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 Elizabeth Doren on Apr 21, 2021 8:09:43 GMT 10
Elizabeth was quick to dress and be ready in her robes, with not a hair out of place, as usual. The victory Slytherin had celebrated earlier seemed of no consequence, and she was pleased that she would finally have something to do with her brain, though with the reminder that it was getting closer and closer to the holidays, she was a little concerned about the Founders' Ball.
She had no idea how she might go about getting a date, or if she even wanted one for that matter. She did have that nice set of dress robes that she did want to show off. It wasn't often her parents gave her a gift, after all, and she wanted to do something special. Classes were still more important, though, so she would put it off as long as possible. It wasn't like she would be turned away if she didn't have a date to the ball, after all.
Glancing around, she noted the presence of one of her dormmates, a boy from her year, and a couple of the younger girls. She wasn't close with any of them, mostly because she still was not close with anybody at school due to her own hesitance and what some might perceive as odd behavior. Regardless, she sat at the table and placed food on her plate. Whatever happened, people would talk to her if they wanted to do so.
It was a wonder to Phoebe how one could be so hungry, yet nothing sounded appealing. She had a bowl of porridge, a bacon sandwich, eggs, crumpets, bubble and squeak, and a cup of tea. Yet nothing would go in her mouth. Every time something got close to her lips, she felt like she was going to projectile hurl. She couldn't do that, not with Kieran sitting inches away.
It was weird. Phoebe never didn't like eating. Guh. This was horrible. So, she just sat there, the side of her face in her hand. Dead tired. Starving, but not eating. Stabbing her eggs with a knife. It might have been the sleepless, study-filled nights getting to her, or maybe all the excitement she felt for practice in the afternoon. Either way her food was going uneaten.
'Are you ready for practice later, Kier?' She continued to stab at her eggs, too lazy to even look at him. 'I, for one, feel like I'm running on empty. It's hard for me to even think of practice this afternnon when we still have classes to get through this morning.'
Post by Grace Babineaux on Apr 21, 2021 13:44:31 GMT 10
Grace was practically shivering with excitement, even if she was a little sore from playing Quidditch. At least her arm wasn't broken. A whole day, all for her to do whatever she wanted, with no classes whatsoever! She didn't know what she might do first. She heard the older students talking about History of Magic, which interested her more than some subjects did.
She looked around for Toby, and then when she didn't see him just sat down near enough to the fifth years to hear what they were talking about. She waved at Jamie, too. Maybe she'd talk to him or help him out with something he wanted to do, provided it wasn't too boring and Muggle-y. She didn't really understand her brother's love for that kind of thing, but she didn't really have to. Some of it was cool, but not as cool as magic artefacts.
Keeping the secrets to herself was hard for Grace. Sure, she had asked for help and had been with Gerald for the start of her journey, but she wasn't sure who else she could trust with that sort of thing. Maybe it was supposed to be her secret, but it was a lonely secret. She munched on a piece of toast as she thought to herself.
Amelia looked up as Tiana joined them and gave her a sideways look of confusion as she started talking about history of magic like she enjoyed it. After a moment, it clicked and she glanced between the two before she quickly shoveled some food into her mouth to prevent her from being that person. Tiana and Amelia had been friends for five years, she knew that she did not like the coming class... Yet here she was talking about it like it was the best class in the world...
Saoirse rolled out of bed late. It was unusual for her to be such a late riser, but she found that since moving so far up north it was harder and harder for her to be out of bed at a decent time. The lack of sunlight and cold air certainly didn't help. Squinting from tiredness, she changed into her school robes and gave a little shiver. It was a cold morning, but she already knew she was going to go for a swim on her day off. Even if it meant having to break through ice. But first, breakfast.
Saoirse followed a few other late risers in silence as they made their way to the Great Hall. She had a conflicting relationship with meals at the Great Hall- the food was incredible, but it meant having to sit with people and make awkward conversation. It was always a game of 'sit close enough to someone to not stand out as being alone', but also 'don't sit close enough that they try to talk to you'. Saoirse managed to find a suitably distanced space for herself at the Gryffindor table and sat herself down. She reached for a bacon sandwich and started eating with gusto, partly to stock up on protein and partly to avoid being spoken to.
Rylan made his way into The Great Hall for breakfast, ready for the start of another day. At least fourth years only had one lesson today, so that hopefully meant free time in the afternoon. Maybe he could use one of those keys he'd had come into his possession lately.
For now though, he swung into a bench at the Gryffindor , grabbing an apple before helping himself to the coffee pot and what he called a 'bacon buttie' (sandwich). Transfiguration wasn't one of his stronger subjects, so he would need to be at the top of his game if he wanted to avoid any mishaps like in Herbology.
The fifth years apparently had two classes today, one of which was History of Magic. He heard them discuss their thoughts on the subject, but decided to leave them to it. It wasn't exactly his favourite topic, but it was an important one to pay attention too. They all were, he supposed, even Astronomy (glorified fortune telling, but a laugh, if nothing else)!
Each Head of House left the staff table early, focused on speaking with their students based on a list of names upon parchment. Professors McGonagaal, Sprout, Rivera, and Snape handed out spare Hogsmeade permission slips for those who were yet to turn one in. Those include: @amelia Jaxen AshworthReena AshworthElizabeth Doren @anjay and @jurni .
Note:writing home to request permission is only required for Bloodlines characters, if they want to visit Hogsmeade on designated days. Those above are now cleared to do so (deadline to send owl is #11 night). Check your Bloodlines family info for any specifics that may assist in gaining permission. Please note that eligible Bloodline characters who haven't received dress robes from home yet cannot attend the Founder's Ball (#12 night) until done so.
IC reasons why they didn't receive Hogsmeade permission in their previous year/s:
Twiggs - the topic wasn't brought up during the summer. The kids likely then forgot about it, until now.
Ashworth - two years ago, they were advised by their grandparents not to ask their mother for Hogsmeade permission until each of them were at Hogwarts age. This is now the first year in which they are.
Doren - denied each year they'd asked.
Xcalyn - simply hadn't asked previously, for reasons of their own choosing.
--
Screeching signaled the arrival of post, bringing with it the morning's special edition of the Daily Prophet. A buzz of chatter immediately followed, as the topics mentioned was previously quite hush-hush - even magical-raised students weren't able to learn much about it from home or books, if they'd even been lucky enough to hear about it at all.
Until now, it seemed to be something adults didn't like to speak about and were emotional at the mere mention of. Several at the staff table wore grave expression to confirm it, with Professors Hathmore and Rivera immediately leaving the hall.
No additional letters were delivered, as none were sent that required answering.
Post by Grace Babineaux on Apr 23, 2021 23:47:44 GMT 10
Grace looked at the newspaper as it arrived, thinking it would be nothing too special. She didn't even know what the Society of Silence was, let alone the Sacred Four or Battle of Berkshire. She hadn't been alive, then, and her mother had never talked about it. She wiggled in her seat and looked over at Saoirse. Even if it seemed like the other girl didn't want to talk, Grace wanted to see if she knew anything.
After scooting over to her roommate, Grace asked"Have you heard of any of this stuff before?" she asked, gesturing to the paper, "It sounds all serious. Do you think we'll learn about it in history class?"
Post by Lindsey Bryce on Apr 24, 2021 0:11:27 GMT 10
The sound of the owls arriving made her look up and take hold of the daily prophet. As she read the special edition, she swallowed and allowed herself to absorb it. Her mother had told her about this a few times, but that was about it. She never went into detail, but said that the girls had been brave to do what they did. It was at that moment, a letter fell next to her plate and she swallowed when she saw the handwriting belonging to her own father.
Opening it, she read it quietly and she swallowed slightly before she closed it back and sat it on the table by her plate. Rubbing the back of her neck, she tried to just focus on finishing her breakfast. Then, she would head to class and deal with her morning.
Lindsey, Your mother returned home last night in quite a state and I'm disappointed to hear about what happened during your match. I honestly wish I could have come, your mother had explained a lot about it to me. Lindsey, your mother and I have raised you better than that. It's okay to be rough, but to foul in the heat of a game is not the way we taught you. Would you ever trip up someone at the Events we have taken you to? No, I don't think you would.
I know your mother already gave you a lashing about this and I am done for this. After discussing everything, your mother's feels that the lashing she gave yesterday was enough of a punishment. However, if we hear about anything else, we will be removing your broom and not be allowing any friends to come with you to Christmas or the Summer.
Trix finished the food that was in front of her. She heard owls in front coming into the great hall to deliver the mail to students and the daily prophet. She sees if there anything for her but sadly there wasn't anything for her. Trix thinks sometimes today she will have to send her mum and dad a letter to let them know how Hogwarts going and that she planned to stay at Hogwarts.
Trix picked up a copy of the daily prophet and started reading what has been happening in the wizarding world.
Though breakfast so far had been nothing to write home about, there were a couple of other matter that had been. So when the owl post arrived, there was something else besides the Daily Prophet to draw his attention to. A package and a letter, presumably from home became his first matter of focus, tearing open said package to unwrap some neatly folded dress robes.
Though nothing too fancy, these would at least ensure that he wouldn't be going to the Founders Ball looking like a scarecrow. There was also a letter, which he read with a small smile forming as he did so. It looked as though his request to get himself a pet was successful, though they didn't seem all that keen on the idea of him playing Quidditch. Oh well, at least he'd have the chance to hopefully talk them round, but one out of two wasn't bad going!
Placing both to one side for now, he then picked up the Prophet, frowning slightly as he perused the days headline. He'd heard very little of this Sacred Four, or the Battle of Berkshire in which they gave their lives to stop a group known as the Society of Silence. It sounded as though they had been anything but, though why was it never talked about? Perhaps he would find out more by reading further. What were their names? Did they have families who missed them? It might not have been important enough for people to mention much until now, but it mattered. They had mattered.
Rylan, Your mother and I have spoken and decided that you have proved your responsibility over the past few years at Hogwarts, and that perhaps we can allow you your own animal companion of sorts. On the condition of course that the creature is rescued, cos as you know we're all about animals being given second chances.
While I have no doubt that you won't exactly pick a normal animal (even by magical standards), your mother suggested Rochinda's Rescue's. She's going to send them an owl (though I wonder why she can't just pick up the phone like a normal person).
We also talked about you wanting to play 'Quidditch' (is that right?), and we're worried about you taking part in such a dangerous sport. We'll talk about it when you're home for Christmas, but for now we would prefer you to concentrate on your studies (as well as whatever weird friend you might pick up from this Rochinda).
Gan canny, lad (take care), Dad
P.S. You'll notice we also sent you something decent to wear for this ball thing. Have fun, and if you pick up a canny lass, I want pictures (even those funny moving ones)!
Saoirse found watching the owls dropping off the post more interesting than the post itself, most days. Dad was out on a fishing trip so she knew she wouldn't hear from him this week, and letters from her grandparents usually ended up chucked into the bin without being read. Saoirse looked over her second bacon sandwich at the front page of a newspaper that had very nearly landed in the scrambled eggs. Battle of Berkshire? Society of Silence? She had never heard of such things, but then she hadn't heard of most things in the British Isles.
Saoirse wouldn't have given it another thought, but then her roommate Grace nearly startled her out of her seat. Saoirse was more surprised than anything that someone was speaking to her. Thankfully she was curious about the article and so not a hair-raising awkward attempt at small talk. Saoirse swallowed her food and gave a shrug. Whatever this battle was, it was from before she was born, and not something her Irish grandparents would have been interested in. She didn't recall Grandmumsy or Grandpapa ever mentioning it. Then again, it was entirely possible they had given her a lesson all about it that she had just ignored entirely.
"No. I don't have a clue about it..." Saoirse looked around the room for any hints from the others. Most of the other children simply looked confused, but the adults looked grim. Saoirse watched two of them swiftly exit the Great Hall. She furrowed her brow. Usually if adults were upset about something, that meant it really wasn't good. Her initial disinterest quickly turned into curiosity. "I don't think the professors will want to talk about it."
Post by Grace Babineaux on Apr 24, 2021 12:58:09 GMT 10
Grace was a little disappointed, but if she didn't know anything, then it made sense that Saoirse didn't either. They were the same age, after all. It was a little sad, the four people dying, but Grace didn't know too much about them or the situation so she couldn't really feel anything but confused. She poked around at her food.
"They should really tell us about this stuff," she complained, "I hate not knowing what's going on." Grace noticed the absence of the two professors as well. Maybe they were busy with other things, or maybe it was a really, really serious topic. She didn't understand why they'd print the tribute in the front of the paper if it made everyone that sad.
"We should ask Professor McGonagall," Grace suggested, "She's our head of house, so she couldn't just er, leave us in the dark."
Post by Elizabeth Doren on Apr 24, 2021 13:18:33 GMT 10
Elizabeth accepted the permission slip as it was handed to her, though she had no doubt that her parents would likely refuse it when it was sent back home. Regardless, she would make the attempt to get permission, in case this was the year things were changing. She was in the final half of her schooling years at Hogwarts, after all.
Still, she didn't really have any plans for what to do should she end up in Hogsmeade, and would make the attempt more out of a feeling that she should go because everyone else was going. It would be nice to check it out, at least.
A glance at a paper in someone else's hands revealed that there was some special tribute going on for some group Elizabeth had never heard of. Well, if she had time between lessons she would check the library, and if not, well, she was going to be writing to her parents that day anyways, and it couldn't hurt to ask them.
Saoirse nodded at Grace's words, eyes still fixed on the newspaper. She had heard lots of terrifying stories of the magical world, some of which took place in Hogwarts. But she hadn't seen teachers react like this before. It said the Sacred Four died for the future generations of magical students, so surely there should have been some sort of memorial for them in Hogwarts? It seemed odd for the teachers to purposely ignore the article. Saoirse couldn't ask her dad about this, and doubted she could ask her grandparents either. Maybe it was time she figured out something for herself.
Saoirse looked at Grace while nodding this time. She liked Professor McGonagall. She was strict, but not nearly as patronizing as some of the other professors. She wasn't as secretive as the others, either. "That's a good idea. We can find her when she's not teaching."
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