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.
Tiana trailed behind her friend the whole way, from the chamber to the dining hall. When they entered their destination, Tiana immediately felt a sense of the unusual. Something didn't seem right, but she couldn't put a finger on it. She didn't want to alarm anyone or have anyone tease her for being paranoid, so she ignored the concern. Tiana continued to follow Jade, matching her movements when they took a seat at the Gryffindor table. Tiana smiled and greeted the housemates that were around, some talking about her superb dueling efforts!
“It was a great time! I'm planning to visit the chamber more often,” she said as a response to all the chatter being directed at her. Tiana looked at the spread in front of her, not knowing where to start. She skipped lunch that day and was ravenous because of it! She started to serve herself some roast potatoes, making sure not to forget a generous portion of gravy to go with it. Thomas licked her lips and watched as she ladled the sauce onto her starch. It looked so good that she didn't bother putting anything else on her plate. She had to start eating!
She forked herself a mouthful, chewing with enthusiasm and enjoying the taste. Dinner was always the best! She turned to see what Jade got and nodded in approval of her selection. “How's the chicken?” she asked, already having swallowed her potatoes. She went for another bite and looked around the Great Hall, still trying to understand why she felt the way she did. What was so different? Why did she feel like something perilous was looming? Tiana reached for some juice and treated herself to it, helping wash down the potatoes that remained.
Then the table felt like it shook, brought on by a large explosion happening outside the castle! Tiana held onto the surface of the dinner spread, prepared for the worst as students looked both terrified and intrigued by what was happening. She looked down the entire length of the Gryffindor table to make sure everyone was okay before she got up from her seat and rushed over to the windows. There was a lot of smoke and random zaps of color from conjured spells!
What was going on!? Before she could ask what was happening, Professor Hathmore barged into the hall, talking about a herd of some kind of animal. Tiana was wide-eyed, exchanging looks with the other students that were around her. The Headmaster's voice came over the room, asking for volunteers to assist, and Tiana felt an obligation to come forward. She learned how to subdue a Crystal Daymoth that afternoon, so why not herd some beasts? “I have to go help! Are you coming?” Tiana loudly asked Jade over the chatter, before running off to assist.
Post by Grace Babineaux on Dec 5, 2019 6:36:37 GMT 10
Grace, ever hoping to be as brave a Gryffindor as her mother, immediately stood up when asked to assist. She really wanted to, especially since everybody else would be watching her. She cringed as she remembered herself hiding underneath the tables from the food fight last night, that wasn't very Gryffindor of her not to help out her house.
She tucked away another bite of the vegetables, and ran off to follow some of the others that had also stood up in order to go help. She didn't know much, especially about Braxorns or whatever the Professor had said, but this would be good experience for...something. Right now, she just craved a little more adrenaline, something like duelling. That would be fun. Plus, helping people was a bonus.
Post by Nyx Nordstrom on Dec 5, 2019 7:51:13 GMT 10
Nyx wasn't oblivious to the odd air lingering within the dining hall, but was too distracted by Mathias Sallow to care. She watched as he took a seat near her, taking a bite of her broccoli here and there. She made sure not to take too big of a bite, though. She didn't want to be put in an awkward situation of her mouth being full should she have to respond to him. Was that weird? That was Nyx, though. She smiled at his simple greeting, responding with a courteous nod, her eyes bright. She was happy to see him, even happier they were sitting together.
She moved onto her protein and began to cut her chicken with a knife and fork, always a lady. She looked to her handsome housemate every so often, trying to keep eye contact when she could. "Training went well. We subdued the moth quicker than expected, too," she said, impressed by what they had to done. It was a big feat considering the group she had worked with. Tiana Thomas? Luckett Langford? That should have been a disaster. "They're actually really beautiful. You know, sometimes the most alluring things are the most dangerous," she teased with a smile, holding her fork between her thumb and forefinger.
Before she could take her next bite, a thunderous boom echoed throughout the Great Hall. Nyx ducked down as if she had been shot at, her reflexes immediately kicking in and telling her to take cover. She turned to look out the window, immediately locating the source of the noise. It seemed as though Ravenclaw had the best view, seated closest to the windows. What appeared to be a cloud of smoke, surged over the grounds, bringing out a display of colorful sparks, no doubt caused by spell–casting. Nyx was standing atop her bench, trying to get a better view.
Professor Hathmore ruined the moment for her when he entered the dining hall. She couldn't help but dramatically groan at his abrupt arrival, getting down off the seat whilst watching him in annoyance. Why was he always at the center of everything ominous? Who was he, really? What was his connection to Amara Seabrook? Why did she know so much about him? There were so many questions. Luckily, one got answered. It seemed a herd of Braxorn broke free from the Beast Reserve. She listened intently, as the Headmaster asked for volunteers.
In what wasn't a surprise of events, Tiana Thomas could be seen sprinting away in some sort of attempt to be valiant. Nyx rolled her eyes and crossed her arms, shooting a bothered look at Mathias. She didn't know how he felt about her, but she got the idea that Mathias wouldn't be too pleased by someone constantly showboating. But Thomas' quick decision to help compelled Nordstrom to do the same. Not because Nyx wanted to help, but because she wanted to best the Gryffindor. "Shall we?" she asked Mathias, making her exit and hoping he'd follow.
Last Edit: Dec 5, 2019 7:57:09 GMT 10 by Nyx Nordstrom
Post by Lindsey Bryce on Dec 5, 2019 8:05:38 GMT 10
Lindsey had come to been relaxing most the afternoon. It was nice to just enjoy a few hours of total relaxation, especially since the last few days had been crazy. She was beyond excited about her Herbology Kit and the seeds that were growing in the greenhouse. She had finished her letter to her parents after class and had found a comfy place in the common room to just rest. It had been nice, but as dinner approached, she felt her stomach growl with the need to eat and she hurried down the halls to the Great Hall.
Once she was there, she found her place and left a seat open in case Avery wanted to sit with her. They were still getting to know each other, but Lindsey really felt a connection between the two of them that she wanted to grow. The hall actual seemed rather peaceful at the moment, with the chattering of fellow students, some her own housemates. Eating some chicken that was before her, she savored the delicious meal, taking her time to chew it and enjoy it.
The explosion caused her to nearly jump out of her skin and she quickly turned around in her seat and headed over towards the other side of the great hall. What had happened? Were they being attacked? At the appearance of Hawthorne, she was settled some, but she felt the need for adventure and her highland roots called her to the sense of the chaos. She didn't look around for any other Slytherins. No, she was gone out the hall with any others.
Post by Luckett Langford on Dec 5, 2019 10:34:47 GMT 10
Wait a second. Captain? Only one person called him that and she was a Slytherin. 'Hanna?' He asked, looking over at the girl. Uh, was she in Hufflepuff robes? He couldn't help but nod, his mouth turned slightly upward. 'Yellow's a good color on you.' He simply said, taking another bite of his beef. He didn't know why she was dressed in Hufflepuff apparel or how she even obtained them, but he also didn't care. Although, he had a hunch as to why. 'You don't have to pretend to be a Hufflepuff just to sit with me.' He chuckled. Lucky couldn't help himself.
Boom. The sound of a huge explosion happened somewhere on the grounds, causing students to jump from their seats. Lucky was one of them, quickly standing to full height. He wasn't scared of whatever it was, prepared to run into danger if he had to. He pointed at the windows, noticing the billowing smoke and sparks of spells. 'Look!' He shouted to his housemates, trying to direct their attention. Lucky didn't know what was causing it. Were they being attacked by someone? Was it a prank from a rival school? Wait, did Hogwarts even have a rival school?
'It wouldn't be dinner without a fiasco, eh?' He grinned, talking among his housemates. He listened as Hathmore and Rickard spoke, debating silently if he wanted to help out. Langford noticed some of his fellow Quidditch captains rushing out to help and then suddenly felt like he should too. But did he have to? He was enjoying his dinner. Lucky grumbled, scooping up a handful of carrots. 'Duty calls, I guess.' He shrugged and strolled out of the dining hall with less urgency than the others, but with importance nonetheless. He deserved house points for this.
Elara was too busy eating her potatoes to notice Lucky's initial approach but upon feeling him sit down next to her, she turned her attention to the quidditch captain momentarily to smile and nod in her own way of acknowledging his arrival. "Class, studying... More studying" she answered his question, nothing too exciting- pretty basic day for her, although if Hanna heard her say that then she'd be appalled at how 'boring' she sounded.
Someone else sat on her other side and she looked over to see a familiar face, but she was wearing the yellow uniform of Hufflepuff house. Hanna was wearing her uniform. It wasn't unexpected but it did make Elara feel a nervous anxiety about the reception of this prank, if it could even be classed as such. "Finally realised who the better house is?" she teased her friend- despite knowing all along that this was what she had planned.
"Do you flirt with everyone, or just my best friend?" she questioned Lucky upon hearing the boys exchange with Hanna. She didn't approve of the flirtation, maybe it was the green eyed monster rearing its ugly head, but whatever it was- Elara didn't like it. "I'm trying to eat, I'd appreciate the pair of you not put me off my food" of course she was teasing, even if there was some seriousness to her words.
The loud bang made Elara flinch and rise from her seat, hand instinctively reaching for her wand but she stopped, hand resting upon the wand in her pocket as the panic settled and she realised what was happening as the commotion settled a little around them. Hearing Hathmore and Rickard explain the situation, she looked up and down the table before pulling on Hanna's sleeve.
"C'mon, we better go see if there's anything we can do to help" she grabbed an apple from a fruit bowl in the middle of the table first before heading out of the hall with those who'd also volunteered to help with the crisis.
Hanna laughed at Lucky's comment "Thanks but I don't need you to tell me I look good, I already know" she winked at the boy before turning back to her food and continuing to eat. She smiled at Elara as she spoke, it was funny to watcher friend react to their conversations.
The young Slytherin went to speak again when a loud boom shook the room; Hanna shot to her feet and looked around franticly, her wand in her hand ready to protect herself if needed. Elara and Lucky stood beside her as Hathmore explained the situation. The Hufflepuff captain was quick to leave, even if it was begrudgingly, and Hanna went to step after him when she felt a tug at her sleeve.
"I was going to go help anyway, I would follow that boy anywhere" Hanna joked, throwing a mischievous wink to her friend before grabbing a handful of grapes and jogging after Lucky.
If it wasn't already obvious, Sebastian was a vegetarian. He tried his best to be a full–fledged vegan, but would at times indulge himself in dairy and honey. He was a growing teenager, after all. It was rather difficult, but he really did try his best. The most important thing to him was not eating meat, because he didn't believe in killing animals. Bash always got flack for it, too. His father frequently reminded him that protein was important for a man his age. His response? Some of the strongest animals didn't eat meat and only fed on grass and grains.
Sebastian looked up from his plate of vegetables when Lucas Mardling approached him. Lucas was his his bunkmate and someone he'd classify as a little more than an acquaintance, perhaps almost a friend. They found themselves around one another often in their dorm, so there was an ease when acclimating to eachother around the castle. He smiled toward Lucas, making sure to move his borrowed book in order to make room for Lucas' plate. "I haven't seen you since this morning," he noted in observation, taking a big spoonful of peas to his mouth.
"What have you been up to?" Seb asked, innocently trying to stir conversation, but realized if taken the wrong way, it could've sounded pointed. He wouldn't be surprised if Lucas took it the wrong way, either. From what he knew of Mardling, he had probably spent most of his day conducting deals. Sebastian didn't judge, though. He never did. He believed Mardling to be a specialist in the field of negotiation. He had a career in it, no doubt. Bash didn't attempt to prove his intention but held soft eye contact, hoping to imply nothing but harmless curiosity.
There was nothing harmless in what came next, though. A loud blast reverberated throughout the dining hall, causing Sebastian to duck and quickly glance around the room. It sounded as though it came from outside, and surely enough, it did. Students began to flock to the windows to check out the action, but Sebastian stayed back. Whatever it was, he wasn't going to put himself in danger. He opted to stay back and in safe distance from any potential flying glass. That was a huge risk in itself. Who really knew how close in proximity the explosion was?
Well, apparently Hathmore did. He entered and disclosed the source. Braxorn. Sebastian knew of them through his extensive research into all types of magical creatures. They had broken free from the Beast Reserve. Hagrid had mentioned that place earlier that afternoon. But why had they escaped? Seb had read them to be affectionate creatures. They surely couldn't have done it themselves, could they? Not without being instigated? Something wasn't right. When Rickard asked for volunteers, Seb shot to his feet without hesitation. He was on his way.
As dinner progressed, as did the situation outside. Whatever was going on, there wasn't much to see as it was still night and the clouds didn't let much moonlight aide them. It was just the occasional spark of spells being cast, or brief bursts of light that older students could assume to be a wand-lighting spell. Interest in it soon faded though, and everyone fully returned their focus to the meal itself and catching up with friends.
After a while, Professor Snape finished his dinner and begrudgingly made his way from the hall. He had his wand in hand, so his destination was easy to assume. They'd be needing some extra potions as well, no doubt. A few others left to follow his lead, but the staff table remained active enough as most of the school were still present in the Great Hall.
Ruby was thoroughly enjoying her dinner when she spied Lucky approaching the table. "Hey, Lucky, hopeyou've had a good day sofar. I did some duelling withmy other First Year friends.Managed to win aduel, too."
Hearing the announcement about the Braxorns, but feeling that she didn't have enough experience in spell-casting to be of much help, Ruby stayed at the table, listening to the sounds of whatever was happening outside. She saw some of her fellow classmates, including Lucky, heading off to lend a hand, and she hoped everything would be ok.
Post by Amara Seabrook on Dec 6, 2019 2:22:10 GMT 10
Amara strode confidently into the Great Hall, though paused to give it a surveying look. She glared at Thomas for good measure, then headed to the Slytherin table. She sat near Lucas and Sebastian, ignoring both until she had a good selection of food on her plate. She was starving, after all that duelling. She gathered some nuts as well, as they'd be good for a potion later.
When something exploded outside, Amara instinctively dove to take cover. Her wand was out faster than she'd even registered if there was danger or not. She didn't get up like others did, preferring to keep her distance from whatever just happened. Then Hathmore's entrance made her jump again, and Amara accidentally zapped a napkin. Her heart pounded as she processed the situation, now informed about it all, yet was busy checking the napkin wasn't about to catch flames.
Naturally, many other students hurried to go help. Idiots, the lot of them. Well, most of them - she spotted Nyx leaving the hall as well. 'Braxorns are those things with floppy ears, right?' Amara asked Lucas, as if he'd have any idea. She made no effort to move, preferring to at least finish her dinner before she reached any sort of decision.
There was no motivation for her to go help. Sure, she hoped the creatures were okay, but anyone else who went there did so of their own stupidity. Why should she put herself in harms way on a whim? It made no sense. Though Amara did consider that it would be a good challenge after an afternoon of duelling. Myabe she'd even get to see Thomas trampled to death. That would be lovely.
She continued eating, pacing herself as she would any other night.
Then, Professor Snape showed every sign of getting involved - that changed Amara's perspective fast. He she trusted andhad immense respect for. If he saw it worth going down there, then perhaps she should too. After all, it was likely potions were involved. Her skills and knowledge may prove useful. It'd be a good way to shove it in Thomas' face as well, that Amara Seabrook had gone to help. Ha!
'I suppose I should go see what the fuss is about.' Amara stood, aware that Sebastian had already left to do the same. 'I don't expect I'll see you there, but keep an ear out for me?' she asked Lucas. Thankfully, she had little on her at the moment - not even her robes. They were probably still infested with glitter anyway. With the most reluctant huff, Amara took a final sip of her pumpkin juice then headed out of the hall.
Guess it was that time again, dinner as always. At least he could get a bite or two to eat real quick and go on his merry way. He had some things he wanted to do today, places to go, people to see, that sort of thing and dinner was just a quick diversion really. He stretched and yawned, still feeling tired as he wandered into the great hall, sauntering through with the usual swagger in his step. He did feel something was a little off tonight, but he couldn't tell what, other than his ankle still feeling a little mushy after Nyx sent him flying.
He found himself a seat around the nearest Gryffindors, sitting near where Tiana and the rest were at the Gryffindor table. Not particularly chatty because he felt tired, and this weird feeling he had was still sort of messing with his head. He ate his chicken, easing back in his seat and letting out a light yawn, covering his mouth as he did so. Then came the explosion which startled him enough to waken him from his state of half-sleep. He hopped up with the rest of the Gryffindors and went to take a look. Then he heard the headmasters voice and he saw Tiana take to action.
"I think you're supposed to not run towards the explosion." He said quickly as he watched on, hearing Tiana rallying up Jade. He just grinned and went back to his food. "You guys have fun." He felt it was cool everyone was volunteering and all, but he had put in far too much effort today and he wanted to take it easy. He really wanted to finish up that food anyway, seeing as he was a bit late to a previous meal such as this. "But the smart plan is to let this all work itself out so..." He grinned, wasn't like anyone was gonna force him to go, after all!
Post by Lucas Mardling on Dec 6, 2019 22:29:19 GMT 10
Lucas raised an eyebrow at Sebastian's question about not seeing him since the morning, but determined there'd been no rude intent in asking it. It made for a nice change, even though the two boys typically got along well anyway.
'Oh, you know me.' He grinned, all charm and confidence. 'Making deals, of course.' It's what Lucas was known for, so why expand on that? He speared some roast potatoes, considering what fun he could stir up tomorrow. He didn't want to be so focused on his notes and plans that he forgot to have fun too. Who could he mess with? Thomas or Langford were good targets right now, as that'd make Amara happy too, though Lucas wasn't sure he wanted to mess with that hornet nest of a situation.
When the explosion sounded, he just about inhaled his dinner. Lucas dove to the floor in instinct, not daring to emerge again until several others had first. He peered over the edge of the table, then slowly returned to his seat. Like many other Slytherins, he had no intention of running to the windows like a crazy person.
He yelped when Professor Hathmore burst into the Great Hall, going on about Braxorns and other things Lucas had zero interest in investigating. When the request for volunteers was voiced, Lucas grabbed a cloth napkin and place non-messy food onto it. He tied it up and tucked it into his bag, then downed an entire goblet of pumpkin juice as if it were something stronger. There were drinks in the common room too, but just in case.
'Mad, the lot of you,' Lucas muttered, though nodded at Amara's words. He always had an ear out anyway. For now though, that ear was going with him to the common room where things didn't explode. Not when Amara was absent, anyway. Wasting no further time, Lucas gathered his things and dashed from the hall - making a beeline for the dungeons and relative safety of Slytherin's domain.
Food vanished from the tables, and were replaced by delicious desserts. Despite the various temptations and treats, many staff and students soon rose to leave the Great Hall. Chatter about the event outside remained a notable topic - with students keeping to windows to try and get another peek.
A few remained to indulge in some dessert, often multitasking with friends or reading/writing tasks. The chatter reached a low volume, almost peaceful, which some older students much preferred over the bustle of their common rooms. Dessert likely wouldn't last as long tonight though, with such low numbers of those in attendance.
After a while, the noise and spell-sparks on the grounds began to cease. Dessert vanished from the tables, leaving everything vacant and clean. The last few staff members and student began to leave the hall, though a platter of sandwiches soon appeared in each common room for those returning from the situation outside. It was now curfew and everyone was expected to be safely inside their house areas or headed there now.
Last Edit: Dec 11, 2019 14:48:55 GMT 10 by Lena: Curfew began
00 | 
21 | 
20
December
