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Tweak says, "Mindbottling, isn't it?"

James "Prongs" Potter (_cervus_) wrote in hogwarts_dawn,
@ 2021-06-03 15:45:00

Entry tags:

character: james potter, character: savannah monroe

RP: James & Savannah
Who: James & Savannah
What: Curtain hunt
Where: Starting on the edge of the forest
When: June 3rd, afternoon

James arrived a few minutes early to their designated meeting spot at the edge of the forest, so wasn't really surprised to be the first one there. Settling in to wait, he slouched against a particularly gnarled old beech tree, absently twirling his wand and making a few buttercups dance a merry little jig across the forest floor. He was in a good mood. Scratch that, he was in a brilliant mood. In fact, there was very little that could be done to take much of the shine off today. Even missing the sunshine to go trudging around the forest on the hunt for Sirius' death curtains seemed to have an exciting kind of air about it.

He flicked his wand and the yellow petals transformed into canary-coloured beetles, zipping away into the trees. James watched them go absently, finally pocketing his wand and looking around for Savannah. He was pretty sure he'd heard... there. He grinned crookedly at the young woman heading in his direction. He'd gotten to know the quidditch player quite well over weeks of training, and he liked her. She had a rather Gryffindor way about her, he reckoned, once you got past that Hufflepuff niceness. Lifting his voice, James called out to her as she stepped into the clearing.

"Ready to squash some drapery, Monroe?"

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savannah_monroe
2021-06-03 03:23 pm UTC (link)

Savannah didn't know what was going on in Mr. Potter's mind. Or if anything. Sure, she did aerial training with the DMLE, but she wasn't a fighter. She had always felt that school, spells and anything related to it were secondary to Quidditch, but apparently Mr. Potter hadn't gotten the memo and here she was, expected to deal with all sorts of magical beasts and beings.

"I'm so very not ready," she said as she approached. "And call me 'Savannah', everyone else does," she said with a smile.

"It's not the Veil that worries me. I can do a few detection spells now that I've been taught. It's everything that stands in between us and the Veil that worries me." She really didn't like this at all, but she also couldn't let Jamie's grandfather get hurt.

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_cervus_
2021-06-03 04:52 pm UTC (link)

James shot her his trademark grin, pushing himself away from the tree. "It'll be fine," he told her breezily. "The worst you get around here is some grumpy doxies."

As for when you went deeper... well, they'd deal with that when it came to it. James liked to think he knew the forest fairly well by this point. He'd spent long enough charging around it during full moons and it wasn't the sort of place that changed that often, after all.

"Anyway, I'm sure you're more decent with a wand than you think. You handle yourself in training." James pushed his fringe from from eyes and nodded towards the overgrown, rarely trodden pathway deeper into the trees. He couldn't help that mildly overexcited grin from creeping back. "Shall we?"

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savannah_monroe
2021-06-03 05:09 pm UTC (link)

"Except we aren't expected to stay around here," she pointed out. These people might be war veterans, but she often felt like a mother trying to teach them some common sense. Then again, she often did that with her own parents. "After we were told to avoid the Forbidden Forest at all costs, so they are expecting things other than doxies. Also doxies are evil," she said, making a face.

Savannah laughed. "I'm really not, but thank you for saying it. I only took Transfiguration and Charms for my NEWTs because those came easy. Dropped DADA like a hot potato and we never really had to worry about any of that. I dropped a lot of classes honestly, because I couldn't be bothered with school when there was Quidditch."

She took out her wand, deciding that there wasn't a good time to start so they might as well. "Peace has given us a lot of opportunities, most of all, the opportunity not to be good with a wand."

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_cervus_
2021-06-03 06:40 pm UTC (link)

"Doxies are bastards," James agreed cheerfully. "Anyway, we won't know what's in there until we go, right?" It was hard for him to be worried about the forest. He was pretty sure he had spent seven years sharing a dormitory with one of the 'scariest' things in there. Anyway, even imminent mauling wasn't about to put a dampener on his mood today.

He laughed. "Can't blame you for that." Quidditch had been a frequent distraction for him at school as well, and he hasn't been in nearly the same league as Savannah. If he had been he probably would have slept on the pitch. "Sounds like it worked out pretty well for you, anyway."

James waved an arm grandly, leading her away from the treeline and further into the forest. It was muggy in here, with the sunshine fighting hard to break through the canopy overhead. James noticed Savannah had drawn her wand, and did the same, twirling it between his fingers as he stepped over a large bundle if ferns.

"That's not a bad thing, though," he said, glancing back with a shrug. "That was the whole point of it, really. So you wouldn't have to."

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savannah_monroe
2021-06-03 07:02 pm UTC (link)

"Utter bastards," she said with a grin. "I was going to be perfectly all right with not knowing what's in there." What was it with these Gryffindors and their need to discover things? Life was pretty good without any discoveries or the scars that you got from those treks.

Savannah lowered her voice as she stepped into the forest. It hadn't been a conscious choice, but a natural response that any prey had when dealing with a potential predator. "I knew I was going to play Quidditch since I was a toddler. People assumed that I'd go into music like Dad, but I loved to watch my grandmother and my aunt fly. I could run circles around most adults on a broom before Hogwarts. Of course, I was not allowed on the team my first year. Jamie was, because he's a Potter. Still kicked his arse when I got on the team."

She nodded. "I know it is a very good thing, but part of that good thing makes us very unprepared for this part of life. Organizing, parties, clubs, new fashion? Those things we're really good at. Survival and war aren't our thing."

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_cervus_
2021-06-03 07:50 pm UTC (link)

'Because he's a Potter.'

James had to work very hard not to grin at that and even then he wasn't sure he had done a good job. The novelty of having extended family - blood family - had yet to wear off. Sometimes he was so bloody proud of the lot of them he could burst. And that family was growing. It was all he could do not to try and high five poor Savannah right there.

"I don't doubt it," he chuckled, glancing around at the spaces between the trees. Just in case. The shadows seemed to be darkening, but apart from the odd bird or squirrel, they looked to be alone.

"Good job you got us lot, then." He turned easily on his heel so he was walking backwards, grinning across at Savannah. "Between all of us we'll cover all the goalposts. Survival with parties was always the dream, anyway."

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savannah_monroe
2021-06-03 08:01 pm UTC (link)

Savannah rolled her eyes at James' reaction. "It's not a good thing, you know. People start to resent you. Well, maybe not Mr. Potter, but his children. Although I'm probably the only one who calls him that. Scorpius is starting to slip up, mixing Mr. Potter and Harry. I suppose it was inevitable when he's dating your father."

She grinned. "It's why he's happy to play on my team here. He knows we'll win." She sighed. "I really do miss playing for real. Not that you lot aren't... dedicated," she said, trying to pick the right word. "I just want to play with real players."

She wasn't sure that they were lucky. They could have just avoided the forest, but she didn't say that. "It's so dark and loud in here." She'd gotten so used to the castle where you couldn't hear anything with the stone walls and floors. Out here nature was the true queen. "My only time on anything green is on the pitch."

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_cervus_
2021-06-03 10:38 pm UTC (link)

James laughed loudly, probably not doing much for their 'sneaking about the forest' plan that Savannah seemed to be hatching. "Thanks, I guess?" It was hard to be offended. He wasn't a proper quidditch player. Maybe he could have been, if he'd practiced more instead of chasing Lily or arsing around with Sirius. If there hadn't been a war on. If, if, if... but things were how they were, and right now, they were pretty bloody brilliant.

"Maybe they'll open up the borders and you'll get poached," he suggested brightly. "Germany or somewhere. They must still have some decent team. Once the castle gets over the billiwig in its knickers, obviously."

"Is it?" James looked around. He supposed it was a bit on the gloomy side. But it was daytime, so it was hard to panic too much. James pushed his glasses up his nose, slowing his pace a little so Savannah fell into step beside him. "It's just the forest," he told her, bracingly. "There's nothing out there. Maybe the odd rabbit, but everything else is loads further in. I can change and get a better idea, if you like?"

Prongs had much better eyes and nose for this kind of thing than James had, but he felt a little reluctant to leave Savannah without someone to talk to. He shrugged, knocking his elbow gently against her arm. "Hey, we'll get this done nice and sharpish and then head back. How well hidden can a creepy old archway be, anyway?"

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savannah_monroe
2021-06-03 10:58 pm UTC (link)

"Don't mention it. Really don't mention it," she said, grinning. "But ten points to Gryffindor for trying really hard. Jamie is still the smartest and knows how to win, which includes playing with me." Not that Mr. Potter hadn't held his own. That catch had been insane.

Savannah snorted. "I'm not sure poached is a possibility when there's no team here, but I'd go in a heartbeat. I love you all, but there's no reason for me to stay. You have lives and families. I know i have my Dad here, but it's different. Dad is... Dad. Once those borders open and we can travel, he'll be gallivanting through Europe."

She looked at him, shaking her head. "I know it's Scotland and it always rains, but I think you can tell the difference from out there, and I know it is, but it just sounds different. Not necessarily scary, but louder. We'll wait until we get closer to killing bugs before you change, yeah?"

She laughed, covering her mouth with her hand to muffle the sound. "The most ancient magical artefact of the country? Oh I don't know, maybe it's just lying around."

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_cervus_
2021-06-04 01:15 pm UTC (link)

"Almost definitely," James agreed, then hesitated. "I had your Dad's memories. Did you know that? He's definitely got some... interesting stuff going on." Kirley Duke lived a life about as far removed from James' own as was possible. Well, with a few choice exceptions. He frowned slightly, once again reaching up to rumple his hair before catching himself.

"But you're pretty close with Jamie, aren't you?" He asked instead, letting his hand fall. He'd noticed them talking on several occasions.

"Aye aye cap'n." James gave her a mock salute, but continued to walk alongside her as they ventured through the trees. At her quickly stifled laugh, he couldn't help shooting her another sideways smile.

"That's the spirit," he teased happily. "We'll have this wrapped up by teatime. Although.. " James' footsteps slowed and he looked a little hopelessly around. "It might be easier if we had any bloody clue where to start. It's a big forest."

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savannah_monroe
2021-06-04 06:05 pm UTC (link)

"I know. Mr. Potter sent that list." She had tried not to think about it too hard. "I had Lily Luna's memories; we stayed in the family." She smiled. "Dad has a very interesting life. My upbringing was very unorthodox, going on tour, witnessing things that no child should witness, but it's life with the Weird Sisters, you know? I wasn't the only child there. Plenty of them had children. Is there something in particular that's bothering you about those memories?" she asked, curious.

She nodded. "We- were. We dated for a long time and I thought we'd get married. He didn't agree with me and broke up with me. We barely talked after that until he showed up here. It seems silly to be upset with him when we're facing the end of the world."

She smiled again. Then the realization came that James was just so... happy with everything. It wasn't an emotion that she associated with the name Potter. "I know that you are hardly the normal Dad or Grandfather, but there's one thing that you can teach your family even now. You can teach them how to enjoy life and be happy. They suck at it."

Savannah chuckled. "I'm glad they paired us together. I'm told that I'm too optimistic and happy for most, but we'll get along just fine." She shrugged. "Guess that's why we have grids and a schedule with an undetermined termination date. I doubt we'll finish any time soon."

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_cervus_
2021-06-05 10:20 pm UTC (link)

James half wished she'd drop the whole 'Mr Potter' thing. It simultaneously made him feel like he was being put in detention while chatting about his father. But then again, the poor girl would probably malfuction if he suggested she address Harry any differently... his son definitely had that kind of effect on some of the people here.

"Huh?" He was pulled from his thoughts by her words. "Oh. Nah, it's fine. I mean, it's mental, but it's fine. I'm just a one woman kind of bloke... I've fancied Lily since I was about thirteen, so maybe his way of doing things is a bit of a culture shock." He grinned easily at Savannah, pushing a low hanging branch out the way before it whacked him in the face.

Safe from any vicious trees, at least for now, James shoved his hands in his pockets as he listened. "I reckon the end of the world does that to people," he nodded. "I'm glad you got to be mates again though, at least." He kind of thought his grandkids needed them, although he didn't voice that opinion out loud.

"Well, I'll give it a try," he shrugged. The idea that the other Potters needed help in that department was vaguely depressing. Or would have been, if James had been in any position to be depressed. Still, he filed that information away for a day when he was willing to examine it more closely.

"Aw, Savannah!" He slung an easy arm around her shoulders. "You're going to make me cry. I reckon this will be the start of a beautiful, forest-based friendship. Well... as long as we don't get killed by curtains or doxies."

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savannah_monroe
2021-06-06 03:08 am UTC (link)

Savannah laughed. "Yeah, I know. Trust me. It's weird to see your father at orgies and thinking that it's all right to invite you. Mum was all about sexual freedom, so she didn't care. I can't say that I understand and they are my parents, so I don't expect you to understand either." Her smile dimmed for a moment. "I wasn't that bad with Jamie, but I really thought he was the one."

She nodded. "It does, but it can't bring back what we had. It would almost feel like we're settling for something that's familiar and comfortable, but not the type of love that one should have." The more they talked, the less she thought that they'd ever get back together, but then no one knew what the future would be like.

She hoped so, because they really needed someone to teach them to enjoy life and she didn't think she was that person. The arm around her startled her, but then chuckled. "I can practically see the tears starting to form. I get it, mate. We are the stuff of legend. Your wife will be jealous of our new-albeit-possibly-short-lived partnership," she teased.

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_cervus_
2021-06-06 02:52 pm UTC (link)

"If that's what your gut is saying," he nodded. "You're probably right. I've always been firmly in the 'when you know, you know camp. So... sounds like you know." Although he could definitely think of worse granddaughters-in-law he could end up with... Still, a voice in his head (Moony, is that you?) told him not to meddle, so James kept his mouth shut.

"Anyway," he continued instead, his face cracking with a skewed grin. "There's probably a strapping German beater just waiting to whisk you away in a few months, right? Can't leave him hanging."

It was surprisingly easy, wandering around the forest with Savannah. Not that James had much trouble making friends (with a few exceptions), but he could imagine this particular task might have have torturous if he'd been saddled with the wrong person. He chuckled at her next comment, his hand finally breaking his resolve and flying up to rumple his thick hair.

"The poor girl's probably weeping into her compost right now," James agreed with a feigned sigh of regret, giving her shoulders a playful squeeze before releasing her.

He stepped over a particularly gnarly old root carefully, watching carefully as Savannah dio the same. The forest was definitely darkening, but not enough to be concerning. Rabbits, squirrels and the odd mouse, he reminded himself.

"Come on then, heartbreaker," James gestured onwards, pressing forward through the trees. "Let's see if we can survive until dinner."

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