Cicely Marling

Cicely Marling: a perfectly ordinary fifth year Hufflepuff and Prefect who loves animals, dreams of being a magizoologist, and misses her father dearly. ❊ Please don't see just a girl caught up in dreams and fantasies

[tuckercurshaw-blog]

[remusjohnslupin]

Probably the most famous of all magical beasts, dragons are among the most difficult to hide. The female is generally larger and more aggressive than the male, though neither should be approached by any but highly skilled and trained wizards. Dragon hide, blood, heart, liver, and horn have highly magical properties, but dragon eggs are defined as Class A Non-Tradeable Goods. There are ten breeds of dragon, though these have been known to interbreed on occasion, producing rare hybrids. Pure-bred dragons are as follows… 

[olivia--hughes1]

"Well it’s probably good that you’re not a very good actress, people who can act are often people who can lie and you don’t strike me as much of a lair Miss Marling." Olivia smiled at Cicely nudging her arm gently, "Oh come on it’s easy. How can you not be awestruck by our new leader? Gracie and I are even planning to start a fan club for him. Look at those striking blue eyes how can you not be in love?" Olivia teased the Hufflepuff, using the same joking tone she and Grace had used to discuss Minister Tegus a few days earlier. "But it is much easier to discuss my feelings about him with you than it would be to feign support if he came up to me. Which I seriously hope he won’t do." Olivia continued to run her eyes over the room, the energy around them feeling very conflicted. "I know there are, the only person I’ve spoken to tonight that doesn’t seem distressed by our new leader is Evangeline and generally her opinions don’t reflect the general public’s." olivia considered Cicely’s ideas about the aurors nodding slightly, hoping that she might be right, "I hope they’re somewhere on the grounds because as unnerving as they are these aurors here tonight are terrifying. Think about it this way, there are two groups of people here tonight: us and Lowell and both of these groups could potentially be in a lot of danger. Wouldn’t they both bring their own protection? When two important dignitaries meet they both have bodyguards so where are ours?" She shook her head, "I don’t think it’s weird at all, I think it’s calculated. I think they’re purposely standing out to intimidate us, it’s a tactic." Olivia smiled at Cicely despite herself, "We’re a dangerous group of people, children of some of the most influential families in the wizarding world are in these room and just as many students who don’t support him are here as well."

[cicelymarling-blog]

"Hmm, that makes sense. After all, you do need to a good actor in order to lie convincingly. Well, I'm glad I have such an honest image in your head, Miss Hughes," she said with a small chuckle. "As Clem would say, he would be the ideal if you like the 'dark and brooding' type. I suppose I'll be hearing of a new club in the school very soon: Minister Lowell Tegus' personal fan club. And you already have the club president and vice-president, so that should make things simpler," she quipped playfully in return. "Yeah, I'm not too sure if I'd be able to hide my distaste. I'm hoping for that too, though I doubt he would approach me - since I'm neither of pureblood ancestry nor am I from an especially wealthy or influential family."  Cicely was quite certain that Lowell wouldn't just approach any random student and start making conversation - he had a motive, and he probably already knew which students he was going to speak with before he even arrived. "Evangeline? Well, she probably has her own reasons for that..." Cicely didn't know the girl well; they've barely spoken to each other before. "But as you said, I think most of the older students are aware - to some degree, at least - about the situation." That was an assuring thought, that at least some of the students did not blindly trust their new Minister. "Yeah... it doesn't really make sense. This place would make the prime target for attacks - having the Minister and the children of almost every wizarding family in London in one place." The Hufflepuff nodded as she realized what Olivia said was true - it does seem like a tactic to intimidate. "So Lowell is afraid of a bunch of kids, huh? I imagine it would make quite a headline," she thought aloud, feeling a flicker of satisfaction when she imagined Lowell being wary of them as well. Then, her tone becoming sombre, she added, "But if they really see us as a threat, then that could be bad news for us. I'm just a little worried that he might decide to... do something more than watch us." 

[keller-murphy]

Once the silencing and illusionment spells were firmly in place, Keller looked to Cicely and shrugged. “It would have been a lot cooler if that was the case,” he said, “sorry about that.” The space beneath the table was limited, but there was enough room or Keller to sit up straight without having to hunch his back, so that was something. “Uh— no, well-.. when I was a kid, I sometimes hid under tables, but I haven’t been under one in years - I wasn’t sure I could still fit, actually, but here we are.” Keller kept hold of his wand in his hands and nodded when Cicely asked who should go first. “I’ll-.. I’ll start, if you want,” he said, clearing his throat and glancing at the strip of floor that could be seen beneath the table cloth - all clear. “Okay, where to start-… uhm, basically, Lowell is terrifying and we should be scared - evidence,” and Keller held up one finger. “Katie once heard the name Lowell in connection to the aurors talking to Slughorn, saying something about fighting him,” and Keller brought up a second finger, “then Zane and Julia went to the Ministry, way before Lowell was elected as Minister, and it seemed like people were running scared from the man.” Keller brought up a third. “Then Katie and I went to the Ministry-… using uh-… Polyjuice Potion, and uhm-.. well, basically, I heard myself that Lowell’s giving orders - a woman thought he had sent Katie and I, posing as high ups within the Ministry, to get some records. Why would a woman assume that? Why was Lowell’s name first to come to mind?” Keller shook his head. “Then a while ago-.. months ago-.. Echo heard some professors talking about fighting someone - which connects to the aurors asking Slughorn to join them. It’s all making sense,” Keller said, dropping his hand and bringing his knees to his chest. “Professors and aurors working together — or, most of the professors — to fight Lowell. I know that doesn’t explain why the professors are making nice right now, but… yeah, that’s what I’ve got,” he ended, biting his lip and looking at Cicely intently for her reaction.

[cicelymarling-blog]

"Don't worry, this in itself is actually pretty cool as well. Very creative, if you ask me. If this was indeed the entrance to a secret room, then that would be too predictable," she said with a small smile. Cicely nodded, listening intently as Keller started to speak. She felt her frown grow deeper as he listed off what he knew with his fingers, and by the time he was finished, she was almost sure that the frown would be permanently etched on her face. "But aren't the aurors from the Ministry as well? Wouldn't they be taking orders from Lowell now that he's the Minister? Or do their loyalties lie elsewhere, since they were encouraging the professors to fight against him?" she asked, unable to hold back her questions even though she knew that Keller probably wanted to know as much as she did. Then, as an afterthought, she added, "You're right, though. It's clear that we should be afraid of Lowell and whatever he's planning. Especially now that he's the Minister... he would have more power and more people to do his bidding than before." Cicely silently wondered to herself - if their Minister was that kind of person, can the rest of the Ministry still be trusted? It was time to tell Keller what else she knew. "So... I was in the kitchen late one night with Poppy, and um... we heard two aurors right outside the entrance. We hid right away, but I think they weren't aware that we were inside, because they just started talking about someone... a man. One of them seemed to think this man has been inside the castle before, so I suspect he could have been one of the intruders. And that auror was also convinced that this man was involved with Lowell," she said, glancing at the the small space between the table cloth and the floor as she said the name. "They also said something about watching his cousin who is currently in Hogwarts... They suspect that this student could have helped the man get in," she paused, thinking about how to phrase her next sentence. "They... well, they called the man Williams," she said hesitantly, letting it sink in. Will Keller make the connection as she did immediately? Perhaps he knew another student with that surname, she desperately wished, as she looked at Keller with concern. Then there would be a chance that they weren't referring to Benjy or his cousin. 

[clem-priddy]

Laughing as Cicely stuck out her tongue in apparent disgust, Clem was surprised by the comment that followed. “Merlin, he really is a stick in your mud, ain’t he? I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so disgusted at someone.” Toying with the bracelet at her wrist while her arms were still crossed, Clem followed the Minister with her eyes as Cicely spoke, his apparent attempts at mingling failing. She hoped to fucking God he wouldn’t pass her way, or even Cicely’s, for that matter, as not even she was sure what might happen if he did. Probably something she’ll insist she can’t be held responsible for. Focus back on her roommate, Clem frowned and was suddenly aware of the distaste they both shared, “Well he certainly seems to be doing a bloody good job of proving them right, if that’s his attitude… I’ll keep an eye on you, tonight; if he tries anything on you - on anyone - he’ll be fucking sorry about it,” she finished, thinking aloud.

[cicelymarling-blog]

Truthfully, Cicely surprised herself with her own comment as well - she usually tries her best to tone it down, but when faced with Lowell, someone whom she now knew was bad and who controlled the Ministry of Magic, she just couldn't help but let her distaste show. "Well, in the aurors' words, one would be psychopathic to get involved with him. It might be a stretch to say that he had a hand in everything, but I know for certain he gives the aurors and professors a reason to be wary of him," she admitted. Cicely couldn't help but smile at Clem's protectiveness. She knew her friend was concerned - not that the girl would ever admit to it, but Cicely appreciated it nonetheless. "I doubt he would try anything that obvious - not in front of so many people, anyway. But I'm glad to know you have my back. I'd advise you to keep it down, though, I'm not sure if it would be worth getting into trouble for should one of his aurors hear you."

[carymatlin-deactivated20160529]

Would it be okay if I took off my tie?

[carymatlin-deactivated20160529]

It’s supposed to be a fancy event though and I’d look rather unfancy if I took off the tie. I’d look…I don’t know…disheveled? And somehow I don’t think that will impress the Minister…

[cicelymarling-blog]

Honestly, it's a little too fancy... too stifling. I'd rather have our usual aurors around - at least we're used to them. Still, I suppose you're right - the formality requires a tie, but maybe you can loosen it while no one's looking? So... you mean you're trying to impress the Minister? 

[pax-in-bello-archive]

"I wouldn’t know," Paxton said sincerely, hand over his heart as he promised, "I don’t drink. It’s just a magical night, don’t you think? Like, anything’s possible. Probable. Hey, dance with me!” 

[cicelymarling-blog]

"Well, I'm glad to see that you're enjoying yourself," Cicely said with a smile. He seemed to be unaware of the tension in the room, but she couldn't be sure. Deciding that it would put too much of a damper in his mood if she refused, she let herself get pulled away from the wall and into the crowd, before asking tentatively, "So... any thoughts on our new minister?" 

[tuckercurshaw-blog]

"Too… monitored. I need to let my freak flag fly… can’t really do that here." He considers her words, a small grin coming across his face. "Brilliant. Good point. What is the dress code for this shindig, anyway?”

[cicelymarling-blog]

"Ah... it makes you more uptight instead of being able to relax, doesn't it?" She glances at the aurors that Lowell brought with him, and wrinkled her nose. "If I remember correctly, either dress robes or formal attire was required... and there was no mention of a tie anywhere."

[olivia--hughes1]

Olivia smiled slightly, “How good of an actress are you? Perhaps you could convince them of that if you play the part of the starstruck teenage girl.” She couldn’t help but smile at the thought of Cicely pretending to fawn all over Minister Tegus, “You might need to look a bit more awestruck if you’re going to sell that one though. I’ve been glancing at him throughout the night, making sure not too look for too long before turning my attention on someone else. Though I’ve also been standing against the wall all night so the majority of my time has been spend watching everyone else.” Olivia shifted her body slightly so that she was leaning up against the wall next to Cicely and gazed over the crowd of people milling around the room. Years of drawing people had taught Olivia a lot about reading body language and as she looked out over their classmates she could see a lot of hunched shoulders and wary looks coming from the older students, only the younger kids seemed to be pleased with this affair. “You have that too? This room feels like…a powder keg with a match dangling above it, I’m just waiting for the match to drop. I don’t think you’re uptight Cicely, I think you’re understandably wary, intelligently so.” She glanced around the room again this time her gaze fell on one of Minister Tegus’s aurors and she felt another pang of fear rush through her, “Don’t you think it’s strange that none of our usual aurors are here tonight?” Olivia saw the alarm in her friend’s face and she immediately tried to back pedal. “I well…I’m probably just being paranoid…I um…maybe I have a bit too much of my father in me but I-I get the feeling that this event wasn’t McGonagall’s idea…If nothing else I think Minister Tegus wants to size us all up, decide who might be disloyal to him.”

[cicelymarling-blog]

"Not very good, unfortunately. I haven't exactly had the chance to practice and hone my acting skills," Cicely answered with a smile. "Awestruck? I don't actually think I can manage that, on second thought. It's kind of hard to suppress my wariness and dislike for him. Maybe if I pretend that Lowell is a rare magical creature... Okay no. So it seems like I might have to come up with another cover story," she sighed. Cicely turned her head to look at the crowd of students gathered in the middle of the room, before glancing at Lowell and the aurors standing around the room. She nodded in agreement when the Ravenclaw spoke about the tension in the room. "That's a great analogy, Olivia. And I think there are others who are wary about our new minister as well, if the look in their eyes say anything. The usual aurors... yes, it's odd indeed. They're always around, especially when there is a school-wide event. It doesn't make sense that they're not here now, seeing as this is such an important event. Then again, they could be patrolling the corridors and the grounds, since Lowell brought his own aurors here?" she suggested, looking around the room once more. "Speaking of those aurors... don't you think it's weird that they're not... attempting to blend in? Or perhaps I'm too used to our usual aurors lurking in the shadows instead of standing out," she mused. "I'm going to repeat your words to me, Olivia, I think you’re understandably wary, intelligently so. Sizing us up, huh..." she trailed off, and glanced towards Lowell again. "Well, it would be a good chance to sniff out who his non-supporters are, so that makes sense..."

[carymatlin-deactivated20160529]

Would it be okay if I took off my tie?

I feel like I’m about to suffocate and the ball isn’t going to last for that much longer…right?

[cicelymarling-blog]

It's definitely not the first time I've heard that question tonight. I don't think you're required to keep your tie on, so it should be alright?

[clem-priddy]

"C’mon, Cice; it’s cute. Somebody might even argue I was paying you a compliment but I couldn’t possibly let you believe such a thing," she said, staring off into the bustle of people with a coy smirk on her face. Laughing at Cicely’s distaste, Clem nodded and turned to look at Lowell, "Yeah, he’s as slimy as the rest of the Minister’s. Handsome git, though, if you’re into the whole ‘dark and mysterious’ brooding thing…" Cicely’s tone turned hard and Clem looked at her friend, eyeing her carefully. Turning to lean on her side, she crossed her arms right against her before asking, "Why do you say that?" It was clear it wouldn’t have been said unless Cicely thought otherwise, so Clem’s brow arched in curiousity as she awaited a reply.

[cicelymarling-blog]

"Of course not," she said with a chuckle. "I'm not sure I'd believe it even if you did, since that's totally unlike you." She was glad that Clem felt the same way about Lowell, though Cicely did stick her tongue out when the other girl commented on his looks. "Well, if you say that... it's too bad his personality is rotten," she said quietly, her eyes going to Lowell for a second before her attention is back to her friend. He was still moving around the room, stopping occasionally to speak to a student and working his supposed charm on them. Cicely was pleased to see that not all the students were taken by him, considering the look on their faces after he left. "I don't trust him," she explained simply. She took a sip of butterbeer, and continued, "I... well, I overheard two aurors talking about a week ago. And they mentioned him. They spoke like it was bad to be associated with him, and I think that the aurors were sure he was involved in whatever's been happening." 

[tuckercurshaw-blog]

"Well, this isn’t what I had in mind when I suggested having a ‘party’, but at least it hasn’t been a total bore. I really want to take this bloody thing off, though.” He sticks the end of his tie in his mouth, chewing on it stupidly.

[cicelymarling-blog]

"Way too fancy?" she asked, referring to the ball. "I don't think anyone would mind if you did that. Take your tie off, I mean. They're probably too busy dancing to notice."

[keller-murphy]

Though he knew that Cicely was already worried about Lowell and his hints at more only served to heighten those fears, he couldn’t tell her right then and there — with aurors around, there was no knowing what other measures they’d taken to protect themselves. In his own mind was circling the worry of what Cicely had to tell him too — it never seemed to end, but he felt rejuvenated by Pax’s words of wisdom and courage from a week ago, and with refocused determination, he led Cicely out of the shadows and around the edge of the room, continually glancing around to make sure Lowell wasn’t about to appear in their path - or an auror. It was hard to keep a low profile as Head Boy, let alone a tall Head Boy, but most people were too preoccupied by their dancing to notice him and Cicely moving to the round tables in one corner of the room. “Here,” Keller said, pointing to the table that was empty, and most of the others were too, save for a group of fifth years sitting a few tables over, eating cake and laughing. “Underneath,” Keller continued, before smiling. “Like I said, it would look suspicious but just count to ten after I go then follow,” he said, giving Cicely a thumbs up before dropping to his knees and crawling beneath the table. It wasn’t as dark as he imagined, and once he was seated, pulling his legs inside and folding them as best he could in the cramped space, he brought out his wand and began to set up a dome of silencing spells so that their protection would be guaranteed from any other counter spells in the area - they couldn’t afford to take any risks with Lowell literally in the same room as them.

[cicelymarling-blog]

She followed Keller as he led her away, hoping that no one noticed them. It was hard not to feel like they were breaking the rules, what with Lowell and his aurors in the same room as them. They paused at one of the empty tables, and Cicely was about to ask Keller if everything was alright when he pointed to the table. "This— I mean, here?" Bewildered as she was, she trusted Keller, and counted to ten once he disappeared under the table. Thankfully, this part of the room was relatively empty, so with any luck, they wouldn't be seen climbing underneath the table. Cicely took a quick glance at her surroundings to make sure that no one was looking, and followed after Keller once the ten counts was up. "I was almost expecting this to be the entrance to a hidden room, actually," she confessed once she was seated, a sheepish grin on her face. Honestly, though, it did feel quite safe there, being away from the eyes of others - and how many people would think to look under the table for them? Keller did seem to be familiar with this, so she asked, out curiosity, "Have you actually done this before? Talk under a table, I mean." While Cicely knew that Keller would have set something up to ensure that they can't be heard, she couldn't help but keep glancing back to the tablecloth draped over the table, hiding them. She half-expected the tablecloth to be lifted up and Lowell's face to be looking at them with his creepy smile. Shaking her head to rid herself of that scary thought, she looked at Keller, who was sitting across from her. He looked a little uncomfortable in that small space, so Cicely decided to cut to the chase. "Do you, um, want to start, or should I go first?" she asked quietly.

[zblyth]

It's okay if I just... Hide in the shadows, right?

[zblyth]

Oh, my father and I? Well, we haven’t spoken since I was told of his decision, so I can’t really say if things are bad or if it’s good. Probably bad though. I think I can get into trouble for being right up in his face and stuff. Considering I’m a werewolf, and that he is… On the bad side, so to speak. I think us both discussing this, persuading each other and whatnot, that means that we should go out for a dance. Don’t you think?

[cicelymarling-blog]

Hmm... maybe it's the cooling down period. He... ah... I see. Still, he can't just ignore you forever or pretend you didn't exist, so... hopefully things get better later on. Yes, I suppose so. Just one dance. Then you'd know not to ask me to dance ever again. Say, what do you think is the real purpose of the minister coming here? I just feel like it's not so simple as a celebration... or perhaps I'm just thinking too much.

[pax-in-bello-archive]

"Kiss me?"

[cicelymarling-blog]

"You're either drunk, or I heard things wrongly. But I'm pretty sure the punch is not spiked, so it must be the latter. Or can you get drunk from drinking too much Butterbeer?"

[olivia--hughes1]

Olivia smiled, dropping her hand from Cicely’s arm, “That’s a shame, I was really hoping you could do that. It might come in handy. You don’t want to shoot dangers at our new Minister? Well I guess it’s alright that you can’t then.” Olivia’s voice was dipped in sarcasm though she tried to tone it down so Cicely wouldn’t mistakenly think it was directed at her. “What were you keeping such a close eye on him then? I mean someone should be but aren’t you frightened he’ll notice you staring?” If Olivia was being honest her second question was the only reason she wasn’t doing exactly as Cicely was, genuine fear ran through her when she thought of being caught staring at their new leader and she shuddered.”I’m alright…” she paused before adding honestly, “I’m tense. How are you Cicely?” Olivia smiled slightly despite herself as the Hufflepuff kept talking, “I think you’re right, I don’t see any good reason for us to be celebrating tonight. I think this is just an excuse for the Minister to be at Hogwarts.” She spoke the second statement in a voice just above a whisper as she leaned closer to the girl. Olivia let her own concern show on her features as she looked over at Cicely.

[cicelymarling-blog]

Cicely was surprised by the sarcasm in Olivia's voice at first, but then realized that it wasn't directed at her, but at Lowell. She smiled, though when she imagined the man looking back right at her with his cold blue eyes, she knew she'd probably have behaved like a deer caught in the headlights. But she didn't say that aloud, and instead answered Olivia's question. "I... didn't really consider that. I mean, I was just focused on watching him and— well, that's literally what I've been doing so far. Now that you mention it, though, I should have thought this out better. I wouldn't know how to explain it if one of his aurors caught me watching him like that, or if Lowell himself noticed. Do you think they'd buy my story if I told them that I admired him too much, which was why I just kept staring at him all night?" she asked jokingly. Cicely nodded; she was just as tense, and she appreciated Olivia admitting to it as well - it made her feel less alone, somehow, to know that someone else was also wary of the minister. "Me too, actually. I keep having this feeling that something is going to happen, and it's not exactly a good feeling," the Hufflepuff confessed, before letting out a soft sigh. "Maybe I'm just too uptight?" she suggested, knowing full well that no matter the reason, she wouldn't feel at ease until Lowell left the castle, bringing his entourage of aurors along with him. Cicely felt her eyebrows raise in alarm as Olivia finished her sentence, and dropping her voice as well, she asked, "What... what made you say that?"

[olivia--hughes1]

Olivia had situated herself against the far wall of the Great Hall by where the Slytherin table usually stood. She’d worn understated clothing in an effort to avoid standing out and thus far it seemed to be working. She’d been watching a pair of third year girls attempting to teach a smaller boy how to waltz and as she turned her attention away from the group she noticed Cicely leaning against the adjacent wall staring intently across the room. Following the girl’s line of sight Olivia realized that the focus of her intense stare was the Minister himself. Moving slowly so as not to draw attention to herself she weaved through small groups of students until she was standing at the Hufflepuff’s shoulder. Realizing that the girl hadn’t noticed her approach Olivia placed a gentle hand on Cicely’s arm and said quietly, “You realize that you can’t actually shoot daggers from your eyes right? Unless there’s something I don’t know about you.”

[cicelymarling-blog]

Cicely tensed up when she felt someone touching her arm, only relaxing when she saw that it was Olivia. She smiled, and shook her head. "Don't worry, Olivia, you know everything there is to know. Unfortunately, I do not have any secret powers to do that. Not that I want to, you know, shoot daggers from my eyes. At Lowell." Not yet, she added silently. At least not until she had more concrete evidence that he really was involved. "How are you this fine, albeit slightly boring, evening?" Cicely quipped, deciding not to say anything about her reason for staring at Lowell unless the girl asked. "The feast was great, as usual. Kudos to the house elves. I still don't think this is a good idea though - celebrating while there is still so much conflict and problems unsolved," she mused. Then, realizing what she had said aloud, she quickly apologized to the Ravenclaw with a sheepish smile. It was more out of embarrassment that she had said that without Olivia asking, than the fact that she could have gotten into trouble with what she said.