Hogwarts Got Talent Errand

*.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*

Ruby had never celebrated Pride before. She had hardly even recognised it. Of course she supported it in theory. She believed that everyone’s identities were valid and that they all deserved their own place, even if she didn’t necessarily understand all of them. People deserved to be proud of who they were—they deserved to be able to celebrate themselves and find comfort in one another. They deserved to be proud of themselves for having the courage to exist outside of the boxes that society liked to put people in, and she thought it was beautiful when people were unique like that.

But celebrating Pride Month? Ruby had never even got close to that. She knew there were yearly celebrations at Hogwarts, but for whatever reason, she had never ended up attending any of it. Perhaps, in the past, she had considered herself too busy at the time or too detached from the concept. But this was her last month at Hogwarts, and something was telling her she should go. Just to see. Just for part of it. It didn’t have to mean anything that she was going; she was just trying it out, familiarising herself further with what, exactly, a “pride festival” was. Knowledge was always good. She liked knowledge.

She wasn’t sure she was ready to take on the pride parade though. The day of the celebrations, she ended up wandering outside, still figuring out what she did want to do and trying not to talk herself out of it in the process. Then, she spotted something set up near the lake, bright colours and large rainbow archway catching her eye. Well, that should work… She approached with caution, still a little bit wary. She didn’t particularly want to interact with people here, but it couldn’t be that bad…

She walked through the ribbons, immediately scanning her surroundings and taking everything in. There seemed to be food as well as some kind of stage, and colourful blankets surrounding it. She felt a little odd standing here in her normal, dark coloured clothes, a seventh year—soon to be a graduate—that towered above a decent portion of the younger students who were scattered around the area. She had never been fantastic at fitting in in any sense of the word to begin with, her cold presence that some described as off-putting just one of the many things that tended to set her apart. Sticking to the outside as much as she could, she made her way round to the tables, looking at what everything was. Her attention was soon drawn by familiar voices coming from the stage and she drew slightly closer, wanting to see properly.

Aly seemed to be a natural performer, brimming with energy and charisma as she introduced the two of them. Ruby’s gaze was fixed firmly on them as they began, Aly talking through every step of the makeup. She wasn’t sure she could’ve looked away if she tried—not only did she know them, but the dynamic between them was endearing, and something about them also just demanded attention (Aly’s Charmer ability, in part). Not to mention they were both unfairly beautiful (Lovely Creature and Part-Veela), but that was neither here nor there.

Ever watchful and observant, the reddening of Koko’s cheeks didn’t escape Ruby’s notice. Ruby’s blank expression finally changed as a corner of her lips curved into a tiny smirk. The two of them were cute, touching each other so gently and whispering to each other. Aly finished her part of their performance and stepped away to showcase her work. The makeup she had done for Koko was stunning—a very bold look, but one that nevertheless suited her and the event. And Aly was right, she was gorgeous. Ruby clapped when prompted, smiling slightly. They swapped positions and Koko began doing Aly’s hair, weaving flowers into it. Ruby clapped again when she was done, watching them still as Koko spoke. She expected them to do something like bow and leave the stage, but instead, Koko leaned in and kissed Aly.

Ruby was unable to stop herself from smiling. It was good to see her friend that happy, interacting so tenderly. She supposed if there was any place for two girls to kiss on stage, a pride event seemed awfully appropriate. Watching the way they looked at each other and Koko’s smile, she couldn’t help but think of the last time she had felt like that. It had been a while now since her last proper crush. She didn’t feel she needed a relationship—she was perfectly complete without one. But it was nice to share those sorts of things with somebody.

She had been thirteen when she had realised that she liked girls. For a long time, she had avoided thinking about what that meant, what that “made her”. To be honest, to some extent, she was still doing that. She had been somewhat reluctant to appear at a pride event even now, even years after starting to come to terms with everything. It made her nervous, although she didn’t want to admit that, even to herself. She knew she wasn’t straight, but bringing herself to a pride event knowing that felt… she wasn’t sure, it just felt like a big step that she still hadn’t been fully ready to take.

Not to mention that these sorts of things were generally filled with different types of flags corresponding with specific labels. She didn’t like labels; she didn’t think she needed them. Labels, to her understanding, gave some people comfort, but in her opinion, they were meant to serve the person, not the other way around. She didn’t need to put herself in a box just for the sake of doing so. She didn’t need them for herself and she most certainly didn’t need to justify herself to anybody else either.

Besides, she didn’t know what labels would even normally be considered to represent her experience, nor was she massively familiar with many specific LGBTQ+ identities in general. She was aware that she had never had a crush or anything similar on a boy, but that didn’t mean it was impossible for her to in the future, and she didn’t want to become so fixated on labels that she risked missing out on something good. She didn’t need those things to define her—she was just her. She was Ruby. That was all that mattered. She loved who she loved, and didn’t love who she didn’t love. She didn’t have to have outside validation; she didn’t need a specific label in order to have an identity. She was enough as she was.

She turned and left without speaking to anybody.

*.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*

@Aly Salinger @Koko Riddle

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Lyssandra accepts both the plate and his offer to serve her a piece. She spots a kebab and smells a perfect combination of spices and sauces. She takes a piece and offers one to Luca.

“You’ve still got time.” A gust of wind pushed the smoke of the roasting meats towards her and she had to frown. She didn’t like the idea of smoke clinging to her clothes and hair and if she were to continue strolling around Hogwarts would be… unpleasant.

“Oh, I do hope the smoke does not cling to my person.” Lyssandra offers a small apologetic smile towards Luca.

Before her, one of the people manning the grill gives her an understanding smile and gestured to their wand. Lyssanda’s eyes widened by a smidge before she dips her head to give her consent. The elder wizard gave a small wave and a small gust took away the smell that began to cling to her hair. She thanks them silently and makes note to ask her father for a book on more practical spells.

“How are things for you so far? Any classes you've come to adore? Any you've come to dislike." My cousin’s husband told me things are well-paced here in Hogwarts and I am quite excited.” She remembered the day Carolus sat her down with some tea and pastry as he briefed her on what to expect once she steps foot into the halls of Hogwarts. He made sure to tell her of things to expect, things that could be expected, and things not meant to be expected but otherwise kept within one’s self just in case… whatever that meant.

So far?

Lyssandra has been enjoying the first few days here and the Pride events only made the young heiress’s eyes twinkle, eager for any and all that is to come.

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Word Count Reducio 303

Legend "Speech" 'Thoughts'

Date: June 7th, 2025	Speech | Thoughts
Time: Late Morning	Interacting with: @Lyssandra Amaranth Navarus
« Preceeding | Following »

Luca had taken a few good bites of his piece of blackened chicken when Lyssandra offered him a piece of kebab. He had been sure to grab the chicken where the least amount of sauce was to avoid the urge to lick his fingers clean. The young boy placed his chicken back on his plate, and as he finished chewing and swallowing, he took a large napkin from the table and wiped his fingers and mouth clean. Luca tried to do it gracefully, but he would understand if Lyssandra giggled at the juggling act of holding a plate, wiping off his fingers, and then his mouth.

Although he struggled to stay proper in front of a lady gracefully, he managed to offer her a large napkin with his free hand after he was clean. This was, of course, after he took the piece of kebab she offered and placed it on his plate. After a moment, he took the piece of kebab and bit into it, enjoying the flavor. He smiled and shook his head to reassure her not to worry about the scent, as the elder wizard took care of the problem for her.

"You're right. I'll put something up there before the board comes down. I've enjoyed most of my classes, but I've especially enjoyed Defense Against the Dark Arts with Professor Lécuyer and Potions with Professor Sauber. What about you? Are you excited to graduate in a few weeks?" Luca asked, taking bites of chicken and kebab every few moments.

As they spoke, Luca slowly moved toward the edge of the barbecue area, planning to leave the festival eventually.

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"Ah yes, Professor Sauber. His classes were enlightening even if his methods were quite intense." Lyssandra makes a noncommital sound as she recalls her Potions classes.

To say that she was surprised would've been THE understatement of the century. Teaching about certain types of potions and then literally demonstrate its effects on his own person? Lyssandra feels that she'll remain in awe of him for the rest of her days.

"Aside from Potions, I find myself wanting to master both Charms and Defense Against the Dark Arts. I still have a long way to go but I'll do my best." Once she finishes her plate, she gives him a small "Thank you" for the napkin and wipes any residue off her mouth and lips and vanishes it away.

"Now that you mention, the school year went by far quicker than I expected. Or, perhaps I simply had too much fun." She hands her plate to another upperclassman, perhaps someone who also helped around the BBQ event, and clasped her hands behind her back.

"Another year... Huh..." As the energetic noise of life and freedom consumes them, she looks towards the beautiful skies over Hogwarts wondering what her next chapter in life would be.

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Word Count Reducio 203

Legend "Speech" 'Thoughts'

Date: June 7th, 2025	Speech | Thoughts
Time: Late Morning	Interacting with: @Lyssandra Amaranth Navarus
« Preceeding | Following »

Luca nodded in agreement as he remembered the exact lesson Lyssandra was referring to. Professor Sauber had been teaching the students about the effects of burn healing paste earlier in the year. Every wizard and witch was just as stunned when the professor rolled up his sleeve and deliberately pressed his arm against a scorching hot cauldron. The man didn't flinch, scream, or even seem fazed by the wound now seared into his arm. That was when Luca developed deep respect and admiration for the man, who was firm but fair.

"Quite intense, indeed," the young boy recalled as his mind remembered seeing the professor's skin after contact with the cauldron. "But I think his intense methods earn him the attention he gets in his lectures. I have a deep respect for him." Luca nodded and listened to Lyssandra's dreams of becoming Charms and Defense Against the Dark Arts Master before speaking about his own dreams. "I think I would like to possibly pursue a career as an Auror, so perhaps I should add some extra focus on Charms," he said.

Luca also handed his plate to the upperclassman with a nod of thanks and a quick smile. He began looking around, realizing the day was slipping away—had he already spent this much time with Lyssandra? The young wizard enjoyed her company, and this was the first member of Slytherin he had connected with beyond just seeing them in classes like potions. Luca looked at Lyssandra with a charming smile.

"The day slips away from us. I’ve enjoyed our time together and look forward to more soon. Thank you for attending the barbecue with me," Luca said as he took Lyssandra's hand and gently kissed the back of it in a proper manner, as a proper send-off for the girl. He started walking back toward the castle, pausing to look back after he was a short distance away from her.

His story continues: A Fond Farewell to Our Seventh Years

made by the lovely Elena Clark