30 Sep 2022, 20:29
Take The Leap
Date: 09/30/22 | Time: Twilight
────────────────────────────────────────The soft buzz of post-dinner activity filled the air, voices and laughter carrying throughout the stone halls and into the open air of the courtyard. Night was already well on its way. The last light of the sun till the new day was overshadowed by the torchlight shining from the surrounding halls. Shadows of passing students created a myriad of moving pictures across the overgrown tiles. The courtyard itself was relatively calm despite the handful of students that had taken up temporary residence there. Most held quiet conversations with friends from various houses, one group engaged in a rather tense game of Gobstones.
Avery sat upon one of the extended bases of the fountain. One leg was bent, thigh pressed against her chest and her heel resting on the ledge as the other hung down the front of the stone. She had one arm wrapped around the bent leg in order to twist slightly and look at the Ravenclaw beside her. They'd made their way out a few moments prior, the conversation easy and flowing in comparison to their first encounter. Contrary to the soft, relaxed smile she’d worn since they’d first come out to the courtyard, the Hufflepuff could feel her heart steadily pounding in her chest.
Over the past week or so the sensation had become a near constant companion with every meeting or smile exchanged with the second year. Ever since their first meeting upon the training pitch in the dead of night, there’d been this strange sensation at the back of her mind every time she recalled the night. There had certainly been some difficulty placing the feeling at first. Until roughly a week and a half ago, that is, when she happened to overhear some of her housemates discussing the upcoming ball for the umpteenth time and the realization struck at last.
A crush. That had certainly not been in her plans for her first year at the wizarding school. Hadn’t even really been on her radar, and yet. They’d spent some time hanging out together since that first night, and ever since her realization, she’d made an effort to pay a little more attention to that fluttering feeling. And sure enough, that was the only explanation she could muster. The way her stomach dropped in a not at all unpleasant way whenever a bright grin was levelled her way quickly put any lingering doubts to rest.
This realization did bring about a whole new slew of problems though. Avery found herself often flipping back and forth on if she should even voice these feelings. One moment the confidence was there, the next the anxiety of countless ‘but what if’ scenarios would find a way to creep in and reignite nerves. Budding crush aside, she genuinely enjoyed just spending time with the Ravenclaw and was afraid of jeopardizing their growing friendship on a possibility.
The constant buzz around the ball had been on her mind more and more as of late, though, and she’d spent the last few days trying to push aside the anxieties that had taken up residence in her mind. The ball provided a somewhat unique opportunity. All it took, hopefully, was one question. In a moment of rare bravery, she’d asked the day before if they could spend some time together in the courtyard tonight. In hindsight, she probably should have waited to ask the day of to have hopefully avoided a near sleepless night. The time was instead spent trying to figure out just how she might pose the question that had been on her mind. She couldn’t say she ever came to an actual decision.
“I’m finally mostly caught up on homework again,” Avery states, voice kept low between just the two of them so as to not call any attention from other students in the courtyard. “Studying together the other week definitely got me kicked back into gear a little bit, so thank you.” A soft crinkle of a wrapper rings out as a small chocolate bar is broken into half. The muggle-born had already learned a very startling lesson when it came to chocolate frogs and was not keen on interacting with another one anytime soon. It had been a very easy trade to make in the common room. Avery holds one of the halves up in offer to Edme. “Care for some dessert?” She flashes them a bright smile, trying to ignore the faint warmth she feels settled in her cheeks. She could do this. Just...needed to work up to it. For sure.────────────────────────────────
𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑾𝒊𝒕𝒉: @Edme Achillian
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Last edited by Avery McCall on 17 Feb 2023, 02:30, edited 1 time in total.
2 Oct 2022, 18:37
Take The Leap
⋄ 2nd year ⋄
|
⋄ Ravenclaw ⋄ |
|
The days leading up to present had been nothing but confusion for Edme, something she had grown quite accustomed to at Hogwarts.⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄
This confusion had drawn out for many moons, a feeling of tireless wonder that left their stomach fuzzy and their face warm. It was strange and blank, but the outline could only be one person. A person in which Edme could not pluck out of her mind, however many distractions they took up. Flying at Quidditch practice reminded her of that night on the training pitch. Answering questions in class reminded her of the study session. Every time they saw the girl in class they were struck with an undeniable feeling of desire. It made their heart swell and palms go on sweaty and tingly.
Tonight was somewhat like others, the Ravenclaw full on dinner and the edges of twilight glimmering in the sky, seeping into the sunset and preparing dusk to fall. A few students were littered around the courtyard like leaves in Fall, quite fitting considering the season. As Summer turned to Autumn, night began to come much quicker, the sun hidden behind clouds more often than not. Edme couldn't say they had any distaste for the new look that had spread across the grounds of Hogwarts, making it look like a picture out of a Halloween movie.
Avery had invited the second year out to the Courtyard after dinner, though didn't explain why beyond getting some fresh air. Edme couldn't complain, as Hogwarts at dusk was tantalizing. Candles glowing, chatter toned down, stars peaking out of an otherwise blank blue sky. The Ravenclaw couldn't get enough of it. But now, her eyes could only be trained on the Hufflepuff before her, sat on the fountain in such a manner that made it easy to look at her. Edme's cheeks warmed once more.
With the Ball encroaching, it seemed every student was planning out their fairy tale dresses and suits and other fancy garments to make the dance seem like something out of a book. Almost every student had a date, presented in some flourish of magical invitations or sparkly set-ups. Edme had considered asking someone, going through her list of friends and questioning which of them would actually wish to go with them, whether it be romantic or not. Avery had always made her way back into Edme's mind.
The second year watched the fountain, trying to seem subtle before Avery. "That's good." they smiled, matching the other's hushed tone, "It was smart we took the time to get some notes down. I've also gotten better with my Charms work." The Ravenclaw watched the other grab a wrapper from her pocket, a chocolate frog. Their sweet tooth got the best of them, and they accepted the offer quickly. "Yes, thank you! It's been some time since I've had one of these." she looked up to the other for a second, watching the way her mouth curved up into a toothy smile. They felt fuzzy for a moment, looking down to hide the blush on their cheeks.⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄
[quote] Fear grew in places unlit by knowledge
|Edme Achillean|
[/quote]
|Edme Achillean|
3 Oct 2022, 04:03
Take The Leap
Date: 09/30/22 | Time: Night
────────────────────────────────────────In the short time since they've made their way outside, the last light of the day has all but been snuffed out. Night has fallen quickly over the castle, the clear shift in the seasons unmistakable. The courtyard remained lit only by candlelight and the scattered stars above. It proved a rather charming backdrop for the students that took up temporary occupancy beneath the open sky. The first year was certainly not going to complain one bit.
"Excellent, we'll get you to straight O's in charms before you know it." Avery can't quite contain the fond edge that overtakes her smile at the enthusiasm with which they accept the treat. She's more than a little grateful Edme had averted her gaze before it was likely caught. The fluttering in her chest, while not having disappeared since meeting up earlier this evening, intensified. "Good to know, I'll have to start keeping a little stash around," she quietly avows.
The Hufflepuff glances away a moment later, leaning forward in order to rest her chin on her bent knee and look up towards the night sky. She quietly observes the stars as she tries to gather both thoughts and whatever small inkling of courage she might have. A far more difficult task than she could have ever imagined, especially now that they were face to face. But alas, no risk no potential, hopeful reward.
Taking a slow breath and doing her best (unsuccessful as it were) to tamp down the warmth she could feel settle across her cheeks, Avery shifts atop the ledge to face Edme. The leg that had been bent now lays flat across the stone, the other still hanging down the side of the base. The first year clasps her hands in her lap to try and avoid any nervous fidgeting and is immediately unsuccessful. Trying to summon that tiny flame of courage she'd been working to build all week, the Hufflepuff lifts her gaze to regard the second year.
"So, uh..." she starts, voice cracking slightly with nerves. Off to a great start. She clears her throat a little as he cheeks flush that much more. "So, I had a question," she restarts, slightly more steady than before. "And it is totally okay to just like, say no or forget I said anything at all but, uh." Avery pauses once more to try and swallow down some of the building nerves. She'd already started, may as well make the leap.
"I just want to start by saying that I'm really glad I met you on the training pitch that night. I'm pretty confident in saying that was one of the most fun nights I've had since coming here, probably even before," Avery continues, the memory alone prompting a faint smile to make an appearance. "Though I guess the same could be said for any time we've spent together. It's, uh, kind of all I can think about most days." Swallowing, the Hufflepuff glances down to her hands. She doesn't need to see her reflection to be able to tell just how red her cheeks must be.
Avery looks back up a moment later. "I just wanted you to k-know...I like you, Edme. A lot." How people are able to do this calmly, the first year will never know. "And I wanted to ask if you'd maybe like to go to the ball together? As m-my... y'know, date?" Okay, the words were all a little rushed together and stumbling, but she'd take what she could get at this point. The Hufflepuff all but holds her breath in anticipation as she watches them, eyes nervously observing the Ravenclaw for whatever her reaction may be.────────────────────────────────
𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑾𝒊𝒕𝒉: @Edme Achillian
≪•◦ ❈ ◦•≫
22 Oct 2022, 06:47
Take The Leap
⋄ 2nd year ⋄
|
⋄ Ravenclaw ⋄ |
|
Edme chewed quietly at the cold chocolate that settled tightly into her hands, held closely to her mouth as she made her way through it. But it wasn't the chocolate frog that had the second year all happy and moony. It was the painfully beautiful Hufflepuff that sat across from them, eyes trained to the stars.⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄
The Ravenclaw took a moment to examine the other. Their eyes trailed down her defined but smooth jaw, the way that her freckles looked when turned towards the pale light of dusk, the small scar just above her eyebrow that seemed almost invisible unless you focused on it. Everything about her was so fantastic, like a collection of fireworks that someone managed to settle into place just right, so that they perfectly formed a colorful and spectacular girl. Edme couldn't keep denying what they felt. It might kill them.
As Avery's eyes finally traveled back down, Edme found that her eyes couldn't seem to remove themselves from the girl in front of her. It felt like a perfect moment, the two of them sat together under the stars, eyes on eyes. But then the Ravenclaw noticed something in the frame of the girl, a kind of anxiety that left you on the edge of your seat. Edme nearly jumped when Avery began talking, her words flustered and quick.
Edme didn't say a word for those next few seconds, watching the other with curious eyes as they awaited a finish to this long drawn out question. As the other's words transformed and mutated, so did the second year's expression, going from confused to bashful to aware. Avery McCall liked her. And by the look on her beautiful face, it wasn't just as a friend.
"Avery, I..." they were at a loss, unsure if they should get up and start punching their fists into the air, or give their own heartfelt confession. The latter seemed more appropriate all things considered, so she went with that. "I like you too. I'll admit I didn't expect you to say something first, but..." she fidgeted with her thumbs as she spoke, words soft and warm, "I like you. A lot. I think ever since that day on the pitch I've kind of had the idea, but... y'know. Honestly it would be the most incredible thing to be able to go to the ball with you. As your date." Their face warmed slowly, heat spreading across their cheeks up to their ears. It was so weird finally saying it, but Edme definitely liked this girl. Edme liked a girl.⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄
[quote] Fear grew in places unlit by knowledge
|Edme Achillean|
[/quote]
|Edme Achillean|
23 Oct 2022, 14:24
Take The Leap
Date: 09/30/22 | Time: Night
────────────────────────────────────────The quiet that descends upon finally vocalizing the question that had been on the tip of her tongue for days now does nothing to ease her nerves. They shift. No longer nervous about being able to find the words themselves, a tinge of worry instead takes root. It was out there now. Even if she had wanted to take the words back, which despite the rapid pounding of her heart she couldn't find it in herself to at all regret finally voicing her feelings, all she could do now was wait in nervous silence for whatever the reaction may be.
Blue eyes remain glued to the girl across from her, watching the shift of their expression throughout the entirety of her rambling confession. Avery takes the silent moment of anticipation that hangs in the air to simply admire Edme in the soft light cast across the courtyard. She was handsome in a way that always seemed leave the Hufflepuff a little breathless. Every dazzling smile that was thrown her way felt as if it made the day that much brighter. Did she sometimes go out of her way to try and coax one to the surface? Without a doubt. Was she likely to stop anytime soon? Absolutely not.
Avery is broken from her thoughts by the sound of her name quietly spoken. Another pause follows and the first year feels the building anxiety grow that much more. Just as she starts trying to find the words to beg the Ravenclaw to forget she said anything, they continue. The confession that follows leaves her at a momentary loss, the whiplash of her emotions leaving her briefly stunned. I like you too. Those four words draw forth a warmth that seeps into her chest, displacing the anxiety that had been steadily building.
Even as she observed the pretty flush spreading across their features, Avery felt the heat that had already settled across her own visage intensify. She said yes! The Hufflepuff is helpless to stop the wide grin that breaks free as the realization finally settles in. "Fantastic!" she gushes, voice raising ever so slightly before she catches herself. She clears her throat a little to try and hide some of the embarrassment from the outburst.
Unable to wipe the pleased smile from her lips, Avery finds herself unwilling to look away from the Ravenclaw across from her. "Sorry. I can't say exactly what I was expecting, but I like to think this as definitely the best case scenario. The anxiety of it all was...pretty intense," she admits with a sheepish shrug. She'd happily go through every inch of anxiety again were this to remain the outcome. Including the one time she tripped down the stairs.
The Hufflepuff finally glances away to look down at her hands, the smile shifting into something a little softer. "You're pretty incredible yourself, y'know." A beat passes before she lifts her gaze to once more settle on Edme. She was infinitely pleased to have thought to pose the question to them out here in the courtyard, beneath the stars. It was almost reminiscent of that first fateful meeting beneath the very same lights. "I've never been to any sort of official, like, dance or anything. But I'm glad the first will be with you." Despite the deep flush that has taken up seemingly permanent residence across her face and ears, her smile has yet to waver.────────────────────────────────
𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑾𝒊𝒕𝒉: @Edme Achillian
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26 Jan 2023, 03:15
Take The Leap
⋄ 2nd year ⋄
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⋄ Ravenclaw ⋄ |
|
Edme felt her throat grow dry, although it wasn't the worst feeling. It was one thing when you were nervous about something like a presentation or a not-so-positive revelation. But when you were nervous about being asked out by a girl like Avery, it was like your whole body just turned into a cloud. Their heart was pounding and their legs had become jelly, but it wasn't bad.⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄
She let out a small laugh at Avery's burst of excitement, unable to catch herself as she mirrored Avery's bright grin. It was nothing like the movies, but it was probably the reality of it that made it so raw and perfect.
"You don't have to apologize!" Edme laughed, suddenly a bit hysterical. Her gap-toothed grin was wide and remarkably joyous. "I couldn't be happier about... all this." Edme almost expected herself to wake up in the Ravenclaw dormitory cuddled up into their blankets.
As the mood transformed back into the light, peaceful atmosphere they had carried before. The light pink tint had returned to her cheeks, unable to respond to the compliment as she was too flustered as is to form words. Maybe one day this conversation would go a bit smoother, but young Edme Achillian felt a tad bit embarrassed for their lack of preparation. "They aren't all they're cracked up to be. But we'll have fun." They grinned again.⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄
[quote] Fear grew in places unlit by knowledge
|Edme Achillean|
[/quote]
|Edme Achillean|
17 Feb 2023, 20:40
Take The Leap
Date: 09/30/22 | Time: Night
───────────────────────────────────The fluttering in her chest that had been a near constant companion throughout the day didn't exactly disappear. Rather, it shifted to something a little warmer and considerably more pleasant. Avery still couldn't quite reign in the grin that had settled into place only moments before. Not that she tried all that hard in the first place.
Seeing the delight mirrored on Edme's own face was truly a wonderful sight. Their laughter prompts a bout of quiet giggling of her own. "Sorry," she manages through the laughter after a moment, only belatedly realizing her apology was, in fact, for apologizing. Oh well. "That's good. Great. Fantastic," she rambles, mind still struggling to keep up with the reality of it all. That'd probably be the case for the next couple of days.
Taking a few slightly deeper breaths to ease herself out of the giggling, Avery stretches her legs out before her and turns to look back up at the stars. The dopey smile was still very much present. "That's all that really matters, isn't it?" A beat passes before the Hufflepuff looks back towards Edme. "I'm sure it'll be a blast regardless. We'll have to...oh man," she mutters, finally realizing the one thing she'd not really considered as of yet. It prompts a quiet laugh. "We'll have to figure out what to wear, I guess. Hadn't really thought that far ahead in all honesty. At least we've got some time still."────────────────────────────────
𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑾𝒊𝒕𝒉: @Edme Achillian
≪•◦ ❈ ◦•≫
24 May 2023, 05:54
Take The Leap
⋄ 2nd year ⋄
|
⋄ Ravenclaw ⋄ |
|
There was something so perfect about that evening, the way the stars appeared before the moon and the wind could only caress the girl's pink cheeks as she had no choice but to nod and listen. It almost felt like she was remembering words from a script, every sentence planned. She always felt that way around Avery, some sort of childish need to be- for lack of a better word- cool.⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄
It was almost like she was viewing the Hufflepuff in a new light. It wasn't a switch, per say, like a moment when her feeling just clicked into place at once. It was like sunrise to sunset, slow but beaming. "Fantastic." Edme repeated surely, her grin settling into a careful smile.
And like that, excitement struck. It was a tranquil excitement, sure, but every jolt of anticipation like that would come on with at least a touch of electricity. It was like Christmas, except thoughts of sugar-plums and candy canes were replaced with thoughts of dresses and dancing. "Fairy Tale, right?" Edme asked rhetorically, "Perhaps we could do something traditional. Like... Cinderella? Snow White?" But those didn't seem fitting enough for the two. There was something too simple about it, and though Edme didn't mind simplicity, she had her sights set on a kind of elegant extravagance. "Or something less royal. Like Little Red Riding Hood."
She recalled the outfit she had donned last year. It had been painfully brown with a dark suit-jacket and a flowy skirt. Looking back on it now, she cringed. It reminded her vaguely of a lawyer. She almost laughed, but bit it back so that she wouldn’t have to describe it to Avery.
“I don’t suppose you have any ideas? I haven’t gone to many themed dances.” She blushed a bit, sheepish from her lack of help. Everyone would be doing the classics, perhaps Avery would want to stick to what was easiest.⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄⋄
[quote] Fear grew in places unlit by knowledge
|Edme Achillean|
[/quote]
|Edme Achillean|
23 Jun 2023, 00:57
Take The Leap
Date: 09/30/22 | Time: Night
───────────────────────────────────The anxious tension that had taken root moments ago was fading steadily. Avery felt a new sort of weightlessness settle in its place as she looked across the short distance between her and the Ravenclaw at her side. It was an active fight to try and tamp down the delighted smile that consistently threatened to break through. The aching in her cheeks served as proof that it wasn't an entirely successful effort. Not that she had it in her to be too bothered by the inability to keep her cool with the high of the moment still so fresh.
The question prompts a moment of quiet consideration, the Hufflepuff tilting her head to look back up at the stars with a thoughtful furrow of her brow. "Those would probably be pretty easy to throw something together with, yeah. But," she adds, smirking as she looks their way again a moment later. "I'm sure between the two of us we can find something even better. Some story that people wouldn't really think to use, maybe."
Avery took a moment to try and wrack her brain for any potential inspiration. She had a feeling they could pull off just about anything together, but she wanted to find something that really had that 'wow' factor. When nothing immediately came to mind, she offered Edme a sheepish shrug. "Can't say I'm super well versed in fairy tales of the muggle or magic variety. But, if you'd like, we could meet up at the library sometime this week to try and find some inspiration for a theme?" The question trails off into something bordering hesitancy the longer she stares at her, the first year fiddling slightly with the hem of her sweater. Avery had hoped the nerves would vanish now that what she'd assumed to be the hard part was over with. No such luck there.────────────────────────────────
𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑾𝒊𝒕𝒉: @Edme Achillian
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