25 Jan 2024, 14:41
Hot Cocoa! And Other Delicacies
Dennis followed Ying out of the Room of Requirement, leaving the hardwood floors behind a vanishing door. They were off to get some much deserved hot chocolate. His rump was still a little sore but he was determined not to show it in front of his new friend. They had such a great time using the skatepark that the Room of Requirement provided for them, and he was afraid if he had let on that he was sore, the Gryffindor might worry more about him and offer to go to the Hospital Wing. At least, that’s how it played in his head as he made his way down the hall.
Slowly, with each passing step, Dennis began to feel self-conscious which was strange for the Ravenclaw. Most would consider him still plenty confident even on an off day. He was going to say he was hungry, which was his way of dismissing any kind of discomfort, but there was something else bugging him. Then it hit him, as he made his way down the stairs to the Great Hall - he was walking beside a girl. Not a problem in a group but normally Dennis ran away from these situations. The absolute torture he would get from his friends if they saw him walking with someone like Ying. They would never let him live it down.
To hide the fact that he was aware of this fact, or to soothe his nerves, he continued the topic while they walked. “Skateboard on a broom sounds interesting, how would that work exactly?” He mused and then clarified, “I was thinking more of dueling but on skateboards. Kind of like broom racing but you are trying to score points with tricks instead.” Maybe that sounded weird to some but he found that an oddly profound thought.
When they had arrived at the Great Hall, Dennis was feeling a little bit more relaxed. It wasn’t meal time so there were only small groups of students and they all seemed more concerned with their own conversations. He waited for Ying to decide where she wanted to sit. It was rude, after all, to not let ladies go first, and Ying seemed like a lady to him.
@Fang Hui-Ying
NOTE: Walking together to the Great Hall was approved by Ying's author and is a continuation of This Thread
Slowly, with each passing step, Dennis began to feel self-conscious which was strange for the Ravenclaw. Most would consider him still plenty confident even on an off day. He was going to say he was hungry, which was his way of dismissing any kind of discomfort, but there was something else bugging him. Then it hit him, as he made his way down the stairs to the Great Hall - he was walking beside a girl. Not a problem in a group but normally Dennis ran away from these situations. The absolute torture he would get from his friends if they saw him walking with someone like Ying. They would never let him live it down.
To hide the fact that he was aware of this fact, or to soothe his nerves, he continued the topic while they walked. “Skateboard on a broom sounds interesting, how would that work exactly?” He mused and then clarified, “I was thinking more of dueling but on skateboards. Kind of like broom racing but you are trying to score points with tricks instead.” Maybe that sounded weird to some but he found that an oddly profound thought.
When they had arrived at the Great Hall, Dennis was feeling a little bit more relaxed. It wasn’t meal time so there were only small groups of students and they all seemed more concerned with their own conversations. He waited for Ying to decide where she wanted to sit. It was rude, after all, to not let ladies go first, and Ying seemed like a lady to him.
@Fang Hui-Ying
NOTE: Walking together to the Great Hall was approved by Ying's author and is a continuation of This Thread
Adult: Makaio Kāne | iNPC: Maria Leung de Almeida
26 Jan 2024, 11:31
Hot Cocoa! And Other Delicacies
mentioning: @Dennis Tumberton I haven't forgotten what you said!·◦•●•◦·❀✾❀·◦•●•◦·
Ying walked through those corridors feeling full of energy, even after spending sometime riding on her skateboard. It has been so nice to be able to share that moment and making a new friend! Or at least she hoped Dennis would want to be her friend after that.
With the board under her arm she felt a little strange as she passed the other students who were giving her strange looks. In hindsight, maybe she should have gone to the common room first, to leave her skateboard there before going to the Great Hall. It was like she was walking with a banner saying: "I'm a muggleborn" and she still wasn't that comfortable with the idea of sharing this with the whole school.
She glanced sideways at Dennis, trying to see if he was sharing her concerns or something similar. But his words arrived and she felt it as an answer to her worries, smoothing them away, making her smile again nonchalantly. What would anyone else's opinion matter when she had someone walking at her side, who didn't care at all about her blood status, who liked to play with her, and was proving to be a smart, cute, and funny friend?
"Well, how that would work?..." She paused a little to think about it before continue to reply, "I was thinking about using a glue spell to attach the board to the broom. Then, I would be able to fly standing there!" She finished enthusiastically, but her expression changed in the blink of an eye to frowned concentration. "And how that would work to actually direct the broom?" She thought...but she let that trail of thoughts fade for that moment, when the time came she would think of a right solution!
"Dueling on skateboards?" Ying asked surprised at Dennis. He didn't look like a duelist, at least that wasn't the first impression she had of him! "You like dueling?". His suggestion sounded like a fun idea actually, "I'm up to try it someday! Sounds like fun!" She happily stated.
Their footsteps finally led them to the Great Hall and its rows of long wooden tables. Ying hesitated a little then, deciding which table to approach. They were from different houses and Dennis perhaps didn't feel as comfortable sitting at the Gryffindor table, so she headed towards the Raven's house, hoping that would be a good decision and that he would appreciate her gesture. Finally sitting on the wooden bench, Ying began placing a cup in front of him and another for her. Picking up the pot of chocolate, she served Dennis first and then filled her own cup, spreading the sweet aroma into the air. Just that delicious scent was enough to bring her comfort, joy and a new gleam into her almond eyes.
Ying held the warm cup between her hands, letting it dissipate the cold from her small and delicate finger, taking a sip from her smooth beverage, feeling its sweetness. "I definitely love hot-chocolate!" She merrily said, before placing her hands on the table, with the cup still in her hands. Letting a sigh escape her, as if all worries and concerns had left her in that moment, all thanks to a simple sip! Her eyes glowed as she looked at Dennis, "So Denners, what about your experience here at Hogwarts, what do you think of it?" She asked him curious, "I remember the first time I entered here," She started to tell him, taking a brief look at the majestic and heavy wooden door at the entrance, "It was both scary and fascinating! But I recognize that, as a Muggle-born, the impact was a little different, only time I had ever seen magic was when I made it snow inside our living room!" She said with a small laugh at the end. Ying wanted to keep talking, but she held back, she didn't want to make him run away or think she was a boring chatty! So she took another sip from her cup and waited to hear what Dennis had to say.
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26 Jan 2024, 14:48
Hot Cocoa! And Other Delicacies
All in all, despite the angst, the Ravenclaw was happy to be with Ying. He thought she was super cool and it seemed crazy to him that not only did they meet for the first time but she also invited him to go to a skate park. He hadn’t ever been to a skatepark before and he was really impressed that she could skate so well. Hogwarts was really full of so many wonderful people. She was also cute, that really helped, not that Dennis recognized it at the time. “Yeah of course. We are learning spells, might as well get used to using them. What happens if I never use my magic outside of class and find myself needing to use it?” He shrugged at this. He already got into a fight about this stance earlier in the year and he didn’t want this to be an issue with Ying so he said it as casually as possible.
Ying seemed to be taking her time choosing and Dennis was about to go over to the Gryffindor table. He knew a few by now and didn’t feel awkward about it but before he could start over, Ying seemed to figure out where she wanted to sit. He followed her over to the Ravenclaw table. He gave the table a once over to make sure none of his friends or adversaries happened to be there. When all seemed clear like no once cared they were there together, he sat down beside her, at a respectful distance of course. She was definitely not a cootie girl but one could not be too careful!
The Gryffindor poured them both hot chocolate, which Dennis took gratefully with a ‘thank you.’ When she settled down she really talked a lot. Dennis wouldn’t say he didn’t like it, he found he was drawn to her voice for some reason. She must be half Veela or something. He didn’t really want to talk about himself, he wanted to know about her muggle life. His parents would be so interested to meet her. Though his parents taught him to get you have to give so if he clammed up now, he wouldn’t be getting his curiosity satisfied. He could go first. He took a sip of his delicious hot chocolate.
What did he think of Hogwarts? Suddenly, he couldn’t really think of a response other than the default guy response of ‘eh, fine, I guess.’ He took another sip of his hot chocolate to find something better to say, “Hogwarts is full of so many wonderful people. I’ve met a lot of interesting folks here. The classes are pretty interesting but some are boring if taught by old people.”
Then she gave her answer about everything being new because of being muggleborn. He could feel himself nearly bursting to know more. But perhaps not spilling hot chocolate over everywhere would be the best course of action, and so he tried to mitigate his fidgeting. “My parents love everything muggle. So I grew up in Edinburgh. However, we often went to see our family that lived relatively close to here in the surrounding Scottish highlands. So I still grew up around magic.” He ran a hand through his red mane, subconsciously, pulled up his sleeves for another sip of hot chocolate.
Where did all this talking come from? For a boy who just a moment ago didn’t think he had much to say perhaps he was waiting for this moment for someone to take any interest in him. “You made it snow? That’s cool! How old were you? What is life like in London?” The questions were coming rapid fire and he couldn’t really contain himself, “It must be so busy there! I haven’t really had a lot of time in muggle London really. It’s so far from Edinburgh and my family is very…Scottish….so we mainly just stay north.” Oh well, it seemed all restraint was off. Hopefully all his excitement and boyish curiosity wouldn’t drive the poor girl away!
@Fang Hui-Ying
Ying seemed to be taking her time choosing and Dennis was about to go over to the Gryffindor table. He knew a few by now and didn’t feel awkward about it but before he could start over, Ying seemed to figure out where she wanted to sit. He followed her over to the Ravenclaw table. He gave the table a once over to make sure none of his friends or adversaries happened to be there. When all seemed clear like no once cared they were there together, he sat down beside her, at a respectful distance of course. She was definitely not a cootie girl but one could not be too careful!
The Gryffindor poured them both hot chocolate, which Dennis took gratefully with a ‘thank you.’ When she settled down she really talked a lot. Dennis wouldn’t say he didn’t like it, he found he was drawn to her voice for some reason. She must be half Veela or something. He didn’t really want to talk about himself, he wanted to know about her muggle life. His parents would be so interested to meet her. Though his parents taught him to get you have to give so if he clammed up now, he wouldn’t be getting his curiosity satisfied. He could go first. He took a sip of his delicious hot chocolate.
What did he think of Hogwarts? Suddenly, he couldn’t really think of a response other than the default guy response of ‘eh, fine, I guess.’ He took another sip of his hot chocolate to find something better to say, “Hogwarts is full of so many wonderful people. I’ve met a lot of interesting folks here. The classes are pretty interesting but some are boring if taught by old people.”
Then she gave her answer about everything being new because of being muggleborn. He could feel himself nearly bursting to know more. But perhaps not spilling hot chocolate over everywhere would be the best course of action, and so he tried to mitigate his fidgeting. “My parents love everything muggle. So I grew up in Edinburgh. However, we often went to see our family that lived relatively close to here in the surrounding Scottish highlands. So I still grew up around magic.” He ran a hand through his red mane, subconsciously, pulled up his sleeves for another sip of hot chocolate.
Where did all this talking come from? For a boy who just a moment ago didn’t think he had much to say perhaps he was waiting for this moment for someone to take any interest in him. “You made it snow? That’s cool! How old were you? What is life like in London?” The questions were coming rapid fire and he couldn’t really contain himself, “It must be so busy there! I haven’t really had a lot of time in muggle London really. It’s so far from Edinburgh and my family is very…Scottish….so we mainly just stay north.” Oh well, it seemed all restraint was off. Hopefully all his excitement and boyish curiosity wouldn’t drive the poor girl away!
@Fang Hui-Ying
Adult: Makaio Kāne | iNPC: Maria Leung de Almeida
31 Jan 2024, 12:36
Hot Cocoa! And Other Delicacies
mentioning: @Dennis Tumberton I haven't forgotten what you said!·◦•●•◦·❀✾❀·◦•●•◦·
Hot-chocolate, cozy ambience, friendly and amusing company and a good nice talk! If that wasn't the perfect description for a Saturday afternoon! Ying was happy and definitely enjoying her free time. It was really rare to see her away from her books, the library or her broom racing training. Perhaps she should take breaks from her tidy schedules more often, it was proving to not be a waste of time after all, what else has she been missing?
"What are your favorite classes?" Ying asked Dennis when he mentioned that he thought some of them boring. She had difficulties in sharing his opinion, all classes seemed interesting to her. Of course there are those days where she would have preferred to stay in her cozy dorm then have to walk all the way to a classroom. Those fastidious days when her brain refuses to collaborate with her eagerness to learn and just stays numb during the entire lesson. But in a general way, all about magic fascinated her. “My favorite subject is potions! I hope to become a healer one day!” She informed him before having another sip from her drink, “What about you? Do you have any idea of what you would like to be?” Ying asked her friend, feeling curious.
“Yes!” She smiled proudly when he asked about her first instance of magic, “It was snowing during Christmas time, I was eight, and my parents wouldn’t allow me to go outside to play. I remember I was at my living room window, watching other kids playing and…suddenly, light snowflakes started to fall inside our house!” Her smile was bright and her face lit up with joy as she remembered that moment, “Happiest day of my life! I knew I was special like my brother!” She told him, “How was your first instant of magic? Bet your parents got really happy for you! Must be awesome to grow up surrounded by magic!” At the mention of his parents her smile slightly faded away, even if she tried to hide it quickly, it was sometimes painful to remember how much her own parents dislike everything related to magic…she wasn’t able to understand their reasons nor would they give her a plausible explanation for it…at least in her own opinion. Maybe it was an adult thing!
“Well…life in London is very busy, yes! You see a lot of people running to follow their schedules, a lot of activity as in all big cities I suppose. I spent more time in China.
You see, I lived there with my father until I came here, I only came to London sporadically to visit my mother and my brother. So London is not a place where I feel at home!” She explained to him, placing her elbow on the table and resting her chin on her hand, “Maybe you can go there during the next holidays? We could watch some movies or go for a walk, so you could visit the places you want to see?” The idea brought her genuine amusement and excitement, it would be amazing to be able to spend her vacations with some friendly company, instead of spending them alone…as always.
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31 Jan 2024, 14:55
Hot Cocoa! And Other Delicacies
Talking to Ying was so easy and so pleasant. Dennis completely forgot about how awkward it was walking the halls with her. He actually thought it might be quite nice to do it again some time. How quickly a boy changes his mind. Ying mentioned her favorite subject being potions. It wasn’t a subject he was particularly good at but knowing it was her favorite suddenly made it sound like a fine subject. “Wow, I can totally see you as a healer!” He said, not really paying attention to the fact that they only just met a few hours ago.
“My favorite subject is Defense Against the Dark Arts! I seem to have a knack for it and the lessons aren’t bad either.” Dennis answered, but the second part of the question stumped the boy. He was still new to this whole ‘career’ thing and wasn’t quite sure himself. “I don’t really know what I wan to do when I grow up. I am sure I have a whole lot more time to figure that out!” He said with a smile, still kind of unsure what to make of the ‘future.’ It seemed an impossibly long way for the 11 year old.
He sat mesmerized by her recounting her first use of magic. Snow inside? How cool was that! “Wow, you must be a really powerful witch to change the weather inside your home!” He said wide eyed with amazement. “Your parents must be so proud of you! And your brother too! Is your brother at Hogwarts?” He was swept away by her story so much that he nearly forgot that she had asked him.
“Well. I only had my first experience a year ago. For much of my life I thought I would be a squib. My younger brother and sister all had their first instance of magic at a young age. I’m the last of them. My family was all very supportive though, I never really felt lesser because of it. Even out extended family in the wizarding world always treated me well. Though I understand that isn’t the norm.” He strategically decided not to answer the rest of the question and pressed on with the conversation. Some things were best left a mystery, or at least he thought he was being mysterious.
She brought up China. “China? Really!?” If his eyes could have gotten wider, they would have popped out of his head and rolled around on the table in front of them. He had met a girl last semester looking for information on Chinese dragon lore. It was amazing that he could know two Chinese people in one year! “I only read about it in some book. That country is so big! London must feel really small!”
She then asked him a question that nearly stopped him in his tracks. Go to London, together? Dennis nearly choked on his hot chocolate. He really liked Ying but the first time he actually went anywhere with a girl was just a moment ago to walk to the Great Hall! How was he going to make a trip to London? His excitement turned to panic though it must really be the same kind of expression, his eyes couldn’t get any wider at this point. “That would be really cool! I would love to visit London! You can be my guide!” Was it a lie? Was it wishful thinking? Wishful thinking of what exactly? He took a big swallow of hot chocolate and put the cup down. His body gave a shudder or shake as if he swallowed and the hot chocolate was still too hot.
“We should make a plan to go to London over Easter if that is ok with you,” he said, his expression warmer after the initial shock. He still had no clue why he would agree to such a thing but in that moment it felt right. Then a thought crossed his mind and said, “Speaking of holidays. What is the next muggle holiday?”
@Fang Hui-Ying
“My favorite subject is Defense Against the Dark Arts! I seem to have a knack for it and the lessons aren’t bad either.” Dennis answered, but the second part of the question stumped the boy. He was still new to this whole ‘career’ thing and wasn’t quite sure himself. “I don’t really know what I wan to do when I grow up. I am sure I have a whole lot more time to figure that out!” He said with a smile, still kind of unsure what to make of the ‘future.’ It seemed an impossibly long way for the 11 year old.
He sat mesmerized by her recounting her first use of magic. Snow inside? How cool was that! “Wow, you must be a really powerful witch to change the weather inside your home!” He said wide eyed with amazement. “Your parents must be so proud of you! And your brother too! Is your brother at Hogwarts?” He was swept away by her story so much that he nearly forgot that she had asked him.
“Well. I only had my first experience a year ago. For much of my life I thought I would be a squib. My younger brother and sister all had their first instance of magic at a young age. I’m the last of them. My family was all very supportive though, I never really felt lesser because of it. Even out extended family in the wizarding world always treated me well. Though I understand that isn’t the norm.” He strategically decided not to answer the rest of the question and pressed on with the conversation. Some things were best left a mystery, or at least he thought he was being mysterious.
She brought up China. “China? Really!?” If his eyes could have gotten wider, they would have popped out of his head and rolled around on the table in front of them. He had met a girl last semester looking for information on Chinese dragon lore. It was amazing that he could know two Chinese people in one year! “I only read about it in some book. That country is so big! London must feel really small!”
She then asked him a question that nearly stopped him in his tracks. Go to London, together? Dennis nearly choked on his hot chocolate. He really liked Ying but the first time he actually went anywhere with a girl was just a moment ago to walk to the Great Hall! How was he going to make a trip to London? His excitement turned to panic though it must really be the same kind of expression, his eyes couldn’t get any wider at this point. “That would be really cool! I would love to visit London! You can be my guide!” Was it a lie? Was it wishful thinking? Wishful thinking of what exactly? He took a big swallow of hot chocolate and put the cup down. His body gave a shudder or shake as if he swallowed and the hot chocolate was still too hot.
“We should make a plan to go to London over Easter if that is ok with you,” he said, his expression warmer after the initial shock. He still had no clue why he would agree to such a thing but in that moment it felt right. Then a thought crossed his mind and said, “Speaking of holidays. What is the next muggle holiday?”
@Fang Hui-Ying
Adult: Makaio Kāne | iNPC: Maria Leung de Almeida
3 Feb 2024, 00:07
Hot Cocoa! And Other Delicacies
mentioning: @Dennis Tumberton·◦•●•◦·❀✾❀·◦•●•◦·
“Wow, I can totally see you as a healer!” Dennis words hit her with a special kind of surprise. It made her chest fill with a warm feeling and confidence, because it was said like that, so simple and so true. A reaction, as it was so obvious and natural for her to realize her dream! Ying wasn't able to help the wide, beaming smile that crossed her face. Even if they just met, she was sure, in that moment at least, that she would never forget how he reacted and how it made her feel.
"I also love Defense Against the Dark Arts! You can learn some cool and useful spells to use in Broom Racing!" Ying agreed with his preference, it was a smart choice! "I suppose you are right! You have more than plenty of time to find out what you wish to do in the future!" Ying replied with a friendly smile and a nod that said she understood it was too early to know the right answer to that question. As she takes another sip of her hot chocolate, she wondered if she should explain why she was already so sure of what she wanted to be or keep it to herself and for a future conversation. She decided it was best to save it for another day!
Her smile, suddenly, turned into a sadder expression. The bright light in her dark eyes dimmed as she looked into her cup as she tried to find the right words to explain her family to Dennis. Running her thumb repeatedly over the delicate surface of her mug, Ying pondered what to say. Would he understand her or just look at her thinking it all was too weird to comprehend? "Yes, my brother studies here too," She finally told him choosing the easy way, while raising her cup to have another sip from it, looking up to the place across their seat and avoiding his gaze. "He is a Slytherin, third year" She explained, placing the cup back on the table and finally looking at the red-haired boy at her side. Ying gave him a smile that seemed forced at first, but soon became genuine just by taking on the boy's sweet and gentle presence, "You have such a wonderful family! No wonder you seem to be an amazing friend!" Ying told him with honesty. She was happy he had such a caring and understanding family.
"Yeah...my father have business there, to not mention all my family is from China." She confirmed him with a gentle smile, "It is a big country. I didn't lived in a very busy neighborhood back there, it was...pretty isolated actually! But yes, London for me is not that big of a city!" She let him know. At least a small part of it. She wasn't sure why, but she didn't wanted to talk about her illness with him, not now that it was controlled by healing magic. So she turned on the subject that came to her mind...it would be really cool to have a friend to come visit during school breaks, when her life resumed to one of solitude and unending days of study. Specially because it was the time dedicated to boring Muggle studies! Why would someone need philosophy in their lives? Such a waste of time!
But Dennis's expression made her heart race and her thoughts race even faster. "What have I said wrong?" "Shouldn't have invited him?" "Was it not a normal thing to do?". The more her thoughts cascaded through her mind, the more anxious she felt. “That would be really cool! I would love to visit London! You can be my guide!” he finally replied, but she took a moment to believe his words, looking at him, arching her eyebrows with an expression of concern and as if asking "are you sure?", seeing how he shivered after taking a sip of his drink made her seriously doubt that he was really happy to accept the invitation.
But her worries faded away with his next sentence. Maybe he just needed more time to think about it? Anyway, it was a good feeling to realize he seemed to enjoy the idea after all. "It will be perfect! Of course my caretakers will be following us around, to make sure we are safe! But...we will have loads of fun" She guaranteed him with a happy expression.
"The next muggle holiday? uh mmm...I think it will be Valentines? But that will also be celebrated here!" She told him. Then a brilliant thought crossed her mind. She had never been to Hogsmeade and she was eager to meet that place since last year...perhaps that was a good time to go there? With all the beautiful decorations and everything...
The young girl bit her bottom lip, while looking at him with a suspiciously mischievous expression, pondering if she should ask him or not...She was older, so logically she should be more responsible. Second, his first reaction to her invitation to go visit her during school break...how would he react, if she asked him to go with her to the village, knowing it was forbidden and could get them into trouble? Worth the risk? "Have you ever been to Hogsmeade?" She chose to ask, as she took another sip of her chocolate. The cunning approach will be!
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Last edited by Fang Hui-Ying on 3 Feb 2024, 15:13, edited 1 time in total.
4 Feb 2024, 01:12
Hot Cocoa! And Other Delicacies
Dennis decided not to press about her family. It seemed to be a touchy subject. He realized not every family got along well. Her brother seemed to especially make her uneasy. He could only tell because she looked away and stared at someone. He tried to follow her gaze, maybe she was looking at her brother. If she was, he couldn’t tell. He didn’t see a Chinese boy anywhere. Maybe her brother wasn’t Chinese. Maybe he was adopted. Either way, Dennis got the sense they didn’t get along because she change the topic to her father.
China must be huge if London wasn’t a big city! Someday Dennis would like to go! Maybe Ying would take him after they went to London! The previous awkwardness had dissipated. An 11 year old’s capacity for angst was very limited and easily forgotten. Besides, Ying said they would be safe with her ‘caretaker’ which he thought was a funny way to talk about her parents. Dennis’ family was well off, upper middle class in fact. But he had no way to conceptualize being so wealthy to afford caretakers. His parents still had to raise three kids.
Dennis had listened quietly till this point, nodding and being as attentive as ever. He didn’t really want to press family matters and he was happy to leave London as a far away dream - even though Easter was just around the corner. When he asked about holidays she mentioned Valentine’s Day. Right. Grossest day of the year. All the cuddling and the hugs and whatever adults do to each other’s faces. However, he remembered his sister really loved the holiday and got especially excited to see all the reds, pinks, and whites and the hearts and flowers. Ying was also a girl and he missed his sister. Instead of being repulsed, Dennis smiled at the memory and said, “My sister loves Valentine’s Day. She’s way too young for all that romance stuff but she really likes seeing all the decorations and how happy our parents are on that day. What do you think?”
He would gauge Ying’s reaction to what Valentine’s Day was. He was old enough to realize that boys and girls had different thoughts about some things. In the meantime, Dennis realized that Ying’s expression had shifted from awkward to something that was either constipation, hunger, and mischief. He still had a hard time telling those three apart. She brought up Hogsmeade so must be mischief! Dennis shared the smile when she asked if he ever been to Hogsmeade. His voice drew to a whisper, “I’ve never been. I really want to go and…” he paused, not sure if he should share this nugget, “I happen to have a way to sneak in.” He was referring to the fake permission slip he had procured. “Have you ever been?” He asked still whispering and leaning closer. It would be so cool to sneak in together.
@Fang Hui-Ying
China must be huge if London wasn’t a big city! Someday Dennis would like to go! Maybe Ying would take him after they went to London! The previous awkwardness had dissipated. An 11 year old’s capacity for angst was very limited and easily forgotten. Besides, Ying said they would be safe with her ‘caretaker’ which he thought was a funny way to talk about her parents. Dennis’ family was well off, upper middle class in fact. But he had no way to conceptualize being so wealthy to afford caretakers. His parents still had to raise three kids.
Dennis had listened quietly till this point, nodding and being as attentive as ever. He didn’t really want to press family matters and he was happy to leave London as a far away dream - even though Easter was just around the corner. When he asked about holidays she mentioned Valentine’s Day. Right. Grossest day of the year. All the cuddling and the hugs and whatever adults do to each other’s faces. However, he remembered his sister really loved the holiday and got especially excited to see all the reds, pinks, and whites and the hearts and flowers. Ying was also a girl and he missed his sister. Instead of being repulsed, Dennis smiled at the memory and said, “My sister loves Valentine’s Day. She’s way too young for all that romance stuff but she really likes seeing all the decorations and how happy our parents are on that day. What do you think?”
He would gauge Ying’s reaction to what Valentine’s Day was. He was old enough to realize that boys and girls had different thoughts about some things. In the meantime, Dennis realized that Ying’s expression had shifted from awkward to something that was either constipation, hunger, and mischief. He still had a hard time telling those three apart. She brought up Hogsmeade so must be mischief! Dennis shared the smile when she asked if he ever been to Hogsmeade. His voice drew to a whisper, “I’ve never been. I really want to go and…” he paused, not sure if he should share this nugget, “I happen to have a way to sneak in.” He was referring to the fake permission slip he had procured. “Have you ever been?” He asked still whispering and leaning closer. It would be so cool to sneak in together.
@Fang Hui-Ying
Adult: Makaio Kāne | iNPC: Maria Leung de Almeida
7 Feb 2024, 00:25
Hot Cocoa! And Other Delicacies
mentioning:g @Dennis Tumberton·◦•●•◦·❀✾❀·◦•●•◦·
Ying could barely contain her joy when realizing her answer was guided them into the right path. "Seems like me and your sister could be good friends!" she said with a bright smile that slowly faded into an expression of consideration, however her eyes never lost their exciting sparkle, "I simply love the decorations too and the colors in the store windows." Ying replied to him, carefully avoiding the "romance stuff" he had mentioned. She wasn't ready to talk about that, especially not with a boy... and a boy she just met!
What she undoubtedly was far more ready to do was to have a walk through the famous wizarding village, Hogsmeade, and finally see it with her eyes. She had heard older students talk about it and share all the sweets and funny things they have been able to purchase there. She had also seen several pictures from that picturesque place and it was all beyond charming. Ying always felt curious about going there but never got the chance and the courage to go.
She felt relief when she saw Dennis reaction to her question about Hogsmeade. She saw with no few amount of amusement how he had chose to keep his tone of voice low to keep their talk away from prying ears. "I really want to go too!" She told him matching his whisper, "I also have a way to go there, been having it since my first year, but never had the courage to go there. Definitely not alone!" She stated. Just the idea of walking through unknown territory, especially in a world still very new to her, it felt too much reckless to not say a really dumb thing to do. She hadn't forgotten what she heard during the last summer camp, what the older students told her about all the incidents that had occurred in that village. People had lost their lives there…
She shrugged the idea from her mind, when a cold shiver ran down her spine, threatening to make her lose her courage again. She wouldn’t be a coward, bad things happened everywhere! Again, the same mischievous smile invaded her pretty face while she leaned a little forward to get near Dennis, “Are you somehow insinuating that it would be okay with you if we went there?” She asked him keeping her voice down, “because if you are, you’re probably the coolest Ravenclaw I have ever known!” She told him with a small laugh. Ying straightened back and gave another sip on her hot chocolate, anxiously waiting to see what would be Dennis answer.
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7 Feb 2024, 01:32
Hot Cocoa! And Other Delicacies
Ying mentioned how she might get along with his sister and he smiled warmly. All the running around and playing and getting into trouble, now that Dennis stopped to think about it, Ying did seem to be very similar to his sister. Except, his sister could be mean and caddy and a know-it-all and Ying seemed really sweet, kind, and friendly. Maybe similar in some ways but not all ways. “I think you would. Be careful, though, that she doesn’t give you her bad habits!” The ginger chuckled. Perhaps after London she might be interested in Edinburgh. His sister could use someone older to look up to.
She tactfully avoided the romance of the holiday which Dennis was expecting hopefully. Last thing he wanted was to get into a debate about girls giving cooties to boys and then the boys getting the dreaded life-sucking illness known as ‘lovesick.’ The thought made Dennis shudder a bit as he continued to sip at his ever filling cup of hot chocolate. It should be illegal to give children this much sugar - the things it does to the young mind.
The longer they stayed at the table, and the more hot chocolate they drank, the deeper their scheming went. She admitted that she too had a way to sneak into Hogsmeade but was loathe to go alone. Girl must not have any friends. Dennis could think of at least 2 or 3 friends who would jump at the chance if they could. “Of course we can go together!” Dennis blurted excitedly and then covering his mouth from embarrassment. He looked around and luckily he didn’t add ‘Hogsmeade’ to that sentence! She called him the coolest Ravenclaw and for the first time Dennis didn’t care that a girl complimented him and made him grin like a fool. It was nice to have someone as awesome as Ying take notice of a lowly first year.
“Let’s see if we can get a group together? You like the Valentine’s decorations, why don’t we go then?” Dennis said this without thinking much of it, he was ready for adventure and perhaps too hopped up on sugar at this point.
@Fang Hui-Ying
She tactfully avoided the romance of the holiday which Dennis was expecting hopefully. Last thing he wanted was to get into a debate about girls giving cooties to boys and then the boys getting the dreaded life-sucking illness known as ‘lovesick.’ The thought made Dennis shudder a bit as he continued to sip at his ever filling cup of hot chocolate. It should be illegal to give children this much sugar - the things it does to the young mind.
The longer they stayed at the table, and the more hot chocolate they drank, the deeper their scheming went. She admitted that she too had a way to sneak into Hogsmeade but was loathe to go alone. Girl must not have any friends. Dennis could think of at least 2 or 3 friends who would jump at the chance if they could. “Of course we can go together!” Dennis blurted excitedly and then covering his mouth from embarrassment. He looked around and luckily he didn’t add ‘Hogsmeade’ to that sentence! She called him the coolest Ravenclaw and for the first time Dennis didn’t care that a girl complimented him and made him grin like a fool. It was nice to have someone as awesome as Ying take notice of a lowly first year.
“Let’s see if we can get a group together? You like the Valentine’s decorations, why don’t we go then?” Dennis said this without thinking much of it, he was ready for adventure and perhaps too hopped up on sugar at this point.
@Fang Hui-Ying
Adult: Makaio Kāne | iNPC: Maria Leung de Almeida
8 Feb 2024, 11:12
Hot Cocoa! And Other Delicacies
interacting: @Dennis Tumberton·◦•●•◦·❀✾❀·◦•●•◦·
"What kind of bad habits?" Ying asked amused with Dennis observation about his sister, "How old is she exactly?" she decided to ask, curious if she would meet her one day at Hogwarts. "Your parents also studied here? It must be nice to hear about their adventures!" She told him with a gentle smile. She wished she could have this kind of conversation with her parents. Instead, magic was almost an unforgiving word in her house. Her grades was all that mattered...specially those in muggle subjects. "eww"
The smile that crossed her delicate features was anything but shy and small. Her dark eyes reflect the lights from the flying candles with joy and happiness. "Really?" She asked excitedly when Dennis told her they could go to Hogsmeade together, laughing at his cute attitude when he realized he had spoken too loud. "It's okay, no one is listening" she said dismissively, waving shortly with her hand.
She took another sip of her hot chocolate as she thought about what Dennis suggested. "A group of friends to go there? Who else should I invite? Raizel? Beatrice would like it there too...but she is a prefect we wouldn't get forward from the idea! Colin will go with Clair..." Ying made a small grimace of displeasure before continuing to ponder, "and Grumpy is...well, almost always grumpy!" "Well...yeah!" Ying finally spoke with a sigh, "I mean, I suppose we can invite other people if we want! Just be careful not to have too many or we will be drawing too much attention to ourselves!" She told Dennis. And it was true, a group of young students would most certainly call someone's attention. "Perhaps we should think about a plan? I'll say that we can dress in a way to look older and try to sneak between the older students!" She suggested, "What do you think? Because is Valentines it will be easier to pass unnoticed!"
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mentioning: @Raizel Voltrouz @Beatrice Dupont @Colin McCoire @Clair Fernandez @Lucian Mornstern