Passing The Time pv: Max Kenneally Vidler

She listened closely and filed away his favorite color for later. It was an important thing to know about a friend after all. "My mum's favorite color is green as well, though she never wears it. I think adults are too serious", she comments with a smile before adding on. "My favorite color is blue! I wanted to put a blue streak in my hair, but my mum said that's for chancers". She dramatically rolled her eyes as a silent gesture of disagreement with the notion her mother proposed. Looking down at his jumper, she pulled at her lime green t-shirt as well. Not her own favorite color, but they were vaguely matching. It was solidarity if anything.

As he shared about his upbringing, her eyebrows raised in intrigue as he spoke. It was apparent they led very different lives, and she tried to think for a moment about living that way. She wouldn't know where to start with living off the land! "That sounds fun! We calculated our eco footprint at school, and yours must be way low!" She nods her head, getting a little excited at the topic before reeling it back in with a question that popped into her head, causing her eyebrows to wrinkle with thought. "How do you go to school if you guys are always moving about?" Before he answered, she tried to think of it herself, trying to predict how his family worked it out before conceding to waiting. "My... great-grandparents were travelers! Never taught me much of it though, or my dad. Do you think you'll feel cooped up at Hogwarts? With the curfew and everything to stay inside." She glances out the window at the landscape passing, looking up to see where the sun was in the sky.

Hearing he liked playing faster games, she was surprised, but not disappointed. Slower, casual games were fun, but there's nothing the matter with friendly rivalry in the form of competitive, fast-paced games. "You'd love playing Speed, then!... And worse comes to worse, we'll call a truce". She opens the pack of cards, trying to look cool and shuffle them in her hands riffle style, which amounted to her dropping them on the table from not having the force necessary to bend them. Nevertheless, she kept talking as she picked the deck back up and flipped over the many cards that theatrically fluttered to the table at her failed shuffling attempt. "The deal of the game is to get rid of your cards first, and whoever does that has to yell 'speed' to lock in their win". She washed the cards over the table before putting them back into a stack and counting out twenty between them. "You can only have five of the twenty in your hand at any time." Once all the cards were counted out, two went face down beside each other, and on the outside of each were another pile of five.

They each had twenty personal cards closest to them, and between them were the four stacks, single cards in the inside, and stacks of five on the outside. She picked up her five before continuing to explain: "You can only place cards down if it's one higher or lower than the suit. So, on a seven, you can play a six or an eight. If we get stuck, then we have the outside stacks... and aces act as one". She paused from the explanation to look up at him, making sure he wasn't puzzled. "I think I'm mucking up the rules, but it's an easy game!" She smiles, trying to be reassuring.

Ooc: I'm fine letting you win the game, but if you want to roll dice to have actual odds, that's cool too! I also did a bad job at explaining, so I put a picture so you don't have to search for one. -vvvv

Reducio

Banner By Julia Evans

—— ✰ ——Interacting with: @Concetta Poisonwood—— ✧ ——Date: 01.09.25—— ✰
—— ✰ ——Dialogue: 225700—————|||——— ✧ ——Words: 360|||||—— ✰

Reducio

OOC: We can do this with stats and dice if you want, but I think it would be really funny if Concetta knocked Max into the middle of next week!
Thank you for the photo too, with the language barrier I struggled to grasp it with just the words

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The thought of adding a colored streak in ones hair was intriguing. He had never considered the possibility. His mind spun as he imagined all the parts of himself he could color green. «That would be so cool!» He grew starry eyed and smiled wide. «I suppose it would be a bit strange, but just imagine how distinctive people would be if everyone did it!»

He happily shared of his home and life, not really noticing if her reaction. It was only normal life for him after all. At the mention of echo footprints he hesitated. He did not recognize the expression. He knew of climate changes and the effects people had on the environment, but what that had to do with footprints he did not know. He supposed he was rather light, and his size in shoes were not impressive in terms of being large either. So it was true he did not leave large prints when walking around. Picking up on the fact that he might be way off the mark but not quite daring to ask he finally nodded. «I suppose my shoe prints are the proper size» He leaned back at that, satisfied that he did not make himself sound stupid. Upon question of his education though, he perked up. «Oh, I suppose I was homeschooled» He scratches his chin in thought. «Mum and dad would teach a little each. Focusing on what they are good at, you know? I don’t think I will feel that cooped up either. The grounds are supposed to be huge! And as far as I know it isn’t a small castle either. I’m more excited for all the people!»

He leaned closer to pay proper attention as the game was explained. It was unfamiliar but sounded quite fun. The rules were easy enough to understand and he pondered for a moment if he truly understood everything. «So, if I have no cards I can play on my hand I simply place it down and pick up another deck?» He waited for her responce before nodding with confidence. «Then are you ready to be beat?» He asked with a cheeky laugh.

OOC:

Reducio

I like that idea... and you're welcome! I'll be sure to include pictures on complicated things since I know there could be a language barrier!

At the misunderstanding, Concetta giggled and leaned forward on the table. "Your eco footprint is how much of a negative impact you're leaving on the planet, so the smaller, the better. We all calculated ours by saying how much meat we eat, how often we use cars, how much clothes we buy," she happily explained to clear up what she meant. "Since you guys give back to the earth too, it must be very low, if not positive".

Hearing he was homeschooled, she nodded her head. She had also been homeschooled for a very minute amount of time, though it was a different structure than what he was describing since she'd lived in a city. In her mind, she silently compared the experience. It must've been very convenient to not have to leave the house. She had to go in once a week to turn her work in to a teacher, so it was more remote school than homeschooling. "That sounds fun! Your parents know you best to teach you, I suppose. Teachers are mean sometimes and you don't know if you're gonna like them, but you know your parents every year", she rationalizes, holding her hands together on top of the table.

Hearing his question, she pondered it for a second to not blurt out an incorrect answer. Once she was sure she knew, she shook her head. "No, no. So, if you have none you can play, you have to draw from one of the two exterior piles," she pointed to the left and rightmost stacks of cards as she spoke, "you can't touch your other cards until you play the ones you have. It's like uno, if you've played". Concetta's blue eyes met his to scan for any confusion.

His confidence that he could beat her made her grin and dramatically roll her eyes, leaning back to roll her head in the same motion. "Maybe in your dreams, but not here", she exclaims, scooting forward to be squared with the table. "I'm ready though, if that's what you're asking".

Banner By Julia Evans

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Interacting with:	@Concetta Poisonwood
Dialogue:	#225700
Date:	01.09.25
Words:	315

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At the realization that he got it wrong heat rose in his cheeks. «Oh..» He said before truly considering what she shared. «I suppose you’re right then!» A small smile spread on his face. He supposed that was something cool to share when he went home for Christmas. If he remembered for that long.

He nodded along as she shared her knowledge of schooling and teachers. «That is true, I don’t have new people to adjust to every year or so» He shrugged slightly. «But I would rather disappoint a teacher than my parents though!» He could already feel the sinking feeling of letting someone down, so he shuddered just slightly. «Trust me, there is nothing worse! You know when they look at you and their expression says it all?» He pulled a slight grimace. «But I suppose it is better than somebody mean…»

As the conversation turned more and more towards the card game, a sly grin spread across his face. «Alright! …but I choose which of the two piles I pull from then?» He was pretty sure he had an understanding of the game now, but he had to make sure.He mimed picking up his cards, playing a couple and then drawing a card. Then he nodded. Yes, he believed he understood it. «I have never played that! Is that another card game? We could play that one next!»

He laughed out loud of her confidence. Not because it was such a stupid comment, but she was yet to see how wrong she was. «I’m ready too» He placed his hand over the smaller stack he was supposed to have in his hand, ready to pick up the cards in a hurry. «Ready, set… GO!» He picked up his cards as fast as he possibly could have and furrowed his brows at the sight. Then a confident smile spread across his face as he placed down his first card. «You are going down!»

OOC: Would you prefer being tagged? I just assumed that you're following the thread, but I realize that's a blind assumption

Wc:468

"That part's true, I suppose, but your parents are less likely to get disappointed, I think," she says, trying to cheer him up from the slight discomfort the thought seemed to bring to him, "you seem rather bright to me! Or at least kind. Brains is nothing if you're a bully. I'm sure they're very proud of you". She nods her head, laying her palms flat on the table with a nod. She understood the discomfort with disappointing her parents, it was probably one of her biggest fears other than the dark or dragons.

"You can pull from either deck, just don't run into my hands!" She jokes with a pretend tone of sternness, as if she would ever do something if it were to happen. At his interest in uno, she thought about it for a second before shaking her head, "uno requires a special deck of its own cards unfortunately... Maybe I can get some when we go home for Christmas! It's one of the few muggle games my parents let us play. We tried with Magic: The Gathering, but mum said pretending to have magic in a card game is asinine when you actually have magic in real life." She shrugs before looking over at the spread of cards.

As he confirmed he was ready, she got a slight rush of adrenaline, picking up her five cards but keeping them face down so she couldn't see them and cheat. As the game started and they both flipped the foundation card, she laughed at his confident assertion.

"No way!" She laughs, placing a card on top of his, then another on top of her own to block his move. The sound of cards being slapped on the table combined with innocent laughter and squeals of competitive nervousness. Internally, Concetta's heart raced with the thrill of the game as they both picked up more cards and dashed to slam them down. It was neck and neck for most of the game until in a feat of luck, Concetta was able to put down her last 3 cards before he could get his out of his hand. At the victory, she raised her close-fisted hands.

"Yes! I win!" She cheered, pulling some of her hair out of her mouth which had gotten caught while she had her head down. "How many cards did you have left? It wasn't an upset victory at least. We were close!"

"I heard the word upset only started to be used like that after the horse Upset beat Man o' War in 1919. Do you like horses? I do." She asks, leaning over the table with her chin on her hands, kicking her feet. "Random question..." she adds with a slight chuckle as if lampshading her behavior, but earnestly awaiting the answer, nonetheless.

Banner By Julia Evans

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Interacting with:	@Concetta Poisonwood
Dialogue:	#225700
Date:	01.09.25
Words:	439

I am not following the thread no, so I would prefer being tagged, but I will see that you have posted either way, so up to you! :-)

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«I guess that’s true…» He had never had an ordinary teacher like she described, so it was hard to know for sure. In his mind it seemed likely that parents expected more and thereby was more easily let down. But what did he truly know about the alternative? Nothing. So he did not voice the opinion, scared of making a fool out of himself once more. Because he did truly not need that as they were about to play.

«Alright, I’ve got it then!» He confidently exclaimed while leaning back to show just how sure of himself he was. «Yeah, that would be cool! Maybe I can bring a game from home too!» Not that they had many. The best he could do was probably a Hurling stick or two. But no matter! He was about to show off his brilliance in cards after all. He made sure to lean close to the table once more as they began.

The game was not confusing. Really, it wasn’t. But paying attention to the cards he had on hand, as well as keeping an eye on the piles proved difficult. He managed to put down a few cards here and there, but compared to him Concetta moved like a whirlwind. He lost track of her progress in the midst of his own and actually startled when ‘Speed’ was shouted. Looking up from his remaining four cards he could only admit defeat. It was annoying, and he could feel a pit of jealousy forming. He dramatically let go of his cards and let them land all over the table. A bit of a frown had formed, but he made sure to quickly cover it with a crooked grin as he raised his hands in surrender. «Yeah, you got lucky there. A moment longer and I would have beaten you!»

Max could do nothing but laugh at her comment. He did not know who she was referring to but the intention was clear enough. «Hey it was my first time playing! If we were to do a round of Hurling right now, I bet I would knock you flat in no time!» It was said clearly as a joke, but the hurt pride still wanted to make the point clear. «What do you say to eating now, then we could play another round later! And I will for sure have you beat this time» As he talked he gestured at both of their luggage before leaning close to the table gathering up cards. He would show her. It was probably best to eat first though, so the winner instinct got a break.

Interacting with: @Max Kenneally Vidler
WC: 446

"That would be fun! Then we can both learn new games!" She nods as he mentions bringing his own game, nodding in excitement. She felt a bit like she was imposing on him, so if he had his own thing to share down the line, it would only be fair.

All throughout the game, her eyes darted between her deck, the cards on the table, and Max's eyes, trying to assess where he was at in terms of winning by the look on his face. As she won, she could see the slight discontented look on his face, and for a second, she felt bad. That was until the remembered she won fair and square, and grinned at his dramatic display of defeat. It wasn't boastful, just proud, nothing wrong with being happy about your victories sometimes. "Maybe so... but close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades, my dad says." After rubbing it in a little, she decided to lay off. "Good game, nonetheless, Max!"

Hearing him mention hurling, she thought for a second to try and recall before it popped into her mind in recognition. He would absolutely win at hurling, she thought, because she'd never played for one, but she was also very bad at sports like football, quidditch, golf—pretty much anything that needed any ounce of coordination beside dance, but not many considered ballet a sport, more just coordinated movement. "Well, that's no fair! Everyone can be good at cards, but not Hurling! That's a talent thing!" She claims to draw attention away from the redness in her face that was a clear indication that he was indeed correct, and she would be completely beat at Hurling.

"Aye, we should." She nods, just now noticing how her stomach was growling. With a look out of the window, she saw they were a few ways from London now, as the buildings and concrete of the city gave way to open rolling fields and plenty of grass... No dragons yet, but she'd keep her wits about. She gave a silent thanks as he piled up the cards as she hopped up to open her trunk to pull out a tin lunch box with fading yellow paint and the faint face of Newton Scamander behind some of the rust and worn-out paint. "Do you like fish paste on sandwiches? My mum packed other ones too... turkey and mayonnaise, roast beef. I don't like roast beef at all." She pretends to gag, setting the tin lunchbox on the table between them, containing five or so sandwiches cut diagonally on dark rye bread. "Uhh, help yourself! Then we can wait for the snack trolley."

Banner By Julia Evans

Reducio

Interacting with:	@Concetta Poisonwood
Dialogue:	#225700
Date:	01.09.25
Words:	379

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The game had been close, and so he caught himself before childishly repeating her words back to her. Being a sore loser was one thing, but he would not default to unsportsmanlike behavior. Instead he mumbled under his breath. «Yeah, well your dad has clearly never played cards…» As he spoke he seemed to realize just how childish he was acting and attempted to cover the last few words with a small cough.

His smile grew soon enough, once Concetta hinted that he was talented. It was more of a broad statement, but he could think whatever he wanted to. «Not necessarily» He laughed. «You just need to not think about the rules, it’s the most fun when everyone plays dirty!» In the eagerness to talk about his favorite sport he completely missed the fact that she knew what it was, despite not even a hint of an Irish accent present.

«Great!» Max stood and looked up at his trunk. Getting the thing down would be impossible, but perhaps if he… He climbed up and stood on the seat below the luggage. When standing on his tippy toes he could reach it just fine. Not so much see, but that was no matter. Popping the lid he stretched his arm out and fumbled for whatever he could find. If his lunch had shifted to the wrong side of the trunk he would have to climb all the way up to get it. Thankfully his fingers finally grazed the paper bag containing the sandwiches. A look of victory crossed his face as he pulled it out triumphantly. He closed the lid in a hurry and jumped down again.

«I like fish!» He exclaimed with a nod as he sat down. «But I won’t turn down the roast beef either» Just the thought of it made him salivate. Picking up his own lunch once more, he ripped the bag open. It was way easier when they could both see. It contained four large sandwiches and a thermos of cold water. «I think all of them are the same, so just choose the one that looks more appetizing.» He lifted one of them slightly. «Yeah, it’s just ham and cheese, but I swear no one makes them as good as my mum!»

Interacting with: @Max Kenneally Vidler
Speech: #0f1a48
WC: 441

OOC:

Reducio

Hey! I'm taking like... 21 credits right now and going in 4 days a week, so I have a very heavy courseload. If at any point in the next 8 weeks I'm stalling on responses, that's why. I'll try to be consistent, but I'm putting my education first. Thanks!

Concetta slightly rolled her eyes at the mention of "playing dirty". Sure, if everyone agreed it was fine, then no harm, no foul, but it was the principle. "I suppose you could, but your win would feel better if you didn't cheat!", she says a little self-righteously, pointing an accusatory finger to punctuate. It seemed they both had their moments of immaturity when the topic of games was brought up. "I still think you need some skill to cheat. You've gotta have something to... boost", she tries to explain. "You determined, I'll say. Maybe you'll go to Gryffindor instead of Hufflepuff", she says in teasing jest.

They both got their stashes of sandwiches out to prepare for their "picnic", and as Max climbed up, Concetta leaned forward just a little. It was a bit nonsensical, because if he fell, she certainly could not catch him, but she felt to need to be a spotter for a moment, but sat back up straight afterwards as if it hadn't happened. Between the two of them, they had almost ten sandwiches, which was a humorous sight—Two children of eleven years old with more sandwiches than construction workers took for their shift. It was a long ride, but they could still only hope to put a dent in all of them.

"The roast beef is all yours then!" She happily pushes the one roast beef sandwich his way before taking in the ones that he had brought. The mention of ham made her raise an eyebrow. "Are they nice? I've never had a ham sandwich, or ham at all", she tilts her head, picking up one of his ham sandwiches and a fish paste one she brought, putting one atop the other in front of her. Due to the situation, she did have to nod in agreement on the statement that his mum made good ham sandwiches. Since her mum had never made her a ham sandwich, Max's mum did have her's beat in the ham sandwich sector, but hopefully the ones she brought will be tasty enough as well.

At the mention of cooking, a question popped into her head that she shuffled around a bit as she decided if it was appropriate to ask. She unwrapped a sandwich as she thought before looking up from it into his eyes. "How do you guys keep things if you live outside? I've kept sandwiches in my room overnight, and my mum gets real mad because she says meat will spoil without being in the fridge." She inquires, thinking for a second longer, interjecting before he can answer, "not that your ham is spoiled! Just... curiosity."

Banner by Julia Evans

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Interacting with:	@Concetta Poisonwood
Dialogue:	#225700
Date:	01.09.25
—	Afternoon
Words:	449

No worries, real life must come first. Take all the time you need :-D

He thought about it for a moment. Was playing dirty the same as cheating? He had never thought about it that way. It didn’t really break any rules that mattered, and as long as everyone agreed it wasn’t really cheating in the right sense of the word. Finally he opened his mouth to speak. «I don’t know if it is the same as cheating, cause when you agree to play dirty usually everyone agrees» His voice was thoughtful before he smirked more than a little. «But I will agree that you have to have some kind of skill to boost for it to be fun. Otherwise you have little hope to knock out the opponent!» At the mention of Gryffindor he laughed heartily. «Oh, no way! Hufflepuff all the way. His tone was a bit boasting before he teased «But maybe the house of yellow and black would be a good fit for you too? Caring about fairness and all!»

They spread their lunch out on the table between them. Max’s stomach growled just at the sight alone. Grabbing a sandwich with roast beef he wasted no time in ingesting the first couple of mouthfuls. The taste was heavenly. It had been a long time since he last tasted meat this juicy. At least a couple of years. He nodded at her question. His mums sandwiches were good no matter what was put on them. Though it was usually vegetables and a bit of venison. They had had a good summer, so they could afford to buy some luxuries. And what better to bring to impress his new friends?

At Concettas question he nodded as he tried swallowing the mouthful. He did not quite succeed by the time he spoke. «Magic of course!» His parents had often told him that magic and electricity did not mix well. He was just not sure how exactly they did manage that bit of household magic. A bit of the opposite of keeping the tent warm in winter he supposed.

«How do you do it then, if not by magic?» He asked as he took another bite of the sandwich. Muggle technology could perhaps work if there weren’t too many wizards and witches around. He didn’t really know. Living like his family did it was not like they had access to electricity even if they wanted to. Following tis up he added another question. «If you don’t use magic to control storing of food, how do you keep warm in winter?» He furrowed his brow while he pondered the question too. «My patents use these… I think they call them wards? They keep the cold air from entering and keeps the warmth inside.»