World Cultures Club: 1st Meeting Closed

Lucien was earlier than he probably should have been, but being late was a pet peeve of his and he wasn't planning on taking any chances of being late. He made his way down the corridor walking a bit faster than usual. After all, he had to make a good first impression, being a Pure-blood Slytherin usually didn't help due to every ones stereo types.

He made his way to the classroom they were using finding the door ajar, held open by a chair. A poster indicated that it was the right room. In the room one person was reading the potions textbook, Lucien's favorite subject. He made his way over to her with a small smile on his face, smiling was a friendly manner right? Sure it was, that was what he had been told. Then again, his sister had told him, and she wasn't usually the friendliest of people most of the time.

"Reading the potions textbook? If you ever need help with it, I'm really good at potions." He said still smiling, hoping he didn't frighten her by being so quiet and then speaking. "You must be the club leader correct? Nice to meet you officially, I'm Lucien Escanora. Feel free to call me Lu or Avery since most people can't say my name right."

Masika startled slightly at the sound of someone speaking, having been far too engrossed in her reading to notice his arrival. Her eyes darted up to see who had joined her, their dark brown shade appearing to be black as they always did in anything outside of the most well-lit settings.

It was a boy; his black hair brushed against glasses that framed his duel-toned eyes, but what stood out most to her was how he didn't seem completely certain about what he was doing with his mouth. It was a smile of course, but a smile that had been placed there by the serious-looking boy deliberately; not forced per-se, so much as awkward. Masika closed the text wordlessly as he continued to speak, and she wondered if he simply wasn't the sort to smile normally.

"It is nice tae meet you, Lucien Escanora," Masika smiled crookedly; her words soft, as the lilt of her accent mixed with her amusement. She had beaten far more complicated names and words than that. "I am Masika Morales. I believe I met your twin on the Express." She canted her head slightly, her black curls bouncing gently with the motion, "I find potions tae be much like cooking with Papi and Baba." She drew her robes more closely around her, a shiver working her way up her spine from the cool floor, "It is how the ingredients interact together in different conditions that make it a challenge." She fingered the edge of the book and stood, a hint of uncertainty worming its way into her tone, "As for the leadership... I am uncertain if I should be the President or not." She looked over the otherwise empty room with a sigh, "After all, I am not entirely used tae or comfortable with being around other children."

Sariel had seen the posters tacked onto the bulletin boards and plastered in the busier intersections of the halls. A parchment scrolled neatly with the words:

World Cultures Club
5th Floor Classroom
Friday at 6 p.m.

Little hand drawn flags copied from countries all over the world popped in and out of view on the paper, waving proudly in a non-existent breeze while a shower of two-dimensional confetti fell around the letters. It was an impressive poster that she had seen Masika along with another girl posting up and Sariel couldn't help but think they must have had an older student's help in making them look so exciting.

Why join a World Cultures Club? The better question in her mind when prompted was 'why not?' It was Masika's creation and it would be fun to explore on a grander scale. Who knew what they might discover. With that decided, she had waited all week for the date of the club to come around and even convinced Louis to come too. Of course, the boy needed little convincing. The moment she said it, he was already nodding and off to the 5th floor with her to find the classroom where the first meeting was being held.

"Hurry, Louis or we're going to be late!" she said racing down the hall with the boy close at her heels. They came to a sudden halt at a door propped open by a battered looking wooden chair and Sariel didn't hesitate to grab the brass handle. "This must be it!"

Wrenching open the door, Sariel found that she was right. Masika was sitting at the podium underneath a World Cultures Club banner, and as per usual wrapped up in her cloak like it was December rather than September. Standing beside her was a boy with dark hair and bright eyes. He must have been an older student because she didn't recognize him immediately. Given the look on his face, however, it was possible he was just a really shy first year. He looked almost pained with a smile cranked into his cheeks.

"Hey!" Sariel grinned as she walked in, "I made it! And Louis came too."

At that point, Louis popped around to her side with a merry wave and started immediately introducing himself to the other boy. Sariel had learned that the enthusiastic Hufflepuff hardly met a stranger. "We thought we were going to be late after the staircase changed on us," she puffed to Masika, "But we made it. So what are we doing?" She was curious about what the constantly cold girl from Ireland might have in store for them and her curiosity only grew when she remembered there was someone else in there with them. After Louis was done introducing himself in his usual manner of an excited proclaimation. "Hi, I'm Louis!" Sariel's eyes flicked to the taller boy and she offered him a hand, "I'm Sariel. What's your name?"

A club founded by a first year was impressive, Aurelia didn’t think she would be able to do such a thing when it barely was a week into the school year. The world cultures club, being raised by a Netherland born Father and a German Mother, Aurelia grew up with many of their traditions already. It would hurt to share it with the students of the school the Dutch culture and the german culture. In fact, Aurelia was excited, so much so that she had spent a good hour making a few treats.

Well, yes, the girl clearly was in one of her good moods that day, fortunately. It would be terrible if she wasn’t especially since she was going to meet many she didn’t knew yet. Aurelia didnt want someone to leave a bad impression on her when it was barely even the first week of school.

Wearing her usual outfit of a simple shirt loosely tucked in a pair of blue jeans, she carried a decent picnic basket, the only one she could find, up the stairs to the fifth level. She could smell the delicious pastries wafting from the basket, it made her want to devour every content inside and leave none for the others. It just smelled so good.

She walked towards the open door, which she assumed was the classroom which the meeting would take place. She hoped it was the one, she didn’t want to spend another few minutes craving to eat the baked goods she just made and knowing that she was supposed to share them with those in the club.

She peered into the room. Ah, yes it was the right room. There were already a few students inside, one she had reconised as Lucien, she had met him on the Hogwarts express. The other two girls were unfamiliar. One of them ought to be the founder of the club.

Aurelia eagerly walked up to the group. “Ik ben Aurelia. Ik heb wat gebak gebracht, She said with enthusiasm using her common tongue.

“Translation, I am Aurelia and I brought some baked goods!” She said extending her arms, to show the basket filled with the delicious aroma of cake, puffs, and chocolate. The girl scurried towards the nearest table to reveal the items inside. She took out two plastic containers, one containing a cake and the other with neatly placed chocolate coated balls.

“The cake is Frankfurter Kranz, a german dessert, it had originated from the city of Frankfurt. This is Bossche Bollen, it’s a Dutch pasterie you are supposed to eat it with your fingers. ” she said as she sliced the cake and put it on a disposable plate.

Lucien smiled at the mention of his sister, a rather stressed smile over a happy one. "I am so sorry you had to meet her, unless she was nice for once, usually she isn't." He said laughing slightly nervous. He listened as Masika talked about potions and nodded listening to her. "It is a lot like cooking now that I think about it. Just a bit more...deadly at times. He noticed how she was starting to sound uncertain as she spoke once more. He gave a reassuring smile, and an actual smile at that. "If you would like I could speak for you. I was practically raised behind lectern. I'll help in any way you would like."

That's when one person entered the room nearly scaring Lucien out of his mind. Built for speaking? Yes. Build for sudden noises? No. After catching his breath he realized the girl, who had introduced herself as Sariel was holding out a hand to him. He nearly went into panic mode thinking of all the possible germs. He shook her hand rather quickly before reaching in his pocket to grab some hand sanitizer. As he put some of it on his hand he spoke, "Hello, I'm Lucien Avery Escanora. Feel free to call me Lu or Avery because everyone messes up my first name. And sorry if I seem rude, I just really don't like germs."

That's when another person entered. Speaking a language he knew very well he smiled happily, his two different eye colors practically glowing out of excitement. He finally knew someone, even if not very well, he knew people! And at that, he understood her! And to make it even better she brought one of the only sweets he would actually eat! "Aurelia, hello!" He said in a cheery tone. He was thankful he knew someone, that way he wasn't completely alone.

Lucien Avery Escanora sounded very official until he shook her hand and quickly dove into his pocket for a bottle of hand sanitizer as he apologized for being rude. Apparently, apologizing after the fact was something and his sister had in common, but rather than the same commanding sort of attitude, he just looked unsure of himself. She wasn't exactly offended over the want for hand sanitizer either. "No problem, Avery," she said with a smile and a shrug. Calling him Avery would be better since she occasionally called Louis the shortened version of 'Lou.' She didn't call him by a nick name always by choice. He was often dashing off and 'Lou' was about all of his name she could get out before she followed him.

No sooner had she finished her introduction, did another girl announce herself as she entered. The first time it was in a language she didn't know, but the English she understood well enough. Snacks! The smell of the fresh baked sweet hit her nose illiciting an large smile from her. "Ooh! Hi there!" she said, shimmying closer to the girl who was already offering the treats.

Taking the full plate from Aurelia, she passed it to Masika and then went back for Louis, though he needed little help. The boy was already there bouncing on his heels. "Aurelia, right? This smells so good!" Chocolate was one of her favorite treats in any form and the little balls looked delicious. "I've never heard of either of those, but they look great." Sariel plucked up a plate, adding a few chocolate balls and stuffing one into her mouth. "Oh, soref. Myf name ish Sfariel." It wouldn't be nice to eat without introducing herself. Swallowing down the first bite, she giggled. "It's nice to meet you. You're one of the older students too, right?"

Dot stood outside the door with the World Cultures' Club poster on it. She assumed it was the right one, since the poster weren't pasted on any common classroom door at random. Plus, Dot thought she heard some voices from inside. And a nice scent too...something baked, maybe? And sweet?

She won't know until she'd go in. So Dot knocked at the door softly, before pulling the handle and making her way in the room.

The classroom looked clean, tidy and ready for a session of...talking? Perhaps, since people will be discussing their countries and traditions. World Cultures Club. Anyway, unlike Dot thought, she wasn't late or something. There were only about five people in the room. Phew.

Dot straightened up as she walked in, a casual smile on her face. "Hey there, people!" She waved her hand enthusiastically. Thinking about getting more knowledge about different cultures, or even better, meeting new people, always managed to brighten up Dot's mood. "I'm not late, am I?" She said, glancing around, before the thought introduce yourself, girl rushed to her mind.

"By the way, I'm Dot. Dot Dutt. And..." I don't know any of you, she thought as her eyes swept over the students, before they stopped on a familiar face. "Masika! Doing great these days, dorm-mate." Dot complimented, somewhat surprised by her efforts and talents of creating the club. Once again, Dot looked over the students, and saw one of the staff she'd seen in the Gryffindor newspaper's office. "Hello, Aurelia." She said, and continued, "And hello everybody else as well, I just don't know your names, sorry!" Dot's tone was apologetic as she looked at the blue-eyed boy and the Ravenclaw girl.

Masika was drawn out of her thoughts as Lucien spoke, and her lips quirked slightly as he immediately apologized for his sister with nervous laughter. When he mentioned speaking for her she gave him a thoughtful look, her fingers trailing on the spine of the book, but before she could comment one way or the other another person crashed into the room. She looked up and recognition crossed her features as Sariel walked in, nearly dragging Louis behind her. Masika pursed her lips, not really sure how to feel about the buoyant girl and endlessly friendly boy. They had both been nice enough she supposed, but both had far more energy than she was used to dealing with, and Sariel especially seemed to live her life without ever slowing down.

When yet another person joined the group, merrily speaking in what she thought might be German or Dutch and carrying a basket, Masika began to seriously wonder what she had been thinking when she had let her Papi convince her that starting a group like this would be good for her. She looked around at the growing chaos as Lucien greeted Aurelia, trying to keep her growing trepidation from showing in her features.

When Sariel passed Masika the plate of baked goods, she selected one of the chocolate topped balls that looked familiar and hesitantly nibbled at it, her dark eyes darting around. When the door opened yet again, Masika felt distinctly like a deer caught in headlights.

How many children were going to show up?!

When it turned out to be one of her dorm-mates some of her tension left, and she waved stiffly at Dot in response to her greeting. Her eyes darted to Aurelia momentarily; apparently the girl knew the two she had yet to meet, and she had thought ahead enough to bring in snacks. Her confidence wasn’t something to ignore either. Masika popped the rest of the treat in her mouth and chewed it quietly in thought; perhaps the other female would want to be an Officer… She shook her head and swallowed the bite; there was no use wondering, and she should probably do something to try and bring this entire mess under control.

Masika breathed in through her nose before she spoke, ignoring the uncertainty that dragged at her as she pitched her normally soft voice louder so that the group might be able to hear her. “Masa’u Al-khair…” she started politely, her lips twisting up slightly into a hesitant smile. “Good day, an’ welcome tae the World Cultures Club. I hope you didn’ have trouble findin’ the classroom. My name is Masika Morales.” She nodded politely to Aurelia, “I would also like tae thank you for bringing the snacks.” Masika shifted slightly, tapping her finger on her Potions textbook, gathering herself before she straightened a bit and looked around the group, “My hope when I decided tae create this club was tae bring people together with an interest in learnin’ more ‘bout our world an’ its people. Tae that end, we can schedule presentations, show-and-tell, demonstrations,” she gestured to the basket of baked goods, “an’ other types of events that might be interestin’.”

She cleared her throat and looked down briefly before her eyes lifted again, “First though, we will be needin’ Officers; a President, Vice President, an’ Secretary at the least. Possibly even a Treasurer if we end up dealin’ with some sort o’ budget.” She rubbed at the arm that held the book, then spoke bluntly, “The reason I say President as an option is b’cause even though I’ve started this, I can’ say if I will be the best choice for a leader in the future. ‘m willin’ tae take the role, but felt it’d be better to leave the choice open for others if they want tae make a go o’ it.” She grinned crookedly, her tone dry, “If I do end up as the President, it’ll be a learnin’ experience for us all. I don’ have much experience around people my age, much less bein’ in charge o’ them.”

Masika shook her head, her dark curls bouncing, “So with that out o’ the way, does anyone have any questions? Anythin’ tae add, or any Officer nominations?” Her gaze shifted as she looked around the group, her dark eyes piercing despite her lingering nerves as she tried to gauge their reactions.

Lucien gave a slight nervous smile. People. Hyper People. Lucien was not fond of overly hyper people. So far he didn't understand why his sister hadn't manage to strangle Sariel yet. Maybe she had a bit more self control than Lucien gave her credit for. He took one of the Dutch pastries off the plate eating it as delicately as he could. He didn't want to make a mess of himself after all. He nearly died when Sariel introduced herself with a mouthful of the treat. Did she not know it was rude to speak with one's mouth full? Lucien ignored it trying his best not to be overly judgmental.

Another person entered the room nearly causing Lucien to lose his head. She introduced herself as Dot, and she had no clue who Lucien was. The heterochrmatic boy kept a plastered smile on his face. He was unsure if people just didn't know popular wizarding families anymore, or if they just didn't care. His family was almost always on the spot, but then again most children didn't read the paper anymore. "Lucien Avery Escanora. Just call me Lu or Avery since I'm tired of people messing up my first name, I'd offer to shake your hand but I hate germs." He said before turning to Aurelia. "These are wonderfully made." Lucien stated simply before keeping his mouth shut.

Masika spoke and Lucien listened to every single word she said with a reassuring smile on his face. He didn't miss a single word of what she said. Once she finished Lucien spoke up in a calm voice as per usual. "I wouldn't mind being a vice president, after all I am rather rational and calm. I feel like maybe, if you would like, you could try to run as president for a small bit to see if it would work out for you. I would be willing to help you out if you would like. Personally I'm fine with anyone unless they are unorganized and chaotic." He spoke not really worried about anything.