An active, character-driven Hogwarts experience set in the early 2000s. Unique items, plots, and features. Non-canon; this isn't Harry Potter's story, it's ours.
Post by Arthur Hocking on Feb 27, 2020 9:31:30 GMT 10
Arthur frowned. He knew there was no way for sure to know that Hanna was okay, but he could hope, and he trusted Madam Pomfrey anyways. "I'm sure she's fine." Arthur repeated, with the most confidence he could muster up. She was Elara's best friend, he knew that, and he wouldn't have wanted anything to happen to his best friends.
"I think they're pretty great. I haven't had Autumn for all that long." he paused to consider this, as the mail came in. Arthur looked over and decided he didn't really need the Daily Prophet. He never got owl post, anyways, as his uncles were both Muggles. "Have you seen those requests? I was going to go find a pumpkin after class."
He shrugged, "I'm not really good at it, though, am I?" he sighed. He liked watching Quidditch, and playing with friends was fun, but now that he had to think about it, he would have rather not had his heart broken the times he tried out. "Besides, I'll have other fun things to do!" he said, so she wouldn't try to encourage him anymore.
Post by Grace Babineaux on Feb 27, 2020 12:00:51 GMT 10
Grace wasn't a Swans fan, but she felt sad when she read the headlines. She wondered if this was connected to something else about Quidditch, with the Tutshill tornados. She was more interested in a story within, the one about Gringotts bank increasing security. She had thought it was the most secure place out there. She wondered briefly about her allowance before her mother's owl came in, announcing itself with a hoot.
The owl was carrying one of the best brooms out there, and Grace's eyes widened. She would have expected this since she had told her siblings about it, and even had considered writing to her mother about making it on the team, but had figured one of them would do it. Her brother liked to write home more than she did, so she usually let him be in charge of an news.
Grace began to examine her own broom, oohing over it, while she remembered to stuff some more nuts in her pocket for the requested potions. She was too busy thinking about how much fun she would have as a Quidditch chaser on her new broom. The letter attached was a simple "Congrats!" Grace knew her mother was short with words.
Grace looked over at Gerald, waving to him and gesturing at her new broom, thrilled to be on the team and have a nice broom. She looked to Toby, and felt a little guilty that she got a really nice new one while Amy's friend mentioned that they might not be able to afford one.
Finishing off her breakfast, Elara nodded along to Arthur's repeated words of reassurance- he was right, Hanna was probably fine. She'd definitely show up for class that morning. "You're right... I'm overthinking things" she was just worried and when she got worried, her mind tended to jump to the worst case scenario. Before she had a chance to worry about the matter further, the familiar sound of owls alerted her of the morning post arriving and her gaze immediately turned to the sky. She wasn't expecting a letter from home, she hadn't given her parents reason to write since last time she'd written to them- but she did enjoy flicking through the paper and perhaps was hopeful she'd hear unprompted news from her family.
Of course, her parents familiar owl did not arrive but a copy of the daily prophet landed in front of her and she quickly picked it up to examine the front page. Scowling as she read the news- anything quidditch related was always a top priority and this was no different. Although, she was't a supporter of the Swedish Swans, she had to admit that something felt off about this particular piece of news. She didn't know their captain personally but as far as she knew there had been no prior hint that he intended to retire anytime soon- still, it might be a postive for the team she did support.
"They are pretty darn cute..." she muttered absent-mindedly in an effort to engage with Arthur about his pet whilst still trying to learn more about this unexpected bit of quidditch news. "Huh? What requests?" looking up from the paper, she frowned- the expression on her face telling her friend that she didn't have a clue what he was talking about. With everything that had happened the day before, she was a little out of the loop. Her mind had been on other things.
"You know, the best way to improve at a skill, is to practice" she said, finally putting the paper down and looking Arthur in the eye. Of course, he didn't need to try out for the team but, she was sure he'd be a valuable asset if he turned out to have hidden talent. "You could be really good! You never know unless you try! C'mon, I'm trying out and I think Dec might've said something about it too..." if he hadn't then Elara sure as hell was going to drag him to try-outs herself. She couldn't be the only one of her friends trying out for the quidditch team (Hanna didn't count, she was now the enemy...)
"Sure... There are plenty of other things you could do, like join a club or something" she attempted to encourage her housemate, in case he really had no desire in pursuing quidditch. Although she managed to resist the temptation of telling him that nothing could be as fun as quidditch and he would really be missing out.
Food disappeared from the tables as breakfast ended. However, before anyone could rise from their seats - Madam Hooch caught their attention and quietened the chatter.
'Today's Quidditch try-outs have been postponed until further notice,' she said. Students responded with loud groans or complaints, which made it impossible to hear Hooch's explanation of why. She soon left the hall along with several Professors, preventing anyone from approaching her to question or argue why the Quidditch schedule was rearranged.
The Great Hall took longer to empty of its students, as many still complained or discussed the unexpected announcement. It didn't seem like anything was wrong or had caused it, yet Madam Hooch's decision was clear and unwavering. Some argued it was probably a maintenance thing or something boring and not at all worth cancelling use of the pitch for a whole day.
Despite the disappointing news about try-outs, most of the 3rd years remained in a content enough mood as they were the only students with not a single class or obligation to attend that day. 5th and 6th years were glad for no morning classes, yet filed out of the hall along with the younger students all the same.
Class threads are now available. If your character has a class, you must post there at least once to show their attendance before you can also have free time.
As the members who play captains @nyx and Luckett Langford are currently away, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff try-outs have been postponed until #7.
Post by Jade Arwell on Feb 29, 2020 15:25:11 GMT 10
Jade arrived just as breakfast ended, catching Madam Hooch's announcement on her way to the Gryffindor table. Eating an apple, she sat beside Amy and leaned her elbow to nudge the other girl and gain her attention.
'Hey,' she said, not caring for the try-out news. It didn't apply to Gryffindor, and Jade wasn't one to care too much about Quidditch anyway. Yet, rather ironically, Quidditch was exactly why she'd sought Amy out with such determination. 'Here. I was up early this morning looking this over. What do you think?' She passed one of the new Magnora catalogs to Amy, which showed off their current brooms.
Each broom was pictured, including information about their attributes and whatnot. Jade had crossed out the Seahawk, Icebolt, and Silver Comet - but for all of them she'd completely blacked out the prices. She had those memorised, but wouldn't give Amy an excuse to pick the cheapest broom if she still felt guilty or unsure about accepting Jade's help.
'So the Willowind, Swiftstar, and Ashstorm are yours if you want them. Those are covered,' Jade said, indicating to them. 'Ironbark and Moonclaw exceed my fund, so I can still pay most of it but you and/or your parents will have to cover the rest. Up to you.' She shrugged, not really caring which broom Amy got so long as it was a good one.
While she waited for a response, glad they didn't have classes that morning, Jade examined a school map she'd stolen from a 2nd year earlier. 'Damn. It's not on here...' she muttered.
[OOC: Just a clarification. Typically the rules are that to help another member buy a broomstick we can pay half its price (up to a maximum of 120 Galleons given), however it's an actual factor of Jade's staff-approved character plots that she has a Quidditch fund of 170 Galleons. Any broom under that amount, Amy basically gets for free - anything over and you'll have to pay the rest.
The condition is I cannot use the "fund" to buy Jade herself a broom, and it does still come out of my account Gringotts. I'm fine with paying the whole 170 Galleons if you want a higher-rated broom, as Jade herself as mentioned. The rest can be discussed with Amy's parents (though will still come out of your account Gringotts), so pick which you want of the options given @amelia . I was going to PM you this,but figured others might be curious or confused how this works.]
Post by Sophia Rhynhart on Feb 29, 2020 15:33:25 GMT 10
Sophia had been eating her breakfast, and minding her own business for once, when the owl post arrived. She wasn't the most attentive news-reader, but it helped pass the time and her curiosity won over. But as soon as she read the front page headline, she let out a yell of alarm that startled several nearby. She dropped her spoon, which landed in her bowl of cereal and splashed some milk.
'What? No way,' she exclaimed. Sophia leaned close to the newspaper to read every little detail, in utter disbelief that it was even real. There was just no way Javior would ever retire! While the Swedish Swans wasn't one of her teams, Sophia had passionately followed his career - inspired by his Quaffle shots, and always aspiring to be as great as him one day. She was a Chaser through and through because of him.
It wasn't as devastating news to her as it was some, but Sophia was shaken by it. None of it made any sort of sense. What was going on? She'd thought about it so long she ran out of time to finish her breakfast. And then Madam Hooch announced that Hufflepuff try-outs that afternoon were cancelled? Sophia was among those who yelled a protest.
'What the bloody hell?' Sophia stood, not caring that she was drawing attention. She was used to it. Her hair flashed golden red as she spoke. 'Did someone curse Quidditch today? What's happening?' She wailed in disappointment and confusion, dropping back onto her seat. Thankfully, she had no classes to rush off to because there was nothing else she could focus on right now than having her day ruined by Quidditch-related injustices.
When the food disappeared from the table, Elara began to gather up her things ready for her first class of the day. Defence Against the Dark Arts was always an entertaining one and she never knew what they'd be dealing with until she walked through the door. However, before she even had the chance to stand and make her way to class where she'd be spared from more bad news- Madam Hooch announced that the days Quidditch try-outs were cancelled.
"What?!" the exclamation slipped from her mouth before she could stop it. She had to take a moment to gather her thoughts as students all around her started filing out of the hall, no doubt headed for class. How could they cancel try-outs?! It seemed her day was set to be ruined before it even had the chance to begin.
After taking a few minutes to calm herself, she got to her feet with an exasperated sigh, throwing her bag over her shoulder, she briskly left the hall- hoping that the morning's bad news hadn't made her late.
Post by Tobias Twiggs on Feb 29, 2020 21:49:16 GMT 10
Toby watched begrudgingly as the food disappeared from the table, marking the end of breakfast and the start of classes- he really didn't want to have to go to herbology, he thought it might be more entertaining to watch paint dry, if he was being completely honest. Still, he decided he'd better make the effort, his parents were at least trying to find a way to get him a broom- the least he could do in return was try his best at school.
Getting to his feet, he began to leave the hall just as Madam Hooch made her announcement. It didn't have anything to do with Gryffindor, but he still winced at the idea of the cancellation. There would probably be a lot of sour Hufflepuff's and Ravenclaw's wandering the grounds that day. Pushing the thought out of his mind, he left the hall and headed in what he hoped was the direction of the greenhouses.
Post by Arthur Hocking on Mar 1, 2020 2:39:19 GMT 10
Arthur was about to answer Elara when the news about the Quidditch tryouts came out. He was actually relieved, since it meant he didn't have to decide if he wanted to tryout yet for another day, but he had a feeling his answer would be no anyways. He thought about it, and wondered if he was really overthinking the decision.
He hoped everything was alright with the Quidditch people or the field, whichever had been affected, Art hadn't heard. "Best to get to Defense then, huh?" he said to himself with a bit of a sigh. He hated that class.
Post by Grace Babineaux on Mar 1, 2020 2:45:16 GMT 10
Grace grinned at Gerald. "Yep!" she was still admiring the new broom when Madam Hooch let them know about Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff tryouts being cancelled. "Aw, that's too bad." Grace said. At least she had been able to try out yesterday. She finished up admiring the broom and hurried up to the common room before Herbology class to put it away. She peeked at her message, just in case she had a chance to make it to the mirror hall that day.
Last Edit: Mar 1, 2020 3:14:32 GMT 10 by Grace Babineaux: codes weird
Post by Lindsey Bryce on Mar 1, 2020 9:55:13 GMT 10
Lindsey looked over at Rose and nodded. "Aye, I think fair pretty well..." She said, finishing up her breakfast as it disappeared. Standing up, she looked at Rose with a smile. "Have a good day, Rose and if ye want, we can go together to the greenhouse this afternoon. I have to check my seeds." She said to her before she was gone and heading to the dorm to change into something more comfortable.
Amelia looked up as Madam Hooch spoke about the cancellation of try-outs and she looked at the other tables for a moment. "That sucks." She said blandly before she felt someone sit next to her and looked over to see Jade sitting beside her. When she greeted her, Amelia smiled and glanced passed her towards her brother to see if Toby was watching them or if he had left. Amelia saw his back to her, leaving the Great Hall and she pulled her focus back to Jade. "Hey, what's up?"
Suddenly, a catalog was before Amelia and Jade was asking her what she thought. The brooms... She thought they were amazing, but soon a lump was in her throat. What would her parents really think? When she picked one, she would be writing her parents to let them know immediately that they would not need to purchase her a broom, because someone in the house donated her quidditch fund to the team because she didn't play.
Amelia looked at them, but was about to ask why those were blacked out when she spoke again, giving her the options and explaining the other ones. It was a tough choice and one she wasn't even sure she should pick, but Jade was determined and she didn't give her much options to refuse either. "Well then, lets go with Willowind." She said, closing her eyes as she swallowed the lump in her throat and already organizing the letter in her mind to her parents.
Suddenly, she looked over at Jade and saw the map. "What?" She asked, closing the catalog and pushing it aside as she sat there, letting her food sit in her stomach and watching as everyone began to leave.
Post by Jade Arwell on Mar 1, 2020 16:13:41 GMT 10
'You're kidding, right?' Jade frowned at Amy, her usual bluntness coming out again. 'I'm not getting you the cheapest, lowest-rated broom just because it takes the least out of my fund.' She didn't know if that was the reason behind the choice, but suspected as much given how Amy and even Tobias had reacted to the whole broomstick situation.
She reached into a robes pocket for a magic blackout quill. Jade crossed out the Willowind broom, which turned the option as black as the Seahawk etc. She was about to sass Amy and insist she take the decision seriously, but sighed instead. Over the years, Tiana had helped her to sometimes remember that what might seem straightforward to her could be a struggle for others. Empathy, or whatever.
'Amy, this fund was given to me by parents who think my entire existence is wrong and not good enough,' Jade said. 'It wasn't done out of love or support, but because they're trying to force me to be everything my sister is. Everything I'm not. I'm trying to turn this stupid burden into a good thing. It's not right that I have it and yet care nothing for playing Quidditch, yet you don't have it and this position means a lot to you.'
She didn't know if that made much sense, and knew not everyone was as spiteful as she was, but Jade had to try. It showed how genuine she was in this offer and that it wasn't just about money. It wasn't out of pity of "I have money and you don't, so here". It went deeper than that.
'This is for the whole team, you know. Your job is to keep everyone safe, right? You know Seabrook is going to have one of the best broomsticks available. You have to be able to contend with that. I mean, besides the fact you probably have more talent than all of them anyway.' Jade shrugged. 'So you'll be helping the whole team. You'll be helping me stick it to my so-called parents and sister. And on top of that, you're going to have an awesome broomstick. I'm not saying get the best and most expensive, but c'mon - don't pick just because one makes you feel less guilty.'
She indicated to the catalog again, which left Swiftstar, Ashstorm, Ironbark, and Moonclaw as options. 'So look at it. I mean, look at the brooms and attributes. Get a feel for which one you really want. Then that's the one we'll get, okay?' Jade's bluntness faded to a softer tone. It was odd, as she thought it was just helping someone out she knew well enough but supposed they were real friends.
Jade wasn't the most helpful or nicest person around, so if she was being this considerate of Amy then things were certainly different since 4th year. That wasn't a bad thing, it just caught her by surprise. In effort to hide embarrassment, Jade fussed over the map some more.
'The Gargoyle Corridor isn't on here,' she answered. 'I've checked everything it should be, but... Is it just me or is the map different? I mean, I haven't used one properly since 3rd year when we had those new classes to try out, but I swear things are changed around. Did they hide the corridor from us or something? I don't know.' She huffed, annoyed at the map now. She shoved it towards Jade to look at, then slouched over the table while stifling a yawn.
'Maybe something else is connected? Are there any other things we can investigate?' Jade wondered, not nearly on top of current rumours and gossip as others might be. 'If we figure other things out, maybe they'll connect the dots?'
The bluntness of her question made Amelia looked at her quickly and she chuckled lightly as she pointed to the already marked out ones. "I assumed those were the cheapest and lowest rated brooms in this catalog." She said with an amused tone as she watched her mark out the willowind and put her chin on her hand. Amelia looked at the catalog again, listening to her as she spoke and sighing for a moment as she looked at Jade after she spoke.
"Thank You..." She said, looking up to see that the whole hall was nearly deserted, which wasn't a bad thing at all. As she spoke about Seabrook, Amelia felt her insides harden and she looked at the book as she pointed to the ones that she wanted her to consider. This time she took a moment and then pointed to the Ashstorm, though she hesitated at first, but she looked at her friend. "This one... This is the one that I think will do best for me." And it would mean helping her parents out as well. This time, it wasn't the cheapest broom on the list, but also wasn't the most expensive broom either.
Once that was done, she looked at the map as well and frowned slightly as she spoke about it not being on the map. "You can't get rid of an old corridor, can you? I mean, sure you could hide it, but to completely get rid of it... No Way." Amelia thought about it for a moment an then glanced up to make sure they weren't being spied on. "And, Sir Nicolas wouldn't have mentioned it if it wasn't there any longer... I think we need a different map... Do you think there are maps in the Library?" She asked as she sat there with Jade.
Amelia listened as she spoke and thought about something. "Well, isn't part of the library on the second floor corridor? We could go there and maybe find an old map of the place and then make a new plan." She said, thinking hard about this little adventure they were on. Her plan of getting her potions kit was out it seemed, as finding this corridor was pretty important now.
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