Xavier paced in front of the entrance to the Ravenclaw Dormitories. He didn't even attempt trying to get inside. He tried once, when he was in his second year and the damned riddle he was given gave him a headache for nearly a month. He had vowed never to try again. He also wasn't sure what he'd do even if he had managed to get inside. No it was better to wait out here, for however long it took. The wait helped him sort out his thoughts and practice what he was going to say to Sasha anyway.

In the past month his entire world had been turned upside down. He had thought that starting to date a girl the likes of Jordyn Dimbleby would be the most shocking and spectacular thing to have happened to him that year. The fates apparently had a different idea and Xavier was beginning to hate newspapers because of it. Not only had he discovered his Grandfather's death and his incoming inheritance through the paper, another blasted article sprang it on him that after being presumed dead for eleven years his father was actually alive. Alive! And kicking as well, considering that certain mind blowing revelation came along with a brother and sister he didn't know he had.

It didn't take a genius to figure out who his brother and sister were and once he came to that realization the conversation he had with Peyton the previous month was put into a brand new perspective. He wasn't ready to talk to his brother just yet. They had exchanged notes during classes though. The rivalry between them had been waning for a long while and Xavier was almost ready to accept something other than constantly wanting to punch the older teen.

A few days after the incident Xavier was visited by his Grandfather's attorney. There was a mountain of paperwork that he needed to sign. The only part of it that interested him however, was the itemized list of all his new assets. He knew his Grandfather had been a collector of weapons both magical and non magical. What he didn't know was that he also collected fancy muggle automobiles. Xavier had made it his mission now to learn how to drive such vehicles.

Which was exactly why he was here.

Luckily for Xavier, Baldur negated the chance of never ending weekend study sessions.  If it weren't for the need of outdoor potty breaks, Sasha was quite liable to disappear behind a mountain of textbooks on Friday and reemerge just in time for Herbology on Monday morning.  As it was, the sable shepherd had just started to stare pointedly at the Ravenclaw about the same time that a gaggle of second years came into the common room gossiping about a large Slytherin lurking outside. 

Sasha paid the gossip little heed.  In the excitable mind of a second year, a Slytherin passing by on his or her way to the Divination Tower (granted, using an odd path to do so) could be interpreted as 'lurking.'  The interruption helped affirm that it was time for a break and Sasha let the book fall closed and set it on top of the pile.  The shepherd led the way to the door to Ravenclaw tower and waited for Sasha to pull it open.  Once out in the corridor, Sasha was surprised to find that the second years' excitement wasn't an exaggeration.  Though hardly brutishly large, Xavier Tawse was a respectable size, especially from the perspective of a twelve-year-old, and he did seem to be waiting for something.  Or, someone.

"Do you need me to let someone know you're waiting?" Sasha asked, gesturing over his shoulder at the door behind him.  Peyton was the most obvious choice but there were a few other potential candidates.  Given the recent events in the Slytherin's life - what little Sasha knew of them - it wouldn't be surprising if Tawse needed to see someone in short order.  "Though, I saw a couple of the seventh years head out a little while ago to find study groups.  Someone might know where they have gone." 

Xavier paid little mind to the gaggle of second years that had passed by him. Hushed voices and chaste looks in his direction. From what he understood his sister was now in her fifth year alongside the twins Grant and Kelly. He spared a moment to wonder how they were taking the news of two previously unknown cousins. Especially when one of those turned out to be the bookish little blonde they had spent the last five years taking classes with. He hoped for their sake neither of them tried to hit on the girl. That was just a brand new can of worms this sort news could open.

Not long after he was drawn out of his thoughts when the exact Ravenclaw he had come to see stepped out of the tower. They weren't friends by any definition of the term and at one point Xavier nearly despised him. All of that seemed . . . stupid now. He had grown older and his views of the world had vastly changed. The importance of blood purity, the arrogance that came from perceived superiority, all seemed so pointless now. He supposed it helped that he no longer spent time with people like Callum or Bellatrix. Even being around his Grandfather who was a traditionalist not an outright purist had helped.

He gave the blonde an awkward smile rubbing the back of his neck. He realized Sasha likely assumed he had come to see either Peyton or Helena, "Um nah, I uh actly came ta see ye." His tongue felt weird in his mouth. He had spent so long speaking the Scottish Brogue he picked up from his mother's family that it had become second nature. However all the hours he had been spending with Jordyn he used his natural Londonder accent to the point that it was getting harder to switch between the two.

He did his best to give a welcoming smile, "Yer a muggle righ'? I mean ye grew up muggle?" He tried to keep his tone light and airy so as not to make the other teen think he was being targeted by some Purist shite, "Do ye know how ta drive?"

"Um nah, I uh actly came ta see ye."

Suspicion flickered briefly across the Ravenclaw's features.  Though it had been a few years since Sasha remembered any direct hostility from the Slytherin, it seemed quiet ambivalence had replaced the hostility rather than any variation of camaraderie.  They simply moved in separate circles and had little reason to cross paths outside of class assignments.  So, the surprised suspicion wasn't entirely unfounded when the Slytherin explained he'd come looking for Sasha. 

"Oh.  Do you need some notes?  Which class?"  Sasha had a handful of pre-exam friends; classmates who's chumminess towards him could be described as directly proportional to their relative proximity to exams.  Tawse hadn't been one of them in the past but pending NEWTs had brought a few new pre-exam friends to the forefront. 

"Yer a muggle righ'?"

The Ravenclaw grimaced and started to shake his head.  Hopefully, this wasn't a reboot of the old 'muggleborns aren't true wizards' stupidity.  That would be even more frustrating, now that he knew he was halfblood.  They were standing in the corridors of Hogwarts; wasn't that proof enough that he wasn't a muggle?  Tawse wasn't giving the impression of being purist but, maybe, Sasha's post-Hogwarts plans were starting to make the gossip rounds. 

"I mean ye grew up muggle?"

This time, a slight shrug and nod.  Sasha still wasn't sure where this was going.  Baldur seemed to have grown bored with the proceedings and had shoved his nose against a crack between two stones, sniffing deeply at whatever had found its way into the wall.  Probably someone's pet rodent had stashed a few crumbs of abandoned food in there.  Hopefully, someone's beloved pet rodent wasn't personally still in the crack, trying to keep its whiskers out of reach of the large dog tongue. 

"Do ye know how ta drive?"

Sasha blinked then slowly nodded.  He had not anticipated the conversation taking that turn.  "I got my licence about a year ago.  But, I don't think they're going to test us on that.  With all the magical interference here, I don't think they could test us on driving.  We just need to know their role in transportation and, maybe, identifying different classes of vehicles.  Besides, you're not in Muggle Studies.  Why are you asking?"

Xavier couldn't fault the Ravenclaw for his suspicion. Sasha hadn't really been the target of any physical hostility in the past even if he had been candid about his feelings about him. Most of his physical altercations had been with a completely different Ravenclaw though he had been known to incite duels just because he was in a bad mood. All of that though had been far in the past. The last few years, with the help of councilling, a lot of Xavier's outbursts had stopped and he had switched to simply avoiding people he wasn't directly friends.

However he had to bite back a laugh when the other teen asked if he needed notes. It was no secret that Sasha was smart and an over achiever. He was likely taking more classes than any other in their year. Which meant he was a busy guy. Too busy, apparently to pay attention to the fact that Xavier was a straight O student (or at least would be is Vaillancourt wasn't such a tough grader) He had aced all his OWLs and rarely needed help in any subject. If it hadn't been for him walking out on History of Magic in their Fifth year he would have had a perfect record.

Xavier mentally chided himself for his use of words. It was obvious the other teen didn't appreciate it. Even in his more purist of moments he had never been the kind of guy to use words such as 'mudbloods' or give into the muggle borns have stolen magic madness. He certainly hadn't said the term with any disdain now but he could see how it would be poorly received by others. Thankfully it didn't have the Ravenclaw running.

Xavier looked even more nervous and awkward when Sasha questioned his motives. He had never been interested in Muggle Studies. At the time he could have chosen the elective he thought it was useless knowledge. Even as his views had shifted he still wasn't interested. It didn't sound like they offered the sort of knowledge about muggles that he was actually interested in.

"Nah, it's not fer class." He looked down at the Ravenclaw's companion for a moment distracted by the dog's sudden intent on the crack in the stones, "I was wondrin' if ye'd be able ta teach me. My uh Grandfatha lef' me a lot o' cars an they ain't worf shite if I donnae know how ta drive 'em"

Sasha continued to watch Tawse's demeanor with tentative curiosity.  Throughout their limited opportunities to casually socialize, Sasha couldn't ever remember watching the Slytherin act awkward and nervous.  He usually seemed so confident, bordering on arrogance.  The awkward hesitancy was generally Sasha's thing!  How had they managed to switch roles?

When Tawse finally explained the purpose for his visit, a broad grin spread across Sasha's face.  "You want to learn how to drive an auto?" Sasha repeated, for his own benefit more than anything.  He was trying to picture the pureblood behind the wheel of a car with somewhat amusing results.  This was one of those occasions when the wizarding and mundane worlds seemed to juxtapose themselves on each other. 

"I don't see why not," Sasha offered with a shrug.  "I can teach.  Are you, you know, planning on getting your licence?  Are you even able to, being pureblood and all?"  Presumably, purebloods were fairly 'off the grid' when it came to the muggle world.  How did they prove residency?  "What kind of cars are they?  I presume you're wanting to learn to drive a stick, yes?  Unless..." An image flashed in Sasha's mind of some poor, confused pureblood determined to collect muggle vehicles.  In his ignorance, he'd filled his garage with a Toyota Prius, a volvo and a yugo. 

"And, are you just needing to learn to drive or..."  Sasha waved a hand, vaguely, as he tried to figure out what he was asking.  "Do you know anything about autos?  Like, petrol stations or oil changes or road rules?" 

Xavier returned Sasha's wide smile. It was a strange sensation but he was actually glad to see that his request had been so warmly received. The other teen could have easily laughed in his face and walked away. Not that he thought that was really within Sasha's character to do so but it still could have happened he supposed. It was sort of the reason he had come to the Ravenclaw. He wasn't exactly close with any of the other houses and most of those he did socialize with were half blood or more. He felt even the halfbloods would have laughed at him for such a request. Poor little Pureblood suddenly all curious about the muggles. Sasha had certainly been the best person to have gone to.

The Ravenclaw suddenly launched into a flurry of questions. Xavier contemplated each one, "Jus need ta know how ta drive." He reiterated without going into specifics. He certainly didn't need to be getting his license, much like Sasha, he doubted he even could. He wasn't registered anywhere in the Muggle World, though he supposed he could ask his father how his own integration had gone. That, however, was another conversation he really wasn't ready to have.

"I thin' stick. They're from thee fifties. Looks like me granda' collect'd when 'e was young. There's a few Jaguars, a Thundabird, Aston Mart'n, Chevrolet an' sumthin' called a Porche Spyd'r." The names didn't mean much to Xavier but the cars certainly looked beautiful. Especially the topless ones. He could just imagine driving down the countryside in one of those babies, Jordyn by his side, the sun setting, the wind her hair . . .

"Thee drivin's mos' import'n" He offered another smile, "Took a road trip wit Huck few summa's 'go. Learn'd bout most o' those thin's. Thee rules may be import'n though. Huck's nah really one ta obey those." He couldn't help the way his smile curved into a smirk. Just after he moved in with his Grandfather he had spent almost an entire month on the road with Huxley and Demetria. Both of his companions were much more knowledgeable than he was about what they were doing but he enjoyed every minute of it. Most of his own exposure of the Muggle world had been limited to Pub Crawls in Montrose, Dundee and Aberdeen. 

It was an interesting assortment of vehicles.  Sasha couldn't fault their classic nature, either; he could see the appeal.  His parents had never been the type to value older vehicles; sentiment or historical significance had never been a priority to his step-father.  Gerhard Schlagenweit much preferred to go for the newest collectible; grabbing a limited run model as soon as it hit the market.  However, there was his grandfather's pre-war Talbot-Lago in the carriage house back in Germany. 

"Definitely need to learn to drive a stick, then," Sasha confirmed.  "Which, really, is the case for any vehicle worth driving for the fun of it."  And, what other reason did a wizard have to drive?  Especially if they knew how to apparate.  "If you get curious about cars," Sasha added.  "You should go to the International Auto Show in Frankfurt."

But, that was getting somewhat off track.  "Once we're done with school, you're welcome to come over and I could teach you.  We could learn on your vehicles but that doesn't seem to make as much sense.  Clutches tend to get finicky as they get older; learning to drive a stick can be frustrating enough without accounting for age-inspired temperaments.  Most of ours- mine are just a few years old.  And, I probably care about them less than you do yours?" 

It was an assumption but Sasha figured it was a safe assumption.   Sasha had little interest in keeping anything of Gerhard Schlagenweit's.  Even if the vehicle got totaled in the process, Sasha would be content to take the insurance payout.  The approach had worked with the house.  It would certainly be easier to replace than a 1950s Aston Martin. 

Xavier smirked and nodded along. It was weird for him to be having such a casual conversation with the Ravenclaw. Thankfully it appeared to be a subject Sasha was decently familiar with. He thought about his purpose for learning to drive, it was safe to say it was more aligned with pleasure than any real purpose. There were easier ways for a wizard to get around after all. He gave another nod at the mention of the auto show. He may just be tempted to check it out. It wasn't like he had any real plans for himself after graduation. Especially now that he was ridiculously rich.

"Aye. I imagin they're jus hard ta replace." He said in place of admitting any sort of sentimentality for the cars themselves. He was certainly more attached to Arathorn's Weapon Collection but he wasn't about to disrespect what had been left to him either.

He took a moment to think about how crazy Sasha's suggestion was. He tried to imagine himself hanging out with Sasha, at his place, over the Summer. Learning how to drive, maybe even having a barbecue and beers after he successful managed not to kill the both of them. The whole scenario was almost mind blowing and a solid reminder of how much he had changed over the course of his Hogwarts Years. However the craziest part of all of it, was just how excited the entire prospect made him, "Tha sounds great, we cin work out details afta exams, yeah?"

"Aye. I imagin they're jus hard ta replace."

"Probably not as hard as you'd expect," Sasha countered, shaking his head.  "There are online auction sites for just about anything."  In Tawse's defense, Sasha wouldn't have any idea how to start finding one of those cars without the benefits of the internet.  Or, at the very least, without the right connections in the muggle world that would help you find your way to collector automobile auctions or dealers.  The process is undoubtedly simplified by access to a computer, telephone or muggle bank account.   So, for someone in Tawse's position, they would definitely be very difficult to replace.   

"But, it is a valid point."

After exams.  Yes, those exams that would be starting in just over a week.  Their last exams before heading out as adults.  Or, at least, their last exams as Hogwarts students.  With luck and decent marks, Sasha still had quite a few more exams in his future.  "Sure.  Feel free to send me an owl after exams." 

Sasha couldn't help but wonder if the recent Prophet article had raised any doubts about Tawse's claim to the inheritance.  It was a predicament Sasha had had personal experience with.  "Has that fellow from the Prophet article tried to stake a claim?  Is it ... is it your father?  Have they confirmed he is who they say he is?  I remember sloughing through a lot of fake claims after my parents' death."  Those claims had led to Sasha discovering his father had been teaching him for several years.  "Are you worried it's going to have an impact?" 

Xavier nodded along. He wasn't completely ignorant of the muggle world like a lot of his fellow purebloods seemed to be. He didn't blink at Sasha's assumption that he could possibly find replacement cars online. That being said, just because he knew what the Internet was, didn't mean he knew the first thing about using it. He was a little thankful the Ravenclaw validated his point. He certainly wasn't in the same position the other teen was where he could seamlessly move from one world to the next. He almost envied him for that.

"Yeah, I'll send ye an Owl." Xavier took the moment to think about what he'd do for the summer. There was no doubt at least one meeting in his future to discuss the future of his Grandfather's - his - company. Beyond that, there was a certain level of freedom he was eager to achieve.

Xavier was taken aback when Sasha asked about his father. He hadn't even thought twice about whether or not the man was real. He had only contacted Xavier after the slew of articles had come out. It didn't even occur to him that someone would be so callous as to impersonate his dead father. No, he had to be real. As much as Xavier didn't want to believe it, didn't want to think about all the reasons he had for leaving, he knew it in his gut this was the genuine article.

"Nah, Henry's real. Bastard wan'd nuthin' ta do wit me granda's money when 'e left. Cannea imagine 'im wan'in' it all now."  He smirked, "ask yer mate Peyton. He knows Henry far betta than I eva will, bein' 'is fatha' as well."

He knew there were enough whispers going around the school at this point. It didn't take a genius to figure out who Henry's 'illegitimate' Hogwarts attending children were. Especially considering they were the only two in the school that actually held the Wentworth name.

Sasha nodded his head, keeping his own thoughts unspoken.  People did weird things around money.  Some, like his sister, didn’t want anything to do with money from estranged family members.  Even after her father’s death, she’d wanted nothing to do with it.  Of course, the source of the money had complicated matters.  Others kept their distance when the estranged family member was alive, but sought the money after they’d died out of spite. 

Of course, the dynamics in Tawse’s family that led to one result of the other were none of Sasha’s business.  He took the redirection to Peyton as a dismissal of the topic. 

“Just send an owl.  It’ll probably take a week or two to recover from exams but the rest of the summer is open until school starts, again.”  His free time after that would depend on which school he was attending and what his schedule turned out to be. 

“Freedom,” he added with a grin.  Just two weeks left to go.

Xavier grinned back. On one hand he was thankful the Ravenclaw didn't ask any further questions about his family. On the other hand he was almost surprised at how non chalant he was about Peyton. He had just discovered he even had a brother so of course it was a big deal to him but weren't other students shocked as well? Unless, perhaps, Peyton had known along which would mean Schlagenweit was likely to already know . . . He put that thought to rest.

"Sounds lika plan."

He gave a short wave and a nod to the other teen and headed off from the tower. All in all the interaction went a lot better than he anticipated. There had been no yelling or cursing, no hexes thrown and he didn't have to beg either. All he did was ask and nearly instantly got what he wanted. The whole concept was almost foreign to him. He supposed he needed to stop expecting everyone to just hex him and be done with it. He almost wished he had found this all out sooner.

He kept in mind that he'd have to Owl a few weeks into the summer. He supposed it gave him the time he needed as well to get things sorted. Aside from all the legal demands of him one of the first things he wanted to do was fill the mansion with more people. Bloody big place for just him. He left the other teen with thoughts of the future swirling around in his head.