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 Posted: Mon Nov 07, 2011 7:11 pm
Herbology Class
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– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Who was Elliot Moreau? The Herbology professor just assigned them to be partners, but who was he? Quillan's brow furrowed together, puzzled. "Hey..." He whispered to the Slytherin next to him, "Who's Elliot Moreau?" They pointed towards one of the Ravenclaws and as their finger steadied, Quillan's eyes focused on a black haired boy hovering over some of the potted plants, like everyone else. "But I thought his name was Stinky?" Quillan whispered back, confused. "What? ... It's just a nickname?" he exclaimed, a little bit louder than he had hoped. Oops... I guess that didn't really make sense in the first place... Quillan observed, craning his neck to look at St--Elliot.
When the professor dismissed them to go partner up, Quillan slid out of his chair and trotted over to Elliot with their potted Shrivelfig (which their professor had explicitly stated to handle with care). "Got it, Elliot!" He said, plopping the plot down on the table. It caused a rather loud "thud." "We're supposed to prune these--I guess?" Quillan added, looking down at the plant with a sideways stare. "... Does that mean to pickle?" Sure, Quillan had heard of prunes.. like the fruit/vegetable/thing, but when it said to prune something--that was just like... Pickling it, right?
Oh well! Quillan just could hope Elliot knew what he was doing! "So, partner!" Quillan clapped his hands together, "What shall we do first? I think we're supposed to grab... some sheers? Oh wait... what is everyone grabbing? I can't quite see over all their heads..." Quillan huffed. Not even on his tippie toes and he was taller than most of the other 2nd years!
Finding his plight useless, he whipped around to face Elliot again, "Did you take any notes--I forgot my pen," in my robe Quillan added silently to himself. It just seemed like a huge effort to shuffle around for it!
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Posted: Mon Nov 07, 2011 8:20 pm
Elliot hated Herbology! As a Ravenclaw, it went against his very scholastic nature to hate any course in school- but he simply couldn't bring himself to enjoy it. In his first year, he was as optimistic as any student, but try as he might, he simply could not get anything to grow! It seemed as if any plant he touched died. At first, it had upset him, but now? He just tried to avoid actually handling the plants as much as possible. He knew the technical information, but simply could not perform when it came to plants.
Despite not enjoying the class, Elliot still loved being partnered up! He didn't know his classmates' by name, so when it was announced that he should be partnered with Quillan, he stood around expectantly, waiting for his partner to find him instead. As he waited, he stared hesitantly at the plants... the high-maintenance things that they were!
After a few moments of waiting, Elliot thought that he might have to seek out the other boy himself. But he was saved that trouble when Quill approached of his own accord. He was a quick boy, and Elliot wasn't able to catch him quickly enough to respond in time! He half-followed the Slytherin around, waiting for a break in his banter. Elliot frowned when Quill mentioned pickling (he did not think that was part of the procedure!) but was not able to correct the boy until a few minutes, once he had stopped and was looking for his pen...
"Y-yes I have my notes... but the professor said to prune them- that is not pickling!" said the distraught Ravenclaw at his first opportunity. He reached down into his disorganized bag and pulled out a roll of parchment, stretched it out, and presented it to Quillan. It was mostly covered in barely-legible handwriting and scribbles, but Elliot pointed out the small section of writing that contained the instructions. "Do you see? You take the- ah... You take the shears and you remove the... the death..." he managed, gesturing at the withered stalks of the Shrivelfig in front of them to demonstrate what he meant. "These parts here."
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Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2011 11:30 am
"Perfect then!" Quillan hovered over Elliot's notes--and surprisingly, he was able to read his hand-writing just fine (because Quillan's scrawl was illegible, with his "L"s and "F"s being the only things identifiable in the midst of all the scribbles). "Oh--she wants us just to trim away the withered parts--why didn't she just say so?" Quillan inquired, to prune is such a strange word! It definitely would have sufficed if she just said something along the lines of "skin the shrivelfig." "Well, this will be fun. Can't say skinning things doesn't make a boy happy--" Quillan nonchalantly noted, not noticing the serial-killer vibe his words were giving off. "I'll go pick up the shears, Stinky."
Oops! The word jumped out of Quillan's mouth before he could stop himself. Acting like nothing wrong had happened, he quickly shuffled off to where the shears were kept. Hopefully, Elliot wasn't able to make out what he said because of all the noise. After gathering up two pairs of shears, once again acting like nothing had happened, Quillan returned to the table. "Here you go, one pair of shears for you!" He extended his hand out, waiting for Elliot to take hold of the other pair.
"So, from what your notes say... The Shrivelfig is supposed to ooze purple goo?" Quillan raised an eyebrow at the parchment. "Well, that's just nasty--though I do wonder if it could be used to die hair..." It seemed like a logical conclusion--y'know, since it was such a deep purple. "I think that's far more interesting that just pruning them, don't you think?" There was an unnerving twinkle in Quillan's eyes as he spoke to Elliot. "I feel like someone with blonde hair would hold it the best..."
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Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2011 5:57 pm
Fortunately for Quill, Elliot didn't pick up on the Slytherin's slip of the tongue. He tilted his head a bit at the word, recognizing that it was supposed to be his name. However, given the noise level of the other students and his language barrier not allowing him to pick up on the slang term, Elliot couldn't actually tell what it was! Speaking of which, it was hard for him to understand much of what he said- he moved so quickly! Ah well... He shrugged it off and waited for Quillan to return...
Elliot took the shears, then listened patiently as the Slytherin explained. The further along Quillan got, the more concerned Elliot became. What was this about purple goo and hair dye? Did Quill intend to use the Shrivelfig to dye someone's hair? He did not think that was part of the assignment... but what did he know about Herbology?
"I think that makes sense..." he said, cocking his head in Quillan's direction. "Is that what we are going to do?" he asked, innocently enough.
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Posted: Fri Nov 11, 2011 3:13 pm
It was Quillan's turn to tilt his head--"Is that what we are going to do?" He mimicked--mostly muttering to himself in order to get a full grasp on what Elliot said. This kid actually believed that they were supposed to be dying hair! Oh, this is going to be a blast! The things he could do with a naive partner--most of the other ones caught on to his mischief... But with Stink--Elliot, Quillan corrected himself--he didn't even have anyone to play as his conscience! The things I could do! Just thinking about it made him absolutely vibrant!
Thus, barely missing a beat, Quillan jumped back in from his thoughts, "Of course we are! Can't you read your own notes?" He inquired, a belittling tone in his voice. "Aren't you supposed to be a Ravenclaw--silly goose." Quillan made a move to pat the boy's head and then quickly retracted his hand--he had heard stories about that mop of hair... And most of them included some sort of wild and ferocious army of creatures dwelling in the matted cuticles. Slightly disgusted with what could've been, Quillan shoved his hands in his pockets. "Er... anyway. Let's get to shearing this thing!"
As soon as his hands were on the shears, Quillan glanced around the room. Target, target, target... Oh, who should you be! "Who's hair do you think we should dye?" Quillan inquired to Elliot, innocent as can be.
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Posted: Fri Nov 11, 2011 4:37 pm
Elliot did furrow his brows when Quillan questioned his house... Of course he was a Ravenclaw! He wore the badge and colors most proudly on his uniform; was Quill too daft to see that? None of it made any sense to Elliot, who decided to just go along with the other boy's plan.
Speaking of not making any sense... Elliot was confused as to how dyeing a student's hair related at all to Herbology. He reached a hand up to touch his own hair, reminded of his own "special" mixture that he used to dye his hair. He beamed proudly at the recollection- he had made it himself, after all! His first successful invention! (Even if it was not a spell...)
"Oh-! I think, uhh..." He brought his fingers to his mouth to bite off a spike of nail, which he then chewed between his front teeth. There were three blonde-haired students in the class- all girls- and it was a difficult decision! "How about the girl with the band on her head?" he suggested, referring of course, to the headband of a little Ravenclaw named Ann Beckett. She was a shy, unassuming girl with a penchant for charms and a sweet smile. Elliot knew none of this, of course- only that his Herbology partner wanted to dye a blonde person's hair, and that she fit the ticket!
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Posted: Sat Nov 12, 2011 6:49 am
Quillan wasn't sure whether or not to be proud of himself for tricking Elliot, or pity the boy because he seemed to believe him. Questioning one's intelligence is the oldest trick in the book! Quillan had once convinced someone that elephants laid eggs by asking them if they were stupid--but he was surprised his little facade was working on a Ravenclaw. Didn't they know basically everything about anything? Well--he supposed he shouldn't be complaining... In fact, his adrenaline was pumping. This was the FIRST time anyone had believed him this far--could... could he actually pull this off? Please, Merlin! I won't eat candy for a day! He silently prayed--if this worked... It'd be the best thing Quillan did all year.
Quillan was taken away from his pleads with Merlin when Elliot finally decided upon a target. "Good choice, my partner!" Quillan praised, catching sight of the little Ravenclaw girl's shiny blonde locks. "Glad you picked her--wouldn't want anyone else getting to her first!" He smiled reassuringly at the other boy. "Couldn't have picked better myself," Feeling that he was pushing it with the complements, Quillan glanced back down and continued shearing.
Once they had collected a majority of the purple gunk in his caldron, Quillan turned to Elliot. "Wow, it seems like we're ahead. Everyone else is still collecting the Shrivelfig juices," He commented, making sure Elliot didn't question the fact no one else wasn't dying each other hairs. "I'll let you do the honors," He began, pushing the caldron Elliot's way, "Just go up behind her and dunk her hair in it--I don't think it matters if you dump it on her or have her dunk her hair in it," Quillan said, glancing believably at Elliot's notes. "I'm sure she'll be so ecstatic with the color!" With a happy grin, he patted Elliot on the back, "Go get 'em, Smarty-pants!"
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Posted: Sat Nov 12, 2011 4:53 pm
As much faith in Quillan as Elliot had, the boy was still wary about doing the deed himself. Quill might have convinced him that this was their project, but he still didn't like the idea of dyeing the girl's hair! What if she did not like the outcome? She would blame him for it entirely- and they shared a house!
In a sudden bout of logical thought, Elliot shook his head nervously, shiftily glancing between Quillan and Ann. He glanced down at his paper for reassurance, but it didn't help at all- it said nothing about this portion of the assignment! Elliot cursed himself for being so scatterbrained as to forget!
"Uh... I don't think that I..." Elliot quivered, hanging back. He looked to Quill hopefully, wide-eyed and innocent. "I could go wi'v you..?"
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Posted: Sat Nov 12, 2011 6:47 pm
Quillan frowned--Elliot was obviously having second thoughts. How to convince him out of it... He had to think fast too--otherwise Elliot would be long gone! "Ahh--I guess I could go with you, Elliot... But..." He leaned in closer to the other boy, his voice lowering to a mere whisper, "I heard from one of my friends in Hufflepuff that whoever actually does the dying by themselves get massive extra credit..." He informed the other boy, glancing up at their professor. "I'm doing extremely well in this class so I thought you might want the extra-credit instead..."
"But--I mean... I guess I could go with you--except then the extra credit would just disappear since it'd be a two man job instead of just a one man." Quillan shrugged, "Do you still want me to go with you?"
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Posted: Sat Nov 12, 2011 7:11 pm
Elliot whined softly as his brain was tormented with this difficult decision! He did not want to do this alone, but the temptation of extra credit was quite strong. He had an awfully difficult time in herbology and could really use the help! He continued to look between Quill and Ann uncertainly.
The Ravenclaw had his doubts about this whole project. Quillan's argument seemed sound enough! If he had such good grades, he wouldn't need the extra credit. And it did make sense to give bonus points to a student who did more than their fair share... But there was still something off about it...
At that moment, another boy approached Ann and her lovely blonde locks. Elliot stared, eyes wide- he was going to get to her first! At first, Elliot thought his dilemma had been solved for him- albeit in an unfortunate manner. However, after saying something to the Ravenclaw girl, the boy walked away. Elliot had been fortunate this time... but he had to act quickly!
"O-okay..." he stammered, grabbing the Shrivelfig's goo and cradling it close to his chest. "I- I will be right back, then..."
And he was off to do his best...
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Posted: Sat Nov 12, 2011 7:27 pm
"I believe in you!" Quillan called after Elliot started on his way. He was really going to do it! Every step closer Elliot got was a victory lap in Quillan's mind. He's really going to do it! How dumb was this Ravenclaw anyway? Sure--a part of him felt absolutely horrible for tricking the boy, but not as horrible as he felt about having to miss watching him do it! That's right--it was Quillan's turn to get the hell out of here. He didn't want to be here when Elliot pointed his dirty little fingers at him--"He told me to do it!" Oh, Quillan could almost hear it now!
With eyes plastered between the professor and Elliot, he meandered to the greenhouse doors. He's really going to do it! Quillan was so pleased with himself--this was ACTUALLY happening! The scream that girl would make when Elliot dyed her hair--oh! It was something that was worth dying for! Not to mention, Quillan couldn't imagine the Shrivelfig having no side effects. Oh--her hair would turn purple, alright. But it was just as likely to burst into flames! (though it was more likely to just shrink a bit) Quillan hoped Elliot got that girl good. Just throwing all that ooze over her hair would be BRILLIANT.
It'd be the talk of the school too! Stinky threw some Shrivelfig juice over a poor Ravenclaw! The result would be horrific! The more he thought about it, the happier Quill got. I'm brilliant, he thought as he opened the greenhouse doors and slipped outside, lingering a tiny bit in hopes of hearing some of the outcome of Elliot's "adventure." Then he bolted like a rabbit.
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Posted: Sat Nov 12, 2011 8:33 pm
Elliot had approached his fellow Ravenclaw, Shrivelfig juice in hand. He had been so nervous- what if the dye didn't work correctly? What if the girl wasn't happy with the color? What if she had already promised her head of hair to someone else? What if she... touched him? Yes, Elliot was still afraid of girls! Adult ladies were alright, but as far as he was concerned, most girls his own age were still so mysterious!
Elliot glanced back to see if Quillan was watching, but couldn't find the boy anywhere... He was on his own. Managing to overcome his own nerves, the Ravenclaw made his way over to Ann's table, not noticing her partner's eyes watching him as he approached from behind. Using a spoon that he had picked up along the way, he dug into the cauldron and... spread a glob of it over Ann's hair!
He was proud of his accomplishments for all of a moment. Ann's partner gasped and Ann whipped around to see what had happened. She found Elliot standing there, smiling sheepishly, holding up a purple spoon. She made the connection, touched her hair, and shrieked- and Elliot frowned, knowing, even in his bewilderment, that he was in trouble.
The herbology professor (and Slytherin Head of House) was efficient and had stormed over, taking Elliot by the arm. (Other students had been ordered to help Ann wash her hair out before any side-effects set in.) He tried to explain to the professor that he had thought it was part of the lesson, but she was having none of it. He was dragged out of the classroom, other students wide-eyed as they wondered what had happened! Some were giggling, not knowing why, but amused that he'd gotten in trouble nonetheless.
Once in the Slytherin Head's office, things had cooled down considerably. She was still very angry with Elliot- How could he do something like that to a fellow student?!- but also confused. Elliot explained that it was not all his idea; he was usually a good student, after all, and she was inclined to believe him. Still, he was the one who had acted, and therefore must be punished. He got off lightly: a week's worth of afternoons cleaning the Herbology classroom. He was dismissed later that night, to start his punishment tomorrow.
But Elliot wished that the teacher would have kept him longer. Back in the Ravenclaw common room, he was not lucky enough to get off with so light a punishment. Normally, he would have been oblivious to the jeers of his peers, but he already felt terrible, and was keenly aware of the eyes on him when he walked in. Apparently, what happened in Herbology class had not stayed in Herbology class. And poor Ann had been a Ravenclaw, thus turning Elliot's housemates against him. He was only saved from their wrath by one of the Ravenclaw prefects stepping in and ordering him straight to his room- he was not pleased either, but it was his duty as prefect to settle any disputes that he could.
Back in his own room, Elliot was safe enough- his own roommates usually avoided him- but certainly not well. He felt terrible about what he had done to his housemate... and even worse about doing something awful enough to warrant a punishment! He was a good student. He loved being at school. He would never do something that might get him kicked out...
Sad, tired, confused, and feeling like the worst person in the whole world, Elliot cried himself to sleep.
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