THEY LAUGH AT TRAGEDIES || OPEN

[``narcissa elladora black]

Narcissa walked slowly towards the library. Most, if not all, students were in the Great Hall at the moment for dinner. But, the young blonde was not a fan of eating. She found it a waste of time. Of course she ate breakfast every day, but sometimes she went without any other meal. She preferred going into the Kitchens to get her a snack of sort if she was hungry. Her body had begun to teach itself that its master was not going to feed it continuously. Narcissa saw no issue with her eating disorder. She just needed more time to study and do her extra credit. If she was going to stay at the top of her year, then eating was not in her schedule. She felt weak many times during the week, but she found that by being strong and telling herself she would get some food later on, it keeps her mind going. She is never hampered by her not eating, unless she goes without food for a couple of days. She had to be perfect.

Sighing softly, she situated the strap of her bag more comfortably on her shoulder as it dug into her skin. Built extremely frail, Narcissa found it difficult to carry her load many days, probably due to the fact of her not receiving enough nourishment. Hugging the three books in her arm tighter to her chest, she stepped through the library's huge double doors, her icy blues gazing at the sight in front of her as if it were the most beautiful scene in the entire world. Nothing but the piano could give her such pleasure. Moving to a deserted table, she nodded towards the librarian in a polite greeting. The woman usually didn't bother her for she knew her to be a studious child.

Some thought Narcissa a fool for delving so laboriously into her schoolwork. She had never been great at conversation. She had been taught not to speak unless spoken to first, so what did she need of petty conversation? She had to study her O.W.L.S. or she could disappoint her parents. Placing her textbooks gently on the table, she opened the one on top and placed it on the flat surface of the furniture. It just so happened to be Transfiguration, her worst subject. How typical. Sighing, she pulled out the parchment she had started writing her essay on and went to work at it. Getting annoyed at her long white-blonde locks falling into her face, she glared at the strands before pulling her hair into a pristine bun. Messy just would not do. She would be studious, but she would look like the lady she truly had been born while doing her work.

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[``peter eugene pettigrew]

Peter was having issues. His issues were mostly class and homework related in the fact that he had assignments due in the morning and he hadn’t completed any of them yet. Peter really detested being yelled at but he could foresee that he was going to get a bloody arse chewing at least a few times tomorrow. He had been in and out of the Great Hall in record time. He had scarfed his food so fast that people even fellow students who were use to his intense and incredible fast eating abilities stared in wonder and watched with batted breath for him to chock to death on his food. It never happened much to everyone’s amazement. And if it were know why he was eating at an accelerated rate there would have been even more surprise. Peter was making an actual effort to get his work done. It was an effort that he decided would best be completed away from the rowdy antics of his fellow Gryffindor roomies Sirius and James.

With the steps of one who was condemned to torture and all things unpleasant Peter made his way to the library. It was a place that would most likely not see the likes of either Sirius or James, it was quiet and even if Remus showed up that could be counted as a benefit instead of a distraction since Peter was under the impression that Remus knew all things. Simply because he, Remus was incredibly brilliant and seemed to spend large amounts of time with his nose in a book. Putting his hand upon the door and shouldering his rather heavy bag he pushed it open with a resigned sigh. Stepping into the library he let the door close of its own accord behind him and he started shuffling over to a table with reluctance. There was only one other individual in the room, a Slytherin girl that he couldn’t remember the name of. He had a hard time remember most of the girl’s names in the school. With the exception of Lily he just thought of them as potential Sirius conquests.

He had a seat in a chair at a table right next to the girl, dropping his bag with a loud audible plop and reached down to unfasten its bindings. He then processed to drag out every last book, piece of parchment as well as his quill and some ink before getting settled behind a rather impressive mountain of homework to get finished. He opened the first book, it was on potions and it was a subject he absolutely detested. He wasn’t even sure why he was still taking the subject. With resignation he opened the book and tried to read…

[``narcissa elladora black]

Narcissa looked up from her concentration of her Transfiguration essay when she heard loud and obnoxious footsteps. Did this person know that this was a library that they had just stepped into? The nerve of some filth! Her icy blues wavered as she realized who it was that dare disturb her determination. Peter Pettigrew, the rodent-faced boy that hung around with her traitorous cousin. He was a Marauder, she knew, but he wasn't much to boast about, in her opinion. She only saw Remus as a potential human being in their group of miscreants. Sirius was simply outrageous and asinine while James found it a habit to impress a certain redhead. And, Peter? He just followed them around like a lost puppy. Narcissa found it rather amusing for him to have such an obsessive nature with boys that probably didn't know their own reflections from the real thing.

The simple fact that he simply glanced at her but did not acknowledge her sent Narcissa's heart into a furious rhythm of anger. How dare he dismiss her as if she were nothing! She was of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black! He should have fallen to his knees in her presence. It wasn't as if she were a piece of trash that others could walk upon. No, Narcissa held her ground when she was prodded and messed with, but remained silent most other times. She had no need for petty conversation, but she was determined to show this buffoon who he was dealing with. For a moment, she thought about simply ignoring him as he had done to her, but she was not so weak. She would show him her capabilities. Knowing the smallest Marauder to be less than bright she figured he might simply not remember her name. After all, they were in different years and different classes. But, he still should have recognized greatness even if it were to smack him in the face.

Annoyed at his incessant need for obnoxious noise, Narcissa turned to look at him, her icy blues ablaze with cold fire. Had he no propriety for anyone else but himself? Could he not see that she was sitting over her books, wanting to finish her work? She had not come to the library to be shocked into horror. Such a stupid boy should not have been allowed in this school, but she thought that of many of the students. The ones that fooled around constantly had no right to be here beneath professors of great power. And this peculiar creature next to her was the least of them. She had to give him credit for at least trying to do his work. Noticing that his first book was a Potions book, Narcissa became increasingly interested. It was a N.E.W.T. level class which she found highly intriguing. Plastering a smile on her face, she murmured in her light and airy voice, "Pardon me, but I was wondering if I could read that book when you are finished with your work? I would be happy to help if you need it. Potions has always been one of my favorite subjects." The work she was doing was actually due next week some time, and she had most of it finished. Her Transfiguration essay was the only one that would take a couple of days. Everything else would be easy for her. Narcissa stifled a giggle as she noticed the concentration on his face as he tried to read. But, he was rather idiotic, so she couldn't be blamed for not being surprised.

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[``peter eugene pettigrew]

Peter had settled into his seat nicely, finding that the seats though not the most comfortable place in the world were at least better then the chair he sat in for the subject itself. He was in the process of trying to understand the concepts of the magical and physical properties of an extremely dangerous but brilliant potion. Felix Felicis works by providing the drinker with a natural urge to choose the best course of action to receive maximum results towards a goal, desire, or need. Peter stared at the page in disbelief. What I wouldn’t give to create the perfect day. He thought while for the first time in his life taking a real interest in the subject. If I could learn to make this… the possibilities would be endless. He scanned the book for ingredients and directions; feeling almost indecently pleased with thoughts of power and fame.

In between boughs of pleasure at the possibilities and dismay at the potions complexity the Slytherin girls’ voice broke through his minds relentless tug of war at whether he should attempt the un-attemptable… Peter’s eyes dropped from the book and turned to stare at the girl. Startled, he could not help but to check behind him just to make sure that someone else hadn’t entered while he was trying to not drool on his potions book. He turned his gaze back at her and couldn’t help but to ask the first stupid thing that popped into his mind. “Are you talking to me? No one talks to me.” He said, his voice squeaky from nervousness. A flush of color streaking suddenly a crossed his cheeks as the words he just uttered sunk in. “I am an idiot”. He told himself flatly.

When with his friends he was a part of something. But when he was apart from them he felt as if he may as well be a part of the background. To add to his confusion the girl was in Slytherin house and Peter was 95% sure that if Sirius caught him talking to anyone from that house that Sirius would make Peter feel like less than a rodent. Peter gulped, “Um…sure… I guess so.” Peter let loose with a tentative smile. “Just need to work on a paper about Liquid Luck, do you know anything about the stuff?” He continued. Something about the girl reminded him of something. It was something that he should know, he was sure of it. Do I know her? Does James, Sirius, or Remus?

[``narcissa elladora black]

Narcissa thought it highly amusing that Pettigrew looked to be so determined to understand his Potions book. He obviously had been out of Remus's company for too long. Where was Lupin anyway? Peter usually didn't come in here unless his fellow Marauder was already seated. Obviously, the poor thing was just simply desperate. But, what did he want that he would achieve by excellent grades? What did he want to be when he graduated? Surely not an Auror like Sirius and James. She didn't think that he was simply cut out for such a grueling and skillful job. Not that he was completely stupid, but Narcissa knew that Pettigrew was more of a bystander than anything else. A sudden change came about him, a kind of desire stretching across his face as he immediately flipped through the book to find some other information on whatever subject matter he was currently sifting through.

When Pettigrew finally turned to look at her, Narcissa raised a perfectly coiffed brow to stare at him in confusion. Why did he have such a shocked expression on her face? Wasn't she being nice enough in gracing him with her presence? Honestly, it was as if the entire Wizarding World had gone to the dogs. None of them knew proper etiquette anymore. When he looked behind himself, Narcissa couldn't help but giggle. She had only read about such movements from a boy before, never having actually seen it done before. It seemed a foolish behavior, but she supposed she couldn't blame him. He wasn't the most handsome of men, especially if he were compared to his three closest companions. At his question, Narcissa blinked rapidly, her thick black lashes falling quickly over her icy blues. Had he really just asked that? Without saying anything, she simply nodded, careful not to lose her temper. The nerve of this creature! When she heard the anxiety in his voice, she immediately softened. He seemed genuinely perplexed at having someone---no doubt a female---speaking to him. She figured that he didn't have much practice when it came to conversation. Smiling beautifully to reassure him, she murmured, "I would not say that, exactly. I would think of you more as blunt for you obviously say many things that are on your mind. Not many people have that gift." Sure, she thought of him as rather stupid, but she wanted to read his Potions book. Besides, she wanted to make him feel better about himself as well.

She wondered that through all of the pranks he helped the other Marauders with, if he had ever uttered a word of cutting wit or intelligence to the other three or targeted party in an attempt to shock them or humor them. She doubted it. She figured that he felt safe in such a group of phenomenal wizards so he probably didn't feel the need to be any better than he already was. Narcissa also assumed that, because of her Slytherin robes, he would not be too keen in speaking with her. After all, he was around three of the biggest Slytherin haters in the entire school. How could he not share their views as his own? At his affirmation of her original question, she flashed him a beam full of joy. Oh, she couldn't wait to take it from him and copy all of its contents into her mind. It would be such a priveledge to already know most of what she was getting into next year in Potions. She nodded as he mentioned one of her favorite potions, but she didn't want to babble off about random tidbits that she knew of the liquid. Smiling wider, she whispered in that sweet and airy voice, "I know quite a bit about it, actually. What is it that your paper is supposed to be about specifically relaying to the Felix Felicis potion?"

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[``peter eugene pettigrew]

He watched the girl in a perpetual nervous silence. Waiting for her to speak or for the axe to fall, whichever came first. He was thankful that his friends were no doubt still in the dining hall partaking of the evening meal and caring less about where their good old friend Peter had gotten himself off to. The silence of the library made him nervous. The looks the librarian gave him every time she walked within visual contact made him nervous. The sounds of his own breathing made him nervous and it sounded rather loud to his own ears. The sounds of shuffling paper and the creak of the book he had been trying to understand made him nervous.

Peter smiled in bemusement at him-self and told himself that he really was a bloody coward. The girl was probably bright. But then Peter was 99% sure that everyone was bright compared to him. His mother told him time and time again that it wasn’t that he was stupid, but that he just took longer to understand something’s sometimes. But once known it was there to stay and he would never forget. Peter thought the girls face though friendly enough… at least compared to some of the other greetings he had received at the hands of other Slytherin students in the past, she seemed to him to have a mysterious and unreadable air about her. She was obviously from one of the more prominent wizarding families. He could tell just by the way she presented herself; just the kind of person that Sirius would lecture him about avoiding and being wary of.

A gift? More like a blood curse. Peter was not known for thinking before speaking at it was something that often got him into trouble. Peter’s smile grew and he relaxed just a fraction that the girl wasn’t going to bite his head off and that she knew something of the potion he was working on. “The only things I really don’t understand are the side effects when it is taken to often or taken too much at a time. I don’t see any mention anywhere about how much is too much.” He said with a grin. Knowing that if he was going to attempt making and take it that he would want to do so without killing himself or turning into a reckless or giddy moron in the process.

[``narcissa elladora black]

Narcissa wanted to giggle at the boy before her, just to relieve the tension that was obviously running through his body. Did he really get this nervous around everyone? She assumed he did, but he did seem to act rather normal when he was with the other Marauders. Well, as normal as the rodent-looking boy could be she supposed. She was surprised that he could last this long without his friends around. She had never remembered seeing him by himself. He was most usually around at least one of the other Marauders. Maybe their little group was beginning to mature. Maybe they were realizing how important an education was to their benefits. She noticed him nervously looking at the librarian and she allowed an airy giggle to escape through her full pink lips. Softly, she murmured, "She will not bother you if you make sure to keep your voice as low as a whisper." She wondered if Peter had a problem whispering. He seemed the sneaky sort, but she didn't know why she thought that. She supposed the paranoia that rippled off of him simply made him appear to look like he was hiding something.

When he smiled, Narcissa allowed a delicate frown to crease her poised brow. What was he laughing about? The only thing around here that was amusing would be the boy that sat in front of her, so the only logical explanation was that he was laughing at himself. If Narcissa had been him, she would have done the same thing. She wondered if he realized who she was yet. It seemed he hadn't for there still seemed to be a kind of look he continued to throw at her that portrayed the fact that he was trying hard to remember something. It could have had to do with her name or whatever he was looking at in that Potions book. She knew it probably wasn't wise to speak to him considering the fact that she knew he wasn't a Pureblood and he wasn't in Slytherin, but she didn't care at the moment. There were plenty of people at dinner at the moment, so she didn't have to worry about someone spotting her with a less-than-appealing person. Personally, she didn't find him all that bad. He was cute, in a rather odd sort of way and he seemed genuinely sweet. She wondered if she had any quality that could link her to Sirius. She didn't think that the two of them looked alike, so she doubted Peter would see the resemblance between the cousins. She doubted that he would continue to speak with her once he found out, so she decided to keep her name to herself until he figured it out on his own.

Reading the disbelief on his face, Narcissa simply shrugged, staying to her words. Thankful that he relaxed, because it honestly made the blond girl feel more comfortable, she smiled back at him, her glimmering whites glinting beautifully. She let out a soft giggle. "Most potions do not relay to you the side effects. I have never understood why, but it seems to be the smarter thing to do if they were to include them." She flashed another grin before blinking rapidly, her brain looking through the files in her mind so that she could find her information on the specific potion. Finally, she looked back at him and murmured, "If the Felix Felicis potion is taken in excess, it can cause giddiness, recklessness, and dangerous overconfidence. It is toxic in large quantities and has been banned in all organized competitions like Quidditch." Some of her classmates had referred to her as the "Walking Textbook" but she didn't mind. She rather preferred sticking her nose into books instead of getting involved with the insipid drama around the school.

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