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 William Doren on Oct 26, 2023 19:49:42 GMT 10
When he checked over the list of ingredients he would need for potential potions, there were a few he could gather along the Forest Path so William made that his next destination.
The first thing he would look for was Plant Goo. He had learnt something from his last venture along this path and looked down at his pristine shoes. They were, no doubt, about to get very muddy or scuffed from this venture.
William knew there was nothing to gain without making the effort so he walked off the path and started to look for some golden looking plants.
His progress was slow as he tried to inspect as much of the surrounding area without disturbing it too much. The last thing he wanted was to draw unwanted attention from a creature that called this place home.
He pulled out a jar at the ready and continued his search.
His thoughts did go back to Zack Mercer and he wondered why the Head Hog had taken an interest in him. Was it simply because of the Doren name? Well, he couldn't be mad at that. If his family name was a ticket to opportunity, William would take advantage of that.
It was what his parents would want after all, was it not?
The plentiful vegetation made it tricky to identify things, though seemed like the sort of area to find a viable ingredient. However, it required leaving the safety of the path and venturing deeper into the Forest.
A few golden, tubular plants were spotted soon after -- happily nested in some prickly plants... because of course they were. They were quite weird-looking, but each leaked a viable ingredient. The nose-bitingly sour scent was overwhelming, as if having to avoid prickles to get to them wasn't deterring enough.
Once able to access the plants, the viable ingredient wasn't (in theory) too difficult to extract, with the right amount of pressure. It took a firm grip to bit-by-bit squeeze the goo up the squishy plant -- until it spilled out in a big, oozing glob. And released more of that awfully sour smell.
It was eye-watering and headache-inducing if one lingered too long, or made a rather disgusting miscalculation of how much pressure was needed to release the Goo.
Post by William Doren on Oct 26, 2023 21:53:01 GMT 10
William frowned as he realised he had ventured a lot further off the path than he had intended to.
Still, there was no point in turning back until he had some Plant Goo for his potion. William sighed as he walked on, his eyes landing on the plants but his happiness at seeing them was very short-lived.
They seemed to be surrounded by prickly plants and William wasn't certain they were a type he had come across in his studies before.
At least, for now, no name came to mind.
Soon the bitter scent wafted close and William pulled a face as he inhaled it. Belated, he put his robe sleeve over his nose and mouth and hoped the scent wouldn't affect him in some way. It was hard to know with some magical plants.
William reluctantly (as was his constant state of being collecting these ingredients), shucked off his robe and decided to use it as a barrier between him and the prickly plants. It wouldn't be perfect but it would give some protection.
This was evident when he pushed through the plants and still felt some barbs grabbing at his jumper or trousers. William tried to ignore the small scratches as he approached the golden plants with his jars at the ready.
He frowned as he reached for the first one and wondered how he was supposed to get the goo out. The tubular shape did make him think he was supposed to milk them somehow, coax the goo out by squeezing them perhaps?
There wasn't much else he could try so William started with the first plant.
Easing his hand along the plant, he could feel something inside that sloshed around thickly and knew his first instinct had been right. Part of him was pleased with himself for figuring it out but another, much more vocal part, wasn't too happy about the idea of squeezing out goo.
In his offhand, he held the jar and used his dominate hand to try and find the right kind of grip to squeeze out the goo he needed. It took a few experimental attempts but William was confident he had found the right balance.
His head began to throb and William was worried about the scent all over again. He would need to work quickly without spoiling the ingredient he was collecting -- easier said than done.
The morning had already felt long enough and William wondered if he could afford to give himself a break after this.
Still, her persevered and began to extract the goo. It took him a lot longer than he had anticipated but soon a large glob spilled from the top of the plant. William hurried to hold his jar underneath and catch it.
It was a lot more than his jar could handle and a lot of it spilled over his hand and onto his jumper sleeve, "Gross--"
The scent had got stronger as well and William gagged before he could stop himself. Luckily he didn't do much more than that but he had to work on screwing the lid on his sopping jar while convincing himself not to throw up his breakfast.
That would be unsightly even if there wasn't anyone around to witness it.
With the first jar filled, William put it into his Potions Kit and used his handkerchief to attempt removing the goo from his hand at least. His jumper was a lost cause and he knew now he would definitely have to change back at the Castle before the morning was done.
William glanced down and saw some of the goo had even spilled onto his shoes. Not his shoes... He really liked his shoes.
That was unfortunate.
But more so was the fact he had to gather another jar's worth of goo. He had noticed while extracting the ingredient from the first plant that another beside it seemed full and could be collected from as well.
"Might as well." He muttered, a poor attempt to convince and motivate himself.
He repeated the same process from before but with a new, empty jar. William had a better idea of what to expect this time so the collecting went a bit smoother. He still managed to get globs of it over his hands and jumper, a few spots on his trousers now but soon he had a second jar filled as well.
William screwed the lid on tight and placed it into his Potions Kit after wiping it down. His Handkerchief was good enough to clean his hands one last time but then it wouldn't be much use to him without being laundered.
Add that to the pile he'd have to put into the laundry basket.
Well, despite the mess and the prickles and the smell, William felt he had accomplished something here. He packed away his things and started to head back the way he came with his robes over his arm.
There wasn't much point in placing them back on and he didn't mind the chill too much. He was working up a sweat with these stupid ingredients anyway.
Speaking of which, he had one more he wanted to get from here.
William looked around for a clump of Nettles or some tell-tale sign they were nearby. He hadn't gathered them before but knew from his studies (and from classmates) that they were unpleasant to gather.
He would most certainly be visiting Madam Pomfrey after he was done here, no doubt about it.
There was a small hope she wouldn't be too harsh on him but William pushed that aside and continued his search for the Nettles. He moved further away from the golden plants and checked the undergrowth for the prize he wanted.
Post by Kamari Sagemore on Oct 26, 2023 23:00:57 GMT 10
It was another Quidditch day. Maybe she shouldn't have spent her time in her room combing out her hair, maybe she should have been at the game cheering on one team or another... but really, she'd just wanted some peace and quiet.
Ever since all the stuff had happened the other day? Yeah, she was more intent on just existing than anything else.
Besides, Professor Snape had given her the potions kit and she'd need to get on that pretty quickly to be able to brew potions and the sort.
It was something she was fairly sure wouldn't be needed in the future but a well rounded education was important to have so she'd still do it, even if it meant... ugh plants.
So, she dressed quickly in her uniform, tucking the warm scarf around her neck. It was a lovely day outside - cloudy but not raining at least.
Making her way to the grounds she paused when she saw another student - an older student by the looks of it but that didn't much matter. She could work with anyone if she set her mind to it!
But how to proceed?
She didn't want to sound pushy or to insert herself into silent collections but... a partner would definitely make things more interesting, wouldn't it?
"Good morning," she called, loud enough to be heard but, hopefully, not too loud. No, she didn't want to be obnoxious!
"I hate to intrude, but would you mind if I joined you? If you're collecting ingredients, of course." why did asking to join people have to be so awkward? She could do this. It would be fine!
Post by William Doren on Oct 26, 2023 23:10:51 GMT 10
William looked up from his search and paused.
It wasn't often someone asked for his help or to join up with him -- he wasn't a popular choice for group activities but it never bothered him.
The girl, however, was unmistakable and even if his expression didn't give it away, William knew precisely who she was.
At the very least, he knew her family name. They weren't classmates, he was certain of that much and he was equally surprised to note the maroon and gold accents of her uniform. A Gryffindor?
"I am and you may. I am searching for Nettles." William dropped his gaze now he had had a good look at the other girl and scanned the area for his chosen ingredient once more.
"What are you looking for?" While he wouldn't normally engage others in casual conversation like this, she was a Sagemore and could be an important ally in the future. Added to this it was just good manners to ask when she had been so polite in her approach as well.
Yes, so far William was not opposed to this girl joining him thus far and hoped he wouldn't end up regretting it.
Last Edit: Oct 26, 2023 23:13:30 GMT 10 by William Doren
Post by Kamari Sagemore on Oct 27, 2023 0:21:07 GMT 10
He looked nice enough. And, even if he looked at her and she felt the usual discomfort of ah-hah! he still had a way of making it... less somehow. He wasn't rude in staring or asking a ton of questions so that was a mega plus for her.
So she carried on, thankful that he was at least nice enough not to gawk at her like she was some sort of rare creature that should be studied.
Because Kamari wasn't a creature at all. Perhaps a little unique but not in the way of a dragon or niffler.
Nettles. He was looking for Nettles? She shuddered slightly but nodded. She'd have to get them sometime, right? She could be tough this once!
"Oh! Uh. I suppose I can look for those with you! Then maybe some bugs." Because bugs were so much easier to deal with than plants and their icky ooey gooey messes.
But she could do this!
"I can help you look for them, at least." She stood near enough to him but far enough away as she looked on the opposite side for the Nettles he searched for. It would be fine. She could do this.
The first warning sign for dealing with this ingredient was the fact it refused to grow anywhere than off the usual path, far into the overgrowth of the wilder areas of the forest. There were clumps of it awaiting the daring explorer, in various stages of growth and threat levels.
The Nettle patch grew outwards like an eager conqueror, but the mature plants which made for viable ingredients were only found in the middle. Because of course they were.
Nothing about this would be pleasant, even if one was smart enough to wear gloves; their prickly leaves, coated with a stinging substance, would manage to hurt even through clothing. Legs were especially vulnerable, requiring the careful planning of each step towards the middle.
Arms were most at risk during collection, as the plants themselves were quite big and seemed designed to ruin someone's day -- no matter how careful or experienced they might be.
A person's height either worked for or against them here, but there was no escaping the nasty stings -- only desperate efforts made to minimise their contact and severity. Once stung, it worsened with time if left untreated; a trip to the Hospital Wing was the only saviour if one dared attempt this task.
Post by William Doren on Oct 27, 2023 20:10:29 GMT 10
While he took time to locate the Nettles, William also tried to tidy up his appearance -- he really hadn't expected to run into anyone else out here. He smoothed back his hair and did his best to tuck in loose shirt tails or straighten his tie. His robes were a lost cause but at least he was more presentable.
Not that the girl had said anything and for that, he was grateful.
Between the two of them, it didn't take long for a Nettle patch to be discovered and William paused to study it and then looked around.
They had come far off the path (just as he had done for the Plant Goo) but this area of the Forest had a wilder edge to it. Nothing had seemed to pass through here recently as far as he could tell.
"I do not think we should want to linger here too long." William warned the Gryffindor and then decided he just had to go for it. He prepared himself as much as possible against the stings (gloves on, sleeves and trousers checked to ensure nothing was exposed) but it didn't help.
The first few prickles let William know that nothing could have saved him from this situation, "There is no need to get hurt yourself so do not follow me in. Keep watch if you can."
After making sure the other student was going to listen to him, William pushed onward and towards the part of the clump that seemed the most vibrant and new. This would be the best spot to get a viable potion ingredient.
His legs tingled painfully and he had to grit his teeth. He refused to lose face in front of a Sagemore! William would just have to quietly endure the growing, prickling pain and hurry to collect the Nettle.
He felt the plants brush against his arms and sides as he leaned down, some of the leaves stinging his neck and cheeks as he removed the Nettle he sought and quickly stood again.
William held it aloft as he made his way out again and calmly placed it into his Potions Kit, "I am afraid that seems to be the only one here... And I think I must return to the Castle to seek out Madam Pomfrey."
Part of him felt regretful that he had to leave the girl so soon as he had been intrigued to make a connection with a Sagemore. He would, however, escort her back to the path proper before he would depart.
"By the by, my name is William Doren." A belated introduction that would normally have left William mortified but considering their situation, he felt it was alright to skip over regular conventions.
He started to head back towards the path and found it hard to resist the urge to scratch his arms.
Post by Kamari Sagemore on Oct 27, 2023 22:17:27 GMT 10
Nettle. Nettle. Ok she knew what it was. They'd talked about it before but that still didn't help the way her eyes widened and she visibly recoiled when she saw it. What kind of devil bush had THORNS on it!?
What kind of person wanted to reach into that mess and pluck out sticks and brambles?! A brave one, that was what. A man of steel.
She watched in pure awe as this particularly brave Slytherin donned his gloves and told her to not follow him in. Oh, oh ok. He didn't have to worry about all of that! Nope. Nuh-uh. Sticky bushes with teeth? She'd stay on this side of the gambit, thank you, kind sir. There was about nothing that could get her in there!
"Keep watch. Yes. I can do that." she responded sounding far more condifent than she felt. There was no way! How did he even go in there and just go for it like that?! Still, he waded through the bush like some kind of hero or something!
And then, blessed words - there was only one viable. She did everything within her power to remain silent and not huff out a woosh of relieved air. She didn't want to go into that! She'd rather hide! No, no thank you! Why were potions ingredients so dangerous to get?! Why did they have to face biting thorn plants and then go to the hospital wing to get better from said plants!?
See?! This was why plants were the worst! Nope. No. She'd never do that. Never go in there. Even with gloves he was all scratched up! She wanted to wipe at his cheek where it was scratched but had the common sense to keep her hands to herself.
"Nice to meet you, Doren." she returned with a flushed smile. How could she have forgotten introductions?
"I'm Kamari Sagemore. It's a pleasure to meet you." Formal. She could kick herself!
Aaaand he was walking!
Turning to keep up with him she gave him a sidelong glance, trying not to stare or ask him how he got so brave. But she was grateful to be away from the biting bush in all of it's terror!
"May I at least see you to the Hospital Wing? I feel terrible I couldn't help you in there." Did she, really? While he looked cool weathering the bite of a bush she was more than happy that she'd not had to go in. No. She would most definately not be doing that any time soon.
Post by William Doren on Oct 27, 2023 23:00:52 GMT 10
"Kamari Sagemore. I shall remember that." He said with a nod, not breaking his stride but glad to see she was able to keep up. Normally he would have been more gracious to a companion but...
The stringing was very distracting and unpleasant.
"Ah that--" Well, it was a very kind offer for her to see him to the Hospital Wing. William double-checked that he had his Potions Kit safely tucked away and everything else with him before looking at Kamari.
"Are you certain? There are probably more things you could collect... Have you been given the task by Professor Snape, perhaps?" It would make sense that she would willingly seek him out for company if that was the case.
Not that he could offer her much guidance or even protection as a Slytherin. His head of house was notorious for a reason -- especially when Gryffindors were involved. He thought about it for a second long and then slowly nodded.
"How about this, we can go together to the Hospital Wing and afterwards, if you still require assistance in some way, I can accompany you to another area to seek out ingredients?" It was only fair to trade some of his time as she had willingly given up her own.
William paused on the Forest Path and awaited her reply.
Post by Kamari Sagemore on Oct 27, 2023 23:23:47 GMT 10
And, just like that, they exchanged names. William Doren. She'd remember. Then again, how could she forget? The guy had trudged through the green abyss to get some thorn branches! Brave. Yep. That was what he was so he needed to be remembered.
Maybe a potential friend? That would be lovely!
Especially when she didn't go insane and gawk and stare and ask a million questions. She appreciated that more than he knew. Then again, he seemed the smart kind of lad that had his head on right.
Or... well, to her, anyway.
"I'm absolutely certain," she responded but paused when he asked about Professor Snape. She technically had asked for the assignment, hadn't she?
So did that mean she had to collect everything on her own or could she have company?
"I asked him for the task, yes. But-" Oh, he was talking about a plan and she hushed herself to listen. Hospital wing and assistance. Oh. She could do that.
"I can't deny that company would be preferred. Maybe we could help out each other! But I would really rather go for something... fruit or bugs or... anything other than what you just did. As awesome as it was I think it'd end badly for me."
Continuing toward the castle she waved him forward.
"For now, Doren, you're hurt. Let's get that looked at?" With a backward glace she waved him forward in the motion to continue. He needn't wait for her.
Post by William Doren on Oct 28, 2023 15:16:54 GMT 10
"Getting your Potions Kit is very important and shows initiative too." William approved of others who knew the importance of improving oneself and being productive. Imagine, a sensible Gryffindor? Unheard of (in his books).
"Fruit or bugs..." He repeated her request and thought it over. He had certainly come across some things like that (and actively choose to ignore the Blyne Roach Incident as it would become known in his memories).
He followed Kamari off the Forest Path and towards the Castle. William did his best to mask the pain he was in as he didn't want to lose face in front of her but it was evident that he was very uncomfortable.
"Yes." He agreed with her statement, "Let's."
[OOC: Exit]
Last Edit: Oct 28, 2023 15:17:16 GMT 10 by William Doren
00 | 
22 | 
20
December
