Illusion Prisoners of Hogwarts

[Jeremi]

Prologue - Inscription

September 1st, 2002

The train ride had been uneventful, other than of course the usual meet and greet after a long Summer. As the students started to pour out at Hogsmeade station a sense of excitement was in the air, one could almost see the sparks flaring. The students moved on to the for most seemingly horseless carriages that would take them to the gates of Hogwarts castle. Some whispering among the students was heard about how this was the first year that any first-year students were not traveling by boat to Hogwarts, which was simply unprecedented! A tradition as old as the school itself. A safety hazard, evidently. Even though to this day no student had ever been hurt.

The will of the headmistress however, was law. Dolores Umbridge was known as a strict, but fair. On the surface at least. Most had heard rumors about her utter dislike for halfborns and muggles, but if that was the case no one could prove. Even so why would they? She had been a powerful force in the war against Voldemort, working from the inside to dismantle the Dark Lord and his Death Eaters from the inside. Some said it was Harry Potter and his friends, but those going to Hogwarts knew better, even if they wanted to or not. No student could deny however that these past two years had been peaceful and all that fell on to the lap of Dolores Umbridge’s strong leadership.

With these thoughts swirling in some students minds the carriages came to a stop and they were lead into the great hall and sat down next to the long tables of each house of Hogwarts. At the end of the room they could see the teachers looking on. Umbridge had decided when she became headmistress to clear out the old and enter with the new. The only teacher left from before the battle of Hogwarts was Professor Minerva McGonagall, continuing as the Head of Gryffindor house. Her face was that of stone as the others around her seemed to be chatting along rather jovially, most of them at least. The rivalry between Umbridge and McGonagall was well documented, but perhaps that was why the headmistress kept her around? To push her on? No one was quite sure.

“Hem-hem.” The buzzing in the air went deathly quiet as a woman cleared her throat. She looked like everyone’s favorite grandmother decked in sweetly pink clothes and a friendly smile on her face.

Dolores Umbridge took to the stands to address the masses. “Welcome my wondrous students to another year at Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I hope you are all well rested for Summer, because knowledge cannot be achieved with a weary mind.” Despite her smile and friendly demeanor, some of the students rolled their eyes. Umbridge loved to hear herself talk and they were going to be here for a good long while. Two hours later it seemed like she was finally ready to finish. “-As we all know this year will continue the trend of no Defence Against the Dark Arts classes. We live in a world of peace after all, and children do not need to learn horrible things like that. I will also like to inform you that Muggle Studies has a new teacher-”

A man with long disheveled auburn colored hair and wearing glasses thick enough that they looked like bottles was ready to stand up before Umbridge continued. “But that’s not important right now and I’m sure however they can introduce themselves in class, whoever they might be. It’s getting late and you children need to be sleeping.” The man looked around awkwardly before, dejected, sat down again. “Hurry now children! Follow your prefects to your respective houses! I hope you all will be on your best behavior. Because otherwise well…Children shouldn’t be naughty.” The last thing Umbridge said came off rather menacing, but her sweet grandmother voice hid the most of it.

With that done the prefects of each houses gathered their respective students up and lead them to their respective houses. While all of them poured out of the great hall it was soon that all of them began to split up to their respective routes and soon enough found themselves in their common rooms of each respective house. Soon enough all students arrived to their respective houses. While it was late the students had more than enough time to catch up some more and unpack the final things from their luggage before bed.

Gryffindor

Traveling through the painting that leads to the tower (the secret password is herbivore) members of Gryffindor were met by comfy chairs and a roaring fire in the fire place. Comfy chairs were strewn about and two doors on each end and two spiral staircases one leading up to the boy’s dormitory and the other to the girls.

Hufflepuff

Through the entrance near the kitchen the basement area. Tapping in the rhythm on the barrels the door opened and welcomed the members into a very warm and open area. Yellow was the dominating color in the room as well as some earthy tones as well as overstuffed sofas and armchairs for the students to sit on. The dormitories can be found through the circular doors in the room and the twisting and turning of some tunnels.

Ravenclaw

The entrance to the Ravenclaw tower at the top of the spiral staircase and answering the riddle correctly (Marking mortal privation, when firmly in place. An enduring summation, inscribed in my face. What am I? A tombstone.) opened up the door to the common room. It was a wide, circular room with arched windows hung with blue and bronze silks and beside the statue of Rowena Ravenclaw a staircase to the dormitories could be found.

Slytherin

Traveling through the dungeons the members of Slytherin soon found the entrance to their house. Speaking the password (supremacy) they found themselves in a dungeon like room with green lamps illuminating the common room. Due to it extending a bit under the lake area also attributed to green light in the room. Dark sofas and skulls are the motifs and while grand also feels rather cold. Two doors on either side of the room lead to the dormitories.

Cast list:
@Glostechk as Adele Dumont (Gryffindor)
@dark as Alcander Montanari (Slytherin)
@Blacksmith as Caleb Cato (Gryffindor)
@York as Gavin Bently (Ravenclaw)
@Lucky as Ian Miles the fourth (Slytherin)
@Pretentious Pineapple as Isolde Adalynn Draupnir (Hufflepuff)
@Gummi Bunnies as Julius Kerrigan (Ravenclaw)
@Ver as Juno Post (Ravenclaw)
@Otto as Keith Carter (Gryffindor)
@Takumi as Kit Myre (Hufflepuff)
@CrunchyCHEEZIT as Lloyd Whitaker (Ravenclaw)
@Khan of the Mardu as Martha Pleiades (Slytherin)
@MelodyMeister as Melody Cristala (Gryffindor)
@Archmage Jeremiah as Nikki T. Hilton-Lynn (Ravenclaw)
@Yun Lee as Rio Myre (Gryffindor)
@Josh as Ross Rhodes (Hufflepuff)
@Neko Shogun as Samael Rossi (Slytherin)
@Raptor Jesus as Stanley George Edwards (Hufflepuff)
@Kaykay as Wisteria King (Hufflepuff)
@Cromartous as Yaser Branblesnap (Hufflepuff)

Chapter 1 - Darkened skies
Chapter 2 - The Rot
Chapter 3 - Memento Mori
Chapter 4 - Boy in the well
Chapter 5 - Breaking the cycle
Chapter 6 - Shattered dreams​

 

[Yun Lee]

Prologue-Rio Myre
"Brand New Year"

"Ahhh...thank God that's over." A young man yawned, plopping down in one of the Gryffindor chairs, propping his feet up on the ottoman before it. In honor of their return to Hogwarts, his hair was a bright reddish color, thanks not to hairdye, but to a color charm anyone who knew Rio had seen him use liberally ever since he started school. One look at his little brother Kit made it clear he was a natural blonde; but you'd have to be vigilant to ever see Rio with his natural hair color.

His hands behind his head, Rio looked over his fellow Gryffindors, an easygoing but somewhat sleepy smile on his face. He had friends in this house, heck, he had friends everywhere, but his best friends were all in Hufflepuff at the moment. His brother Kit...his good buddy Ross...and Isolde. Man, he had missed her this summer! Sure, they visited her and she them, but not getting to see her every day? Man, it was the worst! At least he got to sit with her on the train earlier...and he would totally see her tomorrow, first thing after his workout with Ross. He'd go tonight, but he didn't want to start this year in trouble. Not with Quidditch on the line. It was bad enough Umbridge and McGonagall didn't get along, if Rio were to step out of line, his beloved sport would be the first thing to go.

So, instead, he would pass the time chatting with his housemates. "What have all of you been up to this summer?" he asked. "Feels like ages since I've seen you guys."

@Glostechk @Blacksmith @Otto @MelodyMeister​

 

[Hida Tomonatsu]

Prologue - Inscription

The train ride had been uneventful, other than of course the usual meet and greet after a long Summer. As the students started to pour out at Hogsmeade station a sense of excitement was in the air, one could almost see the sparks flaring. The students moved on to the for most seemingly horseless carriages that would take them to the gates of Hogwarts castle. Some whispering among the students was heard about how this was the first year that any first-year students were not traveling by boat to Hogwarts, which was simply unprecedented! A tradition as old as the school itself. A safety hazard, evidently. Even though to this day no student had ever been hurt.

The will of the headmistress however, was law. Dolores Umbridge was known as a strict, but fair. On the surface at least. Most had heard rumors about her utter dislike for halfborns and muggles, but if that was the case no one could prove. Even so why would they? She had been a powerful force in the war against Voldemort, working from the inside to dismantle the Dark Lord and his Death Eaters from the inside. Some said it was Harry Potter and his friends, but those going to Hogwarts knew better, even if they wanted to or not. No student could deny however that these past two years had been peaceful and all that fell on to the lap of Dolores Umbridge’s strong leadership.

With these thoughts swirling in some students minds the carriages came to a stop and they were lead into the great hall and sat down next to the long tables of each house of Hogwarts. At the end of the room they could see the teachers looking on. Umbridge had decided when she became headmistress to clear out the old and enter with the new. The only teacher left from before the battle of Hogwarts was Professor Minerva McGonagall, continuing as the Head of Gryffindor house. Her face was that of stone as the others around her seemed to be chatting along rather jovially, most of them at least. The rivalry between Umbridge and McGonagall was well documented, but perhaps that was why the headmistress kept her around? To push her on? No one was quite sure.

“Hem-hem.” The buzzing in the air went deathly quiet as a woman cleared her throat. She looked like everyone’s favorite grandmother decked in sweetly pink clothes and a friendly smile on her face.

Dolores Umbridge took to the stands to address the masses. “Welcome my wondrous students to another year at Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I hope you are all well rested for Summer, because knowledge cannot be achieved with a weary mind.” Despite her smile and friendly demeanor, some of the students rolled their eyes. Umbridge loved to hear herself talk and they were going to be here for a good long while. Two hours later it seemed like she was finally ready to finish. “-As we all know this year will continue the trend of no Defence Against the Dark Arts classes. We live in a world of peace after all, and children do not need to learn horrible things like that. I will also like to inform you that Muggle Studies has a new teacher-”

A man with long disheveled auburn colored hair and wearing glasses thick enough that they looked like bottles was ready to stand up before Umbridge continued. “But that’s not important right now and I’m sure however they can introduce themselves in class, whoever they might be. It’s getting late and you children need to be sleeping.” The man looked around awkwardly before, dejected, sat down again. “Hurry now children! Follow your prefects to your respective houses! I hope you all will be on your best behavior. Because otherwise well…Children shouldn’t be naughty.” The last thing Umbridge said came off rather menacing, but her sweet grandmother voice hid the most of it.

With that done the prefects of each houses gathered their respective students up and lead them to their respective houses. While all of them poured out of the great hall it was soon that all of them began to split up to their respective routes and soon enough found themselves in their common rooms of each respective house. Soon enough all students arrived to their respective houses. While it was late the students had more than enough time to catch up some more and unpack the final things from their luggage before bed.

Gryffindor

Traveling through the painting that leads to the tower (the secret password is herbivore) members of Gryffindor were met by comfy chairs and a roaring fire in the fire place. Comfy chairs were strewn about and two doors on each end and two spiral staircases one leading up to the boy’s dormitory and the other to the girls.

Hufflepuff

Through the entrance near the kitchen the basement area. Tapping in the rhythm on the barrels the door opened and welcomed the members into a very warm and open area. Yellow was the dominating color in the room as well as some earthy tones as well as overstuffed sofas and armchairs for the students to sit on. The dormitories can be found through the circular doors in the room and the twisting and turning of some tunnels.

Ravenclaw

The entrance to the Ravenclaw tower at the top of the spiral staircase and answering the riddle correctly (Marking mortal privation, when firmly in place. An enduring summation, inscribed in my face. What am I? A tombstone.) opened up the door to the common room. It was a wide, circular room with arched windows hung with blue and bronze silks and beside the statue of Rowena Ravenclaw a staircase to the dormitories could be found.

Slytherin

Traveling through the dungeons the members of Slytherin soon found the entrance to their house. Speaking the password (supremacy) they found themselves in a dungeon like room with green lamps illuminating the common room. Due to it extending a bit under the lake area also attributed to green light in the room. Dark sofas and skulls are the motifs and while grand also feels rather cold. Two doors on either side of the room lead to the dormitories.

Cast list:
@Glostechk as Adele Dumont (Gryffindor)
@dark as Alcander Montanari (Slytherin)
@Blacksmith as Caleb Cato (Gryffindor)
@York as Gavin Bently (Ravenclaw)
@Lucky as Ian Miles the fourth (Slytherin)
@Pretentious Pineapple as Isolde Adalynn Draupnir (Hufflepuff)
@Gummi Bunnies as Julius Kerrigan (Ravenclaw)
@Ver as Juno Post (Ravenclaw)
@Otto as Keith Carter (Gryffindor)
@Takumi as Kit Myre (Hufflepuff)
@CrunchyCHEEZIT as Lloyd Whitaker (Ravenclaw)
@Khan of the Mardu as Martha Pleiades (Slytherin)
@MelodyMeister as Melody Cristala (Gryffindor)
@Archmage Jeremiah as Nikki T. Hilton-Lynn (Ravenclaw)
@Yun Lee as Rio Myre (Gryffindor)
@Josh as Ross Rhodes (Hufflepuff)
@Neko Shogun as Samael Rossi (Slytherin)
@Raptor Jesus as Stanley George Edwards (Hufflepuff)
@Kaykay as Wisteria King (Hufflepuff)
@Cromartous as Yaser Branblesnap (Hufflepuff)​

Martha "Mary" Pleiades

Anyone who had sat at the Slytherin table would have heard an derisive snort from one of the older students, a lass with dyed-blue hair who kept a narrowed set of eyes on the headmistress and a set of fingers drumming away on the table in boredom, as Umbridge dropped the news that they, once again, wouldn't be taking part in any Defense Against the Dark Arts classes. It seemed another trip to the library was going to be in order as they were left to fend for themselves once again... Why her father insisted on continuing to ship her off to this school, Mary couldn't fathom. "There goes the standards again, all in the name of keeping the peace," An all-too familiar remark to those who knew the lass passed her lips as they began to be shipped off to their dorms, plans formulating in her mind of when she could slip down to and out of the library with the books she desired. She wasn't going to wait to start preparing for whatever threat might be brewing in shadows to pop up...

"Oi, Sameal?" Once they had arrived in the dank, decrepit chambers that presented a desperate attempt at grandeur, the timid boy that seemed so out of place within the house of betrayal felt a peck of two fingers on his shoulder, the owner of them speaking in his ear in a whisper so as to keep others from possibly hearing, "After classes tomorrow, I'm planning to hit the library for some research materials. You want to grab your sister and come with?"

@Neko Shogun @Lucky @dark ​

 

[Ver]

Juno Post - Prologue

"Come now. Simmer down and follow me, everybody!"

Juno Post took charge of the house of Ravenclaw in this moment, being a Prefect, and as such, was assigned with the task of leading the students to the Common Room. Despite her urging the Ravenclaws to keep calm and orderly, even someone as orderly and reserved as herself couldn't deny how exciting it was to be starting another fresh term at Hogwarts. Another year of the wonderful world of magic and helping fellow students realize their full potential. That is, those who care enough to attend to their studies like true Ravenclaws. After all, this house had no room for people who intended on goofing off, and even if she was just one Prefect, Juno intended to make sure that each and every student under her was getting along in the school swimmingly, just as she did last year when she first made Prefect.

Not that Juno particularly ever cared about what others thought about her, but she tended to figure that she was at least a decently respected individual. Stern, but fair, right? Some might have felt inclined to compare her to Headmistress Umbridge in that regard, since "stern but fair" seemed to translate to some as "just stern," but while Juno wouldn't have imagined herself to be that far gone, she still prided herself in her reputation -- whatever weight it might have held in reality -- and her punctual mien.

After all, if Ravenclaw had any intention of winning the House Cup this year, she would have to lead them all by example. Of course, while friendly competition may have been a good way to unwind, she could only hope that her fellow students would keep sight of the true goal they ought to strive for this year; personal self-growth and betterment through continued education and maturity.

Once she led the Ravenclaws into the Common Room, allowing anyone to relax and settle once they entered on the sofas, Juno wasn't done just yet. Standing in front of everyone, she cleared her throat, hoping to get everyone's attention, as it seemed she had something to say. "Everyone? If I could keep your attention for just a little while longer?"

Putting her hands on her hips and adjusting her glasses, Juno continued to talk. "I know most of you are far from First Years at this point, but a refresher for what our intended objectives never hurt anyone, right? As Ravenclaws, it is our responsibility to be representatives of what Hogwarts is capable of in what it can teach its students. As the house's namesake, Rowena Ravenclaw herself, once said, wit beyond measure is man's greatest treasure, and I cannot agree more! Perseverance, integrity, wisdom, and intellect are all qualities that are expected of you, my fellow students, so let us face this year with our heads held up confidently. I hope to enjoy another illuminating year at Hogwarts with you all, so let's all get along now, okay?" She finished, taking a breath with that as she looked upon her housemates.

@York @Archmage Jeremiah @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Gummi Bunnies​

 

[Raptor Jesus]

Prologue - Spare Change

The ride to Hogwarts had been relaxing enough. He had spent a good amount of the time catching up with old friends such as Martha, while the remainder of the time was spent sleeping.

Stanley didn't know what to expect going back, really. True, this wasn't his first year at the games school of wizardry, though he was still a bit nervous. First day of school jitters, perhaps. Though, he had to admit that he was looking forward to coming back. If not for his friends, it was for his legitimate business he had going. Selling homework copies, spells, or even chewing gum around campus surprisingly made him quite the profit.

As he made his way into the Hufflepuff house, Stanley set his luggage down in his dorm before heading to the kitchen so he could raid the fridge for something good. Maybe a burger or something.

@Jeremi @Takumi @Josh @Pretentious Pineapple @Cromartous @Hufflepuff​

 

[Gummi Bunnies]

Juno Post - Prologue

"Come now. Simmer down and follow me, everybody!"

Juno Post took charge of the house of Ravenclaw in this moment, being a Prefect, and as such, was assigned with the task of leading the students to the Common Room. Despite her urging the Ravenclaws to keep calm and orderly, even someone as orderly and reserved as herself couldn't deny how exciting it was to be starting another fresh term at Hogwarts. Another year of the wonderful world of magic and helping fellow students realize their full potential. That is, those who care enough to attend to their studies like true Ravenclaws. After all, this house had no room for people who intended on goofing off, and even if she was just one Prefect, Juno intended to make sure that each and every student under her was getting along in the school swimmingly, just as she did last year when she first made Prefect.

Not that Juno particularly ever cared about what others thought about her, but she tended to figure that she was at least a decently respected individual. Stern, but fair, right? Some might have felt inclined to compare her to Headmistress Umbridge in that regard, since "stern but fair" seemed to translate to some as "just stern," but while Juno wouldn't have imagined herself to be that far gone, she still prided herself in her reputation -- whatever weight it might have held in reality -- and her punctual mien.

After all, if Ravenclaw had any intention of winning the House Cup this year, she would have to lead them all by example. Of course, while friendly competition may have been a good way to unwind, she could only hope that her fellow students would keep sight of the true goal they ought to strive for this year; personal self-growth and betterment through continued education and maturity.

Once she led the Ravenclaws into the Common Room, allowing anyone to relax and settle once they entered on the sofas, Juno wasn't done just yet. Standing in front of everyone, she cleared her throat, hoping to get everyone's attention, as it seemed she had something to say. "Everyone? If I could keep your attention for just a little while longer?"

Putting her hands on her hips and adjusting her glasses, Juno continued to talk. "I know most of you are far from First Years at this point, but a refresher for what our intended objectives never hurt anyone, right? As Ravenclaws, it is our responsibility to be representatives of what Hogwarts is capable of in what it can teach its students. As the house's namesake, Rowena Ravenclaw herself, once said, wit beyond measure is man's greatest treasure, and I cannot agree more! Perseverance, integrity, wisdom, and intellect are all qualities that are expected of you, my fellow students, so let us face this year with our heads held up confidently. I hope to enjoy another illuminating year at Hogwarts with you all, so let's all get along now, okay?" She finished, taking a breath with that as she looked upon her housemates.

@York @Archmage Jeremiah @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Gummi Bunnies​

❝ Oh what sweet relief. ❞ The ravenette breathed out by the time he was sure that his subtle comment remained in the confines of their Common Room. By now, Julius should be well aware of how things had been the past few years, but the verbal affirmation to himself was a habit he couldn't really ignore. And then came those words meant as a reminder from their House's Prefect. Not like he would openly say so out loud, but it felt needless to repeat simple expectations from time to time. Might as well be a small personal gripe left for him to bear.

❝ Well said, Juno. Surely enough, our House as a whole shouldn't miss the important message here. ❞ He showed a brief smile while acknowledging what the Prefect had to say.

@York @Archmage Jeremiah @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Ver​

 

[Sark]

Yaser Branblesnap- Hufflepuff Common Room
Yaser took in a deep breath, filling his lungs with that oh-so-familiar air. The common room seemed to have a distinct- the taste of milk, honey, and warmth- which made each breath a feast in its own right. His eyes shut tight as a smile slowly crawled along his cheek; he was finally home. Sure, maybe a thing or two had changed since the last time he had been here, but at its core, it was still Hogwarts. It was still the place at which he whispered his first spell. It was still the place he rode his first broom. It was still the place that he belonged.

And if the price to pay for a school that did not smell like charcoal and death was the absence of Defence Against the Dark Arts, then that was a price he was willing to pay.

He slowly glided around the room, drunk on all the happy memories that were flooding his mind. He almost danced into the dorms, delicately laying his luggage at the end of his bed as if it had been the very last piece of a puzzle. Once his arms were free, he threw himself back down onto his sheets and stared at the ceiling: this was it-- senior year. He had been at Hogwarts for what felt like a lifetime. He had ridden the Hogwarts express what felt like hundreds of times and had tapped out the 'Helga Hufflepuff' tune out for what felt think thousands. He had studied and he had shirked off. He had flown and he had fallen. He had laughed and he had cried. And in just a few months, that was all going to come to an end.

What then? Where would his life take him then? Once forced from the old nest he had known, would he soar with the eagles? Or would he just become another stain on the forest floor? He knew full-heartedly that he wasn't ready. He could never prepare himself for the idea of having to leave all he had ever cared about behind and watch it disappear through the back window of the Hogwarts Express. The very thought of it made him queasy.

No- he had plenty of time to worry about graduation later on in the year. For now, he had much larger Krakens to fly, and he sure as hell wasn't going to let his final first day slip away under the notion that he was too stressed to enjoy it while he could. For now, he would just have to make the most of it. Rolling off the side of his bed, Yaser made his way back into the Common Room, only to slump down of one of the wooden chairs at the end of the room.

"So what did you think of that, guys? We're missing an entire subject this year. No more D.A.D.A...." He ran his fingers through his hair, forcing the dark curls away from his face "Kinda hard to feel safe when Big Brother starts telling you what you can and can't learn....should be fine though, as long as we don't have to do double herbology"
@Jeremi @Takumi @Josh @Pretentious Pineapple @Raptor Jesus​

 

[Raptor Jesus]

Yaser Branblesnap- Hufflepuff Common Room
Yaser took in a deep breath, filling his lungs with that oh-so-familiar air. The common room seemed to have a distinct- the taste of milk, honey, and warmth- which made each breath a feast in its own right. His eyes shut tight as a smile slowly crawled along his cheek; he was finally home. Sure, maybe a thing or two had changed since the last time he had been here, but at its core, it was still Hogwarts. It was still the place at which he whispered his first spell. It was still the place he rode his first broom. It was still the place that he belonged.

And if the price to pay for a school that did not smell like charcoal and death was the absence of Defence Against the Dark Arts, then that was a price he was willing to pay.

He slowly glided around the room, drunk on all the happy memories that were flooding his mind. He almost danced into the dorms, delicately laying his luggage at the end of his bed as if it had been the very last piece of a puzzle. Once his arms were free, he threw himself back down onto his sheets and stared at the ceiling: this was it-- senior year. He had been at Hogwarts for what felt like a lifetime. He had ridden the Hogwarts express what felt like hundreds of times and had tapped out the 'Helga Hufflepuff' tune out for what felt think thousands. He had studied and he had shirked off. He had flown and he had fallen. He had laughed and he had cried. And in just a few months, that was all going to come to an end.

What then? Where would his life take him then? Once forced from the old nest he had known, would he soar with the eagles? Or would he just become another stain on the forest floor? He knew full-heartedly that he wasn't ready. He could never prepare himself for the idea of having to leave all he had ever cared about behind and watch it disappear through the back window of the Hogwarts Express. The very thought of it made him queasy.

No- he had plenty of time to worry about graduation later on in the year. For now, he had much larger Krakens to fly, and he sure as hell wasn't going to let his final first day slip away under the notion that he was too stressed to enjoy it while he could. For now, he would just have to make the most of it. Rolling off the side of his bed, Yaser made his way back into the Common Room, only to slump down of one of the wooden chairs at the end of the room.

"So what did you think of that, guys? We're missing an entire subject this year. No more D.A.D.A...." He ran his fingers through his hair, forcing the dark curls away from his face "Kinda hard to feel safe when Big Brother starts telling you what you can and can't learn....should be fine though, as long as we don't have to do double herbology"
@Jeremi @Takumi @Josh @Pretentious Pineapple @Raptor Jesus​

"I believe that herbology can be a very useful subject to learn. And it's quite the fascinating subject as well." Stanley said as he closed the fridge up, having prepared himself a ham and cheese sandwich. Making his way over to a nearby sofa, Stanley began to chew on it, staring off blankly into space as he did so.

@Cromartous​

 

[Neko Shogun]

Samael Rossi

"Today is going to be a good day."

Samael Rossi had been repeating this mantra in his head all day, and it hadn't stopped after their meeting with Umbridge had adjourned. It was a habit the boy had picked up after years of having nothing but bad days. It was the male's feeble attempt to force more positivity into his life when, in reality, he felt sick most of the time. He had a loving family, who cared about how he felt, and he hated always looking miserable in front of them. If anything, this positive mantra was a mask he wore to convince his family that he was alright.

Despite the fact he wore this mask, his family could still see through it at times. This morning, before he left for Hogwarts with his sister, his parents had gone through their yearly routine of attempting to convince him to give up on going to school. And on days like this one, where he actually wasn't feeling very well, it was sorely tempting to take them up on this suggestion. Still, Sam convinced himself that today was going to be a good day and he could make it to school with Isolde. He liked studying and learning how to harness his natural magical abilities; it gave him a way to focus on something other than an illness.

It was just a shame that his first day in school actually had been spent focusing on his illness.

Although the train ride had been uneventful for most, Samael spent it with a resolute focus on his nauseated stomach. The teen almost threw up once or twice, but at least he had managed to spare himself the embarrassment of throwing up in front of everyone. Not that it would've been that embarrassing considering the fact that it had happened before, and because of how protective his sister was bullying had somehow managed to be avoided.

After the train ride, the rest of the day had gone by in a blur. He hadn't heard most of what their headmistress said in the great hall and ended up filing out of the room with the others. Absentmindedly, he wondered if he had missed anything important, but decided he could always ask Isolde or Mary to fill him in later if he was lacking in information.

Upon arriving to the Slytherin commons, Sam stood contemplating whether or not he wanted to unpack or take a break first when he would feel a touch upon his shoulder that would shake him from his thoughts. He glanced over his shoulder just as Mary would whisper to him. "Isn't it a bit early in the year to already need research materials? What are you scheming exactly?" he questioned, raising an eyebrow. He didn't intend to turn her down, but he was curious as to what he would be getting himself into.

@Khan of the Mardu @Lucky @dark​

 

[Hida Tomonatsu]

Samael Rossi

"Today is going to be a good day."

Samael Rossi had been repeating this mantra in his head all day, and it hadn't stopped after their meeting with Umbridge had adjourned. It was a habit the boy had picked up after years of having nothing but bad days. It was the male's feeble attempt to force more positivity into his life when, in reality, he felt sick most of the time. He had a loving family, who cared about how he felt, and he hated always looking miserable in front of them. If anything, this positive mantra was a mask he wore to convince his family that he was alright.

Despite the fact he wore this mask, his family could still see through it at times. This morning, before he left for Hogwarts with his sister, his parents had gone through their yearly routine of attempting to convince him to give up on going to school. And on days like this one, where he actually wasn't feeling very well, it was sorely tempting to take them up on this suggestion. Still, Sam convinced himself that today was going to be a good day and he could make it to school with Isolde. He liked studying and learning how to harness his natural magical abilities; it gave him a way to focus on something other than an illness.

It was just a shame that his first day in school actually had been spent focusing on his illness.

Although the train ride had been uneventful for most, Samael spent it with a resolute focus on his nauseated stomach. The teen almost threw up once or twice, but at least he had managed to spare himself the embarrassment of throwing up in front of everyone. Not that it would've been that embarrassing considering the fact that it had happened before, and because of how protective his sister was bullying had somehow managed to be avoided.

After the train ride, the rest of the day had gone by in a blur. He hadn't heard most of what their headmistress said in the great hall and ended up filing out of the room with the others. Absentmindedly, he wondered if he had missed anything important, but decided he could always ask Isolde or Mary to fill him in later if he was lacking in information.

Upon arriving to the Slytherin commons, Sam stood contemplating whether or not he wanted to unpack or take a break first when he would feel a touch upon his shoulder that would shake him from his thoughts. He glanced over his shoulder just as Mary would whisper to him. "Isn't it a bit early in the year to already need research materials? What are you scheming exactly?" he questioned, raising an eyebrow. He didn't intend to turn her down, but he was curious as to what he would be getting himself into.

@Khan of the Mardu @Lucky @dark​

"Scheming? Please, as if I would be planning something insidious or grand this early in the year," Mary countered with a completely innocent smile, before letting the false act drop for her usual scowl and a shrug, a sight that Samael was certainly familiar with. Six years at the school, a good number of which were spent either in the shadow of a war or under Umbridge's reign, had washed away many of the smiles she had when they had met in first year, "I'm simply aiming to patch up the holes that our wonderous headmistress left in the ceiling of our education. She might be content to let the torrent of rain pour in, but I'll be damned if I get soaked. Now then, are you in, or is your stomach still going to be bothering you after classes?"

@Lucky @Neko Shogun @dark ​

 

[Takumi]

Kit Myre had a rather relaxed train ride. It was a nice day so far, and not only that, but he'd be attending school with his brother and friends again! Granted he pretty much saw Rio every day, but it still put him at ease being in the older Myre's presence. Though upon Umbridge's long winded speech the young Myre found trouble actually listening to the headmistress speak without occasionally being distracted or his mind deciding to wander elsewhere. Before he knew it, everyone was moving along to their respective houses. Smiling at the sight of the furniture along the Hufflepuff house he decided to get to work on unpacking just to get it over with and out of the way.

Even though the first day was always nerve wracking, eventually the young Myre didn't feel as nervous due to things going smoothly so far.

"I'll have to agree with Stanley." he spoke up.

@Jeremi @Raptor Jesus @Pretentious Pineapple @Josh @Cromartous

 

[Sark]

"I believe that herbology can be a very useful subject to learn. And it's quite the fascinating subject as well." Stanley said as he closed the fridge up, having prepared himself a ham and cheese sandwich. Making his way over to a nearby sofa, Stanley began to chew on it, staring off blankly into space as he did so.

@Cromartous​

Kit Myre had a rather relaxed train ride. It was a nice day so far, and not only that, but he'd be attending school with his brother and friends again! Granted he pretty much saw Rio every day, but it still put him at ease being in the older Myre's presence. Though upon Umbridge's long winded speech the young Myre found trouble actually listening to the headmistress speak without occasionally being distracted or his mind deciding to wander elsewhere. Before he knew it, everyone was moving along to their respective houses. Smiling at the sight of the furniture along the Hufflepuff house he decided to get to work on unpacking just to get it over with and out of the way.

Even though the first day was always nerve wracking, eventually the young Myre didn't feel as nervous due to things going smoothly so far.

"I'll have to agree with Stanley." he spoke up.

@Jeremi @Raptor Jesus @Pretentious Pineapple @Josh @Cromartous

"Maybe, but that still doesn't mean I would want to do twice as much of it. I can only handle so much leaf clipping..." He shuddered, as if someone had not only walked over his grave, but stopped to tango upon it "Or mandrake potting" Sure, that lesson had taken place almost 6 years ago, but the trauma still remained. The moral of this story? When Professor Sprout tells you to put on earmuffs, you put on earmuffs. You don't want to be sent down to the infirmary with a deaf ear and concussion because you 'Wanted to hear what one would sound like up close. "I'd rather be taking more Care of Magical Creatures. Now that's where the real fun is... Not that the Umb*tch seems to focused on keeping 'fun' in the curriculum"

 

[Kaykay]

"Eh? I like herbology though. And it's not like we'd get to learn about all the plants in just seven years with one class, right?" Wisteria replied to Yaser as she came back to the common room after unloading her baggage. Fortunately, it seemed her opinion was shared by the others. She'd always liked learning about the plants here. They tended to be rather different than normal plants, obviously, but were just as interesting to study. For her, at least. The young girl walked over to one of the sofas and took a seat. "I guess not having Defence against the Dark Arts does feel kinda off. But well, no big deal!"

The idea of taking away the self-defense course felt a bit strange, but in the end perhaps it really wasn't necessary like Umbridge had said. After all, things like gun training and martial arts training were never considered mandatory. As long as the peace was kept, going without self-defense was completely reasonable.

"Oh, though Care of Magical Creatures is interesting too!" she added, seeming to ignore Yaser's last comment.

@Raptor Jesus @Pretentious Pineapple @Josh @Cromartous @Takumi​

 

[Sark]

"Eh? I like herbology though. And it's not like we'd get to learn about all the plants in just seven years with one class, right?" Wisteria replied to Yaser as she came back to the common room after unloading her baggage. Fortunately, it seemed her opinion was shared by the others. She'd always liked learning about the plants here. They tended to be rather different than normal plants, obviously, but were just as interesting to study. For her, at least. The young girl walked over to one of the sofas and took a seat. "I guess not having Defence against the Dark Arts does feel kinda off. But well, no big deal!"

The idea of taking away the self-defense course felt a bit strange, but in the end perhaps it really wasn't necessary like Umbridge had said. After all, things like gun training and martial arts training were never considered mandatory. As long as the peace was kept, going without self-defense was completely reasonable.

"Oh, though Care of Magical Creatures is interesting too!" she added, seeming to ignore Yaser's last comment.

@Raptor Jesus @Pretentious Pineapple @Josh @Cromartous @Takumi​

'To be honest, I don't think they're teaching us all of anything. To think..." He hushed his voice and lowered his head as if he were telling a ghost story "That there is an entire year's worth of D.A.D.A. lessons that we will never find out about. Besides, I don't think they can cram every potion into potions class or every charm into charms class. Still--" He sat up again and smothed his hair back once more "The Wizarding Word is at peace now. There's no need to stress about becoming an Auror or anything or just cramming to be a Jack of All Trades. We might as well just pick a subject we like and keep on doing it. Take things steady as they go"

@Raptor Jesus @Pretentious Pineapple @Josh @Cromartous @Takumi

 

[Raptor Jesus]

Kit Myre had a rather relaxed train ride. It was a nice day so far, and not only that, but he'd be attending school with his brother and friends again! Granted he pretty much saw Rio every day, but it still put him at ease being in the older Myre's presence. Though upon Umbridge's long winded speech the young Myre found trouble actually listening to the headmistress speak without occasionally being distracted or his mind deciding to wander elsewhere. Before he knew it, everyone was moving along to their respective houses. Smiling at the sight of the furniture along the Hufflepuff house he decided to get to work on unpacking just to get it over with and out of the way.

Even though the first day was always nerve wracking, eventually the young Myre didn't feel as nervous due to things going smoothly so far.

"I'll have to agree with Stanley." he spoke up.

@Jeremi @Raptor Jesus @Pretentious Pineapple @Josh @Cromartous

"Maybe, but that still doesn't mean I would want to do twice as much of it. I can only handle so much leaf clipping..." He shuddered, as if someone had not only walked over his grave, but stopped to tango upon it "Or mandrake potting" Sure, that lesson had taken place almost 6 years ago, but the trauma still remained. The moral of this story? When Professor Sprout tells you to put on earmuffs, you put on earmuffs. You don't want to be sent down to the infirmary with a deaf ear and concussion because you 'Wanted to hear what one would sound like up close. "I'd rather be taking more Care of Magical Creatures. Now that's where the real fun is... Not that the Umb*tch seems to focused on keeping 'fun' in the curriculum"

"Eh? I like herbology though. And it's not like we'd get to learn about all the plants in just seven years with one class, right?" Wisteria replied to Yaser as she came back to the common room after unloading her baggage. Fortunately, it seemed her opinion was shared by the others. She'd always liked learning about the plants here. They tended to be rather different than normal plants, obviously, but were just as interesting to study. For her, at least. The young girl walked over to one of the sofas and took a seat. "I guess not having Defence against the Dark Arts does feel kinda off. But well, no big deal!"

The idea of taking away the self-defense course felt a bit strange, but in the end perhaps it really wasn't necessary like Umbridge had said. After all, things like gun training and martial arts training were never considered mandatory. As long as the peace was kept, going without self-defense was completely reasonable.

"Oh, though Care of Magical Creatures is interesting too!" she added, seeming to ignore Yaser's last comment.

@Raptor Jesus @Pretentious Pineapple @Josh @Cromartous @Takumi​

"Ah, Kit!" Stanley said with a grin as he made himself known. "I didn't even notice you!" He said, followed by a light chuckle and another bite out of his sandwich. After adjusting his glasses by pushing them back onto the bridge of his nose with his index finger, Stanley continued, nodding in agreement with Wisteria's words.

"The plants here Hogwarts are quite fascinating, really. And with the different remedies and conditions you can make from them with the help of herbology, the possibilities truly are endless. Though, I agree, Care of Magical Creatures is also an interesting subject, perhaps even more so than herbology." Stanley said, though he would quirk a brow in Yaser's direction when he insulted their headmisteress.

"Although I'm not particularly fond of Ms. Umbridge either, I think that it would be best if we don't casually insult her like that." Stanley would then rub the side of his head and let out an exasperated sigh. "After all... the last thing any of us want is to be on her bad side..."

@Cromartous @Takumi @Kaykay @Pretentious Pineapple @Josh​

 

[Archmage Jeremiah]

Prologue - Door into Summer

Although summer break had come to a close, Nikki's real vacation had only just begun. Following close behind Juno as she led the Ravenclaw pack along, Nikki spun her head this way and that to let her bright eyes jump from the masterfully woven tapestries, to the aged masonry, then to the rustic light fixtures suspended in the air by what seemed like nothing, and back to the tapestries again. Entering the Common Room, her previous silence was broken by a quiet gasp, and her gait was slowed while she took it all in.

"Wow...feels like I'm seeing it for the first time all over again..." she mused to herself; her soft smile growing while she giggled off her jitters. Nikki was snapped out of her nostalgic haze only by Juno when she again addressed their house. Unable to applaud the sentiments with her right hand still busy lugging her belongings around, Nikki instead opened her mouth to respond...but the only sound that escaped her was the nervous rhythm of her heart beating against her chest. Her smile did return to her though, and she breathed a close-lipped sigh as she scurried up the stairs towards the dorms.

@York @Ver @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Gummi Bunnies​

 

[Raptor Jesus]

'To be honest, I don't think they're teaching us all of anything. To think..." He hushed his voice and lowered his head as if he were telling a ghost story "That there is an entire year's worth of D.A.D.A. lessons that we will never find out about. Besides, I don't think they can cram every potion into potions class or every charm into charms class. Still--" He sat up again and smothed his hair back once more "The Wizarding Word is at peace now. There's no need to stress about becoming an Auror or anything or just cramming to be a Jack of All Trades. We might as well just pick a subject we like and keep on doing it. Take things steady as they go"

@Raptor Jesus @Pretentious Pineapple @Josh @Cromartous @Takumi

"I see your point, though wouldn't it be beneficial to have this knowledge anyways?" Stanley said as he interlocked his fingers and brought them up to his mouth, as if contemplating in deep thought.

"Regular schools teach math, science, english, and social studies, after all. Granted, Hogwarts is definitely no ordinary school, but it is still a school nonetheless."

@Cromartous @Kaykay @Takumi @Pretentious Pineapple @Josh​

 

[0ttonomous]

Keith Carter - Prologue
@Glostechk @Blacksmith @Yun Lee @Otto @MelodyMeister @Gryffindor House

Keith lumbered along as he was forced lead toward purgatory Hogwarts once more. Where had the time gone? He could've sworn summer break had just started, but here he was, back again. He looked around at his fellow students, noticing how happy, excited, and chatty most of them were, which contrasted his scowling expression. He eased up, though, when he remembered that this was his final year here. However, he'd still have to brave through another year, so he wasn't totally content.

He sighed and went into autopilot once again, looking down at the ground slightly as his legs followed the same path that he had traversed many times before.

Sitting at the table, he supported his tired head by placing a hand on the right side of his face. He looked at Umbridge as she spoke, his eyes half-closed as he struggled to maintain interest for her speech. He eventually fell asleep after twenty minutes or so.

“Hurry now children! Follow your prefects to your respective houses! I hope you all will be on your best behavior. Because otherwise well…Children shouldn’t be naughty.”

Her closing comment suddenly woke him up, causing him to glance around frantically with wide eyes. After a couple seconds, his eyes returned to their usual dejected state when he realized where he was. He got up and walked sleepily, following the prefect to the Gryffindor house.

"Ahhh...thank God that's over."

"Yeah..."

Upon his arrival, he paid little attention to his fellow Gryffindors other than a simple response to Rio's remark. In fact, he quickened his pace when he saw one of the comfy chairs, plopped his luggage down next to it, sat down limply, and then closed his eyes.

"What have all of you been up to this summer?" he asked. "Feels like ages since I've seen you guys."

"Can't say the same," he muttered, responding to the declarative statement rather than answering the question. Judging by his desire to sleep right now, one could infer that sleep was one activity that he had done in the summer.​

 

[Yun Lee]

Rio couldn't help but chuckle at Keith's comment. Honestly, it was what he expected from the guy, considering how he'd acted all these years. "Well, look on the bright side," Rio told him. "Only one more year to go, then you'll never have to see us again!"

It was said with a jovial tone and expression, but deep down Rio himself wasn't all that happy to say that. He really loved Hogwarts (Umbridge aside) and all the friends he'd made these seven years. Sure, he'd stay in touch with a lot of them after, but...it just wouldn't be the same.


@Glostechk @Blacksmith @Otto@MelodyMeister @Gryffindor​

 

[Blacksmith]

Prologue-Rio Myre
"Brand New Year"

"Ahhh...thank God that's over." A young man yawned, plopping down in one of the Gryffindor chairs, propping his feet up on the ottoman before it. In honor of their return to Hogwarts, his hair was a bright reddish color, thanks not to hairdye, but to a color charm anyone who knew Rio had seen him use liberally ever since he started school. One look at his little brother Kit made it clear he was a natural blonde; but you'd have to be vigilant to ever see Rio with his natural hair color.

His hands behind his head, Rio looked over his fellow Gryffindors, an easygoing but somewhat sleepy smile on his face. He had friends in this house, heck, he had friends everywhere, but his best friends were all in Hufflepuff at the moment. His brother Kit...his good buddy Ross...and Isolde. Man, he had missed her this summer! Sure, they visited her and she them, but not getting to see her every day? Man, it was the worst! At least he got to sit with her on the train earlier...and he would totally see her tomorrow, first thing after his workout with Ross. He'd go tonight, but he didn't want to start this year in trouble. Not with Quidditch on the line. It was bad enough Umbridge and McGonagall didn't get along, if Rio were to step out of line, his beloved sport would be the first thing to go.

So, instead, he would pass the time chatting with his housemates. "What have all of you been up to this summer?" he asked. "Feels like ages since I've seen you guys."

@Glostechk @Blacksmith @Otto @MelodyMeister​

It had been a good break back home with his family. Mundane, all of them but if anything it merely made the time spent with them all the more heartfelt. There was a magic inherently intertwined with Chinatown in London and it enabled him to gain perspective on what he wanted most.

Caleb was not from some prestigious family. He had no fortune, nor pure blood connection. If anything with his love and dream of rugby, it seemed strange that he'd be here once more. He was already removing his school uniform, his tie undone and his school robes shucked to give him freedom of movement. All in all, the Chinese-British youth seemed rather like a delinquent and begged the question... Why come back? Why return to a school with this vastly looming reputation of discrimination beyond what already was?

The answer lay in actions.

Headmistress Umbridge for all her discomforting air was a recognized Wizarding patriot. With the knowledge of what could have been, a uneasy air and a few rumors could be swept aside. Thus he owed her sacrifice the benefit of the doubt. Finishing his education was a small thing in comparison. That and it'd be akin to pulling teeth to admit it, he'd miss the friends he made here.

He took a pillow, sitting cross-legged before the fire, a flicker of rare amusement showing on his face at Rio and Keith's interactions . As swift as gold in Bagmans hand it vanished, his usual stoic expression in face. Calmly, he spoke aloud.

"I had hopes defense would be implemented this year. The thought of the loss of such a class... Is disquieting."



[URL='https://www.storytellerscircle.com/members/2601/']@Glostechk @Yun Lee @Otto @MelodyMeister [/URL] @Otto @MelodyMeister​