Starry Night and Dirt ~Cora~

[corny]

There was no hesitation. His hand rose into the air without him even thinking about it. His brown eyes stared at the professor through a strain of his long, dark hair. He smiled at him, and did not seem surprised to acknowledge him in the least. Of course if someone was going to volunteer to do an experiment in Herbology it was going to be Stephen Cornfoot. He was year seven's prized student when it came to the course. It seemed like every year had it's own student that loved the class as much as the teacher loved to teach it. Stephen enjoyed it so much that he often popped up when he was between classes to help him set up for the next course. His eyes would glitter when he saw soil, and knew work was to be done. This was no different.

Several years previous, Stephen had helped with the harvesting of mandrakes. No one really paid him much attention, and he did much more work than many of the other students knew. The mandrakes was just one of the small tasks. He was not informed of their use, and what the sudden need to get the work done. He only smiled, helped out, and did a fine job in keeping up with the demands placed on him. The professor had awarded him with House Points, and a pat on the back. Stephen needed neither, he loved working in the Greenhouses. That was a reward in itself. He nodded in his direction, and Stephen returned the smile and laid his hand on his desk. When the class was finished he stayed behind to collect a parchment and a quick word from the small Herbology teacher. Stephen read it, and walked out into the narrow walkway with a smile.

---

The day had turned into evening, and dinner was finished early for him. He moved out of the Great Hall, produced his parchment to Filch when the old man tried to stop him from going out of bounds, and then walked out through the dusk. He had an appointment in the Greenhouses, and approval from his favorite teacher to do this small task at hand. There was not a lot to be done, but Stephen was always excited when he could feel like he was doing anything at all to advance him in the class. Not so much that he wanted credit for anything, but to learn more. He craved the expanded knowledge that he gained from these projects for Sprout. He started to hum lightly as his hand dropped down to his pocket. He pulled out his thin wand, and whispered. "Lumos." His eyes dropped down to the parchment he produced from his other pocket. He read the note for what seemed the millionth time.

He was going to meet someone else in the Greenhouse, and aide them in the clipping, sorting, and restocking of several bottles of various herbs for the potion's master. Stephen really did not know why students were being charged with such work, but he did not mind. It would not bother him at all. In fact, feeling dirt under his nails and plants on his hands would make him just as happy as anything he could dream of happening to him. His smile moved across his lips making his charming face shine with his good looks. He had no clue he was good looking, of course. His mind often did not even wander in that direction. He blew a piece of hair from his face and turned into Greenhouse Number Three. He saw that several lanterns were already lit and the place was bright. Several sheets of plants were placed on one of the long work benches. There were two cases of small bottles stacked to the side of the table on small stools to allow someone to reach in and grab a vial without bending over. Two quills, several rolls of parchment, and label stickers sat next to the plants. Stephen noticed all of this immediately upon entering the glasshouse.

However, his attention was quickly pulled away by a light in the sky above the glass roof. He quickly followed the light with his gaze as he watched the falling star. He closed his eyes, clutched his wand, and made a silent wish. It was a silly wish, one he would dare not mouth out loud. In fact, he would not even try to think of the wish in his own head because he was afraid it would sound stupid even to himself. He laughed under his breath, turned to look back at the workload he had for the night, and began to read over the list of herbs and plants that were to be sorted. He wondered, and not for the first time, who the other person was that had been assigned to this task. The Professor had not bothered to tell him, although he did have a massive smile on his face when he had wished him well earlier in the day. Stephen did not give it much thought at all. In fact, the fleeting thought faded from his mind just as quick as it had come. He started tearing off small pieces of paper, and setting them aside to attached to the bottles with the labels. He began to hum to himself, and smiled under his long hair.

Tagg; Cora
Notes; I sort of used a flashback of Professor Grey, I hope this is alright. I used the character in a indirect, general professor way. If there is a problem with this at all, let me know. I will gladly change it. I do not want to step on anyone's toes. It would just be a little hard not to portray a detention thread, or homework thread without mentioning what the Professor might have done. I think that is part of the liberty teacher characters have to give up in certain situations. If this is considered god-moding, please tell me.

[cora]

YOU CAN FEEL THE POUNDING WRAPPED AROUND YOUR CHEST
WECAN'TGOBACK

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NOTHING'S TOO EXCESSIVE WHEN YOU'VE GOT NOTHING LEFT
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The day had of course been anything but eventful. It had been spent flitting from class to class and while normally, Coralie loved learning and soaking in as much information as she possibly could, she had been in a rather distracted mood all day. She couldn't force her mind to concentrate, it kept wandering to trivial matters, though it mostly settled on homework assignments she hadn't quite finished yet due to inconvenience. The small voice droned on and on, bypassing her hearing completely as she tuned it out, her blue orbs staring out across the grounds. Herbology had never been her most favourite subject, which must've been obvious to the Professor for upon their getting ready to leave, she asked Coralie to help a fellow student out later that evening for some extra credit. She nodded politely, taking the note that was now being handed to her, before tossing the small woman a salute jokingly, a laugh escaping her lungs and retreating legs leaving her far ahead from the hell that was sure to ensue later.

She could only assume the person Professor Sprout had gotten to help her out was some over-enthusiastic nerd who's favourite subject also happened to be Herbology, that being the only reason anyone with a sane mind would readily volunteer for work such as that. She wasn't looking forward to the job ahead, picking at her food as if it would slow down time, her cheek resting against her hand as a bored expression littered her features. Of course Sprout had known this would be unenjoyable, though a knowing sparkle had hinted there was something deeper that she wasn't confessing, something that might make the night a bit more enjoyable. She shrugged, unsure of what could make a night spent doing a Professor's dirty work anything to look forward to. She decided not to think of the matter anymore, knowing it would only bring her down, joining in on the hustle of conversation happening before her. Luckily, it was with two girls she was already acquaintances with so it was rather easy to slip into their mode of topic, hoping it would stall out the clock and she wouldn't have to worry.

Unfortunately, she wasn't that lucky for the time of her departure was steadily approaching, her frame cuddled up against the corner of the blue couch as her widened eyes darted back and forth from the clock to the fire, anxiety coursing through her veins. She knew she shouldn't be this nervous, especially over some dirty work that she was sure Professor Sprout half-did out of spite and amusement, but the way the Professor had left things, the way she had looked at her, it was as if there would be a surprise waiting for her there that she would have no idea about. She tried shrugging the idea off, figuring if she banned herself from thinking about it, it would go away. It worked for a little while, though her anxiety returned as she realized she only had fifteen minutes before her task was supposed to begin. She grabbed her blue coat, racing through the many corridors and obstacles in the form of students, most likely knocking over a small second year or two in the process before she reached close enough to her destination.

She bounded down the hill, blue hair ribbon along with her dark brown hair whipping against the wind behind her. She arrived on time, or so she could only assume considering it was only supposed to be her and one other student, of who's presence she was still unsure of. Upon rounding the corner, she spotted a familiar figure with his back turned, eyes focused on the sky above. The sight of a falling star caused her eyes to flutter shut as she swallowed a wish, hands clasped in front of her. She wanted to bask in this ethereal moment for it had been awhile since she'd last seen a falling star, especially one that seemed to move so slowly in the sky. A faint humming sound broke through her reverie, a grin cracking against her features as she skipped towards Stephen, fingers travelling along the back of his neck as she used him to circle her path, stopping in front of him, much like if she had spun around a pole to get to the other side.

"Coralie,

[/color]" Her arm quickly extended towards him in greeting, her bright blue eyes now meeting his' own, a sparkle reflecting inside them. Her focus then shifted towards the many objects strewn about the room, her eyes falling on the quills, pieces of parchment, and label stickers only mere inches from them. "So what exactly are we supposed to be doing here?[/color]" She questioned, hand releasing his' as her fingers treaded over the vials, focus shifting to the moonlight glinting off their reflective surface, head tilting slightly. She figured the bloke oughta know their 'punishment' considering he was the teacher's pet. She'd seen him around the castle every so often but hadn't noticed him all that much, though she couldn't help but notice that he wasn't half bad looking, in fact, he was quite handsome. Judging from his body language, she could only assume he liked keeping to himself, well that, and he had a true love for Herbology. Her nose crinkled slightly in disgust at the thought of the dreaded subject, spinning around lightly to face Stephen once more. Noticing the vials were in the way of a proper seat, she picked them up and placed them on the table before plopping atop the stool, cheek resting in her hand as she leaned forward. She placed her weight on her elbows, her finger circling the rim of one of the vials as her eyes fell on Stephen once more.[/size][/font]

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WE'RE ALL HERE CAUSE WE LOST CONTROL WE'RE ALL HERE CAUSE
WELOSTCONTROL

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WE'RE ALL HERE CAUSE WE LOST CONTROL WE'RE ALL HERE CAUSE[/center]

•tags• stephen
•outfit• ravenclaw robes
•comments• this is gonna be fun<3
•word count• 976
•lyrics• DIE TONIGHT, LIVE FOREVER by InnerPartySystem
•credit• AMANDA THE PIRATE * @ CAUTION !
JACKSOME @ CAUTION !

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[/blockquote][/blockquote][/blockquote]

[corny]

Distraction, movement, clear blue eyes, and a crash. The vial had slipped from his hand as he reached to take hers. It bounced off the table and then hit the floor between his feet with a shatter. Glass spread into the air, and fell over his feet. He did not even notice as the sizzle flew up his arm from his finger tips. It was like electric, a shock he had not expected yet one he knew was not really there. It was a chemical reaction, much like the eating of chocolate would induce the same romantic feelings as love was suppose to reveal to the body and mind. He looked down to the hand he was holding, and then followed her soft skin up to her blue eyes once again. His heart seemed to melt in his chest, even though he had no idea what was going on. All he needed to do was speak, if he could just force his lips to part and say something clever to her, something magical, something beautiful then he would be able to get over this initial hump and figure out what was churning in the pit of his stomach.

Stephen opened his mouth, and something clever came out. It is a shame that the something clever was only in his imagination, and the words he spoke were not at all what he had intended to say. "I have never seen such bright waters looking back at me from a mask of unfamiliarity." He had no idea what his own words meant, and his mouth slapped shut as he looked at her mortified. What the hell did that mean? Where did it come from? Did he just compare her eyes to blue waters of a sea, and her face as a dark cloud of unrecognizable... something. He tried to play the words over, and instead of concentrating he continued. Sadly, Stephen spoke again. "I'm Corny."

[/color] He intended to tell her his name, but the word came out as his nickname, and the complete irony of the situation falls back onto the strange sentence he had said before he introduced himself. He did, in fact, just say something corny right before he told her he was Corny. Would she even understand what he was trying to say? Did he understand what he was trying to say? Why was he acting like this, and what happened to the glass he was previously holding?

He finally let go of her hand, and the connection almost quit. He looked down to his hand, and then stepped back. A sharp crunch followed his movement and he looked down to the broken glass surrounding his trainers. When had that happened, or was it something that had happened when he did not notice it, when the sea opened up -his eyes lifted back to touch hers- and the cloud of tomorrow presented itself to him... What he fuck was he saying in his own mind? What was wrong with him? Did he prick himself on something poison and was now suffering from some side effect that made his heart pound, his head spin, and his words turn to mush. She was going to think him completely dim, and he swallowed hard and smiled to her. He had to pull himself together, answer her question, and get on with the work before he went bonkers. He had to man-up and let loose before he blew it. After all, when he was with his friends he hung with some really cool guys. Why should this be any different?

He laughed off his silliness and opened his mouth to correct his introduction. "Hey, I'm S-stephen and I blow cool guys." The mortification was instant, and his mouth was slapped hard by his own hand. His eyes were the size of saucers, and his body seemed to want to run away from himself and never be seen with his stupid side ever again. What had he just told her? His head hit the desk, and he hid behind his long strands of hair with his mouth still cupped in his palm. His life was now officially over. He had met the girl of his dreams, made a complete fool of himself, and his mouth just would not quit it. He was doomed... and he had no one else to blame but himself. Himself and the most beautiful blue eyes he had ever seen in his entire life.[/size][/blockquote]

[cora]

YOU CAN FEEL THE POUNDING WRAPPED AROUND YOUR CHEST
WECAN'TGOBACK

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NOTHING'S TOO EXCESSIVE WHEN YOU'VE GOT NOTHING LEFT
[/center]

A crash of glass alerted her senses, eyes falling to the floor to spot a broken vial which she assumed had slipped from the bloke's hand. Her bright blue hues traveled up his frame before landing on his face, watching his own dark hues glance at her hand before searching her features. He seemed to be lost in the moment, though she found it adorable. It wsa like he was hesitant to let go of her hand, that or he had just forgotten he was holding it and was unsure of how to remove it from her grasp. Either way, it was cute, he was cute. His brain looked as if it was in full force, trying to think of something to say but not quite grasping the concept of speech as of yet. She giggled, a thumb delicately brushing against his cheek, "You're cute," She smiled, eyes seeming to sparkle against the moon light as they fell on his handsome features once more. She kept her free hand on his cheek for a moment longer before it fell to her side. She didn't bother removing her other hand from his grasp for she was oblivious to awkwardness, mainly because she didn't feel any in this room. The vibes she was getting off of the man before her was anything but awkward, in fact, she felt an odd sense of comfort wrapping around her rib cage.

Finally, he spoke, though the words that left his mouth were the opposite of what she had expected. He had said a clever phrase but judging from the following facial expression, he was kicking himself in the foot for this. Had he messed it up? She had actually thought it made sense and Coralie managed to piece together what he meant to say. A soft smile wrapped around her lips, watching his expression grow mortified. His embarassment washed over her in waves and she delicately squeezed his hand with her own, the same one he hadn't let go of yet, as a look of understanding crossed her features. That look disappeared at his next words, however, as he told her he was corny. She tilted her head slightly as confusion swept her form, her brow raising. Was Corny a nickname? She had no idea what his name was so it could very well be. She shrugged to herself, figuring he would explain himself eventually. He didn't seem the type to let words go unexplained, her attention travelling to the vials that rested not too far away from her. She was still unsure as to what they were supposed to be doing here but it honestly didn't matter. She could care less if they even started the task.

A loss of gravity jolted her back into reality as he finally let go of her hand, which casually dropped to her side once more. She chuckled before giving him a gracious curtsy, "Thank you for the return of my hand, good sir, I was missing it quite so." A laugh managed to escape as she jumped onto the stool, spinning around in it once or twice before it slowly skidded to a stop facing her fellow classmate. She was oblivious to the going-ons in his mind, lacking the care to judge him or anyone she met along the way. She was uncaring towards how others viewed her as well, which she guessed was why she was so carefree. It didn't matter in the long run, she figured, her legs kicking beneath her slightly as her eyes travelled up to the ceiling to admire the vine-like plants growing across the top of the greenhouse. Herbology had never really been her favourite class but she did fancy the way some plants looked, like the vines she was currently staring at. They were beautiful in their own way and she could understand why another would love them so, they just weren't her cup of tea and she doubted they ever would be, what with all the bugs and beasts that came along with some plants and her inability to want to have to deal with that.

The sound of a laugh made her snap her head back down to glance his way once more, listening to a new introduction with a more than interesting ending. Well now she understood that his name was really Stephen, Corny being the nickname he had used previously. He looked absolutely mortified by what he had just said, his hand covering his mouth and his eyes as big as plates but she could only manage to laugh. It wasn't a condescending laugh, like most would do in this moment, but a genuine, rich laugh that seemed to fill the entire greenhouse with its warmness. She found his antics to be anything but embarrassing, her eyes returning to his form to see that his head was resting against the desk and he was now hiding behind his strands of long hair, mouth still cupped, as if hiding it would make it non-existant. Using her wand, she cast a spell that made the bottom of the stool she was sitting on have wheels, her feet using the floor to propel her closer to Stephen while her bottom still remained in its seat. "Nice to meet you, Stephen. Lucky for you, I'm in the same business," She grinned, her tone obviously joking as she sent a wink his way, arm wrapping around his shoulders delicately. She pulled back moments later, though didn't roll backwards in her stool, eyes now falling onto the other vials in the room. "You have any idea what we're supposed to do with those?" Her eyes remained on the vials for another moment before returning to his face, a small smile playing along her lips.

[/font]

[/blockquote][/blockquote]

WE'RE ALL HERE CAUSE WE LOST CONTROL WE'RE ALL HERE CAUSE
WELOSTCONTROL

[/size]
WE'RE ALL HERE CAUSE WE LOST CONTROL WE'RE ALL HERE CAUSE[/center]

•tags• stephen
•outfit• ravenclaw robes
•comments• <3
•word count• 964
•lyrics• DIE TONIGHT, LIVE FOREVER by InnerPartySystem
•credit• AMANDA THE PIRATE * @ CAUTION !
JACKSOME @ CAUTION !

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[corny]

Imperfection Perfect.
Impractical Anticipation.
Impartial Attraction.
Slow down the reaction.

A flint through his mind, embarrassment gone. Nothing reflected in his eyes but her eyes, blue as the cool sea, eternal in his mind set now a dazzling forever. A soft tear would have trickled form his eye had he not turned his head and swatted it away as he looked down to the shattered glass. He lifted his own chocolate orbs and touched hers again. Her joke moved around his head like a cool cloud of comfort. He could no longer help but smile, knowing she saw his hesitation for what it was; a shyness that he could no longer hold back as the blush crawled across his face. Everything she said spoke perfection to his ears. Ever pause in her words a lifetime on his young soul. He was not sure how much longer he could handle this moment, but knew that he did not want to let it go just yet. Words, sentences, paragraphs danced around in his head. Clever words sparked on his tongue but never escaped his lips. Sentences strutted in front of his mouth never to be heard. Paragraphs, how could he even imagine saying as much to someone so... so... so her.

And just as the blink when the electric came through, so did it pass and he realized a question hung in the air between them. Her small smile melted him where he never thought he could melt. The tilt of his head, the fall of his hair, everything seemed to freeze a second in time before he opened his mouth and explained to her in a mesmerized tone, "Labeling these, with those, place the correct herb in the bottle, spot them in the box, set them aside. Really easy, nothing to it really. Just busy work I suppose. No really, I think I can manage it all if you just want to stand there and look at me with that smile just a while longer. I could fall into those seas and drowned you know?" Words mixed, hitched onto each other and sailed through the air to her from his own trembling lips. He had not intended to say all that in such a bunched up way, but it seemed like she was going to have this effect on him. There was no helping his stumbling of conversational skills, at least he had not stuttered this time.

He moved several vials toward himself, and started to sort out the labels. He did this without looking because his eyes were locked onto hers much like a mooring of a boat on a calm sea right before a storm. He had no clue if there would be a storm, but he could not doubt the churning inside his stomach as he managed a return smile in her direction. As he looked at her, Corny managed to stick several labels inside a vial and rub an herb all over the front of the glass. His eyes dipped down to his moving fingers, and he hesitated. "Well shit, this is not at all what I intended to do. Look, I herbed the glass and sorted the labels. How much of an idiot do you consider me to be now?"

[/color] He laughed lightly under his breath. He really did not mean to ask the question, but there was no hope for it. It simply just happened, and Stephen could do nothing but let his words escape the prison of his teeth. He made a hesitant nod in her direction and began to correct his mistakes.

She did not make him nervous as much as he felt a fool in front of her. He was shit when it came to cute girls, always a best friend never a boyfriend. This was his lot in life, and he knew this fanciful feeling he was ingesting certainly could be no different. She was a rare beauty, classical yet fresh. Her eyes seemed to reach into him, hold his beating heart, and make it melt all at the same time. It was a calming storm, it turbulent breeze, and immaculate eternity within one simple gaze. He tried to swallow those thoughts down, but felt there was no room inside him to let it all agitate. He could not feel the trembling in his hands, but felt the butterflies dance in his tummy. He could have swooned, but made sure he was stable by leaning roughly on the table. Dirt moved up in a small puff, and his elbows were caked in a matter of seconds.

Corny was completely positive; he was going crazy.[/blockquote][/size]