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.
Though some remained disgruntled about the no-dessert announcement of the night before, the Great Hall bustled with excitement and active chatter. Ravenclaws whispered among themselves and stuck to their own house as show of solidarity, whereas Hufflepuffs were more mingled than ever to hype up their first match of the season.
As it was the end of November, the temperature had notably dropped -- indicating the soon-to-arrive festivity. It was the first official day of their Christmas holidays, which lifted spirits even further. The sun shone overhead to reflect the mood, though did nothing to ease the need for sweaters and cloaks.
Like last time, while Professors pretended not to notice or hear of it, students were well aware that 5th year Lucas Mardling accepted bets for today's match. He'd be by the main doors all throughout breakfast, and anyone was allowed to place a bet if willing to part with their Galleons for potential profit.
Quidditch players themselves were awake an hour earlier than the rest of the school. They'd already had breakfast -- owl post will also be delivered to the pitch thread. With the players already down by the pitch, everyone else were free to discuss the possible outcomes that awaited Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff after breakfast.
This is a modified Quidditch day.
Breakfast and dinner will be as per usual, but lunch is skipped and the entire morning / afternoon period is dedicated to Quidditch. RPG time progresses at the pace of the match, making it a faster # to finish.
No NPC characters (Professors, beasts, ghosts, etc) are available while a match is taking place, though regular modding is as per usual. Attending the match isn't mandatory, but you likely won't have time to do much else unless you're just chilling with friends or collecting ingredients. There are no Prefect duties tonight. The winning team receives party snacks in their common room later to celebrate.
Please read the first post at the match thread. It explains how this is a modified match, as only the team Chasers will be RPing actual gameplay.
The only other event scheduled is that @samantha is to attend a private tryout at the Quidditch pitch tonight, run by Amara Seabrook -- if any other Slytherins wish to try out for the team, this thread is also open to them.
Post by Lucas Mardling on Sept 7, 2021 23:37:24 GMT 10
Lucas was already there when breakfast started, having also eaten earlier and was prepped for the match -- yet for an entirely different reason than its players. His betting system was finalised in time for the previous match, but he'd heard there was quite a competition going on between the Chasers for this one so he decided to make today's betting a bit different.
He stood eagerly by the main doors just outside the Great Hall, as always, so students could find him but he wasn't in direct view of pesky Professors or the Head Hogs. He had his betting rules and instructions on hand, holding it out for anyone who wasn't sure how it worked.
'Betting on today's match is open,' he said more noisy and exciteable students arrived. 'Who's going to win? Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff? Place your bets now.' He grinned with all his usual charm and professionalism.
[OOC: betting information and progress are found at the bottom of my Plotter. If you're only betting on which house wins (no outcome bet as well) you can just talk to Lucas, hand over the money, make your bet, etc in one post without waiting on me to reply. As this is a modified match, outcome bets are only for exact goals. Example "x house scores 3 goals".]
Last Edit: Sept 7, 2021 23:46:53 GMT 10 by Lucas Mardling
Samantha jogged to the Great Hall, being one of the earlier people to gather for breakfast. That was away from her usual late arrival and scrambling for food. But her discussion with Amara didn’t exactly make for good dreams. Sammy was half expecting to get stabbed in her sleep during the night.
She caught whispers about the Quidditch match and rumors flying around that she didn’t give much hoot for. If it wasn’t Slytherin playing, Sammy was usually doing something else around or in the castle, but seeing she would try out, it would be nice to put in some effort.
“Lucaaaas,” Sammy greeted her fellow Slytherin and bounced up to him. “Put me down for a Hufflepuff win, 20 galleons,” she forked over the money, giving it air kisses for good luck. She offered it to Lucas and then added, “Add the outcome of Hufflepuff scoring five times and Ravenclaw scoring once. To keep it interesting,” Sammy grinned and presented the additional money. “Don’t suppose I can bet on injuries, do ya?” she yawned. “Or is that too morbid?”
As she was waiting for Lucas’ confirmation, Samantha jittered about tonight’s try-out with Amara. She hope some more people would apply for try-outs so that if she sucked, the captain’s ire wouldn’t be just on her. Then again, Samantha always loved a challenge.
Post by Arthur Hocking on Sept 8, 2021 6:38:12 GMT 10
Arthur was thrilled to be cheering on his team for Quidditch. He wasn't sure if he would rather be playing, but it didn't really matter since he honestly wasn't very good at it. Besides that, he was hoping Elara would win for them. Arthur had been on the fence about making a bet, but eventually decided to keep his Galleons. It wasn't that he didn't have faith in the team, but that he was more cautious with his money than most.
The beginnings of the holiday could only be improved by a Hufflepuff Quidditch victory, and Arthur thought it was rather lucky they weren't playing against the Slytherin team. He didn't want anybody to get hurt during or right before the holidays. Perhaps he might even have a use for the bone mend potion he intended to brew, but he hoped not.
Arthur heaped some scrambled eggs onto his plate, trying to eat quickly, as if that would change when the Quidditch game started. He also helped himself to orange juice, happy that at least that wasn't taken away from him, like dessert was.
Post by Jaxen Ashworth on Sept 8, 2021 20:39:31 GMT 10
Entering the Great Hall, Jaxen found himself weaving around clusters of students who were just standing in the way, likely excited about the Quidditch match that would be taking place shortly. He admittedly should've been more enthusiastic about the whole thing himself, it was Ravenclaw's first match of the season after all. Jax had never been a fan of Quidditch, he might've been had he ever had the opportunity to play growing up, but he'd always had more important things to worry about than sports.
Making his way to his usual spot at Ravenclaw's table, he began helping himself to some scrambled eggs and toast. He knew a lot of his friends would be absent due to being on the team, but Mathias should still be around... Unless he planned on wishing his girlfriend luck before the big game.
It was Quidditch Day yet again, Saoirse realized as she blearily opened her eyes early that morning. Thankfully Gryffindor wasn't playing today, or else the chanting and cheering would have woken her far earlier. She rolled out of bed, slow-moving in the cold, and got dressed. Although their House wasn't playing, excitement still simmered in the dormitory.
It was something Saoirse didn't understand, and probably never would. For one thing, she didn't particularly enjoy flying. She was comfortable at any depth- she even wondered if there was a spell that could get her to the Mariana Trench- but heights? Not her cup of tea. She didn't 'get' sports either. Why did people lose their minds so much over who won a game? It was just that- a game.
Saoirse was alone in this thought, even among family. Her grandparents could talk about Quidditch for centuries. They had probably been around when the game was first invented. And Saoirse's father went absolutely mental over rugby. The thought of her father made Saoirse perk up as she started heading towards the Great Hall. Maybe she would get a letter from him today.
She arrived for breakfast alone as usual, but feeling it especially keenly today as she didn't share in the passion for Quidditch. She took her usual seat and started piling on the sausages and egg with plenty of bacon.
Last Edit: Sept 8, 2021 22:29:44 GMT 10 by Deleted
Post by Lucas Mardling on Sept 8, 2021 22:21:57 GMT 10
'Thank you.' Lucas grinning as he accepted Samantha's gold, pleased she took the risk as it meant more money for him. He was surprised too, as normally the higher bets came from fools in Hufflepuff or Gryffindor -- and what he could tell so far, Samantha was not someone he'd consider a fool.
She even went for an outcome bet, which put him off to a great start for today.
'I would love to accept that double-sided bet, but alas you can only make one outcome bet,' Lucas said, resisting the temptation to take advantage of a double payday. He had to play fair as his reputation depended on it. 'So what's it going to be? Hufflepuff scores five or Ravenclaw scores one?'
Lucas was quite amused by her next question, making a mental note to keep an eye out for her each Quidditch day; Samantha was certainly an ideal customer. She almost had him second-guessing his own system to include more options, but no he had it the way it was for a reason. Probably. Besides, the more bets she made the higher chances she had of winning one -- and he couldn't have that.
'Normally, yes, you can bet even on the morbid and downright offensive.' He grinned at her, then feigned apology that was still laced with his usual charm. 'This match seems to be more focused on Chaser rivalry though, so I'm limiting it to scores only today. But hey, if injury bets are your thing, next match is Ravenclaw vs Slytherin and that could be... interesting.'
He awaited her confirmed outcome bet, glancing around for any other potential customers.
Post by Tobias Twiggs on Sept 8, 2021 23:17:18 GMT 10
It was another glorious day- a Quiddy day specifically and Tobias could hardly contain his excitement. Gryffindor were not playing that day, but Ravenclaw were and that meant it was Joe's first game. That sent a different kind of thrill through him, because not only was one of his best friends playing, but he got to sit and watch from the stands instead of having to focus on catching the snitch.
Playing and watching Quidditch were two very different experiences and Toby enjoyed both for different reasons. Now, he just had to worry about how he was going to show up to the big game, he had to ensure his friend knew how much he was rooting for him.
Avoiding his own table, he ran over to the Ravenclaw table instead and was disheartened to find that Ryan was not yet there. He was sleeping in? On a Quiddy day? They would be having words.
Snatching a piece of toast from the table, Toby waited for his Raven-buddy to arrive at breakfast, hoping that they could plot out some grand gesture for their friend and maybe even talk about his revenge plans for the cancellation of dessert.
With a loud, signaling screech, hundreds of owls swooped into the Great Hall to deliver the Daily Prophet -- as well as any letters or packages from home. Hogwarts staff of varied professions each received mail as well, which Professors Hathmore and Snape were least enthused about. Professor Archerose, unaccustomed to that much attention, got bit by no less than three impatient owls.
The following letters were also delivered:
To: @amelia
I've signed your Hogsmeade form, as requested. We are trusting you to take this responsibility seriously and be on your best behaviour -- and to set a good example for your brothers.
With four of you now of age to attend the Founder's Ball, unfortunately we weren't able to purchase any new dress robes. We have reached out to family for some hand-me-downs though, and we hope you like the ones we picked for each of you. I made a few adjustments so they should fit quite well. I hope you have fun tomorrow!
We look forward to seeing you all over Christmas. We'll be waiting at King's Cross to pick you up, as always -- please make sure Toby has informed Ryan and Joe of this as well, as their parents have consented to let them stay with us. We've spoken to your Great-Uncle (the Professional Quidditch Reserve) about stopping by over Christmas, if you'd still like to have a practice with him.
That's all I have time to write at the moment. Your father's work has him quite busy. But we'll be seeing you soon enough. Take care, love.
From: Mum
The letter, and her signed form, came with a box that took two owls to carry. Inside was a set of slightly frayed but otherwise deep gold dress robes, with scarlet trims and ribbons. It was a bit outdated in style, with frilly bits and ruffles, but still in decent condition. It was quite long too, similar to a ball gown. It came with pale gold, elbow-length gloves to match. No shoes though, so she'd have to figure those out on her own.
We're not convinced you've earned the right to visit Hogsmeade, but in dread of further mail regarding it, we've gone ahead and signed. Do not bother us with such meaningless requests in the future -- we have some very important guests visiting soon and they deserve our undivided attention.
The Sacred Four are of no importance beyond being shameful, ego-driven folks who ruin things for others. You don't need to know anything about them so put it from your mind. Do not ask us again or you shall be punished.
My sweet boy, it was so wonderful to hear from you. I'm so sorry I don't reply enough, but I miss you every day. I cannot wait to see all my babies at home again for Christmas, though I understand the younger ones prefer to be at Hogwarts with their friends this year. You and Reena will be home though, right? I couldn't bear it if you weren't...
I don't have any money to give you for buying presents, I'm sorry. And I'm worried about you and Reena visiting Hogsmeade without me, but I suppose you're growing up and... well, I signed the forms. Promise to write to me and tell me how it went? Will you go with her, and make sure she's safe or doesn't get lost? It would put my mind at ease a bit.
I don't really know where to get dress robes or what the latest fashions are. Your grandparents happened to be in town though and managed to buy something last-minute for you both. If they're not trendy, I'm sorry; blame your old folks. Your grandfather still can't match his own socks.
Also, I'm not able to pick you up from the station this year for the holidays. I've included two tickets to a magical transportation known as the Knight Bus; one for you, and one for Reena. Just stand in the street outside King's Cross and raise you wand. Give them the address of a neighbour, then walk home from there. I'm entrusting you with these tickets so please do not lose them.
See you soon, my little Bear.
From: Mummy
Included with the letter, and an envelop containing shiny bus tickets, was a wrapped package with his brand new dress robes. They were a foresty green to match his eyes, and quite sleek -- fancier than anything he'd owned before. The collar was a bit high, but the overall design simple. It included a black bowtie, which was soft to touch, and shoes to match.
Jaxen wrote to me about your Hogsmeade permission slip, and requesting dress robes. I wasn't sure what to write here, but I've signed your form (please let Jaxen accompany you), and your grandmother bought some dress robes last-minute. If it's not trendy, I'm sorry; blame your old folks.
As I've explained to Jaxen, I'm not able to pick you up from the station this year for the holidays. I've made other arrangements to get you home, so don't worry. I'm looking forward to see you both, at least. You are still coming home for Christmas, right?
I hope you like the dress robes. Your first ball... I wish this was something we could have shared together. I hope you have a wonderful night though. Please tell me all about it.
See you soon, my little Fox. I love you, Reena. Never forget that.
From: Mummy
Included with the letter was a wrapped package with her brand new dress robes. They were royal blue, with a green ribbon around the middle in a rather modern and sleek style -- fancier than anything she'd owned before. The top half was simple in design, while the bottom half was flowy and beautifully made. It included slightly-heeled shoes to match.
Saoirse had barely gotten a first bite in when an unusually large letter was dropped unceremoniously in front of her by a very ruffled-looking owl. Curious, Saoirse put down her fork and opened it. At the sight of the handwriting, her eyes went narrow.
My precocious granddaughter,
It has been some time since your last letter, which was as sparse of detail as it was personally abusive. Your grandpapa managed to wrestle your last letter from your father. I don't know what that picture is that you drew, but I can only assume it is something unspeakably rude...
Bloody- Seamus, will you stop peeking in the door? You're no help! I'm having Walter write a letter to Saoirse. Yes, you should have seen what she says about us to her father. She's making a mockery out of us. Now- Walter, are you writing down every single word I say? Every one? Stop it at once! How are you even writing that quickly? STOP!
As I was saying, it has come to my attention that you will be staying at Hogwarts for the holidays. I am thrilled, and hope that the students there will teach you some manners and respect for your elders. Perhaps you can even bring some of your nice new friends to the estate- Seamus, put that down. You've had quite enough. No, I haven't bought more. Will you get out!
Walter, make sure you stop supplying my husband with chocolates. Now Saoirse, I have enclosed a letter from your father. He misses you dearly, as do we. Expect more letters henceforth.
With love,
Seamus and Roisin
Saoirse looked at the bottom of the paper, where a much smaller note had been scribbled from her father. Her grandparents must have figured out she had been tossing their letters and had snuck this one in. At least Walter the manservant had given her something to giggle over. She read over her father's words with interest.
Hey pumpkin,
I got your letter just when I got back from fishing. It was a nice break from being pecked to death by owls. I think your grandmother might be training them to assassinate me. Death by a thousand pecks. Anyway, you have no idea how happy it made me to hear you made a friend! You should bring them to the lighthouse sometime and we can have a barbecue. Don't worry about not coming back. This is exactly what you need. I'll be sending you another letter for Christmas.
Love you,
Dad
Saoirse's abject joy at receiving a letter from her beloved father was somewhat interrupted when another owl seemed to go out of its way to drop a copy of the Daily Prophet directly onto her face. Somehow it landed in her lap and not in her food. After rubbing her offended forehead she looked down at the front page news.
Flooding in Scotland that killed dozens? Normally England was the one to receive such tragedy. Her head was still reeling over the Sacred Four and now this. The sarcastic part of her brain suggested that a certain snake-like monster in a loch was responsible for this, but another part wondered if this and the Sacred Four mystery were somehow connected. Maybe Grace would be wondering as well.
Post by Jade Arwell on Sept 9, 2021 1:04:52 GMT 10
Jade lingered by the Great Hall, her back to the Grand Staircase as she pondered her bet. She hadn't intended for Quidditch betting to b an ongoing thing, but she'd done well last match and found it was kind of fun. But her recently-discovered cousin, Captain Nyx Nordstrom, was playing today and Jade was supposed to be severing ties.
Oh well. She gave it her best effort.
'I bet Ravenclaw to win. 20 Galleons,' Jade said. She handed Lucas the money, giving him an annoyed look for good measure, then continued on her way to Breakfast.
She sat at the Gryffindor table, yawning into her hand as she pondered what to eat. When mail arrived, she snatched her copy of the Daily Prophet and gave it the briefest of glance. Jade didn't care much for the news in general and today was no exception. She had other things on her mind, like the approaching Founder's Ball and Christmas. No way was she going home for the holidays, but what were her plans? She had no idea.
Post by Ryan Barrow on Sept 9, 2021 1:16:54 GMT 10
Ryan's hair was drenched as he ran through the Great Hall, his tie loose and eyes wide. He gasped for air, collapsing into place beside Toby at the Ravenclaw table -- having swerved last-second in realising he wasn't at the Gryffindor one. He tried to speak, but it came out in pants.
'Toby... we gotta... do something...' Ryan gasped, then grabbed some pumpkin juice to ease his breathing. 'Ran all the way here. Bloody stairs are a menace,' he muttered between sips.
Eyeing breakfast, he had to prioritise.
A mouthful of scrambled eggs, half a piece of toast, and two strawberries later...
'How are we going to cheer for Joe today?' Ryan asked, gaze determined. 'Joe and I share a dorm and everything so we could make you a banner easy, but you and I don't. What if it's too late? Toby, we have to do something! He needs to know we support him and believe in him.'
Post by Jacob Thatcher on Sept 9, 2021 1:29:31 GMT 10
Jake hated he had to go anywhere near slimeball git Mardling, let alone talk to him in any sort of civil manner after what he and Seabrook had done, but he wanted to place a bet and would be damned if he let those snakes cut him out of the fun.
'40 Galleons on Hufflepuff to win.' Jake tossed a bag of money at Lucas, marching right by him with barely any eye contact.
He then comfortably sat himself at the Gryffindor table to devour his weight in food. The Daily Prophet wasn't particularly exciting, though the flooding sounded pretty bad. He smiled at Amy's dad getting some attention for his hard work, or he assumed it was hard work anyway. Mouth full of soggy cereal, he skimmed the rest of the paper -- bored as he waited for the match to get started.
Jake glared daggers at the horrible reminder of having dessert stolen from him.
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 Sept 9, 2021 1:39:37 GMT 10
Even though it wasn't her team playing at the match today, Amara instinctively paid attention to the weather and overall morning conditions. It was quite ideal, though first matches of the seasons tended to be quite lucky in that way. She was invested in all the games, as a Quidditch fan but also as a Captain who needed to track the points and her team's standing.
This time, however, she had another reason: a friend. Nyx was a fellow Captain and rival house, but Amara still had respect for her. And she'd always preferred playing against Ravenclaw, which was thankfully who Slytherin would be up against next.
'Hello.' She approached Lucas, eyeing those near him. At least people naturally made space for her. 'How's it going?' Amara asked, trying to take a peek at his betting list so far.
She rummaged in her pockets, considering how much to bet. Money was rather meaningless to her, but she wasn't allowed to bet when her own team was playing so this was her first chance to give it a go. And it was the only way she could think of to also show support for her friend. She was not the cheering sort.
'Hmm. 50 Galleons on Ravenclaw to win, I suppose.' Amara handed over the money. Had Lucas done something different with his hair? 'And... let's see, Ravenclaw has a tiny brat for a Chaser... even I'm loath to admit Rhynhart is annoying skilled. I'll bet Hufflepuff scores 5... no, make that 4 goals.' She shrugged, picking rather at random.
A middling range was a safe bet, right? Four was a pitiful amount, but given the odds and players she was confident enough to make that guess.
'Well, have fun.' Amara waved, though noticed Samantha nearby and considered waiting. 'I'll see you at the match, yeah?' She didn't leave though, knowing he had to confirm her outcome bet -- while also hoping to talk to him for a moment longer.
Last Edit: Sept 9, 2021 1:46:02 GMT 10 by Amara Seabrook
Post by Reena Ashworth on Sept 9, 2021 4:16:57 GMT 10
Picking at her breakfast with a fork, Reena gave her best impression of a bored teenaged girl. Truth be told she was annoyed that today was another Quidditch game. This meant a noisy breakfast and most likely an even noisier dinner with lunch not taking place at all unless you ate at the pitch- where Reena had not the slightest intent of being today.
She had studying to do before going home for christmas and Quidditch was just an interuption in her ususal day to day school life. Although one might want to argue that Reena's last few days had not been quite as usual as they had been the years prior. Ever since she had talked to the Hat she had been running errands, a girl on a mission.
Casting an irritated glance towards the Hufflepuff table she took a fork full of eggs yet she did not taste a thing. Perhaps it was not just the match that had her on edge. She knew she dreaded going home for christmas and she was almost certain that she would not even get to go to Hogsmeade or the Founder's Ball to have the chance to have fun before that.
Not expecting any specific post she did not bother looking up as the owls flew in. Thus being all the more surprised when a package was delivered to her, she almsot lost the eggs from her mouth again. She almost did not dare to reach for the letter attached for fear she might be confusing the handwriting on it with someone else's. Her hesiation was overcome quickly however as she decided to put the letter aside and sneak a peak into the package first.
Seeing the royal blue cloth she figured she must have been sent a dress for the ball afterall, quite to her amazement. She suddenly felt compelled to cast a glance towards the Ravenclaw table. How on earth had Jax managed to get their mum to sent this? Had he got an outfit too?
Reena did not unpack the dress there and then however, deciding to have a better look at it after the food had vanished and could not potentially ruin it, cleaning spell aside. Perhaps she would even take it out and try on in her dorm once the match had started. Despite herself she smiled at that thought. She would ask Lindsey to do her hair again.
Eyeing the letter again Reena had to stop herself from ripping the envelope as she opened it quickly. She was not quite sure what to expect and felt hesitant to turn it around to read. But of course she did. She was ever so anxious to actually hear from her mum, much to her own annoyance. She had told herself that she was mad at her mother for ... things.. after all.
It appeared her mum surprised her yet again with a signed permission slip to Hogsmeade and Reena sort of made an approving nod and half-smile at that. The letter was rather sweet which made Reena dare to hope going home for christmas might not be as bad as she imagined it would be?
Her eyes lingered on the last paragraph however and Reena subconsciously bit her lower lip, clenching her jaw to stop it from trembling ever so slightly, as it made her feel quite opposing emotions that she did not want to deal with right now. Suddenly the end of breakfast could not come soon enough for her so that she could make an inconspicious exit.
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