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.
Avery had packed up and essentially fled the greenhouse as soon as Herbology class ended. She'd returned to her dormitory to stop stuff off and calm her nerves, then had to face the decision of how to spend the rest of her afternoon. She'd stared at the other empty beds for a while, feeling just as empty inside. Why was it so hard to make friends?
She removed her robes and vest, then loosened her tie. Much better. With a sigh of boredom and moodiness, Avery decided to go find somewhere to just pass the time. She considered various courtyards or corridors, but none of them appealed to her. She wandered around for a while, until finally she found herself at the base of the Astronomy Tower.
'May as well.' She shrugged, and trudged her way up the stairs. At the top, she headed to the railing and gasped at the stunning view. Avery felt less confined or pressured up there, so sat on the edge and hugged a railing beside her to feel safer - though dangled her legs and swung them lightly as if she was simply perched atop a low wall instead of one of the highest castle towers.
It didn't solve her loneliness, but Avery was used to that by now. She just sat there, thinking about her Herbology lesson and absorbing the beautiful view as far as she could see.
Last Edit: Jun 30, 2019 18:54:58 GMT 10 by Deleted
Elara paused at the bottom of the stairs leading to the astronomy tower, she knew that it was usually empty at this time and had promised Hanna that she'd meet her there after professor Hathmore was finished with her- but there were still so many stairs. Resigned to her fate, she trudged up the stairs and by the time she reached the top, her legs ached but she wore a triumphant smile upon her face. Venturing away from the stairs, at first she thought that she was alone, until she noticed a figure sitting on the edge, balancing precariously as if they had a death wish or something.
Still, Elara didn't think that their intentions were really to drop from such a height. Approaching them from behind, Elara's first thought was that she'd stumbled across a lone boy- which was odd as they used to travel in packs, apparently it was more fun to prat around in groups. "Don't jump" she called out to the boy, a playful tone to her voice- although it wasn't unkind and she actually cracked a smile.
She doubted that Hanna would want to be around other people if she actually came to the astronomy tower, but whoever this boy was- he'd been there first and she wasn't about to tell him to leave just because her friend was apparently going through a crisis (a crisis that she'd kept from her!!). They'd just have to share the space, or once Hanna arrived, they'd have to go elsewhere and leave the boy to... Whatever it was that he was doing.
Avery gasped in fright, hugging the railing beside her for dear life - despite not having moved an inch. She scurried backwards, pulling her legs away from the edge, and turned hazardously to see who'd caused such unrest. That's not fair - this was supposed to be a place to be alone!
'Oh.' She stood, dusting herself off, and shyly eyed the Hufflepuff. They looked close in age, but Avery didn't remember her from class so supposed she must be a 4th year. The girl was a Hufflepuff though, so it was odd to see her all alone.
'I wasn't going to jump,' she mumbled, her voice deeper yet barely coherent as she hadn't intended to say it aloud.
Avery was torn between offering to leave or shouting at her to leave her alone because she was there first. Unable to decide, she merely poked at the floor with her toe. Raking a hand through her boyish hair, she wistfully glanced back at the stunning view.
Elara started slightly for a second when the boy gasped, fearing for just a moment that she had scared him and that he was going to topple over the edge after all. However, thankfully it didn't turn out that way and she finally allowed herself to breathe once he had clambered back away from the edge. That was much better. Elara wasn't a coward, but it did set her nerves on edge seeing people sitting on the edge of the building when they were at such a height.
As the boy spoke, his voice quiet- Elara's brow furrowed in confusion, because the voice that left them was not one she'd expect to hear from a teenage boy. Looking closer, she wondered if she'd been mistaken in her assumption that they were in fact a boy- perhaps they were a girl. She assumed asking would come across as rude so decided to play the long game, all would be revealed to her in time.
"Oh... I know" she smiled at them, hoping that they wouldn't get the wrong impression "I was joking... They do, do that in Slytherin, don't they?" taking a step towards the other, she hoped that they would see the humour in it, despite the fact that it was an exceptionally bad joke. "But now I've got your attention, maybe you'd like to talk?" an invitation, a hand held out in friendship, but whether they chose to take it was anyone's guess.
'I suppose.' Avery shrugged, a bit confused how to handle the social situation. This Hufflepuff mustn't know who she was and her reputation for being...Well, they called her mean and aggressive but she really tried not to be. She was a firecracker, so a relative had said once. That was probably closer to who it felt for Avery.
She whined, then stretched widely - still a bit achy from Herbology class. 'I don't know what to talk about.' She frowned, crossing her arms tight. 'And you obviously don't know who I am. Didn't anyone warn you about the crazy girl who ruins everything? Or boy, depending on who you ask.' Avery shrugged, not really concerned with what others called her. What did it matter? She knew what she was and it hardly made a difference.
With a huff, Avery headed to some nearby steps and sat down, glad there were several of them around so she didn't have to move closer to the 4th year. She gave her an odd look and...Wait. 'What's your name, anyway?' she asked. 'I'm Avery.'
A self-conscious habit made her quickly straighten her posture, then grumbling and slouching again. Her father wasn't here to correct her so what did it matter? Avery wished she'd had the foresight to bring a book or sketchpad with her this time, as now she seemed to be stuck with conversation that was bound to end badly as they always did. She could just leave - but why should she when she was there first? Avery huffed, her mood already bothering her as she struggled to decide.
Hanna carefully pushed open the door that led to the Astronomy Tower, she hoped Elara was here like she said she would be. The dark haired girl really wanted to explain why she didn't tell her and she hoped Elara didn't hate her it.
"Elara?"
Hanna called in the barely lit tower but quickly paused when she heard talking from up the stairs. Her eyes followed the noise and locked on to Elara and a Slytherin boy? Wait, is that the 'Crazy girl' from 3rd year? She struggled to see and took a step forwards to check, it was! What was her name again? It had something to do with birds or something? A...A...Avery?! That's right, she remembered now.
People called the girl crazy or sometimes referred to her as a boy but Hanna thought she was just bad at making friends, she knew how that felt. With one last look at the pair she decided to leave the two to their own devices, if anyone could become the Slytherin girls friend it was Elara.
Quickly pinning a note to the door to let her know where she'd be and quietly back out of the room, hoping not to disturb the pair anymore than she had.
While awaiting the Hufflepuff's reply, Avery glanced towards some stairs nearby and frowned. Had she heard something? Even the quieter and isolated parts of Hogwarts made strange noises or movements sometimes, right? Yet she had a feeling this one she should investigate, and thus couldn't just shake it off.
Without a word of explanation or consideration, Avery dashed down the stairs to have a look around. She yanked the note of the door to read it. She considered stealing it or putting it back and just leaving, but instead made the trek back up the staircase.
'Friend of yours?' Avery thrust the note at the 4th year. She didn't have any friends or anyone who'd want to spend time with her, so Avery knew it wasn't for her. She should just leave, honestly. Why wait to be outnumbered and around others who probably have plans to just hang out - which she'd be ruining by staying there. Even if Avery was there first.
She huffed, crossing her arms tightly, and glared at the horizon's distant view. Avery wanted to leave yet was either too stubborn or curious to yet. She couldn't tell which, but it was enough to make her stay put and talk to the Hufflepuff girl a while longer.
[OOC: I was going to wait, but figured I'd help Elara get the note - but also Hanna can't double post and it would flow better if she didn't have to simply edit her post to include coming back. So it seems like more time has passed since she was here.]
Last Edit: Jul 16, 2019 19:17:24 GMT 10 by Deleted
Elara didn't quite know what to talk about either, but she'd always found it fairly easy to make friends and she wasn't going to give up on this conversation just because the person in front of her seemed reluctant. They were passing time in the Astronomy Tower all by themselves when most others had a friend or two to spend time with- everybody needed a friend. Then the other student spoke again and gave her confirmation that she was a girl- finally and with relief Elara could speak without fear of misgendering the other. Still, her words brought a frown to Elara's face that slowly evolved into a scowl.
"I don't waste my time listening to people who would spread such mean rumours" she answered, not knowing why anyone would be so harsh as to say she ruined everything or that she was 'crazy' she seemed perfectly sane talking to her now. "You don't look crazy to me and I doubt you ruin everything" she wondered if the girl had any friends at all, she hoped so- the world could be a lonely place without a friend to talk to.
Watching the girl move to sit on the stairs, Elara thought it safe enough to take another few steps forward- never moving too close to the other as she got the feeling that space was important to her. "Oh- Sorry, I'm Elara" she introduced herself after hearing the other speak her name- Avery. Cheeks burned with embarrassment at not thinking about getting the girls name before, or even bothering to introduce herself properly.
Then suddenly Avery jumped to her feet and made off down a nearby flight of stairs, it confused Elara to no end and for a second she thought that somehow her introduction had offended the other girl and she'd decided that the conversation wasn't worth her time. However, before long, she heard the sound of footsteps on the stairs once again and Avery reappeared with something clutched in her hand.
The note was thrust at her, somewhat startling the fourth year and she took it without hesitation, reading over the words that had been written to her in Hanna's familiar scrawl. "Oh... Right" she breathed remembering that she'd told Hanna to meet her in this exact place but having got side tracked by her conversation with the third year. "She can manage without me for a while... I'd rather stay and talk to you" Hanna would be fine, actually she rather enjoyed the solitude from what she understood and after talking to Avery it seemed like she could use a friend- even if she hadn't realised it yet.
[OOC: Sorry for the late reply, life got busy and my muse died for a little while! Also, Elara is trying SO hard to be Avery's friend! xD]
Avery stared at her shoes and huffed, unsure what to say as Elara said nice things. It was just confusing. She almost preferred it when either telling people to go away or that was being shouted at her. Nice was new and weird. What was she supposed to say? She fidgeted, and tightly crossed her arms.
'I get angry sometimes. I can't help it.' Avery frowned. 'I do ruin things. I hit stuff, I yell...I'm not a nice person to be around, okay? You're better off finding someone else to hang out with. I am capable of just talking, obviously, but I'm not like this all the time.'
She had a name though, now. Elara. She vaguely remembered she probably knew that at one point, likely in first year, but Avery wasn't really on first-name basis with many people anymore. Thankfully, the Hufflepuff kept a safe distance. The note hadn't done much though - Elara still decided to stay and waste her time trying to talk to Avery.
Sighing, she resumed her spot on the stairs and rolled her eyes. She wanted to make friends and talk to people like a normal person, but Avery was also anxious about how long she could keep it up before something annoyed her or she said the wrong thing. She couldn't figure out why Elara was even there and talking to her. Sure, they weren't in the same class so it was less abrupt to decide to talk to Avery, but still.
'Why are you talking to me?' Avery blurted out. 'I'm not interesting. I don't have anything cool or clever to say. I'm rubbish at this sort of thing. I'd make an awful friend - which is probably why I don't have any.' She sighed miserably, staring at her shoes again. She had no idea what to say here, tensing in effort to resist telling Elara to leave her alone. She craved friendships though so was able to stay quiet.
Wait. Was Elara even trying to befriend her or was this typical conversation? Avery blushed in embarrassment in realising she probably made a big assumption there, but didn't know how to take it back or save herself. Maybe Elara was Hufflepuff enough that assuming all members of that house were trying to befriend others was fine. Stereotyping was a rather hypocritical thing for a Slytherin to do, but Avery was out of ideas.
[OOC: that's okay! I wish Elara luck. It won't be easy lol.]
As Elara stood there and listened to the other girl talk, she became vaguely aware that Avery might not have the highest opinion of herself. The way she spoke, it was as though she was trying to convince Elara that she wasn't a nice person and that maybe she wasn't even deserving of friendship. Maybe it was the Hufflepuff in her, but she couldn't imagine anyone being undeserving of friendship and if Avery thought so little of herself, then she was in dire need of a friend to show her how important she really was.
"Everyone gets angry" was her response, because it was true and just because someone had a little trouble controlling their temper, it didn't mean they had to be subjected to a life without any friends or people to talk to, that seemed like it'd get lonely. "No one is in a good mood every second of the day, we're all human, we all have ups and downs" some people just had more downs than ups and that was okay.
Most people wouldn't think she was capable of getting angry, she was studious, hardworking- friendly, on all accounts the 'perfect' example of her house. Elara did get angry though, as all people did, she lost her temper and raised her voice. She didn't know what she'd do if her friends turned their backs on her every time she got upset, she couldn't imagine how Avery was feeling- or why she insisted on pushing those who wanted to be her friend away.
Brown eyes followed the other girl back towards the stairs, but still Elara didn't venture from where she stood. Boundaries were important and she had a feeling that Avery wouldn't like it much if she got too close to her at that moment in time. At suddenness of her question, Elara even managed to crack a smile "You interest me..." she answered, hand travelling up to cup the back of her neck in what seemed to be a nervous gesture.
"I think you're very interesting" she continued, finally working up the nerve to take a couple of steps towards where the other girl was. "I think there's more to you than what you let other people see" maybe she was foolish to attempt to befriend someone who was so obviously against the idea of making friends, but she'd always liked a challenge and truthfully, there was something about Avery that drew her in and made her want to learn more about her.
"You might make an awful friend... But how will you know until you try?" she countered, everyone was a terrible friend at some point. They all said mean things, hurt the ones they cared about, but that's why forgiveness was so important and as long as Avery was willing to try, then so was she.
Avery rolled her eyes. Yeah, people got angry sometimes and had bad days - but they didn't accidentally set things on fire or tear apart curtains without little to no warning any time they got overwhelmed. Good people don't lash out like that, so Avery was convinced she just wasn't as good as other people. Elara meant well, but she hardly expected a social and friendly Hufflepuff to understand.
She shrugged, poking the ground with her toe. Avery had no idea what to say next. Being an awful friend to someone would be worst than having no friends at all, she believed. 'I have tried,' Avery grumbled, head still bowed. 'I've tried loads of times. People don't like me, especially when I lose control. You're better of saving yourself the trouble. You clearly haven't seen how bad I get.'
Avery crossed her arms in a sulk and fell quiet again. What was left to say? She was aware lunch had probably started by now, but made no attempt to leave or care about food just yet.
"I'd appreciate it if you let me make that decision myself..." hands curling into nervous fists at her side, she steeled herself for rejection, sucking in a deep breath before crossing the room to approach Avery. Cautiously, she sat next to the other girl- making sure not to sit too close and to give her some space, scared of pushing the slytherin too far and ruining any progress she might have made in her effort of befriending her.
"I might not know you very well yet... But I'd like to" and who was she to back down from a challenge? She'd show Avery some of that Hufflepuff patience and dedication. Unexpectedly, her stomach gave an impatient growl and she felt her cheeks heat up with embarrassment. More time had passed than she'd originally anticipated and she realised that lunch had probably started without them, her stomach definitely knew that she should be in the great hall at that moment, even if she wanted to spend more time with Avery in the tower.
Looking down at her hands that were clasped in her lap, her gaze flickered back to land upon Avery's face and she smiled nervously, suddenly a little shy. "We could grab lunch together, if you'd like?" she suggested "We can sit at the Slytherin table, I don't mind..." she didn't expect Avery's reaction to her proposal to be positive, but it was worth a shot- even if she was left rejected, it wouldn't be her last attempt at winning the other girl over, tomorrow was another day.
Avery huffed. She drew her knees to her chest to hug them, giving Elara a wary look as the Hufflepuff sat near her. At least the other girl seemed to realise Avery was trying to keep some distance, not that it did much but whatever.
She didn't know what to say when Elara said she'd like to get to know her, so Avery just stayed quiet. She was amused by the hunger rumble, then winced as her own stomach did the same thing. Memories of her dinner getting sparkled the night before made her clench fists, though she stuffed them into pockets in attempt to hide it and not scare Elara off.
'I'm going to the Great Hall.' Avery stood, not looking at Elara. 'I'm sitting at the Slytherin table. I wouldn't dare sit anywhere else, even during lunch, right now. Not after what happened. But...'
She hesitated, then drew in a bracing breath.
'If you want to sit near me at the Slytherin table, well that's your choice.' Avery shrug, staring at her shoes. 'That's on you. Don't drag me into it. Do what you want.' She hurried from the tower after that, her shoes slapping the stairs hard in her haste. She was out of breath by the time she was far enough away, but it was fine. She was okay. Whatever happened next, well she'd just have to see.
Elara heard the subtle warning, that perhaps it was best not to mingle at the slyterin table... Better to sit with the other Hufflepuffs and not to stray. She never was one to do as she was told- or rather... Not when she saw something she wanted. However, she couldn't help but smile when the Slytherin told her that if she wanted to sit with her, then it was her choice. It wasn't exactly an invitation but Elara would take whatever she could get.
Heaving a sigh of discontent as Avery turned and disappeared down the stairs. Elara could hear her feet slapping upon the stairs in her apparent haste to escape what she probably thought was an uncomfortable encounter. Getting to her feet, she began to follow Avery down the stairs at a slower pace, although the growling in her stomach made it so that she didn't linger for too long.
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