Hoggy Rebirthed - Start of the Year Feast

VIRGILIUS HILDEGARD

cc3eacd9029a302f41f22fcb94d30d29.jpgLocation: Hogwarts Castle - Great Hall
Time of day: Evening welcoming feast
Interactions:
@Sailor Arti - Rei Scurlock

*********************************************************************

"Erm...y-yes," the boy mustered when he was no longer too occupied by choking on his meal. "If anything, I'm looking forward to your class the most. I'm looking forward to challenging my abilities further."

Hardly anyone could call Virgilius Hildegard a vain man. Still, praise like that affected him in more ways than just a smirk he allowed to slip away. It was no secret he took great pride in his work and asked for a significant amount of effort in return, but being acknowledged felt good every once in a while. At the mention of it, professor Hildegard cleared his throat. Maintaining his expression neutral, he adjusted his stance, clasping hands together behind his back.

“I am delighted to hear so. Without revealing too much, I will say that you will undoubtedly require more than a book this year.”
The last part was spoken out in a higher volume for other students to catch. As always, it was merely a volume and none of the approachable tone that was changed. He allowed groans and quiet complaints to spread around the table and, possibly, make their way across the other three. He had learned that there were quite a few students throughout the years that ended up in his class underprepared. Brewing potions tended to be romanticized. Everyone wanted to sit down in the first hour and magically know how to brew Amortentia just in time for Valentine’s or Felix Felicis. Only in time of the exams, coincidentally.

“There’s still a chance for sixth-year students to change their mind.” It toned down some complaints, but many remained whispered and shared under a breath. “But I am more than confident that I can count on you, mister Scurlock.” The boy was a brewing prodigy he enjoyed working with, and it showed. Alchemy and Potions were subjects one knew not to take if anything was learned from the previous five years regarding professor Hildegard’s work ethic.

“Give a thorough rub to your cauldron, and remember to re-apply for the Advanced Class,” Virgil advised. “We shall redo it on Monday evening.” Truth be told, he was looking forward to it. With plenty of disarrays waiting outside, brewing and sharing the knowledge felt like a refuge.

Suddenly, madam Watkins shouted out towards professor Anderson, and he turned his attention to her curiously. He hardly even winced as the sound of fireworks echoed through the Great Hall. “I suppose there are some… other children requiring some attention before they set the place on fire,” he mused calmly. The table full of Ravenclaws chuckled and clapped along with the rest.

“I’ll leave you to it, mister Scurlock. Enjoy your evening, and welcome back.” With it, professor Hildegard nodded in greeting and made his way back to the festive table of teachers.

“Yet another exciting year to welcome,” he reckoned.
 
FELIX BUTLER

7bbfbf59ab6974fccfc43645202c1dbf.jpgLocation: Hogwarts Castle - Great Hall
Time of day: Evening welcoming feast
Interactions:
Ainslie Morrison - @Sailor Arti

******

"Felix Butler.”

“Uh-oh,” he chuckled as he sped up his pace.

“You know better than to come between a woman and her food.”

“Yes! Yes, I do,” he continued marching with a grin.

“Besides, worry about not tripping on those undone shoelaces first before worrying about my plate."

Don’t look down. Don’t look down… DON’T!
His mind repeated over and over, but his eyes rushed to look, just in case. Lo and behold! Nothing.

“Knew it!” He scolded himself over falling for it and hurried forward to catch up, majestically tripping along the way and laughing at it. As he rushed after Ainslie, an unamused house-elf escorted him with a deep frown and a disapproving shake of its head, mumbling something along the way.

He was about to retaliate with something very bright - as usual - but he quickly got distracted by the fireworks. It took him long enough in between the cheers to reach the table where Ainslie already began stacking her plate.

“Bloody brilliant, isn’t it?” He grinned widely in a heightened mood after the show, finally grabbing a plate of his own and joining Ainslie in whose pile of food would be taller.

"That reminds me,” Ainslie spoke up in the meantime. “I need to talk to you about Caleb." He found her secretive tone strange, but at first, he found it to be nothing concerning, so he responded brightly. “Oh yeah! Where is that handsome bugger? I’ve missed him.” He looked around once more, curiously, even though he was aware. If Caleb was not around where he could see him, then Caleb most certainly wasn’t around at all.

“What, he found some better-looking friends in the meantime? Highly doubt it.” He chuckled, looking back down at her. The look on her face was an easy read, even for someone as oblivious as Felix. It was no laughing matter. “Oh,” came out of him as his enthusiasm dropped as quickly as it appeared. “Oh, no. What did he do now?” He asked, now with the genuine concern in his voice.

"Not here, though,” she continued cryptically. “After we finish eating, we should leave quickly." Felix stared at her, trying his best to catch the drift, but to no avail. “O-okay?” He offered, confused. “Can I ask why?” He mumbled, leaning in closer while following her lead and eating off of his plate, being as casual as possible.

"To check up on him and all and beat the crowds." He paused mid-chew and stared at her again. “Crowds?! Wh-” he broke off after he almost choked on a large chunk of food, gurgling before it finally passed down into his stomach, and he inhaled. “Son of a…” And everyone was looking at him.

“Heh, eh. Nothing to see. Just delicious food. Very, very tasty!” He played, stuffing more things from the plate into his mouth until it became just ‘another weird thing Felix Butler did.’ Nailed it.

When the attention was once again directed everywhere but him, he leaned in with a whisper. “What do you mean ‘crowds’? What the hell did he do?” All of it felt a bit unsettling. At that point, he had known O’Neill long enough to be desperate for an answer. Whatever Ainslie whispered to him about was already a tell-tale sign of a more significant mess the guy got himself into. He worried about all the things that may have happened, and he wasn’t there for them. At the moment, it felt like a year of absence, compared to an actual couple of months.
 
Montserrat; Montserrat;
art by: Prince Canary
Wilbur Langley

Location: Great Hall
Time of Day: Evening
Interaction: Caia Watkins - @Ritual Lobotomy + Skylar Anderson - @DayDreamer
Mood: Amused
The feast had kicked off in full force. The hall erupted every now and then with peculiar sounds, from haughty laughter to the sounds of farts echoing against the walls, back to laughter again. The history professor couldn't help but chuckle himself as he focused on eating his meal. Now that he was fully awake he realized he had skipped a few meals again. His mother would have his hide if she knew. That was the lovely part of being an adult however, parents no longer needed to know everything.

The house elves always outdid themselves when it came to the food they all got to enjoy at the welcoming feast. The occasional hum of delight could be heard from Will as he revisited the spread before him time and time again. One could never say Wilbur was a picky eater. He ate almost any and everything, and despite being almost 30 he still seemed to have a rather high metabolism. Which was great because when the history professor did eat, it was always a ton.

“Boohoo, get creative!” came a shout beside him as Will worked on polishing off his fifth plate of food. Will assumed Caia was referring to the pranks the kids were enjoying down below. Memories of constantly being the butt of Caia's pranks came flooding back to him as he shook his head while cleaning the corners of his mouth with his napkin. Yes, if anyone would impress Caia with their antics they would have to bring something truly unique to the table.

“What in Merlin’s name…” he heard her speak again which pulled him from his thoughts. Glancing over once more he noticed the cloud of smoke billowing around her which caused him to frown. What was going on and how did he manage to miss it? “Anderson, you dork!” was one of the last things Caia managed to get out before the curls of her hair erupted. The tips of Caia's curls popped into mini fireworks displaying the text 'Madam Firecracker' before disappearing.

Will covered his mouth as he poorly attempted to stifle a laugh, however when the rest of the hall exploded into cheers and laughter he just couldn't help himself to do the same. “You!” Caia growled as she turned towards Sky. “Me?” Sky responded, feigning ignorance of the whole matter. “Not bad, Anderson” Caia praised her, “Not bad at all, newbie. It is on,” the redhead had finally initiated her challenge. Will would be lying if he said he wasn't interested in seeing the results of this 'Prank War' between the two.

“Magic is still not allowed in the hallways.” came Skylar's cool yet sassy reply. Will chuckled again before taking a drink from his chalice. "She got you good, Madame Firecracker." Will teased Caia as he continued to sip from his cup. "Whatever will be your response I wonder."



 
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Reactions: Ritual Lobotomy
Montserrat; Montserrat;
art by: still looking...
Ainslie Morrison

Location: Great Hall
Time of Day: Evening
Interaction: Felix Butler - @Ritual Lobotomy
Mood: Distracted + Concerned
Ainslie began to cut her piece of turkey into smaller bite sized pieces as she listened to Felix. “Crowds?! Wh-” he began before exploding into a serious of strange noises that caused the ginger hobbit to frown. It garnered the rest of the attention from those at their table. Once Felix was done choking or whatever it was that he was doing he gasped for air. “Son of a…” he stopped once he realized a lot of eyes were on him. “Heh, eh. Nothing to see. Just delicious food. Very, very tasty!” he flashed one of his signature goofy grins at them and began to stuff his face once more.

After a few moments the rest of their housemates shrugged and chalked it up to Fee being well...Fee. "Smooth." was Ainslie sarcastic response as she scooped a spoonful of mashed potatoes into her mouth. “What do you mean ‘crowds’? What the hell did he do?” Felix whispered in her ear only once everyone else was focused back on their conversations. Ainslie shook her head at Felix. "You misunderstand, I meant the crowds from the feast. I don't want to be stuck here with them before going to see Caleb." She whispered back as she quickly worked through her plate.

"And it's not what he has done but what happened to him. Listen, I really don't feel comfortable sharing the details here right now. But I don't wanna mislead you either. It's pretty grim for our friend. I..." Ainslie's sentence trailed off as she frowned at her plate, pausing her consumption of her delicious meal. "I don't think there was anything I could do for him." She admitted as regret wrecked her body and pain was the expression on her face. "I tried my best, I did, but I'm afraid I made it worse. He didn't really talk to me on the ride here."

Ainslie began to pick at her food, something she never did. If anyone knew her food was her favorite thing in the world, besides family and friends of course. Ainslie always happily ate and never really let anything interrupt her from enjoying a good snack or meal. "I'm worried about him Fee." Ainslie said softly as she played with her food. "I was...I was hoping you'd be able to talk to him." Ainslie looked back at him before sighing and shaking her head. "Sorry. That's a lot of pressure and I'm being really vague right now. That's not fair of me."

Sadly, Ainslie wasn't sure what she really could do. It had been the three of them for so long that now something threatened that balance she just wasn't sure what to do. What happened to Caleb was awful and she felt horrible for him, but she also knew pity was the last thing that he wanted. However, their friend needed help and Ainslie wasn't just going to stand by and watch him isolate himself. Whether he knew it or not Ainslie loved that ugly kid like a brother. It pained her to see him like this.

"Let's just finish and go check on our friend." Ainslie muttered before going back to eating off her plate. However the vigor that was there once before wasn't there any longer. Suddenly it felt as if the ginger hobbit had lost her appetite.



 
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Reactions: Ritual Lobotomy
CAIA WATKINS

DjbnDyoVAAAVEAA.jpgLocation: Hogwarts Castle - Great Hall
Time of day: Evening welcoming feast
Interactions:
Wilbur Langley - @Sailor Arti
Skylar Anderson - @DayDreamer

******
“Oh, whatever!” Madam Watkins waved off professor Anderson’s notion on the usage of magic and the hallways. “I don’t want you to make this easy for me anyway.” Hallways or not, it didn’t matter much to the Magpie. Given Skylar’s activities throughout the school year, she figured she had plenty of other opportunities that were a fair game. Heck, even just standing there being cheered on made her feel like a winner. She paused to enjoy it for the moment before she slid back into her role as an educator, even if it was briefly.

“Right. You’re all right, buzzers,” Caia grinned towards the students, speaking loud enough not to need an amplifier. She proudly wore the “loudest living being on the castle grounds” title and never failed to do right by it. “Settle down.” Still, before finally sitting down, she sent a hand gesture and a mischievous smirk Skylar’s way. “Watch your back, smartypants.” Naturally, nothing was menacing in the way it was said, but instead, packed with exciting dare thrown Anderson’s way. It filled her with joy she did not think she was missing until it came around again. Of course, Hildegard and everyone else did more than enough to make her feel comfortable and free to be her. Still, with the arrival of Anderson the year prior, she understood just how much she had missed someone in her own range. Someone appreciative of her shenanigans.

Who would have thought it could get even better. Not that Caia dared to push the luck. But she must have done something right in her messed up life to deserve it. Everything seemed like before - better, even - and then she got back a bunch she owed a lot to. Adelaide was there as confused and as stuck up as ever, and she would not change it for a thing. Marco jumped right back in with his humbleness and enough patience to deal with her bullshit right from the start. And, of course…

“She got you good, Madame Firecracker."

...darn Will and his kindness and calming presence. One of the rare ones that did not have to raise his voice for Caia to listen. Even after years in between, it didn’t seem to change. The way he highlighted her nickname made Madame Firecracker turn to her former housemate with a perplexed look on her face. For a moment, she opened her mouth to defend herself but found herself at a loss of words. What was there to protect? She had absolutely nothing to prove to anyone. Instead, she sorted out her confusion into a daring glare and a smirk.

“You go ahead and make fun of my nickname, Langley. I’ll see what you have to say about it in a few weeks when you receive yours. Dork.” There was absolutely no chance for her to call him a “dork” after so long and not crack a grin as wide as she did. Doing so felt like a boost of confidence, pushing her shoulders back proudly. “For now,” she chuckled, referring to the prank, blowing an out of place fiery strand off of her face. It was a battle lost, but a war to still be won, and Caia had ideas.

"Whatever will be your response, I wonder." Will proceeded to tease as he sipped from his cup. Caia tapped her finger against the table. “Oh, you know I’ll come up with something. Something she will not see coming! But the magician never tells!” Caia raised her voice strategically, making sure Skylar was able to hear it and pay attention. “Besides. I got my extra pile of brains right here in case I need assistance,” she chuckled, fist-bumping his upper arm. “We’ll go easy on her. She’s new,” Caia jested, throwing a piece of food into her mouth with a smug smirk. It was evidently a tease of her own. Wilbur was hardly the type to go on anyone in any way. Still, he was somehow always around when the shenanigans of the rest took place. He was bound to learn a thing or two.
 
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FELIX BUTLER

7bbfbf59ab6974fccfc43645202c1dbf.jpgLocation: Hogwarts Castle - Great Hall
Time of day: Evening welcoming feast
Interactions:
Ainslie Morrison - @Sailor Arti

******
Of course, he misunderstood. He was a master of misunderstanding and overthinking, but the fact that it was, did nothing to relieve the worry he experienced. The urgency of the matter had him fidgeting and completely forgetting about his food, which would have been impossible otherwise. Still, perhaps the feeling of dread deepened over Ainslie’s insisting on being secretive.

"And it's not what he has done but what happened to him,” she whispered, and Felix could not resist the temptation of asking too many questions.

“Happened to him? I-is he okay? Wh-”

“Listen,” Ainslie cut it off, and it snapped Felix right back into focus. “I really don't feel comfortable sharing the details here right now. But I don't wanna mislead you either. It's pretty grim for our friend. I..." For once, he stopped to hear her out. She seemed to be doing her best to keep things okay. He had no right to ask, he felt. He wasn’t there. And just like that, Felix tuned out all the Great Hall sounds, only Ainslie existing at the moment. She and the abandoned food on her plate, and a sentence formed of words that pained him deeply.

"I don't think there was anything I could do for him." Lowering his gaze, he clenched his jaw. She shouldn’t have to feel this way. Although they were all their own people, Felix somehow always made it his obligation to take on all of the ‘ugly’ because he did not mind. Seeing her struggling over something that happened to Caleb that she wasn’t even comfortable saying aloud felt like he had failed them both.

"I tried my best, I did, but I'm afraid I made it worse. He didn't really talk to me on the ride here." Felix nodded, bringing his attention back to her and the plate she was holding. The image felt so very wrong. Her sadness resonated with him, and his face settled in a worried frown; highly unlikely to ever be a way to describe Felix Butler. But there it was. “I know you did,” he responded solemnly, laying a comforting hand at the nape of Ainslie’s neck. “He’s just...being Caleb. You did nothing wrong.” O’Neill was a good person. Misunderstood. But even so, there was a hard truth than not even Felix managed to diminish: Caleb was still a hard-headed donkey and a person with what seems to be an allergy to weakness.

"I'm worried about him Fee. I was...I was hoping you'd be able to talk to him." He nodded, returning her gaze. “Yeah…” He agreed briefly. “We will fix this, I promise,” he finally managed to muster a smirk. But perhaps the worry on his face was still too obvious for it to matter.

"Sorry,” she said. He remained perplexed, studying her face. For what? If anything, he is the one that was supposed to be sorry. “That's a lot of pressure and I'm being really vague right now,” she continued. “That's not fair of me."

In response, he groaned under his breath and quickly pushed his plate further from himself, turning to face her. “Stop that, Ains. Please,” he scolded her gently. So much so that it sounded more like he was asking for a favor. “I am not going to be here quiet while you talk yourself down over this. I understand how you feel. I do not understand the context of it, but I understand that. And it is okay.” She did not seem to have any particular response to it, and so she remained seated in silence for a few moments before finally breaking it. "Let's just finish and go check on our friend." And they would. But the turmoil that radiated from her felt equally concerning.

“We will, but first look at me,” he demanded calmly, as he wrapped his slender fingers around her jaw and gently turned it towards him. “Hey. Listen,” he proceeded once their gazes locked. “There is nothing to be sorry for. I am so bloody proud of you for trying. Thank you.” He smiled warmly. “And if anything, I should be the one that’s sorry for not being there for either of you,” he added bitterly. “But I am here now, and we will fix this together.” This time, Felix repeated it with confidence. “And once we do, he will be just fine. Trust me.”

Making his point, he slid his fingers down her jaw to the tip of her chin, pinching it lightly. “Now, chin up, lass. Clean the plate, and we are going on a rescue mission.” Regardless of his smile and his words of encouragement, the knot in his stomach grew ever so slightly. He did not know what to expect, and perhaps not knowing was the worst in it all.
 
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Adelaide Rosier

“And you should be the grand wise Headmaster and yet here you are, behaving as if you still belong to one of those four tables.”

The good and familiar humour of a well-cherished professor brought Adelaide’s attention to a turn, a soft smile cracking past her tired features as she eyed the Ravenclaw head up, an indentation of her head the answer to his rescue as Pyre only chuckled.

“With how young the faculty is now I have no intention of acting my age!” was the headmaster’s exclamation and Adelaide could only smile at that as she watched the Potions teacher fade into the crowd of students, smoothly inserting himself into conversation with one of the students. Another adoption waiting to happen, Adelaide was sure of that.

“Some things truly don’t change,” she exclaimed happily and Pyre shot her a knowing smile for that.

“Jealous, miss Rosier? You’re now equals,” he teased and the newly appointed professor only sighed at that, resisting the urge to roll her eyes as she took a sip from her goblet.

“I have enjoyed my time,” the female responded before her attention was caught by the sight of smoke, her eyes widening as she was about to rise from her seat to help out a friend in need.

A clasp around her shoulder held her back as Pyre gave her a knowing look, his head shaking.

The fireworks that followed and the exchange accompanying was all the explanation Adelaide needed as she let herself fall down in her seat, a chuckle escaping her lips once more and the tension leaving her.

“In Hogwarts you are safe, dear Adelaide. Welcome back home,” Pyre spoke to the professor in a low tone, for once meaning to keep the conversation private between the two of them as Adelaide eyed the headmaster, feeling at once more at ease as she realised that this was Hogwarts indeed; the only place she ever felt at home.

“It seems that I still have to adjust,” she jested back as she eyed the other two faculty members going against each other, her hand clapping together in cheer. To this Pyre gave her another pat on the shoulder, his head nodding sagely.

“Working is in your nature, I’m afraid, but I hope you will manage to separate the two,” were his parting words and Adelaide knew that the headmaster knew that she hadn’t completely rescinded her position within the ministry yet. It was a fact that she could hardly conceal from the head anyway. She just had to make sure the rest wouldn’t know, especially Caia.

“Madame Firecracker suits you well, Caia-dear,” Adelaide mingled herself into the conversation with amusement, her lips curving up, “I very much approve of miss Anderson’s comeback,” she followed up, “that moustache was rather elementary after all. This truly set the bar.”

Her friend could take the slight, Adelaide knew that. The two of them had hung around for quite long enough to know how to banter at least, even with the years apart. Though, it seemed that despite the years a simple crush couldn’t and wouldn’t depart.

“Ah, but Will, are you sure you want to mingle yourself in that? You have never been much the mischievous type,” the female continued with fond memories swirling her mind.

The Gryffindor definitely was the one who had changed the most. Mostly in appearance, though Adelaide wondered if that also applied in personality. It certainly wouldn’t surprise her.

August Yilmaz
Hurriedly Glesni wrote down her last words, though August wasn’t the type to read what she was writing even if it had been something worth his curiosity. He didn’t possess the same intrusiveness as Scriven did, after all.

“Love letter?” he teased instead, knowing full well how absurd that sounded. It made for a good laugh and even the Ravenclaw could crack a smile at it, the corner of his lips twitching up as he placed the plates onto the table.

“The food in this country is bad half of the time. I shudder at the thought of whatever you would find left,” came another jab, though the foreigner was entirely and utterly serious about what he had stated. He did miss the food from the motherland and it had only been days since he had departed from there. It was also the only reason why he enjoyed the banquets and parties here somewhat, because that meant that the food was just a slightly bit better from what it usually was.

Finding that the Slytherin was a slightly more receptive to company than his dear Gryffindor was, August slid into a seat across from the other, a sigh escaping him as he thought of what he was to do this year.

“Nothing out of the ordinary,” the male shrugged, “join clubs, keep my marks up, explore my studies.” It really was a generic description, but it described August so well. Too casual to really commit to any big plans, but focused enough to know what he wanted. Yet too reserved to really think of explaining in detail and thus risking the possibility of seeming apathetic.

“What about you? Planning on confessing? Or are you going to befriend Cal?” the male continued with another teasing smile. He really did hope that the two of them could be friends, unlikely as it was.
 
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Montserrat; Montserrat;
art by: Prince Canary
Wilbur Langley

Location: Great Hall
Time of Day: Evening
Interaction: Caia Watkins - @Ritual Lobotomy + Adelaide Rosier - @Nemopedia
Mood: Amused
As the dinner dishes were exchanged for extravagant trays of dessert, Wilbur helped himself to a few samples of everything, or at least everything within reach. He had to be somewhat good, right? His fork pierced through the flaky crust of the apple pie he had been eyeballing for a while. Before popping it into his mouth he dug his fork into some vanilla ice cream. Nothing could really rival a good pie and ice cream combo.

His eyes seemed to twinkle as the skin by the corners of his eyes wrinkled, signaling he was wearing quite the prominent smile. He took a bite of the pie and ice cream while Caia responded to him. He shrugged nonchalantly as she referred to him as a dork. A rather old nickname but one he wore proudly. After all when she was the one having school work troubles he was the one she always ran to. “Oh, you know I’ll come up with something. Something she will not see coming! But the magician never tells!” she spoke up rather loudly, probably in hopes that Anderson would overhear. Always the drama queen, that madam firecracker. Then again, he wouldn't have it anyway else.

“Besides. I got my extra pile of brains right here in case I need assistance,” she added with a chuckle. The corners of Will's mouth tugged in a lopsided smirk. "Now, Miss Watkins, I don't remember agreeing to becoming an accomplice," He began in a futile attempt to remain neutral. He knew it would never work though, this was Caia they were talking about. She had the habit of dragging him along whenever she had one of these grand schemes, which was quite often. “We’ll go easy on her. She’s new,” Caia continued, almost as if she was reading his mind.

Chuckling to himself he shook his head and continued to sample his dessert plate. “Ah, but Will, are you sure you want to mingle yourself in that? You have never been much the mischievous type,” Adelaide spoke up which caused the male to chuckle again. "Fair point." he replied to his other friend with a knowing smirk, "Though over the years I believe I've become....slightly more adventurous." He spoke honestly as he thought of his best friend back home. Yeah there was no way Will wouldn't be a little bit more mischievous after hanging around with him as much as he did.

"But I think I'll leave execution to the professionals," He smiled as he took another bite of apple pie. "Wouldn't want to hinder progress on your master piece after all." Will nodded towards Caia. He never really was one for pulling pranks though he did enjoy watching them. Of course, being around Caia for as long as he did some things had rubbed off if he was being honest. Still, his position as a neutral body was just too appealing. Besides once the school year actually started he wouldn't have time to worry about pranks when he had lessons to plan and papers to grade.

'Borrrring! You're way to dull Langley,' he could practically hear the phrase in Caia's voice as if she'd said it out loud. Will couldn't help it, there were some areas he wasn't afraid to venture into the unknown and others where he just preferred to stay in his comfort zone if he could. Caia and Sky would have their hands full in their prank war. Will would support them both in their endeavors from afar. Azure globes snuck a glance at the redhead beside him once more as another smirk pulled on his lips. "Your hair's still smoking by the way." She said with a little chuckle.



 
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Montserrat; Montserrat;
art by: still looking...
Ainslie Morrison

Location: Great Hall >> Main Corridor
Time of Day: Evening
Interaction: Felix Butler - @Ritual Lobotomy
Mood: Distracted + Concerned
Ainslie frowned down at her plate as she suppressed a heavy sigh. Felix was right but she just couldn't shake this feeling. The rumors weren't good and the way the press painted this whole event concerned her even more. Caleb didn't even say much and she didn't want to pry. What was she supposed to do? She really wasn't cut out for this sort of thing. She wasn't like Fee, she couldn't feel what others felt.

She was clumsy with her words, a lot of the time she could have the best intentions but she would still end up hurting someone. That's probably what she was afraid of the most. She was sure Caleb had it rough enough as it was, she didn't need to add to it. But there was no way she could just leave him to wallow in self pity either. Not after everything he had done for her. Not after all the time they spent together.

But what was she supposed to say to a boy who was permanently scarred because of a fiendfyre incident? What was she supposed to do to help him out when the newspapers said he was the culprit and the students snickered under their breath. She knew that was probably the furthest thing from the truth but what could she do? She had no power to change anything, she felt helpless and that was the most heartbroken part. She could only wonder how Cal felt.

“We will, but first look at me,” Felix's demand snapped her from her thoughts as he gently wrapped his fingers around her jaw and turned it towards him. She had no choice but to look him in the eyes now. “Hey. Listen,” he began as he peered deeply into her brown orbs, “There is nothing to be sorry for. I am so bloody proud of you for trying. Thank you.” He smiled warmly. “And if anything, I should be the one that’s sorry for not being there for either of you,” Ainslie offered a weak smile and shook her head. "How could you be? You were busy. No one in their right mind would blame you for that. " She said softly, "I'm fine Felix, really."

“But I am here now, and we will fix this together.” he assured her. Ainslie nodded, he didn't need to convince her, she believed him. Her doubts lied within herself, not him. “And once we do, he will be just fine. Trust me.” She sure hoped so, she wanted her friend back already. Felix then slid his fingers down from her jaw to her chin and pinched it. “Now, chin up, lass. Clean the plate, and we are going on a rescue mission.” he added with an encouraging smile.

"Thanks Fee," she whispered as she turned back towards her food. He had a good point, moping about it now wouldn't help Cal. She needed to finish her meal and then she could figure out what to do from there. She scooped up some mashed potatoes on her fork and snuck a glance back at Felix. Still, she knew she had approached this incorrectly. Just like Felix could easily tell what was going on with her, Ainslie, at times believed she could tell the same with Felix. And that was without the fancy power behind it all.

She knew this would probably bother him more than he would allow her to see and she couldn't help but feel guilty. That was another reason she felt so down suddenly. She didn't like hurting Felix, intentional or otherwise. But if she continued on like this Felix would reprimand her again. She needed to at least fake it till she made it, otherwise she would never hear the end of it from him. So she did as she was told and quickly ate her food. Besides her appetite was slowly coming back.

Once she ate her fill, including managing to eat a couple of desserts, she tugged on Felix's sleeve before she got up from her seat. She didn't say anything to anyone else as she exited the Great Hall swiftly. Assuming Felix was right behind her as she turned the corner she spoke up. "Now to find where he's hiding. Any clue?" She asked him as she continued to walk down the hallway. She had an idea herself but she wouldn't be sure until she got there. If Cal was trying to really hide, he'd pick a spot she wouldn't know either. "I guess I should explain before we actually meet him as well." she spoke again as she slowed her pace.

Suddenly she was nervous as her palms began to sweat. This whole thing was just so fucked up! But she couldn't have Felix unprepared before they met their friend. "This summer something really bad happened. I mentioned that in the Hall." she began before clearing her throat. "Well....there was an accident. And this accident involved a forbidden spell, fiendfyre to be exact." She wrapped her arms around herself as she frowned. "I don't know what really happened all I know is what the papers said. The fire was terrible and they don't know who started. There were no casualties however...um..." she continued before sighing as she remembered the scar on Caleb's face.

"Caleb was involved in it. The papers weren't too kind to him. In fact, they paint him as the villain of this whole thing, but--" Ainslie exclaimed as she quickly turned to face him. "I just know that's not true!" she said before her face fell into a deeper frown. "The Caleb I know wouldn't do something like that. Sure, he's an idiot with a pea brain but he's also sweet. Caleb has a good heart, he wouldn't hurt anyone." Ainslie continued, but she knew Felix knew all of this, she didn't have to convince him about it.

"I don't know how he made it out, I really don't. It's somewhat of a miracle really." She mused as she continued, "However he didn't make it out of there unscathed." She said the last part hesitantly. "He...Caleb, he..." Ainslie just couldn't seem to find the perfect words to explain what she had seen. "Caleb...was hurt pretty bad because of the fire. And now he has the scar to prove it, however its a scar that everyone can see." She said as she sighed. "Which I'm quite sure is the exact opposite of what he wants right now." she said before staring up at the ceiling with a sad look on her face. "He couldn't even look me in the eyes today."

Ainslie turned her attention back on Felix now before holding her hand out to him. If he took notice he would be able to see her hand trembling ever so slightly. Ainslie was scared, nervous, anxious and a whole lot of other negative feelings wrapped up in one right now. But it was like Felix had said earlier. Together they would rescue their friend. Together. Something that wouldn't have been if it wasn't for Caleb. Ainslie truly owed him so much. But what she really owed him, was a slap on the back of his head once he finally got a grip.


 
  • Sympathy & Compassion
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CAIA WATKINS

DjbnDyoVAAAVEAA.jpgLocation: Hogwarts Castle - Great Hall
Time of day: Evening welcoming feast
Interactions:
Wilbur Langley - @Sailor Arti
Adelaide Rosier - @Nemopedia
Skylar Anderson - @DayDreamer
Virgil Hidegard - My very own

******

“Madame Firecracker suits you well, Caia-dear,” Adelaide spoke from the other side of the table, gaining Caia’s immediate attention. Perhaps it was the Ember’s subconscious way of apologizing for all the amounts of stupid she was, just before she thought they’d never see each other again. Maybe if she was more attentive this time, she would understand and respect more. It was never too early to start.

She responded with a smirk of her own as she processed Adelaide’s words. “I very much approve of miss Anderson’s comeback. That moustache was rather elementary after all. This truly set the bar.” Sweet Addy. She looked so exhausted, and Caia was itching to ask her all about it. But as stubborn as she was, she had to acknowledge that Hildegard had a point. Now, they had all the time in the world to catch up, and it would be better if she simply paced herself and gave her some time to adjust.

“My friend, I am absolutely astounded by your lack of faith in me,” Caia responded, dramatically pressing a hand on her chest with just the tip of her fingers, appearing shocked. “I was merely being generous! I’ve allowed Sky here to set her own pace, which I will be respectfully following,” she grinned mischievously, winking towards professor Anderson. “Besides, I have the advantage of the home turf now. It would be highly unfair to not offer something in return,” she jested. “I am a generous creature! Obnoxious, but generous,” she added casually before taking a sip out of her cup with an exaggerated exhale afterward.

Aware of Caia’s suggestion to Will, Adelaide was quick to bring it up to the Gryffindor. “Ah, but Will, are you sure you want to mingle yourself in that? You have never been much the mischievous type.” For a moment, Caia’s mind jumped right back into the tender age of sixteen when she first made Addy aware of specific...things. She could have sworn there was a knowing tease in her tone as she referred to the man. Man! They were not kids anymore. So why did it still feel awkward to think that Addy just might play said card?

"I think I'll leave execution to the professionals,” Will responded, and Caia landed back to present, leaving her empty cup aside. As much as it was an answer she would have expected from him, Caia paused mid-chew and glanced at him regardless. She looked almost betrayed. Almost. "Wouldn't want to hinder progress on your masterpiece after all,” he calmly explained as he took on some more apple pie, and Caia rolled her eyes while resuming the chewing.

“Borrrring!” Even while pretending to disapprove of his answer, it was hard to take it seriously. She was quite confident that neither of her close friends ever took any insult in it. What would be dull is if they were all the same. Ever since she was a teenager, she strived for loud and rowdy groups while truly seeking calm and soothing personalities for her inner circle. Loudness only did so much before it became problematic. Even to this day, madam Watkins was convinced that all of those ‘boring’ nerds she had for friends made her a better person than she’d ever dare to expect of herself.

“But fine,” she finally agreed, cocking her eyebrow. “You will just have to cope with my master plans being explained to you without you asking for it. See? Generous!” She pointed out, turning back to Adelaide with a mischievous smirk.

"Your hair's still smoking, by the way," came from behind her with amusement. “Oh, you think so?” Caia asked, turning around confidently. “Figured the new routine would w-”

It was literally. Her har was ‘still smoking’ literally.

Mentally slapping herself, she waved her hand around hastily to clear streaks of smokes that stubbornly protruded from her locks, making them look as they were indeed on fire. “Come on, you stubborn fucking-”

“Language, Miss Watkins,” the voice warned her calmly as she found herself nose to nose with Virgil’s beech wand that was now sucking in all of the remaining smoke without a hassle.

“Well, Hildegard, you are a lifesaver!” Virgil gave her no satisfaction of responding to it, although he smirked briefly. “But you know what would make me really happy?” Caia proceeded as the last streak of smoke disappeared from her head. “If you could-”

“No,” came as a simple yet effective response from the professor as he lowered his wand and proceeded to gracefully walk down the table to reach his seat.

“Predictable,” Caia chuckled, leaning back in the chair. She was aware of asking the same thing over and over again and always get the same answer. Virgil Hildegard would never give up any of his precious vials for any other reason but what they were made for. But she enjoyed getting on his nerves. So much so that it felt like she had made it her mission to break the man.

But while he clearly knew that Caia was a handful and almost always an instigator, he seemed to be judging everyone as they deserved. Aware of this, the Ember observed expectantly as professor Hildegard passed behind their colleagues and briefly stopped behind Skylar, lifting his wand up again.

“And I believe this is yours, miss Anderson,” he addressed her politely, as he released all the gathered smoke from the tip of his wand in a swirly shape on top of Skylar’s head, and it remained there like some sort of translucent cap made of swirly cream that slowly smoked from its top. Pleased with how it turned out, Virgil stored the wand within his jacket and smirked, assuming his position yet again. While nothing particularly interesting to a bystander, to anyone that knew Virgil well enough, there would be a specific mischievous note to the smirk only for a brief moment before he proceeded to treat himself off the table.

“Hey, Anderson! Nice hat,” Caia pointed it out, grinning her way, except this time without a challenge. Skylar was quick to pique her interest. In only a year, Caia was convinced how the woman would have gotten along with everyone else she held dear just perfectly. And now she could! There was a good year ahead, and miss Wakins was oh so ready to be enjoying every moment of it.
 
GLESNI CARROW

d7yaaz6-8950cc8f-97cc-4efd-b8a0-6ab8444d8482.jpgLocation: Hogwarts Castle - Library
Time of day: Evening welcoming feast
Interactions:
August Yilmaz - @Nemopedia

The usual demeanor she held towards uninvited guests seemed to be non-existent with August. The guy managed to earn her trust very quickly and, as such, needed to have no fear of Glesni lashing out on him in any way. After all, even if unspoken, the Slytherin was appreciative of a good company regardless of circumstances. Perhaps especially considering the current status of things.

Indeed, she was now too busy giving in to her stomach’s cravings. She wouldn’t have been able to complain, with her mouth full even if she wanted to, which was another good thing about close friends. You could generally eat like a human being. If you wanted to sit there with your mouth full, you were more than welcome to do so, and it was liberating.

“Nothing out of the ordinary,” August responded to her question once he had settled on the chair. “Join clubs, keep my marks up, explore my studies.” She understood enough to nod with approval. He liked to keep himself occupied, and Glesni could relate. Except that her schedule was already meticulously planned and arranged beforehand. However, the way the year seemed to be starting promised her a lot of stress and anxiety trying to keep up the pace. Few hours in, and she had already gone way off her schedule’s direction. Perhaps August made a good point. Sometimes planning just about anything seemed useless and unnecessarily stressful.

“What about you?” She looked up from the plate, focusing back on her friend. “Huh?” Her mind wandered off just about enough not to register the point of the question right away. “What about me?” She asked with a smirk, taking another bite.

“Planning on confessing?” August proceeded with a smirk. “Or are you going to befriend Cal?”

On the second question, Glesni could feel the swallowed piece halting in her throat as she blushed with a bit of embarrassment and a bit of trying to force it down without alerting August too much. On the third one, fortunately, it dropped through, leaving her to inhale deeply through her nose and cough into her fist, which ended up looking surprisingly classy. Sometimes, a tiring life’s etiquette had its benefits.

She blinked away the tears that formed in her eyes and cleared her throat before speaking again, a bit hoarsely at first. “Sorry. I’m sorry. Down the wrong pipe…” What the hell did he mean by ‘confessing’? Confessing what exactly? What was he insinuating, exactly?

Involuntarily, her brain went into overdrive, and she quickly over-analyzed every single word that came from August’s mouth in less than a minute. Even if she still seemed more or less unbothered on the outside. Save for the obvious ‘almost choking to death.’

“I... Think you may be getting ahead of yourself here, Yilmaz,”
she spoke again with a chuckle once she retrieved her voice. “I know I am giving him a hard time, but he is okay, I guess,” he admitted with a sigh. “He’s just an idiot. Can’t really do much there.” She paused with a slight frown, the knowledge of his misfortune coming back to her. “I think I’ll just… Leave him alone for the time being. I really do not wish to be another point of his frustration at the moment. What he has to deal with now is just awful,” she admitted shaking her head in disbelief of something like that happening to O’Neill. Indeed, he was a walking accident waiting to happen, but she had always imagined he would be breaking his neck one of these days by being. Well. Himself. Being scarred for life by fiendfyre was not an idea that was listed high up on all the scenarios she could think of. Quite frankly, it wasn’t even on the list.

“But he does need support,” she concluded, finishing her plate with her cocky smirk back up and running. “Seems like you’ve gotten yourself a handful!”
 
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Adelaide Rosier
Were it the years that had passed and the wisdom acquired as an adult that made Adelaide so keenly aware of the shifts and expressions of another, or was this something she had always been able to do? Adelaide found it hard to tell as she watched Caia’s insecurity and conscience in conflict, unsure and shifting before finally responding in her usual flair.

Years had passed, adjustment was needed, perhaps Adelaide had hoped for too much that everything would return to the good old times. Too many scars, too many years.

Wilbur’s response surprised Adelaide more, however, but everything about the man had taken her back so far. From appearance to demeanour, even that little suggestive challenging undertone.

Somewhere Addy felt a little left alone. It seemed that, despite the years, it was only she who hadn’t truly grown after all. Not in her habits, nor in her ways, she was still the same old Adelaide but with a few more stories to tell.

“Mischief and adventure are two separate things. Professor Hildegard knows a thing or two about that,” Adelaide added to the conversation, throwing an amused look at the smoke hat that was now placed upon Miss Anderson’s head.

Adelaide had, as an auror, faced all sorts of adventures. She had looked murderers in the eyes, brought them to fates worse than death at times, but it was the homeliness of Hogwarts and the promised mischief that seemed to daunt her the most. The warmth at the table as everyone exchanged their jabs and pleasantries, helping out here and there, continuing the harmless pranks.

“I should perhaps retreat for the night. If you will excuse me,” she announced. Fatigue was eating away at her but that was a feeling the woman had grown accustomed to, knowing exactly how to push herself much beyond the limits of her own reserves. No, it wasn’t the lack of energy or rest, but her own inability to properly digest the overwhelming feeling of warmth that she was faced with.

“Should anything happen and my help required don’t hesitate to call upon me,” she informed the rest, never one to express herself, or what was going on beneath the surface. With that she departed, making her way out and to some needed solitude.

Text colour: #B4AAB6

August Yilmaz
Sometimes, August was informed that his deadpan way of delivering jokes were often hard to tell apart from his serious demeanour. The male supposed that it was the case once more when Glesni unexpectedly nearly choked herself, earning herself a glass of water from the Ravenclaw who maintained an impassive expression.

“That is a lot of words for a simple promise to get along,” he continued, but couldn’t help himself as he allowed a corner of his lips to curve up. The male was already glad to hear that the two of them wouldn’t behave like cats and dogs in one another’s presence. It meant a lot to August to know that he was saved from that worry and headache, however long it may last.

“Thank you,” the male sighed nonetheless. Grateful for Glesni’s attempt at least to keep the peace. The mention of Cal’s situation returning that dreadful gut feeling as he wondered how to help his friend. August had no clue, none other than to do his best.

“I suppose if no career works out I can always start a magical delivery service,” August jested, hand waving over the plates of food he had delivered.

Text colour: #919364
 
GLESNI CARROW

d7yaaz6-8950cc8f-97cc-4efd-b8a0-6ab8444d8482.jpgLocation: Hogwarts Castle - Library
Time of day: Evening welcoming feast
Interactions:
August Yilmaz - @Nemopedia

A small sign of gloat did not escape her, and Glesni narrowed her eyes at the Ravenclaw, absolutely ready to defend her approach from any questions that may have arisen. "I talk a lot. What else is new?" Glesni rolled her eyes with a smirk. There were two different personalities that she presented; friends versus everyone else. Those made it hard for the two groups to see eye to eye. She was talkative, but it was also hard to drag words out of her. It all depended on who'd you ask.

"Thank you," August said instead of questioning further. Even though she remained smiling mildly, Glesni understood the concern behind his words. "Of course." It was all she figured would be appropriate to say. Perhaps it sounded somewhat disengaged and uncertain but was honest. Someone like August, relatively familiar with her way, would have been aware, so she did not concern herself much with overthinking it. Yilmaz was a blessing in the form of a living creature if she ever believed in such a thing. He had never taken her the wrong way.

"And listen," she added, "I'm not going to let you deal with it alone, okay?" She reassured her friend, leaning forward against the table. "Just like anything else. If you need to talk about it, you know where to find me." Yes, she may have agreed to give O'Neill a breather, but no, that did not mean that she would be ignoring the opportunity to help the other that mattered. "Because yes, I did agree to leave him alone," she nodded, tugging a raven lock behind her ear. "But if he gives you a harder time than reasonable, I cannot guarantee I will be sticking to the deal," she smirked - half-serious, half in jest.

"I suppose if no career works out, I can always start a magical delivery service," August spoke up after a short break in which he had seemingly decided not to proceed with the topic at hand, and Glesni could not blame him. Sudden change in subject brought no change of expression on her face, although she was quick to dart her eyes towards the dishes August had pointed to.

"Yeah," she nodded, somewhat absent-minded. "I suppose you could. I've heard Turkish cuisine is fantastic!" Immediately after, her lips curved and separated into a grin, and then...

Then she had painted an image of August trying his best to lead the lively group of delivery men and women and cooks. She could see him scolding his people for too many pepper flakes and trying his best to explain the difference between thyme and rosemary in his elaborative way, and it made her chuckle audibly. "Don't get me wrong," Glesni spoke up once her chuckling became more prominent and harder to contain. "I am sure you would do a fantastic job driving your workers insane, and food delivery is a level of heroism that does not get enough credits... But honestly, it would be a waste," she paused, clearing her throat. "I... also feel bad for anyone that would work for you," she mumbled out quickly and laughed again before she straightened up, doing her best to mimic August's way of speaking and behaving.

"Yes, I absolutely respect your opinion on dry garlic but let me explain why you are wrong and why you are getting fired..." Glesni proceeded to imitate with exaggeration as she contained all the chuckles the best she could, and for a moment, she had forgotten all about how shitty the year had started.
 
  • Haha
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August Yilmaz

To have a friend so ready to come out for his defense was a blessing but also a worry, for Glesni did nothing half hearted and said nothing unmeant. It was a blessing, for there was never a need to guess around the female, not about her intentions, nor about her thoughts. They came unfiltered, but it was a worry when they amounted to threats to his other friends, in particular one that August knew she wasn’t thick with to begin with.

“Caleb is a lot but never impossible,” August reassured her, knowing that it did precious little in changing how she viewed the Gryffindor. It was the summary of the whole topic about Glesni and Caleb. Neither were easily convinced and especially not about each other, having for some reason decided to dislike each other despite their obvious similarities.

Though, perhaps it were the similarities…

Not finishing the thought August scrunched up his nose at the description Glesni delivered, an expression falling over that disagreed with the depiction made as he laughed.

“You know that imitating yourself isn’t an imitation anymore,” he retorted. The summer spent working spared August with no shortage of memories that he could summon and he had plenty of stories to share as to why he would never want to join the food industry for whatever reason other than his ‘genius’. “Besides, there is you who is willing to sock them all for me so I don’t even have to fire anyone myself,” he continued with a wave, but the snort that escaped him revealed that it was all taken in good humour.

“Anyway, if you’re not going to finish up I will take this back with me. I did like that,” the male continued, purposefully reaching out for a dish he was sure Glesni was to like. “Good luck with getting ahead, looking forward to see you in class,” came his last challenge before he turned around on his heels and left with the plate in hands with a triumphant smile.

Text colour: #919364
 
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