10+: You convince them to go along with what you want, +1 Forward.

⚁⚅ 2,6+2=10

A nagging feeling of worry reasserts itself after the rush of calling upon your power like that leaves you. Once you get over the initial euphoria of 'Oh, I just successfully cast an illegal spell and got away with it!', you start to think 'Oh dear, I just cast an illegal spell'. Even if that boorish Mr. Stainton wasn't clever enough to realize he'd been commanded into acting as he did, Kinzie certainly did, and she was showing an alarming enthusiasm for it.

In fact, you feel a pang of guilt; your older brother taught you that spell only to be used in cases where lives were at stake. At best, you had shot down a minor creep - and at worst, you'd abetted a theft. Well - in actuality, those possibilities weren't mutually exclusive, but it was still something of a misuse of power... you needed to be sure that Kinzie got the message.

"So," you say to her, clearing your throat and drawing yourself up straight (though you're still half a head shorter than her). "I know you said you wouldn't mention it to anyone, that goes without saying... but I believe you should desist from this course. I thought that man was dangerous, but I shouldn- err, would not use magic in such a way just for... entertainment. And neither should you. Come on. Surely there are better ways to go about this? I am hosting a rather libertine riverside party in a fortnight's time. Why not invite this person you fancy? In such a relaxed atmosphere, it would come easily."

Kinzie blinks at you. She's got that hapless look on her face again, like she did at the shop. She turns that innocence on and off like a spigot. "But... that is... I wasn't suggesting we... Criminy, I were only goin' to have him give me a kiss in front of some of my friends..! Why is that so wrong? Can't you at least help me put a charm on him, if not the real thing?"

You raise your eyebrow. So she's going to be difficult, is she? A nasty thought comes into your mind unbidden - perhaps you should give her a small lesson in 'commanding'. Stepping right up to Kinzie's chest, you put your hand inside her jacket. The freckled lass gasps and her cheeks heat up, your hand tracing up inside her vest and over her shirt. But then, she looks down and sees the shark-like look in your eyes, and gasps. You close your hand.

With a yank, you pull out a tiny, wax-sealed paper envelope from where it was wedged in between two of her shirt buttons. She looks as if she's seen a basilisk. You recite the writing on the tiny package: "Peter Priori's precision phoenix quill pens. Great for novice through intermediate scroll magic!!' There are two exclamation points. Did you pay for these?"

Her eyes become downcast. "...N-nay. Pinched them. I had-"

You roll your eyes and click your tongue, handing it back to Kinzie. "Ohhh, come. Do not be telling me stories about your sick mother. Save it for the warden if he gets word of this. As friendly advice - if I were you, I would go back down to Turnbuckle tomorrow and say you found that package had accidentally slipped into the hood of your cloak when you bent over before, and pay for it. Handle his wand a little if the situation calls for it. We do not want him checking his inventory and thinking about all this too closely, hmm?"

Kinzie looks mortified, and to your delight, doesn't even try to wriggle out of it. "Y-Yes... I'll do that. Maybe he'll have pity and let me keep it anyway on account of my honesty, aye?" She gives a little giggle. You smile back at her.

When did you become so cynical, you wonder? A moment later, you recall the answer to that question quite distinctly; the first time someone you thought loved you left without saying goodbye. This bending of the wills of others with lust, blackmail, and magic... perhaps all witches had to learn these arts eventually. You continue to Kinzie, making her one last promise before you depart. "So... this polo player..."

Giving you an acquisitive, almost hungry grin, Kinzie nodded quickly. "Fabian Torio... the-"

"The star Number Three of the Leontes team, of course, of course." you nod and blow a few strands of golden hair out of your eyes with a little huff of frustration. "Well, I have to admit, getting someone like him to come to something hosted by a new girl like me might be a challenge without witchery. He will be getting invitations from half the house in the post-exams week, probably. But, I shall see what I can do. Hmm - and to repay me, you can help my roommate Gillian Merigold do some socializing with the first-years, and perhaps invite the best looking ones." You give her a wink and one last pat on her chest before you go back to stash the cases of small beer and garish masks you're trucking along with a magic bag.

Well, this is all shaping up excellently. Getting a star broom polo player to come would be quite a flourish to end these preparations with. But, as you are considering that, you find a note has been delivered to your door in your absence. It is from Chen again, with a lipstick mark, asking you to come with her after your next conjurations class. You smirk - has she really fallen for you, or is her interest in you all a part of some elaborate game? It might be a bit of both. You'll find out in a couple of days. And aside from her, you need to catch the attention of that sporting hunk Kinzie has her eye on. Hmm - perhaps you can track down that group of Leontes boys who shot you and Winnie down while obsessing over the polo matches back at the start of the term? There's a match at the end of the coming week - no doubt you could find them spectating then.

Franziska has 0 XP.