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 warmer months were truly behind them now, as November was almost over. For those anticipating being outside most of the day, there were moments of apprehension at the sky's uncertainty of if it should bring them rain and gloom. Thankfully, the wariness soon lifted -- and only patches of fluffy, white clouds lazily drifted across the sun.
Not the best weather, especially with the lowering temperatures that brought out scarves and mittens and cloaks -- but no rain. No storm. It was good enough.
Yesterday was quite the ordeal, having included the rare event of night classes or otherwise. Many students arrived with low energy and still a bit sleepy, or wishing they'd secured a few extra hours of rest. But even if a bit subdued or quieter in parts, the excitement for today's match brought a familiar bustle of activity and chatter.
A direct opposite of the morning of the previous match, Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws were firmly separated and among their own supporters. Gryffindors were the most mingled, and left their house table a bit shockingly bare. Slytherins were the least different, though most of their support tended to lean towards Ravenclaw. If at all; many Slytherins refused to forget the sheer lack of support they received last match, from all of the other houses.
But Quidditch was only one of the three main interests today. The Christmas holidays would officially start tomorrow -- though in the hearts of many students, it may as well already be here. And of course, who could possibly forget the shocking event of having a literal dragon fly over the school yesterday?
Students began to stir as these conversation circled. The noise in the Great Hall continued to climb, to the point that Professors had to remind them more than a few times to tone it down.
Several older students rushed about in various states of moods or embarrassment, as the approaching Founder's Ball had them anxious about finding dates. Some were willing to leave it to the last minute, but others refused to put their fate in the hands of chance or slim pickings.
Professor Traddles was the most distracted in the hall, with trying to convince Professor McGonagall to accept some excessively-thick grey mittens. They looked rather handmade, but she was not particularly keen on the gift -- either because he wouldn't explain why or she rather disagreed with the explanation given.
While Professors pretended not to notice or hear of it, as always -- students were 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, and already had breakfast. Owl post would be delivered to them, in due time. While they were down by the pitch, everyone else was free to discuss the possible outcomes that awaited Hufflepuff or Ravenclaw after breakfast.
Or share their plans for the upcoming holidays.
Or compile further theories as to that whole dragon situation. Seriously, an actual dragon flew over Hogwarts!
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.
Post by Lucas Mardling on Oct 23, 2023 16:05:32 GMT 10
Lucas grumbled as he left the Slytherin table, bundled in his Slytherin scarf yet still refusing to wear his robes. It was getting colder and soon he'd have no choice than to blanket himself wherever he went. But for one more day, he'd endure it. Even if half his face was hidden by the stripes of his scarf.
He gathered his betting book, and headed to his usual space outside the main doors of the Great Hall -- a little off to the side, as to not tempt any Professors or Prefects into breaking away from minding their own business. 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.
It was only the second match of the season, but he was still tempted to skip the match... if not for the fact he needed to make money. And it was a matter of reputation by this point.
'Betting on today's match is open,' he said, waving a bit stiffly in his regret not to wear mittens. They were in his bag somewhere... 'Who's going to win? Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff? Place your bets now.'
He grinned with all his usual charm and professionalism -- it made him quite approachable, though he got the usual eyerolls from those who knew better. Some of it was hampered by his scarf though, and Lucas could not find it within him to care.
It was bloody cold!
[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: Oct 23, 2023 16:11:52 GMT 10 by Lucas Mardling
Post by Martha Twiggs on Oct 23, 2023 18:10:12 GMT 10
Martha didn't look like she had slept well -- because she hadn't.
Joshua's first Quidditch match of the season had caused her to have some interesting and sad dreams about things that probably would never happen. Especially not with Sophia there to look after the team.
Still, her head throbbed a little (and her butt from falling out of bed, something she hoped no one outside their dorm would know about) and she wasn't looking forward to a day spend watching the brutal sport.
Despite this, she made a beeline for Lucas Mardling.
While not a fan of the Slytherin, she knew he had some sort of weird betting thing going on and she thought it would be a good way to make some quick money if she was clever about her bets.
"Morning Lucas, I'd like to place some bets. Five Galleons on Hufflepuff Winning over all, five galleons on Hufflepuff scoring at least sixty points, five for Hufflepuff catching the Snitch and five galleons on Hufflepuff saving at least three goals. Is that possible?" She already had the money to hand for Lucas to accept if he wanted to.
She tried not to think about how much money she was willingly handing away but she had hope that some of it would come back to her, maybe doubled or more. She stared at Lucas and hoped he wouldn't do her dirty.
Then she'd need to think about breakfast but her stomach turned. She just hoped Sophia was down at the pitch and all sorted for the day ahead -- the damp spot on her robes as a testament to their friendship did make her smile.
Post by William Doren on Oct 23, 2023 18:16:48 GMT 10
William came into the Great Hall impeccably dressed and uninterested in the clamour happening at his House table. Quidditch day, bah. What a waste. He wouldn't be caught dead in those stands watching that pointless sport.
He sat in his usual area towards the end of the Slytherin table, closest to the doors. That way he could make a quick escape when he was done eating.
Breakfast this morning would be sensible as always -- some porridge with a spot of jam, two slices of toast with butter and a boiled egg. William knew that eating balanced meals was important and skipping meals was simply unthinkable.
In his mind, someone would have to be some kind of uneducated dolt to think skipping breakfast, the very foundation of the day ahead, was a good idea.
With his head bowed, William kept his thoughts to himself and silently hoped no one would engage him in conversation. He'd await the Owl Post and hope for news that the Ministry finally saw sense and his parents were released.
Oh, and the newspaper, he liked to keep up with current affairs (even if he found some of them to be tedious and not worth the column space). He reached forward and grabbed an apple and some nuts, keeping them next to his plate as he continued to eat his porridge.
Post by Kody Ashworth on Oct 23, 2023 18:20:17 GMT 10
Normally Kody was quite content to sit at his own House table for Breakfast but he snaked his way towards the Ravenclaw table and stuck out like a sore thumb.
Like a tomato amongst some blueberries... Speaking of blueberries, were those blueberry pancakes? He shovelled three onto a plate and drowned them in maple syrup. And then, as an after-thought, added some bacon.
He hoped at least one sibling would spot him and choose to sit with him. Kody couldn't remember if they had made the arrangement to sit together again but he had a feeling something was going to happen today.
Not because it was Quidditch day (and he was excited to go cheer for Ravenclaw) but because he had a weird feeling.
Kody wasn't concentrating enough on it to pinpoint why he felt weird or what the weird feeling really was. It settled in his gut while he chewed a big mouthful of pancake and stared off into space.
Post by Lucas Mardling on Oct 23, 2023 18:32:00 GMT 10
Lucas' charm dropped fast at the sight of a Prefect badge pinned to an approaching student's robes. He tugged his scarf down a bit, ready to tell them to sod off, when instead he was given a bet. By a Prefect? Who... oh, of course.
A Twiggs.
He listened carefully to Martha's bets, trying to keep them straight in his head. Thankfully, he didn't have to rely on that -- and jotting them down on some spare parchment to review it. Oh, how he would love to take advantage of the fact she didn't seem to read his instructions well and intended to over-pay him. It would be easy, he reckoned, to just take the money.
But if she ever found out... no, that would harm his entire deal-making reputation. Best not to risk it, especially not when she was a Prefect. He could push his luck only so far with his whole betting thing.
'Actually, the first outcome bet is covered by your main bet fee,' Lucas explained, his spirits dampened by his honesty and losing out on money she could have foolishly handed over. 'Then each outcome bed after that is only 3 Galleons each. So you total is...'
Five for his fee. Five for the bet. Then 3 per extra outcome bet. Math was second nature to him, but it was never fun to have to work his brain so hard early in the morning. Thankfully, he'd already had his fill of breakfast so wasn't running on an empty stomach.
'16 Galleons,' Lucas said, holding out his hand. He was tempted to just take it, given that she was ready to hand over more than enough, but supposed manners were still relevant. 'Quite a lot of faith you're putting on Hufflepuff.'
He was amused by that, and not at all optimistic for her winnings. Which meant he was optimistic about keeping his Galleons. Ravenclaw were a tough house to compete against at Quidditch, as even Amara had admitted to.
Last Edit: Oct 23, 2023 18:33:19 GMT 10 by Lucas Mardling
Post by Martha Twiggs on Oct 23, 2023 18:35:59 GMT 10
Martha raised a brow but smiled, "Thanks for being honest, as you can probably tell this is my first time doing something like this."
She handed over the amount he mentioned and nodded, "Of course, Sophia is on the team and Caine and Joshua are going to be shaped into excellent players under her wing."
Of course, she didn't mention Sophia's tragic start to the day because that would be a betrayal, "Thank you, Lucas. Have a nice day."
Martha turned and headed for the Hufflepuff table now and let out a sigh once she was far away from the Slytherin boy. He might not have been as bad to deal with like Amara but she still didn't fully like him.
There was just something weaselly about him.
She sat at her House table and looked at the spread of food in front of her. She'd be silly not to eat something as it would be a long day at the Quidditch Pitch so she grabbed a glass and filled it with milk. Then she opted for a few pastries.
The pecan plait was calling her name and Martha let out a happy sound as she bit into it. Delicious!
Post by Ryan Barrow on Oct 23, 2023 18:48:18 GMT 10
Ryan arrived rather pale-faced to Breakfast. He lingered off by a wall, watching the huge doors and paying closed attention to the scary-tall older Slytherin. He'd had bad run-ins with types like that last year, but couldn't remember if that Deal Kid was one of them.
He had to do this. Ryan had wrestled with himself all the way down those five million stair of the Ravenclaw Tower. He simply did not want to watch Quidditch today. Joe was on the team, so he was fairly sure not going was committing some sort of best friend crime, and even one of his other classmates were playing, but Ryan didn't sleep well and had too much to think about for the holidays.
The idea of sitting in noisy crowds all day was the worst. He tried -- he really, really tried to support his best friends in their bizarre love of Quidditch but his ears phantom ached at the mere thought of suffering through all that noise again. He'd secretly been glad when the season was cancelled last year.
He couldn't do this all year. But Ryan hadn't talked to his friends yet, as Joe got up too early and Toby was off in Gryffindor. Ryan felt bad though, so he had to make it up to Joe somehow.
Ryan looked down at the precious Galleons in his hands, biting his lip. Steeling his resolve, he nervously marched over to the Slytherin guy and offered his money.
'Ten Galleons on Ravenclaw winning, please,' he said, pretending not to notice the waver in his voice that gave him away. 'And I want to bet that Jonathan King scores at least five goals.'
Statistically, he wasn't optimistic, but it didn't matter. Ryan was making his bet as a show of faith and loyalty, and hopefully that would be enough to make up for not cheering Joe on from the stands. Toby would probably be there doing enough of that for the two of them, right? Should he go find Toby and make sure?
'Please,' he added, just in case politeness helped. Even though Ryan stared at his shoes by that point, his hands still shakily holding out his money.
Post by Lucas Mardling on Oct 23, 2023 18:55:49 GMT 10
'Yeah, I can tell. Happy to be your first.' Lucas gave her a cheeky wink, then bit back a chuckle. 'It's quite obvious you're new to this, but I deal fair. 16 Galleons.'
He accepted her money, though was rather baffled by the kind interaction -- even the gratitude. Nah, she was probably just being polite. It always amazed him how different Martha and Amelia were.
Saved from having to reply anything back, Lucas focused on the tiny brat approaching him. The kid was clearly nervous, though Lucas didn't comment and simply nodded at the offered bets. A friend of King, no doubt. Come to think of it, he did look familiar. But over time, everyone did.
'15 Galleons,' Lucas confirmed, taking the kid's money and double-checking it. 'All right.'
He stored it away in his enchanted pouch, then glanced towards the Grand Staircase in hope that more students would arrive to take bets soon. Breakfast didn't last forever, and he had money to make. Sometimes he wondered if he should give them more time, but he was cranky enough having to stand around and do this every Quidditch morning.
If they missed out, well... as far as Lucas was concerned, that was their own fault.
Last Edit: Oct 23, 2023 19:04:48 GMT 10 by Lucas Mardling
Post by Ryan Barrow on Oct 23, 2023 18:59:27 GMT 10
Ryan flinched when his money was taken, then sighed in relief that it was all over. He nodded at the Slytherin, then hurried towards the Great Hall.
Tucking his robes closer around himself from cold, Ryan keenly eyed the Gryffindor table in search of Toby. Where as he? There was simply too much going on, and too many people running about, to spot his best friend. Ryan didn't even know if the Gryffindor table was his best bet or if Toby had gone to Ravenclaw in search of him or to support their house, since Joe was on it and playing today.
Reluctantly, Ryan headed to his own house table -- hoping Toby would find him there. It was safer than sitting awkwardly at a house that wasn't his, with no friendly company around him. He settled near the end, to be in better sight of anyone who came through the doors.
Craving scrambled eggs, he devoured his food now free of guilt after having placed his bets. Hopefully Joe would understand, and appreciate the gesture.
Post by Alora Sagemore on Oct 23, 2023 19:53:54 GMT 10
Even though Alora herself wasn’t playing today, she still was excited. It was Quidditch after all!
Perhaps she should take the time to study more for Potions or Transfiguration, or practise duelling, but the sport had somewhat a priority. And she had promised her Mama she would tell her about the match. Couldn’t do that if she didn’t go, right?
While making her way to the Great Hall, her nose buried into her scarf, Alora wondered if Kamari would watch the match as well. Well, if she saw her, she would ask.
As she steered towards the main doors of the Great Hall, she noticed the older Slytherin, taking bets. She had heard about it beforehand and found it interesting…
For a brief moment, Alora pondered if she could allow herself to do that, especially as a Sagemore. But as it was somewhat of a challenge and other students participated in it as well…
Alora shrugged with a grin and her head held high she strut towards Mardling. Her eyes skimmed the rules, then she looked up at him with confidence.
“Morning! I'd like to bet... ten Galleons on… Ravenclaw winning. And… the first goal goes to Ravenclaw”, Alora made her bet up on the spot, without thinking too much about it beforehand.
She didn’t really have a preference today, but as she knew some of her classmates were on the team – and heard they were quite something – she automatically bet on them.
“Would that be alright?” Alora asked to make sure her addition was specific enough to count as a bet, holding the money in her hands, then waited for the Slytherin’s answer, not intimidated at all.
Post by Reena Ashworth on Oct 23, 2023 20:04:58 GMT 10
Reena gave Lucas a smile as she passed him by, yet did not stop to place any bets today. None of her siblings nor friends were playing and she didn't keep up with the teams enough to make any sensible guesses regarding the match's outcome.
With a sigh, she turned her back on her own house table and walked towards the Ravenclaw one. With Lucas being busy, there was no one there for her to sit with and she had spotted Kody at the Ravenclaw table.
She rolled her eyes at a group of third years in Ravenclaw face-paint and sat down next to her brother, doing her best to look polite.
Post by Kody Ashworth on Oct 23, 2023 20:12:46 GMT 10
At the moment Reena sat down, Kody had just managed to shove half a full pancake into his mouth and his cheeks puffed out like a hamster. He hurried to chew and swallow so he could greet his sister.
"Morbin'!" Well, his mouth was still half full but Reena would be used to this by now, wouldn't she?
He wondered if she was going to watch the Quidditch match today... Did she have any friends in Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff to support? Kody honestly hadn't paid much attention to the people around his sister.
Why would he? Reena was the important one!
"Any plans for today?" This time when he spoke, his mouth was cleared of any potential debris that could find its way towards Reena. He was a good and thoughtful brother like that.
(But now he had a moustache of milk after gulping down most of the nearest glass and who knew if it was even his?).
Post by Cynthia Rushton on Oct 23, 2023 20:41:06 GMT 10
Waking up to go to breakfast after a dance practice felt far, far different from getting up after a Quidditch match in the rain. Cynthia dressed quickly and hurried to breakfast, looking for Kody despite herself-
Last night had been fun, after all!
The red hints of his uniform stood out at the table he'd chosen to sit at, and Cynthia gave him a small wave as she made her way to her own seat. He was talking to an older girl - one of his sisters, she thought - and she didn't want to interrupt.
Especially not when there were Belgian waffles available! She snagged one immediately,covering it with raspberries and blackberries and whipped cream before taking a bite.
Perfect.
Knowing it was a Quidditch day and she might want a snack later, she transferred an apple and some nuts into her bag as she ate.
Post by Thorne Perry on Oct 23, 2023 21:37:25 GMT 10
Thorne didn't really care about Quidditch, except when his friends were playing. So, even though his house was playing, well.
He was going to have to figure out how to cheer for MJ without rubbing any badgers' fur the wrong way!
He was thinking about silly poems to yell to support his friend as he stirred honey into his porridge, gathering some nice crispy bacon on his plate before he really dug in.