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 Day had a quietness to it, as breakfast began earlier than usual in anticipation of many early-rising children excited about the festivities.
The Great Hall was occupied by staff, though barely any students yet -- everyone were either still sleeping or were bundled warmly in the common room to open gifts found under the tree (delivered in the night by owls or house elves) and to socialise. Slytherin's house table was sparse as ever, especially in comparison to the other tables.
School uniforms were allowed for those who preferred it, but otherwise optional during the holidays -- and included a range of festive sweaters and hats. Not everyone celebrated or were in the mood to partake, but the abundance of food over Christmas was always a welcome benefit.
There were various decorations throughout the main areas of the castle, including the seven huge Christmas trees decorated by Professor River -- three on either side of the hall, then a gigantic one behind the staff table.
Like last year, there was an addition of bowls containing star-shaped pasties. Each contained one of five random fillings: butterscotch, pumpkin, chocolate brownie, peppermint, or custard. Anyone with family who worked at the Ministry may recognise or have heard of them.
It was a relaxing albeit cloudy morning, despite the cold -- and the grounds being blanketed in white snow. Everyone could enjoy their breakfast without worry or rush, looked forward to a free day ahead of them. Most were content to open gifts then hurry to breakfast, while others planned snowball fights on the grounds later.
If your character's home for the holidays, they 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 MJ Birdwhistle on Jan 21, 2024 21:16:34 GMT 10
The night before had been rather pleasant, and MJ had awoken to a few Christmas gifts at the end of her bed -- from her family! She had almost teared up when she saw one of them had Max's name on it.
So she sat at the Ravenclaw table with a new hood scarf and mittens that could be turned into fingerless gloves. There had been a few books and a new journal as well but those she left behind.
MJ had things to do today, and she was determined to get them done.
She helped herself to a big bowl of steaming porridge, added a chopped banana and a drizzle of honey. Her breakfast helped to warm her from the inside out as she ate big spoonfuls.
Post by Amber Lloyd on Jan 22, 2024 0:11:16 GMT 10
Amber shuffled into the Great Hall with a big yawn and settled down at her House table without glancing left or right, taking in the decorations only for a second.
Last night, she had stayed up much later than planned. While working on her project in the Common Room, ambition had seized her, and she had somehow managed to finish at least one piece despite her drooping eyes. After finally dragging herself to be, she had slept soundly.
Of course, her internal clock had woken her up. Still drowsy, she had automatically gotten ready as if it were a normal school day – only to arrive in the Common Room and find chatting students sitting in front of the tree, opening gifts from home.
Amber blinked. baffled. and it took her sleep-deprived mind a moment to grasp the situation. The excitement of getting presents woke her up a bit, and she eagerly searched for her own. Unwrapping them revealed in a royal blue woolly jumper from her parents, a neck gaiter from her brother and a book from her grandpa. She was delighted but surprised to receive anything at all, considering her family had provided her with a broom upgrade just the day before, although it had been for a different reason.
Happily, Amber took her presents to her room, changed into the new jumper, then headed down to breakfast, with tiredness settling in again.
She filled the plate in front of her with scrambled eggs and bacon, though before even taking a bite, she poured herself a cup of tea. Taking a sip and letting the warmth from it fill her up, she sighed in contenment.
Owls flew into the Great Hall, their numbers small as most deliveries were made to the common room Christmas trees hours earlier. And with only a few students present per house table, deliveries primarily focused on subscriptions to the Daily Prophet.
~ Breakfast ended ~
Barely any staff remained in the Great Hall, though those that did were intently bent over a copy of the newspaper -- Professors Snape and Hathmore were in an intense discussion regarding it, as if tuning out everything else going on around them. Professor Traddles was a bit pale, and was fussed over by Madam Pomfrey.
Various older students finally milled into the hall; many were tired, but in good spirits. Chatter spread fast, particularly among those with Muggle relatives, as they saw this morning's Daily Prophet. Some hurried from the hall to write home, and others made adjustments to their Christmas plans.
No additional letters were delivered, as none were sent that required answering.
Post by Amber Lloyd on Jan 23, 2024 18:06:38 GMT 10
Amber was too tired to notice anyone familiar nearby or strike up any conversation, and instead focused in her meal.
By the time she started munching on the star-shaped pastries (mmh, butterscotch!), the owls arrived. Amber grabbed her copy of the Daily Prophet and took in the headline.
Her eyes flew over it and she frowned. Muggle Street? Strange Magic blasted around? Where?
She couldn’t conclude anything from the article alone, but she didn’t panic. She didn’t believe it happened in a little backwater town where her grandpa lived. Nevertheless, she decided to be sure and write to her brother – and to thank him for the present, of course.
Now finally fully awake, Amber flipped through the last of the pages, skimming over the article of the cat rescuer, then shoved the newspaper into her bag.
Grabbing one of the remaining pastries as a snack to go, she decided it was time to leave the hall. She had a busy day planned…
Post by Caine Hawke on Jan 23, 2024 23:20:05 GMT 10
Late! He was late for breakfast! Waking up with a whole new broom waiting for him had gotten him a tad bit excited! The note with it had remained unread but he'd get to it when he got to it, he supposed. There was no real rush as it was from his Dad, anyway. Besides, he'd respond when he got the chance. Probably after dinner or something.
Who was he kidding? Caine figured he'd forget so he left the envelope on his pillow - there. In sight, in mind.
Making it just in time to see some owls land with papers, Caine snatched up something quick to eat and grabbed hold of the daily prophet to scan over the headline. Muggles was always interesting to see in the paper and it reminded him to contact his mother. She'd be out there somewhere, but likely not within a fight zone, so he wasn't overly worried.
Still, glancing over at the Gryffindor girl he'd met earlier, he was immediately distracted by Amber who stood. She was hard to miss now that he knew her. Heck, as one of his best friends, he knew that girl on sight. Rolling the newspaper up to read later, Caine bolted after her without a second thought.
He was supposed to see her yesterday, after all, and she'd gone to Hogsmeade and he'd made new friends. It had been productive but he wanted to spend some time with her.
"See you in a bit, Harper!" he called after the Gryffindor as he breezed passed her, out the great hall after his friend.
Post by MJ Birdwhistle on Jan 24, 2024 17:16:49 GMT 10
The owl post arrived, which pulled MJ from her thoughts. She accepted her copy and rewarded the owl with a treat. It seemed satisfied and took flight again.
While she opened up her Daily Prophet, MJ was aware of the reaction from the teachers and quickly looked at the front page. She let out a soft gasp, her eyes wide and her mouth dropped open as she read.
Sure, this kind of thing had to be possible, but that didn't mean MJ had ever worried about it.
She double-checked, but there was no information about the location, so MJ hoped it was no-where near her family. No... Surely her Granny, Great-Auntie and Max were fine!
MJ set down the paper and scanned the additional stories listed at the bottom. A biting tea-cup also attacked a Muggle -- Terrible!
With a sigh, MJ folded up her paper and put it into her satchel. She had things to do, and she couldn't worry about the paper right now. She'd focus on the tasks she had to do and, if she was still concerned later, she could write a letter home.
With a nod to herself, MJ stood up and left the Great Hall to head to her first destination.