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.
As the sun rose over the hillside, light seeped into the cozy home. A rare moment of quiet lingered, stirred only by a determined rooster until Molly and Alan Twiggs began their day -- long since learned it was a less jarring awakening if they were up before the kids on Christmas Day.
The seen-better-days tree sat proud in the living room, fully decorated by various kids the night before. Underneath was a mountain of brightly-wrapped gifts addressed to everyone, though it was a rule for them to be untouched until everyone was up -- usually still in their pajamas, though it was a matter of preference.
The fireplace was going, warming the house. There was no breakfast yet, as it was tradition to open gifts first. Molly had a tin of iced biscuits open on a coffee table to lightly snack on. Alan had various themed headbands on offer -- antlers, fluffy hats, elf ears etc. There were various paper crowns as well.
They shared fond smiles, awaiting the children while enjoying a warm cuppa. Everyone had been rather tired the night before, after a late dinner then a scrumptious dessert. Eager to be home or sharing the trip with friends, most hadn't had an early night so it wasn't surprising it took them a moment to stir even on Christmas Day.
Amelia was sprawled out in her bed, her arms were outstretched in both directions and her mouth hung open. This showed her pure bliss of being home, as she didn't restrain herself in her sleep. Unlike at Hogwarts when she pulled her curtains tight together at night to hid her sleeping figure. Amelia had stayed up later than she should have, the decorated tree a testament to her determination for it to be as perfect as possible... At least, perfect in her own eyes.
As she rolled over, her hand hit something harder than her bed and she jerked away slightly, lifting her head with a groan until she realized that it was morning. Unlike a younger version of herself, she smiled and snuggled into her pillow for a moment before she looked around. Martha looked to still be sleeping, but Amelia couldn't allow that to stay... Grabbing a stuffed animal from their floor, she sent it flying at Martha, though not too hard.
"Happy Christmas, Mars!" She said in an excited tone, though not too loudly, as she wasn't cruel to her sister. Maybe they could be a little cruel to their brother and his friends by banging on the door? The thought stayed long enough for Amelia to shudder and shake her head. No, she wanted to enjoy this quiet while it lasted. Sitting up, she grabbed herself a robe and opened her door quietly before she headed down the stairs. As she got to the ground level, she smiled over at her parents and grabbed a simple paper crown before she found a place closest to her father.
"Happy Christmas," she said in more of a whisper this time. As she looked at the tree, she remembered that her father hadn't spoken much about the subject her and Martha had brought up in the garage. She wondered for a moment if he had mentioned it to their mother.
Post by Ryan Barrow on Mar 4, 2022 17:09:05 GMT 10
Having woken rather disorientated by the unfamiliar place, it took Ryan's brain a moment to fully climb out of its sleepy state. He smiled, knowing it was Christmas. The first one he'd get to really celebrate, which was even more exciting considering it'd be with his best friends. A warm home, good food, and his best mates -- what could possibly be better than that?
He didn't budge, though. Joe and Toby seemed to still be sleeping, and Ryan was nervous about getting up before them. He hadn't interacted much with anyone else since leaving the train, as shyness gradually overtook him. His best friends were understanding as always, so he felt a bit better today.
Ryan lay awake on his cot, only pulling the blankets higher for warmth. He heard some sounds or maybe voices beyond the bedroom, partially relieved he wasn't the only one awake now. Biting his lip, he glanced at Joe. Then he eyed Toby.
'You awake?' Ryan whispered, poking Toby's arm. 'It's Christmas.'
The night before had been one of excitement and anticipation, as they had finished dinner and decorated the tree. It really was good to be home and even though she didn't mind the Ravenclaw dormitory, there was something just a little cosier and more familiar about being back in her own room. Well, a room she shared with Ames.
Speaking of which, the collision of a stuffed animal brought her from her half sleepy state, as she was aware of her surroundings, but not quite awake. Until then, that is, as a smile crept onto her face. Yes, today was Christmas, probably the happiest day in all the Twiggs calendar!
"Merry Christmas", she returned with a smile, throwing the hapless plush back towards her sister. She then followed Amelia downstairs, where she grabbed an antler headband on the way past. Placing it on her head, she noticed that they were the first to greet their parents, to whom she smile broadly.
"Merry Christmas", she beamed, matching her sister's tone as they waited for the others. She could see that there was seemed to be something on her mind, but she herself intended to focus on the day.
Post by Tobias Twiggs on Mar 17, 2022 21:44:21 GMT 10
Toby was often one of the first to wake on Christmas day, but the long journey home the previous day paired with the late night he spent chatting with his friends had completely wiped him out. He still lay sprawled out on his bed, one arm flung carelessly over his face as if that could block out the sun that would soon be shining through his window and making sleep impossible.
He had a beautifully restful night, dreamless and peaceful. He didn't even wake at the sound of Ryan stirring nearby- though that wasn't unusual, Tobias Twiggs could sleep through a herd of elephants stampeding through his room.
Toby flinched at the feeling of someone poking him, a surge of panic shooting through his body as his first thought was that one of his siblings was about to slap him with a Christmas prank, but he quickly settled upon hearing Ryan's voice. It was only his friend investigating if he was awake, that was a much more welcome awakening than anything Amy might have to offer him that morning.
"I am now..." he mumbled, his voice heavy with the burden of sleep. Was Joe awake? He couldn't hear him. Why did he get to sleep longer? Peeling his arm away from his face, Toby looked around the room and saw that Joe was in fact still sleeping. "Poke him, would ya?" he asked Ryan, taking a moment to rub the sleep from his eyes and attempt to look ready for the day.
The sound of voices drifting up from downstairs told him that his sisters were already awake- that was unheard of, he always beat them to it. Was this going to be the new yearly routine? Him being too tired to be the first downstairs on Christmas day? That was an awful thought.
There was a chorus of "Merry Christmas" each time someone headed downstairs to join those waiting in the living room. The atmosphere was warm and cosy, as Alan or Molly handed off gifts from under the tree. Smiles shone around the room, and laughter was like a familiar song of family unity and sincere appreciation for the kindness of homemade gifts.
Money was tight for the Twiggs family; there wasn't a single fancy or expensive gift among them, but each child was blessed to received anything at all -- and knew so much love had gone into every one of them, as their parents never let money be a factor in being able to enjoy Christmas. Their guests were by no means excluded either, as Molly made sure of it. Any gifts from their own family or otherwise had found their way under the tree as well.
Halfway through the gift-opening, which littered the floor with torn wrapping paper and now-tangled ribbons, Molly headed into the kitchen to start prepping breakfast. The moment was interrupted by a jolly greeting at the front door.
'Merry Christmas, Twiggs,' bellowed a middle-aged man (by magical standards) with wild red hair and a whole constellation of freckles. He joked with Molly about expecting his favourite pie for having made such a long journey during freezing weather, and made his way to the living room with a wholly welcoming cheer.
The Twiggs children recognised him from family albums as their Great-Uncle Otis, who was also a retired Professional Quidditch player (Beater). He came bearing a wobbly stack of gifts, each the same size yet in a variety of different colours and ribbons. The wrapped boxes weren't small, but not quite medium either. Underneath the pile were a few larger, oddly-shaped gifts which weren't labelled.
'Relieved a shivering owl of this,' Otis added, offering the Daily Prophet for whoever wanted to grab it first for a read. 'Gave it the last of my bacon. Sent it off with a warming charm, poor buggar. Ah, Alan -- good to see you. My goodness, Amelia and Martha how you've grown. Is that Tobias? Haven't seen you since you was a wee imp. Wow, I feel old.'
He chortled, then occupied Molly's previous armchair.
Alan was distracted by the Daily Prophet, frowning tiredly at the headline though made no effort to read the article itself. He already knew the details. His wand resting nearby, and the way he slumped in his chair, indicated he'd been called into work at some point in the night. Their gift pile under the tree wasn't as neat as usual, since he'd played it safe by inspecting them before any of the kids had left their beds.
Christmas Day
As today is Christmas, below are a list of gifts found under the tree. These are not their only gifts, as you're welcome to mention etc more, just ones that are specified from NPCs or pre-arranged. How / when you RP opening them, or if you choose to simply mention you've done so, is totally up to you.
Any "knitted" item was lovingly made by Molly Twiggs. Main colours change, but the letter (from their first name. Such as "R" for Ron) is always golden yellow. The sweaters are an annual tradition since birth, inspired by the classic Weasley ones from HP.
Dark red knitted sweater, and a tin of homemade biscuits from Molly & Alan Twiggs.
--
Ryan Barrow received a dark grey knitted sweater, and a tin of homemade biscuits from Molly & Alan Twiggs.
Each child above (guests included) received a box of homemade fizzy fudge from Great-Uncle Otis. The unlabeled gifts he brought remain unopened.
Note:Fizzy Fudge is a new (less than 3 years) yet very expensive wizarding treat which none of the Twiggs children have had the fortune of trying. It's nearly impossible to replicate, and highlights Otis' magical baking skills that his version is moderately close to the real thing.
Amelia looked up as her brother and his friends made their way downstairs and then the fun could begin. As she took her gift from her parents, she was careful not to mess up the wrapping. It could be reused and she planned to put it away. She smiled at her purple sweater and held it up to herself to get a good look before she pulled it over her head to really try it on. As always fit and she smiled before she pulled out the red socks and put them to the side. They would come in handy at Hogwarts since it was cold for a while longer.
As she was looking at the gift from Jade, she heard the sound of someone coming in and looked up to see Great Uncle Otis! She stood to greet him and smiled at the gifts he brought for them. She looked at the Fizzy Fudge and gave it a little try. It was amazing, but she didn't know if it was as good as the real deal. Maybe one day she could give it a try, just to compare, but if it was better than this, she was going to be quite impressed.
She looked over at the unlabeled gifts and than glanced at her father who was holding the prophet. Walking over, she sat on the arm of his chair to take a look at it. It didn't look good and she laid her head on Alan's shoulder for a minute while she read the whole thing. It wasn't good when people were targeted and then when it was muggles... They could defend themselves against magical enchantments. She worried about a few muggleborn and halfblood kids at school. Were their families the targets?
"That isn't good at all," she said quietly to just her dad before giving him a quick kiss on the cheek and getting up to smile at Uncle Otis. "Uncle Otis, who are those for?" Amelia asked, knowing she might be the only one to ask about the unlabeled packages.
Post by Jonathan King on Mar 21, 2022 19:13:30 GMT 10
Joe was woken by his friends, having slept surprisingly well in this unfamiliar environment with all its unfamiliar sounds (animals, mainly). He was seldomly mad about being woken but today, Christmas day, nothing could make him mad. No, nothing at all.
He followed Toby's example about the 'dress code' before they joined the rest of his friend's family. He smiled at the chorus of 'Merry Christmas', which he prompty returned, albeit spoken more softly. This was fun. He had spent some Christmasses as an only child and some as one of three with his cousins so this increase in kids was kind of like a neat curve. One to three to five kids. Was that linear growth? Eh. He wasn't actually that far along in maths.
He followed the general trend of present opening and chose a present from his own parents first. It was the juggling pins he had wanted and he felt tempted to try them out right away but he felt awkward about doing so infront of Toby's family. He didn't know how good he would do since so far he had mostly juggled with balls so he quickly read the attached note to occupy himself while another guest arrived.
Joe cast a curious yet friendly look at the man before smiling at Ryan in what he hoped was a reassuring way. He also had no idea who that man was so at least they were in it together, right?
Next he opened a surprise present from Toby's parents and marveled at the knitted dark red sweater with a large golden 'J' in the front. "Wow!" Joe quickly put it on over the clothes he was already wearing, vowing to wear it all day today!
Toby's parents seemed occupied with the uncle so he opted to open the next one before properly thanking them and felt touched when he saw who it was from. "Thank you, Ryannnn!", he said as he pulled his friend into a big hug.
"You shouldn't have", he said but his smile betrayed just how happy this gesture made him.
He opened his tin of homemade biscuits and picked one for himself. "Oh, they're really good! Want one?", he offered to anyone around the tree.
Finally he saw his chance to address Toby's parents and quickly said: "Thank you, Mrs and Mr Twiggs!"
Post by Ryan Barrow on Mar 21, 2022 23:50:08 GMT 10
After poking Joe awake, Ryan became more reserved as he followed his best friends downstairs. He shied away from the attention, picking at threads of his sleeve while sticking close to Joe or Toby.
'Merry Christmas,' he mumbled to everyone, moving around people and growing paper chaos to find a spot on the floor to sit.
Ryan smiled as he watched people often heir gifs, not the least bit hopeful of getting anything himself as he never did. He hoped Joe and Toby liked his gifts, small as it was butt he really wanted to get them something for Christmas. They were the best friends ever so it was the least he could do.
It didn't quite make sense to him at first, why someone was handing him gifts. Ryan frowned, confused, accepting to be polite. Then he saw his name on them and gasped quite loudly, then quickly blushed. 'I've... I've got presents.' A huge grin spread over his face, as he show them to Joe and Toby. Ryan then carefully tore into them, his eyes watering as he pulled out the family sweater with an "R" on the front. But he wasn't family?
He mumbled his thanks, too overwhelmed to say much else, and nibbled at a biscuit. There was more going on, including the arrival of a man he didn't know but thankfully Joe seemed just as unfamiliar. Ryan didn't pay too much attention, except to feel a lump in his throat again when the stranger handed him a gift as well. What was happening? He never got presents on Christmas, not like this.
Overwhelmed by the kindness, Ryan pulled his sweater higher to partially conceal his face, his hands already hidden in his sleeves. He didn't bother with the Daily Prophet, though caught a glimpse of something about Muggles. Had he been home for Christmas, he and his family may have been one of those victims...
Alan smiled as Amy rested her head on his shoulder while she read the Daily Prophet. He chuckled as her attention shifted, and he resumed watching the other kids open their gifts.
'Hmm, these?' Otis gave Amy a false-innocent smile, indicating to the unlabeled gifts. 'Gee, I don't know. Tell me, young lady, do you know any Beaters in this family? Besides myself, of course.' He shrugged, barely keeping his teasing grin in check.
He picked up a suspiciously Quidditch bat-shaped present.
'Because, you know, if there is someone who's a Beater...' Otis gave Amy a warm smile, offering it to her. 'I may just have to gift her this.'
Inside was one of his old Beater bats. Professional quality -- though there were scuff marks everywhere, it was in good condition. It was quite the treasure, knowing his famous history and the World Cup matches the bat had been a part of. It wasn't something Amy could use in her own matches, but it was beyond anything one could just buy in a shop.
Her parents had mentioned asking a relative if he could pass one on, yet to receive such a famous bat hardly seemed real. Otis stared at it wistfully, then sighed and glanced around at the rest of the family and their guests. He eyed the remaining unlabeled gifts, then placed each under the tree for later.
At his words, a wicked grin spread upon her face and she watched as he brought over the bat-shaped one. Her fingers trembled a little as she removed the wrapping and she beamed at the bat as she lifted it to her eye level, holding it firmly, yet with a hand that showed she was ready for this. She let her arm slowly swing it, though nothing like she would do on the pitch. She just wanted to feel it move through the air gentle. It was perfect for any match and she wished she could use it at her own matches.
"Thank you, Uncle Otis!" Her eyes returned to the man and she smiled at him before she went up and gave him a hug in thanks. One day, she would repay this man, but for now... A hug was the best she could offer him. She held onto the bat as she went back over to her father and sat down. She would talk to him later, when everything was done. She really felt worried about a few things. Maybe it was the whole eldest thing.
For now, her siblings and friends were there. They were enjoying their Christmas and she had no intention of ruining it at the moment.
Post by Tobias Twiggs on Mar 30, 2022 21:01:50 GMT 10
After venturing downstairs and wishing everyone a Happy Christmas, Toby grabbed a couple of the biscuits that were sitting on the table and chewed on those while awaiting breakfast. He wasn't the first down, but he would make up for that with enthusiasm later.
Everyone else was busy opening their Christmas presents, so Toby thought he had better join in the festivities. Sitting beside Joe and Ryan, he first unwrapped the familiar present from his parents and beamed at the sight of his new sweater and scarf. He immediately put both items on and shouted a 'thank you' to his parents who would surely hear his bellow from miles away.
"Ryan, you didn't have to get me anything!" he gasped, seeing the small present labelled from his friend. He hadn't anticipated getting gifts from either Ryan or Joe, their company was enough to keep him happy. He hadn't had the money to get either of them anything, a fact that now coloured his cheeks bright red with embarrassment.
"Thank you so much" he slipped the toffees into his pocket and proceeded to envelope Ryan in one of the tightest hugs of all time (at least, that's what he intended for it to feel like).
He passed on the offer from Joe to try some of his biscuits, they were a christmas gift after all and there were plenty of other festive treats for him to try. He had to go wish his Uncle a merry christmas, but for now he wanted to spend every waking minute with his friends- what were they going to do? Hopefully Christmas meant a break from the usual chores.
Now that everyone was together, it was time to start opening presents! Though there wouldn't be anything particularly luxurious, that didn't matter. What mattered was that they were together (except for three of her brothers).
The first to be opened was a dark green hand knitted sweater, her mother's handiwork as always. Martha knew even before she pulled it over her head that it would fit, and even though her friends may laugh at her, she would show it off with the usual pride at Hogwarts!
The knitted book bag that she unwrapped next would come in handy, as she often needed to carry books to classes. Okay, so she usually didn't need most of what she carried, but better to have and not want than to want and not have! Who knew when The Tales of Beedle the Bard would come n handy in Herbology? Okay, probably never, but still...
She continued to unwrap her gifts, a box of Drooble's Best Blowing Gum (also from her parents) and some gobstones from Amelia. She examined the box of what appeared to be homemade Fizzy Fudge from Great-Uncle Otis. She had never been able to taste such an expensive treat, homemade or otherwise, so she was looking forward to doing just that. Overall, she considered herself lucky for all that she received, and hoped that everyone else was happy too.
"Thank you, everyone", she spoke with a grin, that broke slightly at the interruption of someone charging through the door. When she realised the unexpected guests identity, her smile returned even brighter than before.
"Uncle Otis!" She called out as he passed The Daily Prophet to her father. She glimpsed the headline and frowned a little, hoping that her muggle born and half blood friends were okay (and their relatives, of course). There was always someone who tried to spoil happy times for everyone else.
Choosing not to dwell on things too much for now, she watched as the gifts brought by Uncle Otis were placed down, with one being handed to Amelia upon her asking who they were intended for. Ooh, did she have something too?
"That's some bat, I suppose I should be careful what I say from here on out. I don't want to be a bludger!", she spoke with a small laugh, knowing that Amy wouldn't really hit her with it. Wait, she wouldn't...right?
She glanced again at the pile, as well as the gifts she had yet to open. Once done, she would help to clean up and see if there was anything else she could do to help. If not, she could enjoy her gifts, so long as she wasn't sat idle.
Last Edit: Apr 1, 2022 22:37:31 GMT 10 by Lena: Fixed: formatting error
Molly appreciated Martha helping to clean up, which turned into helping set things up for breakfast as well. Otis spent the rest of the time telling the others stories from his Qudditch days, particullary shocking or funny World Cup incidents. Such as, the time a Chaser had to play upside-down as there wasn't time to right herself after dodging a Bludger. Or the year there was a baulbuous lice outbreak so everyone saved sanity by going bald.
'Can't scratch and play, you know.' He laughed. 'That's a surefire way to fall from your broom barely five minutes in. Made it easy to distract the ref though.'
Then Molly called them into the kitchen, and everyone crowded around the table to enjoy a huge spread of breakfast -- with Molly regularly offering Joe or Ryan second helpings, stating they looked far too thin.
Amy and Martha were put on cleanup duty, while Otis decided it was time for an afternoon nap. Tobias was sent to feed the chickens, and any objection to such was cut off by an owl swooping into the living room.
Quiet fell over the room as Alan retrieved it. He opened it, as it happened to be addressed to him, and sighed heavily.
'Called into work.' He frowned, giving Molly an apologetic look. 'Seems mostly administrative work. Feel like tagging along and keeping up the festive cheer for your poor old dad, girls?' he asked Amy and Martha, figuring Toby would rather stay and have fun with his friends.
Leaving them the choice, with no hard feelings at all if they preferred to stay home, Alan gave Molly a kiss then headed outside. He strolled up the slope of hill, further along the road to reach beyond their wards. He glanced back, giving his daughters time to decide or make any changes of attire before joining him.
'There's some broomsticks in the shed.' Molly added to Toby, putting away cleaned dishes. 'Why not play a game in the backyard when you've tended to the animals? Give your Great-Uncle Otis some peace to nap. Don't fly too high.'
The last part was stern, as there was a Muggle village beyond the hills.
Amelia enjoyed the stories from their great uncle and when they were called to breakfast, she sat by her father and enjoyed the pleasant conversation that happened at the table. This was what she missed! Yes, the chatter and friendship at school was great, but she truly did miss her time with her family. As things began to quiet down and she helped clean, she saw her father with the letter from work.
He was going to work? Which meant he was leaving! Yes, this was her chance...
"I'd like to go, dad," she said as she grabbed her jacket, scarf and gloves before giving her mother a kiss and racing out to catch up with him. He had already gotten a slight head start, but she was racing up the hill when he glanced back. She smiled and also looked back to see if Martha was going to join them.
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December
