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.
It was Nyx's Severing Charm that did the trick. The stem shredded and the pear fell loose, though her aim was so precise that no harm had come to the potential ingredient. She caught it, as expected, and upon inspection would see that the pear was indeed a viable ingredient. Not only that, but Nyx now had enough to meet Professor Snape's requirements to proceed with her request.
Kat wasn't having much luck in her own search for another wild Primpear. There were a few overripe ones squashed on the ground, and one tree had lots of new ones starting to grow - but none that were the right yet for an ingredient. It's possible there were some if she kept looking, but it might take a while.
However, one thing Kat noticed (and could point out to Nyx) was that several Primpears on the ground looked as if they could have been good yet were clearly stepped on to the point of becoming mush. There was a large paw print nearby, leading a bit deeper into the forest path's area. After their chaotic event the night before, both girls would be able to recognise the paw print as belonging to a Braxorn. Not a baby, but certainly not full-sized yet either.
Except, they were quite far from the Beast Reserve. The area bordered off the night before, during everything that happened, wasn't near enough here to make sense. It became a question of what Nyx and Kat decided to do next, now the discovered was made.
Post by Nyx Nordstrom on Dec 23, 2019 13:09:41 GMT 10
Nyx was close to dropping the wild primpear when it fell, but she managed to catch it. It was Katherine's reaction that almost distracted her to the point of losing her ingredient to the ground. "Kat, it's not a big deal," she responded, shooting her close friend a baffled look. Nyx didn't know why, but it always felt like Katherine tried too hard to appease the infamous Slytherin—and that could've been why the latter was resistant to her advances. "Amara will come around," she stated, inspecting the primpear. It was ripe, making it viable for use.
"She didn't say anything about you to me," she responded quickly, trying to conceal her annoyance. But her face said it all, shades of irritation crossing her soft features. It really bothered the Ravenclaw that her friend seemed insecure about something like this. Sure, Nyx had insecurities of her own, too, but this one seemed a bit silly. "If anything, it'd benefit her to befriend you. You're a prefect now. Prove your worth through your duties," she advised, pocketing the wild primpear. Nyx hoped Kat wouldn't be upset by her tough love.
Nordstrom stepped away from the tree, looking around by her feet in the process. There were a lot of mashed wild primpears scattered about, all of which were once viable ingredients. She couldn't help but sigh in frustration, not because she could've collected them if she had been there sooner, but because she got some on her shoes. Nyx shook her foot, a habitual scowl present on her face, as she tried to rid her shoe of the battered primpear. "Why on earth are all of these on the ground in the first place?" she groaned, motioning toward the mess.
Last Edit: Dec 23, 2019 13:13:12 GMT 10 by Nyx Nordstrom
Nyx was right. Kat needed to calm down about the whole situation. Her expression visibly changed and softened. "I'm sorry. You're right, she'll come around eventually. I'm just sick of waiting, especially after how hard I try to connect with her." Kat spoke truthfully. She understood that she might have been overreacting but Nyx didn't know what it was like for Kat. She had several friends in her house, Kat didn't. Or at least not yet.
Kat felt embarrassed and looked down at the ground, that's when she noticed the smushed primpear and animal tracks. She immediately crouched down to inspect the ground. Nyx seemed to notice the mush too. The tracks seemed awfully familiar. At a closer look Kat was able to identify them from the night before, they belonged to a Braxorn. Kat felt disappointed that she couldn't find a viable wild primpear for an ingredient, but maybe these tracks would lead to one? She thought that she better consult Nyx.
"These are Braxorn tracks! They head deeper into the forest... but what would they be doing over here?" Kat inspected the area further. She wasn't sure if braxorn ate wild primpear but by the looks of the scene they must have enjoyed stepping on them.
"Shoot, I was hoping to get a wild primpear today. Do you think their tracks will lead to more? Do you want to check it out? I'm sure Hagrid would want to know about this, and I'd say after the other night we're quite able to handle them ourselves." Kat looked at Nyx for a decision. She personally had no problem running into the wood. Maybe the braxorn needed help, maybe they'd run into something else entirely. Something extraordinary! Hogwarts did hold many mysteries and Kat love adventures. But she wasn't stupid enough to go running off by herself.
Post by Nyx Nordstrom on Dec 25, 2019 4:11:49 GMT 10
Nyx listened to her apology. She listened to her explanation, and she knew it was sincere. Not because Katherine had mentioned her desire to bond with Amara Seabrook before, not because she implied how much it bothered her that it wasn't reciprocated. Nyx knew because she could hear it in her friend's voice. Nyx could feel the hurt, and it was a similar hurt to what she felt in regard to her family. They were two very different situations, but both had the same upsetting outcome. "You don't need to apologize. I understand," Nyx replied with a softer tone.
She shook more gunk from her shoe, but there was still too much. Enough was enough. She clasped the wand in her hand and pointed it toward the bottom of her shoe. "Tergeo," she casted with an irritation, siphoning all remaining traces of the squashed wild primpear. Nyx was too distracted to listen to Kat, but once she registered her friend's words, she looked down at the ground. Braxorn tracks? Nordstrom moved aside, noticing them herself. "Didn't Professor Fairburn say the Braxorn were returned to the Beast Reserve?" she spoke in question.
This wasn't good. Nyx didn't like the look of it, not one bit. They had already dealt with these beasts the night before and she wasn't in the mood to deal with them again. But there was Kat, her best friend, wanting to potentially seek out more wild primpears. Nyx had half a mind to offer the ingredient to the Slytherin, just so she could avoid following the paw prints—but she needed it. Nyx had to give her six ingredients to Professor Snape later. "I suppose so," she responded with hesitation, her fingers stroking the handle of her wand, revealing her emotions.
Last Edit: Dec 25, 2019 4:18:35 GMT 10 by Nyx Nordstrom
The tracks and squashed primpears led deeper among the trees. Though they remained in the Forest Path area, they would have to step off the natural path itself to investigate where the Braxorn had gone. Their tracking skills were limited and they soon ran out of fruit to follow, but the walk wasn't too far so they were able to continue without getting too lost or unsure of where to go next.
They soon reached a small clearing partially overrun with small bushes and long grass. An adolescent Braxorn lay on its side, breathing heavily in fear and exhaustion. Its gaze focused on them, though it made no effort to flee or attack. It just lay there, without any sign of injury. Then it kicked a back paw, and the glowing line of a tethering spell briefly revealed itself.
Kat followed the tracks to a small clearing where they found the braxorn. She was cautious at first, not wanting to spook it. However as she got closer it seemed as if it was much calmer then the braxorn from the night before. Probably because there wasn't a hectic scenario.
She locked eyes with the braxorn from across the edge of the clearing and watched it move its back leg reveling a tethering spell. The thought of someone tying up this majestic animal and just abandoning it was cruel. A small audible gasp escaped her lips. "Look," she whispered, "there's a tethering spell on that Braxorn! We have to help it!" Nyx would most likely hear the distress in Kat's voice. She always had a soft spot in her heart for creatures.
As much as Kat wanted to run into the clearing she held herself back. 'What if this was a campsite from however attacked the other night?' She thought to herself before quietly sharing the thought with Nyx. "Why don't you search around the clearing for clues and I'll try to calm the braxorn. Then once we know it's safe we can try to release it." Kat wondered what Nyx thought of her plan. To Kat it seemed reasonable.
Kat trusted Nyx and she was sure Nyx trusted her, so divide and conquer made sense. Once she talked it over with Nyx and they decided on what to do Kat proceeded.
She tip toed up to the braxorn and held out her palm to it, trying to signal it not to make a ruckus. Once she was close enough she let the braxorn sniff her. "We're gonna help you." Kat said in a comforting and hushed tone. She stoked the braxorn hoping to comfort and calm it.
Kat searched the braxorn for any injures while she pondered the best way to release it. She could try relashio but the sparks might startle the animal. She wondered if a general counter spell would get the job done. She didn't see why not. "Finite incantatem" Kat muttered holding her wand over the bounded leg. She wasn't sure how stong the enchantment was and she might need Nyx's combined strength to undo the tethering spell. After all, it had to be strong to hold the braxorn.
Post by Nyx Nordstrom on Dec 28, 2019 4:12:22 GMT 10
Nyx followed her eager friend through the trees, making sure to avoid any squashed wild primpears along the way. She didn't want her shoes to be covered in any unflattering muck—not again. The girls ended up diverting off the natural, forest path, which left the Ravenclaw a little weary. Nyx wasn't hopeful by any means, expecting to find something unsettling at the end of their spontaneous adventure. And, as expected, their sights were set on something troubling. "That doesn't look good," she alerted, pointing toward the adolescent Braxorn.
Why was it all alone outside the Beast Reserve? Then, Katherine spotted something peculiar. Nyx maneuvered around her best friend, trying to get a better view of the animal's magical tethering. It was similar to the fastenings that Madam Pomfrey had conjured upon the Crystal Daymoth the day before. There didn't seem to be anyone or anything else nearby—or, perhaps, that was what the culprit wanted one to think. "This feels like a trap, Katherine. I think it may be smarter to get the groundskeeper," Nyx whispered, vigilant about their safety.
But, her words of caution didn't seem to phase the prefect. Nordstrom watched as Maples took off into the clearing, leaving her behind. With an agitated huff, she began to circle the area under protest, believing it to be a terrible idea. There was the possibility of this being anything but, however, something didn't feel right. While Nyx searched through a series of bushes off at the wayside, she couldn't help but take the opportunity to look for ingredients, specifically nettles. This wouldn't prevent her from being prepared to attack, defend or flee, however.
Last Edit: Dec 28, 2019 4:12:34 GMT 10 by Nyx Nordstrom
There weren't any clues in the area - or at least, none that either Kat or Nyx could see. This didn't seem like a place that grew ingredients, as they'd ventured into an area so rarely visited. Though there was a sense of wariness in the air, either from being watched or the suspicious circumstances they'd stumbled upon. However, no traps were sprung as they took action.
The Braxorn nervously sniffed Kat's hand, though its eyes showed fear and vulnerability. Somehow, it seemed to realise they were there to help - though possibly because it was so exhausted, having used up its panicked energy earlier in trying to free itself.
Kat's spell was just strong enough to undo the tethering spell. It snapped then faded, and the Braxorn immediately bellowed - thrashing in attempt to get up, yet was too exhausted to actually make progress. Kat would have to get out of the way fast though to avoid injury, as even a young Braxorn was quite big and strong compared to a teenage witch.
And as if things couldn't get worst, the Braxorn's commotion caught the attention of a creature nearby - luring a Crystal Daymoth into their clearing. With Kat preoccupied with the Braxorn, and Nyx being closer to the moth, it would be up to the Ravenclaw girl to act fast and avoid becoming the eager moth's victim. Its wings beat fast and it made aggressive noises, preparing to lunge an attack against Nyx.
Meanwhile, the Braxorn bellowed again - though hopefully there weren't any other moths nearby. Someone needed to calm it down before it completely exhausted itself to the point of being harmful for its own health and well-being.
Due to their negative impact and behaviour, the member who played Katherine and Abigail Maples has been excused from HAU. We apologise for any inconvenience this has caused. As Katherine was a prominent part of this thread, Nyx Nordstrom you may vaguely RP them out of the situation as needed in order to proceed with your task.
Post by Nyx Nordstrom on Dec 29, 2019 13:39:43 GMT 10
Nyx gasped loudly, a fierce pang leaping through her heart. She was stunned, her composure flayed, her vulnerability visible for miles. Nordstrom hadn't seen the Crystal Daymoth emerge from wherever it had come from, causing her to stumble backward from sheer surprise. She gripped her wand tight, feeling the sudden surge of blood pulsating through her veins. She could feel the adrenaline coursing through her system, her breathing becoming a little erratic. The deadly insect had startled her, especially with everything else taking place around her.
"Katherine!" she yelled out in a panic, staggering over what felt like fallen branches or maybe even rocks. She managed to stay on her feet, however—a credit to her exceptional balance. When she turned to locate her friend, Nyx only saw the back of her head, sprinting off the way they had came. Did she really just leave Nyx alone to fend for herself against a raging moth? Screw her. Nyx reeled back to face the hovering Crystal Daymoth, steadying her breath. "You picked the wrong girl, you mistake of nature," she spat, her eyes flashing murderously.
She didn't even need to define her intentions. Nyx already felt it burning deep within. She wanted to destroy this creature, protect herself, and defend the injured Braxorn. Nordstrom strode forward, her wand pulsating with magical power. "Frangito periculum!" she shouted, with an impassioned brandish of her wand. If the aggressive insect had slowed down from being subdued by her incantation, Nyx would immediately pivot, before thrashing her wand outward in a whip–like motion. She lowered her wand after the attack—simply harrumphing.
Last Edit: Dec 29, 2019 13:44:24 GMT 10 by Nyx Nordstrom
It was a struggle. The moth slowed and was subdued enough for Nyx to proceed, but only barely. Having being caught off-guard was certainly a disadvantage, but the Braxorn's weakened sounds of fear and exhaustion spurred her on.
Her attack was successful and the moth soon shattered, startling the Braxorn again. It just lay there now, defeated and unable to find the strength to keep struggling even though the tether was gone. It was yet to even sit up, though there were still no signs of any wound or otherwise.
The watchful, strange atmosphere of the clearing remained - giving Nyx a sense that something was certainly amiss and it wasn't just the presence of the lone Braxorn so far from the reserve. The question was, what would she do now? There was a rustling in a tree nearby, where one of the school owls arrived to perch while finishing its breakfast. It observed Nyx curiously.
Post by Nyx Nordstrom on Jan 1, 2020 2:07:17 GMT 10
Her breath was heavy, but measured. Nyx had lost all track of time from the moment she spotted the aggressive insect. She turned to find the weakened Braxorn, seemingly exhausted and defeated. It wasn't tethered anymore, but it appeared too debilitated to lift itself up. Nyx needed to get it help, as she wasn't sure of the proper procedure to take care of it, nor did she likely have the proper supplies. She kneeled beside the creature, extending her hand. At first, her fingers flinched as if hesitant of her own actions, but she needed to soothe the Braxorn.
There was a wary atmosphere that remained, a feeling that something wasn't right. It was a feeling she was entirely unable to shake, beginning the moment she noticed the squashed wild primpears. That seemed like hours ago. While she knelt beside the animal and attempted to calm it, she scanned the trees with sharp, cornflower eyes. There was an unease creeping into her chest, warning her that she needed to leave as soon as possible. Suddenly, her attention shot toward where she believed she heard a rustling in the trees. Her heart pounded loud.
It was just an owl. Nyx exhaled with relief, standing to her feet. She didn't know what to do. The idea to cast a visual signal into the sky crossed her mind, but she knew that would startle the Braxorn—maybe even cause it to injure itself in trying to flee. Then, it dawned on her. She still had parchment from class. She quickly retrieved it from her satchel and began to scrawl away with her quill. It was a request for urgent assistance, one she'd attach to the owl and send for help. Nyx composed one letter—short and concise—addressed to Professor Fairburn.
The idea to send one to Professor Hathmore crossed her mind, but Nyx didn't trust him. She felt her morning's instructor was not only closer to her location, but also better with creatures. "I need you to deliver this letter for me," she spoke in a hushed voice, approaching the distant owl. Nordstrom rolled the letter up quickly, before tying a piece of blue string around the parchment. She knew that owls were quite intelligent, usually able to find their recipient with little to no direction. "Professor Fairburn," she stated, handing the note over carefully.
Last Edit: Jan 1, 2020 2:20:54 GMT 10 by Nyx Nordstrom
The Braxorn flinched at Nyx's touch, but otherwise hardly reacted. Sadly, it seemed to have given up - no longer fighting for its survival or freedom. It was too exhausted to move anyway.
The owl swooped to land on Nyx's shoulder, dutifully extending its leg for her to attach the rolled parchment to. With an affirmative hoot, it spread its wings and flew off - sweeping Nyx's hair out of place with its whooshing movement.
The sense of unease grew while she waited. There was a moment when it almost sounded like footsteps crunching on leaves nearby - or was her mind playing tricks with her? Either way, it was tense - then Professor Fairburn hurried into the clearing. She was accompanied by Professor Rivera, who had her wand raised and rushed ahead to search the nearby forest area.
'You're okay.' Fairburn's voice was gentle and soothing, as she crouched by the Braxorn and stroked its shoulder. It was where her attention went first upon arrival. 'Miss Nordstrom, what happened?' The note had been brief, and now the Professors were there they needed a more in-dept rundown of what Nyx knew so they could take the best course of action to rectify the situation.
'All clear,' Rivera said, returning to the clearing yet kept her wand at the ready. 'Are you all right?' She checked on Nyx, reaching to place a hand on her shoulder in concern. It was hard to tell if that was her natural, caring instinct or if there was the added fact that Nyx was a Ravenclaw.
Post by Nyx Nordstrom on Jan 1, 2020 6:19:50 GMT 10
Nyx swatted at the empty air above her head, initially annoyed that the bird had ruined her hair during take–off. She inaudibly growled, immediately slicking back her platinum hair to how it was normally styled—perfectly flat against the curvature of her head. It had to be minutes, but felt like hours, as she looked after the Braxorn she knelt beside again. Things were starting to feel bleak until both Professor Fairburn and Professor Rivera had arrived. Nyx was relieved to see that her owl had been received successfully and pleased to see her Head of House, too.
"I was searching for ingredients with a half–wit," she began to explain, but instantly shot a look of apology toward Professor Rivera. This wasn't the time nor place to criticize a fellow student, even if Nyx believed it to be true. She continued to explain what happened, detailing the path she had traveled to get there, before stumbling upon the clearing. Nordstrom made mention of the magical tethering and the raucous caused by the distressed Braxorn, which eventually lured a Crystal Daymoth. "I'm just thankful that I learned how to properly subdue them," she finished, after describing her confrontation with the aggressive insect.
"I'm better now that you're here," she admitted softly, nodding toward her Head of House. "It wasn't anything that I couldn't handle temporarily," Nordstrom added with an air of self–importance, but softened her eyes before continuing. "But I know when I'm in over my head and need assistance," she concluded, motioning toward the distraught Braxorn. It was true. Nyx had only run errands during the recent attack, unfamiliar with how to care for the animal. "Why was it tethered here, outside the Beast Reserve?" she suddenly inquired.
Last Edit: Jan 1, 2020 6:23:27 GMT 10 by Nyx Nordstrom
Professor Rivera waved off Nyx's comment, though appreciated the apologetic look. 'And where is this other student?' She glanced around, as it was her job to ensure no one was hurt. If Nyx mentioned they'd definitely left then that was fine, but she needed to know if there was someone else they should be checking on or not. 'I do hope they didn't just leave you here to fend for yourself, however effectively you've done so.' She was clearly offended on Nyx's behalf.
'A tethering spell...' Professor Fairburn shook her head, clearly angered yet she kept it enough in check to remain professional. 'This is outrageous. Oh, you poor baby.' She stroked the Braxorn to calm him, then put her hands under him to give him a good push. With a scared and tired bellow, the creature shakily stood. Fairburn kept a hand on him so he knew he was okay, watching his every move carefully.
'They have to upright as soon as possible in situations like this,' Rivera explained to Nyx. 'He wouldn't have made it, had you not called us. It was a very responsible and important thing you did. It showed maturity on your part, accepting that you needed assistance and acting on it. Three points to Ravenclaw, I'd say.'
'Yes, well done.' Fairburn added, pushing the Braxorn to keep it from lying down again. 'You have literally saved his life.' She strained and grunted with his opposing weight, but shook her head when Rivera made a gesture of if she should help.
'He knows me,' Fairburn added. 'His mother will have my head if I don't get him back to the herd. No wonder they were bellowing all night. This is just cruel...'
'Indeed. And being all the way out here... Well, at least we have a better idea of who's behind it.' Rivera sighed. 'Miss Nordstrom, do you have everything you needed? If so, you may head back to the castle now. We've got it from here.'
Post by Nyx Nordstrom on Jan 2, 2020 11:41:26 GMT 10
When asked about the other student, Nyx mentioned her to Professor Rivera by name, not fully knowing why she had fled—completely unsure if she had even left to seek help. Regardless, the Ravenclaw was done with people like that in her life. Nyx wanted to be surrounded by people that had her back, had her best interest at heart and were honest with her. Why? Because she was all those things for the people she deemed her allies. The only person that Nyx Nordstrom felt she had complete faith in was Mathias Sallow—and not even her own immediate family.
"Thank you, Professor Rivera," she replied, doing her best to conceal a smile of delight. It didn't seem appropriate to wear the expression—not in a situation like this. That didn't take away from Nyx Nordstrom's feeling of accomplishment, however. She was pleased to have been recognized for her efforts by one of the women she looked up to. "I'm happy he was found when he was. I would do it all over again if I had to," she said in response to Professor Fairburn, watching as the instructor did her best to keep the Braxorn upright.
Nyx wanted to know more about the incident. But how could she gain some insight from her Head of House? She bent down to pick up some of her belongings, which had spilled from her robes when she had frantically searched for her parchment. "Professor Rivera," she began, approaching her once more. "Should we be worried? Is this someone.. dangerous?" she almost whispered, her eyes rising to Rivera's own. Whether or not she received her answer, Nyx would part on good terms with the instructors, before taking her leave for the castle.
Last Edit: Jan 2, 2020 11:45:10 GMT 10 by Nyx Nordstrom
00 | 
22 | 
20
December
