Post by Lovino Vargas on Mar 22, 2016 3:54:04 GMT
Lovino Guiseppe Vargas
Male | 17 |
Italian | Bisexual |
169cm | 67kg |
Pureblood | |
personality
The first thing that people usually notice about Lovino Vargas is that he is very violent in pretty much every dynamic. Violent in speech, words filled with swears and insults meant to curdle milk with their vehemence; violent in action, more than willing to throw hexes and curses at people who have "wronged" him and even getting physical if the situation calls for it; violent in temperament, a crass nature that often keeps people away for fear of his temper getting the best of him. While Lovino doesn't lash out very often at people who have earned his love and loyalty, they aren't one hundred percent exempt. Even then, he has so few friends that most are driven away rather than dare attempt to get close. He is also said to be selfish, seemingly shallow, very hypocritical, judgmental, cold, harsh, cruel… the list goes on and on. Due to his schooling, many of these character traits are ones that Lovino takes genuine pride in, particularly his ruthlessness. As the future leader of the Vargas family, Lovino knows he has to be able to make the difficult decisions. The weight of his future is firmly settled on his shoulders, and has been for some time. If he has to be cruel, or cold-hearted in order to make sure his family is safe and happy, then by God will he be.
Because of his early lessons to lead the family, Lovino has come to see the world in shades of gray. No one is completely good, and none are completely evil. Therefore, he rarely treats people with unnecessary kindness; respect if they deserve it, and perhaps some cordiality when needed. However, he feels only those who actively choose to be good, and continue to do good things throughout their lives deserve true kindness in return. None of this 'intentions are good but the means are not' kind of bullshit he sees happening everywhere he looks. ‘Good emotions are meant for good people’ is a phrase Lovino actively lives by. Because of this belief, you won't hear Lovino ask for kindness from anyone; by his own rule, Lovino is not a good person. This is something he has come to terms with years ago.
The brunette is unafraid of sharing his opinion with people. If you piss him off, he will scream and curse and possibly hex or hit you. If you’re creepy, Lovino will avoid you because creepy assholes are not people he wishes to associate with. If you actually manage to scare Lovino, he will honestly be more violent and cruel to you than normal. Lovino is a person that is more afraid of showing fear than he is of being afraid; while there are times where being open with ones' emotion is good, showing fear in times of duress often upset those following you more than if you show that you can at least try to challenge your fears. Plus being scared angers Lovino more than the fear swallows him. Especially when that fears pertains to the safety and well-being of his brother. However, if you’re simply an idiot, Lovino will tell you as much over and over again until you either change your ways or you learn to simply keep your mouth shut around the Italian.
This vocalization of his opinion is something Lovino needs to work on a bit, when secrecy and subtlety is needed, but he's working on it, honest. However, in school, he doesn't see the need to keep quiet his opinions unless it comes to a dark plot he has anyway. Sometimes Lovino's foul mouth gets him in trouble with the professors, but this, too, is something he has come to terms with. He often gets in trouble with them just because he's a Slytherin and everything is "his" fault anyway so he doesn't let those detentions get him down for too long. (If he were better skilled with pranks rather than simply hexing and cursing his enemies, Lovino doesn't mind taking these things out on those "favorite-playing" professors anyway) Of course, this idea also means Lovino gives compliments to those who deserve them without an ounce of hesitation or shame. You might not trust Lovino with much, but you can trust him to be honest. That, is part of his nature. Then again, he doesn't see why he should put the effort to lie to most people anyway; no need to be kind with them with a lie. Everyone should be able to handle the truth.
With some time, a lot of patience, and the ability to ignore rudeness when it's thrown in their face, a person might manage to get past Lovino's irritability. When this happens, even if the person has absolutely no intention of being his friend, or even his enemy, they will slowly be able to notice little discrepancies hidden between the lines of Lovino's personality. When Lovino is genuinely upset, the swearing immediately vanishes, the characteristic loudness quiets down, and they see him at his most "vulnerable". While he's not as sensitive as his brother, when he's hurt Lovino is as easily prone to tears as Feliciano. Lovino, however, has an easier time hiding them, or at least tearing people to shreds before he manages to flee somewhere safe. Because of this chink in his armor, Lovino makes sure to keep only his ruthlessness on his sleeves, because if people see where and how he can be hurt, he believes wholeheartedly it will be used against him. He has to grow up and be capable of taking insult, even piercing, personalized ones, without so much as a blink. The political landscape of powerful pureblood families is riddled with people willing to exploit any weakness an enemy might have in order to get what he want. Lovino is willing to use those tactics himself, when the situation calls upon it, so he has to learn how to take those tactics in turn.
A particularly strange vice of Lovino's is that he is a very possessive person. When it comes to both friends and enemies, Lovino hates it when people crowd in where they don't belong. He also hates it when people touch his physical possessions without his express permission; this is a bit of pureblood ideology where he and the family members have fought tooth and nail for the lavish living they have now, and to see others move where they don't belong is a huge threat that needs to be crushed immediately.
One thing that stands out the absolute most about Lovino Vargas though, beyond the anger and the rudeness and his hidden vulnerability, is Lovino's stark pessimism. Due to the hazing most Slytherins deal with simply because they are Slytherin, Lovino doesn't put much stock in people outside of his house. More often than not, he sees the worst in people, the worst in the situation, and doesn't expect much good to come out of anything. It might be his personality, or just a sort of "coping mechanism" that makes the good things more unexpected and thus easier to enjoy; no one really knows which, not even himself. But this pessimism dictates most of his thought-processes. Some might call it cowardice, though, expecting the worst to happen and bringing himself to terms with it. Funny thing about that is the fact that Lovino is a coward. He hates putting himself in situations that could hurt him emotionally, and physical pain often accompanies Lovino in many of his studies. The only time Lovino dares puts himself in situations of danger and duress is for the sake of others; the chosen few that Lovino cares for almost unconditionally.
Lovino gets a little bit louder and more violent when someone he knows is in, or has just gotten out of a bad situation. He swears a little less when he’s trying to be encouraging, and splutters uncomprehendingly or actually becomes comforting once someone (his brother) starts crying on him. When someone has earned Lovino's genuine respect, admiration, and god forbid friendship, he is incredibly loyal. You become part of the family. He will do whatever it takes to keep you safe, happy, and well, even if it means throwing himself in the line of fire. So, even if he’s not quite as mean as he likes to believe he is, he’s still likely to insist he's not as ‘nice’ and ‘sweet’ as some particularly optimistic people make him out to be.
Lovino does have some redeeming qualities, even if he genuinely has to know and care about them for a person to see this. When he’s in a genuine good mood (as rare as that seems) he almost never swears. The brunette is more forgiving of people and their potential mistakes, and will openly offer assistance to those who might need it; something his is loathe to do to those outside of his favor or his House. He’s also very energetic, playful, and even a bit mischievous; not necessarily good with pranks, but happy to tease and be teased in turn, so long as it's in good fun and you don't poke at something Lovino is genuinely anxious or embarrassed about. Despite his sour nature, it’s relatively easy to put Lovino in a good mood, even though that only seems possible if you know him very well. Lovino is a sucker for good, legitimately good food, or the soft comforts of a warm blanket and comfortable seat. Another would be giving him a book he's not read before, or complimenting him on his knowledge in general. He'll brush it off as something unnecessary, of course, but a slight flush will paint his cheeks and he'll be much less...prickly than usual. Honestly, simple compliments in general make Lovino happy; he does not ask for, nor does he expect compliments and kindness to be aimed his way. However, that doesn't mean he dislikes these things. Lovino is more pragmatic than self-depreciating. However, going on in excess with bring doubt to the honesty of your words, and Lovino will probably call you on your shit and leave, once again in a foul mood.
He’s a quirky guy too. Despite not liking it when people touch him, he’s a very touchy-feely person himself; it's mostly a matter of consent. Lovino has a huge issue with people touching him when he doesn't want them to, even his brother (though Feliciano gets a pass more than anyone else). When he's in the mood for it, cuddling and physical contact are things he practically craves. He often leans against people, as if he can't support himself, or he'll grab their hand... He even likes snuggles. But should anyone ask, mention, or otherwise bring this tendency up he gets, again, flustered and irritable. Another quirky thing about Lovino is that he has this...thing about broad shoulders. This is not to say he has an odd fetish, nor even that he finds every broad-shouldered person he sees attractive. He can't really explain it, it's just something that he's always noticed and approved of. Lovino personally accounts this for his love of his grandfather, who was a large and broad man, and a person Lovino views to this day as a paragon of safety and comfort (even though he too showed obvious favor to Feliciano). He's loathe to admit this, and honestly it never plays such a noticeable factor in his life to even attract attention from others around him. Lovino simply tries not to lie to himself, and thus acknowledges that he may unconsciously attempt to adhere himself to those who fit this idea of safety in his mind. As little a quirk this is of his, Lovino is also attempting to break himself of this habit.
The brunette is also far too curious for his own good and doesn’t seem to possess any logical sense of fear. Things make him nervous, and sometimes he gets exceedingly worried, but rarely does Lovino actually get scared enough to renix statements, deny his actions, or back down from a challenge. This might be due to the fact that he is more prideful than he is cowardly, and places the safety of those he cares about even higher than his pride and will fight to the death for them, should it honestly come to that. Or so Lovino thinks; some people could simply see Lovino's mindset with the world as cowardly.
Another quirk about Lovino is his sense of shame. It seems to operate on a faulty switch. Despite his pureblood upbringing (and possibly due to his Italian nature and grandfather's leniency), Lovino is relatively comfortable in his skin. When in his dorms quarters, he will gladly walk around with only the most meager covering, maybe even nothing at all when he's alone. Lovino also isn't bothered by the idea of sexual acts, even though it's assumed he's prudish simply because he "can't seem to handle being hugged without flushing and getting pissy". Hell, if he were more comfortable with people around him he would probably even brag about any sort of fun he'd had on the raunchier side of life; he is a teenager, after all. It's mostly when people are acting sweet and fussing over him that he gets uncomfortable, hiding away when he's gone and strutted like a peacock in the past.
It's doubtful that anyone can make actual sense of Lovino, since he seems to have problems understanding himself half the time. But that really shouldn't matter, should it? Lovino is a kind of person that you either take as is or ignore, and that is how he feels about people. If there is enough in a person for him to like, then he'll like them regardless of the shitty aspects of themselves (or he will do his best to help people improve where the wish to). So really, it's only expected for him to think that people would regard him the same way.
Because of his early lessons to lead the family, Lovino has come to see the world in shades of gray. No one is completely good, and none are completely evil. Therefore, he rarely treats people with unnecessary kindness; respect if they deserve it, and perhaps some cordiality when needed. However, he feels only those who actively choose to be good, and continue to do good things throughout their lives deserve true kindness in return. None of this 'intentions are good but the means are not' kind of bullshit he sees happening everywhere he looks. ‘Good emotions are meant for good people’ is a phrase Lovino actively lives by. Because of this belief, you won't hear Lovino ask for kindness from anyone; by his own rule, Lovino is not a good person. This is something he has come to terms with years ago.
The brunette is unafraid of sharing his opinion with people. If you piss him off, he will scream and curse and possibly hex or hit you. If you’re creepy, Lovino will avoid you because creepy assholes are not people he wishes to associate with. If you actually manage to scare Lovino, he will honestly be more violent and cruel to you than normal. Lovino is a person that is more afraid of showing fear than he is of being afraid; while there are times where being open with ones' emotion is good, showing fear in times of duress often upset those following you more than if you show that you can at least try to challenge your fears. Plus being scared angers Lovino more than the fear swallows him. Especially when that fears pertains to the safety and well-being of his brother. However, if you’re simply an idiot, Lovino will tell you as much over and over again until you either change your ways or you learn to simply keep your mouth shut around the Italian.
This vocalization of his opinion is something Lovino needs to work on a bit, when secrecy and subtlety is needed, but he's working on it, honest. However, in school, he doesn't see the need to keep quiet his opinions unless it comes to a dark plot he has anyway. Sometimes Lovino's foul mouth gets him in trouble with the professors, but this, too, is something he has come to terms with. He often gets in trouble with them just because he's a Slytherin and everything is "his" fault anyway so he doesn't let those detentions get him down for too long. (If he were better skilled with pranks rather than simply hexing and cursing his enemies, Lovino doesn't mind taking these things out on those "favorite-playing" professors anyway) Of course, this idea also means Lovino gives compliments to those who deserve them without an ounce of hesitation or shame. You might not trust Lovino with much, but you can trust him to be honest. That, is part of his nature. Then again, he doesn't see why he should put the effort to lie to most people anyway; no need to be kind with them with a lie. Everyone should be able to handle the truth.
With some time, a lot of patience, and the ability to ignore rudeness when it's thrown in their face, a person might manage to get past Lovino's irritability. When this happens, even if the person has absolutely no intention of being his friend, or even his enemy, they will slowly be able to notice little discrepancies hidden between the lines of Lovino's personality. When Lovino is genuinely upset, the swearing immediately vanishes, the characteristic loudness quiets down, and they see him at his most "vulnerable". While he's not as sensitive as his brother, when he's hurt Lovino is as easily prone to tears as Feliciano. Lovino, however, has an easier time hiding them, or at least tearing people to shreds before he manages to flee somewhere safe. Because of this chink in his armor, Lovino makes sure to keep only his ruthlessness on his sleeves, because if people see where and how he can be hurt, he believes wholeheartedly it will be used against him. He has to grow up and be capable of taking insult, even piercing, personalized ones, without so much as a blink. The political landscape of powerful pureblood families is riddled with people willing to exploit any weakness an enemy might have in order to get what he want. Lovino is willing to use those tactics himself, when the situation calls upon it, so he has to learn how to take those tactics in turn.
A particularly strange vice of Lovino's is that he is a very possessive person. When it comes to both friends and enemies, Lovino hates it when people crowd in where they don't belong. He also hates it when people touch his physical possessions without his express permission; this is a bit of pureblood ideology where he and the family members have fought tooth and nail for the lavish living they have now, and to see others move where they don't belong is a huge threat that needs to be crushed immediately.
One thing that stands out the absolute most about Lovino Vargas though, beyond the anger and the rudeness and his hidden vulnerability, is Lovino's stark pessimism. Due to the hazing most Slytherins deal with simply because they are Slytherin, Lovino doesn't put much stock in people outside of his house. More often than not, he sees the worst in people, the worst in the situation, and doesn't expect much good to come out of anything. It might be his personality, or just a sort of "coping mechanism" that makes the good things more unexpected and thus easier to enjoy; no one really knows which, not even himself. But this pessimism dictates most of his thought-processes. Some might call it cowardice, though, expecting the worst to happen and bringing himself to terms with it. Funny thing about that is the fact that Lovino is a coward. He hates putting himself in situations that could hurt him emotionally, and physical pain often accompanies Lovino in many of his studies. The only time Lovino dares puts himself in situations of danger and duress is for the sake of others; the chosen few that Lovino cares for almost unconditionally.
Lovino gets a little bit louder and more violent when someone he knows is in, or has just gotten out of a bad situation. He swears a little less when he’s trying to be encouraging, and splutters uncomprehendingly or actually becomes comforting once someone (his brother) starts crying on him. When someone has earned Lovino's genuine respect, admiration, and god forbid friendship, he is incredibly loyal. You become part of the family. He will do whatever it takes to keep you safe, happy, and well, even if it means throwing himself in the line of fire. So, even if he’s not quite as mean as he likes to believe he is, he’s still likely to insist he's not as ‘nice’ and ‘sweet’ as some particularly optimistic people make him out to be.
Lovino does have some redeeming qualities, even if he genuinely has to know and care about them for a person to see this. When he’s in a genuine good mood (as rare as that seems) he almost never swears. The brunette is more forgiving of people and their potential mistakes, and will openly offer assistance to those who might need it; something his is loathe to do to those outside of his favor or his House. He’s also very energetic, playful, and even a bit mischievous; not necessarily good with pranks, but happy to tease and be teased in turn, so long as it's in good fun and you don't poke at something Lovino is genuinely anxious or embarrassed about. Despite his sour nature, it’s relatively easy to put Lovino in a good mood, even though that only seems possible if you know him very well. Lovino is a sucker for good, legitimately good food, or the soft comforts of a warm blanket and comfortable seat. Another would be giving him a book he's not read before, or complimenting him on his knowledge in general. He'll brush it off as something unnecessary, of course, but a slight flush will paint his cheeks and he'll be much less...prickly than usual. Honestly, simple compliments in general make Lovino happy; he does not ask for, nor does he expect compliments and kindness to be aimed his way. However, that doesn't mean he dislikes these things. Lovino is more pragmatic than self-depreciating. However, going on in excess with bring doubt to the honesty of your words, and Lovino will probably call you on your shit and leave, once again in a foul mood.
He’s a quirky guy too. Despite not liking it when people touch him, he’s a very touchy-feely person himself; it's mostly a matter of consent. Lovino has a huge issue with people touching him when he doesn't want them to, even his brother (though Feliciano gets a pass more than anyone else). When he's in the mood for it, cuddling and physical contact are things he practically craves. He often leans against people, as if he can't support himself, or he'll grab their hand... He even likes snuggles. But should anyone ask, mention, or otherwise bring this tendency up he gets, again, flustered and irritable. Another quirky thing about Lovino is that he has this...thing about broad shoulders. This is not to say he has an odd fetish, nor even that he finds every broad-shouldered person he sees attractive. He can't really explain it, it's just something that he's always noticed and approved of. Lovino personally accounts this for his love of his grandfather, who was a large and broad man, and a person Lovino views to this day as a paragon of safety and comfort (even though he too showed obvious favor to Feliciano). He's loathe to admit this, and honestly it never plays such a noticeable factor in his life to even attract attention from others around him. Lovino simply tries not to lie to himself, and thus acknowledges that he may unconsciously attempt to adhere himself to those who fit this idea of safety in his mind. As little a quirk this is of his, Lovino is also attempting to break himself of this habit.
The brunette is also far too curious for his own good and doesn’t seem to possess any logical sense of fear. Things make him nervous, and sometimes he gets exceedingly worried, but rarely does Lovino actually get scared enough to renix statements, deny his actions, or back down from a challenge. This might be due to the fact that he is more prideful than he is cowardly, and places the safety of those he cares about even higher than his pride and will fight to the death for them, should it honestly come to that. Or so Lovino thinks; some people could simply see Lovino's mindset with the world as cowardly.
Another quirk about Lovino is his sense of shame. It seems to operate on a faulty switch. Despite his pureblood upbringing (and possibly due to his Italian nature and grandfather's leniency), Lovino is relatively comfortable in his skin. When in his dorms quarters, he will gladly walk around with only the most meager covering, maybe even nothing at all when he's alone. Lovino also isn't bothered by the idea of sexual acts, even though it's assumed he's prudish simply because he "can't seem to handle being hugged without flushing and getting pissy". Hell, if he were more comfortable with people around him he would probably even brag about any sort of fun he'd had on the raunchier side of life; he is a teenager, after all. It's mostly when people are acting sweet and fussing over him that he gets uncomfortable, hiding away when he's gone and strutted like a peacock in the past.
It's doubtful that anyone can make actual sense of Lovino, since he seems to have problems understanding himself half the time. But that really shouldn't matter, should it? Lovino is a kind of person that you either take as is or ignore, and that is how he feels about people. If there is enough in a person for him to like, then he'll like them regardless of the shitty aspects of themselves (or he will do his best to help people improve where the wish to). So really, it's only expected for him to think that people would regard him the same way.
history
The Vargas family is a very powerful, well-known pureblood family within the Magical World; if not the most powerful family within Wizard Italy. Many members have gone on to hold prestigious positions within the ministries of several magic governments, and are well-known in Italian history as having helped shape Wizard Italy into the entity it is today.
While there are several different factions and families within the Vargas family proper, Lovino is the first-born of the Patriarch of the Vargas family, the elder of a set of twins. His mother's labor was long and difficult before Lovino came, while his brother, Feliciano was practically a breeze in comparison. This level of difficulty would follow Lovino throughout the rest of his life; as the eldest child, Lovino is destined to take over the family once he is old enough, and has proven himself worth of the position.
Their parents are very busy with their work within the wizarding government as well as the family itself, so Lovino spent much of his childhood under the tutelage and care of his grandfather. He also had many lessons with his father on magic, history, and leadership, as well as the expectations set upon him. While Lovino carries much pride in his heritage, as a child he resented his brother to a small degree for having so much more time to goof off and spend time with their grandfather while he was stuck inside, studying profusely. However, Lovino also cares deeply for his brother, and sees the urge to protect him from the darker sides of the world. If this meant beating up bullies around town and allowing him to hide in his room, so be it.
Compared to his younger, happy-go-lucky brother, Lovino was more of a sullen child, taking his duties surprisingly seriously and only rarely rebelling against the insane pressures put upon him. Because of his work-ethic, Lovino had no long-term friends outside of his younger brother. This proved difficult when Lovino had well-earned breaks to have fun but his brother was out in the city with their grandfather and primary caretaker. He enjoyed hearing the stories Feliciano had to share, and was glad he had found a new friend in their next door neighbor, but Lovino was more lonely than he cared to admit. Therefore, he turned to self-chosen studies of potions and herbology, and bonded well with the pets the Vargas family had on their expansive property. Outside of his brother and grandfather, the animals were his closest friends. Even the magical plants used by the house elves and his parents for potions were some of Lovino's "friends", and he took great pleasure in helping take care of them all when he had free time. (These research endeavors grew into a powerful love of these more physical aspects of magic, so it was no surprise that Lovino's first signs of magic years later involved helping flowers bloom, taming magic and non-magic animals alike, and revitalizing spoiled and preserved potions and cooking ingredients to their original states) So long as his studies didn't falter (thankfully nothing practical, due to his young age and immaturity of his magic), his parents felt no need to pressure their son to socialize outside of the meetings and get-togethers they held for other important and influential wizard families within Italy (pureblood or otherwise. Compared to many of the pureblood families within the Wizarding World in general, the Vargases took after their ancestor, Romulus Vargas, and were welcoming, or at least ambivalent, to half-blood and Muggle-born wizards alike).
While Lovino knew the importance of his future position, the boy never truly grasped the necessary measures he might have to take to ensure the safety and continued existence of the Vargas family until he witnessed his father handle a "situation" involving a member of another influential wizarding family. At the time, Lovino hadn't quite understood what was going on: he had almost been a victim of kidnapping, and possible murder (if his father's words and beliefs were accurate). The man was a personal stranger to Lovino, but the young boy had known he was one of his father's colleagues. The claim that the adult had been sent by his father to fetch him for an impromptu lesson was a believable one, and thus Lovino had been willing to leave his grandfather's home with him. Nonno had been working in his study and Feliciano was off who-knows-where with his new friend, but Lovino was a "big boy" who could make his own decisions. They had only been gone for a few hours before Lovino's father and several of their guards came to collect him. He did, and still occasionally does, have nightmares of that day; of the curses used against this man before Lovino was pulled away, the screams his attempted kidnapper emitted as he was struck by The Cruciatus Curse by Lovino's own father.
The situation was kept hushed, so as to not draw attention to the failure of the young Vargas heir as well as those meant to "protect" him from such kidnapping attempts. The measures went so far as to not even tell Feliciano of the situation, with Lovino sworn to secrecy by his own father. Lovino doesn't know what ever happened to the man that day, and honestly he would rather not. When he questioned his father on his actions, wanting to knwo why they hadn't simply had him arrested if he had done something wrong, and the answer still resonates with Lovino to this day: "He was going to hurt you. The government couldn't punish him harshly enough for that transgression."
Lovino knows that his father works for the Italian magical government, and that he could have had some of the worst punishments laid upon his kidnapper should he have wished. So, if even the Vargas Patriarch felt such a slight against his family deserved a more personal touch... Strangely enough, Lovino never felt his father loved him more than in that moment. This firmly ironed within him the conviction to do whatever it takes to ensure his family's safety and well-being. Lovino considers that situation a personal failure of his own, for driving his father to such measures for his own safety as well as putting Feliciano's way of life at risk. Lovino, as much as he loves his brother, didn't feel he had the proper mindset and motivation to take over as the patriarch.
Lovino threw himself into his studies with renewed vigor, while in his spare time keeping an eye on Feliciano. If Lovino had been trusting enough to allow such a stupid situation to happen to himself, who knew what kind of shit Feliciano might get himself into. Thankfully, Feliciano's friend and their neighbor was both too young and too enamored with his younger brother to be much of a threat to anything more than Lovino's time with Feliciano. Lovino was glad that his brother had a friend he could spend time with, though, even if he was a little jealous. A feeling he quickly swallowed when, a few scant months later, Feliciano lost his first and best friend. Lovino never heard the details on the boy's death, though he honestly doubted it was intentional. However, Feliciano took the loss very, very poorly. Not even Lovino could get his brother out of his room for any extended period of time.
It was only when they both began manifesting their powers, Feliciano a few weeks before Lovino and a bit more flashy than his elder brother, that Feliciano began to come out of his shell again. And all he ever seemed to talk about was Hogwarts when he had. Lovino shared his parents' sentiment when it came to their future schooling: stay in Italy, as the Vargases had done since properly establishing themselves back in Rome after the anti-magic sentiments in Britain forced the foreign family to flee back to their home country. How could Lovino properly continue his studies into his future position as head of the family if they were practically on the other side of Europe? However, this is all Feliciano talked about, and it was the happiest he had seen his brother in months. Their grandfather agreed wholeheartedly with Feliciano as well, and despite his love for his parents, Lovino was more familiar and comfortable with his Nonno, who had helped raise him.
Eventually, both Lovino and their parents' resolves were broken: the two were enrolled at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Feliciano's happiness might have been the main cause for Lovino's change of heart (for Feliciano refused to go to school alone and the older Vargas couldn't dare drag his brother somewhere he desperately didn't want to go), but their grandfather appealed to their parents' idea of prestige and tradition, and how would it look to have the future head of the Vargas family rejoin the school one of their greatest ancestors had helped found?
Due to a later enrollment than most British students (who are on a list since birth, usually), the Vargas family spent plenty of time in both Diagon Alley and its equivalent in Rome, properly stocking Lovino and Feliciano with whatever supplies they might need. Sure, they might've ended up with more than they needed, but Lovino agreed that it was better to be overprepared than under. Especially considering the "horror" stories he'd heard from disgruntled parents about the terrible weather in Britain and their lackluster food. Lovino kept a hawk's eye on his brother the entire trip from Rome to Hogwarts, but his brother seemed to have fun interacting with the other children their age. Lovino didn't socialize much; he was too preoccupied (and socially uncomfortable) to do so. Thankfully, Nonno made sure they were one hundred percent fluent in English even before the decision to send them to school in Scotland.
Lovino, like most of the other Hogwarts students, was surprised when his brother was finally Sorted and ended up in Slytherin. He had made sure to read up extensively on their future school, and knew the characteristics each House was "known" for--he was sure his sweet, kind brother would end up in Gryffindor, or at least Hufflepuff. There wasn't much hesitation in the Sorting Hat, either, so obviously it...knew more about his own brother than he had. (The very thought burned sick and hot in his chest, though Lovino knew the ugly old hat was charmed to delve into places it really didn't belong, that's all) Lovino was hyper-aware of the disbelieving and borderline disgusted stares coming from the Gryffindor table in particular, which only strengthened his resolve.
Before the Sorting Hat was even properly set upon his head, Lovino mentally told the magical object, "If you put me anywhere but Slytherin, I will rip you apart by the fucking seams."
It was very long, tense minutes of vicious arguing, at least on Lovino's end, about which House he belonged in. While he wasn't the bravest soul in existence, his belief in attempting to face his fears (or rather his hatred of said fears and strong desire to conquer them) as well as his dedication to his friends and family apparently made him a good fit for Gryffindor. His resolve to sink to any low, however, and resolve to not go anywhere without his brother eventually won out; Lovino prides himself on "beating" the Sorting Hat, though he hears it claims it made the decision on its own and simply took his personal preference into account. Who really knows which is right? Lovino was later told that he was almost a Hatstall, having sat there arguing with the Sorting Hat and glaring daggers into the floor for almost four minutes.
Again, the Sorted Vargas was met with only cheers from one table rather than the entire Great Hall, something that hardened Lovino's heart to his fellow students. He didn't care about furthering his ancestor's legacy by honoring Gryffindor: he was here to protect the family alive now, and to further cement his family's position in the Wizarding World. If the other students judge only by stereotypes instead of using their own fucking brains to decide if people are worth spending time with, then Lovino would reciprocate in kind.
Compared to Feliciano, Lovino failed to properly integrate himself into school and student body. He flourishes in Herbology and Potions, due to his extensive studies over the years before Hogwarts. Even now, the course he struggles with most extensively is History of Magic, because it covers British history almost extensively and it's so boring. Astronomy is a close second. He's made plenty of enemies of students without (and even a few within) his House due to the assholes thinking Feliciano is a dope that can be taken advantage of. Despite the almost respectful way Lovino acted at home (when his parents and grandfather are around), Lovino truly flourished into his vicious, cruel persona his years in Hogwarts. As he saw more of each student, and some of the cruel things they would do to one another based on their blood status, their House colors, and even just their appearances, the more Lovino resolved to simply close himself off from most beyond his brother. He has a few acquaintances here and there, and of course students he's cordial with, but none he personally could consider his "friends". Especially when there are students who would go after his brother and then attempt to mooch up to him later on, as if he'd forget such a transgression against the Vargas family. Lovino's memory is long, and his forgiveness is hard-earned. The students he can bribe and otherwise influence quickly became a well-working information network across Hogwarts; a labor of love in order to keep an eye on Feliciano, mostly. It's proven useful in other situations, though, and he rewards those who aid him handsomely.
Due to his quick, and often vicious retribution to those who have wronged him and his brother, Lovino has earned himself more than a few detentions over the ears, as well as the occasional Howler from home, but his stellar grades in most of his subjects at least spared him the true wrath of his family. Plus his efforts in his lessons at home during breaks and summers kept him out of too much hot water.
Now in his seventh and final year at Hogwarts, Lovino is content to spend his time studying for his NEWTS and keeping an eye on his wayward brother. He's a bit worried that Feliciano doesn't have much of a plan for his future, but he's also fully content to take care of his brother even when they graduate. While he's not guaranteed a position within the Italian government, he knows his own successes as well as his family's influence will at least help him further on into the future. His father is pressuring him to at least attempt joining the Triwizard Tournament, for if he won it would greatly boost the reputation of the Vargas family in the long run, Lovino is very wary of the dangers: he'd rather not die reaching for some unnecessary glory. His parents also want him to at least attempt to interact with the incoming students from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang. Gaining new connections with future leaders of other families is always important. Lovino doesn't know if he'll go that far, though. He has all the time in the world for that.
While there are several different factions and families within the Vargas family proper, Lovino is the first-born of the Patriarch of the Vargas family, the elder of a set of twins. His mother's labor was long and difficult before Lovino came, while his brother, Feliciano was practically a breeze in comparison. This level of difficulty would follow Lovino throughout the rest of his life; as the eldest child, Lovino is destined to take over the family once he is old enough, and has proven himself worth of the position.
Their parents are very busy with their work within the wizarding government as well as the family itself, so Lovino spent much of his childhood under the tutelage and care of his grandfather. He also had many lessons with his father on magic, history, and leadership, as well as the expectations set upon him. While Lovino carries much pride in his heritage, as a child he resented his brother to a small degree for having so much more time to goof off and spend time with their grandfather while he was stuck inside, studying profusely. However, Lovino also cares deeply for his brother, and sees the urge to protect him from the darker sides of the world. If this meant beating up bullies around town and allowing him to hide in his room, so be it.
Compared to his younger, happy-go-lucky brother, Lovino was more of a sullen child, taking his duties surprisingly seriously and only rarely rebelling against the insane pressures put upon him. Because of his work-ethic, Lovino had no long-term friends outside of his younger brother. This proved difficult when Lovino had well-earned breaks to have fun but his brother was out in the city with their grandfather and primary caretaker. He enjoyed hearing the stories Feliciano had to share, and was glad he had found a new friend in their next door neighbor, but Lovino was more lonely than he cared to admit. Therefore, he turned to self-chosen studies of potions and herbology, and bonded well with the pets the Vargas family had on their expansive property. Outside of his brother and grandfather, the animals were his closest friends. Even the magical plants used by the house elves and his parents for potions were some of Lovino's "friends", and he took great pleasure in helping take care of them all when he had free time. (These research endeavors grew into a powerful love of these more physical aspects of magic, so it was no surprise that Lovino's first signs of magic years later involved helping flowers bloom, taming magic and non-magic animals alike, and revitalizing spoiled and preserved potions and cooking ingredients to their original states) So long as his studies didn't falter (thankfully nothing practical, due to his young age and immaturity of his magic), his parents felt no need to pressure their son to socialize outside of the meetings and get-togethers they held for other important and influential wizard families within Italy (pureblood or otherwise. Compared to many of the pureblood families within the Wizarding World in general, the Vargases took after their ancestor, Romulus Vargas, and were welcoming, or at least ambivalent, to half-blood and Muggle-born wizards alike).
While Lovino knew the importance of his future position, the boy never truly grasped the necessary measures he might have to take to ensure the safety and continued existence of the Vargas family until he witnessed his father handle a "situation" involving a member of another influential wizarding family. At the time, Lovino hadn't quite understood what was going on: he had almost been a victim of kidnapping, and possible murder (if his father's words and beliefs were accurate). The man was a personal stranger to Lovino, but the young boy had known he was one of his father's colleagues. The claim that the adult had been sent by his father to fetch him for an impromptu lesson was a believable one, and thus Lovino had been willing to leave his grandfather's home with him. Nonno had been working in his study and Feliciano was off who-knows-where with his new friend, but Lovino was a "big boy" who could make his own decisions. They had only been gone for a few hours before Lovino's father and several of their guards came to collect him. He did, and still occasionally does, have nightmares of that day; of the curses used against this man before Lovino was pulled away, the screams his attempted kidnapper emitted as he was struck by The Cruciatus Curse by Lovino's own father.
The situation was kept hushed, so as to not draw attention to the failure of the young Vargas heir as well as those meant to "protect" him from such kidnapping attempts. The measures went so far as to not even tell Feliciano of the situation, with Lovino sworn to secrecy by his own father. Lovino doesn't know what ever happened to the man that day, and honestly he would rather not. When he questioned his father on his actions, wanting to knwo why they hadn't simply had him arrested if he had done something wrong, and the answer still resonates with Lovino to this day: "He was going to hurt you. The government couldn't punish him harshly enough for that transgression."
Lovino knows that his father works for the Italian magical government, and that he could have had some of the worst punishments laid upon his kidnapper should he have wished. So, if even the Vargas Patriarch felt such a slight against his family deserved a more personal touch... Strangely enough, Lovino never felt his father loved him more than in that moment. This firmly ironed within him the conviction to do whatever it takes to ensure his family's safety and well-being. Lovino considers that situation a personal failure of his own, for driving his father to such measures for his own safety as well as putting Feliciano's way of life at risk. Lovino, as much as he loves his brother, didn't feel he had the proper mindset and motivation to take over as the patriarch.
Lovino threw himself into his studies with renewed vigor, while in his spare time keeping an eye on Feliciano. If Lovino had been trusting enough to allow such a stupid situation to happen to himself, who knew what kind of shit Feliciano might get himself into. Thankfully, Feliciano's friend and their neighbor was both too young and too enamored with his younger brother to be much of a threat to anything more than Lovino's time with Feliciano. Lovino was glad that his brother had a friend he could spend time with, though, even if he was a little jealous. A feeling he quickly swallowed when, a few scant months later, Feliciano lost his first and best friend. Lovino never heard the details on the boy's death, though he honestly doubted it was intentional. However, Feliciano took the loss very, very poorly. Not even Lovino could get his brother out of his room for any extended period of time.
It was only when they both began manifesting their powers, Feliciano a few weeks before Lovino and a bit more flashy than his elder brother, that Feliciano began to come out of his shell again. And all he ever seemed to talk about was Hogwarts when he had. Lovino shared his parents' sentiment when it came to their future schooling: stay in Italy, as the Vargases had done since properly establishing themselves back in Rome after the anti-magic sentiments in Britain forced the foreign family to flee back to their home country. How could Lovino properly continue his studies into his future position as head of the family if they were practically on the other side of Europe? However, this is all Feliciano talked about, and it was the happiest he had seen his brother in months. Their grandfather agreed wholeheartedly with Feliciano as well, and despite his love for his parents, Lovino was more familiar and comfortable with his Nonno, who had helped raise him.
Eventually, both Lovino and their parents' resolves were broken: the two were enrolled at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Feliciano's happiness might have been the main cause for Lovino's change of heart (for Feliciano refused to go to school alone and the older Vargas couldn't dare drag his brother somewhere he desperately didn't want to go), but their grandfather appealed to their parents' idea of prestige and tradition, and how would it look to have the future head of the Vargas family rejoin the school one of their greatest ancestors had helped found?
Due to a later enrollment than most British students (who are on a list since birth, usually), the Vargas family spent plenty of time in both Diagon Alley and its equivalent in Rome, properly stocking Lovino and Feliciano with whatever supplies they might need. Sure, they might've ended up with more than they needed, but Lovino agreed that it was better to be overprepared than under. Especially considering the "horror" stories he'd heard from disgruntled parents about the terrible weather in Britain and their lackluster food. Lovino kept a hawk's eye on his brother the entire trip from Rome to Hogwarts, but his brother seemed to have fun interacting with the other children their age. Lovino didn't socialize much; he was too preoccupied (and socially uncomfortable) to do so. Thankfully, Nonno made sure they were one hundred percent fluent in English even before the decision to send them to school in Scotland.
Lovino, like most of the other Hogwarts students, was surprised when his brother was finally Sorted and ended up in Slytherin. He had made sure to read up extensively on their future school, and knew the characteristics each House was "known" for--he was sure his sweet, kind brother would end up in Gryffindor, or at least Hufflepuff. There wasn't much hesitation in the Sorting Hat, either, so obviously it...knew more about his own brother than he had. (The very thought burned sick and hot in his chest, though Lovino knew the ugly old hat was charmed to delve into places it really didn't belong, that's all) Lovino was hyper-aware of the disbelieving and borderline disgusted stares coming from the Gryffindor table in particular, which only strengthened his resolve.
Before the Sorting Hat was even properly set upon his head, Lovino mentally told the magical object, "If you put me anywhere but Slytherin, I will rip you apart by the fucking seams."
It was very long, tense minutes of vicious arguing, at least on Lovino's end, about which House he belonged in. While he wasn't the bravest soul in existence, his belief in attempting to face his fears (or rather his hatred of said fears and strong desire to conquer them) as well as his dedication to his friends and family apparently made him a good fit for Gryffindor. His resolve to sink to any low, however, and resolve to not go anywhere without his brother eventually won out; Lovino prides himself on "beating" the Sorting Hat, though he hears it claims it made the decision on its own and simply took his personal preference into account. Who really knows which is right? Lovino was later told that he was almost a Hatstall, having sat there arguing with the Sorting Hat and glaring daggers into the floor for almost four minutes.
Again, the Sorted Vargas was met with only cheers from one table rather than the entire Great Hall, something that hardened Lovino's heart to his fellow students. He didn't care about furthering his ancestor's legacy by honoring Gryffindor: he was here to protect the family alive now, and to further cement his family's position in the Wizarding World. If the other students judge only by stereotypes instead of using their own fucking brains to decide if people are worth spending time with, then Lovino would reciprocate in kind.
Compared to Feliciano, Lovino failed to properly integrate himself into school and student body. He flourishes in Herbology and Potions, due to his extensive studies over the years before Hogwarts. Even now, the course he struggles with most extensively is History of Magic, because it covers British history almost extensively and it's so boring. Astronomy is a close second. He's made plenty of enemies of students without (and even a few within) his House due to the assholes thinking Feliciano is a dope that can be taken advantage of. Despite the almost respectful way Lovino acted at home (when his parents and grandfather are around), Lovino truly flourished into his vicious, cruel persona his years in Hogwarts. As he saw more of each student, and some of the cruel things they would do to one another based on their blood status, their House colors, and even just their appearances, the more Lovino resolved to simply close himself off from most beyond his brother. He has a few acquaintances here and there, and of course students he's cordial with, but none he personally could consider his "friends". Especially when there are students who would go after his brother and then attempt to mooch up to him later on, as if he'd forget such a transgression against the Vargas family. Lovino's memory is long, and his forgiveness is hard-earned. The students he can bribe and otherwise influence quickly became a well-working information network across Hogwarts; a labor of love in order to keep an eye on Feliciano, mostly. It's proven useful in other situations, though, and he rewards those who aid him handsomely.
Due to his quick, and often vicious retribution to those who have wronged him and his brother, Lovino has earned himself more than a few detentions over the ears, as well as the occasional Howler from home, but his stellar grades in most of his subjects at least spared him the true wrath of his family. Plus his efforts in his lessons at home during breaks and summers kept him out of too much hot water.
Now in his seventh and final year at Hogwarts, Lovino is content to spend his time studying for his NEWTS and keeping an eye on his wayward brother. He's a bit worried that Feliciano doesn't have much of a plan for his future, but he's also fully content to take care of his brother even when they graduate. While he's not guaranteed a position within the Italian government, he knows his own successes as well as his family's influence will at least help him further on into the future. His father is pressuring him to at least attempt joining the Triwizard Tournament, for if he won it would greatly boost the reputation of the Vargas family in the long run, Lovino is very wary of the dangers: he'd rather not die reaching for some unnecessary glory. His parents also want him to at least attempt to interact with the incoming students from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang. Gaining new connections with future leaders of other families is always important. Lovino doesn't know if he'll go that far, though. He has all the time in the world for that.
rp sample
[Disclaimer: This post does not guarantee that my muse is going to join the Triwizard Tournament as a candidate]
Lovino knew that he needed to get to bed soon. Curfew was coming up in less than an hour, and it was a long walk from the Great Hall back to the Slytherin dormitory. The prefects would begin their rounds soon, and the last thing the Italian wanted to do was be docked points simply because he couldn't make up his damn mind. However, there were only a few days left, and... Lovino had to be absolutely certain in this decision. There was no going back from this.
The candles floating above his head dimmed in regular intervals as time passed, making the Goblet of Fire glow ever-brighter as darkness encroached. Due to the late hour, Lovino was the only student left in the Great Hall now. The last two Ravenclaws poring over their books had left when the lighting grew "too weak" for proper reading. Lovino had his own difficulty making out his own name on a slip of parchment; not necessarily for lack of light, but how much wear the ink and parchment had seen in the past...few weeks.
Many of the other students in his year, who were either gung-ho for entering and quickly jotted their names, or were obviously uninterested. Lovino had written his name down a day or two after the tournament was announced, but still hesitated to toss it into the burning cup. Honestly, he didn't want to join in: too much peril for (in his mind) a weak reward. Especially with the added consequence of his position within his family. ...The repercussions Feliciano might have to face should Lovino meet an untimely end.
While Lovino worried about the pain his injury or death would cause his parents and grandfather, he was more worried about how it would affect Feliciano. Feliciano had a few friends, but Lovino was his brother. Not only that, but Feliciano was not prepared to take over as patriarch. Lovino had most of his life in preparation. The pressure Feliciano would have to endure to catch up... Lovino couldn't do that to his brother. He couldn't.
His parents didn't think it was such an issue. Lovino was touched his parents thought so highly him. That he was capable of not only being chosen out of the dozens of 7th years in the running, but that he was skilled enough to win. But they cared more about the possible glory he could earn their family than they were about his safety: of that the brunette was certain. Otherwise they wouldn't be pushing him to join when he didn't want to.
Lovino has been very vocal about his feelings on the tournament: that it was an idiotic stunt and risking peoples' lives for a bit of sport was insane. People who wanted the fun were equally deranged. In Lovino's eyes, this was practically bloodsport, even with the new regulations set in place to "attempt to guarantee the safety of the champions." And yet...
And yet Lovino was tempted to toss his name into that stupid goblet. Lovino knew better to think he was the most qualified to be chosen Champion of Hogwarts, moreso than any other student here. At least he could say he tried. No one could fault him for not being chosen, right?
The minutes continued to count down as Lovino stared, mentally torn, at the Goblet of Fire. He needed to leave now if he wanted to make it to the dormitory on time. However, this might be the last time he had to throw his name in without being seen. The closer the deadline loomed, the more students who lingered in the Great Hall to see who else would take a chance at glory.
Eventually, Lovino forced himself to his feet, rumpled parchment clenched in one hand. Steeling his nerves, the Italian marched up to the goblet. He only lingered a few moments. Eyes closed, as if not seeing would make his idiotic decision not exist, Lovino threw the scrap into the cup. Flames swarmed the air before his face, heating his skin and lighting up the darkness behind his eyelids, as they greedily engulfed his parchment. There was no going back now.
Lovino took a deep breath, then spun on a heel and marched away, robes billowing behind him.
other
Wand | |
Wyvern Skin | Yew |
11 7/8 Inches | Slightly springy |
Strongest Subject | Weakest Subject |
Herbology | History of Magic |
Familiar | Patronus |
Eurasian Eagle-Owl | European Badger |
Italia Romano/Lovino Vargas from Hetalia | |
Reed | |
