Room-mate time on Hospital Wing

DH Skies

November 23, 2018 7:02 PM

Fast and Furious threads here! (nm) by DH Skies

Subthreads:

Loitering in Pecari by Salali Bly with Parker Fitzgerald

Confusion abounds [continued from Potions with Parker] by Dorian Montoir with Parker Fitzgerald

Room-mate time by Dorian with Vladimir Brockert

Do you find me attractive? by Cleo James with Isaac Song, Evelyn Stones

I am the champion on the scoring world. by Grayson Wright with Tabitha Hawthorne

Sisterly concern (tag Dorya) by Tatiana Vorontsova with Dorian

This is all too fast by Evelyn Stones with Michael DiCaprio

Daydreaming... by Michael DiCaprio with Ness McLeod

On Goblin Rebellions (Kir) by Jozua with Kir

Sun worshipping by Raine with Tess

Look, I'm a monkey. by Lily Spencer with Salali Bly

Just having some breakfast [tag Gwen] by Finn Scott with Gwen Fintoc

Distractions in the library by Jehan Callahan with Vladimir Brockert

Prefect duty [tag Kir] by Victor Callahan with Kir McLeod, Anonymous

What a lovely way to socialize! by Professor Mary Brooding with Rory Taransay

Tagging the D&D group by Kir McLeod with Zev and Jozua, Amelia Layne, Connor Priory, Lily Spencer

I've got a lovely bunch of...homework by Finn Scott with Simon Mordue

How funny by Georgia Kirkly with Natalie Atwater

Three little words (tag Zevalyn) by Kir McLeod with Zev

It's a lovely day to go flying! by Victor Callahan with Heinrich

Dinner time at Crotalus table by Sylvia Mordue with Julius Astley

Experimenting by Ness McLeod

And Kyte came tumbling after by Kyte Collindale

Ugh [tag Jehan] by Luke Powell with Jehan

I'm totally not sneaking around... by Tabitha Hawthorne with Rory Taransay, Mary Brooding

0 DH Skies Fast and Furious threads here! (nm) 26 DH Skies 1 5

Salali Bly

November 23, 2018 7:21 PM

Loitering in Pecari by Salali Bly

As a very sociable person, it always surprised Salali how little luck she had experienced in the department of making friends. This was most likely because the specific variety and level of her own eccentricity was lost on herself.

In any case, she was quite extroverted and devoted to the notion of another person's company. So when she noticed someone on the couch in her common room, she bounded over to join them. “Hello,” she grinned as she hopped up beside them, not even thinking to ask permission.

12 Salali Bly Loitering in Pecari 372 Salali Bly 0 5

Dorian Montoir

November 23, 2018 7:23 PM

Confusion abounds [continued from Potions with Parker] by Dorian Montoir

Dorian watched Parker for any visible signs of confusion.

"Do you remember your name and where you are?" he asked, taking extra care with the word order in his question so as not to add to Parker's confusion.

13 Dorian Montoir Confusion abounds [continued from Potions with Parker] 1401 Dorian Montoir 0 5

Parker Fitzgerald

November 23, 2018 7:33 PM

I'm not sure this is working by Parker Fitzgerald

Parker placed the bottle back on the table and opened his eyes at the sound of a voice. Dorian's voice.

"My name is Parker. Parker Fitzgerald," Parker said in his best James Bond serious voice. Then he laughed a bit at his own joke.

"I'm in Arizona at Sonora School, sorry academy."

Parker picked up the bottle again looking at it and checking to see that it was empty.

"This doesn't seem to be working. Maybe I should drink the other one too."

41 Parker Fitzgerald I'm not sure this is working 1402 Parker Fitzgerald 0 5

Dorian

November 23, 2018 7:34 PM

Room-mate time by Dorian

Dorian entered the Teppenpaw dorm to see, as was not unusual, Melodie sprawled out next to his room-mate. He hesitated slightly before heading over, leaning against the post of Vlad's bed and joining in with petting the cat.

"How's it going?" he asked.

13 Dorian Room-mate time 1401 Dorian 0 5

Dorian

November 23, 2018 7:38 PM

Let's find out... by Dorian

Parker still knew his own name. He seemed to find it funny for reasons that Dorian could not fathom. He also knew where he was and what their class experiment was. That was good. The fact that his immediate suggestion was to drink another vial of potion was less reassuring and Dorian was very glad he had had the foresight to remove them from reach.

"You took a mild potion. So you should remember the easy things. We will get more difficult later. Can you tell me who is in your family - names and ages of your siblings, and the jobs of your parents," he asked.

13 Dorian Let's find out... 1401 Dorian 0 5

Vladimir Brockert

November 23, 2018 7:38 PM

The best time! by Vladimir Brockert

Vlad lifted his head slightly at his roommate's voice. Glancing between Dorian and the kitty, he grinned. “Living the dream,” he said without a trace of irony, offering a thumbs up with the arm farther from Melodie to avoid startling her. But she was getting lots of attention, so a violent startle was probably unlikely anyway. “How about you?”

12 Vladimir Brockert The best time! 1400 Vladimir Brockert 0 5

Parker Fitzgerald

November 23, 2018 7:40 PM

Loitering is illegal in some states... by Parker Fitzgerald

The book was slow going. It was the last one he'd found on breaks, but it was also the biggest and most dense. He'd found that reading in bed meant that he'd fall asleep so he'd sat down on the couch downstairs.

He was feeling himself doze when a girl hopped up on the couch.

He reflexively shut his book and sat up.
"Hi what! Oh man. Sorry. Hi. Who are you?"

41 Parker Fitzgerald Loitering is illegal in some states... 1402 Parker Fitzgerald 0 5

Salali

November 23, 2018 7:44 PM

Like which? by Salali

Salali giggled. That was a funny reaction this boy had! “My name is Salali,” she answered, her diction crisp as she forced the language between her teeth, still a slight strain. “What is yours? And what are you reading about?”

12 Salali Like which? 372 Salali 0 5

Dorian

November 23, 2018 7:45 PM

You're sweet by Dorian

It was hard not to be cheered up by Vlad. He was so genuinely enthusiastic about things. Simple things, like petting Melodie or getting given a kite... Simple, but nice things. Things that deserved enthusiasm but often got ignored. Dorian found himself smiling.

"I am ok," he replied, but he was smiling and it was obvious he meant it in a positive way. "I just finish a letter to Émilie and post. I did already," he clarified, realising he'd forgotten his verb tenses.

13 Dorian You're sweet 1401 Dorian 0 5

Vlad

November 23, 2018 7:54 PM

So are you by Vlad

“Ooh, nice!” Vlad said cheerily, as he said most things. He never pointed out Dorian's English mistakes - he felt bad doing so - but he was glad to hear the other boy correct himself. It would be good for him in the long run.

“I should write home more,” the younger Teppenpaw commented idly, forgetting that his last correspondence with his mother had been a mere two days ago. But for his little sister, it had been all of a week. “Lav is probably missing my letters.”

12 Vlad So are you 1400 Vlad 0 5

Parker

November 23, 2018 8:05 PM

Find out what again? by Parker

"Easy things. Got it."

Parker looked around and couldn't see the other potion. Maybe he'd already drunk it. Oh well no matter. Parker closed his eyes to try to remember everything correctly and began responding very quickly.

"Let's see. Siblings. There's lovely Lyssa who is here. At the school, not in the classroom. She's 11. She's my sister. Then there's my brother, the terrible John Jr. He's thankfully not here, or really close by. He's 15. No he's 16 now. Umm my father draws houses and buildings for a living. We call them architects where I'm from. And my mom is a nurse, which is basically like a doctor, but paid less. Oh umm in magic world she'd be...in the hospital wing, a healer. Yea, she'd be called a healer."

Parker looked up at Dorian.
"Was that correct?"

41 Parker Find out what again? 1402 Parker 0 5

Dorian

November 23, 2018 8:19 PM

shush by Dorian

"Me too," Dorian nodded, to the sentiment of writing home more. However much he did it, he always felt like it wasn't enough. He knew his mother missed them, and he worried about his Chinese slipping whilst he was away from her. "Mama mentioned though, that she writes to your and Tatya's and Ruby's families. She wants you all to visit sometimes. I mean, not to take a lot of your time from your families in the holidays, but just... to come for tea or something. She wants more to know you all," he added, remembering this detail from his mother's last letter, "So, she thought she should do introductions to your parents."

13 Dorian shush 1401 Dorian 0 5

Dorian

November 23, 2018 8:31 PM

About you by Dorian

It was hard to judge whether Parker was being normal or not, given that he did not really know Parker. Dorian thought he had not been quite so talkative during their previous meetings, and so made a note that Parker was talking a bit much, and taking his time to remember words and explain things well. He felt a jolt of sympathy at the mention of a terrible older brother, but whilst Parker was under the influence of a confusing potion was definitely not the time to probe personal territory. Dorian thought that the time to probe personal territory between him and Parker might actually still be several years away. If ever.

"Yes. Very good," he nodded, when Parker asked him whether he was correct, also noting down that Parker had needed this reassurance.

"Please tell me some activities you do at school. You can tell me their names and explain what you do at them," he instructed.

13 Dorian About you 1401 Dorian 0 5

Cleo James

November 23, 2018 8:34 PM

Do you find me attractive? by Cleo James

Cleo was sitting in the library, struggling through her transfiguration homework. Her shoulders were getting stiff. Her hair, which was getting irritatingly long again, was getting in her face. She decided to give herself a break. She sat up, rolling her shoulders back and shaking her hair out of her face. And found that someone was staring.

OOC - up to whoever replies whether Cleo is veelaing right now. I tried to make it ambiguous.

13 Cleo James Do you find me attractive? 389 Cleo James 0 5

Isaac Song

November 23, 2018 9:03 PM

Uh huh by Isaac Song

Isaac was doing pretty well keeping up with his homework this year. He prided himself on being pretty well-disciplined in general, but when it came to one particular girl he just couldn't seem to control himself from staring. Said girl was sitting near him and he didn't even realize he was staring until she made eye-contact.

He flushed at getting caught and tried to smile. "Um, hey," he said. "What're you working on?"

19 Isaac Song Uh huh 375 Isaac Song 0 5

Evelyn Stones

November 23, 2018 9:07 PM

Does wanting to be around you mean I think you're attractive by Evelyn Stones

Evelyn worked up the nerve to say hi to Cleo for a long time before actually doing so. The library was one of her favorite places too and she was pretty sure Cleo was amazing. Finally, she popped out from behind a shelf and took a seat across from the older student.

"Hi," she said, awkwardly. "How are you today?" She hoped desperately that Cleo remembered her from the gardening club.

22 Evelyn Stones Does wanting to be around you mean I think you're attractive 1422 Evelyn Stones 0 5

Cleo

November 23, 2018 9:08 PM

Oh. by Cleo

Isaac's behaviour did not ring any immediate alarm bells for Cleo. She felt like he was kind of staring, maybe, but she had felt that about pretty much everyone since the big reveal. Still, he was a boy, and that made her wary by default.

"Transfiguration," she replied. She did not want to seem unfriendly, and kept her tone light, trying not to be automatically defensive. "How about you?"

13 Cleo Oh. 389 Cleo 0 5

Cleo

November 23, 2018 9:11 PM

I... hope not? by Cleo

OOC - I am going to assume that your and Isaac's replies are happening at two different times. So, now we have two different situations where Cleo has been sitting in the library and been approached by someone.

IC

"Oh, hi Evelyn," Cleo smiled, relaxing as it was both someone she knew and a girl who had taken a seat across from her. "I'm ok. Bit bored by Transfiguration theory," she laughed, "How about you?"

13 Cleo I... hope not? 389 Cleo 0 5

Isaac

November 23, 2018 9:18 PM

Slowly finding words. by Isaac

Oh my God, she was talking to him. Isaac wanted to sit closer, but he restrained himself. It would be too weird to just move over without asking. His mom had brought him up better than that.

"Transfiguration too," he replied. "The essay." Isaac swallowed. "Wanna work together?" He was generally a pretty friendly guy, so he hoped his next question didn't sound weird. "I always find it more helpful bouncing ideas off each other." He couldn't stop looking at her, but after a moment he realized he was seriously staring and looked down at his books.

19 Isaac Slowly finding words. 375 Isaac 0 5

Grayson Wright

November 23, 2018 9:32 PM

I am the champion on the scoring world. by Grayson Wright

Gray could never figure out where to grade papers. Sometimes he worked in his room, but then he remembered that was supposed to be bad for his odds of sound sleep, plus it felt bizarre. Sometimes he worked in his office, but he almost always got distracted and ended up reading or locating cookies or something instead. The library had the same problem. Sometimes he worked at the table, but then he felt asocial, to a greater degree than he wanted to.

Often he got his papers scored over the course of several days, with bits and pieces occurring in each location, but lately he had begun to favor the staff room. It was a place which was obviously all about the job – it said ‘staff room' on the door, it was for employees – and which was not any of the other locations. This was how he came to spend his planning period in the room on a Friday afternoon, a student essay held close to his eyes so he could read faster, eager to finish the heap before the end of the official workday.

He succeeded and put the final paper down with a flourish. At this point he spotted another person and smiled, willing to share his happiness with finishing on time with the world. “Afternoon,” he said. “Happy Friday.”

16 Grayson Wright I am the champion on the scoring world. 113 Grayson Wright 0 5

Evelyn Stones

November 23, 2018 9:33 PM

What a relief! by Evelyn Stones

Evelyn smiled, glad to be known. "I'll take theory over practice," she laughed. "Although I know yours is harder."

22 Evelyn Stones What a relief! 1422 Evelyn Stones 0 5

Cleo

November 23, 2018 9:35 PM

Still not catching on by Cleo

He seemed... ok. Maybe kinda shy. He kept looking at his books instead of her, which was a good sign. It wasn't like when Winston Pierce had called her pretty and dressed her up in a ball gown. She still wasn't really sure she wanted to work with Isaac. But she also wasn't really sure how to say 'no.'

"Sure," she nodded, "You've probably got more ideas than me. I'm... not getting this," she admitted. Isaac was a fifth year, so he had a head start on this stuff.

OOC - just a reminder of what's set in place about Cleo's powers in case you need it. Also, the whole school was told she's a half veela, so Isaac would be aware of that.

13 Cleo Still not catching on 389 Cleo 0 5

Tabitha Hawthorne

November 23, 2018 9:42 PM

I am the champion of... well, making it through the day? by Tabitha Hawthorne

Tabitha was in a crisis. The crisis being that she had run out of tea in her private quarters. It had been half an hour since the end of her last class and she had a mountain of essays that all needed reading and grading. However, she simply couldn't face them until she had a hot steaming cup of tea in her hands.

Knowing that the teacher's lounge was likely to keep a supply of tea, as well as keeping her fingers and toes crossed, she marched quickly to the room. She'd only just walked through the door when she flicked her wand in the direction of the collection of tea things, making them perform their familiar tea-making dance.

It was then that she noticed that she'd been greeted by fellow professor, Grayson Wright who looked rather pleased and happy with himself. "Hi," she murmured, her tone probably giving away that she was stressed. "Tea?"

20 Tabitha Hawthorne I am the champion of... well, making it through the day? 1417 Tabitha Hawthorne 0 5

Tatiana Vorontsova

November 23, 2018 9:43 PM

Sisterly concern (tag Dorya) by Tatiana Vorontsova

Tatiana dropped into a seat beside her friend in a typically dramatic gesture, but with an atypical lack of noise and animation. In fact, her mouth was, rather than smiling or even settling into the stoic look she defaulted to as a polite neutral even after three years spent mostly in America, actively turned down into a frown.

“Dorya,” she said. “How you see Katen'ka act in Teppenpaw room?”

16 Tatiana Vorontsova Sisterly concern (tag Dorya) 1396 Tatiana Vorontsova 0 5

Evelyn Stones

November 23, 2018 9:47 PM

This is all too fast by Evelyn Stones

Evelyn was hardly looking forward to the end of the school year and her inevitable return to Oregon. When she walked into Cascade Hall for breakfast and was one of the first to arrive, she couldn't quite blame it on the lovely spring weather keeping everyone indoors. Evelyn was early. She hadn't slept well and wasn't sure where else to go.

A letter had come from her mother the day before but she hadn't opened it yet, and it was clutched tightly in her hand. Both were shoved inside the pocket of her robe when she took a seat at the Pecari table and looked around the room, forcing herself to find something or someone interesting to engage with.

"Hey," she said to passing student, not caring what house they were in or who they were. Everyone at Sonora was more or less familiar by this point anyway. "Guess we're the early morning crowd today, huh?"

22 Evelyn Stones This is all too fast 1422 Evelyn Stones 0 5

Cleo

November 23, 2018 9:48 PM

Yup by Cleo

"Oh? Not often you hear a Pecari say that," Cleo smiled, "Not that I really believe in house stereotypes... Yeah, first year Transfiguration can be... slow going," she nodded, casting her mind back. "It picks up though," she promised.

13 Cleo Yup 389 Cleo 0 5

Dorian

November 23, 2018 9:53 PM

But not about me. Phew by Dorian

Dorian raised a cautious eyebrow as Tatya threw herself dramatically into the seat behind him. It was hard to tell whether something was genuinely bothering her, or she was just... being Tatya. The question she did ask though was not one he expected.

"Hmm. I am not sure I am allowed to reveal to you, outsider, the secrets of our common room. Who even say such a place exists, hm?" he teased, trying at least to lighten her mood a little. "She... she does reading. Or sewing. She is... quietly polite to people. I think they give her the right house because of this," he added, lest Tatya think quiet politeness symptomatic of some dreadful disease, "Why do you ask this?"

13 Dorian But not about me. Phew 1401 Dorian 0 5

Grayson Wright

November 23, 2018 9:56 PM

applauds by Grayson Wright

Professor Hawthorne, Gray quickly realized, did not seem to share his good humor. In fact, she looked like someone staring at the front end of a stack of papers, rather than the end of one. He hoped it was nothing worse than that, but sympathized anyway.

“Sure, thanks,” he said when offered tea. He rarely drank the stuff, but it wired him up less than coffee, it didn't really matter if he slept well tonight or not (no marking to do tomorrow!), and she was British, so it was a cultural thing, he thought, and a gesture of…something amicable. “Long day, I'm guessing?” he hazarded.

16 Grayson Wright *applauds* 113 Grayson Wright 0 5

Tabitha Hawthorne

November 23, 2018 10:07 PM

slumps by Tabitha Hawthorne

"I've just spent the best part of an hour avoiding many misfired spells," she told him with a heavy sigh, feeling far more grateful when a cup of tea floated over and landed delicately in front of her. "I'm sure I have a few singed hairs at the back..."

She ran a brief hand over the back of her head, trying to work out if her hair had indeed become any shorter before she shrugged. Tea was more important. She sipped at it and felt much better, finally returning the man's earlier smile. "At least it's the weekend now though! Do you have any plans?"

20 Tabitha Hawthorne *slumps* 1417 Tabitha Hawthorne 0 5

Tatiana

November 23, 2018 10:09 PM

Not yet.... by Tatiana

Tatiana shrugged, thinking she should be more reassured by Dorian's estimation of Katya than she was. “Katya not so with me now,” said Tatiana. She paused for another moment, then added, “Katya acts like secrets all year.” Another pause. “She act like Anya,” she added reluctantly. “Like Anya did before she – “ Tatiana waved her right hand around, forgetting as usual that American girls generally wore their engagement rings on their left hands instead of their right.

“And she get angry when I ask – why you read that, why you hide book, why you lock me out our room…This not like her. Here makes her not like Katen'ka. But now you say she does in your house, yes? And she not old enough for to be in love. So I don't know.”

16 Tatiana Not yet.... 1396 Tatiana 0 5

Dorian

November 23, 2018 10:18 PM

Phew by Dorian

"Aw, Tanushka," he put a comforting arm around her. He wondered at Katerina's strange behaviour. What books she might deem it necessary to hide from her sister. He was not aware of her reading beyond the things that he loaned or recommended, though he assumed that she read more widely.

"Do you think... maybe she borrows books from Lyssa?" he asked, the idea occurring to him. Those were the only things he could think of that might be deemed contraband enough to warrant hiding. But he wanted to raise the subject in such a way that did not get either girl in trouble. Did not portray Lyssa and her books as inherently bad, because he did not want to put that idea across or encourage Tatya to think that way. If she didn't already. What Tatya thought of people who snuck around reading Muggle books was obviously an important subject for other reasons... Feeling a little guilty at using Katerina in this way, he nonetheless probed a little further. "And she thinks maybe you will disapprove. And... will you?" he asked tentatively.

13 Dorian Phew 1401 Dorian 0 5

Isaac

November 23, 2018 10:20 PM

Trying to keep the moment going by Isaac

Cleo had agreed to work together, so Isaac piled up his things in his arms and walked over, glad for the opportunity. "We can probably figure it out together." He knew about her half veela status, as did pretty much everyone, but he didn't fully understand what that meant. Powers or not, she was really pretty and, also being a teenage boy, sometimes talking to attractive girls made him a little tongue-tied.

He set down his books and sat next to her, making sure to stay a respectful distance away and take up as little space as possible. He didn't want to come off as some pompous male chauvinist who had no idea of personal space.

What he really wanted to ask was what it was like being half veela, but he didn't. Instead, he said, "Transfiguration is hard, I always have to work harder on this subject. Which part of this assignment are you having trouble with?" Actually talking to her was easier than he'd imagined, except his heart was beating faster than normal.

OOC: Thanks for the reminder.

19 Isaac Trying to keep the moment going 375 Isaac 0 5

Michael DiCaprio

November 23, 2018 10:29 PM

That's the beauty of it! by Michael DiCaprio

Mikey couldn't wait to go back home after his second year. He was looking forward to summer because that meant camping trips, being outside all the time, hiking trips, sports camp, fishing trips, and all of that. He couldn't wait--his parents had already owled him telling him about the camping trip they were planning and he was excited about it.

Having exciting summer plans, however, meant school was starting to feel like a drag. He woke up pretty early, a little annoyed that he hadn't slept in, but feeling too energized to go back to sleep. His stomach rumbled and he got up and dressed for breakfast.

At the Pecari table, he passed by a housemate who greeted him. "Yeah, I guess so," Mikey replied. "I don't usually wake up early, but I guess I couldn't sleep in thinking about summer coming soon." He knew Evelyn from class and from seeing her around in the common room sometimes, so he sat down next to her and grabbed some toast and jam. "Are you excited for summer?"

19 Michael DiCaprio That's the beauty of it! 1406 Michael DiCaprio 0 5

Michael DiCaprio

November 23, 2018 10:38 PM

Daydreaming... by Michael DiCaprio

It was such a pretty day outside it felt like a sin to be indoors. He was staring out the window inside the library, imagining himself running outside and kicking a ball around instead of studying. It was pretty green out there for a desert, and he could see a gentle breeze moving the leaves on the hedge. It reminded him of camping outside in the mountains and hiking in the forest.

He was so lost in his thoughts he didn't even realize he had dozed off until his head slipped from his hand and almost knocked into the table. Luckily it woke Mikey up and he caught himself before tumbling over. He sat upright, head turning to see if anyone had seen him. He rubbed his face and packed up his stuff, deciding to go outside instead.

Mikey saw someone from class and approached them, wanting someone to play with. "Hey, do you want to kick a ball around outside?" He could practice his Transfiguration and turn a rock or something round into a soccer ball once they got out there.

19 Michael DiCaprio Daydreaming... 1406 Michael DiCaprio 0 5

Grayson Wright

November 23, 2018 10:42 PM

Drink tea, it will straighten you up again. by Grayson Wright

“Ouch,” said Gray, somewhat redundantly. “Remind me never to come in your classroom without a Shield Charm up.”

DADA was a subject he was glad not to teach, he thought. There were incidents with backfiring charms and accidental spontaneous conjurations very occasionally and that kind of thing, but these were not daily and rarely involved injury to his person. Defense, reasonably speaking, had to at least often be calmer than Tabitha made it sound like it had been today, but still.

For a moment, after Tabitha revived, he contemplated his weekend, then contemplated his life choices, then found the silver lining. “I'm planning to grade absolutely nothing,” he informed her, pointing to the stack of papers in front of him. “I am officially caught up. No outstanding papers at this time.” Bragging was unseemly and also was practically asking his inbox to breed so that he found a bunch of papers he'd forgotten to score there by the end of the afternoon, but did feel nice at the moment. “How about you?”

16 Grayson Wright Drink tea, it will straighten you up again. 113 Grayson Wright 0 5

Vlad

November 23, 2018 10:56 PM

No, you? by Vlad

For a moment, Vlad paused, imagining his parents communicating with Dorian's. That seemed funny. "I bet they love that," he said. His parents were dorks that way. His mom was especially into international stuff, since she herself had spent a major portion of her life living in Russia.

"And visiting sounds nice! I like tea. I'm sure my mom and dad wouldn't mind." If anything, they'd probably want to go with him, if they found the time. "I'm trying to get them to let me have you guys over for my birthday, too. So it should be a really fun summer!"

12 Vlad No, you? 1400 Vlad 0 5

Tabitha Hawthorne

November 23, 2018 11:00 PM

Tea is powerful stuff that way. by Tabitha Hawthorne

Tabitha gave a small laugh and then tried desperately not to think of the stack of marking that was waiting for her in her private quarters. At least she had the weekend to get through it all - though that did mean that it would eat into time that she could (and would) spend with Mary and Ailuros. Somehow, she'd have to find the will to power through it all later on, perhaps after dinner. Maybe Mary would join her with some wine...

"Oh, I'm not sure yet..." she murmured. She was still temporarily lost in her thoughts, Mary dominating them. "I'll have to see what Mary's thinking of doing..."

She blinked before her eyes widening slightly. She really hadn't meant to say that. A combination of tiredness and thoughts about the Potions professor had caused the slip. It was time for a very quick change of subject. Now. Immediately.

"So, how long have you been teaching here at Sonora?"

20 Tabitha Hawthorne Tea is powerful stuff that way. 1417 Tabitha Hawthorne 0 5

Dorian

November 23, 2018 11:03 PM

I'm allowed to give compliments. I just can't get them by Dorian

"Yes!" Dorian beamed, when Vlad mentioned that he would try having them all over for his birthday, "That will be excellent. I always feel bad that we miss out your birthday. I mean, we miss Tatya as well, but she has Tatiana Day," he had been sure to make that a regular thing. "I suppose it is nice for you to spend it with family though. It's hard sometimes, sharing your life out... It will be nice if you can have everyone for your birthday."

He dropped onto the bed next to Vlad and Melodie, feeling more relaxed than he had when he came in. He and Vlad often sat together, especially when Melodie demanded it, but also just to chat, and it had become habit for Dorian to make himself at home on Vlad's bed. He had been a little more hesitant again about doing so during this year, needing permission and reassurance again for things that had previously been habit, but he seemed to be getting over that now.

13 Dorian I'm allowed to give compliments. I just can't get them 1401 Dorian 0 5

Tatiana

November 23, 2018 11:07 PM

Subtext is lost on me, Gege. You should know that by now. by Tatiana

Tatiana allowed her head to drop onto Dorian's shoulder when he put an arm around her, comforted by physical contact and the particularly affectionate variation on her name. She sat back up, however, when he started going on about books borrowed from Lyssa.

“What is Lyssa?” she asked suspiciously, then silently cursed her lack of fluency. She knew the girl was a person and that said person lived with Katya, that wasn't what she was asking….”I mean to say, what books she read? She read bad books? I don't know her.”

16 Tatiana Subtext is lost on me, Gege. You should know that by now. 1396 Tatiana 0 5

Cleo

November 23, 2018 11:08 PM

It seems to be going ok by Cleo

"This paragraph on switching spells," Cleo asked, when Isaac asked what the problem was. "You ever read something and get like... The big flashing sense that this is something super important that you just know you're meant to be putting into your own words, but like... you haven't even understood the words the book is using?" she asked.

13 Cleo It seems to be going ok 389 Cleo 0 5

Vlad

November 23, 2018 11:10 PM

What, dishing it out but can't take it? by Vlad

"Yeah," Vlad nodded. It was always nice that he got to have his birthday at home. It was much easier for present-receiving and time-spending, not to mention that his birthday was pretty close in proximity to his mom's, so that was nice. Having everybody together - friends and family alike - would be best case scenario.

He scooted over a little bit, not out of any sort of repulsion or anything like that, which Dorian would know by now. Just to give the other boy some room. He scooted Melodie over, too. "Anyway," Vlad said. "Any other fun plans yet for summer?"

12 Vlad What, dishing it out but can't take it? 1400 Vlad 0 5

Dorian

November 23, 2018 11:14 PM

It's one of your best features sometimes by Dorian

"Not bad books. Lyssa seems a good person," he had no idea really, but she was a Teppenpaw and he doubted that she was doing anything nasty, nor did he want to get her in trouble over nothing. "But Lyssa is Parker's mèimei. So... they have maybe Muggle books. I don't know that Katerina has these from Lyssa," he stressed, feeling increasingly guilty that he might be dragging both girls into a fight with Tatya, and over something that was really... him just wanting to allay his own concerns, wanting to find out what Tatya might think of such things. "I just... I cannot think of another reason that she will hide books."

13 Dorian It's one of your best features sometimes 1401 Dorian 0 5

Jozua

November 23, 2018 11:18 PM

On Goblin Rebellions (Kir) by Jozua

Today was Take One with Kir as his History of Magic study partner. Jozua was less nervous about it than he had expected to be. In fact, since their conversation at the returning feast, Jozua had almost been looking forward to it, and he hadn't been quite so intentional in not sitting near the other boy at meals as he had been before midterm. Of course, he wasn't yet ready to go seek Kir out or anything crazy like that, and Jozua still gravitated toward Lily at Pecari's table more often than not, so it hadn't amounted to any obvious change in routine, but he felt pretty pleased with himself that he no longer felt the need to avoid that particular housemate anymore.

“So,” Jozua said when they wete both seated together in the library with books turned to the appropriate chapter. “Goblins.” He looked at Kir expectantly. “What does the book have wrong?” The chapter they had read seemed pretty solidly pro-wizards, con-goblins to him, so he assumed Kir had objections to it.

1 Jozua On Goblin Rebellions (Kir) 348 Jozua 0 5

Grayson Wright

November 23, 2018 11:23 PM

Wonderful stuff. by Grayson Wright

Well, at least he wasn't the only one without real plans for the weekend. That was something. Though he suspected it might be characteristic of the sub-species of humanity he had joined here – working in a school, some of them were always needed to monitor the residents, make sure the inmates didn't start running the asylum, and free time often meant planning or marking lessons, so they all rapidly, he imagined, became tired, boring people.

He did not take much notice of her mention of Mary Brooding. If he had thought about it, he might have assumed they were good friends who'd been thinking about a road trip, or that they shared an off-campus residence or the like. However, the truth was, he didn't really think about it.

“A few years,” he said. “I was a private tutor for about a year before that, but – don't do that. Seriously. It's horrible. I only did it because – see, I used to work for a wireless company, but they were bought out, restructuring and rebranding and all, so…” he shrugged, not wanting the drama of announcing so there went the entirety of my adult life to that point even if it was true. “Did you plan to be a teacher, or did it just sort of happen?” he asked, curious, wondering if anyone actually deliberately set out to end up here.

16 Grayson Wright Wonderful stuff. 113 Grayson Wright 0 5

Dorian

November 23, 2018 11:25 PM

Pretty much by Dorian

Summer plans... Try to get as much of Jehan's time and attention as possible, given that he was running around the Floo network behind his parents' back. Try to get as little as possible of Matthieu's, seeing as he was a complete butthole. Neither of these were things he particularly felt like sharing with Vlad though.

"Just try to see you all," he replied, "This year, we stay in Québec. I will give time and attention to Mama and Émilie. But she now has friends from school to come over too, so," he ended the sentence with a shrug. "What will you do?"

13 Dorian Pretty much 1401 Dorian 0 5

Parker Fitzgerald

November 23, 2018 11:35 PM

My state if mind currently by Parker Fitzgerald

Parker sat up a little straighter. He was waking up and realized he didn't want to be in a conversation about Veelas at the moment.

"Umm Parker. Sorry was dozing off the book wasn't that interesting," he said sliding the book away. "Normally I like being out in the garden, not with a book. Salali...why haven't I met you before?"

41 Parker Fitzgerald My state if mind currently 1402 Parker Fitzgerald 0 5

Kir

November 23, 2018 11:37 PM

On inherent bias and only telling one side by Kir

"It... It has a lot of the facts right. It's just... how it presents them. Goblin terrorists attacking the seat of government. Justifiable crackdown. The Wizengamot was legislating things that directly affected the entire magical world, and setting down many laws that affected goblins directly, but without anyone except humans on it. Probably a bunch of old straight white guys, getting to decide for everyone. And that rarely goes well."

13 Kir On inherent bias and only telling one side 366 Kir 0 5

Tabitha Hawthorne

November 23, 2018 11:39 PM

Indeed. by Tabitha Hawthorne

Tabitha felt a relief when Gray did not comment on her slip up or push the matter - the reason why, she didn't know nor particularly care. At least he wasn't going to be spreading it around the faculty.

Private tutoring was awful. Well, from her only experiences as a student. She'd had a Pureblood education - her parents, while not being a Pureblood family, were determined to behave like they were and that included making sure that their only daughter would behave in the 'appropriate way' - and the only lesson she had enjoyed had been her dancing ones, simply because she had been up on her feet and moving. She wasn't one for sitting around.

"A wireless company?" For a moment, the words didn't make sense. Then, a light switched on. "Oh, the radio! That sounds pretty cool! What did you do?"

"It just sort of happened," she admitted, in terms of her becoming a teacher. "I had never been a teacher before but... circumstances led to me needing money and Selina was good enough to hire me."

20 Tabitha Hawthorne Indeed. 1417 Tabitha Hawthorne 0 5

Tatiana

November 23, 2018 11:51 PM

Aww, spasi...wait. by Tatiana

“Hm,” said Tatiana, thinking through the idea Dorian explained. “Mozhet byt'…po pochemu chto? Why Katya would want to read Magl book?” she asked, more or less rhetorically, openly puzzled by this idea. “And she tells me, Tanya, go away, in library here, and at home she closes door to make art, won't tell me what she do, is very secret with letters. These do not have books of Magly in them.”

16 Tatiana Aww, spasi...wait. 1396 Tatiana 0 5

Dorian

November 24, 2018 12:14 AM

What? blinks innocently by Dorian

Dorian shrugged. He could think of several reasons why Katerina might wish to read Magly books. Firstly, not to offend Lyssa, whom she had to live with. And secondly because they could be interesting. However, he did not want to venture too far into this fictional scenario. The last thing he needed to do was convince Tatya of the truth of it and cause some kind of incident. Tatya's reaction was... not exactly comforting but at least it wasn't as bad as it could be. She did not seem violently angry at the very idea of such books, or to be insulting the culture they came from. She just seemed... not to see the appeal.

"Maybe she is shy with her art," he suggested, although the fact that this behaviour seemed different than before was concerning, "Or she works on something that is a surprise.

"I think you do not have to worry. I have never seen her talking to any boys," he added, acknowledging Tatya's original concern.

13 Dorian What? *blinks innocently* 1401 Dorian 0 5

Isaac

November 24, 2018 12:16 AM

Hurray by Isaac

"Yeah, totally," he said, sounding a little more enthusiastic to find a kindred spirit. "I get that in this class a lot. It makes me nervous for Advanced classes," he admitted. Isaac wished he could say something smarter, but he honestly had trouble with switching spells too. "I don't get the technical part of Transfiguration all the time, but I know it's all about visualizing and feeling it, and that gets me by." Isaac grinned sheepishly. "I know that's a crappy explanation. Switching spells are hard.

"What's your favorite class?" he asked. Now that he had the opportunity, he was hoping he could get to know her better. He was pretty stuck on his current essay anyway.

19 Isaac Hurray 375 Isaac 0 5

Cleo

November 24, 2018 12:24 AM

I can do normal! by Cleo

"Well, the plus side of advanced classes is that you can choose right? You might never have to look at another Transfiguration theory again after this year!"

Wow. This was... less scary than she had imagined. She was talking to an actual human boy other than Parker, and it wasn't creepy. It felt like they were just normal teenagers, moaning about their homework. She could do normal!

"Herbology's my favourite," she replied, "I garden a lot at home. And here, actually. I'm trying to get a gardening club going. How about you? What's your favourite?"

13 Cleo I can do normal! 389 Cleo 0 5

Grayson Wright

November 24, 2018 12:25 AM

It makes us smart so we can talk around things. by Grayson Wright

How did he keep essentially admitting to his old life to colleagues? Did he actually want to discuss that? It was pointless to do so, but here he was.

“I was in the original scripted material stuff,” he said. “Producing scripts. But my shows weren't kept on, so there you go.”

He nodded when she explained that she had ended up here out of need for money. “Money is a good reason to do things,” he agreed. “If I had a lot of it, I would…well, I probably wouldn't refuse to do anything, that would get boring, but I might do very little while inside a beach house, write some fake memoirs, try to figure out why wine collecting is a thing.”

16 Grayson Wright It makes us smart so we can talk around things. 113 Grayson Wright 0 5

Parker Fitzgerald

November 24, 2018 12:42 AM

Me, myself and I by Parker Fitzgerald

Parker took a deep breath. This was like a test. He'd done well on the test so far. Now he wanted to ace it.

"Ok. I umm read about Veelas cause, well Cleo. I also am part of the Gardening club. I'm the co-president. We work on projects Professor X gives us and ideas we have. I play dungeons and dragons. I play a healer. OH! Like my mom. I'm on the Quidditch team cause I need to be active. I'm the second sting beater. That means I don't play often. But I do try to do things cause I need to burn off my energy. I usually have so much energy that I can't always concentrate. That's why I'm not good at school."

Parker was sure he was forgetting something.

"Umm nice guy," Parker said pointing to Dorian, "Your nice. I can't place your name and I'm sorry. I wish we talked more though. I think I'm acing this test. When do I drink the next thing?

Oh right, I drank it."

Parker felt like he had aced this part of the test.

"What's next friend?"

41 Parker Fitzgerald Me, myself and I 1402 Parker Fitzgerald 0 5

Ness McLeod

November 24, 2018 12:43 AM

About kicking balls? I often think about that by Ness McLeod

Ness' homework was finished, and flying was looking like an appealing way to spend the afternoon. However, a passing classmate suggested a kickabout instead. Ness weighed up the typically boyish offer, wondering whether it was being made because this person was a butthole who only offered to play ball with other boys (and the short hair had fooled him - several other classmates had already assumed the first year was a boy) or whether he was a nice person who didn't care either way. Only one way to find out.

"Sure," Ness agreed. "Throwing's more my forte, but I reckon I'm adaptable.

"Michael, right?" The boy was familiar from class. "I'm Ness," the Aladren added, in case he didn't know, or for some reason felt the need to include the 'a' on the end of the name. It had taken one pass down the roll call to correct all the teachers and even they used 'Ness' so that was the most familiar version to everyone by now.

13 Ness McLeod About kicking balls? I often think about that 1419 Ness McLeod 0 5

Raine

November 24, 2018 12:48 AM

Sun worshipping by Raine

Raine lay sprawled out on a bench in the gardens. She was not sunbathing, exactly. She did not care about getting a tan. She just enjoyed the feeling of the rays on her skin. Sunshine made her happy. She was dressed in a lightweight but long skirt, but the little crop top she was wearing let the pleasant warmth fall on her arms and stomach.

She breathed the pleasant fresh smell of the gardens, just letting her mind wander over nothing in particular. At least, until a rustling noise attracted her attention. She lifted her head to see who had joined her.

13 Raine Sun worshipping 327 Raine 0 5

Dorian

November 24, 2018 12:57 AM

You're doing well by Dorian

Dorian wrote down 'I read about veelas cause, well Cleo.' That did not sound like a grammatical English sentence to him but he was not sure he was an adequate judge of that. He was not really sure that Parker was right now either though, and he thought it might be best to ask him once he had had the antidote.

He jotted down the rest of Parker's hobbies even though the middle bit did not make sense to him. Playing with dragons sounded dangerous and he was not sure how one played being a healer. But again, he would have to ask once Parker made more sense, because he thought this might well be his own lack of familiarity with Parker's world than the effects of the confusing solution. One thing stood out as jarringly wrong though. One thing that would have made him think twice- well, ok he had thought twice about sitting with Parker. But would have made him think three times at least. Or only once because the answer would have been a resounding 'no.'

"My name is Dorian," he reminded Parker. "And yes... we should... uh... talk more," he nodded. "Before we go on, are... are you sure? About the Quidditch? I think you are Chaser, together with Tatiana?" he queried. That had definitely been the case before. Though Tatiana had moved positions too, with the new whole school team. But... well, Keeper was basically the same, in his mind. They were all Quaffle players. And non-violent. "Chasers... Chasers do throwing. Beaters... hit things," he reminded Parker.

13 Dorian You're doing well 1401 Dorian 0 5

Parker Fitzgerald

November 24, 2018 1:24 AM

Thanks. I'm trying hard. by Parker Fitzgerald

Beater and chaser. Parker was sure when he'd spoken early, but now he wasn't. He thought his new position was Beater.

"Dorian. Right. You said we were friends last year. I think I'm a Beater. I have a club. I swing it, try to hit people. Is that called Beater. It seems fairly violent. I guess non magic sports are violent too. I like chasing and moving more. Though I guess Beating is a bit like baseball. I do like playing umm... Quizzel.
No wait. Quad... Nope not right. Don't tell me.
Quidditch. I like playing Quidditch."

Parker took a deep breath. This didn't feel fun anymore.

"This is a hard test."

41 Parker Fitzgerald Thanks. I'm trying hard. 1402 Parker Fitzgerald 0 5

Dorian

November 24, 2018 1:37 AM

Me too by Dorian

He had said they were friends last year? That wasn't- oh. That was right. Except he hadn't actually meant it... Not in a nasty way, just... It had been an excuse, a mumbled excuse to an adult to get away from someone he didn't want to see. And he assumed Parker had figured that out at the time... Had he, and Confused Parker was just getting mixed up, or did Parker think they were friends? But that wasn't something he could clarify, with either confused or not confused Parker. You just didn't ask that kind of thing.

"Yes, that is Beater," he nodded, trying to sound neutral. Parker seemed friendly. Parker was not Matthieu. Still, it made his stomach tie in an uncomfortable knot. Dorian wrote down 'bassball' which he knew he would have to ask Parker about later, along with the fact that Parker was forgetting words for things.

"We are nearly done. Then you get a break," he promised Parker, when he complained that the test was getting hard. "Please first, just explain me what is a cellphone. And a television," he said the unfamiliar words a little haltingly.

13 Dorian Me too 1401 Dorian 0 5

Parker Fitzgerald

November 24, 2018 2:08 AM

So close to done. by Parker Fitzgerald

The words the nice boy used Parker knew. He knew he knew. Or at least he thought he knew.

"I. Ok. Umm cell phone is a type of phone that you can carry with you. It can be brought with you. A television is..." Parker blew out air through his lips making a very audible sound." How do you describe a TV. It a TV."

Parker turned to face Dorian.
"Do you not know what a TV is?"

Parker looked around. He didn't see any TVs in the room. Maybe there was one somewhere else? He didn't see a computer either.

"How do we get taught without computers?_ Parker said underneath his breath.

41 Parker Fitzgerald So close to done. 1402 Parker Fitzgerald 0 5

Isaac

November 24, 2018 2:18 AM

Yay normal! by Isaac

Isaac brightened. “I didn't think about that, but you're totally right. But it's also like one of those core classes so I don't know if I'd get into college or something without it.” Isaac didn't know if doctors needed to know Transfiguration, but it seemed safe to keep it.

“A gardening club sounds awesome. I've never taken care of a plant before, except in Herbology, and LA isnt a great place to garden. My older sister likes to have potted plants though. Are you going to have your own space to have plants for the club?” Even if Isaac wasn't too into plants, he would go to score points with Cleo.

“My favorite's Potions. It clicked for me after I started cooking at home, and I love mixing things together and creating something different. I just don't like the theory part, but that pretty much goes for any class.”

19 Isaac Yay normal! 375 Isaac 0 5

Mikey

November 24, 2018 2:44 AM

Not in the way that would hurt, I hope... by Mikey

Mikey didn't remember all the first years from class, but he did remember her because she looked like a he and told all the teachers to drop the ‘a.' There was another boyish-looking girl in Pecari,

“Yeah, Mikey,” he said. “Nice to meet you, Ness. So I was thinking of just transfiguring a ball once we get outside. We just need to find a round rock.” Going to Labyrinth Gardens seemed most ideal even with the hedge there. It could be a cool obstacle to go through.

Once they were ready to leave, he remembered her saying she was better at throwing. “Do you play Quidditch or another sport?” he asked. Might as well make conversation as they walked.

19 Mikey Not in the way that would hurt, I hope... 1406 Mikey 0 5

Lily Spencer

November 24, 2018 3:36 AM

Look, I'm a monkey. by Lily Spencer

The best view in all of Sonora was up in a tree, according to Lily. It being the weekend, she was dressed in a T-shirt and trousers sitting up at her favourite spot. She was there more for nostalgia than anything else, really, and to enjoy the weather. She's worked hard this year and one free weekend for childish play was well-deserved.

It was quite fun watching people walk about underneath her as well. Lily ran a hand through her cropped hair and wondered how long it would take for someone to notice her mulling about in a tree. She rested her back against the trunk and dangled one leg off the thick branch. Her foot was just at the eye-level of a taller student, and she nearly kicked someone walking by.

“Oh Merlin, I'm so sorry,” she exclaimed. “Didn't see you there, I'm so sorry.”

40 Lily Spencer Look, I'm a monkey. 357 Lily Spencer 0 5

Tess

November 24, 2018 3:53 AM

Enjoying the sun too by Tess

It was a lovely day, and Tess just couldn't stay inside. She had work to do, but nothing especially urgent, and she could just do more tomorrow. It seemed a crime to waste such nice sunshine.

She put her books away in her room and, after slipping on some sandals, made her way into the Labyrinth Gardens. She didn't have a particular destination in mind, and just started wandering around, soaking up the feeling of being outside, surrounded by sunshine and greenery.

Rounding a corner, Tess came across Raine sprawled out on a bench. She smiled at the sight of her friend clearly enjoying the nice weather too.

"Hi, Raine," she said, realising that the other girl had noticed her presence. "Mind if I join you?"

9 Tess Enjoying the sun too 338 Tess 0 5

Dorian

November 24, 2018 4:30 AM

And yet so far... by Dorian

Cell phone was a type of phone. Dorian would probably have been able to infer that much from the fact it seemed like either a compound noun or an adjective and a noun. This new explanation lacked a lot of the clarity with which Non Confused Parker had explained Muggle things. Dorian wrote down the new explanations, for what they were worth.

"We are wizards. We do not have cell phone or television. Those are from the not magical world," he reminded Parker gently and patiently, not sure that Confused Parker would remember the term 'Muggle' seeing as he had struggled with Quidditch.

Parker had also asked how they got taught without.... a something that Dorian did not recognise. It was not on Parker's word list for him. But Parker seemed to not really be asking him anyway.

"I... You earlier gave me the explanation of television. I am seeing if you still can do that now you are confused. But no, I do not really know.

"Do you want to try to explain television, or you would just like the antidote now?" he asked, holding out the vial that would put Parker right. He seemed to be struggling now and not so happy to find himself confused as he had been at the start.

13 Dorian And yet so far... 1401 Dorian 0 5

Finn Scott

November 24, 2018 4:31 AM

Just having some breakfast [tag Gwen] by Finn Scott

Finn quite liked mornings. Sure, lie-ins were a great thing, especially for teenagers, but he found that he didn't actually miss them too much on weekdays. He always made sure to get up with plenty of time before class so that he could enjoy breakfast, rather than turning up to lessons in a rush and still half-asleep.

This particular morning was going rather typically so far. He was sitting at the Teppenpaw table, drinking tea and eating toast. Nothing remarkable there.

From his vantage point on the side of the table that was facing the door, Finn saw Gwen enter the hall. He called out to her when she got closer, wanting to get her attention but not wanting to yell across in the room in an uncouth manner.

"Good morning, Gwen," he greeted her with a smile. "Would you like to join me? Breakfast is always more pleasant with company."

9 Finn Scott Just having some breakfast [tag Gwen] 347 Finn Scott 0 5

Cleo

November 24, 2018 4:38 AM

Fake it til you make it by Cleo

"You have college plans?" Cleo asked. That sounded super grown up, and made Isaac seem pretty smart. She wasn't really sure she was college material... Not that she was dumb, it just... wasn't something she automatically assumed was in her future. Her daddy ran a shop. They just... weren't exactly college people.

"We already do. Professor Xavier designated a space for us to use, and we already started making it over. I could show you sometime. It's still a work in progress though," she added.

"Potions is fun. It ties in a lot with Herbology. It's cool that you cook. I have... no idea how to make anything except mixed vegetable soup. What kind of thing do you make?"

13 Cleo Fake it til you make it 389 Cleo 0 5

Jehan Callahan

November 24, 2018 4:42 AM

Distractions in the library by Jehan Callahan

Jehan was in the library, which wasn't the most surprising fact known to man. Jehan liked books, and books were to be found in the library. Ergo, the library was not unknown territory to Jehan. What was, perhaps, more surprising, was that Jehan was in the library and he was on his own.

Normally, a Jehan in the library would also indicate the presence of, at the very least, Dorian too, if not various versions of (or, indeed, the entirety of) the Club of Tongues. The reason for today's deviance from the norm was simply one of convenience and distraction.

Jehan had been in the Aladren common room, reading, when he'd come across something he wanted further information on. Logically, he relocated to the library to find the relevant book that would broaden his knowledge on this particular subject. Having found a potential candidate, he looked through the first few pages to check the book was what he hoped for.

Fifteen minutes later, Jehan had absentmindedly found a chair to sit in, and was halfway through chapter four. His plans to return to the common room had been derailed.

The length of time for which the situation could have continued remained unspecified, however, as Jehan was brought back to the real world by a nearby noise. He wasn't quite sure what had happened - had someone spoken? Sat down? Had the books started flying out of the library? - and, as such (and still half in the world of his book), wasn't sure what the appropriate reaction was.

"Um, I'm sorry, what was that?" he asked, looking around for the person who had made the noise, and hoping he wasn't talking to an inanimate object.

9 Jehan Callahan Distractions in the library 1398 Jehan Callahan 0 5

Ness

November 24, 2018 5:02 AM

Not unless someone really deserves it by Ness

"Nice to meet you too," Ness nodded, noting that Mikey also preferred an abbreviated version of his name. "Actually, we might be better off finding a big rock, seeing as mass is harder to create than shape. However, given the relative density of a soccer ball compared to a rock, it should be possible from a small but round rock, especially I guess if you're kind of a visual based person," Ness replied, immediately exposing every reason why the potion had barely touched the badge before declaring the first year an Aladren. "But that still sounds like an interesting plan. Though if you Trannsfigure it, you have to kick it first.

"Yeah, I'm a Chaser on the reserve team, and also training to be a Beater. You... like sports but not Quiddith?" Ness inferred.

13 Ness Not unless someone really deserves it 1419 Ness 0 5

Victor Callahan

November 24, 2018 5:03 AM

Prefect duty [tag Kir] by Victor Callahan

Victor was officially Not Very Pleased with the world in general. Some evil spirit - and here he was inclined to blame the professors - had decided that Victor Callahan and Kir McLeod should do their prefect patrols together.

McLeod was, on the whole, a pretty problematic person. Pretty as in very, not as in attractive - McLeod wasn't attractive in any way, Victor was sure, even if Victor had been attracted to boys in the first place. Which he wasn't, for the record.

The main problem with McLeod was that he didn't seem to understand the limits of normal human behaviour. He went around inciting teachers to start talking nonsense, wearing nail varnish, corrupting the librarian, being ridiculously tall (that was a particularly sore point), and generally subverting the accepted way of life. Normal was normal for a reason, and McLeod seemed hell-bent on ruining everyone's chances of living a normal life.

Winston and Simon were in agreement with this too, so Victor knew his opinion was definitely right here. He was only glad that McLeod was in his year because it meant that McLeod wasn't in Jehan's year. Little Jehan was much more easily led than Victor, and as a big brother it was Victor's role to stop Jehan making the kind of mistakes that talking to McLeod would be.

Still, at least prefect patrol weren't every night. Victor could get through this, theoretically, and he was determined not to do or say anything that might jeopardise his status as prefect. That probably meant not initating conversation with McLeod, as that would increase the risk of McLeod saying something irritating. Strategy decided, Victor walked along the corridors in silence, trying to ignore McLeod's presence.

9 Victor Callahan Prefect duty [tag Kir] 368 Victor Callahan 0 5

Evelyn Stones

November 24, 2018 5:08 AM

I'm a mess though. by Evelyn Stones

Evelyn grimaced at the idea that she wasn't satisfying either her magical responsibilities as a witch or her house duties as a Pecari. "I just hope I can pick it up," she said honestly, figuring that a student who was famously an odd one out might not think less of her for it herself. "I figure I can be a reckless ball of fun with some good theory behind me too," she added, laughing at the images of both Malikhi's and Ness' faces if they heard her say that.

22 Evelyn Stones I'm a mess though. 1422 Evelyn Stones 0 5

Evelyn Stones

November 24, 2018 5:11 AM

Well aren't you fun. by Evelyn Stones

Why did the one other person in the freaking place have to be a freaking summer-loving insomniac? Evelyn didn't grumble but her insides did. At least he was nice enough to sit with her. "I couldn't sleep either," she said. "Summer's just so close, how can anyone focus on school?" Hopefully she could get by with some ambiguity. "Do you miss Sonora when you're at home?"

22 Evelyn Stones Well aren't you fun. 1422 Evelyn Stones 0 5

Professor Mary Brooding

November 24, 2018 5:18 AM

What a lovely way to socialize! by Professor Mary Brooding

Mary was short. She was always short but particularly when her wand was out of arm's reach and the books on the top shelf in the library were out of arm's reach. If she'd really concentrated, she probably could've managed a basic levitation without her wand, but she was tired. If she wasn't so tired, she wouldn't have left her wand in her bag at the table she'd commandeered when she went wondering through the aisles looking for a book on non-magical creatures. Tabitha would be equally proud and disappointed.

"I'm sorry," she asked the nearest person that wasn't Mary-sized (although Mary was hardly one to gauge size by, it wouldn't have been that surprising if it was a first year student even). "Would you mind grabbing that book for me?" When she realized it was a familiar face (like all the faces at Sonora by this point . . . she really was tired today!), she smiled at them. "Lovely to see you again!"

22 Professor Mary Brooding What a lovely way to socialize! 1424 Professor Mary Brooding 0 5

Kir McLeod

November 24, 2018 5:18 AM

Aren't you a little ray of sunshine? by Kir McLeod

OOC - notes on saying good evening approved by Victor. I am also assuming prefect patrol partners change and this their first date.

IC

The universe seemed to like him. Kir had been looking for an excuse to talk to Victor Callahan. These were not easy to come by, seeing as the entirety of the Gentlemen's Club seemed pretty determined to not acknowledge that Kir in any way existed. But they were both prefects and now they had prefect duty together.

So far, it was going well. They had exchanged the words 'good evening.' This might not exactly have seemed like a great social interaction, but he wouldn't have put it past Winston to make some smart arse remark like 'Well, not any more it isn't' or just to continue to stare right through him.

His mission, with Victor, was to try to subtly judge how much of a homophobic butthole he was. And/or impart some useful seeds of wisdom on how there were alternatives to being like that. Kir had witnessed Jehan asking Luke Powell to the ball and it... concerned him. Still, there were probably a lot of steps between the frosty 'good evening' they had exchanged and anything approaching a useful conversation. Kir searched for some subject of small talk that they might actually be able to keep going for more than a single breath.

"So... Have you ever had to actually use your prefect powers on anyone?" he asked.

13 Kir McLeod Aren't you a little ray of sunshine? 366 Kir McLeod 0 5

Cleo

November 24, 2018 5:26 AM

I think I pretty much won the crown for that last year by Cleo

"You will, don't worry," Cleo assured the younger girl as she pulled a face. She seemed to brighten a bit after that though, and Cleo joined in with her laugh.

"I think I'm aiming for the opposite, but whatever you want to be," she smiled.

13 Cleo I think I pretty much won the crown for that last year 389 Cleo 0 5

Victor

November 24, 2018 5:27 AM

How did you guess my nickname? by Victor

Oh, great. McLeod didn't seem to have got the message that silence was the order of the day. Victor presumed he was trying to make small talk, rather than gleaning information on how to prefect. Even McLeod had to know what their duties involved.

Victor couldn't really ignore McLeod now. It would be rude, and Mother had always told him that, if he was rude, he was no better than anyone else. Plus prefecting was pretty boring. Even small talk with McLeod could spice things up a bit, and who said he couldn't have some fun?

"Yeah, I came across two second years out after curfew the other day," he replied. "It wasn't that exciting, though. I just gave them a slap and sent them on my way, then reported them to a professor so they'd get their canings."

9 Victor How did you guess my nickname? 368 Victor 0 5

Kir

November 24, 2018 5:34 AM

It's just so guessable from your lovely demeanour by Kir

"You-" did what?! The end of the sentence never got uttered. The mention of getting the professor to cane students was over-egging it. Victor could be a douchebag all he wanted but Kir knew none of the teachers would cane students. He doubted Victor had really slapped anyone whilst on prefect duty, though the fact that that was his idea of a joke... "Haha," he said flatly.

13 Kir It's just so guessable from your lovely demeanour 366 Kir 0 5

Rory Taransay

November 24, 2018 5:34 AM

Fancy seeing you here! by Rory Taransay

Rory was wandering through the non-magical creatures aisle in the library. Whilst his speciality was, of course, magical creatures, that didn't mean he disliked non-magical ones. Really, the fundamentals were often very similar, and non-magical creatures could be just as fascinating as their magical counterparts.

He was pondering which book to take for some light bedtime reading when he heard a voice call out to him. Turning around, he saw Mary struggling to reach a book.

"Of course," he said, immediately reaching for Mary's book. He knew Mary, of course, but they hadn't spent lots of time together, so it was always nice to bump into her. Especially as he knew she was close with Tabitha, and Tabitha was quickly becoming a very good friend of his.

"How's everything going with you, Mary?" he asked, hoping she wasn't too busy for a friendly chat. "Aside from losing your wand, of course!" He laughed to show that he was just joking. He was always happt to help people out, especially when it meant increasing their knowledge of animals of any type.

9 Rory Taransay Fancy seeing you here! 33 Rory Taransay 0 5

Raine

November 24, 2018 5:37 AM

"It's better than homework" feels like underselling it by Raine

"Hi," Raine smiled, pleased to see her friend. "Be my guest," she added, sitting up so that there was sufficient room on the bench for Tess to join her. "I can't wait until I can spend all day outside..." she smiled. "How's things?"

13 Raine "It's better than homework" feels like underselling it 327 Raine 0 5

Mary

November 24, 2018 5:38 AM

Fancy indeed! by Mary

Mary smiled gratefully, accepting the book from Rory and thanking him appropriately.

"Not too much I hope," she laughed. "Losing my want is excitement enough I think. No, but I'm actually working on some research. It might interest you too, come to think of it." She briefly explained hers and Tabitha's conversation regarding the ethics of ingredient collection and harvest from living organisms. "I'm trying to see what muggle reports suggest."

22 Mary Fancy indeed! 1424 Mary 0 5

Victor

November 24, 2018 5:39 AM

Well, you seem to be enjoying it by Victor

Victor chuckled - it most definitely wasn't a giggle - as McLeod reacted to his joke, seeming horrified for a second before realising that Victor was having him on. Honestly, was the kid so uptight that he couldn't even find a joke funny?

"Calm down, McLeod, of course I didn't really mean it," he replied, still highly amused. "I might be a Crotalus, but we're not all the anti-fun monsters you seem to think we are."

9 Victor Well, you seem to be enjoying it 368 Victor 0 5

Rory

November 24, 2018 5:43 AM

Now this is an interesting conversation topic! by Rory

"Oooh, that does sound interesting!" replied Rory. "You'll have to let me know what the muggles think of it. It's always an ongoing debate, isn't it? I've met such a range of opinions on that front, from people who completely disregard animals' habitats and stress-levels to collect ingredients, to people who think you're evil for even daring to look at a creature from 100 yards away. I imagine sourcing and collection of ingredients is often controversial in the potions world too, then?"

9 Rory Now this is an interesting conversation topic! 33 Rory 0 5

Kir McLeod

November 24, 2018 5:43 AM

Tagging the D&D group by Kir McLeod

Kir made his way into the library, followed by a shorter figure. As he neared the table where the D&D group met, the tail end of a whispered argument could probably be overheard.

"Because I said so."

"That's not a reason."

"Because I'm a prefect and I said so."

"Just. Butt. Out." Kir glared.

"Fine," Ness replied, giving him an aggravated eye roll before disappearing into the shelves.

Kir took his seat at the table, an uncharacteristic scowl on his face.

"Anyone else have siblings, or am I the only lucky one?" he asked the rest of the table.

OOC - figured it might be fun to have some pregame small talk and let them get to know each other a bit.

13 Kir McLeod Tagging the D&D group 366 Kir McLeod 0 5

Finn Scott

November 24, 2018 5:46 AM

I've got a lovely bunch of...homework by Finn Scott

Finn made his way to the library, his bag slung over his shoulder and a depressing amount of work in it. He had an essay that needed writing, another one that needed planning, and various bits of revision that really should be done soon. It looked like a trip to the library was in order. He found it easier to concentrate there than in his dormitory or in the common room.

The library was quite busy, so Finn made his way over to one of the emptier tables he could see.

"Do you mind if I work here?" he asked any occupants, not wanting to just dump his stuff and disturb somebody, in case they couldn't work with people nearby or something.

9 Finn Scott I've got a lovely bunch of...homework 347 Finn Scott 0 5

Kir

November 24, 2018 5:52 AM

How about if I call you my sunshine? Would you enjoy that? by Kir

Not an anti-fun monster. Hm. So, you won't have any objections to finding your brother making out with boys then? Probably a bit blunt. And he had no desire whatsoever to out Jehan.

I don't have any particular house stereotypes. That sounded smug and sanctimonious even in his own head. And Victor had more than enough of that to go around (just because Teppenpaw tact forbid him from saying catty things didn't mean he couldn't think them. Sometimes, mentally throwing shade was the only way to get through a day).

"So, what do you do for fun then?" he asked, figuring that was a neutral enough topic.

13 Kir How about if I call you my sunshine? Would you enjoy that? 366 Kir 0 5

Tess

November 24, 2018 5:55 AM

Homework feels like it's worlds away right now by Tess

Tess sat down next to Raine with a smile. Company was really the one thing needed to make the sunny day even better, and spending time with Raine was always so pleasant and relaxing.

"You're looking forward to finishing at Sonora, then?" she asked, not really surprised. Academics weren't exactly Raine's natural habitat, and Tess was glad that her friend would be going on to more fun things. "I've been thinking about graduation too; it seems to be coming up so quickly! Ben says he'll miss the food most, but I'm sure it'll be sad when we all don't see each other quite so regularly."

9 Tess Homework feels like it's worlds away right now 338 Tess 0 5

Victor

November 24, 2018 6:02 AM

Oo-err, that's getting a little too racy for my taste by Victor

Oh dear, this really was entering into small talk territory. Part of Victor felt that telling McLeod about his hobbies could be akin to selling your soul to the devil, but then again what harm could it do? He didn't have to tell McLeod his secrets or anything, not that Victor really thought he had many secrets. Apart from the fact that he actually quite liked Jehan's hugs, of course, although he was sure Jehan knew that, so it wasn't really a secret. He couldn't have his peers finding out about that one, though.

"Erm, I'm quite into broomstick racing," he offered, aiming for a neutral tone of voice. He didn't want to be too friendly and encouraging, of course, but it would be hypocritical to answer the question but sound like a jerk. "I don't play much Quidditch, though, that's just boring in comparison. What...what about you?"

Dislike of McLeod was fighting with ingrained politeness there, and sadly Victor conceeded that politeness had to win. He couldn't consider himself better than McLeod if he, well, wasn't.

9 Victor Oo-err, that's getting a little too racy for my taste 368 Victor 0 5

Raine

November 24, 2018 6:05 AM

Let's hope it stays there by Raine

"Yeah," Raine nodded, figuring it wasn't that much of a surprise that she was looking forward to graduating. She just didn't belong here.

"I'll miss you guys though," she asserted, taking Tess' hand and squeezing it a little. Raine had never been the most verbal person but she always made sure her friends knew how she felt about them, whether it was finding the words or through affection or gestures. "Even more than the food," she promised. "How are your college applications going?" she asked, knowing full well that Tess was that kind of girl with that kind of future planned out. Most of her friends were really. She wondered how much they'd stay in touch once they left...

13 Raine Let's hope it stays there 327 Raine 0 5

Kir

November 24, 2018 6:21 AM

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine by Kir

"Cool," Kir replied in a neutral tone. Honestly, Victor could basically have said any words at all, and - so long as it wasn't violent, disgusting, or surprisingly kinky - got the same reaction.

What did Kir do for fun. Other boys was a tempting answer, even if not strictly true, just to see the look on Victor's face. As was the actually true answer of Dressing up like a girl and lipsynching incredibly cheesy pop songs. But he was trying to be civil, not push Victor's buttons, even though the latter would be so much easier to achieve... And, of course, to push the gay agenda.

"I'm in a gaming group here at school," he replied. He knew Victor would have no clue what Dungeons and Dragons was and would also care too little to ask. "At home, I help my parents out a lot. They run a charity," he explained. He suspected that most Purebloods hadn't heard of exactly what they did. Enough to know that they were terrible blood traitors, and possibly that they went around ripping families apart with their liberal nonsense, if they had been told anything. But mostly he suspected they weren't acknowledged at all. Why let your kids know they have options when your whole aim is to dominate and control their behaviour? "It's... kind of an anti-bullying thing. Amongst other areas. Family counselling. That kind of thing."

13 Kir You are my sunshine, my only sunshine 366 Kir 0 5

Victor

November 24, 2018 6:43 AM

Please take my sunshine awaaaay by Victor

McLeod's gaming group sounded...well Victor didn't actually know anything about it, but it was probably pretty boring. Besides, they were all a bit old for games now, weren't they?

He was also suspicious about the charity McLeod was involved with. Anyone who was anyone knew that the McLeods weren't good people, so, whilst the charity's aims sounded worthwhile, Victor knew better than to take them at face-value. That was probably how they lured people in, pretending to be nice before revealing their ulterior motives. McLeod's answer seemed to be a bit illogical too, and Victor decided to call him out on it.

"Anti-bullying doesn't seem particularly related to family counselling," he replied, feeling quite proud to not have been taken in by what was obviously nowhere near a whole truth.

9 Victor Please take my sunshine awaaaay 368 Victor 0 5

Kir

November 24, 2018 7:04 AM

I thought Jehan was your sunshine. And I happily will. by Kir

"It is if it's the family doing the bullying," Kir replied. "It's a gay rights charity," he stated bluntly. Thanks to their little lesson in Defence class, he felt spared the need to check that Victor knew what that meant. "Certain kinds of families aren't very tolerant of that sort of thing," he said, carefully not saying 'Pureblood,' carefully not saying 'families like yours.' "We give people a place to go if it's not safe for them at home. Or help the family members who want to accept and support them. We try to make sure they aren't bullied in school either."

13 Kir I thought Jehan was your sunshine. And I happily will. 366 Kir 0 5

Georgia Kirkly

November 24, 2018 7:12 AM

How funny by Georgia Kirkly

Georgia was not amused. Although anyone could have been forgiven for thinking quite the opposite. She was leaning against a wall just outside the library giggling in an almost manic way. It had seemed... if not sensible then at least prefectly when she had agreed to let Kir practise cheering charms on her for his CATS but he had overdone it and now she was somewhat hysterical.

The librarian, whilst sympathetic and not faulting her for her inability to keep quiet, had nonetheless suggested she wait elsewhere for the effects to wear off. She had waved off Kir's offer to accompany her. She thought she was kind of mad at him. It was hard to tell, given how much she was laughing, but she didn't actually find this funny. She leant against the wall trying to catch her breath.

OOC -I also write both Kir and the librarian, so I'm not God-modding.

13 Georgia Kirkly How funny 346 Georgia Kirkly 0 5

Kir McLeod

November 24, 2018 7:16 AM

Three little words (tag Zevalyn) by Kir McLeod

Kir made his way through the library and, spotting his girlfriend, made his way over. He slipped his arms around her, and whispered those three special little words softly into her ear.

"Teach me science." Pulling back slightly, he smiled at her and asked brightly, "Can I be my own control group?"

13 Kir McLeod Three little words (tag Zevalyn) 366 Kir McLeod 0 5

Jozua

November 24, 2018 8:33 AM

On parity and fairness by Jozua

Jozua nodded, feeling like Kir did have a very valid point. “That . . . doesn't really seem fair,” he agreed. Though he did try to throw out one defense for the old white dudes. “Did the goblins - or any other magical race for that matter - try to get representation peacefully at all, or did they just go ‘hey, that's not cool, kill everybody!' right away?”

1 Jozua On parity and fairness 348 Jozua 0 5

Zev and Jozua

November 24, 2018 8:40 AM

Only children here by Zev and Jozua

Zev smiled sympathetically at Kir and reached over the squeeze his hand. Then didn't let go. Though Kir was well aware of her answer already, she supplied it for the group at large. “Sorry, I am an only child. I know not your pain.”

Sitting nearby, Jozua shrugged, too. “I don't have that kind of luck, either.”

1 Zev and Jozua Only children here 380 Zev and Jozua 0 5

Zev

November 24, 2018 8:47 AM

I love those words by Zev

Zevalyn smiled warmly as she felt Kir's arms wrap around her, and a pleased feeling if warmth spread through her at his words. She really did have the best boyfriend ever.

“It's not ideal,” she told him, escaping his embrace only to peck a kiss to his lips. “Fir one thing, just you is a very small sample size. For another, yo are aware you are being the control group, which may be okay, depending on what your testing but doesn't allow for placebo effects if those are possible because you know you're not getting whatever is being tested.”

1 Zev I love those words 380 Zev 0 5

Kir

November 24, 2018 8:47 AM

And non-stabby ways of getting your way by Kir

"I... uh.... admittedly do not know," Kir answered, "I kind of know... like, bits of this from dinner time conversation but I'm sort of still playing catch up with you here. To just totally derail it into a different question," he added with a grin, "How much can you trust the sources you have available? Got anything written by anyone except an old white guy?

"I'm looking for peaceful goblins," he added, ready to pull his weight on the research side and not just throw out being a butt questions for the sake of it. He flicked open a nearby book.

13 Kir And non-stabby ways of getting your way 366 Kir 0 5

Victor

November 24, 2018 8:49 AM

You keep your socially uneducated hands off my Jehan. by Victor

Well. There it was. McLeod's family's charity was some attempt to undermine pureblood values and to split up families.

"I think you'll find that most families just want what's best for their children," replied Victor icily. "And as for school bullying, that's what professors are for, and they've got a lot more power to help than just one student."

Who did McLeod think he was? Other families' relationships were none of his business, and he obviously thought highly of himself if he thought he had more control over school affairs than the professors. The whole thing was ridiculous, and obviously poorly thought out, given McLeod's words on homosexuality.

9 Victor You keep your socially uneducated hands off my Jehan. 368 Victor 0 5

Kir

November 24, 2018 8:55 AM

I thought you might by Kir

"Hey, who are you calling a small sample size?" he asked, easily resting his chin on her head. "Hmm. And if the effect of Whatever We're Testing is... let's say ambiguous and fuzzy at best, then getting me to self rate my skills before and after taking isn't very valid, because I know what I expect the results to be.

"We had to take confusing and confunding solutions in Potions today and we're supposed to write an analysis. I want to work out how I'd turn it into an actual scientific experiment. I mean, if I was doing it again. Obviously what I have is not very scientific. But I probably annoyed Winston, so hey... Not a bad lesson."

13 Kir I thought you might 366 Kir 0 5

Vlad

November 24, 2018 8:58 AM

Well that's no fair by Vlad

“Sounds nice,” Vlad commented. As to his own summer, he paused. Hopefully he could spend some time with his cousins, but the Mangers were all just so off lately. He didn't really know all the details, but they had gone through a lot when their dad died. Eden's dad, too. It was weird.

At least he always had Ivy and Peyton. It was nice having family so close to him in age. He still loved the older ones, of course, but it was so fun having closer peers. “Probably just hang out with you guys and Peyton and my sisters,” he answered. “Maybe Dad will let me do work stuff with him. And I can't wait to see Mom.”

“Ooh, I should probably see about spending time with Martin,” Vlad added as the thought occurred. “My cousin's son. He's coming to Sonora next year so I should tell him about it!” This was unlikely to occur, given how Martin's father disliked Vlad's mom, but this was unknown to him.

12 Vlad Well that's no fair 1400 Vlad 0 5

Gwen Fintoc

November 24, 2018 9:01 AM

Joining you for some breakfast by Gwen Fintoc

Gwen was used to early mornings, thanks to being brought up on a farm, and her internal body clock got her up promptly even at school. She liked to be organised and feel as though she was ready for the day, not running late and playing catch up the whole time. Gwen had always taken pride in her appearance but this had become an even bigger focus as she got older so she always made sure to allow herself plenty of time to get ready in the morning so that she was looking her best. Especially when surrounded by so many key society families, it wouldn't do to look even the slightest bit unkempt. What kind of message would she be sending about herself and her family?

Gwen entered Cascade Hall for breakfast. She was already in a good mood, as she usually was, but her face broke into an obvious smile when she heard Finn call to her.

“Of course.” Gwen didn't hesitate with her reply and swiftly sat down opposite Finn.

The choice of breakfasts at Sonora were always refreshing compared to the typical Full Scottish Breakfast that would be cooked at home, and Gwen was grateful for the healthier options.

“Would you pass the tea please?” Gwen asked Finn, indicating to the teapot beside him. She could probably reach if she stretched across but it wouldn't be very polite, nor ladylike.

“Have you a fun day ahead?” Gwen enquired, not for the first time wishing that she still shared classes with Finn. She had liked partnering up with him in class. At least they would be reunited next year so she had that to look forward to, even if the thought of Advanced class was a bit daunting. For now, however, she would have to settle with Finn telling her about the exciting new things he was learning, which wasn't so bad.

8 Gwen Fintoc Joining you for some breakfast 364 Gwen Fintoc 0 5

Kir

November 24, 2018 9:03 AM

So, socially educated types can get as touchy as they want? by Kir

"The best for someone is letting them be themselves. The best should not include violence or coercion. You think it'd be best for someone to stay in a home where someone's threatening or hurting them? No one deserves that, do they?"

13 Kir So, socially educated types can get as touchy as they want? 366 Kir 0 5

Salali

November 24, 2018 9:06 AM

Is that a place? by Salali

Salali made a face expressing both sympathy and revulsion. She was not much one for books, completely agreeing with his preference for the Gardens - her favorite place - and could understand falling asleep while attempting to read. She had taken many naps with her textbooks in her time.

She shrugged at his question. “I am a fifth year,” she stated. “I think I've seen you around some, but this place is just big enough to miss people, I guess. But I am glad to meet you now, Parker!”

12 Salali Is that a place? 372 Salali 0 5

Dorian

November 24, 2018 9:08 AM

Sorry. I'm good at apologising though. by Dorian

"That sounds fun. You have an idea for his house?" Dorian asked.

13 Dorian Sorry. I'm good at apologising though. 1401 Dorian 0 5

Vladimir Brockert

November 24, 2018 9:11 AM

Distractions from what? by Vladimir Brockert

Thwack

“Ow.”

When Vlad had offered to return Ivy's library book for her, dropping it on his foot had not been part of the plan. But here he was, its dusty jacket masking the throbbing mass connected to his ankle.

He heard a voice and turned to it. “Oh, nothing,” he answered with sheepish embarrassment. “I just dropped- oh, hi, Jehan!” Vlad interrupted himself upon recognizing his friend. “Didn't see you behind that book for a second!”

12 Vladimir Brockert Distractions from what? 1400 Vladimir Brockert 0 5

Vlad

November 24, 2018 9:14 AM

Well you are Canadian by Vlad

Vlad thought about this. “Maybe Crotalus? He's kinda... stuffy.” Not that he thought all of them were that way, but it seemed the best fit for Martin's particular brand of stuffy. “His mom was in Pecari, though. And his uncle Marcus, my cousin - he was in Teppenpaw.”

12 Vlad Well you are Canadian 1400 Vlad 0 5

Salali Bly

November 24, 2018 9:19 AM

Wow! Do you want a banana? by Salali Bly

Salali loves being outdoors and was having a delightful little solo adventure when she nearly was met with a foot from the sky. Seeing that was an odd thing even for a Magick school, she looked upward into the tree to find its source. And it was a student! One of the sixth years, the one from her House, if she wasn't mistaken.

“That is okay,” Salali returned, wide eyed. “What are you doing up there?”

12 Salali Bly Wow! Do you want a banana? 372 Salali Bly 0 5

Dorian

November 24, 2018 9:22 AM

Half, anyway by Dorian

"Guess we wait and see," Dorian nodded neutrally. He couldn't say he felt thrilled at the thought of Vlad's cousin if 'stuffy' was how he described him. It was a painful reminder of the sorts of families that all his friends came from - a fact that had been so convenient in the beginning but which now had him wondering...

Was the fact that Vlad thought his cousin was stuffy a good sign though? Surely it meant that Vlad was not. Which Dorian could have told anyone anyway... Vlad was pretty much the definition of relaxed. Dorian could not imagine that anyone who was stuffy and who cared about the rules that much would actually describe themselves or their fellow rule-followers with that term. But it was one thing to be fine with... not calling each other Mr. Brockert and Mr. Montoir and standing on ceremony in their own room. It was another to accept the fairly major rule breaking he was thinking of doing... Dorian sighed as he petted Melodie, his smile gone and a pensive look on his face.

13 Dorian Half, anyway 1401 Dorian 0 5

Vlad

November 24, 2018 9:24 AM

So you're only half sorry I guess by Vlad

Something changed quite suddenly, and Dorian got a look on his face. Vlad empathetically mirrored this expression. “What's wrong?”

12 Vlad So you're only half sorry I guess 1400 Vlad 0 5

Dorian

November 24, 2018 9:33 AM

Maybe by Dorian

"Nothing," Dorian answered, his expression brightening as suddenly as it had dimmed. He gave Vlad a smile which really didn't extend to his eyes. "I just... My mind was wandering. Sorry," he apologised. This was not a totally unheard of occurrence - Dorian did tend to have far too many thoughts for his own well-being - but he had been pensive more often than usual lately.

13 Dorian Maybe 1401 Dorian 0 5

Vlad

November 24, 2018 9:36 AM

O: by Vlad

Vlad did not consider his friend to be a liar, but something about his expression... he did not quite believe him. “What was it wandering to?” He asked. Vlad tried not to push Dorian too hard, but sometimes the other boy just seemed off lately. “It made you look really sad. I think we should talk about that stuff.”

12 Vlad O: 1400 Vlad 0 5

Dorian

November 24, 2018 9:42 AM

Look! A distraction! by Dorian

"Oh, strange and terrible places where you do not wish to venture," Dorian smiled, hoping if he could be amusing enough now Vlad would drop this. He needed to be more careful. He did not want to be in the position of lying to Vlad, or to anyone... It just- he stopped himself. That way madness lay. Or at least, getting lost in his head labyrinth and looking sad again. "I'm fine though. Really," he promised. And it was pretty convincing. Because Dorian had quite a lot of practise at telling people he was fine when he wasn't.

"Did you finish your Charms homework yet?" he asked, knowing the fact that he was changing the subject was incredibly obvious, but hoping Vlad would go with it.

13 Dorian Look! A distraction! 1401 Dorian 0 5

Parker Fitzgerald

November 24, 2018 10:29 AM

It is if you're tired by Parker Fitzgerald

Parker laughed a but at the face she made. That was pretty much the face he made inside whenever he had to open a book. But this was important so he would force himself to read.

"Oh Nice to meet you too. We Pecaris are not really the sort to hang around the common room usually, and the school is so big. But I think I remember you from classes this year. I'm third year."

He held up the book a bit.
"This is more of a precautionary reading."
He hoped the picture of a Veelas two shapes in juxtaposition on the cover would offer enough explanation. Parker assumed that some of the other boys were pro trying to figure out how to remain unVeelad so it wouldn't be out of the ordinary for someone to be trying to read the book.

"Where we're you off to before waking me from my study induced slumber?"

41 Parker Fitzgerald It is if you're tired 1402 Parker Fitzgerald 0 5

Parker Fitzgerald

November 24, 2018 10:43 AM

Come on not that far by Parker Fitzgerald

It felt murky in his head. Like when the ground had fog coming out of it, only his mind was the ground. He could still see where he was going, it was just difficult and a lot more work.

"No ok. I can do this. A television or TV is. Umm like a radio, but with moving pictures. So you know, news but also shows or sports. Oh you can watch concerts on televisions too if you can't afford to go or it's too far away. It's sad that magic land doesn't have TVs or Cell phones. It'd be easier to talk to my family and friends."

Parker took a deep breath. Closing his eyes and trying to steady himself.
"One, two..." He continued in silence in his head till he got to ten.

"I'd like the potion to make this stop now. Thank you."

41 Parker Fitzgerald Come on not that far 1402 Parker Fitzgerald 0 5

Tatiana

November 24, 2018 2:07 PM

Oh, the innocent look. You could get away with anything. by Tatiana

“She talk to you,” pointed out Tatiana when assured that Katya didn't talk to boys. “You not listen to glyupaya professor, decide to be girl now, eh, Dorya?” she teased. “Bad idea. You'd not like.” Tatiana ran her fingers over a kite-shaped pendant of yellow gold set with blue topazes and aquamarines, which sat just above the neckline of her robes today, suspended from her smallest strand of amber beads instead of a chain because she had been bored with everything this morning and could not remember wearing it this way before. “This is nice,” she affirmed. “I like to have my shiny. Rest of being girls, is boring, stupid.”

16 Tatiana Oh, the innocent look. You could get away with anything. 1396 Tatiana 0 5

Amelia Layne

November 24, 2018 2:12 PM

I'll represent for Team Little Sisters. by Amelia Layne

“I have an older brother,” contributed Amelia, only half-suppressing a smile at Kir's woes with his sibling. “But Lionel's not really annoying. I…really have no idea what he is, but I guess baffling is easier to deal with than annoying.”

16 Amelia Layne I'll represent for Team Little Sisters. 360 Amelia Layne 0 5

Simon Mordue

November 24, 2018 2:20 PM

Coconuts would be better. by Simon Mordue

There was, Simon was coming to realize, too much work to do in the amount of time he had.

There was also, he was even more reluctantly coming to realize, no way to explain this to his father which would grant him permission to fall behind instead of censure for doing so.

He was doomed.

The worst part of this, he thought, was that the stress itself was slowing him down instead of spurring him on. He'd start trying to study the massive amounts of material he needed to cram into his skull before CATS or trying to work on an essay or something, and then he would think about how little time he had, and then he would freeze and come to himself five minutes later, staring fixedly off into the distance, no work done at all. This was why he had moved to the library. Feeling like he had eyes on him could at least keep him from openly staring at something other than his books.

He glanced up from his books, though, when someone spoke in close proximity, then nodded to Mr. Scott. “Not at all,” he said, half-lying but by the same token telling half the truth. “Revision season is upon us all,” he said, in what for him passed as an attempt at humor.

16 Simon Mordue Coconuts would be better. 369 Simon Mordue 0 5

Connor Priory

November 24, 2018 2:38 PM

Big Brother here. by Connor Priory

"I have two little sisters myself" Connor added to the conversation. "They aren't that annoying either though." Of course, sometimes he got the impression Sophia got annoyed with looking after Lydia but he enjoyed it.

Though who was going to look out for Lydia and his parents when Sophia came to Sonora next year?

11 Connor Priory Big Brother here. 395 Connor Priory 0 5

Natalie Atwater

November 24, 2018 2:43 PM

Ooh, I like jokes by Natalie Atwater

Natalie didn't spend a lot of time in the library but today she had to study for CATS. Not that they were going to have the life altering affect they'd have on most people as she was going to be socialite just like her mother and sister and aunts and female cousins when she graduated but she still had to do well on CATS as a point of family pride. And do as well as Kelsey of course.

She was just lucky she wasn't expected to do perfect like Amity and Chaslyn.

As she approached the library, she noticed Georgia Kirkly leaning against a wall laughing hysterically. Natalie approached the Teppenpaw. "Are you all right?" She asked.

11 Natalie Atwater Ooh, I like jokes 371 Natalie Atwater 0 5

Lily Spencer

November 24, 2018 4:31 PM

Joining team little sisters. by Lily Spencer

"I have three older siblings: two brothers and one sister," said Lily. It sounded like she had the most out of them all. "I didn't go to school with Adam, my oldest brother, but he was Head Boy, Prefect and Quidditch captain in his seventh year. My other brother, Jack, is so annoying. He's three years older than me and always tells me what to do or what I can't do." It was really nice having her own space now without him looking over her shoulder all the time.

"Charlotte is older, and she gets annoying sometimes by how proper she wants me to be, but she's too nice to be really annoying."

40 Lily Spencer Joining team little sisters. 357 Lily Spencer 0 5

Lily Spencer

November 24, 2018 4:34 PM

I do like bananas. by Lily Spencer

As Prefect, Lily felt it her duty to know everyone in her house regardless of their year, and Salali was only a year younger than her. "Taking in the view, of course," she replied. This is the best tree to climb at this school, and it's sort of become the spot for me and my best friend." Sensing a possible fellow adventurer, she climbed down.

"Do you want to try?" she asked, smiling. "I'm Lily, by the way, in case you didn't know. You're Salali, right?"

40 Lily Spencer I do like bananas. 357 Lily Spencer 0 5

Victor

November 24, 2018 4:40 PM

No, everyone should keep their hands off Jehan! by Victor

"Well of course no one should be hurt or threatened!" This was just getting insulting, now. Did McLeod really think Victor would be on-board with all of that?

"But that doesn't mean people should just be themselves, there have to be limits! What if being myself meant I wanted to run around naked or something? Would your charity support that? Not everything works in such extremes as you're trying to paint it!"

9 Victor No, everyone should keep their hands off Jehan! 368 Victor 0 5

Isaac

November 24, 2018 4:43 PM

Hoping to make it to friendship status by Isaac

"Yeah," Isaac said, nodding. "I want to be a healer, meaning I need to go to college and then medical school." Becoming a healer was a rather new ambition, but for now it seemed like the right thing to do. "I'm not too bad at school, but I just hope I can endure through all of the classes and memorize everything." It seemed really daunting when he looked at the future.

"That's awesome! Yeah, I'd love to see it." Was that too forward? Isaac was pretty good at faking his nervousness, though his hands were fiddling with his pencil on the desk.

"I like making soups," he said. "My mom taught me how to make a few different Korean soups like kimchi stew and oxtail soup. It doesn't sound good, but it's really good. I cooked a turkey last Thanksgiving with my uncle, and the mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes with marshmallows. I can cook a lot of things, I guess," Isaac said. "Don't want to bore you with a whole list of stuff, but as long as I have a recipe to follow I can probably make it decently. I miss cooking when I'm back here."

19 Isaac Hoping to make it to friendship status 375 Isaac 0 5

Mikey

November 24, 2018 4:47 PM

Good to know by Mikey

Whatever Ness was saying was going right over his head. She was definitely an Aladren, and Mikey almost wanted to ask her to Transfigure the rock instead. He was definitely more of a visual person than anything else, and a big, round rock would be perfect. He doubted they'd be able to find one that size just laying around on school grounds, though.

"So we'll just need to be on the rock hunt then," Mikey replied after her spiel. "We'll say whoever finds a good one first and transfigures it gets to kick first." A little competition always made it fun.

"Cool. I like all sports, Quidditch included. I didn't join the team this year, but I'm hoping to join next year. We'll see. I need to practice my flying more."

19 Mikey Good to know 1406 Mikey 0 5

Mikey

November 24, 2018 4:51 PM

I try to be! by Mikey

"Totally," Mikey agreed to her comment about summer. School was exciting learning how to control his magic, but he'd much rather choose the outdoors instead of books.

"Yeah, I missed Sonora a little over winter break, mostly being able to use magic and get to know other people, but I like being with my family too. I think first year was the hardest being away from home, and I didn't really miss it that much last summer. Are you going to miss it?"

19 Mikey I try to be! 1406 Mikey 0 5

Finn

November 24, 2018 6:41 PM

So here we are...having breakfast... by Finn

Finn was glad that Gwen was happy to sit with him. Not that he thought she wouldn't be, but it was always nice to know people you liked were happy to spend time with you.

"Here you are," he replied, going one step further and pouring the tea into her cup for her.

"I've got Care of Magical Creatures this afternoon, which is always fun!" Finn smiled at the thought of his afternoon. Care of Magical Creatures was his favourite lesson. It was a shame Gwen wasn't in his lessons any longer, although the small positive was that he didn't feel guilty about abandoning Juniper to pair up with her sometimes. Still, he supposed, he had never always paired up with Juniper. Finn enjoyed working with all of his friends, such as Jozua.

"I'm assuming you'll take Care of Magical Creatures next year?" he asked Gwen, knowing that she shared his enthusiasm for the subject. "Do you know what else you're hoping to take?"

9 Finn So here we are...having breakfast... 347 Finn 0 5

Finn

November 24, 2018 6:46 PM

That's what the showman said! by Finn

"Thanks," replied Finn, putting his bag down and starting to extract all his books and papers.

"Sadly it is," he agreed. That was always the downside of term coming to an end. He couldn't wait until those last few days of term, when exams were over and everyone could relax togather before going home for the summer.

"How are you finding the work?" Finn asked Simon. "Let me know if you need any help, or just want quizzing or something similar, and I can see what I remember from last year." he didn't want to interrupt Simon's studying, but he also remembered that CATS revision could be quite daunting. In his opinion, such things were best not tackled alone.

9 Finn That's what the showman said! 347 Finn 0 5

Jehan

November 24, 2018 6:51 PM

Distractions from my book, but in a good way! by Jehan

"Hi, Vlad!" replied Jehan, happy to see his friend but concerned about the noise, which he now realised must have been connected to the offending book. "Have you hurt yourself? I guess the library can be a dangerous place." He grinned at that, internally appreciating the different meanings one could ascribe to that phrase.

9 Jehan Distractions from my book, but in a good way! 1398 Jehan 0 5

Gwen

November 24, 2018 7:01 PM

And what a lovely breakfast it is... by Gwen

"Thank you," Gwen smiled graciously as Finn poured her tea. He was always so sweet and thoughtful, a true gentleman.

She smiled again when he mentioned Care of Magical Creatures, a frequent facial expression for her generally but especially so around Finn. The two of them shared an affinity for the lesson. Gwen felt that she had a lot in common with Finn, which was perhaps why she got along with him so well.

"You bet!" Gwen said enthusiastically. "I'm also hoping to take Potions, Charms and Herbology... Same as you." Gwen blushed a little, only realising as she listed them aloud that she was going to be taking exactly the same RATS subjects as Finn. "I'm not copying, honest," she added with a small laugh, only half joking as a part of her suddenly felt a bit worried that Finn might think she was in fact copying him.

8 Gwen And what a lovely breakfast it is... 364 Gwen 0 5

Victor Callahan

November 24, 2018 7:02 PM

It's a lovely day to go flying! by Victor Callahan

It was a nice day outside, so had Victor decided to go for a fly. Despite not being a Quidditch player, he enjoyed flying. Ever since being taken to a broomstick race when younger he'd been hooked by the sport. It wasn't something one could do so easily when young and at school, but Finn followed the progress of his favourite broomstick racers and enjoyed trying new tricks and turns on his broom, and always went to races in the holidays.

He usually had quite an expensive and recent broom, as his parents frequently decided to buy him a new one for his birthday. His current one was less than a year old, and he enjoyed the speed it provided, as well as the responsiveness that always came with a new and more recent model of broom.

He strode down to the pitch, whistling, with his broomstick over his shoulder, when he came across someone else heading in the same direction.

"Hi," he called out. "Are you off for a fly too?"

9 Victor Callahan It's a lovely day to go flying! 368 Victor Callahan 0 5

Finn

November 24, 2018 7:06 PM

Isn't breakfast nice? by Finn

Finn smiled as Gwen laughed, not outright laughing as he didn't want her to think he was laughing at her. "It's ok, I'm sure you're not a stalker or anything," he joked. "I guess we just have the same great taste!" He couldn't help but notice that she looked rather cute with the slight blush on her cheeks.

"We'll have to study together next year then, if you'd like to?" he offered. It was always nice to study with someone who seemed to share similar interests to him.

9 Finn Isn't breakfast nice? 347 Finn 0 5

Gwen

November 24, 2018 7:17 PM

It is with you! by Gwen

Gwen chuckled again when Finn referred to them having the "same great taste". His response made her feel easier, if not a little foolish for getting flustered by having the same RATS choices as him. She should have known she could trust Finn not to tease her like that.

"Yes, I'd like that," Gwen nodded. Studying with Finn had multiple benefits: one being that he was a year ahead of her so would already know everything she was studying, and two being the obvious that she got to spend more time with him.

"I doubt that would be of much benefit to you," she added with a smile, knowing that Finn was so generous he would do it anyway. "But I guess I could help you memorise things? In fact, is there any chance you could help me revise for my CATS? I could do with someone testing me."

8 Gwen It is with you! 364 Gwen 0 5

Georgia

November 24, 2018 7:34 PM

What do you get when you cross Kir's face with my fist? by Georgia

"Why isn't- there a counter- counter spell for - cheering charms - gone wrong?" Georgia asked between sharp, alarmed giggles. Really, the wizarding world had invented all kinds of spells and potions that were, to her mind, utterly useless but they hadn't worked out how to fix this!

13 Georgia What do you get when you cross Kir's face with my fist? 346 Georgia 0 5

Kir

November 24, 2018 7:41 PM

Don't gang up on me, please by Kir

OOC - as it's F&F do we want to say there's no set thread order and just... whoever can reply next?

IC

"Of course he would be," Kir replied to Amelia with a wink, "Big brothers are wonderful creatures with absolutely no flaws whatsoever."

On the whole, people seemed to feel positive about their siblings, and he started to feel guilty that he was painting Ness in a bad light.

"Ness isn't annoying all the time," he relented. "She just has a habit of wanting to stick her nose into everything."

13 Kir Don't gang up on me, please 366 Kir 0 5

Ness

November 24, 2018 7:49 PM

Off we go by Ness

"We're going on a rock hunt," Ness sang cheerfully. Mikey seemed like he knew Muggle things if he wanted to play soccer, so Ness expected him to get the 'bear hunt' reference.

A slight smile appeared as he claimed the idea of kicking the rock-ball first as a reward. It was a test, not a reward. It was being a guinea pig. Ness didn't want broken toes from trying out some half-transfigured rock-ball-mess. But whatever.

"You should. Coach Reilly is really nice and there's people at all levels. Nothing like having to fly all the time to improve your flying. What position would you go for?"

13 Ness Off we go 1419 Ness 0 5

Cleo

November 24, 2018 8:00 PM

I would say achievement unlocked by Cleo

"Wow. A healer," Cleo echoed, sounding impressed. That was seriously ambitious. And pretty cool. She bet Isaac was smarter than he was letting on if he wanted to be a healer.

"Great. I'll show you sometime then," Cleo smiled. This was exciting. She was making plans with someone.

"I.. uh, don't know what those are," she admitted, when he mentioned something called kimchi stew. "I haven't ever eaten Korean food. I don't think you can get Korean food in our town. It's.... kinda small. What's it like? And isn't there a baking club here?" she asked. She was never sure which clubs were still running, as she wasn't much of a joiner, but she had definitely heard of that at some point.

13 Cleo I would say achievement unlocked 389 Cleo 0 5

Dorian

November 24, 2018 8:04 PM

Yay, you made it by Dorian

"Very good," Dorian nodded, when Parker explained television again, properly this time. Ish. It gave Dorian some idea of what the device was for. He noted this down, and then looked up, ready to offer Parker the antidote. Only to find he had his eyes closed and- Dorian was not sure what he was doing. He was about to ask if he was alright when Parker opened his eyes and requested that Dorian made it stop.

"Yes, of course. This one," he replied, holding out the vial of antidote.

13 Dorian Yay, you made it 1401 Dorian 0 5

Dorian

November 24, 2018 8:47 PM

Let's hope so by Dorian

Katerina talked to him. Dorian was about to hastily point out that he didn't count - after all, the idea of him being some kind of secret object of affection to anyone, let alone Katerina, seemed completely ridiculous - when Tatya... effectively did it for him.

It echoed all the things Matthieu said. It echoed them, and it tied it back to that lesson, to what he was. And she was calling it all stupid. It was like something icy had settled over his heart. His arm stayed around Tatiana but for a minute he thought he had forgotten entirely how to breathe.

"Yes... nice. Nice necklace," he murmured as Tatiana played with her jewellery. "Why stupid?" he asked, more focussed, as the rest of what she had said caught up to him.

13 Dorian Let's hope so 1401 Dorian 0 5

Kir

November 24, 2018 9:02 PM

What if he doesn't keep his hands to himself? by Kir

No one should be harmed or threatened. Good. That was reassuring. Rational human decency, one point.

But being yourself bad, random spurious comparison to something that wasn't relevant... Score one for the other side.

The charity no, though personally I'd be in favour. Bet you look dead good with your kit off, Vic. Would that be so terrible to say? It was a compliment. Everyone liked a compliment, right? He was sure there even had to be something in Victor's fancy etiquette books about paying compliments.

"Is falling in love 'extreme' now? As far as I'm aware, there aren't any laws against that, whereas there are public decency laws that prevent you running around naked, fun as I'm sure that would be. If you streaked down the corridor, you'd lose your prefect badge, possibly get suspended... Those are the reasons you don't do it. If someone falls in love with someone else, there isn't any reason for them not to be with that person - and at least we agree that fear and the threat of violence aren't suitable tools for keeping them in check."

13 Kir What if he doesn't keep his hands to himself? 366 Kir 0 5

Tatiana

November 24, 2018 9:02 PM

Now I shall sulk. by Tatiana

“Everyone always say - be good girl, Tanya. Sit, Tanya. Be not loud, Tanya. Walk slow, Tanya. Sew thing, Tanya. Why not like Anya, Tanya?” Tatiana twisted her pendant a little too hard, then released it, stroking the beads around her neck in semi-apology, and to assure herself the strand wasn't damaged. “Grishka, Alyosha, cousins - they do what they want. They are boys. They do not embarrass Mamas. Mama wishes girls were all Anyas and Katyas - not Tatianas.”

She stopped abruptly, realizing she had just said that out loud and regretting it instantly. She slid the pendant back and forth anxiously, light catching tiny diamonds in the setting of one of her rings. “Now we are big - always ‘what people think, Tatiana',” she said, returning to her original theme. “Even Papa sayed that in summer. Says I get too big to run around so much. You're lucky you are boy.”

16 Tatiana Now I shall sulk. 1396 Tatiana 0 5

Dorian

November 24, 2018 9:11 PM

Can I make that better? by Dorian

Dorian was torn. His heart still hurt from what Tatya had said to him. It had felt like she was making fun, like she would never understand... But everything she was saying made it sound like she disagreed with the rules as much as he did. And, bigger and more importantly than that, she was hurting, and being a good brother meant putting his own feelings aside to minister to hers.

The arm that was round her squeezed her properly.

"I do not wish for you to be any different," he assured her, "And... you really want, we can exchange," he offered, jokingly, "But I think being a boy is not so easy as you imagine. There is still a big list of things to do and not to do."

13 Dorian Can I make that better? 1401 Dorian 0 5

Parker Fitzgerald

November 24, 2018 9:11 PM

So, again? by Parker Fitzgerald

Parker accepted the other potion and drank it down. He was relieved that when he felt his mind clear.
"Thank you Dorian. I hope I wasn't too... difficult."

Parker tried to remember all he'd said just moments before and though most of it was there. Some of it was lost in the murkiness.

"Ok. Shall we do the second potion or do you want to do this one first. Or are we supposed to ask follow up questions?"

Parker looked down at his paper. This was not a potion he'd want to be ingesting for fun.

41 Parker Fitzgerald So, again? 1402 Parker Fitzgerald 0 5

Tabitha Hawthorne

November 24, 2018 9:21 PM

Firing up the old braincells. by Tabitha Hawthorne

It was clear by the short nature of Gray's response that the Charms professor didn't particularly want to talk about that part of his life. That was fine with Tabitha and actually made her feel a touch better. They both had secrets or, at least, things they'd rather keep private. This, she felt, was a good thing.

"A beach house sounds rather luxurious," Tabitha commented thoughtfully. "But perhaps a well-deserved luxury?"

She had no idea if Gray had faced any hardships in his life and decided that, if he had lived any kind of worthwhile life, he probably had. Everyone suffered something at some point.

"My father is somewhat of a wine collector," she admitted. "He enjoys boasting about the bottle of Chateau Latour from 1904 to all of his friends. I don't know why. He's never opened it to share so no one knows if it'll taste good or not. I prefer spirits myself."

20 Tabitha Hawthorne Firing up the old braincells. 1417 Tabitha Hawthorne 0 5

Dorian

November 24, 2018 9:27 PM

Turning the tables by Dorian

"You are not difficult. You are... nice. Just a bit lost.

"Let's do them all first. Then do notes." It would allow them to compare and contrast. Plus it got the unpleasant part over with sooner. Dorian wasn't sure he could concentrate very well on analysis right now, knowing what was waiting for him.

"I think I should do mine," he sighed. "You seemed... not to like it by the end. It is... unpleasant?" he asked.

13 Dorian Turning the tables 1401 Dorian 0 5

Sylvia Mordue

November 24, 2018 9:38 PM

Dinner time at Crotalus table by Sylvia Mordue

Sylvia took a carefully selected seat at the Crotalus table. Within that pleasant and proper world, one did not have to take too much care, but there were occasional outsiders like the Veela Half Breed and the Uppity One to watch out for. Plus evenings were a free for all, though she had noticed not too many disreputable types tended to drift towards Crotalus. They knew they were unwelcome.

"Good evening," she smiled at her dinner companion. "How was your day?"

13 Sylvia Mordue Dinner time at Crotalus table 1413 Sylvia Mordue 0 5

Julius Astley

November 24, 2018 9:49 PM

Are you respectable? by Julius Astley

Julius was slowly but steadily making his way through his food when the student sitting next to him greeted at him. Julius wasn't particularly fond of conversation during dinner, preferring to eat alone and in silence. However, it was also considered rude to not reply when somebody spoke to you so he had no choice but to dab lightly around his mouth with a napkin before lifting his eyes to look at the person next to him.

An eyebrow lifted as he took in the immaculately dressed appearance of the girl. Her entire demeanour screamed something that Julius was very familiar with - rich. Surely, she was a Pureblood.

"Good evening," he inclined his head respectfully. "My day has been fine, thank you. And yours?"

20 Julius Astley Are you respectable? 1425 Julius Astley 0 5

Sylvia Mordue

November 24, 2018 9:53 PM

Absolutely by Sylvia Mordue

"Quite pleasant, thank you. It's Mr. Astley, isn't it?" Sylvia knew full well of course it was. They had small enough classes that everyone knew everyone's name by now, but the two of them had never properly spoken. "I'm Sylvia Mordue," she added, though she expected him to know that already. "My cousin Nathaniel's a photographer for your paper." A personal connection was always nice.

13 Sylvia Mordue Absolutely 1413 Sylvia Mordue 0 5

Julius Astley

November 24, 2018 10:03 PM

Good. Finally. by Julius Astley

"Julius Astley of the Californian Astleys and the Chasseloup de Laubats of France," he confirmed, perhaps unnecessarily given that she clearly knew. Still, he always thought it sounded impressive and his father would never let him get away with not introducing himself properly. He, of course, knew who she was. "It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Mordue. I, of course, know your cousin."

He couldn't help but swell with pride when she mentioned that she knew his paper. The Aronos was still in its infancy but at least word was getting around - this was good.

"How are you finding Sonora, Miss Mordue?"

20 Julius Astley Good. Finally. 1425 Julius Astley 0 5

Parker

November 24, 2018 10:03 PM

Let's do this. You're gonna be great. by Parker

Dorian's response was good. It meant he hadn't said something to be too embarrassed by.

"I had to concentrate a lot to control myself, which I didn't like. It was just a lot of effort using my brain. I think it was more because I thought of it as a test I had to pass."

Parker still thought it was a test, but one he needed to be less focused on passing.

41 Parker Let's do this. You're gonna be great. 1402 Parker 0 5

Grayson Wright

November 24, 2018 10:13 PM

Wine will not help with that. by Grayson Wright

“Honestly, I suspect it would be more trouble than it's worth,” said Gray about beach houses. “Hurricanes, earthquakes...but it's apparently the thing you do when you're rich.”

He had no idea what a Chateau Latour was, but assumed anything from 1904 was very expensive. He didn't want to try drinking it, either, though of course, he was biased. He had tried wine a few times and found it viler each time than he had the time before, or thought so in retrospect at least.

“I...have yet to find an alcohol I'd say I prefer,” he admitted. “I don't look very often, but whenever someone's persuaded me to try some, it tasted bad, so I didn't go back for seconds. Another reason wine collecting could be lucrative if I were rich - I'd never be tempted to drink it.”

16 Grayson Wright Wine will not help with that. 113 Grayson Wright 0 5

Sylvia Mordue

November 24, 2018 10:22 PM

Likewise by Sylvia Mordue

Julius Astley's lineage sounded suitably impressive. She had known it anyway of course, but there was knowing it and then there was hearing him say it, with the proper French pronunciation. Even though he was too young to consider marrying (boys were immature, so it was sensible to set her sights on slightly older boys, such as Simon's friends) he seemed like an excellent acquaintance to cultivate.

"On the whole, it's quite pleasant," she replied, feeling it best to keep relatively neutral. It didn't do to be too keen, especially as there were lesser types all over the place, but nor could one insult a school run by a Brockert and attended by the likes of them. It was best to stick to the middle ground, especially until she knew Mr. Astley's opinion in more depth. "Especially the time spent in Crotalus, where one can mix with mostly proper people.

"How do you find it? And how is the paper coming along? I'm looking forward to the first issue."

13 Sylvia Mordue Likewise 1413 Sylvia Mordue 0 5

Tatiana

November 24, 2018 10:28 PM

If anyone can, you're a good candidate. by Tatiana

Tatiana considered Dorian's point. “Probably you right,” she admitted with a sigh. “All is bad, no? We should have - chto eto? Land with water all circle - “ she wheeled her hand around in a circle, trying to illustrate the concept of ‘island.' “Then no stupid people.”

Her fingers quieted on her necklace at last. “What they tell you?” she asked, finding it hard to imagine anyone being displeased with Dorian. Dorian was perfect. She would not entirely mind if Katya did want to marry Dorian - well, at least she would mind less. She would mind anyone marrying any of her family, as this took them away from her, but maybe she could live with Dorya and Katya and they could all do as they liked. “I never see you do - quelque chose moya mama would say bad,” she added reassuringly.

16 Tatiana If anyone can, you're a good candidate. 1396 Tatiana 0 5

Dorian

November 24, 2018 10:34 PM

I... have doubts by Dorian

"Right," Dorian nodded. He did not like the sound of this one bit. He liked control. He liked using his brain. He did not really want to lose a grip on either of those things. But he couldn't really avoid it.

"Santé," he muttered, a touch sarcastically, taking a deep breath and lifting the vial to his lips.

It was like... It was like dreams upon waking. He had a sense that things were... drifting away from him. And the harder he tried to snatch at them, the fuzzier they got, and he had no choice but to let them go. Unfortunately, the things in question were not, of course, dreams, but factual and useful information, starting with the most vulnerable, the most recent.

He looked around. He knew he was in Potions because he recognised.... Potions. It just was. He couldn't say why. Professor Brooding was also there, which was relevant. And... he supposed he must have drifted off because he wasn't sure what he was meant to be doing... He turned to ask whichever friend he had sat with and did a double take. He was not sitting with a friend. He was sitting with Parker. He... thought he might have spoken to Parker recently. But he could not say for sure when, or what about.

"Hi," he said cautiously. He didn't know Parker properly. "Things are not normal," he added, more to himself, glancing anxiously around, trying to work out what was wrong.

13 Dorian I... have doubts 1401 Dorian 0 5

Zevalyn

November 24, 2018 10:34 PM

That's why I love you by Zevalyn

Zevalyn laughed at Kir's little joke, then nodded approval of his analysis of self-assessment. "Ah, Confusing and Confounding solutions," she remarked in understanding. "They would make self-analysis difficult as well. And a lesson spent annoying Winston is a lesson worth having," she added, though honestly she didn't really know the Crotalus that well. Though equally honestly, not really knowing somebody in a school this small meant some effort was being put forward to keep it that way, so she felt justified in holding that against the New Hampshire Pierce. "What did you do under the influence?" she asked, at least in part so she would know what people were talking about if any reports of her boyfriend's behavior made it back to her.

1 Zevalyn That's why I love you 380 Zevalyn 0 5

Dorian

November 24, 2018 10:46 PM

You're not so bad yourself by Dorian

"Island," Dorian replied. "Yes please," he said quietly, almost pleadingly. His abstract picture of the future had been... him and Jehan in the centre, but his friends had always been there, in the periphery. Recently though, the vision had taken on the appearance of a little house in the middle of nowhere, with no one else for miles. Not because he didn't want them any more. He desperately did. But it had been so hard to imagine that visitors would keep coming... "Island for hǎorén," he muttered. "Hǎorén hé tùzǐ." Good people and bunnies. That sounded like paradise. He adjusted his position, resting his head on Tatya's shoulder, wanting to be comforted. It was still easy enough to accomplish this - he was catching her up but had not overtaken, and they were more or less the same size.

"Nothing that she would find bad in you," he answered, trying hard to find a way to explain, still half afraid that Tatya would find weakness to be a flaw as soon as she noticed it. "But... Well, what things does your mother expect from Grisha?" he prompted.

13 Dorian You're not so bad yourself 1401 Dorian 0 5

Heinrich

November 24, 2018 10:55 PM

If you say so by Heinrich

Heinrich liked flying well enough. Last year he had been convinced to join the Aladren team by the German-speaking captain (well, he tried speaking German, which had been more than most could) though Heinrich had opted not to join the school wide team this year. Quidditch just wasn't really one of his passions, and besides, he was worried about his name getting talked about too much if he played for the school, increasing its chances of getting recognized. Not that he probably would have made the team anyway, which was another point against trying. Heinrich didn't really like proving that he wasn't flawless at anything - though English was doing a good number on his pride on that point - and he would rather be better than he was currently before he attempted to try out with actual competition.

But he like flying, and he was pretty good at that, so on nice days like today, it was good to bring out his broom and get some fresh air.

An older boy called out to him, asking a question he was reasonably certain he understood though he knew he would have phrased it differently had he been the one doing the asking. He wasn't sure if this was a local idiom difference or if his own ability to construct sentences was showing flaws again. "I am going off to fly," he agreed, using the same preposition the native speaker used because English prepositions were hard, and while his understanding of them suggested 'off' was inappropriate in the context, he was nowhere near certain enough of that to not mimic the American.

1 Heinrich If you say so 1414 Heinrich 0 5

Jozua

November 24, 2018 11:08 PM

non-stabby is good by Jozua

"Okay," Jozua agreed, pulling over a few reference books of his own, trying to figure out which, if any, might have accounts written by not-old, not-white, not-guys. "I'll look," he said, though he probably sounded doubtful such people got many accounts recorded in books like this.

"Oh," he said, sounding surprised and impressed by a smaller volume that had been underneath two others. "'Women in the Goblin Rebellions' by Roselle Hall - That sounds promising."

1 Jozua non-stabby is good 348 Jozua 0 5

Ness McLeod

November 24, 2018 11:09 PM

Experimenting by Ness McLeod

Ness was reading on the sofa, but periodically glanced up curiously at the staircase on the left of the room.

You are not allowed in the dorms of the opposite gender.

Well, that was a stupid rule that couldn't be followed because gender, not being a binary, had no opposites. It was possible that they were not permitted in dorm rooms of the opposite biological sex, but if that was the case a) Professor Taransay should have said that, especially because he was head of Aladren house and taught a biology based subject and b) it was a stupid transphobic rule if it did exist.

Ness did not, as a rule, like breaking rules. Not school ones, anyway. Society ones could take a hike. But this particular rule either did not make sense or, if it was exactly as Professor Taransay had said and based on gender then Ness was not in violation by attempting to enter the boys' rooms.

Deciding to find out once and for all, Ness approached the staircase, wondering whether frame of mind was important.

I am not a girl. Gender is a lie. The phrases repeated over and over as Ness took several bold strides up the other corridor. But there was still some self doubt there, of whether Ness was not a girl enough for this to count, because Ness also was definitely not a boy.

The corridor spat the first year back out with a bump. Had that been at the particular moment when the doubt had surfaced, or was that just fanciful thinking? This would need further research. Ness stood up, looking for the confidence to try that again. It kind of hurt and was also a bit embarrassing. Especially when the first year realised someone was staring.

"I'm not breaking a rule, I'm experimenting," Ness informed them.

13 Ness McLeod Experimenting 1419 Ness McLeod 0 5

Julius Astley

November 24, 2018 11:10 PM

Re: Likewise by Julius Astley

Julius' view did not match that of Sylvia's. He thought that the school was acceptable at best. Despite having been attending the institution for nearly a whole year, he still would prefer to be taught in the comfort of the Astley Manor. However, considering that he was conversing with a Pureblood and the very school he was sitting in was run by a Pureblood family, it was probably wise to keep those particular thoughts to himself. His father would not be happy if he found out that Julius had upset two very important families.

"I rather like the library," he said instead and at least it wasn't a lie. "It is quite comfortable and the collection of books is impressive."

He didn't say that the Astley private library was better.

"We are still working some things out in regards to The Aronos, though I can tell you that we covered the Quidditch match," he told her, extremely pleased that she was taking such an interest in the publication. "We are also looking into the different clubs active in Sonora."

He reached for his glass of juice for a drink before continuing, "That's about as much as I can tell you without giving too much away and spoiling the release of the first issue," he gave a polite smile. "Are there any clubs or interests that you have?"

20 Julius Astley Re: Likewise 1425 Julius Astley 0 5

Parker

November 24, 2018 11:15 PM

Doubts are natural by Parker

Dorian took a drink quicker than Parker could answer him.

"Hi," Parker replied. He tried to look Dorian in the eyes and could see that he wasn't fully here. Parker knew the feeling, having been there not that long ago.

"It's ok. Things will be back to normal after I ask you some questions. If you want, let me know if it all becomes too much ok?"

"First questions. What's your name, and where are you?"

41 Parker Doubts are natural 1402 Parker 0 5

Kir

November 24, 2018 11:16 PM

I love you for lots of reasons by Kir

"Well, I wasn't going to try the self-analysis whilst under their influence. I no longer am, by the way. This is as normal as I get

"I figured that a good test of my faculties was whether I could remember all the words to Firework. And it just didn't seem right not to give it my all. Um, whilst feeling the effects of the potion of course. I am prefect and would never be so disruptive normally," he added with a smile. He wasn't really sure whether Confused Kir had forgotten that signing loudly was not socially appropriate or had just stopped caring. It was a little hard to tell the difference. Certainly Sober Kir had no regrets and had not been sorry to be given the excuse...

13 Kir I love you for lots of reasons 366 Kir 0 5

Dorian

November 24, 2018 11:22 PM

Good. I have LOTS. by Dorian

Things would be normal. But there were questions. Why were there questions? Parker... Parker was in charge now? That wasn't right. Parker did not get to decide whether things were normal. Dorian wanted them to be normal now.

Then Parker asked him his name. Which was... odd. Parker was being odd. And Dorian didn't know him properly.

"We have class together for... a long time already. You know my name," Dorian glared. "Are you... are you playing a game at me?"

13 Dorian Good. I have LOTS. 1401 Dorian 0 5

Tatiana

November 24, 2018 11:40 PM

Spasibo :) by Tatiana

Island. Tatiana noted the new word. It was a good word.

“Hǎorén hé tùzǐ,” she agreed, stroking his hair affectionately and understanding his description of who would be allowed on their island.

She thought about Mama and Grisha. “Mama angry - un peu, not big angry - when Grisha says words young lady should not know, when we hear. Eh...ta hen kaixin when he have good school paper. Must have - good to family. Most time, Grisha makes her happy. What your mama want?”

16 Tatiana Spasibo :) 1396 Tatiana 0 5

Sylvia Mordue

November 24, 2018 11:41 PM

Ladylike pursuits by Sylvia Mordue

"I look forward to reading about it. It's a shame they don't let us spectate these training matches. It sounds like a good match from what Nathaniel and my brother said - and the right side came out victorious, which always helps.

"I'm trying the art club. The trouble with any school-wide activity is... well, it's school-wide," she replied, her tone conveying the unpleasantness of having to associate in such a fashion, "I've started something to counter that, actually. A sort of social club, for appropriate young ladies to get to know one another," she added. "The Gardenia Girls. I suppose it might be considered helpful to everyone who's in society - if you see any girls wearing white flower pins, you'll know they're proper. Though I find it's fairly easy to tell from people's general manners and their dress and so on. Still, it's good to have a system."

13 Sylvia Mordue Ladylike pursuits 1413 Sylvia Mordue 0 5

Dorian

November 24, 2018 11:54 PM

De rien by Dorian

OOC - although Tatya's reply was written with the correct tones, permission was obtained to suggest she messed them up.

IC
"Concentrate on your tones, Tanushka. Good people do not drink bunnies," Dorian corrected her but gently, the smile back in his voice.

"It is not mama," he replied. He wasn't sure he was ready to admit that it was a specific person, but he did not want Tatya to think badly of his Mama in the absence of any other candidate to blame. "Just... in general. All the things you want to do, run around, play rough. I don't like so much. And people expect boys to be like that. Be big and tough, not so much about their feelings. Not like petting fěnpū animals," he added, latching on to one specific example where he knew Tatya had not made fun of him for something he knew full well Matthieu would have. "If you are a girl, you can be too rough. If you are a boy, you can be too gentle. That seems more glupyy than anything Professor said, no?"

13 Dorian De rien 1401 Dorian 0 5

Kir

November 25, 2018 1:00 AM

Is that how we both got Teppenpaw? by Kir

"Ooh," Kir looked up intrigued by Jozua's find. He was pretty sure that snatching it from Jozua's hands in a frenzy of excitement was not good study-buddy behaviour. "Let me know what she says," he grinned, returning to his own book.

"Hmm," he added a moment later, "Amongst the unreasonable demands of the goblin population was the right to seat goblins on the Wizengamot," he read out, in an unimpressed voice. "As can be clearly seen in this fragment of goblin poetry. So, the book presents it as evidence that the goblins were unreasonable. But look at the date. 1611. One year before the rebellion. I would say that setting out your point in verse whilst not necessarily super productive does at least qualify as peaceful. And totally something Erevan is trying at the next opportunity," he grinned.

13 Kir Is that how we both got Teppenpaw? 366 Kir 0 5

Isaac

November 25, 2018 2:32 AM

Leveling up! by Isaac

"Cool," Isaac said. They were making future plans! He was definitely over the moon about it, but he tried to play it cool. Wanting to be a healer had seemed to impress her too. So far so good.

Since Korean food was so available in LA, he'd never imagined someone never trying it until now. "Oh man, if I could cook in the kitchens here I would definitely make you something. The kimchi stew is pretty spicy, and it has tofu, scallions, and onions in it. Sometimes I like to put sliced rice cake in there with pork. The soup flavors are pretty complex with different seasonings, so it's hard to fully explain it. I'll have to make it for you sometime."

Isaac had no idea how he would ever get to make that dish for Cleo, but he would jump at any opportunity to do it.

He shrugged when she asked if there was a baking club. "I don't know," he admitted. "I actually haven't really kept up with the different clubs going on here. I haven't really baked anything either, but it would be cool to learn how.

"What's your favorite kind of food?" he asked.

19 Isaac Leveling up! 375 Isaac 0 5

Mikey

November 25, 2018 2:40 AM

Let us commence the rock hunt by Mikey

Mikey's grandpa had definitely sung that same little line during their camping trips, so he smiled at her reference. "We're gonna catch a big one," he sang.

"That's true, I guess I'm scared of falling flat on my face in front of everyone." Mikey shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know about the position. Seekers always look so cool, and being a Keeper looks painful and boring, so I think I want to be either a Beater or a Chaser. Probably a Chaser. It seems like the most exciting. Have you played a game yet?"

Soon they were outside, and Mikey's eyes dropped to the ground. "Alright, now to look for the perfect rock," he said. It felt nice to be in the sunshine and he felt his spirits returning to him already.

19 Mikey Let us commence the rock hunt 1406 Mikey 0 5

Ness

November 25, 2018 3:01 AM

Get them or they'll get you by Ness

Ness smiled as Mikey joined in.

"Well, if you do, I promise not to laugh, and I'll tell anyone who does that they're a jerk," Ness assured him, when he mentioned fear of falling flat on his face. "But you probably won't. And hey, if you ever want extra flying practise, we can do that. When we're not being intrepid rock hunters that is," the first year grinned. So far, Mikey was pretty great. Like a version of Malikhi that wasn't a massive jerk, and which proved that his problems with Ness were entirely that - his problem. Ness got on fine with other people.

"This one's pretty big, but also super lumpy," Ness noted, hefting up a decent sized but very square rock. "Let's hold onto it as a maybe..."

13 Ness Get them or they'll get you 1419 Ness 0 5

Cleo

November 25, 2018 3:12 AM

Whoo hoo by Cleo

"Ok," said Cleo a little hesitantly when Isaac said he'd have to make it for her sometime. She wasn't really sure what half the ingredients he'd listed were, like... what was a rice cake? And tofu... she had kind of heard of that but never eaten it. And she wasn't really great with spicy. But she didn't want to hurt his feelings, and she wasn't against trying it as such... She just couldn't imagine what it would be like. She covered her uncertainty with a smile.

"Well, of the things you mentioned, the marshmallow sweet potatoes sounds like my kind of thing. I don't know... My daddy... He's a great parent," she stressed, people seemed to think that a guy probably couldn't do a decent job of raising a kid by himself, which she resented. He had been everything she'd needed. "But he isn't much of a cook. It's mostly tins and ready made things. We grow things though, he likes gardening too - that's how I learnt. So, often we have fresh veggies and neither of us is going to die of scurvy," that was the main reason she had always been told to eat her veggies, "But yeah... the only thing we really do from scratch is miscellaneous soup. So, I guess that has to be my favourite. Or mac n cheese with tomatoes on the side."

13 Cleo Whoo hoo 389 Cleo 0 5

Kyte Collindale

November 25, 2018 3:28 AM

And Kyte came tumbling after by Kyte Collindale

And spring. And catch. And... fall.

Kyte let out a loud expletive as he missed his landing and topped off the stunt broom. He had cushioned the ground beneath him but falling was still annoying. What was more, the broom had been moving forward and was now zipping off round the corner.

He chased after it, catching up to it just as it threatened to invade someone else's personal space.

"Sorry," he acknowledged, grabbing it and pulling it back. "Mistimed a trick."

13 Kyte Collindale And Kyte came tumbling after 335 Kyte Collindale 0 5

Victor

November 25, 2018 5:02 AM

Yeah, well, that's my business, not yours by Victor

"You can't help who you fall in love with," Victor conceeded. "But that doesn't mean you should act on it. There are certain rules in society, and they have to be followed. If I fell in love with a Muggle, for example - not that I would -, I'd know I couldn't marry her."

This was the problem with not being brought up in society's. McLeod was just so stupidly idealistic, and the real world didn't work as perfectly as he seemed to expect.

9 Victor Yeah, well, that's my business, not yours 368 Victor 0 5

Victor

November 25, 2018 7:44 AM

Ooh good, company! by Victor

Heinrich was three years below Victor, so Victor didn't know him that well. However, he seemed a nice enough sort, and Victor thought he was from a good family - he wasn't that aware of German society. Most importantly, he was here and he was going flying. Flying was always more fun with two!

"Want to fly together?" he asked, friendlily. "We could race each other or something?"

9 Victor Ooh good, company! 368 Victor 0 5

Kir

November 25, 2018 9:32 AM

Depends. by Kir

"I never really understood that... You're all so pro-magic - being magical, it's strength, it's the best thing there is. There's a few things you can't do with magic. Bring back the dead, and synthesise love. It's too powerful. True love is the strongest magic there is... And what do you all want to do? Stop it dead if it doesn't fit this narrow little set of rules. You'd rather marry for political gain than love, all the while trying to argue that you're in favour of preserving and promoting magic. Doesn't stopping people from loving freely fly in the face of wanting to promote a magical society?"

Of course, people had a long, long history of running scared from the forces they could not control. That was why Purebloods didn't like true love. It was a force bigger than their own magic, one they could never really fight. All the rules they had... It was their attempt to control and defeat a power greater than their own.

"Fighting love doesn't exactly sound like a fight you can win. Hence the concern, that... someone might get hurt if you try."

13 Kir Depends. 366 Kir 0 5

Anonymous

November 25, 2018 9:42 AM

Re: Depends. by Anonymous

Wow. Okay, McLeod was either on another planet, or mad, or a fairytale story created in human form with an extra dose of annoying. Either way, why wasn't he in Aladren?

"Umm..." began Victor, slightly disconcerted and unsure what to even say in reply to the stream of concern he'd been presented with.

"Well, firstly, being in love can't get you anywhere. It's all about one person, and life's about so much more than that. And it's not exactly magic, you can't do anything with it. And fitting in with society's rules isn't just about political gain. Sure, it's about politics and power, but it's also about friends and family, about looking after them and providing for them and ensuring the best for them. If you fall in love with someone you can marry, then that's great, but if not, you can't throw away your entire life for one person. Magical society is about realising that the world is bigger than just you. It's not about fighting love, it's about not being selfish."

0 Anonymous Re: Depends. 0 Anonymous 0 5

Luke Powell
November 25, 2018 9:49 AM

Luke Powell
Alumnus
House: Pecari
Written by: Joella Curtis

Age in Post: 15

Ugh [tag Jehan] by Luke Powell
Luke hated CATS. He hadn't even sat the exams yet and already he hated them. It was getting to that time of year that the professors kept bringing up that dreaded word and the swotty kids couldn't stop talking about them either. Luke didn't want to revise, not in the slightest. But he'd made a promise to his beloved mother and wanted to make her proud.

But despite his desire to please his mother, Luke was still not happy about it. And so, when he finally forced himself to go to the library, collect a bunch of books that he probably should have looked at throughout the year, he couldn't help slamming them down on one of the library tables rather forcefully. He drew up a chair a slumped down into it, glaring at the pile of books.

8 Luke Powell Ugh [tag Jehan] 374 Luke Powell 0 5

Kir
November 25, 2018 9:52 AM

Kir
Alumnus
House: Teppenpaw
Written by: Rhy

Age in Post: 15

Good argument by Kir
"You admit that love isn't something that someone can help. And that no one deserves to be punished for it," thank Merlin. "And love can't be controlled by magic. Anyone who tells you they can change who someone loves is... basically just going to do their best to hurt that person until they break their spirit. Which, you agreed was wrong.

"So what's your solution? If someone falls in love with the 'wrong person'," he asked, giving the term the sarcastic air quotes it deserved. "Just... ask them not to? That also seems pretty selfish."

13 Kir Good argument 366 Kir 0 5

Jehan
November 25, 2018 9:54 AM

Jehan
Alumnus
House: Aladren
Written by: Louis

Age in Post: 13

Huh? by Jehan
Jehan was working on his homework in the library. He was quietly and peacefully engrossed in the world of augureys when a sudden slam sounded right near him. His head shot up in surprise, and he found Luke Powell at his table, glaring at a pile of books.

9 Jehan Huh? 1398 Jehan 0 5

Anonymous
November 25, 2018 10:05 AM

Anonymous
Peripheral
Written by:

Re: Good argument by Anonymous
"I don't f****** know the solution," replied Victor, exasperated at this entire conversation now. He wanted to say that he shouldn't know, that he wasn't an adult, but that seemed a little hypocritical, given that he'd spent the last 14 years of his life trying to ensure that adult solutions for things didn't come anywhere near Jehan.

"All I know is that some things are more important than love, and sometimes you have to be prepared to give things up, that sometimes it's in your best interests to do so."

0 Anonymous Re: Good argument 0 Anonymous 0 5

Luke
November 25, 2018 10:14 AM

Luke
Alumnus
House: Pecari
Written by: Joella Curtis

Age in Post: 15

Hmm... by Luke
Luke noticed a young boy looking at him across the table. "Oh sorry, kid. You don't mind me working here?" The boy's answer wasn't going to change the fact that Luke was sitting there, but it was polite to ask considering he had probably made a louder appearance than intended.

Luke looked at his books and eventually opened one, before leaning back in his chair and glancing around the room. Concentration was clearly not his forte, except when it came to sports. His eyes landed once again on the student in front of him and he suddenly realised why he looked so familiar. It was Jehan Callahan, the boy who had asked him to the ball last year.

"Oh it's you," Luke said aloud. "Did you ever find a date to the ball?"

8 Luke Hmm... 374 Luke 0 5

Kir
November 25, 2018 10:15 AM

Kir
Alumnus
House: Teppenpaw
Written by: Rhy

Age in Post: 15

I think I hit a nerve by Kir
Victor was swearing. For someone who valued control, he wasn't showing a lot of it. So, clearly what Kir said was striking some kind of nerve. Kir knew he was annoying. At least to the likes of Victor. But Victor's tone suggested more than mere annoyance, he thought. And something about his choice of words suggested there was a definite problem. One he didn't know the answer to.

Kir was in no way certain enough of his guess to bring the subject out into the open, and he was pretty sure that was the wrong thing to do. But Victor... Victor gave him reason to be hopeful. He wasn't just talking about crushing people down until their inconvenient feelings went away.

"Mm. I think we might... agree and disagree there. Sometimes, you have to give up something. Sometimes it is in your best interests to do so. No one's saying life's easy. But I'd always make sacrifices for love rather than of it. If anyone asked me to do the opposite, they'd lost my trust pretty quickly.

"And, if you ever feel like you're out of solutions, out of ideas... You know where to find me."

13 Kir I think I hit a nerve 366 Kir 0 5

Victor
November 25, 2018 10:21 AM

Victor
Alumnus
House: Crotalus
Written by: Louis

Age in Post: 15

Aaand lets not get ahead of ourselves here by Victor
Oh Merlin, Victor had definitely indulged McLeod too far here if McLeod thought they agreed on something. He didn't agree with people like McLeod, McLeod was wrong and just didn't understand what life should be like!

"Yeah, thanks but no thanks," he replied, reverting back to a more detached tone. "I don't even have any problems, there no way I'd need the help of you or your charity."

9 Victor Aaand lets not get ahead of ourselves here 368 Victor 0 5

Jehan
November 25, 2018 10:29 AM

Jehan
Alumnus
House: Aladren
Written by: Louis

Age in Post: 13

...err... by Jehan
"Um, that's fine," said Jehan, not minding the company, although he hoped that Luke wouldn't continue to make lots of crashing noises. He wasn't sure if he should say anything else, feeling a little bit awkward as his last interaction with Luke had been when he'd asked the other boy to the ball.

It seemed that Luke hadn't forgotten that, either. "Oh, um...not exactly. I went with a friend - well, friends - it was kinda complicated," replied Jehan, getting a bit flustered and not really sure how to explain the fiasco that had been ball planning with Dorian.

9 Jehan ...err... 1398 Jehan 0 5

Kir
November 25, 2018 10:29 AM

Kir
Alumnus
House: Teppenpaw
Written by: Rhy

Age in Post: 15

Mischief Managed by Kir
Aaand they were back. Kir shrugged his shoulders lightly. Victor did not want to admit to anything. Fine. Kir had got what he came for. Victor knew he existed and, more or less, what he did. He probably had a somewhat twisted view of it still, but the seed was planted.

And Kir knew a little more about Victor. He still wasn't sure what to make of him. Not totally. He seemed... non-violent. Admittedly, that was a low bar but it was a start. He had acknowledged some of Kir's points as valid, almost.

And maybe Victor would never seek his help. Maybe he wouldn't be on the side that wanted to. Maybe his pride would stop him. But at least the option existed, much more than it had before.

"You never know," Kir shrugged, wanting to make sure that door was left open, even if only a crack.

"I've never really had to do anything prefectly except chase Aladrens out of the library," he added, in a pointedly different tone. One that jumped back to the lighthearted small talk that they had, step by step, drifted away from. "Remind them that it's not actually an extension of their common room..."

13 Kir Mischief Managed 366 Kir 0 5

Vlad
November 25, 2018 10:36 AM

Vlad
Alumnus
House: Teppenpaw
Written by: Casey

Age in Post: 13
Birthday: August 21st

Oh, good! by Vlad
Vlad laughed. "Nah, I'm fine," he said despite the slight pain; he was certain the stinging in his toes would fade any minute now. "Sorry about the noise, anyway." A library was hardly the place for being noisy. "What are you reading?"

12 Vlad Oh, good! 1400 Vlad 0 5

Salali
November 25, 2018 10:39 AM

Salali
Alumnus
House: Pecari
Written by: Casey

Age in Post: 15

How do you feel about cymbals and tiny vests? by Salali
Salali was absolutely taken in. She had climbed a few trees in her day, and she found that she was quite agile, even if her upper body strength occasionally failed her, resulting in some bruises and scrapes.

She was glad the girl offered her name, as it just escaped her. "Yes," Salali confirmed her own name. "And I would most definitely like to climb this tree with you."

12 Salali How do you feel about cymbals and tiny vests? 372 Salali 0 5

Luke
November 25, 2018 10:49 AM

Luke
Alumnus
House: Pecari
Written by: Joella Curtis

Age in Post: 15

Ahh by Luke
"Good," Luke nodded. "I mean, not good that it was complicated... but, you know." He wasn't really sure what to say. It was fairly evident that Jehan was into dudes and he didn't think he could translate his personal experiences with girls into advice on boys. Nevertheless, he couldn't help admiring the kid. He knew what people could be like about that sort of thing and thought it nice how open and unashamed Jehan seemed to be.

"You had fun though? That's the important thing," Luke smiled at Jehan.

8 Luke Ahh 374 Luke 0 5

Jehan
November 25, 2018 1:01 PM

Jehan
Alumnus
House: Aladren
Written by: Louis

Age in Post: 13

Mmhmm by Jehan
"Yes, I had fun," confirmed Jehan, picking up confidence as Like seemed to be interested in chatting to him. "The dancing was good, though next time I'm going in more fun dress robes. Black's just too boring!"

Jehan had felt envious of the girls, in all their different coloured dresses. He didn't want to wear a dress, but why did that mean his clothes had to be boring and so like all the other boys' clothing?

"Did you enjoy the ball?" he asked, wondering what Luke's opinion of it all had been. Luke seemed too fun and outdoorsy to enjoy standard ball behaviour much.

9 Jehan Mmhmm 1398 Jehan 0 5

Luke
November 25, 2018 1:10 PM

Luke
Alumnus
House: Pecari
Written by: Joella Curtis

Age in Post: 15

Duh by Luke
Luke gave a light chuckle in response to Jehan's mention of dress robes. He could certainly imagine the boy wearing something flamboyant. Luke didn't mind his own "boring" dress robes, although much preferred shorts and a t-shirt. Dressing up was definitely not his thing.

"Yeah it was alright" Luke replied to Jehan. "Not exactly my thing but it could've been worse. I'd say the bonfire's been my favourite midsummer event so far - what about you?"

8 Luke Duh 374 Luke 0 5

Jehan
November 25, 2018 1:16 PM

Jehan
Alumnus
House: Aladren
Written by: Louis

Age in Post: 13

Yay for friends! by Jehan
Jehan frowned slightly but decided to accept Vlad's response. He supposed a book couldn't do too much damage. Unless it hit your head, which could have all manner of interesting side effects. He didn't think the book had hit Vlad's head though, so it was probably okay.

"I'm reading about dragons. Did you know that antipodean opaleyes don't have pupils? I don't know how they see without them."

"What are you up to then, crashing about in the library?"

9 Jehan Yay for friends! 1398 Jehan 0 5

Jehan
November 25, 2018 1:23 PM

Jehan
Alumnus
House: Aladren
Written by: Louis

Age in Post: 13

Ooh by Jehan
Jehan considered the bonfire and the ball. The bonfire had definitely been more fun, as he'd got to spend time with his friends in a more relaxed setting.

"I've only been here for the bonfire and the ball," he replied. "I think I preferred the bonfire, it was fun to share a tent with Dorian and Vlad. They're my friends. Also bonfires and marshmallows are pretty cool. Victor and I used to have bonfires when we were little."

He wasn't sure if Luke would know who Dorian and Vlad were, so thought it best to add that bit of information.

9 Jehan Ooh 1398 Jehan 0 5

Luke
November 25, 2018 1:41 PM

Luke
Alumnus
House: Pecari
Written by: Joella Curtis

Age in Post: 15

Eyyy by Luke
"Oh yeah, course," Luke remarked, realising he had forgotten that Jehan was two years below him. He raised his eyebrows slightly at the mention of tent-sharing, hopefully subtlety enough that Jehan would've noticed since it probably wasn't appropriate or kind to be amused.

He nodded when Jehan mentioned his brother Victor, the only name Luke knew as Victor was in his year and a good flier. Victor was admittedly on the snobby side but he was cool enough. "Yeah, we have a lot of bonfires on the beach at home."

"Where are you from?" Luke asked curiously, since Jehan had referenced his childhood. It was always interesting how people at Sonora came from all over the place.

8 Luke Eyyy 374 Luke 0 5

Lily
November 25, 2018 4:16 PM

Lily
Alumnus
House: Pecari
Written by: Lily Spencer

Age in Post: 16

Considerably less enthusiastic. by Lily
The English witch grinned. “Brilliant! I usually start with my foot here on this root, and then use this knot to pull myself up.” It was a tall tree and not very easy to climb unless one knew where to step. Lily, of course, was more than happy to show Salali.

Lily climbed up like a monkey after showing her and sat on her favourite branch. “You could share this one with me,” she told her. “It's quite sturdy.”

40 Lily Considerably less enthusiastic. 357 Lily 0 5

Tabitha Hawthorne
November 25, 2018 4:58 PM

Tabitha Hawthorne
Staff
Subject: Defense Against the Dark Arts
Written by: Tabitha Brooding-Hawthorne

I'm totally not sneaking around... by Tabitha Hawthorne
Tabitha seemed to lose a lot of time when she was in Mary's private rooms. This probably had a lot to do with the fact that most of that time was spent doing a lot of things that wouldn't be acceptable in public. That was why it was very late at night when Tabitha snuck out of Mary's rooms and began to head back to her own chambers.

In one hand, she held the pair of heeled boots she'd worn throughout the day, her feet too sore for her to even consider putting them back on. In the other, she was holding her wand with her Lumos spell lighting the way for her. She walked quickly and quietly, hoping not to run into anybody. She did look rather a mess and probably rather guilty.

Her short hair was mussed and tangled, her shirt buttoned up incorrectly and there was the telltale sign of Mary's lipstick mark on her collar. Her own lipstick was smudged and her cheeks were flushed. All in all, she was a bit of a sight.

Ordinarily, she might not have left in such a state of disarray, having been very careful when leaving Mary's rooms. Tonight, however, she'd fallen asleep and had slept far too long and she needed to get back to her quarters before the morning.

She might've succeeded too, if she hadn't practically run headfirst into a person coming in the opposite direction.

20 Tabitha Hawthorne I'm totally not sneaking around... 1417 Tabitha Hawthorne 0 5

Rory Taransay
November 25, 2018 5:04 PM

Rory Taransay
Former Staff
Subject: Care of Magical Creatures
Written by: Louis

I wasn't sneaking, but I'm not sure you weren't! by Rory Taransay
Rory had been up late going over a report he was submitting for the kelpie reserve he was helping to set up in Scotland. There was lots of paperwork to do in order to register the reserve with the Ministry of Magic, and he wanted to make sure everything was done in plenty of time so there would be no hold-ups.

Determined to finish writing the report that evening, he'd completely lost track of time, and it was well into the night when he finished up and headed back to his rooms.

The corridors were generally deserted at this hour, and he was mentally still going over what he'd written, so much so that he was almost unaware of his surroundings until he rounded a corner and almost walked stright into a rather dishevelled looking Tabitha.

"Tabitha? What are you doing up at this time of night?" he asked, surprised to see her.

9 Rory Taransay I wasn't sneaking, but I'm not sure you weren't! 33 Rory Taransay 0 5

Tabitha Hawthorne
November 25, 2018 5:11 PM

Tabitha Hawthorne
Staff
Subject: Defense Against the Dark Arts
Written by: Tabitha Brooding-Hawthorne

I-I was no... Oh, forget it. by Tabitha Hawthorne
There was something about being confronted in the middle of the night that threw Tabitha back into her teenage years, when she was frequently sneaking around with JJ at all hours of the night when they were staying at Hogwarts. When they had been caught by professors, she went for the one method that she'd gone for every time.

And absolutely, definitely never worked.

Deny everything and lie.

She swallowed thickly before giving a nervous laugh and tried desperately not to look Rory in the eye. "I- I was... Well, I was..."

With a big sigh, again similar to the ones she'd given as a teenager to her disapproving professors, she gave up. It was no good. She had been caught.

"I was with Mary," she admitted. She did not think that Rory would require any more detail than that.

20 Tabitha Hawthorne I-I was no... Oh, forget it. 1417 Tabitha Hawthorne 0 5

Rory
November 25, 2018 5:18 PM

Rory
Former Staff
Subject: Care of Magical Creatures
Written by: Louis

I don't think I'll be forgetting this in a hurry! by Rory
Rory raised an eyebrow.

'With' Mary? Given everything - the late hour, Tabitha's appearance, the lipstick mark, Tabitha's general shiftiness - he didn't think it had been a purely social call.

"And there was me thinking the two of you were just good friends," he replied, grinning at Tabs.

9 Rory I don't think I'll be forgetting this in a hurry! 33 Rory 0 5

Tabitha
November 25, 2018 5:23 PM

Tabitha
Staff
Subject: Defense Against the Dark Arts
Written by: Tabitha Brooding-Hawthorne

Nope and I'm going to die of embarrassment. by Tabitha
Tabitha wasn't entirely sure if her cheeks got get any hotter or redder than that moment.

"Well, we were and are..." she said, slowly. "But we're also... Well, you see, Greece had a lot to do with it."

She swallowed again. Looking Rory in the eyes was very, very hard. "Could you do me a favour and not tell anybody?"

20 Tabitha Nope and I'm going to die of embarrassment. 1417 Tabitha 0 5

Rory
November 25, 2018 5:27 PM

Rory
Former Staff
Subject: Care of Magical Creatures
Written by: Louis

Oh please don't, that would ruin our fun! by Rory
Aww, Tabitha seemed to be getting embarrased! Rory couldn't help the grin that was coming to his face, especially as Tabitha tried to explain.

"Is Greece a euphemism, or a reference to that fact that you two seem to have similar taste in holiday destinations?" he asked.

"Of course I won't tell anyone," he reassured Tabitha, deciding to cut her some slack. Just a little, tho. "Why are we keeping it a secret?"

9 Rory Oh please don't, that would ruin our fun! 33 Rory 0 5

Tabitha
November 25, 2018 5:43 PM

Tabitha
Staff
Subject: Defense Against the Dark Arts
Written by: Tabitha Brooding-Hawthorne

At the moment, I think you mean *your* fun. by Tabitha
It was clear that Rory was obviously enjoying the situation. If she a little honest, it was pretty funny. Also, she couldn't ignore the feeling of relief in her stomach. At least somebody in the school knew and at least it was Rory.

She wouldn't have been able to bear it if she had run into Selina. Or, God forbid, the Headmaster.

"I took Mary to Greece for Christmas," she told Rory, unable to help the smile that bloomed on her face as she remembered their trip.

"Mary was worried about being professional and about what the students would think," Tabitha admitted. "She's a private person. I mean, so am I but I wouldn't really have a problem if people knew."

If it meant that she could kiss her girlfriend on the cheek at the breakfast table, Tabitha would tell everybody.

"I'm kind of glad that somebody finally does know," she admitted, gesturing in his direction.

20 Tabitha At the moment, I think you mean *your* fun. 1417 Tabitha 0 5

Rory
November 25, 2018 5:47 PM

Rory
Former Staff
Subject: Care of Magical Creatures
Written by: Louis

Aww come on, you've got to see the funny side here! by Rory
"Ohh, that explains that," laughed Rory, his confusion over what Greece meant exactly cleared up. If the look on Tabitha's face was anything to go by, the holiday had been enjoyable.

"I wouldn't worry too much about that," advised Rory. "So long as you don't do anything couply when you're actually working, and obviously keep it fairly subtle when you're not in private, I don't think it matters if people do find out. Amelle and I never worried about it keeping it a complete secret."

In his quest to reassure Tabitha, Rory forgot that he hadn't previously mentioned Amelle to her.

"I'm glad too, I was wondering what exactly was going on between you two!"

9 Rory Aww come on, you've got to see the funny side here! 33 Rory 0 5

Tabitha
November 25, 2018 5:54 PM

Tabitha
Staff
Subject: Defense Against the Dark Arts
Written by: Tabitha Brooding-Hawthorne

I guess it is pretty funny. by Tabitha
Tabitha had been nodding along to Rory's words which made a lot of sense. Maybe she could use them when talking to Mary about it? Then, her ears caught the mention of a name that she couldn't match to anybody in the school.

She couldn't help it when a smirk began pulling at the corner of her lips and her eyebrow twitched upwards. "Oh, who's Amelle?"

20 Tabitha I guess it is pretty funny. 1417 Tabitha 0 5

Rory
November 25, 2018 6:28 PM

Rory
Former Staff
Subject: Care of Magical Creatures
Written by: Louis

This isn't quite so funny by Rory
Ah. Rory winced, and mentally rammed his head into the nearest wall, realising he'd brought up a subject he was never particularly happy discussing, and especially not late at night when he was tired from working.

"She...she was the librarian here, and we were together , until she decided to leave," he said, not wanting to brush off Tabitha's question but equally never enjoying dwelling on the subject.

"And don't think this gets you off the hook," he added, trying to turn the conversation back to Tabitha's love life rather than his depressing lack of one, and hoping he wasn't too transparent. "I take it that Mary would prefer not to tell people, then?"

9 Rory This isn't quite so funny 33 Rory 0 5

Parker
November 25, 2018 7:23 PM

Parker
Alumnus
House: Pecari
Written by: Parker Fitzgerald

Age in Post: 13

Author Needs CW For: Assault

That's not good. by Parker
Oh no. This was going poorly. Parker didn't know what to do. Dorian seemed to be much more lost than he'd been.

"Umm... This is part of class. See," he said pointing to Dorian's paper. "You asked me questions after drinking a potion. Now it's my turn to ask you. That's why I was asking your name."

Parker hoped that would help answer the confusion.

"So on my paper I have some information too. That I'm going to ask you and you try to answer as best you can. Like, can you tell me your siblings names and ages?"

41 Parker That's not good. 1402 Parker 0 5

Tatiana
November 25, 2018 7:33 PM

Tatiana
Alumnus
House: Pecari
Written by: Grayson Wright

Age in Post: 13
Birthday: 14/27 July

Warning: I'm attempting philosophy. by Tatiana
Tatiana couldn't help giggling when her tones were corrected. “That word - always I do it bad,” she sighed.

“Is very stupid,” said Tatiana slowly, thinking. “Why - why they say, must be one, must be other? Look you - I love fenpu too. I not think - you boy, I girl, I think? I think, you Dorya, I Tatya. We us. Not - thing with problems. That is not a thing with problems.”

16 Tatiana Warning: I'm attempting philosophy. 1396 Tatiana 0 5

Dorian
November 25, 2018 7:46 PM

Dorian
Alumnus
House: Teppenpaw
Written by: Rhy

Age in Post: 13
Birthday: 1st October

Welcome to.my mind. It is a mess. by Dorian
"Oh," Dorian replied, when Parker explained that this was part of class. "Maybe..." he nodded. He didn't really remember asking Parker questions but also... didn't not remember it. It sounded somehow familiar.

"My name is Dorian Xinyi Montoir. My sibling are Matthieu Qiang Montoir et Émilie XXXX Montoir," he replied, slipping slightly and using the French form of 'and.'
"And Tatya. Not actually but she.... is similar. And if you write down Tatya, you have to write Jehan too. He is very important."

His eyes moved curiously over the paper Parker had told him he had filled out.

"You have an Émilie too!" he smiled, the word for sister being synonymous in his head and getting mixed up. "Wait... I know about this.... About your Émilie... Your Émilie and another Émilie... go together. Not my Émilie though. Tatya's. Yes! You and Tatya have Émilies that go together. Mine does not though. Why?" he asked Parker sadly.

OOC - he would get Émilie's middle name correct.I just haven't decided what it.is yet

13 Dorian Welcome to.my mind. It is a mess. 1401 Dorian 0 5

Dorian
November 25, 2018 7:50 PM

Dorian
Alumnus
House: Teppenpaw
Written by: Rhy

Age in Post: 13
Birthday: 1st October

*stands back* by Dorian
"Please don't change," Dorian replied, squeezing his sister tightly, "Do not change you, and do not change this opinion."

13 Dorian *stands back* 1401 Dorian 0 5

Tabitha
November 25, 2018 8:22 PM

Tabitha
Staff
Subject: Defense Against the Dark Arts
Written by: Tabitha Brooding-Hawthorne

Oh, oops. by Tabitha
Tabitha might've been stupidly caught out that night but she wasn't a stupid person. It was clear by Rory's brief answer that whoever Amelle was, she wasn't a subject that he necessarily wanted to discuss. That was fine and Tabitha wasn't going to push it. He was her friend and perhaps, if he felt like it, he would tell her in his own time.

Of course, he then turned the conversation back to her and her very obvious love life and she laughed a little. It was actually nice to talk to someone about it, particularly someone who Tabitha felt she could trust - she had literally known Rory since school and being the only two British professors with similar interests and upbringings seemed to solidify a friendship between them.

“Well, I don't know where we stand, really. Before Greece, it was understandable. It was a fledgling relationship that could've crashed and burned and it was easier and safer to keep it under wraps. I even kind of enjoy the sneaking around,” she grinned a little a that. “We're quite a bit more serious now and logically, people are going to find out. I just don't know how to go about telling people... or if we should just let them find out on their own?”

20 Tabitha Oh, oops. 1417 Tabitha 0 5

Parker
November 25, 2018 8:36 PM

Parker
Alumnus
House: Pecari
Written by: Parker Fitzgerald

Age in Post: 13

Author Needs CW For: Assault

Your mind seems both familiar and foreign. by Parker
Parker wrote down his siblings names. They were beautiful and seemed to combine multiple cultures into one.

As Dorian went on about his sister Parker realized Dorian was using his sister's name instead of the word sister. Which made sense. He also noted Tatya and Jehan, though he was sure these were not siblings, more really close friends who were actually like siblings, but maybe better.

"Yes my Emilie and Tatya's are roommates in your house. My Emilie goes by Lyssa. I don't know why your Emilie isn't a roommate with them. Where are you Emilie and Matthieu?"

Parker asked, forgetting for a second that Dorian was not in the right mind to answer fully or at least to his fullest self.

41 Parker Your mind seems both familiar and foreign. 1402 Parker 0 5

Dorian
November 25, 2018 8:53 PM

Dorian
Alumnus
House: Teppenpaw
Written by: Rhy

Age in Post: 13
Birthday: 1st October

It's like that to me too sometimes by Dorian
"Vlad is my roommate," Dorian said. Because.... because Parker had said roommates. And this was a fact.

"They are in Canada," he answered easily, regarding his siblings, "And Matthieu can stay there. No Mattheiu please. I... I did not ask... Only Emilie"

13 Dorian It's like that to me too sometimes 1401 Dorian 0 5

Parker
November 25, 2018 9:01 PM

Parker
Alumnus
House: Pecari
Written by: Parker Fitzgerald

Age in Post: 13

Author Needs CW For: Assault

You seem nice enough though by Parker
Parker made a note about Canada and a mental note to ask about his brother. Or at least apologize for doing so. It seemed from the reaction that his brother was as bad as John Jr. Or at least similar.

"Ok. Let's move on. What activities do you do at school?"

41 Parker You seem nice enough though 1402 Parker 0 5

Dorian
November 25, 2018 11:23 PM

Dorian
Alumnus
House: Teppenpaw
Written by: Rhy

Age in Post: 13
Birthday: 1st October

What about you though? by Dorian
Parker said they should move but he stayed still, so Dorian did too. People were strange. Especially today.

“At school… We do going to class. And homework. Those are the main bits of school. I always do these things with Jehan and Tatya, or sometimes with Ruby and Vlad, except for today, which is... wrong. You are here instead. And I don't know you properly." He glanced around the room a little anxiously, his eyes finding Tatiana and then Jehan. He turned back to Parker, “But… but it is ok. I answer your questions, and then it will be normal again,” he verified, “At school... we live here too, so we do… eating, sleeping. These things. I like to do languages with my friends. Ya... govor….. Russki… s Tatya,” he said haltingly. It did not register that he was not supposed to speak Russian with Parker because the fact that he was talking about Tatya somehow overrode that, combined with the distraction of how much mental effort it currently was to put that sentence even vaguely together. “Je parle surtout anglais avec Jehan mais son français est très bon et je lui donne la pratique supplémentaire. Tāmen dōu jiǎng yīdiǎn zhōngwén. Bùshì hěn hǎo, dàn tāmen cháng- nǐ bù huì shuō zhōngwén. You don't speak Chinese,” he corrected himself, “I… why I am speaking Chinese to you? And… how long back did I start? Did I answer your question?”

OOC: with appaling grammar and missing pieces ‘I speak Russian with Tatya'
In fluent French and Chinese ‘I mostly speak English with Jehan but his French is very good and I give him extra practise.'
‘They all speak a little Chinese. Not very well but they try- you don't speak Chinese'

13 Dorian What about you though? 1401 Dorian 0 5

Mary Brooding
November 26, 2018 4:15 AM

Mary Brooding
Staff
Subject: Potions
Written by: Turtle

Age in Post: 28
Birthday: August 19

Late and Uninvited by Mary Brooding
When Tabitha left Mary's room, Mary was mostly asleep. This was fairly normal as she was an early-to-bed, early-to-rise sort. Still, she made an effort to get up and kiss Tabitha goodnight. When she returned to her bed and realized Tabitha had left several important school papers, reflective of their shift in focus from grading to....other activities.... Mary knew she needed to return it.

At this hour, the odds of anyone else being up was small and Mary wasn't worried when she stepped out of her room in stockinged feet and a sleeping gown. It felt like being a student again, sneaking out of bed after hours. The idea of an actual student finding her like this was unbearable though so she put that aside.

When she sounded a corner and saw Tabitha standing there, she did not think about the fact that she was doing just that: standing there. Instead, she called out in the best impression of flirting that her sleepy voice could manage.

"Now, Professor Hawthorne, up after hours and without your papers no less?" she teased. "I do think that requires a particular sort of detention that--"

Oh. Rory was also out of bed.

Mary wrapped her arms around herself to protect what the sheer material of her nightgown failed to (although she wasn't quite exciting enough even to wear something indecent to bed), and tried not to look as embarrassed as she felt.

"Uh... Good evening then. Lovely night?"

22 Mary Brooding Late and Uninvited 1424 Mary Brooding 0 5

DH Skies

Fast and Furious threads here! (nm) by DH Skies

Salali Bly

Loitering in Pecari by Salali Bly

Dorian Montoir

Confusion abounds [continued from Potions with Parker] by Dorian Montoir

Parker Fitzgerald

I'm not sure this is working by Parker Fitzgerald

Dorian

Room-mate time by Dorian

Dorian

Let's find out... by Dorian

Vladimir Brockert

The best time! by Vladimir Brockert

Parker Fitzgerald

Loitering is illegal in some states... by Parker Fitzgerald

Salali

Like which? by Salali

Dorian

You're sweet by Dorian

Vlad

So are you by Vlad

Parker

Find out what again? by Parker

Dorian

shush by Dorian

Dorian

About you by Dorian

Cleo James

Do you find me attractive? by Cleo James

Isaac Song

Uh huh by Isaac Song

Evelyn Stones

Does wanting to be around you mean I think you're attractive by Evelyn Stones

Cleo

Oh. by Cleo

Cleo

I... hope not? by Cleo

Isaac

Slowly finding words. by Isaac

Grayson Wright

I am the champion on the scoring world. by Grayson Wright

Evelyn Stones

What a relief! by Evelyn Stones

Cleo

Still not catching on by Cleo

Tabitha Hawthorne

I am the champion of... well, making it through the day? by Tabitha Hawthorne

Tatiana Vorontsova

Sisterly concern (tag Dorya) by Tatiana Vorontsova

Evelyn Stones

This is all too fast by Evelyn Stones

Cleo

Yup by Cleo

Dorian

But not about me. Phew by Dorian

Grayson Wright

*applauds* by Grayson Wright

Tabitha Hawthorne

*slumps* by Tabitha Hawthorne

Tatiana

Not yet.... by Tatiana

Dorian

Phew by Dorian

Isaac

Trying to keep the moment going by Isaac

Michael DiCaprio

That's the beauty of it! by Michael DiCaprio

Michael DiCaprio

Daydreaming... by Michael DiCaprio

Grayson Wright

Drink tea, it will straighten you up again. by Grayson Wright

Vlad

No, you? by Vlad

Tabitha Hawthorne

Tea is powerful stuff that way. by Tabitha Hawthorne

Dorian

I'm allowed to give compliments. I just can't get them by Dorian

Tatiana

Subtext is lost on me, Gege. You should know that by now. by Tatiana

applauds by Grayson Wright

slumps by Tabitha Hawthorne