Diary - Sirus Black - September 2002

2002-09-01 12:37:00,
Back in Black JACK...

An IC RP with Blaise, Draco and Jack Grim.

Blaise walked into the common rooom, she ran her fingers through her hair. She was still a bit tired and her mind on a million other things when her eyes fall on the fire place. Then her emotions took a different turn. Half rage and the other half concern. Blaise tried to get words out but the only word she could muster was, "JACK! "

Draco, who had been walking alongside Blaise, hadn't been looking in that direction until Blaise let out her yell of surprise. He startled, and then looked in the direction of the fireplace, his mouth fell open, and his eyes metthe soft gaze of Jack's. He was watching the both of them quietly.

"Good Morning. " Jack said sofly, and rose from the chair he was sitting in. He did not walk over to approach them immediatly, but calmly laced his hands together in front of him. "It's good to see the two of you again... " he said softly with a shy smile.

Blaise was still a bit shocked. She knew that one-day Jack would come back, she just hoped today wasn't the day. She didn't know how she felt about him, if she was angry or concerned or whatever feelings she may have had. Blaise exhaled deeply and she walked over to the fireplace. She then put her hands to her face and ran them down to her lips. "I don't even know what to say to you right now, and the words I do want to say are all different. " She said with a slight sharp tone.

While Blaise had a lot to say, Draco didn't seem to have anything. Either that or he didn't know where to start. He took maybe a couple steps towards the two, but otherwise, he was succeeding in being a very quiet wallflower. He watched Blaise in her fury.. but refused to look Jack straight in the eyes for the time being. Instead, focusing to the right of him, however listening to everything being said.

Jack shared his glances between the two of them and he could feel the tension in the room. That was nothing surprising. "I am sorry for several things. " he started to say, then looked directly at Draco's eyes. "I am sorry for how I acted toward you Draco. " he said, then paused for a beat, "I wasn't.... myself... " he added then sighed. "I am not offering that as an excuse, but an explanation. I am sorry my friend. "

He said softly, then looked over at Blaise His eyes narrowed a bit, and he watched her carefully. "Honestly, I don't know what your problem is with me Blaise, but if I somehow offened you, I apologise for that as well. " he said watching her reaction closely for a second then looking at both of them again. "I should have told you I was leaving, but, there was just no time... " he finished.

Blaise bit her lip, she wasn't sure how to take this. She closed her eyes, "Well, to be honest I am slightly confused. " She sat down in front of Jack, "I am angry with you because it was partly you that got me to open up a bitâ¤? then Draco tells me to be wary of you. " Blaise looked around the common room, which was still emtpy, "His Letter and I figured only one thing could have happened. I wrote you, got it back and then about 2 days later Dumbledore tells us that you went to see family. So frankly I don't know what to think. "

Draco crossed his arms, even when Jack directly spoke to him, but he did watch him..and did listen intently to what he had to say. He sighed slightly himself..seems Blaise had a lot to say...actually, she always had a lot to say. Getting rather tired of standing, he took one of the other remaining chairs, slightly to the side of where Blaise was currently seated.

Jack stared at Blaise, his face was tense, and he frowned, "Got you to open up? So what?! Did I ask you to do that? " he said in a low tone, then continued, "As for what to think about me, " he shrugged. "I can't tell you what to think, and I don't really care what anyone thinks about me... " he said in a growl. "NONE of you knows what I am going through. What I have gone through. Well, maybe DRACO does... " he said bitterly, looking at him again, "I hope you are still well Draco. You look well enough to me. " he said taking a step over to stand right in front of Draco, and folded his arms over his chest. "I hope you stay that way. " he said, then shot a glance over at Blaise. "Both of you for that matter. "

Blaise closed her eyes, Jack was right she didn't know but then he hadn't seen what Draco had been going through either. She took a deep breath, " I am sorry Jack it really isn't your fault I suppose it was actually a good thing for the moment, I am just not use to actually caring about someone. " She then looked in to Jack's eyes, "I guess you could say I was also worried about youâ¤? and Draco for that matter. "

Draco looked up to Jack standing before him, he took in a deep breath and leaned back into that chair. "I hope I stay that way as well, in fact, I'm working to keep it that way. I can't just sit back and figure I'll stay well. Now can I? " Raising and eyebrow. Despite how close they may have been before Jack left, he can't expect to come back..and everything is forgotten.. that isn't how Draco works.. especially when it comes to friendships.

Jack looked between the two of them, feeling nothing kind at the moment for either one. It was time to set the boundries, and let it go from there. "Well I won't curl up and die if either one of you choses to hate or ignore me. I have other people out there ready and willing to help me do that.... " he hissed, eyes bright, then reached for his left arm sleeve with his right, and bared his left forearm and shoved it first into Blaise's face, then Draco's.

"Here is the end to ONE fucking rumor, and as far as the other.... " he said levelling a death glare at Blaise, "Severus Snape is NOT my fucking father. My parents are both DEAD! Killed by Voldemort, years ago, thank you very much. " he spat, then dropping down his sleeve, he walked passed them, and headed out of the Common Room.

Blaise sighed, ran and grabbed Jack, "I don't know if I should hate you, I can't very well ignore you. That rumour by the way, I didn't want it to get out! I was angry when I wrote it in my journal. I AM SORRY! I was wrong, okay? Okay I was wrong to assume. I didn't spread any rumours, Pansy did! I just wrote it in my journal, I fell asleep and she read the part about Snape. " Blaise eyes watered and a couple of tears fell. For the first time in a long time, "I hurt you, if you hate me or don't talk to me fine I will understand. "

Draco frowned as Jack lost his cool, then again.. nobody could really blame him for such. "We don't HATE you Jack, we're not about to ignore you either. We are a little put down, true. But I don't think it'll stay that way.. " Coming to quickly stand as Jack did.. and then Blaise. He noticed the tears that fell from Blaise's cheeks.. unnatural for her, he knew that much.

Jack angrily shrugged off Blaise's grip on his arm, and took a step away from her. He looked at Draco, and his look softend, just a bit. "Well, I won't turn you over to anyone as a sacrifice Draco, but don't count on me being able to save you, myself or anyone. I will do my best, but you know what is out there, " he shot a glance at Blaise then back to Draco. "So I suggest you take care who you talk to... " he growled, then turned to leave again.

Blaise glared at Jack and shoved him while she was shaking, "You listen here, you may be finished but I'm not! I know what it's like to lose someone. I'm sorry about your parents - I really am. But at least you have someone to be angry at! I don't - because I killed my mum when I was born. She died giving birth to me. And I was told she died some other way until I was ten. I don't get close to anyone - but I felt close to you and Draco. " Blaise was still crying, "I don't want to talk to anyone, I don't most peopleâ¤? right now about the only person that has as much trust as I can give is Draco...but I want to trust you too. "

Blaise took a deep breath, "I understand you're angry with me and probably hate me too, but I didn't set out to. You need to understand you are not the only one that got hurt! " Blaise took another deep breath, "And just for your information - Pansy will be getting exactly what comes to her for spreading that rumour. "

The fighting was going on way too long, Draco rested a hand on Blaise's shoulder with a slight frown. "Blaise, cool it. You're hurt, yes, but do you honestly think yelling at Jack will make it any better? It seems to me, that all of us are a little on edge. Fighting definately isn't going to help things. " Sighing and letting his gaze transfer over to Jack. "I know you wouldn't sacrifice me.. and truthfully, I never thought you would. Despite whatever happened. I know that you won't be able to save me if it really came to it, but I was never all that weak to begin with. " Giving a soft smile.

Jack's face was all tension and his eyes reflected his anger at the situation, he didn't even dignify Blaise's latest rant with an answer, and only gave Draco a curt nod of his chin, "Malfoy... " he said in a low tone, then pushed the mirror open and left the House. He made a sharp turn to the right once in the hall, and turned straight towards the stairs that would take him up toward the towers.

2002-09-01 22:00:00,
Sunday Night Solitude

Well, as I sit here in the Common Room writing this, I find I am alone. Quite alone. I want it this way, and with the exception of Blaise, and possibly Draco, most of the students still here seem fit to leave me alone.

Wonderful. This will make my job easier. No entanglements this time. Clean nose, clear head. No bloody fucking around.

Tomorrow is the Sorting and the start of term. We are being booted out of the castle at 10:00 AM and sent to Hogsmeade for the day to await the nighttime arrival at Hogwarts. Not sure what I am going to do all day, save for trying to avoid trouble...

But then, it always manages to find me, doesn't it?

I will Owl Snape back, let him know I am watching him. He will relish that like a rash. I am going to do my best to NOT antagonize him upon the start of ther new term. Let's see how long THAT lasts, and if he can do the same.

As for my Evil Admirer.... I just hope that bond has been broken. I do not care to go there again.

As Ever...

2002-09-02 08:45:00,
Eviction Notice,

Well, Breakfast is now over. I ate quickly, a lot, as usual and sat by myself which was relatively easy today. Hardly anyone is left here, they have left for the return tonight, and the sorting etc., etc.

My stuff is packed up, and stored away. My stuff doesn't have to leave, just me. So I am taking my firebolt with me, and going to fly over to Hogsmeade to wait out the day.

I don't know what the others have planned. Probably much the same. I will just try to stay out of trouble, avoid Snape, Voldemort, and well, Hell, EVERYONE!

What a great way to start the term...

As ever...

2002-09-02 11:58:00,
OWL TO SEVERUS SNAPE

Dear Severus,

It was good to hear from you so quickly. I can only say in the matters we have discussed, that the more open eyes keeping watch on the school, students, and staff, the better.

I will be nearby, keeping a close eye on Harry. I obviously cannot state how, or where at this time. Besides, telling you would only implicate you in something I am sure you would want to avoid in the happenstance I am found out. I will ask that you do your best to keep your ear to the ground, and try to keep me and most importantly Albus informed.

Be well.

2002-09-02 14:12:00,
A Chat with Cho.

A dual IC RP with Jack, and Cho.

Jack sat at small table outside of Quality Quidditch Supplies, reading a magazine on the new rule additions to the game that would be taking effect with the next World Cup, and smiled to himself. He was relaxing, sipping at a butterbeer he had procured, and enjoying the warm sunlight. His Firebolt was laying across the table in front of him.

Cho had just walked outside when she noticed Jack Grim sitting at a table; he was smiling. And not that usual smug, satisfied look Cho recognized on a lot of the Slytherins - he seemed kind of placid; like he didn't have a care in the world.

Well, Cho thought to herself as she spied the broom on the table, who wouldn't be pleased if they owned a Firebolt? It was such a wonderful broom to look at - even better to watch someone flying it. Harry Potter was always so amazing on his, but she'd never seen Jack Grim fly and she wondered how well he handled it (if indeed he even could).

She couldn't resist, she had to ask him about it. Mustering up her courage to speak to a total stranger she walked up to the Slytherin wizard and smiled, 'you know, you really shouldn't be so casual with that. It could easily be damaged just lying there.'

Jack looked up from his magazine, and was startled that someone, a stranger was talking to him. "Uh.... What would you suggest I do with it then? " he asked softly, looking her over closely. He recalled seeing her around Hogwarts, but didn't know her. He knew she wasn't in Slytherin or Gryffindor. Odd. "Do you.... have one? " he asked with a nervous smile, then set down his magazine, and offered her his hand. "Sorry, my name's Jack. Jack Grim. I am transferring into Hogwarts as a Fifth year. " he said in a friendly tone. Name, rank, serial number.

'I've seen you around,' Cho nodded and took his hand into hers, there was something about them that struck her, 'you know, your hands seem awfully delicate for a Quidditch player - didn't get much practice this summer?' Cho remained planted in the same spot, willing him to invite her to sit down.

Jack shrugged and reached over, to pull out a chair for her. "Here, have a seat. " he said, then picked up his Firebolt, and looked it over, smiling. "Well, I haven't flown for some time. Just getting back into it actually since coming back to the UK. " he explained. "They play Broomball over in America where I was living for a while. " he said, then paused, "Do you play on any of the Hogwarts House teams? "

Cho sat down and grinned. As prideful as it was it always made her heart beat a little faster when she was asked what her Quidditch position was - she played the position; the Beaters might keep the team from getting hurt, the 'Keeper might protect their goals, and yes, even the Chasers scored the minor points; but her position - Seeker - it was the number one spot and everyone knew it.

'I play for Ravenclaw,' Cho replied, leaving the revelation of just how good a player she was for later, 'my name's Cho, I'm a sixth year - it must be strange transferring schools when you're so close to the end.'

Jack smiled at Cho. "I have played casually. I WOULD like to try out for the House team, but... " he paused, drawing his fingertip around in a pool of condesation from his drink. "I don't think I am THAT good. I like playing Chaser because you get to knock around a bit. " he smiled at her. "But I guess that is a typical male thing... " he mused.

'Well,' Cho smiled, 'you could say that. Although our current Cup holders won it with witches for Chasers.'

Indeed, the Gryffindor witches had quite royally demolished the other house teams. Their formations were always so precise, and even the plays they came up with on the spur of the moment were orchestrated by the level of trust they had for each other and the skill that they possessed individually.

'Competition for House teams is always tight,' Cho conceded, 'but I'd say anyone with a broom like yours definitely has a much improved chance at success.'

There was a pause in the conversation and the look on the younger wizard's face seemed rather non-commital as to whether he wanted her to stay or go. She wasn't quite sure whether she preferred to leave either.

'So,' Cho began, though she felt awkward on the inside she knew her game face was a lot more convincing, 'made any new friends at Hogwarts yet?

Jack laughed darkly. "Friends, a few, enemies even more I fear. " he said lifting up his glass then looking directly at her again, "Would you like some lemondade or something. I will treat. " he asked, then continued on with the other topic at hand. "I have been sorted into Slytherin House, and I have made a few friends there, I seem to be friendly with Harry Potter, and his group of friends. I TRY to get along with everyone. Snape despises me, but then, that only makes me part of a large group of people. "

Cho laughed, 'Professor Snape despises everyone, but as a Slytherin I think you have much less to worry about from him.'

That was certainly true in Cho's experience. She had never comes to blows with the Potions Master before, and most of the Ravenclaws managed to keep their heads down and stay out of trouble with him; but she did know the Gryffindors struggled from his disciplinary methods a lot.

Harry Potter, Cho repeated the name in her head as she agreed to the offer of a lemonade; it seemed he would quite easily speak to people, Slytherins no less, in his own form but never to older students in different houses. He'd barely said two words to her during the whole summer.

'Watch those Slytherins in your year,' Cho advised him as she thought about the Slytherin girl who always glared at her, 'they're a bit prickly.'

Jack laughed openly. "Oh you must mean the Bitch Triamvirate of Blaise, Pansey and Fellatia... " he grinned. "I already know about them, and yes, I plan to cut them a WIDE berth this year. " he said, the looked up as the lemonades arrived, and handed one to Cho. "Here you go... " he said then clinked his glass to hers. "To a productive, and drama free year... "

'A productive and drama free year,' Cho repeated with her fake smile stuck to her face and tilted her glass to his before taking a small sip. If only, she rolled her eyes to herself. 'I really hope so...you know, I really hope you do okay with those Slytherin girls, they're not the nicest witches in the world. I know, that sounds silly, doesn't it?' said Cho apologetically, 'but they are really...something else, that's what they are.'

Well didn't that just sound absolutely ridiculous? Cho chastized herself silently, it's not like a wizard can't handle himself against a witch...but three witches? She shook her head and tried not to think about it.

Jack shrugged and drank down his lemonade. "Well, I have handled my life and all it's trials fairly well up to his point... " and the look in his eyes, like age beyond his years seemed to back that statement up. "I am sure I can handle them. A few well placed curses if need be, they will leave me alone. " he said confidently.

Cho nodded, 'I'm glad to hear that, because they can be pretty viscious.'

She really felt like she was bothering him now; he simply sat there quietly and took in the scenes around him, as though he'd never been free to enjoy a quiet day before, or had the ability to just watch the world go by from his own window. Fifth year wizards didn't usually behave like that; as a sixth year girl she was well aware of what they were like, but Jack Grim didn't seem entirely like that.

Jack was indeed staring at the world going by, it WAS a novelty to him indeed. He realized he was zoning out, and looked over at Cho. "Sorry. I find myself just watching people, places... " he explained. "I have not been here for a very long time, it is all like it is brand new to me... " he said with a shy smile at her. "I am not your typical Slytherin. If you have not heard that already, I am sure you can guess that on your own. I myself am not sure how I ended up there... "

Watching Jack's dazed expression as he smiled at the people walking past Cho couldn't help but like his innocent charm; he seemed capable and very sure of himself too - but there was something about that wistful expression that set him apart from any other wizard she's ever met.

'Well you're a lot more personable than a typical Slytherin,' she winked at him and laughed a little, 'you're probably the only fifth year who finds any of this stuff interesting anymore, we've spent our entire lives on these streets, and not a lot has really changed since I was little.'

Jack laced his hands together, and rested his chin on them, looking over at her. "You never appreciate your freedoms, until they are taken from you wrongfully, or by force... " he said softly. "Most people.... our age don't realize that. I do however... " he said with a raise of his eyebrows. "I enjoy every day to the fullest and take nothing for granted. You never know when it could be taken from you ... " he said then stared off into the distance again. He thought about what he was saying, then laughed, looking back at Cho. "I'm sorry. I sound quite odd I am sure... "

'No,' Cho shook her head slightly, 'you're right, you really don't know.'

Jack Grim was definitely right about that, had she appreciated Cedric as much as she should have? She didn't really want to think about that either, standing up she gave the fifth year one last smile, 'thanks for talking to me Jack, it was really nice meeting you.'

Jack rose as Cho did, and shook her hand again. "Thanks for coming over to just chat with me. Polite conversation is so hard to find these days. " he said, then added. "Have a great year. I will watch for you on the Pitch. " he said with a wink then gathered up his broom, and walked off down the street.

2002-09-02 19:43:00,
The First night back.

Well, actually, it's the first night before classes start. It was an interesting day and evening.

I hung out in Hogsmeade, and funny thing, Cho Chang the Ravenclaw seeker came over and sat and chatted me up. Must have been the Firebolt I had on hand. It is irresistable Quidditch player bait I am discovering. Anyway. We had a nice chat, some lemonade and then she split.

I didn't really see or talk with anyone else for the rest of the day. I sat by Draco for the Sorting, not much was said. We were cordial. That was about it. Blaise is cutting me a wide path as are the other Slytherin Fems. Good thing that.

Oh, the Bulgarian, Viktor Krum got put in Gryffindor. Harry seems to think he is a good guy, but I don't know yet. I will watch him as much as I can, along with all the other watching I have to do.

I found that I have been moved into the same dorm as the rest of the other male Slythering fifth years. This includes Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle. Wonderful.

As ever.

2002-09-02 22:23:00,
Hello again old friend

An IC RP with Draco and Jack Grim.

Jack was laying on his bed in the dorm writing notes in his journal. As expected, after the initial curiosity of meeting a Fifth year transfer, the rest of Slytherin house that hadn't met him over the summer quickly left him alone to do whatever he wanted, and that was fine with him. It would make things easier. So far, he really hadn't seen much of Draco since the sorting and the feast. He wondered if he was avoiding him now that they were Dorm Mates. He had been moved in there with Draco, Crabbe and Goyle at the start of the term.

After the initial shock of Jack being back, and taking awhile to sit back and think about it. He finally decided that he could take talking to the other, despite doubts that floated in the back of his head. So when he reached the dorm, it hesitated before knocking politely even though it was HIS dorm as well. Definately the last thing he wanted to do was impose on the other. For he was sure, Jack hasn't been having an easy time either. But, since they would be living together now. They would have to talk sometime. Why not now?

Jack looked up when he heard a knock on his door, and closed his diary, wiping it clean before setting it aside on his nightstand. "Come in. " he called out softly, not wanting to wake his dormmates. They weren't the most agreeable of sorts. He was not very surprised when he saw the pale blonde hair and matching eyes peer around his door tentatively. "Hello Draco... " he smiled.

Hearing the welcome, he pushed the door open slowly. Looking beyond before completely stepping in, giving a soft smile. "Hey... " Trying to find something to say, which normally..wouldn't have been hard, but under the circumstances, it was harder then he ever thought possible. So, instead, he just settled on the usual. "How are you? "

Jack nodded slowly, watching Draco closely. He then sat up on his bed, and patted the spot next to him. "I have lots of pillows... " he said with a lopsided grin. "Care to come and talk? " he asked, giving Malfoy a wide friendly smile. "I won't bite. "

Hesitating for a moment, he finally closed the door behind him. He nodded silently and made his way over to the bed. Sitting upon the offered spot and trying to make the best of it, though relaxing didn't seem to happen just yet. Letting out a deep breath, he looked up towards Jack, giving a soft smirk. "It's not the biting I'm worried about really. "

Jack grinned at Draco, and slowly lifted a single eyebrow at Draco, then he looked down at the bed, and folded his hands in his lap. "You don't have to worry about that either... " he said softly. "I am not going to force myself on you, or do.... anything you do not want done to you. " he said quietly, then chanced a glance back up at Draco. "How have you been? "

Pushing back some hair from his face, he looked back towards Jack..instead of off to the side of him..or just above him. "I've been..well, things have been pretty calm to put it nicely..considering the happenings before this week. " Knotting hands together, perhaps more nervous then need be. "And yourself? I mean, hearing Blaise' ranting could put anybody on hold. Which, by the way, I'm sorry about. "

Jack shrugged, and made a dismissive motion with one of his hands. "She's a girl. What else do you want from her. She needs to get her life in line before she tries to play with others.... " he said with an amused tone to his voice. "But, she is like so many others here I am going to keep my distance from this year. No more distractions. Jack is going to be a GOOD BOY and keep his sanity, and his soul in tact. " he said, then looked up to meet Draco's gaze directly.

Draco nodded some, agreeing with him. "She's..going in the right direction, but hitting a lot of snares on the way. I can sympathize, but I know that blaming others isn't exactly going to make the path any clearer. " Watching Jack, a smile formed, feeling a bit more comfortable being there, better yet, within his company period. "That's really good to hear, after all..I don't think insanity will make things any easier, but it sure seems to be an easy way out of things as well. "

Jack thought for a long moment before speaking, then looked at Draco with look of concern in his pale eyes. "Are you... well? " he asked awkwardly. "I mean, taking care to... you know. Protect yourself from.... " he paused and dropped his voice to a whisper, "You Know who... " he said, eyes widening.

At the question, Draco shifted some, pulling legs up to his chest and letting out a sigh. "I've been trying to..it's been hard. There isn't tons you can do. Though..I might have something. It's a long shot..and it's complicated, but..it should work. The first thing I came up with, it kind-of..faltered because of a run in with unreliable sources. But the second plan..should work... " Looking up towards Jack. "That's a small small part of why I'm here I believe. Besides other things. " It was the furthest from his mind, but it came up.

Jack nodded. "I am glad to hear you are taking steps to protect yourself Draco, but please... Do not tell me of them. Do not give me any information that can be... " he paused, and a for just a second, fear flashed across his eyes, "Do not tell me anything that could be forced out of me, and used to hurt you... or your friends. " he said softly. "I have not joined the Dark Side, but it calls to me. HE calls to me. " Jack said, then shuddered. "He does not desire you, that I know of... " he said then waited for Draco's reply.

Draco was silent for awhile, thinking maybe, uncertain about certain things..but certain of others. "Maybe not..but that far from means that he doesn't want me under his rule in some way. I'm certain of that, I'm almost positive my father wants that..and I doubt he would hate that. The more to support him, the better. " And with his father being so high on Voldemort's list of Death Eaters..meaning he was high in being next in line..to take over the Malfoy line. It was enough to make Draco infuriated.

Jack looked at Draco, "Like I told you before Draco. You CAN change your fate. You can control what happens to you, or die on your own terms. That is what I have resolved myself to. I will do my job to the best of my ability, and if it comes down to it, I will die before taking that mark on my arm. "

"Right..right.. " Shifting some to rest his chin on knee. "I know I can change my future, and I'm trying, it's hard..but it wasn't suppose to be easy.. " Fading off, finding it slightly hard to talk about it. The stress was building up against, even without the push of his father and Voldemort's hand. " So..hmm..excited much about the new term? Or just taking it as it comes. Or do you really care much about it? Being as we've already been here for a good couple months to begin with. "

Jack shook his head from side to side before answering Draco. "I plan to be the best student I can be. " he said simply. "That in itself will be hard enough for me to accomplish with Snape breathing down my neck... " he paused as a funny feeling twanged from his chest down to his groin, then he quickly pushed the image form his mind and continued. "With Snape on one side, and You know Who on the other.... " he said solemnly. "Just being a good student will be hard enough... " he mused.

"Yea..it will be.. " Muttering some. "Hmm.. are you going to try out for the house team? You mentioned the idea of playing Quidditch awhile ago.. and seeing as how the tryouts start up in a couple days. Are you still interested? " Lifting a brow as Draco looked up towards Jack once more. "I know that we need a beater and two chasers. " Then he laughed some. "I heard that Hermione is going to try out for Gryffindor, I never imagined her as a Quidditch player. That'll add something interesting to the game. "

Jack sadly shook his head. "I am not that skilled at Quidditch, and considering.... " he paused. "Considering so many things that have happened in the recent weeks. I do not think it wise to align myself with more... innocents. " he said darkly. "I will not endanger others now that I am.... tainted. " he said then looked away.

Draco frowned some, this attitude was getting to him. "Well that's a good plan. Why not shut yourself completely from others. You might as well tell Voldemort that he's won..because that's how you're acting. " Watching the other with a stern eye, he didn't even care if anybody heard him speak Voldemort's name, it was a name..just a bloody name. "You're a bloody sitting duck if you block off from everybody else, thinking that you're somehow endangering them. Jesus, let them take care of theirselves..and concentrate on taking care of yourself. Are you seriously trying to say that you'd rather enjoy just being alone the whole term? "

Jack cast a dark look over at Draco. He sneered at the sarcasm being flung at him. He glared at his friend, "Better that one dies for the sake of many, than many die for naught. " he said then looked down at the bed. "I have to cut myself off Draco. From everyone, even you. This doesn't mean we cant be.... friends. We jaut have to .... act differently... " he said with a sigh. He was saying it, but having a hard time believing it, or convincing himself of it.

"That's so much bullshit that I don't even know where to begin. " Growling softly, obviously very put off by this whole new outlook of things. "So basicly, according to you, solitude is the absolute only way to solve anything? I sure as hell hope you see the folly in THAT plan. Because if you don't, then I'm starting to wonder. " He wanted to knock some sense into the other..but he almost seemed completely fried. Instead, he shook his head with a sigh. "You figure yourself like a virus..and the best way to block off a virus would be to quarantine yourself. Well..guess what Jack, you aren't a bloody virus. "

Jack continued to look down at the bed, his fists now clenched so tight at his sides his knuckles were white. He was almost shaking he was so angry, he sat there for a long time, then slowly looked up at Draco, he was biting down on his lower lip. "I have to protect... someone. To do that... I have to protect everyone around me. " he stared intensely at Draco, then suddenly, his expresssion melted and his eyes became soft, watery. "But I don't know how... " he said in a choked whisper.

Draco watched at that expression faltered..and nearly fell. His own, filled with anger and discontent, shifted some under the weight of those eyes. Draco sighed some. While he had a lot to say then, he didn't have as much now. "For starters..you can't protect everybody, you can NEVER protect everybody..especially on your own. Even for somebody..that isn't use to helping people..it's easy to figure out. You can't save the world..one person..maybe. If you could..I'm sure we'd see a lot of superheros by now. "

Jack looked at Draco for as long as he could, then looked down at the bed again. "Draco... all I can say here. About this, is that there is more than I can tell you. More about who I have to watch, more about.... " he paused the word on his lips, then he changed it. "Everything. I can't tell you it all Draco, and you will never know how much I want to tell you... "

"It's alright..I understand. May not seem like it, but I do. " He sighed some, looking intently upon the bed. "But..whoever your protecting..for whatever reason, just concentrate on that person. It's harsh..but you can't look out for everybody. That's life I suppose. But if you do try to protect everybody, I do know that you can't do that by cutting off from everybody as well. Safety in numbers..not to mention, the more contacts you do have, the better the ability you have of actually helping.... "

Jack nodded, and leaned over to clap a hand on Draco's shoulder. "Thank you Draco. " he said, then gave his shoulder a squeeze, unable to say anything else right then.

Draco let out a stuttered sigh, fingers clenching some at the blanket below him. Eyes looked from the hand upon his shoulder over to Jack himself. Giving a soft, shaky smile and a nod. "You're welcome..it's just..sometimes, you need another point of view to see the whole problem.and solution... " Falling silent once more.

Jack nodded, then leaned over and gave Draco a tight hug. He patted him on the back, "Thank you my friend.... thank you. " he said in a voice that still sounded unsteady. Jack held onto Draco for a moment, then sat back and smiled weakly. "We better get to bed. If we wake up the Golem twins or oversleep on our first day, Snape will have our bollocks for breakfast, " he grinned.

Sighing within that hug, he let it be. Listening to the other softly and giving a nod. "Anytime.. " Before he softly returning said hug, and pulling back as well when it ended. Draco looked towards the other with a soft smile and a nod. "We probably should.. though I already feel like sleeping in. Then again, I've had all summer to do that. " Draco let out a small yawn before turning and letting his feet dangle off the side of the bed for a moment. "Take care..and I'll talk to you in the morning. " He grinned before pushing from the bed.. and heading to his own.

Jack smiled at Draco. "Yeah, see you for breakfast... " he whispered, then pulled his curtains shut, and got undressed before getting ready to go to sleep.

2002-09-03 07:17:00,
First day back...

An IC RP with Snape and Jack.

Snape didn't like dining with the rest of school, but he knew he had to make his presence, and his watch, known especially at the start of the year, for those that were knew, and those who forgot swiftly. He glanced up at the old clock. He wanted to get there early, and avoid the rush. Better to watch everyone enter than be fashionably late in this instance. He closed the book he'd been making notes from, and headed to his door, waving at the wards.

Jack was walking down the hallway from Slytherin house, alone. He had purposely left early so he could have sometime to think. The talk with Draco the night before had been, helpful. At least they were on speaking terms again, and nothing more for the moment. He ran over and over in his head what he would do IF Voldemort contacted him. IF? That was a joke. He shuddered as a gruesome visual flashed across his mind. Him. Voldemort. Together. Jack physically shuddered and kept his eyes lowered, walking straight ahead. Staying on the path.

The door to Snape's rooms swang inwards, as the Potions Master cast the momentary numbing of the fields set in place to ease his passing through them, not expecting to see anyone so early on the first real day of term. He carried on walking, heels just past the invisible threshold, and stopped short of bowling into the student before him. He rose on the balls of his feet to keep his chest from smacking into him, but his robes didn't have the same inertia. The professor's mouth automatically sneered, ready to let loose a barb, but it never came. Instead he narrowed his eyes, before spitting out the name between them, "Grim. "

So lost in his dreary thoughts, and flash of nightmare of Voldemort, Jack saw nothing of Snape until his near collision with him and the wave-like effect of his robes wafting over him. He actually let out a yell of surprise and skidded to the side, slamming back first into the wall just beyond Snape's door. "Jesus bloody Christ! " he swore, hand to his chest and bookbag sliding to hit the floor.

"Professor Severus Snape, actually, " he confessed, with something half-like a grin, but refrained from any semblance of bowing his introduction. "Don't have a fit, Grim, or Madam Pomfrey will not be impressed. She's already had an increased workload because of you... " His brows knitted, wondering if there seriously was a problem. He turned to pull the door shut behind him.

Jack stood there, heart still racing, but slowly regaining his senses. "Because of me? " he shot back as he bent down, keeping his eyes on Snape as he retrieved his bookbag, and reshouldered it. He stared at Snape, his back to him, then added slowly, "I am not sure what you are implying Professor. "

Snape spoke over his shoulder without raising his voice, locking the door carefully. "Why, don't play the fool, it isn't becoming. " He turned, raised one eyebrow at Jack, and started walking. "On top of everything else, she now has to instruct the entire school... "

Jack stood there blinking at Snape. The sudden adrenaline rush brought on by the fear of being surprised by him was quickly melting away, leaving him suddenly drained. This was not a good sign. "I owe you something... " he said quietly, taking a step to fall into stride beside the Potions Master.

"You were excused the remaining summer sessions, " Snape said levelly, though he walked and acted like there was no one beside him. "So there is no outstanding work, in both senses. For now. "

"My life.... " Jack said loud enough to be heard over the clicking of stiff soled shoes on the stone floors. He looked straight ahead, not wanting to meet the gaze that would no doubt be coming from Snape. "I owe you thanks for that, and a Life Debt. " he said as his voice trailed off... waiting for the inevitable scorn.

Snape continued to act like Jack didn't exist, turning a corner sharply, on the outside, but leaving enough room for him. It wasn't that he couldn't think of something to say; that, indeed, was rare. No, he could think of a hundred and one different things. But he was fed up of saying the wrong thing, or eating his words, or hating himself later. Perhaps ignoring it would make it go away? Unlikely, but still...

Jack felt the sting of the silence. He hated to be ignored, the bastard wasnt even going to acknowledge what he had said to him. If there was ever any doubt in his mind, that was cured now. Snape had no honor. None for anyone but himself. Anger rose up inside of him the farther they walked along in tandem, the silence growing. Jack wrestled with his vow to himself to behave, and the side of him that wanted to whip out his wand and curse him to Hell and back. He decided to drop somewhere in the middle. "I wish you had let me die... " he growled softly, "You did me no favor... " he said, then sped up his walking pace and passed by Snape, making a beeline for the Great Hall.

Silent, Jack seemed to bother Snape more. But with each moment speech became more and more difficult. He tried to remember his own thoughts when he'd been in much the same situation, but his mind blanked out and refused to function completely. What would he have had said, or not, to himself? He didn't think anything would have helped quite frankly. Not if he hadn't wanted to be helped... Jack finally broke the silence, and Snape stopped to listen. He closed his eyes. "Perhaps you're right. "

Jack was still walking fast, intent on getting away from Snape. He would NOT start anything. He would not. He swore that to himself, and to Albus that he would be GOOD, docile, a model student, and godfather. Dammit, he would do that. And more. He noticed a beat later, that Snape had stopped walking. He paused as well, then slowly looked over his shoulder, expecting to see a wand aimed at his back. He didn't. He gave Snape a dead, emotionless stare, then turned and walked on.

Snape stood, and watched, and waited until Jack was at the Slytherin table, not caring who was watching him. Impassive and immovable as a statue. Finally he started moving again, smoothly, as if it was the most natural thing in the world to stop dead suddenly for extended periods of time. He slipped into his seat at the table, the glances of the other professors falling off him like a Muggle's too close to Hogwarts. Snape stared straight ahead, and waited for breakfast to begin.

2002-09-03 21:25:00,
Day one, over.

I suppose, I should be thankful for the uneventfulness of today. Other than running into Snape first thing this morning on the way to breakfast, and exchanged our customary barbs. Things were... quiet.

Draco and I talked a bit, here and there. Went to classes, ate, studied, and now I lay here in my bed writing this down for posterity. But, there is nothing.

Harry and his friends seem to be fine. I even caught a glance of that Krum fellow here and there. Quiet, brooding type. The girls have found a new idol to fawn over. Thank God.

Not that I exactly had a Harem following me around, and there ARE a few new ones trying to catch my eye since the start of term, but with Mr. Superstar there, they have a new focal point. All the better for me.

Then there was the owl back from Snape.... he is so good at telling me to go screw myself eloquently and in hidden meanings. He is turning out to be quite amusing. I will have to keep this pen pal relationship going. It breaks up the monotony.

Quiet. Quiet. Almost too quiet. I'll enjoy it anyway.

As ever.

2002-09-04 09:17:00,"
Potions, please... somebody poison me...

An IC RP with Harry, Hermione and Jack.

The Potions Class was empty, and having been throughly 'cleaned' it was more sterile and lifeless than ever. The worktops were bare, the apparatus hidden, the lamps lower than usual. Snape had arranged it thusly, but was not there quite yet... So the room appeared alien to Hermione when she entered tentatively, hoping to get a chance to talk to the professor before classes. She set her bag down at her usual table, looking around for any sign of life in the darkened room, but saw none. With a sigh, she pulled out her Potions text and reviewed the ingrediants lists for a series of sleeping potions.

Harry and Ron walked briskly down the hall. If they didn't hurry up, they were going to be late. Ron had forgotten his texts back in the commons, and had dragged Harry back with him. "First day of Potions class, Ron, and were going to be late! " he said as they picked up the pace and started to run.

Jack had made sure to arrive in plenty of time for the first Potions Class of the year. After his collision with Snape the day before, he was eager to get back to his plan of following the straight and narrow. Jack is a Good Boy. He sat at his table, parchment and quill ready, lazily looking around the room and the odd setup. Something new was coming, some new snare trap from Snape. He could feel it.

Snape arrived 'late', or precisely when the class was scheduled to start. He walked to the front at a leisurely pace, before turning, and scanning all the seats for the tardy. Or lack thereof. He steepled his fingers before him, seeing all bottoms on seats, and began. "Audium, is what you are going to study today, and the related draughts. If you have read the prescribed chapters, you will know what I mean. Would anyone care to enlighten those who have not read the relevant chapters? "

Hermione's hand shot up. "It increases the hearing range of the person who ingests it, allowing them to hear almost ten times as well as a normal person until it wears off, " she supplied, not at a ll fazed by the scowl on Snape's face, or the fact that he did not award Gryffindor so much as half a point for her answer. Ron grinned at her, and she managed a weak smile before looking back down at her books.

Amazimgly, Harry had read the chapters, but was in no way a match for Hermione's swift movement. Snape wouldn't have called on him anyway. So Harry sat back, with his book opened to the correct page, taking notes, and listening to the Potions professor. Maybe that would be enough to not draw any unwanted attention towards himself and the Gryffindors.

Jack shot a glance over at Hermione as she answered the question as usual, and sighed as he reached for his book, and turned it to the proper page and chapter. He recalled this one well from... the first time around, he and his fellows had used it to spy on the Slytherins...

The students pulled out their ingredients once Snape had finished his lecture on uses and situations of the potions, and had retreated to behind his desk. They were to brew the potion in groups of three, with one person testing the completed product at the end. Snape had apparently been feeling more malicious than usual, as he had mixed up the Slytherins and Gryffindors again. Ron had been placed with Crabbe and Goyle, who were flexing their arms and glaring at him. Hermione and Harry had been placed with Jack Grim, of all people.

Harry cast an apologetic look towards Ron. Rotton luck, that.Watching as Grim as he walked twards their table, he scooted over towards Hermione as Jack sat in Ron's now empty seat. "Jack. " he acknowledged. Harry didn't really know how to act around him any more, not since that dream; and his strange disappearance.

Jack nodded and smiled to Harry and Hermione then set down his supplies. He cracked his knuckles, then addressed the pair of them. He pointed to Harry, "You Prep, " then he pointed to Hermione, "You cook, " then he pointed to himself. "And I shall drink. "Sound fair? " he asked with a lift of his eyebrows.

"Fine by me, " Hermione shrugged, pushing the ingredients in front of Harry and leaning back into her seat. She let her mind wander for a bit.

Harry slumped his shoulders and sighed. "Yippie for me " he muddered to himself and started to chop, squeeze, skin and mash what ever was needed. Halfway though, he looked over to Ron. He was being made to do everything. Not because Crabbe and Goyle had tole him too, they just couldn't.

Hermione glanced over at him, a small smile on her face. "I doubt that, " she said, crossing her arms. "You would have done it already. " She wasn't so sure what to make of all of the Death Eater rumors she had heard, and was inclined to neither believe nor disbelieve them.

Jack leaned back, levelling a glare at Hermione. "So you DO suspect me of being.... something... don't you? " he said in a low tone, but not menacing. "Please tell me your suspicions and I shall be happy to address them... "

She tilted her head sideways, as if trying to see through a keyhole to the other side. In a quiet voice, so that only Harry could hear her, she answered him. "I think you're hiding something, " she said, as if discussing the weather. She wasn't the least bit afraid of him at that point, being not only in public, but in the classroom of a professor who would probably curse first, ask questions later. She levelled her gaze at him and continued. "And I know that I am going to figure it out, sooner or later. "

Jack grinned at Hermione, "Well I am surprised at you Miss Granger. Such a broad and wide accusation. Surely the Pride of Gryffindor can do better than that... " he smirked, looking over at Harry, then back to her. He leaned forward, and lifted up the robe sleeve on his left arm, and showed her the bare an unmarked skin. "Not a Death Eater... " he crowed, "So what is your next guess? " he said pulling his sleeve back down, and leaning back.

She picked up a bottle of crow-eyes and swirled them around thoughfully. "I haven't heard a word about where you come from, or your family, " she paused, grinning. "Well, except that rubbish about Professor Snape being your father, " she added, setting the bottle down as Harry reached for it, to measure the correct amount.

"So... just because I haven't told the entire school about my family life, I am hiding something? " he asked with a bit of amusement in his voice. "Ask me anything you want to know. I have nothing to hide about my family.... "

Harry only had half an ear in that conversation, as what he was doing required much attention to detail. "Where are they then? " he asked. Harry liked to hear about other people's familys, it was always interesting to know where one came from. Especially in the case of a Slytherin.

Jack leaned back in his chair, and took a long breath before continuing. "I was born in Britain, I lived her with my family until they were killed by.... " he paused, looking over at Harry, "The same abomination that killed your parents Harry. A bit before yours, obviously, but by him, or his agents. " he said in a dead tone of voice, then looked over at Hermione, and continued. "I was young, an infant like Harry, and I was taken to live with a distant Aunt in America. I lived there for several years, then was brought back here and enrolled in Hogwarts. " he said with the softest of a sigh. His eyes were

indeed watery as he spoke. When he finished, he looked directly at Hermione. "Next question? "

She had the decency to look abashed, but part of her was yelling that he wasn't telling the truth; at least, only parts of it could be true. She uncrossed her arms and leaned forward a bit. "Why did Voldemort kill them? What did they do? " she asked.

Jack leaned forward to look Hermione directly in the eye with a glance to Harry, "Grim is not my real name, my name was changed when I was brought back here to live again since my Aunt was getting on in age. My parents lived outside of the village of Hogsmeade, their name was... Sanford, and the only reason I survived the Death Curse was they didn't know there was a child in the house. " he said in a low growl.

Hermione sat back abruptly, thinking over his words. She could believe the changed name portion of it, Grim was far too perfect a name for the dire boy. She recognized the name from somewhere, and made a mental note to read up on it when she got the chance. Between researching the spell for Draco, her regular workload, and Harry and her's practises in the evenings, she was quite busy. She bit her lip in thought, and frowned. "Why, then, did Voldemort attack you? " she whispered, so that Harry could barely hear. She knew it was risky, exposing the fact that she knew this tidbit of information, but she felt the need to press on.

Jack pursed his lips, and continued, "He DIDN'T attack me... He killed my parents, Harry's Parents, anyone whom he courted and denied him. I am SURE you knew that much.... " he said in a low tone.

She shook her head. "You are even more evasive than Malfoy, " she muttered. Matching his pursed lips, she clarified. "I meant, Grim, why did he attack you a few weeks ago? Surely you wouldn't present a threat to him, or his position. " The look on Grim's face would have been amusing, on any other person.

Jack nodded slowly, "Oh... that.... " he said in a whisper. "Well, to put it quite frankly so you may all understand... He is still out to kill certain people, " his eyes flickered to Harry, then back to Hermione and his voice had a nasty tone to it, "And since his Adult allies have failed repeatedly to finish the job, he seems to be looking for younger recruits. Malfoy obviously has the correct pedigree, I don't need to point that out to you I should hope and since I am close to Malfoy, I was considered as well... " he said with a low hiss.

"You know, this isn't exactly causing me to doubt your Death Eater status, " she joked nervously, leaning back again in her chair. Snape had started going up and down the aisles of the room, surveying the ingredients, and Harry was almost finished with the powdered pelican beak he was measuring. It was almost her turn.

Jack leaned back in his chair, eyeing Snape as he walked by and made a derisive sound at Harry's preparation of the ingredients, then moved on. Once he was gone, he continued. "And please Miss Granger, " and he turned to Harry, "And Mr Potter, please tell me just what I have done that leads you to believe I am under the control of the Dark Lord? " he asked in a low, calm voice.

Harry looked to Jack with a final chop of a root, and pushed the tray twards Hermione. Should he say how he knew? Dreams could be tricky things, but his were never wrong.. "I..ehh...saw some things that were..suspicious. " It wasn't really lying, he did see it, just not personally.

Jack looked over at Harry, this comment wounded him in a way the two of them could not begin to conceive. "What..... things? " he asked as he knitted his eyebrows in concern.

Oh great, it begins. "I..uh..saw.. "He stuttered, but then he realised that if Jack got mad at him, then he really couldn't do anything about it, not here anyway. "This scar " he poined "Connects me to Voldemort. If he is doing someting particulary nasty or...strange " he gives Jack a meaningful look "I see it. " Perhape he shouldn't have told him that, but now they could see if Jask started to act differently, and judge accordingly.

Jack folded his arms over his chest, he looked, interested, but not especially surprised to hear this. "And you saw ME and .... Him.... doing or saying... what? " he inquired, waiting for more answers.

Hermione looked from Jack to Harry, concern all over her face. Harry hadn't mentioned any of this to her. Not a word. Admittedly, she tended to go straight to Dumbledore, as was her nature, and (in her opinion), the smartest thing to do. But still, he could have told her he was having the dreams again!

Well that was certanly a strange (non)reaction. "I'd rather not say, if that's quite alright. It's not something I'd like to repeat. Just know that I have seen things, and let that be enough. " He said, and looked as Hermine slated at him. Apperently she wanted to know what these dreams were as well.

Jack narrowed his eyes, "How convenient.... I am branded by YOU a Death Eater because of dreams you have had, yet you will not tell me WHAT you saw, so I may address these concerns. Nothing like a conviction without the benefit of a trial.... " he snarled, then returned to his notes, and looking down at the book.

Hermione gave both boys a look, but jumped back to her work as Snape started walking the aisles yet again. She hurredly, albeit carefully, mixed the first half of the ingrediants together into the cauldron, then lowered the flame below it with a muttered word and a flick of her wand. She turned back to the two boys, who were sitting in stony silence, Harry obviously deep in thought, and Jack forcing himself into the work.

Jack remained looking at his notes and book, but of course he wasn't seeing what was on the pages before him. He was so angry, his eyes wouldn't focus. He wanted to grab Harry, grab them both and shake some sense into them. But he didn't, he sat there, staring at his books, waiting for Hermione to finish the potion.

Professor Snape walked by just then, pausing and hovering over Hermione as she worked on the potion. He didn't say a word, he didn't need to. He just loomed there for a while, then as he departed, "I hope you marry Miss Granger, Mr Potter, she can continue to do your work for you once you leave this school. " he flashed a sneer at Grim. Perhaps he should have paired him with Longbottom. With Neville's skill in potions, he would have possibly been rid effortlessly of Jack Grim through an accidental potion poisoning.

Harry waited for a reaction, and thankfully got none. This could be taken two ways. 1. Jack accepted the explanation (yeah, right), or 2. He was going to wait untill after class and kill them both. (more than likely.) So, Harry just sat there, seething, watching as Hermione concentrated fully on the potion if front of her. He sneered at Snape's back as he was walking away. He was not in the mood for more crap.

Three minutes before class was to end, and the group had hardly said anything more to one another than: "Potion's done, " and "Drink this. " Hermione was slightly perturbed at Harry for not telling her about his dreams, and Harry was simply staring at the textbook, in a similar position to Jack earlier. Jack, on the other hand, was slumped in his seat, listening to something that neither of them could hear. Their potion had been brewed so precisely, that he could hear things for what seemed like miles around. Snape had glared at them and grunted something to the effect of, "Well done ", cleverly disguised in insults.

As the potion reached it's limit, she saw Jack gasp and sit up straight all of a sudden. A few students nearby asked him what he heard, but he shook them off, eyes narrowed, listening hard to something. Snape came back then, a small vial in his hand. Green liquid sloshed around in it, the antidote. Jack shrugged the Professor off as well, still listening. Snape growled at them, and had his wand in his hand when Jack slumped again, having lost whatever he had been listening to. He swallowed the potion blankly, and Snape dismissed the class. Hermione left with her books clutched to her chest, and a thousand questions echoing in her mind.

Harry didn't really care at this point, about anything even remotely concerning Jack.Hermione was probably mad at him for not telling her that he was having dreams again. Great. He was pissed and needed to calm down. After Snape dismissed class, he shoves his stuff in his rucksak, pushed his way through the class and stalked down the halls. He needed to be alone.

2002-09-04 20:23:00,
"Pain, thy name is potions...."

Potions was painful today? Why does that merit mention? I mean, as long as Snape is there, it WILL be painfully, drudgery, slow torture, a hot soapy enema. But oddly enough. HE wasn't the cause of my problems today.

It was Harry and Hermione.

Surprising is it not? I was surprised to see just what a grudge hermione can carry against a person even after hearing of the sloughter of their parents at the hand of voldemort, and other life pitfalls. I am of course referring to my sad tale to her. No dice, nothing but ice from her.

She is still pissed about my threat and stunning of her I guess. I bloody well pity the man she marries...

Harry seemed to think I am a dyed in the wool Death Eater because of that dream he had... Couldn't get him to spillto "Jack " what it contained, but I gues that is actually a stroke in his favor. No loose lips on that boy...

I am calmer now. Time has passed since the verbal bloodletting between us. I am cutting them both a wide path. Not hard to do being from different houses...

Others have not spoken to me as of late either. Not saying I miss that mindfuck at all. Not one bit...

Then.... there was the whole matter of what I heard while under the effects of that potion we created today. A conversation, not a happy one. It was bits and snatches, like listening to a distant station of a badly dialed in wireless. I have my suspicions... Will mention it to Dumbledore. That is my job afterall...

Ahhh ... time for bed... I am beat. I had forgotten just how wearing school was...

As ever.

2002-09-05 16:02:00,
It's all in the Cards....

An IC RP with Lavender, Draco, and Jack Grim.

Jack watched as the students left the classroom in groups, and in singles, and he sighed. The warm autumn weather was making him sleeping. After a yawn, he glanced over at Draco, who had shared a table with him. "Hungry for lunch yet are you? " he said with a smile.

Draco looked up to acknowledge the other, while the others were leaving, Draco was struggling to push up from the desk. It was taking a lot of energy! Sighing softly, he pushing up some, but only half way. "I am, but I'm wondering if I'll have the energy to eat! Or better yet, getting there.. "

Lavender noticed that Jack and Draco both were still in the classroom. She smiled as she walked over to them wondering if they would let her do a reading on them. IF not she could trick them into one later she thought to herself. She looked at the two Slytherin boys sitting there, "Hello, I was wondering would you like me to do a reading on you "

Jack looked over, away from grinning at Draco and his offer to float him into the great hall for lunch, "Huh? " he asked Lavender, "Do a reading? On us? " he was clearly amused, then looked over at Draco. "Well, what do you think? "

Draco was looking suspiciously over at Lavender, after all..he wasn't the biggest believer in tarot readings and such practices, it was mostly because he didn't think it worked more then it seemed to be just a bunch of bs. But hell, he couldn't really give a damn truely. Shrugging he looked back to Jack. "As long as she doesn't predict my oncoming doom, sure.. "

Lavender then looked at the two and smiled, "Well, is there anything you would like to know? I am sure Draco you don't want me to do the fate reading, so what do you want to know? "

Jack grinned at Draco, a wicked mischeivous grin. "Go ahead, ask something. I hear.... " he said with a nod of his head toward Lavender, "That she is wickedly gifted in this field.... "

Draco watched the two with hesitation before looking towards Lavender. What question would: he ask? Nothing too personal of course..hmm, sighing a bit in thought about said question. "I suppose. here isn't too much except fate...besides silly questions like..will Pansy ever stop talking about me and so forth. So..I'll stick with the normal, what is IN my future " Gasp for it could be interesting.

Lavender smiled, "Thanks Jack for the complement, now okay Draco you asked for itâ¤? " Lavender then handed Draco the cards, "Please shuffle them. "

Jack leaned on the table, his chin on his hands and watched Draco shuffle the deck. He had never really put much stock in the Divination arts, but this was a harmless diversion. Normalcy for a change. Nothing dangerous, or bad come come of this, surely.

Draco did as told, shuffling the cards and then placing them before Lavander once more. Yawning that is where it was left

Yawning, Draco watched less then energetic from Jack to Lavander. He had learned about tarot reading..but never tried it on his own. "So..this is suppose to..answer my question. And if it doesn't? Maybe it's feeling sheepish. "

Jack laughed, and slouched down in his chair. He watched with interest. "Now, did you remember to think of your question whilst you shuffled? " he grinned.

Lavender laughed, "I am sure he did, now Draco keep the question in your mind. " Lavender took the cards from Draco, and then did a three card placement. She brushed th ehair out of her face as she smiled at Draco, "The left card represents an important element of the past. Four of Cups - Luxury (reversed): New possibilities. New relationships. New approaches to old problems. New acquaintance. New knowledge. "

Draco's brows furrowed as he listened to Lavender, looking intently upon that cards that really made next to no sense to him. He blinked some as he thought over her words, slowly nodding. Then looking up to Lavender. "Go on.. "

Jack watched silently, his chin resting in a palm, eyes half lidded,

Lavender grinned she took a deep breath as she looked at Draco, "The middle card represents a deciding element of the present. The Magician (reversed): Weakness of will. Ineptitude. Insecurity. Disquiet. Lack of imagination. Willpower applied to evil ends. " She bit her lip waiting for Dracos reaction.

Draco was completely silent, his mock attitude towards the reading was beginning to fade as each card was read out to him. Hands were clasped hard within his lap, slightly clamy as the reading continued on. "Alright.... " Holding his breath some before remembering to breathe some.

Jack flickered his gaze over to Draco, then waited for his spoken reaction. He could read volumes just from the physical one. Plus, he smelled fear.

Lavender bit her lip again she wasn't sure what Draco was going to say to her or do for that matter. She exhaled deeply, "The right card represents a critical element of the future. Six of Cups - Pleasure: Memories. Past influences. Things that have vanished. Childhood past. Nostalgia. Faded images. Longing. " She looked at Draco waiting for a response.

Draco looked over the cards, the meaning of the last one highly ambigious..but that made sense..seeing as it had to do with the future. Either way, he wasn't going well with it. Standing quickly, he looked towards Lavender in a type of defence. "What the bloody hell is that suppose to mean? That my future will be effected by my past? that's how everybodies' future goes! Why would mine be any different? "

Jack reached a hand over to place on Draco's shoulder in a comforting motion. "It's just a game... You don't HAVE to believe in it you know... " he said softly.

Lavender glared at Draco, "Hey it isn't my choice what the cards say. That is that yours wanted to say, yours is different because it is how you choose to have your past effect you. The cards just so you know they can just let you see what could happen, if you stay on the path that you are on. Now if change what you are doing then it will change."

Draco hissed some, slamming palms of his hands against the desk and looking at Lavender with something akin to hatred, kill the messanger if the news is bad. "How am I suppose to change something when I don't know what it is I should change?! Everything in my past effects my future..it would vary from..a fall I took when I was younger, to something as big as..as..the choice of going to Hogwarts! How do I possibly fish out which it is I need to change? "

Jack opened his mouth to speak at Lavender snipe at him, then Draco erupted and he just closed his mouth, giving Draco's shoulder a squeeze again. "It will be Ok mate... "

"The path you are going on Perhaps this longingâ¤? is what is your problem. I don't know what you need to change to escape from your past I don't know what you do or are doing. " Lavender smiled. "If you want a different reading I will be Glad to give you one another day, perhaps a different type. "

Hands rolled into fists upon the desk as he continued to listen. Then quickly pushed away from the desk, forearm running over his forehead to both push away locks of hair..and to get rid of the beads of sweat. It looked as if something just hit him..and knocked the wind and sense out of him. "Nno..I don't want another one, or another type... " With deliberate moves, he slowly pulled his bag over his shoulder.

Jack leaned back, and looked between Lavender and Draco, still not sure of what to say. He didn't put much truck in this sort of thing, but considering how things had gone as of late, this one hit frighteningly right on the button.

"That is fine with me Draco, but if you change your mind you know where to find me. Jack do you care for a reading now? " Lavender smiled as she picked up her cards.

Draco had strayed from the desks they were at..and leaned up against one of the closer ones by the door. He'd stay if Jack wished for a reading, but would stay as far from those cards. Which had thoroughly shook him up.

"Uh... " Jack stalled, looking over at Draco. "Well, what do you think Malfoy? " he asked with a grin, "Shall I have my doom laid our before my eyes as well? "

Eyes glanced from Lavender to Jack..and slowly to those cards. He shruged some. "Might as well both see how doomed we both are. " Trying to force a smile, but that was hard.

Lavender then handed the cards to Jack, "Please shuffle them think of the question, and do you want the same spread I did on Draco? "

Jack nodded, "yeah, sure... " he said softly, and closing his eyes, he shuffled the cards around in his hands, doing several impressive Dealer's shuffles with them before setting them down in the middle of the table. "Done. " he said.

Watching as the cards were shuffled, he looked quickly around the small circle. Listening all the while.

Lavender took the cards, "You know I did a reading on you a while back, when you disappearedâ¤? and lets see if anything has changed. " Lavender started laying the cards out as she looked up and Jack and smiled.

Jack pulled a face at the news of that. "What SORT of reading.... did you do on me? " he asked in a low, controlled tone of voice.

Draco was instantly interested in this news, he looked quickly towards Lavender, wanting to know exactly what Jack voiced. Eyes narrowed slightly.::

Lavender smiled, "Oh well that awful rumor about you I wanted to know if it was true so I did the 3 fates reading the one I am doing now. It was wasn't pretty but the good news it basicly said the rumor was false. "

Jack looked over at Draco. "See? Proven innocent for once.. " he said with a nervous hitch to his laugh. he then turned back to watching Lavender, and to see what the Cards held for him THIS time around.

A soft smile was given to Jack..and despite his run in with those cards, Draco watched them closely, resting elbows against knees..and chin atop closed fists.

Lavender took a deep breath, "These cards are a bit happier than the last ones. The left card represents an important element of the past. Six of Cups - Pleasure (reversed): The future. Opportunities ahead. Coming events. New vistas. Plans that may fail. That which will shortly arrive. "

Jack sneered, "And that means.... what? " he asked looking over at Lavender.

Lavender sighed, "That is your past something happened that failed, and I believe that you will get a chance to right what was wronged in the future. "

Jack GRINNED wide, and folded his hands in his lap. "Do tell... " he said, sounding quite pleased. "And then, the next card? " he asked raising his eyebrows inquisitively at Lavender.

Lavender grinned, "The middle card represents a deciding element of the present. King of Swords (reversed): A person who may pursue a matter to ruin. Cruelty. Conflict. Selfishness. Sadism. A dangerous or wicked person. One who causes unnecessary disturbance and sadness. Perversity. " Lavender bit her lip and looked at Jack.

Jack's smiled slid to the side, a perfectly malevolent grin. "So I am the cause of this, or another is causing this to me... " he asked, shifting his eyes to look at her again from the card.

"It could be you or someone elseâ¤? " Lavender looked at Jack, wondering if she should go on.

Jack nodded, then indicated the cards on the table with a lift of his chin. "Interesting... OK, carry on then... " he said slowly drumming his fingers on the table. "Hit me again Dealer. " he smirked.

Lavender laughed, "You seem happy with your cards, The right card represents a critical element of the future. Justice: Harmony. Balanced conduct. Equity. Righteousness. Virtue. Honor. Virginity. Sincere desire. Good intentions. Firmness of character. Advice. Self-satisfaction. The eventual outcome, whether favorable or unfavorable, will truly be fair for the person concerned. Equilibrium. Poise. Impartiality. Capability of perceiving temptation and avoiding evil. A person who responds favorably to the good nature of others. A considerate person. " Lavender took a deep breath satisfied with her work.

Jack folded his arms over his chest, and looked triumphantly at Lavender, then at Draco. "Not bad. Got something to look forward to I do... " he grinned, then leaned over and placed a kiss on Lavender's cheek. "Thanks love! " he said with a wink, then stood up from the table.

Draco had been completely silent during Jack's reading. Which had been, bluntly put, a hell of a lot better then his. Adding a type of insult to injury. Draco stood quickly, giving the two a glance before making his way out of the room..less then happy about the outcomes of this little tarot reading in whole.

2002-09-06 20:10:00,
Study Hall,

An IC RP with Snape and Jack

Jack paused in his studies, and rubbed his fingertips in his weary eyes. The pile of books in front of him was fairly large, but due to hiding out from those that would still talk to him, and they weren't many, he had been able to get most of his homework done today and this evening, leaving him the weekend free to do whatever he liked. He was down to Herbology, and writing an essay on "10 plants you would take with you if you were stranded on a dessert island. " Right.

Snape was thinking. Hard. Hermione had asked him about a very--- unusual combination of ingredients, and it had started him thinking. He recalled some reference to Erumpent and un-chronological potions in Ars Canum one time... His grading concluded, he decided to check in the library.

Jack paused to look up at the clock. Damn. Almost closing time, he blew his fringe back out of his eyes with a puff of air from his mouth, then went back to his notes, and tried to seriously thing which Magical plants he would want on a desert island with him besides Thai Green, Maui Waui, and Sensimilla from Northern California....

Snape walked into the library without a glance for permission, rude, possibly, especially as shutting the library to students was a task and a half, but he never bothered and didn't care. He walked into the main room, and thought a moment where the book would be.

Jack looked up from his reading when he heard the quick, clapping of hard shoes on the wooden floor, and saw Snape as he swooshed into the library. He rolled his eyes and let out an audible groan, then stodd his herbology book up on edge to act as a screen while he hunched down behind it. Not like that would help hide him much. He was the last one left in here.

Ars Canum... Ah, it would be near the invocations, most likely. He walked over, vaguely noticing one student still bent to his task. He walked over, not paying much attention, and stood behind them, reading the titles on the spines.

Jack stopped working as Snape, of course, had to look for his damn book right behind HIM. Jack paused in his work for only a second, then bent back ove to his task but found that concentration had flown. Sighing he put his quill down and just rest his head on his folded arms, and waited.

Snape found the book at last, on the second from the top shelf. He removed it, and propped it open on one arm, leafing through to find the quotation. A sound behind him made his eyes travel briefly to the side. He rolled them heavenward, before looking back down at the page. He spoke as though he had never looked around. "Evening, Grim. "

"Evening Sir. " he said in a neutral tone, then went back to looking through his own book. He found that once that initial greeting and reply was over, he was able to work again. He returned to his note taking, pausing every now and then to double

Snape frowned, and traced his finger down across the old paper, feeling it start to sing quietly in his mind as he did so. No, that wasn't it... he could have sworn it was on page eighty-something... turned... ah, page eighty-nine. He traced the desciption, letting the eloquent voice hum the part he needed, before closing the book. He stood a moment, before levitating it back up to its spot.

Jack had managed to fully engross himself in this particular assignment, imaging it quite easily being marooned somewhere along for the rest of one's life. Once he had gotten over the silliness of illiccit plants to take, save for barley and hops.... He carefully considered magical food providing and healing ones.... "Ten... ten... only ten.... " he muttered to himself as he rolled his quill around over the tops of his fingers skillfully while he throught.

Once the large tome was securely back in its proper place, Snape turned and started walking out. On an afterthought, he threw back over his shoulder, "I don't suppose you thought about climate, did you Grim... "

Jack winced, and slammed his fists down on the table, and swore under his breath. "Dammit... that's right.... " he growled to himself, then flipped through the books. "But islands can TRULY be deserts, not in the middle of a dody of water, so that would make them semi tropical actually... High humidity.... lots of sun... seasonal storms.... Hrm.... " he muttered to himself without looking up at Snape or replying, as if he can thought of that all by himself.

Snape smirked, his back to Jack, and carried on walking out of the library, the brief distraction from this new problem fading all too fast.

Jack was too immersed in this new wrinkle in his project until he was disturbed again some time later by Madame Pince, shooing him out for the night. Jack grumbled, he had just compiled a new list of sub tropical tolerant plants, and was going to start the narrowing down process. "FINE! " he groused, slamming the books shut. Madame Pince frowned at him and used her wand to put them all away while he gathered up his belongings and made his way back down to the dungeons to continue.

Snape traipsed back to his office, with a few half-answers, but more questions than when he had set out. Filch cornered him briefly, and handed over a litany of complaints about untraceable pranks and misdeeds. Snape stood in conversation for far too long, before he could continue heading back to his dungeons, and his chambers.

Jack was nearing the dungeons, and he heard the last snatches of Filch grousing to someone about something, then had to dodge out of the way as he stalked past him, followed my his mangy cat. Jack watched him go, then continued on, rounding the corner of the hall he saw Snape unlocking the door to his (classroom? Rooms?).

Snape looked up, a wearied expression on his face, wondering just who was disturbing him now. He hated going in and out of his rooms anyway, especially when someone was around. Exasperation gave way to resignation when he saw Jack, and he sighed. "Thrown you out already? "

Jack was going to just walk by the miserable old git, not saying a word, not even a greeting, just let sleeping flobberworms lie, but oh no.... Snape had to snark off at him. Jack tightened his grip on his book bag, and continued walking by, eyes lowered down, he would NOT be baited. "It was closing time Sir, I was asked to leave. " he said in a curt tone then walked past Snape, and headed for the mirror at the end of the Hall.

The Potions Master snorted, eyebrows arching in amusement. Well somebody was being touchy today, weren't they? "Forgive me for seeming to imply otherwise, " he replied, bending back to the door, rolling out the words easily.

Jack made a non commital grunt to that, and went to stand before the mirror . Out of habit, he turned, glanced around to make sure he was alone, or at least no student from other houses were around, and he uttered the password, "Belladonna ".

Snape stopped, the door unlocked, but still closed, one hand resting against the old wood. He wasn't about to go in in front of anyone. He refrained from watching outright, content with his peripheral vision right now. Instead, he folded his arms, head tilted slightly to one side. He mumbled, more to himself than anything else, "Same every year... "

The mirror slid into the wall, and he crossed the threshold into Slytherin House, then knowing Snape was watching him, he looked over his shoulder and called back, "Pleasant dreams Professor Snape... " he said with a catty wink then slipped from sight, into the dorms beyond.

Snape snorted again, but was glad to finally be able to enter his own rooms in peace. He didn't bother replying, pulling the door shut behind him as he settled in for another few solid hours of work.

2002-09-06 22:41:00,
OWL TO HARRY,

Dear Harry,

Your owl to me was greatly appreciated, and I am sorry I made you feel that you needed to send it. Put it down to having my own nightmares about You-Know-Who, and sharing your tragic heritage of having our parents slain by the bastard.

I will tell you something you most likely do NOT know. He calls to me. He calls to Draco. Lord knows whom else he tries to seduce to his Dark Side within this school. It is my opinion that he is now summoning much younger followers due to the failure of the First Generation of his Death Eaters.

It scares me Harry, it scares me nearly to death. I do want you to know that you and your friends have nothing to fear from me, ever. Hermione has a grudge against me because several weeks ago, she interferred in PRIVATE business of mine, and I made a threat to scare her away. I later apologised, but I don't think she will ever forgive me, or trust me again.

She was also witness to other mischief involving Mr. Mafoy and myself, and again, was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Draco threatened her this time. In any case, I am hoping we can all try to put this away in the past, and work together, House feuds be damned, to defeat The Dark Lord.

Humbly yours, and your friend,

Jack Grim

2002-09-07 09:04:00,
Morning musings...

Not long ago... I was listening to some Muggle music, stuff I listened to in School, and some lyrics struck me as being ever so descriptive of one Severus Snape:

"When we grew up and went to school

There were certain teachers who would

Hurt the children in any way they could

"OOF! "[someone being hit]

By pouring their derision

Upon anything we did

And exposing every weakness

However carefully hidden by the kids

But in the town, it was well known

When they got home at night, their fat and Psychopathic wives would thrash them

Within inches of their lives. "

It's spot on I would say. Although I have no way of knowing if Snape ever married, a human or otherwise. Can't imagine the sane creature that would...

As ever.

2002-09-07 18:00:00,
Every move you make.... every step you take...

An IC RP with Jack and Snape.

Jack entered the library, and looked around, it was late Saturday afternoon, and for the most part it was deserted of students. This was fine with him. He nodded to Madame Pince, who gave him an odd look. She probably thought another Grainger was hatching. Terrific. Jack went to a side row of the library, and set his bookbag down on the table before starting to peruse the shelves.

Snape didn't really want to go to the libarary again; Madam Pince was already fed up of him, and liable to complain. At least in the Staff Room. And the last thing Snape needed was for people to be nosing about right now. He walked in as if he owned the place, with the slightest of nods towards the curator, to mollify her.

Jack ran his hands along the spines of the books in the section he was in, and chewed on his lower lip as he thought. He wasn't sure WHAT he was looking for, just something to read. He recalled James and he and found book of Wizaard Erotica once, but he was sure they were long gone, or refiled properly by now.

The professor walked in, hoping to find another of the students he needed to see in here; where they were, as a group, (and still individually) most likely to be found. Ah, and there was one of them, and one of the few Slytherins. And perhaps the person he most and least wanted to see. He slowly walked over, playing with the bundle of papers in his hand.

Jack continued running his hands along the spines of the books, and at last pulled one down that 'felt' right. He opened the cover, and grinned. Inside the "Complete Booke of Bogarts " was hidden a much slimmer volume, "Tantic Spells and their Uses. " Jack smiled to himself. "Bingo... " he whispered, and shifted his weight to his right foot as he read through the pages. His back was to the main aisle of the library, so he was isolated, and undisturbed.

Snape walked up to Jack, forcing his feet forwards, and stopped far enough away not to be disturbing his private space, well aware that this was the second time in as many days he'd done this, but unable to help it. The first time had been an accident. Yes. Chance. It was only now he'd come to FIND him. So that was alright. He cleared his throat, staring at the papers in his hand.

Jack startled, and snapped the Bogart Book shut with an audible sound, and wiped his flushed expression from his face as he turned around. Snape. His gut tensed, but why? True, he was holding a slightly lacivious book, but bloody Hell, what could he have done wrong now? " "Professor. " he said in a soft voice, taking great pains to keep it low and neutral. He wasn't ready to shriek for help, yet.

Snape frowned, a little... on edge... but he thrust out the papers he had rolled in his hand to cver his discomfit. "These are for you, " he said, listening to his voice, and letting a little confusion enter his thoughts. "Assignments. I thought you would benefit from them. " He stood, feeling a little silly now, and rethinking his plan. But it was ever so slightly too late now. So he waited.

Jack blinked. Like a fox before the hounds, backed up to a stream. "Assignments.... Sir? " he managed to choke out, not sounding as steady as he had liked. "Am I.... being punished Sir? " he asked, letting the confusion cleary be heard this time. He blinked slowly, watching Snape ever so closely.

Snape frowned, and only just refrained from biting at his bottom lip. "As much as anyone else I think can cope with a little extra... exertion. " He gestured with the papers, feeling more and more ridiculous by the moment, but determined not to show it. "A little lateral thinking should do you good, " he assured.

Jack blinked, and raised his eyebrows as he slide the book back onto the shelf, then reached out and took the scrolls from Snape. He then unrolled the first one, and read it over, "I.... appreciate your ... confidence in me Sir... " he said looking over the basics on the papers, then back up to Snape. "Can you tell me when you expect these to be completed? " he inquired with the lift of an eyebrow, and the softest tug upward at the corner of his mouth.

"They will be done whenever they are done, " Snape said, trying to keep still and fighting the urge to stalk off already. He straigthened the seam down one side of his cloak, before looking up again. "I take it there shall be no problems? "

Jack blinked, this was odd. Odd. Odd. He shook his head slowly, and rolled up the parchments, tucking them into a pocket of his robe. He found a bundle there, and pulled it out, then opened it. "No Sir... I shall get a start on them this evening. I have no social life... so I have a fair amount of spare time to devote to it. Sort of ironic actually, " he said, then held up the opened bag to Snape, "Rum drop? " he asked with a soft, congenial smile.

Snape looked at the proffered bag like it was condensed death, eyebrows raising in something akin to horror. "No... Thankyou... " he said, taking an involuntary step backwards, looking up for visual confirmation that he had not just completely flipped.

Jack nodded, and gave him the most amused of looks, "They aren't poisoned... but oh well... " he said popping one into his mouth and then walking forward to place the scrolls in his bookbag. He did so, then looked over at Snape, who was still there, watching him. "Is there anything else, Professor? " he asked as he started to gather up his things, forgetting he wasn't done with what he came there to do.

Snape watched, a little dumbstruck for a moment or two, before shaking his head and resettling the scowl on his face. "Nothing more. " Then he should turn and leave. "Hand them in to me, then, and I shall mark them. " Go, already,

Jack nodded, sensing... something. Whatever it was... it was not right about the man. He felt it in his gut, and that was telegraphing weirdness to other places on him. "Right. Thank you Professor... " he said, then quickly grabbed his bookbag, shouldered it, and left the aisle. He walked directly to the exit of the library, and it wasnt until he was almost back to his House that he recalled he had left without doing what he had gone there to do. "Dammit. " he swore to himself, then sighed. Judging from the scrolls Snape had just bestowed on him, he had no time for casual smut reading anyway. No set due date on the assignments no doubt meant NOW.

Snape hung around a moment, not wanting to follow, and looked at the books in front of him idly, but barely reading them. He wanted to go. Back to his rooms. But not now. He walked along the aisle a little, steepling his hands.

2002-09-07 21:11:00,
Meet Pansy Parkinson...

An IC RP with Jack Grim and Pansy Parkinson.

Jack sat in the Slytherin Common room at a table in the far corner looking over the scroll Snape had given to him earlier in the Library. He looked over the topics to be discussed, and they ranged from the wicked to the inert. "What the Hell are you getting at? " he muttered to himself as he sifted through them. He had the feeling the assignment, and the topics were far from random. Snape NEVER made a random movement in his life.

Pansy was sprawled out in front of the fireplace, curled up with one of her favorite novels when she heard shuffling of papers. She looked up at Jack's muttering, "What was that, Grim? There's no use complaining if nobody can hear you do it, " she snorted.

Jack paused, and looked up from his work toward the direction the voice had come from. He scowled, "I wasn't complaining for the entire room to hear Miss Parkinson, " he snarked back. "I was commenting to myself on the insanity of Professor Snape... "

Pansy arched an eyebrow, "What's the use of complaining to yourself? It's more fun to complain to other people. That's what I always say. So what aspect of Professor Snape's insanity are we focusing on today? The dissecting of toads? The assigning of twenty-five inch essays on the use of paprika? His demanding to know the secret behind one hand clapping? "

Jack laughed aloud, grinning at Pansy, she had managed to completely break him out of his stern comtemplation. "No... " he grinned. "Why the twisted old git felt the need to give me EXTRA essays on various things, NOT because I am in trouble, BUT because I am up to the challenge... " he said raising his eyebrows, and reaching for a glass of pumpkin juice.

Pansy smirked before closing her book. She sat upright on the couch. "Well, that was a rather backhanded compliment he gave you, I believe. My my, Grim. It would almost seem that our esteemed Head of House believes you worthy of teaching. He'd never assign extra essays to me. " She studied her nails dramatically, "Honestly, you'd think he believes me absolutely vacant because I cannot recite the recipe for a wart-removing potion from memory. "

Jack laughed again, "Then most of this ruddy school is just as vacant, if not more so. " he grinned. He then leaned on the table, looking directly at her, "Vacant is something I don't think I would ever call you Miss Parkinson.... " he said with a lift of an eyebrow and a smirk. "Obsessed with Malfoy with a touch of Narcissism perhaps.... But never vacant... "

Pansy frowned as pursed her lips, "Yes...the obsessing with Malfoy thing. A phase, I tell you. Nothing more. " Her dark mood disappeared instantly, "However...if I'm not mistaken...that was almost complimentary coming from you, Grim. " She eyed Jack speculatively, "I won't deny the narcissism part, however. I've always been the center of my very self-contained universe. Although I do know when to let go and pursue other things. At least that's what Millicent is always telling me. " She nodded towards the parchments sprawls across the table, "So what's he asking you to do? "

Jack nodded to Pansy, acknowledging her backhanded comment to him. "Well, While Malfoy is a handsome sod, " he paused glancing around the room, making sure no other ears were in range before continuing, "He comes with baggage.. " he smiled, then sat back in his chair, "Ah... but then don't we all?' he mused, then leafed through the papers again. "Essays.... on everything from Veritiserum, to Healing Spells, to Tasteless Poisonous potions... " He said looking them over again.

Pansy's curiousity was peaked, "Tasteless poisonous potions and healing spells? Those sound like they're from the seventh year curriculum. " She walked over to the table, "This is really odd, " she stated as she glanced over the scrolls. She titled her head again as she looked at Jack, "Why would he assign these to you? As far as I'm aware, some of these are university level in difficulty. Are you pursuing a career in medicine? "

Jack shrugged. "Hadn't planned on it.... Shit, I will be happy just to live out the bloody year.... " he muttered, voice trailing off as he glanced up at Pansy, then back to his pile of papers. "I KNOW for a fact he hates, me. More than Potter I think at times... Maybe because I stand up to him, don't take his shit.... " he said shaking his head slowly. "Don't get it. He didn't give me a time for having these into him either... "

Pansy looked thoughtful, "Well, " she began carefully, "who can say what his motivations are? All I can honestly say is that I'd rather have Snape as our Head of House. In a way, he's harder on us than the other professors are. I suppose he's trying to prepare us for...anything that's going on right now. " She stopped and then smiled slowly, "Or then of course, he could be just giving you that special slice of hell that he likes to dole out. " She shrugged slowly, "I suppose I have it rather easy. The old gender politics still apply. Especially in this house. "

Jack sighed and rolled his eyes, "Oh how pathetic, even for YOU Pansy. " he groaned, then affected a high-pitched, girly voice. "Oh I am so glad I am a girl, they don't expect me to be smart.... " he said, then fluttered his eyelashes at her, and folded his hands delicately underneath his chin and smiled at her.

Pansy laughed, "Please. You know it's true. In this house of blue blood and old families, not very much is really expected from the girls. Of course, I hope to prove that stereotype wrong, but you have to admit that attitude is pretty commonplace here. You don't see anyone giving me any extra assignments. " She paused and gave a sly smile, "Besides, it's always better to be a bit smarter than people give you credit for, don't you think? People have some abominably loose lips around an halfwit than they would around a clever person. " She poked Jack in the shoulder, "Go on, admit it. You know it's true. Just say it...it's easy, 'Yes, Pansy, you're absolutely right!' It's easier than you think. " She let off and laughed outright.

Jack laughed darkly. "Yeah... I know all about the rumor mill in here and loose lips. While I was gone, apparently, it was widely spread qound that I was Snape's son... " he said, then pulled a face and stuck two fingers down his throat and made a gagging sound. "Yeah... that was a pleasant one... " he grumbled, then shrugged, "I am sure you are right. It's like cards, don't let them know everything you have. "

Pansy bit her lip, "Listen Grim...I heard about that rumor. And I have to just accept responsibility. I may have told a few people, but believe me, it was everywhere by the time I heard it. If you really think about it, it's ridiculous that you would be Snape's son. What? You both have dark hair. Now that's an advanced comparison of the Snape gene pool if I've ever seen one. " She looked at him, "Anyway, I wanted to just come clean with that. I'm sorry for perpetuating that. I'd really like to be on better terms with you. NO strings attached. I promise. "

Jack narrowed his eyes, and watched her closely for a moment, then extended his hand to her. "Deal. We shall be non-combatant, compatriots... " he said with a wink, and waited to shake her hand.

Pansy shook his hand, "Perhaps even comrades in the future. Just don't expect me to be a shining example to the proletariat. And the first time you ask me to read Pravda, we'll have to reevaluate our association. "

Jack laughed, and shook his head as she released his hand, and looked back down at his pile of papers. "Yeah, same here... Just shoot me if I turn into Hermione Granger and they make a Prefect out of me. " he chuckled and poured himself another glass of Pumpkin Juice.

Pansy raised an eyebrow, "Oh, I don't know. There's a lot you can do with being a Prefect. I wouldn't mind being a Prefect. " She sighed, "You've shamed me, Grim. I have loads of homework to do. I suppose I need to get started on it. I mean, if you are working on essays on a Saturday night, then I should as well. It's not good to out-ambition a fellow Slyth. " She smiled at Jack.

Jack rolled his eyes, and shoved the papers aside. "Well, these have no due date.... I may not even do them... " he boasted as he leaned back in his chair, and put his feet up on the table. "I wonder what he would do to me then... " he said with a lift of his eyebrows.

Pansy wrinkled her nose, "Merlin, that's an open-ended question that I don't even care to contemplate. " She looked at Jack with a serious expression, "You know that it's okay to retreat every once in a while. It doesn't mean you've lost. Just call it, " she paused, searching for the right word before grinning, "strategy. It's like chess. " Pansy sighed dramatically, snapping back into her bored artificial persona, "It's time for me to go to my dormitory, I have a chip in my varnish that required immediate attention. "

Jack laughed and blew Pansy a kiss. "Sleep well, dream of the torment of your enemies, and of the bright future ahead for us all.... " he chuckled, then pulled his feet down, and started to shuffle through the pages once again. "I may follow your lead soon. The polish on MY toes requires immediate attention... " he snarked.

Pansy straightened and patted her hair into place, "It's of my belief that we need our own house-elfs. Honestly, having to iron our own clothing and polish our own shoes. It's barbaric! " She exclaimed melodramtically before grinning and winking at Jack, "Well, I'm off. Have a good evening, Grim. " She waved as she turned on her heel and headed for the stairs leading up to the girls' dormitory.

Jack smiled as Pansy departed, then went back to looking over his papers. There had to be more to this than just extra credit. There had to be.</lj-cut>",The Crackling of the fire.

2002-09-08 09:57:00,
"With some sleep, a full belly, now I reflect.."

As I sit on a bench outside the Castle writing this, I am trying to again surmise why Snape is giving me Bonus work to do.

Because he hates me, and wants to make my life miserable, and suck up what litle free time I have to enjoy myself?

Because Albus suggested it to him for the same reasons?

Because he WANTS more schoolwork to correct and slash red ink across?

Because he thinks I am smart enough to handle it, and need to stretch my mental muscles more?

Why would he be doing that? Does he miss the verbal sparring of old we did during the Summer? I doubt it. He woould never have a motive so pure as to encourage a student to higher accomplishments. While that would shine will on him, to have his students bring Glory upon him and his Beloved House, wouldn't that eventually make him obsolete?

He has been that way for years. Obsolete, inpotent, bitter fruit from a twisted tree. His student will be his only Progeny. I suppose for that reason alone, he must have some that will outshine the graduates of Ravenclaw and Gryffindor.

He will get his essays, and I shall put more work into them than any I have done before just to show him I can. After all, I have alrady learned most of it. Either here, or in life.

As ever.

2002-09-08 12:41:00,
Extracurricular.

It's a beautiful day here at Hogwarts, the sun is shining, the students, including me are outside, enjoying the weather, each other's company, doing extra work assignements.

OK, that is just me... I am seated in a shady spot near the castle looking over one of the papers given to me by Snape, " "Discuss potions with similar attributes and their effects " he mused as he read over the information on the page.

"I know of several... " he grinned, "Used them on friends and enemies alike... " he said as he pulled out a piece of parchment from his bag, and began first with making a list of potions that were similar in outward characteristics, then their different effects.

This wasn't going to be so bad.

2002-09-09 16:09:00,
Study Hall,

Well, another day is at an end. Classes were par for the course. Charms, and History of Magic, and Arithmancy. That one is proving to be simple enough for me. Of course, most of the classes are. I have done it all before, this is merely review and repeat.

I am really trying to concentrate on my schoolwork and of course, Harry. Ironic that, eh? From what I have been able to notice, he is still traveling in a pack with Hermione, a very sulk Ron, and occasionally Cho Chang from Ravenclaw and Draco... It seems he has inherited his father's pack mentality.

I am sure they are up to something, since Draco is in the mix, and considering the conversation he and I almost had recently, I am sure they are woking on a protection spell of some sort for him. That is a good thing I suppose. He needs a Guardian Angel. I am currently spoken for in that department however.

I have been working on one of the essays for Snape. Why? I haven't a clue. Idle hands and all that? Perhaps. I find I am liking the bookwork, the studying, research. It is time consuming, and keeps my brain busy on a good track.

Change, perhaps is good for the old dog.

As ever.

2002-09-09 20:59:00,
Study Time in the Common Room,

An IC RP with Jack, Draco and Blaise.

Jack pushed aside his Arithmancy Homework, and leaned back in the chair to yawn and stretch. The big dinner had made him sleepy, but he was determined to finish his Charms essay, a short one on changing spotted newt into dice, then take a break. He glanced around the room, it was about half full, but none of his 'comrades' were currenty present. Comrades, that was rich. As far as he knew, only Draco was still really talking to him. Blaise was still cutting him a wide path after his blow-up at her last week.

It seemed to be that everybody was burying themselves within their work..except for those who didn't find it important, and instead figured socializing was better. However, there weren't many of those. So as far as seeing friends or people talking, it was limited down to something that had to do with their classes. Draco had been checking a good portion of the library out for the majority of his classes. The two the books were on being History of Magic and Muggle Studies. Both asking for extensive essays. Once he reached the common room through the portal, those books were pushing their limit on his arms..and the first table he found, those books were released with a loud thud and a rush of breath from himself.

Jack looked up from his stretch, startled by the thud of books falling on the table, and swearing, made a dive for his bottle of ink, catching it before it spilled and obliterated his last two hours of work. "Bloody Hell Malfoy! " he swore, "Take it easy, eh? " he growled as he stoppered the bottle and set the quill in a stand. He organized his work into a aneat stack on the far side of him, then looked back over at Draco an his pile of books. "Doing a bit of light reading, eh Malfoy? " he asked with a smirk, and pulled a licorice wand out of his pocket and began chewing on it.

Draco fell into a chair, staring in harsh discontent at the books he somehow managed to drag with him. He wished Madam Pince would take the "no magic " rule off the books so that he could at least make them a bit lighter to carry. But she was so blasted diligent about keeping them tamper free. Pushing locks of blonde hair back, he looked over to Jack with an apologetic smile. "Sorry..it's just, if I don't check these out now..either Granger..or somebody else will get them. Damn book hog she is. " Grumbling as he stared at the books, wanting to push them all off for the trouble they caused. But looked back to Jack. "Light reading? Oi, if only, then I wouldn't be having back muscles bunching up into knots would I? " Snickering softly despite his discontent for the books.

Jack narrowed his eyes at Draco, and gave him a wicked leer, "Then maybe you need to get Pansy or some other member of your Harem to give you a hot oil rub down after you are done... " he grinned, then took another large bite of the wand. "Know what I mean? " he asked with a wiggle of his eyebrows, then went back to reading a book on Potions, chuckling to himself from behind the cover.

Snickering, Draco crossed his arms atop that pile of books..and soon chin rested against forearm. Watching the other in a type of tired daze. "Doesn't that sound nice. " Laughing softly to himself. "I'm sure they'll jump at the chance..but maybe another time. I'm afraid work is coming before pleasure..in any case. " Letting out an overdramatic sigh as fingers fiddled with some thread that was falling away from the spine of one of the books. Twirling it about in his fingers as he watched the other. "Seems I'm not the only one that has to give up such. " Gesturing silently towards Jack's own pile of books and paper.

Jack looked from the pile of books and then back to Draco. "Well, yes. Jack is going to be aces this semester... Does all his work. Stays clear of women and Snape, and even CHEERFULLY does extra essays handed to him by said Professor Snape... " he said with a forced grin. "He thinks I am not challenged enough by his regular assignments, so he has given me MORE to do. "

Draco gave a sorrowful half smile towards the other. "Guess it's just another way to prove him wrong. I'm not sure if it'll shatter his over confident ego any, but at least it'll make him blanch still. Which, you have to agree, is quite a feat in itself. " Then again, Draco thought, nothing can really make the man blanch. This thought made Draco scowl some. Slowly, Draco pulled the top book to the table..cracking it open..though not reading over it just yet.

Blaise walked into the common room saw Draco and Jack at a table with piles of books. She walked over towards them with her books still in her bag. She looked at Jack then Draco, "Mind if I join you? " She took a deep breath, it was going to be now; because never would not be better.

Jack looked up over the top of the book he was shielded behind, and gave the nearly full table a quick survey with his eyes. "Uh, if you can find yourself a plot, feel free. " he said casting a raised eyebrow over at Draco. "S'at OK with y ou mate? " he asked.

Looking up from his own book, he met eyes with Blaise and then Jack. Giving a shrug, he addressed Blaise. "It's fine with me...but I'm afraid, the maximum for books has been cut down to three. I don't think the table can hold anymore of it's weight. " Snickering slightly and he shifted to let Blaise through to a chair.

"Well it is good I only have 2 books with me at the moment, " Blaise smirked. "So what homework are you working on? " Blaise sat down and looked at Jack, "You look well. " Blaise pulled out her books and looked at Draco with a soft smile, "It is good to see you too, Draco. "

Jack grinned at Blaise and held up the "Potions for the Advanced Wizard " he was reading. "Extra credit work for Snape. He sees me as "gifted " an had given me extra essays to do... " he gave her an appreciate smile. "Must want to keep this filthy mind of mine occupied on academics he said eyeing her casually. "You look well too, Zabini, " he said before returning to his reading.

Draco frowned at his own book, currently reading over "Muggle History and the Advancements of the Automobile ". Something Draco was vaguely interested in. "Some very interesting tidbits on the modern automobile.. " Contorting his face as he said such. Looking back towards Blaise, he leaned against the open book. "Nice to see you as well. Hmmm, I do hope that you plan to attend the full two hours of Quidditch Practices from now on. Unlike today. By the way, why WERE you late? " Raising a brow in question.

Blaise smirked at Jack, "Still the charmer. I am sure even school work couldn't keep your mind off other things. " She ran her fingers through her hair and looked at Draco; who brought up the one thing she hoped he wasn't going to bring up. Blaise gave a small flirtatious smile, "I was detained by Adrian who was telling me why he couldn't be on the team. He received a conformation to be on the Tutshill Tornados. "

Jack gave Blaise a stunning grin, then went back to his reading, taking notes here and there while Blaise addressed Draco about House Quidditch. "You guys will need to really work out with Gryffindor having both Potter AND Krum, " he smirked from behind his book.

"Yea, I heard about that. I wish him luck in that department. " Grinning softly before looking over towards Jack with a mock scowl. "Understandable, but they also have Granger and Weasley playing. Now, I can see marginally where Granger could be a good player, but Weasley? He's never shown much talent before. I believe they're just desperate after so much of their team graduating or otherwise. " But of course, Draco was completely intent on working the Slytherin team hard. After all, there was a lot on the line.

Blaise gave a small chuckle, "Well, from what I understand Weasley and Krum hate each other. All we have to do is play on that weakness. But also work very hard at our game beside Draco is captain and he is the best. " Blaise opened up her book, "Have you ever wondered why Potions is the only class that we have double of? "

Jack listened to Blaise banter on about Quidditch, not caring much one way or the other who won, he was only going through the motions a far as House Spirit went anyway. When she asked about Potions, he looked up at her, astonished, "Well.... could it perhaps be because it is a LAB class Zabini? " he snorted dismissively. "Takes longer than an hour to brew a decent Servatus Potion, especially with the dullards in this school... " he sneered, sounding quite Snape-like as he went back to reading his book.

Raising a brow, Draco looked from the outburst Jack produced..over to Blaise. Wondering silently how this would go over. The tension slightly built up, but it wasn't as heavy as it once was. Draco decided to stay out of this little convo unless directly brought into it. On which case, he would put a foot down and stop it.

Blaise shook her head she could believe what she had said, "Okay I am idiot for asking that. Why didn't I think of that? " Blaise sighed, "It must be everything that I have on my mind, I completely forgot. " Blaise looked ather book reading it; thinking to herself how stupid she was for even asking that. She looked at Draco, then at Jack and smiled. She was relieved that Jack was talking to her again.

Jack shot a glance at Draco, and then rolled his eyes and shook his head as he resumed his studying. "What ever you say Zabini..... " he muttered. "Whatever you say."

2002-09-10 07:26:00,
Turning in the Essay

An IC RP with Jack and Snape.

Jack left the dorms early that morning, and after gathering his supplies for the day, he left Slytherin House, and went to the door leading to Snape's office. He had just enough time to turn in the essay before heading off to breakfast with the rest of the school. He knocked, but not too loudly.

Snape was giving instructions, detailed instructions, to one of the House Elves regarding the supplies he needed for cleaning. The Elf jumped when he heard the door, and sprang off, nodding his understanding and confirming it rather loudly and repeatedly. He scurried to open the door, and Snape didn't have time to say otherwise had he wanted to. He scowled at the Elf's back, and looked beyond, disgruntled.

Jack looked into the room, as the door opened, and was surprised to see Snape beyond, farther back in the room. He then looked down at the elf. "Ah.... it's a Master Grim. Master Jack Grim to see you Professor Sir! " the elf squeeked, turning from looking at Jack to looking back at Snape. Jack glanced from the elf toward Snape, "Sir, if this is a bad time.... I can return later... " he said holding the scroll in front of him.

Snape refused to comment on whether or nt this was a bad time, but the likelihood of finding one that wasn't bad was perhaps worth noting. "Yes, thank you, you may go, " he said with an irritated wave at the elf, who bowed his head low, before beaming widely at Jack and running off, a list in hand.

Snape returned his attention to his student, looking a little confused. "Well, you're here already... " he said, and reached out to take the scroll, unfolding it to look at the contents briefly, but not saying anything yet.

"Yes Sir. I have finished the first of the essays you gave to me. I started with the Potions that are similar, but with different effects and the way to increase and decrease the strengths of them. Found it quite interesting. " he said venturing a soft smile, and folded his hands behind his back as he glanced around the office. Wincing at some of the more gruesome jar contents.

Snape's face was inscrutable, showing neither satisfaction nor dissatisfaction. He rolled the scroll back up, and placed it on the desk behind him. "Very well. I shall return it to you once I have read it. " He looked back at Jack with a deeper frown. "What books did you use? "

Jack blinked, and stood up straighter, he was quite proud of the work, "I used, Potions for Advanced Wizards, Moste Potente Potions, and Brews for creating Profit and Pain, and of course a little read book by most here called Polite Potions for the Proper. " he said as he recited off the titles, watching Snape's face for any hint of a reaction, though he really didn't expect to see one.

Snape sniffed, nodded. "There's a chapter in Alchemie of the Aboriginies, but then I didn't expect you to find that one, " he said. but didn't offer further criticism. "Written by Middleton, the author of 'Polite Potions' apprentice. He refutes much of his theses... Perhaps you would like to read that next. " Even talking about his raison d'etre Snape didn't seem to be able to muster much enthusiasm.

Jack smiled, and nodded. "I should like that very much. I am finding this quite consuming Sir. I thank you for your... guidance in this matter. " he said, then continued. "Do I need a note for that title, or is it in the General section of the library? "

Snape half-closed his eyes, in effort of concentration. Was it in the library? It wasn't often used by most students because of the highly specific nature of its subject, but it did counter-argue Helfed's ideas quite brilliantly if concisely. "I do not believe it is in the library, " he confessed, not having considered that possibility until now. He took his own books for granted. He turned, made for his bookcase, and summoned down a small red libellum. He opened it, looked at the title page.

Jack watched Snape curiously, but remained silent as he went to his bookshelves and removed a book. This was certainly interesting. Would he be loaning him a book from his personal study? This WAS a sign of the nearing Apocalypse, he was sure of it.

Snape narrowed his eyes. This wasn't a particularly dangerous book, with no instructions for making any potions in, but discussions and comparisons. And it didn't have the same life that books with charms did, for example. Life, yes, but of a different sort. "I expect you to return this in pristine condition. " He closed it, and held it out.

Jack looked at Snape, wide eyed with surprise, and he gave a polite nod of his head as he took the book from Snape, and then looked over the cover, running the fingers of his left hand over it reverently. "Thank you sir. I really appreciate your doing this for me... " he said as he opened the book and looked through it briefly. "Theory. I like reading theories... " he mused as he closed the book and looked back up at Snape. "Thank you again Sir, " he smiled, then turned to go. "I shall be off to breakfast now. Will you be going up as well? "

Snape fixed the boy with an odd look, trying to figure out if he was being sarcastic or not, or if he knew something Snape didn't. He resisted the urge to shuffle, feeling uncomfortable in undetected mockery, bristling instead. The words were chipped, stacatto, and spat out in a machine-gun rattle. "Yes. I will. "

Jack nodded, "Very well then sir. I shall see you later on then in classes. " he said in a light tone, then turned and left the office. He felt himself relax once he was out in the Halls again, and yet, that hadn't gone that badly. Perhaps he had at last found a common ground with Snape. Knowledge, and all the power it could lead you to.

Snape blinked at the door. Breakfast?? What... alright, his brain felt like it had stopped several minutes ago. Fine. He wouldn't go to breakfast after all. He'd stay down here and... what? Mark Jack's essay? No. Somehow he didn't think so. He could get it done before class, if he worked quite fast, but he prefered to linger over some things, and plus, it would look... well. He sat in his chair, instead. And carefully took his journal from inside its locked drawer.

2002-09-12 08:38:00,
And so it goes....

Things are quiet, and slow... Again I am enjoying it, and burying myself in the extra work Snape has given me, and the book by Middleton he have me to read as well.

The book is from his personal library. What could this mean? I feel more... neutral around him now. Odd. I can't seem to muster the hate and loathing of old, just... neutral apathy. I suppose this is an improvment for my own well being perhaps?

Peaceful co-exhistance. I can deal with that. Harry seems to be doing well. Haven't heard anything from him since the "Great Potions Blowup " and our owls to each other. We have potions together today. I may attempt a casual "How are you mate? "

I received an owl from Blaise today at breakfast. Odd girl. Why not talk to me or just pass it on over. Whatever. She wants to talk. I can do that. She mentioned about getting together this weeked. I can do that too. I have no social life, but then, I am not SUPPOSED to. I think Albus has added Salt Peter to the "Allergy Potion. " My sex drive has evaporated. Again, this could be a good thing.

Well, I shall pen a note to Blaise and pass it to her before Potions today. I need to start on that next essay for Snape as well.

As ever.

2002-09-12 08:50:00,
NOTE TO BLAISE,

A sealed note, passed to Blaise before Thursday Double Potions Class.

Hello Blaise,

Please remember today is a DOUBLE Potions class... We have those because... yes, I am being a prat. How are you? I am alright, and thanks for the note.

I don't have any plans for the weekend so far. Let me know what you have in mind. I will mostly likely be in the Common Room or Library doing research for Essays for Snape.

As Ever,

Jack Grim

2002-09-12 11:12:00,
Talking with the Master.

An IC RP with Harry and Snape and Jack Grim.

Jack had finished cleaning up from the day's potion, "Semotus ", and glanced over at Blaise. As if sensing his gaze, she looked over and smiled. Jack returned the smile and gave her a nod before looking over a Harry, sitting at a table not to far off. He waited for Harry to look in his direction, and when he did, he gave him a grin, and a lift of his chin. "How goes it Potter? " he smiled.

Harry was cleaning up fromt he days activitis as well, as Hermione and Ron were 'talking' about something other than potions. He was just about done when he felt someone staring at him. Looking up, he saw Jack. "Alright, Jack. " he said waving in return. Harry threw a glance to Hermione and Ron and finished cleaning. "How are you? "

Snape watched the students clearing up with distracted attention. "No, that's a lead-glass bottle, Longbottom. Do you really want to put brinthemium in there? No, I thought not... PLEASE clean that properly, Stiles! No, that brush isn't big enough... " he mentally invoked whatever was the patron deity of long-suffering school masters and continued to watch for any possibly fatal accidents.

Jack shrugged, "Well enough. Just wanted to let you know that I was, you know, sorry about last week. I suppose I have a certain "creepy " level now thanks to.... things, and I have to expect people not in the know to expect the worst of me. " He paused, then smiled and offered his hand, "No hard feelings though, eh? You're a good man Potter. Even if you are Gryffindor ", he grinned.

Harry looked to the offered hand, and smiled. He didn't like fighting when it wasn't nessasary, and Jack was right, house feuds be damned. "No, no hard feelings. You have one less juryman to worry about. " he said and took Jack's hand. "I'm glad that we can put this behind us Jack. "

Jack smiled, and relief showed on his face. "I know both you and I share a common tragic link in our pasts, and while I won't presume to know HOW you feel, or judge you on how you deal with it, but I just want you to know, I DO understand, and.... " he paused, then smiled. "I can be there if you ever want to chat. Just send me a note. I am nothing but a bookworm as of late. No social life, so talking with a like soul would probably do me well. "

"Jack, you have no idea how happy that makes me. " To have someone that actually DOES understand, and here at school, this could prove to be a very..theraputic expereance. Harry tended to internalise all the emotions to keep face for all that looked up to, and idolizd him. It was very tiring. "I think that is a good idea, I am available to you as well. "

Jack grinned, and nodded, before turning back to face front and center as Snape headed up the class to intimidate everyone again. "Now you have your titles. I want them in by Tueday at the latest. "

Harry pulled out his assignment book and marked the homework down, although Hermione would be bugging him constantly to finish it..Closing the book and gathering his supplies, Harry shoved them into his pack, waved good bye to Jack and was dragged away by an impatient Hermione.

Jack waved back to Harry, and received glares from everyone in his house save for Draco. He ignored those looks however, and after copying down his assignment, dropped everything in his book bag, and prepared to set off for lunch.

Snape let the majority of the class leave, before saying, quietly and lowly, but loud enough to be heard, especially by the intended recipient. He stood, hands clasped before him, near the front of the class. "Grim? "

Jack was lots in thoughts of plates of food, already salivating like one of Pavlov's dogs when the low, dark calling of his surname broke him out of his daydream. He blinked, then looked over at Snape. "Uh.... Yes Sir? " he asked, changing direction and walking over to stand near Snape's desk where he was in a standing perch as usual. He looked up at Snape with curious eyes.

"Your essay is marked. " Impersonal verbs are always best. "Is now not a convenient time? " he asked, watching as the last student left, watching them curiously, and threw a purposefully acerbic glare at them, which served its purpose well enough. He looked back down at Jack.

Jack blinked, then smiled, he was actually eager to hear what Snape had to say on the essay. "I was just off to eat Sir, " and as if on cue, his stomach gave a monster growl. Jack blushed ever so slightly and smirked. "See, it knows it's lunch time, but I can go over it with you now if you like. " he said, eagerly almost. "I am curious to see how trite you thought it was. " he said with a wider grin.

Snape blinked, and looked down at whatever had made such a terrible noise, a little disturbed and taken aback. He didn't think any parts of HIM had made sounds like that. He dragged his mind back to the task at hand, and picked up on one scroll from a pile lying on his desk without needing to identify it. "Far be it for me to keep you from the trough... " he said, extending it, but watching him closely.

Jack laughed and looked down to take the scroll, he opened it, and unrolled it looking at the marks made in red ink. He nodded, pursing his lips in the most fetching of ways if you were a girl, and read the notations nodding here and there. "Trough... aye. It is like a trough the way I eat. " he laughed softly. "I can't seem to ever eat enough. Comes from being starved for part of one's life I suppose... " he mused as he at last looked back up at Snape.

Snape moved to sit in his chair, easing himself into the old seat, and curling his fingers over the armrests. "Yes, I had noticed, " he commented, watching his reaction, and picking up a quill to keep his hands busy.

"Won't you be eating lunch Sir? " he said running a glance over Snape's skeletal frame. "Or I suppose you summon something more to your own tastes in here.... " he said leaning a hip against the desk, then changing subjects. "What did you wan