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.
Jamie nodded at the questionable tone towards Rugby and continued to play with the remains of his food. Glancing up towards the ceiling, he sighed at not seeing any signs of the owls or post. He was hoping for a letter from home and to use the same owl to send his in return. Jamie really just wanted to see his parents writing again, but knew it might be unlikely.
Putting his spoon down, he looked at Gerald and nodded again. "Sometimes in the yard, but we like to go and watch the games together. We like Cricket and Racing to."
He nodded, thinking about it. The Owls did seem to be taking a while, and it looked like Jamie was waiting for mail too. "Have you thought about making a Muggle Sports team here at Hogwarts?"
Biting into his cereal, he nodded and continued. "I'm sure others would like to join. If nothing else, you could find people to watch it with you." Gerald said, accidentally spitting out some cereal.
As he looked up at the ceiling again, the question about a muggle sport team caught him off guard and he looked over at Gerald in thought. Would anyone even be interested in that kind of stuff here? Yes, he knew other muggleborn kids were here, even halfbloods, might be interested, but with Quidditch, who would care. Grace probably wouldn't, since she was on the house team for Gryffindor.
Putting his head on his arms, which he crossed on the table after putting his spoon down, he shrugged. "Maybe... I guess I could think about it."
Post by Jaxen Ashworth on Jun 21, 2020 7:31:20 GMT 10
While Jaxen waited to see if Mathias was in the mood to talk with him, he set about eating his breakfast- wishing that the post had arrived already so that he could at least read the paper instead of sitting in what he viewed as a rather awkward silence between the two boys. Pouring himself a glass of orange juice, he wondered if the relatively free day would provide him with ample opportunity to do a few things he'd been putting off.
Looking up as someone called his name, he frowned when he saw Anjay Xcalyn was the one addressing him. He knew Anjay from class and he seemed like an alright guy, but he didn't really know him- they weren't friends or anything and yet... The other boy greeted him as if they were? It confused Jax, but what confused him further was the reason as to why he was being spoken to at all. He choked on his cornflakes when he heard that this was a supposed invitation to have tea with the minister of magic.
Attempting to recover as he coughed, hand firmly over his mouth as to avoid coughing directly onto anyone sitting nearby, he stared at Anjay skeptically. "Uhh..." he hesitated before answering the Gryffindor's question- did he even have a choice? Was saying no to having tea with the minister even a valid option? Who said no to the minister? No one.
"Yeah... I suppose" he muttered, reaching for his orange juice to wash down the cereal that had choked him, but his voice still came out sound hoarse and uncertain. "Yeah, I'll be there" when he had got up that morning, he didn't thin he'd have to face tea with the minister... But Elizabeth would be there and he at least knew her as well, she'd serve as a familiar face in such an absurd situation.
Rubes wandered into the Great Hall, her stomach grumbling. It was time for breakfast.
Sitting at the table, she poured herself a drink and grabbed a few pieces of toast before looking over the day's schedule. Noticing that the homework session would be in the morning, she decided not to take too long with breakfast. She wanted to get to the library and see what she could learn about teepom plants.
Anjay frowned when Jaxen started to choke on his breakfast. Was the boy alright? He seemed shocked, in a way, and almost overwhelmed at the invitation. Anjay was glad the boy didn't ask him why he'd been invited because no explanations had been provided, and honestly Anjay was a little confused about it as well. Still, he didn't say those things out loud. His job was to secure a "yes" to the invitation and he'd done that.
"Lovely, we shall be happy to have you with us. Meet us at the Front Gates after lunch and my father shall accompany us to Hogsmeade." Anjay looked Jaxen up and down and hoped his next question came across as casual curiosity and not rude. "Do you have clothes befitting a meeting with the Minister that you'll be able to wear?"
Pumpkin carving with Lindsey sounded like the most wonderful thing Tom could ever imagine. He was familiar with carving pumpkins, of course, as it was a Muggle tradition as well. They hadn't done it too much in his own home growing up- his parents barely paid attention to the important holidays like Christmas, while Halloween got even less attention. But he'd seen it enough at friends' houses and on TV.
"That sounds like fun," Tom gave her a smile. He'd thought about her all night as he fell asleep and was so happy to see her this morning. Why couldn't she be a 4th year too so they could spend all day in classes together? It wasn't fair. "Hey, wanna come with me to the owlery sometime today? I want to try and find that medallion again."
Post by Jaxen Ashworth on Jun 21, 2020 11:29:42 GMT 10
This was all very strange and Jax found himself wondering who else had received an invitation or if it was just Elizabeth and himself. He hoped not... It sounded like the whole thing would be so many levels of awkward and weird if it was just the three of them and Anjay's father and the minister.
Making a mental note of where and when he had to meet them, Jax didn't know how he was supposed to focus on completing his homework that morning when he had this hanging over his head. Part of him wanted to decline the invitation afterall but... No, he didn't think that would be a very good idea at all an besides, if he did- he might never know why he'd been issued the invitation in the first place.
Brow furrowing in confusion at Anjay's question, he reached self-consciously to readjust his tie and run his hands through his hair. "What's wrong with what I'm wearing?" he asked, trying not to be offended by the question. He was just wearing his uniform but surely that would be fine? Was he expected to change in the middle of the day? What kind of clothes were suitable for a meeting with the minister? He didn't think he'd packed anything that would fit into that category.
"Is there a dress code?" now that was another thing to worry about- if he'd known he'd have to go through such an ordeal, then he would've stayed in bed rather than head down to breakfast.
Post by Lindsey Bryce on Jun 21, 2020 11:41:47 GMT 10
Lindsey smiled when he thought that it would be fun and she put her hands together before she smiled brightly at him. This was fantastic! As she thought about it, she felt her face suddenly grow warm and her heart race, before she looked down at her food with a bit of a smile. At his question, she looked over at him and nodded.
"Aye, I would. It must be somewhere along the path we took back into the castle." She said, thinking about the Medallion that they had found last night. It had to be out there somewhere, but somewhere that if it fell, it wouldn't have made any sound. "If we lost it in the castle, we would have heard it, right? But if it was outside, maybe along a grassy area?"
Finishing the last bite of her toast, Ruby sat for a few minutes to let the food settle in her stomach, then helped herself to a couple of pancakes and some more juice. As usual, the food was tasty and filling. The house elves were certainly good at cooking.
Glancing around the Great Hall, Rubes wondered if one of her housemates would join her. She could use someone to talk to.
Last Edit: Jun 21, 2020 16:04:28 GMT 10 by Deleted
Screeches of owls signaled the arrival of post. Hundreds flew into the Great Hall, though there were quite a few more than usual, delivering letters and various large packages from home - and, of course, that morning's issue of the Daily Prophet.
While younger students enthused about the arrival Halloween-related parcels or treats, older students engaged in eager debates or chatter regarding the news headlines, which would impact their futures in an ambitious way. At the Head Table, Professor Hathmore was the first to snatch a copy of the Daily Prophet and began reading it extensively.
The following letters were also delivered:
To: @amelia
Dear Amelia,
You've already made us proud.
Just keep doing your best, and I'm sure things will work out. Mind your manners with Professor Snape. A Potions Kit is useful and shows a lot of dedication. So long as your intentions are genuine and studious, I'm sure Professor Snape will hear you out. Good luck.
Don't think we've finished that conversation about your new broomstick, young lady. Who donated it? If it was indeed a donation to the team, why didn't your brother get one as well? They're not discrimination against first years, I hope. Your father will have a firm word to Professor McGonagall, if that's the case.
However, such kindness has not only enabled us to get Tobias his broomstick sooner but also buy one that's an improvement over previous options. If you hear a commotion in the Great Hall just now, I can only assume he's made that discovery himself.
We look forward to seeing you both at your first match. Please stay out try to stay out of trouble. And remind Tobias to write to us, at least after your first Quidditch practice as we'd like to hear how it went.
Lots of love, Mum
Attached was a small package containing a pair of second-hand, protective gloves made of Taffen hide. It was cleaned to an almost-new state, no doubt by Mrs Twiggs in effort to better present it as a gift for her daughter.
Do congratulate Charlotte on her sorting to Hufflepuff. We'd have preferred a more respectable house, but loyalty and being hard-working are no small virtues.
Such a "prank" should not go unpunished. Do you know the culprit who caused that disgrace? Though it appears your tutors are to be reprimanded for their poor teachings, if you've yet to understand that a cleaning charm would indeed be effective against the majority of glitter, much the same as it would for dirt or dust. Pay closer attention to your studies and less on the goings-on of other students.
The Ravenclaw boy, whose name you have neglected to inform us of, should not have succeeded in casting such a simple and impractical spell against you. Your endeavor to learn unnecessary names also disappoints us, as surely you should only concern yourself with those of higher reputation and breeding. If they are not notable to us, how may they possibly be worth your time? Do not waste your expensive education on people like that.
Don't spend too much time with getting filthy in greenhouses. You have far more important studies to focus on until we've decided which career you'll be pursuing. However, we do encourage an improvement of skills - particularly those which you lack. You have our permission to purchase the necessary equipment and supplies in order to do so.
My family was entrusted with the seeds and have guarded them closely, as well as any secrets relating to it or the creature you wrote of, vowing to only pass them on to our heirs or to students of Hogwarts who may one day seek them. It seems that time has come.
I will gladly bestow both of you an ancient seed in exchange for your surrendering of an item that holds great sentimental value to you. I am not a person of greed, I assure you. The payment is what's required to awaken the seeds and enable their cultivation at Hogwarts.
Go to the Astronomy Tower and place the item in a chest marked with the Hogwarts crest. While it is my understanding that you've embarked on this journey together, I must ask that you each do this particular task separately.
Signed: Kalin O'Klore.
The letter was delivered by a rather proud-looking Rook, who decided to linger at the Ravenclaw table after delivering the letter to Gerald. The tiny owl was rather tired-looking, yet happily stole bits of Gerald's breakfast as if it was there specially for him.
--
And finally, once most of the post was delivered, various students gasped and stared as an owl flew towards the Gryffindor table - somehow managing just fine with a distinctly broomstick-sized package wrapped in brown paper. It swooped low over the table, then did a sudden turn towards Ravenclaw - where the package was unceremoniously dumped in front of Tobias and Ryan, no doubt causing a mess.
Though not nearly as much mess as the bird that tumbled after it, landing itself in a wide jug of pumpkin juice. Screeching in alarm, as if assuming something was trying to drown it, the owl freed itself and ruffled its feathers. It snatched a piece of bacon, and fled for its life back out of a high window. It happened too fast to even determined what owl it was.
Inside the package was a shiny new Swiftstar broomstick from Magnora Brooms. The following note slipped out:
Post by Mathias Sallow on Jun 21, 2020 19:23:31 GMT 10
Still picking at his toast, Mathias acknowledged Jaxen joining him. He didn't think much of it until Jaxen actually included him in conversation. More than that, he wanted to know if he was okay. Damn - was his gloomy mood that obvious? It probably was. Mathias was a rather honest and open person, so he often forgot how expressive he was in regards to that.
'Yeah. I'm okay.' He shrugged. 'Just feeling a bit cra-- er not great, this morning. Missing home, I guess.' Mathias' tone was civil and nonchalant but his eyes were sad. He hadn't exactly lied, but he was so used to people not really caring about him at Hogwarts, and just talking to him to be nice or because there was no one better to talk to.
'Homework sucks, though,' he added, assuming Jaxen would prefer a chance of subject. 'Hopefully Snape's not supervising today. I heard he was in a right sour mood the other day...' He opened his mouth to say something else, but they were approached by Anjay. Mathias knew him well enough, but more from their family's social circles than anything else.
Well, it was nice to have a little conversation while he could. Letting Jaxen and Anjay talk, as they were obviously friends based on the use of Jaxen's nickname, Mathias resumed poking at his toast. He wasn't hungry anymore, though grabbed an apple in case that changed before lunch.
Then mail arrived - the perfect distraction. He thanked the bird for its delivery and offered some of his toast. Mathias heard commotion further along the Ravenclaw table, barely glancing over in time to see a bird have a rough landing with a broomstick. He assumed it was a broomstick anyway, with a shape like that. Lucky kid.
He returned to the Daily Prophet, mood lifting in curiosity and anticipation when he saw the headline. He'd have to find Adeline later to discuss it, unless she was busy with her friends or whatever kept her so occupied lately. Maybe he'd write her a letter instead? He bent over the newspaper to read the full interview with Anant Xcalyn, thoroughly engrossed in the changes and information shared about them.
Post by Ryan Barrow on Jun 21, 2020 19:34:42 GMT 10
'Hi, Toby.' Ryan grinned at his friend, glad Toby hadn't forgotten about him or that they'd missed the chance to have breakfast together. 'Did you sleep okay? I haven't seen Joe yet, but I think he's okay too.' He didn't dare say more than that, not during breakfast and while everyone was being especially active today. Being noisy, rather. He wished they'd quiet down and let him eat in peace.
When some fruit fell on Toby, Ryan angrily spun around in his seat to see who'd caused it. There was too much going on though, so he didn't know where to look first. Probably not at the Gryffindor table, but who else would have done that?
He checked on his friend, carelessly tossing the fruit under their table as it was the only thing Ryan could think of to do. He was annoyed someone would do that, but then got distracted by all the owls. It still shocked and awed him every morning when they swooped in to deliver stuff.
Busy staring up a the owls, not at all expecting anything from home, Ryan got quite the shock when something big dropped in front of him and Toby. Then an owl went cannon-balling into a jug of juice. He quickly stood, intending to save it, but the owl was gone before he'd had time to process what happened. Grumbling about getting cereal and other scattered breakfast stuff on his robes, Ryan glanced at the package.
'What's that?' he asked Toby, though his eyes were wide as he had a pretty good assumption of what it might be. 'Well, go on - open it.' He was vaguely away of the Daily Prophet but was too interested in Toby's package to care much for news right now. One thing at a time.
Post by Sophia Rhynhart on Jun 21, 2020 19:46:15 GMT 10
Sophia made a beeline for Elara once she spoke up. 'Great idea,' she said. 'I reckon you'll be awesome. What position are you aiming for? We've got quite a few open. Hopefully we can fill at least half of those today.' The last part was said with a searching look around the Hufflepuff table, her eager gaze urging others to speak up as well.
Did they not understand how important this was? Quidditch was the best thing ever, and Hufflepuff needed players.
A 4th year muttered that he wouldn't be trying out, which she was only just able to hear with all the other chatter going on. Sophia knew not everyone was going to be great on a broom, so she tried not to be too offended by the lack of interest.
She did give Elara an unimpressed look though. 'Friend of yours?' she asked, gesturing to... What was his name? Hocking or something?
The arrival of owls forced Sophia to sit down or else risk having one fly into her face. That wasn't fun the first few times, for her or the poor owls. So she sat near Elara, and served herself a healthy stack of pancakes. She grabbed her issue of the Daily Prophet, gasping as she read through it.
'This is incredible,' Sophia said to whoever was listening. 'Can you believe how much progress is being made here? I mean, I knew the Swedish Swans would have to replace Javior soon but - already? I wonder if they'll announce who it is. They better be amazing, to fill those shoes, you know? Even if they're not the new captain, probably...'
Post by Lucas Mardling on Jun 21, 2020 20:02:21 GMT 10
Lucas frowned at Amara when she wanted answers, though he'd expected it given his state the previous night. He was still embarrassed about that, what happened, and who caused it. Yet for his plan of revenge to work, he'd need her to take the lead. As far as he was aware, no one despised Thatcher quite as much as Amara.
'Who do you think?' Lucas grumbled, pausing to take a sip of juice. 'Thatcher, of course. Cornered me when I was on the way to the common room. He couldn't mind his own business, as usual. We got into a fight, I guess. Lucky we didn't get caught - but if we had, we both know whose side would be listened to - unless it's Snape.' His mood got worst again just thinking about it.
He'd shoved Thatcher against a wall at one point with quite a bit of force. Lucas remembered staring close to Thatcher's mocking gaze and being tempted to draw his wand. He wasn't a fool though, and knew it would only be a matter of time before they were caught. It wasn't an especially private corridor.
It also disgusted Lucas in himself, how easily the temptation of darkness was. He wasn't ashamed of his skills and knowing that necessary means don't always leave one with clean hands, but it was a reminder of everything else he tried not to think about. The shame he had for being as rotten as his parents always knew he would be.
Though annoyed by having to duck or put up with the additional noise, Lucas mostly ignored the owls when mail arrived. The Daily Prophet landed beside him and he gave it a glance, but was too angry to give it a proper read. The headline certainly intrigued him though, so he'd save his copy for later.
'Thatcher needs to be taught a lesson,' Lucas added to Amara. 'Imagine how much worst it could've been if he'd had his buddies with him. I can hold my own just fine, but I'm sick of Gryffindors trying to pretend they're better than us. That we don't deserve to go about our day without them sticking their nose in. What was he doing lurking around the dungeons, anyway?'
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