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.
Stepping into the Great Hall this Christmas night, there was an obvious absence of both the staff table and the four house tables. Instead, everyone would sit together at one round table in the middle -- mixing not only houses, but students and staff as well.
It wasn't too crowded, as a majority of the students had gone home for the holidays. The quietest, less chaotic time was nearing its end though; those students would be returning tomorrow afternoon. Things would be back to normal soon, with classes and Quidditch, and the usual bustle of the busy school.
But for tonight, they had this.
Headmaster Rickard was the focal point of the table, with staff scattered around. Various students, many looking rather shy to be seated near a Professor or unfamiliar older students, were present as well.
Rather tired-looking Head Hogs, Nette and Zack (as they were known by), entered the Great Hall together, deep in conversation -- something about the Dark Forest, and... well, one dreaded to think. Curious as Professor Hathmore was, the other Professors feigned deafness in no desire to spoil their Christmas evening.
Seeing the layout, as if they'd forgotten what day it was, the Head Hogs purposefully split up to opposing ends of the round table. To help keep students in check, or simply to broaden their social interactions -- it was unclear which, if not both.
They were noisily followed by a most familiar trio of Tae-sang Lee, Natalie Shorrs, and Jody Primrose. These 6th years being some of the most popular students in school, others at the table immediately turned shy at getting to share a table with all three of them. Tae-sang sat between his best friends, as to avoid some of the eager attention of others.
He quietly served himself dinner, unbothered by Jody and Natalie babbling away to each other on either side of him. It was an exciting night for them, with Natalie being in Hufflepuff and thus it was a rare treat that she could join them for dinner.
Other 6th years who remained over the holidays were mainly in Gryffindor or Slytherin -- and naturally seated themselves about as far from the opposing house as possible. While the Slytherins were displeased to be sharing the table, the Gryffindors were eager for the chance to interact with other houses. Silvana Lawrence had a hard time keeping someone seated with her though, as the only topic she was interested in was Beast Rights.
'I still think it's strange,' Natalie chatted away with Jody, while more students began to arrive in the Great Hall. 'I mean, a Gryffindor jumper just appeared in the Hufflepuff common room? And what about that ink set Tae-sang found down by Hagrid's?'
'It is strange.' Jody nodded, pausing to sip her goblet. 'Did you find who the inks belonged to?'
Tae-sang shook his head, busy shoveling noodles into his mouth.
Meanwhile, Professor Traddles kept a keen eye on the students -- watching each one enter, almost as if counting them or trying to memorise some complicated pattern. Professor McGonagall shot him an exasperated look from across the table, though was more interested in a young Gryffindor who far-too-innocently wore a festive hat to dinner.
'Nah, I can't find them anywhere,' Duncan whined to a Ravenclaw a year below him. 'Stupid gloves. My hands were freezing all day. Someone must have nicked them. I'm sure of it.'
The Great Hall was warm and inviting, lush with the Christmas spirit and joyful celebration. Many were still dressed warmly, though admired the weather which was gently snowing -- adding to the atmosphere of twinkling Christmas tress around the hall, and the delicious scent of a special feast.
Even now, school uniforms were allowed for those who preferred it. Not everyone celebrated Christmas or were in the mood to partake, but warm food after a bitterly cold day was always appreciated. It continued last year's addition of bowls containing moon-shaped pasties. Each had one of five random fillings: blueberry tart, gingerbread, custard, chocolate mint, or cinnamon pears.
There were also a range of colourful magical crackers to be shared. When pulled apart, they let of loud bangs -- and inside were various wonderful or surprising gifts, such as a new chess set or live mice.
There were more warm drinks than usual, which had a magical warming effect on its drinker. The feast itself was delightful, and there was plenty to go around. It included an increase of desserts, which many were drawn to since it'd become a rare treat when dessert (as a meal) was removed from Hogwarts' day-to-day life last year.
The feast remained for the duration of the night, though everyone was welcome to leave whenever they wished. Professors were all present -- including Madams Pomfrey and Graysteel, both who were regularly posed Academy quests by some nervous N.E.W.T students. An occurrence that made some O.W.L concerned of their own future; was this their last carefree Christmas at Hogwarts?
Professor McGonagall nodded to herself, as the young Gryffindor she was watching suddenly made a grab for her hat -- but too slow, and revealed her pet Toad underneath. It made a hop for its freedom -- startling Professor Rivera, who spilled her tea over her dinner. Mortified, the Gryffindor made a dive to secure her Toad -- knocking very goblets, until Professor Fairburn expertly snatched the runaway amphibian and sternly returned it to her.
The Gryffindor snatched some food from the table, then fled red-faced from the hall while clutching her troublesome pet -- as though she could feel Professor Snape's glare shot her way. Professor McGonagall casually sipped her hot chocolate as if nothing was amiss.
Hagrid arrived late, looking a bit tired but in good spirits. He sat heavily at the table, in a char designated for him -- and immediately had a look at what beverages were on offer.
He paid no attention to the bit of commotion nearby, where Professor Archerose encouraged a rather reluctant Filch to join them at the table. Spotting this, Zack and Silvana both immediately rose from their seats and beckoned him. Duncan glanced over, and started choking on his chicken drumstick to see Filch glaring at him across the dinner table.
Absolutely out of his element, Filch could only stutter and turn pink as he was half-dragged to the table by Silvana.
'You can sit beside me,' she insisted. 'Would you like some pudding?'
Mrs Norris was seated on his shoulder, hissing at anyone who dared pay them notice -- which Silvana completely ignored, and it didn't last long once the unfriendly cat realised some crackers were conjuring live mice. Several Professors smiled warmly at Silvana, whereas several schoolmates shot her reproachful looks.
It was an uncomfortable atmosphere to have Filch join them -- especially for the older students, as this had never happened before. And yet, Professor Snape was far worse and they'd endured that for years. It was mostly new arrivals who reacted to the unkind yet quiet Caretaker seated at the table with them, though their friends quickly hushed them on the topic.
Post by Caine Hawke on Apr 11, 2024 22:45:57 GMT 10
Caine had taken a long time in the shower. Letting himself warm up and stop the shivering that he’d tried to hide, made sure that every inch of him was coated with water that was almost too hot to stand.
He’d stayed until his fingers were all wrinkly and he felt like he could move again – until one of his housemates slammed a few times on the stall door to force him into movement.
He was pretty sure he was startled within an inch of his life but he understood the meaning.
Dragging himself out of the shower he’d dressed in something casual and warm, pajamas sent by his mother and his bag that, rather than ingredients (that were shaken out on his bed) now held a new brush and a navy blue bow with a box of chocolate from his own stash.
He’d told his mother the gift was for a girl and she’d sprang into action in true mum fashion – her son had a girl that was his friend! How nice! She’d heard about Amber a million times over the past five years but, alas, now that he was older she was more inclined to believe that his gift giving was more than it was.
Huh.
That seemed to be a theme.
Pausing to grab one of the unopened bag of cat treats he'd collected just in case, Caine made his way from his dorm toward the Great Hall. He wasn’t sure, but if he saw his favorite cat he’d have a gift for her. And it was still closed! So there was that.
Making his way up from the common room he glanced around for his friends but didn’t see them. Instead, he entered into the Great Hall and glanced around. There were still others gathered around but some seats were opening up. He was late, but then again he figured they would all be that way.
Especially because they all needed to warm up after the snowball fight.
And there she was!
Caine saw Mrs. Norris at the table with Filch and a Gryffindor he didn’t know, slipping near enough to see the cat.
”Merry Christmas, Mr. Filch… and there’s the bravest girl I’ve ever met! Merry Christmas, Mrs. Norris!” He dug into his bag and pulled out the unopened treats, settling them on the table for her to sniff or Mr. Filch to dispose of as he wished.
”I’m sorry it’s not much but if you want to get a cat toy later… let me know.” He didn’t try to pet her – feeling like it wasn’t the wisest thing to do, but the offer was loud enough to be heard by the cat and her keeper if he was listening.
Afterward he made his way over to a part of the table with three open seats and sat in the middle, placing his bag on one and his arm on the other, all but laying in wait for the other two to join him.
Anyone that knew Caine wouldn’t think it was strange of him but he still grinned at whomever decided to look at him. Let ‘em look!
Last Edit: Apr 12, 2024 23:23:26 GMT 10 by Caine Hawke
Post by MJ Birdwhistle on Apr 11, 2024 22:55:15 GMT 10
MJ entered the Great Hall a little out of breath but smiling.
She had gone to her dormitory after brewing potions and got ready for dinner when she spotted the tin of shortbread with its jolly, Christmas bow. Of course! She had to get this to Lucas before the end of the day!
There was probably just enough time before dinner to seek him out -- not that Lucas had never made that an easy task.
A few Gryffindors had even sent her in the wrong direction, thinking it was funny. Eventually, an older Slytherin student had stepped in and helped escort her to where they had last spotted Lucas.
And there he had been, in the Main Courtyard.
She didn't know if he was happy or not to see her, but she handed over the present regardless and thanked him for his help throughout last year and this. With that, she had left him to hurry to the Great Hall.
The sight of the round table for Christmas was a familiar one for MJ. She had a slight, excited bounce in her step as she headed into the Great Hall and saw all the teachers and students gathering.
She smiled politely at the Headmaster, gave Professor Rivera a small wave and spotted Professor Snape too. MJ wished she had finished up her potions sooner and had a chance to do the next part of the Extra-C... Oh, well!
As she rounded the table to get to a free seat, she overheard something about the Dark Forest and tilted her head. That sounded dangerous and exciting at the same time!
Then she saw three students together, two girls and one boy who seemed familiar for some reason. The boy who sat in the middle was from her house, and MJ recalled him being hounded by girls not so long ago. He seemed distracted.
Passing the trio, she greeted them with a jolly, "Happy Holidays!" since she didn't know if they celebrated Christmas or not.
Making her way to a free seat, MJ sat down in time to see a Gryffindor girl she didn't know encouraging Mr. Filch to join them at the table. He was a member of the staff, after all, so it only made sense he would enjoy dinner with them too!
Post by Jonathan King on Apr 12, 2024 2:38:46 GMT 10
As if barely making it out of an encounter with that spiky bear-wolf wasn't enough for one day, Joe was met with yet another attempt on his life as he entered the Great Hall this evening: He only just avoided being run over by a Gryffindor clutching a toad that was hurried the other way.
He had stumbled in the process of jumping out of the way and quickly got up, wiping some dust from his trousers while muttering something about short life-exptectancies under his breath.
When he saw the big, round table, he stopped in his tracks, a suddenly reconsidering his need for dinner.
Glancing over his shoulder, he wondered if Ryan knew about this arrangement and if so, whether he'd come at all.
He suddenly felt rather shy, but when he caught sight of the familiar shape of MJ, he took heart and trapsed behind an older Slytherin boy to join the table.
If MJ was there, it ought to be safe. Besides, Joe would have to pack some dinner for Ryan, if he didn't show.
"Hi MJ," he said with a wave. A bit louder, for the students and staff around them to hear, he added: "Happy Christmas"
Then he quickly sat down in a free seat next to MJ, very much feeling embarrassed for having spoken so loudly. His face was feeling uncomfortably hot.
After a brief glance around the table however, Joe got back up again.
"Excuse me," he muttered.
With fluttering nerves he approached the staff, wondering why his body seemed to have the same reaction to publicly seeking out an unfamiliar professor as it did to facing down that beast today.
"Professor?", his voice sounded thin. He was looking at the creatures' professor but when he tried to recall her name, his mind went blank.
Perhaps he ought to have gone to Hagrid instead, but he was a giant and Joe was secretely terrified of putting his foot in his mouth around him.
He nervously fiddled with the seam of his jumper's sleeve, trying to ignore Snape's (who actually terrified him) presence entirely.
"Ummm, I met a creature on the Forest Path today, that looked like a bear-wolf with spikes and long claws and it looked very scary and it ate my raw meat and do you know what that could be?", once he talked, he talked quickly to take away any chances of chickening out again.
"Happy Christmas, by the way," he muttered, as he looked at the tip of his shoe as though he had never seen anything more fascinating.
Post by Amber Lloyd on Apr 12, 2024 3:34:55 GMT 10
After racing back to the Castle and up the Ravenclaw Tower, Amber's body still hadn't thawed up a bit, her even ending up in shivers and her extremities feeling like icicles. But it was nothing a good long and warm shower could remedy.
Feeling like herself again, she dressed herself in a warm blue jumper and comfortable pants. Though as she knew the way to the Great Hall would be cold and as, like her carnelian ear studs, Joshua's Hufflepuff scarf was almost like a part of her now, she wrapped it around her neck and was on her way to dinner, nose buried into the scarf.
Apparently, her shower had taken way longer than expected as the Great Hall was already filled with people and food. However, there weren't any house or staff tables to be seen, only one big table in the middle, surrounded by sparkling Christmas decorations.
For a second, she admired the twinkling decorations, but then she realised what the mixture of students and staff at one table meant: sharing a meal with them, being into the direct view of Professors.
As it was her first Christmas at Hogwarts, it felt kind of awkward, but therefore she didn’t find it weird to find Filch at the table as well. He was staff after all – even if she didn’t like him. He had caught them doing mischief just too often… Apropos…
Her eyes stopped at Hathmore and she instantly stood more upright, as if not wanting to be scolded for anything. But no, today she hadn’t done anything worth sc-
Damn it, she had. The forest venture with Caine.
But only she and Caine knew about that. Yep, no one else. So nothing had happened, right?
Nevertheless, Amber quickly shifted her gaze away from Hathmore and looked instead for Caine, or Oisin, while the scent of delicious food wafted over to her, making her stomach rumble.
Ah, there he was!
With a wide grin she made a beeline towards him, though heard whispers about missing objects on her way. What was up with that? Suspicious… Perhaps she should look into that…
In addition, she greeted any Professor she passed on her way, though stopped at Zack for a second, as she just couldn't help herself.
“Merry Christmas!” Amber gave him a wave and a smile, which soon turned into a grin. “So, is the Minstrel still as annoying as ever?”
Remembering her adventure to find the Headhog, and the horrible song on her way, she just had to ask! And he might have visited or passed him again, on a way to another adventure. Perhaps she should wonder the corridors again herself...
Despite her desire to ask for any details regarding the missing objects, as Caine fell into her view, she knew she shouldn’t linger too long, her friend was waiting for her after all!
She quickly bid farewell, then joined Caine at his table.
“Is this seat taken?” Amber grinned at him and playfully shoved his arm away before settling down to his left.
Her gaze then flew over the table, taking the overall meal in. And what a feast it was! There was everything her heart desired! And the selection of dessert! Joshua would have loved that, too bad he wasn’t here.
Well, she just needed to eat enough for both of them then! Although, that might be hard considering he practically had a second stomach just for sweets… But maybe she would get away with pilfering a few of them for him?
Ha, considering the Professors around them probably not…
“So, have you already decided on what to eat?” Amber curiously asked Caine while she herself hadn’t a clue at all.
For now, she settled on a cup of fruit tea and took a sip – which immediately warmed her up inwardly. She loved it!
“And where’s Oisin?”
As Amber looked around for him, she spotted another familiar face: MJ!
With a bright smile she waved at her fellow teammate, though couldn’t say anything as she still had to swallow down her mouthful of tea.
Last Edit: Apr 12, 2024 3:52:06 GMT 10 by Amber Lloyd
Post by Oisin Gowan on Apr 12, 2024 5:11:05 GMT 10
Oisin nearly overheated himself in the shower. He set it from 'warm tingling' to 'lava lake' and it was juuuust right. Sighing in relief, he spent more time in there than was wise.
He got his pruney self out after he was sure he wouldn't freeze to death and put on some underwear before venturing out to his dorm, wondering what to wear.
The Gryffindor opted out of wearing his special glasses. It was just dinner and rather informal at that, so there was no point in really having them with him. He definitely didn't need another migraine like the one earlier in the day.
Now that he was all warm and toasty, Oisin was getting rather sleepy. It appeared that the physical exertion of the snowball fight was getting to him. He would probably sleep like a baby after dinner.
Yawning, Oisin scratched his belly and dove into his trunk for some clothing. He wouldn't wear his uniform, that was plain boring. The Gryffindor put on a warm, comfortable sweater and some trousers that were just appropriate enough (so, not pyjamas) to be worn by the general public.
Unfortunately for Oisin, he didn't realize that his sweater was a garish neon yellow and his trousers deep purple. He looked more like a demented Christmas light than anything presentable. But that was for someone else to point out.
Taking a look at the dull shades of grey in the mirror, Oisin decided that he looked good enough to venture into public.
At the entrance of the Gryffindor common room, he spotted a young girl, looking around nervously. She looked to be either a first or a second-year. Oisin couldn't resist asking why she wasn't on her way to dinner.
She told him that she had some trouble with a classmate and was afraid to go out all along as her friends were away for the holidays. Oisin looked around for a Prefect from any year, but it seemed that none of them were in the common room.
So, he offered help in their stead and escorted her to the Great Hall. The older boy let her chatter to him about her classes. She was Muggleborn like him and so excited about magic. Just like he had been.
And was still, but the feeling mellowed a little with each passing year.
In no time, the pair were walking through a familiar door, but coming to an unfamiliar sight.
''Tell a Prefect or a Professor about it, okay?'' Oisin softly said to the girl, before squeezing her shoulders in support and looking around the Great Hall for any familiar faces. The girl thanked him and left to go sit beside a boy of a similar age, smiling.
Oisin looked at the big, round table, and the staff and students already sat around it. Some of whom he knew, some he was familiar with, and others complete unknowns.
He was just about to go and sat down at random, before he spied Caine and Amber sitting at the table, with one chair next to Caine empty. Remembering his promise, Oisin took a fortifying breath before going in their direction.
On the way, Oisin heard snippets from conversations around him, but he was mostly interested in the food. It all looked grand, especially those moon-shaped pasties.
''I'm knackered,'' Oisin said in lieu of hello and flopped down in the chair, squeaking when he sat on something hard. He wasn't paying attention and accidentally sat on Caine's bag.
''I'm such an eejit (idiot), sorry,'' he apologized, accent thickening slightly in panic, before picking up the bag and trying to set it right. Hopefully, he didn't break something in it. Oisin offered the bag to Caine, shoulders hunching down in remorse. He looked right pitiful, he did.
Filch indeed snatched the treats offered by Caine, despite Mrs Norris' interest in them. He shot the Hufflepuff a distrustful look, and pocketed the treats. He hadn't tossed them, at least, but no way was he risking his precious Mrs Norris for whatever prank that troublemaker was up to now. And a cat toy? Ha. A likely story.
Although, Caine had been nice to Mrs Norris in the past...
No, it was impossible. Troublemakers couldn't be good kids at the same time. Either they were bad apples or fairly decent. Caine was, as a long history of detentions proved, quite the bad apple. In Filch, opinion anyway.
--
'Happy holidays,' Jody parroted back to MJ, purely out of instinct to being so warmly greeted. It took her a second to realise who had spoken -- and in recognising her, Jody added a friendly wave and smile.
Natalie rolled her eyes; her best friend would surely wish even a troll a wonderful day if it was nice enough. Considering her a lost cause, Natalie glanced at Tae-sang instead -- and narrowed her eyes at his continued quiet over dinner, now that he'd consumed a decent amount of food.
'Why are you sulking?' Natalie poked him.
'Am not,' he replied automatically. His huff did little to convince her. 'Just thinking, that's all. Looking forward to Christmas being over.'
Kody and Natalie didn't buy it, shooting each other amused looks at his expense. Nodding as if they believed that was all to it, they reached for some pudding and resumed their chatter about the missing ink set and who it could belong to.
--
Professor Fairburn froze at the young Ravenclaw's approach, as if caught stuffing her pockets with live mice in attempt to rescue them from the unfortunate path towards Mrs Norris. Nope. She was definintely not caught doing exactly that. Feigning innocence, she properly turned to who spoke to her -- but didn't recognise the boy.
Ah, but not yet, she didn't. Fairburn smiled at her future-student, nodding to encourage conversation as it was unusual for a younger student to even know she existed. Sure, she was famous and all but not everyone followed news about Poachers and whatnot. They should, honestly.
But when a 1st or 2nd year did approach her, Professor Fairburn knew exactly why. A fact that was quickly proven, yet again.
'Forest Path, you say?' She thought on it for a moment. 'Spiky bear-wolf. Long claws. Eats meat. I daresay, it could be a few things. But, given the time of year and the fact you've retained all your limbs, I'm betting you had an encounter with Bruce.'
Fairburn said it so casually, as though they were talking about a stray cat or something.
--
Zack looked up as someone addressed him, pulling his focus from a pyramid he was making out of fruit cake. He sighed, fixing the the right roof piece before he'd bothered looking to see who it was. As Head Hog, he'd adapted to being approached at any random moment for who-knows-what-this-time.
'No, I don't know whose belongings you've found,' he said, exasperated. 'I don't carry a list... oh, hello.'
He'd finally turned, and spotted Amber. Not his tenth babbling 3rd year for the past hour, but someone he'd interacted with on a friendly enough note. He squinted at her question, amused of course though did a subtle glance to see what Professors were in closest hearing range.
'Ah, not so much,' Zack replied, with mischief in his brown gaze. 'It seems someone has draped the portrait with a curtain not so easily removed. We've a few days of quiet around there, at least. A pity, really.'
The last bit was clear sarcasm.
Amber didn't stick around long, and he didn't mind. People were busy tracking down friends or saying hi to various members at the table. It was perfectly normal, and Zack expected as much. He waved Amber off, then returned to his pyramid -- pretending not to notice a suspicious glance shot his way but all-too-knowing Nette.
Post by Caine Hawke on Apr 12, 2024 23:21:01 GMT 10
As Caine took his seat he watched Mr. Filch snatch up the treats and slip them into his pocket. He didn’t miss the distrustful look but lifted his shoulders in a shrug while making a heart with his fingers toward Mrs. Norris.
He couldn’t help it. She was a cat and some of the students were rather rude to her around the school… it wasn’t right. Maybe one day he’d earn the trust of the cat – if not the keeper, just so he’d know that there were people that wouldn’t harm her.
She was just doing a job, after all. It wasn’t her fault she did well at it.
He was too busy paying attention to the cat to notice when Amber appeared, asking about her seat and shoving his arm. He grinned up at her and shrugged.
”Only if my friend is sitting there. Looks like she is.” The hint of sarcasm was graced with his leaning up again to make room for her, following her gaze out to the table to take in the spread.
”Nah, I’m still floored by all of it.” he responded. He hadn’t chosen what he was going to eat yet but he had other things to do first.
Like look for their wayward Gryffindor acquaintance.
At the mention of Oisin he was looking around the Great Hall in just enough time to see the boy enter the hall.
And how could he miss him? Merlin’s Beard the boy looked like a Christmas light.
Caine took in his clothes and his brows shot upward in question before he remembered Oisin telling him about his eyes.
Did it have to do with color? Or did he just like dressing that way? He wouldn’t ask.
Caine was dutifully tuning out all the talk around him – paying more attention to the entrance of their new face to really care about what others were talking about.
”He’s right there.” he told Amber, nodding toward his approach, watching him near the table and plop down on his bag. Caine snorted a laugh at the squeak, trying to cover the smile he wore with one hand.
”Nah, not an eejit. Just tired.” he would never call someone that – and realized he’d probably have to work on building the Gryffindor up so he wouldn’t make comments like that.
But he looked so sad about it!
Caine took the bag and put it at his feet, leaning to knock his shoulder into the Gryffindor’s with a hum as if he didn’t mean to.
”Pretty sure nothing in there is breakable right now.” he said honestly, ”The only damage is to a box and the box is… well, just a box.”
With a brush inside. But brushes wouldn’t break that easily would they?
”Tell ya what. You don’t talk about my future friend that way and we’ll call it squared.” He wasn’t waiting for a response as he pulled some warmed cider toward himself, cutting his eyes sidelong to both Amber and then Oisin.
”When we finish eating I’m going to need you,” he pointed at Amber, ”To join me on the floor. Deal?” He wouldn’t say why yet, but it was Christmas, which meant they could spend a little extra time together, right?
”And you should join us.” he nodded toward Oisin, ”I might need your help.”
He didn’t want him feeling left out! This was the only time he had to show her the gift and how cool it was! It’d helped he’d jumped into his secret candy stash to grab something for Oisin too.
But he wouldn’t say that out loud yet. If he’d crushed some chocolate… well, he got his chocolate squished.
Last Edit: Apr 12, 2024 23:22:16 GMT 10 by Caine Hawke
Post by Amber Lloyd on Apr 13, 2024 3:42:22 GMT 10
Amber watched curiously but with a grin as Zack finished a part of his food pyramid, though she wouldn’t have thought he was someone who would do something like that. She wondered if out of boredom or out of fun?
She raised an eyebrow as he started talking to her, apparently expecting someone else, though then grinned as he continued, especially as the mischief in his eyes revealed to her that he had been behind it. Brilliant! “Yeah, quite the shame,” Amber responded with the same amount of sarcasm, then went off.
--- “Perfect!” Amber grinned and settled down next to Caine, and nodded understandingly at his answer regarding the food. It was a lot after all.
While she pondered over what to fill her plate with, her friend seemed to have found Oisin. She looked up and followed Caine’s gaze – just to almost spit out her tea again.
What the hell was he wearing?! He almost looked like the Christmas decoration itself… Perhaps that had been the idea? Well, at least the colours were complementary to each other, though that made his sweater only glow even more.
Before she could even make a comment about it, she burst out into a giggle as the Gryffindor decided to settle down on Caine’s bag, but stopped as soon as she noticed his dejected appearance.
“Now, now, like Caine said! Don’t feel bad about it, stuff happens,” Amber tried to prep him up again. “Have some hot chocolate or some sweets! Both makes everything better immediately, right?”
To prove her point, she poured a cup of hot chocolate for him and herself, gently pushing it past Caine to Oisin.
Curiously Amber looked at Caine at the mention of a box. What box? Why had he a box with him? However, before she could ask, he pointed at her, demanding the need of her. On the floor.
“On the floor? Why on the floor?” Amber squinted at him.
This was very suspicious behaviour, reeked of a prank. But would her friend start one so obvious?
There was one simple answer: YES. Yes, he would!
And it didn’t make it any better as he asked Oisin to join him.
“And why do you need help from Oisin and not from me? What are you up to?”
While she waited for an answer, she glanced over the table again. The day had left her quite hungry, and she had finally decided on what to eat.
With quick hands, Amber filled her plate with some seasoned vegetables, roasted potatoes and roasted pork filled with a kind of herb stuffing. It looked so yummy!
Post by Oisin Gowan on Apr 13, 2024 7:15:21 GMT 10
''I get weird when I'm tired,'' Oisin shrugged. And it wasn't even a lie. When he overlooked care for himself, the Gryffindor was often in for a short, one-night, stay at the Hospital Wing.
Admittedly, this happened less and less since his parents found out about it in his third year. They put a fear of Irish anger in him, basically forcing Oisin to look after himself a lot better.
Or sometimes, he had some nagging friends (said with love) that reminded him to eat, rest, and not put his health on the line when it wasn't needed.
Oisin gave an incredulous look at the bag as Caine stashed it by his feet.
''If anything in it is banjaxed (broken), please tell me?'' Oisin threw a pleading look at the Hufflepuff. ''I'll fix or replace it.''
It would be his fault if anything was amiss, not to mention Oisin would just feel terrible about it. For his peace of mind, hopefully, everything was fine.
He nodded when Amber suggested eating or drinking something. That was smart. Probably why she was in Ravenclaw. She slipped some chocolate to him.
Before Caine would be able to grab it as were his honey badger ways, Oisin quickly snagged the drink and took a long sip. The cream left the tiniest of mustaches above Oisin's upper lip.
It was rather nice of her, it really was. Oisin planned on discussing what happened during the snowball fight with her, but the atmosphere was so nice, why ruin it? Maybe there would be a chance sometime after food.
A yawn slipped past him and Oisin let Caine and Amber's conversation drift over him. He took a plate and piled the moon-shaped pastries on it, hopefully with different fillings. It wasn't the healthiest of meals, but how many times would they have this chance?
Oisin bit into one and let out a drawn moan when the taste of cinnamon and pear hit his tastebuds.
''Merlin, that's delicious,'' he commented with closed eyes. With lightning-fast reflexes, Oisin piled some more on and pushed the plate away and towards Caine so that it was between the two boys. That way, if Amber and Caine wanted some, they could take them.
''Wait, what?'' Oisin jerked from his near-food comatose state when Caine and Amber mentioned going on the floor.
Okay, he got why Caine and Amber wanted to do that, to get some couple time. It was probably horrible to be in separate houses. But why would Caine want Oisin along? It wasn't as if he could do anything. It would just be awkward, uncomfortable, and weird.
Caine did mention that magical word though, help. Oisin couldn't really say no. He gave a long-suffering sigh.
''Okay, but are you sure?'' the Gryffindor wanted to give Caine a chance to renege on his offer, especially since it looked like Amber wasn't really having it.
''I don't want to intrude your alone time,'' he explained, lifting his hands up. ''Don't feel bad if you need to ignore me.''
''I can always talk to some other students,'' Oisin motioned towards the popular 6th-year trio. ''Or go bother Professor Hathmore.''
Post by MJ Birdwhistle on Apr 13, 2024 7:32:23 GMT 10
MJ was pleased that one of the older students had replied at least -- and it was the pretty girl from her house! She returned the wave as she sat down, content to begin dinner, though still on the lookout for some of her classmates to talk to.
Joe showed up and MJ was more than happy for him to sit next to her.
Of course, she wasn't surprised that he had instantly got distracted and immediately seemed to get up again. With a laugh, she watched him go, "I'll keep your seat!"
It would suck if he got done talking to a teacher only to come back and find MJ had let someone else sit there!
She was curious to know what Joe was asking Professor Fairburn, and hoped she would get a chance to ask him about it when he was done.
Seeing their Quidditch Captain appear, MJ waved to the older girl, "Happy Holidays, Amber! Did you have a good day?"
There were other students talking to Amber, so she wouldn't be too upset if she didn't get a response. MJ was content that she had greeted her Captain.
Piling food onto a plate, MJ got stuck in as she was excited to eat some pastries for dessert and had her eye on the crackers too. MJ picked one up and waggled the end of it, "Who'd like to crack this with me?"
The offer was open to anyone at the table within reach or, if someone from across the way showed interest, MJ would make it work.
Post by Brooklyn Journ on Apr 13, 2024 12:30:28 GMT 10
It was odd for Brooklyn to spend this Christmas away from his family. He always enjoyed Christmas. His earliest memories was going into New York city, enjoying the lively and warm bustle of excitement in that holiday season. It had been some years, and he did miss America in times like this. Many things changed when he moved to the UK-- especially him becoming a wizard.
For him, he felt little different from his first year, feeling despite his education, he had yet to grow as much as he hoped. When he learned his parents would be busy and that it be better he stayed at Hogwarts for the holidays, he felt a bit homesick. Though they sent him a couple of presents, he far more welcomed their familiar company and time together.
His idea of Christmas was solitary for the beginning. Though he saw some students in the common room, he did find one joy. The wild, snow-covered hills that surrounded the castle. So he decided to do with his time that afternoon-- sledding. He made a make-shift sled out of a shield he found on one of the knight statues. Sadly when he went to return it, he got a rude greeting when the said armor snatched the shield back, and barked at Brooklyn.
Still, Brooklyn didn't regret the time out in the snow. He sled down the different hills, enjoying the wild ride he had and the view of the lake and forest. He even saw doe and other animals in the snow. It was magical in all senses of the word.
Upon his return, he changed to his school robes and looked at the banquet before him. Despite his time at school, he had spent far too much time in the books and not enough with his peers. After a history of bullying in muggle school, he just didn't know how to approach others.
Though the decorations, roaring fire and feast galore with both students and teachers were welcoming, he hesitated to just join in. His constant companion was a blue journal he kept on hand, to which he was always writing in, containing some of his greatest secrets and feelings.
Still feeling a pain of loneliness on this holiday season, he approached the table and sat himself in the far end corner. Every so often, he glanced to the others, especially the Ravenclaw students he only just begun to know. They were all so impressive, and he wondered if he would be welcomed among them.
For now, he took a few slices of turkey, a pastry from the table, a goblet of hot chocolate, and began to warm himself from his afternoon in the snow. As he ate, he also had a book open, to others either reading, or perhaps writing-- always with his head in the books. A dedication to learning, or perhaps a hesitation to interact with other people far more magical than he was.
Post by Jonathan King on Apr 13, 2024 15:46:47 GMT 10
Had he been dreaming? Or had the professor just stuffed a mouse into her pocket?
She looked caught when she turned around to him and that was enough to make her feel relatable to him. His lips tugged into a small, open-mouthed smile, his nerves calmed a little.
There was something about her that made him feel at ease. He wondered if she was pocketing mice to be fed to creatures later, or to release them in a safe place.
He hoped for the latter, although he had heard people could buy live mice as food for their pets (he had never done it for his owl, and wasn't sure if he'd ever be comfortable to do so).
At the professor's explanation about his encounter, Joe's face lit up a even more.
"Bruce?", he repeated.
Somehow the bear-wolf didn't seem as scary anymore, now that he had a human name.
"He looked like a Bruce," Joe confirmed with a nod.
"I thought maybe he'd turn less spiky after eating meat, but he didn't, he just left."
Joe shrugged. He almost matched her casual tone, as if that encounter hadn't had him fear for his life.
"What kind of creature is Bruce? And, err, could you tell him I say 'hi", when you see him?"
His gaze drifting towards the other staff, he shifted his feet awkwardly.
"I hit him with a snowball, but I think he forgave me."
Still fiddling with his sleeve, Joe looked towards where MJ was saving him a seat, while waiting for the professor's answer.
"Thank you, professor," Joe said with an awkward, yet respectful dip of his head, as he backed away to hurry towards his friend.
By the looks of it, it didn't seem like Ryan was coming tonight. Joe's shoulders sagged a little. He'd rather have his best friend here, but he understood. This round table with all the houses and older students and staff was intimidating.
Joe was glad he had seen MJ when he did.
Passing another one of his dormmate on the way, who was kind of sitting by themselves, Joe briefly stopped and said: "Hey, wanna sit with us?"
Nonone should be sitting alone at Christmas - unless they wanted to, of course. He motioned towards MJ with a smile, then hurried on.
MJ had requested someone to crack her cracker with and Joe quickly reached towards the other end to pull and make it pop.
"Ha!" Joe had found his grin again, watching the display of magical cracker.
Then of course, he had the important task of feeding himself - and setting aside a napkin of sensible food choices, as well as a napkin of dessert to bring to Ryan after dinner.
Last Edit: Apr 13, 2024 15:49:16 GMT 10 by Jonathan King: bolding escaped me
Post by MJ Birdwhistle on Apr 13, 2024 16:37:39 GMT 10
Spotting Joe stopping with Brooklyn, MJ nodded (in the assumption Joe had encouraged their classmate to come join them) and waved at her fellow Ravenclaw.
It seemed like he was reading a book and she was curious to know what it was about.
MJ grinned as Joe returned and popped the cracker with her, watching a rather elaborate paper hat in the shape of a ship captain's hat burst out -- along with the joke slip, a weird looking marble about the size of a golf ball and a chocolate mouse.
She didn't react in time to the mouse, however, and it scuttled off before she could snatch it up, "Aw, darn it... Do you want the hat at all?"
This she offered to Joe while she picked up the joke slip and the marble. The chocolate mouse hurried past Mrs Norris and attempted to jump off the table.
Hopefully, she wouldn't get into trouble for letting something like that escape!
"Alright, joke time for Joe King!" MJ grinned and cleared her throat.
When she read out the joke, she also decided to use a dramatic tone when speaking, just to add to the silliness and fun of the moment.
"What do you call an old snowman?" And if anyone else nearby wanted to chime in and guess the punchline, MJ was more than happy to entertain them. She thought the joke was a bit corny, but she found it humorous nonetheless -- and hopefully someone else did too!
Post by Orla Fallwater on Apr 14, 2024 10:33:51 GMT 10
Orla was a little later to dinner than intended - she'd been distracted by how short her school robes had gotten as she hurried from the Greenhouse to her room to change. The brisk cold wind snapped around her ankles, highlighting just how short her robes were now. Did she grow during the winter?
She'd spent a quick twenty minutes letting the hem down, whip-stitching a very scant few centimetres into a new hem as her stomach growled for Christmas dinner. The robes were still a little short - she would have to write home and see if someone could send her a longer set.
Orla could hear her Aunts cackling, telling her, "You look like you're expecting floods!" She hurried to the Great Hall, hoping no one else was as critical of appearance as some of her family members.
The Hall was packed, taken up by a huge round table already bustling with students and teachers alike. Orla was rosy-cheeked from her jog through the chilly school, and the change from cold to toasty made her puff her fringe away from a damp forehead.
She shrugged off the offensive robes and tied them around her waist before hurrying into a free seat, paying zero attention to who was nearby. Only once she was comfortable did she look around, spotting MJ just in time to see her snap a cracker with Joe.
Orla grinned at the display of magic, then gasped as the chocolate mouse scampered before Mrs. Norris; normally, Orla would have tried to call the aloof cat over for some scritches, but she bit her tongue so as not to distract from potential chocolate prey.
The scent of food finally broke Orla's concentration and she began filling her plate from various platters, selecting a mostly non-traditional spread of sausages, mashed potatoes, hash-browns and samosas. She selected hot cider (non-alcoholic, of course!) and sipped at that first, watching the arrival of older students and then Hagrid, who filled a cup or three before tucking into his meal.
Beside her plate, Orla saw she also had cracker, and with a little self-encouragement she picked it up and turned to hold the other end out to the person next to her.
"Happy holidays! Care to have a crack at this?"
Last Edit: Apr 14, 2024 10:35:59 GMT 10 by Orla Fallwater
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