Snow! (open)

[jarndyceheir]

Richard has never had anything like the Mansion's park during the winter. The streets of London only offer, on the whole, limited opportunities for playing in the snow. And he has now held out as long as dignity will let him. He is out in the grounds, dressed warmly, and is very earnestly building a snow fort. Mostly though trail and error.

Comments

[notthatjames]

One thing people should learn when James Potter the younger is in residence is that a mischievous young wizard and snow is not a good combination. Especially when said wizard is the descendant of one of the Marauders. So James is stationed in a tree, and muttering a quiet incantation under his breath. After a moment or two, there should be a snow lioncub pawing at Richard's trouser leg, and a very amused young Gryffindor in a tree.

[jarndyceheir]

This does startle Richard, as his last direct encounter with a wizard was... distinctly less than pleasant. The pawing catches his attention, and he jumps back a bit. "Oh dear. Where did you come from?"

[notthatjames]

Well, James isn't nearly as unpleasant, to be sure. He scrambles out of the tree and runs over, though, giving the lioncub a gentle pat on the head. "From me, actually." It's not quite a grin and not quite a smirk on his face -- purely a Potter sort of expression. "Hallo."

[jarndyceheir]

"Hello. He's...rather cute," he tries for, with a shaky sort of smile, though his tone is polite, almost friendly.

Sorry, James. Being murdered by a wizard makes one wary. But Richard is trying.

[notthatjames]

"Thanks! Thought you might need something to help avoid snowballs." He grins and gestures with his wand, and the lioncub falls apart.

James offers a hand, looking amused. "I'm James Potter."

[jarndyceheir]

He can't help it - he flinches at the wand flick. But he tries to disguise it as quickly as he can and smiles, taking the offered hand. "Richard Carstone. A pleasure, sir."

[notthatjames]

James notes that and shoves his wand into his pocket, a little hurriedly. It never occurred to him that magic might make some Muggles uncomfortable, but that's what you get for being raised by wizarding families. He grins at the sir, though, and tries to hide a laugh.

"I'm no sir, sir. I'm just -- um, me."

[jarndyceheir]

"Oh. I forget... when I'm from, everyone is a sir, unless one knows them quite well. But if it makes you uncomfortable, I can omit it, Mr Potter." The smile is still shaky, but genuine enough.

[notthatjames]

He shrugs and flops down in the snow, grinning up at Richard. "No, it doesn't. It's just a bit odd. Need help with your fort?"

[jarndyceheir]

"Certainly, if you'd like. Would you want to help with this wall?" He indicates one that's half finished.

[notthatjames]

"Alright!" James grins again, wider, and sets to building the wall. "We should have a snowball fight here sometime," he says, not quite to himself. "It'd be brilliant."

[jarndyceheir]

"I've already gotten several impromptu snowballs thrown at me. Apparently erecting a fort is enough of an invitation."

[notthatjames]

"You haven't had a proper snowball fight 'til you've had one with my uncles. Or with the Weasleys in general," he informs Richard with a grin.

[jarndyceheir]

"I don't think I've met them, but I hate to think my education is less than complete." He grins.

[notthatjames]

James grins back, a little challengingly. "Well, we'll see about that, if I can find Uncle Fred or Uncle George."

[jarndyceheir]

"I am a bit apprehensive, I confess," he laughs.