Edited and Re-uploaded: 2/19/19
Tallulah Eldridge
From the outskirts of the crowd, Tallulah surveyed the scene below her. She had carefully tucked herself in the stairwell that led up toward the professor's dining balcony. A black marble column hid her from the view of the oncoming crowd. Tallulah could see everything going on around her and no one could see her.
Tallulah's peers flooded into the Great Hall with wide smiles and shining eyes. An incoherent roar sounded through the crowd. A symphony of low tones and yelling as people tried to speak over one another.
While she could not bring herself to join them, a shadow of a smile graced Tallulah's lips as she observed in silence. Shyness, some may call it,but Tallulah knew herself better than that. Tallulah wasn't shy- not really. The thought of social interaction did not fill her with dread or anxiety. It was more physically exhausting than anything. A solitary creature by nature, Tallulah saw no reason to change her ways.
Tallulah was perfectly content with her role as the outsider looking in. It tended to give Tallulah an unexpected window into others' lives.
"Are we both just going to ignore what just happened?"
Tallulah recognized the voice of Rune Brody immediately. His height and superior muscle mass gave him a deeper voice then most. Coupled with the fact Rune spoke with a calming and warm tone made his voice distinguishable from others.
Tallulah leaned in the railing of the stairs to look around the column. The crowd entering the dining hall had slowed down leaving Rune and his companion, Avalon Ross, to pause near Tallulah's hiding place. Normally, Tallulah wouldn't have bothered with eavesdropping, but it was simply to convenient to ignore.
"I don't know what you are talking about. Have you seen Natalie yet?" Avalon asked quickly as she pretended to look around for her lost friend.
It didn't take a Auror to realize Avalon was avoiding the topic of conversation. Her body was mindly tense and she appeared to do everything she could to avoid looking her grinning friend in the eyes.
Avalon's deflection tactic failed as Rune wrapped a broad arm around her shoulders, "Are we just going to pretend that you and Dante Francesco did not just have a moment on the stairs?"
"Have a moment?" Avalon scoffed, never losing the nervous edge to her smile, "He stopped me from falling backwards and possibly breaking my neck. Nothing more to it."
"Really, Sunshine? You're going to lie to me. Of all people? That hurts," Rune pouted, a comic reaction for someone how his size.
"It's not a lie. He just happened to be in the right place at the right time."
"That is how most love stories tend to start," Rune continued.
Avalon gave a dry laugh, "You are delusional, Wolfy. I want no part in all that Validus drama."
"That's not what your eyes said when you were checking him out. Don't try to deny it. I saw those doe eyes fixed on his muscles," Rune looked positively wolfish as he grinned down at Avalon.
A tingle of red began to crawl up Avalon's caramel skin, "I'm so disappointed in myself. Tell me the truth; was it that obvious?"
"It was obvious, alright, but reciprocated. Francesco seemed reluctant to let you go. He wasn't shy about watching you leave, either."
Avalon's eyes quickly cut up at Rune. Tallulah could see a slightest glimpse of surprise flash across her features before Avalon formed a smile. Tallulah guessed it was her attempt at seeming unaffected by what she had just heard.
Rune laughed and shook Avalon's shoulders, "Smile, girl. You and Francesco, one of Capet's most eligible bachelors, have chemistry. He's single, you're single, own it."
Tallulah found herself smiling along with Rune's pep-talk. She saw the relieved and confident expression that settled in Avalon's features as they finally passed Tallulah's hiding spot. Something told Tallulah this wouldn't be the last she heard of Avalon Ross and Dante Francesco.
A feeling a excitement pulsed in Tallulah's chest as she noticed Lindsay Crowe and Riley Kramer making their way through the crowd- only a few feet away from Avalon and Rune. Lindsay's steely grey eyes narrowed as she whispered something to Riley.
Tallulah's focus was broken away from eavesdropping when she felt a hand on her arm. Her tensed and her head snapped to the side to confront whoever had snuck up on her. Tallulah released a sigh of relief when she recognized the culprit as Clara Oliver.
Clara's dark emerald eyes sparkled with amusement, "I knew I'd find you hiding out up here."
Clara pulled her raven colored ponytail over her shoulder. A moment spent on fastening the silky ribbon that held her hair together. Clara joined Tallulah in leaning over the balcony and watching the crowd pass below them.
"Am I getting that predictable?" Tallulah asked.
Tallulah readjusted her wire-framed glasses and turned her attention back to the parade of people. Most of the students had made their way to their house tables by now. A few stragglers followed. Tallulah caught a quick glance of Nicholas Andrews, flanked by Natalia Assuro and Ainslee Chavert, pushing through what was left of the crowd.
"Yes, actually," Clara stated thoughtfully, "You are a textbook unsociable bookworm who would rather hideout in a corner observing those around you then actually engaging with them. It's charming and off-putting at the same time."
Tallulah did not try to deny Clara's blunt assessment. Her friend's words were more of a candid, first-instinct response then something said to be malicious. Truthfully, Tallulah had once found Clara's straightforward personality annoying. Yet, over the years Tallulah had grown to appreciate her friend's overly honest nature. Perhaps it was one of the reasons Clara was one of the few people Tallulah would honestly call a friend.
"At least someone at this school understands me. Since you know how unsociable I am; why are you infringing on my hiding spot?" Tallulah asked, not nearly as annoyed as she sounded.
"Because if someone doesn't convince you to come sit down and eat you will spend the whole evening hiding out over here."
"Is that so bad?"
A smirk formed on Clara's glossed lips, "Yes. Yes, it is. I refuse to let you become a total hermit. So, lets go sit down before the meal starts."
Tallulah rolled her eyes, but allowed herself to be pulled from the stairwell and into the Great Hall. As the pair made their way across the black and white checkered marble toward their table, Tallulah found herself looking up toward the enchanted ceiling.
The enchantment turned the ceiling into a magnified solar system. In the middle of this large circle was the moon in its current phase. Surrounding the moon was a magnified version of the planets.
Tallulah read in her first year that the enchantment was set to showcase the exact position of each planet in real time. This included cosmic events like eclipses, planetary alignments, and meteors. It was beautiful, really.
"Have you checked out the high table yet?" Clara asked as she and Tallulah sat down side-by-side at the ebony Sapientia table, "Professor Aceves looks only slightly more pissed off then usual. He has the sexist resting bitch face I've ever seen."
Ignoring Clara's crush on Capet's Dark Arts professor, a sentiment she shared with half of Capet's female population, Tallulah glanced up at the high table and immediately noticed the problem.
For hundreds of years, since Capet's founding according to the books Tallulah had read, the head of houses always set in a very particular order.
On the far left was always the seat of Gaudium. Professor Mahmound, the Charms professor, currently held that position. Above his head hung the bronze and red banner of Gaudium house. It featured the Gaudium emblem, an inflight hawk, sown into the middle.
Next to him, further toward the middle, was Professor Hoang, the head of Sapientia. The silver and purple fox banner hung above her seat. A tad ironic considering Professor Hoang was indeed a Kitsune herself. An ancient magical creature that many no-majs believed took the physical form of a fox. Tallulah, along with many Capet students, knew the truth about a Kitsune's form was much more complicated.
Naturally, at the middle was where Headmaster Sauvage sat. On the immediate right of the Headmaster should have been the Validus house banner. However, the black and gold leopard had been moved over.
Now, an empty chair occupied the space between the Headmaster's seat and the Validus head of house, Professor Aceves.
Clara was right- Professor Aceves looked a far cry from happy at the moment. He spoke across the empty space to his left where Professor von Rothman, the head of Animus, would sit and was engaged in conversation with Professor Roux, the Alpha of the New Orleans wolfpack, who occupied the very right end of the table.
"Must be reserved for our newest professor," Tallulah stated the obvious.
Clara nodded, "I, for one, can't wait to meet him. Capet hasn't had a Voodoo professor since the Salem Acts. It's like we are finally getting a piece of our history back."
"He won't be sticking around if MACUSA gets their way," Peter Longhorn mumbled, so quietly and quickly that Tallulah almost didn't understand him.
Clara stopped mid-sip, probably surprised that Peter had spoken aloud at all. Clara sat her glass down and gave Peter a warm smile, "What was that, Peter? You should speak up. I didn't catch what you said."
Peter's dark eyes widened behind his glasses and his skin began to pale. Tallulah could practically see the gears in Peter's head grinding at high speed. He seemed to be desperately trying to make his mouth form the words in his brain. Tallulah may not fit the textbook description of shy, but Peter Longhorn certainly did.
Tallulah had noticed Peter had no problem talking to people like herself; mostly when school work was involved. Similarly, Tallulah had also never known Peter to say a single word to someone like Cara. The conceptual pretty girl.
"Peter said that if MACUSA gets their way our new professor won't be here for long," Tallulah interjected, "and he's right. President Copeland may trust Sauvage, but the Congress are just waiting for something to go wrong."
Peter sent Tallulah a thankful look as he quickly tipped back whatever was in his cup.
"Then we, as students, have to do our part to make sure nothing does go wrong," Clara proclaimed as if it was the obvious solution to their problem.
Tallulah knew nothing was that simple. Something had changed this year. The air was different and Tallulah knew she wasn't the only one that felt it. Tallulah couldn't bring herself to be optimistic. It was a fact of life that if something could go wrong there was a high possibility that it would.
Peter Longhorn
Peter was silently punching himself in the gut. He couldn't even talk to Clara Oliver without getting nervous. How was he supposed to talk to the girl he actually liked if he couldn't even look the nice and un-intimidating Clara Oliver in the eyes?
Peter stole a glance at the lively Validus table.
Almost the entirety of the table had their eyes focused on Nicholas Andrews who was standing behind Natalia and Ainslee. The blue-haired prankster's arms were spread wide as he appeared to be animating some wild tale. The table erupted into laughter- including Lindsay Crowe.
Lindsay's cold beauty had always made her stand out amongst the crowd- to Peter at least. Her normally guarded grey eyes were filled with mischief. Her beautiful features brought to life by the growing smile on her face.
Peter knew he had it bad. Sometimes he even had the decency to feel sorry for himself. The other part of the time he spent kicking himself for not being brave enough to take action. Given Lindsay's dating history, Peter knew he did not have a chance in hell with her. Unless he drastically changed his ways.
Peter glanced down across his own table. When his eyes found their target he felt his jaw involuntarily clench.
Dante Francesco sat between Lex Adamas and Claudius Montgomery. Dante appeared to be nodding along with something Claudius was saying. A smug smirk plastered on his annoyingly cocky face. Peter watched just long enough to see Dante look back at the Gaudium table before turning back and responding to Claudius.
Peter never considered himself someone who was quick to anger. Nonetheless, everything about Dante rubbed him the wrong way. Not just because Dante was Lindsay's most recent ex-boyfriend. Everything about Dante screamed stereotypic rich boy. He was egotistical, popular, and good at everything. Richer than half the student population combined- and Lindsay had been interested in him.
The sound of the Great Hall doors opening once again drew Peter from his thoughts.
First-years began to file into the hall lead by Professor Sauvage and Professor von Rothman. The first-years paused a the end of the tables while the professors walked up the stairs to stand in front of the high table.
"Everyone's attention, please," Professor von Rothman's elegant Greek accent cut through the noise and silenced the hall, "For those of you who do not know me, I am Dimitra von Rothman. Professor of the Arcane Arts and head of Animus house. I wish to formally welcome you all to Capet Academy of Magic. You will all be able to take your seats in a moment, but first, we must decide where you belong. You will be placed in one of our four houses; Gaudium, Sapientia, Validus, or Animus," she gestured to each house table accordingly.
"The house you are sorted into will be your family during your time here. You will work as a team and share in each other's accomplishments," Professor von Rothman gave the students an encouraging smile.
As Professor von Rothman continued her speech another professor brought forward a large silver bowl. A bright flame shown from inside the bowl. Peter had learned years ago that the bowl was empty. The bottom shown like a mirror, reflecting a person's soul into the flames. That was how the schools chose.
"-now, I will call you forth one by one. You will look into the bowl, past the flames, toward the reflective bottom. Your true self will determine the color of the flame. Thus, where you belong," Professor von Rothman placed her hands on either side of the bowl, "Rebecca Aaron."
A scrawny girl with honey blonde hair hesitantly made her way forward. Professor von Rothman coaxed the girl closer with a reassuring smile. When Rebecca was standing in front of Professor von Rothman, the bowl was lowered so that Rebecca could peer inside. As soon as the girl looked into the bowl the flame inside turned a stunning orange that became grey as it flickered at the top.
"Animus," Professor von Rothman smiled.
As the ritual continued on Peter heard Clara began in speak again, "They have no idea what they are in for."
"No. They really don't," stated Peter, surprising himself in the process.
Clara's musical laughter followed, "So he can speak up. Good to know."
Peter did not look at her as she said this. Already feeling himself begin to shrink away again. Earlier that month, Peter made a promise to himself that he would try to branch out. Try to become someone who was on Lindsay Crowe's level. He was now realizing just how tedious that journey may be.
Faye Lavine
"I said I was sorry, Luke. Really, I am," Faye smiled, her honey eyes shining with a genuine apology, "I didn't really talk to anyone this summer. I only even talked to Wyatt because he had a book I wanted to borrow."
"Oh, because that's not insulting at all," Wyatt said in the dull tone.
Faye grinned at him as she knew her aesthetically brooding friend did not take it personally, "Hush you. You know that wasn't how I meant it."
Wyatt gave a low hum before turning his attention back to the sorting. For a moment, Faye wondered if he really did feel some type of way about her universal summer silent-treatment. The feeling of a finger lightly jabbing her in the ribs caused Faye to jump. She turned her gaze toward Luke and glared- knowing he was the owner of said finger.
"Which makes it worse. I'm your best friend. You could have at least made an exception for me."
Luke's amber eyes softened and Faye huffed. Luke was deliberately trying to make her feel guilty. His handsome features tried to appear hurt and upset, but Faye spotted the slightest upturn in his lips. Faye grinned and decided to play along.
"Who said you were my best friend?" Faye asked, acting confused, "I have Wyatt, Cerise, and Avalon. What makes you special?"
Luke gave a dramatic gasp and placed his hand over his heart, "The truth finally comes out. Fine. See if I care. I'm going to go sit with Theodora and Michael."
As Luke got up to leave, Faye reached out and took hold of his arm, draggin him back down beside her. With a grin, Faye wrapped both arms around Luke and held him in place. Playfully, Luke tried half-heartedly to shake himself from her grip.
"Don't be such a baby. You know you are my best friend. Though I often question that decision."
"Hey!" Luke said defensively.
Faye ignored him and continued, "I am sorry though. I didn't talk to anyone over the summer. Not really, anyway. I was caught up with everything happening with my sister and my mom hasn't been around much to help. It's just been- a lot."
Luke's eyes softened and he paused his dramatic movements. His stance opened as he allowed Faye, still clinging to his arm, to lean into him. A comforting hand came to rest on Faye's knee.
"I get that and I understand. You still should have talked to me. Talked to any of us. We were worried. Including, Wyatt- even if denies it," Wyatt agreed to this statement by sending Faye a pointed look that made her feel even more guilty, "That is why I'm not accepting your apology. You're going to have to try harder than that."
"Uhh, you're killing me here," Faye released Luke's arm only to head-butt his shoulder in frustration. She leaned her head back, still resting on Luke's shoulder, and looked up a the ceiling enchantment of Saturn in deep thought.
"Just like you killed our friendship. You're going to have to try a bit harder then a simple apology to make up for weeks of ignoring me," Luke insisted.
Faye huffed, blowing traces of her mahogany locks from her face, "Wyatt, help me."
Wyatt spared her a single, almost bored glance and lightly shook his head. Basic Wyatt for 'Not my problem'. Faye stared at him for a moment, hoping to convey every ounce of annoyance she felt at his betrayal.
However, the intensity in Wyatt's whiskey colored eyes caused Faye to give up pretty quickly. Wyatt seemed satisfied with his small victory and turned his gaze back toward the sorting.
Faye continued to stare at her friend for a long moment. While Wyatt was not exactly her type, she wouldn't deny he was attractive. He wasn't conventionally handsome like Luke or even Dante Francesco and Lex Adamas, but he was a looker. Still not her type, though.
Unconsciously, Faye found herself looking over at Luke.
"Welcome back, students," Headmaster Sauvage's smooth southern voice echoed through the hall.
Faye noticed that she had missed the entire sorting ceremony while talking to Luke and Wyatt. She smiled, looking down the Animus table and taking in her newest housemates. Many of them still looked a bit star-struct, other's excited, some just looked hungry and were waiting impatiently for the meal to begin.
"I would like to congratulate our newest students on their sorting. I wish you all nothing but success and prosperity in your new homes. I wish to also congratulate Dante Francesco and Malina Torrent on their positions as Head Prefects."
A round of applause followed this announcement. Faye clapped loudly and congratulated Malina, her own housemate, who sat a few seats down from Faye. Sauvage waited patiently for the brief applause to stop before continuing his speech.
"While I wish to set this year off on a joyous note, I'm afraid we must first address the elephant in the room. I'm sure most of you have noticed that some of your housemates are not present tonight. If any of you are subscribers to The Salem Post then I'm positive you may know the reason why," Sauvage gave a minor chuckle as if he found this amusing in some way.
Faye, like many in throughout the Great Hall, looked confused and began taking a headcount of her own house. She had been so caught up in her friends that she had not even noticed just how many Animus students were missing.
"Sawyer, Jo, David, Rosie, Sharon, Willow, Maisie, Arden, and Silas. And that's not counting those below fifth year," Wyatt listed off.
Faye doubled checked his list and sighed. Nine members of Animus from sixth and seventh year were missing. Sauvage had allowed everyone a moment to wrap their heads around this.
"This year marks another monumental change to not just this beloved institution, but to the New Orleans magical community as a whole. A change that is not welcomed by all. Ten years ago I made the decision to open Capet's doors to the other New Orleans factions. Teaching positions were offered to the leaders of those factions, Professor Roux and Professor Vouclain. The response this this change was quite similar to what you are all experiencing now,'
"I still believe full-heartedly in the choice I made a decade ago and the community has benefited greatly from the cooperation of the factions. In light of this previous success, the decision has been made to invite another important figure to join us here at Capet. Papa Mamba, a descendant of Madame Marie Laveau, is here tonight and I would like you all to give him a warm welcome," Headmaster Sauvage waved his hand and the doors to the Cathedral glided open.
Any chatter there had been died instantly. The sound of a single pair of footsteps against the marble floor commanded everyone's attention.
The footsteps belonged to a 6'3 man with skin the color of onyx. He wore a clean, pressed white suit and a matching wide-brim hat that casted a shadow over his eyes. He made his way through the room with purposeful, slow strides. Confidence radiated off him.
The reaction of the room was mixed. Some people paled in fear while others leaned slightly forward in an attempt to get a better look at this man who had so quickly turned their lives upside down.
Faye was in the second group.
Leaning her elbows on the table, Faye gave the stranger her full attention. He was everything she expected him to be. Mysterious with an aura of confidence and danger that no doubt drew even the most wary toward him. Faye could vaguely hear her sister's warning in the back of her mind- pleading Faye to keep her distance.
Papa Mamba neared the middle of the room where Faye sat. Though his wide-brimmed hat masked his eyes, Faye could feel the heat of his gaze on her. A breath caught in Faye's throat and a chill climbed up her spine.
Luke must have felt her stiffen beside him. The hand that still rested on Faye's leg began to rub soothing circles on her knee. Luke's amber eyes flickered toward her. The muscles of his brow bone taunt as he gave Faye a concerned look. Faye nodded and patted his hand where it rested.
Papa Mamba practically floated up the stairs to meet the Headmaster. Papa Mamba reached up and removed his hat- a sign of respect. Sauvage's eyes shone as he greeted the younger man like an old friend. They embraced for a moment and quick word passed between them.
Turning on the balls of his feet, Papa Mamba faced the room. His high-cheekbones and intense eyes gave him a regal look. A shadow of a smile was on his lips.
"Students of Capet; I am both proud and humbled to be standing before you tonight," he began. His voice cut through the tension of the hall like a knife. His deep Cajun accent familiar to those who called NOLA home. Absolutely alluring in its deep and smooth resonance.
"I am the first member of New Orleans' Voodoo community to step into these halls in nearly three-hundred years. I recognize there is a great responsibility that comes with that privilege. For far too long our community has allowed old wounds to divide us. A decade ago, Headmaster Sauvage and The Council made the decision to end the separation between Capet, the vampires, and the werewolves. Our community had benefited greatly from this endeavor. Now, we have the opportunity to fully bring all of the magical communities of this city together as one.'
"I look forward to being the bridge between my culture and yours. To clear up any misconceptions and old grievances. Help bring forth a new era of understanding and acceptance. I look forward to teaching each and everyone of you. All I can ask is that you be as willing to learn as I am to teach. Thank you all."
Faye smiled as Papa Mamba finished his speech. She was certainly one of the few that would be looking forward to taking Papa Mamba's class. Papa Mamba took his seat between Sauvage and Professor Aceves.
Sauvage turned to address the room again, "Well said, my friend. Students, I hope you all will take advantage of the opportunity to enrich yourselves in not just the culture, but also acknowledge the importance this culture and its practices have on our history and community. Papa Mama's class, Voodoo Culture and Understanding, will be open to only upperclassman starting at fifth year. The class is mandatory.'
"This shall be just another step toward creating solidarity amongst the magic community of New Orleans. This decision will not only have a positive effect on our home, but hopefully on the future of the Magical United States as a whole. All I can ask from any of you is that you open your mind to the possibilities. With that final thought- let us eat."
When Sauvage finally took his seat the food appeared on the table and the hall was consumed in a roar.
"No other upper-division course in this school is mandatory. I don't think forcing people to participate is the best way to foster peace," Wyatt pointed out, his earthy eyes hardening as he seemed to slip into deep thought.
To Faye's right, Luke also appeared transfixed in deep thought. His golden hues were glassed over as he began to place food on his place.
Faye's previous excitement began to simmer as she noticed she was virtually alone in her happiness. Those around her appeared confused, angry, or even frightened. Faye resisted the urge to groan in frustration. She simply did not understand their reactions. She suspected they did not understand hers either.
"It might. Especially when it's clear that people like you and Luke would never give it a chance otherwise," Faye stated.
"I should still have the right to refuse. Faye, not everyone is as fascinated with those types of things as you are. People like Papa Mamba, Voodoo itself, killed a lot of people. You can't expect people to just forget about everything that's happened," Wyatt's harsh tone rubbed Faye the wrong way.
It was the same tone Wyatt used on those who bothered him by speaking to him for too long or who asked him stupid questions. Despite the way he said it, Faye knew his points were valid. Wyatt was a realist. More so than Faye could ever be.
"I get that, but we also have a Defense and Dark Arts class. Look at how many people dark magic has hurt and we are still required to learn about it and understand it," Faye argued.
"Fair point. I'll give you that. I still don't like this."
With that Faye knew Wyatt was done with their conversation. Faye knew he was refraining from saying more for the sake of their friendship. Wyatt's temper was something to behold and often when Wyatt got angry he lashed out more than he originally intended to.
"I'm with Wyatt on this one, Faye," Luke admitted, "Voodoo is just another type of dark magic, but it has left a lot of scars here in NOLA. I'm not even from here and I can see that."
"Et tu, Luke?" Faye jested, "Fine. I'm alone in this and I can accept that. However, at the end of the year when everything has gone great and you both see that you were wrong I want a formal apology. Voodoo is not classified as dark magic- just for the record," Faye added the last part with tight smile.
"If you end up being right you will get your apology in writing," Luke laughed.
"Not gonna happen," Wyatt's husky voice added.
Riley Kramer
"Honey, we're home!" Nicholas called out as he led the pack into the Validus Courtyard.
The inviting scent of lemongrass and spearmint filled Riley's nose. Riley paused and took in a deep breath. A sense of peace fell over her. Riley smiled as she took in the warmth of her second home.
"Feels good to be back, huh?" Lindsay asked from behind her.
The corners of Lindsay's lips were just barely raised. Lindsay's features may not have given much away, but her eyes said it all. Her gray eyes sparkled with a hidden tenderness as they stepped forward into the Courtyard.
"Absolutely," Riley agreed.
Riley's feet carried her across the stone floor toward the center seating area. A small circle made up of a black suede loveseat, three cushioned chairs, and an oversized gold chaise. A round ebony table was in the middle with the golden leopard of Validus engraved in the center.
This particular area had been claimed by Riley and her friends in their third year. They had taken the location over from Validus' previous popular cliche that graduated that year. It was an unspoken rule in the house that the center of the Courtyard belonged to them.
Riley stripped herself of her sequined leather jacket and draped it over the back of the coach- claiming it as her own.
Lindsay had already made herself comfortable on in the chaise. Her long-legs draped one over the other as if she was posing for a magazine shoot.
"Riley, Lindsay- My loves," Paulon De Pointier strutted toward them, "I have missed seeing your beautiful faces."
Paulon placed a hand on Rileys hip and bent down to place a kiss on her cheek. RIley tilted her head to the side, allowing the gesture. She was more than used to Paulon's overly attentive behavior.
Paulon had long claimed the title of Capet's leading flirt. Classically handsome- Paulon did not have the intimidating look of Dante or Lex, nor was he unusually handsome like Nicholas. No, Paulon looked like the protagonist in every cheap teen-romance novel.
Paulon sat himself down on the chaise with Lindsay. He gently picked up Lindsay's feet by the ankles and placed them in his lap. His arm coming to rest over the top of her knee.
"Paulon, my favorite flirt. You've let the stubble grow out. It looks good on you," Riley added with a grin.
"I know," Paulon gave a wicked smile, "I've had no complaints so far."
A mock feminine gasp came from Nicholas as he entered the circle, "Paulon! You fiend! Have you been cheating on me?"
"My apologies, Nick. It just wasn't working out between us. I hope we can still be friends," Paulon gave Nicholas a playfully sad look.
Riley laughed, "That line sounded so rehearsed. I wonder how many times some girl has heard that one from you."
"He can't even be original for my sake," Nicholas grumbled, a small ghost a grin on his face, "It's just insulting. I'm not some cheap dime. I thought we really had something special."
"Not the first time Paulon's heard that one either," Riley said. Paulon shook his head with a smirk confirming Riley's statement.
With that Nicholas tossed himself face down onto the suede couch. The movement causing Riley's jacket to fall from the back and onto Nicholas' head.
"Nuh-uh, Nick. Remove yourself from my couch," Riley insisted.
"I don't see your name on it," Nick responded childishly, his voice muffled in the cushion.
Riley poked him several times in the back. The only reply she recieved was a series of muffled 'nope's. Deciding on the best course of action, RIley turned and sat herself down on the middle of Nicholas' back.
"You've brought this on yourself," She added as Nicholas released a loud huff. Paulon and Lindsay laughed at Nicholas' half-hearted attempts to throw Riley off.
Lindsay's laughter stopped first. Her smile disappeared as fast as it came and was replaced by a look of stony indifference. Riley did not have to look to know who had just entered the Courtyard.
"Any reason you're trying to smother our best friend?" Natalia asked, the light tone of her voice told Riley that she found this amusing.
Riley looked past Natalia for a moment and locked eyes with the source of Lindsay's sour mood. Ainslee waltz into the circle with her head held high. Ainslee held Riley's gaze for only a moment before turning away to focus on Nicholas.
The air in the room had completely shifted. Riley and her friends were now the center of attention. Older students now leaned over the four-stories of balconies to look down at the scene below. First years, confused, turned to the upperclassmen for clarification.
The circle took a moment assess the room around them. Nearly off them rolling their eyes. No one was willing to the Courtyard's source of entertainment.
Riley adopted an unbothered look, "I'm establishing my dominance."
"Let me in on that," Natalia said, sitting down beside Riley directly on Nick's lower back, "He's been pretty mouthy lately."
"Really, Nattie!" Nicholas called out from under them, "What about you, Ains? Feeling the need to assert yourself too?"
Ainslee giggled and shook her head, "Nahh, I think you already acknowledge my supremacy."
Ainslee waltzed over and sat on the arm of the couch beside Natalia. The group was still very tense, but they all seemed in agreeance that they would not give their housemates a reason to gossip further. They all engaged in pleasantries, except for Lindsay, who remained curled up on the chaise with Paulon.
After a moment, Riley and Natalia both rose up. Riley took a seat in the chair closest to Lindsay and Paulon. Nicholas sat up to lounge on the couch between Ainslee and Natalia. Natalia having kicked her legs between Nicholas. Ainslee leaning against his shoulder.
Riley smirked as she looked at the trio. There was little doubt in Riley's mind that Nicholas appeal to the female population came from his close physical relationship to Natalia and Ainslee. Some girls tended to want what they couldn't have. Nick always managed to look both available and taken all at once.
"So, anyone want to share their thoughts on our newest professor?" Paulon inquired.
"I'm sure we all have our thoughts. Though, that look on your face tells me whatever you know might be more interesting," said Ainslee.
The look on Paulon's features made him a depiction of Loki himself. Whatever Paulon knew- it was good. Paulon carefully slipped his wand out of the inside of his jacket sleeve. He proceeded to cast a silencing charm around the perimeter of their group.
"Alright, alright. You don't have to ask me twice," Paulon began. Paulon was always a little too happy to spread whatever new gossip he had collected.
"We didn't even ask you the first time," Natalia pointed out.
"True, but trust me. This bit of information is too good not to share. Mainly, since those that already know are being very tight-lipped about it all. The factions and the Mayor are working overtime to cover it all up. Doing anything they can to keep this stuff from getting back to MACUSA. However, if you know how to listen, you might hear a few things slip."
"Things like?" Riley spurred him on as she had grew impatient with his buildup.
Paulon smirked knowing he had pulled everyone's attention, "Things like how the vamps are giving into bloodlust left and right. By average, vamps have control over their bloodlust in the first five years, correct? A close member of Professor Vouclain's coven went haywire just over a month ago. Ripped apart several tourists outside state lines and didn't stop until Vouclain tracked him down and killed him."
"And-" Natalia started with a raised brow.
"And this guy was apparently over three hundred years old. He lost control like a newborn, yet, he was old enough to have known Professor Vouclain since they founded the New Orleans coven. That guy was the first to lose it," Paulon paused waiting for someone to ask him to continue.
"The first? How many others have their been?" Nicholas asked, now intrigued by what Paulon was alluding to.
"I'm not sure, but it's been a lot. I can promise you that. Some of the older members of Vouclain's coven have been asked to leave. They are the ones who could do the most damage if they give into bloodlust. They are hanging out outside Louisiana lines. Ordered not to return to the city until things get back to normal."
"Where are the younger members of the coven then?" Ainslee questioned, she paused for a long moment before continuing, "that explains a couple of things, though."
"What do you mean, Ains?" Natalia asked.
"I mean that this is NOLA. Seeing vampires and werewolves roaming the city is just as normal as seeing a no-maj or witch on the streets. Some of the vamps I know that hang out in the Quarter, I haven't seen them for months. Long before I left with you and Nick for Italy. I just- didn't think much of it at the time."
Paulon nodded to this, "Exactly. The older members have been asked to stay away from the city. The younger are all being held up in the creepy old mansion outside the city. Vouclain has even reached out to other covens and asked them not to visit New Orleans until he knows what is going on."
"That's crazy," Lindsay interjected, "If the vampires are really that out of line the Council would have stepped in. We would have heard something."
Riley wasn't to believe that Lindsay had a point. If the vampire faction posed a threat to the population and a threat to the city's peace, Riley would hope that the Council would get involved. Riley, however, was not that naive.
"Not when it's the Council covering it all up," Ainslee corrected.
Lindsay glared at Ainslee's verbal challenge to her statement. While Riley did not want to side with Ainslee it was clear that Ainslee understood NOLA politics better than Lindsay did. Spending a few years going to Capet was nothing compared to living in the city for your entire life. Ainslee, Riley, Paulon- they all understood New Orleans in a way no outsider could.
Riley spoke up again, "Exactly. The NOLA, Capet, the Council; This city has a long history of pushing these types of things under the rug. It only to keep MACUSA out of our business."
"That's not all of it," Paulon continued, "things with the wolves aren't peachy either. Word is that the last full moon didn't go smoothly. The transition was not only significantly more painful, but some wolves couldn't change back. The ones that couldn't transition back to their human form started going feral. One of them even attacked Professor Roux- the Alpha. Which by werewolf nature-"
"Should be physically impossible," Nicholas concluded, his brows pulled together as he considered the things Nicholas was saying.
"How so?" Lindsay questioned.
This time it was Natalia who responded, "Werewolves take pack chain-of-command to a whole new level. It's almost like a loose version of the Imperius Curse. Once an Alpha gives an order its absolute. No way a weaker wolf can disobey. It goes against their very nature to attack their Alpha."
Paulon nodded in agreement, "To put it simply, it's getting weird out there. There are even some witches and wizards that have reported odd changes to their magical cores. Nothing drastic, but just enough of a change to cause worry. It's like something is throwing the natural order out of balance and it's messing with all the factions. Minus the no-majs of course."
"I haven't felt anything," Lindsay added, she looked around the group to see if anyone felt differently.
"You also haven't been in the city for very long. These anomalies are random and they aren't affecting everyone the same," Paulon informed her.
"Have you heard any rumors about what could be causing it?" Riley asked.
What Paulon was saying had become more concerning by the second. Riley wasn't as in-tuned with NOLA's whisper mill as Paulon, thus, she hadn't heard anything about these instances. If these accusations had come from anyone else, at any other time, Riley would have brushed it off as hearsay.
This was different. Minding everything that was currently happening with the Voodoo faction suddenly going public again, Riley couldn't help but worry about how much truth there was to Paulon's words.
"I've heard some of the cover-up stories. The most common is blaming these events on the arrival of Morgana's Comet. It's no secret that cosmic events can cause a shift in magical balances."
This shocked Riley for a moment as she hadn't even realized that Morgana's Comet was approaching. Normally, such an event was publicized, something to be celebrated. The fact that so little had been said about the comet's return to Earth's orbit only made everything more suspicious.
Riley glanced around the courtyard and saw that a few of their housemates were casting glances there way. Riley couldn't hear what they were saying and knew they couldn't hear her and her friends either. She could tell that they were trying to decipher what Riley and her friends were talking about.
Nick had noticed the change in the atmosphere as well, "I think we should wrap this up. Talk about it another time. We're getting a lot of looks."
"Nick's right," Ainslee hummed in agreement, "Us sitting around whispering doesn't look good. A lot of people are on edge with Papa Mamba being around. They are stressed out and worried about how this will effect them. No one is going to like the idea of those close to them keeping secrets."
Paulon nodded, "You've both got a point. We can find another time to talk about this. I'll keep my ear to the ground for anything new. I'll let you all know if something else comes up," Paulon concluded as he brought down the barrier around them.
The group was only quite for a fraction of a second. Nicholas, Natalia, and Ainslee, always insync and quick on their feet, jumped to steer the conversation in new direction. They made sure to be loud enough for everyone to hear.
"As I was saying- you should have seen the store owner's face when he saw the Niffler. He was so mad. Nattie refused to leave the little guy there so we had to hatch a whole new plan to get the Niffler out."
Riley was able to force a smile easily enough. She pretended to be engaged in the story the trio spun. Yet, Riley's mind was miles away in thought. She tried to piece together the information they had been giving by Paulon.
NOLA was no stranger to magical anomalies, but this was different. Something about this felt different. Anxiety began to spread through Riley's chest and she could tell her friends were no better.
The one thing that kept coming to the forefront of Riley's mind was the arrival of Morgana's Comet. The comet was known to bring with it dramatic flares in magical energy. It was an event to be marked and honored.
The fact that such a monumental event had yet to be spoken of only made Riley more suspicious.