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.
The Great Hall was impressive as ever, with its floating candles, and the enchanted night sky overhead -- which was cloudy, due to the rainfall outside. The house tables, and staff head table, were neatly set and polished clean as if new -- though bare of any food while awaiting the start of the feast itself.
Their time away elevated the castle's majestic view and welcome after a long summer. For many, tonight was like coming home in a way the summer hadn't provided. Or it was simply bested by any other comparison.
Members of staff were already present, including a few absences and several new faces. Professor Rickard was seated in the throne-like Headmaster's chair, with two Heads of House either side of him -- Professors McGonagall and Snape, then Professors Sprout and Rivera. The caretaker, Filch, stood by the large double doors to the hall -- protectively holding his cat, Mrs Norris.
Staff were either catching up with each other, introducing themselves to new colleagues, or attentive to the approaching Sorting Ceremony. The stool with the hat and scroll atop it were ahead of the staff table, not yet touched as the 1st years were still crossing the lake with Hagrid.
The rest of the students entered the Great Hall and headed to their respective house tables, maintaining a reasonable level of chatter and activity. The long wooden chairs scraped a bit on the stone floor as everyone settled in and got comfortable. This was a new experience for the 2nd years, who'd taken the "horseless" carriages (except for those who can see Thestrals) to the castle for the first time.
Students settled in, all properly dressed in full school uniform minus the hats (though they may wear them if they wished; the hats are plain black, with a pointed tip). As per all dinner rules, they were only permitted to sit at their own house table. A space was left the end of each, closest to the staff area, to allow for the soon-to-be-sorted 1st years.
Post by MJ Birdwhistle on Mar 3, 2023 18:49:18 GMT 10
After a pretty bumpy ride to the castle, MJ was glad to be on her feet again. She shuffled into the castle and then into the Great Hall, keeping close with a few members of her house.
It wasn't too hard to get a seat at their table, and she sat down with a grateful sigh.
Then MJ took a moment to look around, to try and spy if anything was different. It looked like it was going to rain for a while (judging by the ceiling) so she hoped Hagrid had a way to keep the first years dry. There was a warmth in her chest as she looked around and MJ realized she had missed being here a lot, despite enjoying her time at home during the summer.
Being at Hogwarts was just different. It was like a second home to her.
She scanned the teacher's table, smiling brightly (and maybe sneaking a wave) at Professor Rivera! She was so excited to find out what new spells they would learn this year. There were a few teachers she didn't recognize but MJ didn't know if that was because they were new or because she hadn't noticed them before since they might teach classes she didn't take.
Well, she'd find out. Her eyes landed on Professor Snape and, while she didn't dare wave at him, she did give him a nod and a smile. Potions in year two would be fun as well!
MJ then just let her gaze wander the hall, waiting for the sorting to begin...
Last Edit: Mar 3, 2023 19:00:40 GMT 10 by MJ Birdwhistle
Post by Kody Ashworth on Mar 3, 2023 19:08:36 GMT 10
Squeezing past some Hufflepuff students, Kody made his way over to the Gryffindor table and happily joined his housemates. They were a talkative bunch, which he enjoyed the noise while he looked around.
Good ol' McGonagall was still here! Business as usual!
Every year Kody got worried she'd retire. She was a nice head of house even if she seemed fond of scolding them from time to time. Better to have her than Snape. Reena had the worst luck!
Sadly the table was empty but Kody still had a chocolate frog! He fished it out of his robes and opened it carefully, trying to peek at the card. Someone to his side jostled him and the frog wriggled free, "Shoot--"
Kody watched as it hopped its way along the table, grinning with amusement.
He had lost his snack, sure, but it was funny seeing it evading capture from any Gryffindor bold enough to try and catch it. Hopefully the headmaster (or McGonagall) didn't notice and they wouldn't get into trouble.
After watching the frog for a few moments, he ducked his head and checked the card quickly.
"Yes!" Kody whispered and did a small fist pump under the table -- it was a new one!
The carriage ride had been both quick but felt like forever at the same time. By the time he made it into the Great Hall Felix's stomach was a combination of hungry growling and rolling excitement. It had been awhile but stepping back into the hall felt like he had just been there yesterday. Gazing up at the rainy ceiling and floating candles with glee. He missed this.
The hall was crowded and loud with talk and laughter. It felt so warm and welcoming, and he hoped all the new first years could feel that too when they arrived. He remembered how it had felt for him. Sure it had been a bit overwhelming but in the best way possible!
Finding a seat at the Gryffindor table he glanced around a bit as he waited for things to start. There were quite a few familiar faces at the staff tables, but also quite a few unfamiliar ones. He curiously scanned each one, making a mental note to try to remember their names when the time came for introductions.
Noticing the stool with the sorting hat placed atop it made Felix smile instantly. Fond memories of his own sorting popping into his head. The first years would probably be here soon. He wondered how many of them would be sorted into Gryffindor! They'd all find out soon enough!
Post by Thorne Perry on Mar 3, 2023 22:11:52 GMT 10
The one thing Thorne didn't really like about eating at Hogwarts was that he had to sit apart from most of his friends. At first, it hadn't bothered him, but now that he was starting to have friends, he didn't care for it! He gave MJ, Orla, Charlotte and Ezra each a small wave as he saw them, but headed for Hufflepuff's tables like he was supposed to.
The dining hall was as ethereal as ever, the enchanted ceiling showing off the rain sky outside, the multitude of candles flickering their warm glow like a barrier between the students and the gloom of the outdoors. Thorne smiled faintly as he settled into his seat, waved hello to his housemates from last year, and settled in to wait.
Last Edit: Mar 3, 2023 22:12:07 GMT 10 by Thorne Perry
Post by Lindsey Bryce on Mar 3, 2023 23:57:15 GMT 10
The arrival to the castle from the carriages was met with her own silence as she looked at the massive castle and the memories of last years rushed into her mind. She recalled the event clearly and she swallowed as she closed her eyes and steeled herself against whatever she could. There wasn't a choice in going inside, she couldn't just go back home. No, she had to face this head-on. Her parents expected her to try...
Lindsey took in a steady breath and walked into the great hall, fixing a wrinkle in her robes as she made her way with the crowd to the Great Hall. When she entered, her eyes looked towards the staff and smiled when she saw the Head of Hufflepuff, Professor Sprout with the others. She was worried some of the teachers would have left, but it seemed she was still here.
Lindsey made her way over to the Slytherin Table, smiling at a few familiar faces and greeting those she knew. She looked around, particularly for Reena Ashworth, but she appeared to have not arrived yet. Taking her place, she waited for the ceremony to begin and bounced her leg a little.
Her eyes glanced towards the tables of those who had been with her that fateful night... Lingering on the Gryffindor Table the longest though before she brought them back to the Slytherin Table, finding some interest in the wood the table was made of.
They didn't speak a lot on the way to the castle and when they were let off, Amelia found herself feeling a little bittersweet about entering. Before her was a place now full of excitement and sorrow. She would be missing an important person in her school life and let out a sigh before she made her way in. He wouldn't want them to linger in the past... He was too happy a person.
So, she followed the crowd, waving to her sister as they parted way and moving towards the Gryffindor table with a sense of purpose. Seeing the kid, Kody, she passed him with a kind smile and sat with the other sixth years. "And what debauchery are we getting into this year?"
A wicked grin was planted on her face and though it was small, there was a gap where someone normal sat with them. It would sooner or later be filled by someone pushed in by the crowd. But for now, she only hoped that maybe he was with them in spirit. She focused on those around her though, a smile on her face as she waited for the feast to begin.
Why did it have to be so bumpy? Charlotte had absolutely hated the ride to the castle. It jostled her around and made her feel sick. Granted, it wasn't nearly as bad as the visit to Gringott's Bank. The rain had been awful, but she had managed to get inside before she was completely soaked through. The clouds in the ceiling mimicked the outside and she wished they didn't for a change.
She felt her eyes pulled ahead and let out a sigh when she saw the familiar faces of the Ravenclaw Head of House... She quickly sat by MJ and felt a yawn escape her as she did. Why did she have to yawn? Was she that tired?
Though it wasn't home, it felt nice being back. She found herself relaxing at the familiar table, looking around as everyone around her settled and she remembered a few faces. Her fingers pried away from her cloak and she let a finger run across the top of the table as she waited for the feast to begin.
After the carriage ride Amber followed the other students to the Great Hall. As she entered, the warmth welcomed her after the cold rain outside and it immediately felt like another home. She was glad to be back.
Amber gave a Joshua a short wave to say goodbye, then headed to her house table. She sat down together with her fellow Ravenclaws and started to chat quietly with some she knew of, while waiting for the entrance of the new first years, so that the sorting and feast could begin.
Before long they had arrived at the castle and Sinead kept a close eye on Lindsey as they exited the carriage. When her friend hesitated, the brunette gently rested a supportive hand on her shoulder. Sinead then bid farewell to Kwame and followed Lindsey into the castle.
On their way to the Great Hall, Sinead encountered the Gryffindor siblings who had challenged her a few times the previous year. However the timely appearance of Sinead's sister from behind her, sent the pair scarpering before a word had been spoken.
When they entered the Great Hall, Sinead's sister gave a faint smile to her and then went on ahead to sit with her friends at the Slytherin table. Sinead glanced over at the staff table and saw a mix of old and new faces. She was pleased to see Snape there but she didn't see Fairburn. She hoped the teacher hadn't left as she had rather enjoyed her lessons last year. The brunette turned her glance away from the staff table as she followed Lindsey over to the Slytherin table.
As she took a seat next to her friend, she noticed Lindsey glance over at the other tables, in particular the Gryffindor table. Sinead gently brushed Lindsey's shoulder with her own when the girl glanced back down at the table.
"Are you alright? If it gets a bit overwhelming, just let me know." The brunette replied softly, having spent the entire time in the aftermath and over the summer at her friend's side as she had supported her through the countless nightmares. She kept one eye on her as they waited for the feast to begin as she greeted others that she knew as they too arrived.
Entering the great hall, Alice looked at the atmosphere - The floating candles and the cloudy sky. She remembered how thrilled she was when she saw that all last year. But it still felt magical to her eyes. Did the great hall get extended, or was that her imagination; she didn't know but was happy.
Alice notices staff members at the staff table with some new faces. Outside also, there were some new people and now here too. She wondered what was going to happen.
A smile came on Alice's face when she noticed the hat at the front. It felt like only yesterday when she sat on that stood, and the hat sat on her head. She wondered where the first years were, then remembered the last year. Aved, all the other students were already seated at the table when she arrived. So, probably the first year would come after they were all seated.
Alice walked toward her house table and sat in front of the first familiar face she noticed from her classmates. "Hi, Felix." She said.
There was no time to say anything before a chocolate frog jumped near her hand. she tried to cover her palms around him, but the frog jumped in another direction before it disappeared in the crowd. Alice laughed loud because of the scene. Gladly, Other students were making a lot of sounds to sit down. So, her laughter would only reach some nearby students.
Alice moved her attention back to the front. She was very excited to see the sorting ceremony. It was a new feeling to watch this from here.
That summer lacked schedule and guidance for William. Maybe the school's rules are what he needed now. His eyes went to the staff table to notice all the former professors and a few new ones. Maybe some of the staff got changed.
William walked toward his house table and sat on his usual seat, which was still empty as always. The hall got decorated, and the sorting hat was ready to sort new first years as every year.
William was already seated in his seat when some students were still roaming around or talking.
Post by Reena Ashworth on Mar 4, 2023 5:58:40 GMT 10
Slipping into the Great Hall, it felt like coming home for real and she could finally breath.
She had taken one of the later carriages as she had run into a bawling first year. Their robe had got stuck somehow and then they had lost sight of the other first years they had met on the train ride.
Reena, in her new role as prefect, had taken the time to console them before bringing them to Hagrid so that they could get the full experience of that magical boat ride.
Once Reena had finally gotten to the carriages however, she was stunned at the sight. The spooky horses frightened her at first but when absolutely no one else around her seemed to react to them, she had really started to wonder if it had finally happened and she had lost her mind.
The aurors, who’s presence she found concerning, could just take her away then and there.
It took a moment of quiet pondering to remember that there were creatures one could only see under certain circumstances. She was certain that Jaxen‘s wand had one of those creatures‘ hair as it’s core.
She had just forgotten what they were called. Maybe Lucas would know?
When Reena spotted Lindsey and Sinead at the Slytherin table, she wanted to walk past, averting her gaze at first but then thought better and stopped briefly at their side.
“Hi there, Lindsey, Sinead.“ the scot seemed to take a particular interest in the wood of their house table.
“Hope you‘ve had a restful summer? O.W.L year has finally arrived,“ she shook her head in mild disbelief.
“Thank you for your letter and picture, it’s stored away safely,“ Reena smiled but she was certain it did not reach her eyes. She had rather metaphorically put both between last year’s History notes.
“I was made prefect, so I will sit at the front to greet our new first years,“ she pointed at her badge.
“Have a great Feast, you two.“
With that she turned and moved on, her smile faltering the moment she took her first step away from her friends - former friends?
She probably shouldn’t have engaged in small talk. But it would have been rude to ignore them and she was supposed to set a good example.
Having put some distance between herself and her dormmates, she finally sat down and turned her attention towards the staff table, frowning at seeing some new faces amongst them.
Post by Joshua Twiggs on Mar 4, 2023 6:09:52 GMT 10
Ahh. Hogwarts.
Joshua breathed in its familiar scent, taking in the floating candles overhead. Ever since he had first seen them, he had wanted to knock one down.
Wouldn’t that just be the perfect night light for his dorm - or room at home?
He waved Amber goodbye as she moved towards the Ravenclaw table and he straightened his robe before slowly walking towards his own.
He let his gaze wander lazily over the faces of his housemates, trying to find his friends.
He sported a smile when he saw one of his dormmates and hurried to sit with him, head full of ideas on how to holler at their new firsties for a warm welcome to Hufflepuff.
Post by Martha Twiggs on Mar 4, 2023 9:36:19 GMT 10
Hesitating at the doors to the Great Hall, Martha had hoped to catch Jax before entering. Maybe she should have waited at the Front Gates instead.
Her twin had gone ahead but it had been nice to share a carriage together so Martha couldn't really regret anything. Orientation had taken up most of the train ride so it was nice to have some time with Amelia.
She lingered a moment longer and then sighed, and entered into the Great Hall.
A wash of familiarity crashed over her and she looked around with a smile. Martha made her way along the Hufflepuff table, giving Amelia a nod when she passed by. She pat Joshua on the shoulder when she went past him, heading towards the front.
Martha opted to sit next to where the First Years would sit, settling onto the bench. She was excited for the Sorting but also the feast.
And she tried not to think about the Frog Choir auditions too much.
Last Edit: Mar 4, 2023 9:37:46 GMT 10 by Martha Twiggs