Here for Your Entertainment

[Arcangelo Harlow]

*Arcangelo has never really liked studying, and tonight isn't any different. Mabel was off doing Mabel-ish things (like pining for Vane Avebury) while Arc was left to his own devices. Meaning, naturally, he finds himself in the library, knowing there isn't much for him to get into trouble with, not counting the Guardian of Books and Golden Silence of the Literature World, Madame Pince.*

I'm not loud, just speaking above a bloody whisper.

*He stares at his Charms textbook for what seems like hours, unable to comprehend the sentence before him. Or, the page it's on. More like the entire bloody book. Arc groans, and slams his head down on the table, after swiftly pushing the book across the worn surface just in case.*

*As time slowly tics away, he begins to tap his right foot to a beat he's hearing in his own mind. Sooner or later, he becomes absorbed in the mental song and without realizing it, begins to sing along out loud.*

-'cos it's about to get rough for you; I'm here for your entertainment. Oh, I bet you thought that I was soft and sweet, you thought and angel swept you off your feet...

[Genevieve Stark]

*Drops her bag with a loud thud on the table, one delicate eyebrow raised with curiosity.*

Were you just singing? What song was that?

*She pulls back the chair across from him and takes a seat, not waiting for an invitation.*

Mabel said you were here and in need of help with your charms essay. I had to work on mine anyway, so I figured...why the hell not?

*Thinks to herself with a snicker - "Of course, being alone with you in the library had nothing to do with it."*

*Eyes his mess of books and blank parchments. Had he gotten anything done?*

How's it coming along?

[Arcangelo Harlow]

*Jumps, startled by the elegant voice asking him about what he...must have been singing out loud. Arc winces once the point sinks in- apparentally he still doesn't know how to sing along inside his head. He looks up, smiling brightly once his eyes find Genevieve's, and he nods at nothing in particular.*

Er, what song? I didn't hear any songs at all, Stark.

*Can't help but grin, unable to give her surname that harsh tone the situation probably calls for. He rolls his eyes at hearing Mabel's name, wondering why the witch has so much fun spreading about the fact that a Ravenclaw needs help with his essay.*

Why the hell not, indeed.

*Bites his bottom lip when she takes in the mess before them on the table, wishing he wouldn't have spread everything out so much. It looks like he let a First Year get up and dance all over his assignments!*

It's coming along brilliantly...until I get to the actually doing the work part, of course.

*Dramatically leans across the table, setting his elbows on the tabletop while his hands are folded under his chin. He gives her a wide, cheeky smile, showing off his white teeth as a wolf might display its canines before taking a bite.*

But let's talk about your day instead, sweetheart.

[Genevieve Stark]

*Can't help but smile at the look he's giving her.*

Angelo, you're such a dunderhead!

*Shakes her head with a laugh, as pulls parchment and quill out of her bag.*

My day has been long and I'm quite ready for it to be over, to be honest. Did you hear about the explosion I caused in potions class? Professor Black made me stay afterwards to clean the mess up and do it again and again until I got it right. I ended up missing most of lunch because of it.

*Rolls her eyes, thoroughly aggravated now that she had to bring back the awful memory.*

Anyway, let's see what you've got so far.

*Reaches a hand out, waiting for him to show her the supposed essay he's been supposedly working on.*

[Arcangelo Harlow]

*Bites the inside of his cheek to keep from outright laughing at her Potions story. Being in Ravenclaw, they don't share the same Potions class.*

Oh, you poor thing. At least you do something in that class...Even if it is-

*Chuckles darkly, fighting back the laughter.*

-exploding your assignments.

*Quirks one eyebrow, moving one hand from under his chin to the sheet of parchment she's pulled out. He taps his forefinger lightly on the empty space.*

That's what I've got so far.

*Grins sheepishly, his words finally hitting him a second later.*

[Genevieve Stark]

*Narrows her deep green eyes at him as rolls up said piece of parchment, then slaps him over the head with it.*

Don't laugh! Anyway, I'm not bothered by it because we both know how much better I am at everything than you...even potions. If it wasn't for Mabel you would probably still be a 5th year.

*Gives him a look that says "So there you go!" before bursting out laughing.*

Alright, so it was funny. You should've seen it. Purple liquid everywhere! I knew it was coming so I ran away from the table just in time, but the not-so-fortunate girl sitting in front of me left the room with smoking purple hair.

*Bites her lip trying to keep from lauging at that part, knowing Angelo is not the kind to find humor in other people's misfortunes.*

I'm sorry. That part wasn't so funny. Well, it was but...bah! nevermind.

*Picks up her quill and dips it in the inkwell on the table, still biting her lip.*

Right. We're here to work...

*Working on an essay is actually the last thing she wants to do. She's been wanting to talk and spend time with Angelo to see if he gives her any sign that he may be remotely interested in her, because not knowing is driving her insane. It would be so much easier to settle this internal battle if she knew whether or not there's even a reason to be having it in the first place.*

[Arcangelo Harlow]

*His eyes widen quite hilariously as he's thumped on his head by the parchment like a bad dog. When she tells him not to laugh, he can't help but laugh harder, and even the slight on his intelligence is funny.*

If it wasn't for Mabel? Seriously?

*Stands up from his chair and points down at the witch dramatically, wearing a "I just won the Quidditch Cup single-handedly" expression before sitting down again when she starts laughing.*

Y'know, I think I saw the poor girl in the corridors...

*Frowns, but only slightly, torn between laughing because Gen was the cause or feeling sorry for the witch that everyone was taking the mickey out on.*

Let's not work, eh? I can think of better things to do.

*Smirks, reaching out to poke the tip of her nose with his forefinger, much like how he tapped the blank parchment.*

Like go work on Potions. Do you think you could make blue this time, instead of purple?

[Genevieve Stark]

*Laughs, although she feels herself blushing at the tap on her nose...she liked that. But she doesn't want him to notice so she distracts him by flicking his ear in response.*

Sure, I could make a potion any colour of the rainbow. The trick is in making it explode.

*Winks.*

You're not serious though, right? You don't really want to sneak into the potions classroom and make a mess of it.

*Grins wickedly.*

Although it does sound like fun.

[Arcangelo Harlow]

*Acts genuinely shocked at the flick to his ear, wide eyes and all. Needless to say, he is thouroughly distracted.*

Really? It doesn't take much to make it explode while I'm in class.

*Shrugs, not realizing how his comment could be taken- if one takes the time to pick it apart- which makes him grin crookedly as he sits back down in his seat. He looks at her across the table, not missing the way her ginger hair catches the candlelight.*

Why not? Of course it sounds like fun, that's why I mentioned it! I'd much rather be in detention with Professor Black-

*Smirks, playfully acting as if "detention" connotates a completely different meaning than a dull, lengthy punishment after classes.*

-than working on this bloody Charms essay. Besides, doesn't the place always look like a dog's dish to begin with? She might not even notice!

*Knows good and well that Professor Black would notice, but is interested in how far he can push the Slytherin before she finally gives in. Not like he'd actually risk her grade or anything...*

[Genevieve Stark]

*Laughs at his explosion comment.*

You're right, you're not very good at potions either.

*Still laughing, she crumples up a piece of parchment and chucks it at him.*

So you're serious then? Hmm. Well, the Slytherin in me is completely up for it, of course. It's just that...after what I just went through with Professor Black I'm afraid she'll assign me the worst kind of detention if we get caught. You know, clean-up duty...without magic.

*Shivers at the thought of having to scrape flobberworm mucus off the tables with her perfectly manicured hands.*

But you know what? What the heck! What's life without a little adventure and risk-taking, right?

*Snickers mischievously.*

[Arcangelo Harlow]

*Catches the crumpled up parchment with ease, giving the witch an odd look.*

Don't be violent now, darling.

*Grins, hoping she won't notice how he comments after she flicks his ear. The longer she talks, the more the realization sinks in that she's honestly considering going and wrecking the Potions classroom.*

B-but we might be caught, just so you know. I mean, I'd hate to see you scrubbing the floors with that fair- er, delicate skin of yours.

*Mentally kicks himself, wondering if she caught his slip up. He leans forward, slamming his hands on the table, unconsciously making every action more dramatic than it really should.*

Think of the dirt! That'd be awful, dear, to see you covered in dirt for something I suggested.

*Nods, gulping down air as he realizes she's slowly starting to cloud his judgement. Six years later and he still hasn't figured out how one moment he'll be perfectly fine, then the next he's stumbling over every other word- so long as Genevieve is involved. It's not even a smooth transition- it's missing one heartbeat and BAM! the next he sounds hopeless. In his eyes, at least.*

Ah, adventure makes life worth living in some cases. In others, it just gets you detentions.

[Genevieve Stark]

*Is suddenly very confused. He was the one to suggest it in the first place, was he not?*

What's this? You've changed your mind already? We haven't even left the library yet!

*Sits back again with crossed arms, her head nodding slowly and giving him a look as if he's just spilled the beans on some deep dark secret of his.*

Oh! I see. You're scared. It's not about me getting dirty at all, is it? The word "detention" rattles your frail little bird-bones.

*Smirks, knowing that putting his courage in question always gets him stirred up. And she likes him that way...clumsy with words and blindly courageous.*

[Arcangelo Harlow]

*This time, his shock isn't fake whatsoever. The witch blatantly questioned his courage!*

Oi! What's this all about, eh? Here I am, trying to your pretty little hide, and you have the nerve to insult me. Tsk, tsk.

*He pauses, expression turning more serious than before. He lifts one hand and points at Gen, saying in a low tone.*

If you call me bird-brain, or anything that sounds like it, I'll make sure Professor Black makes you scrub the floors.

*Can only hold the expression for a few seconds before feeling the corners of his lips curl up into a large smile. He beams at her across the table, thankful that she apparentally didn't notice either one of his slip-ups.*

Now, I'm not scared! I've been in detention before, of course.

*He pokes out his tongue.*

C'mon then, we're off to wreck the Potions classroom. Up, up!

*Idly feels as if he's talking to a broom, and snorts. He stands, brushing off invisible dust from his robes before holding out his hand to Gen.*

Wouldn't want you to think I'm scared, love.

[Genevieve Stark]

*Grins wickedly. So it worked...as she knew it would. And although they both know her insults weren't serious she's glad he can sometimes be this predictable. How else would she get him to do things such as sneak into classrooms after hours just to play?*

I didn't think you were. Really.

*Snickers as she pushes her chair back and stands with a flourish.*

Oh and that little threat of yours? Poor, Angelo. Very poor. You know good and well that if I end up scrubbing the floors for Professor Black you will be down on all fours right next to me.

*Laughs, taking his hand in hers and threading her fingers through his. A simple gesture that could mean a lot for some, but not Angelo. She's almost sure that a good friend is all he'll ever see her as. Not that she's complaining though. Better friends than nothing at all.*

Alright. Lead the way "bad boy".

*Snickers again.*

[Arcangelo Harlow]

*Makes a face as she comments, very aware that she'll make good on her promise, and have Arcangelo scrubbing the floors right along with her. He inwardly beams as she laces her fingers with his, not knowing what exactly she means by the gesture but not really caring either.*

"Bad boy"?

*He snickers, eyeing her suspiciously.*

How on Earth did I earn that nickname, love?

*Shakes his head, gently pulling her towards the doors to exit the library.*