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.
As the kids began wandering in for breakfast a lone train-wreck could be spotted slipping in and heading for the Hufflepuff table. As usual, that train-wreck was Kieran Bane. Kier's normally fluffy hair was especially wild this morning, and if one were to look closer, one could even see a few twigs sticking out of the brown floofy locks.
His hair wasn't the only odd thing to see at breakfast. Here and there on his hands were tiny scratches, matching the ones on his chin and just bellow his right eye. As he sat in his spot and loaded up on bacon it was apparent that whatever he had been up to... it hadn't gone all that well.
The morning ticked on and still the Hufflepuff table was sparsely populated. Huh. Normally he was the one sleeping in and showing up late for everything... maybe he was beginning to rub off on his entire House! He laughed at the idea, terrifying as it was. The only reason people like Harris could get by was because the majority of society was more organized and put together. If everyone started acting like he did, they were all in trouble.
Gulping down a freshly brewed cup of piping hot tea, the scalding water providing only the mildest of discomfort to his throat, Harris turned to two boys who had joined him at the table- Kieran, a fellow 5th year, and... Arnold, was it? Alfred? Something like that. Harris couldn't remember his name, but he remembered that the boy was a 4th year.
"Oy, Founder's Frivolity... you remember that from last year, don't ya, Kier?" Harris initiated conversation. He could only keep quiet for so long, and so far he hadn't spoken to anyone all morning. The words were practically bursting to get out. "Definitely don't pity you, mate," Harris said turning to the 4th year whose name started with A. "You couldn't pay be a hundred Galleons to show up at that thing again this year."
Post by Jonathan King on Dec 7, 2020 19:03:16 GMT 10
He looked back at Jay for a moment when the boy told him about having helped in the bathroom, like Toby had had. Hearing that they got so wet he suddenly was not all that sad he had not been sent with his friend, although he really could have done without being flung around by a ghost and then his own prefect's magic.
"Oh. Well. That- that soaks", he said with sheepish grin and looked towards the doors again, not certain Jay would appreciate a pun about his wet feet. Must be cold too.
"I helped in the Vacant Corridor and uh... got to know the poltergeist a little" A little too closely.
"Peeves said something about the Gryffindor being snatched but we did not find out more. I think the professors went looking for him which I find sensible, don't you?"
The professors should have been the ones looking for the missing student in the first place, maybe with the prefects and volunteer older students to cover larger areas. His escapade with Peeves could have been avoided!
As Kier demolished his seventh strip of bacon he heard a familiar voice and glanced up with a smirk. "How could i forget?" A ball wasn't exactly Kier's idea of fun, however he had been musing over the possibility of making it so.
"Ya know... there could be ways to make it more fun..." He winked at the other two boys and nibbled on an eighth piece of bacon. "Spike the drinks... crash the party..." There really was a million ways to lighten up the stuffy event, they just needed to pick one.
A sigh fell from the young Slytherins lips as she entered the great hall, her eyes flickered around the room as she straightened her tie for the tenth time that day; it was a new month and since that dreaded day Hanna had been making some changes to her outlook on life, like today she had put a lot more effort into her appearance than usual.
Her hair was brushed to perfection, her clothes wrinkle free and an air of confidence surrounded her as she made her way over to the Slytherin table. Her hand raised slightly in a small wave as she passed by Tom and Lindsey; taking a seat across from Amara.
"Good morning, ready for practice?" It was aimed more at the captain herself but she also knew a few of her teammates were here; she looked over her timetable while she waited for a reply to her question.
Entering the Great Hall, Elara barely spared a glance towards the Slytherin table and instead headed straight to the one belonging to Hufflepuff. Once upon a time, seeking Hanna out was the first thing on her mind as she headed for breakfast, but the friends had not spoken in a month... Both too stubborn to break the silence first. Now Elara was only interested in reaching the Hufflepuff table and conversing with those friends who could actually be bothered to make an effort.
Taking a seat beside Arthur, she was surprised to see that he was talking to a couple of fifth year boys. Were they talking with him or talking at him? She had arrived too late to catch the conversation really and poured herself a glass of orange juice. "Morning Arthur, did you sleep well?" she greeted her friend, beginning to help herself to some toast and slathering a generous amount of marmalade across it. As she ate, she picked up her timetable and began to study it, charms in the morning and herbology after lunch... Not a bad day ahead, but she had no idea what the 'founder's frivolity' was all about, she figured it would be a fun addition to her night... If it was mandatory then it had to be, right?
Post by Grace Babineaux on Dec 8, 2020 14:14:00 GMT 10
Grace nodded. She found the prefect to be a little stuffy, but maybe that was just because he was a prefect, so she was happy to answer. "I did! I went into a room with a bunch of other people and I got attacked by pixies." she said frowning. She'd been through quite a bit in her first year at Hogwarts, and it wasn't even winter break yet! Of course, some of that stuff was probably not the best for mentioning to prefects, so she kept it to herself.
"I guess you didn't find the student, either?" she said. From the way he was talking, it sounded like he wasn't sure. Waiting for confirmation and all of that. She considered heading over to the Ravenclaw table to talk with Jamie, but he seemed busy talking with one of Toby's friends, Joe, if she remembered correctly. She had an easier time with the names of the kids in her year. She was glad that he had some people in his house to talk to.
Post by Arthur Hocking on Dec 8, 2020 14:23:35 GMT 10
Arthur briefly wondered how one of the older boys in his house had ended up with sticks all in his hair, but, along with the scratches, it seemed that whatever it was hadn't gone so well, and Arthur would've hated to bring up a bad memory. He turned to the other older boy, glad to have someone to ask about the Founders' Frivo-whatever.
"Why? What's up with it?" He thought it sounded interesting, but he was now more nervous that the older half of Hogwarts seemed to be groaning among themselves. Not to mention the stick-and-scratch boy suggesting ways to spice it up. He was glad to see a more familiar face when Elara sat down. "Well enough. We, er," Arthur said, unsure if it was even a 'we' situation, "We were talking about the frivolity thing."
He considered asking her about her feelings on Hanna, but maybe they were still raw, and with the fifth years there, it didn't feel right. It had been a while, but he worried that it was partially his fault. Maybe if he had done something instead of Hanna, they would still be friends right now. There were a bit more pressing matters for all of them. Maybe they could make up during the frivolity, whatever that was.
Amelia rushed down to the great hall after barely finishing her shower. Her hair was still damp, not that she carried. She had run her fingers through the curly mess, but it would take a while to dry. The scent of food was mouth water and she stopped for just a moment to absorb the scents and sounds. Smiling brightly, she headed into the great hall and straight for the Gryffindor table.
Anjay was already there and Grace, which was nice. They would be perfect to sit with. As she sat down, she put he bag, which she had found in her room, under her seat and smiled at them.
"Well, good morning!" She said, grabbing a spoonful of eggs, bacon, toast and some yogurt. She was starving and needed nourishment.
At the very silly pun, Jamie chuckled and looked over at Joe, just in time to see Grace over at the Gryffindor table. It appeared that another Gryffindor had joined his sister. He had the need to want to go and talk to her, for just a moment, but he held off. Maybe he would during letters.
Returning his attention back to Joe, he looked at him when he spoke about the poltergeist. Jamie had heard of him and had been lucky enough to avoid him. He didn't want to have to deal with being pranked on by a ghost. Jamie already had to deal with classmates who might think it would be funny to mess with him.
"Yeah, it sounds like a better idea... The professor likely know how to handle the ghost." Jamie said, a little absent-mindedly while he took a bit of his food, trying to get it done, all while looking at his schedule. "My sister has practice today... Maybe I can talk to her some during lessons." He thought out-loud as he looked it over and stuff some nuts into his pocket.
Post by Jaxen Ashworth on Dec 8, 2020 22:22:00 GMT 10
Jaxen rubbed sleep from his eyes as he entered the hall, after the events of the previous day it had been hard for him to settle during the night. He'd tossed and turned and when he eventually did manage to drift off to sleep, his dreams were unsettling and he barely managed to snatch thirty minutes each time before he was waking up, confused and uncomfortable by the thoughts and images still swimming around in his head.
Stifling a yawn, he instinctively headed for the Ravenclaw table, but faltered mid-stride as he glanced towards the Slytherin table and easily located his sister among the throng. He had promised that he'd tell her everything, he'd already brushed her off twice and she did deserve to know what he'd learned. Still, a part of him thought that maybe ignorance was bliss in this situation, then she wouldn't have to suffer the sleepless nights and confusion that he was currently experiencing.
Jax gave a weary sigh as he realised that he only had one option, at least... It was the only one that wouldn't have his sister hate him if she found out from someone else. Turning, he walked towards the Slytherin table and tapped Reena on the shoulder, ignoring the fact that she was probably talking with her friends.
"Hey, we should talk" his voice was hushed as if not wanting her peers to overhear the exchange. Gesturing for her to leave the table and follow him, he took a step back as if uncertain she'd follow if he gave her the choice.
Post by Lindsey Bryce on Dec 8, 2020 22:30:26 GMT 10
As Reena sat down next to Lindsey, she smiled over at her. The girl had been asleep when she had arrived in the dorm, still agitated about the whole thing last night. With everything going on, she still couldn't find it in her heart to wake her dorm-mate, even if she wanted to vent or just talk. Reena needed her sleep too and apparently, it had helped to get sleep herself.
"Mornin'." She said, before she took a drink of her juice and then answered both Reena and Tom. "And we didn't find the poor lad, I dinna ken what happened to him, but maybe the Professors found him after they sent us away for the evenin'." Lindsey hadn't even looked at her own schedule, but did as she finished her sentence and smiled at it. "Oh, this is perfect! I can work on my own plants after class." Lindsey was beyond excited to see what the other seeds were and to gather more ingredients.
As she noticed the Frovolity, she smiled a little and glanced over at Tom, a slight blush coming her face before she looked back down at her meal. Maybe they could go together? It was than that Hanna appeared and she gave her a wave before she watched her go over to Amara.
Hanna was just loud enough for her to hear her question and she smiled, looking over at her dormmate. "I am. Gonna be a great day to get out there." She said, taking another sip of her juice before she focused back on those around her. Lindsey was just about to ask Reena if she had spoken to her brother, when Jaxen appeared and Lindsey turned to look over at him.
Post by Reena Ashworth on Dec 8, 2020 22:50:06 GMT 10
"Oh. Well I suppose word would have got around from Gryffindor if they were still missing.", she said with a shrug when Lindsey gave her small report about the missing student. She had taken her eyes from the doors to look at her friend while she spoke.
Reena made a face when Lindsey mentioned gardening, over the years she had come to realize that she was rather rubbish with plants herself and really needed to improve on that. Perhaps she could ask Lindsey for help? But she would be busy with Quidditch seeing that the big match drew nearer. Maybe she should ask Arthur instead, he seemed to like herbology.
Reena looked up when she felt a tap on her shoulder, the moment her friend greeted her brother. She turned to Jaxen and nodded.
Following his gesture she got up from her table, waved a small good-bye to her friends and walked to the side for some privacy with her brother. Looking at him however she felt her stomach churn.
Reena still felt a little hurt he had brushed her off twice yesterday. She had always viewed the two of them as a team and trusted him more than anyone, believing that feeling would be mutual but with his behaviour yesterday doubt had started to creep in which she fought hard not to strain her image of Jaxen.
Her guess was that he tried to take her feelings and their home situation into consideration but did he know she did not blame him he had been offered an internship? It was not his fault. Just like it had not been his fault that he had been a year older and had had to attend school before her, leaving her alone with all the mess and their mother.
She had been restless all night, worried Jaxen would pass on this opportunity out of thoughtfulness towards her. She knew she had to share her feelings with him or she would be mad about it all morning.
He looked like a lost puppy to her and she wanted to make it easier for him so she took the initiative and started talking: "Jaxen, I want you to know that I think you should do the internship.", she said with a small smile on her face. "It's a great opportunity and you should take it seriously."
Post by Jaxen Ashworth on Dec 8, 2020 23:51:43 GMT 10
Jaxen was relieved when Reena agreed to go with him, that surely meant that she wasn't too mad at him for not explaining sooner. If he was honest, he was still trying to wrap his head around everything he'd learned at tea the previous day. So much information was battling it out in his head, that it was hard to cling onto enough to form cohesive sentences.
Trying to figure out what he was going to say to her, Jax opened his mouth to speak only to be cut off as Reena beat him to it first. She was still on about the internship? If he was honest, he really hadn't given it much thought since he'd first learned about it. Other things were at the forefront of his mind- he still wasn't even sure if he was going to go through with it, things at home were more important.
"Reena, that's not what I wanted to talk to you about" he sighed, because of course she would want to discuss the internship more, she really should've been the one invited to tea instead of him. "It's a great opportunity, but there will be others and I really don't think I have the time..." there was too much going on, would he even benefit from it? It seemed unlikely. "Anyway, I really have to talk to you about yesterday" glancing around as if afraid someone might overhear, he filled her in about everything he'd learned about their father at tea that previous day. Hoping that she wouldn't hold it against him for not telling her sooner. He didn't know how she would take the news, or what part she would be most interested in, the idea that their father might've been murdered? That was definitely what kept playing on his mind.
As he finished filling her in, he reached into his pocket "there's something else" pulling out the photograph Mildred had given to him, he handled it with care- as if afraid of damaging it "I thought you might want to see this..." passing it over to his sister, he held his breath as he took in her reaction.
Their family looked so happy within the photograph, whenever Jax looked at it he still felt a painful pang in his chest as he wondered what could have been and who might've ripped their happiness away from them before they were even old enough to remember what it felt like.
The screeches of owls usually signaled the arrival of post, though today there were several other birds that joined the fray - delivering mostly magazines, either for those subscribed to them or whose families thought it was worth passing along.
The most notable articles were:
Ashworth Legacy Remembered - Witch Weekly
Details Mildred's interview of Jaxen Ashworth . Mentions the sad yet strange passing of Marcus and Conrad Ashworth many years ago, in which the family remain without closure. The Ministry had ruled the deaths as "accidental", though theories to the contrary remain noteworthy.
Marcus Ashworth, Jaxen's father, won Witch Weekly's Most Charming Smile award back in the day. He was described as "a man of mystery, on a path to falling from grace before his untimely death". There weren't a lot of specifics, as it mostly focused on tribute to the Ashworths, and Jaxen's answers to various questions about the internships.
Healing the Future - Muse Magazine
Details Asif's interview of Lindsey Bryce . Mentions Saint Mungo's internships, discussing the recruitment decline and possible causes. It has heartwarming stories of family bonds and how encouraging a child's passion is beneficial for the future of great leaders and healers.
High Hopes for High Pockets - Prospect Magazine
Details very little of Chadley's interview of Elizabeth Doren , though many know his word was often slander and negative regardless of who was interviewed. Mentions how heirs of prominent families are trained to behave a certain way and hold certain beliefs that were rarely their own. Wealthy families cling to reputations and are willing to rob their children of individual personality or ambitions in order to do so.
There's some mention of the Ministry trying to manipulate public opinion by using children as spokespersons, though it's clear the editor of the magazine omitted most of it.
There were also several magazines with @anjay 's face, detailing headlines about his first (solo) public speech, as he addressed the press in Hogsmeade yesterday afternoon following tea with the Minister. All the pictures were publicity shots the family gave out for such occasions - nothing damning or unsolicited. The articles were mostly praising of his growing leadership, citing him as well-spoken and a demonstration of Xcalyn excellence.
Of course, the post also brought the morning's issue of the Daily Prophet, which caused an increase of chatter among students or staff.
After reading your letter and the interview with Prospect Magazine, your father and I have decided to prematurely inform you of our plan for your future. You may remain as Prefect, though it's not something we envisioned for you. We also request that you keep your distance from any Xcalyns. They are disrespectful and cause unprovoked trouble for those bearing the Doren name.
If the topic of our business dealings arise again, simply decline to comment. No one is entitled to judge how we get things done. Your interview by Chadley Trent was disgraceful and you should have known better. He has tarnished our name yet again and it's entirely your fault.
Your internship at Saint Mungo's would be a complete waste of time. You don't require career experience or to further your skills, as none will be necessary to be a good wife. Your father and I have begun searching for candidates, aiming to get things arranged to have you married upon graduation from Hogwarts. If you have someone in mind who is of respectable breeding and wealth, inform us immediately.
Signed: Mr and Mrs Doren --
The Ashworth children received various short messages from at least a dozen owls each - notes of encouragement or sympathy from Witch Weekly readers. Jaxen received a short letter from his grandparents, reassuring him they've run interference so nothing got back to his mother.
When most of the post was delivered, various students gasped and stared as an owl flew towards the Slytherin table with a distinctly broomstick-sized package wrapped in fabric. It was swiftly delivered, dropped in front of Lindsey with minimal mess made (though some was unavoidable due to the broom's size). The familiar owl snatched some bacon as a reward, then left the hall.
Inside the package was a shiny new Ironbark broomstick from Magnora Brooms. The following letter was attached:
It is great to hear that you are doing well, your father and I are both well and we miss you greatly. How is Gavin? I am sending him a letter this morning, so please check and make sure he received it. I am very excited about you getting your potion's kit! That is a very important skill! I am glad you have friends to aid you with your studies at Hogwarts, but remember to put in your work as well.
I am sure your father and I could discuss a friend or two coming for Christmas, let me know if they say yes. I will prepare some rooms for them.
In regard to Neith Xcalyn being at breakfast, that is quite interesting. I was reading the daily prophet this morning and I noticed that her husband, Mr. Xcalyn gave an interview. Let me know if anything happens. I noticed about the internships as well and I would love to know if you put in your application. I feel it would be a great chance for you in your education.
Mòran Gaoil
Do Mhàthair
P. S. I was just wrapping your broom when your second letter arrived. The invitation to meet with the Minister is quite surprising, but I knew the man years ago and this certainly sounds like something he would arrange. Now that I know of the invitation and your tea from your second letter, it makes sense why Mrs. Xcalyn would be there. I am glad that you accepted the invitation.
I have only really known the Ashworths in a work related environment, apart from an incident when their son or nephew was ill as a baby. Aubrey believed he was poisoned, but the symptoms were inconclusive. Marcus would often consult with me when his job required him to visit Saint Mungo's, though he was a family man so his wife or children would sometimes tag along. Unfortunately, after the death of Marcus and his brother, following rumours of a case of healer negligence, I did not speak to the family again. I think they had a daughter your age?
We learned about the internships as well and I am very glad you got the recommendation and sent in the application. As I stated above, it is a great opportunity and your father and I give our full blessing on this. I wish I had such an opportunity at your age. We will keep an eye on Muse Magazine and send Mr. Asif a gift for his kindness. It sounds like you took a liking to the gentleman.
I'll let your father finish this letter.
~
Your mother told me everything and I am very proud of you and what you have done! Your mother says that the invitation and internship is a big deal and I am very proud of you. I wanted to let you know that I will be traveling prior to Christmas and right after, but I should be home and I look forward to meeting any of your friends that you invite. Your mother mentioned you wanted to invite a few.
The paper is getting short, so I will end this. We both love you very much and I can't wait to see you over the holidays! Good luck with your sport and tell me all about it in your next letter.
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February
