Oktoberfest Baking Workshop Closed

Interactions→ None
Pre-Selected Group→ Scott Alexander, Ami Procoppio, and Amadea Campbell
Godmodding of Scott Alexander done so with permission

What on earth are you doing here? What would mother say if she saw you now?

Crinkling his nose at the sickly, foreign smell radiating from the tent, Elijah inched forward across the grounds, reluctant to come within even fifty meters of the Baking Workshop's tent. He would've preferred to be in his dorm, studying, or trying to find a simple bowl of white jasmine rice to eat whilst he read, but prior obligations required him to be present outside once more, in the frigid month that was October. What was the occasion, might you ask? He had somehow gotten himself roped into attending the workshop, via one pesky little Scott Alexander.

Of course, he was more than happy to put on a fake face and smile widely, nodding along in agreement as Scott asked him to attend the Baking Workshop. He needed the boy's protection courtesies, after all, and you couldn't get those by not being friends with him. Even though it went every bone in his body to do so, Elijah had reluctantly pulled on a jacket to come down to the tent.

Besides, he didn't have anything against the Gryffindor- nothing serious, at least. He was, by blood, not a very hostile person, no matter how cold his heart seemed to be. He wasn't one to hold grudges, and tried to avoid conflict whenever possible. After all, conflicts attracted attention, and he did not want to attract attention.

He had, by nature, arrived earlier than Scott and by extension, Ami, and thus, he would wait alone. Finally gearing up the courage to do so, he entered the tent, glancing around at the new and vastly unfamiliar surroundings he would now be submerged in, thrust into the heart of European culture.

He listened to the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor speak, and tried not to let his gloomy expression and mood ruin his facial features. Team up? Well, he'd have to team up with Scott, obviously- and, once again by extension, Ami. With a small shudder, he grimaced at the horrors he was undoubtedly about to experience. He doubted that either of the two second years actually knew how to bake, and his own knowledge of the kitchen was limited to the electric kettle and the jars of tea lining the cabinet.

Standing off to the side inconspicuously, he rocked back and forth on his heels, awaiting the others' inevitable arrival. "Come on, come on... hurry up, already," he mumbled underneath his breath, biting the corner of his lip impatiently.

Interacting with Bloom and Arthur
Open to Others

A thin smile spread across Ben's lips when Bloom spoke to him of being partners. He leaned forward slightly, bending at the waist and crossing his arms, as she began to ask him a question. It appeared that she was interrupted by the appearance of another student. This student wore the signature yellow accented robes of Hufflepuff. The boy's arrival seemed to instantly wash what little smile there was to Ben's face. His eyes squinted slightly as he turned to watch the new arrival. Bloom did all of the speaking it seemed for the moment as Ben remained silent.

Ben went from crossing his arms to dropping them at his sides when Bloom offered to give the boy a spot in their group for the moment. A bit of a half smile or so returned to his face as well. His cheeks even visibly warmed up a bit from what was a pale complexion earlier. It was seeming his entire body relaxed its tension when their group grew in size. Ben opened his mouth to speak and began to extend his hand as well after Bloom introduced herself.

As the girl at the cooking station brushed against him, the boy took in a deep breath. No words ended up leaving his mouth. His eyes spun towards her instantly but he was otherwise frozen in place. It took a good solid few seconds before Ben moved again and let out a mostly silent gasp. Both of his hands clenched at his sides as he seemed to be pulling his arms against his body. His shoulders were tense and raised. Ben's eyes never really left Bloom but his head did turn towards the new arrival once more so he was in the peripheral vision. A crunched nose and a forced looking smile slowly crept over the Ravenclaw boy's face as he once more reached his hand out.

"Ben. Also Second Year Ravenclaw." His voice was cracked and dry sounding as he gave the short, quick introduction.

Open to Interactions

Devina approached the new tent. Today she chose to wear something more simple, considering today’s event was said to be a baking workshop. Expecting to get a little dirty, she wore simple blue jeans, brown boots up to her knees, and a cute pink blouse.

Usually Devina would have brought a friend or two to an even like this, but today she decided to come alone. Maybe she would meet more people. Inside, tables were set up with the usual baking essentials. It all looked amazing. Devina was impressed by the great setup.

She made her way to a table at the front of the tent. Devina loved sitting in the front. She listened to the new professor of Defense Against Dark Arts talk about what they were going to be doing today. Sometime before the event, someone told Devina what they would be making, but she had forgotten already, leaving her to be surprised.

She students were instructed to mingle and form groups. “Yes! Great socializing opportunity,” Devina though. She loved to work in groups, even though she usually was the one to finish the work. She stood where she was, looking for anyone to work with. “If anyone needs a partner, I would love to work with you,” she said, giving her usual wide smile. 

For a moment as Arthur walked over, he was a little worried that maybe he was interrupting something. Subtle cues of their body language suggested that they might have been in deep conversation before he came over. He probably just imagining things, however, since shortly after he'd spoken, the first of the two Ravenclaws turned towards him with a wide smile.

"You have to find a partner and get to a station to start baking. Um, for the time being... you can join us and when someone else comes you can be their partner?"

Arthur tried to scan her face for indication that she was just being polite and would rather that he go away (which he would certainly understand!), but her offer seemed genuine. At from what he could tell. Leaning over the table he smiled appreciatively at both of them. "Thanks!" he said, reaching over to shake each of their hand in turn, as they both introduced themselves. "I'm Arthur Morgan. I'm a first year. Uh, Hufflepuff." he added, trying to match all the information they'd given. They were same house, same year. They were probably good friends, he thought, a little jealous. It was nice of them to let him join.

He looked down at the work station that had been set up on each of the tables, with all the equipment they would need to use. Cutters, mixing bowls, and baking trays were all laid out in front of them. "Did you ever make something like this before?" he asked them, trying to strike up a conversation. "My half sister made it for me once, but I've never made it before myself."

Interaction: Ben Eckenrode & Arthur Morgan
Mention: Devina Spence

Just hearing his voice made Bloom miss him even more. Why did she say yes? Did she enjoy torturing herself? She loved and missed Ben. In a way, she regretted not standing by his side. Should she have stayed with him? She was only twelve-years-old for crying out loud! She had her own hormones, emotions and drama to figure out and to add something so real and dangerous into her life... She couldn't. Why did this have to have happened to Ben? To her?

Bloom snapped back to reality when she heard the Hufflepuff's voice introduce himself. He was Arthur Morgan, a first year. He seemed really nice and she did not want to kick him out of their group although there was another student that came into the tent looking for a partner. Perhaps he would find out on his own or maybe she would give him a clue of the girl looking around, finding someone available to bake with.

Giving a slight chuckle, Bloom shook her head. "No, I've never baked. My older sister, Claire, did. I was often with my dad playing outside or reading a book. But! It's never too late to try," she added, laughing while looking at all the ingredients and baking tools in their station. There were so many tools that she had never seen before. Often times, witches and wizards would use magic to do the cooking for them, but this seemed extremely Muggle. Bloom looked at Ben inquisitively, knowing that he was born a Muggle. "You've probably used these at home, right? What is this?" she asked, pointing at a flat tool with squared holes on the end. It looked medieval and something that no witches or wizards would use.

Bloom decided that it was best to help the Hufflepuff find his match as they were soon to be starting. "Arthur, I think that girl is looking for a partner. She looks nice!" Bloom said, despite the fact that the girl was dressed in silver and green. Though there are some Slytherins that are nice-- she had met one before. Just one. "We can then compete and see who did the best in baking!" she added, wanting to get to know him more, but for some reason, had this urge to be by herself with Ben. Was it noticeable? Bloom hoped not.

Life was full of mistakes and who you are is determined by how you handle them. Does one learn from the mistake? Do they blame someone else? Blame a deity of some kind? Do they give up? Ben was struggling with how to handle his past, specifically his past with Bloom. Their split had nothing to do with hating one another or even a lack of feelings. Ben had pushed her away. It was for the best he told her, and tried to tell himself as well. Seeing her again made him spin with emotion. Being near her despite the issues and not worrying for her... Ben made a mistake and he knew it.

Ben felt a bit sick to his stomach as Bloom spoke directly to him casually. She asked about kitchen tools and then she pushed the other kid away super quickly. He had no idea what to do with these emotions so it was tearing him apart from the inside, quite literally. At least he was comfortable enough with baking that he could help with some answers.

"That is... it's for... smashing things down." Ben had no idea what it was actually called but he'd seen one used. "Did we get instructions yet?"

The less he could try to make small talk, the better he would feel. Ben wanted to hug Bloom and hold her hand. He wanted to be giddy with her and be the couple they once were almost a year ago. The mask stole everything from him. It nearly stole his life as well. There was still a chance it would rear its ugly head to finish the job. Ben was always suspicious of others at the school because any one of them could be wearing the mask now.

When Bloom told Arthur to join another girl the moment she popped into the workshop, it at first sent relief through him but then it faded as he realized they'd now be alone. The unmasked boy turned to where the professor to wait for instructions, his hand dangling at the side nearest to Bloom. It threatened to inch its way over and hold her hand. Ben wanted nothing more... but he was afraid. He'd never reach her if she didn't meet him halfway.

Interating with the students; A. Beckett, D. Stewart, N. Jensen.

Elaine watched as the students started to form more teams. It amazed her every time now easily young people could form bonds, how they walked up to each other and simply asked for another student to be their partner - to them it was hard at times, she knew, but they never saw themselves through another's eyes, the eyes of an grown up person. Adults had so much more problems with tasks like this one. They were all jaded, one way or the other, more aware of failure and its consequences, more afraid, though only few of them would admit the fact when confronted with it.

People often enough had called Elena broody, withdrawn. Opening up to another, walking up to them and offering a hand, without judgement or bias, was something she'd never been good at, and it had only worsened with age. She knew her own failings. That didn't mean that she actively worked on overcoming them, however.

It was a pleasant surprise when another presence entered the tent, familiar already but still largely unknown. Despite their difference in age she'd come to enjoy the company of Professor Jensen, the Slytherin Head of House. Maybe it was because of the years between them that her attendance was easier to accept than that of many others; a younger mind, a different view, a certain openness to counter her own detachment, but she didn't know for sure yet. Time, unfortunately, was the only thing Elena had in abundance at the moment. She would figure it out.

"Good day." The words were crisp, almost cold, displeasure clear in her voice. Elena furrowed her brows for a second in irritation, angry with herself for almost letting the informal "Servus!" slip that had automatically come to her at the sight of Professor Jensen.

"We have the students covered," she said, giving a grateful nodd to the two Prefects, "but..." It was infuriating to search for words, to stumble over her own thoughts like a child learning to walk. "I would be glad for you company, however. A helping hand for baking and cooling the Lebkuchen would be greatly appreciated."

A rise in volume from the students drew her attention, the children having found their groups now from what she could tell. There seemed to still be a few uncertain ones, but since the baking would take time there was no problem with them starting a bit late.

"I think it's time to distribute the recipes, this will take just a moment." Taking her wand from her sleeve in a practiced motion, Elaine pointed it to the stack of papers that sat beside her on the table and mumbled a spell, the sheets floating towards the workplaces, one sinking down in front of each group.

"Please pay attention, everyone." She didn't raise her voice, but took a step forward so all children could see her clearly. "In front of you, you now have the recipe for the Lebkuchen we will be baking. You will find the ingredients you need at the side of your tables. Scales, spoons, bowls, cutters, baking tins and a small, self-heating cauldron are provided for each group. Tap the rim of the cauldron twice for it to heat up, and once more to stop the heating process. Also remember that this is food. Anyone I catch throwing ingredients at other students will be expelled from the tent."

"Once you are done with the preparations, we will bake all Lebkuchen together. If you need any help don't hesitate to come to Ms. Beckett, Ms. Stewart or myself." Her dark eyes lingered on the students for a second, then a small smile spread on her lips. "Have fun, everybody!"

Lebkuchen

Ingredients

125g butter
250g honey
100g brown sugar
500g flour
1 egg
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tbsp. cocoa powder
spices (cinnamon, star anise, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, coriander, cloves, allspice)


Preparation

• Heat butter, honey and brown sugar at medium heat so that the sugar dissolves, then put it aside to cool
• Mix flour with baking powder, cocoa powder and your selected spices
• Knead the butter-honey-sugar mix and an egg into the mix of spices and flour until it has become a smooth dough
• Put the finished dough onto your worktop
• Roll the dough until it is about 1 cm thick, then use the cutters of your choice to cut out parts of the dough and put them on your backing tin afterwards
• Bake your Lebkuchen for 15 to 20 minutes
• Let your Professor cool the Lebkuchen with a spell before you continue working on them, otherwise they will be too warm and melt your icing
• Select one or multiple icings of your choice and use a piping bag to decorate your Lebkuchen with them

Interaction: Ben Eckenrode

Was this considered a mistake? Bloom wondered to herself thinking that she should have been the one to go with Arthur or the one who ventured into the workshop. Her heart was pounding at how close he was to her. As she was listening to the professor talk about the baking assignment, she couldn't help but to sense a feeling of warmth near her hands. Her eyes peered down, her body unmoved, at her hands and she saw how close Ben's hands were to hers.

Should I grab his hand? I want to grab his hand. Maybe I should ignore it. Ugh! Why do I want to hold his hand? I broke up with him... I told him I couldn't handle what he's become. I turned my back on him... Does he still like me after that? Bloom's mind was racing. She had no idea what to think-- all she knew was that she loved him, but not the situation that he was accidentally put in. Was she a terrible person to call off their relationship because of the mask? She should have supported him. Instead, she cried about herself and her feelings forgetting about his.

Bloom, stuck in her mind, did not listen to one single thing the professor had said. She had no idea what items were in front of her, what they were supposed to bake, nor the different ingredients before her. Instead, she was staring off to space thinking about her hand near his and if she had made a mistake. Blinking once... Blinking twice, she looked over at Ben, looked down at his hand and took a deep breath, slowing down her speeding heart.

What if he doesn't like me anymore? What if our friendship is gone? Am I overthinking this? Bloom decided to take a chance for her heart yearned for Ben.

She slowly moved her hand towards his-- the knuckle side of her fingers lightly caressing his. Quickly, she looked away, her eyes back on the professor, but kept her fingers where they were. Was this the right choice to make? She loved him. No, she loves him.

Anton spent most of the Oktoberfest dealing with snot-filled children who didn't understand any concept of what seemed to be relatively safe. Then again, most of them had barely passed his most basic set of homework, and therefore, he didn't think many of them cared. Potions, indeed, was something only a few students could grasp, and even less had the ability to succeed in. Maybe, he doubted, they'd surprise him in their future years of Hogwarts. Perhaps one day he'd see them on the streets and in his shop, buying ingredients for even the most basic of concoctions.

He doubted it.

But for him, baking was similar to potions. The correct ingredients went into a cauldron (or, as the muggles liked to say, a bowl), mixed together, and then cooked. It was basically potions. Okay, maybe Anton Nagal was going to see how many of these children messed up in such an easy muggle thing, and how he could adjust the relative easiness of his class.

So, that's what he was doing today. He stepped into the tent and looked around. Children were already there, but he noticed the Ravenclaws being more hyped up for this event. As they should be, Anton mused to himself. He saw the two Prefects hanging around the front of the tent with the teacher, Elaine Pendrast - and low and behold. He had a feeling the other teacher would be here. Nora Jensen. Head of Slytherin. He tapped his fingers along his thigh for a moment before stepping more into the tent and towards the adults.

"Professor Pendrast, Professor Jensen," he greeted, cordially. He was a man of few words, but words that came with high respect to... well, most people that he met. He glanced briefly, once again, towards the students and then towards Jensen herself. "Want to bake with me? I promise I know my way around a cauldron."

He didn't give her much time to say no. He gave another polite nod towards Pendrast and then headed towards one of the stations, glancing over his shoulder to see if Jensen would follow. While he waited, and once he got there, he at least started the fire with a quick flick of his wand, and the cauldron was set atop.

interacting: Nora Jensen

{ Interacting with Pendrast and Nagal }

Hjørdis gave a single nod in acknowledgement. She glanced around the room, looking at how everything had been organised. The students there were so young, she did not blame the fellow professor for not trusting them with baking it themselves. She definitely did not trust children with fire either. What sort of fool would? It proved that her impression of Professor Pendrast was correct, at the least. The lady was no fool.

Taking a step to the side, she decided to wait for the children to get to the baking stage. She listened to the instructions, watching her fellow Slytherin control the room. Hjørdis had to admit that she liked the way she handled herself. The lady did not raise her voice but still took command of the room. There was even the smallest smile on her face. Hjørdis waited patiently, observing her in an effort to simply understand more about her colleague. Today, the students were making Lebkuchen, apparently. She did not actually know how to make it herself, as it was not something she had tried before. However, if her memory served correctly, it was a German item similar to a biscuit.

Well, not just the students. Apparently teachers too. The familiar face of the Potions Professor suddenly appeared. "Professor Nagal," She replied with a brief nod of her head to return his greeting. It was odd addressing everyone with the title 'Professor'. She was very much still getting used to it. Then again, she had only met her colleagues a few weeks prior and even then, saying their name was not something she had to do often. Apparently he wanted to bake. Not only that, he wanted to bake with her.

Hjørdis could not help but quirk an eyebrow at his words. Of course he knew his way around a cauldron. She did not doubt that for a second. The man was known by anyone who studied alchemy and cared enough to want to find the best alchemists around. She recognised his name the second she heard it. If there was someone she trusted to be more skilled in alchemy than her in this school, it was him.

But that was neither here nor there. Hjørdis was about to politely decline when he walked off, not waiting for her reply. Internally sighing, she decided it would be very rude of her to ignore his invitation. Probably not the best impression to make on Pendrast either. Looking at her fellow Slytherin Professor, "I'll assist with the baking when the students are ready," She replied, indicating that she was going to be leaving for now but she would help as promised later if needed. With another nod, she walked over to the station and joined her colleague.

If nothing else, it would be a good chance to work with the expert potioneer, "I guess I can't pass up the opportunity to work with the famous Anton Nagal," Hjørdis replied to his earlier words when she reached the station with a small smirk on her face. There was a hint of sarcasm in her voice, simply because he had assumed her answer would be yes and so, she chose to feign a pang of irritation at the fact that she could not say no, "Though, it's not quite a potion..." She continued. That would have been a great opportunity to learn from him. Ah wells, perhaps another day. "Have you made Lebkuchen before?" She asked him, picking up the instruction sheet and scanning her eyes over it. She held it tilted, a little so that he could read it too if he had not read it already.

Outfit of the day