Of Minstrels and Misfortune Pv Detention Fin

Dakota had been one of the first to arrive, not wanting to be caught in the halls where it felt like the walls encased her and overwhelmed her sense, instead having hurried to the Astronomy classroom, where the sky could be seen, to complete her detention. Before then, Dakota had been enjoying relaxing outside and though it was edging close to summer she still kept the wrap, the one that was a pale pink with grey etchings of flowers, on her. She was grateful for this now, having it tightly wrapped around her shoulder over her school uniform, not having found the time or will to go and change before eight o’clock and not sure if she was even allowed to wear something other than this.

Once the other two had arrived, whether alone or in groups, she had listened to Chiadovini explain what they were meant to do. Dakotas eyes had lit up at the mention of muggle books, gazing at them she did recognize a few from her grandparents home, others, not so much. She was a bit surprised at Chiadovinis friendliness, at least that’s what it seemed to be. Stepping up she picked up the book titled Hamlet, one she hadn’t seen before at her home in the muggle world. Taking a quill and parchment along with the book she hurriedly took a seat, tying her fluffy hair back into a low ponytail to keep it out of her eyes while she reads. Dakota hadn’t expected this either, sucking in a breath as she examined the book in front of her and her mind swirled, pulling a thing of ink close and picking up the quill into her right hand.

Flipping open the book Dakota ran her hand along the pages, seeming to be interested in reading Hamlet. Though she had moved to read it, Dakota seems unable to focus, at the slightest sound she brings her head up to look around, trying to pinpoint the sound before going back to the pages. Though when it comes to writing her thoughts down she doesn’t have as hard as a time, being use to writing by now as she had been documenting her experiences at Hogwarts in a journal with words, pictures and drawings. Taking in a light breath she glanced between her current read and the parchment paper as the ink seeps into the pages while she writes in swoopy yet neat writing.

@Winter Wolfhartz
@Aldor Humbleglow
@Leonardo Chiadovini

406/400

Winter walked into the classroom, taking a quill, a piece of parchment, and the book titled "Romeo and Juliet". That book though it was an original, it had been one of winter's favorites. Taking a seat quite far from the other two students, she began to read. Continuing to read she began realizing that she could not focus, she had felt bad for getting her fellow housemates in trouble and wanted to apologize. But that would have to wait until after detention. Winter rummaged through the miniature bag she owned, that she used to carry around some objects during the day, she had been looking for her headphones. Music had always helped her concentrate, yet she was unable to find them. How could something the size of her head go missing? Great now she would have to search for them later. As time passed winter let out a sigh of distress, rubbing her eyes. There had been so many things she could've been doing if she had just followed the rules.

She began to follow what the professor had said and written down her thoughts. lightly tapping her finger against the desk so often to break the silence in her surroundings, that was something winter hated the most, silence. Not being the first time she had been put into detention she knew how this went down, sit there quietly, apologize to the teacher after, and go about your day. If only it didn't take so long, seconds felt like minutes, and minutes like hours. By now she would be thought to have been used to this kind of thing, but nothing could match the boredom she felt whilst sitting in a quiet room reading something that she must've read a million times. All the books there she had read, being a bookworm doesn't quite help in a situation like now. All she could do was sit and think of where she put herself... and where she put the other students. ' stupid...' she thought to herself, once again letting out a sigh. At this point she just wanted to collapse and take a nap, sleep and clear her mind. But at a time like this she has no say of what she can or can't do... this was her own fault and she would have to take the punishment, whether she likes it or not. What was to happen next? only time would tell.

Reducio

WC: 403

Dakotas hand ran along the edges of the pages, her blue eyes scanning the words. It was difficult to focus now, her mind drifting back to her muggle school, the only other school she got in trouble in. Though she continued to write she wasn’t truly taking in the words of the book, her gaze drifting through them and Dakota writing, like Chiadovini had said, whatever popped into her head. Expect, she didn’t write about the muggle school, so sometimes her hand would stop and be held in midair over the parchment paper as ink dripped down the quill. Turning the quill lightly in her grip it helped her focus, trying to block out the other noises before she ended up pulling her wrap up over her head. This hadn’t been how she expected to spend her Sunday night, though she couldn’t truly complain, Chiadovini could’ve had the three Hufflepuffs doing much worse and instead it was just writing and reading, two things Dakota loved.

Dakota was determined to finish Hamlet tonight, seeing as she had read books as long as this over the span of a day she had a chance of doing this if only the noises would stop.. her thoughts rung and Dakota groaned lightly. Her lips formed a frown, one she was used to, and as Dakota read on through the book she would get shivers, something that happened when she had sorrow pooling in her heart. Dakota wrote her thoughts by numbering the acts and writing under that, seeming to want to keep her thoughts organized and this being the best way for herself to do it. The movements she made were gentle, as if she was afraid she was going to damage something had Dakota moved too quickly or harshly. While Dakota was still wary of the astronomy professor, she supposed that he wasn’t as bad as other students made him sound with their tales.

With a final swoop of her hand Dakota finished writing her thoughts for the second act, she knew she was no where close to even being finished so rather quickly she started on the third one. This was something Dakota could get behind, something she didn’t mind doing at all. Knowing that Chiadovini would most likely be examining her parchment paper for her thoughts after the students left or possibly even right after she turned it in, she took her time to make it neat and legible, keeping her lips sealed and her eyes taking in the words like she was hungry for them.

@Aldor Humbleglow
@Winter Wolfhartz
@ Leonardo Chiadovini

424/400

A while had gone by and winter's boredom kept growing as little by little she reached the end of her book. 'how much longer...?' she asked herself. It couldn't have been that much longer right? After all, the tie had been flying whilst reading and writing things down. Soon enough, winter was down to the last few pages. She stopped reading and stretched making a slight groaning noise as she elongated her arms into the air, letting out a yawn. She was much more relaxed than she was the first few moments she had been in the class.

She scanned the room looking for anything interesting just to focus her mind on something else. She looked out the window and saw quidditch players practicing in the distance. resting her head on her arm she began thinking about random things 'hmm maybe I should join the quidditch team I'm not that bad of a flier...' she shook her head and pinned her gaze to the book again. 'i may as well just finish up.. hopefully, once I'm done reading detention will be over... she thought as she went back to reading.
The book she had been reading soon came to an end, with both Romeo and Juliet lying lifeless beside each other in the name of love. Winter had written on both the front and back of the parchment with her thoughts. Looking up at the professor she wondered how much longer she would need to sit there, she just wanted to apologize to the other Hufflepuffs and go to her dorm. in her head, she pleaded 'please let detention be over soon..'

Winter closed her eyes and began breathing in and out deeply, clearing her mind. Opening her eyes, she looked over at the two other students still writing down their thoughts and finishing up their silent reading. The room was so silent you could almost hear the leaves rustling outside in the courtyard. Winter began to fiddle with her hands eager to get out of detention and find her headphones, at the moment that was all she wanted. Yet still, she had no idea how much longer she would have to sit and be patient. All she had been doing for the last few moments was sit and look around the room in search of anything interesting, though nothing caught her eye except the window in which light came shining through. 'jeez detention sucks.. I can't wait to be done and get as far from here as I can...'

WC: 422

@Leonardo Chiadovini @Aldor Humbleglow @Dakota Olson

Terrible Presence in effect.
| Aura of Unease Present |

Looking up from time to time, Leonardo glanced at his heirloom pocketwatch every half hour or so. These were long plays, and even the shortest of them would prove to be a long read. He kept an eye especially on the children and how their hands approached his precious books. One of them, seeming to realize the professor's donation of his own literature for the purposes of detention was being especially careful with 'Julius Caesar', a delicate, subtle care which Leonardo watched suspiciously for a few minutes before frowning and averting his attention elsewhere. Good. Very good.

'Romeo and Juliet' had been taken by the initiator of this detention, and while her movements appeared restless and unfocused, Leonardo offered no quarter. She would learn the importance of diligence and the consequences of actions. Patience would suit her well, and the woeful tale of the two stars-crossed, doomed lovers would make this painfully clear.

The last one, the surprisingly quiet one, had selected Hamlet; a tale of wild revenge, of both tempered and unleashed madness alike. The quiet, deep pools were often the most tumultuous beneath the surface, their internal struggles unseen and unheard until it became too late to turn them aside any longer. Follower or leader?
Ringmaster or laughingstock? What price for revenge? What bitterness for the inability to guard one's mind and whet curiosity to save it for another moment?

The scratching of quills encouraged the weary Seer to close his eyes for a while.
He was not asleep... But for once in a long time, he almost was.

When one by one they completed their works, Leonardo extended a hand to each. He began with 'Julius Caesar'. Reading through it quickly, he noted the orderly nature of it. This to him denoted a studious and structured individual, orderly and organized in a way to take anything which came at them. He nodded slowly before trying to find the boy's eyes, a blurry face causing the Seer's eyes to unintentionally flick back and forth across the, what he perceived to be, blank canvas. “Julius Caesar. An excellent choice. I appreciate the flattery of how I maintain my books." He offered a crooked smile.

“Fate is indeed a terribly delectable idea. That there is an order in the universe, a balance to be maintained. Are we truly the masters of our fates or are we but pawns in the cosmic game of chess? And what of those which the magical world deems capable of predicting and manipulating the threads of fate about themselves? Are they truly touching the fold, or perhaps are they simply seeing it and guiding those who wonder towards what is solely intended and cannot be adjusted?"

He read further. “Honor. What is honor but dedication? There is home or in monarchies, in the relationship of spouses, betwixt soldier and general. Between father and son..." The Seer's left hand twitched on his canesword again. “How much can a man's honor or loyalty be bought for? How much is their trust worth? Everything has a price, and if not a price, a breaking point. What is yours? What do you believe?"

He handed the parchment back. “It is clear that you took great care in writing this. For this I applaud you. You may wait until I have finish with the others. Macbeth wants company, I am sure." Leonardo gestured towards his screech owl who was perched on a nearby pedestal. He collected his book from the boy.

Her confronted the girl who had selected Hamlet next, taking her parchment to read it. He had noticed her writing had been more spastic, not continuous. Something had been bothering her, and her writing reflected it. Blotches of ink despite neat handwriting reflected hesitations, thinking. Internal reflection. Sometimes these things were what mortals feared most. This was what Leonardo had intended them to feel. Vulnerability, anxiety, but reflection of self.

“Do you think Hamlet felt uncertain with his actions?" He mused aloud. “What a foolishness or stalwartness of mind; seeking revenge. But for what? To harm those who stand in your way? To feel no remorse, no pity. I find myself reading this one often, besides Macbeth." His speech was quiet and far too calm for the topic.

“Were there better ways? And what of Gertrude; the mother of the mad son? Her faults were still greater than Hamlet's uncle, and arguably Hamlet's own. How much death could have been spared if there had been a single rational mind? Fortinbras is the only one who is right. Kill the old monarchy tainted with corruption and paranoia when they cannot see reason themselves. His quest for revenge, however--foil to Hamlet-- is empty. There is no fulfilment. There is no pleasure. What is revenge worth, in the end? What is brooding over the past and lingering on shortcomings truly worth? I have yet to overcome my own, this I know. Have you?"
He returned the parchment, receiving the book as trade. “You may wait with Macbeth, my owl, as well."

And then there was the last; Romeo and Juliet. Arguably one of the most renowned work of Shakespeare's repertoire. He took her parchment, noting that the front and back written upon. Interesting, considering that this girl had been the most fidgety of them all, blatantly making noise and even going so far as to yawn. Rude, childish. But, in the midst of it, a lesson. “A classic tragedy. It could be said that all of the misfortune could have been averted if the dramatic steps had not been taken in the first place." Another snakish smile. “Did these characters appear to be mature to you? Or were they impatient, bored perhaps, young blood with no wisdom to their names? Were they desperate for anything to cling to, desiring instant gratification without waiting for the proper moment to present an advantageous opportunity to act upon? Did they truly love one another? I think not."

He tipped his head. “If they had truly loved one another, Juliet would have never taken such a desperate ploy, or else she would have told her lover of her plans. If Romeo had loved Juliet, perhaps he should have let her go or simply taken the direct approach and eloped."

“The two families are to blame as well. So focused upon maintaining borders, they saw not an opportunity to see an alliance. They saw not a chance to be taken advantage of. They let their own children kill themselves."

He returned the parchment, taking the book in return. “Patience is a virtue. Temperance is one as well. Learn them both. Take time to view your surroundings, to see more than the world inside your own head. No man is an island, unaffected by his fellows. Come."

The Seer had said the last word to them all. “I hope that something was learned. I do not want my only night of quiet to be disturbed like this again. Do I make myself clear?" His voice was low and his fingers rapped lightly on the jade snake head atop his cane. “Now. I will escort you to your dorms to ensure that none of you wander off and become 'lost'." He placed rhe books upon his desk. Snapping his fingers and extending his left hand, Macbeth flew to it and perched quite happily, climbing onto his master's shoulder.

With a sigh of finality, Leonardo would usher all three children out of the Tower, wordlessly guiding them back to their dorm rooms. When they were within, the Seer's pale hand would invert his opera cape, the silver inseam shimmering once as the hood was placed over his head....

And he would vanish from sight, a phantom to be returned to the darkness of the nightlit corridors.

Exeunt

Reducio

@Aldor Humbleglow, @Winter Wolfhartz& @Dakota Olson

Reducio

(OOC: LET ME JUST SAY THAT WAS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL THREAD I HAVE EVER READ SUCH AMAZING CHOICE OF WORDS AND NOTHING LESS THAN PERFECTION:biggrin:)

Winter was astounded by the speeches given to each of the three students, he had completely amazed her. As he read the parchments he had seemed to have, understood.. the feelings and thoughts of the peers around him. This only amazed winter now her mind was filled with shock and excitement. Never had she heard such an amazingly well-given speech like this one. Though this was meant as a teaching to the young girl, she couldn't help but be happy something about the word choice of the professor and his tone blending well with it, it was obvious it was to probe a point, but it also showed his skills of reading people. Just as he would read a story, he read these three Hufflepuffs like they were a book on a shelf.

Winter's eyes widened in awe as he spoke to her, she shook her head in agreement with what he had been saying. She could not say anything, not at this time, she was at a loss for words. She understood everything the astounding words that had been portrayed to her. After a bit of time, she announced "I am the truthfully sorry professor I swear it will not happen again!" she had a slight smile on her face though she truly tried to hide it.

As he stretched out his arm and his owl soared from one place to another, quite gracefully winter grabbed her belongings and walked, with the professor following not far behind, all of them making their way back to the common room. Now all was left to do was apologize to the students that had gotten in trouble because of this mistake. Then she could go on with her day and relax, making sure not to cause any more problems.

WC: 303

@Leonardo Chiadovini
@Aldor Humbleglow
@Dakota Olson