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.
Anjay made his way to the Gryffindor table after having dropped off the Ravenclaw boy at his own table. He noticed Amy and Jade weren't there yet. Was Amy still sleeping? Anjay batted away his judgmental thoughts of her wasting her day and allowed himself to smile instead. He would give her a pass because he liked her and knew she'd been through a lot the last few days.
He ate a large salad full of winter veggies, dressed in a warm Italian style vinaigrette. Spiced nuts and chickpeas provided him with all the protein he needed as he gorged himself and washed it all down with a hot chai. He watched in amusement as Zachary Ryder managed to finagle his way onto the Quidditch team despite being unable to attend try-outs. Anjay had to admire the boy's resourcefulness.
"I think Amara's anger level stays at about an 8 and a half on her best days, no who knows," Anjay said, interjecting himself into the conversation. Truth be told, he didn't care one bit about Quidditch- all sports were boring to him- but he could get behind anything that brought glory and prestige to Gryffindor. He'd even had fun viewing a few of the matches in the past.
"As long as the match doesn't end with her and Ti throwing punches at each other on the field, I think we should consider the day a success," he joked again, casting a glance Tiana's way. "Although whatever it takes to beat Slytherin works for me. I need something else to lord over Mardling and Dawson."
With that, he launched into an explanation of the interaction he'd just had in the Main Corridor to anyone who was interested in hearing it. As he spoke he made a point to grab some nuts off the table and pocketed them, his second ingredient for his potions kit obtained.
Last Edit: Jan 13, 2021 0:16:58 GMT 10 by Deleted: second ingredient, not first: corrected
Tom nodded at Lindsey, shoving the last morsel of sandwich in his mouth so he didn't have to respond right away. He was scared he'd say something stupid and mess it up, so he let the up and down motion of his head do the talking. He kept his eyes down at his plate and when he was finished chewing, he grabbed another sandwich and started to munch, more out of nervous habit than hunger.
"All I need to make the freeze potion is some sap, maybe we could collect some on our way there? And maybe tonight after the Founders Frivolity we could try to make the potion, if we have time before curfew?" he told her after he finished chewing. He was dreading the Frivolity, but it wouldn't be so bad if Lindsey was with him. Should he ask her to be his date?
That thought scared him, so he thought of making potions instead, which was markedly less terrifying. Tom liked the idea of Lindsey being there helping him make potions, too.
Post by Grace Babineaux on Jan 12, 2021 2:02:33 GMT 10
Grace's face lit up as her captain winked at her. Tiana was the coolest! And now they had a Keeper, too. That was totally awesome. She was glad that she would be able to practice throwing the Quaffle at something moving, and she was a little nervous for the Quidditch game.
"Is that a thing? Will her head really explode?" Grace's eyes widened. She didn't know much about Seabrook, the Slytherin Quidditch captain, but apparently she was quite focused on winning and an enemy of the Gryffindors, which made sense, seeing as she was a Slytherin and on the other team.
Then the prefect started talking about something. She didn't know who Dawson was, and had a very vague idea that Mardling was the 'duel kid' she'd already made a few trades with over the course of her few months at Hogwarts, so it was quite boring for her. She took a bite of her sandwich and drank some water to go with it, pleased at the very least that they were including her a little in the conversation even though she was little.
“You like chopped liver? Those are words I never thought I'd hear you say,” Tiana choked back a laugh, shaking her head in amusement. She believed he was being sarcastic, but brought herself to play in the banter. Ti smiled at her housemates and tossed some crisps in her mouth, giggling along as Zach and Grace talked about Amara's head exploding. She was in good spirits considering Halloween. The only thing to make it better would be Jade there.
“I can't say I've ever heard of someone's head naturally exploding,” she admitted with a shake of her head. “But I'm sure there's some potion you could concoct or spell you could cast to make it happen,” Ti smirked, playing with the idea. She would never dream of doing such a thing, even to someone as bitter and cruel as Amara Seabrook. Then again.. maybe Tiana would be doing the girl a favor. She always seemed so bloody miserable!
“I'd love to throw some punches with Seabrook,” Tiana grinned, turning to Anjay when he interjected himself into the conversation. “But it's too bad she doesn't play fair. I can only imagine she'd be flanked by Mardling and whoever else is seeking her attention that day. There's so many spineless snakes slithering behind Seabrook as if they can't do or think for themselves. It's pathetic, really,” she ended with a shrug.
“He's the worst, isn't he?” Tiana groaned, after having listened to Anjay talk about what happened in the Main Corridor. “Mardling's always up to no good, even when he isn't. He walks around like he owns the place.. when he's really nothing more than Seabrook's boy toy,” she glowered, her brows knitting to form a stare. “We need more prefects like you. Those that aren't scared to cross Seabrook and her throng of tormentors.”
Rylan chuckled at Zach's words clearly not bothered if half the country now knew his thoughts on Professor McGonagall. He didn't blame Tiana for being a little put out, seeing as it was obvious that she too would have had something to do with it. hat response from Zach though...brilliant!
Somehow managing to not spit out his drink in a moment of spontaneous laughter, he placed the goblet back down, he conversation turning to his reason for not trying out for the team himself. He knew his answer had better be good, or he feared Zach may never speak to him again!
"Actually, I do like a good game of Quiddy", he started, grabbing another sandwich as his brow furrowed thoughtfully, "Guess I've never been all that confident with flying until fairly recently. Wouldn't mind trying out next time though", he added truthfully. Yes, it would be good to give it a go. What was the worst that could happen, he'd fall off his broom? Oh...
While he wondered just what position he should think of trying out for, the conversation moved forward to the Slytherin captain and her apparent temper. Eight out of ten chance ten on her better days huh?
"Probably an eleven then", he added just before they began discussing exploding heads. He arched a brow and leaned forward in his seat.
"If people's heads are gonna start exploding, would someone please mind warning me first? I hear brain matter doesn't go well with pumpkin juice", he piped up matter of factly, once again picking up his goblet and taking a sip of just that (without the brains). Yes, a lovely thought to have during lunch, but by now he was used to it. He had long since learned to just go along with these things.
It was no secret that Gryffindors and Slytherins generally did not get along, so the next topic was hardly anything new. A fist fight between Tiana and Seabrook though? Never mind the Quidditch, he'd pay to see that!
Post by Lindsey Bryce on Jan 12, 2021 6:30:38 GMT 10
She had to admit, the Gryffindor table was really loud and she found herself turning around and chuckling at the few of the funny bits that she had caught on a chance someone was talking loud enough.
"It seems Gryffindor is havin' a good day." She said, a smile on her face as she took a sip of her juice, throwing a stray piece of meat in her mouth that had fallen off her plate. As he mentioned the potion, she nodded towards. She could use some sap, she had been wanting to try the beanstalk potion herself.
"Aye, we can. I was hopin' to gather the ingredients for the beanstalk potion or anything really, so lets get all we can this afternoon." Besides, starting soon, she would have little time to do anything once she started her internships. She had decided that if she didn't have class, she would be going to her internship to gain whatever experience she could.
At the thought about the ball, she nodded and felt her cheeks warm a little. He hadn't actual asked her to go, but from how he spoke, he wanted to go with her and then leave with her.
"Um... W-when did ye want to head to Hagrid's? After class?"
Post by Tobias Twiggs on Jan 12, 2021 11:32:45 GMT 10
Following his friends into the hall, Toby bid both Joe and Ryan a hasty goodbye before heading towards the Gryffindor table- attempting to keep his pace at a more respectable half-jog in case Amy was around and got mad at him for being excited again. To his immense relief, his older sister didn't appear to have arrived at lunch yet and so he took a seat next to Grace and began to help himself to some sandwiches that were on a nearby platter.
"Hey Grace, excited for practice?" he asked, failing to keep his tone at a neutral tone. Tiana was at the table too, but she was busy talking to some other fifth years and Amy wasn't among them so Toby stuck close to someone he was familiar with and who also happened to be his own age.
Spending that morning with Joe and Ryan had put him in a better mood than he had been in when he'd left the hall that morning, and he'd been looking forward to practice all day- his spirits would remain high providing Amy didn't pick on him about anything.
Post by Grace Babineaux on Jan 13, 2021 2:16:12 GMT 10
Grace listened to Tiana speaking with Anjay. She was a little worried that the Slytherin captain would attempt to knock her off her broom, especially as she was a first year and rather small compared with some of the others.
If Rylan joined the team, that would mean they'd have an almost full team! She hoped they would get another Beater, mostly because the Bludgers were still rather frightening to her and she was a bit concerned that she'd get a head injury and forget about being the chosen one. She wrinkled her nose at the mention of pumpkin juice with brains in it. Blech!
"Of course!" Grace grinned, "You better learn how to catch that Snitch quickly. The Slytherin team sounds scary!"
After a second of thought and a bite of her sandwich, she added, "I'll try to get more goals with the Quaffle, too."
Celia’s stomach growled as she made her way to the Great Hall. It seemed as though the time between breakfast and lunch was months on some days. As she stepped into the hall, she smiled. It was already filled with lots of talking kids. She slid into the Gryffindor table, grabbing some of the food that had appeared. As she munched on a sandwich, she grinned. ”The house elves make the best food.”
She commented to nobody in particular, washing down the sandwich with a refreshing glass of water. She sighed happily, looking around for someone to talk to. Some of her friends must have left already, because she didn’t see them around. But that didn’t matter too much, she could still make some conversation with her other housemates.
Anjay smiled, content, as the Gryffindor table buzzed with excited energy, his heart swelling with pride for his House. He remembered when the Hat had considered putting him in Hufflepuff, the House his sister would eventually call home, and while he loved his Hufflepuff friends, he knew in his heart he was a lion. Days like today just confirmed it.
Anjay turned his attention to Celia as she commented on the food and nodded in agreement. She was one Gryffindor he didn't know well, although of course he recognized her face and name- you couldn't share a common room with someone for five years and not. He pierced a mouthful of lettuce and tomato and cucumber on his fork and raised it to her like a cheers to her comment.
"Hear hear," he agreed with Celia. "I don't know what I'll do when I graduate and am expected to make food for myself." He tipped his tea cup back and drained its contents, briefly considering pouring himself another before he decided on just water. A spooned some berries and cream into a small bowl for himself.
"How are you planning on spending your afternoon?" he asked Celia, trying to make conversation. "Sometimes when we don't have class I don't know what to do, if I don't keep myself busy I go insane. Luckily I have prefect orientation this afternoon... who knows how long that'll last."
Post by Jaxen Ashworth on Jan 13, 2021 13:39:42 GMT 10
Jaxen wasn't surprised to see how busy the hall was as he stepped through the doors, he hadn't expected to arrive early having been in no particular hurry to return for lunch. If he hadn't been so hungry, he might've skipped the ordeal altogether and instead returned to the common room where he'd be safe from harassment.
As it was, he had elected to follow the needs of his growling stomach and made his way over to the Ravenclaw table and sitting in his usual place. It seemed that despite how busy the hall had become, not many familiar faces lingered at the table.
"Hey Nyx, good morning?" he asked, reaching for some sandwiches and stuffing a few letters that landed in front of him hastily into his pockets. He was sure Matt would be glad that Nyx was present, at least now he could stop moping about how she'd chosen to spend the morning with Kaspian and they could go disgust some first years with how infectiously happy they were in each other's company.
Celia laughed softly. She and Anjay eeren’t exactly close, but she knew him. Everyone knew the Xcalyns, they were a very important wizardinging family. But she didn't really know much about them besides that. He was in her year, and he had a younger sister. The interactions between them had mostly been limited to classes.
”I’d probably burn down my house if I tried!” She responded with a grin. She had never been good at cooking and had never really had an interest in it, honestly. She liked eating the food, but making it wasn’t something she often did unless she needed to.
”Prefect, huh? Congrats on that!” She replied. ”I can understand that. I get bored pretty easily. I probably have homework to catch up on. Maybe I’ll just hang around the common room.” She shrugged. She had always been a more of an in the moment person. Planning ahead wasn’t a very frequent habit for her. She finished her sandwich, taking another sip of water.
She wished she was more involved, that she had something to do during free time, but there weren’t many options. There was Quidditch practice, but thanks to her lack of planning she had missed tryouts, which was devastating. She could always try again next year, but it was a whole season that she had to miss. She obviously wasn’t prefect material, and besides that classes took up most of the time. Eventually she’d have to start studying for her O.W.L.S, but that wouldn’t be for a few months.
Still, the Gryffindor common room was pretty entertaining, and she could usually find something interesting to do there. It was nice having housemates who were as fun-loving as you were.
Rubes was thoroughly enjoying her lunch. Cucumber was certainly one of her favourite sandwich fillings, though she usually added cheese, lettuce and carrots in, too. Still, plain cucumber was just as tasty.
Pouring herself another drink, Rubes listened to the chatter filling the room. It seemed to be particularly noisy at the Gryffindor table. Rubes wondered what they were all babbling about. Whatever it was, it must be important.
"Anyone knowwhat all thechitchat's aboutover there?"
Post by Mathias Sallow on Jan 13, 2021 19:24:37 GMT 10
Matt entered the Great Hall with Jax... oh, was he calling him Jax now? Was that allowed? It was new, right? Did that make them friends? No, he couldn't assume that. He'd just think the nickname, then. Anyway, lunch... he was hungry, considering the nervousness fluttering in his stomach. His mother did often say nervous energy led to lots of baking. Not that he was baking anything right now, but... what was he thinking about?
Food! Yes, food and Nyx.
He hurried to catch up with Jax, having straggled behind to avoid bumping into some younger Hufflepuffs on their way out of the hall. Wait, who left before mealtime was over?
'Sorry,' he mumbled, managing to bump into someone anyway. 'Sorry.' Matt sighed, rushing to reach the Ravenclaw table. He almost fell into his seat, having underestimated the distance in his eagerness to talk with Nyx and find out what their afternoon plans were.
He eyed the food spread out in front of him while awaiting her reply to Jax's question. He grabbed some fruit, camembert cheese, and whatever - oh, boiled eggs. Probably for sandwiches, but whatever he'll have some of those two.
'Hi,' he said quickly, realising he'd rudely forgotten to greet Nyx. Ugh, why was he so scatter-brained today?
Post by Lucas Mardling on Jan 13, 2021 19:32:12 GMT 10
Lucas was still annoyed Prefect Xcalyn had spoiled his fun earlier, but was glad to have arrived at lunch. He assumed Phillip wasn't too far behind, but didn't look to check. He'd pretty much fled the Main Corridor once Xcalyn was far enough out of sight. Lucas was hungry!
He sat at the Slytherin table, doing his best to avoid any younger students. He didn't see any familiar faces nearby, though heard a few voices he could almost put a name to further along the table.
Putting together a turkey and salad sandwich, Lucas rolled his eyes as of course Gryffindors were being noisy again. What was the big deal with Quidditch anyway, other than the thrill of winning? He was a fair flier himself, but still flying wasn't that amazing. It always messed his hair up.
He moodily ate his sandwich, shooting Gryffindor house a glare, wishing he could just eat in peace. Maybe he should have gone to the kitchens instead? Nah, the house-elves were too weird. He'd just have to deal with it for now, as he always did. It was so unfair, though. He couldn't even notice a younger student without being accused of suspicious behaviour, like pranks or crimes, apparently, yet Gryffindor could ruin people's peaceful lunch with their noisy disruption and it was fine.
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