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.
Christmas Eve was a cold and snowy morning. Most at Hogwarts had bundled into something warm, making busy crowds a sea of colours and styles. School uniforms were allowed, for those who preferred it, but many enjoyed the holiday freedom of uniforms being optional. There were festive sweaters and hats as well, though not everyone celebrated Christmas or were in the mood to partake.
Various decorations were spread throughout the main areas of the castle, but the Great Hall never failed to impress as the epicenter of festivity. Huge Christmas trees were being decorated by Professor Rivera, who continued the annual tradition of levitating baubles into place. There were seven trees overall -- three evenly spaced on either side of the hall, then a gigantic one behind the Head Table.
Like last year, there were bowls containing star-shaped pasties. Each with one of five random fillings: peppermint, pumpkin, chocolate fudge, cranberry, or custard. Anyone with family who worked at the Ministry may recognise or have heard of them.
Though chatter among students was high and excitable, there were notable gaps at three of the house tables -- with Slytherin only minimally impacted. Students going home for the holidays had already eaten, and were instead busy hurrying outside into the snow -- lugging trunks and pet cages down to Hogsmeade Station. The Hogwarts Express would be leaving soon.
Those who remained at Hogwarts this year, left to enjoy their breakfast without worry or rush, looked forward to a free day ahead of them. Older students even had the option of enjoying a Hogsmeade Trip after breakfast.
The day was not off to a great start for two 5th years who were approached by Professors McGonagall and Sprout as soon as they entered, regarding a fireworks incident in Hogsmeade yesterday. An Auror had investigated, and thus @evan received a stern warning. Whereas Caine Hawke was far less fortunate.
Two instances of trouble in Hogsmeade this year were one too many for the Hufflepuff. The Professors sternly informed Caine that he was henceforth banned from Hogsmeade trips until further notice.
If going home for the holidays, your character must be listed as such in the Bulletin Board -- having an active RP buddy to interact with during the holidays is mandatory, as you cannot return to school until the train does.
Otherwise, 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. We strongly encourage everyone to make the most of their free time. Classes resume on #12.
Post by Amber Lloyd on Nov 6, 2023 16:04:26 GMT 10
Despite having gone to bed quite late because of the ball, Amber had woken up right on time for breakfast, the crown on her bedside table indicating that the ball last night actually had happened – and a smile spread across her face as memories of the night came flooding in, though especially Joshua in his dress robes were present. Well, she had spent most of the evening with him…
Eager to get down to breakfast and to meet up with her friends, she got herself ready, wrapped herself in a warm sweater and entered the Great Hall.
She stopped dead in her tracks as she saw the beautiful, yet not completely finished decorations. She really would have admired them a bit longer had she not just been hit with the realisation that it indeed was Christmas Eve. Which meant two things: She was staying here, spending Christmas not with her family. And she was at Hogwarts while only one of her best friends was here.
A whirlwind of emotions stirred up in her as the happiness from her memories of the ball fought with the upcoming dread of having a very different Christmas and stay at Hogwarts this year.
Welll… she had to make the best of it! She could take this as a chance to study more. Amber knew as an O.W.L student that time was very much needed.
Or she could go on adventures! There was so much things she still wanted to try!
These thoughts helped a tiny bit to improve her mood, but the dread still lingered.
Amber made a beeline to her Ravenclaw table, which was way emptier than usual, though as she walked towards the middle of the table, she noticed some stares and whispers at her, which started to let her feel nervous.
What was happening?
She only understood until multiple students smiled at her and congratulated her for Captaincy.
Oh, right! It had been the first time since her appointment that she actually ate at her house table! Now, she was somehow glad that the table was rather empty…
Amber returned the congratulations with a sheepish smile and slight blush, then settled down.
However, this reminded her that she still had to find one of the Head Hogs!
While her gaze flickered along her table in search of one, she also noticed Professor Rivera decorating the Christmas trees, and Amber decided she would later go to her and thank her as well.
Though first: breakfast!
Amber tried to push away all negative thoughts and enjoy a healthy breakfast, which in her case was consisted of fried eggs, bacon and some sausages.
While filling a cup with hot chocolate, she noticed the star-shaped pasties. What were those?
Curious, she grabbed one and bit into it – chocolate fudge! Perfect!
Amber finally truly smiled as she enjoyed her pastry.
Post by MJ Birdwhistle on Nov 6, 2023 18:36:21 GMT 10
Despite wanting to sleep in because, it was Christmas Eve and she had no classes, MJ woke up bright and early. She came into the Great Hall keen for the day and all her plans.
She sat opposite Amber with a grin, "Hello Captain! Are you staying for the Holidays too?"
MJ helped herself to a Full English fry-up -- the best way to fuel her day. She looked around for the apple juice as well, "Why is the juice I want, never within reach...?"
But she said this was a playful tone as she kneeled on the bench and looked around. Hopefully if Amber spotted it, she would help her out. MJ sat down again and shrugged, starting to eat her breakfast.
She looked around and saw the reduced numbers already and knew that a lot of classmates were away for Christmas, including some of the girls in her dormitory.
"Any plans for today?" She asked as she attempted to spear a bit of everything with her fork or pile it on top. MJ had a lot of things she hoped to do today and was excited for all the progress she would make with various things.
Though, some of those plans involved the Great Lake and... Well, it was winter and snowing. Madam Pomfrey was going to be unimpressed with her (once again).
Post by Amber Lloyd on Nov 6, 2023 19:25:25 GMT 10
Amber looked up as a familiar face settled down in front of her and smiled, though it soon turned into a grimace at her question.
"Morning, MJ! Yeah, not really out of my own choice though...", she admitted and sighed, shoving her half-eaten egg around on the plate.
Well, maybe she should perk up, at least her parents would have their well-deserved vacation!
Juice?
Amber remembered MJ asking about it at another meal as well, so she automatically took a look around for the same jug. And again it was out of her own reach.
"Excuse me, can I have that?" She asked a group of fourth year Ravenclaw girls near her, gossiping about the ball last evening, while Amber pointed at the relevant jug.
They were nice enough to stop their chatter for a moment and provide her with it, so Amber immediately put it down in front of MJ with a grin.
"Apple juice?"
When MJ asked about her plans, Amber's mood lifted up. Oh, yeah, she had so much plans! But Amber decided against showing her her long list, and instead tilted her head in an attempt to remember the gist of it.
"Lots of them, actually! Find a Head Hog, visit the Greenhouse, gather ingredients, do some studying... Well, you name it!" Amber laughed.
"I hadn't the opportunity yet to stay at Hogwarts during Christmas, but I guess one has way more free time than during class days. I will pack my day, so I won't get bored!" She grinned and took a bite from her sausage.
And a full day would distract her from being frustrated about the situation, plus significantly lift up her mood.
"What are your plans?" She asked her teammate curiously.
Then her yes fell onto the star-shaped pastries again.
"Oh, I definitely need to eat more of these!"
Amber immediately snatched one and bit into it with enthusiasm, expecting the taste of chocolate again, though it was custard this time.
She blinked in surprise but then grinned. Were there even more variants? They were the perfect thing to her since one needed to find the different flavours by eating! What a taste-adventure!
Pastries plus a nice company, Amber's mood now was way better than before.
Post by MJ Birdwhistle on Nov 6, 2023 19:39:48 GMT 10
"I stayed last year and it was a lot of fun!" MJ's family were happy for her to stay again this year since it was just easier than going all the way to London to collect her -- besides, she got a lot done over the Christmas Holidays last year and she was excited to do the same again this year.
"Aw, thank you!" She smiled at Amber as she passed MJ the apple juice. She poured herself some juice, nodding in thanks at the fourth years who had passed the jug over and took a sip.
Refreshing but with that tart bite she loved so much.
"I'm probably going to head to the Greenhouse after breakfast and then I need to collect some ingredients around the Great Lake... I want to see Professor Snape and Rivera too..." It was her 'for starters' list today. She would collect the ingredients she needed and then go see Professor Snape, most likely.
Hopefully it worked out that way.
"What are those? They look delicious!" MJ picked up a star shaped pastry herself and bit into it, despite only being half-way done with her breakfast. It was delicious! Her eyes widened in delight and she took another bite.
Even with students from each house having left for the holidays, hundreds of owls swooped into the Great Hall as per every morning, though a bit early -- with several shaking fresh snow from their feathers as they landed. Some did it with their usual grace or semi-perfected aim, whereas others had to make emergency u-turns. At least these ones didn't have a train to chase down.
One owl headed for the Ravenclaw table missed its mark completely, resulting in a dive-bomb into a 7th year boy's bowl of cereal. Which, of course, went everywhere. The owl was safely retrieved, but was either stunned or had surrendered to its presumed demise.
Given the added chaos caused by wayward weather and long-distance delivering, it was the relief of many that only a few owls flew in bearing packages. Overall, everything was mainly letters from home and the usual subscription to the Daily Prophet.
No additional letters were delivered; none were sent that required answering.
Post by MJ Birdwhistle on Nov 6, 2023 21:08:32 GMT 10
There weren't as many owls that morning but that didn't stop the few that did appear, from having a few accidents.
If dive-bombing into a bowl of cereal and not moving again was an accident. MJ witnessed the whole thing and stared, open-mouthed at the older student as they dealt with their unexpected visitor.
She hoped the owl was just knocked out and not... Well, she didn't want to think about the alternative.
Instead, she picked up her copy of the Daily Prophet and read the front page. She gasped when she saw it was about the Founder's Ball, which she had talked to previously with Giovi and Alora. She recognised Lucas' picture and grinned.
He looked very handsome in his fancy outfit -- which reminded her. She had to stop by and see him at some point over Christmas.
"Amber! Your name is in the paper! You're the Heir of Ravenclaw!" MJ squeaked excitedly for the older girl, "What was the ball like? Did you go with anyone? Was there food?"
MJ was eager for the older Ravenclaw to tell her all about it while she glanced at the smaller article titles at the bottom of the page.
Immediately she was drawn to the article about the Sacred Four, especially after last year's adventures and she would make sure to read it in great detail later. She frowned in thought at the idea of someone smuggling Nifflers and hoped the poor creatures were okay.
And that the set at school were safe and sound!
"Italian wand maker is missing..." She mumbled, shovelling more food into her mouth and then perking up when she saw there was an article about Quidditch World records!
It would be cool to set her own some day... MJ turned to read that story first to see what records had been set.
Post by Caine Hawke on Nov 6, 2023 22:28:05 GMT 10
When Caine woke up his best friend was gone already. He pouted a moment as he stared at the empty bed before throwing himself into it and rooting around to mess up the blankets. Let it be a mess! It was just a small thing, but his way of reminding his best friend that he was, indeed, here. When his best friend got back, well, he'd have something fun to come back to.
Caine would mess up his bed every day until he got back, he swore it! Especially if he wasn't written. Because... rude.
Dressing rather casually (his uniform pants and his uniform button down untucked), he headed down to the Great Hall to have some breakfast.
And was met by Professor Sprout.
Oops. He wasn't allowed in Hogsmeade for today. That wasn't cool but oh well. He'd figure out something else to do with his time. Sure, it sucked because his friends were still allowed but they weren't the ones that shot off a firework. Ah, well. Why sell 'em if you couldn't shoot them off? It surely hadn't hurt anyone! But he didn't argue his case yet - it was far too early.
Sitting down next to Amber, he helped himself to some eggs and bacon before the owls arrived, dropping letters and newspapers - even taking out some cereal along the way. He'd learned his lesson. If you were going to eat cereal, do it fast!
Opening the Daily Prophit to see if there was any news about his firework mishap he paused, a slow smile spreading across his face.
"Amber! Look! Look!" he said, waving the paper at her, "I'm there!" He'd save it, send it to his mother or something! He was sure she'd love it!
Yet few students were in a rush to leave, apart from those headed off to Hogsmeade or who had a long to-do list to start tackling. Some lingered to enjoy tea or hot chocolate, appearing at the end of each house tables -- same as yesterday, though no less appreciated. A warm beverage was perfect for a cold day like this.
Hogsmeade Trip / Christmas Holidays
3rd years and above may come and go from Hogsmeade all day. 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 MJ Birdwhistle on Nov 7, 2023 0:19:47 GMT 10
A Hufflepuff boy appeared next to Amber and MJ recognised him as the seeker from their house team, "Hi."
She greeted him but was uncertain if he even cared she existed. Maybe he did when she was on the pitch since she had caused quite a few issues for the Hufflepuff team during the previous match.
MJ grinned at the thought and rose from her seat, her breakfast done, "Going to head off now. See you at dinner later, maybe?"
That was directed at Amber but if the Hufflepuff boy tagged along, he was more than welcome. MJ didn't have anything against him and he seemed like he knew how to have fun.
Her satchel was hitched onto her shoulder and she waved to them both as she left.
With everything dying down and Caine's excitement squashed, he pocketed the paper for later (taking a second one that was left behind for a project) before he smiled at Amber.
"I have to go see a Professor about... something. If you go to Hogsmeade... remember me fondly." he was only half joking but, really, it truly was awful, wasn't it? Ah, well. He had other things to do today anyway. Like see about some music he could play.
And teach Evan how to dance since he couldn't keep his feet apparently.
He leaned over and hugged his best friend with a smile.
"I'm going to be near the music room most of the day if you wanted to find me later." he told her with a brilliant smile. He wouldn't keep her from Hogsmeade or anything like that but he would ask for details at dinner.
He waved to the little Ravenclaw when she left before gathering his stuff as well.
"Later!" he called over his shoulder, slipping from the Great Hall, walking backward as he said goodbye.
Last year had been fun? Well, if MJ said so, Amber easily believed her. Maybe it really wasn't that bad staying at Hogwarts over Christmas...
"Sounds like you made a whole list as well!" Amber grinned.
She greeted Caine as joined her at the table, but more conversation was not possible as the owls arrived - with one owl spectacularly diving into a cereal bowl nearby. Amber was too late in hiding her face, so was covered with splatters of milk and some lumps of cereal.
However, instead of cleaning herself, she immediately turned her attention to the poor owl. It looked like the older student did help it, but the owl still looked rather… ruffled. Worried, Amber leaned over and gave the owl a soft pet, even trying to stimulate it with a piece of bacon.
It helped a bit – and it provided Amber with a peck from another owl which desperately tried to get her attention as well, and eying the bacon with envy.
“What – Oh, I’m sorry!” Quickly, she exchanged the letter from the owl with bacon, and the owl happily flew off.
A reply from her parents! Amber had had found the time yesterday to write her parents about her new appointment as Captain – and to congratulate her, they were providing her with a broom upgrade! Neat, just the thing she needed!
And she already knew what she would get. The Thunderstrike. Ever since the Academy Course at the Flying Refresher the broom wouldn’t get out of her head. It just had felt so natural to fly with it! And now she could get it!
Before Amber could even glance at the front page of the Daily Prophet, she was already bombarded with comments from MJ and Caine about it. A quick skim provided her with enough information to answer. “Heir of Ravenclaw? I like the sound of that!” Amber laughed, then smirked. “For the rest, you’ll have to wait until you can see it for yourself! It is… difficult to explain. And I don’t wanna spoil all the fun!”
She grinned and images of the ball last night again popped into her mind, which was interrupted by Caine.
“Yeah, nice picture! I think I'll need to keep that! And Sinead is there as well!”
Amber finished her breakfast while reading the articles about the new Quidditch World Records and Niffler Smugglers, then stuffed the Prophet into her bag.
“Huh, don’t you wanna go to Hogsmeade together?” Amber asked confused, not really up to date with his banishment from Hogsmeade trips. And off he went. Well, she could ask him later about that.
She waved both her companions goodbye, then stood up, looking around the Great Hall as well, searching for one of the Head Hogs. Hm, where could she find one?
Amber turned to an older student next to her – in fact the 7th year whose cereal bowl had been dive-bombed by the owl. “Sorry, but do you know where I can find one of the Head Hogs?”
The 7th year shook his head, too miserable and embarrassed for any sort of reasonable conversation.
Luckily for Amber though, others nearby had overheard her -- most shrugged or shook their heads, but a rather shy-looking 3rd year Ravenclaw built up the courage to approach her.
'My brother's in Slytherin,' she said, staring at her feet yet eager to help. She only managed to lift her head enough to idolise Amber's Prefect badge. 'Yesterday, he mentioned talking to Zack Mercer. He's a Head Hog, isn't he? Anyway, um, I think he's at the Grand Staircase this morning -- not the Dungeons.'
Post by Amber Lloyd on Nov 10, 2023 16:10:41 GMT 10
Amber pitied the 7th year old, but couldn’t do any more to help him or the owl.
She turned her head to the 3rd year and listened patiently, not rushing the girl. She seemed shy enough already, and Amber really appreciated her help there.
“Yeah, he is! Thank you for telling me, I will take a look there then!”
She gave the 3rd year a brilliant smile and with a wave she took her leave, walking straight out of the Great Hall.