Grateful Expectations Pt. 1
Happy Thanksgiving, Hogwarts!
Tell Us What YOUR Character is Grateful for
This thread is open to everyone. If you would like to participate, just role play having what might possibly be your first Thanksgiving dinner ever and/or filling out your parchment leaf (IC) and pinning it to the tree. You are free to participate if you do neither of those things, but please NO food fights. This is a post for Gratitude. This is NOT an official errand or anything of the sort, so there are no rewards for participation, but also no deadline to meet. Just be sure your post meets the minimum 200 word count and that you abide by site rules.
We look forward to reading what your characters are all grateful for!
Grateful Expectations Pt. 2 is here.
27 Nov 2025 - Thanksgiving Day in America (and the McCubbin household)
The Great Hall was dark when AngelFyre and Simon slipped through the doors, the dim torch lights making their shadows obscenely long on the polished wooden floors. They carried the 3D, papier-mâché tree form like a treasure, its bare limbs painted in mottled shades of russet, burnt sienna, and ash-gray to mimic bark. Its weight was modest, but it still commanded attention.
Simon followed behind her with a sense of half-amusement and half-curiosity, watching as she adjusted the angle of the tree’s crown so that bare branches did not drag upon the ground or bang into any of the House tables. “Careful, love. One of the benches about 10 meters ahead of you is pushed out and away from the table. Don’t stumble over it and hurt yourself,” he warned. Normally, when dark, he took the lead, but not this morning. No, AngelFyre was piloting this maneuver and doing so with great purpose.
“Where would you like it, love?” he asked, his dhampir eyes sweeping the empty hall for a clue.
“There,” she said, her voice firm but soft as she nodded up ahead and to the right, knowing he could see the movement, even in this darkness. “Front-right… in that space in front of the stairs leading up to the Head table. Everyone will notice it. They will, hopefully, wonder all day long what it is for. That is part of this day’s glory… the anticipation.”
Her hands moved over the trunk, absent-mindedly brushing away a stray fleck of paint.
“It must feel quiet at first; build subtly.” She got a little emotional as she thought of Grandma Ruth and smiled softly in his direction. “Grandma Ruth always said gratitude grows best where it is planted. Today, on this day of Thanksgiving, in the Year of Our Lord 2025, in a magical castle in Scotland, of all places,” and she laughed, “gratitude… and anticipation… shall be planted here. And blossom and grow, I hope.” She then continued their march forward to the designated place.
Simon nodded. “Subtle and intriguing, indeed” he said, a boyish grin tugging at his lips as he dutifully followed after his girlfriend like the good soldier she needed him to be this morning.
AngelFyre tilted her head to look at its placement after they had set it down and positioned it so that the bare branches were not a hazard to anyone walking by. Content with the arrangement, her voice suddenly sparked with excitement. “I think we should personalize it,” she said, “so that we will know it is ours, even if no one else will. What do you think?”
Simon’s eyes flared with a playful glimmer that even she could see in the darkness. He leaned close and whispered, “I have an idea.” With careful hands, he traced the initials S. K. + A. M. into the bark and then encircled them with a small, discreet heart. The markings blended seamlessly into the tree’s painted texture.
AngelFyre’s lips curved into a soft, private smile… a quiet acknowledgment of the intimacy.
“I love that, mo chridhe,” (my heart) she whispered as she moved into his arms. “It is perfect.”
With the tree now in place, they left the Great Hall before anyone else arrived, slipping into the Kitchen to begin the real work of the day.
------------------------ Hours later, at the evening meal
Between the flour dusting, the floating pumpkin ribbons, and the occasional playful rogue ingredient that floated a moment longer than expected, the Kitchen had been alive with energy and laughter. Meanwhile, the Great Hall had remained quiet but for breakfast and lunch. Well, quiet except for the lone, mysterious tree near the Head table, whose presence had done as AngelFyre had hoped it would. It had created some curiosity and intrigue in the form of whispers and speculations, adding building layers of anticipatory tension that would bloom later at the evening meal.
When dusk fell, the Great Hall came to life with magic candles hovering over each place setting. A Thanksgiving Day menu rested on each student’s plate in case they wished to partake in the celebratory American feast.
On top of their menus, everyone would find a parchment leaf, individualized by shape and color and size. The parchment leaves were where one could write down what they were grateful for, and then approach the bare tree at the front of the Head table, pinning their leaf to the tree. At the end of the meal, each leaf would be set afire by its magic candle, gently sending glowing embers wafting on air currents up towards the ceiling. Then the embers would dart off like a shooting stars across the enchanted ceiling, carrying the private gratitude from each student, and the prayers and wishes for the future.
AngelFyre joined Simon near the front of the Hufflepuff table now that she was a fifth-year, and watched silently, and non-chalantly, in appreciation of a day well spent. She hoped, of course, that the naked tree would be laden with more gratitude than it could bear by evening’s end. Though there may have been some remnants of hair faintly dusted with flour, her heart was full, knowing the day had unfolded exactly as she had intended: reverently, playfully, and full of memories and new traditions for their own future Thanksgiving celebrations in years to come.
She looked over at Simon, staring down a plate of food she knew was not really ever going to be his idea of what home tasted like, but that was not what was most important to her.
“Thank you for indulging me today,” she said to him silently, even though the Great Hall around them bustled with conversations and laughter. “It meant a lot to me… it means a lot to me. And I love you very much, Simon Ezra Kincaid, just in case you were in any doubt of that.” Then she blew him a kiss.
“All I ask is that you try the relish. You may actually like that one, but if not, do not fret. My feelings will not be hurt. In fact, Bilby has an order of your new favorite London dish in the Kitchen that a certain mentor turned you on to,” and she grinned knowingly. “I had it sent in for this very reason. I know you are a good sport, but I never wish to torture you.” She giggled, but he just look relieved.
She took a few moments to look around the room, and then turned her attention to filling out her own leaf, knowing it was much too small a space to write all that she was grateful for, but that did not stop her from trying.
When finished, she rose and was excited to note that she was the first one to pin her gratitude to the tree.I am grateful for: my salvation and the God that loves me and saved me; for Simon Ezra Kincaid and everything about the way he sees me and loves me; for my parents and their gentle guidance and love, for my Hillary, Colin and Emily, all my friends, and my health. I am truly blessed.
------- -----I am also grateful for h.io and those here----- -------
ReducioOOC: Simon and AngelFyre have longstanding permission to godmod one another's characters.
@Simon Kincaid @Colin McCoire@Emily Shephard @Jun Mayumi Mochizuki @Meyra Lancaster
The magic is real.
Grateful Expectations Pt. 1
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Tatiana had arrived into the Great Hall a little later than most students, mostly because she had spent so much time in front of the mirror making sure that she didn't look windblown from running up the stairs from their common room. It wasn't that it was vanity, or at least she argued that it wasn't, but she absolutely hated walking into a crowd with her hair out of place. And today? It had somehow felt like the sort of day where their eyes just lingered a bit longer, the atmosphere rich with curiosity because of some strange tree that everyone had been talking about.
She paused after a few steps inside, letting the warmth of the hall wash over her. The candles floated above the students fondly and glowed low and golden, reflecting of the plates and giving everything a soft, honeyed tint. The students were divided into small clusters, scattered across the hall in tables. Some were already laughing, and others were poking suspiciously with unfamiliar dishes. Tatiana had never experienced this type of Thanksgiving back at home—it was more quiet, just a dinner then off to bed. Nothing else. But here, there was something sweet in the atmosphere, almost delicate.
Her eyes settled briefly on the papier-mâché tree that was placed near the Head table. Whoever put it there clearly wanted it to be noticed. The leaves, or the lack of them, made the tree look kind of lonely in a charming way, like it was waiting for something, for someone.
Her fingers brushed the little parchment leaf placed on her plate, it was pale gold, luminous against the candlelight. The idea behind it was nice, almost thoughtful, but she wasn't quite sure what to write. She had never liked expressing gratitude out loud, or on paper, or anywhere, really. She sat at a small, unoccupied table alone, smoothing her skirt beneath her as she settled in.
A few students around her were chatting lightly about food, classes, and about how odd but pleasant the whole thing felt. Tatiana only listened to them quietly, their conversations emitting a soft rhythm that gradually created a comfortable background hum.
She placed her leaf on the table, then tapped her quill lightly before finally lowering the tip.
I am grateful for…
She paused, hesitation filling her mind. It wasn't that she didn't have anything to be thankful for, because she did, but writing it felt like she was strangely being stripped naked, like she was peeling back a letter she wasn't so sure to show anyone else should see yet. But in the end, she chose something simple.
…for finding a place where I feel like I can belong, even if I’m still figuring out how.
Her handwriting had curved neatly across the parchment, the words delicate, more delicate than she had meant them to be. She blew on the ink to dry it, then rose from her seat. The walk towards the tree felt more slower than it should've been, not because she was nervous, she strictly refused to be nervous, but because she was so suddenly aware of how peaceful everything felt. It was nice—unfamiliar—but nice.
Once she reached the base of the tree, she stopped. The texture of the papier-mâché bark was richer than she'd expected up close, the grooves caught the light like real wood. It was evident that someone had put real care into it. She pinned her leaf between two branches, tapping it lightly to secure the placement. The little bit of parchment fluttered lazily.
Tatiana stepped back, brushing invisible dust from her hands, and let out a slow breath she didn’t know she was holding.
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Grateful Expectations Pt. 1
Thankful and grateful for so much, especially AngelFyre McCubbin. Open to interactions
After the day of preparations, Simon was eager to try their Thanksgiving feast. He smiled in realizing it truly was just that - their Thanksgiving feast. In choosing to be with AngelFyre McCubbin (which he most certainly knew he always would), her Thanksgiving feast had now become their Thanksgiving feast and he couldn't love that idea more.
She had told him earlier that day in the kitchens: "Every holiday has a heart. This one is gratitude," and while his research showed him that many thought of the Amerrican holiday was for food or family or togetherness - AngelFyre had it truly correct. It could be those things, but it was those things and so much more. She was demonstrating that ode to gratefulness right now as he watched her script out what she was thankful for on her leaf at her place setting.
He paused in the moment to appreciate her, to appreciate the moment. He watched as the glow from the lights from above caught her hair. He had always loved her hair. It had caught his attention from the very first day they met and he loved how was a soft cascade and he had to stop himself from reaching out to touch it. She was focused and he needed to allow her to concentrate.
Her quill glided over the surface of the leaf and Simon realized that he could watch her forever. There was a softeness in her expression and a sincerity in her handwriting as she poured a pice of her heart into her writing.
Simon's smile grwe ans he realized that he got to love someone who treated gratitude like a ritual and he knew that he was grateful momst of all for her and that she let him stand beside her.
When she left to place her completed leaf on the tree, Simon watched her bound over with excitement and quickly pulled something out of his bag. AngelFyre found the perfect limb for her leaf, the first on the tree, and placed it on, glancing over his way and beamed at him. Simon smiled brightly back before lifting what he had pulled out of his bag - his trusty wizarding camera, and pressed the shutter release. This was a moment to remember.
He was finishing placing it back inside his enchanted satchel when she arrived back to him and he reached out, taking her hand as she sat to encourage she sit closer to him and they could sort of melt into one another as they sat close. "My turn," he whispered, retrieving the same quill she had used.
On his leaf he wrote:
Wanting to ensure that his was the second one placed on the tree, Simon delivered a gentle kiss to his girlfriend before quickly standing and then making his way over to the thankful tree. Simon placed his paper leaf on the same limb as hers, tucking into onto a small branch that curved away as sort of a symbol of their present together and the separate yet intertwined paths they would grow along in the future.I'm grateful for my faith which steadies me, my girlfriend AngelFyre whose love has shaped my life, for the learning and experiences that have helped me grow, and for the family and friends who support me every day.
He hoped others would join in the reflection of their own thankfulness and gratefulness but even if they did not, he was so awe-inspired by his girl, amazed with admiration that she had wanted to share such a large part of herself with others and spread the importance of remembering what one is grateful for. Not only did it promote mindfulness, but it also strengthened relationships in acknowledging and appreciating the people around you. Simon also believed that gratitude could shape your future outlook and personal growth by guiding your choices when focusing on what you are thankful for are foster personal growth from appreciating your successes and lessons from failures.
Every holiday had a heart and if Thanksgivings was about gratitude, Simon hoped that his fellow schoolmates would practice it not only on this day but through every day that follows. He certainly did, but it was easy with his girlfriend by his side, sharing in the little moments that made life worth cherishing.
Be kind to one another. (*iNPC is Miles Thatcher)
Grateful Expectations Pt. 1
Dropping her enchanted satchel at her seat, Kaitlyn covered her mouth as she devolved into giggles at seeing the menu. ‘Oh my! Is this what Devon talked about? If I can recall correctly, that cute American girl mentioned an American holiday … I think it’s around now, actually … where they eat like a giant amount of food. They give thanks and gratitude, while spending time with family … and even as friends. According to Devon, there is a thing called Friendsgiving, too. Oh! And she seemed very excited for the day after Thanksgiving, too. Apparently, American shops open mad early and offer discounts. I wonder what she’s going to buy? I’ll have to ask her at some point. She seemed very excited about it. Heh. She’s always excited … and very energetic.’
Gracefully, Kaitlyn slid into her seat at the Slytherin table, her heeled Mary-Janes clacking against the ground. She picked up the parchment leaf that partially obscured the Thanksgiving menu. The young girl heard rumors floating around about the idea of the leaf … but her mind kept replaying information Devon had told her. ‘Devon kept emphasizing gratitude and giving thanks for the meal they were about to have. Maybe these leaves are meant to include gratitude?’
With a smile, Kaitlyn gently played with her pigtail braids. ‘Hm. I feel like this is meant to be a special day in America. I think I’ll take some time at some point to exercise some quiet meditation and write in my diary. I think I’ll bring Demeter with me … and maybe even my awesome Honking Daffodil plant from my dorm.’
Kait rummaged through her enchanted satchel, pulling out her inkwell and a quill. After dipping her quill into the thick ink, she wrote her gratitude in her neat cursive handwriting.
Once she was finished with her leaf … and had to use both sides thanks to her script … Kaitlyn skipped to the giant tree. Gently, she pinned the leaf to the tree and gave the tree a hug before skipping back to her seat. She wanted to review the menu that was at her seat. It sounded like the promise of a good feast!I am grateful to my friends and family for being my support, for nature for blessing me with so many plants to love and tend to, for my education for giving me a variety of new and exciting experiences, and for my magic for opening the door to such a welcoming community.
Word Count: 418 words
Note: Devon is my iNPC.
