1 Jan 2025, 00:38
Reading the Headliner with an Owl
Arriving at the Owlery in the late afternoon, Theo climbed up into the alcove of a window and got as comfortable as he could sitting against the hard stone. It was freezing in the owlery this time of year and Theo could see his own breath. Despite the harsh conditions he seemed determined to stay, having layered himself with two jumpers and his winter robes. Within a few minutes of arriving a large owl swooped down and perched itself next to the boy, its eyes filled with animalistic curiosity. It was Theo’s Great horned owl, a fierce looking bird of prey named Lightoller.
The ashen haired boy smiled and offered his owl a treat, which it ate happily. Theo’s gaze looked out over the castle as he rubbed his hands together for warmth. He unravelled a rolled up parchment to reveal the latest issue of the Hogwarts headliner. His eyes scanned the text erratically from top to bottom before he peered over at his bird. “Must have been a slow news month. The front page is dedicated to how inclusive the wizarding world is.” He said with a tone that suggested he thought the space could have been better used. The previous issue’s front page contained one of the most shocking acts of terror in recent British history. He shook his head subtly and then proceeded to read the article with indifference, only chuckling at the suggestion that there was such a thing as a ‘nice’ goblin.
Theo turned the page and skimmed over a section introducing new prefects. The only name to be recognised was Galton Lansdale, the co-captain of the Gryffindor duelling team. Theo did not know him that well, but stopped skimming to read his interview in full. “He can’t remember why he wants to be a prefect. He has a cat named Toad and appreciates a good duel. Wonderful.” Theo said with a slight smirk as he turned the page again. Lightoller just looked at him disinterestedly and then proceeded to peck Theo’s hand, asking for more treats. The next article was the monthly horoscopes, which Theo promptly skipped. “I prefer to make my own destiny, thank you very much.” He declared and then moved on to the product reviews, which didn’t capture Theo’s imagination either.
Bored of the paper, he lowered it into his lap and extended his arm to stroke his owls feathers. Lightoller chirped and hooted at him with a confused bewildered expression on his face. “My birthday is coming up, Lightoller. Hope you’ve got me something good. A dead mouse perhaps?” He joked, chuckling to himself as the owl playfully nibbled on his fingers. There was a certain sadness in the air. A 12 year old sitting alone in a cold tower talking to animals. Theo looked out longingly over the castle spires, he did not know what he sought in life and felt directionless. The owl in front of him had a far less confusing and enviable life, which struck Theo jealous. "I'm serious you know, bloody bird. I've not given you a single delivery all year. The least you could do is get me a gift." Theo said with a smile as he patted Lightoller. He was joking, but deep inside he hoped his animal companion understood.
The ashen haired boy smiled and offered his owl a treat, which it ate happily. Theo’s gaze looked out over the castle as he rubbed his hands together for warmth. He unravelled a rolled up parchment to reveal the latest issue of the Hogwarts headliner. His eyes scanned the text erratically from top to bottom before he peered over at his bird. “Must have been a slow news month. The front page is dedicated to how inclusive the wizarding world is.” He said with a tone that suggested he thought the space could have been better used. The previous issue’s front page contained one of the most shocking acts of terror in recent British history. He shook his head subtly and then proceeded to read the article with indifference, only chuckling at the suggestion that there was such a thing as a ‘nice’ goblin.
Theo turned the page and skimmed over a section introducing new prefects. The only name to be recognised was Galton Lansdale, the co-captain of the Gryffindor duelling team. Theo did not know him that well, but stopped skimming to read his interview in full. “He can’t remember why he wants to be a prefect. He has a cat named Toad and appreciates a good duel. Wonderful.” Theo said with a slight smirk as he turned the page again. Lightoller just looked at him disinterestedly and then proceeded to peck Theo’s hand, asking for more treats. The next article was the monthly horoscopes, which Theo promptly skipped. “I prefer to make my own destiny, thank you very much.” He declared and then moved on to the product reviews, which didn’t capture Theo’s imagination either.
Bored of the paper, he lowered it into his lap and extended his arm to stroke his owls feathers. Lightoller chirped and hooted at him with a confused bewildered expression on his face. “My birthday is coming up, Lightoller. Hope you’ve got me something good. A dead mouse perhaps?” He joked, chuckling to himself as the owl playfully nibbled on his fingers. There was a certain sadness in the air. A 12 year old sitting alone in a cold tower talking to animals. Theo looked out longingly over the castle spires, he did not know what he sought in life and felt directionless. The owl in front of him had a far less confusing and enviable life, which struck Theo jealous. "I'm serious you know, bloody bird. I've not given you a single delivery all year. The least you could do is get me a gift." Theo said with a smile as he patted Lightoller. He was joking, but deep inside he hoped his animal companion understood.
- 547 words -
"I stand astonished at my own moderation." Sta - 8 | Eva - 4 | Str - 3 | Wis - 10 | Arc - 10 | Acc - 8 |
1 Jan 2025, 04:04
Reading the Headliner with an Owl
𝕽uth opened the door to the owlery, smiling at the familiar sight in front of her. “Hello Tom,” She greeted a resting barn owl, then waving to another as she passed by its nest. “And you too, Barbara!” Of course, Ruth didn’t know their names. They were school owls, and Ruth was unsure if they even had names. Surely so. It would be unfair for such beautiful creatures to lack a name they owned. Still, they acknowledged her back, having seen her quite frequently.
Ruth Fairchild’s family was getting way too comfortable sending letters.
Or, Ruth mused to herself, humming a soft tune as she stepped towards the next platform. it was because of the holiday seasons! It was true that the Fairchilds were very eager to send presents over to Ruth for Christmas, seeing as though she wouldn’t be home to celebrate it with them. She had already gotten a handful just the day before, enveloped with gifts brimming with love. Ruth may as well consider herself lucky, and healthy, from walking up all these steps every few weeks or days to send a letter back.
Ruth ducked between all the lone, wandering feathers and crushed owl treats, hoping to find her usual school owl she used to send over (Over the few she had sent, Aaron liked this one best) and found it resting in a corner, unbothered by the squawking. She swiftly made her way over, smiling at the sight. Must be nice to ignore chaos once in a while.
Bending down, she whispered, “Hey little fella,” making its eyes flutter open. It eyed her openly, then glanced down at the envelope and cooed. Ruth nodded vigorously. “Yes, another letter please.” She glanced down at the note, smiling at the flourish of gold she had decorated on top of the envelope and the new seal marking its closure. Ruth loved making those seals. They were simply too aesthetically pleasing.
Tying the string around its leg, she stepped back to watch it stoop up, then began to follow it towards the forth platform, where it always seemed to depart from. Ruth froze, though, when she heard a noise at the top.
“…can’t remember why he wants to be a prefect. He has a cat named Toad and appreciates a good duel. Wonderful.” Ruth peered up to see a boy. With…ashened hair. She gaped at him as he continued to flip through the Hogwarts Headliner, remarking on the content with an owl. His, most likely. The owl stood much taller and its contrast was clear against the school’s owls. The owl was certainly taken care of well.
She watched him pat the owl with affection, smiling at the sight. Must be nice to have your own pet owl. Almost half a year and she still didn’t have enough galleons for one. No time to sulk. Was that really the Hogwarts Headliner? Ruth blinked in surprise. She hadn’t seen plenty of people read the news at all. Hell, she was beginning to think she was the only one.
Unable to help herself, she stepped up to the forth platform, curious to take a closer look. Blurting, she said, “Is that the new copy of the Headliner?” She couldn’t recognise the cover page, nor could she see the date on top.
Interacting with @Theo Vendeberg
ALMOST EVERYTHING 𝐓he sun rises for everyone, not just those who chase it. |
1 Jan 2025, 11:00
Reading the Headliner with an Owl
@Ruth Fairchild
Theo rolled the headliner up instinctively as he heard someone speak, as if trying to protect it. His head rocked from side to side as he tried to identify where the voice had come from. His owl had spotted Ruth immediately with its heightened senses, its neck rotated 180 degrees. Theo’s gaze eventually rested on a small girl with glossy black hair. He pushed himself to his feet and stood up in the windows alcove, holding the paper under his arm, his posture surprisingly defensive as if he thought she was going to steal it from him. “It might be.” He quipped in a low drawl. “Have you ever read one before? It is about as captivating as the iTunes terms and conditions. I mean, horoscopes and product reviews? How antiquated.” He said with mild disdain. He cleared his throat and climbed down from the alcove, all the while Lightoller continued to stare at Ruth with intense indifference.
Theo brushed his robes down with his hands and then cautiously examined himself for owl droppings, an unfortunate circumstance of spending so much time in the owlery. “The Prophet is mildly more interesting, but it is not written with a muggle-born audience in mind, so I don’t understand half the references it makes.” He grinned, his eyes looking up to the ceiling of the tower. “-and don’t even get me started on that nonsensical rag, the Quibbler.” Theo turned his back on Ruth and reached over to prod Lightoller affectionately. The owl did not look very impressed, it was expressionless and stoic. “I’m Theo, by the way. Gryffindor second year.” He said, introducing himself with his back turned. He had very unconventional and slightly strange mannerisms that bordered on grandiloquent. He had also failed to give Ruth any eye contact, with the exception of the moment he first spotted her.
The boy reached into the pocket on his robe, his hand reappearing clenched. He pretended to offer Lightoller another treat and then when the bird lightly pecked at his hand he revealed an empty palm. The owls feathers ruffled in annoyance and it took off, landing on a perch higher up in the tower where it could observe the humans below. Meanwhile, Theo giggled to himself for pulling off the deception and turned back to face Ruth. “Are you sending Christmas gifts? Might want to choose one of the big school birds. The great grey owl or an eurasian eagle owl. They can carry heavy parcels.”
Theo rolled the headliner up instinctively as he heard someone speak, as if trying to protect it. His head rocked from side to side as he tried to identify where the voice had come from. His owl had spotted Ruth immediately with its heightened senses, its neck rotated 180 degrees. Theo’s gaze eventually rested on a small girl with glossy black hair. He pushed himself to his feet and stood up in the windows alcove, holding the paper under his arm, his posture surprisingly defensive as if he thought she was going to steal it from him. “It might be.” He quipped in a low drawl. “Have you ever read one before? It is about as captivating as the iTunes terms and conditions. I mean, horoscopes and product reviews? How antiquated.” He said with mild disdain. He cleared his throat and climbed down from the alcove, all the while Lightoller continued to stare at Ruth with intense indifference.
Theo brushed his robes down with his hands and then cautiously examined himself for owl droppings, an unfortunate circumstance of spending so much time in the owlery. “The Prophet is mildly more interesting, but it is not written with a muggle-born audience in mind, so I don’t understand half the references it makes.” He grinned, his eyes looking up to the ceiling of the tower. “-and don’t even get me started on that nonsensical rag, the Quibbler.” Theo turned his back on Ruth and reached over to prod Lightoller affectionately. The owl did not look very impressed, it was expressionless and stoic. “I’m Theo, by the way. Gryffindor second year.” He said, introducing himself with his back turned. He had very unconventional and slightly strange mannerisms that bordered on grandiloquent. He had also failed to give Ruth any eye contact, with the exception of the moment he first spotted her.
The boy reached into the pocket on his robe, his hand reappearing clenched. He pretended to offer Lightoller another treat and then when the bird lightly pecked at his hand he revealed an empty palm. The owls feathers ruffled in annoyance and it took off, landing on a perch higher up in the tower where it could observe the humans below. Meanwhile, Theo giggled to himself for pulling off the deception and turned back to face Ruth. “Are you sending Christmas gifts? Might want to choose one of the big school birds. The great grey owl or an eurasian eagle owl. They can carry heavy parcels.”
- 416 words -
"I stand astonished at my own moderation." Sta - 8 | Eva - 4 | Str - 3 | Wis - 10 | Arc - 10 | Acc - 8 |
1 Jan 2025, 19:31
Reading the Headliner with an Owl
Date: 26th December
𝕽uth frowned as the boy rolled the newspaper up almost instinctively. Bummer. Ruth was eager for a look, though she supposed that the boy wouldn't just suddenly give his newspaper out of nowhere. Though... he seemed to be making fun of it more so than actually enjoying it. Would it hurt to give her the Headliner? Ruth didn't dare ask now. He was blabbering on about other newspapers it seemed.
The Prophet and the Quibbler? Such unfamiliar names. Ruth wasn't educated in that aspect of the wizarding world. By the way he was talking about it, it seemed to be more newspapers.
Ruth's eyes turned to stare at the owl of his, who keenly stared back. She tilted her head at the sight, wondering. It was truly a magnificent bird. Besides Emily, Ruth hadn't seen another owl with its pet owner. The bond between two was often great, even marvellous. As Ruth continued to watch the boy pat the owl more, the owl remaining quiet and expressionless. She smiled at it, wondering how badly her brother Aaron would have wanted to run over and squeeze it.
Er, safely and affectionately.
Ruth shook her head out of the thoughts and listened to the boy introduce himself. Theo. Theo what? Ruth wondered if he purposefully didn't wish to specify his last name or he simply forgot. Unlike many others, though, he stated his year and house. This surprised Ruth. Is that supposed to be a way to find him next time? The last name was always an important aspect.
Nevermind. Ruth nodded at him, though his back was turned. She raised an eyebrow at the sight, rocking on her heels. "I'm Ruth, First Year Hufflepuff." She paused. “And yes, I have read them before. I very much enjoy some of the articles, thank you.” Though the muggle article in the October issue was disappointing. But who was she to say? Being a muggle-born, it was understandable to know these things. However, pure-bloods or even half-bloods don’t. It made sense to have an essay on…Stanleys.
“Are you sending Christmas gifts? Might want to choose one of the big school birds. The great grey owl or an eurasian eagle owl. They can carry heavy parcels.” “Oh, I haven’t thought of that. No, I just came to send a letter over to thank my family for their presents.” The twang of guilt surfaced again, but she pushed it aside, curious. “You seem to know plenty about owls. Big fan?” She chuckled to herself. It was very much obvious, since Theo had an owl. “What’s its name?” Ruth found herself asking, watching as the owl fluttered up to the top and continued to stare with its round, orange eyes.
Interacting with @Theo Vendeberg
ALMOST EVERYTHING 𝐓he sun rises for everyone, not just those who chase it. |
3 Jan 2025, 14:57
Reading the Headliner with an Owl
@Ruth Fairchild
The boy had not given his introduction a second thought. It felt casual and natural for him not to give a second name. Additionally, Theo disliked it when people thought he was not English. It usually saved him from the conversation if he failed to reveal it. At the same time, he gave little thought to the girl’s surname and continued the conversation perfectly happy to identify her as Ruth.
Theo smiled, noticing that Ruth seemed somewhat impressed by his knowledge of owls. “Yes, I often prefer the company of animals over people.” He said, thinking it was a witty remark. It suddenly dawned on him that this could be interpreted as a sly way of telling the girl to leave him alone. He quickly moved on and briefly looked up at his Great horned owl perched above. “My other passion is ocean liners. His name is Lightoller, after Second Officer Charles Lightoller of the Titanic.” He explained with a look of deep interest on his face. “When I’m old enough, I’m going to learn to become an animagus owl. If they allow it of course, they might think I’m trying to commit mail fraud.” He said with a nervous chuckle.
Ruth’s envy of Theo’s newspaper was completely lost on him as he clutched it tightly under his arm. He did not value it very highly, but this boy wasn’t the kind of person to share without being prompted. Theo then subconsciously scrunched his face up a little as Ruth mentioned how much she enjoyed reading the articles. Which none-verbally gave the impression that he thought they were boredom-inducing. The silence was broken by Lightoller hooting loudly and Theo cleared his throat. “Almost halfway through your first year. How are you finding it? Learned any magic yet?” He asked.
The boy had not given his introduction a second thought. It felt casual and natural for him not to give a second name. Additionally, Theo disliked it when people thought he was not English. It usually saved him from the conversation if he failed to reveal it. At the same time, he gave little thought to the girl’s surname and continued the conversation perfectly happy to identify her as Ruth.
Theo smiled, noticing that Ruth seemed somewhat impressed by his knowledge of owls. “Yes, I often prefer the company of animals over people.” He said, thinking it was a witty remark. It suddenly dawned on him that this could be interpreted as a sly way of telling the girl to leave him alone. He quickly moved on and briefly looked up at his Great horned owl perched above. “My other passion is ocean liners. His name is Lightoller, after Second Officer Charles Lightoller of the Titanic.” He explained with a look of deep interest on his face. “When I’m old enough, I’m going to learn to become an animagus owl. If they allow it of course, they might think I’m trying to commit mail fraud.” He said with a nervous chuckle.
Ruth’s envy of Theo’s newspaper was completely lost on him as he clutched it tightly under his arm. He did not value it very highly, but this boy wasn’t the kind of person to share without being prompted. Theo then subconsciously scrunched his face up a little as Ruth mentioned how much she enjoyed reading the articles. Which none-verbally gave the impression that he thought they were boredom-inducing. The silence was broken by Lightoller hooting loudly and Theo cleared his throat. “Almost halfway through your first year. How are you finding it? Learned any magic yet?” He asked.
- 298 words -
"I stand astonished at my own moderation." Sta - 8 | Eva - 4 | Str - 3 | Wis - 10 | Arc - 10 | Acc - 8 |
3 Jan 2025, 22:12
Reading the Headliner with an Owl
Banner from Secret Santa @Tracey Bailey!
𝓞cean liners. Ruth wasn’t too fond with the term, besides knowing a few, including the RMS Titanic. She nodded, smiling up at Lightoller. Naming something you love with something you love.
She turned back to him, letting out a laugh as he explained how his wish to be an animagus owl could lead to the assumption of him committing mail fraud. Ruth wasn’t too sure if it was a joke, but nonetheless, the Hufflepuff witch found it funny. Besides, he laughed, didn’t he? Though, it was more anxious that I’d have hoped.Did her laughing make it more awkward? Gosh, she was overthinking again. Ruth had thought she had stopped doing that too much, but it was coming back all over.
She jumped slightly at the sound of Lightoller, jolting her out of her thoughts and back to Theo, who asked a very funny question. Learnt magic yet? Ruth bit back a smile and nodded, mostly to herself since he still had yet to catch her gaze. Hm.
“Most certainly. They are very interesting, and the teachers are marvellous. Disappointingly, I have not been able to get the straight Os I want…”She muttered the last bit to herself, wincing. She really didn’t like going back and forth between Outstandings and Exceeding Expectations. Gosh, the line between both grades could be as close as one mark! Ruth shook her head, clenching her fist. She needed to hit the study room. Ruth hadn’t even set foot in there, having opted to study in the library instead. Obviously it wasn’t working as well as she had hoped. Maybe going to the study room would be different.
Ruth cocked her head at him. “How different is it, First Year and Second Year?” Then she pointed at the Headliner (honestly, why so must actions if the boy’s not even looking?), remembering what she had begun conversation for. “Also, could I please, please have a read of your Headliner?” Maybe, if he didn’t take too much value of it (seeing as though he obviously didn’t enjoy reading the articles so much), he’d even let her have it.
Unconsiously begging @Theo Vendeberg to look at Ruth while talking
ALMOST EVERYTHING 𝐓he sun rises for everyone, not just those who chase it. |
7 Jan 2025, 14:03
Reading the Headliner with an Owl
@Ruth Fairchild
Theodore was rather bad at giving eye contact to those he was speaking with. That is just what he was like and unfortunately, not something that could easily be changed. He just felt more comfortable talking to people without looking at them and did not mean to be rude by it. He did, however, look in her general direction with a face of disappointment as she spoke. “Well go on then.” He said, gesturing with his hand. “Show me some magic. Cast a spell.” A smile creeping up on his face, Theo looked eager to see if she had any magical prowess. Either that, or he just wanted something to keep the boredom away.
The boy shook his head. “I wouldn’t worry about getting straight Os. It doesn’t matter until fifth year anyway. Some teachers are harsher than others. Transfiguration seems to be particularly unforgiving when it comes to marking. I didn’t get any Os last year.” He explained while rubbing his hands together to try and keep them warm. “Second year is not much different from first year. You get to own your own broomstick, which is always a bonus. I bought one over the summer, but haven’t had much chance to ride it.” His voice trailed off a little, but he mumbled. “I’m not a very good flyer.” He then cleared his throat and continued. “We also have to choose our subjects for next year, but there is no pressure on me. I know what I’m taking. Care of magical creatures and muggle studies. One is a passion and the other is an easy O.” He said with a chuckle.
Theo looked down at the Headliner under his arm as Ruth pointed at it. He removed it and stared at the front cover for a moment. Then he opened it up and flicked through the pages, as if deciding whether it was really worth giving away. “I guess I’m done with it.” He said and then held out the paper, offering it to Ruth. “What part of the country are you from?” He asked, throwing the question in as he handed it over, purely out of curiosity.
Theodore was rather bad at giving eye contact to those he was speaking with. That is just what he was like and unfortunately, not something that could easily be changed. He just felt more comfortable talking to people without looking at them and did not mean to be rude by it. He did, however, look in her general direction with a face of disappointment as she spoke. “Well go on then.” He said, gesturing with his hand. “Show me some magic. Cast a spell.” A smile creeping up on his face, Theo looked eager to see if she had any magical prowess. Either that, or he just wanted something to keep the boredom away.
The boy shook his head. “I wouldn’t worry about getting straight Os. It doesn’t matter until fifth year anyway. Some teachers are harsher than others. Transfiguration seems to be particularly unforgiving when it comes to marking. I didn’t get any Os last year.” He explained while rubbing his hands together to try and keep them warm. “Second year is not much different from first year. You get to own your own broomstick, which is always a bonus. I bought one over the summer, but haven’t had much chance to ride it.” His voice trailed off a little, but he mumbled. “I’m not a very good flyer.” He then cleared his throat and continued. “We also have to choose our subjects for next year, but there is no pressure on me. I know what I’m taking. Care of magical creatures and muggle studies. One is a passion and the other is an easy O.” He said with a chuckle.
Theo looked down at the Headliner under his arm as Ruth pointed at it. He removed it and stared at the front cover for a moment. Then he opened it up and flicked through the pages, as if deciding whether it was really worth giving away. “I guess I’m done with it.” He said and then held out the paper, offering it to Ruth. “What part of the country are you from?” He asked, throwing the question in as he handed it over, purely out of curiosity.
- 359 words -
"I stand astonished at my own moderation." Sta - 8 | Eva - 4 | Str - 3 | Wis - 10 | Arc - 10 | Acc - 8 |
8 Jan 2025, 00:29
Reading the Headliner with an Owl
𝕽uth eyed the boy openly, then tugged out the wand in her pocket. She fingered the aspen wood that slid across her skin, having been polished recently. Ruth cocked her head at Theo's request, then went deep in thought. Well. As of then she had mastered little magic. Ruth found herself frowning as she cast another good look around the platform. Well, nothing good to use besides Theo. She definitely wasn't planning to do that.
Ruth shrugged at him. "Sorry, no can do. Maybe I'll show you one on the way out," she waggled her wand in the air as if it was a silent promise, then placed it back into her pocket.
She listened to him ramble on to answer her question (which pleased her) and laughed as he mentioned Transfiguration. "Oh yes. I got my first E in there too," it surprised Ruth so much, especially since physics was in play. Mm, guess not. Ruth felt relieved to know she wasn't the only one. Then again, she didn't know how smart Theo was. Who was she to judge?
Ruth leaned against the balustrade, watching him talk. Yes, it'd be quite nice to own a broomstick. Ruth enjoyed the flying lessons she had so far taken with Professor Stube. They were quite exhilarating. Perhaps, if she got into the waiting list of either quidditch or broomracing, Ruth improve on her skills.
"Care of magical creatures and muggle studies?” Ruth echoed along, curious. The former did sound quite fun, and the latter probably useless for muggle-borns like her to take. Judging by how he said it was easy, her suspicions of him being grown in a muggle household felt concrete. "Are you a muggle-born too?" Just to be sure.
Ruth nodded a thanks as she took the newspaper from his grasp, flipping through it. She couldn't help but smile at the product reviews, despite how unprofessional it felt at the same time. Oh, well. As usual, who was she to judge? "I'm from Bath. What about you, Theo?" She asked him as she continued to flip through the pages. As Ruth skimmed through, her eye caught on to an article on meringues. Hm... that looked interesting enough.
@Theo Vendeberg
ALMOST EVERYTHING 𝐓he sun rises for everyone, not just those who chase it. |
28 Jan 2025, 14:33
Reading the Headliner with an Owl
@Ruth Fairchild
The boy appeared thoroughly disappointed at Ruth’s refusal to perform magic for him. Did she think she was going to get into trouble for casting spells in the owlery? Did she not know any magic and was too embarrassed to admit it? Theo did not know, but his mind wandered through the possibilities. Perhaps she declined simply because someone told her to do it. That’s what he would do, just to be stubborn, Theo thought to himself. The Gryffindor never gave up on the opportunity to show off his own magical capabilities. Drawing his wand from his robes, a pale stick of cherry wood that matched his complexion. At a size of 11.6 inches, it came complete with a stylised handle and phoenix feather core. He moved quickly, predicting that Ruth would protest and tell him not to. Theo flicked his wand in the shape of a loop pointing it above the girl’s head.
“Nix Facitur” He said with some intensity and his wand produced a colourless dim light for just a second and then faded. Above Ruth’s head a thin cloudy mist formed which after a moment began gently dropping snowflakes which slowly descended to the ground and melted on impact. Theo watched with a smile on his face and then hid his wand once more under his robes.
Theo disliked the word ‘muggle’ and answered reluctantly with a low drawl. “Yes, I’m muggle-born.” He wiped his face with the back of his hand and then turned away from Ruth once more to fiddle with a strap on his bookbag. “It is rather jarring to not know what a muggle even is and then being told that everyone you know is one and that you don’t belong with them. Now come to our strange school and forget about your friends.” Theo said grumpily, clearly having had a negative experience with his transition to the wizarding world. “I’m from Manchester. The nice part of Manchester.” He clarified, which could have meant anything, but definitely sounded self-important and uptight.
The boy appeared thoroughly disappointed at Ruth’s refusal to perform magic for him. Did she think she was going to get into trouble for casting spells in the owlery? Did she not know any magic and was too embarrassed to admit it? Theo did not know, but his mind wandered through the possibilities. Perhaps she declined simply because someone told her to do it. That’s what he would do, just to be stubborn, Theo thought to himself. The Gryffindor never gave up on the opportunity to show off his own magical capabilities. Drawing his wand from his robes, a pale stick of cherry wood that matched his complexion. At a size of 11.6 inches, it came complete with a stylised handle and phoenix feather core. He moved quickly, predicting that Ruth would protest and tell him not to. Theo flicked his wand in the shape of a loop pointing it above the girl’s head.
“Nix Facitur” He said with some intensity and his wand produced a colourless dim light for just a second and then faded. Above Ruth’s head a thin cloudy mist formed which after a moment began gently dropping snowflakes which slowly descended to the ground and melted on impact. Theo watched with a smile on his face and then hid his wand once more under his robes.
Theo disliked the word ‘muggle’ and answered reluctantly with a low drawl. “Yes, I’m muggle-born.” He wiped his face with the back of his hand and then turned away from Ruth once more to fiddle with a strap on his bookbag. “It is rather jarring to not know what a muggle even is and then being told that everyone you know is one and that you don’t belong with them. Now come to our strange school and forget about your friends.” Theo said grumpily, clearly having had a negative experience with his transition to the wizarding world. “I’m from Manchester. The nice part of Manchester.” He clarified, which could have meant anything, but definitely sounded self-important and uptight.
- 336 words -
"I stand astonished at my own moderation." Sta - 8 | Eva - 4 | Str - 3 | Wis - 10 | Arc - 10 | Acc - 8 |
30 Jan 2025, 01:58
Reading the Headliner with an Owl
𝕸uggle or Magical, Ruth supposed that feasting upon the ever-crumbling, sugary meringue was a common trait and should be enjoyed by all. She read through the article on it easily, unusually absorbed at reading the recipe for a serving of what, 75? Ruth had barely registered the number, only musing about the fact that she could jolly well send a whole bunch over to her family in Bath. It was only fair that she did so. Christmas was the season for exchanging gifts, and even though she had missed it Ruth could easily brush that off as an excuse of late delivery. Blaming it on poor owls now, Ruth? Despite that, she found herself smiling, Aaron would definitely see right through me, chide me even. But all would be forgiven, yes, once they all had a taste of those fantastically baked treats that melt in your mouth. The thought sent off a fire of hope and desire to get up from where she stood, run down to the kitchens, and start causing fires baking, perhaps with the help of the elves? Ruth found herself musing, such was her ponder so deep she hadn’t noticed the boy before her take out his wand and mutter a spell.
Needless to say, when she felt the slightest change in the temperature and a snowflake caress her nose, Ruth whipped her head up to see. Woah. Much to her disbelief, a lone cloud was held aloft directly above her, offering a slow cascade of snowflakes. Her confusion was replaced by amusement as she turned to Theo who was smiling. “Snow Flake Creating Charm,” Ruth breathed, brushing aside the snowflakes that had gathered on her hair but not stepping aside from the cloud. She chuckled, looking back down at the newsletter and avoiding eye contact, “I…have yet to master that charm. Embarrassing, I know.” She scratched the back of her head and was relieved when he moved on.
Ruth looked up to see Theo facing away from her, as if being called ‘muggle-born’ hurt and he would rather be dismissive about it. She frowned as he replied to her. “Wow,” she answered after a moment of silence. “I never thought of it that way.” Then again, I never had many friends to forget about. Ruth could barely remember her teacher’s name now. Seeing as though he seemed to want to quickly shift the conversation, Ruth didn’t comment any further. Instead, she nodded, excruciatingly slowly, as Theo introduced himself to be from the ‘nice part of Manchester’, wherever that was. “I’ve never been to Manchester,” Ruth shrugged, then crouched down, placing the newspaper on the floor, “But The Smiths were from there, which must mean that it’s nice…like you said.” Ruth enjoyed listening to The Smiths. Their melody, mostly melancholic, suited Ruth’s forte, a contrast to her outer exterior exuberance.
@Theo Vendeberg
ALMOST EVERYTHING 𝐓he sun rises for everyone, not just those who chase it. |