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 Luckett Langford on May 27, 2022 1:19:31 GMT 10
Lucky draped his arm over his face as he felt the cold nip at his cheeks, but he knew it was still early morning based on the very fractional amount of warmth he felt directly on the tip of his nose. That must have been from the sun. Was it sunny today? Or was the sun just peeking out for a moment? He hadn't even asked about the weather today to know. He'd been too busy basking in the praise at breakfast to bother. Probably wasn't wise considering his plans.
The cold made him bundle himself into his robes tighter, his arm smooshing more into his face to protect his nose. He wasn't sure how long he walked through the blankets of snow before a familiar clearing caused him to become aware of his surroundings again. His ears were colder than they were before too, or perhaps he was just noticing them now, as he ran his frozen fingers through his honey brown hair and looked over his unraveled ingredient parchment.
He rubbed his right hand against his face, trying to make sure that there was no drool slowly escaping the corner of his mouth just in case he had gone completely numb and hadn't realized it, then continued to read the list compiled by Professor Snape. There was a lot for him to find here, like insect wings, wild primpear and nettles, although he didn't know how successful he would be with the frigid air. But he would search anyway. He wasn't leaving empty-handed.
Rolling up his parchment, he stepped through a small opening and onto the trail as his feet crunched into the snow. There, the path spread long before him, giving the Hufflepuff an opportunity to search for anything his list. Whatever he could find and was viable enough.
The snowy weather certainly didn't do him any favors, though his task wasn't rendered impossible. The trees provided a small amount of coverage, as well as buffering some of the wind. Leaves swaying overhead shook bits of wet snow onto his head or shoulders, though also revealed some Wild Primpears growing high up -- he could spot one that was ripe and viable for use in Potions, though it would be quite a climb.
Nettles were nowhere in sight, or further hidden under snow. Lucky would have to venture off-path, into the more overgrown parts of the foresty area to have any hope of finding those.
Insect wings would be tricky, though he heard a few flying around. He could investigate that further -- perhaps look for any sign of burrows or nests.
Post by Luckett Langford on May 29, 2022 4:53:23 GMT 10
He adjusted his scarf when he noticed a gap between the coverage of the knit and the collar of his Hufflepuff robes, because on a day like this he simply couldn't afford to have that. It had been monstrously frigid, and the last thing he needed was falling ill like he had over holiday break. At least it wasn't so windy today, partly due to the low hanging trees above the path, which meant Lucky wouldn't need to shied himself from the bitter bite of unforgiving winds.
Langford would be able to use his hands for other things instead, like the wild primpear he noticed dangling in the tree above him. It was a long ways up, a lot higher than he would've preferred. He hadn't expected his ingredient hunt to be easy, but he also didn't anticipate needing to climb any trees. But beggars couldn't be choosers as this one appeared to be the most ripe and viable for use. He huffed with a cloud of breath, rubbing his hands together.
'Professor Snape better fawn over this bloody pear.' He muttered the words to himself, trying to work himself up. 'I want galleons, house points, my handsome mug painted on the side of the castle; least they could do, innit? After forgetting me in the Prophet.'
With a pointed exhale, he brushed any snow off himself in quick, annoyed movements and kicked his foot off one of the tree's overgrown roots. Lucky began to slowly climb the snow-covered mass, using the base of shorter branches as his handholds. He efficiently scaled the tree's length as he worked his way up, his muscles flexing with every movement he made. The bark felt like sandpaper, with snow and other debris falling as he came into contact with it.
As he approached the hanging primpear, Luckett worked sideways and pulled his weight onto a sturdy offshoot and reached for it, hoping to yank it free. It looked like it just needed one gentle tug. If he could manage it, the wild fruit would be one ingredient he could cross off his list.
For a brief moment, while yanking at the stem of the primpear, the Hufflepuff thought he caught a buzzing sound from somewhere down below. What better opportunity would there be to scope out insect wings than now, when he was perched high above the path and could see everything from a bird's eye view? So as he pulled at the fruit to pocket it, he searched below for any sign of burrows or nests. That rapid hum had to be coming from somewhere, right?
Post by Jacob Thatcher on May 30, 2022 1:36:28 GMT 10
It was disgusting how cold it still was. Jacob already missed the warm spell whatsitcalled from class, though it reminded him of how much he missed Spring and how much Winter sucked. Grumbling, back to hugging himself for warmth (though he was doing better than when he'd headed to class), Jacob decided to re-test the idea that a determined walk would warm him up enough to function.
Of course, that turned into pulling a prank on a 3rd year -- which he then fled from. Not because he feared them, of course, but as an added excuse to move and hopefully warm up. His glee and current state was a distraction from his surroundings though, which is how he stumbled onto the Forest Path quite literally -- then tripped, and fully face-planted in the snow.
Swearing, which was drowned in a mouthful of ice, Jacob lifted his face and shuddered. He then froze, in a non-temperature way, when noticing he had company. Invisible company, apparently. There were footsteps and... oh. He tilted his head back, still planted in the snow like a moron.
'I totally meant to do that,' he said loudly, quickly getting to his feet. That's it! He was so over this. Jacob whipped out his wand and cast a warming charm on his robes, hoping he didn't set it on fire my mistake in his sheer determination to warm up.
Okay. He should have just done that to begin with. It wasn't perfect, but he could function and now investigate why the bleeding heck Lucky was up in a tree.
'What in Merlin's pants are you doing?' he asked, head titled back. 'Looking for Hufflepuff's chance of winning the Quidditch Cup this year? I hate to break it to you, mate, but that's imaginary. Not been sniffing the potion fumes again, have you?' Jacob asked, pleased with his jokes.
Of course, he hadn't forgotten that things were tense between them still -- since their fight in the Courtyard before the holidays. He just blatantly decided to ignore it for now, having missed his friend and being too bored to care about much else in the moment.
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 Luckett Langford on May 30, 2022 4:38:58 GMT 10
He yanked it free, the wild primpear, and into the pocket of his Hufflepuff robes it went. A grin of accomplishment was well plastered on Lucky's face, until he suddenly belted into laughter. The unexpected sight of Thatcher face-planting into the snow earned him a long one, one that was genuine, and forced him to throw his head back. Langford missed the wanker. He'd never meant for them to have a fight or falling out. They had always been better mates than that.
'Nah, Jake. I was looking for the courage you lost when you didn't enter the dueling tournament.' He flashed Thatcher a taunting smirk from above. 'Was it 'cos were you too scared to face me? Or did you not want to embarrass yourself like Mardling did?'
Luckett had to put extra effort into boxing away any potential memory that he didn't want to weigh heavy on his mind. He was doing an awful job as his innermost thoughts were still a torrent. Soft, ginger curls twirling between his fingertips. Celebratory cheers filling his ears. Maneuvering his friend into a headlock. It all flowed together and thus he focused on trying to descend this sodding tree. He was more than capable, it just required undivided attention.
He was brought back to reality by the familiar crunch of the snow beneath his feet. In midstep, he balanced on the heel of his right foot for a moment before turning his head and adjusting his mind to the new task of interaction. Conversation was a task that he found simple enough to keep his mind occupied while he searched for ingredients, though it didn't help that he'd be chatting one of the people he shared a lingering memory with. An unfortunate one at that.
Lucky wanted to make amends. He just didn't know how. A million more thoughts began to run through his mind as he suddenly lowered his voice and scratched at the back of his head.
'But hey, we should probably talk about the courtyard.' He looked uncomfortable, his eyes shifting away as he walked towards the Gryffindor. 'Heat of the moment and all that.' Langford lifted his head and sent Thatcher a fleeting look. 'But we're good, yeah?'
He suddenly smiled as he cut a glance to Jacob's eyes. 'Just boys being boys, innit? You had a cracking set of hands, mate, but let's be honest. You were turning blue between these biceps.' He flexed them with an exaggerated grunt, his arrogance playful in nature.
The buzzing sound returned again, signaling a burrow or nest of insects somewhere nearby. Luckett looked away from Jacob expectantly, his eyes searching for the insect's resting place. There looked to be a set of bushes at the edge of the path and he rustled through them all, searching their innards for anything beyond a snowy coating. All he needed was a one set of wings and he'd be able to move down the path -- but now, with Jacob along for the ride.
Post by MJ Birdwhistle on May 30, 2022 21:08:17 GMT 10
After a few good duels, MJ ventured outside to (hopefully) gather some honey.
This time she was prepared! She wore gloves and a scarf, a nice warm coat and even brought some jars. Happy that she would have a good chance of finding what she needed, she made her way towards the forest path.
Arriving and walking along it, she was certain she could hear voices. It took a few moments but soon, a pair of older boys came into view..She recognised the Hufflepuff as the student everyone was congratulating this morning at Breakfast. However, she had no idea who the Gryffindor was.
Since they were older, MJ just assumed they would ignore her but she waved anyway. "Hello, cold isn't it?" She said by way of a greeting.
Then she decided to focus on her task. She looked along at tree trunks, searching for a beehive. Thinking about the potions she needed, MJ knew that she had to get three jars of Honey at least. She silently hoped luck would be on her side today.
Rustling the bushes shook off some snow, revealing what was growing underneath, but thus far none of them were of any use to Luckett. One had tried to bite his arm though -- the logistics of that were another matter entirely. All he saw was fast moment of a non-friendly nature, but he had refined Quidditch reflexes on his side.
The sound of insects were hard to determine. Noisy, yes, but species were unclear. It could be bees. It could be something else. Or it could be both. Either way, it came from another tree nearby. A rather leafy one, in which the only way to determine if it held what Luckett sought or what MJ did was to climb up and inspect a spot under a clump of dark green leaves.
Post by MJ Birdwhistle on May 30, 2022 23:47:31 GMT 10
MJ wasn't sure what the boys would be looking for but she heard a buzzing sound. It could be bees but since she couldn't see any insects nearby, she had to really pinpoint where the sound was coming from to check. She turned her head from side to side before realising it was coming from a clump of leaves growing from a tree.
Rolling her shoulders, she nodded with determination. MJ had climbed plenty of trees in her short life already so she knew what to do. Finding a good knot to act as a foot hold, she hoisted herself up and grabbed a low branch. MJ used this to pull herself further up the tree and closer to the leaves. She sat on the branch and scooted a bit closer, careful to be quiet and just generally doing her best not to disturb whatever insects they were.
When she was within reach, MJ gently parted the leaves and looked closer, hoping it would be a beehive. If it was something else, she would let those boys know - maybe it was something they were looking for.
Post by Jacob Thatcher on May 30, 2022 23:50:42 GMT 10
Intending to laugh it off, Jacob instead tensed at Lucky's reply. He briefly rubbed his arm, recalling how injured he'd been. And he was convinced he hadn't fully healed yet, nor knew it those awful Slytherins would sabotage his chances if he entered. Unaware his tension and nervousness was transparent, he shrugged it off like it was nothing.
'Nah, I was busy having fun elsewhere,' he said, though perked up when hearing Mardling made a fool of himself. 'Yeah? Who got the upper hand on that jerkface?'
He rubbed his arms, glaring at the snowy sky. Worst time of year, hands down. Jacob couldn't meet Lucky's eye when he brought up their last interactions, guilt filling the pit of his stomach for a moment even though he knew it was something they could both get through.
'Uh, right. The courtyard?' Jacob sighed, shoulders slumping. He ignored the jokes -- they smoothed the awkwardness of it all, but he hadn't even forgiven himself for the whole situation. 'Sorry, mate. Rough day. I don't want to talk about it. But... yeah, we're good. Of course we are.'
His chest felt lighter, not realising he'd been carrying around the weight of what happened. Jacob glanced at Lucky, considering if maybe he'd be easier to talk to than the girls. He wasn't sure why, especially as Amy was a good listener and all that, but maybe Lucky would get it more? He couldn't say though, as it would put his friends in danger.
Jacob opened his mouth to say something, but shut it when he heard another voice. Well, that sucked the fun out of things. Why was a first year hanging around here?
'Minion of yours?' he asked Lucky, who had a habit of collecting firstie company. She could hear him, but he didn't mean offense. 'What are you looking for, anyway? I have absolutely no useful skills to help you out with that, but...' He gave his friend a goofy grin.
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.
When MJ parted the leaves, the response was immediate -- several large insects zoomed out of a clump they'd formed in shelter of the weather. Thinking the moving leaves was the weather or apredator having found them, they swarmed the poor Ravenclaw girl, who was at risk of losing her hold and possibly falling from a not-so-safe height.
If the boys didn't come to her rescue, MJ was in harm's way and it could only get worse.
The insects weren't done either -- choosing to fly around the faces of everyone nearby, more panicked now than attacking with sharp ends or bitey jaws. Their wings were suitable for use in Potions though, if someone wanted to try catching one and ripping said wings from them. No easy task, to be sure, especially considering how fragile the wings were.
Post by MJ Birdwhistle on May 31, 2022 0:04:49 GMT 10
"EEK!" MJ hadn't expected to be assaulted by flying insects (these definitely were not bees). And despite her initial fear from the unexpected attack, she couldn't bring herself to be hateful towards the creatures. After all, she had disturbed them and was paying the price for it. She scooted along the branch, towards the trunk, keeping her head down at first.
It wasn't easy, her balance being tested by the insects who seemed determined to warm her and hurt her as much as possible.
"Help! Help!" She called to the Hufflepuff and Gryffindor boys. Surely they wouldn't leave her to be attacked like this...? She was going to have to jump down from the tree but she wasn't prepared to do that unless they were going to catch her or use some kind of spell to help. MJ didn't know how much longer she could hold on though.
Post by Luckett Langford on May 31, 2022 8:44:38 GMT 10
Luckett snatched his hands back, sneering when the bush tried to bite at him. What the bloody hell was that? He looked deeply offended, patting his arm down for signs of blood and checking his hands for any missing fingers. Sighing in relief and glowering at the bush, he kicked it for good measure. Someone could've claimed 'plant abuse' for his action -- but look at it from his perspective. The thing could've taken his whole arm, and he needed that to play Quidditch!
'Sodding bush.' Lucky grumbled, shaking his sleeves free of snow. 'I ought to set it on fire for that one. But I'm in a good mood, so I'll let it slide just this once.' He cut it a glare, meant to be meaningful and brimming with offense, but all he mustered was a pathetic scowl.
He gave Jacob a quick shrug, throwing the end of his loosening scarf over his shoulder, when he noticed the first year arrive. 'Hello there!' He greeted her cheerily with a wave, before his scarf started to come undone by the wind. It flew off in the same second, pirouetting in the air and coming to a stop a few meters behind them. If it wasn't one thing, it was something else, wasn't it? Langford groaned, jogging to rip it from the ground and swing it around his neck.
'I'm collecting ingredients for Snape.' He scoffed, knowing how stupid it sounded. 'Just trying to look good, you know? Exams and all that. Someone said I needed good grades to play Quidditch professionally after graduation. Can you believe that?'
Langford bounced up and down on the balls of his feet, trying to warm himself as he watched the little first year climb the tree. He swore under his breath about how bloody cold it was, though he had no one to blame but himself for being here. His hands were tucked deep in his robe pockets, and his face buried in his scarf, as he exchanged an impressed look with Jacob. That little Ravenclaw was a first-class climber, maybe even better than the pair of them.
He nearly jumped when he first heard her scream. It happened out of nowhere, the insects swarming the first year by bringing into play the electric buzzing of their wings and putting her at risk of falling. His heart beat furiously in his chest, and he could not calm it as he grabbed for his wand. Lucky swallowed hard, pacing back and forth rapidly, equal parts an attempt to keep warm and an attempt to work out some of the more panicky nerves he was experiencing.
He and Jacob could run away if they wanted, on account of the bugs swarming them too, and claim they went to seek help and apologize later if she wound up hurt. But this was a chance to play hero, to save a damsel in distress -- and Luckett Langford was more ready than ever.
With a quick breath, the Hufflepuff leveled himself with his lunge-like legs balancing him in front and back, and his wand pointed at the ready. He didn't move his body with his flourish, hoping it would help his aim. Instead, Lucky simply flicked his wand with intention at the little girl and swarm of insects, and kept his other hand out behind him for balance. 'Arresto momentum!'
Post by MJ Birdwhistle on May 31, 2022 17:03:33 GMT 10
MJ wanted it known for the history books that her life did not, in fact, flash before her eyes when she fell. She knew that was a cliché from a movie but hey, it was used often enough that she thought there had to be some truth behind it. Disappointingly, she had to report that there wasn't. She would need to warn her friends about that, just in case they found themselves in a life or death situation as well.
Or maybe it was just that her life had been too short.
Either way, she hadn't been able to hold for much longer and as she fell, she grabbed one of the insects accidentally (sorry little guy). Thankfully the Hufflepuff came to her rescue and saved the day. With a well timed spell, MJ found herself slowing and then coming to a gentle stop atop the snow. It gave way under her and she sank a little. It was only then she noticed the insect she had grabbed and she silently offered it to the Hufflepuff.
She could only hope she hadn't badly damaged its wings and they would still be useful to him.
"T-Thank you..." MJ found her voice a few beats later, her cheeks red with embarrassment for falling, "That's never happened before."
Which was true. MJ had always prided herself on climbing trees well and not falling out of them. Though, it should be noted that she didn't get attacked by magical creatures back home either so that had to be factored in.
Unfortunately, the insect was stronger than it looked -- and big enough it was able to wriggle itself free from MJ's hand before she'd had the chance to hand it off to Luckett. It was a bit stunned by the capture though, so Luckett had a good chance of re-capturing it.
The others still flew around, getting in their faces to be swatted away or dodged. The majority of the swam had fled, but a few were so offended they'd hung around to cause problems. It would take two being caught for the rest of them to decide to cut their losses and leave -- this could be done by Luckett or MJ, or one each.
It was no easy feat though, given their size and strength. And they'd have no hesitation in trying to bite this time, now knowing their lives were in fact being threatened. It would requite fast reflexes, then either brute will or a creative strategy.
Post by Jacob Thatcher on May 31, 2022 20:13:37 GMT 10
He laughed at Lucky's bush misfortune. 'This guy, folks. Won a Duel Tournament, only to be bested by a bush.' Jacob wheezed, glad he'd ventured out this way because that was hilarious and he couldn't wait to tell Amy all about it.
'I could totally climb that,' Jacob said, watching MJ go while remembering all the times he'd fallen from a tree. Then the time he'd had to see Madam Pomfrey for annoying the Whomping Willow. He grinned. Good times.
'Snape?' Jacob pulled a face, looking back to Lucky. 'Why-? Oh. Bloody OWLs. I need to get on that.' He sighed, dread building as he knew all too well that he was behind at least half of his peers on that. Exams were boring! It wasn't like he wanted to be a fancy-schmancy Auror or something.
Actually, he had no idea what he wanted to be. Was that something he was supposed to be thinking about already? What did he want to be when he grew up? Well, according to his mother, Jacob was incapable of growing up. Adults were boring. Why would he want to become one of those?
'Bloody hell.' He gasped, turning sharply when the kid yelled for help. How were they supposed to help when she was up a bloody tree? Jacob got out his wand, mostly out of instinct, but Lucky had already jumped into action and slowed her fall.
Once MJ was safely in reach, Jacob rushed over to make sure nothing was badly broken. From what he could see anywhere, and he was by no means a Healer. She seemed fine. Probably just had to walk it off.
'You okay?' he asked, than growled as an insect zoomed at his face. 'Buzz off!' Jacob swatted at it, then shot Lucky a look to do something since he was the one who wanted to play Quidditch for a living. Sure, these things weren't as cool as a Snitch but basic principal, right?
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.
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