Card Decorating Table Errand

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It was soon into a new year at Hogwarts, and Emiline had fallen back into the routine of classes after classes, missing the hidden step, all that sort of stuff. But then she heard something about Christmas? In September? To be completely honest, she was one hundred percent confused. Why were prefects organising something so early before Christmas? The brunette shook her head and went down to the great hall to see what all the fuss was about. And maybe take part too. Emiline pushed open the doors and was met with cardboard cutouts, muggle arts and crafts items and and overall Christmasy vibe. The forth-year's mind instantly went to the Olympic support errand and her artsy poster board to support Hogwarts! It was probably around the dorms somewhere..... or maybe... probably in the bin as she'd forgotten to take it home over the holidays.

Emiline moves towards one of the tables, with a Christmasy Cutout watching over her. She picks up a bit of red checkered ribbon, a piece of white card, black fineliner pen and a pencil. She folded her white card in half (basic I know) then turns landscape and started sketching out a boy, a girl and two other girls. These figures would hopefully turn out to look like @Simon Kincaid, @Kaitlyn Connor, @Avery Gray and her old friend Bree Grey (@Willow Starch). She first focused on Simon, drawing out his semi-messy hair, his dimples and kind eyes. He was obviously taller than the other drawings as he was older. Emiline then starts on Kaitlyn. Beautiful Kait. She puts Kait's hair into french braids with a reindeer headband to be Christmassy, adding on with a warm green jumper and a cute skirt. Then onto Avery. Her green eyes and wavy brown hair were first then to be festive, Avery had a red rose on like Rudolf. Her outfit was fairly simple, a red jumper and some cuter trousers. To finish up her drawing, she drew her old friend Bree. Brown straight hair, crinkled eyes, and a faint outline of angel wings and a halo. They all look very happy.

She then repeated that three more times. And in each she wrote to each respective friend, Simon, Kait, Avery then Willow

Dear ___ !

Happy 100 days till Christmas!

I just wanted to tell you how much you mean to me. You are always there, always listening and cheering me on. Thank you!

Anyways, Christmas is a time for celebrating, presents, eating lots of yummy food and spending time with family and friends. We need to all just have a moment to ourselves and just give each other a hug? You never know when you'll need it.

So in a way, this card is a pre-Chrismas gift to use as a hug whenever you like, it can never run out!

Happy almost christmas!

Love ya!
Emi
xx

After signing it off, she cut and curled her red ribbon and tied the letters up. Like a big present and then grabbed a tiny bit of red glitter and sprinkled it over the top. She didn't expect the glitter to all be there by the time it got delivered, but maybe a few specks would cling on and give that magical feel for her friends as they opened it!

She smiled to herself as she thought of the reactions her friends would give when they received their cards. They would probably be happy, maybe even amazed at her sketch. She nodded towards the organiser Jrue, to say thanks. And wiped the glitter towards the middle of the table, just to make it easier to clean up at the end. And out the door she went.

AI sketch below to get the idea of what Emiline made- just with colour

Reducio

𝕴t is unfamiliar to Robin, writing cards to someone other than actual, blood-related family. Well, he wrote cards to Noah Kelly before but he's a childhood friend who basically counts as his twin brother. Writing a card to Noah is immensely different from writing a card to his current school friend, whom he just so happens to have some romantic feelings towards. Labeling it as romantic doesn't feel right though, Robin is quite sure he likes Mikaela, but he isn't romantic at all. At least he wouldn't usually consider himself to be, and that word itself can give him a shiver down the spine. I like Mikaela. That's it, no other way to put it.

Robin just finished decorating cookies at the neighboring table, where he also got a cup of cocoa he brought with him to this card-writing section. Now that he thought about it, maybe he should have finished the drink somewhere else before sitting at a table filled with paper. The boy took a few big gulps and finished his remaining hot cocoa before proceeding to work on a card for Mikaela. He planned to ultimately attach it to the bag he stored the cookies in and give her the package, but what will likely happen instead is him coming to class earlier and putting it on her usual seat. Or perhaps just knocking on the door of the girl's dorm, put the package on the floor, and flee, then hope that she's the one who opened the door so no one else would know of this awkward moment.

Taking a deep breath, Robin reached for a card that had no flashy or overly cute designs on it. He grabbed a rather simple one, the only colored design was a checked green and red border visualizing the intended occasion. He tapped his quill as he thought about the exact words, then he wrote them carefully and as neatly as possible on his chosen card.

Mikaela,

Thanks for being such a great study partner, my potions final last year was saved by your annotated second-hand textbook. Thanks even more so for being a good friend, all of our book talks are now treasured memories of mine. I hope you can overcome any difficulties and live a life full of genuine smiles.

Best,
Robin L.

It was hard coming up with the line about genuine smiles when he himself cannot move his mouth to form one. That made it something he hoped Mikaela can have even more, as long as it makes her genuinely happy and doesn't become a stiff and suffocating mask instead. Maybe—and Robin thought of this with a sense of ironic humor—just maybe the person who needs that last sentence is me. More than likely, both the kids needed it.

After triple-checking for any errors and finding none, Robin nodded with satisfaction and attached the card to the cookie bag with tape, then replaced the basic string with a purple ribbon he found in the stacks of red and green. He hoped it didn't look too much, or too half-hearted even though he poured some amount of real feelings into the package's assembly. Simple is the key, especially since this was intended as merely a platonic gift celebrating a hundred days before Christmas. Nothing special at all, Robin reassured himself as his heart played a nervous rhythm. Nothing special.

ooc notes
banner and code by me
not open to interactions since Robin probably runs off right after this post lol, you can mention seeing him though, if you already know him prior to this time

☆ Layout & Banner by @Minju Jeong☆

☆ Notes : Minju usees Korean and fidgets when nervous of overwhelmed --Minju is forced to perfection since shes from a noble Korean pureblood family --- Minju is less perfect when not around her older brother and sister who are 7th and 5th years --- Open to interactions if you know or don't know her !

Image of the sketch Ai cause I cant draw rn

Reducio

Date: September 16th, 2026
Time: Early Morning
Location: Great Hall, Hogwarts

Xio loved the Winter season, it was by far her favorite out of all of them, whenever it got cold enough to see her own breath, she knew good times were just around the corner.

But Christmas at the Arcana house felt lonely for Xio. Kael was hardly home (wasn't much different any other time of the year), Lyra always lectured and tried to schedule a tight itinerary (no one listened or kept to it), Zev only cared about the Quidditch games scheduled during this time (also not very different from the rest of the year), Vesper was busy renting out her magical creatures for various holiday events, Jax and Nyx were never to be found (probably causing mischief), and Ren only spent time with her because he felt bad for her, and even then it was rare opportunities.

So celebrating the holidays at Hogwarts was exactly the kind of thing she was most excited about. When she came across the Great Hall and was welcomed by the festive spirit, she could literally feel her excitement vibrate out of her. Her eyes shimmered with awe up at the floating candle lights in the snowy ceiling, and sparkly garlands and wreaths decorating the walls, and the bustle of students already at work or taking a gander at it all.

Xio's eyes immediately shot to the crafts spread across the various surfaces and she couldn't help but let out a excited squeal which caught the attention of some students nearby.

"Eeeeee!!"

Like a whirlwind, she swept to the various piles of crafts and grabbed handfuls _{(but not greedily)} of various components like colored and non-colored papers, ribbons, cardboard, glitter, and stickers. She then took it upon herself to hog an edge of one of the long dinning tables to lay out her craft bounty. Once seated, she took a moment to appreciate her haul, then immediately got to her creative work.

At first, she wanted to make as many cards as she could with various decorative designs but only managed to make about three before her creative flame started to burn down. One of the cards had reindeers playing a game of catch&throw, a card with a family of snow-people all holding various colored and designed presents, and finally her personal favorite which was a "pop-out" image of Santa Claus with a elf assistant holding a gift out to the reader.

She was thoroughly satisfied with the work she had created so far, but now came the tricky part...words! It wasn't a problem with her penmanship, she had very straight and even lines for her writing due to years of doing art as her personal hobby; it was the literal words she struggled to think of!

After what felt like ages to Xio, she simply decided to write what seemed like very generic card phrases to her and hope that whomever received it would "get" her sense of humor.

On the reindeer card she wrote,

"To a year of fun reindeer games!"

On the snow-people card she wrote,

"The ice may melt, but not my appreciation for you!"

And finally on the Santa and Elf card she wrote,

"You have been the very best this year!"

After a moment of truly admiring her finished work, Xio suddenly felt embarrassed. She wasn't really thinking of anyone in particular to give these cards to, she just saw arts and crafts and no price tag and went to town with no questions asked.

Now what to do...

Before she could further embarrass herself, Xio quickly took her trash scraps, disposed of them, then gathered the 3 cards she had made and placed them amongst the crafts made available to the students and hoped that maybe someone would want one, or use for inspiration.

Regardless, Xio had fun and to her, that's all that mattered, as she went to find the next exciting thing to do.

Dear Mum,

Guess what?

It is officially another 100 days before Christmas!

It probably sounds rather silly to be getting excited so early, but I couldn't resist it. I realised this this morning and have been thinking about Christmas ever since. It's odd to realize that there are now just one hundred days remaining, and Christmas seems to have suddenly gotten a lot nearer than it did yesterday.

I am still thinking about how Christmas will be at Hogwarts; I can already see the Great Hall decorated beautifully with huge Christmas trees, hundreds of candles floating above us and snow all around the castle. I believe it's going to be completely magical.

I find myself recalling our Christmas traditions, the decorations, the lights, the food and all those little things which make Christmas seem like Christmas.

I'd like to write to you today, even though it's still September, to wish you a very happy 100 days till Christmas! I know that you probably know me well enough to have realised that I am already counting down.

100 days. 99 days. 98 days. And in the end, Christmas will come about. I can't wait.

I'm missing you a lot, Mum, and I hope that you're having a great day. I'll write again soon.

Love,
Jessica

P.S. Enjoy those 100 days until Christmas!

Reducio

2026-09-16
Great Hall
Year 1
Solo
WC: 788

Spending more than three months before Christmas doing Christmas activities was a bit odd, but when Casimir had heard they were to craft cards he'd thought it would be a perfect way to send something to his mother to let her know he was 'doing alright.' Making crafts at a table surrounded by other students seemed the appropriate amount of social, and besides, if there was one thing that put a dent in the loneliness he felt here it was writing home.

Taking a seat, Cas listened carefully to his Prefect, studying the items laid out on the table. He was at heart someone who preferred functionality, so as soon as they were given leave to start their crafts he went and gathered up a quill and parchment. After a moment's hesitation, he also selected a decent length of ribbon, picking out a rich green that would look Christmas-y if his mother wore it in her auburn locks. He'd be keeping an eye out for the next hundred days for something special to buy her, but a little card gift wouldn't go amiss to show he was thinking of her.

Hunching over the parchment and surreptitiously checking to make sure nobody was reading over his shoulder, he began his letter.

To the Woman Who Bakes the Best Cookies:

Merry Christmas?

It is not Christmas, and yet this school is encouraging us to do crafts in the spirit of the season anyway. They're very odd here, probably because they let a lot of non-magical-background folks in. I'm learning new things and the classes are interesting; they're teaching us spells I've heard of but obviously have never used. I'm even interacting with other students sometimes and 'putting myself out there' as you would say.

So don't worry about me. I'm fine. The food is good too, I'm eating nutritious things and making sure to drink lots of water.

How are things back home? If anyone isn't treating you properly or you are feeling anxious, you must tell me and I will find a way to get back. I'm not sure what their policies are, I didn't receive a policy handbook when I started, but I'll go the library soon and study what the options are for leave if necessary. I know you're going to write something about disrupting my schoolyear, but don't consider it. Nothing is more important than you.

Oh, I suppose you'd also like to know about my House. I will write to Father about it so don't worry about telling him, but I didn't end up in Slytherin. I'm a Hufflepuff, which as you know is represented by a badger and the values of loyalty, hard work, patience, and justice. Since I'm to bring more to our family name than is currently present, I'll focus on justice.

I promise you that I will grow up to enforce justice for magic. Muggles dissect what they cannot understand until it dies. Magic was meant to be elevated, not dragged into the mud of their mundanity.

Casimir paused, his hand trembling slightly above the paper. He reached up to grab his wrist to stop the tremble, inhaling and exhaling slowly. This was meant to be a light exercise, writing this sort of thing would only get his mother concerned. If there was one thing he never showed to her despite the honesty between them about everything else, it was the feral rage he felt about what Muggle technology had done to her and his aunt.

He got a new parchment and copied everything out up until his last paragraph before continuing.

I'll focus on loyalty as well, but don't worry about it making me gullible or naive. Loyalty isn't about smiling at everyone or being kind. It is a boundary. You burn down whatever and whoever tries to cross it. I am and will always remain fine, and when I'm finished I'll be so strong that nobody will ever bother our family again. I promise.

I will continue writing every couple of weeks, please write me back at your earliest convenience.

I remain now and forever more,

Your Loyal Son

Casimir Beaumont

P.S. - The ribbon is not your Christmas gift, it's just a token for you to remember you are never far from my thoughts.

That was a satisfactory letter. Rereading it once more, Casimir allowed his eyes to soften into a near-smile before he gently set the ribbon against the parchment and rolled it up. As strange as it was to do something Christmas-y so early, it had put him in a much better mood. And now to wait, for both a reply to come and for the one hundred days to be up so he could go home.

for you are fearfully and wonderfully made, woven with timeless elegance. an old soul with a heart full of love, you are.

FIRST YEAR | HUFFLEPUFF

Elara slowed down when she entered the Great Hall. She had expected it to look the same as usual, but apparently not today. Snow was falling from the enchanted ceiling, though none of it reached the floor. Garlands hung around the walls, ribbons were tied around the tables, and a large Christmas tree stood in the middle of the room. It was strange seeing all of it in September. Christmas was still a long way away. Elara stood near the entrance for a moment. She watched a few snowflakes disappear above the floor before looking around. There were several tables set up around the hall. One had cookies and cocoa. Another was covered with cards and craft supplies.

The card decorating table caught her attention. There were cards everywhere. Some were already decorated. Others were completely blank. Rolls of ribbon, lace, stickers, coloured pens, and small bottles of glue were scattered across the table. Elara picked up a blank card. It was plain white, with nothing written on it. I like this one. There was enough space to do whatever she wanted. She sat down and looked through the supplies. A small sheet of cream coloured paper caught her attention. She cut a few thin strips and glued them around the edge of the card. They weren't exactly the same size, but she didn't mind. Then she found a sheet of small silver star stickers. These are easier. She placed a few around the border, leaving enough space between them. One ended up slightly crooked. Elara tried to straighten it. It wouldn't move. She sighed quietly and left it there. "At least it's not too noticeable" she murmured to herself.

She looked at the front of the card for a while. Something still seemed to be missing. After thinking about it, she picked up a dark brown pen and carefully wrote 100 Days Before Christmas in the middle. The silver stars around it made the card look a little less plain. She looked at it again. I like it. The empty space inside was harder. She had already written to her parents earlier this month. She had told them about arriving at Hogwarts and being sorted into Hufflepuff. This time, she thought she could tell them a little about what had happened since then. She picked up the pen again. It doesn't have to be long. Just a small update. She began writing.

Dear Dad and Mum,

It's been a little while since my last letter. I hope you're both doing well. I've been getting used to Hogwarts more each day. The castle is still easy to get lost in, but I think I'm getting better at finding my way around. My classes have been interesting too, and I've been enjoying having things to write and draw in my notes. Lumi has been keeping me company whenever I have some free time. She seems to like exploring almost as much as I do, although I don't always know where she is going.

Today the Great Hall was decorated for Christmas, even though it's only September. There was snow falling from the ceiling and a huge Christmas tree in the middle. I made a card for you both because of it. It feels a little strange celebrating Christmas this early, but it was nice. Happy 100 days until Christmas. I'll write again soon.

With love,
Elara Whitlock

She read the letter once before setting the pen down. Everything she wanted to say was there. Elara looked at the card again. It wasn't fancy. There was no glitter. No complicated drawing. Just cream coloured paper, a few silver stars, and a short letter inside. She smiled. She folded the card carefully and closed it. Before putting it aside, she noticed some small cat stickers among the supplies. Her eyes lingered on them for a moment. A tiny grey cat. That will do. She picked one up and placed it in the bottom corner of the card. Then she leaned back in her seat and looked at her finished work. Much better.

Around her, the table was getting busier. Elara watched for a moment. She could already imagine her mum putting the card somewhere safe and her dad teasing her about receiving a Christmas card in September. That thought made her smile. Elara picked up the card once more and checked that the fold was neat. Then she slipped it carefully inside her bag. She would have to find a way to send it to Mum and Dad later.

mention: n/a word count: 756 interaction: dialogue ; thoughts ; reply date: 09 - 16 - 2026 location: great hall notes: none

stamina [5] evasion [4] strength [4] wisdom [7] arcane power [8] accuracy [7] — perfectionist - ability - ability ability - ability - ability - ability

coded by Marigold Wesley | best viewed in Charter font

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Reducio Extras: Thoughts Speech French

Reducio Time: May 25 Mention: @Jay Valkyrie

Reducio Outfit

Festive spirit wasn’t something Isla could easily have. Holidays had never felt like a festive thing in her home. So when the school announced their activities, Isla wanted to participate, because who was stopping her?

From the three activities, she was sure ornament making wasn’t her first choice, so when she chose card decorating. She wasn’t sure if her brother was still angry or not with her, but since he moved to the US with some distant relatives, things had been a little tense with them. She wasn’t sure if he had gone home to Scotland again or was still in New York, but an owl could find him and give him the letter.

For some minutes, Isla wondered what to write to her brother. She wasn’t sure if she wanted to apologize? But why would she? She hadn’t done anything wrong. Then she wondered if she should write to him asking him how his life was now, if he was feeling happy, and if he missed her.

She grabbed one of the cards with a design, and started scribbling down:

Dear Ethan,

I’m not sure how to write festive letters, to be honest, Christmas at home has been more of an ice situation than hot cocoa (see what I did there?) I’m currently at Hogwarts, and, to say the least, I’m having fun. I do miss you a lot.

You’re my brother, and I know I snapped at you, and that I should have been more understanding. You’re leaving your dream, even while leaving me behind, but I don’t blame you, I would have done it too. I hope that wherever you are, you’re having fun.

Love,

Munchkin

Isla was smiling when she wrote the childhood nickname. It had started as something teasing, from when Isla was shorter than other kids her age, but now it felt like the closest thing, apart from the people at Hogwarts, she had to a close connection.

And she wouldn’t let distance break her and Ethan’s bond.

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I feel right, I feel wrong, I feel totally insane

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