Deck The Halls
It wasn't often that Simon had extra time on his hands. Between his studies, strengthening his faith, spending time with his beloved girlfriend or friends, broom racing practice, making himself more knowledable of magical medicine, reading, injuding his curiosity on various topics, practicing his music, and hanging out with his pet rat - Simon didn't often find moments like this.
Today, he had a lull where everything else seemed to be put on hold so he did something that he did so often in his first year at Hogwarts but not as much in these past years and he decided to wander around the corridors to see what there was to see. It still amazed him how the staircases moved (usually so effortless and without problem - although he had an encounter or two with them pausing) and he wondered how many secret passages he wandered past. It was ventures like these that helped him discover the hidden and abandoned classroom that he used for his PULSE meetings - the school's magical medicine club.
Taking a turn in the corridors towards the East wing of Hogwarts' second floor, Simon stopped abbruptly. It was darker there, not like the one he had just traveled. He brought his wand out and said the incantation to illuminate the torches along the stone walls and saw that this particular corridor seemed to be neglected.
With Christmas coming soon, most of the corridors of Hogwarts were adorned with decorations - garlands and greenery, shimmering snow and twinkling enchanted lights. This one, however seemed forgotten amongst the rest.
And Simon, being the true Hufflepuff that he was, wanted nothing forgotten and abandoned at Christmastime - corridors included. He left that corridor, but only momentarily, while he went to gather a box of various Christmas items.
When he returned, he'd set the box down and begin to get to work.
"Charm the halls with floating candles
Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la....."
he began to sing in the tune of Deck the Halls.
Up the candles went, giving warmth almost instantly to the space.
"Watch them glimmer warm and grand
Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la."
He walked back to the box and saw some scarves that had been left behind by students long ago and felt that would be perfect for the old statement piece of furniture that stood at the turn.
"Hang youru scarves in house proud colors,
Crimson, bronze, or blue like waters -
Green as forests sly and clever,
Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la!"
Maybe other students would come upon this Hogwarts holiday decorating and join him.
Be kind to one another. (*iNPC is Miles Thatcher)
Deck The Halls
Zephyr was supposed to be heading back to the Hufflepuff common room after dropping off a stack of borrowed books at the library. It’s already been a long day for him, a lot had happened like Charms practice, a quick stop at the greenhouses to check on a plant he accidentally overwatered, and a simple lunch because he still was not used to the crowd and noise in the Great Hall. He didn’t really feel like going back to the common room right away. It tended to get loud around this time, with students talking about holiday plans. He liked people, but sometimes he liked silence more.
Instead of taking the usual path downstairs, he took a different turn, one he didn’t usually take. He was not trying to explore on purpose, but Hogwarts was full of areas that could grab your attention without planning to. He thought he would walk for a while until he found a place that was not crowded. He didn’t expect to end up in a dim corridor.
Realizing that, he slowed down. “Huh…” This hallway didn’t look like the others. There were no lights, no decorations, no garlands or charmed snowflakes falling from the ceiling. It was just cold stone walls that looked forgotten. He debated turning back but then he heard something. Someone’s singing, a very cheerful singing. He turned the corner slowly and there, in the middle of the corridor, a guy who he had seen in their common room on occasion and from broom racing notices on the board. The boy was unpacking Christmas decorations from a box and sending candles floating into the air as he sang.
He was not sure what he expected, but it definitely was not someone decorating a deserted hallway. Somehow, it reminded him of his mum humming while hanging laundry or decorating their tiny living room during holidays. He decided to make his presence known. “Um… hello?” He glanced at the candles floating above them. “Were you fixing this place up? For the holidays?” His eyes went to the box of decorations, then to the scarves Simon had draped on old furniture. It felt warm here now, not empty and dark.
“If you want… I can help. I’m not great at spells yet, but I can hang things. Or carry stuff. I don’t mind helping. It’s better than walking around alone anyway.” An honest smile appeared on his face, one that always came out when he’s okay and being friendly. “And… you have a good singing voice, by the way.” he awkwardly told him but it was sincere. “I’m Zephyr, Zephyr Deakin.”
@Simon Kincaid
Last edited by Zephyr Deakin on 7 Dec 2025, 23:39, edited 1 time in total.
Calming Presence | The Muggle Condition
Sta: 7 | Eva: 8 | Str: 7 | Wis: 5 | Arc: 8 | Accu: 5
Sta: 7 | Eva: 8 | Str: 7 | Wis: 5 | Arc: 8 | Accu: 5
Deck The Halls
Karime was heading back to her common room to go check up on her cat Cosmo and get ready for when she had to go home. She also wanted to decorate her bed and desk as it was almost christmas. Karime was filled with glee as she looked around the whole castle and saw how the whole castle was decorated. She had a busy morning today with classes, going to the courtyard as usually to write in her journal but she was ready to take a nap on her bed
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Word count: 445
Speaking:#0056d6
She decided to actually write in her journal as she walked. Karime usually doesn't like this as she feels she will zone out while writing and trip, bump into someone and pretty much something horrible will happen. But she could sense she was alone for the most part as a few kids may still be roaming around the halls.
She started writing in her journal while she walked. But of course because of this she got zoned out and ended up in a new territory. She finished writing and put her book away but then she heard singing…. She stopped and listened but then heard it stop. She looked to the corridor and saw there weren't lights or decorations as it was dark and possibly one not many people go to or possibly come to be alone in the dark.
She knew some friends back home who loved being in the pitch dark but for Karime it frightened her as she had a fear of it. But she could hear faint talking and decided to be brave. Yes she wasn't being smart because she could possibly get in trouble if it actually teachers but she also was curious.
So she took a shaky breath as she told herself "You'll be okay”. She turned the corner slowly and there, in the middle of the corridor were two guys. She didn't know either one of them but could see they were from Huffle Puff. She saw the older looking boy unpacking Christmas decorations from a box. He was sending candles floating into the air as he sang. But he saw the other guy who looked around her age as she only heard him say his name was Zephyr Deakin.
Karime felt her anxiety spike as she hoped she wasn't intruding into anything. She came closer to them and saw the decorations. Karime softly said “Um hi… I'm not intruding on anything? Its just I heard singing and um are you guys decorating this area?” She asked curious but also smiled softly as she hoped maybe she could help them and excited as always to meet new people.
Karime Lenior// "She Believed She Could So She Did
Stamina: 6|Evasion: 5|Strength: 4|Wisdom: 8|ArcPower: 5|Accuracy: 7|
Ability: Calming Presence
Deck The Halls
Talking with @Zephyr Deakin and @Karime Lenior
He recognized the Hufflepuff. Simon wasn't prefect anymore and hadn't been this entire school year, but he still took it upon himself as an upperclassmen to try and recognize his fellow house members. Still, he couldn't quite place the name but smiled warmly when he approached.
"That would be amazing," he said of the fellow Hufflepuff's offer of helping. "I've got a box of decorations just there," Simon motioned to the box. "I don't know what happened exactly but it seemed as though this space was forgotten. I turned the corner and all the holiday cheer just seemed to be nonexistant in this corridor," and it wasn't until he said it outloud that he wondered if there hadn't been a reason for that. ....Was there something wrong with this corridor? Surely not.
Zephyr. That was a very unique name and one that Simon wouldn't likely forget quickly. "Simon, Simon Kincaid," he said as he outstretched his hand to him. He didn't say the words to repeat the other, but because he too usually did a similar greeting in stating his first name then repeating his first and last when introducing himself.
"I'd be grateful for the help," he welcomed the boy to join him. "Just filling the space with holiday cheer - no rhyme or reason or plan."
And he was just saying those words when another student approached. Absolutely perfect! Holidays were about togetherness and the more to help with the decorating; the better. "No intrusion at all, welcome! We're going to deck these halls like no one's ever seen before. You want to help? I'm Simon, and this is Zephyr. What's your name? There's a box over there and I have one of the school elves gathering some more. They should be by soon with them."
And almost as if on schedule, there was a crack in the corridor and a school elf appeared, his arms full of garlands, baubles, ribbons, boxes, and enchanted bells. "Simon Kincaid, Sir....." and the elf seemed to notice the others, "and friends.... Breeble is most pleased to be helping students with such a hardworking festive idea!"
The elf snapped his fingers and more boxes now appeared before them. "The portraits are very excited, Sir. They spoke how they'll have to visit the old cabin for a sightseeing tour later," and he pointed to a portrait on the wall where a portrait of a former caretaker of Hogwarts normally resided with a cabin in the background. Simon looked, but the portrait inhabitant was currently visiting another painting elsewhere.
"There is enough decorations here for three corridors, Sir, but Breeble thought better too much that too little at Christmas. You'll all be very good at making this place feel warm. This corridor will not be lonely anymore. Breeble thanks you all."
Simon smiled brightly at the elf, loving how enthusiastic they were at helping others. "Thank you, Breeble. You are always appreciated," he extended his hand out toward the smaller creature who mimicked the notion and they delivered a fist bump to one another. The school elf smiled brightly, glancing to Simon and then the other two, bowing quickly, and scampering away to go do other duties, most likely.
"Well, that was good timing," Simon said and laughed. "Come, both of you....let's Christmas this place up."
Be kind to one another. (*iNPC is Miles Thatcher)
Deck The Halls
Zephyr listened the way he always did when someone explained why they were doing something, and he understood it perfectly. Leaving a place empty during Christmas would feel wrong, even for him. He glanced at the corridor again, taking in the bare stone and the shadows to the corners, even with the candles floating above them. The place felt lonely. “That’s really nice of you, I wouldn’t have thought to do it on my own, but I’m glad someone did.” Hogwarts had many strange places, most of which were harmless but overlooked. “I don’t think anything’s wrong with it; some places were just missed.”
The guy said his name was Simon and held out his hand. He took it; his grip was firm from farm work. "I already know your name, it's a pleasure to meet you. You're one of the broom racers, aren't you? I actually want to be one someday, if given the chance." He once joined an unofficial race and really enjoyed it. Simon welcomed his help, "I can do that.” Already stepping closer to the box. “I’m not great with charms yet, but I can hang things straight or hold things while you cast.” He crouched down and peeked into the box, carefully lifting a bit of garland. “No plan’s fine. Back home, we just put things where they looked right.”
Zephyr heard footsteps before he saw her, so he looked up from the garland in his hands when a girl turned the corner. Simon welcomed her and introduced them to each other. Simon said they were going to deck these halls like no one’s ever seen before. A small smile appeared on his lips. He was not one for big statements, but he liked the idea behind it. "Hello, there, nice to meet you. You are very welcome to help. We're just about to start." Although he was surprised to hear that some school elves would be helping them, Zephyr didn't show it.
Then there was a loud crack.
He jumped slightly, his shoulders tensing before he realised what it was. A house elf appeared, its arms full of decorations. His eyes widened. He saw house elves around the castle before but not this close, and not one so clearly excited. “Oh—” he murmured, stepping back half a step to give the elf room. It also has a name, Simon called it Breeble. He was unsure of the proper way to speak to a house elf, but his parents had taught him to thank anyone who helped, regardless of their status. “That’s really kind of you.” The elf snapped his fingers and even more boxes appeared.
If Simon treated the house elf like a person and not just staff or a creature, then he felt even better being here. After Breeble left, he shifted his grip on the garland and looked at Simon when he laughed. “Couldn’t have planned that better.” At the older guy's invitation, he nodded and stepped closer to the boxes, already reaching down to open one. "Let's get this started."
@Simon Kincaid, @Karime Lenior
Calming Presence | The Muggle Condition
Sta: 7 | Eva: 8 | Str: 7 | Wis: 5 | Arc: 8 | Accu: 5
Sta: 7 | Eva: 8 | Str: 7 | Wis: 5 | Arc: 8 | Accu: 5
Deck The Halls
Karime smiles as she feels relief and happiness as the older Hufflepuff says, "No intrusion at all, welcome! We're going to deck these halls like no one's ever seen before.” Karime giggles softly at this and then answers his question “Yes I would love to help”. He then introduces himself as Simon and points to the other Hufflepuff who she then confirms his name is Zephyr. Zephyr welcomes Karime and says how they're about to start decorating. Karime smiles at this and then looks at Simon as he asks what her name was. She replies with a smile, “My name is Karime Lenior and I'm a first year. It's nice to meet you both”.
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Word count: 312
Speaking:#0056d6
Karime then listens as Simon mentions how there is one box of supplies but more elves are gathering more boxes/supplies and should arrive soon. Karime gets a bit startled when she hears a crack and sees the wall open as an elf comes out, arms full of garlands, baubles, ribbons, boxes, and enchanted bells. Karime has seen the house elves around school and while her parents don’t own a house elf. Her family from both sides own a family elf. Both are treated well though and is there is help anyone from my family
Karime heard the elf say their name Breeble and that they were happy that we were going to decorate this hall and make it not lonely anymore and I look at the portrait the elf pointed to with the cabin. Karime smiled and chuckled softly when she saw Simon fist bump with Breeble before the house elf left. Karime then looked to both of the guys as she heard Simon say “Come, both of you....let's Christmas this place up." Karime smiled as she was glade to have accidentally come here and can't wait to bring cheer and her creativity to this corridor
Reducio
Sorry for very late reply. Been busy 
Karime Lenior// "She Believed She Could So She Did
Stamina: 6|Evasion: 5|Strength: 4|Wisdom: 8|ArcPower: 5|Accuracy: 7|
Ability: Calming Presence
Deck The Halls
Talking with @Zephyr Deakin and @Karime Lenior
"So tell me about yourselves, Zeph and Karmine," Simon said as he strung up a bit of garland by hand. It didn't matter that he was a sixth year; Simon had grown up in the muggle world and therefore he didn't gravitate to instantly using magic for things. Besides, magic was fun, but that didn't mean it replaced all things.
"Where are you two from? What's your backgrounds like? What are some of the important things that someone should know about you? What are your hopes and dreams?" but he smiled wider at this. Yes, he was reaching but was also truly curious about what each would decide to share with him. Simon liked getting past the small talk with people and really getting to know them.
What would they know about him? Probably not much. He was a prefect before they started at Hogwarts. He was just an older student to them. Although, perhaps, especially with that wider smile, they might notice that his teeth resembled that of a dhampir since that was what he was.
If they would notice, he hoped they wouldn't mind. He didn't mind questions about it either but he didn't really like when others felt jittery or nervous around him. He was no threat to them or to the school. Simon was as kind and gentle as they came.
Be kind to one another. (*iNPC is Miles Thatcher)
Deck The Halls
Zephyr was dealing with the garland when Simon asked them personal questions. He paused what he's doing, taking a moment to think. “I’m from a small farm in Swansea. I'm a Half-Blood but I grew up in the muggle world. I had no idea of this world until well...I showed the ability to use magic.” He was not sure how his muggle mom met his pureblood dad as his dad hadn't shared that part with him yet. Or maybe he should have asked but since he had no idea about how important blood status, he didn't bother asking about the specifics. His mind was still refusing the idea that he was a wizard. The idea was preposterous for him that time. He added, “I have a younger sister."
Another question he had for them was what's important about him. Now that was a question he had expected he would asked that day. “I don’t know if there’s anything important. I just do what needs doing.” He tied a ribbon around a hook and tugged gently to make sure it would hold. “I like working, being outside, animals and plants. I don’t really like crowds much." The way he spoke, you won't detect embarrassment, jus stating facts about him. "And I'm starting to like quidditch and broom racing, anything related to flying."
The question about hopes and dreams had him thinking, he had not thought of that far yet. "I don't know..." he frowned, suddenly not liking that he had no idea what he wanted anymore. "My life changed drastically ever since I received my Hogwarts Acceptance letter. Now, all I want is to get familiar with this new world, learned everything I need to learn, be comfortable using magic and just enjoy I guess?" He's taking it one step at a time or else he would overwhelm himself again and he didn't like that feeling. “And maybe try joining broom racing team, if I get the chance.” He glanced at Simon, knowing the guy was one of the broom racers of their house. “What about you two?” Regarding his two companions.
@Simon Kincaid, @Karime Lenior
Calming Presence | The Muggle Condition
Sta: 7 | Eva: 8 | Str: 7 | Wis: 5 | Arc: 8 | Accu: 5
Sta: 7 | Eva: 8 | Str: 7 | Wis: 5 | Arc: 8 | Accu: 5
Deck The Halls
Talking with @Zephyr Deakin and @Karime Lenior
"I totally get it," he said as he nodded. Simon could remember clearly how out of place - yet how amazingly wonderful - it all felt when he first arrived at Hogwarts. His mother had gone here but his aunt who raised him knew nothing of Hogwarts and hadn't known that magic usually was genetic. Even if she had known her nephew would be going off to Hogwarts, she herself didn't really know much to tell him about it anyway.
And then he had a long time where he had to come to terms with being a dhampir and that itself was another journey. Not only was he from the magical world and a wizard but also half vampire? That had been a lot to take in. Luckily now, as he hung Christmastime decorations amongst the corridors, he felt at ease with both of these things. Hogwarts was his home away from home and he was saddened to know he'd have to leave it all behind someday. To new ventures and hopefully he could still return from time to time to help with the Hospital Wing or if Hogwarts should continue to have a school club on magical medicine.
"Broom racing is the best," Simon flashed a large smile. He had been on the team for several years now but truly he believed that. It combined quidditch with being on broomsticks and doddging things and it combined dueling with spellcasting and blocking. It combined the other sports but the absolute best thing about broom racing was the speed.
"Me - I was born and raised in London. Grew up....fairly normal," although Simon wasn't quite sure what classified as normal. "Went to church, spent a lot of time in my aunt's bookstore/bakery, spent time with friends. I was so excited and also out of my element when I came to Hogwarts. I knew nothing of magic or that it was even real. It took a lot of time to navigate it all and accept it wasn't a dream, you know? It's been amazing. Some of my favorite people I've met here," and his first thought was of AngelFyre.
"I'm trying to get all I can out of Hogwarts and enjoy the time here. After this, I hope to become a healer at St. Mungos. I've been doing an internship with them during holidays."
Be kind to one another. (*iNPC is Miles Thatcher)