“My Ma an’ me live with my Auntie Ester in London. My Ma’s from there. Been here a while, I guess.” Jack answers, making a bit of a face. He wasn’t entirely sure what to think of his experience so far… may this being a wizard bit wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. With Vashti’s shout, Jack turns his gaze to her, arching a brow a bit. “It’s a chocolate frog… they move around. The lady at the store I my Ma bough ‘em at said they were really popular.”
“Shut up, it just surprised me,” snaps Vashti as she opens the box once more, extracting the chocolate and biting off the frog’s legs. That will take care of that.
Looking over the gaggle of students as each disembarks from the train Phoebe Helit straightens clearing her throat before speaking… perhaps a bit louder than is necessary. “All right everyone quiet! I am Professor Helit and it is a pleasure to make your acquaintances. For our new students, let me take this moment to say welcome to our school.” “For those of you returning to us let me say welcome back.” She gives the students a moment to get over there general excitement before moving on. “Now I want all second years and above to board the carriages.” She looks around amongst the crowd a moment before continuing. “All first years gather around me. No, don’t worry, your luggage will be taken to the castle for you.” Phoebe casts a glare at a particularly small student “And no pushing! I want everyone at hand, it wouldn’t do for me to lose any of you.” She stands patiently waiting to see that all the little first years are in order before continui
ng on.
Looking up, Adelaide hears the summons of the first years, and not wanting to be late, hurries to catch up with the others, her plait and robes gently blowing behind her with the movement as she heads towards the Professor.
Melissa hurries after her cousin after the first years are summoned.
Dolly Faeden tries to keep up a conversation with Chester as they disembark, but soon enough is lost in the crowd. Oh well.
“…isn’t it, then there’s something wrong with the train,” Gilroy concludes as he follows Mariska and Teddy outside, a few chocolate beans trailing after him. As soon as Professor Helit begins to speak, though, Gilroy presses two fingers against his lips, precaution against further unwanted speech. He leaves them in position as he bustles his way into the proper line.
Christopher Hobbs disembarks from the train and peers around into the darkness, gulping nervously at the ominous atmosphere of the platform. Toby, his pet owl, hoots quietly in his cage. As Professor Helit begins to talk, he gulps again and nods at her instructions, wide-eyed but excited for the Sorting ceremony.
Wonderingly glancing around, Adrian is amazed at the surroundings. The fall landscape is amazingly beautiful, colors are EVERYWHERE. Adrian bids goodbye to his former compartment mates, as they enter the carriages. As Professor Helit gives the announcement for the first years, he crowds close, hoping his owl and luggage get back safely. He finds Adelaide and edges closer to her, a bit intimidated by everything.
Mariska Moore bounds off the train, looking around to see where Gil is located. “C’mon,” she gives, again, before stopping to hear the Proffesors words. She quickly settles herself so that she can hear the professor better than before, waiting for further instruction.
Adelaide Adams emit Adelaide shoots her cousin and friend reassuring smiles, “No worries, we’re all in this together!”
Stepping off the train, Chester glances around at all the students, and this time he spots his friends. “Oy!” he calls as he trots up to the other third years and the group of them head into the carriages.
Silas follows the throng of young students toward the teacher. What is so special that only the first years do that everyone else doesn’t?
Glancing sidelong at Hannah, Vashti makes a point of ignoring Seraphina as she walks towards Phoebe’s side. “Yeah, I can think of one person I’d like to get lost,” comments Vashti to Hannah, eyeing Sera out of the corner of her eye. Stupid girl, thinking she was so much better than everyone else. Vashti would show her. Looking around, Vashti catches a glimpse of Jezebel, their other cousin, but is also not speaking to her. It doesn’t occur to Vashti that she’s at odds with quite a few people right now. She crosses her arms and looks to the professor, awaiting instructions.
Teddy de Alquimia straightens his robe as he exits the trains, and stays close to Gilroy and Mariska. There’s a brief look around for Sophie, but with the number of people about, she’s hard to spot. He opens his mouth to worry about his owl, despite the Professor’s assurances, but spies’s Gilroy’s motion for silence and thinks better of it, instead moving toward Phoebe.
Seker Rathe disembarks from the Hogwarts Express, supplies in tow.
Shoving the last of his box of chocolate frogs in to his pockets, Jack disembarks the train with a slightly distasteful expression lingering on his features. He makes his way to the line forming in front of Professor Helit, looking darn glad to have some differant company.
(Gryffindor) Tordek says, “Hey Briony, so how was your summer?”
(Gryffindor) Tordek says, “Oh wow this is the year I take OWLs isn’t it.”
(Gryffindor) “Erm, it was fine,” Briony answers vaguely, glancing only briefly to the fifth year as she takes her seat, waving enthusiastically to her friends at other tables, including an obligatory wave to both of her siblings at the Hufflepuff table. “OWLs aren’t bad, you’ll see,” she tosses at him vaguely.
(Gryffindor) Tordek says, “Yeah I guess your right I just am nervous.”
(Gryffindor) Tordek says, “I am so excited”
The southern doors to the Great Hall are flung wide open. They fly outward, ready to crash into the wall, only to stop suddenly just before impact. Through this opening strides Professor Gerald Rathe, with an untidy line of first-year students following behind. Although he travels at what is for him a casual saunter, him long legs still eat up the distance rapidly. Arriving at the front of the room, he is forced to pause for a moment to make sure that the first years catch up, and indicates to them that they should stand in a line behind him.
Christopher Hobbs blinks as he enters the large hall, wide eyes greedily taking in all of the details of the room. A broad but nervous grin stretches across his face as he walks in line after Professor Rathe.
Gilroy Hollister trails Professor Rathe into the Hall, grey eyes making a wide sweep of the faces assembled before being pulled in by the ceiling. He speaks a vague syllable before remembering to stay silent, and instead nudges Mariska and points upward at the artificial night sky.
The heat, light and sound almost bowls Adelaide over, thanks to the long train journey and dark boat ride. As the doors open, she shuffles along with her fellow first years, putting on a face of not a care in the world, even though she knows that everyone in the hall is going to be looking at them. It’s not at all what she expected, but her brother had warned her that the sorting is different for everyone, and as undescribable for each.
Silas follows Professor Rathe into the Great Hall and gapes at the sight. He didn’t know what to expect, but he sure hadn’t expected such an extravagant sight! This was even more impressive than the banquet hall at Vicaris Hall! So many people… watching them get sorted. Silas tries to steel his nerves, but finds such a task hard to do here.
Walking into the great hall with the rest of the unsorted students Tommy‘s eyes immediatly look up to the enchanted roof and the first words out of his mouth are “Wow! Look at that.” And then they move to take in the rest of the hall, wide with wonder and a grin scrawled over his face.
Mariska Moore enters the great hall with the other unsorted students. A quick look around reveals the rest of the student body. With a slight gulp she looks to either side, finding Gilroy to one she grins and remains silent. At Gil’s nuding Mariska looks up, and her eyes widen more than they were before, if that’s possible.
A dark skinned, curly-haired boy of eleven moves along after Gerald with his head held steady and his shoulders squared back. Theodore de Alquimia is nervous, but other than a paleness to his face, it does not show. He moves with the unconcious grace of someone subjected to many ettiquette lessons, and tries to control his urge to look around. Noticing others looking up, however, he chances a peek. And then stands, entranced. A good thing he is already where he needs to be, or he’d be left gawking at the doors while everyone else followed Gerald.
Her eyes widening as she enters the great hall, Seraphina seems to trail a bit momentarily in the entrance. She tugs on the sleeves of her robes, as if doing so will take the nervousness away and she pauses momentarily. Once she realizes that the group is leaving without her up to the front, she trots along, catching up and then stopping at the front once they get there.
Jack Wexler follows the group in, looking at the hall with slightly wide eyes. He’d quite suddenly wished he’d not given his last chocolate frog to Seraphina on the boats, as his hands were fidgeting in his pockets nervously for something to shove in to his mouth.
Following Gerald into the hall beside her cousin, Vashti looks around the room at the already sorted students. She isn’t really nervous per se, but does want desperately to be sorted. It will complete the experience. It will mean she really belongs and her invitation wasn’t sent to her by accident.
Hannah walks into the Great Hall, dazzled by the impressions that are overwhelming her immediately. All those new faces and the magic in the atmosphere. “What a nice place to be.” she thinks for herself. It’s so beautiful. Intimidating, but beautiful.
Gerald Rathe steps off to the back of the Hall briefly, returning with a shabby old hat in one hand, and a stool in the other. He carries the hat gingerly, as if it were very fragile, and places it softly on the stool at the front of the room. This done, he steps back from the hat the front of the first-year students, and watches. The hat sits still on the stool for a moment, and then with a little jerk, a tear across the brim opens wide like a mouth!
Gilroy Hollister watches the Hat intently as it sings, corners of his lips twitching as he takes in each word as if the Hat were a professor in itself. When the words finish, he taps his fingers together in tentative applause, uncertain on whether or not such accolades are meant to follow the Hat’s recitation.
Leaning over to Hannah with her nose wrinkled, Vashti comments in a whisper, “That has to be the oddest thing I’ve ever seen. A singing hat? What’s next?”
“It talked!” Jack yelps in a thick New York accent, his green eyes wide as they dart to the stool where the old, patchy hat was placed. “That hat just talked! Is it supposed to do that?”
Christopher Hobbs blinks, eyes widened yet again with wonder and amusement. He whistles quietly in awe, but says nothing…yet.
Her heart was beating so fast, that Adelaide gripped her cousin’s hand, “Oh my gosh, oh my gosh…”
Adrian Skye blinks, and can do nothing but stare apprehensively at the talking Hat for a few seconds. “Ade…” he whispers. “They’re letting… a… hat… sort?”
Hannah‘s eyes widen as the hat begins to sing. Of course it’s only another magic thing she never heard of before, but that exactly is what impresses her so much right now. “That thing is going to decide in which house we’ll be in? Oh lordy…”
“Don’t your hats talk?” Tommy teases Jack with a grin before looking back over to the hat itself. The little boy looks quite pleased to even be at Hogwarts let alone to have heard the hat’s song.
“This is it, this is it!” Melissa squeezed Adelaide’s hand excitedly.
Gerald Rathe gives the first years a sharp unapproving glance in response to their chatter.
“Sure, why not?” Silas whispers to Jack, “your chocolate frogs jumped, didn’t they? Why shouldn’t enchanted hats talk?” Silas masks his surprise as well as he can, as it’s not every day one encounters a talking hat.
Stepping up, Gerald Rathe produces a long scroll from within his cloak, and unfurls it. Addressing the first years, he says, “After I read your name, you will put on the hat, sit on the stool to be sorted.” Glancing at the list, he absentmindedly cracks his knuckles in his left hand. “Adams, Adelaide!”
After a long, long wait, the big event was finally here, and Adelaide couldn’t have been more petrified if she tried. Not that she showed it. Inside she was sure her stomach was going to shake all the way down to her feet, and she could barely speak for fear of squeaking with excitement and looking ridiculous. Then, her heart shot up to her throat as she heard the unmistakeable call of her name. With a little mental nudge she walked up to the stool, sitting down on it, hat on head, and shooting everyone who was watching her one of the hugest smiles, because for the next seven years, Hogwarts would be her home.
That was fair point, actually, that Silas had made. Jack couldn’t deny it. Still, he’d have felt better about the whole thing if he could chew on something.
“Thank you.” Adelaide murmurs as her house is called, and her small form darts off the stool, all but flying towards them all, with a cheerful little wave, having regained all of her energy and excitement. “Looks like you’re stuck with me.” She quips.
(Gryffindor) Tordek says, “Welcome!”
(Gryffindor) Adelaide says, “Thank you. I was so nervous!”
Gerald Rathe continues to read down the list, as the Sorting continues. Atwell, Otto gets sorted into Ravenclaw, and after that, Barclay, Kieran goes to Hufflepuff. Looking back to the line of students, Professor Rathe calls on “Brooke, Melissa!”
(Gryffindor) Tordek says, “Well apparently your bravery came out well!”
Upon hearing her name being called, Melissa steps out of the crowd of first years. A huge smile is displayed on her face as she looks around. She is aware of the people watching her, and this makes her slightly nervous. The nervousness is hidden by the excitement she feels. She walks forward to the stool in her usual frolic way, her hair flowing behind her, and she sits down and puts on the hat, excitedly. This is it. The moment.
(Gryffindor) Adelaide says, “The hat wasn’t sure whether I should be a Gryfifndor or a Hufflepuff.”
(Gryffindor) Adelaide Adams turns as she hears a familiar name, “That’s my cousin!”
(Gryffindor) Welcoming the first new arrival of the year, Andy Carver applauds as Adelaide approaches the Gryffindor table. “Welcome, Adelaide!” and then addresses Briony with a smile. “I wonder how many we’ll get this year. What do you think, Bri?”
(Gryffindor) “Obviously you made it here, so good on that!” Briony cheers with a grin. “Although my siblings are both in Hufflepuff, so that wouldn’t have been bad, either. It’s a good house, too.” The young woman nods solemnly as she glances around at those populating the table.
(Gryffindor) Adelaide Adams smiles and nods, “I hope so too.” she grins at Briony, “Glad to be here!”
(Gryffindor) Tordek says, “emit Giving a small smile to Adelaide, Tordek says, ‘Well maybe we will get your cousin also.”
(Gryffindor) Adelaide Adams waits in complete silence, nervous from her own sorting, and on behalf of her cousin.
(Gryffindor) Tordek Kana comforts Adelaide and says ‘No matter what house she is in you will still be able to hang out sometimes.’.
Andrew Cartwright cheers loudly!
The sorting hat shouts her house and Melissa gets up, happily running to her table, nearly tripping as she hurries down the steps. She manages to keep her balance and simply grins as she sits down with her fellow housemates.
(Gryffindor) Adelaide Adams smiles “Oh well. Congratulations Melissa!”
Gerald Rathe continues reading down the list of names, as Elladora Burke is sorted into Ravenclaw, and Ryskim Calborn becomes a Slytherin. Professor Rathe frowns and pauses momentarily before calling, “Darian, Tommy!”
When his name is called Tommy hurries to take the hat and sit himself upon the stool his face alight with pride that he’s finally made it to the school. Placing the hat on his head it sinks over his eyes and ears looking quite comical. His hands fold into his lap neatly and his body shakes in anticipation of what will come next as he waits patiently.
(Gryffindor) Tordek says, “Atleast she wasn’t a Slytherin.”
(Gryffindor) Adelaide Adams nods, “She’ll do really well in Ravenclaw I think.”
(Gryffindor) Tordek Kana goes back to staring intently at Tommy and the sorting hat.
(Gryffindor) Although her own heart is still racing, Adelaide watches her year mates get sorted, willing each of them on.
Hopping from the barstool and removing the hat Tommy excitedly runs to join the Slytherin table nearly tripping in the progress. He happily takes his seat amongst them cheering with the other first years he knew who made it there as well.
(Gryffindor) Adelaide Adams smiles good-naturedly, clapping along with everyone, “Poor Adrian. He’s going to be right at the bottom of the list.”
Gerald Rathe silently watches Tommy take his seat with the Slytherin, and then looks back to his list. He calls on, “de Alquimia, Teddy!”
Teddy de Alquimia has been paying attention to the names called out, but hearing his own is still a surprise. Practiced grace masks his nervousness as he moves up to the stool, and he places the hat upon his head with a tenative smile to the line of Professors at their table. Though the Sorting Hat does not engulf his head, the brim is wide, and those close enough can only see the boy’s mouth pressing together thoughtfully as his time with the Hat progresses.
(Gryffindor) Adelaide says, “You know, I don’t mind what houses everyone’s in. We all had such a laugh coming here. Was it like that for you all?”
(Gryffindor) Tordek says, “Yes, but then most of the people I came with we grew apart as time went on.”
Jack Wexler watches quietly as first year after first year approaches the stool and the brown, heavily patched felt hat that sits on top it. His initial shock has subsided, replaced by a certain curiousity as he notes that several of his would-be classmates have been subjected to the cap and come away safely.
(Gryffindor) Adelaide Adams nods understandingly, “Yea, I guess. I’m not sure we all will though. We already have some private jokes.” she grins optimistically.
(Gryffindor) Laughing Tordek says, ‘I am ready for the feast its been so long since I ate’.
(Gryffindor) Adelaide Adams smirks in agreement, “Yes, well be thankful you weren’t the first years this time. Those boats were so cold!”
Teddy de Alquimia looks more nervous than ever as he removes the Hat and returns it to the stool. With a slight bow–yes, really–at Gerald, he moves out of the way of the next person to be Sorted and toward the appropriate table. Well, here’s hoping it’s the appropriate table. What was that order again?
(Gryffindor) Tordek says, “It was cold my first time also, I remember when I was being sorted the hat wanted me to be in Hufflepuff.”
Shaking his head after Teddy, Gerald Rathe goes back to the task at hand. After the hat sorts Kaiah DeFuenta into Hufflepuff, Gerald continues down the list to call on “Forsyth, Hannah!”
Hannah Forsyth winces, as she gets taken by surprise hearing her name resounding in the vast hall and feeling all the school’s eyes fixed on her. Vashti was in her vicinity all the time during the trip, but now she has to take those last steps alone. What if she ends up alone in one of the four houses, apart from her cousins? “Think positive…” she mutters under her breath, clutching her left arm with her right hand and takes a first step towards the chair. Hesitating for a moment, she looks back to Vashti and Jezebel a last time before marching straight to the front and picking up the Sorting Hat. Hannah turns around, flops onto the stool and puts on the hat harshly, waiting for something to happen.
(Gryffindor) Adelaide says, “If nothing else, we’re a well rounded year so far!”"
(Gryffindor) Tordek says, “Things change as you age don’t forget, some will go on to be great others will dwindle.”
(Gryffindor) Adelaide says, “Really? The same as me then!”
(Gryffindor) Adelaide Adams nods solemnly “True enough.”
Hannah slowly gets up, putting the hat back to its original place on the stool, then leaps towards the Gryffindor table as relief overcomes her. “Hey, I made it!” she greets her new housemates and sits down. Now it’s only about her cousins following her to Gryffindor.
Gerald Rathe reads on, his voice becoming patterned and rhythmic with the repetitious nature of his task. He calls on “Greer, Sophie,” who is sorted into Gryffindor, and then comes to “Hobbs, Christopher!”
Christopher Hobbs jumps nervously as the odd hat ominously calls out his name, and nods reassuringly to himself as he walks slowly forward to the front of the room, his steps upon the slate floor echoing in the ensuing silence. His heart beats so strongly in his chest that he idly wonders if others can hear it themselves. Taking a deep breath to calm his nerves, he gingerly places the old hat upon his head and sits slowly down upon the stool. His eyes rotate to stare directly at the hat itself as if worried he might hurt it–or vice versa.
(Gryffindor) Patting Hannah on the back Tordek says, ‘Welcome to Gryffindor!’.
(Gryffindor) Adelaide says, “Hello Hannah! Welcome to our house. Guess we’re stuck with each other for seven years.”
Next, Gerald Rathe recites “Hollister, Gilroy!”
For all his quivering excitement from the train ride through the current scene in the Great Hall, Gilroy Hollister grows briefly still at the call of his name. He squares his shoulders and stretches his arms out before him. Then, with slow deliberate steps and twitchy anxious fingers, Gilroy treads to the front of everyone’s attention, and after one wide eyed look back at everyone, he carefully sits on the stool, lifts the Hat, and looks inside before placing it on his head.
Christopher Hobbs exhales forcefully, surprising himself; he didn’t realize that he had been holding his breath the whole time. He stands up from the stool after removing the Sorting Hat, a wave of joy passing over him. He offers a wave to his fellow first-year friends with a huge grin spreading rapidly across his face once again. All of the anxiety he had felt is gone, replaced with giddy excitement. Christopher walks over to his new House table, offering a friendly wave to the others already seated there.
(Gryffindor) Adelaide Adams grins at Christopher, “Heya, you made it then?” she winks.
(Gryffindor) Tordek says, “Welcome to Gryffindor hope your Seven Years here are wonderful.”
(Gryffindor) “Hello, Hannah! Welcome, Christopher!” Andy exclaims, his hands getting sore from all the clapping. “I’m sure you’ll have a good time here!”
(Gryffindor) Sighing Tordek says, ‘Man only two more years at this wonderful castle.’.
(Gryffindor) Christopher Hobbs blushes and waves to Andy and Tordek. “Thank you very much!” he beams, taking a seat at the table. Spotting Adelaide his grin broadens even further and he mouths the words “We did it!” to her.
(Gryffindor) Adelaide Adams smiles reassuringly at Tordek, already liking him, “We’ll take good care of it.”
(Gryffindor) Adelaide Adams understanding what Christopher is saying, Adelaide beams, and shakes his hand on the table, “We sure did.” she mouths back.
Gilroy Hollister visibly jolts as the hat shouts the name of his new house, though for the surprise of volume and decision in his eyes, he cannot help but grin as he removes the hat and makes his way to the Ravenclaw bench. “Guess mum was right about me being too much like dad sometimes,” he murmurs to himself as his eyes skim his new classmates.
(Gryffindor) Thinking aloud Tordek says, ‘I wonder what house my brother will be in’.
The list continues, as Gerald Rathe reads on, and “Kana, Allgermein” goes into Hufflepuff, followed by “Kapoor, Rajindar” who is sorted into Ravenclaw, and then “Kemys, Jezebel” winds up in Gryffindor. Next, Gerald declares: “Kemys, Vashti!”
(Gryffindor) Christopher Hobbs nods at Hannah as well, another first-year whom he had seen on the train. To Andy and Tordek, he asks inquisitively, “What are your names?”
Vashti applauds, almost bored, as her cousin Jezebel is placed into Gryffindor. If she had to be honest, the hat’s song did little to explain exactly what being in Gryffindor really means. She shrugs. Knowing her name was coming, of course, Vashti Kemys stands up and makes her way over to the hat. She practiced this walk earlier this week, back home in her room. It’s a bit shakier now than it was then, but she finally arrives and takes a seat on the stool. As the hat is lowered onto her head, she listens carefully.
(Gryffindor) Tordek says, “Well I am Tordek Kana.”
(Gryffindor) Tordek Kana laughs and says, ‘Well looks like Allgermein is just like dad a Hufflepuff.
(Gryffindor) Adelaide says, “Well, you two will have to hang out when Melissa and I do!”
(Gryffindor) Christopher Hobbs smiles and nods, replying politely, “Nice to meet you.” He quiets down again and turns back to the Sorting, seeing if any of his other friends will get placed in his new House as well.
Glad inside that she’s with both her cousins in Gryffindor, her quarrel with Jezebel is forgotten as she scampers excitedly to the red-washed table. “See, I can make Gryffindor too!” she says in triumph before sitting down.
(Gryffindor) Adelaide Adams waves a greeting at Vashti, “Welcome to our table!”
Glad inside that she’s with both her cousins in Gryffindor, her quarrel with Jezebel is forgotten as Vashti scampers excitedly to the red-washed table. “See, I can make Gryffindor too!” she says in triumph before sitting down.
(Gryffindor) Tordek says, “Welcome Vashti I am Tordek.”
(Gryffindor) Christopher Hobbs cheers and waves to Vashti.
Mores names come from the scroll in Gerald‘s hands. Aedan Llewellyn becomes a Hufflepuff, Raurin Macbeth is sorted into Slytherin, the Hat chooses to place Leith MacLeod in Hufflepuff and Brian Maloney is sent to Gryffindor. The next name called is “Moore, Mariska!”
Mariska Moore blinks slightly as her name is called and steps forward. Quietly, and nervously, she makes her way to the stool, wherein she promptly sits and settles the hat atop her head. Due to the size of her head, the hat successfully manages to cover most of it. Mariska, now settled, places her hands in her lap and awaits the hat’s decision.
(Gryffindor) Adelaide Adams looks around at the uniforms and tables, “Blimey. A lot of Gryffindors this time round!”
(Gryffindor) Adelaide says, “Welcome to our house Vashti”
(Gryffindor) Christopher Hobbs chuckles, still glancing around the room. His eyes are wide-eyed yet, but at least he no longer appears nervous. “This place is…amazing,” he repeats in quiet awe.
(Gryffindor) Vashti says, “Thanks! I was getting a bit nervous that I’d be put into Slytherin for a second there… that hat seriously considered it.”
(Gryffindor) Adelaide says, “It didn’t know whether to put me in Gryffindor or Hufflepuff, slightly odd combination, hehe.”
(Gryffindor) Christopher says, “I think I was a challenge for it. The only one it -didn’t- consider for me was Slytherin…”
(Gryffindor) Tordek says, “Not really, Hufflepuff is loyal and Gryffindor is bold a nice combination if you ask me.”
(Gryffindor) Adelaide Adams nods in agreement with Christopher, “I’ll say!”
(Gryffindor) Hannah Forsyth jumps and waves as both Jez and Vashti are sorted into her house. “Woo! We made it, guys! I’m over heeere! That’s so awesome! So great we’re all together now! Yeah, the hat guy considered Hufflepuff for me too, but he said I’d do better here. I’m so excited!” she giggles. “So, when’s the feast?”
(Gryffindor) Adelaide Adams grins “Soon I hope, I’m hungry. Those boats really work up an appetite.”
(Gryffindor) Christopher Hobbs‘s stomach rumbles at the mention of food. “I’m starving…” he adds in agreement with a small grin.
(Gryffindor) Trying to calm Hannah down Tordek says, ‘It starts after the last person is sorted.’.
(Gryffindor) “I don’t know but I wish the others would hurry up,” complains Vashti, clutching her stomach.
Mariska Moore removes the Sorting Hat from her head and looks around. Quickly the girl spots her house table and makes her way towards it, promptly taking her seat once she reaches Slytherin table.
Reading on, Gerald Rathe comes to “O’Bannon, Albert,” “Perelli, Phoenix” and “Pheras, Kiyan,” all of whom are sorted, one after the other, into Hufflepuff. With an apprehensive glance at the swelling Hufflepuff table, Gerald calls on “Pryor, Seraphina!”
(Gryffindor) Adelaide Adams sneakily offers Vashti a paper bag, with bonbons in it, “All I’ve got right now. If anyone else is peckish, help yourself.” she winks
Seraphina has seen a group of people get sorted now, and it doesn’t seem so frightening to the girl. After all, nobody else appears to have been injured. She pauses, however, before stepping up to the hat, glancing backward at those around her, waiting yet to be sorted. It is moments like these that Sera realizes she’s a lonely child, but given that the hat is waiting for her, she doesn’t have the time to dawdle. Quickly she hops up to the stool and plunks the hat down on her head.
(Gryffindor) Plunging her hand hungrily into the offered bag, Vashti nibbles on the candy happily for a second before remembering, “Oh, thanks,” she says to Adelaide.
(Gryffindor) Adelaide says, “No problem.”
(Gryffindor) Christopher Hobbs turns to Vashti and the others near her and asks, “So, which of you are cousins?”
(Gryffindor) Tordek says, “A nice bunch of first years this time around.”
Hopping up quickly, Seraphina breathes in deeply. That wasn’t so painful! She quickly walks over to her designated table, joining her housemates quietly with merely a semblance of a nod toward them.
After the Hat sorts Haley Renalds into Ravenclaw, Gerald Rathe comes to the next name: “Skye, Adrian!”
(Gryffindor) Christopher Hobbs blushes slightly again and replies with a smile, “Thanks.”
Adrian Skye takes a last deep breath and mutters to himself, “I can do it.” Glancing one last time to his friends already sitting at their various tables, he starts. As Adrian is walking towards the Hat, his foot catches the edge of his robe, and he trips. Although he is able to regain his balance quickly, there are some sniggers amongst the crowd. Adrian, however, magnificently keeps a straight and stoic face, ignoring everything until he has finally arrived at the stool. With shaking fingers, Adrian removes the hat from the stool, sits, and puts the Hat on, feeling the stares of so many, too many eyes on him.
(Gryffindor) “Not that you can tell by looking really…” starts Vashti, “but, she is,” she says, pointing to a girl with dark and curly hair. “That’s Jezebel.” Pointing to Hannah, she notes, “And Hannah.”
(Gryffindor) Adelaide Adams smiles at Tordek’s kind words, and then sits bolt upright as Adrian’s name is called, one of her best friends since childhood.
(Gryffindor) Christopher Hobbs smiles and waves to Vashti, Hannah, and Jezebel. “Nice to meet you all.”
(Gryffindor) Adelaide says, “My cousin Melissa’s a Ravenclaw”
(Gryffindor) Tordek says, “Didn’t I see that boy Adrian in Diagon Alley?”
(Gryffindor) Adelaide Adams giggles “Probably, he gets everywhere!”
(Gryffindor) Gladly accepting a candy from Adelaide, Hannah nods in approval. “Yeah, we didn’t really grow up together, but we’re still friends, I guess.”
(Gryffindor) Tordek says, “Well after the feast I must go send Regan with a letter to mother and father telling them that Allgermein got sorted into Hufflepuff.”
(Gryffindor) Adelaide says, “You have an owl too? Everyone seems to.”
(Gryffindor) Christopher says, “Well, I have a cat at home, so I thought it would be nice to have a different pet.”
(Gryffindor) Tordek Kana nodding at Adelaide, ‘I got my owl for being sorted into Gryffindor like my Grandfather’.
Adrian‘s face is still stoic, and he is unmoving for a second. Slowly and daintily, he removes the Hat, putting it back on the seat, face still a blank. As he stands up, a slow grin begins to dance across his face. He walks away from the stool silently, but the glowing look on his face tells all of his emotions. When he reaches the table of Gryffindor, his face absolutely explodes with joy as he gives an enormous hug to his best friend Adelaide, his Housemate for the next seven years to come.
(Gryffindor) Christopher Hobbs cheers!
The Sorting continues, with more and more of the scroll unfurling as the names are called. “Stufflebeam, Graham” goes into Ravenclaw, while “Torpenhow, Marius” and “Trumble, Aemele” end up in Slytherin. After “Vertigonte, Claude” is sorted into Hufflepuff, Gerald calls on, “Vicaris, Silas!”
(Gryffindor) Adelaide Adams smiles at Tordek, “I have a kitten, she’s dozing.” as Adrian is sorted, she jumps up and cheers, “Yay! Adri!”
At hearing his name called, Silas suddenly tenses up. His nerves start to fail him as he walks forward to the stool, his mind focused hard on not stumbling or tripping on the way there. Once there, he turns around and slowly climbs backwards onto the stool, staring with wide eyes at the population of the Great Hall. The Sorting Hat is placed upon his head, and he glances up at the brim as he waits for something to happen.
(Gryffindor) Tordek says, “Welcome Adrian I am Tordek if you need any help even though I am not a Prefect I can still help you.”
(Gryffindor) Adrian Skye sighs. “Whew.” I didn’t need a wand…
(Gryffindor) Adelaide Adams nudges Adrian, “It’s Silas!”
(Gryffindor) Adrian says, “I forgot my wand in my luggage… I hope we don’t have to do any magic!”
(Gryffindor) Christopher Hobbs subconsciously pats his pocket where his wand is safely stored, as if to make sure it hasn’t magically disappeared on him.
(Gryffindor) Adrian Skye comes to realize who is being analyzed by that very Hat which placed him in the best house he could have hoped for. “Oh… look, it is!” Waiting in anticipation, Adrian can do nothing but look.
(Gryffindor) Tordek Kana jokingly says to Adrian, ‘You have to have your wand to get into the Common Room!’.
(Gryffindor) Then after a moment Tordek says, ‘Just kidding no wand needed yet.’.
(Gryffindor) Adelaide Adams playing along, Adelaide nods emphatically, “I heard that too. You’ll sleep in the hall without it.”
(Gryffindor) “Oh look, that Silas guy, I hope he’s not in our house…” Hannah says, wrinkling her nose. “He thinks he’s better than everybody else.”
(Gryffindor) “What? Wand? Common Room? No, I don’t have it, it’s in my luggage… what do I do??” Adrian‘s voice fills with panic.
Somewhat gratified by the exclamation of the Sorting Hat, Silas pulls it roughly from his head and hops off the stool, depositing it on the vacant seat before walking quickly to his table. The grinning fool takes a seat at a vacant opening and looks at the few left in line to see where they get sorted.
(Gryffindor) Adrian Skye breathes a sigh of relief. “Whew… You… got me.”
(Gryffindor) Adelaide Adams giggles, “Joke!” as Silas is Sorted, Adelaide stands up and cheers, “Congratulations Silas!”
Gerald Rathe intones, “Walker, Abe!” and the named student is sorted into Ravenclaw. Looking at the last name on the scroll, Gerald says, “Wexler, Jack!”
(Gryffindor) Christopher Hobbs laughs at Adrian’s silliness, and cheers Silas as he takes a seat at the table.
Jack takes a deep breath as his name is called; the curse of his surname and it’s place at the end of the alphabet an occassional boone, as well. He’d plenty of time to steel his resolve and gathering his wits, and now that his name had been called, he was ready… or at least he thought. His first step toward the stool on which sat the brown, talking hat is a wobbly one, and he very nearly loses his balance and collapses. It’s only with a fair amount of arm-flailing and a pinch of luck that he manages to fetch his footing and keep himself upright. His following steps are more careful as he pulls the flat-cap from his head and makes his way to the stool, clambering on to it and placing the Sorting Hat carefully on to his head as if he might hurt it somehow.
(Gryffindor) Adelaide Adams looks around “The Gryffindors are taking over!” she grins.
(Gryffindor) “Not another!” exclaims Vashti distastefully as yet another Gryffindor is added. “Alright hat, no more Gryffindors now…” she mutters.
(Gryffindor) Tordek says, “Welcome To Gryffindor Silas I am Tordek if you have any questions ask any of the higher up students.”
(Gryffindor) Silas waves at Adelaide as he takes a seat. “Thanks… I’m rather glad to be here,” he says with an absent smile, still somewhat shellshocked from the experience at the stool.
(Gryffindor) Adelaide Adams smiles at Vashti, “It’ll be fine. It’s a big castle,” she winks, then offers Silas a bonbon, sensing his nerves.
(Gryffindor) Adrian Skye helps himself to food. He was indeed starving, and the Sorting had only served to increase his appetite. Chomping on a chicken leg, he waved hello to Silas.
(Gryffindor) Adrian says, “Melissa got sorted into Ravenclaw…”
(Gryffindor) “Yeah, glad that you are here too…” Hannah hisses into Silas’ direction frowning.
(Gryffindor) Adelaide Adams nods at Adrian, “Yea, she did. But I’ll just make more effort to talk to her.”
(Gryffindor) Tordek Kana yawns and says, ‘Well I’m not that hungery anymore maybe I will sneak down to the kitchen tonight if I get hungery I might just head off to bed.’.
(Gryffindor) Chewing on the bonbon, Silas waves back to Adrian before looking for things to fill his plate with. “That was a bit intense, wasn’t it?” he says idly, his mind going over what the hat said. He glances at Hannah and Vashti but says nothing, either without retort or deciding it not worth his time.
(Gryffindor) Christopher says, “The feast will start in a few minutes, Jack’s the last one.”
(Gryffindor) Adelaide Adams looks almost disbelieving, another one, she cheers and claps with the rest of the table as Jack joins them, “Welcome Jack!”
Blinking, Jack pulls the hat off slowly – again, careful, as if he might somehow hurt it – and sets it back on the stool before making his way to the Gryffindor table.
(Gryffindor) Christopher Hobbs laughs happily as yet another Gryffindor is sorted, and cheers loudly for Jack as he takes a seat at the table.
(Gryffindor) Adelaide Adams waves in greeting, “Wow, there’s a lot of us this year. Welcome!”
Looking a little deflated and relieved, at the same time, Gerald Rathe furls the scroll with the names of the first years on it, and returns it to his cloak. He picks up the hat with same care shown earlier, and the stool, returning them to their original place. Finally, with a somber expression, his takes his seat at the faculty table with a nod to his neighbours there.
(Gryffindor) Silas cheers loudly as Jack also makes it to the Gryffindor table. “It seems we’ve got a good class this year!”
(Gryffindor) Tordek Kana laughs then says, ‘Welcome to Gryffindor’.
(Gryffindor) Adelaide says, “Gryffindors really are taking over, aren’t they?”
(Gryffindor) Christopher Hobbs peers towards the faculty table with curiosity. “Who is that?”
(Gryffindor) Tordek says, “That is the Headmistress.”
(Gryffindor) Adelaide Adams follows his gaze, “That is the headmistress!”
(Gryffindor) Adrian Skye goes quiet. “The headmistress….”
(Gryffindor) “Hush, Tordek,” Briony scolds. “She’s going to give her speech.”
(Gryffindor) Christopher Hobbs blinks. “Oh, right! She sent me my invitation to Hogwarts.”
(Gryffindor) Adelaide Adams respectfully buttons her lip
Melvina Prichard rises with purpose from the faculty table once the ritual of Sorting has concluded, lifting a nimble, long-fingered hand in a suggestive to beckon silence from the students massed in the hall. “Thank you, Professor Rathe. Excuse me, quiet please — yes, that includes you, Mister Markham,” she says in a strong tone, ever-laced with a hint of amusement. The ghost of a grin touches her lips as she looks over the wealth of her school.
“Greetings and salutations, everyone,” Melvina says, her voice effortlessly floating across the Great Hall at a comfortable volume. “Welcome to your school year nineteen hundred and thirty one! I trust that all of you enjoyed your summer vacation. Some of you will of course remember me, while for others this will be our introduction; my name is Melvina Prichard and I am Headmistress of Hogwarts school. For intensely personal reasons I have spent the last few years on sabbatical away from our majestic island and have only recently been able to return to its fair shores. Toward both staff and students, I pray that my departure has not left a rift between us, nor that you find my return unsettling. I value the friendships I’ve made in this magical place and the opportunity to see each of you grow in to the dreams you have of yourselves. While I can not ask you to forgive me or my previous and hasty departure, I do ask that you believe it was both necessary and carefully thought out; that you accept that I left you in the very best of hands. With that said, I’d like you all to stand and applaud Professor Astra Rathe, who has been performing the role of Headmistress in my absence and has most graciously deigned to resume her previous duties as Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, head of Slytherin house and Deputy Headmistress, as well as Professor Keelan Walsh, and all other staff and faculty members of Hogwarts who pulled together to fill the holes and make the changes required by my egress and homecoming.” Melvina turns then to face the rest of the faculty table and leads the school in what she hopes will be a loud, rousing and heartfelt symphony of cheer for her most esteemed colleagues.
(Gryffindor) Standing up, Silas applauds in a somewhat mediocre fashion for the former headmistress, though he really didn’t know if she was worth the trouble or not. Regardless, teachers should probably be respected in whatever fashion is asked.
After a long few moments of leading the cheer, Melvina turns again to face the assembled student body and lifts her hand once more; beckoning for silence and motioning the students back in to their seats. “Thank you, everyone.”
“Pressing on, I’ve some beginning of term announcements to make.” Clearing her throat, the Headmistress pulls a pair of spectacles the waist pocket of her emerald robe and rests them on the bridge of her hooked nose. She then reaches with her right hand in to the cuff of her left sleeve and withdraws an aged cherry wand which she gives a casual flick and conjures a scroll of parchment which floats unassisted in the air several inches above her head. “All the usual suspects, of course,” she says simply as the scroll unrolls itself horizontally, expanding most of the length of the faculty table. “Our caretaker has asked me to remind you check the updated list of prohibited items and punishable offenses that have been thoughtfully posted in each of your common rooms–” As she begins to speak, delicately written, calligraphic letters glide across the floating parchment from the left to right like ticker tape – PROHIBITED ITEMS AND ACTIVITIES – and then begins to mirror her words as she continues, “Spellwork outside of the classroom, rough play, pranks, hijinxs, dungbombs, Whimple’s Pimple Powder..” With each item listed the speed on which the words dance across the parchment grows quicker and quicker still until they become little more than a seemingly endless blur of black cursive. “As you can see, the list quite extensive. Be certain to check it.”
(Gryffindor) Christopher Hobbs frowns and turns to the rest of the table to whisper, “We can’t do magic outside of classes?”
Melvina gives another vague flick of her wand and the hovering scroll rolls itself up, tumbles twice and then vanishes in a small puff of mauve-colored smoke. “Of course, Hogwarts tradition demands that I remind you the Forbidden Forest is out of bounds for all students. As seems to happen every year since antiquity, some of you will certainly forget that pesky rule. It just slips out, squeezed away from the building pressure of all that knowledge our fine professors work so hard to fill your heads with.” A rueful chuckle escapes her as she shares a knowing smile with the hall. “Know then that detention is the minimum punishment for entering the Forbidden Forest without a member of staff or faculty beside you and that such acts will usually result in a substantial loss of house points as well.” Clearing her throat, Melvina pauses to take a sip of pumpkin juice before continuing. “Naturally, we ask that you respect and defer to your prefects. I’d also like to congratulate our new Head Boy and Head Girl, Oliver Cloverwood and Briony Wexler respectively. Mister Cloverwood and Miss Wexler, please stand.” She again leads the school in a round of applause.
Briony Wexler gasps as it’s announced that she is head girl, and she beams, waving enthusiastically to everyone in the room before she plops back down in her seat, beaming quite excitedly. Head Girl!
(Gryffindor) Christopher Hobbs cheers!
(Gryffindor) Adelaide Adams beams, “Congratulations Briony!”
“Well done, Head Boy, Head Girl,” the Headmistress says, sincerely. “On to faculty. There are many exciting changes in Hogwarts faculty this year; as mentioned before Professor Astra Rathe will be returning to post as Defense Against the Dark Arts lead, head of Slytherin house and Deputy Headmistress. I’d personally like to thank Professor Walsh for heading up Slytherin house during Professor Rathe’s tenure as Headmistress, and Professor Gerald Rathe for stepping up to cover Defense.” She turns briefly to face Keelan and Gerald, offering then a modest but genuine applause before facing the Great Hall once again. “Professor Gerald Rathe will be taking over our Charms department. I’d like to introduce you all to our new Professor of Transfiguration, Selene Hathaway.” With her right hand she motions to Professor Hathaway, then begins another round of brief, polite round of applause. “And I would like to welcome back to the Hogwarts family Professor of Arithmancy, Isolde Morgan, and Potions Master, Professor Adalphous Fallon.” Again she applauds, nodding to each of the returning Professor in turn.
(Gryffindor) :stands up and cheers for her housemate. “Good job, Briony!”
(Gryffindor) Adelaide Adams looks at Adrian, “Isolde Morgan…? That’s the woman we spoke to!”
(Gryffindor) Adrian Skye wracks his brains, but cannot remember. “Isolde.. Morgan….?”
(Gryffindor) Christopher Hobbs nods at Adelaide and Adrian. “Yeah, we met her at the Leaky Cauldron!”
(Gryffindor) Adelaide says, “Doubt she’ll remember us though!”
“That said, I have only one more announcement to mention before we start in on the delicious feast I know you’re all patiently waiting to savor. As some you know, I am a firm believer in tradition; both in the keeping of it, and the occasional breaking. Thus, I announce the return of what I hope will become one of many long-standing Hogwarts traditions; the third Barefoot Social.” An almost devilish grin dances over the lips of the Headmistress. “A celebration of the new term, greeting those whom are just joining us and welcoming home those returning for yet another year. This dance will semi-formal, open to all years, and include an… outdoor feast.” The too-clever look on her face almost seems to gloat as she looks out at her young crowd. She is clearly terribly proud of herself. “As this is the daughter of tradition, we shall follow the precedent set by events of year’s prior — the ladies will need ask the gentlemen for the honor of an afternoon’s courtship.” She waits, eagerly, for the reaction to that before at last finishing up. “I will be resuming the Student Events Committee, made up of students from all years to help me prepare for the Barefoot Social, Governor’s Ball, the Valentine’s Soiree, Career Day, and a handful of other special events the Deputy Headmistress and I have planned through out the school year; if you’d like to be on said Committee, you may contact me through any of the usual means. Exact details regarding date and time of the Barefoot Social shall follow shortly. Let’s eat.” And with small nod and a sly, lingering grin, she slips casually back in to her seat.
(Gryffindor) Andy rises and applauds for his fellow Gryffindor. He had no hopes to become Head Boy himself anyways.
(Gryffindor) A mischeivous little grin spreads across Adelaide‘s face at the mention of the ball, now that might be interesting.
(Gryffindor) Wait, what was that about a dance? “What does she mean? What is the Barefoot Social?” Silas asks the table, hoping for some more information.
(Gryffindor) Christopher says, “I think she said it was a dance of some kind.”
(Gryffindor) Adelaide says, “Didn’t you hear? It’s a semi-formal, and us girls have to ask the gentlemen. Very modern!”
(Gryffindor) “It’s a dance,” Briony answers in a whisper. “Girls ask the boys to go with them, and nobody wears shoes.” The girl leans back a bit but still offers a grin. “It’s quite fun, really. I mean, who wouldn’t turn down a whole day to go around barefoot?”
(Gryffindor) Tordek says, “I rather don’t like feet.”
(Gryffindor) Christopher Hobbs giggles and shakes his head. “That sounds silly, but it would probably be fun.”
(Gryffindor) Adelaide Adams giggles Then look at the faces
(Gryffindor) Adelaide Adams grins “Hey Chris, maybe we can go!” she quips
(Gryffindor) Christopher Hobbs blushes and replies awkwardly, “Err…really?”
(Gryffindor) Adelaide Adams smiles brightly at him, “Sure! Why not? We’re friends aren’t we?”
(Gryffindor) “Barefoot?” The entire idea seems rather odd. Going barefoot to a dance, having the girls ask the boys, what sort of mischief was this? Silas glances around once more before looking down to focus on his food. Hopefully the dance won’t be for a while yet- imagine having to deal with social pressures on top of schoolwork! Already!
(Gryffindor) Christopher Hobbs smiles and nods, “Yeah, we are. That would be fun.”
(Gryffindor) Christopher says, “When is it?”
(Gryffindor) Adelaide Adams beams, “Then we should go, whenever it is, hehe.”
(Gryffindor) Christopher Hobbs blushes again and nods. “Ok, sure!” As his stomach rumbles, Christopher glances down and licks his lips. “This food looks amazing! Let’s eat, shall we?”
(Gryffindor) Christopher Hobbs begins to put some of the delicious-looking food on his plate, licking his lips in anticipation.
(Gryffindor) “Finally!” exclaims Adelaide, “I don’t think I could hold out much longer!” she gathers up some of the food herself.
(Gryffindor) Finishing with his food, Silas looks around the Great Hall curiously. “So, now that we’re all sorted and after the feast, what do we do next?” he asks offhandedly.
(Gryffindor) “Then I’ll take you to the commonroom,” Briony tells the first year, her mouth half full. “Take your time, though, I’m not in a hurry.” Briony smirks a bit, taking another bite of food as she chats amiably with a seventh year girl nearby.
(Gryffindor) Between bites of food, Christopher replies to Silas, “I think we check out the Common Rooms, and move in our luggage.”
(Gryffindor) Adelaide Adams downs yet another drink, suddenly very warm, “I can’t wait to see what it’s like. I can also grace my brothers with my presence.”
(Gryffindor) “Yeah, I wonder what our chambers will look like,” Silas agrees, taking a drink of pumpkin juice as he ponders. “Where is our common room, anyway? Do we start classes immediately tomorrow? When do we find out what classes we’re starting with?”
(Gryffindor) Jack Wexler seems quite relieved once the food materializes in front of him, and wastes no time piling mashed potatoes, gravy, noodles, turkey, and all the usual trimmings on to his plate until there is a small mountain of foodstuffs awaiting him. Curiously, despite his American accent and upbringing, he also helps himself to a huge portion of steak-and-kidney pie with peas and potatoes… Something he’d grown fond of since coming to this fair island.
(Gryffindor) Christopher Hobbs swallows another bite of food with a smile and states, “This food is great!”
(Gryffindor) Adelaide says, “It almost rivals my mothers.”
(Gryffindor) Tordek says, “How do you have a rival at such a young age?”
(Gryffindor) Christopher Hobbs blinks and giggles. “I think she’s saying that the food is almost as good as her mother’s.”
(Gryffindor) Tordek says, “Oh.”
(Gryffindor) Adelaide Adams grins sheepishly, “Yes, that’s what I meant.”
(Gryffindor) Chuckling, Silas takes another helping of pie and eats it slowly. “It is rather good, I’m impressed. I wonder who they get to make it.”
(Gryffindor) Christopher says, “:frowns between bites of dessert and replies, “Professor Helit mentioned something about house elves cooking the food…What are those?”"
(Gryffindor) Jack Wexler rolls his eyes a little toward Tordek as he begins to devour his meal; not so much savoring as inhaling it. Each bite chewwed only enough to promise that it most likely won’t get stuck in his gullet after being swallowed before the next is shoveled in to his mouth to replace it.
(Gryffindor) Tordek says, “There pretty much slaves that cook the food.”
(Gryffindor) Christopher Hobbs blinks with his fork halfway to his mouth, frowning again. “Did you say slaves?”
(Gryffindor) Silas Vicaris looks up at Tordek’s comment. “Who are pretty much slaves?” he asks before taking another bite.
(Gryffindor) Adelaide Adams looks up from her plate, stopping, “I hope they’re looked after well.”
(Gryffindor) Tordek says, “House Elves”
(Gryffindor) Christopher says, “I’m not quite sure I understand…”
(Gryffindor) Silas blinks a moment. “House elves?” He chuckles at the idea of them being enslaved. “My family has two, and they’re not slaves- they love what they do! They live to serve, and I’d hardly say that they’re slaves if they enjoy what they do for a living.”
(Gryffindor) Jack blinks, twice, mouth half-open and filled with half-chewwed food. “Wuf? Swahphves?”
(Gryffindor) Tordek says, “They are slaves but I don’t really care my family has two also.”
(Gryffindor) Christopher Hobbs shifts uneasily in his seat, although Silas’ description seems to ease his worries somewhat. “Are they magical creatures, then?”
(Gryffindor) Tordek says, “They are like goblins so yes we classify them as Magical Creatures.”
(Gryffindor) “Then why do you call them slaves? They house elves- that’s what they do, it’s hardly slavery if you’re not keeping them against their will.” He glances at Jack, half-amused at his attempts to speak. “Try to chew and swallow before you choke yourself, Jack.”
(Gryffindor) Adelaide Adams still looks a bit hesitant, “Well, ok, if they’re happy.”
(Gryffindor) Tordek says, “Well not every house elf is happy so some are slaves some are not.”
(Gryffindor) Adelaide says, “Couldn’t you let the not happy ones go?”
(Gryffindor) Again, Jack blinks, his gaze shifting to Tordek, then to Silas, then back to Tordek. Slowly, almost carefully, he finishes chewwing his mouthful of food and swallows. And then quite deliberately sets down his fork. His gaze darkening in to as much focused hatred as an eleven year old can manage. “They are slaves, and you don’t care?” That was very clearly a not-okay thing, as far as Jack was concerned.
(Gryffindor) Tordek says, “You could but then you would be out of work so I wouldn’t”
(Gryffindor) Adelaide Adams blinks I’d be out of work?
(Gryffindor) Silas shakes his head at the thought. “I have never met an unhappy house elf. Every house elf is happy and proud to serve you as well as they can, it’s just how they are, and have always been. Freeing a house elf is a punishment, not a privilege. How would that be slavery at all?”
(Gryffindor) Tordek says, “I was speaking in general”
(Gryffindor) “I can’t wait to see who wins the Quidditch cup this year,” Briony interrupts the conversation. The girl certainly does not like politics. “I think we could take it this year. I hear Andy’s been made captain after all, and he was quite good while I was on the team before.” The girl grins to nobody in particular, stretching a bit before filling her plate with a bit more food.
(Gryffindor) Adelaide Adams pulls a face slightly, “Oh geez, please don’t start talking politics.” she pleaded.
(Gryffindor) Tordek says, “I was going to try out for the team this year but I don’t really know.”
(Gryffindor) Glad to change the topic, Adelaide turns to Briony and smiles, “I’ll be cheering our house on!” She assures.
(Gryffindor) Christopher Hobbs blinks, mind completely distracted by the change in conversation. “Quidditch!” he squeals excitedly. “My friends have been telling me all about it. I can’t wait to learn how to fly! My dad was a pilot in the World War,” he boldly states with pride, “and I want to fly too!”
(Gryffindor) “I’ll have to replace myself as announcer this year sadly,” Briony admits, her face falling a bit. “But maybe I can figure out how to keep up with Quidditch some way after I leave school. I just hope whoever does it after me is good enough for it. After all, can’t have a bad announcer! That would ruin the matches!”
(Gryffindor) Tordek says, “We will miss you Briony, so what are you planning to do after you Graduate?”
(Gryffindor) Adelaide Adams turns to Christopher, “I could be the announcer.” joked Adelaide, “My brothers say I don’t stop talking.” she turns to Christopher, “Um, flying magically, is a bit different…” she wasn’t sure how much he knew.
(Gryffindor) Jack offers Silas a dubious look; what he said made sense, in a way, but it still sounded an awful lot like bunk to him. But Tordek… now that was just plain a rude clyde, as far as he was concerned. “What’s quidditch?” Jack asks after a few moments, deciding it best perhaps to let the conversation be redirected, though he continues to glare daggers at Tordek as he shovels more dumplings in to his mouth.
(Gryffindor) Christopher Hobbs inquires in a wave of questions, “What are the games like? What position did you play? Why can’t first years own their own broom? I kind of thought I might be able to convince my mum to let me get one for my birthday…”
(Gryffindor) Adelaide says, “I’m quite happy with my feet planted firmly on the ground, thanks.”
(Gryffindor) Tordek says, “Briony would you like to explain to our friend Jack about Quidditch?”
(Gryffindor) Christopher Hobbs adds in, “And me, and me! I want to learn more!”
(Gryffindor) Silas slowly turns to look at Jack incredulously. “How long have you lived in London and you don’t know what Quidditch is?” he asks, rather shocked. The kid may be American, but he should at least know what the national wizarding pasttime is!
(Gryffindor) Tordek says, “Jack are you Muggle-Born?”
(Gryffindor) Christopher Hobbs blushes and adds after a moment in a more controlled tone, “Sorry, I get excited some times. But the wizarding world is just so interesting to me!”
(Gryffindor) “I was a chaser when I played,” Briony answers happily. She is more than pleased to talk about Quidditch! “First years can’t have their own brooms because they have to learn how to fly first, and the Board of Governors decided that they have to learn on school brooms to be safe.” Pausing as she considers this question. “Well, I don’t know, really. I did want to be a Quidditch player, but my dad was really unhappy with how many bruises I always had when I was playing – Keeper is a dangerous spot, you know – so I stopped playing and just did announcing. I don’t know now. Maybe art or something.” Pausing briefly, Briony sighs. “Quidditch is a wizard sport – you must be a muggleborn? It’s played with hoops and balls called quaffles and bludgers, and there’s a seeker who has to find the snitch, and when the snitch is found, the game is over.” The brief description couldn’t possibly be helpful to one who has never heard of the sport, but Briony seems unaware of this fact.
(Gryffindor) Jack Wexler shoots both Tordek and Silas a very similar, slightly chilly look before nodding, continuing to shovel more food in to his mouth and chewwing rather savagely as if taking it out on them. First on the train, now here… he was starting to feel like this pure-blood thing was going to become tiresome really quick. “Muggle means unmagical people, right? They yeah,” he says between large forkfuls of food.
(Gryffindor) Tordek says, “Cool thats why you don’t know alot about Quidditch don’t feel bad.”
(Gryffindor) Adelaide Adams gives Jack a reassuring nudge and whispers to him, “Don’t worry, I’m a half and half.”
(Gryffindor) Christopher Hobbs blinks and looks at Jack with a new smile. “Oh, really?” he replies excitedly. Pointing to himself, he adds, “I’m a Muggle-born, too! I was kind of worried at first, because I thought that it would mean I’d be treated differently. But there’s nothing wrong with it, really. I think it’s really neat that magic can work like that for some people.”
(Gryffindor) Adelaide Adams nods at Christopher’s words, “Right. Nothing to be ashamed of!”
(Gryffindor) Oh. Muggleborn. “Well, no wonder you don’t know,” Silas says in what he hopes is an understanding and not condescending tone. “Well, you’ll pick it up, I’m sure- it’s a fun sport. You’ll get to learn to fly this year! I learned to fly a year ago, but I would welcome some more practice,” he adds with an air of superiority.
(Gryffindor) His cold glance at Silas and Tordek is shifted toward Briony, though it noticably eases while the Head Girl explains the sport to him. She didn’t seem so condescending, at least. Jack nods to Briony, trying to imagine the whole thing in his head but finding himself unable to wrap his mind around it all. He glances then to Adelaide and Christopher, and can’t help but smile a little bit. At least he wasn’t alone.
(Gryffindor) Tordek says, “First time I flew I fell off. So try to land on your butt not your leg.”
(Gryffindor) Adelaide Adams grins, “Or head I guess!”
(Gryffindor) “You should read Quidditch Through the Ages,” Briony suggests. “It is terribly interesting,” she tells them and grins. Briony, for her own part, shoots Silas an eyeroll and leans forward. “Quidditch is the best sport in the world, just so you know. I love it so much. So, are you happy to be here? It’s the best place anywhere.” Briony is a bit sensationalist, perhaps.
(Gryffindor) Adelaide Adams laughs and nods, “I’m happy to be here! I’ve only been waiting oh, 11 years?”
(Gryffindor) Christopher Hobbs giggles aloud at Tordek’s story, and adds to Jack, “There’s a lot more to it than what Briony said. I’ve been trying to learn all of the rules and stuff…It sounds a lot like other Muggle sports, except you do it on a broom and shoot through hoops that are elevated way up in the air!” He makes grandiose hand motions that probably don’t help at all, then finishes lamely, “It seems really cool.”
(Gryffindor) Tordek Kana hehs, and says ‘I am so glad to be back at Hogwarts the whole summer I went to see my Uncle in Scottland, then came back and spent most of my time wondering around London and Diagon Alley. So what did all of you do?
(Gryffindor) Adelaide says, “I went shopping 3 times for supplies…with different people of course.”
(Gryffindor) “I spent most of it… studying. But it’s good to have a bit of a head-start before coming here, I should be well prepared to actually practice magic,” Silas says. Other people’s summers sound so much more interesting than his ended up being, all things considered.
(Gryffindor) Christopher Hobbs replies, “My parents and I have been busy this entire summer corresponding with the Ministry of Magic, learning about the wizarding world. There’s -so- much stuff I didn’t know. I finally went shopping just a few days ago, and it was so busy!” He nods at Silas, as well. “They told me to try and read through some of ‘Hogwarts, A History’, but it’s really long…And I don’t really like history as much,” he admits.
(Gryffindor) Tordek says, “Oh I forgot I did a bit of research on a certain subject over the summer also, I finally found another book about the subject that has actual information and not just telling about the people who can do it. It is a large book.”
(Gryffindor) Adelaide says, “What subject? Sounds like you were busy!”
(Gryffindor) Tordek says, “Animagi.”
(Gryffindor) “I worked in my Auntie Eva’s shop all summer. Saved up a fair bit of change. It’s nice to have spending money for a change, really.” Briony shrugs otherwise, rather ignoring Tordek’s talk of research. “Maybe I’ll work there after I graduate, if my Auntie will have me. It would be something, at least, until I figure out what I want to do.”
(Gryffindor) Adelaide says, “I haven’t even considered future careers, but I have plenty of time, it is my first day after all.”
(Gryffindor) Christopher Hobbs shakes his head, confused again. “What’s an ‘animagi’? I haven’t heard of that before.”
(Gryffindor) Silas Vicaris chuckles. “I didn’t read ‘Hogwarts, A History’- you’re right, Christopher, it’s pretty boring,” he agrees, chewing on some more pie. Mmm. Pie.
(Gryffindor) Adelaide Adams turns to Christopher, “A witch or wizard, that can shape shift into animals. That’s all I know about it though.”
(Gryffindor) Adelaide says, “I read the History book. Have to admit, I fell asleep a lot.”
(Gryffindor) Christopher Hobbs whistles in awe. “Wow, that’s neat. That must be some really advanced magic. I was flipping through some of the textbooks we bought, and the one on…Transfiguration? Yeah, that one–it seems similar.”
(Gryffindor) Christopher Hobbs adds as an afterthought, “I mean, it seems like the same kind of idea. Using magic to change things.”
(Gryffindor) Adelaide says, “Oh! I can’t wait for Transfiguration, or Defense Against The Dark Arts.”"
(Gryffindor) Adelaide says, “Actually, I kind of can’t wait for any of the subjects I have to admit.”
(Gryffindor) Christopher Hobbs frowns as he tries to remember the books he looked at. “Defense Against the Dark Arts? That sounds pretty ominous. What kind of things do you have to do in that class?”
(Gryffindor) Adelaide Adams grins, “Defend yourself. Very useful subject, you never know what might come up.”
(Gryffindor) Adelaide says, “Not all magic is good, and you need to learn to deal with both sides of it.”
(Gryffindor) “Oh, it’s just defensive spells and learning how to protect yourself against dark magical creatures,” Silas says, nodding slightly. “It’s an interesting subject, fairly worthwhile, I’d say. I can’t wait until we do charms- my parents can do some amazing things, and I want to learn how to do that sort of thing as well.”
(Gryffindor) Jack Wexler makes a mental not to look for that cabbage book Briony mentioned, or whatever it was the sport was called… it certainly sounded interesting, and if it were popular here than he’d better get to know about at some point. Now that some of his immediate outrage had subsided, he was able to enjoy his food abit more. “Twawnsphiffurtwaton?” he asks, between a mouthful of dumplings.
(Gryffindor) Adelaide Adams nods at Jack, “Turning something into something else. Really tricky, to get it right, from what I’ve heard.”
(Gryffindor) Silas Vicaris glances at Jack again. “What was that?” he asks, grinning.
(Gryffindor) Christopher Hobbs‘s smile falters a bit at that statement, shifting uncomfortably as he takes a bite of pie. “But…why would someone want to use magic for bad things? Like dark magic and stuff? I mean…magic is a good thing. It should be used for good,” he states in a tone that implies he thought it was obvious.
(Gryffindor) Tordek Kana yawns broadly ‘Well I am really getting tired I wonder how much longer this feast is going to last
(Gryffindor) “Yes, it should.” agrees Adelaide, “But it doesn’t always turn out like that, it depends entirely on who a person is, regarding which path they follow.”
(Gryffindor) “I don’t know, Christopher,” Silas admits, shrugging. “Of course people should do good, I guess the problem is that not everyone does o good automatically. Some people are… misguided or something. Perhaps there’s something wrong mentally that’ll make ‘em do bad.”
(Gryffindor) Tordek says, “Not everything is about Good and Bad, there are some spells that are classifyed as ‘bad’ but I don’t know I think its just how someone uses the spell.”
(Gryffindor) Adelaide says, “Some are fairly obvious though.”
(Gryffindor) Tordek says, “Oh really? What if an Auror uses a spell that is suppose to be ‘bad’ to bring in a Dark Wizard?”
(Gryffindor) Christopher Hobbs frowns, eyebrows furrowing into his forehead. His lack of magical vocabulary is taxing his mind. “What’s an Auror?” he sighs.
(Gryffindor) Tordek says, “Dark Wizard catcher”
(Gryffindor) “Oh,” Jack says, after swallowing. His once-overflowing plate was now nearly empty, and he had just begun the process of restoring it to it’s former glory.
(Gryffindor) Adelaide blinked at Tordek’s question. Politics again? She was a first year. “It’s like an equation. Caster + situation + spell = turnout.”
(Gryffindor) Silas struggles with that for a moment. “Well… that would technically be good, wouldn’t it? I mean, they brought in the dark wizard, right? I would think that they’d be good…”
(Gryffindor) Tordek says, “Silence Headmistress Melvina is going to speak I think.”
(Gryffindor) Christopher Hobbs blinks and replies, “Aha, I get it.” But his smile fades back to a frown as he contemplates the question of philosophy. “I…well…bad guys need to be caught, right? I think a good Auror would just do it without using dark magic.”
(Gryffindor) Adelaide Adams looks up as the head stands up again, “Maybe I can go sleep now.”
(Gryffindor) Briony Wexler rolls her eyes at Tordek. “Let the prefects do that; I see you weren’t made one, so you shouldn’t be so bossy,” Briony tells Tordek testily as she turns her eyes forward. For her own part, Briony has stuffed herself quite full, and she’s nearly ready to sleep, early yet though it is.
(Gryffindor) Tordek says, “Is that comment suppose to be taken as you are making fun of me for not making Prefect?”
(Gryffindor) Christopher Hobbs offers a small smile at Briony, but says nothing else. Instead, he quiets down and looks expectantly to the Headmistress.
“Well, all, I think I shall retire for the evening. You may all, of course, stay to enjoy the wonderful meal provided for us. First years will need to be escorted to their common rooms by their prefects, but with all the catching up being done I’m sure there will be plenty of time to fill your bellies further. Again, welcome to Hogwarts. Tomorrow, we learn.” Melvina says simply, her voice filling the hall at a comfortable volume despite the need to speak over everyone else. “Sweet dreams, all,” she says, stepping down from the faculty dias. “When they find you.”
(Gryffindor) Tordek says, “Well I think I will go head up to the Common Room.”
(Gryffindor) “If that’s how you’re going to take it, then I can’t stop you, can I?” Briony replies cooly. “I was merely suggesting you let the Prefects do their jobs and stop being so bossy.” With that, Briony stands up. “First years, follow me; I’ll show you the way to the commonroom!”
Christopher Hobbs whistles as they approach the staircases. “Why are they moving?” he asks in amazement.
Adelaide Adams grins and turns to Christopher, “Because they feel like it.” she answered, honestly.
Briony Wexler climbs through the hole in the wall behind the portrait.
Christopher Hobbs blinks. “Wow,” he comments simply as they pass through the portrait into the common room. He peers around the room, whistling in awe again as he surveys their own special hide-out. “This is so neat!”
Tordek says, “So did all of you enjoy your first day at Hogwarts?”
Christopher Hobbs nods enthusiastically at Tordek, replying, “Everything has been amazing! I’m so excited for classes to start…even if it means we have to do homework.”
Silas looks around with wide eyes. “This is our common room, huh?” he says softly, taking in the bright colors and furniture rather quietly overall.
Adelaide turns to the others and smiles, “We’re here! I can’t believe we’re here! It’s been the best day ever!”
Tordek says, “Well I think I am going back down to the Great Hall for a bit.”
Adelaide says, “I think I might check everything’s here, then hang out here for a while, else I’m going to be on my lonesome”
“I think I’m going to check out my bedchambers, see if everything arrived safely,” Silas says, yawning a bit. Odds are he’ll fall asleep too, but we’ll just see how it goes.
Adelaide Adams turns to the others, “Well, wish me luck!”
Tordek says, “So Briony when will we learn what classes we have taken?”
Christopher Hobbs waves goodnight to Adelaide. “Sleep well, Adelaide!”
Tordek Kana waves goodnight to everyone and says, ‘Well I am going to turn in see you all in the morning classes start early.
Adelaide says, “Goodnight Tordek. See you tomorrow I should think!”
Adelaide says, “And you’re Head Girl, so it wasn’t all bad!”
Christopher Hobbs ponders for a moment and suddenly asks aloud, “Oh, I forgot to ask earlier! Who is the Head of House for Gryffindor? I heard the Headmistress mention something earlier about those…”
Adelaide says, “Professor Fallon…I think.”
Christopher Hobbs nods at Adelaide. “Alright, neat. Thanks!” He yawns suddently, surprising himself. “I didn’t realize I was so tired…perhaps I should head to the sleeping quarters for now. I can always explore the castle later. We should do that tomorrow after classes.”
Adelaide Adams yawning herself, Adelaide smiles, “I’ll second that notion. Goodnight Christopher, sweet dreams.”
Christopher Hobbs waves goodnight to everyone and heads up to the sleeping areas, yawning again as he exits the room.
Adelaide says, “Well, I’m going to hit the hay. It was really nice talking to you. See you in the morning!”
