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.
Post by Amara Seabrook on Apr 1, 2021 23:56:02 GMT 10
[OOC: this is a plot involving Amara, Nyx, and Victoria. Thus only these three will be here cuz anyone else will probably get hexed upon sight lol. Also, this thread may contain some upsetting content so heads up.]
Amara dropped to a patch of short grass beside a tree, out of sight of he main path but close enough to it. Tears streaming down her face, she yanked off her robes and tossed them aside with her broomstick.
Hogwarts was supposed to be her safe haven and her father had ruined it. Amara hugged her knees, pressing her face to them. Assuming she was alone, and being convinced no one cared enough to follow her, she rested her head to openly cry. Or something like crying; it was mostly tears and struggling to breath.
Disgrace. Worthless. Unlovable.
It echoed in her mind. Amara tried to calm down but it was futile. She was flooded with memories of the summer, all that pain and shouting. Lucas would understand, but he'd probably gone to dinner already and didn't know. That had to be it. And it was a fact she'd come to realise that she had no other friends, not really. Many allies and acquaintances, but not friend.
Why would she? Who would care about her like that? She sobbed harder, dark hair splayed around her face as if to hide her from the world. She thought she was making progress on her plans to get out from her father's shadow, but that cast wider than she realised. Perhaps she was fooling herself.
Nyx's heart was beating like a set of wild drums as she ran into the forest. She didn't fully understand why she felt so concerned for Amara, but came to the silent conclusion it was because of her own family issues. Not even just her father, but the deceit and lies she had endured from her mother and grandmother. Families sucking was a common theme here and one Nyx resonated with. They were fakes, frauds. Who needed them, anyway? Nyx didn't.
Jade had been avoiding her, too. It was something Nyx desperately tried to rid from her mind, but every glimpse of her cousin at meals, in the corridors, and even most recently at the pitch, caused knots to take formation in her stomach. Nyx didn't know what she did to deserve such a cool reception from the Gryffindor. Nyx had made her cry, but for what? Maybe that was why Nyx was showing concern for Amara. It was a chance for her to empathize, to prove she could.
Her feet stumbled over the dead leaves and protruding roots of the forest floor. Various shades of green and black blurred around her as she ran, trying to be as careful and quick as possible. Nyx strained her blue eyes in the diminishing daylight, doing her best to locate the Slytherin's whereabouts. Where could she have gone? She couldn't have gone far, not in her state. Nyx had to put herself in Amara's shoes. What would she have done if she had endured that?
Collapsing somewhere, anywhere, and being unseen was the first thing that came to mind. Nyx would want a good cry—and being alone, far from everyone else was an ideal place to do that.
"Amara?" she called out, before happening upon the girl. "It's just me, nobody else," she clarified, moving in closer. This was her moment, her chance to prove she had what it took to show even an ounce of compassion for another human being. Nyx swallowed hard, her mouth going a little dry. This was harder than she anticipated, but if she could be there for Amara, she could do the same for Jade in the future. That was, if Nyx ever got another chance.
Nyx dropped to kneel down beside her, for once not caring if her blue stockings got dirtied. She outstretched a hand towards Amara, wanting to touch her shoulder. That was what people did, right? Nyx recalled her grandmother rubbing her back when she was sad, and that had always made her feel better. Perhaps she could attempt to console Amara with the same notion.
"Who needs family when you have allies, friends—likeminded people with similar goals and aspirations?" she whispered, choking on the tenderness of her own words. It was sappy, but she meant it. Nyx respected Amara and considered her an ally, and maybe even a friend. They got along. They were very much alike. Why couldn't they call themselves friends?
Post by Victoria Vargas on Apr 2, 2021 4:51:52 GMT 10
Victoria had no intentions of following Amara when she ran. It wasn't because she didn't care for Amara's well being, but if being Amara's roommate the last five years taught her anything, it was that sometimes things were better left alone. But she overrode that decision the moment she noticed Nordstrom running after her. That development struck Victoria as odd. She didn't recall the two being close.. not anything more than the known respect they established.
She wanted to understand what was happening, so she ran after her too. There had been nothing left to say at the pitch anyway. Not to any of the fourth years. It had been all whines, crying and excuses for their poor playing. Victoria never said she surpassed everyone and only pointed out where others needed to do better. They were idiots to not understand, but that wasn't her problem.. and with two of them off the team, it wasn't theirs anymore either.
Her breath came out in pants as she jogged into the forest, careful to not strain herself. She was already tired after the match and the last thing she wanted was to trip over something. It was getting dark too, so she tried to stay alert. The forest was known to crawl with all sorts of gross things when the sun went down and she wasn't in a headspace to deal with them.
'He might be blood, but he's not family.' Victoria slowed to a stop when she found the girls, having caught the end of what the Ravenclaw said. 'He's a garbage father, Nyx. He'd be better off not existing. You should know about that more than anyone else.'
Victoria moved around the tree the girls were under and crouched beside her roommate. She couldn't help but glare at Nyx, still wondering why she was even there. As much as she wanted to be rude about it, she decided to stay quiet and focus all her attention toward Amara.
'What did he say to you?' Victoria's face was full of concern but also fear. She knew what Mr. Seabrook was capable of doing and saying. Not in detail, but she had an idea of how Amara was treated by him. Victoria believed Amara's night terrors were an outcome of that.
Post by Amara Seabrook on Apr 2, 2021 21:22:05 GMT 10
Amara flinched when she heard footsteps crunching leaves, then her name. She didn't look up though, and decided not to reach for her wand when Nyx confirmed it was just her. She growled and shoved away any contact when Nyx tried to touch her shoulder.
'I don't have any friends,' she grumbled. It wasn't strictly true, if one counted Lucas and maybe her own cousins, but rational thoughts weren't her strong suit right now. At least with company her sobs had subsided a bit in sheer will to not embarrass herself further.
She didn't mention it was also because everyone was scared of her, which she wanted and relished in and yet... Amara hadn't expected things to go the way they do now. All the allies she needed wasn't the same as having someone to trust and talk to. Someone like Lucas. If only he was there, he could explain why she was so upset.
She lifted her head enough to glare at Nyx when it proved she was, in fact, not alone. Amara sighed at Victoria's words though. Victoria understood, though her comment about Nyx knowing better than anyone reduced her need to glare. Did someone understand, even a little?
Fighting the urge to cry again, Amara stubbornly wiped her eyes with her sleep. 'Nothing repeatable,' she answered Victoria, shuddering. She glanced at both girls, unsure but still somewhat appreciative of them running after her even if she felt even more humiliated.
'Apparently... um, this is my last year of freedom of choice. To be a person. After this I...' she couldn't even say it. 'I hate him. I wish he'd die.' She growled.
She muttered something that sounded like "but so what?" and "who cares?" while hugging her knees tighter. Amara just sat there, not even caring it was dark now, and stared vaguely at the ground beyond her feet. She was still a wreck, but a bit more in control now. Amara knew she had to kill her father. It was tthe only way she could escape. But was it even worth it?
Well, that sounded rude. Nyx glared at Victoria after her comment, crossed her arms and furrowed her brows. She even stood, not bothering to try and comfort Amara anymore. Nyx wasn't angry at the girl, but she wasn't going to force comfort on someone that didn't want it. That, and she seemed to have ruffled Victoria's feathers for whatever reason. Did her former best friend have some kind of dibs when it came to being a shoulder for Amara? How silly.
"I do know a thing or two about that," she responded, her eyes narrowing with a frown. "Which is exactly why I'm here, Vargas. I may not know the depths of what's going on with Amara, but I'm someone with the ability to understand. I know firsthand that you don't need a father to achieve and live a full life," Nyx openly disclosed, glancing towards Amara. "Maybe Amara would be the one better off with him not existing."
There was tension in the air, almost like a struggle for power. For what power that was, Nyx didn't necessarily know—but that's how it always had been being friends with Victoria. It was a competition of who could do what better. They were so equally matched in many areas that it always ended up with them huffing and crossing their arms, much like Nyx was doing now.
"I'm sorry—but who gets to dictate your freedom of choice? Your so-called father?" Nyx asked in bewilderment, inching closer to Amara again. "Don't allow him that control. Don't concede to someone who doesn't deserve it. Don't relinquish your power, Amara. I never have and I never will. To hell with him, I say," she said furiously.
Amara looked worse for wear, and it had nothing to do with her having just played Quidditch. She was going through it and it was no doubt a rough time for her, but the hugging of her knees and the sobbing? It was a lot. It was more of a surprise than anything else. Nyx hadn't really seen this side of Amara before and did her best to keep all judgements to herself—but sometimes her icy, blue eyes said everything she didn't. It could be an unfortunate curse.
Post by Victoria Vargas on Apr 3, 2021 1:04:43 GMT 10
Victoria could only roll her eyes and mumble under her breath. Nyx made a point, but she didn't have to want her there — and she didn't. Didn't Nyx have somewhere else to be? Maybe with that new boyfriend of hers. Victoria was more than capable of consoling Amara by herself. She had done it for years. She was one of the few girls there for her during those sleepless nights in the dorms, not Nyx, and Victoria would continue to be as long as she was needed.
'I'm not your friend?' Victoria playfully scoffed at Amara, wanting to change her mood. 'I don't wake up in the middle of the night for just anyone, you know. If Doren was crying about her problems I'd just tell her to shut up.' It was a joke, but serious.
It was all fun and games until the conversation took a turn at Amara's mention of wishing her father dead. It was a bold statement, but one that Victoria could support. No fifteen year old girl deserved to be regularly treated poorly by her father. It was abuse. Victoria was one of the lucky ones in the fifth year dorm, growing up with two loving parents that supported her no matter what she did with her life. It was that reason that Nyx's presence made sense to her.
'I couldn't agree more — to hell with him, Amara.' She nodded at Nyx, trying to lessen the tension. 'So what are we going to do about it? Should we help him along to hell?' She let out a half-hearted laugh. 'Should we all ready our wands and kill him dead?'
She wasn't serious, the amused smirk on her face acting as evidence. Victoria couldn't imagine killing someone, or any of these girls killing someone. Well.. maybe she could see Amara going on a murder spree. Victoria wished Amara had on those fourth year girls anyway. They deserved to rot after their terrible performances. What would their excuses be then?
Post by Amara Seabrook on Apr 4, 2021 1:08:53 GMT 10
Amara, despite herself, raised an eyebrow at the two girls. Were they bickering? Ugh, that's the last thing she needed right now. She nodded though, agreeing with what Nyx said but not trusting herself to actually speak. She glared at even the suggestion that she might be relinquishing her power, but had to hold back another sob as she wondered what power she actually had against him.
Still, Nyx's words reminded Amara of her purpose. She had plans, and ending the power her father held over her were a big part of those plans. She sighed at Victoria's playful scoff and reminding her she woke up in the middle of the night for her. Amara never asked for that nor wanted it, though snorted at the comment about Doren.
Wait, were they bonding? Is that what this was?
She glanced up when Victoria joked about murder. She glanced at Nyx, wondering if the Ravenclaw thought it was a joke too or a serious solution. This time, and notably so, her continued silence said a lot. She was very much considering it as an actual option.
'Thanks, I guess. For checking up on me. Not that I need it,' she added the last part to save face - then held a hand out to each girl, eyes sternly implying she wanted to to help her back onto her feet. Amara dusted herself off, cringing at the state of her clothes.
'I imagine everyone's getting a laugh of this,' she muttered. Word likely got around she'd run off the pitch. Most players had left already but she knew not to be too optimistic at a place like Hogwarts. She brushed a hand through her hair, pulling a face as she had to extract a leaf from it. Great.
Amara tensed, eyeing Nyx then Victoria. What now? Make them swear to keep their mouths shut?
Face determined yet apprehensive, she held out her hand as elegantly as she could. 'Friends?' she asked, warily. At least she might have the advantage of having surprised them, as an offer of friendship from Amara Seabrook was just... unheard of.
They'd seen her vulnerable, tried to connect with her, and hadn't mocked her for any of it. It seemed, in some way, they even understood her pain to a degree. That was new. She knew them both well enough to determine they were decent company to keep, possibly even trustworthy to a point. There was potential there, or perhaps she was just lonely in her realisation she needed some actual friends and thus suffered a moment of insanity.
It was colder than it had been—as the sun was almost gone, if not completely. Nyx shivered in slight chill, but not due to the lack of sunlight, but because of the turn in conversation. Murder? Victoria had suggested they kill Amara's father, and Nyx stood silently in response trying to understand it. It sounded like a joke, but the look on Amara's face led Nyx to believe she was considering it, that was, if she hadn't before. This was a dangerous road to travel down.
"Murder is wrong, legally," Nyx started to say, knowing she'd be met with one, if not two glares. "However, self defense is neither right or wrong. It's either deemed necessary, or it's manslaughter, but it's never murder. Who's to say Amara wouldn't be in a position to protect herself against her father.. and things maybe went too far?"
That was pure Ravenclaw logic and all Nyx Nordstrom had to say on the matter. Even if Amara hadn't been put in a position where she needed to protect herself from her father and she just wanted to kill him, the story could still be spun that way. That was what Nyx was trying to insinuate. Amara would need some witnesses, and who better than two of her new friends?
Nyx grabbed one of Amara's hands and helped raise the girl upward, needing to shift her own weight only slightly. Amara wasn't heavy, but the padding and other layers of protection from her sports gear required an extra heave. Nyx didn't acknowledge the comment about everyone possibly getting a laugh out of the situation, as her mind was still wrapped around the concept of murder and her newly solidified friendship with Amara Seabrook. It was a lot to process.
"Friends," Nyx simply replied, meeting the girl's hand with her own. She nodded towards her, a small, hesitant smile pulling the corner of her mouth. Nyx wasn't an angel by any means of the imagination, but it felt as though she was signing a deal with the devil—like there was no way she was going to walk out of it without paying a price. But maybe she wouldn't ever want to. Nyx liked feeling untouchable, and would feel even more so with Amara's friendship.
Post by Victoria Vargas on Apr 6, 2021 1:20:40 GMT 10
It was totally like Nordstrom to spout off the legalities and grey areas of something like murder. Victoria originally met her comments with a scoff, until the realization set in. She made a valid point. If something like this were to happen, if Amara was crazy enough to want to, they could manipulate the story and have it play in their favor — without repercussions.
'Fancy yourself a job in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, do you, Nyx?' Victoria smirked curiously, arms crossed. 'I was under the impression you were planning to play the role of stay-at-home mom, you know, with how serious you and Sallow seem to be getting. What would he think about you trying to cover up a murder?'
Victoria wrapped her fingers around one of Amara's wrists and helped pull her roommate to her feet. She crossed her arms again, taking a moment to revel in what was happening. She wasn't thrilled to be making amends with Nyx, if that's what this even was, but the idea of the three of them joining forces, if only as friends, was going to send a major message to the school. These weren't three girls anyone would want to mess with or work against ever again.
'Friends, forever and always.' She took her roommates hand when it was her turn and firmly locked it into her own. 'I'll always have your back, Amara.' Vargas shed an authentic smile, then turned to glance at Nordstrom, not knowing if the Ravenclaw could say the same. She remembered her former best friend as self serving, so her loyalties would always be questionable, at least in Victoria's eyes. The two of them still had some work to do.
'Let's get to the castle before they send out a search party. We wouldn't want Sallow or Mardling bursting into hysterics.' Victoria flashed Amara a knowing smirk, under the impression there was something romantic there, similar to the Ravenclaw coupling. Amara never openly admitted it to her, but Victoria was an observant girl. It was one of the reasons she wanted to be a columnist, journalist and writer. She had a knack for these things.
Post by Amara Seabrook on Apr 7, 2021 2:51:37 GMT 10
Amara rolled her eyes at Nyx's "legally" comment. 'So is harming your own child and entrapping them,' she muttered. Or at least, she hoped that was illegal. She raised an intrigued eyebrow at the rest of it though, liking the way Nyx though. Certainly a Ravenclaw approach, if she ever heard one.
She didn't comment though, as no way could she protect herself against her father. He'd made sure of it, apart from the few times she just fled. Amara sighed at Vicky's comments. Did these wo bicker often? Maybe she should have only befriended one of them...
'There's more to Sallow than you know,' Amara added though, frowning. 'He's not as innocent as he appears, Victoria.' She appreciated the casual mention of covering up a murder though. There was promise and she had some ideas, but wasn't ready to share yet. She needed to be certain of who could be trusted.
They both accepted her offer to be friends, and Amara had no idea how to react to that so she nodded and quickly gather her robs then broomstick. She blinked back tears, this time for a positive reason, and hid her face shyly. She had friends. Not just Lucas, but actual friends she could hang out with and chat with. It was weird but... interesting.
'Uh, we should...' Amara managed a smile. 'We should head back before something monstrous shows up. Langford, if we're that unlucky,' she said snarkily in attempt to diffuse some of the tension or awkwardness. She yelped as something brushed her face as soon as she headed for the path.
Amara whipped out her wand, hitting some leaves with it. 'Lumos,' she said, lighting heir way back to the castle.
She had her wand in hand and broomstick in the other, having pulled her robes back on. Unable to find words for how much it meant to her to have Nyx and Victoria as friends now, Amara still wanted to give some sort of friendly affirmation. It felt good o be holding her wand, as it gave her a sense of power again. It also gave her and idea.
Thankfully, one could cast most spells while the wand-lighting charm was in effect. So Amara conjured a few silver hearts as if they were bubbles that formed from the tip then floated and popped. It was corny and stupid but whatever, it was a rough afternoon and they'd helped. She was glad to see the castle again, especially in knowing snacks awaited her in the common room.
'Will you join us for lunch tomorrow?' Amara asked Nyx, knowing their classes for tomorrow were likely seated in pairs. 'Bring your boyfriend, if you must. Come on, Victoria - I'm starved. Probably just going to head to the dorm though.'
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