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 MJ Birdwhistle on May 28, 2023 3:27:18 GMT 10
This was MJ's first time here and she chuckled as she thought about it -- this was an afternoon of firsts! She watched the fast flowing water of the river and thought she spotted some fish moving through the water.
She took a moment to herself, to recover from the tiredness of her time spent at the pumpkin patch and set her bag down on some dry rocks that weren't close to the water. MJ didn't want to risk getting it wet or losing it. Honestly, anything could happen!
Her robes were removed as well and, after a moment of consideration, off came her shoes and socks. She stuffed her socks inside her school shoes and knew she'd have a better grip over wet rocks with her naked feet.
With all that prep done, MJ started to walk carefully over the rocks in search of scales first. MJ was still in two minds about trying to catch a fish since she had no immediate need of a citrus pepper.
She had heard it was a difficult task too.
Her eyes scanned over the rocks for a hint of anything colorful or glinting in the daylight.
The sound of flowing water was like nature's song. The river moved quickly, and several Flupnis fish swam or jumped through its water. Occasional Scales were rubbed off among some rocks, but would take at least knee-height wading to reach. A tricky task, considering the risk of being hit by one of the solidly-built fish or toppled by the water's strength.
It was impossible to achieve without getting soaked.
Post by MJ Birdwhistle on May 29, 2023 2:55:53 GMT 10
The sound of the river was nice, even if the water was fast flowing and uninviting. It didn't matter, since MJ spotted the scales she wanted and knew she'd have to get in. Luckily, she considered herself quite a good swimmer. It was something her Granny had insisted was important for them to learn, since they lived near rivers and they could be dangerous.
She stepped into the water, glad she wore a pair of cycling shorts under her skirt so she could tuck it up and away from the water. The chill was immediate and she let out a gasp, standing on the spot for a second.
The current had a slight pull to it but the first set of scales wasn't too far out of reach. The water was up to her calves when she got to them and she tried to bend over without getting too wet. They were beautiful to behold and MJ couldn't stop herself from taking a moment to do so. She tucked them safely into her pocket and looked at the other set.
They were nestled amongst rocks a lot further out and MJ wondered how deep the river would be there. She took a few steps but came to a quick stop as a large fish darted past! MJ's mouth hung out as she watched.
"Woah, they're massive!" She said aloud to no one and, keeping a close eye on their movements (which were too fast to track but she tried), MJ waded towards the other scales. The water chilled up her legs towards her thighs and, regrettable, her shorts were getting soaked.
MJ made an attempt to keep her skirt out of the water since she could just remove the shorts once she was done.
The second set of scales meant she had to plunge her arms into the water, way past her elbows and soaking the rolled up part of her blouse. She watched miserably as her tie came untucked from within her blouse and flopped into the water too.
"Seriously..." But she wasn't too mad. At least she had more scales for her potions kit.
Shivering as she waded out of the water again, MJ put her ingredients safely into the kit in her bag and looked back over the river.
"In for a penny, in for a pound." She sighed, repeating a phrase her Great-Auntie used quite often. If she was this wet, she might as well try catching one of the Flupnis fish for a Citrus Pepper.
MJ wasn't entirely certain about how to go about this. She decided to removed her skirt and set it on top of her robes, leaving her in her blouse and wet shorts. When she was done with the fish, she could put her skirt back on (dry) and remove her shorts (wet).
Satisfied with that thinking process, her gaze went over to the river. Studying the water, she figured she just had to wade out again and hope she could get her hands on one of those monster fish.
So that was exactly what she did. Since she was in her shorts now, she didn't mind getting deeper. MJ wasn't comfortable going beyond her mid-thighs and hoped this was far enough for her to nab a fish.
Last Edit: May 29, 2023 3:09:05 GMT 10 by MJ Birdwhistle
Flupnis fish swam around her as effortlessly as they did the river rocks, as if having memorised MJ's presence as easily as they had the natural area they lived in. Their rainbow scales were stunning, especially in the shine of the overhead sun filtered through the pine trees when the clouds allowed it.
As it looked, MJ supposed she'd best just give it a try -- and make a grab for one. Only then would she know for sure what kind of a task she faced, and if it was going to be as tricky as it looked.
Post by MJ Birdwhistle on May 30, 2023 19:50:29 GMT 10
Time to embrace her inner... Wasn't it the bear that fished salmon out of rivers or something? Yeah, MJ just had to be something like that!
The fish moved fast and their glinting scales were beautiful (and distracting) which made MJ pause for a second. She tried to follow their movements but they seemed unpredictable.
She was just going to have to shove her hands in and hope for the best.
MJ was a chaser! She could do this! Catching things was her forte! Even if the fish was probably more like a struggling Bludger versus the Quaffle she was used to dealing with.
Watching the fish, MJ stuck her arms into the water and tried to grab one.
MJ's attempt to catch one of the fish lasted about two seconds, as it slipped through through her hands as if she wasn't even there. She felt its cool temperature and sleek scales -- comparable to trying to grab wet soap in a tub of water. She needed to be much faster, and much more precise. It didn't help that the sheer size and weight of it put the twelve-year-old at a physical disadvantage... not not impossible.
Post by MJ Birdwhistle on May 31, 2023 1:34:55 GMT 10
"Almost-- There-- No-- Aah!"
A lot of stuff happened in succession but it resulted in MJ falling into the river onto her butt. She let out a groan of protest as she was quickly soaked by the cold water and the fish continued to swim past her without a care in the world.
"So much for being a bear..." She grumbled to herself, making peace with her situation. Maybe being in the water like this would make her task easier?
MJ watched the fish going by, each one sleek and fast. She recalled the sensation of touching the fish, how the scales can felt under her fingers and sighed. They were slippery and definitely had the advantage in size and, well, being made for the water.
She could feel the gentle tug of the current and decided to crouch instead.
With her arms at the ready, MJ watched and watched. A fish passed right in front of her and she pounced, trying to grab it in a hug.
This time, MJ was successful -- able to catch and lift one of the Flupnis from the river.
With its ability to breathe out of water, due to its reserves, the fish was in no danger -- yet panicked, as it didn't know if MJ was going to try and eat it or not. It seemed impossible to keep still, so her challenge was now to keep hold of it long enough to proceed to the next step.
Post by MJ Birdwhistle on May 31, 2023 1:42:27 GMT 10
"Woah!" She held the fish in her arms and felt it struggle. MJ held on tight, not knowing how to really soothe a fish out of water. She knew it wasn't in danger since it had the ability to breathe.
But that didn't help her feel any better about plucking it out of the water. She hugged it in a firm but gentle hold, making soft shushing noises like it was her Great Auntie's cat Madame Bootsie and not a fish.
MJ tried not to feel stupid and was glad no one was around to witness what was happening right now.
"It's okay, I don't want to hurt you. I just need a pepper." MJ rambled while the fish struggled some more. She silently begged it to calm down so she could possibly get a pepper from it.
After a few more seconds passed, MJ risked giving it a few pats on the side while holding on.
The Flupnis was confused when it didn't get eaten, instead listening to the sounds MJ made. It wasn't sure what it meant, but her voice wasn't threatening and it felt rather friendly now. The fish stopped panicking and flailing about, which helped MJ tolerate its weight a little better. Not by much, but better.
Relaxed, it opened its mouth and spat out a Citrus Pepper -- which MJ would have to catch fast if she didn't want to go searching for it among the nooks of the river rocks. She could continue hugging the fish or release it back into the river; the Flupnis certainly to prefer the former.
Post by MJ Birdwhistle on May 31, 2023 1:55:11 GMT 10
It seemed to relax in her arms and MJ felt relieved, until she noticed it had released the pepper that was quickly floating away.
"Uh, uh, uh-- Thank you!" She gently lowered the fish back into the water, but tried to be fast about it too. She was glad when it seemed content to swim away while MJ launched herself as the pepper.
Of course, this meant she was again soaked but she held the pepper out of the water in triumph, following it.
MJ beamed at the sight of it. It was perfect for her potions kit! She pulled herself out of the water and stood on the bank shivering. This had been a far more... involved adventure than she had expected.
She went over to her satchel and did her best to stow her new pepper in her potions kit without getting everything soaked. MJ looked at her skirt and robes with a sigh.
Even knowing they'd get wet, she pulled them on since they would offer some more protection and warmth on her walk back to the castle.
Already she was thinking about a warm shower and a dry set of clothes. She'd think about what else she could do along the way.
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