❝ ma chérie , karine.❞

karine desmarais, slytherin 7th year.

[karinedsmrs]

priyakapoor‌:

“Ahhh, yes! That’ll do. We’ll say it’s for muggle studies. Nevermind the fact that I’m not taking it.” Iya sighed, her thoughts returning to her abandoned work. “I don’t hate it, I guess. It was just stupidly difficult. The section in the textbook wasn’t making sense when it came to understanding what the hell I was supposed to do to actually cast the spell and I have temporarily given up on writing about it.” She didn’t mean to go on a tangent, she rarely does, but it was hard not to when it came to that which frustrated her. “Oh! Thank you! My parents did well on the naming front.” Iya watched as the stack of books came into sight, a giddiness beginning to bubble up about the sheer mass of new materials for this project. “You’re wonderful! You know, I think these will work perfectly. Should we take this to a courtyard? I think it’ll be less disruptive there.” She asked, as if disruption was something she was caring much about.

“Nevermind that. If anyone tries to harass you about the project, say that you’re doing this to show a younger student in Muggle Studies how easy the task is for their extra credit assignment. The excuse would likely go far with professors as well.”

Karine nodded in agreement when listening to Priya’s reasoning for the Charms work. A lot of people seemed to see Charms as a subject that was too easy or too difficult, but it was very nearly one of the most important for a duelist- stop, Karine. An internal sigh. She was here speaking to Priya to relax, not to host an internal tangent. “Well, I can always help with the classwork some time, if you’d like. And,” She flicked her wand at her own books and then at the tower, carefully, so as not to knock anything aside, “Let’s go. That sounds nice, the small bits of sun peeking through the Scottish gloom would be lovely to feel. You could tell me more about yourself on the way, if you’d like?”

[karinedsmrs]

olgaweasley‌:

“That is a fair assessment. You’d be surprised how many long tongued creatures there are, though! Some of the most common, even. But especially when it comes to the magical and mythical.” Olga began to shovel the collected wreckage that the knarls left behind into the bucket. “Oh, loads of creatures. Those that the ministry deems less dangerous, mostly. I’ve covered knarls, which is what I’m preparing for tomorrow, and I’ve covered fairies. Mooncalves, duriclaws—a favorite of most students simply for being so cute—and last year I brought in some fwoopers. Is this your first year here? I think I remember hearing of a transfer student or two.” She spoke as she worked, moving on to cleaning up the mangled daisies. “Thankfully they haven’t been too plentiful, but I’ve seen a handful. Those buggers find themselves in all sorts of places. I am, yes! I apologize, I haven’t introduced myself.” Olga once again removed her hand from her glove, holding it out for the girl to shake. “I’m Professor Olga Weasley, or just Olga if you would like.” 

“I suppose that’s true. I was thinking primarily of non-wizarding animals, but I didn’t think about the widespan array versus animals that can double as house pets... Do you like snakes?” She blinked a few times when offering the question. Karine missed her snake, Tallulah, very dearly- the creature was often her knowledge seeking companion- but when she decided to transfer to Hogwarts she decided not to bring it to avoid bias... And upon her sorting, she realized she was right not to bring her.

Upon hearing the studied creatures for third years, she nodded a little, and surveyed the ground the professor was working at. At least the professors here seemed to be on top of their studies, despite what people tried to warn her at her last school- Hogwarts always had a rep for being one of the best and the most restrictive at other Wizarding schools in the world, a rumor that was very 50/50 in Karine’s mind at the moment. “When we studied Diriclaws at my last school, I couldn’t escape my classmates awe of the creatures. They wouldn’t stop talking about them and I felt a little mad.” She smiled faintly and took the professors hand. “Nice to meet you, Olga. I’m Karine Desmarais. Have you found any Knarl quills here yet? That’s what tore up the daisies, I’m assuming.” And Knarl quills could always make for a fun ingredient or a sturdy pen.

[redvmvncy]

tamsin checked out a book from the library before heading outside to do some light reading for class. many students were all catching up with one another, talking about summer vacations. but for tamsin she didn’t really have any friends to catch up with. while most people would be sad about that, not tamsin. she didn’t really trust she could ever get close to people because sooner or later her secret will come out and the only people who would want to be around her would be those who she didn’t want. she didn’t believe in the whole blood purity things like some people did. she heard a noise and picked up her wand just in case it wasn’t someone there for niceties. “who’s there?” she asked.

[karinedsmrs]

Quiet wasn’t something the strong stones of the castle grounds latched onto, was it? 

The opening festivities of the new year had left her to handle herself. After being sorted as a transfer with the first years, the last thing she wanted to do was be included in conversations that had nothing to do with her by people who were trying very hard to be a kind new friend. Her work had begun from the moment she stepped foot in the castle- and tonight, Karine was retracing steps of the last war, as told by the past students that cashed in on their horrific experiences. She had noticed the other person around the corner, but a small mistake of a loose quill revealed her position. Karine exited her hiding place, wand out as well. “Karine Desmarais, is who. Do you pull your wand at every little sound?” The girl didn’t seem like she was malicious in intention, so Karine placed the wand back in her coat pocket. She noted the book with the girl. “I don’t mean that rudely. Simply curious. What’s that you’re reading?” 

[karinedsmrs]

fairmercer·:

“You’ve seen her?” His brows raised with interest when she spoke and he could only hope it wasn’t some other grey cat. “Oh please, that would be amazing.” His smile grew now that he had a lead. The restricted section, now that’s one place he hadn’t thought to check. “Really? How are you liking it so far?” She wasn’t a familiar face, which made him curious.

“If she’s a playful cat, then yes. She was tugging on my bag strings earlier. I don’t think she realized I was a human holding the purse- I was quite still.” Karine once had a cat of her own and no matter how standoffish, it did the same thing with anything hanging. She nodded at the boy and started to walk him towards the area she saw the cat in. “It’s interesting here. Full of mysteries to be discovered, information to take in... People who are very bold with their personalities. I have a question,

“What are Hufflepuff’s known for? Seems to be a mixing pot, really.”

[karinedsmrs]

heracarrow‌:

“it’s getting late now, so i highly doubt anybody’s going to be lurking in the library at this time of night. you’d think the teachers would go in there after hours, but they don’t.” she informed karine. hera smiled faintly to herself when karine asked if she was in trouble there often. “you can’t have that? really. and do you mind me asking why?” hera asked curiously as she walked through the library doors.

“That’s funny. Libraries at my last school were often littered with students no matter the time.” The library at Hogwarts truly did have a feeling of comfort, though. While the library and the International Witches Academy was more stark and bright in color, this one was warm and inviting. She ran a hand on various bookshelves as they passed them, watching Hera with every step. “I love trouble, I just don’t like being publicly acknowledged for the trouble I get into until I accomplish my goal.” She smiled at the girl, softening the expression on her face. “But the goal tonight was getting to know you and seeing what you had to show me... So, I suppose trouble wouldn’t be too terrible now.”

God, she was really trying to work the room. All for the library goal. They reached the gates, which looked relatively simple enough to sneak past, but she had to reserve herself. “I think this is the part where you’re to show me how you prefer to crack these open.”

[karinedsmrs]

heracarrow·:

hera nodded gently, “the library is full of interesting reads, but the best books are supposed to be left untouched by students. it’s a pity, isn’t it?” she told karine, a smirk emerging on her pale lips. “i wouldn’t call it a habit, but i’m not the most well behaved student at hogwarts.” she added, thrilled by the idea of sneaking around the castle after curfew. 

“Definitely so. I’ve already been told not to bother trying to get in if I don’t have a professor’s note- so, thank you, Hera. I’ve been needing a reason to sneak in, and who better to do that with than you?” She actually had all the reason in the world to sneak in- pursuit of knowledge, morbid curiosity... But it was easier with someone else, just to see what the Restricted Section’s guarding was like. “Sounds like I hooked onto the right person then. Are you often in trouble here, though?” Karine let go of the girls hand, and quietly began pushing the library doors open. “Because... I’m afraid I can’t have that.”

[karinedsmrs]

olgaweasley·:

Olga gave the student a smile. “Most of them, yes! This one might just be a bit more enthusiastic about it. Not a guarding bone in his body, I’ve come to find.” She waited for the girl—who she didn’t quite recognize. Maybe she was new?—to hand her the bucket, giving her an appreciative nod as she took it from her hands.“You’re close! I’m just preparing a space for some creatures I’ll be teaching the third years about tomorrow. I do need to create a garden like environment, though, so you’re not too far off. I do have a proper garden, which this one here,” she nodded towards her dog, “loves to get into. I have to keep him out more than gnomes. It is specifically for certain plants I may need for feeding or for my research that our wonderful greenhouses don’t already grow.”  

Not a guarding bone in his body? Karine watched the little dog as it moved along with her. She had always heard about dogs that were too kind but acted protective only when faced with danger- maybe that was how this one was. More to learn. “At least you have a kind, slobbering companion then. Their tongues are much longer than other creatures...” Red hair, perhaps one of the millions of redheads around the castle? A little older, sure, but still young at that. Karine took mental note as she watched the woman move around. “What creatures do third years her focus on? I’m afraid I wasn’t around for that year of teaching and I’d love to know more.” At the academy she had previously been at, studies with and on magical creatures were elective advanced courses after one’s fourth year; she wasn’t sure on curriculum elsewhere. “Are there many gnomes here anyway? I feel like the forest here is a little strange of a spot for them. And are you the Care for Magical Creatures professor?” Karine assumed so, but needn’t put her assumptions onto a professor just yet. 

[karinedsmrs]

heracarrow·:

“oh believe me dear, I don’t plan to underestimate you at all.” hera of course already had plenty of friends in slytherin house, although it was always a pleasure to make new ones. hera took karine’s hand with a grin, “why don’t we go to the restricted section in the library first? it’s not as tame as you’d think.” she added excitedly. she was sure karine wouldn’t mind sneaking around.

Karine laughed. The restricted section. She started towards the library, hand in hand with the Carrow girl. “Why anyone would bar students from books on their grounds is beyond me. If it’s there, it should be open to the world.” A sigh left her lips. “If they want to keep certain areas of magic quiet all they have to do is move it to... The Headmasters quarters, or something along those lines. And hey- do you have a habit of sneaking around?” There was no way she was put off by the idea, either., which she hope showed when she lightly squeezed the girls hand after the statement. A person she could sneak around with was a person worth keeping. 

[karinedsmrs]

indestrxctcble·:

“ good for you. your parents must be very proud. ” he nodded his head raising his eyebrows slightly. “ what if i said i just loved to learn about this topic. ”  he questioned the girl but it was very obvious that wasn’t the truth. “ i’ll tell you this. i’m not looking for any medals. my family has gotten enough recognition and publicity we really don’t need anymore. ” he said with a shrug. it wasn’t that he didn’t like being a potter; he loved his family and would do anything for them. it was the attention and comparisons it brought him he didn’t particularly enjoy.

“ hey. you asked. ” he shrugged with a small smirk. “ okay so not a reporter then you’re more like an information seeker ? ” he said dropping his sarcastic front slightly. what he really wanted know was to try and understand the girl. he was usually good at reading people fast but he couldn’t figure her out.  “ yeah, well in my experience people tend not to talk about or even acknowledge the dark stuff in the world because they are afraid of the fight it might lead to. ”  he shrugged running his wand between his fingers. “ and the people who make a public display it thrive off of the fear. it makes them stronger ”

“ albus potter. ” he was sure the girl already had an idea of who he was but decided to say it anyway. “ not sure what i’m looking for, yet but i’m sure i’ll know when i see it.  ” the syltherin said honestly. “ wow. you’ve only just met me and you already think i deserve your help. i’m touched, really. ”

“Yes, I suppose they are. They’re still stuck on the old school notion of wanting their children to carry on their legacy.” She didn’t always do it for them, though. The legacy and proving her worth as a child of the family was important to her, but moreso, she just wanted to know everything. Her eyebrow went up at his next words. “I’d like to believe you simply like the subject, but the history of your family has proven that their pursuit of knowledge is often because they have something to protect... I’ll try not to assume further, though. And I’d imagine being in your family is tough with the publicity as is.” If there was a name known worldwide, larger than anyone else, it was Potter after all. 

That was certainly one way to put it. She got the sense that she was trying to be understood- which she was doing to him as well. Only fair. People liked to tell her that beyond her typical appearance, she was robotic in some nature, until she opened up anyway. “An information seeker is a good way to put it. I’d say a knowledge seeker, moreso.” She sighed. “I think not acknowledging the dark parts of the world is a disservice. I understand the fear it brings, but it’s important to... Be honest with oneself about potential outcome.” She gave a light nod to what he said about the people looking to inspire fear. That was clear from the beginning, but some of them truly believed in what they were saying, where many seemed to believe it solely for the scare. 

Albus Potter. Good to know she had a first name to put to the face now. “I’m not saying you deserve my help per se. Just... Help. And not just you. This conversation is only focused on you because you’re the person I’m speaking with.” She pointed to a few of the walls in front of them, guarding secret entrances to secret rooms. A professor had told her most students didn’t know of them and that they preferred she didn’t spread that information, but she had a feeling this boy either knew or assumed there was something there. “My free time has been spent in there, practicing.”

[karinedsmrs]

priyakapoor·:

“If only this was for a project. Imagine a professor assigning a book tower. Now that would be my ideal class.” Iya joked, attention still centered on her task. “I’m procrastinating doing a charms assignment.” She admitted, turning towards the girl, eyes wide. “I like the way you think, mystery person. I like your ambition. Fortunately for you, I have the capability to make it larger than life, babe. We just need… a lot more books. Karine, welcome to the greatest project ever. I’m Priya.”

“Some kind of muggle physics-focused assignment, maybe?” Karine smiled at the girl. “What Charms assignment is unlucky to be hated so strongly, that it would drive a girl to stacking books?” 

Friendly. Karine relaxed a bit. Between the angsty students, the Cato-obsessed students, and the students that were determined to be nothing but the best, she could always appreciate a friendly soul. For her, friendliness was often only shown to get to a new path of learning- and for now, maybe, a friend. “I like how you think, Priya. Lovely name. I’d imagine the librarian wouldn’t be happy to see her books used for this task... Accio.” With a quick wave of her wand, the stack of books that weren’t yet alphabetized in her bookshelf made way from her dormitory to the two. “Would these do? You have a wonder of the world to build, we can’t waste any time if I’m to pretend I helped with this venture.”

[karinedsmrs]

heracarrow·:

hera stifled a chuckle, “again, i’m terribly sorry that my bottle almost hit you.” she said genuinely. “not necessarily; i just assumed that since we’d never met before that you wouldn’t have been able to put a name to my face. i suppose i underestimated you.” hera added with a sly smirk, before nodding. “of course, i’d be happy to give you a little tour.”

“Don’t be. I likely wouldn’t have found you so quickly if it hadn’t.”

Underestimation was easy for people here, or so it seemed. Dignity was important to hold and pride just as much, but never if it led to people blocking themselves off from believing in others. Of course, it did make sense for her not to know her- that is, if Karine wasn’t determined to study everyone. “You’ll do well not to underestimate me, though I suppose the same could be said for you, hm?” Karine stood and dusted off her dress, holding out a hand to Hera as she did. She looked down and gestured for the girl to take it. “I’d like to see more of what this place is made of. I’m growing tired of the dorms... And the pitch, here.”

[karinedsmrs]

Hi friends, good morning to those that it’s morning for! 

I have a wanted connections page if anyone is interested in plotting but wants ideas as to what to plot for, but otherwise, I’ll do my best to reach out to plot with y’all at some point! And I’ll get to replying later today if not relatively soon! 

[karinedsmrs]

indestrxctcble·:

the brunette had always loved the east wing but it had become more attractive than ever in recent times. his favorite thing was it was quiet. there weren’t many reasons to go to it and it was out of the way for most. so, people rarely ventured over there.  “ you’d be right, i am busy. ” albus said glancing up with his eyebrows furrowing in confusion at the mention of it being her book.  “ wow. do you want a medal or something ? ” he said a sarcastic smile left on his lips. yes, he knew if his family were here they’d probably tell him he was being rude. though, they weren’t here and he was in a foul mood after hearing the relentless whispers about his parent’s disappearance. he just wanted to get away from it all for a moment and just only think about school or quidditch.

“ well, it is one of my classes. ” he said eying the girl trying to figure her out. it wasn’t a lie DADA was one his classes. one of his best classes, in fact. still, it wasn’t the reason he brought it with him today. he wanted to learn all he could not knowing what the semester would bring. “ what are you a reporter ? ” 

A medal? Karine couldn’t help but chuckle. “I already received medals for that one, thank you.” It was the easiest thing to want from publishing works so important, and the easiest thing for her to retrieve. Recognition, attention for publishing works that weren’t already public at such a young age... No, what she wanted was more. There was always more in the world to learn. No subject was mastered, not truly. One book about DADA, another on Dark Arts, much more to learn. “But no one picks up a mass amount of books on one subject unless they are the one that wants a medal- or, unless they have something to protect. I’d like to know what that is for you, but it’s clear I shouldn’t push.” 

She’d heard the Potter’s were a lot more welcoming than someone like him. Her parents had entertained them once- or at least, met with the parents a few times. Why they never came to her home was beyond her. “Clearly. No wizard makes it out of schooling before taking this class, unless they’re in a school beyond those bounds. And no, not a reporter in the sense you’d believe.” Reporters often had no dignity. Karine, on the other hand, had much more than she’d want to admit. “I transferred here for... Many things." She transferred because her last school foolishly believed she could ever harm a hair on a friend’s head. "Importantly, to make an account of what the world may bring us, considering all the tales of... Well, the darker side of of our world. But that’s something that students here are very scared to speak on, or very determined to... Make a public display of. 

“I’m Karine Desmarais. Reserve whatever you’d like, but I can help you with whatever information it is you’re trying to get out of all these books you’re dwelling on. Anyone in pursuit of protection deserves it.”

[meganhawkins]

though albus only just arrived at hogwarts he was already growing tired of the sympathetic looks and comments he was getting because of his parents disappearance. he left the great hall muttering some excuse and walked to find his spot in the east wing. as he reached the spot he let out a smile at the fimiliarty of it the spot that he’d been going to since he was a second year. he was sure why he liked it so much but he figured it helped that no one was ever there so he could relax. he pulled out his textbook and sat down at the base of the stairs. he was trying to enjoy the peace and quiet the spot brought when he heard someone walk up to him. he hoped they would continue past him and leave him unbothered.

 he let out a sigh knowing his hope of peace and quiet was ruined as the person started talking to him.  “ listen, I’m sure whatever you’re going to tell me is very interesting but I have actual work to do for classes so unless you’re here to sit quietly with me. i promise, i’m most likely not interested.  ” he asked not bothering to look up at who was talking to him but keeping his eyes on his defense against the dark arts textbook. 

[karinedsmrs]

The people of Hogwarts were nothing short of... Different. It wasn’t that they were bad, and there were a few familiar faces from kids who had gotten to attend her families soirees in the past- or faces of adults and students alike who went to her parents events- but the simple fact was it was a new world. Karine wasn’t used to the new school yet, to the cold halls and the surprising, complex magical structure of everything. The main areas were easy to get used to- the Great Hall was nothing short of a bore to her. It was the rest of the building she wanted to know, the important areas famed in history books and the secret rooms left to be discovered. 

The East Wing was particularly empty, but held hidden rooms behind certain walls- it was a wonder to her the other students didn’t bother walking through more often. When she came across another figure, Karine’s first instinct was to keep walking- of course, until she saw the textbook in his hands and the other DADA books falling out of his book bag... Including the one she had published. A better look at his face revealed a boy that littered much Wizarding media. “I’m sure you’re busy studying, but that’s my book there.” Who knew Albus Potter could be such a snark? Not she, anyway. “As in, I wrote it. Obvious, sure, but I didn’t want you to mistake my words.

“Therefore, if you’re looking to perfect your skill in some area... I believe I could be of help. If you tell me why you’re spending extra time on Defence Against The Dark Arts, that is.” 

[olgaweasley-blog]

The mundane tasks were perhaps the best part of her day. The cleaning, the feeding, the all too often corralling of countless magical creatures. Olga had just finished clearing one of her pens, for a good cleaning was in order, when her ever-present companion began to nudge his snout against her thigh. A clear sign he wanted something. “Max, if it was a treat you desire, you should have helped a bit more with the knarls instead of digging that curious nose in my garden.” She grinned, freeing a hand from its glove to give him some scratches above his nose. He seemed satisfied enough with that answer, and ran off straight to a figure who just happened to be walking by, she assumed. They were also, coincidentally, not far from her tools. “Hey there! Sorry about my dog. He loves people. Do you have a moment? And if you have a moment, could you hand me that bucket?”

[karinedsmrs]

Dogs. Karine had never been allowed to have any around her when she was young, and up until now, her mother still carried great issue with them- with pets in general, really. Although decently unfamiliar to her, she bent down to the animal and scratched her nails through its hair. When a voice called out to her, she recognized it as the voice of one of her new professors- who’s names she had yet to fully learn, anyway. “Don’t all dogs love people to some degree? Though I suppose not all as friendly as he.” Karine stepped away from the pup and picked up the bucket, taking quick strides to get it all to the owner of the voice. “What are you working on with all this? I figure a garden, but certainly not the one for the Herbology professor, right?”

[karinedsmrs]

heracarrow‌:

hera nodded gently and smiled, “unfortunately no, i’m not on the team.” she replied, looking the girl up and down with curiosity. “i’m impressed, you got my name right first try. and you’re karine, am i correct?” hera questioned her with a raised eyebrow. hera didn’t usually like having company when she came to sit on the field, but karine hadn’t been a bother so far.

“That makes absolutely no sense considering the arm you have there.” With the rumors she had heard about Hera, she had to assume the girl got the position one way or another- but that was one way for people to surprise. Karine let the girl scan her, not removing eye contact from her face. “Do people not often know your name? The Carrow family is pretty ingrained in the culture, is it not? And yes,” Funny, hearing her name on spoken only by British accents these days, “That’s me. Mind showing a girl around more of your favorite spots on the grounds?”

Always looking to gather information, that one.

[karinedsmrs]

heracarrow·:

when hera had thrown an empty glass bottle in the opposite direction, she didn’t expect it to come back to her; certainly not in the hands of a very pretty girl. “sorry about that, maybe my aim was a tad aggressive.” she said with a slight chuckle, “but all jokes aside, i tend to come here when i like to be alone.” she added with a faint smile.

Well wasn’t that a pretty smile. Karine returned one of her own and sat on the floor beside her. She’d seen the girl around her own house, so at least there was comfort in some sort of house pride, whatever that had to mean. Less of a chance that the girl was a malicious student that wanted to mess with a transfer. “More like extremely aggressive, cherie. But strong. Are you on the team or something? I could imagine that skill is useful on the field.” She turned her face to the girl, olive eyes flickering up at her. “Loneliness at a distance from other stragglers in the grass. I’m sure that’s one way to do it. Your name is Hera, yeah?”