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.
With the warmer months behind them, November arrived with a murky sky and heavy rain -- not the ideal greeting for those who'd be spending most of the day outside.
Despite the miserable weather -- even for those who'd risen earlier that day, in anticipation for the first Quidditch match of the season, the Great Hall was a bustle of excited activity and chatter. Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws were especially mingled, either in a show of support for their preferred house to win or in eagerness to huddle with friends to share the general hype.
Among the excitement over Quidditch, a few students were scattered around the hall in groups of three or four -- intensely focused, as they bent over moon charts. Tonight would be a Full Moon, which meant zero after-hours wandering on the grounds later.
The only one who got a pass in being out of bed on such a night was Caine Hawke , who received another Detention slip to make up for what happened the night before. This time, he was due to report to the Staff Room after dinner. His detention would be with Professor Hathmore tonight.
Another hot topic still doing the rounds was a copy of the Special Edition of last night's Evening Prophet, which headlined the worldwide and historical Quidditch change, with mixed reactions from avid sports fans or likeminded players. The Snitch capture bonus was dropped from 150 points to 70 points, which affects all official matches -- such as Hogwarts, and the Quidditch World Cup.
In fact, the very first instance of that change would be used in today's match itself.
As rain steadily fell, obscuring views beyond the castle windows and soaking the grounds, most students ran around in raincoats or carried umbrellas -- the latter which some enjoyed the excuse to whack a few ankles with.
While Professors pretended not to notice or hear of it, students were also well aware that 6th year Lucas Mardling accepted bets for today's match. He'd be by the main doors all throughout breakfast; anyone was allowed to place a bet, if willing to part with their Galleons for potential profit.
Quidditch players themselves were awake an hour earlier than the rest of the school, so have already had breakfast. Owl post will also be delivered to them, in due time. It was one of the changes Headmaster Rickard implemented last year. While they were already down by the pitch, everyone else were free to discuss the possible outcomes that awaited Gryffindor or Slytherin after breakfast.
This is a Quidditch day.
Breakfast and dinner will be as per usual, but the entire morning / afternoon period is dedicated to Quidditch. RPG time progresses at the pace of the match, making it a faster # to finish.
No NPC characters (Professors, beasts, ghosts, etc) are available while a match is taking place, aside from maybe a few 6th years, though regular modding is as per usual. Attending the match isn't mandatory, but you likely won't have time to do much else unless you're just chilling with friends or collecting ingredients. The winning team receives party snacks in their common room later to celebrate.
Tonight is a Full Moon; every student who ventures outside the castle at night will immediately be caught and punished, for their own safety.
Post by Lucas Mardling on Jul 24, 2023 22:09:27 GMT 10
Lucas was up as early as Amara and the rest of the Slytherin team, eager to wish his girlfriend good luck at the match today. He then gathered his betting book and headed off to the Great Hall, cringing once he was out of the Dungeons and saw what kind of weather awaited them today.
He was almost tempted to not attend the match at all, but he needed to make money and ensure the betting was done properly.
And, well, Amara would most certainly kill him otherwise.
Hurriedly eating enough breakfast to get him through the day, Lucas headed of to his usual spot to get a start on the betting. He stood by the main doors, just outside the Great Hall; students could find him easily enough, but he wasn't in direct sight of any Professors or nosey Prefects. He had his betting rules and instructions on hand, holding it out for anyone who wasn't sure how it worked. Or needed the reminder.
'Betting on today's match is open,' he said, when another group of noisy and excitable students arrived. 'Who's going to win? Slytherin or Gryffindor? Place your bets now.'
He grinned with all his usual charm and professionalism, making him quite approachable though he did also get a few eyerolls from those who knew better.
In his heart, as always, he hoped Slytherin won today. Not only his house team, but also Amara deserved it -- the season was cut short last year, which was her first as Captain, and he really hoped this year would far better. Even so, Lucas would never risk his life as to bet against his girlfriend's team or their house.
[OOC: betting information and progress are found at the bottom of my Plotter. If you're only betting on which house wins (no outcome bet as well) you can just talk to Lucas, hand over the money, make your bet, etc in one post without waiting on me to reply. If an outcome bet is involved, you must await my response to confirm or deny it.]
Last Edit: Jul 24, 2023 22:17:37 GMT 10 by Lucas Mardling
Post by Lindsey Bryce on Jul 24, 2023 22:30:40 GMT 10
The arrival of the rainy morning had come to little surprise for Lindsey, her highland heart loving the rain that came down along the windows of the castle. Rain was normal in this area of Great Britain and she could recall several seasons of fall where rain just seemed to be the normal day to day. The excitement about Quidditch was very much in the air, filling it with a buzz that made even Lindsey smile.
She hadn't decided if she was going to join the crowds at the pitch or not. With Benjamin on the team, it was likely she might be needed, especially since he had gotten hurt a few times since they had returned to school. Maybe it wasn't a bad idea to go? Maybe she could speak to the Healer about sitting near by? She doubted it would be something she could do, but she knew the entrance to the pitch, so she could at least be near by.
She filled her place and listened to the running gossip that seemed to stir, especially about the whole new Quiddich news about the snitch no longer being 150 points. Well, that was a new change and maybe welcomed? Maybe it would give the teams a better chance of a match.
Sarah basically skipped to the Great Hall for breakfast. It was finally Quidditch day and it was Gryffindor against Slytherin. She hoped that her house would hammer those pretentious snakes so hard they'd never recover.
She read about the new Quidditch rule, which Sarah thought was really unfair and useless. Sure, the snitch was worth a lot of points, but that just meant good Seekers were really the best, right?
The girl stopped at the older Slytherin boy that was talking about bets.
''I bet 20 galleons on a Gryffindor win,'' Sarah stuck her chin up in defiance, as much as she could. He was quite taller than her.
''And 2 galleons that Gryffindors also get the first goal,'' she added and took some galleons and offered it to the boy.
There were more outcomes she wanted to bet on, but Sarah wasn't sure whether she'd be allowed. They were all for Slytherin's doom.
Post by Lucas Mardling on Jul 24, 2023 23:54:45 GMT 10
'Shocker,' Lucas said, laced with sarcasm, when he heard the small Gryffindor's bets. 'Okay. 20 Galleons bet... ah, no need to bet an amount for the outcome; that's part of the deal. And its fee is 3 Galleons. So, overall that'll be 28 Galleons.'
He held out his hand for the money, keeping a close eye on her to make sure it was the right amount. Lucas had his coin pouch ready, and was always thankful for the interior expansive charms. It wasn't even heavy, yet he was making good progress towards his goals for graduation.
Post by Reena Ashworth on Jul 25, 2023 2:16:56 GMT 10
Reena had taken one glance outside the windows on her way here and decided that today was not the day to sit in the stands and cheer. She felt bad though. Could she really miss Kody's first match?
She supposed she could stop by briefly, at least.
Reena sighed and tucked her nose into her scarf as she approached the doors to the Great Hall.
"Mornin' Lucas," she greeted brightly while furraging in her pockets. She acknowledged the other students around him with the smallest nod possible, just enough to not come off as impolite.
"25 Galleons on Slytherin win, and that Gryffindor's keeper saves Slytherin's first goal attempt."
She trusted that Kody had a good chance to stand his ground against Rushton - yet she would not go as far as betting against Amara's team. She could only hope Amara did not play as Chaser again this match, in that case she'd very likely lose her second bet.
Reena produced some shiny galleons from her pocket and started counting - what was the fee again?
"Let's hope the weather clears up a bit," she said in a casual tone, as though it was just her and her friend at the entrance right now.
Last Edit: Jul 25, 2023 2:18:21 GMT 10 by Reena Ashworth
''As if anyone'd want to bet on you, snakes,'' Sarah snarled and quickly counted the appropriate amount of Galleons. She practically threw them to the older Slytherin boy and hoped that Slytherin would lose out by a lot.
Sarah glared at the older boy and then at another snake girl that joined the pair, before she scampered off to the Gryffindor table. Stupid snakes.
She wanted to catch some of the match, though Sarah wouldn't say no to going another round or two in the dueling chamber. The young Gryffindor got bit by that dueling bug and now all she wanted to do was put people on the butts.
Sarah pilfered one apple from the table, for munching during the match, then piled her plate full of bread, which she slathered with jam and different kind of fruits. She enthusiastically dug in, looking around for anyone she knew.
Post by Joshua Twiggs on Jul 25, 2023 2:32:17 GMT 10
Eyes fixed at the enchanted ceiling, he nodded his head to a beat of music that was randomly stuck on his mind. Joshua wasn't even sure what song it belonged to.
Was it the one Caine had shown him on his sheet music some time ago?
Speaking of - Joshua turned his attention towards the Entrance of the Great Hall, as he put some scrambled eggs onto his plate. Caine should be free to sit with him today, as Benjamin had to be at the pitch already.
Unless, of course, Caine had decided to go out early to support him.
Nah. Caine'd probably swagger in any moment, placing some sort of ridiculous bet on Benjamin as show of support instead. Joshua himself would have loved to bet on his sister, had he any Galleons to spare.
Glancing back at the enchanted ceiling, Joshua hoped the weather would stay like this. Gryffindor seemed to always fare better in tougher conditions than the others and he really wanted to see his sister win today. Even with the change in the rule books.
That would be interesting to see, as it elevated the importance of a single goal -- which made his own position more important as well.
Joshua tried not to sweat as he thought about having his team rely on him more to save against the other teams' Chasers from here on out. It would be fine though, right? That was what every Keeper went through with these changes.
His fingers absentmindedly started strumming to the beat in his mind and he took a sip of his hot cocoa. He wondered if he should try to learn some weather spells.
Last Edit: Jul 25, 2023 2:32:49 GMT 10 by Joshua Twiggs
Post by Amber Lloyd on Jul 25, 2023 2:45:29 GMT 10
A tired Amber shuffled herself into the Great Hall, as her chess lesson had gone on until late at night. She let her gaze wander through the rows of chipper students - until she stopped at the sight of a familiar Hufflepuff. That perked her up a bit and with a smile she made her way towards him.
On her way she heard different shreds of conversations, the topic was of course mostly Quidditch. She was curious what her friends would say to the implementation of the new Snitch rule. She for once liked the change – it would definitely make the game more interesting!
With a cheery "Morning!" she flopped down next to Joshua, but had to yawn before she could say more. For a moment she eyed his fingers.
“What song is that?” she asked with a grin, before she remembered she actually wanted to ask another thing. Amber gave her friend a nudge, leaned over a bit to him and whispered, as it was a topic she wanted other students not to hear of
"Did you have a chance to find your siblings yesterday? For your card?"
It still had been on her mind and she wanted to make sure Joshua was alright, as it had been quite important to him. And she felt a bit bad for not helping him more yesterday than she had, although she had constantly kept an eye open for his family.
And if she didn't ask now, it would drown in the whole Quidditch hype. She just hoped it wouldn’t put him in a bad mood…
Post by Caine Hawke on Jul 25, 2023 3:27:14 GMT 10
He was in no mood. Up late, chasing strangers, and then getting another detention for his efforts, Caine came into the great hall looking a whole mess. Hair askew, tired as all get out, but here!
He looked around for a moment before finding his favorite redhead and Ravenclaw, sliding into a seat across from Joshua with a sidelong look. They spoke of Josh's siblings and, for a moment, he was confused but... it was his own fault, wasn't it? That he didn't help yesterday.
But it wasn't about him right now. Instead he watched his friends, gathering some bacon and eggs, stuffing his face to keep quiet. He was content just to be with them.
"Do I know that song?" he asked Joshua with a smile, glad to hear that he wasn't the only one that hummed along to things he didn't remember... but he remembered that one well enough.
With a loud, signaling screech, hundreds of soaked owls swooped into the Great Hall to deliver the Daily Prophet -- as well as any letters or packages from home, which were miraculously rather dry. Which couldn't be said about those unfortunate enough to have an owl shake themself dry in front of them, or when one came crashing into goblets of pumpkin juice -- their navigation skewered from the ordeal of flying long distances in the rain.
As was becoming their new normal, the front page of the Daily Prophet stirred quite a commotion of chattering and reactions. For some, it dampened their Quidditch spirits in a way the heavy rain outside had yet to achieve. The loudest noise came from those studying moon charts -- with several of said charts getting thrown aside or given more intense notice.
Professor Archerose was so furious at the front page that he stormed out of the Great Hall. A bit shocking, as few had ever even heard him raise his voice let alone make such a drastic exit.
Several other Professors also left the hall, though breakfast hadn't ended just yet. Were the owls early today? Or was the Headmaster simply giving everyone a little longer to remain dry and well-fed? Perhaps in hope that Madam Graysteel would deem the conditions unsuitable for hosting a match, though those with any Quidditch knowledge knew a rainy day was probably nothing to her.
He loved reading your letters, especially about Quidditch. He says Hogwarts is very fortunate to have Nadia Graysteel instructing, as she's one of the best. Though it's amazing in itself that she even agreed to the post. It's not the first time someone's tried to recruit her, even Hogwarts, and she'd always turned them down.
Your father's still resting, so he couldn't write to you himself. Not to worry, he'll be right as rain soon enough. Just been a very tiring ordeal. It's perhaps best not to talk about Burnt Hill over owl, but it was mostly routine. Until it wasn't. Your father was there because they needed backup, and he's quite talented in these situations. You'd be proud; he handled it very well.
Try not to worry too much about all of that. Your father has it handled. The healers at Saint Mungo's did an excellent job, and gave him a clean bill of health. He'll be back to his usual self by Christmas, so you can give him a big hug then.
Wishing your sister all the best in her match against Slytherin today! Unfortunately, we won't be able to make it. Please give her a big hug from us after the match, won't you? No matter how wins, we've no doubt she's giving it her best and playing well.
The answers to most of that lies with your Potions Kit. Though Zvegujbbq isn't listed, it can be found around Hogwarts. It's one of those things that, the harder you search for it, the more elusive it becomes. I've only ever stumbled upon it by chance, on the grounds and further from the castle.
Yes, I heard what happened at Oheag Uvyy. I would say it is mostly coincidental. There are far greater concerns for you and your siblings than that --things which are closer or more intertwined than they seem. But you're right to suspect everything. Stay alert. Things (and people) aren't always as they appear.
I do ivfvg lbhe zbgure. I daresay her garden depends on it. But it's just me, and an old friend from Hogwarts, though she'd rather we keep that between us (and not your Grandparents).
If you're asking for safety concerns, I assure you that only those of oybbq eryngvba to you kids can cnff through the jneqf, unless she physically allows them to cross with her. Lbhe cneragf made absolutely sure that they're the only ones who can control or even manipulate the jneqf.
How are your studies going? Try not to lose focus, even though the Christmas holidays aren't too far away now. I wish Kody all the best in his first Quidditch match today, though it's up to you if you tell him that for me or not. I'm not sure how much they know. Anyway, I've no doubt he'll do well. He is his father's son, after all.
How is everyon doing? I hope Jaxen isn't too stressed by his NEWT year, nor you by your OWLs. Serious as they may be, your well-being comes first. Eat and rest well, first and foremost. Keep in touch, and please let me know if there's anything I can help with. Big or small, and no matter how you feel about it, that doesn't matter; there's no harm in asking. I want to repay my debts, however I can.
Brew those nagvqbgrf, in the meantime. We'll talk again soon. Perhaps va crefba, if I can arrange it.
From: Antoninus
Breakfast is still ongoing, though will end very soon. Please place your bets ASAP, if wanting to.
Post by MJ Birdwhistle on Jul 25, 2023 18:49:45 GMT 10
MJ sat at the Ravenclaw table just in time to catch her copy of the Daily Prophet. She slathered some strawberry jam over a few slices of toast and read over the main article first.
Despite being in her second year of magic school, it was still fascinating to her to know that things like Werewolves were real. She wrinkled her nose though, at Werewolves being registered like they were dogs or something.
Were Purebloods registered? Muggleborns like herself? Were there other part-creatures or whatever they might be classified as that had to be registered? A wizard with a wand was just as dangerous as a werewolf, as far as she was concerned.
She studied the other article titles noted at the bottom of the paper too. Seems like there was trouble for the Goblins too! No end to bad news, it seemed.
MJ wondered about the dragon eggs before she turned to the feature about pets. She had Woozle, of course, and loved him dearly but it would be a fun read for the rest of breakfast before she would head off for the Quidditch match.
Yes, she wasn't playing today but that wouldn't stop MJ from enjoying the game.
And it would be good to see how the Gryffindor and Slytherin teams were faring before she'd face them later in the season.
Post by Thorne Perry on Jul 25, 2023 19:38:35 GMT 10
Thorne yawned his way into breakfast a little late, but he managed and that was the important thing. He munched his way through a plate of bacon, eggs and beans as he reflected - in slight melancholy - that most of the school was going to be distracted by today's Quidditch match.
Ah well. He was a good friend. He could support interests even if he didn't share them.
He snagged a newspaper when it landed, wrinkling his nose at the headlines a bit. It didn't seem right, but in his sleepy state he didn't think he could quite put his finger on why. It just didn't sit right.
His dozy brain slithered away from the more serious article onto What Is The Right Pet For You in self defense, though he didn't truly need to read that one. He already had the perfect pet, thanks!
Post by Lucas Mardling on Jul 25, 2023 22:10:36 GMT 10
'Good morning, Reena.' Lucas gave his friend a more genuine smile, while holding out his hand for her Galleons. '33 Galleons, huh? Good luck.'
He checked it anyway, out of habit. Marking it down, he was relieved that Reena hadn't risked getting herself into trouble by betting against her own house. Not that they thought Slytherin couldn't win, of course, but one could never be too careful with a Captain like Amara. Plus, the whole house pride unity thing and all.
'That I wouldn't bet on.' He sighed, resisting a whine at the mention of the awful weather. 'Good thing I have an umbrella...' Lucas muttered the last part, though wasn't optimistic.
He'd ignored the parting words and rude gesture of the Gryffindor brat, as to maintain his charming demeanor at the moment. He hoped she tripped on her way to the Pitch and fell in some mud or something. Stupid lions.
Hearing the familiar sound of owls, Lucas went to peer into the Great Hall. Was it time already? He hadn't taken many bets yet... oh well, that's their loss, he supposed. He didn't care for the Daily Prophet, as it was just a distraction on days like this, and he could easily snatch a copy later. Lucas kept an eye out for any last-minute bets, but had a feeling he'd be packing up shortly.
Once the owls were there, it was usually time to get moving.
With an increase of excited chatter, despite the equal dread of having go out in the rain, students hurried from the Great Hall to make their way onto the muddy grounds towards the Quidditch pitch. Lucas Mardling was no longer taking bets; the match would be starting soon.