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The Quill-Pal Requirement PV Nell Zoldak Closed

Interacting with @Nell Zoldak

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Nearing on the end of term, Alina sat in class, writing away in the notepad before her. Her words were not about what the professor was saying or anything related to the topic at hand. Her mind had wandered, as it often did, and she was trying to think of various ideas for her and Rose Moon's upcoming slumber parties that they were planning over the summer. Alina wanted them to extravagant!

But it wasn't until the professor went up to the board to begin writing something down that she paused because when professor's wrote things on the board, that meant business. That meant...'this is your last chance to pay attention to something of dire importance. Or else.' She didn't want to get to that point so she lowered her quill and granted her professor the attention that she should have been giving all along.

The Quill-Pal Requirement.

Apparently this particular professor thought it was essential that all first year students be assigned a writing companion, which would begin now and last at least through the summer. They were to write frequently and freely, not to inhibit their thoughts too much. It was a chance to get to know a fellow student that perhaps one hadn't known before now, and keep a little bit of Hogwarts with them as they ventured into their Summer. To ensure that they'd be telling the truth, the professor now began to walk out to each student desk, distributing out a Truth-Telling Quill to each student to use and to keep. Each quill was attached to an envelope which held instructoions of basic rules (such as not using a family's name wax seal or anything related to their Hogwart's House to give away identity at first - and a name of a fellow first-year student.

Alina wasn't sure how she felt about this. There were many people who took her wrong. She thought of her friend Rose Moon and how she thought she was a worthless partner when they first got partnered up in Charms. She thought about how she didn't think Alina was very smart until she got to know her. Alina Rosier didn't always make the best first impressions. Even then when some got to know her, they found her chattiness to be overwhelming and she came off as being annoying. Still, to others, she found friendships that were the best and she thought the world of them and they appreciated her the same.

What would her Required Quill-Pal think of her?

The professor then instructed that they all keep their envelopes with them until they reached their dormitories that evening, as a Charm had been placed upon them to not be allowed to open until then. That prevented students from opening up theirs now and finding out their partner and instantly looking around for them, non-verbally giving the identity of their Required Quill-Pal away.

So it wasn't until that evening after supper and spending a little time on the grounds with her friends that she made her way up to the Hufflepuff Girls' Dormitory and into her small but cozy quarters that she shared with May Moonstar that she placed her bag beside her on the bed, popped a quick lemon drop into her mouth, and opened her envelope.

Nell Zoldak. Ravenclaw.
Let your confidence shine, pretty girl. <3
The Quill-Pal Requirement PV Nell Zoldak Closed
Nell Zoldak had gone to class a little later that day. She was quite happy to be notified of Quill - Pals; something new the professor had . . . well . . . decided to try. Nell wasn't very, keen per say on human interaction being quite anti - social. The professor passed out some Truth - Telling quills and that was when Nell wasn't keen on this type of interaction either. She didn't want to tell a . . a stranger everything about her. An envelope was soon placed on her desk to be opened when she got to her dorm that night.

For the rest of the day, Nell slumped around the corridors to class. She wasn't paying much attention either for many questions ran through her mind. Will it be a boy or girl? What would their house be? Were they feeling the same way as her about all of this or the complete opposite? She kept thinking about these things throughout the day, and then, it was finally time to open her letter.

Nell walked over and took a seat on her bed. She peeled the delicate red wax seal off and took a deep breath. She carefully removed the letter and unfolded it, revealing the name of her Quill - Pal.

Alina Rosier. Hufflepuff.
STA: 6 EVA: 8 STR: 5 WIS: 9 AP: 5 ACC: 7
Sixth Sense | Prodigal Charms Learner
"mindset first, actions second.” -unknown
The Quill-Pal Requirement PV Nell Zoldak Closed
Writing to @Nell Zoldak


To be honest, the Ravenclaw house was the one that Alina Rosier had the least bit of contact with. She didn't have any Ravenclaw friends nor had she been paired with any on some assignments. Her most frequent contact with them was the ones that attempted to tutor her unsuccessfully in Transfigurations or snap at her for being loud in the Library or Study Rooms. But a Ravenclaw was her required partner, and they were supposed to make contact even before the term ended and Summer began and there was no time like the present.

She sat down with her new quill, dipped it in ink, and began to write:

Nell,
Well, here it begins, our Required Quill-Pal Project or whatever it is called. I'm not really sure how to begin introducing myself. I'm Alina Rosier and was sorted into the Hufflepuff house...but then you already knew that much as that information was already provided to you.

I suppose I'll start with the basics. I was born in France and moved to England at the age of Seven. I live in the Windlesham Village area of Surrey. I've got a twin sister, an identical twin, named Bella. You might know her or of her. She was sorted into the Slytherin house.

I'm not really sure what we're supposed to be sharing through this project but I guess since it's an ongoing thing that we'll probably start learning a good deal about one another. I suppose when it's all done and over with, we should make some kind of deal where we meet up to just say a quick hi face to face. Guess we'll just wait and see for that.

I do much better talking to people in person, but I know that isn't the purpose of this assignment. We're not supposed to talk in person yet.

- Alina Rosier
Let your confidence shine, pretty girl. <3
The Quill-Pal Requirement PV Nell Zoldak Closed
Nell walked to the Owlery to see if she had mail expecting nothing as usual. As she walked in, she saw a letter addressed to her, Nell Zoldak. Nell tore open the seal and carefully pulled out the letter. It was in neatly written cursive. She read the letter and saw the name at the bottom. It was her Quill - Pal’s name. She assumed this was the very first letter between the two, and indeed it was. Nell walked to her dorm with her letter, somewhat eager to write back. She got to her dorm and took a seat at the desk. Nell pulled out a piece of parchment, dipped her Truth - Telling Quill in ink, and began to write.

Hello Alina,
It is very nice to meet you over owl. As you know already, my name is Nell Zoldak, and I am a first year Ravenclaw. For the basics, at least, I was born and raised in Cork, Ireland by two muggle parents. And, I haven’t heard about your sister, but I bet she is lovely.

I love reading and writing. What are your favorite hobbies? I don’t know about you, but I strongly dislike these Truth - Telling Quills. Anyway, I’ve always wanted to know what the Hufflepuff common room is like. Could you describe it?

I hope to hear from you soon and I love the idea of meeting in person sometime.

Sincerely,
Nell Zoldak
STA: 6 EVA: 8 STR: 5 WIS: 9 AP: 5 ACC: 7
Sixth Sense | Prodigal Charms Learner
"mindset first, actions second.” -unknown
The Quill-Pal Requirement PV Nell Zoldak Closed
Interacting with @Nell Zoldak


Nell,

My hobbies... I find that a difficult thing these days. Before Hogwarts, I spent a lot of time in the gardens or the forest, climbing trees, feeling the sunshine in my face and the breeze through my hair. Inside I enjoyed making things, either by sketching or crocheting or reading, mostly classical literature or works of transcendentalism. But then I come here to Hogwarts and it astounds me some of the hobbies that others have. Some are skilled already on broomstick handling and ballet. Some can play an instrument or have amazing singing voices. I guess maybe those would be more talents? I have hobbies, I don't really have a talent. I have begun trying to teach myself how to paint and that has been an enjoyable endeavor. I also like to explore the castle and grounds. What do you find yourself doing when not working on schoolwork?

As for the Hufflepuff Common Room, its a lot like how I thought it would be. When I was bitter about first being sorted into the house, I sat on the steps of the Entrance Hall and thought it had to be all 'Sunshine, Lollipops, and Rainbows." It sort of is. The walls are a golden yellow and most of the furniture is either made of wood or a yellow as well. There are gold accents everywhere. I'd say it would be very "home-like' but my home was large, elegant, and empty. Not like this. Still, if I came from a smaller village with a close-knit family, this is sort of how I'd envision it. There are sofas and chairs to rest upon, a warm fireplace to dance in front of, tables to study or eat snacks from the nearby kitchens. Round windows overlook the wildflowers out on the grounds of the castle and there are lots and lots of hanging plants. It also always smells of vanilla, or flowers, or fresh baked cookies. Again...maybe because we're so close to the kitchens. Do tell me what the Ravenclaw Common Room like is as well. I've never been and surely never will if you have to answer a question to get in!

Also, tell me about you. Tell me what you think about being sorted into Ravenclaw. I don't mean to be rude because its foolish of me, I'll admit, but I always thought of Ravenclaws as overbearing know-it-alls but I think that's just because I really haven't met one. And personally, I'm really just jealous. People think I don't really dedicate myself to schoolwork or try and that's why my grades are rather poorly but its the opposite. I try, I try hard. It's just easier to let people think I don't care instead of having them think I'm stupid. I don't know why I'm writing this. I think I should stop this letter for now.

Write back soon and hope to get to know a little more about your hobbies, common room, and thoughts on being in Ravenclaw,

Alina Rosier

She looked over the note, wondering why she put that last part. It was too much. She didn't tell her best friends that sort of thing! No, she couldn't send it like that. She went to scratch it out, but as she drew the quill across the parchment, nothing happened. Dipping it into the ink well, she tried again but still nothing. Ah, the truth-telling quills. Of course. ...Stupid quills. So this was the way it was going to have to be. Hopefully Nell Zoldak wasn't the type that was going to make fun of her or tell the school about how much Alina felt herself to be an idiot. With a sigh, she folded up the parchment and stuffed it into an envelope and sent it off.
Let your confidence shine, pretty girl. <3
The Quill-Pal Requirement PV Nell Zoldak Closed
Interacting With @Alina Rosier


Nell read the letter carefully, and pondered on the last part for a second. She ignored though, and started her letter back.

Alina,

I might take up some of the hobbies you have described. They seem quite nice, and, I bet you have some type of talent. When not in a class I find myself writing or reading. My literature preferences consist mostly of any Greek or Roman mythology. I enjoy books of length, however. My writing can vary depending on how I'm feeling. Sometimes I will head over to the Great Lake, or maybe just sit by the castle grounds. I may just find myself exploring the castle at times.

The Hufflepuff Common room seems quite nice! I was almost sorted into Hufflepuff, and I wouldn't have minded by the sound of your common room. I do agree with your thoughts about how it might be "home-like for someone from a close-knit family." The Ravenclaw Common Room is described as "the artiest of the four common rooms," but I wouldn't know not having been in any of the other common rooms. It is a wide, circular room with arched windows along the walls hung by blue and bronze silks. There is a midnight blue carpet on the ground. The room is furnished with blue tables, chairs, and a few divans. A marble statue of Rowena Ravenclaw herself stands near the entrance to the dormitories. There is a good - sized library and we have a nice view of the grounds.

Not all Ravenclaws are like that. Yes, one of our main characteristics is wit, but you cannot always go off the house stereotypes. Some of them are show - offs, but some of us are quiet and we keep to ourselves. Hoping to hear your response soon.

-Nell Zoldak

Nell ended the letter quite abruptly. She honestly hated the house stereotypes. Not all Hufflepuffs are friendly, loyal and sweet. Not all Ravenclaws are smart, creative, and love learning. Not all Slytherins are rude, cunning, and sneaky. Not all Gryffindors are brave, chivalrous, and adventurous. She sent the letter away quickly and waited.
STA: 6 EVA: 8 STR: 5 WIS: 9 AP: 5 ACC: 7
Sixth Sense | Prodigal Charms Learner
"mindset first, actions second.” -unknown
The Quill-Pal Requirement PV Nell Zoldak Closed
Interacting with @Nell Zoldak


Nell,

Houses are a funny thing. Not a humorous sort of fashion, but peculiar. I know it's to somehow sort us into similar attributes and such but sometimes I feel it just distances us from others. I know I barely see my sister at all while here. It's a bit crazy. The closest friendships I've made have been in Hufflepuff and I think thats because we have so many classes together and then spend time at the table in The Great Hall and Common Room.

Why do you think you were placed in Ravenclaw? Do you share the wit? The knowledge? I've also heard that the Ravenclaw house can be for those that are creative as well. I used to think it was the one other house that my father might find acceptable to be sorted into but that didn't so much happen. Honestly in his mind I wonder which is worse - Gryffindor or Hufflepuff.

Maybe I'll find out come Summer. It's probably pretty crazy that an entire school year has gone by and I haven't yet told him which house I'm in. Right now he assumes that both of his girls are Slytherin. It's a lie by the fact that it is absent of truth but I've never actually officially told him that.

- Alina Rosier
Let your confidence shine, pretty girl. <3
The Quill-Pal Requirement PV Nell Zoldak Closed
Alina,

I, for one, think I was placed in Ravenclaw quite possibly for the knowledge portion. I share some of the creativity as well. How about you? Why do you think you were placed in Hufflepuff? Do you think you share any traits with the classic house stereotypes? However, forget the house stereotypes. They don’t have to change your personality just because you are in a certain house. Remember that.

I think you should tell your father about your sorting. Whether he is disappointed or not, you should tell him the truth. He should know. What house was your father in, assuming he went to Hogwarts? Are the friends you have made here at Hogwarts so far nice? Trusting?

What is your favorite Hogwarts class? Mine is Charms, maybe because it’s my best class. What’s your worst and best class? My worst is Herbology. What do you think about our professors? I think they are quite nice, to be honest, so far at least.

I really hope to hearing your response, and please do owl your father about your house. You may never know if he’ll be angry, proud, or just be at peace of mind knowing for sure his daughters’ houses. I hope he respects you sorting, however. Hope it goes well if you decide to tell him.

- Nell
STA: 6 EVA: 8 STR: 5 WIS: 9 AP: 5 ACC: 7
Sixth Sense | Prodigal Charms Learner
"mindset first, actions second.” -unknown
The Quill-Pal Requirement PV Nell Zoldak Closed
Nell did seem to carry knowledge. She wrote a nice letter each time but she also wasn't doing it just for the words because they were required by a professor - she actually took the time to read what Alina had written and responded. It was nice. Alina was glad she was paired up with Nell for this project and with having her own prejudice towards Ravenclaws, this was a good thing to help her see a new perspective. She felt a little selfish though, as she was always delivering her worries to Nell and was given helpful advice or words of encouragement but felt she wasn't helping her required quill-pal with the same. Surely everyone had their troubles. Maybe this next letter could address that.

Nell,

I will tell him...but over the Summer. That way it can be face to face and I can see his reaction instead of trying to interpret it through his words. Or if a letter should not come immediately I might take his lack of words as a response and it could be that he's off on work - as always.

He was a Slytherin while here at Hogwarts. So were both his parents, both of their parents, and so on. I found out just recently that he played quidditch and got a trophy for sportsmanship while he was here. I ventured into the Trophy Room one afternoon. ...Although don't mention that to anyone!

As for me being in Hufflepuff, I don't know. Sometimes I think I might want to lean towards a profession in Healing after I graduate and if that's the case then maybe its because I want to help others? I also have met a lot of good friends here and the majority are Hufflepuff. I would really do anything for them. Crystal, Alexa, Phoenix, May, Lindsey they're all Hufflepuffs. I've also made friends with some other houses like Rose in Gryffindor and Meredith in Slytherin. And of course you! My first Ravenclaw. Oh and I can't forget about Clifton.

She paused in her writing because just prior to starting she was thinking how nice Nell wrote and she was rambling on as if she were talking to the girl. Alina was a girl who liked to ramble. Still, she HAD to include Clifton as he was the most important to her. Clifton was her partner in crime, her Clyde to her Bonnie, her boyfriend.

Clifton's the absolute best person I could have met here at Hogwarts. I'm not looking forward to the Summer coming because I won't see him every day but we've arranged to see each other some over the Summer, he coming to my house and me visiting him there. We'll write too when he's at football camp and the like.

While I'm going to miss him and some others over the Summer, I honestly won't miss the classes or many of the professors. I don't know what I'd say my favorite class is - maybe Potions or Herbology because sometimes we learn about things that will help people. Again, my interest in Healing gets sparked. Maybe Herbology. Professor MacTavish is quite nice to look at... My least favorite is Transfigurations. Don't get me started on that or you'll have ten kilometers of parchment to read on that. The content and I don't mesh. It's like a foreign language that will never be decoded and the professor just gets snippy when you don't understand. I've had tutor after tutor. I'm useless when it comes to the subject.

I really like that you're trying to help with the father situation. Truth is, I don't really care what he thinks. He's hardly home anyway. Seriously, I see him maybe once a week? If that. I'm more worried because my household consists only of him and then my grandmother. They are very traditional, very expecting, very...how things need to be. This isn't how things were to be.

Anyways, its nice to have someone to talk to. I was thinking maybe you could share with me something that you're worried about so maybe I could help you too? I know its a rather forward request. Blame the Hufflepuff in me,

- Alina Rosier
Let your confidence shine, pretty girl. <3
The Quill-Pal Requirement PV Nell Zoldak Closed
Interacting With @Alina Rosier
Nell read the last bit of the letter slowly. She felt bad for the girl, not having a caring father and all. She halted her reading for a hot second. Yeah, I guess she did have family problems and a bunch of other things, but did she want to talk about it? No, she didn't. Not with Alina, not with anybody. She decided it would be best not to say anything.
Alina,

I'm afraid there isn't anything you could help me with. Nobody could, actually, for I don't really have anything to be helped with!

Transfiguration can be quite a process, I agree. I believe I have passed my first have first class on the subject with an E, but I'm not sure if continuing the class would be the best idea I've had.

I honestly do not have much to say in this letter. Anyway, do you like your head of house? Your prefect? I haven't seen much of mine, but they seem pretty decent.

Clifton sounds like a nice guy! I think I've seen him around in some of my classes. Have never interacted with him much though. I actually, I've never said a word to him, nor have I heard him say a word . . . Sorry 'bout that. Sometimes I just think on paper.

Again, sorry for the very short and boring letter.

-Nell
STA: 6 EVA: 8 STR: 5 WIS: 9 AP: 5 ACC: 7
Sixth Sense | Prodigal Charms Learner
"mindset first, actions second.” -unknown
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