` TREASURE & TERROR: A NIGHT IN THE FOREST RUINS . [open]

☾ ⋆⁺₊⋆ TREASURE & TERROR: A NIGHT IN THE FOREST RUINS ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☆

THE SOUTH SEA'S icy, onyx waves crashed bitterly into the sandy shoreline. After using a Floo Flame to fast-travel to Feldcroft region, he stepped one leather boot out into the wind, which promptly cut through his winter clothing like needles. It was late November, and snow had begun to fall in small, glittering snowflakes that dotted Valak's slicked-back hair. The beach was littered with large, gnarly rocks that met the towering slate cliffs overhead. The famous Feldcroft cliffs reached toward the blissfully smooth, grey clouds overshadowed by a gleaming sunset. His dark eyes gazed flatly at the horizon, unmoved by the beauty of the falling sun that reflected a rosy, nearly rainbow effect on the sky. He was motivated to complete the job once the sun fell.

COVERED head-to-toe in black, including his cape, Valak reached for the large, pointed hood of the wizard's robe and threw it over his head to reduce detection. He heard rustling over his shoulder, and looked to see a huge, plum-colored dugbog stepping swiftly toward him, its weight preventing the beast from moving too quickly. Without a second thought, he removed his long blackthorn wand by its onyx handle and fired a zealous cast. "Confringo!" he shouted, stunning the creature and stopping it midway, falling a few yards from him. In any other instance, Valak would have fired another shot, but without causing further commotion and potentially attracting attention, he briskly hopped on his fiery-bristled broomstick to glide up the rocky cliff's narrow passageway. The last thing he wanted to do was ruin his dubious, though rewarding plans for the night.

VALAK and his associate--or friend, perhaps--had created a strategy to garner additional funds. His family was well-off, but his father had always placed substantial pressure on his son to be self-sufficient in the wizarding world. Valak's father worked at the Ministry of Magic, thus had obtained a high standard to uphold for the public and his peers. From a family of Slytherins, they were by no means as good-hearted as their outer facades appeared. Rather, they made unsavory acquaintances to gain opportunities and further their careers--all to gain power and control among witches and wizards. Relations with muggles were more tense than ever, concerning risk of exposure, so having a cutting edge was vital. Valak's idea was to use resources already at his disposal. And by looting several castle ruins nearby, he would be able to exchange them for currency at Gringott's Bank. The trolls there rarely questioned customers about where their jewels and gold originated, as the bankers received a cut of interest immediately upon exchange. The journey was perilous, and one could not wisely go alone, regardless of their experience. Valak was cautious about this investment of time and energy, asking his acquaintance in confidence to join him secretly. They would earn one-third of the treasures found for accompanying him, as they had not scouted out and located the ruins. However, even with two-thirds remaining, Valak would easily be able to form a successful, potentially highly lucrative Dark Arts consultancy firm--and make a few purchases for himself, too. That would be sure to impress his father, which was his ultimate goal.

. . .

REACHING the grassy plateau above the cliffs, Valak gazed back to see the dugbog hissing at him from the bottom of the passageway. He quietly snarled to himself in return, wishing to cast at the beast again in hopes to receive resources for potions, but he could not waste the time. He was already running behind, due to a shopkeeper in Knockturn Alley stopping him on the way out the door of Borgin and Burkes to answer a complex question about thestrals he had asked weeks ago. Nevertheless, Valak had made his way to Feldcroft Village. Meandering his way over the countryside in the direction of the village only a few hundred yards away, he was able to avoid the trails and go as the crow flies. Their broomsticks would prove critical tonight in safely arriving at and exiting the castle ruins, going unnoticed by anyone dangerous who may be lingering there. Together, they would indeed look formidable as a pair alone in the forest.

THE SUN had just set, and the sky was falling dark. In the distance, several cottages surrounded a central square with an antiquated, though functional magic well. It provided water even during droughts, due to enchantments former Hogwarts professors had granted the region previously on its stones. Two or three hundred years prior, the village faced difficult times without rain for their crops for months, causing devastating famine across the wizarding world. Charms have advanced since that time to prevent such atrocities of nature. Valak flew slowly toward the village, hopping swiftly off of his broom as he approached the surrounding wooden fence's open gate. Snow covered the roof of each home, smoke billowing softly from their crooked chimneys. Farm animals, bleating goats, and a few laughing children in coats and scarves were abound the cobblestone path.

. . .

INSTANTLY, Valak noticed his friend outside of his cottage on the far side of the village. Relief washed over him at seeing a positive omen: they, too, were dressed in black, as agreed upon, donning a thick, ebony cape. Despite indulging in such unscrupulous behavior, his acquaintance had agreed this was too fantastic an opportunity to pass up, as Valak had already completed the challenging feat of finding this location in one of Tomes and Scrolls' dustiest leather-bound history books. Walking confidently in the direction of his friend's cottage across the grassy square, he dropped his hood before approaching his friend and nodding hello, not offering a smile, but a look of familiarity and acceptance in his gaze. At 6'3", there were few people Valak did not tower over, but he garnered respect for his new friend due to their bravado. The duo would soon become much closer as a result of this quest--in untold ways Valak had yet to understand.

POUNDING out of anticipation of the coming events to unfold that evening, his beating heart stopped in his chest. Through the glowing window filled with candlelight, Valak saw a girl about his age sitting inside working on something at a table. His view of her task was cut off by the stone windowsill, but he suspected it might be a project for seasonal decor, as many villagers appeared to be decorating for Christmas before the stars began to glisten above that night. The girl and her sibling (i.e. his acquaintance) had briefly traveled away from their homes to come back to their parents' Feldcroft cottage and visit extended family who were in town for the holiday. He should have expected to see her; nonetheless, he found himself to be the one who was stunned now--not the recovering dugbog.

HIDING his shock at seeing one of the most beautiful girls in the Scottish Highlands, at least in his opinion, the 29-year-old Valak turned back to his friend at the moment she looked up to meet his eyes. They shared this fleeting glance for a mere fraction of a second--only long enough to know had they caught the attention of the other. He had a very specific type, and unfortunately, his friend's sister did meet these criteria. Curious as to whether she was single, though too hesitant to ask her sibling just yet, he shook the thought from his mind for the time being. Moreover, he didn't expect to be her type, as he was an aspiring Death Eater after all, he thought to himself resentfully. Needless to say, such a career path was challenging baggage to carry into a relationship. Occupied with his apprenticeship, he remained a bachelor. Valak Draconis was not one to be distracted.

"Are you ready?" he asked his friend simply with his stern, deep voice and Bulgarian accent, broom in hand. He was ready to fly north in the direction of the castle ruins that were nestled beside the mountain. Although the ride was a stone's throw by broom, the ruins were secluded, which was part of his concern.

OOC: OPEN TO ANYONE. All writing levels welcome! You can approach this in any way, but my ideas were you could be:

(a) the acquaintance who becomes his best friend (any gender),
(b) the acquaintance's sister, or
(c) another character who "intrudes," like a friend of his acquaintance who wants to tag along.

If you choose the sister, she could insist on joining them along the journey, although Valak would at first flat-out refuse, but ultimately give in and protect her later. Feel free to come up with your own scenario! The choice is yours! :D P.S. My replies will be 3-5 paragraphs.