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.
December arrived with a flourish, by blanketing the castle grounds with a thick layer of snow. It surely explained how absurdly cold it was that morning -- inspiring a sea of unusual colour throughout the school, from various sweaters and house scarves or beanies being put to good use.
Snow continued to lazily fall, making the enchanted ceiling of the Great Hall further live up to its name. Every window in the castle had a fairytale look to it, and every windowsill was lined with snow. Every glimpse of the grounds only extended the view in a haze of mesmerising white. Any details that remained were crisp; stark against the snow.
There was a buzz of excited chatter, as students rushed to talk to friends or to devour a warm meal. It was their last day before many were headed home for the holidays. It also meant that 3rd years and above (who had permission) could come and go from Hogsmeade at their leisure. After breakfast, of course.
However, the new day brought a sense of panic for some older years; the Founder's Ball was tonight, and some still awaited dress robes being sent from home or were yet to ask someone to be their date. Only 4th years and above were invited, much to the relief or disappointment of younger years -- who didn't really know what was going on or what the ball was about, just that they had no part in it.
Whispers had spread that Tae-Sang Lee, a very popular Ravenclaw 6th year, officially had a date to the ball; much to the disappointment of many, and only adding to the gossip mill as many theorised who could possibly be so lucky this year. Rumour was that she was a Slytherin, which earned that house (much to their confusion) quite a mix of scrutiny and attention.
Heads of Houses wandered along their respective house tables, parchment and quill in hand as they marked down anyone who planned to leave on the Hogwarts Express tomorrow morning. The holiday collection list was mandatory, though they waited to be sought out rather than checking with each individual student.
The Heads of Houses also hoped to hear from any Prefects who wished to put their name down to be on patrol tonight -- those who were okay to give up attending the ball. And, unlike their regularly-assigned patrols throughout the school year, this one would reward them for volunteering -- house points, and the opportunity to learn a rather useful spell.
Much to everyone's surprise and soured mood, student schedules were magically assigned to everyone who sat at their house table. A few exclaimed at the injustice, until actually reading it and being blessed with the fact that most of it was purely optional or only applied to certain students.
Morning Events Caroling in Hogsmeade -- Frog Choir: meet at the Three Broomsticks.
Flying Refresher -- Training Grounds (open to all years).
Afternoon Events Remedial Potions -- (open to 4th years and above. Essential if behind on Potions skill / grade progress or related goals necessary for Exam Period). OOC: if you're struggling with the Potion-Making Icons, this event is highly recommended.
Hopstacle Course
Night Event Founder's Ball
There are Prefect duties tonight; volunteers are listed below, and may be updated throughout the RPG day (can simply join / drop out via Discord if missing the in-RP opportunity during Breakfast). Head to your assigned location when dinner ends.
Please check the Bulletin Board if attending the Founder's Ball. Or if you're planning to go home for the holidays, as you must be listed there to do so. This entire RPG day is free time -- have fun! If doing quests, these holidays at Hogwarts are the perfect opportunity to make a lot of progress.
Post by Jonathan King on Oct 28, 2023 22:56:32 GMT 10
Oh, he was still sore.
Out on his broom and in the icy wind for so long... But of course, a well earned reminder of their victory!
Despite feeling groggy, Joe had gotten up in time for Breakfast, and had even combed his hair this morning.
He had chosen to wear the dark red jumper with the golden 'J' today, the one Toby's mum had made for him last year. He was a little sad his best friend would leave on his own (with his siblings, but without him and Ryan!) soon and Joe hoped he'd sit at the Ravenclaw table with them.
He spread out a little as he sat down, to reserve seats for his best friends next to him.
He then poured himself a big goblet of milk and thought about whether to have eggs or porridge.
He decided that life was too short for hard choices however, so he filled up a bowl of steaming hot porridge and topped it with scrambled egg. Perfect.
Post by Joshua Twiggs on Oct 28, 2023 23:09:01 GMT 10
It was too early to get up on a day without classes. Yup. Definitely too early.
Joshua had been in no hurry to get out of bed, feeling kind of down this morning and had actually considered skipping breakfast. But then for some reason or another, he had been dressed and ready before he knew it.
Besides, his stomach was rumbling.
Better listen to it and go, he knew better than to ignore his stomach, after all.
One look at the enchanted ceiling lifted his mood a lot, however. Was it snowing? Awesome!
He strode towards the Hufflepuff table and briefly checked in with Professor Sprout that he would be on the train home the next day.
He was still a little disappointed that his parents hadn't been at his game, but it would take more than that to spoil the prospect of going home for Christmas for him. Last year had showed him how he had truly missed out on his mum's roast.
Never gonna miss Christmas with the folks again.
Joshua sat down at the Hufflepuff table amd promptly filled up his plate with a hearty breakfast of sausages, egg and bacon, even piling some beans onto it. He picked up his fork and started to dig in, a peace offering to his hungry and demanding stomach.
A schedule appeared next to him and he glanced it over, mood first lifting at the promise of flying, then dropping at the potions remedial thing.
He should probably go to that.
Ugh. The worst.
Last Edit: Oct 28, 2023 23:10:36 GMT 10 by Joshua Twiggs: Timetable oop
Post by Ezra Ashworth on Oct 28, 2023 23:20:15 GMT 10
Ezra was a ball of excitement that morning, though there should be no surprise there. Snow was falling, he had a free day of adventure ahead of him, and the Hogwarts Express would be arriving tomorrow to take them home!
So, really, what wasn’t there to be excited by?
Well. The fact that there had been no letters from home maybe. But Ezra had decided to not acknowledge anything bad about that. Mama Ashworth was just waiting to see them all in person. That was all, nothing else.
Oh, look! Even the ceiling was snowing!
Ezra stood with his head tilted back to stare at the enchanted ceiling for a long moment. It was so pretty! One day he would find out how it worked, he was sure.
His stomach letting out a loud rumble knocked him out of his staring, his head jerking down to blink at it in betrayal. Why was it-?
Oh! Food!
He dropped down into a seat at the Ravenclaw table and claimed a couple of slices of toast for his breakfast.
Once his toast was smothered in a generous helping of jam, and he had a cup full of milk stood next to his plate, he tucked into his breakfast.
He let out a happy little wiggle on his seat at the first bite, only to look down in shock as a schedule appeared next to his plate.
What was that? There weren’t supposed to be any more classes!
Ezra liked learning as much as anyone (okay, probably more than some), but not today! He had plans. Adventures that were calling his name. He couldn’t be tied down to a classroom when the snow looked so fun!
“Oh,” he whispered when he finally got around to reading the schedule. It wasn’t a class schedule at all. It was events and activities instead. That was more forgivable.
Ezra finished his first slice of toast as he considered the list of things.
Carolling.. Oh! Didn’t Jax join that?
Ezra thought that it was rather sad that only the older years got to watch. He wanted to support his oldest brother! Couldn’t the Professors understand that?
A Flying Refresher thing.. That could be fun, he supposed, especially in the snow. But was it worth giving up adventures for? He would have to think about it.
Ooo, Potions!
And once again it was only for upper years.
Ezra was starting to wonder if the Professors had something against the lower years. Keeping them away from all the fun.
At least the Hopstacle Course, whatever that may be, sounded like fun. He really wanted to know what that one was about.
A hopping obstacle course maybe?
With his head filled with fun ideas of hopping like a rabbit through a course, Ezra carried on with his breakfast.
Post by Amber Lloyd on Oct 28, 2023 23:25:36 GMT 10
Amber was hopping into the Great Hall, with a sore body but a wide grin on her face. She simply was excited, giddy and overly happy.
The match yesterday had been awesome, she still felt the aftermath of having caught the Snitch, her team winning the match. But it stacked together with having no classes, meeting up with her friends and spending time together as a trio. She felt like it had been ages since they did!
As the snow covered everything white, filling the air with quite a chill, Amber was glad to wear one of her more cosy and warm sweaters made out of wool from the sheep of her farm, making her feel quite like at home!
To battle the cold – and as a precaution because of the match yesterday – Amber had paired it with Joshua’s Hufflepuff scarf, his beanie safely tucked away in her bag.
After making a short trip to the Ravenclaw table to get the apparently appearing schedule (and waving at Joe with a grin), she turned to her ultimate goal, the Hufflepuff table.
She immediately spotted one of her favourite ‘Puffs, the red hair was impossible to overlook, and quickly made her way to him, flopping down on a seat in front of him, grinning.
“Morning!” She said with enthusiasm, though it came down a notch as she noticed his mood.
Tired or because of the match or something else? Well, Amber would be understandable either way. But before she continued talking, she first wanted to fill up her own platter, with something that would warm her up internally as well.
Amber filled up her bowl with porridge, topped with some fruit, then poured herself some tea to go with. Carefully pulling down the scarf a bit to avoid spilling on it, she took a spoonful, then cast a look over the schedule.
“Any plans for today already? We could redo our Hogsmeade trip?” Amber proposed, though it then came to her mind if Caine would bail on them again… Well, would be nice if he didn’t. She yearned for trio time!
She looked over the schedule again, while taking another spoon full of porridge.
“Or flying lessons! Up for that?”
That would lift Joshua's spirits, right?
Remedial Potions sounded helpful as well, though not something she’d like to do on a holiday. But she should, she guessed. And what was the Hopstacle Course? Interesting…
Last Edit: Oct 29, 2023 0:08:16 GMT 10 by Amber Lloyd
Post by Elizabeth Doren on Oct 28, 2023 23:29:33 GMT 10
Elizabeth arrived at breakfast as she always did, which was to say that she was on time and wishing that there were things for her to be doing. Fortunately for her, it seemed that there was. This was fantastic news, as it meant she did not have to think about what going home for the holidays meant. Her parents' trial. She should really owl Tolliver about that.
"I volunteer to be on duty tonight." Elizabeth stated. She had no problems giving up the ball. There was no one for her to go with, and making sure that everyone was following the rules on such an important and out of the ordinary night. Even though there was something going on, Elizabeth didn't trust the first through third years to behave.
At least she didn't have to worry about procuring new dress robes. It wasn't the type of thing a girl wanted to ask her Ministry-assigned guardian, especially one Elizabeth still wasn't quite sure about.
Of course, she would still have to seem him when she went home. She was going to her parents' trial, no matter what anybody said. She was practically of age, it was her right!
Post by Martha Twiggs on Oct 28, 2023 23:30:46 GMT 10
The previous day, despite being about Quidditch, had been far nicer than Martha had anticipated. She knew she had Jaxen to thank for that.
So she wasn't as upset over their loss to Ravenclaw (mostly in solidarity with Sophia) that morning.
She sat at her usual spot at the Hufflepuff table and pulled some toast towards her and a pot of tea. Martha scanned the table for some jam and pocketed an apple for later.
A schedule came her way and Martha was mildly surprised. She saw she had caroling that morning and the potential to do Prefect Duty...
Martha raised her hand to get Professor Sprout's attention, "Professor, I'd like to volunteer for Prefecr Duty, if tjat's okay?"
Now she wouldn't have to worry about the ball at all! Excellent!
Last Edit: Oct 28, 2023 23:31:21 GMT 10 by Martha Twiggs
Post by Kody Ashworth on Oct 28, 2023 23:36:13 GMT 10
Kody's bowl of porridge was slowly becoming more spoonfuls of sugar than porridge thanks to the schedule at his place.
He loved the idea of flying around on his broom that morning! While somewhat confident of his skills, Kody didn't see an issue with joining in with a refresher course.
And then he could do remedial Potions but bleh, he'd rather check out the Hopstacle thingy. Now that sounded like his jam!
Oh! Jam! Jam was tasty in porridge too... Kody eyed his bowl and giggled at the pile of sugar. Maybe he could skip the jam.
He ignored the Founder's Ball because that was easier than remembering it was a thing.
A thing he didn't know if he even wanted to go to. Going alone would be okay but no fun and he wasn't about to ask either of his sisters to go with him -- that was weird!
Still, he happily pushed it from his thoughts and started to eat his sugar porridge.
Post by William Doren on Oct 28, 2023 23:40:34 GMT 10
Entering the Great Hall, William spotted his older sister at the Slytherin table and sat down opposite her.
He nodded his greeting and started to put together a plate for his breakfast - Scrambled eggs, toast and a handful of orange segments.
A glass of apple juice would round off his morning meal while he glanced at the schedule.
He had no need for Flying and he was not a part of the choir so it seemed his morning was free. William would find a way to fill the time.
The afternoon had remedial Potions which seemed worthwhile and something called a 'Hopstacle course' which seemed juvenile.
Of course, that evening was the Founder's Ball.
If he had any question as to whether his sister wad attend, it was quickly answered when she volunteered herself for Prefect duty. Lucky her. William would probably end ul attending the ball regardless.
Post by Reena Ashworth on Oct 29, 2023 0:02:48 GMT 10
Green and silver house scarf wrapped around her neck, gloves and fox-ear beanie safely in her pocket, Reena was ready to brave a snowy day.
She had cast a glance towards the Ravenclaw table, that unfamiliar, yet exciting feeling flaring up again, but had headed for the Slytherin table instead.
She had sat down rather at the end of it, the only person from her House she wanted to talk to was Lucas. Actually, she needed to talk to him. Business and all.
She should have done that sooner.
Reena sat with her back to the wall and caught a few weird glances cast towards the Slytherin table. She paused from sipping her tea.
What now?
Slytherin hadn't done anything. They hadn't even played.
Weird.
A timetable had appeared next to her and Reena glanced at it, surprised by its mere presence.
Ah. Activities, not classes.
The Frog Choir would be carolling?
She might make the walk to Hogsmeade after all then. Hear Jax and Arthur sing. Would be a nice way to start the day -- assuming she had found Lucas before, of course. Also, Tae-Sang had wanted to meet her outside her Common Room.
Remedial Potions ... she wondered if she was still welcome if she didn't have to better her grade. Although, she might get bored.
Hmm ...
And what was a 'Hopstacle Course'? Sounded like something Ezzie would enjoy.
Then of course, the Founders' Ball.
She could feel her cheeks warm up a little. The theme should be announced soon, right?
Post by Verity Ashworth on Oct 29, 2023 0:26:53 GMT 10
Verity was still quite pleased about the Ravenclaw victory yesterday. Not to mention that she had some plans for what she was going to do with her hair when she attended the ball in a few days.
Wait. Verity looked at the schedule. The ball was tonight? It had totally slipped her mind, and she had no idea what she was supposed to do. She'd thought that someone would ask her by now. Besides, now that she knew what the robes they'd bought over the summer were for, she worried they wouldn't suit the occasion.
Also, it had been months since then and Verity wasn't sure she even still liked the robes she'd picked out. Even if they were multicolored and sparkly, two of her favorite things. They just needed a little more...Verity flair. And to make sure that she wasn't offending Grandpa by ruining the robes completely, Verity needed to ask Reena.
Apparently there was some drama over an older student picking somebody to go on a date to the dance. Verity didn't particularly care. What she did care about was making things her own. She searched for Reena.
"Ree!" Verity shouted, not caring for the people whose ears she was directly next to. She rushed over to her cousin and sat down. Then, she started talking.
"Okay, so I know Grandpa bought us those fancy dress robes for the ball and stuff, but I was thinking I could make a few changes. You know, modify the sleeves a little or something like that? Do you think Grandpa would mind?"
Post by Alora Sagemore on Oct 29, 2023 0:27:18 GMT 10
Alora sat at her House Table, filling up her bowl with cereal, fruit and yoghurt, while going over the schedule that appeared right beside her.
Flying Refresher caught her eye immediately. That was something she needed as she just joint the Quidditch team! Hopefully, Kamari would join her as well.
Potions… It took everything for Alora not to grimace, but her stomach twisted instead at the mere thought to do Potions on a holiday (though she knew very well that she needed the practise)! She was really relieved to see that wasn’t even allowed to attend. That meant no one would expect her even to go there!
Oh, she guessed she would participate instead in that Hopstacle Course then? At least she would take a look.
Nodding to herself, her day now planned out, she continued with spooning her cereal.
Hundreds of owls swooped into the Great Hall early today -- delivering not only the Daily Prophet and any letters or packages from home, but also flakes of snow shaken loose from their feathers. It was a considerably busy event, with many last-minute holiday confirmations / cancels, and frequent deliveries of dress robes either from home or tailors.
Some owls had travelled quite far or were overworked by the busy time of year, causing tumbles into bowls of cereal or toppling goblets of juice. Despite this, and the official arrival of the Christmas holidays, breakfast in the Great Hall remained a mostly average event. Everyone was quite focused on preparations for the holidays, and the nervousness of tonight's ball.
Twiggs children were cast varied reactions, in relation to the front page of the Daily Prophet. The attention ranged from curious to mocking, but while it was a big news day for them -- most of their schoolmates quickly lost interest or didn't care to begin with. Though it was clear that the perception of their family had shifted, for some who hadn't thought too highly of them in the past.
Please share this with Amy and your brothers. We're in a bit of a rush this morning.
We'll be waiting for you on the Platform tomorrow, as usual. Every one of you must come home for Christmas; no exceptions. We're sorry to say, but no one can bring along a friend this time. If you've read the Daily Prophet, I'm sure you'll understand.
Pack lightly, but warmly. We've got quite the family adventure ahead of us these holidays!
I hope you've been well; I've not heard anything from you.
As you know, the Christmas holidays are upon us. I'm sure things were done differently in the past, but this year you're each required to come home on the Hogwarts Express to spend Christmas together.
I'll meet you at the station tomorrow. Also, a reminder that your parents' trial is on Christmas Day. Should you wish to attend it, I'll escort you there for its duration. Afterwards, we'll be having a meeting to determine any long-term changes -- which vary depending on the outcome of the trial.
Unfortunately, it's too short notice now to bring a friend home tomorrow; as you're Wards of the Ministry, I would need check any visitors and meet their parents, well in advance. This is something we can discuss further over the holidays.
I've been informed that you've never been home for the Christmas holidays before, since starting at Hogwarts -- so a tip I can give you is to pack lightly; just the essentials. If you have any questions, please send me an owl.
Your request for correspondence regarding the arrangement for Christmas was rather perfect timing, as that's precisely my plan this morning.
As you know, the Christmas holidays are upon us. I'm sure things were done differently in the past, but this year you're each required to come home on the Hogwarts Express to spend Christmas together.
I'll meet you at the station tomorrow. Also, a reminder that your parents' trial is on #10 Christmas Day. Should you wish to attend it, I'll escort you there for its duration. Afterwards, we'll have a meeting to determine any long-term changes -- which vary depending on the outcome of the trial.
I cannot say if they are well or not, as they're not permitted mail or visitors at this time -- apart from authorised Aurors, of course. I'll know more as the trial gets closer. I cannot pass on your message, as legally you're not to have contact with them at the moment -- but if you have a specific question, I may be able to get you an answer.
We can discuss this, and the upcoming trial, in person soon.
Unfortunately, it's too short notice now to bring a friend home tomorrow; as you're Wards of the Ministry, I would need check any visitors and meet their parents, well in advance. This is something we can also discuss further over the holidays.
I've been informed that you've never been home for the Christmas holidays before, since starting at Hogwarts -- so a tip I can give you is to pack lightly; just the essentials. If you have any questions, please send me an owl.
From: Dae-Hyun Tolliver
--
To: @charlotte
I hope you've been well; I've not heard anything from you.
As you know, the Christmas holidays are upon us. I'm sure things were done differently in the past, but this year you're each required to come home on the Hogwarts Express to spend Christmas together.
I'll meet you at the station tomorrow. Also, a reminder that your parents' trial is on #10 Christmas Day. Should you wish to attend it, I'll escort you there for its duration. Afterwards, we'll be having a meeting to determine any long-term changes -- which vary depending on the outcome of the trial.
Unfortunately, it's too short notice now to bring a friend home tomorrow; as you're Wards of the Ministry, I would need check any visitors and meet their parents, well in advance. This is something we can discuss further over the holidays.
I've been informed that you've never been home for the Christmas holidays before, since starting at Hogwarts -- so a tip I can give you is to pack lightly; just the essentials. If you have any questions, please send me an owl.
You know the drill; stay on the train until most have left, be alert on the platform, and find us quickly as possible. Mama will be the one collecting you; look for the three bodyguards in violet robes.
Make sure Alora's prepared as well. We expect both of you home these holidays.
To help make things easier, we've sent a far more efficient travel bag than lugging your trunk around, since there's barely anything to bring home. They're personally made by an esteemed merchant on the magical Coast of England. It's a traditional process, and very costly. Please treat them well, but they're yours to keep.
If you have any difficulty with the public between the Front Gates and Hogsmeade Station, look for a bodyguard in violet. She's there to keep an eye out, just in case. We've been in the Daily Prophet more than usual lately, and a few reporters are pushing for comments. Stay attentive, and stick to your sister at all times.
See you soon.
P.S we've not heard anything from you regarding the Founder's Ball. Choosing a date is a complicated matter, but it's okay to go with friends. Unfortunately, it's too late notice to get something to a tailor in time.
It's not like you to forget or leave things to the last minute, so we're under the impression you don't wish to go. It's a shame, but there's always next year!
From: Papa
Included with the letter were two stylish satchels, each bearing either Kamari or Alora's first name. It was finished with a little sage leaf; their Papa's sense of humour, no doubt.
--
Hogsmeade Trip / Christmas Holidays
3rd years and above may come and go from Hogsmeade all day once Breakfast ends, including Bloodlines characters who have signed permission forms (inventory item). RP-wise, Filch checks every form no matter who you are -- to ensure no one leaves who shouldn't, so feel free to mention that when you leave the grounds.
To visit Hogsmeade, simply start posting there as you would any other location. Please mention the walk to or from, as it is a bit of a trek along the path from the Front Gates to the village / vice versa. If you choose to RP the walk itself as its own thread (if going with a friend and wanting to RP this), use the Front Gates location. Events may occur in those threads or at the village itself.
Any money spent in Hogsmeade is RP-only; not taken from your account. Every character has total free time until dinner. Have fun!
Post by Reena Ashworth on Oct 29, 2023 0:39:24 GMT 10
Reena looked up sharply when someone shouted for her. Not just someone, a very familiar and at this point and time rather unexpected voice.
Why did she have to shout, though?
She stifled the urge to cast apologetic glances at the people around them.
Instead she straightened up and gave Verity a welcoming smile as she sat down with her. No 'good morning', no 'how are you', just springing into action, very Verity-like.
Reena slightly raised her eyebrows at the question and thought about it.
"I think a slight adjustment is fine. After all, he couldn't not expect you to make it your own. They are tailored though... So maybe try to accessoirise first and see how you like it?"
It was just a suggestion. Verity would probably do what she wanted to anyway, but Reena liked that she had come to her first.
"My dressrobes from last year got a blue ribbon, for example."
The arrival of the owls surprised her snd Reena checked the time. Definitely early.
And still no letter from Mum.
Reena wiped some snow off the table after the owl with the Daily Prophet had hurried away.
"Did I tell you Grandma and Grandpa will be travelling to Asia well into new year?", she said after reading the bit about Twiggs winning a raffle.
Good for them.
Oh! There it was.
Under the Sea. Verity was going to be a rainbow fish, probably.
Reena flipped towards the page about hair styling charms.
"That doesn't seem too difficult. Want me to help with your hair?", she offered while tapping at the advice in the paper.
"Or you got it covered?"
Last Edit: Oct 29, 2023 1:08:59 GMT 10 by Reena Ashworth: reaction to news. lol
Post by Thorne Perry on Oct 29, 2023 1:21:43 GMT 10
Thorne practically vibrated with excitement as he hurried to breakfast. It was the Frog Choir's first big performance, and Thorne was ready! His normally already-neat hair was combed obsessively smooth, his glasses polished to a fine sheen, and his outfit clean and pressed.
He ate his breakfast neatly, scrambled eggs and sausage, and made sure not to drop anything on his clothes as he looked around for his friends.
Sure, a lot of them might not be third years, but hopefully they'd be able to see him perform...!
He grabbed a newspaper when they appeared, ducking under the table to avoid the snow and porridge being dropped and splashed around by the big birds, cautiously peeking out once most of the hubbub had died down. Only once the coast was clear did he slide back into his chair to peer at the paper.
Aw! What a nice prize! Thorne had never travelled out of the UK - Japan seemed so far away and fascinating!