27 Aug 2021, 18:12
Much Ado About Nothing
IC Date: September 13, 2021
The courtyard had proven to be a fantastic spot for all your homework needs. An open space, a good amount of fresh air that certainly made your head feel leagues clearer, and a healthy amount of various different games being played that could be joined in on at any moment. Just in case you needed something of a brain break, so to speak. Sure, the library was a handy means of studying when you were in a pinch, just needed somewhere to decompress, but everyone went there. It was too obvious, really, to visit the library for all your study time. And downtime, really; Maggie had seen far too many witches and wizards alike go into the library for fun. The thought made her shudder.
No, this was far more interesting. Watching students play gobstones on the cobble and discuss the day's wins and woes.
The only thing that might make this better would be television. Which Maggie had realized within moments that wizards didn't have.
For all that bragging they did about being so far advanced, Maggie wasn't seeing it!
Her wand tapped against the page of her book, Magical Drafts and Potions. How intriguing.
Maggie tried to hide her boredom by raising the book to cover the lower half of her face as she yawned. Maintaining professionalism and suchlike. Professional potions-studier, that was her! Miss Maggie Hawkins, the most professional studier known to all wizard-kind! Totally famous and revered.
Or something. That was all pending.
The book closed with a dull 'thud' and Maggie set it down beside her on the stone wall she'd been perched upon, setting about kicking stones as hard as her feet would allow into the courtyard's center.
Mentioning: @Grace Swan
I really value when people use violence for me, it's actually one of my love languages.
4 Sep 2021, 19:43
Much Ado About Nothing
The grey stone blurred under Grace’s shoes as she walked into the courtyard. Students from all four houses were playing gobstones, cheering as they won. Grace’s hand cramped as she held tight to a straw picnic basket filled with scrumptious treats. Her eyes were glazed over in her almost dream like state. The way she walked was almost elegant, her posture perfect. Sun shined down on her through the cracks in the towering columns, making her golden hair shimmer and flow. A gust of wind sent strands blowing over her shoulder. Grace snapped out of her daze and started to look for a place to set up her picnic. The center of the courtyard had a wide open space, perfect to set down a blanket and food.
Grace walked to the open area, setting up her spot. A plaid blanket was laid out and the basket was placed in the center. Grace sat down on the blanket, ready to start her relaxation time. She kicked her feet out, stretching her short legs and opening the top of the basket. Grace had snuck into the kitchen, with approval of course, to make her favorites. Slowly reaching in, she set all of the food out and closed the basket. Lemon madeleines, mini chicken pies, blueberry muffins, ham and cheese pinwheels, assorted cookies, mac and cheese bites, pumpkin scones, and lemon cheesecake tarts were only some of the spread. Grace poured freshly squeezed lemonade into a glass. She was parched, her mouth watering at the sight of the drink. Grace lifted up the glass and was about to take a sip of the tart and sweet drink until she was hit with a rock that was kicked her way.
Ouch, Merlin that hurt.
Grace walked to the open area, setting up her spot. A plaid blanket was laid out and the basket was placed in the center. Grace sat down on the blanket, ready to start her relaxation time. She kicked her feet out, stretching her short legs and opening the top of the basket. Grace had snuck into the kitchen, with approval of course, to make her favorites. Slowly reaching in, she set all of the food out and closed the basket. Lemon madeleines, mini chicken pies, blueberry muffins, ham and cheese pinwheels, assorted cookies, mac and cheese bites, pumpkin scones, and lemon cheesecake tarts were only some of the spread. Grace poured freshly squeezed lemonade into a glass. She was parched, her mouth watering at the sight of the drink. Grace lifted up the glass and was about to take a sip of the tart and sweet drink until she was hit with a rock that was kicked her way.
Ouch, Merlin that hurt.
About to meet @Maggie Hawkins
5 Sep 2021, 04:26
Much Ado About Nothing
The rock made contact with someone at the center of the courtyard, which Maggie saw. And heard. People really had a bad habit of making their presence known in just the most irritating ways possible, didn't they! The entire school didn't need to know about your loudly broadcast pain. That was just silly. And rude, wasn't it! It was quite rude!
But then, Maggie figured she should at least attempt kindness. Or let this girl know that this sort of stuff didn't really bode well. She slid off her perch, walked over to Grace with measured steps, one foot in front of the other, and leaned over at the waist just to observe the spread of treats. "Ya know, not everyone's gotta hear how bad a teensy tiny little pebble hurt you. You could just think it to yourself, that would be cool," perhaps a bit ruder and pointed than she'd meant to come across.
Maggie didn't much care, though! In fact, she hardly ever cared about coming off as offensive. After all, she shouldn't have to apologize for speaking! That was just unbecoming. And ridiculous. And a complete violation of, like, everything she knew to be personally true.
Maggie Hawkins could say what she liked when she liked.
Those treats did look good, though. Smelled delightful, too. So Maggie leaned a bit lower and plucked a lemon madeleine from where it sat on its platter, brought it to her lips, and savored the bite she took. "Did you make these yourself? They're pretty good, actually! Color me surprised!"
Interacting with: @Grace Swan
I really value when people use violence for me, it's actually one of my love languages.
6 Sep 2021, 07:29
Much Ado About Nothing
Grace’s mouth dropped as the Slytherin girl spouted out offensive things. Yes, yes, freedom of speech, but why did one have to be so rude. The girl had hit her with a rock and not one apology was made. Even with the Slytherin girl’s first impression not being the greatest, Grace decided that she would give her a second shot. Grace gently shut her mouth and gave the girl a small smile as she grabbed a lemon madeleine, without asking. Wow this girl had no manners. Grace was calmed down a bit more when her baking skills were complimented.
Yes! I made them in the kitchen earlier. Take anything you want. Would you like a glass of lemonade?
Grace made sure the platters were laid out in an orderly manner, so if the Slytherin wanted something else the food would be easily accessible. She placed the lemonade pitcher in the open, just in reach of the new girl. Even if the girl wasn’t planning on being polite, Geace would be. Maybe the girl was just having a bad day. It was Grace’s goal to become friends with the girl, even if she had hit her with a rock. A rock that really hurt.
Yes! I made them in the kitchen earlier. Take anything you want. Would you like a glass of lemonade?
Grace made sure the platters were laid out in an orderly manner, so if the Slytherin wanted something else the food would be easily accessible. She placed the lemonade pitcher in the open, just in reach of the new girl. Even if the girl wasn’t planning on being polite, Geace would be. Maybe the girl was just having a bad day. It was Grace’s goal to become friends with the girl, even if she had hit her with a rock. A rock that really hurt.
Astonishment with @Maggie Hawkins
7 Sep 2021, 04:21
Much Ado About Nothing
Ooh! So the food was communal! And this girl seemed to really have this stuff on lock. Lots of treats all laid out where anyone could take some, and this girl had just offered them up to Maggie so easily? Score! Hogwarts rocked!
"Don't mind if I do," Maggie hummed, taking a seat opposite Grace. The pitcher was well within her arm's reach, and so she grabbed it's smooth glass handle and went about pouring the liquid that glistened in the sun into a glass that had been provided. "So you're Gryffindor?" A gesture to the color that decorated the inside of the robes went a long way toward indication.
Maggie had, like, two friends. Two. One hand. Maybe it was because of her nasty habit of insulting people or giving them vaguely offensive nicknames! Or maybe it was because she was annoying. Anyhow, she had two friends. Both Slytherin. Maybe the long standing stereotype of Slytherins being, for lack of a better word, snakes, was still something upheld in the other houses, Gryffindor in particular.
That was Maggie's guess. After all, there seemed to be no other reason for it!
Or maybe the two houses ran in different classes, different groups.
"Hey, this is pretty good. You're a pretty good cook," Maggie shrugged and raised the glass to her lips again. Huh! Not bad! Crisp, clear lemonade on a nice day, what was better?
Interacting with: @Grace Swan
I really value when people use violence for me, it's actually one of my love languages.
7 Sep 2021, 06:05
Much Ado About Nothing
Even though Grace was not planning on sharing her treats, they seemed to be a hot commodity. Usually she made the platters and snacked on them for the next week or so. Grace could never turn down an opportunity to make new friends, so sharing was the right thing to do. But she could not help but wonder if the Slytherin would do the same if in Grace’s place. Forgetting all about the rude events at the beginning of their interaction, Grace smiled from ear to ear as the Slytherin sat down.
Grace had made lots of friends in her short time at Hogwarts, ranging from Hufflepuff to Slytherin. It was easy for her to connect with people, even with little in common with some. When the girl across from Grace asked if she was in Gryffindor, Grace softly nodded her head. Her golden locks gently framed her face as she did so.
Yes, I am in Gryffindor! You’re in Slytherin, correct?
Thank you for complimenting my treats! I really appreciate the feedback. I hope the lemonade isn’t too tart, I don’t make it much.
Grace giggled before continuing the conversation.
My name is Grace by the way. It’s really nice to meet you.
Grace had made lots of friends in her short time at Hogwarts, ranging from Hufflepuff to Slytherin. It was easy for her to connect with people, even with little in common with some. When the girl across from Grace asked if she was in Gryffindor, Grace softly nodded her head. Her golden locks gently framed her face as she did so.
Yes, I am in Gryffindor! You’re in Slytherin, correct?
Thank you for complimenting my treats! I really appreciate the feedback. I hope the lemonade isn’t too tart, I don’t make it much.
Grace giggled before continuing the conversation.
My name is Grace by the way. It’s really nice to meet you.
Sharing with @Maggie Hawkins
8 Sep 2021, 14:13
Much Ado About Nothing
Interacting with: @Grace Swan
No, yeah, Maggie would not have shared her food if in Grace's place. Call her inconsiderate and hypocritical, call her whatever, but she wouldn't! She'd never been a very generous person, which she would be the first to admit. Maggie Hawkins wasn't a liar! Most of the time!
That didn't matter, though, on account of Maggie was far too engaged in the lemonade she was drinking. Equal parts sour and sweet, the most refreshing drink known to man and woman alike. Good goddamn lemonade.
"Hmm? Oh, yeah, it's good. You did good," Maggie agreed, twirling her wrist in a circle and watching the lemonade within the glass twirl around like a tornado. "I'm Maggie. Hawkins. This is my first year," she explained, crossing her legs where she was sitting. Criss-cross applesauce.
The food was really good. Grace Swan was a pretty good cook. Sure would be wonderful if she were in Slytherin! That way Maggie could grab herself a snack whenever convenient.
"Nice out today, don't you think?" Maggie squinted up at the sun in the sky, the bright, bright shine down on her face. Warmth. Sweet warmth. "You are a first year, right? It's kinda obvious, honestly. Pretty easy to see if I'm being perfectly candid."
I really value when people use violence for me, it's actually one of my love languages.
9 Sep 2021, 03:58
Much Ado About Nothing
The sun shining down upon the two first years was beautiful. Looking at it straight on would be a tragic idea, but the glow that the rays made when they hit the atmosphere around the girls was stunning. The air almost had a sweet taste to it and the aroma from freshly baked goods drifted in the air.
Grace was really starting to like Maggie. She gave off this confident vibe and seemed like she did give a treacle tart if someone liked her or not, because she was good enough without them. Grace was the complete opposite of Maggie. Grace thought that maybe Maggie could balance the friendship out because of how opposite they were. This could give room for growth in the personalities of both girls.
Grace smiled as Maggie complimented her lemonade. She had worked really hard to get the recipe just right. Grace went criss cross applesauce as well, unconsciously mirroring her new friend. Was friend the correct word to use?
Grace thought back to the gorgeous weather as Maggie asked her questions. The heat was becoming overbearing, so she was glad that she had changed out of her uniform before her picnic.
The weather is absolutely stunning. I hope it stays like this all year long. Grace said while closing her eyes to soak in the sun. I am a first year! Is it really that obvious?
Grace was really starting to like Maggie. She gave off this confident vibe and seemed like she did give a treacle tart if someone liked her or not, because she was good enough without them. Grace was the complete opposite of Maggie. Grace thought that maybe Maggie could balance the friendship out because of how opposite they were. This could give room for growth in the personalities of both girls.
Grace smiled as Maggie complimented her lemonade. She had worked really hard to get the recipe just right. Grace went criss cross applesauce as well, unconsciously mirroring her new friend. Was friend the correct word to use?
Grace thought back to the gorgeous weather as Maggie asked her questions. The heat was becoming overbearing, so she was glad that she had changed out of her uniform before her picnic.
The weather is absolutely stunning. I hope it stays like this all year long. Grace said while closing her eyes to soak in the sun. I am a first year! Is it really that obvious?
Lemonade and sunshine with@Maggie Hawkins
10 Sep 2021, 14:27
Much Ado About Nothing
─────Maggie didn't really consider how her own digressions may come off. You know, her way of being, manner of speaking. How she presented herself. All her life, even in muggle school, she'd been so used to not really minding what others thought. Of course, maybe that wasn't the best course of action considering she now went to a magical school with magical people who had magical abilities. One wrong move, a single misplaced word, and she was done for. Boom, blown up.
Were there spells for blowing people up?
Anyhow, Grace Swan didn't seem like the type to blow her up. Far too timid, quiet. Bit of a pushover, the more Maggie truly examined her. That was okay! Maggie could more than make up for her silence and reluctance. She'd always done that. Made up for the silence of others. When you were given the 'gift' of chatter, though, what were you to do but use it?
"I mean, it's not a bad thing. I'm a first year, too," it was just in the way that Grace carried herself, really. Timid. As if she thought someone could step on her, squash her like a bug beneath their shoe.
Maggie was the exact opposite. Any insecurity she had was squashed down into the pit of her stomach like she ate something bad. Don't get her wrong; that insecurity was enough to feed a family of four! Over the years, though, you gain something. An ability to mask it all, bottle it all up, and ignore it.
Ignorance was bliss, as they say.
A stubborn mind and strong will sure made it hard to get Maggie to back down. She didn't just 'back down', wouldn't allow anyone to win, so to speak. It had been a source of many a conflict at her old school. Apparently, students didn't like when you insulted their mothers and yapped on like a Chihuahua who needed a muzzle. "Really, though, it's not super obvious. I'm just super-duper observant."
She was not.
────────────────────────────────
| 𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑾𝒊𝒕𝒉: @Grace Swan | 𝑴𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈: @ |
───✰✰✰✰✰───
| 𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑾𝒊𝒕𝒉: @Grace Swan | 𝑴𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈: @ |
───✰✰✰✰✰───
I really value when people use violence for me, it's actually one of my love languages.
11 Sep 2021, 06:07
Much Ado About Nothing
Grace knew that Maggie wasn’t observant and that she really did look like a little first year. Grace did not know why people lied to her about such stuff, she wanted to know the truth, not a lie. Maggie on the other hand, did not seem like a first year. She held her head high as if there was a book on it. Maggie seemed highly esteemed. Grace gave a little bit of a laugh before reaching onto a platter, grabbing a pumpkin scone. The fresh treat spread warmth to Grace’s hands. Pumpkin aroma filled the air around the two girls. Grace took this time to be observant. Students were everywhere: gathering by columns, playing gobstones, and taking long strolls in the walkway.
Biting into the scone, a delicious taste spread across Grace’s tastebuds.
You.. have to…. try.. one of these…
Grace mumbled in between bites.
These pumpkin scones were the best Grace had ever made. She was super excited for her friends to try them. Grace was almost in heaven with how good these scones were. She had finally perfected her recipe.
Grace poured herself another glass of lemonade, as her one earlier was ruined with a splash by a kicked rock. Grace smiled at the recent event, then took the final bite of her scone. She hoped that Maggie liked Grace’s baked goods.
Biting into the scone, a delicious taste spread across Grace’s tastebuds.
You.. have to…. try.. one of these…
Grace mumbled in between bites.
These pumpkin scones were the best Grace had ever made. She was super excited for her friends to try them. Grace was almost in heaven with how good these scones were. She had finally perfected her recipe.
Grace poured herself another glass of lemonade, as her one earlier was ruined with a splash by a kicked rock. Grace smiled at the recent event, then took the final bite of her scone. She hoped that Maggie liked Grace’s baked goods.
Sharing with @Maggie Hawkins