A Mere Flower Vase -Alaric-

[chester]

Every artist needed an inspiration. Unfortunately, the sixth year Gryffindor’s one and only inspiration was also his one and only source of despair. He rubbed his hands together as he thought of his next possible poem’s subject. Three weeks had already passed since he last wrote one. He was far from his normal pace and he knew that he needed to keep writing with or without inspiration if he intended to continue pursuing his career as a poet. He drummed his fingers on the parlor’s polished wooden table as he stared at nothing in particular, hoping to catch some inspiration.

Occupying the table nearest the counter was none other than Chester Collins. For the eyes of the untrained, he was merely people watching absently, paying no mind to all the children who were laughing and the adults who passed by, but, the truth is he was observing the people, trying to take from them something that isn’t tangible, something that they most certainly would not notice – inspiration. After the first hour, he was only able to come up with a flower vase with three flowers firmly planted on it. For the next twenty minutes, he thought of the words that would describe the intricate design of the flower vase he had in mind.

Chester came up with a poem that did not satisfy him at all. He needed something deeper, less superficial than a mere flower vase. He started emptying his cup of vanilla ice cream, not enjoying it the way he enjoyed it before. It was only then that he decided to talk to someone. If that was what it will take to save his talent in writing and his future career, he would gladly do it. He was about to contemplate on who to talk to when someone asked him if the seat in front of him was taken.

[alariclarsstouner]

Alaric was taking a stroll at Diagon Alley, his mind full of many thoughts. Apparently, he just couldn't understand why he was having such troubles. He knew that so many things happened lately and he was simply overwhelmed by the weight of them. He knew that he would be able to clear his mind once he get to eat some ice cream from Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream parlor. Come to think of it, it has been a while since he last tasted one, and that was way last year, during the start of term.

As he passed by many shops and stopped to look at the different items on display, he suddenly thought of making something new. He just didn't know what came over him, all he knew was that he needed to tinker with something once again. After a few minutes of thinking, he decided against it because he knew that he wouldn't be able to finish it, with the term coming into full swing and all. Maybe he would just tweak his old watch and do some repairs.

Finally, his feet have managed to touch familiar ground. He looked up and saw that he had arrived in front of the ice cream parlor. However, as he surveyed the scene around him, he realized that there wasn't a seat left in plain sight. Everyone seemed to be very busy enjoying their parfaits that they paid little attention on him. He decided that maybe he'll circle round the road and come back later, but a familiar face suddenly made him do a double take. He then casually approached the person and saw that it was none other than his best bud Chester Collins. He then went nearer and flashed him a brilliant smile. "Hey Ches, is this seat taken already?" he asked.

[chester]

The Gryffindor was not really in the mood for a chit chat and was kind of hoping whoever was asking his permission was someone he did not know so he would not be obligated to entertain them. However, Chester’s mood brightened instantly when he saw who was talking. It was none other than his best bud, Alaric Stouner. “It will be once you sit on it and you will.” He said simply, grinning from ear to ear. He eyed his friend, quite surprised to see him there. Knowing that Alaric was not the type who ate ice cream, he wondered what brought him there.

He scooped what was left of his ice cream as he watched Alaric sit on the chair directly opposite him. “It’s been what? Two? Three months since I last saw you. How have you been, Al?” He eyed him quizzically, obviously curious. It was only then that he noticed the look he had on his face. He seemed different since he last saw him. It was before Christmas and Chester bid him goodbye before he went home with Charlotte, his twin sister. His friend seemed happy then, but today, he could sense that there was something troubling him. “Is your mother well?” Chester inquired for Alaric normally looked like he looked at that moment when his mother was sick.

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[alariclarsstouner]

Alaric managed to flash a goofy grin before he settled down on the seat opposite his friend. He was really glad to see him. “I guess you were wondering what made me go here and have some ice cream,” he said, still grinning. “Well maybe I really need to eat sweet things even once in a while,” he added. It was apparent in Chester’s face that he was indeed perplexed as to what he was doing there so maybe rationalizing would do him some good. He then called the waitress’ attention and asked for a chocolate parfait. After a few minutes, the waitress came back with the parfait and Lars took his first bite with the spoon.

“Two to three months sure fly fast,” was Lars’ only answer to his question about how he had been. Honestly, he did not want to elaborate further on his troubles for the time being. However, it seemed that Chester had already noticed his troubled expression, which was indeed hard to read for other people. He was excellent in hiding it but apparently his cover was blown so he just sighed in exasperation. Lars continued to eat his parfait when Chester suddenly asked him if his mother was well. He merely sighed, then said, “Apparently, she isn’t. But that was before the start of term. She hasn’t been sending owls to me ever since but I could infer that she is okay now.” Chester apparently knew that his mother was one of his primary worries and he felt slightly guilty for not inquiring about her condition. “How’s your twin sis by the way? Is she doing fine?” he then asked curiously, trying to change the subject. He then already noticed his worried expression which indicated dilemma regarding his next piece. “I guess you’re pretty much uninspired today. What gives?” he then asked, apparently worried for him.

[chester]

Chester Collins grinned at Alaric as he finally occupied the vacant seat. He really hadn’t expected him to turn up inside the ice cream parlor, of all places. The Gryffindor was about to open his mouth to speak but, as if on cue, his best bud answered his unspoken question. “Right. Great timing too, mate. It’s a good way of preserving winter in the beginning spring. Ice cold cream is something to hold on to until the next snowflake meets the ground.” Chester jested, apparently convinced that Alaric’s visit to the parlor was nothing but a random event.

“Indeed.” Chester nodded, looking pensive. It had been at least three years since the day he saw Amelie in a new light and all he could say was time flew too fast. Amelie was now in her seventh year and would be graduating soon. Chester could only hope he would be able to make her see him in a new light too before its too late. Chester nodded, looking relieved when Alaric said that his mother was fine. “That’s great.” Chester said slowly, wondering what was Alaric’s problem. However, Chester’s focused shifted from his friend’s problem to his sister when Alaric brought her up. “Oh she’s fine. She’d been inventing more charms the whole break, as usual. You know her, she aims high.” Chester smiled as she spoke of his sister. She was probably the only one he truly loved in his family.

Chester was silent for a while as he fought an internal battle. Not long ago, he had decided to talk to someone to save his career. This was his best bud, Alaric, he was talking to. If he was going to talk to anyone aside from her twin sister, it would be him or Michael. In this case, Michael was definitely out of question. He surely would just laugh at him. Chester eyed his best bud for a while before finally making his final decision. “I fell in love with a girl and she doesn’t love me back.” Chester sighed and slouched on his chair, looking really devasted.

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[alariclarsstouner]

Alaric just nodded at the lines Chester had just said. He just smiled; the poetic spirit was still there. Still, he could not help but wonder what could have dimmed the spark; he decided that maybe a small exercise for the mind may help. He then stared at the glass of parfait right before him and suddenly, he had a bright flash of inspiration. “You see this ice cream before you?” he asked, as he scooped the vanilla and chocolate ice cream with a spoon and back to the glass again. “People only see that this parfait has vanilla and chocolate ice cream on it. Whereas for me, I can see the vanilla seed pods being carefully nurtured until the beans are ready for harvest and the cacao pods being harvested, the seeds removed to dry and being made into the flavors of the parfait I have right now,” he then said, in almost a dreamy sort of voice. He then snapped out of his trance and smiled. “Sorry about that, it’s just some form of mental exercise I was doing. You know the unique thing about artists like you is that they can make something as mundane as paper appears as a very insightful inspiration,” he then added, as he ate the melting ice cream on the spoon.

As Alaric looked at his best friend’s eyes, he could see the internal struggle that he was having. He wasn’t entirely surprised upon seeing it for his eyes mirrored the same feelings. He just did not know exactly what it could be. He just smiled when Chester related how his twin sister was inventing charms and making good with her studies. “Man, you could do that too, you just kind of slacking, but in a more responsible way,” he then said. “Slacking responsibly” meant finding inspiration for his next piece. “You do seem very eager to write something though. Is there something that’s stopping you from doing so?” he asked. When Chester told him that he fell in love with a girl who does not love him back, Alaric’s jaw literally dropped. He fought hard not to rap his fist on the table in frustration. He managed to remain silent for a few minutes before speaking. “You know what mate, we are currently having the same problem right now, trust me,” he then managed to say, sadness evident on his face.

[chester]

Chester, astonished at the mode his best bud got into, stared and blinked at Alaric for a while. In a matter of moments, he realized that Alaric had an artistic streak too and he smiled approvingly at him. “Mate, I’m impressed. I never knew you had it in you.” He eyed the Ravenclaw with wide eyes for extra dramatic effect, shaking his head slowly. “Seriously man, I thought you were more of a potioneer… an epic bookworm. Have you ever tried your hand at writing?” Interest can be deduced just from the tone of his inquiry. Maybe Alaric could help him salvage his supposedly future career that was currently heading nowhere. And, maybe Chester could help make his friend's budding talent blossom.

A mischievous grin was his only reaction to what Alaric said about him slacking off. He really was a slacker; but, compared to others, he was responsible. “The art of responsible slacking is all about assertiveness, mate. You must know when to and when not to slack off. You must also know when to knock it off or else you’re a dead man.” Chester remarked, trying to influence his diligent friend. “It’s been three long unproductive weeks for me. Needed to get my creative juices flowing. Can’t go doormat.” Alaric surprised Chester with his mixed expression. He noticed how frustrated, sad, torn and hurt he looked and when he spoke up, Chester almost fell off his chair in shock. “We should have met in a pub that sold hard drinks.” Chester said glumly, sighing.

[alariclarsstouner]

Alaric couldn’t help but laugh at Chester’s expression when he got into his so-called sage mode. “Well you see mate, there are really those times where in you just couldn’t help but be inspired by something. As I said earlier, even the most mundane things can be good sources,” he then explained once again, for emphasis. He just smiled when Chester told him about his perception of him as more of being a potioneer and a bookworm. “Well I guess I delved into that stuff much. I’ve been reading too many books lately for my latest intellectual pursuits,” he then said. When he was asked if he ever tried his hand on writing something, he shook his head. “Well I write for academic purposes but never really tried creative writing, if you ask me,” he then said, quite surprised. “Although I’ve been meaning to hunt you out and ask your help regarding that aspect,” he added.

Alaric just nodded in affirmation about Chester’s statement regarding slacking responsibly. Maybe it was time for him to try doing that but his thirst for knowledge was stopping him naturally from doing so. “Well, much as I would like to take your suggestion, but I guess I’m already contented being drilled out into my academic pursuits,” he then said, smiling right at him. “Don’t worry, I still know when to knock off, I would have been dead years earlier if I did not know how,” he then added, suddenly wincing because he kind of slipped regarding his death prophecy. He just sighed in exasperation as his friend suggested going to a pub which sells hard drinks. “You’re right; we should have just drunk ourselves to death then. That is, if we would still have livers after that,” he then said. “Well who was the unlucky lady then?” he asked, apparently curious.

[chester]

Chester nodded at his friend’s words for understanding. He knew exactly what he meant. The Gryffindor had been sitting there to get inspiration from mundane things. “I manage to find this flower vase and came up with what had to be the most pathetic poem I ever penned.” Chester sighed as he tapped the vase on the center of their table. “Lately? Mate, you ‘read’ for all your intellectual pursuits. And that particular pursuit of yours started the day you were born.” Chester deadpanned before giving him a mischievous grin. “Now that’s serious bad timing. I’m stuck in the middle of a writer’s block. But what is it that you need help about?” Chester sighed.

Chester just snorted upon hearing his comment about responsible slacking. Of course his Ravenclaw friend would never just ‘slack off’ at least not when it came to his ‘intellectual pursuits’. Chester saw him wince after mentioning of the word ‘dead man’ and Chester swatted his friend on the shoulder. “Relax man, I meant it figuratively.” He eyed Alaric, quite amused at the way he took his statement. Chester shook his head at his ‘liver’ comment, realizing how much he failed to influence his serious friend through the years. Chester would rather tell Alaric instead of talking to Michael about it. He eyed Alaric for a while before finally saying. “It’s Michael’s big sister, Amelie. Don’t tell him.” Chester observed his friend, waiting for his reaction.

[alariclarsstouner]

Alaric casted a glance on the flower vase that became his friend’s subject. Apparently, there were times wherein he usually sits around during his vacant moments, staring into anything his eyes would lay on. And during those moments, he would think up of useless statements and he would try in vain to piece them together to form one coherent composition. However, watching his friend sighing on his apparent inability to pen a new poem reminded him of his own frustration on trying to piece out a single line. “I understand mate, I know how it feels. I tried also but I guess creative writing isn’t really my thing,” he then said in jest, sighing in exasperation. “You know, it does feel tiring reading too many books, seriously, it kind of makes my head spin,” he added, rubbing his forehead to emphasize his point to him. Lars then looked right at him when he asked what kind of help he would need. “Nah, I guess that would have to wait till you get yourself together,” he then replied, as he tapped Chester’s shoulder hard.

He then smiled when Chester snorted in reaction to what he had said. When it comes to this aspect, they were literally on opposite poles. However, that difference brought them closer together. He felt his friend swat his shoulder upon the mention of the words ‘dead man’ and he merely sighed, wondering as to whether he would admit that he had a death prophecy literally hanging above him. “I know, I know. Maybe I was just overreacting or something,” he then said, suppressing his thoughts and tried to appear calm. He knew the moment he blabbed his situation, his friend would definitely worry. Through his peripheral vision, he saw his friend’s expression on his ‘liver’ comment and laughed, making him forget the anxiety he felt moments earlier. However, his anxious expression came back again upon hearing Chester mention the name of the girl who did not love him back. “Oh I see. Well, she certainly is a beauty. Got any plans on courting her?” he asked, trying to mask his anxiety as he remembered the memory of a previous conversation he had with Amelie and apparently her deepest secret would definitely break his friend’s heart.

[chester]

As Chester eyed the flower vase, he could not help but compare it to his sole source of inspiration these past few years – Amelie Sparks. By then, he probably wrote at least seventy poems inspired by her. The sound of her voice and her unique laughter, when he was younger, had been enough source of inspiration for him. But now, he realized it never was enough. He had just been afraid to tell her that he was in love with her since the first time he saw her. “I know what you mean, man. My father is still being insistent that I become a healer. I have nothing against healers but mate I know I’m not healer material. I’ll just fail and we both know what will happen if that ever happens.” Chester sighed. His father and he never got along. His father never appreciated his art and he, Chester, never liked the way he bossed everyone in their family around. Chester just stared at Alaric for a while and shook his head. “Mate, if you are trying to get me to read school books, don’t get your hopes up.” Chester jested, slouching on his chair lazily and focusing on the flower vase once again. He merely nodded at Alaric’s response on his offer to help.

Chester eyed his friend, wondering what was bothering him. He seemed to be in deep thought. But it was not in Chester’s nature to pry into other people’s business. He appreciated it when other people informed him themselves. So, he just shrugged at the way his friend was acting. He obviously was bothered by something and Chester knew Alaric would tell him about it if he wanted to. Not wanting to violate his friend’s privacy, he decided to focus on their conversation. When he laughed, Chester shook his head. “I can’t believe you are laughing at my failure to influence you, man.” Chester stated, laughing with him. Chester remained silent for a while when Alaric asked him about his plans. “Since I realized I couldn’t tell her, I intend to write a poem.” Chester sighed and crumpled the parchment in front of him. “But I can’t write anything, man. Do you have any ideas? Maybe you’ve got a book for this?” Chester smirked at his best bud.