borderland [alora]

[JOHN ELLIOT CLARK]

Late August 2027

Jack was nervous to restart schooling. He'd made a difficult decision to enter into Hit Wizard training, but his family needed the money. He needed the money. His music career wasn't taking off as planned, despite his best efforts. At least with this training under his belt, Jack would have more prospects. Provided they turned a blind eye to his past misdemeanours. He was more stubborn than Mal, who had decided long ago that he wouldn't refuse the call of adventure. He'd landed a cushy job with the bank, searching out treasure. Prick. Jack had been too focused on writing music and answering his own calling to realise that there wasn't so much money in it, unless he made it big.

Which brought Jack to his current state. Wiping the questionably sticky counter of the Flobberworm and Lettuce. The place had been open two months and was already covered in questionable substances. Jack had been quick to apply, not only for the spare change but for the ample people watching opportunity it afforded. Like his brother, Jack was a social being by nature. When he wasn't locked away writing, he wanted to be surrounded by people singing his praises. He'd win over the denizens of LIFE soon enough.

"Here you are, love," said Jack with a crooked grin, sliding a pint over to a girl who was watching him closely, her cheeks flushed. She opened her mouth to say something, but Jack placed a gentle hand on hers. "Break is in twenty minutes?" As if he had read her mind. Her face split into a grin, and nodded. He returned the sentiment. "See you out back." Jack watched as she sashayed back to the group of girls, making certain to sway her hips in a way that drew Jack's eye immediately. His attention was drawn away from temptation as a woman approached him. He was immediately struck by her looks - copper hair, big eyes, alabaster skin. Her lips were painted ruby and her ample assets piqued Jack's interest. "Afternoon," said Jack, inclining his head slightly in greeting. "What can I get for you?" he asked, his blue eyes sweeping over the planes of her face.

Alora Veda Astor

[Alora Veda Astor]

Alora had set a mental agreement with herself; her week days would be spent here in Hogsmeade and she would only let herself go back to her London townhouse on the weekends. She couldn't face the loneliness of it seven days a week. The torment on the weekends would be enough for now. Though still, the flat she had taken above Puddifoots was it's own sort of prison- all together to basic and small. She had needed to get out and although she had spent other nights at The Three Broomsticks; once even venturing to the Hogs Head, she had grown wearisome at the repetition of it all.

It would be a long year and yet it hadn't even began.

She had dressed down more tis evening. Some old cut off jean shorts and a plain enough tank. She had originally planned to wander through to the Greenhouses this evening and perhaps settle herself in for some pruning for an evening of distraction, and yet once she had been just about there, hair piled up messily on her head she had lost the love for it. Instead she'd pulled her hair down again, leaving it to flay around her shoulders messily. It hadn't taken much to convince her to head to the Flobberworm and Lettuce instead. Though dressed down, one flick of her wand had smeared some lipstick over her full lips to try and dress herself up some. When she had settled in at the bar, perched on a stool she wasn't quite sure if it was as safe a space as the Three Broomsticks, away from Students. And still, it didn't seem so bad. Although built new within a few months; it felt lived in and older than it was. But then, she supposed, that was probably the point.

For a moment she sat and watched a fairly handsome bartender in a type of haze; but it was quickly enough shut off once she had seen him fluffing about some other girl. With a roll of her eyes she dismissed him as nothing that would be good for her, and yet.

When he actually moved towards her and addressed her, she plastered on a sickly sweet smile all the same; her amber eyes lifting to meet the cool tones of his blues. "Well, I doubt your Sancerre is any good...." with a pause she pursed her lips, looking behind him to the bottles on the wall. "Make it a Whiskey and Gingerale then...please" careful to correct herself and not forget the manners that had been beaten in to her as a child.

JOHN ELLIOT CLARK

[JOHN ELLIOT CLARK]

Already, the woman before him surveyed Jack with a modicum of suspicion. He hooked a half smile on his face, tilting his head slightly to the side as he met her gaze full on. Her smile looked fake, and Jack could immediately tell that she wasn't interested. It spurred something on within him - perhaps he wasn't as bad as Malcolm, but Jack was determined to get the things he desired. And the way she was looking at him posed a challenge, one that he couldn't refuse.

Jack leaned forward, placing his elbows on the bar so that his face was on the same level as hers. Her golden eyes flashed with something not dissimilar to distaste, Jack found himself even more intrigued. "This isn't Gordon's Wine Bar, love," Jack replied, his voice soft. "If that's the sort of drink you're looking for, you're in the complete wrong establishment," he added, straightening up. He nodded as she decided on a whisky and ginger ale, turning his back to her to start the drink. "So, d'you work here? Or are you a student?" asked Jack over his shoulder, curious to identify as many facts about this woman as he could. He finished the drink and placed it before her. "On the house. If you tell me your name," said Jack with a smirk.

Alora Veda Astor

[Alora Veda Astor]

There was something both equally attractive and repulsive about the person standing in front of her. Altogether utterly different from Samuel in every way conceivably possible, and yet the fact he was a man was enough to put her off him for now.

And yet something still drew her in.

Something in the cocky, conceited smile and the way he eyed her.

With a quiet laugh she rolled her eyes. "Of course..". Her red painted lips hung parted for a moment longer than they should have, wanting to say more for a moment as she was eye level with him, but then unsure of what to actually say. Instead he moved to straighten up to make her drink, and she sat back on the stool once again. As he busied himself she very unashamedly had a good look at his arse before meeting his eyes when he looked back over his shoulder to her. As her drink was set in front of her with a heavy clunk, she watched him in silence for a second. Her lips were parted again like she was going to speak, but honestly she wasn't sure what to tell him. Would it be unprofessional? No she supposed not. Her actual students would technically only be the first to fifth years, and he was obviously older than that. Pursing her lips for a moment, her smile melded into a slightly more genuine, but still sardonic grin. "Does it matter?" with an eyebrow raised, she reached for her drink, forgoing the straw and lashing some back down her gullet.

"Alora." she said simply as she replaced the glass on the bar. She'd probably regret giving him that nugget later, but for now she'd let him have it. The money wasn't the issue, merlin knows, but for some reason she did actually feel like indulging the game he played.

"And you?" Her brown eyes stayed focused on him, he wouldn't get out of returning the knowledge so easily.

JOHN ELLIOT CLARK

[JOHN ELLIOT CLARK]

Jack set the woman's glass before her, promising a drink on the house if she would share her name. She'd countered his request to know if she was a student or teacher, which led him to believe she was a teacher. Jack found himself wondering if she would be one of his professors, and he was momentarily lost in a daydream of a solid wooden desk, her red lips and a whole lot less clothing. Blinking, Jack surveyed her unashamedly. "What you teach then there?" asked Jack with a smirk, crossing his arms in triumph.

"Name's Jack," he replied easily. His colleague nudged him, and nodded to a few other waiting patrons. "Back in a second," he added quickly, and took the two drink orders as if he had all the time in the world. Jack took the appropriate payment, dropping it into the till before returning his focus to Alora. "'S a pretty name you've got there," said Jack finally. "Don't think I've ever met a lass called Alora." Let alone shagged one, Jack tacked on mentally. "What d'you think of all this new Hogwarts shite? Reckon its a good idea?" he asked, making pleasant conversation. He could feel his colleague glaring daggers at him but Jack's attention was wholly pulled by Alora.

Alora Veda Astor

[Alora Veda Astor]

Alora felt his gaze on her, or rather felt him undressing her with his eyes. She'd been here before, and had never truly been comfortable with it. Truth be told she had always been a bit of a prude, likely the way she had been brought up. True after her break up with Sam she'd been a very different person, but now as she watched the boy in front of her, man she supposed actually, she wasn't quite sure how to feel with his eyes on her. She had sworn off men, and yet, she was enjoying the attention all the same.

At first she didn't answer his question, instead ignored it and listened for a moment. "Jack...alright Jack" she repeated, letting his name roll around her mouth for a few as she thought things over. The interruption his colleague had brought was welcomed, surprisingly. It gave Alora a moment to breathe and decide what she was going to do in this situation.

Except the problem was, when he came back she was still very much clueless. His blue eyes met her amber ones and once again she was lost in them. Silently cursing him for being so stupidly alluring she gave him another smile before sipping her drink again. "I see. Well, it's all a bit over my head. I guess my job hasn't changed much. I'm teaching the younger kids, and my subject is one of the core ones. So it doesn't really effect me I suppose." with another brief pause, she sipped some more of her whiskey and then quirked an eyebrow at him.

"Guess what I teach. I've already given you two clues. It should be easy now, no?" with a more wicked smile, her eyes stayed locked on him, almost challenging. Playing a game would always be fun of course, especially with someone so attractive.

JOHN ELLIOT CLARK

[JOHN ELLIOT CLARK]

"Aye," came Jack's simple reply. He was torn away from Alora to serve some other thirsty students, leaving her to her thoughts. But within a few minutes, he was drawn back like a fish on a hook. He asked how she thought of Hogwarts being split up into different years. Then she admitted to teaching the younger students. Jack had thought it strange to split up the core years, but since he wasn't rich enough to be on the board of anything, he supposed he had no say.

"Naw, Alora," said Jack, a teasing lilt to his voice. "That's not very fair of you, is it?" He let his eyes drift over her form once more. She could teach anything. Well, except for Defence. Jack had a suspicion that Zabini wouldn't leave his post at Hogwarts until he died. And perhaps not even then. That left a host of other choices though - Charms, Transfiguration, Potions, Herbology... Jack leaned closer to her, smirking at the challenge in her eyes. There was nothing that he loved more than someone with a backbone.

With surprising gentleness, Jack took Alora's hand. "May I?" he asked, lifting her hand to examine it. He would go by process of elimination - certainly someone who did a lot of wandwork would have callused fingers like himself, but for a different reason. And a potioneer may have discolouring to their hands. A herbologist would have dirt under their fingernails. There was so much that one could tell just from a person's hand. Jack took a moment to inspect her hand, before placing it down on the bar again. "You know," said Jack, leaning away from her so he could perch casually on the back bar. "Mums always say they can't pick a favourite child. They always deny it." His glance flicked around the bar, and no one new had come up to it. Jack retrained his focus onto Alora. "But I bet you have a favourite plant."

Alora Veda Astor

[Alora Veda Astor]

Now clutching her glass, she rolled her eyes playfully. This game was turning into a bit of fun. A bit of light teasing here and there, and here he was coming back for more. Very interesting. "It's perfectly fair Jack"

His eyes roved over her, trying to work her out. It was difficult most of the time. Usually impeccably well dressed, and ultra put together, most people only ever thought she was some important witch on the board of CEOs in some major tech company. But this evening she was way underdressed, and obviously it worked in Jack's favour. Even if it did make her seem a lot simpler. While she always manicured her hands well after playing with her plants, there was still tells to Jack. Pulling her hand back, her amber eyes kept trained on him.

When he rightly guessed her speciality, she rolled her eyes again. "See, easy one apparently" With another sip of her whiskey, she gave him a wry smile. "And just so you know; It's probably Dittany if I had to choose". In silence she downed the end of her drink before looking to him again.

"Anyway Jack.." she was careful to say his name as much as she really could without it being too weird. "What do you do with yourself when you're not here tending bar, or bringing people round back on your break time?" her tone was matter of fact as she tilted her head to the side, some of copper curls dropping over her shoulder. "Another Whiskey and Gingerale while you're at it too please. Can't leave you there with your hands hanging can I?"

JOHN ELLIOT CLARK

[JOHN ELLIOT CLARK]

Jack hummed his appreciation at the way his name rolled off her tongue. She sounded so very posh, but as he inspected her hands, he could see the secrets hidden there. Varnish and moisturiser couldn't hide all the tales of someone who worked with their hands. Jack would know - though he'd never had a manicure a day in his life. Not that he hadn't toyed with the idea, but such a frivolous expenditure made him feel sick to his stomach when he considered all the things his hard earned cash should be going to.

"You're a fixer then," Jack stated, his smirk growing more pronounced. There was something about girls who thought they could right the wrongs of life, especially in men. That they could piece every little bit together and figure someone out, and heal their wounds. The silence between them stretched, but there was no discomfort. When Alora mentioned his pastimes, he chuckled. Jack glaced over at where the girl had been, but she had disappeared. No doubt sulking off when she'd seen that his attention had been drawn away from her. Jack checked his watch - only five minutes had past. It was good that she was gone - Jack couldn't stomach impatience. The best things came to those who waited. At least, that's what he told himself as he continued writing and playing songs, waiting to be discovered.

"Aye, straight away," said Jack, swiping up her glass and discarding it in the washer. "You interested in getting to know?" he asked, glancing up from his ministrations and catching her eye. "The back exit is well concealed..." he added, but cracked a grin. "I write music. And play guitar," said Jack with a shrug, only pretending to be humble. He thought he was an excellent musician and was dedicated to his art. But Jack had learned that most girls didn't much like a showboat. "And when you're not charming dittany and lonely bar workers? What do you get up to, Alora?"

Alora Veda Astor

[Alora Veda Astor]

"Hm." Alora pondered quietly. "I wouldn't exactly say that. But I can see use in things I suppose..." It was true; while she didn't much care exactly to 'fix' things. She was rational in her thinking, seeing something as most useful.

As she pulled her hands from him, there was a beat of discomfort, but she was quick to quell that. Although she probably should think it, there was something alluring about him. Musing again, she pursed her lips. "Some things are beyond fixing sometimes." eventually she said quietly, all whilst holding her not entirely true smile. The statement was meant to be a vague one, but in reality it was more about herself. She had been through so much in her life already, she had just about given up on fixing any of it. Even though there is so much more shit coming her way L-O-L. There was no point anymore. Thus was likely what had prompted her seemingly quiet retirement to Hogwarts, where she could lock herself away and just focus on what needed doing she supposed. Occupy herself not with sculpting young minds, but with her actual one love in life; greenery.

Her painted lips now stretched into a more wistful smile as she listened to him- noting silently how the original girl had slipped away. While he began to make her drink, the flirting came naturally to him, tumbling out with no effort at all. Alora's amber eyes rolled as her face turned to a smirk. "I see. Shame then that she didn't want to wait for you, eh? Cocking her head to the side, she ruffled some of her red hair and laughed under her breath. Surveying him further, she took in the information; storing it away for later use as needed. "Interesting Jack, if a little unsurprising" shrugging her small shoulder her smile grew tighter now "Well, nothing I suppose. Things have changed quite a lot for me recently I guess and I don't really know anymore..." There was the slight slip in her outside, the chink in her armour. She softened just slightly as her gaze dropped away from him and she reached towards the drink he had barely placed in front of her, just to have something to do with herself.

JOHN ELLIOT CLARK

[JOHN ELLIOT CLARK]

Jack eyed her before being summoned to serve another student. He mulled over Alora's words, thinking about what she said. Some things were beyond fixing. Some things were beyond saving. Jack didn't like to think too deeply on the best of days, but what if his career was over before it could started? He shoved down that thought before slinging together a gin and tonic and presenting it to the patron. When Jack returned his attention to Alora, fixing her drink and telling her tiny details about himself. On the outside, they would seem so important. But his music was as much a part of him as a personality trait. Alora commented it was a shame that the girl didn't want to wait for him, but Jack only shrugged. "Love's a fleeting thing," he said, crossing his arms.

"So..." he started, his cool blue eyes searching her face. "You mean to tell me you have no interests? No hobbies? Nothing to keep you occupied but your hands?" he added with a smirk. "I don't believe you for a millisecond." There was no such thing as having nothing. And Alora didn't strike him as the type to be stagnant. More likely, she just didn't want to share. "Fair is fair. You asked me what I did, and I answered. Now, it's your turn," he added, a note of challenge in his voice. "I don't care if you lie. I don't care if you tell me you dine with that bloody Queen of England every Thursday. But don't say you do nothing."

Alora Veda Astor

[Alora Veda Astor]

Alora's smile lingered, but the fire behind it had distinguished somewhat as Jack uttered her exact feeling.

"Love's a fleeting thing,"

Even if it wasn't exactly love, some girl waiting to fuck him in the back alley, but he wasn't wrong.

Solemnly she nodded, and let him move on with the conversation. "I guess not. My life has been somewhat of an upheaval recently. Things have changed and not to be that person, but I'm sort of finding myself again I guess" What she said wasn't wrong, but she didn't like admitting it and for a moment she bit down on her lip as if to steady herself someway. Forcing another smile she gave him a shrug, in an attempt to brush him off. "I'm not very interesting I guess. The most I'll be up to this evening is curling up in my rented room with the newest Herbology journal and a cup or tea, maybe a glass of wine..." She had been a lot more interesting once upon a time. But she had gone into a period of....refurbishment of sorts. The months prior to taking this job had been dark ones, filled with nothing good for her. Now she had been forced to look forward and find joy in things she had once loved. Or try to anyway.

She hadn't noticed her glass refill, as if by magic, but she was still grateful for it and gave him a small smile of gratitude as she leaned forward to sip from it. "I need to find something more interesting to keep me occupied I guess"

JOHN ELLIOT CLARK

[JOHN ELLIOT CLARK]

Jack regarded Alora with curiosity. "Aye, you do sound like that person," he observed with an incline of his chin. "What about music?" he asked, the first thing that came to mind. Not that music was just a hobby of his - it was his life. Jack craved the opportunity to make his true love a full time gig, but the desire and deep seated need to support his family took precedence. "Reading counts as a hobby," said Jack after Alora expounded on her interests more.

Jack found his mind wandering, wondering what Mal would make of the Herbology professor. Her demure nature, her reservedness would present a challenge to his brother. But Mal would draw out more flirtation from her, of that Jack was sure. She looked thoughtful after her explanation, and Jack presumed there was much that she was holding back. "That's something more than nothing," said Jack at last.

Smirking, Jack replied. "I can think of a few things if you're interested," said Jack, his voice low. "I get off in an hour," he added. "And by a few things, I mean I can teach you a few guitar riffs," he added by way of clarification.

Alora Veda Astor

[Alora Veda Astor]

Rolling her eyes, as he confirmed she was in fact that person, she smirked. "Hm alright then" Maybe she'd be a little more interesting once the term started, she could find 'Teacher Alora' and cling on to that role a little bit. It would give her enough to keep herself going anyway, even if she had nothing else going for her. Amber eyes trailed over him again and gave a small shrug, wondering if she should go for another drink "Music's nice I guess. I don't really have an active like for it, I don't follow any bands or anything I suppose. But if it's on the radio or whatever I listen. I suppose I like having classical music on in the background as I work. But I don't think that's quite what you mean" tilting the glass towards him she gave him a move obvious sign for a top up, a wicked smile dancing on her lips. It was dangerous territory she supposed, but her mind was becoming too liquified to care all that much.

Her eyes narrowed just slightly then, almost challenging him.

"Oh do you?" tilting her head she gave a quiet, throaty laugh. Something in the back of her brain was telling her to throw caution to the wind, and just go for it, even if the sensible side (growing smaller by the moment) was protesting. The half intoxicated brain weighed it up, at the worst they'd be in his quarters, which meant she could make an escape if needed. With a nibble on her lip, her head tilted to the side, displacing more of her copper hair and she shrugged "Alright then, I don't think I'll be very good. But alright..."

JOHN ELLIOT CLARK

[JOHN ELLIOT CLARK]

Jack's interest slipped at Alora's admission. "Music's a magic greater than words," said Jack, a note of accusation in his voice. He was totally floored that she had no active interest in it. His brows drew together as he inspected her face. "No, it's not," he added flatly. Jack had to admit, whilst Alora was quite frankly gorgeous, there was something prickly and challenging about her. There was a war in his mind - to conquer but also to educate. To have her learn to appreciate music more than just as a passing thing. Her red painted lips quirked upwards and Jack silently refilled her glass, sliding it across the bar to her.

The way Alora bit her lip in thought dispersed any doubt in Jack's mind. He gave her an easy smile. "Don't worry, I'll be there to help the whole way," said Jack. "A professor, learning. The marvels never stop." Jack looked over his shoulder, before returning his attention to Alora. "I best pay more attention. Chat to you in an hour, Alora," said Jack, his voice softer and kinder than would be expected of a Clark boy. With one final nod, Jack turned to the growing mass of students keen for a pint.

Alora Veda Astor
we can continue or new thread or w/e