2 Aug 2021, 12:08
Silver Linings
IC Date: September 3, 2021
Hui Ming’s time at Hogwarts required that he make compromises with his behaviour and manners, an unimaginable breach in decorum that would surely leave him in hot water should his parents ever get wind of his positively plebian behaviour.
Needs must, and the people he found himself amongst had caused him to resign himself to seven years of forward, boisterous kids; rude and oblivious to the point of scandal.
When classes started, the Asian boy had buried himself in the paperwork with gusto – he was expected to do well now that he was in a public school. That the work came as a blessed relief and a distraction from his peers was just a happy little coincidence.
It was fortunate that his eye happened to catch the Hufflepuff boy in potions class. Finally, someone in this world who was normal. He sat with his back straight, and carried the air of someone who knew how to handle himself, unlike most of the loud, talkative and indescribably rude people who comprised almost the totality of his peer group. The Hufflepuff boy’s neat and orderly attire, and the fact that he spoke only when he was required to, were also marks in his favour in Ming’s books.
When the class had concluded and Ming had finished taking his notes – it would never do to fall behind – the Asian boy packed his things with some haste before following after the boy. He didn’t quite run – that would be horribly undignified and unbecoming of him, but he could admit to himself that it was a close thing.
It took him a minute to locate the boy outside of class – he was one of the few that hadn’t already formed some kind of group, and the only one who handled himself with an air of sophistication – and another minute to catch up to him in the brisk not-quite-walk.
“Uhm. Excuse me,” he called out to the Hufflepuff, flinching internally at his own voice. In his excitement at having stumbled across someone who was normal – Ming could openly admit that the totality of this school was queer in some manner or another – he had quite thoroughly forgotten about what to talk about once he had actually gotten the other person’s attention.
He panicked. What did one talk about in such situations? Normally he could make decent small talk, but he found that the subjects he would turn to were singularly unsuitable in this case. What could he talk to this boy about? They did not have his parents’ social circle in common here as he did with most of the others he interacted with, and old reliable subjects like food, or weather, or hobbies would never work.
But then, inspiration struck. Of course! Studies. That should have been obvious.
“I do apologize for jumping on you like this,” the Asian boy said, rather sheepishly. “This is horribly embarrassing, but I couldn’t help but notice how self-assured you were back in Potions class.”
Interacting: @Gilbert Huxley Harrington
Last edited by Fang Hui-Ming on 7 Aug 2021, 19:06, edited 1 time in total.
The curtains fell. And the silence was deafening
3 Aug 2021, 15:27
Silver Linings
September 3rd. Day three of life at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry.
In spite of his desires to ultimately fit in with everyone, Gilbert had already preestablished his own personal code of conduct to ensure he was disturbed as little as possible. Although one could easily draw up the conclusion the boy was simple anti-social and distant, in truth, it was merely an extreme response to avoid anything that would cause him embarrassment or humiliation in front of others.
Rule One:- Always be the last one to enter the classroom
Although the first to arrive, Gilbert would often perch himself comfortably outside and with a polite "After you", waved everyone else in before himself. This simple rule enabled him to strategically outline a seat as far away as possible from everyone else. To his credit, this actually worked twofold. It allowed for those who had formed friendship groups to swiftly plan out a way to stick together and it usually resulted in some desolate corner becoming available to him.
Rule Two:- Speak as little as possible
Not that he had any trouble communicating with others or speaking before an audience (Usually), but the moment he opened his mouth he could hear it, the dreaded difference, the stark contrast of his background against theirs. He hated it. The words that rolled so effortlessly off his tongue, his preferred choice of words and mannerisms, all served to single him out as an oddity. Nonetheless, he had caught wind that some of the female members of his class actually like it,
Rule Three:-Walk one metre behind crowds
This was more a preference, but it was also a safety precaution brought on from experience. On his very first day, he had made the terrible mistake of merging with the swarming masses in a desperate bid to reach his next lesson. The cramped conditions were horrendously difficult, not to mention unforgiving, for a meagre First-Year to navigate. Amidst the commotion, something hard had struck him painfully in both the hip and ribs and now, sporting two large bruises, opted to merely stay on the sidelines, wearing his usual exasperated expression towards the ensuing chaos.
This potions class was to be no different. When the bell chimed to signal the end of lessons, Gilbert promptly repacked his belongings back into his bag and adjusted the strap upon his shoulder. In truth, he had predicted outright disaster, he had still neglected to find someone who was capable of fixing his smashed phials from his train journey, though thankfully, this lesson had no need of them. It merely served as a firm reminder, it was something that he needed to do post haste.
"Hmm..." The soft hum slipped as he abandoned the classroom, deliberately outlining the footsteps of those up ahead all clambering to reach the Great Hall. The usual exasperated expression came forth. He wore it so often these days he was sure many had begun to assume it was just his regular appearance.
"You are... Mr Hui Ming, correct?" He asked politely, turning on his heel as the boy fell into step before him. Goddammit, Gilbert, too formal, tone it back! "I remembered your name on the register" He added lightly with a soft chuckle by way of explanation.
He flashed Mr Ming a broad smile, this was now the perfect opportunity to get a proper, analytical, look at him. He was a Slytherin and unlike the vast magnitude of other students, he was wearing all his attire correctly. No scuffed robes, no slipped shirt, no knotted tie. It all appeared to be brand new, or at the very least well maintained to an incredibly high standard with not a single sign of wear and tear in sight. His brow creased. Gilbert's verdict. Wealthy pureblood family heir... possibly to a family of wizarding accountants? The moment the stereotype flew through his mind he hastily bestowed a mental apology to the boy.
"May I ask you a question if you do not mind?" He peered, almost in a prying manner, brimming with curiosity. "How has life been for you here so far?"
In spite of his desires to ultimately fit in with everyone, Gilbert had already preestablished his own personal code of conduct to ensure he was disturbed as little as possible. Although one could easily draw up the conclusion the boy was simple anti-social and distant, in truth, it was merely an extreme response to avoid anything that would cause him embarrassment or humiliation in front of others.
Rule One:- Always be the last one to enter the classroom
Although the first to arrive, Gilbert would often perch himself comfortably outside and with a polite "After you", waved everyone else in before himself. This simple rule enabled him to strategically outline a seat as far away as possible from everyone else. To his credit, this actually worked twofold. It allowed for those who had formed friendship groups to swiftly plan out a way to stick together and it usually resulted in some desolate corner becoming available to him.
Rule Two:- Speak as little as possible
Not that he had any trouble communicating with others or speaking before an audience (Usually), but the moment he opened his mouth he could hear it, the dreaded difference, the stark contrast of his background against theirs. He hated it. The words that rolled so effortlessly off his tongue, his preferred choice of words and mannerisms, all served to single him out as an oddity. Nonetheless, he had caught wind that some of the female members of his class actually like it,
Rule Three:-Walk one metre behind crowds
This was more a preference, but it was also a safety precaution brought on from experience. On his very first day, he had made the terrible mistake of merging with the swarming masses in a desperate bid to reach his next lesson. The cramped conditions were horrendously difficult, not to mention unforgiving, for a meagre First-Year to navigate. Amidst the commotion, something hard had struck him painfully in both the hip and ribs and now, sporting two large bruises, opted to merely stay on the sidelines, wearing his usual exasperated expression towards the ensuing chaos.
This potions class was to be no different. When the bell chimed to signal the end of lessons, Gilbert promptly repacked his belongings back into his bag and adjusted the strap upon his shoulder. In truth, he had predicted outright disaster, he had still neglected to find someone who was capable of fixing his smashed phials from his train journey, though thankfully, this lesson had no need of them. It merely served as a firm reminder, it was something that he needed to do post haste.
"Hmm..." The soft hum slipped as he abandoned the classroom, deliberately outlining the footsteps of those up ahead all clambering to reach the Great Hall. The usual exasperated expression came forth. He wore it so often these days he was sure many had begun to assume it was just his regular appearance.
It was more out of curiosity than anything else that Gilbert peered inquisitively over his shoulder. He had half expected a student attempting to catch the eye of a wandering Professor, or perhaps someone trying to squeeze past through a rather tight spot. He most certainly did not anticipate the hollowing cry to be specifically for him, let alone from a student of Slytherin house.“Uhm. Excuse me,”
"You are... Mr Hui Ming, correct?" He asked politely, turning on his heel as the boy fell into step before him. Goddammit, Gilbert, too formal, tone it back! "I remembered your name on the register" He added lightly with a soft chuckle by way of explanation.
Self-assured? Gilbert tilted his head in his confusion. He thought he was self-assured? There were many words he would readily use to describe himself and self-assured was certainly not one of them. Taking a tentative step back, he brushed his fingers through his hair, a soft pink tinge blooming forth. So much for doing his best to stave off embarrassment. "While I appreci-" You are being too formal again... "I mean... thank you for the compliment". He hastily resisted the urge to clap a hand to his face. Now he just felt egotistical. "What I am trying to say is..." He began slowly, "is despite outward appearances", there was no way around formalities this time, "I am not as confident as I look".“I do apologize for jumping on you like this. This is horribly embarrassing, but I couldn’t help but notice how self-assured you were back in Potions class.”
He flashed Mr Ming a broad smile, this was now the perfect opportunity to get a proper, analytical, look at him. He was a Slytherin and unlike the vast magnitude of other students, he was wearing all his attire correctly. No scuffed robes, no slipped shirt, no knotted tie. It all appeared to be brand new, or at the very least well maintained to an incredibly high standard with not a single sign of wear and tear in sight. His brow creased. Gilbert's verdict. Wealthy pureblood family heir... possibly to a family of wizarding accountants? The moment the stereotype flew through his mind he hastily bestowed a mental apology to the boy.
"May I ask you a question if you do not mind?" He peered, almost in a prying manner, brimming with curiosity. "How has life been for you here so far?"
~ Gilbert H. Harrington
3 Aug 2021, 17:20
Silver Linings
Interactions: @Gilbert Huxley Harrington
English | Mandarin | Quote
Even in his haste, Hui Ming had had some idea of how he wanted this conversation to go. And being immediately on the back foot was somehow not in his plans. Yet, that is exactly what happened, in multiple ways, when the Hufflepuff opened his mouth and uttered his first sentence.
The Hufflepuff chuckled in the latter half, causing the smallest of frowns to appear on the Chinese boy's face. He had the posture, and the enunciation; he was even wearing clothes that seemed a higher-quality than average. Something in his speech was not quite right, however, and it set Ming on edge that he could not quite place what exactly was wrong. Did I misjudge him, then? A part of him wished he hadn't been quite so reckless in his approach of the other boy, but that ship had sailed. A part of him wanted to pull back even now. Courtesy however dictates that he stay and finish the conversation with some degree of amicability."You are... Mr Hui Ming, correct? I remembered your name on the register"
"That is indeed correct, I am Hui Ming, Slytherin first year." Ming said uncertainly, the use of his name having caught him by surprise almost as much as the Mr in front of it. He had not expected the boy to know his name, an amateur mistake, but one that he was quite susceptible to. Not all the players will think like you do, nor have your set of priorities."I am afraid you have me at a disadvantage. I was, I admit, perhaps too occupied with the particulars class itself, and did not pay as much attention as I perhaps should have on the roster."
He hoped that would be indication enough to the boy to introduce himself. A test, of sorts.
Ming's frowned deepened visibly. The boy had not only opted to use what was a less polite phrasing, but he had thrown away a compliment. Why would he do that? Ming got the sense that something was wrong here, that he was missing a critical piece of information. He just, for the life of him, could not identify what that piece was. So, he did not reply to the boy's modesty, but tilted his head just so to indicate that he had heard."I am not as confident as I look"
An interesting question, and one that gave Ming some pause,. To be honest, the answer was complicated. But how does one begin to explain that it was wonderful and terrifying and disappointing? That it was everything he had not expected - the world was extraordinary, and but the people inhabiting it were the same. That he had to overcome the challenges of his own common sense, that the foundation of a lot of inherent and demonstrable truth in his life had give way in the magical world for the month that he had been here? Even if he were inclined to answer this complex question (which he was not), there was no method he could think of to convey all of this in a manner that would be socially appropriate. So Ming changed tactics."May I ask you a question if you do not mind? How has life been for you here so far?"
"I am rather flattered by your concern," he said slowly. "There are unexpected challenges to being placed in my current House, I'm sure you can imagine. Notwithstanding the adjustments, I believe I should be able to perform satisfactorily, at least in the academic aspects of this institution." He did not mention that he would have to drastically increase his already overbooked workload reading up on wizarding culture, etiquette and mannerisms, history, and perhaps gain some manner of comfort in Latin, which seemed the basis for a significant section of the spells he had come across. This was in addition to the coursework, and his own Muggle studies in the Sciences, in Mathematics, in Literature, and Philosophy. Perhaps, in the next year, he should propose to his parents to let him focus on those studies in the holidays?
"What of yourself?" Ming turned the question right around. "Is the academic life at the premier public school of magical Britain all that you imagined it would be?"
The curtains fell. And the silence was deafening
5 Aug 2021, 11:41
Silver Linings
It was so simple and yet... his eye's widened in disbelief, his breath caught in the back of his throat, imprisoned behind slackened lips. It was so incredibly reminiscent of himself, he was sure he had said that exact same line before, just with a different name and a different house. For the first time since his arrival, Gilbert looked exactly how an eleven year old should. A surprised child with soft, rounded features staring incredulously at the boy before him. Was he really like me?"That is indeed correct, I am Hui Ming, Slytherin first year."
Wait. What? The moment was short-lived. The strained crease upon his brow had returned to its usual resting place, the puzzled look marring his expression. That did not sound right at all... a different dialect perhaps? Despite the complication, Gilbert cupped his hands behind his back, adorning what he hoped to be an understanding grin while the gears in his mind worked away to decipher what Mr Ming had said. Still, it unsettled him. It was incredibly distinct, not just from his own mannerisms but everyone else around him too."I am afraid you have me at a disadvantage. I was, I admit, perhaps too occupied with the particulars class itself, and did not pay as much attention as I perhaps should have on the roster."
His subtle amendments to remain unfazed by the boy were slowly melting away, much akin to a veil ensnared, revealing the hidden contents beneath. It felt cold, crass and mechanical, every word put in place by a false sense of sentience with no humanity to be found. It was hollow, emotionless, expressionless, was he even truly alive? Or was he simply a living vessel dictated by what was simply to be expected of him? Was this the very thing Mother had wanted him to become?"I am rather flattered by your concern. There are unexpected challenges to being placed in my current house, I'm sure you can imagine. Notwithstanding the adjustments, I believe I should be able to perform satisfactorily, at least in the academic aspects of this institution."
It terrified him. Mr Ming terrified him. And he pitied him for that.
Gilbert did not have an answer. He could not answer. How could he project his own thoughts and opinions in such stark contrast to that of Mr Ming? His lip quivered, clutching his bag with trembling fingers. Tentatively he took a step backwards, feet faltering upon the flagstone. He wanted to run. He wanted to hide. He wanted to send a flurry of angry letters to his Mother, about a boy called Mr Ming, confronting her with her idealism of perfection. Her envision of what a perfect Gilbert should be.""What of yourself? Is the academic life at the premier public school of magical Britain all that you imagined it would be?"
Mr Ming had called him self-assured, so self-assured he had to be. His breath had grown laborious, rugged, amidst his incessant thoughts. "I... That is to say, it has been..." He swallowed hard, "a pleasurable experience so far... if a bit lonely at times". The moment he had uttered the last part, he wished he hadn't. He had not once confessed it, not even to himself and here he was confessing it to Mr Ming.
And then he did the most un-Gilbert thing he could think of. Relinquishing his grip upon the strap of his bag, he held out a quivering hand for Mr Ming to grasp. "Would you... perhaps like to be friends... I don't particularly have any and I think it would be fun".
~ Gilbert H. Harrington
7 Aug 2021, 11:53
Silver Linings
Interactions: @Gilbert Huxley Harrington
Mentioning: -
English | Mandarin | Quotes
The other boy seemed taken aback, and perhaps put off by his mannerisms. It was not a reaction unfamiliar to the Chinese boy - indeed, he had come to expect it from most of the people at Hogwarts. What he had not anticipated however, what the reaction coming from this boy; his calm and self assured demeanor marred by a tentativeness that was... unattractive.
And then Hufflepuff spoke. He did not, as Ming had hoped and expected, introduce himself as would be expected from any gentleman. He had chosen, instead, to address the more obvious question that was posed to him. It was disappointing. Ming could admit that to himself.
Ming blinked. And then he blinked again. A moment of silence passed, and then another. And another."I... That is to say, it has been...a pleasurable experience so far... if a bit lonely at times"
A myriad of thoughts went through the head of the bespectacled Chinese boy, who was struggling to make sense of it. On the one hand, the Hufflepuff boy was odd. Not in his vernacular or clothing, perhaps. But his reactions were unexpected; tentative and uncertain. Nothing like the quietly assured boy that he had seen in class. It was almost pitiful, and Ming did not see himself tolerating someone such as that for any length of time.
On the other hand, he had experienced first-hand the difficulties in adjusting. He had had a month in summer camp, and still had problems adjusting to Hogwarts once he was sorted into a House that he had not expected. A House where he did not think he belonged.
This internal struggle was well underway when the Hufflepuff, oblivious, continued to pour fuel into the flames of his inner battle.
Now, what to do. What to do? That was the question."Would you... perhaps like to be friends... I don't particularly have any and I think it would be fun".
Better to be decisive, than take petty half-measures.
"I had thought that Hufflepuff would be the house of loyalty and camaraderie," Ming said finally, haughtily. "You are a Hufflepuff unless I am much mistaken, good sir. It would be surprising, would it not, to discover that the House of Loyalty failed to find a companion for one of their newest members, and allowed them to wallow in loneliness; especially when it appears that Slytherin House has taken note of the outliers among its incoming members." And if there was a hint of resentment and bitterness when he alluded to this attention that he had received in the latter part of that sentence, Ming was sure it would be overlooked. It would only be the polite thing to do, after all.
"Still," he pushed on, his voice softer now. Avery was getting to him after all, it seemed. "It would me disingenuous for me to claim that I am ignorant of your present plight."
A deep breath. Was he really doing this? Or rather, the better question would be why was he doing this? Pity, perhaps? Empathy? Perhaps Ming really just want at least a semblance of a normal person in his life; and this boy was the closest approximation of that in Hogwarts? If he were to be completely honest, he did not know.
"While no one has ever quite accused be of being 'fun' before, I do agree that regular interactions and a general acquaintance would be pleasant."
And with that, the Chinese boy took the hand of the Hufflepuff in a firm handshake.
It was a shame that some tiny part of him was convinced that this was all a big mistake.
The curtains fell. And the silence was deafening
7 Aug 2021, 16:15
Silver Linings
It was firm, and warm, to the touch, steading his own trembling fingers within his grasp. Though all that had transpired between them was the mere acknowledgement of a budding friendship, Gilbert could not help but liken it to that of a business agreement. Had he just sold his soul to Mr Ming? Or even worse, his freedom? This exchange of pleasantries was a stark departure from his meeting with Miss Steinway and Miss Morales. It was far more reminiscent of the exchanges between his Mother and the Ministry Officials that would often come round for dinner parties and evening events... Wait. Was Mr Ming the son of one of his Mother's associates?! If that was indeed the case, his Mother would expect him to uphold the family name, and all he had done so far was prattle about his lonely existence. He had to return to the script as quickly as possible.
"My apologies, I neglected to introduce myself earlier despite your confession you could not place my name. I am Gilbert Harrington by the way, the pleasure is all mine" It was the most confident sentence he had spoken out loud since the boy had first approached him and it sickened him. Having released Mr Ming's hand at long last, he returned it to his pocket as he heaved his bag further up his shoulder into a more comfortable position. "Would you, perhaps, be interested in accompanying me for dinner this evening?" He asked with a wave of his hand, a soft smile denting his cheek. There was simply no denying his intrigue in Mr Ming despite his hesitancy.
He knew he would never be able to ask another student in that exact manner. But it was different with Mr Ming.
He just wished he could make those words his own...
~ Gilbert H. Harrington
7 Aug 2021, 17:31
Silver Linings
Interactions: @Gilbert Huxley Harrington
Mentioning: -
English | Mandarin | Quotes
"Harrington? But would that not make you . . . ?" Hui Ming was going to say from Northamptonshire , but realized in the last moment that he was being ill-mannered, and stopped himself short. Yes, he had heard people from Northamptonshire speak before and they sounded nothing like Mr. Harrington here, but perhaps he was mistaken? Ming himself was from London and sounded nothing like the presumably many many students here who shared his origins. Further, now that he thought about it, there was no guarantee that the Hufflepuff first-year was a muggleborn. There was even the possibility that he was a pureblood, hiding in Harrington amongst the uknowing non-magical cousins who shared that land with him. And that thought led Hui Ming to another unsettling possibility.
This boy could be an aristocrat. Not merely aristocratic in his appearance and behavior, but an actual, honest-to-God noble. It was a disquieting thought, and one he could not quite dismiss out of hand. Did magical Britain still have nobles? He had not read about it, but he could not remember reading anything that would let him rule out the possibility as another absurdity conjured up in his mind. Hui Ming's eyes widened in growing horror at the realization, and he hastened back into conversation, determined to make the best of this situation that he himself had initiated in a bout of reckless stupidity.
Clearing his throat, Hui Ming plowed on, turning to formality as his preferred weapon to try and dig himself out of this hole in which he had possibly found himself. "You must forgive me, Mr. Harrington. It just happened that I recognized your family name. I certainly did did not mean to cause you any offense or discomfort."
The Chinese boy tilted his head the invitation to dinner, considering the offer for all but a fraction of a second. Mr. Harrington was now all charm. Gone was the nervous, bumbling boy speaking of his loneliness; and in his place was the young member of a prominent family. Ming could almost imagine this boy fitting into one of those social events that his parents were so fond of.
It was...confusing. Where the familiarity should have been comforting, he found only a growing ball of dread at the core of his being. This Mr. Harrington's personality and demeanor were fleeting, changing with every sentence spoken and every turn of phrase. It was yet another unknown in a world of everchanging rules. It was another piece for Ming to follow.
"Of course," Ming replied with all the quiet dignity that he could muster. "I would be delighted for your esteemed company for dinner. I am afraid that mealtimes have been especially trying for me here, what with the bombastic energy and sheer exuberance of our peers. I would very much enjoy something perhaps a tad bit more . . . reserved. I hope that is agreeable?"
The curtains fell. And the silence was deafening