A Pleasure to Steal Your Acquaintance Finished

Summer. What a dreadful time of year. Most would revel in its bounty as they yearned for warm weather and clear skies. They would frolic around in their short pants and tank tops as they wasted the long days away doing whatever it is they do. It was so damn annoying! Howard could hear the shouts of joy and glee as they sprawled around the grounds soaking up the rays or putting together a pickup game of Quidditch. All the while he would stay cooped up in the castle, waiting for the sun’s harmful rays to finally disperse. Then, it would be his time. Night would come and Howard would rise like most do at day break.

It was the only time where he didn’t feel constrained. He could cast off the long and heavy cloak that was necessary to protect his fragile flesh. It was also the best time for him to be alone. To get away from the rest of the student body and finally have some time for himself. They were nothing but an annoyance anyways. A constant hum of noise as they worried about their petty bullshit. Who likes who? Oh my god! My grades! They didn’t have a clue what life was really about. How they were being shepherded into lives as nothing but brainless sheep. They would never understand.

So, Howard the loner Dhampir did what he did best. As the grounds began to empty for the evening, he made his way out to the lake. It was the place where he did his best thinking. There was something about the rhythmic sound of the water’s gentle movement that allowed the boy to sink into his thoughts. To process the day and focus on his journey forward. He was also a creature of repetition just like anyone else. His long legs would soon find a familiar path and contemplative thought would begin.

Perhaps it was this deep thinking that would find Howard in the predicament that was about to unfold. He was usually quite aware of his surroundings. His predatory nature sharpened his senses to be more keen than most. However, this night he would slip. By the time he realized that a presence was behind him it was too late. She had the drop on him. No matter though. Howard has skill, instinct and reflexes that serve him well.

Just as she was finishing her demand, Howard would turn and close the gap between them with surprising speed. His right hand would slash through the air to grab her wrist and turn the wand away from him. The left hand would grasp onto the fabric of her clothing as he pulled her close. The moonlight would illuminate his pale flesh. A wicked look would flash through the red irises of his eyes as his lips parted into a nasty smile. Two long fangs would slowly protrude from gaps in his gums where normal canine teeth should be.

This would normally be the time where Howard would twist her wrist with all his strength, hoping for a sickening snap. Or perhaps he would just slam his forehead against her face and leave her bloodied in the grass. However, as he studied her face a different thought would come to mind. He would see a look of determination splashed across her face. There was a darkness in her eye that called to his true nature. The boldness of her actions and demand told him that she might just not be like all the others. Above all, she piqued his curiosity.

Howard would release his grasp on her clothing and with a twitch in the muscles of his face, the fangs would retreat back into the gum line. His free hand would reach into the bag he had tied to his belt line and withdraw a piece of gold. He would press it against the palm of her free hand for her to take.

“How about a coin for your thoughts instead?” His voice was deep and carried a shared accent. “Now be a good girl and put that fuckin’ wand away.”

With that Howard would release her wand hand and turn his back to her as he began to walk away. Sure, he opened himself up for attack. Part of him might even welcome the fight, but perhaps she just might follow.

“Come on then. Let’s have a chat and you can have all the coin in my bag. However, you’ll have to kill me if you want the rest.” It was both a request and a warning.

This boy was quick. Too quick to be human. Her reaction was an obvious shocked one, with her brows raised causing her eyes to widen more than they already were. He was no human. His skin, his eyes and his... fangs? A Dhampir. She had done her brief search into them. There was one thing she knew about them and that was the strength and she could feel it just through the grip he had on her. But did he think he could scare her with his appearance? Because...deep down it worked. There wasn't any way of her hiding such a reaction, but she was sure to follow it up with a glare.

As soon as he realised his grip on her, she wanted to swing for him but she knew it would make her look more of a fool than she already felt. There was no point. All she had to defend herself at this moment in time was her words, and... a coin he had given her. She was not some beggar and she did not want him to give it so willingly. ''Hey!'' She grunted, picking the coin and flinging it back in the direction he wandered off to. She wanted to shout at him to release her anger, but her choice of words was never right when it actually came to saying them aloud.

Annoyed and irritated, she kept her distance behind the boy, following with caution. Where was he going? And why was she following so willingly? ''Where you goin'?'' She stopped in her tracks, with a brow raised in irritation. There wasn't any way she was going where he was. '' Don't think 'cause of what you are makes me scared of you, 'cause it don't.'' The Slytherin dropped to her knees beside the lake and let her fingers run through the grass before taking a clump of it in her grasp and pulling it up from the roots. Her gaze had drifted from him down to the strands in her hands, twirling them around her fingers as the silence she usually enjoyed had started to make her awkward with someone around. A few times her mouth would open as if to speak, but each time nothing came out.

Her grasp loosened, allowing the strands of grass to fly freely into the lake in front of her. There was a light breeze now. No trees nearby to shield the girl. It wasn't so much the cold that got to her, but her hair. It was blowing all over the place; curls hooking themselves into the corner of her mouth and a few strands from her fridge attacking her eyes. It was as if the world as against her tonight. Surprisingly, she didn't seem fazed for her attention was on the water, watching the grass float away into the distance.

Ping! The sound of the metal coin bouncing off the pebbles of the path would bring Howard to a stop. His head would shift ever so slightly to to peek over his shoulder, back in her direction. The corner of his mouth would raise just a touch as a smirk came to his lips. She indeed was impressive. Was it pride that caused her to reject the money? Anger in the way he had spoken to her? Howard yearned to find out more about this mysterious brunette.

He would bend down a pick up the Galleon, placing it back within the bag before making his way over to where she knelt. ”There’s a nice boulder along the water’s edge, just a bit further down the path. It’s a nice place to sit and enjoy the lake, but here is just a fine.” An answer to her question.

With that, Howard would lower himself down beside her, crossing his legs as he sat. “No need to lie, girl.” He spoke without making eye contact, his gaze fixed ahead onto the water. ”I know for a fact that you were scared, even if it was just for a moment. I saw the shock in your eyes, felt the quickening of your pulse. I could practically smell it on you. It’s not a weakness as so many might tell you. Quite the opposite in fact.”

Now, Howard would shift his torso in her direction. Reaching out with a long, clawed index finger he would quickly prod her chin so that his blood red eyes could lock with her dark brown. “Fear is nothing but fuel for the body and mind. Most people just can’t handle it. They cower or run like a fuckin’ child...but not you. Unlike most, you know how to use it. How to feed off it it and let it set fire to that beast you got right in your guts. No...you was scared, but I bet you’d crack my skull if you had to.”

As he spoke, the wind began to pick up, blowing her curls around her face and sending his this way and that. He turned away from her to shield his eyes against it. “Hmph. Damn the wind. Names Howard by the way.”

Her body stiffened the moment he planted himself beside her. Did he have to sit so close? Nonetheless, she was determined this time to not let his presence or action irritate her, or at least have her not show it to him so bloody easily. It seemed like a game to him, like he wanted to see her reaction. But to her, it was nothing but embarrassing.

She shifted her gaze from the pond to the boulder that he talked about. He has been here before then. It baffled her as to how they hadn't bumped into each other sooner, although she wasn't necessarily complaining about that. It wasn't long after that her attention was drawn back to him as he continued to ramble on. She wasn't too sure when to jump in. '' Will ya-'' She exhaled and bit her lip, calming herself down before her voice could raise. She didn't like that he could read her emotions so well. It made her uncomfortable and nervous, and that never ever happened. '' Will you stop doing whatever it is you are doing to me. Smelling me like that or-'' She was cut off by a prod. The eye contact that she shared with the other was brief, but she couldn't help but feel her cheeks heat up. '' Don't touch me! Can't you just keep your hands to yourself? It's... It's bloody rude!!'' She snapped once more. An effect she seemed to be having with him quite frequently.
In return for his actions, she reached over with one hand and grabbed him by the wrist firmly while the other made its way to his face, poking both his cheeks once. '' You like that? Doesn't feel good, does it? Me invading on your personal space.''

She forced her weight backwards so that she fell back onto the grass. The space between them had grown and she planned to keep it that way. God knows how he was going to react this time with the actions she just performed on him. They were childish, and an immature move on Falentras behalf, but it was clear that a violent approach would have no effect on him. By the time she had gathered herself together and brushed back her hair behind her ears, she decided to take a look over to him. Her face now on full show, her sharp jawline and overall skeleton-like structure stood out like a sore thumb. She was ill-looking to most, and her pale skin tone could almost be compared to the others. She couldn't help but take a look at his blood-red eyes whilst he wasn't looking. They were something else, but she wasn't planning on throwing a compliment his way anytime soon.
''Howard? Howard what?'' Falentra mumbled under her breath then fell onto her back, staring up at the stars. ''Me names Falentra Black.''

Black meets White. A classic color combination for the ages, but time would still be the factor to see if these two would form any kind of bond after this chance encounter. Falentra had stoked the flames of curiosity within Howard and he couldn’t help himself but to dig in. To poke, prod and scratch beneath the surface to see if he could find any gold. His proximity to her was intentional. Would she cower under his presence? No. Unlike most, she would stay her ground. Would she allow his invasive touch? No, she would not.

“Fair enough.” Howard stated matter of factly as he half heartedly swatted away her bony hands. His truth was the same as hers, no he did not like the invasion of personal space. In fact, in any other circumstance, those long and pointy fingers would have snapped in consequence. However, he couldn’t help but to admire her reaction. She had more strength than what one might assume. Sure, he most likely could have wrangled his wrist free from her grasp, but it was the action itself that spoke so loudly. Sure, it was slightly immature , but also so different than the norm. Howard could tell that Falentra was a fighter, a survivor, a take no bullshit badass. Their similarities would perhaps drive them away from each other, but maybe, just maybe, they might make an acquaintance.

“I can’t help the nose. Just my nature.” He offered a brief explanation of his senses. His eyes would lock with hers for a moment as she created space between them and set her boundaries. Howard would respect them, at least for now anyways. As she swiped her wild curls behind her ears, he would see her face fully for the first time before turning his gaze back to the water. The sharp facial features and pale skin might not be the classic definition of beauty, but her appearance was striking nevertheless. He blinked away the thought as he refocused his purpose.

“White.” Howard gave Falentra his full name as she had. “I can’t help but notice your accent. A fellow Manc, eh? So tell me Falentra. What’s your take on all this?” He gestured our across the water, towards the Hogwart’s castle. “You come up in all this magic shite?”

Falentra gave the Hufflepuff a quick nod in response to his question. '' Pretty much. I grew up down in London but moved up to Manchesta a few years back.'' She thought to herself. Despite not living in the city long, she spent a lot of her free time, which was all the time, mimicking the people of Manchester. Their accent was very bold and expressive, and their natures was a lot kinder than those down South. She loved it. '' I spent some time on the streets, picked up the accent fair fast I guess.' Her head tilted to the side, facing her attention to the boy. He was asking a lot of question. Probably just as intrigued as she was with him. It wasn't that she was bothered with telling him about herself, it was more the fact that the more he knew about her, the more he was to find her weakness easily and that could be used against her.

'' Hmm..'' Frowning, she moved her head back to face to the stars once more. She may as well have a decent conversation with someone at some point during her time at Hogwarts, and out of everyone, he seemed more with it and understanding. It seemed he has had his own share of struggles... a young Dhampir. She wondered how he coped so well. ‘' Well. I've been around it me ol' life. My mam and dad owed a Potion shop down in London for some time, did an alright job. Me dad loved to experiment...'' The speed in her voice quickened as she spoke of her father. ‘'Had me self a nosey through some of his stuff one time. Nicked one of his journals too. Actually quite interesting.'' She paused, giving the poor lad time to take what seemed like a lot of talking for her. “Might even have something in ‘ere about your kind.” A smirk sneaked its way onto her lips. Not because of him. She wasn’t trying to throw a dig his way. It was aimed at her father... not that she’d have said anything like that in front of him.
Her father held so much passion for his work, and kept it all in his mini journals, not letting even his wife , his pride and joy, take a peek at them. Falentra, on the other hand, had no problem attempting to have a look. She got away with it anyway so it didn’t matter now.

It felt that she was talking far too much about herself. Even if it was just a little from his point of view. She had never spoken to someone so much without stuttering or stopping to catch her breath. It felt weird, but good to get a little bit of it off her chest. “How about you Howard? Tell me your story. How..” Hesitant, she tried to shift her gaze to him, without turning her head. “If it’s alright to ask, ‘ow did you..” She sat up and shuffled herself to face him. If she was going to ask him, she wanted to see his reaction. He wasn’t the only one that wanted to see it. “How did you end up becoming a Dhampir?” Her brown hues fixated on him, staring him down with curiously whilst unlocking leaning forward in excitement.

”Aye, the good ole streets of Manchester. Used to run them with my mates before all this.” He gestured towards the castle with a wave of his hand. It was surprising that she came from London originally. Her accent sounded genuine. “Wouldn’t have pegged you as a southerner. You sound like a natural.”

Howard’s eyes would slowly drift back towards Falentra as she began to speak of her upcoming. He wanted to pay attention to how she spoke of it. His eyes would narrow ever so slightly as she explained that she was born into a magical family. As much as her father’s work did sound interesting, Howard couldn’t help but wonder if she was one of those purist assholes that infested the halls of the Hogwarts castle. Oh how they had turned their nose up at him for being Muggleborn, some how proud of their incestuous blood lines. No matter, he was something completely different now. As his long, clawed fingers came to rest on his knee, he couldn’t help but think that he had a lot more than strong words for people like that now.

Howard would clear his throat as the nerves shot through him. Her question of his transformation was both unexpected and was a very sensitive subject for the teenager. It wasn’t that he was ashamed of it or suffered from the trauma of being turned. Quite the opposite in fact. Howard loved what he had become. For the first time ever, his outer appearance reflected what he truly was. A predator, a monster, something to be afraid of. Gone was the need to keep up the fake smile and all of the other bullshit pleasantries that society pushes onto humans. He now felt free. Well....he would eye the castle again...almost free. The reason her question gave him a slight pause was not the inquiry of how he came to be, but the path that had led him to it. It was his darkest secret. He quickly blinked away the concern and regained his composure.

She turned her gaze to him as she asked the question. His eyes wouldn’t waver from hers as he offered his answer. “You don’t need my permission to ask a question.” This was no attempt to be fair, it was a challenge to see if she might be of like mind. “You wanted to know something so you asked, much as I did before you. No need for niceties in my company.”

Howard allowed a moments pause before continuing. “Most Dhampirs are born, but I was turned a little over a year ago. You could say I stuck my neck out where it didn’t belong.” He wouldn’t offer any more details as of now, but he would reach for his collar and pull it down to reveal the bite scars on his neck. Falentra might also notice that the index finger he used was without a nail, in its place a wicked scar, and that he wore a simple black necklace. “But before that, I was a Muggleborn.” Howard stopped to judge her reaction.

The Slytherin lifted her knees to her chest. The temperature had begun to drop and the wind had picked up over time. She began to feel the cold creeping in but tried her best not to show it. She wondered if he felt the cold like her and everyone else? Then again, he looked as though he belonged outside; his complexion and overall appearance made her feel cold and on constant edge..which was weird. Maybe it was just a common feeling to feel around a Dhampir, although she was never this bad around Keagan. His approach was more timid-like, whereas Howard was giving Falentra signals that held rage or anger of some sort. She understood that, maybe not the exact same way as him, but she felt it.

He had pulled down the collar of his shirt to reveal his bite. It looked painful, but Falentras eyes were glued to it, almost mesmerised. ''Woa-'' She stopped herself from becoming excited but remembered he could probably notice the pace of her heart and breath quickening. Dammit... She cursed in her thoughts and gave herself a quick eye roll before leaning forward to take a closer look. ''Bleedin' 'eck, looks painful.'' She let out a groan to sympathise with the pain he must have gone through back then. It wasn't that long ago now that she thought about it. How did he manage his urges so well for being a somewhat newbie at this? She was intrigued and wasn't bother so much now about throwing questions his way. '' How you copin' with it then? Don't you like need to hunt and drink blood or what?'' She questioned him as if it was a normal question to ask. Holding a bored expression, despite not feeling that way at all, she pushed herself back and tucked her knees to her chest once more.

What was up with this finger anyway? It was missing a nail. Most would probably be nice and just act as though they hadn't seen it, but for Falentra, the question would just play on her mind, so she had to ask. '' Oh yeah, forgot to ask. What's with the missin' nail, Sparkles?'' Sparkles? Yes. It was quick for her. A joke of course, but an obvious nickname that she had now decided to give him. Those muggle films about Vampires that sparkled in the sunlight... made them look like right fairies in her opinion, not scary looking at all.

Falentra was having fun here and wasn't too fussed now if she was showing it. He seemed reserved but genuine and she was okay with that. But when she heard he was once a Muggleborn, she was unable to control the expressions that appeared out of nowhere. It wasn't necessarily a look of disgust but of shock. They didn't last long for her gaze lowered, knowing he caught her. '' Uhm.. I'm..'' She raised her head to him and frowned. She knew full well her reaction gave away her status. ''Sorry.'' It was painful to say, but she meant it. A Muggleborn was someone that she was taught not to interactive. At least that was what her father told her. Those, and Squibs. Apparently an embarrassment to be around but she didn't really understand why.

As Howard revealed his scar he would notice that Falentra pulled her knees into her chest. Was she repulsed by the sight like so many others? He gazed into her eyes and they would tell him no. Unlike most, there was a twinkle of fascination or perhaps admiration. Howard had grown used to people staring at him with fear or repulsion. He didn’t care. Their problem, not his. The last thing he was going to do was tip toe around them. What? Apologize for being what he was? Sod that! However, as his eyes met with hers, he had to admit that it felt kind of nice to be looked at with some form of appreciation, as little as it may be.

It still didn’t explain why she pulled herself close. Howard took a moment to check his emotions. It was hard to explain but over the last year he had developed this...aura almost. It wasn’t there all of the time. Like he could turn it on or off whenever he wanted, but sometimes it would just...leak out of him when his feelings were heightened. However, Howard felt calm and comfortable at this point. So why did she seem to recoil? A gust of wind would bring with it an answer. Oh...right. It was growing colder.

Falentra’s words would snap him out of his thoughts. “Yeah...it hurt.” Howard rubbed his hand over the scar as he remembered the night. How quickly she had spun him around and with such incredible speed and power. It had only taken a few moments for her to drain him. “It all happened so fast. Trying to remember is like a blur.”

Her next questions would cause his brow to raise. She wasn’t afraid of the nitty gritty. “Yeah, but I can eat normal food too. I hunt small game when the urge becomes too strong. They don’t taste as good, but it’s...” Howard cleared his throat. He was saying too much. “It’s, uh, whatever.”

Fortunately she would offer him a quick way out. “Sparkles...really?” Howard wasn’t usually one to joke, but he couldn’t help but chuckle at the thought. “That Patterson pile of crap? Vegetarian vampires...what a load of shit. Oh, the nail? Got ripped off, didn’t grow back for some reason.” A lie. It was in fact cursed and would never grow again.

Howard was doing something he hadn’t done in quite some time. For once he was just having a genuine conversation. Just two people chatting away. His guard was just beginning to drop. Then she would give him that look. As soon as the words left his lips he would see the change of her expression. That knee jerk reaction to the word Muggle. Howard’s brow would drop. His eyes would flare with anger as his smile was replaced with a grimace.

”Are you fuckin serious?” He did not yell at first, but his voice would carry a venom. “First decent conversation I’ve had all year and it’s with a fuckin purist! You’ll gladly sit here and talk with someone who could easily rip your god damn throat out, but you shit on me for being born To a Muggle?!” His voice was raising as he began to slowly lose control. Howard would rise to his feet with surprising quickness. As he loomed over her his rage would pour out of him through his pores, the area around him darkening. “Fuck off Falentra. You pure blooded shit! You people will see one day. You’ll all fuckin break!” Howard would turn and take a few paces towards the water. His breathing came deep and rapid. He had to calm down. Just get away...before you do something stupid.