An Encounter with- Consequences

[Capri Olivia Morgan]

Just as she about to make her getaway, away from that annoying boy and his piercing eyes, Capri felt the slightest brush of air. The boy had cut her off! Of all things, this enfuriated her more, if that was possible. She hated being told when she could or couldn't do something or go somewhere. He hadn't told her she couldn't go, but his body language said it all for her. It was a power struggle, and she wasn't about to lose. She had never lost in her life, and she wasn't about to start now. What, was he trying to keep her there so he could establish his dominance as the stereotypical male? Or was it simply that he couldn't stand to lose? Or, heaven forbid, he actually liked her company and wanted her to stay. She was fairly sure that she would hate him thoroughly if it was the latter.

She maintained her arrogant smirk-like smile, and slowly crossed her arms over her chest. Whatever shots he would take, she was sure she would be ready for them. Still, it was hard not to keep from blowing up in his face for cutting her off so rudely. She hated not having her way. If she was going to leave, she wanted to leave when she wanted to leave, not the other way around. Now it wasn't becoming a matter of pride, and not just some fun little spat with a fellow student. Still, she had to admit that she was enjoying this to some extent. She hadn't had a challenge like this in a long time.

She was caught a bit off guard when he made snide little guesses at what she would be famous for. She had to admit that she would like to take her dancing skills to new heights, but she would never tell him that. No, she planned on being famous for something entirely different. Here she was, destined to be (In her mind) one of the greatest witches to ever live, and she was allowing some rotten boy make fun of her! Oh, how she wanted to reach for her wand and curse him right there and then. But then, she would most likely get in trouble. Then her mother would find out, and she would be in a terrible mess. That just wouldn't do. No, better to win this as a battle of words. Best him at his own game.

The boy changed positions, and Capri took the opportunity to shift her own stance: hands at her side in case she did need to use her wand at any time. He announced his name, and Capri's knowing smirk deepened. Well, at least it was a nice-sounding name. Still, no matter how nice-sounding it was, she was still sure he must be a Muggle, which meant there was nothing at all pleasant about him. She listened until he was finished speaking, and it took all of her self control not to strangle him then and there. Comparing her to Second Years, eh? The Second Years didn't know a fraction of the hexes she did, and she was just itching to show him one. However, she knew that would just prove his point. She would not give in to such a weak jab. Instead, her smile widened into something that was a mixture of a sneer and a smirk.

"Come up with that one on your own?" She asked him mirthfully, her eyes practically sparking with anger and amusement. "Really, I should take lessons from you on how to insult," she added sarcastically. "Although you're probably right- I won't take the time to remember your name, Gregory Masterson. I have better things to do than remember someone who thought he was special because he could fix a lock on an old bookbag." She looked down at it and shrugged. "I was going to replace it soon, anyway. And as for what I'll be famous for..." She licked her lips, contemplating her next words. "The party scene isn't what I'm shooting for. I have more worthy aspirations, but I don't think you are worthy to know them."

She placed her hands on her hips and tappped her foot impatiently. "If it's alright with you, I'd like to be on my way. You've wasted enough of my time as it is."

[Gregory H. Masterson]

By now, the girl- Capri- looked quite angry, with sparking eyes and a grim look in her face. She was trying to cover it, but her eyes and the color in her face gave it away. It actually was rather a good look on her, he noted. Then he quickly banished the thought from his mind. Something was definitely 'off'' with him today.

She seemed to be quite practiced in insulting people. It reminded him, uncomfortably, of home. True, the insults had not usually been directed at him, but still, it was familiar.
That just made him more tense. The calm voice in his head was trying hard to make itself heard. Why was he tense, at all?! This girl didn't matter, nothing she said mattered! He KNEW that!
He took a deep breath and tried to get a hold of himself, ignoring the way his name sounded when she said it, and forced his muscles to relax.

When she put her hands on her hips and tapped her foot, he felt a startling desire to laugh! She reminded him so much of a little girl, imitating her mother! This sudden change of attitude sobered him up fast. In one smooth moment, he changed from an angry young man to a disinterested and cold young gentleman.
He straightened and moved to the side of the passage.
"Of course. Please excuse me. I'm sure you'll do very well in life. Probably'll have the neighbors talking and everything. My best wishes to you in our academic career and future success."

He took her hand, swiftly and suddenly, so that she wouldn't have time to pull it away from him, and gave a small bow over it. As he was bent over it, he glanced up, a near-twinkle in his eye for just a moment. Then he released her hand, equally quickly and straightened.
"I, too, must be on my way. I have to meet someone. I'm already late and she's not used to waiting for me." He bestowed his small smile on her and headed for the stairs. Before reaching them, though, he paused and turned to loof at her, over his shoulder.
"Capri- that's an unusal first name, isn't it?" He had put his foot on the first stair when again he looked back, an arrested look on his face. "Wait - are you . . . are you by any chance related to Professor Morgan?"