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Harry Potter:"Do you really think there's going to be a war, Sirius?"
Sirius Black: "It… feels like it did before."
TURN ON THE LIGHT is a Post- Potter roleplay that takes place twenty-five years after the Second Wizarding War.
We welcome canon and original characters in this (currently) sandbox style roleplay.
Post by THEODORE SILVESTRI on Nov 13, 2022 17:57:19 GMT
TIME AND LOCATION: Seven years post-graduation
He didn't like this. He didn't like it one bit - and for a multitude of reasons.
He hated being pestered for autographs when all he was trying to do was 'live' and every few steps he took some member of the bride's family or some friend was crowding him. He couldn't even get a whisky sour which he so badly needed! Which brought him to his next reason (and to about a hundred more): his friend Max.
Something was off. Teddy knew it. He knew Maxwell better than most, and probably more than Maxwell and some others would have liked. Even though they had only seen each other a handful of times the last decade there were some things one just didn't shake and that included an intimate knowledge (both emotionally and somewhat physically) of the burly man. Enough to know when he wasn't all there. Enough to know when it wasn't alcohol. It was something else - and Theodore Silvestri didn't like it one bit.
At the rehearsal dinner (which why the heck had he even shown up for this mess?) he finally managed to find Maxwell in a corner with a few others he didn't recognize. Seizing the opportunity Teddy slapped on a confident smile, all for show, and approached his pal clapping him on the shoulder. "McCree... There you are." Looking to the guests he smiled pretending he had more drinks in him than he had. "Been lookin' for this one for ages." The American went on, weaving the tale. "Apologies. Must steal him for a bit. Doing a favor for the bride. You understand." Another lie or two and he was dragging Maxwell through the room, into the hall, and into a small private bar room that wasn't in operation (reserved for smaller parties).
Releasing Max he closed the door, only after making sure that no one had followed, and turned to face his former roommate. "How are you feeling?"
It was his wedding day apparently but it could be any day, Maxwell was so dosed up he didn't care who or where he was. No doubt this was only another scheme from Mr. williams to gain more control over Max. Not that he already was under the man's control.
He hadn't seen Alexis yet but that was only natural considering it tended to bring bad luck to see the bride before the wedding. Neither did he see anyone of his family or late friends. It was just Mr. Williams' men and Maxwell's fellow hitmen. A part of him was relieved not to see any familiar faces, he didn't want them to see him like this. Even worse, his family and friends were in grave danger if Maxwell messed up.
Some of the guys were fixing his suit. At least he looked nice but underneath all the expensive clothing were the bandages from the latest fight he held on behalf of Mr. Williams. Bruises on his knuckles were even still visible. He tried to cover them with the shirt that picked out of the jacket without much success. He seemed unbothered by it, unbothered with anything that was going on. The men with him were undoubtedly here to watch him and make sure he wasn't running away.
Another person called his name, it felt so far away he knew the voice but couldn't place it between the murmur of people surrounding him. He was so numbed that he didn't even feel the hand clapping his shoulder. The man was halfway through his conversation, which didn't stick with Max, when he finally registered who it was. "Teddy?" He sounded surprised but his face was void of any emotion. Suddenly he was being dragged along, the usual strong man couldn't protest. "Howdy, why don't you look dapper dressed like that. What's the occasion?" he tried to smile and leaned forward to boop his old friend's nose. His words slurred and his eyes seemed to stare through Teddy, Maxwell wasn't really home in his own body. "Ah feel fucken' fantastic," he lied so easily though perhaps with all the stuff they put in him it was hard not to feel doozy and relaxed.
Post by THEODORE SILVESTRI on Nov 16, 2022 19:50:57 GMT
"Yes. Teddy." Theodore confirmed his back to the closed door and his frown growing as he sized up the current situation of his friend standing before him. Something was off. In a lot of ways, something had been off for years and like a bloodhound on a scent, Theodore was on it instantly.
"It's a rental." The comment about his appearance didn't phase him. There were bigger things to worry over than Max being sweet on him (if that's even what he was doing - sometimes Theodore felt like he was caught up in some big cosmic joke with the man that he wasn't in on). He knew his friend drunk. He had seen it more than a few times as a young man in school when Max had a bad day. This was beyond all of his bad days combined. This was something else. Something more sinister.
"Yeah. Fantastic. You sure look like it." Theodore shook his head and slipping behind the abandoned small bar found a tap and poured some water into a glass holding it out for Max to take. "You would think a guy would have his wits about him the night before his own wedding." He commented, in hopes of bringing Maxwell back to Earth and what was really going on. Again he offered the water a bit more insistently before setting it down on the bar counter, his dark eyes never once leaving his friend, he looked at him more pressingly. "Max... What's going on?"
He couldn't believe it, after everything someone from his side showed up. Even his own siblings, the ones he got into this mess for, had abandoned him. "I'm glad to see you, pal," he meant it. In this hoard of people who wouldn't hesitate to hurt, use and abuse him, Teddy was a friendly face.
"Ah'm always sexy as fuck, buddy," he tried to grin it off like he usually would. But his eyes weren't alert nor awake. His world right now was viewed through a thick haze. He could barely see Teddy. The Texan blinked absentmindedly, wedding? "Goddamn, are we gettin' married, Teds?" While he had no idea what was going on, this little misunderstanding brought a genuine happy expression on his face. Heck would he know if he was marrying someone else to him this all was like a fever dream.
"Thanks, buddy." Maxwell accepted the water but struggled drinking it. Swallowing shouldn't be this hard yet his throat didn't seem to do the things it was made to do. He glanced up and for the first time in days he could see something clear. Teddy's eyes were like a light beacon in the darkness. His hazelnut coloured eyes trailed down towards the bar. "Teddy you should leave, it isn't safe for you here.".
Post by THEODORE SILVESTRI on Nov 16, 2022 22:33:15 GMT
He decided to ignore Maxwell’s compliment about his appearance for a number of reasons which was good because it would have made him blush profusely. Besides there was a more pressing matter to tend to and that was Max’s state.
“No. You are.” Teddy corrected firmly in a soft voice, not aggressive but sobering in nature. There would be no joking about this, it was the gravity of the matter and more and more by the second he was getting scared for his schoolmate.
After a drink of water there was something in Max’s gaze that showed a bit of understanding, of recollection, of worry and due to that Theodore remained even more steadfast than before - like he was for his professional Quidditch team (speaking of Leah was probably waiting for him back in the room with all of the dresses and tails - more likely she was behind the bar helping herself despite only being 20… but she was a star and could get away with that).
“No. I don’t think I will.” He stated simply, his eyes not leaving his friend’s face trying to deduce what was up even though he thought he might have an inkling. “You invited me and I’m staying.” He looked toward the door to make sure no one was approaching or opening it then back to the groom to be. “Max… I need you to tell me that you understand what’s going on. You’re getting married tomorrow. Not to me. Or Cynthia from fourth year. Or fucking Britney Spears or even Noah for god sakes.” He took a sharp breath to calm himself continuing softly. “You’re getting married to some girl named Alexis. Tell me that you understand.”
"Teddy please, Ah can't have you hurt," he begged his friend, worried they were going to use Teddy to get to Max like they had done before with his siblings. He tried to swallow away the brick from his throat. "They did," he mumbled, Maxwell wasn't in charge of his own invites. He wasn't in charge of anything. His only job was to be Mr. Williams' bloodhound and Alexis' trophy husband. Nothing about this place or feast had the slightest hint of Maxwell. He was a simple country boy who loved cozy things. This place was chic and it reeked of mafia money.
"Not to you?" He sounded disappointed. God damnit narcotics why did they take away his filter? His head bobbed down as it was too heavy to hold up but he quickly corrected himself. "Alexis... The boss' daughter. Oh yeah you're right," he said his voice turned more absent with each realisation. "Ah mean have you seen her? She is heckin' hot and gorgeous and fantastic under the sheets. Whoops we weren't actually supposed to do that before the weddin'. Don't tell her dad," he said with a fake casual chuckle. That was Max pretending everything was going to be fine. Not worrying about himself in the slightest.
Post by THEODORE SILVESTRI on Nov 17, 2022 16:55:24 GMT
Hurt? Teddys brow furrowed in confusion but maintained a serious look. What was Max on about? Theodore didn’t have a darn clue. Maybe the side effects of whatever he was on.
“Whoever did… I’m here. I wouldn’t miss it.” He swallowed straightening his posture, something he was trying to work on now that he was a famous Quidditch player and folks snapped photos all of the time. His publicist was seeing to that. “I’m not gonna miss it.” He reiterated firmly as if that would end the debate.
“No not to me. I-“ Max’s very blunt words about the attractiveness of his fiancé had Theodore cutting his words short and him briefly shutting the hell up. “Well…” He shifted uncomfortably eyes glancing down at his dress shoes, looking away from his friend for the first time since they had entered the room. “Good for you I guess.” He didn’t know what else to say only that he didn’t like saying it.
“I don’t know her dad so no one to tell.” He shrugged looking back at him sadly as his words hung in the hair. Suddenly he felt heavy even though he hadn’t be drinking much. Maybe he should change that.
“Max is…” His frown deepened knowing that he should tread lightly (or perhaps not at all) but he couldn’t stop himself. “Are you sure that you’re alright? What’s going on?” Fingertips absentmindedly reached up from the bar counter for Max’s then at the last second he pocketed both of his hands to keep them out of trouble.
His empty face turned into a frown when Teddy reiterated he was going to stay. The Quidditch player was kind and meant well but he had no clue what was going on. Maxwell knew he couldn't refuse this marriage, or Williams and his underlings would go after the McCree family and Max's friends. Teddy being here basically made him a hostage who was free to go unless Max said 'no' at the altar. The water made his mind clear enough for him to realise this. "Suit yourself," he mumbled as he looked away.
In fact Alexis was as terrifying and manipulative as her father but Maxwell couldn't say a bad word about them in fear that someone might be listening. If Teddy knew what was going on his friend would get killed and they would make it look like an accident. The same had happened with the auror Max tried to talk to during an early escape attempt ever since their control over him only increased. He was trapped and there was no way out. "Thanks buddy," he tried to smile but the corners of his lips trembled, he was glad Teddy was looking away from him because for a moment his face broke through the facade.
Had Teddy's fingers successfully touched Max's, he might have spilled and make a final escape attempt. His fingers curled up into fists as Teddy retreated. He remained silent to work on his expression that of a casual smile. "You know me, Teds. Ah'm a survivor." After all the things they made him do, Maxwell didn't deserve to be happy anyways. There was blood on his hands too.
Post by THEODORE SILVESTRI on Nov 20, 2022 21:54:04 GMT
Suit himself? Teddy did his best not to look upset by the remark. “Alright. I will.” Good, bad, or whatever shouldn’t friends stick by the others side (within reason of course)? Then again maybe Maxwell didn’t consider himself a friend anymore. Post graduation they really hadn’t done the best job at keeping in touch and in the beginning Teddy had done his best to owl as frequently as possible between grueling practices and high adrenalin matches. Maybe that hadn’t been enough though especially with how he was being pushed away the last few years and right now were any indication.
“Course.” He returned a similar weak smile at the thanks and use of buddy. Ok. Maybe they still were pals… somehow. “What are friends for?” Though with them he wasn’t sure of the answer anymore.
“Yeah. You are.” Teddy nodded a bit, attempting to be agreeable he leaned a bit on the bar bending his elbows and resting his chin on the countertop as he squatted peering up at Max in an awkward attempt of cheering his friend up. “Though just cause you’re able to survive doesn’t mean that you have to put yourself purposely into this precarious situations. But-“ He sighed and stood upright pocketing his hands once more in his pants. “You’re gonna do that anyways no matter what I say, huh?” Yup. He for sure knew better. Relenting for the moment he settled back on the burning question that was yet to be answered.
“Max, I know we’re not as close as we were uh-“ Whatever what they had been doing in school was. Pushing those worries aside he pushed on. “But I would like to think we’re still-“ What? Friends? Roommates? Masturbation buddies? Acquaintances? “You would tell me if something is wrong right?”
It seemed that he couldn't get Theodore to leave. This greatly frustrated the Texan as he knew this backed him into a corner even more. Teddy meant well of course but the poor lad didn't know Maxwell couldn't say no at the altar without Williams' men instantly killing Teddy. Not that it mattered even had Teddy not been present, they'd still track down his siblings within days. If only he had been able to make it as a quidditch Professional, he wouldn't have to go through this. Heck if that were the case Teddy and he would still be close.
What are friends for? "Ah thought Ah once knew but Ah ain't so sure anymore," he frowned at the realization. Because he hadn't really been a good friend, brother or person. He thought he was doing the right thing and was helping them, boy he was wrong.
He glanced down at his friend, his eyes half closed due to the effects of the drugs and alcohol. After Teddy spoke, Maxwell looked down at the half empty glass of water. "It ain't that easy, bub," he admitted he had gotten stuck in a very complicated situation before he realized. Teddy stood upright and his eyes followed the movement without looking into his eyes. So that was what Teddy thought of him. His face turned dark and bitter. "If it means keeping my family alive, safe and healthy then, yes. I am going to do it no matter what you or anyone else says," he said coldly. Teddy just didn't get it. "It must be real nice to have your goals work out. But some people aren't that lucky. This world preys on the poor and desperate, Teddy," he firmly told his friend as he looked up with sharp eyes. The eyes of a broken and desperate man.
"We live in two different worlds, Teds. Please, enjoy your success and be happy. Forget about me," he tried his best not to sound like he was begging his friend. Isolated, he didn't want to drag his friends down with him. Sighing he closed his eyes. Ah'm still your friend. Teds, Ah care for you that's why- Ah promise we'll meet again, alright." He painfully swallowed as his heart broke having to say this. "Ah just need to know you'll be safe."
Post by THEODORE SILVESTRI on Nov 22, 2022 1:25:27 GMT
He was in protective mode now - a mode he knew all too well. Sure it probably annoyed his friends but he couldn’t help it. Teddy had an incessant need to try and protect and save those closest to him. If he didn’t who would? Egotistical perhaps but it was more control oriented than anything. If he was the one protecting them no one else could mess it up. He was responsible and would always see it through.
“If you don’t remember I’ll remind you then.” He walked to the side of the bar that Maxwell was on frowning at the current state of his pal. “We’re supposed to look out for each other.” His frown deepened not wanting to bring up the next bit but knowing that he had to whether or not it upset his friend further. “Like with your family… what happened… like when we lost a match… like when you got hurt… like when Celia broke up with me… We’re there for each other. Simple as that.” And yet so very complicated.
“Ok. Yeah. Nothing is easy though and yet here we both stand.” Maxwell needed strength right now and damnit Theodore would be that grounding. The look in Max’s face that followed caught him off guard. Dark, hopeless, and withdrawn. This wasn’t the Max Teddy had come to know even on his bad days. It worried him a great deal but worry was replaced by surprise when Max went off on him.
“Back off man. That’s not my fault.” He wasn’t going to apologize for doing what he always swore he would do. But just because he was hurt by the man’s words didn’t mean he had to back off. “Forget about you?” The words felt so very foreign on his tongue. They didn’t belong there. “No way, dude. I’m not gonna forget you and you know better than anyone that I don’t do happy.” Except when they were laughing together. “Max… don’t do this.” The plea hitched in his throat as his own heart shattered. So much that he wanted to say and yet it all didn’t come out except for: “Don’t marry her.” He would leave out all of the whys for now.
Desperate now nervous fingers reached out at his side lightly grazing Max’s.
Hearing Teddy explain what friendship meant again. Words Max once said to the other man. It made him realize how far gone he was. None of these people present at this party were his friends. He was nothing but a tool, a weapon which they made him be. His lips pressed together in a fine line. It was an upsetting realization. Could he even still consider himself human? His eyes were locked on the half empty glass of water which his hands folded over. Max couldn't get himself to look at his sweet friend because he didn't want the other to see just how troubled he truly was. But he had already betrayed himself. The usually loud, flirty and silly cowboy was awfully quiet. He still bore the same face but that was all.
Maxwell trembled when Teddy clapped back, trying to be mean didn't work either it seemed. He was lost. "Ah know. It ain't your fault, Teds," he mumbled quietly as his hands reached up, grasping into his hair while he rested his forehead in them.
Feeling Teddy's hands ever gently brushing past his, it broke something. A barrier? Whatever it was it caused him to shudder. "Ah- Ah don't want to marry her, Teds. Ah don't love her and she just sees me as a possession."
He couldn't cry but goddamn did he feel like crap. "Teddy… Please… leave….Ah…. Ain't good nomore… They corrupted me…. Ah killed people Teds… Ah don't know how goddamn long they put me under the imperius curse. Before they switched to breakin' me down and rebuildin' me into their weapon… They keep me hooked on all these potions and drugs… Ah don't even know what they do anymore…" He fell quiet for a second before he looked up. "Teds they killed Noah in front of me and Ah… Ah couldn't do anythin'.... They're goin' after mah brothers and sisters next if Ah don't do what they say. They'll come after you." His eyes widened as he realized what he just spilled. Instinctively he grabbed his wand. He had to erase his friend's memories about this meeting and get him out. He had to save Teddy.
Post by THEODORE SILVESTRI on Nov 23, 2022 15:46:21 GMT
At Max’s confession about not wanting to get married Teddy felt his breath hitch in his throat on an inhale of hope. “Then don’t.” If only it was that simple. As quickly as the breath had come the hope was dashed with the next bit of information which very nearly had the life fully fade out of Teddy’s face as he couldn’t prevent his eyes from widening in surprise.
“You what?” There was just so much to process but nothing more shocking than Max becoming a weapon of death - in Teddys experience that man didn’t have a mean bone in his body and yet here they were. “Noah?” Dead. Teddy never liked the guy for a myriad of reasons but he didn’t deserve to die - and certainly not by some family’s hands. If the day should come and Noah has truly stepped out of line it would have been by Teddys wand (not that he would ever confess it to his friend).
Seeing the fear in Max’s eyes nearly shattered him but Teddy remained steadfast - he was good at it. “Then let them come.” He responded seriously as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. He would lay his own life on the line for his friends but especially Max and Leah. Those two had his heart and protection forever. Until his dying day - which might be soon?
As if to seal the deal he stepped to his friend and wrapped his athletic arms (though not as muscular as Max’s around him) in another firm hug only to have him step back and aim his wand at him. Instantly Teddys heart sank but he noticeably made no reach for his own wand.
“Max… what are you doing?” He asked trying to hide the worry from his voice but it was etched all over his features. “Please… Don’t…”
Maxwell swallowed as he saw Teddy taking in the reality of what Max had become. The Texan had always been a gentle family spirit, a simple farm boy with too much goof. What he was now was someone else. Yet, he seemed strangely talented in combat, winning and killing. A side of himself he wished he never had discovered. Did it come with his father’s genes? The man he never met?
"No Teddy, we'd never win. Please, just go. Ah'll get out eventually. Ah promise. Ah'll get back to you," he said, begging his friend to get to safety while he was getting stupid heroic ideas. His hand reached up to squeeze Teddy’s arm. “You know Ah never make promises Ah can’t keep. Ah just need time to figure out how to escape but that day will come. Wait for me, Teds.” He closed his eyes and rested his forehead against his friend’s. Teddy’s skin felt warm and calming, the warmth and comfort made him calmer than any of the drugs these people put inside of him.
Oh how he wanted to return the hug. Oh how he wanted Teddy to take him away from here. To run away together to a small safe place. To hold his friend in his arms and fall asleep under the same blanket while a thunderstorm raged outside. Max knew they couldn’t. Eventually Williams’ men would find them and end them.
With his wand aimed at Teddy his eyes fell into darkness. “I’m protecting you,” he said calmly, his characteristic accent gone. “I love you, Teddy.” While he hadn’t figured out in what way yet. Romantically? As a friend? As a brother? It didn’t matter. After the spell was cast Teddy won’t remember this conversation.
Post by THEODORE SILVESTRI on Nov 27, 2022 21:01:39 GMT
Despite the feeling of his friend's firm, rough hand on his upper arm (that stung in both a hurtful and pleasant way) his eyes never once left Max's. He didn't dare look away because if he did, he would lose him. If he kept looking at him he would still be here, nothing bad could happen. It would be just the two of them while the rest of the world did whatever the heck it wanted outside. It didn't matter. All that mattered was them. They were all they ever needed.
"You don't know that." He hated that he was practically pleading right now. Urgency strained his throat and as a result his words. "You don't know any of that." He was now getting more and more upset and frustrated. Winching at their debacle he felt Max's warm forehead against his own. "I always find a way. You know that I do. I can figure anything out. Max, you know that. Tell me you know that. That you believe me." He attempted to bargain even though he was worried and cracks were beginning to form at the surface of his usual groundedness. Could he feel the pulse of his racing heart? He couldn't be sure.
"I'm the one who looks out for you remember?" Tears stung in his eyes and though he declined he remained where he was, practically against Max, forehead against his. Tears actually begun to well in his eyes as he found Max's, imploring him. "Max, please... Don't... please..." His voice broke in his own weakness as his eyes welled up. Max could probably feel him tremble out of fear. "Don't do this... Please... I..." His words were cut short by the mind-erasing spell being cast, one tear trickling down his cheek and dissolving on the floor. Once fully cast his gaze and whole face went blank and his body stopped shaking. He just stood there staring out into nothing.
