in a naughty world

[affableamos-blog]

jamcsxpcttcr:

“No, actually, even worse.  She’s bloody brilliant at Potions and we work really well together when we’re speaking.”  James shrugged at Amos’s question, turning the page of the book, even though he’d stopped really studying it when he showed up.  “Who knows?  Evans and I go through spells where we argue and don’t talk to each other.  Just so happens that one of those spells happens to come right before exams.”  James shook his head as Amos started poking holes in his plan.  Really, a boy could dream of doing things other than studying at the moment.  “Consider it good exercise.  And if I flunk one exam, then it’s not the end of the world.  Besides, you’re just a seeker.  A quaffle’s not going to throw you off that much.  If anything, you might find you like playing a more active role in a game.”

 “That’s a shame. Evans... Lily Evans, right? Yeah, she’s brilliant –– I hope you two start talking again soon,” he started, taking a look back at James. “She’s really sweet, too, it’s a shock to hear that she’d do something like that.” A pause. “What’d you do to her to earn that?” he teased, elbowing him softly in the side before looking back out to the courtyard again. 

With a nod, Amos said, “you know, you’re right. I heard exercise is good for you to study better, or something. If you really want, I could go down and grab our brooms.” He laughed and shook his head. “Seeker’s most important in the game! That’s why there’s only one of ‘em! The snitch gets more points than most chasers can ever score, even with three of them, unless you’re in the World Cup! But you’re right, I can probably handle a quaffle. I originally tried out to be a chaser, you know, and wanted to be a keeper if I didn’t get that.” He shrugged. “Guess I’m just a natural Seeker, though, ‘cause they thought I’d be better at it than anything else, and I guess I am.”

[affableamos-blog]

jamcsxpcttcr:

James shook his head at the idea of having to deal with his exam next year with Potions.  “As long as I have a new partner next year, I should be alright.  I think that’s what has me so stressed about this exam this year.  Makes it hard to study when they aren’t speaking to me,” he said, his eyes still trained on the book.  Granted, the same thing could be said for him.  He avoided conversation in class just as much as Lily did, and studying together anymore for this exam was completely out of the question.  James nodded at Amos’s next question.  “Too bad we can’t get a pickup game going,” he remarked.  Granted, James never really did get the whole appeal of having a Seeker on the team.  If you had good enough Chasers, then the Seekers were a truly useless position on the team.

“Oh yeah? Are they one of those potions partners that make you do all the work, or something?” he asked, turning to look at him. “Those are the worst. I’ve had some pretty bad potions partners in my day.” It took him a second to process the statement, then he added, “wait, why aren’t they talking to you? That’s gotta be tough, mate.” Leaning forward, he took a look at the book in James’s lap, looking over a few potions terms and ingredients he didn’t really know much about, since his last potions classes we in his fifth year. Arms on his lap he leaned forward, looking out around the courtyard. “You’re right. I mean, we definitely could, but the walk to the pitch from here is a little much for me right now, plus you should be studying. Plus, I’m not really into tossing the quaffle around. It’s fun, but it’s bad form for me to get used to, you know?”

[affableamos-blog]

jamcsxpcttcr:

On the one hand, James was beyond glad that he wasn’t a seventh year.  He was fairly certain that he’d seen some of their hair beginning to fall out from the stress they were under, and he didn’t want to be a part of that.  His own professor made exams this year were going to be bad enough.  The tension in the library had been so bad that he’d been forced to leave, his Potions book under his arm, to head outside to study.  Which, really, just seemed a cruel and unusual punishment.  It was far too nice outside to be stuck studying all the time.  When Amos walked up, James held up his book.  “I feel your pain, mate.  I think dying might actually be easier than having to take my Potions exam.”

This time of year it seemed all students were under great suffering, so Amos took it to himself to sit next to James and put a hand on his back, patting it gently before returning it to his lap. “I hear you, just wait until you take NEWTs next year. Lucky for me I’m not in NEWT level potions.” He leaned back and looked at the sky, not a cloud shrouding the bright blue canvas. “I bet on a day like this you’d rather be tossing the quaffle out on the pitch, huh? I know I sure would,” Amos commented, thinking it would be easy to draw a connection with the other boy. After all, Amos did know him from playing against him all these years, and they hardly talked about much other than the game.

[affableamos-blog]

Amos had finally managed to finish studying. While the rest of the seventh years had started studying weeks ago, he had only just cracked open his textbook to get down to the nitty gritty. He knew there were books to be read, and little studying tricks to take advantage of, like flashcards, which he learned from his mother, (except his were a little more magical, charmed to reveal clues if he said the wrong answer until he got it right.) Once he got through a good amount of work, he decided he was done for the afternoon, then made his way down to one of the many courtyards. There, he saw a familiar face looking back at him.

“So, you’ll never guess what I just did. I was studying. Emphasis on the dying.”

[affableamos-blog]

wordsofpoison:

“I have no idea what you’re talking about. I think you’ve been sniffing far too many cauldrons if you think that’s what really happened- you really should check yourself before you embarrass yourself any further trying to dig up gossip about me. Remember who you’re speaking to” 

“Hey, I was just saying what I heard!” Amos clarified, catching up to her in the hall. The two had just gotten out of potions together, and he thought he might ask about a rumor floating through the Hufflepuff commons and, he assumed, the other houses’ as well. Who better to ask than the queen of gossip around the school? “I’m not one to believe in rumors, I’m just a curious guy.” He chucked, giving a short shrug. “So, what really did happen, if I may ask?”

[affableamos-blog]

snapss:

Two blushing fools in a bathroom, and all Lily could do, really, was laugh. This was beyond awkward, and Lily certainly felt foolish, but after the last several months of insanity she had endured (and put herself through) it felt pretty good to laugh. She wasn’t looking at Amos, and Amos wasn’t looking at her. He’d covered himself, and moved, then uncovered himself, and Lily definitely was not looking at him through the corner of her eye as she shifted her weight, trying to figure out her next move. 

She could turn and bolt, certainly, and she didn’t think Amos would fault her for that. She could get in the bath like she’d intended all along, and he’d said himself that he wouldn’t mind if she did, silly as that seemed to her.  Where was the bold Lily from a few months back who had found the courage to say what she wanted and go after it? Where was she? That girl had gotten naked, or nearly so, with James Potter several times, and not once had she felt shy about it. That girl had also let herself believe that a secret relationship was the best move, though, and look at how that had turned out. This was just a bath, a huge bath at that. 

“You were here, first,” she pointed out, dipping her head as she laughed softly once more. “I’m the one who barged in.” When she looked (no, glanced, because she definitely wasn’t looking) towards Amos again, she found him with his head high, staring at the ceiling, and she shook her head at herself, both for being silly, and for the Marlene-style move she knew was coming. With Amos’ attention technically elsewhere, Lily loosened her hold on the robe, and let it slip off of her, stepping into the bath in the seconds that followed. She quickly found the nearest ledge to plant herself on, pulling what bubbles she could towards her person to help keep herself modest. “You don’t have to leave, Amos, don’t be silly. Besides, now that I’ve joined you, you almost have to stay to avoid hurting my feelings,” she added teasingly.

The water was just as relaxing as she’d been hoping for before intruding on Amos, and Lily leaned back against the edge of the bath, grateful, not for the first time, that her smaller stature was lending a hand in keeping her less visible beneath the water even as the bubbles dissipated some. “I can’t say that I’ve ever shared a bath with anyone before, though.” This time, she did look over at Amos, giving him a bright, teasing smile. “I usually lock the door from the inside so that no one will barge in on me, even when they have the password.” She raised an eyebrow, her grin slowly turning more smirk-like. “But I suppose a fit Quidditch star like yourself doesn’t have any reason to shy away from admirers hoping to sneak a peek, eh?”

Amos made certain that his eyes were away, no, closed, as Lily was readying herself to get into the bathtub and, without a doubt, disrobing. When he heard the sound of something gently slipping into water, then the soft splash of water being moved by the arms, he gave himself a count to five to open his eyes, deciding it was then when it would be appropriate to do so. His eyes opened to the stained glass windows, watching the image of the mermaid playing with her hair, staring at him before seeming to giggle and look away. He, too, looked away, then looked towards Lily, relieved to see that she was entirely covered under the water and a white blanket of bubbles along its surface.

“I guess you’re right,” he said to her teasing, laughing a little, even if he realized that leaving her would be rude. He would never want to give her the idea that he thinks the bath was no good now that she was in it, which might have been a stretch in the eyes of most people, but Amos was careful not to offend. At least, with his actions; at times his words could be rather boastful, not about himself, but rather about those he was proud of.

The thought of leaving anytime soon out of his mind, he, too, relaxed once again into the water as much as he could, eyes closing and a smile curving onto his lips. Feeling the warm water against his skin was bliss, as were the smells of his essential oils, and really all of the ambience of the room. It was a surprise that the effect wasn’t ruined once Lily began to speak again, to which he opened his eyes to look into hers from all the way across the tub. “I guess that’s one way to do it. I’m so used to sharing the showers and such with everyone after practice, or games, that I don’t really think about locking the door. That, and I wouldn’t think to lock anyone out –– they probably need a bath just as bad as I do if they’re coming up here.”

With a laugh, he started shaking his head. “Oh, no, I’m no star. Sure, I’ve caught a snitch or two, but I think it’s mostly luck. Talent, that’s where Captain Jones is well off! She’s incredible, she’s the real quidditch star on the team.” Hands moved behind his head as he leaned back, letting his body sink further into the water. “I mean, I guess I have some fans in my house who might admire me enough,” he admitted, as a bit of rosiness brushed along his cheeks at the thought. “But never like that! The only people ‘sneaking a peek’ in here, so to speak, would be some of the prefect boys and I chatting and taking the piss, and I’m sure there’s no way we’d want to be sneaking a peek.” Another laugh, and he looked back up to the ornate ceiling.

This time, he wasn’t looking up to avoid the other being in his gaze, at least, not entirely –– it was simply because that was the direction he was looking in. He let a lull in the conversation pass, saying, “well, I guess I’m honored to be the first person to share a bath with you. Remember, though, I’m still entirely okay with leaving if you want some privacy.” His neck angled downwards so he could look to her.

“Honestly, I’m not sure what else to do. Usually the boys and I just towel-whip or splash one another, if anything, and I certainly don’t want to do that to you. So I guess we can just chat, if that’s fine with you? I’d feel awkward sitting around silently.” A hand scratched at the back of his neck before returning into the position where it clasped with his other behind his head. “So, how are classes treating you? You are in sixth year, right? How are N.E.W.T. level courses?”

[affableamos-blog]

the-tedward-tonks:

Ted leaned back at the near shouting but still chuckled at Amos’ friendliness. “Barely is all I need.” He said with a smile. “How many of these have you had already Amos?”

“Really? Then I’ll buy you one!” he bellowed, holding up a hand to signal the bartender, who gave him a nod of understanding and began to fill a mug. Amos reached into his pocket and pulled out some coins, counting them in his hand before dropping enough for the drink and a tip onto the bar. As the bartender dropped the full pint in front of Ted and took the money, Amos gave him a nod, before taking a swig of his own drink. “This is my second one!” he said, looking at the half empty glass, then back to Teddy. “Probably my last one too, I’ve gotta fly in practice later today.”

[affableamos-blog]

dromeda-black:

Down by the lake, Andromeda had found herself the perfect spot; a little bank, just the perfect height to let her stick her feet as she sat back and enjoyed the sunshine. With the school year nearly over, and the undoubtedly endless summer looming over her, this was the perfect way to relax- bare toes in the water, warm sunshine streaming down on her. 

Down a little ways further, she could see someone getting closer, and she waved her hand to beckon them closer, a smile on her face. “The water feels perfect if you’d like to join me. I certainly wouldn’t mind the company.”

“You sure you don’t mind?” Amos approached the other rather carefully, before taking his own seat way at the other end of the water’s bed, as far from her as he could get. It wasn’t out of any fear or distaste towards her, of course, but he didn’t like to do anything that could have made another uncomfortable, and he would admit that he and the girl were not so well acquainted that he could be sure it wouldn’t be an uncomfortable situation. So there he took his seat, removing his shoes and rolling up his pants before he let his feet dip into the water, sliding down the damp sanded shore. “You know, I was considering just jumping in at first. This part of the lake is a little shallow, though, plus I wouldn’t be proud of myself if I were to splash you.” He gave something of a grin.

[affableamos-blog]

missyvettefawn:

She was scratching Bilbo’s head and nodded in agreement with Amos. “He is definitely my child, the lazy thing. I’ve never met a more spoiled ferret and I have no idea how he got this way.” She said with a shrug and a laugh. She did know, it was her that made the little monster that was starting to tug on the hair that was hanging closest to him for more of his fish treats. “I would think he’s as needy as an infant.” At the mention of her N.E.W.T s she slumped down in her seat and broke off a large piece of fudge for comfort. “As nastily exhausting as they’re name. Herbology is the best though.”

“Well, it’s in pets’ nature to act like our needy babies. That’s how they get their food and attention, yeah?” He returned the laugh, then took another drink of his butterbeer –– a final one, it seemed, as the stein was empty upon him swallowing the sweet, warming drink. Upon placing it down, he signaled the bartender for another, but a second later added on “better be a water instead, please.” It was best that he follow her in not drinking, especially considering that he really did have practice later that day. “You’re damn right, they’re tiresome as all hell. I’m glad to be finishing those up, especially Herbology; it certainly is not the best!” Amos teased, before adding, “it might be my best class, but it’s a lot of busy-work! I prefer Care of Magical Creatures.”

[affableamos-blog]

missyvettefawn:

With the ferret weaving through her hair, he made it difficult to put him back in the bag for the rest of his nap. “He enjoys adventures, who am I to deny him that.” After some more rummaging she pulls out a yellow crocheted wad from the bag and throws it on, arranging it just so as she scoops up the ferret and settles him in the small carrier where he just hangs on her chest, gnawing on a treat. “I have to make a bunch of these, he likes to chew his way out most of the time. I tried the traditional sling bonding bag but he gets to actually see the world this way.”

He couldn’t help but laugh at the sight, watching the ferret sit lazily inside the little bag hanging over her chest. “So, he’s like an infant? I wish someone could carry me around like that, so I could see the world, stay warm, be given food, nap whenever I wanted to... Bilbo’s got a pretty good life there.” Just the thought amused him. To have his nearly 190 centimeter tall, 80 kilogram self resting sweetly in a little body hammock –– it’d have to be worn by a giant! Enough daydreaming was done for him, he focused back into the moment, and tried to keep his attention from the cute, but certainly feisty little beast. “So, your studies. How are they? Are you enjoying N.E.W.T level classes? I know some of them nearly killed me back when I was in sixth year.”

[affableamos-blog]

missyvettefawn:

Yvette broke off a chunk of the fudge and laid it on a small napkin on the bar. “Now you know I’ve never minded sharing, plus they only make their flavors for so long. It would be cruel to not share it with you.” At the disturbance in the bag, a pair of small black eyes rose up and a furry snake wound it’s way up her arm and poked it’s head out of her hair. “Bilbo though, may have some things to say on the matter.” She said with a giggle as she dug out a small treat to give the demanding ferret. “He rather enjoys the weather outside, odd little thing that he is.”

The fudge before him eagerly awaited his consumption, and he was quick to take a taste and say, “you’re right, that’s brilliant! Thank you!” At the sight of a furry little creature climb her arm and hide in her hair, his face was filled with wonder and excitement. As soon as the face popped out, Amos brought both hands to his cheeks. “Bilbo! He’s always so precious!” Despite his words, he leaned away in his chair, not wishing to get scratched or bitten by the animal –– he wasn’t sure why, but it seemed people’s pets had never been too fond of him. “Sneaky little bugger! I’m sure he does like the rain, he’s an odd little fellow. You still carry him around with you?”

[affableamos-blog]

missyvettefawn:

Looking out the window at the rain coming down ad scrunched her nose up. “You’ll catch a cold in that weather flying up there, then you’ll need the firewhiskey to knock that out before you have a match.” Mothering was a tendency she had towards people and she had a hard time keeping it toned down. “Had to go on a supply run to Honeyduke’s, the rations of fudge were low and I adore the blueberry and lemon fudge they’ve been making.” Digging in her bag she dug out one of the five pound wedges of fudge she bought and held it up. “Want some? It tastes just like sunshine.”

With a laugh, he nodded in agreement, saying, “you’re definitely right about that. Scottish weather isn’t fun to fly in, really!” At the mention of some fudge, as well as her reaching into her bag, an eyebrow perked up and he leaned in a little, watching her take out the wonderful sweets and give him a look. “That sounds brilliant! I’d feel bad about taking it from you, though… so maybe just a bite.” Amos couldn’t help but have a little bit of a sweet tooth, and he’d definitely go buy another treat to give to her later as a thanks for the fudge. “I’m lucky to have a friend like you, truly!”

[affableamos-blog]

snapss:

@affableamos

Lily’s mind was elsewhere, as it often was these days, as she entered the Prefects’ bathroom. If she’d been paying attention, if she’d listened to the painting, if she’d noticed the steam in the room, the clothes off to the side… if she hadn’t been feeling sorry for herself, and vindicated, and if she hadn’t been thinking about James fucking Potter, she might have turned around and walked right back out the way she’d come. But Lily wasn’t paying attention, and she hadn’t listened to the painting trying to warn her. She didn’t notice the steamy air, and she didn’t notice the clothes, either. Lily was in her own little world as she barged right on in, blissfully unaware that the bath was already occupied.

She dropped her little case of toiletries, toed her shoes off, and was untying her robe, already thinking about bubbles and scents, when she actually happened to look up, only to find someone staring back at her. It all seemed to hit her at once; the steam, the warning of the painting, the clothes, Amos Diggory naked in the bath….

Amos!

Okay, so that last one took a moment to register with Lily. “I’m sorry!” she shouted, darting backwards, flushing red, and staring pointedly away from him. She wasn’t sure whether she was more embarrassed for walking in on him or for staring, but at this point it really didn’t matter. “I didn’t realize you were in here. I’m sorry! I’m not staring, I promise!” 

Amos had been glad his father pushed him so hard to become a prefect. No, really. As much as he hated walking around the corridor at night with the intention of punishing students, he was glad that he got to meet so many people, and help them –– he even often let them go with a warning and escorted them to their common rooms safely. After all, the castle was large, and hard to navigate after nightfall, especially for the younger students he caught out at night, often having lost their way. Besides that, it certainly came with its benefits: professors treated him a little nicer, the authority was pleasant when he needed it, and, best of all, he got to relax in a beautiful, private bathroom.

There he sat in the large pool of a bathtub, filled to the brim with warm water and bubbles, the air filled with steam and the scent of lavender, chamomile, and rose; it was a blend of essential oils his mother had used when she bathed him as a child, and he continued to use to this day to bring a small bit of home and comfort into his life. He was completely relaxed, all but his face within the warm water, as he felt his entire body at ease from the heat, and his head cleared by the aroma surrounding him. 

It was when he heard wet footsteps that his feeling of relaxation was broken, as he knew he was no longer alone. Well, he didn’t mind sharing a bath with another one of the prefect boys –– it wasn’t like they hadn’t before, and the bath was certainly big enough for multiple people to have their own time of relaxation. He pushed himself up to sit on the edge, his head of damp hair, his face beaded with sweat, and the upper half of his torso slowly coming out from beneath the bubbles as he looked to see who had joined him. Eyes widened at the sight of long, red hair, alerting him that it was not another boy who had come to join him. 

His face felt warm and his cheeks turned red, even more so at the eye contact that had then been made between the two. At the sight of a startled, blushing Lily Evans arms splashed from the water to grab his towel and cover his bare chest, as if he had anything to hide, and he, too, looked away, up into the designs of the glass windows, or the vaulted ceilings, or really anywhere but the girl he caught in the middle of disrobing. 

“Oh, no no no, it’s quite alright!” he insisted loud enough to hear his voice echo from the walls, before he used his hands against the edge of the bath to bring himself to the farthest side of the bath from her, staring into the direction he was moving and definitely not at her. Placing his towel back on the ledge and being sure he was sitting so that anything below his bellybutton was hidden under a nice, opaque layer of bubbles. It was for her sake, more than his; he didn’t really have any qualms about being seen half naked, and didn’t really buy into any sense of modesty when it came to that sort of thing, but he certainly understood that others may not be so comfortable with that and didn’t wish to weird her out. He quickly added, a little quieter this time, “It’s no worries! Tons of the other prefects come in during my baths all the time. And don’t worry, I’m not looking!”

“I can leave, if you’d like! I can take a bath later,” he insisted, glancing at her face and her face only for a second before averting his gaze back up to the ceiling, pretending to admire the architecture. He laughed and grinned, as a reaction for when he had no idea how else to react to the situation. “It’s no problem, I promise. I’ll go if you want!”

[affableamos-blog]

missyvettefawn:

Being the absolute lightweight that she is, Yvette scowled down the bar at Amos. “It doesn’t take barely even to get me tipsy.” she said as she picked up the mug and took a sip, giving him a grin back. “I do like how it tastes though, thanks.” 

He grinned and took the drink back for himself, saying “Oh, then I guess I should finish it myself,” and laughing before giving it another swig. In the cold, rainy weather up in Scotland, there was nothing better than a butterbeer to warm oneself up. “To be honest, I’m really more of a firewhiskey kind of guy. I have quidditch practice later, though, so it’s best to stick to butterbeer for now!” The glass was held up to his mouth once more as he took another sip, adding, “and what are you doing down in Hogsmeade this dreary day, Yvette.”

[lavilleestmoneglise-deactivated]

[affableamos-blog]

“Come on, lighten up!” he nearly shouted, not realizing that he had been perhaps a little too loud. More than happy to share, he had passed his butterbeer along the bar to the other, showing off his signature hundred-watt grin. “It’s only butterbeer. It’s barely even alcoholic!”>