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.
Kassia had tossed and turned throughout the night. To make matters worse, she had stressed about what the lack of beauty sleep would do to her face and had then struggled even moreso. She had gotten out of bed to stare into the mirror and promptly apply a number of creams and rollers to her eyes to reduce the puffiness. After that, she had gone over potions and history of magic.
When exams were this close, Kassia's fashion sense was never lazier. Appearances were vitally important, but there were only so many chemical exfoliants and hair sprays she could apply before she simply had to accept that she looked terrible that day. She braided her hair and stuck her face in freezing water to relax the skin before shoving on her school robes.
That was it. Nothing else fancy. She made her way to the Great Hall and sat next to two fourth-years, Sinead and Lindsey. Kassia had had quite enough of the fifth years, especially their mutual panic over OWLs. She took an apple and some nuts for later before helping herself to some granola and yoghurt. She looked at her younger Housemates, who were staring at their schedule.
Kassia looked at it, too. Ah, a night class. Kassia would strongly prefer that over another potions class. It was bad enough that it was the hardest class to study for on top of having yet another one so close to exam time. Kassia wanted to be in the NEWT-level potions class for her own personal success, but otherwise dreaded it entirely.
Post by MJ Birdwhistle on Nov 1, 2022 9:58:41 GMT 10
"Hey Ezra! I'm fine, a bit sleepy but I think I'll be okay. How are you doing - have you been studying?" Probably not the most pleasant breakfast conversation but MJ hopes her classmates were taking their exams seriously.
Even if they were first years, it would be important to do their best in each subject. She was nervous herself, about failing or disappointing one of their teachers, so she was studying hard.
She finished her toast and felt a little more awake now. At least she wouldn't fall asleep in their flying lesson now!
"Oh! Will you go to class this morning?" She asked Ezra, knowing the class was optional now.
Looking at the other food on the table, MJ reached for a sausage roll since she was still a little hungry - and they looked delicious! Adding a blob of red sauce to plate, she dipped her sausage roll into it and waited for an answer.
Post by Arthur Hocking on Nov 1, 2022 10:02:57 GMT 10
Arthur sat himself down next to Oscar, yawning sleepily. He had spent a portion of last night considering the best way to get the jars of Higgus Spores that he needed without losing house points. He had hopes that Hufflepuff could beat Gryffindor if they did well with their exams, considering Gryffindor's well-known rowdy reputation.
"How's it going?" he asked his dormmate, already placing breakfast onto a plate. Today Arthur felt like buttered toast, which was nice because there was some nearby for him to enjoy. He glanced over the schedule, only really focusing on the fact that they had a Potions lesson as one of their last lessons.
"I hope that we don't have too much stuff in Potions class. What if there's something in that class and I forget it just because it's new?"
Post by Lindsey Bryce on Nov 1, 2022 11:29:08 GMT 10
Lindsey finally allowed herself to take a closer look at the lesson for the day. Especially now that she had time to think with everything going on. The whole founder's secret was enough to keep her on her toes, but the possibility of a nighttime class caught her attention.
She pulled the schedule closer to her and read out the schedule. Near by movement caused her to glance up and see William join the table near her.
"Good Mornin', William," she said as she put the schedule away. "Are ye interested in the night class?" Lindsey asked him in general conversation. It was about that time that Sinead joined her and she smiled at her dormmate.
"What about ye, Sinead? About the night class?" She asked, before taking a causal peak around for Reena. Would she join them today? Or, would she find herself sitting with Amara and her group? It was to her pleasant surprise that she didn't see Reena, but Kassia joining them at their spot of the table. She gave her a pleasant smile before she took another few bites of her food.
She pushed back a few stray hairs from her face, the rest in braids that went along both sides of her face. It was the easiest way to keep it from interfering with her work.
Charlotte was looking up from her food when she saw Alice, a Gryffindor student, give both of them a wave. A warmth spread over the little bird and she put up her hand shyly in response. As MJ spoke about her night, Charlotte was slightly relieved that she wasn't the only one who had a hard time sleeping.
When she did another scan of the room, she noticed her brother at his own table, but kept her head down a little. What would he or Elizabeth think about her returning to the flying lesson? It wasn't mandatory, she could skip it. But, she only had one more, she could do this, right?
With the subject of Flying brought up, Charlotte thought about their last one and gave a simple nod.
"It was... I wanted to ask Madam Hooch if I could continue with some basic instruction next year... Even though I will not be a first year," Charlotte said as before she took a bite of her food. It would be good to have a calming breakfast, but with flying, she also knew not to make herself too full. She didn't want to be sick... The nervousness was enough for her.
When Ezra joined them, she couldn't help but smile at him.
"Hello Ezra... We were just speaking about the flying lesson," Charlotte greeted him and looked over at MJ as she asked if he was going to class. "Yes, will you be coming too?" she asked, turning a shade of pink at her boldness to speak so freely. It was shocking how she was so open with certain people in her house. Ezra and her had ridden together in one of the last lessons.
Post by Grace Babineaux on Nov 1, 2022 14:02:48 GMT 10
Grace practically skipped into the Great Hall. Last day of classes! Last day! She would admit that most of the time, classes could be fun, but sometimes it was nice to relax and hang out on her own schedule. She plopped down next to Saoirse and Alice before piling her plate with food. That gave her a little bit of an opportunity to catch up on the conversation.
"The last flying lesson was totally cool. A little scary, but still pretty cool." Grace said, remembering hanging upside down. She didn't want to scare Alice or Saoirse away from it, so she kept that to herself. It was cool, but she doubted that Madam Hooch would've been mad at anybody if they were too scared to go upside down.
Grace cut into an egg and laughed a little at the runny yolk. Breakfast was the most important meal of the day.
Alice cut a piece of fried egg on her plate and put it in her mouth. Soon, one of her roommates, Saoirse, joined her.
"Definitely. Are you coming?" Alice asked.
Soon, her other roommate, Grace, also joined them. "Yeah, the last class was fun. I hoped we would do something great today also."
Flying was the only class that could make Alice happy. Even though it was not as good as playing quidditch but a better option than getting buried between books.
"Did you have a good sleep?" Alice asked both of her roommates.
William's mind was on the night class of care for magical creatures while having his breakfast. He wondered which creature it would be, which required the nighttime visit.
"Good morning, Lindsey." He replied when William heard her voice. "Curious for sure." He answered her question without any expression. He had no idea how a night class would happen and what this creature would be. Maybe it's something that sleeps in daylight, or the day-night could harm it. All this possibility made him curious to know about this creature.
William kept eating his breakfast while his one eye was on his notebook on his lap. Even though half of his mind was trying to think about that creature, William forced it back to his textbook. He had to finish the topic before the potion class.
There was a screech overhead, before hundreds of owl swooped into the Great Hall to deliver the Daily Prophet -- as well as any letters or packages from home.
As soon as the first newspapers landed on tables, there was chaos. Students were grabbing copies or peering closely over a friend's shoulder, clamoring to read the shocking events. It was quiet for a moment, like the calm before a storm -- then chatter and concern erupted around the hall. Professors urged them back to their seats, though were distracted by needing to read the news themselves.
Things did settle back down, but there was an absence of laughter or idle chatter. The news was unnerving. And once that was digested, then there were students everywhere being bombarded with letters from home checking in on them or otherwise.
Elizabeth Doren and William Doren earned a lot of nosy attention over at the Slytherin table, though no one dared actually approach them. I seemed @charlotte was mostly spared from it -- likely being the lesser-known Doren.
It was the last day of classes, and this is how it started? Suddenly, those looking forward to heading home for the summer were having doubts. It should be resolved by then... right? Either way, the news put a damper on things. No longer a day to end in celebration, but a day of fear and uncertainty. Speculations sparked like wildfires, and it was all anyone could talk about now.
~ Breakfast ended ~
The following letters were also delivered:
To: @amelia
No doubt you've heard the news by now. Your father was called into work last night, but I haven't received an update from him yet. There will be a lot more days of this, but at least we'll get overtime for it.
I'm not sure what is going on with the rumour about you hitting someone as we weren't notified of it, but we can discuss it another time -- I'm writing this in a rush, I'm afraid. It's good that your house has your back, and your friend too. The thing about gossip is it tends to fade as soon as something else happens, and I'd wager today's news will distract from that.
Just try to focus on your OWLs. I know this is a stressful time, but the term will be over soon and you'll be back home where you have all of summer to enjoy. Keep an eye on your siblings, and try not to worry. You're safe at Hogwarts.
It was supposed to be the next round, but we conducted a special interview that we believe fate has somehow meant for you to see. So we've sent you this one instead. We hope it finds you well, Jaxen Ashworth.
ISSUE : APRIL
Highlight: Potion Advancements.
When Love Potions were outlawed by the Ministry of Magic this February, led and overseen by Head of Justice, Ira Xcalyn, there was a sigh of relief among those in Potion-Making circles. Even those who originally opposed the idea have found themselves appreciating the shift in attitudes towards potions that hinder or rob one's free will / mental clarity.
With that comes the other side of the coin as well -- those who try to get around the new laws, yet many have found it not worth the effort. Most of the time. But on a lighter note, with a heightened awareness of the dangers love potions (and similar concoctions) pose -- so has there been a rise in the creation of antidotes to such potions.
As such, this issue's spotlight and highlight happened to intersect. Read more below.
--
Fun Fact:There is a classroom at Hogwarts no longer in use, but which conceals a slide directly to the Dungeons. Last known mention was in 1802, by a Hufflepuff student evading Peeves. To this day, its exact and original purpose remains unknown.
--
Spotlight: Aris Meek
A famous Potioneer and magical inventor, who recently patented a series of potions and spells that counter inflictions of the heart or mind which reduced one's decision-making or basic free will.
Meek's highlighted Essence of a Clear Mind has already won several Potioneering awards of excellence, and has been in tested at Saint Mungo's to assist long-term patients who were poisoned or cursed. The advancements are preliminary and not yet available to the public, but show promise.
Aris Meek is a Hogwarts Graduate (Ravenclaw), who took a few years to find their footing among an abundance of career options -- following record-high academic scores at the Academy. They have worked with both the Ministry of Magic and Saint Mungo's on an internship basis, though switched to freelance after an incident in what used to be the Department of Mysteries -- and cost lives.
When interviewed about this, Aris refused to speak of it. Though they urged us to publish this instead:
"To anyone out there who knew Marcus Ashworth, please know that he was a hero. He saved my life that day. Otherwise, if he hadn't arrived when he had, I'd have been in that room too; I'd have died too. I didn't know him well, but he was a good man. I hope his family read this someday, as they should be proud.
Marcus may have saved the world that day, and no one will ever know. I feel like I owe him, so I dedicated my life's work to thinking outside the box. He taught me that. It's because of people like him that give my work purpose. I cannot thank him enough, and I also thank Prospectcy for the chance to say this. One act of bravery, that's all we need."
Until next time, subscribers! Enjoy your free gift. We also wish the best of luck and focus to Hogwarts students facing OWLs or NEWTs soon. We believe in you! Go give it your best.
explorarent sine fine.
From: Prospectsy Representatives
Included was a wrapped box containing a Ginger Tonic.
You should be ashamed of yourself. Your whole family!
The lives you've ruined. The things you've stolen. How can you even live with yourself, knowing you're the heir to such horrible people? MURDERERS! LIARS!
I hope you rot, like they will. I hope karma and justice come for all of you filthy Dorens.
Orla was late to breakfast, but as expected there was still plenty of good food to be had. She clambered into a space on the bench and pulled her knees to her chin, wrapping an arm around them as her other hand grabbed two sausage rolls.
Orla tore at the pastry with ink-stained fingers, cascading crumbs down her uniform and onto the floor; she ate automatically, her eyes faraway.
She'd attempted to dutch braid her hair, but it was already escaping from her pins in tendrils, reflecting the tangled mess that had swirled in her mind all night. The room of mirrors had unsettled her, and it was hard to think of anything else, even with a day full of interesting and fun classes ahead.
It was because of this lingering gloom that Orla simply ducked her head when the owls arrived, even going so far as to squeeze her eyes shut when the gasps and murmurs of fear built to a frenzied buzz around her.
What now?
A copy of the Prophet was passed in front of her as someone urged a friend further down the table to read the front page. The headline was disturbing, but it was the articles at the bottom that made Orla sit up straight.
"Doren...?" She murmured, looking around to where MJ sat with Charlotte. Surely not those Dorens?
Charlotte was enjoying her meal when the owls arrived, the screeching was common occurrence, but each time she jumped a little. It was just so loud... As a prophet landed on the table, she ignored it for a moment, though did make sure she laid hands on one. She didn't want it snatched up. When the hall erupted to chaos, she looked around and then picked up her own copy.
Mass Breakout? How was that even possible. She continued to read, but her young age didn’t quite grasp the meaning of all this. What she knew was that a lot of bad people were no longer in a prison and it put her on edge. Further down, she read about the Blogge family being murdered.
There was mention of Doren and she went to the tenth page to read about that. Which Dorens? Were any names mentioned? She didn’t even know her parents name, but had read of a few names in the prophet before. Were those her parents name? Charlotte swallowed hard, feeling that nervous thing in her stomach before she put her spoon down.
She wasn’t hungry anymore. Gathering her things, she waited for MJ to leave and followed her.
Post by Lindsey Bryce on Nov 1, 2022 21:14:17 GMT 10
Though William answered, Lindsey could tell her was busy with other things. When the owls arrived, she was quick to grab some anything from her parents. She soon saw a familiar owl headed her way and she grasped the letter about the same time that the prophet landed before her. She took the Prophet as well, but opened her letter first.
M' annsachd(My goodness), As you are aware, at least, I hope you read the prophet, things are not safe in the world. I beg you to be careful and we will welcome you home soon. If you wish to ask for any friends to come, please send that swiftly today, as we will be leaving straight from Kings Cross home.
I hate to alarm you, but I you are old enough to understand that what is going on. Please be cautious.
Love Do Mhàthair(Your Mother)
Lindsey wrinkled her nose at the letter, but quickly opened her prophet to read. Her eyes grew wide and she felt her heart thumping in her chest. Was this what her mother referred to? Or was there other things going on? Her mother had friends in the ministry, there were people in her community who worked jobs in the ministry. It had to be that, right?
When she ran across the Doren name, she looked up towards William again. Was that his family? She felt like it was, but didn't wish to assume. Gathering her things, she left for class.
Last Edit: Nov 1, 2022 21:14:36 GMT 10 by Lindsey Bryce
Amelia was enjoying her meal when someone greeted her, causing her to glance up and see the young Alice. Giving the girl a smile, she swallowed her food to repeat the same greeting.
"Morning Alice," she said simply before she returned to her meal and her schedule. It seemed everyone would have a full morning and she was ready for it. The firsties nearby her were enjoying pleasant enough conversation, but Amelia didn’t stick her own voice in, these kids were bonding. They didn’t need a fifth year looming in he conversation.
As she put away her schedule, she looked overhead at the owls that arrived and grabbed the prophet while another owl brought her letter from home. The sudden outburst of chaos made her open her own prophet quickly and read the news. This couldn’t be happening… How could this be happening? Her mind was running over everything in her mind.
It was obvious that the ministry had no idea what to do, that the impossible had been done. She felt her anger boil. If the ministry couldn’t contain the evil people in the world, how could they be able to lead their people?
She flipped through, noticing the mention of the Dorens denial and glanced over at the Slytherin Table. The ministry had already tried to speak to Elizabeth. It had to be the same family mentioned. Grabbing her letter from home, she read through it and she felt a pain of worry hit her chest. No word from him?
So, McGonagall hadn’t spoken to her parents about the rumor? Well, she was relieved and agreed that it could be discussed later. Though the room was chaos, she went ahead and pulled out some parchment from class the day before.
Mum, The stress of OWLS only gets worst with the outside world, but I am studying and doing my best. Please write me as soon as you heard from Dad… Speaking of my friend, I would very much like to invite her to our home for Dinner. Her name is Kassia Saenz and if you are okay with it, I’ll let her know.
Love, Amelia
Looking up, the owl from home was gone, so she gathered her things and left for the owlry first. She could send it immediately.
Post by MJ Birdwhistle on Nov 1, 2022 22:50:16 GMT 10
It was normal for the arrival of the owls to cause some kind of chaos. MJ initially didn't pay attention to the newspaper that had been dropped by her plate, looking instead for the orange to pour more out.
When her eyes glanced the headline (and she read the front page article quickly), soon there was a puddle of orange juice on the table as her glass overflowed.
"Oh dear! Sorry!" An older student who sat nearby was giving her an odd look but the puddle disappeared (as if by magic) before she had a chance to try and mop it up.
She read the article again and then looked at the other articles mentioned along the bottom. Some poor family had been murdered, which caused a shiver to race down her spine. And then the Dorens?
MJ glanced at Charlotte and could tell she wasn't comfortable. Were they relatives of hers? No one else around them seem to react too much but she noticed students whispering, pointing and staring at a couple of students at the Slytherin table.
She remembered Charlotte had siblings and then decided to stuff her newspaper into her satchel.
Standing, she downed the orange juice and then gave Charlotte a warm smile, "Come on, let's see what Madam Hooch has in store for us today!"
If anyone tried anything, to annoy or harass Charlotte then MJ was ready to step in and tell them to bugger off.
[OOC: Exit!]
Last Edit: Nov 1, 2022 22:50:37 GMT 10 by MJ Birdwhistle
Sinead glanced up when she saw a movement out of the corner of her eye and noted the older Slytherin girl she had often seen with one of the Gryffindor girls, had joined them. She gave a polite nod in greeting and had been about to look back down at her schedule when her attention was caught by Lindsey asking her what she thought about the night class.
"Hmm I don't know, but I get the feeling it could well be more dangerous than during the day time." She said with a grimace and then was distract by the arrival of the owls bringing the mail. One owl landed in front of her with a letter from her grandmother and the daily prophet and another owl landed in front of her sister with a letter from their parents (who never wrote to Sinead unless it was to scold her),
Sinead tucked the letter into her bag to read later and then quickly scanned over the front page of the paper. When she looked up again, she had exchanged a look with her sister and then stuffed the paper in her bag for later on.
With some of her family working in the Ministry, the brunette surmised that this wasn't a good situation, which was made more complicated because she was also aware that her family had a history in dabbling with the dark arts and had some dark connections going back over several years, particularly on her mother's side of the family, less so on her father's side who, from what Sinead knew had tended to fight against sort of thing.
Sinead sighed as she gathered her things and followed Lindsey to class.
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February
