Errand May All Your Baubles Be Bright Finished

Interacting with @Ruth Fairchild mentioned @Jan Dehoff

Saunders had not spent his pre-Hogwarts days in a household where Christmas was celebrated with a large gathering of family and friends. If you walked past the Napiers’ London home at Christmas time, you would so easily be fooled by the abundance of decorations and assume that there was a feast inside to which at least dozens of people had been invited. But the attention to detail given to Christmas decorations, which in fact required no actual effort from any of the Napier family members to create, and all the work was done by their veteran house elf, was the outcome of a sense of duty to the outside world and public life. Despite the extraordinarily monotonous flow of life in the house, taking on the duty of inspiring glamour and cherishing traditions was one of the rare things that reminded each Napier of the existence of a higher purpose, and thus brought them together.

His father's indifference, so caricatured that it seemed unreal, was a tendency strong enough to endure against the warm breeze of Christmas that has been drawing people to talk and share a cookie or a drink for centuries. Elijah's mind, a long time ago, ceased to replenish itself with the ephemeral yet majestic wonders of Christmas. He regarded purchasing the tree and other decorations, with a sense of duty diligently stripped off all possible enchantment, as the only means of celebrating Christmas. As they sat in the living room, where green and red now were the dominant colours, a slight longing in her mother's eyes, although she did not want to reveal it, could be seen. The object of this longing was Denmark, where she would have preferred to be. Saunders did never find his mother's longing plausible, given that he travelled there in the summers. For the young snake, Denmark was a North Sea jungle where the most flavoursome delicacy was twice-baked breads and the greatest virtue was survival.

If Saunders failed to realise for a considerable time that the Christmas atmosphere in this early medieval castle, now his home, was really different from that at Napier Manor, it was, first and foremost, for this very reason. The boy was not so blind as not to notice that the atmosphere in the corridors of Hogwarts had changed in the days leading up to Christmas. Everything in the castle now was in a festive mood. "Well," Saunders thought to himself, "just like at home". His mindset, moulded and enclosed in the bubble of his background, had led him to interpret the decorating of Hogwarts for Christmas as a tradition maintained mainly to avoid embarrassment to other schools. But fate had already begun to drag him towards an event in the Great Hall to make him realise that this was not the case.

Saunders and handiwork... The combination of these two words was as rare as a once-in-a-century natural phenomenon. Saunders was in the habit of using his hands in a rather sparing manner, apart from resting his chin on them while listening to someone else and making gestures while answering them. He was, therefore, deprived of any possible clue as to what kind of bauble he could design when he entered the Great Hall. Nevertheless, he was struck by the sight he saw. A community of friends having fun and being productive by communicating with each other, exchanging ideas, performing solidarity and joint labour.

Saunders had absolutely no intention of undertaking anything beyond his ability and experience. Oh, no. While he was a boy who liked to be appreciated, he was also too cautious to take risks and expect accolades unless he was reasonably sure that they would turn out well. With his almond-shaped eyes twinkling, Saunders, mesmerised by a bauble as white as snow, held it tightly in his right palm. He then began to draw a motif he had designed from two snake head flowers with their stems intertwining with each other on all four sides along the cross-section of the diameter of the bauble. He painted the upper semisphere of the bauble a light sky blue and drew snowflakes on it. In the lower part, he tried to draw a snowfall scene on a starry night. The contrast between day and night, with the flower line bisecting them, was enough to create an image that would make Saunders happy with his work.

As he was pondering what more he could do and looking for an emergency way out so that the lack of creativity he felt would not bother him, his eye caught sight of another snake, not much bigger than himself, standing fairly close to him, and writing something with a marker in his hand. Maybe if he watched him, his inspiration would stir a little. His eyes darted evasively between the bauble in his hand and the boy's writing, "Oh, such a lovely quote!" Saunders blurted out excitedly. Embarrassed, he, for a moment, regretted his love of literature. He was a well-behaved boy with no ill intentions, who tried to compensate for his lack of manual dexterity by taking inspiration from those around him, and whose fondness for good quotes was a thorn in his side. At least that was the impression he was trying to convey to the other side by his facial expression. "Whoops, sorry. I just... liked it very much." he said somewhat apologetically. Thinking it would be unkind to occupy him any longer, Saunders suddenly turned round, pulled his modest bauble to one side to hide it from view, and wondered whether he should have a hot chocolate or go back to his bed in the Dormitory of Horace Slughorn and snuggle under the blankets.

Interacting with @Matthew Campbell | Open to interactions | WC: 948

Open to interactions

This time last month, Ira had been celebrating her birthday. Ira found herself marveling at how time seemed to slip away so fast. It felt like just yesterday it all happened. She couldn’t believe that next month, this exact date would be New Year’s Day.

But hey, the thought of growing older didn’t bother her. If anything, she was eager for it. She couldn’t wait to reach the age where she could say goodbye to homework, exams, and feigned attentiveness in class. Ira sighed with longing as she imagined a day.

For the time being, she had no choice but to endure it all. That was exactly why Ira had been stuck with her homework all day. When she was done with her homework, Ira freed her hair from its bun, letting her long waves to fall free as she leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes for a moment.

What to do next? What to do next? Her mind repeated the words over and over. Suddenly, her eyes snapped open as she recalled something. She remembered the event at school today, something about making Christmas decorations.

Ira slipped on a soft, oversized sweater in deep plum shade, paired with comfy dark woolen leggings. After slipping into her socks and fuzzy shoes, she made her way out of the dorm, ready for the day.

Ira stepped into the Great Hall, her eyes roaming over the space. A few students were scattered across the room. Some faces she recognized, others she didn’t. She noticed a Christmas tree standing tall but partially decorated and a table was loaded with crafting materials and snacks.

As soon as she spotted the pumpkin pastries and hot chocolate, Ira’s stomach let out a growl loud enough in protest. With a resigned sigh, she patted her belly and made her way to the snack side of the table.

As Ira walked toward the snacks table, she spotted Ruth Fairchild, the girl who had fell on her near the lake, chatting with a boy she recognized from class. Ira couldn’t help but give her a pointed side-eye as she strolled past.

Ira grabbed a pumpkin pastry and took a few big bites, her hunger driving her. As she ate, her eyes remained glued to the craft items, pondering what she wanted to do.

Once she’d finished the last bite of her pumpkin pastry, Ira wiped her hands clean and leaned forward to grab the craft supplies, ready to dive in. Back home, decorations were always done with magic. A simple flick of a wand, and the house would be beautifully adorned.

Her entire family would come together in their mansion for the occasion. The best part was always the time spent with her cousins. However, the worst part was the constant judgmental attitude of a few uncles and aunts.

She wished she could escape them, but missing Christmas with her family was out of the question. Going back home meant she could see her little sister, Ivy. As annoying as she was, Ira loved her though she'd never admit it. Not in a million years. Never!

After picking up some colored papers, a transparent bauble, a few colour pencils and pens, glue and white glitter, Ira made her way to a table and settled down, spreading her supplies out in front of her.

Ira began by cutting the red paper into tiny triangles. Next, she cut out even smaller white circles and strips. Using glue, she carefully placed the circles to the triangle tips and the strips to the bases, crafting miniature Santa hats.

Using the same red paper, Ira carefully cut out small bows. Then used the dull end of a pencil to carefully define their shape. Next, Ira grabbed some brown paper, cutting out small wand and reindeer shapes, using the pencil to add definition. Then, she picked up green paper and began cutting tiny trees.

Ira let out a long, relieved sigh as she finished the last of her mini paper cuttings. She wasn’t sure how long it had taken, but it felt like forever and after a lot of trial and error, she had finally achieved the perfect look or at least, she had finally accepted it.

Ira picked up the transparent bauble, opened the cap, and carefully dropped the tiny shapes inside, followed by a sprinkle of white glitter. The process, however, was messier than she expected. Not only did the glitter land in the bauble, but it also dusted her clothes, hair, and skin in a shimmering mess.

After securing the bauble, Ira walked over to the prefect with a gentle smile, politely requesting if she could levitate the bauble onto the Christmas tree. Then, Ira made her way to the table to grab a steaming cup of hot chocolate and stood nearby, people-watching as they worked busily crafting their decorations.

wc- 810

Mentioned @Ruth Fairchild

As Matthew was making his final touches on his bauble he was suddenly startled from behind with the presence of a small voice. Turning to face him he was greeted to a small Slytherin boy with brownish blonde hair and deep navy eyes that stood out like the depths of the ocean. It was clear the student was younger than him given he hadn't seen him around the previous year and the young snake clearly still had some of his baby fat to shake giving him a rather sweet demeanour he hadn't come to expect from Slytherins. It brought a warmth to his heart to know that someone else knew the quote he had chosen but before he could say anything the boy turned apologising and looking nervous as if he may have offended. Matthew knew the look too well given how some of his housemates treated him.

Swivelling around on his chair he brushed some of his messy curls away from his face and smiling brightly spoke up, despite the boy being faced away it was clear from his tone and intonation that he was speaking in a friendly, gentle way. "No need to apologise, A Christmas Carol is one of me and my dad's favourites. It's nice to hear someone else appreciates the classics. I was about to hang my bauble up I don't suppose you need help with yours? That is if you've made one." From the way the young boy was clutching something out of sight he was fairly positive he had and that it was a labour of love but he didn't want to press in case it was personal, like his own.

Waiting patiently hopeful that the boy would turn to meet his gaze he threaded the ribbon through the hole he had created with his wand marking it as complete and then spoke again his voice light with Christmas cheer and warmth, "I'm Matthew by the way, Matthew Campbell." Introductions felt like a good way to ease the younger student in especially if he was as nervous as he had appeared. Older students could look intimidating and in many Slytherin cases be downright rude but he only wished to help those who he met just as his mother would have. Joy in his heart he twirled the bauble around letting the flowers twine together and thought lovingly of her while letting the first year make his decision.

Interacting With @Saunders Napier | Post Tracker 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

One of Saunders' greatest weaknesses was that he took everything too seriously when it came to social interaction. He was a friendly boy, but he often fell into the trap of speculating and acting on the ways in which his every single word and action could be misinterpreted. An endless number of combinations of where every word that came out of his mouth could easily lead, therefore, were always lurking somewhere in the back of his mind, waiting to emerge and perform a frantic dance. There were occasional, if not frequent, moments when this peculiar habit of his undermined the directness and spontaneity of his communication style.

But the boy in front of him was obviously not one of those snakes in whose soul meanness has made a nest. Since coming to Hogwarts, Saunders had begun to think that a considerable number of the members of his own house were confusing very basic concepts in quite an erroneous way. For instance, an effortless, almost noble indifference that paid no heed to trifles and a passive-aggressive demeanour that cared absurdly too much about making sure that everyone in the world knew that they cared about nothing and no one seemed to be considered by the occupants of the Slytherin Common Room as if they were interchangeable. But, luckily, this boy's bright smile and the light in his eyes gave away that he was not one of them.

"Oh, if it's possible to call it a completed thing, yes, I made one," Saunders said, "see, you're definitely not talking to the most talented person in this hall." A gentle smile flashed across his face. Having slightly unclasped his right hand with which he had clutched the bauble, "Snow and flowers... dead creative, uh?" he said by soaking up self-deprecating humour. "But whatever... I'm almost proud of it. It's ready to be hanged." When fellow snake said his name, Saunders held out his hand. "Pardon me. I'm Saunders Napier. One of those Frankie first years. Very nice to meet you, Matthew." he said. There was something rather calming about Matthew, about his presence. Saunders could not figure out the exact cause of it, but he was glad to sense that calm. "Have you always been this talented, Matthew?" he asked genuinely, pointing with his eyebrow to the bauble Matthew decorated. "If we're doing this again next year, I reckon I might need to pick up a few things from you."

Interacting with @Matthew Campbell | WC: 408

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speech • #427c9a thoughts • italics others • #ffffff

december 1st, 2024 • date great hall • location may all your baubles be bright • thread

The holidays were a time of joy and overall excitement for all. Even at school. It was evident from the decorations that had popped up seemingly overnight and that pretty much all anyone could talk about was what they were going to do when they went home, how they were going to celebrate the holidays, or just how they couldn't wait for whatever lay ahead of them. Even Ophelia, who didn't usually understand the reason behind most of the school's spontaneous decisions to be excited, felt like she was a part of the collective crowd in the sense that she, too, felt the pull of the holiday season. The Ravenclaw's usually perfect work ethic was slowly deteriorating as she grew lazy with longing for winter break.

Today's errand was something fun. It seemed to Ophelia that more and more of the recent ones were geared towards general student enjoyment than any help towards the school or its staff. Not that she was complaining. Errands like these meant fun with a reward, enjoyment with payment. And even if there wasn't a reward, the Ravenclaw was sure that she'd attend these events because they offered a time to get to know new students and socialise with friends. They were like the Hogwarts balls, except much less unnerving. Something to look forward to.

Ophelia entered the Great Hall to find the four House tables to be rearranged. Three of them had been converted into decorating work stations, where students had already begun gathering as they gathered their materials and snacks from the-- you guessed it-- materials and snacks table. Towering over everyone was a giant Christmas evergreen, which Ophelia guessed the students would be ornamenting with the help of their hand decorated baubles and wreaths.

She decided to begin with decorating a wreath. She was far from the most creative person she knew, and her imagination only impressed her when she wrote stories, or manuscripts, or poems, or plays. Still, somehow, she'd find a way to make this little thing pretty. On the table with all the available materials, the Ravenclaw picked up one of the pre made wreaths, a bottle of yellow gold glitter, some tinsel, twine, popcorn, cranberries, and a pot of glue. Ophelia didn't really have a vision for what she wanted to create yet-- that would come to her in time, she knew-- but she took a variety of different things to be prepared.

The Ravenclaw decided that she'd stick to being alone for now, but she knew that if anyone approached, first year, second year, or older, she'd allow them to work next to, near, or even with her. Dropping off her chosen supplies, Ophelia returned back to the table that she'd first visited, but this time going to the other half, where the snacks and drinks were lined up. She wasn't really hungry, but everything looked great and she wanted to try some. After a moment for deliberation, the young Northwell chose a little cake on a platter and some cider in a cup to be her companions for her wreath designing.

Ophelia made her way back to the little spot that she'd staked out for herself. Setting down her chosen refreshments, she stared at her wreath. Eventually, an idea came to her, and she set her hands down, ready to work. First, she began by tying an alternating pattern of cranberries and popcorn onto a long piece of twine. Once that was secure, she wrapped the twine carefully around the wreath. Then, she dipped her fingers in the pot of glue before spreading it all over the wreath. After making sure that every part had at least some glue on it, she took the bottle of yellow gold glitter and shook it onto the wreath, watching as the glitter stuck to the glue that had been spread onto it. Ophelia leaned back to admire her work. Everything was looking great, it just needed the one thing that reminded everyone of Christmas-- tinsel. Taking another piece of twine from the stash, she began tying bits of pieces of tinsel, really close together so it looked sort of like a fuzzy piece of twine. Once that was done, she wrapped that around and around so the wreath was covered in tinsel-- though not completely, as that would make all the glitter and popcorn and cranberries completely useless.

Realising that she'd done all the work of decorating without eating a single bite of her cake or drinking a single sip of her cider, Ophelia took a little break, enjoying her chosen refreshments. After finishing her cake-- which tasted absolutely delicious, the baker side of Ophelia's brain wanted to try and create something like that when she went home for the holidays-- and most of the cider, she pulled out her wand. With a swish and an incantation uttered, the wreath floated up, up, up and hooked itself on one of the branches of the evergreen.

interactions • open! mentions • @ stats • sta 7 | eva 7 | str 6 | wis 9 | arc 6 | acc 7

826 • word count xxx • outfit perfectionist, paragon of health • abilities

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Avis was late as per usual. Maisie had talked about meeting her at the setting of the new holiday errand and her interest had immediately been piqued when her best friend had mentioned the food that was supposed to be present. The young Ravenclaw wasn't necessarily the most artsy type, especially compared to Maisie, who could seemingly put together a creative masterpiece in what seemed like seconds to Avis, but with the promise of snacks the general excitement for holiday spirit, she'd agreed to come, if only to spend some time with her best friend before they departed for the upcoming break.

Walking into the Great Hall and lightly catching her breath from her brisk pace, Avis glanced around the spacious festively decorated room with a grin. As most children her age, she was heavily anticipating Christmas and this only heightened the excitement. As she strolled through the tables studying the crafting supplies, Avis quickly located a table piled with holiday and year round goodies alike and trying not to look too eager, changed her direction towards said table. As she reached it, Avis selected a few delectable-looking cakes and stuffing one in her mouth as she was thoroughly out of hands occupied by two other baked good, the Ravenclaw turned on one heel and started back down the line of crafting tables. She decided to start picking through a few supplies herself as she chewed on one of the cakes thoughtfully. Avis was almost overwhelmed by the amount of options available. She was much too impatient for crafting even though she desperately wanted to be good at it, but have the struggle was coming up with even an inkling of an idea.

So instead of selecting a few items to start on a bauble, Avis decided to go all out and take one of everything. Luckily, she had her school bag with her as she finished off another cake, freeing a hand to start stuffing the thing was tinsel and the like. Avis snagged two spools of string of a table as she passed, one being red and the other white. She did fortunately have some sort of a color scheme in her head, but that was simple. Christmas colors were pretty basic. She picked up a transparent bauble and then held it up to an opaque bauble. After a moment of looking back and forth between the two and finishing off the third cake, Avis shrugged and placed them gently into the bag next to the string and tinsel she'd grabbed earlier by the food table. Making her rounds, Avis bit her lip in hesitant contemplation. She grabbed 3 sheets of paper (green, red, and white) although she was sure she had no idea how she would would paper on a glass bauble. Perhaps some.. glue?

Glancing around wildly, she finally spotted a table to her left that was lined with all sorts of glue, the main two types being stick glue and liquid glue. She grimaced. More choices. Similar to her actions regarding every other form of bauble supplies, the Ravenclaw simply stuffed two into her satchel which was growing heavier by the minute. The glitter section was what eventually stopped her in her tracks. There were all sorts of colors and she was already overwhelmed by the visually stunning bottles of sparkly fluid. Avis sighed heavily and collapsed on the long table's wooden bench, her satchel sagging to the floor. A thought began to form in her head. Maybe Maisie would know what to do with this artsy mess in her satchel. It was time to look for her best friend, although she'd hoped to have some sort of idea on what she was creating by the time she found her.

Avis lugged the satchel back onto her shoulder while she rose from the bench. Giving the rows of glitter one last wistful glance, she left with a new objective.

As she went, Avis noticed a few other familiar faces. The boy she'd met at the Quidditch Stadium earlier that year was putting together his own bauble and chatting amicably with another Slytherin boy she hadn't seen before. Avis hoped to catch Matthew's eye while she gave him a wave from across the Hall.

Ira Thornfield stood sipping from a mug of hot chocolate and observing the crowd of students hard at work creating their own miniature Christmas masterpieces around her. Avis made a mental note to go say hello after she found... Maisie! She spotted her best friend straight ahead, levitating a bauble carefully onto the Christmas tree. Avis quickened her step and admired her friend's work as the bauble touched down onto the branches. It was beautiful, catching the light in such a lovely way. Of course, she'd created a masterpiece while Avis had been desperately stuffing string and glue into her bag.

"Brilliant bauble," Avis chirped, "I've no clue what I'm going to do for mine. Any ideas?"

Oliver had been less then excided for most of the errands he had participated in so far for the year. He hadn't even known about most of them until he'd stumbled upon them in passing. Such as the pumpkin destruction, that one had been a happy accident to fund. Until everyone he knew (and some he didn't) showed up, and made a mess of things. And not one out of pumpkin guts. The 'tolerance day' had been of no interest to him, he'd been all but forced to do it by Novalie, whom dragged him and Eric to it. It had been less then ideal.

This one however, Oliver had planed to go to. And had been actively looking forward to it. Having heard about it in the halls from students chirping on about it. He heard 'decorating' and more importantly, 'painting.' He loved painting, it was one of the few things he did in his free time that wasn't studying. Now, this errand, had been right up his alley. In the great hall, focused on painting. Yes, he would like this one quite well. So long as no annoyances happened to come his way.

Knowing he would be painting, and with a tragic chance of getting himself dirty in pain, Oliver made sure to wear clothing he wouldn't mind if it got dirty. Just some old pair of pants, and a t-shirt he had stollen from his older brother Aaron. It wasn't his, so he would be fine if it got some paint on it. He had his doubts that any paint would spill, he just liked to be rather safe then sorry. He couldn't predict the future after all.

Entering the great hall, he had no plans of putting what he made on the tree, yet also none to keep it. He would decide as he made it, if it was something he could be proud of, and wouldn't mind all the students admiring, and no doubt complimenting as well. He looked around not paying much mind to the other people, he could care less what they were painting, as his would no doubt be the best. Once he saw the table lined with the supplies Oliver walked over there. Not sparing a glance at the other students.

To start off, Oliver grabbed a light pastel pink bauble, He'd been thinking of what he could paint on it from the moment he heard about it. He wanted to keep somewhat with the festive theme, and would do a candy cane, as well as some other treats and candys. He thought the pink would make for a nice background for the ordainment and his plans for it. He grabbed only this, as well as a pencil, so that he could sketch out his design first. Before he made any brush strokes. Helping him ensure that his bauble would be the best one.

With his minimal supplies in hand Oliver set them down on the edge of a table, a bit aways from others. Not only his supplies, but his bag as well. He'd just come from studying in the library, as that was all the boy seamed to do. Paint, and study. He himself didn't choose to sit just yet, and went back to the tables so he could grab a small plate and put some of the crackers and cheese on it. Very tasty indeed. The only issue he may see with snacking on this project was getting crumbs on his bauble. He was willing to take that risk, the platter made something so simple look extremely good.

Oliver walked back to were his stuff was, setting the plate of food down, and began to work. Eyes narrowed in focus, shoulders hunched, bauble in one hand and pencil in the other. Drawing very carefully onto the surface the simple shape and outline of a candy cane. Starting light so he could easily erase if the need is there, not going for darker marks until he was absolutely certain that was how he wanted his bauble to look.

OUTFIT & INVENTORY Reducio wand, school items in bag.

OOC NOTE & STATS/ABILITIES Reducio Feel free to interact! :3 Fearless - Oliver does not scare easily, not effected by terrible presence or unsettling aura { Stamina: 7 }{ Evasion: 5 }{ Strength: 10 }{ Wisdom: 3 }{ Arcane Power: 2 }{ Accuracy: 8 }

Interacting : @Open to interaction (pretty please I couldn't think of anything more to add without it sounding to ramble-ly) |||| @Eric Kim, @Novalie Moon : Mentioning

It was impossible to not see the similarities in the boy that stood before him like holding up a mirror to his younger self. Certainly the elder snake hadn't grown terrifically in the last year but due to the many upsetting events of his first year he worried occasionally that he may have lost the part of himself that outwardly expressed the kindness within. However, as the young boy turned to him he could almost sense his calming nature guiding him down from the panicked edge. It was a magical moment and reminded him ever so much of the connection he made in this very room his first year.

Staring in shared pride at his housemates creation he found himself delighted that the boy could recognise the work he had put in. Matthew's father was always telling him about how the final creation was never the true meaning of art but the journey to get there was where in lay the reward. Taking his hand face brimming with affirmation that Saunders, as he now knew him, was going to make a positive impact even from their opening moments. Though with the compliments he then received Matthew could practically feel his face burning with hot red flush he wished he could blame on the cider.

Face lighting as he spoke like it always did on the particular subject he began to stand guiding the boys over to the tree so that they could hang their respective ornaments. "I can't take all the credit. My dad's an artist in the muggle world and I barely got a small fraction of his talent. It's one of our traditions that at Christmas we always hand make our gifts." The tradition had been brought about from a time when they lacked the capability to afford presents but had since been kept as it reminded the two of them of the true meaning of the season and always led to a much more heartfelt gift. As they dawdled over Matthew caught the wave of a familiar girl Avis whom he had struck up a friendship with after she tried to kill him. Well not quite but the thought made him laugh to himself as he waved back gleefully.

Standing before the great tree he levitated his bauble up to a place where it would shine and could be visible from his regular table position. Turning to his new acquaintance he looked down at the boys bauble and said, "I think your bauble is wonderful by the way, sometimes the most beautiful creations are ones that come from the heart. It has spirit and that is all art requires!" Their was a reassuring energy he managed to summon brought about by the boy for he wished to have had a moment like this himself last year. "If you'd like I can levitate yours up too? Perhaps after we can return to the snacks and make something together to celebrate your first Hogwarts Christmas!" Tenderly lowering his wand towards the bauble waiting for the young snakes decision while not wanting him to feel pressured Matthew's heart fluttered with the joy of having such a pleasant interaction and sharing in this moment together.

Interacting With @Saunders Napier | Mentioning @Avis Greymond | Post Tracker 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

After a moment of gathering his thoughts together, Jan reached out for his tangled creation in determination to fix his earlier failed attempt. He began weaving the branches together, his hands working tirelessly to coax the pile of unruly sticks into a proper wreath. But just as he was about to tighten the stubborn branch, a cheerful voice broke through his concentration.

Flinching at the unexpected, Jan’s left hand awkwardly brushed across a particularly jagged section of the branch. A sharp sting followed, and he inspected the damage to see a slash of crimson opened up on the palm of his hand. Damn it, I can’t continue, He thought to himself in Tyrolean dialect, wincing slightly at the pain.

“Ello, enjoying your treats?” He asked his friend, his gaze shifted at the mug cradling in her hand with a decorated wreath beneath her as he pressed the unscathed part of the palm to slow down the bleeding. “I’m trying to make a wreath. I see you’re alre–”

“Ruth! Hey Ruth,” a voice called.

Jan stopped at his words and fixed his eyes toward the direction of the call. He could see a blonde girl with soft features approaching his table. The girl who had called out came to a stop beside Ruth, and Jan blinked, suddenly feeling a little out of place. He had spent so much time with Ruth that he forgot she made other friends too in Hogwarts. “Uh, ello to you too,” he greeted at the girl beside her, offering a tentative smile to cover up his awkwardness.