closed Here's to the Future PV Huffle Quid Team

may 25th, 2024 | here's to the future | alyssea [#c38418]
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Thank the gods her brother decided to send her a Majesto Tent 500 as an early birthday present because she set it up out in the campgrounds and baked for a good portion of the day. Yes, she could've done it in the kitchen but she was not ready to be coddled by the elves. It was nerve-wracking having to go it alone, not having her parents by her side, but she steeled her resolve. These were for someone special and that was not going to ruin perfectly good food.

The instructions were pretty simple. Anything chocolate would do. Alyssea could do brownies and cookies, maybe attempt a brownie cake along the way. It was hard enough not having a recipe book to follow from but an owl had come in from her mother with all the recipes they had made before Hogwarts. Parents always came to save the day, huh?

It was near evening when she decided it was enough. There were enough brownies, cookies, and an attempt at a cake that ended up pretty small. They were all edible! It just took a few tries to get there.

Alyssea decided to bring the trays of food with a levitation charm. She was no waitress and not built to carry trays upon trays on her arms. Plus, she still had to bring her tent back up to the dorms. A quick trip around the lower levels of Hogwarts brought her to the Small Hall where everything had been set and she placed the trays on the tables. She chuckled. "Thank you! I hope he likes them, too." @Annie Morgan

Alyssea didn't know Howard personally outside of Quidditch, but it was only right to give her captain a farewell. A whole seven years coming to an end. The Small Hall was glowing with black and gold decorations, with some of her fellow Second Years busying themselves with the final touches. At their last game, she'd thought about how much the team felt like a family. The sentiment shone even now. @Landon Matthews, @Roxette Hartmore, @Daphne Sapphirus

Alyssea usually cried during things like this and she wouldn't put it past her to cry when hearing everyone reminisce later. She patted down her robes and waited for the man of the evening to arrive.

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Date: 05/25/24 | Outfit: Hogwarts robes | CC: #1f5cc6
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Unpacking the boxes and organizing things was one of the only things Landon felt like he could do well. He wasn't the best with decoration honestly. Even his private dorm room was pretty plain. Not that Landon was boring, but he just didn't know how to make things look as nice as his twin sister could. He never really knew the best ways to make things look pretty. But as he looked around at all of their hard work, especially the decorations, Landon was proud of what they had done. He might have only been part of the process, but he still felt proud of what they all had done together.

Landon had always wanted to feel like part of something special and being on the Quidditch team felt like he could be something special. He didn't tend to be one to stand out, preferring to blend in instead of drawing attention to himself. But this Quidditch team felt like family. And now they would have to say goodbye to one of their own. Landon hadn't been on the team that long yet, but he felt a mixture of emotions about one of their team captains graduating and leaving them behind. He wished Howard the best and hoped that he would be able to come to see their games at some point in the future. He hoped the Hufflepuff team would make Howard proud.

Landon smiled widely as he saw Alyssea bringing in trays of food. He moved toward her, planning on helping her with the trays, but it seemed like she had it covered. He approached her and smiled, nudging her gently with his shoulder. "It looks good, Alyssea," he said proudly. Landon looked over at Annie. "Hello Annie," he said with a smile. "You did a great job planning this." He wanted her to know that he appreciated all of her hard work.

Landon turned to wait for Howard to arrive, tucking his hands in his robe pockets now that everything was ready.

For a Saturday, the day had been rather eventful. Normally his early weekend days were filled with snacking and occasional naps in the pleasant shade. Mischief with Atlas could generally interrupt a nice nap but it was not the time for trivial mischief... Monumental mischief? Perhaps. But he had no heists or grand schemes currently in the works... at least none that were concerning the events of the day.

Instead, there was a mission of vital importance. One that superseded dropping jelly-filled water balloons from the moving stairs to see what they hit. Not that he would ever do such a thing. No today, he and Atlas had much more important things on the agenda. They even forced themselves to wake up early... 11am and no later. It was a hellish hour to be awake before noon on the weekend but it would be worth it, there were festivities to be had.

After procuring a pair of wicker baskets, Ethen was informed that Atlas wanted to use paper mache baskets. Well, how would he have known... Promptly storing his now useless wicker baskets under some other student's bed, he accepted one of the intricately crafted, non-wicker, baskets that Atlas had. The quest had begun!

A galavanting trip to the mystical land of Hogsmeade was their task at hand. Barely out of the castle, Ethen knew they hadn't packed enough food for the quest but perhaps he would be able to find some traveling merchant on the way. He didn't. Despite the disappointment that there were, in fact, no traveling merchants peddling tacos or chicken tenders, they were able to make quick time to Hogsmeade. Relatively quick. They still frequently got distracted with mandated hugs, kisses, and random dancing that added a fair amount of time but it was necessary for morale.

After procuring enough assorted candy to fill their small baskets, Ethen began to feel as though he was trick-or-treating... if you had to pay for the candy you received. But the booty had been gathered! Now, after a quick and very necessary meal, the began the arduous journey back to the castle where their comrade was being honored for their valiant service.

Ethen was still quite sore from their last game. It usually took a few weeks before he was feeling completely back to normal. He had been eviscerated off his broom in so many games that the pain and soreness that came started to feel normal. It was uncomfortable but he still enjoyed the close camaraderie of the Flying Badgers.

Following on Atlas' tail, Ethen made his way to the Small Hall where everything was being prepared. His face immediately lit up as his keen eyes scanned the decorations. When the smell of baked goods hit him, however, he could feel his stomach beginning to grumble but he silently told the hunger demon to settle.

Ethen was glad something like this was being set up to honor the glorious service of their captain. His scattered mind was usually too...well, scattered to have handled planning such an event but luckily their team was characteristically thoughtful."FLYING BADGERS! We have arrived! It is looking...and smelling incredible in here. We have wares if you have coin," Ethen said with a grin as he waved at his fellow teammates.

Excited throughout the morning, Atlas had quickly gotten ready only to remember it took Ethen an eternity to rise from his hibernation. Luckily there were plenty of things she wanted to get done. She had prepped a couple of paper mache baskets the previous night and wanted to make sure they had properly dried. Grinning, she inspected her solid creations and set to work customizing them.

With some extra wrapping of colored paper and a few scribbled doodles that had her snorting and giggling to herself, the baskets were ready for use. By the time Ethen had finally risen to meet her, she eyed the crude baskets that he had supposedly borrowed. They just wouldn't do. They lacked any doodles and looked like giant triscuits. They lacked the festive flair needed for such an important mission!

Atlas knew there would probably be plenty of sweets at the classified party. But it was celebrating a bittersweet moment and there could never be too much sugar to handle those sadder aspects of losing such an important teammate. She supposed graduating was a good excuse for needing to depart but she still wished they had at least another year battling in the skies!

Tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear, she collected Ethen's hand. Giving him a soft squeeze, they began their adventure to Hogsmeade. She listened intently, grinning and giggling as he expressed his excitement about some potential food merchant they might meet on the road. It was impossible to entirely follow the journies that went on in he boyfriend's adorable mind but she adored being along for the adventure, no matter where it took them.

While there was no food merchant on the road, she knew there was plenty of time for them to grab a quick little meal in the village. That was unless they were attacked on the road. It was unlikely but she wouldn't rule it out. If she was a bandit, looking to burgle two perfectly ornate and beautiful paper mache baskets, the road to Hogsmeade would be the place she set up.

Luckily she made it in one piece and their raiding of Honeydukes began! Atlas had to remind herself a dozen times that they were getting candy for the party not just weird things that would be funny to try. Worrying slightly that the baskets wouldn't be able to handle the haul, Atlas kept tapping her basket to make sure it wasn't buckling under the weight of sugar.

They were a rousing success, much to her pride, as they never looked to be struggling. Looking like a couple of crazy kids about to enter a sugar-induced coma, they took their loot through the village until stopping for a quick, non-sugared, meal.

The walk back was far too short as she always enjoyed being out with Ethen. However, being late to a party was a mortifying thought and Atlas refused to be late to anything... let alone something honoring one of her incredible teammates. It was the scent of the Small Hall that first found Atlas' senses.

Closing her eyes, she slowly inhaled the scent of chocolate. Grinning widely, she pulled Ethen forward until they pushed into the decorated room. Her wide eyes danced over the decorations. She loved getting to see her teammates somewhere outside of practice. Even if it was a rare occurrence, she always liked catching up and hearing what the diverse group were up to. She only wished they were meeting for something that wasn't laced with the sad reality that they would no longer get to fly to battle with Howard. He had been such an incredible captain and it would be some large shoes to fill.

Atlas snorted at her boyfriend's curious greeting and nudged him with her shoulder. "I think that was Ethen for, it is looking incredible in here! Annie this was such a great idea," Atlas smiled as she moved to join her teammates. "And just in case we needed even more sugar running through our veins, we brought all sorts of candy! I think we have earned it after this season," Atlas added holding up the preposterously filled basket.

@Annie Morgan | @Alyssea Brown | @Landon Matthews | @Ethen Emrys | @Atlas Reid

The two weeks that had passed since Howard's last Quidditch match had flown by in a blink. Final exams, the stress of graduation, the long and drawn out goodbyes to students and teachers alike had sucked that time away, never to be seen again! In the brief moment he did have time to think of the match, Howard didn't have any regrets. Sure, he wished he had gone out on a win. Especially against Slytherin! But it was not meant to be. At least they had knocked a few of those flying snakes out of the sky. The memory of that last Dopplebeater Defense would be one he'd treasure for a lifetime! Oh, how he'd miss the crack of the Beater's bat or the whiz of a perfectly passed Quaffle. Howard suddenly had to blink quickly as there was something in his eye.

An owl he had received earlier had requested his presence in the Small Hall and he had figured it was just some end of year ceremony for the graduating class. Howard appreciated it, but listening to the professors drone on about life's great achievements and bright futures was not really how he wanted to spend one of his last days at Hogwarts castle. So, his long legs carried him there anyways. The rebellious days of years past were long gone and the obligatory engagements of adulthood had finally found him. Yet, as he entered the hall and looked up, his breath would be whisked away.

The decor of the Small Hall had been transformed! Balloons floated above them and ribbons seemed to be streaming from every direction. Charmed fireworks burst overhead and Howard couldn't help but to laugh as a sparkled serpent erupted into the colors of Hufflepuff. All around there seemed to be cakes and candies, all in his favorite varieties! However, what really left him breathless was the sight of his teammates. Their shouts of surprise drew up a great bit of emotions from deep within his core.

Howard's breath caught in his throat and his eyes stung with emotion. The team he had captained through ups and downs had come to send him off. Although touching, it did highlight a fear that had been welling up within him for a long while now. What if he never found friends like this again? Hogwarts had become a home to him and his teachers and peers had become his family. Would he ever find this again? Did the future hold a lonely existence for the Dhampir of Hufflepuff? A few tears would spill over his lids and down his cheeks as he looked into the eyes of everyone that had gathered. The anxiety would thrash, but another emotion would soon rise to squash it. Howard knew he would not live a lonely life. He had been the one to lead this team and to befriend those before him. He would miss the hell out of this place and the friends he was soon to leave behind, but he would find purpose outside of Hogwarts, but for now it was time to revel in the present and enjoy one more party with his ride or die teammates!

"Get over here you crazy Badgers!" Howard stretched his arms wide for anyone that was down for an epic group hug. What better way to start the festivities!

Date: Saturday, May 25th.
Time: 4:30pm, early evening

The largest smile spread on her features as she got small thanks from each and every one of them for helping to set this up. Alas the idea might've been hers, just like a team, they all had their role to play in order for the party to come together. And evidently all of their had work had paid off.

Footsteps entered the previously quiet ballroom. All of them had happened to halt where they were. Even the sweet smelling, gooey filled treats that previously were distracting was suddenly erased from her mind. As soon as the words escaped Howard's lips, tears pricked in the corner of her eye. Damn it! She didn't get in a single sentence. This night was going to be a long night. What better of a way to celebrate it though, no?

With no further invitation than that of his voice, she'd slow her breathing, wipe her eyes and feel the tingling zip through her body as he body morphed into that of a deer. Just like Ami had once paraded around the Quidditch Pitch in her glory as a bear, she too would embrace her Animagus. She'd start off at a trot and finish in a fully gallop towards Howard before skidding to a stop and bowing her head low to the figure who had moments ago summoned the team for a group hug. As her nose bumped his arm, she'd push back, gesturing she was ready for the affection to bestowed upon their Captain. Hell, if he could manage, he could even sit atop her back. Being a royal steed didn't sound too shabby.

Whilst the embrace occurred, a small sigh escaped her. More thoughts rambled through her head. Worried ones at that. She couldn't help it, the paranoia always caught up to her. Some members of the team still hadn't made it yet. Perhaps the invitations got mixed up? There were several graduating 7th years, and the joy was vivid through the halls, causing some people to get lost in the whirlwind of celebrations and classes. She'd take a few steps back, revert to her regular form as her features begin to morph back so she could properly speak again.

Clasping her hands together, she decided the night should get a move on with it. "Alright Soaring Badgers! Go enjoy the chocolatey delights provided by our lovely Atlas and Ethen before they get cold! After that we shall start our speech ceremony, let me know if you have anything prepared for tonight, or just go up there and say something from the heart. A sentence is great too, no stress!" She'd hum, a dazzling smile on her lips as she shoved the worries away. Back to the important matters at hand, the festivities had just begun after all! There was time for worry later.

may 25th, 2024 | here's to the future | alyssea [#c38418]
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She would definitely need to brush her teeth later with all the sweets they had. Alyssea had brought all sorts of chocolate baking, so that was chocolate done. When Atlas and Ethen arrived, baskets filled to the brim with stuff from Honeydukes, she couldn't help the gasp that came out.

(Part of her laughed when Ethen mentioned coins for wares. It reminded her a little bit of that Muggle videogame... Hades? Where the boatman Charon would offer people powerups as they progressed through the game as long as they had coins. As soon as she made that connection, however, it felt bittersweet. Charon was the guy who took people down the Underworld through the River Styx once they'd passed into the afterlife. Considering the occasion, it hit a bit too close to home.) @Atlas Reid, @Ethen Emrys

Another gasp came as she watched Annie shift seamlessly into a deer. Seniors were so cool. What did they call people who could turn into animals, again? Alyssea would need to brush up on her Transfiguration stuff again. She took tentative steps towards Howard and would hover on the edge of the group hug. A family, they were. It was cute and something Alyssea would never get over. @Annie Morgan, @Howard White

Once they all pulled away, Alyssea nodded and rummaged through Atlas and Ethen's stash of candies. Most of them were unfamiliar to her. Maybe Landon would know. "Any recommendations? I don't know where to start." @Landon Matthews

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Date: 05/25/24 | Outfit: Hogwarts robes | CC: #1f5cc6
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Landon was still amazed as he looked around the room. They had worked hard to decorate it for Howard. Sure, Landon had mostly unpacked things and did things like that, but he still felt happy that he had helped. He wanted to make this a special night for Howard. Landon had only been on the team for a short amount of time, but he felt fond of the Hufflepuff Captain. He liked that Howard was always supportive, even when Landon didn't feel like his abilities were as good as they could be.

Landon laughed a little as Ethen entered the hall with his characteristic boisterous personality. Ethen could be overwhelming at times since Landon was a pretty quiet sort of person, but Landon liked him too. He smiled as Ethen spoke about having wares, and then Atlas explained what Ethen meant. She was always doing that because Ethen was always so enthusiastic. His eyes widened as he took in the overfilled basket of candy. Landon liked sweets and was excited to get to eat some. He wondered if there were trick candies in the basket too or if they were all just simple sweets.

Landon's attention was shifted from the candy when Howard entered the hall. He noted the emotion in the older student's eyes and offered him a small smile. He was proud of Howard for everything he had accomplished, but sad that Howard wasn't going to be their Captain anymore. He didn't know who would be the new Captain, but he hoped whoever they were, they were kind. Landon grinned as Howard held his arms out and he moved toward him for a hug. Landon wasn't always the most touchy-feely person, but he liked being included. Before he could reach Howard to hug him, he was amazed by the fact that Annie had turned into a deer. He hadn't really been around many Animaguses before, so he was shocked, but it was cute. Landon wondered if he ever wanted to become an Animagus himself.

He then hugged Howard once Annie was done greeting him as a deer. He pulled back and smiled before looking toward Annie. She had regained her human form. He listened as Annie spoke about enjoying the sweets and then there would be speeches. Landon shook his head a little. He wasn't one to make big speeches, so he wouldn't be going up for it. He was always one of the quiet team members.

Landon looked at Alyssea and shrugged a little at her question. "As long as you don't get any trick candies, you probably can't go wrong. I suggest maybe... Chocoballs? Not any Cockroach Clusters. I hope they didn't buy any of those..." Landon started to look through the candies, pushing a few in Alyssea's direction. He wanted to make sure that she had some good choices. Landon leaned back against the table after a while, eating a sweet, and he looked around the hall. It was nice to see his teammates enjoying themselves.