Basement: Fruit Bowl

[Wilber Winterbottom]

Out of all of the paintings hanging on the walls of the basement corridor, the one depicting a silver fruit bowl is an easy favourite for some of those here at Hogwarts. While many may think that there is nothing special about this particular painting, those who are well-informed about its purpose know what lies beyond. Past this painting is where all of the food you stuff in your mouth three or more times a day is made.

If you're in the need of second breakfast, elevenses, or a mid-afternoon snack, then this is the place to be. If you are someone who knows this particular castle secret, you know those bananas and grapes aren't there just to make your mouth water and your stomach rumble. Simply reach out your hand and tickle the delicious-looking pear in the corner. After it has a squirming fit and laughs, it will transform into a green door-knob and grant you access to the grand Hogwarts kitchen where anything you desire can be whipped up in no time at all.

[Zoe]

With another lesson having come to an end, a decent block of time was now available for him to do as he pleased. Typically at this hour, Beauden would make his way out onto the grounds, where he could stretch his legs, feel the breeze, and bask in the freedom that came with being outside. The duelling exercises from Defence, however, had left him feeling unexpectedly ravenous. Rather than sprinting straight to the lake, the creature barn, or seeing how far he could get to the forest before getting into trouble, a slight detour was in order.

The journey down from the third floor to the basement hadn't taken him terribly long. Even with the hustle and bustle of students flooding the corridors, heading to their next classes or chatting in small groups, he managed to move quickly. The not-so-secret passageways made the trip from the third floor to the basement a breeze. The sixth year felt like a man on a mission, his mind occupied by one thing: snacks.

At the sight of the fruit bowl down the corridor, his stomach growled, the familiar sight making his hunger intensify. As he walked up to the fruit bowl, his stomach growled again, louder this time, urging him on. With a flick of his wrist, Beauden extended his hand and gave the pear a light tickle, expecting the familiar sound of giggles and the swift transformation into a door-knob.

The sound of giggles filled his ears, though that pear was taking its sweet time squirming. He frowned, giving the pear another tickle, this time with more precision. Was it him, or was the pear being stubborn today? "Come on now," Beauden muttered under his breath, trying again.

[Kolyander]

The fourth year hadn't come from a lesson, she had come from across the grounds where she had been working on some of her flying techniques. If she was going to be going out for the Quidditch team there was nothing wrong with getting in all the practice that she could manage, right? Right.

Had she mentioned that she had been out there on the pitch with her mama? Yeah, the older woman had wanted to ensure that Bry knew what she was getting herself into. Which was also why they had ANOTHER chat about Animagi things while all this flying was happening. It was good though, because now that there were no doubts on anyone's part, this girl was free to go ahead and speak with her professors and the Headmaster! All things were slowly beginning to fall into place.

When her mama had to call it a day on the flying, the brooms had been brought back to Hady's cabin/office and Bry continued on her way to the barn. Some time was spent with the creatures there (namely Bacon) but the others as well, while checking-in on them all and working on some of her ninja warrior training. Not too much time was spent here right now before realizing she was STARVING.. knowing her a meal had missed at some point.

This left Bry making her way to portrait outside the kitchen where she clearly wasn't alone as someone else was already there blocking the way. "Are you not going in?" she asked by way of greeting, blonde head tilted slightly to the side as she eyed the older year and the giggling pear in the painting.

[Zoe]

Beauden was lost in his thoughts, focusing entirely on the pear that was being uncharacteristically uncooperative. His stomach growled again impatiently, adding to the urgency of the situation. Each growl was like a ticking clock, amplifying the urgency of his snack hunt. The pear, however, continued to emit its cheerful giggles, its surface jiggling slightly as if mocking his predicament.

With a huff of frustration, Beauden tried one more time, his fingers expertly dancing around the pear in a rhythmic tickle. The pear's giggles seemed to grow louder, more taunting, and the boy's patience was wearing thin. He had half a mind to abandon his efforts and sprint to the Great Hall for any leftover scraps, but just as he was about to give up, a voice cut through his concentration. Beauden turned, breaking his gaze from the pear, to see a blonde fourth-year Slytherin who seemed vaguely familiar.

"I want to, but it seems like this pear's got other plans," Beauden said, his tone a mix of frustration and disbelief. "It's taking its sweet time transforming into a door-knob. Been trying for ages." The latter part of his statement was somewhat exaggerated. It had only been a few minutes, but those minutes had felt like an eternity considering the pear's unusual reluctance.

He glanced back at the pear, which continued to giggle with apparent amusement as if mocking his futile attempts. "Want to give it a go?" he offered with a gesture towards the fruit bowl, stepping aside to make room.

[Kolyander]

If it weren't for the occasional giggles that she could hear as she now stood there outside the entrance to the kitchen, Bry would've guessed that perhaps maybe the older boy hadn't even tried to go inside as of yet. However, those giggles were indeed a sweet telltale sign that someone had attempted to enter the kitchen. Only, it was really strange because where there were giggles, there should be a doorway. And there wasn't?

The mildly familiar older Gryffindors words had her taking pause and staring at him in confusion. "Hm? That's strange. I've never had that issue before. Is there something wrong with it? Did you try tickling it really low almost on the bottom of it.. like you would tickle a familiar under the chin.. you know, of it.. had a chin?" Was she aware that what she was saying may not have made any sense at all to him, no, no she was not.

With a sweet smile and a nod of blonde hair, Bry shuffled forward her small hand outstretched. Little fingers aimed to tickle the pear in the bowl more towards the bottom of it rather than all over. Come now you little giggle cutie and do what you're meant to do... Open!