Reach for the Stars
Uagadou has always been the school of stars and dreams. Today, the headmaster intends to share this philosophy with the rest of the world through three writing activities for students of all schools and their staff members. Participants are encouraged to keep these works or share them with others to remind themselves of the beauty of hope and nighttime.
Each school would receive owls with cordial greetings and the following words:
Stars shine the way through the darkest times. Write a piece of prose, preferably inspired by real [IC] events, where something or someone has guided you through a period of distress or uncertainty. How have they made a lasting impact on you?
Aspirations are what make the world go round. Talk about your ambitions in life. What do you hope to do? Who do you hope to become? Where do you see yourself in a year? Five years? Ten years? How would your dreams contribute to the world?
Dreams bless our nights with revelry and reflection. Keep a dream journal. Not only should you note down the going ons of your mind at night, but you are also encouraged to look back and analyse what they could possibly mean and interpret them.
we are all stardust and stories. we are all dreams.
Archer Duncan | Liliya Starkova
Archer Duncan | Liliya Starkova
Reach for the Stars
Sunny had heard about the Uagadou activities or even look at sign up sheets, but his parents had warned him that he was not to participate in any activities until he was completely caught up on all of his homeworks and had earned Better-Than-An-O-Average grade. After many emails back to his folks trying to explain that O was the best grade there was, the head of Gryffindor had written a note for him to include with his next owl, and his parents finally seemed satisfied, though a little dismissive of Sunny's O-average grades, though at least, now, he was allowed to even look at activity sign up sheets, but still not participate in them. Still, Sunny liked being social. Wasn't that was Hogwarts was supposed to be all about? He could have done a home mail correspondence course if all of this were really do-able at home alone.
So when he'd seen the activity sign up sheets about this activity, he had jumped at the chance.
Sunny found himself in the room of requirement area where they were encouraged to write encouraging messages, hopes, and dreams. The letter delivered by owl to Sunny had explained that if anyone wanted to share their notes or works, they could be distributed randomly to students at Uagadou , like to a pen-pal. A writing activity? Sunny could just say that he was writing letters or writing in his journal when he wrote his weekly owl back home. Sign him up!
He approached the tables in the room of requirement all set up with cardstock, paperstock, scrolls, and the like all set out with a various array of stickers, stamps, markers, paints, glitter, glue, whatever they could possibly desire to write with. There were long tables set up where students could craft and decorate together, or couches and cozy chairs where they could compose their works in more quiet.
Sunny found a spot at the table, hoping others would join him, and began to compose works to anonymous students at Uagadou that he hoped to inspire.
When Sunny had finished writing his notes, the bundled them all up and turned them in to be distributed annonymously to the students at Uagadou.
So when he'd seen the activity sign up sheets about this activity, he had jumped at the chance.
Sunny found himself in the room of requirement area where they were encouraged to write encouraging messages, hopes, and dreams. The letter delivered by owl to Sunny had explained that if anyone wanted to share their notes or works, they could be distributed randomly to students at Uagadou , like to a pen-pal. A writing activity? Sunny could just say that he was writing letters or writing in his journal when he wrote his weekly owl back home. Sign him up!
He approached the tables in the room of requirement all set up with cardstock, paperstock, scrolls, and the like all set out with a various array of stickers, stamps, markers, paints, glitter, glue, whatever they could possibly desire to write with. There were long tables set up where students could craft and decorate together, or couches and cozy chairs where they could compose their works in more quiet.
Sunny found a spot at the table, hoping others would join him, and began to compose works to anonymous students at Uagadou that he hoped to inspire.
Stars shine the way through the darkest times
Reducio
I thought that what you were supposed to do is what mommy and daddy did
Fight and yell and be told how less than you are and how better they are
So when I left I found a person and inside of that relationship I hid
All of the bad things happened, all of my trauma retold anew, and re-opened was each scar
Have you stuffed a part of you in a box?
But throughout it all was this prevailing feeling
That maybe I was worth more than just someone else's grandbaby production
That maybe there could be peace and finding myself through healing
That maybe the meaning of life wasn't just constant self-destruction
Who are you?
But I was trapped you see, I had buried myself inside depression
Which is essentially an addiction to self-destruction, sadness, and regression
All of the things that I thought were just normal life were taking a toll
All of this insanity was tanking my grades, and drowning my mental health whole
Where are you going?
Little by little I dared to dream, I dared to see, I dared to think
Little by little I started to wake, I started to swim, I started to sync
Who I really was and who I'd buried, with what I really wanted for me
How can you get back to you?
But this new person I was becoming wasn't compatible with my old life
My partner and I fought and fought, them finding reasons that my attitude wasn't to be bought,
And so this life of hiding I had created to hide began to unravel
What parts of yourself are still there to guide you?
And I was faced with just me and my trauma
It was quiet here and I could see the light at the end of the tunnel
But also there was so much grieving for my original wounds, for all the years wasted, for the failed relationship, and it was all a depression funnel
Where do you actually want to be, for you?
I realized that the light and my hopes were not lost, it was all just a part of the process
When you find yourself in the darkness, you still have to travel to your new address
How can you get there?
The process was long but infinitely easy, I'd already faced all the scary things,
There was nothing left to be scared of
Only myself
You can get there
I found peace at the end of the tunnel
There is peace at the end of your tunnel
You just have to stop digging the hole
Go to what brings you peace
Aspirations are what make the world go round
Reducio
Dear Person,
My name is Sunny and I'm at Hogwarts for school this year, what's your name? I only dared to dream of coming to Hogwarts in my wildest daydreams, but somehow, it all worked out. At the time I was very worried. Things weren't very smooth. There were many times that it looked like things weren't going to work out. And I wasn't scared that they weren't working out, I was only afraid that I might not accomplish my dream.
At one point, things looked really bad for me. My baby sister was very sick and we were so afraid that she might pass. I went home and it looked like I would stay home. But she got better. And I got to come back. So, everything worked out, and I feel at peace.
My parents want me to go home after this, get married to the person they choose, and work at their business, and produce as many grandbabies as possible. But I don't want any of those things. I'm afraid to tell them. I want to become an auror. Before I went to the school, I hadn't thought of it. Before I went to this school, I thought that having grandbabies and working at my parents business was the only choice that I had. I was so unhappy. But because I dared to dream, I'm here. And everything is ok.
What is your dream? It's ok if you're scared to dream it. It will be ok. It will. It will be ok.
- Sunny
Dreams bless our nights with revelry and reflection
Reducio
Dream Journal Night of Dec 11
I drive my car to the grocery store and it is not raining, but it looks like it will. Everyone in the store is wet from previous rain, and there are puddles. I buy food, but when I come out of the store, it really is raining. With my shopping cart of groceries, I go to where my car would be, but it's not there. It's raining a lot now. But my car is gone. It's been stolen.
Tonight in this dream, I call dad. He answers and tells me what to do, but it's not very helpful, but it does calm me down. I don't find my car. In these dreams, I never do.
INTERPRETATION: Many people can go through hard times just like you and they all get through it. The stolen car and rain both signify being worried about losing control. Since I've been worried about finances, I think this dream means that I'm finally feeling better about my finances, but, I'm worried that I something bad could happen and I could lose control. Even though my dad has passed away, he still loves me and tries to help how he can.
Dream Journal Night of Dec 12
I dreamt of Kim again. Again I tried to explain to Kim that I was so sorry for what I did. It didn't matter to him. I tried to be friendly, hoping to make it up to him but knowing nothing could make up for what I'd done. But Kim was so uncomfortable and really didn't want to talk to me. We were all waiting to go on a flight, we were all biding our time. Kim had a significant other, and she was very attached to him, and you could tell how much she cared and where her loyalties were. But I was alone.
Kim and his significant other left for their flight, but I was still there. Still trying to pack and shove more things into too much luggage. When I left the house and went to the airport, Kim and his significant other were boarding, their destination was somewhere else. I was very early still to the airport, it wasn't dawn yet, and I had a long wait.
Sometimes in this type of dream I try to find amenities and get distracted. Or I get lost. Or I try to leave some other way and get more lost.
INTERPRETATION: Kim is not the same person that he was, and he is really tired of hearing your excuses and apologies, he has moved past it - I am the one who hasn't. And, I don't have to be worried about Kim being forever single, he's found someone. And I don't have to worry about Kim's life not taking off. It's taken off. I'm the one who's waiting for things to take off. And, sometimes I get distracted with other things, and those distractions never lead me where I want to go.
When Sunny had finished writing his notes, the bundled them all up and turned them in to be distributed annonymously to the students at Uagadou.
Reach for the Stars
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Reach for the Stars
Harumi barely participated in any activities since the year started, she liked doing activities but alot of activities included interactions with either students or professors, and she was too introverted for that, she tried to step out of her comfort zone many times but she always regrets it, therfore she decided to start small, she'll join activities that didn't need much interaction first then gradually increase interactions, so when she learned about the writing activity she was enthusiastic, that is basically a no interaction activity, and even if someone were to read her writing, it's not like she will be there to see their reactions.
She sat down in the library to start her writing, what should she write about? She looked at the first topic, Stars shine the way through the darkest times, it would be easy to write in this topic, whether she writes a real event or a made up one.
Next she looks at the second topic, Aspirations are what make the world go round, she never thought about what she would like to be in a few years, it would be so hard for her to write in this topic, but nothing is impossible if she tried hard enough.
Finally she looks at the last topic, dreams bless our night with revelry and reflection, that might be the easiest topic to write in for her, she has some crazy dreams she could write about, whether nightmares or happy dreams, she has plenty of ideas and stories for this topic. (WC=256)
She decides to write the easiest first, the dreams journal, "it will be easy and fun, I will write about my dreams from the previous nights" she thought as she hold her pen and starts to write. (WC=37)
Dreams bless our night with revelry and reflection
After finishing the dream journal she looks at the watch, still plenty of time, she can write the prose about her darkest times, she immediately thought of Isela and started to write. (WC=32)
Stars shine the way through the darkest times
She looked at the watch, it didn't take her long, she has a little more time she could use to write about her aspirations, "it's doesn't have to be perfect, as long as the other two are good, it's fine if this one isn't" she thought as she picked the pen one last time. (WC=52)
Aspirations are what make the world go round
She looks at the things she wrote, she really did outdo herself here, compared to others she's definitely not the best, but this is beyond her best, she smiles to herself and puts down her pen. (WC=36)
She sat down in the library to start her writing, what should she write about? She looked at the first topic, Stars shine the way through the darkest times, it would be easy to write in this topic, whether she writes a real event or a made up one.
Next she looks at the second topic, Aspirations are what make the world go round, she never thought about what she would like to be in a few years, it would be so hard for her to write in this topic, but nothing is impossible if she tried hard enough.
Finally she looks at the last topic, dreams bless our night with revelry and reflection, that might be the easiest topic to write in for her, she has some crazy dreams she could write about, whether nightmares or happy dreams, she has plenty of ideas and stories for this topic. (WC=256)
She decides to write the easiest first, the dreams journal, "it will be easy and fun, I will write about my dreams from the previous nights" she thought as she hold her pen and starts to write. (WC=37)
Dreams bless our night with revelry and reflection
Reducio
December 13th: Tonight my dream was a nightmare, I dreamt of being on my bed trying to sleep when suddenly everything fades to darkness, I scream and scream but no sound comes out of my throat.
Darkness means fear and/or feeling helpless, it could also mean I am trapped or feeling trapped, or even that I am approaching something unknown, the lack of voice means I lack control over my situation, so my interpretation would be that I am trapped in something new or unknown to me and I lack control over it.
December 14th: Tonight I dreamt about going to the sea and swimming, the sea was stormy at first but it quickly became calm.
The sea could reflect the person's emotions, a stormy sea means negative emotions or internal turmoil, a calm sea represents calmness and balanced feelings, swimming symbolises exploring those emotions, so my interpretation is I am through a period of internal turmoil but as I dive deeply into it I will find balance.
December 15th: Tonight I dreamt of talking to my muggle best friend whom I didn't see for a while, we ate ice cream and chatted.
Dreaming of someone you didn't talk to for a while and talking with them could meang longing or feeling lonely without the person, eating ice cream could symbolise finding happiness in small things, so my interpretation is that I miss my friend and chatting with her, although it's a small thing, would make me happy. (WC=256)
December 13th: Tonight my dream was a nightmare, I dreamt of being on my bed trying to sleep when suddenly everything fades to darkness, I scream and scream but no sound comes out of my throat.
Darkness means fear and/or feeling helpless, it could also mean I am trapped or feeling trapped, or even that I am approaching something unknown, the lack of voice means I lack control over my situation, so my interpretation would be that I am trapped in something new or unknown to me and I lack control over it.
December 14th: Tonight I dreamt about going to the sea and swimming, the sea was stormy at first but it quickly became calm.
The sea could reflect the person's emotions, a stormy sea means negative emotions or internal turmoil, a calm sea represents calmness and balanced feelings, swimming symbolises exploring those emotions, so my interpretation is I am through a period of internal turmoil but as I dive deeply into it I will find balance.
December 15th: Tonight I dreamt of talking to my muggle best friend whom I didn't see for a while, we ate ice cream and chatted.
Dreaming of someone you didn't talk to for a while and talking with them could meang longing or feeling lonely without the person, eating ice cream could symbolise finding happiness in small things, so my interpretation is that I miss my friend and chatting with her, although it's a small thing, would make me happy. (WC=256)
After finishing the dream journal she looks at the watch, still plenty of time, she can write the prose about her darkest times, she immediately thought of Isela and started to write. (WC=32)
Stars shine the way through the darkest times
Reducio
I always felt lonely in school, students avoided me all the time, they claimed strange things happen around me —books flying, pens breaking in half, and doors closing without someone behind to close it —which is true but it's not like I want that to happen! Therefore I would always sit far from the others, eat the lunch alone, and do projects solo, I didn't mind being alone but that's not loneliness, that's isolation!
Teachers seemed to pity me, during field trips they'd make me sit with them, they would chat amongst themselves while I listened, students started disliking me even more for being what they called a "teachers' pet", it felt as if I was on a whole different planet than the others.
Until one day a new girl transferred to our school, her name is Isela, she introduced herself saying she moved schools because of moving from her home city, that's in the country, to here, she also said she has autism with mild severity, I didn't care much at first, students move schools all the time and I highly doubt she'll befriend me of all people, but I was wrong.
During lunch one day, she sat at my empty table, she started making small talk, at first I was reluctant but then I became confident and started telling her about London, and our school, and things she can do around, we quickly became friends and my dark days at school came to an end, other students also befriended Isela, she's such a sweet soul, and seeing her talk to me encouraged some of the other students to talk to me.
It only takes one brave person to change someone's life to the better. (WC=297)
I always felt lonely in school, students avoided me all the time, they claimed strange things happen around me —books flying, pens breaking in half, and doors closing without someone behind to close it —which is true but it's not like I want that to happen! Therefore I would always sit far from the others, eat the lunch alone, and do projects solo, I didn't mind being alone but that's not loneliness, that's isolation!
Teachers seemed to pity me, during field trips they'd make me sit with them, they would chat amongst themselves while I listened, students started disliking me even more for being what they called a "teachers' pet", it felt as if I was on a whole different planet than the others.
Until one day a new girl transferred to our school, her name is Isela, she introduced herself saying she moved schools because of moving from her home city, that's in the country, to here, she also said she has autism with mild severity, I didn't care much at first, students move schools all the time and I highly doubt she'll befriend me of all people, but I was wrong.
During lunch one day, she sat at my empty table, she started making small talk, at first I was reluctant but then I became confident and started telling her about London, and our school, and things she can do around, we quickly became friends and my dark days at school came to an end, other students also befriended Isela, she's such a sweet soul, and seeing her talk to me encouraged some of the other students to talk to me.
It only takes one brave person to change someone's life to the better. (WC=297)
She looked at the watch, it didn't take her long, she has a little more time she could use to write about her aspirations, "it's doesn't have to be perfect, as long as the other two are good, it's fine if this one isn't" she thought as she picked the pen one last time. (WC=52)
Aspirations are what make the world go round
Reducio
I don't have many dreams, I always thought that if I live somewhere quite, perhaps bside the sea or in a forest, with a few pets, cats, owls, parrots, fish and more, I will be content.
But people said I'll be lonely, some said I should get married, that's a woman's purpose in life, some said I should aspire to become something great because that's a human's purpose, others said greatness is a fantasy and marriage is just more problems, so they said I should get a stable job and lead a normal life.
But now I realise, what I want isn't a quiet house on the edge of the world, nor is it becoming a housewife, and greatness is too far of a dream, and even normalcy is relative, what I want is freedom and a chance, a chance to change myself, the world and everyone! Don't get me wrong, I'm not looking for a perfect world, just a world where we at least have a chance to live, where we at least can live instead of just barely survive!
What I aspire to be is to become hope for those who need it, not hope in the sense of giving them a perfect world, no, I can't do that, it's impossible, I want to be hope in the sense of giving them at least a chance, a chance to live a little better, I can't remove their suffering, but at the very least I want them to have hope that they aren't alone, that there is someone trying their best to make them live instead of survive.
I highly doubt this can be achieved completely, not in ten years or twenty or even a century, with everyone's help we can only come close to achieving it, but at the very least, I can aspire that in ten years time everyone around me will have hope. (WC=322)
I don't have many dreams, I always thought that if I live somewhere quite, perhaps bside the sea or in a forest, with a few pets, cats, owls, parrots, fish and more, I will be content.
But people said I'll be lonely, some said I should get married, that's a woman's purpose in life, some said I should aspire to become something great because that's a human's purpose, others said greatness is a fantasy and marriage is just more problems, so they said I should get a stable job and lead a normal life.
But now I realise, what I want isn't a quiet house on the edge of the world, nor is it becoming a housewife, and greatness is too far of a dream, and even normalcy is relative, what I want is freedom and a chance, a chance to change myself, the world and everyone! Don't get me wrong, I'm not looking for a perfect world, just a world where we at least have a chance to live, where we at least can live instead of just barely survive!
What I aspire to be is to become hope for those who need it, not hope in the sense of giving them a perfect world, no, I can't do that, it's impossible, I want to be hope in the sense of giving them at least a chance, a chance to live a little better, I can't remove their suffering, but at the very least I want them to have hope that they aren't alone, that there is someone trying their best to make them live instead of survive.
I highly doubt this can be achieved completely, not in ten years or twenty or even a century, with everyone's help we can only come close to achieving it, but at the very least, I can aspire that in ten years time everyone around me will have hope. (WC=322)
She looks at the things she wrote, she really did outdo herself here, compared to others she's definitely not the best, but this is beyond her best, she smiles to herself and puts down her pen. (WC=36)
Haru
Reach for the Stars
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Crystal Theodora paused at the threshold, fingers curling once around the strap of her bag, a habitual reflex when she was nervous, then released it. This was supposed to be an evening for herself. For her to collect her thoughts and write it down. This will help her sort out her feelings. She reminded herself of that as she stepped inside.
She had dressed rather casually. A fitted white top beneath a dark leather whose sleeves were just slightly too long for her wrists. A deep green skirt fell to mid-thigh, cinched at the waist with a belt shaped like a silver butterfly.
Crystal slowly surveyed the space. pupils from various educational institutions. Tables filled with parchments, quills, and ink. This wasn't a competition, at least. This was a casual gathering. Something in her chest was relieved just by that.
She took a seat close to the edge. Her thoughts had always found a way to breathe through writing. Perhaps tonight, if Uagadou believed in dreams, stars, and philosophy.Crystal pondered...She could also allow herself to believe.
The first question was about someone who had helped her through dark times...And there was one person who clearly came to mind. Kora Eliot. A soft smile tugged at the corner of her lips as she thought of the girl she had come to spend so much time with the past few months. She dipped her quill in the ink and began writing...
ReducioStars shine the way through the darkest times. Write a piece of prose, preferably inspired by real [IC] events, where something or someone has guided you through a period of distress or uncertainty. How have they made a lasting impact on you?
Sometimes the night seems too loud, when every error reverberates and every step forward seems uncertain. This year, I was more frequently struck by that darkness than I would like to acknowledge. My body responded to my fear of failing a test before my mind could process it. It felt like a complete failure. Kora Eliot became my constant star during those times. She never made an effort to correct me or told me that I was exaggerating, which were the comments from my parents that I had gotten used to. She stayed my side. She reminded me that panic is not weakness. Whether it was through sitting next to me after her quidditch practice or by helping me stabilize my breathing to ground me when my jaw was clenched too tightly. The thing that most amazed me was how someone so successful could still be so human. She's the Gryffindor Quidditch Keeper for god's sake! But she's still so compassionate and caring in the ways that mattered. She taught me that being strong doesn't have to mean standing by yourself. It entails allowing someone to guide you when your own vision fails. Her hugs are always so warm and she always knows exactly what to say. And she means them. I think I'm falling for her...
As Crystal finished the first question, she read through her first answer. Satisfied it was to a mark she usually sets for herself when she writes anything down, she looked at the second question. Her future goals? That's easy!
ReducioAspirations are what make the world go round. Talk about your ambitions in life. What do you hope to do? Who do you hope to become? Where do you see yourself in a year? Five years? Ten years? How would your dreams contribute to the world?
I don't yet know the exact title I want to have or the exact route that will get me there, but I do know where my goals are going. My dream job would be in the Ministry of Magic. I've always found significance in the notion of defending others and intervening when situations become hazardous or unfair. I find it fascinating to become an Auror. At the same time, I'm drawn to magical law and enforcement, to comprehending the laws that govern our world and learning how to apply them equitably. I want to feel less defined by my mistakes and more assured of my skills in a year. In five years, I imagine myself still learning here at Hogwarts. I wish to have perfect grades. I hope to become a Gryffindor prefect. I also hope to make LOTS of friends! In ten years, I hope to be someone others feel safe turning to. I want to make a difference quietly, through consistency and care. If I can help even a few people feel protected, understood, or treated justly, then I will have become the kind of person I hope to be. I also do hope I'm still in touch with Kora after we graduate and perhaps...have a family together one day!
Crystal blushed slightly as she finished writing her answer to the second question. She read through her answer once and then read the third question. Dream journal? Now this would be a difficult to tackle. But she did have a weird dream recently. Maybe she could write about that.
ReducioDreams bless our nights with revelry and reflection. Keep a dream journal. Not only should you note down the going ons of your mind at night, but you are also encouraged to look back and analyse what they could possibly mean and interpret them.
I dreamed I was standing at the edge of a cliff suspended over darkness. I couldn’t see the bottom of the cliff. Only white mist moving slowly beneath me. There was a bridge that connected to another hill. Beyond which, I could see some signs of life and vegetation. I was already starving. But I had to choose between turning back to the deserted hill behind me or taking a step forward.
It was an old, wobbly bridge; and I could feel it creak under my steps. I knew that if I was in a hurry, I would fall, but to stand still would be the same as falling. I was alone, at first, immobilized by the burden of choosing. When suddenly, out of nowhere, there was someone standing at my side...Not in front of me, not behind me; just next to me and close enough for me to feel his presence. They did not touch me or say anything. They simply matched my pace
The bridge hadn’t become still, but I did. I found out I did not need certainty to move, only steadiness. When I came to the far side, the fog seemed to lift just a little so that I saw something solid ahead and open sky. In retrospect, the bridge was not infinite. I think the bridge symbolizes my fear of failure and what I consider to be an incredible amount of pressure that I put on every decision. It’s no one special. No face at all but it seems to loom down upon me and a darkness under it feels just like the unknown future I’m terrified of falling into.
It wasn’t about being saved by the presence next to me; it was about being carried. This dream was a reminder that I don’t have to face every obstacle alone, and that progress doesn’t mean being courageous without fear. It's just willing to step forward regardless. But they made me believe in myself.
As Crystal finished her answers to the three questions, she cast the Gemino spell on her parchment. She smiled as a replica of the parchment she wrote appeared on her lap. She folded it neatly and put in her tote bag.
Crystal signed the parchment on the right corner and then stood up to leave. She left her parchment on the table. Because she wanted to prove to herself that nothing could wrong about letting others know about what you're truly feeling.
As she left the room, there was a new spring in her step. Maybe philosophy was what she needed to get to know herself better!
Last edited by Crystal Theodora on 2 Feb 2026, 14:00, edited 1 time in total.
Reach for the Stars
𝓢 o, the headmaster of Uagadou had suggested a few activities students could do. That was interesting, wasn't it? Most of them were regarding self-reflection, and Anna thought maybe such activities would do good for her. Maybe it'd create some level of self-awareness, and make her reflect a little more over her short life, over herself. Besides, just staying put to analyse and reflect upon you and the matters of the world does wonders to your intellectual health, and it's also how some great philosophers around began their career. Anna didn't expect to be one of them any time soon, but this type of exercise is healthy and recommendable to do from time to time. And so, she signed up for that activity when she saw the sheets, and soon was sitting down, eyes closed to better focus, with a quill in one hand and parchment in the other.
"Right. Let's begin this..."
The first activity was a prose. She wasn't good at proses... And she didn't have any particularly dark moments in her life. She'd... Try, still.
"This is kind of stupid", Anna thought. "Nobody's darkest time is 'leaving home' or 'entering school'. But mine was. Whatever, I don't HAVE to share this with anyone, it's just for healthy self-reflection. Or... I could find the courage to share it later. Hmm..."
She passed to the next activity, and immediately lightened up when she saw it. This first activity was a little difficulty but this next one was something she's always wanted to talk about. She quickly began writing.
"Huh, under this light... I'm really ambitious, am I not?", she thought, tapping her finger on the parchment. That's something she had in common with the Slytherin house... It's interesting she ended up in hufflepuff. But she loved her house, so that was okay too. Besides, the reflection she was supposed to make now was another.
This exercise has been really productive. The next one was interesting, especially since she had a very unusual dream this night.
Anna finally let go of her quill. This reflection, like expected, had been good for her. She maybe needed this to reflect upon herself... Maybe she needed to do this more often.
"Right. Let's begin this..."
The first activity was a prose. She wasn't good at proses... And she didn't have any particularly dark moments in her life. She'd... Try, still.
Reducio
Stars shine the way through the darkest time
The world and everything in it. The crowds, the smells, the sounds. Isn't it such a normal thing? Isn't it something most people are used to at the age of 11? At least, that's what I realized, looking at people when I first went to the Diagon Alley. I saw smiles, bustling stores, beautiful clothes. I saw happy people holding ice cream. That was my vision when I first left my home to see the alley for the first time.
...These people have no idea of terrifying the world is. Like a baby leaving the warm and peaceful womb to meet with healers and light and nurses everywhere, I've left my family's calming home to go straight to an unexpectedly frightening place. And then, another one, named Hogwarts. If the Diagon Alley surprised me, Hogwarts was even worse. A higher concentration of people every day, many of which for some reason appeared to enjoy the noise, things flying around, moving stairs and ghosts. Everything being new and a little scary was to be expected, I just didn't think it'd be like... This.
I can't say a single person was my star to guide me through this overwhelming time of adaptation. Rather, it was... Everyone I know. My family supported me and continued to give me stability when everything else was chaotic and unpredictable. And I made friends! More than I expected. Unknowingly, they gave me strength and comfort so I could explore more of this world. Before I knew it, I was the one drinking ice cream in a sunny day with my friend in the Diagon Alley. I didn't even realize when I felt so safe in this school it felt like a shame to leave it. It's not like everything stopped being overwhelming, but I learnt to adapt. To redirect my focus, protect myself from overstimulation, find ways to not let my senses be attacked by this excess all the time. I couldn't do this alone... It was everyone else's support that gave me security to walk through this world every day and smile. And... I, too, want to shine to other people the same way they shined for me.
The world and everything in it. The crowds, the smells, the sounds. Isn't it such a normal thing? Isn't it something most people are used to at the age of 11? At least, that's what I realized, looking at people when I first went to the Diagon Alley. I saw smiles, bustling stores, beautiful clothes. I saw happy people holding ice cream. That was my vision when I first left my home to see the alley for the first time.
...These people have no idea of terrifying the world is. Like a baby leaving the warm and peaceful womb to meet with healers and light and nurses everywhere, I've left my family's calming home to go straight to an unexpectedly frightening place. And then, another one, named Hogwarts. If the Diagon Alley surprised me, Hogwarts was even worse. A higher concentration of people every day, many of which for some reason appeared to enjoy the noise, things flying around, moving stairs and ghosts. Everything being new and a little scary was to be expected, I just didn't think it'd be like... This.
I can't say a single person was my star to guide me through this overwhelming time of adaptation. Rather, it was... Everyone I know. My family supported me and continued to give me stability when everything else was chaotic and unpredictable. And I made friends! More than I expected. Unknowingly, they gave me strength and comfort so I could explore more of this world. Before I knew it, I was the one drinking ice cream in a sunny day with my friend in the Diagon Alley. I didn't even realize when I felt so safe in this school it felt like a shame to leave it. It's not like everything stopped being overwhelming, but I learnt to adapt. To redirect my focus, protect myself from overstimulation, find ways to not let my senses be attacked by this excess all the time. I couldn't do this alone... It was everyone else's support that gave me security to walk through this world every day and smile. And... I, too, want to shine to other people the same way they shined for me.
"This is kind of stupid", Anna thought. "Nobody's darkest time is 'leaving home' or 'entering school'. But mine was. Whatever, I don't HAVE to share this with anyone, it's just for healthy self-reflection. Or... I could find the courage to share it later. Hmm..."
She passed to the next activity, and immediately lightened up when she saw it. This first activity was a little difficulty but this next one was something she's always wanted to talk about. She quickly began writing.
Reducio
Aspirations are what makes the world goes round
My future is made of goals I've already defined and am currently seeking to achieve. It's no surprise at all I want to work with herbology. It's undeniably my favorite academic field and something I've been greatly interested in since I was much, much younger. From muggle plants to magical plants, everything about nature fascinates me. I'd like to further research about every herb and speck of grass and all of its properties and aspects. I am aware some people might find this underwhelming, but I don't particularly care. It's my life, not theirs, and unless I drastically change for some reason, I'll study plants until my last breath. I believe everyone should have a passion like that. But it's not just plants I want to learn about; it's everything else, too. The world is impossibly big and full of new possibilities. I want to study everything I possibly could in my life.
But there's more I aspire to than just a job, or my future would be quite boring.
See, my grandmother is the current matriarch of my family... But she's aging, and someday her position will have to be taken by someone else. If possible, I'd like to be that someone. It's something I'll have to fight for, and so I'll strive for excellence every day I'm alive. Granny has already said she expects me to be the next matriarch, so maybe I'm on the right track!
But those are my life goals. For now, I'll be doing what I can and want. I've been studying spells to join the dueling club, I think that's something I want to try to do when I return from winter break. I want to keep my grades high, but not because I copied from someone or studied last-second, but because I genuinely understood everything that was being taught. I want to keep practicing my hobbies.
Most importantly, in the future, I want to be as comfortable with myself as I am now.
My future is made of goals I've already defined and am currently seeking to achieve. It's no surprise at all I want to work with herbology. It's undeniably my favorite academic field and something I've been greatly interested in since I was much, much younger. From muggle plants to magical plants, everything about nature fascinates me. I'd like to further research about every herb and speck of grass and all of its properties and aspects. I am aware some people might find this underwhelming, but I don't particularly care. It's my life, not theirs, and unless I drastically change for some reason, I'll study plants until my last breath. I believe everyone should have a passion like that. But it's not just plants I want to learn about; it's everything else, too. The world is impossibly big and full of new possibilities. I want to study everything I possibly could in my life.
But there's more I aspire to than just a job, or my future would be quite boring.
See, my grandmother is the current matriarch of my family... But she's aging, and someday her position will have to be taken by someone else. If possible, I'd like to be that someone. It's something I'll have to fight for, and so I'll strive for excellence every day I'm alive. Granny has already said she expects me to be the next matriarch, so maybe I'm on the right track!
But those are my life goals. For now, I'll be doing what I can and want. I've been studying spells to join the dueling club, I think that's something I want to try to do when I return from winter break. I want to keep my grades high, but not because I copied from someone or studied last-second, but because I genuinely understood everything that was being taught. I want to keep practicing my hobbies.
Most importantly, in the future, I want to be as comfortable with myself as I am now.
"Huh, under this light... I'm really ambitious, am I not?", she thought, tapping her finger on the parchment. That's something she had in common with the Slytherin house... It's interesting she ended up in hufflepuff. But she loved her house, so that was okay too. Besides, the reflection she was supposed to make now was another.
This exercise has been really productive. The next one was interesting, especially since she had a very unusual dream this night.
Reducio
Dreams bless our nights with revelry and reflection
December 20th:
Today, I had a bad dream. I dreamt that I was in a sort of white space, and only I existed. But that didn't last much. Someone else appeared, one of my friends, Nova. I reached out to touch her, maybe hug her, I'm not sure. I just knew I wanted to be close to her. But when I touched her, she disappeared. Behind me, appeared another one of my friends, Ruby, and I ran to her, hoping she'd understand what happened, but when I briefly touched her arm in the process, she disappeared too. This kept happening over and over again, with my friends and relatives. I think I knew people disappeared when I touched them, but I was too afraid to think and I needed some sort of comfort, someone to calm me down and reassure me everything was okay. But my family disappeared, my friends disappeared, and it was because I erased them all, and there was no relive or rest from this never-ending nightmare.
At some point, I was alone again. Only I existed in that white space. It felt even emptier than the beginning, when nobody but me had been there in the first place. I looked at my hand for a bit, the hand that erased everyone I loved, and then I touched my chest, and disappeared, ending the dream.
I'm not too sure of what this means. Am I afraid I'll push away the people I care about? Or hurt them?... Well, when I think about it this way, there have been some... Recent events that would probably influence this dream. Guilt of having hurt someone, and fear that I'll do it again or that I'll always hurt people like this. Or maybe I'm just scared I'll hurt anyone I love when my friends and family are my entire world.
December 20th:
Today, I had a bad dream. I dreamt that I was in a sort of white space, and only I existed. But that didn't last much. Someone else appeared, one of my friends, Nova. I reached out to touch her, maybe hug her, I'm not sure. I just knew I wanted to be close to her. But when I touched her, she disappeared. Behind me, appeared another one of my friends, Ruby, and I ran to her, hoping she'd understand what happened, but when I briefly touched her arm in the process, she disappeared too. This kept happening over and over again, with my friends and relatives. I think I knew people disappeared when I touched them, but I was too afraid to think and I needed some sort of comfort, someone to calm me down and reassure me everything was okay. But my family disappeared, my friends disappeared, and it was because I erased them all, and there was no relive or rest from this never-ending nightmare.
At some point, I was alone again. Only I existed in that white space. It felt even emptier than the beginning, when nobody but me had been there in the first place. I looked at my hand for a bit, the hand that erased everyone I loved, and then I touched my chest, and disappeared, ending the dream.
I'm not too sure of what this means. Am I afraid I'll push away the people I care about? Or hurt them?... Well, when I think about it this way, there have been some... Recent events that would probably influence this dream. Guilt of having hurt someone, and fear that I'll do it again or that I'll always hurt people like this. Or maybe I'm just scared I'll hurt anyone I love when my friends and family are my entire world.
Anna finally let go of her quill. This reflection, like expected, had been good for her. She maybe needed this to reflect upon herself... Maybe she needed to do this more often.
Reach for the Stars
GEORGE'S DREAM JOURNAL
DAY 1 - The Endless Staircase
George dreamed about climbing a long, long staircase, with a room at the end The room seemed close enough. George went on and on walking, but the room never got closer, the stairs just went on and on.
Moral of the Dream - Progress doesn't always need a finish line.
Moral of the Dream - Progress doesn't always need a finish line.
DAY 2 - The Whispering Library
George walked through a huge library, where the books floated and whispered questions. As he walked on, the library got bigger and bigger. As he opened a book, it closed and asked something more complex. The shelves shifted and rearranged constantly, and George felt the books were testing his curiosity.
[centerMoral of the Dream - Learning should push back.[/center]
DAY 3 - The Injured Raven
An injured raven flew beside George in a cloudy sky. It struggled to fly but refused to give up and land. George reached out to help, but it brushed aside my hand and continued in its attempts. George woke up feeling impressed by its perseverence and its will to not give up.
Moral of the Dream - Imperfection doesn't cancel perseverence and intelligence.
DAY 4 - Hall of Reflections
George saw a hall full of mirrors, just like a science center, but each showing a different George Calder, observant, silent, uncertain, confident, et cetera. He couldn't choose which reflection was correct, as all of them felt real, but eventually realised that they were all true at the same instance.
I don't have to be just one thing.
DAY 5 - The Unsolvable Question
The Ravenclaw door asked George an unsolvable question. He waited, thought, but said nothing, but the door opened anyway. Silence itself had been the correct answer.
Moral of the Dream - Not every question needs solving.
DAY 6 - Arresto Momentum
George dreamed he was falling from a tower, but slowly, as if someone casted the Braking Charm silently. He had time to think. Fear never arrived. The ground approached calmly, slowly. It felt controlled, intentional.
Moral of the Dream - Truth can exist inside uncertainty.
DAY 7 - Quiet Awareness
There was no images, no sound, no movement, no smell, nothing. George was simply aware, present without action, thinking without thoughts. The silence felt like a cup full to the brim, instead of feeling bare and empty. George woke up unusually calm.
Moral of the Dream - Stillness can be intelligent and aware too.
--- THE END ---
Reach for the Stars
Stars shine the way through the darkest times.
Aspirations are what make the world go round.
Dreams bless our nights with revelry and reflection. Keep a dream journal.
Reducio
From the Autumn ball to the Hexwizard tournament,
From the signing of birds,
To the early morning classes
From the learning of charms
And new student blues
A new student Iris
Amidst it all
Caught in the misery
The shame of being placed
In a house
Other than the one her parents
Expected of her
Gryffindor...
She was supposed to be a
Slytherin
She was
Supposed to
Be all about snakes
And
Darkness
However it didn't work out
That way
How does she tell
Her parents
Her aunt and uncles
Or even her
How does she tell them
That she was the first in
Nearly 5 generations of wizards
To be placed
In something other than
Slytherin
Her mind is racing
She feels nauseous
Just thinking about the
Conversation
The dreaded
Awful
Terrible
Scary even...
Conversation with her parents
Not only that
She has yet to make friends
How ridiculous is that
She feels as though
She needs something to
Prove...
Something to show...
Her parents
Her aunt and uncles
And even her cat
That she
That she
That she...
Is worthy
Of the name
The last name
Marlowe
Something that is so important to
Her parents
Yet she can't seem to find the importance
Herself
Iris makes the vow
Right here right now
She will get involved
She will have great
Marks
On those
Pesky assignments
She will attend balls
And put herself out
There
From the signing of birds,
To the early morning classes
From the learning of charms
And new student blues
A new student Iris
Amidst it all
Caught in the misery
The shame of being placed
In a house
Other than the one her parents
Expected of her
Gryffindor...
She was supposed to be a
Slytherin
She was
Supposed to
Be all about snakes
And
Darkness
However it didn't work out
That way
How does she tell
Her parents
Her aunt and uncles
Or even her
How does she tell them
That she was the first in
Nearly 5 generations of wizards
To be placed
In something other than
Slytherin
Her mind is racing
She feels nauseous
Just thinking about the
Conversation
The dreaded
Awful
Terrible
Scary even...
Conversation with her parents
Not only that
She has yet to make friends
How ridiculous is that
She feels as though
She needs something to
Prove...
Something to show...
Her parents
Her aunt and uncles
And even her cat
That she
That she
That she...
Is worthy
Of the name
The last name
Marlowe
Something that is so important to
Her parents
Yet she can't seem to find the importance
Herself
Iris makes the vow
Right here right now
She will get involved
She will have great
Marks
On those
Pesky assignments
She will attend balls
And put herself out
There
Aspirations are what make the world go round.
Reducio
I hope to become a powerful witch in the future. I hope to live up to my last name. This name has so many powerful witches and wizards it's hard to keep track. From ancestors who have worked at the ministry to even famous ones somewhere along the line...
Where does a young witch even start to live up to her name? Where does she begin?
What I dream most is to learn about the history of magic, learn more about muggles, unlike my parents I'm fascinated by them. Please don't tell them I said that don't tell them you know. I just want to learn more about magic and what makes it so.
If I could pick the perfect future one that makes me truly happy it would be something to do with history, something that makes a difference. Being raised in a strict pure blood house, though it should make me despise anyone other than pure bloods I can't bring myself to.
I just want a world where any deserving witch or wizard feels at home.
Again, please don't tell anyone I wrote this, especially not my parents they will likely disown me if they saw these words written for this assignment.
However, in a perfect world one that I can make my own I would love to be a witch who can make a difference however that may be. I would like to make a difference for not just one witch or wizard but as many as can be.
Where does a young witch even start to live up to her name? Where does she begin?
What I dream most is to learn about the history of magic, learn more about muggles, unlike my parents I'm fascinated by them. Please don't tell them I said that don't tell them you know. I just want to learn more about magic and what makes it so.
If I could pick the perfect future one that makes me truly happy it would be something to do with history, something that makes a difference. Being raised in a strict pure blood house, though it should make me despise anyone other than pure bloods I can't bring myself to.
I just want a world where any deserving witch or wizard feels at home.
Again, please don't tell anyone I wrote this, especially not my parents they will likely disown me if they saw these words written for this assignment.
However, in a perfect world one that I can make my own I would love to be a witch who can make a difference however that may be. I would like to make a difference for not just one witch or wizard but as many as can be.
Dreams bless our nights with revelry and reflection. Keep a dream journal.
Reducio
December 1,
I dreamt of my cat back home, Mr. Whiskers, I miss him so much. All the dream was, was me hold him in my lap and petting him. Unlike many witches and wizards always watching over my shoulder, Mr. Whiskers doesn't know or car what I do or what I aim to be. In this dream all he was doing was nuzzling against me and purring, all he was doing was being his innocent and cute cat self. It was just me and just him, just us happy and content.
What I think that this dream means: I'm not too sure, maybe that I just miss my cat? Or maybe that I long for that same love from my parents, one where I don't always feel like I have to prove myself? Regardless, I feel like it stems from my love of my cat the most.
December 10,
This dream was different from the last. I was alone in the Gryffindor dorm. I was practicing all of the spells I know, trying desperately to perfect every single one. But the strangest part, they didn't seem to work no matter what spell I tried. When I tapped my wand, it wasn't made of spruce wood and it didn't look the same. I tapped it lightly on a desk and it sounded... Plastic... Fake... Not like my wand. I woke up in a sweat and a panic, and immediately reached for my wand. It was real, it was mine, and it was spruce wood.
What this one means: Again, I'm not sure. I don't know much about dreams but I feel like it stems from the deeply rooted need to prove myself to my parents and my family. I try my best to hide it, to act indifferent, cold and bored even, but I suppose you can't truly hide from your feelings especially not in dreams.
I dreamt of my cat back home, Mr. Whiskers, I miss him so much. All the dream was, was me hold him in my lap and petting him. Unlike many witches and wizards always watching over my shoulder, Mr. Whiskers doesn't know or car what I do or what I aim to be. In this dream all he was doing was nuzzling against me and purring, all he was doing was being his innocent and cute cat self. It was just me and just him, just us happy and content.
What I think that this dream means: I'm not too sure, maybe that I just miss my cat? Or maybe that I long for that same love from my parents, one where I don't always feel like I have to prove myself? Regardless, I feel like it stems from my love of my cat the most.
December 10,
This dream was different from the last. I was alone in the Gryffindor dorm. I was practicing all of the spells I know, trying desperately to perfect every single one. But the strangest part, they didn't seem to work no matter what spell I tried. When I tapped my wand, it wasn't made of spruce wood and it didn't look the same. I tapped it lightly on a desk and it sounded... Plastic... Fake... Not like my wand. I woke up in a sweat and a panic, and immediately reached for my wand. It was real, it was mine, and it was spruce wood.
What this one means: Again, I'm not sure. I don't know much about dreams but I feel like it stems from the deeply rooted need to prove myself to my parents and my family. I try my best to hide it, to act indifferent, cold and bored even, but I suppose you can't truly hide from your feelings especially not in dreams.
⟡ sta: 5 ⟡ eva: 10 ⟡ str: 10 ⟡
⟡ wis: 3 ⟡ arc: 2 ⟡ acc: 10 ⟡ | Scarlet looks like blood anyways.