6 Dec 2020, 22:13
Secretive Snakes and Songs
Word count: 627/1000Margo entered the library equipped with her guitar in hand and a goofy smile on her lips. A red and green bandana held her hair back from her face and red, glittery eyeshadow sparkled merrily above her eyes. She was well and truly Christmas-ified... which was probably a good thing since she was part of a very mysterious, very secret, Christmas gift-giving errand.For @Robyn Finley's awesome Secret Santa!
Private @Opeila Winters
Margo had been giddy with excitement when, just a few days prior, a tired-looking owl had delivered the slip of parchment with her Secret Santa's name on it. To be frank, she still was giddy and excited. And, after feeding the owl a small treat for her hard work, she had rushed to brainstorm all possible ideas for gifts. It had taken a lot of harsh quill-scratching and by the end, Hades was hiding under her bed for fear of any more torn pieces of parchment being angrily tossed his way. But Margo was pleased to report that she had come up with the perfect idea for a light-hearted Christmas gift.
An original Christmas song.
Lying heavy in her pocket was a sheet of parchment with the first three verses of her song. And there were soon to be many more. In fact, Margo was so caught up trying to imagine the chords that she would pair with her lyrics that she didn't notice the small bump in the floorboards in front of her. She wondered what type of Christmassy images she could draw on the front of the CD case when-
"Oof." Margo groaned as she stumbled forwards, hugging her guitar tightly to her chest so she wouldn't drop it. Perhaps she'd better save her ideas until she was properly seated.
So, with an eager smile, she made her way to a corner of the library far away from any wandering eyes (and ears), and gingerly took her guitar out of its case. The beautiful painting on the wood never failed to awe her and, for a second, she wondered what it would be like if her grandfather were still alive to play music with. She remembered when she was a young child, and he'd sit her on one knee and place the guitar on the other and then they'd proceed to sing together for hours. She remembered the years after he died when the house seldom knew music until one day, she found a mysterious box in the attic and opened it to reveal a beautiful guitar. She remembered the tears in her father's eyes when she'd finally learnt to play the song that her grandpa had always played in the summertime. And the cracks in his voice which was out of practice after so many years void of song.
But Christmas was a time of cheer, not lamenting, so Margo smoothed her precious piece of parchment on the arm of her chair and casually strummed the guitar to make sure it was in tune. Clearing her throat once, she studied the chords she'd jotted down and, with a quick wipe of her totally non-teary eyes, proceeded to sing.
”When the weather outside is nice and cold
And we huddle round fires with the old
- no offense, Grandma -We all sing songs about the Christmas season
With strange lyrics, bad rhyme (and no reason!)
We go on snowy trips to Hogsmead in the sun
Where at least one shop is for everyone
And whilst the partridges & pears may confuse
Zonko’s jokes will surely amuse!
Like what if you looked at a remembrall on Christmas night?
It’d be as red as Santa’s cheeks, alright!”
But now the punchline’s forgotten, I don’t know...
Let it glow, let it glow, let it glow!
Last edited by Margo White on 15 Dec 2020, 21:41, edited 2 times in total.
A grin like a crocodile and a bob like a funny catfish
14 Dec 2020, 23:06
Secretive Snakes and Songs
@Margo WhiteOutfit:
Reducio
Opeila really had to bring herself to sign up for this errand back a few days ago. Secret Santa. Celebrating Christmas. She wanted to, she really did, but this Christmas simply felt all wrong. The Slytherin couldn't stop herself from waiting for cards from home that would never come, three times she ended up burning cards she was going to send home. Or... not home. A place that was suddenly not her home anymore. Her family was suddenly a bunch of people she didn't know, living a life she could still not quite grasp.
The knowledge that she was alone this christmas seemed to push at the barriers of her mind, but Opeila refused to let it in. Refused to feel alone. This was christmas and she would make presents, not only for her secret santa, but also for her friends and acquaintances. It was Christmas for god's sake! Time to be cheerful. So she signed up. That way she would not have much of a choice.
Now she just had to answer the question what she would do for her secret santa. She didn't know them really, other than walking past each other in the corridors when going to the next lesson. Opeila had no idea what they would like.
And what could she do? Bought items were impersonal and also not allowed in the errand. Opeila knew how to play the violin, but never wrote a song herself. Should she draw something? She was not the greatest artist and it would likely look like a five year old made it. Opeila simply didn't have the patience to sit in front of a piece of paper for hours, after a while she would just rush to be done with it.
Still pondering, Opeila entered the library, where many were already working on their gifts. The whole room seemed to be exploding with cheerful mood, many wore christmas themed sweaters, or christmas hats like she did. Sadly Opeila didn't own a christmas sweater, she would have loved to wear one today, but her white one would have to do.
She noticed quickly, that most people were at the front tables, while in the back rather less. Some calm would not be the worst idea, but then that would be counter-productive, right? After all, the point of this was to take part in this errand and do things with others. To get into the mood for celebrating. So she would look for a place with less people, but she for sure would not sit alone today.
Walking further into the library, she soon could hear a guitar and someone singing. Curious, Opeila followed the music until she found the source. A blonde girl, who she definitely had seen before. Yeah, she knew who that was, how would she forget the prank this girl and her boyfriend pulled on her in summercamp. Donuts filled with hot sauce and Opeila, distracted by the impressive amount of nonsense the two students managed to blurt out, fell for it without further thinking.
Opeila watched the girl for a moment before walking over. "That sounded really good.", she told her honestly. "You are Margo, right? The girl with the donuts and the hot sauce?" Opeila smirked. "You mind if I join you? I'm a little clueless about what I am going to do still."
WC: 558/1000
Sorry that it took so long! <.<
20 Dec 2020, 13:55
Secretive Snakes and Songs
WC: 1033 - Complete!Margo stopped singing, lips twitching in amusement, when a vaguely familiar voice mentioned her most epic summer prank. It was nice to know that she hadn't been the only one to consider it a memorable occasion. She and Slava had pumped a whole basket of donuts with hot sauce and made so many strange jokes that two confused girls had been perplexed into consuming them. Except that wasn't all. The duo's wild and fantastical ideas had become somewhat of a reality. They were now in a relationship. Admittedly, marriage was definitely not on the table, and Slava didn't usually use his beater's bat as an everyday weapon, but they were a couple all the same.Interacting with @Opeila WintersReducio✴ Gift Description ✴
A CD case with the words written, "~ enjoy the snow, hohoho~" in red and a cartoon of the Secret Santa person (you) dressed as Santa Claus on the front. Inside the case is a plain silver CD which, when played, has the sounds of sleigh bells, a simple four-chord guitar strum, and Margo's amazing lyrics:
”When the weather outside is nice and cold
And we huddle round fires with the old
- no offense, Grandma -
We all sing songs about the Christmas season
With strange lyrics, bad rhyme (and no reason!)
We go on snowy trips to Hogsmead in the sun
Where at least one shop is for everyone
And whilst the partridges & pears may confuse
Zonko’s jokes will surely amuse!
Like what if you looked at a remembrall on Christmas night?
It’d be as red as Santa’s cheeks, alright!”
But now the punchline’s forgotten, I don’t know...
Let it glow, let it glow, let it glow!
Now really, all jokes get out the way!
Let the snow fall peacefully on Christmas Day,
I say: beware the boggart in the tree
He looks riddikulus - take it from me!
And you, Secret Santa, are the boss of the lot,
So please enjoy every second you've got.
Of this rhyme that I made - I know, I'm so modest!
It was inspiration from my cat, if I'm to be honest.
Enjoy all of the turkey, the chocolate, the pies,
And when you stare up at the grey, grey skies,
Know that I'm sorry this song must come to an end,
But I hope you enjoyed - merry Christmas, my friend.
"Yes, I'm Margo." She grinned cheekily at Opeila. "And our prank was rather legendary, wasn't it? I'd say I felt guilty but, in all honesty, that'd probably be a lie. However... to make up for it we could try and brainstorm some ideas for your Secret Santa?"
Margo then proceeded to lean her guitar carefully against the wall and sink back into the cushioned embrace of the armchair. She'd finish her song in a minute. Opeila had seemed to like it, which was what really mattered. Because, no matter how funny Margo may have found it, creations never quite looked - or in this case sounded - the same to their creators. And besides, even the best of innovators needed breaks. At the moment, she'd talk to her fellow Slytherin. The one who was nice enough to offer her praise when she'd set the girl's mouth on fire only once before.
Margo really liked Opeila.
She smiled again. "Thanks for the compliment, lass, but it's just some jokes really. And feel free to take a seat! Anything happenin' for you at Christmas? This errand is kinda the start of the festivities for me. But I'm also signed up to go to Hogsmead, as well." Margo tapped her chin in thought. "Do you sing? Because we could always sing some Christmas tunes to get into the vibe after we've finished our errand pieces. I'm looking at ya now trying to figure out what your possible creative outlet may be. Art, maybe? You seem a bit artsy, I don't know."
Leaning forward, Margo pulled her guitar towards her once again. She really hoped her Secret Santa enjoyed their gift. But she had to actually finalise it before they could appreciate her snappy lyrics. So, strumming happily, Margo started to sing once again.
"-Now really, all jokes get out the way!
Let the snow fall peacefully on Christmas Day,
I say: beware the boggart in the tree
He looks riddikulus - take it from me!
And you, Secret Santa, are the boss of the lot,
So please enjoy every second you've got.
Of this rhyme that I made - I know, I'm so modest!
It was inspiration from my cat, if I'm to be honest.
Enjoy all of the turkey, the chocolate, the pies,
And when you stare up at the grey, grey skies,
Know that I'm sorry this song must come to an end,
But I hope you enjoyed - merry Christmas, my friend.
A grin like a crocodile and a bob like a funny catfish
30 Dec 2020, 23:14
Secretive Snakes and Songs
@Margo White
When Margo grinned at her, Opeila couldn't help but smile back. The Slytherin totally fell for that prank in summer, but it was no negative memory really. There was far worse than a burning tongue and she had found it more amusing than anything else from the beginning. It was good to see people having fun at Hogwarts. And by the looks of it, Margo was a person, who one could only have fun around. Opeila admired her for that. "Hey, I'm not complaining." Opeila raised her hands a little, when Margo said that she would say that she was sorry but it would be a lie. "I actually found it hilarious."
Opeila smiled even more when Margo offered her to take a seat and that they could brainstorm ideas for Opeila's secret santa together. "You're saving my life, honestly. Don't ask me why I signed up for this, I am not too good at presents. I just wanted to get into christmas mood I think." She sat down on a chair next to Margo, eyeing the guitar carefully to not throw it over in her clumsiness. That would have been very much like her.
"Well, that's some really good jokes then. And yeah, same for me, I am going to Hogsmeade too. For the first time! I'm actually really excited to go there. You are a third year, right? Have you been there before? What is it like? Any places worth sneaking off to investigate?", she asked. It seemed that being around Margo put her in a mischievous mood. Well, Opeila would just enjoy it as long as it lasted.
The Slytherin was caught off guard when Margo asked her if she sang. "Yeah, I mean... Sure. I guess. I'm no singer, but I like christmas songs!" She remembered last year's christmas. Opeila met some strangers in the ballroom- most of whom she now knew, at least Katrina Walker and Rafael- Brainless- D'Spacito. They had been singing christmas songs together and Opeila had played the violin. Back then she had felt to shy to sing. Weird how it was the other way around now, the Slytherin didn't want to play the violin in front of others anymore. Singing on the other hand she didn't mind at all really.
Margo then asked her if she did art. Oof. Drawing. Not Opeila's greatest strength, but not her greatest weakness either. She was aware of that, despite she just preferred to tell people that she 'couldn't draw to save her life' when they asked. The Slytherin made the experience of people expecting great things from her when she told them that she could draw a bit. She was really no too bad, but she was missing the patience definitely. Opeila quickly got frustrated over sketches when they didn't look the way she expected them too, or details took too long and she then ended up not drawing detailed enough. "That's no bad idea actually. I could try surely..."
Opeila got out a pencil and a rubber she brought from home and some paper. Where should she start? In the meanwhile Margo started to sing again. Opeila decided to think about it again, when Margo was done, for now she just wanted to listen to her song. The lyrics made her smile. "Did you ever consider becoming a professional songwriter after Hogwarts? Or maybe even while still being in Hogwarts? That is so good!", she asked her housemate when she finished.
When Margo grinned at her, Opeila couldn't help but smile back. The Slytherin totally fell for that prank in summer, but it was no negative memory really. There was far worse than a burning tongue and she had found it more amusing than anything else from the beginning. It was good to see people having fun at Hogwarts. And by the looks of it, Margo was a person, who one could only have fun around. Opeila admired her for that. "Hey, I'm not complaining." Opeila raised her hands a little, when Margo said that she would say that she was sorry but it would be a lie. "I actually found it hilarious."
Opeila smiled even more when Margo offered her to take a seat and that they could brainstorm ideas for Opeila's secret santa together. "You're saving my life, honestly. Don't ask me why I signed up for this, I am not too good at presents. I just wanted to get into christmas mood I think." She sat down on a chair next to Margo, eyeing the guitar carefully to not throw it over in her clumsiness. That would have been very much like her.
"Well, that's some really good jokes then. And yeah, same for me, I am going to Hogsmeade too. For the first time! I'm actually really excited to go there. You are a third year, right? Have you been there before? What is it like? Any places worth sneaking off to investigate?", she asked. It seemed that being around Margo put her in a mischievous mood. Well, Opeila would just enjoy it as long as it lasted.
The Slytherin was caught off guard when Margo asked her if she sang. "Yeah, I mean... Sure. I guess. I'm no singer, but I like christmas songs!" She remembered last year's christmas. Opeila met some strangers in the ballroom- most of whom she now knew, at least Katrina Walker and Rafael- Brainless- D'Spacito. They had been singing christmas songs together and Opeila had played the violin. Back then she had felt to shy to sing. Weird how it was the other way around now, the Slytherin didn't want to play the violin in front of others anymore. Singing on the other hand she didn't mind at all really.
Margo then asked her if she did art. Oof. Drawing. Not Opeila's greatest strength, but not her greatest weakness either. She was aware of that, despite she just preferred to tell people that she 'couldn't draw to save her life' when they asked. The Slytherin made the experience of people expecting great things from her when she told them that she could draw a bit. She was really no too bad, but she was missing the patience definitely. Opeila quickly got frustrated over sketches when they didn't look the way she expected them too, or details took too long and she then ended up not drawing detailed enough. "That's no bad idea actually. I could try surely..."
Opeila got out a pencil and a rubber she brought from home and some paper. Where should she start? In the meanwhile Margo started to sing again. Opeila decided to think about it again, when Margo was done, for now she just wanted to listen to her song. The lyrics made her smile. "Did you ever consider becoming a professional songwriter after Hogwarts? Or maybe even while still being in Hogwarts? That is so good!", she asked her housemate when she finished.
WC: 558+578=1136
Errand Complete!