Hogwarts School: A Harry Potter RPG

CHARACTER INFORMATION

Character name: Geryon "Crow" Crowley

Previous and/or Current Character(s) if applicable: Adriel, Nicor, Carlo & co

Character age: born October 31st, 1909

Character education:
Hogwarts, Slytherin
Magizoology studies
Phd in torture, terror and trauma from Institutions and Azkaban

Strength and weaknesses: Most of the traits he possesses can probably be both, depending on the situation and the fact that they shift like night and day. While the man in one moment can remember a tiny detail he noticed in the corner of his eye that one cloudy evening in 1925, he might not be able to remember a student’s name even after years of them being in his class. Detail oriented, but often oblivious to the bigger picture. In a hidden tribe in the middle of the Amazonas jungle Geryon can guide you safely through all their weird customs and without problem make sure you don’t offend any kind of animal you meet, but what would be considered common sense and curtesy back home in England is like an alien language. So selective of what he chooses to even consider caring about, but extremely good at the weird stuff he ends up with. If anything gets him curious, he’d go to any length to pursue it. Eyes on the prize, not letting anything get in the way. Terrible in social situations, and often child-like in his reactions if pushed outside of his comfort zone, or if he doesn’t get his way. Always in constant need of having his shop assistant Evelyn keep him out of trouble – regarding everything from avoiding being sued to making sure he eats every now and then.

Physical description: Skin so pale it can only be described as white – covered, head to toe, in all kinds of tattoos, markings and scars. The only thing rather average about this man might be his height. Raven black hair. Skinny built – skeletal hands. Cold, grey eyes usually peeking out from under the brim of a black top hat – stitched together, here and there. Always dressed in black, in clothes and garments that would never really fit into any time or fashion. A strange eccentric in his looks as well as his ways – even from a pureblood wizard point of view.

Personality: Geryon has never really played well with others. Always a loner, weirdo and bizarre. Unconventional in just about every aspect of his being, thoughts and actions. His personality consists of contrast of the extreme – an unhealthy obsession with the few things he finds interesting, and complete lack of care for all and everything else. One moment he might seem entirely in control of the situation – displaying a sense of calm, mystique, showcasing skills and wisdom that would baffle most mortal men. While in the next he might just as well seem incapable of even putting his socks on. Geryon is a man without a set moral compass or any concept of honor or duty. He always has his own agenda, and in his mind it’s all that matters. Some might find him peculiar, funny or even insane. And maybe he is. One thing you can say for sure, is that he never aims to please – unless there is something in it for him. A price that is worth the effort. For the right reasons this man can do just about anything. Anything.

Hopes and dreams. Why are you teaching at Hogwarts?: Geryon has been teaching for years – first at Salem, later at Hogwarts. To claim it to be a hope or a dream to return would probably be a lie, as anything close to goals in this man’s life would be something involving groundbreaking discovery or possession of particularly deadly mythical creatures. But financing adventures, research and especially his shop in Knockturn Alley (which is not exactly a goldmine), demands sacrifice. Geryon hopes going back into teaching will help on the way to getting out of a rather messy financial situation and save the store that is practically his life and shelter. Also, as hard as it might be to believe, the odd man has come to care a lot of his assistant Evelyn, which spends nearly as much time there as he does. At least in his own mind Geryon is protecting her from the horrors that is the world outside their four walls in Knockturn. Having that taken away is not an option. And who knows, maybe he’ll end up enjoying being back teaching more than he thought?

Biography: We are all faced with choices from the very beginning. For as long as we live. Yet there are always some things, some core parts of our very being, that cannot be chosen. Is not governed by will. Like what we are drawn to. Sounds. Colors. Which people, thoughts, impressions or actions make us feel good inside. Capture our interest. Make us tick. Or on the other hand make us want to hide. Hurt. Trigger the void that is indifference. You can think all you like, that you are your own master. But in the end we are all shaped. Molded. By environment. Achievement. Trials and experience. Reality is a relative concept, and yours is just that – you, and the rest of it.

The only child of the Crowley family head, Geryon was born into great expectations. Next in line. Heir to the seat. Countless years of family history and pride resting upon his skinny shoulders. Shoes he at no point had any desire or aspiration to fill.

Why would a boy distance himself so far from those considered to be his own kind? Connect with a bird on such a deep level that he ends up becoming it. Hurt. Healed. Flying away. What fire drives a passion into obsession. Making a man dance on the borderline of sanity – chasing myths and fables over the entire globe. Where do they come from, the voices calling him back into the shadows? Always. Comforting beams of moonlight – whispers and promises sealed in blood. Dead lips spill no secrets.

As an injured crow became Geryon’s best, and nearly only childhood friend, that was the animal he became as his quest for animagi succeeded. The fascination and interest towards creatures grew – especially concerning the ones often being labeled with the same names he himself would face. Monster. Freak. While pursuing his Magizoology studies, Geryon travelled the world – bringing his research to the most remote of places. Making discoveries and gaining wisdom that could never been reached any other way. When returning home to England, the man opened a store – trading in creatures one wouldn’t find in any common petshop, while also conducting some more shady business on the side. His knowledge of his trade and skills in transfiguration eventually also led him to teach at both Salem and Hogwarts.

How many words are there for a man who tortures another. Who puts himself first and let the others fall. Their screams pitch higher than your own. Never silent. Not ever again. While a prison of horror, stone and punishment tear them out – pieces of your soul. Sunshine. Smiles and laughter. Breaks your body down. Withering. How could anything ever compare to the prison of your own mind. Where although your being is released, you will always be trapped. It stiches you together. Life. Time. Bits and pieces. Old, new. A ragdoll of decisions. Accidents. Flukes.

During the time of a corrupt Ministry, which set out to hunt down extraordinaries, Geryon found himself at the wrong side of the table. With his knowledge and skills they wanted him on their team – to perform torturing research on others. If he refused, they would burn down his shop and make him one of the subjects of study instead. For the Crowley heir it was not much of a choice.

No one is ever always alone. Along those mislead paths of life someone will bother. For a second, for a while. Is there ever such a final thing as good or bad? At least two sides, they say. Sometimes many more. Depends on where you stand. What you look at. How you see it. Who’s there with you. Where they stand. How they see it. How you see them. Some claim trouble attracts trouble. Maybe that is because trouble understands what it’s like. And even when broken, empty and demented – he could still be saved. By the creatures. The animals. By the young girl with nothing left to loose.

After spending time in Azkaban for his crimes and involvement in the Institutions, Geryon was spit out of Hell as a mere shell of the man he once was. Broken in every angle. Empty and tormented. Even the most basic of everyday things took a long time learning again. Getting back into. And a lot of it just never fell back into place. It was first when the girl from his transfiguration class walked through the doors of his sanctuary of misfits, and for some reason chose to stay under his employ, the pale man got a new sense of purpose. Growing protective of the girl things slowly started to matter a bit again, and Crow decided that he would do whatever it took to take care of that dark den in Knockturn, and all of the twisted creatures within.

Not everyone is a hero. Predictable. Following a tuned moral compass set by honor and duty. Some have lost a lot of pieces along the way. Gained a few odd ones. Just make things up as they go along. He has saved. He has doomed. Discovered. Hidden. Helped and sabotaged. Many wants to see him burn. One won’t let you say a bad word to him. There are countless things to be said about Geryon. About Crow. But one thing is a certain, undeniable fact – he still is. And everything considered, that’s quite something.

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SAMPLE ROLEPLAY
It was the largest office in Hogwarts and, perhaps to students and newcomers, the most intimidating. The shelves were filled with various odds and ends, with a place of honor for the Sorting Hat, and the walls held all the portraits of past Headmasters and Headmistresses.

In the middle of the room sat a large desk. Everything was in order, for the current occupant had always despised a messy desk. It was the sign of a messy mind, and she had always favored neatness.

A clock sat on the desk, which currently showed the time to be 2:05. The meeting was supposed to begin at 2:00 precisely.

Along with order, Anneka valued punctuality. She was a very busy woman these days. Even during the summer, she had a number of matters to attend to. Interviewing and hiring staff was only of those matters. The newest potential member of her staff wasn't making a good impression.

She paced the room, black heels clicking against the stone floor. When the door finally opened, Anneka turned, her expression reminiscent of a Russian winter. "You are late."

Explain yourself was what her face said.

Roleplay Response:
It was hard telling what was more strange – the fact that he had actually managed to leave his shop and sacred sanctuary at all, or that he now found himself back walking the halls of Hogwarts. How many times had he left through these doors, thinking he would never return? Three times? Four? Geryon couldn’t remember. To be honest he didn’t even remember if he’d managed to lock up the latest delivery of highly poisonous scorpions in the shop before he left..

Oh well, hopefully Evelyn didn’t trust him enough not to check.

And if not, it would be a problem for another time.

Right now, the pale man was too busy letting his cold, grey eyes swoop along the floor. Up the walls. So familiar. But never home. Sure, there was always something. Always when he returned, he felt ..something.

Or maybe he had just been tasting a few too many pixie treats again.

Just about to say something, Geryon came to realize that Evelyn was not by his side at the moment. So strange, not having her present – if only for a short amount of time. The girl had become essential. A necessity more than the man would ever be able to recognize, even if he tried. A sort of last connection between him and the world of the living, ordinary people. Without her it just wouldn’t work. This, him or anything else.

Back before the headmistress’ office. Still the same as last time he was employed. Still the same as when his father worked there.

"You are late."

The words cut through the air as the black-dressed figure entered the room. A smirk came to his lips. It was not only the building that did not change. “Ivanova,” he greeted – almost in the way a normal person would when faced with an old acquaintance. Choosing to believe Anneka had been missing his employ, taking into account that this was actually surprisingly punctual for being him, the man continued; “I would have come sooner, had I not been occupied with..” pausing for a moment his eyes wandered the room. “..Different matters demanding my attention.”

Like being locked away in Azkaban.

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PM sent to Anneka in the following 5 minutes *twirls*

CHARACTER INFORMATION
Character Name: Geryon "Crow" Crowley
Gender: Male
Age: 29

Education: 
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizadry, Slytherin
Magizoology Studies

Residence:
In an apartment above his shop

Occupation:
Shopkeeper and Magizoologist

Do you plan to have a connection to a particular existing place (for example: the Ministry, Shrieking Shack) or to take over an existing shop in need of new management?
No.

Requested Magic Levels:

• Charms: 10
• Transfiguration: 12
• Divination: 3
• Summoning: 5

Do you wish to be approved as a group with any other characters? If so who and for what IC reason?
No.

Please list any other characters you already have at the site:
Carlo de Natale

Biography:
A late night in the end of October Geryon was brought into this world, as the first child of Nicor and Lilith Crowley. They had now fulfilled their duty of bringing the pure blood of their family to the next generation, and that was pretty much all the child was to them – a mission accomplished. The boy was brought up by servants of their home, and to him it felt just as normal as anything. He was an heir, and his parents had obligations and busy lives. And so did he. Homeschooling started early so the child would be prepared to bring his family honor when reaching school age. Geryon was obedient and bright, always finding an answer – even when he wasn’t sure what the question really was. There was always a way to talk oneself out of things. But he wanted to learn, and magic was fun.

When he became of age his letter from Hogwarts arrived. With the heavy weight of his family’s expectations the boy was relieved when he was put in Slytherin, as the hat also had mentioned Gryffindor. One obstacle climbed, but still many to go. One day of spring in his 3rd year Geryon found an injured crow on his way back from Hogsmeade. The animal touched something deep inside of the boy’s soul and he decided to care for it as best as he could. Making a comfortable place for it, well hidden on the castle grounds, Geryon now had a friend who he went to see whenever he could. It was both feelings of great sadness and great joy when the day came where the bird once again spread its wings and flew off, never to return. From that moment the Crowley boy’s intense interest for Transfiguration grew and he set a goal for himself – to one day become an Animagus.

He wouldn’t tell anyone, but all his free time got devoted to master the skill. Finally he succeeded, at the age of 20. The form he took was just like the one who lit the fire in his heart; a crow.

With his greatest goal now achieved it was time to move on to the next chapter. After completing his studies at Hogwarts Geryon moved forward, studying Magizoology and finally earning his Mazoologist title. For one last time Geryon took advantage of the family wealth and opened his own shop; Crowley Creatures – basically a pet shop with a great variety of animals. His love for the creepy, uncommon and rare ones started getting him into trouble with many - particularly the Ministry, from an early point. Not all the creatures Geryon would house and/or sell fit inside the rules and regulations, and his shop nearly got shut down multiple times. Luckily the man always seemed to talk himself out of the worst trouble, and ended up paying a large number of fines instead.

Yes, he had promised both himself and his family that he would never come back, asking for money – especially after he started getting into all sorts of trouble, and dishonoring the family name – which even forced him to change his shop’s name to Crow’s Creatures. But it was a hard promise to keep. Dark and shady business started to get tempting...



OTHER
How did you find us? Google

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SHOPKEEPER QUESTIONS

Shop name: Crow's Creatures
Shop Description:
Fluffy ones, scaly ones, slimy ones - common or rare, they are all animals found at Crow’s Creatures! If we don’t have it, we will find it! (Just don’t tell your mother where you got it..) And if we haven’t seen it, it probably doesn’t exist. There is an animal for everyone and we are eager to help you find your best match. Need help removing your Crup’s tail? Need assistance against Doxys infesting your home? Or perhaps you’ve just always wanted to try and have a conversation with a Jarvey? Stop by and expand your horizon regarding what surrounds us in this marvelous world!

Our goal is to make good homes for our creatures, making sure they are taken care of properly, and educate people to the best of our ability in the subject of how to take care of, and interact with those we share this earth with. We wish to enlighten and remove prejudice of misunderstood creatures and animals. Would you need help at home or wish for us to take our services somewhere else? We are flexible and determined to accommodate your needs! In Crow’s handmade Guide of Creatures we are willing to bet you’ll find something you hadn’t heard of before.

We also plan to hold courses every now and then, focusing on different kinds of creatures or relevant subjects for those interested.


What purpose will this shop serve other than selling things and being the home of your character? Why would people want to RP there just for fun?
It would obviously be a great place for the ones interested in animals to come and take a look at the creatures, learn more about them and meet others who share their interest. Also, most are likely to have heard the rumors about the mysterious man running this place – dealing on the edge of the law, with creatures most could only fantasize about. And is it true that he lures youngsters into mischief? Telling stories your parents wouldn’t want you to hear? And does he really have a child-eating parrot? You ouch to be curious..? I also intend to arrange gatherings for those interested where different creatures and Magizoological subjects will be the theme.

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EXCEPTIONAL LEVELS

Why are you requesting higher than usual levels? e.g. Is your character a professor/auror/etc.? (1-2 sentences minimum):
From his third year in school Geryon got obsessed with the idea of becoming an Animagus, and devoted all his free time to learn about it and practice to achieve this goal. After years of hard practice he succeeded at the age of 20. (I have already gotten the Animagus request approved by Admin!) I’ve also taken his age into consideration and I feel like these would be realistic levels for him.

Roleplay:
Reply as your character to the following:

Mr. Grunch smirked as stepped into the shadows beneath the overhanging eaves at the side of the street. There was a sort of alcove here, where two buildings came together, and the wall was set back just a couple of feet to make space for a drain from the battered lead guttering. It made it difficult to see if anyone was standing there until you were almost on top of it, and the shape of the roof up above cast an almost permanent shadow even then.

There were a number of such places along Knockturn Alley and Mr. Grunch knew them all.

Seeing nobody was nearby, he quickly cast the concealment spell that would obscure his features, making him unrecognisable, just a blur beneath the cowl of his thick, but worn, robes. He knew his target, had identified them some time before, as they entered the Alley. He had shadowed them, discretely, and now, he knew, they were heading back out again, towards the safety of the better lit Diagon Alley.

He heard the footsteps approaching. This was it, then. Just before they reached the alcove, he stepped out suddenly in front of his target, wand raised and ready.

"Give me all yer galleons, and any jewellery yer got! Don't try to hide nothin', 'cos I'll know, right? Do it now!"

Roleplay Response:
Crow was still laughing slightly as he was leaving the Hag’s Head and felt the chilly air stroking his face. There was nothing like having a good time with some of the regulars at the Hag. Each story got crazier than the other and Crow always made his best attempt on topping them all. Oh, how his honorable mother would just die of shame if he heard him. But it didn’t matter. He just didn’t care. People here knew him as Crow, and even those who remembered the old name of his shop, or just knew he was a Crowley for other reasons didn’t really see him as one. Some people should really stop overestimating the effect of a name.

He was walking down Knockturn Alley, heading towards the less shady streets of Diagon Alley. Suddenly a man stepped out from the shadows in front of him, making him stop on the second.

"Give me all yer galleons, and any jewellery yer got! Don't try to hide nothin', 'cos I'll know, right? Do it now!"

Crow got almost annoyed with himself for being surprised. You almost had to expect encounters like this here. But he hadn’t, and now he had to react fast. His coinpurse was far from empty and he had no intention of letting this idiot get any of it. “No need to get agitated,” he said calmly. “I’ll give you what I have,” he continued, slowly reaching inside his pocket where he kept his coin. In the glimpse of a second, Geryon had gone for the wand instead, and waving it he now turned into a black crow before the robbers eyes.

Flapping his wings Geryon headed for the sky. Being in this form instantly brought a calming peace to his soul and he decided to just get out of this place. The black bird was passing the rooftops as he approached Crystal Clock Tower. There, on the street he landed, turning back to his old self. The robber should be glad he had a good day and was in a rather happy mood, if not he had been certain to claw his eyes out. Geryon adjusted his hat slightly before carrying on with his walk. He didn’t feel like spilling any blood today. Passing a patroller he still felt the need to give a heads up; “Might be a good idea taking a look in the Knockturn Alley. But I suppose you already know that.” Some things would just never change..