As mentioned in my Character Origins thread when I was Adopting Gloria Gibbon, Absit Omen helped me refine my Universal Adaptor Cast. My characters became archetypes I could draw upon for my Creative Writing classes. I'd also have fun placing them in various settings, other kinds of fanfics or influencing TTRPG characters on occasion. I've had grand ambitions to get published, not just online writing, but sometimes life doesn't go the way you'd expect.

Still, while I was the one who has had them in my head all these years, Absit Omen was the catalyst that helped bring them to life. Over my original years with 1800+ posts and today as of my return in 2024. Various writers who have given me the greatest gift by writing with my cast with all of their quirks, foibles and drama. Something I lost sight of IRL during the burnout that led to my various hiatuses. It wasn't just my skills as a writer but the collaborations with others.

People that time and inactivity have made difficult for me to properly thank. But know that I am eternally grateful.

So I get to shut up for once because from here on out, it's the perspectives that other characters had about my cast. These aren't in any particular order, neither chronological nor by favorites. I can't show you everything but, like a Pensieve, these are arranged to give you impressions not only of my cast but the characters written by others.

Maybe you'll find a new voice to look up. Or reminisce about past threads if you remember when they were originally written.

Long ago in a Dobby Swap, the super awesome Sparky sent me a crafted playlist based on my cast:

Track 3: Mr. Pitiful- Matt Costa [Casey O'Doherty]

Casey's richness and complexity as a character .  Though he often seems intent on building a wall around himself and being as awful as humanly possible to his classmates, there are still those -- like Alvis -- who are willing to extend the hand of friendship.

Track 4: Louder Than Ever- Cold War Kids [Hexy]

Hexy is Casey's repressed inner opposite -- not just female to his male, but bold and carefree to his cautiousness and restraint.  As she begins to assert herself more actively, she has been throwing herself into the world headfirst and forcing both halves of her personality to listen to what she has to say.

---

Ambrose
"...and you couldn't have picked anyone more vocal than if you perhaps went for O'Doherty." Ambrose shrugged, "And Casey uses long words I don't know to insult people, so we'd only have to grab a dictionary to know what he was on about." [...]

Moira
The idea of accidentally hitting O'Doherty instead of Winnie brought a faint smile to her face though it faded quickly enough.

---

With a much lowered voice she said, "It's just your shirt.  If you want, we can get a wizard Healer instead of the witch.  They're just going to look over you - no pins, no poking, no potions.  Honestly, you've got it better than the girls." [...]

"C'mon, lad. Only take a moment."

Hooch wasn't the most gentle of the teachers, but by decades the most experienced working with children.  Children who were afraid of brooms, freaking out about an injury, or stuck up a tree.  She knew how to talk them down.  Now, Casey wasn't up a tree, and he didn't seem afraid, but he was holding back for some reason.  And they really had to keep this thing moving. [...]

"Half as long as all this nonsense!" Hooch chirruped with a tolerant sort of harrumph.  Casey still seemed totally uncomfortable and frozen about the very idea, but at least it sounded like he'd agree.

Hooch, trying to be comforting, moved a little closer and bent forward.  In a low soft voice she told him, "It'll be quick as a snitch.  They just have to see.  You'll be on your way out of here before you can say 'Salazar Slytherin's Slipperly Knickers'." [...] "There you are, lad.  Stiff upper lip, yes?" [...]

With the Healer just now ducking in to continue on with O'Doherty's examination, Hooch turned at the Deputy Headmaster's voice. Now there was no call broadcasting Casey's particulars to the whole Great Hall, so she kept things general for the moment. 

"Just a bit of misplaced modesty, Professor Storm. All settled now," or so she hoped.  For an instant she was worried she'd eat those words and Casey would lose his nerve.

---

"Mister O'Doherty!"  Ishane bellowed, "What the Hell do you think you're doing?" Anger radiated from every pore as Ishane stomped over to the boy. She quickly checked him over - he didn't appear to be injured, which was good, because she wasn't going to hold back.

"Never mind, I think I know. You disobeyed all my instructions for these plants, destroyed about half the greenhouse, several valuable  plants, ruined your fellow third years' finals, and endangered all of them with your recklessness!"

She grabbed him by his collar and forced him on his feet. "If tomorrow wasn't the end of term, I would have you in detention so fast it would make your head spin." She grabbed the waist of his pants and marched him to the front of the greenhouse, her hands curled tightly into the fabric and subtly shaking. Ishane blew open the doors wordlessly, the force of her anger causing them to bang against the walls. "You are not allowed in my greenhouses again." At the entrance Ishane proceeded to bodily throw him out of the greenhouse. [...] She couldn't keep the irritation out of her voice, though the rest of the class didn't deserve it, and she still vibrated with anger as she stomped over to Casey O'Doherty's station to clean up, muttering a few Punjabi curses under her breath.

---

Naturally, Vulpes had heard of the incident during the Third year Herbology final. If it wasn't enough that the entire school was abuzz with it, all of Slytherin was in a fury. They had been so close. But after that O'Doherty had done, they had lost to Ravenclaw in the House Cup. Now, Vulpes didn't care one way or the other who won. He would have liked to win, but it wasn't pertinent to his happiness. Regardless, he could understand why all of Slytherin was angry with the boy. Pride often got in the way of logic.

Vulpes had seen Casey once in short time frame. Off in a corner staring into the lake while the rest of the house ignored him, or whispered vicious ways to get back at him. In point of fact, Vulpes had already scolded a group of second years who were going to attempt to hex him. Needless to say they were unthreatened at first, but then Vulpes made a comment about how if he could take Sharp, he could take a few second years. That silenced them.

He felt truly sorry for the boy. Yes, what he did was reckless and did endanger his classmates and ruin school property. But the fact that he was the one to cause Slytherin to lose, along with the injuries he personally received (which were worse from what he could tell, than the other students) should have been punishment enough. [...]

He gave a slight sigh. "Come now, Casey," Vulpes began in a light voice. "Do you really think me, of all people would do that?" Another warm smile spread across his face. "I'm not here to put you down, or anything," he said quietly. "I mean, look, yes what you did was reckless and dangerous, but accidents happen." Vulpes gave a slight shrug. "And besides, no one was seriously injured, and you probably helped a good portion of the people who would have failed the test otherwise."

"Not to mention," he continued quickly. "I figure you've been punished enough for the incident as it is. [...]

A slight shock over came him when he saw what happened the moment Casey mentioned his mother. The boy who always seemed so well composed looked about ready to cry. Vulpes leaned forwards slightly, looking stern. "I'm sure," he said quietly, eyes still locked unblinking with Casey's. "That your mother loves you very dearly. Have you ever considered what she must think? Knowing the she's never able to really be there for he son?"

Vulpes let out a heavy sigh and shook his head. "And I sympathize with you. I may not have ever been as isolated as you, but that doesn't mean I've never felt it. I'm sure you noticed I'm not exactly liked in Slytherin."

---

Oh God he was a weird little guy. She could hardly believe he was giving her information about the romantic lives of his family members. She wrinkled her nose and gave him a look that girls of her caliber were very well versed in- her eyebrows were raised in disbelief and her mouth was contorted in slight disgust. And his explanation of sex... well...

She giggled a little bit, but it was less friendly. "Who gave you that talk?" she asked sarcastically, thinking in the back of her head that she was very excited to tell Naomi about this. "The way you talk about it you'd think you were raised by a dictionary." [...]

She hated the idea that a know-it-all little git like O'Doherty had offered to help her- she should be offering him charity, the creep. And it chafed her to accept it from such a rich, snooty piece of work, but it didn't seem to her that she would have any other choice in the matter as she'd been working on it since the beginning of the year.[...]

Ronnie bit her lip. "Oh, for God's sake," she said in exasperation, running a hand through her hair. "I was, ah..." she was flustered, now, and still angry. "I was just really mad," she replied honestly. "I mean, no offense, but Veronica Ward doesn't ask for help from... well, from people like you." [...] "I remember thinking... 'I wish that pitcher had a face so I could punch it.' But that seems too stupid to be relevant, don't you think?" [...]

"You can be frustrated by someone without hating them. I love my brother and sisters but there are times I get madder at them than I've  ever been at you," she explained finally. "I mean... I bet you get miffed with me sometimes. It can't have felt good listening to me giggle at you for three years." [...]

She fiddled with a loose thread coming from her shirt, suddenly unable to bring herself to make eye contact with Casey. "You know..." she started thoughtfully, "I think people would stop givin' you such a hard time if you would lighten up a little. You're a well nice guy, like." [...]

She watched his face closely and was almost amused by his level of confusion. She hadn't met his family so she knew it wasn't her place to pass judgement, but damn.They really must have done a number on him. "Not necessarily," she said with a slight laugh. "I just mean... y'know... goof off every once in a while. You're a kid, not a diplomat. You don't have to put on such a face for everyone." [...]

Ronnie examined her nails and glanced briefly- subtly- at Casey. Honestly, she was pretty sure if he didn't blow off some steam soon he'd be liable to go totally crazy. "You could be having a good time, y'know. Enjoying yourself, like. I'm not tryin' to break your balls, I'm just tryin' to give you the opportunity to take a piece of your childhood."

---

Envy
She nodded towards DJ Sephiroth, who inclined his head in her direction. Turning back towards Sophie, she was startled for a moment as a very small, nervous-looking girl collapsed on the seat next to her, hugging her legs to her chest as though scared to touch the leather seats.

"Hello hello." Envy remarked casually to this new arrival and handed her glass of ginger beer. "Looks like someone could use a little drink.”

​​She glanced back up at the mismatched entourage founding around her, then patted the seats next to her.

"Go ahead, sit, drink, be merry." She hoped that after a couple minutes of faking her way through the conversation she'd be able to remember who exactly this tiny, wide-eyed girl was.

Eha
She was just about to decide to go collect herself a drink when she spied the extremely nervous-looking brown-haired girl she'd seen earlier, curled up on a couch near the stage with her knees pulled right up to her chest. Poor thing looked absolutely dreadful. She was practically shaking, she'd curled up so tight, and her eyes were somewhat wild, as though she were about to either be ill or burst into tears.

Feeling the same tug of sympathy she got when spying stray kittens on the street, Eha made her way over to the couch and knelt in front of the girl, ignoring the various substances no doubt concealed in the club's floorboards.

"All right there, dearie?" she asked, craning her neck to peer, non-threateningly, into the girl's face. She offered a kind smile and watched the girl's expression carefully to clue in on whether or not it was a good idea to offer a touch of the hand. "Looks like we're both flying solo tonight. I can get you some water if you'd like. Or maybe you'd feel better if we got you out on the floor for a dance or two, hm? I know the music's a bit loud if it's your first time, but I'm sure you'll get used to it after a set, no problems." [...]

Eha jerked her head back in surprise when she got a face-full of belch and lost her balance. Her butt landed on the floor and she sat there a moment, blinking in surprise and vaguely registering the smell of ginger. Then she laughed. She laughed out-loud and in full voice, drawing the momentary attention of a few passers-by, who quickly looked away.

"Not bad, not bad!" she laughed, clapping the girl on the shoulder. "We'll get you into the spirit yet! And of course the music's fast, that's half the fun! C'mon, I'll show you."

Without waiting for an answer, Eha seized the girl's hand and pulled her out onto the dance floor, spinning her around twice before she let go.

---

Casey wasn't exactly someone Kelvin had hoped to have a chance meeting with on his excursion, but any human interaction was better than none, even if it was a Slytherin.  "Racing ahead, O'Doherty," he said addressing him by his last name, not something Kelvin usually did except in response to being addressed by his. "Though more like racing off to the side."  Glancing at the book, "Some advanced topics it looks like, but mostly parallel concepts and spells to what we learn and are supposed to learn at school."

"Did you get taller?"  Kelvin asked, though it was more an observation that he hadn't really meant to say.  Kelvin himself was on the tall side now for his age after several growth spurts since the beginning of the year.  "Sorry.  You're taller.  Congrats?...Yeah..."  An embarrassed blush crept across his face. [...]

"I'm proud to be an annoying little brother, though given our age difference, I never got a lot of time to annoy him." Kelvin said smiling before eating the last bite of his ice cream.  "But it's not so bad having to deal with him.  Sometimes he even comes in handy, like today." [...] "I'm glad though that I don't have to deal with anyone younger than me living in the house."  Though it would be nice to share the house with someone other than his parents at the moment, He thought to himself. [...]

Kelvin laughed imagining a young kid spray ink everywhere before the change in subject.  "I have no desire..."Kelvin trailed off as he noticed the blue marks appearing on Casey's face. "Ummm Casey, there are bruises or something all over your face."  He moved aside so that Casey could see his reflection in the window behind him. [...]

"I don't know." Kelvin said thoughtfully, "Kinda looks like you've been in a fight.  And given that a real bruise that color would still hurt like hell and since you don't seem in pain, makes you look tough."  Kelvin held his face in a serious expression for a moment or two before he smiled and chuckled.

"Too bad you aren't a Ravenclaw.  Would make showing house pride really easy.  Just a handful of blueberries for breakfast and you've got a blue face.  Cleaner than paint, safer than charming.  Though it'd need to be more blue to have the right effect otherwise you ..."  Kelvin rambled on before catching himself with a laugh.  "Sorry. Anything turn you green?" He asked with a smirk. [...]

"I wouldn't do that."  Kelvin said quietly. 

Kelvin looked over Casey's shoulder, unable to look his yearmate in the eye while he laid into him, his eyes flashing fear for a moment when Casey said 'rainbow boy' before his brain connected the words with the rest of what Casey was saying.  "You're right, I probably couldn't handle it. I'm sorry, I didn't mean it like that, I really didn't...It's just..silver lining...if you were a Ravenclaw...I didn't."  He took a deep breath and exhaled loudly.

"Uh..What I mean is, I'm sorry.  I wasn't thinking about how embarrassing and frustrating it must be."   Kelvin really wish he still had some of the ice cream left, anything to give his hands something to do, other than fidget on the table and arm rests. [...]

He watched the shorter, and very blue boy, stand and push away from the table.  "I hope it clears up soon.  It was nice talking to you."  Kelvin said in all honesty.  "Unexpectedly so." He followed up with a smile.  Looking past Casey, he saw his brother a ways off, headed in their direction.  "Perfect timing too.  Looks like my brother is back from whatever secret business he had."  He laughed.  "Thanks for keeping me company.  Sorry about the blueberries."

---

Noriko
"No," she said, shaking her head violently.  "That isn't true."  Slytherins looked after their own.  Professor Librarian Morgan had told her so almost a year ago.  She had never heard a less Slytherin-y statement than O'Doherty's claim.  Of course Slytherins cared about the House Cup.  Losing miserably and humiliatingly was never to their advantage.  And the knowledge that she was doing what she was supposed to do -- acting like a Slytherin -- made her feel bolder than she would have otherwise.

"If you lose us more points, I'll Tell."  The threat sounded a little weak, even to her own ears.  Eirene cared about Telling.  Casey O'Doherty, who didn't even care about House Points, probably didn't.  "Or I'll...I won't let you study."  An idea occurred to her, and she lifted her chin.  "I'll act so terrified of your house elf that Professor Librarian Morgan won't even let him in the Common Room," she threatened, her voice only wavering a little.  "And then you'll have to do things for yourself.  And I won't even care if you lose us more points after that!" [...]

"Most of them aren't even Slytherins!" she wailed, her face screwing up as if she were about to cry.  "And Xavier Tawse does care.  He's nice," she informed him in a hiss, as if this were the most damning piece of contrary evidence that she could muster.  "I bet more Slytherins care than don't care.  You just want to think that everyone is like you!" [...]

"It's not unimportant," she said in a very small voice, trying to catch a look at Gracie out of the corner of her eye.  "And besides, I thought you liked winning points.  You used to brag all the time."

Gracie
“Like him?” she echoed. Amusement was thick in her voice as she gave the boy a raised brow; the look on her face was good-naturedly disbelieving. “What a dreadful accusation, Wakahisa.” [...]

But only ‘nearly,’ however, because the second year was showing more spine than O’Doherty probably had expected. And that was enough to make Gracie regard her with new consideration.

After spending a moment on leveling the younger witch an even, unblinking stare, the look unfurled into a grin—another one—that was a touch different from the first.

“Unfortunately, winners can’t be winners all the time,” drawled Gracie, sighing. Above Casey’s head, she shot Noriko a wink—effectively turning that smile into something mischievous, though her tone reflected nothing more than lazy regret. “And when you lose in the most fantastic way, sometimes it’s easier t’ stop caring… or try.”

Looking down at the boy pointedly, she unsheathed her grin. “If everyone was more like you, O’Doherty, this House would be in real trouble.” Cooed, the words came out light, almost affectionate. “Not everyone finds your manner charming like some of us do.”

And then, quick as a blink, her hand suddenly shot towards him—only to grip the part of his cheek closest to his ear. Her smile widening until green eyes were practically slits, she pinched.

Hard.

---

Hagrid looked between the girls and Casey O'Doherty and spoke with a deep and gentle growl, "Now, now, let's behave--it's just tha first day. And I'm glad you got some bonding time with yer book, lad."

Then he turned to the Slytherin who threw the first quip, with a hesitant hint of concern, "Errr, you might want to work on that diet." [...]

After two hollow thuds sounded behind Casey O'Doherty, a large hand grabbed the boy by his pants and his creatures robes and effortlessly lifted the Slytherin far from the ground, before turning the boy to face a the very unhappy, grumpy, and hairy face of Rubeus Hagrid.

"You ain't th' only one here, lad," his deep tone boiled in his throat like a bubbling cauldron. "An' you didn't do nuthin' by yourself. So you can keep your voice down and learn what a combined effort is, or you can take on the six books tha' caught wind of yer fit, an' are stalkin' 'round here, without anyone's help." He gave a large and angry huff as a there was a shuffle of shrubs and leaves around them.

Then he walked the student back over to Bai, and put him down in front of her, suddenly with more calm. "Could you er--fix him up?" Hagrid asked the other professor before he turned to make sure the other students were fine. He wasn't comfortable in doing such a delicate healing job, on such a small person, with his frustration and his pink umbrella, but he hoped Yang was capable of handling the child. [...]

As the Slytherin went off on his monologue Hagrid could only shake his head. Then the boy perpetuated his own arrogance by casting a body-bind spell on the book, just as Torret had been chided by Miss Yang for a similar offense. And the results of such a mistake were quickly discovered.

As soon as Casey dispelled the chains on the book revealed its deception, with teeth bared and gnashing it lunged for the Slytherin but only managed to scuff the boy's boots, as Casey was once again lifted off the ground. O'Doherty was again eye-level with Hagrid, but the half-giant did not look at, nor directly address the boy, as he carried him over to a tree banch. Instead, Hagrid simply growled a deep and final "No."

Hagrid quickly looped the boy's robes safely around his waist and hung the Slytherin from a tree as Hagrid shook his head at the boy as he dangled from the tree limb, "This ain't about bein' a master spellcaster boy, not all creatures this world can 'nor will bow to magic, yer book is one of those things." [...]

"Ya' need to learn respect," he finished, "Without it you have nothing in the class, 'cept detention shovelin' hippogriff stalls, and a spot on that branch." And with that Hagrid turned back to face the remainder of the students to make sure they were all right, before he apologetically turned to Bai Li and shrugged is large heavy shoulders.

"Sorry about tha'."

---

“Well,” She chuckled lightly, “If your primary goal is not to make trouble, what is it?” Not his primary goal? Then that implied that it was still a goal of his, but not his number one goal. [...]

“I understand that you want to be a great wizard, and you will be. I must say though, that you are still in school. Like it or not, you generally need to respect your professors. Using magic when they tell you not to, will in no way make you great. It will not make others recognize you for your talent, either.” [...]

“You deserve respect, but in order to get respect, you must first show it. Try showing your teachers some respect, and you will probably get some in return.” Maiko paused, “I will also tell your teachers this. This ridiculous cycle needs to end at some point, and it’s not ‘ealthy for anyone involved.” [...]

“What are some ways you think people may not understand themselves, or their feelings? Do you think it’s possible for people to ‘ave more than one ‘self’?” Maiko asked, leaning forward slightly, encouraging him to answer as honestly as he could. She did not want to answer the question for him—she felt like it would only make him feel belittled. [...]

Mai hoped that he would elaborate.

She was not disappointed.

As Casey spoke, Maiko got the feeling that they were no longer talking about Wren Spicer. They were not even talking about somebody in a hypothetical situation.  Oh no, Maiko was fairly certain that Casey was now talking about himself—about some sort of identity shift that he had yet to come to terms with. That was typical of adolescents, since it was  a time of change. However, she felt like there was something different—the way Casey was responding, the way he was thinking about it… Obviously, he felt like whatever identity shift he may have been having was subject to persecution.  That it was unnatural.

“Changing your identity is an involved process.” Maiko said softly, “The people in question need to be truly open to the change. People are always changing, some for the better, and some not. Change is a very internal, natural, and gradual process.” She brought her hand up to her chin and gazed at the young Slytherin. “Do you ‘ave concerns that other people may judge you?” She asked kindly. “What do you think is the natural way that people should be?” The counselor did not want to speak too much, and drown out Casey's thoughts.

---

There was, however, something odd in the second year's manner that she could not quite place her finger on. A glazed look- lacking the reactive energy seen in most of the switched targets. It was almost unnatural. The prefect, forgetting for a moment that she was in the counsellor's form, frowned and placed the back of her hand against Heliotrope's forehead.

"No fever, so I suppose you really must be confused. Did you hit your head in the Hall?" Merlin knew what was in those bottles and whether or not there were other similarly stunned students. [...]

Even for a confused Heliotrope, Raine had to admit that there was rather disturbing quality to the reaction. The defensiveness was unexpected but she shrugged as the younger witch backed away. Not everyone took well to the affinity of touch; a simple gesture could sometimes be a menacing one.

"That would cause..." Raine trailed off and then raised her eyebrows thoughtfully. "Memory loss?" Of course, she had said from before. How distressing for her. Not to mention, whoever this was, she or he could hardly know who was running about in their original form. [...]

"You don't appear to be injured. I suppose that the practical thing to do would be to ask a professor about posting an announcement but..." she considered the half-mer girl pensively. "Not knowing who you are isn't entirely a bad thing."

In fact, she could think of several people who would rather experience a good case of amnesia than occupy their actual lives.

"You can be... whoever you want to be."

---

13 Nov 2009
That was a relief, at least one mystery solved. What it implied, however... Landis turned his gaze on Casey, one brow arcing in silent demand of an explanation. "Were you fully aware of this standing order?" he asked, voice lowering to a certain delicacy of phrase which bid Casey to carefully consider his answer. Lurking beneath the silken tone was the unmistakable implication that Casey had lied to both of them. [...]

If the claim was legal and allowed for the wand's immediate confiscation, then Casey would have no choice but to relinquish the family heirloom. Possibly it might never be returned. After all this, Landis rather doubted Casey would still be the favorite grandson. [...]

"The order from your family," Landis clarified. "Formal or no." But Casey had more or less told him what he wanted to know. Granted, there had not been much time between class ending and this confrontation. Martin's reaction was still extreme. Casey had attempted to mislead all of them, however, so ultimately none of the O'Doherty's showed too favorably.

Disarmament

15 Nov 2009
Given the misleading way Casey had fielded his and Sandusky's questions, Landis only wished he could make it feel more like a detention. [...]

It was a strange question to receive, reverberating with the frankness of a child much younger than Casey. Landis did not think long hair on a man was such an unusual sight among purebloods, but then again, it was definitely an old-fashioned preference. Why do you wear your hair long. More a personal question, then.

"It is a family affection," he replied. There were other factors - his boyhood admiration for the Malfoy patriarch not withstanding - but this was also true. "While it is no generational wand, sometimes there are those with whom I would not care to share more." He smiled at Casey, very slightly. [...] "Ridiculous," he said decisively. "Family may have influence, but ultimately one's choices are one's own." [...]

It was unexpectedly a bit of a trial, finding another wand for O'Doherty. Like the boy, Landis' patience waned as wand after wand went through his hands without the slightest sign of a link. The expression on his face had gone from attentive to just dispassionate as he lurked in the background, trying not to jostle the boxes of wands which overflowed from the shelves and were crazily stacked in leaning towers that deeply offended his meticulous soul.

Perhaps he should have expected this. Though it was unfair to think that O'Doherty was doing it on purpose, Landis had noticed the boy's habit of making things far more difficult than they needed to be. Though it was impossible to fake a bad wand reaction, Casey had been resistant to the idea from the beginning, used to a more powerful wand. He certainly did not look thrilled now as Ollivander bustled and muttered around him.[...]

Finally Landis noticed Casey's unusual silence and gave the boy a somewhat bemused look. Casey had yet to look up from his new wand, and something about his stare was odd. It was not the adoring look of a boy with his first new wand, which Landis hadn't expected from the unexcitable young Slytherin anyways, but it was wide-eyed and too intent.

"O'Doherty," he repeated patiently, though what he would have said after that was unclear - a coin purse shot out of Casey's robe pocket like a bat out of hell and exploded on Ollivander's counter, coins stacking themselves with an overquick zeal. Landis blinked. Perhaps O'Doherty was more excited about it than he thought.

"Are you quite all right?" he asked sharply, though it was clearly less a genuine concern for his adolescent charge and more a gently-worded are we done here or possibly, what is wrong with you.

New Dog, Old Tricks

---

Katy
…What she truly lacked was the practical experience.

Which is how she ended up down in the dungeons with Felinae.  She was somewhat grateful it was just the two of them though.  the bird and the cat were so busy trying to one-up one another that very little had gotten done and Katy had gotten thoroughly irritated with the whole situation and her supposed-to-be partners in crime. [...]

After a sharp 'No!' from her companion, a jet of light blasted the pieces of the thing apart.  Katy frowned but followed Felinae into the next room regardless.  She disliked how Felinae blasted spells off left and right without asking questions.  What was that thing?  Did it mean them harm?  Now they would never know.

"You really shouldn't throw those kinds of spells until you have a better idea of what's going on," Katy said irritably.  "What if that stuff is poisonous?  We don't know what will happen if  you just go blasting it around." [...]

"Watch-"  That was all she managed to shout before her companion was yanked off her feet.  Katy lunged. She became almost completely submerged but she managed to close her hand around Felinae's wrist.  She tried getting to her feet but slipped and fell deep into the mess again.  The wrist was nearly tugging out of her grip but panic clenched her fingers tight despite the slippery substance coating both of them.  Katy's other hand fumbled but managed to free her wand.  She aimed a stinging hex at the tentacle and then pulled on Felinae's arm again, trying to free her.

Get That Before It Gets You, 27 Nov 2009

Amara
She raised an eyebrow at Felinae's last question and gave a small chuckle. "Surely you can't expect me to show it to you, after the trouble we've all went through to keep our identities hidden? The scar will appear on your right thigh, courtesy of my custom-made blood quill. A lady really should not have scarred hands, don't you think? But most importantly, it will appear in the form of your signature. Granted, my signature is rather flourished, but still easily recognizable. I do understand your caution, however, it seems, tho, that we are at a bit of an impasse" she said with amusement in her voice.

She wrapped her robe around her and sat back in the armchair with effortless grace. "I don't think my veiling spell, will work on blood magic. Pity" she said with an overly dramatic sigh. "Well, then, if you don't have any suggestions, I suppose you'll just have to trust me?" Her last sentence was said with an obvious dangerous smile on her face, but happily, hidden by the mask. [...]

She enjoyed her tea while Felinae signed the contract, and for a moment was rather interested in her ways of making blood invisible, but perhaps she'd ask some other time. [...]

"Yes, glamours, beauty spells, make-up spells and other such things. If not that, then foundation will work as well, but foundation smudges, glamours don't" she said in a rather curious tone as she sipped on her tea. Glamours were probably the first spells a girl learned as soon as she hit puberty and she was very interested in finding out just why had Felinae reacted like she'd never heard of the things. "Don't you use them?" she asked serenely. "I find them almost quintessential, especially during exam weeks. Nobody wants dark circles, do they?" she arched an eyebrow.

A Crash Course into the Báthory Maleficium, 28 Nov 2009

---

3 Oct 2009
At first, it surprised Zoe the way that Hexy reacted. The Hufflepuff had been like that before, wondering why the Ravenclaw was kind to her. Her first impression of this was that Hexy thought that she was untrustworthy or thought she was mean, but then it dawned on Zoe that Hexy sat alone at the Great Hall, had a hands-off family, and seemed like a loner. Hexy probably never had people give her sympathy or help.

"But that's not true Hexy, you are telling me things about you. I can be sorry for someone I know little about. Sympathy works that way." Zoe hoped this was a good enough explanation, but still added something. "I feel sorry for you because I don't know what I would have done without my family helping me."

After the burp the young witch gave the Hufflepuff an amused smile and chuckled softly to herself. It was as if Hexy had done it on purpose. "And if you really wanted to know why I'm being kind to you when I just met you, it's because of something my dad taught me. 'Show respect to all unless they have committed a terrible deed or fail to show respect themself.' It's just how I show respect."

Never Gonna Know

1 Sept 2006
As Lily began to control herself again, Casey of course had to speak up. Lily looked over at Dingy when he replied, though Zoe didn't bother to. In one fluid motion she stood up and slapped him clear across his face, just before calling him a very rude name. "I've had enough of you! All you do is insult Lily while I haven't said a single bad thing directly about your elf!" Snowy was still in a threatening position, but Zoe snatched her up anyway.

The Affront

4 Nov 2009
"Why would you-" Zoe started, curious as to why she could possibly be bothered by him. Once Alvis explained himself, however, the Ravenclaw couldn't help but laugh. "Oh please, do you think I believe a word out of Casey's mouth?" She looked back at Alvis as she spoke. "Ever since I first met him on the first train to Hogwarts he's been after me. I know first-hand that boy loves to put down people he doesn't like."

Zoe readjusted her glance back to the hallway. "Anyway, you weren't doing anything wrong. He just can't conceive the possibility that someone other than his house elf might care about him, though frankly I believe the same."

Zoe let out a huff before pausing. "Oh dear, I've gone into another Casey rant haven't I?...”

I Feel Just Rosy

19 Dec 2009
"Over the holidays? Well, the rest of my family is coming over to my house like each year for a Christmas dinner. And I'm spending the first week with a Hufflepuff third year named Hexy, she's coming over. And other regular Christmas stuff like decorating a tree. You?"

Walkin’ in a Winter Wonderland

13 Dec 2009
Zoe watched as Hexy pretended to cast spells. The Hufflepuff sure seemed fascinated with the wand, though the young witch figured Hexy had never seen a wand made with that particular core before. [...]

After a watching Hexy for a good minute, Zoe wasn't sure if she'd ever get her wand back or if she'd have to pry it from the hands of a girl a year younger than her. However, the younger girl held it out for her to take just moments after this thought crossed her mind. Zoe took the wand, feeling a wave of warmth wash over her. It seemed as though the wand was glad to be back to its master. [...]

Hexy's question caused Zoe to give her a momentary odd look, before bursting into a short fit of giggles. They weren't mocking giggles, more amused. "No, no, I get what you mean. It's alright, you just could have worded that better." She shot the Hufflepuff a bit of a teasing grin.

Zoe paused for a moment, as if contemplating her answer. "Yes, I mean I only have talked to you one other time, but from what I have been with you yes. We're friendly enough for us to be considered short of friends in my opinion, if that's what you're asking." The question was rather odd, and Zoe could only wonder why Hexy would ask such a thing.

Soulfire

20 Dec 2009
Finally, after bumping more than a few people and nearly tripping over some student's cat and falling on her face, Zoe made it to the wall. "Hexy, there you are!" Even though the two weren't that close, Zoe's relieve led to her giving the Hufflepuff a little hug as a greeting. "I couldn't find you," Zoe said, once they were farther apart one more. "Sorry I took a while." [...]

"It-I... Yeah, come in. It's safe... now..." Everything was said unsurely, slowly, as Zoe fed what would have been her ice mouse to her still unsatisfied cat. "Here." She patted the space next to her. "Hexy this is Alvis, Alvis this is Hexy. Hexy, I've told you about Alvis, haven't I?" Surely she had brought him up when they discussed the Yule Ball.

Casey. Yes, that had been what Alvis had mentioned. He had been looking for Casey and her. "Alvis, honestly, why would I know where Casey is? Not to be rude, but you know what happened last time we shared a compartment." The first, and worst, train ride to Hogwarts.

"Casey is probably the last person I'd share a compartment with...." she added under her breath, not at all realizing the irony of the statement.

Suddenly Unfamiliar Journeys

---

Ignan
...Merlin, they're bad enough. My money's on O'Doherty being allergic to girls though."

Tapendra
He laughed again at the mention of the 4th years, shaking his head. "I wouldn't be surprised. The boy's apparently allergic to air, so girls isn't much of a stretch -"

---

A thought suddenly occurred to Leo and he looked up at Casey, as though in that moment he realized he was in the room. "Did you know you have the shadow of a doxy?" [...]

The sneer on Casey's face was a dead giveaway that he was being sarcastic, but Leo did not pick up on such things.

"Really?" He suddenly became very interested in Casey, ignoring his organization of books for a time. "Say, do you still have your wings? I had a collection once. Lost it entirely." And then he looked all around (the windows, the door, under the beds) before lowering his voice to a whisper, "I suspect it was the former Minister of Magic." [...]

"If you want to change, mind, I won't look. Attractive as you are, mate, you're not my type."

He said this with mind-boggling casualty, his focus entirely on the book in his hand.

---

"You’re you. This doesn’t change that, so it doesn’t matter. I'll give you that not everyone would likely see it that way. But that doesn't mean you have to hide from everybody. [...] You're driven, Casey. Far more ambitious than me half the time. When I think of the rune armaments or see you class or every time you strive to get airborne on a broom; you're far more passionate than you let on. You do care about things, I know you care about Dingy. And now, in retrospect I suppose, you care a lot about how others see you. So at school, if everyone thinks you're a boy...isn't that mission accomplished? [...] You're still in Slytherin, you're still in Hogwarts. And you're still my friend. You're my friend no matter how much of a boy or girl you want to be."