4 Jan 2025, 03:39
The Track of Lost Things
The sun filtered through the tall castle windows, bathing the hallways in warm golden rays. Stelle walked with her characteristic light step and a sparkle in her eyes, her curls bouncing joyfully as she made her way down the hallway toward her next class. In her hands, she held a pen that shimmered with a delicate turquoise hue. Or, at least, she had been holding it a moment ago. Without realizing it, the pen had disappeared from her hand, and Stelle, completely immersed in a thought about how badgers might be more underrated than any other magical creature, hadn’t even noticed. She only realized her things were missing when she arrived in the classroom and reached into her bag to grab a parchment. As she searched through her bag, a bit confused, her eyes caught something shiny on the floor near the door. It was a small brooch she could have sworn she'd left on her nightstand that morning. Stelle picked it up, furrowing her brow slightly.
"How strange" she thought. "How did it get here?" However, instead of pausing to reflect on the mystery, she simply tucked it into her pocket and moved on, happily convinced she'd find everything later. It wasn’t the first time something like this had happened. During breakfast, she'd lost a button from her cloak, and just before heading to class, her scarf had mysteriously disappeared, only to reappear hanging on the prefects' bathroom door. Because, after all, that was just the kind of day Stelle usually had.
Meanwhile, as the day went on, more and more things seemed to disappear from her bag, her pockets, or even her hands. But Stelle, being who she was, didn’t worry too much. In her world, small things always seemed to find their way back... eventually. She didn’t think she needed to worry about things like buttons or parchments; they could be easily replaced. That’s why she didn’t notice that her pocket watch, which had been hanging from her belt, was no longer there. Unlike her other items, this one was important. It was a beautiful pocket watch with a stunning floral engraving that had been in her family for years. And so, with her disastrous curls bouncing, Stelle found herself bent over, scanning every corner of the vast courtyard in search of that cherished family heirloom.
@Ruth Fairchild
You make me wanna make you fall in love───⊹ |
Stelle Mims - Huffelpuf |
5 Jan 2025, 06:26
The Track of Lost Things
𝕽uth hadn’t really set foot in the courtyard, as surprising as that sounds. She had often seen the comfort of this place, of course, as she scuttled along the open hallways on the way to classes she was rushing to be at (Hogwarts was a very, very big school. It was nearly impossible for Ruth to dilly dally between classes), the beautiful fountain and the spacious arena encouraging small talk with encountered friends. Gosh, if she ever got to come across her friends while she was on her way to anywhere, maybe she’d gain the opportunity to experience what some students did— rest there.
But when opportunity finally came knocking on the door, there she was again, busy doing something else. Nope. Today was bound to be different. She was to attempt a vague, or rather detailed, exploration of the place and decide if she would come again, maybe with company this time. Determination was a strong asset of Ruth— a resilient value showcasing her inner Hufflepuff. If she planned to go there, she was going to go there.
Just once.
As the last bell came around, Ruth’s head was set high, jaw set as she began marching up the steps from her Potions class to the courtyard, eager to touch base. Maybe she could do some homework there too. It was outdoors, and provided a good natural breather as compared to the rather stuffy common room.
The Hufflepuff witch quickened her steps as she neared the corner. Already could she see the glistening fountain, and Ruth found herself wondering if people ever tried throwing knuts, sickles or even galleons into it with the intentions of making a wish. That let to the pondering question of whether it came true. It was hard to forget that she was in a Wizarding, magical world. Anything could happen. Wishing fountains could exist. Hm. More stuff to learn about.
Eager, Ruth began to increase her pace even further, practically jogging towards the archway leading to the courtyard, when she saw something glistening just at the foot of the entrance. She frowned, slowing down to take a look.
Huh. As Ruth bent down to grasp it, she found herself staring at a gorgeous pocket watch, floral engravings pressed under her fingers. It reminded her strongly of her father’s, ‘cept his was far bigger and lacked decorations, merely bronze gold and given to him as a gift by Ruth’s mother. She smiled at the thought, homesick a feeling that embraced her heart like an old friend. Whoever lost it must be very worried…and definitely nearby.
The Hufflepuff witch inspected it closely. Yes, little dust and barely a scratch. It must have recently been dropped, and the owner was bound to be searching and retracing her steps. Ruth’s assumption of the owner being female was the result of the floral patterns, but of course it’d be a male’s too! Yes, yes. Despite internal, Ruth apologised, discreetly, for the misogyny.
It didn’t mean she was wrong, though. The moment Ruth entered her destination, a bundle of blonde curls caught her eye. Bouncing about in frantic madness, a girl darted from one corner to another, as if searching for something. Something that was probably in Ruth’s hand.
Ruth, unbeknownst to the girl, was present on the scene, too silent, having arrived when the girl had her back against her. From behind, Ruth couldn’t recognise the girl. She couldn’t pin point if she had seen her anywhere. Either way, she quickly made her way to the girl, still way too silent, too sneaky. Tapping on the girl’s shoulder, she spoke. “Ah, hello. Is this yours?”
Accidentally sneak-attacking @Stelle Mims
ALMOST EVERYTHING 𝐓he sun rises for everyone, not just those who chase it. |
6 Jan 2025, 05:20
The Track of Lost Things
Her golden curls bounced with every hurried step, and her face was painted with a mix of frustration and anxiety. "Where could it be?" she murmured to herself as she searched under benches, around the fountain, and through the bushes. The pocket watch was special a gift from her grandfather, enchanted with a small spell that whispered encouraging motivations every time she opened it. And it was an undeniable symbol of the disapproval her grandmother felt towards her. That woman, who seemed to despise every part of her, had refused to hand over the family heirloom. "She’s going to lose it; she can barely tie her shoelaces like a normal child" her grandmother had said. It wasn’t just a watch; it was a piece of her family, and losing it felt like a hole in her chest.
Every corner she checked only made her feel more desperate. She even considered throwing herself on the ground to search more thoroughly, but that would ruin her hair. The release in her chest came when she startled at the touch on her shoulder. She spun around quickly, startled, and saw a girl with a kind expression holding a familiar watch in her hand.Stelle let out an audible sigh of relief, and her face lit up with a genuine smile. —Yes, it’s mine! Thank you, thank you, thank you!—. she exclaimed, extending her hands to take it. She held it close to her chest for a moment before quickly opening it to make sure it was intact. —It’s so important to me, you have no idea how much I appreciate this!—. she said enthusiastically, her eyes shining with gratitude. It seemed as though life and color had returned to her, as if the girl had saved her from certain doom.
Without waiting for an immediate response, Stelle kept talking, as if staying quiet was impossible for her. —We should sit by the fountain. I have to make it up to you somehow. Do you like sweets? I always carry some with me—. She pulled out a small bag of candies from the pocket of her robes and shook it lightly, a spark of excitement flashing in her eyes. —I’m... I’m Stelle, by the way—. she added quickly. There was something about the calm presence of the girl that gave her the feeling this could be one of those unexpected connections that became something meaningful.
@Ruth Fairchild
You make me wanna make you fall in love───⊹ |
Stelle Mims - Huffelpuf |
7 Jan 2025, 06:52
The Track of Lost Things
𝕽uth’s smile, the one she always gave to people as an act of friendliness, soon morphed into a larger one as a warmth touched her chest. The act of kindness, striking a conversation with the girl in front of her. She had never seen someone so happy here. As Ruth watched the girl gush thanks whilst fingering the watch, she couldn’t help but wonder how treasured the object must be for the girl to openly chatter profusely.
Gosh, even going to the extent of offering sweets. Ruth eyed the bag of candies in the girl’s hand, suddenly wishing to have one to taste. Her grin grew wider as Ruth accepted the request to sit by the fountain. “Sure.” Well, why not? Ruth wasn’t planning on going anywhere so soon. “I’m Ruth Fairchild, First Year Hufflepuff.” She extended a hand in greeting, something she always did. Maintaining formality and respect felt like something she struggled not to do in a school like Hogwarts.
Whether the girl accepted her handshake or not, Ruth would begin walking to the fountain just slightly behind them, eager to cast a look down into the serene waters. She was always like that, Ruth. Looking down into the water of fountains, as if searching for something. A habit. Probably something everyone did, really.
Sitting down on the edge and glancing down, Ruth found herself fingering a Knut she had in her robe. She flicked it up, then caught it. Flicked it up, then caught it. After a couple, she pushed her thumb up, letting the coin fly forwards rather than vertically straight up. As it came down and landed in the water, Ruth continued to stare at the bronze coloured coin in silence.
If Stelle, as the girl had mentioned, joined her at the fountain, she’d ask, “That watch must mean a lot to you.” Ruth understood. Her father was very much like the Hufflepuff before her, always touching his watch. A sentimental object, gifted to him by his loved one.
@Stelle Mims
ALMOST EVERYTHING 𝐓he sun rises for everyone, not just those who chase it. |
8 Jan 2025, 16:08
The Track of Lost Things
₊⁺⋆ Date: 18th December 2024 | Number of words: 454| Dialogue: #aa5713 ⋆⁺₊
Stelle could barely contain the rollercoaster she was feeling as she walked beside Ruth toward the fountain. She held the watch to her chest, her face lighting up with a warmth that seemed impossible to contain. It had been an absolute relief to have that precious object back, and the simple fact that someone like Ruth was willing to accompany her filled her with gratitude. When the girl introduced herself as a Hufflepuff first year, Stelle couldn't help but smile even wider. —I'm Hufflepuff too!—. she exclaimed with obvious enthusiasm, shaking Ruth's hand with a firm but friendly shake. —It's a pleasure to meet you, Ruth. Have we met before? Your face looks familiar to me.—.
As they reached the fountain, Stelle sat next to Ruth on the edge, carefully settling herself as she watched the other girl throw a Knut into the water. Her gaze followed the trajectory of the coin, the shine of the bronze reflecting in her eyes as it fell to the bottom. There was something almost hypnotic about the serenity of the moment, an interesting contrast to Stelle's always vibrant energy. When Ruth spoke, asking about the watch, Stelle turned her head toward her, her expression softening with a tinge of melancholy and shame. —Yes, it means a lot to me—. she responded in a calmer tone, holding the watch in her hands and looking at it carefully. —It's an heirloom of my family. My grandfather gave it to me although... well, my grandmother refused—. She murmured, looking down. —But it's not just a watch; there's something special about it—. She paused, as if considering how to explain it. —As far as I know, it's been passed down from generation to generation in my family. It's a family brand.—.
Stelle was silent for a moment, her gaze lost in the calm waters of the fountain. —When I lost him, I felt like a part of myself was missing, I knew they were going to punish me if I didn't find him. So, really, Ruth, you have no idea how grateful I am. Getting him back means more than I can express—. Stelle watched her with a curious smile. —And you, do you have something that means a lot to you? Something that reminds you of someone special or an important moment.—. Her tone was genuine, as if she were genuinely interested in finding out more about her new companion. As the two shared the moment by the fountain, Stelle noticed the calm emanating from Ruth, a tranquility that intrigued her. Perhaps, Stelle thought, this meeting was more than a coincidence. Perhaps she and Ruth were destined to meet, to share more than just a moment at the fountain.
@Ruth Fairchild
You make me wanna make you fall in love───⊹ |
Stelle Mims - Huffelpuf |
11 Jan 2025, 23:41
The Track of Lost Things
𝓐s Stelle continued to talk about her grandparents, Ruth’s smile waned ever so slightly. Must be nice to have known her grandparents. Ruth didn’t know hers, and it triggered her. She had never seriously wondered about such things—her parents never brought it up. Why was it that she suddenly became so curious about her heritage?
Ruth shook her head, deciding not to think about it now. How rude it would be, to have your mind aimlessly wandering in the same direction as the person speaking, but sprawling off at the same time? She nodded at Stelle every once in a while, a sign that she understood and was empathetic towards the Hufflepuff before her. Stelle’s eyes and tone intrigued Ruth to ponder how much in depth history the watch held. All Ruth knew was that the watch’s sentimental value was more than priceless, and Ruth was just very happy to have found the heirloom.
She blinked in surprise, the conversation suddenly veering towards her. “O-oh, I…” she looked away. “Not…exactly, I suppose. I don’t know my grandparents, and both my father and mother refrain from talking about their childhood. It’s as though all the history just—vanished somehow.” Her fingers clenched into fists, scrunching up the robes. There was something so wrong about that. Why hadn’t she wondered till now?
Ruth felt a little pathetic, not having a story to tell when Stelle had just allowed some… stranger to listen to her talk about her family heirloom. Fumbling under her robes, Ruth produced a polaroid picture. It looked as though it was taken ages ago— it was griddy and monochrome, the grainy texture signifying that the camera that the photo had been taken from was aged. Ruth fingered at the weathered frame, smiling blissfully as she stared at the picture.
Showing it to Stelle, she mumbled shyly, “I know it’s not as fantastic as yours, nor has it been passed down for generations, but this is the…well, feet of my older brother, Aaron, and Ace, my younger brother.” She chuckled to herself, her finger lingering over the puddles that they formed.
How Ruth had managed to time it was a surprise, but it wasn’t the fact that it was aesthetically appealing that it held value. Ruth could remember the day like it was just yesterday, when they had been on their way back home from school. “It was the late summer back in Bath, and we hadn’t been expecting rain. With no umbrella, we all were rushing home—but my good ol’ brother decided to have a little bit of fun, and Ace obviously had to join in.” She sighed happily.
ALMOST EVERYTHING 𝐓he sun rises for everyone, not just those who chase it. |
13 Jan 2025, 00:32
The Track of Lost Things
₊⁺⋆ Date: 18th December 2024| Number of words: 342| Dialogue: #aa5713 ⋆⁺₊
Stelle looked at the photograph curiously, leaning forward slightly to better appreciate the grainy details of the image. Her golden curls fell across her face as she did so, framing her soft but attentive expression. There was something so intimate about Ruth's gesture, sharing that small fragment of her life with her. The photo, although simple, had a special charm. The barely visible figures, Ruth's siblings' feet in puddles, captured a carefree joy that Stelle could clearly imagine.
For a moment, she remained silent, as if she did not want to break the connection that Ruth had created by sharing that memory. Then, she looked up, her blue eyes shining with warmth. The story that accompanied the photograph seemed to surround the environment with a sense of nostalgia that Stelle understood well, although from a different place. She didn't know those kinds of spontaneous moments, but she could see how much they meant to Ruth, and that was enough. —It's beautiful—. she finally said, with a sincere smile. —Sometimes the simplest things are the ones we hold onto the hardest, right? You don't need an old watch for something to be valuable. That photo... is a treasure for what it means to you. And the truth is, it's more valuable than a simple watch—. Her voice was calm, but there was a hint of admiration in it. As she spoke, her hands brushed the watch she was wearing.
A slight cold wind blew through the place, making Stelle's golden curls move as if they were part of the landscape. Instinctively, she hugged herself, seeking warmth as her blue eyes remained focused on the photo. She couldn't help but imagine what her life would be like if her days were full of moments like that, carefree and free, far from the expectations and controlled silences of her grandmother. Maybe, she thought, there was more than one way to create valuable memories. Maybe, one day, she would find her. —Really. Have we never met before?—. she teased softly and let out a carefree laugh.
@Ruth Fairchild
You make me wanna make you fall in love───⊹ |
Stelle Mims - Huffelpuf |
17 Jan 2025, 01:57
The Track of Lost Things
— The sound of reunion
𝕽uth nodded, slowly comprehending Stelle's words in her head. The girl was right. Sometimes the simplest things are the ones we hold onto the hardest. It was true. She turned to smile at the girl softly. A beam, now. "You're quite good at this," Ruth teased, avoiding the specification of 'this'. It could be anything, really. Making conversation, comforting, sharing such deep joy and memories to someone who may have been a complete stranger just a few moments ago.
Or...were they strangers?
"Really. Have we never met before?"
Ruth's smile waned, and confusion nestled within her chest. It was the second time Stelle had implied the opposite, while it wasn't in exact verbatim, the words triggered her slightly. "...what do you mean?" She asked the girl. Did she perhaps know something Ruth didn't? She stared at the Hufflepuff girl, gazing at those luscious curls of blonde and the peach highlights that streaked across them. She took a momentary glance at her ultramarine eyes, still glued to the photograph, then down at her lips that were perked up into a smile.
"Wait. Stelle...as in, Stelle Mims?"
And there she went, transported down the tunnel of memories and deja vu, her mind almost sparking a migrane as the day came rushing back, five years ago, when the two girls first met.
How could Ruth have not noticed from the very start? The facial appearance of Stelle Mims' and how it resembled some girl she knew at the age of 6. Perhaps she brushed off the fact that it was too coincidental, probably a fluke. Perhaps it was because Ruth hadn't seen the girl in so long, she could only picture her childhood friend wearing those blue dresses she constantly skipped around in, rather than the robes with colours of honeycomb on the gown.
Five years ago.
"Stelle Mims, help me with the flowers, will you?" Six year Ruth Fairchild asks, kneeling down to dig into the soil. Six year old Stelle Mims rushes over, giggling as she went, her small fingers scrambling to snap on a pair of gardening gloves before heaving up a pot of tulip bulbs, grunting as she went. Ruth Fairchild glances to her left and laughs, quickly lending a hand. "Steady!" She gasps as they lower the bulbs into the ground before placing soil around them.
"They're really pretty tulips," Stelle says, admiring the white. Ruth nods and grins as she stands up, wiping the soil off her overalls, causing the remaining to smudge. She sighs, then exchanges her straw hat with Stelle's lovely floppy one. "Want to go get some ice cream?" Ruth asks, and Stelle grins. "That'd be lovely, but I'll have to go ask my parents." She scuttles into the Fairchild's house, then comes out with a pouch. Together, they skip towards the heart of the town. As a scorching Saturday, the streets were bustling with people and crowded shops. Ruth and Stelle hurry towards the ice cream galore, chattering as they went.
After a few moments, the two girls sat nearby the shop, licking at their own share of ice cream. Stelle take a bite at her cone, then leans in close. "Ruth, I have to tell you something."
"Well, what is it?"
"I think...I think I'm a witch!"
"Oh, don't be silly. Witches and wizards don't exist!"
"Yes they do," Stelle argues feverently, taking a break to lick at the threatening dribble of strawberry. "I was drawing one day and all the crayons started flying!" Her eyes widen and sparkle as she continues gushing. Ruth raises a brow and leaves back, finishing the last of her cone. "Stelle Mims, you have the biggest imagination of anyone I've ever met." She shakes her head, then smiles.
Ruth realised she had been staring at Stelle too long, then looked away, her heart beating louder as she comprehended the situation. Stelle Mims, her friend for a month as she came to Bath for vacation. How could she forget? She was one of Ruth’s only friends. The days they had together were like colour and rainbow after the dull and rain. They would still been friends to this day, only they were little kids. They weren’t bound to see each other again, especially as the two lived in opposite worlds and far distances. Ruth had lost her, but now she was right in front of her. Before she knew it, she was hugging the girl, tears running down her cheeks.
"Stelle Mims...you were right."
OOC:ReducioWriting this was so fun. It was also very sad for no reason. Must have been the music in the background…
@Stelle Mims
ALMOST EVERYTHING 𝐓he sun rises for everyone, not just those who chase it. |
20 Jan 2025, 17:06
The Track of Lost Things
₊⁺⋆ Date: 18th December 2024 | Number of words: 404| Dialogue: #aa5713 ⋆⁺₊
She blinked, surprised to feel Ruth's arms suddenly wrap around her. Stelle stiffened the moment she felt Ruth's arms wrap around her. The warmth of the embrace was sudden, almost disconcerting, and although her instincts told her to respond, something inside stopped her. She blinked, confused, as she tried to connect Ruth's words with some memory that could justify that reaction. The emotion in Ruth's voice was palpable, but for Stelle, the memories remained an uncomfortable void. When they finally broke apart, Stelle looked at Ruth, her eyes shining with suppressed emotion. —I'm not sure. When did we meet?—. she finally asked, with a slight hesitation in his voice. she didn't want to hurt Ruth, but she also couldn't fake something she didn't remember clearly. From the moment I saw you, there was something... familiar. But I thought it was just my imagination. When Ruth pulled away, Stelle looked at her carefully, her light blue eyes searching the other girl's for some stronger connection. —Ruth...—. she murmured, testing the name as if saying it out loud would clear up the scattered memories in his mind. —Sounds familiar... Did we play together when we were little?—.
The warmth of the hug had left her speechless for a moment, but when she heard her full name come out of the girl's lips through tears, the memories she had also kept buried began to emerge. The childish laughter in a sunny garden, the afternoons running barefoot through the fields, and the promises they had made in low voices before saying goodbye. —Ruth...—. Stelle murmured, almost in a whisper. Her arms moved instinctively to return the hug, gently squeezing the girl against her as a mix of awe and nostalgia took hold in her chest. How had I not recognized her before? Yes, there was something about his face that looked familiar. She didn't have all the details, but she remembered glimpses: flowers in the surroundings, a sunny afternoon and a feeling of childish play that seemed endearing to her. —My grandmother had a big garden. And you were... you were quite energetic. I always had a hard time keeping up with you—. Her voice took on a warmer tone as she said this, a small smile involuntarily forming on his lips. —It's strange, isn't it? That we meet here, after so long—. she finally said, with a hint of curiosity in his voice and a smile.
OOC:I love it! Sorry for the lateness of the responses, I'm feeling very uninspired lately.
@Ruth Fairchild
You make me wanna make you fall in love───⊹ |
Stelle Mims - Huffelpuf |
22 Jan 2025, 23:37
The Track of Lost Things
𝕽uth stiffened when Stelle began to question her, confused, but relaxed when she felt the girl loosen her tense posture. She remembered her. And Stelle acknowledged her back. They were reunited again.
Cheeks flushed, she parted from the girl, gripping her hands in joy. Once cold, her fingers started to seep warmth from Stelle's hands. "It's so good to see you again," she gushed, then laughed as Stelle replied, the Hufflepuff witch nodding back to her childhood friend. "Yes. It...is quite strange." She chuckled rather sheepishly, rubbing at the back of her neck as she recalled how miffed her young self had been about Stelle's claim that she was a witch. "I should have believed you back then, at the ice cream parlour." Ruth would have been less afraid when she had gotten her First Instance of Magic had she known that she would be joining her friend in the magical world.
Unable to stop herself, Ruth continued to blab, her social battery once again renewed by the unexpected reunion. A warm feeling spread across her chest every time she caught Stelle's gaze. Only Stelle could ever make her feel that way. One of her first friends.
One of her only friends.
"--so long, we have much to catch up on, Stelle. How have you been? How is your grandmother? Your parents?" Ruth stopped abruptly, halting her downpour of questions to catch a breath before erupting into giggles. Wiping tears --both dry and wet-- away, she looked down, embarrassment making entrance. "Gosh, I'm so sorry. Heh. It's just, you were such a significance to me back when we were younger. To have lost contact with you was painful, and I-- I just can't believe it." She gestured at Stelle, eyes wide with dramaticism, "I can't believe you're actually standing right in front of me after what, five years?" She leaned forward for another hug, but stopped herself. It was probably overwhelming for the both of them.
To another's eyes, Ruth was probably overreacting. Lost friend found again, what's the big deal? But they couldn't possibly understand. Quietening down, the adrenaline finally simmering far less, she offered another greatful smile at Stelle. "You know, after you were gone, I started punching more people," she joked. It was true. Without Stelle, the isolation and the terrible feeling of loneliness was too much to bear. Where had those strong feelings gone? Her fingers, clenching into fists. The number of detentions heightened by a few times. But now she didn't need to worry about it. Even without Stelle, the people here were fairly nice and she hadn't gotten into too much trouble.
But with Stelle here, surely there will be more peace?
OOC: It's all okay! I totally understand that
@Stelle Mims
ALMOST EVERYTHING 𝐓he sun rises for everyone, not just those who chase it. |