[three Broomsticks] Footloose, Riley

[Apollo Sweeney]

Apollo and Chloe had headed down to Hogsmeade together, chatting about everything under the sun. The Hufflepuff couldn't help but notice just how much Chloe kept talking about this bloke Riley Dane. He knew of him, sure, but he'd never actually talked to him. He wondered why his best mate kept bringing him up in conversation and it was really starting to irritate him. He shuffled his feet as they continued to walk down the beaten path, dirt began to cover his shoes. They were his favorite shoes, well at least today. He had so many different pairs of shoes that he had enough to wear different shoes everyday for two months. Most of them were vibrant colors like this, bright canary yellows or vivid orange. They were his favorite article of clothing because even they could make the dull school robes have a unique twist.

Chloe's chatter kept ringing in his ear, the name Riley coming up more than at least three times. He dug his hands in the pockets of his jacket as he tried to picture exactly what Riley looked like. It really almost kind of sort of in a way sounded like Chloe had a crush on this guy. Apollo wasn't sure what to do about that, Chloe had never really liked anyone in that way before (unless professional Quidditch players were included). He knew that the irritation he was feeling wasn't jealousy, he knew he didn't like Chloe in that way. That would just be...weird. He was feeling incredibly protective and he'd have to have a word with this boy some time soon if things were going to be heading in that direction. He hoped he was worrying about nothing, nothing at all.

He parted ways with Chloe when she told him she was meeting a couple of her friends at Honeydukes. Normally he would have just tagged along but he was really wanting a butterbeer. Actually, it would have been awesome if he could find someone who would give him a firewhiskey. He'd only had it once or twice but damn! That stuff was freaking good! He heard the bells twinkling as he pushed open the door. His eyes immediately gazed around the room to see if there were any upperclassmen there that he knew. His eyes fell on one of his professors and he knew he was out of luck for the moment. He got himself his butter beer and sat down at one of the empty tables. He wondered how long it would be until Chloe would come meet him there.

[Riley Dane]

Riley loved Hogsmeade weekends, they were the perfect time for him to visit Zonko's Joke Shop so he could stock up on items he needed for his pranks. He also liked to look around at the competition and see what other people had come up with. Riley was starting to seriously consider opening his own joke shop one day and he didn't want just any old products. He passed a shelf full of magical face masks- if a person put one on, their face would morph into whatever the mask was. There were cats, dogs, owls, clowns, dragons, hippogriffs, snakes- all kinds of random masks that people could buy. He had used a gorilla one once on his sister, but she hadn't found it as funny as Riley had; apparently she wasn't a huge fan of gorillas. He continued to wander around the shop and his mind drifted to thoughts of Chloe, his secret pranking partner. Well, she wasn't so much a pranking partner yet, they hadn't done more than research spells and charms that could possibly be used, but he hoped they could come up wtih some amazing pranks. She was so cute when she laughed, which she did often, and her sense of humor was beyond par. Riley hated to admit it, but he was smitten with the girl- and who in their right mind wouldn't be? She was practically perfect! For him, anyway.

Riley picked up a few needed supplies: dung bombs, paint ball bombs, fairy dust, and a couple of other things before making his way to the counter to pay. He handed the old man behind the counter some money and took his purchases outside. He shrunk them down and tucked them away into a pocket inside his robe. Looking around, he wondered where he should go next now that his only mission for the day had been accomplished. Truth be told, he had hoped to find Chloe and maybe see if she wanted to go to the Three Broomsticks for a drink, but he hadn't been able to catch her before they left for Hogsmeade and he lost her in the crowd of students. He supposed he could still go into the Three Broomsticks for a drink and maybe fate would be on his side and she would wander in as well. It was worth a shot. Riley made his way to the Three Broomsticks, pushing the door open. He looked around and spotted one of the Hogwarts professors at the bar counter, a fellow student was sitting at one of the empty tables, and a few other patrons. Riley went up and ordered himself a butterbeer, thanking Madame Rosmerta with a wink and a smile. Riley looked around the establishment again, deciding on sitting at another empty table near his fellow student. Riley walked over and sat down. He took a sip from his drink and pulled out his notebook and started writing down some of the joke ideas he had thought of while shopping in Zonko's.

[Apollo Sweeney]

Apollo drummed his slender fingers on the edge of the mahogany table, making no sort of beat. He just needed something to do with his hands. Sometimes he felt like an addict of some sort, the way he always needed something to be happening with his hands - they needed to be in constant movement. With his right hand he firmly grasped his butterbeer, chugging it down just like a man should. Though, he had forgotten somehow that butterbeer was warm, and it slightly burned his throat as he practically inhaled the stuff. He went up into an immediate coughing storm, drawing a bit too much attention to himself. Why did he always end up doing something stupid like that? He glared at the people who were still staring at him, trying to look intimidating and failing quite miserably. He turned his glare to the butterbeer, the butterbeer that had betrayed him. If only he was old enough to get some firewhiskey! No, no, no, what was he thinking? The burning would have been so much worse then! He touched his throat as he imagined the searing pain that firewhiskey would have brought if he had chugged it that fast. He took a deep breath, shaking these strange thoughts right out of his noggin. He glanced around the bar, taking in new faces that may have walked in during his little spasm.

Then his eyes fell upon the one person other than Chloe he had hoped to see. Riley freaking Dane. Apollo's eyes narrowed as he grabbed his butterbeer once again. He stood up, taking what he thought were heavy and powerful strides, and found himself right in front of his table. He was writing something in a notebook - probably a list of all the girls he was leading on...or something else as equally horrible. Apollo really had no personal vendetta against Riley, he was just too overprotective of Chloe. He put on his serious face, oh and it was a very serious face, and slammed his butterbeer down on the table. It spewed over a little bit and got on the table but Apollo had much more serious things to attend to. He sat down across from Mr. Dane and crossed his arms over his chest. His lips were pursed, his eyes slightly narrowed as he gave the boy a once over. "Riley Dane, right?" Apollo asked, not caring to hear the answer since he already knew it. So he sped right onto the next topic without giving Riley a chance to answer. "So, I hear you've been hanging out with Chloe. A lot. Care to tell me your intentions?" His tone and face were very serious, which probably looked a little odd on someone as goofy looking as himself. But he was here to intimidate! And to make sure this boy didn't go out and hurt his best mate...or he'd have to hurt him. Somehow.

[Riley Dane]

Riley was engrossed in trying to figure out the best way to possibly spell a letter to follow a person around and sing an embarrassing song. He knew it had to be somewhat possible, along the same lines as a Howler, but instead of it tearing itself up right away, the sender could designate a selected amount of time the "singing howler" would stay active. He already knew he would need to use a repetition charm so the song in the letter would continue to play for the required length of time, he just wasn't sure what spell he would need to use to alter the "life" of the letter. Riley sat at his table, continuing to pen his theories in his notebook. He chuckled softly to himself, he bet himself anything that Chloe would get a kick out of this prank. She might even have some ideas on songs they could use. It was funny how he relied on her input more and more. He never used to care whether or not people approved of his prank ideas before, as long as he thought they were funny and they proved effective, then in his book they were labeled a success. Now, they weren't a success unless Chloe gave them the "okay".

He flipped a few pages in his notebook to find the idea they had discussed a couple of nights ago- the fairy wing prank. It was still in its early stages, but it seemed like the more they worked on it, the more it evolved and it might end up being one of his best pranks ever. In theory, they were trying to find some way to get the person to imbibe or ingest an altered version of fairy dust. The altered version would actually shrink the person down to fairy size and make them grow wings. It wasn't meant to be a mean prank, just something fun and rather entertaining. They were still debating over the formula and how it could be safely altered so the effects wouldn't be permanent. That was one of the reasons Riley had picked up some fairy dust at the joke shop earlier. Zonko's had a similar product, only it didn't shrink the person, it simply made them grow fairy wings. Chloe had come up with the idea to analyze the product and see if Zonko's used anything in particular to make the product semi-permanent. She really was brilliant. Riley was so lost in his own thoughts that he didn't hear the boy approach his table until the mug slammed onto the table. Butterbeer sloshed everywhere and Riley frowned as his notebook was soaked. He narrowed his eyes at the boy across from him, Apollo Sweeney, aka Chloe's best friend. She talked about him all the time.

Before Riley could even mutter a word, Apollo was firing questions at him. Riley raised his eyebrow in a curious glance. He was obviously getting the third degree. He smiled to himself, he had to be getting the third degree for a reason- perhaps Chloe had mentioned him? Perhaps she had mentioned that she liked him? He could only hope. He said a quick drying and repairing spell on his notebook, snapping it shut and putting it back in his bag before crossing his arms and looking back at Apollo, giving the boy his own once over. "And you must be Apollo Sweeney, am I right?" Riley continued on, "I have been spending a good deal of time with Chloe. We are friends... for now. Personally, I enjoy her company. I find her entertaining, intelligent, funny, charming, and beautiful beyond words- both inside and out. She has been helping me with some projects," Riley nodded his head at his bag, indicating his notebook. "My intentions are to continue to get to know her and eventually ask her out on a date. I would ask your intentions in wanting to know this information but as Chloe talks about you all the time, I already know the answer to that question." Riley let out a breath he didn't know he had been holding. He wasn't intimidated by the boy, but he did want to make a good impression, for Chloe's sake.

[Apollo Sweeney]

Apollo didn't like that eyebrow raise one bit. Had Riley not been expecting this sort of thing to happen? He was practically her brother, didn't he know that he had to go through family first before he was allowed to spend that much time with his 'sister'? His large, round eyes narrowed into mere slits as a smile showed up on Riley's face. Did he think this was funny? Was this some kind of joke to him? Oh no, this was not fun and games, this was serious time. Couldn't he tell by Apollo's expression facial expression? Apollo thought it should have been painfully obvious that this was a matter of life and death for him, a sink or swim if you will. He watched as this Gryffindor cleaned up his notebook as though it was something dear and precious to him. "What's that? Your diary?" The tone of his voice was meant to be menacing, condescending but unfortunately Apollo never really came off as either of those things no matter how hard he might try. He took another swig of his butterbeer but this time he made sure not to drink too much. He didn't need to be having a spaz attack in front of someone he was trying to intimidate. That would just mess up this whole badass persona he had going on right now (or he thought he had going on).

He already didn't like this boy's tone. What did he mean friends...for now? Was he just going to ditch her whenever he got bored of having her around? When Riley began complimenting Chloe Apollo let out a little 'pfft' and rolled his eyes. "Of course she's all of those things. She's Chloe! Don't think you're the first guy whose ever said that kind of stuff about her either," he snorted. Alright, so he wasn't being completely honest. No guy had ever really gone after Chloe because she normally didn't give them the light of day. But he wasn't going to let Riley know that, he was going to try to trick him into thinking that loads and loads of guys were lined up down the frikin' block for her. Apollo's left eyebrow flew up beneath his red curly bangs. "Well atleast you have that bit figured out. But I mean why do you even think you have a chance?" he asked, still trying to act as though Chloe never really talked about him in that way. In all honesty, she really hadn't ever said it out loud but the two of them were so in tune with one another that she never really needed to say it. The only guy that she ever talked about all the time was him. Apollo straightened up in his seat, "But if for some reason the gods bestow their luck on you and you actually get a chance with Chloe..." his voice trailed off for dramatic effect as he took another sip of his butterbeer. Yeah, he was pretty sure he was putting James Dean to shame right about now. "And you screw something up or you hurt her or you do anything that I deem inappropriate, I'll hex you into the next millennium." He gave a short nod of his head just to show that he meant business. He'd of course have to look up a hex that could do that sort of thing but by George he would find one if he managed to hurt Chloe in any way shape or form.

[Riley Dane]

Riley was having a hard time remaining serious throughout this conversation. It wasn't that he didn't take the topic seriously, because he did, he REALLY liked Chloe, but watching Apollo try and be intimidating and serious was... funny. Riley fought the smile that was perpetually trying to make an appearance on his face as he continued to stare across the table at the other boy. Riley rolled his eyes when Apollo made fun of his notebook, he was used to that. Everyone made fun of it and how protective he was over it. "It's none of your business. But if you're really curious, you can ask Chloe. She's read it."

Again Riley narrowed his eyes. He figured he would get some slack for spending so much time with Chloe, but putting down his comments like they were yesterdays post was just a bit much. Riley rarely said anything he didn't mean, unless it was a set up for a prank, but this wasn't one of those times. Riley snorted back at Apollo, "I know she's all of those things, hence why I said them." He sighed. "Look, I may not be the first guy to have ever said those things, frankly I wouldn't be surprised. Chloe is ... phenomenal. What bloke wouldn't want to give her the time of day? But I'm not looking to just give her the time of day and then trot on off. I really like Chloe. Whether you believe me or not, it's the bloody honest truth mate." Riley sat back in his chair, running his hands down the tops of his thighs in insecurity. Why did he think he had a chance with Chloe? He honestly didn't, but it was nice to dream big, right? He sighed again. "Listen Apollo, honestly, I don't think I have a chance with Chloe. I really like her, but she's amazing. I doubt she'd even consider going on a date with a guy like me. But, I'd rather take my chances at her saying 'no' then let her pass me by and keep wondering 'what if'? Haven't you ever felt like that about a girl, mate? Surely you know what I mean." Riley nodded his head at Apollo's warning. he had expected as much. "Believe me, if I get so lucky as to be able to date Chloe, if I muck it up, I will gladly hand you my wand so you use an Unforgiveable on me."

This post has been edited by Riley Dane on Mar 31 2009, 07:17 PM

[Apollo Sweeney]

Why in the world was this boy still smiling? There was nothing funny about this situation and Apollo had thought he'd made that crystal clear through his previous actions. Maybe he just wasn't glaring hard enough. Right, right, that had to be it. Apollo narrowed his eyes even further, making him look as though he was trying to start at the sun during the summer seasons, and making himself look like quite a fool. But of course he didn't think that at all, he thought he looked like one of the most threatening beasts that ever roamed this earth. That's right, he was all man, hear him roar. Now he didn't like Riley just sliding in a Chloe reference right there...not one tiny, little bit. "Oh right, right. I forgot how 'close'" he did the whole immature finger quotations bit, "You and Chloe are. I guess you two must know all of eachother's secrets," he scoffed sarcastically. He would never know Chloe the way he did. Or atleast he really hoped not. What if this guy went and stole his best friend from right under his nose? Well that just wasn't going to happen.

The Hufflepuff smirked as Riley narrowed his eyes. Oh yeah, he was getting to him. Riley was falling right into his trap just like a fly to a Venus Fly trap and Apollo was about to snap him in. Apollo was taken back for a moment because well, to be completely and utterly honest, he almost believed the guy. Of course he wasn't going to just let him off the hook like that, that would be absurd, but he was a little bit more willing to actually listen to what he had to say. Apollo clasped his hands in front of him while putting on his very serious contemplating face. His facade broke a little as he spoke, "Alright, alright. Don't get your panties in a twist. I believe that you actually mean those things, who wouldn't? But I mean you have to understand why I can't completely trust you. I don't even know you and you're trying to move in on my best friend...my very, very, closest best friend who I'm incredibly protective over," he told him with a sigh, dramatically pinching the bridge of his nose. It seemed like he had already made Riley insecure, excellent. He couldn't just be thinking he could have a chance with Chloe just because he wanted one. Apollo felt a little uncomfortable now though he tried his best to mask that. Sure, he'd had a couple of crushes but none of them had really ever been serious. He didn't really understand what Riley was talking about but he could sure as heck pretend that he did! "Psh, of course I know what you mean," he lied a little too obviously. "All I'm trying to tell you is not to be too cocky about it, she's got a whole lot of options," he lied once again. He was really hoping this lying thing wouldn't become a habit; mainly because he was absolutely horrible at it. Alright, the kid was starting to grow on him now. He seemed to accept the fact that Apollo would rip him from limb to limb if he hurt Chloe, that was good. An uneven smile came upon his face, "I think I'll use my own wand...y'know just to make sure that the curse actually works out as intended," he joked but tried not to let himself get too friendly. He still had to be on his toes around this guy.

[Riley Dane]

Riley crossed his arms, fighting the urge to laugh out loud- this entire situation was getting out of hand, it was almost surreal. He knew Apollo was trying to look serious, fighting to fix the look on his features it seemed, but it was so against the boys natural personality that it made him look like he needed to use the loo... badly. Riley could understand why Apollo would want to seem threatening, but it was really for nothing. From everything Chloe had told him about the boy, and they few times he'd seen Apollo around, he figured they could be mates. But it seemed Apollo needed to get the 'big brother syndrome' out of his system first. So, Riley would just sit back and let him have it, not that he would let the boy say or do whatever he wanted, after all, Riley was a prankster, it was just in him to give people a somewhat difficult time- but he would let Apollo do his 'protector' thing and hopefully all would be done and life could move on as it had been. Riley stifled a snort at Apollo's words, "Oh, yea. We stay up late and drink cocoa and braid each other's hair and share all of our deepest, darkest secrets." he replied dryly. "Look, I already told you, I like her. And, yea, I am her friend, that does involve sharing some secrets, even some that you may not know of yet. And the only reason I say yet is because Merlin knows you're Chloe's right hand man and she would never keep you out of the loop for long. I bet if you actually asked her, she would tell you what was in the notebook." It was true too. He had never sworn Chloe to secrecy or anything like that after he had shown her the notebook. He hadn't really cared enough too. Granted he didn't want his ideas floating around, but he trusted her and she was intelligent enough to know who to and who not to tell things to. Apollo, her best mate, was someone she could trust, and therefore, vicariously, Riley secrets were also safe with him. Chloe had almost said as much herself.

Riley took a deep breath to steady and calm himself. He knew this would happen, he had prepared for it. But preparation and execution were two entirely different things, he should know that well enough by now. He relaxed a little at the Hufflepuff's response. "If I were in your place, I'd be doing the same thing, mate. So, I understand exactly where you're coming from. And I know you don't know me or have any reason to believe me, but you know Chloe and you trust her judgment, right?" He left the question open as he continued on, "If you still don't feel all that comfortable with me being with just Chloe, then why not come and hang out with us every now and again? I don't mind, from what she's told me, you seem like a fun guy, and I know Chloe would love to have you around as well. And, like you said, it's not as if she and I are dating." Riley was extending the proverbial olive branch, he only hoped Apollo would accept it. He really was genuine in his offer, the Hufflepuff seemed like a good guy, and if he was willing to stand up for Chloe like he this, he was alright in Riley's book. Riley smiled at Apollo's joke, "Touche, mate, touche."

This post has been edited by Riley Dane on Apr 6 2009, 07:43 PM