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*PhoenixRising* · #1 (**permalink**) 04-28-2022, 03:48 PM

Once you've given The Fat Lady the correct password, you'll enter the Gryffindor common room. Near the windows you'll find a quiet study nook, perfect for overlooking any rising quidditch stars on the quidditch pitch, as you read or write for your assignments. At the back of the room are two spiral staircases leading to the dormitories: boys to the left, girls to the right. Two lion statues sit on either side of each staircase. Don't forget to give them a pat before heading to bed; you're sure to get a roar or a purr in return!

The circular space is decorated in the signature Gryffindor colors of scarlet and gold, and there are plenty of plush armchairs, sofas, and beanbags for lounging. The room's most prominent feature is a fireplace; over its mantel hangs a portrait of a lion. A large portrait of the house's founder Godric Gryffindor adorns the back wall. Several other tapestries and paintings depicting animals and famous Gryffindor alumni decorate the walls - who knows? You may even find some of the famous Harry Potter himself! There's also a plaque and a notice board on one side of the room. Don't forget to read up on important announcements!

This room is your home away from home during your time here at Hogwarts. So, relax, take a load off!

*PhoenixRising* · 05-06-2022, 09:23 PM

The first weekend of the new term and Leanne had made the decision for an impromptu meet-and-greet of the Gryffindors. She only hoped that they would attend, but given the time that she scheduled the meeting, the had little place else to be except for the common room. It was after dinner and during dinner that night, Leanne had enlisted the help of a house elf or two in decorating the Common Room and setting it up with all sorts of fun campfire treats and butterbeer fresh from the Three Broomsticks.

Was she trying too hard? MAYBE, but also, she really was kind of winging this head of house thing and as only a second year professor, albeit one with much lived experience, she also wanted to get to know her students and only hoped they felt the same and would feel comfortable coming to her?

Chelliephone · 05-06-2022, 10:20 PM

If there had been signs regarding the meet and greet, Vera had definitely missed them. Reading was not something she was fond of, and that included flyers here and there which probably just would have been something about a BORING academic event. Because that's what school events were like right?? All academics and... blech. Vasco might enjoy that stuff, but she certainly did not. Probably why her brother was a Ravenclaw and she was a Gryffindor.

But if there were things that she ALWAYS took notice of, it was food. So when she entered the common room to head up to her dorm, the sugary sweet of marshmallows and butterbeer instantly had her attention. Her feet moved of their own accord, redirecting from stairwell to table with food while she helped herself to a giant fluffy Marshmallow. Mmmmm. Sugar. JUST what she needed!

Somewhat remembering her manners, or... the very little she had, she glanced around to see a Professor nearby. And if she remembered the speech correctly, this was her head of house. What was her name???? Something food related maybe??? "Hi, Professor Panini! Are we having an indoor campfire? Are you going to show us how to cast incendiio already so that we can???" Because there was a lovely looking tapestry that would probably make a good starter.

If magical fires needed starters.

Kimothy · 05-08-2022, 10:25 AM

Cass wasn't in a homework mood tonight. It was only the first week, and she didn't want to toss herself into all that pressure yet even if it was her seventh year. Anything she did and didn't do this year could make or break the last year of her formal education. However, the Gryffindor didn't care so much about the bad what-ifs of the situation as much as she wanted to enjoy herself whenever she could. She had been reluctant about joining a meet-and-greet where she expected the younger Gryffindors to be. She was seventeen, and she didn't run with the younger crowd.

But she was here at the common room nevertheless, in an attempt to make the most out of last term. Cass would rather that than to pressure herself with homework on the first weekend. "Hey, Professor," the redhead greeted her head of house. The butterbeer looked good.

...See? She was right, the kids were gonna take over! Cass looked at the first year (Vera)—so many questions and energy coming from the younger girl's direction and Cass was going to ignore the fact that she was just like that as a firstie too—and simply offered a quick smile.

DuckyLinJi · 05-08-2022, 12:50 PM

It had come as quite a shock to the red-haired Gryffindor that she had managed to pass her O.W.L exams and she was glad that she didn't need to deal with all the studying for a while.

As she entered the common room from the dormitory, the sixth year was a little baffled at the sight of the decorations and refreshments from the Three Broomsticks until she remembered that their new Head of House had wanted to throw a little party.

"If we're going to have an indoor campfire I got just the thing!" she said and without waiting for a reaction, Trissa ran back up the stairs to the girl's dormitory. A pained "OW!" could be heard as she had stubbed her toe against her bed before the energetic girl walked back to the common room as if nothing had happened. "I got these colouring changing packets" she said and waved two of them. "You throw them in a fire and it ----changes colour!" wasn't it amazing?!

SarcasticStrawberry · 05-10-2022, 09:51 PM

Did he see the notice on the board about a Gryffindor meet and greet in the common room this evening? If he did he had completely forgotten about it. But the sight of the decorated common room might have been a small reminder that he had seen it. He had just finished his dinner and a walk on the grounds. He had been snapping photos away at different things he came across. His camera was still around his neck from his adventure.

Smiling to the professor. ”Hello Professor. I almost forgot about this today.” He nodded. Then there was the curious first year. He wondered if he had as many questions as this one. Or as excited as she seemed. The seventh year sent her a smile. ”Cass… Nodding to his yearmate. But then Trissa came running back with… what? He grabbed one of the packets from her and looked it over. ”Interesting.” He bet these would be cool for photographs. Mmmmmm his photographer mind was turning.

sweetpinkpixie · 05-11-2022, 03:25 PM

Atlas really was not sure how to feel about this little gathering and, remarkably, it was not because he did not feel particularly like socializing. That would be putting it too simply, to be honest. See...the thing was...his first term at Hogwarts, his head of house was the leader of the Neo-Alliance. His second and third year, Headmaster Trent...but he could not look at the man without seeing his face melting off and the face of Lucien Rosier revealing itself beneath. His fourth year had been the Muggle Studies professor...who had also left the school. So now, in his fifth year and with his fourth head of house...there had been entirely too much change for him to feel comfortable and his motivation to rely on yet another adult in this capacity was, well, pretty low if not nonexistent.

But he had promise Aries he would be here too...so...here he was.

Just standing off to the side a bit and eyeing all the decorations skeptically with both hands in his trouser pockets.

Waddles · 05-13-2022, 04:03 AM

Finn was thrilled to find SNACKS in the common room when he arrived. Camping snacks! He stood in the middle of the room, wide-eyed as he looked around to take in Mancini's decorations. This was like a party! He wondered if Matilda would be there.

But, if she didn't come, his other housemates were here! And the head of house too...he gave the professor a slightly shy wave and helped himself to a snack. He glanced around to see who all was there...and if there would be anybody who might want to play Gobstones, if he went to get his set.

*PhoenixRising* · 05-14-2022, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chelliephone

If there had been signs regarding the meet and greet, Vera had definitely missed them. Reading was not something she was fond of, and that included flyers here and there which probably just would have been something about a BORING academic event. Because that's what school events were like right?? All academics and... blech. Vasco might enjoy that stuff, but she certainly did not. Probably why her brother was a Ravenclaw and she was a Gryffindor.

But if there were things that she ALWAYS took notice of, it was food. So when she entered the common room to head up to her dorm, the sugary sweet of marshmallows and butterbeer instantly had her attention. Her feet moved of their own accord, redirecting from stairwell to table with food while she helped herself to a giant fluffy Marshmallow. Mmmmm. Sugar. JUST what she needed!

Somewhat remembering her manners, or... the very little she had, she glanced around to see a Professor nearby. And if she remembered the speech correctly, this was her head of house. What was her name???? Something food related maybe??? "Hi, Professor Panini! Are we having an indoor campfire? Are you going to show us how to cast incendiio already so that we can???" Because there was a lovely looking tapestry that would probably make a good starter.

If magical fires needed starters.

Ah Leanne remembered this one from the sorting. She seemed .... eager. "Mancini," Leanne corrected gently, "And yes we will have an indoor campfire, but no to you lot casting incendio," She grimaced, although she was sure that some of the older students probably already knew how to cast incendio but she wanted to gauge more responsibility before teaching a first year that charm. Last thing she needed was Kazmi on her case about a fire starting in the Gryffindor Common Room.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kimothy

Cass wasn't in a homework mood tonight. It was only the first week, and she didn't want to toss herself into all that pressure yet even if it was her seventh year. Anything she did and didn't do this year could make or break the last year of her formal education. However, the Gryffindor didn't care so much about the bad what-ifs of the situation as much as she wanted to enjoy herself whenever she could. She had been reluctant about joining a meet-and-greet where she expected the younger Gryffindors to be. She was seventeen, and she didn't run with the younger crowd.

But she was here at the common room nevertheless, in an attempt to make the most out of last term. Cass would rather that than to pressure herself with homework on the first weekend. "Hey, Professor," the redhead greeted her head of house. The butterbeer looked good.

...See? She was right, the kids were gonna take over! Cass looked at the first year (Vera)—so many questions and energy coming from the younger girl's direction and Cass was going to ignore the fact that she was just like that as a firstie too—and simply offered a quick smile.

Ah she knew this one from last year and to be honest, Leanne was GLAD that Cassie had joined them even if she kind of made it impossible for students NOT to join, scheduling the meet-and-greet when she did. Although they did always have the option to go up to their dorms if they didn't want to socialize. "Good evening, Cassie. Nice to see you."

Quote:

Originally Posted by DuckyLinJi

It had come as quite a shock to the red-haired Gryffindor that she had managed to pass her O.W.L exams and she was glad that she didn't need to deal with all the studying for a while.

As she entered the common room from the dormitory, the sixth year was a little baffled at the sight of the decorations and refreshments from the Three Broomsticks until she remembered that their new Head of House had wanted to throw a little party.

"If we're going to have an indoor campfire I got just the thing!" she said and without waiting for a reaction, Trissa ran back up the stairs to the girl's dormitory. A pained "OW!" could be heard as she had stubbed her toe against her bed before the energetic girl walked back to the common room as if nothing had happened. "I got these colouring changing packets" she said and waved two of them. "You throw them in a fire and it ----changes colour!" wasn't it amazing?!

When the sixth year came into the common room, and then quickly left, Leanne stared perplexed after her, waiting to see what she had for her. "Oh, are you --" Her healer instinct kicked in when the girl stubbed her toe rushing back in and waving two packets. Eh, she guessed she was, since the girl moved on already explaining what she had. Teenager enthusiasm was exhausting. "Wow. That's very generous of you to share. Love it, we'll definitely try them in a bit. Thank you, Trissa."

Quote:

Originally Posted by SarcasticStrawberry

Did he see the notice on the board about a Gryffindor meet and greet in the common room this evening? If he did he had completely forgotten about it. But the sight of the decorated common room might have been a small reminder that he had seen it. He had just finished his dinner and a walk on the grounds. He had been snapping photos away at different things he came across. His camera was still around his neck from his adventure.

Smiling to the professor. ”Hello Professor. I almost forgot about this today.” He nodded. Then there was the curious first year. He wondered if he had as many questions as this one. Or as excited as she seemed. The seventh year sent her a smile. ”Cass… Nodding to his yearmate. But then Trissa came running back with… what? He grabbed one of the packets from her and looked it over. ”Interesting.” He bet these would be cool for photographs. Mmmmmm his photographer mind was turning.

"Hello Christian," She grinned, when he said almost forget about it. "I'm glad you didn't. Thanks for joining us."

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie

Atlas really was not sure how to feel about this little gathering and, remarkably, it was not because he did not feel particularly like socializing. That would be putting it too simply, to be honest. See...the thing was...his first term at Hogwarts, his head of house was the leader of the Neo-Alliance. His second and third year, Headmaster Trent...but he could not look at the man without seeing his face melting off and the face of Lucien Rosier revealing itself beneath. His fourth year had been the Muggle Studies professor...who had also left the school. So now, in his fifth year and with his fourth head of house...there had been entirely too much change for him to feel comfortable and his motivation to rely on yet another adult in this capacity was, well, pretty low if not nonexistent.

But he had promise Aries he would be here too...so...here he was.

Just standing off to the side a bit and eyeing all the decorations skeptically with both hands in his trouser pockets.

Did Leanne notice one twin there, without the other yet? Yes. Did it also make it more difficult to know if this was Atlas or Aries? Also yes. She did know that their father had been Gryffindor Head of House many years ago, which somehow made her nervous to uphold the standing. Which she quickly chastised herself for, because it ridiculous to compare herself to someone many years ago who was a family member.

She nodded quietly to him though, figuring he would choose to join the party when he was ready. Or not. Really entirely up to him and she wasn't one to force his participation. "Good evening," was all she said

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waddles

Finn was thrilled to find SNACKS in the common room when he arrived. Camping snacks! He stood in the middle of the room, wide-eyed as he looked around to take in Mancini's decorations. This was like a party! He wondered if Matilda would be there.

But, if she didn't come, his other housemates were here! And the head of house too...he gave the professor a slightly shy wave and helped himself to a snack. He glanced around to see who all was there...and if there would be anybody who might want to play Gobstones, if he went to get his set.

Another quiet one, but who seemed excited about the snacks. Leanne gave a wave back, figuring it best to just let Finn come to speaking on his own terms. "Evening Finn," she said simply.

Apollo was here for the food. He stood juggling a small hackysack back and forth, before tossing it to Cassie to get her attention. They were going to need more gryffindors on the U-17 next year, since it seemed they were the only ones left and Cassie was graduating. The weird thing was about being a fifth year was that he probably should have known more than his dormmates and those he played quidditch with, yet being a gryffindor was weird the last four terms. Particularly his first two when he wasn't even sure he consider even having a head of house. He looked hopefully to Leanne, but wasn't all too expectant.

Leanne looked toward movement to see another older student juggling a small ball, and smiled over toward him, as an idea struck her. "Apollo... uh... can i borrow the ball please?" Although he had tossed it to Cassie, so maybe Cassie would just toss it over to her?

"Right, so uh, I called this little gathering because i wanted to formally introduce myself as your head of house. And let you know that you're all welcome to come to me with any concerns or questions you may have. Also, fifth and seventh years, I'll be reaching out to you specifically in pertaining to your OWL and NEWT studies." They all should know what that meant, so no need to elaborate right now. Tonight was meant to be a fun evening. "As mentioned at the feast, I'm Professor Mancini, Charms Professor and Healer here, now resuming the post of your head of house. I'm the oldest of three daughters and was born in Italy. If you feel comfortable, go on and say your name, year, and an interesting fact about yourself? But please, enjoy the spread I've provided for you" She wanted them to feel comfortable here. And if Apollo was willing to let them use the ball, perhaps they can use that to help introduce themselves?

Chelliephone · 05-14-2022, 04:09 PM

There were SO many students coming to join them now too! Which was helpful, given Vera didn't know anyone by name except for a couple of her dorm mates. Sia, obviously, and then now Dot as well. Maybe this campfire could be a whole lot of fun! Spotting an older student (Cass) looking over at her and smiling, Vera sent back a bright beam and a wave of her hand. Considering she looked a lot older, Vera could only IMAGINE the secrets of Hogwarts and fun bucket list items the older student could offer, so she made note to seek her out and ask questions later.

The next student seemed to be in and out before Vera could even offer a greeting, but as the girl (Trissa) came back her eyes went WIDE at the cool thing she was offering to share with the group of them. "Those are SO COOL! Where did you get those!?" And where could she purchase more? Because that seemed like something that should be in full stock in the Gryffindor common room. "Does it change only one color or can it do like a RAINBOW?" She really liked rainbows. It was too much pressure to pick only one color to love the best!

OOOH, and ANOTHER older student! (Christian) She wasn't great at telling people's ages, but were these two perhaps seventh years? That meant he'd probably have a lot of good stories and secrets to share as well! Vera sent him a beam as well, grabbing herself another marshmallow and slowly making her way to try to integrate with the oldest students. Naturally she couldn't ask things in front of Professor Panini because then she'd get the only Professor friendly responses. "HI!" she piped up, getting closer.

A quiet figure caught her eyesight and Vera turned curious eyes over towards Atlas before she gave an excited bounce. This was a face she recognized! And while she wasn't 100% positive which twin it was, she was pretty certain it was the one with the cool cricket. This older student had already been dubbed a favorite in her head, because the cricket had been SO fascinating and she wanted to know more about it. AND see if she could convince him to make her a mechanical snake, or show her how to make one. If she couldn't bring her beloved pet, maybe she could make a substitute! "It's the inventor! Come hang out!! Professor Panini brought snacks!" And while they weren't volcanos of mashed potatoes, they were pretty yummy!

Had Vera been able to read the mind of the other student gravitating to the snack table (Finn), she would have offered herself as tribute to play gobstones. She wasn't very good at it, and she wasn't entirely certain of the rules BUT... she did know that when you won points things squirted at your opponent. And if she could get better than her brother at that, it sounded like a win win situation. She smiled at him too as he looked around the room, sending a wave his direction as well.

Oh. It was MANCINI? That didn't sound food related at all. And Vera wasn't sure if she could remember it but... she should probably try. Although if anyone asked her opinion, she would have mentioned that Professor PANINI was a much better name. She deflated the tiniest bit hearing they wouldn't be allowed to cast the fires themselves, but perked again when she still realized there was still going to be fire and they could roast the marshmallows and make smores. She supposed beggars could not be choosers, and maybe by the end of the term she could make her own fires. "Okay! Does magical fire need any starters? I can go get that tapestry down for you over there if it does!" She pointed, her smile back in place. See! She was helpful!

She was momentarily distracted by the small ball one of the other older students (Apollo) had brought and she watched it curiously. But before she could ask anything about what type it was, Professor Pan-Mancini was suggesting an ice breaker activity of sorts. Interesting facts about herself? There were so many, how could she choose just ONE!? The first year thought about it, completely spacing out on what their Professor had actually shared. She did catch that their Head of House was also the Healer, which felt incredibly lucky really. And then when the floor was opened for introductions, Vera didn't even bother waiting to see if anyone else wanted to go first and immediately piped up, bouncing on her feet. "HI! I'm Vera Brinley Thanatos! I'm a first year and I have a twin brother in the blue house!" Whatever that was called. "Ummm, I really like giving people nicknames because name names are really HARD to remember."

*PhoenixRising* · 05-26-2022, 11:01 PM

To be honest, sometimes Professor Mancini wished her surname would have been Panini. Was it too late to look for husband #2 with a Panini surname? She could only imagine the amusement for why she was divorcing husband #1. Like, hey, your surname doesn't fit me anymore cause it's not also a sandwich. Nevermind that she was happily married.

She shook her head at the first year's enthusiasm, keeping her tone calm "We're not going to be burning any tapestries tonight." Hopefully. She closed her eyes. Of course the girl - Vera - would introduce herself first and Leanne was rather pleased to hear her twin brother was in ravenclaw, but reminded herself that while she might have been a Ravenclaw for seven years as a student, she was a professor now and here to support the Gryffindors. Which meant that any Ravenclaw pride she had needed to be swallowed.

"Assuming that people are okay with the nicknames, because I should tell you that remembering someone's name no matter how difficult is a sign of respect. But if it's easier for you, you may call me Professor M." Just one initial.

Okay, no one else wanted to speak?

"Alright then, just mingle with each other some more and have a good night everyone. I'll be around if you need me." That was for tonight and for the year, just so they knew. She was here for them.

ooc: calling a closure to this house party, but thanks for coming .... and we'll be around and if you want to play with Leanne anywhere at all - be it in the common room threads or elsewhere, nudge us

Also open to headcanon conversations as well. Go Gryffindor!!!

**The Narrator** · 06-19-2022, 10:35 PM

It’s late at night, time when students should be in bed. Anyone who happens to be in the common room at this hour will notice a strange scratching noise. Scratch, scraaaaatch…

Where is that noise coming from? A quick look around will show the common room deserted. Gradually, the scratching becomes louder and more insistent, and soon the scratching is accompanied by a loud screech, like a cat wailing for food. Screeeeech!

Samia · 06-20-2022, 07:48 AM

Aries liked to sleep. If he could, he would sleep the entire day. But recently - sleep had eluded him, and since it was the middle of the night and anyone who might break his heart all over again couldn't possibly be present in the common room at this hour - he was casually pacing back and forth in the common room.

And trying to be alone with his thoughts.

Because naturally that was something you did when you got older and wiser. Unfortunately, his alone-thoughts were the worst.

~~It was all nonsense, really~~

That is when he heard the .... sound. At first he thought he imagined it, but then it happened again --- and then again. Whipping around to where he assumed it was coming from, he squinted to look a little harder in the darkness.

"Hello?"

Uh.

"Kitty?"

sweetpinkpixie · 06-20-2022, 12:47 PM

You know who else liked their sleep? Atlas Flamsteed.

And while he would argue that a night in which his brother's snoring from the bed next to his own was a welcomed delight, the sound had become a kind of white noise to the fifth year and essential...required even for himself to get some proper shut eye. He had been under the blankets, as per usual, tinkering away, and while coming up for a bit of air and switch screwdrivers had noticed a very obvious lack of Aries in bed. He tried to ignore the absence, but as time ticked on and it became obvious that his brother had not simply risen for a late night leak...Atlas became concerned and had slipped out of bed himself.

Tip toeing past their dormmates and down the stairs, he spotted the back of his brother's head and immediately recognized the disarray of blonde meaning that his brother himself was in a bit of distress. But before he could make any heads or tails about that....THAT happened...

"...did you get someone's cat trapped in the walls?" he asked, not in an accusatory way...but the evidence sort of implied a thing or two. "...I'm pretty good with Bombarda, you know." One of the handful of spells he had any confidence with...and tended to just lean right into. See blowing a hole in the wall of the common room when the door had become jammed. "We could probably get it unstuck easily."

Lissy Longbottom · 06-21-2022, 01:18 AM

Normally, if Adam heard someone's cat wailing in the middle of the night, he'd just turn over and go back to sleep. But for some reason, he felt like he should get up and investigate this weird sound that woke him up abruptly from a really great dream. He was swimming in a pool made out of CHOCOLATE. So he was a little salty about being woken up from such an awesome dream, to be quite honest.

As he sleepily entered the common room, rubbing his eyes, he immediately saw Atlas and Aries - those twins who were a year or two younger than him. Were they here investigating the same thing? Or did they have something to do with it? He was twin himself and knew the type of mischief twins could get into if they put their minds together...and since the only word he really heard as he walked in was BOMBARDIA he was immediately raising an eyebrow. Metaphorically of course. He was still half asleep.

"What are you two doing?" he grumbled as he ran a hand through his messy bed head hair. "What was that noise?"

Samia · 06-21-2022, 07:13 AM

You know what you shouldn't do when a man is trying to investigate strange noises in the wall - come up behind him. Because thats exactly what Atlas did and it made Aries yelp out loud.

"What? I did no such thing ---" But before Aries could say more, there was someone else with a very accusatory tone.

"We are doing nothing, we definitely didn't trap any cats in the wall -- the wailing came on its own" the blonde quickly responded defensively.

sweetpinkpixie · 06-21-2022, 11:05 AM

He probably should have clarified that he didn't think Aries did it on purpose - his brother didn't have a mean bone in his body even if some would maybe say he did simply because he was stating facts. It was a Flamsteed curse, so to speak.

"Then how do you explain the ---"

Thought left hanging in the air, Atlas spun around to see an older student who he only vaguely kind-of-sort-of knew and even though only through vague associations. None of which were particularly helpful in this situation.

Speaking of things one shouldn't do...defensively speaking to things that did not happen was one of them. It absolutely made it look like you had done the thing that you were claiming did not happen. One would think that this duo would have learned that by now.

Oh well.

"DEFINATELY didn't do that," he agreed with his brother with a few fervent nods of the head. "But if SOMEONE did...we were gonna get them out." With Bombarda.

Speaking of...had the yowling moved? Which direction had it been coming from again? Obviously the wise thing here was to follow the sound.

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