoughts worsening at least. Godfrey was so close, too close, not close enough. Voldemort was good at restraint, but it wasn't often such temptations were placed so easily in front of him...
Fortunately, Clementine took that moment to come lumbering in, a look of simple content on her lizard-face; no doubt she had dug the perfect hole for her spoons. She straggled over to them, walking in that awkward way that monitor lizards would, the rattlesnake promptly slithering off indigently. Clementine seemed to take in the situation, bumping her head against Godfrey's leg.
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Godfrey Potter-Lockhart Crew
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Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2009 1:08 am
Godfrey nodded lightly, leaning trustfully against Voldemort for those few minutes, unknowing or perhaps knowing but not acknowledging it. Of course it was inappropriate to touch people, lean against them, get too close, unless you meant to do something. It was especially inappropriate because Voldemort was several decades older than him, but Godfrey didn't often think in thoughts of appropriate and inappropriate. He just felt comfortable, and thought that Voldemort enjoyed- and wanted- some kind of physical contact more than he was willing to say.
Voldemort's skin was rather cool besides, even beneath his clothes, and it gave him some relief. Godfrey was forcibly reminded of years ago, when he'd had his first tutors. Older men, mostly, but it was only after Papa went into the hospital that he found himself forming deep attachments to them, desperate for some form of adult praise and platonic affection.
Voldemort- he couldn't afford to think of Voldemort in that way. He admired him, looked up to him, thought of him as a mentor, yes. But not a Father figure. It would probably absolutely crush both of his parents, and despite his outward attitude, he loved Harry too much to ever do something like that to him. Voldemort didn't seem like much of the father-figure type anyways, with his dark laughs and wicked smiles.
Godfrey's eyes had almost drifted closed on their own accord when he felt the rattlesnake move and something bump against his leg. He blinked and looked down at Clementine and then grinned, sitting up properly.
"Hi Clementine!" He said, feeling a spark of energy run through him. He put one hand on top of her furry head and smoothed the fur back, petting her.
"Hey, where'd you put your new toy?"
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Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2009 1:22 am
Clementine only flicked her long tongue out once, craning her neck to stare upwards at Godfrey. Her furred tail dragged in the dirt, leaving a trail.
"No doubt she found a proper place to hide it." Voldemort laughed, almost innocently thinking of what odd place he might stumble upon the bunch of spoons. He welcomed the interruption, taking the opportunity to stand up and stretch his arms over his head. Before he didn't want to ask when Godfrey should leave; now he felt it might be better if he sent him home now.
Clementine only gave Voldemort a sideways glance, bumping her head against Godfrey's leg again, seeming to just want contact. Voldemort stared down at her, then turned his look to Godfrey. "Perhaps it would be best if I brought you home now? I hadn't planned for a dinner of any sort, and I wouldn't want you to miss out on... whatever might be planned at your home." Again his question was more of a demand, but there was a hint of sadness in his voice. He was so used to speaking in parseltongue he had grown rusty at keeping his voice even and monotone as it generally was.
He wanted Godfrey to stay. Perhaps could have sat there with that slight contact between them for a long time, until the sky outside grew dark. But he didn't trust himself to do that, not yet, and he didn't want this to be the last visit. He wanted- needed- Godfrey to visit again. He was hungry for the attention, happy to have someone to share his thoughts, his home with. He couldn't mess this up. If Godfrey were to leave now and not return; he didn't dare fathom the thought of what he would do.
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Godfrey Potter-Lockhart Crew
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Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2009 1:44 am
Godfrey smiled at Clementine and ruffled her head fur, smiling further at the sound of Voldemort's laughing, about to get on his knees on the ground and properly ruffle Clementine up, when Voldemort suggested he bring him home.
Godfrey looked up at Voldemort for a moment, brows furrowed and obviously confused. Did he want him to go? Had he been hinting at it and Godfrey had ignored it? Godfrey looked back down at Clementine and frowned, not so much petting her head again as setting his hand on top of her fur.
Godfrey thought Voldemort hadn't wanted him to go yet- oh. Godfrey frowned sadly at Clementine. He probably shouldn't have leaned against Voldemort, even though he did that with a lot of his good friends. Voldemort was different, he should have asked, shouldn't have just done whatever he wanted, and immediately felt bad about it.
"Oh.... I'm sorry.................................. okay." He didn't have anything planned, though he didn't know why, it wasn't as if he could stay at Voldemort's forever, but he hadn't thought of anything else he wanted to do that day. It would be rather rude to stay so long when he hadn't been invited. Yes, it was probably best to go.
Godfrey took a deep breath and let it out slowly, scratching the corner of his eye to carefully wipe away a drop of wetness- feeling upset at himself.
When he looked up at Voldemort again though, he was smiling, and then he stood. "I don't really want to go home right now, though. Could you drop me off in London's main park? Close to all the shops? I like to just walk around sometimes and look at things."
He grinned, one hand still petting Clementine's head.
"Can I come again the weekend after next? Josh and I will be doing things next weekend." Godfrey abruptly remembered that he hadn't gushed about Josh, asked Voldemort all sorts of questions and for advice like he wanted to- lots of things. But it really didn't matter. Godfrey didn't ask Voldemort if he could tell Josh they were friends either. This was only the second time they had met face to face, after all! Besides, Voldemort might change his mind, and then it'd be a non-issue anyways.
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Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2009 6:05 pm
Voldemort looked down at Godfrey, slightly puzzled. What on earth had he said to upset him? He stood perplexed for a moment. "Godfrey, there's no reason to be sorry." He smiled a bit, shaking his head. He forgot what it was like being so young, and he knew from the start that Godfrey was a bit more emotional than most boys his age.
Voldemort matched Godfrey's smile, taking a few steps towards a nearby tree to allow the boa to climb off of him. "London's main park sounds fine, of course." The snake made her way up the tree, disappearing from sight, and Voldemort stood there, a few feet from Godfrey's side.
"The weekend after next... that seems fine as well. Is there a location where I can better place a Portkey, or does the same alley seem fine?" A tremble of happiness went through him at the prospect of Godfrey visiting again, but he didn't let it show on the outside, at least he hoped he hadn't.
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Godfrey Potter-Lockhart Crew
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Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2009 6:33 pm
Godfrey only felt more confused. Was Voldemort upset at him or not? It seemed he was, but then he wasn't. He shrugged lightly in answer, watching Voldemort put the snake in the tree for a moment, before looking away and petting Clementine some more, his brows knitted together in slight frustration.
"No, the same alley is fine." Godfrey looked up at Voldemort again, biting and worrying his lower lip, but then gave him a small half-smile.
He stood there for a few seconds then, not sure how Voldemort wanted to apparate him, but he decided just to take a step closer and let Voldemort do it however he wanted.
"Okay, I'm ready. Bye Clementine. Er.... bye snakes."
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