Oh, joy.

OWL exams towards the end of his fifth year and Ary was not looking forward to them, no matter how good he had been told he was at academics. All that endless studying… it was going to take away from him spending time with the creatures. He vaguely wondered if Aunty Hady would mind if he camped out a the barns to study. At least he would still be among the beloved creatures.

“There doesn’t seem to be any staff changes,” the fifth year said to Bry and Jan. This was good news for he rather liked the present lineup of staffers. Not to mention, since he knew them and vice versa, it would be that much easier to approach them for clarification on topics he wasn’t that clear on. Yep, this ambitious Slytherin was determined to have Os at his OWLs. A very difficult feat to achieve but not impossible.

Today was the day! The moment I’ve been waiting for! My heart was racing as I dashed toward the Slytherin table, my dark brown curls bouncing wildly with every step. My fringe kept tickling my eyelashes, but I didn’t care—I was too excited to even notice properly. Was this real life? Someone pinch me!

The Great Hall was even more magical than I imagined. The floating candles, the enchanted ceiling, the buzz of chatter—it was like stepping into a dream. But this wasn’t a dream. This was my fresh start, my chance to be the best version of myself.That being said, I couldn’t help but feel a little nervous. Trusting people has never been easy for me. Family drama has a way of making you put up walls, you know? But something about this place felt different. I told myself, *Periwinkle, this is the beginning of something amazing. Stay positive!*

When I reached the Slytherin table, I froze for a moment. There were students everywhere—laughing, chatting, eating—but I didn’t know a single soul yet. Where should I sit? What if I picked the wrong spot? My mind raced as I scanned the sea of green-and-silver ties. But then I reminded myself: this is where I belong. This is my house, my people. I took a deep breath and decided to just go for it. After all, every friendship starts with a simple hello, right?

As she slid into her seat, Peri paused for a moment, taking it all in—the long rows of students, the floating candles, and the enchanted ceiling mimicking the stormy skies outside. Then, with a deep breath and a bright smile, she chirped out a cheerful "HELLO!" Her greeting wasn’t loud, but her soft scottish accent carried a warmly along the table.

Sometimes, it’s the smallest gestures—a friendly hello, a genuine smile—that make Hogwarts feel like home. And today, Peri’s simple act did just that.

Alaric had been quietly observing the table, trying to get a feel for the dynamics of his new house. The stormy ceiling above mirrored his swirling thoughts—excitement, curiosity, and just a hint of apprehension. He wasn’t entirely sure how to start a conversation, but he knew he’d have to figure it out quickly. This was Hogwarts, after all, and he had plans to make an impression.

Then came the cheerful "HELLO!" from a few seats away. The voice, bright and tinged with a Scottish accent, stood out against the hum of chatter. Alaric turned his head to see the source—a girl with wild dark brown curls and an open, welcoming smile. She seemed confident, though her eyes had a spark of curiosity that mirrored his own.

He hesitated for only a moment before speaking up. “Hello,” he replied, his tone polite but carrying a hint of curiosity. “It’s my first night here. Everything’s… bigger than I expected. Even the candles.” He gestured upward toward the enchanted ceiling, as if to emphasize his point.

Glancing at her again, he ventured cautiously, “You look like you’ve been here a while. Aren’t you supposed to be used to the Great Hall by now? Or is it always this overwhelming?” His question carried an innocent, self-deprecating humor, paired with a tentative smile.

“I’m Alaric, by the way,” he added, shifting slightly in his seat. “Just trying to figure out where everything fits… including me.” His words were earnest, a quiet attempt to connect, though there was a flicker of curiosity in his gaze as he awaited her response. Something about her didn’t quite match his expectations, and he found himself wondering just what her story might be.

It still feels like a dream. My siblings always told me how magical this place was, but honestly, they didn’t even come close to describing how amazing it truly is. The castle, the moving staircases, the enchanted ceilings—every corner feels alive with wonder. I’ve only been here for a night, and I already know this is going to be my happy place.

On my very first night, something amazing happened—I started making a friend! A boy named Alaric struck up a conversation with me, and it felt so nice to talk to someone who’s also figuring things out here. "It’s my first night too, I just transferred from Ilvermorny. Hogwarts is so much more enchanting than I expected." We were both sitting there, soaking in the magic of it all, when he started talking to me. I could tell we were both a little nervous but also really excited about what’s ahead.

Don’t get me wrong, Ilvermorny was wonderful, but Hogwarts? Hogwarts is on another level. Just walking through the halls feels like stepping into a storybook. “The best advice that I was ever given was by an older student. Keep your head up and stay positive—everything will work out.” It’s simple advice, but it’s gotten me through so much, and I hope it helps him too. "It's very nice to meet you, Alaric." her tone was very sweet and friendly.

"Oh, by the way, my name’s Periwinkle, but everyone calls me Peri. I’m still figuring out where I belong here—who my people will be—but that’s part of the excitement, right? It’s like starting a new chapter in a book where anything can happen."

I already feel like this place is going to be home. The warmth of the Great Hall, the laughter echoing in the corridors, and even the ghosts floating around (yes, ghosts!) make it feel so welcoming. And knowing that I’ve already met someone like Alaric makes me even more hopeful for what’s to come.

Here’s to new beginnings, new friendships, and all the magic that Hogwarts has in store for me!

Alaric leaned forward slightly, his curiosity evident as Periwinkle - Peri mentioned Ilvermorny. “You transferred from Ilvermorny?” he asked, his tone carrying genuine interest. “I’ve read about it here and there—stuff about the houses and its location, but books don’t really tell you what it’s like to live and study there. How was it? Is it as grand as they say? I mean, compared to Hogwarts, of course.”

He hesitated for a moment, carefully choosing his next words. “If it’s not too personal, why did you transfer? Did you want the change, or was it something unexpected?” His gray eyes flicked to hers, his tone curious but respectful. “I imagine it must be a bit of an adjustment—different people, different traditions—but it sounds like you’re handling it pretty well. Much better than I’d manage, probably.”

He glanced around the Great Hall, the enchanted ceiling still casting its stormy glow. “Then again, it’s hard not to feel a bit enchanted by this place, isn’t it? It’s like every corner has its own bit of magic waiting to surprise you.” He gestured to the floating candles. “Even those—they’re simple enough, but they still catch you off guard in the best way.”

Alaric offered her a small smile. “I guess being new here has its perks, though. You get to see it all with fresh eyes, right? Still, I bet you’ve got stories from Ilvermorny that would make even this place seem ordinary. What was the best part about it? Or the most different?”

He stopped himself there, realizing he’d peppered her with enough questions for the moment. “Sorry,” he added with a faint chuckle. “I didn’t mean to ask a million things all at once. It’s just… not every day you meet someone with a whole other magical school’s worth of experience.”

Periwinkle’s eyes sparkled as she spoke, her excitement bubbling over like a freshly brewed potion. “Yes, I did transfer!” she said with a bright smile, her Scottish accent lilting through her words. She hadn’t expected anyone to be curious about Ilvermorny, the American wizarding school, but it was a pleasant surprise. “Ilvermorny was grand, truly. But Hogwarts—it’s like stepping into a fairytale! The castle feels alive, doesn’t it? At Ilvermorny, everything was so serene and calm, but here… it’s like magic is woven into every stone.”

She paused for a moment, her thoughts flitting between her two magical homes. Though Hogwarts had always been her dream, Ilvermorny held a special place in her heart. “I’ll have to compare them properly once I’ve explored the castle more,” she added with a grin. “But so far, Hogwarts is enchanting in its own way.”

Periwinkle felt a warm glow of appreciation at his interest. She knew the next question was inevitable, and she was ready—or at least mostly ready. “Why did I transfer?” she echoed thoughtfully, her smile softening. “Well, that’s a bit of a tale. I’m from a massive family—chaotic and dramatic, to say the least! When I was ten, my older sister Thora became my guardian. She’d just started working for the Magical Congress in America and asked if I’d be okay attending Ilvermorny when the time came. I said yes, though I always hoped I’d make it to Hogwarts one day.”

Her voice grew warmer as she continued. “I grew up in Scotland—this is home for me. Even when we were in America, Thora made sure we never forgot our traditions. But we adopted some American ones too! Thanksgiving was her favorite; she absolutely adored the food.” Periwinkle laughed lightly, remembering her sister’s enthusiasm for pumpkin pie and cranberry sauce. “She still misses it, you know.”

At Alaric’s curious expression, she leaned in conspiratorially. “The best part of Ilvermorny? The nature! The school is surrounded by forests and mountains—it’s breathtaking. And the magical creatures! Well… from a safe distance, of course,” she added with a laugh. “I loved sitting outside to study or write in my journal. It was peaceful, like the world slowed down for you.”

Her excitement bubbled over again as she looked around the Great Hall. “I hope Hogwarts has its own magic like that. I’m sure it does—I can already feel it.”

When Alaric apologized for asking so many questions, Periwinkle shook her head quickly, her smile widening. “Don’t apologize! I love it! It’s so refreshing when someone actually wants to get to know you.” Her voice softened as she added, “It makes everything feel a little less daunting.”

For Periwinkle, this new chapter at Hogwarts felt like the start of an incredible adventure—and she couldn’t wait to see where it would lead her next.

Alaric’s gray eyes widened as he listened, leaning forward slightly, his curiosity plain on his face. He smiled when Periwinkle mentioned Ilvermorny.

“Wow, Ilvermorny sounds amazing,” he said, his voice laced with wonder. “Forests and mountains? That sounds like something out of one of those adventure books! Did you ever see anything really cool in the forest? Like magical creatures or hidden ruins or something?”

When she talked about her sister and her move back to Scotland, he nodded thoughtfully. “That’s really nice of your sister to take care of you like that. It must be fun to live somewhere with so many traditions. Thanksgiving sounds cool too! What’s your favorite part about it?” he asked, his enthusiasm clear.

At the mention of Hogwarts feeling alive, Alaric grinned and gestured around the Great Hall. “I know what you mean. I mean, the moving staircases alone make it feel like it’s got a mind of its own! I haven’t figured out how anyone doesn’t get lost yet. Do you think there are any secret passageways?”

He paused for a moment before adding, “It’s cool having someone here who knows a bit more about magic schools and stuff. You’ve probably got all sorts of stories, and I bet Hogwarts will give you a ton more. It’s nice having someone to talk to who’s still figuring things out too.”

His grin widened slightly. “And if you ever find something magical or cool in the castle, promise you’ll tell me about it, okay?”

“I haven’t seen any ruins, sadly,” she said, her voice soft with thought. “I think there are some around here, but I’m not sure.” Her eyes sparkled as she continued, “The one creature that truly stood out to me, though, was the Wampus. I only saw one once, but it was unforgettable. Did you know Ilvermorny even named a house after them? They’re such powerful and mysterious creatures.”

She paused, letting the memory wash over her. The Wampus had moved with an almost otherworldly grace, its luminous eyes holding secrets of the wild.Peri sighed, a smile spreading across her face. “There’s something about being out here, surrounded by all this untamed beauty. The mountains and forests feel so comforting, like they’re alive and watching over us.”

Her voice softened as she spoke, a gentle smile playing on her lips. "My sister is the best. She’s taken care of me for so long, and honestly, I don’t think I’d have the strength to do the same if I were in her shoes." There was a flicker of admiration in her eyes, a quiet acknowledgment of her sister’s resilience.

Her gaze shifted as she continued, her tone brightening. "My favorite memories are about family—being together. My older half-siblings would come over for Thanksgiving, and it was always the best time. They’re amazing, you know? They’ve taught me so much over the years." Her words carried warmth, a deep affection for the people who shaped her. She tilted her head slightly, curiosity lighting up her expression. "What about you? Do you have any family traditions?" She leaned forward just a little, genuinely interested in his answer. There was something comforting about sharing these small, personal pieces of life—like weaving two stories together, one thread at a time.

Periwinkle's twirled her hair with her finger "Can you imagine?" she exclaimed, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm. "Secret passageways! Hidden rooms! Oh, I bet there are sooooo many! This place is ancient, like, seriously ancient. Just think of all the wizards and witches who’ve been here before us, leaving behind their secrets, their stories!"

She practically bounced in her seat, her mind racing with possibilities. "What if there’s a hidden library filled with forbidden spells? Or a room that leads to a treasure trove of magical artifacts? Oh! What if there’s a tunnel that takes you straight to Hogsmeade without anyone knowing?!" Periwinkle clapped her hands together, her grin stretching ear to ear. "This castle has seen so much—duels, adventures, mysteries! There’s just *got* to be secret spots everywhere. I bet even the walls are hiding something." She leaned in conspiratorially, whispering to Alaric, "We *have* to find them. Imagine the stories we could uncover!"

Peri’s dark brown eyes sparkled as she spoke, her energy contagious. “I don’t know as much as I’d like to about magic,” she admitted, her hands gesturing animatedly, “but my sister? Oh, she’s a total genius when it comes to that stuff. She’s a Ravenclaw—like, the epitome of Ravenclaw—so you can imagine how ridiculously smart she is. If we ever get stuck, I can just write to her. She always has the answers!”

Her excitement bubbled over as she switched gears. “But you know what? Stories are my thing! I’ve got so many ideas swirling in my head, I can barely keep up. Someday, I’m going to be a writer—like, a real one! I haven’t decided yet if I’ll write epic fiction or dive into journalism, uncovering the world’s secrets. Maybe I’ll do both! Why not, right? The world’s full of possibilities!” She leaned forward, her enthusiasm lighting up the room. “Imagine it—bookshelves lined with my stories, people reading my words on their morning commute or curled up by the fire. Doesn’t that sound amazing? Ugh, I can’t wait!” Her grin was unstoppable, her dreams as vivid as the stars she hoped to reach.

Periwinkle’s eyes widened as she grinned at Alaric. “I promise, you’ll be the very first person I tell if I see anything amazing!” she said, practically bouncing on her toes. The castle was full of secrets, and Periwinkle had always loved the idea of uncovering them. Hidden passageways, forgotten treasures, or maybe even a mysterious creature lurking in the shadows—it was all so thrilling to imagine.

The castle seemed to hum with potential, as if it too was waiting for its secrets to be uncovered. Periwinkle felt a buzz of energy in her chest. This was going to be the start of something incredible—she just knew it!

Maddox went over to the Slytherin table, and made sure to sit away from all the chattery ones. Which was hard because everyone was chatting to some degree, but he made sure it was a relatively quiet section. He was getting rather peckish and wanted some food, but none was on the table at the moment. Instead he closed his eyes and focused on keeping his mind quiet, both from his own thoughts and other people's. Jane had taught him a lot about meditation, and it was a good method when he was getting overwhelmed to close off his mind. He wished he could close off his ears, too, but alas, one could only do so much.

Calliope was having the time of her life in the Great Hall, but her excitement was manifesting in the most peculiar way. Well, peculiar to anyone who was not familiar with her tendencies anyway...which was the majority of her peers at this point in time. The long Slytherin table, with its polished wood, taunted her as she tried to settle down. She couldn’t decide where she wanted to sit. No matter which spot she tried, it just didn’t feel right. Her restless energy had her up and down again and again, drumming along the top of the table with her fingertips, testing the acoustics of each spot. Thock, thock, thock.

She'd try a seat toward the middle, thock, thock, thock, thockthock, only to frown slightly and push herself up to move again. Perhaps closer to the edge would be better, she thought, squeezing past a couple of other students deep in some conversation or another. Thock, thock, thock. thockthock, thock, thockthock. Another round of drumming, her fingers searching for that perfect resonance and once again finding disappointment. Her face lit up every time she found a particularly satisfying thrum. "Ah, this is it!" she would whisper to herself, plopping down, only to spring up seconds later, convinced the next seat might be just slightly more ideal for her rhythmic needs.

Thus, off she went further along the table towards a fellow first year whom she had been standing near at some point or another while waiting for her turn with the Sorting Hat. Or maybe it had been on the docks waiting for a boat...or even on the boat ride over itself? She hadn't exactly made conversation with anyone due to holding a quiet concert for one in her mind and her walking symphony demanded excellence. The house table itself had become her personal stage, and it seemed no place along the long, dark wood would be quite right until she could find the perfect balance between comfort and sound. "YES!" she barked, fingers and palms drumming vigorously over this latest spot for a couple more moments before sitting down...and this time she did not find herself needing to get back up. "Hey, sup," she grinned to the boy she had almost sat on in her percussion pursuits. Pursuit that did not cease simply because she had found the best bit of wood, by the way.

Maddox could hear the drumming of seats before the girl was even halfway to him. He knew this must be that girl—the one who constantly had some song in her head. Drumming her little fingers along to it. Maddox had found that quite grating during the boat ride, because yes, it was the boat ride where they were sat next to each other. The whole time. Unfortunately. While he was trying to meditate, all he could think was Let her find somewhere just past me. Or before me, even better. Just not right—

And then she was next to him and exclaiming, causing him to stiffen up his shoulders. He popped one eye open and examined her as she continued the infernal thock thock thocking on the seat, and now he feared there was no escape. Maddox had to shift in the seat so that she didn't plop down right on top of him. He stared at her while she greeted him, his expression cool and glassy despite the annoyance he felt. "Hi. Stop," he said, glancing at her fingers so she'd know what he was talking about, because he very well thought this was someone who would not even think twice about the racket she was making. And then he tacked on a "Please," because then it wouldn't be as rude, and he also felt like this girl may be someone who was quick to anger. He usually wouldn't care so much about the tapping, but in this moment he wanted some peace and quiet. Or as much as he could get, given the current circumstances. And this girl was the opposite—noisy on the outside and the inside.

Alaric’s gray eyes widened as Peri spoke, her excitement drawing him in like a magnet. He couldn't help but grin at her enthusiasm.

“A Wampus? That’s incredible!” he said, his voice full of awe. “I’ve read about them! They’re supposed to be super fast and nearly impossible to outsmart, right? Seeing one in real life must’ve been amazing. Way cooler than anything I’ve ever seen.”

He leaned in a bit when she asked about family traditions, his expression softening. “My family’s not really big on huge celebrations. My mum and I used to make this big breakfast on special days—like birthdays or the first day of summer holidays. She’d make pancakes shaped like magical creatures. I always asked for a phoenix.” A small, fond smile crossed his face. “I think it was her way of reminding me to be resilient—phoenixes always rise back up, no matter what happens.”

He shifted slightly in his seat as Peri went on about hidden rooms and passageways, and a flicker of excitement replaced his initial nervousness. “Oh, I’m sure there are tons of secret places here! I mean, the castle’s ancient. If there’s not at least one hidden treasure room or secret tunnel to Hogsmeade, I’ll be really disappointed.” He lowered his voice conspiratorially, “We’ve definitely got to explore. It wouldn’t feel right if we didn’t.”

When she mentioned her sister, Alaric nodded, his gray eyes thoughtful. “She sounds brilliant! Having a Ravenclaw for a sister must be handy. If she’s half as clever as you make her sound, we’ll never get stuck.” He paused, then added, “But… you sound pretty clever yourself. You’ve already got all these stories swirling around in your head—it’s kind of impressive.”

His grin widened as she talked about becoming a writer. “That sounds amazing! People reading your books all over the world, passing them to friends, waiting for the next one—you’d be a legend! I’d definitely read everything you wrote.” He hesitated for a moment before leaning forward slightly. “What kind of stories do you like most? Epic adventures, mysteries, or something else? I bet you could write something incredible about Hogwarts once we find all the hidden stuff.”

When she promised to tell him if she found anything amazing, Alaric nodded, his smile more genuine now. “Deal! And I’ll do the same.” There was a warmth in his tone now, as if the initial cautiousness between them had melted away.

“This place really does feel like it’s waiting for us, doesn’t it?” he said, glancing up at the enchanted ceiling, his voice quieter but full of excitement. “We’ve only just started, but I already know it’s going to be unforgettable.”

Quote:

Originally Posted by NiallNIP

Maddox could hear the drumming of seats before the girl was even halfway to him. He knew this must be that girl—the one who constantly had some song in her head. Drumming her little fingers along to it. Maddox had found that quite grating during the boat ride, because yes, it was the boat ride where they were sat next to each other. The whole time. Unfortunately. While he was trying to meditate, all he could think was Let her find somewhere just past me. Or before me, even better. Just not right—

And then she was next to him and exclaiming, causing him to stiffen up his shoulders. He popped one eye open and examined her as she continued the infernal thock thock thocking on the seat, and now he feared there was no escape. Maddox had to shift in the seat so that she didn't plop down right on top of him. He stared at her while she greeted him, his expression cool and glassy despite the annoyance he felt. "Hi. Stop," he said, glancing at her fingers so she'd know what he was talking about, because he very well thought this was someone who would not even think twice about the racket she was making. And then he tacked on a "Please," because then it wouldn't be as rude, and he also felt like this girl may be someone who was quick to anger. He usually wouldn't care so much about the tapping, but in this moment he wanted some peace and quiet. Or as much as he could get, given the current circumstances. And this girl was the opposite—noisy on the outside and the inside.

............

It would just be her luck that the first person she officially met from her house was a complete and total gloom casting mugwort. Her eyes were rolling before she even realized it and laughed in spite of his gloominess. "You can't stop the beat," she half sung while drumming her fingers along with each syllable. Did he not hear how this was the sweet spot of the table and therefore a complete disservice not to continue? Yes, Calliope had been raised to be respectful of people's boundaries but did that really have to apply at all times?

Somewhere in the back of her mind, which was more like the forefront of it, she could hear her mum's stern compassionate scolding and dad's heavy sigh that did cause a temporary stillness to her fingers. "You could just join in, you know. We can play something you know." She was practically an encyclopedia of music - the best music, according to dad - so chances were she would know whatever his choice was and if she didn't that she could at the very least pick up the beat to accompany him anyway.

And she wasn't noisy! She was talented and gifted!

In the minutes since joining the Slytherin table, Alexei had continued to watch the sorting, though without much interest. He had remained very much alone - except for all the other Slytherins around him, who didn't count. Disappointed, but not surprised.

He felt oddly bereft without Elena at his side, even though she was only just across the Hall. It wasn't like they were constantly together, not all the time. They both had their own pursuits and activities at home, and everything. But when they were somewhere so new, and so full of strangers, they always stuck together. Now Alexei would have to do all those things he usually left to his sister, and he wasn't so much out of practice as completely lacking in experience.

Not that he was trying to do those things. He sat quietly at the table, listening to the conversations around him rather than join in, partly because that was always how he integrated himself into a situation, and partly because there was so much chattering going on that it was all overlapping and churning and doing the same thing to his ears that the candles were doing to his eyes. It was one of those times where his ears could not listen, they could only hear. Eventually it all just coalesced into a dull roar, and Alexei could almost lose himself in tracing the grain and the scratch marks on the surface of the table with the tips of his fingers.

_____

Bored, bored, bored.

Not just that, but uncomfortable. Elio did not want to be here. Not Hogwarts, Hogwarts was fine, but at the feast. His efforts to get the password so he could go straight down to the common room had been thwarted, and sitting and waiting in a corridor without any of his things was equally unappealing, so he'd stuck around.

He sat with his jaw propped in his hand, idly fiddling with his newly acquired earring, his brown curls artfully mussed up. In his other hand, he held his hawthorn wand, currently pointed at the water pitcher directly in front of it. The water inside had become something closer to a mini whirlpool, the force of which shook the pitcher so aggressively that it wobbled dangerously where it stood on the table.

_____

It was funny how things worked out sometimes. Yves had not slept a wink the night before, and wasn't sure he'd been able to snatch more than an hour or so the night before that. He'd not been able to even doze on the train, and he knew that when he climbed into bed later (before giving up, as he did every night, and relocating to a common room sofa) he would only lie there, wide awake.

And yet now, at the feast, he could barely keep his eyes open. Tomorrow, when lessons started, it would probably be the same story. Only at the most inopportune times did his body finally decide to cooperate... by which point, it could hardly be considered to be cooperating at all.

But Yves knew better than to bypass this opportunity. He didn't know when he'd next be able to snatch even a few minutes of sleep. So, sat at the extreme end of the Slytherin table, he put his head down on his arms, and dozed.

He didn't sleep, not properly. It would be impossible to completely switch off in a room full of people, to completely let his guard down, but he dozed all the same.

Oh how he wished he could stop the beat. And, by the way, he was not gloomy. He resented that. He was just quiet, and he liked it. Gloom casting mugwort was a new one, though, and he had heard a lot of things people had called him in the past. Even when they thought he couldn't. Slightly impressive. He released one singular chuckle with a small smile, which was as close as he usually got to raucous laughter.

And yet she still stopped tapping of her own accord, which Maddox appreciated, even if it was only for a moment. He wasn't one to usually participate in silly little activities, but then he thought about the card he pulled on the Express—The Devil reversed. Shirking old bad habits. About Jane telling him to try getting along with his schoolmates. He didn't think he needed to, he would be just fine on his lonesome. But maybe. For Jane. And because the cards said so. Is not participating a bad habit? Maddox wasn't sure. This didn't mean he was changing his ways, alright? Just trying a little more. A little.

He picked up a a fork from the table, glancing between it and the girl, and then looked down at the empty plate in front of him. And then he realized he didn't know what he was doing. He didn't really do music. He didn't mind listening to it but never really resonated with anything in specific. So he just kind of started...tapping. On the plate. In front of him. Not in really any sort of a rhythm, per se. Just a sort of...tink. Tink tink. Ti-tink tink. Tinktink tink. He glanced back to the girl, his face not showing the uncertainty he felt, and he looked at the boy sat across from him (who he recognized from St. Woboldo's but never actually talked to [Alexei]) hoping that the offbeat tapping was not loud enough that he could hear. And then he did not get embarrassed, he just didn't feel like tapping anymore and he stopped. He delicately set the fork down and did not look away from his plate.

After a giant run to the loo, JT skidded into the Great Hall, and over to the Slytherin Table with his robes on backwards. Out of breath he took the vacant seat near Jan, Bryony and Aryan mouthing to them. "Hey guys! Please tell me I didn't miss the headmasters speech?" If he had done that then, he'd hear about it from either one of the prefect's or their head of house later, and JT didn't want a reprimand the first night back. He spotted Iris sitting over at the Ravenclaw table, and sighed with relief. She was there and they were going to see each other the next day after classes. Yes, as a date?

Turning his eyes down the table to the two first year's (Calliope & Maddox) that were tapping on their plates JT couldn't help, but ask "Are you guys starting the first snake rock band? How cool. We could ask the Blood Baron if he want's to do the vocals."

Periwinkle’s dark brown eyes sparkled with excitement as she leaned forward, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm. “Honestly, a Wampus is the coolest creature I’ve ever seen in my whole life!” she exclaimed, her hands gesturing animatedly. Ever since she had learned about the legendary beast, she had devoured every book and scroll she could find about it. But even with her fascination for Wampuses, her heart still longed for another magical creature. “But I *still* want to see a Hippogriff—they look so majestic!” she added with a dreamy smile. Hippogriffs had a charm that was unmatched, and she just knew they’d be her favorite if she ever got to meet one.

As Alaric spoke about family traditions, Periwinkle listened intently, her face softening. “That sounds so amazing,” she said wistfully. She had only recently started experiencing the warmth of family connections herself, thanks to her half-siblings and their incredible grandparents. “Their grandparents are the best,” she shared, her voice tinged with gratitude. “I love my own grandparents too, but… well, things have always been complicated with my parents.” She sighed, but her smile quickly returned. “Oh, and Phoenixes! They’re so cool. I want to see one someday—hopefully soon. They have so much meaning behind them, don’t they?”

Her mind wandered to the mysteries of Hogwarts as she tapped her chin thoughtfully. “I wonder if there’s a map or someone who knows about all the secret passageways here,” she mused aloud. The idea of discovering hidden paths on their own thrilled her, but having a map would certainly make things easier. Still, there was something magical about uncovering the castle’s secrets bit by bit.

Periwinkle’s grin widened as she recalled something her brother always said. “Oh, she’s clever,” she said, referring to her sister, Thora. “but I’m what my brother calls street smart because of everything I’ve been through.” Her life had been anything but ordinary, and it had shaped her in ways she was only beginning to understand. “He always gives me this advice: if there’s something you don’t know, act confident and make people think you know the answer while you’re still figuring it out.” She laughed at the memory. “Not the best advice, maybe, but hey—it works!”

The conversation shifted to writing, and Periwinkle’s eyes lit up even more. “I would *love* for people to read my stories!” she gushed. Writing was her passion, and lately, she’d been pouring her heart into short fiction. “I want to try journalism too,” she added thoughtfully. “But for a book? I’m not sure yet. I’m just practicing as much as I can for now.” She giggled at the thought of turning Hogwarts into a story someday. “I think I might write about this place… but I need to be here longer first!”

As she gazed around the Great Hall, Periwinkle felt a rush of wonder. “It really does feel like it’s waiting for us,” she said softly, almost reverently. The magic and history of Hogwarts seemed alive, as if the walls themselves were whispering secrets just for them to discover. And oh, how thrilling that thought was!

Now, Calliope was all about finding the beat with whatever tools you had buuuuuuuut things at the dinner table had been ingrained in her noggin to be completely off limits and downright unsightly. This may have been because she had broken a plate or glass or several back home, much to the displeasure of mum in particular, but thankfully she did not have to become the mugwort in this situation. Rather she grinned at her new housemate [Maddox], reluctant as they may have behaved, and offered him a quick salute. "See? Wasn't so bad once you joined in," she tutted. "I'm Calliope...and you look familiar"

Actually now that the was out of her solo rendition of Tabletop Symphony No. 1., several people at the table looked incredibly familiar with the names on the tip of her tongue. Like the napping boy [Yves], seemed a familiar sight at St. Woboldo's and maybe someone who she had flicked bits of playdough at to see how many could land on his head before waking up or getting caught by the teacher - and she was really tempted to give another go at now, truth be told. The other first year boy [Alaric] talking to the older girl [Periwinkle] likewise seemed the face of someone she knew from school prior and might have even sat with at snacktime...shared a couple of apple slices even. And then another [Alexei] who she was positive she had been in some rinky dink school production or another with and unconsciously stared at for a bit.

The brunette's attention flickered over slightly and suddenly to an older pupil [TJ] and outright laughed at the suggestion that the Bloody Baron do vocals for anyone. There was also the urge to point out that they were not the first snake band at Hogwarts, but mentioning the origins of her dad's group felt kind of moot point considering how ancient they all were now. Sure, she saw the CDs and posters on sale in Diagon Alley still but...old. So old. And ew it was her dad! "Not forming a band, conducting a secret rhythm study. You’re all part of the experiment."

Speaking of experiments...Calliope searched the top of the table and insides of her pockets for something, anything, she could maybe flick at the sleeping boy. Her desires were answered at the Headmaster stood up and gave his long-winded introduction to the term and then, right in front of her, was a nice basket of fresh bread rolls. Hoping he wouldn't stir to quickly at the smell of things in front of them, the snakette grabbed for one and tore off a little bit aaaaaaaaand away it went...

Maddox glanced up from the plate. Luckily, it seemed, no one noticed or minded how terrible his tapping on the plate was. Maybe there was too much other noise that drowned it out and no one actually heard it. The girl, whose name he now knew was Calliope, was talking to him again, and that solidified for him that she did not actually hear the plate taps. Because they were very, very bad. Which is how Maddox would actually prefer it, anyway. "Maddox," he responded to her. And she also was very familiar, beyond the fact that her music was blaring loudly in her brain next to him for an entire boatride. "Woboldo's," he realized aloud, because he had connected the dots back to the girl that he actively avoided in school because she was a little bit...boisterous. That was a word for it. "Boat," he tacked on as well, since that stuck out sharply in his mind because of the recency of it.

Maddox similarly recognized more people than he realized. The sleeping boy for sure, as well as the other first year [Alaric] talking to the older girl. They were very deep into a conversation that he had no idea how to keep track of. Not tuning into that right now. And the sleeping one...well, that was self explanatory. Engaging with one new person was a big enough step for now.

And then another older Slytherin [JT] was talking to them. And Maddox was planning on saying a flat out no, because he did not plan on doing nuch of that again, but then Calliope said they were doing an experiment. Which was a lie. And Maddox loved lying. He could run with it. "Has to do with exploding eyeballs," he tacked on with his signature wide-eyed, soul-stealing stare. Be afraid. Very afraid. Your eyeballs might pop.

Then the Headmaster was speaking, and Maddox didn't much care about what he was saying, but everyone was quiet and looking so he was quiet and looking. He just was waiting for the food, truthfully. Which all magically appeared right as the speech was over, so really, he couldn't have been happier about the speech. He immediately grabbed a big, juicy turkey leg, which was perfect for the spectacle about to occur. He watched Calliope tear off a bit of roll and throw it into the air towards the sleeping familiar one [Yves]. His eyes watched it sail across the table, and he felt like a spectator at a medieval sporting match as he bit into the soft flesh of the turkey leg.

Alaric’s grin widened as Peri’s excitement spilled out. “A Hippogriff, huh?” he said, leaning forward. “Yeah, they do seem amazing. I’ve only ever seen drawings of them, but they look like they’d be a mix of terrifying and awesome all at once. You think they’d let us visit one in Care of Magical Creatures someday?” His eyes twinkled as he imagined it. “I wonder what it’d feel like to actually fly on one...”

When Periwinkle mentioned her family, Alaric listened quietly, sensing the weight behind her words. “Complicated isn’t easy,” he said thoughtfully. “But it sounds like your siblings and their grandparents really make up for it. Having people like that? It makes all the difference, doesn’t it?” He paused, then added with a small, encouraging smile, “And if you ever see a phoenix, you have to tell me everything. I bet they’re even more amazing in real life than the stories say.”

Her musings about the castle made Alaric’s curiosity spark again. “A map of Hogwarts? That’d be incredible,” he said, tapping his fingers on the table as he imagined it. “But maybe figuring it out bit by bit is part of the fun. What’s an adventure without a little mystery, right?” He leaned in slightly. “Still... if someone around here does have a map, I’m determined to find out.” His grin turned conspiratorial.

When Peri mentioned her brother’s advice, Alaric laughed. “That sounds like something my dad would say—‘act like you’ve got it under control, and most people won’t question you.’” He shook his head with an amused smile. “It’s kind of ridiculous... but it works more often than you’d think.”

The topic of writing made Alaric nod thoughtfully. “I think a story about Hogwarts would be brilliant,” he said with a small smile. “There’s so much here that feels like it belongs in a book—hidden passageways, talking portraits, even the way the ceiling changes with the weather. You notice things most people might overlook. I bet you’d make it all feel real on paper.”

He glanced around the Great Hall, his voice quieter but filled with wonder. “You’re right—it really does feel like it’s waiting for us. Like there’s something here, something we’re meant to find.” He turned back to her, his gray eyes thoughtful. “You’re good at noticing things... I think if we stick together, we might just discover something incredible.”

He sat back, feeling a sense of ease he hadn’t expected. “So, where do you think we should start looking? Secret passageways? Talking suits of armor? Or maybe we just follow wherever the castle seems to lead us?”

They were back! She WAS back! It always felt a little odd returning to Hogwarts after the summer. Returning to things like lessons, assignments and exams was never fun after having near complete freedom for two months straight. Bryony had been looking forward to being back though, being a fifth year. She was ready for it all. Plans had been set into motion already in her head, first thing tomorrow after lessons she was getting the ball rolling again. Nothing was going to stop her from conquering this year!

With her head held high, Bry plopped down onto the seat at Aryan's side, her arms encircling his that was closest to her and hugging it. "Thank Merlin for that," she grinned brightly, her blue eyes shifting towards the staff dais to survey all the professors and the headmaster. No changes in staff was a FANTASTIC thing. They all knew her and she was comfortable with them all. This would surely help all her plans flow all that much more calmly.

"Any new plans for this year? Are either of you taking any new extracurriculars or joining any new clubs?" The question was aimed at the boyfriend and Jansher but anyone else sitting near them was more than welcome to join in on the conversation. Anything she was going to join this term was already in her mind buuuuuuuuut being her, well, everyone should know that she could end up taking on much more than she intended to... Again.

With her mind racing with ideas and how she was truly going to accomplish all her plans for her fifth year, the still smallish blonde nearly missed several of the first students being sorted. She had to rain in those thoughts and pay attention! Knowing who was who amongst the new was a must! As was the headmasters speech! Bry clapped along when it was called for. Her smiled bright and warm as their house table was filled with familiar and new faces. "Hi there! Welcome to Slytherin!" Cue the usual wiggle fingers at them all in pleasant greetings.

As for the speech.. what was that about a special lesson or something happening later in the term? Did it have anything to do with Animagus training?! Ooooh, she hoped so! How perfect would that be for her when she was working on her training again this year?! "What do you guys think that special lesson could be about?" Yup, she was talking to Ary and Jan again.. unless anyone else actually knew! Reaching out for the juice she began to pour herself some before speaking to them both once more. "Juice?"