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.
This time Xavier wasn't going to oversleep and miss breakfast. He was still yawning as always as he wasn't much of a morning person. Though he knew with a Quidditch match coming tomorrow he'd either be too nervous or too excited to eat much of anything. So he had better stock up on food today. Plus he was quite sore from all his walking around the lake yesterday. He needed to rest up for the game!
When he entered the Great Hall it took him a moment for him to recognize what the decorations meant. Wait. Valentines Day? Was that already here? Time at Hogwarts felt like it moved differently and sometimes he literally forgot what day it was. He wondered how they celebrated Valentines in a school like this. Back in his muggle school they would pass out little letters and candy. He knew the older students were all into that lovey dovey mumbo jumbo, but to him he was mostly in it for the candy.
Slipping into his spot at the Gryffindor table he let out another yawn before scooping some food onto his plate. Eggs, sausages, toast. Nothing fancy. Noticing a few fellow Gryffindor first years nearby he smiled and waved as he started to eat.
"Morning, Happy Valentines Day!" he regarded the three girls with his signature dimpled smile. One of them was dressed in green which didn't seem to match the vibes of the day but he shrugged. Who said you had to wear a certain color on a certain day? Wear what you want! In fact he was wearing a black sweater himself. Not because he didn't like Valentines Day, it was just the first thing he had grabbed. He had also forgotten it was the day too...oops.
After a few more bites of his breakfast he spotted a bowl of nuts amongst the other food. He remembered that was possibly on the ingredient list he needed and reached forward. Taking some and stuffing it in his pants-pocket. At least he didn't have to fall in the mud for these!
Post by Oscar Tinkle on Aug 1, 2022 4:44:03 GMT 10
With the happy thought that he had no classes that day, Oscar was looking forward to a nice relaxed breakfast. He planned to make the most of his free day later, to get a move on things that he had been procrastinating lately, but that was no reason not to enjoy his breakfast first.
He had completely forgotten what day it was of course, so as he entered the Great Hall it took him a moment to realise what the decorations were for. It probably didn't help his poor brain that the Headmaster had toned it down for the year, but once he had figured it out he was actually grateful for that fact.
He momentarily considered turning right around anyway, wary about the rest of the Hogwarts populations reaction to the day. It seemed like the older they got, the crazier they got.
It was the thought that hey, at least no one would bother with him, that had him carry on to the Hufflepuff table.
"Hey," he said to Sophia as he slid into a seat opposite her, flashing a small smile at her. "Thank Merlin Rickard did out with the pink, right?"
Oscar claimed two pieces of toast as his own and then piled them high on his plate with scrambled eggs. He was about to tuck straight in when he paused, set his fork back down and scooped up some nuts and an apple for later. If he planned on getting things done then he would need something to snack on.
Sinead entered the great hall and headed straight for the Slytherin table. The brunette looked around the hall as she took a seat, noting that the decorations were decidedly more muted this year. As Sinead glanced up and down the table, she noted both Reena and Lindsey sat nearby, further down the table was her older sister and her friends.
She also noted the 4th year boy, she had nodded to in their last class sat with an older Slytherin, she vaguely remembered seeing in the company of Amara Seabrook from time to time, As the brunette turned her gaze back to the table, she stifled a yawn and began to eat.
Orla felt as though her shoes were full of concrete as she made her way down to breakfast. She didn't sleep well, and as she walked she got some odd looks because her eyes were streaming from yawning so much. It was because of her tear-blurred vision that she almost walked past someone she recognised just outside the Great Hall.
"Oh, hullo!" She called, noticing that MJ seemed...occupied. She gave an enthusiastic wave and kept moving, her stomach growling loudly.
The sheer abundance of decoration in the hall made Orla stop in her tracks; when she realised what it was for, her face scrunched in a look of sheer horror and disgust, before she quickly shook her head and went back to a neutral expression. She looked around, worried that someone had caught her first reaction, but no one had even glanced her way.
Valentine's wasn't her cup of tea, but she didn't want to come across as judgmental...she was just confused.
Orla slid into a free spot at the Slytherin table, surprised that so many people seemed to be enjoying the decor. Valentine's was an alien concept to her, having only ever seen it on TV at her dad's house. She grabbed a sausage roll and bit into the pastry, shattering it everywhere without noticing as her mind worried over what the rest of the Valentine's celebrations might entail.
Post by Ezra Ashworth on Aug 1, 2022 7:21:30 GMT 10
It would probably surprise no one that knew the boy that Ezra was a ball of excitement that morning. He may have had a late night the night before, but that was not stopping his energy levels as he bounced down the stairs towards the Great Hall.
Over the last day or so he had been hearing all that the castle had to say about Valentines Day and as soon as he realised what that meant, he had grown more and more eager for it.
Ezra was all for telling his family that he loved them and here was a day just for that! One that for the first time he could remember, he could take advantage of.
Which would be why he had been up late last night making four different, folded parchment cards. They might not be perfect, but they clearly showed a lot of effort and care. All he had to do was hunt down his siblings to pass them on.
The sight of the decorations in the Great Hall had him pausing his hunt for a second to gaze up in wonder - it was like the snow that they had just left behind! But rainbow! That was so cool. He couldn't help but wonder what it would be like if snow actually fell in rainbow colours, very pretty he imagined.
As nice as it was to look at though, it did not hold his attention for long, not when he had a task. Now, who to target first?
He finally settled on the oldest two first, that way he could double check that Reena still wanted to spend time with him, and, hopefully the earlier it was, the less chance there would be that he would be interrupting Jaxen with anything important.
Still somehow unaware of any drama the day before, Ezra quite happily skipped his way towards the Slytherin table to find his oldest sister. His oldest sister that, as soon as he spotted her, he ran up behind her and immediately thrust her card over her shoulder.
"Hi, Ree! Happy Valentines Day, I love you!" he grinned, bouncing on the spot as he waited her reaction to the card. The front of it had what looked like it was supposed to be a smiling fox, wearing a Slytherin scarf and sat in front of a small, somewhat lopsided cauldron. The top of it read: '#1 OLDEST SISTER', the 'est' of oldest underlined several times. There was no way that Ezra would play favourites.
"Do you still want to go to the lab today?" he asked, unable to stay silent for very long when he was as excited as he was. It probably did not help that, as happy as he was to spend time her, he was still eager to move about and catch the rest of their siblings.
Post by Tobias Twiggs on Aug 1, 2022 7:57:45 GMT 10
Tobias had to remind himself to avoid the Ravenclaw table that morning, so used to sitting with Joe and Ryan every day that he found his feet carrying him in that direction automatically. It was fair to say that Toby wasn't in the best of moods, his initial anger having fizzled out overnight to be replaced with a dull aching in his chest.
He felt sad? On a day that was about celebrating love and relationships, he was forbidden from spending the start of it with the two people he loved most in the entire castle. He didn't regret standing up for his friend though, he'd do it again if he had to and take another punishment.
Sitting by himself at the Gryffindor table, he helped himself to some scrambled eggs but then just pushed them around on his plate. Were Joe and Ryan already there? He hadn't really looked for them. Were they having fun? Probably. He just wanted breakfast to end so that he could go find them and they could begin their day of fun.
Post by Reena Ashworth on Aug 1, 2022 15:15:43 GMT 10
“Thanks.“, Reena smiled at Kassia while her hand once again touched her hair. For a fearful second there she had thought Kassia might do the same yet the older girl had thought better of it. This relieved Reena, since she often did not know what to do with physical touch, especially as a show of affection. Unless it came from her little brother, of course.
She nodded and turned to Lindsey when her friend reminded her of her interest in the seed she had planted the day before. “That one might not be grown yet. Perhaps in the afternoon? I won‘t harvest it without you, promise.“
Reena acknowledged Sinead with a nod as her dormmate sat down near them and watched William and his sister leave the Great Hall. As she did, it just so happened that she caught sight of Ezra skipping in and she smiled to herself as she blew on her tea.
Not long after that there was a parchment card thrust over her shoulder and she recognized a fox in the second in took her to turn towards her little brother’s beaming face. She should’ve known. And still she was surprised he had made her a card, considering they couldn’t really do this, amongst other holidays, at home.
“Happy Valentines Day, Ezzie. I love you as well,“ she smiled brightly at him while she hugged him into a loose, one-armed embrace around his waist and took the card from him to have a proper look at it.
“Ooh! I love it, Ezzie, thank you! You even gave her a little cauldron!“
She was especially touched by the fact that he had included a shared interest of them. Such a lovely little detail. And she was amused by the emphasis on EST in oldEST.
“Yes, I do. And I‘d love for you to join me,“ Reena turned back towards him and let go of his waist as he was getting all bouncy and knowing him, he would dash of any moment to find their other siblings.
Post by Ezra Ashworth on Aug 1, 2022 18:32:20 GMT 10
Ezra was quite happy to take her hug as an invite to hug her back, his arms going around her in a squeeze. It was a good start to the day. And she liked the card! He hoped that their other siblings liked theirs too.
"'Kay, I'll find you later." he promised, glad that he had checked that his map was in his bag that morning. He couldn't wait to find out what she planned on making.
First he had to have some breakfast before it was too late though, no way was he spending time in a potions laboratory on an empty stomach two days on the run. He could remember how distracting that had been yesterday, and how tempting it had made the prickly herb.
That settled it, some food and hopefully he could find Jaxen at their table. He decided that he would find the third years later.
"Love you," he said again, just because he could and he wanted to make double sure that she knew. "Bye!"
With one last bright smile flashed at her, and a wave at the people she was sat with, he dashed off to the Ravenclaw table, claiming the first seat that he spotted after a quick look.
Ezra scooped a handful of nuts into his trouser pocket and then focused his attention on the various breakfast options. The variety to pick from was still somewhat hard to decide on, which would be why he normally went for the easy option of cereal. But that morning he felt like some jam on toast, so that was what he picked.
Orla pressed her lips tightly together as she chewed her third sausage roll, desperately trying to keep an incredulous look off her face as people exchanged cards. She recognised that it was a nice thing, that it wasn’t just couples that said “I love you”, but the concept was beyond her experience. She wiggled uncomfortably in her seat and tried to concentrate on her to-do list for the day.
First, she would grab the Daily Prophet and save any interesting articles. The werewolf situation niggled at the back of her mind, and she hoped there was no further news of attacks.
Then, she would get stuck in to ingredient hunting! She was so excited to start that she made sure her pockets were empty and had even stretched before getting dressed.
Happily distracted by her own thoughts, Orla pocketed an apple and some nuts, then a custard tart to keep her entertained until the owls arrived.
It wasn't easy to guess that she looked stupid because so many eyes were looking in her direction without any comments. She looked toward Lucas standing near the entrance. Maybe this was what he intended for, but she wouldn't get affected by this. She decided to ignore all the eyes looking at her and concentrate on talking to her friends.
"Hi, Grace." She greeted with a smile, ignoring that she had also looked at her dress and didn't leave any comments. "Not many plans for me." She replied. She had one plan for the morning to find out about the artifacts, but she chose to stay silent.
Soon another one of her classmates also joined them, "Hi, Xavier. Happy valentine's day."
Then her eyes wandered to the boy, who was a Gryffindor, but she didn't remember him sitting at this table ever. "Happy valentine's day, Toby." She said. It was impossible to forget what happened the day before and the punishment, but it would be better not to initiate the topic.
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. A few got diverted or distracted by the enchanted confetti, with one owl even trying to see if it could eat it... only to be dismayed that it was just a spell.
The headline of today's paper stirred a lot of interest, which soon led to scattered cheers and celebration. Even the Hogwarts staff joined in, clapping and smiling for the long-awaited conclusion to an ongoing issue in the Wizarding world. Even Professor Snape was proud and joined in the applause, though (in consideration of the article) many noticed he also looked quite tired, as if he'd been working through the night.
Students who were preparing to head to Hogsmeade eagerly flipped to the end of the Daily Prophet -- and cut something out, which they pocketed for later. Breakfast ended soon after, so they headed off to begin their day... or dates.
The following letters were also delivered:
To: @amelia
Thank you for letting us know.
We indeed heard from Professor McGonagall last night, soon after receiving your letter, regarding the scene your brother and his friends caused in the Great Hall. She assured us he was perhaps standing up for a friend, but that does not excuse such an outburst.
We appreciate you trying to stop him, and how he responded to that was unacceptable. Your father's writing to him now. Keep an eye on him around the likes of Seabrook, as you know what kind of a family that girl comes from. He's lucky he only got the one detention; if it was up to us, he'd have a lot more.
Hope your studies are going well. Enjoy the trip to Hogsmeade today.
Love hearing from you, Ezzie. Of course Hogwarts is keeping you busy, though I miss you kids every day. You're having fun and learning new things, so that's what matters. I look forward to the summer more than ever, to hear how your first year went.
Yes, I collected ingredients for Potions at Hogwarts too. I wasn't very good at it back then, but I've learned a lot from Marcus since graduating. Even if you're not good at something, there's always a chance to improve. If you ever have trouble with yours though, I'm sure Reena would be able to help you in his place.
I missed you terribly over Christmas. I'm glad you had fun despite being away from home. It's lovely that you're making friends. Please write again soon. Let me know who they are and what they're like. I look forward to the games over the summer, though I believe your Grandparents are planning something too.
Did you enjoy flying? At least it went better than your father's first flying lesson. Apparently he fell and badly hurt his arm. Jax nearly did the same in his first year. It was kind of you to help your nervous friend though. Not everyone can be as brave as you, so it's nice to lend some of that to your friends. What was her name? Is she in your house too?
Things at home are busy, surprisingly. I've been doing some painting, on canvas and around the house. I don't have any new friends, no. I rarely leave. But I do have some old friends helping me revive the backyard (and to write these letters). I can't wait to show you kids how wonderful it all is. We have a little veggie garden going too, which is thriving now the season's changed.
I'll still gladly take all the hugs you send me, of course.
Nifflers are very cute, though mischievous too. Don't have anything valuable on you when you visit them. How are you doing in your classes? Any favourites so far? Besides Potions, of course. Conrad was particularly good at Defence Against the Dark Arts, though he probably wouldn't have liked Professor Hathmore teaching it. Do you enjoy his classes?
I'm so sorry this is all I can write today. I owe you kids so many letters for all those times I wasn't able to write them. Valentine's Day is a hard day. But try not to worry about me, I'll be okay this time. And Grandpa will be stopping by tonight to go over some top secret summer plans.
I'll send you some strawberries next time. Would you like that?
I miss you, my little Rabbit.
P.STake pity on the poor owl. She's small, but did her best. Please give her something to nibble on before sending her on her way.
From: Mummy
The strangely long and coherent letter had a herbal scent to it, which seemed unintentional.
The owl it came with was indeed smaller than most. It was absurdly fluffy, like a round ball of soft and ashen feathers. She politely perched on his goblet -- talon held out, even when the letter was collected. She didn't seem to know what to do with herself, so just stared at Ezra curiously. She was rather proud of herself for delivering the letter to him, as if it was a task of utmost importance.
What's this we hear about you getting up on the Ravenclaw table during breakfast? Causing a scene with your friends? Yelling insults across the Great Hall? Tobias Twiggs, I thought we'd taught you better than that.
Your mother and I were very disappointed in you when we received an owl from Professor McGonagall, and your sister -- who you kicked cereal at when she was only trying to help you? Although Professor McGonagall assured us you were perhaps standing up for a friend, that does not excuse such an outburst of poor and disruptive behaviour.
If you do anything like this again, we will be confiscating your broomstick and you won't be permitted to go on a family trip happening this summer. For now, consider yourself grounded for the start of the summer. No friends, and no Quidditch.
That being said, if you truly were standing up for a friend who was being bullied or whatever the case may be -- it shows strength of character that you took a stand against that, and against someone stronger or bigger than you. It wasn't the smartest idea, but it was an honourable one. However, there's a time and place, Tobias. Losing your temper like that, and getting up on the table? That's not the way to do it.
Two wrongs don't make a right, as the Muggles say.
Don't have us get another owl like that again, understood? Your mother very nearly sent a Howler, and next time I won't disagree.
Post by Jade Arwell on Aug 1, 2022 21:50:50 GMT 10
Jade glanced at Amy, considering the offer. Did she even want to go to Hogsmeade? Actually, yeah, why wouldn't she want to go? She could go with Amy too, which could be fun? They were kind of friends, right? Saves being holed up in their dorm all day studying.
'Sure.' She nodded, easing some of her mood. 'Do you want to go after breakfast, or sometime later on? I don't have much planned for today, so whatever suits you.'
Turning when someone said her name, Jade was surprised to see Jaxen sitting across from them at the Gryffindor table. Say thanks? For what-- oh. Had she done that? Oh yeah, she remembered getting him something for Christmas though for the life of her, Jade couldn't remember what it was.
Jaxen placed a wooden lion in front of her, which Jade stared at warily. She was so not in the mood for pranks today, especially not from someone who was nice to her before. Then he cast the Animation charm on it, and it moved, which she couldn't stop staring at.
'Wait. Hold on. You made this? For me?' Jade stared at him now with an incredulous gaze. 'Why? This isn't some sort of Valentine's joke, is it? I'm so not in the mood.'
She groaned, convinced there was no other possible reason.
It seemed like a lot of effort though, for a boy. She eyed the lion again. So if he'd made it, that meant Jaxen had carved it himself? That was... weird. Kind of cool though. It was certainly a unique gift. Since the gift seemed genuine, she squinted at him. What were his intentions?
'That's it then, a thanks? You're not...' Jade shrugged, rolling her eyes. 'I don't know. Trying to ask me out or something?'
Her kneejerk reaction was to loudly state she was not interested. And as far as she knew, she wasn't. But Jade was curious and didn't want to shut him down before she got the full story here. No way some guy just made her such a thoughtful gift because he was that nice. Right?
So focused, she didn't even notice breakfast had ended -- though swatted away some owls, as the Daily Prophet was the least of her problems right now.
Last Edit: Aug 1, 2022 21:51:39 GMT 10 by Jade Arwell
Post by Lucas Mardling on Aug 1, 2022 21:59:00 GMT 10
'Good morning,' Lucas returned the greeting to MJ, eager to get their deal finished. 'Your Polyjucie Potions, as promised.'
He handed off the vials, holding them above her sachel with the implication she was to open it so he could store them directly there. Normally he didn't like to store them in such a way, in case something in her bag damaged them. He'd have to replace them, if it was from his actions. But if she did it herself, that was out of his hands.
But it was rather busy today and he took his chances, on account of the highly illegal potions and all that.
'Pleasure doing business with you.' He gave MJ a smile, then nod. 'Enjoy your day,' Lucas said, stuffing hands into his pockets as he strolled into the Great Hall.
He ate a quick breakfast, keeping an eye on the Slytherin table in case Amara would show up. She could be there, as it was so busy, but he'd find her sooner or later. Lucas read over the Daily Prophet, pleased to see justice had won on the topic of Love Potions. The Gringotts bit was worrying, if he planned to join the Ministry someday, but perhaps Fenwhistle would be out of office by then?
Like many others, he quickly flipped to the back of the Prophet. But was far less graceful, and simply ripped the important page out. He'd cut it down later. Lucas sighed, not sure what else to do, and decided to head back to his dorm and finish preparing for the day.
He stood, giving the area a cautious glance, then stole one of the roses from the table. It wasn't technically a gift, right? Amara couldn't be too mad, surely. He was one for loopholes, after all. Smug about his idea, Lucas left the hall.
Post by MJ Birdwhistle on Aug 1, 2022 22:17:35 GMT 10
MJ opened her satchel, which was empty aside from her school scarf to hide the potions. They were deposited and MJ nodded to Lucas, "Thanks again, Lucas. I'll see you if I need help again."
Which, hopefully, wouldn't be too soon but she didn't think it would be a bad thing either.
He was quite nice and certainly was one of the few Slytherins who improved her opinion of the house. So she adds, "Hope you have a good day!"
Deal done, MJ closed her satchel and hurried into the Great Hall. She managed to grab a copy of the Daily Prophet as she sat down at the Ravenclaw table, reading over the front page. MJ remembered reading about the love potions before but never really considered how dangerous they could be. She tutted as she pulled food onto her plate - potato bread, sausages, scrambled eggs. It wouldn't take her too long to eat them, thank goodness.
So they were banned now, that seemed like a step in the right direction. Anything that removed someone's consent or control over themselves was certainly a breach of human rights. It was good to see the Magical community agreed. She wondered if Professor Snape was one of the potion masters that helped with brewing antidotes... Considering he seemed (to MJ at least) to be extremely knowledgable with potions, it would only make sense they would call upon him for help.
She read over the rest of the paper in a timely manner, especially about the healers and the mysterious illness. She wondered how something like that got solved in the Magical world and if it took as long as the Muggle world. Seeing the coupon for Honeydukes, MJ carefully ripped it from her own copy to offer to an older student should they ask about it or want it.
After that, she quickly ate her breakfast and considered her game plan. Since she was closest to the Slytherin and Hufflepuff common rooms, perhaps she should venture there first... She finished her food, downed a glass of milk and rose from the Ravenclaw table once more.
Pocketing the newspaper, she headed out of the Great Hall once again.
[OOC: Exit]
Last Edit: Aug 1, 2022 22:19:47 GMT 10 by MJ Birdwhistle
Post by Sophia Rhynhart on Aug 1, 2022 22:18:42 GMT 10
Sophia ate her breakfast, bored. A few others joined her nearby, including someone who looked to be in Oscar's class, but no one she really wanted to talk to or who tried to tall to her. There was an excited first year, which was wholesome to see, but not enough to start a conversation with.
'There you are.' She grinned, sitting up straighter as Oscar sat down. 'Oh yeah, I know right? The pink was so awful.' Sophia shuddered, then concentrated -- her hair turning a bright shade of hot pink, then darkened to her usual purple when she laughed.
'So you got any plans for today?' Sophia wondered, not caring too much about the Valentines side of things. It was a Hogsmeade day regardless, after all. 'My Honeydukes stock is definitely getting low.' She gave him a wink, fondly recalling how they'd met.
She really did need to get more sweets though. Sophia glanced up -- oh the confetti looked so nice -- when the owls arrived. The Daily Prophet was exciting, and she cheered along with others, making quite a lot of noise in sheer elation that those awful laws had finally been changed. If only her great-Grandpa had been here to see it, she thought sadly. He'd have cried tears of joy, no doubt.
Sophia snatched up the coupon, pocketing it. She considered grabbing any discarded Prophets for more, but no... that wasn't fair at all. It was surely a bonus for being a subscriber, right? What if they realised they'd forgotten it and came back, only to find someone had stolen it? No way, she could not deprive someone else of discounted treats. She wasn't a monster.
She wasn't in any rush to head out, either. Sophia decided to chill a bit longer. See if Lucky showed up, since he probably had to answer Jake at some point unless he had already and she didn't know? She gave Oscar a friendly smile, hoping he'd talk to her more -- but of course, if he had places to be than that was totally fine.
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