27 Feb 2024, 01:00
Winter Music
@Ophelia NorthwellReducioViva nervously walked down the corridor toward the rehearsal room, clutching her violin case in one hand. She had brought her violin to Hogwarts with her in hopes that she might be able to find a time alone to play it. The time had finally come.
Walking in to the seemingly empty rehearsal room, Viva set her violin case down in the corner and knelt down to open it. She took out her precious instrument very carefully and got it ready to play, then tuned it. As soon as she heard the first smooth note, she felt a rush of happiness inside her. Viva loved music. She loved listening to it, playing it, anything to do with it. When she was playing her violin, it was always her favorite part of the day.
Standing up and lifting the violin to her chin, Viva held up her tightened bow and set it gently on the strings. She had been working on creating a new song, inspired by one of the snowstorms last month. Taking a deep breath, she began to play.
The song began before the storm. Crisp, cold notes slid off the bow. There was a slight breeze on the air, and you could tell that as the bow hairs twisted and made little whispery noises. The melody was becoming rougher as winds began to swirl faster. The clouds gathered as Viva's playing became more animated, and she closed her eyes, fully breathing in the music. The violin shook with vibratto as you could hear the first flakes begin to fall. The storm was swirling, faster, harder, the music soared to a crescendo, and then... the storm broke. The melody changed, becoming sweeter, softer. Viva's movements became more fluid and dancer-like, swaying in time with the song. The clouds were scattering, and a single note shone through like a ray of sunshine. The storm was almost over, but you could still feel the cold. You could hear the rattling bow as icicles melted, you could see the wind blowing with the movement. The violin sang, beautiful notes erupting from the strings. And then, the song was finished.
1 Mar 2024, 01:37
Winter Music
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winter music • threadOphelia was a singer. She was quiet and scared of social interactions, but at some point in her life, she'd decided that she would do well with the singing that she so loved to do. It had started as a hobby, something that she picked up when she'd forgotten to pick up some new books from school or had a serious case of writer's block. But slowly, it had turned into an obsession. Sure, she'd probably never work up the courage to sing in front of an actual crowd, but she had to get a certain song just right, then the next. Each and every personal project turned into one that Ophelia had to perfect until she'd grown better at hearing a song and picking it up easily.
Now, at Hogwarts, Ophelia hadn't gotten time to sing to her heart's content yet. With all the studying and events going on, it seemed like she'd never be free. But then today presented itself, all clear of important tasks and work. It was the best time to go to the school's Rehearsal Room and sing as much as she wanted. And the young Ravenclaw wasn't one to miss chances.
Ophelia felt herself drift off into a fantasy as she walked towards the room. Assuming that she would be alone, she would sing all of her favorite songs, the ones she had worked on the most and felt showed her true nature. Or maybe, she would work on the new songs that she'd wanted to learn how to sing before coming to Hogwarts. If only electrical devices worked here, then I could just play a song and sing with it.
But as she neared the Rehearsal Room, a sound knocked her out of her thoughts. No, it wasn't a terrible sound. It wasn't even close. It was the sound of a violin, the gentle melody soothing her. Ophelia stuck her head into the room and saw a girl practicing. The song that she was playing, whatever it was, had the Ravenclaw mesmerized. That was what music was. It was fibers of emotion woven together to form a tapestry of song.
Knowing she should probably leave so as not to startle the girl, Ophelia walked into the room anyway. She sat down on one of the chairs and closed her eyes, letting herself be swept away by the music.☽ •----------------------------------------• ☾
☽ Ophelia Lynn Northwell | i have a whole universe in my mind | Aurélie Nathalie Duval ☾
2 Mar 2024, 07:35
Winter Music
@Ophelia NorthwellReducioViva stood like that for a little while, savoring the ending of her song. Her eyes were closed, and she breathed in slowly, her arm extended and still holding the bow out. Music was a wonderful thing. Viva loved it, with all her heart. She was happy with the song she had written, she felt like it portrayed the winter storm like she had hoped. She wouldn't do anything with it, of course. She was much too shy to ever play for other people. But it gave her joy to know that she had written such a song, even if no one else would ever hear it.
Giving a small sigh, Viva slowly opened her eyes. Suddenly, she froze. There was someone else in the rehearsal room with her. It was a girl, sitting in a chair a little ways across the room. How long had she been there? Had she been listening the whole time? Viva's mind was racing. Her hands began to shake, and she gently put her violin down so she wouldn't accidentally damage the instrument. "Uh - um..." Viva's voice was quavering, and she didn't know what to say. The rehearsal room was a public space, anyone was allowed to come in and use it. Viva could feel her heart beating very fast though, and she hoped she would be able to calm herself down. I can't believe someone was listening to me. A million thoughts of self-doubt flooded Viva's brain.
2 Mar 2024, 22:48
Winter Music
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winter music • threadEyes closed, Ophelia swayed to the violin music. The girl's bowing was practically perfect, and her music could make people feel something, just as she hoped to do with her singing. It was wonderful and captivating, and the Ravenclaw didn't feel guilty for a second, even though she was sitting there while someone else was practicing. She knew she should feel guilty, but it was hard to when such music was being played.
Until it stopped. Ophelia's eyes flew open and she suddenly realised where she was. She was intruding on someone's private space. You would get so scared if you saw someone sitting there while you are singing. What had she been thinking?
The girl in front of her looked terrified for her life. As if she'd either never played for an audience before or had bad experiences with it. But she plays so well! Ophelia chastised herself for the mental argument. Her mother made the same one whenever she caught her daughter singing, but Ophelia would always refuse to sing for others.
"Oh, um, hello. I'm sorry for intruding. I heard you playing and I couldn't help myself. It was beautiful." Ophelia hesitated. What would she have wanted to hear if she had been the one in that position? "I'm not just saying that it was pretty because I just met you. I actually mean it. I've heard good music and I've heard bad music, but that, that was great music."
Ophelia cringed at the compliments that were streaming out of her mouth like water out of a faucet. She meant every word, but she was pretty sure that she was overdoing it. No one wanted to hear people sing their praises when they just met someone. Her eyes widened. We just met, and I haven't introduced myself yet!
Hurriedly, Ophelia corrected her impoliteness. "I'm Ophelia, by the way. And I..." She paused, wondering what else she could tell the girl about herself. "I sing?" It came out sounding more like a question than a statement, but it would have to do.☽ •----------------------------------------• ☾
☽ Ophelia Lynn Northwell | i have a whole universe in my mind | Aurélie Nathalie Duval ☾
3 Mar 2024, 04:22
Winter Music
@Ophelia NorthwellReducioViva did not know which feeling was greater right now. Was it the warm, fuzzy feeling she got as the girl complimented her, multiple times? Was it was the rush of joy that enveloped her as she played her music? Or was it the terror that struck as she realized this girl had been sitting there listening the entire time. Viva wasn't sure which emotion was the greatest.
Trying to force herself to stop shaking, she turned to face the girl a little more. "Oh - um," Viva flinched as her voice came out sounding remarkably like a frog. "I - I'm Genevieve, but people call me Viva," she managed, starting to drop to the floor and open her case. "It's nice to m-meet you?" Viva wished she didn't sound so hesitant, but she honestly was feeling very violated at the moment, and horribly embarrassed. She started packing up her violin and bow inside her case, still slightly shaking. When she had finished, she stood back up slowly, looking back at the girl, who had just introduced herself as Ophelia. "You sing?" Viva asked, suddenly curious despite her fear. Maybe she'll sing for me... Viva knew if someone asked her to play her violin for them, she probably would say no, but maybe Ophelia wasn't quite as self-conscious as Viva was.
3 Mar 2024, 20:51
Winter Music
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winter music • threadOphelia smiled awkwardly as the girl introduced herself as Genevieve, but better known as Viva. That's pretty. Viva. She'd had friends who'd gone by nicknames before, but she'd never thought it was nice sounding. She'd just gone with it because they'd wanted her to. After they awkwardly stared at each other for a few moments, Viva began packing up.
Oh, no, I didn't mean to chase you out. Ophelia stood hurriedly. She didn't want the girl to feel like she had leave just because the Ravenclaw had come in when she'd been the first one here. But she didn't say anything.
Eventually, Viva broke the silence with a curious glance up at her. "You sing?"
It was more like an echo of what Ophelia herself had said, formed in the same question-like format. The Ravenclaw nodded fervently, wanting to keep their conversation going so that Viva didn't feel compelled to leave.
"I sing, yes. I've sang most popular songs before, and anything I've sang I've memorized. And I can usually pick up songs pretty quickly, usually after hearing them once or twice." Ophelia hesitated. She liked talking about her singing ability, but she didn't want to sound arrogant and she definitely didn't want to sound like she would sing something for Viva. Of course, if the girl asked, she would have to say yes, to be polite, but she would never offer of her own accord.
Which is probably why Viva feels so violated that I was here as she was playing. Ophelia felt so stupid. Very few people liked when others walked in on their practice. Why had she just waltzed in when she herself didn't like that?☽ •----------------------------------------• ☾
☽ Ophelia Lynn Northwell | i have a whole universe in my mind | Aurélie Nathalie Duval ☾
11 Mar 2024, 00:14
Winter Music
@Ophelia NorthwellReducioViva smiled back at Ophelia. She looks nervous... she probably thinks I want her to sing for me. But I understand how she feels... I hate the idea of people judging me. I won't ask her too, unless she offers first. Viva tilted her head. "That's really quite amazing," she commented on Ophelia's statement about how she was able to memorize songs. Bending down, she picked up her violin case. She stood up again and looked back at Ophelia.
"Did you come in here to practice, as well?" She asked curiously. "To sing, I mean?" Viva took a few steps toward the rehearsal room door. "I should probably go if you are, because I don't want to interfere with your practice time. I know how important it is." Giving another smile, Viva walked all the way to the door. She still felt violated and embarrassed, but Ophelia was such a nice girl that Viva was starting to feel less stressed. She was just so friendly and kind, and seemed genuinely sorry that she had done that. Maybe we can be friends... Viva thought hopefully. She shifted her feet on the ground. Maybe... maybe we can even play music together later.
11 Mar 2024, 20:15
Winter Music
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winter music • threadOphelia watched silently as Viva finished packing up her violin case. Her comment on Ophelia's singing had been soft and short, making the Ravenclaw wonder if the girl was still flustered. Or worse, if the girl had found Ophelia to be arrogant or too proud of her skills.
"Yes, I did come here to practice. It's been a long while since I have, actually." Ophelia didn't know what else to say and grew quiet, speaking up again only when Viva began to speak of leaving and started walking towards the door. Oh no. I didn't mean to make you feel like you had to leave! You were here first, you deserve to stay. But it wasn't as if Ophelia could say any of that out loud without sounding weird.
"Please, don't go." Knowing no other way to make the girl across from her stay in the room, Ophelia blurted out, "Maybe we can make music together," before immediately regretting it.
The Ravenclaw squeezed her eyes shut, not wanting to see Viva's reaction. When no laughter or teasing came, Ophelia opened up her eyes once more, blinking in confusion. "I mean, I already heard you play, so its only fair if you hear me sing as well. If you don't mind, that is. I definitely understand nerves and not wanting to play in front of an audience." She stopped, realising that she was babbling. "You can choose any song that you know how to play on the violin. I'll see if I can join in." She offered. She didn't want to sound pushy, or like an idiot, but she didn't want to be the reason that Viva left either. She really hoped that the other girl agreed.☽ •----------------------------------------• ☾
☽ Ophelia Lynn Northwell | i have a whole universe in my mind | Aurélie Nathalie Duval ☾
17 Mar 2024, 19:55
Winter Music
@Ophelia NorthwellReducioViva stopped when Ophelia's voice asked her to stay. She turned around again, so she was facing the girl. Make music together? Viva blinked, a little startled. Both girls seemed exceedingly shy about their musical talents, and she hadn't thought that Ophelia would offer to play with her so soon. Viva watched as Ophelia closed her eyes, and stayed silent, not quite sure what to say to this sudden exclaimation. When she opened her eyes again, Viva took a step forward. "It's not about fair," she said softly. "I don't want you to feel like you are indebted to sing for me." She blinked again, tilting her head a little.
She surprised herself with these next words: "But I will play with you if you want." Voice barely a whisper, Viva set down her violin case and bent down beside it to begin unpacking her instrument again. She didn't really know why she was agreeing to play with this practical stranger, she just had a good feeling about it for some reason. Maybe it was the fact that both girls were extremely self-consious about their abilities, or maybe it was just the magic of being at Hogwarts, but whatever it was, Viva felt ready to play with Ophelia.
"I can play almost any song," Viva admitted quietly. "I have this thing, it's like a photographic memory but for music, it's called eidetic music memory, so any song I've heard before I can play. I also have perfect pitch." She hung her head. Viva hadn't told anyone that before, not even her parents. She had never been close with her parents, and had always kept many things secret from them. Her musical gift had always been a special sort of secret for her, a talent no one else knew about. If she had told her parents that she was a musical prodigy, they probably would have used it for their own gain. She also hated bragging, and felt like that was what she was doing. "You can pick the song, any song you want." Viva said very softly.
19 Mar 2024, 23:15
Winter Music
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winter music • threadOphelia waited as Viva hesitantly stood on the threshold of the Rehearsal Room. She eyed the girl warily. She knew almost nothing about Viva, and yet she'd asked such a bold question. Something was seriously wrong with her today, she was confident about it now.
But as Viva agreed to play, Ophelia felt happiness soar inside of her. It was like the girl had just approved of her, though that wasn't the case at all. All she's doing is making music with you for a while. Though it did feel like a lot more.
As Viva began the process of unpacking her violin from its case, she began speaking about her ability to memorize music with extreme accuracy. Ophelia, who'd always been able to do mostly the same thing, except with song lyrics, listened intently. Eidetic Music Memory? Viva seemed self-conscious as she said the words, as if she believed Ophelia would think that she was weird while the reality was that the Ravenclaw felt the opposite. This wasn't something odd, it was almost like a superpower.
Viva got ready to play when it seemed that both of them realised that they still hadn't chosen a song. "You can pick the song, any song you want."
Ophelia paused. There were so many songs out there that she had learned to sing. Most of them, when she was little, had been from Disney princess movies, which she had been obsessed with. Later on, it had turned into the lyrics she'd memorized at stores. And now, it was usually songs that her preferred artists and bands created. Each one, after being memorized once, had never gotten lost in her brain. So many options to choose from.
"How about we trade off?" Ophelia suggested brightly. "I'll choose the first song, and if it comes out good, you can choose the next." She paused, realising that she'd just assumed that they would play more than one song. Deciding it was better to go on instead of correct herself, Ophelia stated the song that she'd chosen in a split second.
"Let's start with something easy? Everyone knows Jingle Bells."☽ •----------------------------------------• ☾
☽ Ophelia Lynn Northwell | i have a whole universe in my mind | Aurélie Nathalie Duval ☾