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.
The cloudy weather had turned to rain sometime during the earliest hours of the new day. The temperature had dropped, and the enchanted ceiling in the Great Hall reflected the downpour outside. It would be a muddy and hasty morning for anyone who had to venture outdoors.
The head staff table were full by the time students began to enter. There was a lot of serious chatter among them, no doubt relating to the Crystal Daymoth outbreak that neared their area. The rain decreased the chance of encountering any, which was fortunate for the students as Madam Pomfrey wouldn't be available to teach them a spell to combat their effects until the afternoon.
Owl post hadn't arrived yet. Class schedules for the day were magically assigned to everyone who sat at their house table. They are:
Classes Before Lunch 3rd years - Defence Against the Dark Arts 5th years - Herbology
Class After Lunch 1st years - Flying Lessons 3rd years - History of Magic 4th years - Transfiguration
Homework Session After Lunch 5th - 7th years
Owl Post will arrive soon with the Daily Prophet. Morning class threads will be available for posting in once breakfast ends, and afternoon ones when lunch ends. If there aren't students in a particular year, that class won't occur - 2nd, 6th, and 7th year classes aren't listed on the schedule.
Post by Lindsey Bryce on Sept 17, 2019 1:43:13 GMT 10
The morning had come as quickly as sleep had come, though she could still remember the dream of camping in the wilds of Scotland, her mother and father cooking over the open fire, while her and her sibling played a game of cards on a wood crate that her father had brought their camping things in. Oh, the memory was such a wonderful one and she found herself sighing with happiness as she rose from her sleep and prepared herself for the day. Using her wand, she had plaited her hair down both sides of her head, taking care to make sure they were tight enough to keep as much out of her face as possible.
After she had finished, she slipped her wand up her sleeve, where she had a secret pocket that her mother had put into each of her robs, and headed into the common room. She felt her stomach growl and she smiled, heading out the door and into the dungeon passages, making a bee-line for the great hall.
When she arrived, she saw all the professors seemed to be in heated discussion, though about what she didn't know. Taking a quick glance around, she headed towards the slytherin table, grabbing some eggs and toast to start off her morning.
Last Edit: Sept 17, 2019 15:05:33 GMT 10 by Lindsey Bryce
Ronan had enjoyed the party the night before with the rest of the gang but now it was breakfast time and that, of course, meant getting his butt up and out of bed. Eventually, he got himself dressed and ready to go and off to breakfast he went.
Eventually, he found his way into the room and wandered inside, seeing all the professors at their staff table going through some kind of discussion. It was none of his business, he thought to himself as he wandered his way around the room until he got to the Gryffindor table.
He plopped down at the table and let out a yawn, stretching a bit. That party went on a bit too long last night, he thought to himself as he waited for the rest of the gang to arrive.
Post by Luckett Langford on Sept 17, 2019 4:35:21 GMT 10
By a supreme exertion of will, with eyes that ached so he could hardly keep them open, Lucky managed to get out of bed. He didn't know if it had been due to the awfully boring story that Ruby Farrowbrooke shared with everyone night before, but he felt especially tired this morning.
He tossed on his uniform quickly and headed for the dining hall, pulling his belt around his breeches as he went. He passed friends as he shuffled through the castle, lazily saluting them with a yawn. Normally he would've stopped, but he just woke -- and breakfast was calling.
He entered the Great Hall and immediately found the place buzzing. If Lucky had to wager a guess, it was probably about the Crystal Daymoth outbreak. He didn't understand why everyone seemed to be up in arms about the whole ordeal. It was an unfortunate situation for many, but constantly worrying about it wasn't going to solve anything. What would help solve it was learning the spell to put an end to the little buggers. I'll have to do that today, Lucky reluctantly reminded himself. He was annoyed he had to partake without being a captain.
Before heading to his own table, he paused beside the Gryffindor spread. Langford briefly glanced at O'Rourke before snatching a biscuit and stuffing it into his mouth. 'Cheers, mate.' He mumbled pompously, chewing through his words. Lucky immediately darted away from the crimson-and-gold outlay, hopefully in time to avoid backlash for taking from another house.
Having found his own housemates, he slid into an end seat and promptly chased his stolen biscuit with a gulp of fruit juice. 'Ah, now that's delicious.' Lucky placed his goblet on the table and helped himself to some fresh eggs, looking around to see if anyone else would join him.
Post by Grace Babineaux on Sept 17, 2019 9:08:52 GMT 10
Grace was tired, to say the least, but her mind still whirred with unanswered questions about what she'd seen in the forest and what would be waiting for her in the fireplaces of other houses. She checked over the breakfast table for honey, knowing she'd have to collect some later, and she definitely wouldn't have wanted to go out in the rain.
Her owl-order jars would be coming in soon, and she intended to use them for other various mischief, knowing she didn't have class until the afternoon--something she was grateful for, as it meant she had more time to collect fluxygrass and hairs from other students. She hoped polyjuice transformations weren't too painful as she fed a small apple piece to Marcia absentmindedly.
Elara wandered into the great hall, looking like she'd just risen from the dead. She hadn't gotten much sleep that night, having been forced to go to sleep with a near empty stomach- it had been near impossible for her to drift off. Still rubbing sleep from her eyes, the fourth year approached the Hufflepuff table in a drowsy, yet eager fashion. Determined this time to eat her fill and whilst she wasn't usually big on breakfast, today was going to be different.
Glancing up and down the table for someone she knew, her eyes landed on Luckett- the boy who'd not only been one of the instigators of the previous nights food fight, but also one of her housemates she'd conversed with in the common room before bed. Approaching the older student, she took a seat next to him before beginning to help herself to a generous helping of eggs, bacon and toast.
"Not thinking about starting another food fight, are you?" she asked, the edge of a tease in her voice as she side-eyed her peer. The playful smile that accompanied the words was lost as she filled her mouth with a spoonful of eggs and her gaze flicked back to her plate as if both avoiding eye contact and also deciding on what to eat next.
Good thing He and Grace had made it in before it started to rain, Gerald noted as he sat down at his table. At least it'll stop those Moths. The biggest thing on his mind though was what he had seen in the Forest.
He had to put in an Order with the Owls to get some jars for honey, but other than that, the Hair and the Fluxygrass, he was well on his way to achieving the Task. Maybe by the end of the day, he'd be able to check out the other fireplaces.
As he reached for some toast, he looked to see if he could spot Grace. Was she thinking about the Forest as well?
Post by Mathias Sallow on Sept 18, 2019 1:49:50 GMT 10
Mathias yawned widely as he strolled into the Great Hall, instinctively heading for the Ravenclaw table. He'd had a good sleep, but it wasn't as long as he was used to. He'd had a lot of fun staying up to talk to Nyx, and hoped it was the start of something wonderful.
To make up for a lack of sleeping in, Mathias added extra food to his plate. He devoured some eggs, then peered around in search of Nyx or anyone else who'd like to talk to him over breakfast. Mathias skimmed his schedule, pulling a face at the mention of a homework session.
'Yes, finally.' He grinned, seeing they had Herbology that morning. He was especially good at that class and always enjoyed it. Mathias turned to share his excitement, then it faltered. There was no one nearby to tell that would be interested. He hadn't realised an aspect of his social life that was missing. Sure, he spent various points of his day hanging out with friends or interesting people from other houses but he didn't really have any fellow Ravenclaws he was good friends with.
Until Nyx. Or so he hoped. Grabbing his plate, Mathias headed back along the table - carefully balancing his food so he would't drop anything. He seated himself at a spot with a better view of the door, so he and Nyx could easily spot each other once she came in.
He eagerly resumed eating, trying to ignore any growing doubt that maybe the previous night was a one-time thing and Nyx wouldn't want to join him for breakfast. At least he'd get to see her though, since she still had his book.
Last Edit: Sept 18, 2019 1:50:20 GMT 10 by Mathias Sallow
Avery was woken by Lindsey, though not in a bad way just that the Scottish moving around the dormitory had stirred her from an already-fading slumber. Avery wasn't one to greet the mornings with anything other than bitterness, but she still felt good about having had a games night with Lindsey so she simply got out of bed and prepared for the new day.
It wasn't until she arrived at the Great Hall that Avery's nerves came flooding back. She saw Lindsey sitting at the Slytherin table, and battled with herself in deciding if she should sit with her again. Avery hadn't suddenly gained an ease in making friends or spending non-hostile time with other people, but Lindsey was nice and she wanted to sit by someone who was less likely to ruin her day before she'd even had breakfast.
'Er - hi.' Avery mumbled something else as she sat across from Lindsey, yet one seat over so it didn't look too obvious she was specifically sitting with her. She hoped it was enough, if Lindsey was no longer interested in talking to her or anything. She busied herself with scooping porridge into her bowl, avoiding any eye contact or daring to speak at all.
Post by Ryan Barrow on Sept 18, 2019 1:59:10 GMT 10
Having gone to bed soon after the food fight had ended, Ryan was rather refreshed and alert the next morning. He headed over to Gerald, giving his friend a wave and smile. He still felt a bit abandoned by him from the day before, but refused to think badly of Gerald. He was probably just busy or lost track of time or something.
'Anything good?' Ryan asked, reaching for his own timetable. 'Flying lessons? That sounds fun.' A bit scary too, but he was sure they wouldn't be going too high up for their first try. He'd often imagined what it'd be like to fly away from all his problems, and was eager to get started though the lesson wasn't until the afternoon.
'We have free time this morning,' Ryan noted while smearing too much jam on his toast. 'You got anything planned? Did you get everything done yesterday that you needed to?' He hoped to spend some time with Gerald again since it was cut a bit short the day before, and didn't mind tagging along if Gerald wanted to help Grace with more things. Even if they were icky and scary things.
With a louder-than-usual screech overhead the hall, hundreds of owls flew through high windows and swooped or swerved around the Great Hall. They delivered a large amount of letters from home - likely concerned magical parents checking in after the Headmaster informed them of the daymonth situation. There were care packages as well, and of course that morning's Daily Prophet.
The heads of houses Professors received quite a few letters as well, also likely from concerned parents. Professors Snape and McGonagall waved their wands and the letters vanished, headed to their offices to be read at a more convenient time. Professor Rivera casually read a few while multi-tasking eating a sort of rice pudding that was not on the usual breakfast menu at all.
Professor Sprout, however, left the head table and ventured towards her house. Hufflepuffs paused eating or chatter to watch her. She had her eyes set on someone in particular, not stopping until she reached Luckett Langford.
'Good morning, Mr Langford,' she said warmly. Her kind gaze reassured him he wasn't in trouble or being unfairly singled out. 'I'm sure you're aware by now that, except for Miss Seabrook, all of Hogwarts' Quidditch Captains resigned shortly after the start of term? Then, yesterday afternoon, both Gryffindor and Ravenclaw were in celebration of their new captains yet Hufflepuff remained without one.'
He could probably assume where the conversation was going by now. 'You too applied for the role of captain, and I do apologise for the delay...' Sprout held out her hand, which was rarely seen so clean and gloveless. On her palm was a shiny Captain's badge. 'It's yours, if you still want it? If you accept this important responsibility and the duties that come with it, you'll be immediately placed onto our house team - in any open position of your choice. Do you accept, Mr Langford?'
Meanwhile, excited chatter spread through the hall as students began reading the latest Daily Prophet headlines. Professor Sprout had not timed it that way, but the subject matter was quite ironic considering the request she'd made of Luckett.
Check out the new Wizshop items! The Broomstick Guide will be posted on site soon - there were some complications with the file, so it needs to be rewritten.
Post by Lindsey Bryce on Sept 18, 2019 3:07:04 GMT 10
Right before the sound of the owls came into the hall, she saw Avery sit down and smiled at her. "Hey." Shr said to her, right before the sound of the owls coming into the Great Hall, she was quick to see her mother's beautiful owl as it came down with two letters, one from her mother and one from her father. She was smiling brightly as the owl landed near her and she gave it a treat for the letters before it flew off. She would write back later, but she opened the letter to read about everything.
A Leannan(sweetheart), As you have probably heard, the magical world is dealing with the Daymoth Outbreak. Don't worry, mo chridhe(my heart), we have not seen any as of this moment and we will continue to pray that we don't. Your father had been told about what to look out for, as he and the other muggles of our community are the most in danger if they come near Inverness. I want you to learn the spell needed for defending yourself against these pest.
mòran gaoil(much love), mo chridhe do mhàthair(your mother)
Lindsey found herself smiling down at her mother's hand writing and placed it against her heart before folding it back up and grabbing her father's letter. She did not hide the letters from anyone and smiled brightly at her father's ugly hand writing. He had been forced to learn to write with his right hand, but he was naturally left handed.
M' annsachd(my blessing), Your mother told me about the wee bugs that are suppose to be rather bothersome... I never knew that such things could be so troublesome, but she was sure to fill me in on everything, but that is not why I am writing you. As you know, I have been doing my research and I found that some of our family migrated to America in the late 1700s. It is quite interesting and I am hoping, maybe you and I could travel in the summer to America and maybe find their home in North Carolina. It would be rather fun and we could see some of the magical world in the New World.
Stay Safe, M' Annsachd, D’athair(your father)
Oh, that did sound like fun! Next, she pulled over her copy of the Daily Prophet and nearly screamed when she read about the Colwyn Crossbills, putting her hands on her mouth and smiling brightly. "Why, the wee devils did it! Finally in the League." She said in her excitement, knowing her mother would have already heard and probably just didn't tell her about it. The Colwyn Crossbills were Scottish and she was beyond proud to be one of their fans. She had kept up with them and her mom had taken them to a few matches. As new as they were, the matches were small, but to be Scottish, she was proud of them.
Last Edit: Sept 18, 2019 19:54:16 GMT 10 by Lindsey Bryce
Nyx had already been up for a couple hours. She was too interested in finishing the book that Mathias Sallow had given her to simply sleep–in. Nordstrom dressed herself from head to toe, her uniform immaculate, before casually exiting her dormitory and common room. As she strode through the corridors of the castle, her movements were controlled, precise, perfect; even while her eyes were busy browsing the contents of the aforementioned borrowed book. She turned the second to last page with care, looking attentively at any remaining photos.
Upon emerging into the dining hall, she peered up to see her new Ravenclaw friend. Nyx didn't even have to look for him; he was already within eyesight. A smile—wide as ever—burst forth onto her face as she walked over to Sallow. She approached him with habitual delicacy and held out the text, offering him to take it from her agile, exquisite fingers. "Good morning, Mathias," she began, her words quite soft and sincere. "As promised, here's the book you graciously lent me," Nordstrom continued, still extending the hardcover for him to collect.
She made her way around the table and took a seat beside him. "I think you'll find it rather interesting—assuming you haven't finished it," she remarked, as she placed a napkin in her lap. Nyx helped herself to some fruit and berries, whilst simultaneously glancing over the newest issue of the Daily Prophet. She wasn't really a fan of the Colwyn Crossbills, immediately skimming past their tremendous news, but stopped at the mention of Magnora brooms. "Did you see this?" she asked, picking up the publication and pointing at it. "I have to get one of these," Nyx avowed, unknowingly tinkering with the captain's badge pinned to her robe.
Last Edit: Sept 18, 2019 9:31:25 GMT 10 by Deleted
Abby definitely struggled to get out of bed this particular morning. Not only was she up late last night but she woke up to a dreary day. She had to force herself out of bed by rolling out of the sheets and inching herself to the floor.
Once she finally was out of bed she wiped the crusties out of her eyes and went to get herself ready for the day. Abby stared at herself as she brushed her teeth in the mirror. Her hair was rather unruly today. ’Eh it’s my lion mane,’ She thought slightly brushing her flyaways out of her face. She pulled her full robes on and even put her tie on.
She then hen made her way out of the dormitory and common room, everything was in order from the night before. She walked down to the Great Hall yawning and casually humming. When she finally arrived she spotted Ronan at the Gryffindor table and sat across from him grabbing a piece of toast and buttering it.
Abby didn’t have any classes that morning and Madam Pomfrey wouldn’t be able to teach that advanced spell till afternoon, she wasn’t quite sure what to do. She yawned again after Ronan did. ’Yawing is contagious,’ She thought before laughing out loud to nobody in particular. ”This tea isn’t strong enough for me.” She was wondering if maybe Hagrid had anything stronger at his hut. ’Maybe I’ll brave the rain for a visit,’ Abby thought glancing outside.
She didn’t receive any mail from her dad worrying about the Crystal Daymoths situation and honestly Abby didn’t expect it. It was the Maples tradition to make it on your own at Hogwarts. ”We survive our own adventures to tell the tail.” She remembered what her dad said once.
Abby did however receive a copy of the Daily Prophet, she looked over it not particular as excited as some other students. Though she did think it was interesting how this news was breaking right around the time Hogwarts announced its Quidditch Captains, almost like if there was some higher power. She put the paper aside, Abby was sure some of her fellow Gryffindors would feel the hype of a new shop in Hogsmead.
Last Edit: Sept 18, 2019 7:35:39 GMT 10 by Deleted
Post by Luckett Langford on Sept 18, 2019 9:02:17 GMT 10
Langford turned to face the girl, amusement coloring his surprise. 'I would never do such a thing.' He acted offended and touched his heart dramatically. 'I can't believe you think I'm such a troublemaker, King.' Lucky shot her a quick wink and forked his eggs into his mouth. He didn't know the girl too well, but interacted with her from time to time. She was a fourth year, if he remembered correctly. Because of that, he only ever had the opportunity to talk to her outside classes and during any free time -- time permitting. 'Sleep well?' He asked plainly.
Lucky attempted to keep the conversation going while flipping through the pages of the Daily Prophet. He turned the pages with his thumb, finding some of the articles rather uninteresting. 'Even the Prophet is reporting about this outbreak.' His tone was bothered. He kept flipping through the leaflets, but abruptly stopped at a certain one, opening the paper wide on the table. 'Magnora, eh? I could see myself on one of those bad boys.' He said, forking more eggs.
He nearly choked on his food when Professor Sprout approached the table. 'Hello, Professor.' He greeted her in response, somewhat startled by her sudden appearance. Lucky quickly ran his tongue over his upper and lower lips, and then wiped his mouth with his hand. The last thing he wanted was egg on his face while the Head of House was speaking to him. He nodded as she spoke, realizing where the conversation was headed. Lucky couldn't help but grin.
'Well, you've certainly selected the right man for the job, Professor.' He was smug. Lucky stood to full height, becoming more bigheaded by the second -- if that was even possible for Luckett Langford. He politely took the badge from Professor Sprout and playfully bowed his head. 'I accept and shall not disappoint.' He turned to face his peers, arms outstretched. 'I present to you -- me -- Luckett Langford, your new Hufflepuff Quidditch Captain!' Lucky soaked up any attention he received over the news, his chest puffing right along with his overbearing ego.
He shot a look back at Professor Sprout. 'I fancy myself a pretty skilled Beater. Let's go with that.' He gave her a nod of supreme gratitude, before turning back to face his housemates.
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