An active, character-driven Hogwarts experience set in the early 2000s. Unique items, plots, and features. Non-canon; this isn't Harry Potter's story, it's ours.
Post by Ryan Barrow on Jan 26, 2019 1:17:50 GMT 10
Aside from being in awe of the ceiling to the point of almost crashing into Gerald as they walked, Ryan had little memory of whatever led him to have his house shouted out to the room before he'd barely sat his butt on the stool.
He was just so happy not to have puked all over his shoes from nervousness. When it was finally over, he stumbled to the Ravenclaw table and sat down with a heavy sigh. The whole journey to that point felt far away now, as if he'd reached a destination and could worry a little less about what happened next.
Whoever that Dumbledore person was, Ryan didn't particularly care. His legs were tired and he was hungry, too anxious to think about more things that might not be good. He shivered worriedly when the older years took the silver-robed person's words very seriously.
Unsure what it all meant or how he was supposed to feel, he shuffled a little closer beside Dani just because she was familiar and at his level. He felt a little less alone or left out of everything with her there, and Gerald too.
Last Edit: Jan 26, 2019 1:18:12 GMT 10 by Ryan Barrow
Thomas slid on to the bench between two sixth years. He grinned at each of them before he leaned forward to look farther up the table. Just as he had suspected, Jacob had already collapsed on the table. Probably from starvation since he was feeling quite ravished at the moment as well.
"Hey! Hey mate!" Thomas said less than quietly. He pulled a random candy wrapper out of his robes, balled it up and then threw it at his best friend's head. A few other fifth years close to Jacob laughed at Thomas's usual antics. He grinned and winked at a couple of them before focusing on Jacob again.
Before he could say anything else though, the Sorting Ceremony began. Thomas waved Jacob off as if to say 'later' and focused on the group of first years. He clapped for each and every new student that joined for Gryffindor. He reserved his energy for the other Houses though, clapping only if he knew someone as a family member of a friend or acquaintance.
Finally, all first years had been sorted and it was time for the opening speech. However, Dumbledore was nowhere in sight. Thomas straightened up when he saw an unfamiliar man approach the podium. The stranger announced that Dumbledore had resigned as Headmaster the previous day. Which meant...no more Dumbledore at Hogwarts. Even though Thomas was capable of digesting the words, they still didn't seem quite real. Dumbledore had been a part of Hogwarts for longer than Thomas could recall at that moment. To him, Hogwarts wasn't quite Hogwarts without Dumbledore. However, he waited to see what else was said since news of their new Headmaster was no doubt coming soon.
After students had enough time to absorb the news and react, the man raised his hand again. The Great Hall began to quiet. There was an air of authority about him not unlike Dumbledore's, yet much firmer. He meant business.
'I am Gordon Rickard, your newly-appointed headmaster,' he revealed. 'My return to Hogwarts shall mark a new era at this fine school. It's going to be very busy, this year.' Rickard nodded, then waved his hand. A scroll appeared in mid-air and unrolled itself for him to read off.
'Now then, let us begin with some start of term notices.' He glanced at the list. 'We've had quite the staff change this year. I'd like to introduce Professor Archerose, who will be teaching History of Magic now that Professor Binns has finally retired.'
Some students cheered to that, while others could hardly believe their ears.
'Next, Professor Hathmore - our new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher,' Rickard continued without missing a beat. 'I'm sure you've all heard in the Daily Prophet by now that former Professor Joywide suffered an unfortunate incident involving a memory curse at the end of term, and is unable to return to her post. Nevertheless, Professor Hathmore is here to stay.'
He ignored further gasps, as not everyone had indeed heard the news. All the older students knew at the time was that the Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor had unofficially resigned weeks prior to their end of year exams. At least, that's what Dumbledore said. Professor Snape had taken over supervising the exams for that class. It wasn't a fun time for anyone involved.
'Professor Kettleburn, who taught Care of Magical Creatures, has decided to retire to...' Rickard squinted at the notes. '...Spend more time with his remaining limbs?' He cleared his throat, then continued. 'Taking up the post is Professor Fairburn.'
He paused and took a breath. 'Now, our final change of staff, is Professor Rivera who has kindly agreed to not only take over Charms from Professor Flitwick, who has indeed decided to leave us on account of several family emergencies, but she will also be Ravenclaw's new Head of House. I trust you will treat her with the respect she deserves.'
It was a lot. Rickard recognised that, as the students clapped dutifully but looked far too tired and unsettled for a night of celebration. It was a lot of changes to throw at the children, but he was confident they could handle it. They had to.
'Caretaker, Mr Filch, has asked to remind you that the full list of banned items can be found near his office, as usual. Added to that list are wet-start fireworks of any kind, and sticky bombs.' He glanced around the room, catching some Gryffindors smirking at each other rather proudly. 'There has also been an incident on the 5th floor - a door covered in vines. All students are advised to keep their distance. The dark corridor on the left-hand side of the 6th floor is strictly forbidden, as well as the nearby door with a dragon's handle. If anything is locked, there's a good reason for it so you'd all best stay away. The dark forest and whomping willow area are, as always, strictly forbidden to all students. Do not take this lightly.'
Rickard tapped the scroll and it vanished. 'Now, that's quite enough from me for tonight. I daresay you're all eager to enjoy our excellent feast. And with that, I say - let the feast, begin.' He made a gestured with both hands, and food/drink appeared on every table. First years, even those familiar with magic, gasped in amazement. There was everything one could imagine for a celebratory feast, which smelled delicious and looked as tempting as could be.
With a satisfied nod, Rickard went to occupy what was, for such a long time until now, Headmaster Dumbledore's chair. He faced the hall of students like a king on his throne, confident and curious about the year ahead.
---
Visual reference of all Hogwarts Staff Members can be viewed in theNPC Listlocated in the Staff Room board, and via your "Map" in the main menu. Feel free to use it as often as needed while RPing, if you ever want to describe/notice a Professor's appearance etc.
He looked around him for Ryan, and nodded at him. That guy was interesting. Both of the two he met on the train were, and he hoped he had at least one of them was in his house.
Fortunately, both were and without any complaint, Gerald sat next to Ryan, and tried to pass him another one of the beans, hoping for a joke, not realising it tasted like chocolate.
He didn't know any of the teachers, and as the headmaster spoke, wondered why so many teachers retired. did the school have some sort of emergency? Should he be worried?
The forbidden areas only worried him more. Vines covering the door? Whomping willow? This place sounded dangerous.
Last Edit: Jan 28, 2019 14:56:15 GMT 10 by Deleted
Sinead remained silent, lost in her thoughts as the hall began to fill with students and staff, though she noticed a man stood off to one side as well. It seemed there were far more new faces this year, leaving an ever observant Sinead, a little confused. The brunette remained quiet through the sorting, acting as a typical Slytherin would and only applauding only those that joined her house. Soon the sorting was over and the hat and stool were removed from the Great Hall. Sinead observed that Dumbledore still had not arrived yet and it became clear that he was not going to, once the man whom she had observed earlier walked over to where the headmaster normally stood and began to speak.
The brunette listened carefully with one eyebrow raised slightly, when the man mentioned that Dumbledore had resigned and that he was now their new headmaster. As the man droned on, Sinead began to grow bored, only showing mild interest when he mentioned that areas on the 5 and 6th floors were forbidden to students. All Sinead wanted to do now was eat and head for her bed.
Julian kept quiet throughout the whole time Rickard, apparently the Hogwarts’ new Headmaster, talked. He was sad to see Dumbledore go; he was a great head of the school. He wondered briefly why Dumbledore had to resign, and on the night before the new term if the man’s words were to be believed. Julian frowned and picked at the table cloth again.
It seemed that all professors Julian was close to (as a part Veela and a Raveclaw) or at least on better terms with, left. The blond looked at the newcomers, one of whom was his new Head of House. Sighing, Julian tuned the man out after he said something about doors.
With the new changes weighing heavily on his mind, Julian was glad that the dinner started soon after Rickard stopped talking. He put some potatoes and pork on his plate and poured himself a glass of pumpkin juice. This year proved to be interesting and Julian needed all the energy he had to survive it. At least the beginning.
Post by Amara Seabrook on Jan 28, 2019 17:02:35 GMT 10
Amara was bored, not as shocked as the rest of the gall mostly because she didn't care about the staff changes. She'd never liked Dumbledore anyway, so maybe a new headmaster would be a good thing? Her problem was more with the unfamiliar; not knowing what to expect from the new staff members or their levels of tolerance. She'd figure it out.
She kept her head bowed though, eyes focused on her empty plate despite everyone else reaching for the food that just delightfully appeared. Risking it, she shot a glance a Professor Hathmore. That was one face she did know, though it'd been a long time since he was her tutor. Why was he here? Amara was more than a bit suspicious, but it was long day after an even longer summer and she didn't have any energy leftover for much else.
Eating her chicken and idly poking the potatoes with her knife, Amara sighed in annoyance. She maintained a bowed posture, though aware some had noticed it was rather out of character for her. Not that annyone could ever claim to be able to predict or know her, but still. She had to figure out what to do, despite her wish not to focus on it now. The subject wouldn't rest. She could treat Hathmore like any other professor, though knowing she wouldn't be able to fool him as easily as them, or maybe it would work to her advantage to mention their past acquaintance? No, that wouldn't do. It hadn't exactly ended well.
For the first time in a long time, Amara was nervous around a Professor and she hated it. She didn't have the control there, so would have to assure she maintained it elsewhere. Finishing her dinner, she took a big sip of pumpkin juice and sent a glare to a younger year for good measure. As tired as she was, Amara stayed put. No one dared to talk with her and while it was often her intention to be left alone, sometimes chatter was a good distraction. She resumed poking her potatoes, her appetite still a bit unreliable.
Post by Ryan Barrow on Jan 28, 2019 17:12:03 GMT 10
Ryan didn't like the new headmaster's speech. The staff changes were fine, since he didn't know anyone at Hogwarts yet anyway, but forbidden areas? Door covered in vines? Dark forest? What kind of a place was this? He warily shared a look with Dani and Gerald, hoping he wasn't the only one who now suddenly felt rather unprepared for his Hogwarts education.
Then the food arrived and all thoughts of forbidden stuff were gone. 'Wow!' He gasped, hands hovering uncertainly. There were so many options! And he got to feed himself, which was strange as Ryan was used to just having a place put in front of him. He didn't have to eat vegetables!
'This is uhm-amazing,' Ryan said between eager bites of hot chips. Ignoring an older student's stern look, he grabbed more and put them on his plate. No one stopped him, so he reached for some sauce - nearly knocking over his goblet of pumpkin juice in the process. His manners caught up to him once he started eating, slowing down and trying to be on his best behaviour.
Wait. Was there dessert? Was this actually real life right now? He gave Dani and Gerald a wide smile, as it wasn't just the food that was going better than he could have hoped for. Maybe dark forests and viney doors weren't that big of a deal?
Post by Sophia Rhynhart on Jan 28, 2019 17:20:48 GMT 10
Sophia rolled her eyes at Thomas. He was just lucky the feast hadn't started when he blew on Callie's neck or he'd be pelted with peas. She'd intended to risk it anyway, but when the feast did begin there was too much happening in her head and she forgot.
She was just as confused as Callie, also in disbelief. The more Rickard said, the less Sophia felt she understood. Did something happen? She shuddered, eyeing the food but not immediately serving herself. Even her nap session (History of Magic class) was taken away.
'Is anyone else like, super confused about Binn retiring?' Sophia asked Callie, but kept it open to anyone nearby who wanted to join in. 'History of Magic was my nap period! What am I supposed to do now, go to bed at a reasonable hour?' She huffed. Sophie snatched a chicken leg and ate it like a starved person, grumbling between bites.
At least they still had Sprout. She was sympathetic to the Ravenclaws, who were probably having a bigger night that she was.
Post by Jacob Thatcher on Jan 28, 2019 17:31:41 GMT 10
'You already called me!' Jacob raised his voice back at Thomas along the table. 'Was that necessary?' He rubbed his forehead where the balled sweets wrapper had hit, as if it was a mortal wound. He'd only noticed because it almost hit his eye. That was just rude.
His best friend no longer existed to Jacob when the food arrived. A dragon could come crashing through the ceiling then and there, but he would refuse to move without a large bowl of food for the journey. 'This should be be illegal, starving us like this,' he muttered.
Everyone else was talking about or seemed deep in thought over the new announcements and changes. Jacob had eyes for his dinner only. Who cared who taught what, anyway? Losing Dumbledore was a shock but Jacob struggled to count how many times he'd even talked to the man or seen him around the school outside of meals. He wasn't happen about the changes, but nothing he could do about it now so whatever.
After drowning a piece of carrot in gravy, Jacob chose a small sprout from a bowl. With a smirk, he waited for the right moment. It was a rather cruel thing, attacking someone while they were eating, but Jacob couldn't resist. All the stress and changes needed an outlet. So Jacob rose ever-so-slightly in his chair and shot the snitch-sized green thing along the table - aiming for Thomas' head.
As soon as it was close enough to hit, Jacob quickly resumed a bored position and ate his dinner like a civilised person who had no awareness of flying greenery. The sprout bowl being directly in front of him was an oversight, but Jacob still won. A sprout may be squishy and have more impact than a ball of wrapper, but Thomas threw his when Jacob was in the middle of dying from lack of food - so in his books, what Thomas did was much worst.
Killed by Devin Kudosen by act of the Killing Curse. June #24, RPG year 1 -- he was a 5th year Gryffindor. Jacob died to save his best friend, Luckett Langford.
Post by Lucas Mardling on Jan 28, 2019 17:38:53 GMT 10
Lucas was distracted. He hadn't made much progress on his dinner, busy reminding himself not to openly stare at Amara. She was being weird - and a weird Seabrook was a dangerous one, as experience had taught him and the whole world. For whatever insane reason, he'd chosen to sit only two seats out of her reach. It was a foolish error on his part, but now to move would come with even graver consequences. Faced with this predicament, his only assurance was that at least she'd have to hit someone else before she could reach him.
The news of the new headmaster and everything that came with it, bothered Lucas a lot. He needed to know where he stood and what everyone's limits were. Who was he going to have write him library permissions slips now? Which classes could he multi-task in without being caught or get in trouble for? Which were easier to charm and fool? It was too much - it changed his plans, and Lucas hated changing plans.
'Look on the bright side,' he said, like the fool that he was. Why was he talking? 'At least we still have Snape. The only one at that table who really matters, right?' He had no idea. Lucas had started a conversation without knowing where it was meant to end. Stress, that's what what was. He glanced at Amara again, then stared at his beans as if having no idea what they were.
All he wanted was a quiet year where he made lots of money and no one annoyed him. Was that really so much to ask?
Last Edit: Jan 28, 2019 17:39:11 GMT 10 by Lucas Mardling
The man speaking introduced himself. Callie bit her lip, trying to keep herself from frowning. Maybe he was all right, but this felt off to her in so many ways. Dumbledore couldn’t just resign. What was going on? What new era? What were they planning? She quietly resolved to keep alert for things – the underclassmen would need upperclassmen like her to look after them, right?
Other staff had been changed out, too. Callie tried to commit the new names to memory, frowning at the mention of the memory curse. How horrible… And there was a new Ravenclaw head of house…huh, she’d miss Flitwick. Ravenclaw wasn’t her house, of course, but that man had a presence that no one else could imitate.
Callie clapped along with the other students, though she wasn’t really feeling it. This whole situation bothered her and she wanted to sit somewhere quiet and think on it for a while. That would have to come later, though. For now, she listened to the rest of the speech. Something about banned items, don’t open locked doors, vines…yeah, yeah, Hogwarts wasn’t exactly what anyone would call safe. She was used to that by now.
Finally, there was food. Callie grabbed some of everything that looked remotely appetizing, completely filling her plate before she dug into her chips. She chewed and swallowed a few mouthfuls, but stopped eating when she noticed that Sophia hadn’t started with everyone else. Was she okay?
“It does feel like something’s up that they’re not telling us,” Callie responded when the other girl spoke. “Why would we lose so many professors at once? And Dumbledore. Isn’t he a big part of what kept us all safe here?”
She was fortunate enough to have both of her new friends join Ravenclaw with her. Well, this year was off to a good start…she thought? The whole Dumbledore thing was still unsettling, but what could she do about it? All she could do was listen and wonder what it all meant. And wonder when food was coming. Shouldn’t it be right in front of them after a day on the train?
The man – their new headmaster, apparently – spoke, but it was nothing that really applied to her, was it? There was his name and a warning about a lot going on this year, but she didn’t have other years’ experience to compare this one to, anyway. Then there was the new Ravenclaw head of house. She studied the professor, trying to remember her name and face. She’d be important to the three of them, right?
Other students started clapping, so she did as well. Rickard continued talking, but Danielle’s mind wandered. How long did these speeches go? She was hungry, and she wanted to get to know her new friends and the other Ravenclaws better, and she wanted to be reunited with her sweets.
Ah, but there was food! She stared around in wonder – her sister and parents hadn’t lied when they said it just sort of appeared! She grabbed the nearest thing to her and took several bites before the taste of beef registered in her mind. A few pieces of that later and the roasted potatoes caught her eye. She grabbed a hefty amount of those for herself too, nearly everything else forgotten until Ryan spoke. She nodded at his words, a smile forming on her own lips as he grinned. It was good to see him happy, and she was getting pretty excited again, too. To think they’d all be learning all sorts of magic together!
After the news of Dumbledore’s resignation, and the introduction of the new Headmaster, the rest of the staff changes seemed anticlimactic to Thomas. He half-listened, and only really responded to the news of Kettleburn’s retirement. At that, he chuckled and shook his head. He’d miss ol’ Kettleburn, but he was excited to learn what this Professor had to teach too.
Finally, the next best thing besides the feast itself. The warnings. Thomas listened carefully to everywhere the Headmaster strictly forbid students to go, and made mental notes of each one. Yeah, he’d definitely not be staying away, he thought with a mischievous grin.
With a wave of his hands, the Headmaster began the feast. Thomas sighed with relief and then immediately snatched up a large turkey leg. As he bit into it, he threw a handful of rolls on to his plate then moved on to purising the vegetables that were closest to him. He was so distracted that he didn’t notice the missile until it struck. “Bloody hell,” he exclaimed as he dropped the remnants of his turkey leg and looked about.
Thomas’s gaze fell on to the innocent looking Jacob and narrowed. He snatched up a half of a roll that lay on his plate and glanced toward the staff table. When he thought no one was looking, he threw the roll at Jacob’s arm. Unfortunately, he couldn’t stop himself from cackling at his own revenge. In an attempt to smother the sounds, and look at least somewhat normal, he stuffed a whole roll into his mouth.
Post by Jacob Thatcher on Jan 29, 2019 0:24:50 GMT 10
Jacob bit his tongue in surprise when some bread hit his cheek. That little-! He was urged by a sixth year prefect to stop before they got into trouble,. Jacob nodded. He flicked the piece of roll at a younger student, trying to stop the giggle that threatened to escape, when it hit the gravy instead and startled everyone nearby. No one got splashed, though.
He resumed eating, shooting Thomas a side glance now and again. When a safe enough time had passed, Jacob made sure nothing around him on the table could easily be knocked off or spilled. He downed the last of his pumpkin juice and popped a chip in his mouth. Any moment now. He discreetly shed his robe, then grasped the table edge to slip/swing himself underneath.
Why hadn't he ever done this before? It wasn't as roomy as he'd have liked, but Jacob crawled under the table - wary of being kicked but fighting with every fiber of his being not to grab an ankle or poke someone's toe. Finally, he reached where Thomas sat. There was no way he'd have anticipated this, surely. Jacob was silent and patient, waiting for the right moment and praying to the pranking gods that Thomas had just taken a sip of a goblet or something equally fun.
Grinning like a loon, he grabbed Thomas' ankle with both hands - curling his fingers like claws. Then he scurried back in case anyone kicked. Safe where his seat was, he slipped back up and yanked his robes on. He was shaking from contained laughter. There was no doubt he'd won - Thomas wouldn't be able to retaliate, not with the looks they were getting from prefects and the fact that one more action was all it would take for McGonagall to descend upon them like a...well, lion.
Jacob snorted, cackling into his hands until his lungs hurt from effort to stay at least moderately quiet. Victory was his! Able to function again, he looked along the table and gave his best friend a wide grin. It was all in good jest, and even Thomas could surely not deny that was wonderfully unexpected.
Last Edit: Jan 29, 2019 0:28:43 GMT 10 by Jacob Thatcher
Killed by Devin Kudosen by act of the Killing Curse. June #24, RPG year 1 -- he was a 5th year Gryffindor. Jacob died to save his best friend, Luckett Langford.
02 | 
19 | 
20
February
