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.
Freya spent most of her day in the lavatory and her dormitory. She wasn't feeling well and it was embarrassing to say the least. She had cramps that felt like they were impaled on spikes and her lower abdomen was aching with every small movement. But thankfully, as the day progressed, she started to feel better. Freya even managed to descend the Ravenclaw Tower staircase with her now-mild case of the cramps - and that was a celebratory feat in itself.
But one thing was on her mind. How was she to explain her absence at Quidditch try-outs to Nyx Nordstrom? Freya knew of her dormmate's temperament well, expecting her to be cold about the situation - if not downright frigid about it. She dreaded the conversation with Nyx and wanted to approach it well-prepared. What if she spoke to Professor Rivera about the situation first? The last she knew, Rivera was the one starting try-outs for the team.
After her long, slightly painful expedition to the Staff Room, Freya knocked on the door. She stood patiently, her nearly transparent eyes roving the area. It would have been ideal for Professor Rivera to answer, but if not, she would ask for her Head of House. Freya would inquire what she could do about missing try-outs, state her reasoning as to why she did and maybe even ask for advice on how to alleviate her situation. Rivera would understand?
The door was opened by a rather distracted Professor Archerose, who was on a late lunch break - a pastry in his mouth, and busy reading from a history book relating to dragons. He peered over the pages to see who was on the doorstep, recognising one of his Ravenclaw students. Well, the uniform was enough of a giveaway.
'Mss Fwks?' he asked, though it was a miracle it could be deciphered through the pastry. Archerose tucked the book under one arm then removed the rushed meal. 'How may I help you?'
'Salutations, Professor Archerose.' She giggled through her melodic words, covering her mouth with her hand. Freya was amused by the pastry hanging from the man's mouth, even so far as trying to figure out its flavor. She hadn't been able to get breakfast or lunch that day, having had no appetite until now. She was getting hungry and hoped that dinner was soon.
'Is Professor Rivera around per chance? I need to speak with her.' Freya didn't say much more than that. She didn't want to disclose the reason as to why, unless of course he asked that of her. She believed her Head of House would be here, and if she wasn't, she didn't know if she'd be up for navigating the castle with her case of cramps and a growing hunger. Freya would have to anxiously and painfully wait it out until dinner and approach Rivera then.
Freya believed that if she were able to speak with Professor Rivera, the woman would understand the situation she was in - which would help Freya when it came time to talk with Nyx Nordstrom. Fawks wanted to do her due diligence before Nordstrom cornered and questioned her, hoping there was a likelihood it could soften the girls' confrontation.
Mind you, Fawks wasn't one for heated conversation, but she also wasn't one to back down if engaged. She understood she was the one that missed try-outs, but hoped that the captain would listen to reason once she learned Rivera was informed of her unfortunate circumstance.
Professor Archerose nodded. He peered into the staff room, speaking to someone within. 'Tali, one of your students is asking for you,' he said. With a polite nod to Freya, he headed down the corridor - finishing his pastry as he flipped through the book with one hand.
Professor Rivera stepped out of the staff room. She finished tucking her braid up out of the way, when gave Freya her full attention.
'Yes, Miss Fawks?' She was friendly enough though had a presence about her that reminded of Professor McGonagall. It was an odd thing to notice, but her eyes seemed especially blue today, almost if there was a subtle glow to them.
'Hello, Professor Rivera.' She bobbed her head in greeting, a pained smile on her face. 'I'm sorry to interrupt you, but I wanted to apologize for missing Quidditch try-outs this morning.' Her mouth curved down into a frown, her eyes briefly dropping to the floor. 'I've been preoccupied with menstrual cramps since early this morning and was unable to get myself to the pitch in time.' She breathed with defeat, her voice small yet harmonious.
'I was wondering if it was at all possible to try-out still? I could let our captain know I spoke with you. I know she won't be happy, but I wanted to take initiative before approaching her.' Freya's words were soft but impassioned with an intense desire. Freya had her sights on becoming a member of the Ravenclaw Quidditch team for a while - and was likely a perfect fit for any position due to her impressive balance and notable acrobatic abilities.
'I won't be a further waste of you or Nyx Nordstrom's time. I'll make it worth both your while.' Freya nodded, her chin raised high. She winced at a sudden pain in her side, a cramp stabbing her in the lower abdomen. Freya didn't want the pain to deter her from what she wanted anymore - and that was an opportunity to become a member of her house's team.
Professor Rivera was sympathetic to Freya's reason for missing tryouts. It was a genuine reason, and one that should not prevent the girl from partaking in reaching her sporting potential or helping her house win the Quidditch Cup. She deserved a chance, though convincing Nyx was another mater entirely. She hoped Nyx would be just as sympathetic, but the captain had the right to determine if someone was a goof fit for the team or not.
There was no mistaking the stratetic approach of speaking with her Head of House before the captain though, which Rivera gave Freya silent props for.
'Perhaps I may be of assistance, then?' Rivera smiled. 'If you explain to Miss Nordstrom why you missed try-outs, you can inform her that I'm willing to allow Ravenclaw an extra try-out session before the upcoming practice. A private one, which your captain must book herself, but it should provide incentive to ensure you get your chance to show your skills. Keep in mind this may have to occur at night, as the schedule is pretty tight now.'
She regarded Freya's wince.
'I do recommend stopping by to see Madam Pomfrey, however,' she advised. 'I've no doubt she has a potion or two to help ease the discomfort and pain if it's too much. Suffering needlessly is no way to prove your strength, Miss Fawks.'
She doubted that's why Freya hadn't already done so, as most students didn't actually know there was that sort of support at Hogwarts as well, but her firm tone proved a point regardless.
'Good luck speaking to Miss Nordstrom,' she added. 'The decision is in her hands now.'
'That would be superb!' Freya clapped her hands together in delight. 'As her roommate, I know how serious Nyx takes this sport and I wanted to show her how serious I am about taking part - even though I was unable to attend this morning.' She brushed her black hair out of her face, her almost alabaster pale skin glowing bright in the corridor light.
Freya was relieved that her Head of House was sympathetic to her condition, which would hopefully lessen the tension between her and Nyx Nordstrom later in the evening - with a big emphasis on 'hopefully'. Had she not taken the initiative with Professor Rivera, Freya imagined the captain shutting down her request. When it came to Nyx, it was easy to expect the worst.
'Thank you, Professor Rivera. I will try and make a visit to Madam Pomfrey.' Fawks nodded, gratitude filling her ghostly blue eyes. She appreciated the woman's words, finding them to be sincere and warm. Rivera obviously cared about her students and it showed. Freya was happy to have her as the head of Ravenclaw, unable to imagine going to someone like Professor Snape about her premenstrual syndrome. How would that have played out?
'Have yourself a splendiferous afternoon.' Freya's voice was melodious like a flowing fountain, almost dreamlike, as if she could foresee a vision in the air. She turned on her Mary Jane's and ambled from the office door and down the corridor, planning to attempt a Hospital Wing visit. If the pain was unbearable, she'd rest and let it pass - as cramps routinely did.