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 Tobias Twiggs on Oct 2, 2022 8:02:55 GMT 10
Toby found himself with an entire afternoon free, which on a regular day would've set his spirits soaring. However, as it happened, today was no regular day. Because that afternoon he had been due a flying lesson, and Toby had been looking forward to that particular slot in his timetable all day.
This day would not grant him any mercy. As the morning gave way to afternoon, the lesson was cancelled and with it, his hopes for a good day crushed. With the remainder of the Quidditch season having been cruelly shut down due to the destruction of the pitch, Toby's only hope of getting atop a broom were those lessons. They were few and far between already and it seemed unthinkable that one should be cancelled now.
He blamed the weather. It had been thundering all day and the constant stream of waterlogged students filing in and out of the castle were a testament to that. Toby had remained inside the castle, so he had not experienced the downpour first hand, but he assumed flying in weather like that would be anything but enjoyable.
So, he was forced to find other plans. Now that his afternoon was unfortunately free. Plans that didn't include his best friends, as Ryan was likely holed up in his dormitory studying for their exams (which Toby insisted were still miles away), and he'd lost track of Joe after lunch.
Toby never thought he'd be seeking out extra work in his spare time, but despite that he found himself loitering outside the staff room. He doubted anyone inside would be pleased to see him, considering they hadn't really approved of his latest outburst- which he in no way regretted.
Readying himself to be scolded for disturbing a room full of irritable teachers, he knocked thrice on the door and waited.
There was no answer at first, then Professor McGonagall opened the door and was surprised to see a Gryffindor there. She glanced him over, assuming he was in trouble or injured. He seemed fine, so she stepped out to investigate what brought Tobias Twiggs to the Staff Room on a free afternoon.
'Is there something I can help you with?' she asked, curious.
Behind her, several Professors were laughing at something. Then there was a fizzle of magic, and a few colourful streamers escaped. McGonagall didn't even blink, as if there was nothing at all to see here. She did shut the door behind herself, and fixed him with a stern look.
Post by Tobias Twiggs on Oct 2, 2022 19:52:16 GMT 10
When the door opened to reveal his head of house, Toby was a little disappointed. The last time he'd spoken with McGonagall, she was dishing out unjustified punishments. Still, hopefully they wouldn't have much to say to each other that afternoon.
"Good afternoon, Professor" he gave a small smile, attempting to peer around her at the commotion coming from within the staff room. But she closed the door and squashed his curiosity before he had a chance to get to the bottom of it.
"I was wondering if Professor Hathmore is free?" the last thing he wanted to do was to head down to the chamber and discover that he'd wasted his time. He could be doing other stuff, like racing the moving staircases or deep diving in the black lake.
McGonagall didn't look very happy to see him. Maybe she'd be relieved to discover he wasn't here to see her.
'Professor Hathmore?' she echoed, a little suspicious but indeed relieved he wasn't there to see her or that it was in any way related to Gryffindor business. She'd had quite enough of that lately, and decided to reserve herself a spar week over the summer.
'Yes, I believe so.' Professor McGonagall nodded. 'Shall I get him for you?'
Post by MJ Birdwhistle on Oct 3, 2022 1:43:22 GMT 10
MJ arrived at the Staff Room and was disappointed to see Tobias already there. Still, a teacher was talking to him so MJ made sure to give him a smile.
Even if she really wasn't happy to see him.
She waited for him to finish first before she would ask for the teacher she wanted to see... MJ hoped Professor Archerose wouldn't mind seeing her.
As she wasn't one for eavesdropping, MJ had no idea who Tobias wanted to see. She was busy thinking about how to ask Professor Archerose about the Artefact room...
Post by Tobias Twiggs on Oct 3, 2022 8:52:16 GMT 10
Tobias was relieved to learn that Hathmore wasn't currently busy teaching a class. That would've completely derailed his plans for the entire afternoon.
"Oh, no thank you" he took a step back when McGonagall offered to fetch the other teacher. He didn't need him right that second, and he was content to wait for him in the duellist chamber. "I just wanted his help with something, but I can meet him there!"
He couldn't go announcing to the entire school that he was doing extra schoolwork in his free time. They might start thinking he actually enjoyed it.
Turning, he was surprised to see MJ lurking a short distance away and swerved to avoid her altogether. He got the impression that the girl didn't like him for some reason. Whatever. It's not like he cared about her opinion anyway. Waving over his shoulder at McGonagall, he fled the scene before anyone tried to stop him.
Last Edit: Oct 3, 2022 20:33:41 GMT 10 by Lena: Fixed: format issue
Post by MJ Birdwhistle on Oct 3, 2022 9:39:32 GMT 10
Just like that, Tobias was leaving.
MJ saw her chance and stepped forward, "Excuse me, Professor? Is Professor Archerose in the Staff Room? I have a question for him if he's available..." She smiled politely at the Gryffindor Head of House and hoped she didn't come across as rude in any way.
She didn't care what Tobias was off to do but the way he hurried off was a tad suspicious. If only she had eavesdropped on his conversation after all.
Well, no sense in worrying about it. It wasn't like he would be the kind of student to care about the Artefacts or doing anything to help. He was probably running off to get into trouble again.
'Mmmhm.' Professor McGonagall watched Tobias run off, a bit wary but willing to let it go.
She turned to MJ, and nodded at her question. McGonagall parting the Staff Room door and peered inside, then determined it was safe to properly enter. There were some voices, then a moment later Professor Archerose left the room.
His hair was a bit ruffled, with a few singed edges. He adjusted his glasses, then gave MJ a smile in greeting.
Post by MJ Birdwhistle on Oct 3, 2022 20:49:25 GMT 10
MJ held back her giggle at the appearance of the History of Magic Professor, "Good Afternoon, Professor, I was wondering if you had any information regarding an Artefact room within the castle? I was told it would have once belonged to Rowena Ravenclaw and I was interested in seeing it, permitting it wasn't off limits to students."
It wouldn't be a lie to say she was interested in the history of the castle since, being a Muggleborn, she wasn't as educated about magic, the castle and more. It was always fun to learn something new. History of Magic was a fascinating subject - to her, at least.
"So that's my question." She chuckled, feeling a bit shy or silly and hoping he didn't mind answering.
'Hmmm. Rowena Ravenclaw's artefact room?' ProfessorArcherose thought on it for a moment, frowning as he was certain it sounded familiar. Yet anything specific remained out of each. 'That promises to be quite an intriguing tale.'
It was just a bit beyond his expertise.
'I'm afraid I don't have the answers to that, though I myself am a Hufflepuff,' he said. 'Perhaps you would have better results with someone more familiar with Ravenclaw?'
He nodded at Professor Fairburn, who poked her head out of the Staff Room to show him a piece of paper with runes. Grinning at his affirmation, she vanished back inside and sounded as if she was celebrating something.
'Professor Rivera is preoccupied elsewhere this afternoon, but considering how far back into history you're venturing... I'm sure there's someone else you could ask who is more familiar with that era?' Archerose told MJ. 'I'll leave that mystery for you to solve.'
Post by MJ Birdwhistle on Oct 3, 2022 21:21:56 GMT 10
She listened as Professor Archerose explained what he knew - which wasn't much. He was a Hufflepuff which meant he wasn't privy to the ins and outs of Ravenclaw, which made sense to MJ. She had to reason to question him on that.
However, what he said helped and she had a lightbulb moment, "So you suggest I could find someone who has a connection with the house and possibly existed around that time...?"
MJ gave the Professor a knowing smile and nodded, "Thank you so much Professor, you've been a great help, actually. I think I know someone I can ask, if I can find her."
Of course, she could hit herself for not thinking of this person first but better late than never.
Her farewell to Professor Archerose was a smile and a nod as she turned, heading off towards the stairs.
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