Make a Man Outta You [River]

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September was in full swing and the leaves were just starting to turn at Hogwarts. This was Loïc's last year at the blasted castle and he was ready for bigger and better things. Last year had been a major thorn in his side, what with having to choose a career path and all. Unfortunately, world domination hadn't been listed as a profession he could choose from. After several unsuccessful meetings with his head of house, they finally let the issue sit as "undecided". But his father, the sniveling brute, had actually threatened to cut what little inheritance he had left if he did not choose something respectable. Naturally, Loïc chose curse-breaking. The irony wasn't at all lost on him. He figured that if he could undo curses then surely he could re-perform them as well. He called it his "extra-curricular education".

Loïc felt as if far too much of wizarding knowledge had been kept outside the hallowed halls of Hogwarts. Thankfully his dear uncle, Evan Rosier, made up for these inaptitudes. Having one's mentor as a portrait didn't faze Loïc. In some ways, he rather preferred the coming and goings though it did make demonstrating magic a bit difficult and the underage ban didn't make it any easier. Uncle Evan not only saw to Loïc's schooling and proper history, but also to his etiquette. For being of sacred blood was of the highest social responsibility and one should never forget their manners. 


Tag:@river

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River had always avoided Loic Rosier unless forced to interact, which had happened from time to time due to their family ties. He didn't get a good feeling around the guy, but that wasn't anything new. River didn't get a good feeling around a lot of people. Still, Loic was more the type of person he was trying to be this year and therefore River figured he may as well try to spend some kind of time with him... even if the idea made him sick. River was trained by his father this summer in dueling, the patronus charm (though that didn't go so well), resisting imperious curses and veritiserum and more. He wasn't a master at these things now, of course not, but he had a head start.

He saw Loic on his way to the Courtyard not long ago and decided to casually make his way there as well. He say not too far off from the Slytherin, opening a book in his lap but not seeing any of the words. Finally, after some time, he looked up toward Loic and gave him a short nod, "Loic, how is your day going so far?" he winced, not sure if he should have asked that...

@ruse

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 Hearing his name called, Loïc stopped in his tracks, turning to see who addressed him. It was the youngest Flint. River, he believed. Resisting the urge to roll his eyes, Loïc nodded his head back in recognition. He wasn’t too familiar with the boy, though his sister was formable to say the least. He strained his mind trying to conjure something memormable. He was in Ravenclaw….? Perhaps? Though, he had sat thought countless dinners and events with the Flint family, there was absolutely nothing remarkable about River.The boy having the Flint name was about as useless as a toothless alligator. There was no bite.

And yet, he spoke to him as if they were close, though in a very low murmur. That took a fair bit of bravado, and so Loïc was intrigued. He decided to play along. After all, there was no harm in a bit of fun. “Amenable. And yours?” Loïc glanced down to the open book in River’s hand and threw a smirk. “Reading anything worthwhile?"


Tag:@river

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Loics head nod made River release the breath he'd been holding, but it didn't make him feel too much better. Amenable, he said, and River smiled politely. The Ruse returned the question as well as asking if he was reading anything worthwhile. River closed the book, "it's going fairly. And yes," he flipped the book over so the cover was facing upward, "The Importance of Subtly in Potioneering," he read the title. "It's not a required reading for class, but Viovinnia suggested it to me." He thought that was a pretty good reason to read a book, especially if it was going to be helpful in school as well. He moved to place the book back in his bag and stood. He was about to ask Loic if he needed any company but... he didn't know if that would be a stupid thing to say. He shifted his bag on his shoulder, "can't read too much I always say," he added, actually rather confidently, which he was surprised and impressed with.

@ruse

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Loïc gave a nod of approval. Brewing of potions was a very respectable skill, one that had been in their families for generations. Far too much knowledge had been lost or destroyed by the light. The restricted section seemed wiped completely of anything worth while. This cleansing of their history and traditions had to be stopped. He was happy to see River understanding the importance of outside education. As if any real learning was taught in the classroom anymore. Complete shame."Your bride is an intelligent woman. How goes the engagement plans?" Loïc causally mentioned in passing. He had seen Viovinnia around the common room less these days, he hoped it was due to their pending nuptials. 


Tag:@river

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River nodded and smiled softly when Loïc said his 'bride was an intelligent woman'. Then he asked about the engagement plans and River gave a small shrug, "It's going fine, I suppose..." he considered how honest he really could be with this guy, and decided to give a little bit of the truth. "She prefers a certain type of man, I guess, and I'm trying harder to be that." He cleared his throat and tried to straighten up even more. He wasn't sure that the guy would even care, laugh at him, or whatever but... he felt compelled to be honest about that part.

@ruse

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Raising his eyebrow, Loïc held his tongue and continued listening to the poor lad. Truth be told, he could understand the trepidation on Viovinnia's part. River was...young, small and nothing like this father. Never-the-less, bloodlines had to remain pure and tradition must be upheld. In times like these, it was all they had keeping them free from the filth. Besides marriage was a means for alliances and power, not romance and pageantry. It appeared that Loïc had no choice, but to snake himself into this unhappy union. The boy was practically begging him too. Besides, turning this sweet sheep back into the viper that borne him would be fun. Not to mention, being in Vivinnia's debt was more than fortuitous. Patiently, Loïc began coaxing the answers out of River's mouth. "And these attempts? Are they working?"  


Tag:@river

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Loïc asked how the attempts were going, and River shrugged. "I guess they are going alright. The problem is, the only people I really have to look up to, for examples, are people who I don't prefer to be around. Mostly because they don't prefer to be around me," he didn't sound sad, or bitter, he was just saying it how it was. He realized, in that moment, that Loïc was actually being a bit nice to River, at least in the best way that he could. Maybe he would be willing to help him out. River raised an eyebrow at him, "what about you, aren't you the type she's looking for? Got any pointers?"

@ruse

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Loïc nodded his head thoughtfully. He pitied the poor boy and sympathized for him. The boy's father was a putz, a scared man left hiding in the court rooms. His sister's and brothers were no better. Who was a boy like River suppose to look up to? Someone like Malfoy? The blood traitor was becoming worse each day that passed. Every one had turned soft. 

He laughed quietly and brushed his thumb against his nose, "You didn't know? None of us actually enjoy each other's company", he then leaned in close to whisper, "it's a game, River". Loïc drifted back, crossing his arms across his chest. Briefly he glanced over at another student walking through the courtyard and gave him a kurt wave. "Did you see that 7th year I just motioned to? I have him eating out of the palm of my hand after I caught him sneaking in the broom closest with another male student. Terrible shame if his girlfriend ever found out." 

"You see, there really is only one thing that shapes the world. It's not wealth, fame, or glory. It's power. You want to broaden your horizons? Sit at the big boy's table? Well then you've got to bring something to offer. Give them a reason to notice. Vi will come around when you do." Having said his peace, Loïc started to walk away. After a few steps he paused and shouted over his shoulder, "For Salazar's sake, you're a Flint. Maybe it's about time you start acting like one." 

Tag:@river

(would this be an ok end?)

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So, Loic was letting him in on the secret. The secret that was the game of the Pure Blood families and their bevahiors and socialite ways. It was actually rather fascinating, thinking about that fact. The more he thought about it the more he realized that it was completely true. It was all a silly game, and with these betrothals, their parents were just playing matchmaker. It was silly, and horrific.

Then Loic explained that he had some seventh year in the palm of his hand due to blackmail and River just swallowed nervously, giving a little nod as Loic went on. he went on about how power shaped the world, and River couldn't help but agree. He'd seen it first hand. He nodded absently as he went on about how he had to give her something to notice. Vi would come around when he did? That was... that actually made a lot of sense.

Then he was walking away, and River was sitting there stoic. "For Salazar's sake, you're a Flint. Maybe it's about time you start acting like one." River swallowed.

He was. He was a Flint. And he'd start acting like one.

@ruse
(le end :>)