Fire?
“Ok,” Caspian grinned, barely containing his own excitement. “Where too?”
They were just in the forest perimeter, Nevermore still perfectly in view behind them. Wednesday gave him an odd once over before fiddling with her compass.
It's been so long since he snuck out. Really snuck out. He use to do something like this every other week back at Hogwarts. He didn't know how much he missed them till now.
Something about leaving school grounds got him fired up. It was like the world was his playground and he was utterly free to explore it. For one night, he can go anywhere he pleases with no rules or professors telling him off. Shall he broom to the surrounding Hamlets for late-night takeaway? Perhaps a trot in the forbidden forest in search of hidden treasure? Or maybe just a quick dip in the black lake.
Of course, he's snuck around plenty of times here. To find Gerald, meet with Enid, The Bash. But what they were all lacking was the thrill aspect. The Danger. Yes, he was at risk of getting caught but was he really? He was sure he'd find a way to weasel out. He always did back and Hogwarts, there was no reason Nevermore should be the exception. If anything it was easier being the only wizard. Nothing challenged him the same.
But this, this did.
Sneaking into a prohibited town and Jewelry shop? Now that was more his speed.
“If we stick to the forest it's a,” She checked her watch. “Brisk 35-minute walk.”
His eyes bulged, “35 minutes- in this weather?” Right on cue a particularly cold gust of wind hit his face.
Caspian shivered, drawing his dark green scarf closer. He was freezing his bloody knockers off. He had on three layers underneath his grey jumper and black bomber but it still wasn't enough. His legs had it worst. He has no protection underneath his denim slacks or 'jeans' as they call them.
“Getting cold feet?” Wednesday noted dully, her breath misting.
His teeth chattered. “Yes but not in the way you're implying.”
Wednesday wore half the layers he had yet she barely bristled. He was seriously entertaining the idea that she might be half unfeeling vampire.
He dug his bare hands into his pocket. He slowly fished out his wand, relishing in the warmth of his Phoenix core as he pointed it at himself.
“Just needed a little pick me up.” He muttered, casting a temporary healing charm on his clothes.
He sighed as he felt the warmth spread throughout his body till it was like he was covered in warm blankets.
It wasn't as effective as the temperature ward for Gerald's enclosure, but it would do.
Caspian opened his eyes contently to a mildly curious Wednesday. Of course, where were his manners?
“Here allow me-”
“Don't,” She brought a hand up, eyes going hard. “Don't point that thing at me.”
Oh… right.
He quickly drew his wand to the side.
Caspian bit his bottom lip. Even though Wednesday probably wasn't completely flesh and blood, he didn't want her freezing to death on him. How was he going to explain that to Nurse Abner and Weems?
“Let me just…” He moved to the side. “Accio!”
She winced as a rock came flying into his hand. He glanced back to make sure she was still there. Thankfully, she was, but she took a more defensive stance, her eyes following his wand's every movement.
He pointed it at the rock, trying to make the demonstration as friendly as possible.
“Focillo!”
An orange hue surrounded the object before dissipating.
Caspian palmed the hot stone. “I put a warming charm on it, see? Catch.”
She expertly side steps the airborne rock, following its trajectory before it landed with a thud at her feet.
They just stared at the rock until it started melting the surrounding snow around it.
She gave him a dangerous side eye like he just tried stoning her to death.
Caspian bristled and wordlessly stashed his wand away.
Couldn't say he didn't try.
They walked through the woods in silence, the moon high and nearly full. Its iridescent glow bounced off the white pillowy snow from last night's fall. Wednesday didn't want to use a flashlight in case it drew attention to themselves.
Caspian feared the dark like everyone else, but it never stopped him. Well, unless he had a very valid reason to stop. Like if he saw a suspicious shadow or heard a growl. He craved adventure as much as the next bloke, but unlike Gryffindors, he had not problem admitting when he was out of his depth.
“Any beasts I should be worried about?” Caspian murmured when he swore he saw movement in the shadows.
Wednesday opted to stay behind. Probably to keep tabs on him. She was a very distrustful person. He'd be lying if he wasn't a little tired of the fact, but he honestly respects it. As a naturally guarded individual himself, he can only ever dream of being as paranoid as Wednesday Addams.
He heard her sniffle. “It's the tail end of Winter, as long as we don't disturb a hibernating Black bear, the only predators are small canines and felines. There is no wolf population in Vermont if that's what you're asking. The European colonizers made sure of that.”
“So nothing I can't handle then?” He stepped over a large root.
Wednesday grunted, extending herself over the same one. “If looking at it that way eases your nerves...”
“I'm not scared, Addams.” Caspian insisted.
She paused. “I never said you were.”
There was a hint of mirth in her plain voice.
“…Maybe just a bit unsettled,” He admitted after some time, shuddering. “Not everyone fancies a stroll through the woods at night. With no light for that matter.”
“I find it relaxing, it clears my thoughts.”
He rolled his eyes. “Of course you do, I bet you find a hot bath just utterly unbearable as well.”
“Depends on the temperature. I prefer scalding.” She commented darkly.
They continued on in silence. He had to glance back regularly to ensure he was still going in the right direction. As well as to make sure she was still in fact following him. Her footsteps were barely perceivable, making only the faintest of crunches in the snow.
They were so light it put Legolas to shame.
It made sense considering the girl was all of 5'2 and as gaunt as a ghost. He couldn't help but recall when she kidnapped him and most recently disarmed him. Though he bristled at those two events for vastly different reasons, he must admit she was strong for her size.
“You never told me why you were out past curfew?” Wednesday inquired abruptly, tearing him from his thoughts.
Caspian snickered, turning over his shoulder. “What? Didn't buy my toothpaste story?”
“Who did you expect to fool exactly? Definitely not Abner.”
“Don't you mean Private Crusties!” He teased twisting more to gauge her reaction.
Wednesday just stared plainly back at him, but there was a slight grimace on her face. A pained grimace from Wednesday was worth a fair amount in his book.
“I was going to see Gerald. No one else knows he's here…Well besides Xavier, Enid, Ajax, and you.”
“So basically everyone minus Bianca?” She summarized poignantly.
He thought about it for a moment. “Yeah… everyone minus Bianca.”
He supposes that was the extent of his friendship circle here. Xavier, Enid, Ajax, Bianca, and - pending - Wednesday. They were all the people who knows he was a wizard and who he survived the attack with. Trauma bonding at its finest.
Kent, Divina, and Yoko were fine individuals but they never hit it off the same. Probably because he had to constantly keep his true nature hidden. He always was playing catch up with them when they spoke about 'TikTok' and 'canceling'.
If his humbling Monday experience was anything to go by, he found it impossible to speak, let alone bond with anyone else who wasn't in on his secret.
He'll get around to introducing Bianca to Gerald someday. But he had a feeling she wouldn't care to be dragged out just to have the wanker bite at her. Something told him his valedictorian-bound friend wouldn't appreciate that use of her time.
Gerald wasn't very fond of anyone, was he?
Caspian furrowed his brows, a realization popping up in his head. “I never properly thanked you, for retrieving him, did I?”
He was meant with silence.
“So…Thanks,” He glanced back, his hair falling over his eyes. “Thanks for that.” He mumbled to the wind.
Still, no response. But her crunching footsteps did falter.
After wandering for a while longer, he finally caught first sight of civilization. “Up ahead!”
They quickened their pace, making it to the edge of the forest border. They swiftly crouched behind a log, avoiding the headlights of a passing car.
“Alright,” Caspian grinned from ear to ear with fresh energy. “Where are we sneaking into?”
“The police station.”
“The police station sounds grea- What? ”. He whipped his head to her, “Come again, the police station? That's where you plan on breaking in?”
Wednesday rolled her deadpan eyes. “I won't be breaking, anything if you follow my lead and keep a low profile.”
Caspian clenched his jaw, turning his gaze to the sleepy town. A bloody police station? So he's basically helping this girl break into an Auror's office. If there was one authority figure he did not mess with, it was Auror's. Those gents hex first and ask questions later. He doesn't know what the muggle equivalent was, but he sure didn't want to find out.
“Why do you need to go there?” He questioned.
She eyed him stonily. “That's classified information.”
“Classified info-” He scoffed. “What is this the Department of Mysteries?”
She paused before shaking her head free of whatever question was in there.
“Having second thoughts are we?” She drawled dryly.
He set his jaw. “Not a chance, I said I'll help you. I'm a man of my word.”
“Then you don't need to know. Just help me get in and I'll handle it from there.” She tilted her head. “Scarred of getting caught?”
“Of course not.”
“Good.”
He rubbed his nose on his scarf, eyes darting back to the short girl. “I'm just concerned about what you plan on stealing.”
“I assure you it's nothing they'll notice. It'll be like I was never there.”
She turned away from him, looking through the muggle equivalent of omnioculars. He owned a pair to watch quidditch games, though one lens was scratched to the point where it was unusable.
He wasn't particularly keen on being left in the dark. Even back at Hogwarts, he made sure his friends knew exactly where they were headed and why. It made for a more cohesive unit of troublemakers. But he guesses Wednesday wasn't trying to make trouble. By her steely gaze and constantly swivelling head, she looked like she was on a mission.
He huffed, turning back around. He'll just have to roll with the punches on this one, but he'll find out one way or another.
He scoured the streets and buildings, recalling his shopping spree trip. “The sheriff's office is on the other end of town. How about we drop by the jewelry shop and the chapel first since they're on the way?”
“The chapel?” Wednesday sent him a light glare. “You said nothing of the chapel.”
“Have a better idea how to return this golden toilet seat?”
Caspian presented the two pouches in his hand. He separated everything with a price tag from those without. Some of the more mundane items like forks, coins, metal wrapping, and nuts, he tossed away. He doubted anyone was missing those. He was left with a few watches, keys, ornaments, and of course, a gold-plated toilet seat.
“But why the chapel?” Wednesday grunted, miffed. She clearly wasn't happy about the unexpected pitstop. ”Why not dump it on the side of the road?”
“Isn't that where you muggles praise that Jesus bloke? There'll probably think it's an act of their god rather than a thief.”
She shot a brow up. “You know of Christianity?”
“We have him back in our world, we even celebrate Christmas.” Caspian shrugged.
He never knew why wizards celebrated Christmas, it was a muggle holiday after all. He wasn't complaining, he enjoyed the 2 weeks off and the presents, but he had his theories of course. The main one being, since a majority of the Wizarding population is muggle born or half Blood, they simply brought the tradition over. And since Christmas is oh-so profitable, it stuck around.
”I don't know much about the muggle faith, but I know the whole song and dance is about repentance and whatnot. I'm fairly confident they won't ask questions. Do you think the people who own the golden toilet seat will care how they got it back? They'll just be happy they can shit in luxury again.” He snorted, running a hand through his hair.
He hated to admit he did consider trying the toilet seat himself. If not to see what all the fuss was about. He doubted it was anything like the lavatories in the prefect's bathrooms. Now those were legendary.
He felt eyes on him, turning over to see Wednesday looking at him strangely.
“What?”
She blinked. “Nothing,” returning her attention to the omnioculars. “Perhaps you won't be such a liability after all.”
He placed a hand on his chest. “I was never a liability to begin with.”
“You triggered Nurse Abner's military PTSD with your quips.” She countered blandly. “You are the definition of a walking liability.”
He shook his head. “Ok, that doesn't count. I never get along with my school Nurses, Even back at Hogwarts.”
He recalled Madam Abbot's particular disdain for him. What was it and healers hating his guts?
“Nonetheless,” Wednesday's voice shifted serious. “Let's get going while they're still dealing with the spillage.”
He watched her equip a single earbud, connecting it to a device with a long skinny rod sticking out. Caspian wasn't sure why she thought it was an appropriate time to listen to music but to each their own.
They stuck to the tree line the best they could until they were forced into town. He stuck his hands in his pocket, strolling nonchalantly. Wednesday on the other hand almost broke out into a brisk jog as she zipped through the streets. He sighed, picking up his own pace to keep up. If they get caught because she didn't know the phrase 'act like you belong' he was going to have some serious words with her.
Thankfully, they didn't meet anyone on their way to the jewelry shop. They hid behind a couple bushes in a back street, eyeing the store across the plaza.
“Alright, this is your battle.” Wednesday turned to him. “What is your plan of attack?”
Caspian, narrowed his eyes surveying the area. It was the town square so it was extremely well lit. It would prove risky to spend any amount of time in the open. All it takes is one witness to ruin the whole thing.
He can try an areal maneuver. Come in from the top. It's been a while since he used 'Acendio' but he was sure after a few trial runs he'd be fine. But, still, that would prove risky. He'd have no way to control himself or cushion his landing.
How about an underground approach? His eyes darted to the sewer grate to his left. If he expanded the pipes and bubble charmed his mouth and eyes, he could propel himself through the muck, right into the washroom. But he quickly discarded that idea. He wasn't particularly fond of smelling like human waste for the rest of the week. No amount of 'scourgify-ing' will get that stench out.
No, no those were all too complicated, they were on a time crunch after all. He needed to think simpler. He had a habit of overcomplicating things when in reality all he needed was something far less intricate.
Suddenly it struck him.
All he needed was a distraction.
“You didn't make one beforehand…Did you?”
Caspian shifted underneath her judgmental eyes. “Well I didn't plan on going out tonight so no... But since you asked,” He smiled confidently. “I have one right now. So I need to get into the jewelry shop without being seen. I'll approach from a side street, and slip into the nearby alley. There I'll locate the side entrance. Then, I'll then set fire to a building across the street-”
“Wait fire? ” Wednesday furrowed her brows.
He ignored her.
“- And during the commotion, I'll alohomora in, resize the bag, drop it off at the front desk, and slip out. No one would be any the wiser.” He finished with a satisfied smirk.
Sometimes he surprises even himself with his brilliance.
However, his smirk slowly fell, as Wednesday continued to gawk at him speechlessly.
She opened her mouth, clamped it shut, turned to the jewel shop, before finally turning back to him. “I…honestly can't tell if you're joking."
Caspian shifted his weight, sending her a bewildered look. “Well that's rich coming from you.”
The sounds of cars echoed in the distance. When it was clear he was not in fact joking, her eyes widened in terror.
“A Fire?”
“I'll put it out, I promise.” He explained, taken aback by her alarmed voice. He didn't see what all the fuss was about. It was just a fire. He's set plenty of houses on fire and he's put all of them out.
Well, almost all of them.
There was that time in Fledcroft. And that barn in Kennbridge. And how could he forget that two-story flat in Irondale? Of course there was 'The Great Fire of Upper Hogsfield'. That wasn't a pretty sight either but he wasn't completely to blame. It’s was an 80/20 split with that baby Norwegian Ridgeback.
“Somehow, that's not what I have an issue with!” Wednesday retorted swiftly, cutting off his thoughts. “A fire? Is that the best thing your mind can come up with? Is that your best attempt at being cunning and stealthy? Setting fire to a building?”
“I need a distraction!” He defended. “It gets the job done. it's plenty resourceful and gets the quickest results.”
She made it sound like it was the most idiotic idea of the 21st century. No, that belonged to his mate Tarquin. He was convinced the best way to get a unicorn's hair was by sneaking up behind one and plucking it from its tail.
Wednesday just continued shaking her head in disbelief. “That has to be one of the single most moronic ideas I've ever heard come out of yours or anyone else mouth- .”
“Alright alright, you made your point...more stealth.” He relented with a grumble. “I'll sneak in and drop it off discreetly.”
Wednesday continue to stare like he just sprouted a second head.
“I mean fire's more fun but who cares right?” He muttered, twirling his wand. Fire was more fun but he guesses it wasn't 'low-profile' enough.
She sent him one last bewildered look before tearing her gaze away.
“Do you see that black box with a little red light swivelling around?” She pointed at the corner of the shop. “Do you know what that is?”
Caspian squinted at the object. It was definitely a black box with a red blinking light swivelling around, he can say that.
“Of course…it's a…” He cleared his throat, sending her a sideways glance. “It's a gargoyle of some sort. Enid's told me about them. We have them back home. Nasty little statues that snitch on you the second they suspect you're up to no good.”
She took in a deep breath before sighing tiredly. “Half correct. Those are security cameras. Like the one you have on your phone but they're constantly on. They record everything.”
“Ah...I knew that.” He nodded, adding 'security cameras' to his mental muggle word bank.
“There's 1 outside and probably 2 more inside. You need to elude them without getting caught.”
“Oh, is that it?” He drew his wand before she could react. “Disillusionment!”
He swirled his hawthorn wand up, his body fading from his toes to his wand tip. He covered his eyes with his hand, Wednesday's agape mouth and dilated pupils on full blurry display.
“How's this for elusion?” He couldn't help but crack a smirk. It never did get old.
“You can turn…translucent.” She marveled, groping forward till she brushed his arm. “Of course, you can.”
“You learn it by your 4th year.”
“Can you do the same for me?” She asked suddenly.
He frowned. “Just a minute ago you didn't even want me pointing my wand at you.” It wasn't lost on him how her voice perked up.
She huffed. “If you're going to mutilate me, I rather it is with the promise of turning translucent, rather than being slightly warm.”
Caspian paused and shifted his weight. Is that what she thinks he'll do with his wand? He felt guilt bubble up in his throat before shoving it down. “Well, I can't...It only works one at a time, it takes a lot of concentration.”
Her eyes died down. “How convenient” She mumbled.
He rolled his. “Oh I’m sorry my magic disappoints you.”
She stayed silent, struggling to find exactly where his eyes were before giving up.
He found it charming how bright she got at the prospect of turning invisible. No doubt someone like her would love to have the Disillusionment charm in her arsenal. He offhandedly wondered what type of witch Wednesday Addams would be if she attend Hogwarts rather than Nevermore.
“Alright,” He brushed the thought away. “So that takes care of the cameras-”
“They can still see you open the door.”
Caspian clamped his mouth shut, creasing his forehead in thought. There was always something.
“Which has an alarm system. So even if you can magically pick the lock, it'll set go off.” Wednesday sighed, droning on. “Not to mention they'll most likely notice the bag appearing out of thin air. I'm not even sure if you knew to scrub you're DNA off completely-”
“Ugh!" He threw his hands up. “Can we please do the fire?”
This was all hurting his brain. Breaking into a small muggle shop was like sneaking into Gringotts.
“No!”
“Just a tiny fire”
“No!”
“It'll barely be a flam-
“Caspian!”
“ Fine , no fire!” He conceded, running an exasperated hand through his hair. “Don't get your knickers in a twist.”
He eyed her for a moment, thinking. “I'll drop it off outside the side door with a note. Is that acceptable?”
Wednesday settled down, mulling it over. “Forget the note, they can trace the handwriting back to you.”
Caspian blinked. “Now that's just ridiculous, they can't do that.”
“Sure they can.”
“That sounds a bit too far-fetched for me.”
Wednesday's brows shot up. “Says the invisible man?” she exclaimed, gesturing vaguely in his direction.
He shook his head. “I just think the whole premise is flawed. What if I write with my non-dominant hand? How would they trace it back to me? Will they make all their suspects write with their none dominant hand?”
When she didn't give him an answer, he only pursed his lips further. Is this how muggles accuse people in their courts? If so then boy did he have a bridge to sell the judge.
”What if I was one of those people who could write with both hands but they didn't know that? What if I have particularly dexterous toes?” He furrowed his brows, his face twisting in disgust. “Would they make me write with my toes? Will they force everyone to write with their toes? How can you prove without a shadow of a doubt through handwriting alone that-”
“Caspian!” She hissed exasperatedly, jerking her head. “Now!”
He gave one last futile attempt at grappling with the logistics before darting off.
Handwriting? He scowled at the notion, diving down one of the side streets.
Handwriting?
What if he just wrote differently? It wasn't that hard to do. After all, his writing at the start of exams looked vastly different from the end. Whenever he reread his essays he can tell the exact point he gave up on writing neatly. Usually by the tenth inch if he was being completely honest.
He slipped into an alleyway, careful to keep to the shadows.
What if he bought one of those self-scribing quills? They couldn't possibly trace it back to him. Was it still considered handwriting if there was no hand to write? Isn't it just… writing?
He leaned against a dumpster, turning over to eye the side door. He 'de-disillusioned' himself for a second to mutter the resizing spell. The bag expanded to the size of a coconut. He kissed his teeth, he doesn't envy the chap who had to detangle the mess. He patiently eyed the camera, timing its movement in his head.
But that just begs another question. Do the self-writing quills have their own style of writing or is it based on the witch or wizard who invented them? Furthermore, what if he just bewitched a regular quill? Will that copy his handwriting or does it have a style of its own? If so what does it base it off of? Can't he just 'tell' a bewitched quill to simply write differently?
He dashed to the side door. He placed his wand in his mouth, wrapping the satchel around the handle.
He deduced the whole 'they can trace your writing back to you' was a stupid system. If they had that back home, good luck to that poor soul who invented the self-scribing quill. They'd be locked away in Azkaban for several thousand accounts of forgery.
Caspian made to leave before remembering Wednesday mention something about rubbing off 'DNA' (whatever that was). He flashed his eyes up towards the camera. He still hand time. He did a quick scourgify on the bag for good measure before sticking to the wall. He was still disillusioned, but any movement might give him away to the metallic gargoyle. The instant it pivoted off him, Caspian slinked back into the shadows.
“I thought about it...” Wednesday jumped as he revealed himself beside her. “Totally could have left a note.”
She whipped around to face him.“Were you seen?”
“Do trolls sing?” He scoffed, dusting off his jacket.
Wednesday paused to think before marching past him. “A simple no would've sufficed.”
“Now where's the fun in that?” He stuffed his hands in his pocket, trailing after her.
They made their way deeper into town. Wednesday actually slowed down her pace for once when they passed a rowdy pub scene. There were watching football. Caspian couldn't help but catch a peak.
But he quickly found out It wasn't the football his friends spoke about. The players were bigger and were charging each other like raging Graphorns. The ball was oddly shaped and they held it whilst they ran. Caspian was still trying to figure out how the foot component came into play when Wednesday jerked him forward. He chalked it up to one of those multiverses differences Bianca warned him about.
They ducked back into the tree line, the Chapel side entrance just across the street.
“How do you plan on doing this?” Wednesday inquired uneasily. He had a feeling she rather not know for once.
Caspian scanned the building. It was lit up nicely but from the looks of it, no security cameras. Judging by her lack of dry remarks he'd assume that was a correct assumption.
“Simple,” He turned to her. “I'll disillusion myself, walk up the stairs - start a small fire at the doors - go in from the back, unlock the-”
“Enough with the fires!” She turned to face him incredulously. “What's with you and fire?”
Caspian grinned. He had to confirm his suspicions.
The way she'd puff out her chest, causing her twin pigtails to slide to the side. How her doe eyes would go round, sucking all his attention to them. The way her dollish face twisted in a mixture of disbelief and distaste whenever he'd lay out his brilliant ideas. But there was a hint of mild curiosity like she couldn't help but listen anyways. He wasn't sure then but he was certain of it now.
He enjoyed riling Wednesday up.
“I was joking this time.”He drawled coyly, hopping over the brush. “I'll just drop it off.”
He strolled across the street, entering the dimly lit hue.
He looked over both shoulders before procuring the bag from his pocket. He brought out his wand, removing his concealment charm to resize the bag.
The bag expanded to its intended size and consequently, its intended mass.
Something he probably should have expected, but didn't.
“Woah!” He made a noise as the small pouch in his palm suddenly turned unwieldy. He desperately tried wrangling the now hefty sack that was easily half his size.
But it was no use. No amount of weight training could've prepared his poor left hand for the 45-some-odd kg of sudden dead weight.
He hissed shaking his hand. “Bloody he-”
The bag clattered at his feet, some of the metallic objects spilling out. Caspian cursed under his breath as he threw the items back into the bag. He barely had time to wipe the sweat off his brow when the door knob suddenly began rattling.
Blast.
He muttered a quick disillusionment, running behind a nearby garbage bin.
“Hello?”
Caspian held his breath.
“Is somebody there?”
His eyes darted towards the tree line. He was barely able to make out the glint in Wednesday's omnioculars. Okay, maybe he was a bit of a liability.
Caspian bit the inside of his cheek. He ran through his possible choices. Run now and risk being caught? Stay hidden and risk the bloke walking into him? No, He'll need to create a distraction. It'll need to buy him just enough time so can haul ass away. And it just so happened he had the perfect one in mind.
Sorry Wednesday, fire it is.
He drew his wand, 'incendio' primed on his tongue when suddenly.
“I know you're behind there,” His breath hitched. “Come on out, you have nothing to fear.”
It was only now did Caspian notice the footsteps in the snow. Unlike the jewellery store who kept their sidewalks cleared, the church left theirs unattended for.
Caspian let out a shuddering breath at the voice, only two steps away. He was caught. He ran through everything he can possibly do. From setting the man on fire to just making a run for it. But he decided against all of it.
He stuffed his wand back in his pocket, letting the charm fade completely before stepping out.
How he was going to silver tongue his was out this one, he did not know.
Caspian came face to face with an older stout man. He leaned slightly back to accommodate for his barrelled chest, his thumbs hooked in his belt. He wore a black button-up to go with his black trousers, with a lone white collar where his tie should be. His eyes were aged with wisdom, and the lines on his face creased with years. The white of his patchy beard contrasted with his brown skin as he stared at him quizzically.
He reminded him of the owner of three boom sticks. Nathanial Onai. He was an old pudgy man who was adored by the entire own. But he was rather wary around outsiders and newcomers. That included new students. Caspian didn't get off on the right foot with Mr. Onai He was his first-ever field trip to Hogsmede when he first spoke with him.
Rather, apologized to him really.
Caspian and his friends, to not pay for butter beer, decided to nick some from the large barrels outside. In his defense, they were just sitting there for the taking, practically begging to be used. But before he knew it, he was running from the large barrels as they rolled down the streets of central Hogsmede, terrorizing all who were in its path.
He spent three days cleaning up that mess, and three weeks helping Mr.Onai around the pub. He was first quiet and rightfully furious with him, barely speaking beyond barking orders. But by the end of his punishment, they were listening to good music whilst having in-depth quidditch debates. He was the grandfather he never knew he needed. Caspian was even allowed one free butter beer whenever he visited.
With the purchase of one of course.
“Hello my boy,” The stranger greeted, his voice booming yet somehow soft at the same time. “I'm Father Mackey.”
“You're not my father?” Caspian blurted out without thinking.
The man hesitated before smiling patiently. “I'm the priest therefore father, of this church, what are you doing out so late young man?”
He scratched the back of his neck. Priest? That wasn't in the Christmas carols.
“Just came by to…drop off some things” He cleared his throat, eyes darting from the bag. “Things I found laying on the side of the road.”
Father Mackey followed his eye line. Caspian cringed when he noticed the shiny golden toilet seat peek out from the top.
The man turned back, appraising with eyes that bore right through him.
He was about to squirm before the priest stepped to the side. “The donation Bin is to your left.”
“Oh,” Caspian said dumbly. “Brilliant.”
He stood rooted to his spot for a second before marching forward.
Act like you belong.
Act like you belong.
Act like you belong.
Caspian tied the bag securely, lifting it over his shoulder. He tried his best to ignore the man's lingering stare as he trudge over to the bin.
He shoved it through the opening flap, the sack only making it halfway before stopping. He pressed and pushed as hard as he could but he just couldn't get it to budge.
“Do you need-”
“Nope,” Caspian grunted, switching his approach “Just need to put more…" He grimaced, shoving with his shoulder. "Back…into it.”
It was no use. It wasn't for a lack of strength, the bag was just too bulky to fit. Caspian glanced at the worried-looking priest before a thought came to mind.
“Is that a fire?” He instantly perked up, pointing behind him.
The man turned over his shoulder alarmed.
Caspian quickly whipped out his wand, hissing 'depulso' to send it flying down the chute. He stuffed his wand away just as the man turned back around.
“Ah nope, my mistake, a trick of the light.” He chuckled, cringing as the bag came to a clattering clunk at the bottom.
That was probably the toilet seat.
The priest stared at him for a while, rubbing his beard. “What's your name child?
“Calcipher Pedelton The 3rd,” he responded smoothly. He's rehearsed that aliases plenty of times before. Half of the wizarding Hamlets around Hogwarts knew him as Calcipher. Calicpher who visits family in Cragcroftshire yearly.
This Calicpher fellow even had a whole background. Twice removed from his father's side, he grew up in Whales and attends Durmstrang. His mother died while he was young and he currently lives with his nanny in Scottsdale.
He made this alter-ego when he was in his 1st year. Caspian wishes his 11-year-old self chose a cooler sounder name than 'Pedelton The 3rd' but he was stuck with it. Though, he figured he should make a new one considering there currently wasn't a Durmstrang for him to attend.
“You're not from here, are you Calcipher?” Father Mackey conceded, folding his arms.
Caspian felt the hairs on the back of his neck rise. “What makes you say such a thing?”
He felt a bead of sweat fall down his temple. His warming charm was doing too good a job it seemed.
The old man paused, giving him once over before smiling politely. “I'm referring to your funny accent.”
Caspian let out a small sigh. “Ahh, you're very astute my good sir, yes” he laughed nervously, “I'm from Britain. Great Britain.”
“And do you go to that outcast school by chance?” Father's Mackey inquired, his voice and face frustratingly giving nothing away. “I don't recall seeing you here before?”
“I'm visiting,” he responded plainly, glancing around for an exit. “From London…just passing through speaking of which I should get going.”
Caspian strained a smile, slowly backing away.
“Well, the church thanks you for your big donation.” Father Mackey gestured behind him, though his eyes never left his.
“Yes thank you, Mr. - ah! - Father, Mackey.” He let in a shuddering breath. “I'd appreciate it if my generosity remain anonymous.”
Father Mackey blinked. “I don't see why not.”
“Brilliant,” Caspian hesitated, tentatively glancing at him. “Praise Jesus…yeah?”
The man raised both his brows. “Yes…Praise Jesus...I uh- Do you mind me asking? Where are you stayin-”
“Happy Christmas.” Caspian blurted out, backing away faster.
Father Mackey reeled back. “Come again?”
“Happy Christmas!”
“It's the end of February-”
“Happy Christmas Father!” Caspian spun away with a wave, careful to keep his pace a casual stroll. “Happy Christmas!”
The second he turned the corner he 'disillusioned' himself once more, doubling back across the street and behind the tree line. This time he made sure to cover his tracks with quick 'glacius' spells. He watched as the priest checked down the street, and checked the donation bin, before shaking his head, ambling inside.
He didn't necessarily silver tongue his way out of that. More like bronze stuttered across the finish line.
Caspian let out a long breath, 'de-disillusioning' himself as he approached Wednesday. He's cheeks warmed underneath her glare but he refrained from even acknowledging her.
He kissed his teeth, humming along to a forgotten tune as he crouched beside her like he didn't just almost blow the entire operation.
His eyes danced around nonchalantly before finally resting on her small face. Her hooded eyes were sharp and her jaw was locked. Her pouty lips were sealed shut and her nostrils flared. If there was a picture for 'Irate' in the dictionary, she'd be it.
“What?” He blinked innocently.
She didn't move. He was pretty sure she didn't even breathe.
He gulped. “What?”
A car passed by, the lights blinding him but she didn't blink.
“Ok, was it some of my best work?” He relented, throwing his hands up in a useless defence. “Not by a long shot. Was it a bit messy? Absolutely? But did I handle it? I always do!”
“Are you taking this seriously?” She questioned, grinding her teeth. “Is this some kind of joke?”
Caspian snorted. “I don't think you'll know what a joke is if it hit you right in the face-”
He promptly bit his tongue when her doe eyes turned predator.
“Let me try that again,”
“Please do,”
He bit his lip, running a hand through his hair. “I...regret that, I should've been more careful.”
He brought his eyes up, watching as she studied him. She turned away, still uptight but she let her shoulder drop a tad.
“How do you manage to be so crafty, yet senselessly half-witted at the same time?” She muttered, stashing her omnioculars in her bag.
Caspian ran a hand through his hair again. “I've been asking myself that for the last 5 years.”
He was glad that was the extent of her criticism. He already knew he screwed up, he never liked it when others felt the need to chime in. They moved towards the police station in silence.
If he could be grateful for one thing about the whole encounter, it was that he didn't resort to lighting a fire
Only Merlin knows what her reaction would've been if he did.