General The Slytherin Table 2019-2020

Gwen smiled gratefully at the girl who had welcomed her, and gazed around the table. Intimidating. She slid into an empty space beside another first year girl, whose light brown hair cascaded over her shoulders and framed her brown eyes. Her fingers were wrapped in blood-stained bandages, apparently the handiwork of another student, and her eyes seemed wide with panic.

Gwen smiled politely, trying to conceal her nerves and quietly introduced herself to the other students, most of whom seemed to be engaged in conversation with each other. Although a cornucopia of magical food had appeared at the table before her, she was repulsed by the smell; a gnawing feeling occupied her stomach instead, a knot of trepidation. Despite her sweaty palms and the treat of being violently ill in front of her peers, Gwen felt that she was doing a fine job at concealing her nervousness.

The girl beside her suddenly looked down, eyes closed tight, and let out a shrill plea: "When will the feast be over? Can I go to my dorm?"

An older student reassured the girl and encouraged her to stay, but the girl seemed unconvinced by the plea.

Realising that her close proximity to the girl probably wasn't helping, Gwen shifted slightly in her seat and spoke quietly, hoping to ease her discomfort.

"I've got no idea where the dorms are, but if you really want to leave then I'd be happy to help you find them," she proposed, wringing her clammy hands as she spoke. "I honestly don't have much of an appetite either; I'm a mess of nerves. I'm Gwen, by the way."

"You haven't heard of the Second Wizarding War? Voldemort? I mean, personally I don't see what the problem is- just because this house was known for its discrimination and villians doesn't mean it still has to be." The boy finished, seemly apprehensive. Brave maybe to ask something so bluntly, or maybe foolish? Either way, Madeline felt heat creep across her cheeks and up her ears. Voldemort? That was a name used in hushed tones in her household. Usually in the drawing-room where she and her sister were forbidden to come in while guests were over. Of course, they both always eavesdropped and usually heard the name mentioned with their older guests or their more... dubious guests. She gave him a hard stare while she thought through her words, determined not to get worked up about having her knowledge doubted.

"Of course I have." Madeline said haughtily, picking up a Nanaimo bar off a plate that suddenly appeared before her. "My mother says my family was very involved with the war back then. I learned about it and Dark Lord but I didn't know he was a Slytherin. Though, I guess that would make sense given..." She trailed off looking at the banner with the massive snake on it, "But that's his schooling and we didn't really learn about what he did in school. Besides, I'm not from here. I didn't even know the houses until a few weeks before my letter. Does Slytherin really have a history of villains?" She asked, her brows furrowed.

Madeline waited a moment, snapping her bar in two and taking a nibble out of one side. She let the chocolate melt to the coconut on her tongue. Taking a moment to finish, she finally says, "Even if they're villains, I guess they do go to be pretty famous and well known. Did great things even if they weren't... great. I'm pretty sure that's a quote I've read. Either way, to be cunning and ambitious like the hat says, I guess I'm not surprised some people were a bit cut-throat." She finished, turning the chocolate bar in her fingers. Looking at the layers and thinking about it all comes together to make something great. Madeline wasn't sure what kind of great she's interested in, but she does what to be to the top of her classes and at whatever job she ends up getting.

Interactions: @Thora Larkston @Madeline Doe @Emerly Pine @Bridget Collins @Guinevere Brand @Rafael D'Spacito

"Ferula," Thora said with concentration on her face. Oh no. She's doing a spell on me. On me. What if she doesn't get it right. What if it makes me bleed more? What if-. Prim was interrupted by by bandages quickly binding around her hands making several layers. "Whoa," Prim whispered in awe. All eyes went to Thora. "Sorry," she said quietly looking down. "Thank you!" Prim said abandoning all nervousness giving Thora a quick hug. Prim immediately regretted doing so. What in the world did I just do!?!?!?! That was just...ugh...I can't believe I did that! This second year hardly knows me! Thora gave a surprised smile. "Hope that helps," Thora said slightly bewildered.

Thora answered Prim's question about the dorms. "Well I would say to enjoy the feast, and then the prefects will come and take you all to the dorms. Are you fine?" Prim was fine, just nervous. Though beginning to become slightly less overwhelmed. She was beginning to get used to all these people around her. After all, she was not the only 11 year old here to get sorted. "Y-yes I'm f-fine," Prim said. "Thank you f-for letting m-me know." She ought to enjoy the feast because it was the only one all year as far as she knew.

As she pulled up her plate, a single turkey leg and some mashed potatoes with gravy appeared. My favorite! This thought made Primrose smile. It reminded her of the times before she was compared to her sister. Before her parents never liked her as much as they liked her sister. Before, when it was just Prim and Brie. Prim sighed. Oh, how she missed those times.

The tall girl with dark brown hair sat next to Prim and smiled. Another person being so kind. Conversation began to start up with Emerly and Madeline and it seemed to begin to become very heated. They were talking about quite dark topics. Well while you're already being crazy and hugging second years why not join in the conversation, Prim thought to herself. "GRYFFINDOR!" the sorting hat cried. Prim turned to see a familiar face walk down the rows. Rafael. D'Spacito, she thought.
"I know him!" she blurted out. "I met him on the train!" Prim got up and started waving to him. He caught her eye and gave a nod that read, 'Sup.' Prim could do nothing but laugh.


OOC: I had permission from Rafael D'Spacito to write this dialogue.

Interacting with @Thora Larkston || Mentions @Primrose Mcarthy, @Madeline Doe, @Emerly Pine, and @Guinevere Brand

It seemed as though the first years were breaking off into their own conversation, which was a good thing, despite the fact the topic might not have been the best--Voldemort wasn't exactly an admirable historical figure. There was also the bonus that Prim seemed to be more comfortable. Now, it looked like Bridget would be able to do the thing she'd been waiting to do all summer, and that was talk to Thora. The brunette really did want the other girl as her friend and was nearly positive she could be trusted. Even though they were still naturally awkward in social situations, they'd gained a level of comfort when interacting with each other.

"Er… it was okay, I guess. Knowing magic some kids probably had it worse. It was really boring though. My family isn't against Hogwarts or anything, but they're sort of… apprehensive about it all. How about you?" she said. She did not mention anything about her past friends, not knowing how that would make Thora feel, or about her brother calling her a freak. Thora's sympathy wouldn't help and besides, she still wasn't quite at that point for trusting the redhead not to spill anything.

"By the way, that spell you did--Ferula, I mean--was really impressive. It's a third year charm, right? That sure would've been useful last year when… when you hurt your ankle." Bridget had to stop herself from mentioning the Whomping Willow. It wasn't exactly something against the rules, but they had lied about the whole event to the nurse and she doubted that would be appreciated. Besides, the first years could be listening in and they could very easily decide to tell on them or something--she did not trust any of them very much as after all they'd just met.

Interacting with @Bridget Collins; @Primrose Mcarthy @Guinevere Brand 

"Hello, Gwen," Thora greeted the newest girl to the group briefly before Primrose spoke up again. Thora stiffened as Primrose jumped up and hugged her. Other than the sudden action scaring the second year just a bit, the snek actually hadn't felt such a show of affection in a while, which might've been why the girl tensed up. Awkwardly trying to squirm back into her seat, Thora flashed another smile at Primrose. She didn't want to make the younger girl feel out of place--she had been in Prim's spot not too long ago--so hid her reaction. It turned out that Thora had become quite good at masking her emotions, so the people around her were very, very unlikely to notice even her slightest change in demeanor. "Glad I could help," Thora answered, short and to the point. As it looked like the other first years could just chat with each other or sit alone for now, Thora turned to Bridget with a smile. 

"Okay..." Thora blew out. It seemed like Bridget's family hadn't been incredibly welcoming either, so that much was a relief. "Yeah, my entire family was really apprehensive and kind of afraid of the whole magic thing." It was a good thing Bridget knew she was Muggleborn, or else that could cause a whole new level of awkward around the Slytherin Table. And, now for Ferula. Nobody had actually seen her cast it before, due to her slightly irrational paranoia of being caught using a third-year spell. "Yeah, it's a third year charm," Thora admitted, "I saw it in the charms book and tried it when I kind of broke my finger... Long story. And yes, it would've been very helpful when I sprained my ankle." The second year lowered her voice. She didn't need anyone questioning how that had happened, as, well, it was a long story.

"What do you think's gonna happen this year?" Thora and Bridget had both been at Hogwarts for an entire year now, returning this year as veterans of sorts. Thora had no idea what the magical school had in stock for them. Hopefully nothing that would kill them, like last year... 

Emerly didn't know why he'd been so outspoken- technically he was scared, scared enough to second-guess his decision to not fight for the Sorting Hat to put him in another house, but at the same time his life had been lived so far away from the wizarding world that he could say things with enough detachment, as he felt it was more of a story than reality. He'd heard enough of Slytherin's history to make him feel a twinge of regret- or was it cowardice? The hat had given him an option to back out.
But here he was. He piled some mashed potatoes on his plate, reiterating his uncle's insistent warnings in his head. All of a sudden he was beginning to lose his appetite... "My mother says my family was very involved with the war back then. I learned about it and Dark Lord but I didn't know he was a Slytherin."
His stomach started to sink. At first he was a little happy that someone had begun talking to him, but when he remembered his outburst and realized that he was talking to what was very likely a Pureblood he abruptly put down his cutlery. He felt sick. "Besides, I'm not from here. I didn't even know the houses until a few weeks before my letter. Does Slytherin really have a history of villains?"
He wanted desperately to politely ask where she was from, start a pleasant talk. The rest of her words came as a jumble of mildly intimidating phrases, great but not great, cunning... ambitious...
He suddenly cleared his throat and pushed his food away, looking at the ground away from her. He hoped he didn't come off as being unfriendly but he was suddenly full of conflicting thoughts.

Interactions: @Thora Larkston @Madeline Doe @Bridget Collins @Emerly Pine @Guinevere Brand @Rafael D'Spacito

Though Prim was just beginning to become comfortable around her newly met Slytherins, she was reminded that good things don't last, as Rafael D'Spacito waved her over from the corner of the Great Hall. You want to see me now of all times? Ok then...

Prim looked around at her surroundings so she could plan the best time to sneak out. It would just be awkward and would take too long if she had to explain everything to everyone and she would just feel awful. So sneaking out it was. She looked at her surroundings. Thora and Bridget were conversing awkwardly. Madeline and Emerly were talking about a rather dark topic with dark looks on their faces-well at least on Madeline's face-and were beginning to become angry at each other over the topic. Then the girl who introduced herself as Gwen was sitting in the corner listening intently to what was going on. Well, not the worst time for him to pull me out. That's right. Rafael always knows what he is doing.

Prim turned around in her seat looking up toward the professors. They were eating and conversing with each other but obviously still keeping an eye on the students. Prim got up and started walking down the table when she noticed that one of the professors was glaring at her so hard she could feel it in the air. She immediately stopped at some random Slytherin and started talking. "Hi! My name is Primrose Mcarthy! What's your name? By the way you can call me Prim. Actually I'd rather you not. Do you like food? I like food. But only a little food. Like a single turkey leg. What's your favorite food? What's your favorite color? Mine is pink! Or rose gold actually, so pink but pretty! I'm sure you don't care. But I do! So what's your favorite color. I don't really care anymore...…" Prim looked over to the professor. He was talking to a friend. Fortunately, the professor thought there were more interesting things than a Slytherin talking to a supposed friend. Prim walked along laughing inwardly.Thank goodness.

Once Prim finally got over to the corner of the Great Hall she walked up to Rafael. "What could possibly be so important that you are making me leave my table?" Prim could not help feeling bad about leaving her group of Slytherins, though she was glad to get away from all the awkward conversations and magic.
The second Prim thought that, she knew she would not get a break from magic for even a minute in this school. But past that all she could think about was how she wished she could meet up with Thora again sometime...…

--------------------------------Primrose Mcarthy leaves thread--------------------------------------------

OOC: I had permission from Rafael D'Spacito to write this post.

It was my first morning and I was already late. I had woken up hours ago but I got lost and the stairs took me to a long corridor in the 3rd floor, not was I was looking for at all. Yet I was pretty excited to meet my partners for the next years to comẹ.

The day before, in the evening, the sorting hat had sent me to Slytherin and I was quite proud about it, I heard it in in those students we find the biggest quantity of pure bloods.

Arrived in this huge room, I was, just like yesterday, amazed by everything. The candles were flying, the spirits were chatting with some week Hefflepuffs, and there already were teachers eating.

I directed myself to my enormous table, right in front of the green curtains, very excited for my first day to come. As I đid not had the oportunity to meet everyone properly yet, I sat, alone, and I started to eat. The food was delicious, I chose to try French bread, that seems to be a "Baguette", with a strawberry marmelade and I enjoyed my meal silently.

A big smile on my face, I checked around me and realised some Gryffindors were looking at me with a strange expression on their faces.

Oh oh.., I thought, Poor of them they are going to regret doing this..

I returned them their look glancing at them with a dark gaze, they seemed pretty terrified, I was happy and I payed attention again to the food in front of mẹ. Once I was finished, I just left the table and went to classes.

I had loved ịt.

As the 'B' names were run through like water, the muggle-born first year tried to tell himself that whatever this weird, talking hat thing did was no big deal. There was no test he had to take, no pop quiz he had been meant to study for, so he couldn't fail, right? But in spite of all that, the usually well-composed boy was wringing his robes as each student's name and donning of the proclaimed 'Sorting Hat' was shortly followed by one of four houses.

He had heard from the students on the train a little bit of the Hogwarts Houses and what being sorted into each of them meant. However, there were a number of things that still didn't sit quite right with Jack. Why did the hat talk? Why was the hat the one deciding where they would be put in for the rest of their time at the boarding school? And who could have possibly have been okay with the notion that the old, sentient, misshapen piece of patched-up cloth was peering into their minds to find but where to place them?

As far as he could see, though, there was no alternative; no way out. He would have to go through with this like everyone else had so far and he would have to pretend as if it were the most natural thing in the world. As if floating candles and carriages pulled by invisible creatures hadn't been enough to ask of him to accept! Didn't people ever worry about the hazards such things could pose?

Then again, he was about to join a number of 11-year-olds who had already been given wands and were about to be taught magic that could be used for who-knew-what. Anything that could have gone wrong in this school probably had decades ago. The staff had to be prepared for the most outlandish of occurrences, right?

Unless, of course, said occurrence was the Hat discovering there was some sort of mistake and there wasn't a single cell of magic in Jack's entire body. What would they do with him then? Imprison him? Torture and interrogate him? Murder him? Poof him out of existence?

Shut up, he snapped at his inner fears. From the sounds of it, the worst they'll probably do is wipe your memory. Not that he was much looking forward to that idea, either. Jack had very much begun to feel like he wasn't understood among the other kids in his muggle school. None of them seemed clever or intelligent enough to want to discuss the things he did, much less at the intensity or depth he would have liked.

Receiving the letter to Hogwarts had been like being given validation that he was, indeed, better than those ignorant fools who were his peers in nothing more than age. Here there was so much to learn and discover to the point that he felt like the ignorant fool, and though he loved it, it was still hard to believe he was allowed to be here. Almost everyone seemed to know more than he did, so what right did he have to think he had a place among them?

And then his name was being called.

Without another thought, Jack Burnett marched right up to the stool and focused every fiber of his being on not flinching when the hat was placed atop his head. His mind must have been chaotic at that moment, or else blank, and he couldn't help but feel a sort of spiteful triumph toward the sentient headgear.

Try sorting this, you creepy, worn-out pile of rags, he thought fiercely, forgetting for a moment that the hat could probably hear.

You're not the first to fret so; far from it, it answered, almost sounding amused even as Jack stiffened in his seat. Hmm...claiming to be honest to everyone, and yet not honest with yourself. How positively contradictory.

What?! the redhead wondered, his curiosity and indignance overtaking his anxiety and fear. What's that supposed to mean?!

I'm sure you'll find out with time, even if you refuse to see the truth now. You wish to be recognized for cunning and intelligence. Between Ravenclaw and Slytherin, then. Ah, but if you seek power, then it must be the latter.

Power? I don't seek power, Jack insisted, thinking of the dark wizards he'd heard the other students talking about. It was also said that not a dark wizard nor witch had come from any house other than Slytherin. He found that rumored statistic very difficult to believe. But if it were true, did that mean he was likely to become 'dark'?

There are many kinds of power. The kind you seek is the sort your parents impressed upon you - knowledge. But unlike Ravenclaws, who seek it for the sake of merely knowing, you wish to use it.

Jack's brows furrowed in puzzlement. For what? he challenged, doubting the hat knew him better than he knew himself.

You were just thinking about how Slytherins are associated with dark wizards and evil. But if that's the wide-spread belief, isn't it your desire to subvert it, as tricksters do?

The boy thought about that and realized it was absolutely true. He had always enjoyed playing the devil's advocate and attempting to transcend dualities such as 'right' and 'wrong' as his favorite character archetype did. He liked to believe that there was more to the world than just black and white. Just because that world had expanded to include the wizarding one, it didn't mean he couldn't still show them all the shades in between.

That's it, the hat agreed, seeming to decide Jack was finally comprehending what it was getting at. There's your ambition. Already, they won't be expecting you - a muggle-born. Show them you're more than they think you are.

"SLYTHERIN!"

What had seemed to take an eternity in Jack's head had only been a few seconds in reality. Almost before the boy knew what was happening, the hat was removed from his head and he was walking over to join the cheering table of the house he had been assigned. Curious as to whether all the other 11-year-olds had had their brains scoured and reasoned with like that, he seated himself beside another new Slytherin who he recalled had been sorted just a few students before he had.

"Wow," he muttered, shaking his head as if to clear it. "They only make us do that once...right?"

There was only a few seats left at the table when I was sorted into Slytherin, but I managed to find a seat. Although I was exposed to the world of magic growing up, I chose to mainly have muggle friends. Finding friends here was very nerve-wracking for me.

I sat down ready to eat. I was starving after today. There was so much to take in that I forgot to eat more than a few small snacks and my stomach was starting to get very angry at me. No one seemed too worried about eating though, as everyone else at the table appeared to have found someone to talk with about the upcoming year. At least having been raised in a wizarding family, I was not utterly lost and confused like some of my muggle-born classmates, but even then it would be nice to have an older mentor who could help me figure out life at Hogwarts.

"This is going to be rough," I grumbled to myself. I was terrible at making friends, choosing not to speak to many people. Starting petty relationships that were not filled with depth drove me insane. I think that is also part of why dad thought I would be in Ravenclaw. He said I was an intellectual, and intellectuals often desired solitude. My aunt Octavia reminded him sternly though that even those in Slytherin are intellectual, often rivaling their Ravenclaw classmates. At least my aunt will be incredibly proud when she hears I was sorted into Slytherin.