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.
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.
Though slightly less urgent or chaotic... just like the last issue, many clamoured to read the Daily Prophet in hope of an update on the situation with the escaped Azkaban prisoners. Students grabbed copies and discussed it with friends, but even with the shocking news their attention did not linger long.
Career's Day was the main event, and several Hogwarts staff had already vacated the hall to help with final touches -- or had been absent all meal, already doing so. There were letters to be read, packages to be opened, and meals to be finished.
And then it was finally time to head out of the castle, to the Main Courtyard.
~ Breakfast ended ~
The following letters were also delivered:
To: @amelia
Good luck with your OWLs, darling. Pass this along to Martha as well, please. Your father and I believe in both of you, and we hope today's event will help you both figure out which directions you want to go in towards your futures. I'm sure your father will be happy to help.
Regarding your friend... your father and I talked it through, and we suppose one night of dinner may be considered by we cannot make any promises at this stage. If you wished to invite her for the summer or to stay over, I'm afraid we cannot in good conscious allow this, given the current situation (as I'm sure you're aware from the Daily Prophet) and how little we know about her.
You mentioned her before? We also have a duty of care to Tobias' young friends as well, if they'll be staying with us. I'm sorry, ordinarily it wouldn't be an issue but given the state of things, and our plans for the summer, I believe the best we can do is meet up with her during our trip for school supplies in Diagon Alley?
We'll discuss it further when you get home, but for now the answer is no on any visits from those we're unfamiliar with and haven't even met the parents of. Perhaps next year, or over Christmas, when things have calmed down a bit?
Just ignore any letters that make disparaging remarks against the Doren name. Do not worry about restricting letters, as the school year is almost over and we do not allow unsolicited mail at home. Don't waste your energy on rumours and nonsense; focus on your studies.
We also have little concern for the whereabouts or goings on of Hogwarts staff, even the Headmaster. If anyone tries to question you, do not answer. Ignore them, then report to me who is asking such. We will deal with it.
I'm sure the hateful note was upsetting to you. It's awful that you've been dragged into this political circus and accusations, but do not let it show. Dismiss them, as easily as we do all trivial matters of no concern. They're just words. You are better than those people. They're not worth your time or hurt.
OWLs are happening soon, I believe? That is where your focus should be, above all else. Do not allow yourself to be distracted at such a crucial moment in your life, education, and potential future. You've worked hard your whole life for this. Do not disappoint us.
Kassia had entered the Great Hall early that day. Though she was normally one for keeping an eye on goings-on and gossip, today she had a singular purpose: go to every booth in the careers fair. She was ravenous to find out about her future, piling on the food without much care for her figure for once. It thus came as a surprise when a letter plopped in front of her. The owl who brought it quickly devoured the remains of her bacon as payment. Kassia picked it up, recognizing her stepfather's handwriting. She broke the wax seal and began to read.
Kass,
I'm in Saint Mungo's with your dad. He managed to set his arse on fire again (yes, the same way as last time, and yes, I want you to send him a Howler about it). He's fine- look, he's making me write it- FINE- but they want to watch him for a while longer. That means your stepsister will be picking you up at the train station. Please be a dear and try not to push her onto the train tracks. Love you.
Kieran
Kassia had been so wrapped up in school that she hadn't even realized it had been some time since she sent out any letters. She felt awful but mainly annoyed that her father had hurt himself again- was he trying to do fire dancing again? She would be giving him a long lecture. She shook her head but ran her fingers over the letters, happy to have something from home. She also grabbed a copy of the Daily Prophet, to read later. Then she stood up and left, following the seething crowd out towards the careers booths.
Amelia looked up when she saw movement, noticing her sister at her table. She caught her eye and gave her a good smile before she went on about her meal. She had always hoped they would have been in the same house, but fate had other ideas. It was fine, Amelia had soldiered on and they still managed some time together.
When the owls arrived, Amelia searched for her parents, but managed to snag a copy of the daily prophet first. The news was still disturbing and she rolled her eyes at the remarks about 'working around the clock.' Some how, she doubted they were all working. Likely the aurors... But the ministry higher ups... She just shook her head and then looked to see her parents owl arrive.
She smiled when she opened the letter, but is disappeared when they made aware that Kassia wasn't going to be allowed over for the summer. Of course, Tobias was gonna have friends over. She wanted to crumble up the paper and toss it in the nearest torch. No, she wouldn't want to harm any creatures in the flames...
She let out a sigh and folded it away. She would see if her and Kassia could meet up in Diagon Alley soon and they could still write each other. Standing, she headed over towards the Hufflepuff table with a smile.
"Hey Mars," she said as she plopped down next to her sister. "Mum and Dad wish us the best on our owls..." There was a lingering sadness to her voice as she passed along the letter to her sister to enjoy.
Post by Lindsey Bryce on Nov 16, 2022 0:27:58 GMT 10
Lindsey smiled when Sinead told her of her desire to be a Potion Mistress one day. Maybe she would replace Snape as the Schools Professor? Even Lindsey knew that teachers didn't stay forever, though she hoped a few current ones stayed until she left. Sprout and Madam Pomfrey being high on her list of favorite people on the staff.
When the owls were delivered, she took her copy of the daily prophet and realized then that she hadn't sent the letter she was going to be sending to her mom.
"I am hoping to speak to the Healers if they are here from Saint Mungo," she said as she opened up the prophet, reading over the very interesting and terrifying news. "But we will see... I need to run to the Owlry to send the letter about you come over for the summer." She said as she stood from the table. "See you at Career Day?" Lindsey asked her friend with a smile before she headed out.
Saoirse had been singularly focussed on eating that day. Although she hadn't had any interest in Careers' Day prior to this meal, everyone else talking about it with such fervour and excitement eventually won her over. She planned on heading over to the fair as soon as she was finished eating. Her classmates would probably be there too, right?
The owls arrived, bringing with them the Daily Prophet. Saoirse checked it to see if the Azkaban inmates had been recaptured- they weren't. She tucked away the Daily Prophet to read later. Then, to her surprise, another letter dropped right into her lap. Saoirse looked up and was deeply insulted as an owl presented its feathered behind as it snacked on her meal. She shooed it away and looked at the letter. From Dad, not grandparents, so she would actually read this one.
Mon chou,
The school year is drawing to a close and I am so excited to see you again. I would like to bring Varna to King's Cross when I come pick you up- is that okay? Let me know, kiddo.
Dad
Saoirse put the letter away. Dad wanted to bring his girlfriend to come pick her up- she supposed that would be okay, but she wanted to think about it before she replied. She would have to meet her eventually, and maybe in public was the best way to do it. But for now, Saoirse got up from the table and followed the stampeding students to the career fair.
Sinead smiled when Lindsey mentioned about speaking to the healers. "Sounds good to me. Yeah see you there." She said as Linds left to sent a letter about Sinead staying over. Sinead herself had spoken to her older sister about it.
Her sister had replied that she would make sure everything would work out smoothly so it could happen. Sinead had thanked her sister for trying to protect her as much as possible over the years from her parents scathing attitude and behaviour towards her. She stood and picked up the Daily Prophet, stuffing it into her bag as she left the hall.
Post by Elizabeth Doren on Nov 16, 2022 1:22:15 GMT 10
Elizabeth enjoyed breakfast with the knowledge that career day was happening in the back of her head. She wasn't quite sure if she really even needed to go, but since it was happening, she supposed she could take at least a glance at the options, even if she knew where her future would take her. In a way, it was nice not to have to worry about going to all of the booths. She knew she wouldn't be visiting the Healer one. It seemed like she wouldn't really like it.
She looked at the Daily Prophet. Dementors and more Ministry. Well, it seemed like the Ministry was at least trying to correct their mistakes. Next, she read the letter from her father. She nodded through most of it, understanding what her father meant, but at the end she was a little confused. Hadn't her future been decided already? Maybe it was best if she got more OWLs so her parents would be more proud.
When the owls arrived, Charlotte took the nearest one and shrunk a little at the words. She didn't quite understand it all, but she knew it was bad enough that she didn't want to read any further. She put it away and watched as students began to leave. When she looked up, she noticed Elizabeth across at the Slytherin table and stood.
"I need to go and speak to my sister... See you in the courtyard?" She asked MJ before she left. She knew she was still young and had plenty of time to figure everything out, but she wanted to go and see everything. She knew the crowd would be bad... Maybe she could find an area not as crowded? She wasn't so sure, but she was too excited about this morning to focus on everything.
She made it to the Slytherin Table and smiled across at her sister.
"Elizabeth, I did!" she said in an excited tone, loud enough that her brother, if he was near by, would hear it. "I was studying last night with MJ and this morning, I let her come to breakfast first so I could try the Seek Charm again... It worked!" It was very obvious that Charlotte was proud of herself.
"I think Professor Rivera was right about needing something more than just practice, but I did it and the map glowed exactly where MJ was on her way to the Great Hall." Charlotte was all smiled as she spoke to her sister and looked around. She knew others were likely watching her and she felt her face become a little warm.
Post by Elizabeth Doren on Nov 16, 2022 1:44:51 GMT 10
Elizabeth was a little startled by Charlotte's emotional tone, but the reason behind it made enough sense to Elizabeth that she didn't scold her sister for being so loud. It was always satisfying to make a Charm work, though for Elizabeth this particular one had always been rather difficult. Not that she would have told Charlotte that, in case she got discouraged.
"Excellent work." Elizabeth said, putting a hand on her sister's head. That was something siblings did, right? She removed it and fixed Charlotte's hair where she had displaced it. "I'm sure that putting in the effort was the key."
She stood up. Today was going to be a very busy day. "I am going to Careers Day. You should look at the booths as well. It is never too early to start considering the importance of your OWLs." Elizabeth was currently considering hers. Obviously, the goal would be to receive Os in all of her courses, but maybe that wasn't possible.
She stood up, smiled at Charlotte, and headed to Careers Day.
Charlotte smiled at her sister when she patted her head. It wasn't a hug like she had gotten from MJ, but she would be okay with a pat on the head. It was the fact that she was praised by her older sister that she liked the most. Nodding to her sister about Career day, she looked over at the Ravenclaw Table and then headed out of the Great Hall.
She wanted to get there before the crowd got too big, but that was likely going to happen anyway.
Post by Martha Twiggs on Nov 16, 2022 1:57:14 GMT 10
Martha took a moment to read the front page article of the Daily Prophet. It was good the Ministry were working to capture these people again - if they truly were putting all their resources into it. She didn't want to doubt their government but felt it was health to be a little skeptical.
She was drawn out of her thoughts by a familiar voice and she looked up to see her twin, "Hey Ames - oh? Thanks."
The letter was passed over and Martha scanned through it. Her brow crinkled into a slight frown when she saw what had been written about Amelia's friend, "That's rotten. I understand their reasoning but it's not fair."
Even if Martha wasn't fond of Kassia (granted, she barely knew her), she was still upset on Amelia's behalf. "Make plans to meet her in Diagon Alley at least? Give you a break from Tobias and the gremlins that follow him around."
She cracked a smile and hoped her sister would too. Martha hurried to finish breakfast so they could go to the Career's Day together.
Amelia smiled at her sister when she agreed that it was unfair... Though understandable. Amelia put her head on a clear spot on the table and scuffed a little, but laughed when her sister mentioned the idea of going to Diagon Alley and getting away from the gremlins.
"I hope so... Let's get out of here," she said as she followed her sister out of the Great Hall and to Career Day.
Post by MJ Birdwhistle on Nov 16, 2022 6:51:04 GMT 10
MJ nodded at Charlotte and hoped they would find each other again at the Careers Day event.
She sat again and finished up her breakfast, watching as owls delivered the Daily Prophet. She was interested in what had happened since those people escaped. MJ hoped the Ministry would catch them soon.
MJ also hoped she wouldn't have to meet a Dementor anytime soon. Not that she knew what those were but they didn't sound pleasant.
It didn't take long for her to finish up everything and tuck the paper into her bag. She glanced to see if Charlotte was doing okay and then left the Great Hall.
She was excited to what awaited at the Career's Day.
Post by Oscar Tinkle on Nov 17, 2022 12:13:30 GMT 10
Oscar offered a small smile in greeting back at the first year. That one seemed calmer than some of the first years he had seen over the course of the year, so his instinct to back away slowly had not activated. Which was good, seeing as he was quite enjoying his breakfast.
Soon enough he was scraping up the last spoonful of that breakfast, just in time for the screech that announced post to be heard. He looked up to watch the chaotic dance that was hundreds of owls delivering post in the same space.
With one hand he shoved his last spoonful into his mouth, the other stretched out to pick up his paper. A piece of bacon was held out to the owl that had dropped it as soon as he had his paper safe in front of him.
Oscar quickly scanned over the front page, not wanting to dwell too long on the breakout when there was nothing that he could do about it. Instead he found himself spending longer on page three, hoping that it would offer some clue on how that years fair would go. He thought it would be good to have a better idea on what he was going to walk in to.
He read over that page three whole times before he finally sighed and shoved the paper into his bag. It was time to stop stalling and just go to see what it was like in person.
Oscar wiped his mouth with the little napkin that he had set aside just for that and then finally stood up from the table. His bag secured over his shoulder, he made his exit from the hall. [exit]
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February
