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 want to discuss about the paper besides what you noted in the margins? " he asked setting down his bookbag to the floor.

"I eat, " he said, simply, rather avoiding answering properly. He ran the metal nib of his quill, dry, across a piece of parchment, making a slight scatching noise. "I wondered who exactly you leaned towards, Middleton or Helfed? " He placed down the pen, and rested both hands above it. "And this point... " he leaned over to indicate one passage. "Where did you get this idea from? "

Jack bit down on his lower lip as he thought. "Middleton was quite informative, however... I like better how Helfed noted the practical, if slightly subversive ways the peotions could be used. He was more of a realist for lack of a better word. " he grinned. "I liked how Helfed saw the usefullness of confusable potions, meaning 'You think you are drinking a Memory enhancing Potion, when in fact your are drinking one that will cause you to spill your guts to your host. " he paused, his grin perfectly wicked. "Unless you are able to tell the subtle differences between the two. I find that quite intriguing. "

Snape let a small half-smile slide onto his thin lips a moment, enjoying some private joke. "Middleton was reacting against Helfed, which is why he wrote what he did. Helfed was in turn reacting... which is why books should never be used in isolation. Each researcher is endebted to, reacting against, building on or knocking down what has gone before... " he looked up, to see if Jack was following what he was thinking.

"It's like dogs marking territory, " he said turning a hand backwards to idly look at his fingernails, then chewed on one as if it were a habit. "It's your pole and say so on the matter as long as you were the last dog to pass by... " he said with a grin and a wiggle of his dark brows. "Wouldn't you say so Professor? Your theories, are the best, until the next bloke comes along and marks it up. "

"A rather colourful analogy, and one I would suggest you refrain from using in examanations... but yes, " he conceeded, and looked down a moment. "Quite often it is more amusing to see whether or not the apprentice shoots down their mentor, or idolises their theses than their actual ideas. In fact it often bears no correlation to their unprofessional relationship... " His eyes clouded, as he thought of some of his contemporaries, and frowned. "Where did you come up with that point, then? " he asked again, a little brusquely.

Jack laughed again, a hearty one this time. "Oh no... I know well what to put on tests and what not to. " he said confidently. "And yes, I do see the tendencies in these authors to go on either of those paths. Either the eager, adoring apprentice, eager to back up their Masters Thesis of "The Moon is made of Cheese, " or the ones that can't wait to overshadow them in the oblisk of their own Theorum of "The Moon, not cheese but Brie! " he said with a dramatic tone to his voice, then shifted his weight to the other foot. "Which would you rather have me become Professor? " he smirked inpudently, "Not that I couldn't guess for myself. " he added.

"I would rather you come to your own conclusions, and I shall see for myself where they fall in line with my own, " Snape said, archly. "And from the way you keep raving about cheese I guess you would agree to whatever I asked if it meant you would get fed and watered sooner. " He looked up at the clock. "Though I don't know if there's much time for you to fill that never-ending pit that you claim for a stomach. "

Jack smiled at Snape. "I was right. You would want neither, but for me to blaze my own path. " he said triumphantly. "As for cheese, " he shrugged. "No... just the first euphamism that popped into my head. Indeed, helped along by appetite, " he conceeded, then followed Snape's glance up to the clock. "Ah yes. If one could turn back time at will, how that would simplify, and commplicate things at the same time. " he smiled, then picked up his bag, and gave Snape an inquisitive look. Perhaps looking for dismissal, perhaps an invitation to stay.

"From what I recall, if my old memory serves me right, not only will you be treated to the cold shoulder, but the food will be... not perfect, shall we say, as well, by this time. " Perhaps it was only Slyherin House which liked to remind its students of the boons of punctuality like this. He didn't know. "And one should not wish for... the moon on a stick, to mix analogies. Perhaps you had best call a House Elf instead, " he suggested, and put the quill back in its holder, resettling in his seat.

Jack nodded, "I know what you mean, however, with the recent rumors about me still showing up now and again, I am guessing most would be too afraid of the 'Death Eater in their midst', " he said making little quote signs with his fingers, as he spoke, "... to really try to piss me off. " he said proudly, then the expression just as quickly faded for one reason or another, humility or sadness, "But then... I would just like to be anonymous for a while. But like Mr. Potter, that option was removed some time ago, and now, I have only my large mouth to blame. " he said with a quick wink, then started walking towards the door of the classroom. "Thanks again Professor. See you 'round... "

At the mention of rumours, Snape paled visibly, and his eyes flashed. Mention of the Famous Harry Potter only caused him to look even more... reflective? He listened with quiet intent, nodding only once when Jack had finished speaking, sitting still and not moving for a long time.

2002-09-13 09:56:00,
HOUSE ELF NOTE TO BLAISE,

Hello Blaise,

Sorry I missed you at breakfast today. How does meeting at the shore of the lake, the far side sound? I can be there anytime after breakfast on Saturday.

Should I bring anything else besides my charm, wit and stunning good looks?

See you then, round nine.

Jack Grim

2002-09-14 08:46:00,
Just a chat.... really,

An IC RP with Blaise and Jack.

Blaise walked over to the shore of the lake, and set down the blanket that was under her arm. She laid it out across the ground. She wasn't about to sit on the ground first thing in the morning and get all dirty. She stretched out before sitting down. Wondering when Jack would show up and how their conversation was going to go; but it was something that had to be done.

Jack left the castle soon after breakfast, and walked across the damp grass. The sun was shining on most of the grounds by now, but the scent of night, and wet foliage still hung in the air. Fainter yet, he could smell a distant bonfire, a common thing in the Fall. He smiled, and jammed his hands in his pockets as he walked along the path skirting the grounds until he neared the lake. He spotted Blaise at once, sitting on a spread out blanket awaiting him. "Well, let's see what is on that little mind of yours today... " he muttered to himself, then closed the distance between them. "Oy Zabini. How are you today? " he called out.

Blaise quickly turned and looked at Jack smiling, "I am pretty good, how about you? " She gave a small yawn as she got up to greet him. Blaise looked around the grounds they, practically were empty. Running her fingers through her hair, she asked, "How are you, Jack? "

Jack puckered hislips slightly as he thought, "Doing well enough. " he said softly, watching her closely for clues as to what this was all about. "Since the rumors about me being a Death Eating Son of Snape have pretty much died down, things are pleasantly boring. " he said going over to lean against a nearby tree. "I suppose the girlsquad has Viktor Krum to fawn and whisper over now, so I am thankfully yesterday's news. " He paused, looking her directly in the eyes. "How are things with you Zabinin? Still raising Hell? " he asked with a wink and a smirk.

"Me? Raise hell? Never, " she said in a sickly sweet tone. Then Blaise laughed, "What they see in Viktor Krum is beyond me, he is dreadfully boring and is even more anti-social than Snape. They don't know what they are missing when it comes to you. " She licked her lips slightly, then continued, "Come sit down with me so we can talk more. " Blaise sat down on the blanket, "There is something I need to say to you. "

Jack laughed at Blaise's assessment of Viktor, and was sure the source of her disdain for him was the fact he had probably told her to sod off. He seemed like a quiet intelligent guy who kept his thoughts to himself. A definite polar opposite to Blaise. When she offered him the compliment and a seat near her, he obliged, and spawled out on the blanket, laying on his side near her, and picking at a piece of fuzz. He looked up at her from under his long bangs, and grinned, "So... what do you need to tell me? " he asked.

Blaise smiled at Jack thinking to herself how cute he was, "Well, I never really told you to your face, about how sorry I was for going off on you. " She then moved her body so she was lying down now and at Jack's eye level. She bit her lip and pushed a strand of hair behind her ear, "You, didn't deserve that. " She then closed her eyes.

Jack watched her carefully, and even more so when she laid down near him. He smiled at her apology, and continued picking at the fuzzballs on the blanket. "Thanks... it was sort of a rough time for all of us I have a feeling. " he said, then paused. "However... things seem to have settled, and calmed down a lot for ME as of late anyway. Dunno about Draco. He doesn't talk to me as much as he did. He spends a lot of time with Potter of all people. " he said, sounding perplexed.

Blaise sighed, "Yeah, but something else is up with him we aren't talking as much as we use toâ¤? I am a bit worried. " Blaise ran her finger behind her ear as if to put an imagery piece of hair behind her ear. Her eyes fell, "Yeah I think we are all dealing with demons lately, it is good to know yours have calmed down. " Blaise watched him pick fuzzballs off the blanket, "But no more talk about Draco for nowâ¤? " Blaise started toying with her necklace; and in a playful tone she said, "So did you bring that Chocolate Syrup? " Blaise started laughing slightly.

Jack listened to Blaise, then when she brought up the chocolate syrup, he grinned wider. "I may have... " he teased. "But you have to tell me what you want to put it on.... what you want to lick it off of first... " he whispered, locking his eyes with hers, seeing who was blink first.

Blaise smirked at Jack not taking her eyes off his she wasn't going to break contact. She smiled as she rolled on her back; she slowly licked her lips, "Where do you think I want it? " Blaise then slowly ran her hand across his.

Jack had the presence of mind to looks shocked, and glanced from her smile to his hand and hers, then back to her face. He gave her a grin, and then slowly shook his head. "Sorry, I find it hard to belived that you asked me out here to make you into an ice cream sundae.... You are shrewder than that Blaise. " he said softly. "So tell me, what did you want to ask me... " he said, watching her carefully.

"What makes you say I wouldn't? And if I did would you? Or would you rather me make you into one? " Blaise grinned. Still touching his hand; but now drawing circles on it as she smiled, "And I never said I wanted to ask you anything, I said I wanted to talk to you, " Blaise then looked at Jack intently, "I wanted to talk with you, perhaps find out where we are, where we stand. " Blaise ran her fingers across her lips with her other hand, "I think I like you Jack but I am not exactly sure. " Blaise then reached up with her hand and touched his face, "Ever since you got back you have been so preoccupied with extra school work. You haven't had much time to talk or do much of anything else. Then again I have been preoccupied myself. "

Jack did not pull away from her touches, but watched her movements carefully. "Preoccupied? You could say that. " he sighed, and turned his head so that he caught her fingertips with his lips, and then began sucking on them slowly. He watched her with narrowed eyes, then moved his mouth from them to speak. "I was getting into a lot of trouble, whether you noticed or not, during the Summer Session. " he explained. "So now that the year is getting underway, I am throwing myself into my schoolwork. Snape things I need to be challenged, so he is giving me more work. Frankly. I find I like it... " he said, then rolled over onto his back when his shoulder began to get stiff. "Nothing wrong with studying... " he said softly, looking up at the sky ahead.

Blaise took a deep breath as Jack sucked on her fingers, and then she listened to him speak. She though to herself as she watched him, "Nothing is wrong with a challenge I like a challenge, studying and working hard. I want to be a step ahead of others, as I am sure I have no need to explain that to you. " Blaise roll over on her stomach looking Jack in the eyes, "Has anyone told you that you have amazing eyes? " Blaise looked at jack almost tempted to kiss him but thought better of it.

Jack watched Blaise, as she rolled over, and then made the comment about his eyes. "Thank you. " he said quietly, smiling at her. "You are quite attractive as well Miss Zabini. " he said with a slow blink of his eyes. "I am sure there are few out there that could resist your, or your considerable charms. " he smiled.

Blaise blushed slightly as she looked jack taking a deep breath. Blaise then started to play with Jacks hair, "If you think I am trying to charm you are sadly mistaken, I am being honest. " Blaise continued to play with Jack's hair, and continued in a softer tone, "And if you missed it early I do like youâ¤? I just am not sure what I want to do with it. But then again I don't know how you feel, other than you think I am 'quite attractive'. " Blaise wet her lips slowly with her tongue as she watched Jack intently waiting for some sort of response.

Jack watched Blaise make her moves, and he snorted his amusement, and then rolled away from her touching of his hair. "I think you are out to get all you can, from whomever you can Blaise. " he said dryly as he sat up, and then got to his feet. He shook out his pants, and shirt, then looked down at her with a smile, "Don't take this personal Blaise, but I am not intested in a grassy romp with you right now... " he said flashing a wicked, if unkind grin. "It's not that you don't turn me on... It's just I have other things I have to take care of besides getting a shag on... " he said then held out a hand to help her up if she wanted it. "Come on, you want to head back? " he asked, sounding bored now.

Blaise looked at Jack, "I am not trying to get anything out of you. Honestly if I wanted to get something out of you, I would have tried a different approach. " She took a deep breath, "I don't want to fight with you or be on bad terms with you." She smiled slightly and took his hand, "I suppose we could head back, and just so you know if I wanted to shag you I wouldn't do it in daylight hours. " She then brushed an imaginary strand of hair behind her ear.

Jack just laughed. "Well Blaise.... what ever you want to call it. " he said as he pulled her up to her feet. "If you weren't trying to come onto me like a pissed prom date, I am not sure what else to call it. " he laughed, almost cruelly this time as he shook his hair out of his eyes. "We are OK Blaise, if that is what your are worried about. I don't hate you, or wish you... I don't know. Anything bad... " he said still smiling. "We can talk whenever... " he said as he looked back toward the castle beyond, shining in the sun.

Once Blaise had gotten on her feet she spoke softly, "I never said I wasn't flirting with you, I like you so of course I was flirting. I wasn't planning on shagging with you at this moment. Perhaps a different place and time but not now. And I will admit I was toying with the idea of kissing you. " Blaise gave a small smile, "We don't always have to talk we can work on school work or study together. I enjoy your company you are refreshing, unlike most of the idiots in this school. "

Jack laughed and shook his head. "You are a piece of work Blaise, that is for sure. " he said, completely amused. "Sure.. anytime you want to 'study' or work together, just look me up. " he smirked, then started walking backup toward the castle. "Anytime at all... " he mused to himself.

Blaise looked at Jack as she followed, "I will take that as a complement, for now. " She the playfully gave him a small shove, "I will see you later, I need to tend to a few things. " She then whispered in his ear, "Behave yourself now we wouldn't want you getting into anymore trouble. " Blaise then blew a kiss and disappeared around the corner of the castle.

Jack laughed as she blew him the kiss and gave him the warning to behave. "If you only knew.... " he muttered and headed inside the castle to get back to work on his essays for Snape. They were quickly becoming an all consuming obsession.

2002-09-14 22:45:00,
Dear Journal.

She wanted me to guess where she wanted me to put the chocolate syrup. Then she wanted me to tell her where I would like to have it put on me.

Her being Blaise of course. It was for cchit chat that we met, but the undertones of "Don't you want to Fuck me now, Jack? " was undercoating every word she said.

Sure. I another time, another place. When the safety of harry and the entire world wasn' resting on my shoulders, sure, I would have liked nothing more than to shag her and myself silly.

(When WAS the last time I got shagged anyway?? Oh yes... Draco.)

But, I have other more pressing and puzzling matters on my mind at the moment. Voldemort of course, and his sudden'radio silence' in my mind, my llibido. Have I been forgotten? Does he have a new toy? Draco? Blaise? Sorry, the last one had me in hysterics. Blaise and Voldemort... There's a visual... Again, I don't know how to interpret the lack of communicataion from him since my return. Maybe Albus had managed to block me from his radar, Maybe I have been discarded. I would like to know in either case.

Then... there is all the extra work heaped "lovingly " heaped upon me by Snape. He sees me as a bright, independent thinker, and needing more challenges academically. Well, he is right. I HAVE done all of this before... so most of it is review, but the thing I can't udnerstand... is the calmness and almost comraderie I feel when around him now. This boggling urge to PLEASE him and do the best I can on these damn essays, even to the point of requesting more advanced books from him. Then he GRANTS it. Something is quite queer with the both of us. Middle aged Dementia. Who knows?

Does it have to do with him saving my life? Doe's the Life bond go deeper than either of us realize? Deeper than we are willing to admit?

I really need to stop thinking so much and to to sleep.

As Ever.

2002-09-15 00:47:00,
Another chat with a House Mate.

An IC RP with Draco and Jack.

*Missing*

2002-09-16 07:18:00,
Dark touches in the shower

An IC RP with Jack, Voldemort, and another slimy Slytherin. Rated NC-17 for Explicit Slash Content.

Jack made his way to the showers. For just a second, the thought of trying to become a Prefect, so he could have the use of the Prefect's Bathroom and the privacy that entailed. He was in luck however. The section of showers he chose was warm and steamy, having been used, but was not empty. He dropped his towel on a bench, and after getting the water up to temperature, stepped behind the wooden door, and submerged himself under the hot water.

Pacing about his study, thoughts were soon wandering towards Grim. Having had limited connection with Jack, fearing Albus would catch on, he attempted to search the boy out, just to show that he did still care. Wandering through the thousands of minds at Hogwarts, he found the one signature of Grim's, strong and still powerful as ever. His voice purred into that mind, 'Jack ... ' sounding more like a whisp of wind in his mind, offering a light chill in the otherwise hot cascading shower.

Jack was immersed in the cocoon of hot water, and letting it run over his face when he heard, and felt the summons in his mind. He opened his eyes, and wiped the water away quickly, expecting to see Tom Riddle standing before him in the steam. Seeing nothing, he frowned, and grabbed the shampoo, pouring a palmful out and working it into his hair.

'Jack ... come to me .... ' Voldemort let his eyes drift closed completely, looking through Jack's very eyes to see where he was. From this position he held over the boy, it was easy to grasp a firm hold of his actions. He reached out with his cold hand, brushing it down Jack's cheek, letting the other feel him miles away. He shuddered, feeling Jack's warm skin against his fingertips. Letting out a small groan, he wished more than ever for Jack to be with him. And then, those thoughts and illusions started to flood his mind. 'Jack ... come to me .. pl-please ... '

Jack's eyes felt heavy and fell shut as well. He let out a strangled moan at that dark touch, trying to deny it, to ignore it. "I.... I can't.... " he muttered as he slipped down against the wall of the shower, ending up in a spread legged squat. His hand rested on the tops of his thighs.

Voldemort took to his own seat, in front of that fire again. His hand rested against his inner thigh, legs spread just a bit. He rested his head against the chair, whimpering softly, 'Why? ... do you not .. want me any longer?' Oh, but that couldn't be it. He knew how tempted by Voldemort's dark touch the young boy was. 'Grim ... Grim, I need you ... ' His pleading voice sounded weak and powerless. He maneuvered his own hand along his inner thigh, in turn ebbing the boy's hand as well.

Jack let out a soft moan as his his right hand slid over the top of his thigh, and over to grasp hold of his semi-erection. "I... I want you..... to... " he sighed, then gasped as his hand suddenly gripped tightly around his cock, kneading the willing flesh and stroking at the base slowly. "But... they... they won't let me... " he sighed, then arched his back away from the wet tile wall as he began to stroke himself with more intensity.

'Nothing ... is impossible ... ' He felt up his own groin, feeling the arousal spreading from the boys young form to his own. Watching and listening to his pleeds, he reached out again, feeling for that cheek, 'I want to .. feel your lips upon mine again ... I miss your taste ... ' His voice was a resonating purr in the boys head, louder than the cascade of the water. Without realizing it, Voldemort had stripped his hips of his slacks, a hand stuffed into black silk boxers, stroking his own member to an aroused hardness.

Jack leaned his head back, baring his throat, and tracing the back of his left hand along the side of his jaw, his throat while his other hand worked feverishly at his hardon. His fist slipped along the tense shaft rapidly as he moaned again. "But... I am afraid.... They will lock me up again... " he sighed. "They will send me to Azkaban.... " he whimpered. Jack bit down on his lower lip, and began to pump his hips slowly, enjoying the sensation he was giving to himself, and from the ghostly touch joining him.

Jack was too lost in the sensation his self abuse was giving him to notice the door to the stall had been opened, and first two dark colored eyes watched him with curious interest. When the observer saw who it was whom he had heard talking, and what he was doing, he grinned. He looked appreciatively over the wet and randy form of Jack Grim, and felt a stir in his own lap. He closed the shower stall door shut behind him, and leaned against the wall opposite Jack. He watched the younger boy work himself, and then mirrored his actions, moving his fist along his own hardening cock. He had heard whispers, and rumors that Jack and Draco were lovers, enough so that he was fairly sure that Jack was at least play material. Draco was too pale, too delicate for his tastes, but Dark and Dangerous Grim was a tasty temptation indeed. After quickly jacking himself to a functional erection, he moved down and kneeled between Jack's splayed legs, and in one swift motion hand placed a large around Jack's throat, and the other over his working fist.

Matching the boys movements with his own, it was the closest he could get - for now. Purring, 'I will save you ... I promise ... ' The mere mention of Azkaban did not phase the elder Snake God. He had been there, seen its prison walls, felt the cold and emptiness that was so like his very own heart. yet now, that emptiness wasn't as cold. It was filled with the warmth of caring for someone, something Voldemort never learned how to do within his childhood. Not his family, nor any pet, could fill that empty gap in his heart. It was distressing that such a thing as a Slytherin boy could bring him happiness away from death, destruction, and mayhem.

Jack was biting down on his lip, "Yes...... master... I know... I want... I want to do that but I am so afraid... So afraid... " he was whispering then suddenly his voice was cut off from him, choked off. Jack's eyes shot open, and he beheld the lecherous grin of a tall and muscular Slytherin 7th year, Victor Maxwell. His dark eyes beheld Jack like he was a tasty dessert and he continued to move his hand along Jack's shaft, a grin on his face, and his eyes half-lidded. "Let me help you with that... Grim... is it? " he smiled, then leaned in closer, and ran the tip of his nose along the side of Jack's neck. Jack opened his mouth to protest, but the grip on his throat tightened, and the movement on his cock was stopped.

Victor was almost inhumanly strong, and his long silky black hair slipped forward to brush against Jack's chest as he softened one grip, and tightened the other. "That's it Grim... Don't know you well... Don't want to... but we both want.... need... the same thing... " he purred as he inched his body forward and slid his knees underneath Jack and eased him forward to sit on his lap.

Jack closed his eyes, and sighed softly, the wicked voice and touch in his mind transfered to the one here and now. "What.... what do you want? " Jack whispered, his eyes still closed as he was drawn closer and Victor's massive hand then gripped his cock and Jack's and began to jerk along the lengths. "I want to come, hard, now. " he whispered in Jack's ear, then bit softly on the side of the younger boy's neck. Jack shuddered and arched his back out as he let out a long soft moan. "Yes.... Oh yes.... " he nodded eagerly. Victor squeezed his grip on Jack's neck tighter, and replied in a soft hiss. "I want you to be silent, or I will choke the life out of you and fuck your dead body. Got that? " he growled as he let go of Jack's shaft, and gripped his own, moving it down to rub against the underside of Jack's balls. "I want it fast, and with no words Grim. Just let me do the driving... " he said with a wicked grin, and a look to the side for Jack's reaction.

Jack nodded quickly and slid his hands down over the torso of the larger boy, to rest on his hips, and pulled him closer yet to him. "Yes.... yes.... That's the way.... " Victor cooed in Jack's ear as he moved his hand from Jack's throat to the base of Jack's back and eased him down onto the shower floor. He quickly lifted Jack's legs up over his shoulders, targeted the tense ring of muscle beneath him, and began to push into him. Jack arched his back and let a moan escape. The hand was back on his throat choking off any more noise while the other gripped a thick shaft, and shoved deeper into him. Jack writhed on the floor of the shower, water striking him in the face and threatening to drown him if the hand on his throat didn't. "Master.... Oh.... Thank you.... " he thought in his mind, sure the was the work of Tom Riddle. He winced as he was slowly stretched and penetrated inch by splitting inch until Victor was balls deep in him. Victor tilted his head back and let out a long moan, then moved both hands underneath Jack to grip his ass, and began to fuck him with short savage thrusts. "Yes.... yes... Oh yes.... you like this don't you.... " he panted with each of his drives forward into Jack.

Beneath him, Jack moaned softly, his hand returning to grip himself and pump furiously along his own throbbing shaft as he was fucked brutally by the other boy. "Yes.... Master.... " he whispered, and instantly, Viktor grabbed him by the throat and began to squeeze. "Let's play a game Jack... See if you you can come before I choke you out.... " he laughed wickedly as he thrust harder and harder into Jack, his own climax near. "Come for me Grim, let me see you shoot a wad before I smother you.... " he growled as he pumped himself in and out, in and out of the other boy's ass. Jack tried to nod, to reply, but he was unable. His mind was spinning, dizzyness was setting in, and instinctively one hand went up to claw at the one holding his throat in a vice-like grip while the other worked like a piston on his throbbing dick. "Ah.... Ah.... Ah.... " he panted as the erotic danger of this game washed over him.

He saw Tom Riddle's face dancing before his eyes, bent over him, fucking him raw and holding him by the throat as he buried himself into him over and over. With the last of his air nearly gone, Jack let out a shudder and his hips spasmed against the floor of the shower as he came at last, his fist pounding painfully hard up and down on himself until he shot his seed out over his stomach in the rain of the shower. Victor let go of Jack's throat, and returned his grip to under his housemate's ass as he thrust cruelly into him, tearing the tight opening until at last he shuddered with release. He dug his fingernails into the soft flesh of Jack's ass as he pumped his load into him in long pulsing spurts. "Yes..... Yes... Fuck yeah.... " he gasped with each final lurch until he was spent, and quickly pulling out of Jack, rolled onto his side panting for air in the steam filled room.

Jack lay there hovering between reality and dream, consciousness and sleep, just tingling all over his body, and gasping for air in the sauna like conditions. "What a Hell of a way to start the day... " he muttered several moments later.

2002-09-16 07:05:00,
Good Morning,

Jack was mildly surprised to roll over in the morning and find a tossled blonde head under the covers next to him. Draco. He smiled softly, then leaned over and nuzzled behind the blonde's ear with his nose. "Good morning Draco... " he whispered, then rolled over onto his back.

He closed his eyes again, and sighed. He was SO in the mood for a romp with his room mate, and current bed mate, but... now was not the time. He settled for a quick feel of Draco's semi-hard groin under the covers, receiving a moan in return from the sleeping boy, then slipped out of bed to go to the showers, and perhaps a quick toss off before class.

2002-09-16 16:46:00,
Charming... simply Charming.

An IC RP with Draco and Jack Grim.

Eyes had glazed over as Draco tried to concentrate on the figure of Professor Flitwick, but he was struggling. The heat in the room was almost unbearable, according to Flitwick, the air conditioning had currently given up on cooling down the class room..and at this time of year, that could cause hell for students and teachers alike. Many had already fallen asleep at such heat, making everybody lethargic and sleepy. Draco was trying his best to get the charm right..and at least wasn't making anything explode unlike a couple of the unattentive students within the class. Which..just made it even hotter.

Jack had no problem at all getting his charm to work. He had always been very good at charms, especially when they could be put to nefarious uses outside of the classroom. He levitated his blocks one by one into a neat stack over and over until he was quite bored. He looked over at Draco, nearly dozing next to him, and leaning over closer, blew a soft puff of cool breath into his ear, then grinned. "Sleepy, Draco? " he whispered.

The cool breath made Draco recoil, shivering slightly, waking him up fully, well..almost fully anyway. He looked towards Jack with a smirk and a raise of his brow. "Well..I was, no thanks to you. " Not needing to keep his voice overly low as Flitwick was currently trying to help out some of the students that weren't doing well with aligning their blocks. Draco yawned softly before finally coming to sit up a bit better, that slump was putting a lot of strain on his back..and causing an arm to fall asleep, which at this moment was trying to get the feeling back. He caught the perfectly aligned blocks that settled in front of Jack, then looking towards his own..which were aligned..but maybe a bit off. "How long until we can get out of this synthetic hell? "

Jack laughed and looked at his watch. "Twenty minutes, then we are free for the afternoon. " he grinned, "Well, free then back to essays for Snape for me... " he said in a wistful tone, then knocked all of his blocks over, and began to build a pyramid with them this time. "Got any hot plans? " he drawled as he rested his chin in the palm of the hand not wielding his wand and directing blocks.

Draco watched at that pyramid of blocks was built, eyes glazing once more, but he was listening intently towards the other. Least, he thought he was, clearing his throat he sighed softly. "Mm..not that I know of...Quidditch Practice has been canceled since Granger was...hurt.. " A softer undertone under that news was there. He was wondering if he should mention that Harry was insiting that Draco should go and visit her with him. Draco blanched when asked..but thought it might be..a good idea, under the circumstances.

Jack flickered his gaze from his blocks over to Draco, "Hermione is hurt? " he asked, perhaps sounding a bit too concerned concidering who he was and what House he belonged to. "What happened to her? " he asked, sounding a bit more casual about the matter this time around.

Draco's blocked falterd some under the point of his wand as he had been tapping silently at the blocks out of nothing to do. Draco was silent for a moment, the grip upon that wand tightening some. "You mean you didn't hear?..ah..according to a long line of sources, " Lie.., "she was found about two nights ago battered senseless. She's been in the hospital wing since.. " Fading off some as he suddenly became intent with making those blocks straight.

Jack's face paled, and he stopped moving his blocks around, turning to look directly at Draco. "What the Hell happened? " he asked in an urgent hiss. "Was it..... " he stopped, letting his expression fill in the missing identify for him for Draco. "What do you know about this? " he pressed, giving Draco an intense stare.

The air about him just got increasingly hotter as he felt that intense stare press into his skin. He inwardly cursed himself for bringing it up, it was a stupid move..and he was blaming the heat of the room, messing around with his thoughts. Nostrils flared some as he took in a couple deep breaths, seemingly concentrating on the blocks. "I just know..what I've heard..she was found somewhere, I don't know what exactly she suffered from.. " Keeping his voice low and taunt, putting little to no emotion behind it, for that could be his folly.

Jack eventually looked away from Draco, and seemed to be considering this carefully in his own mind. "I need to talk to Potter then. He will know more about this I am sure. " he said sternly. He sat there thinking for several long moments, then looked over at Draco. "You haven't heard from.... Tom... lately have you? " he asked quietly.

How long could Draco lie about this? It was starting to come unraveled at the seams. Didn't mean he was feeling guilty, but being caught for his actions would be less then fun or beneficial. Draco gave a quick shake of his head. "No, I haven't. " Blunt enough, but not really wanting to elaborate on it either. But he was sure, that answer might soon change..and he was wondering, how drasticly his one stern answer would change. He knew it wouldn't be the same. Eyes glanced at the clock, 10 minutes, he groaned silently.

Jack nodded, and looked away from Draco. Whether he belived him or not remained to be seen, or spoken. Jack went back to moving his blocks around until the Professor came by, and watched him. "Oh WELL done Mr. Grim! Look how well you do that! " he chirped, "Ten points for Slytherin House! " he smiled, then went on down the row handing out praise or encouragements. Jack thought about mentioning his little mental "visit " earlier that day, but then changed his mind on that. "It was nice waking up... the way I did this morning... " he instead whispered to Draco after leaning over close to his ear.

Letting out a soft sigh, eyes blinked slowly..keeping shut for a moment longer as that whisper was heard. When opened, he finally looked back to Jack with a gentle smile. Shrugging nonchalantly. "I'd have to agree...wouldn't mind it happening again. My bed hasn't been very hm..comfortable lately. " Whispering back with a smirk. It was amazing how quick that tension vanished.

Jack gave Draco a long, lazy grin, and slowly his eyelids lowered to almost closed, and after a glance to make sure no one was looking directly at either of them, he mouthed to Draco, "I want you.... " then grining wider, he looked away, and just then, the bell rang, signaling the end of classes for the day. "Freedom! " he called out, then set about gathering his supplies and dropping them into his bookbag.

A deep breath was pulled in as he read those lips, eyes closed for a brief second in that temptation, trying to keep that shiver obscure so as not to draw any attention. The ring of the bell pulled him quickly from that pleasurable daze. He packed up his class supplies within that bag, glad to finally have the ability to get out of that boiler room and into some fresh air. With would feel exceedingly refreshing, pushing back hair, he stood up, casting a glance to Jack with a brow raise. Silently asking if he was ready to go as well.

Jack finished packing his belongings and stood up, shouldering the bag before looking around for Draco. He spotted him watching him, the want showing in his eyes as well, and he winked at him. "Ready to set out into the world Malfoy? " he said lazily, and started toward the exit of the classroom. "I could really use some Pumpkin Juice, how about you? " he smiled.

Nodding, he smirked that constant smirk. "After being locked up in pure heat for nearly an hour? Pumpkin Juice would be a wonderful change of pace. " Shifting that bag upon his shoulder to make it less strainful on his back. Once they hit the slightly cooler (and fresher) air of the hallway, draco gave out a relieved sigh. "I hope they get that blasted air conditioning working...wearing clothing and then a robe within that room should technically kill somebody. " Snickering softly.

Jack looked over at Draco, a wicked grin on his face. "Just go Regimental under the robes.... I do. " he said, then laughed quietly as he led Draco down the halls and back to ward the increasing coolness of the Dungeons, and the Slytherin Common Room.

2002-09-16 19:47:00,
Something is foul in the dungeons.

An IC RP with Snape and Jack.

Jack let the Great Hall after dinner, feeling quite full, and surprisingly not tired despite the full day of classes, and extra work on the essays from Snape. He was nearly finished with the second one, the one dealing with the labling of potion ingredients, and the laws pertaining to such. It on the outside had seemed quite dull, but all the legalese was quite interesting once you got down into it, and saw the logic behind it. This made Jack certain he was starting to go insane, he was ENJOYING this sort of work. He had a book tucked carefully under his arm. It needed to be returned to Snape, and he was in need of another title that he had mentioned to him previously. Jack made his way along the corridors down toward the dungeon, and then into the dark, and abandoned Potion's classroom.

Snape sat in his chair, feeling... his books... looming down on him on the bookcase behind him. His refuge and safe-harbour. Threatening him. He uncurled his fingers from the phial in his hand, setting it down next to his journal, and rounded on the books, spitting a stream of insults, curses and misgivings that he didn't even know had existed.

Jack crossed the classroom, his eyes having adjusted to the dark, and he walked toward the doors leading to Snape's office. He paused outside of the door and lifted his hand to knock, then he heard, a voice. It was loud, angry. Shouting. It was Snape. Jack paused, and put his ear to the door to listen.

"Stupid useless peice of... of... hubris... waste of space, waste of EXISTANCE I don't see why I don't rip out your SPINE you little... " in his anger the diatribe dissolved into unintelligble ravings, and a loud, dull, thwack came from inside, as well as a howl of pain from Snape. Pain coursed up his foot and he leaned on the bookcase, glaring at it as if his point was proven.

Jack's eyes bolted open and instinct took over. Someone was getting hurt, or being threatened! Snape? Was he the victim or the perpetrator?? Jack didn't wait to find out, he pulled the handle on the door, and hit it with his shoulder, sending him into the small office with a skidding stagger. He looked around as he entered the room, and almost immediatly as he looked around, his eyes met with Snapes. "Sir? " he asked in a choked voice, then quickly looked around, there was no once else there save for him. Who had he been yelling at? Jack blinked, swallowed. "Are.... you alright? " he asked slowly, looking back at the Potion's master carefully.

Jack sotrmed through the wards on Snape's door, letting him know just WHO had made such a dramatic entrance, and an involuntary shudder travelled up his spine. He looked around, standing shakily back up and favouring one foot but trying not to look like he was, trying to school his features, but he wasn't sure into what exactly, or from what. The rather inane question had him laughing hollowly. "Alright? " A shake of the head, eyes closing, before he swalloed back the urge to laugh hysterically, and instead asked, "Is there a paticular reason you came in like Don Juan? Indeed, at all? "

Jack blinked, and replied to the insane question before realizing it. "Don Juan?? " he repeated, looking a the Potions Master with a knitting of eyebrows. He stood there, mouth still hanging in shock. Not knowing what else to say or do, he held out the book in his hand as an offering of excuse. "I came to return this book to you Sir.... " he said quietly, and as calmly as possible. "Then I heard.... " he paused, and looked downward sheepishly, "I am not sure WHAT I thought I heard Sir, I thought you were... in danger. " he said in a small, shy voice. He suddenly felt so weird inside, and like a total ass.

A strangled 'hah!' and Snape snatched the book from Jack, brusquely, and flung it onto his desk, where it clattered before falling open roughly mid-way, pages settling slowly. "I think we've had quite enough of that for one day, " he added, growling.

Jack went wide eyed at Snape's actions, and suddenly, the feeling in his gut was tense. Fear. Something was so, so wrong here. Then something flashed in his mind. A vision? A memory? Snape, angry coming at him with a wand drawn, then a flash of red. Jack blinked, shaking the thought aside, and kept his eyes on Snape in the present. "Right.... I am sorry I have disturbed you Sir.... I will take my leave now, and get back to work... " he said with a small bow to Snape and a hand feeling around behind him for the door latch.

"Disturbed me? No more so than USUAL, " the Potions Master droned, hating to have his back turned to the bookcase again, but seeing no alternative. The pain in his foot had died down to a dull throb, but the pain in his head and his chest and his arm wasn't going away. And Jack was backing away. He didn't like that. "Back to work? At dinner-time? Have you taken leave of your senses, Grim? "

Jack stopped moving toward the door, and looked at Snape. "Sir.... I have already had my supper, and now I have assignments to do for my classes. Yours and others... " he said, and for the life of him couldn't figure out why he had to explain this to Snape of all people. "It's well after seven o'clock Sir.... " he added, then realized he hadn't recalled seeing him in the Great Hall for supper. "Are... you hungry Professor? I could get you something from the kitchens... " he offered softly, trying to sound calming.

Snape shook his head. It was seven o'clock? He hadn't moved from his office since his last class and that was... when? But Jack didn't seem to understand why he shouldn't be working. it didn't occur to Snape what to do if not working, but he knew that it was Something Else. He was wondering exactly what it was, when Jack carried on talking and interrupted his thoughts. "Hungry? " he repeated, dumbly, not connecting the word up, and getting frustrated at how little lucidity he had.

Jack nodded slowly, "Yes Sir. Are you hungry? " he repeated, and now wishing he hadn't come in here. Something was terribly amiss, he needed to get Dumbledore, and quickly. "I can go and get you something to eat if you don't want to leave your office... " he said taking a step backwards again, feeling his heel rub against the door. His hand felt around quickly, trying to locate the latch, and failing in finding it right off. Before he realized he had done it, he had glanced from one side of him, to the other, looking for he latch. It was a foot away on his right.

Hunger. Yes, that might go some way to describing how he felt, but not on its own. Snape's mind occupied itself idly with running through different words to describe how he felt. He was still angry, definately, but not sure who or what at anymore. "No, I don't want any food, " he said. Then noticed how Jack was acting. "Is there... a problem, Grim? " he asked, and wondered how he'd gotten so close up. Oh well, it didn't matter much.

Jack remembered to close his mouth that had been hanging agape for some time now, and then swallowed down a dry breath. "No Sir. " Jack lied, keeping his voice neutral and his eyes on Snape carefully. "I just guessed that perhaps I should be going now. I don't want to continue disturbing you and taking up anymore of your... private time. " he said with a nod, then stepped to the side, and placed his hand on the handle of the door.

"Yes, " Snape hissed, "You do that... " He didn't make any move to stand back, but didn't follow the retreating student except with his gaze, the fingers of his right hand clenching and unclenching around something --imagined? His eyes narrowed, and his expression clouded, as he bit back the urge to scream something, anything, and swallowed, keeping his gaze above that collar, and refusing to look at Jack's neck.

Jack stood there, watching Snape, noticing the movement of his hand, and he gripped the handle of the door, and pulled it down, finding it locked now. His expression showed in his face, his eyes, and he tried it again. Jack's heart began to beat just a bit faster now, and he looked back from the door handle back to Snape. "If you please Sir... the door. " he said quietly.

"The door? You can't manage it? " Snape asked, a little surprised. Had he locked it? One of them had to have. He walked up, and leaned over past Jack to take the handle, and tried it. And tried it again. Strange. He took his hand away and reached into his robes.

Jack shrunk back against the door as Snape leaned over him, partially shrouding him in his acres of black robes. Jack felt something wash over him, and a light sweat broke out on his back, and he closed his eyes, and opened his mouth to breath. This only brough in a myriad of scents that send his mind into further reeling. "N-no.... Sir.... " he breathed, "I... I did not lock it.... " he offered as excuse.

Snape's brows knit in confusion, and he turned his head to one side to better see as he got his wand out, and for a moment his vision swam, seeing Jack cringing into the door. "Alohamora, " he said, past the increasing urge to swallow, and wondered if it was the wards that were making the air... so odd.

Jack listened as Snape drew his wand, and he tensed at what may be uttered next, but it was a simple unlocking spell. He waited, there was no click of the lock opening. Perfect. He thought to himself, and opening his eyes, turned to the side to look at the door latch himself, as if simply staring at it, and willing it to open would work.

Snape was sure he was angry, and right now doors were what he was most angry at. They personified all that was wrong with the world. He kicked out, hard, with his sore foot, barely missing Jack, and impacting his toes rather hard. "OPEN WHY DON'T YOU? " he yelled, putting his hands on either side of the jamb as he tried to knock it down through sheer brute force, but the door was having none of it, and was rapidly winning the fight against his feet.

Jack flinched at Snape's attack of the door, and after that shock had worn quickly off, he spun around turning his back to Snape, and gripping the door latch, began to pull furiously on it. "Open! Open damn you! " he yelled as he bent in the middle and placed a foot on the door and pulled with both hands as hard as he could, unaware of the proximatey this put his back to Snape's front under the curtains of robes.

Snape let out one more solid, round-house kick, and yelled as he felt something give. He fell forwards, wrists taking a hammering, but mainly throwing the brunt of his weight against Jack. Pain swam drunkenly in his mind, and the bizzare things that he associated with it. For a moment he leaned, and drowned in his senses, before his mind screamed at him and he pulled back, holding onto the wall as he tried to hobble to his chair, staring at anything except Jack.

Jack was still holding fast to the handle when Snape kicked at it again, and there was a mighty "CRACK! ", then impact again as Snape fell forward onto him with a grunt. Jack let out a cry of surprise, and tried to stand up right. He was pinned there against the door for a moment then Snape suddenly retreated, and Jack looked down at the door, seeing the newly broken plank in the center of the lower section. He stared at it a moment, then slowly turned to look at Snape as he limped toward a Chair. "Sir? " he asked softly.

Snape didn't dignify that with a response, and threw himself into his chair, cursing himself under his breath for his stupidity and impatience. He looked for his wand, and realised he'd left it lying over by the door, and couldn't summon anything. He'd have to get up. "Should be open now, " Snape managed to get out between gritted teeth eventually, before hissing in pain.

Jack looked back from Snape to the doorr, then back to Snape again. "Do you want me to get Madam Pomfrey for you, Sir? " he asked, then looking around, he noticed the wand on the floor. With a graceful swoop he picked it up from the floor, and walking over to the desk, he presented it to Snape. "Here you go Sir... " he said, holding it out to him, handle first.

Snape shook his head, took the wand, and nodded back at the cabinet on his wall. "Valerian and witchhazel... I trust you know which... " Gods but it hurt, and he didn't know why it hurt so badly.

Jack nodded, and quickly skirted around to the cabinets behind Snape's desk and retrieved the needed items. He returned just as quickly and knelt down before the seated Potions Master, and began to look at his injuries. He winced as he looked at the damage, then up to Snape. "Tell me what to do Sir... I shall do my best... " he said quietly.

Snape sat back in his chair with his eyes closed, hating to be seen like this. Better him than Poppy, though. He hated the Hospital Wing. "Hand me the Valerian," Snape ordered, and leaned forwards to take off his shoe, not wanting to be waited on. He winced as he made it half-way, before sitting back. Damn.

"Let me get it, Sir.... " Jack said, looking at the shiny leather shoe before him, and carefully moved one hand up to hand Snape the requested potion, without looking up at him, and then went about carefully removing the shoe from Snape's foot. "Tell me if I hurt you. I will do my best not to. " he said in a gently tone as he began.

Snape used his thumb to flip up the stopper, and he drained more than was strictly necessary, wishing something stronger was at hand. He mainly ignored Jack's words, trying to forget he was there entirely, but managed a brief nod. Warm fingers brushed his foot, cold despite the swelling, and he couldn't stop his knee from spasming in defence.

Jack removed the shoe with great care and set it aside, he could see the swelling in the ankle, and left the black sock on for now. "We need ice... " he muttered, not looking up at Snape's face. Then he noticed the tremors in his knee and reaching a hand carefully upward, he moved his fingers around to find the pressure point behind the knee and pressed slowly, but firmly. "Hold still as you can Sir.... this should help... " he whispered.

"Glacio... " Snape muttered, gasping as his leg was sucessfully stilled. He put the stopper back in the Valerian, and shoved it in his pocket for the time-being, before gripping the arms of his chair, barely-stuffed and hard under his shaking hands. "You... don't have to do this... " he managed, still wondering who exactly had locked the door, and cursing himself in case it was him after all. Part of him was pleading with Jack to go, the other part? He closed his eyes, but that offered no reprieve. Even the... joy? Kick? he knew his twisted brain threw up to complicate matters wasn't there. It was knocking him sick to the stomach, and the extract he'd taken did nothing other than make him feel groggy and nauseous.

Jack felt the chilling spell take effect over Snape's foot, and he make an annoyed sound, mostly to himself as he assessed the damage. "I think it may be sprained... " he sighed, then with a wave of his wand, "Ferula ", bandages appeared and wrapped snuggly around Snape's foot and ankle. Jack put his wand away, and rubbed his hand on the back of his neck as he thought.

Snape forced himself to breathe as his foot went numb, the cold spreading up along his thigh and settling into a distant, dull throb. Sprained. Great. Nothing he couldn't handle but... like the bloody fool he was he'd done it himself. He nodded, and looked up, to see Jack puzzling. Snape bit at his top lip, watching him, wondering what he was thinking about, if he always looked like this when he was concentrating, if...

Jack shook his head slowly, then dropping his hand down, turned to look up at Snape. He paused at the odd expression on Snape's face. It wasn't the usual sneer of derision, or grin of hate, it was... pain. Jack frowned slightly, and placing a hand on the Potion Master's knee, he leaned up a bit, concern showing in his eyes. "I can see it hurts you Sir.... " he said softly, "Shall I get you something else for the pain? " he asked, then with a shy lift of an eyebrow, and a slight upturn of the corner of his mouth, "Fire whiskey? "

There was fire enough in his knees, thank you very much, and he pulled back into his chair, afraid. Afraid? Of what? A fifth-year student? Or... something else? Hoping his voice wouldn't give, but not really trusting it, he spoke without looking away. "No... " No, leave me with the pain. It is my own. "You should... " more pain, in his chest, and stomach, making him wince, "...go. "

Jack continued to look at Snape, a puzzled look on his own face as he was instructed to leave, then he looked down at Snape's bound ankle. "I am not sure how you will get around on that without at least a set of crutches, Sir. " he said softly, then looked back up into Snape's tense face, and his pitch black eyes. "I could summon some for you before I left... "

"Don't you think you've done enough? " Snape asked, half-way between anger and despair. "I can manage perfectly on my own. " And most likely will. He glared, and tried to let his annoyance- at everything- show through, and nothing else. Why wouldn't he just do as he was told and LEAVE?

A wounded look came over Jack's face, and as soon as he realized that, he steeled his expression, narrowed his gaze, and set his face in a scowl. "As you wish, Sir. " he said curtly, then rose from his kneeling position near Snape's chair, and walked toward the door without another word, or a look back.

Snape shut his eyes so he didn't have to look at Jack anymore, and pulled out the Valerian. Half a bottle full. There were better things, as he well knew, but that would involve him brewing them and he wasn't up to that right now. He just wanted... oblivion. He swallowed, once, and uncorked the bottle again.

Jack opened the shattered door, finding it unlocked now, and left the room, pulling the door shut behind him quietly. "Miserable old bastard... " he hissed, under his breath, then stormed off down the hallway back toward the Slytherin Common room.

2002-09-16 21:57:00,
An odd and interesting day.

Well, it started well enough. I woke up with Malfoy wrapped around me in my bed. This was a nice surprise, and while I wanted to give him a severe shagging, I just copped a feel off of his unit, then went to take a shower.

Here is where it started to get weird... Really weird.

I was in the shower, thinking about, well, sex, and suddenly, he was in my mind again. Voldemort. He was lonely, horny, just like me. He wanted me to come to him, to be with him. I so didn't want to succumb to that... but at the same time... I longed for that touch. I started touching myself, he was there, mentally with me, enjoying it.

This was going on quite swimmingly until I was near to getting off and then I found I wasn't alone. Victor Maxwell. Tall, dark and surly Slytherin 7th year found my self abuse quite fetching, and after gripping me by the throat, pulled me onto my back, issued a loving threat if I wasn't silent, then mounted me like a beast. He kept one hand on my throat, choking off my air to keep me quiet, and submissive while he took his carnal pleasure of me. Oddly enough. I liked it... I like the erotic fear of being so near to release, getting my ass rended apart by this savage boy, and the knowledge he held my life in one grip of his hand.

He growled in my ear, bit at my neck and told me to blow my wad before he strangled me, and Oh Lord did I come then. It was ten minutes after he had pulled out and left me there that I was able to find my legs and leave under my own power.

The rest of the day? Par for the course. Hungry, wanting looks from Malfoy. He wants it, and needs it. So do I. Again. I want it like that again. Hard, savage, and on the verge of death. I wonder if Malfoy is up to the task? Maybe if I piss him off enough mid coitus, he will indulge me this new perversion.

What then Jack Grim? How about Snape going barking mad in his office, afraid of his BOOKS, and putting a foot through the door he could not unlock so terrified student Jack grim could flee?

Yes. Such was my day.... I patched up his foot, watched him sink into a potion enduced stupor and left before anything else could happen that would be beyond my control. And yet.. Part of me wanted to stay with him and ... Do WHAT precisely Grim?

I shudder to think what, in my current state of being 'in heat'.

As ever.

2002-09-17 18:16:00,
More oddness.

Potions was today. Snape was still "off " I think even the Gryffs noticed. He was still giving his books wary looks, and me? He did not look at me ONCE that I saw. He seemed to be making a point of making me NOT exist in his world. Fine. Have at you, you silly nutter bastard.

When our Revealing Potion was done, he addressed and only acknowledged Malfoy. Again, fine. Draco and I were rubbing knees here and there under the table. Before class ended, he dropped his wand and it rolled under the table, as he bent down to retrieve it, he placed a fast bite on the side of my thigh. What a sod. I managed to NOT cry out, but it appears something is in the works for tonight. I can hardly wait.

Dinner time now. More later I am sure unless Malfoy renders me immobile and unconscious.

As ever.

2002-09-17 23:39:00,
Where is Draco?,

Well, where could he be? He was at Dinner, we made eyes at each other, then sometime this evening, he disappeared.

Am I worried? A bit. Will I go looking for him? Probably. I will wait a little while longer. I have mead, and other supplies here read for us to indulge in...",,

2002-09-18 15:30:00,
Study Hall,

Well, another quiet day so far... Classes went as normal. Draco was there this morning at Breakfast. I don't know when he came in last night, but he didn't bother to wake me or climb in with me again.

Something is going on with him. Again. I can tell. I can see it in his eyes, and his walk. He chatted with me a bit at breakfast, about the most mudane of things. A dirty joke I told got no response. I am apparently not interesting to him currently.

I suppose that is fine. I have my own demons to battle right now. Snape is limping around on his sprained foot, more sour than ever, except to me. When I pass him in the halls, it seems as if I am invisible. I SUPPOSE this is a good thing. I have wanted for so long for him to just LEAVE ME BE. But, now that he is doing that. I find I miss the battles, and snarking fests. The negative attention for simply breathing. I miss the glares of hate and .... something, I used to see in his eyes. There is something different in them now. Not sure what it is, or that I really want to know.

Ah well... classes are over for the day, I am going to the Library to work on another of his essays. I am DONE with borrowing books from him for a while...

As ever.

2002-09-18 19:26:00,"
Once more, with less feeling.

An IC RP with Jack, NPC Victor, and Snape. Rated NC-17 for Slash.

Jack left the common room, alone. He had been unable to find Malfoy after dinner, and was getting tired of playing hide and seek with the little ferret. Not only was Draco illusive as of late, he was short on conversation and even more lacking in showing interest in continuing on with Jack in the ways they had been before. "Fine. " Jack sneered as he flicked the butt of his cigarette into the toilet he had been standing near, listening to it die with a "hiss ". He flushed the toilet, hiding most of the Detention worthy evidence and left the stall. He didn't want to return to the dorms yet. He wanted something else. He wanted Draco. He wanted sex. Something was stirring his desires, something dark and beyond his control, and he was like a bitch in heat.

Jack walked over one of the lower windows looking out on the grounds beyond. He glanced outside, and leaned against the widow loop with a sigh, then a moment later, slid a hand down into his trousers, and began to masturbate. He closed his eyes, and moaned softly, biting down on his lower lip as he worked his fist along his cock. "Yeah..... Oh yeah.... " he sighed.

Even though he was fully involved in his wanking off, he heard the click of a lock on a door, and quickly snapped his eyes open. Victor Maxwell, was smiling at him from across the room, near the now locked door to the Boys Bathroom. "Jack Grim.... Jacking off... " he said in an amused tone. "It seems they named you appropriately... " he purred as he slowly walked towards Jack.

Freezing in mid wank, Jack gave Victor a wary glare as he watched him approch. "It's a nasty hobby of mine. " he snarked back, and pulled his hand out of his pants, then with a wicked leer, licked the palm of his hand slowly.

Victor laughed and reached up to undo the tie around his neck, pulling it first loose, then off completely, and stretching it out into a long piece of fabric pulled taught between his hands. "It's always better with TWO... " he cooed as he stood up close next to Jack, towering over him by six inches. "Let me show you how... " he said as he threw a loop of tie around Jack's neck and jerked hard on it, pulling Jack to him as he crossed the ends, and twisted, tightening it.

Jack made a gasping sound as he was choked, and lifted up onto his toes by the taller, more muscular boy. His hands went up to claw at the tie around his neck and he twisted from side to side, trying to free himself.

"Grim.... Grim... " Victor cooed calmly. "Relax.... This is going to feel so nice.... Trust me... " he grinned as he pressed Jack's back up against the wall, and with a quick motion, transferred the grip on the tie noose to his left hand. While holding it up, and tensed, he moved his right hand to unfasten Jack's trousers. He made quick work of the button and zipper, then jerked the pants and underwear aside to reach in and grip Jack's semi-erection in his fist. "Relax Jack... Let me do this for you.... " he smiled near Jack's ear, then gave his cheek a kiss. "You will come so hard... " he breathed, and began to furiously jerk Jack off, while maintaining the upward pressure on the noose around his neck.

Jack had continued to struggle until his assailant gripped him hard by the dick and began to jerk him off. He felt lightheaded, but at the same time.... He moaned softly, letting his hands come down slowly from the tie around his throat, to rest them on Victor's shoulders lightly. Victor smiled, and let enough pressure up on the tie to allow Jack to stand on his feet instead of his toes, but just barely. He still was forced to keep his head tilted upward. Jack closed his eyes, and moaned as Victor continued to masturbate him so skillfully. Combined with the lightheadedness of the slow strangulation, Jack soon felt himself floating away on a cloud of unimagineable pleasure. He could hear Victor's deep voice in his ear, urging him on, telling him to come, to come now.

Victor licked his dry lips hungrily as he watch Jack sway and dangle in his grasp like an oversized puppet. He laughed when Jack's fingers clenched on his shoulders suddenly, and he let out a choked moan as his hips bucked uncontrollably and he pumped his seed out over Victor's fist and the floor of the bathroom. "Good work Grim.... Well done... " he said as he wiped his messed hand on Jack's robe, then let go of the tie around Jack's neck, and let his weary arm fall to his side.

The sudden return of blood to his brain caused Jack to swoon, and he fell limply against Victor with a soft sigh. Victor, who had been anticiapting this, caught him easily, and petted the damp hair away from Jack's temples. "There there Grim.... I know just how you feel. You want more of me.... " he said in a low tone and dragged Jack's inert form over to a small table in the corner of the bathroom, and layed him over it, belly down. He retrieved the tie from the floor, and returned to Jack. "Now.... my turn... " he announced with a hiss, and using both hands, quickly jerked Jack's trousers and underwear down to his knees, exposing his backside. "Yeah.... that's what I wanted to see, " he said leaning over to place a slow stroke of his tongue across one of the rounds of Jack's ass as he fumbled with the closures on his own trousers and freed his own aching erection.

He moved up quickly, knowing time was short, and after pulling his wand and muttering "Lubricatus ", set it aside, and gripped Jack's left hip with his left hand and his now slickened cock with his right. Jack made a soft moan as Victor nestled between his legs, and pushed the head of his dick into his anus. "Ugh.... Ugh... " VIctor groaned, making short, jerky thrusts into the partially relaxed sphinter until he was fully sheathed inside. "Uhm.... Uhm.... " he moaned as he placed both hands on Jack's hips and began to fuck him with glee. "Goddamn.... dammit... I want this.... want this... " he gasped, punctuating the thrusts into his toy with words grunted from behind clenched teeth. He continued to pump away at Jack wildly until he felt the ring of muscle suddenly tighten and Jack moaned, he was waking up. In a flash, he had looped his tie around Jack's neck again, and pulled it snug. He held it taught in his right hand while his left arm slipped under Jack's belly and in front of his hips. Victor leaned over, pressing himself down on the other boy, and held the tie like the reins of a horse as he rode him harder and harder.

Jack moaned, his limp arms moving up to clench the table he was laid out upon as he was mounted. He was only dully aware of what was happening, where, and with whom. When he regained enough consciousness to focus and feel a bit of fear, he callled out, "M-Master.... What...? What are you doing? "

"Shhh.... Shh..... " Victor whispered near his right ear as he continued to thrust in and out of him, "No need for chat.... I like you better QUIET! " he hissed and tightened the slack on the tie again, causing Jack to choke, and reach a hand up to try and pull it loose.

"Stop..... Help! " he wheezed, with no volume or power as air was scarce. He tried to stand, but a knee driven into the back of his thigh by Victor made his leg buckle and dropped him back down on to the table, causing the wind to be knocked from him. He let out a gasp, and went still. Victor felt Jack's body relax again, and he let loose off the tie and clutched his hands on the other boy's hips as he threw his head back and let out a shuddering moan as he came.

"Yes.... oh God..... Yes.... Take this.... pretty boy.... Oh... fuck.... fuck me... fuck me... " he chanted as his hips slapped against Jack's ass over and over as he came in shuddering waves. With a moan, he fell limply onto Jack's still form, and lay there panting for a moment before turning Jack's head to the side, and placing his cheek near his mouth.

"He lives.... " he chuckled, feeling warm breath from Jack on his cheek, and with a lift of his body, he rose from his resting position, and stood up to collect his cock, and refasten his pants. "Good thing that... I like you.... " he said as he collected his tie from around Jack's neck, and slipped out of the bathroom.

+++++++++++

Jack walked slowly down the hall just outside of the mirror that was the secret entrance to Slytherin House. He was still in a daze. He had gone looking for something... someone, and found Victor Maxwell. Victor was more than happy to oblidge him another round of his style of sex, and this one had borded on the edge of no return. The red ligature marks from a Slytherin Tie were still easily seen on Jack's neck, and he was still a bit dizzy, and sore. "Too close.... too close... " he muttered, then shaking his hair out of his eyes, looked at the mirror, and cleared his throat before uttere saying the password.

Snape was tired, bone-weary, and irritable. He could find no peace in his rooms, so he decided to go and disturb someone else. He lurhced awkwardly out of his chair, and hissed at the pain in his foot. He could have numbed it, certainly. Could have had it more or less fixed. Walking on it like this wasn't going to help it heal. But he wanted the pain. At least in here he didn't have to pretend, and he slowly accustomed himself to forcing it down, where it wasn't seen, and only he knew it hurt. By the time he reached the door, he'd practically succeeded. He opened it slowly, and paused just a second before heading out and walking almost perfectly naturally.

Jack paused just before speaking the password and gaped at his reflection. He pulled down the collar of his shirt, his tie was already loosened, and stared at the vicious red marks that were just starting to bruise into a garish necklace of reddish purple around his neck. "Bloody fucking Hell... " he cursed as he looked at the damage done to him. He stood there for several long moments, examing himself in the empty hallway.

Snape pulled himself into the hallway, carrying himself at his usual haughty vantage point, and started walking. And carried on walking when he saw Jack, holding his pace as normal as he could manage. No way just seeing him would make him stop. Nope. And he wasn't wondering why he was just stood there, staring. Not in the slightest. He stopped, just behind him. "Its what we call a reflection, Grim, " he said, before he let his eyes slide down the glass, and stay open.

Jack startled, and spun around, instinctively pulling the collar closed on his shirt and looking up at Snape with a panicked expression. "S.. Sir. I see you are walking. " he said in a stammer, "I knew that a sprain wouldn't hold you down for long. " he said forcing a smile.

Snape blinked a little more rapidly than was his wont, and nodding. Walking. Walking away, please. He licked his tongue over the back of his teeth, and realised he'd have to open his mouth or suffocate. The air was... thick, and cloying, and if he smelt it again... Which was why he didn't want to open his mouth, for fear of what he might say or do. Yeah, stand there panting with his tongue lolling? Very much the Potions Master. "Don't... hang around idle, " he said, then turned swiftly and walked off as fast as he could, squeezing his eyes tight shut against the pain. Could he have SAID anything more stupid?

Jack blinked at Snape, and his order to not loiter, and after watching him lurch off down the hallway, he turned back to the mirror, uttered the password, "Sanguinous " and stepped inside once the portal was opened. "Odd, odd, odd.... " he muttered as he headed for his dorm, and a relaxing bath. He smelled gawdawful, and ached all over.

2002-09-18 22:44:00,
Reflections....

(Jack blows the smoke from his cigarette up, and out of the window in the tower corridor where he sits, writing.)

Well, another day, another ass raping in the bathrooms. It's enough to give a lad a phobia of tile, and lavatories, isn't it? It would if I found it repulsive, horrid, and terrifying. But I don't.

Just like the tryst with Voldemort, and now with Victor, the Hogwarts Strangler, I find since my escape, and transformation to Jack Grim, I like my sex evil, and dangerous. The more of both, the better.

Lord, what have I become? When will this latest spiral hit bottom? What will be the depravity that either drives me fully mad or kills me with it's ecstacy?

I wonder.

As ever.

2002-09-19 18:40:00,
Another day's reflections,

Today. Classes over. Potions, alarmingly calm. Again, Snape was "on edge " it seemed, and again, treating me as the Invisible Boy. I wonder what I have done to earn this treatment?

Could word of the Bathroom Buggery have reached his ears? If so, he hasn't called me or Maxwell in for it. Why would he even care? We haven't been CAUGHT, which is the #1 Sin in Slytherin House. "Do unto others, but thou shall not get caught! " That is what he told me some weeks ago.

What now? I am in the library. Dinner is over, and I am immersing myself in the essays yet to do. Theory again. I like theory. It gives me something to focus on intently besides my perverse urges.

As ever.

2002-09-20 15:42:00,
Mission accomlished,

An IC RP with Snape and Jack.

Jack turned from the main corridor of the castle, and began to make his way down toward the dungeons. His classes were done for the day, and he had a small scroll of parchment in his hand as he walked along. It was the the final extra Essay for Snape, and he wanted to drop it off before abandoning schoolwork for the weekend. He made his way to the Potions Classroom, it was empty of course, then walked quietly towards the door at the back leading to Snape's Office.

Snape laid his head on the desk before him, trying to banish a hundred and one strange and wonderful things that sprang to mind at me mere contemplation of the thing commonly known as wood, and worse, when shaped into this particular form. His head tilted to one side, he idly looked at the quill resting, dribbling small, perfectly round black, inky droplets onto the old, but varnished surface. Oh good, something new to consider. He refused to look down at the essay he was supposeldy marking, and looked at the miniture rainbow on the greasy surface instead.

Jack stopped just outside of the door, and waited, listening. There was not shouting this time, no sounds of combat against tomes or furniture, and for that he was glad. This did not change his course of plan however and taking the scroll and pressing it flat, he crouched down, and after one last look at the outer side of it where it read, "Essay, by Jack Grim " he gave it a mighty shove, and sent it under the crevice between door bottom and stone floor. As soon as the mail was delivered, he quickly rose to his feet, turned and began to speed walk silently out of the cavernous classroom.

Noise distracted Snape from his rather advanced contemplation of the nature of the universe, as summed up, rather neatly, in this small blob of ink. And now forgotten. Oh well. He stared at the direction of the sound, not realising what it was yet, and sat up, rather unsteadily, to stare in the direction of the door. "Yes? " he asked the world in general, sounding truly puzzled.

Jack froze in midstep, a rather comical one-leg-bent-up-in-mid-air and arms bent out, held aloft like a catburgler making an escape from a job. He heard the singular reply come from inside the office, and stood there, frozen, wondering to stay and answer, or just keep going. He would know who had left the parchment once he had found it, so what was the point in staying. He was not eager for another of the "Door Event " type of incident again.

Snape drew himself up, painfully slowly, from his chair, wincing as his body reminded him just how long he'd been sat in the same position, and that whilst being deep and meaningful was great, sometimes old bones needed considering too. Oh well, his concentration was disturbed now, and there was work he should be doing. He noticed something out of place on the floor as he looked around, and limped over, not caring to disguise the awkward movement from himself. He got to the wall, and leaned against it for support as he lowered himself down to retrieve the paper.

Jack waited, holding his breath, then head the scrape of a chairm moving and slow, uneven footsteps in the room beyond. "Good, you will find it then... " he whispered to himself, and resumed his stealthy walk across the classroom and towards the door. Freedom was several meters away.

Snape's long fingers scrunched the paper a little as he struggled to balance and pick up the essay. His eyes struggled to focus as he tried to read the title and decipher the handwriting. A vague comprehension drifted across his mind, and he said, without knowing it was aloud, "Grim? " Hm. Another dream then. But he had sworn he wouldn't play along. Even his damn subconscious couldn't bear to see him happy. And what the hell did that say about him then, hm? He stood up, leaned back, and sighed, fingers creasing the essay. He'd need to talk to Jack about it at some point, when he was fairly sure it was him. Yes... Jot that in the to-do list, hm?

Jack made it out of the classroom unscathed, and perhaps detected, but not detained. He allowed himself a sigh of relief as he made a fast pace for his dorms to deposit his books and bag, and prepare for some much needed free time.",,accomplished

2002-09-21 09:05:00,
Freedom at last,

Well, for a while at least. I managed to slip the last essay under Snape's door yesterday without getting waylayed by him. He heard me, I heard him call out, but I left before the Viper could emerge from his cave. I heard nothing from him the rest of the night. Now as the Third years and above prepare to set off to Hogsmeade, I think I shall join them, if in solitary company.

I have decided to get myself back into focus. The unusual quiet from VOldemort, both in my head, and in activity is seeing my teeth on edge. Something is going on, even if there are no outward signs.

If Maxwell comes at me again, he will find such a Hex up HIS ass, he won't sit for a week. I need to concentrate on the unseen evil I am sure is growing right here at Hogwarts.

As Ever.

2002-09-21 12:11:00,
Ice cream and polite conversation for three,

An IC RP with Jack, Cho, and Selene Fawcett.

Jack came out of Honeydukes, and sat down at an empty table on the patio alongside the shop currently over run with Hogwarts Students and local residents as well. He favored the shade under the umbrella today as he sat down with a montrous sized Fizzing Fizzle Sundae, and a large book purchased that morning. He settled into his chair, and opened the book, turning pages with one hand, and feeding his face with the other.

As much as Cho had been meaning to speak to Harry that weekend, when Selene Fawcett asked her to go into Hogsmeade that weekend she didn't refuse the invitation. She still hadn't quite worked out her own thoughts on what was happening, so a day of distraction was in order. They were about to walk straight past Honeydukes when Cho could sight of a familiar face; it was Jack Grim, looking much like he had the last time they'd spoken. Maybe a little different, she amended mentally.

When Cho stopped walking, Selene shot her a quizzical look. She followed Cho's gaze and settled on Jack Grim, the fifth year Slytherin, absorbed in his book and food at a small table. Cho seemed hesitant to walk directly over to him, so Selene stepped up, pulling Cho behind her. "Oi! Grim!" she called out, stopping in front of the table and grinning at Cho. She had the feeling that Cho either fancied the boy, or saw something she didn't see. Either way, she was curious, and when Selene was curious she tended to jump ahead and find things out.

Jack was in the middle of shoving a large spoonful of ice cream and topping into his mouth when the girls arrived at his table. He quickly gulped down the bite, winced at the pain and cold it caused going down, then stood up, stooped slightly under the umbrella to greet the girls. "Good afternoon Cho, Selene. " he smiled in a friendly fashion as he closed the book he was reading with one hand and waved to the open seats at the table with his other. "Care for a sit and a Sundae? My treat. " he said looking between the two of them.

'You're far too kind Jack,' Cho smiled evenly, not giving away whether or not it was her care to accept; she turned to Selene, 'shall we?'

But Selene was already sitting at the table before Cho had finished speaking, and was grinning at Jack. She didn't know the boy very well, but if he was giving out free food... well, he couldn't be that bad. Then again, he was a Slytherin, and her experiences with them had left her with a bad taste in her mouth, and an intense dislike for the whole House. She leaned back in the chair and studied him. "What're you reading? " she asked, in way of conversation.

Jack gave Cho a smile that spoke volumes. He could smell her unease, and he decided to not be a prat, and behave. He was a reformed man after all. He turned to Selene and raised his dark eyebrows slightly at her question. "It's advanced Potions Theory. I am considering a heavy focus on Potions, and perhaps getting a Master's degree in it after Hogwarts. " he said in a calm, non bragging voice. He shoved the thick volume over toward Selene, and grinned. "Have a look if you like. If you get ice cream on it, I will hex you. " he said with a dangerous flicker in his eye, then waved over a waiter to the table. "Anything they want please. " he said, then looked over at Cho, and smiled. "How goes practice? " he smiled, knowing that would interest her.

Cho narrowed her eyes slightly at Jack's funny little smile, she may have said something to him about it if the waiter hadn't only just shown up. Politely declining anything save for a glass of water, she focused on Jack's question as Selene placed her order. 'It goes well,' Cho replied, trying to sound flippant, as though the subject was indifferent to her, and then she leaned forward slightly and gave him a sweet smile, 'but if I told you about it I'd have to hex you.'

Selene laughed. "Can't very well go telling a Slytherin about our team, especially with the match coming up, " she said, glancing at the Potions book in front of her with distate. Being her weak subject, she had stopped trying to improve in it after a terrible first and second year. She pushed it back in Jack's direction, pointedly only touching the edge of it as though it would leap up and bite her.

Jack winked at Cho in reponse to her mild threat, and then leaned back in his chair, resting his laced hands on his belly. "Really? Are you challenging me to a Dual, Chang? " he chuckled, then looked away. "Actually, your team secrets are of no concern to me. I may be a Slytherin, and a Quidditch fan, but I don't get all wrapped up in this House Rivalry thing... " he said lazily. "I have more on my mind to worry about. " he said retrieving his book and opening it again the browse through it.

Cho would have rolled her eyes at the fifth year if it weren't so impolite, so instead she remained smiling, 'gentlemen really shouldn't challenge witches to duels, especially sixth year ones Jack Grim.' She made a point of saying both of his names as she felt it put a distance on how she related to him, he probably wouldn't notice, but it was clear enough to her.

Selene rolled her eyes at Cho, and grinned. "Come now, Cho, you could beat him easily, " she said as the Honeydukes employee came back with Cho's water and Selene's sundae. She thanked the flustered man, who was immediately called over to the other side of the cafe, where a fresh group of students was waiting to be seated. Selene frowned at the topping on the sundae, and pulled out her wand, transfiguring the butterscotch sauce to chocolate. Satisfied, she slipped her wand back into her robes.

Jack snorted a reply at Cho, and returned to his sundae and "butterbeer " sitting idle nearby. "Oh... I would never suggest such a thing Miss Chang. Oh no... " he laughed quietly. He wolfed down the rest of his sundae in a succession of massive bites, then shoved the dish aside, and sipped at his drink again. "Besided. You know Gryffindor will flatten everyone this year with Potter and Krum, " he said with a smirk.

Cho frowned at his stinging remark and wondered if he had intended to be callous or it was simply just his way; she couldn't believe it was the latter since he had been so charming before. But she shrugged her disappointment off and decided not to reply in kind, after all, at least she was a Quidditch player; best if Jack Grim kept to his books, if that was all he desired. 'I suppose so,' she finally said in a light tone and took a sip of her water.

Selene waved her hand dismissively. "Ah, Krum, shmum! We're pretty damn good this year, and Cho, " she poked Cho in the arm in a friendly way, "Is even better. They don't stand a chance. " She grinned at Cho,

Jack continued to read through the book, ignoring the gapes, and curious glances from the other Hogwarts students as they saw HIM, and WHO he was sitting with. More grist for the rumor mill.

He looked up briefly at Selene, and winked at her, "Well, if you WANT to believe that.... sure. But my galleons are on Gryffindor to win. " he snarked, then added, "But don't tell Snape, I don't need MORE quality Dentention time in his dungeons with HIS charming personality... " he mused as he took a long sip from his goblet, then smacked his lips.

Cho noticed that Jack was specifically addressing Selene so she looked away and decided to say nothing, their threesome was already getting some offhand looks.

Selene groaned at the mention of her least favorite teacher. "If Snape is charming, then I'm a bloody unicorn," she snorted. She wasn't exactly being endeared to this Jack character now, something about him was bothering her, and she couldn't really put her finger on it. He was rude, which was almost a requirement for a Slytherin, but that wasn't all of it. She ate a few more bites of her sundae, then pushed it away. "I'm really not as hungry as I thought I was, " she said, pulling a few Sickles from her pocket and tossing them on the table. "I need to run by the Quidditch supply shop, anyways, " she said, pushing the chair back and standing. "You coming, Cho? "

Jack let a smirk cross his face as he looked over at Selene. "A unicorn eh? " he said softly. "Interesting choice of beast to align yourself with... " he said, then pulled out his wand, and took aim at the sickles she had placed on the table. He concentrated, then Banished them expertly back into her pocket, and looked back up at her. "My treat. " he smiled, then looked over at Cho. "Nice chatting with you again. Good luck with the Quidditch next week. " he said pleasantly before returning to his reading.

Well that was was rather abrupt, Cho thought in surprise, she hadn't seen Selene's disapproval come to so easily. Standing up she looked back at Jack, already engrossed in his book, eyes skimming across the text so quickly she wondered how much of it he actually took in. He wasn't looking but she smiled her first sincere smile at him for that entire time. 'Take care Jack Grim,' she said softly, and she meant it.

The blonde Ravenclaw smiled at Jack, though he was too busy reading to see it. "It was nice talking with you, " she said, glancing around at the other students in the cafe area.

Jack looked up from his reading, and seeing they were in fact leaving, he rose from his chair again, as a gentleman does when ladies arrived and depart, and gave them a polite smile and bow. "Enjoy the afternoon... " he smiled, then looked over at Cho. "If you ever want to Chang.... I won't be using my broom next weekend... " he said with a lift of an eyebrow.

Cho feinged a casual look, but this really was the most exciting offer that had ever been made to her, 'you'd let me use it?' And noticing his raised eyebrow she grinned.

Selene looked from Jack to Cho, amused. "What type of broom is it? " she asked Jack.

Jack kept his gaze on Chang, and nodded slowly. "Absolutely. I told you, I don't really NEED it. However... " he paused, if only for dramatic effect. "You break it, you buy it. As they say in the retail trade... " he said, then waited for her reply.

'I'll have to check it out first,' Cho nodded, considering the possibility of riding a Firebolt realistically. She knew the broom's capabilities, but she had never ridden one before - and this was Jack Grim's after all, who knew what kind of specifications of his own he'd made to it?

Jack nodded to the Seeker. "Of course, have it inspected for Curses, throwing charms and the like, whatever would set your mind at ease... " he said with a smile. "It hasn't been magicked by me in any way. But WHY would I want to in the first place? It's a FIRE....BOLT.... " he grinned proudly, then looked down at his book again and turned the page. A blood tainting potion, how delightful! He thought. "You know where to find me if you want to Cho. "

'I'm not worried about curses or hexes Jack,' Cho added, even though she was fairly certain he didn't care, 'every broomstick has it's own quirks, you should know that. I want to make sure I can ... handle it properly first.'

Selene looked from Cho to Jack, then back to Cho. A firebolt was a pretty rare thing for a Hogwarts student to have, and it was a pretty big deal for someone to just hand it over. And the fact that it was a Slytherin doing the handing... it was just too weird. She shook her head and smiled at them both, taking a few steps back from the table. "I'm going to head over to the store before the latest wave of third years decends, " she said. "Meet you there, Cho. Again, nice talking with you, Grim. " She gave them one last smile before turning on her heel and heading across the crowds.

Jack looked up at Cho, and his face was deadpan serious. "I doubt there is a broomstick made you couldn't handle. " he said quietly, then flickered a glance to Selena as she departed, and called after her, "Nice chatting with you Fawcett. " he said, then resumed his reading.

'You know it,' Cho smiled and watched Selene walk away, 'I have to go Jack, it was nice talking to you again. I'll see you around soon and we can have a chat about letting me use your broomstick,' she straightened up and then looked back one last time, 'farewell Jack.'

Jack looked up again, smiling at Cho. "Good day to you as well Miss Chang. " he said, then sipped the last of his drink, and resumed reading. He seemed unconcerned he was taking up a table for four on a busy Saturday afternoon.

2002-09-21 12:22:00,
Double double..

Well, the conversation just had with Cho Chang and her escort Selene over ice cream, ice water, and even icier emotions was quite interesting, if I can still read my females right.

Offering Cho the use of my Firebolt in their match next week was a definite shock to her. I like shocking people in non-harmful ways once in a while. I like seeing their psyche's jump, and spin.

Amused? You bet. I have to have SOME hobby now that I have given up the carnal ones yet again. Maxwell will have to look elsewhere for sport. I do better when not drunk with the Elixer of Lust. Too late I have learned what a great price I pay for that indulgence.

A returned ring, a slash of claws across my face, and silent response to my owls for one.

Goddammit Remus....

As ever.

2002-09-21 17:29:00,
A talk with Albus,

An IC RP with Albus (Npc'd by Snape) and Jack.

Jack stepped back into the main door of Howart's after a full day in Hogsmeade, feeling tired and hungry. He started for the Dungeons to change clothes and take a bath when he was handed a note from a house elf. "For you Master Jack sir," it squeeked, then handed him the note, and ran off. Jack watched it go, then turned the note over and opened it. He read over the note, and sighed as he let his head drop back. "Terrific, Dumbledore..." he groaned, and headed off in the direction of the Headmaster's Office, a path he knew in his sleep.

Albus Dumbledore was sitting behind his desk, re-reading a letter he'd written, nodding and smiling a little when he reached the end. He reached out to get the wax and seal as he called out, in a warm, but level voice, "Do come in, Jack."

Jack entered the office and glanced around casually. If it were possible, there was more stuff piled on the shelves and cases in here. He scowled at the paintings looking at him, and grinned at the Phoenix, Fawkes, sitting on his perch, then sat down in the chair before the Headmaster's desk with a flop. He folded his hands in his lap, and slowly looked up at the elder wizard from under his long, two-toned fringe.

"Good evening, Jack," Albus began. "I hope you had a pleasant day out today?" he said, but it was clear he didn't really expect an account, his sharp eyes watching the student intently. He looked a touch more serious than usual, sad, even.

"Good evening Headmaster..." Jack replied in an equally weary tone. Nothing GOOD ever came from him being called here, save for the time he had escaped Crouch and flown away on Buckbeak thanks to Harry and Albus. "What have I done now?" he asked in a droll tone, sighing at the end.

"You tell me," Albus replied, with a slight smile, but which quickly faded. "Are you finding this difficult? I know it is a lot to ask of you... No one would think any less of you. We all need help sometimes." As though he hadn't just asked that, the Headmaster waved at a tray of cakes on the desk.

Jack looked up at Albus. "You mean, do I want to quit this little charade?" he sighed heavily. "Every single day since we started..." he said evenly, then made a motion, waving off the cakes, and continued, "But that doesn't mean I will quit, no matter what comes my way now..." he said in a less than assured tone. "I want to do this.... for Harry." he said, managing a sardonic sort of grin.

Albus sighed. Smiled, a little more warmly. "I never doubted it, but it never hurts to say... Now. Is there anything you want to tell me?" He waved a hand at the cake-tray and it vanished, leaving the desk looking a damn sight more formal.

Jack leaned to the side, resting the fingertips of his left hand on his forehead and sighed. "You mean.. aside from Snape being stark raving nutters, and thinking his bloody books are out to get him?" he asked with a lift of an eyebrow. "Other than that...." he paused, pursed his lower lip, then shook his head. "Nothing going on. I HAVE been keeping to my self, as much as possible." he muttered, glancing around the office again.

He wasn't telling the truth. And Headmasters, good ones, have a knack of knowing their pupils rather well. But far from laughing, he nodded, sagely, as if this information was something vital. "I see," he said, and waited to see if silence would work where words would not.

Jack looked down at his lap. It was a moment before he noticed the obvious silence in the room, and knew why it was there. "What do you want me to say Albus?" he growled, still not looking up at the Headmaster. "Do you REALLY need an informant in the student ranks now?" he asked, the slowly looked up at Albus again.

The old teacher looked curious at that, but nodded gently. Jack wasn't going to talk to him about this. He'd thought as much. "No," he said, softly. "But I need my student there." He kept his eyes for a minute longer, before shifting slightly. "I do presume, I'm afraid! You must be awfully tired after doing nothing for so long!" he said, with a hint of more amusement now, the severity of a moment before almost completely gone.

Jack laughed darkly. "Doing nothing but reading, and sitting Albus. I am the model student, and atypical Slytherin. What more could you want?" he sighed, then glanced up at Albus. "There is nothing going on with me right now, that I cannot handle. If such an occasion arises. I will of course let you know."

"But of course, dear boy," Albus smiled. "I have every faith. But you must remember that it is not all about work..." he laughed at that, remembering how Sirius had been sitting here, but under slightly different circumstances.

Jack shifted his position in the chair, and looked over at Professor Dumbledore sadly. "I think that is best for me to go that way, Headmaster. When I ... indulge myself, it affects others in negative ways. I am trying to live my life now... in a more restrained fashion." he said with a heavy sigh, and a tug at the tie around his neck that suddenly felt too tight, and was irritating the bruises there.

Albus knew that reaction just as well as he knew the other. Which was right? He couldn't say either way, because he'd seen people suffer, and prosper, under both. Some people just seemed born not to have any peace. "I am sure you know what is best."

Jack blinked slowly, and got up from the chair, certain that Albus would not insist on keeping him there any longer. He rested his hand on the back o the now empty chair as he loked over at Albus. "No Headmaster, I do not. I am just making this up as I go along. As always, but this time... without the others...." he said with a slight hitch in his voice, then quickly turned away, and started for the door of the office.

"As are we all," Albus said, quietly, and looked after Jack as he left, pained as he remembered just how many students, friends... innocents... he had lost, and knew still would be. "Good night, Jack."

"Good night Headmaster.... I will be fine.... That which does not kill us.... you know the rest..." he said as he started towards the stairs down. "It's all for Harry. That is my mantra..."

That which does not kill us makes us stronger. That which does makes us dead. Yes, Albus knew someone who thought that. It had to be worth it. It was. He sighed, and shook his head, sitting in thought.

2002-09-21 19:11:00,
Chatting with the Flints.

An IC RP with Marcus, and Jack, and NPC Fellatia.

Jack was full, full and sleepy after the large meal he had just eaten. He was tucked into one of the overstuffed chairs near the empty fireplace in the Slytherin Common Room, reading his new Potions theory manual. he would read a page, then turn it, and pause for a sip of pumpkin juice every now and then.

It was then that Marcus entered the Common Room with a few of the Slytherin Quidditch Team players after a big feast. It wasn't the best of meals, since Hogwarts never invested too much in how their meals were prepared, but at least the idea of a House Elf making his food made the substances go down that much more easier. He and his fellow jocks separated once they made it back to the room, and Marcus saw Jack sitting by the fireplace. He glared at him for a moment before running upstairs. After a moment or two, Marcus then came down with his Firebolt and his repair kit, and took a seat at one of the work tables, polishing up his broomstick. "Have a good meal, Jack?" He said, not really looking like he cared.

Jack flickered his steely gaze up from his book at the growled speech of Marcus. He stared at his less than comely features, and recalling Fellatia, knew who got all the looks in that family, or had the better looking father depending on his Mother's morals. "Why yes.... I did Flint. How did practice go today? I understand we are favored against Ravenclaw next week...." he said lazily, and turned another page in his book.

Marcus stopped his polishing for a moment as he looked at Jack and gave a small sneer. His troll-like teeth looking more profound in the dimmed lights. "I will not have that Potter boy win." He spouted. Though Marcus wasn't one for smarts, he did have skills when it came to Quidditch. That and the fact that he was more physically skilled than anything else is what got him the position of Captain. "They've been doing good. Not great." Marcus said gruffly. He never would admit that the team was doing great, even when he was the Captain of the team during his years of learning at Hogwarts. He always felt that they could do better, even after giving it their all. "I'm thinking of tying weights to their brooms for the next practice." He said, and continued waxing the ebony stick of his broom.

Jack could not surpress the laugh at that training tactic. "Really..." he scoffed, closing his book, and setting it aside. "Don't you think that things like technique and flying in bad weather might be more effective methods of preparation?" he asked with a lift of an eyebrow as he poured himself more Pumpkin Juice, then waved his wand over it and muttered something, altering it's chemical makeup.

"Hey," Marcus grunted as he stood up. "I can't help it if their Captain isn't as good as I was when I played on the team. He can't think of anything better." He spouted and set his Firebolt aside. "Besides... It's been a rainy week, and the rain is coming down pretty even now. We're about to go practice in a little bit." He said, and started putting the supplies away in his repair kit. Lightning cracked outside and he smirked at Jack. "Perfect weather"

Jack rolled his eyes, and laughed softly. "You're the Coach Flint.... You know best..." he said in a bored tone, and sipped at his "juice" again. "I would say you biggest competition is going to be the tag team of Krum and Potter on Gryffindor..." he said, baiting the other.

"We're ready for them." He grinned slyly. "I've taught the captain a few of my old playing 'habits'." He said, thinking about the time when he had knocked out Oliver Wood a few years ago, and practically taken out the whole team. That Potter boy had swallowed the Snitch then, though. Oh, how Marcus wished he would have choked on it. At least now the Slytherin team had Draco as their Seeker, so victory looked to be favoring them.

Jack gave Marcus a wide smile. "Well done then. I shall be in the stands rooting for a House victory then." he said, and had just started to return to his reading when Fellatia, Marcus's younger sister, (Fifth or six year, never stated) made her way across the common room and sat down next to Marcus. She gave Jack a narrowed glare, then looked at her brother. "What are you up to Marcus?"

"What does it look like?" He said, nodding back at his broomstick. "Discussing Quidditch stuff. Nothing you would be interested in" He said gruffly and picked up his kit and stick. "I'm going to have to go to practice soon." He said, speaking briefly to his sister. He never really talked to her much when he didn't have to, and tried to avoid it when he could.

Jack made a point of looking back down at his book when Fellatia came to talk to Marcus. He wanted to be invisible now. He had has his rides with her, and she had long dumped him for others. This was fine with him. "Well, I think you should put Jack on the team," she taunted him. "He's better than most of those inbred idiots." she spat, "Well, except maybe for Malfoy..." she added with a cruel smile. Jack did not look up from his book and shuddered at a sudden visual of Draco and Fellatia.... No. Not going to imagine THAT.

"And what would you know about Quidditch?" He smirked. "I know that Malfoy is a good player." She said back to Marcus. He looked crass at that comment. "So does everyone!" He growled, and looked at Jack. "And what would you say to that, Jack? What would you say if I invited you to join the team? Maybe even take the place of that git so-called-Captain?" He said and folded his arms waiting for a response.

Jack was inwardly plotting a slow and painful death by strangulation for Fellatia, but smiled sweetly as he emerged from behind the large volume he was holding. "I would say that I am not really interesting in playing Quiddith Marcus." he said in a bored tone. "I am happy with my looks the way they are, and my ribs in tact." he said as he flashed a glare at Fellatia, and she returned a blown kiss.

"Suit yourself." Marcus looked between Fellatia and Jack and raised an eyebrow. "I'm going to get suited up." He scowled and made his way up the stairs.

Jack watched Marcus go, and called after him, "Keep me in mind if someone dies...." then he looked at Fellatia's hungry glare briefly, and went back to reading.

That last comment of Jack's almost made Marcus smile as he went upstairs, got dressed rather quickly, tossed his repair kit in his trunk, and headed back down. "I'm out." He said to Jack and Fellatia, eyeing them suspiciously. He made for the door and soon left them in silence.

Jack made a grunt at Marcus as he left, and continued to read, shielded from Fellatia's hungry stare by the book. He would NOT make eye contact with her. That would be a bad thing at this point. Finally after about 10 minutes of being ignored, she called him a Faggot, and stormed off, leaving Jack in peace.

2002-09-22 11:42:00,
A quiet Sunday,

Had a nice lie in, had breakfast, had a long hot shower, (unmolested in any sense) and now I plan to spend the day outside, under a tree, reading. Nothing more. Blissful innocent relaxation.

Don't believe me? Hell, I don't believe MYSELF! Maybe I am just feeling my real age...

As ever.

2002-09-22 17:08:00,
A Friend in need...

An IC RP with Jack and Draco...

Jack carried the books under his arm he had just gotten from the Library and was heading back to the Common room for some reading. He was doing a lot of that lattely. It kept his mind busy and him out of trouble and far from temptations. Things were going well with Harry, as far as he could tell, and nothing had been heard by him or Albus from Voldemort, so hopefully, that was a GOOD thing. He passed the Great Hall, and sniffed, dinner would be served soon, and his stomach growled it's approval of that. Turning the corner he headed down to the dungeons, whistling a tune as he decided to get in some reading before eating.

Draco had tucked his severely battered arm against his stomach, hoping not to jarr it anymore and prick up unexpected pain. For each shock from such made him dizzy with sickness and his vision blurr something awful. Draco didn't dare to even try and stand, if he even got to his feet, chances were he would only fall back down and perhaps cause more damage then he really needed more of. He really disliked the idea of just sitting there in a pile, waiting for somebody to come a long and find him. Chances were it would be a Slytherin..and his odds would most likely be that it would be one that actually reveled in his situation..instead of trying to help him with it.

Jack rounded the corner of the hallway, and slowed down, squinting in the nigh darkness, at a large form leaning against the wall just beyond. Paranoia sprang up, and he pulled out his wand, "Lumos." he said, then held it aloft to light the way ahead. His heart did a little jump, and his mouth dropped open at what he saw. "Draco?" he asked in a gasp, and moved slowly forward.

Draco hissed at the instant light, having seen nothing but dim or no lighting for how long now? It had obviously been awhile he figured. He turned some trying to hide from it, it made the pain within his head tripple. He whimpered some. "Turn off..that light..." As he sunk more into his good arm, covering slitted eyes with the black fabric..and feeling horrible about reaction to such a small thing, rather pathetic..and he was sure many would agree.

Jack stood there staring at Draco, shocked at the state he was in, and his reaction to the light eminating from his wand. After a moment, he put it out with a command of "Nox." then rushed to Draco's side. He stopped just short of touching him, and looked him over in a worried fashion. "What the Hell happened to your?" he asked as he squatted down on the floor near him.

To tell..or not to tell, that was something he wouldn't mind worrying about later, right now, he would love to have the pain tended to right now, or anything about it to go away. Draco was silent for awhile, failing to answer the other's question at the moment, but instead, answering it with his own question. "What time is it.." His voice hoarse and bedraggled..and he wondered how long it would last him..for it felt like it would give out any second now.

Jack blinked, and shaking of Draco's unexpected answer, he looked at his watch, "It's just after five...." he said, then looked over at Draco... "...on Sunday..." he added as he hadn't seen Draco much lately. He could see that he was hurt, and was afraid to try and move him. "How bad are you hurt?" he asked.

Draco groaned rather loudly as he heard the time, almost after five? He had been..passed out or otherwise for almost the whole entire day! Good hand went to cover over his eyes as he knew tears were starting to well up, threatening..and he didn't want that, not now..but with the pain..oh god the pain. "I..I don't know, everywhere..my arm..the most.." For that was the only place that was still emmiting a large amount of sickening jolts.

Jack looked around, there was no one else nearby. "I .... I don't know if I should move you or not Draco. Shall I get someone? Snape?" he asked, then felt a lurch in his belly as he said the name. He pushed that aside, and continued on. "Madame Pomfrey?"

Brows furrowed as Jack continued to talk. He obviously couldn't do much of anything, while the only thing that could become worse if moved was his arm, it didn't feel like it. He let out a soft exhausted cry, his mind screaming bloody murder at him..and it wasn't helping his head any. "I don't know!.." He let out in a struggled voice before it cracked off into silence, things were jumbled and thinking straight was a no go as he curled up, nursing that arm.

Jack winced at that cry, and drawing his wand back up, he took aim at Draco's wounded arm. "Ferula!" He called out, and bandages and a splint appeared from the end of his wand, and wrapped themselves around his arm. "This should help hold it still. I don't have anything for the pain." he said, sounding truly sad about that. "You stay here, I will go for help..." he said, scrambling to his feet.

Draco was only able to watch the other retreat a couple feet before he was gone and around the corner, leaving Draco alone once more. Something he wasn't sure if he enjoyed or not. He was left there with his thoughts..and they were none to nice to him. Taking stuttered breaths, he waiting there with head buried within his arm.

Jack made a blinding run up to the Hospital Wing where panting, he interrupted Madame Pomfrey tending to a failed case of Pimple Cursing. She turned angrily to Jack, then paused as he gasped and panted out his report of Draco's injuries. A panicked look crossed the Mediwitch's face and telling the fourth years to wait there for her, she grabbed the panting Slytherin by the shoulder of his robe and urged him out of the wing and to take her to Draco immediatly.

Now knowing that he would recieve help..and had been found, some comfort was felt, but it was not enough to ease a bit of his mind. Under the stress, he didn't realize his eyes closing because of the dim light, didn't realize slipping off once more..and a part of him didn't care. For the simple fact that it felt rather good to sleep, though it was probably not a good idea either.

After Jack had led Madame Pomfrey to the fallen form of Draco. He had been instructed by her to return to his dorm in case there would be more attacks. Jack scoffed at that once he was out of range, and instead of heading for the Common Room, he headed for Snape's office. Snape was the last person he wanted to see right then, but he knew he would catch worse Hell for NOT reporting this.

2002-09-22 18:00:00,
Reporting to Snape,

An IC RP with Snape and Jack following the attack and discovery of Malfoy.

Snape was finishing some notes he had started making; a question he had read had led him onto a new train of thought and he had decided to pursue it in an attempt to do something productive. He leafed through a book, muttering a little under his breath as he worked.

Jack paused outside of the door to Snape's office, trying to catchi his breath. He combed his hair back out of his eyes with his hands, and then steelign himself for whatever it was he would encounter this time, knocked on the door.

A rap at the door made Snape jump. He'd thrown himself completely into his work. And now he felt a little foolish for getting so absorbed in such an... indulgent activity. He snapped, annoyed. "Yes?"

Jack could hear the irritation in the reply from the room beyond, but how was that different than any OTHER Time Snape addressed him? "It's Grim, sir. I have to tell you something of great importance." he said in a rush of words, then as if feeling he needed to add credibility, "It's about Malfoy, sir."

Malfoy? Snape's chair scraped back. "Well come in then!" he bit off, starting to roll up his scroll, not wanting anyone to see what he was working on. He moved to put it in the drawer of his desk, on top of his journal.

Jack opened the door to the office and hurried in, closing the door behind him. He looked across the room at Snape, sitting at his desk as usual, and slowly approached. "Yes, Sir. He has been hurt. I found him in the hallway near the dungeons, quite beaten up it seems, however... there were no marks on him. He complained that his right arm was hurt the worst."

The Potion Master's eyes narrowed and he watched Jack intently, scrutinising his face. "What time did you find him? Have you seen the Headmaster?"

Jack swallowed, and nervously ran his hand through the long front of his hair. "I found him around five sir. I set his arm in some bandages then went straight for Madame Pomfrey. She instructed me to return to my Dorm, but... I came directly here first..." he said a bit sheepishly, hoping that was the right thing to do first.

Snape snorted, derisively. He remembered too well not listening to Medi-Wizards... And yes, she would not have wanted him to know of this probably. "Very well. I suggest you go there now, Grim." He stood up slowly.

Jack nodded, and turned to leave the office. He paused, and looked back over his shoulder at Snape, "If it isn't too much trouble, Sir. Can you please give him my best?" he asked, then turned toward the door again.

Snape nodded once, slowly, and followed Jack to the door, leaving his books scattered over his table. Great. Just what he needed right now. He'd not get back until very late if he was right. He snuffed the lamp by the door, figuring it would be a waste to leave it burning, and pulled the door shut behind him.

Jack could hear Snape's quick steps close on his own, and keeping his head tilted down, he made haste back to the Common Room. When he reached it, he swore to himself. "Bloody Hell, what the hell am I going to go about dinner?"

A crowd of Slytherins, talking lowly amongst themselves passed, their voices dropping as they neared him, but lifting again a moment later. Oh yes. He'd forgotten about normal eating times and the like. It seemed Poppy had too. Or had she? "If there's nothing been sent, call an elf," Snape suggested as he carried on. It probably wasn't a good idea for him to be in dinner, even if the gossip might increase.

Jack scowled, and flopped into a chair in the now deserted Common Room. "Fuck." he muttered, then kicked at a side table in frustration."

2002-09-22 21:46:00,
An interesting day... again...

Draco. I an only wonder what, or who attacked him. I have been in Slytherin House since getting banished here by first Pomfrey, then Snape. Dinner was brought to me, and I am full and sleepy.

I suppose I can start on my assignments, but for a change, don't feel studious. Restless. The most dangerous of my emotions is stirring in me again. Something is in the wind again. I can feel it.

As ever...

2002-09-23 23:53:00,
House Elf Post from Blaise...

Jack,

Hello, I was hoping you would meet me in one of the dungeon room four doors down on the left. I am hoping to work on some potions for Snape's class and also have an honest conversation with you. No hidden agendas or games. I promise. This can't wait, I need to talk tomorrow night.

Truly,

Blaise

2002-09-24 10:33:00,
Study in humanity,

What could she want, Blaise? Lord only knows, and I quite sure I won't be pleased with the request.

Draco will live of course, and will be returning to the House HOPEFULLY soon. I haven't gone to see him. I should, but... something again... is stirring.

He is fucked for Quidditch on Saturday, don't know if they will forfeit the match, or reschedule. No word frm Cho yet as to if she will take me up on my offer. If she does, we will be flattened for sure.

Well. Class is almost over. Starving. Can't wait for lunch.

As ever.

2002-09-24 16:28:00,
Meeting Blaise,

Well, I shall be meeting Blaise later this evening after dinner. I will be armed and prepared for whatever the little would-be vixen has on her mind.

Classes done now. Malfoy still in the Hospital Wing. Snape.... other than nearly stone silent during most of Potions, he seems... Supressed almost. No comment from him on The Malfoy Affair.

I suppose NO news is good news.

As ever.

2002-09-24 21:40:00,""
Skin on skin... Let the love begin....

AN IC RP with Blaise and Jack Grim. Rated NC-17 for explicit Het sex.

Blaise walked into the dungeon. Her hair was flowing in sable waves that framed her face of milky flesh. Her eyes held a glint that was unquestionable as to her intent. She was wearing an almost see-through crimson red dress and matching shoes. Her toe nails, finger nails, and lips are also crimson red. But for now, her dress was covered by her school robes. Blaise sat on the desk in the room watching and waiting for Jack to come, with her wand ready to bind him to the floor.

Jack walked slowly down the halls toward the area of the dungeon that Blaise had invited him to. He could only wonder what "honest" conversation she wanted to have with him now. He was already in a strange mood, and not sure if he was angry, tired, or worse; restless. He stalled, taking his time in the journey until he reached the door to the room he had been directed to. He paused, sighed, and then knocked on the door lightly. "Blaise?" he asked softly.

Blaise turned her head in his direction looking at him with the same expression she had for the past ten minutes, "So you came. Come here." She said brushing her hair to the right side revealing the left side completely bare. She didn't say another word she watching and waited for him to come closer. She slowly wet her lips with her tongue.

Jack entered the room, casting a wary glance around the dark and musty place. He stopped a comfortable distance from where Blaise was perched, and poised so carefully. He nodded to her in greeting, then folded his hands in front of himself. "Zabini..." he said, giving her a crafty smile. "What's on your mind?"

Blaise then slowly started to take off her robe but stopped, "You Jack, you are on my mind." Blaise then slipped off the desk and walked over to him swaying ever so slightly, "You see, there is something that I want. Only you can help in that area at the moment."

Jack opened his eyes wider at Blaise as she made her way over to him, partially removing her robe as she did so. "Uh... right... What do you need Blaise? Or should I even be asking that sort of a question?" He said with a bit of unease in his voice as he watched her.

"Well, see I have never had sex before and well I want you to be my first." Blaise then slow removed the rest of her robe and threw it on the desk. "See I never really wanted to have sex until I saw you." Blaise then was in front of him almost touching his body when she ran her fingers through his hair.

Jack froze, he was shocked. That was saying something. He stared at Blaise, and after a moment, found his voice again. "Your... FIRST?" he said in a voice that cracked slightly from the shock of her announcement. "You mean you haven't...?" he started to say then his voice trailed off. He took a step back and grabbed hold of her wrist, pulling it from his hair. "I am flattered Blaise... really. It's not every day a guy gets an offer like this... but.... I am not the guy for you." he said in as consoling a voice as he could muster. What he really wanted to do was burst out laughing. This had to be a joke, right?

Blaise scoffed, "Not my type? My dear Jack, you have no clue what my type is." Blaise then grabbed his wrist pulling his hand off her wrist. She pressed her body against his and kissed him and whispered in his ear, "To be quite honest, I want you for your body and friendship. Nothing else." She then pulled away, "We can do this the easy way, which I highly recommend, or the hard way. Your choice." She then started running her hand across his chest.

Jack made a snarl as he was gripped and pulled about like a toy, he turned his head away from her kiss, and to show his resolve and disdain, wiped at his mouth with the back of his hand, smearing most of her crimson lipstick from his mouth. "I can play rough too..." he growled, and placing his hands on her shoulders, gave her an abrupt shove backwards. "Gerroff me Zabini..." he yelled. "I've had quite enough of people taking what they wanted of my mind AND body lately!" he hissed. His pale eyes were flashing with anger, and with a last glare at her, he turned and started to leave the room. "Get yourself another toy to play with... This one is not for sale at any price... Virginity or not..."

Blaise snarled, "At least I asked first." Blaise then pulled out her wand and muttered a spell that sealed the door shut. She then walked up to Jack, "I don't want a toy if I wanted a toy I would have gone to Adrian." Blaise was fuming with anger, "I would have prefered that you were willing... I am surprised you aren't flattered," and finished in an almost hurt tone, as she pointed her wand at him.

Jack stopped, and swore as the door was locked before he could reach it, then turned on his heel and glared at Blaise. "I am too angry to be flattered Blaise...." he said evenly. "I am tired of my life being run for me." he said in a low tone, then stopped talking when he saw her wand aimed directly at him. He glanced down at it, then back up to her. "Go ahead.... I dare you..." he said in a dangerous tone, then narrowed his eyes at her.

Blaise scoffed, "You're tired? I'm tired, okay? YOU have no clue what it is like to be me. Do you honestly think I want to force you to do anything. You think I want to run your life? I don't." Blaise still had her wand pointed at him, and was shaking with anger and hurt at the same time. She took a deep breath with the same ice-cold tone, "What is so wrong with me? Am I not good enough for you? Do I have to be a whore like Fellatia?" Blaise couldn't believe what was hapening. Was she wrong? Was it possible he didn't want someone to control him? Blaise knew she was losing control over the situation because she wasn't as prepared for it as she thought she was. She didn't want Jack angry. She completely blew it. And now, it was more than likely he was probably going to avoid her and never agree to meet her again. And knowing her luck he would tell everyone that she was a virgin.

Jack could see the anger and hurt in Blaise's eyes, and while a small, dark part of him liked inflickting such pain, it bothered him. He shook his head slowly, and looked down at the dusty floor of the room. "It's not how you are, Blaise. It's me... It is not..." he paused, looking for the words, "It's not good for me to be sleeping with people here while I am in school." He looked back up at her again. "Fellatia, was a mistake, a moment of bad judgment." he said evenly. "Victor, if you heard about that...." he paused, too late, the cat was out now, "He forced me... twice." he said in a soft tone. "I am not here to look for lovers Blaise. A part of me IS flattered you want me to be your first, but I can't." He said, then turned and started toward the door.

Blaise wasn't sure how to act to the she almost got the it's not you it's me speech. She wanted to yell out, 'Please don't leave, I am sorry about that, Jack I really am.' but she bit her lip, "I feel it has to do with something about me. Maybe I am being selfish Jack but I never wanted anything like I want this." She walks over to the desk and sat on it, "Have you ever wanted something so badly that you would do almost anything to get it. I don't want a lover I just want this once." Blaise then ran her fingers through her hair, "If you can't then I am screwed. I don't want anyone else. In my opinion, no one is better for this than you."

Jack nodded as she spoke to him. "Yes, I know what it means to want something so bad you would give your very soul for it." he said in a melancholy way. Jack then looked directly in her eyes, "And I did. It wasn't a pretty or satisfying bargain." He took in a long breath, and then let it out. "I suppose.... if you REALLY..." he stopped, looking away, then continued. "I can't believe you think I am the only one for you Blaise. You are so young. This isn't something to rush into..."

Blaise looked at Jack in a soft tone, "Jack you are the same age as me, I never wanted to have sex with anyone until you. And when I say never I mean never." Blaise crossed her legs, closed her eyes and took a deep breath, "I don't know what it is about you, but I just want to feel you..." She couldn't finish that thought and looked around with uncertainty, but her gase settled on Jack.

Jack looked at her, there was a sadness showing in her eyes, and at last he nodded. "If you feel that strongly about this Blaise... I suppose..." he stopped, and shrugged his shoulders, then looked around the room with disdain, "But in HERE? This filthy place is where you wanted your first time to be?"

Blaise bit her lip, "I didn't know where else to meet you." She said,then laughed "well to be quite honest, I was ready to chain you to the floor.. but I couldn't do it."She turned away, "If I wrote you in a letter that said meet me in room 21 in a hotel in Hogsmeade, you would have never came. Also I didn't want anyone evesdroping, so the common room was out of the question. Nobody else needs to know that I am a virgin." Blaise exhaled deeply she got off the desk and stared to pace, she stoped after a bit and looked at Jack, "Do you really mean it?"

Jack looked at her with a sad determination on in his eyes, "Yes, I do Blaise. I won't tell anyone about it either." he said solemnly. "But, let's find a better place." he said wincing as he looked around the room. Not even a dog would do it in here..." he said draping an arm around her shoulder, and placing a kiss on her cheek. "I am sure we can find a much better spot..."

Blaise gave a small smile and a sigh of relief almost wanting to cry from happiness, "You don't know how much this means to me Jack. Thank you." Blaise then kissed him back and took his hand, "Sooo, what do you think of the outfit," she laughed. She then reach over to the desk and grabbed her cloak, "So what spot are you thinking of?"

Jack gave her a sly grin. "I like it, a lot. It definitely does the trick of catching a lad's interest..." he smiled, then waited for her to unlock the door. "As for a suitable place..." he thought, narrowing his eyes a bit. "I prefer the outdoors myself..."

Blaise smiled, "Well for the moment I should put my robe back on." Blaise quickly put it on and looked at Jack then at the door and back at Jack, "I suppose I should unlock the door." She pointed her wand at it and muttered a few words and it unsealed. "The outdoors, hmm sounds rather interesting, I am game for that." She then looked at Jack and put her arm around his slightly.

Jack looked over at Blaise, and smiled. "How about a walk down near the Forest and near the lake?"

Blaise smiled at him, "Okay I can do that." She then Laughed, "Pretty much the same area as last place we met?"

Jack grinned slyly, and lead her out of the room, then removed her hand from his arm. "I think it may be best if we walk unattached to the spot.... I am not sure I could deal with the rumor mill or Fellatia if we were seen walking hand in hand..." he said softly.

Blaise smirked, "You're right, but I have just one more favor to ask of you."

Jack looked at Blaise and raised a single eyebrow, "And that one favor BESIDES taking your innocence would be...?" he smirked.

Blaise laughed, "Before we go any further, kiss me. And I don't mean a petty little kiss either. A real kiss."

Jack stopped walking and turned to look at Blaise. She was quite attractive, there was no doubt about that, it was just his heart and soul that wasn't into the deed, even if his ever present lust was. He nodded slowly, then slipped his left hand alongside her face, cradling her jaw in his hand, then turned his head slightly to the side as he moved his lips to hers. He placed several, light kisses on her lips before pressing for more, and slipping his tongue past her lips and teeth. He drew his body closer up to her, a hand went to the small of her back, jerking her hips tightly against his, and he pillaged her mouth hungrily with his tongue.

Blaise took a deep breath as he put his hand on her face, and with each light kiss she slowly raised her arms and moved to rest them on to his shoulders. As he moved his tongue past her lips she moved hers and massaged their tongues together. As he pressed his body against hers she could feel his member against her.She shuddered slightly at the feeling. She had never felt a kiss like this before. Nothing could compare to it. She kissed him back with heated passion. A passion she never knew resided in her behind. And this was just the begining.

Jack continued to kiss her hungrily, savagely. His grip on her tightened, he pressed his groin tighter to hers, letting her feel the arousal building there with each passing moment. After several moments, he gradually pulled back from the kiss, ending it with nips of his teeth on her lower lip, and looked deep into her eyes for her reaction.

Blaise felt his grip on her tighten and the stimulation was getting to her, as she was on the verge of ripping his clothes off right there. As he pulled back her hand slipped to his face and she moved her other across his chest. She looked deep in to his eyes as well, then she licked her lips, "Wow." She then reach up and kissed him softly on his lips and pulled back and looked at him again.

Jack's eyes were half closed, and his breathing was quickened as well. "Let's do this..." he said in a low rasp, then opened the door, and left the room, leading her towards the exit of the castle, and the seclusion of the nearby forest glades.

Blaise took a deep breath and nodded she followed him out of the castle. She took a moment look around the area in which Jack was leading her. Her mind flooded with what was going to happen next, she couldn't believe this was going to actually happen. Why did he change his mind? It didn't matter really,and she wasn't going to ask either. Blaise took a deep breath as the reached the area, which Jack had chosen, she then wondered why Jack liked having sex more outdoors.

Jack walked in silence as he led her across the grounds of the school, across the lawns, to the shore of the lake, then around to a grove of trees on the far side. Once they were there, and he was sure no one was watching or had followed them. He turned to her. He shrugged off his robe, and laid it inner side down on the ground, spread out as a blanket, then let a hand linger at the top of the jeans he wore. "You ready Blaise? " he grinned. "Last chance to leave..." he said with a lift of an eyebrow as he watched her carefully.

Blaise looked at Jack and smiled, "More than I could ever be." She then walked over to Jack and undid his tie and then started to unbutton his shirt, She then continued to unbutton his shirt and when she was finished she leaned a bit down to kiss his chest gently, but only once and looked back into his eyes. She then placed her hand on his bare chest, "Are you ready?"

Jack nodded, and kissed her quickly again while taking her hands in his then moving them to the top of his jeans. When that not-so-subtle move had been done, he moved his hands up to first remove her robe and toss it aside, then his hands went to work on the fastens on her dress until he slipped it down from her shoulders to pool around her ankles.

Blaise unfastened his pants then droped her arms as he slipped her dress off. After the dress fell she put her hands on his pants and slipped them down stepping out of the dress so it was no longer around her ankles. Blaise pressed her bare chest to his and puched his shirt off his shoulders completely where it fell to the ground, forgotten. She then started kissing his neck ever so softly as her hands ran down his arms, and she took his hands into hers.

Jack shuddered at her soft touch, and could not fight down the urgency he was feeling to do this. He was hard as a pole, and once they were both freed of their clothes, he gripped her in his arms and kissed her hungrily again. As he held her, he eased her down onto the spread out robe, and lay atop of her, nesting himself between her parted thighs. His hands traced lightly over her body, one hand cupped the ample round of a breast and squeezed it while he kissed her.

Blaise could feel his hardness as much as she could feel her own wetness as he was kissed her hungrily she did the same she liked the feeling of her body against his. She relaxed into his grip has she was layed upon the cloak.She could feel every inch of him as he pressed aginst her.

Jack kissed her for several moments, then with a bite of her lower lip, he slid downward, trailing kisses over her neck, throat, and shoulders. He captured a nipple in his mouth, sucking eagerly on it while he slipped a hand down her side. His hand traced across her hip, over her inner thigh, and then while pressing his thumb on the nub of flesh at the top of her wet slit, he thrust his middle two fingers into her, coating them in her slickness. "How does that feel Blaise?" he whispered, lifting his head from her skin for a moment.

Blaise breath started getting heavier with each of his soft kisses. He knew exactly what to do. Shecouldn't supress the moan that came out as he penetrated her with his fingers. She took a deep breath as she closed her eyes, "Great...." was all she could manage to get out before letting out another soft moan.

Jack smiled, nodding in approval and moved down lower yet with his skilled mouth. He places his hands on her legs, bending them at the knees, and kissed his way down her flat belly, then to the patch of soft downy hair between her thighs. He smiled, then stroked the slit of pink flesh with his tongue slowly several times before sliding his tongue into her, tasting her saltiness.

Blaise clutched the robe beneath her as Jack moved further down. She watched as Jack went down on her, and felt a warmness spread though her entire body as his toungue darted out to taste her. "Oh, my God...." she took a deep breath, she could feel wetness practly driping from her body as he continued. She reached up and ran her finger though his hair.

Jack continued to tongue her slick opening, lapping at the wetness like a cat with cream. He inserted to finger into her again and began to slowly finger fuck her. He pressed his thumb down on her clit, and sought to make her come. He knew if she truly was a virgin, this would make the going easier. His cock throbbed against the fuzziness of the robe, aching for use.

Blaise moaned louder as he stuck his fingers in her again; and as he pressed on her with his thumb she felt something she never had before. She started to slightly tremble as it happened. It wasn't normal wetness she wanted him in her fully. She reached down and put her hand on Jack's then moved it to his lips and motioned him to come up.

Jack felt the familiar tug upon him, it meant only one thing, that his intended was ready. He made a soft grunting sound, then slid his way up along Blaise's fevered body, and reached for his wand, he gripped it with a shaky hand, and aimed it briefly at his own cock, muttering a charm, then tossed the wand aside as he settled his body down onto hers, and gripped his shaft in his left hand. He pressed it to her opening and looked down at her as he kissed her deeply. He teased her entrance, slipping his head just inside of her, then pulled up from kissing her to moan aloud. It has been so long since he had bedded a female, he had almost forgotten the warm, wetness of them. "Ready.... Blaise?" he panted, looking down into her eyes.

Blaise still was shaking a bit from moments before. She had never imagined a feeling quite like being filled by another person. She clutched the robe again, as he kissed her and teased her. Her breathing got heavier as he pulled away and he moaned she too, let out a moan. She then reached up and kissed him in answer to the question. As she ran her hand down his chest then move it to his ass, holding it down to guide him deeper.

Jack resumed kissing her, then moving his hand aside, pushed into her in one slow deliberate movement. She was tight, so tight. He tossed his head back and let out a long sigh as he sheathed himself fully inside of her, breaking her maidenhood, and claiming that for his own. "God, Blaise." he sighed, then clutched his hand on the robe on the either side of her shoulders and began to move in and out of her slowly.

Blaise body started to tremble once again, not from fear but from a new experience. Panting ever so slightly she wanted to scream in pleasure. She could feel him inside her in and out. she closed her eyes as she let out a throaty moan. "Oh Jack..... Oh my God, Jack, yes oh god yes..." she panted and then she kissed him.

Jack was breathing though his open mouth when Blaise pulled him down for a hungry kiss. He increased the speed, and depth of his thrusts in and out of her. He listened to her moans, and felt her body writhe underneath him in pleasure. 'This wasn't so bad after all....' He thought to himself as he held her tight and continued to move within her.

Blaise thought Jack great, indeed, but she never imagined how great he would actually be. Nothing could have prepared her for this, he was a master in her humble opinion. Yeah, she never had sex before, but it didn't take much to know that Jack knew exactly what to do to please her. She knew she was close to coming, she thought to herself 'I know this is my first time but wow...' Blaise let out a loud moan as she started to rock her hips against Jacks thrusts. Her breathing was coming in great gasps now, and her body was building itself up to yet another realese. Before long, she reached up and kissed Jack as she reached her climax.

Jack felt the girl's body tense, then shudder under him. His body was thrusting furiously against hers, and he wasn't far behind in release. "Yes... Oh yes.... Yes.." he moaned aloud as his hips slammed against her, his mind blanking with the power of the climax. A moment later, he collapsed onto her, panting quickly. He turned his head to the side, and kissed her softly.

Blaise panted as Jack thrusted against her she bit her lip she felt him release in her, her breathing was still heavy and she held his body as he collapsed on her. After he kissed her she kissed him back slipping her tongue into his mouth. She held him close to her, and whispered in his ear. "You truly are amazing Jack Grim."

Jack brushed his damp fringe out of his eyes, and nodded. "I am, aren't I?" he said, then rolled off of her and onto his back. He laughed soflty, and looked up at the sky overhead. He draped an arm over his eyes, and recalled other such conquests, in this very spot, so many years ago.

Blaise smiled and laid her head on his chest, "You're a bit conceited, but you have every right to be, you are that good. actually, good doesn't even begin to describe you." Blaise smiled and kissed his nipples slowly sucking on them. She took a deep breath, "You know, if you ever wanted to do this another time, let me know." She knew she had told him she wanted this just this one time, but she was begining to rethink that now.

Jack made a snort, "I am QUITE conceited, and yes, I know it." he teased, then sighed as she suckled on his chest. After laying there a while longer, a vagrant breeze off of the lake caused him to shiver, and with a groan, he sat up. "We should get back to the Castle. It's getting late." he said as he looked around for his clothing in the darkness.

Blaise laid there and smiled, "You're right, we should." Blaise reached for her dress and slipped it on once more. She then looked at Jack and tossed him his clothes, some how they managed to be right where hers were. Taking deep breath as she zipped up her dress, "Jack how was I?" Blaise watched Jack as he got dressed. She then got up and grabbed her robe waiting for Jack to answer...if he was even going to.

Jack dressed rather quickly, shaking out his robe before putting it back on, then changing his mind, he tossed it to her. "For you..." he grinned, then shook his hair out of his eyes, ignoring the chilly night air. "You were simply divine." he smiled, then kissed her on the cheek, and led her back towards the castle.

Blaise smiled and held the robe in her arm, she then checked to make sure she had her wand - she did. She looked at Jack and kissed him back, "Thanks." She then followed him into the night and up to the castle.

2002-09-24 23:54:00,
Dirty Deeds..

It is nearly midnight, and I am in my perch on top of the Astronomy tower, smoking my fourth fag.

Blaise is a woman now. Known by man. And what a man she chose for surrendering her virginity to. If she only knew...

If anyone knew. I was overwhelmed by the memories that came back to me after our "splendor in the grass." That spot was not chosen by me randomly. It was in that same glen I was had by my first girl, and I had her. I can still hear the pants and moans of youth. Me, third year, she, a fifth.

"Sirius...." "Bertha..." "Oh... please..." "I know... Oh God.. here I go..." "No... wait..." "Can't... I can't..." "Sirius, I don't think we should..." "Ugh..." "Ahhh! Sirius!... it hurts... Oh God... Oh God.." "Sorry... sorry... Oh God... Oh... just move a little, move a little with me... God Bertha... you feel so good... So good." "...." "I'm gonna.... gonna.... come... gonna come... now!...Oh!"

She'd wanted to stop, but I was to far gone. Tired of wanking off, tired of the petting and kissing to the edge of madness with her. I had her, and she had me, but never again. I was out there two nights later with another girl, don't recall the name, only that she blew me first, and I loved that. Two nights later another, then another. I am surprised the grass ever grew back there.

Six months later, I was again, a bright moon was on the rise and I was there with another, a boy. He was a beautiful sandy redhead. We were laying on our sides facing each other, kissing hungrily, and jerking each other off. He came first, shooting his wad over my fist and onto my belly. I moaned and followed suit. But it wasn't enough. We both wanted more, and he showed me how.

"Get on your hands and knees Sirius, I will show you what to do..." "Why do I have to...?" "Sh.... just do it..." "Like this?... Oh that's nice.... Yes... faster Remus...please?"

He was laying on me, belly to my back, and his hand was under me, jerking me off again. His prick was nestled in the crack of my ass, throbbing. He jerked me off to the point of release, then slowed, and told me to grip myself. I did.

"What are you doing now?" "Sh.... it will be so good. So good Sirius.... I promise. Lubricatus!" "Lubri...what? Oh.... God!" "It's just a finger Sirius... relax." "Remus?" "Relax.... that's it....Goood.... Good..." "Ah! Jesus..." "Just another finger Sirius... just a finger... relax. keep wanking... it will help. "Oh.... God.... it feels so.... ugh...." "That's it.... that's it...good boy... good boy..." "What...?" I just took my fingers out for a moment. "Oh... good... I need to rest.. I need..." "Three now Sirius.... hold on... breathe out... relax..." "OH! Bloody Hell Remus! Stop... please, take it out take it out... God...." "I know... Oh God.. here I go..." "No... wait..." "Can't... I can't..." "Remus, I don't think we should..." "Ugh..." "Ahhh! Remus!... it hurts... Oh God... Oh God.." "Sorry... sorry... Oh God... Oh... just move a little, move a little with me Sirius... God Sirius... you feel so good... So good." "...." "I'm gonna.... gonna.... come... gonna come... now!...Oh!"

History repeating itself? Payback? Who cares? none of us did. Two nights later, we were back there again and I buggered him, thrice. He couldn't sit for a week. Was tonight any different? Maybe. I didnt rape her, she didn't say "stop". She was underage, but at the time so was I. I should have said "no", should have know better. But I never do. Blaise got what she wanted, or what she THINKS she wanted. My work is done here.

As ever...

2002-09-25 03:15:00,
Hello again...

An IC RP with Jack and Voldemort.

Jack was walking along the edge of the lake. Memories. They had been haunting him as of late. Ever since the liaison with Blaise, so many Ghosts of Conquests Past where coming back to visit him. Jack took another pull on his cigaratte, and blew out the smoke as he walked along. It was late afternoon, classes done for the day, and he followed the path off of the grounds that lead to Hogsmeade. He paused on a footbridge over a small stream, and leaned on the side to look down at the slow moving water below. He finished the cigarette and tossed it into the water, then watched the ripples spread out.

A smooth wash of wind ruffled his long unbelievably straight locks across his sunken pale face. He had appeared behind and to the left of Jack, having followed and watched him the entire journey past the forest and the lake. He, indeed, needed to have a talk with him. For he did not approve of a few things as of late. But it was not like Jack was technically one of his own Death Eaters. Jack was special. And Jack had yet to learn how special he truly was. Silent footsteps, and he moved up behind Jack, reaching out to lay his hands upon the boys hips, his head falling to rest his chin upon the boys shoulder, looking down over the edge of the bridge as well at the slow moving current of water, "My Jack ... it is so good to see you again ... " he purred in that close ear.

Jack flinched at the sudden and unexpected touch, and went to draw his wand, but the minute he heard the voice, he knew it was too late, and relaxed in the unwanted grasp. "I wish I could say the same.." he said in a low growl, a smirk crossing his face. "Out trolling for little boys again?" he asked cheekily.

His eyes narrowed, anger pushing towards the surface. "Not happy to see me? Well ... you certainly seemed to need me when Victor was tearing your insides apart ... or were you calling him your Master?" Fingers clenched against the boy's sides, and he tugged him away from the bridge ledge. He brushed the back of his hand down the boys cheek, "I'm only out in search of my little boy ... it's been a while since I've seen you ... "

Jack resisted the pull, but was no match for the strength of the other. "I don't remember what I said when the bloody bastard was choking me and raping me..." he hissed. "I might have been signing "Rule Britannia" for all I know..." he said, then spit on the ground. "Besides... I make a poor lapdog... Untrainable...." he sneered, and pulled his face away from the cold stroking touch.

"The resistance was not something Voldemort would have expected from the one he held in such high regards. Growling, he tightened his hold on him. "Victor Maxwell ... he pulled quite a number on you, the son of a loyal Death Eater that he is ... and then now, your recent romp with my rookie Death Eater Zambini ... why Jack, you're practically knee deep in Death Eaters ... what's one more temptation?" Those hands, one slipping down along his hip, leading to the boys crotch, his other hand cradling him across the chest, holding him forcefully to him, "You've dissapointed me Jack ... I thought you actually wanted ... to be with me ... " Lips moved to kiss tenderly at his neck, nose nuzzling in his sweet smelling locks.

"That was a lapse in judgement..." he growled, not fighting the grip this time. He closed his eyes and tried to ignore the other touches on his body. "I have those from time to time... Call it a weakness for carnality..." he said in a tensed tone. His mind was quickly trying to think of a way to walk away from this, and come out with body and soul in one piece. "Blaise... I can stay away from her from now on. I am not looking for a relationship with anyone here anyway...."

"So ... you're just the Hogwarts boy slut now? Taking away virginity, enjoying those that tempt you with rape?" Fingers began cutting into flesh, his anger pushing past the boiling point. There was no point in dealing with Jack any longer. One hand released their hold of the boy and reached into his robes. Pulling out his wand, he placed the wand tip to the boys temple, "You must know by now what I do to people that don't obey me ... " That wand tip pressed deeper against his scalp.

Jack flinched at the cruel claws digging into his skin and he let out a yelp despite himself. When he felt the wand held against him, he froze, feeling cold terror in his gut. Visions of Lily and James dying flashed before his eyes, and he shuddered. "I... I had... no idea I had disobeyed.... anyone..." he said in as stout a voice as he could manage. He would not beg, he would not.

"You ... lead me to believe ... " His voice was a small tremble, his hand holding the wand tip to his temple was shaking. He grimaced, jerking him back farther away from the edge of that bridge again. His anger was defiatlly getting the best of him, and it would take a miracle for Voldemort not to murder Jack right here on the spot. "You called out for me ... I heard you ... I felt your need ... and now, you deny it?!"

Jack shuddered as he was pulled again. Any movement from the other, any word was sure to mean death or pain. "I.... I ...did.... yes." he admitted, knowing that denial here was useless, and perhaps confession was good for the soul... "I was scared. I don't know why I called for you..." he said shutting his eyes again. "I... I can't be what you want me to... My Lord...." he said in a low voice.

His face visible scrunched up into a wrinkled look of pain and frustration at his last words. "Why ... why not?" That was the only thing he wanted ... he wanted to know why Jack had lead him to believe. Voldemort was going insane, the grip to his wand was growing into a white knuckle embrace.

Jack was trembling, and he had spoken before he knew it. "Because I would betray you.... I loathe you.... You killed my bloody parents! My friends!" he said in a rush of angry words, then quickly pulling from Voldemort's grip, crouched down on the ground, his hands over his head in a pale attempt at protection, expecting the worse.

Voldemort had killed many, how could he know which friends and which parents he was talking about? He looked down, disgusted at the boy who now cowered in fear. A boy he once held in high respects as the perfect boi toi, someone he would keep for a long time to come. His wand tip began to glow an all to familiar green esscence. "You ... you pathetic worm ... a bug ... needing to be squashed ... " His voice sounded terrifyingly psycotic.

Jack crouched there a moment longer, then something snapped inside of him. He slowly dropped his hands down to his side, and stood back up. He leveled a cold, pale-eyed glare at Voldemort. "Then do it...." he hissed. He stood tall, his hands at his sides, and his chest out, chin up. "I will not cower before you, if you want to destroy me, your "chosen toy" then I shall look you in the eyes while you do it. I will not run. I will not." he said in a voice far too deep and mature for his young age. His chest was moving quickly with the increased speed of his breathing and heart beat.

That smirk chased across his lips, crimson eyes turning an abysmal black. A deep, dark chuckle began to gain in intensity, that wand hand shaking with his laughter. "I have no more need for a pathetic boy such as yourself ... and you know full well that no one can stand up to me ... and live ... " Those eyes flashed, narrowing even more, his wand tip began to glow steadily stronger. His lips were licked, the worst of the Unforgivable spells at the tip of his tongue.

Jack stared up at the vile form before him, then slowly began to laugh, his laughter had a slightly mad tone to it. "You would be defeated by a boy again? Recall how a boy and the Death Curse destroyed you once before. Perhaps good fortune will smile on me, and not you again." he said, then held out his arms from his sides in a mock crucifixion pose. He looked up at the dying sunlight, and laughed again. He didn't believe in a million years he would have Harry's protection of Love, but what the Hell?

It was a fight, between who was the more psycotic one. Voldemort was sure it was himself. Watching that boy completely give in, letting Voldemort take his life with a simple curse, the Dark Lord could hardly refuse. The wind rushed past them as he raised that glowing wand in the air only slightly, before throwing the Death Curse at him, bellowing its spell past pale lips, "Avada Kedavera!" ... green light streamed from his wand, hitting Jack directly in the chest, and illuminating the boy with the eerie light.

Jack felt the searing pain strike his chest. Such pain!! Even the Cruciatus Curse didn't hurt like this. He screamed... his body fell to the ground in a heap with a jolt, and then...

He sat up in bed, still screaming. His damp hair was plastered to the sides of his face, and his heart was racing impossibly fast. He stared wide-eyed around himself. There was no bridge, no Voldemort, just his bed, and the closed curtains. He looked around quickly as he thought he could hear laughter. Cold, deathly cruel laughter.

He would not be getting back to sleep this night...

2002-09-25 12:45:00,
Rethinking my debaucherous way of life

After the dream I had last night? Oh.. you betcha.... Was it truly Voldemort calling to me with a warning, or my own moral subconcious, often ignored, trying to send me a message? What the Bloody Hell did he mean by "My ROOKIE Death Eater, Blaise??? Blaise a Death Eater??? That is too ridiculous to even consider. Why am I even considering that. Damn dreams NEVER make complete sense, do they? But in any case, I still need to do something...

I think I know the very thing. I need to supress my more "animalistic" desires, and I am willing to bet there is a potion for just doing that...

Better living through potions? I'm all for that brother. I will look through my books for Potions, and the library. I pray to God this will not be one I have to ask Snape for help on, or worse yet, borrow a book about. I shudder to think about that conversation.

As ever.

2002-09-26 21:51:00,
Hello again my friend...

An IC RP with Draco and Jack Grim.

It was late in the evening, classes, an meals were over for the day, and Jack Grim sat in the Slytherin Common room at a table covered with Potion Books. Some were from the library, some were his own, two he had lifted from Snape's class when Neville Longbottom conveniently caused a massive flume of smoke to appear out of his Water Repelling Potion. The faux fog and distraction, not to mention the ensuing mayhem gave him the time needed to quickly peruse the shelves and select two promising titles.

The hallways had been, thankfully, clear of annoying students who would normally be there. Then again, the good majority were in class..and Draco had been excused from classes for just this day. Told by Madam Pomfrey to promptly go back to the dormitories and rest. Which Draco was on his way to doing. Feeling a lot more exhausted then he had expected as he reached Slytherin House. Despite magical healing, his right arm was still put within a sling to detour any other damage from it. He expected to see some students within the common room..but wondered if they would care that he was back enough to question him.

Jack had a wall of books stacked near him, nearly obliterating him from view, and he was leafing through one of the books pinched from Snape's class. He was muttering to himself, oblivious to anything going on around him. He had set a timetable of having this potion, should it exist, brewed and drunk by the weekend. He paused, scratched his head, then turned another page. "Hm.... no... no... Don't want to make it FALL OFF..." he read, then shuddered as he perused the Chapter, "Potions for the Romantic Sorcerer."

If it hadn't been for that muttering, Draco would have completely ignored Jack and gone up to their dormitory without a word exchanged. But now that Draco noticed he was there, there was much to say. Making his way over to the table, he slowly pulled one book away as he sat. Letting the other know that Draco was here..and vise versa. "Hey..yet more homework hm?"

Jack startled a bit, looking up from his word of books, potions and ingredients foul, and blinked at Draco. He looked a bit different than usual. Afraid? Spooked? Something like that. "D... Draco?" he said, then slammed closed the book in front of him, then inwardly wincing, he handn't marked the hard-to-find page. "When did they let you out? How are you feeling?" he asked as if not having heard the question posed to him.

A brow was lifted at Jack's startled state, but Draco didn't not comment or really acknowledge it. Shrugging some..he quickly regretted it as it moved his arm in a quick jerk, but he hid the pain. "They let me out just a bit ago, told me to go and get some rest..as if I haven't had enough.." Smirking some, but it didn't hold a lot of confidence as it once did. That needed to be rebuilt. "I'm feeling alright, battered some, but decently well. Yourself?"

Jack looked Draco over carefully, and resisted the tempation to ask him what had happened. He tried another tactic however, "Was it.... You-know-Who?" he asked in a low, trembling whisper. Yes, now he was nervous to say the name of the Most Feared.

A pause was put in Draco's actions as he watched Jack tip toe around the name. A name that had become a daily norm for him. "No, it wasn't him." Far from it really, very far from it. Then he laughed some as if finding it funny. "I think I'd be suffering from more then a broken arm if it had been him, don't you?" It was the truth, even Draco knew that much.

Jack looked quiet scared at that thought, and ever shuddered and closed his eyes to answer. "Indeed." A moment later, he opened his eyes and returned to thumbing through the book he had just closed. "Well, I am glad you are back Malfoy. I... hated to see you in pain like that..." he said with a quick, forced smiled. It looked painful. Like when Snape tried to smile. He stopped reading a moment later, and looked up at Draco, his eyes having that haunted look to them again. "I won't ask you who or what, Draco. You can tell me, or not. It won't make a difference to me." he said, then unable to look into Draco's eyes for very long, he looked back down at his books. Yep. Draco was DEFINITELY off limits too.

"Well, I hated being in pain like that. Hopefully, it won't happen again." Draco was going to make sure that it didn't happen, ever again. As if it wasn't enough to deal with his first failure, a second one would be even worse. "Mm..I'll leave that a secret for now. I'm fine, no use in making everything even more complicated." Or rather, keep his actions still a secret. If he told others that it was Krum who had attacked him, he was sure Krum would take him down as well. "I've already been interogated by Snape and Dumbledore..and both still keenly believe I'll tell them a damn thing."

Jack's head snapped back up at the mention of Snape's name. "S-Snape? What? Did he say something to you?" Again. He was acting so oddly. Jack blinked, looking at Draco for answers.

Brows furrowed some towards the other, this jumpyness was well, rather unexpected. Maybe more so then usual. Seeing as Draco was the one attacked..and not Jack, unless Draco was missing something. "He asked me about that attack. Standard protocall as usual. Isn't that what teachers and faculty suppose to do? Especially after a student is attacked?"

Jack did a forced smile again. "Oh right, of course." he said assuming a casual attitude again, "Sure, he has to look into what happens with you. Especially because of your Father and his.... well... friends..." he said, voice going low again. "I take it you didn't tell him what happened." he said, then quickly added, "And if you did DON'T tell me, I don't want to be asked and know.... He can MAKE you tell what you don't want to." Jack said in a voice tinged with fearful awe, then shuddered again. He laughed nerously, rubbing his upper arms with his hands. "Chilly in here today..."

A dark grin was barely seen on his lips as his father was mentioned. That pretentious bastard would get his..oh yes he would. And Draco would be there to see it. "No...I didn't tell him what happened. I haven't told anybody." Pausing some as chin rested against his good hand, looking to the side for a moment before back up to Jack as he continued on. "And? He has no cause for it. I told them what they wanted to hear. May not be the truth, but hell if Snape tries to overstep his boundries without cause." Or face Dumbledore in the wake.

Jack looked at Draco for a little while longer, then went back to his studies. He had to find that potion, and SOON. "Well, I am just glad you are OK, and seem to have things handled as far as you are concerned."

"Mostly everything..I just wish this blasted arm would heal faster. Then i could have the chance to play Quidditch Saturday.." Feeling sorely let down in that area, having yet to miss a match..and yet this would be the first. He had slightly considered playing..and using his left arm. But that could be equally dangerous. "But I don't think even if I wanted to, that Madam Pomfrey would let me."

Jack looked up, mirroring Draco's look of disappointment. "Yeah, rough break that...." he then slowly smiled, a real smile. "Sorry, didn't mean to make a pun of it..." he said. "You will be well enough. It's only one match Draco, they may reschedule it..." he said with a hopeful tone.

Draco cracked a smile at the slipped pun, looking towards his arm with a soft chuckle. "Yea, that's what I'm hoping, due to events beyond my control. Let's just hope Madam Hooch understands that. She isn't always such...we'll see however." As he leaned back into his seat, letting out a relaxed sigh for once. This was nice..more then he realized..something he had always taken granted. The books caught his eye and jarred his mind, then he groaned. "Blasted..I'm going to have so much work to catch up.."

Jack gave Draco a sympathetic look, "Yeah, I wonder if Snape will let you slide on assignments." he mused laying his hand over the potion he had managed to find again; one he thought might do the trick. "Have you asked him about that yet?"

With this comment, Draco cursed softly to himself. "Damn, I doubt he will, the oversized prick. Then again, I suppose I brought it on myself. I wasn't exactly cordial to him when he questioned me." Frowning some, he really fucked himself over school work wise..and was wondering exactly how he was going to get out of this one without blowing something up. "But thank god..in some universe, he's the only one that might not understand. I'm sure the others will give me a ..break." Laughing slightly, enjoying the fact that his misfortune was something to smile at.

Jack gave Draco a soft expression, "I could try to help you out. I'm an ace at Potions, you know that. He usually let's us partner up... I can do the practical if you do the theory." he said with a timid smile.

Jack gave Draco a soft expression, I could try to help you out. I'm an ace at Potions, you know that. He usually let's us partner up... I can do the practical if you do the theory." he said with a timid smile.

Draco took a moment to consider this, then gave a nod with a thankful smile. "I'd like that, it would help me out a lot. Thanks.." Going quiet for awhile in thought before looking back up to Jack. "Actually, thanks for a lot of things. I know I haven't talked to you a lot lately..and then you help me...I should watch how much I take advantage of other's actions..." Especially when it comes to helping him out.

Jack looked like he might be blushing, and looked down at his book to hide it. "Hey... I haven't been the best person to be around lately either. I am just glad I was the on to find you. Lord knows it could have been a "non-friendly" and who knows what they would have done to you..." he said then looked up at Draco again. "I think.... we both have a lot to fear from certain people, and I think maybe watching out for each other might be a good thing." he said, then drummed his fingers on the book, looking as if he was trying to decided whether to say something or not. At last, he slapped his hand down on the book, and looked Draco directly in the eyes again. "Do you think dreams are prophetic Draco? Meaning, they can tell the future?"

Nodding softly, he completely understood everything Jack was saying, and was glad for this time to clear the tension between both of them. Something that had been building up lately. Looking from the table up to Jack, he considered that question carefully. Looking Jack dead in the eyes before letting brows furrow and gaze to the side, running a finger over his lips in thought. "I suppose they could. After all, if the future can be told by cards, or tea leaves..I suppose dreams are even more convincing.." Not sure if that was what the other wanted to hear him say.

Jack nodded slowly, looking resigned to something, to a fate perhaps. "I had the same thought. The reason I asking..." he stopped, looked around the room, and seein they were alone, leaned closer to Draco. "I dreamed Voldemort caught me alone outside the castle. He was angry with me for Victor, for what he did to me, for callling out to him and not meaning I would be his, for doing... " he paused, then shook his head, editing out Blaise. "Anyway... he killed me with the killing curse. I woke up this morning screaming. It was so bloody real Draco...." he put his hand on his chest. "My chest hurt where he hit me with the curse." he said, then leaned back, and looked quite rattled.

Draco faltered some as he was told what he was told. Eyes going blank for a moment, fingers clenching some against his robe. Would Voldemort do that? Draco knew he was mad..god he knew he was mad. But would he? Draco wanted to say no, but wasn't overly sure of that answer. He blinked out of that daze, looking squarely at Jack with a resigned look on his face, shaking his head quickly. "If that is meant to happen, to be true..I won't let it be. It won't come true..if I have anything to do about it." Determination rung true in his words, more then they had been this weekend. Not a lie hung there.

Jack nodded for Draco's benefit, not feeling much better. He knew what he had seen, felt. He stroked his fingers over the cover of one of the books, feeling the carved leather cover. "He was mad because I didn't want to be... his boy toy..." he said with a bitter hiss. He looked up at Draco. "It wasn't that I wouldn't kill for him, that I wouldn't be loyal to him, but that I didn't want to shag him..." he said looking like he had had just bit into something bitter. He opened his mouth again, but just shook his head in disgust, and drummed his fingers again. He glanced over at Draco. "Don't know what you can do about that my friend... I really don't."

Something dark, unknown, flickered past his eyes, and he looked down to his arm as something to stare at. There was a long silence after Jack's last comment. Fingers pushed through his hair in something like nervousness, if that. He wasn't exactly sure what to say to make him believe that he wouldn't let that dream come true. "Understood, but I'll... do what I can to make sure it doesn't come true, please believe me when I say that." Looking at him, desperate for a shred of credit in his words.

Jack gave Draco a brave sort of smile, and nodded. "I believe you when you say that Draco. I beleive in you too..." he said softly, then looked away again when his expression and eyes turned soft, wanting. "Gah... I need to get to work on this..." he said, trying to return to his prior academic focus.

Smiling softly, he let the other return to his studies. Looking towards the common room clock, he sighed slightly. It might be smart to get rest, or face the wrath of Madam Pomfrey..she always seemed to know when a patient didn't obey her orders. "Well, I should probably get to bed..unless I want to be forced down some more hideous tasting medicine again. I swear that woman keeps some type of tracking spell on her patients." Giving a soft smile as he pulled himself from the seat. "Don't stay up too late and work yourself to death. I'd hate to find you in the morning under such circumstances."

Jack looked up from his studies to smile warmly at Draco. "I shall be in soon. I promise. I think I have found what I need in this book. Now to make notes on it and get it back to Snape before he notices it missing from his shelf." he said with a wink. He looked more like the old Jack then for just a second. "Thanks, Draco." he said softly. "I really appreciate it."

Smirking softly, a nod was seen. "Don't think much about it. It's really the least I can do. Anytime you need to talk" Grinning widly before giving his goodbyes and making his way up to the dormitories. Leaving Jack to his studies, whatever they might be. For some much needed rest..which he now just realized how much he really did need.

2002-09-27 07:51:00,
Success,

I have found the potion needed at last, Destimulatus. It supresses desire and arousal. I located it in one of Snape's books. He must drink the stuff by the gallon.

Anyway, the ingredients are simple, easily had in the Student Stores, and the brewing process is fairly simple and quick. I plan to start on it this afternoon after classes. I had better rush, breakfast soon, and I am starved, as usual.

I looked for Draco this morning, but his bed was empty when I got up. He must have left quite early today. Hope his arm wasn't paining him.

As ever.

2002-09-27 19:52:00,
Double Double... toil and trouble.

Yes, as I spend my Friday evening like all young strapping boys my age... Hidden in an antechamber of the Hogwart's Dungeon babysitting a smouldering potion in a cauldron.

At least the room has an arrow loop, and I can smoke while I wait. The potion I am brewing, Destimulatus smells deceptively pleasant, almost like a cobbler. Don't recall a potion smelling quite so pleasant so far. Perhaps because the effects are so Grim, this is the bonus effect of it. Another hour an it will be done according to the book. Once It is done, and drank... We shall see what happens next.

In other news, Draco was MIA again today. I was so wrapped up in getting this done, I forgot to go by the Hospital Wing to see if he was there or not. I HOPE he is. I shudder to think of the other possibilities...

Ah... time to add the daisy leaves.

As ever.

2002-09-27 23:25:00,
Bottoms up

Well, the potion is done at last, it took a little longer to finish than I anticipated. It smells wonderful. Like a fruit cobbler of some sort. I beleive I said that earlier. Imagine getting busted for brewing this because someone thinks I am cooking pastry in the dorms and not illicit potions?

Well, here goes.

Thick, sweet, and strangely warming as it went down. I feel a bit thirsty as well.

Well, I am beat. Time for bed. I shall make a quick clean of the cauldron and other evidence, then go to bed. Let's see if I wake up in one piece or not....

As ever.

2002-09-28 09:26:00,
Feeling different,

Well, Satuday morning and I am still alive. I feel, different, but in a pleasant way. Do you recall those days of youth when you were innocent of the thoughts of desire? Lust was not a thing you knew, or were a slave to? No? Well, that is how I feel now.

It is a blissfull state of Clarity. That is the only way I can describe it. I woke up rested, relaxed, and starving as usual. After breakfast, which is now, I sit in the Common Room noting this and the apparent success of my experiment. I have enough of the potion bottled to last me for months and a copy of of the instructions hidden in my trunk.

For once, everything has gone to plan, and with no glitches. It is going to be a good day, I can tell. Later tonight, quite late, I shall return the book to Snape's classroom.

As ever.

2002-09-28 23:59:00,
Falling Apart,

RP With Snape and Jack Grim. LONG. Rated NC-17 for Non Consensual Slash. You have been warned, err enticed...

Snape scrawled his quill a little too harshly over the pages of his journal, ignoring the black ink-stain spreading over the pad of his middle finger, black on white. He was still fuming, and struggling to write this down, but he felt he had to. Felt it might... help? Possibly. His office was cooler and darker than usual, though most would not have believed it possible. Behind him, on his bookshelf, his library slumped a little gloomily, perhaps aware of the trouble it had caused.

Jack crept along the darkened halls of the school, it was late now, quite late, and he needed to return the "borrowed" books as soon as possible. He was sure Snape had missed them, and would be going on a quest to find the culprit soon enough. He made his way from Slytherin House to the entrance of the Potions Classroom, without any trouble, or interference. So far so good. Cautiously, he placedd his hand on the door handle, and gave it a slow, gentle pull.

His wards. His bloody stupid wards. He'd left them down now in disgust, obviously they were useless if someone was just going to wander in and out and help themselves to-- his books? Now there was the insane part. Who on earth would want things from his library? True, it was a little more... specialised than the school's collection... His eyes narrowed as he recalled Voldemort's barb about him and his books. Oh great. Just doing it to irritate him further. Well, they'd succeeded. He pressed the quill hard enough to strain the nib, before flinging it down in disgust and sitting back.

Jack winced at the soft "click" the ancient metal made as the lock released. It was of course a soft, barely perceptible sound, but considering the danger of his mission, it sounded like a case of chains being dropped. Jack froze. Waited. There was no other sound he could hear, so he slowly opened the door, and peered inside. The classroom was empty, of course. It was 11:00 at night. Held the two books under one arm, and felt his way along the walls with the other. He would stick to the perimeters, less chance of dislodging something noisy that way.

Snape stared at the page. Willed it to make sense of events, of things, of life for him. But it merely looked blankly back up at him, and whatever secrets it held, it wouldn't divulge. He bit at his lower lip. Well, of course it wouldn't. It was his book after all, and how could HE tell himself anything when he refused to listen. He rubbed his right hand over his face, his left still sore, in arm and hand.

Jack had skirted around two sides of the cavernous classroom, and was now slowly making his way to the dais on which Snape's desk resided. The steps and dais were stone, so no chance of creaking, now, to just get behind the desk, and to recall where the books had been before he had borrowed them...

The half-filled page was irritating him, as much as his own inability to... solve whatever it was that needed solving. He leaned forwards, and closed it, gently. Laid his hand on the leather cover, eyes half-shut. A few gentle patterns danced before them; His lamp was guttering, and needed more oil. Well, he wasn't going to be sleeping anytime soon. He rose, slowly, and picked up the lamp.

Jack smiled as he made it to the bookshelf, perfect. He scanned the shelves, looking for the right spot for the books. Then, as if by good fortune or just dumb luck, there was a spot open, and looking at th titles he had borrowed, it was right where they belonged. He smiled, and slowly slid the books back into place. This was too easy. Of course it was. The reason the spot was so neatly held open was the invisible glass beaker that had been placed there. As Jack slid the books into place, the beaker was pushed backwards, and off of the shelf. Gravity took it rapidly to the stone floor. "SMASH!" "Shit!"

Snape slammed the lamp down on his desk, where it wobbled, but fortunately didn't fall, and stormed to the door of his office, swinging it open so far it bounced on his hinges, but he was already through it before it swung violently back. Oh, not so clever now, were they? He halted, his back the the classroom door, blocking the exit, and glared at the would-be intruder. And down. And- "Grim?" he asked, voice torn between apolepsy and incredulity.

Jack was frozen in place near the bookshelves, he had only gotten two paces away before Snape had sprung from his office like a viper from it's den. "S-Sir..." he stammered, then slowly turned to face Snape fully. He was trembling all over. Jack swallowed and forced his mind to say something placating, intelligent even. "I am s-sorry I disturbed you sir." was all that came out.

Snape wasn't listening to apologies or excuses, or even pleas. He leaned deliberately past him, lifting up the books easily, hand tilted a little to cope with their weight. He quickly glanced at their spines to make sure they were the ones he'd thought. Oh yes. "Didn't mean to disturb me? So you just thought you could come here and take anything you felt like?" He cradled one book atop the others, between them, and waved his wand over it, and let it fall open, staring at him. "What were you doing."

Jack managed to close his open mouth, and swallow before answering, "I was doing some research, on ... medicinal potions." he said, which was mostly true. He hoped he wouldn't have to say specifically WHICH sort, but hoping for that was slim and none in chance. "I borrowed the books.... thinking you would not mind since I had before." He let his head fall forward in supplication, "I should have asked first, Sir. What I did was out of line, and a betrayal of your trust in me."

"Oh so you DO have some sensibilities, Grim?" Snape snapped, acidly. He tilted his head to one side. "Wise after the event, maybe, but that is of little to no use," he hissed. Give an inch, they take a mile, the milestone and the cobbles under your feet. The pages slowly came to a rest on the last place they had been open for an extensive period of time, and Snape looked down at it, before turning the book around so Jack could read it. He raised a brow at him. Oh, this kind of medicinal potions? He refrained from comment a moment.

Jack felt his face go red, and his stomach clenched tight. "Y-yes... sir..." he said, knowing lying would only make it worse. He was trying to go a GOOD thing after all, right? "It was.... it was a matter I thought I should handle on my own, and not trouble yourself, or Madame Pomfrey about." he explained, "It is not easy to discuss with others, such matters..."

Snape's eyes rolled. Did he think he was born yesterday? "For one, Grim, I would have expected you to know that such things are not to be undertaken idly, or on a whim..." Indeed not, these types of potions were often hardest to perfect. He snapped the book closed, and placed it down on the table, before finding the page in the next book.

"It was not a whim that inspired me to do what I have done!" He said defiantly, suddenly mad that his sex life, or his honorable efforts to quell it, was under Snape's derisive scrutiny. "And besides, I found the potions complex, but not exceeding my skill."

Not on a whim eh? "And what would you know about that?" he snapped, and slammed the rest of the books on the table, moving his hands unconsciously to rest on his hips. "And I think you value yourself rather too highly, Grim. Or do I not know my own subject?" A sharp snarl, and a flash of teeth at that.

Jack narrowed his eyes, his gut still in a knot. His hands clenched at his sides. "I did not say such! Of course you know your subject! You are bloodly brilliant at it! Sir." he said, adding the honorific as a tardy afterthought. "I however, am quite skilled in potions, and do you honestly think I would brew and drink something if I thought there was the slightest chance I would poison or damage myself?" he spat back.

"The thinking is often what causes the problems," he bit back, eyes narrowed. Thinking. Lack thereof. Wrong thinking... "There is a reason these books are not for use by students, Grim, not least of them their difficulty, though I assure you those would be so unwieldy and demanding that you wouldn't even be able to manage it if your skills were up to such." Why the hell did he have to explain himself? To a student? His left hand was clenched so tight he thought he could feel the bones rubbing against one another. He just wanted to wipe that bloody expression from his face.

"Well I DID it, Sir." he retorted, eyes narrowed, hands tense at his sides. "You may not want to admit it, but I created a potion, one advanced for my years and NOTHING went wrong. Most Professors would take pride in a bright, creative student that was flourishing under his tutorage, but not Severus Snape.... Only HE can be the brilliant mind when it comes to Potions..."

"That... is... ENOUGH!" he roared, and took a step closer, bristling with rage. He was highly aware of just how close he was, and how close to snapping. He wasn't going to hit him. No. Voldemort was wrong, he COULD control himself. He knew he could. So why was he... DAMN.

Jack shook his head slowly. "No.... it's never enough for you. You loathe the thought of success in a student. You live in fear that maybe, just MAYBE someone out there is better than you at this, and that they will SURPASS your skills and eclipse you. That is what a teacher SHOULD want!" he yelled back, himself losing the control he swore he would maintain.

Snape snorted. He'd made those selfsame potions, all the draughts on that page, when he was still in... third year? And had perfected his own... alterations, shortly after. He was secure enough in his own abilities to know that this would not be the case, most like as not. Smug self-confidence settled on his thin face. "No. You will never live to see that, Grim. Though your ignorance is... touching. And as for what a teacher should want?" Long, pale fingers laced together, slowly, deliberately. "Well. That is neither here nor there."

Jack fairly snarled at Snape's retort and waved him off with one had. "Who cares what I live to see or not... In the grand scheme of things, you are as transient of a lifeform as a flobberworm. Chances are that in 50 years, your name and mine will both be long forgotten or illy revered. Your legacy will be nothing but cold, empty bitterness, and a career teaching to a bunch of snotnosed spoiled children not worth your time, smeared by the fact you were a failed Death Eater." he spat out in a rush.

Now that hit more things than Jack knew. The Potions Master's dark eyes danced, amused. "What a pleasant picture you weave; ever the optomist, hm?" He propped his chin in his hand, one finger snaking to his lips- small comfort. "You seem to think you know me well... though as for my failure..." A shrug. "But what of you, Jack Grim? Will your future be as sunny as that you predict me? When you have to rely on this..." he swept a hand to the book lying open on the desk, "To keep up the train..."

Jack laughed aloud. "Keep UP the train?" he scoffed, "I am trying to keep the bloody train inthe round house. I am not out trolling for action between assignments no matter what you might think." he said, thoroughly disgusted. "Unlike you... I have no desire to be Voldemort's bitch, or the plaything of other House students. I am NO MAN or woman's plaything from this day forth!" he said pointing a finger down at the ground before him for emphasis.

"Voldemort's BITCH?" The rest of what Jack had said didn't seem to matter much, the blood was thundering in his ears too loudly. He shoved Jack in the chest with one hand, pushing him against the bookcase. "You don't know what you are talking about, or what a dangerous line you are treading," he hissed, struggling to fashion his annoyance into speech, to make sense of what was going on in his mind.

Jack slammed into the bookcase, sending several books falling from the shelves and to the floor around them. "Get your bloody hands off of me you twisted old fuck!" he said as he knocked Snapes hand away from him with a stroke of his forearm.

Snape's other hand grabbed at the offending wrist, and clamped down tight. He held it away from Jack, and a little elevated, but didn't let go. "Too quick to chastise, you are, without knowing what it is you talk about," he replied. "Perhaps you should know a little more, before you judge, and take the matter so lightly."

Jack was furious, and twisted and pulled to get loose from the iron tight grip Snape had on his wrist. "Let go of me! I will tell Dumbledore, I swear!" he ranted, then swung with his other hand, striking low, somewhere in Snape's midsection as hard as he could muster.

"Tell him what exactly, about your acquaintance with Voldemort?" Snape managed to get out, before a low blow caught the bottom of his solar plexus, jarring against his pelvis. Pain shot up his spine, along with something else, and he grabbed that hand too, and brought them both behind the wriggling student's back, struggling to get his wand and murmur a quick spell to bind them together. "What exactly will you tell him, Grim?" he hissed. "What is it you could possibly know?"

Jack was surprised that Snape had managed to grab him so easily after the punch he had delivered, and he struggled wildly in Snape's grasp. He was wild, unhinged like an animal. "He knows...." he hissed. "I have confessed my sins... but you Snape... You have much to hide and be afraid of..." he growled, then leaned to the side, and tried to direct a kick at the front of one of Snape's knees. "Gerroff me!" he yelled, this time as loud as he could.

The blow landed hard across Snape's knee and shin, and that leg gave way slightly, meaning he momentarily leaned on Jack for support. A sharp intake of breath, and he was standing, a little wobbly, on his other leg, the toes of his injured one just brushing the cold floor. "Iungo," he managed, and invisible cords pinned Jack's legs together, and restricted his movement a little more. Wand in one hand, Jack's collar in the other, he moved him back against the rather disarranged bookshelf. "Ah so by confession you think you are absolved?" He shook his head, disbelieving. "Perhaps I do have things to hide. And maybe even fear. But you are no part of that."

Jack went to deliver another kick, and found his legs restrained now as well. With both hands held behind his back, he was down, but not out of options. He bowed his head, leaned forward, then quickly lifted up his head, right under Snape's chin with a painfull "Crack!" Jack was stunned a bit from the blow as well, but Snape should have gotten the worse of the blow by far.

Teeth slammed together hard enough to make stars dance before Snape's eyes, and he blinked, heavily, and swallowed. One hand went to cradle his jaw, while he shook his head and tried to clear it, none-too aware of what was going on for the moment.

Jack felt his hands let free and pulling them both around in front of him, he pressed them to Snape's chest, and used his entire body strength to shove him backwards toward the desk behind him. Having no movent in his legs available for balance, he fell forward with the momentum as well.

Snape howled as the edge of the desk caught him in the small of the back, and his first thought was that his kidneys would probably be bruised. His second thought was a lot angrier, and he decided to follow through, as a light-headed wash of endorphins kicked in to keep him going. "Idiot!" he managed to get out, one hand held up to stop Jack falling flat on him. He pushed him to the side, turning so he was out of his way, and quickly was leaning against the desk and had a spell holding Jack's hands together again. He pressed one hand between those shoulderblades, from as much distance as he could manage. "You'll regret that, Grim."

Jack struggled with the bonds, and tried to wiggle free, not that that would have been productive at this point. "I regret plenty you bastard! Everyday of my bloody fucked up life!" he railed, then paused, took a deep breath and screamed out at the top of his lungs, "HELP!!! HELP ME!!!"

"And you'll never stop regretting it," Snape added, muffling Jack's cries into his hand, having to stand away from the desk to reach around, his other hand still holding him down. "You could shout yourself hoarse, but no one would hear you. I suggest you stop struggling," he punctuated that with an increase in pressure on his back, pushing him down harder.

Jack did neither. He would not go quietly this time, and he continued to struggle agains the bonds holding him retrained, and the hand pressing him downward. The red of blind rage flashed before his eyes and he resorted to the basest of animal instincts for defense. When he felt Snape's cold and clammy hand press over his mouth, he paarted his lips and bit down, hard. His jaws clamped down hard on flesh and remained there.

Snape closed his eyes as pain arched up along his arm, mingling with everything else in his mind. Damp warmth, and sharp, sturdy teeth grinding against bones underneath. Not needing to see, he leaned forwards and tilted his head slightly, biting firmly, just behind Jack's ear and at the base of his skull. Firm, but not enough to break the skin, his lips and tongue held back, growling a warning.

Jack froze. The bite, the placement of it and the intensity of the situation flooded his brain with new and overwhelming stimuli. He had stopped struggling, held stock still, but his toothy grin on Snape's hand remained. He could feel his heart pounding out of control and where there should have been lust coursing through his veins at the position, the bite, the force, there was numbing emptiness. He laid there, lost in the consideration of it all.

As Jack stilled, at last, Snape slackened his jaw, breathing in as he did so, and pulled back. He looked at the youth, still and passive, held in place with one hand. Perfect. His voice was a low, basso rumble, not betraying his uneven breath. "That's better..."

Jack remained still, then started to laugh. The laugh became a hearty chuckle, uncontrollable in a minutes time. "It worked.... It worked you stupid bastard. The potion I made... It worked..." he panted between laughing fits.

The professor's irritation notched up another degree. Why? Because he was still not doing as he wanted him to? Because it had worked--- because he had made it work? He stepped forwards to stand up close behind him, bitten hand forgotten and resting on the desktop. His other hand slid up past his collar to rest on smooth, warm neck, cold fingertips brushing against the hairs there. "Oh it did, did it? Take you long, slaving over a hot cauldron?"

Jack continued to laugh. "Probably not as long as it would have taken you...." he spat, licking at dry lips, and turning his head to the side, laying a cheek on the desk to try and pull from Snape's grip. "It was so sweet too.... like a nectar. Better than that hot gelatinous crap you make us brew and swallow each class." he chuckled.

"What is good for you never does taste nice. Then again, things that taste bad generally do so as a warning..." his fingers stroked, gently, before tightening inexorably slower on his nape. "I wonder..." he started, trailing, licking his lips.

Jack tried to supress his laughter, tears welling up in his eyes and streaming down over his cheeks, and onto the desk. This only made him sound like a giddy, tittering girl. Toss in a few snorts for good measure, and he was near to hysteria. "Wonder what?" he chortled, could you brew something that would return YOUR potency?" he blurted out, then started laughing anew. "I doubt it. The running rumor is you are a Eunuch...."

Snape laughed too, but it was a dead sound, with no real feeling behind it. "And here I was being accused of exactly the opposite only just before..." He moved his face closer, sniffing deliberately. "I was just wondering... what certain people taste like, and what that means."

Jack managed to stifle his laughter long enough to summon a growl. Breathing was getting to be tiresome layoing with his wieght on his chest. "Well. Jack Grim is NOT on the menu for a Midnight Snack," he said then jerked his head toward Snape's, crashing his skill again that of the Potion Masters'. "Whack!"

If this kept up, Snape was not only going to have a concussion, but he was going to kill far too many brain cells for his liking. He cradled his jaw with the back of his hurt hand, but didn't seem to notice much. "Hno, Ih donh't eat b'tween meals," Snape replied nasally, slamming Jack's torso back down hard enough to wind him.

Jack laughed again at Snape's impeaded speach, then let out a "woof!" sound as he was crushed down onto the desk, and his breath was painfully pounded from him. "Ugh...." was all he was able to manage, the following insults were nothing but wheezes as he fought his spasming diaphram for air.

Snape bared his teeth, before he bit down, hard, where neck and shoulder met, holding fast a moment, before slowly runnning a broad tongue over the flesh between them, a rumble accompanying the gesture. One hand rested lightly on the slight curve of hip, supporting him a little better. This was wrong, but he was fed up of trying to be right. Was that what he did? Well, that was immaterial. Right now all he cared about was here and now.

He was unable to voice his utter disgust at Snape's bite, and stroke of his tongue on his skin. He tried to turn over, to move in anyway he could, but his numbing legs, and strained back were not about to aid him in anyway. Choked grunts of anger and frustration were all he managed.

Humming against wet skin, he closed his eyes, and tried to decide whether or not he tasted good. He propped his chin on one skinny collarbone, fingers idly, and unknowingly, rubbing at the outside of one thigh through thick robes. "Well, whatever you taste like, you are most definately bad for me, Grim," he decided, a trifle breathily.

The first full breath he had been able to take, stuck in his throat at that whispered revelation, and he tried to surpress the panic washing over him, and manifesting itself as a light sweat on his back. "Then.... let's.... call it... a draw...." he gasped, still fighting his own weight to breath, and the weakness it was causing in stamina and his limbs. He closed his eyes, wanting suddenly to be far from here. The game had ceased to be fun, and then he felt a hand on his thigh, lightly moving, but there, like a spider.

"Hmmmm, a draw...." The idea seemed, well. Strange. No one winning or losing? One cool, thin cheek pressed against the other's face. He tried the word out on his tongue, but it didn't sit well, didn't... feel right. "No. Life... doesn't work like that." He was vaguely aware that he was lying full-length, now, against something warm. It had to be win or lose. Sink or swim. And he was tired of drowning, far too tired.

Felt the increasing pressure of the other man covering him, smothering him slowly, and he tried to lift his shoulders first, but he didn't have the leverage. His struggles only caused a staggered undulation of his body under the bodyweight from above. "Get... off!" he gasped, "Can't breathe..... bastard!" he managed to gasp before laying his head back down on the desk.

Snape laughed, and turned to smother the sound in Jack's shoulder, feeling the coarse fabric brush his lips. "Hmm, what a pity... Though I suppose I don't want you dead," he conceeded at length, rubbing a little harder with his hand against Jack's leg, feeling the heat radiating from him, so odd in this cold, cold place. Oh well, he;d consigned his soul to Hades already, why not pay his fare now? He trailed those fingertips, feather-light, upwards and inwards, feeling Jack tense under his touch. "It would be no... fun, that way."

Jack did indeed tense, as Snape's hand wandered closer to his groin, and in the panic of just that nightmare coming true, he forgot he would find no arousal there. "S-Stop it. Now!" he tried to yell, but it was a pitiful whisper instead. He closed his eyes, and willed himself to conserve his energy, the air he was able to suck in. He wasn't beat yet.

Snape used his other hand to thread under Jack's armpit, and raised him a little from the desk, cupping Jack's flaccid member, before squeezing it appraisingly. He let go, and slid his arm from under Jack, pushing him back down again. "Hmmm, it worked, Grim," he said, with a small amount of grudging admiration. The thought only excited him more, though. Perfect, inviolate violation. It was oddly ironic, somehow. A snatch of an old song he hadn't heard for a long time sprang to mind as he brought a hand around to rest on his ass-cheeks.

Jack trembled at the touch to his crotch, and bite back a snarl. He felt himself lifted slightly, and his body reacted before his mouth could. He took in large lungfuls of air before he was pressed back down again. It wasn't enough to fully restore quick, clever thinking, but just enough to stave off the weakening dizziness that had been enveloping him.

Humming absently, the Potions Master's slim, deft fingers sought out the waistband to Jack's pants, and he slipped one under it, experimentally. For once he felt unbearably hot, and wondered if he was feverish in a moment of near-lucidity. His other hand was keeping Jack down by the shoulder, and he dugs his nails in tight. Two more fingers under the waistband, and he slid his hand to the front, making light work of the fastner there, sending them falling to his knees.

Jack struggled, crunching his eyes down shut, trying to summon any strength at all. "No!.... No..." he panted in a rasp, and moved his hips from side to side, trying to foil Snape's work on the closure, but he felt the futility in that when they slide downward to pool around his ankles. he shivered when he felt the cold bite of dungeon air lick up the back of his warm legs under his robe.

"Shhhh," Snape chided, dark lashes fluttering against his cheeks, pale, but with the barest hint of colour in them. His lank hair fell into his face, but he wasn't really bothered much. He placed his palm flat against bare, warm flesh, sliding it slowly around to rest on one cheek, his thumb sliding into the crack there. "Easier.... this way... then you know precisely what it is you were doing..." He was half-addressing Jack, half someone else. "Someone has to lose."

Jack clenched down on his backside for all he was worth. Trapping Snape's invading digit between the fear dampened rounds of his rump. He bit down on his lower lip, determined to hold this tensed position for as long as it took to thwart Snape and his perverted plans, which, turned out to be about 20 seconds before he was forced to let out the breath he had been holding with a soft sigh.

Snape found his way to biting Jack's neck again, and licking a little more roughly, tasting the sweat there, which hit the back of his throat hard. He groaned as he felt Jack tense, then massaged lightly, pushing his finger further in regardless of any resistance, or maybe because of it. He was going slow, torturing himself, but he was damned if he'd go to Azkaban over anything less than perfect sin.

Jack let out a wounded sigh, he was near to fainting again. Perhaps that would be a good thing? He felt Snape's finger press into him, and he moaned reflexively. It was a plead, not desire. He felt nothing resembling arousal now. It was an ironic time for him to take his potion was it not? But then... life is irony. Life is unfair. Life is so... many things, he thought, as his brain rambled on the edge of consciousness. He felt so tired.

Snape didn't have any lubricant to hand, but he gathered his senses enough to summon some, and liberally dipped his fingers into the small jar as he used his weight to keep Jack pinned. Then, one elbow resting on his shoulder, with his forearm beneath Jack's chin to lift it up. His other hand efficiently, dispassionately prepared him; one, two, three. He didn't even need to bother with keeping his partner happy. Couldn't had he wanted to. He was just going to use him, and that was fine for him. Slick finger withdrew, and parted his own robes, quickly undoing the fastenings. Feet behind the other's, he lined himself up, hitchning in his breath as regularly as he could, feeling the chill air first, hissing it in past his teeth.

Whimpers, the only sound he could make at this point came from Jack's mouth, he blinked, sending tears rolling down into Snape's palm as it cradled his face. He was lifted up again. Air! He sucked in more air, then felt the cold slipperiness of the salve being added. "No... you don't want.... to do... this..." he whispered, then shuddered as he heard a purr of a zipper, and the heat of bare groin against his chilled backside.

"I... don't?" Snape asked, hoarsely. He paused, eyes closed, savouring the sensations for a minute longer, though it was becoming increasingly hard to think. He was very sure he needed this, yes. Did he want it? Was thermuch of a difference? Waiting was killing him, making his head spin, and his knees shake, too long in this position, but he at least wanted to hear why not before he did. Not that he thought it would make much difference, but if he didn't.... he'd forever wonder...

Jack wanted to tell him why not, but why not? His head was swimming, near to blacking out, and all he managed was a pitiful sigh, an exhale of breath really. His body slacked, his legs not holding him up any longer and his knees caved, slamming against the wooden front of the desk with a weak "Thud".

Snape wavered a minute. Maybe he didn't want to. Maybe he didn't want to be the one who hurled somebody else down for a change, who threw himself completely into someone else. But Jack didn't seem to want to help him decide, other than to slump completely. Lost. He shook his head, quelling any doubts, and grabbed Jack's hips, pulling him back as he thrust himself sharply inside.

He felt the grip, the clench of fingernails on his hips, then pressure. Pressure, a tear, force. He squeezed his eyes shut, feeling the dull pain radiate up from his arse, down his legs and over his gut. Taking on boys at this age was one thing, but his teenage form protested, and lost against the maturity and size of Snape's cock. He gasped, fainting, the relief of that was snatched away suddenly by the pain. "No... please..." said, but it was only the silent movement of his lips, followed by a forced out breath as Snape thrust.

Snape shuddered as he sheathed himself fully, the feeling of warm, tight, flesh smothering him. He had to bite his lip to stop from coming right there and then, to keep in the cry he wanted to make. His fingers tightened, and he sucked in deep, lung filling breaths, trying to think about anything other than now, wanting it to last forever. Tomorrow be damned. His head dropped forwards, as he slowly slid himself backwards, gasping, the air harsh in his throat.

Why why why? Why don't I pass out? Jack mulled over and over in his brain as he felt Snape push until he was fully filled with him. He groaned. Someone groaned. He heard it in his ears, there was no way to tell who had at this point. Snape pulled back. He was done, it was over? No. He was thrusting again.

There was a strange, constant, humming sound in Snape's head, behind his eyes, in his mouth, in the pit of his stomach, and along his spine. He was thrumming, all of him, all at once, blurring each moment into the next. He didn't know what speed he was going, in, and out, and in, and out, the humming building up until nothing else mattered or even existed. His pace quickened, gradually, and he lost himself to it. The low, flipping motion in his stomach increasing almost unbearably. He wanted to shout, to say something, but he didn't know what, and his tongue currently wasn't wired up to anything.

Jack hung on the edge of consciousness, feeling the invasion and retreat, repeated so many times he lost count. He could see it happening, as if lookind down on the scene, out of body. Snape, Severus Snape, hated childhood enemy, the greasy annoying Slytherin was... was... He reflexively bit down, feeling bile charge up from his stomach an burn at the back of his throat. It couldn't be. It was a dream, just another damned dream. Right?

The slow build up had driven Snape half-mad, still not right from escaping Voldemort seemingly unharmed. So what? He was providing what the Dark Lord hadn't? Hardly. He didn't think much about him, then. About the countless times he'd--- No. His terms. His. That was his last coherant thought as he slammed himself in deep, shuddering as his release overtook him, and he pushed his face deep into dark, damp locks, grabbing a mouthful and choking on it.

His body moved with the motion of the other, lulling him into a semi numb state of give and take. The pain was ebbing, replaced by the deep pressure he felt as he was filled again and again with Snape's cock. Then, it was different. Jack blinked, and acheived a moment of clarity to feel Snape's rhythm hitch, then a thrust, then the shudder of release. His stomach clenched. He had done it, the dreams had come true, and then in his ear, a panted whisper, "Mine..." Jack choked, his mind lost it's tenuous grip on being so far stretched, and snapped back. He shuddered, suddenly chilled to the bone, and moaned his submission. It was over, the battle lost.

Snape lay perfectly still for a moment, his mind shattered and lying in pieces on the floor. He didn't know how long he stayed there, breathing. Being. His jaw worked silently, his mind babbling, but nothing, fortunately, coming out. Eventually something automatic took over, and he pulled back, and away. Stood, a little shakily, but didn't look at Jack, still tied, and lying immobile on his desk. He could see it all too well without looking. One hand pulled his robes about him, clenched them together, and he silently left, and went into his rooms.

2002-09-29 07: 06:00,
Aftermath

An IC RP with Snape and Jack Grim.

Somehow, he was free, but cold. So cold. He ached everywhere and decided to open his eyes slowly. Dark. It was ever so dark, and his head was resting on stone. Slowly he tested arms and legs. Achy, sore, but not broken. Wrists were especially tender. He rolled over. More pain. Again. It had happened again, and this time. "OH God..." he muttered and slowly sat up, curling up in to a fetal ball and wrapping his arms around his bent up legs. He rocked himself forwards and back as flashes of the memory came back to accompany the pain in his body, everywhere. There.

Snape hadn't slept a wink, hadn't had a moment's peace, and was still staring at the door accusingly, wondering why it hadn't opened. Or the fireplace, for that matter. He'd spent most of the time either pacing or sitting, or standing, and now he was exhausted, mentally and physically. He dragged his fingers through greasy hair, pulling it away from his face, but his hand began to shake as he did so, and he put it in front of his face to stare at it a moment. Flexed it, turned it around, and rubbed it on his robes.

What time was it? He stared at the old clock on the wall, but couldn't make out the time. From the light and the temperature, though, he guessed it was very early morning. Could he stay here indefinately? Were they waiting for him to make a move? Running wasn't really an option. And the longer he waited the more chance he ran of bumping into... students, in the corridors. He'd have to leave soon if at all.

With the darkness surrounding him, he felt a modicum of security. Moments, perhaps hours later, he lifted his head up and looked around. He was near a wall. Near a door. Looking down at his feet, he saw yellow light shining from under the door he was near. Tilting his head up, he looked at the door. It seems forty stories tall. Would it lead to an exit, or Hell? He couldn't tell. He would never know unless he stood and tried the handle, or knocked. He sat for a long time staring at the door, then raising a shaking hand, he made a fist, and knocked twice, quite soflty, then quickly drew back into his curled up position. He waited.

Snape was still debating whether or not to head out the door, and decide where to go after that, when a noise interrupted his thoughts. Knock-knock. He stopped his pacing, unaware he'd started, and cocked his head to one side. Hearing things now? Well. Worst came to the worst no one would know he was imagining things, because my very definition there wouldn't be anyone on the other side. And it sort of gave him an excuse to... Slow, wary paces, and he turned the handle, pulling the door back to stare out.

Jack felt the door open, but didn't dare to look up. They would see him. He was not so small they could miss seeing him. Good or bad, he would be found and he could get out of here, get warm.

Snape looked about, confused. No one was there--- he stepped back, looking down as he did so, and almost had a heart-attack at what he saw. Jack Grim, curled up on the floor, not moving. Damn the idiot, he couldn't even get this right! Shut the door, something said. Shut it and hide behind it. His fingers tightened, but he couldn't bring himself to do that, or anything else. Frozen, undecided. Well, that was a option too, maybe?

Too long passed, and Snape was feeling more than a little self-conscious. He had the strong suspicion that his ears were burning a bit, but fortunately no one would even be able to tell had there been enough light. His jaw worked silently a minute, before he growled out, in a far firmer voice than he thought he could manage, "What do you think you're doing down there?"

Jack slowly looked up at the Voice from overhead, and blinked slowly. It was Snape. The One that had... claimed him? That was what he had said, right? "Mine." Jack swallowed slowly, wincing at how dry his throat was, and tried to answer. "You.... said, I was, yours." he said so very quietly. "So... here I am. I suppose." he said, looking quite confused, then looked down at the floor, resting his chin on his knees.

The professor's insides turned liquid, his head light. Had he said that? He didn't know. He could have said anything, probably, and he wouldn't remember. Wouldn't want to. He tried his tongue up against his palate, feeling how the word formed, trying to get behind the sound and shape of it... A vague realisation of how stupid he must have looked hit him and he ruffled himself. What the hell was he supposed to do now? No one seemed to want to tell him, or even give him any clues. And who exactly would you ask about this? "You're going to catch your death down there," was all his brain came up with, which admittedly was true, but didn't really address the issue at hand.

Jack nodded after a fashion, then wiping idly at his nose, which was indeed nearly numb from the cold, he looked up at Snape with lost, wondering eyes. "Shall I go with you then, Sir?" he asked, and made an effort to get up from the floor. He winced. Aches and bruises from the night/day before were stiff now, and he used the wall for support, until he was able to pull himself up to his feet.

Snape was horrified by the very idea, and had to restrain himself so he did not step back. Go with him? Where? He didn't even know where he was going himself. This wasn't supposed to happen. He wasn't supposed to have to deal with this.... Unless, he wasn't? Somebody was doing this just to torment him? That thought made him angry, and he grabbed Jack by one elbow, leading him to the door. "No, You shouldn't."

Jack made a muffled sound that sounded something like a sob of disappointment, and he dug his heels in trying to resist the bumrush he was being given. "No... Sir, please... I WANT to stay... I don't want to go." he pleaded, turning to look up at Snape.

Snape made a startled cry of surprise and annoyance, and scrutinised Jack's face for signs of deceit or mockery. It wasn't funny. Whoever it was playing this great practical joke, it wasn't funny. "Why? Why you damned idiot? Have you completely lost your mind?" he railed.

Jack looked genuinely hurt by Snape's reaction. He couldn't fathom it. He had said he was His, and now he didn't want to him. "What have I done wrong, Master?" he asked in a soft, tremulous tone, eyes searching the black orbs of the Potions Master. "I can .... I can..." he stopped, blinked, then looked down as he blushed. "I thought I could try again, better this time. To please you..." he said in a murmur.

Snape closed his eyes. "What have you done wrong? Everything." Oh gods he'd screwed up this time. And even though he hated himself, hated them both, he couldn't help but respond to his words. His voice was too-deep, but he knew he was telling the truth when he replied. "And I doubt very much if you ever could..."

Jack expression fell, he looked on the verge of tears, and his eyes got all watery looking. "Everything?" he moaned, then crumpled to the floor. He covered his face with his hands and began to sob quietly.

Oh no. Crying... things... had never been his forte. They usually frustrated him no end. "Get up you snivelling little baby," he snarled. "I'm not having you sprawled over my floor."

Jack took a minute to respond, but slowly, he got to his feet, and stood before Snape, his head lowered, and his hands laced behind him. "I am sorry, Sir. Master." he said then sniffled. "What shall I do for you now?" he asked.

Snape's eyes closed as another new term resounded around in his head. Master. When they opened again they were dark, and thoughtful.

2002-09-29 23:58:00,
Aftershocks.

It's late. So late now. I am more weary now than I can ever recall. Recall? Recall what? When? Did it all happen? Did nothing happen? Did everything happen?

The memories are all blurred together in a tapestry of cold, pain, fear, confusion, a strong touch, a promise...

"Do try and keep your sorry backside out of trouble for the rest of the day..."

His final command to me before I was dismissed, a couple of hours ago. The shower did nothing to wake me, or to clear my thoughts. I can't recall the last meal I ate, but I am not hungry. For food anyway. The hunger pangs are a new and differnt sort. A burning more than an ache.

Tired. So tired now. More later, tomorrow. I suppose.

Eternally.

2002-09-30 07:10:00,
Eternity...

Something small and silver was wound about Snape's wrist, which he held by his side. He raised it before him, resting his hands on his desk, and it became clear it was a silver snake curled there, tongue tasting the air. he watched it dispassionately, asking, "I don't suppose you know what this is?"

Jack lifted his eyes only because he had been asked a direct question needing such movement, and he looked at the item wrapped and apparently, moving around Snape's wrist. "It appears to be a Charmed piece of jewelry, Master. In the form of a serpent." he answered softly. He continued to hold the position he was in, standing before Snape's Desk. The Desk. His feet planted far enough apart to simulate a Military "At-Ease" position, and his hands laced behind his back.

"Ouroboros," he said, by means of explanation. " 'Devouring its tail'." As if to demonstrate, the small head nudged its nose against its tail, jaws opening and closing, but Snape nudged it away with one finger, before looking up. "Symbol of many things, not least of which eternity and unity; created only to be destroyed. Destroyed only to be created." He raised one wrist, and the little dagger-shaped head swivelled to fix its eyes on Jack, tongue flicking out contemplatively. The professor's own head tilted to one side, assessing whether or not he was being understood.

Jack blinked, then nodded slowly. "So as something ends, something else begins..." he ventured softly. He was still himself. Quite so, however, certain thought patterns and function had proved hard or nigh impossible over the last 48 hours.

"It seems to like you," Snape said, almost laughing. Even his own ouroboros didn't seem to like him that much, from the way it was acting. Animals and he...? Well. "Hen to pan," he said in Greek, and the coil arched its back, mouth wide, hissing.

Jack smiled the slightest of smiles, and nodded. "I have an affinity for, animals Master." he offered, his eyes never leaving the animated silver snake. "This one is for me." he said more as an affirmation that a question.

Snape turned his hand wrist-upwards, and held it out. The snake uncurled itself, holding on merely by one coil, impatient. The Potions Master didn't speak, but nodded almost imperceptibly, waiting.

Jack silently took a step forward, heart pounding with apprehension. Would it strike? Bite and poison him? Drug him? Kill him? Irrational thoughts, but flashes of fear just the same. He unclasped his hands from behind him, and offered forward his left arm, and rotated it so hand hand hovered just above the tiny silver asp, wrist upward.

A dart, a glint of metal, and the thing had transferred itself to Jack's wrist, nudging its head beneath the cuff about it, and slithering up along his arm; cold, despite- or perhaps because- being on Snape's hand.

Jack was unable to stop the reflexive flinch as the metal serpent lept for him. His breath was still held as it did not strike, but trailed its chilly metallic body under his shirt and up his arm. Jack swallowed, but held stock still. Snakes smell fear. Fear provokes attacks in most animal kind. He knew that well.

Snape didn't bother explaining that it wouldn't bite, not him at least. bringing his right hand back down to rest with its partner on the desk, fingertips brushing gently together. He sat back in his stiff chair again, watching.

Jack kept his eyes on Snape, focusing on that as the tiny snake made it's way up his arm, around a sinuous bicep, over his shoulder, then he felt it's coolness cross across his collarbone and encircle around his neck. Human fear and reflex kicked in, and his left hand came up, but stopped just short of tearing collar and tie off to pull it from him. He paused, waiting, and felt it circle his neck three times, then rest around it. The metal warmed from behing against his skin, and he smiled nervously when he felt the ticklish flicker of a tiny metal tongue against the hollow of his throat. Slowly, he lowered his hand back down to rest at his side.

A thing, cold tongue licked the back of Snape's teeth as he watched, breathing, but slowly. When the charmed torque settled, mouth finding tail, he spoke. "Told you," Snape said, the slightest amount of smugness detectable in his voice.

Jack nodded, and clearing his throat, he said softly, "Thank you Master." He then walked around to behind the desk where Snape was sitting, reclined in his chair, and carefully kneeled down before him, gently nudging himself between the black robe covered legs, and with head bowed, he waited.

Snape didn't reply verbally, a low growl deep in his throat the only noise he made. The right hand, previously home to the serpent about Jack's throat, reached out and long fingers tangled themselves in bi-coloured locks, carding them a minute before he wound the strands about his fingers.

Jack nodded, feeling the weight of that hand upon his head, the fingers gripped in his hair. He lifted his hands up and delicately began the task of parting robes, unbuttoning buttons, then when what was was sought was found, he leaned silently forward, lips parted, but not for speech.

2002-09-30 22:43:00,
Parseltongue,

If I ever was wont to feel alone before, I do not feel that way now. He speaks to me. I hear him in my mind, in my blood. My little silver familiar, he moves when we are alone, sliding around my throat in a warm metallic caress, and hissing messages from my Master in my ear.

It is Monday night already, where has the time gone? I hardly recall the day, what happened after this morning before Breakfast.

It is night now, the dorm is nearly silent. All my bretheren are in bed, asleep, dreaming, or lying quiet. The more I write, the more weary I feel. Perhaps it is best I turn in fo the night. I shall rest now, until I am called again.

As Ever.