Dangos & Matcha Errand PV

Interacting with: @Griseldis Edelhart, @Piper Clark, @Michael Miller, @Quinlan Knight, @Marshal Mozor

Carolyn was a bit stressed. She was supposed to go home soon and she wasn’t quite sure whether she’d be welcome there. Due to her family situation, it was somewhat difficult year compared to her first one here so she was always glad to participate in any interesting activity. This is why she would not go to the library today. When she heard about the Dango making event, she didn’t hesitate to sign up. She missed Korean food and this was as close as she would get to it even if see wasn’t a fan of sweet things. With her grandparents in hospital she doubted any Korean dishes would await for her at home unless she cooked them herself. And who knows? Maybe I’ll make new friends along the way. Despite that thought, the witch later decided to bring her fluffy friend as well. He was a great source of comfort to her and it was a good opportunity to work on his social skills. “Come on Mordred, it’s time to go,” she called the sleeping feline.

Todays weather was perfect for outdoor activities. The sun was there to welcome the students and the wind was not unkind either. Carolyn was wearing a simple white t-shirt and a black skinny jeans, which felt like a perfect choice for today. All in all the short walk to the grounds lifted her spirit a little. She was still not feeling great and she was a bit stressed about meeting new people but being naturally great at hiding her emotions, it didn’t seem like a big deal. Not to mention her group seemed rather small.

“Hello,” she greeted her classmates with a gentle smile. Indeed, she didn’t know any of them. She guessed most, if not all, of them were first years and she did not remember seeing any of them in their common room either. “I’m Carolyn Hunt, second year Ravenclaw.” The witch introduced herself. “And this is Mordred, my unfortunately somewhat choosy friend,” she pointed at the cat who had already chosen his spot under the sun. Close enough to his owner but still keeping a safe distance from others. “I promise, he won’t bother you.” Of this, Carolyn was fairly sure. He would probably happily sunbath for the rest of the day if she let him.

After the initial introductions, the young Ravenclaw sat down and inspected the table. She was pretty confident making this treat shouldn’t prove too much of a challenge. She already tried making Gyeongdan with her grandma and as far as she knew, these were pretty similar. Still, that did not mean she wouldn’t need instructions. While she may have had some idea about the dish, she would never claim to know how to proceed on her own. “Oh..hello,” she greeted Griseldis once she joined their table in order to welcome them and explain how to do everything. Thankfully it didn’t sound overly complicated and since she was used to cooking, she didn’t have much trouble remembering the recipe.

“Thank you.” She nodded at her senior once she was done and ready to move towards the next group. “Please come back to try some later.” She offered politely, still feeling a bit out of place among the strangers. Hopefully, working together would bring the group closer naturally. I’m probably the oldest here…should I say something? Carolyn didn’t like to be the center of attention, preferring to blend in the crowd but she was also taught the oldest should take care of the younger kids. Hierarchy was quite important in Korean culture and whether she liked it or not, her grandma’s teachings got under her skin and would probably stay there for the rest of her life. “So…how do you want to do this? Do you want to try everything or perhaps take turns?”

WC: 637/1000

Interact With @Adlai Rod | @Hanako Tone Mention @Starlee Kennedy and the people that know Cash

Open to other interactions Friday March 26 th 2021 Matcha Tea Group

Hex Code #4B0082 - English #000080 - French #008080 - Latin #800000 - Spanish

Through out Cash entire life, their parents was something. Lavi (Cash's father) was a coffee addict, while Olivía (Cash's mother) is an avid tea drinker. Their mother also has a strong sense of smell. Olivía could know what type of the tea leaves which is being steeped with the hot water by the fragrance of the tea and how long does it take to brew it perfectly from miles away.

Cash on the other hand from all the type of tea leaves, their most favorite are Chamomile and Peppermint. So when they saw an errand that will make some kind of Japanese tea, the green eyes definitely need to try the new kind of tea and could not passed up the opportunity. When Cash sent an owl back home, their mother was ecstatic for the purple haired new experience at school.

This is the first time their mother that written back the owl after their father passing. Once Blackjack being sent back to school, their mother had sent Cash some clothes and a pair of shoes. In the clothes that wrapped in silk, there was a note attached to it on their mother handwriting. 'Spring is here. embrace it'.

And so once Cash put on their outfit for the occasion, the Beater climbed up from where their dorm was located. Upon their arrival at the ground, they saw some familiar faces. The purple haired raised their hand and wave at Starlee. The second year was shuffling their way to grab a clean picnic blanket from the pile.

Once the material was in their hand, Cash listened intently how to make it from the older student. Their eyebrow knitted since the processed of making the Matcha tea kind of a bit complicated for them. But Cash vaguely remembered their mother once told them how to brew the green tea in more traditional way.

When a house elf passed them, Cash said to the house elf to bring them a Matcha ceremonial tea set and delivered it to where they will be seated. The house elf nodded his head. Cash was about to laid their picnic blanket down on the ground when they saw a familiar face that they did not want to see at all.

That face belong to one Hanako Tone. The Japanese boy wearing some sort of Traditional clothing that make him stood out like a sore thumb. The second year then laid their picnic blanket down and marched toward the green kimono wearing clad boy. When Cash stood next to Tone, then they realized what is happening.

"Hey, Adlai"The young socialite greet their Hufflepuff friend. "Fancy seeing you here"They added. Then their green eyes averted to Tone. Cash looked down at the tea that was spilt. "Seriously, Tone?"Cash clicking their tongue. "Are you that socially inept that you need to make a scene?"Cash pursing their lips.

"I mean can you at least try NOT to destroyed other creation. I am sure Adlai here would not get mad at you seeing how nice she is; but have a heart a little, dwarf"Cash spat out. "Or the size of your heart is the same like your intelligence which at this point I do not think that existed at all"the Cuban descendant uttered.

Then Cash looked at Adlai. "He would not get away so easily, would he?"The green eyes asked the Hijabi wearing girl. "And for Merlin's sake! you are like a moth drawn to a flame. A disastrous one that is"This time around the insult Cash throw was at Hanako. With their last statement, Cash turned around and get back to the picnic blanket that they laid early on.

When the Beater seated on the blanket, their Matcha ceremonial tea set already in front of them. Cash line up the equipments according to the order that will be used later on when they making their tea.

Matcha Tea Errand
Interacting with: @Hanako Tone and @Cassandra Ironwoods
Words: 453 + 435 = 888/1000
Outfit

Whilst floating along in her own little world, Adlai had not noticed that the tea she had been working on was knocked over until the green mixture covered a portion of her hand. Surprised, she looked up to see a kimono clad boy. Upon further inspection she found the boy to be Hanako Tone, whom she had not seen since she had invited him to the Chamber of Secrets earlier in the year when she had invited every parselmouth she knew, or knew of, so that they may become friends, and if not that a system of support for one another.

Sadly the meeting between them did not go well as a magical duel had irrupted between Hanako and another acquaintance of hers, Cassandra Ironwoods. Nonetheless, it was in the past and the present was the present. She hoped that he had reflected upon his actions, and with that hope she had decided to give him a second chance. "Hanako, hello!" she beamed looking up at him as he seemingly hid his face behind his sleeve. Even with her hat Adlai had to squint a bit as the spring sun shone in her direction. His looked a bit red, perhaps he was hot?

Again to her increasing surprise another familiar face appeared, that of Cassandra Ironwoods. Oh boy..- she thought, hoping another duel between the two wouldn't break out. Especially not in such an open space where plenty of their fellow students were just trying to have a good time, or educate themselves on Japanese culture. "Hi cash!" She beamed to her as well.

Before she knew it Cash was already taking jabs at Hanako for an accident. In a way it reminded her of the quarrels that happened between her and her younger sisters every now and again. Well more than every now and again but could you blame them? They have been sharing a room together since the day her youngest sister, Johanna, had turned four. Undoubtably, this wouldn't end well between the two of them and Adlai was unsure as to what to say because Cash had hit the nail right on the head, saying that Adlai would forgive Hanako. Which she would, since it was only tea and no one was hurt.

Luckily Cash walked back to their own picnic blanket to begin making their own Matcha tea. Adlai sat where she had been fore the last couple of minutes, still not sure what to do until she looked back up at Hanako. "It really is ok, I'm pretty sure I messed up so I needed to start over anyways!"

Interacting with: No one atm (open to interactions)
Mentioning: @Hanako Tone & @Kazuo Shimada

When Akari had caught wind of this activity it had immediately piqued her interest. As learning information about her own culture never seemed to cease drawing her in, she was instantly inclined to take part. It was then only a bonus when it sort of became an ASC (Asian society club) thing where it was agreed between Kazuo and herself that the all members should go and participate dressed up in kimonos, even though they both knew that perhaps a certain member would not be as willing as the two of them were, which is why a plan was devised. As crazy as it was, in the end was actually successfully executed, bringing her to the current moment of hurrying over to the actual event itself. (sneak peek of the infamous plan)

Akari approached the area where the activity was said to take place and was somewhat out of breath. She quickly scurried over to where the tutorial on how to make the matcha tea was and then chose one of the picnic blankets and then sat down as gingerly and carefully as possible so to not to wreak the dark blue kimono she was wearing before anything even begun. She inhaled deeply, attempting to catch her bearings and take in everything that was happening since she was still very much absorbed in the hectic incident that she had come from just moments ago.

Once the tutorial was over and she was comfortably sitting, she smoothed out the fabric of her flowery dark blue traditional garb and then happened to see in the corner of her eye that the poor victim of Kazuo and herself Hanako had arrived and still, to her great surprise, was wearing the whole outfit he had been stuffed into. She felt a small slight tinge of guilt wash over her after what she did to him, tricking him and all, but at least- at least she had apologized right before the act of actual act of betrayal. Luckily he seemed to be engaged in a conversation so he probably didn't notice her pitiful glance but nevertheless made sure it did not last for too long because she wanted to steer clear from any eye contact with him, for now anyway.

After adverting her gaze from Hanako's direction she politely signalled one of the house elves over then inquired if she could get one of the tea sets that the Gryffindor prefect had spoken about previously. Once receiving the set she gently lay it out in front of her and started to briefly go over in her head how to prepare the tea, and then, to her dismay found that she could not quite remember the order of the stirring, pouring and etc of the recipe. All that attention spent towards feeling bad caused her to forget it. She groaned internally and then looked around hoping to see someone who possibly could help and or maybe even someone who was in the same situation as her. Just anyone who was not already occupied.

"Well this is just bloody brilliant" She mumbled to herself with a sigh, her comment unknowingly was a touch louder than she had originally intended.

WC: 532

Open To Interactions
Interacting: @Cassandra Ironwoods | Loki
Mentioning: @Rose Moon | @Starlee Kennedy | @Adlai Rod| @Hanako Tone | @Elisabeth Erner
Languages: English | French | Italian | Arabic | Russian
Outfit

outfit
speech #bf0040

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@Griseldis Edelhardt @Rose Moon @Elisabeth Erner @Henry Knight @Cassandra Ironwoods

[font=times new roman]S[/font]carlett loved tea. To be fair, Scarlett was British, and though stereotypes weren't a thing Scarlett particularly loved, she was quite alright with the assumption that since she was British, she was an avid tea drinker, which she was. Coffee was for the Americans. Fiona loved coffee with a passion, especially bitter double espressos. Scarlett had no idea what the fuss was about - she had tried out a sip of Fiona's morning coffee one day and spit it out in disgust. It was so bitter and dark and ew. She gladly returned to her tea, leaving coffee for when she was a harried and grumpy adult needing some quick fuel in the morning.

Of course, she knew there were different types of tea. Earl Grey, Chamomile, all that jazz. Her favourite was personally the very typical English Breakfast Tea, though she didn't hesitate to accept any other tea. But as well as European tea, there was also tea from different cultures in the world. Scarlett had done her research a while ago when she was curious about one of her favourite beverages, and discovered that in South Korea, they had tea as well. Obviously, she had then rushed to the Troop and questioned Sydney about all this. Sydney had confirmed her research and offered to brew one of her favourite Korean teas for them - Yuja-cha. They had all agreed and accepted and Scarlett and the Troop found themselves sipping a really rather nice tea made with yuga-cheong - which Sydney told them was a marmalade made from yuja, a fruit - and hot water.

At Hogwarts, Scarlett's English and other cultural tea adventure had come to a slow halt, and though she had a cup of tea at breakfast every morning in the Great Hall, she was rather restricted to explore some more international options she was curious about. So when the news came that Griseldis Edelhardt, a Gryffindor Prefect as well as Scarlett's fellow Beater on the Quidditch team, was hosting an errand where they would be making food from Japan and having a nice picnic in spring, Scarlett didn't waste a second before joining. Apparently, there would be a separate group who would make something called "Hanami Dango" and a big group making "Mitarashi Dango" and Matcha tea.

The word tea had immediately piqued her interest, so obviously she joined that group. Japanese culture was not something the redhead was familiar with, though Scarlett was excited to see what it was like. She had heard of Matcha tea before, but had never tasted or brewed it, though she was incredibly excited to try. Scarlett shrugged on a jacket before ambling outside to where her group was. Picnic blankets were laid out and Scarlett saw the familiar face of one Griseldis Edelhardt. She picked up the pace a little, and when she arrived, she saw some familiar faces - Rose, Henry, the girl from the Fall Ball and Cash! Scarlett hadn't spoken to Cash in a while, though they seemed to be in the middle of something. Scarlett wasn't that socially incompetent so as to burst into a group filled of mostly strangers in some sort of argument and announce her presence, before sitting down and making tea. So she gravitated towards Rose and the other girl first.

Scarlett also gave a small wave to Gris. "Hi Gris!" she said. "This is going to be awesome."

She then went over and sat down with Rose and the Fall Ball girl, giving then both a quick smile. "Why hello Rose," she said with a quirk of her mouth. Turning to the other girl, she gave her a slightly apologetic, "Hi - er - we did meet at the Fall Ball with the whole hunt thing but I never caught your name, which would be appreciated-"

"Kay. Matcha Tea. I'm really rather excited to make it - I love tea." She cast a glance at Rose and the other girl. "Have any of you made this before? Or are you all complete newbies like me? Pretty sure this is going to be different to English tea, though it'll be cool to try something new!"

After Scarlett had gotten all of the instructions and information, she got to work. A pretty Matcha Tea set was laid out and she gave an appreciative nod towards the house elf who had put it there. Scarlett poured the hot water into the cup, waiting some time before it had cooled. She then added one bamboo tea scoop of the green Matcha powder in her cup, sniffing it slightly. It smelled...unique. Quite nice. It made her all the more eager to try it, and though Scarlett didn't want to rush anything, she decided to try and speed up the process a bit.

She rather energetically whisked the Matcha powder and the water together and some of it sloshed out of the cup and onto the ground - but let bygones be bygones. A pleasant aroma drifted into the air from the Matcha tea and Scarlett could see the other group nearby making Dango - the Mitarashi type. Anyway, Scarlett then added her hot water into the Matcha-water mixture and attempted another whisking motion. Gris had said this part would be fun, so Scarlett tried it out. It was rather hard to get the flicking, light motion just right, but eventually, a nice creamy froth appeared. And - and that was it! It seemed so simple. Scarlett took a sip. And then another. And then another. She broke out into a wide grin.

"Matcha tea tastes amazing!" she announced, to no one in particular. She couldn't pinpoint the exact taste but continued on drinking the tea, before realising they were preparing for a picnic and she shouldn't hog the Matcha tea to herself. Scarlett finished her experimental cup with a content sigh before starting work on her next one, going through the hot water, Matcha powder, cold water, whisk routine. Scarlett continued on with her Matcha tea, glancing at Rose and the other girl. "Have you guys tried the Matcha tea yet?" she asked. "It's really good. Dare I say better than my breakfast tea! Though nothing can beat my breakfast tea, Matcha tea would probably come very close."

word count | 1032/1000

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Open to Interactions

Hexcode= #507091

It was always a pleasant surprise to wake up from an afternoon nap only to find a cool breeze in the middle of a warm spring day. It was the kind of surprise that put him in good spirits and made it easier to drag himself out and about instead of hiding away in the library all day doing homework. Making his way to the grounds, specifically to where Griseldis had invited him to make matcha, was just as peaceful an adventure as he could hope for. Today was already looking better by the minute, classes behind them and the weekend ahead. Stuffing a piece of chocolate into his mouth and letting it melt on his tongue as he slowly came to his senses, Sylvain eventually spotted where the group was gathering, gave Gris an uncertain wave, and sat down to better receive his instructions.

Turning on his listening ears and drowning out the plethoric sounds of the explosion brought by the spring wildlife, a truly difficult task this time of year, Sylvain did his best in trying to absorb all of the instructions as efficiently as possible. Repeating the instructions under his breath as she gave them, it wasn't long before Sylvain felt like he was in an extra potions lecture, which only served to encourage him all that much more. He would make the best matcha out of anyone here. Such was his potion-making talents that he would ace the verdant brew on his first attempt. At least, that was his goal. It turned out that the directions themselves were simple enough, and nothing like those of a potion.

First, Syl waited for water to reach a boiling temperature. It was during this time waiting in class that he usually prioritized gathering all of the components needed to make a potions, so he went ahead to the next step and added matcha by the spoonful. It wasn't long until he had a similar amount to what Gris had shown them. Slow and careful so as not to spill any of the scalding liquid onto himself or anyone nearby, he added it by bit by bit until he had just enough to mix the substance into a smooth paste without lumps, imperfections, or hurting his wrist. Satisfied by the consistency of his starting paste, he rinsed the cup with boiling water and continued to go back and forth between mixing and rinsing until the powder was fully suspended. Grabbing the whisk firmly, he stirred as instructed until the final result made itself. A smooth, velvety green composition that nearly matched Gris's own identically.

Raising the cup to his lips, a nervous phantom tingle tickled at his belly threatening to make him giggle at the turfy smell. It didn't smell great. He'd made enough potions by now that he knew what was coming next and yet gathering enough willpower to raise the cups to his lips and take a sip of the lush stuff was the very sort of bravery every potion-maker would need to hone their craft. "Over the lips, past the gums," he said closing his eyes and finishing the saying in his head. Taking the first sip, he nearly spewed the lawnlike beverage out the moment its flavor graced his senses. Chuckling at his own disgusted reaction, Sylvain put the cup back down, gulping the drink down in the same motion. There was no way he was going to finish drinking that but at least now he knew how it tasted.

Now that he could say he honestly wasn't a fan of matcha, he also understood why some people could say that they were. There was this sort of bitterness to the sweetness that made its composition complex and the creamy texture that would no doubt make someone with a more matured sense of taste revel in the wholesome variety of benefits it provided. To Syl however, the only thing he could think of was breaking off another piece of his chocolate bar and getting himself another boost of sugar. Sneaking it from out of pocket, he broke off another piece from the corner of the bar and fed it to himself rather swiftly to avoid unwanted attention. Sweet sweet chocolate had saved him once again.

Others seemed to have moved on as well, separating into groups to try each others attempts at traditional Matcha. There were a few people he recognized. Carolyn Hunt was there. He remembered buying pink pygmy puff slippers for her as a Christmas gift. He would give her a wave as he scanned the crowd for other familiar faces. Henry and Scarlett were there too, both would get a nod as he saw them. Cash was there as well, Piérre too, though he only really knew Cash from a chance meeting at another errand and Piérre from Quidditch. In fact, he'd only really seen Piérre from a distance. Another day and he might have gone over to greet them both, but staring for as long as he had was probably more than enough awkwardness for one day. Plus, he was enjoying just being himself for a moment.

Spreading out on the blanket he had set up, Sylvain laid on his back and watched the clouds as another piece of chocolate made its way into sweet oblivion. As he lay there, he daydreamed about all the ways the day could get better from here. He could run down to the lake and see if anything new had washed up on shore, maybe catch Flash before he turned in for the night. He could make plans to hang out over the weekend, and for a brief moment he even considered sneaking to Hogsmeade. Again. Of all the things he could dream of to make today even better, one seemed to stick to him the most. He wished that he'd had the idea to invite Frost with him earlier. He wondered if she would've liked his matcha, and if she would've enjoyed making Dangos too. He knew she'd be great at it either way.

Mentions: @Griseldis Edelhart @Carolyn Hunt @Henry Knight @Scarlett Aden @Cassandra Ironwoods @Piérre Marchonné @Frost Cira

Open To Interactions
Making tea, albeit shakily.

At some point, stress would get the better of him. For each person, there is a defined limit of stress they can carry until it bows their posture and their shoulders collapse, a natural strength to which no one is immune. On some, their skin is better fitted, bearings rarely betraying the demolition occurring beneath, but Levi had no control over the humiliating slack of his flesh. Reel it in he couldn’t, stow it away in thicker clothing he’d never, only wear it with such a charming smile you’d forget his legs had been crushed by the avalanches. The snow covering his hair looked like glitter in the sun’s rays.

Often, the boy found himself gazing in a mirror, wondering when a day would come that the slouched reflection would be a hero. One of the world’s and not his own, one with dashing medals along their belt, crowds thirsting in the scenic backdrop, even a few wistfully placed scars to symbolize the path from now to then. He devoured his own chasm of ego and became ravished in its taste. Yet, sometimes in that shimmering reflection, sunken eyes glared back, perishing limbs fell to the sides of a tree. Fungi gathered at its base, they, too, insatiable for self-esteem. No one could admire the dead; it was not long until the graves were vacant and filthy. With generations, you, and all your dreamy achievements, are nothing but a photo in a family scrapbook.

Ways to combat what felt inevitable—it was a miracle the population didn’t drown from their anchors—existed. However hard to find. Some did so in vigorous exercise, all the varying joys of creation, even sleep. Others preferred talk, chitter and chatter, dancing in every way except the manner intended. Rather lovely, to watch from the sidelines as problems fall to be but loose chains on pairs of ankles as they waltzed them from their wrists. Levi was fond of the flickering flustered gazes, micro-expressions, maybe because they were of the few he could interpret without fault. In pink-tinted sunglasses, the whole universe may be adorned and in pensive love, but the pink did not change a dash.

And pink, it surely was. Stepping outdoors this afternoon was a sight to behold, a transition from his world to the next, and this one was greatly preferred. The rise and fall of the Gryffindor’s chest became automatic instead of manual, for who could envision their lungs when the landscape before them could swipe them away in a breathless heartbeat? His gaze could slip to the left and right, but like the sun, the blossom dangling delicately in the air as they fell could be seen without even looking. If one were to land feather-like on his head, the boy very well may crumble to his knees and fantasize his yearning, a stand-still, so each hand could brush a petal as it sank.

In mid-February, Levi had been confronted with a scene of similar rosy shades. But, goodness, something stronger lingered in what was real, what was touched by divine intervention and not by the flawed hands of mankind.

A cool breeze tangled the once-elegant state of his hair as he’d roamed across the Grounds, though it wouldn’t crease his eyebrows this one time. Eyes too enraptured, airways too freshened, there was nothing laced in the atmosphere to make him care about the small things. It was a wonderful choice to join for this activity; not only did it lift the anchors from the voids of the ocean, but it also replenished the bond between the astray and reality. The strength of the wind had carried him before, pushed the small child over into the grass where serpents lurked, and now he could relish in its power and pull his frame up, back, and down.

After watching the demonstration provided by their helpful mentor, it took a long moment for Levi to find comfort, cross-legged on a nearby picnic blanket. Between sitting so stiffly and, as always, being dressed in a pretentious brand of casual, he could not be shocked at any sideways glances. Lapses of time came and went where all hazel eyes did was stare, observe the steady and the shaken, the spills and the grins. With it, experience by proxy. Though, the beckoning of a close house-elf and a bizarrely polite request were renewed as his primary fault. It simply wasn’t a feeling to become accustomed to. When the set arrived and the intrigued investigation ceased, there was a distinct air of confidence. A strong one, at that.

Water, to his knowledge, could not be burnt, however if it could, that is precisely what the boy would’ve done. Experience by proxy did absolutely nothing when the intense heat of steam bred a flinch. Levi would be proud to claim a supportive hand in his mother’s kitchen, though all this hand did was grip heavy pots and pans and drag them along the tile to her nurturing ones. Not once had he noted the temperature of steam as it flowed threateningly. A mistake on his part, but what could you do? It was a miracle that water was what it was, so enduring and tolerant. After measuring a half cup of the weapon out into a provided measuring cup, it was time to wait.

The waiting part was boring, he decided. But it did pass the finish line, albeit miles behind the hare.

With a right battle, he did manage to combine the Matcha powder and cool water in the bowl, whisking it carefully. There was only a small issue here—an unexpected splash—resolved in seconds and not inhibiting the process further. Levi followed the instructions of his house’s prefect meticulously, delighted to say that his hesitance was somewhat lessened with each step toward the final, aromatic product. Experience in the heat of the kitchen would no doubt be on his to do list for the upcoming summer. The lion’s cheeks had reddened when he realized that stirring was not, in fact, the easiest aspect to preparation.

While the smooth mixture was captivating to his eyes and resembled those nearby to him closely, the reluctance to consume something of his own making was clear when the beverage was placed down and watched as though a predator. He would overcome that shortly.

WC 1056/1000

Serena tugged on her coat. It was a slightly warmer day than the rest of the week but she was still a little cold outside. She might have been here for four years and grown up in the country but she would never really get used to the cold Scottish weather. It was a stark contrast from the warmth of the Hufflepuff Common Room - which was likely why the badger's den was one of her favourite places to hang out. The only downside to hanging out there was that she could only socialise with others in her own house, rather than with all of her friends. That being said, she did love going outside and getting some fresh air every so often.

Today's trip outside was for a very different reason than usual though. She made her way to the grounds, finding the group of students she was looking for in time. They were apparently going to be learning how to make some type of tea, which she thought was fun! Her mother always went on about how good tea was so Serena figured it was a good opportunity to learn something new and impress her mother. Killing two birds with one stone, or whatever the saying was.

It took a while to get started. Serena waited patiently, tugging on her scarf and putting her hands into her pocket to stay warm during the wait. After some time, she recognised a Gryffindor Prefect approach. She had not really spoken to her much before from what she could recall but she had seen her around, at events such as this one. Watching the girl's demonstration, Serena tried to make mental notes of the whole process. It was almost like she was in potions. There was a whole recipe and instructions but unfortunately, Serena foolishly did not realise that the process of making tea was much more complicated than she thought it was. So, she did not bring any paper to take notes with.

Nonetheless, she tried to absorb as much information as she possibly could. Those nearby might have seen her lips moving a tad bit as she inaudibly muttered to herself. Once the prefect had finished the instructions, Serena made a beeline right to the picnic blankets pile that had been mentioned and helped herself to one after queuing up after some other students that had gotten there first. She took her picnic blanket before making her way over to one of the house elves that looked free for a tea set.

Once she had gathered everything, she carefully placed the tea set down on the side before laying the blanket out as best as she could. Once she had neatly placed it on the ground, she picked up the tea set and brought it over to the blanket, sitting down next to it. With the preparations done, she was ready to continue. Wait, was she supposed to boil the water first or after?

Serena looked around, trying to observe what everyone else was doing so she could remind herself of the process. Right. She helped herself to some of the boiling water, which she poured into a cup and left it on the side to cool. Picking up the teaspoon that had been provided, she took a little bit of the green powder in it and carefully poured that into the empty bowl. She stared at it for a bit before scooping up a tiny bit more of the Matcha powder and adding it into the bowl, deciding that the first amount was not quite enough. It was less than a teaspoon in the first place, though she had no idea if she was meant to put a whole teaspoon or not. Or if the teaspoon was supposed to be heaped or not! Ahhh, she mentally scolded herself for not being prepared enough to take notes. She should have definitely taken some notes.

But deciding to carry on, she poured a very small amount of regular temperature water into the bowl and started to mix them together. The way the powder clumped up instantly was interesting to watch. It did not look right though so Serena kept mixing it. It was meant to be smooth, right? She recalled the prefect mentioning something about that. She whisked the mixture, as quickly and strongly as she could - assuming that she was doing it right - until she noticed that others were using a gentle hand. Suddenly slowly down to mimic the others, she attempted to recover her mixture by mixing it at a slow pace.

A frown appeared on her face as she stared at the mixture, wondering if it was right. There was not a lot of it. Oh! She was supposed to add the boiling water, wasn't she? She had almost forgotten about that. Carefully picking up the cup of hot water, she poured it into the bowl as gently as she could to avoid spilling any of the hot water onto herself or on the blanket.

Then she resumed mixing it, stirring gently. It did not look like it was mixing properly so she increased the speed a little, wondering if she was meant to whisk it a bit faster. Perhaps she needed to learn to cook. Peering over her shoulder, she tried to look at her neighbour's tea to see what they were doing. Frowning, she was pretty sure theirs looked a lot better than hers but she could not really tell why or what she was meant to be doing. Maybe she just needed to mix it a bit more? Deciding that she had not mixed it properly, she continued to whisk it in different directions. Serena was definitely not a tea maker but she was trying.

The scent of the tea quickly hit her nose as she stirred it. She sniffed the air a little more, wondering if she liked it. The aroma was rather... pleasant, she thought. She dared herself to take a sip of the tea and sample it. "Ah-" Serena almost burned her tongue on the hot liquid, by not letting it cool down. But it did taste pretty good, from what she could tell. Though her tongue was now burning a little. Whoops. Nonetheless, Serena put her cup down to cool down before going ahead and making another one for the rest of the groups.

WC: 1066/1000 [Errand Completed]