Where did we go wrong? Open Closed

Interacting with: @Caradoc Browne|@Jake Morris|@Jack Warren

Mentioning: @Serena Towers|@Alan Vanes

By some odd twist of fate, Professor Browne, like a dancing Pied Piper, led his merry band of dancing badgers back to the Great Hall. Maria noticed that among those who had followed were Serena Towers, a girl she recognized from the Quidditch team, and two boys one of which (based on his height, build and familiar dance moves) was the boy who wore the Badger mascot outfit at Quidditch games. The other boy she recognized was one of his usual companions. Another boy, a Gryffindor she knew as Alan followed them. The first song ended and the speakers in the castle switched to a different song. Immediately Maria’s eyebrows perked up and she looked excited. The famous intro from Bob Seger’s Old Time Rock n Roll played and brought back fond memories of making breakfast with her family and watching funny movies that always had this song and the signature slide with the protagonist usually in a white button up and lip syncing to this song.

Soon enough their Head of House ended up on the Ravenclaw table with the two boys from her House stomping around in a line on their new wooden stage. Maria’s foot tapped absentmindedly and her body began bopping to the music. “Nope, we are not doing that.” She scolded herself and attempted to stay still. But looking at her fellow Hufflefolk having fun and letting loose without a care made her want to join in. “I can’t dance.” She muttered. But from what she could see neither could the people dancing at the moment. They just allowed themselves to enjoy the song. “But what about not adding to the embarrassment?”Was her next afterthought. They had garnered a small audience that stared in awe at them, probably because a dancing professor isn’t exactly an everyday occurrence (and probably because Professor Browne’s dance moves were… very him). It wouldn’t matter much if she joined, and more importantly, it wasn’t like she minded. With a few more moments of internal struggle, she made her decision.

“Well, it’s not like we’re going to get another chance like this.” She whispered. Throwing her bag to the bench, she did her little shimmy and clap, making her way to her fellow Badgers to join in on the fun.

Interacting with @Hjørdis Jensen

had looked forward to a quiet morning before another day of work. Of course, being a teacher in a boarding school, a quiet morning was not always in the cards. Regardless, he had been enjoying a nice glass of tea and had been contemplating if he wanted to nibble on a tea biscuit as he was not one for breakfast most days. He rarely ate more than a biscuit or a fruit in the mornings contenting himself with tea.

hearing singing he first wrote it off as nothing of importance. Maybe some students were having some fun or playing music a tad too loud... But could they actually play music like this in a magical school? He did not think there were any loudspeakers available. Then again, he had not been at the school for a whole year yet so he might simply not know about it if they had a magical version of those installed throughout the school.

possibility notwithstanding, he could not help but pick up on the fact that the voice sounded too old to belong to a student which finally caused him to look up from the notes he had been absently reading and pay closer attention to what was happening in the Great Hall.

to stare in shock as he recognized his friend as the source of the commotion. Dancing, singing through the halls seemed a bit out of character for his friend, did it not? Had the man lost his marbles? It did not fit with what Zahid knew of the man. But then, how well did he really know his friend? Maybe this was perfectly normal and he had just not encountered that side of Caradoc before?

way he was taken aback. Unsure of how to proceed – should he just ignore it or was there a reason to intervene? Caradoc was a Head of House, surely he had a purpose for this behaviour – he turned to the person sitting next to him at the staff table. Seeing how Professor Jensen seemed slightly baffled but (mostly) in a resigned way at least in the brief glimpse he caught of her face before she composed herself again, Zahid was not sure if that should alleviate his slight disquiet or worry him more. “Pardon me for interrupting your morning tea but... You have known him for longer than I, is this normal for Caradoc?”

Interacting with: @Nico Shymane & @Zahid al-Benghazi ibn Masoud

Hjørdis silently continued to drink her tea after she had managed to recompose herself. She was doing her very best to ignore the entire incident. This was, of course, easier said than done. The whole thing made her want to laugh but also be annoyed. It was very confusing.

Her eyes flickered to the approaching figure, one of her prefects, "Good Morning, Miss Shymane," She sighed softly as the next question appeared. She really would have loved to say that it was an imposter, a clear fraud, that the Heads of Houses were far more responsible and taking the matters that threatened the school much more seriously... But... Maybe, just maybe... the children needed this carefree moment to lift their spirits. They looked happy, at least. Well about half of them. The other half looked as confused as she felt.

"Yes... Unfortunately... he is... something, right? Of course it is him, who else would be crazy enough to do... that... whatever that is..." Hjørdis answered Nico, wondering what actually was this. It was the most 'dad' like dancing she had ever seen. He was certainly showing his age, if nothing else. It was actually rather amusing but, she would not admit that. She honestly had no idea why she was still friends with the guy. He was so weird. On the plus, she was in a slightly talkative mood. Perhaps this had put her in better spirits than she would admit, "Have a cupcake," She offered, motioning to the container of cupcakes freshly baked by herself from that morning that were next to her breakfast plate.

Next to her sat Zahid. Hjørdis did not know him that well but she really did quite like him. He was similar to herself in several ways. They could both sit in utter silence and just read together without any issues. Reading quietly alongside people and appreciating the silence was something she loved to do. Of course, her relationship with Caradoc was very different. The man did not know what silence meant, it seemed.

"Mhm?" She asked as she looked over to the History of Magic professor. Of course, he was questioning the Head of Hufflepuff's sanity too. She was too. "I would like to say 'no' but... Yes. It seems very normal for him." Hjørdis replied, thinking back to her birthday, where she caught him walking around the castle by himself dancing in the middle of the night for no particular reason. She honestly was not sure if she expected other than this sort of behaviour from him.

Though, her heart also gave out when he jumped onto the Ravenclaw table. Her eyes narrowed. He was so casually and carefree as he walked across the table but... if he ended up ruining the food, she'd kill him. Hjørdis actually volunteered in the kitcken during the holidays - such as this one - so the house elves could have a little bit of time off. It was not a lot but if she helped out every meal, they could take some extra time off and rotate shifts. If he ruined her hard work... Oof.

Interacting with: @Caradoc Browne @Hjørdis Jensen

Grace was walking in the halls, she didn't know what time it was, but it wasn't night, she was walking to the Abandoned Toilet but then she heard...

Singing?

The Ravenclaw was confused, who was singing at this time of day, when students were not out?

It was odd, so she walked to where the voice was coming from, and her eyes widened when she got there.

Professor Browne was the one singing.

Grace blinked, was this a dream? Maybe it was, maybe she was still in bed, sleeping.

She pinched herself, nope, it felt completely real and painful when she pinched her arm.

Grace looked at everyone else, some other students and professors were here, watching as Professor Browne was dancing and singing.

Grace didn't know whether to laugh or stay shocked, it was pretty... she didn't know how to put it.

Grace looked at Professor Jensen, she seemed pretty shocked like everyone else.

"Erm, professor? Is this... normal?" she asked her, a bit concerned if the Astronomy teacher was spelled or not.

Grace blinked as Professor Browne kept dancing, he didn't seem scared or worried, god this was weird.

"Professor Browne.. are you uh... okay?" she asked a bit quietly, the professor probably didn't hear her as he kept dancing and singing.

Interacting with @Hjørdis Jensen and @Zahid al-Benghazi ibn Masoud

"Yes... Unfortunately... he is... something, right? Of course it is him, who else would be crazy enough to do... that... whatever that is..."

So it was him.

Her gaze sliding over to Caradoc once more, she tried to figure out what made him do this. There were Professors who danced like this? Like, this wasn't just a dad thing? Nico wasn't quite sure why she expected Professors to be... boring and reserved. Maybe because she was used to seeing Nora acting close to a Queen. One who observed her surroundings and who only nodded in an elegant manner. Nod too hard and your hair would be messy.

"Have a cupcake"

Cupcake? Her eyes quickly turned back to the whitehaired Slytherin. Following her hands, she noticed the plate with freshly baked goods. How did she not notice them earlier? Slightly leaning forward, the sweet scent floated into her nose. Nico could cry... It smelled so good.

'Yes! I- I mean.. Yes, thank you, Professor.' With a light bow of the head, the young Prefect slid next to her. Not too close. Just close enough for comfort. Picking a cupcake that looked like it was chocolat flavoured, Nico quietly bit off a piece.

The flavour was magnificent. The taste hadn't changed. If Nico was right, these had to be handmade by Nora herself. What luck! A smile of pure excitement tugged on her lips. 'T-These are delicious, Professor Jensen.' Happily, her mood dramaticly increased, she continued to chew on the pastry that had to be blessed by some higher sentient bakery being.

Professor Jensen wasn't by herself. Carefully leaning abit over the table to have a better look, next to Nora, there was another Professor. What was his name again? It was too early in the morning to be meeting new people but she was raised with manners. The time to pretend that she didn't saw him had already passed. After swallowing another piece, she carefully greeted him.

'Goodmorning, Professor.' Yes. Just say Professor. That's the safest option for now. Watching Professor Browne shuffle across the tables, Nico quietly continued to nibble on the Head of House's creation.

Interaction with @Opeila Seilun @Jake Morris @Caradoc Browne

Jack had only stopped briefly to watch the man who he greatly admired continue to dance. A giggly voice sounded out beside him. Jack glanced down at the familiar-looking Slytherin girl. Where had he seen her before? She obviously wasn't one of the girls that he had made desperately fall in love with him...nor was she one of the girls that he had made absolutely hate him either. "To tell the truth, I have no clue why Doc does anything he does, but I'm sure that he is fine... or completely insane. It has to be one or another." A grin grew across his face and he winked at Opeila.

Before he could say another word, Professor Browne caught his eye. Jack knew exactly what Doc was wanting him to do. "Good talk though, but I think it's my time to shine." The boy gave his Slytherin acquaintance a pat on the shoulder, before moving on closer to the dancing and possibly crazy man. As one song ended, then next one started right back up. Old time rock and roll, by Bob Seger, another classic song! At Doc's behest, with little to no persuasion, Jack was at Professor Browne's side in moments. He knew what Doc was trying to do! Jack had seen the breakfast club so many times with his father! Warren totally considered himself an Emilio Estevez, because he rocked the rebel vibe so well! Jack Quickly fell in line and danced like a mad man.

Mentions: Caradoc Browne / Jack Warren

Serena's eyebrows raised as she saw her Head of House pointing at her. She was being summoned - though she had no idea why. But nonetheless, she moved closer to him. The man suddenly twirled at the top of his feet. She could not help but grin before doing the same. Yes, she could definitely copy this. The Hufflepuff was pretty much doing any of the dad moves that he was showing, though she had never really seen anyone move in this way. It was not the sort of dancing that she was used to. Pureblood parties were... nothing like this. They had dancing but it was far more formal. Though, to be fair, she was enjoying this far more.

This form of dancing - whatever it was called - allowed for more freedom. It was expressive and just fun, without any rules. Serena was loving it. Her grin and the way her eyes had lit up were evident of how much fun she was having. She enthusiastically continued to dance, attempting to copy the moves that Professor Browne was showing off. The song changed. She had never heard this song either. But she was liking it. It had a catchy beat that she moved her shoulders and feet to. She found herself humming along after a few verses, despite the fact that this was definitely her first time hearing it.

She head bopped as she danced, pausing only to burst into laughter as she watched as Jack joined his head of house and started to walk across the table. Wow, Professor Browne was definitely in a good mood. She had no idea what happened but she was loving this. Her eyes scanned the room and it seemed like half the group were very confused by what was happening, whilst a few of them - mostly badgers - were joining in and dancing.

Long before Ami had found herself wandering the twisting corridors of Hogwarts during her Saturdays, she could still remember a time where she'd spend weekends at her uncle's house. Her Uncle Caleb was her dad's younger brother, but he might as well be ten years older if you looked at his film favorites. She remembered weekend after weekend curled up on his couch with her cousins, sipping cherry Kool-Aid from plastic wine glasses and watching old DVDs on the TV. Her cousins Lettie and Drew had always preferred rom-coms (even if Drew tried to deny it), but Ami had always been drawn to the raunchy comedies or action movies. Even at the ripe ol' age of 8, she'd been permitted to watch such R-rated comedies with her uncle while she waited for her dad to come and pick her up. It was during those late nights that Ami was introduced to the glorious world of 80's R-rated movies, like The Breakfast Club or Caddyshack. Her uncle had a whole list of movies he adored that the pair slowly made their way through while Lettie and Drew were fast asleep in their twin beds. Perched way at the top of the list was, inexplicably, Risky Business.

Everything about the movie appealed to her: the beautiful Rebecca De Mornay as Lana, who was probably single-handedly responsible for the beginnings of her gay crisis; the hilarious Tom Cruise as Joel, a character she honestly saw herself in; the snazzy dance scene that she'd recreated countless times in her kitchen, although she had far less success in looking slick and cool and certainly didn't drink alcohol beforehand. She had probably run into the wall far more times than she'd care to admit, trying to nail that iconic slide perfectly timed to the music. In fact, that 100-minute long movie was probably the sole reason why she owned exactly one pink article of clothing: a pale pink button-up shirt that just reached past her butt.

And the music! What an iconic song to bust a move to. Ami probably sounded like she had a god complex anytime she talked about how today's music just wasn't as good as it was in the '80s, but she truly believed that statement. This iconic chord-riff on what she could only assume was an upright piano (no grand piano she knew sounded that awful) was enough to warrant her completely devoted attention in any circumstance, regardless of what else was going on around her. It was a song she most certainly knew all the words to- a song that she and her father had blasted out the windows of his pick-up truck (which didn't belong in urban Chicago at all). On top of that, while maybe not everyone could recognize the song solely from its opening lines, there were fewer people who couldn't sing along to the chorus. It was, in all sense of the word, iconic. A staple of American culture- as important as Take Me Home, Country Roads, if she had to make comparisons.

And thus, as she made her way down the stairs to get some fresh air outside, the sound of Bob Seger's crooning voice immediately caught her attention. Huh, that was odd... she wouldn't think that many British people would actually know this song. Or maybe they would- she really didn't know at this point. Regardless of who was playing that sweet, sweet music, her gaze scanned her surroundings for the culprit. A culprit in good standing, that was. Whoever this mysterious person was, who was amazing enough to blast such wonderful music, was her new hero. Ami's smile widened even further until it nearly took up half her face when she realized that the man who was playing that music was none other than Caradoc Browne, her very own Head of House. She expected nothing less from the Hufflepuff Leader, so she had no complaints there.

She could hear him singing, too, as she came down the stairs. Her pace quickening as she hurried down the stone steps, Ami nearly fell down all the way as she struggled to get her heavy boots off her feet. She may have been a few lines late to the iconic slide, but that didn't mean she couldn't reenact it all the same. Finally, both her boots were off and she was at the bottom of the stairs. Holding her boots by their shoelaces in one hand, her sock-clad feet were ready to slide across the marble floor of the Small Hall.

"Don't try to take me to a disco!" Ami hollered at the top of her lungs. While she wasn't the world's best singer, she did find that because of her perfect pitch, she could at least stay in key. Pushing her right foot behind her slightly her, ready to propel herself across the floor, she bellowed, "You'll never even get me out on the floor!" Pushing off and taking a few running steps, she slid across the floor into view of the crowd that had gathered to watch the strange Hufflepuff professor dance, but Ami was right there with him. Maybe this was why they were both Hufflepuffs: they have absolutely no shame whatsoever.

Her slide complete and successful, ending with her still on her feet as opposed to sprawled out on the ground, Ami bent over to try and get her boots back on her feet as quickly as she could so she didn't have to deal with anyone else there. "In 10 seconds I'll be out the door," she continued, modifying the lyrics as she jerked her thumb towards the direction of the doors. Finishing with both her boots back on her feet (although they seemed to have been shoved into the Docs quite hastily), she sang, "I like that old time rock and roll!"

Spotting a familiar face, Ami grinned as she realized that she had one more thing to do before she felt completely satisfied with her time in the Small Hall. Marching over to her former boss, @Serena Towers, she smiled a hello before grabbing Serena's chin and pulling her face towards her gently. Planting light kisses on both of her fellow Hufflepuff's cheeks like the French did, the redhead let go of Serena's chin and booped her gently on the nose with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. "Looking absolutely, undeniably exquisite as always, Mademoiselle," she said with a jaunty wink, before turning away from the much shorter girl and heading towards the open doors that awaited her. "You should start carrying extra tissues around with you- the boys are drooling just at the sight of ya!"

Pausing in the doorframe, Ami turned for a brief moment. Flashing @Caradoc Browne a grin and some finger guns, she called out to him, "Rock on, Professor! Sweet moves ya got there- out to impress the ladies and all the fine women, I see," before making her way out to the Grounds.

Ami enters like an idiot and exits like a dramatic and very gay idiot.

The third year was having fun! As the song ended he would slow down slightly until he found the rhythm of the new one, which was in a fast beat. At first he would just nod along, swaying with the beat and snapping his fingers occasionally. But when he saw the Head of House with Jack and Jake on the table, his mouth split into a grin and he began to dance along from the ground. Bobbing and swaying to the sound he heard and unable to feel anything but free. He would forget the place they were at, the fact that this was the Great Hall and full of people. In an instant he found a liking for the badger chief and he had to admit that it was quite the hilarious sight of the three Hufflepuff on the table.

When she saw the girl from the pool jump onto the table to follow again, laughter bubbled up from his throat and he nodded to her in a light greeting as he matched their rhythm on the floor. It wasn't until then that he realized that there were more professors who were just watching along and it made him wonder whether the old badger would coax them into joining his shenanigans as well. The more the merrier, right?

Interacting with @Hjørdis Jensen & @Nico Shymane

apparently that was indeed normal for his friend. Huh. “I see.” One learned new things every day. But then, had Caradoc not mentioned being in a band at some point? In light of that he supposed it really did make sense. (No, not really. It still seemed a bit random to him, but then he would never have thought of doing such a thing so naturally it would seem random to him.)

his head slightly with a wry smile, Zahid set in to observe the spectacle. Considering Caradoc was a Head of House and his other friend did not seem worried or in any way inclined to intervene, he would just sit back, relax and enjoy – metaphorically speaking. He was still far too bemused to be amused.

took a sip from his glass of tea. This school certainly was not growing dull. At the university there had been a certain level of tedious routine that seemed to be either missing or completely overshadowed by everything else. Here, there was simply no time to feel bored. The school was far too busy and the students too excitable – as well as certain members of the faculty, it seemed.

to the student addressing him, Zahid gave her a slight smile and returned her greeting. “Good morning, Miss Shymane.” He thought he would have recognized the student without overhearing Professor Jensen greeting her, but he was admittedly more sure in her name after having heard it from his colleague. There were too many students in this school for him to be secure in knowing all their names.