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.
Christmas Eve was a cold and snowy morning. Most at Hogwarts had bundled into something warm, making busy crowds a sea of different colours and styles. School uniforms were allowed for those who preferred it, but many chose to go with the holiday freedom of uniforms being optional. There were festive sweaters and hats as well, though not everyone celebrated Christmas or were in the mood to partake.
There were various decorations throughout the main areas of the castle, but the Great Hall never failed to impress as the epicenter of festivity during this time of year. Huge Christmas trees were still being decorated by Professor Rivera, who had taken on retired Professor Flitwick's annual tradition of levitating baubles into place. There were seven trees overall -- three on either side of the hall, then a gigantic one behind the staff table.
This year saw an addition of bowls containing star-shaped pasties. Each had one of five random fillings: peppermint, pumpkin, chocolate fudge, cranberry, or custard. Anyone with family who worked at the Ministry may recognise or have heard of them.
Though chatter among students was high and excitable, there were notable gaps at three of the house tables -- with Slytherin only minimally impacted. Students going home for the holidays had already eaten, instead busy hurrying outside into the snow as they lugged trunks and pet cages down to the Hogsmeade Station.
Those who remained at Hogwarts this year, left to enjoy their breakfast without worry or rush, looked forward to a free day ahead of them. Older students even had a Hogsmeade Trip to enjoy after breakfast, if they wanted to.
If you're going home for the holidays, your character must be listed as such in the Bulletin Board -- having an active RP buddy to interact with during the holidays is mandatory as you cannot return to school until the train does.
Otherwise, this entire RPG day is free time -- have fun! If doing quests, these holidays at Hogwarts are the perfect opportunity to make a lot of progress. We strongly encourage everyone to make the most of the free time. Classes resume on #16.
Post by Jade Arwell on Dec 17, 2021 22:48:51 GMT 10
Jade didn't make a habit of getting up early during the holidays, but where was a certain appeal to not be going home that had her arriving at the Great Hall in time to relish it. She made her way to the Gryffindor table and contemplated what sort of breakfast she was in the mood for.
She had no idea if Tiana was staying, or if Nyx still had plans. Heck, she didn't even know where Jaxen was right now. The ball hadn't been awful, so that was a plus. Jade had no idea what do to today though. She frowned, grabbing a bowl for her cereal, and wondering if it was worth trekking to Hogsmeade in the snow. Might be a bust, honestly. But what else was there to do? Everyone seemed to have hobbies and extra-curriculars. Maybe she should adopt one?
Yawning widely, Jade kept an eye out for any owls. It was too early for post yet, but she was curious about thee Daily Prophet this time. Had to make sure they hadn't taken any embarrassing photos of her.
Post by Alice Jane on Dec 17, 2021 23:22:14 GMT 10
Alice was looking around at all the hurrying people who were going home. She also wonders only if she could have also gone home like all these people. She force the thought out of her mind and think about all the fun she could do here.
She enters the great hall, almost hopping slightly. She went closer to Gryffindor's table and jump to get a seat for herself. everything was there on the table, everything type of food she could think of and she was very confused about what should she take in her tiny plate compared to all these varieties.
At that time she notices an elder girl near her. The girl was having some basic cereal and was definitely lost in some thoughts.
"Hey. Looks like you are worried?"
Alice grab a delicious looking chocolate pudding from the table and pass towards her with a smile.
"Try this. Chocolaty breakfast can remove all the worries"
Post by Jade Arwell on Dec 18, 2021 1:31:46 GMT 10
Jade paused, spoonful of cereal halfway to her mouth, when some random first year started talking to her. Yeah, definitely her. Why? Since when did Jade in any way seem approachable? It was appalling. Sighing, she continued eating her breakfast, not paying much attention to the kid until the pudding came into view.
'I'm not worried.' Jade scoffed. Not exactly true but having heart-to-hearts with first years was not on her agenda. Ever. 'I'm just waiting for the mail. And no way am I eating that for breakfast. Chocolate pudding, first meal of the day? I'd be worried about a stomachache. But you do you.'
It was blunt. Perhaps also a bit harsh, considering the poor kid was just being nice and tried to help. For whatever reason compelled her to do so, Jade had no idea. But still, that was Jade. Blunt and antisocial at the best of times.
She decided to shut up, though. Spare the kid. Jade glanced towards the enchanted ceiling, taking in the snowy view then once again prematurely checking overhead windows for any sign of an owl.
Post by Jacob Thatcher on Dec 18, 2021 1:35:32 GMT 10
'Ignore her,' Jake told the first year, having caught the end of the conversation as he sat down. It was nice to see some of his classmates remained for the holidays, so he wouldn't completely die from boredom.
He shot Jade an eye-roll, then gave the younger girl a bright smile.
'She's just sour.' He smirked at Jade, reaching for the pudding since it would be a crime to let it go to waste. 'You've got the right idea. Chocolate fixes everything, huh? Don't mind if I do.' He reached for a spoon, then devoured the pudding as if his life depended on it.
'What's your name, anyway?' He glanced at the first year, remembering to swallow first so he was coherent. And did choke, he supposed. But whatever; life's about risk. 'I'm Jacob. And this cactus-in-human-form is Jade.'
Last Edit: Dec 18, 2021 1:36:44 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 Lindsey Bryce on Dec 18, 2021 10:29:41 GMT 10
Lindsey walked into the Great Hall and looked around for any of her friends who were staying at Hogwarts. Reena was going home, that much she knew and so she looked for her other fellow fourth years. She found a place in the middle of the Slytherin Table and grabbed her favorited meal items. Eggs... Toast... Sausage... It was all amazing and she ate with a look of pure bliss.
The night before had been amazing, she had loved the dancing and the fact that she had been named Heir for the House. It was great! She was going to try and get to the Greenhouse before she headed to Hogsmeade for the afternoon. Maybe someone would go with her?
Jamie seemed rather sad about the holidays. Two of his fellow First Years were going home with Toby Twiggs and he let out a sigh as she found a place to sit down. Maybe he could collect some things before he and Grace got a chance to hang out tonight for Christmas Eve. It would be nice to spend time with her and luckily, the professor had been kind enough to agree to allow her to join him in his dorm.
Once he was sitting down, he grabbed some oatmeal to eat and some juice.
Post by Arthur Hocking on Dec 18, 2021 14:29:33 GMT 10
Arthur showed up to breakfast rubbing at his eyes. He'd certainly enjoyed the Founders' Ball and was enjoying all the congratulations related to his being Heir of the Ball, even if the younger students had no idea. He was rather proud of himself, and so had an inflated sense of pride that day.
He cheerfully sat down at the Hufflepuff table, but he'd brought his pet gimus, Autumn, to the table after noticing the Common Room was a bit empty--and so was the Grand Hall! It seemed a lot of people had gone home for the holidays, and Arthur didn't blame them. But he wanted to spend time improving his potions skills, and he certainly couldn't do that in his uncles' Muggle household, even if he missed them.
He piled his plate with breakfast. He couldn't miss out on it, even if there weren't a lot of people there to enjoy it with.
Post by Elizabeth Doren on Dec 19, 2021 13:23:11 GMT 10
Elizabeth hadn't had all that much fun at the Founders' Ball. Sure, she'd looked quite impressive, but it was tinged by a bit of disappointment. Why hadn't anyone asked her to dance? And what was going on with her parents? All of it led to Elizabeth half-heartedly putting on her uniform, so she didn't even notice the single wrinkle in her normally perfectly ironed shirt.
She anxiously awaited the news. What if those Ministry men who'd bothered her about her parents in Hogsmeade had talked to reporters? She put some fruit onto her plate, and though the star-shaped pasties looked interesting, she didn't really have the heart to eat until she knew she wouldn't be appearing in the news again. Elizabeth was privately very glad for the lack of classes today. She was feeling a bit off.
Even with students from each house having left for the holidays, hundreds of owls swooped into the Great Hall as per every morning -- with several shaking fresh snow from their feathers as they landed. Some did so with their usual grace or semi-perfected aim, whereas others had to make emergency u-turns.
One owl headed for the Ravenclaw table missed its mark completely, resulting in a dive-bomb into a 6th year boy's bowl of cereal. Which, of course, went everywhere. The owl was safely retrieved, but was either stunned or had surrendered to its presumed demise.
Given the added chaos caused by wayward weather and long-distance delivering, it was the relief of many that only a few owls flew bearing packages. Overall, everything was mainly letters from home and the usual subscription to the Daily Prophet -- which thankfully brought less morbid news than the day before.
No additional letters were delivered, as none were sent that required answering.
Post by Oscar Tinkle on Dec 20, 2021 2:03:47 GMT 10
Oscar took his time making it to the Great Hall that morning, eager to avoid any chance of catching the rush of students trying to lug trunks outside. Instead he had lingered under the shower, using the hot water to try to warm up.
Sure, he was sad that he would not get to see his parents or (non-magic) grandparents over the holidays, but that did not mean that he couldn't be glad to get to skip the chaos of dragging luggage through the winter weather. And he could admit that his grandparents more than deserved the anniversary trip that his parents were treating them to. So even though it left him at Hogwarts to spend the holidays without his family.. it would be worth it.
At least he got his Christmas jumper early! The slightly too big jumper was always his favourite gift from his Nanna Tinkle, so when his mum sent the years jumper in the owl post, it had put a large smile on the Hufflepuff's face. He was proudly wearing the black-grey-white-and-yellow creation of his grandma's for the first day of the holiday.
Oscar was relieved to see the Great Hall was not as busy as normal when he finally reached it. His usual ability to deal with the castle's large crowds had been depleted the night before for the ball. He scanned the hall briefly before he walked to the Hufflepuff table to sit diagonal from his housemate.
"Morning, your heirship," he greeted as he pushed his slightly too long knitted sleeves up past his hands so that he could spoon some scrambled eggs onto his plate without it ending up all over his sleeves.
After the previous nights excitement, Rylan had slept in a little, but thankfully hadn't missed breakfast. With uniform being optional, he had pulled on a christmas jumped with a large picture of a reindeer, grinning from ear to ear. Okay, so it was a little cheesy, but wasn't that the point?
He arrived just as the Daily Prophet did, making his way at what was almost a run to the Gryffindor table. Many had gone home for the holidays, but he would be staying here this time. he kind of wished he was going home too, but it would be a good opportunity to get caught up with some homework. Oh, and another look in Rickard's office! His curiosity had yet to be satisfied, although there was the 'once he started something he needed to finish' thing. He could also just have the day of and maybe go to Hogsmeade. It was Christmas Eve, after all!
He took a seat next to Thatcher, just as first year girl introduced herself. Arwell was there too, and so he took a seat and helped himself to a couple of the delicious looking pasties. Right at the moment when the owl heading for the gryffindor table took a dive into someone's cereal, before promptly being retrieved. He hoped it would be okay.
"Chocolate for breakfast? Here was me thinking that they were trying to cut out all of our favourite things", he commented, referring to the proclamation of no sweet after dinner. "Seeing as we're doing intros, I'm Rylan. You probably know that though..., he introduced himself. Several people had congratulated him for the whole Heir of the Ball thing, but others had seemingly shunned him for dancing with a slytherin. Oh well, they'd get over it!
Speaking of, he glanced over to the most occupied of the tables for any sign of Lindsey. Should they talk about last night? It was just a dance, for crying out loud, he told himself as he scoffed the first pastry. Mmm, peppermint!
Post by Arthur Hocking on Dec 20, 2021 7:05:00 GMT 10
Arthur grinned at Oscar "Morning," he said cheerfully. Then, he did a bit of a double take as he noticed what Oscar was wearing. He snickered a little, not to be mean but because he did think it was just a little bit funny. He was, however, glad that his uncles usually got him the right size clothes, even if they weren't handmade like Oscar's appeared to be.
"You're not going home for the holidays, then?" Arthur asked, almost tilting his head. He was a little surprised, but then again, Arthur himself had gone home during the winter holidays for the past three years, so it was odd for him to stay at school as well. He gently patted Autumn as he awaited Oscar's answer.
Post by Amara Seabrook on Dec 20, 2021 10:07:45 GMT 10
Amara arrived a bit late to the Great Hall, which proved to be good thing as it meant avoiding those hurrying around to make it to the train on time. She was rather flustered this morning, quite distracted with reliving the events of the Founder's Ball. It was beautiful and she'd had fun, but her focus was Lucas.
He'd been a great date, and not half-bad dancer either. His company made the whole thing worth attending. She was on a bit of a cloud nine, as they say. Because what only Slytherins had seen (or anyone escorting a Slytherin back to the Dungeons after the ball) was that moment she'd kissed him. Quick, a bit awkward, but on the lips. She'd always wondered what it would be like, and now wondered why she hadn't tried it sooner.
They'd parted ways in the common room, and Amara hadn't seen him since. At first, that made her nervous, but not so much after she'd brushed her hair for the 5th time and made her way to the Great Hall.
Shaken from her daydream, Amara frowned as owls flew in. She was startled by some commotion over at the Ravenclaw table, then glanced around her own. Not too many had gone home this year, as usual but also beneficial if she wanted to have some tryouts or even a practice.
She knew there was no way Lucas went home, as he never did. Maybe she'd get to kiss him again? What did it mean, though? So many questions.
Sighing, Amara grabbed the Daily Prophet – trying to read it in between bites of her melon slices. Just in case, she grabbed an apple for later. And some nuts, as they also had usefulness in Potions and she planned to do some brewing later.
The front page wasn't nearly as interesting as yesterday, nor anything else drew her attention. Amara ate more melon, re-reading to pass the time. Wait. ”Seabrook and Mardling”? Uh oh. Oh no. No no no no no--
Amara flinched as a rather thick envelope landed in front of her, bearing the family seal. Cussing, she snatched it and fled the hall to read it in peace. Surprisingly, it wasn't a Howler, but that was only a small miracle.
But so what? She was so done caring. Easier in theory, of course, but Amara liked Lucas. He wasn't on her father's approval list but she had until the summer before she'd be forced into any marriage arranging. And even then she had a plan to rectify things. Still she fled, scared of what the letter might say and accurately predicting her father made it fireproof.
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