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DaniDiNardo · #1 (**permalink**) 09-01-2021, 04:04 PM

A bit confused about the plot? Housemates talking about a mysterious something going bump in the night? Here's where YOU can post and catch up on happenings around the castle and in Hogsmeade -- out of character, of course.

This means that unless your student character heard this stuff from other students or witnessed the actual event, your student character doesn't know about it.

Also, this is a reminder to everyone to only post updates on the school plot here. Please do not post the happenings of your student character in here unless it is related to the plot; that should go in the Wizarding World chat thread.

Have fun!

DaniDiNardo · 09-01-2021, 04:16 PM

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Headmaster - Prof. Malachi Trent (DaniDiNardo)

School Staff
Ancient Runes - Prof. Jordan Strum (NPC)
Arithmancy - Prof. Winston Robinson (PhoenixRising)
Astronomy - Prof. Jane Cravit (NPC)
CoMC - Prof. Mis Paszek (Waddles)
Charms - Prof. Neva Peralta (TakemetotheBurrow)
DADA - Prof. Malachi Trent (DaniDiNardo)
Divination - Prof. Andromeda Euka (Bazinga)
Flying - Prof. Kamran Kazmi (Felixir)
Herbology - Prof. June Flamsteed (Samia)
History of Magic - Prof. Simon Holden (Watson)
Muggle Studies - Prof. Rosalee Applewood (AlwaysSnapesGirl)
Potions - Prof. Javier Hernandez (Lissy Longbottom)
Transfiguration - Prof. Norman Carton (MadMadamMalfoy)

Caretaker - House Elves
Librarian - Prof. Andromeda Euka (Bazinga)
Groundskeeper - Prof. Kamran Kazmi (Felixir)
Healer - Prof. Neva Peralta (TakemetotheBurrow)

School Poltergeist - Peeves
School Ghost - Moaning Myrtle
House Elves - Algamus, Argyle, Beezley, Nimma, Pips, Quirly, Schmoop, Tinka, Tippin, Toddles

Gryffindor
House Ghost - Nearly Headless Nick
Head of House - Headmaster Malachi Trent (DaniDiNardo)

Hufflepuff
House Ghost - Fat Friar
Head of House - Prof. Andromeda Euka (Bazinga)

Ravenclaw
House Ghost - Grey Lady
Head of House - Prof. Norman Carton (MadMadamMalfoy)

Slytherin
House Ghost - Bloody Baron
Head of House - Prof. June Flamsteed (Samia)

FearlessLeader19 · 09-02-2021, 02:42 PM

Project?

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaniDiNardo

It probably went without saying, but Malachi was more comfortable returning this term. After all the chaos and war, the man honestly needed the term before to ease him back into things. It was a year that allowed him to see--by and large--the school had not changed. The students, while themselves changed, had not changed all that much either. The disaster the term had turned into was...pretty welcomed. It provided some consistency without throwing him into the deep end fresh out of pulling him out of what had been a horrid darkness.

The Headmaster actually felt...good about this term. He wasn't under any illusion there wouldn't be any problems but he felt genuinely prepared to tackle nearly anything.

Malachi had steadily fallen back into routines and the meetings with the staff the week before school also gave him renewed confidence in his staff and the process. With this confidence, the man sank into his seat in the centre of the dais. "Evening, everyone." It was anyone's guess as to how long the good mood could last. Even Upstead at the wrong table got little more than a non-verbal lifting of the Slytherin by their robes--literally focusing his magic on the outer layers to plop them where they belonged.

"The board members will start arriving in the morning." He informed, not missing a beat. "The project should be underway by the end of the week."

Chelliephone · 09-04-2021, 02:20 PM

Speech!

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaniDiNardo

The Headmaster tapped at the rim of his goblet with his fork, waiting only long enough for the students to settle. Voice appropriate in volume, he began. "Good evening. Let me welcome you all, new and returning, to what will most likely be a magical and ...eventful year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. A special welcome to our new members, both staff and students alike. I hope you will soon come to see Hogwarts as your home away from home." And that they would treat it that way.

"Some of you, I see, have already started to push the bounds of the institution so I'll take the time to remind you, this is a school. Schools have rules. If you would not like to be at this school, come have a talk with me and we can have this arranged." It wasn't a difficult process. "I can assure you all, there will be enough to do without you making unnecessary trouble for yourself and the school staff."

There may have been a brief glance over at the Slytherin table but...he was mostly talking to everyone. "On that note, when you see something that shouldn't be happening, don't simply mill about and let it happen. Find someone if the situation is too much for you to handle but it's everyone's responsibility to see to the rules being followed as best they can. I don't want anyone drawing their wands at each other, no fighting either. If you can't resolve it with words, find a professor." And while that was meant for his lions, it also went for everyone else.

"I'd like to take the time to welcome our new members of staff. From the right, we have Professor Jordan Strum reprising his role as Ancient Runes Professor after his year away from the castle, Professor Mia Paszek will be taking over the role of Care of Magical Creatures while Professor Simon Holden will take on the role of History of Magic. In Muggle Studies, we have Rosalee Applewood as professor and Javier Hernandez as Potions Master." He paused between each, allowing them time to acknowledge themselves for the students before continuing on to the next.

"We should all also expect to see a bit more of our Board of Governors this term. We will be beginning a project within the week. Look out for more on that, later." He didn't even cringe, see? He was coping. "For the new among us, I'd like to make mention of a certain forest at the very edge of the school grounds. Real big, hard to miss, very forbidden. It's not the place for a stroll or a picnic or an adventure. Don't go in there. You may be eaten or end up wishing you were." While he considered whether he'd save them or not.

"Lastly, I do hope you have a good term. Get some sleep, it's been a long day and you'll be seeing me first thing in the morning. Falling asleep in my class is....rather il-advised. Now then, let's eat!"

And just like that, there was food. His favourite part of the feast.

Felixir · 09-15-2021, 01:01 PM

A school beautification project is underway (the group has since split up and are so far headed to the pathways, the lake, and the domes). A notice on common room noticeboards encouraged students to come and join in planting newly donated plants around the greenhouse and grounds.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaniDiNardo

It was a beautiful day to plant some...er plants. At least that's what Malachi Trent would keep telling himself as he made his way down to Greenhouse One to meet the board and hopefully a healthy portion of the school population. Not all were keen to turn up when things weren't mandatory and that was typically okay. Harder to get productive work done with whiners anyhow.

This time, though, when he was trying to show solidarity in the face of the board, he was amenable to even the grouchiest showing up.

The Headmaster nodded politely to the board members already there, taking a look at all they'd brought. Many beautiful flowers, some he already knew would look brilliant over by the pathways--perhaps those there would go good by the lake.

He would wait for the others to arrive but already knew this would be an eventful day.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaniDiNardo

He greeted the students as they arrived, sparing only the occasional glance back at the board members, just checking they saw he did still have students with an adequate amount of school spirit....or some free time on their hands and nothing better to do. The reason wasn't so important as the outcome.

"Thanks for coming, everyone. I'd like us to make good use of this weather so let's get started. The Board of Governors have generously donated these plants to Hogwarts and have taken some time to help us see them planted. To cover more ground, we'll be splitting into teams. Please, do handle the plants with care, we'd like to see little gardens by summer."

Something to work towards. "I will be taking a set down to the pathways for any who will be coming with me, just grab the flowering pots here, if you're confident enough, levitate as many as you can. Fewer trips." A good opportunity to get in some spellwork...at the risk of accidents. He trusted only those who knew what they were doing would.

Now with added Board of Governors

Quote:

Originally Posted by Board of Governors

Yes, they were here to help, here to make the school the shining beacon it once was. They were also here to observe, evidenced by the notebooks some held poised and ready. They had done this some time before, an audit of the school and with the events of the recent terms, it seemed as good a time as any to take stock of what was truly going on.

"It's not the board that needs redemption." The Chairman corrected the audacious Gryffindor. He spared a glance at Malachi, wondering if he really wouldn't do anything about it.

"And if we did, it wouldn't be an attempt." Capable and competent, that's what they were. The staff here? That was still to be seen.

The board exchanged glances at the mention of splitting up. They too would divide to make observations easier.

*Nordic Witch* · 09-18-2021, 12:45 PM

This is from the Lake...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Board of Governors

After the professors and students had split off into groups, a handful of board members weren't far behind. They watched closely even as the group was in transit, jotting down copious notes about everything from the Herbology professor's humming, to the loose rock that caused a board member to almost stumble. No stone left unturned. Literally.

Once at the lake, one woman pursed her lips at this anywhere we like business. If ever there was a school full of children who needed boundaries. "No trip hazards, if you please. Nasty business." Nobody wanted to turn this place into a death trap.

Another board member glanced at that young man (Atlas), as though expecting another comment, before making a note of the Ravenclaw girl (Ashley)'s question, with a quietly ominous, "Hmm."

DuckyLinJi · 09-22-2021, 05:43 PM

At the winged boars

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Narrator

The noble winged boars, pillars of the Hogwarts community, the first point of welcome when you leave Hogsmeade station and make your way up to the castle after holidays as well as the final goodbye before each new break.

Have there always been vines on them? Were they always so tightly coiled?

Perhaps, perhaps not.

The vines aren't partial to the boars alone, spreading along the gate itself and along the wall. They must have come from somewhere but they stretch far in both directions making it a little difficult to say.

The flowers that bloom along the vine sure are pretty though.

FearlessLeader19 · 09-29-2021, 12:38 PM

At the Greenhouses

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Narrator

As November draws to a close, there's a development in the Hogwarts greenhouses. During the beautification project embarked upon in the previous month, new donated plants were added to the greenhouses as well as the grounds. One vined plant, with particularly mesmerising flowers blooming along its vines, is flourishing beautifully, but many of the other plants housed here have begun to wither and die.

Perhaps you notice during your lessons, or over the course of an extra-curricular trip to the greenhouses. As the days pass, the withering plants become harder for any but the least Herbology-inclined individual to overlook.

Curious.

AlwaysSnapesGirl · 10-13-2021, 09:58 PM

Further development from the greenhouses, the wilted plants...began glowing?

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Narrator

As the students and professor investigated the dead and dying plants, something strange began to happen. The withered plants, despite their haggard appearance, began to emit a soft light.

How odd. Usually plants absorb light, but these wilted plants were glowing.

In addition, later on the Giant Squid brought a message:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Giant Squid

"Trouble?" Hmm, it was not for squids, giant or otherwise, to make such a proclamation. He couldn't know, not in any real detail, how things stood up at the school; his knowledge was limited to the lake, the directly adjacent grounds, and whatever information he heard from those castle-dwellers he spoke to. Usually the groundskeeper, but it had been a while. "The lake is in trouble, or rather, those who live here." Which brought him to his mes-...

One more. "Hello there," Bartholomew said to the newcomer, waving his tentacles in greeting. "As far as I am aware, that is not the case, apologies if this disappoints."

All but one of the children seemed ready to hear what Bartholomew had to say, and this was as good a time as any to say it, and so he launched into it without further ado. "Thank you, children. You see, the plants in the lake are dying, more every day. I believe eventually we will lose them all. You see why this is a problem, of course. The creatures in this lake need those plants in order to live." Homes, food, and those who could not breathe surface air relied on oxygen provided by the plants. "I - we - would be grateful for any assistance. Please do what you can." Their options were rather limited, down in the depths. Bartholomew Henry's tentacles were rather tied, and this was the best he could do.

Skimming said tentacles over the water, Bartholomew addressed the one student's concerns. "If you know a way I can prove my credentials, I shall of course be happy to oblige."

And now...there are vines in the kitchen?

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Narrator

For those of you who may have been down in the kitchen only days ago, you'll realised that the vines the elves cleared away have returned. Once again, they spread along the furniture, sealing some cabinets shut.

Sure are a persistent bunch of vines, aren't they? Growing back as they like, stretching where they like. Might be time to accept them, or try blasting them again.

But who would hurt such beautiful flowers?

Stefan · 10-25-2021, 05:09 PM

From the Weasley Swamp

Will someone tell Miss Fox about this?

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Narrator

The vines feel very at home in the swamp area so it might be harder to spot them, but they are there and getting restless as it grows longer and longer across the ground wrapping itself around the leg of a student (Ash), though it might have thought it was wrapping around a tree.

Chelliephone · 10-25-2021, 11:12 PM

From the greenhouses

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Narrator

Spring is on its way, a time associated with new, flourishing life. In the greenhouses, however, only one thing is thriving. The sole surviving vined plant housed here has reached maturity, and is suddenly unrecognisable as the plant it once was.

This plant is glowing now too, though much brighter than any of the dead or dying plants around it. Surely not a coincidence that this occurs just as those pesky vines around Hogwarts grow more active.

Perhaps you noticed all this in the past day or so, but if you were thinking of checking in on these plants now, you're out of luck. The greenhouses are no longer accessible; a thick, toxic fog now settles in around the area. Even the acrid smell warns of danger, and magic does nothing to help breach it.

Steer clear of the fog, if you know what's good for you.

Stefan · 11-09-2021, 01:32 PM

From the Greenhouses:

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Narrator

The charm from the Herbology Professor had kept the acrid fog confined within the greenhouses, but this had not hindered its development. Over the past few weeks, the fog had grown thicker, obscuring even the glowing vined plant from view, had spread towards the other greenhouses...

...and now, curiously, slipped slowly, almost imperceptibly, outside the bounds of the charm.

...it has begun.

FearlessLeader19 · 11-20-2021, 08:27 PM

All the happenings during the current Herbology lesson

Quote:

Originally Posted by MadMadamMalfoy

In another part of the courtyard not far away from the ongoing herbology lesson, Norman was in trouble. The transfiguration professor, having some time to spare, wandered into the courtyard with the intent to take a quick stroll about the grounds before his next class. Unfortunately, the vines had other plans. He hadn’t gotten far when a vine wrapped itself around one leg, then the other.

He instinctively reached for his wand, but another vine wound around his wrist before he could touch it. Fine then. If he couldn’t sever these infernal vines magically, he’d do it manually! He struggled and yanked, trying to wrench his arm out of the vines’ clutches long enough to draw his wand, but it was useless. The more he fought, the more stuck he became.

“LET ME GO, YOU OVERGROWN WEED!!!” came the scream, a scream of rage and frustration, not fear.

Felixir · 11-26-2021, 03:45 PM

From Herbology:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Samia

".....I don't think they will stay like that for long" she stated, eying the vines with great concern, "We need to figure out what is making them .... tick"

"Maybe .. it's time you guys hit the library with me, help me with research" Yeah? That sounded like a plan. And she wasn't taking any no for an answer.

"I am going to head there now, so whoever wishes to help, please join me" she stated before turning to head in that direction.

to the library:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Felixir

And here was June. Always a relief to have her expertise to hand. "No luck yet. I'm headed for the Restricted Section now; if there's any information to find about this plant business, maybe it's there." This was a good little group that was gathering, too, and he addressed them at large, pausing to direct a hopefully reassuring nod of greeting in Blaze's direction. "It might be more efficient if we combed through those shelves as a group." As in, this was him... tentatively giving permission. Desperate times.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bazinga

She had been clearing books and going to place a few plant books back that she had pulled out when she noticed a group was forming. "Well hello everyone, was a class moved the library? Could I help with anything?" She knew Neva and Mia had went to find June so when she saw June she felt maybe this was a meeting, but maybe just a lesson.

Slipping the books back into the shelf she glanced through her books to see if anything was missing when she heard the word restricted, "Do you need some help? What are we looking for?" She had the keys in her hand and ready to go if needed.

Quick group search of the Restricted Section, anyone? It's time to solve this little plant problem once and for all

BanaBatGirl · 11-29-2021, 11:40 PM

A solution? The solution is... what I do whenever I see a bug indoors?

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Narrator

As the students flip through the pages of the newly discovered book, eventually they come across the following passage that seems to almost jump off the page at them. Perhaps this information is what you'recurse breaker.

Quote:

The Pharaoh's Triumph is a flowering vine plant endemic to Egypt. It is exceedingly rare due to its undesirable and weaponised nature, being an uncontrollably invasive and harmful species, and is believed to be extinct by some contemporary Herbologists. Dating back to the Old Kingdom, arguably the most notable feature of the Pharaoh's Triumph is its naturally occurring curse. When planted, the Pharaoh's Triumph was once used to wipe out a rivalling people's plant life, taking out food sources and thus affecting creature mortality, ultimately giving whoever planted it in their enemies' land absolute power.

A curious feature of the Pharaoh's Triumph is its ability to disguise itself flawlessly as any other plant (most likely another vined plant) with which it has come into contact. It can magically mimic not only the appearance, but also the biological make-up of the plant it uses as a disguise, apparently down to its very DNA. Once planted, quasi-sentient vines with mesmerising flowers appear in the surrounding area, leeching life from all other plant life and becoming more aggressive as more time passes.

Only when the Pharaoh's Triumph reaches full maturity does it shed its disguise, at which point it releases the full force of its curse and can no longer be approached by a living being. Shrouding itself in a poisonous, magic-dissolving fog which spreads through the land, the plant itself can continue to thrive on the life force drained from all around it. Only one method of ending the destruction is known: the Pharaoh's Triumph must be burnt and itself destroyed, ideally before the fog can appear.

Burn the whole house down, yes? Yes.

AlwaysSnapesGirl · 12-05-2021, 06:45 PM

The plant has been defeated!

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Narrator

The temperature dips further still, the ground shaking and shuddering with growing intensity. Panes of glass in the greenhouse walls crack and shatter in their frames.

Torches and flaming projectiles hit the glass with a myriad smash, clatter, crunch, crash, their glowing faintly visibly through the fog and beyond the glass. The flames take hold of the dead plants inside, and the fire spreads quickly, ripping through the greenhouses, flames licking the smoke-darkened glass and flickering through the smashed windows.

All at once, a harrowing, bone-chilling SCREEEEEEEECH emits from the very centre of the poisonous fog as the fire finds its target. The ground shakes with almighty force, but the scream reaches a crescendo only to fade out. The ground settles and darkness slowly turns back to day, as the curse is stopped in its tracks.

The fog begins to dissipate, the warmth returns. All around, vines hang limp, dying and withered. At the centre of it all, the once beautiful and bountiful greenhouses stand ablaze, devastated.

The Pharaoh's Triumph is defeated.

FearlessLeader19 · 12-11-2021, 01:22 PM

Trent's final speech as Headmaster

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaniDiNardo

He was late for the feast, later than the man had ever been to a feast since he began his time leading the castle. Just one more walk. Malachi took the opportunity while all were gathered in the Great Hall and out of the corridors to take a final walk around the hollow corridors. Had it really been a decade? The time flew by faster than he ever realised. Hogwarts had a way of doing that. All the crazy that tended to come with the magic, you never took the time to notice. Only the moving on of the students adequately marked the time.

And now it was his turn.

Malachi Trent walked into the Great Hall, taking it all in for the last time. It was funny. When he started, he could scarcely imagine the time he would take his final walk, but here it was.

The Headmaster settled in his seat at the dais, offering his best smile and a "good evening" to those already gathered there. Seeing no point in keeping them waiting any longer, he hit his fork against his goblet and waited for the hall to come to attention.

"Good evening. We've come to the end of another year at Hogwarts. For some, this will be the last, for others it will be a well needed break for some fun memories and friends. I'd like to extend hearty congratulations to Ravenclaw for their win in the House Cup. It was well fought and well deserved." And a pause for appropriate applause.

"To our graduating class, I wish you the very best as you make your way out into the big world. Think of all you've learned here, take the good and the bad. You know more than you think you do and I believe there are bright futures ahead of you all." Some would just...need to work a little harder at it but very possible.

"To those who will be returning, I wish you the best as well. When September comes around, you'll have a new head to lead you. I trust you will treat them well and that through every circumstance you remember to think of your strategy. Never jump blindly into anything. Constant vigilance always has it's place."

And some could REALLY benefit from its usage.

"I won't keep you waiting any longer. Let's eat!"

And just like that, the tables began to fill with the delicious food the elves had prepared. His final feast at Hogwarts.

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