sluggin and clubbin (tabby & jamora)

[Deleted]

-slug club party flashback-

She had come into the Christmas Slug Club party with Theo and Adelaide. And soon the three of them were heading back up the stairs and towards the astronomy tower. As they entered the classroom, Abby lifted a hand to ruffle her hair a little more. She surveyed the table and saw a few empty chairs on the far side from where the professor was sitting. "Shall we?" Abby didn't gesture or wait for either of them to respond before leading Theo toward the spot she had chosen.

She had her eye out for James who was supposed to be showing up with his.. Girlfriend? She wasn't sure exactly what James was defining it as but the relationship was enough for James to reject a snogging session in a closet the other day. Abby didn't judge him for committing to someone but that didn't mean she wasn't disappointed that the 'benefits' part of their relationship was over without a warning. Still, James was one of her best friends and she could easily be happy for him! Even if it meant she didn't get to sneak over to his house over winter break and fool around. There was always something riveting about a good snog session knowing you'd be caught any minute by someone's parents.

She hadn't quite spotted him yet but there were a lot of people milling about. She turned to Theo, "So, do you recognize any of these people?"

@jams
@aurora
@theodorus
#sorry not sorry #its about time we do this

[Deleted]

The Slug Club was a collection of the more promising students in the school. It came as no surprise to Theo that he had been placed in it nearly immediately upon coming to Hogwarts. He and his sister were, after all, embodiments of excellence. And, of course, Abby was in the club as well. Theo didn't know about her sister, but Abby was cut from the same cloth he was, and so it was only natural for her to be counted among the best.

He allowed himself to be dragged along by Abby to a seat far from the professor, sitting down next to her. Years of etiquette training kept him sitting up straight now that they were at the main table, as opposed to a more relaxed posture he adopted outside of formal settings.

“So, do you recognize any of these people?”

Theo shrugged. “Some by face. I'm not surprised to see several of the girls who caught my attention in here. I suppose everyone recognizes the Hagrid. Wonder how I'd fare fighting with him...”

He mused on the idea for a moment, before shrugging. “I'm quite sure Rory will be around here somewhere too. Oh, and the eldest Longbottom girl with the Hagrid.” He still remembered his father and several of his friends lamenting that Neville Longbottom was a fool for not signing any marriage contracts, and that his daughter would have brought strong blood to any name. In fact, he had only been contracted to Aurora Lestrange when his father couldn't secure a contract for Alice.

Not that it would have mattered. The blonde was about as affectionate as a Venomous Tentacula where anyone but the half-giant was concerned.

@jams
@aurora
@abigail

[Deleted]

James had never been one for fancy parties to show off titles and places in society byt he had been more than thrilled to attend the Slug Club Christmas party as Aurora's date. James used to just blow off the Slug Club events. He knew that he had got in because of his last name and because of who his parents were and that had just never settled well with him so he never felt obligated to go. But now... he had a very good reason to.

The Gryffindor had awaited his date at the bottom of the Astronomy Tower stairs and when she had arrived, was taken away by her beauty as always. He offered her his arm as they headed upstairs...

The tower looked as festive as festive could get with Professor Aguillard. James looked around, seeing his brother and Casey and then Alice... who was with Carcery Hagrid. He found that odd for he had always avoided these things with Alice so the fact that she was there at all was a bit of a shock to him. While it was odd to see the Hufflepuff with the half-giant, nothing could compare to the oddity in the room that was Abigail with Theodorus Nott. A scowl immediately made its home on James's face and his arm that Aurora was on tensed. "What a sight," he muttered, clearly sounding annoyed. James did not like Theo one bit. There was just something about the Slytherin that rubbed Jaes the wrong way.

@aurora
@abigail
@theodorus

[Deleted]

Fancy parties, fancy clothes, and fancy people was every bit how the brunette had been brought up. After all, she was a Lestrange. Though... lately, things were starting to get a little uneasy around home and communication seemed a little on edge.  Either way, it didn't matter because tonight was all about those old ideals of class and social status. ... And James. Yes. Definitely James. She felt herself blush a little as soon as she saw him. It took the entire flight of stairs up into the Astronomy Tower before her cheeks stopped feeling warmer than usual. 

Walking into the relatively festive set-up of the Slug Club meeting felt like some of the old parties she used to be dragged to with her family. Most of the members were there, though Aurora wasn't exactly a socialite like her mother.  Less than half of these fellow students had she actually talked to outside of class. James's arm tensed up, causing the brunette to turn her head to look where he was looking. Something made her chuckle once when she saw Abby and Theo standing together across the room. 

"What a sight" James muttered.

"Aww, come on, sissypants." she teased, tugging on his arm to pull them over to the odd, but interesting couple. If she had to talk to anyone, it might as well be people she knew. "Whatever they are, they're harmless here." 

As they neared the couple, she announced herself and James, her voice suddenly a bit sarcastic when she addressed Theo. "Hello, Abby. Hey, Fiancé. We're not too late are we?"

@abigail
@theodorus
@jams

[Deleted]

Abby raised an eyebrow around the room as Theo mentioned that girls who had caught his attention were in there. Abby was kind of the opposite... most of the guys who had caught hers these many years weren't in the room. He mentioned wondering how he'd do fighting Carcer and she laughed, "that's something I'd pay to see."

Abby nodded as Theo mentioned Rory and that he recognized Alice and Carcer. Abby raised an eyebrow at Alice as sort of a ‘are you on a date when did this happen tell me later’ thing before turning back to Theo right as James and Rory entered into the door. ”Well, there she is,” she smirked, knowing how badly James had wanted to bring her and was glad that he had actually asked. Abby lifted a hand and gave a little wave to James as he arrived, even though he immediately scowled at her and Theo together.

Abby wished James wouldn’t be such a moper about this. She knew he didn’t like Theo, even though he barely knew him, but Abby was never one to really let other peoples issues get in the way of doing what she wanted. As they arrived, Abby chuckled at Rory’s words and shook her head. ”Nah, I think people are still arriving. Come, sit with us,” she said, gesturing to the seats besides the ones they had chosen.

Then she turned to James, ”what’s the matter? Is your sock slipping off in your shoe? That’s the worst,” she smirked. Awe, he was just too fun to tease.

@aurora
@theodorus
@jams

[Deleted]

“That’s something I’d pay to see.”

A grin cross Theo’s face as Abby laughed. Certainly, it would be interesting. Realistically speaking, Theo had no chance against Carcer. The half-giant was docile, but still a half-giant. Theo, strong as he was, probably couldn’t actually hurt the guy, and eventually he might enrage Carcer into fighting back, which would mean fighting someone so strong he could die from a single hit. Maybe if he drank a Strengthening Solution beforehand to close the gap…yes…

Ah.

Across the room, Theo caught sight of his former fiancé.

Aurora Lestrange’s blood ties to her family had been broken, freeing her from the contract her father had signed. But the two of them had been in so many arranged meetings and dates that it was quite easy to catch her immediately in a crowd. Theo honestly didn’t care one way or another if they got married, and Aurora had never protested it before, probably since she knew Theo wouldn’t care what she chose to do with her life once married. They weren’t in love, and never had been, but they got along, and she was the closest thing he’d ever gotten to an emotional attachment outside of family members. Sometimes, being friends was the most valuable thing in an arranged marriage.

He smirked as the two girls exchanged greetings, before Abby asked what was wrong with James. Oh, but she knew what was wrong, didn’t she? As he did. And while Abby might like to tease, Theo was more interested in provoking. And he knew exactly what would get under the skin of a guy who liked attention, attention that Theo had already stolen on the Quidditch pitch once.

Ignoring James entirely, Theo looked at Aurora. “Hello, wife. Meet the mistress.” Then he paused for a moment before smirking. “Well…one of them, at least.”

Perfect. He had ignored James, and seemingly devalued both Abby and Rory right in front of him. Of course, he was just kidding, but his humor was very dry. Rory knew that, though, and was used to it—she likely wouldn’t think to make sure James knew he was joking. Abby, meanwhile, didn’t much care. Neither of them were attached solely to one another, after all. If this didn’t set the poor bludger-headed Gryffindor off, he had more control over himself than Theo had given him credit for.

@jams
@aurora
@abigail

[Deleted]

James wasn't going to deny that he would likely do anything for Aurora if she asked him, but as she tugged on his arm and led him over to where Abigail and the Slytherin beater stood, he could not hide the wince in his face that slowly settled into a disgruntled look as the two stopped in front of the other pair to "mingle." James stood, quiet, until Aurora greeted them. His visibly tensed at the word "fiancé" It shouldn't have come as a huge surprise, after all Aurora and Theodorus both came from very respectable "pureblooded" families. But even the thought of Aurora's parents alone made James sick, so he couldn't imagine what this guy's parents must be like.

As Abby invited he and Aurora to sit next to them, James's eyes immediately darted around the room to find any other excuse to not sit near them. There was none. Alice wasn't glancing his way whatsoever and Albus was already surrounded by other people. In fact, the other seats had all quickly been filled and there was actually no place else they could really sit. They were stuck. Well, James was stuck.

James pulled out a chair for Aurora to sit down in and as he did so, he shot Abigail a dirty, dirty glare. Knowing Abby, she most certainly could tell that he was in a foul mood and was teasing him about it. She was a typical Marauder. James didn't justify her teasing with a response as he then took his own seat, setting his already balled fists on the table in an attempt to somehow relax. He didn't look at Abby or Theo and ignored Theo when he called Aurora his "wife" but then his next words made James's jaw clench and his fists tighten.

Setting his hands down in his lap, James looked down at them for a moment. He did not want to get angry and cause any sort of scene in front of Rory. So after a moment, a small smirk of his own appeared on his face and he looked past Theodorus and at Abby. "Abby," he finally spoke pleasantly to her, but almost everything in his tone screamed sarcasm. Just like James knew Abby's teasing, she would certainly know what he was about to pull next. "When were you going to tell me you were seeing such a finagling little bleeder?" He flashed a mocking smile.

@aurora
@abigail
@theodorus

[Deleted]

Aurora smiled, chuckled, and rolled her eyes at Theo.  Their arranged... whatever it was supposed to have been... had been doomed for failure. She could have done well enough as his betrothed, but it would have been a marriage of social importance, not one having anything to do with love. Sure, she was on friendly enough terms with him, but now that she had grown to truly love James... she didn't want anything less. 

She nudged James playfully.  "I dunno, James." she teased. "I'd say Theo's more of a finagling relatively-large bleeder. If he does actually bleed, mind you. I've heard that it's not been thoroughly proven." She smirked and giggled, looking toward Theo's direction. For good measure, she nudged him playfully too.

"You," she said matter-of-factly to Theo. "shouldn't antagonize James so. He's remarkably sensitive for a Gryffindor. Some girls tend to like that sort of thing ya know." Aurora quickly dropped her serious tone and broke into a laugh. The sarcasm flying around the table was fine, but she preferred the humor to be a little more light-spirited at a formal gathering. 

@abigail
@theodorus
@jams

[Deleted]

At being referred to as a mistress, Abby rolled her eyes, but didn't stop smiling. She had plenty of misters of her own. James used to be included in that. Which made this entire exchange all the more hilarious. At James' insult at Theo she dropped her jaw in mock shock, "Jamesy, have some manners!" she said, laughing as she did so. Then Rory went on to say that Theo was a finagling relatively-large bleeder and Abby laughed even more. She nodded, resting a hand on Theos knee under the table, "oh, he bleeds," she said, smirking in Theos direction. She was, of course, referring to the scars he undoubtedly had from her rather unmerciful fingernails. "It just takes some work," she added.

"Rory is right, though. You boys should play nice. We're all dressed up, after all," she said, gesturing to James and Rory beside them. "Speaking of, James, are those new dress robes? You look like you stepped out of a fashion show. And I mean that as a compliment," she smiled, "and Rory, beautiful as always," she said. She meant it, too. It was weird at first, James having such an interest in someone, but Abby didn't mind Rory. Not now that she knew her a little better, of course.

@jams
@aurora
@theodorus
(Imma say the girls are sitting next to each other with the boys on either side, yas?)

[Deleted]

As expected, he’d really gotten under the skin of the Gryffindor boy with his words. It was actually fairly ironic—he has a reputation for being cavalier with girls, talented at Quidditch, and being the leader of everything he was part of. Yet he seemed to resent Theo for those same qualities. Perhaps he disliked having competition? That would be disappointing. But for some reason, Theo thought it had more to do with the fact that the Slytherin’s reputation was much more bluntly stated by most people, and yet they didn’t seem to mind.

He smirked when the Gryffindor called him a little bleeder. Like so many people who had not earned Theo’s respect, James could run his mouth all he wanted. His words were drops of water, incapable of affecting him in any way. He simply didn’t care what James said—James was not strong, thus his words held no weight. Rory, naturally, took it all in stride. The two of them really would have made a good couple. Not that Theo minded; he didn’t care for the girl enough to worry about not being married to her, and ironically, proving her strength by getting out of the marriage was one of the only ways for her to impress him. And he had been quite impressed to learn that she’d gone to the Longbottom patriarch to escape her family. Brazen, bold...excellent tactic.

He snickered a bit when Abby confirmed that he did in fact bleed, rolling his shoulders where the marks from her fingernails seemed unlikely ever to fade completely. Given that she replaced them several times a week, it would not surprise him to learn that he was scarred at this point.

“You shouldn't antagonize James so. He's remarkably sensitive for a Gryffindor. Some girls tend to like that sort of thing ya know.”

Theo raised one eyebrow in speculation, turning not to Rory but to Abby. “I thought I was sensitive where it counted. Is there a spot I’ve yet to find?” Abby agreed with Rory that the two of them should play nice, which was kind of confusing for Theo. Nothing was on fire, he and Abby were out here in the party instead of hiding in the nearest broom closet, James could stand up and walk on his own legs—that all pointed to him being nice, didn’t it? Nice, civil, respectable.

Couldn’t blame him is someone else started a fight.

Oh well, since they had both asked nicely, he would stop mind gaming the bull-headed lionheart. He wrapped an arm around Abby’s neck and pulled her closer after she complimented the other two on their clothes. He pressed his lips to a spot just under her ear before whispering quietly to her. “You look better. I’m looking forward to how you look when we’re alone later. I know the password for the prefects’ bathroom…”

Okay, maybe that wasn’t so civil.

Still very nice though…

@jams @aurora @abigail

[Deleted]

James didn't even want to think about even the idea of Aurora and Theodorus once being betrothed. Ever since the Quidditch match in which Slytherin beat Gryffindor, James didn't like Theo. It was more than just his outright, pretentious attitude... there was more to this guy than he let on. And James didn't like it one bit.

Aurora's playful nudge calmed him down, even if only briefly. He flashed her a soft smile but then looked back toward Abby and Theo and it turned back into a blank, emotionless expression. He certainly didn't approve of Abby's fraternizing with a Slytherin like Theodorus Nott. He was, however, pleased that Abby seemed to knock him around a bit as well. James knew fairly well that Abby didn't just roll over for guys and if anything, she made them roll over for her. It was nice to see that she didn't just take a back seat to this guy, which James wouldn't be surprised if he was the type to enjoy that kind of sexism.

James tried not to tense when Aurora commented on his sensitivity. James had never been insecure about his feelings but right now, with this guy in front of him who obviously liked to feel like he was the alpha male (a title James, himself, liked to hold as well,) it was a little embarrassing. But he forced a small smile toward Aurora anyway, even appreciating that she had said it. At least chicks dug it. But James visibly rolled his eyes when Theo addressed Abby about there "being a spot he had yet to find." He made a coughing sound to drown out what Theo had said so he didn't have to hear it. Though James had once been a friend with benefits to Abigail, and snogged her on plenty of occasions, now he felt as if she were like a sister (as weird as that may be) and he really didn't like Theo talking to her that way.

James half smiled when Abigail commented both he and Aurora, nodding at her once in thanks. "Thanks, Ab," he said, not even bothering to look at Theo until Theo wrapped an arm around Abby and pulled her close and whisper something in her ear, undoubtedly inappropriate for the occasion. James's mouth formed a thin line and his cheeks puffed out once as he let out a very loud, aggravated sigh. He didn't look at anyone but the Slytherin now. "Yes, please," James now spoke with a very sarcastic, light-hearted tone. "By all means, get a room." He really didn't want to make a scene for Aurora's sake, but Merlin this guy really knew how to get under James's skin.

@aurora
@abigail
@theodorus