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.
Tom's detour to the Slytherin common room took longer than expected. Once he was there he found it difficult to leave Jinks again. Even though it had only been a few days, Tom felt he had been waiting a lifetime and to have to depart again so soon was a punch in the gut. Regardless of how he felt about it he knew he had obligations and would only have a short window of time to eat, and he was starving.
He made his way into the Great Hall and almost jogged to the Slytherin table, his hunger ample motivation. He quickly took a seat next to Lindsey and smiled at her, grabbing a plate and filling it without shame. He piled heaps of what appeared to be some sort of shaved beef with a gravy onto his plate along with more than a handful of steamed red potatoes.
"Where is everybody?" Tom asked Lindsey. After he got some food in his system he realized that the Slytherin table was more sparsely populated than usual.
As he made his way into the Great Hall, Harris' whole body tingled with joy and endorphins. The physical exertion of a long hike, the feeling of success at catching the Flupnis fish and retrieving its citrus pepper, the unexpected new friend he'd made... that was maybe the best part of all. Their whole walk back had felt like a blink to Harris, and he found himself genuinely upset when the two boys had to part to their respective tables.
It was dumb, really, to segregate students by House at meals. Harris pondered House allegiance and all its implications as he filled his plate with fried chicken tenders, sweet potato fries, and some kind of spicy sriracha ketchup. Hufflepuffs were proud of their house, no doubt, but they seemed less exclusive and exclusionary than some of the other Houses... like Slytherin, for example. Harris was happy that Sebastian was an exception to the rule.
Harris ate happily, lost in his own world as usual, blissfully unaware of the commotion happening at the other end of the table with Lucky and some of his other housemates. In his mind he was still back out by the Rocky River with Sebastian, the two of them laughing and exploring and having fun together, with nobody else in the world to bother them.
Anjay was a mess of nerves and anger as he stormed into the Great Hall for dinner. That little episode in the courtyard had aggravated him beyond words and rattled his usually cool, calm exterior. What in the world was going on with Thatcher? Anjay was frustrated to see the boy had made it to the Gryffindor table before he had.
Anjay planted his scowl firmly on his face and hoped that everyone who looked at him saw it. He was frustrated, he was tired, and he wanted to be left alone. Had all this stemmed from the fact that his day had been so open it was basically rudderless? He'd felt adrift since the moment he woke up, as if he was floating from one thing to the other without direction. Was that what was causing his anger?
He didn't care to explore it. He was hungry and he had Prefect duty after dinner with Kettles, so he needed to get some sustenance into his body and refocus his mind. He sat as far away from Thatcher as possible and helped himself to a stew and filled his bowl to the brim. Chickpeas and potatoes swam in a chunky tomato curry heavy with the smell of cumin and chili powder. It was glorious.
It was almost enough to take his mind off how much he disliked Langford and was starting to dislike Thatcher.
Sebastian and Harris' walk together was comfortable. More than comfortable, really. It was delightful. He showed interest in the Hufflepuff's conversational topics, nodding in agreement with the boy's personal philosophies on personality types. He seemed to have Amara Seabrook figured out, maybe more than she did. That was a funny thought. That, among some other comments, pushed a permanent smile onto Sebastian's face. Harris brought him happiness.
But it was a happiness that was unfortunately cut short. Had the walk back to the castle gone by that fast? It felt like they had just climbed back onto the riverbank. Sebastian dropped his head when they entered the dining hall, quietly trying to find his next words. After talking the whole way there, he was suddenly at a loss. Maybe saying nothing was best? He looked back up at his new friend and gave him a sullen wave, pairing it with a half smile, then dispersed.
He walked towards the Slytherin table and glanced over his shoulder one last time, before climbing into an empty seat. Sebastian decided to face away from the Hufflepuff table, which ended up being a decision he didn't understand immediately. Why didn't he want to be able to see Harris? He supposed it bothered him that he couldn't sit with his Hufflepuff friend at dinner. The idea of being able to see him, but not sit with him, felt like some degree of torment.
Were these weird feelings to have for someone he just met? Maybe. Sebastian didn't quite understand what he felt. He just knew he liked the boy and wanted to spend more time with him. For once, he wasn't pining after Lucas Mardling's friendship either. He wasn't even seeking him out—or Victoria. His mind was too wrapped up in Harris and the fun they shared at the river. He did manage to serve himself some vegan options, and grab an apple for the beasts.
Nyx had looked pensively at the last glow of the sun, before deciding it was time for her and Matt to head for dinner. She had been deep in thought, replaying Mathias' words. He was going to write home tonight and do his best to convince his family of letting her visit for the holidays. She almost wished he hadn't mentioned the idea to her, not until he had secured permission. Nyx disliked being let down, especially when it was something she so desperately desired.
Not wanting him to think anything was wrong, Nyx engaged in conversation with Mathias on their trek back to the castle. She did her best to assure him that he made no fool of himself at breakfast, but instead found his actions sweet and sincere. Nyx went as far as saying it would be a moment they could forever look back on, a memory to be cherished. Sure, there could have been less embarrassment, but if that was the price to pay, Nyx was beyond happy to.
"The food looks delicious," Nyx remarked when she and Mathias arrived at the table. "How is everyone tonight?" she asked the fifth years, her voice kinder than usual. It was true that time spent with Mathias softened her up a bit. It wouldn't be surprising if her team caught onto this, and in turn, encouraged her to spend as much time as possible with her boyfriend. Maybe a happy captain meant a happy practice? Either way, Nyx was in one of her better moods.
She settled into an open seat next to Freya Fawks, and guided Mathias to sit beside her by way of his hand. They had held one another's hands ever since leaving The Waterfall. It was already one of Nyx's favorite things about him. His hands. She liked holding them. The way hers fit into his—it was almost like two pieces of a puzzle coming together. They conjoined perfectly, as if they had been longing for and missing the other their whole life. It was a nice feeling.
"Hi," she suddenly blurted, her blue eyes flicking toward the group of first years. Not even their presence could ruin her great day. "Could one of you pass the pasta, please?" she asked them, motioning at one of the bowls sitting farther away. There appeared to be one filled with whole wheat penne and diced vegetables. Nyx was focused on consuming healthy carbs for energy, especially if she was expected to hold a Quidditch tryout for her roommate tonight.
Last Edit: Feb 19, 2021 4:41:41 GMT 10 by Deleted: I received permission to have Mathias arrive with Nyx.
Post by Arthur Hocking on Feb 19, 2021 14:46:21 GMT 10
Arthur was more focused on whatever the Founders Frivolity was now that it was coming close. From the sounds of things, it wouldn't be very pleasant, but he wondered why they did it if nobody liked it. He glanced at Lucky, who seemed a bit dirty, so he quickly looked away, in case there was some chance of being the butt of a prank.
He nodded with Jurni, though. He did want to know what was going on, at least, and his day had been relatively simple. He hoped it would continue that way, even with the Frivolity. He tucked a few nuts in his pocket for a later snack, just in case.
Amy wasn't very responsive. Maybe she was thinking about practice? Or maybe she was thinking about something else? Zach didn't want to be the guy that kept pestering her about things she didn't care to talk about, so he stuffed his mouth with beef and hummed happily to himself. He was humming something he made up, nothing Amy or anyone would recognize. But it was climactic and so dramatic that he started to use his knife and fork to drum at the table.
..until the silverware flew out of his hands! He was startled by the thundering clap of Lucky Langford's palms on the table. He pouted for a second before he turned to look at the brute, realizing this wasn't a moment to make a joke. The captain was serious! More serious than he typically was. It was weird to see the Hufflepuff annoyed. It sounded like Jacob struck again - did something odd. Zach didn't say anything, but shared a concerned look with Amy.
Rylan showing up was a welcome surprise. It was a nice buffer to the situation brewing at the table. But how funny was the timing with Jacob showing up after Lucky too? It was the kind of thing you would see in television shows or movies. But it was super awkward. Zach was still processing the Hufflepuff captain's comments and didn't know what to say to his friends when they all sat down around him - and he wouldn't be surprised if Amy was just as preoccupied.
'Uh. Practice was great.. the usual stuff.. you know, throwing balls, blocking goals, flying broomsticks, that sort of thing.' Zach drank some juice to wash down his food. His words too. He didn't know what he just said but he said it and it probably sounded stupid.
But Amy saved the day - again. She didn't even need a Beater's bat this time! She asked Jacob the same question Zach wanted to ask him. Point blank. There was no way Jacob could dodge the question this time. All eyes seemed to be on him. Not even Anjay joining the table could take away from everyone wanting to know what was wrong with their friend. But um.. Anjay looked upset too? What the bloody heck was going on today? Everyone was being weird!
Post by Grace Babineaux on Feb 20, 2021 14:21:45 GMT 10
Grace hopped down to dinner, rather pleased with herself. She noticed that Toby wasn't at dinner yet, and though she had just spent most of the afternoon with the fifth years, she still wasn't confident enough to go over and sit with them. It looked like there was something going on with them, anyways, and she had enough on her plate. Metaphorically speaking, anyways. She was still hungry.
She sat by herself, placing some food on her plate and chewing absentmindedly. She tucked an apple into her pocket. Marcia was fond of them, she remembering, hoping to give her rat some attention after dinner, though she was very curious what the Frivolity was. Fourth years had to do some weird stuff.
Post by Elizabeth Doren on Feb 20, 2021 14:39:20 GMT 10
Elizabeth headed to dinner disappointed that she would not get to prove her strengths as a prefect. Searching for Amara, she had mixed feelings when she discovered her roommate was not there. On one hand, she wasn't fond of people telling her she was wrong about anything, especially if that thing was her parents. They had to care about her, Elizabeth was certain of it. On the other, it felt nice to have a classmate take an interest in her.
She placed some smaller morsels on her plate, considering how she would spend the evening. She would definitely not be attending the Frivolity, and she wanted to keep on top of her studies as well as polish the letter to her parents, and even then she would have to talk with Amara. They did share a dorm, after all.
Post by Mathias Sallow on Feb 20, 2021 17:05:02 GMT 10
Matt was in good spirits as he arrived to dinner with Nyx, holding her hand even as they navigated around a few eager younger years headed to he Gryffindor table. Her wonderful smile, getting to talk with her the whole way back from the waterfall, and holding her hand... the only thing that made the night better was food. His trek had made him quite starved.
'Hello,' he added just as brightly to the others. It was less unusual for him, as he was often friendly even to those he didn't know or the younger years. Matt didn't have much else to add, still thinking of what Nyx said and their afternoon together.
He focused on dinner instead, mournfully releasing Nyx's hand so he could pile things onto his plate. Matt took a big gulp of pumpkin juice. He had green beans, carrots, and plenty of roast chicken. Nothing too fancy as he was too hungry to care. He tuned out of conversation a bitt while he ate, mentally drafting his letter home - which he planned to write and send tonight while Nyx and Freya were busy with try-outs, which he'd learned of on the trek back to the castle.
Post by Ryan Barrow on Feb 20, 2021 17:18:00 GMT 10
Ryan sat up at when he heard Joe, piling more chips onto his plate now he was hungry again.
'Wow, really? Are they scary?' Ryan asked while trying to multi-task eating, eager to hear about Joe's adventures and hoping his best friend is okay. Solving puzzles sounded like a lot of fun, actually, though h wondered where the keys came from. Didn't he have some of those?
'You almost drowned?' He gasped, pausing to choke on his chips before grabbing another one. 'Oh. I mean, that sounds like a scary game but I'm glad you're okay. It's awesome that you won!' Ryan glanced at the bigger kids, who hadn't paid him much notice but he was fine with it. Joe was here now so that's all that mattered.
'Uh, sort of?' He shrugged. 'I was thinking about the bigfoot stuff, and I wanted to go on my own mission. I mean, what if we ever come across one for real? You gotta be brave, right? So I was trying to get a bit braver, by talking to people I don't know and learning new things. I tried to play Gobstones with some bigger kid I don't know... but we didn't get to finish.'
He blushed, realising he was rambling, which was quite unlike him unless he was upset or scared. His missions were top secret, but Joe was his best friend so that was allowed.
'I'm exhausted though. Did a bit of exploring... but just a bit, around the castle.' Ryan shuddered. 'Got more missions, but I don't know, maybe it'll be more fun with you and Toby? How was your day, did you get los of stuff done too?' His nerves returned at making himself too much the center of attention in the conversation, so he nibbled his chips and awaited Joe's update.
It felt like he hadn't seen his best friends in forever!
'Wanna hang out in the common room tonight?' Ryan asked, an idea forming. 'We should make banners, for Toby. You know, for his match tomorrow? Not for Gryffindor, cuz I know they're a rival team... just for Toby, so he knows we think he's gonna do great.' He kept his voice low, aware the Ravenclaw captain was nearby and probably wouldn't be too thrilled with the idea. Ryan didn't know anyhing about her, but she usually looked a bit sour so he wasn't taking chances.
He just wanted to support his best friend for his first match tomorrow.
Post by Jacob Thatcher on Feb 20, 2021 17:36:39 GMT 10
Jake paused eating, though didn't move his head, when Amy sat beside him. Was she still mad at him or could he eat in peace? He should have served himself something better for a last meal... couldn't she at least wait until dessert?
'That little....' he grumbled, offended, and shot a look over at the Hufflepuff table. Not even Snape could control Jake (or so the 5th year liked to believe), so that comment was just rude. Why was everyone being rude today?
'Maybe we were rolling around in the grass?' he tried to joke it off, his tone rather suggestive. 'Lucky certainly has a great arse.' Was an arse for ratting him out, more like.
He shoveled more mashed potatoes in his mouth to avoid answering. If he choked to death, so be it. He did notice Anjay sittting far away from him, and shot the killjoy a glare for good measure. He devoted himself to stuffing his face, knocking over another goblet while reaching for his own. In doing so, he paused again - noticing he was being watched by several of his friends.
Sighing, Jake gulped his juice as if it was wine. He could breathe again, no longer with a mouthful of food, though gained no further incentive to talk about things. He was glad practice went well, and was going to use that as a conversational point, but the looks he got made it hard to deny he really couldn't keep avoiding the subject.
'I'll be fine, all right?' He scoffed, playing up his carefree personality though it was a bit forced. Did he really have to be happy all the time? 'Something bad happened the other day and I'll deal with it. I'm not gonna drag you all into it so just forget it, okay? When's dessert anyway?' He winced as he moved his arm too fast.
He refused to meet anyone's eyes, and was careful not to let his attention stray to the Slytherin table. Avoiding looking at any house, apart from playfully turning to poke his tongue out at Lucky, Jake quickly focused on eating again. He was going to be more stuffed than a turkey soon, but he'd make room for dessert anyway. His resolve wasn't as great now his anger had faded a bit.
Last Edit: Feb 20, 2021 17:37:09 GMT 10 by Jacob Thatcher
Killed by Devin Kudosen by act of the Killing Curse. June #24, RPG year 1 -- he was a 5th year Gryffindor. Jacob died to save his best friend, Luckett Langford.
Post by Amara Seabrook on Feb 20, 2021 17:47:12 GMT 10
Finishing a conversation with a wary 3rd year Gryffindor, which was suspicious in itself, Amara entered the Great Hall and headed to the Slytherin table. She had the air of confidence and superiority of someone whose afternoon had gone exactly as she'd planned. It was her usual composure, which was part of her reputation of always being ahead.
'Filch is prowling around again,' she noted, sitting across from Elizabeth. 'Did someone step on Mrs Norris' tail or something? You're Prefect - any ideas?' Amara wondered, casual enough to make it sound like normal conversation rather than prodding.
She noticed Tom and Lindsey but ignored them.
Sebastian was there, and... wait, he looked weird. 'Do anything exciting today?' Amara asked him, gaze firm. 'You look different.'
Amara focused on her dinner, lazily glancing around the Great Hall while eating. She eyed Thatcher and smirked, then pulled a face as she saw Nyx and Mathias holding hands when they entered. It wasn't too bad a matchup, actually.
'Looks like Sallow's off your list,' Amara said in a low voice to Elizabeth, indicating with her had towards the Ravenclaw table - but it was no longer clear with how far away it was and the fact more people were arriving to dinner. She couldn't even remember who was on Elizabeth's list or whatever they talked about regarding it. Only the important things mattered, like getting the girl to see sense regarding the awful Dorens.
She ignored most of the other chatter going around, unless it related to Quidditch.
Dinner was still ongoing, but it became apparent to the 4th years that their Founder's Frivolity event may be bigger than they'd realised; each Head of House rose from their seats and headed out of the Great Hall together. Filch and Mrs Norris went with them, though Headmaster Rickard remained in serious conversation with Professor Hathmore.
As if on cue, older students across the houses once again advised their 4th years, stating that while uniforms were required for the event - if anyone wanted to shower or look more presentable first then they should head off now, or they won't have time. Robes weren't recommended, but tied back hair was.
With Professors McGonagall, Sprout, Rivera, and Snape all going to present - it was something no sensible student would want to be late for or show up in an unkempt state.
Post by Reena Ashworth on Feb 20, 2021 22:14:39 GMT 10
After being ushered out of the library, Reena and Jax had found some quiet nook between the library and the Great Hall to finish working on their letter. Once they were satisfied with it they found a friend that would let them send their owl to deliver it. The words of the letter were still fresh in her mind and she knew it read the following:
we sincerely hope you are doing fine in light of latest events. For us it is a new experience to be in the public eye- and be it only in a gossip magazine. The things written about our father Marcus came as a revelation to us, should they prove to be more than just gossip, and, as you might have expected, have arisen questions on our behalf. We hope you understand that we write to you rather than to mum out of thoughtfulness towards her and trust that you treat this letter as confidential. We would also like to apologize in advance should our question open up old scars.
To cut to the chase, our questions are the following: - 'Who were Marcus and Conrad?' - 'What were they like?' - 'What did they do for a living?' - 'Why were they in the spotlight?' - 'What does "on the edge of falling from grace" mean?' - 'Do you have pictures you could send us?'
We would be thankful for any question answered but would like to stress you should not feel obligated to disclose any information you are uncomfortable sharing with us.
Lots of love and we miss you,
Jaxen and Reena
If she was honest, Reena still was unsure if wether she truly wanted to know but she was relieved that the letter was done with. Jax had made her add the 'we miss you' and she was glad he had done it. It made the letter sound more personal and less nosy. She had said a good-bye to her brother when she had entered the Great Hall, suddenly aware of how hungry she was.
Sitting down next to Lindsey at the Slytherin table Reena opted for some soup and bread. This was a food she usually avoided but right now she wanted the warmth and familiarity of it. Soup was comforting although she was glad Jax could not see her from the other side of the hall, he would probably read too much into it since pretty much all food their mum ever made was soup.
"Oh, right", Reena said when she overheard someone close by talk about the Founder's Frivolity. She had forgotten about that. Watching the four heads of houses leave the Great Hall, Reena got the feeling that it might be more important than she had thought and she should probably focus on that now.
"Lindsey, could you help me with my hair for later, please?", she asked her friend. Giving Tom a smile she realized she had completely ignored the quiet boy. She had not done so on purpose but now she felt sorry for stealing his friend away. "I can help you with yours too, if you want me to.", she continued speaking to Lindsey.
[OOC: all mentions of Jaxen's actions with permission of Jaxen Ashworth ]
Last Edit: Feb 20, 2021 22:15:25 GMT 10 by Reena Ashworth
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