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.
I'm really happy I got your permission for Quidditch. And I already have good news: I got a spot at the Gryffindor team, as Chaser! I don't know if Kamari would like to tell you herself, but I just spoil it for you now: She got in as well, same position! How funny is that?
Regarding the broom, I'll have to think a bit about which one I want to have. But I will tell you in time!
I just really wanted to tell you this and also reply to the rest of your letter.
I have to disappoint Aunt Taraji, there was no conspiracy with our letters. Kamari and I found out about that coincidence only at dinner the very same day! Kamari also told me there what Ringwald has done. I hope, you scolded him properly. That is no way to play pranks!
And I wanted to let you know, Mama, that Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff will actually play tomorrow! I will definitely watch the match, so I will write you the outcome! But I'm really curious why you want to cheer them on when they are paired like that, and not when they are playing against Slytherin?
Also, today I saw something awesome: a dragon! A real one! Only from a distance, but still!
Don't worry, it was harmless. It just flew a round around the castle, being curious. And huge and majestic! But it also looked hurt and weird. I didn't recognise the breed. What do you think, where would such a rare dragon normally live or come from?
I have to get going, but I'll write to you again soon!
Love, Alora
After sending the letter off with a nice owl, Alora pondered over what to do next. Ingredient hunting for her potions kit? She was somewhat reluctant to do that right now… She wanted to do something challenging, preferably against another person.
Right, wasn’t there a way to do that at Hogwarts? She had heard about the Duellist Chamber before, though never had the chance to try it. Now was time for it then!
Quickly, Alora made her way to the Chamber, dropped her bag at the entrance and took a look around first. There was enough space to train and some dummies as well. But how would you go about a duel? And how would you find someone to duel with?
A bit lost, Alora just played with her coin in her hand, making it appear and disappear via magic – Muggle magic.
Last Edit: Sept 7, 2023 3:28:51 GMT 10 by Alora Sagemore
Post by Martha Twiggs on Sept 7, 2023 4:06:30 GMT 10
While the class trip had taken a lot out of Martha (and forced her to change when she got back to the Castle), there was still lots of time left in the afternoon and she didn't want to waste it.
Duelling was one of her favourite hobbies and Martha was itching to face off against someone.
When she entered, there were a few others duelling but she only saw one person waiting for an opponent. The girl seemed very young, probably her youngest brother's age and Martha felt uneasy about challenging her.
She approached the Gryffindor and was quickly enamoured by the trick she was doing with the coin, "That's very cool -- did you teach yourself to do that?"
It was a kind of magic itself and Martha hoped the younger girl didn't mind her sudden approach, "Hi, I'm Martha. You... You're not looking to duel, by any chance? I'm here to find an opponent if you don't mind facing me?"
Maybe it would be seen as unfair but Martha was quite rusty. It felt like she hadn't duelled in a very long time so who knew, this kid could teach her a thing or two.
Post by Alora Sagemore on Sept 7, 2023 4:33:17 GMT 10
Alora had watched how a few other students were duelling, though still didn’t really have a clue how to start. She looked up from her coin as an older Hufflepuff girl approached her and smiled.
She immediately liked the girl’s hair, red and curly. Not as curly as her own, but curls were great regardless! And she even liked her coin trick!
That was enough for Alora to immediately like the Hufflepuff.
“My Papa taught me this trick!” Alora said proudly.
She let the coin disappear again, then stood on her tiptoes, trying to be as tall as possible to reach Martha’s ear, just to realise it wasn’t enough. Therefore, Alora adjusted her trick and let the coin appear again behind the red hair, showing it Martha. She grinned.
“Nice to meet you, Martha! I’m Alora!” She answered cheerfully. “I actually want to try out duelling, but I don’t really know how to go about it. Maybe you could teach me then?”
Of course, Martha had said she searched for an opponent, but would she be willing to teach a beginner? Alora herself wouldn’t mind, she would challenge anyone, though perhaps Martha did. And as Alora didn’t want to let this chance slide, she looked up at Martha with big pleading eyes, almost puppy-like.
Post by Martha Twiggs on Sept 7, 2023 4:48:56 GMT 10
"Oh! That is so cool, your dad sounds like a lot of fun! Mine is too." Martha smiled at the younger girl and listened as she talked about wanting to duel but uncertain where to begin.
"I'd love to teach you, Alora! I assume you don't have any experience at all? I'll start from the very beginning then..." She took out her wand and started to explain in the Ins and Outs of duelling.
Martha explained how the challenger would go first and cast an offensive or defensive spell, whoever lost the round would cast first for the next round and then shrugs, "Sometimes it's easier to learn how it works by doing it if you want to give it a go?"
She gestured, "We'll stand at either end and bow to each other, then you can cast first. How does that sound?"
Hopefully the girl felt reassured and confident about taking the plunge but if she wanted more explained to her, Martha was willing to help. It was fun teaching younger students about things like this and it filled her with pride to know she was guiding this young girl in duelling.
Post by Alora Sagemore on Sept 7, 2023 5:00:36 GMT 10
Alora put her coin away and eagerly listened to Martha, nodding at her explanations. At first, it seemed a lot of information at once, but the Hufflepuff girl was great at teaching her the basics. And she guessed, the rest would fall into place. “Practise sounds good!” She smiled brightly and took her place at the proposed position right away.
Alora grabbed her wand tightly, bowed to Martha and looked if she was ready as well. Then she cast her first spell in the direction of her opponent, curious what would happen next.
Last Edit: Sept 7, 2023 5:03:40 GMT 10 by Alora Sagemore
Post by Alora Sagemore on Sept 7, 2023 14:08:56 GMT 10
Alora had tried to put all her might into her spell, but it didn’t seem enough. Martha’s defence was great and she just flung the spell back at the little Gryffindor, causing her to stumble back a bit.
"Awesome!"
She was amazed by that; to turn the spell back to the opponent in such a way, she needed to remember that!
But her first goal was to actually hit Martha with a spell, so she needed to cast again. And would do it until she was successful. In any case, it was her turn again, if she remembered right.
“Alright, next try!” Alora said out loud determined and cast another spell.
Last Edit: Sept 7, 2023 14:10:58 GMT 10 by Alora Sagemore
Post by Martha Twiggs on Sept 7, 2023 20:02:56 GMT 10
There was a rush of force and Martha felt herself being pushed back -- and so she grinned.
"That was brilliant, Alora. I think you're getting the hang of it now!" She praised the younger girl. Martha righted herself and went back to the spot she had been standing in.
"Since I lost, I'll go first this time." Though it was evident Alora knew how the turn system went now.
She pictured duelling her youngest brother, Tobias, so she didn't try to cast anything too powerful. She was a prefect and it wouldn't look well if she hurt one of the children.
Hopefully if Alora noticed, she wouldn't be too mad. This was just a practice duel after all and Martha didn't think (or rather, she hoped not) Alora would need to know how to defend herself in a life or death situation just yet.
"Brace yourself." Martha called as she raised her wand and cast a spell towards the Gryffindor.
Last Edit: Sept 7, 2023 20:10:06 GMT 10 by Martha Twiggs
Post by Alora Sagemore on Sept 7, 2023 21:31:20 GMT 10
Alora grinned with proud as she managed to push back the older girl a bit - and even got praised!
"Yeah, I guess I do!" She said cheerfully and nodded at Martha's next words.
She took Martha's advice and braced herself for the incoming spell. She concentrated and observed her opponents movement.
Alora saw the spell flying at her and tried to deflect it like Martha had done earlier.
She was surprised that she had actually managed to do that, though only partially. The spell had so much force that it still pushed Alora back, letting her stumble in turn.
Normally, a person wouldn't fall from this little push, but it was Alora. While she made a step back, her feet instantly got entangled in each other and she fell on her butt, not able to manage any of her impressive savings this time.
But as she sat there, she just grinned.
"That was great! Did you see that?"
Alora just jumped back up to her feet and went back to her position.
"Alright, my turn then!"
She flicked her wand and send another spell towards Martha.
Alora cast an offensive spell (score: 4), but Martha's defensive spell (score: 6) overpowers it. Alora -- Free-RP the outcome of your choice. Martha wins the round and then the match.
Post by Alora Sagemore on Sept 8, 2023 5:02:49 GMT 10
Alora quite liked how her spell had turned out. It felt like it head enough force behind it and steered in the right direction. Everything seemed to be going well – until it hit Martha’s shield.
It didn’t even make a dent in it; it just bounced right back at Alora. As is aimed at her stomach, she automatically leaned away to dodge it, but in the process, the spell grazed her hand, causing her wand to slip from her grip and fall to the ground.
Amazed, she looked at her wand and then at Martha, grinning. Her eyes glistened with excitement as she enjoyed duelling with the Hufflepuff girl. Learning and having fun at the same time? Awesome!
“That was great! Would you like to go for another round? I’d love to practise more! It would be your turn to start then, right?”
Alora bubbled with enthusiasm, readying her wand for another round if Martha agreed.
Post by Martha Twiggs on Sept 8, 2023 5:10:04 GMT 10
Martha winced as Alora was hit with the spell and looked worried, "Are you okay...?"
She hoped so. Martha approached the younger girl and checked her over but she, admittedly, wasn't skilled in Healing magic. But she seemed fine and Martha was relieved.
"Alright, you're on." She laughed, glad that Alora was keen to go again. Martha went back to her spot at the other end of the duelling strip and raised her wand.
"You're picking up the basics very quickly, good luck this time." Martha hoped Alora would fare better, to help encourage her and build her confidence.
Martha aimed her wand and flicked her wrist, sending a spell towards the Gryffindor.
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