Saracen_Rue
Pure of Heart, Dumb of Ass
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Realistic or Modern Hogwarts: The New Order
- Thread starter Saracen_Rue
- Start date
Saracen_Rue
Pure of Heart, Dumb of Ass
Arc One: Awakening
Where were they off to? Well, no other place than Hogwarts, the School Of Witch Craft and Wizardry, of course. It was once the most popular wizarding school in the world, secretly tucked away in Scotland. Hidden away from Muggle knowledge, as well as the rest of the world, that was until May 2nd, 1999. A tragic event that shook the world by storm, The Battle Of Hogwarts. The Dark Lord, whatever else one may want to call him, but put plainly, Lord Voldermort who was once called Tom Riddle, and his band of Death Eaters and followers attacked the school searching desperately for the last Horcrux, as well as Pure Blood Supremacy and to end all blood ties that weren't pure. But there was one thing that stood in his way, Harry Potter, The Boy Who Lived and all the students that gave their lives to help defend their old school, and each other. But as years passed, the death of Voldemort and few of his underlings still hiding in the shadows, Hogwarts had since slowly come back to its former glory.
It has been two full decades since the Battle Of Hogwarts happened, and the reopening of the school. A handful of old professors returned to the school, as well as a few others. This would be a hopeful year for the students, as some are going for their last year, or their first year at the famous school. Students young and old said their goodbyes and slowly boarded onto the train.
That was two weeks ago...
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- Jessie Carter - Slytherin - 7th Year - #53966E -
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- Jessie Carter - Slytherin - 7th Year - #53966E -
The sun crested over the tips and walls of the ancient castle as the surrounding animals and wild life awoke with the rising sun. Most of the professors and staff were well awake for a few hours by the time came for the students to wake up and prepare for the day. After struggling to find themselves rolling out of bed, most half dressed by the time they hobbled into the Great Hall, still adjusting their uniforms, they split into groups for their respective Houses and sat down as they awaited for breakfast to be served with came in waves with varieties of food that would make any normal muggle salivate with a single smell. But for these students? It was all too common and familiar, almost immediately having them fall back into routine as they all woke up after finally getting some food into their bellies. Well, some students woke up faster than others.
Jessie was busy wiping the sleep from her eyes as she had fallen asleep far too late the previous night as the first few week gitters were still in her system. Even if it was her last year, she still felt a bit of anxiety course through her veins every year she came back to Hogwarts, her home, even if this wasn't her first year. Some things just never changed, apparently. But, some things did and some part of the young Slytherin could still feel it. That old anxiety in her very bones. Something was off, ever since she stepped back onto the grounds, Hogwarts itself gave off the same feeling, even if the others couldn't feel it. She was shaken from her thoughts as the tone of one of the first bells sounded, signalling they had thirty minutes left before they'd have to prepare for their morning classes.
All that the young Slytherin had on her mind to help distract herself from her thoughts was the fact that they'd be having a Quidditch game latter that day in the mid afternoon, with another one to follow later that night. First up would be Gryffindor vs Slytherin, and then Hufflepuff vs Ravenclaw in the later hours of the day. They'd still have time, and at least she'd have something to look forward to. Not that things were ever a bore, especially considering she had all her friends, things were just tense, and she didn't think anyone else felt it, and if they did, damn were they doing a good way of hiding how they felt.
Jessie was about midway through her breakfast as she looked around the crowd of students, busily digging into their food. Her sharp blue eyes scanned for a specific face, one she still didn't see since she woke up. Tilting her head to the side as she spoke,"You haven't seen Cas either right?" she asked the platinum blonde male Slytherin and wrapped one of her arms around his shoulder."Assuming they've overslept again, huh?" she said teasingly to Eden.
Removing a small piece of paper from her cloak, she quickly wrote something down and after casting a short enchantment spell, she watched as the paper formed into a small paper airplane and quickly dashed out of the Great Hall and dissapeared out of sight."That should help wake them up a bit, don't ya think?"the Slytherin teased as she put her wand back away in her cloak.
Leaning back over to Eden, laying her head on their shoulder, "You ready to fuck up some Gryffindors later today, mate?" she said with a jovial smile as she let him go from her iron grip, making sure her voice would have been heard by a few certain students that sat down from them by only a few chairs. Casting a small wink at one of the students, a certain shaggy haired male Gryffindor, who admittedly looked rather worse for wear lately. She'd have to catch up with him later today and see if everything was alright. They hadn't gotten the chance to talk much since returning from Holiday. Jessie looked back to her fellow House mates and listened to their ramblings as they finished their breakfast.
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- Cas Chambers - Hufflepuff - 7th Year - #BF9C41 -
The morning sun began to streak its way through the large, stain glass windows of one of the dormitories as multiple figures were still fast asleep in their beds. Being back to the old routine after only two weeks of being back for the semester hadn't fully set in yet, and often times some students were still fast asleep as others were already down in the Great Hall for breakfast. It was only when a piece of paper that was shaped like a poorly crafted airplane was sent under the crack of the dorm door and found its target in the ear of a sleeping individual, tuffs of dyed blonde hair popping out from under the blankets. "What the fu..?" a soft voice mumbled as the figure sat up grumpily.
- Cas Chambers - Hufflepuff - 7th Year - #BF9C41 -
Rubbing the sleep from their eyes, Castiella uncrumpled the paper and quickly read it over, their eyes widened. "Oh shit! We're gonna be late, again! Shit!" they cursed, tossing the blankets off of them as they quickly jumped out of bed, taking a pillow, and tossing it at the only other figure asleep in her own bed, seeing as how the others must have gotten up already and left them. " Saoirse! We overslept, again! Hurry up and get dressed or we're gonna be late...Well, later than we already are!" Cas shouted, bare feet stumbling across cold, hard wood floors sent them quickly running to find socks. Seeing as it was still only winter, someone must have forgot to set the heater in the room to go all night, which would explain the cold air in the room.
Cas came back a few short minutes later as they had finished changing into their uniform, finishing up brushing their hair and applied as minimum of makeup as they could within a few short minutes. "They're gonna kill us if we're late like this again, already. You already know the drill. I take the heat for it and you get off as easily as they'll allow. Got it? Besides, they can't be too mad at us...We're only...thirty minutes late for breakfast, fantastic." their voice dipped off into a minor mumble as they checked their watch on their left wrist.
Looking back up Saoirse, who had also finished getting dressed, "Alright, let's go already." Cas gestured as they flung the dormitory door open and began to make their way out of the room behind their cousin, while struggling with their tie as they made their way to the Great Hall. If the others heard about this, again, Cas wouldn't be hearing the end of this anytime soon, especially seeing as how Saoirse was in Cas's care since arriving to Hogwarts. She was family after all, but even that didn't excuse their lack of trying.
The duo stumbled down the halls as they tried to quicken their pace, they needed to get there for at least fifteen minutes. Cas would feel bad if they had made everyone late and had them miss out on getting their breakfast. The two exchanged small talk and jokes as they made their way towards the main archway to the Great Hall. "Chambers? A word, if you please?" a voice called out, which caused Castiella to stop and turn their head nervously to where the voice had called from.
Cas gave a small wave and gestured with their hand to give them a moment. "Hey uh, you go on ahead, I'll just be a moment." the Hufflepuff said with a small smile as they turned and made their way over to the figure that had asked to speak with them.
Castiella shambled over with a coy smile on their face, leaning against the wall, "Morning, Professor." Cas said nervously, ringing their hands together.
"I trust you slept well, Castiella." the professor said with a chipper smile.
Cas sighed as they rubbed their face, "How much trouble am I in?" preparing theirself for the worst.
The old woman sighed, placing a gentle hand on the student's shoulder, "Just try to keep them in check, yes? This may be your last year, but Cas. You can't drag them down with you. It's your duty as an older student, the Quiditch Captain, and most importantly Prefect to be an example."
Cas gave a small nod of their head, rubbing the back of their neck as they did so, "I know...I know. I'm sorry. Things are just, rough. You know. I'll try to be better, but I will have to take this next meeting off...If that's okay?"
The old professor gave Castiella a small smile, "I understand. You don't need to apologize. Just, go get some food, maybe that will wake you up a bit."
Cas gave the woman a smile, "Thank you, McGonagall. I owe you." they gave the professor a small nod and smile before turning and made their way back to the Great Hall, and found themselves making their way to where their friends were. Cas took their seat in the middle of two of their friends, it seemed no matter how much the staff may have tried, students seemed to always mix amongst the other houses first thing in the morning."Boom..." Cas poorly imitated the sound of an explosion as they placed their head on their hands that were placed in front of them on the table, looking up at Nova, one of their closest and dearest friends. Who also happened to be a Ravenclaw, "They're gonna kill me one of these days, I can feel it...Or worse, gonna get expelled." Cas muttered teasingly before lifting their head from the table and placing it on Nova's shoulder as they sighed.
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eden thomas - slytherin - 7th year - #8E6C88
Back when he was younger, the thought of the amazing Hogwarts breakfasts were enough to have Eden up and out of bed practically at the crack of dawn. He had heard about them for long enough from Astoria and the novelty of getting to experience them had him the first up the stairs from the Slytherin dungeons. All these years later, though, and he needed more than just the promise of amazing food to get him up that early. These days, he rolled out of bed, got dressed, and was just about properly awake by the time he reached the table. His body found Jessie just purely on autopilot these days.
They had a mouthful of toast in his mouth as Jessie asked about Cas. It was only now that they were awake enough to take in their surroundings, and they craned their neck to look around the hall. It was fairly full, but Cas was almost conspicuous by their absence. And then, sure enough, they spotted Nova Morrisson, who always seemed to be in Cas’ general vicinity, without her dumbass Hufflepuff. She looked as perturbed as Jessie by the whole situation, if not even moreso. “Sure looks like it,” they responded. They grinned at Jessie’s paper plane, almost feeling sorry for the few stragglers in the Hufflepuff dorms.
At the mention of Quidditch, he perked up a little bit. “Oh, hell yeah,” he declared with a grin. “They really have no idea what’s coming for them. God, I missed Quidditch.” He trained at home, but it just wasn’t the same as getting to train with the team or walking out onto the pitch to the cheers of their classmates and peers. Especially when he got to do so alongside his best friends. Jessie had released him from her grip, so he mimicked her earlier gesture and lay his head on her shoulder. He could read Jessie like a book, and he knew when she was anxious. She did her best to hide it, and to be fair to her, she did a good job. But Eden was her best friend, and could read her better than just about anyone else. But he wasn’t going to stress her out by asking her about it in front of everyone else, so leaning on her was his way of reminding her that he was there and wasn’t going anywhere. As Jessie turned to look at Haylen, Eden leaned with her to throw a peace sign and a lazy grin at the Gryffindor.
nova morrison - ravenclaw - 7th year - #246A73
Nova was sitting at the Ravenclaw table. Even if the teachers all insisted that they were actually free to sit at whatever table they liked at regular meals now, it didn’t seem right to just go sit at the Hufflepuff table when the Hufflepuff she was going to sit with wasn’t there yet. Even if pretty much all of the other Hufflepuff knew and liked Nova anyway, given that she was a regular fixture in their common room at this point. No, she’d sit at the Ravenclaw table until her emotional support Hufflepuff arrived. She had her potions book to read.
Cas was late for breakfast. Nova knew that it was normal for this time of year, when they were still just getting their routine back on track, but still, she was worried. The full moon was approaching, they needed to keep their strength up. She took another bread roll and a banana, placing them both on her plate but leaving them untouched. She tapped a nervous rhythm on her potions book as she scanned the hall again, then grinned as she spotted her duelling co-captain approaching. They flopped down beside her, mimicking an explosion as they did so. She shook her head with a small smile and picked up the roll and the banana, putting them onto Cas’ plate.
“For you. I was worried you were going to be late so I was going to stash these in my pockets to feed you during Charms,” she said with a grin. “I can enchant you an alarm clock to make sure you don’t sleep through it, if you’d like? The entirety of Hufflepuff house will be the most punctual house in the whole school, it’ll do your house points wonders.” Her grin grew wider at that and at the thought of the mischief she could cause with such a gift. She decided to move on before Cas got too nervous about that smile. It was a logical response to panic when Nova had her scheming smile on. “Now c’mon, eat up, I’m not having you blame your shoddy performance later on low blood sugars. Especially now that Ravenclaw have the famous Markus Vasco coaching us. I’m better than ever in the air,” she boasted. The Hufflepuff-Ravenclaw rivalry when it came to Quidditch had never dampened their relationship, and if anything, had only served to strengthen it. Especially when their positions didn’t have much to do with each other, although that hadn’t stopped Nova from narrowly avoiding or actually colliding with Cas midair at least once every single game they’d played against each other.
antigone macarthur - slytherin- 7th year - #785964
Antigone wasn’t one to oversleep. She liked routine, she liked punctuality, but sometimes her brain didn’t want to play ball. She’d had a broken night’s sleep, tossing and turning the whole night, and her dreams had been too vivid for her to feel rested. She couldn’t be sure if they were just dreams or if they were potential visions. The lines blurred far too easily. But either way, they hadn’t been good. And so, waking up that morning had been particularly hard. She hadn’t had dreams that bad since she was living with her grandmother, and she didn’t like the thoughts of that. Was it stress? Or was there something more sinister afoot? The problem for her was that she could never tell if it was her gut or her gift, and it really negated the whole point of the gift. Unless it was an explicit vision, she couldn't tell if it was in her head or not.
She’d actually been awake on time, but it had taken a significant amount of effort to drag herself out of bed and down to breakfast. As a result, she was down a few minutes later than the others, but still before the tail end of Hufflepuff house. She took the seat nearest to her when she arrived as to not draw attention to herself. But, with her breakfast eaten, she began searching for familiar faces. She was used to eating breakfast by herself. But on that morning, she just didn't want to be alone. Not after the weird dreams and the bad night's sleep. Her aunt always told her that she wasn't alone in this, and that people were there to help. And so, she braced herself and searched the table. She grinned as she saw her targets.
Jessie and Eden were always good breakfast companions, and she could also talk Quidditch with them. She made her way down to them and threw herself down opposite them, just in time to hear the end of their Quidditch jibes. “Gryffindor’s so shit they had to get in England’s seeker to whip them into shape, I think we’ll be okay,” she chimed in, her Irish lilt really helping to sell her cutting wit. “Seriously, though, Ravenclaw and Gryffindor get professional players in to train them, clearly McGonagall knows who the weak links are.” The official line was that they were still searching for coaches for the other two teams, but it was far more fun to trash talk.
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Saracen_Rue
Pure of Heart, Dumb of Ass
- Jessie Carter- Slytherin - 7th Year - #53966E -
Everyone knew that in recent years that the bad blood between Gryffindor and Slytherin had been reduced significantly. Considering there was a new generation of Slytherins roaming around, ones who refused to follow suit of those who came before, it was becoming clear something new was on the rise. Any and all 'rivalry' between the two houses was good natured, at least until it wasn't. But there was so few occasions where actual problems arose. And it wasn't a surprise, considering that there were family members spread throughout the houses in recent years, Jessie being the last child of house Carter in Slytherin, two of her cousins in Hufflepuff (Saoirse & Cas), and of course Haylen, Cas's twin brother, in Gryffindor. They somehow managed to help keep the peace, for the most part. And of course their efforts were only amplified by the help of their friends, further showing that anyone from other houses could be friends, or more.
When Eden turned to look across the way to the Gryffindor table, meeting Haylen's eyes before quickly looking back to Jessie, she couldn't help the smirk that swiftly followed. That was until her attention was taken away when a familiar face finally sat across from the two of them. Another pleasent, genuine smile appeared on Jessie's face when the fellow Slytherin commented on their obvious topic of Quidditch. Antigone Macarthur, another one of Slyther's finest students, as well as one of the best Chasers their Quidditch team had to offer, right next to Eden. Hell, She had even proven herself as a worthy Seeker whenever Jessie wasn't able to play a game. It was honestly impressive, really. "Mornin', Tig." she greeted the blond, "Glad we're not the only ones excited for later, we're gonna need to show them Lions why we're not to be messed with, yeah?"
Looking back to Eden, "You know..." she started, "You're not exactly the best at hiding it, Eden." a deadpan tone overcame her suddenly, her face falling flat. The supposed stern look remained in her face for a solid few moments, before a large grin spread across her entire face and she broke into a proper laughing fit, "I'm messing with you. I couldn't care less if you were well...Ya know, into Haylen. They're not my brother, after all. That would be a conversation between you and Cas-" she couldn't help the shit eating grin that over came her, Jessie knew exactly how that conversation would go.
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- Cas Chambers - Hufflepuff - 7th Year - #BF9C41 -
At the mention of a new Ravenclaw Coach, Cas couldn't help but chuckle with a raised eyebrow, even with their mouth full of food. But they knew better than to talk with food in their mouth. They waited a few moments before taking a sip of water from the goblet in front of them, helped wash down the food. "I'm sorry to break it to you, but I don't think even having Professor Vasco would help. I haven't heard of him getting on a broom since that injury a few years back that took him out from the Pro League a couple years ago." they gave a small shrug, taking a few more bites as they finished off the spare bits of food they had left. As well as finishing off the last of the water they had as well.
Cas couldn't help the small grin that formed on their face as they turned back to look at Nova, "I think you would have a better time if I taught you how to properly fly on a broom. Besides, you never did take me up on any of my previous offers in the past." they gave a small shrug, "So who knows, maybe things will change before this afternoon?" they said with that all too familiar small, mischevious grin.
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- Haylen Chambers - Gryffindor - 7th Year - #691307 -
No, the part that seemed to only give any implication on this day already being unpleasent, was that while he made his way out of the Gryffindor tower, and to the Great Hall; he had overheard a few Pureblood students making some offhanded comments about a few of the first year students. Who just so happened to be Muggleborns. It was comments like that, about blood purity, that easily ticked him off. The fuse was already so low, and it was now lit, and it was about to go off. To give him credit, Haylen tried to only talk things over with the others, but once that first swing had been thrown his way, there was no holding him back from what came next.
Haylen didn't even exactly remember what happened, it was all a blur and happened so fast. He remembered dodging out of the way of the first punch that was aimed at him, but when he felt a fist slam into his stomach, he called it quits playing the nice guy. A few hits later, and maybe some wrestling on the floor, he was pulled off of the other student. Haylden didn't care if he was sporting a broken nose once again, or that he now had his fresh uniform already bloodied, but it was the look on the other Gryffindor's face that was all he needed. He'd have a new black eye for a few weeks, it would be enough for them to not mess with him again. At least it's what he hoped for.
And that was where Haylen found himself now, sitting on the further edge of the Gryffindor table in the Great Hall. He often spent mornings alone eating breakfast if he felt hungry, which often times he didn't. But he knew with that big game with Slytherin coming up later, he'd have to at least eat a few things. So he stocked up on eggs, some toast, three pieces of ham, and some bacon. As long as he got some protein in him, Haylen was sure that Coach Webb couldn't give him too much grief. At least not until she saw the broken nose. Haylen knew she wasn't going to let that slide, she rarely did.
His attention was ripped away from his breakfast when he overheard some familiar voices at the Slytherin table. Three familiar blondes were huddled together, and a paper plane was sent out of the Great Hall. He didn't even have to guess for who that was meant for, it was too quiet overall in the room. It only meant a certain Hufflepuff wasn't awake yet. That had to be a record for Cas already, right? A smirk creased his lips at the thought. He'd tease Cas about that later.
Looking back up, Haylen gathered his things, and stood up, making his way over to the Slytherin table. Sitting down right next to one of his favorite Snakes. "Good morning, 'Tig-" he said cheerily, gently bumping her hip with one of his. Looking back across the table at the other two, "Either of you mind helpin' me look pretty again?" he grinned at the two blonds that sat across from him.
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eden thomas - slytherin - 7th year - #8E6C88
Her comments about the Gryffindor team made him laugh. But before he could reply properly, Jessie’s face grew serious. Eden’s brow began to furrow, until she started laughing, and explained what exactly the hell she was on about. He burrowed his head into his hands to hide the scarlet flush that came over his cheeks. And then he heard Haylen’s voice, and he had to recover as quickly as he could. So he got his revenge by kicking Jessie under the table, shooting a look at her, then at Antigone, then back to Jessie and raised an eyebrow.
He sighed as he looked back at Haylen, shaking his head a little. “This has got to be a new record, Hayl,” he declared, already reaching into the pocket of his robes. “What time is it, eight thirty? Let me guess… detention and twenty points from Gryffindor?” He pulled out his wand. ”Episkey.” He pointed his wand at Haylen’s nose, and the spell helped to align it properly and ease the bleeding. “I’m not gonna do anything to fix the black eye, we both know that you like showing that off because you think it makes you look hot,” he said, pocketing his wand again. It did make Haylen look even hotter, but god knows he’d never say it with witnesses around. “And also so you can explain it to Coach Webb later.” He grinned at Haylen. “So, what’s it like, having a famous Quidditch player trying to explain to you how to stay on your broom? Driven her to retirement yet?” He asked, raising an eyebrow and taking a sip out of his orange juice.
It wasn’t that Jessie was wrong. She knew them just as well as Eden knew her, and she knew when they were trying to hide a crush. But Cas was one of Eden’s best friends. They’d help them figure out their whole gender thing, it had been Cas that Eden had first spoken to about using they/them pronouns, and it had been Cas who had helped Eden build up the resilience to say “fuck the assholes” and be their most authentic self. And he was afraid that dating their brother might make things weird, especially if things didn’t work out. And so… even if he wished things could be different, it was easier to just… not go there. Jessie swore that Cas wouldn’t care, but it wasn’t a chance that Eden was willing to take.
antigone macarthur - slytherin- 7th year - #785964
“Was it a Slytherin? Because if it was, me and Jessie can make sure they have their lesson learned.” She looked back over at Jessie and grinned. “Right, Carter?” There were very few people that Antigone felt secure enough to make jokes like that around, and pretty much the majority of them were sitting at the table with her. (She was also fond of Haylen’s twin and their genius side-kick.) But it was Jessie in particular that helped her feel safe. Jessie got what it was like. Antigone was pretty sure that Jessie understood her like nobody else did. And Antigone wanted to understand Jessie as best she could too, so that if Jessie ever needed her help, she’d be able to give it. And that was what best friends were for, right?
Eden fixed up Haylen with a perfectly performed charm, before starting to tease the gryffindor about their new coach. “Maybe you might stand a chance of finally hitting a bludger towards somebody who’s not on your own team now. Four years and he’s never once hit me with a Bludger, but how many times have you taken down one of your own?” She asked, raising an eyebrow and smirking at him.
nova morrison - ravenclaw - 7th year - #246A73
Cas didn’t seem terribly impressed with Coach Vasco, saying he’d had a bad injury a few years ago. “I don’t know, I heard the Bats have signed him again. Injuries of that sort have a long recovery period but it’s not indefinite, and three years is about the median recovery time for professional athletes. And that’s based on muggle data so in wizards, where we have spells and potions to aid the healing process, it’s likely that a better recovery could be achieved in less time.” With somebody else, she probably would have felt the need to explain where she’d learned the information and her curiosity about it and why she’d looked into it at all. But she didn’t need to do that with Cas. They’d been putting up with her doing this for years and years now and never seemed to mind, and so Nova had stopped overexplaining herself. If Cas needed clarification, they’d have to ask for it. They were the one who encouraged Nova to just be herself, they could deal with the good, the bad, and the random spiels of information that came as a result. Even still, Nova reined herself in from explaining more about the injury. Cas didn’t look awake enough for that yet.
And besides, Cas’ next comment was a quick change in tone that caught Nova off guard. It wasn’t even the most brazen of flirtatious remarks for Cas’ standards, but it still got a loud giggle from Nova, covering her face almost instinctivelt. She had to scramble for a retort, flirty jokes never quite being her strong point, but she wasn’t going to back down about it. “Sure, I’ll take flying lessons from the person who just sits at one end of the pitch all game,” she replied once she’d recovered enough to speak, raising her eyebrows a little. “And besides, would you really miss herbology for lil’ ol’ me?” She added, batting her eyelashes and smiling innocently.
Honestly, the two of them just spending a morning or afternoon or even a whole day flying together and playing quidditch sounded ideal. Just the two of them, nobody else. No pressure. They could just be themselves. Lying down in the grass afterwards and putting the whole world to rights. And maybe even… Nope, Nova was not going down that train of thought any further.
“Gryffindor and Slytherin are on first. I think it’s a good idea for us to go to the match together so we can compare notes and share that information and also know what we’re up against in future games.” She almost blurted the suggestion out to distract her brain from contemplating something she couldn’t have.
Saracen_Rue
Pure of Heart, Dumb of Ass
- Jessie Carter- Slytherin - 7th Year - #53966E -
"Please, we know they'd only get another black eye soon enough anyway, it's about as much of a signature look to Hayl than anything else-" she paused as she took a sip of water, "Or am I wrong?" she grinned, shaking her head playfully. Looking at Antigone, she gave a small nod and smirk, the two of them would absolutely make an example of any Slytherin that decided to act out. As if their past record of occasional detentions due to exactly just that, were anything to say about it.
Anyone with more than a few brain cells knew all too well that whoever gave the bruises to her cousin, would have the favor returned in kind soon enough, if it wasn't already paid in kind. No one messed with her family like that, even if said family in question was in constant trouble. Family was family, and that was all that was needed to be said. Even if they got into it at times themselves, Jessie would have to be dead for her to not get to throw in a few punches herself, if not a good Confundo Charm in place of fists. Even if she had been on the more frail side physically, it didn't stop Jessie from getting into the middle of confrontations. Which maybe did explain a few things about why she ever got into Quidditch in the first place, as if her cousin, Erin, wasn't already enough of an inspiration in that field. A well known former Seeker on the Gryffindor team back in the day, who later went on to become a Seeker for one of the best Pro League Quidditch teams out there in recent years? Anyone who was good on a broom would have to be foolish to not find some admiration, afterall- She was shaken out of her thoughts when the all too familiar chimes of the bells rang out, signalling it was finally time to gather their things and head over to their first class of the day: Charms with Professor Halliwell.
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- Cas Chambers - Hufflepuff - 7th Year - #BF9C41 -
Cas couldn't help but listen as Nova went on to explain how such an injury wouldn't impair Professor Vasco forever, even with magic, that much they knew. With an aunt that worked at St. Mungo's for nearly all of Cas's life, they had heard tall tales of varying degrees of injuries, magically inflicted or none. If eventually being the next Herbology Professor, or even so much to go as being an Auror, if one were truly reach for the stars in terms of dream jobs, weren't on the table, Cas would have gone into being a Healer. But Cas knew better than to even consider the latter. As much as they truly did like helping people, and looking after them, they didn't, well...Cas wasn't exactly bright enough for that career path. Jessie maybe, yes. She had all the brains in that department, she truly was a marvelous witch with healing spells and charms, but Cas? They could never reach that level of brilliance. Maybe it was why they looked up to her as much as they did, she truly was everything they aspired to be in a witch, even if certain things were well...
- Cas Chambers - Hufflepuff - 7th Year - #BF9C41 -
They decided to not dwell on those thoughts for too long. They didn't need to be feeling sorry for themself like that. None of their friends would want that, plus Cas could already hear Jessie scolding them for even considering those thoughts. When they heard Nova speak back up, they only blinked for a few moments, taking a second or two to realize what was said. A small smirk forming on their lips, "What do you mean? Keeper is a very serious job, you know." they declared, placing a hand against their chest as if they had been well and truly insulted. "Plus, we all know I need to keep my hair from getting too messy-" Cas sarcastically brushed their hair back, "It's my finest feature, after all." they said with a playful smirk. "Oh I think Professor Sprout would forgive me for missing one class, especially if he knew why." they gave a playful wink. "What else if a Hufflepuff Prefect for, anyway? If not to teach and be a perfectly well mannered role model for all the young witches and wizards?" they declared, a bit too loudly, chest puffed up and arms crossed. As if they were truly trying to make a point. Not soon after a genuine chuckle escaped them, "Nah, we all know that's a proper pile of Troll Bogey, I'm anything but well behaved."
---
- Haylen Chambers - Gryffindor - 7th Year - #691307 -
"But it's worth it if it meant I got to punch a dumbass a few times." that same dopey eyed grim formed on his face once again, as if almost proud of the fact. Haylen couldn't help the look of confusion that crossed his face when Eden commented on the new Gryffindor Coach, and if he had drove her to an early retirement yet. "Not from what I know, anyway." he said with a shrug, as if the insult had flown entirely over his head. Which it may as well have. "I think she actually likes me. Pretty sure she finds me entirely adorable-" he gave a playful wink in Eden's direction. Before tossing an even more confused look in Antigone's direction, "My mother raised me to have manners, thank you very much. I think she would be apalled if I hit a pretty lady like yourself with a bludger. In good fun or not." he said if truly meaning such a statement with all of his heart and soul,
"Plus, the ones I did hit with a bludger, were probably deserving of it. But I'll make sure do better next time, if that would make you oh so happy, Tig." Haylen gave her another playful bump of the shoulder. The sound of chiming bells rang in the air, as if on perfect cue. "Well, guess the party's over now, huh? At least until later when you must admit defeat on the Quidditch Pitch."
partially-stars
mostly void
eden thomas - slytherin - 7th year - #8E6C88
Eden grimaced at the mention of having to help Filch clean the old bathrooms. Doing anything with Filch was bad enough, but cleaning the bathrooms was possibly the worst punishment. “Yikes. I’m sorry, Hayl. But at least it was worth it.” They didn’t approve of violence as such, but they did understand. And it was nice knowing they did have people who would stand up for them if they decided to turn on the half-bloods next. Eden knew they were relatively safe, considering who his friendship group consisted of, but it was still reassuring.
The conversation then moved back to Quidditch and the new Gryffindor coach. Eden had to hold back a snort as Haylen said that Coach Webb found them adorable. He had his doubts about that, and it wasn’t entirely because Georgie Webb was publicly out as gay. But he decided not to point that out to Haylen and burst their bubble. Antigone’s expression as they called her a “pretty lady” made Eden laugh and shake his head. But before they could continue much further, the bell went, and he sighed, downing what was left of his orange juice.
“Yeah, sure, we’ll be the ones admitting defeat. You keep telling yourself that if that’s what you need to do to get through the rest of the day.”
antigone macarthur - slytherin- 7th year - #785964
She was relieved when the discussion returned to Quidditch, and Haylen successfully broke the tension by calling her a pretty lady. She snorted and pulled a face, before glancing at him and his sincere expression. “Oh, sorry, you were being serious. Uh, thanks for calling me pretty, I guess?” She retorted, wearing a tell-tale grin to give away that she was only teasing them. Their promise to try harder next time made her nod and bump her shoulder against theirs. “That’s more like it. If you’re not trying to knock me off my broom, I’m going to think I’ve done something wrong, understood?” She instructed, grinning. The bell went before their banter could continue any further, and she rolled her eyes. “Charms. Wonderful. How long do you think it’ll take us to break Tobias this year, Jessie? Because it’s our final year and my goal is to see that man cry,” she remarked. It wasn’t that she didn’t like Professor Halliwell. It was more that he was easily exasperated and far too much fun to torment.
nova morrison - ravenclaw - 7th year - #246A73
From the moment Cas said that being a keeper was a serious job, Nova was laughing, and everything they added on after that just made her laugh harder. She knew that she could laugh without Cas being hurt, because they never took themselves too seriously. That said, Nova wished that they could see that Cas… really could be a good role model. Hell, they already were a good role model. They were kind, they were loyal, they were everything that a Hufflepuff should be. Just because they weren’t getting straight O’s or being the perfect student didn’t mean that they couldn’t be a good influence. They couldn’t see it, but Nova noticed how all the outcasts seemed to flood to them as a safe space to be their weirdo selves. After all, that was one of the reasons Nova liked spending time with them so much.
“Or, just maybe,” Nova started. “They made you a prefect because while, your timekeeping leaves a lot to be desired,” she teased, grinning at them. Cas’ constant lateness contrasted starkly with Nova’s irrational need to be at least fifteen minutes early to everything, and they had yet to balance each other out, “You’re kind, hardworking, unapologetically you, and… the perfect Hufflepuff, really. And that’s coming from a Ravenclaw, and we’re never wrong. That’s a requirement to get into Ravenclaw, always being right.” She shrugged. “But, you know, maybe everyone else had already turned it down before they got to you,” She added. If she was too sincere for too long, Cas would shut down and stop listening. Thankfully, the bell went at that point, and she shoved her potions book into her bag and stood up.
“Speaking of tardiness, if I hear of you getting detention and missing the Gryffindor Slytherin game, or worse, our game? I’ll feed you to whatever’s lurking in the Forbidden Forest. Okay byeeeeeee!” She called as she ruffled their hair affectionately and started making a beeline for the astrology tower.
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Saracen_Rue
Pure of Heart, Dumb of Ass
- Jessie Carter- Slytherin - 7th Year - #53966E -
Jessie opened her mouth, wanting to say something and maybe change the mood and make things lighter, but thank Merlin that Haylen had ever so quickly changed topics and went back to Quidditch. Giving her cousin a small knowing look, a silent thank you, would suffice. Getting to her feet, "Oh I'm sure Coach Webb will be thrilled with how you fumble on the pitch later, Hayl. Performance Issues, and all that, right? At least from what I've heard-" the words had barely gotten out of her mouth when Haylen shot her a sharp look, if looks could kill. Jessie chuckled, tossing her hands up in the air, "I'm sure you'll do fine. Just stop getting into trouble and earning detention, and maybe you can finally get in some proper practice on a broom for once this semester, Hayl." she shot them a playful wink, looking in Antigone's direction.
"I think we're closer to breaking down that poor man than we've ever been in the past few years. Especially after that hair dyeing charm went wrong and a few of the Gryffindors ended up with bloody awful green hair." she said with a small shrug, as if that charm bomb in the Gryffindor Common Room last summer wasn't her, Tig, and Nova's doing. They just needed a better prank. "I feel like if we can somehow one up that abysmal prank, then we might just be able to actually see a grown man properly cry." turning to look in Haylen's direction as the three began to walk, knowing full well that Haylen would be going to their first class, which happened to be Transfiguration, "Speaking of making a grown man cry, where's you other half, Hayl-" and as if on cue, a certain blonde Hufflepuff seemed to appear out of nowhere, wrapping one arm around Jessie, and the other around Antigone, seperating the two. Only allowing Jessie to give Antigone a small, I'm sorry expression, as the now three began to make their way out of the Great Hall.
---
- Cas Chambers - Hufflepuff - 7th Year - #BF9C41 -
If they were to be honest, Cas didn't expect what came next at all. They had entirely anticipated a fully sarcastic, snarky retort from the Ravenclaw. And yet, what they had heard instead, what a rather heartfelt response. While Nova may have been a lot of things, a liar wasn't one of them. And that was something about Nova that they not only whole heartedly appreciated, but loved. Whenever they needed to not only be reassured, but simply hear the truth, no matter how much it may have hurt at times, Nova was always the one they could go to for the blatant and honest to Merlin truth. So they were only able to slowly nod initially as a response. Even if Nova's words had been a little bit too on the nose in some aspects, namely about their inharate ability to keep track of time, they all rang true just the same.
- Cas Chambers - Hufflepuff - 7th Year - #BF9C41 -
Even if at times that Cas did question if they truly should have been made Captain of the Quidditch team, let alone Prefect of their house, or even questioned if they were as good of a witch as their friends claimed they were. Cas was only able to sit silently for a moment, as they took in every word that their trusted companion said. Even if Cas didn't entirely believe it. Compliments aimed towards them just weren't something they were used to. At least not sincere ones. Sarcastic and often hostile ones were more common place at times, especially back home. Always compared to their older siblings and even at times their cousins. How they should have been a better student, or could have put in more effort in trying to take more classes. But Herbology, Care of Magical Creatures. Defense Against The Dark Arts just seemed to naturally call to them. And of course Quidditch did. It was where they were actually able to expend all of their pent up energy, and if the opportunity seemed appropriate, anger. Merlin knew they had enough of that pent up to fuel half of Hogwarts if they really wanted to. But there was just so much happening, around them, with them, or even at times internally. It seemed like their head was always so busy of noise and thoughts, it left little to be desired elsewhere. It was well and truly tiresome.
Cas let out a small chuckle, "And oh so humble, you can't forget that part." they blurted, a hint of sarcasm was evident as they spoke. If anyone knew Nova, well and truly knew her, it was Cas. "Your humility is so overbearing, I never would have guessed." they rolled their eyes, a small smirk plastered on their lips. "No no, I think they offered me the position of Keeper after the last guy fell off his broom one too many times, or was that your Keeper?" they paused, eyebrows raised. Everyone had known about the Rivalry between Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw when it came to Quidditch, especially within the past few years when Cas and their now ex, who also happened to be a Ravenclaw, always seemed to try and out-do the other in terms of just how flashy they could be during the games. Things had been so lighthearted and fun between the two, until it wasn't. And everything seemed to only go down hill from there...But that was a year ago, and Cas was in a better place. As well as their team. Things had seemed to be on the mends for them in that regard.
Anyone sitting around them could have seen and heard the physical pout that came from Cas when the first bells chimed, alerting the students to start getting to their classes. Their eyes lingered on Nova just a few more moments than they normally would have, watching as she ruffled their hair and declared if they had been sent to detention again, nevermind miss the game(s) later that day, they'd be in trouble. "I won't." their voice was in a lower tone by this point, they didn't want to have to leave already. A small frown plastering across their face as they felt their hair ruffled, well, more so than it normally was. It was still too early, and they didn't want to be seperated from their friend already. They had only just now woken up and she was already gone.
A rather sad sounding sigh escaped them, getting to their feet Cas looked around for any familiar faces that could help uplift their rather crestfallen mood. Thankfully, within a few moments in their desperate search, they saw the back of a few all too familiar heads making their way through the large groups that were dispersing. Cas bobbed and weaved through the masses of students, relying soley on memory of the direction the figures had been going to, and scent. It didn't take very long when they saw the figures within a few feet ahead of them. Lurching forwards, Cas pushed themself between the two blond figures. Wrapping their arms around the female Slytherins, just managing to catch the tale end of their conversation, "Whatever that was about wanting to see a grown man cry, I want in." a large, cheeky grin spread across their face, "Mornin' Tiggy." they greeted the Slytherin to their left, "Jess." they greeted the one to their right, placing a kiss to their cousin's cheek, "By the way, remember that you owe me something from Herbology class from the other day?" they whispered into her ear in a hushed tone. If one wasn't observant enough, they would have missed something in a small bag being passed between the two of them as walked, Cas silently pocketing whatever it was into the inner pocket of their school robes, before looking back ahead of them as the small collective made their way down the halls.
---
- Haylen Chambers - Gryffindor - 7th Year - #691307 -
This time if was Jessie that spoke up, throwing a few playful jokes their way. Causing him to throw yet another few metaphorical daggers her way. "I'll show you some brilliant moves later today on the Pitch, Eden. Maybe that will finally change your mind." he beamed,
Haylen watched as a blonde haired individual quickly broke up the trio. The colors of gold and black of the robes, the shaggy dyed hair. They knew who it was immediately without a second thought. It would have been hard to mistake Cas for anyone else, even if they weren't siblings. Something that always made Haylen chuckle whenever he told people the two of them were twins. Having to explain to people that not all twins were identical. Even though he wished they had been, the pranks the two of them pulled when they were younger would have been much more enjoyable and rewarding. He was taken out of his thoughts as Haylen suddenly remembered something, frantically searching blindly as he felt around. It wasn't in his robes pockets, "Shit-" he cursed under his breath, " Hey Denny, you go on without me, I must have forgotten my wand back in the common rooms." he gave an awkward smile, "I'll be sure to make it quick, I don't think I need Professor Vasco on my ass in class already." a small chuckle escaped Haylen's lips. Haylen found it a bit odd how one person was not only the new Coach for the Ravenclaw team, but was also the professor for Transfiguratiob. Seemed like a lot of work for just one person, but maybe being a Quidditch coach wasn't as troublesome of a job? He'd have to ask the professor some time about that, Haylen thought. He turned on their heels and began to make his way back to the Gryffindor tower in search of his seemingly ever elusive wand.
partially-stars
mostly void
eden thomas - slytherin - 7th year - #8E6C88
The atmosphere in the Slytherin common room as they stopped in briefly to retrieve his Quidditch robes and broom was the most electric it had been so far that term. Even if the animosity between Slytherin and Gryffindor had significantly died down over the past few years, the Lions were by far their biggest Quidditch rivals. So how this match went for them would very much set the tone for the rest of the season. Not that any of that unsettled Eden. They’d been doing this for years now. They’d done their training. They’d teased their opponents. And, honestly, they were looking forward to getting onto the field again and playing against their friends. Especially after the banter this morning. They were particularly curious to see if Haylen would indeed take up the challenge of trying to hit Antigone more, and if they’d end up being collateral damage when Antigone finally got to show off her impressive defensive flying. Either way, it was sure to be an interesting match.
Most of the team ended up walking down together, and unsurprisingly, Eden found himself walking with Jessie and Antigone. He resisted the temptation to discuss tactics with Antigone. It looked like she had something on her mind, and something heavy. He didn’t like to ask or to pry, but he figured that she needed distraction, and that there was somebody else that distraction would be more beneficial from.
antigone macarthur - slytherin- 7th year - #785964
For most of the day, the only thing that had been on Antigone’s mind was Quidditch. What tactics they’d use, who they’d need to watch on the Gryff team, what she’d say to Haylen afterwards to wind him up… It felt good to be back playing with a team again, rather than just running drills in her aunt’s backyard with the other witch enchanting whatever she could find to mimic bludgers as Tig tried to dodge them. She had a really good feeling about their odds that year. Maybe it was just because they had three of their strongest players playing their final season and putting everything they had into the game.
And then she’d had Defense Against The Dark Arts. It was one of her strongest classes, rather ironically, and usually, she enjoyed it somewhat. But that day, that day of all days when she needed to be present and engaged with the world, they’d been practicing their defensive spells and using advanced techniques with them. And then one of her classmates had brandished their wand in the wrong way, with too much bravado, and Antigone had reacted instinctively and out of fear, and her countercharm had sent them flying across the room. The teacher and her classmates had applauded her. Perfect execution. Even the classmate who she’d nearly knocked out with the charm was impressed. But Tig hadn’t seen her classmate when she’d cast the charm. She’d seen somebody bigger and taller and wearing dark robes, somebody who thought it would be fun to teach the curious little girl a lesson. Her grandmother had thrown him out of the house, but she’d also told Tig that it had been her fault for listening in on a conversation she shouldn’t have been. And then the man was back a few weeks later.
The rest of the lesson had been uneventful. Which was good, because Tig felt like she was in a dream for the whole thing. Or a nightmare. The noise and commotion of the common room hadn’t helped when they’d gotten back to retrieve their Quidditch gear, and she’d left as quickly as she could, even if she waited outside the common room for the rest of the team. The quiet and the cold stone of the corridor helped to ground her a little as she waited, enough that she could manage a genuine smile when they appeared. She found herself walking between Eden and Jessie as they made their way down. Having reached the changing rooms, she took a deep breath. “Ready for this?” She asked her teammates. “We gotta live up to our shit talking this morning, yeah?” She added with a genuine smile.
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nova morrison - ravenclaw - 7th year - #246A73
With her lessons done, she made a beeline for the Ravenclaw tower, where she ditched her cloak and tie and added a Slytherin scarf she’d stolen from Jessie three years ago. Even after all that time, it somehow had never gotten scratchy and uncomfortable to wear. Nova just hoped it would see out the rest of the year without becoming a sensory nightmare, because it would be a lot of effort to steal herself another one for matches. She twisted her hair into a bun and stuck her wand into it to keep it up, and then made her way down to the Hufflepuff common room.
With everyone else so excited and chattering about the matches, the halls were busy and noisy. Nova made it down exactly one staircase before deciding she’d had too much and decided to take the hidden passageways. They were much quieter and even a little quicker. However, it did come with the unfortunate result of almost barrelling into Professor Mitchell, the music teacher, as she came out from behind a tapestry. He laughed it off, albeit looking a little confused as she dove behind a statue and apparently disappeared.
She knew a shortcut that would bring her straight into the Hufflepuff common room, but that seemed a step too far, and so she just chose to wait outside the portrait. She glanced at her watch. If she was right, Cas would be appearing any second. As much as she loved to joke about always being right, it often came as a surprise whenever she proved herself to be good at a subject or correct about something she’d spent days trying to figure out. Especially when it came to people. People were the most unpredictable of all. And most people seemed to be okay with that, with people not meaning what they said, and people changing their schedules on a whim. But Nova had never understood that. And most of the time, she was okay with that. But there were times when people just upset and confused her. And people could be cruel when she didn’t understand them. Not any more. Not with her friends, and certainly not after she’d proved herself as co-captain of the dueling club. But as two students emerged from behind the portrait, laughing about something as they passed, it just reminded Nova of that time. But she was okay now. She had her friends, and she’d be okay.
Saracen_Rue
Pure of Heart, Dumb of Ass
- Jessie Carter- Slytherin - 7th Year - #53966E -
Much to her luck though, classes came and went with little issues. Other than sitting next to fellow troublesome students, much to their professors chagrin. But it would be their last year, and soon enough the professors would never have to see them again. At least that was Jessie's outward reasoning for it all. Yeah, that was it. Most certainly. When the final few bells chimed, and it was clear what time it was getting ever so closer to with each and every passing second, Jessie had managed to track down both Eden and Antigone back in the Slytherin Common Room, the air now abuzz with the electric energy it always seemed to get around this time. Jessie quickly collected her things, and made her way back out of the dormitory, with Eden and Antigone in tow. Allbeit, Jessie was a bit nervous, all things considered. But that's how it was for every game, a sudden rush of adrenaline mixed with anxiety. Pre-Game Jitters were never fun to experience. All that mattered to her though, was the team gathering up enough points, being as brutally defensive and offensive as possible, until she was able to get the Golden Snitch. She was out for a record, after all.
Jessie was in the middle of fixing a leather strap of one of the arm guards, when Eden finally met back up with them. The Quidditch team slowly forming together as they made their way down the halls to the Quidditch Pitch. Without having to look over her shoulder there was, Shiloh Taylors, a fellow seventh year Slytherin. An all too familiar face among the school grounds, and one that was hard to miss. Tall and lanky, pale skin, and a trade mark of dark green hair. She was amongst one of the 'next generation' of Slytherins, as well as one of Jessie's closest childhood friends. Shiloh was a prime Beater on their team, and they couldn't have asked for a better one, if Jessie had to be honest. She too had a mean right hook, on and off the field. Next was the team's Keeper, Viridian Grey. Who was another Pureblood Slytherin, she was on the shorter end of things, lanky and didn't seem to be much of a force to be reckoned with, but Jessie knew all too well that she could handle her own in the right circumstances. If one was able to put aside the severe case of 'resting bitch face', they'd know Grey too was one of the new blooded Slytherins, if not a rightful case of tough love.
The other members of the team should have been joining them shortly enough, or else Jessie would be making sure to kick all their asses for missing an important game. It was Antigone's voice that broke Jessie away from her thoughts, looking to the side to meet her friend's eyes as she spoke. A small grin formed on her face, "We were born ready, MacArthur." she reassured with a nod. Looking at Eden, giving him a sharp nod, "Just do as we practiced, and we'll have this in the bag, more or less." a small shrug assisted with a deep breath followed.
"We're here, we're here!" a voice called out from down the hall, as two figures came rushing down to meet the rest of the group. One was struggling with putting the final touches to her own left arm guard, and the other was finishing up securing their Quidditch robe. Their Team's final Beater and Chaser. The Monroe Twins.
The sight of which caused a tired sigh to escape Jessie, "Taylors, help Tweedledee and Tweedledum with their gear, so we can get out there on time, yeah?" she ordered, a more serious expression now taking over her face. Looking back at Eden and Antigone, Jessie gave them a final small nod and knowing look. They'd all be able to relax and catch up again after this match, they just had to win first..
---
- Cas Chambers - Hufflepuff - 7th Year - #BF9C41 -
Cas well and truly did enjoy their classes, even the more boring ones they decided to enroll in, if not simply because their friends were also in that class. And they didn't want to be alone for long periods of time. But for the classes they actively did enjoy? Were more often than not Defense Against The Dark Arts, and Herbology. Those two always seemed to just call to Castiella, and they could never explain why. Well, the former they could explain. Learning how to battle against the dark arts? It gave them an excuse to show off their magic in the proper field, especially if it allowed them to be flashy and as dramatic as they wished. And Herbology? Well...Cas hadn't been sorted into Hufflepuff for nothing. The Badgers truly did have a reputation to uphold, after all. But even before Cas had begun delving into a certain area of plants, and gardening, it was clear where Hufflepuff lied. They were the underdogs, in terms of the four Houses. And Cas would have been lying if they said they didn't at least wish to attempt to prove everyone wrong about their house. Hufflepuff were hardworkers for a reason. Even if others didn't see it.
When their final class came to a close, which happened to be Potions, Cas made a small pit-stop at the Professor's office. The game would be starting within the next hour, and Cas had more than enough time before they would meet up with Nova like they had promised earlier that morning. The conversation that followed with Professor Vector, went about as well as Cas would have hoped. Even if the woman seemed to be a bit on the harsher side, where Professors were concerned, she understood their plea and usual reason for stopping by. Cas found they happened to be one of the few students she ever truly seemed to be keen on, nevertheless kind to. Which was a whole other conversation to be had between the two. Cas kurtly thanked the professor, and left the office after the brief interaction, but not before having gotten what they had went there for to begin with. Placing the small vile into their robe's pocket. They'd take care of that matter at a later time.
Cas made their way down to the kitchens, being sure to take the secret passageways between the floors of the castle. But mainly staying to the least traveled hallways. Students were everywhere no matter how badly they tried to avoid others. They were everywhere, the air was thick with excitement as conversations buzzed to life between the young students. It seemed they had been making good time when they arrived to the Kitchens, no sign of Nova yet. Good. Cas knocked that all too familiar pattern along the barrels, watching as they seperated. Allowing the young Hufflepuff to enter their Common Room. Quickly dodging into their dormitory. The room too was empty. Perfect. Castiella discarded their school robes, and in turned changed into their usual attire of jeans and boots, accompanied by one of their favorite dark grey sweaters, with their leather jacket thrown on top, and their Hufflepuff scarf hung limply over their shoulders. Making sure to empty the pockets of their school robe, hiding the small vile between their bed frame, and out of sight. It would be fine there.
Making their way out of the Common Room and back into the Kitchen. They had barely taken more than a few steps out before they had nearly walked right into someone. Managing to catch themself, "Merlin's-" they blurted, before looking to see who it was. A small smile forming on their face, "Perfect timing, as usual." they beamed, the smile meeting their eyes, "I was actually about to go look for your before the game started, but clearly you beat me to it." a small chuckle accompanied, "Shall we go?" they ushered, before turning on their heel and began to make their way down and the halls and to the Quidditch stands before the game started.
---
- Haylen Chambers - Gryffindor - 7th Year - #691307 -
Haylen made their way to the Gryffindor Common Room, gathering all the needed equipment for the big game. Haylen couldn't deny the knots of anxiety that always seemed to form in their stomach. They loved Quidditch more than anything, yes, that much was true. But there was always so much pressure to be the best out of all of them. Something Hayl didn't exactly get. It should have been fun, and exciting. Something that truly was done out of genuine sportsmanship and love for the game, not an excuse to hurt people, or hold bragging rights. At least Haylen never understood why others took it as seriously as they did. Especially their cousins. Just another thing lost on him, Hayl guessed.
Thankfully, it seemed that Haylen was already ahead of time, and would have been more than early if they headed to the Quidditch Pitch now, but knowing him, they would have been late regardless if he put it off any longer. After checking not only once or twice, but three times, Haylen had everything he needed and made his way to the pitch. Hearing the excited voices coming from further down the halls. His fellow Gryffindors awaited them. Perfect.
Rounding the corner, Haylen was greeted with multiple figures awaiting them. The all too tall and lanky form with the atrocious green hair belonged to no one other than Theodore Marx, or simply Theo as all the others called him. Aside from his looks, Theodore was a kind person, and one of Haylden's closest friends, even if he was a Muggleborn, which didn't mean anything to Haylen like it did to a few others. Theodore was also the first students that Haylen had met on the train to Hogwarts, all those years ago. And the two were beyond close ever since then. Theodore was team Captain and Beater. Next was Ryuu Montour, one of their Chasers. She was full of surprises, and her defensive ability on a broom wasn't to be laughed at. Ryuu, along the others were a small collective of Gryffindor's that referred to themselves as 'Bully Punchers', seeing as how more hands had been thrown at blood purists, than actual spells, between the small group. Something they seemed all too proud of.
"Took you long enough, Chambers." Theo called out, a large smile on his face.
"I know, I know." Haylen relented, just as playfully.
"Think we can finally knock that cousin of your's off that damned broom today?" Ryuu chimed in.
"I dunno, maybe." Haylen said with a shrug.
The others slowly joined them as time went on, chatting amongst themselves as they made their way out and onto the Pitch as they had been finally accompanied by their Couch, Georgie Webb. Haylen blinked as the sun blinded him momentarily, blocking it with their arm as they made their way onto the green. The sound of excitable applause and cheering sounded from all around the stands as students and teachers cheered them on.
"To your brooms!" a voice called out.
The students on either teams got to their brooms on their respective sides of the pitch.
"I want a good, clean game, you hear?" a small pause as the case that held the Quaffle, Bludgers, and the ever so desired Golden Snitch was carried out finally. The metal latches released from their clasps. The rattling of chains as the Bludgers buzzed to life. The head coach took the Quaffle, returning to the center of the field, and with a single breath:
"LET THE GAME BETWEEN GRYFFINDOR AND SLYTHERIN...BEGIN!"
---
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partially-stars
mostly void
eden thomas - slytherin - 7th year - #8E6C88
Despite having seen Coach Webb around the castle, it only sank in that it was Georgie Webb, star of the English Quidditch team, standing ahead of them when he saw her in Quidditch gear, a determined look on her face. And then she spotted somebody else behind the Slytherin team and her face woke into a huge grin as she waved. Eden resisted the temptation to look back to try and spot who she was looking at. She turned back to her team, gave them a nod, and headed back to the sidelines. The two teams faced off, the captains shaking hands briefly. From that moment, Eden was braced and ready. He swung his leg over his broom, tuning out the rest of the world as he watched the Quaffle. The roar of the crowd seemed to fade away as he waited for the whistle. This was the feeling he couldn’t replicate at home or even training with the others. The sound of his pulse in his ears, the almost telepathy linking the team. He had the fastest reflexes, so he’d go for the Quaffle first, while the others spread out.
And there was the whistle. He kicked off, one hand already outstretched. His hand was the first to the Quaffle, grasping it and tucking it securely under his arm. But Ryuu was fast, and he needed to get away even faster. He dipped into a fast dive towards the ground, pulling away at the last minute. His maneuver gave him a little more speed to head for the posts. Monroe and Antigone were in formation. “Mac!” He called. Antigone didn’t react externally, but she and Monroe crossed over, before she dropped close enough for him to easily pass the Quaffle to her. They split off in separate directions, just in time to narrowly avoid a Bludger.
The Quaffle tucked under her arm, Antigone didn’t waste any time in heading for the rings. The left ring and the lowest was nearest to her, and she lined up as if she was heading for it. The Gryff keeper took the bet and shifted their position to better protect it. And with ease, Antigone threw the Quaffle to Monroe, who pelted it straight through the center ring with flawless accuracy.
“10 POINTS TO SLYTHERIN!”
The three Chasers reunited in midair to high-five briefly, before heading back to their respective positions. Almost immediately, a Bludger nearly took Antigone out, smashing into her from behind and knocking her from her broom. But she caught herself with one hand and swung herself back on with ease. If it wasn’t for her proximity to the referee, she would have been inclined to flip Haylen the bird, even if she wasn’t sure if it had been them that had sent her flying. Their reaction would have been funny one way or another. She’d just have to guilt trip them about the bruise she was undoubtedly going to have on her back later.
The Chasers on both teams were pretty evenly matched. Slytherin had a very slight edge over them, thanks to their early score, but there was never more than 20 points between the two teams, with Gryffindor even very briefly taking the lead. But a well aimed throw from Antigone got them back in the lead. Usually, Eden would have been keeping an eye out for Jessie too, but with the game so evenly matched, they couldn’t afford to take their attention away from the game long enough to do that. Every so often, a glimmer of gold would dart past their face, and they’d just make sure to maneuver out of the way, knowing that at least one Seeker and possibly a bludger would be following closely behind in search of it. The two seekers seemed to be as closely matched as the rest of the teams. It seemed that Coach Webb had really done a good job on whipping the Lions into shape. Not that they’d ever admit as much to any of them. (except Haylen, maybe.)
For the first game in the season, it seemed to be longer than usual. The scores kept climbing, but the crowd’s attention and the commentary was moving more and more towards the two Seekers. It wasn’t going to be the Chasers that decided the game, not at this point. They were too well matched for a repeat of the infamous Bulgaria-Ireland match of ‘93. It was down to the Seekers. As she threw the Quaffle to Eden, Antigone spared a glance to Jessie. Her and the Gryff seeker were neck and neck, chasing the flash of gold that darted around the pitch with effortless ease. Antigone was sure that if she’d been playing Chaser that day, she wouldn’t have performed as well. She was a decent Seeker, but nothing compared to Jessie. And she was okay with that. Jessie was a treasure to watch.
“TIG, DUCK!”
Without waiting to see, she dropped a few feet in the air, just in time to see a Bludger go barrelling over her head. She threw a thumbs up over her shoulder to Eden. She needed to pay attention. Her envy of Jessie’s skills could wait until after the match. She shook her head and regained her focus, following a few feet behind Eden as they made a beeline for one of the Gryff chasers. Said Chaser did not spot the Bludger in time, and dropped the Quaffle in spectacular fashion. Antigone would have winced, was her focus not on Eden catching the ball with ease and turning for the hoops. Antigone followed, on their left side so they could toss the ball easily to them if needed. But it wasn’t needed. They flew like a bullet towards the rings, throwing the ball with perfect aim, straight over the head of the keeper and through the left ring. And then, the final whistle blew. Eden and Tig turned, almost in sync, to see who was triumphant. The crowd was alight with green and silver as Jessie held the Snitch aloft.
“SLYTHERIN WINS!”
antigone macarthur - slytherin- 7th year - #785964
nova morrison - ravenclaw - 7th year - #246A73
The next hurdle was the game itself. The first game of the season and one with such a strong historic rivalry as Gryffindor and Slytherin was guaranteed to draw a massive crowd, and they weren’t wrong. Nova hung back as they got to the pitch. “Hey, uh, Cas, can you… can you just wait up a second?” She called. She dug in her left pocket, the one she’d enchanted to be far bigger than it should have been. Women’s trousers always had ridiculously small pockets, and she was too short to get away with most men’s trousers, or they always fit her wrong. This was easier. After a few seconds, she found what she was looking for. A set of earplugs, enchanted for her by her mother to block out the worst loud noises and yet allow her to hear exactly what she wanted to hear. She usually used them while playing, but they were also useful for just watching matches. Earplugs in place, she gave Cas a double thumbs up and continued on.
The match was exciting as they’d hoped. Both teams were at the top of their game, matched score for score. Even if she wore a Slytherin scarf, Nova was actually supporting both sides. She had Jessie and Tig and Eden on one team, and Haylen on the other. She just hadn’t managed to steal any Gryffindor gear from them yet. She wasn’t even sure if Haylen had anything to steal. She really needed to ask Cas. But not during the match. The cheers of the crowd were far too loud for her to try communicating. She had a squishy octopus that Haylen had given her in return for doing his transfiguration homework in her pocket. That was support enough for her now.
And then the match was over. It seemed to end suddenly, with a score from Slytherin immediately followed by Jessie catching the snitch. Cheers filled the pitch, Nova among them, the sound deadened by her magical earplugs. She grabbed Cas’ hand almost without thinking. “C’mon, we’ve got to find the others and say well done!” She yelled over the cheers, already dragging them along.
Saracen_Rue
Pure of Heart, Dumb of Ass
- Jessie Carter- Slytherin - 7th Year - #53966E - & - Haylen Chambers - Gryffindor - 7th Year - #691307 -
One of the things that had caused Jessie to pause for a moment, was when she lied her eyes on who the new Gryffindor Coach was. How had she not realized sooner? She should have recoginized the name alone. She had been one of her cousin's closest friends back in their school days, after all. Jessie remembered the occasional summers when Erin's friends would spend weeks at a time at the old manor, but that was years ago. Jessie doubted that Georgie would even recognize her after all those years anyway, only giving a small nod in the woman's direction. Maybe they could properly catch up at a later point, but that wasn't something of importance at the very moment.
The two teams finally met out on the field proper, the two captains, Jessie of Slytherin, and Theodore of Gryffindor shook hands, and gave a firm nod to the referee as they were allowed to gather back up with the rest of their respective teams on their brooms. Jessie took multiple slow, deep breaths as the clock began to count down in her mind. There were fourteen people in total on the field, and only other mattered this match. The Gryffindor Seeker. They were smaller and shorter than Jessie, yes. But they weren't as fast or agile on a broom like she was. That was one of the many things people had always been surprised about the Slytherin. While Jessie tended to loom head and shoulders over most of her classmates, and even some of the faculty and professors, Jessie always had a natural gift when it came to Quidditch and flying on a broom. Becoming team Seeker when she was only twelve years old, and then Captain a year later? It wasn't often heard of being chosen so quickly. But seeing how skills in Quidditch ran through her family? It wasn't hard to see why. There wasn't a member of the family that didn't play Quidditch at one point or other.
Glancing over across the field, Jessie's blue eyes met Haylen's all too familiar soft brown eyes. The two giving a small, understanding nod. May the best cousin win, the exchange gave. The two always had a familial understanding. A much closer bond than others may have expected, but right now? That would be put aside, and Haylen would have to be the perfect defender, while Jessie played on the quick and stealthy side of things-
That was when the match started, gold and red, and silver and green became nothing but blurs as the players took flight.
Jessie's attention was strictly on the other Seeker, and the snitch. Which she hadn't seen yet. Her eyes remaining ever observant as she flew around the entire pitch, eyes scanning both high and low for a small golden object.
While Haylen didn't much like to admit it, they had often found themself getting all too distracted during games. Even with the last minute 'talking to' by Coach Webb. Even after they reassured the dear Coach that Haylen would do their best, he currently found his mind currently elsewhere. That was until two familiar, blonde haired silver and green blurs swiftly approached the rings. Haylen readied the first Bludger, hopefully aiming towards MacArthur, but still somehow managed to miss due to Eden warning his friend just in time. "Dammit!" Haylen murmered to himself, they'd need to do better.
Regrouping with the team's other Beater, "Looks like it's your chance now, mate!" Haylen glanced over in the direct his team mate pointed to, just in time to see the three Slytherin Chasers celebrating their first score. "Allow you the honors, Chambers." he grinned, tossing Haylen the Bludger. With a steady wind up, Haylen easily swung, a proper smack sounded as the Bludger went soaring towards the collective of Slytherins. A sheer look of Panic overcame Haylen's face as they saw it hit the one specific target he didn't ever think it would hit. "She's going to kill me-" Haylen gulped, before quickly flying off in another direction. Hopeful to escape MacArthur's ire.
Across the pitch, Jessie had somehow managed to spot that all too familiar golden orb darting all across the field, right beside one of the bannisters the crowds were gathered in. Watching from above. Darting over, hand outstretched in front of her. An all too familiar of gold and crimson joined Jessie by her side.
"Don't think you might win this one, by any chance, Carter?" the Gryffindor Seeker prodded, before giving Jessie a proper shoulder check.
"With how your team's doing so far? Wouldn't second guess a thing." Jessie snidded, returning a shoulder check of her own in return. Thank Merlin she had a proper hold on the broom, otherwise this would have been an entirely different story all together.
"Oh you reckon? I quite think the opposite." they sneered back, attempting to kick the Slytherin's legs out from underneath. Any counter to her balance would give Gryffindor the extra edge they needed.
If Jessie hadn't been any faster, she would have been properly swept off her broom. Instead, she had managed to dodge out of the way just enough, looking ahead of the two. A smirk formed on her face, "But I would look out where you're going though-" she called, before suddenly darting off to the right and then straight ahead once again.
A confused look overcame the Gryffindor's expression, "What do you-" was all they managed to get out, before looking ahead of them just in time to see that the two were headed directly into the commentator's bannister. Crashing into it as they did so, which received a mixed rowd response of pained shouts and jeers.
Looking back ahead of her, Jessie had just managed to see a misfired Bludger headed directly towards her. But by that time it was already too late. Her right hand was outstretched, the Golden Snitch just barely within reach of her finger tips when the stray Bludger collided with her. Taking Jessie off of her broom with it. That itself was going to hurt, but it wasn't anything compared to when she felt her body collide with the ground beneath her. Thankfully she had managed to land within one of the sand pits though. The pain that now coursed through her whole body caused her that all too familiar sensation of wanting to vomit, seeing as how it had managed to hit her directly in the abdomen. It was going to leave one nasty hell of a bruise, that was for sure. Slowly managing to pull herself into a sitting position.
Jessie let out a silent curse, how she had been so careless. Otherwise they could have won the game right then and there, not being knocked off her damn broom by a damned Bludger of all things- That was until she realized, looking down at her eyes widened ever so slightly. First out of shock and confusion, but after a few moments, a large grin formed on her face as she began to slowly get to her feet. Looking up into the crowd, hand raised.
“SLYTHERIN WINS!”
A proud, but allbeit smile formed on her face as the words rang out through the field, the crowd now alight with the team's colors. She could even hear a few members in the audience cheering her name. Something that caused a small bit of warmth to fill her chest. Jessie looked around the field, holding up the snitch once again, managing to catch the eyes of Haylen yet again. This time who made their way to her on their broom. Nearly crashing into her in the process. A large smile was on her cousin's face, as they approached her and wrapped their arms around Jessie.
"And that, my beloved, is why you're a natural." Haylen exclaimed. bringing Jessie back into another hug, wrapping an arm around her shoulder, "Just a shame you had to eat dirt in the process though." Haylen took a step back after the second joke, managing to avoid a proper but still playful right hook was aimed at their shoulder.
"Just because you lost, doesn't mean you have to be a dick about it." Jessie teased back, before looking at the crowd that was slowly beginning to make their way over.
---
- Cas Chambers - Hufflepuff - 7th Year - #BF9C41 -
Thankfully, Cas knew this castle like the back of their hand. Or well, at least that was what they liked to make others think. Seven years in this castle, and they still sometimes got themself turned around. One would think after all these years, and with the new found ways of using magic, that they would have some sort of map on figuring out how to get around the school, and what parts to avoid? Now that would have been useful indeed. Maybe they could bring it up to the professors at some point.
The two made casual small talk as they made their way to the Quidditch Pitch, and stands. Or well, more so it was the two of them going over how they'd plan on coming up with a final prank of the semester, something to really cement themselves into the future stories to come about the Hogwarts school grounds. But it couldn't be something too severe, especially considering that Cas would one day like to be a teacher at the very least. That was always a possible option, and was honestly something they desired most. Sure, they had a home outside of Hogwarts, but that wasn't home, at least not really. Hogwarts was their home, at least where it counted, and they wanted to keep it that way.
As the two grew ever closer to the Hufflepuff stands, that was the best place to get a proper advantage point in their opinion anyway, Cas stopped dead in their tracks as Nova called out to them. Asking them to wait up. Turning back to look, their eyes stayed anchored on Nova, watching as she retrieved those magic enchanted...Whatever it was called, that Nova referred to them as. They took note of it, maybe they could come up with something better at some point for her. Surely there had to be something, right?
Cas had gently taken Nova by the hand when she gave them the go-ahead, they wanted to make sure the two didn't get seperated when they found their seats. Nevermind did they want either of them to get knocked over in the process. Finding their place among the front most row. Looking around they spotted another familiar face within the Hufflepuff crowd. Gesturing for her to come and sit by them. seeing as how there was still an open seat left. "Didn't think I'd forget about you, huh, Little Dove?" Cas called out, as the other blond Hufflepuff bobbed and weaved her way over to them.
"No, but I also didn't want to.." she paused, looking between Nova and Cas, "Interupt...Anything?" she gave a Saoirse gave a small shrug.
Cas couldn't help the chuckle, "No, there's nothing. Nothing except Quidditch, so c'mon, we got a game to watch." they smiled, before turning to watch as the game officially started.
-
---The game had been exactly what Cas needed to distract themself from the thoughts that seemed to flood their mind more often than not. Occasionally glancing over to the left of them, before catching themself doing so, looking back out to the game. Both teams were always so well matched with the players, especially their respective Chasers. As much as Cas had initially wanted to be a Chaser for Hufflepuff when they first tried out for the team, their play style seemed to fit more on the defensive aspect. They were just aggressive enough where it was needed, and fast where they needed a good offensive player. Cas was always taking notes on how the others played, both defensive and offensive sides, but how in the departments where they decided to be flashy and show off whatever new move the person came up with. Which was just another aspect of the game they enjoyed. Each player had their own respective personality, and no one ever judged them for it.
Cas couldn't have helped it when they felt like their stomach was going to drop as they watched Antigone manage to dodge one Bludger, but also get hit in the back with another one shortly thereafter. Cas knew all too well who that was, especially seeing how they managed to catch Haylen just moments prior talking to the other Beater on his team. That was a dirty play. But Cas also couldn't comment on that too much, not like they wouldn't have done the same thing anyway.
The teams were neck in neck with points once again. As exciting as playing Quidditch was at times, Cas also enjoyed watching it just as much. If they could skip out on classes, and soley watch and play Quidditch? They would die happy. But that sadly wasn't the case for them, at least not until they graduated. But that thought would soon be a reality, and they would never once walk these halls the same way again. They wouldn't wake up for morning breakfast in their beloved great hall, nor would they have time to talk to their friends every morning, classes wouldn't be a thing anymore...None of it would. And where would they be after that? Cas had hopes and dreams of what they would do after school, of course. But they didn't see much of a future life for themself after this, after Hogwarts...Leaving home-
Cas had been shaken out of their thoughts when a loud booming voice declared the winner of the game, the crowd around them burst into pure excitement and applause. The sudden shift in voices and pitch had caused a sharp pain to shook through Cas's head, thankfully it wasn't the worst, but they were still unprepared for it. They were only able to let out a small wince and grumble, before they felt their hand being grabbed and tugged on. Blinking as Nova declared how they had to go and congratulate Jessie on the win. They gave a small nod, before turning back to look at Saoirse, "We'll catch up later, okay sweetheart?" before they could hear much of her response, Cas was having to force themself to keep up as Nova dragged them along ahead, Cas having to keep up with their own feet, which they had practically tripped over more than a handful of times.
partially-stars
mostly void
eden and antigone
#8E6C88 and #785964
Eden and Jessie were both already making their way towards Jessie before they fully took in the situation in front of them. Namely, that she’d taken a nasty tumble off her broom into the sandpits. But she was up and standing and beaming, so clearly she was okay. The adrenaline and the thrill of having won their first game began to soar through them as they headed towards Jessie and the rest of their team. They both leaped off their brooms a few feet away and were running when they hit the ground. Despite being some of the furthest away from her to start, they were the first Slytherins to reach her, heading for her with such speed and determination, one could have mistakenly assumed they were still chasing the snitch. But no, it was a prize far greater than that. It was their best friend. Eden reached her first, tackling her in a hug just as Haylen let go of her.
“You did amazing!” Eden gushed. Antigone took the opportunity to swing a punch of her own at Haylen’s shoulder, swinging large to start but softening her blow as she reached their arm, so it was little more than a tap. She wanted them to know she wasn’t actually angry at them, even if she might pretend to be for humour’s sake. Sometimes she worried she laid on the bitter sarcasm too thick around Haylen and they didn’t always get it when she was joking.
“Thanks for that nasty Bludger attack, dickhead,” she teased, before slinging her arm around their shoulder. “I’d be mad except it was actually a really good shot, so I’ll let you away with it. As long as our next Honeydukes run is on you, understood?” She added, her grin widening as humour seeped into and then took over her tone.
When Eden finally released Jessie, Tig took her turn to step in for a hug, albeit more gingerly. “You took a nasty tumble there. Are you okay?” She asked, much more softly than the tone she’d used to address Haylen. Her hug was briefer than Eden’s, telling herself that she didn’t want to risk causing herself or Jessie too much pain, and ignoring the part of her that hated losing that physical contact with Jessie. She never understood it, why Jessie’s hugs always felt so much better than everyone else’s. Maybe it was thanks to the witch’s natural talent for healing.
With Antigone’s attention firmly on Jessie, Eden turned to Haylen. “Good game, Hayl. Those were some amazing shots with those Bludgers! You really kept us on our toes,” they said. They knew that it couldn’t have been easy, playing Quidditch when you had Cas as a twin and Jessie as a cousin. They were both insanely competitive when it came to Quidditch, and insanely talented too. And it didn’t take a genius to see that Haylen didn’t seem to have the same burning passion as them, even if he did enjoy it. So Eden figured they’d appreciate a compliment at least to help bolster their morale. They really were a good player, after all.
“You know, I’m willing to bet Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff won’t be anywhere near as exciting as this one. My money’s on Ravenclaw, purely because they have Coach Vasco,” Eden mused. Almost as summoned by the mention of the Ravenclaw coach, another member of the coaching team appeared in the form of Georgie Webb. With all the acclaim she’d gotten and the hype over her career over the past few years, Eden would have almost expected her to be… larger than life. Snobbish, cold maybe. But then again, apparently she’d reached out to McGonagall looking for a coaching job in the off season. So maybe it wasn’t that surprising that she was as down to earth, if not more so, than the rest of their teachers.
“Hey, kiddo! Just wanted to say well done. Your aim and concentration were miles better than they were at the start of term. Your hard work paid off!” She said, patting Haylen on the shoulder, her face bright and her tone genuine and warm. She looked at the gathered Slytherins and nodded at them in turn, although Eden could have sworn something flickered in her expression as she looked at Jessie. “Good game, snakes. But be prepared for our next match, because we’re going to come out swinging harder than ever, isn’t that right, Haylen?” She asked, wearing that big goofy grin she’d worn briefly at the start of the match.
nova morrison - ravenclaw - 7th year - #246A73
The game was a thrilling one, and exactly what they both needed in terms of a distraction. Every single player on both teams was incredibly evenly matched. Antigone took a nasty blow from a Bludger, but made an excellent recovery and swung herself onto her broom with ease. Nova had gotten really good at not falling off her broom over the years, but she doubted she would have made it look that easy and that elegant. But time and time again, Nova’s attention was drawn back to the seekers. She was going to be playing against those seekers eventually after all, she needed to make sure that she had a good read on their techniques. The Gryffindor seeker was more outwardly aggressive, it seemed, but Jessie had a better read on her surroundings and seemed more agile. They were closely matched, but Jessie had the edge.
Nova winced as the Gryffindor seeker collided with the commentator’s box. She didn’t particularly like him, but even still, as a fellow seeker she could only imagine the pain and embarrassment of the whole thing. But Jessie hadn’t spotted the bludger that was on her tail and apparently very determined to catch up to her. Nova braced herself for what was about to happen. And sure enough, the Bludger ploughed into Jessie, knocking her clean off her broom and into the sand pit. But clutched in Jessie’s hand was the ultimate prize. The Snitch.
Being at the front of the box meant it was quick and easy for them to make their way down to the pitch. Nova pulled Cas along insistently, her focus on reaching her friends making it that much easier to get through the crowd. And then they reached them. She hurled herself first at Jessie. “You guys were amazing!” She gushed, releasing Jessie and hugging Eden, then Haylen, then Antigone in turn. “What a game!” It was only then that she noticed the presence of a staff member, and she turned to the Coach and smiled her best smile.
“Coach Webb, right? I’m Nova Morrison, Ravenclaw seeker,” she said. Coach Webb grinned.
“I’ve heard about you from Mar- from Coach Vasco,” she said with a smile that probably anyone else would have read as a smile that suggested that she knew more about Nova than she was letting on. “It’s great to meet you. I hear you’re the star of the Ravenclaw team as well as the Transfiguration classroom. Looking forward to getting to see you play.” The coach said. Nova’s grin widened all the more at that.
Saracen_Rue
Pure of Heart, Dumb of Ass
Jessie Carter - Slytherin - #53966E - & - Haylen Chambers - Gryffindor - #691307 - & Cas Chambers - Hufflepuff - #BF9C41
Haylen couldn't help the playful smirk that appeared on their face as they saw Eden and the others rush towards their teammate, congratulating his cousin on yet another Quidditch game win. It wasn't really a shock that they would have won in the end, Slytherin just had the better Seeker, anyone who wanted to say otherwise either wasn't ever paying attention, or was a liar. It was pure speed and agility versus brute force and offensive tactics between the two, and it was usually rather clear who the winner would be every time. Not like it would have put a damper on the rivalry between the Gryffindors and Slytherins, anyway.
However, what did make anyone tuck their tail between their legs, was the look on Antigone's face as she pulled back her arm. Haylen had practically accepted his fate the moment he saw her running alongside Eden towards him and Jessie. But, much to their somewhat genuine surprise, the impact of the punch was nothing more than a tap to the shoulder. But it didn't stop what came next, Haylen pretended to take a step back, grasping the shoulder that was so very viciously injured mere seconds prior. A pain expression overcame Haylen's face, "Bloody hell, MacArthur, with that sort of arm, you may as well try out for Beater, instead." Haylen said with a rather genuine tone, but a playful smirk formed just as quickly as his friend demanded he pay next time the group went to Hogsmeade. "That sounds fair enough, after all." they gave out a sigh, "It's what we 'gentle-folk' do, after all." he grinned cheekily.
Jessie let go of Eden, still grinning in his direction, before giving her attention to the next person that seemed it appropriate to now demand a hug from Jessie. One who, she didn't entirely mind paying the favor, but she didn't exactly want to dwell on those thoughts for too long. The hug however, was much more brief, a bit to her chagrin, but hopefully it wasn't outwardly evident to the others. They were just friends, after all, by this point. Yeah, that was all. "Oh, I think I'll live." an awkward chuckle accompanied the reassurance, "I've had worse than just a nasty tumble off a broom, nevermind a stray Bludger-" which now that she thought about it, was a bit odd, but she didn't care to overthink that for too long. It was just a well aimed hit in her direction, clearly she must have pissed off the other Beater on the Gryffindor team for a hit like that. Maybe she'd consider asking Haylen if there was something she wasn't aware of. "Guess we're just built a bit more durable, huh?" she gave her best forced grin as she slipped an arm around Antigone's shoulder.
Haylen couldn't help but give a small grin as Eden complimented their work in the game, "Oh uh, thanks." they rubbed the back of their head and neck, "I think I could have done a lot better out there but, you Slytherins seem to hold your own out there." the compliment was genuine enough, if anyone knew Haylen, knew that they couldn't lie to save their ass, nevermind give a false compliment if it killed them. It just wasn't who Haylen was as a person. They opened their mouth once again as Eden commented on the other game that was to take place later that day, Cas and Nova would be playing, as well as Saoirse. Cas was a damn good Keeper, and Saoirse was a good Seeker for the Hufflepuff team, and Nova? She seemed to be the only decent player on the Ravenclaw team, at least in Haylden's opinion. She truly was something else out on the Quidditch field. As if she could have been any more of an impressive witch? Haylen just wished that Cas and her would already just get together, it was more than obvious for what was going on there. Especially if someone like Haylen of all people could see it.
It seemed like magic, in that very moment another figure walked up to the small collective. Haylen immediately knew who it was, and straightened their posture a bit. Haylen couldn't help the small blush that overcame their face as they were compliment on their improvement so far, "O-oh-" they fumbled, clearing their throat, "Thank you, Coach." a much more shy and reserved smile formed on their face, "I'm glad you noticed." they beamed. The compliment coming from a professional Quidditch player was more than enough to help boost their confidence, even it was just the slightest. At the mention of an eventual future game, Haylen gave an egregious nod, before two figures managed to catch his eyes. "Speaking of next game-"
Cas couldn't help but find that apparently the trend of the day for them was being dragged all about the castle by Nova. Not that they exactly minded that fact, if they were to be honest, but they could walk on their own. They had two legs of their own, after all. However, their mood clearly shifted as Cas and Nova made their way to their group of friends. "Killer moves out there as always, MacArthur." Cas beamed in the blonde's direction, "Then again managing to dodge by blunder of a twin's Bludger more than once isn't exactly very hard. Pretty sure a sleeping Mandrake could do the same." Cas playfully chided, giving Haylen a small wink. Which only seemed to receive a 'We have a special guest' glare from Haylen, and a small nod accompanied it. Meanwhile the playful jab towards Haylen's need of improvement play style managed to gather a rather failed chuckle or two from Jessie. Which only made it harder for Cas to retain a serious expression.
It was only then that Cas peered off to the side of Haylen as Nova addressed the woman. It had taken them a few seconds to recognize her, but clearly not as much as it all seemed for Haylen to put the pieces together. Professional Quidditch player, yes, one of the best in recent years, and now a Quidditch Coach for the Gryffindor team. But Cas was surprised that they recognized her for a different reason, even if it had been a few years. "Hey Georgie." they gave a small wave to the woman in question.
Haylen couldn't help but blink at his twin's apparent lack of manners, giving Cas another glare, "Coach Webb, Cas." they gave raised eyebrows as they turned in their twin's direction. As if trying a bit too hard.
Cas gave a small sigh, "Yeah, but we've also met her before, Hayl. Or did you forget?" they gave a small shrug, "Right Jess? Or am I just imagining things, now?"
Jessie couldn't help but let out a sigh of her own, before taking an inhale. Looking around amongst the others, mainly due to the ever so confused expression that Haylen now wore. Apparently the pieces weren't clicking into place fully for them yet. Poor lad. Jessie finally gave a small nod, "Yeah, she used to basically live at my family's manor every summer back in the day when she was in Hogwarts. She was actually in the same year as Professor Mitchel and Vasco, and obviously Erin." she gave a small shrug, "I thought you knew that, Haylen. Or did you get too star struck to not realize?" she playfully geered.
The expression that over came Haylen, one would have thought that they were going to pass out any moment. Their face became a bright shade of red, and their eyes widened. Apparently it all was a bit too much for him in such a short amount of time. Cas even could have sworn they saw steam and smoke starting to pour out of their sibling's ears. "Huh?" they blurted, looking around, "I think I just heard my name, I should probably-" and without much more from Haylen, they took off like the very golden snitch that Jessie still held firmly in her hand. Haylen disapearing into the group of Gryffindor players.
"I'm going to take that as a no." Jessie couldn't help but finally let out a proper chuckle at her cousin's antics. "Hayl always was one for theatrics." Jessie turned back to face Coach Webb, "How are you finding yourself back here again, anyway? Must be a bit trippy, huh? Least I'd imagine so. Not being a student anymore, I mean."
partially-stars
mostly void
eden and nova and antigone
#8E6C88 and #246A73 and #785964
Haylen’s reaction to her “punch” made Antigone laugh, shaking her head at the theatrics. She then proceeded to add to the theatrics by rolling her eyes in an overdramatic fashion as they referred to themselves as “gentlefolk”. She pretended to be constantly exasperated with them, but honestly, Haylen was the closest thing she had to a sibling. She could kill them sometimes, but she’d also kill for them if the situation came to it. Not that they’d want her to. But she would.
Her thoughts were scattered to the wind as Jessie wrapped an arm around her shoulder. Without even really thinking about it, she turned to look at Jessie again, the softest of smiles on her face. Meeting the Chambers’ really had been the best thing that had ever happened to her. Between the twins and Jessie, she was really just blessed with the best friends she ever could have hoped for. The feelings that threatened to fill her up and consume her when she looked as Jessie were immaterial. She was Tig’s best friend. That was what mattered. No matter what else, she had her best friend.
Eden wasn’t entirely surprised at Haylen’s reaction. The polar opposite to his twin, he never seemed to be able to see how brilliant he was. Or, at least, how brilliant Eden thought he was. Eden tried to tell him as much as they could, and would stay doing so for the rest of their days or until Haylen finally started to believe it. Funnily enough, Cas had given Eden many, many pep talks about not caring what other people thought, while Eden was trying to convince their twin that other people did in fact think he was cool.. But Haylen’s problem seemed to be more about comparing himself to everyone else, and that was something Eden didn’t always know how to overcome themself.
Eden didn’t miss the blush and the awkward grin that came over Haylen’s face as Coach Webb approached. Even if he grinned externally, somewhere, deep down inside, something in him grumbled at that. It was an irrational grumble, he knew, and one probably rooted in his jealousy at not having a famous Quidditch player compliment him specifically on his playing. Nothing else. Definitely nothing else. It couldn’t be anything else, because it was Cas’ sibling, and he wasn’t going to go ruining any friendships. He kept telling himself that, talking over the small, persistent, hopeful voice.
A welcome distraction came in the form of Nova and Cas. As per usual, Nova ambushed them all with hugs before they could even fully acknowledge her presence. Eden didn’t mind though. Nova gave the best hugs. Antigone nodded and grinned at Cas’ compliment. Cas was by far one of her favourite rivals on the Quidditch pitch. They challenged her, made her pull out all the stops, made playing fun. So a compliment from them meant a lot, and meant that next time it was Cas pelting Bludgers at Tig, it was sure to be an interesting game. Some of her teammates said that she shouldn’t be complimenting the other team’s Beater on their shot after they very narrowly missed her, but Cas’ showy shots were too much fun not to.
Nova glanced between Haylen and Coach Webb as he corrected Cas on how they addressed the staff member, a mischievous smile lighting up her face as the pieces fell into place. Not that it was particularly hard. There was only one other person Haylen was less subtle with, and Eden was somehow even more oblivious than Haylen. Which, really, was impressive. Nova hadn’t thought it was possible. Watching the pieces fall into place in his head had Nova literally holding back giggles, before he finally made a run for it and Nova could release her laughter. She almost felt bad for him. Almost. But given Georgie Webb was one of the biggest quidditch stars out there, and was also very publicly gay, he really didn’t have anyone to blame other than himself. Still, the idea of your Quidditch coach having known you as a kid did seem pretty mortifying. Nova was pretty sure that she hadn’t met Markus before taking his class, but she also couldn’t be totally sure.
She looked at Cas and back at Georgie as Cas and Jessie confessed to having known Georgie when they were younger. Georgie had kept her composure all throughout the shenanigans with Haylen, but she wore a grin that told everyone she knew exactly what was going on. “Oh yeah, really weird,” Georgie admitted in response to Jessie’s question. “I keep nearly going up to the Gryffindor dorms in the evenings. And one evening, I ended up sitting beside McGonagall at dinner and I thought she was going to start asking me about my transfiguration homework and why I wasn’t wearing my robes and if I was ready for the game and… Okay she did ask me about that last one. We got talking about Quidditch then, that was cool. It’s also weird seeing my friend’s baby cousins running around the place all grown up. But Markus and Luc- Professors Vasco and Mitchell to you lot- gave me all the insider knowledge on you lot, told me what to watch out for. They said the fact I’d only be coaching Haylen didn’t mean I wouldn’t have run-ins with the rest of you. Which, given I spent as much time in the Ravenclaw and Slytherin common room as the Gryff common room when I was here, makes a lot of sense,” she joked. Someone else called her name from further down the pitch and she glanced over her shoulder. “Gotta run, kiddos. But we need to catch up properly some time, yeah? Yeah.” She jogged away, heading towards another group gathered towards the edge of the pitch.
“So, do you remember them all as teenagers?” Antigone asked, glancing at Jessie and Cas. “The three professors, I mean. What were they like?” She mused.
“Do you know why Professor Mitchell became a muggle star instead of a wizarding rock star? I mean, he could have been even bigger than the Weird Sisters. Why go the Muggle route?” Eden asked. Had some others in his house been asking the question, it would have been rooted in judgment and harshness. But Eden was just curious. How hard it been turning his back on everything he’d known? The crowds were starting to move off the pitch now, the promise of their evening meal before the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff matches luring everyone inside. Eden slung his arm around Cas’ shoulder. Nova had produced a red and gold squishy octopus toy from one of her magically enlarged pockets and was fiddling with it idly, looking almost uneasy in the crowds again.
Saracen_Rue
Pure of Heart, Dumb of Ass
Jessie Carter - Slytherin - #53966E - & Cas Chambers - Hufflepuff - #BF9C41
Jessie couldn't have helped the sheepish grin that formed on her face as Coach Webb confirmed that it was indeed odd being back on the old school grounds. She could only imagine the deja-vu that accompanied it all, and how confusing it must have all felt as well. Having spent seven odd years at Hogwarts as a student, to eventually come back for a small teaching job during the sports season? Jessie couldn't properly wrap her own mind about all those conflicting feelings herself, nevermind how someone else must have felt. Especially with what Jessie knew, even if it was just a bit more than what people would have thought.
Cas gave Coach Webb a small smile and nod as she explained how she too had spent a lot of time in the other House's common rooms, considering who her own friends used to be during their own school years over a decade ago. Apparently they weren't so far apart from the teachers after all, Cas thought. Intermingling with students and others from the other houses, not caring what others thought. It was somewhat comforting to know that they weren't that much different, if only seperated by age. Cas wondered what it must have been truly like during their school years. Cas could only imagine how much hell Georgie, Markus, Lucian, and their own cousins Erin and Eoin, must have raised all those years ago. Cas remembered hearing stories from their family about Erin and Eoin having been constant pranksters on the school grounds. Nevermind how often McGanagall scolds Cas and Jessie, comparing them to their cousins and friends as well. Something that always caused a warm, but slightly painful feeling in their chest. A bitter sweet feeling, if they had to be honest.
When Georgie declared she had to go, but not without reassuring how they would all have to catch up at some point, Cas gave a small nod, "Sure thing! You know where to find us!" a small wave was accompanied, before Cas looked back at their own friends once again. But not without noticing the slight change in the expression that their cousin wore for only a moment. Cas knew that look all too well, and what it meant. They'd be sure to check on Jessie later that night.
Jessie had been taken out of her brief thoughts when Antigone spoke up, questioning both her and Cas if they remembered what the professors were like back in the day. It was a fair question, if she was to be honest. And it wasn't the first time she had been asked that. Jessie paused for a moment, clearly trying to retrieve some sort of old memory, "Well...As much as I would like to say yes, being able to tell you all kinds of stories-" she took a small deep breath, "-But I sadly can't. At least not as much as I would like to recall." she gave a small shrug, "Lucian, Markus, and Georgie spent a lot of Summers back at our manor when they were going to Hogwarts, but we were only kids back then. So memories are a little foggy, but they were exactly what you would think, especially since they were some of Erin's and Eoin's best friends back then. The five of them were absolutely glued to the hip, and obviously trouble makers. I remember how my dear mother always begged me to never end up like them." she led out a chuckle, "Not like that really worked out like she would have liked." she took another deep breath, "But...They stopped coming around the manor during Erin's sixth year and...That was it. They never really came around anymore and, we never really saw them again. Until years later when I sent a few letters to Professor Mitchell, and even Vasco. But Luc-Professor Mitchell was more receptive, and somehow not as busy as Professor Vasco was." she continued on, taking a small glance at the others, "And it's only thanks to Lucian that I...Well, I owe him a lot, I suppose." there was clearly more that she would have liked to mention, but there was a bit too much, and not all of it was light and happy.
Cas had managed to notice the small in Jessie's over all being once again, knowing it was clearly their turn to talk, "Plus, Erin had a lot going on that year anyway, so it wasn't much of a shock-" they immediately caught the small glance from Jessie, one that was silent but they understood exactly what it meant: No more. "-It wasn't a shock considering that was the same year that their own tournament happened, I mean." nice recover there Cas, they thought. "But they were absolutely troublemakers. But nothing like us, I reckon. Besides, nothing would ever ruin our friendship like that, especially no damned tournament, that's for sure." Cas beamed at their friends, hoping to lighten the mood a little.
At the question of why Lucian persued the Muggle world in terms of music, than the wizarding one, Cas paused. Genuinely having to think on that one. It was a very good question, actually. An answer they didn't have. Not like Jessie would have. Cas wasn't as close to the professor in question like Jessie was. They wrote the occasional letters back and forth, yes, but not like those two.
Jessie seemed to perk right back up as the question was thrown out there, "I..I never exactly asked him, if I were to be honest." Jessie started, which was a rather blatant lie, for numerous reasons. "Maybe it was because Muggles are easier to use magic on without them realizing it? I mean, Muggles constantly have various wizard and witch celebrities in the limelight, and they're none the wiser." she rattled off.
"Like Freddy Mercury, right?" Cas piped in.
"Exactly." Jessie gave a reassuring nod.
"No one could hit those notes like he did. There's no none magical reasoning behind it, if you ask me. Plus his crowd control too?" Cas let out a chuckle, "He had to be half veela or something, if you asked me."
Jessie shook her head, "I'm not saying you're wrong, even though you might be. But, I'd imagine Professor Mitchell had his reasons. Can't say I blame him though, with how popular he became over there?" a small shrug followed suit, "Maybe he had the right idea after all. Who knows."
Cas looked over in Nova's direction, noticing how she seemed to be in her own little world once again. The Sight of which gave a small tug in their chest. They gently released themself from being tucked under Eden's arm, giving him a small apologetic nod, before taking a few steps over to Nova, carefully putting a hand on her arm. "How about we go chill out for a bit huh? Give some time before our game later, yeah?"
partially-stars
mostly void
eden and nova and antigone
#8E6C88 and #246A73 and #785964
Even if Jessie didn’t say exactly what it was that Professor Mitchell had helped with, Eden could hazard a guess. It came with six, going on seven years of friendship. And, well, the fact that Eden themselves was inspired and influenced by the rockstar. Day to day around the castle, he dressed a tad more masculine, but Eden had long envied some of his androgynous stage outfits and the way he could pull it off so flawlessly. They’d mastered their own style of androgyny long ago, but it had been people like Lucian Mitchell that had first made them realise that they didn’t have to look traditionally masculine or feminine. If he’d helped Eden on their gender discovery journey, even as a stranger, then it made sense that he might have helped Jessie out too.
They nodded confidently as Cas said that the tournament would never ruin their friendship. There was already talk of one happening in their year, and if it was true, then Eden was determined to enter. Their deep-rooted ambition burned at the thought of it. Usually, Eden’s ambition just pushed them to be the best that they could be. The only person they were competing with was themselves. But this was one time when they wanted to be the best. To be memorable. To be something bigger than themselves. But despite that burning, Eden knew Cas was right. They couldn’t imagine ever turning their back on their friends, even in the name of glory.
Antigone, however, was more focused on the immediate. “Who’s Freddie Mercury again?” She asked, her brow furrowed. Cas and Jessie may also have grown up around purebloods with minimal exposure to muggle culture, but at least the people raising them had been… well, not a bunch of addicts with trashy taste in music or an eighty year old woman who only listened to classical music. She knew that her simple question was likely to result in an incredibly lengthy lecture about music, but she didn’t mind. Sometimes the others would even play the music for her, and she especially liked that. Muggle music was so different to the music she’d heard growing up. “He’s… he’s the one with the… moustache, right?” She asked, not fully certain that she was right but proud of herself for making the distinction anyway.
Nova’s parents had always let her figure things out and figure out how to deal with her emotions and feelings in whatever way worked best for her. She’d later learned that people sometimes deemed her way of doing things “weird”. And then she learned not to care about being thought of as “weird.” She still didn’t like crowds. They still made her uneasy. But she also didn’t want to leave her friends. There was a part of her that was tired of feeling that way. She wanted to be normal and be normal in crowds, but she couldn’t be. She wasn’t. So she’d just have to manage it as best she could. Hence her multi-coloured octopus, which could easily pass for just a Gryffindor mascot.
Cas’ touch on her arm was a surprise, but not unwelcome. It was there and then she realised what she needed to help keep her grounded. She linked her arm through Cas’, the extra contact soothing her. “No, I’m okay. I want to hang out with all of you guys more than anything else right now, so that’s what I’m doing,” She said. “But thanks.” She added, bumping her shoulder against Cas’. She grinned at them, before turning to look at the three Slytherins. “Hey guys, who are you supporting later on?” She asked. “C’mon, pick a side!”
The game was almost as evenly matched as the Slytherin-Gryffindor match. But in the final minutes of the game, Ravenclaw pulled ahead, and it was Nova that caught the Snitch. But despite the losses, every dorm and common room in the castle that night was filled with celebrations. After all, Hogwarts life was back in full swing.
The following weeks brought with them more classes, more Quidditch, and perhaps most excitingly, the announcement of the long-anticipated Hogwarts Tournament. This year, they had done away with the teams being drawn from within the same Houses in order to further foster a sense of co-operation among the students. All students over the age of seventeen were eligible to submit their names to a replica of the famed Goblet of Fire, typically used for the Triwizard Tournaments. For a full week, students lined up to put their name into the Goblet and hope that they would be drawn, and that they would be drawn alongside their crush or their best friend.
The staff organised a feast for the evening that would mark the beginning of the tournaments with the drawing of the names. Eight teams of two people would be called. All throughout dinner, students of all ages shot excited looks at the Goblet, eagerly awaiting the end of the feast and revelation of who would be competing for glory. Almost every single seventh year and the handful of sixth years who had already turned seventeen had put their name into the Goblet, meaning the competition was fierce. But eventually, they got to the end of the meal, and an excited hush fell over the students as Professor Raywood got to his feet and made his way down to the Goblet.
All was silent for a few moments until suddenly, the flames in the Goblet turned blue and surged in both height and volume. And then the first piece of paper was spat out.
“Team One… From Gryffindor, Raven Hatch! And from Hufflepuff, Ed Mallard!”
“Team Two… From Ravenclaw, Aspen Griffis! And also from Ravenclaw, Palmer Codde!”
“Team Three… From Hufflepuff, Pembrooke Lavender! From Ravenclaw, Alice Belrose!”
“Team Four… From Slytherin, Shiloh Taylors! From Gryffindor, Theodore Marx.”
“Team Five… From Gryffindor, Ryuu Montour! From Hufflepuff, Graham Williams!”
“Team Six… From Slytherin, Jessie Carter! Also from Slytherin, Eden Thomas!
“Team Seven… From Hufflepuff, Castiella Chambers! From Ravenclaw, Nova Morrison!
“Team Eight… From Slytherin, Antigone Macarthur! And from Gryffindor, Haylen Chambers!”
“The first task will take place in two weeks. You will find out details closer to the time. To our champions, the best of luck!”
The hall burst into excited chatter. Eden honestly couldn’t have been happier with Jessie as his teammate. The two had been duelling alongside each other from the very first moment they’d stepped into Hogwarts, they could almost read the other’s mind at this point. They knew their styles worked perfectly together. Eden didn’t want to let his ambition get the better of him, but he felt like they stood a really good chance of winning.
When the Headmaster called out Tig’s name, immediately followed by Haylen’s, she caught the Gryffindor’s eye and rolled her eyes overdramatically. But when she caught up to them after the meal, she attacked them in a hug. “We’ve so got this, Chambers!” She gushed.
Nova really hadn’t been expecting to be called. So when she was, and on the same team as Cas to boot, she had no idea how to react. She was equal parts happy and terrified. She’d put her name in thinking that there would be no way in hell she’d actually be chosen. Was it a mistake? Had she done the wrong thing? Maybe if she spoke to the Headmaster about it like… right away, he’d switch her out for somebody else. All around her, everyone else was getting up and moving away, but she was still sitting in her seat, staring at the table in front of her, trying to decide what she should do.
Saracen_Rue
Pure of Heart, Dumb of Ass
Jessie Carter - Slytherin - #53966E - & - Haylen Chambers - Gryffindor - #691307 - & Cas Chambers - Hufflepuff - #BF9C41
The Quidditch game that followed that evening couldn't have gone any worse, in Cas's own opinion. With everything that was happening, their mind was all over the place to begin with. And it seemed no matter how much they tried to distract themself with something, their mind was constantly filled with nothing but certain thoughts Cas couldn't seem to get rid of. With their mind clearly elsewhere as the hours came and went, and the final Quidditch game of the day arrived, it was obvious something was just off with Cas, more so than usual anyway. And it was abundantly clear with the way they played that game. Not only were their constant efforts sloppy and not anywhere they usually were, Cas had become one of Hufflepuff's best Keepers in years. And if anyone didn't know better, they would have thought it was their first time on a broom. Let alone playing Quidditch. But it was clear something had been bothering them the moment they had stepped out onto the Pitch. Cas's eyes landing on the Captain of the Ravenclaw team. Cas had known the team recently aqcuired a new Keeper over Christmas break, but they didn't expect it to be her. Why did it have to be her out of all people? Maeve Fucking Williams. She wore that same damned snobby smirk that Cas had come to loath over the passed few months since their breakup just weeks before Christmas break. They honestly couldn't stop blaming themself for having been so damn stupid. How they didn't know she was using them, nevermind clearly manipulative and borderline abusive, was beyond them. They didn't remain heartbroken for long, if anything they were angry at themself for being so damned stupid.
Yet here they were, having to shake hands with her to start off the game. And things only went downhill from there. From being constantly distracted, to letting their annoyance and even to a put anger take control of them. Their work was sloppy, and the score points were all the indication of it. So much for pre-game shit-talking. Cas couldn't have been more relieved when the final buzzer sounded, indicating that the game was over due to one of their Seekers catching the Snitch. As much as they wanted it to have been Saoirse, to at least make up for their own sloppy playing that game, they couldn't help the feeling of defeat echo in their chest when they saw none other than Nova holding the Snitch in her hand. That bright as ever smile beaming on her face. That was the only aspect of it all that didn't bother Cas. Their best friend, Nova, was happy with how things ended in that game. And that was more than enough to get over their own feelings of being scorned. But it was clear that Cas was still upset, as the game came to an end they dismounted their broom as quickly as they could once they landed, and left the Pitch. Deciding to only go to the eventual after party due to their friends. Other wise they would have retired early for the night. But alas, spending more time with their friends was enough of a proper thought to keep them from the pathetic self loathing, as their uncle used to call it.
---
Life at Hogwarts buzzed to life once again, as it was announced that there would be a Hogwarts Tournament. Something of an established celebration and event every few years. Each House would have selected Champions, hoping to bring Glory to their respective Houses. Aspects and rules seemed to change year to year as it happened. This year it would contain four tasks. No one would know what the tasks pertained to until the time came. It was something that filled everyone with excitement, but also a level of unease. The tournament wasn't as easy as it sounded. It was dangerous, and people had nearly died during it, but that didn't seem to be enough to deter the event from happening at all. Oddly enough, Haylen looked forwards to it the most, it seemed. Even if he knew there was next to no shot of him actually being one of the chosen students, the idea of putting their name in the Goblet for simple shtits and giggles in the end was worth it, especially when he managed to convince Cas to try it as well. What was the harm? Even if neither of them got into the Tournament properly, it was still worth it. They wouldn't lose nor gain anything if it didn't turn out. And it seemed Haylen didn't even need to try to convince Jessie at all. Seeing as she was the one who had asked Haylen and Cas if they put their names in yet. Haylen even considered the idea of them all getting in, somehow. As the chances of that were incredibly low, the idea of still being able to compete against his own sibling, and cousin was enough of a thrill for Haylen. Especially seeing as how their own cousin Erin had competed in her own sixth year and even won as well. Haylen always asked Erin what it was like, and what her tasks contained. He wanted to know all the details. Hell, if somehow they managed to get in, Haylen planned on writing and sending a letter to Erin, asking for some pointers. It wouldn't hurt, even if it was rare for her to write back. She was a professional Quidditch player, nevermind her working within the Ministry of Magic during the off season. Haylen doubted anything would come of the letter, but it was still worth a shot anyway, in their opinion.
The day finally arrived as the names would finally be chosen, life was alight and buzzing in the beloved Great Hall. Students and Staff alike seemed to be on the edge of their seats during dinner, both literally and metaphorically. Anxiety flowed through Jessie as she sat there at the Slytherin table, one leg tucked tightly beneath her, as the other bounced nervously under the table. She couldn't help but be anxious as she waited. She doubted her name would be called upon, but if it was? Just maybe that fact alone of her being one of the chosen few would be enough for her father. Just maybe, but she doubted it. It seemed like no matter what she did, Xavier was never happy with her. As if he even acknowledged her existence much anymore within the past two years...
The time finally arrived as the recently new appointed Headmaster made his way to the center of the room. Bringing with him an ever serious energy that filled the room easily with a tensed sensation. Not many people really knew much about their new headmaster. Asmodeus Raywood was a rather odd man. Somewhat reclusive and a bit too serious than most of the students liking. Or he was too stern and a bit too uptight in others. Or some had no opinion of the man at all. It soley depended on people's own interactions with the man in question. And in Jessie's opinion? Well, she didn't exactly like him very much. Not since he took over as Headmaster three years ago, forcing McGonagall to step down once again. Something that many agreed on not having been what they wanted.
As each name was called out, a short lived applause sounded. And the more liked and popular a student seemed to be amongst their peers, the longer and louder the cheers were. With each passing moment, tensions were high. Who was getting picked next? And more importantly, who wasn't?
Four teams down, four to go. The more teams announced, hope for being picked seemed to dwindle more and more at each passing second. Cas and Jessie occasionally exchanging knowing glances, small shaking of heads. Competition was clearly heating up. As every name was called out. Cas managed to catch Haylen once, the two managing to catch each other in the crowd. Cas gave their brother a small shake of their head. Chances were looking more and more slim with every passing moment.
The moment that Jessie and Eden's names were called, Slytherin burst into a proud round of applause. A genuine look of surprise seemed to come over Jessie's face after a few moments, as the realization seemed to finally click into place for her. As well as it was obvious she was momentarily in her own little world of thought before her name had been called. A large, proud but still surprised look spread across her face. Peering over at Eden as his name too was called. She gave them a proper nod and grin, they were a force to be reckoned with alone, but together? It was going to be one hell of a show, she thought. Looking back at the Headmaster as more names were beginning to be called once again.
A look of pride spread across Cas's face as their cousin's name was called. They figured she would have been chosen, the Goblet would have been foolish not to. But also a look of worry overcame them as well. That was until Cas heard it. Their own name called next. A thudding in their chest pounded and their breath seemed to catch in their throat, "Wh-what?" was the only initial reaction their body seemed to allow. Genuine surprise and shock was evident on their face. A loud round of applause and cheer sounded, as Hufflepuff's very own Prefect and Quidditch Captain seemed to be one of the chosen Champions. Cas even managing to catch the eyes of the Head of Hufflepuff, Erikk Tysson. A tall and slender man, pale skin and jet black hair. No one would have expected that such a serious looking individual would be as soft spoken and kind as the man turned out to be. He truly was an example of what a Hufflepuff was. Certainly not letting looks deceive anyone. Cas gave the man in question a large, genuine smile and nod, receiving a rather stoic but candid nod of his own in return. As well as a raise of his glass. Cas peered over to the Ravenclaw table as none other than Nova's name was called out next. Of course she was, she was a brilliant witch as well. It only would make sense. But they couldn't help but notice the obvious look of nervousness crossed her face. They'd talk to her as soon as the announcements were over.
Only one team left to go, and Haylen's hopes had all but nearly been destroyed. Both of his cousins had been picked, as well as his best friends? And even two of his own House mates? Their hopes for getting in were already slim, let alone somewhat of a joke. But now it seemed all but impossible. Why would the Goblet choose them anyway? When there were a dozen if not literal hundreds of other students in this very same room that were far greater witches and wizards? Everyone in this room were amazing and talented beyond their years, and had so much more potential, it would have been a waste if their name was called. Especially since it all started as a joke. If another name was called, it was deserving to be of someone who actually wanted to be in the tournament. Someone who actually had something to prove. Just at that exact moment, one of the last names was called. None other than yet another one of their best friends, Tig. It was no surprise, in Haylen's opinion. She was a fabulous witch in her own right, and she was a Seer as well? It almost seemed like a cruel joke of the universe that all of his friends had been called. And there was only one left to be drawn, there was no way- Haylen's eyes widened to nearly the size of one of the dinner plates that sat before them as their own name too was called. "What??" their voice sounded a bit too loudly if they were to be honest. A clear tone of surprise and disbelief was evident in their voice. But thankfully the applause and cheers that sounded managed to drown out his rather admittedly embarising shock.
It seemed that as just as quickly as the names were called, that the Headmaster gave his final words of the evening before stepping away. The room quickly filling with a buzz as friends and now teammeates greeted each other. Haylen was practically tackled out of their seat as they felt someone tackle them into a hug. Only bumping into the poor soul that sat next to them instead, as their arms instinctively held whoever it was that had ambushed them in a sudden hug. A large grin formed on Haylen's face as they saw it was none other than Antigone. One of his best friends, and now aparent team mate. "Congratulations, Tig." Haylen beamed down at her, before letting go of their embrace. "I figured you would have been chosen, rightfully so." a cheeky grin followed. "Let's cause as much mayhem as we can, yeah?" they continued with that same grin.
Cas had made their way swiftly across the Great Hall in what seemed to be record time, almost appearing to come to a screeching halt as they finally found who they were looking for. A large grin on their face as they squeezed their way onto the Ravenclaw table's bench. "So, what's the first course of action, huh?" they beamed, "Truly either a dangerous, or stupid decision to put us together, if you ask me. That's just asking for trouble." they mused.
Jessie peered across the table at Eden, a slow grin starting to form on their face, "So...No mercy?" she asked, eyebrows raised in a quizzical manner, as if she really even needed to ask. Just as the words seemed to leave her mouth, she felt a sudden pair of arms wrap around her torso from behind, a fierce embrace if she ever knew it. Without even looking she knew who it was.
"Ready for some chaos, Carter, Thomas?" a familiar voice beamed behind her, before the figure took a seat next to Jessie.
"Only if you're willing to accept defeat, Taylors." she retorted cheekily.
"So, what's our game plan gonna be then, huh? All or nothing for us Slytherin?" the green haired witch asked the both of them, as she gave Eden her best long time no talk, look in her eyes.
partially-stars
mostly void
eden and nova and antigone
#8E6C88 and #246A73 and #785964
Tig beamed with delight as Haylen said they knew she would have been chosen. Honestly, she hadn’t been so sure. She’d been daydreaming about the glory ever since she put her name into the cup, but she’d kinda just accepted she’d be experiencing it all second hand through some of the other Slytherins. And she’d been completely fine with that. But still, the challenge of the tournament excited her. The glory and rewards of winning were plenty enticing, but it was the challenge she was looking forward to more than anything else. And it appeared Haylen shared her sentiment, as they mentioned causing havoc. “Oh, our sole aim in this tournament will be to cause chaos,” she retorted, grinning as wide as she could. “Winning is one type of glory, but just wreaking havoc is a whole other type of infamy.” She glanced over at Jessie and Eden. The joy radiating off of them could be felt by the whole hall, Tig reckoned. She wouldn’t say it aloud, not just yet, but she reckoned they stood the best shot of winning the whole thing. And god, she hoped they would. She was in constant awe of Jessie’s magical abilities, she hoped that everyone else would get a chance to see that too. The two of them had been through so much, endured so much, and proved themselves again and again, more than they ever should have had to. And they hardly even noticed it. If anyone deserved the glory of winning in their final year, it was those two.
Their closest competitors, though, would be Cas and Nova. People would probably write them off. Sure, they were co-captains of the duelling club, but a lot of people seemed to be of the opinion that that was just because they’d both been in it since first year and were two of the biggest personalities of the whole thing. Tig knew that it was because they were equally matched in terms of duelling, and could blow anyone else away. Nova duelled with textbook precision, her form always flawless, and Cas was showy and inventive. But unfortunately, a lot of people only saw their flaws. Nova’s tendency to take things literally, how loud noises would spook and startle her. Cas’ hyperactivity, and their general… blonde-ness. But everyone would also overlook how they balanced each other out. Their strengths played well together, and they negated each other’s weaknesses. Not to mention how inseparable they were. It was hard to tell exactly who would win out. But all Tig knew for sure was that it was guaranteed to be interesting.
Nova jumped a little as somebody threw themselves onto the bench beside her. She knew who it was without even looking up. She’d recognise that energy anywhere. She couldn’t even manage a smile. She really couldn’t figure out why they’d chosen her. She’d seen the filthy glare that Maeve Williams had shot her. Maybe Maeve would have been a better pick. She was the team captain after all, she already had that going for her. She knew that Cas wouldn’t have been happy about Maeve being picked; Nova had heard the gossip and had seen the bad blood between them. But if the Cup had picked Maeve, it could have just… shuffled the arrangement around a little bit. Cas would have worked well with Alice, maybe. But Nova was just going to let them all down and make a fool of her house.
Nova hadn’t been badly bullied for a while. The last major incident she could remember had been fifth year, and she’d been a good enough dueller by that point to make them all regret it. There were the mean jeers and jabs, and the comments made when people thought she wasn’t listening or couldn’t hear, but she was over letting them bother her. At least, for the most part. But now, she could hear every single one of them. Every mean thing said about her, and especially the things she knew to be true. They’d all be said, not even whispered any more, about her when it came to the tournament and when she screwed up a task. She was spinning all of her rings, twisting them up and down her fingers, barely even noticing that she was doing so.
“I think you’re right with it being stupid,” she muttered to herself, or maybe to Cas. But then she realised how it sounded. “Not… not you. Me. I… I don’t know why it picked me.” Trying to put her words together without snapping or giving into all of the big emotions she was feeling was hard. “I don’t think I can bat-bogey hex my way out of this one. I’m sorry you’re stuck with me.” Fame and glory and everything else wasn’t exactly something that Nova wanted. She’d gotten caught up in the moment when putting her name into the Cup, and now she was paying for it. Dumb, foolish, just like everyone had said. The teachers were gone, she’d missed her opportunity to talk her way out of it. The Hall was too loud. There were too many people. She abruptly shoved herself to her feet and made a beeline… out of there. She didn’t even know where she was going. She just wanted to walk until it was quieter and there were less people around, and maybe then she could think properly. She needed to think, she needed to figure this out, she needed to just stop feeling like this.
Over at the Slytherin table, spirits were high. The general consensus seemed to be that four of their best had been chosen. Eden could see Haylen and Tig conspiring already, mischief written all over their faces. They were going to be a formidable opponent, but not for the reasons everyone expected them to be. If Eden knew them as well as he thought he did, they’d just be taking the opportunity to go down in Hogwarts history, not for winning, but some other reason. Presumably chaos and havoc and something of epic proportions. Which was a terrifying thought, really, given that the two of them were highly talented and inventive, but also Eden was excited to see what they could do. They were going to make the tournament fun, at least. And while Eden already had his eyes fixed on winning, he also wanted to have fun. They were still only kids, after all. Somebody needed to bring a little flavour and a little fun to the whole thing, he knew he'd be too lightning focused in there. But Tig wanted to be remembered for something big, and causing havoc in the tournament definitely seemed like her speed.
Looking back at Jessie, he grinned back at her. Before he could answer in the affirmative, though, Shiloh Taylors appeared from behind Jessie. Eden laughed at her arrival and Jessie’s banter. He returned her look with one of his own. “Well, I think Tig’s thinking more about joining forces with her favourite Gryffindor to cause havoc, so we might have to count her out of the “all for one.” But you know I’ve got your back, Taylors. As long as you’ve got mine as well,” he replied. He meant it, too. Glory at the cost of others was no glory at all. He had a line that he wouldn't cross, and that line involved betrayal of all kinds. If his housemate, hell, if any of his friends was in danger, he'd do whatever he could to help them out. He'd heard of the backstabbing and the bad blood that had lingered following the tournaments, and he was determined that they would not endure the same fate. They wouldn't turn out like Erin and her friends, barely talking to each other as a result of the tournament.
Behind the two girls, they saw a familiar head of curls almost sprint out of the hall. They didn’t get a look at Nova’s expression, but she didn’t look happy. They frowned, glancing at Jessie. “Nova’s getting to the plotting early,” they remarked, raising an eyebrow. They knew that wasn’t the problem, but it might give Jessie a hint that something was wrong without the whole table knowing there was something wrong. Even if Nova didn’t realise it, Eden knew for a fact that she had practically a defence squad in the form of the Slytherin seventh years after she’d spent enough time around them all, but that still didn’t mean they all got to know when she was overwhelmed and upset. She had the right to talk to just her closest of friends. And maybe he could give Jessie an opening to go talk to her, and then he'd catch up with Cas later.
“You’ll have to work hard to catch up, seeing as you’ve got Teddy Marx, himbo extraordinaire, as your partner,” Eden remarked, turning their attention back to Shiloh. “You do have the brute strength though, I’ll give you that much. Jessie’s just got me for that, and I’m more the delicate ballerina type than tank,” they continued.
Saracen_Rue
Pure of Heart, Dumb of Ass
Jessie Carter - Slytherin - #53966E - & - Haylen Chambers - Gryffindor - #691307 - & Cas Chambers - Hufflepuff - #BF9C41
Haylen beamed at Antigone as she declared their shared sentiment in causing chaos in the tournament. That was always something that Haylen was happy about, no matter how silly it may have seemed, they always managed to share the same insight as their friends. No matter what it may have entailed. No matter how trivial and mundane as it may have appeared to others looking in, there was always a mischevious spark in their eyes. A spark that was so easily seen all those years ago when the whole friend group were all children, and the start of their now beloved friendship. A cheeky grin remained on Haylen's face all the while their friend spoke. But a certain figure managed to catch Haylen's eye, sitting amongst the staff table still. Haylen flashed the woman a smile, Haylen would try their best. They had to show why the Lions were such a ferocious House, after all. Turning back to Tig, "Oh absolutely!" he declared, "We'll get to show them why us Snakes and Lions should be feared, but also why we can work so well together as well. Bad Blood be damned." he said with an egregious nod. As if trying to prove an indisputable claim.
Cas had been wearing their trademark smile all the while they had spoke, but it slowly began to disapear once Nova began to talk. A genuine look of concern began to etch itself across their face as they sat and watched as Nova's entire deminor shifted before their very eyes. She had already looked rather out of it and even fragile, in a sense. Like saying the wrong thing would have made her entirely fall apart. Cas opened their mouth to say something, wanting to cheer Nova up and prove that those thoughts were just lies. They always were. If Cas knew anything about Nova, it was how rude and mean passing comments from others tended to stick with her a lot easier than they would with others. Something that had gotten a lot better in recent years, compared to when they were all first years. Especially considering that so many of their mutual friends were always ready to throw a few harmless hexes at any bullying students. And that left no question for their friends being one that they always came to the rescue of. Often times being sent to the Headmaster's office after word got out, especially if any of them had decided to throw a punch or two. Which seemed to be the first option, rather than magic. Knocking a bully on their ass by a punch always seemed more satisfying than any hex would ever be.
It seemed before Cas was able to say anything at all, passed their initial greeting, which was meant in optimism and excitement. And Nova was already up on her feet and making her way out of the Great Hall. A rather dejected look now scrawled across Cas's face as they were only able to follow Nova with their eyes as she left the room. After a few moments, they slowly looked around. An all too familiar figure was giving Cas her best shit eating grin, as if she had been entertained by the whole display that played out before most of the Ravenclaw table. If they had been even paying attention, anyway. Cas slowly rose to their feet, a burning anger was bubbling in their chest, "Fuck off, Williams." their eyes anchored on the blond that sat not even three paces away from them.
A smirk worked it's way across the blond's face, sitting up fully now, hands laced infront of her, "Sorry about your poor teammate, Chambers. Looks like she's already making a run for it." she bellowed. Garnering a few other chuckles from some of the others that sat the table.
Cas couldn't help the scowl that crossed their face, "Say that again and I'll-" Cas felt a hand suddenly lay on their right shoulder, causing them to pause and look up, meeting the dark eyes of a man who seemed all too pale, dark eyes and even darker hair. He stared down at Cas silently, no words needed to be said between the two. A silent understanding was shared. Cas gave him a small nod, "Sorry Professor, Tysson." Cas lamented.
The man gave Cas a small nod, "Seems your friends in Slytherin wanted to talk to you. Go." he gave a small tilt of his head.
Cas took a moment, glancing over at the Ravenclaw Captain. If looks could have killed. With no more than a sigh, Cas turned on their heels and made their way over to the Slytherin table. Taking a seat opposite of Shiloh. Giving her a small, clearly forced smile before placing their chin on the table.
Jessie had taken note of Eden's comment about Nova getting to plotting early. She barely took a glance to see that all too familiar head of curls darting out of the Great Hall. Not too long after Cas was making their way over to their own table now. Sitting next to Eden. Jessie knew the look on their face all too well. It was the one they always wore whenever Cas had found themself in a suddenly low mood. And seeing as how Nova had rushed out of the room, even without having gotten a proper look at her face, Jessie understood what happened. She gave the others a small nod and glance, before slowly getting to her feet, "I'm gonna go check on something real quick, I won't be too long." she gave another nod before turning on her feet and making her own way out of the Great Hall.
Thankfully, it seemed that not many students had already been making their way to their Common Rooms yet. The hall was still rather empty, which made it just a tad easier to find her target in question. If there was anything that Jessie knew about Nova, was that things were easily just a lot for her at times. She'd become easily overwhelmed. Something that Jessie never blamed her for, unlike most of the others. While others laughed at her and made incredibly rude passing comments. Not caring if Nova or even her friends had heard. People were cruel, especially children. Jessie knew first hand just how truly cruel others could be, but it was never an excuse to return that energy back, especially not at those who deserved it. If she did, she wouldn't have been any better. She would have sunk just as low as them, if not lower. And that was something she knew she'd never forgive herself for if she did.
Jessie kept her eyes on the alert, looking all around, but also trying to appear as casual as she could while still trying to look for her friend. She couldn't have gotten very far by this point. But Jessie also knew Nova. Knew some of the places she would often go to when things got a bit too much, and she needed a place to sit and wait it out. That was until she walked passed one of the small alcoves. Small seating arrangements along the many halls that made up the endless maze that was Hogwarts. If she hadn't been paying attentiom, Jessie would have missed it. But with a slight double take, Jessie stopped in her tracks. If it wasn't for the all too familiar sound of stifled crying, Jessie may have had a harder time to spot her.
Taking a deep breath, Jessie took a few steps into the small alcove, "C'mon now, we all know my cousin's an idiot-" she started, "-But they're nothing to cry over." a clear tone of playfulness exuded from Jessie. Clearly trying to lighten the mood a little. "Alright, scoot." Jessie gave a 'shoo' motion with her hands, before sitting right down next to the Ravenclaw. Wrapping an arm gently around Nova's shoulder, "People are all stupid, you know that?" she said with a small head tilt, trying to get a slightly better look at her friend, but also to show that she was attempting to get Nova's attention. But without forcing it. She remained silent for a few short moments, "Now...Do you wanna tell me what's tearing you up, or am I going to have to guess? I have time, but warning, we might be here all night."
partially-stars
mostly void
eden and nova and antigone
#8E6C88 and #246A73 and #785964
Eden nodded as Jessie said she was going to go check on “something”. Nova and Jessie were kindred spirits, if anyone would help calm Nova down, it was Jessie. Besides, it looked like Eden was going to be taking on Cas. They were approaching the table with a face like thunder, leaving Eden to wonder what exactly had gone down. In six years and counting, Nova and Cas had never had a disagreement, or even spoken a bad word to each other, so he doubted they’d had a fight that quickly. Shiloh took one look at Cas, and shot a knowing look at Eden. She knew when to take her leave, to give credit to her. “I’ll catch up with you later, Thomas, yeah? Gotta go track down my himbo partner to make sure he doesn’t do anything dumb between now and the first challenge.”
Eden nodded, waving his goodbye. Then, once Shiloh had vacated her spot, he slid into it, laying his chin down on the table so he was level with Cas. “Hi,” was all he said at first. “Congrats, by the way, I look forward to jinxing you at some point.” That wasn’t the problem here, but Eden was hoping for even a glimmer of a real smile. He figured that wouldn’t be enough though. “I would ask if you needed me to jinx somebody else for you, but we both know you wouldn’t need me to do that for you. Soooo you wanna talk about it?” He asked. It was a genuine question, not a demand. Eden and Cas had had enough deep and difficult conversations throughout their friendship to know that they could say no to one when they needed, and that the other would always be there when they were ready to talk.
Tig didn’t miss Haylen’s glance toward the teacher’s table, and one of a handful of teachers still hanging around. Specifically, Coach Webb. She returned Haylen’s smile with a double thumbs up and a grin of her own, before turning back to Professor Vasco. Tig noticed that the third member of their trio seemed conspicuously absent. When the teachers were socialising, it was always Coach Webb, Professor Vasco, and Professor Mitchell. They seemed to come as a set, and given what Jessie had told them, that made sense. Perhaps Professor Mitchell had left early or to go attend to something, but still, Tig thought his absence was… unusual.
When she turned back to Haylen, though, she wore her usual chaotic grin. “Gotten over the embarrassment of realising that she knew you as an ickle baby, then?” She asked, reaching out and ruffling their hair. “C’mon, I want to go make sure that my housemates aren’t causing too much trouble without me.” She added, wrapping an arm around their shoulder and dragging them towards the Slytherin table. Once there, she sat down beside Cas. “Aw, Cas, darling, you upset I got paired with the wrong Chambers sibling?” She asked, before realising that the mood probably wasn’t one for jokes. What she could see of Cas’ face wore their serious face.
Eden looked up at Haylen, smiling at him. “Congratulations. You two are gonna be one hell of a team, you know that?” He said.
“I mean, our priority is being chaotic and iconic and being remembered for all the wrong reasons. But yes, we will be a hell of a team on that front,” Antigone retorted. Eden grinned and rolled their eyes, but their attention moved swiftly back to Haylen, even if they didn’t realise it. Antigone rolled her own eyes and bumped her shoulder against Cas’ gently to reassure them. “You and your co-captain are going to be the real ones to beat,” she said genuinely and softly. “You’re gonna do great, you know that? And hey, worst comes to worst, you can join me and your twin in our mission to just cause chaos.”
“Not taking offence to that at all,” Eden added.
“You’re welcome to join us too, Thomas. Although I’ll probably just leave you and the other Chambers to it,” she retorted. “I really don’t feel like third wheeling those two,” she whispered to Cas.
Nova had many, many talents. One she had honed in her family’s London townhouse as a child and perfected in her early years at Hogwarts, in those hellish, lonely years, was hiding. It went beyond just being able to find the best spots; she seemed to almost have an innate talent to blend in with the shadows and disappear. So when she found an alcove with the right amount of shadows and a comfortable bench, that was where she curled up. The Ravenclaw common room was comfortable, but there would be too many people there. The Room of Requirement was too far away. So this would do. Just until she got her breath back. Just until the world stopped being so goddamn loud. Just until she couldn’t hear those snarky comments, those mean, cruel words. Her chest hurt from sobbing, her whole body hurt from trying to hold herself together, but she just needed a minute. Just a minute.
What she didn’t consider, though, was that there were a handful of people who knew her hiding tricks and some of her hiding spots. When she heard Jessie’s voice, the sobs started all over again, but this time with something like relief that out of everyone to find her, it had been Jessie. Nova wanted to laugh a little at her joke, but couldn’t quite manage it. At Jessie’s request for her to scooch over, she did as requested, but almost immediately leaned back into her friend for the grounding physical contact. Her reassurance just served to earn another flood of tears, and a huge sniff.
Jessie’s joke about potentially being there all night if she made her guess made Nova smile a little, but then trying to put what she was feeling into words wiped it from her face all over again. But it was Jessie. She could talk to Jessie, she wanted to talk to Jessie. Even if it wasn’t easy. “I don’t think I’m good enough for the tournament. I just put my name in because everyone else was and it looked fun but… I’m gonna let my house down, I’m going to let Cas down, I’m going to let everyone down.” She took in a shuddering breath, trying to keep her words intact and stop herself from breaking into a sob again.
“I know I’m… I’m good in class and I’m good in duelling club but… that’s different. I know what to do there. But these challenges, they’re unpredictable, they’re different, I’m gonna freeze up and not be able to do anything. And then there’s gonna be a freaking… a freaking dragon or something coming at me and I’m not going to be able to do anything about it, because I’ve frozen up. I know even the other Ravenclaws think I was a bad choice.” She tried another deep breath, but they felt less and less effective. “I just don’t want to let anybody down.”
Saracen_Rue
Pure of Heart, Dumb of Ass
Jessie Carter - Slytherin - #53966E - & - Haylen Chambers - Gryffindor - #691307 - & Cas Chambers - Hufflepuff - #BF9C41
Haylen couldn't help the small awkward expression that scrawled across his face as Antigone had brought up that topic once again, "I thought we decided to not talk about that, Tig-" they grumbled, pouting slightly. Giving their friend a small nod as Haylen was pulled to their feet once more and brought over to the Slytherin table. Except now there was one less face amongst the group, and the longer Haylen looked around, there was actually two. Where had Jessie and Nova gone, he wondered? However thought, that curiosity didn't very long, as Haylen had taken note of the rather off expression their twin bore on their face, it wasn't like Cas to look so upset. And Haylen knew that when Cas out of all people was visibly upset? It must have been something truly awful, or something so specific to hit a very sensitive nerve. Either case Haylen wasn't happy about, and would have been all too happy to have some choice words with someone at the very least, or throw a few punches if it really came down to it. No one dared mess with Haylen's family, especially Cas. Not unless someone was truly that ignorant, which may have been the case.
Cas had remained silent for what felt like forever, and that may very well could have been the case. Their eyes anchored down on the table, not budging to look up once they heard the all too familiar voice of their friend. Nor even when Shiloh had given Cas a small pat on their shoulder when she left. It seemed like Cas was suddenly in their own little world for the time being. at least it was until they let lout a labored sigh. Slowly lifting their head up as more voices approached, Cas didn't even have to look at who the two other who had made their way over to the group. Sitting down next to Cas on either side. As nearly everyone else had already either vacated the Great Hall, or had moved off somewhere else.
Cas slowly looked around the table, taking in all the genuinely concerned expressions that all their friends bore. Cas sat back as they let out a drawn out sigh, dragging their hand across their face and took a deep breath, "I'm just tired of people thinking it's okay, or even funny to make digs at others." they finally blurted out, "Especially when the person someone is making fun of is ten times better of a witch than they'd ever be." they shook their head, their hands placed on their lap. Without even having to look Cas knew their knuckles were starting to turn white from how hard they dug their nails into the bench. That was going to leave a mark, oops...
Haylen tilted their head, "What happened, Cas?" they scooted over ever so slightly to get closer to them, attempting to keep their voice low enough, "Need me to hex someone for ya? I think we might already have a few others ready to help out with that, anyway." they gave a small grin, trying their best in the moment.
"Just some assholes in Ravenclaw." they started, looking down again, "They made some stupid comments aimed towards Nova and, if I wasn't just put into the tournament, I would have hexed them without a second thought." they peered around the table finally, "But instead I'm just going to prove why me and Nova are gonna be a real threat in the Tournament, not a reason to laugh at."
Haylen couldn't help the small smile that formed on their lips, "Show 'em why they didn't get picked. You and Nova are gonna do grand, I can already tell. You both work well together, and frankly? Little intimidated." he chuckled.
Cas couldn't help the small grin that finally formed on their face, their mood beginning to lighten up finally, "We're all gonna do great, alright?" they declared, "It's just a damn tournament, and no matter what, we're not gonna let it tear us apart. We're teams for a reason, but that doesn't mean we're gonna sabotage each other either." they looked around, "We're gonna do our families, and our school proud."
Jessie silently listened as Nova had finally found the words after a few moments, the two could be here all night if it came down to it. Jessie had no place to be, and even then none of it was as important as being for her friend in this moment was. Everything else could wait, this couldn't. Jessie remained silent all the while Nova spoke, lamenting on actually being picked, and how she would only end up letting everyone down in the end. Jessie remained silent for a few more moments before she let out a small chuckle. Turning a bit to get a proper look at her friend as she finally began to speak, "Are we talking about the same Nova Morrison, right now?" both of her brows were furrowed together tightly. As if Nova had just said the most outlandish thing she had ever heard.
"Because a failure and letting everyone down isn't what comes to mind when I think about you, Nova." she stated plainly, but still held a sense of seriousness in her voice as she spoke. She needed her friend to truly understand just how serious this was. "You are one of the smartest witches I have ever met, if not the smartest. I remember when I first met you that I was genuinely intimidated by you at first. You knew spells that I didn't even know about, and even now you still amaze me. You don't give yourself enough credit, Nova." she shook her head, "Hell, I can probably guarentee you that our friends all put their names in as jokes, nothing more. I know that Cas and Hayl did it soly on a dare. Hell, I can already see it now with Hayl hitting himself with a backfired spell or even just fumbling over their own two feet." she ended with a genuine chuckle. "I know that I'm personally scared shitless about this whole thing. You all have your own amazing skills and abilities. We're all gonna have our time to shine, and I know for a fact more are gonna have far more fumbles than others. I put ten Galleons on Haylen face planting in the First Task, and we don't even know what it's gonna be. I know I'm probably going to mess up or freeze up at some point. The Tournament is known for being dangerous, but it's still just an overzelous game, if you think about it." Jessie gave a small shrug of her shoulders, it was true though. The whole idea of a Tournament was for glory as a Champion, yes, but it was also just one big game in the end. The consequences weren't everlasting, and it would only give them all endless stories to always bring up in the future. Nothing more, nothing less. And if one of them did happen to win? Well, that would only be a bonus in the end.
Jessie turned to look at Nova once again, tilting her head to the side, "You're not gonna let anyone down, we're all gonna be cheering each other on every step of the way, and all that matters is if we have fun while doing it." with raised eyebrows, "And I don't think it hurts that you'll have a pretty face of a team mate to keep you focused, anyway-" Jessie scooted over quickly, knowing what was more than likely about to happen next after such a comment like that.
partially-stars
mostly void
eden and nova and antigone
#8E6C88 and #246A73 and #785964
The fact that her jokes and smart ass comments got exactly zero response out of Cas was enough to concern Tig. This was clearly something big. It took them a while to speak, but when they did, Tig was able to put the pieces together somewhat quickly. A glance at Eden told her that he’d made the same dedication she had. Cas confirmed it anyway with their explanation. Tig managed a sneaky look around and saw a self-satisfied smirk on the face of the Ravenclaw captain.
“We can’t jinx her, understood. Can’t jeopardise our places in the tournament. Buuuuut…” she leaned around Cas ever so slightly to give her twin a knowing grin. “Sure would be a shame if she got very publicly outmatched by the Slytherin Chasers… or if a stray Bludger from a Gryffindor Beater happened to collide with her,” she mused. She’d never liked Williams anyway. It was a shame, really, because the majority of the Ravenclaw team were all pretty cool people. The only reason Williams had gotten captain was because she would have been so insufferable if she hadn’t, and the team didn’t really need a super strong leader anyway. Still, Tig would have paid good money to see her and Coach Vasco facing off.
“Or, you know, both,” Eden added, their own grin alight with mischief. “But you’re right. It’s just gonna be a bit of fun. I’m not gonna go easy on any of you, but I’m also not going to be a dick about it.”
“I’d just like to interject and add that if I ever do anything that makes my family proud, you should presume I’m under the Imperio curse. My sole goal is to live a life that would give my grandmother a stroke,” Tig added. “But amen to everything else. You’re all welcome to join in on my and Haylen’s reign of terror and chaos if you want.” Eden laughed and shook their head.
“You were really serious about that?” They asked, and Tig shrugged.
“Oh 100%. I don’t want fame or fortune or glory. Like I said, my goal in life is to piss off as much of my family as possible. I think participating in the tournament in the most chaotic way possible is a good way of achieving that.”
“Okay, so, Tig aside, we’re all in agreement with dear old Cas here. Our priority is to do ourselves, each other, our families, and our school proud. That’s all that matters. And if a certain Ravenclaw dickhead gets a Bludger or a Quaffle to the face along the way, all the better,” Eden concluded.
Jessie’s chuckle was enough to startle Nova back down to earth. She looked at her friend quizzically; until Jessie began to speak. Jessie always knew what to say. The memory of when they first met, and how Jessie was somehow intimidated by the tiny first year who only wanted to make friends. Jessie was one of the first friends that Nova had made, and one of very few who had stuck with her through it all. That intimidating first impression didn’t seem to last that long for anyone, and for once, Nova was glad that it hadn’t.
Everything Jessie said made sense. They were all dumb kids. All of them had put their name into the cup for the same reasons; bets, curiosity, jokes, dares. The comment about Hayl hitting himself with a spell or just falling over managed to make her laugh a little, even as she sniffed and wiped her face again. The tears had actually stopped now, a combination of Jessie’s words and her grounding presence. Jessie was scared too. It didn’t take away Nova’s own anxiety over the whole thing, but it was nice to know that she wasn’t the only person feeling that way.
She had just taken a deep breath to fully ground herself and reply to what Jessie had said, when her friend managed to sneak in a dig at Nova. “Hey!” She retorted, swinging an arm out to lightly slap Jessie, but her friend knew her well enough to know what was about to happen and darted out of the way. Nova didn’t mind that much though. Jessie was the only one who Nova had actually admitted to having a teensy bit of a crush on Cas to, and she was sworn to secrecy on it. She was also the only person who could get away with such a comment.
“You’re right. About… about everything, and yes, including that last bit,” She replied, laughing at herself. “We’re not those scared first years any more, huh, Jess?” They’d both been through so much in that time, and they’d pulled through it all. Perhaps the tournament would be a cakewalk in comparison. “I’m pretty sure my dad’s gonna show up to all of the events. Even if the parents aren’t allowed, he’ll show up anyway with banners with all of our faces on it,” she mused. She was only half joking about it; that man could talk his way into just about anywhere, including Hogwarts. The thought of him waving a ridiculously large banner suddenly made everything feel far less scary. “Yeah. We’ll be okay,” she concluded, scooting back over beside Jessie to bump her shoulder against her friend’s. “Thanks for always looking out for me.”
Saracen_Rue
Pure of Heart, Dumb of Ass
Jessie Carter - Slytherin - #53966E - & - Haylen Chambers - Gryffindor - #691307 - & Cas Chambers - Hufflepuff - #BF9C41
There truly was no way of Cas being able to remain being upset with friends like this, they always just managed to somehow cheer them up just when they needed it. Never once did their shared chaos fail to pick them up whenever they got kicked down. Even if by their own making. Cas really did appreciate their friend's efforts, even if they weren't always the right call to make. A small chuckle and grin formed on their face as Cas finally shook their head, "You're terrible, you're all very fucking terrible." they echoed, that same darn grin plastered on their face again. Cas glanced around their friends, "But if I may make one suggestion?" they glanced around the room before looking back at their friends, leaning across the table, hands folded, "It would be a shame if those were specifically face shots." they said with a small shrug, before leaning back.
Haylen's eyes widened a bit at their twin's words, "Well that doesn't sound very Hufflepuff of you, Cas. Sure you weren't put into the wrong house after all?" Haylen playfully chided.
Cas rolled their eyes, "Oh I'm certain." they gave a reassuring nod, "She needs being taken down a peg or two, and a bruised eye would do it. You know how she is about her looks." they rolled their eyes once again, somehow Slytherin got the reputation for being the most vain and self absorbed, but Cas could count more than just once or twice on both hands with how self absorbed some of the members of Ravenclaw were, especially those that hung around Maeve Williams and her damned lot. If anyone were to be stereotypical snobbish rich kids? That would be them. It truly was a shame though, because Cas knew that Maeva was a half decent witch, and she wasn't always such a pain in the ass, but recently? Something changed, drastically. And they didn't know why. None of it was their concern anymore, especially after their recent breakup. But Cas just couldn't help but wonder what happened, it was far too ingrained in them to care, even when they shouldn't have.
"Okay, so we go for a couple accidental headshots? Shouldn't be too hard, considering she's Ravenclaw's Keeper and all that. Next matches, I'll bring my A-Game." Haylen gave a resalute nod. They remembered how much it had all effected Cas, and no one messed with their twin, especially not breaking their heart like Williams had done. And considering Haylen never truly was a fan of her to begin with? All of this only gave Haylen more reason to be spiteful.
Jessie couldn't help but relish in the final admittance that Nova gave, she knew her friend too well by this point. Nearly seven years, spending almost every day together, holidays and occasional trips over the years? The Morrisons had become like a second family to Jessie, outside of all of her own cousins and everything, and Merlin knows there was far too many of them. Jessie always liked Nova's parents, they were brilliant with their skills in magic and knowledge. Besides they were also in the Ministry of Magic, like most of Jessie's own family. But, the loss of Nova's mother had been a tragic loss to everyone, especially Nova. Jessie remebered the day the news of her passing hit them all it. All of their friends were there for her, and still were. Especially now. They had been through so much together, and they were still only just children.
"Oh I know I'm right." she playfully retorted, gently bumping her own shoulder against Nova's this time, an equally playful grin on her face as she spoke. "We'll be alright, Nova. We've come this far, not to just only come this far, ya know?" she tilted her head she spoke, "Besides, we gotta make a point in this tournament, while looking absolutely fabulous while doing so." she chuckled, "Oh your dad's going to embaress all of us, I can already sense it." she joked, finally getting to her feet, offering her hand out to Nova. "Least your dad will be there to cheer us all on, pretty sure my mum and dad are going to be busy with work, they can never seem to get out of it." she forced a chuckle, Jessie knew all too well why that was the case, but it was better to just joke about the whole thing. Keep it lighthearted. "Now...How about we go and find our knuckleheads of friends, huh? We can't let them plot without us already."
partially-stars
mostly void
eden and nova and antigone
#8E6C88 and #246A73 and #785964
It was a few days before they got the details of the first task, and even then, details were sparse. Every champion would face a challenge independently. The results of the two champions within the team would be added together to give their final score. That was it. They weren’t being given any more information so they’d be approaching the task blind and could be assessed on their ability to assess and respond to unknown circumstances.
Eden wasn’t particularly worried about the task. It was assessing their ability to think on their feet; and it wasn’t like it was something they could practice. So they did what they always did. Went to class, played Quidditch, went to Duelling Club, and tried to squeeze in their homework in between. They didn’t see the point in stressing out about it. It was a bit of fun, a potential achievement for those who would struggle in their exams. It wasn’t life or death.
Still, there was that quiver of nerves in their stomach as they headed down to the arena on the morning of the first task. Or was it excitement? Perhaps it was both. Yeah, it was likely both. They’d decided that that day, they would wear their hair the same silver as their competition robes, with green eyeliner to match. They may not have known what they were going to face that day, but they’d be damned if they weren’t going to look good doing it. The champions had a tent of their own to prepare in, and it was already pretty full by the time they got there. But as they looked around, they also were far from the last. Nova was there, predictably, her mane of curls tied up out of her face, the sleeves of her robes tied as always just above her elbow. And she looked… confident. Or, well, as confident as she ever looked. Eden knew she’d been nervous. After all, she was showing off her skills in front of pretty much every single person who’d ever made fun of her. But, so were they. They were in it together. And Eden knew that none of their friends, them included, would tolerate anyone talking shit to or about Nova. They nodded at her, and she nodded back. She knew that too.
Tig was one of the last to arrive, strolling in like she owned the place. She was nailing the look of not having tried too hard, and Eden knew that it meant that she’d actually put in a not inconsiderable amount of effort into looking like that. But they weren’t worried about her. She looked one of the most at ease in the whole tent. That wasn’t surprising. After all the shit she’d been through, this had to seem like a cake walk, especially when she didn’t give a shit about winning. She wasn’t the type to claim she didn’t care when she really did. If she did care, she’d say and acknowledge as much. So when she said she just wanted to be remembered for being chaotic, then she meant as much. And Eden really, really respected that.
Finally, all of the Champions were assembled. Professor Raywood entered the tent, holding a small velvet bag. “Champions. Welcome. Today, you will face the first challenge of many. You were left in the dark as to allow us to assess your ability to think on your feet and demonstrate how you resolve a problem without any prior preparation. So. You will all face a magical creature. Every single one of them will present their own challenges, and will present problems to be resolved in different ways. You must retrieve a treasure from the creature. Points will be awarded for the quickest and most inventive methods of retrieval.”
And then, one by one, they all reached into the bag. Eden’s hand closed around a figurine of a gorgeous, colour changing bird, with three pairs of wings. He didn’t recognise it. Still, it was a bird, surely that would be easy enough to work around, right? Antigone drew out a figurine of a cat-like creature. She studied it for a second, before raising an eyebrow and smiling to herself. And then, there was a collective gasp out of the room. Nova had just made her selection. And when Eden looked over and saw what she had chosen, he had to fight back the urge to gasp himself. Because she was holding a miniature dragon. Eden’s bird was looking more and more favourable by the moment.
They went in the order that they had been drawn from the cup. For the most part, it was silence in the tent as the numbers dwindled as, champion by champion, they went out to face their creature. Eden hugged Jessie before she went out to wish her look, but he didn’t doubt for one minute that he’d do brilliantly. She was a brilliant witch, after all.
And then, the cannon fired, and Eden was faced with the reality that he was up next. He studied the moving figurine in his hand. It was a beautiful creature, really. Vicious and protective, probably, but he was almost as quick and agile on his feet as he was on a broom, so he’d be-
Without warning, a fork of lightning shot out from the bird towards Eden’s hand. He dropped it and launched to his feet in shock, earning looks from everyone around him. Instinctively, he looked at Nova. “Can this thing shoot lightning?” He asked. She was biting her lip to hold back a laugh.
“It’s called a Thunderbird,” she responded, the laugh still barely constrained.
“I just thought it was a pretty bird!” He exclaimed. And before he could think on that any further, the cannon sounded again. His time was up. He had to go out and face this thing. Somebody appeared at the entrance of the tent to escort him out. They held him in a tunnel for a while as they made the switch over between creatures. And then, the door opened, and Eden stepped out into the arena.
In person, and in its full size, the Thunderbird was more beautiful than anticipated. It was almost iridescent, its feathers shifting colours in the light. The irony of Eden, a metamorphmagus, facing off against a colour-changing bird, was not lost on them. Birds. Magical birds. What did they know about them? Not much. All they could think of was to avoid whatever metal was in the arena so they didn’t get fried alive. When the cannon went, it startled the bird, which flapped its three pairs of wings, causing thunder to rumble ominously overhead. But it didn’t take flight, and it didn’t cause lightning to strike. And then Eden had what was possibly the most preposterous idea they’d ever had. They weren’t sure that it would work, but it was worth a try. They pulled off their cloak, and turned it inside out so the silver lining was on the outside. “Engorgio,” they said, allowing the cloak to grow until it was almost twice the size it usually was. And then they pulled it back on. It looked ridiculous, but they hoped it might have the intended effect. Carefully, slowly, watching the bird to see how it would react, they made their way through the uneven terrain of the arena. When the Thunderbird spotted them and made a squawk, Eden did their best to mimic the squawk. The poorly mimicked squawk and the silver cloak flying out behind them seemed to do the trick. The bird looked at them, cocked its head, and made another noise, this one more inquisitive. Eden mimicked that sound, their movements becoming all the bolder as they moved towards the bird. They couldn’t believe that pretending to be some sort of Thunderbird was working. Until it didn’t. They got too close and moved too quickly, and the bird shrieked. Eden stopped trying to move somewhat slowly and casually and instead made a bolt for the golden crown they could now see below the bird. Maybe now the bird would take off and let them grab it?
Sure enough, the bird took flight. Except as it lifted off, it grasped the crown with its claws… which also snagged on Eden’s enlarged cape. Enlarged though it was, it wasn’t strengthened. It wasn’t going to hold for long, and Eden was now several hundred feet in the air. They glanced down and immediately regretted it. They’d taken tumbles from brooms before, but this was going to be a whole other level of painful. They glanced back up; and realised that the crown was within arms’ reach. They couldn’t move too much for fear of ripping their cloak even more. They reached out as much as they could without moving, and their fingers just brushed the cold metal of the crown, but not enough to grasp it. They took a deep breath, and reached forward a little. A little more, a little more… At one point, they reached too far, thought they were about to fall, and leaned back for a breather. But being slow about this wasn’t working. They’d need to just… just do it. So they swung forward, and grasped the crown.
A few things happened in quick succession. His hand wrapped around the crown. The bird let out a cry. And the telltale sound of fabric ripping cut through his momentary delight. He plummeted towards the ground. With only seconds to think, he pointed at his cloak. “REPARO!” He screamed over the howling winds. And to his shock, the spell worked, and the plan worked. His cloak billowed out almost like a parachute, slowing his momentum somewhat. Not quite enough, though. Just enough to think. “ARRESTO MOMENTUM!” And he slowed even further.
Still, when he hit the ground, it hurt. A lot. And it winded him too. The crowd fell silent for a moment, until Eden struggled to sit up and held the crown up in the air. And despite the pain and how much it hurt to do so, he laughed in relief and triumph. He had to be stretchered off to check for injuries, but a huge smile lit up his face anyway. He’d done it. And, arguably, he’d done it in style.
Back in the tent, Nova was silent, staring into space. But not with anxiety or overwhelm, like she usually did. She was thinking, plotting. Care of Magical Creatures didn’t cover dragons. Something about how they would never be caring for dragons, and if they ever did, then they’d get specialised training at that point. But, well, Nova had never been happy with bullshit answers like that. She’d done her own research into them. And she’d spent plenty of time in the ministry, hearing discussions around escaped dragons and how to manage the fallout from them. And, most importantly, how to avoid getting eaten by them. When the time came to step out onto the arena, she didn’t have a plan. She also knew she didn’t need one. Dragons were unpredictable creatures. A game plan could have to be changed in a single second. She’d roll with whatever the creature threw at her.
The moment the Hungarian Horntail saw her, it was pissed. Nova couldn’t blame it, having been cooped up for that long. It was, of course, unfortunate for her, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t have a little empathy. When the canon went, the dragon roared, and Nova began to run. Specifically, she ran towards the dragon. Every single part of her body screamed at her not to, to turn and run as far away as she could. But she knew what she was doing. She knew what to do. A well timed Protego charm meant that the dragon’s fire poured all around her, but didn’t set her alight. Still, she could feel the heat from it, and for a moment, it hit her exactly what she was doing. But she wasn’t going to overthink it.
There was no point in fighting a dragon. She was tiny, it was huge and could swallow her whole. She’d heard of techniques that previous champions had used, especially in the Triwizard Tournaments, and was running through them all. She could charm it into being less of a threat, but dragons could be pretty resistant to magic. She could try and protect herself, but if things went wrong, she’d be in severe danger almost immediately. They had the dragon chained to the ground, a thick, heavy chain that wouldn’t break. It was also short. And a plan appeared in Nova’s head. She darted out from behind the rock she’d taken a breather behind, holding up her wand to produce a shower of gold sparks. The dragon looked at her and roared again. And Nova turned and ran. Predictably, the dragon followed her. She stayed running anyway, casting charms to protect herself when necessary, enlarging some of the obstacles as she passed, and producing more sparks to make sure the dragon followed her every now and again.
She was growing exhausted from running and was beginning to wonder if she needed to rethink her plan, if the chain had been longer than she’d anticipated. And then it happened. The dragon was abruptly dragged back by the chain. Nova had led it on a chase all the way around the arena, around the terrain and the obstacles that she’d been enlarging as she’d run. And the chain had gotten caught around enough of them that the dragon was stuck, almost at the other end of the arena to the treasure. Nova didn’t take time to enjoy her success. The adrenaline of being so close to the end helped her to surge forward and stay moving. Sprinting across the rugged landscape, she finally made it to where the crown sat atop a clutch of eggs. Nova seized the crown and held it aloft in the air, her look of determination replaced with a beaming smile. She’d done it. She’d actually done it. She was out of breath and probably going to feel the running and the climbing tomorrow, but she’d done it. And she hadn’t frozen up.
Back in the champions tent, it was just Antigone and Hayl. And now that it was just the two of them, Tig could get to work. The school had kindly put out snacks for the champions, but most of them had gone untouched. Until now. She’d waited until then in case any of the champions did actually want to eat, and, well, also to not give away her plan. Tig began piling food into her pockets, as much as she could. When her pockets were full, she gathered the rest into her arms. Matagots were an unusual choice, really, given they were generally pretty chill. Tig was presuming that they were going to piss them off before she went out so they’d be a bit more ferocious. But they were just big cats. And cats liked food. “Good luck, Hayl. Give em hell,” she said with a wink before heading out to the arena.
A ripple of laughter spread through the crowd as they saw Tig approaching with an armful of food. Sure enough, the Matagots were pissed. They snarled the minute they saw her approaching, the sight and the smell of the food not enough to entice them. She assumed that they’d calm down once they caught the smell of the food. They didn’t seem to be calming down. Maybe she wasn't close enough? So she sauntered forward, aware of how ridiculous she had to look and enjoying every single moment of it.
“Bonjour, mes amis!” She called. They looked at her. They snarled again. “J’ai la norriture!” God, her grandmother would be appalled at her French. She was pretty sure that sentence was wrong, and she wasn’t even trying with her accent. It was just french words, said in her thick, Irish accent. The Matagots clearly didn’t appreciate that. One of them pounced at her and knocked her clean off her feet, causing her to drop the food. “Merde!” She hit the ground with rather significant force, and felt the cat’s claws dig into her shoulder to keep her pinned down.
The cat on top of her was almost unnaturally heavy, and it was snarling at her. It had shown absolutely zero interest in the food. She couldn’t use any jinxes on it, because that would only make her problem worse. What else could she do? Matagots were still just giant cats, right? So maybe… it was a long shot, but everything she’d done had been something of a long shot.
So she looked the cat in the eye, and gave a long, slow blink. The snarl seemed to lessen at that. So she did it again. And again. The matagot wasn’t moving, but it seemed a little less angry at her. Her hand could just about reach one of the sandwiches she’d dropped. Slow blinking at the cat all the time, she reached for the sandwich. It let her, despite having its paw on her shoulder and knowing she was moving. The sandwich in hand, she held it out to the cat. “Je suis desolée,” she said quietly to the creature. It sniffed the sandwich, and wolfed it down whole. It then looked at her almost quizzically. “Oh, you want another one?” She asked with a laugh. Carefully, she slid back so she could reach her pocket. The matagot let her. She fished another sandwich out and gave it to the creature. The other creatures were curious now, having noticed that there was food on offer. One was feasting on the food she’d dropped, while the other wanted food directly from her. Reaching into her pockets, she fed both matagots until they were calm. To her surprise, they actually turned into black cats, a sign that she’d truly pleased them. “Merci beaucoup, mes amis,” she said, before striding up to where the treasure was and taking the crown. She placed it atop her head and bowed deeply, the applause sounding far too sweet to her ears. Appropriately chaotic, she thought.
