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OO2 /  The Master Plan

Alternative Title: Trials and Tribulations

              James Fleamont Potter was annoyed. The start of his sixth year was supposed to be a good one, he would see Sirius, Remus and Peter. Hang out with them during the train ride and create a plan to get Lily Evans to fall in love with him, whilst simultaneously get her to forgive him for the end of last year. He was the captain of the Quidditch team, meaning he was able to finally kick out that obnoxious brat, Patrick Jackman.

               But that didn't go to plan, especially when his parents found out about his relentless bullying of the Slytherin's (which was completely provoked by the way), or a particular one by the name of Severus Snape. His mother especially was angry due to Lily Evans being called that horrid slur. If anything, his mother blamed him. Saying he shouldn't have engaged in such behaviour and because of his actions someone got hurt.

                James did not think his mother was being fair.

               But James knew better than to question her, especially when she was upset at him. So he accepted her punishment- his allowance gone, the marauders funding...gone.

               James ran his hand threw his unruly hair as he made his way to the great hall. The boy lost in his own thought closed his eyes and squeezed them shut in annoyance. When he turned the corner he opened his eyes, but it was too late. He crashed into someone and fell right on ass. James was dumbstruck at the incident and looked at the girls in front of him. Only one of them had fallen, presumably in the girl he crashed into.

               "Hey! Take your head out of your ass and then walk!" She yelled. Oh, it was the shrew.

               The girl's friend helped the brunette up, and James got up himself. Irritated. Before he could get a word out, the two walked right past him. He snorted, amused at the thought of his minor encounter with the shrew. She was probably the only person he didn't bother in Hogwarts, most likely because she had a habit of kicking people (mostly guys) in the sensitive areas. He did not want to be a victim.

               James Potter had waked into the Great Hall, and smiled when he say his friends. His gaze shifted towards Lily Evans. She looked at him for a moment before rolling her eyes and turning her gaze elsewhere. James grinned. Forgetting the shrew and his allowance being taken away, as well as getting into odds with his mother, he was quite happy this year.

               James clapped Sirius on the back before sitting in between Sirius and Marlene Mckinnon. Remus and Peter on the other side of the long table.

               "Oh, you missed quite a show" Sirius mused. Marlene rolled her eyes at her friend, as did Remus. "You were incredibly immature Sirius" Sirius pouted at Marlene before animatedly telling James everything about the incident.

                James laughed. She had been busy terrorizing the student body.

                "Honestly, I don't understand why she always has a stick up her ass. Her sister is far nicer than her." Marlene commented. "Yeah and shallower" Lily added in.

               Wait...Lily. What? James what shocked at the comment, she was never one to join in gossip or the back talking. Lily must have seen the shock on James' face as she cleared her throat. "Well, whatever— let's stop talking about them. It's not fair"

               The group did as Lily advised before switching up to another topic, James assumed it was the anxieties of sixth year. But he didn't pay attention as he thought about his mother, about the shrew, about how boring this year was going to be and in the back of his mind the uncertainty the future would hold.

               As James questioned his future, Vincent and Issac turned to look at the boy. The man who was treated like a god amongst his peers. Whether it be through, love, hatred or amusement. They all gravitated towards James Fleamont Potter.

               Vincent watched as the older boy laughed, talking with his three friends and somehow avoiding the gaze of a red head. Vincent turned away from James Potter and look at his food, using a fork to play around with it.  

               He needed to start his plan, but after he went to the library... and brushed up on his terrible French.

               Vincent losing his appetite, had stood up grabbing his book bag as he patted Issac on the shoulder before making his way to what he believed to be the library.

               Although he was the new student, Vincent was grateful people left him alone and didn't assist him. Usually he would be the shiny new toy or the prime meat for the hilly. But the start of this year at this school was different. Maybe it was because nobody gave a damn, preoccupied with the threat of war and insecurity around Dumbledore. Even if he was the most powerful wizard currently alive.

               Vincent ruined multiple corners and walked along the old Victorian looking walls before finally getting to the library. Seeing the librarian he smiled as he silently walked to the bookshelves. Looking for French.

               Vincent found it after 15 minutes.

               Taking a seat, ready for the free block, he studied. Studied a language he had little knowledge of and did not want to learn, all for a girl who he was enamoured with almost immediately.

               Some would say it was pathetic. But he would call it fair and determined to win the girl.

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               The next few days passed like a blur. Issac and Vincent stuck to one another's hips as Vincent became Anna's tutor. The girl obviously did not care about the language, nor did she know what was going on.

               Vincent would have been frustrated if she was anyone else, but she was not.

                "This is really challening content umm.... yeah" Vincent began. Anna hummed as she twirled her pencil and furrowed her brows as she stared at the page.

               "Why did you want to learn french anyways?" Vincent questioned. Anna looked up, a stray hair on her nose as her big brown eyes stared into his. "My mom was french, and I want to go to france one day, live there ... hopefully. England is rather boring isnt it?" Vincent cracked a smile.

               They were in Scotland.

               But Vincent did not say anything as he watched her. Anna hit her lip as she smiled nervously. "What" she asked, a small laugh following.

               Vincent shrugged. "Nothing" he rubbed his lips together as she giggled. "Hey, listen umm... if you want we could find other ways to learn French like—"

               Anna cut him off. "Like—?" She drawed the e out as he did previously.

               "Like eating French food... together..." Anna let out an amused sound as she placed a hand on the table and leant her head against it.

               "Vincent Bones are you asking me out on a date?" Vincent grew red as he opened and closed his mouth like a fish. The view was embarrassingly amusing. He blushed a darker shade of red.

               Vincent was romantic at heart but had a hard time with talking to people he truly did want to be with. In America, he had this massive crush on this French boy by the name of Frederic.

               To say the least, the two did not last nor did Frederic ever find out about the crush the boy only a year younger her than him had.

               So when Anna raised his intentions out, he didn't know how to react. After all, he never did have much luck in the dating field.

               "That's— awfully sweet of you but..." Anna's previous expression turned sour.

                 Not it was Vincent's turn to interuppt Anna. "But your not allowed to date?...well until your sister does right?" He paused as Anna had a slightly stunned look. "Yeah, word travels around fast." He finished. Vincent began to play with his fingers.

               "What if I took care of it, what if I got someone to date her..." He asked. Anna beamed up at him.

               Anna did not feel guilty when she looked at Vincent in all his glory- if he could get her wretched sister to date then maybe... maybe she could finally go out with Patrick maybe even Sirius Black.

               "Then yes... I would love to go eat french food with you" she breathed out, biting her lip as Vincent blushed, turning the pages and going back to studying.

               Vincent had something to look forward to and Anna, she could finally get what she wanted. teenage normalcy... or how normal you can get for being a witch.

               As Vincent continued to explain the conjugations of different words and how to pronounce them, instructing her not to think in english but rather in french. She finally understood the key concepts of french that would allow her to succeed.

               Vincent and Anna packed up their bags. The girl thanking the boy ebfore departing. Now, all Vincent had to do wwas find someone who would willingly date Katherine Jones. Which turned out to be alot easier said than done.

                 The Gryffindor boy walked out, meeting up with his Ravenclaw friend as the two looked at the list he created, a name filled with boys and girls who would do anything dangerous.

               There was a free period next and Vincent took this chance to walk around, and ask people.

List of Possible Candidates

1. Cassie Paroglow

2. Dorcas Meadows

3. Jacob Snair

4. Edward Mulligan

5. Amos Diggory

6. Hadrian Casworth

7. Luna Suman

8. Gilbert Lockhearts

9. Allison Prewett

10. Hansan Blair

Status: All Uninterviewed

               The list seemed fair.

               Vincent wasnt suprised when he found out she had an ex-girlfriend, ok he was, but that was because he never thought anyone would be brave enough to date her especially with her reputation. Vincent meaned well he truly did, but he was only here for a week and even he could tell the entirety of the school hated her. He never saw the four houses ever unite, but in this act they did.

               It was silly and somewhat depressing but he shook that thought out of his head as he made his way to going through these candidates. One of them was going to say Kathy Jones, and they were going to love it.

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               Sirius Black rushed out to sit beside Katherine Jones. The older girl rolled her eyes at the thought. Bianca was shocked at how quick he was. But looked apologetically at her best friend before taking a seat next to Marlene McKinnon. The Ravenclaws shared most of their classes with the Gryffindors this year. Maybe Albus Dumbledore finally stopped trying to ease the rift between the Slytherins and the Gryffindors and chose the next best house. The Ravenclaws.

               "Your sister is quite the talk" Kathy turned her head and raised a brow at Sirius Black. Her eyes narrowing as she clenched her jaw. "Excuse me?"

                 "Woah, calm down Kate." Sirius raised his hand up in surrender, almost trying to maintain some nonexistant peace between the two.

               "Don't call me that. Black." Kathy had voiced before opening her potions textbook. Kathy wouldn't say she was gifted but Professor Slughorn made sure everyone else knew.

               Much to the dismay of many. Including a certain red headed girl with a fiery temper. (That was a stereotype but it wasn't like Kathy was wrong?)

               Kathy was never one to brag, Kathy was never one to do much actually— she kept to herself (aside from having Bianca as her only friend) and she was content. She was happy. The Ravenclaw girl remembered her past self— who prioritized popularity and in turn hurt herself.

               Now she couldn't be happier being the school most hated witch.

               If anything, she somewhat prided herself on it. At least she was being herself— not faking it. At least she was being honest and truthful, looking things at face value and what they truly were rather than with rose coloured glasses.

               Sirius Black cracked a smile at her as he watched her focus. Taking out a quill and ink as well as some spare parchment.

               "Quick question, do you pride yourself on being the school's biggest nobody or ...?" Kathy let out a laugh as she turned to Sirius.

                 "Quick question, do you pride yourself on being James Potter's lap dog answering to his beck and call or...?" Sirius smirked. He got to her.

                 "Well I'm sure y'know what they say." Kathy rolled her eyes as she turned to her book. Remus snorted loudly as James narrowed his eyes on the two of them.

               "Y'know what that is right, you bark like a dog, shed like a dog and even have fleas like a dog. I wonder if you'll go feral too. Maybe become a criminal or something—" Sirius snorted. Nodding as he listened to her insults.

               Before the oldest Black brother could respond, the door opened loudly and in came in Professor Slughorn. Kathy always found him annoying— obviously a genius but unclassy. He was a social climber and name dropper. Cared more for that irrelevant club of his than his profession and teaching students.

                She wondered if he ever dropped her name before. Amused by that thought, she shook her head slightly. 'Probably not.'

                 "Good afternoon class, my name is Professor Slughorn and I will be your potions teacher this year. Today we will not be doing much— going over the syllabus, getting to know one another and your partners"

               This should be easy.

               "Your seat mates will be your partner for the remainder of the school year." Kathy internally groaned as she looked at the smug Gryffindor.

               Of course.

               "Looks like we are stuck together partner" Kathy rolled her eyes. Merlin give her patience, because maybe she would become a criminal by the end of the year.

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List of Possible Candidates

1. Cassie Paroglow

—

               Vincent Banes walked up to Cassie Paraglow. Kathy's ex—girlfriend. "Hey!" The Gryffindor greeted the Slytherin. The blonde girl raised a brow at the boy. "Can I help you?"

                Vincent gulped. "Umm yes, I was wondering if you would possible be interested in dating Katherine Jones?" There was a moment of silence before the blonde girl had cackled. People surrounding them in the library had looked towards the duo. Curious to see what exactly was going on.

              "You're funny..." with that Cassie had faced her friend and spoke about her defence against the dark arts homework. Vincent deflated and was also stunned for a moment.

—

  List of Possible Candidates

1. Cassie Paroglow [X]
Why: unclear — laughed at the idea

2. Dorcas Meadows

—

              
                Issac Bones tapped the shoulder of the girl in their year. The Slytherin had turned around confused. Seated with her friend Regulus Black and Barry Crouch Jr. The three states at the two boys. There was a long moment of pause."Are you going to talk or just stare?" The girl asked. The question took the two boys out of their trance and minds.

                "Uhh yes, would you be interested in dating Katherine Jones?" Barry Crouch Jr. cracked a smile at the question, amused. Issac stared at Dorcas as she stared back. Blankly. This was awkward.

               "What is wrong with you?" Dorcas turned away from the two.

                Vincent nodded, understanding the answer— truth be told this was a very horrible thing to do, basically finding someone to date a girl who was uninterested but love made people do the craziest things. Vincent knew his father would disapprove— especially with such a lousy excuse but to Vincent it wasn't a lousy excuse.

—

  List of Possible Candidates

1. Cassie Paroglow [X]
Why: unclear — laughed at the idea

2. Dorcas Meadows [X]
Why: uninterested

3. Jacob Snair

—

               Vincent walked into the courtyard, looking for his next target. The Snair boy— he would do any crazy shit he was challenged too just to prove he wasn't some sort of wuss. Even if it meant jumping off a cliff.

               Truth be told, Vincent didn't like him that much— actually he was rather annoyed by him. But judging from the previous two people he asked he couldn't have thought of anyone more perfect.

                If dating Katherine Jones was really as hard as it turned out to be, all he had to do was egg Jacob on. Then the problem of Katherine Jones and her father would be fixed and he could finally eat French food with Bianca.

               Jacob was lying on a bench, his book on history of magic shielding his face. Vincent muttered a spell under his breath as a gust of wind attacked Jacob. The boy yelped in surprise as his book flew and he landed on him bum on the roots of a tree. His bottom stained with dirt. 

                "Hey! You good?" Vincent asked, rushing over to help out the Gryffindor.

                  Jacob accepted Vincent outstretched hand as he was pulled up. "Thanks"

                 "Listen, I have a question for you." The jet black hair of his was pulled back. "Hmm?"

                "Have you ever thought of extreme dating.... Katherine Jones" Vincent asked. He watched the face of Jacob morph into one that was completely relaxed to dramatized horror.

                "Are you trying to get me killed Banes?" That was not an answer Vincent thought he would get. What was so bad about this girl?

               "Get out of my face man." Jacob rolled his eyes as he went back to his previous position. Vincent and Issac giving each other one last look as they crossed off yet again, another name.

—

  List of Possible Candidates

1. Cassie Paroglow [X]
Why: unclear — laughed at the idea

2. Dorcas Meadows [X]
Why: uninterested

3. Jacob Snair [X]
Why: he's scared of her

4. Edward Mulligan

—

               The shy Hufflepuff boy was being watched. Vincent stared at the boy in his Herbology class. "Go in!" Issac whisper shouted, urging the brave one to be well . . . brave?

               "I don't know man, he doesn't seem like the type to be interested—" Issac rolled his eyes.

               "Listen— Lion! That boy is the schools pretty boy okay. Kathy Jones will obviously like a pretty boy, it helps that they are completely opposites, after all. Don't opposites attract, just ask him!!" Issac urged, growing impatient.

               Vincent nodded as he entered the class. The professor not noticing due to the loud and chaotic students. Vincent snuck toward the boy before tapping him on the shoulder. "Hey!"

               "Woah! You surprised me" Edward turned around, and let a small smile grace his face.

               "I have a proposition for you—"

               "Spit it out man" Vincent was grateful with how direct Edward Mulligan was. "I need you to date Katherine Jones" he rushed out.

                Edward set his plant down as he turned around to face the Gryffindor. "In your dreams man. I wouldn't date her even if we were the last two people on earth" Vincent was startled by how forward he was.

               "Sorry man, but no thanks" Vincent nodded as he felt Edward pat his back before leaving the classroom.

               Vincent was beginning to grow impatient as he took out his list and crossed out the name of Edward Mulligan.

—

  List of Possible Candidates

1. Cassie Paroglow [X]
Why: unclear — laughed at the idea

2. Dorcas Meadows [X]
Why: uninterested

3. Jacob Snair [X]
Why: he's scared of her

4. Edward Mulligan [X]
Why: wouldn't date her even if they were the last two people on earth.

—

               "This isn't working!" Vincent made it clear as he sat down in his seat. Professor Bins at the front of the class. Issac nodded in understanding.

                "Why is it so difficult?" Vincent turned to ask his friend, his only friend actually.

               "Because nobody likes her." Issac replied honestly— gently patting the back of his friend to comfort him. Vincent felt worse. It wasn't as if the girl had some contagious disease that would kill them. Why was everyone acting that way, even her Ex. Why did he laughed at?

                 "Hey I told you man. It is impossible— not only is she unlikeable, she doesn't want to be liked, she hates everything and everyone, not to mention she is a ragin feminist and all she ever talks about is how evil capitalism and the patriarchy is." Vincent was starting to hate Issac.

               "...and what is so wrong with that?" Vincent asked, irrated. It wasn't as if Katherine Jones was wrong in the way she behaved, one week in this school and it was some shitty muggle movie. The cliques were stereotypical, everybody and everything was so polarizied, he didn't blame Katherine for protecting herself and being who she was. It was somewhat admirable.

               Issac gave Vincent a look and Vincent banged his head against the desk as he listened to the rambling of his desk mate. Soon enough blocking it out, as he heard two students giggle.

               "I know- he isn't afraid of anyone or anything, he's just so cool!"

               "Yeah- did you see what happened at the end of last year?"

               Vincent and Issac both quirked up. "James Potter saw that one Slytherin- the one who looks like he never takes a shower."

                "Hey thats mean, but yeah." The girl exclaimed as she listened to her friend, the two blisfully unaware that there were many listening in on their conversations.

                "Yeah, so he with his friends, y'know Sirius, Remus and Peter. He cast a spell that made Severus go upside down and eat soap. It was hilarious and so deserved!" The boy laughed out.

                Vincent and Issac looked towards each other. They had their guy.

               A guy who isn't afriad of Slytherins and to bully them- a guy who was so popular it would make Katherine Jones look in his direction. A guy so great the majority student of the student body worships the ground he walks on.

               Of course, Why didn't they think of it before.

               But how would they get the it boy to date Katherine, after all. He was everything Katherine seemed to despise. Self-righteous, a boy who can't take no for an answer, a bully....a man.

               "We need to get someone to pay James Potter" Vincent whispered to Issac.

               "Who?" Vincent shrugged. How was he supposed to know, he just arrived a week ago. But then he remembered. Who always flirts with Anna and has his arm around her? Who is a shallow pig who also advertises his money? Who hates Katherine Jones? Who wants Anna (but not as much as Vincent of course! Because he is dumb and shallow and Vincent wants what is good for Anna and her to choose!) possible just as much as him?

               Patrick Jackman.

               It was perfect, everything seemed to becoming into place. Patrick Jackman was an idiot, and it would be enough. Enough to get him to fund their plan and get Vincent the girl!

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               Patrick Jackman wasn't what you called a mean person, he could not help it that some people were meat to be better than others and he was in that group. So when two unknown dorks make their way to his spot in the courtyard- you could say he felt slightly annoyed at the mere sight of them.

                A Ravenclaw boy sat next to him on the bench. His friends stopped talking right away as the Gryffindor boy approached as well.

                Hmmm, who's this?

               "What are you doing here?" Patrick asked. The Ravenclaw gulped as he smiled brightly. It irratated Patrick. 

               "Well... I have a proposition for you, you want to date Anna right?" Patrick nodded. Deciding to hear the nerd out. 

               "-And she can't date until Katherine does right..." Patrick rolled his eyes. 

               The Gryffindor starting picking at the table as he interuppted him. "Look at you going anywhere with this?" He asked as he looked up at the sky, closing his eyes as he felt the wind. 

               Patrick leaned back and Issac couldn't help but stare at the beautiful boy, although obnixious, Issac could admit that if he didn't open his mouth he would be someone many would fantasize being their partner. 

                Issac cleared his throat. "What if you paid someone to date Katherine, specifically James Potter." When Patrick heard that name he turned his head with lightening speed at Issac. 

               "....How?" He asked after a long pause. Issac looked over at Vincent, relieved and happy that Patrick sort of agreed. 

               If they could get James Potter, they could get Katherine and when Katherine starts to date, Anna will be able to as well. 

✸ Alaska Speaks / Authors Note — 4151 Words

It's getting there. 

Started: March 1st, 2024
Finished: March 20th, 2024